bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Todesfälle in neun Regionen Italiens im
Februar/März 2020:
„Mortalitäts-Exzess-Lupe“ für
SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19-Epidemiologie in Deutschland
Authors: Morfeld Peter , Erren Thomas C 
Published: May 2020

ZusammenfassungItalien ist besonders durch SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 betroffen.
Kürzlich haben Colombo und Impicciatore die Todesfallzahlen in 1084
ausgewählten Gemeinden im Zeitfenster 21.2.2020 bis zum 21.3.2020 mit
den entsprechenden Todesfallzahlen in den gleichen Zeitfenstern 2015 bis 2019
verglichen. Wir erweitern Auswertungen von Daten des Nationalen Instituts
für Statistik Italiens (ISTAT) und berechnen Standardisierte
Mortalitäts-Ratios (SMRs) in den neun ausgewählten Regionen
Italiens, getrennt für Männer und Frauen und zusammengefasst.
Wir analysieren Kovariableneinflüsse mit Poisson-Modellen und
diskutieren Limitierungen dieser aktuellen Ausarbeitungen. Wir schlussfolgern:
In Übereinstimmung mit Colombo und Impicciatore kann in der besonderen
Corona-Situation diese „Mortalitäts-Exzess-Lupe“
– bei Annahme sonst konstanter Determinanten für
Todesfälle – ein Virus-Test-unabhängiges Instrument
sein, Mortalitätseffekte von SARS-CoV-2 zu bestimmen. Die aktuelle
„Lupe“ ist fokussiert auf Gemeinden mit Zunahmen um mehr als
20% an Todesfällen im März 2020 im Vergleich zu den
durchschnittlichen Todesfällen an denselben Tagen in den Jahren
2015–2019. Man könnte das Zeitfenster der Untersuchung vor dem
21.2.2020 öffnen, um maskierte Mortalitätszunahmen bereits vor
der ersten Meldung eines „COVID-19-Todesfalls“ festzustellen.
Die aktuelle „Lupe“ vermittelt ausgeprägte
Mortalitätsanstiege auch in Regionen, die nicht als Corona-Hotspot
galten. Insofern können Mortalitätsdaten auch bei Fehlen
repräsentativer Virus-Testergebnisse wichtige Hinweise auf die
Verteilung oder Ausbreitung eines neu wirkenden Faktors sein. In der Gesamtschau
ist es angezeigt, SMR-Analysen für Deutschland
regelmäßig durchzuführen, differenziert nach Regionen,
Geschlechtern, Altersgruppen und Todesursachen. Solche Analysen können
zur Früherkennung und Beurteilung des Schweregrads einer
tödlichen Pandemie („Krankheitslast“) sowie zur
Überwachung der dynamischen Verbreitung eines Faktors wie SARS-CoV-2
beitragen. SMR-Analysen können auch genutzt werden, sowohl
erwünschte als auch unerwünschte Auswirkungen von
Maßnahmen gegen SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 – und ggfs. andere
Epidemien und Pandemien – abzuschätzen und zu evaluieren.
Pure Endoscopic Excision of Parenchymal Brain Tumors: Feasibilty, Risks, Advantages and Realities - A Beginners Perspective
Authors: Budhiraja Manish , Pathak Ashis , Brar Harmandeep , Brar Rahat 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Neuroendoscopy is gaining popularity and is reaching new realms. Young neurosurgeons are exploring the various possibilities associated with the use of neuroendoscopy. Neuroendoscopy in excision of parenchymal brain tumors is less explored, and young neurosurgeons should be aware of the realities. The present article is an approach to put forward the difficulties faced by a young neurosurgeon and the lessons learnt.
Objective To report the experience of surgical excision of parenchymal brain tumors, in selected cases, using pure endoscopic approach and to discuss its feasibility, technical benefits, risks and comparison with conventional microscopic excision.
Method Eight patients of variable age group with parenchymal brain tumors were operated upon by a single surgeon and followed up for a period varying from 6 months to 2 years. Data regarding operating time, illumination, clarity of the field, size of craniotomy, blood loss and course of recovery was evaluated. All of the tumors were resected using rigid high definition zero and 30° endoscope.
Results Out of eight cases, seven had lesions in the supratentorial and one in the infratentorial location. The age group ranged from 27 to 74 years old. Near to gross total resection was achieved in all except two cases. All of the patients recovered well without any significant morbidity or mortality. Hospital stay was reduced by 1 day on average.
Conclusion Excision of parenchymal brain tumors via pure endoscopic method is a safe and efficient procedure. Although there is an initial period of learning curve, it is not steep for those already practicing neuroendoscopy, but the approach has its advantages.
Treatment Outcomes for Periprosthetic Femoral Fractures in Cementless Press-Fit Total Hip Replacement
Authors: Monotti Isobel C. , Preston Christopher A. , Kidd Scott W. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Objective The aim of this study was to report outcomes in dogs with periprosthetic femoral fractures associated with a press-fit cementless femoral total hip replacement implant.
Materials and Methods Electronic medical records and digital radiographs were used to identify dogs with periprosthetic femoral fractures associated with press-fit cementless total hip replacement. Data collected included signalment, weight, time of fracture, cause of fracture, presence of intra-operative fissure, fracture type, repair technique, and clinical and radiographic outcomes. Long-term patient outcome was assessed by communication with owners or referring veterinarians.
Results Twenty-eight dogs with femoral fracture repair associated with cementless press-fit total hip replacement were identified. Eight of the fractures occurred intraoperatively and 20 occurred at a median of 2 days postoperatively. An oblique or spiral configuration was noted in 19 cases and 15 occurred at the distal end of the femoral stem (type B), with thirteen type B1, one type B2 and one type B3 fractures. Fractures were repaired with non-locking (18/28) or locking-plate fixation (10/28). Cerclage wire was applied around the plate and proximal bone segment in 17/28 dogs. Major complications occurred in 7/28 cases (five deep infection, two mechanical failures). Bone healing was noted in 21/23 cases, for which follow-up radiographic interpretation was available. Return to function was complete in 17 cases, acceptable in 8 cases and unacceptable in 3 cases.
Conclusions While cementless total hip replacement periprosthetic femoral fractures can be successfully repaired with lateral plate fixation, the risk of infection appears to be high.
Tuberculosis of Sphenoid Sinus: Report of Two Cases
Authors: Bhat Vadisha Srinivas , J. Samatha K. , T. Devika , P. Shrinath D. Kamath , Aroor Rajeshwary , B. Satheesh Kumar Bhandary 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIsolated lesions of the sphenoid sinus are uncommon and difficult to diagnose. In the absence of characteristic clinical findings, the diagnosis of such lesions depends mainly on imaging. However, as radiological appearance cannot provide the clinician with a definite diagnosis, histopathological examination of the specimen is mandatory for the diagnosis. Endoscopic sinus surgery has been an excellent approach for diagnosis as well as treatment of isolated sphenoid sinus lesions. The disease can be effectively treated by antituberculosis treatment. We report two cases of tuberculosis involving the sphenoid sinus only.
Quantum Fourier analysis
Authors: Jaffe Arthur , Jiang Chunlan , Liu Zhengwei , Ren Yunxiang , Wu Jinsong 
Published: May 2020

SignificanceClassical Fourier analysis, discovered over 200 years ago, remains a cornerstone in understanding almost every field of pure mathematics. Its applications in physics range from classical electromagnetism to the formulation of quantum theory. It gives insights into chemistry, engineering, and information science, and it underlies the theory of communication. Quantum Fourier analysis extends this perspective. It yields insights and inequalities associated with uncertainty principles for quantum symmetries. In this paper, we introduce this mathematical subject, we show how it can solve some theoretical problems, and we give some applications to quantum physics with bounds on entropy and the analysis of quantum entanglement. We believe that quantum Fourier analysis, now in its infancy, will have significant future impact.
On-site comparison of quantum Hall effect resistance standards of the NIM and the BIPM: ongoing key comparison BIPM.EM-K12
Authors: Gournay P , Rolland B , Lu Y , Zhao J 
Published: May 2020

The ongoing on-site comparison BIPM.EM-K12 is part of the BIPM programme implemented to verify the international coherence of the primary resistance standards. It allows National Metrology Institutes (NMIs) to validate their implementations of the quantum Hall effect (QHE) for dc resistance traceability by comparison to the reference maintained at the BIPM.
The realization of the ohm from the QHE-based standard of the NMIs at 100 Ω is compared with that realized by the BIPM from its own transportable quantum Hall resistance standard. This comparison is usually completed by scaling measurements from 100 Ω to 1 Ω and 10 kΩ through the measurement of the resistance ratios 100 Ω/1 Ω and 10 kΩ/100 Ω, respectively.
In September 2019, a new BIPM.EM-K12 on-site comparison was carried out at the National Institute of Metrology of China (NIM). It was the first time the NIM participated in this comparison programme.
Measurements of the 100 Ω transfer standard in terms of the SI value of the von Klitzing constant, R
K, agreed to 4 parts in 1010 with a relative combined standard uncertainty u
c = 26 × 10−10. Measurements of 10 kΩ/100 Ω and 100 Ω/1 Ω ratios agreed to 50 parts in 1010 with u
c = 24 × 10−10 and to 10 parts in 1010 with u
c = 23 × 10−10, respectively.

Main text

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.
The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCEM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Update of the BIPM comparison BIPM.RI(II)-K1.Ho-166m of activity measurements of the radionuclide 166mHo to include the 2017 results of the NMISA (South Africa) and update of the KCRV
Authors: Michotte C , Courte S , Nonis M , Rooy M W van , Staden M J van , Lubbe J 
Published: May 2020

Since 1989, 6 national metrology institutes (NMI) have submitted 7 samples of known activity of 166mHo to the International Reference System (SIR) for activity comparison at the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM), with comparison identifier BIPM.RI(II)-K1.Ho-166m. The values of the activity submitted were between about 70 kBq and 470 kBq. The key comparison reference value (KCRV) has been re-evaluated using the power-moderated weighted mean to include the PTB and NMISA results dated 2013 and 2017, respectively. There are now five valid results in the KCDB for the BIPM.RI(II)-K1.Ho-166m comparison and the degrees of equivalence between the equivalent activity measured in the SIR and the KCRV have been calculated. The degrees of equivalence for linked regional key comparisons (APMP and EURAMET) were updated.

Main text

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.
The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCRI, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Higher-order total variation approaches and generalisations
Authors: Bredies Kristian , Holler Martin 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Over the last decades, the total variation (TV) has evolved to be one of the most broadly-used regularisation functionals for inverse problems, in particular for imaging applications. When first introduced as a regulariser, higher-order generalisations of TV were soon proposed and studied with increasing interest, which led to a variety of different approaches being available today. We review several of these approaches, discussing aspects ranging from functional-analytic foundations to regularisation theory for linear inverse problems in Banach space, and provide a unified framework concerning well-posedness and convergence for vanishing noise level for respective Tikhonov regularisation. This includes general higher orders of TV, additive and infimal-convolution multi-order total variation, total generalised variation, and beyond. Further, numerical optimisation algorithms are developed and discussed that are suitable for solving the Tikhonov minimisation problem for all presented models. Focus is laid in particular on covering the whole pipeline starting at the discretisation of the problem and ending at concrete, implementable iterative procedures. A major part of this review is finally concerned with presenting examples and applications where higher-order TV approaches turned out to be beneficial. These applications range from classical inverse problems in imaging such as denoising, deconvolution, compressed sensing, optical-flow estimation and decompression, to image reconstruction in medical imaging and beyond, including magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, magnetic-resonance positron emission tomography, and electron tomography.
An inexact non stationary Tikhonov procedure for large-scale nonlinear ill-posed problems
Authors: Bellavia S , Donatelli M , Riccietti E 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
In this work we consider the stable numerical solution of large-scale ill-posed nonlinear least squares problems with nonzero residual. We propose a non-stationary Tikhonov method with inexact step computation, specially designed for large-scale problems. At each iteration the method requires the solution of an elliptical trust-region subproblem to compute the step. This task is carried out employing a Lanczos approach, by which an approximated solution is computed. The ad-hoc choice of the trust region radius update and the structure of the step resulting from the use of the Lanczos approach, allows us to prove some regularizing properties of the method. The proposed approach is tested on a parameter identification problem and on an image registration problem, and it is shown to provide important computational savings with respect to its exact counterpart.
In vitro reliability testing and in vivo lifespan estimation of wireless Pixium Vision PRIMA photovoltaic subretinal prostheses suggest prolonged durability and functionality in clinical practice
Authors: Lemoine Delphine , Simon Emmanuel , Buc Guillaume , Deterre Martin 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Objective. Retinal implants have the potential to restore some sight in patients with retinal degeneration. The PRIMA implant’s novel design features simpler insertion and no transscleral cabling or extraocular components. This in vitro study investigated PRIMA’s durability under real time and accelerated conditions and estimated the device’s lifespan in vivo. Approach. Two potential failure modes were examined: corrosion and overstimulation. Real-time aging was tested using implants immersed in balanced saline solution (BSS) at 37 °C, mimicking the intraocular environment. Accelerated aging was examined at 77 °C (Arrhenius theory). Confirmatory testing of acceleration factor was performed using different temperatures (37 °C–87 °C) and weakened implant coatings. The effect of repeated maximum stimulation was tested using a pulsed infrared laser (6x acceleration factor). Data were used to estimate device lifespan. Main results. 175 implants were tested for up to 33 months. No corrosion or water ingress was observed after approximately 20 accelerated years. A pixel failure rate of 0.15% was recorded after 10 accelerated years’ stimulation. The derived lifespan estimation for the PRIMA implant was 27.0 years with a reliability of 90% (95% confidence interval). Significance. The PRIMA implant was found to be robust, with in vitro reliability of at least 10 years. The PRIMA implant shows durability and functionality for clinically relevant timespans under similar environmental conditions to the human eye. These results require in vivo confirmation.
Ecosystem restoration on Hainan Island: can we optimize for enhancing regulating services and poverty alleviation?
Authors: Li Ruida , Zheng Hua , Polasky Stephen , Hawthorne Peter L , O’Connor Patrick , Wang Lijuan , Li Ruonan , Xiao Yi , Wu Tong , Ouyang Zhiyun 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
The restoration of ecosystems provides an important opportunity to improve the provision of ecosystem services. Achieving the maximum possible benefits from restoration with a limited budget requires knowing which places if restored would produce the best combination of improved ecosystem services. Using an ecosystem services assessment and optimization algorithm, we find choices that generate maximum benefits from ecosystem restoration. We applied a set of weights to integrate multiple services into a unified approach and find the optimal land restoration option given those weights. We then systematically vary the weights to find a Pareto frontier that shows potentially optimal choices and illustrates trade-offs among services. We applied this process to evaluate optimal restoration on Hainan Island, China, a tropical island characterized by multiple ecosystem service hotspots and conditions of poverty. We analyzed restoration opportunities with the goal of increasing a provisioning service, plantation revenue, and several water-related ecosystem services that contribute to improved water quality and flood mitigation. We found obvious spatial inconsistencies in the optimal location for maximizing separate services and tradeoffs in the provision of these services. Optimized land-use patterns greatly out-performed the non-target restoration scheme. When explicit consideration of the importance of poverty alleviation was taken into account, the location of the prioritized areas shifted and trade-offs among services varied. Our study emphasizes the importance of integrating social concerns into land-use planning to mitigate conflicts and improve equity, especially in the areas where poverty and hotspots of biodiversity and ecosystem services are highly geographically coincident.
Design, synthesis and characterization of hybrid coatings suitable for geopolymeric-based supports for the restoration of cultural heritage
Authors: Ielo I , Galletta M , Rando G , Sfameni S , Cardiano P , Sabatino G , Drommi D , Rosace G , Plutino M R 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Geopolymers are inorganic materials that form long-range, covalently bonded, networks; they are materials similar to ceramics, whose components are mainly aluminium and silicates. Any inorganic source of silica and alumina, dissolved in the alkaline solution, acts as a precursor of geopolymers. The type of clays most commonly used in the synthesis of geopolymers is based on kaolinite. The present work concerns the modification of the geopolymer at the chemical and nanostructural level, through the design and development of hybrid coating sol-gel formulations to improve characteristics such as mechanical strength, chemical inertness, heat resistance and porosity for possible use in the restoration and conservation of cultural heritage. The methods of functionalization of the geopolymers here shown are: (i) the treatment of the geopolymeric surface, post-drying, through the application of the sol-gel directly on the monolith, for a modification of the surface properties; (ii) the pretreatment of the geopolymeric mixture, through the addition of the alkoxysilane which can induce a homogeneous consolidation of the molecular structure, implementing the properties of the entire monolith. The employed alkoxysilanes differ according to the length of the hydrocarbon chain and the presence of halogen atoms. Hydrophobicity tests were performed on these formulations.
Cyclodextrins in topical gel formulation as photoprotective system for Nabumetone
Authors: Occhiuzzi M A , Grande F , Luca M De , Ragno G , Garofalo A , Ioele G 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Photostability studies applied on aqueous solutions of Nabumetone, an anti-inflammatory drug used in the treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, have confirmed the sensitivity to light of this compound, revealing the 6-methoxy-naphthalene-aldehyde as the main photoproduct. In this work, the stability of NA-cyclodextrin (CD) complexes was investigated in gel formulation potentially suitable as sustained-release systems. The photodegradation experiments were realized under stressed conditions according to the ICH rules and monitored by spectrophotometry. The spectral data were processed by Multivariate Curve Resolution (MCR), able to estimate spectra and concentration profiles of the components involved in the kinetic process. NA entrapped in cyclodextrin and formulated in solution and gel preparations were exposed to an irradiance power of 350 W/m2. Encapsulation percentage of the drug in several cyclodextrins was measured, recording an increase of the water solubility in the order hpβCD>mβCD>βCD. No significant photoprotection of NA was measured in aqueous solution. On the contrary, the gel containing the hpPCD-complex showed relevant stability. The photoprotective ability of this formulation was further increased by adding ascorbic acid 2%, still detecting 90% of the starting concentration after 90 min of light exposure.
Effect of alcohol/water on glycine crystal transition
Authors: Kokubu H. , Shimada Y. , Onoe K. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Glycine has three crystalline polymorphs (unstable β-type, metastable α-type and stable γ-type). Since glycine crystals have different physical properties such as solubility and stability depending on polymorphism, and the control of polymorphic selectivity is required in the manufacturing process of pharmaceuticals and foods. In this study, the unstable β-type crystals obtained by anti-solvent crystallization was focused as a starting material. Liquid phase water mixed with alcohol was brought into contact with β-type crystals, and the effect of the mixing ratio of water with alcohol around the crystals on the transition was investigated. As a result, it is clarified that the proportion of water in liquid phase alcohol/water has a large influence on the polymorphic selectivity of glycine crystals.
Effect of ZnCl2 on properties of graphene produced from palm empty fruit bunch
Authors: Sukmana I F , Widiatmoko P , Nurdin I , Devianto  , Prakoso T 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
The production of palm oil in Indonesia is increasing every year. Along with the increase in production, the waste generated by the palm oil mill is also increasing. Waste from the production of palm oil can be used as raw material for high value-added products such as graphene. Graphene is the two dimensional hexagonal lattice of sp2 carbon atoms. Due to its excellent electrical conductivity and high theoretical surface area, graphene has very promising applications in nanoelectronics components including transistors, lithium ion batteries and supercapacitor. This study aims to characterize the effect of activating agent ZnCl2: biomass ratio on the structure and properties of graphene production from palm oil waste with catalyst FeCl3 via two-stage pyrolysis. Experiment results showed that surface properties of graphene sheets depend on the ZnCl2: biomass ratio. The effective surface area increased with increasing ZnCl2: biomass ratio. Graphene sheets shows favourable features such as nanosheet frameworks (2-4 atomic layers), graphite-like interlayer spacing (0.3380 nm) and also high crystalline degree (IG/ID = 9.35).