bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compared with matched controls, patients with postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) have increased long-term AF after CABG, and POAF is further associated with increased ischemic stroke, heart failure and mortality even after adjustment for AF
Authors: Thorén Emma , Wernroth Mona-Lisa , Christersson Christina , Grinnemo Karl-Henrik , Jidéus Lena , Ståhle Elisabeth
Published: February 2020

Objective

To analyze (1) associations between postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) after CABG and long-term cardiovascular outcome, (2) whether associations were influenced by AF during follow-up, and (3) if morbidities associated with POAF contribute to mortality.

Methods

An observational cohort study of 7145 in-hospital survivors after isolated CABG (1996–2012), with preoperative sinus rhythm and without AF history. Incidence of AF was compared with matched controls. Time-updated covariates were used to adjust for POAF-related morbidities during follow-up, including AF.

Results

Thirty-one percent of patients developed POAF. Median follow-up was 9.8 years. POAF patients had increased AF compared with matched controls (HR 3.03; 95% CI 2.66–3.49), while AF occurrence in non-POAF patients was similar to controls (1.00; 0.89–1.13). The observed AF increase among POAF patients compared with controls persisted over time (> 10 years 2.73; 2.13–3.51). Conversely, the non-POAF cohort showed no AF increase beyond the first postoperative year. Further, POAF was associated with long-term AF (adjusted HR 3.20; 95% CI 2.73–3.76), ischemic stroke (1.23; 1.06–1.42), heart failure (1.44; 1.27–1.63), overall mortality (1.21; 1.11–1.32), cardiac mortality (1.35; 1.18–1.54), and cerebrovascular mortality (1.54; 1.17–2.02). These associations remained after adjustment for AF during follow-up. Adjustment for other POAF-associated morbidities weakened the association between POAF and overall mortality, which became non-significant.

Conclusions

Patients with POAF after CABG had three times the incidence of long-term AF compared with both non-POAF patients and matched controls. POAF was associated with long-term ischemic stroke, heart failure, and corresponding mortality even after adjustment for AF during follow-up. The increased overall mortality was partly explained by morbidities associated with POAF.

Graphic abstract
Candidate gene screen for potential interaction partners and regulatory targets of the Hox gene labial in the spider Parasteatoda tepidariorum
Authors: Schomburg Christoph , Turetzek Natascha , Prpic Nikola-Michael
Published: February 2020

The Hox genelabial(lab) governs the formation of the tritocerebral head segment in insects and spiders. However, the morphology that results fromlabaction is very different in the two groups. In insects, the tritocerebral segment (intercalary segment) is reduced and lacks appendages, whereas in spiders the corresponding segment (pedipalpal segment) is a proper segment including a pair of appendages (pedipalps). It is likely that this difference betweenlabaction in insects and spiders is mediated by regulatory targets or interacting partners oflab. However, only a few such genes are known in insects and none in spiders. We have conducted a candidate gene screen in the spiderParasteatoda tepidariorumusing as candidatesDrosophila melanogastergenes known to (potentially) interact withlabor to be expressed in the intercalary segment. We have studied 75P. tepidariorumgenes (including previously published and duplicated genes). Only 3 of these (proboscipedia-A(pb-A) and two paralogs ofextradenticle(exd)) showed differential expression between leg and pedipalp. The low success rate points to a weakness of the candidate gene approach when it is applied to lineage specific organs. The spider pedipalp has no counterpart in insects, and therefore relying on insect data apparently cannot identify larger numbers of factors implicated in its specification and formation. We argue that in these cases a de novo approach to gene discovery might be superior to the candidate gene approach.
Peri-operative chemotherapy for resectable colorectal lung metastasis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Yuting , Qin You
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Several studies have evaluated surgical resection of pulmonary metastases as a standard treatment option for colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with resectable pulmonary metastases. However, the role of peri-operative chemotherapy after complete resection of pulmonary metastases from CRC patients is still controversial. This systematic review and meta-analysis is aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy of peri-operative chemotherapy after resection of CRC pulmonary metastases.

Methods

PubMed, the Cochrane Library databases, and Embase were searched for studies evaluating the effect of peri-operative chemotherapy on the survival of patients with CRC after pulmonary metastasectomy. The hazard ratio (HR) was used for analyzing overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS)/recurrence-free survival (RFS)/disease-free survival (DFS).

Results

Eight studies were included in the final analysis. The outcome showed that peri-operative chemotherapy had a significant favourable effect on OS (HR 0.83, 95% CI 0.75–0.92, p < 0.05) and PFS/RFS/DFS (HR 0.67, 95% CI 0.53–0.86, p < 0.05) in patients who received pulmonary metastasectomy. Multivariate analysis also validated this result (OS: HR 0.56, 95% CI 0.36–0.86, p < 0.05; PFS/RFS/DFS: HR 0.64, 95% CI 0.46–0.87, p < 0.05). There was a significant benefit in peri-operative group on OS and PFS/RFS/DFS in studies with R0 resection of pulmonary metastases (OS: HR 0.72, 95% CI 0.53–0.97, p < 0.05; PFS/RFS/DFS: HR 0.72, 95% CI 0.54–0.95, p < 0.05) and metachronous pulmonary metastases (OS: HR 0.40, 95% CI 0.22–0.75, p < 0.05; PFS/RFS/DFS: HR 0.67, 95% CI 0.49–0.92, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our meta-analysis demonstrated a significant difference in favor of peri-operative chemotherapy in CRC patients who underwent resection of pulmonary metastases. More clinical data and studies are needed to validate the findings of our study.
New HER2-negative breast cancer subtype responsive to anti-HER2 therapy identified
Authors: MacNeil Ian A. , Burns David J. , Rich Benjamin E. , Soltani Sajjad M. , Kharbush Samantha , Osterhaus Nicole G. , Sullivan Brian F. , Hawkins Douglas M. , Pietruska Jodie R. , Laing Lance G.
Published: February 2020

Purpose

HER2 signaling functional activity may be important to measure in addition to HER2 protein quantification when identifying patients eligible for HER2 therapies. A HER2 Signaling Function (CELx HSF) Test for HER2-negative patients uses patient’s live tumor cells on a biosensor to identify patients with abnormally high HER2-related signaling (HSFs+) likely to respond to anti-HER2 therapies.

Methods

The CELx HSF test was employed to: (1) characterize the sensitivity and specificity of the test to detect abnormal levels of HER2 signaling; (2) evaluate the inhibitory effectiveness of five different anti-HER2 therapies; (3) assess the correlation between CELx HSF test detection of abnormal HER2 signaling and response to HER2 therapy using xenograft models; and (4) confirm the prevalence of abnormal HER2 signaling amongst HER2-negative breast cancer patients (HER2−/HSFs+).

Results

HER2−/HSFs+ breast cancer patient samples were identified and showed sensitivity to five approved anti-HER2 therapies. Xenograft studies using both HER2+ and HER2− cell lines confirmed that CELx HER2 signaling status better predicts HER2 inhibitor efficacy than HER2 receptor status. In a study of 114 HER2-negative breast tumor patient samples, 27 (23.7%; 95% CI = 17–32%) had abnormal HER2 signaling (HSFs+). A ROC curve constructed with this dataset projects the CELx HSF Test would have greater than 90% sensitivity and specificity to detect the HER2−/HSFs+ patient population.

Conclusions

The CELx HSF test is a well-characterized functional biomarker assay capable of identifying dynamic HER2-driven signaling dysfunction in tumor cells from HER2-negative breast cancer patients. This test has demonstrated efficacy of various HER2 targeted therapies in live tumor cells from the HSFs+ population and correlated the test result to HER2 drug response in mouse xenograft studies. The proportion of HER2-negative breast cancer patients found to have abnormal HER2 signaling in a 114 patient sample study, 20–25%, is significant. A clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of anti-HER2 therapies in this patient population is warranted.
Reliability of a radiation-free, noninvasive and computer-assisted assessment of the spine in children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Ruthard Kristina , Raabe-Oetker Anke , Ruthard Johannes , Oppermann Thomas , Duran Ibrahim , Schönau Eckhard
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The radiation-free, noninvasive and computer-assisted Spinal Mouse®(SM) is a reliable and valid measuring instrument for functional analysis of the pediatric spine. The aim of this study was to examine the intra-rater reliability of the SM measurements in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and to investigate differences after a 1 week of the rehabilitation program.

Methods

A total of 168 SM investigations in the sagittal plane and frontal plane at three measurement times from a sample of 28 children (n = 10 girls, age 9.7 ± 3.1 years) with CP were eligible for evaluation. For the verification of reliability, the measurement results from the first and second measurement times (t1,t2) were used at intervals of 1 day. In addition, differences after the rehabilitation program the patients underwent (t3) were evaluated using the measurement results of the first and third measurements (5-day interval).

Results

The results show good to excellent intra-rater reliability for the SM measurements, both in the sagittal and in the frontal plane (ICC values = 0.69–0.99). Furthermore, significant changes may occur after only 1 week of therapeutic intervention for total spinal inclination (t1: 12.82 ± 5.40,t3: 11.11 ± 5.60,p = 0.014, Cohen’sd = 0.43) and spine length (t1: 401.75 ± 69.05,t3: 409.25 ± 63.58,p = 0.030, Cohen’sd = 0.43).

Conclusions

SM can be used to generate reliable values for functional analysis of the spine in children with CP. Furthermore, significant posture differences can be demonstrated by therapeutic interventions, especially in the spine inclination (Inc) and spine length (SL).

Graphic abstract

These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.
Challenges of neuropathic pain: focus on diabetic neuropathy
Authors: Rosenberger Daniela C. , Blechschmidt Vivian , Timmerman Hans , Wolff André , Treede Rolf-Detlef
Published: February 2020

Neuropathic pain is a frequent condition caused by a lesion or disease of the central or peripheral somatosensory nervous system. A frequent cause of peripheral neuropathic pain is diabetic neuropathy. Its complex pathophysiology is not yet fully elucidated, which contributes to underassessment and undertreatment. A mechanism-based treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy is challenging but phenotype-based stratification might be a way to develop individualized therapeutic concepts. Our goal is to review current knowledge of the pathophysiology of peripheral neuropathic pain, particularly painful diabetic neuropathy. We discuss state-of-the-art clinical assessment, validity of diagnostic and screening tools, and recommendations for the management of diabetic neuropathic pain including approaches towards personalized pain management. We also propose a research agenda for translational research including patient stratification for clinical trials and improved preclinical models in relation to current knowledge of underlying mechanisms.
Negative and disorganized symptoms mediate the relationship between verbal learning and global functioning in adolescents with early-onset psychosis
Authors: Smelror Runar Elle , Rund Bjørn Rishovd , Lonning Vera , Jørgensen Kjetil Nordbø , Wedervang-Resell Kirsten , Andreassen Ole A. , Ueland Torill , Myhre Anne M. , Agartz Ingrid
Published: February 2020

Neurocognitive deficits are associated with impaired global functioning and psychotic symptoms. However, whether symptoms can mediate the relationship between neurocognition and global functioning in adolescent psychosis is unclear. Here, we investigated if symptoms assessed with the Positive And Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), mediated the relationship between neurocognitive performance and global functioning in adolescents with non-affective early-onset psychotic disorders (EOP). Sixty-one adolescent EOP patients (age 12–18 years) from 2 Norwegian clinical cohorts were included. Linear regression models were applied to investigate associations between neurocognitive domains from the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) and global functioning. PANSS symptoms were analyzed using the Wallwork/Fortgang five-factor model. Using the INDIRECT macro for SPSS, mediation effects were tested using bootstrapping with 95% bias corrected confidence intervals. Verbal learning was positively associated with global functioning (P < 0.001) and negatively associated with the disorganized symptom factor (P = 0.002), controlling for age, sex and cohort. Testing of indirect effects, controlling for age, sex and cohort, showed that the Negative (point estimate = 1.56, 95% CI 0.22, 3.47) and Disorganized (point estimate = 1.24, 95% CI 0.05, 3.69) symptom factors significantly mediated the relationship between verbal learning and global functioning. We found that verbal learning, negative and disorganized symptoms influenced global functioning in adolescents with EOP, while reality-distorted positive symptoms did not. These results suggest that assessing these domains in EOP is helpful for planning treatment and rehabilitation programs focusing on functional outcome.
Analysing trade-offs in adaptation decision-making—agricultural management under climate change in Finland and Sweden
Authors: Wiréhn Lotten , Käyhkö Janina , Neset Tina-Simone , Juhola Sirkku
Published: February 2020

In light of the increased focus on climate change adaptation, there is a need to understand when and how adaptation decision-making generates trade-offs. This study presents a novel framework for adaptation trade-off assessments, which integrates (I) two trade-off mechanisms (direct and interactions) and (II) two types of trade-off characteristics (substantive and processual). Perspectives on adaptation trade-offs were collected from 37 Swedish and Finnish agricultural experts through semi-structured interviews supported by serious gaming and visualization. The data were thematically analysed based on the provided analytical framework. The results show that trade-offs in agricultural adaptation decision-making processes involve balancing a number of socio-ecological system aspects that are of different character and have different functions. The study identified 20 aspects generating trade-offs related to adaptation management in Swedish and Finnish agriculture, among which ‘crop yield and profitability’, ‘farm economy’, ‘pest and weed robustness’ and ‘soil quality’ were discussed as the most prominent by respondents. The framework enables an examination of complex trade-off structures that can have implications for adaptation management decisions. The results show that the identified aspects constitute different components and functions of trade-offs, including both processual and/or substantive ones. In conclusion, the 20 identified aspects and the framework together demonstrate the importance of the two types of adaptation trade-offs and the resulting complexity of climate change adaptation decision-making in Swedish and Finnish agriculture. Furthermore, the study asserts the potential of applying the framework for various strategic contexts—to recognize and cope with trade-offs in adaptation management.
Stratified periodic water waves with singular density gradients
Authors: Escher Joachim , Knopf Patrik , Lienstromberg Christina , Matioc Bogdan-Vasile
Published: February 2020

We consider Euler’s equations for free surface waves traveling on a body of density stratified water in the scenario when gravity and surface tension act as restoring forces. The flow is continuously stratified, and the water layer is bounded from below by an impermeable horizontal bed. For this problem we establish three equivalent classical formulations in a suitable setting of strong solutions which may describe nevertheless waves with singular density gradients. Based upon this equivalence we then construct two-dimensional symmetric periodic traveling waves that are monotone between each crest and trough. Our analysis uses, to a large extent, the availability of a weak formulation of the water wave problem, the regularity properties of the corresponding weak solutions, and methods from nonlinear functional analysis.
Retraction Note to: Comparative analysis of the Corynebacterium glutamicum transcriptome in response to changes in dissolved oxygen levels
Authors: Liu Xiuxia , Yang Sun , Wang Fen , Dai Xiaofeng , Yang Yankun , Bai Zhonghu
Published: February 2020

The authors have retracted this article.
Cardiovascular MRI evidence of reduced systolic function and reduced LV mass in rheumatoid arthritis: impact of disease phenotype
Authors: Bissell L. A. , Erhayiem B. , Hensor E. M. A. , Fent G. , Burska A. , McDiarmid A. K. , Swoboda P. P. , Donica H. , Plein S. , Buch M. H. , Greenwood J. P. , Andrews J.
Published: February 2020

The accelerated risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) requires further study of the underlying pathophysiology and determination of the at-risk RA phenotype. Our objectives were to describe the cardiac structure and function and arterial stiffness, and association with disease phenotype in patients with established) RA, in comparison to healthy controls, as measured by cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR). 76 patients with established RA and no history of CVD/diabetes mellitus were assessed for RA and cardiovascular profile and underwent a non-contrast 3T-CMR, and compared to 26 healthy controls. A univariable analysis and multivariable linear regression model determined associations between baseline variables and CMR-measures. Ten-year cardiovascular risk scores were increased in RA compared with controls. Adjusting for age, sex and traditional cardiovascular risk factors, patients with RA had reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (mean difference − 2.86% (− 5.17, − 0.55) p = 0.016), reduced absolute values of mid systolic strain rate (p < 0.001) and lower late/active diastolic strain rate (p < 0.001) compared to controls. There was evidence of reduced LV mass index (LVMI) (− 4.56 g/m2 (− 8.92, − 0.20), p = 0.041). CMR-measures predominantly associated with traditional cardiovascular risk factors; male sex and systolic blood pressure independently with increasing LVMI. Patients with established RA and no history of CVD have evidence of reduced LV systolic function and LVMI after adjustment for traditional cardiovascular risk factors; the latter suggesting cardiac pathology other than atherosclerosis in RA. Traditional cardiovascular risk factors, rather than RA disease phenotype, appear to be key determinants of subclinical CVD in RA potentially warranting more effective cardiovascular risk reduction programs.
Verified Analysis of Random Binary Tree Structures
Authors: Eberl Manuel , Haslbeck Max W. , Nipkow Tobias
Published: February 2020

This work is a case study of the formal verification and complexity analysis of some famous probabilistic algorithms and data structures in the proof assistant Isabelle/HOL. In particular, we consider the expected number of comparisons in randomised quicksort, the relationship between randomised quicksort and average-case deterministic quicksort, the expected shape of an unbalanced random Binary Search Tree, the randomised binary search trees described by Martínez and Roura, and the expected shape of a randomised treap. The last three have, to our knowledge, not been analysed using a theorem prover before and the last one is of particular interest because it involves continuous distributions.
The imperial roots of global trade
Authors: Gokmen Gunes , Vermeulen Wessel N. , Vézina Pierre-Louis
Published: February 2020

Throughout history empires facilitated trade within their territories by building and securing trade and migration routes, and by imposing common norms, languages, religions, and legal systems, all of which led to the accumulation ofimperial capital. In this paper, we collect novel data on the rise and fall of empires over the last 5000 years, construct a measure of accumulatedimperial capitalbetween countries, and estimate its relationship with trade patterns today. Our measure ofimperial capitalhas a positive and significant effect on trade beyond potential historical legacies such as sharing a language, a religion, a legal system, or links via natural trade and invasion routes. This suggests a persistent and previously unexplored influence of long-gone empires on current trade.
Integrated dispersive structures for bandwidth-enhancement of silicon grating couplers
Authors: Klenk Rouven H. , Schweikert Christian , Hoppe Niklas , Nagy Lotte , Elster Raik , Vogel Wolfgang , Berroth Manfred
Published: February 2020

In photonic integrated circuits grating couplers are commonly used to establish an efficient and stable fiber-to-chip link. However, the actual coupling efficiency of a fiber-to-chip interface depends strongly on the used wavelength and exhibits a maximum at a distinct target wavelength, determined by grating design parameters. In this paper, an enhancement of the optical bandwidth of silicon grating couplers by adding integrated dispersive structures is discussed. These are realized by single layers, prism-like geometries and additional silicon nitride gratings. Theoretical considerations for a bandwidth-enhancement by dispersive layers are performed and applied to an existing grating coupler design. A simulated 1dB-bandwidth of up to 90 nm at a maximum efficiency of − 0.65 dB in the C-band could be achieved, which is an enhancement to a factor of about 2 compared with the original coupler design.
Aiding culturally responsive assessment in schools in a globalising world
Authors: Nortvedt Guri A. , Wiese Eline , Brown Martin , Burns Denise , McNamara Gerry , O’Hara Joe , Altrichter Herbert , Fellner Magdalena , Herzog-Punzenberger Barbara , Nayir Funda , Taneri Pervin Oya
Published: February 2020

Across the world, teachers’ classroom assessment tasks and responsibilities are becoming more diverse due to increased migration. In this review, we address how migrant students are affected by assessment, both summative and formative, at the classroom level, with a focus on culturally responsive assessment (CRA). Previous research has shown that CRA practices mainly occur in student-centred classrooms. Furthermore, both student and teacher beliefs about teaching and learning might negatively affect migrant students’ opportunities to engage in assessment situations. Teaching and assessment practices should be negotiated and aligned with and included in classroom norms to be culturally responsive. We propose that what is generally considered a valid and reliable assessment practice might need to be adjusted to account for students’ cultural ways of knowing and participating and how this is expressed and communicated within the classroom.
Resolving Rabin’s paradox
Authors: Bleichrodt Han , Doctor Jason N. , Gao Yu , Li Chen , Meeker Daniella , Wakker Peter P.
Published: February 2020

We present a theoretical model of Rabin’s famous calibration paradox that resolves confusions in the literature and that makes it possible to identify the causes of the paradox. Using suitable experimental stimuli, we show that the paradox truly violates expected utility and that it is caused by reference dependence. Rabin already showed that utility curvature alone cannot explain his paradox. We, more strongly, do not find any contribution of utility curvature to the explanation of the paradox. We find no contribution of probability weighting either. We conclude that Rabin’s paradox underscores the importance of reference dependence.
The Porosity and Permeability of Binary Grain Mixtures
Authors: Glover Paul W. J. , Luo Miao
Published: February 2020

The processes that control binary mixing of two sizes of grains have been investigated theoretically and validated by comparison with experimental data. These seemingly simple experiments are difficult to carry out with the degree of precision needed to test the models. We have developed a methodology allowing porosity and permeability to be measured to within ± 4.415% and ± 4.989% (at a flow rate of 5.13 cm3/s) of each value, respectively. Theoretical considerations recognise mixing processes: (1) an interstitiation process whereby small grains fit between larger grains and (2) a replacement process whereby large grains replace smaller grains and the porosity associated with them. A major result of this work is that the theoretical models describing these two processes are independent of grain size and grain shape. The latter of these two findings infers that the models developed in this work are applicable to any shape of grain or type of packing, providing that a representative porosity of each size of grain pack is known independently, either experimentally or theoretically. Experimental validation has shown that the newly developed relationships for porosity described measurements of porosity for near-ideal binary mixtures extremely well, confirming that porosity is always reduced by binary mixing, and that the degree of reduction depends upon the size of the ratio between the two grain sizes. Calculation of permeability from the packing model has also been done. Six different permeability estimation methods have been used. It was found that the most accurate representations of the experimental permeability were obtained (1) when the exact RGPZ (Revil, Glover, Pezard, Zamora) method was used with the porosity mixing models developed in this work and (2) when the exact RGPZ method was used with the weighted geometric mean to calculate a representative grain size.
Combined use of companion planting and PGPR for the assisted phytoextraction of trace metals (Zn, Pb, Cd)
Authors: Konkolewska Agnieszka , Piechalak Aneta , Ciszewska Liliana , Antos-Krzemińska Nina , Skrzypczak Tomasz , Hanć Anetta , Sitko Krzysztof , Małkowski Eugeniusz , Barałkiewicz Danuta , Małecka Arleta
Published: February 2020

Biomass production and metal accumulation in plant tissue (bioconcentration) are two critical factors limiting the phytoextraction rate. Metal translocation to aboveground organs should be accounted for as the third most important factor, as harvesting of the plant roots is usually economically disadvantageous. These three parameters could be potentially increased with the use of companion planting, a well-known agricultural technique, and inoculation with plant growth–promoting bacteria (PGPB). The aim of the study was to determine whether intercropping and inoculation with endophytic PGPB (Burkholderia phytofirmans PsJNT) can increase the efficiency of phytoextraction of Zn, Pb, and Cd. The study was conducted on Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. “Małopolska” grown in a monoculture or co-planted with Zea mays L. “Codimon” and Medicago sativa L. “Sanditi.” Results show that companion planting and inoculation with rhizobacteria can increase the efficiency of metal phytoextraction, mainly by increasing the yield of dry biomass and the survival rate of plants grown on contaminated soil. We have shown that the simultaneous planting of B. juncea with M. sativa and inoculation with PGPB were the most efficient variants of assisted phytoextraction reaching a recovery of 95% Zn, 90% Cd, and on average about 160% Pb compared with control B. juncea plants grown in monoculture.
Mac Lane’s Comparison Theorem for the Kleisli Construction Formalized in Coq
Authors: Ekici Burak , Kaliszyk Cezary
Published: February 2020

(co)Monads are used to encapsulate impure operations of a computation. A (co)monad is determined by an adjunction and further determines a specific type of adjunction called the (co)Kleisli adjunction. Mac Lane introduced the comparison theorem which allows comparing these adjunctions bridged by a (co)monad through a unique comparison functor. In this paper we specify the foundations of category theory in Coq and show that the chosen representations are useful by certifying Mac Lane’s comparison theorem and its basic consequences. We also show that the foundations we use are equivalent to the foundations by Timany. The formalization makes use of Coq classes to implement categorical objects and the axiomuniqueness of identity proofsto close the gap between the contextual equality of objects in a categorical setting and the judgmental Leibniz equality of Coq. The theorem is used by Duval and Jacobs in their categorical settings to interpret the state effect in impure programming languages.
Relations between play skills and mathematical skills in toddlers
Authors: Reikerås Elin
Published: February 2020

Play is central to children’s learning and development in the early years, including the learning of mathematics. The aim of the present study was to explore how play skills are related to mathematical skills in toddlers by examining the correlations between different kinds of play skills and mathematical skills, and how level of play skills is related to mathematical skills. The participants were 1088 toddlers in Norwegian Early Childhood and Care institutions who were observed by the staff in 3-month periods beginning when they were 2½ years old. The skills in mathematics and play were assessed by structured observation. The overall scores for play skills and the scores for all types of play skills correlated significantly with the scores for all mathematical areas and the total score for mathematics. The skills Interaction in Play and Independence in Play displayed the strongest correlations with mathematical skills. Rule-based Play was difficult for the toddlers, whereas Pretend Play and Exploring and Construction Play correlated with mathematical skills and may be types of play that are more suitable when introducing mathematics in toddler groups. When the group of toddlers was divided into three subgroups according to their level of play skills, the level of play skills was strongly related to the level of mathematical skills. Toddlers with weak, middle or strong play skills also exhibited corresponding low, medium or high levels of mathematics skills, which emphasises the importance of understanding the relations between play and mathematical learning when working with toddlers.
A modular approach to cataloguing marine science data
Authors: Leadbetter Adam , Meaney Will , Tray Elizabeth , Conway Andrew , Flynn Sarah , Keena Tara , Kelly Caoimhín , Thomas Rob
Published: February 2020

The ability to access and search metadata for marine science data is both a key requirement for answering fundamental principles of data management (making data Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable) and also in meeting domain-specific, community defined standards and legislative requirements placed on data publishers. This paper describes a modular data model to answer the functional requirements developed from these drivers and illustrates how this data model can be operationalised. The ability of this solution to meet the FAIR principles is then assessed.
Towards successful innovations in education: Development and validation of a multi-dimensional Innovative Work Behaviour Instrument
Authors: Lambriex-Schmitz Peggy , Van der Klink Marcel R. , Beausaert Simon , Bijker Monique , Segers Mien
Published: February 2020

Our study aims to develop and validate a multidimensional Innovative Work Behaviour instrument to measure teachers IWB. Current IWB conceptualizations and operationalizations need further attention. Existing measurements miss empirical evidence of the construct validity and moreover do not include a sustainability dimension. Based on a thorough and comprehensive conceptualization of IWB, we first adapted and extended the items of previously used instruments and developed items for a sustainability dimension. Second, we tested the construct validity of this newly developed multi-dimensional IWB instrument in a Dutch context, using Rasch techniques and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). The psychometric characteristics were examined in a sample of teachers working in vocational education (N = 440). The results revealed five dimensions of IWB, namely Opportunity Exploration, Idea Generation, Idea Promotion, Idea Realization (differentiated in two sub-dimensions: Criterion-based implementation and learning-based communication) and Idea sustainability (differentiated in two sub-dimensions: External dissemination and internal embedding). The dimensions were reliably measured (α .84- .94) using 44 items. This new instrument, which builds on recent conceptualizations of IWB as well as on the pivotal innovation models of West and Farr (1989) and Fullan (2007), offers for an international group of researchers a conceptually sound and valid tool to validate explanatory models of innovative teacher behaviour. For practitioners in the domain of educational innovation, it offers the opportunity to diagnose, in a sound way, the extent of the necessary conditions of teachers IWB for an educational innovation to succeed.
Applications of Lithium-Ion Batteries in Grid-Scale Energy Storage Systems
Authors: Chen Tianmei , Jin Yi , Lv Hanyu , Yang Antao , Liu Meiyi , Chen Bing , Xie Ying , Chen Qiang
Published: February 2020

In the electrical energy transformation process, the grid-level energy storage system plays an essential role in balancing power generation and utilization. Batteries have considerable potential for application to grid-level energy storage systems because of their rapid response, modularization, and flexible installation. Among several battery technologies, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) exhibit high energy efficiency, long cycle life, and relatively high energy density. In this perspective, the properties of LIBs, including their operation mechanism, battery design and construction, and advantages and disadvantages, have been analyzed in detail. Moreover, the performance of LIBs applied to grid-level energy storage systems is analyzed in terms of the following grid services: (1) frequency regulation; (2) peak shifting; (3) integration with renewable energy sources; and (4) power management. In addition, the challenges encountered in the application of LIBs are discussed and possible research directions aimed at overcoming these challenges are proposed to provide insight into the development of grid-level energy storage systems.
Comparing Robot and Human guided Personalization: Adaptive Exercise Robots are Perceived as more Competent and Trustworthy
Authors: Schneider Sebastian , Kummert Franz
Published: February 2020

Learning and matching a user’s preference is an essential aspect of achieving a productive collaboration in long-term Human–Robot Interaction (HRI). However, there are different techniques on how to match the behavior of a robot to a user’s preference. The robot can beadaptableso that a user can change the robot’s behavior to one’s need, or the robot can beadaptiveand autonomously tries to match its behavior to the user’s preference. Both types might decrease the gap between a user’s preference and the actual system behavior. However, the Level of Automation (LoA) of the robot is different between both methods. Either the user controls the interaction, or the robot is in control. We present a study on the effects of different LoAs of a Socially Assistive Robot (SAR) on a user’s evaluation of the system in an exercising scenario. We implemented an online preference learning system and a user-adaptable system. We conducted a between-subject design study (adaptablerobot vs. adaptiverobot) with 40 subjects and report our quantitative and qualitative results. The results show that users evaluate theadaptiverobots as more competent, warm, and report a higher alliance. Moreover, this increased alliance is significantly mediated by the perceived competence of the system. This result provides empirical evidence for the relation between the LoA of a system, the user’s perceived competence of the system, and the perceived alliance with it. Additionally, we provide evidence for a proof-of-concept that the chosen preference learning method (i.e., Double Thompson Sampling (DTS)) is suitable for online HRI.
Train energy simulation with locomotive adhesion model
Authors: Wu Qing , Spiryagin Maksym , Cole Colin
Published: February 2020

Railway train energy simulation is an important and popular research topic. Locomotive traction force simulations are a fundamental part of such research. Conventional energy calculation models are not able to consider locomotive wheel–rail adhesions, traction adhesion control, and locomotive dynamics. This paper has developed two models to fill this research gap. The first model uses a 2D locomotive model with 27 degrees of freedom and a simplified wheel–rail contact model. The second model uses a 3D locomotive model with 54 degrees of freedom and a fully detailed wheel–rail contact model. Both models were integrated into a longitudinal train dynamics model with the consideration of locomotive adhesion control. Energy consumption simulations using a conventional model (1D model) and the two new models (2D and 3D models) were conducted and compared. The results show that, due to the consideration of wheel–rail adhesion model and traction control in the 3D model, it reports less energy consumption than the 1D model. The maximum difference in energy consumption rate between the 3D model and the 1D model was 12.5%. Due to the consideration of multiple wheel–rail contact points in the 3D model, it reports higher energy consumption than the 2D model. An 8.6% maximum difference in energy consumption rate between the 3D model and the 1D model was reported during curve negotiation.
Developmental trajectory of purpose identification during adolescence: Links to life satisfaction and depressive symptoms
Authors: Chen Hung‐Yang , Cheng Ching‐Ling
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Whereas evidence has shown that a sense of purpose is linked to optimal adjustment, longitudinal work investigating the development of purpose identification as well as its effect on psychological functioning among non‐Western samples during adolescence is needed.

Methods

Three hundred and eighty‐seven senior high school students (253 female, 65.37%; mean age = 15.76 years at the first investigation) from Taiwan completed surveys four times beginning in the fall of tenth grade and ending in the spring of eleventh grade with a six‐month interval. Using self‐ratings, purpose identification was evaluated in all four assessments and psychological functioning was examined through life satisfaction and depressive symptoms in the first and the last survey.

Results

Growth curve analyses revealed an increased slope in purpose identification over the first two years of high school, and such a trajectory was similar across boys and girls. Additionally, increases in purpose identification predicted enhanced life satisfaction and reduced depressive symptoms among both boys and girls. There was only one gender difference: The negative association between purpose identification trajectory and depressive symptoms was stronger for girls than for boys.

Conclusions

There is an increase in the development of identified purpose during middle adolescence among high school students in Taiwan. Such change not only promotes life satisfaction in adolescents but is also preventive of adolescent depression. As such, the current findings highlight the significance for adolescents to discover and commit to a purpose.
Time to Orgasm in Women in a Monogamous Stable Heterosexual Relationship
Authors: Bhat Gajanan S. , Shastry Anuradha
Published: February 2020

Background

Orgasm in women is a complex phenomenon, and the sparse data about time to orgasm (TitOr) in women are an impediment to the research on this complex phenomenon.

Aim

To evaluate the stopwatch measured TitOr in women in a monogamous stable heterosexual relationship.

Methods

The study was conducted through web-based and personal interview using a questionnaire, which addressed the issues related to TitOr. Sexually active women older than 18 years and women in a monogamous stable heterosexual relationship were included in the study. Those with comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, asthma, psychiatric illness, sexual dysfunction and those with partners with sexual dysfunction were excluded. The participants reported stopwatch measured TitOr after adequate sexual arousal over an 8-week period. The data analysis was performed using GraphPad software (©2018 GraphPad Software, Inc, USA).

Outcomes

The outcomes included stopwatch measured average TitOr in women.

Results

The study period was from October 2017 to September 2018 with a sample size of 645. The mean age of the participants was 30.56 ± 9.36 years. The sample was drawn from 20 countries, with most participants from India, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and the United States of America. The mean reported TitOr was 13.41 ± 7.67 minutes (95% confidence interval: 12.76 minutes–14.06 minutes). 17% of the participants had never experienced the orgasm. Penovaginal intercourse was insufficient to reach orgasm in the majority, in whom it was facilitated by certain positions and maneuvers.

Clinical Implications

The knowledge of stopwatch measured TitOr in women in real-life setting helps to define, treat, and understand female sexual function/dysfunction better and it also helps to plan treatment of male ejaculatory dysfunction, as reported ejaculatory latency in healthy men is much less than the reported TitOr here.

Strengths & limitations

Use of stopwatch to measure TitOr and a large multinational sample are the strength of the study. The absence of a crosscheck mechanism to check the accuracy of the stopwatch measurement is the limitation of the study.

Conclusion

Stopwatch measured average TitOr in the sample of women in our study, who were in a monogamous stable heterosexual relationship, is 13.41 minutes (95% confidence interval: 12.76 minutes–14.06 minutes) and certain maneuvers as well as positions during penovaginal intercourse help achieving orgasm, more often than not.
Participant Reactions to Suicide-Focused Research
Authors: Carter Sarah P. , Ammerman Brooke A. , Gebhardt Heather M. , Buchholz Jonathan , Reger Mark A.
Published: February 2020

Abstract. Background: Concerns exist regarding the perceived risks of conducting suicide-focused research among an acutely distressed population. Aims: The current study assessed changes in participant distress before and after participation in a suicide-focused research study conducted on a psychiatric inpatient unit. Method: Participants included 37 veterans who were receiving treatment on a psychiatric inpatient unit and completed a survey-based research study focused on suicide-related behaviors and experiences. Results: Participants reported no significant changes in self-reported distress. The majority of participants reported unchanged or decreased distress. Reviews of electronic medical records revealed no behavioral dysregulation and minimal use of as-needed medications or changes in mood following participation. Limitations: The study's small sample size and veteran population may limit generalizability. Conclusion: Findings add to research conducted across a variety of settings (i.e., outpatient, online, laboratory), indicating that participating in suicide-focused research is not significantly associated with increased distress or suicide risk.
Positive Mental Health, Stressful Life Events, and Suicide Ideation
Authors: Brailovskaia Julia , Teismann Tobias , Margraf Jürgen
Published: February 2020

Abstract. Background: Stressful life events and suicide ideation regularly occur together. Yet, little is known about factors that buffer individuals against the development of suicide ideation. Aim: In a long-term follow-up study design, it was investigated whether positive mental health, that is, high levels of subjective and psychological well-being, buffers the association between stressful life events and suicide ideation. Method: A total of 126 German students (80.2% female; age: M = 24.29, SD = 5.21) were assessed at a baseline evaluation and again 24 months later. Data were collected using self-report questionnaires. Results: Linear hierarchical regression analysis was used to analyze the data. Positive mental health was considered to moderate the impact of stressful life events on suicide ideation – controlling for age and gender. Limitations: Current results are limited to university students. Conclusions: Positive mental health interacts with stressful life events, such that those with high levels of positive mental health show an attenuated increase in suicide ideation at elevated levels of stress. Positive mental health seems to confer resilience and should be focused on in counseling centers for students.
Youth Suicide Bereavement and the Continuum of Risk
Authors: Bartik Warren John , Maple Myfanwy , McKay Kathy
Published: February 2020

Abstract. Background: There is limited research investigating the risks for young friends exposed to the suicide of peers. Aims: This study aimed to better understand the impact of suicide bereavement on rural young people. Method: Participants in this a mixed-method study were 18 young people who had been exposed to a friend's suicide and who resided in rural Australia. Quantitative data were analyzed with SPSS and qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Results: Participants reported high levels of depression, anxiety, and alcohol use. Key themes were communication about the death, responses to the death, and coping with the death. Young people identified as close friends with the person who died were at less risk of their own suicidal behavior, but demonstrated increased mental health concerns. More peripheral friends were identified at greater risk of suicide. Limitations: The limitations of the study were the purposeful sampling open to selection bias, lack of randomization, and results from one point in time. Conclusion: These findings support that guidelines and interventions following a youth suicide need to better target both the peripheral friends, owing to their greater suicide risk, and the closer friends, owing to other mental health concerns.