bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conscious perception and the modulatory role of dopamine: no effect of the dopamine D2 agonist cabergoline on visual masking, the attentional blink, and probabilistic discrimination
Authors: Boonstra E.A , van Schouwenburg M.R , Seth A.K , Bauer M , Zantvoord J.B , Kemper E.M , Lansink C.S , Slagter H.A
Published: July 2020

Rationale

Conscious perception is thought to depend on global amplification of sensory input. In recent years, striatal dopamine has been proposed to be involved in gating information and conscious access, due to its modulatory influence on thalamocortical connectivity.

Objectives

Since much of the evidence that implicates striatal dopamine is correlational, we conducted a double-blind crossover pharmacological study in which we administered cabergoline—a dopamine D2 agonist—and placebo to 30 healthy participants. Under both conditions, we subjected participants to several well-established experimental conscious-perception paradigms, such as backward masking and the attentional blink task.

Results

We found no evidence in support of an effect of cabergoline on conscious perception: key behavioral and event-related potential (ERP) findings associated with each of these tasks were unaffected by cabergoline.

Conclusions

Our results cast doubt on a causal role for dopamine in visual perception. It remains an open possibility that dopamine has causal effects in other tasks, perhaps where perceptual uncertainty is more prominent.
Management strategies for children with COVID-19: ESPR practical recommendations
Authors: Raissaki Maria , Shelmerdine Susan C. , Damasio Maria Beatrice , Toso Seema , Kvist Ola , Lovrenski Jovan , Hirsch Franz Wolfgang , Görkem Süreyya Burcu , Paterson Anne , Arthurs Owen J. , Rossi Andrea , van Schuppen Joost , Petit Philippe , Argyropoulou Maria I. , Offiah Amaka C. , Rosendahl Karen , Caro-Domínguez Pablo
Published: July 2020

During the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, guidelines have been issued by international, national and local authorities to address management and the need for preparedness. Children with COVID-19 differ from adults in that they are less often and less severely affected. Additional precautions required in the management of children address their increased radiosensitivity, need for accompanying carers, and methods for dealing with children in a mixed adult-paediatric institution. In this guidance document, our aim is to define a pragmatic strategy for imaging children with an emphasis on proven or suspected COVID-19 cases. Children suspected of COVID-19 should not be imaged routinely. Imaging should be performed only when expected to alter patient management, depending on symptoms, preexisting conditions and clinical evolution. In order to prevent disease transmission, it is important to manage the inpatient caseload effectively by triaging children and carers outside the hospital, re-scheduling nonurgent elective procedures and managing symptomatic children and carers as COVID-19 positive until proven otherwise. Within the imaging department one should consider conducting portable examinations with COVID-19 machines or arranging dedicated COVID-19 paediatric imaging sessions and performing routine nasopharyngeal swab testing before imaging under general anaesthesia. Finally, regular personal hygiene, appropriate usage of personal protective equipment, awareness of which procedures are considered aerosol generating and information on how to best disinfect imaging machinery after examinations should be highlighted to all staff members.
[68Ga]Ga-NODAGA-E[(cRGDyK)]2 PET and hyperpolarized [1-13C] pyruvate MRSI (hyperPET) in canine cancer patients: simultaneous imaging of angiogenesis and the Warburg effect
Authors: Clemmensen Andreas , Hansen Adam E , Holst Pernille , Schøier Christina , Bisgaard Sissel , Johannesen Helle H , Ardenkjær-Larsen Jan Henrik , Kristensen Annemarie T , Kjaer Andreas
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Cancer has a multitude of phenotypic expressions and identifying these are important for correct diagnosis and treatment selection. Clinical molecular imaging such as positron emission tomography can access several of these hallmarks of cancer non-invasively. Recently, hyperpolarized magnetic resonance spectroscopy with [1-13C] pyruvate has shown great potential to probe metabolic pathways. Here, we investigate simultaneous dual modality clinical molecular imaging of angiogenesis and deregulated energy metabolism in canine cancer patients.

Methods

Canine cancer patients (n = 11) underwent simultaneous [68Ga]Ga-NODAGA-E[(cRGDyK)]2 (RGD) PET and hyperpolarized [1-13C]pyruvate-MRSI (hyperPET). Standardized uptake values and [1-13C]lactate to total 13C ratio were quantified and compared generally and voxel-wise.

Results

Ten out of 11 patients showed clear tumor uptake of [68Ga]Ga-NODAGA-RGD at both 20 and 60 min after injection, with an average SUVmean of 1.36 ± 0.23 g/mL and 1.13 ± 0.21 g/mL, respectively. A similar pattern was seen for SUVmax values, which were 2.74 ± 0.41 g/mL and 2.37 ± 0.45 g/mL. The [1-13C]lactate generation followed patterns previously reported. We found no obvious pattern or consistent correlation between the two modalities. Voxel-wise tumor values of RGD uptake and lactate generation analysis revealed a tendency for each canine cancer patient to cluster in separated groups.

Conclusion

We demonstrated combined imaging of [68Ga]Ga-NODAGA-RGD-PET for angiogenesis and hyperpolarized [1-13C]pyruvate-MRSI for probing energy metabolism. The results suggest that [68Ga]Ga-NODAGA-RGD-PET and [1-13C]pyruvate-MRSI may provide complementary information, indicating that hyperPET imaging of angiogenesis and energy metabolism is able to aid in cancer phenotyping, leading to improved therapy planning.
Reduced-intensity, risk factor–stratified immunosuppression for acquired hemophilia A: single-center observational study
Authors: Dobbelstein Christiane , Moschovakis Georgios Leandros , Tiede Andreas
Published: July 2020

Immunosuppressive therapy (IST) is administered to patients with acquired hemophilia A (AHA) to eradicate autoantibodies against coagulation factor VIII (FVIII). Data from registries previously demonstrated that IST is often complicated by adverse events, in particular infections. This pilot study was set out to assess the feasibility of reduced-intensity, risk factor–stratified IST. We followed a single-center consecutive cohort of twenty-five patients with AHA receiving IST according to a new institutional treatment standard. Based on results from a previous study, GTH-AH 01/2020, patients were stratified into “poor risk” (FVIII < 1 IU/dl or inhibitor ≥ 20 Bethesda units (BU)/ml) or “good risk” (FVIII ≥ 1 IU/dl and inhibitor < 20 BU/ml). Outcomes were compared between the current cohort and the GTH registry as a historic control (n = 102). Baseline characteristics of the cohort were not different from the historic control. Partial remission, defined as FVIII recovered to > 50 IU/dl, was achieved by 68% of patients after a median time of 112 days, which was lower and significantly later than in the historic control (hazard ratio: 1.8, 95% confidence interval 1.2–2.8). Complete remission, overall survival, and frequency of fatal infections were not different. Grade 3 and 4 infections were more frequent. The impact of risk factors that was observed in the historic cohort was no longer apparent, as partial and complete remission and overall survival were similar in “good risk” and “poor risk” patients. In conclusion, reduced-intensity, risk factor–stratified IST is feasible in AHA but did not decrease the risk of infections and mortality in this cohort.
Multidrug-related protein 1 (MRP1) polymorphisms rs129081, rs212090, and rs212091 predict survival in normal karyotype acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Kunadt Desiree , Dransfeld Christian , Dill Claudia , Schmiedgen Maria , Kramer Michael , Altmann Heidi , Röllig Christoph , Bornhäuser Martin , Mahlknecht Ulrich , Schaich Markus , Stölzel Friedrich
Published: July 2020

Resistant disease is still a main obstacle in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) treatment. Therefore, individual genetic variations affecting therapy response are gaining increasing importance. Both SNPs and ABC transporter genes could already be associated with drug resistance. Here, we report allelic variants of MRP1 (ABCC1) SNPs rs129081, rs212090, and rs212091 with significant influences on survival in AML patients. DNA was extracted from bone marrow samples (n = 160) at diagnosis. Genotyping 48 SNPs within seven different ABC transporter genes using real-time PCR revealed rs129081 GG variant with a significant higher OS (p = 0.035) and DFS (p = 0.01). Comparing TT and AA rs212090 variants showed significant influences on DFS (p = 0.021). SNP rs212091 GG expression was associated with worse OS (p = 0.006) and a significant difference in DFS between alleles GG and AA (p = 0.018). The multivariable models confirmed a significant influence on OS for rs212091 (AA HR = 0.296, 95% CI 0.113–0.774, p = 0.013 and GG p = 0.044). Rs129081 variant CG, TT of rs212090, AA, and AG of rs212091 demonstrated significant impact on DFS (p = 0.024, p = 0.029, p = 0.017, and p = 0.042, respectively). This analysis demonstrates a significant influence of MRP1 SNPs on survival in AML. As they were not associated to prognostic characteristics, we suggest these SNPs to be independent prognostic markers for AML.
Identification of Cyt2Ba from a New Strain of Bacillus thuringiensis and Its Toxicity in Bradysia difformis
Authors: Wang Fan-Fan , Qu Shao-Xuan , Lin Jin-Sheng , Li Hui-Ping , Hou Li-Juan , Jiang Ning , Luo Xin , Ma Lin
Published: July 2020

Bradysia difformis is one of the most damaging pests in mushroom production in China. In this study, eight Bacillus thuringiensis strains were analyzed for insecticidal activity in B. difformis. The strain JW-1 showed the highest insecticidal activity against B. difformis larvae, but did not inhibit the mycelial growth of Pleurotus ostreatus and P. geesteranus. The 16S rRNA gene (1397 bp) and cyt2 gene (792 bp) were obtained from strain JW-1. The phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene and Cyt2 toxin showed that strain JW-1 was a member of B. thuringiensis and Cyt2 toxin belonged to Cyt2Ba toxin cluster. The Cyt2Ba toxin from strain JW-1 was overexpressed in E. coli as a fusion protein and the fusion protein (70 kDa) was purified by Ni-IDA affinity chromatography. The purified Cyt2Ba fusion protein was toxic to B. difformis larvae (LC50 was 2.25 ng/mL). The identification of Cyt2Ba from strain JW-1 and confirmation of the insecticidal activity of Cyt2Ba in B. difformis provided a new means of biological control of the important pest in mushroom production.
Das Zerstörungspotenzial von Big Data und Künstlicher Intelligenz für die Demokratie
Authors: Hesse Wolfgang
Published: July 2020

Der Ansatz, Massendaten („Big Data“) mit den heutigen mächtigen, nach wie vor exponentiell wachsenden Computerkapazitäten und dazu passenden Methoden zu erfassen, zu speichern, zu durchforsten, zu kombinieren und auszuwerten, hat auch für die Künstliche Intelligenz (KI) neue Impulse und Möglichkeiten geschaffen. Diese rücken einerseits alte KI-Träume näher in den Bereich des Realen, können aber andererseits ein großes zerstörerisches Potenzial entfalten. Damit gehen neue Bedrohungen einher, unter anderem für die Datenintegrität, Persönlichkeitsrechte und Privatheit, für die Unabhängigkeit von Wissen und Information sowie für den gesellschaftlichen Zusammenhalt. Neue Medien wie Facebook oder Twitter, übermächtige IT-Konzerne wie Google oder Amazon sowie die fortschreitende Digitalisierung alltäglicher Vorgänge und Gegenstände („Internet der Dinge“) spielen dabei eine entscheidende Mittlerrolle.

Immer wieder verkündete Visionen von der „technischen Singularität“, d. h. der möglichen Machtübernahme der Maschinen über die Menschen werfen Fragen nach dem Primat der Politik über Wirtschaft und Technik und dem Bestand und der Überlebensfähigkeit der Demokratie, wenn nicht sogar der Menschheit, auf.
In situ polymerization of styrene–clay nanocomposites and their properties
Authors: Mrah Lahouari , Meghabar Rachid
Published: July 2020

This work focuses on the preparation and characterization of polystyrene/organoclay nanocomposites. The effects of the nature of the organoclays and the method of preparation were studied in order to evaluate their morphological, thermal and mechanical properties. X-ray diffraction (SAXS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM, TEM), atomic force microscope (AFM) were used to determine the characteristics of the resulting materials. Initially, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide was used as an organomodifier to modify the clay to form an organic clay. After that, polystyrene/organoclay nanocomposites were synthesized by an in situ mass polymerization process in which styrene was polymerized in the presence of different proportions of organoclay ranging from 1 to 15% by weight. The results obtained confirm the intercalation of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTA) surfactant in the clay layers, while the nanocomposites obtained showed morphologies in which the exfoliated forms were obtained. Nanocomposites showed a significant improvement in thermal stability compared to unmodified polystyrene. The highlighting of the modification was examined by mechanical tests (shock, traction). The Charpy impact test showed an increase in impact resilience, and this is mainly due to a better interfacial adhesion of the matrix. The tensile test showed an improvement in stiffness.

Graphic abstract

The preparation of polystyrene–clay nanocomposites containing various amounts of organoclays ranging from 1 to 15% using the mass polymerization technique has shown the positive effect of the introduction of a cetyltrimethylammonium bromide surfactant chain on the thermal stability of the nanocomposites. Exfoliated morphologies were obtained for the majority of the prepared nanocomposites. A structure, surface and thermal property relationship was established based on TGA, XRD and TEM/SEM analyses.
Swiss consensus recommendations on urinary tract infections in children
Authors: Buettcher Michael , Trueck Johannes , Niederer-Loher Anita , Heininger Ulrich , Agyeman Philipp , Asner Sandra , Berger Christoph , Bielicki Julia , Kahlert Christian , Kottanattu Lisa , Meyer Sauteur Patrick M. , Paioni Paolo , Posfay-Barbe Klara , Relly Christa , Ritz Nicole , Zimmermann Petra , Zucol Franziska , Gobet Rita , Shavit Sandra , Rudin Christoph , Laube Guido , von Vigier Rodo , Neuhaus Thomas J.
Published: July 2020

The kidneys and the urinary tract are a common source of infection in children of all ages, especially infants and young children. The main risk factors for sequelae after urinary tract infections (UTI) are congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) and bladder-bowel dysfunction. UTI should be considered in every child with fever without a source. The differentiation between upper and lower UTI is crucial for appropriate management. Method of urine collection should be based on age and risk factors. The diagnosis of UTI requires urine analysis and significant growth of a pathogen in culture. Treatment of UTI should be based on practical considerations regarding age and presentation with adjustment of the initial antimicrobial treatment according to antimicrobial sensitivity testing. All children, regardless of age, should have an ultrasound of the urinary tract performed after pyelonephritis. In general, antibiotic prophylaxis is not recommended.

Conclusion: Based on recent data and in line with international guidelines, multidisciplinary Swiss consensus recommendations were developed by members of Swiss pediatric infectious diseases, nephrology, and urology societies giving the clinician clear recommendations in regard to diagnosis, type and duration of therapy, antimicrobial treatment options, indication for imaging, and antibiotic prophylaxis.What is Known:•Urinary tract infections (UTI) are a common and important clinical problem in childhood. Although children with pyelonephritis tend to present with fever, it can be difficult on clinical grounds to distinguish cystitis from pyelonephritis, particularly in young children less than 2 years of age.•Method of urine collection is based on age and risk factors. The diagnosis of UTI requires urine analysis and significant growth of a pathogen in culture.What is New:•Vesicoureteric reflux (VUR) remains a risk factor for UTI butper seis neither necessary nor sufficient for the development of renal scars. Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) and bladder-bowel dysfunction play a more important role as causes of long-term sequelae. In general, antibiotic prophylaxis is not recommended.•A switch to oral antibiotics should be considered already in young infants. Indications for invasive imaging are more restrictive and reserved for patients with abnormal renal ultrasound, complicated UTI, and infections with pathogens other than E. coli.
A randomized controlled trial on the efficacy of life review therapy targeting incurably ill cancer patients: do their informal caregivers benefit?
Authors: Kleijn Gitta , Lissenberg-Witte Birgit I. , Bohlmeijer Ernst T. , Willemsen Vincent , Becker-Commissaris Annemarie , Eeltink Corien M. , Bruynzeel Anna M.E. , van der Vorst Maurice J. , Cuijpers Pim , Verdonck-de Leeuw Irma M.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Investigate whether Life Review Therapy and Memory Specificity Training (LRT-MST) targeting incurably ill cancer patients may also have a beneficial effect on caregiving burden, symptoms of anxiety and depression, and posttraumatic growth of the informal caregivers.

Methods

Data was collected in the context of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) (secondary analyses) on the effect of LRT-MST among incurably cancer patients. Informal caregivers of participating patients were asked to complete outcome measures at baseline (T0), post-intervention (T1), and 1-month follow-up (T2): caregiver burden (caregivers reaction assessment scale (CRA)), symptoms of anxiety and depression (hospital anxiety and depression scale), and posttraumatic growth (posttraumatic growth inventory). Linear mixed models (intention to treat) were used to assess group differences in changes over time. Effect size and independent samples t tests were used to assess group differences at T1 and T2.

Results

In total, 64 caregivers participated. At baseline, 56% of the caregivers experienced anxiety and 30% depression. No significant effect was found on these symptoms nor on posttraumatic growth or most aspects of caregiver burden. There was a significant effect of LRT-MST on the course of self-esteem (subscale CRA) (p = 0.013). Effect size was moderate post-intervention (ES = − 0.38, p = 0.23) and at 3-month follow-up (ES = 0.53, p = 0.083).

Conclusions

Many caregivers of incurably ill cancer patients experience symptoms of anxiety and depression. LRT-MST does not improve symptoms of depression and anxiety, negative aspects of caregiver burden, or posttraumatic growth. LRT-MST may have a protective effect on self-esteem of informal caregivers (positive aspect of caregiver burden).

Trial registration number

Netherlands Trial Register (NTR 2256), registered on 23-3-2010.
Regionale Anpassung an den Klimawandel – Ein Überblick mit Empfehlungen für Kommunen in Baden-Württemberg
Authors: Häußler Simone , Hofmann Martina , Müller Martin
Published: July 2020

Der Klimawandel wird sich in Baden-Württemberg im Wesentlichen mit einer Zunahme an Extremwetterlagen von Hitze und Starkregen auswirken. Die Kommunen stehen vor der Herausforderung, mit den bereits eingetretenen und den zu erwartenden klimatischen Veränderungen angemessen umzugehen. In Deutschland gibt es auf Bundesebene seit 2006 erkennbare Bestrebungen, das Thema der Anpassung an den Klimawandel zu institutionalisieren. Es sind allerdings primär die Länder, die spezifische Programme für ihren jeweiligen geografischen Kontext initiieren und umsetzen müssen. Den kommunalen Entscheidern kommt hierbei eine zentrale Verantwortung zu, denn sie sind auf lokaler Ebene gefordert, den Herausforderungen des Klimawandels zu begegnen. Hemmende Faktoren für kommunale Anpassungsstrategien sind dabei u. a. die fehlende Benennung von klaren Zuständigkeiten und die weitgehende Unverbindlichkeit von Richtlinien und Beschlüssen. An diesen Punkten sollte angeknüpft werden. Die strategische Einbindung von regionalen Stakeholdern könnte dazu beitragen, die überregionale Anpassungsplanung wirksam in die Kommunalplanung zu überführen.
„A-Probleme“ des nichttraumatologischen Schockraummanagements
Authors: Michael M. , Kumle B. , Pin M. , Hammer N. , Plettenberg C. , Bernhard M.
Published: July 2020

Im Rahmen des nichttraumatologischen Schockraummanagements zur Versorgung kritisch kranker Patienten werden akute Störungen der Vitalfunktionen rasch detektiert und interdisziplinär behandelt. Beim „primary survey“ dient das etablierte ABCDE-Schema der strukturierten Untersuchung aller relevanten Vitalparameter, Störungen werden hierbei sofort therapiert. „A-Probleme“ gehen mit einer drohenden Atemwegsverlegung und damit einer konsekutiven Hypoxie einher. Unterschiedlichste Pathologien können hier zugrunde liegen, meist ist aber zunächst eine symptomatische Therapie, also die Sicherung der Atemwege, die entscheidende Notfallmaßnahme. Ein strukturiertes Konzept zum Atemwegsmanagement unter Berücksichtigung lokaler Gegebenheiten sollte in jeder Notaufnahme etabliert sein und regelmäßig trainiert werden.
Compositional Semantics and Normative ‘Ought’
Authors: Klimczyk Joanna
Published: July 2020

According to the paradigm view in linguistics and philosophical semantics, it is lexical semantics (LS) plus the principle of compositionality (PC) that allows us to compute the meaning of an arbitrary sentence. The job of LS is to assign meaning to individual expressions, whereas PC says how to combine these individual meanings into larger ones. In this paper I argue that the pair LS + PC fails to account for the discourse-relevant meaning of normative ‘ought’. If my hypothesis is tenable, then the failure of LS + CS extends to normative language in general. The reason I offer that this is so is that semantics for normative language is, in an important respect, asubstantivesemantics (SS). The ‘substantive’ in question means that the meaning of normative vocabularyin useis driven by metanormative views associated with a particular normative concept. SS rejects the model LS + CS and replaces it with a discourse-relevant semantics built around an interactional principle that ascribes to a particular surface syntactical form of ‘ought’ sentences a logical form that represents its discourse-salient normative content. In the paper I shall sketch how SS works and why it is worth serious consideration.
The STIX Aspect System (SAS): The Optical Aspect System of the Spectrometer/Telescope for Imaging X-Rays (STIX) on Solar Orbiter
Authors: Warmuth A. , Önel H. , Mann G. , Rendtel J. , Strassmeier K. G. , Denker C. , Hurford G. J. , Krucker S. , Anderson J. , Bauer S.-M. , Bittner W. , Dionies F. , Paschke J. , Plüschke D. , Sablowski D. P. , Schuller F. , Senthamizh Pavai V. , Woche M. , Casadei D. , Kögl S. , Arnold N. G. , Gröbelbauer H.-P. , Schori D. , Wiehl H. J. , Csillaghy A. , Grimm O. , Orleanski P. , Skup K. R. , Bujwan W. , Rutkowski K. , Ber K.
Published: July 2020

The Spectrometer/Telescope for Imaging X-rays (STIX) is a remote sensing instrument on Solar Orbiter that observes the hard X-ray bremsstrahlung emission of solar flares. This paper describes the STIX Aspect System (SAS), a subunit that measures the pointing of STIX relative to the Sun with a precision of $\pm 4''$
±

4
″

, which is required to accurately localize the reconstructed X-ray images on the Sun. The operating principle of the SAS is based on an optical lens that images the Sun onto a plate that is perforated by small apertures arranged in a cross-shaped configuration of four radial arms. The light passing through the apertures of each arm is detected by a photodiode. Variations of spacecraft pointing and of distance from the Sun cause the solar image to move over different apertures, leading to a modulation of the measured lightcurves. These signals are used by ground analysis to calculate the locations of the solar limb, and hence the pointing of the telescope.
Gewalt und emotionale Energie
Authors: Kron Thomas
Published: July 2020

Der vorliegende Beitrag entwickelt Randall Collins’ Theorie situationalistischer Gewalthandlungen in dem zentralen Aspekt der emotionalen Energie weiter. Erstens ergänze ich Collins’ Vorstellung positiver emotionale Energie um den Faktor negativer emotionaler Energie. Zweitens modelliere ich diese beiden Energieformen als Mengen und beziehe diese dynamisch aufeinander. Damit kommt der Entropie emotionaler Energie als neuer Faktor der Gewaltentstehung eine Schlüsselrolle zu, die bislang vernachlässigt wurde.
Literaturübersicht zur prädiktiven Validität des Static-99 im deutschsprachigen Raum
Authors: Kube Silvia , Banse Rainer
Published: July 2020

In diesem Artikel werden die Ergebnisse von 18 Studien aus Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz hinsichtlich der Rückfälligkeit von Sexualstraftätern und der prädiktiven Validität des Static-99 beschrieben. Auf dieser Grundlage wurden für den Static-99 gewichtete Mittelwerte der „area under the curve“ (AUC) berechnet. Es zeigt sich, dass der Static-99 im deutschsprachigen Raum valide Vorhersagen zu unterschiedlichen Rückfallstraftaten treffen kann (mittlere AUC = 0,68 bis 0,72). Die AUC-Werte werden für verschiedene Täter- und Altersgruppen nachgewiesen und variieren meist zwischen 0,67 und 0,76. Die Rückfallkategorien des Static-99 erweisen sich ebenfalls als gültig. Schwächere Werte werden für die Anwendung bei Personen, die wegen eines Sexualdelikts gegen Erwachsene verurteilt wurden und für die Vorhersage nichtsexueller Gewalttaten berichtet. Eine Diskussion der Ergebnisse sowie ein Ausblick auf die zukünftige Forschung werden gegeben.
Salvage radiation therapy in prostate cancer: relationship between rectal dose and long-term, self-reported rectal bleeding
Authors: Braide K. , Kindblom J. , Lindencrona U. , Hugosson J. , Pettersson N.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

To quantify the relationship between the rectal dose distribution and the prevalence of self-reported rectal bleeding among men treated with salvage radiotherapy (ST) delivered by three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) for prostate cancer. To use this relationship to estimate the risk of rectal bleeding for a contemporary cohort of patients treated with volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) ST.

Methods and patients

Rectal bleeding of any grade was reported by 56 (22%) of 255 men in a PROM-survey at a median follow-up of 6.7 years after 3DCRT ST. Treatment plan data were extracted and dose–response relationships for the rectal volumes receiving at least 35 Gy (V35Gy) or 63 Gy (V63Gy) were calculated with logistic regression. These relationships were used to estimate the risk of rectal bleeding for a cohort of 253 patients treated with VMAT ST.

Results

In the dose–response analysis of patients in the 3DCRT ST cohort, both rectal V35Gy and V63Gy were statistically significant parameters in univariable analysis (p = 0.005 and 0.003, respectively). For the dose–response models using either rectal V35Gy or V63Gy, the average calculated risk of rectal bleeding was 14% among men treated with VMAT ST compared to a reported prevalence of 22% for men treated with 3DCRT ST.

Conclusions

We identified dose–response relationships between the rectal dose distribution and the risk of self-reported rectal bleeding of any grade in a long-term perspective for men treated with 3DCRT ST. Furthermore, VMAT ST may have the potential to decrease the prevalence of late rectal bleeding.
Individual differences in time estimation are associated with delay discounting and alcohol use
Authors: Stam C. Henrico , van der Veen Frederik M. , Franken Ingmar H. A.
Published: July 2020

Delay discounting is a commonly used behavioral measure of impulsive decision making and it has been shown that disturbed delay discounting is associated with drug dependence, problematic gambling, obesity and risk behavior. It is hypothesized that disturbed delay discounting may be due to aberrations in the subjective perception of time. In this study the associations were examined between subjective time estimation ability, impulsivity and substance use. A sample of healthy undergraduate students (N = 85) performed a time estimation task across 3 different intervals and completed a delay discounting questionnaire (MCQ). Substance use (alcohol and smoking) and personality characteristics reflecting impulsiveness (Eysenck-I7; BIS/BAS) were obtained via self-report. The results suggest that both delay discounting and degree of alcohol use are associated with time estimation abilities. There was a modest U-shaped association between delay discounting and one measure of time estimation (i.e., coefficient of variation). A higher, similar level of estimation error was found for both high and low delay discounting which can be seen as convergent evidence for the existence of a continuum of self-control, associated with behavioral risks and decision-making problems towards the extremes of the scale. Another measure of time estimation error (i.e., autocorrelation) was positively associated with alcohol use which implies a connection between time estimation and a risk factor for the development of alcohol use disorder. Findings suggest the existence of complex psychological associations between time estimation, impulsivity and addiction.
Estimation of the recharging rate of groundwater using random forest technique
Authors: Sihag Parveen , Angelaki Anastasia , Chaplot Barkha
Published: July 2020

Accurate knowledge of the recharging rate is essential for several groundwater-related studies and projects mainly in the water scarcity regions. In this study, a comparison between different methods of soft computing-based models was obtained in order to evaluate and select the most suitable and accurate method for predicting the recharging rate of groundwater, as the natural recharging rate of the groundwater is important in efficient groundwater resource management and aquifer recharge. Experimental data have been used to investigate the improved performance of Gaussian process (GP), M5P and random forest (RF)-based regression method and evaluate the potential of these techniques in the prediction of natural recharging rate. The study also compares the prediction of recharging rate to empirical (Kostiakov model, multilinear regression, multi-nonlinear regression) equations. The RF method was selected for the recharging rate prediction and was compared with the M5P tree, GP and also empirical models. While GP, M5P tree and empirical models provide good quality of prediction performance, RF model showed superiority among them with coefficient of correlation (R) values as 0.98 and 0.91 for training and testing, respectively. Out of 106 observations collected from laboratory experiments, 73 were used for developing different models, whereas rest 33 observations were used for the assessment of the models’ performance. Sensitivity analysis recommends that time parameter (t) is the main influencing parameter, which is crucial for the prediction of the recharging rate. RF-based model is suitable for accurate prediction of recharging rate of groundwater.
Characterization and probabilistic estimation of tight carbonate reservoir properties using quantitative geophysical approach: a case study from a mature gas field in the Middle Indus Basin of Pakistan
Authors: Durrani Muhammad Zahid Afzal , Talib Maryam , Ali Anwar , Sarosh Bakhtawer , Naseem Nasir
Published: July 2020

In this study a tight carbonate gas reservoir of early Eocene (S1 formation) is studied
for litho-facies estimation and probabilistic estimation of reservoir properties prediction
using quantitative geophysical approach from a mature gas field in the Middle Indus
Basin, onshore Pakistan. Quantitative seismic reservoir characterization approach
relied on well based litho-facies re-classification, Amplitude Variation with Offset (AVO)
attributes analysis and Pre-Stack simultaneous inversion attributes constrained with
customized well-log and seismic data (gathers) conditioning. Three main litho-facies
(hydrocarbon bearing limestone, tight limestone and shale) are classified estimated
based on the precise analysis of well data using petrophysical properties. AVO
attributes (intercept and gradient) conveniently inspection for amplitude behavior
(reflection coefficients) of the possible AVO (class I), fluids and lithology
characteristics. Probable litho-facies (tight limestone and shale) are estimated using
well based litho-facies classification and inverted seismic attributes (p-impedance and
density) from pre-stack simultaneous inversion in a Bayesian framework. Additionally,
petrophysical properties (clay volume and porosity) are derived from probabilistic
neural network approach using well logs and pre-stack inverted attributes (pimpedance
and density) constrained with sample-based seismic attributes
(instantaneous, windowed frequency, filters, derivatives, integrated and time).
No SARS-CoV-2 detection in the German CAPNETZ cohort of community acquired pneumonia before COVID-19 peak in March 2020
Authors: Panning Marcus , Wiener Julius , Rothe Kathrin , Schneider Jochen , Pletz Mathias W. , Rohde Gernot , Rupp Jan , Witzenrath Martin , Spinner Christoph D. ,   Members of the CAPNETZ study group, Dreher M. , Cornelissen C. , Knüppel W. , Stolz D. , Suttorp N. , Bauer W. , Mikolajewska A. , Witzenrath M. , Pankow W. , Gläser S. , Thiemig D. , Prediger M. , Schmager S. , Kolditz M. , Schulte-Hubbert B. , Langner S. , Rohde G. , Bellinghausen C. , Panning M. , Hoffmann C. , Welte T. , Freise J. , Barten G. , Kröner W. , Nawrocki M. , Naim J. , Illig T. , Klopp N. , Pletz M. , Kroegel C. , Schleenvoigt B. , Forstner C. , Moeser A. , Drömann D. , Parschke P. , Franzen K. , Rupp J. , Käding N. , Wouters M. , Walraven K. , Braeken D. , Spinner C. , Zaruchas A. , Schaberg  , Heigener D. , Hering I. , Albrich W. , Waldeck F. , Rassouli F. , Baldesberger S. , Stenger S. , Wallner M. , Burgmann H. , Traby L.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The first SARS-CoV-2 cases in Europe were reported in January 2020. Recently, concern arose on unrecognized infections before this date. For a better understanding of the pandemic, we retrospectively analyzed patient samples for SARS-CoV-2 from the prospective CAPNETZ study cohort.

Methods

We used nasopharyngeal swab samples from a cohort of well characterized patients with community acquired pneumonia of the CAPNETZ study group, recruited from different geographic regions across Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, and Switzerland between 02nd December 2019 and 28th April 2020. Multiplex real-time RT-PCR for a broad range of respiratory pathogens and SARS-CoV-2 real-time RT-PCR were performed on all samples.

Results

In our cohort, respiratory pathogens other than SARS-CoV-2 were detected in 21.5% (42/195) of patients with rhinovirus as the most frequently detected pathogen. The detection rate increased to 29.7% (58/195) when SARS-CoV-2 was included. No SARS-CoV-2 positive sample was detected before end of March 2020.

Conclusions

Respiratory viral pathogens accounted for a considerable number of positive results but no SARS-CoV-2 case was identified before the end of March 2020.
Hierarchical Relevance Determination based on Information Criterion Minimization
Authors: Hirose Shunsuke , Kozu Tomotake , Jin Yingzi , Miyamura Yuichi
Published: July 2020

This paper addresses the issue of hierarchical relevance determination (HRD), which boils down to determining all degrees of freedom in a supervised mixture distribution automatically. Such relevance determination is useful for wide range of machine learning applications. However, it is difficult to solve the HRD task because its objective function includes$$L_{0}$$L0norm such as the number of models in the mixture and the optimal features to use. Our contribution is twofold. As the main contribution, we formally defined the HRD problem and subsequently proposed a solution strategy, the SICM (sequential in formation criterion minimization) algorithm. The SICM algorithm enables us to continuously minimize an information criterion such as AIC or BIC, both of which includes the number of parameters, and therefore it enables us to determine all the degrees of freedom automatically. As another contribution, we realized a concrete implementation of the ideas, and tested this on actual data. Experiments using a hierarchical model which is constructed using the SICM algorithm have revealed that SICM has capability of constructing interpretable and highly accurate model.
FGM based on copper–alumina composites for brake disc applications
Authors: Strojny-Nędza Agata , Pietrzak Katarzyna , Gili Flavia , Chmielewski Marcin
Published: July 2020

Copper–alumina composites of the interpenetrating networks type are interesting materials for many applications because of their properties. On the base of preliminary investigations and practical works, in order to obtain a material with high resistance to friction wear as well as good dissipation of heat generated during work, it was decided that a developed material would be prepared on the base of the Cu–Al2O3 composite, with a graded composition. In this paper, we present the developed method of manufacturing dense copper–alumina FGMs, using ceramic preform with a graded porosity infiltrated with molten copper. The article also presents the full characterization of the obtained materials and mainly the impact of microstructure on the useful properties. The produced gradient material of a Cu–Al2O3 brake disk underwent tribological tests under conditions resembling real conditions. These disks also went through a series of abrasive wear trials at different operation stages. In comparison with the reference material (i.e., grey cast iron), the obtained gradient materials are characterized by a lower degree of wear when retaining a similar coefficient of friction value due to the ceramic phase addition. Additionally, it was found that using the copper-based gradient material guarantees faster heat dissipation from the contact area.
Empathic accuracy in design: Exploring design outcomes through empathic performance and physiology
Authors: Chang-Arana Álvaro M. , Piispanen Matias , Himberg Tommi , Surma-aho Antti , Alho Jussi , Sams Mikko , Hölttä-Otto Katja
Published: July 2020

Empathic design highlights the relevance of understanding users and their circumstances in order to obtain good design outcomes. However, theory-based quantitative methods, which can be used to test user understanding, are hard to find in the design science literature. Here, we introduce a validated method used in social psychological research – the empathic accuracy method – into design to explore how well two designers perform in a design task and whether the designers’ empathic accuracy performance and the physiological synchrony between the two designers and a group of users can predict the designers’ success in two design tasks. The designers could correctly identify approximately 50% of the users’ reported mental content. We did not find a significant correlation between the designers’ empathic accuracy and their (1) performance in design tasks and (2) physiological synchrony with users. Nevertheless, the empathic accuracy method is promising in its attempts to quantify the effect of empathy in design.
Party Competition and Coalitional Stability: Evidence from American Local Government
Authors: BUCCHIANERI PETER
Published: July 2020

For decades, political scientists have argued that competition is a fundamental component of a responsible party system, such that when one party dominates politics, legislative coalitions destabilize and democratic accountability suffers. In this paper, I evaluate these predictions in an important but largely unexplored legislative environment: American local government. Using an original collection of roll-call records from 151 municipal councils, I show that legislative behavior is more one-dimensional when elections are partisan and the electorate is evenly balanced between the parties. When either of these features is absent, however, elite behavior remains unstructured, with coalitions shifting over time and across issues. These differences across institutional and competitive contexts suggest that partisan elections—and the party organizations that nearly always come with them—are critical for translating electoral insecurity into organized government, raising questions about the capacity for electoral accountability in a growing set of one-party dominant governments across the country.
Development of population-specific prediction equations for bioelectrical impedance analyses in Vietnamese children
Authors: Nguyen Phuong Hong , Young Melissa F. , Khuong Long Quynh , Ramakrishnan Usha , Martorell Reynaldo , Hoffman Daniel J.
Published: July 2020

There is a need for accurate, inexpensive and field-friendly methods to assess body composition in children. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a promising approach; however, there have been limited validation and use among young children in resource-poor settings. We aim to develop and validate population-specific prediction equations for estimating total fat mass (FM), fat free-mass (FFM) and percentage body fat (PBF) in Vietnamese children (4–7 years) using reactance and resistance from BIA, anthropometric variables and demographic information. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 120 children. Body composition was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), BIA and anthropometry. To develop prediction equations, we split all data into development (70 %) and validation datasets (30 %). The model performance was evaluated using predicted residual error sum of squares, root mean squared error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE) andR2. We identified a top performing model with the least number of parameters (age, sex, weight and resistance index or resistance and height), low RMSE (FM 0·70, FFM 0·74, PBF 3·10), low MAE (FM 0·55, FFM 0·62, PBF 2·49), highR2(FM 0·95, FFM 0·92, PBF 0·82) and the least difference between predicted values and actual values from DXA (FM 0·03 kg or 0·01sd, FFM 0·06 kg or 0·02sd, PBF 0·27 % or 0·04sd). In conclusion, we developed the first valid and highly predictive equations to estimate FM, FFM and PBF in Vietnamese children using BIA. These findings have important implications for future research on the double burden of disease and risks associated with overweight and obesity in young children.
THE MEANING AND SCOPE OF ‘ASSEMBLY’ IN INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS LAW
Authors: Hamilton Michael
Published: July 2020

Informed by the ‘assembly’ jurisprudence of the United Nations Human Rights Committee, this article addresses fundamental questions about the meaning and scope of ‘assembly’ in Article 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). In seeking to determine when the right of peaceful assembly might properly be engaged, the article explores the interrelationship of assembly with expression and association and proposes a definition of ‘assembly’—for the purposes of its protection—as ‘an intentional gathering by two or more people (including in private and online/virtual spaces)’. Such definitional reflection is particularly timely in light of the Human Rights Committee's drafting of General Comment No 37 on Article 21.
ENGAGING WITH INTERNATIONAL LAW
Authors: Yusuf Abdulqawi Ahmed
Published: July 2020

This article considers the positive evolution of international law in the past century, and the emergence of a rules-based multilateral system under the UN Charter, which has, inter alia, enabled formerly colonised peoples to exercise their right to self-determination and prohibited the use of force in international relations. The author reaffirms his faith in the ability of international law to provide a common language for the international community to face successfully common challenges, such as poverty, global warming, and the protection of privacy rights in the era of social media and artificial intelligence. Looking beyond traditional beneficiaries and duty-bearers of international obligations, the author makes a case for all actors to engage in respecting, upholding and promoting international law.
THE PITFALLS OF UNILATERAL LEGISLATION IN INTERNATIONAL LAW: LESSONS FROM CONFLICT MINERALS LEGISLATION
Authors: Okowa Phoebe
Published: July 2020

This article examines the compatibility of the extraterritorial application of unilateral legislation with the project of international law. Focusing on two instruments, the Dodd-Frank Act passed by the United States Congress and intended to regulate the activities of US listed companies operating in the Congo and the EU conflict minerals legislation, the article challenges their underlying premises that revenues from natural resources perpetuate conflict and resulting human rights abuses. In so far as these instruments make no provision for meaningful participation by the foreign populations which are the objects of legislation, it is argued that there is a tension between these unilateral instruments and the basic premises of law-making in international law as a democratic enterprise centred around governmental representation. By exclusively directing sanctions and other disciplinary measures at rebels, both legislative instruments have the problematic effect of strengthening the exploitation of natural resources by kleptocratic regimes and undermining the right of populations in conflict zones to civil disobedience as an inescapable component of their right of self-determination.
Subtyping late-life depression according to inflammatory and metabolic dysregulation: a prospective study
Authors: Kokkeler K. J. E. , Marijnissen R. M. , Wardenaar K. J. , Rhebergen D. , van den Brink R. H. S. , van der Mast R. C. , Oude Voshaar R. C.
Published: July 2020

Background

Inflammation and metabolic dysregulation are age-related physiological changes and are associated with depressive disorder. We tried to identify subgroups of depressed older patients based on their metabolic-inflammatory profile and examined the course of depression for these subgroups.

Methods

This clinical cohort study was conducted in a sample of 364 depressed older (⩾60 years) patients according to DSM-IV criteria. Severity of depressive symptoms was monitored every 6 months and a formal diagnostic interview repeated at 2-year follow-up. Latent class analyses based on baseline metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers were performed. Adjusted for confounders, we compared remission of depression at 2-year follow-up between the metabolic-inflammatory subgroups with logistic regression and the course of depression severity over 2-years by linear mixed models.

Results

We identified a ‘healthy’ subgroup (n = 181, 49.7%) and five subgroups characterized by different profiles of metabolic-inflammatory dysregulation. Compared to the healthy subgroup, patients in the subgroup with mild ‘metabolic and inflammatory dysregulation’ (n = 137, 37.6%) had higher depressive symptom scores, a lower rate of improvement in the first year, and were less likely to be remitted after 2-years [OR 0.49 (95% CI 0.26–0.91)]. The four smaller subgroups characterized by a more specific immune-inflammatory dysregulation profile did not differ from the two main subgroups regarding the course of depression.

Conclusions

Nearly half of the patients with late-life depressions suffer from metabolic-inflammatory dysregulation, which is also associated with more severe depression and a worse prognosis. Future studies should examine whether these depressed older patients benefit from a metabolic-inflammatory targeted treatment.