bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysing Linear Spatial Relationships: The Measures of Connectivity, Integration, and Choice
Authors: van Nes Akkelies , Yamu Claudia
Published: July 2021

In this chapter, we first explain the concept of an axial line and how the axial map is applied in space syntax. We then discuss the static measure of ‘connectivity’ with its ‘one-step’ to ‘n-step’ logic, including its meaning for axialintegration analysis. We further present the segment integration analysis. Using the streetsegment as the basis for analysis allows one to apply three types of distances and three types of radii in space syntax. We then present the most-often used space syntax measures in more depth, namely angularchoice and angular integrationwith metric radius, and introduce the mathematical formulae on how to normalise both measures. Real-life applications illustrate and underpin the usefulness of these measures and their meaning for urban analysis, such as why and how they allow us to identify urban societal processes and their added value at both a citywidescale and a neighbourhoodscale. Finally, we critically reflect on the measures, including their potentials and misfits. Exercises are provided at the end of the chapter.
Childless Women’s Relationships with Children of Others: Narratives from Two Generations in Lithuania
Authors: Šumskaitė Lina , Gedvilaitė-Kordušienė Margarita
Published: July 2021

A childless woman who lives in a society with pronatalist values can be in a vulnerable position. In 2006, only 1.9% of Lithuanians expressed positive attitudes about childlessness, and 84.6% valued it negatively (Stakuniene and Maslauskaite 2008), signalling the pronatalist tendency of Lithuanian society. However, some studies confirm a shift from traditional to more individualistic familial attitudes (Kanopienė et al. 2015). This chapter investigates the relationship between childless women from two generations in Lithuania and the children of these women’s relatives or friends. The analysis is based on 40 semi-structured qualitative interviews conducted in 2017–2018 with single and coupled women between the ages of 28 and 71 who are voluntarily and involuntarily childless. The women of reproductive age were considering their intentions to have or not have children in the future, and some were going through infertility treatments; women over 50 reflected on permanent childlessness. Most of the interviewed women were involved in taking care of their siblings’ or close relatives’ children during a period in their lives, and in some cases, these women became substitute parents. Only a few women stated that they avoided contact with children in their personal lives.
AdS
5 × S5 supergravity vertex operators
Authors: Fleury Thiago , Martins Lucas N. S.
Published: July 2021

Abstract

In any type II superstring background, the supergravity vertex operators in the pure spinor formalism are described by a gauge superfield. In this paper, we obtain for the first time an explicit expression for this superfield in an AdS5 × S5 background. Previously, the vertex operators were only known close to the boundary of AdS5 or in the minus eight picture. Our strategy for the computation was to apply eight picture raising operators in the minus eight picture vertices. In the process, a huge number of terms are generated and we have developed numerical techniques to perform intermediary simplifications. Alternatively, the same numerical techniques can be used to compute the vertices directly in the zero picture by constructing a basis of invariants and fitting for the coefficients. One motivation for constructing the vertex operators is the computation of AdS5 × S5 string amplitudes.
The efficacy of event isotropy as an event shape observable
Authors: Cesarotti Cari , Reece Matthew , Strassler Matthew J.
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Event isotropy $$ {\mathcal{I}}^{\mathrm{sph}} $$

I
sph

, an event shape observable that measures the distance of a final state from a spherically symmetric state, is designed for new physics signals that are far from QCD-like. Using a new technique [1] for producing a wide variety of signals that can range from near-spherical to jetty, we compare event isotropy to other observables. We show that thrust T and the C parameter (and λmax, the largest eigenvalue of the sphericity matrix) are strongly correlated and thus redundant, to a good approximation. By contrast, event isotropy adds considerable information, often serving to break degeneracies between signals that would have almost identical T and C distributions. Signals with broad distributions in T (or λmax) and in $$ {\mathcal{I}}^{\mathrm{sph}} $$

I
sph

separately often have much narrower distributions, and are more easily distinguished, in the ($$ {\mathcal{I}}^{\mathrm{sph}} $$

I
sph

, λmax) plane. An intuitive, semi-analytic estimation technique clarifies why this is the case and assists with the interpretation of the distributions.
Generic one-loop matching conditions for rare meson decays
Authors: Bishara Fady , Brod Joachim , Gorbahn Martin , Moldanazarova Ulserik
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Leptonic and semileptonic meson decays that proceed via flavour-changing neutral currents provide excellent probes of physics of the standard model and beyond. We present explicit results for the Wilson coefficients of the weak effective Lagrangian for these decays in any perturbative model in which these processes proceed via one-loop contributions. We explicitly show that our results are finite and gauge independent, and provide Mathematica code that implements our results in an easily usable form.
Existence and Nonexistence of Positive Solutions for Singular (p, q)-Equations with Superdiffusive Perturbation
Authors: Papageorgiou Nikolaos S. , Winkert Patrick
Published: July 2021

We consider a nonlinear Dirichlet problem driven by the (p, q)-Laplacian and with a reaction which is parametric and exhibits the combined effects of a singular term and of a superdiffusive one. We prove an existence and nonexistence result for positive solutions depending on the value of the parameter $$\lambda \in \overset{\circ }{{\mathbb {R}}}_+=(0,+\infty )$$

λ
∈

R
∘

+

=

(
0
,
+
∞
)

.
Manikins versus simulated patients in emergency medicine training: a comparative analysis
Authors: Sterz Jasmina , Gutenberger Niklas , Stefanescu Maria-Christina , Zinßer Uwe , Bepler Lena , Linßen Svea , Schäfer Verena , Carstensen Patrick , Verboket René Danilo , Adili Farzin , Ruesseler Miriam
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Every physician must be able to sufficiently master medical emergencies, especially in medical areas where emergencies occur frequently such as in the emergency room or emergency surgery. This contrasts with the observation that medical students and young residents often feel insufficiently prepared to handle medical emergencies. It is therefore necessary to train them in the treatment of emergency patients. The aim of this study is to analyze the influence of the assignment of manikin versus simulated patients during a training for undergraduate medical students on learning outcomes and the perceived realism.

Methods

The study had a prospective cross-over design and took place in a 3-day emergency medicine training for undergraduate medical students. Students completed three teaching units (‘chest pain’, ‘impaired consciousness’, ‘dyspnea’), either with manikin or simulated patient. Using a questionnaire after each unit, overall impression, didactics, content, the quality of practical exercises, and the learning success were evaluated. The gained competences were measured in a 6-station objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) at the end of training.

Results

126 students participated. Students rated simulated patients as significantly more realistic than manikins regarding the possibility to carry out examination techniques and taking medical history. 54.92% of the students would prefer to train with simulated patients in the future. Regarding the gained competences for ‘chest pain’ and ‘impaired consciousness’, students who trained with a manikin scored less in the OSCE station than the simulated patients-group.

Conclusion

Simulated patients are rated more realistic than manikins and seem to be superior to manikins regarding gained competence.
Impact on polytrauma patient prehospital care during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Solà-Muñoz Silvia , Yuguero Oriol , Azeli Youcef , Roig Guillermo , Prieto-Arruñada José Antonio , Español Jaume , Morales-Álvarez Jorge , Muñoz Manuel , Verge Juan José , Jiménez-Fàbrega Xavier
Published: July 2021

Background

The extraordinary situation caused by the onset of COVID-19 has meant that at prehospital level, the number of treatments, profile and time taken to respond for treating time-dependent pathologies has been greatly affected. However, it is not known whether the prehospital profile of polytrauma patients (PTP) has been affected.

Objective

To determine differences in the epidemiological characteristics and the clinical variables of prehospital polytrauma patients during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Catalonia.

Methodology

Analytical cross-sectional study. The number of prehospital activations and the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of polytrauma patients attended by the Emergency Medical System (EMS) of Catalonia, were compared for the period between 15 February and 15 May 2020 and the same period in the previous year. Priorities 0 and 1 are assigned to the most severely injured patients. An analysis was conducted using logistic regression and nonparametric tests.

Results

3023 patients were included. During the 2019 study period, 2045 (67.6%) patients were treated; however, during the pandemic period, 978 (32.4%) patients were treated, representing a 52% decrease (p = 0.002). The percentage of patients presenting priority 1 was higher during the pandemic period [240 (11.7%) vs 146 (14.9%), p = 0.032]. The percentage of priority 0 and 1 patients attended by a basic life support unit increased [201 (9.8%) vs 133 (13.6%), p = 0.006]. The number of traffic accidents decreased from 1211 (59.2%) to 522 (53.4%) and pedestrian-vehicle collisions fell from 249 (12.2%) to 92 (9.4%). Regarding weapon-related injuries and burns, there was an increase in the number of cases [43 (2.1%) vs 41 (4.2%), and 15 (0.7%) vs 22 (2.2%), p = 0.002 and p < 0.001, respectively]. Hospital mortality remained unchanged (3.9%).

Conclusions

During the first wave of the pandemic, the number of polytrauma patients decreased and there was a change in the profile of severity and type of accident.
Efficacy of tracheal tube introducers and stylets for endotracheal intubation in the prehospital setting: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tollman Jaden , Ahmed Zubair
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Tracheal tube introducers and stylets remain some of the most widely used devices for aiding practitioners in performing endotracheal intubation (ETI). The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the efficacy of tracheal tube introducers and stylets for ETI in the prehospital setting.

Methods

A literature search was conducted on the 2nd of March 2021 across PubMed, Embase (Ovid) and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) to identify relevant studies. Included studies had their data extracted and both a quality assessment and statistical analysis were performed.

Results

The summary estimate of prehospital studies with video technology showed a statistically significant increase in first pass ETI success in favour of bougies (RR 1.15, CI 1.10–1.21, p < 0.0001). The summary estimates of prehospital studies without video technology and simulation studies with and without video technology showed no statistical difference between methods for first pass or overall ETI success. Some of the highest success rates were recorded by devices that incorporated video technology. Stylets lead to a shorter time to ETI while bougies were easier to use. Neither device was associated with a higher rate of ETI complications than the other.

Conclusion

Both tracheal tube introducers and stylets function as efficacious aids to intubation in the prehospital environment. Where video technology is available, bougies could offer a statistically significant advantage in terms of first pass ETI success. Where video technology is unavailable, a combination of clinical scenario, practitioner expertise and personal preference might ultimately guide the choice of device.
Effects of medical service fee revision on reducing irrational psychotropic polypharmacy in Japan: an interrupted time-series analysis
Authors: Okada Yusuke , Akazawa Manabu
Published: July 2021

Purpose

According to the revised Japanese medical service fees aimed at reducing irrational psychotropic polypharmacy, medical service fees are reduced if the number of simultaneously prescribed psychotropic drugs exceeds the standard. This study primarily aims to examine the effect of the 2018 revision.

Methods

Using a large Japanese administrative claims database, we retrospectively identified five groups (April 2013–September 2018) prescribed at least one drug from the following drug groups: anxiolytics, hypnotics, sum of anxiolytics and hypnotics, antipsychotics, and antidepressants (study population in each group: 547,511, 406,524, 759,137, 112,929, and 201,046, respectively). We used an interrupted time-series design to evaluate changes in the proportion of patients prescribed more than the standard number of drugs.

Results

After the 2018 revision, the proportion of patients prescribed more than the standard number of drugs significantly decreased only for the sum of anxiolytics and hypnotics; estimated changes in level and trend were − 0.60% [− 0.69%, − 0.52%] and − 0.04% [− 0.06%, − 0.02%] per month, respectively. The proportion of patients exhibiting a decrease in the number of prescribed drugs from more than the standard to within the standard increased when the revision was enforced (April 2018); this proportion in April 2018 was 36.3%, while all other proportions were in the range of 12.1–22.3%.

Conclusion

The 2018 revision promoted a reduction in the number of prescribed drugs, which served as an important factor in the decrease in the proportion of patients prescribed more than the standard number of drugs for the sum of anxiolytics and hypnotics.
Thermodynamic compatibility conditions of a new class of hysteretic materials
Authors: Sessa Salvatore
Published: July 2021

The thermodynamic compatibility defined by the Drucker postulate applied to a phenomenological hysteretic material, belonging to a recently formulated class, is hereby investigated. Such a constitutive model is defined by means of a set of algebraic functions so that it does not require any iterative procedure to compute the response and its tangent operator. In this sense, the model is particularly feasible for dynamic analysis of structures. Moreover, its peculiar formulation permits the computation of thermodynamic compatibility conditions in closed form. It will be shown that, in general, the fulfillment of the Drucker postulate for arbitrary displacement ranges requires strong limitations of the constitutive parameters. Nevertheless, it is possible to determine a displacement compatibility range for arbitrary sets of parameters so that the Drucker postulate is fulfilled as long as the displacement amplitude does not exceed the computed threshold. Numerical applications are provided to test the computed compatibility conditions.
Unsteady lifting-line theory and the influence of wake vorticity on aerodynamic loads
Authors: Bird Hugh J. A. , Ramesh Kiran
Published: July 2021

Frequency-domain unsteady lifting-line theory (ULLT) provides a means by which the aerodynamics of oscillating wings may be studied at low computational cost without neglecting the interacting effects of aspect ratio and oscillation frequency. Renewed interest in the method has drawn attention to several uncertainties however. Firstly, to what extent is ULLT practically useful for rectangular wings, despite theoretical limitations? And secondly, to what extent is a complicated wake model needed in the outer solution for good accuracy? This paper aims to answer these questions by presenting a complete ULLT based on the work of Sclavounos, along with a novel ULLT that considers only the streamwise vorticity and a Prandtl-like pseudosteady ULLT. These are compared to Euler CFD for cases of rectangular wings at multiple aspect ratios and oscillation frequencies. The results of this work establish ULLT as a low computational cost model capable of accounting for interacting finite-wing and oscillation frequency effects and identify the aspect ratio and frequency regimes where the three ULLTs are most accurate. This research paves the way towards the construction of time-domain or numerical ULLTs which may be augmented to account for nonlinearities such as flow separation.
Characterization of microstructure and selected properties of SnSbCu alloy after FSP
Authors: Hrabia-Wiśnios Joanna , Leszczyńska-Madej Beata , Madej Marcin , Węglowska Aleksandra
Published: July 2021

The paper presents the results of research on the microstructure and selected mechanical properties of the SnSbCu-bearing alloy after friction stir processing (FSP). The Whorl tool was used for modification; the process was carried out using two rotational speeds of the tool: 280 and 450 RPM and a constant linear speed of 355 mm/min. Microstructure studies were performed employing the techniques of light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy along with analysis of the chemical composition of micro-areas. Additionally, the phase composition was investigated by means of the X-ray diffraction method and statistical analysis of the precipitates present in the investigated alloy. In addition, hardness, flexural strength, and uniaxial compression tests were performed before and after FSP modification. It was proved that using FSP to modify the SnSbCu alloy promotes refinement and homogenization of the microstructure, as well as improvement of the flexural strength, whereas no changes in the hardness level were found.
Whole-body Computed Tomography Versus Dual Energy X‑ray Absorptiometry for Assessing Heterotopic Ossification in Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva
Authors: Warner Sarah E. , Kaplan Frederick S. , Pignolo Robert J. , Smith Stacy E. , Hsiao Edward C. , De Cunto Carmen , Di Rocco Maja , Harnett Kathleen , Grogan Donna , Genant Harry K.
Published: July 2021

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is an ultra-rare genetic disorder that leads to heterotopic ossification (HO), resulting in progressive restriction of physical function. In this study, low-dose, whole-body computed tomography (WBCT) and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) were evaluated to determine the preferred method for assessing total body burden of HO in patients with FOP. This was a non-interventional, two-part natural history study in patients with FOP (NCT02322255; date of registration: December 2014). In Part A (described here), WBCT and DXA scans were individually assessed for HO presence and severity across 15 anatomical regions. All images were independently reviewed by an expert imaging panel. Ten adult patients were enrolled across four sites. The sensitivity to HO presence and severity varied considerably between the two imaging modalities, with WBCT demonstrating HO in more body regions than DXA (76/138 [55%] versus 47/113 [42%]) evaluable regions). Inability to evaluate HO presence, due to overlapping body regions (positional ambiguity), occurred less frequently by WBCT than by DXA (mean number of non-evaluable regions per scan 1.2 [standard deviation: 1.5] versus 2.4 [1.4]). Based on the increased sensitivity and decreased positional ambiguity of low-dose WBCT versus DXA in measuring HO in patients with FOP, low-dose WBCT was chosen as the preferred imaging for measuring HO. Therefore, low-dose WBCT was carried forward to Part B of the natural history study, which evaluated disease progression over 36 months in a larger population of patients with FOP.
An Evaluation of Fish Tissue Monitoring Alternatives for Mercury and Selenium: Fish Muscle Biopsy Samples Versus Homogenized Whole Fillets
Authors: Stahl Leanne L. , Snyder Blaine D. , McCarty Harry B. , Cohen Tara R. , Miller Kenneth M. , Fernandez Mark B. , Healey John C.
Published: July 2021

Fish contaminant studies with human health protection objectives typically focus on muscle tissue, recognizing that fillets are the commonly consumed tissue fraction. Muscle biopsy punch sampling for mercury analysis has recently been used as an alternative to harvesting fish for fillets; however, there is limited information comparing fillet plug results to whole fillet results. This study was conducted to address that data gap and to test the applicability of plugs for monitoring associated with United States Environmental Protection Agency’s fish tissue-based mercury and selenium water quality criteria. The mercury phase included 300 fillet homogenates and 300 field-extracted plug samples from 60 fish, and the selenium phase included 120 fillet homogenates and 120 plugs from 30 fish. Both phases showed that there were no statistically significant differences between fillet plug and homogenized fillet results at the community level; however, a selenium plug monitoring alternative must employ a sufficiently sensitive analytical method and consider total solids. Plug and fillet sampling alternatives have inherent advantages and disadvantages. Fillet sampling provides sufficient mass to consider multiple contaminants but requires fish to be harvested. Plug sampling only provides adequate mass for a single analyte but may allow fish survival, although additional research is needed on survival following plug removal.
The Results of Sentinel Node Mapping for Patients with Clinically Early Staged Gastric Cancer Diagnosed with pT2/deeper Tumors
Authors: Takeuchi Masashi , Kawakubo Hirofumi , Shimada Ayako , Hoshino Shota , Matsuda Satoru , Mayanagi Shuhei , Irino Tomoyuki , Fukuda Kazumasa , Nakamura Rieko , Wada Norihito , Takeuchi Hiroya , Kitagawa Yuko
Published: July 2021

Background

Sentinel node (SN) mapping based on the SN concept has been applied to early gastric cancer. However, it is still controversial whether or not the oncological safety is ensured in case pathological stage was advanced in these patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the validity of SN mapping in patients with clinically early staged gastric cancer diagnosed with pT2/deeper tumors.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 40 patients with a diagnosis of cT1N0 or cT2N0 single‐lesion gastric cancer who were shown to have pT2 or deeper tumors after gastrectomy with SN mapping. We adopted a dual‐tracer method using a radioactive colloid and blue dye to detect SNs. The diagnostic accuracy and distribution of SNs at each tumor site were analyzed.

Results

Of the 40 patients, 24 (60%) were postoperatively diagnosed as pT2, and 16 (40%) as pT3 or T4. SNs were detected in all patients. The false negative rate was 9% (1/11), and in that patient, the non‐SN metastasis was observed within the SN basin. Diagnostic accuracy was 98% (39/40). Overall distribution of SNs was similar to that for patients with early gastric cancer. No significant differences in overall and recurrence‐free survival were observed between the patients who underwent standard gastrectomy and those who underwent function‐preserving gastrectomy, based on the results of SN mapping.

Conclusions

Our results confirmed validity of SN mapping for patients with clinically early staged gastric cancer diagnosed with pT2/deeper tumors after gastrectomy. Closed surveillance without additional surgical treatment is an option for these patients.
Loss of CD22 expression and expansion of a CD22dim subpopulation in adults with relapsed/refractory B-lymphoblastic leukaemia after treatment with Inotuzumab-Ozogamicin
Authors: Reinert Jochim , Beitzen-Heineke Antonia , Wethmar Klaus , Stelljes Matthias , Fiedler Walter , Schwartz Stefan
Published: July 2021

Treatment options for relapsed or refractory B-lymphoblastic leukaemia (r/r B-ALL) are limited and the prognosis of these patients remains dismal, but novel immunotherapeutic options such as the anti-CD22 antibody–drug-conjugate Inotuzumab-Ozogamicin (InO) have improved outcomes in these patients. Flow cytometry is essential to assess antigen-expression prior to treatment initiation of antigen-directed immunotherapies. Here, we present flow cytometric and clinical data of three adult patients with r/r B-ALL who failed treatment with InO associated with reduced or lost antigen-expression. In addition, we present comparative data on two different diagnostic CD22-specific antibody clones that exhibit significant differences in staining intensities.
On inferring evolutionary stability in finite populations using infinite population models
Authors: Molina Chai , Earn David J. D.
Published: July 2021

Models of evolution by natural selection often make the simplifying assumption that populations are infinitely large. In this infinite population limit, rare mutations that are selected against always go extinct, whereas in finite populations they can persist and even reach fixation. Nevertheless, for mutations of arbitrarily small phenotypic effect, it is widely believed that in sufficiently large populations, if selection opposes the invasion of rare mutants, then it also opposes their fixation. Here, we identify circumstances under which infinite-population models do or do not accurately predict evolutionary outcomes in large, finite populations. We show that there is no population size above which considering only invasion generally suffices: for any finite population size, there are situations in which selection opposes the invasion of mutations of arbitrarily small effect, but favours their fixation. This is not an unlikely limiting case; it can occur when fitness is a smooth function of the evolving trait, and when the selection process is biologically sensible. Nevertheless, there are circumstances under which opposition of invasion does imply opposition of fixation: in fact, for the $$n$$
n
-player snowdrift game (a common model of cooperation) we identify sufficient conditions under which selection against rare mutants of small effect precludes their fixation—in sufficiently large populations—for any selection process. We also find conditions under which—no matter how large the population—the trait that fixes depends on the selection process, which is important because any particular selection process is only an approximation of reality.
Adjusting spatial dependence of climate model outputs with cycle-consistent adversarial networks
Authors: François Bastien , Thao Soulivanh , Vrac Mathieu
Published: July 2021

Climate model outputs are commonly corrected using statistical univariate bias correction methods. Most of the time, those 1d-corrections do not modify the ranks of the time series to be corrected. This implies that biases in the spatial or inter-variable dependences of the simulated variables are not adjusted. Hence, over the last few years, some multivariate bias correction (MBC) methods have been developed to account for inter-variable structures, inter-site ones, or both. As proof-of-concept, we propose to adapt a computer vision technique used for Image-to-Image translation tasks (CycleGAN) for the adjustment of spatial dependence structures of climate model projections. The proposed algorithm, named MBC-CycleGAN, aims to transfer simulated maps (seen as images) with inappropriate spatial dependence structure from climate model outputs to more realistic images with spatial properties similar to the observed ones. For evaluation purposes, the method is applied to adjust maps of temperature and precipitation from climate simulations through two cross-validation approaches. The first one is designed to assess two different post-processing schemes (Perfect Prognosis and Model Output Statistics). The second one assesses the influence of nonstationary properties of climate simulations on the performance of MBC-CycleGAN to adjust spatial dependences. Results are compared against a popular univariate bias correction method, a “quantile-mapping” method, which ignores inter-site dependencies in the correction procedure, and two state-of-the-art multivariate bias correction algorithms aiming to adjust spatial correlation structure. In comparison with these alternatives, the MBC-CycleGAN algorithm reasonably corrects spatial correlations of climate simulations for both temperature and precipitation, encouraging further research on the improvement of this approach for multivariate bias correction of climate model projections.
How-I-do-it: laparoscopic left medial sectionectomy utilizing a cranial approach to the middle hepatic vein and Laennec’s capsule
Authors: Hanzawa Shunya , Monden Kazuteru , Hioki Masayoshi , Sadamori Hiroshi , Ohno Satoshi , Takakura Norihisa
Published: July 2021

Background

Laparoscopic anatomic liver resection is technically demanding, given the need to safely isolate the Glissonean pedicles and expose the hepatic veins (HVs) on the liver parenchyma cut surface. Laennec’s capsule is observed around the Glissonean pedicles and root of the HVs. However, its existence, particularly on the peripheral side of the HVs, remains controversial. Herein, we describe Laennec’s capsule-related histopathological findings around the HVs and a safe laparoscopic left medial sectionectomy utilizing Laennec’s capsule.

Methods

The extrahepatic Glissonean approach was performed by connecting Gates II and III, in accordance with Sugioka’s Gate theory. Liver parenchymal transection commenced along the demarcation line, which is between the medial and lateral sections, and the G4 was dissected during transection. Subsequently, via the outer-Laennec approach, the middle hepatic vein (MHV) was exposed from the root side in cranial view, while Laennec’s capsule was preserved. Parenchymal transection was completed while connecting the MHV with the demarcation line. We obtained the membrane surrounding the HVs and performed histopathological examinations.

Results

Six patients underwent laparoscopic left medial sectionectomy from February 2012 to November 2020. There were no cases involving complications (Clavien–Dindo classification; grade II or higher), open-surgery conversion, transfusion, or surgery-related death. The histopathological findings showed Laennec’s capsule surrounding both the trunk of the major HVs and the peripheral side of the HVs.

Conclusions

A cranial approach to the major HVs utilizing Laennec’s capsule is a feasible and advantageous procedure for laparoscopic left medial sectionectomy. We propose that Laennec’s capsule surrounds the entire length of the HVs.
No-go trials in task switching: effects on the task-set and task-space level
Authors: Scheil Juliane , Kleinsorge Thomas
Published: July 2021

A common marker for inhibition processes in task switching are n − 2 repetition costs. The present study aimed at elucidating effects of no-go trials on n − 2 repetition costs. In contrast to the previous studies, no-go trials were associated with only one of the three tasks in the present two experiments. High n − 2 repetition costs occurred if the no-go task had to be executed in trial n − 2, irrespective of whether a response had to be withheld or not. In contrast, no n − 2 repetition costs were visible if the other two tasks were relevant in n − 2. Whereas this n − 2 effect was unaffected by whether participants could reliably exclude a no-go trial or not, effects of no-gos in trial n were determined by this knowledge. The results differ from effects of no-go trials that are not bound to a specific task. It is assumed that the present no-go variation exerted its effect not on the response level, but on the level of task sets, resulting in enhanced salience of the no-go task that leads to higher activation and, as a consequence, to stronger inhibition. The dissociation of the effects on no-gos in trials n − 2 and n as a function of foreknowledge suggests that the balance between activation and inhibition is shifted not only for single trials and tasks, but for the whole task space.
A dataspace-based framework for OLAP analyses in a high-variety multistore
Authors: Forresi Chiara , Gallinucci Enrico , Golfarelli Matteo , Hamadou Hamdi Ben
Published: July 2021

The success of NoSQL DBMSs has pushed the adoption of polyglot storage systems that take advantage of the best characteristics of different technologies and data models. While operational applications take great benefit from this choice, analytical applications suffer the absence of schema consistency, not only between different DBMSs but within a single NoSQL system as well. In this context, the discipline of data science is steering analysts away from traditional data warehousing and toward a more flexible and lightweight approach to data analysis. The idea is to perform OLAP analyses in a pay-as-you-go manner across heterogeneous schemas and data models, where the integration is progressively carried out by the user as the available data is explored. In this paper, we propose an approach to support data analysis within a high-variety multistore, with heterogeneous schemas and overlapping records. Our approach supports relational, document, wide-column, and key-value data models by automatically handling both data model and schema heterogeneity through a dataspace layer on top of the underlying DBMSs. The expressiveness we enable corresponds to GPSJ queries, which are the most common class of queries in OLAP applications. We rely on nested relational algebra to define a cross-database execution plan. The system has been prototyped on Apache Spark.
Hemodynamic factor evaluation using computational fluid dynamics analysis for de novo bleb formation in unruptured intracranial aneurysms
Authors: Uno Takehiro , Misaki Kouichi , Futami Kazuya , Nambu Iku , Yoshikawa Akifumi , Kamide Tomoya , Uchiyama Naoyuki , Nakada Mitsutoshi
Published: July 2021

Background

Although bleb formation increases the risk of rupture of intracranial aneurysms, previous computational fluid dynamic (CFD) studies have been unable to identify robust causative hemodynamic factors, due to the morphological differences of prebleb aneurysm models and a small number of aneurysms with de novo bleb formation. This study investigated the influences of differences in the aneurysm-models and identify causative hemodynamic factors for de novo bleb formation.

Materials and methods

CFD analysis was conducted on three aneurysm models, actual prebleb, postbleb, and virtual prebleb models of two unruptured aneurysms with de novo bleb formation. A new multipoint method was introduced in this study. We evenly distributed points with a 0.5-mm distance on the aneurysm surface of the actual prebleb models (146 and 152 points in the individual aneurysm, respectively), and we statistically compared hemodynamics at the points in the areas with and without bleb formation (19 and 279 points, respectively).

Results

Visually, blebs formed on an aneurysm surface area with similar hemodynamic characteristics in the actual and virtual prebleb models. Statistical analysis using the multipoint method revealed that the de novo bleb formation area was significantly correlated with high pressure (p < 0.001), low wall shear stress (WSS) (p < 0.001), and the center of divergent WSS vectors (p = 0.025).

Conclusions

De novo bleb formation in intracranial aneurysms may occur in areas associated with the combination of high pressure, low WSS, and the center of divergent WSS vectors. The multipoint method is useful for statistical analysis of hemodynamics in a limited number of aneurysms.
Use of past care markers in risk-adjustment: accounting for systematic differences across providers
Authors: Anselmi Laura , Lau Yiu-Shing , Sutton Matt , Everton Anna , Shaw Rob , Lorrimer Stephen
Published: July 2021

Risk-adjustment models are used to predict the cost of care for patients based on their observable characteristics, and to derive efficient and equitable budgets based on weighted capitation. Markers based on past care contacts can improve model fit, but their coefficients may be affected by provider variations in diagnostic, treatment and reporting quality. This is problematic when distinguishing need and supply influences on costs is required.

We examine the extent of this bias in the national formula for mental health care using administrative records for 43.7 million adults registered with 7746 GP practices in England in 2015. We also illustrate a method to control for provider effects.

A linear regression containing a rich set of individual, GP practice and area characteristics, and fixed effects for local health organisations, had goodness-of-fit equal to R2 = 0.007 at person level and R2 = 0.720 at GP practice level. The addition of past care markers changed substantially the coefficients on the other variables and increased the goodness-of-fit to R2 = 0.275 at person level and R2 = 0.815 at GP practice level. The further inclusion of provider effects affected the coefficients on GP practice and area variables and on local health organisation fixed effects, increasing goodness-of-fit at GP practice level to R2 = 0.848.

With adequate supply controls, it is possible to estimate coefficients on past care markers that are stable and unbiased. Nonetheless, inconsistent reporting may affect need predictions and penalise populations served by underreporting providers.
Spatial distribution of the Barbary Partridge (Alectoris barbara) in Sardinia explained by land use and climate
Authors: Chiatante Gianpasquale , Giordano Marta , Vidus Rosin Anna , Sacchi Oreste , Meriggi Alberto
Published: July 2021

Abstract

More than half of the European population of the Barbary Partridge is in Sardinia; nonetheless, the researches concerning this species are very scarce, and its conservation status is not defined because of a deficiency of data. This research aimed to analyse the habitat selection and the factors affecting the abundance and the density of the Barbary Partridge in Sardinia. We used the data collected over 8 years (between 2004 and 2013) by spring call counts in 67 study sites spread on the whole island. We used GLMM to define the relationships between the environment (topography, land use, climate) both the occurrence and the abundance of the species. Moreover, we estimated population densities by distance sampling. The Barbary Partridge occurred in areas at low altitude with garrigue and pastures, avoiding woodlands and sparsely vegetated areas. We found a strong relationship between the occurrence probability and the climate, in particular, a positive relation with temperature and a negative effect of precipitation, especially in April–May, during brood rearing. Furthermore, dry crops positively affected the abundance of the species. We estimated a density of 14.1 partridges per km2, similar to other known estimates. Our findings are important both because they increase the knowledge concerning this species, which is considered data deficient in Italy, and because they are useful to plan management actions aimed to maintain viable populations if necessary.
Wide Scale Characterization and Modeling of the Vibration and Damping Behavior of CFRP-Elastomer-Metal Laminates—Comparison and Discussion of Different Test Setups
Authors: Sessner Vincent , Liebig Wilfried V. , Jackstadt Alexander , Schmid Dominik , Ehrig Tom , Holeczek Klaudiusz , Gräbner Nils , Kostka Pawel , von Wagner Utz , Weidenmann Kay A. , Kärger Luise
Published: July 2021

The investigated hybrid carbon fiber reinforced plastics-elastomer-metal laminates (HyCEML) offer the potential of tailored structural materials with adaptable damping properties. Conventional fiber metal laminates, like glass laminate aluminum reinforced epoxy are already widely spread in the aviation industry owing to their outstanding fatigue behavior. By integrating an elastomeric interlayer, the glass fibers can be substituted by carbon fibers and damping properties of these laminates can be adjusted. The viscoelastic interlayer dissipates energy within the laminate by inducing shear strain during bending, which is commonly known as constrained layer damping. The aim of this paper is the description of the vibration and damping behavior of HyCEML over a wide temperature and frequency range by using different test methods. Dynamic mechanical analysis is used for the individual polymeric constituents and coupon specimens and modal analysis is used with different specimen geometries up to a component sized panel. In addition, analytical and numerical approaches complement the experiments and lead to a deeper understanding of the vibration and damping behavior. Owing to the high damping, already at frequencies of 5 kHz only running waves can be detected for the investigated panel size. The discussion of different test methods helps to identify material and wavelength dependent effects, but also possible adverse effects of certain methods.
Biomimetic Approach for the Production of 3D Woven Spherical Composite Applied in Apparel Protection and Performance
Authors: Shi Yuyuan , Taylor Lindsey Waterton , Cheung Vien , Sayem Abu Sadat Muhammad
Published: July 2021

Current sports bras are typically manufactured via a cut and sew process resulting in a high volume of post-production material waste. Seams derived from this cut and sew process are known to irritate the skin during exercise. This irritant discomfort seriously affects the dynamic comfort during exercise, hindering limb movement and displacement of the female breast. It implies a need for an alternative textile manufacturing process for a seamless sportswear-sports bra to combine the surface aesthetics with biomimetics together with anthropometry and ergonomic data. Tailoring the two yarn interlocking directions (0/90°) within the compound structure of a multilayer multilevel weave architecture provides a construction process to the production, the weaving, of seamless 3D woven spherical forms. Seamlessly shaped wovens in this paper are underpinned by biomimetic anthropometry and real-time data to produce variable spherical forms that mould and support a given set of 3D geometries. Upon completion of the weave generation using specialised weave software, the production parameters are completed upon transfer to the combined weaving technology, Mageba-Staubli Unival 100 (MS-100). The 2D on-loom woven fabric converts to a 3D shape upon removal and by pulling-pushing-unfolding the woven fabric (2D-to-3D). The scope of end applications within the sportswear-sports bra sector (but not limited to) enables a framework for the generic design geometries and production principles.
The Changes and the Predictors of Suicidal Ideation Among HIV-positive Sexual Minority Men: A Five-year Longitudinal Study from China
Authors: Luo Rui , Silenzio Vincent M. B. , Huang Yunxiang , Chen Xi , Luo Dan
Published: July 2021

This study aimed to explore whether there were differences in suicidal ideation at different time points among sexual minority men (SMM) within five years of HIV diagnosis, and to investigate the influence of time and psychosocial variables on suicidal ideation. This was a five-year follow-up study focusing on the suicidal ideation among HIV-positive SMM who were recruited when they were newly diagnosed with HIV. Suicidal ideation and psychosocial characteristics including depression, anxiety, HIV-related stress, and social support were assessed within one month, the first year, and the fifth year after HIV diagnosis. A total of 197 SMM newly diagnosed with HIV completed three-time point surveys in this study. The prevalence of suicidal ideation was 27.4%, 15.7%, and 23.9% at one month, the first year, and the fifth year after HIV diagnosis, respectively. The risk of suicidal ideation was lower in the first year than baseline, but there was no significant difference between the fifth year and baseline. Emotional stress and objective support independently predicted suicidal ideation and they had interactions with time. The suicidal ideation of SMM newly diagnosed with HIV decreased in the first year and then increased in the fifth year, not showing a sustained decline trend in a longer trajectory of HIV diagnosis. Stress management, especially long-term stress assessment and management with a focus on emotional stress should be incorporated into HIV health care in an appropriate manner. In addition, social support should also be continuously provided to this vulnerable population.
Vibration absorption of parallel-coupled nonlinear energy sink under shock and harmonic excitations
Authors: Chen Jian’en , Zhang Wei , Liu Jun , Hu Wenhua
Published: July 2021

Nonlinear energy sink (NES) can passively absorb broadband energy from primary oscillators. Proper multiple NESs connected in parallel exhibit superior performance to single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) NESs. In this work, a linear coupling spring is installed between two parallel NESs so as to expand the application scope of such vibration absorbers. The vibration absorption of the parallel and parallel-coupled NESs and the system response induced by the coupling spring are studied. The results show that the responses of the system exhibit a significant difference when the heavier cubic oscillators in the NESs have lower stiffness and the lighter cubic oscillators have higher stiffness. Moreover, the e±ciency of the parallel-coupled NES is higher for medium shocks but lower for small and large shocks than that of the parallel NESs. The parallel-coupled NES also shows superior performance for medium harmonic excitations until higher response branches are induced. The performance of the parallel-coupled NES and the SDOF NES is compared. It is found that, regardless of the chosen SDOF NES parameters, the performance of the parallel-coupled NES is similar or superior to that of the SDOF NES in the entire force range.
Simplicity or complexity? Important aspects of high nature value grassland management in nature conservation
Authors: Kun Róbert , Babai Dániel , Csathó András István , Vadász Csaba , Kálmán Nikoletta , Máté András , Malatinszky Ákos
Published: July 2021

Local, adaptive traditional grassland management systems have played a fundamental role in the creation, maintenance and conservation of high nature value (HNV) grasslands. The state of diverse HNV grasslands has deteriorated across Europe in conjunction with changes in various management factors, such as management type and management intensity. To conserve the species-rich vegetation of HNV grasslands and to avoid undesirable shifts in plant functional type dominance, it is important to explore the effects of management factors crucial for nature conservation and to adapt them to local circumstances. In our study, we focus on three of the main factors in the management of valuable meadow steppes in the Great Hungarian Plain region (Central Hungary). We studied management types (mowing, grazing and combined), different levels of herbage removal intensity (low, medium, high) and spatio-temporal complexity (low, medium and high) of grassland management. Altogether 172 plots (1 m × 1 m) were designated in 17 sites. Plant diversity indexes and plant functional types were calculated according to the presence and percentage cover of plant species in the plots. Regarding plant diversity and the dominance of plant functional types, herbage removal intensity and spatio-temporal complexity of management had, for the most part, stronger effects than the type of management. Higher spatio-temporal complexity of management resulted in higher plant diversity, while higher intensity of management led to significantly lower diversity. Proper application of type, intensity and spatio-temporal complexity of management practices (separately and in combination) proved to be determining factors in the long-term maintenance and conservation of diversity and species composition of HNV grasslands.