bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detecting prolonged activity minima in binary stars
Authors: Flores M. , Jaque Arancibia M. , Ibañez Bustos R. V. , Buccino A. P. , Yana Galarza J. , Nuñez N. E. , Miquelarena P. , Alacoria J. , Saffe C. , Mauas P. J. D. 
Published: December 2020

Context. It is well known that from 1645 to 1715 solar activity was notably low and the number of sunspots was extremely reduced. This epoch is known as the Maunder minimum (MM). The study of stars in prolonged activity minima such as the MM could help to shed light on this enigmatic epoch. However, to date, it is not easy to identify MM candidates among other stars. An original idea, which has hardly been explored, is to compare the activity levels of both components of binary systems.
Aims. Our goal is to explore if the star ζ2 Ret, which belongs to a binary system, is in (or going to) a state similar to the MM. We have collected more than 430 spectra acquired between 2000 and 2019 with the HARPS, REOSC, UVES, and FEROS spectrographs.
Methods. We performed a detailed long-term activity study of both components using the Mount Wilson index, which is obtained from the Ca II H&K lines. To search for signs of an activity cycle, we analysed the resulting time series with the Generalised Lomb-Scargle and CLEAN periodograms.
Results. Our spectroscopic analysis shows a high activity level for ζ1 Ret and a significant decrease in the magnetic activity cycle amplitude of ζ2 Ret. Thus, the activity difference between both components has slightly increased (Δlog RHK′ ~ 0.24 dex), when compared to the previously reported value. The long series analysed here allowed us to re-calculate and constrain the period of ζ2 Ret to ∼7.9 yr. We also detected a long-term activity cycle of ∼4.2 yr in ζ1 Ret, which has not been reported in the literature yet.
Conclusions. By analogy with the scenario that proposes a weak solar cycle during the MM, we suggest that activity signatures by ζ2 Ret, that is to say a very low activity level when compared to its stellar companion, a notably decreasing amplitude (∼47%), and a cyclic behaviour, are possible evidence that this star could be in an MM state. To our knowledge, it is the first MM candidate star to have been detected through a highly discrepant activity behaviour in a binary system. Finally, we suggest that continuous observations of ζ2 could help to better understand unusual periods such as the MM.
Wundheilungsstörungen nach Exzision und offener Behandlung eines Sinus pilonidalis
Authors: Petersen Sven , Ommer Andreas , Iesalnieks Igors , Doll Dietrich 
Published: December 2020

Zusammenfassung
Einleitung Der Sinus pilonidalis ist eine meist chronische punktuelle Infektion der behaarten Haut im Bereich von Hautfalten, überwiegend im Bereich der Rima ani. Die offene Wundbehandlung stellt hierbei nach wie vor die am häufigsten durchgeführte Therapiemaßnahme dar. Dennoch kann es im Rahmen der offenen Wundbehandlung zu Heilungsstörungen kommen, die den Verlauf erheblich komplizieren können.
Methoden Im Folgenden wird eine Übersicht über Wundheilungsstörungen nach Exzision eines Sinus pilonidalis gegeben. Dabei werden die Heilungsdauer und Häufigkeit anhand aktueller Daten ermittelt und die Ursachen der Heilungsstörungen evaluiert. Des Weiteren werden mögliche Behandlungsoptionen dargestellt und Behandlungsempfehlungen abgegeben.
Ergebnisse Die Auswertung publizierter Daten zur Wundheilungsdauer ergab, dass die Wunden nach durchschnittlich 2 Monaten verheilt sind. Die Ergebnisse der Bundeswehrkohortenstudie zeigen exemplarisch, dass im Zeitraum bis zu 3 Monaten nahezu alle Wunden verheilt sind. Es verbleibt jedoch ein geringer Prozentsatz an nicht verheilenden Wunden. Die Häufigkeit von erheblich verzögerter Wundheilung wird in der Literatur mit 2 – 5% angegeben. Die Einflussfaktoren auf die Wundheilung nach Sinus-pilonidalis-Exzision sind neben der Größe und Symmetrie der Exzisionswunde auch weitere Details der offenen Wundbehandlung. Als Therapieoptionen bei ausbleibender Wundheilung werden neben Intensivierung der vormaligen offenen Wundbehandlung die neuerliche Exzision und Anfrischung der Wunde genannt. Des Weiteren werden aber auch Strategiewechsel zur plastisch-rekonstruktiven Versorgung bzw. zu einer anderen Oberflächenbehandlung empfohlen.
Schlussfolgerung Die Exzisionswunde eines Sinus pilonidalis sollte spätestens nach 3 – 4 Monaten verheilt sein, danach kann die Wunde als signifikant verzögert heilende Wunde bzw. als Wundheilungsstörung angesehen werden. Etwa zu diesem Zeitpunkt sollte der Befund erneut evaluiert und ggf. ein Wechsel des Behandlungskonzeptes vorgenommen werden.
Time interval between self-expandable metal stent placement or creation of a decompressing stoma and elective resection of left-sided obstructive colon cancer
Authors: van Hooft Jeanin E. , Tanis Pieter Job , Veld Joyce Valerie , Kumcu Aydan , Amelung Femke Julie , Borstlap Wernard Aat Antoine , Consten Esther Catharina Josephina , Dekker Jan Willem Teunis , van Westreenen Henderik Leendert , Siersema Peter D. , ter Borg Frank , Kusters Miranda , Bemelman Wilhelmus Adrianus , de Wilt Johannes Hendrik Willem ,   on behalf of the Dutch Snapshot Research Group
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background The optimal timing of resection after decompression of left-sided obstructive colon cancer is unknown. Revised expert-based guideline recommendations have shifted from an interval of 5 – 10 days to approximately 2 weeks following self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) placement, and recommendations after decompressing stoma are lacking. We aimed to evaluate the recommended bridging intervals after SEMS and explore the timing of resection after decompressing stoma.
Methods This nationwide study included patients registered between 2009 and 2016 in the prospective, mandatory Dutch ColoRectal Audit. Additional data were collected through patient records in 75 hospitals. Only patients who underwent either SEMS placement or decompressing stoma as a bridge to surgery were selected. Technical SEMS failure and unsuccessful decompression within 48 hours were exclusion criteria.
Results 510 patients were included (182 SEMS, 328 decompressing stoma). Median bridging interval was 23 days (interquartile range [IQR] 13 – 31) for SEMS and 36 days (IQR 22 – 65) for decompressing stoma. Following SEMS placement, no significant differences in post-resection complications, hospital stay, or laparoscopic resections were observed with resection after 11 – 17 days compared with 5 – 10 days. Of SEMS-related complications, 48 % occurred in patients operated on beyond 17 days. Compared with resection within 14 days, an interval of 14 – 28 days following decompressing stoma resulted in significantly more laparoscopic resections, more primary anastomoses, and shorter hospital stays. No impact of bridging interval on mortality, disease-free survival, or overall survival was demonstrated.
Conclusions Based on an overview of the data with balancing of surgical outcomes and timing of adverse events, a bridging interval of approximately 2 weeks seems appropriate after SEMS placement, while waiting 2 – 4 weeks after decompressing stoma further optimizes surgical conditions for laparoscopic resection with restoration of bowel continuity.
Applicability of Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Bone Age Estimation in the Context of Medical Issues
Authors: Diete Vera , Wabitsch Martin , Denzer Christian , Jäger Horst , Hauth Elke , Beer Meinrad , Vogele Daniel 
Published: December 2020

Objective The determination of bone age is a method for analyzing biological age and structural maturity. Bone age estimation is predominantly used in the context of medical issues, for example in endocrine diseases or growth disturbance. As a rule, conventional X-ray images of the left wrist and hand are used for this purpose. The aim of the present study is to investigate the extent to which MRI can be used as a radiation-free alternative for bone age assessment.
Methods In 50 patients, 19 females and 31 males, in addition to conventional left wrist and hand radiographs, MRI was performed with T1-VIBE (n = 50) and T1-TSE (n = 34). The average age was 11.87 years (5.08 to 17.50 years). Bone age assessment was performed by two experienced investigators blinded for chronological age according to the most widely used standard of Greulich and Pyle. This method relies on a subjective comparison of hand radiographs with gender-specific reference images from Caucasian children and adolescents. In addition to interobserver and intraobserver variability, the correlation between conventional radiographs and MRI was determined using the Pearson correlation coefficient.
Results Between the bone age determined from the MRI data and the results of the conventional X-ray images, a very good correlation was found for both T1-VIBE with r = 0.986 and T1-TSE with r = 0.982. Gender differences did not arise. The match for the interobserver variability was very good: r = 0.985 (CR), 0.966 (T1-VIBE) and 0.971 (T1-TSE) as well as the match for the intraobserver variability for investigator A (CR = 0.994, T1-VIBE = 0.995, T1-TSE = 0.998) and for investigator B (CR = 0.994, T1-VIBE = 0.993, T1-TSE = 0.994).
Conclusion The present study shows that MRI of the left wrist and hand can be used as a possible radiation-free alternative to conventional X-ray imaging for bone age estimation in the context of medical issues.
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Citation Format
The Volar Distal Radioulnar Portal in Wrist Arthroscopy: An Anatomical Study
Authors: Lucas Francisco J. , Carratalá Vicente , Miranda Ignacio , Martinez-Andrade Cristobal 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background Advances in wrist arthroscopy and the emergence of novel surgical techniques have created a need for new portals to the wrist. The aim of this study was to define and verify the safety of the volar distal radioulnar (VDRU) portal.
Description of the Technique The VDRU portal is located ∼5 to 10 mm proximal to the proximal wrist crease, just on the ulnar edge of flexor carpi ulnaris tendon and radial to the dorsal cutaneous branch of the ulnar nerve. The ulnar styloid marks the distal point of the portal.
Methods An anatomical study was performed on 12 upper extremity specimens of 6 human cadavers. Iatrogenic injuries of neurovascular structures potentially at risk were assessed, and the distance from the portal to these structures was measured.
Results No iatrogenic injuries of the structures at risk occurred. Mean distances from the VDRU portal to the ulnar neurovascular bundle, the radial branch of the dorsal sensory branches of the ulnar nerve (DSBUN), and the ulnar branch of the DSBUN were 9.29 ± 0.26 mm, 8.08 ± 0.25 mm, and 10.58 ± 0.23 mm, respectively. There were no differences between left and right wrists. The distances from the VDRU portal to the ulnar neurovascular bundle and the ulnar branch of the DSBUN were significantly shorter in women; this distance was not less than 7 mm in any case.
Conclusions The VDRU portal is safe, reproducible, and facilitates the implementation of various techniques related to triangular fibrocartilage complex pathology.
Host–Viral Interactions Revealed among Shared Transcriptomics Signatures of ARDS and Thrombosis: A Clue into COVID-19 Pathogenesis
Authors: Mishra Aastha , Chanchal Shankar , Ashraf Mohammad Z. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractSevere novel corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection is associated with a considerable activation of coagulation pathways, endothelial damage, and subsequent thrombotic microvascular injuries. These consistent observations may have serious implications for the treatment and management of this highly pathogenic disease. As a consequence, the anticoagulant therapeutic strategies, such as low molecular weight heparin, have shown some encouraging results. Cytokine burst leading to sepsis which is one of the primary reasons for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) drive that could be worsened with the accumulation of coagulation factors in the lungs of COVID-19 patients. However, the obscurity of this syndrome remains a hurdle in making decisive treatment choices. Therefore, an attempt to characterize shared biological mechanisms between ARDS and thrombosis using comprehensive transcriptomics meta-analysis is made. We conducted an integrated gene expression meta-analysis of two independently publicly available datasets of ARDS and venous thromboembolism (VTE). Datasets GSE76293 and GSE19151 derived from National Centre for Biotechnology Information–Gene Expression Omnibus (NCBI-GEO) database were used for ARDS and VTE, respectively. Integrative meta-analysis of expression data (INMEX) tool preprocessed the datasets and effect size combination with random effect modeling was used for obtaining differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Network construction was done for hub genes and pathway enrichment analysis. Our meta-analysis identified a total of 1,878 significant DEGs among the datasets, which when subjected to enrichment analysis suggested inflammation–coagulation–hypoxemia convolutions in COVID-19 pathogenesis. The top hub genes of our study such as tumor protein 53 (TP53), lysine acetyltransferase 2B (KAT2B), DExH-box helicase 9 (DHX9), REL-associated protein (RELA), RING-box protein 1 (RBX1), and proteasome 20S subunit beta 2 (PSMB2) gave insights into the genes known to be participating in the host–virus interactions that could pave the way to understand the various strategies deployed by the virus to improve its replication and spreading.
Teacher cognition of pronunciation teaching
Authors: Couper Graeme 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Recent advances in our empirically-based understanding of the role of instruction in pronunciation learning have been accompanied by growing recognition of the need for more knowledge about teachers’ cognitions of pronunciation teaching. That is, we want to know what they do and why because it informs teacher educators and researchers and provides a useful forum for teacher reflective practice. This paper draws on semi-structured interviews (N = 19), classroom observations (N = 6) and follow-up discussions to report on the pronunciation techniques the participants say they use, what they were observed using, and their related knowledge and beliefs. The following thematic areas emerged: Ways of presenting pronunciation; Listen-and-repeat practice; Explicit/analytic practice activities; Sounds and spelling; Use of phonemic symbols; Speech perception and awareness raising. The findings are discussed in terms of factors driving teacher behaviour, advice that can be given to language teachers and teacher educators and areas that need further research.
Agave americana (century plant).
Authors: Rojas-Sandoval Julissa , Iamonico Duilio 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

A. americana is a large, rhizomatous succulent that grows in a wide range of habitats and soil types. Additionally, it is tolerant to salt spray, high temperatures, and extreme drought. Because this species spread by seeds, but also vegetatively by bulbils and rhizomes, it has the potential to escape from cultivation and rapidly colonize disturbed sites, roadsides, bare sand and coastal areas (ISSG, 2016). Currently, A. americana is considered a serious environmental weed by the IUCN (ISSG, 2016) and it is listed as invasive in many countries in Europe as well as in China, Japan, South Africa, Namibia, Tanzania, Bermuda, Australia, New Zealand, and New Caledonia among others (BioNET-EAFRINET, 2016; ISSG, 2016; DAISIE, 2016; PIER, 2016; Weeds of Australia, 2016). It is also known to have become invasive in Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, and Uganda.
Overall survival and post-spontaneous regression relapse-free survival of patients with lymphoproliferative disorders associated with rheumatoid arthritis: a multi-center retrospective cohort study
Authors: Saito Rintaro , Tanaka Masao , Ito Hiromu , Kuramoto Nobuo , Fujii Takao , Saito Shuntaro , Kaneko Yuko , Nakano Kazuhisa , Saito Kazuyoshi , Takada Hideto , Sugimoto Naoki , Sasaki Sho , Harigai Masayoshi , Suzuki Yasuo 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Objectives
To clarify factors affecting 5-year survival rates and relapse rates after spontaneous regression (SR) of lymphoproliferative disorders (LPDs) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods
This retrospective longitudinal study comprised 232 patients with RA diagnosed with LPDs between January 2000 and March 2017 at eight hospitals in Japan. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze survival and the Cox proportional hazard model was applied to identify predictive factors.

Results
Among all patients, 1-, 2- and 5-year overall survival rates were 89.5%, 86.1%, and 78.2%, respectively. Multivariable analysis revealed four 5-year survival risk factors assessed at diagnosis: age above 70 years (p = .002), deep lymphadenopathy and/or more than one extranodal lesion (p = .008), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group/Zubrod performance status of 2–4 (p = .004), and classic Hodgkin lymphoma (CHL) histology (p = .047). Among 143 patients who achieved SR, 2- and 5-year relapse rates were 14.2% and 24.9%, respectively. CHL histology (p = .003) and serum soluble interleukin-2 receptor levels exceeding 2000 IU/L (p = .014) were associated with post-SR relapse-free survival. Blood lymphocyte counts were significantly lower at relapse than at 3–6 months prior (p &lt; .001).

Conclusion
Assessment of the above risk factors and routine inspection of blood lymphocyte counts could aid in the care management of LPDs in RA.
Development of a magnetorheological isolator with variable damping and variable stiffness for broadband vibration suppression
Authors: Yu Jianqiang , Dong Xiaomin , Qi Song , Wang Tao , Liang Yuxuan 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
This paper presents the damping and stiffness characteristics of a magnetorheological (MR) isolator with variable damping and variable stiffness (VDVS) for broadband vibration suppression. The MR VDVS isolator is composed of a squeeze-mode MR fluid unit and a shear-mode MR elastomer unit to obtain controllable damping force and stiffness simultaneously. Comparing with the MR fluid device in shear mode and valve mode, the device in squeeze mode can provide large controllable damping force and good energy dissipation ability at both low and high frequency. Based on the conceptual design and finite element simulation of magnetic field, the MR isolator was designed, fabricated and tested. The characteristics of single variable stiffness, single variable damping and combination of both functions were performed by a series of experimental tests. The effects of current, frequency and displacement on the damping and stiffness are analyzed. A new algebraic parametric model was established to predict the hysteretic characteristics of MR isolator. The arctangent function-based model and hysteresis division method-based model were used to capture the hysteresis loops of MR fluid unit and MR elastomer unit, respectively. The results show that the feasibility of the proposed MR VDVS isolator to broadband vibration suppression. Besides, the model can capture the damping and stiffness characteristics of the proposed MR VDVS isolator.
Leveraging large-deviation statistics to decipher the stochastic properties of measured trajectories
Authors: Thapa Samudrajit , Wyłomańska Agnieszka , Sikora Grzegorz , Wagner Caroline E , Krapf Diego , Kantz Holger , Chechkin Aleksei V , Metzler Ralf 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Extensive time-series encoding the position of particles such as viruses, vesicles, or individual proteins are routinely garnered in single-particle tracking experiments or supercomputing studies. They contain vital clues on how viruses spread or drugs may be delivered in biological cells. Similar time-series are being recorded of stock values in financial markets and of climate data. Such time-series are most typically evaluated in terms of time-averaged mean-squared displacements (TAMSDs), which remain random variables for finite measurement times. Their statistical properties are different for different physical stochastic processes, thus allowing us to extract valuable information on the stochastic process itself. To exploit the full potential of the statistical information encoded in measured time-series we here propose an easy-to-implement and computationally inexpensive new methodology, based on deviations of the TAMSD from its ensemble average counterpart. Specifically, we use the upper bound of these deviations for Brownian motion (BM) to check the applicability of this approach to simulated and real data sets. By comparing the probability of deviations for different data sets, we demonstrate how the theoretical bound for BM reveals additional information about observed stochastic processes. We apply the large-deviation method to data sets of tracer beads tracked in aqueous solution, tracer beads measured in mucin hydrogels, and of geographic surface temperature anomalies. Our analysis shows how the large-deviation properties can be efficiently used as a simple yet effective routine test to reject the BM hypothesis and unveil relevant information on statistical properties such as ergodicity breaking and short-time correlations.
Numerical modeling of the size effect in CdSe/ZnS and InP/ZnS-based Intermediate Band Solar Cells
Authors: Aouami Asmae El , Feddi Kawtar , Courel Maykel , Dujardin Francis , Laroze David , Pérez Laura M , Zazoui Mimoun , Feddi El Mustapha 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
New generation of solar cells based on the implementation of quantum dots in the intrinsic region has attracted much attention due to the fact to that it takes advantage of photons with energies lower than the band gap for achieving high solar conversion efficiency. However, there is still a need for optimizing many parameters related to the solar cells, such as the size of quantum dots and nature of semiconductor materials. The main objective of this study is to extend the current knowledge of the intermediate band solar cells. In particular, we analyze the effect of dot size on the photonic properties of CdSe/ZnS and InP/ZnS quantum dot solar cells by considering the Schrodinger equation within the effective mass approximation. It is demonstrated that quantum dot size is a critical parameter to be controlled for high efficiency CdSe/ZnS and InP/ZnS quantum dot solar cells. Our results show that open-circuit voltage weakly depends on dot size for both systems while short-circuit current density is increased with dot size increasing. As a result, maximum efficiency values of 31.73% and 32.90% are obtained for CdSe/ZnS and InP/ZnS, respectively under full concentrated light for a dot size of 2.3 nm, thereby demonstrating the potentiality of these proposed heterostructures.
A physics-constrained deep residual network for solving the sine-Gordon equation
Authors: Li Jun , Chen Yong 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Despite some empirical successes for solving nonlinear evolution equations using deep learning, there are several unresolved issues. First, it could not uncover the dynamical behaviors of some equations where highly nonlinear source terms are included very well. Second, the gradient exploding and vanishing problems often occur for the traditional feedforward neural networks. In this paper, we propose a new architecture that combines the deep residual neural network with some underlying physical laws. Using the sine-Gordon equation as an example, we show that the numerical result is in good agreement with the exact soliton solution. In addition, a lot of numerical experiments show that the model is robust under small perturbations to a certain extent.