bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamics and predictability of cold spells over the Eastern Mediterranean
Authors: Hochman Assaf , Scher Sebastian , Quinting Julian , Pinto Joaquim G. , Messori Gabriele 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe accurate prediction of extreme weather events is an important and challenging task, and has typically relied on numerical simulations of the atmosphere. Here, we combine insights from numerical forecasts with recent developments in dynamical systems theory, which describe atmospheric states in terms of their persistence (θ−1) and local dimension (d), and inform on how the atmosphere evolves to and from a given state of interest. These metrics are intuitively linked to the intrinsic predictability of the atmosphere: a highly persistent, low-dimensional state will be more predictable than a low-persistence, high-dimensional one. We argue that θ−1 and d, derived from reanalysis sea level pressure (SLP) and geopotential height (Z500) fields, can provide complementary predictive information for mid-latitude extreme weather events. Specifically, signatures of regional extreme weather events might be reflected in the dynamical systems metrics, even when the actual extreme is not well-simulated in numerical forecasting systems. We focus on cold spells in the Eastern Mediterranean, and particularly those associated with snow cover in Jerusalem. These rare events are systematically associated with Cyprus Lows, which are the dominant rain-bearing weather system in the region. In our analysis, we compare the ‘cold spell Cyprus Lows’ to other ‘regular’ Cyprus Low days. Significant differences are found between cold spells and ‘regular’ Cyprus Lows from a dynamical systems perspective. When considering SLP, the intrinsic predictability of cold spells is lowest hours before the onset of snow. We find that the cyclone’s location, depth and magnitude of air-sea fluxes play an important role in determining its intrinsic predictability. The dynamical systems metrics computed on Z500 display a different temporal evolution to their SLP counterparts, highlighting the different characteristics of the atmospheric flow at the different levels. We conclude that the dynamical systems approach, although sometimes challenging to interpret, can complement conventional numerical forecasts and forecast skill measures, such as model spread and absolute error. This methodology outlines an important avenue for future research, which can potentially be fruitfully applied to other regions and other types of weather extremes.
Total joint replacement of the hip and knee in patients with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita: a report of six joints
Authors: Theil Christoph , Roedl Robert , Gosheger Georg , Moellenbeck Burkhard , Frommer Adrien , Dieckmann Ralf , Vogt Bjoern 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Introduction
Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) is a rare congenital condition that leads to severe joint contractures and deformities. As painful joint dysplasia and degeneration might develop over time, total joint replacement (TJR) can be a potential treatment option for these patients. The aim of this study is to investigate functional results, implant survivorship and potential complications in patients with AMC who undergo hip or knee arthroplasty.

Materials and methods
We retrospectively identified six TJR in three patients at a single centre performed between 2006 and 2019. The median patient age at surgery was 23 years and the median follow-up period was 69 (IQR 55–99) months. We analysed surgical technique, implant survivorship and complications as well as functional outcome determined by pain reported on the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), patient-reported outcome scores [Oxford Hip Score (OHS), Harris Hip score (HHS), Oxford Knee Score (OKS)], range of motion and ambulatory status. Depending on data distribution means with ranges and median with interquartile range were compared with the Wilcoxon signed rank test or Student’s t test. The level of significance was defined at < 0.05.

Results
In hips, the mean range of motion in flexion/extension (52° vs. 85°, p = 0.014) and in rotation (28° vs. 68°, p = 0.02) as well as mean pain score on the NRS (8.5 vs. 0, p = 0.001), OHS (9 vs. 26, p = 0.031) and HHS (17 vs. 52, p = 0.007) significantly improved. In knees, mean range of motion (55° vs. 93°, p = 0.403), mean pain score on the NRS (0 vs. 7) and the OKS (2 vs. 21) also improved. While the ambulatory status did not change, the patients who were wheelchair dependent reported less problems with transfers to a bed or chair and the patient who ambulated reported an improved walking distance. One total knee arthroplasty (TKA) underwent revision for an acute, late infection 155 months following the initial surgery.

Conclusions
TJR is a safe procedure in patients with AMC that effectively improves function and reduces pain irrespective of preoperative ambulatory status.
Experimental evidence for decompression melting of metasomatized mantle beneath Colima Graben, Mexico
Authors: Becerra-Torres Eduardo , Melekhova Elena , Blundy Jon D. , Brooker Richard A. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractPrimitive subduction zone magmas provide information about the composition and thermal structure of the underlying mantle wedge. In the Colima Graben, Mexico, primitive lavas erupted from cinder cones range from high magnesium calc-alkaline basalts to high-K trachybasalts. This chemical diversity suggests that the sub-arc mantle wedge from which they derive is heterogeneous. To explore the conditions of magma generation in the wedge beneath Colima we used an inverse experimental approach to constrain multiple saturation points on the liquidus surface of a primitive high-K basanite (COM-1). Equilibrium piston-cylinder experiments were carried out between 1.0 and 2.4 GPa under hydrous (1.8–3.8 wt% H2O) and oxidizing (ƒO2 = − 0.5 to 4.3 log units relative to NNO) conditions. COM-1 + 3.8 wt% H2O is shown to be multiply-saturated with a phlogopite-bearing spinel pyroxenite assemblage (cpx + opx + phl + sp) close to its liquidus at 1.9–2.4 GPa and 1300 ºC. Experimental mapping of the liquidus surface reveals a multiple saturation point (MSP) where a lherzolitic phase assemblage of ol + cpx + opx + sp + phl coexist. The topology of the MSP indicates a peritectic of the form cpx + opx + phl + sp = liquid + ol. Four bracketing experiments define the MSP of COM-1 as 1300 ± 10 °C, 1.7 ± 0.1 GPa, ∆NNO = 3.4 ± 0.5 log units, for melt containing 3.6 ± 0.4 wt% H2O. The MSP olivine is too forsterite-rich (Fo92-94) to be in equilibrium with mantle lherzolite, but matches phenocryst core compositions in the natural basanite. Thus, experimental results indicate that COM-1 was produced by incongruent melting of an olivine-free, phlogopite-pyroxenite source that itself is the result of metasomatism of mantle wedge by slab-derived fluids. These conditions provide a valuable constraint on the thermal structure and chemical composition of the mantle wedge beneath Colima.
Optical coherence tomography angiography findings in patients undergoing transcorneal electrical stimulation for treating retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: Zabek Olga , Camenzind Zuche Hanna , Müller Ursula , Scholl Hendrik P. N. , Rickmann Annekatrin , della Volpe Waizel Maria 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Purpose
Transcorneal electrical stimulation (TES) is a novel treatment approach for patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). The aim of our study was to observe changes in optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) that would be attributed to TES treatment.

Methods
A total of 73 eyes were included: 43 eyes of 22 subjects (11 ♀, 11 ♂) suffering from RP were examined at baseline (BL), after first stimulation (TS), 1 week (1W), and 6 months (6M) after treatment initiation and were compared with 30 control eyes of 15 subjects (8 ♀, 7 ♂). TES was performed simultaneously on both eyes for 30 min weekly. OCTA scans of 9 × 15 mm were recorded with a PLEX Elite 9000 swept-source OCTA device (Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, Jena). Vascular density metrics such as perfusion density (PD) and vessel density (VD) were calculated automatically for the macular area by using standardised extended early treatment diabetic retinopathy study (ETDRS) grids centred around the fovea. In addition, the capillary perfusion density (CPD) and the capillary flux index (CFI) of the peripapillary nerve fibre layer microvasculature in all four quadrants of an annulus centred at the optic disc were measured. All parameters were determined over all retinal layers and separately for the superficial (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP). ANOVA-based linear mixed-effects models were calculated with SPSS®.

Results
Throughout the course of TES treatment, the macular VD and PD of all retinal layers in all subsections showed a slight decrement without reaching statistical significance, also when analysed separately in the SCP and DCP (p > 0.08). In analogy, the average CPD and CFI also presented with a slight decrement (p > 0.20). However, when compared with controls, most OCTA parameters showed a significant decrement (p < 0.05). When analysed systematically in all subsections of the extended ETDRS grid, the temporal macular subsections within the outer ring (radius 1.5–3 mm) and also of the peripheral C1, C2, and C3 rings (radius 3–7.5 mm) showed lower VD and PD values when compared with the other subsections (p < 0.05).

Conclusion
Vascular density metrics in the macular region and the peripapillary microvasculature appear to remain unaffected by continuous TES treatment within a period of 6 months.
Notions of architecture in fog computing
Authors: Mann Zoltán Ádám 
Published: October 2020

AbstractFog computing is becoming a popular paradigm for bringing the advantages of the cloud nearer to the network edge. This way, computational tasks can be offloaded from end devices to nearby fog nodes, thus benefiting from high computational power and low latency at the same time. Architecture plays a central role in fog computing. Many papers on fog computing address architectural questions. However, a closer look reveals that different papers use the term “architecture” for very different concepts. This is rooted in the multi-disciplinary nature of the fog computing paradigm. The different communities involved in fog computing—network, hardware, system software, application software—all use the term “architecture,” but with different meaning. To facilitate the mutual understanding of architectural issues in fog computing, this paper introduces a conceptual framework for reasoning about architecture in fog computing. This conceptual framework uses three independent dimensions to describe architecture. Based on the three architecture dimensions, several architecture views can be defined to serve the different viewpoints of the involved disciplines, and to highlight different aspects of the architecture. The conceptual framework is validated using a literature mapping study.
The parisite–(Ce) enigma: challenges in the identification of fluorcarbonate minerals
Authors: Zeug Manuela , Nasdala Lutz , Ende Martin , Habler Gerlinde , Hauzenberger Christoph , Chanmuang N. Chutimun , Škoda Radek , Topa Dan , Wildner Manfred , Wirth Richard 
Published: October 2020

AbstractA multi-methodological study was conducted in order to provide further insight into the structural and compositional complexity of rare earth element (REE) fluorcarbonates, with particular attention to their correct assignment to a mineral species. Polycrystals from La Pita Mine, Municipality de Maripí, Boyacá Department, Colombia, show syntaxic intergrowth of parisite–(Ce) with röntgenite–(Ce) and a phase which is assigned toB3S4(i.e., bastnäsite-3–synchisite-4; still unnamed) fluorcarbonate. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) images reveal well-ordered stacking patterns of two monoclinic polytypes of parisite–(Ce) as well as heavily disordered layer sequences with varying lattice fringe spacings. The crystal structure refinement from single crystal X-ray diffraction data – impeded by twinning, complex stacking patterns, sequential and compositional faults – indicates that the dominant parisite–(Ce) polytypeM1has space groupCc. Parisite–(Ce), theB3S4phase and röntgenite–(Ce) show different BSE intensities from high to low. Raman spectroscopic analyses of parisite–(Ce), theB3S4phase and röntgenite–(Ce) reveal different intensity ratios of the three symmetric CO3stretching bands at around 1100 cm−1. We propose to non-destructively differentiate parisite–(Ce) and röntgenite–(Ce) by their 1092 cm−1/ 1081 cm−1ν1(CO3) band height ratio.
Reperfusion strategies in stroke due to isolated cervical internal carotid artery occlusion: systematic review and treatment comparison
Authors: Romoli Michele , Mosconi Maria Giulia , Pierini Patrizia , Alberti Andrea , Venti Michele , Caso Valeria , Vidale Simone , Lotti Enrico Maria , Longoni Marco , Calabresi Paolo , Tsivgoulis Georgios , Paciaroni Maurizio 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Introduction
Despite intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and endovascular treatment (EVT) have been demonstrated effective in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to large vessel occlusions, there are still no conclusive data to guide treatment in stroke due to cervical internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion. We systematically reviewed available literature to compare IVT, EVT, and bridging (IVT + EVT) and define optimal treatment.

Methods
Systematic review followed predefined protocol (Open-Science-Framework osf.io/bfykj). MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched. Results were restricted to studies in English, with sample size ≥ 10 and follow-up ≥30 days. Primary outcomes were favorable outcome (mRS ≤ 2), mortality, and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage(sICH), defined according to study original report. Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used for bias assessment.

Results
Seven records of 930 screened were included in meta-analysis. Quality of studies was low-to-fair in 5, good in 2. IVT (n = 450) did not differ for favorable outcome and mortality compared to EVT (n = 150), though having lower rate of sICH (OR = 0.4, 95% CI 0.2–0.8). Compared to IVT, bridging (IVT + EVT) was associated with higher rate of favorable outcome (OR = 2.2, 95% CI 1.3–3.7). Compared to EVT, bridging (IVT + EVT) provided higher rate of favorable outcome (OR = 1.9, 95% CI 1.1–3.4), with a marginally increased risk of sICH (OR = 2.1, 95% CI 1–4.4) but similar mortality rates.

Conclusions
Our systematic review highlights that, in acute ischemic stroke associated with isolated cervical ICA occlusion, bridging (IVT + EVT) might lead to higher rate of functional independence at follow-up, without increasing mortality. The low quality of available studies prevents from drawing firm conclusions, and randomized-controlled clinical trials are critically needed to define optimal treatment in this AIS subgroup.
Local timing of rainfall predicts the timing of moult within a single locality and the progress of moult among localities that vary in the onset of the wet season in a year-round breeding tropical songbird
Authors: Nwaogu Chima J. , Cresswell Will 
Published: October 2020

AbstractRainfall seasonality is likely an important cue for timing key annual cycle events like moult in birds living in seasonally arid environments, but its precise effect is difficult to establish because seasonal rainfall may affect other covarying annual events such as breeding in the same way. In central Nigeria, however, Common Bulbuls Pycnonotus barbatus moult in the wet season but only show weak breeding seasonality. This suggests that moult is more sensitive to rainfall than breeding, but a similar outcome is possible if moult is simply periodic. We tested the relationship between rainfall and moult in Common Bulbuls at a single location over 18 years: on average moult started 5th May (± 41 days: 25th March–15th June), being on average later than the onset of the rains which is usually mid-April. The likelihood of finding a moulting Common bulbul was best predicted by rainfall 9–15 weeks before moult was scored. We then tested the generality of this across populations: the progress of moult should, therefore, correlate with the average timing of the wet season along a spatial environmental gradient where the rains start at different times each year south-to-north of Nigeria. To test this, we modelled moult progress just before the rains across 15 localities 6°–13° N as a function of the onset of the wet season among localities. As predicted, moult progressed further in localities with earlier wet seasons, confirming that the onset of moult is timed to the onset of the wet season in each locality despite weak breeding seasonality in the Common Bulbul. This strategy may evolve to maintain optimal annual cycle routine in seasonal environments where breeding is prone to unpredictable local perturbations like nest predation. It may, however, be less obvious in temperate systems where all annual cycle stages are seasonally constrained, but it may help with explaining the high frequency of breeding–moult overlaps in tropical birds.
Biologically synthesized of Au/Pt/ZnO nanoparticles using Arctium lappa extract and cytotoxic activity against leukemia
Authors: Dobrucka Renata , Romaniuk-Drapała Aleksandra , Kaczmarek Mariusz 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe main objective of this work was to assess the cytotoxic activity of Au/Pt/ZnO nanoparticles synthesized using Arctium lappa extract against leukemia. The Au/Pt/ZnO nanoparticles obtained as a result of biological synthesis were characterized by UV-Vis, Scanning (SEM) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). The applied methods showed that the size of nanoparticles ranged from 10 to 40 nm. This work also assessed the cytotoxicity of Au/Pt/ZnO nanoparticles by means of MTT assay, and analyzed apoptosis as well as the influence of the cultivation time and concentration of Au/Pt/ZnO nanoparticles on the percentage of dead cells. The studies showed that the percentage of dead leukemia cells increased with the cultivation time and concentration of Au/Pt/ZnO nanoparticles. There was observed an increase in the percentage of cells in the G2/M phase, which suggests the stoppage of G2/M leading to cell death. The cytotoxicity of Au/Pt/ZnO nanoparticles determined by means of the MTT test indicated that the viability of leukemia cells practically disappeared when the concentration of the tested nanoparticles was 10 mol.
Social cognitive theory and women’s career choices: an agent—based model simulation
Authors: Mozahem Najib A. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAn agent-based model is proposed and tested. This model aims to simulate agency as conceptualized in Bandura's (Am Psychol 37:122–147, 1982; Organ Behav Hum Decis Process 50:248–287; Annu Rev Psychol 52: 1–26) Social cognitive theory. Social cognitive theory has been used to explain the continued underrepresentation of females in certain fields, most notably fields that are associated with engineering and technology. The theory proposes that agents acquire information from four different sources, and then, through a process of reciprocal interaction, these agents develop their perception of self-efficacy. In this study, an agent-based model is used to model this interaction. The output from the simulation supports the validity of the model used and illustrates how agency "emerges" from the triadic interaction. The model successfully simulates several of the theorized aspects of social cognitive theory. The simulation results reveal that even small gendered differences can lead to female misrepresentation in certain fields. The model also shows that female discouragement plays a larger role than male encouragement in female underrepresentation. The implications of these results are discussed. Finally, the limitations of the model are discussed, along with directions for future research.
Efficient solution techniques for two-phase flow in heterogeneous porous media using exact Jacobians
Authors: Büsing Henrik 
Published: October 2020

AbstractTwo efficient and scalable numerical solution methods will be compared using exact Jacobians to solve the fully coupled Newton systems arising during fully implicit discretization of the equations for two-phase flow in porous media. These methods use algebraic multigrid (AMG) to solve the linear systems in every Newton step. The algebraic multigrid methods rely on (i) a Schur Complement Reduction (SCR-AMG) and (ii) a Constrained Pressure Residual method (CPR-AMG) to decouple elliptic and hyperbolic contributions. Both methods employ automatic differentiation (AD) to calculate exact Jacobians and are compared with finite difference (FD) approximations of the Jacobian. The superiority of AD is shown by several numerical test cases from the field of CO2 geo-sequestration comprising two- and three-dimensional examples. A weak scaling test on JUQUEEN, a BlueGene/Q supercomputer, demonstrates the efficiency and scalability of both methods. To achieve maximum comparability and reproducibility, the Portable Extensible Toolkit for Scientific Computation (PETSc) is used as framework for the comparison of all solvers.
Minor effect of inaccurate fixation on VEP-based acuity estimates
Authors: Elgohary Amal A. , Heinrich Sven P. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Purpose
VEP-based estimation of visual acuity may be used in cases of suspected malingering to objectify subjective complaints. In such an application, a lack of cooperation needs to be expected. The same may apply to young children with suspected functional impairments. In the present study, we assessed how inaccurate fixation affects the acuity estimates obtained with a VEP technique.

Methods
VEP-based acuity estimates were obtained by stimulating with a series of different check sizes using a ‘stepwise sweep’ protocol. Sixteen participants were tested with normal and degraded vision under five different fixation conditions (central fixation and eccentric fixation at top, bottom, right, and left edge of the stimulus area).

Results
The majority of individual acuity estimates with eccentric fixation differed by less than 0.1 logMAR from central fixation, and almost all estimates differed by less than 0.3 logMAR. Median estimates with eccentric fixation differed only slightly (up to 0.08 logMAR) and, except for top fixation with normal vision, non-significantly. However, data quality was lower with eccentric fixation, which increased the probability that no acuity estimate could be derived from the recording.

Conclusion
VEP-based acuity estimates are relatively insensitive to eccentric fixation. Unnoticed deviations from central fixation in routine applications will probably be smaller than in the present study and will have even less impact on the outcome.