bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multidisciplinary tumor board analysis: validation study of a central tool in tumor centers
Authors: Frank Benedikt , Ihorst Gabriele , Herget Georg , Schäfer Henning , Neubauer Jakob , Calba Marc-Antoine , Textor Daniel , Möller Mandy-Deborah , Wenger Sina , Jung Johannes , Waldschmidt Johannes , Miething Cornelius , Rassner Michael , Greil Christine , Wäsch Ralph , Engelhardt Monika
Published: December 2022

The established standard to ensure state-of-the-art cancer treatment is through multidisciplinary tumor boards (TBs), although resource- and time-intensive. In this validation study, the multiple myeloma (MM)-TB was reexamined, aiming to validate our previous (2012–2014) results, now using the TB data from March 2020 to February 2021. We assessed MM-TB protocols, physicians’ documentation, patient, disease, remission status, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) as left-truncated survival times. Moreover, TB-adherence, level of evidence according to grade criteria, time requirements, study inclusion rates, and referral satisfaction were determined. Within a 1-year period, 312 discussed patients were documented in 439 TB protocols. Patient and disease characteristics were typical for comprehensive cancer centers. The percentages of patients discussed at initial diagnosis (ID), with disease recurrence or in need of interdisciplinary advice, were 39%, 28%, and 33%, respectively. Reasons for the MM-TB presentation were therapeutic challenges in 80% or staging/ID-defining questions in 20%. The numbers of presentations were mostly one in 73%, two in 20%, and three or more in 7%. The TB adherence rate was 93%. Reasons for non-adherence were related to patients’ decisions or challenging inclusion criteria for clinical trials. Additionally, we demonstrate that with the initiation of TBs, that the number of interdisciplinarily discussed patients increased, that TB-questions involve advice on the best treatment, and that levels of compliance and evidence can be as high as ≥ 90%. Advantages of TBs are that they may also improve patients’, referrers’, and physicians’ satisfaction, inclusion into clinical trials, and advance interdisciplinary projects, thereby encouraging cancer specialists to engage in them.
Classifications of posterior malleolar fractures: a systematic literature review
Authors: Terstegen Julia , Weel Hanneke , Frosch Karl-Heinz , Rolvien Tim , Schlickewei Carsten , Mueller Elena
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Complex ankle fractures frequently involve the posterior malleolus. Many classifications describing posterior malleolar fractures (PMF) exist. The aim of this study was to provide a systematic literature review to outline existing PMF classifications and estimate their accuracy.

Methods

The databases PubMed and Scopus were searched without time limits. Only specific PMF classifications were included; general ankle and/or pilon fracture classifications were excluded. Selection and data extraction was performed by three independent observers. The systematic literature search was performed according to the current criteria of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The methodological quality of the included studies was quantified using the modified Coleman score.

Results

A total of 110 studies with a total of 12.614 patients were included. Four main classifications were identified: Those describing the size of the posterior malleolar fracture (n = 66), Haraguchi (n = 44), Bartoníček/Rammelt (n = 21) and Mason (n = 12). The quality of the studies was moderate to good with a median Coleman-score of 43.5 (14–79) and a weighted median Coleman-score of 42.5 points. All classifications achieved a substantial to perfect score regarding the inter- and intraobserver reliability, with Mason scoring the lowest in comparison.

Conclusions

None of the reviewed PMF classifications has been able to establish itself decisively in the literature. Most of the classifications are insufficient in terms of a derivable treatment algorithm or a prognosis with regard to outcome. However, as the Bartoníček/Rammelt classification has the greatest potential due to its treatment algorithm, its reliability in combination with consistent predictive values, its usage in clinical practice and research appears advisable.
Neural correlates of digital measures shown by structural MRI: a post-hoc analysis of a smartphone-based remote assessment feasibility study in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Ganzetti Marco , Graves Jennifer S. , Holm Sven P. , Dondelinger Frank , Midaglia Luciana , Gaetano Laura , Craveiro Licinio , Lipsmeier Florian , Bernasconi Corrado , Montalban Xavier , Hauser Stephen L. , Lindemann Michael
Published: December 2022

Background

A study was undertaken to evaluate remote monitoring via smartphone sensor-based tests in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). This analysis aimed to explore regional neural correlates of digital measures derived from these tests.

Methods

In a 24-week, non-randomized, interventional, feasibility study (NCT02952911), sensor-based tests on the Floodlight Proof-of-Concept app were used to assess cognition (smartphone-based electronic Symbol Digit Modalities Test), upper extremity function (Draw a Shape Test, Pinching Test), and gait and balance (Static Balance Test, Two-Minute Walk Test, U-Turn Test). In this post-hoc analysis, digital measures and standard clinical measures (e.g., Nine-Hole Peg Test [9HPT]) were correlated against regional structural magnetic resonance imaging outcomes. Seventy-six PwMS aged 18–55 years with an Expanded Disability Status Scale score of 0.0–5.5 were enrolled from two different sites (USA and Spain). Sixty-two PwMS were included in this analysis.

Results

Worse performance on digital and clinical measures was associated with smaller regional brain volumes and larger ventricular volumes. Whereas digital and clinical measures had many neural correlates in common (e.g., putamen, globus pallidus, caudate nucleus, lateral occipital cortex), some were observed only for digital measures. For example, Draw a Shape Test and Pinching Test measures, but not 9HPT score, correlated with volume of the hippocampus (r = 0.37 [drawing accuracy over time on the Draw a Shape Test]/ − 0.45 [touching asynchrony on the Pinching Test]), thalamus (r = 0.38/ − 0.41), and pons (r = 0.35/ − 0.35).

Conclusions

Multiple neural correlates were identified for the digital measures in a cohort of people with early MS. Digital measures showed associations with brain regions that clinical measures were unable to demonstrate, thus providing potential novel information on functional ability compared with standard clinical assessments.
Community engaged research to measure the impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable community member’s well-being and health
Authors: Barwise Amelia K. , Egginton Jason , Pacheco-Spann Laura , Clift Kristin , Albertie Monica , Johnson Matthew , Batbold Sarah , Phelan Sean , Allyse Megan
Published: December 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing income inequality and health disparities in the United States (US). The objective of this study was to conduct timely, community-engaged research to understand the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on historically under-resourced communities with the goal of improving health equity. The initiative focused on priorities identified by Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNA) conducted every 3 years per Federal funding requirements. These were access to healthcare, maternal/child health, obesity/food insecurity/physical activity, and mental health/addiction.

Methods

In the first three quarters of 2021, we developed and employed mixed methods in three simultaneous phases of data collection. In phase 1, we used purposive sampling to identify key informants from multiple stakeholder groups and conducted semi-structured interviews. In phase 2, we held focus groups with community members from historically marginalized demographics. In phase 3, we developed a survey using validated scales and distributed it to diverse communities residing in the geographic areas of our healthcare system across four states.

Conclusion

Healthcare systems may use the methodology outlined in this paper to conduct responsive community engagement during periods of instability and/or crisis and to address health equity issues. The results can inform sustainable approaches to collaborate with communities to build resilience and prepare for future crises.
Dynamic nomogram for predicting generalized conversion in adult-onset ocular myasthenia gravis
Authors: Bi Zhuajin , Cao Yayun , Gui Mengcui , Lin Jing , Zhang Qing , Li Yue , Ji Suqiong , Bu Bitao
Published: December 2022

Purpose

To explore the factors and risk mapping model of progression from ocular myasthenia gravis (OMG) to generalized myasthenia gravis (GMG) in adult-onset patients.

Methods

A retrospective, observational cohort study was performed for 435 OMG patients with onset age older than 14 years old. Multivariate Cox regression was used to identify the independent factors affecting generalized conversions that then were incorporated into the construction of the nomogram.

Results

Two hundred thirty-seven patients (54.5%) had transformed into GMG after a median of 1.1 years (range 0.1-–9.1 years). The 6-, 12-, and 24-month generalized conversion rates were 31.7%, 49.8%, and 65.4%, respectively. Multivariable analysis showed that the early-onset age, male sex, concomitant autoimmune diseases (AID), positive results of anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies, repetitive nerve stimulation abnormalities, the presence of thymoma, and prednisone treatment were significantly associated with the generalized conversions (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.598, 0.686, 1.554, 1.541, 2.020, 2.510, and 0.556, respectively). A nomogram was established to predict the possibility of generalization-free survival (GFS) in adult-onset OMG patients, and the model demonstrated good predictive performance with a C-index of 0.736 (95% confidence interval 0.703 ~ 0.769). Moreover, subgroup analyses were performed based on the presence or absence of prednisone therapy, and the results indicated that prednisone therapy has better prevention of generalized conversions in male, non-thymoma patients, and patients without other AID.

Conclusion

A new predictive nomograph and web-based survival calculator we developed show favorable applicability and accuracy in predicting long-term GFS in adult-onset OMG patients.
Diagnostic test accuracy of an automated device for the MALDI target preparation for microbial identification
Authors: Cherkaoui Abdessalam , Riat Arnaud , Renzi Gesuele , Fischer Adrien , Schrenzel Jacques
Published: December 2022

The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of the Copan Colibrí™ against the manual preparation of the MALDI targets. We analyzed 416 (31 different species) non-duplicate strains covering the most important species identified in clinical routine. We also assessed the intra-strain repeatability between the comparable methods. We then analyzed the performance of this new method after implementation in routine on 12,253 aerobic bacterial isolates and yeasts, encompassing a total of 42 different species. Among the 416 strains analyzed, 6.3% (26/416) and 10.8% (45/416) had a score value < 2 when processed by the Colibri™ and manual method, respectively. Only 5.9% (9/152) of the Gram positive rods and cocci had a score values < 2 by the Colibri™ versus 20.4% (31/152) by the manual method. We confirmed that this relative superiority observed for the Colibri™ was due primarily in the use of the formic acid protocol. For the Gram-negative bacteria, the results of both methods were comparable; 6.6% (17/256) and 4.7% (12/256) had a score value < 2 by the Colibri™ and the manual method, respectively. After implementation in routine, the results according to the Biotyper score cut-off values were distributed as follows: < 1.70: 2.5% (304/12,253), 1.70–1.79: 1.9% (227/12,253), 1.80–1.89: 3.1% (377/12,253), 1.90–1.99: 6.7% (825/12,253), and ≥ 2: 85.9% (10,520/12,253). The Colibrí™ coupled to MALDI-TOF/MS revealed good performances and higher intra-strain repeatability as compared to the manual preparation of the MALDI targets.
Modelling site response at regional scale for the 2020 European Seismic Risk Model (ESRM20)
Authors: Weatherill Graeme , Crowley Helen , Roullé Agathe , Tourlière Bruno , Lemoine Anne , Gracianne Cécile , Kotha Sreeram Reddy , Cotton Fabrice
Published: December 2022

Quantitative estimation of seismic risk over a region requires both an underlying probabilistic seismic hazard model and a means to characterise shallow site response over a large scale. The 2020 European Seismic Risk Model (ESRM20) builds on the 2020 European Seismic Hazard Model (ESHM20), requiring additional information to firstly parameterise the local site condition across all of Europe, and subsequently determine its influence on the prediction of seismic ground motion. Initially, a harmonised digital geological database for Europe is compiled, alongside a model of topographic/bathymetric elevation and a database of 30 m averaged shearwave velocity measurements ($$V_{S30}$$VS30), in order to produce separate 30 arc-second maps of inferred$$V_{S30}$$VS30based on topography and on geology. We then capitalise on a large database of seismic recording stations in Europe for which site-to-site ground motion residuals ($$\delta S2S_{S}$$δS2SS) have been determined with respect to the shallow crustal ground motion model used in the ESHM20. These residuals allow us to incorporate site amplification functions into the European GMM calibrated upon either observed or inferred$$V_{S30}$$VS30, or on the European geology and topography models. We present the resulting pan-European seismic site amplification model and assess its impact on seismic hazard and risk compared against other approaches. The new site amplification model fulfils the requirements of the ESRM20 and, providing uncertainty is fully propagated, yields estimates of seismic hazard and risk at a large space scale that may be comparable to other methods often applied at local/urban scale where better-constrained site information is available.
A combined differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetry approach for the effective assessment of drug substance-excipient compatibility
Authors: Rojek Barbara , Wesolowski Marek
Published: December 2022

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is a tool particularly recommended for rapid compatibility screening between active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and excipients, whereas thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), a complementary technique to DSC, is primarily used to assess the thermal stability of APIs and excipients. Both DSC and TGA data can be converted using multivariate statistical methods, which are profitable tools in the detection of compatibility between ingredients. Principal component analysis (PCA) enables identification of compatibility by grouping samples into two clusters in a PCA score plot: acetazolamide and mixture with its highest content, and optionally a 1:1 mixture form one cluster, excipient and mixture with its highest quantity, and optionally a 1:1 mixture the second. Any variation from the arrangement of samples in the abovementioned clusters indicates incompatibility. By using cluster analysis, compatibility can be determined by four clusters, the first consisting of API, the second of groups mixture at the ratio of 7:3 and the third of two mixtures at ratios of 3:7 and 1:1, with the excipient in the remaining fourth cluster. Generally, the combination of DSC and TGA techniques with advanced statistical methods is favorable for the qualitative assessment of compatibility in acetazolamide mixtures with excipients such as mannitol, meglumine, lactose, magnesium stearate, β-cyclodextrin, chitosan, methylcellulose, starch 1500 and PVP K-30. In addition, PXRD revealed that acetazolamide retains its crystalline form after mixing. Accordingly, incompatibilities in acetazolamide mixtures can be attributed to chemical reactions.
Respiratory functions and health risk assessment in inhalational exposure to vinyl acetate in the process of carpet manufacturing using Monte Carlo simulations
Authors: Khoshakhlagh Amir Hossein , Saberi Hamid Reza , Gruszecka-Kosowska Agnieszka , Kumar Vikas
Published: December 2022

Vinyl acetate (VA) is a volatile compound and the main compound of the carpenter’s glue. VA causes upper respiratory tract irritation, cough, and hoarseness in occupational exposure. As Iran is one of the biggest carpet producers in the world, this study was carried out to determine the inhalational health risk for employees exposed to VA. To the best of our knowledge, this was the first health risk assessment and the first evaluation of the lung functions and respiratory symptoms in employees exposed to VA. In the six finishing shops of carpet manufacturing industry in Kashan city, Iran the cross-sectional studies were conducted in 2022. The subjects comprised of forty male employees exposed to VA and of forty non-exposed employees in the reference group. VA analyses in the workers’ breathing zones were performed based on the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) 1453 Method. VA concentrations were measured using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS). Inhalational risk assessment to VA was performed using the United States Environmental Protection Agency method and the Monte Carlo simulations. Respiratory functions were determined using the spirometry indices. In the exposed employees, considerably higher prevalence rates of pulmonary symptoms were observed in comparison with the control group. Statistical analysis showed a remarkable difference between lung function parameters measured in the case and the control groups. The VA Hazard Quotient (HQ) values for all working posts, except the quality control unit, were > 1 indicating the substantial inhalational non-cancerogenic risk. The sensitivity analysis revealed that the VA concentrations and exposure time had the most significant contribution in the uncertainty assessment. Therefore, it is recommended to decrease exposure to VA concentrations and to reduce the working time of exposed employees.
Comparative assessment of force, temperature, and wheel wear in sustainable grinding aerospace alloy using biolubricant
Authors: Cui Xin , Li Changhe , Zhang Yanbin , Ding Wenfeng , An Qinglong , Liu Bo , Li Hao Nan , Said Zafar , Sharma Shubham , Li Runze , Debnath Sujan
Published: December 2022

The substitution of biolubricant for mineral cutting fluids in aerospace material grinding is an inevitable development direction, under the requirements of the worldwide carbon emission strategy. However, serious tool wear and workpiece damage in difficult-to-machine material grinding challenges the availability of using biolubricants via minimum quantity lubrication. The primary cause for this condition is the unknown and complex influencing mechanisms of the biolubricant physicochemical properties on grindability. In this review, a comparative assessment of grindability is performed using titanium alloy, nickel-based alloy, and high-strength steel. Firstly, this work considers the physicochemical properties as the main factors, and the antifriction and heat dissipation behaviours of biolubricant in a high temperature and pressure interface are comprehensively analysed. Secondly, the comparative assessment of force, temperature, wheel wear and workpiece surface for titanium alloy, nickel-based alloy, and high-strength steel confirms that biolubricant is a potential replacement of traditional cutting fluids because of its improved lubrication and cooling performance. High-viscosity biolubricant and nano-enhancers with high thermal conductivity are recommended for titanium alloy to solve the burn puzzle of the workpiece. Biolubricant with high viscosity and high fatty acid saturation characteristics should be used to overcome the bottleneck of wheel wear and nickel-based alloy surface burn. The nano-enhancers with high hardness and spherical characteristics are better choices. Furthermore, a different option is available for high-strength steel grinding, which needs low-viscosity biolubricant to address the debris breaking difficulty and wheel clogging. Finally, the current challenges and potential methods are proposed to promote the application of biolubricant.
Konfliktmanagement von interpersonellen und Intragruppenkonflikten in virtuellen Sitzungsformaten – Eine explorative Studie
Authors: Birkmann Marleen
Published: December 2022

Die Bildung virtueller Teams nimmt durch die Digitalisierung, Internationalisierung sowie die pandemische Lage stetig zu. Dies bringt viele Vorteile, aber auch ein gesteigertes Konfliktpotenzial mit sich. Folglich gewinnen Konfliktmanagementstrategien für virtuelle Sitzungsformate zunehmend an Relevanz. Im Folgenden wird ein praxisrelevanter Handlungsleitfaden für virtuelles Konfliktmanagement dargelegt. Dabei wird deutlich, dass es von besonderer Bedeutung ist, eine realitätsnahe Begegnungssituation durch Videokonferenzen, die Ausschöpfung der technischen Möglichkeiten sowie die verstärkte Kommunikation der eigenen Wahrnehmung und Emotionen, zu schaffen.
Bridging finite element and deep learning: High-resolution stress distribution prediction in structural components
Authors: Bolandi Hamed , Li Xuyang , Salem Talal , Boddeti Vishnu Naresh , Lajnef Nizar
Published: December 2022

Finite-element analysis (FEA) for structures has been broadly used to conduct stress analysis of various civil and mechanical engineering structures. Conventional methods, such as FEA, provide high fidelity results but require the solution of large linear systems that can be computationally intensive. Instead, Deep Learning (DL) techniques can generate results significantly faster than conventional run-time analysis. This can prove extremely valuable in real-time structural assessment applications. Our proposed method uses deep neural networks in the form of convolutional neural networks (CNN) to bypass the FEA and predict high-resolution stress distributions on loaded steel plates with variable loading and boundary conditions. The CNN was designed and trained to use the geometry, boundary conditions, and load as input to predict the stress contours. The proposed technique’s performance was compared to finite-element simulations using a partial differential equation (PDE) solver. The trained DL model can predict the stress distributions with a mean absolute error of 0.9% and an absolute peak error of 0.46% for the von Mises stress distribution. This study shows the feasibility and potential of using DL techniques to bypass FEA for stress analysis applications.
CCN2/CTGF promotes liver fibrosis through crosstalk with the Slit2/Robo signaling
Authors: Pi Liya , Sun Chunbao , Jn-Simon Natacha , Basha Sreenivasulu , Thomas Haven , Figueroa Victoria , Zarrinpar Ali , Cao Qi , Petersen Bryon
Published: December 2022

Liver fibrosis is the common outcome of many chronic liver diseases, resulting from altered cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions that promote hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation and excessive matrix production. This study aimed to investigate functions of cellular communication network factor 2 (CCN2)/Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), an extracellular signaling modulator of the CYR61/CTGF/Nov (CCN) family, in liver fibrosis. Tamoxifen-inducible conditional knockouts in mice and hepatocyte-specific deletion of this gene in rats were generated using the Cre-lox system. These animals were subjected to peri-central hepatocyte damage caused by carbon tetrachloride. Potential crosstalk of this molecule with a new profibrotic pathway mediated by the Slit2 ligand and Roundabout (Robo) receptors was also examined. We found that Ccn2/Ctgf was highly upregulated in periportal hepatocytes during carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatocyte damage, liver fibrosis and cirrhosis in mice and rats. Overexpression of this molecule was observed in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that were surrounded with fibrotic cords. Deletion of the Ccn2/Ctgf gene significantly reduced expression of fibrosis-related genes including Slit2, a smooth muscle actin (SMA) and Collagen type I during carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis in mice and rats. In addition, Ccn2/Ctgf and its truncated mutant carrying the first three domains were able to interact with the 7th -9th epidermal growth factor (EGF) repeats and the C-terminal cysteine knot (CT) motif of Slit2 protein in cultured HSC and fibrotic murine livers. Ectopic expression of Ccn2/Ctgf protein upregulated Slit2, promoted HSC activation, and potentiated fibrotic responses following chronic intoxication by carbon tetrachloride. Moreover, Ccn2/Ctgf and Slit2 synergistically enhanced activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and AKT in primary HSC, whereas soluble Robo1-Fc chimera protein could inhibit these activities. These observations demonstrate conserved cross-species functions of Ccn2/Ctgf protein in rodent livers. This protein can be induced in hepatocytes and contribute to liver fibrosis. Its novel connection with the Slit2/Robo signaling may have therapeutic implications against fibrosis in chronic liver disease.
Reuse, Reduce, Support: Design Principles for Green Data Mining
Authors: Schneider Johannes , Seidel Stefan , Basalla Marcus , vom Brocke Jan
Published: December 2022

This paper reports on a design science research (DSR) study that develops design principles for “green” – more environmentally sustainable – data mining processes. Grounded in the Cross Industry Standard Process for Data Mining (CRISP-DM) and on a review of relevant literature on data mining methods, Green IT, and Green IS, the study identifies eight design principles that fall into the three categories of reuse, reduce, and support. The paper develops an evaluation strategy and provides empirical evidence for the principles’ utility. It suggests that the results can inform the development of a more general approach towards Green Data Science and provide a suitable lens to study sustainable computing.
Predicting the degradation of reactive red-147 dye in textile wastewater using response surface methodology technique
Authors: Helmy Mohamed , Hegazy Mohamed , Mohamed Abdullah , Hassan Khalid
Published: December 2022

The human health, aquatic life and environment are greatly affected by the existence of industrial waste in water especially the textile dye. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are considered more effective in removing the toxic pollutants from the waste water in comparison with traditional biological, physical and chemical processes. The later have the limitations of high energy requirement, cost and production of secondary pollutants during the treatment process. AOPs received significant attentions to eliminate the recalcitrant dyes from the aqueous environment owing to the production of highly reactive hydroxyl radicals produced via light irradiation. This study focused on using the response surface methodology (RSM) to evaluate its prediction and optimizing capability in the deployment of AOPs in removing obstinate pollutants from industrial waste water. The data were obtained from the existing literature related to the decomposition of textile dye [reactive red (RR-147)] under UV illumination in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and the photocatalyst, i.e., titanium dioxide (TiO2). The influence of different process parameters like dye concentration, pH of the solution, H2O2 contents, UV illumination time and photocatalyst were studied on dye removal percentage. The input parameters for efficient removal process were optimized using developed RSM models. Four different scenarios were created to see the effect of selected parameters while keeping the remaining process parameters maintained at fixed values. The predicted results depicted that the dye removal percentage was mainly affected by the tested variables, as well as their synergistic effects which was observed compliant with the experimental results. Performance analysis of the developed RSM models showed a high coefficient of determination value significantly higher than R2 = 0.99), thus guaranteed a satisfactory prediction equations of the second-order regression models. The observed results showed that for 50 ppm dye concentration, H2O2 0.9 ml, pH 3.4, TiO2 0.6 g and UV irradiation time 60 min, the maximum breakdown of 92% was observed. The degradation of the RR-147 dye is tested to be more effectively accomplished by the UV/H2O2/TiO2 system.
Geometry induced by flocks
Authors: Dog Sonia
Published: December 2022

Using the vectors and symmetry of affine geometry induced by the ternary quasigroup satisfying the para-associative laws, we found the conditions under which such quasigroup becomes a ternary group. The obtained results also give a simple characterization of semiabelian n-ary groups.
Draft Genome of White-Blotched River Stingray Provides Novel Clues for Niche Adaptation and Skeleton Formation
Authors: Zhou Jingqi , Liu Ake , He Funan , Zhang Yunbin , Shen Libing , Yu Jun , Zhang Xiang
Published: December 2022

The white-blotched river stingray (Potamotrygon leopoldi) is a cartilaginous fish native to the Xingu River, a tributary of the Amazon River system. As a rare freshwater-dwelling cartilaginous fish in the Potamotrygonidae family in which no member has the genome sequencing information available, P. leopoldi provides the evolutionary details in fish phylogeny, niche adaptation, and skeleton formation. In this study, we present its draft genome of 4.11 Gb comprising 16,227 contigs and 13,238 scaffolds, with contig N50 of 3937 kb and scaffold N50 of 5675 kb in size. Our analysis shows that P. leopoldi is a slow-evolving fish that diverged from elephant sharks about 96 million years ago. Moreover, two gene families related to the immune system (immunoglobulin heavy constant delta genes and T-cell receptor alpha/delta variable genes) exhibit expansion in P. leopoldi only. We also identified the Hox gene clusters in P. leopoldi and discovered that seven Hox genes shared by five representative fish species are missing in P. leopoldi. The RNA sequencing data from P. leopoldi and other three fish species demonstrate that fishes have a more diversified tissue expression spectrum when compared to mammals. Our functional studies suggest that lack of the gc gene encoding vitamin D-binding protein in cartilaginous fishes (both P. leopoldi and Callorhinchus milii) could partly explain the absence of hard bone in their endoskeleton. Overall, this genome resource provides new insights into the niche adaptation, body plan, and skeleton formation of P. leopoldi, as well as the genome evolution in cartilaginous fishes.
The Risk-Based Approach of the European Union’s Proposed Artificial Intelligence Regulation: Some Comments from a Tort Law Perspective
Authors: Chamberlain Johanna
Published: December 2022

How can tort law contribute to a better understanding of the risk-based approach in the European Union’s (EU) Artificial Intelligence Act proposal and evolving liability regime? In a new legal area of intense development, it is pivotal to make the best use possible of existing regulation and legal knowledge. The main objective of this article is thus to investigate the relationship between traditional tort law principles, with a focus on risk assessments, and the developing legislation on artificial intelligence (AI) in the EU. The article offers a critical analysis and evaluation from a tort law perspective of the risk-based approach in the proposed AI Act and the European Parliament resolution on a civil liability regime for AI, with comparisons also to the proposal for a revised and AI-adapted product liability directive and the recently proposed directive on civil liability for AI. The discussion leads to the illumination of both challenges and possibilities in the interplay between AI, tort law and the concept of risk, displaying the large potential of tort law as a tool for handling rising AI issues.
Intense harmonic generation driven by a relativistic spatiotemporal vortex beam
Authors: Zhang Lingang , Ji Liangliang , Shen Baifei
Published: December 2022

Spatiotemporal optical vortex (STOV) pulses carrying purely transverse intrinsic orbital angular momentum (TOAM) are attracting increasing attention because the TOAM provides a new degree of freedom to characterize light–matter interactions. In this paper, using particle-in-cell simulations, we present spatiotemporal high-harmonic generation in the relativistic region, driven by an intense STOV beam impinging on a plasma target. It is shown that the plasma surface acts as a spatial–temporal-coupled relativistic oscillating mirror with various frequencies. The spatiotemporal features are satisfactorily transferred to the harmonics such that the TOAM scales with the harmonic order. Benefitting from the ultrahigh damage threshold of the plasma over the optical media, the intensity of the harmonics can reach the relativistic region. This study provides a new approach for generating intense spatiotemporal extreme ultraviolet vortices and investigating STOV light–matter interactions at relativistic intensities.
Linguistic Hybridization in the Emergence of Creoles
Authors: Mufwene Salikoko S.
Published: December 2022

In this article I show how ubiquitous hybridity is in cultures. It is enabled by layers of population movements and contacts since the dispersal ofHomo sapiensout of Africa around 50,000 years ago. I demonstrate how hybridization has proceeded in the emergence of creole language varieties and show that the same process has also driven, for instance, the emergence and differential evolution of English and the speciation of Vulgar Latin into the Romance languages. Differences in outcomes are determined by the specificities of the contact ecologies, including population structure, differences in the demographic proportions of the populations in contact and power relations between them, as well as patterns of population growth, among other factors. I argue that hybridity is not unique to languages. It is conspicuous in other domains of culture, including cuisine, music, clothing fashions, and technologies, for example. I submit a uniformitarian approach inspired by evolutionary biology to better understand how hybridization occurs.
A COMPARATIVE LENS ON ΚΡΑΤΥΣ ΑΡΓΕΪΦΟΝΤΗΣ: MEANING, ETYMOLOGY AND PHRASEOLOGY
Authors: Massetti Laura
Published: December 2022

Greek κρατύς and cognates (κράτος, κρατερός, etc.) are related to Vedic krátu- ‘resolve’ and Avestan xratu- ‘[guiding] intellect’. The cumulative phraseological evidence supports this etymological proposal: in at least ten cases, Greek personal names and phrasemes exhibiting a cognate of κρατύς (that is, κράτος and compounds with first member κρατ[α]ι-) combine with terms whose Indo-Iranian linguistic cognates are joined with Vedic krátu- and Avestan xratu-. Furthermore, Indo-Iranian expressions, in which Vedic krátu- and its compounds are referred to a god as attributes, are structurally comparable to Greek κρατὺς Ἀργεϊφόντης. Since Ἀργεϊφόντης is likely to reflect ‘shining (cf. Greek φαίνω) with whiteness/brightness (ἀργει-)’, it is possible to identify Vedic phraseological matches for the Greek formula, namely expressions in which Vedic krátu- and its derivative krátumant- combine with the notion of ‘shining widely’, Vedic ví-bhā (Vedic bhā being a linguistic congener of φαίνω). The phraseological correspondence between Vedic krátu- … agní- ‘Agni, [endowed with] resolve’, and κρατὺς Ἀργεϊφόντης ‘Argeiphontes, endowed with superior might (κράτος)’ may be added to the dossier of common phraseology which the Greek god shares with the Old Indic fire-deity.
Parental Leave Take-up and its Intensity. Do Partners’ Workplace Characteristics Matter?
Authors: Valentova Marie , Amjahad Anissa , Genevois Anne-Sophie
Published: December 2022

In the current article, we explore the effect of partners’ workplace characteristics on the take-up and intensity of parental leave by mothers and fathers. We use social security records data from 2004 to 2015 for Luxembourg. The results of the analysis reveal that the probability of taking full-time leave is substantially lower among mothers and fathers working in very small companies than among their counterparts in larger firms, whereas working in a small-sized company is related to higher probability of taking part-time leave. Mothers working in companies in predominantly female-dominated sectors, such as education, health, and social services, are more likely to take parental leave than their counterparts employed in other sectors. With regard to the effect of partners’ workplace characteristics, fathers’ take-up of parental leave is associated with the economy sector of their partner, whereas mothers’ take-up correlates with their partners’ workplace size.
COVID-19 isolation/quarantine rules in home care patients
Authors: Gasperini Beatrice , Sarti Donatella , Rondina Tommaso , Moretti Margherita , Pelusi Gilda , Peconi Chiara , Prospero Emilia
Published: December 2022

The spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 new variants increased the number of subjects in home isolation and quarantine. The aim of this study was to assess the compliance with coronavirus disease 2019 home isolation rules for 32 subjects in home care in Marche Region, Italy. The results showed that subjects in home isolation were better informed about isolation rules (P = 0.007) than those who were in quarantine. They had lower educational level (P < 0.001) and none/single income (P < 0.001) and higher rate of clinical manifestation. The education for a safe quarantine should be strengthened widely, especially among disadvantaged subjects.
Midlife: A Philosophical Guide by Kieran Setiya, Princeton University Press, 2017.
Authors: Ridge Michael
Published: December 2022

CQ Review

The main goal of the Book Review Section of Cambridge Quarterly is to cultivate a place where scholars can share their thoughts on broad philosophical topics sparked by noteworthy books. Instead of focusing narrowly on works in healthcare ethics, our reviews cast a wider net so that we may reflect on diverse ideas. Please email dien.ho@mcphs.edu if you have book recommendations or if you are interested in writing a review.
Ambulance Service in Kathmandu, Nepal: Service Delivery Constraints, Challenges, and Achievements during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Regmi Prativa , Paneru Damaru Prasad , Oli Pratibha , Baral Upama , Poudel Durga , Khadka Thapa Deepa
Published: December 2022

Introduction:

An Emergency Medical Service (EMS) is defined as a complete system that responds to public medical and surgical emergencies with prompt and adequate emergency care. Ambulance services are also classified as EMS in modern medical history. In the Nepalese context, prehospital care is very limited, and the EMS system is still a new concept in Nepal. In a study in the emergency room at Patan Hospital in Kathmandu, only 9.9% of patients came by ambulance, 53.6% by taxi, 11.4% by private car, 13.5% by bus, 5.4% by bicycle, and another 6.2% came with alternative routes.

Objectives:

This study aims to investigate the constraints, challenges, and achievements made by ambulances services during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Methods:

The study design was phenomenological and the method was qualitative. In-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted with six human resources working from the COVID-19 first wave pandemic in the ambulance service of Nepal Ambulance Service (NAS), Kathmandu.

Result:

Four themes were generated from IDIs: (1) challenges in service delivery; (2) constraints on service delivery; (3) working experiences; and (4) achievements of ambulatory service providers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under these four themes, 12 sub-themes were constructed. The new nature of disease (COVID-19) in the first wave led to fear and anxiety, which also forced them to think about quitting the job; however, later on with proper training and safety measures, it led to working for COVID-19 patient transfers from home to hospital, as well as hospital to hospital, and proper prehospital care services were provided. The major challenges faced by ambulatory service providers were long working hours, wearing a single personal protective equipment (PPE) for long hours, confusing locations to pick up patients, and both stigma and discrimination.

Conclusion:

From IDIs, it was concluded that although constraints and challenges arise during a pandemic, from proper guidance and support through NAS, they are able to provide proper prehospital care for the patient. Challenges like fear, heavy workload, PPE, and other material barriers do not hamper in service delivery.
Confirmation of dicamba-resistant Palmer amaranth in Tennessee
Authors: Foster Delaney C. , Steckel Lawrence E.
Published: December 2022

Palmer amaranth has a long history of evolving resistance to herbicides to the point at which it has become a significant obstacle to row crop production. A survey of Palmer amaranth escapes in dicamba-resistant cotton and soybean fields in Tennessee was conducted in fall 2021 with the objective of determining whether poor control was due to environmental phenomena or the development of dicamba resistance. A greenhouse dicamba dose-response screen was conducted on 15 Tennessee accessions. Three accessions were identified with a relative resistance factor between 1.85 and 2.49, and one accession from Lauderdale County was found with a relative resistance factor of 14.25. The Lauderdale County 1 accession developed a higher dicamba resistance level than all others evaluated and can no longer be effectively controlled using dicamba. The history of Palmer amaranth escaping dicamba in the Lauderdale County 1 location from 2019 to 2021 in the field and in preliminary greenhouse screens would suggest that the dicamba resistance has passed between generations. This research documents the first findings of Palmer amaranth control failures in cotton and soybean fields due to the evolution of dicamba resistance.
Endovascular salvage of thrombosed haemodialysis vascular access
Authors: Deogaonkar Ganesh , Thulasidasan Narayanan , Phulambrikar Rutuja , Diamantopoulos Athanasios , Sran Kiran , Ahmed Irfan , Loukopoulos Ioannis , Karunanithy Narayan
Published: December 2022

Summary: Background: Haemodialysis access thrombosis is associated with significant morbidity and access abandonment rates, for which endovascular salvage is a well described treatment option. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of endovascular salvage procedures of thrombosed vascular access circuits and identify factors influencing outcomes. Patients and methods: Retrospective review of 328 consecutive procedures performed over 10 years at our institution between January 2010 and December 2019. Patient demographics, access circuit characteristics, procedure details and outcome data were collected. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to estimate patency rates and Cox multivariate regression analysis to identify factors affecting outcomes. Results: Technical and clinical success rates were 87.8% and 75.9% respectively. The primary, primary assisted and secondary patency rates at 6 months were 42.2%, 46.7% and 59.1%; and at 12 months were 23.4%, 28.3% and 41.8% respectively. Median access circuit survival was 9.2 months. Major complication rate was 5.2% including 3 procedure-related deaths. Native AVF, lower time from thrombosis to intervention and pharmacomechanical thrombectomy using AngioJetTM predicted positive outcomes. Previous thrombectomy within 3 months and residual thrombus at completion were associated with poorer outcomes. Age and hypertension predicted higher complication rates. Conclusions: This is one of the largest single center series of endovascular salvage of thrombosed haemodialysis access and demonstrates that endovascular treatment is effective and provides durable access circuit survival. Careful patient screening is essential to optimize outcomes.
Evolution of Rift Architecture and Fault Linkage During Continental Rifting: Investigating the Effects of Tectonics and Surface Processes Using Lithosphere‐Scale 3D Coupled Numerical Models
Authors: Wolf Lorenz , Huismans Ritske S. , Wolf Sebastian G. , Rouby Delphine , May Dave A.
Published: December 2022

Continental rifts grow by propagation, overlap and linkage of individual fault segments. These processes are influenced by erosion and sedimentation and generate complex three‐dimensional fault‐interaction patterns. We use a 3D thermo‐mechanical model of lithosphere deformation coupled with surface processes to investigate the coupling between erosion and tectonics, fault interaction and rift linkage, and evaluate the respective characteristics of crustal strength, inherited structures and erosional efficiency. We find that (a) weaker crust limits interactions between individual rift segments, (b) inherited structures are a major control for fault overlap and linkage except if they are too far apart and prevent interaction, and (c) efficient surface processes prolong fault activity, increase accommodated offset and in doing so, limit fault segment propagation and interactions. From these individual feedbacks, we identify five types of characteristic rift architectures: (a) for strong crust and intermediate erosional efficiency, fault segments link and form a horst between the propagating rifts. (b) Decreasing notch offset leads to segmentation of the central horst. (c) In case of reduced crustal strength no fault linkage occurs and a continuous central horst is promoted. (d) If inherited structures are too far apart, irrespective of crustal strength and erosional efficiency, rift basins do not link and a wide plateau‐like horst forms between the propagating rifts. (e) In case of efficient erosion, fault linkage is achieved by the formation of strike‐slip faults connecting the individual rift segments. Several of these simulated rift architectures can be identified in the western branch of the East African Rift.
Meltwater Pulse1A Triggered an Extreme Cooling Event: Evidence From Southern China
Authors: Wang Luo , Hao Qingzhen , Zhang Deguo , Zou Yafei , Rioual Patrick , Zhang Enlou , Li Jingjing , Luo Hai , Li Jie , Chu Guoqiang , Gu Zhaoyan
Published: December 2022

Meltwater Pulse 1A injection into the North Atlantic coincided with the Bølling warming event, despite climate model simulations indicating that the Meltwater Pulse 1A should have inevitably lead to an extreme cooling in the northern hemisphere. However, so far no cooling event has been found in paleoclimate records responding to Meltwater Pulse 1A. Here we reconstruct winter temperature based on sedimentary diatoms from Huguangyan Maar Lake in tropical China. The results show that winter temperature dropped by at least 6°C within ∼100 years at 14.8 ± 0.02 ka BP, coeval with the onset of Meltwater Pulse 1A, within dating uncertainty. We argue that Meltwater Pulse 1A weakened the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), resulting in abrupt severe cooling in the Northern Hemisphere that caused a severe winter temperature drop in East Asia by strengthening the winter monsoon. We propose that extreme cooling in winter temperature triggered the Bølling warming by stopping the freshwater release from the ice‐sheet, triggering the AMOC to recover quickly and causing the Bølling event as an overshoot under gradual forcing.