bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transfer of working memory training to the inhibitory control of auditory distraction
Authors: Kattner Florian 
Published: January 2021

AbstractExtended working memory training with the dual n-back task has been shown to improve performance on various untrained cognitive tasks, but previous findings were inconsistent with regard to the extent of such transfer. The dual n-back training task addresses multiple components of working memory as sequential information from two different stimulus modalities needs to be simultaneously encoded, maintained, continuously monitored and updated in working memory while irrelevant information needs to be inhibited. However, it is unclear which executive functions account for the observed transfer effects. In this study, the degree of inhibitory control required during training was manipulated by comparing two versions of the dual n-back task in which participants are asked to either respond or withhold a response on the less frequent trials when an item was identical to an item n trials back. Eight 80-min sessions of training with adaptive versions of both n-back tasks were shown to improve working memory updating. Moreover, in contrast to the standard n-back task, training on the inhibitory n-back task was found to reduce the interference in working memory produced by task-irrelevant speech. This result suggests that enhanced demand for inhibitory control during training enables transfer to the inhibition of distractor interference, whereas the standard n-back task primarily affects working memory updating. The training effects did not transfer to the inhibition of spatially incompatible responses in a Simon task, and it yielded no far transfer effects to untrained executive functions or measures of fluid intelligence.
Short-term clinical and radiographic outcomes of total hip arthroplasty with PMPC-grafted highly cross-linked polyethylene liners against 32-mm femoral heads
Authors: Mouri Kanto , Karita Tatsuro 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWe evaluated the clinical and radiographic outcomes of femoral head penetration and total hip arthroplasties with untreated and poly (2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (PMPC)-grafted highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) acetabular liners against 26-, 28-, and 32-mm cobalt–chromium alloy femoral heads 3 years after the index surgery. Three combinations of the articulating surfaces were evaluated in the present study: untreated or PMPC-grafted HXLPE liner against 26- or 28-mm femoral heads (n = 16, 24) [control (26 or 28 mm) and PMPC (26 or 28 mm)] and PMPC-grafted HXLPE liner against 32-mm femoral heads (n = 64) [PMPC (32 mm)]. The clinical outcomes improved at 3 years postoperatively for the groups. No periprosthetic osteolysis or acetabular component migration was detected, and no revision surgery was performed among the groups. The steady-state wear rate of the PMPC (26 or 28 mm) group (0.021 mm/year) was lower than that of the control (26 or 28 mm) group (− 0.015 mm/year); the steady-state wear was under the clinical threshold. In contrast, the steady-state wear rate of the PMPC (32 mm) group (-0.006 mm/year) showed no significant difference when compared to that of the PMPC (26 or 28 mm) group (p < 0.01). The results obtained in the present study clearly demonstrate that PMPC-grafting onto an HXLPE surface improved the wear resistance of acetabular liners, even when coupled with larger femoral heads. Although further follow-up evaluations are required, PMPC-grafted HXLPE acetabular liners may be a promising approach to extend the longevity of artificial joints.
A nonlinear elastic description of cell preferential orientations over a stretched substrate
Authors: Lucci Giulio , Preziosi Luigi 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe active response of cells to mechanical cues due to their interaction with the environment has been of increasing interest, since it is involved in many physiological phenomena, pathologies, and in tissue engineering. In particular, several experiments have shown that, if a substrate with overlying cells is cyclically stretched, they will reorient to reach a well-defined angle between their major axis and the main stretching direction. Recent experimental findings, also supported by a linear elastic model, indicated that the minimization of an elastic energy might drive this reorientation process. Motivated by the fact that a similar behaviour is observed even for high strains, in this paper we address the problem in the framework of finite elasticity, in order to study the presence of nonlinear effects. We find that, for a very large class of constitutive orthotropic models and with very general assumptions, there is a single linear relationship between a parameter describing the biaxial deformation and $$\cos ^2\theta _{\mathrm{eq}}$$

cos
2

θ
eq

, where $$\theta _{\mathrm{eq}}$$

θ
eq

is the orientation angle of the cell, with the slope of the line depending on a specific combination of four parameters that characterize the nonlinear constitutive equation. We also study the effect of introducing a further dependence of the energy on the anisotropic invariants related to the square of the Cauchy–Green strain tensor. This leads to departures from the linear relationship mentioned above, that are again critically compared with experimental data.
Vestibularisschwannome: Diagnose – Therapie – Nachsorge
Authors: Yildiz Erdem , Dahm Valerie , Matula Christian , Arnoldner Christoph 
Published: January 2021

ZusammenfassungVestibularisschwannome können die Lebensqualität von Patienten stark beeinträchtigen. Neben einer eingeschränkten Hörfunktion wird die Gesichtslähmung hierbei als besonders störend empfunden. Unterschiedliche Wachstumsraten dieser gutartigen Tumore erschweren die zeitliche Vorhersage einer funktionellen Beeinträchtigung von Hirnnerven. Deshalb ist ein regelmäßiges Update zu aktuellen Therapiestrategien und alternative Behandlungsmöglichkeiten sowohl für Ärzte als auch Patienten relevant.
Klinische Ethikberatung in der außerklinischen Langzeitpflege durch den Landesverband Hospiz OÖ – Bericht der ersten 5 Jahre
Authors: Lenz Kurt , Mittendorfer Helmut , Sterrer Helga ,   Arbeitsgruppe klinische Ethikberatung des Landesverbandes Hospiz Oberösterreich, Brunschütz Dietmar , Glanzer Andrea , Feregyhazy-Astecker Daniela , Kargl Claudia , Lamplmayr Walter , Lenz Kurt , Mittendorfer Helmut , Popper Hans , Rosenberger Michael , Sterrer Helga 
Published: January 2021

ZusammenfassungDie Betreuung pflegebedürftiger alter Menschen in Senioreneinrichtungen und Altenheimen stellt deren Mitarbeiter in ihrer täglichen Arbeit immer wieder vor ethischen Fragen. Der Hospizverband Oberösterreich hat vor 5 Jahren ein klinisches Ethikkomitee eingerichtet, deren Aufgabe es ist, Mitarbeiter von außerklinischen Langzeiteinrichtungen bei ethischen Problemstellungen zu beraten und Hilfe zur Lösung gemeinsam zu erarbeiten. In dieser Zeit wurden 38 ethische Beratungen durchgeführt.Die Anfragen kamen von 24 der 137 in Oberösterreich derzeit bestehenden Langzeiteinrichtungen. Wobei 9 Einrichtungen mehr als eine Anfrage zu einer Beratung in diesem Zeitraum stellten. Teilnehmer an den Beratungen waren einerseits Mitglieder des Behandlungsteams, wobei bei 30 der 38 Beratungen auch die/der behandelnde Ärztin/Arzt anwesend war. Von Seiten des Ethikteams des Hospizverbandes nahmen in der Regel 2 (1–3) Mitglieder teil, wobei ein Mitglied die Moderation leitete, das weitere fertigte das Protokoll an. Die häufigsten Konfliktfelder, die zu einer Beratung führten, waren (bei Mehrfachnennungen) mit über 25 % die Frage nach der Krankenhauseinweisung, gefolgt von Konflikten mit Angehörigen, die Frage der künstlichen Ernährung (einschließlich Setzen bzw. Entfernen einer PEG Sonde) und Einschränkungen der persönlichen Freiheit. Die Hälfte der involvierten Bewohner litten unter einer schweren Demenz, 80 % waren nicht mehr selbstbestimmend. Bei keinem/r der BewohnerInnen lag eine verbindliche Patientenverfügung vor.
Forecasting the nearly unforecastable: why aren’t airline bookings adhering to the prediction algorithm?
Authors: Thirumuruganathan Saravanan , Jung Soon-gyo , Ramirez Robillos Dianne , Salminen Joni , Jansen Bernard J. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractUsing 27 million flight bookings for 2 years from a major international airline company, we built a Next Likely Destination model to ascertain customers’ next flight booking. The resulting model achieves an 89% predictive accuracy using historical data. A unique aspect of the model is the incorporation of self-competence, where the model defers when it cannot reasonably make a recommendation. We then compare the performance of the Next Likely Destination model in a real-life consumer study with 35,000 actual airline customers. In the user study, the model obtains a 51% predictive accuracy. What happened? The Individual Behavior Framework theory provides insights into possibly explaining this inconsistency in evaluation outcomes. Research results indicate that algorithmic approaches in competitive industries must account for shifting customer preferences, changes to the travel environment, and confounding business effects rather than relying solely on historical data.
Assessing Consumers’ Co‐production and Future Participation On Value Co‐creation and Business Benefit: an F-P-C-B Model Perspective
Authors: Chatterjee Sheshadri , Rana Nripendra P. , Dwivedi Yogesh K. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractCo-production and active participation of the consumers are considered to have enhanced the value co-creation activities that would ensure business benefits of a firm. The marketing literature available does not explicitly explain the philosophy that would motivate the consumers to help to increase values for co-creation activities. In this context, attempts have been made to identify the factors that would impact on co-production and consumers’ participation to co-create values. By studying literature and theories such as theory of co-creation, theory of value creation, information processing theory, marketing theory and expectancy value theory, a conceptual model called F-P-C-B (Future Participation (F) - Co-production (P) - Co-creation (C) - Business Benefit (B)) has been developed along with nine hypotheses. The data was from 362 respondents in India and the model was tested using PLS based analysis. The study shows that it is important for the firms to shift from product-oriented activities to customer-related strategies. It is also found that for obtaining more profitability and better business results, customers should be involved in business activities by way of involving in co-design, idea generation, and other relevant activities of the firms. Moreover, the study highlights that knowledge sharing between the customers and the firm authorities ensures better business values.
Regional disparities in access to assisted reproductive technology: assessment of patient satisfaction when employing modern technology to close the gap
Authors: Mikhael Sasha , Gaidis Anna , Gavrilova-Jordan Larisa 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Purpose
Geographic disparities for assisted reproductive technology (ART) continue to exist. Travel cost and time off work may create additional barriers for patients living remotely. Implementing telehealth can alleviate these barriers by reducing office visits. The aim of this study was to evaluate patient satisfaction with telehealth during ART.

Methods
This was a cross-sectional survey and retrospective cohort study. Patients living remotely who underwent ART utilizing telehealth between 2015 and 2018 at a single institution were selected for the telehealth group. The non-telehealth control group included randomly selected patients who underwent IVF at the same institution between 2015 and 2018. Demographic variables and treatment outcomes were obtained for both groups. A patient satisfaction questionnaire was distributed to telehealth patients. Statistical analysis using χ2 test was performed to compare ART outcomes between both groups.

Results
Ninety-seven control and 97 telehealth patients were included. For telehealth patients, the mean number of office visits and distance traveled was 2.9 (± 0.8 SD) and 143.1 miles (± 49.2 SD) respectively. 58.8% of patients completed the survey. 44/57 participants had an oocyte retrieval and 42/44 underwent embryo transfer. For those who completed the survey, the clinical pregnancy rate was 31/44 and the live birth rate was 25/44. There was no difference in treatment outcomes between telehealth compared to controls. 73% of patients were highly satisfied with telehealth.

Conclusions
Telehealth can improve access to ART in underserved areas and results in high patient satisfaction. Reproductive health providers could consider telehealth as a safe and efficacious tool to ameliorate geographic disparities.
Reactive Oxygen Species: Beyond Their Reactive Behavior
Authors: Tauffenberger Arnaud , Magistretti Pierre J. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractCellular homeostasis plays a critical role in how an organism will develop and age. Disruption of this fragile equilibrium is often associated with health degradation and ultimately, death. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been closely associated with health decline and neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease. ROS were first identified as by-products of the cellular activity, mainly mitochondrial respiration, and their high reactivity is linked to a disruption of macromolecules such as proteins, lipids and DNA. More recent research suggests more complex function of ROS, reaching far beyond the cellular dysfunction. ROS are active actors in most of the signaling cascades involved in cell development, proliferation and survival, constituting important second messengers. In the brain, their impact on neurons and astrocytes has been associated with synaptic plasticity and neuron survival. This review provides an overview of ROS function in cell signaling in the context of aging and degeneration in the brain and guarding the fragile balance between health and disease.
Gender inequality as a barrier to economic growth: a review of the theoretical literature
Authors: Santos Silva Manuel , Klasen Stephan 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn this article, we survey the theoretical literature investigating the role of gender inequality in economic development. The vast majority of theories reviewed argue that gender inequality is a barrier to development, particularly over the long run. Among the many plausible mechanisms through which inequality between men and women affects the aggregate economy, the role of women for fertility decisions and human capital investments is particularly emphasized in the literature. Yet, we believe the body of theories could be expanded in several directions.
Nanoscale Simulations of Wear and Viscoelasticity of a Semi-Crystalline Polymer
Authors: Vacher Robin , de Wijn Astrid S. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWe investigate the underlying tribological mechanisms and running-in process of a semi-crystalline polymer using molecular-dynamics simulations. We subject a slab of simulated polyvinyl alcohol to a sliding contact asperity resembling a friction force microscope tip. We study the viscoelastic response of the polymer to the sliding and show both plastic and elastic contributions to the deformation, with their relative strength dependent on the temperature. As expected, the elastic deformation penetrates deeper into the surface than the plastic deformation. Directly under the tip, the polymer has a tendency to co-axially align and form a layered structure. Over time, the plastic deformation on and near the surface builds up, the friction decreases, and the polymers in the top layer align with each other in the sliding direction (conditioning).
Chiuro laboratory: integration of workflows from digital survey to optimised 3D urban models for interactive exploration
Authors: Bertacchi Silvia , Bertacchi Gianna , Cipriani Luca 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe digital acquisition of Chiuro (Italy) is part of a research action of the still ongoing project “Le radici di una identità” (“An identity and its roots”), dealing with the documentation of the original urban structure of Chiuro, a small settlement located in northern Italy, whose interesting remains of mediaeval towers and Renaissance palaces are still well preserved. The paper focusses on the complete workflow developed by the group to create an explorative and implementable 3D digital model of the urban centre, constructed by a set of optimised mesh models. From the acquisition phase to geometric processing methodologies, different modelling strategies have been investigated to solve problems related to survey integration, and optimisation of the architectural digital assets. The main challenge is in fact the utilisation of the huge amount of data gathered during the previous surveying campaigns, providing a specific workflow to obtain an optimised 3D model. Moreover, the paper analyses some outputs: one is the storytelling of historical and cultural heritage in an attractive way, using game engines to visualise and give access to detailed digital contents to the general public.
The effect of flame straightening on the microstructure and mechanical properties of different strength steels
Authors: Gyura László , Gáspár Marcell , Balogh András 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn many cases, flame straightening is unavoidable after welding for the reduction of deformation. Due to the not very concentrated heat source, the process can cause significant changes in the microstructure, especially in high strength and wear-resistant steels. Due to their different physical properties, the effects vary depending on the flammable gases (acetylene, propane). The situation is complicated by the fact that the manual technology carries a risk of overheating, which can have detrimental effects on the mechanical properties. During our experiments, three steels are investigated (S355J2 + N, XAR400, S960QL). The thermal cycles for the physical simulations were determined by thermocouple measurement during real experimental conditions. Three peak temperatures (1000 °C, 800 °C and 675 °C) and two types of industrial cooling conditions (air and water cooling) were studied. The samples were examined by optical microscopy tests, hardness testing and Charpy V-notch impact tests. During straightening the XAR400 showed high sensitivity to softening even in the lower temperature range, while hardening occurred in the S960QL steel at a higher peak temperature values during water cooling. The inter- and supercritical temperature should be avoided in all steels; however, the subcritical temperature can be beneficial to the toughness properties of the S960QL and XAR400.
Retrospective Analysis of Sexual Function After Transvaginal Mesh Surgery
Authors: Khandwala Salil , Cruff Jason , Williams Cheau 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Introduction
Despite ample research regarding the impact of reconstructive surgery on anatomic/functional outcomes of pelvic organ prolapse (POP), including incidence of dyspareunia, evidence regarding sexual outcomes is equivocal.

Aim
To assess changes in sexual function in women followed up for at least 12 months after transvaginal mesh surgery for POP.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective review of women who underwent surgery for POP using different mesh products between 2008 and 2019. Baseline demographics were compiled along with intraoperative and postoperative information. The Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire short form (PISQ-12) was used to assess sexual function.

Main Outcome Measures
Women sexually active before and after surgery were assessed to determine changes in overall and question-specific PISQ-12 responses and potential factors to explain sexual function after surgery.

Results
622 women underwent surgery using mesh at our center. 360 (58%) attended at least one visit at a median of 12 months (IQR 11–23 months), with 113 (31%) sexually active at baseline and 247 (69%) sexually inactive. 97 had complete PISQ-12 responses before and after surgery. There was an overall improvement in the median PISQ-12 scores of 2 points (P &lt; .001); improvements persisted when scores were stratified by various factors. Specific improvements were noted in climax (P = .046) and orgasm intensity (P = .002), fear (P &lt; .001) or actual incontinence during intercourse (P = .004), avoidance of intercourse due to prolapse (P &lt; .001), and negative emotions (P &lt; .001). There was a slight positive effect of the baseline PISQ-12 score on the postoperative PISQ-12 score (regression coefficient 0.24, 95% CI: 0.09-0.39), and a stronger negative effect of having a concomitant anal sphincteroplasty (−4.84, 95% CI: −8.42 to −1.25). Preoperative prolapse stage was not associated with postoperative sexual outcomes. There was a weak negative association between the postoperative PISQ-12 and Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory-6 (POPDI-6) scores [r s(95) = −0.27, P = .008] and a moderate negative association between postoperative PISQ-12 and total Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory short form [r s(94) = −0.42, P &lt; .001].

Conclusion
Transvaginal mesh surgery appears to positively impact sexual function, and improvements were independent of mesh or baseline prolapse severity.
International Law and the 2020 Amendments to the Russian Constitution
Authors: Mälksoo Lauri 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis Current Development Essay discusses the international legal implications of constitutional amendments adopted in the Russian Federation by an “all-Russian vote,” a quasi-referendum from June 25 to July 1, 2020. The most important of these amendments gives the Russian Constitution priority over decisions made by international courts and treaty bodies. The amendments also address Russia's state succession to the Soviet Union. Another provision protects Russia's territorial integrity. The Essay discusses the background to these amendments, their content, and their significance for international law.
External threat environments and individual bias against female leaders
Authors: Kim Nam Kyu , Kang Alice J. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWe argue that a country's international security context influences individual bias against female leaders and propose three mechanisms: by increasing individual demand for defense, by shaping individual ideological orientations, and by increasing society's level of militarization. Using survey data of more than 200,000 individuals in 84 countries, we show the more hostile the country's security environment, the more individuals are likely to agree that men make better political leaders than do women. We also find support for some of our proposed mechanisms and that the effect of security environments is greater for men than women. Our study presents the first cross-national evidence that the country's international security environment correlates with bias against women leaders.
How transnational party alliances influence national parties' policies
Authors: Senninger Roman , Bischof Daniel , Ezrow Lawrence 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPrevious research reports that parties in established European democracies learn from and emulate the successful election strategies of foreign incumbents, i.e., successful parties are influential abroad. We theorize that—in addition to incumbency (or success)—exchange takes place through transnational party alliances in the European Union. Relying on party manifesto data and spatial econometric analyses, we show that belonging to the same European Parliament (EP) party group enhances learning and emulation processes between national political parties. Estimated short- and long-term effects are approximately two and three times greater when foreign incumbents are in the same EP party group compared to other foreign incumbents. Our results have implications for our understanding of how transnational party groups influence national parties’ policy positions.