bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Circulating preoperative testosterone level predicts unfavourable disease at radical prostatectomy in men with International Society of Urological Pathology Grade Group 1 prostate cancer diagnosed with systematic biopsies
Authors: Ferro Matteo , Lucarelli Giuseppe , de Cobelli Ottavio , Vartolomei Mihai Dorin , Damiano Rocco , Cantiello Francesco , Crocerossa Fabio , Perdonà Sisto , Del Prete Paola , Cordima Giovanni , Musi Gennaro , Del Giudice Francesco , Busetto Gian Maria , Chung Benjamin I. , Porreca Angelo , Ditonno Pasquale , Battaglia Michele , Terracciano Daniela 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Purpose
The association between circulating total testosterone (T) levels and clinically significant PCa is still a matter of debate. In this study, we evaluated whether serum testosterone levels may have a role in predicting unfavorable disease (UD) and biochemical recurrence (BCR) in patients with clinically localized (≤ cT2c) ISUP grade group 1 PCa at biopsy.

Methods
408 patients with ISUP grade group 1 prostate cancer, undergone to radical prostatectomy and T measurement were included. The outcome of interest was the presence of unfavourable disease (UD) defined as ISUP grade group $$\ge$$
≥
3 and/or pT $$\ge$$
≥
3a.

Results
Statistically significant differences resulted between serum testosterone values and ISUP grade groups (P < 0.0001). Significant correlation was found analyzing testosterone values versus age (P < 0.0001), and versus PSA (P = 0.008). BCR-free survival was significantly decreased in patients with low levels of testosterone (P = 0.005). These findings were confirmed also in the ISUP 1–2 subgroups (P = 0.01). ROC curve analysis showed that T outperformed PSA in predicting UD (AUC 0.718 vs AUC 0.525; P < 0.001) and was and independent risk factor for BCR.

Conclusion
Our findings suggested that circulating total T was a significant predictor of UD at RP in patients with preoperative low- to intermediate-risk diseases, confirming the potential role of circulating androgens in preoperative risk assessment of PCa patients.
FIO-ESM v2.0 Outputs for the CMIP6 Global Monsoons Model Intercomparison Project Experiments
Authors: Song Yajuan , Li Xinfang , Bao Ying , Song Zhenya , Wei Meng , Shu Qi , Yang Xiaodan 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThree tiers of experiments in the Global Monsoons Model Intercomparison Project (GMMIP), one of the endorsed model intercomparison projects of phase 6 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6), are implemented by the First Institute of Oceanography Earth System Model version 2 (FIO-ESM v2.0), following the GMMIP protocols. Evaluation of global mean surface air temperature from 1870 to 2014 and climatological precipitation (1979–2014) in tier-1 shows that the atmosphere model of FIO-ESM v2.0 can reproduce the basic observed atmospheric features. In tier-2, the internal variability is captured by the coupled model, with the SST restoring to the model climatology plus the observed anomalies in the tropical Pacific and North Atlantic. Simulation of the Northern Hemisphere summer monsoon circulation is significantly improved by the SST restoration in the North Atlantic. In tier-3, five orographic perturbation experiments are conducted covering the period 1979–2014 by modifying the surface elevation or vertical heating in the prescribed region. In particular, the strength of the South Asian summer monsoon is reduced by removing the topography or thermal forcing above 500 m over the Asian continent. Monthly and daily simulated outputs of FIO-ESM v2.0 are provided through the Earth System Grid Federation (ESGF) node to contribute to a better understanding of the global monsoon system.
Sentinel lymph node biopsy in vulvar cancer: status, level of knowledge, and counseling in outpatient setting
Authors: Röttger Marlene , Hertel Hermann , Kaukemüller Laura , Brodowski Lars , Flentje Markus , Hillemanns Peter , Klapdor Rüdiger 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Purpose
Evaluating the counseling of patients with vulvar cancer in outpatient setting regarding the application of sentinel lymph node dissection (SLND), the selection of hospitals for further treatment, and level of knowledge.

Methods
A questionnaire containing 29 questions about SLND in vulvar cancer was sent to gynecologists in Lower Saxony. The questionnaire contained multiple choice questions and open questions. The study was approved by the local ethics committee.

Results
The median age of the 86 respondents was 54 (26–66) years. Most participants (83.1%) reported to only treat one to five patients with vulvar cancer per year. Interestingly, 70.5% of the gynecologists send their patients to university hospitals and 64.1% to hospitals offering maximum care, respectively. Of all, 32.7% replied that SLND was performed rarely or never in their patients. The gynecologists answered that only 36.7% of the patients are well informed about advantages and possible disadvantages of SLND. Most (84%) felt responsible to counsel patients on treatment decisions independently from or additionally to the hospital. Of all, 72% replied that they are not completely sure about the exact recurrence rates after SLND. Of notice, 66% believe that SLND for vulvar cancer is safe if applied in specialized centers and 92% stated that focusing treatment on specialized centers is required for best results.

Conclusion
SLND for vulvar cancer is widely accepted and regularly recommended among gynecologists. Outpatient doctors report to send most patients to specialized centers. However, it appears that patients remain uninformed after counseling in the clinics and that there is a lack of detailed knowledge about risks and complication rates of groin treatment in the outpatient setting.
Do we really need the “detriment” for radiation protection?
Authors: Breckow Joachim 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe purpose of the ICRP detriment concept is to enable a quantitative comparison of stochastic radiation damage for the various organs. For this purpose, the organ-specific nominal risk coefficients are weighted with a function that is intended to express the amount of damage or, respectively, the severity of a disease. This function incorporates a variety of variables that do not depend on radiation parameters, but on characteristics of the disease itself. The question is raised as to whether the rather subtle way of defining the amount of damage is necessary for radiation protection purposes and whether a much simpler relationship can serve for this purpose as well or even better.
Elotuzumab, pomalidomide, and dexamethasone is a very well tolerated regimen associated with durable remission even in very advanced myeloma: a retrospective study from two academic centers
Authors: Hose Dorothea , Schreder Martin , Hefner Jochen , Bittrich Max , Danhof Sophia , Strifler Susanne , Krauth Maria-Theresa , Schoder Renate , Gisslinger Bettina , Einsele Hermann , Gisslinger Heinz , Knop Stefan 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
The anti-SLAMF7 monoclonal antibody, elotuzumab (elo), plus lenalidomide (len) and dexamethasone (dex) is approved for relapsed/refractory MM in the U.S. and Europe. Recently, a small phase 2 study demonstrated an advantage in progression-free survival (PFS) for elo plus pomalidomide (pom)/dex compared to pom/dex alone and resulted in licensing of this novel triplet combination, but clinical experience is still limited.

Purpose
To analyze the efficacy and safety of elo/pom/dex in a “real world” cohort of patients with advanced MM, we queried the databases of the university hospitals of Würzburg and Vienna.

Findings
We identified 22 patients with a median number of five prior lines of therapy who received elo/pom/dex prior to licensing within an early access program. Patients received a median number of 5 four-week treatment cycles. Median PFS was 6.4 months with 12-month and 18-month PFS rates of 35% and 28%, respectively. The overall response rate was 50% and 64% of responding patients who achieved a longer PFS with elo/pom/dex compared to their most recent line of therapy. Objective responses were also seen in five patients who had been pretreated with pomalidomide. Low tumor burden was associated with improved PFS (13.5 months for patients with ISS stage I/II at study entry v 6.4 months for ISS III), although this difference did not reach statistical significance. No infusion-related reactions were reported. The most frequent grade 3/4 adverse events were neutropenia and pneumonia.

Conclusion
Elo/pom/dex is an active and well-tolerated regimen in highly advanced MM even after pretreatment with pomalidomide.
Biogas production management systems with model predictive control of anaerobic digestion processes
Authors: Yoshida Kazuto , Shimizu Naoto 
Published: July 2020

AbstractWe developed a biogas production management system to control biogas production by determining the feedstock inputs to the anaerobic digestion process according to fluctuations of the renewable energy supply. The developed system consists of three functions: a prediction model for the anaerobic digestion processes, a parameter-estimation system, and a feedstock-determination controller. A prediction model for the anaerobic digestion processes in a state-space representation was constructed for the input–output relationship of biogas generation from organic compounds and the state of methane fermentation. A parameter-estimation system that estimated the parameters included in the prediction model from actual operating process data was built based on adaptive identification theory. The feedstock-determination controller was established based on model predictive control as a method to control biogas production. From the results of the identification experiment, the least square estimator of the parameters converged as the training data increased, and a reliable parameter was given in 1 week. From the results of the numerical simulation and the control experiment, it was confirmed that the biogas production management system developed in this study had a high prediction accuracy and control performance.
Virulence factors and clonal diversity of Staphylococcus aureus in colonization and wound infection with emphasis on diabetic foot infection
Authors: Shettigar Kavitha , Murali Thokur Sreepathy 
Published: July 2020

AbstractFoot ulcer is a common complication in diabetic subjects and infection of these wounds contributes to increased rates of morbidity and mortality. Diabetic foot infections are caused by a multitude of microbes and Staphylococcus aureus, a major nosocomial and community-associated pathogen, significantly contributes to wound infections as well. Staphylococcus aureus is also the primary pathogen commonly associated with diabetic foot osteomyelitis and can cause chronic and recurrent bone infections. The virulence capability of the pathogen and host immune factors can determine the occurrence and progression of S. aureus infection. Pathogen-related factors include complexity of bacterial structure and functional characteristics that provide metabolic and adhesive properties to overcome host immune response. Even though, virulence markers and toxins of S. aureus are broadly similar in different wound models, certain distinguishing features can be observed in diabetic foot infection. Specific clonal lineages and virulence factors such as TSST-1, leukocidins, enterotoxins, and exfoliatins play a significant role in determining wound outcomes. In this review, we describe the role of specific virulence determinants and clonal lineages of S. aureus that influence wound colonization and infection with special reference to diabetic foot infections.
The Importance of Catchments to Mine-pit Lakes: Implications for Closure
Authors: Lund Mark , van Etten Eddie , Polifka Jonas , Vasquez Marilyn Quintero , Ramessur Ravish , Yangzom Dechen , Blanchette Melanie L. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractDespite the large body of riparian literature for rivers and lakes, there are few studies on the catchments of mine pit lakes. Therefore, the broad objective of this research was to determine if catchment characteristics were related to pit lake nutrient concentrations. We hypothesised that: (1) catchment characteristics would vary among pit lakes, (2) pit lake catchments would differ from co-occurring naturally-forested catchments, and (3) connecting a pit lake (Kepwari) to a naturally-forested catchment via a river flow-through would increase C accumulation in the lake. The research was conducted in pit lakes of the Collie lake district in Western Australia and examined catchment characteristics (soil nutrients, litter biomass, vegetation, and biomass), carbon and sedimentation rates in pelagic and benthic materials, and establishment of a simple nutrient budget for Lake Kepwari. Broadly, results indicated that catchment vegetation differed significantly among pit lakes (although parts were similar to co-occurring natural forest), with differences largely driven by catchment age. None of the pit lake catchments had true riparian species surrounding the pit lakes. The hypothesis that connecting a pit lake to a watercourse would increase carbon concentrations and sedimentation was not supported. Most (87%) of the water that entered the lake was from the river, and river outflow was slightly greater than river inflow. However, the lake acted like a nutrient sink, with more N, P, and TOC calculated in the inflows than the outflow. We found that it took 10–15 years of growth for actively rehabilitated pit lake catchments to approximate natural forest and 60 years for unrehabilitated pit lake catchments. Active rehabilitation that includes riparian-specific planting would likely lead to better outcomes for pit lake catchment vegetation. Connecting a pit lake to a river substantially increased catchment size and large amounts of river-derived carbon were deposited in the lake. However, carbon concentrations were relatively low compared to the size of the lake. Our results suggest that active intervention is required if stakeholders are unwilling to wait decades for the biological development of pit lakes.
Including covariates in a space-time point process with application to seismicity
Authors: Adelfio Giada , Chiodi Marcello 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe paper proposes a spatio-temporal process that improves the assessment of events in space and time, considering a contagion model (branching process) within a regression-like framework to take covariates into account. The proposed approach develops the forward likelihood for prediction method for estimating the ETAS model, including covariates in the model specification of the epidemic component. A simulation study is carried out for analysing the misspecification model effect under several scenarios. Also an application to the Italian seismic catalogue is reported, together with the reference to the developed R package.
Konjunkturpolitik — post COVID-19
Authors:   Überblick
Published: July 2020

ZusammenfassungDie Corona-Krise hat die deutsche Wirtschaft in die tiefste Rezession seit dem Zweiten Weltkrieg gestürzt. Aufgrund der weltweiten Verbreitung sind Lieferketten gestört und der internationale Handel erheblich beeinträchtigt, was die exportabhängige deutsche Wirtschaft besonders stark trifft. Das von der Bundesregierung aufgelegte Programm zur Stützung der Wirtschaft wird von den Autoren in vielen Punkten kritisiert. Einige bewerten vor allem die temporäre Senkung der Umsatzsteuer als eine Maßnahme nach dem Gießkannenprinzip mit geringem Konjunkturimpuls. Sie sehen vor allem die Unternehmen als Leidtragende und Impulsgeber für eine Rückkehr zu einem Wachstum auf Vorkrisen-Niveau. Sie schlagen eine Verbesserung des steuerlichen Umgangs mit Verlusten und eine Senkung der Ertragsteuern vor. Andere legen den Schwerpunkt auf öffentliche Investitionen als Wachstumsmotor und fordern Zukunftsinvestitionen für eine innovative, digitale und klimaneutrale Wirtschaft.
Staatsfinanzen in der Corona-Krise: Günstige Bedingungen sichern Handlungsfähigkeit
Authors: Gebhardt Heinz , Siemers Lars-H. 
Published: July 2020

ZusammenfassungNoch zur Jahreswende 2019/2020 prognostizierten die an der Gemeinschaftsdiagnose beteiligten Wirtschaftsforschungsinstitute für 2020 staatliche Budgetüberschüsse von 21 Mrd. bis 31 Mrd. Euro. Sie gingen von einer Fortsetzung des Aufschwungs aus und erwarteten eine weitere Besserung der staatlichen Finanzlage. Die Staatsfinanzen waren fast ein Jahrzehnt von steigenden Budgetüberschüssen geprägt. Die Corona-Krise verschlechtert die Finanzlage schlagartig; sie wird 2020 zu einem historisch hohen Defizit und einem rasanten Anstieg der Staatsschuldenquote führen. Dank der komfortablen Finanzlage zu Beginn der Corona-Krise und der flexibel ausgestalteten Schuldenbremse verfügt der Staat aber über ausreichende fiskalische Spielräume, um Rettungsschirme und Konjunkturpakete von historischem Ausmaß zu finanzieren.
Präventive Handlungsfähigkeit des Staates im 21. Jahrhundert
Authors: Sturn Richard 
Published: July 2020

ZusammenfassungDer Staat steht angesichts der Transformation von Wirtschaft und Gesellschaft durch die Digitalisierung, die Globalisierung und den Klimawandel vor neuen und großen Herausforderungen. Diesen wird er am besten gerecht, wenn er Probleme präventiv behandelt und nicht ex post „heilt“. Um die Voraussetzungen für eine präventive Handlungsfähigkeit des Staates zu schaffen, ist es erforderlich, sich differenziert mit dem Konzept der öffentlichen Güter zu befassen und Markt- sowie Staatsversagen neu in den Blick zu nehmen.
Europäische Wirtschafts- und Währungsunion: Grenzwerte für Defizite und Schulden in der Kritik
Authors: Priewe Jan 
Published: July 2020

ZusammenfassungWarum eigentlich 3 % und 60 %? Die Auseinandersetzung mit den Grenzwerten für Defizite und Schuldenstände in der Europäischen Wirtschafts- und Währungsunion zeigt, dass diese politisch willkürlich gesetzt und wenig ökonomisch fundiert sind. Auch ist der Schuldenstand als Grenzwert im Gegensatz zum Haushaltsdefizit ein europäischer Sonderweg. Eine Reform der Kriterien des Stabilitäts- und Wachstumspakts sowie des Fiskalpakts ist dringend geboten.
“As a Young Pregnant Girl… The Challenges You Face”: Exploring the Intersection Between Mental Health and Sexual and Reproductive Health Amongst Adolescent Girls and Young Women in South Africa
Authors: Duby Zoe , McClinton Appollis Tracy , Jonas Kim , Maruping Kealeboga , Dietrich Janan , LoVette Ashleigh , Kuo Caroline , Vanleeuw Lieve , Mathews Catherine 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIn South Africa, adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) are at risk of poor mental health, HIV infection and early pregnancy. Poor mental health in AGYW is associated with increased sexual risk behaviours, and impeded HIV testing and care. Using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, we explored subjective experiences of mental health and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) amongst 237 AGYW aged 15–24 years in five South African districts. Respondents shared narratives of stress, emotional isolation, feelings of depression, and suicidal ideation, interconnected with HIV, pregnancy and violence in relationships. Findings show that AGYW in South Africa face a range of mental health stressors and lack sufficient support, which intersect with SRH challenges to heighten their vulnerability. Framed within the syndemic theory, our findings suggest that South African AGYW’s vulnerability towards early pregnancy, HIV infection and poor mental health are bidirectional and interconnected. Considering the overlaps and interactions between mental health and SRH amongst AGYW, it is critical that mental health components are integrated into SRH interventions.
Dimensional Decomposition of Turbulent Reacting Flows
Authors: Grøvdal Fredrik , Sannan Sigurd , Meraner Christoph , Li Tian , Løvås Terese 
Published: July 2020

AbstractA dimensional-decomposition approach, decomposing 3D into 3×1D for turbulent (reacting) flows are motivated, discussed and investigated. In the three-dimensional Linear Eddy Model (LEM3D), three orthogonally intersecting arrays of 1D domains are coupled to capture the 3D characteristics of fluid flows. The currently used recouplings for LEM3D are enlightened and thoroughly discussed. A study of the flame front of a freely propagating laminar premixed flame shows that the flame stabilizes at the upstream face of the initial solution when both the advective and auxiliary recouplings are activated. Furthermore, results from LEM3D simulations of a vitiated co-flow burner are re-visited providing a more detailed discussion of the noted early mixing and reaction of the hydrogen fuel of the burner. The main conclusion of the present work is that the auxiliary coupling based on rotations of the 3D control volumes introduces very large gradients in the near-field geometry of jets, leading to a significant amount of artificial diffusion and locally increased burning rates. This implies that applications of LEM3D should be restricted to sub-regions where high-resolution treatment of scalar mixing and reaction is of particular interest.
Understanding Physical Processes Represented by the Monin–Obukhov Bulk Formula for Momentum Transfer
Authors: Sun Jielun , Takle Eugene S. , Acevedo Otávio C. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractPhysical processes represented by the Monin–Obukhov bulk formula for momentum are investigated with field observations. We discuss important differences between turbulent mixing by the most energetic non-local, large, coherent turbulence eddies and local turbulent mixing as traditionally represented by K-theory (analog to molecular diffusion), especially in consideration of developing surface-layer stratification. The study indicates that the neutral state in a horizontally homogeneous surface layer described in the Monin–Obukhov bulk formula represents a special neutrality regardless of wind speed, for example, the surface layer with no surface heating/cooling. Under this situation, the Monin–Obukhov bulk formula agrees well with observations for heights to at least 30 m. As the surface layer is stratified, stably or unstably, the neutral state is achieved by mechanically generated turbulent mixing through the most energetic non-local coherent eddies. The observed neutral relationship between $$u_*$$

u

∗

(the square root of the momentum flux magnitude) and wind speed V at any height is different from that described by the Monin–Obukhov formula except within several metres of the surface. The deviation of the Monin–Obukhov neutral $$u_*-V$$

u

∗

-
V

linear relation from the observed one increases with height and contributes to the deteriorating performance of the bulk formula with increasing height, which cannot be compensated by stability functions. Based on these analyses, estimation of drag coefficients is discussed as well.