bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quadratic Chabauty for modular curves and modular forms of rank one
Authors: Dogra Netan , Le Fourn Samuel
Published: November 2020

In this paper, we provide refined sufficient conditions for the quadratic Chabauty method on a curve X to produce an effective finite set of points containing the rational points $$X({\mathbb {Q}})$$

X
(
Q
)

, with the condition on the rank of the Jacobian of X replaced by condition on the rank of a quotient of the Jacobian plus an associated space of Chow–Heegner points. We then apply this condition to prove the effective finiteness of $$X({\mathbb {Q}})$$

X
(
Q
)

for any modular curve $$X=X_0^+(N)$$

X
=

X
0
+

(
N
)

or $$X_\mathrm{{ns}}^+(N)$$

X

ns

+

(
N
)

of genus at least 2 with N prime. The proof relies on the existence of a quotient of their Jacobians whose Mordell–Weil rank is equal to its dimension (and at least 2), which is proven via analytic estimates for orders of vanishing of L-functions of modular forms, thanks to a Kolyvagin–Logachev type result.
Non-radiologist-performed point-of-care ultrasonography in paediatrics — European Society of Paediatric Radiology position paper
Authors:   on behalf of the European Society of Paediatric Radiology, van Rijn Rick R. , Stafrace Samuel , Arthurs Owen J. , Rosendahl Karen
Published: November 2020

Non-radiologist point-of-care ultrasonography (US) is increasingly implemented in paediatric care because it is believed to facilitate a timely diagnosis, such as in ascites or dilated renal pelvicalyceal systems, and can be used to guide interventional procedures. To date, all policy statements have been published by non-radiologic societies. The European Society of Paediatric Radiology hereby issues a position statement on paediatric non-radiologist point-of-care US from the point of view of those leading on children’s imaging, i.e. paediatric radiologists. In this position statement, we will address the boundaries, education, credentialing, quality control, reporting and storage of images in paediatric practice.
Early detection of radiation-induced lung damage with X-ray dark-field radiography in mice
Authors: Burkhardt Rico , Gora Thomas , Fingerle Alexander A. , Sauter Andreas P. , Meurer Felix , Umkehrer Stephan , von Teuffenbach Maximilian , Kampfer Severin , Schilling Daniela , Feuchtinger Annette , Walch Axel K. , Rummeny Ernst , Combs Stephanie E. , Schmid Thomas E. , Pfeiffer Franz , Wilkens Jan J. , Herzen Julia
Published: November 2020

Objective

Assessing the advantage of x-ray dark-field contrast over x-ray transmission contrast in radiography for the detection of developing radiation-induced lung damage in mice.

Methods

Two groups of female C57BL/6 mice (irradiated and control) were imaged obtaining both contrasts monthly for 28 weeks post irradiation. Six mice received 20 Gy of irradiation to the entire right lung sparing the left lung. The control group of six mice was not irradiated. A total of 88 radiographs of both contrasts were evaluated for both groups based on average values for two regions of interest, covering (irradiated) right lung and healthy left lung. The ratio of these average values, R, was distinguished between healthy and damaged lungs for both contrasts. The time-point when deviations of R from healthy lung exceeded 3σ was determined and compared among contrasts. The Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test was used to test against the null hypothesis that there is no difference between both groups. A selection of 32 radiographs was assessed by radiologists. Sensitivity and specificity were determined in order to compare the diagnostic potential of both contrasts. Inter-reader and intra-reader accuracy were rated with Cohen’s kappa.

Results

Radiation-induced morphological changes of lung tissue caused deviations from the control group that were measured on average 10 weeks earlier with x-ray dark-field contrast than with x-ray transmission contrast. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy doubled using dark-field radiography.

Conclusion

X-ray dark-field radiography detects morphological changes of lung tissue associated with radiation-induced damage earlier than transmission radiography in a pre-clinical mouse model.

Key Points

• Significant deviations from healthy lung due to irradiation were measured after 16 weeks with x-ray dark-field radiography (p = 0.004).

• Significant deviations occur on average 10 weeks earlier for x-ray dark-field radiography in comparison to x-ray transmission radiography.

• Sensitivity and specificity doubled when using x-ray dark-field radiography instead of x-ray transmission radiography.
Bladder cancer: do we need contrast injection for MRI assessment of muscle invasion? A prospective multi-reader VI-RADS approach
Authors: Delli Pizzi Andrea , Mastrodicasa Domenico , Marchioni Michele , Primiceri Giulia , Di Fabio Francesca , Cianci Roberta , Seccia Barbara , Sessa Barbara , Mincuzzi Erica , Romanelli Martina , Castellan Pietro , Castellucci Roberto , Colasante Antonella , Schips Luigi , Basilico Raffaella , Caulo Massimo
Published: November 2020

Objectives

(1) To investigate whether a contrast-free biparametric MRI (bp-MRI) including T2-weighted images (T2W) and diffusion-weighted images (DWI) can be considered an accurate alternative to the standard multiparametric MRI (mp-MRI), consisting of T2, DWI, and dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) imaging for the muscle-invasiveness assessment of bladder cancer (BC), and (2) to evaluate how the diagnostic performance of differently experienced readers is affected according to the type of MRI protocol.

Methods

Thirty-eight patients who underwent a clinically indicated bladder mp-MRI on a 3-T scanner were prospectively enrolled. Trans-urethral resection of bladder was the gold standard. Two sets of images, set 1 (bp-MRI) and set 2 (mp-MRI), were independently reviewed by four readers. Descriptive statistics, including sensitivity and specificity, were calculated for each reader. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed, and the areas under the curve (AUCs) were calculated for the bp-MRI and the standard mp-MRI. Pairwise comparison of the ROC curves was performed.

Results

The AUCs for bp- and mp-MRI were respectively 0.91–0.92 (reader 1), 0.90 (reader 2), 0.95–0.90 (reader 3), and 0.90–0.87 (reader 4). Sensitivity was 100% for both protocols and specificity ranged between 79.31 and 89.66% and between 79.31 and 83.33% for bp-MRI and mp-MRI, respectively. No significant differences were shown between the two MRI protocols (p > 0.05). No significant differences were shown accordingly to the reader’s experience (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

A bp-MRI protocol consisting of T2W and DWI has comparable diagnostic accuracy to the standard mp-MRI protocol for the detection of muscle-invasive bladder cancer. The experience of the reader does not significantly affect the diagnostic performance using VI-RADS.

Key Points

• The contrast-free MRI protocol shows a comparable accuracy to the standard multiparametric MRI protocol in the bladder cancer muscle-invasiveness assessment.

• VI-RADS classification helps non-expert radiologists to assess the muscle-invasiveness of bladder cancer.

• DCE should be carefully interpreted by less experienced readers due to inflammatory changes representing a potential pitfall.
CAS-ESM2.0 Model Datasets for the CMIP6 Ocean Model Intercomparison Project Phase 1 (OMIP1)
Authors: Dong Xiao , Jin Jiangbo , Liu Hailong , Zhang He , Zhang Minghua , Lin Pengfei , Zeng Qingcun , Zhou Guangqing , Yu Yongqiang , Song Mirong , Lin Zhaohui , Lian Ruxu , Gao Xin , He Juanxiong , Zhang Dongling , Chen Kangjun
Published: November 2020

As a member of the Chinese modeling groups, the coupled ocean-ice component of the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Earth System Model, version 2.0 (CAS-ESM2.0), is taking part in the Ocean Model Intercomparison Project Phase 1 (OMIP1) experiment of phase 6 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6). The simulation was conducted, and monthly outputs have been published on the ESGF (Earth System Grid Federation) data server. In this paper, the experimental dataset is introduced, and the preliminary performances of the ocean model in simulating the global ocean temperature, salinity, sea surface temperature, sea surface salinity, sea surface height, sea ice, and Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) are evaluated. The results show that the model is at quasi-equilibrium during the integration of 372 years, and performances of the model are reasonable compared with observations. This dataset is ready to be downloaded and used by the community in related research, e.g., multi-ocean-sea-ice model performance evaluation and interannual variation in oceans driven by prescribed atmospheric forcing.
Genetic findings in miscarriages and their relation to the number of previous miscarriages
Authors: Gomez R. , Hafezi N. , Amrani M. , Schweiger S. , Dewenter M. K. , Thomas P. , Lieb C. , Hasenburg A. , Skala C.
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Early pregnancy loss leads to a devastating situation for many couples. Genetic disorders found in the pregnancy tissue are a frequent cause of miscarriages. It is unclear whether maternal age or previous miscarriages are associated with a higher chromosomal anomaly rate. This study aimed to determine the cytogenetical distribution of chromosomal disorders in couples after one or more previous miscarriages as well as the influence of maternal age.

Methods

406 fetal tissue samples obtained after spontaneous abortion between 2010 and 2014 were successfully karyotyped. This included 132 couples with at least two losses and 274 couples with sporadic miscarriage. Normal and abnormal karyotype rate was determined for age, parity, gravidity, gestational week and number of previous miscarriages by logistic regression analysis.

Results

145 (35.71%) fetal tissue samples had a normal karyotype, and 261 (64.8%) did not.

After adjusting for age, older patients have a statistically significantly higher probability of genetic disorders in the pregnancy tissue (p < 0.001, OR 1.064, 95% CI 1.03–1.11). With each additional year, the probability of finding chromosomal abnormalities in a miscarriage increased by 6.4%. Patients younger than 35 years have a lower probability of having chromosomal disorders in the aborted material after two or more miscarriages than after sporadic miscarriages (50.7 vs. 58.9%) (p = 0.014, OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.48–0.914). Nevertheless, the risk of embryonic chromosomal disorders in patients aged 35 and above increased from 75.5% in sporadic miscarriages to 82.4% after more than one pregnancy losses (p = 0.59, OR 1.14, 95% CI  − 0.72 to 1.92).

Conclusion

Chromosomal disorders found after one or more previous miscarriages are related to patients’ age. Couples suffering two or more miscarriages should be further researched, especially in younger patients.
A unifying basis for the interplay of stress and chemical processes in the Earth: support from diverse experiments
Authors: Wheeler John
Published: November 2020

The interplay between stress and chemical processes is a fundamental aspect of how rocks evolve, relevant for understanding fracturing due to metamorphic volume change, deformation by pressure solution and diffusion creep, and the effects of stress on mineral reactions in crust and mantle. There is no agreed microscale theory for how stress and chemistry interact, so here I review support from eight different types of the experiment for a relationship between stress and chemistry which is specific to individual interfaces: (chemical potential) = (Helmholtz free energy) + (normal stress at interface) × (molar volume). The experiments encompass temperatures from -100 to 1300 degrees C and pressures from 1 bar to 1.8 GPa. The equation applies to boundaries with fluid and to incoherent solid–solid boundaries. It is broadly in accord with experiments that describe the behaviours of free and stressed crystal faces next to solutions, that document flow laws for pressure solution and diffusion creep, that address polymorphic transformations under stress, and that investigate volume changes in solid-state reactions. The accord is not in all cases quantitative, but the equation is still used to assist the explanation. An implication is that the chemical potential varies depending on the interface, so there is no unique driving force for reaction in stressed systems. Instead, the overall evolution will be determined by combinations of reaction pathways and kinetic factors. The equation described here should be a foundation for grain-scale models, which are a prerequisite for predicting larger scale Earth behaviour when stress and chemical processes interact. It is relevant for all depths in the Earth from the uppermost crust (pressure solution in basin compaction, creep on faults), reactive fluid flow systems (serpentinisation), the deeper crust (orogenic metamorphism), the upper mantle (diffusion creep), the transition zone (phase changes in stressed subducting slabs) to the lower mantle and core mantle boundary (diffusion creep).
Cognitive impairments are independently associated with shorter survival in diffuse glioma patients
Authors: van Kessel Emma , Huenges Wajer Irene M. C. , Ruis Carla , Seute Tatjana , Fonville Susanne , De Vos Filip Y. F. L. , Verhoeff Joost J. C. , Robe Pierre A. , van Zandvoort Martine J. E. , Snijders Tom J.
Published: November 2020

Background

Diffuse gliomas (WHO grade II–IV) are progressive primary brain tumors with great variability in prognosis. Cognitive deficits are of important prognostic value for survival in diffuse gliomas. Until now, few studies focused on domain-specific neuropsychological assessment and rather used MMSE as a measure for cognitive functioning. Additionally, these studies did not take WHO 2016 diagnosis into account. We performed a retrospective cohort study with the aim to investigate the independent relationship between cognitive functioning and survival in treatment-naive patients undergoing awake surgery for a diffuse glioma.

Methods

In patients undergoing awake craniotomy between 2010 and 2017, we performed pre-operative neuropsychological assessments in five cognitive domains, with special attention for the domains executive functioning and memory. We evaluated the independent relation between these domains and survival, in a Cox proportional hazards model that included state-of-the-art integrated histomolecular (‘layered’ or WHO-2016) classification of the gliomas and other known prognostic factors.

Results

We included 197 patients. Cognitive impairments (Z-values ≦ − 2.0) were most frequent in the domains memory (18.3%) and executive functioning (25.9%). Impairments in executive functioning and memory were significantly correlated with survival, even after correcting for the possible confounders. Analyses with the domains language, psychomotor speed, and visuospatial functioning yielded no significant results. Extensive domain-specific neuropsychological assessment was more strongly correlated to survival than MMSE.

Conclusion

Cognitive functioning is independently related to survival in diffuse glioma patients. Possible mechanisms underlying this relationship include the notion of cognitive functioning as a marker for diffuse infiltration of the tumor and the option that cognitive functioning and survival are determined by overlapping genetic pathways and biomarkers.
Effects of Tongue-Strengthening Self-Exercises in Healthy Older Adults: A Non-Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Yano Jitsuro , Nagami Shinsuke , Yokoyama Tomonori , Nakamura Katsuya , Kobayashi Miyu , Odan Yuki , Hikasa Miyako , Hanayama Kozo , Fukunaga Shinya
Published: November 2020

Tongue-strengthening exercises (TSE) using a device have been proposed as an intervention for improving tongue strength and endurance. However, devices for TSE have been expensive and difficult to manipulate and are not commonly used in home or clinical settings. This study therefore aimed to investigate whether tongue-strengthening self-exercises (TSsE) using a tongue-strengthening self-exercise tool at home can improve tongue strength in healthy older adults. This study included 27 participants (exercise group, η = 16, 7 men, 9 women, median age 84.5 years; control group, n = 11, 2 men, 9 women, median age 79.0 years). Exercises in the exercise group consisted of pushing the anterior tongue against the hard palate 30 times, 3 times a day, 5 days a week, for 8 weeks using a tongue-strengthening self-exercise tool. This tool is available in five levels of hardness. The most suitable hardness of the tool for each participant was calculated based on 60% of maximum tongue pressure (MTP) during the first 2 weeks of the training period and 80% of MTP for the remainder of the training period, as assessed using a tongue pressure-measuring device. The exercise group showed a significant improvement of 4.1 kPa in MTP (an 11.53% increase) and 4.53 s in endurance of tongue pressure (ETP) (a 99.86% increase). Furthermore, adherence in the exercise group was 99.2%. In conclusion, performing TSsE for 8 weeks was effective for increasing MTP and ETP in healthy older adults. This indicates that TSsE may be useful in older individuals at home to prevent age-related tongue muscle weakness.
Seasonal variation of blood pressure in children
Authors: Ziegelasch Niels , Vogel Mandy , Siekmeyer Werner , Billing Heiko , Dähnert Ingo , Kiess Wieland
Published: November 2020

Seasonal blood pressure (BP) variation is mostly found between the summer and winter months. Guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of hypertension in children have not considered this variation until recently. This review aims to present an overview of seasonal BP variation in childhood along with potential underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and long-term implications as well as conclusions for future studies. In pediatric cohorts, seven studies investigated seasonal changes in BP. These changes amount to 3.4–5.9 mmHg (or 0.5–1.5 mmHg per − 1 °C difference in environmental temperature) in systolic BP with a peak in fall or winter. Potential mechanisms and mediators of seasonal BP variation include sympathetic activation of the nervous system with an increase of urinary and plasma norepinephrine levels in the winter season. Additionally, the physical activity among children and adolescents was inversely correlated with BP levels. Temperature sensitivity of BP and pediatric BP levels predict future systolic BP and target-organ damage. Therefore, cardiovascular events may even be long-term complications of seasonal BP variation in pediatric hypertensive patients. Overall, these data strongly suggest an important effect of ambient temperature on BP in children. Additional studies in pediatric cohorts are needed to define how best to incorporate such variation into clinical practice.
BIM-basierte digitale Transformation im Untertagebau anhand von zwei anwendungsorientierten Forschungsprojekten
Authors: Mazak-Huemer Alexandra , Galler Robert , Wenighofer Robert , Vierhauser Michael , Huemer Christian
Published: November 2020

Es gibt zahlreiche Publikationen, die die digitale Transformation im Tief- und Tunnelbau propagieren. Als Lösungsansatz wird dabei immer wieder Building Information Modeling (BIM) genannt und die Umsetzung der digitalen Transformation basierend auf dieser Methodik gefordert. Der prototypische Charakter eines Tunnelbauprojekts erschwert jedoch eine standardisierte Vorgehensweise. Hinzu kommt, dass die beteiligten Fachdisziplinen für unterschiedliche Gewerke individuelle Softwaretools mit proprietären (nicht standardisierten) Datenformaten nutzen. Durch diese in sich geschlossenen Datenmodelle ist eine offene BIM Arbeitsweise (Open BIM) nur schwer zu realisieren. Das hat der Lehrstuhl für Subsurface Engineering an der Montanuniversität Leoben zum Anlass genommen und zwei anwendungsorientierte Forschungsprojekte zur digitalen Transformation im Tief- und Tunnelbau lanciert, deren Inhalte in diesem Artikel kurz vorgestellt werden. Das „Zentrum am Berg (ZaB)“ dient in beiden Projekten als zentrale Infrastruktur zu Evaluierungszwecken.
Returning to work in lung cancer survivors—a multi-center cross-sectional study in Germany
Authors: Rashid Humayra , Eichler Martin , Hechtner Marlene , Gianicolo Emilio , Wehler Beatrice , Buhl Roland , Schmidberger Heinz , Stratmann Jan A. , Gohrbandt Bernhard , Kortsik Cornelius , Nestle Ursula , Wirtz Hubert , Blettner Maria , Singer Susanne
Published: November 2020

Purpose

To investigate the work situation of lung cancer survivors and to identify the factors associated with their returning to work.

Methods

Descriptive analysis and logistic regression were used to evaluate study population characteristics and independent factors of subsequently returning to work. To analyze time to return to work, Cox regression was used.

Results

The study sample included 232 lung cancer survivors of working age from 717 enrolled participants in the multi-center cross-sectional LARIS (Quality of Life and Psychosocial Rehabilitation in Lung Cancer Survivors) study. About 67% of the survivors were not employed during the survey. More than 51% of the survivors who were employed before their illness did not return to their work. The survivors who had returned to their careers were younger, associated with higher household income, lower fatigue score, and stable relationship and vocational training. Patients who received social service counseling showed a higher chance of regaining their career.

Conclusions

Lung cancer survivors were found to be associated with a high risk of unemployment and very low professional reintegration after interruption due to illness. More comprehensive studies are needed to support lung cancer survivors and targeting of patients in need of special attention in rehabilitation that would benefit from the findings in the present study.
Proteomic comparison of different synaptosome preparation procedures
Authors: Gulyássy Péter , Puska Gina , Györffy Balázs A. , Todorov-Völgyi Katalin , Juhász Gábor , Drahos László , Kékesi Katalin Adrienna
Published: November 2020

Synaptosomes are frequently used research objects in neurobiology studies focusing on synaptic transmission as they mimic several aspects of the physiological synaptic functions. They contain the whole apparatus for neurotransmission, the presynaptic nerve ending with synaptic vesicles, synaptic mitochondria and often a segment of the postsynaptic membrane along with the postsynaptic density is attached to its outer surface. As being artificial functional organelles, synaptosomes are viable for several hours, retain their activity, membrane potential, and capable to store, release, and reuptake neurotransmitters. Synaptosomes are ideal subjects for proteomic analysis. The recently available separation and protein detection techniques can cope with the reduced complexity of the organelle and enable the simultaneous qualitative and quantitative analysis of thousands of proteins shaping the structural and functional characteristics of the synapse. Synaptosomes are formed during the homogenization of nervous tissue in the isoosmotic milieu and can be isolated from the homogenate by various approaches. Each enrichment method has its own benefits and drawbacks and there is not a single method that is optimal for all research purposes. For a proper proteomic experiment, it is desirable to preserve the native synaptic structure during the isolation procedure and keep the degree of contamination from other organelles or cell types as low as possible. In this article, we examined five synaptosome isolation methods from a proteomic point of view by the means of electron microscopy, Western blot, and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to compare their efficiency in the isolation of synaptosomes and depletion of contaminating subcellular structures. In our study, the different isolation procedures led to a largely overlapping pool of proteins with a fairly similar distribution of presynaptic, active zone, synaptic vesicle, and postsynaptic proteins; however, discrete differences were noticeable in individual postsynaptic proteins and in the number of identified transmembrane proteins. Much pronounced variance was observed in the degree of contamination with mitochondrial and glial structures. Therefore, we suggest that in selecting the appropriate isolation method for any neuroproteomics experiment carried out on synaptosomes, the degree and sort/source of contamination should be considered as a primary aspect.
Cerebral cavernous malformation remnants after surgery: a single-center series with long-term bleeding risk analysis
Authors: Fontanella Marco M. , Agosti Edoardo , Zanin Luca , di Bergamo Lodovico Terzi , Doglietto Francesco
Published: November 2020

The aim of this work is to investigate the long-term bleeding risk of cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) remnants. A review of clinical, radiological, operative, and post-operative data of a cerebral cavernous malformation (CCMs) prospective database was performed. Fisher’s exact test and Mann-Whitney U-test were used to assess differences between non-hemorrhagic and hemorrhagic CCM remnants for 14 variables. Recursive partitioning analysis was performed to assess the order of variables most associated with CCM remnant bleeding. Twenty-four patients out of 126 had a CCM post-surgical remnant. Of these, 7 had at least one post-operative hemorrhagic event. The mean follow-up was 80.7 months (range 12–144). CCM post-surgical remnant bleeding presented mostly with acute headache (50%) and focal neurological deficit (25%); in the remaining cases, the hemorrhage was asymptomatic. Retreatment was performed in two patients, with surgery and radiosurgery, respectively; no treatment was performed in the majority of cases. All patients ranked as non-II, according to Zabramski classification, did not show any post-surgical bleeding. The presence of a pre-operative perilesional hemosiderin ring was highly significant in predicting post-surgical bleeding (sensitivity = 0.94, specificity = 0.88) and incorrectly predicted bleeding in only two of the 24 patients. This study provides an evaluation of clinical and radiological factors influencing the bleeding risk of a CCM post-surgical remnant in a homogeneous population. Perilesional hemosiderin ring and Zabramski Type II appear to strongly condition the bleeding risk of a CCM post-surgical remnant.
Standardized fluoroscopy-guided implantation technique enables optimal electrode placement in sacral neuromodulation: a cadaver study
Authors: Müller C. , Reissig L. F. , Argeny S. , Weninger W. J. , Riss S.
Published: November 2020

Background

Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is an established treatment option for patients with faecal incontinence. The location of the stimulating electrode is considered to be essential for treatment success. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the position of SNM electrodes after using a standardized fluoroscopy-guided implantation technique.

Methods

For this cadaver study, SNM electrodes were implanted bilaterally in 5 lower body specimens. The lower edge of the sacroiliac joint and the medial edge of the sacral foramina were marked using fluoroscopy to draw an ‘H’ with the crossing points identifying S3. After electrode placement the pelvis was dissected to describe the exact position of the SNM electrodes.

Results

The electrodes were inserted at an angle with a median degree measure of 60° (range 50–65°) to the skin, with a median distance of 9 mm (range 0–13 mm) from the S3 marking. All electrodes entered the third sacral foramen. The median distance of the electrodes to the sacral nerve was 0 mm (range 0–3 mm) for the most proximal, 0.5 mm (range 0–5 mm) for the second, 2.25 mm (range 0–11 mm) for the third and 1.75 mm (range 0–16 mm) for the most distant electrode. There was neither a significant difference in the proximity of the electrodes to the nerve between the right and left side (proximal to distal electrode: p = 0.18, p = 0.16, p = 0.07, p = 0.07) nor between male and female cadavers (p = 0.25, p = 0.21, p = 0.66, p = 0.66).

Conclusions

A standardized fluoroscopy-guided implantation technique enables a close contact between electrode and nerve. This can potentially result in an improved clinical outcome.
Quotas: Enabling Conscientious Objection to Coexist with Abortion Access
Authors: Rodger Daniel , Blackshaw Bruce P.
Published: November 2020

The debate regarding the role of conscientious objection in healthcare has been protracted, with increasing demands for curbs on conscientious objection. There is a growing body of evidence that indicates that in some cases, high rates of conscientious objection can affect access to legal medical services such as abortion—a major concern of critics of conscientious objection. Moreover, few solutions have been put forward that aim to satisfy both this concern and that of defenders of conscientious objection—being expected to participate in the provision of services that compromise their moral integrity. Here we attempt to bring some resolution to the debate by proposing a pragmatic, long-term solution offering what we believe to be an acceptable compromise—a quota system for medical trainees in specialties where a conscientious objection can be exercised, and is known to cause conflict. We envisage two main objectives of the quota system we propose. First, as a means to introduce conscientious objection into countries where this is not presently permitted. Second, to minimise or eliminate the effects of high rates of conscientious objection in countries such as Italy, where access to legal abortion provision can be negatively affected.
Toward accurate density and interfacial tension modeling for carbon dioxide/water mixtures
Authors: Cui Zixuan , Li Huazhou
Published: November 2020

Phase behavior of carbon dioxide/water binary mixtures plays an important role in various CO2-based industry processes. This work aims to screen a thermodynamic model out of a number of promising candidate models to capture the vapor–liquid equilibria, liquid–liquid equilibria, and phase densities of CO2/H2O mixtures. A comprehensive analysis reveals that Peng–Robinson equation of state (PR EOS) (Peng and Robinson 1976), Twu α function (Twu et al. 1991), Huron–Vidal mixing rule (Huron and Vidal 1979), and Abudour et al. (2013) volume translation model (Abudour et al. 2013) is the best model among the ones examined; it yields average absolute percentage errors of 5.49% and 2.90% in reproducing the experimental phase composition data and density data collected in the literature. After achieving the reliable modeling of phase compositions and densities, a new IFT correlation based on the aforementioned PR EOS model is proposed through a nonlinear regression of the measured IFT data collected from the literature over 278.15–477.59 K and 1.00–1200.96 bar. Although the newly proposed IFT correlation only slightly improves the prediction accuracy yielded by the refitted Chen and Yang (2019)’s correlation (Chen and Yang 2019), the proposed correlation avoids the inconsistent predictions present in Chen and Yang (2019)’s correlation and yields smooth IFT predictions.
An Effort Towards Full Graphene Photodetectors
Authors: Larki Farhad , Abdi Yaser , Kameli Parviz , Salamati Hadi
Published: November 2020

Graphene as a truly 2-dimensional (2D) system is a promising candidate material for various optoelectronic applications. Implementing graphene as the main building material in ultra-broadband photodetectors has been the center of extensive research due to its unique absorption spectrum which covers most of the electro-magnetic spectra. However, one of the main challenges facing the wide application of pure graphene photodetectors has been the small optical absorption of monolayer graphene. Although novel designs were proposed to overcome this drawback, they often need complicated fabrication processes in order to integrate with the graphene photodetector. In this regard, fabrication of purely graphene photodetectors is a promising approach towards the manufacturing of simple, inexpensive, and high photosensitive devices. The fabrication of full graphene photodetectors (FGPDs) is mainly based on obtaining an optimal technique for the growth of high quality graphene, modification of electronic and optical properties of the graphene, appropriate techniques for transfer of graphene from the grown substrate to the desire position, and a proper design for photodetection. Therefore, the available states of the art techniques for each step of device fabrication, along with their pros and cons, are reviewed and the possible approaches for optimization of FGPDs have been proposed.
Naïve Bayes Classifier for Debris Flow Disaster Mitigation in Mount Merapi Volcanic Rivers, Indonesia, Using X-band Polarimetric Radar
Authors: Hapsari Ratih Indri , Sugna Bima Ahida Indaka , Novianto Dandung , Asmara Rosa Andrie , Oishi Satoru
Published: November 2020

Debris flow triggered by rainfall that accompanies a volcanic eruption is a serious secondary impact of a volcanic disaster. The probability of debris flow events can be estimated based on the prior information of rainfall from historical and geomorphological data that are presumed to relate to debris flow occurrence. In this study, a debris flow disaster warning system was developed by applying the Naïve Bayes Classifier (NBC). The spatial likelihood of the hazard is evaluated at a small subbasin scale by including high-resolution rainfall measurements from X-band polarimetric weather radar, a topographic factor, and soil type as predictors. The study was conducted in the Gendol River Basin of Mount Merapi, one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia. Rainfall and debris flow occurrence data were collected for the upper Gendol River from October 2016 to February 2018 and divided into calibration and validation datasets. The NBC was used to estimate the status of debris flow incidences displayed in the susceptibility map that is based on the posterior probability from the predictors. The system verification was performed by quantitative dichotomous quality indices along with a contingency table. Using the validation datasets, the advantage of the NBC for estimating debris flow occurrence is confirmed. This work contributes to existing knowledge on estimating debris flow susceptibility through the data mining approach. Despite the existence of predictive uncertainty, the presented system could contribute to the improvement of debris flow countermeasures in volcanic regions.
Tribological characteristics of friction stir processed graphite and tin/LM24 surface composites
Authors: Sharma Vipin , Prakash Ujjwal , Manoj Kumar B. Venkata
Published: November 2020

Friction stir processing (FSP) is an emerging solid-state technique for preparing surface composites using various reinforcements. Ceramics and metallic particles are easily reinforced in a matrix by this technique. Surface composites made from an LM24 alloy reinforced with graphite and tin, with good wettability and material flow owing to the low melting point of tin, were fabricated by FSP at two rotational speeds of 1,400 and 1,000 rpm. Despite its low hardness, the graphite/LM24 surface composite fabricated at a higher rotational speed of 1,400 rpm exhibited better wear resistance. However, its frictional behavior was not significantly affected by the reinforcement. The fabricated surface composites with graphite and tin reinforcement as well as graphite-only reinforcement exhibited contradicting behaviors under sliding wear conditions. The post wear analysis indicated that abrasion, adhesion, layer formation, and delamination occurred on the composite surfaces.
Victim-Offender Overlap in Violent Crime: Targeting Crime Harm in a Canadian Suburb
Authors: Hiltz Natalie , Bland Matthew , Barnes Geoffrey C.
Published: November 2020

Research Question

To what extent are victims of violent crime also offenders, and vice versa, with what concentrations of total crime harm across each person who has ever been reported as both a victim and an offender within the study period?

Data

We analyse 27,233 unique individuals who were the subject of violent crime reports to the Peel Regional Police Service in Canada, either as offenders, victims, or both, for crimes reported between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2016. Each individual linked to a violent crime in this period was tracked for the 730 days subsequent to the first crime report naming them.

Methods

We coded each crime with the Canadian Crime Severity Index (CCSI) to calculate victimization and offending harm totals across all incidents for each individual. We then computed each individual’s ratio of total CCSI from victimization to total CCSI from victimization. Based on the distribution of these ratios of CCSI from all offending to all victimization, we show how police can distinguish three categories of victim-offenders (VOs): predominant victims (PVs), predominant offenders (POs), and balanced victim-offenders (BVOs), as well as the single-category absolute offenders (AOs) and absolute victims (AVs).

Findings

Across all 27,233 individuals tracked, 17,138 (64%) appeared first as victims, and 10,095 (36%) appeared first as suspects. Of those appearing first as victims, 997 (6%) are linked to a violent crime as an offender within 730 days. Among those appearing first as offenders, 1019 (10%) are subsequently reported as victimized within 730 days. The total of this combined group (VOs) = 1665 individuals (6% of the entire population). Using a 3.5:1 ratio of victim to offender harm, we subdivide the 1665 VOs further into 322 predominant victims, 280 predominant offenders, and 1063 balanced victim-offenders. The 20% of individuals (n = 5455) with highest harm are linked to 71% of overall harm. On average, predominant offenders (who have also been victimized) are associated with 2.7 times as much harm as absolute offenders, and predominant victims (who have also been offenders) have three times as much harm as absolute victims.

Conclusions

This research shows how combining records of victimization and offending to target higher harm levels with greater potential benefits for police investments in harm reduction and prevention.
Fetal Growth Restriction: Does an Integrated Maternal Hemodynamic-Placental Model Fit Better?
Authors: Mecacci F. , Avagliano L. , Lisi F. , Clemenza S. , Serena Caterina , Vannuccini S. , Rambaldi M. P. , Simeone S. , Ottanelli S. , Petraglia F.
Published: November 2020

In recent years, a growing interest has arisen regarding the possible relationship between adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) and inadequate maternal hemodynamic adaptations to the pregnancy. A possible association between “placental syndromes,” such as preeclampsia (PE) and fetal growth restriction (FGR), and subsequent maternal cardiovascular diseases (CVD) later in life has been reported. The two subtypes of FGR show different pathogenetic and clinical features. Defective placentation, due to a poor trophoblastic invasion of the maternal spiral arteries, is believed to play a central role in the pathogenesis of early-onset PE and FGR. Since placental functioning is dependent on the maternal cardiovascular system, a pre-existent or subsequent cardiovascular impairment may play a key role in the pathogenesis of early-onset FGR. Late FGR does not seem to be determined by a primary abnormal placentation in the first trimester. The pathological pathway of late-onset FGR may be due to a primary maternal cardiovascular maladaptation: CV system shows a flat profile and remains similar to those of non-pregnant women. Since the second trimester, when the placenta is already developed and increases its functional request, a hypovolemic state could lead to placental hypoperfusion and to an altered maturation of the placental villous tree and therefore to an altered fetal growth. Thus, this review focalizes on the possible relationship between maternal cardiac function and placentation in the development of both early and late-onset FGR. A better understanding of maternal hemodynamics in pregnancies complicated by FGR could bring various benefits in clinical practice, improving screening and therapeutic tools.
Modernism and the Idea of the Crowd
Authors: Paltin Judith
Published: November 2020

This book argues that modernists such as James Joyce and Virginia Woolf engaged creatively with modernity's expanding forms of collective experience and performative identities. Judith Paltin compares patterns of crowds in modernist Anglophone literature to historical arrangements and theories of democratic assembly to argue that an abstract construction of the crowd engages with the transformation of popular subjectivity from a nineteenth-century liberal citizenry to the contemporary sense of a range of political multitudes struggling with intersectional conditions of oppression and precarity. Modernist works, many of which were composed during the ascendancy of fascism and other populist politics claiming to be based on the action of the crowd, frequently stage the crowd as a primal scene for violence; at the same time, they posit a counterforce in more agile collective gatherings which clarify the changing relations in literary modernity between subjects and power.
Royal Illness and Kingship Ideology in the Hebrew Bible
Authors: Cranz Isabel
Published: November 2020

In this book, Isabel Cranz offers the first systematic study of royal illness in the Books of Samuel, Kings and Chronicles. Applying a diachronic approach, she compares and contrasts how the different views concerning kingship and illness are developed in the larger trajectory of the Hebrew Bible. As such, she demonstrates how a framework of meaning is constructed around the motif of illness, which is expanded in several redactional steps. This development takes different forms and relates to issues such as problems with kingship, the cultic, and moral conduct of individual kings, or the evaluation of dynasties.  Significantly, Cranz shows how the scribes living in post-monarchic Judah expanded the interpretive framework of royal illness until it included a message of destruction and a critique of kingship. The physical and mental integrity of the king, therefore, becomes closely tied to his nation and the political system he represents.
Life, Land, and Elijah in the Book of Kings
Authors: Stulac Daniel J. D.
Published: November 2020

In this book, Daniel J. D. Stulac brings a canonical-agrarian approach to the Elijah narratives and demonstrates the rhetorical and theological contribution of these texts to the Book of Kings. This unique perspective yields insights into Elijah's iconographical character (1 Kings 17-19), which is contrasted sharply against the Omride dynasty (1 Kings 20-2 Kings 1). It also serves as a template for Elisha's activities in chapters to follow (2 Kings 2-8). Under circumstances that foreshadow the removal of both monarchy and temple, the book's middle third (1 Kings 17-2 Kings 8) proclaims Yhwh's enduring care for Israel's land and people through various portraits of resurrection, even in a world where Israel's sacred institutions have been stripped away. Elijah emerges as the archetypal ancestor of a royal-prophetic remnant with which the reader is encouraged to identify.
Fictions of Containment in the Spanish Female Picaresque
Authors: Kuffner Emily
Published: November 2020

This study examines the interdependence of gender, sexuality and space in the early modern period, which saw the inception of architecture as a discipline and gave rise to the first custodial institutions for women, including convents for reformed prostitutes. Meanwhile, conduct manuals established prescriptive mandates for female use of space, concentrating especially on the liminal spaces of the home. This work traces literary prostitution in the Spanish Mediterranean through the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, from the rise of courtesan culture in several key areas through the shift from tolerance of prostitution toward repression. Kuffner's analysis pairs canonical and noncanonical works of fiction with didactic writing, architectural treatises, and legal mandates, tying the literary practice of prostitution to increasing control over female sexuality during the Counter Reformation. By tracing erotic negotiations in the female picaresque novel from its origins through later manifestations, she demonstrates that even as societal attitudes towards prostitution shifted dramatically, a countervailing tendency to view prostitution as an essential part of the social fabric undergirds many representations of literary prostitutes. Kuffner's analysis reveals that the semblance of domestic enclosure figures as a primary eroticstrategy in female picaresque fiction, allowing readers to assess the variety of strategies used by authors to comment on the relationship between unruly female sexuality and social order.
Bergamo Field Hospital Confronting COVID-19: Operating Instructions
Authors: Spagnolello Ornella , Rota Silvia , Francesco Valoti Oliviero , Cozzini Claudio , Parrino Pietro , Portella Gina , Langer Martin
Published: November 2020

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic represented an unprecedented challenge for health care facilities, and innovative solutions were urgently required to overcome the high volume of critically ill infectious patients, limit in-hospital outbreaks, and limit the risk of occupational infection for health care workers (HCWs). Bergamo was the hardest-hit Italian province by COVID-19, and the local health care system had to undergo a profound and prompt reorganization. A COVID-19-only field hospital was rapidly set up meeting the standards for severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) treatment centers (https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/331603). A zones partition, dedicated in-hospital pathways for HCWs, strict infection prevention and control (IPC) measures, and constant staff supervision were key components of our strategy to limit the risk of occupational infection for HCWs. Herein, we present the Bergamo field hospital layout enlightening fundamental IPC measures adopted as a valuable example of a SARI treatment center confronting COVID-19.
Diplomatic immunity ratione materiae, immunity ratione materiae of state officials, and state immunity: A comparative analysis
Authors: Shi Xinxiang
Published: November 2020

This article explores the scope and nature of diplomatic immunity ratione materiae under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (VCDR) by comparing this immunity with state immunity and immunity ratione materiae of ordinary state officials in general international law. It is argued that diplomatic immunity ratione materiae is distinct from immunity ratione materiae of ordinary state officials because ‘functions’ of a mission member should not be treated as ‘state functions’ in general but should be understood within the framework of Article 3(1) of the VCDR, which sets out the functions of a diplomatic mission as a whole. This means that the immunity cannot be upheld for serious violation of international law. On the other hand, diplomatic immunity ratione materiae is also different from state immunity both in scope and in nature. Therefore, the immunity must be understood as a unique concept which includes both the substantive issue of non-personal-liability and the procedural issue of immunity from jurisdiction. This hybrid nature of diplomatic immunity ratione materiae is the corollary of the functional emphasis of the Vienna Convention.