bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Streamflow regime of a lake‐stream system based on long‐term data from a high‐density hydrometric network
Authors: Hudson Danielle T. , Leach Jason A. , Webster Kara , Houle Daniel
Published: September 2021

Northern landscapes are dominated by a mosaic of lakes and streams, yet only a limited number of studies have explored how these lake‐stream networks influence streamflow regimes. In order to gain further insight into the hydrologic behaviour of lake‐stream systems, we conducted a study using long‐term streamflow data to investigate the annual‐, seasonal‐ and event‐scale streamflow regimes of a lake‐stream network at the Turkey Lakes Watershed (TLW) in central Ontario, Canada. Streamflow metrics were compared for seven lake and 12 no‐lake catchments within the TLW, in addition to 14 no‐lake catchments from other forested landscapes. It was difficult to attribute patterns in annual streamflow regimes to the influence of lakes due to the confounding influence of catchment size; however, streamflow regimes appeared to be less flashy at locations with more lake influence. In addition, lake catchments showed high similarity in streamflow regimes across seasons, whereas no‐lake catchments showed more similarity to lake catchments during wet seasons but less similarity during dry seasons. Event‐scale streamflow regimes further downstream from lake outlets were associated with greater increases in peakflow response and hydrograph rise rate following rain events than locations closer to lake outlets. Antecedent conditions were also important for both the peakflow response and rise rate, but less so than the amount of rainfall during the event. Variability in streamflow across lake‐stream networks appears to be driven by interactions between delayed contributions from lakes and relatively rapid runoff contributions from hillslopes and tributaries without lakes. In addition, streamflow regimes are influenced by temporal changes in lake storage deficits, which are a function of lake and catchment properties, as well as hydrometeorological conditions. Our results highlight that a network‐scale perspective that incorporates lakes and streams is needed to understand how these landscapes will hydrologically respond to environmental change.
First case of endothermy in semisessile animals
Authors: Dinets Vladimir
Published: September 2021

Endothermy is generally believed to have coevolved with highly active lifestyle in animals, and to be permanent (combined with homeothermy) only in some vertebrates, due in part to size restrictions on endothermic animals. All invertebrates are known to possess endothermy and exhibit it only when engaged in physically intensive behaviors. I report the discovery of permanent endothermy during one part of the life cycle in two species of semisessile lanternflies (Fulgoridae), proving the established assumptions about physiological and morphological prerequisites for permanent endothermy to be wrong: apparently, permanent endothermy can evolve even in very small, semisessile animals as long as they have access to sufficient energy supply.
A systematic review on SARS‐CoV‐2‐associated fungal coinfections
Authors: Soni Shringika , Namdeo Pudake Ramesh , Jain Utkarsh , Chauhan Nidhi
Published: September 2021

A severe pandemic of Coronavirus Disease (COVID‐19) has been sweeping the globe since 2019, and this time, it did not stop, with frequent mutations transforming into virulent strains, for instance, B.1.1.7, B.1.351, and B.1.427. In recent months, a fungal infection, mucormycosis has emerged with more fatal responses and significantly increased mortality rate. To measure the severity and potential alternative approaches against black fungus coinfection in COVID‐19 patients, PubMed, Google Scholar, World Health Organization (WHO) newsletters, and other online resources, based on the cases reported and retrospective observational analysis were searched from the years 2015–2021. The studies reporting mucormycosis with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) coinfection and/or demonstrating potential risk factors, such as a history of diabetes mellitus or suppressed immune system were included, and reports published in non‐English language were excluded. More than 20 case reports and observational studies on black fungus coinfection in COVID‐19 patients were eligible for inclusion. The results indicated that diabetes mellitus, hyperglycemic, and immunocompromised COVID‐19 patients with mucormycosis were at a higher risk. We found that it was prudent to assess the potential risk factors and severity of invasive mycosis via standardized diagnostic and clinical settings. Large‐scale studies need to be conducted to identify early biomarkers and optimization of diagnostic methods has to be established per population and geographical variation. This will not only help clinicians around the world to detect the coinfection in time but also will prepare them for future outbreaks of other potential pandemics.
Ensemble‐based surrogate modeling of microwave antennas using XGBoost algorithm
Authors: Kalayci Hakan , Ayten Umut Engin , Mahouti Peyman
Published: September 2021

With respect to the ever‐increasing performance needs in communication technologies, the need for accurate and computational efficient design optimization methods for high‐end microwave designs are also increased. Many studies had been proposed for the last decades for creating numerical modeling methods for having high accurate, stable, and computation efficient solutions suitable to be used in the design optimization process. Ensemble learning is a technique that the models are strategically created and combined to solve a specific computer intelligence challenge and primarily employed to boost the efficiency of a model or to lower the risk of a weak learner collection. Herein, XGBoosting‐based ensemble learning had been used for having surrogate models for three different microwave designs. In the first and second study cases, two microwave designs from the literature are taken into consideration for testing the performance of the proposed model with existing methods. Furthermore, a novel antenna design had been studied as a third study case with sparse training samples, to test the performance of the proposed modeling technique. As a result, the proposed method had achieved a remarkable performance for all the mentioned study cases both based on its own performance measures and its comparison with the counterpart algorithms.
Evaluating the longitudinal effect of colorectal surgery on health‐related quality of life in patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Reudink Muriël , Molenaar Charlotte J. L. , Bonhof Cynthia S. , Janssen Loes , Mols Floortje , Slooter Gerrit D.
Published: September 2021

Background and Objectives

Surgery for colorectal cancer (CRC) negatively affects health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). Addressing shortcomings in literature, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of surgery for CRC on the course of HRQoL from baseline up to 2 years after diagnosis.

Methods

In this prospective, population‐based study patients with newly diagnosed CRC were included between 2016 and 2019. HRQoL was assessed by the EORTC QLQ‐C30 questionnaire over time both between and within subgroups of patients that underwent right‐sided colonic, left‐sided colonic, and rectal resection using linear mixed model analyses.

Results

The study included 415 patients of whom 148 patients underwent right‐sided colonic (36%), 147 left‐sided colonic (35%), and 120 rectal resection (29%). Overall, HRQoL scores restored to baseline level 1 year after diagnosis. Impact of surgery seems to be more prominent in patients who underwent rectal resection, as they experienced more pain and had worse role and social functioning scores 4 weeks after surgery. Finally, among patients who underwent left‐sided and rectal resection, physical functioning did not return to baseline level during follow‐up.

Conclusion

This study shows several differences (between‐group and within‐group) in HRQoL according to surgery type and offers perspective which patients may need additional support in the care pathway.
Mastoid obliteration and external auditory canal reconstruction with silicone block in canal wall down mastoidectomy
Authors: Faramarzi Mohammad , Kaboodkhani Reza , Faramarzi Ali , Roosta Sareh , Erfanizadeh Mohammadjavad , Hosseinialhashemi Milad
Published: September 2021

Objective

To prevent cavity problems in canal wall down mastoidectomy, silicone block for mastoid obliteration was used.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, 39 patients (21 males and 18 females) underwent canal wall down mastoidectomy and mastoid obliteration using silicone block. We evaluated the postoperative outcome, the time until epithelialization of the cavity, graft success rate, and the hearing outcome.

Results

The time until complete epithelialization of the mastoid cavity was 35.5 ± 5.4 days. We had a graft success rate of 100% during the follow‐ups. The postoperative evaluation revealed 36 dry ears (92.3%) patients without any cavity problems. However, one ear developed granulation tissue, and two ears had partially exposed silicone block, which required revision mastoidectomy. Regarding hearing outcomes, a complication such as deaf ear was not reported.

Conclusion

Silicone block is safe and suitable for mastoid obliteration and external auditory canal reconstruction in canal wall down mastoidectomy.

Level of Evidence

4.
Is venture capital a catalyst for innovative entrepreneurship in China? Empirical analysis based on the PSM‐DID method
Authors: Wang Jinbo , Ran Maosheng , Li Yi , Zhan Heng
Published: September 2021

Using the data of Chinese nonfinancial listed firms between 2005 and 2019, we adopt the propensity score matching‐difference‐in‐differences (PSM‐DID) model to empirically examine the relationship between VC and innovative entrepreneurship (IE). We find that IE is significantly improved after VC entry, and the promoting effect follows an inverted U‐shape over time. Mechanism tests reveal that the effect of VC on IE works mainly through three channels: alleviating financing constraints, enhancing R&D capability, and appointing directors. Furthermore, VC institutions with joint investment strategy and high shareholding ratio play a more significantly role in promoting IE; for industries with higher competition and area with good property rights protection, VC elevates IE more significantly. Finally, the results reveal a complementary relationship between VC and IE in their effect on firm value, especially for firms in eastern China, followed by those in central China.
Cardiopulmonary exercise performance and factors associated with aerobic capacity in neuromuscular diseases
Authors: Ramdharry Gita M. , Wallace Amanda , Hennis Philip , Dewar Elizabeth , Dudziec Magdalena , Jones Katherine , Pietrusz Aleksandra , Reilly Mary M. , Hanna Michael G.
Published: September 2021

Introduction/Aims

Aerobic deconditioning, due to lower levels of physical activity, could impact independence for people with neuromuscular conditions. We report the maximal cardiopulmonary response in a cohort of people with Charcot Marie Tooth disease type 1A (CMT 1A) and inclusion body myositis (IBM). We also explored potential predictors of aerobic capacity with measures of physical impairment and functional performance.

Methods

Participants underwent maximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) using a semi‐recumbent cycle ergometer. Data were analyzed to determine the peak O2 consumption (VO2 peak), anaerobic threshold (AT), maximum heart rate (MHR), ventilatory equivalent for CO2 slope (VE/VCO2), and respiratory exchange ratio (RER). Impairment, functional and patient reported measures were also recorded. Predicted CPET variables were calculated based on published normative data for age, gender, and weight.

Results

Twenty‐two people with CMT and 17 people with IBM were recruited. Both groups showed significantly lower VO2 peak, MHR, AT, and VE/VCO2. The CMT group overall performed better than the IBM group, with significantly higher VO2 peak, MHR, and AT, but lower VE/VCO2. Linear regression analysis demonstrated that VO2 peak was related to body fat percentage and 6‐min walk distance for both groups, and steps per day for the IBM group.

Discussion

Lower than predicted CPET variables were observed that were not explained by cardiopulmonary limitations or reduced effort, implicating peripheral factors in limiting the cycling task. Regression analysis implied prediction of VO2 peak by body fat percentage and 6‐min walk distance. Six‐minute walk distance could be a potential proxy measure of cardiopulmonary fitness.
A stress‐influence‐function with adaptive strength feature approach for stress constrained continuum topology optimization via small‐loop sequential strategy
Authors: Xia Haijun , Qiu Zhiping , Liu Yue
Published: September 2021

Recently, the stress‐influence‐function (SIF) approach is presented for stress constrained continuum topology optimization. The SIF approach provides an alternative for continuum topology optimization with stress constraints. However, the SIF approach is not good at controlling the maximum stress of the elements compared to the conventional approach. In the study, the stress‐influence‐function with adaptive strength feature (SIF‐ASF) approach via small‐loop sequential strategy is proposed to achieve better control on the maximum elemental stress. First, the stress constrained continuum topology optimization formulation is given and the SIF approach is briefly introduced. Then the SIF‐ASF approach is proposed for stress constrained continuum topology optimization, in which the strength feature in the stress influence function is adjusted in each iterative step of the optimization process. The adjoint‐vector based sensitivity analysis to the design variables is further discussed. Three numerical examples are given to illustrate the applicability and validity of the proposed SIF‐ASF approach. It is shown that the proposed SIF‐ASF approach can achieve better control on the maximum elemental stress than the SIF approach. Moreover, the proposed SIF‐ASF approach may obtain a lighter structure than the conventional approach.
Clinical outcomes for pediatric patients receiving radiotherapy for solid tumor central nervous system metastases
Authors: Howard Thomas P. , Boyle Patrick J. , Marcus Karen J. , Haas‐Kogan Daphne A. , Liu Kevin X.
Published: September 2021

Central nervous system (CNS) metastases are rare, but devastating complications of pediatric solid tumors. Radiotherapy alone or postresection serves as an important treatment; however, data on the use of whole‐brain radiotherapy (WBRT) versus focal radiotherapy, including stereotactic radiosurgery or stereotactic radiotherapy, for these indications are limited. We report a single institution experience of 26 pediatric patients treated with radiotherapy for solid tumor CNS metastases without leptomeningeal disease. Focal radiotherapy (n = 10) was well tolerated and survival outcomes did not differ between patients treated with WBRT (n = 16) versus focal radiation, suggesting that focal radiotherapy may be considered for patients with limited CNS metastases.
Effect of annular expansion pipe extruder head on mechanical properties of pipes
Authors: Pan Yu Xi , Li Nan , Wang Jin Yan , Wang Dan Hui , Pan Xiao Tong , Liu Cheng , Jian Xi Gao
Published: September 2021

With polymer pipes being used more commonly, performance requirements are increasing. Studies on the enhancement of mechanical properties of polymer pipes are particularly important. In this study, a self‐designed annular expansion pipe extruder head was used to enhance the mechanical properties of HDPE pipes. Different morphologies of the HDPE pipes were produced under different processing conditions. When the extrusion angle was 30° (P30), the best mechanical properties were obtained. The hoop tensile strength and axial tensile strength were 14.5% and 41.0% higher, respectively, compared with the specimen without expansion (P0). This improvement of mechanical properties can be attributed to several reasons. First, the processing parameters of P30 reached the threshold shear rate and strain for shish‐kebab formation, as shown by scanning electron microscopy. Second, P30 has the highest orientation parameter and crystallinity of 0.679 and 67.27%, respectively, from 2D wide‐angle diffraction (WAXD). Polarized FTIR shows the same trend as 2D‐WAXD. Third, the outer bamboo‐like self‐reinforced structure is formed inside the pipe at 30° expansion angle while the core layer has a well‐formed crystal structure; the special structure improves the overall performance of HDPE pipe. This method can be utilized in large‐scale industrial production.
Optimizing sexual and reproductive health across the lifespan in people with cystic fibrosis
Authors: West Natalie E. , Kazmerski Traci M. , Taylor‐Cousar Jennifer L. , Tangpricha Vin , Pearson Kelsie , Aitken Moira L. , Jain Raksha
Published: September 2021

With improved therapies, people with cystic fibrosis are living longer and healthier lives and increasingly have questions surrounding their sexual and reproductive health. This article will summarize the important issues of which providers should be aware during the lifespan of people with cystic fibrosis, including puberty, adulthood, and menopause. A wide range of sexual and reproductive health topics are addressed such as puberty, transgender and gender nonbinary identities, contraception, sexually transmitted infections, hypogonadism, sexual functioning, cyclical hemoptysis, and urinary incontinence. We discuss gaps in knowledge and current evidence as well as management strategies to optimize care. Our goal is to support providers to enable them to give comprehensive care throughout the lifespan of people with cystic fibrosis.
Biophysical study of the structure and dynamics of the antimicrobial peptide maximin 1
Authors: Timmons Patrick B. , Hewage Chandralal M.
Published: September 2021

Maximin 1 is a cationic, amphipathic antimicrobial peptide found in the skin secretions and brains of the Chinese red belly toad Bombina maxima. The 27 amino acid residue‐long peptide is biologically interesting as it possesses a variety of biological activities, including antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antitumour and spermicidal activities. Its three‐dimensional structural model was obtained in a 50/50% water/2,2,2‐trifluoroethanol‐d3 mixture using two‐dimensional NMR spectroscopy. Maximin 1 was found to adopt an α‐helical structure from residue Ile2 to Ala26. The peptide is amphipathic, showing a clear separation between polar and non‐polar residues. The interactions with sodium dodecyl sulfate micelles, a widely‐used bacterial membrane‐mimicking environment, were modelled using molecular dynamics simulations. The peptide maintains an α‐helical conformation, occasionally displaying a flexibility around the Gly9 and Gly16 residues, which is likely responsible for the peptide's low haemolytic activity. It is found to preferentially adopt a position parallel to the micellar surface, establishing a number of hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions with the micelle.
Fate of translocated American eel (Anguilla rostrata) in the lower Ottawa River and passage behavior at a multichannel barrier
Authors: Twardek William M. , Stoot Lauren J. , Cooke Steven J. , Lapointe Nicolas W. R. , Browne David R.
Published: September 2021

American eel (Anguilla rostrata) is considered endangered under the IUCN's red list. Hydropower facilities are considered a significant threat to American eel, impacting both the outmigration of adults and upstream migration of juveniles. To overcome upstream passage issues, juvenile eels may be trapped and transported around barriers as a mitigation strategy, though few studies have evaluated the efficacy of this approach. To understand the fate of transported eels, we monitored posttranslocation movements in a 110‐km reach of the Ottawa River bounded by two hydropower facilities: Carillon Hydroelectric Generating Station (lower barrier) and Chaudière Falls Hydroelectric Facility (upper barrier). Additionally, we assessed the approach behavior of eels that reached the upper barrier, a multichannel facility, to assess potential fishway locations. To assess these objectives, 40 juvenile eels (440–640 mm) were implanted with acoustic transmitters and were transported and released either just upstream (~6 km) of the lower barrier or just downstream of the upper barrier (~2 km), approximately, 60 and 166 km from the capture site, respectively. Over the three‐month study period, 78% of tagged eels remained upstream of the lower barrier. Of the nine eels that returned downstream of the lower barrier, seven were from the downstream release site; however, the proportion of eels that returned downstream of the lower barrier did not differ significantly between release sites. One eel passed the upper barrier despite no existing fish‐passage structures. At the upper barrier, most eels visited just one of the five channels, suggesting that more than one passage structure may be necessary to allow eels entering different channels to pass upstream of the barrier. Findings from this work will help inform passage efforts for American eel, particularly in the Ottawa River where eel populations have declined severely from their historic abundance.
2D GaN for Highly Reproducible Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering
Authors: Zhao Shasha , Wang Huiliu , Niu Lixin , Xiong Wenqi , Chen Yunxu , Zeng Mengqi , Yuan Shengjun , Fu Lei
Published: September 2021

Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) based on 2D semiconductors has been rapidly developed due to their chemical stability and molecule‐specific SERS activity. High signal reproducibility is urgently required towards practical SERS applications. 2D gallium nitride (GaN) with highly polar Ga–N bonds enables strong dipole–dipole interactions with the probe molecules, and abundant DOS (density of states) near its Fermi level increases the intermolecular charge transfer probability, making it a suitable SERS substrate. Herein, 2D micrometer‐sized GaN crystals are demonstrated to be sensitive SERS platforms with excellent signal reproducibility and stability. Strong dipole–dipole interaction between the dye molecule and 2D GaN enhances the molecular polarizability. Furthermore, 2D GaN benefits its SERS enhancement by the combination of increased DOS and more efficient charge transfer resonances when compared with its bulk counterpart.
Anaemia following medical leech therapy for caudal superficial epigastric skin flap salvage in a Shorthaired Chihuahua
Authors: Wang Zhe , Upchurch David A.
Published: September 2021

A 6.5‐year‐old, 6.1 kg, spayed female Shorthaired Chihuahua was referred for surgical removal of a mast cell tumour regrowth on the right caudal thigh. In the right perineal region lateral to the base of the tail, there was a 4 × 5 cm soft tissue mass with focal alopecia in the centre. Complete excision of the mass was achieved with a caudal superficial epigastric skin flap for closure. At 5 days postoperatively, the distal 25% of the skin flap showed evidence of venous congestion. Medical leech therapy was performed, and the flap was salvaged successfully; however, the dog developed acute anaemia due to excessive blood loss and received a packed red blood cell transfusion. The dog recovered uneventfully after transfusion and the skin flap had healed completely at recheck (26 days postoperatively). To the authors' knowledge, this was the first report of anaemia requiring blood transfusion after leech therapy in dogs.
Investigation of textile dyeing effluent using activated sludge system to assess the removal efficiency
Authors: Malik Ahmed , Hussain Maham , Uddin Fahim , Raza Waseem , Hussain Sadiq , Habiba Um‐e‐ , Malik Tayyaba , Ajmal Zeeshan
Published: September 2021

In this current work, the performance of an aerobic granular sludge (AGS) for real textile wastewater was investigated based on system operational parameters evaluation. The study was performed for 90 days, and sampling was done once a week in which textile dyeing effluent from the textile mill was collected and subjected to laboratory‐scale treatment. The samples from the inlet, the outlet of the wastewater plant, and within the bioreactor were collected at various concentrations of mixed liquid suspended solids (MLSS), and hydraulic retention remained the same in the investigated period of 53 h. The objective of this study was to analyze the AGS system performance assessment by evaluating the effect of different MLSS concentrations on chemical oxygen demand (COD), total suspended solids (TSS), and oil/grease removal from real‐based textile water. The results showed that removal of organic material from the process water increases with an increase in MLSS concentration in the bioreactor and gradually shifts removal of COD from 91.2% to 94.5%. As the concentration of microorganisms in the reactor (aeration tank) increases, the degradation of waste organics in the wastewater increases as well. Moreover, the % removal of TSS (83.5% to 98%) and removal of oil/grease (62.5% to 76.4%) were also increased. These results ultimately suggest that the utilization of an activated sludge system can effectively treat complex and highly polluted denim textile wastewater to avoid secondary pollution posed by this industry.

Practitioner Points

The effectiveness of aerobic granular sludge was investigated for industrial textile effluent.

The increase in MLSS results in increase of % COD removal efficiency to 94.5%.

The AGS system can efficiently treat complicated and highly contaminated textile wastewater.
Randomness and Providence: Is God a Bowler or a Curler?
Authors: Clark Kelly James , Koperski Jeffrey
Published: September 2021

Some theists take God to govern the cosmos by way of intervention. Others deny that God would violate the laws of nature. The distinction is illustrated by contrasting the sports of curling and bowling, which are in turn developed into memorable metaphors for divine providence. The two major scientific challenges to providence—Darwinian evolution and quantum mechanics—are also introduced.
Reconciling Meticulous Divine Providence with Objective Chance
Authors: Koons Robert C.
Published: September 2021

Randomness can be defined in terms of objective probability: an event is random just in case its objective probability (in the circumstances) is other than zero or one. There is a tension between objective probability and divine providence: if God has arranged for E to occur, then its objective probability would seem to be one. I will first show that this tension creates problems for six models of how to combine worldly chance with divine providence: determinism, Molinism, Thomism, divine luck, the multiverse, and van Inwagen’s theory of chance. I will then develop two new solutions to this problem.
Creatio Continua and Quantum Randomness
Authors: Salim Emil , Malik Shoaib Ahmed
Published: September 2021

Some thinkers in the Christian and Islamic traditions assert that God doesn’t only create the universe ex nihilo, but that he also continuously recreates the universe in order to preserve its existence. This chapter will discuss randomness vis-à-vis the doctrine of continuous creation as understood in both religious traditions. We argue that the doctrine of continuous creation in its version that is held by both Christians and Muslims would preclude ontic quantum randomness. The reason is that in the doctrine of continuous creation, God is ultimately and meticulously responsible for the existence of objects and properties at every single moment.
Divine Action and the Emergence of Four Kinds of Randomness
Authors: Koons Robert C. , Dajani Rana
Published: September 2021

If the microphysical domain is deterministic, this would seem to leave God with only two ways of influencing events: setting initial conditions or law-breaking intervention. Arthur Peacocke and Philip Clayton argue there is a third possibility, if there is strong emergence. We will examine four candidates for emergence: of intentionality from computational animal behavior, of sentience from biology, of biology from chemistry, and of chemistry from finite quantum mechanics. In all four cases, a kind of finite-to-infinite transition in modeling is required, and in each case a kind of randomness is involved, potentially opening up a third avenue for divine action.
God et al.— World-Making as Collaborative Improvisation: New Metaphors for Open Theists
Authors: Steen Mark
Published: September 2021

The Abrahamic traditions regard God as the world’s author. But what kind of author? A novelist? A playwright? Perhaps a composer of classical music? I will argue that it is best to regard God as like an improvisational play director or the leader of a jazz ensemble. Each determines the broad melodic contours or coarse-grained plot beforehand, while allowing their musicians or actors, and chance, to fill in the more fine-grained details. This analogy allows us to regard God as the ultimate author of this world, while allowing us to be, while less than co-authors, more than mere enactors of a pre-written piece. These metaphors are particularly well-suited to illustrate and flesh out an Open Theistic view of things.
Saadia on “what is in the hearts of people when they reach the limits of endurance in a trial”
Authors: Stern Josef
Published: September 2021

This chapter addresses Saadia’s theodicies in his Doctrines and Beliefs, a treatise of Jewish theology, and his seminal commentary on the Book of Job whose aim, I argue, is not to investigate the theological problem of evil but to give a phenomenology of people’s mental reactions to suffering. On Saadia’s radically naturalistic interpretation of Job, according to which Job’s human adversary Satan challenges his piety—that Job is pious only because he is prosperous—Job is made to suffer to justify his piety. But Job’s reaction to this suffering manifests the ambiguity, isolation, and uncertainty of one who suffers without understanding why.
The Many Faces of Randomness
Authors: Koperski Jeffrey
Published: September 2021

While “random” is a familiar word, the many subdisciplines found in mathematics and the sciences treat it differently. This chapter gives an overview of the terrain, looking at what randomness and closely related terms mean when used in a technical sense. As we will see, some are more relevant to the question of providence than others.
Randomness in the Cosmos
Authors: Guessoum Nidhal
Published: September 2021

After an introduction of the concepts of randomness and determinacy, I present simple definitions of ‘random number or variable’ or ‘random event’, ‘pseudo-random numbers’, ‘stochastic process’, ‘chance’ and ‘probability’, ‘determinism’ (or ‘deterministic process’), and ‘chaos’. I then proceed to review the different cosmic processes and phenomena where randomness plays an important role. In all these types of processes, I show that there is an underlying “order”, in that there’s a probability distribution for the frequency of such events, the sizes of the objects under consideration, and so on. I conclude with some thoughts on randomness and order in the world and divine providence.
Randomness, Providence, and the Multiverse
Authors: Guiderdoni Bruno
Published: September 2021

We review the role of chance, contingency, necessity, and providence among cosmic properties. The materialistic worldview in which the patterns of the universe result from random processes and humans exist in an “indifferent” universe is examined, as well as the current evidence for a fine-tuned universe. The multiverse is the preferred solution to explain why the properties of our observable universe appear to be bio-friendly. It reintroduces randomness and contingency into the cosmic process. However, this explanation comes at the cost of non-testability. And it is argued that there is no certainty about the evacuation of some kind of remaining fine-tuning in the (hypothetical) fundamental law that rules the multiverse.
Can a Muslim be an Evolutionist?
Authors: Taslaman Caner
Published: September 2021

I will argue that no claim about the emergence of life forms and humans can contradict Islam. Although the Quran clearly asserts that all species of life, including humans, are created by God, it does not reveal how God created. Since the Quran doesn’t teach how God created species, the Quran is compatible with evolution. Yet, although a Muslim can believe in evolution, I argue against the claim that a Muslim must accept evolution.
Randomness and Providence in Christian Thought
Authors: Zwier Karen R.
Published: September 2021

The problem of randomness and providence is not new. Rather, there is a long history of sophisticated thought in response to this problem, which can be called upon to address the problem in its modern scientific variant. After an overview of Christian belief, I consider the concept of divine providence, concentrating on relevant pieces of Christian scripture and passages from the Church Fathers. Next, I cover, in historical fashion, how Christians have grappled with the question of randomness in relation to God’s providence. Finally, I propose my own way of thinking about randomness and providence.
Regulatory role and mechanisms of myeloid TLR4 in anti-GBM glomerulonephritis
Authors: Yang Fuye , Chen Jiaoyi , Huang Xiao Ru , Yiu Wai Han , Yu Xueqing , Tang Sydney C. W. , Lan Hui Yao
Published: September 2021

Myeloid cells and TLR4 play a critical role in acute kidney injury. This study investigated the regulatory role and mechanisms of myeloid TLR4 in experimental anti-glomerular basement membrane (GBM) glomerulonephritis (GN). Anti-GBM GN was induced intlr4flox/floxandtlr4flox/flox−lysM−cremice by intravenous injection of the sheep anti-mouse GBM antibody. Compared to control mice, conditional disruption oftlr4from myeloid cells, largely macrophages (> 85%), suppressed glomerular crescent formation and attenuated progressive renal injury by lowering serum creatinine and 24-h urine protein excretion while improving creatinine clearance. Mechanistically, deletion of myeloidtlr4markedly inhibited renal infiltration of macrophages and T cells and resulted in a shift of infiltrating macrophages from F4/80+iNOS+M1 to F4/80+CD206+M2 phenotype and inhibited the upregulation of renal proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and MCP-1. Importantly, deletion of myeloidtlr4suppressed T cell-mediated immune injury by shifting Th1 (CD4+IFNγ+) and Th17 (CD4+IL-17a+) to Treg (CD4+CD25+FoxP3+) immune responses. Transcriptome analysis also revealed that disrupted myeloid TLR4 largely downregulated genes involving immune and cytokine-related pathways. Thus, myeloid TLR4 plays a pivotal role in anti-GBM GN by immunological switching from M1 to M2 and from Th1/Th17 to Treg and targeting myeloid TLR4 may be a novel therapeutic strategy for immune-mediated kidney diseases.
A symplectic restriction problem
Authors: Blomer Valentin , Corbett Andrew
Published: September 2021

We investigate the norm of a degree 2 Siegel modular form of asymptotically large weight whose argument is restricted to the 3-dimensional subspace of its imaginary part. On average over Saito–Kurokawa lifts an asymptotic formula is established that is consistent with the mass equidistribution conjecture on the Siegel upper half space as well as the Lindelöf hypothesis for the corresponding Koecher–Maaß series. The ingredients include a new relative trace formula for pairs of Heegner periods.
Wave exposure shapes reef community composition and recovery trajectories at a remote coral atoll
Authors: Lange Ines D. , Benkwitt Cassandra E. , McDevitt-Irwin Jamie M. , Tietjen Kristina L. , Taylor Brett , Chinkin Mark , Gunn Rachel L. , Palmisciano Melissa , Steyaert Margaux , Wilson Bry , East Holly K. , Turner John , Graham Nicholas A. J. , Perry Chris T.
Published: September 2021

In a time of unprecedented ecological change, understanding natural biophysical relationships between reef resilience and physical drivers is of increasing importance. This study evaluates how wave forcing structures coral reef benthic community composition and recovery trajectories after the major 2015/2016 bleaching event in the remote Chagos Archipelago, Indian Ocean. Benthic cover and substrate rugosity were quantified from digital imagery at 23 fore reef sites around a small coral atoll (Salomon) in 2020 and compared to data from a similar survey in 2006 and opportunistic surveys in intermediate years. Cluster analysis and principal component analysis show strong separation of community composition between exposed (modelled wave exposure > 1000 J m−3) and sheltered sites (< 1000 J m−3) in 2020. This difference is driven by relatively high cover of Porites sp., other massive corals, encrusting corals, soft corals, rubble and dead table corals at sheltered sites versus high cover of pavement and sponges at exposed sites. Total coral cover and rugosity were also higher at sheltered sites. Adding data from previous years shows benthic community shifts from distinct exposure-driven assemblages and high live coral cover in 2006 towards bare pavement, dead Acropora tables and rubble after the 2015/2016 bleaching event. The subsequent recovery trajectories at sheltered and exposed sites are surprisingly parallel and lead communities towards their respective pre-bleaching communities. These results demonstrate that in the absence of human stressors, community patterns on fore reefs are strongly controlled by wave exposure, even during and after widespread coral loss from bleaching events.
Home environment and frailty in very old adults
Authors: Zimmermann Jaroslava , Hansen Sylvia , Wagner Michael
Published: September 2021

Background

Since older adults spend much time in their home environment (HE), frailty may occur as a consequence of a maladaptation to the HE. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of frailty in the very old population of North Rhine-Westphalia, and to examine the association between the HE and the frailty levels of these individuals.

Methods

Data from a cross-sectional representative study were used, including data on 1577 community-dwelling individuals and nursing home residents aged ≥ 80 years. Objective and subjective HE aspects were included. Frailty was defined according to four criteria: exhaustion, unintentional weight loss, weakness, and low physical activity. Adjusted multinomial regression modelling was used to analyze the link between the HE and frailty levels.

Results

Of the very old individuals, 24.3% were robust, 57.0% were prefrail, and 18.7% were frail. Adjusting for relevant sociodemographic and health characteristics, being not closely attached to the HE was linked with an increased probability of being prefrail and frail. An improvement of the residential area was associated with a decrease in odds of being frail. Living in communities with less than 50,000 and with 100,000–499,999 inhabitants decreased the odds of being frail.

Discussion

Frailty prevalence is shown to be higher in the very old population than in the younger age groups in Germany. Early identification of frailty and tailored interventions focused on improving objective and subjective attributes of the HE are needed to reduce the risk of frailty.
Incidental uptake of fluorodeoxyglucose in the Waldeyer’s ring and risk of oropharyngeal malignancy
Authors: Bujoreanu Iulia , Gujral Dorothy , Wallitt Kathryn , Awad Zaid
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) is increasingly used to diagnose and stage malignancy. The aim of this article is to investigate the significance of incidental FDG uptake in the Waldeyer’s ring and to assess its value in predicting clinically occult oropharyngeal malignancy.

Methods

All FDG-PET/CT scans performed in Imperial College NHS Foundation Trust, UK between January 2012 and November 2018 were included. Patients with known or suspected oropharyngeal malignancy or lymphoma were excluded. Minimum follow-up was 12 months.

Results

A total of 724 scans revealed oropharyngeal uptake of FDG. Of these, 102 were included in the study. Most patients (62.1%) were scanned as part of staging for other malignancies. Oropharyngeal FDG uptake was asymmetrical in 57.3% of the cases. Uptake was more common in the tonsils (56.3%), followed by the tongue base (31.1%) and both sites (12.6%). In 41.7% of reports, appearance was described as likely physiological; however, 52.4% of reports advised direct visualisation, clinical correlation or ENT opinion. Only 24.3% (25/102) of patients were referred and seen by ENT, 14.6% (15/102) of which had an interval PET scan and 8.7% (9/102) proceeded to tissue diagnosis. There was one oropharyngeal cancer identified and one unexpected metastasis from esophageal cancer.

Conclusion

Incidental uptake on PET/CT in the oropharynx is common. However, malignancy is rare (1.9%) and, when present, is associated with high SUVmax and asymmetrical uptake. Imaging results must be correlated clinically. These patients should be seen by an ENT specialist yet most may not require further investigations.
Multiple sclerosis epidemiological trends in Italy highlight the environmental risk factors
Authors: Puthenparampil M. , Perini P. , Bergamaschi R. , Capobianco M. , Filippi M. , Gallo P.
Published: September 2021

Italy is definitely a high-risk country for multiple sclerosis (MS). Over the last 50 years, several epidemiological studies, including longitudinal surveys, have disclosed that MS incidence and prevalence in Italy mainland and Islands (Sardinia and Sicily) have progressively increased, picturing a semi-parabolic curve. Based on the comprehensive scrutiny of 58 papers, we conclude that the latitude risk gradient does not fit to the Italian map of MS. The genetic heterogeneity of the Italian ethnicities, that likely forms the basis of MS predisposition, does not account for the dramatic increase of MS incidence and prevalence observed in Italy over the last half century that, rather, seems better explained by the effect of environmental factors.
A mixed integer linear programming model to support e-fulfillment strategies in warehouse-based supermarket chains
Authors: Vazquez-Noguerol Mar , Comesaña-Benavides Jose A. , Riveiro-Sanroman Sara , Prado-Prado J. Carlos
Published: September 2021

The use of the online channel has greatly increased the logistics costs of supermarket chains. Even the difficulty of managing order picking and delivery processes has increased due to the short delivery times and the preservation of perishable products. Against that backdrop, the proposed approach presents a mathematical model for planning the e-fulfillment activities with the objective of ensuring maximum efficiency. The linear programming model has been designed for e-grocers that prepare their online orders at central warehouses. The mathematical model determines both the time windows during which picking and transport should take place and the assignment of trucks to delivery routes. The allocation of online orders is performed taking into account the conservation requirement of each type of product and the availability of means. Considering this planning tool, managers can improve the decision-making process guaranteeing the quality of service while reducing the e-fulfillment cost for joint picking and delivery point of view. Motivated by a cooperation with a supermarket chain, results bring great insight based on the simulation of different logistics alternatives. Companies and researchers can compare the strategy of leveling the workload and the strategy of reducing the number of means, a common alternative in logistics outsourced to third parties. In addition, the different scenarios developed make it possible to determine the substantial savings achieved by modifying the delivery services and advancing the order preparation. As a result, managerial insights are identified highlighting the importance of efficient order planning to improve the profitability of online sales.
Hospital preparedness during epidemics using simulation: the case of COVID-19
Authors: Garcia-Vicuña Daniel , Esparza Laida , Mallor Fermin
Published: September 2021

This paper presents a discrete event simulation model to support decision-making for the short-term planning of hospital resource needs, especially Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds, to cope with outbreaks, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Given its purpose as a short-term forecasting tool, the simulation model requires an accurate representation of the current system state and high fidelity in mimicking the system dynamics from that state. The two main components of the simulation model are the stochastic modeling of patient admission and patient flow processes. The patient arrival process is modelled using a Gompertz growth model, which enables the representation of the exponential growth caused by the initial spread of the virus, followed by a period of maximum arrival rate and then a decreasing phase until the wave subsides. We conducted an empirical study concluding that the Gompertz model provides a better fit to pandemic-related data (positive cases and hospitalization numbers) and has superior prediction capacity than other sigmoid models based on Richards, Logistic, and Stannard functions. Patient flow modelling considers different pathways and dynamic length of stay estimation in several healthcare stages using patient-level data. We report on the application of the simulation model in two Autonomous Regions of Spain (Navarre and La Rioja) during the two COVID-19 waves experienced in 2020. The simulation model was employed on a daily basis to inform the regional logistic health care planning team, who programmed the ward and ICU beds based on the resulting predictions.
Incidence of malignancy after pediatric kidney transplantation: a single-center experience over the past three decades in Japan
Authors: Aoki Yujiro , Satoh Hiroyuki , Hamasaki Yuko , Hamada Riku , Harada Ryoko , Hataya Hiroshi , Ishikura Kenji , Muramatsu Masaki , Shishido Seiichiro , Sakai Ken
Published: September 2021

Background

Malignancy after kidney transplantation (KT) is one of the most serious post-transplant complications. This study aimed to investigate the incidence, type, and outcomes of malignancy after pediatric KT.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study on pediatric kidney transplant recipients aged 18 years or younger who received their first transplant between 1975 and 2009.

Results

Among the 375 children who underwent KT, 212 were male (56.5%) and 163 were female (43.5%) (median age at KT, 9.6 years [interquartile range {IQR}] 5.8–12.9 years). The incidence of malignancy was 5.6% (n = 21). The cumulative incidences of cancer were 0.8%, 2.5%, 2.8%, 4.2%, 5.5%, and 15.6% at 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30 years post-transplantation, respectively. Of 375 patients, 12 (3.2%) had solid cancer and nine (2.4%) had lymphoproliferative malignancy. The median age at the first malignancy was 21.3 years (IQR 11.5–33.3 years). The median times from transplant to diagnosis were 22.3 years (IQR 12.3–26.6 years) for solid cancer and 2.2 years (IQR 0.6–2.8) for lymphoproliferative malignancies. During follow-up, five recipients died due to malignancy. The causes of death were hepatocellular carcinoma in one patient, squamous cell carcinoma in the transplanted kidney in one patient, malignant schwannoma in one patient, and Epstein-Barr virus-related lymphoma in two patients. The mortality rate was 0.79 per 1000 person-years (95% confidence interval 0.38, 1.85).

Conclusions

Early diagnosis and treatment of malignancies in transplant recipients is an important challenge. Therefore, enhanced surveillance and continued vigilance for malignancy following KT are necessary.