bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The scientific basis of rational prescribing. A guide to precision clinical pharmacology based on the WHO 6-step method
Authors:   On behalf of the EACPT research working group, Rongen G. A. , Marquet P. , van Gerven J. M. A.
Published: November 2020

Background and methods

This opinion paper expanded on the WHO “six-step approach to optimal pharmacotherapy,” by detailed exploration of the underlying pharmacological and pathophysiological principles. This exercise led to the identification of a large number of domains of research that should be addressed to make clinical pharmacology progress toward “precision clinical pharmacology,” as a prerequisite for precision medicine.

Result

In order to improve clinical efficacy and safety in patient groups (to guide drug development) as well as in individuals (to guide therapeutic options and optimize clinical outcome), developments in clinical pharmacology should at least tackle the following: (1) molecular diagnostic assays to guide drug design and development and allow physicians to identify the optimal targets for therapy in the individual patient in a quick and precise manner (to guide selection of the right drug for the right patient); (2) the setting up and validation of biomarkers of target engagement and modification as predictors of clinical efficacy and safety; (3) integration of physiological PK/PD models and intermediate markers of pharmacological effects with the natural evolution of the disease to predict the drug dose that most effectively improves clinical outcome in patient groups and individuals, making use of advanced modeling technologies (building on deterministic models, machine-learning, and deep learning algorithms); (4) methodology to validate human or humanized in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models for their ability to predict clinical outcome with investigational therapies, including nucleic acids or recombinant genes together with vectors (including viruses or nanoparticles), cell therapy, or therapeutic vaccines; (5) methodological complements to the gold-standard, large Phase 3 randomized clinical trial to provide clinically relevant and reliable data on the efficacy and safety of all treatment options at the population level (pragmatic clinical trials), as well as in small groups of patients (as low as n = 1); (6) regulatory science, so as to optimize the ethical review process, documentation, and monitoring of clinical trials, improve efficiency, and reduce costs of clinical drug development; (7) interventions to effectively improve patient compliance and to rationalize polypharmacy for the reduction of adverse effects and the enhancement of therapeutic interactions; and (8) appraisal of the ecological and societal impact of drug use to safeguard against environmental hazards (following the “One Health” concept) and to reduce drug resistance.

Discussion and conclusion

As can be seen, precision clinical pharmacology aims at being highly translational, which will require very large panels of complementary skills. Interdisciplinary collaborations, including non-clinical pharmacologists, will be key to achieve such an ambitious program.
Phosphatidylglyerol Lipid Binding at the Active Site of an Intramembrane Protease
Authors: Bondar Ana-Nicoleta
Published: November 2020

Transmembrane substrate cleavage by the smallEscherichia colirhomboid protease GlpG informs on mechanisms by which lipid interactions shape reaction coordinates of membrane-embedded enzymes. Here, I review and discuss new work on the molecular picture of protein–lipid interactions that might govern the formation of the substrate–enzyme complex in fluid lipid membranes. Negatively charged PG-type lipids are of particular interest, because they are a major component of bacterial membranes. Atomistic computer simulations indicate POPG and DOPG lipids bridge remote parts of GlpG and might pre-occupy the substrate-docking site. Inhibition of catalytic activity by PG lipids could arise from ligand-like lipid binding at the active site, which could delay or prevent substrate docking. Dynamic protein–lipid H-bond networks, water access to the active site, and fluctuations in the orientation of GlpG suggest that GlpG has lipid-coupled dynamics that could shape the energy landscape of transmembrane substrate docking.

Graphic Abstract
Morphological comparison of internal auditory canal diverticula in the presence and absence of otospongiosis on computed tomography and their impact on patterns of hearing loss
Authors: Burd Christian , Pai Irumee , Pinto Melisha , Dudau Cristina , Connor Steve
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The association of internal auditory canal (IAC) fundal diverticula with otospongiosis (OS) and their clinical significance remain unclear. We explored whether isolated IAC diverticula were morphologically different from those with additional CT features of OS, and whether IAC diverticula morphology influenced patterns of hearing loss.

Methods

Consecutive temporal bone CT studies with (n = 978) and without (n = 306) features of OS were retrospectively assessed. Two independent observers evaluated the presence of IAC diverticula morphological features (depth, neck:depth ratio, definition of contour and angulation of shape), and these were correlated with the presence of fenestral and pericochlear OS. Audiometric profiles were analysed for the isolated IAC diverticula and those with fenestral OS alone. Continuous data was compared using Wilcoxon rank sum tests and categorical data with chi-squared and Fisher’s exact tests.

Results

Ninety-five isolated IAC diverticula were demonstrated in 54/978 patients (5.5%) without CT evidence of OS (31M, 23F, mean age 46), and 119 IAC diverticula were demonstrated in 71/306 patients (23%) with CT evidence of OS (23M, 48F, mean age 55). Reduced neck:depth ratio, ill definition and angulation were all significantly associated with the presence of pericochlear OS (p < 0.001), whilst only ill definition was associated with the presence of fenestral OS alone (p < 0.05). No morphological feature was associated with conductive hearing loss in isolated diverticula or with sensorineural hearing loss in diverticula with fenestral OS alone.

Conclusion

IAC diverticula associated with pericochlear OS demonstrate different morphological features from isolated IAC diverticula. There are no clear audiometric implications of these morphological features.
What is the Best Therapeutic Strategy for Metachronous Resectable Colorectal Liver Metastases After Adjuvant Oxaliplatin‐Based Chemotherapy? A Multidisciplinary Inter‐Group Survey
Authors: Nassar Alexandra , Phelip Jean Marc , Goéré Diane , Loriau Jérôme , Gallois Claire , Michel Pierre , Penna Christophe , Taieb Julien , Brouquet Antoine , Benoist Stéphane
Published: November 2020

Background

To report the current clinical practice of French physicians for metachronous resectable liver metastasis (LM) occurring after a FOLFOX adjuvant chemotherapy for primary cancer.

Methods

Twenty four clinical situations were proposed to a panel of experts via 4 learned societies. Clinical situations varied according time of recurrence (early between 6 and 12 month or > 12 month), extension of LM (limited ≤ 2 or extended > 2 lesions), presence of a neuropathy or not, and of a RAS or BRAF mutation.

Results

A total of 157 physicians participated in this study. A consensus was reached in 17 (71%) clinical situations. For an early limited recurrence, whatever presence of neuropathy, the preferred therapeutic approach (45%) was upfront surgery. For an early extended recurrence, whatever presence of neuropathy, there was a consensus (64%) for a preoperative chemotherapy by FOLFIRI + biologic agent. For a late recurrence without neuropathy, there was a consensus (50%) for a preoperative FOLFOX chemotherapy, whatever the extension of LM. For a late recurrence with neuropathy, upfront surgery was chosen (52%) for limited LM, and preoperative chemotherapy by FOLFIRI + biologic agent (73%) for extended LM. No response was influenced by the RAS mutation status. There was a strong consensus for intensified preoperative chemotherapy in all clinical situations for BRAF‐mutated LM.

Conclusions

This national survey provides an overview of the practice patterns in the treatment of LM occurring after adjuvant FOLFOX for primary. It could be a basis to establish expert's recommendations for the clinical practice.
Electrical conductivity of HCl-bearing aqueous fluids to 700 ºC and 1 GPa
Authors: Klumbach Steffen , Keppler Hans
Published: November 2020

Subsurface magmatic–hydrothermal systems are often associated with elevated electrical conductivities in the Earthʼs crust. To facilitate the interpretation of these data and to allow distinguishing between the effects of silicate melts and fluids, the electrical conductivity of aqueous fluids in the system H2O–HCl was measured in an externally heated diamond anvil cell. Data were collected to 700 °C and 1 GPa, for HCl concentrations equivalent to 0.01, 0.1, and 1 mol/l at ambient conditions. The data, therefore, more than double the pressure range of previous measurements and extend them to geologically realistic HCl concentrations. The conductivities $$\sigma$$
σ
(in S/m) are well reproduced by a numerical model log $$\sigma$$
σ
 = −2.032 + 205.8 T−1 + 0.895 log c + 3.888 log $$\rho$$
ρ
 + log$$\Lambda_{0}$$

Λ
0

(T,$$\rho$$
ρ
), where T is the temperature in K, c is the HCl concentration in wt. %, and $$\rho$$
ρ
is the density of pure water at the corresponding pressure and temperature conditions. $$\Lambda_{0}$$

Λ
0

(T,$$\rho$$
ρ
) is the limiting molar conductivity (in S cm2 mol−1) at infinite dilution, $$\Lambda_{0}$$

Λ
0

(T,$$\rho$$
ρ
) = 2550.14 − 505.10$$\rho$$
ρ
 − 429,437 T−1. A regression fit of more than 800 data points to this model yielded R2 = 0.95. Conductivities increase with pressure and fluid densities due to an enhanced dissociation of HCl. However, at constant pressures, conductivities decrease with temperature because of reduced dissociation. This effect is particularly strong at shallow crustal pressures of 100–200 MPa and can reduce conductivities by two orders of magnitude. We, therefore, suggest that the low conductivities sometimes observed at shallow depths below the volcanic centers in magmatic–hydrothermal systems may simply reflect elevated temperatures. The strong negative temperature effect on fluid conductivities may offer a possibility for the remote sensing of temperature variations in such systems and may allow distinguishing the effects of magma intrusions from changes in hydrothermal circulation. The generally very high conductivities of HCl–NaCl–H2O fluids at deep crustal pressures (500 MPa–1 GPa) imply that electrical conductors in the deep crust, as in the Altiplano magmatic province and elsewhere, may at least partially be due to hydrothermal activity.
Selective retina therapy (SRT) in patients with therapy refractory persistent acute central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC): 3 months functional and morphological results
Authors:   on behalf of the SRT Study Group, Büttner Maximilian , Luger Benjamin , Abou Moulig Wasim , Junker Bernd , Framme Carsten , Jacobsen Christina , Knoll Katharina , Pielen Amelie
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) is a disease presenting with detachment of the neurosensory retina and characteristic focal leakage on fluorescein angiography. The spontaneous remission rate is 84% within 6 months. In this study, the efficacy of selective retina therapy (SRT) was examined in patients with therapy refractory persistent acute CSC defined by symptoms for at least 6 months and persistent subretinal fluid (SRF) despite eplerenone therapy.

Material and methods

This is a prospective, monocentric observational study in 17 eyes (16 patients, mean age 42 years, 2 female). SRT was performed with the approved R:GEN laser (Lutronic, South Korea), a micropulsed 527-nm Nd:YLF laser device, with a train of 30 pulses of 1.7 μs at 100-Hz repetition rate at the point of focal leakage determined by fluorescein angiography (FA) at baseline (BSL). Visits on BSL, week 4 (wk4), and week 12 (wk12) included best corrected visual acuity (BCVA, logMar), central retinal thickness (CRT) on spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), and FA. Statistical analysis was performed by pair-by-pair comparisons of multiple observations in each case with Bonferroni correction for multiple testing. (IBM SPSS Statistics 25®).

Results

Mean CRT at BSL was 387.69 ± 110.4 μm. CRT significantly decreased by 106.31 μm in wk4 (95%-KI: 21.42–191.2; p = 0.01), by 133.63 μm in wk12 (95%-KI: 50.22–217.03; p = 0.001) and by 133.81 μm (95%-KI: 48.88–218.75; p = 0.001) compared to BSL. Treatment success defined as complete resolution of SRF occurred at wk4 in 7/17 eyes (35.3%) and at wk12 in 10/17 eyes (58.8%). Re-SRT was performed in 7/17 eyes (41.2%) after an average of 107.14 ± 96.59 days. Treatment success after Re-SRT was observed in 4/6 eyes (66.6%, 12 weeks after Re-SRT). Mean BCVA did not change significantly from BSL to any later timepoint after adjusting for multiple testing. Notably, eyes with treatment success showed better BCVA at all timepoints and gained more letters compared to failures.

Conclusion

Single or repetitive SRT may be an effective and safe treatment in 2 of 3 patients suffering from acute persistent CSC after 6 months of symptoms or more. We observed complete resolution of SRF in around 60% of eyes 12 weeks after first SRT treatment and also 12 weeks after Re-SRT treatment in eyes with persistent or recurrent SRF. Results on the long-term course after SRT are still pending.
A distributional solution framework for linear hyperbolic PDEs coupled to switched DAEs
Authors: Borsche R. , Kocoglu D. , Trenn S.
Published: November 2020

A distributional solution framework is developed for systems consisting of linear hyperbolic partial differential equations and switched differential-algebraic equations (DAEs) which are coupled via boundary conditions. The unique solvability is then characterize in terms of a switched delay DAE. The theory is illustrated with an example of electric power lines modelled by the telegraph equations which are coupled via a switching transformer where simulations confirm the predicted impulsive solutions.
Phytohormones and volatile organic compounds, like geosmin, in the ectomycorrhiza of Tricholoma vaccinum and Norway spruce (Picea abies)
Authors: Abdulsalam Oluwatosin , Wagner Katharina , Wirth Sophia , Kunert Maritta , David Anja , Kallenbach Mario , Boland Wilhelm , Kothe Erika , Krause Katrin
Published: November 2020

The ectomycorrhizospheric habitat contains a diverse pool of organisms, including the host plant, mycorrhizal fungi, and other rhizospheric microorganisms. Different signaling molecules may influence the ectomycorrhizal symbiosis. Here, we investigated the potential of the basidiomyceteTricholoma vaccinumto produce communication molecules for the interaction with its coniferous host, Norway spruce (Picea abies). We focused on the production of volatile organic compounds and phytohormones in axenicT. vaccinumcultures, identified the potential biosynthesis genes, and investigated their expression by RNA-Seq analyses.T. vaccinumreleased volatiles not usually associated with fungi, like limonene and β-barbatene, and geosmin. Using stable isotope labeling, the biosynthesis of geosmin was elucidated. The geosmin biosynthesis geneges1ofT. vaccinumwas identified, and up-regulation was scored during mycorrhiza, while a different regulation was seen with mycorrhizosphere bacteria. The fungus also released the volatile phytohormone ethylene and excreted salicylic and abscisic acid as well as jasmonates into the medium. The tree excreted the auxin, indole-3-acetic acid, and its biosynthesis intermediate, indole-3-acetamide, as well as salicylic acid with its root exudates. These compounds could be shown for the first time in exudates as well as in soil of a natural ectomycorrhizospheric habitat. The effects of phytohormones present in the mycorrhizosphere on hyphal branching ofT. vaccinumwere assessed. Salicylic and abscisic acid changed hyphal branching in a concentration-dependent manner. Since extensive branching is important for mycorrhiza establishment, a well-balanced level of mycorrhizospheric phytohormones is necessary. The regulation thus can be expected to contribute to an interkingdom language.
Combining Molecular Spintronics with Electron Paramagnetic Resonance: The Path Towards Single-Molecule Pulsed Spin Spectroscopy
Authors: Slota Michael , Bogani Lapo
Published: November 2020

We provide a perspective on how single-molecule magnets can offer a platform to combine quantum transport and paramagnetic spectroscopy, so as to deliver time-resolved electron paramagnetic resonance at the single-molecule level. To this aim, we first review the main principles and recent developments of molecular spintronics, together with the possibilities and limitations offered by current approaches, where interactions between leads and single-molecule magnets are important. We then review progress on the electron quantum coherence on devices based on molecular magnets, and the pulse sequences and techniques necessary for their characterization, which might find implementation at the single-molecule level. Finally, we highlight how some of the concepts can also be implemented by including all elements into a single molecule and we propose an analogy between donor–acceptor triads, where a spin center is sandwiched between a donor and an acceptor, and quantum transport systems. We eventually discuss the possibility of probing spin coherence during or immediately after the passage of an electron transfer, based on examples of transient electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy on molecular materials.
The employment and wage effects of export VAT rebates: evidence from China
Authors: Gao Bo , Ma Jing , Wang Zheng
Published: November 2020

This paper studies the employment and wage effects of VAT rebates to exporters with comprehensive firm-product-level data of China. It is found that the adjustments in VAT rebates significantly and positively affect firm’s employment but have no statistically significant effect on firm’s wage. Moreover, this paper finds that the employment effect of VAT rebates is heterogeneous across firms. In particular, low-productivity firms are more sensitive to the adjustments of VAT rebates than high-productivity firms, suggesting that an increase of VAT rebates may cause mis-reallocation of resources.
Sliding mode synchronization between uncertain Watts-Strogatz small-world spatiotemporal networks
Authors: Liu Shuang , Zhang Runze , Wang Qingyun , He Xiaoyan
Published: November 2020

Based on the topological characteristics of small-world networks, a nonlinear sliding mode controller is designed to minimize the effects of internal parameter uncertainties. To qualify the effects of uncertain parameters in the response networks, some effective recognition rates are designed so as to achieve a steady value in the extremely fast simulation time period. Meanwhile, the Fisher-Kolmogorov and Burgers spatiotemporal chaotic systems are selected as the network nodes for constructing a drive and a response network, respectively. The simulation results confirm that the developed sliding mode could realize the effective synchronization problem between the spatiotemporal networks, and the outer synchronization is still achieved timely even when the connection probability of the small-world networks changes.
The Effect of Personal Finance Education on The Financial Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviour of University Students in Indonesia
Authors: Johan Irni , Rowlingson Karen , Appleyard Lindsey
Published: November 2020

There is much debate about the impact of personal finance education on financial knowledge, attitudes and behaviour, particularly based on studies in the United Kingdom (UK) and United States of America (US). This paper makes a contribution to this debate, drawing on analysis of a survey of 521 undergraduate students at Bogor Agricultural University (IPB) in Indonesia in 2015. As part of that study, we measured the impact of a 14-week personal finance education course on financial knowledge, attitudes and behaviour. Our findings show that, when controlling for other factors, the personal finance course did, indeed, have a positive and statistically significant impact on financial knowledge. However, there was no statistically significant impact of the course on financial attitudes or behaviour. Our analysis also shows that family financial socialisation was an important driver of financial knowledge, attitudesandbehaviour while other drivers of financial behaviour included income, work experience, year/field of study and discussing money with friends. We do not argue here that formal financial education is unimportant but that its role in changing attitudes and behaviour should be considered carefully if this is, indeed, its aim.
One-exact approximate Pareto sets
Authors: Herzel Arne , Bazgan Cristina , Ruzika Stefan , Thielen Clemens , Vanderpooten Daniel
Published: November 2020

Papadimitriou and Yannakakis (Proceedings of the 41st annual IEEE symposium on the Foundations of Computer Science (FOCS), pp 86–92, 2000) show that the polynomial-time solvability of a certain auxiliary problem determines the class of multiobjective optimization problems that admit a polynomial-time computable $$(1+\varepsilon , \dots , 1+\varepsilon )$$

(
1
+
ε
,
⋯
,
1
+
ε
)

-approximate Pareto set (also called an $$\varepsilon $$
ε
-Pareto set). Similarly, in this article, we characterize the class of multiobjective optimization problems having a polynomial-time computable approximate $$\varepsilon $$
ε
-Pareto set that is exact in one objective by the efficient solvability of an appropriate auxiliary problem. This class includes important problems such as multiobjective shortest path and spanning tree, and the approximation guarantee we provide is, in general, best possible. Furthermore, for biobjective optimization problems from this class, we provide an algorithm that computes a one-exact $$\varepsilon $$
ε
-Pareto set of cardinality at most twice the cardinality of a smallest such set and show that this factor of 2 is best possible. For three or more objective functions, however, we prove that no constant-factor approximation on the cardinality of the set can be obtained efficiently.
The Questioning Turing Test
Authors: Damassino Nicola
Published: November 2020

The Turing Test (TT) is best regarded as a model to test for intelligence, where an entity’s intelligence is inferred from its ability to be attributed with ‘human-likeness’ during a text-based conversation. The problem with this model, however, is that it does not care if or how well an entity produces a meaningful conversation, as long as its interactions are humanlike enough. As a consequence, the TT attracts projects that concentrate on how best to fool the judges. In light of this, I propose a new version of the TT: the Questioning Turing Test (QTT). Here, the entity has to produce an enquiry rather than a conversation; and it is parametrised along two further dimensions in addition to ‘human-likeness’: ‘correctness’, evaluating if the entity accomplishes the enquiry; and ‘strategicness’, evaluating how well the entity accomplishes the enquiry, in terms of the number of questions asked (the fewer, the better).
Stationarity-Inducing Techniques in Small Open Economy Models with Collateral Constraints
Authors: Dimakopoulou Vasiliki
Published: November 2020

I show that the alternative stationarity-inducing techniques that have been used to “close” the standard small open economy model (like an endogenous discount factor and a debt-elastic interest rate premium) have different implications for the equilibrium dynamics once I add a commonly-used collateral-type financial constraint. Given this non-equivalence, my results further show that a small open economy model with a credit constraint that embodies an endogenous discount factor is superior to the debt-elastic interest rate model when one tries to match this kind of models to the data.
Male employment and female intra-household decision-making: a Mexican gold mining case study
Authors: Au Yong Lyn Audrey
Published: November 2020

This study explores the effect of economic booms in male-dominated industries like mining on female intra-household decision-making power. Using the 2007–2008 global financial crisis as an exogenous event which led to a gold mining boom in Mexico, I find that women living in gold endowed municipalities experienced higher decision-making power contrary to some theoretical predictions. These results appear to be consistent with unitary household bargaining models which assume income pooling, as female decision-making power increased despite no changes in female labor force participation and an observed increase in male employment. Findings from a separate survey additionally show that while women residing in gold endowed states had higher decision-making power, they were also more likely to suffer from intimate partner violence (IPV). This suggests that a woman’s intra-household decision-making authority is not necessarily negatively correlated with her risk of IPV as posited in feminist theory.
Time study on the uptake of four different beta-blockers in garden cress (Lepidium sativum) as a model plant
Authors: Mlynek Franz , Himmelsbach Markus , Buchberger Wolfgang , Klampfl Christian W.
Published: November 2020

The aim of this study was to investigate the uptake of four beta-blockers by the model plant Lepidium sativum (garden cress) and their possible metabolization over a time period of 8 days. Therefore, cress was grown hydroponically in tap water for a week until they were matured, following irrigation with drug-containing water over the course of another 8 days. Samples were taken at days 1, 2, 4, and 8 after irrigation started. All four beta-blockers were taken up by the plants and the different octanol-water coefficients (log P) of the drugs have an influence on the uptake speed in the roots of the plants. The log P seems to have no influence on the translocation of the drugs from the root to the shoots. Furthermore, neither phase I nor phase II metabolization occurred inside the plants.
Problematic Social Media Use and Social Connectedness in Adolescence: The Mediating and Moderating Role of Family Life Satisfaction
Authors: Savci Mustafa , Akat Muhammed , Ercengiz Mustafa , Griffiths Mark D. , Aysan Ferda
Published: November 2020

Problematic social media use (PSMU) among adolescents has become an area of increasing research interest in recent years. It is known that PSMU is negatively associated with social connectedness. The present study examined the role of family life satisfaction in this relationship by investigating its mediating and moderating role in the relationship between problematic social use and social connectedness. The present study comprised 549 adolescents (296 girls and 253 boys) who had used social media for at least 1 year and had at least one social media account. The measures used included the Social Media Disorder Scale, Social Connectedness Scale, and Family Life Satisfaction Scale. Mediation and moderation analyses were performed using Hayes’s Process program. Regression analysis showed that PSMU negatively predicted family life satisfaction and social connectedness. In addition, family life satisfaction and PSMU predicted social connectedness. Mediation analysis showed that family life satisfaction had a significant mediation effect in the relationship between PSMU and social connectedness. Family life satisfaction was partially mediated in the relationship between PSMU and social connectedness. Moderation analysis showed that family life satisfaction did not have a significant effect on the relationship between PSMU and social connectedness. The study suggests that family life satisfaction is a meaningful mediator (but not a moderator) in the relationship between problematic social media use and social connectedness.
Pfadabhängigkeit, Bifurkationspunkte und die Rolle der Soziologie. Ein soziologischer Deutungsversuch der Corona-Krise
Authors: Rosa Hartmut
Published: November 2020

Der Beitrag versucht zunächst, das Wesen und die Erscheinungsform der Corona-Krise mit beschleunigungstheoretischen Mitteln genauer zu bestimmen. Zentral ist dabei die Diagnose einer politisch herbeigeführten, objektiv messbaren gesellschaftlichen Entschleunigung. Auf dieser Basis werden dann im zweiten Schritt in Auseinandersetzung mit der Systemtheorie einerseits und mit neomarxistischen Ansätzen andererseits die gesellschaftstheoretischen Konsequenzen gezogen. Der Fokus liegt dabei auf dem Argument, dass sich die politische Reaktion auf das SARS-CoV-2-Virus weder nach den Prinzipien funktionaler Differenzierung noch aus der Logik der Herrschaftssicherung oder der Kapitalakkumulation erklären lässt. Im Anschluss daran arbeitet der Beitrag heraus, welche Möglichkeiten sich in der Krisenlage für einen gesellschaftlichen Pfad- und Systemwechsel ergeben und welche Rolle die Soziologie als wissenschaftliche Disziplin in dieser historischen Lage spielen kann und spielen sollte.
Treatment strategy optimization for patients with non-small-cell lung cancer harboring EGFR mutation: a Delphi consensus
Authors: Isla D. , de Castro J. , García-Campelo R. , Majem M. , Vicente D. , Juan-Vidal O.
Published: November 2020

Aim

To stablish a consensus on the treatment strategy for advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (aNSCLC) with epidermal growth factor receptor mutation (EGFRm) in Spain.

Methods

After a systematic literature review, the scientific committee developed 33 statements in 4 fields: molecular diagnosis (10 items); histologic profile and patient clinical characteristics (7 items); first-line (1L) treatment in EGFRm aNSCLC (8 items); and subsequent-line treatment (8 items). A panel of 31 experts completed 2 Delphi online questionnaires rating their degree of agreement/disagreement for each statement through a 1–9 range scale (1–3 = disagree, 7–9 = agree). Consensus was reached if 2/3 of the participants are in the median range.

Results

In the first Delphi round consensus was achieved for 24/33 of the statements. One of the assertions was deleted, proceeding to a second round with the eight remaining questions with no consensus or in the range of indeterminacy. Determination of the EGFR status from tissue and analysis of the different biomarkers are two important variables that influenced treatment decision in patients with aNSCLC. 1L treatment should be the best therapeutic option, independently of the subsequent lines of treatment. For patients with the most common activating mutations osimertinib was considered the most efficient and safe 1L option. In case of disease progression, a new biopsy was needed.

Conclusions

A consensus document is proposed to optimize the treatment strategy for untreated patients with a NSCLC with EGFR sensitizing mutations.
Fe atoms anchored on defective nitrogen doped hollow carbon spheres as efficient electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Su Panpan , Huang Wenjuan , Zhang Jiangwei , Guharoy Utsab , Du Qinggang , Sun Qiao , Jiang Qike , Cheng Yi , Yang Jie , Zhang Xiaoli , Liu Yongsheng , Jiang San Ping , Liu Jian
Published: November 2020

Defective electrocatalysts, especially for intrinsic defective carbon, have aroused a wide concern owing to high spin and charge densities. However, the designated nitrogen species favorable for creating defects by the removal of nitrogen, and the influence of defects for the coordination structure of active site and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity have not been elucidated. Herein, we designed and synthesized a pair of electrocatalysts, denoted as Fe-N/C and Fe-ND/C for coordination sites of atomic iron-nitrogen and iron-nitrogen/defect configuration embedded in hollow carbon spheres, respectively, through direct pyrolysis of their corresponding hollow carbon spheres adsorbed with Fe(acac)3. The nitrogen defects were fabricated via the evaporation of pyrrolic-N on nitrogen doped hollow carbon spheres. Results of comparative experiments between Fe-N/C and Fe-ND/C reveal that Fe-ND/C shows superior ORR activity with an onset potential of 30 mV higher than that of Fe-N/C. Fe-ND sites are more favorable for the enhancement of ORR activity. Density functional theory (DFT) calculation demonstrates that Fe-ND/C with proposed coordination structure of FeN4−x (0<x<4) anchored by OH as axial ligand during ORR, weakens the strong binding of OH* intermediate and promotes the desorption of OH* as rate-determining step for ORR in alkaline electrolyte. Thus, Fe-ND/C electrocatalysts present much better ORR activity compared with that of Fe-N/C with proposed coordination structure of FeN4.
In the Case of Protosemiosis: Indexicality vs. Iconicity of Proteins
Authors: Faltýnek Dan , Lacková Ľudmila
Published: November 2020

The concept of protosemiosis or semiosis at the lower levels of the living goes back to Giorgio Prodi, Thomas A. Sebeok and others. More recently, a typology of proto-signs was introduced by Sharov and Vehkavaara. Kull uses the term of vegetative semiosis, defined by iconicity, when referring to plants and lower organism semiosis. The criteria for the typology of proto-signs by Sharov and Vehkavaara are mostly based on two important presuppositions: agency and a lack of representation in low-level semiosis. We would like to focus on an alternative approach to protosign classification. In particular, we aim to provide a sign-typological characteristic of proteins (in analogy to Maran’ s classification of environmental signs). Our approach is focused on representation, that is, we only consider the relation between a sign and its object. We are considering representation independently from the role of interpretant and interpretation (which is an epiphenomenon of agency). Two hypotheses are investigated and accordingly evaluated in this paper: (I) Proteins are indexical protosigns. (II) Proteins are iconic protosigns. The conclusion our argumentation leads to supports the hypothesis (II).
Acceptability and Feasibility of Early Identification of Mental Health Difficulties in Primary Schools: A Qualitative Exploration of UK School Staff and Parents’ Perceptions
Authors: Childs-Fegredo J. , Burn A.-M. , Duschinsky R. , Humphrey A. , Ford T. , Jones P. B. , Howarth E.
Published: November 2020

One in eight children aged 5–19 years in the UK suffer from a psychiatric disorder, while fewer than 35% are identified and only 25% of children access mental health services. Whilst government policy states that primary schools are well-placed to spot the early warning signs of mental health issues in children, the implementation of early identification methods in schools remains under-researched. This study aims to increase understanding of the acceptability and feasibility of different early identification methods in this setting. Four primary schools in the East of England in the UK participated in a qualitative exploration of views about different methods that might enhance the early identification of mental health difficulties (MHDs). Twenty-seven staff and 20 parents took part in semi-structured interviews to explore current and future strategies for identifying pupils at risk of experiencing MHDs. We presented participants with four examples of identification methods selected from a systematic review of the literature: a curriculum-based approach delivered to pupils, staff training, universal screening, and selective screening. We used NVivo to thematically code and analyse the data, examining which models were perceived as acceptable and feasible as well as participants’ explanations for their beliefs. Three main themes were identified; benefits and facilitators; barriers and harms, and the need for a tailored approach to implementation. Parents and staff perceived staff training as the most acceptable and feasible approach to systematic identification, followed by a curriculum-based approach. Universal and selective screening garnered mixed responses. Findings suggest that a systematic and tailored approach to early identification would be most acceptable and feasible, taking into consideration school context. Teacher training should be a core component in all schools.
Integrating competency-based education with a case-based or problem-based learning approach in online health sciences
Authors: Sistermans Ilse Johanna
Published: November 2020

In the current competitive and globalized economy, employers and professional organizations call for higher education institutions to deliver graduates with relevant competencies and skills. In response, a growing number of higher educational institutions is introducing competency-based education. This is particularly true for health science programs, which have a tradition of applying a case-based or problem-based learning approach. The effort to merge a problem- or case-based online learning approach with competency-based education offers various opportunities, while facing numerous challenges. To support these efforts, this paper aims at identifying suitable practices, as well as challenges for online course design and online learning activities for higher education health science programs, when integrating competency-based education with an online problem-based and/or case-based learning approach. It found various opportunities for online learning activities that support competency-based education, problem-based learning and case-based learning, whereas challenges relate to logistics, administration, and the affordances of an LMS.
Basin and petroleum system modeling in conjunction zone of the Alexander and Srednevasyugan anticlines and Ust-Tym depression, southeastern part of the West Siberian hydrocarbon province (Russia)
Authors: Kosmacheva Alina , Fedorovich Marina
Published: November 2020

The paper is aimed at the basin and petroleum system modeling in the conjunction zone of the Alexander and Srednevasyugan anticlines and Ust-Tym depression during the Mesozoic-Cenozoic time. The exploration area is located in the southeastern part of the West Siberian hydrocarbon province. The present research primarily identifies the oil-window-entry time, maturity, generation points, generation power, and remaining potential of the Togur and Bazhenov source rocks. The Togur oil-window-entry time is 139.5 Ma. The Bazhenov oil-window-entry time is 99 Ma. Liquid hydrocarbons are extensively generated by the source rocks at the present time, since the Togur and Bazhenov Formations are found to be in the oil window. The significant amount of generated hydrocarbons is lost in migration processes. The source rock generation power and remaining potential are 1.1 and 1.5 billion tons of hydrocarbons, respectively.
Maternal knowledge on early childhood caries and barriers to seek dental treatment in Jordan
Authors: BaniHani A. , Tahmassebi J. , Zawaideh F.
Published: November 2020

Purpose

To assess maternal knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of Early Childhood Caries (ECC) risk factors and to determine barriers in seeking dental treatment among children with ECC.

Methods

A total of 600 mothers of healthy children, aged 3–5 years, with ECC attending maternity and child health centres in Jordan completed a questionnaire using face-to-face interviews. ECC was diagnosed clinically by the chief investigator, based on the diagnostic criteria suggested by American Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (AAPD), and caries was recorded using dmft index.

Results

The majority of the children had poor oral health status (99.2%) with a dmft index of 6.04 (± 1.2). Less than third (25.7%) of the mothers believed that their child had poor oral health with more than half (53.3%) not being aware that their child had dental caries. Most of the mothers had poor knowledge, attitudes and beliefs regarding their children’s oral health (82%). Participants` oral health knowledge was significantly associated with mothers` level of education and profession (p < 0.05). In addition, there was delay in seeking dental treatment for their children by the majority (65.9%) of mothers. Maternal profession, family income and time needed to reach a nearby health centre were found to be significant barriers in seeking dental treatment (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The majority of the mothers of children in Jordan with ECC had poor knowledge about their children’s oral health status. Moreover, seeking dental treatment was delayed by a large number of mothers of children with ECC.
Success factors of academic journals in the digital age
Authors: Klus Milan Frederik , Dilger Alexander
Published: November 2020

Since the early 1990s, when digitalisation began to open new opportunities for disseminating information, many academic journals started to introduce online services. However, while some studies suggest that online availability and free access to journal articles are positively connected to the number of citations an article receives, little is known about whether being an early adopter of digital services provides journals with a (long-term) competitive advantage in times of digital change. We use data from SSCI-listed management journals to examine which journals pioneered the introduction of digital services, to what extent first-mover advantages can be identified, and which journal characteristics are associated with citation-based performance indicators. Our results show that lower ranked journals were the first to introduce digital services and were beneficiaries of the digital age. Furthermore, we find a negative correlation between general submission fees and journal performance and that the top-performing journals of our sample are those of non-commercial publishers. Our analysis of the relationship between journal performance and the provision of open access contradicts previous studies, as we find no positive correlations between performance and open access on the journal level.
Access to Finance for Artificial Intelligence Regulation in the Financial Services Industry
Authors: Lee Joseph
Published: November 2020

This paper discusses the design of the legal and regulatory framework for using artificial intelligence (AI) in the financial services markets to enhance access to finance (financial inclusion). The author argues that the development of AI should continue to adhere to the regulatory objectives of market safety, consumer protection, and market integrity. However, to ensure equality and fairness, access to finance should be made a clear policy choice. In the first part, the author discusses how AI can lead to systemic risks and market manipulation on trading platforms. For example, by examining the use of algorithms for trading on the capital market, the author discerns the regulatory objectives and the possible methods of regulation for peer-to-peer platforms. In the second part, the author discusses how the use of AI to provide consumers with investment advice, such as financial advice provided from robo-advisers, can close the investment advisory gap and provide consumers with access to finance. The current regime does not provide adequate protection to financial consumers in this regard. In the third part, the author discusses how AI can be used as a form of RegTech to streamline compliance processes, thereby increasing competition in financial markets and providing a benefit to consumers. However, this use may be in conflict with privacy, data protection, and ethical concerns. The author makes policy recommendations and suggests some directions for governance in the use of AI in financial services to enhance access to finance. The findings of this paper are relevant to research on the future governance of AI in financial services, public policy innovation, and urban development.
Hikikomori from the Perspective of Overuse, Underuse, and Optimal Use of Character Strengths: Case Reports
Authors: Matsuguma Shinichiro , Niemiec Ryan M.
Published: November 2020

Hikikomori, or social withdrawal youth has become one of the most pressing social issues in Japan and this phenomenon is increasing in other countries as well. While there is a movement to pathologize this phenomenon as a new psychological disorder, these case reports provide a fresh perspective of hikikomori using the lens of character strengths in the scientific field of positive psychology. These case reports illustrate how the hikikomori phenomenon can be understood, at least in part, using the framework of character strengths overuse, underuse, and optimal use by conducting the character strengths intervention for hikikomori youth. The authors offer examples of combinations of overuse and underuse of character strengths, with particular attention to the unique signature strengths, among hikikomori youth. Future directions of research include an empirical investigation of the relationship between the hikikomori phenomenon and the notion of overuse, underuse, and optimal use of character strengths, potentially using research methodology.
Maria Adelaide brace in the management of Scheuermann’s Kyphosis
Authors: Piazzolla Andrea , Bizzoca Davide , Solarino Giuseppe , Brayda-Bruno Marco , Tombolini Giuseppe , Ariagno Alessio , Moretti Biagio
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This prospective observational study aims to assess the MA brace effectiveness in hyperkyphosis correction, focusing also on patients’ compliance of bracing and its psychological impact.

Methods

Patients referring to our spine outpatient department with Scheuermann’s kyphosis (SK) from January 2011 to January 2017 were prospectively recruited. Patients were divided into two groups, according to their global thoracic kyphosis (TK): Group-A TKT0 < 60°, Group-B TKT0 ≥ 60°.

The MA brace was prescribed according to SRS criteria. Full spine X-rays were analyzed at conventional times: at the beginning of treatment (T0), at 6-months follow-up (T1, in-brace X-rays), at the end of treatment (T2) and at 2-year minimum follow-up from bracing removal (T3). At T0, T2 and T3 all the patients were assessed using the Italian Version of the SRS-22 Patient Questionnaire (I-SRS22). Variability between and within-groups was assessed; a p value < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

192 adolescents (87 girls and 105 boys, mean age 13.1) were recruited. The mean global TK at recruitment was 61.9° ± 11.3°, the mean follow-up time was 57.4 months. A good patients’ reported compliance was observed: 84.9% of patients used the brace as scheduled. A mean in-brace correction (in-brace TK%) of 37.4% was observed and a mean final correction (TK%T3) of 31.6%. At final follow-up (T3), curve reduction (ΔTK ≤  − 5°) was observed in 60.4% of patients and curve stabilization (− 5° < ΔTK < 5) in 29.7% of patients. At baseline, worse SRS22-mental health (p = 0.023) and self-image mean scores (p = 0.001) were observed in Group-B, compared with Group-A. At the end of treatment (T2), an improvement of all items was observed, wit significantly better improvement of self-image domain in Group-B.

Conclusion

The MA brace has shown to be effective in the management of SK; good patients’ reported compliance and a positive effect on the patients’ mental status were recorded.