bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Extreme black hole anabasis
Authors: Hadar Shahar , Lupsasca Alexandru , Porfyriadis Achilleas P. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
We study the SL(2) transformation properties of spherically symmetric perturbations of the Bertotti-Robinson universe and identify an invariant μ that characterizes the backreaction of these linear solutions. The only backreaction allowed by Birkhoff’s theorem is one that destroys the AdS2× S2 boundary and builds the exterior of an asymptotically flat Reissner-Nordström black hole with $$ Q=M\sqrt{1-\mu /4} $$
Q
=
M

1
−
μ
/
4

. We call such backreaction with boundary condition change an anabasis. We show that the addition of linear anabasis perturbations to Bertotti-Robinson may be thought of as a boundary condition that defines a connected AdS2×S2. The connected AdS2 is a nearly-AdS2 with its SL(2) broken appropriately for it to maintain connection to the asymptotically flat region of Reissner-Nordström. We perform a backreaction calculation with matter in the connected AdS2× S2 and show that it correctly captures the dynamics of the asymptotically flat black hole.
Enzymology of extracellular NAD metabolism
Authors: Gasparrini Massimiliano , Sorci Leonardo , Raffaelli Nadia 
Published: March 2021

AbstractExtracellular NAD represents a key signaling molecule in different physiological and pathological conditions. It exerts such function both directly, through the activation of specific purinergic receptors, or indirectly, serving as substrate of ectoenzymes, such as CD73, nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1, CD38 and its paralog CD157, and ecto ADP ribosyltransferases. By hydrolyzing NAD, these enzymes dictate extracellular NAD availability, thus regulating its direct signaling role. In addition, they can generate from NAD smaller signaling molecules, like the immunomodulator adenosine, or they can use NAD to ADP-ribosylate various extracellular proteins and membrane receptors, with significant impact on the control of immunity, inflammatory response, tumorigenesis, and other diseases. Besides, they release from NAD several pyridine metabolites that can be taken up by the cell for the intracellular regeneration of NAD itself. The extracellular environment also hosts nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase and nicotinic acid phosphoribosyltransferase, which inside the cell catalyze key reactions in NAD salvaging pathways. The extracellular forms of these enzymes behave as cytokines, with pro-inflammatory functions. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the extracellular NAD metabolome and describes the major biochemical properties of the enzymes involved in extracellular NAD metabolism, focusing on the contribution of their catalytic activities to the biological function. By uncovering the controversies and gaps in their characterization, further research directions are suggested, also to better exploit the great potential of these enzymes as therapeutic targets in various human diseases.
Numerical modeling of fluid flow, heat, and mass transfer for similar and dissimilar laser welding of Ti-6Al-4V and Inconel 718
Authors: Faraji Amir Hossein , Maletta Carmine , Barbieri Giuseppe , Cognini Francesco , Bruno Luigi 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMost of the researches published on the numerical modeling of laser welding are looking at similar welding, mainly due to the difficulty of simulating the mixing phenomenon that occurs in dissimilar welding. Furthermore, numerical modeling of dissimilar laser welding of titanium and nickel alloys has been rarely reported in the literature. In this study, a 3D finite volume numerical model is proposed to simulate fluid flow, heat, and mass transfer for similar and dissimilar laser welding of Ti-6Al-4V and Inconel 718. The laser source was simulated by volumetric heat distribution, which considers the effects of keyhole and heat transfer on the workpiece. The heat source parameters were calibrated through preliminary experiments, by comparing the simulated and experimental weld pool shapes and dimensions. The model was used to simulate both homogenous and dissimilar laser weldings of Ti-6Al-4V and Inconel 718, and a systematic comparison was carried out through a number of selected experiments. The effects of three distinct levels of laser power (1.25 kW, 1.5 kW, 2.5 kW) on temperature distribution and velocity field in the welds pool were analyzed. Results highlighted the effects of Marangoni forces in the weld pool formation. Furthermore, in order to analyze the mass transfer phenomenon in dissimilar welding, species transfer equations were considered, demonstrating the important role played by the mass mixture in the weld pool formation. Finally, a high level of agreement between simulations and experiments—in terms of weld pool shape and dimensions—was observed in all cases analyzed. This proves the ability of the proposed numerical model to properly simulate both the similar and dissimilar welding of Ti-6Al-4V and Inconel 718 alloys.
Recent advances of Cas12a applications in bacteria
Authors: Meliawati Meliawati , Schilling Christoph , Schmid Jochen 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-mediated genome engineering and related technologies have revolutionized biotechnology over the last decade by enhancing the efficiency of sophisticated biological systems. Cas12a (Cpf1) is an RNA-guided endonuclease associated to the CRISPR adaptive immune system found in many prokaryotes. Contrary to its more prominent counterpart Cas9, Cas12a recognizes A/T rich DNA sequences and is able to process its corresponding guide RNA directly, rendering it a versatile tool for multiplex genome editing efforts and other applications in biotechnology. While Cas12a has been extensively used in eukaryotic cell systems, microbial applications are still limited. In this review, we highlight the mechanistic and functional differences between Cas12a and Cas9 and focus on recent advances of applications using Cas12a in bacterial hosts. Furthermore, we discuss advantages as well as current challenges and give a future outlook for this promising alternative CRISPR-Cas system for bacterial genome editing and beyond.

Key points
• Cas12a is a powerful tool for genome engineering and transcriptional perturbation
• Cas12a causes less toxic side effects in bacteria than Cas9
• Self-processing of crRNA arrays facilitates multiplexing approaches
Radiographic parameter(s) influencing functional outcomes following angular stable plate fixation of proximal humeral fractures
Authors: Ahrend Marc-Daniel , Kühle Luise , Riedmann Stephan , Bahrs Sonja D. , Bahrs Christian , Ziegler Patrick 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Purpose
Radiographic parameters which correlate with poor clinical outcome after proximal humeral fractures could be helpful indicators to answer the question which patients should be followed up closer. Moreover, during surgery, radiographic parameters correlating with unfavourable outcome should be avoided. The primary aim of the study was to compare radiographic measurements between the injured and the contralateral, uninjured shoulder. The secondary aim was to correlate these radiographic parameters with post-operative shoulder function.

Methods
Fifty-eight patients (age: 55.6 ± 14.4 years, age at surgery) following angular stable plate fixation of a proximal humeral fracture (2-part fractures according to Neer: 24, 3-part: 25, 4-part: 9) were included in this retrospective cohort study. All patients were followed up at least six years (7.9 ± 1.4 after surgical intervention). During follow-up examination, the Constant score (CS) was assessed, and radiographs of both shoulders were taken. Radiographs were analyzed regarding lateral humeral offset, distance between tuberculum and head apex, head diameter, head height, perpendicular height, perpendicular center, vertical height, and angles between head and humeral shaft (CCD and HSA). These parameters were compared between the injured and uninjured shoulder. The cohort was divided in two groups: patients with a CS category of excellent/good and satisfying/worse. Both groups were tested regarding differences of demographic and radiographic parameters.

Results
The distance between tuberculum and head apex (2.6 ± 3.4 mm vs. 4.3 ± 2.1 mm; p = 0.0017), the CCD (123.1 ± 12.9° vs. 130.1 ± 7.3°; p = 0.0005), and the HSA (33.1 ± 12.8° vs. 40.1 ± 7.3°; p = 0.0066) were significantly smaller on the treated shoulder compared to the uninjured side. Patients reached a Constant score of 80.2 ± 17.4 (95% CI 75.6–84.8) points. Regarding outcome categories of the Constant score, 46 patients had a good to excellent outcome, and 12 patients had a satisfying or bad outcome. The comparison of these groups revealed that patients with inferior outcome in the long-term follow-up were older, female, had a more complex fracture type (AO classification), smaller lateral humeral offset, smaller head diameter and height, lower perpendicular height, and lower CCD and HSA angles.

Conclusion
If the abovementioned parameters cannot be restored sufficiently during surgery, (reversed) shoulder arthroplasty might be a better solution to reach good post-operative outcome. Moreover, patients presenting these radiographic characteristics in the follow-up, older patients, and patients with a more complex fracture type should be followed up closer to possibly prevent poor shoulder function.
Trial registration: 83 250/2011BO2
Retropulsion force in laser lithotripsy—an in vitro study comparing a Holmium device to a novel pulsed solid-state Thulium laser
Authors: Petzold Ralf , Miernik Arkadiusz , Suarez-Ibarrola Rodrigo 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Purpose
To investigate retropulsion forces generated by two laser lithotripsy devices, a standard Ho:YAG and a new pulsed solid-state Thulium laser device.

Materials and methods
Two different Dornier laser devices were assessed: a Medilas H Solvo 35 and a pulsed solid-state Thulium laser evaluation model (Dornier MedTech Laser GmbH, Wessling, Germany). We used a 37 °C water bath; temperature was monitored with a thermocouple/data-logger. Representative sets of settings were examined for both devices, including short and long pulse lengths where applicable. For each setting, ten force values were recorded by a low-force precision piezo sensor whereby the laser fibre was either brought into contact with the sensor or placed at a 3 mm distance.

Results
The mean retropulsion forces resulting from the new Tm:YAG device were significantly lower than those of the Ho:YAG device under all pulse energy and frequency settings, ranging between 0.92 and 19.60 N for Thulium and 8.09–39.67 N for Holmium. The contact setups yielded lower forces than the distance setups. The forces increased with increasing pulse energy settings while shorter pulse lengths led to 12–44% higher retropulsive force in the 2.0 J/5 Hz comparisons.

Conclusion
The Tm:YAG device not only significantly generated lower retropulsion forces in all comparisons to Holmium at corresponding settings but also offers adjustment options to achieve lower energy pulses and longer pulse durations to produce even lower retropulsion. These advantages are a promising add-on to laser lithotripsy procedures and may be highly relevant for improving laser lithotripsy performance.
Clinical features of ProMisE groups identify different phenotypes of patients with endometrial cancer
Authors: Raffone Antonio , Travaglino Antonio , Gabrielli Olimpia , Micheli Mariacarolina , Zuccalà Valeria , Bitonti Giovanna , Camastra Caterina , Gargiulo Valentina , Insabato Luigi , Zullo Fulvio 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
The Proactive Molecular Risk Classifier for Endometrial Cancer (ProMisE) groups has identified four molecular prognostic groups of endometrial cancer (EC): POLE-mutated (POLE-mt), mismatch repair-deficient (MMR-d), p53-abnormal (p53-abn), p53-wild-type (p53-wt). These groups might have different pathogenesis and risk factors, and might occur in different phenotypes of patients. However, these data are still lacking.

Objective
To provide a clinical characterization of the ProMisE groups of EC.

Methods
A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed by searching seven electronic databases from their inception to December 2020, for all studies reporting clinical characteristics of EC patients in each ProMisE group. Pooled means of age and BMI and pooled prevalence of FIGO stage I and adjuvant treatment in each ProMisE group were calculated.

Results
Six studies with 1, 879 women were included in the systematic review. Pooled means (with standard error) and prevalence values were:
in the MMR-d group, age = 66.5 ± 0.6; BMI = 30.6 ± 1.2; stage I = 72.6%; adjuvant treatment = 47.3%;
in the POLE-mt group, age = 58.6 ± 2.7; BMI = 27.2 ± 0.9; stage I = 93.7%; adjuvant treatment = 53.6%;
in the p53-wt group, age = 64.2 ± 1.9; BMI = 32.3 ± 1.4; stage I = 80.5%; adjuvant treatment = 45.3%;
in the p53-abn group, age = 71.1 ± 0.5; BMI = 29.1 ± 0.5; stage I = 50.8%; adjuvant treatment = 64.4%.

Conclusion
The ProMisE groups identify different phenotypes of patients. The POLE-mt group included the youngest women, with the lower BMI and the highest prevalence of stage I. The p53-wt group included patients with the highest BMI. The p53-abn group included the oldest women, with the highest prevalence of adjuvant treatment and the lowest prevalence of stage I. The MMR-d group showed intermediate values among the ProMisE groups for all clinical features.
Clinical and neurophysiological characterization of muscular weakness in severe COVID-19
Authors: Bax Francesco , Lettieri Christian , Marini Alessandro , Pellitteri Gaia , Surcinelli Andrea , Valente Mariarosaria , Budai Riccardo , Patruno Vincenzo , Gigli Gian Luigi 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Objective
To report clinical and electroneuromyographic (ENMG) characteristics of patients affected by severe COVID-19 infection, evaluated for muscular weakness.

Materials and methods
ENMGs performed for evaluation of diffuse weakness in patients who could not be discharged from semi-intensive care COVID unit because of difficulties in ventilation weaning were reviewed. Patients with severe COVID-19 infection who had undergone endotracheal intubation and able to co-operate were considered. ENMG protocol was focused on neurophysiological items that excluded or confirmed critical illness polyneuropathy (CIP), myopathy (CIM), or polyneuromyopathy (CIPM). Standardized clinical evaluation was performed using Medical Research Council (MRC) sum score.

Results
Eight patients were included in the study. All presented known risk factors for intensive care unit-acquired weakness (ICU-AW), and none of them had history of underlying neuromuscular disorders. ENMG findings were normal in two patients, while only two patients had an altered MRC sum score (< 48). Neuromuscular involvement was diagnosed in 6/8 patients (75%): 2 had CIP, 1 had possible CIM, 1 had CIPM, while 1 patient, with clinically evident weakness but equivocal ENMG findings, was classified as ICU-AW. Finally, 1 patient was diagnosed with acute demyelinating neuropathy. Patients with neuromuscular involvement were those with longer intubation duration and higher levels of IL-6 at admission.

Conclusion
Neuromuscular complications are frequent in severe COVID-19 and cannot be excluded by MRC sum scores above 48. Standardized ENMG is helpful in guiding diagnosis when clinical evaluation is not reliable or possible. Elevated IL-6 at admission may be a predictor biomarker of ICU-AW in COVID-19.
Joint spectral radius and ternary hermite subdivision
Authors: Charina M. , Conti C. , Mejstrik T. , Merrien J.-L. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn this paper we construct a family of ternary interpolatory Hermite subdivision schemes of order 1 with small support and${\mathscr{H}}\mathcal {C}^{2}$HC2-smoothness. Indeed, leaving the binary domain, it is possible to derive interpolatory Hermite subdivision schemes with higher regularity than the existing binary examples. The family of schemes we construct is a two-parameter family whose${\mathscr{H}}\mathcal {C}^{2}$HC2-smoothness is guaranteed whenever the parameters are chosen from a certain polygonal region. The construction of this new family is inspired by the geometric insight into the ternary interpolatory scalar three-point subdivision scheme by Hassan and Dodgson. The smoothness of our new family of Hermite schemes is proven by means of joint spectral radius techniques.
Styles of reasoning for mathematics education
Authors: Kollosche David 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAlthough reasoning is a central concept in mathematics education research, the discipline is still in need of a coherent theoretical framework of mathematical reasoning. With respect to epistemological problems in the dominant discourses on proof, mathematical modelling, and post-truth politics in the discipline, and in accordance with trends in the philosophy of mathematics and in mathematics education research in general, it is argued that it is necessary to give a relativist account of mathematical reasoning. Hacking’s framework of styles of reasoning is introduced as a possible solution. This framework distinguished between at least six different styles of reasoning, many of which are closely connected to mathematics, and argues that these frameworks define what we accept as decidable assertions, as justifications for such assertions, and as possible objects of such assertions. The article ends with a discussion of the implications of the framework for chosen fields of mathematics education research, which may motivate more focussed studies in the future.
Spiritual Care: Motivations and Experiences through the Lenses and Voices of a Cohort of Spiritual Care Workers at an Established Hospice in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Mahilall Ronita , Swartz Leslie 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWhile palliative care is beginning to gain prominence in South Africa, spiritual care remains less understood. Spiritual care is less prioritised and, consequently, this service, if offered, is mostly entrusted to volunteers. It therefore becomes prudent to understand who these volunteers are, what motivates them to volunteer, and how they see spiritual care being sustainable in the future. A cohort of spiritual care workers from a prominent hospice in Cape Town, South Africa, participated in this qualitative study. The participants made suggestions about formalising spiritual care as well as making a call for a basic entry requirement into spiritual care work.
On exploiting Data Visualization and IoT for Increasing Sustainability and Safety in a Smart Campus
Authors: Ceccarini Chiara , Mirri Silvia , Salomoni Paola , Prandi Catia 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn a world that is getting increasingly digital and interconnected, and where more and more physical objects are integrated into the information network (Internet of Things, IoT), Data Visualization can facilitate the understanding of huge volumes of data. In this paper, we present the design and implementation of a testbed where IoT and Data Visualization have been exploited to increase the sustainability and safety of the Cesena (Smart) Campus. In particular, we detail the overall system architecture and the interactive dashboard that facilitates the management of the campus premises and the timetabling. Exploiting our system, we show how we can improve the campus sustainability (in terms of energy saving) and safety (considering the COVID-19 restrictions and regulations).
Modeling elderly behavioral patterns in single-person households
Authors: Soussa Márcio Renê Brandão , de Senna Valter , da Silva Valéria Loureiro , Soares Charles Lima 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis paper proposes and describes an unsupervised computational model that monitors an elderly person who lives alone and issues alarms when a risk to the elderly person’s well-being is identified. This model is based on data extracted exclusively from passive infrared motion sensors connected to a ZigBee wireless network. The proposed monitoring system and model is non-intrusive, does not capture any images, and does not require any interaction with the monitored person. Thus, it is more likely to be adopted by members of the elderly population who might reject other more intrusive or complex types of technology. The developed computational model for activity discovery employs a kernel estimator and local outlier factor calculation, which are reliable and have a low computational cost. This model was tested with data collected over a period of 25 days from two elderly volunteers who live alone and have fairly different routines. The results demonstrate the model’s ability to learn relevant behaviors, as well as identify and issue alarms for atypical activities that can be suggestive of health problems. This low-cost, minimalistic sensor network approach is especially suited to the reality of underdeveloped (and developing) countries where assisted living communities are not available and low cost and ease of use are paramount.
Prevalence and 11-year incidence of common eye diseases and their relation to health-related quality of life, mental health, and visual impairment
Authors: Purola Petri K. M. , Nättinen Janika E. , Ojamo Matti U. I. , Koskinen Seppo V. P. , Rissanen Harri A. , Sainio Päivi R. J. , Uusitalo Hannu M. T. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Purpose
To study the prevalence and incidence of the most common eye diseases and their relation to health-related quality of life (HRQoL), depression, psychological distress, and visual impairment in the aging population of Finland.

Methods
Our study was based on two nationwide health surveys conducted in 2000 and 2011. Eye disease status data were obtained from 7379 and 5710 individuals aged 30 + years, of whom 4620 partook in both time points. Both surveys included identical indicators of HRQoL (EuroQol-5 Dimension [EQ-5D], 15D), depression (Beck Depression Inventory [BDI]), psychological distress (General Health Questionnaire-12 [GHQ-12]), visual acuity, and self-reported eye diseases. We assessed the impact of known eye diseases on these factors, adjusted for age, gender, and co-morbidities.

Results
Prevalence of self-reported eye diseases was 3.1/2.7% for glaucoma, 8.1/11.4% for cataract, and 3.4/3.8% for retinal degeneration in 2000 and 2011, and the average incidence between 2000 and 2011 was 22, 109, and 35 /year/10,000 individuals, respectively. These eye diseases were associated with a significant decrease in EQ-5D and 15D index scores in both time points. BDI and GHQ-12 scores were also worsened, with some variation between different eye diseases. Impaired vision was, however, the strongest determinant of declined HRQoL. During the 11-year follow-up the effect of eye diseases on HRQoL and mental health diminished.

Conclusion
Declined HRQoL associated with eye diseases is more related to impaired vision than the awareness of the disease itself, and this declining effect diminished during the follow-up. Therefore, information directed to the public on the risks and prevention of blindness can and should be strengthened to prevent the deleterious effects of visual impairment.
Analytik von Cannabinoiden in biologischen Matrices — eine Übersicht
Authors: Thurow Kerstin , Thiele Steffen 
Published: March 2021

AbstractCannabis is probably the best-known drug worldwide. Δ9-THC and 11-OH-Δ9-THC are the essential components that are responsible for the intoxicating and psychoactive effects. A general approval for pain therapy has been discussed for years. The analytical determination of low concentrations of Δ9-THC and its metabolites is therefore increasingly important. Quantitative tests in saliva, blood or urine require extensive analytical procedures including suitable sample preparation.