bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measurement of the alcohol biomarker phosphatidylethanol (PEth) in dried blood spots and venous blood—importance of inhibition of post-sampling formation from ethanol
Authors: Beck Olof , Mellring Maria , Löwbeer Christian , Seferaj Sabina , Helander Anders 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPhosphatidylethanol (PEth) is a group of phospholipids formed in cell membranes following alcohol consumption by action of the enzyme phospholipase D (PLD). PEth measurement in whole blood samples is established as a specific alcohol biomarker with clinical and forensic applications. However, in blood specimens containing ethanol, formation of PEth may continue after sampling leading to falsely elevated concentrations. This study evaluated the use of dried blood spot (DBS) and microsampling specimens to avoid post-sampling formation of PEth. Filter paper cards and three commercial devices for volumetric microsampling of finger-pricked blood were assessed, using PEth-negative and PEth-positive whole blood fortified with 2 g/L ethanol. PEth (16:0/18:1) was measured by LC–MS/MS. Post-sampling formation of PEth occurred in wet blood and in the volumetric devices, but not filter paper cards, when stored at room temperature for 48 h. Addition of an inhibitor of PLD, sodium metavanadate (NaVO3), eliminated post-sampling formation during storage and drying. In conclusion, the present study confirmed previous observations that PEth can be formed in blood samples after collection, if the specimen contains ethanol. The results further demonstrated that post-sampling formation of PEth from ethanol also occurred with commercial devices for volumetric dried blood microsampling. In order for a PEth result not to be questioned, it is recommended to use a PLD inhibitor, whether venous blood is collected in a vacutainer tube or finger-pricked blood is obtained using devices for dried blood microsampling.
Graphical abstract
Convergence Rates for the Quantum Central Limit Theorem
Authors: Becker Simon , Datta Nilanjana , Lami Ludovico , Rouzé Cambyse 
Published: February 2021

AbstractVarious quantum analogues of the central limit theorem, which is one of the cornerstones of probability theory, are known in the literature. One such analogue, due to Cushen and Hudson, is of particular relevance for quantum optics. It implies that the state in any single output arm of an n-splitter, which is fed with n copies of a centred state $$\rho $$
ρ
with finite second moments, converges to the Gaussian state with the same first and second moments as $$\rho $$
ρ
. Here we exploit the phase space formalism to carry out a refined analysis of the rate of convergence in this quantum central limit theorem. For instance, we prove that the convergence takes place at a rate $$\mathcal {O}\left( n^{-1/2}\right) $$

O

n

-
1
/
2

in the Hilbert–Schmidt norm whenever the third moments of $$\rho $$
ρ
are finite. Trace norm or relative entropy bounds can be obtained by leveraging the energy boundedness of the state. Via analytical and numerical examples we show that our results are tight in many respects. An extension of our proof techniques to the non-i.i.d. setting is used to analyse a new model of a lossy optical fibre, where a given m-mode state enters a cascade of n beam splitters of equal transmissivities $$\lambda ^{1/n}$$

λ

1
/
n

fed with an arbitrary (but fixed) environment state. Assuming that the latter has finite third moments, and ignoring unitaries, we show that the effective channel converges in diamond norm to a simple thermal attenuator, with a rate $$\mathcal {O}\Big (n^{-\frac{1}{2(m+1)}}\Big )$$

O

(

n

-

1

2
(
m
+
1
)

)

. This allows us to establish bounds on the classical and quantum capacities of the cascade channel. Along the way, we derive several results that may be of independent interest. For example, we prove that any quantum characteristic function $$\chi _\rho $$

χ
ρ

is uniformly bounded by some $$\eta _\rho <1$$

η
ρ

<
1

outside of any neighbourhood of the origin; also, $$\eta _\rho $$

η
ρ

can be made to depend only on the energy of the state $$\rho $$
ρ
.
Introducing the Node Reporting and Data System 1.0 (Node-RADS): a concept for standardized assessment of lymph nodes in cancer
Authors: Elsholtz Fabian H. J. , Asbach Patrick , Haas Matthias , Becker Minerva , Beets-Tan Regina G. H. , Thoeny Harriet C. , Padhani Anwar R. , Hamm Bernd 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
“Node-RADS” addresses the lack of consensus in the radiologic assessment of lymph node involvement by cancer and meets the increasing demand for structured reporting on the likelihood of disease involvement. Node Reporting and Data System 1.0 (Node-RADS) systematically classifies the degree of suspicion of lymph node involvement based on the synthesis of established imaging findings. Straightforward definitions of imaging findings for two proposed scoring categories “size” and “configuration” are combined into assessment categories between 1 (“very low likelihood”) and 5 (“very high likelihood”). This scoring system is suitable for assessing likely involvement of lymph nodes on CT and MRI scans. It can be applied at any anatomical site, and to regional and non-regional lymph nodes in relation to a primary tumor location. Node-RADS will improve communication with referring physicians and promote the consistency of reporting for primary staging and in response assessment settings.

Key Points
• Node-RADS standardizes reporting of possible cancer involvement of regional and distant lymph nodes on CT and MRI.
• Node-RADS proposes the scoring categories “size” and “configuration” for assigning the 5-point Node-RADS score from 1 (“very low likelihood”) to 5 (“very high likelihood”).
• Node-RADS aims to increase consensus among radiologists for primary staging and in response assessment settings.
Trace element profile and incidence of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and colorectal cancer: results from the EPIC-Potsdam cohort study
Authors: Cabral Maria , Kuxhaus Olga , Eichelmann Fabian , Kopp Johannes F. , Alker Wiebke , Hackler Julian , Kipp Anna P. , Schwerdtle Tanja , Haase Hajo , Schomburg Lutz , Schulze Matthias B. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Purpose
We aimed to examine the prospective association between manganese, iron, copper, zinc, iodine, selenium, selenoprotein P, free zinc, and their interplay, with incident type 2 diabetes (T2D), cardiovascular disease (CVD) and colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods
Serum trace element (TE) concentrations were measured in a case-cohort study embedded within the EPIC-Potsdam cohort, consisting of a random sub-cohort (n = 2500) and incident cases of T2D (n = 705), CVD (n = 414), and CRC (n = 219). TE patterns were investigated using principal component analysis. Cox proportional hazard models were fitted to examine the association between TEs with T2D, CVD and CRC incidence.

Results
Higher manganese, zinc, iodine and selenium were associated with an increased risk of developing T2D (HR Q5 vs Q1: 1.56, 1.09–2.22; HR per SD, 95% CI 1.18, 1.05–1.33; 1.09, 1.01–1.17; 1.19, 1.06–1.34, respectively). Regarding CVD, manganese, copper and copper-to-zinc ratio were associated with an increased risk (HR per SD, 95% CI 1.13, 1.00–1.29; 1.22, 1.02–1.44; 1.18, 1.02–1.37, respectively). The opposite was observed for higher selenium-to-copper ratio (HR Q5 vs Q1, 95% CI 0.60, 0.39–0.93). Higher copper and zinc were associated with increasing risk of developing CRC (HR per SD, 95% CI 1.29, 1.05–1.59 and 1.14, 1.00–1.30, respectively). Selenium, selenoprotein P and selenium-to-copper-ratio were associated to decreased risk (HR per SD, 95% CI 0.82, 0.69–0.98; 0.81, 0.72–0.93; 0.77, 0.65–0.92, respectively). Two TE patterns were identified: manganese–iron–zinc and copper–iodine–selenium.

Conclusion
Different TEs were associated with the risk of developing T2D, CVD and CRC. The contrasting associations found for selenium with T2D and CRC point towards differential disease-related pathways.
“Guboow”—child abuse or traditional medical treatment? a case report
Authors: Lange-Herr N. , Rindlisbacher A. , Romano F. , Jackowski C. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe examination of children suspected of being abused poses a great challenge for forensic pathologists. The risk of misjudgment is high and can have serious consequences for the child and the family. In unclear cases, an assessment should always be carried out on an interdisciplinary basis with the involvement of the relevant disciplines such as pediatrics, dermatology, or radiology. We present the case of a 2.5-year-old boy who was presented by his parents at the Pediatric Emergency Department of a Swiss University Hospital due to fever and weight loss. During the physical examination, conspicuous findings on the abdomen were present, and the responsible emergency physicians informed the child protective services. A clinical forensic examination occurred on behalf of the child protection services. The abdomen of the child showed several symmetrical scars. The initial questioning of the parents did not provide clear information about the origin of the injuries. Further professional questioning of the family by the child protective services concluded that the injuries were the result of a traditional medical treatment in Somalia, which occurred several weeks before.
A Local Barycentric Version of the Bak–Sneppen Model
Authors: Kennerberg Philip , Volkov Stanislav 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWe study the behaviour of an interacting particle system, related to the Bak–Sneppen model and Jante’s law process defined in Kennerberg and Volkov (Adv Appl Probab 50:414–439, 2018). Let$$N\ge 3$$N≥3vertices be placed on a circle, such that each vertex has exactly two neighbours. To each vertex assign a real number, calledfitness(we use this term, as it is quite standard for Bak–Sneppen models). Now find the vertex which fitness deviates most from the average of the fitnesses of its two immediate neighbours (in case of a tie, draw uniformly among such vertices), and replace it by a random value drawn independently according to some distribution$$\zeta $$ζ. We show that in case where$$\zeta $$ζis a finitely supported or continuous uniform distribution, all the fitnesses except one converge to the same value.
The role of motivational profiles in learning problem-solving and self-assessment skills with video modeling examples
Authors: Wijnia Lisette , Baars Martine 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn the current study, we examine the role of situation-specific motivational profiles in the effectiveness of video modeling examples for learning problem-solving and self-assessment accuracy in the domain of biology. A sample of 342 secondary school students participated in our study. Latent profile analysis resulted in four motivational profiles: (a) good-quality profile (high autonomous motivation, moderate introjected and external motivation), (b) moderately positive profile (moderate motivation levels with relatively higher autonomous motivation), (c) moderately negative profile (moderate motivation levels with relatively higher external motivation), and (d) poor-quality profile (moderate external, low autonomous motivation). Findings showed students with good-quality or moderately positive profiles learned more from the video modeling in terms of problem-solving and self-assessment accuracy than students with poor-quality or moderately negative profiles. Furthermore, students with a moderately negative profile outperformed students with a poor-quality profile on problem-solving and self-assessment accuracy. Results further indicated that students with good-quality and moderately positive profiles experienced studying the video modeling examples as less effortful than students with poor-quality or moderately negative profiles. Overall, our results demonstrated that knowing about students’ motivational profiles could help explain differences in how well students learn problem-solving as well as self-assessment skills from watching video modeling examples.
Stochastic sensitivity of bull and bear states
Authors: Jungeilges Jochen , Maklakova Elena , Perevalova Tatyana 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWe study the price dynamics generated by a stochastic version of a Day–Huang type asset market model with heterogenous, interacting market participants. To facilitate the analysis, we introduce a methodology that allows us to assess the consequences of changes in uncertainty on the dynamics of an asset price process close to stable equilibria. In particular, we focus on noise-induced transitions between bull and bear states of the market under additive as well as parametric noise. Our results are obtained by combining the stochastic sensitivity function (SSF) approach, a mixture of analytical and numerical techniques, due to Mil’shtein and Ryashko (1995) with concepts and techniques from the study of non-smooth 1D maps. We find that the stochastic sensitivity of the respective bull and bear equilibria in the presence of additive noise is higher than under parametric noise. Thus, recurrent transitions are likely to be observed already for relatively low intensities of additive noise.
The Genetics of Atypical Femur Fractures—a Systematic Review
Authors: Zhou Wei , van Rooij Jeroen G. J. , Ebeling Peter R. , Verkerk Annemieke J. M. H. , Zillikens M. Carola 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Purpose of Review
Atypical femur fractures (AFFs) are rare subtrochanteric or diaphyseal fractures regarded as side effects of bisphosphonates (BPs), possibly with a genetic background. Here, we summarize the most recent knowledge about genetics of AFFs.

Recent Findings
AFF has been reported in 57 patients with seven different monogenic bone disorders including hypophosphatasia and osteogenesis imperfecta; 56.1% had never used BPs, while 17.5% were diagnosed with the disorder only after the AFF. Gene mutation finding in familial and sporadic cases identified possible AFF-related variants in the GGPS1 and ATRAID genes respectively. Functional follow-up studies of mutant proteins showed possible roles in AFF. A recent small genome-wide association study on 51 AFF cases did not identify significant hits associated with AFF.

Summary
Recent findings have strengthened the hypothesis that AFFs have underlying genetic components but more studies are needed in AFF families and larger cohorts of sporadic cases to confirm previous results and/or find novel gene variants involved in the pathogenesis of AFFs.
Test for Mobile phone dependence: psychometric properties and confirmatory factor analysis
Authors: Vezzoli Michela , Colombo Aurora , Marano Alessandra , Zoccatelli Giorgia , Zogmaister Cristina 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe Test of Mobile Phone Dependence (TMD) is a questionnaire designed for appraising the main dimensions of problematic smartphone use in adolescence. This study evaluates the factor structure and psychometric properties of the TMD on a sample of 813 Italian middle and high school students. The original three-factor model (Abstinence, Lack of Control, and Tolerance) of the TMD was tested through a Confirmatory Factor Analysis. The results of the goodness of fit indices indicated a satisfactory solution. The overall TMD score showed a good level of internal consistency and good construct validity with the duration of use, age of possession of the first mobile phone, perceived self-efficacy, gender, and participants’ age. The relationship between TMD and Nomophobia was also explored. Overall, the results indicate that the TMD is a valid and reliable assessment tool in Italian culture. However, reliability issues emerged on the subfactor Lack of Control. This indicates that the scores on this subfactor should be treated with caution.
GIS-based rockfall hazard zones modeling along the coastal Gulf of Aqaba Region, Egypt
Authors: Omran Adel , Fahmida Kanij , Schröder Dietrich , Arnous Mohamed O. , El-Rayes Ahmed E. , Hochschild Volker 
Published: February 2021

AbstractRockfall is a natural hazard in mountainous areas not to be underestimated. Mass activities differing in rock volume may cause considerable economic damage. Accomplishing qualitative appraisal of high-potential zones for rockfall is a first step towards implementing mitigation strategies. Nowadays, Geographical Information Systems (GIS) are the state-of-the-art tool for a fast and economic approach of identifying potential hazard zones rather than using conventional mapping with in-situ field data. Primarily, current research focuses on designing and implementing user-friendly tools delineating potential rockfall hazard zonation (RHZ). The constructed model examines triggering factors like slope, aspect, elevation, lithology, structural lineament, rainfall intensity, and seismic activity focal depth of a mountainous coastal region (Gulf of Aqaba, Egypt). The extracted geomorphological parameters were based on a high-resolution TanDEM-X Digital Elevation Model. The enhanced Landsat ETM + 7 was used to generate the lithological and structural lineament parameters, while the rainfall data were collected from NASA project tool. The zonation model was implemented by means of ESRI’s ArcGIS Pro ModelBuilder. Google Earth Pro orthophotos compared with the generated rockfall hazard zonation map indicate the potential RHZ with high reliability. The achieved results show that 15 % of the study area qualifies as a high rockfall hazard zone. As the RHZs generated by the model depend on the input data and the selected rating scores and weights, obtaining ground truth is essential to get a trustworthy result. Finally, this study recommends employing the built RHZ model on similar terrains worldwide to support decision-makers involving any sustainable development projects.
Distribution, Mobility and Fate of Trace Elements in an Estuarine System Under Anthropogenic Pressure: the Case of the Karstic Timavo River (Northern Adriatic Sea, Italy)
Authors: Pavoni Elena , Crosera Matteo , Petranich Elisa , Faganeli Jadran , Klun Katja , Oliveri Paolo , Covelli Stefano , Adami Gianpiero 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe accumulation of contaminants and their potential mobility represent two of the main environmental issues facing coastal environments. Sediments often act as “reservoirs” of contaminants, including potentially toxic trace elements, but they can also be considered a secondary source of contamination due to remobilisation processes at the sediment-water interface which may affect the quality of the coastal water and aquatic biota. This research aims to provide a geochemical characterisation of the estuarine system of the Timavo/Reka River, focusing on the occurrence of trace elements in different environmental matrices with the purpose of highlighting potential critical conditions in terms of environmental quality. The surface sediments were found to be enriched in several trace elements especially in the innermost sector of the area. There, sulphate-reductive conditions in the bottom saltwater testify to potential anoxia at the sediment-water interface, driving trace element accumulation in the residual fraction of the sediments. However, Fe and Mn redox behaviour appears to play a crucial role in the recycling of dissolved trace elements in the water column. With the lone exception of the saltwater in the innermost sector, trace elements were found to be mainly associated with suspended particles due to oxidation and precipitation processes, whereas a common lithogenic origin was identified for Cr, Ni, and Co, which are significantly correlated both in the surface sediments and in the suspended particles.
Resonance features of rock slope with anti-dip weak interlayer under seismic actions
Authors: Wang Tong , Huang Jingli , Lang Qiuling , Liu Lisha 
Published: February 2021

AbstractResonance avoidance is an important topic in engineering seismic design. However, there is little report on the resonance features of rock slopes with anti-dip weak rock layers under seismic actions. Through finite-element method, this paper carries out modal analysis and harmonic response analysis on a slope, captures the natural frequencies and vibration modes of the slope, and plots the resonance curves about displacement frequency relationships. The results show that slope resonance is greatly affected by damping ratio: the greater the damping ratio, the lower the resonance peak; the inverse is also true. This means that weak and broken rock mass is capable of absorbing shocks, but not necessarily easy to be damaged. On the contrary, broken rock mass has poor mechanical performance and is prone to damage under small vibration. Besides, the resonance effect of the slope is mainly excited by the natural frequencies of the first three orders; the vertical resonance displacement peaked at about 1.1 Hz, while the horizontal resonance displacement peaked at about 1.38 Hz. From the vibration modes and frequency response curves, the resonance peak of the slope is amplified in the vertical direction and on the free face, and the maximum resonance displacement appears on the surface of the slope, indicating that the strongest resonance occurs on slope surface. This research fully clarifies the stability and dynamic response law of rock slopes with anti-dip weak interlayer under seismic actions, laying a solid basis for the mic fortification, landslide prediction, and landslide control of slopes.
Phosphorus load in outdoor areas for laying hens and capacity of phosphorus retaining materials to reduce the environmental impact
Authors: Aronsson Helena , Wahlund Lotten , Lovang Malin , Hellstrand Ebba , Odelros Åsa , Salomon Eva 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis study investigated manure loads in outdoor paddocks for laying hens and the capacity of two phosphorus (P) retaining materials for reducing leaching from manure in areas with high hen density. Inventories on two commercial farms during 2 years (2017 and 2018) of the impact of hens (groups of 3000 hens) on vegetation, as a proxy for land use by hens, showed that 16–21% of outdoor area in grassland paddocks and 22–39% of area in a forest paddock were used by the hens. Sand and limestone were tested as P retention materials in areas with high manure load in a field study during the outdoor season for laying hens (May 1 to October 31 in 2018). The materials were placed on the ground (0.2 m deep bed, 3.3 m wide) outside the pop-hole in paddocks with 76 hens. The average numbers of hens outdoors were recorded at 9 am and 3 pm daily. There was no significant difference between the materials concerning distribution of hens, and they seemed not to prefer any material more than the other. When cylinders containing the spent materials were exposed to simulated rainfalls in a laboratory study, the P concentrations in drainage water were high for all materials, including a control with gravel (58–136 mg PO4-P L−1 and 130–197 mg total-P L−1). On average, 14% of manure P retained in the sand and limestone materials was leached after 100 mm of simulated rainfall. Thus, these materials may act as physical filters for P in manure, but to reduce the risk of P losses to waters during the following winter, they need to be removed from the paddocks and preferably used as potential P fertilizers on arable land.