bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hepatocellular carcinoma development in diabetic patients: a nationwide survey in Japan
Authors:   for the LUCID study investigators, Tateishi Ryosuke , Matsumura Takeshi , Okanoue Takeshi , Shima Toshihide , Uchino Koji , Fujiwara Naoto , Senokuchi Takafumi , Kon Kazuyoshi , Sasako Takayoshi , Taniai Makiko , Kawaguchi Takumi , Inoue Hiroshi , Watada Hirotaka , Kubota Naoto , Shimano Hitoshi , Kaneko Shuichi , Hashimoto Etsuko , Watanabe Sumio , Shiota Goshi , Ueki Kohjiro , Kashiwabara Kosuke , Matsuyama Yutaka , Tanaka Hideo , Kasuga Masato , Araki Eiichi , Koike Kazuhiko 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Although type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a known risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development, the annual incidence in diabetes patients is far below the threshold of efficient surveillance. This study aimed to elucidate the risk factors for HCC in diabetic patients and to determine the best criteria to identify surveillance candidates.

Methods
The study included 239 patients with T2DM who were diagnosed with non-viral HCC between 2010 and 2015, with ≥ 5 years of follow-up at diabetes clinics of 81 teaching hospitals in Japan before HCC diagnosis, and 3277 non-HCC T2DM patients from a prospective cohort study, as controls. Clinical data at the time of and 5 years before HCC diagnosis were collected.

Results
The mean patient age at HCC diagnosis was approximately 73 years, and 80% of the patients were male. The proportion of patients with insulin use increased, whereas the body mass index (BMI), proportion of patients with fatty liver, fasting glucose levels, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels decreased significantly in 5 years. In the cohort study, 18 patients developed HCC during the mean follow-up period of 4.7 years with an annual incidence of 0.11%. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that the FIB-4 index was an outstanding predictor of HCC development along with male sex, presence of hypertension, lower HbA1c and albumin levels, and higher BMI and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase levels. Receiver-operating characteristic analyses showed that a FIB-4 cut-off value of 3.61 could help identify high-risk patients, with a corresponding annual HCC incidence rate of 1.1%.

Conclusion
A simple calculation of the FIB-4 index in diabetes clinics can be the first step toward surveillance of HCC with a non-viral etiology.
Optimierung von Minibustaxiverkehren in Südafrika unter Einbindung von Geoinformationssystemen
Authors: Schlüter Jan , Sörensen Leif , Simons Johannes , Coetzee Justin 
Published: January 2021

ZusammenfassungDas Minibustaxi ist eines der wichtigsten Mobilitätsangebote in Südafrika. Allerdings sind Informationen, wie Fahrpläne oder -zeiten, aufgrund der hohen Flexibilität gar nicht oder nur selten verfügbar. Die damit einhergehenden Ineffizienzen, auch im Hinblick auf eine Abstimmung mit anderen Mobilitätsangeboten, können ohne Dokumentation des Status quo nur schwer behoben werden. Deshalb zeigt dieser Artikel exemplarisch am Beispiel Kapstadts, dass bereits einfache Methoden die Abbildung des Minibustaxiverkehrsnetzes ermöglichen und damit die Grundlage für Optimierungsansätze schaffen. Die Datenerfassung mittels einer mobilen Anwendung und die darauffolgende Auswertung zeigen, dass Effizienzsteigerungen im Minibustaxiverkehr von rund 30 % realisierbar wären. Neben dem operativen und gesamtwirtschaftlichen Einspar‑/Ertragsmöglichkeiten kann zusätzlich die potenzielle CO2-Emissionseinsparung angebracht werden. Dieser Artikel leistet ein wichtiges Argument für Formalisierungsansätze, um Effizienzsteigerungen im Mobilitätssektor gegenüber dem Status quo auch politisch vorantreiben zu können.
Posterolateral epidural supra-C2-root approach (PESCA) for biopsy of lesions of the odontoid process in same sitting after occipitocervical fixation and decompression—perioperative management and how to avoid vertebral artery injury
Authors: Haas Patrick , Hauser Till-Karsten , Kandilaris Kosmas , Schenk Sebastian , Tatagiba Marcos , Adib Sasan Darius 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis study aims to describe the posterolateral epidural supra-C2-root approach (PESCA), which might be a good alternative to the transoral, anterolateral, and other posterolateral approaches for biopsy of lesions of the odontoid process (OP). The preoperative planning of PESCA included computerized tomography (CT), CT-angiography, and three-dimensional reconstruction (if possible, even with three-dimensional print) to analyze the angle of the trajectory and the anatomy of the vertebral artery (VA). For PESCA, the patient is positioned under general anesthesia in prone position. In case of an osteolytic lesion with fracture of the OP, an X-ray is performed after positioning to verify anatomic alignment. In the first step, in case of instability and compression of the spinal cord, a craniocervical fusion and decompression is performed (laminectomy of the middle part of the C1 arc and removal of the lower part of the lateral C1 arc). The trajectory is immediately above the C2 root (and under the upper rest of the lateral part of C1 arc). Even if the trajectory is narrowed, it is possible to perform PESCA without relevant traction of the spinal cord. The vertical segment of V3 of the VA at the level of C2 is protected by the vertebral foramen, and the horizontal part of V3 is protected by the remnant upper lateral part of the C1 arc (in case of normal variants). PESCA might be a good choice for biopsy of selected lesions of the OP in same sitting procedure after craniocervical stabilization and decompression.
Income inequality and the quality of imports
Authors: Ciani Andrea 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis paper studies the role of income inequality in the importing country as a determinant of export unit value and product quality estimated employing information on market shares and prices. Using detailed firm-level data, we find that higher inequality in the destination market is associated with lower unit value and product quality. Noticeably, the negative effect of inequality is stronger in richer destinations. Firm-level heterogeneous responses to market conditions explain changes in unit value and quality. Incumbent exporting firms report lower unit value when income inequality increases, while entrants supply products of lower quality. All in all, our findings show that income inequality is a determinant of import demand which ultimately induces quality and unit value differentials across markets.
Asking future doctors: what support options do medical students want to cope with medical school?
Authors: Ehring E. , Frese T. , Fuchs S. , Dudo K. , Pukas L. , Stoevesandt D. , Watzke S. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Aim
Medical school is demanding, and research aimed at improving the mental health of medical students is scarce. No quantitative study about which specific measures students actually prefer to reinforce their health has been performed yet. The aim of this survey is to find out which types of support should be given to medical students according to students’ own perspectives.

Subject and methods
A classroom survey of medical students (N = 1108, years 1–5) was carried out regarding various support options and depressive symptoms. The statistical analysis was finalized using chi-square tests, t-tests, and the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test.

Results
The support options with the highest average scores were accessible sports classes, desire for free water/fruit during lectures, and a clear study structure. Groups to exchange experiences with, including social media groups, were favored less. Depressive symptoms in students correlated with a higher level of applicability of support options.

Conclusion
Medical students require supportive study conditions. Specific subgroups of medical students could not be correlated to a particular support program. Thus, we need a support program that addresses students’ wishes, not a program based on feasibility, staff interests or passions.
Spatial variation in macrobenthic assemblages and their relationship with environmental factors in the upstream and midstream regions of the Heihe River Basin, China
Authors: Wang Yu , Liu Juan-Juan , Liu Wei , Feng Qi , Li Bao-long , Lu Han , Wang Shuang 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe Heihe River is a typical inland river under increasing anthropogenic pressure. To explore the characteristics of the macrobenthic assemblages and their relationships with environmental factors in the upstream and midstream regions of this basin, abiotic conditions and macrobenthic assemblages were investigated in the summers of 2018 and 2019. A total of 50 species were collected, and Arthropoda and mollusks were the dominant groups. A significant increase in standing stock was observed from the upstream to midstream, and predators (PR) were the main functional feeding group. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that the Shannon-Wiener index and Margalef’s index values significantly differed at the spatial scale (P < 0.05). A redundancy analysis (RDA) and Pearson correlation analysis showed that the spatial heterogeneity of the macrobenthos was influenced by the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), water temperature (WT), total nitrogen (TN), salinity, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), dissolved oxygen (DO), and potassium permanganate index (CODMn) (P < 0.05). The spatial variation of macrobenthos was mainly governed by natural conditions and human disturbances.
Elevated turbulent and double-diffusive nutrient flux in the Kuroshio over the Izu Ridge and in the Kuroshio Extension
Authors: Nagai Takeyoshi , Rosales Quintana Gandy Maria , Durán Gómez Gloria Silvana , Hashihama Fuminori , Komatsu Kosei 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWhile the Kuroshio is known to be a nutrient stream, as these nutrients are in dark subsurface layers, they are not immediately available for photosynthesis unless they are supplied to the sunlit surface layers. Recent microstructure observations have revealed that strong diapycnal mixing caused by the Kuroshio flowing over topographic features and double diffusion in the subsurface layers of the Kuroshio. However, it is still unclear how much nutrient flux can be provided by these microscale mixing processes. In this study, using an autonomous microstructure float and nutrient samplings, nutrient flux caused by the Kuroshio over the Izu Ridge, and that caused by double diffusion in the Kuroshio Extension are quantified. The nitrate diffusive flux is estimated to be $$>1 \,\hbox {mmol} \,\hbox {N}\,\hbox {m}^{-2}\hbox {day}^{-1}$$

>
1

mmol

N

m

-
2

day

-
1

over a distance, 20–30 km near the Izu Ridge and $$>0.1 \,\hbox {mmol} \,\hbox {N}\, \hbox {m}^{-2}\hbox {day}^{-1}$$

>
0.1

mmol

N

m

-
2

day

-
1

, which persists further downstream direction over 100 km along the Kuroshio, increasing the subsurface chlorophyll-a concentration in the region 200 km downstream. The double-diffusion-induced nitrate flux is estimated to be 1-$$10 \,\hbox {mmol} \,\hbox {N} \,\hbox {m}^{-2}\hbox {day}^{-1}$$

10

mmol

N

m

-
2

day

-
1

in the pycnostad 26–$$26.5\,\hbox {kgm}^{-3}$$

26.5

kgm

-
3

of the Kuroshio Extension, suggesting that whether this double-diffusion-induced nutrient flux in the subsurface layers can ultimately contribute to surface primary production depends on additional eddy up- and northward fluxes.
Noise Reduction for Improvement of Ultrasonic Monitoring Using Coda Wave Interferometry on a Real Bridge
Authors: Wang Xin , Chakraborty Joyraj , Niederleithinger Ernst 
Published: January 2021

AbstractReinforced concrete bridges are iconic parts of modern infrastructure. They are designed for a minimum service life of 100 years. However, environmental factors and/or inappropriate use might cause overload and accelerate the deterioration of bridges. In extreme cases, bridges could collapse when necessary maintenance lacks. Thus, the permanent monitoring for structure health assessment has been proposed, which is the aim of structural health monitoring (SHM). Studies in laboratories have shown that ultrasonic (US) coda wave interferometry (CWI) using diffuse waves has high sensitivity and reliability to detect subtle changes in concrete structures. The creation of micro-cracks might be recognized at an early stage. Moreover, large-volume structures can be monitored with a relatively small number of US transducers. However, it is still a challenge to implement the CWI method in real SHM practical applications in an outdoor environment because of the complex external factors, such as various noise sources that interfere with the recorded signals. In this paper, monitoring data from a 36-m long bridge girder in Gliwice, Poland, instrumented with embedded US transducers, thermistors, and vibrating wire strain gauges, is presented. Noise estimation and reduction methods are discussed, and the influence of traffic, as well as temperature variation, are studied. As a result, the relative velocity variation of US waves following the temperature change with a very high precision of $$10^{-4} \%$$

10

-
4

%

is shown, and a good bridge health condition is inferred. The influence of lightweight real traffic is negligible. The study verified the feasibility of the implementation of the CWI method on real bridge structures.
Buckling of circular plates with functional grading in two directions
Authors: Fiorini Alessandro , Ruta Giuseppe 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis short note considers thin circular plates, functionally graded in both axial and transverse directions and loaded in compression on the middle plane by a uniform axisymmetric load. The functional grading is based on recent literature on the subject and we deal with a direct problem for buckling, i.e., given the geometry of the plate and its constitutive properties, the critical load multiplier and the buckling mode are determined by a usual non-triviality condition. Original expressions are found in a nearly closed form and show that suitable functional grading, actually achievable in practice, may lead to gentle solutions. Numerical examples, physical interpretations and comments are provided.
Spatially localized vibrations in a rotor subjected to flutter
Authors: Nitti A. , Stender M. , Hoffmann N. , Papangelo A. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe current push toward lightweight structures in aerospace and aeronautical engineering is leading to slender design airfoils, which are more likely to undergo large deformation, hence experiencing geometrical nonlinearities. The problem of vibration localization in a rotor constituted by N coupled airfoils with plunge and pitch degrees of freedom subjected to flutter instability is considered. For a single airfoil, it is shown that depending on the system parameters, multiple static and dynamic equilibria coexist which may be a fixed point, a limit cycle, or irregular motion. By elastically coupling N airfoils, a simplified rotor model is obtained. The nonlinear dynamical response of the rotor is studied via time integration with particular attention to the emergence of localized vibrating solutions, which have been classified introducing a localization coefficient. Finally, the concept of basin stability is exploited to ascertain the likelihood of the system to converge to a certain localized state as a function of the airstream velocity. We found that homogeneous and slightly localized states are more likely to appear with respect to strongly localized states.
Organising professional support staff at higher education institutions: a multidimensional, continuous balancing act
Authors: Ryttberg Malin , Geschwind Lars 
Published: January 2021

AbstractCentralisation is a recurrent theme when the organisational structure of contemporary higher education institutions is on the agenda. This may be in large part because of the unsolicited effects of decentralised organisational structures. The aim of this study is to explore how professional support staff at higher education institutions perceive the organisational structure of support and the rationales for this organising. An analytical framework based on the dichotomy of centralisation/decentralisation was applied in 18 interviews with professional support staff at one Dutch university and one Norwegian university. A common theme in the findings was the consciousness among the professional support staff that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for the organising of efficient and effective support. The issue of centralisation and standardisation was clearly on the agenda, but their focus was on the elements of a well-functioning support structure, not the specific organisational solution. The study also highlights the objection to the trend towards centralisation, and that some organisational changes may be too short sighted to be sustainable. From the perspective of the professional support staff, it can be concluded that organisational structure is a continuous balancing act based on dialogue between the academic and support staff.
Multimethod assessment of self-regulated learning in college students: different methods for different components?
Authors: Dörrenbächer-Ulrich Laura , Weißenfels Marie , Russer Lea , Perels Franziska 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAlthough self-regulated learning (SRL) is seen as highly relevant for successful college learning, college students oftentimes show a lack in SRL abilities. Therefore, it seems necessary to foster SRL in this group of leaners. In order to evaluate such training and to foster SRL in an optimal way, a valid assessment of this competence and its development is necessary. As different methods for the assessment of SRL show benefits and points of criticism, the present study used a multimethod approach to investigate convergence between and across different measures as well as their predictive validity for achievement. SRL was conceptualized of cognitive, metacognitive, and motivational components. Seventy college students were assessed with two broad SRL-measures (questionnaire, strategy knowledge test) and two task-specific SRL measures (microanalyses, trace data) within a standardized laboratory setting. Moreover, GPA of college entrance diploma was gathered as an indicator of general achievement level. Results indicate moderate to high relations between the different components of SRL (cognition, metacognition, and motivation) within one assessment level and no relations between the different assessment methods within one component. With regard to achievement, we found that every component is predictive for achievement but only if measured with different assessment methods. The results are discussed with regard to their implications for future research and the use of different assessment methods for SRL.
Upland burning and grazing as strategies to offset climate-change effects on wetlands
Authors: McKenna Owen P. , Renton David A. , Mushet David M. , DeKeyser Edward S. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWetland ecosystems perform a multitude of services valued by society and provide critical habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife. Despite their importance, wetlands have been lost to different local, regional, and global drivers. Remaining wetlands are extremely sensitive to changing temperature and precipitation regimes. Management of grassland areas in wetland catchments may be an effective strategy for counteracting potentially negative impacts of climate change on wetlands. Our objective was to estimate the effects of climate changes on wetland hydrology, and to explore strategies for increasing surface-water inputs to wetlands. We coupled a field study with process-based simulation modeling of wetland-water levels. We found that climate change could decrease the number of wetlands that hold ponded water during the waterfowl breeding season by 14% under a hot wet scenario or 29% under a hot dry scenario if no upland-management actions were taken. Upland burning reduced pond losses to 9% (hot wet) and 26% (hot dry). Upland grazing resulted in the smallest loss of ponded wetlands, 6% loss under the hot-and-wet scenario and 22% loss under the hot-and-dry scenario. Overall, water inputs could be increased by either burning or grazing of upland vegetation thereby reducing pond losses during the waterfowl breeding season. While field results suggest that both grazing and burning can reduce the vegetative structure that could lead to increases in runoff in grassland catchments, our model simulations indicated that additional actions may be needed for managers to minimize future meteorologically driven water losses.
Are topological explanations really free of mechanisms?
Authors: Zhang Xin 
Published: January 2021

AbstractTopological explanations in biology have been largely assumed to be free of mechanisms. However, by examining two classic topological explanations in the philosophical literature, this article has identified mechanisms in the corrected and complete formulations of both explanations. This constitutes the major work of this article. The minor work of this article is to address a follow-up question: given that these two topological explanations contain mechanisms, would this significantly blur the widely assumed boundary between topological and mechanistic explanations? My answer to this question is negative and the argument I have developed is that although these two topological explanations contain mechanisms, these mechanisms are explanatorily irrelevant to the target properties, which is in stark contrast to the situation in mechanistic explanations.
CCN2 (Cellular Communication Network factor 2) in the bone marrow microenvironment, normal and malignant hematopoiesis
Authors: Leguit Roos J. , Raymakers Reinier A. P. , Hebeda Konnie M. , Goldschmeding Roel 
Published: January 2021

AbstractCCN2, formerly termed Connective Tissue Growth Factor, is a protein belonging to the Cellular Communication Network (CCN)-family of secreted extracellular matrix-associated proteins. As a matricellular protein it is mainly considered to be active as a modifier of signaling activity of several different signaling pathways and as an orchestrator of their cross-talk. Furthermore, CCN2 and its fragments have been implicated in the regulation of a multitude of biological processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, adhesion, migration, cell survival, apoptosis and the production of extracellular matrix products, as well as in more complex processes such as embryonic development, angiogenesis, chondrogenesis, osteogenesis, fibrosis, mechanotransduction and inflammation. Its function is complex and context dependent, depending on cell type, state of differentiation and microenvironmental context. CCN2 plays a role in many diseases, especially those associated with fibrosis, but has also been implicated in many different forms of cancer. In the bone marrow (BM), CCN2 is highly expressed in mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs). CCN2 is important for MSC function, supporting its proliferation, migration and differentiation. In addition, stromal CCN2 supports the maintenance and longtime survival of hematopoietic stem cells, and in the presence of interleukin 7, stimulates the differentiation of pro-B lymphocytes into pre-B lymphocytes. Overexpression of CCN2 is seen in the majority of B-acute lymphoblastic leukemias, especially in certain cytogenetic subgroups associated with poor outcome. In acute myeloid leukemia, CCN2 expression is increased in MSCs, which has been associated with leukemic engraftment in vivo. In this review, the complex function of CCN2 in the BM microenvironment and in normal as well as malignant hematopoiesis is discussed. In addition, an overview is given of data on the remaining CCN family members regarding normal and malignant hematopoiesis, having many similarities and some differences in their function.