bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accuracy of weighted CTDI in estimating average dose delivered to CTDI phantoms: An experimental study
Authors: Treb Kevin , Li Ke
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The concept of the weighted computed tomography dose index () was proposed in 1995 to represent the average CTDI across an axial section of a cylindrical phantom. The purpose of this work was to experimentally re‐examine the validity of the underlying assumptions behind for modern MDCT systems.

Methods

To enable experimental mapping of in the axial plane, in‐house 16 and 32 cm cylindrical phantoms were fabricated to allow the pencil chamber to reach any arbitrary axial location within the phantoms. The phantoms were scanned on a clinical MDCT with five beam collimation widths, three bowtie filters, and four kV levels. To evaluate the linearity and rotational invariance assumptions implicitly made when the weighting factors of 1/3 and 2/3 in the formula were originally derived, was measured at different radial and angular locations within the phantom for different collimation, bowtie, and kV combinations. The average CTDI () across the axial plane was calculated from the experimental two‐dimensional (2D) dose distribution and was compared with the traditional .

Results

For both phantoms under all scan conditions, the axial dose distributions were found to have significant angular dependence, potentially due to the x‐ray attenuation by the patient couch or the head holder. The radial dose profiles were also found to significantly deviate from linearity in many cases due to the presence of the bowtie filter. When only the 12 o’clock peripheral and the traditional weighting factors were used to calculate , the average dose was overestimated in the 16 cm phantom by up to 8.4% at isocenter and up to 35.3% when the phantom was off‐centered by 6 cm; in the 32 cm phantom at isocenter, the average dose was overestimated by up to 12.8%. Using an average of the four peripheral measurements at the 12, 3, 6, and 9 o’clock locations reduced the error of to within 1.2% in the 16 cm phantom. For the 32 cm phantom, even by using the average of the peripheral measurements, the traditional underestimated the average dose by up to 4.3% due to aggressive drop‐off of the at the phantom periphery.

Conclusions

The linearity and rotational‐invariance assumptions behind the traditional formalism may not be valid for modern CT systems and thus may not accurately represent the average dose or radiation output within a CTDI phantom. Utilizing data from all four peripheral locations always improves accuracy of in representing the true average dose. For the large (32 cm) phantom, nonlinear models and more measurement points are needed if a more precise estimation of the average axial dose is required.
A comprehensive study on strengthening IPR Paradigm affecting regional development based on “One Belt One Road” collaboration between China and the Middle East
Authors: Noureldin Mohamed , Ren Chong , Zaheer Ahmed , Ateya Asmaa , Khan Kashif Ullah
Published: October 2020

Importance of the global collaboration for the sake of regional development is very well understood by the rising economic structure of China as it has played a very important role in developing such initiates such as Belt and Road Initiative for regional advancement in Middle Eastern countries. The importance of One Belt One road initiative for the economic, cultural, and regional development cannot be overemphasized and thus it is going to bridge the gap between China and Middle Eastern countries. This research is focused on those specific requisite areas, which need a systematic scenario for the implementation of this global progressive initiative. Moreover, this research also exploits the relationship between imperative areas. Although these highlighted associations do not play a stand‐alone role, though they are and will be affected by other prompting factors. The major findings of this research study expose the dependency and mutual exclusion of these factors such as the significant change in our main variable (IPR Paradigm) due to change in Trademark, IPR institution, ownership, and confidentiality adoption because of the Sig. value is 0.014, 0.015, 0.003, and 0.002 respectively, which is less than the acceptable value of 0.05. With a 1% increase in the adoption of trademark, IPR institution, ownership, and confidentiality, the IPR Paradigm will increase by 0.183%, 0.173%, 0.197%, and 0.197% (B value) respectively.
Accountability for system of reporting and disclosure statements for Non‐Government Organizations in Indonesia
Authors: Yuesti Anik , Adnyana I Made Dwi
Published: October 2020

Non‐Government Organizations (NGOs) have shown serious accountability problems in Indonesia. This current study aims to analyze the accountability problems of the NGOs from the perspective of stakeholder theory. The problems of accountability in practice are performance assessment and evaluation, participation, self‐regulation, and social audit. We have utilized a mixed method approach where the data were collected from 385 respondents. SMART‐PLS was used for analyses, while the results have shown that the problem of accountability based on stakeholders' perspective theory is a system of control on the practice accountability. The system of control on the practice of accountability cannot bring the owners, the management, and workers to the real practice of accountability as stakeholder theory does not emphasize on the vertical relationship or the relationship with God as the Owner. The research is important to know the problems of accountability in NGOs. We have discussed policy guidelines as well as limitations and future research directions.
Results of the IX International Spectroradiometer Intercomparison and impact on precise measurements of new photovoltaic technologies
Authors: Pavanello D. , Galleano R. , Zaaiman W. , Ankit M. , Kouremeti N. , Gröbner J. , Hoogendijk K. , Po M. , Lisbona E.F. , Alius W. , Dosenovicova D. , Kroeger I. , Friedrich D. , Haverkamp E. , Minuto A. , Celi E. , Pravettoni M. , Bellenda G. , Fucci R.
Published: October 2020

Today's variety of photovoltaic (PV) technologies imposes new challenges to laboratories and industries to precisely measure the performance of devices and, consequently, to accurately estimate the energy yield once installed in a specific location. Spectroradiometry has become a key discipline for metrology applied to PV: Spectral irradiance is one of the three parameters according to which solar simulators are classified according to IEC 60904‐9; precise spectrum measurements are a key factor in the spectral mismatch calculation. Finally, energy rating calculations according to IEC 61853 involve spectral irradiance conditions different than the AM1.5G standard spectrum. To tackle these issues, since 2011, the International Spectroradiometer Interlaboratory Comparison (ISRC) takes place annually in different locations of Europe with the participation of laboratories, research institutes, and industry partners to assess spectral measurement capabilities and share good measurement practices and protocols. In this paper, several results of the 9th ISRC 2019 are presented, looking in particular at the impact on characterization of new technologies like organic devices (OPV), dye‐sensitized (DSSC), and perovskites.
Intravenous pulses of methylprednisolone for infants with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia and respiratory support after 3 months of age
Authors: Billion Elodie , Hadchouel Alice , Garcelon Nicolas , Delacourt Christophe , Drummond David
Published: October 2020

Introduction

There are few published data on the efficacy of systemic corticosteroids in preterm infants with very severe forms of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), requiring respiratory support after 3 months of age. The aim of this study was to report the use of pulses of methylprednisolone in this population and its consequences on the level of respiratory support.

Methods

This retrospective monocentre study included infants over 3 months of age with severe BPD who received at least one pulse of methylprednisolone (300 mg/m2/day intravenous [IV] over 3 days). The primary outcome was the evolution of the pulmonary severity score (PSS) during the 3 months preceding and the 5 months following the first pulse. The evolution of the median PSS over time was analyzed using linear segmented regression for interrupted time series.

Results

Ten infants were included. During the 3 months preceding the first pulse, a significant increase in the median PSS was observed (p = .01), followed by a progressive decrease during the 5 months after administration of the first pulse (p < .01). Greater effects were observed in more severe infants requiring mechanical or noninvasive ventilation than in those receiving supplemental oxygen through nasal cannula.

Conclusion

High‐dose IV pulses of methylprednisolone were associated with a decrease in the level of respiratory support required by infants with very severe forms of BPD, with a greater effect in those on mechanical or noninvasive ventilation. Further studies are warranted to confirm these preliminary results and assess the long‐term safety of this therapy.
Transcriptome profiling and functional analysis suggest that the constitutive overexpression of four cytochrome P450s confers resistance to abamectin in Tetranychus urticae from China
Authors: Xu Dandan , Zhang Yan , Zhang Youjun , Wu Qingjun , Guo Zhaojiang , Xie Wen , Zhou Xiaomao , Wang Shaoli
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

The two‐spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae is a polyphagous and cosmopolitan pest that has developed high resistance to abamectin, making it difficult to control. Although ‘target resistance’ related to glutamate‐gated chloride channel mutations was found in T. urticae field populations in China, other resistance mechanisms appear to be involved. Here, we conducted genome‐wide transcriptome profiling using RNA‐sequencing of two abamectin‐resistant populations (NB‐ZJ and SY‐BJ) and one susceptible strain (Lab‐SS) to identify differentially expressed genes that might contribute to the resistance of T. urticae to abamectin in China.

RESULTS

Our experiments showed that abamectin resistance was synergized by piperonyl butoxide (PBO) and triphenyl phosphate (TPP), with synergistic ratios (SR) of 2.95‐fold and 2.21‐fold for PBO and 3.55‐fold and 2.84‐fold for TPP in NB‐ZJ and SY‐BJ populations, respectively. Transcriptome data and quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR) revealed that seven detoxification enzyme genes were overexpressed in the two resistant populations. Furthermore, functional analysis by RNA interference (RNAi) indicated that the mortality caused by abamectin was significantly increased by the separate silencing of the P450 genes CYP389C10, CYP392D8, CYP392A11, and CYP392A12.

CONCLUSION

qRT‐PCR expression and RNAi data suggest that the overexpression of P450 genes CYP389C10, CYP392D8, CYP392A11, and CYP392A12 may be involved in the abamectin‐resistance of field populations of T. urticae in China. This knowledge could facilitate the elucidation of resistance mechanisms and the development of resistance management of T. urticae field populations. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
The focal hepatic hot spot sign with lung cancer in computed tomography
Authors: Hoang Van Trung , Vo Nhu Quynh , Trinh Cong Thao , Nguyen Hoang Quan , Chansomphou Vichit , Le Trong Binh
Published: October 2020

Key message

The focal hepatic hot spot sign appears as an area of intense focal wedge‐shaped enhancement of the quadrate lobe (segment IVa) of the liver in the arterial and venous phase. If this sign appears on enhanced computed tomography of the abdomen, obstruction of thoracic central venous must be considered, especially when clinical symptoms are unclear.
Chromosomal copy number analysis of products of conception by conventional karyotyping and next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Tamura Yuki , Santo Mitsuo , Araki Yasuhisa , Matsubayashi Hidehiko , Takaya Yukiko , Kitaya Kotaro , Doshida Masakazu , Yamaguchi Kohei , Mizuta Shimpei , Takahashi Chie , Kim Namhyo , Okuno Koichiro , Takeuchi Takumi , Ishikawa Tomomoto
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Chromosomal abnormalities are a major cause of spontaneous abortion, and conventional G‐banded karyotyping (G‐banding) is mainly utilized for chromosomal analysis. Recently, next‐generation sequencing (NGS) has been introduced for chromosomal analysis. Here, we aimed to investigate the applicability and utility of NGS‐based chromosomal analysis of products of conception (POC) on chorionic villus samples from spontaneous abortion.

Methods

The results of chromosomal analysis of 7 chorionic villus samples from spontaneous abortion were compared between conventional G‐banding and NGS‐based chromosomal copy number analysis. Age dependency and frequency of each chromosomal aneuploidy were evaluated for 279 cases analyzed by NGS.

Results

Excluding two cases (culture failure and maternal cell contamination), the results were consistent between G‐banding and NGS. For cases analyzed by NGS, the rate of chromosomal abnormality increased in a maternal age‐dependent manner. The frequency of each chromosomal aneuploidy detected by NGS was almost the same as that previously reported. Finally, NGS analysis was possible for difficult cases by G‐banding analysis, such as culture failure, maternal cell contamination, long‐term storage cases, and low cell number.

Conclusions

Chromosome analysis using NGS not only obtains comparable results to conventional G‐banding, but also can analyze POC more accurately and efficiently.
The Kőnig graph process
Authors: Kamčev Nina , Krivelevich Michael , Morrison Natasha , Sudakov Benny
Published: October 2020

Say that a graph G has property if the size of its maximum matching is equal to the order of a minimal vertex cover. We study the following process. Set and let e1, e2, … eN be a uniformly random ordering of the edges of Kn, with n an even integer. Let G0 be the empty graph on n vertices. For m ≥ 0, Gm + 1 is obtained from Gm by adding the edge em + 1 exactly if Gm ∪ {em + 1} has property . We analyze the behavior of this process, focusing mainly on two questions: What can be said about the structure of GN and for which m will Gm contain a perfect matching?
Hydroxy Piperlongumines: Synthesis, Antioxidant, Cytotoxic Effect on Human Cancer Cell Lines, Inhibitory Action and ADMET Studies
Authors: Subramani Muthuraman , Ramamoorthy Gayathri , Hemaiswarya Shanmugam , Waidha Kamran , Brindha J. , Balamurali M. M. , Doble Mukesh , Rajendran Saravanakumar
Published: October 2020

Piperlongumine, an anticancer natural product, was sequentially demethylated to obtain mono, di and trihydroxy piperlongumines. The hydroxy piperlongumines were evaluated for cytotoxic effect on five human cancer cell lines (kidney, skin, cervical, breast, and lung) in vitro. Results from cytotoxic and cell growth inhibition studies showed monohydroxy piperlongumine (MHPL) was the most active of the series, exhibited potent cytotoxic effect on all the tested cell lines. Flow cytometry analysis shows MHPL inhibited cell cycle progression of HeLa cells in the S phase, indicated that it inhibits the DNA replication process. Fluorescence staining indicated MHPL treated cells were apoptotic. MHPL upregulated the apoptotic genes (caspase‐3, −8, Bax, and p53) and downregulated anti‐apoptotic gene (Bcl‐2). The antioxidant study revealed that hydroxy piperlongumines are effective antioxidants. For MHPL, all the molecular descriptors were within the range of 95 % of approved drugs suggesting high druglikeliness. Our results suggest that MHPL could be developed as a potential lead molecule for cancer therapy.
Synthesis, Characterization, Antimicrobial Evaluation, and Computational Investigation of Substituted Imidazo[2,1‐b][1,3,4]Thiadiazole Derivatives
Authors: Dagli Meltem , Er Mustafa , Karakurt Tuncay , Onaran Abdurrahman , Alici Hakan , Tahtaci Hakan
Published: October 2020

In this study, a novel series of 2,6‐disubstituted and 2,5,6‐trisubstituted imidazo[2,1‐b][1,3,4]thiadiazole derivatives were synthesized starting from 2‐amino‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole derivatives. Structures of the synthesized compounds were characterized using various analysis techniques. Then, in vitro biological activity tests were carried out for all synthesized compounds and they were found to show moderate to good activity against all bacteria and fungi tested. Next, molecular docking simulations were performed to observe the inhibition effect of the synthesized compounds on the 3R9C receptor and support their biological activity results. Finally, the pharmacokinetic, ADME and toxicity properties of all compounds were examined using FAF‐Drugs and ProTox webservers and it was concluded that they had acceptable toxicity and ADME properties.
PVD‐Abscheidung von CoSm‐Schichten für magnetische Maßstäbe
Authors: Bandorf Ralf , Ortner Kai , Krau Marco
Published: October 2020

Magnetische Funktionsschichten werden seit Jahrzehnten als zuverlässige und hochgenaue Informationsträger beispielsweise in Festplattenspeichern oder auf Magnetkarten eingesetzt. Neben der Datenspeicherung bieten Magnetschichten auch in mechanischen und elektromechanischen Elementen ein großes Potenzial, um Position, Geschwindigkeit oder Winkel von bewegten Bauteilen zu messen. Im Rahmen der Elektromobilität steigt hier auch die Nachfrage nach hochgenauen magnetischen Messsystemen. Darüber hinaus können Magnetschichten zur Codierung von Werkstück‐Informationen oder als Element von miniaturisierten Antrieben eingesetzt werden.

Für die Herstellung der magnetischen Schichten werden verschiedene Verfahren eingesetzt, die ihre spezifischen Vorteile und Grenzen aufweisen. Für dünnere Schichten finden galvanische Verfahren häufiger Verwendung, während für dickere Schichten beispielsweise Sinterverfahren genutzt werden. Speziell die wirtschaftliche Herstellung von leistungsfähigen Schichten im Bereich von einigen Mikrometern bis zu einigen zehn Mikrometern stellt hierbei eine technologische Herausforderung dar. Am Fraunhofer IST werden seit längerer Zeit weich‐ und hartmagnetische Schichten für unterschiedliche Anwendungen entwickelt. Hierbei kommt ein spezielles Niederdruck‐Beschichtungsverfahren, das Hohlkathoden‐Gasfluss‐Sputtern (GFS) zum Einsatz, das ebenfalls am Fraunhofer IST in den letzten 20 Jahren entwickelt und industrialisiert wurde. In Kooperation mit ITK Dr. Kassen GmbH wurden mit dem Verfahren hartmagnetische Schichten entwickelt, die als Maßstäbe für hochgenaue Positionierung in kompakten Mikroskoptischen zum Einsatz kommen. In der betrieblichen Praxis haben sich diese Schichten als äußert zuverlässig und robust gegen äußere Einflüsse gezeigt, sodass eine hohe Zuverlässigkeit auch unter schwierigen Bedingungen erreicht werden konnte. Die entwickelten Schichten erlauben dabei die Beschreibung mit reproduzierbaren Marken, die in Kombination mit einem speziellen Auswertealgorithmus höchste Auflösungen liefert. Die Tische ermöglichen durch das integrierte Messsystem eine Absolutbestimmung der Position, ohne Referenzieren, mit einer Positionsauflösung im Nanometerbereich.
A review of groundwater in high mountain environments
Authors: Somers Lauren D. , McKenzie Jeffrey M.
Published: October 2020

Mountain water resources are of particular importance for downstream populations but are threatened by decreasing water storage in snowpack and glaciers. Groundwater contribution to mountain streamflow, once assumed to be relatively small, is now understood to represent an important water source to streams. This review presents an overview of research on groundwater in high mountain environments (As classified by Meybeck et al. (2001) as very high, high, and mid‐altitude mountains). Coarse geomorphic units, like talus, alluvium, and moraines, are important stores and conduits for high mountain groundwater. Bedrock aquifers contribute to catchment streamflow through shallow, weathered bedrock but also to higher order streams and central valley aquifers through deep fracture flow and mountain‐block recharge. Tracer and water balance studies have shown that groundwater contributes substantially to streamflow in many high mountain catchments, particularly during low‐flow periods. The percentage of streamflow attributable to groundwater varies greatly through time and between watersheds depending on the geology, topography, climate, and spatial scale. Recharge to high mountain aquifers is spatially variable and comes from a combination of infiltration from rain, snowmelt, and glacier melt, as well as concentrated recharge beneath losing streams, or through fractures and swallow holes. Recent advances suggest that high mountain groundwater may provide some resilience—at least temporarily—to climate‐driven glacier and snowpack recession. A paucity of field data and the heterogeneity of alpine landscapes remain important challenges, but new data sources, tracers, and modeling methods continue to expand our understanding of high mountain groundwater flow.

This article is categorized under:

Science of Water > Hydrological Processes

Science of Water > Water and Environmental Change

Science of Water > Methods
Cover Image
Authors: Muthunayake Nisansala S. , Tomares Dylan T. , Childers W. Seth , Schrader Jared M.
Published: October 2020

The cover image is based on the Advanced Review Phase‐separated bacterial ribonucleoprotein bodies organize mRNA decay by Nisansala S. Muthunayake et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/wrna.1599.

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Cover Image
Authors: Zhang Jinwei
Published: October 2020

The cover image is based on the Advanced Review Unboxing the T‐box riboswitches—A glimpse into multivalent and multimodal RNA–RNA interactions by Jinwei Zhang https://doi.org/10.1002/wrna.1600.

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Natural Resource Undergraduate Students in the New Millennium
Authors: Dokes Talesha J. , Roloff Gary J. , Millenbah Kelly F. , Wolter Bjørn H. K. , Montgomery Robert A.
Published: October 2020

Historically, undergraduate college students enrolled in natural resources programs came from rural backgrounds and regularly participated in fishing, hunting, and trapping (i.e., consumptive activities). Student demographics shifted considerably over the past 30 years, with more natural resources students coming from urban backgrounds with lower levels of engagement in consumptive activities. Some stakeholders and employers are concerned that misalignment between student participation in consumptive and nonconsumptive wildlife‐related activities and priorities of natural resource management authorities might result in contradicting views on consumptive activities. We sought to understand the background, participation in wildlife‐related activities, and career decision‐making process of undergraduate college students currently enrolled in natural resources programs in the early 21st century. We conducted an online survey of students enrolled in members of the National Association of University Fisheries and Wildlife Programs. We examined how demographics (including personal and family characteristics) and participation in outdoor activities shaped student decisions to pursue natural resources training in college and career choices. We received 1,376 undergraduate respondents (570 males, 806 females) representing universities and colleges in 29 U.S. states. Responding students were primarily Caucasian with the majority between 18 and 22 years old. Most identified that they regularly (>11 hr/month) spent time outdoors, and just over half acknowledged participating in hunting and fishing. Participation in hunting, fishing, and farming were lower among students identifying as female than among those identifying as male. We also found that family participation in hunting and fishing was most influential on both student involvement in consumptive activities and their decisions to pursue natural resources careers. Students with family participation in consumptive activities made natural resources career decisions in high school as compared with students whose families did not participate in consumptive activities, who waited until early college. Our study indicates that about 50% of undergraduate college students enrolled in natural resource programs do not participate in consumptive activities. Our study also highlights the importance of family participation in consumptive activities in determining school and career outcomes, with implications for student recruitment and retention practices for natural resource academic programs and employers in the early 21st century. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
Combination therapies utilizing neoepitope-targeted vaccines
Authors: Lee Karin L. , Schlom Jeffrey , Hamilton Duane H.
Published: October 2020

Clinical successes have been achieved with checkpoint blockade therapy, which facilitates the function of T cells recognizing tumor-specific mutations known as neoepitopes. It is a reasonable hypothesis that therapeutic cancer vaccines targeting neoepitopes uniquely expressed by a patient’s tumor would prove to be an effective therapeutic strategy. With the advent of high-throughput next generation sequencing, it is now possible to rapidly identify these tumor-specific mutations and produce therapeutic vaccines targeting these patient-specific neoepitopes. However, initial reports suggest that when used as a monotherapy, neoepitope-targeted vaccines are not always sufficient to induce clinical responses in some patients. Therefore, research has now turned to investigating neoepitope vaccines in combination with other cancer therapies, both immune and non-immune, to improve their clinical efficacies.
Gut microbiota composition in relation to intake of added sugar, sugar-sweetened beverages and artificially sweetened beverages in the Malmö Offspring Study
Authors: Ramne Stina , Brunkwall Louise , Ericson Ulrika , Gray Nicola , Kuhnle Gunter G. C. , Nilsson Peter M. , Orho-Melander Marju , Sonestedt Emily
Published: October 2020

Purpose

It has been suggested that a high intake of sugar or sweeteners may result in an unfavorable microbiota composition; however, evidence is lacking. Hence, in this exploratory epidemiological study, we aim to examine if intake of added sugar, sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) or artificially sweetened beverages (ASBs) associate with the gut microbiota composition.

Methods

Participants (18–70 years) in the Malmö Offspring Study have provided blood, urine, and fecal samples and completed both web-based 4 day food records and short food frequency questionnaires. The gut microbiota was assessed by 16S rRNA sequencing, processed in QIIME and matched to Greengenes (v.13.8), giving 64 included genera after filtering. Intake of added sugar (n = 1371) (also supported by the overnight urinary sugar biomarker in a subgroupn = 577), SSBs (n = 1086) and ASBs (n = 1085) were examined as exposures in negative binomial regressions.

Results

Various genera nominally associated with intake of added sugar, SSBs, and ASBs. Only the negative association between SSB intake andLachnobacteriumremained significant after multiple testing correction. A positive association between SSB intake and the Firmicutes:Bacteroidetes ratio was also observed.

Conclusion

In this wide population, the cross-sectional associations between added sugar and sweet beverage intake and the gut microbiota are modest, but the results suggest that SSB intake is associated negatively with the genusLachnobacteriumand positively with the Firmicutes:Bacteroidetes ratio. Larger studies, preferably using metagenomic sequencing, are needed to further evaluate if a link exists between intake of sugars and sweeteners and the human gut microbiota.
Abusive head trauma in court: a multi-center study on criminal proceedings in Germany
Authors: Feld Katharina , Feld Dustin , Karger Bernd , Helmus Janine , Schwimmer-Okike Nneka , Pfeiffer Heidi , Banaschak Sibylle , Wittschieber Daniel
Published: October 2020

The shaken baby syndrome (SBS) is a common variant of abusive head trauma (AHT) in infants and toddlers. Data on the legal outcome of such cases are still sparse. By means of a retrospective multi-center analysis, 72 cases of living children diagnosed with SBS/AHT from three German university institutes of legal medicine were identified. Forty-six of these cases with 68 accused individuals were available and could be evaluated with regard to basic data on the course of the criminal proceedings as well as the profile of the defendants (sub-divided into suspects, convicts, and confessed perpetrators). Criminal proceedings predominantly commenced with a complaint by the treating hospital (62%) and were found to be closed (without judgment) in 50% of the cases, mostly due to a “lack of sufficient suspicion.” Of the 23 cases with judgment, the court decided on acquittal in 4 cases (17%). Imprisonment was the most frequent sentence (16 out of 19 cases with conviction, 84%), whereby the sentence has been suspended on probation in 63% of the cases. Suspects and perpetrators were mostly male and derived from the close family environment of the injured children. All confessed perpetrators stated an “excessive demand” as the reason for the violent shaking of the child. The results of the present study are in line with data from other studies with other legal systems. As many criminal proceedings were closed and the 4 acquittals occurred because the perpetration could not be ascribed to a specific perpetrator, improving the forensic methods for such an unequivocal assignment would be desirable.
Schwerpunktsetzung in der Kinderchirurgie
Authors: Deluggi Stefan
Published: October 2020

Abschließend fasse ich die mir wichtigen Inhalte noch einmal zusammen: Das Implementieren von kinderchirurgischen Expertisezentren in Österreich erfordert die gemeinsame Anstrengung aller Beteiligten, dazu zählen: Patientenvertretungen und Selbsthilfegruppen, die gesamte österreichische Kinderchirurgie und natürlich auch die beteiligten Ministerien. Will Österreich als eines der reichsten Länder Europas sein Versprechen von 2014 zum Schutz der Patienten mit seltenen Erkrankungen einlösen, müssen auch die finanziellen Mittel aufgebracht werden.

Während des Entwicklungsprozesses soll das Augenmerk auch weiterhin auf eine breite kinderchirurgische Versorgung österreichweit gelegt werden. Junge und motivierte Kinderchirurgen müssen in diesen Prozess eingebunden werden. Am Ende des Prozesses bleibt die österreichische Kinderchirurgie selbst Garant für die Qualität in der Behandlung seltener kinderchirurgischer Erkrankungen.

Ein erster Schritt in diese Richtung wird die Einführung eines zentralen Registers zur Darstellung der seltenen Erkrankungen in Österreich und deren Behandlung sein. Diese Überlegungen mögen ein Gedankenanstoß für die Neustrukturierung der österreichischen Kinderchirurgie sein. Dies geschieht im Interesse der heutigen und zukünftigen kinderchirurgischen Patienten!
Parallel-in-time simulation of an electrical machine using MGRIT
Authors: Bolten Matthias , Friedhoff Stephanie , Hahne Jens , Schöps Sebastian
Published: October 2020

We apply the multigrid-reduction-in-time (MGRIT) algorithm to an eddy current simulation of a two-dimensional induction machine supplied by a pulse-width-modulation signal. To resolve the fast-switching excitations, small time steps are needed, such that parallelization in time becomes highly relevant for reducing the simulation time. The MGRIT algorithm is an iterative method that allows calculating multiple time steps simultaneously by using a time-grid hierarchy. It is particularly well suited for introducing time parallelism in the simulation of electrical machines using existing application codes, as MGRIT is a non-intrusive approach that essentially uses the same time integrator as a traditional time-stepping algorithm. However, the key difficulty when using time-stepping routines of existing application codes for the MGRIT algorithm is that the cost of the time integrator on coarse time grids must be less expensive than on the fine grid to allow for speedup over sequential time stepping on the fine grid. To overcome this difficulty, we consider reducing the costs of the coarse-level problems by adding spatial coarsening. We investigate effects of spatial coarsening on MGRIT convergence when applied to two numerical models of an induction machine, one with linear material laws and a full nonlinear model. Parallel results demonstrate significant speedup in the simulation time compared to sequential time stepping, even for moderate numbers of processors.
Positive affect is inversely related to the salience and emotion network’s connectivity
Authors: Qi Di , Lam Charlene L. M. , Wong Jing Jun , Chang Dorita H. F. , Lee Tatia M. C.
Published: October 2020

Increasing evidence has shown that positive affect enhances many aspects of daily functioning. Yet, how dispositional positive affect is represented in the intrinsic brain networks remains unclear. Here, we used resting-state functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging to test how trait positive and negative affect of an individual were associated with the intrinsic connectivity of brain regions within the salience and emotion network and the default mode network in 70 healthy young adults. We observed that positive affect was negatively associated with connectivity within the salience and emotion network, particularly with the bidirectional connections spanning the left anterior insula and left nucleus accumbens. For connections between the salience and emotion network and the rest of the brain, we observed that positive affect was negatively related to the connectivity between the right amygdala and the right middle temporal gyrus. Affect-based modulations of connectivity were specific to positive affect and to the salience and emotion network. Our findings highlight the critical role of salience and emotion network in the neural relations of positive affect, and lay the groundwork for future studies on modeling the connectivity of salience and emotion network to predict mental well-being.
Epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Salzberger Bernd , Buder Felix , Lampl Benedikt , Ehrenstein Boris , Hitzenbichler Florian , Holzmann Thomas , Schmidt Barbara , Hanses Frank
Published: October 2020

Purpose

SARS-CoV-2 is a recently emerged ß-coronavirus. Here we present the current knowledge on its epidemiologic features.

Methods

Non-systematic review.

Results

SARS-CoV-2 replicates in the upper and lower respiratory tract. It is mainly transmitted by droplets and aerosols from asymptomatic and symptomatic infected subjects. The consensus estimate for the basis reproduction number (R0) is between 2 and 3, and the median incubation period is 5.7 (range 2–14) days. Similar to SARS and MERS, superspreading events have been reported, the dispersion parameter (kappa) is estimated at 0.1. Most infections are uncomplicated, and 5–10% of patients are hospitalized, mainly due to pneumonia with severe inflammation. Complications are respiratory and multiorgan failure; risk factors for complicated disease are higher age, hypertension, diabetes, chronic cardiovascular, chronic pulmonary disease and immunodeficiency. Nosocomial and infections in medical personnel have been reported. Drastic reductions of social contacts have been implemented in many countries with outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2, leading to rapid reductions. Most interventions have used bundles, but which of the measures have been more or less effective is still unknown. The current estimate for the infection’s fatality rate is 0.5–1%. Using current models of age-dependent infection fatality rates, upper and lower limits for the attack rate in Germany can be estimated between 0.4 and 1.6%, lower than in most European countries.

Conclusions

Despite a rapid worldwide spread, attack rates have been low in most regions, demonstrating the efficacy of control measures.
Intelligent Feedback on Hypothesis Testing
Authors: Tacoma Sietske , Heeren Bastiaan , Jeuring Johan , Drijvers Paul
Published: October 2020

Hypothesis testing involves a complex stepwise procedure that is challenging for many students in introductory university statistics courses. In this paper we assess how feedback from an Intelligent Tutoring System can address the logic of hypothesis testing and whether such feedback contributes to first-year social sciences students’ proficiency in carrying out hypothesis tests. Feedback design combined elements of the model-tracing and constraint-based modeling paradigms, to address both the individual steps as well as the relations between steps. To evaluate the feedback, students in an experimental group (N = 163) received the designed intelligent feedback in six hypothesis-testing construction tasks, while students in a control group (N = 151) only received stepwise verification feedback in these tasks. Results showed that students receiving intelligent feedback spent more time on the tasks, solved more tasks and made fewer errors than students receiving only verification feedback. These positive results did not transfer to follow-up tasks, which might be a consequence of the isolated nature of these tasks. We conclude that the designed feedback may support students in learning to solve hypothesis-testing construction tasks independently and that it facilitates the creation of more hypothesis-testing construction tasks.
Selection and application of the most suitable method for sustainable utilization of water resources assessment
Authors: Yang Xi
Published: October 2020

Evaluation of the regional sustainable use of water resources (SUWR) is one of the core issues for studying regional sustainable development strategy. In the process of evaluation, it is crucial to select a reasonable and applicable evaluation methods to improve the reliability of evaluation results. In this paper, the index system of SUWR was established by coupling eco-environment, socioeconomic and water utilization system. The dipartite degree theory (DD) and the serial number synthesis theory (SNS) were applied for selecting the suitable sustainability assessment method among six evaluation methods. The selected method was used for analyzing the spatial difference in Fujian Province, China. Results indicated that (1) based on different evaluation methods for the SUWR, the stability and reliability of fuzzy matter-element analysis are higher than those of fuzzy comprehensive evaluation, attribute recognition, improved rank correlation, principal component analysis and grey relation analysis; (2) The regions with a higher level of SUWR are concentrated in the west of the research area, while the eastern regions have a lower level. The highest sustainable level of water resources was 0.647, in Longyan city and the lowest level was 0.399, in Xiamen city; (3) The superimposition effects of water resource conditions, topography and economic development level formed the spatial distribution pattern of sustainable utilization level. The results may provide scientific guidance for the effective evaluation of regional SUWR, water resources management and government decision-making.
Dictionary of Trade Policy Terms
Authors: Goode Walter
Published: October 2020

This is an accessible guide to the vocabulary used in trade negotiations. It explains some 3,000 terms and concepts in simple language. Its main emphasis is on the multilateral trading system represented by the agreements under the World Trade Organization (WTO). In addition it covers many of the trade-related activities, outcomes and terms used in other international organizations, such as the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Asia-Paciﬁc Economic Cooperation (APEC) and the OECD. The last decade has seen considerable attention devoted to trade and investment facilitation, sustainability and the formation of free-trade areas in all parts of the world. This dictionary allocates generous space to the vocabulary associated with such developments. It offers clear explanations, for example, of the concepts used in the administration of preferential rules of origin. More recently, trade facilitation has received considerable attention. Additional areas covered include emerging trade issues and issues based particularly on developing-country concerns.
Just the Facts: Postintubation sedation in the emergency department
Authors: Rosenberg Hans , Hendin Ariel , Rosenberg Erin
Published: October 2020

A 67-year-old male presents to the emergency department (ED) in respiratory distress secondary to pneumonia. His oxygen saturation is 86% on a nonrebreather, respiratory rate is 32 respirations/minute, blood pressure 147/72 mmHg, heart rate 121 beats/minute, and temperature is 38.7° Celsius. The decision is made to intubate the patient. Fentanyl and propofol are used for analgesia and sedation, and rocuronium is used for paralysis. Using video laryngoscopy, the patient is successfully intubated, and now the ED team is awaiting your orders for the postintubation sedation care of this patient.
Nurturing the next generation of mathematicians: the case for mathematical fluency
Authors: Lord Ems
Published: October 2020

Twelve months ago, when I was listening to Mike Askew's Presidential Address, my emotions were divided between thoroughly enjoying his presentation and a growing sense of trepidation that it was my turn next! The time seems to have passed very quickly and I'm somewhat nervous, but incredibly honoured, to take the helm as we explore “the case for mathematical fluency”.
Anthropometric and bioimpedance equations for fat and fat-free mass in Chilean children 7–9 years of age
Authors: Salazar Gabriela , Leyton Barbara , Aguirre Carolina , Anziani Alyerina , Weisstaub Gerardo , Corvalán Camila
Published: October 2020

Assessing children’s growth adequately is important due to the necessary prevention of adequate body composition, especially at pre-pubertal age. Simpler measurements such as anthropometry or bioimpedance, using equations validated in Caucasian children, have been demonstrated to overestimate or underestimate fat mass percentage (FM%) or fat-free mass (FFM) in Chilean children. In a sample of 424 children (198 boys and 226 girls) of 7–9 years old, the three component (3C) model was assessed, where total body water was determined by2H dilution and body volume by air displacement plethysmography, in order to design and validate anthropometry and bioimpedance equations. The FM (%) equation specific for Chilean children was validated as (1·743 × BMIz-score) + (0·727 × triceps skinfold) + (0·385 × biceps skinfold) + 15·985, against the 3C model (R20·79). The new FFM equation (kg) generated was (log FFM = (0·018 × age) + (0·047 × sex) + (0·006 × weight) + (0·027 × resistance) + 2·071), with anR20·93 (female = 1 and male = 2). The Bland–Altman analysis shows a mean difference of 0·27 (sd3·5) for the FM% in the whole group as well as 0·004 (sd0·9) kg is the mean difference for the bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) FFM (kg) equation. The new equations for FM (%) and FFM (kg) in Chilean children will provide a simple and valid tool for the assessment of body composition in cohort studies or to assess the impact of nutritional programmes or public policies.
Iodine nutrition status of women after 10 years of Lipiodol supplementation: a cross-sectional study in Xinjiang, China
Authors: Liu Lixiang , Liu Peng , Lin Qin , Su Xiaohui , Huang Jia , Meng Fangang , Fan Lijun , Wan Siyuan , Liu Jiwei , Cao Wanting , Zhang Ling , Shen Hongmei
Published: October 2020

This study examined the contribution of long-term use of Lipiodol capsules, as a supplement to iodised salt to the control of iodine deficiency disorders among women in Xinjiang of China. A total of 1220 women across Kashgar, Aksu, Turpan and Yili Prefectures were surveyed in 2017. Lipiodol capsules were administered twice yearly in Kashgar and once yearly in Aksu and Turpan, but not in Yili. Urinary iodine concentration (UIC), free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroglobulin antibody, thyroid peroxidase antibody and thyroid volume values were assessed. All the women in the four areas were in a state of non-iodine deficiency by UIC. The UIC were higher than adequate in Kashgar and Aksu (619·4 v. 278·6 μg/l). Thyroid hormone levels differed significantly in Turpan and Yili (FT3: 4·4 v. 4·6 pmol/l, FT4: 13·8 v. 14·2 pmol/l, TSH: 2·0 v. 2·7 mIU/l), but did not differ significantly in Kashgar, Aksu and Yili. The four areas did not differ significantly with regard to thyroid nodules, autoimmune thyroiditis or goitre. However, the detection rates of subclinical hypothyroidism (16·6 %) and total thyroid dysfunction (25·4 %) were higher among women in Yili. The supplementation with Lipiodol capsules had improved the iodine nutrition status of women in iodine-deficient areas of Xinjiang since 2006. To avoid negative effects of excess iodine, we suggest a gradual discontinuation of Lipiodol capsules in women with special needs based on the existing iodine nutrition level of local women.
Reliability of the NIH toolbox cognitive battery in children and adolescents: a 3-year longitudinal examination
Authors: Taylor Brittany K. , Frenzel Michaela R. , Eastman Jacob A. , Wiesman Alex I. , Wang Yu-Ping , Calhoun Vince D. , Stephen Julia M. , Wilson Tony W.
Published: October 2020

Background

The Cognitive Battery of the National Institutes of Health Toolbox (NIH-TB) is a collection of assessments that have been adapted and normed for administration across the lifespan and is increasingly used in large-scale population-level research. However, despite increasing adoption in longitudinal investigations of neurocognitive development, and growing recommendations that the Toolbox be used in clinical applications, little is known about the long-term temporal stability of the NIH-TB, particularly in youth.

Methods

The present study examined the long-term temporal reliability of the NIH-TB in a large cohort of youth (9–15 years-old) recruited across two data collection sites. Participants were invited to complete testing annually for 3 years.

Results

Reliability was generally low-to-moderate, with intraclass correlation coefficients ranging between 0.31 and 0.76 for the full sample. There were multiple significant differences between sites, with one site generally exhibiting stronger temporal stability than the other.

Conclusions

Reliability of the NIH-TB Cognitive Battery was lower than expected given early work examining shorter test-retest intervals. Moreover, there were very few instances of tests meeting stability requirements for use in research; none of the tests exhibited adequate reliability for use in clinical applications. Reliability is paramount to establishing the validity of the tool, thus the constructs assessed by the NIH-TB may vary over time in youth. We recommend further refinement of the NIH-TB Cognitive Battery and its norming procedures for children before further adoption as a neuropsychological assessment. We also urge researchers who have already employed the NIH-TB in their studies to interpret their results with caution.