bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Specific Bowel Symptoms on Quality of Life in Patients with Midgut Neuroendocrine Tumours
Authors: Ohlsson Håkan , Wahlberg Gideon , Malmström Marlene , Gustafsson Rita , Sundlöv Anna , Nordenström Erik , Almquist Martin 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIntroductionPatients with midgut neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) suffer from decreased health‐related quality of life (HRQoL), in large part due to bowel symptoms. However, it is unknown which bowel symptoms affect HRQoL the most. An enhanced understanding of this is essential to better focus treatment on this aspect of the disease. This study aimed to determine which bowel symptoms affect HRQoL the most in patients with midgut NETs.MethodsConsenting patients with midgut NET completed the Memorial Sloan Kettering Bowel Function Instrument and the HRQoL questionnaire (EORTC QLQ‐C30). The correlation between bowel symptoms and HRQoL was analysed using multiple linear regression, adjusting for age, Charlson Comorbidity Index score, presence of metastatic disease, chromogranin A, and BMI yielding ß‐coefficients with 95% confidence intervals.ResultsTotally, 119 patients with midgut NET completed the questionnaires and were included in the study. Loose stool and bowel frequency ≥ 3/day were the most common bowel symptoms, reported by 47% and 56% of patients, respectively. However, sensitivity to certain types of food and beverages, a feeling of incomplete emptying of the bowel, and soiling were the symptoms most strongly correlated with decreased HRQoL, especially within domains concerning role and social function, with ß‐coefficients for the strongest correlated symptoms of 15.0 and 14.6, respectively.DiscussionWhile symptoms concerning stool consistency and frequency are common in patients with midgut NET, our study suggests that other, more socially stigmatising symptoms affect patients’ HRQoL more. Our findings could help caregivers understand patients’ perceptions of the disease and provide avenues for more directed therapies.
Deep neural networks for quantum circuit mapping
Authors: Acampora Giovanni , Schiattarella Roberto 
Published: May 2021

AbstractQuantum computers have become reality thanks to the effort of some majors in developing innovative technologies that enable the usage of quantum effects in computation, so as to pave the way towards the design of efficient quantum algorithms to use in different applications domains, from finance and chemistry to artificial and computational intelligence. However, there are still some technological limitations that do not allow a correct design of quantum algorithms, compromising the achievement of the so-called quantum advantage. Specifically, a major limitation in the design of a quantum algorithm is related to its proper mapping to a specific quantum processor so that the underlying physical constraints are satisfied. This hard problem, known as circuit mapping, is a critical task to face in quantum world, and it needs to be efficiently addressed to allow quantum computers to work correctly and productively. In order to bridge above gap, this paper introduces a very first circuit mapping approach based on deep neural networks, which opens a completely new scenario in which the correct execution of quantum algorithms is supported by classical machine learning techniques. As shown in experimental section, the proposed approach speeds up current state-of-the-art mapping algorithms when used on 5-qubits IBM Q processors, maintaining suitable mapping accuracy.
Impacts of litter decay on organic leachate composition and reactivity
Authors: Hensgens Geert , Lechtenfeld Oliver J. , Guillemette François , Laudon Hjalmar , Berggren Martin 
Published: May 2021

AbstractLitter decomposition produces labile and recalcitrant forms of dissolved organic matter (DOM) that significantly affect soil carbon (C) sequestration. Chemical analysis of this DOM can provide important knowledge for understanding soil DOM dynamics, but detailed molecular analyses on litter derived DOM are scarce. Here we use ultrahigh resolution mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS) to characterize the molecular composition of DOM from fresh and progressively decomposed litter samples. We compared high reactive (HR) and low reactive (LR) litter sources with regard to changes in the chemistry and bioavailability of leachates throughout the early phase of litter decay. We show that litter reactivity is a driver of chemical changes in the leached DOM of litter species. Birch, alder and Vaccinium (i.e. HR) litter initially produced more DOM with a higher lability than that of spruce, pine and wood (i.e. LR) litter. Labile oxidized phenolic compounds were abundant in leachates produced during the initial HR litter decay stages, indicating litter lignin degradation. However, the similarity in chemistry between HR and LR leachates increased during the litter decay process as highly leachable structures in HR litter were depleted. In contrast, chemistry of leachates from LR litter changed little during the litter decay process. The oxygenated phenolic compounds from HR litter were driving the lability of HR leachates and the changes in relative abundance of molecules during DOM incubation. This appeared to result in the creation of stable aliphatic secondary microbial compounds. In LR leachates, lability was driven by labile aliphatic compounds, while more resistant phenolic compounds were associated with recalcitrance. These results show how DOM dynamics follow different paths depending on litter reactivity, which has important implications for soil biogeochemistry and C sequestration.
Optimal Incentives for Patent Challenges in the Pharmaceutical Industry
Authors: Böhme Enrico , Frank Jonas Severin , Kerber Wolfgang 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn this paper, we show that a provision in antitrust law to allow patent settlements with a later market entry of generics than the date that is expected under patent litigation can increase consumer welfare. We introduce a policy parameter for determining the optimal additional period for collusion that would incentivize the challenging of weak patents and maximize consumer welfare. While in principle, later market entry leads to higher profits and lower consumer welfare, this can be more than compensated for if more patents are challenged as a result.
Numerical Design and Experimental Validation of a Plastic 3D-Printed Waveguide Antenna for Shallow Object Microwave Imaging
Authors: Bossi Luca , Falorni Pierluigi , Priori Saverio , Olmi Roberto , Capineri Lorenzo 
Published: May 2021

AbstractMicrowave imaging of shallow buried objects has been demonstrated with holographic radar for landmine detection, civil engineering and cultural heritage. A key component of this system is the antenna based on a truncated cylindrical waveguide with two feeds. This paper investigates for the first time a manufacturing technology based on the 3D printing of a volumetric cylindrical plastic antenna. The investigation of this manufacturing technology was motivated by the reduction in the antenna size and customization of the electromagnetic characteristics to the radio frequency electronics mounted on the robotic scanning system. The antenna that was designed using a simulator and filled with polylactic acid plastic material (relative dielectric permittivity Ɛr = 2.5) is compared to the metal antenna, both operating at around 2 GHz. The goal was to replicate the characteristics of the void core antenna to be able to provide the same quality/information of the microwave images of shallow buried objects. Finally, we compared the scan results of dielectric and metal targets both in the air and in natural soil. From the observation of some of the characteristics of the images, such as dynamics, morphology of the target, signal-to-noise ratio, and operating distance, we demonstrate that 3D printing for volumetric cylindrical waveguide antenna could be used to obtain compact and easily adaptable antennas for different applications in remote sensing.
Security Threat Analysis of the 5G ESSENCE Platform
Authors: Chochliouros Ioannis P. , Spiliopoulou Anastasia S. , Kostopoulos Alexandros , Kourtis Michail-Alexandros , Lazaridis Pavlos I. , Zaharis Zaharias D. , Prasad Neeli R. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe present paper discusses several security requirements coming from assessment of the use cases developed within the context of the original 5G-PPP “5G ESSENCE” project. Following to a concrete introduction to the project’s main innovative features and the description of all selected use cases coming directly from the vertical markets, we have separately assessed each one among them towards identifying security threats affecting the development of associated virtualised services within the broader 5G scope. Once our analysis has been performed, we propose options for potential service implementation, to ensure specific security requests.
Making the Umwelt Bubble of the Modern Synthesis Burst
Authors: Tønnessen Morten 
Published: May 2021

AbstractNoble rightly emphasizes that some modern evolutionary biologists´ neglect of agency is consequential with regard to our understanding of the natural world and real-world ecological developments. I elaborate on biosemiotic ideas on semiotic agency and explain how organisms can change the environment by way of semiotic causation. I also comment on the human language’s role in human Umwelten, and how our linguistically mediated reality can be self-deceptive – as if we lived in a bubble of our own making. Finally, I indicate how we can make the Umwelt bubble of the Modern Synthesis burst.
Review of mechanical properties of and optimisation methods for continuous fibre-reinforced thermoplastic parts manufactured by fused deposition modelling
Authors: Handwerker Michael , Wellnitz Jörg , Marzbani Hormoz 
Published: May 2021

AbstractA new way of manufacturing continuous fibre-reinforced plastics is the embedding of fibres in the filament of a 3D printer. This method could be used in manufacturing composite materials with a thermoplastic matrix containing glass, Kevlar and carbon fibres. This paper provides an overview of research on the mechanical and physical properties of these parts as well as optimisation approaches of additively manufactured thermoplastics. Furthermore, applicable testing and analysis methods and their corresponding standards are included. Several studies, which represent the current state of the art, are reviewed in detail for the analysis of the mechanical performance of different fibre reinforcements. In addition, an overview of different optimisation approaches is given. The ultimate tensile strength of Kevlar and glass fibre-reinforced parts are similar to those of common Aluminium alloys whereas the carbon fibre reinforced parts outperform their aluminium counterparts. Major performance limitations include a poor adhesion between layers as well as a high air void ratio.
Novel Radiographic Indexes for Elbow Stability Assessment: Part A—Cadaveric Validation
Authors: Luceri Francesco , Cucchi Davide , Rosagrata Enrico , Zaolino Carlo Eugenio , Viganò Marco , de Girolamo Laura , Zagarella Andrea , Catapano Michele , Gallazzi Mauro Battista , Arrigoni Paolo Angelo , Randelli Pietro Simone 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Introduction
Elbow bony stability relies primarily on the high anatomic congruency between the humeral trochlea and the ulnar greater sigmoid notch. No practical tools are available to distinguish different morphotypes of the proximal ulna and herewith predict elbow stability. The aim of this study was to assess inter-observer reproducibility, evaluate diagnostic performance and determine responsiveness to change after simulated coronoid process fracture for three novel elbow radiographic indexes.

Methods
Ten fresh-frozen cadaver specimens of upper limbs from human donors were available for this study. Three primary indexes were defined, as well as two derived angles: Trochlear Depth Index (TDI); Posterior Coverage Index (PCI); Anterior Coverage Index (ACI); radiographic coverage angle (RCA); olecranon–diaphisary angle (ODA). Each index was first measured on standardized lateral radiographs and subsequently by direct measurement after open dissection. Finally, a type II coronoid fracture (Regan and Morrey classification) was created on each specimen and both radiographic and open measurements were repeated. All measurements were conducted by two orthopaedic surgeons and two dedicated musculoskeletal radiologists.

Results
All three indexes showed good or moderate inter-observer reliability and moderate accuracy and precision when compared to the gold standard (open measurement). A significant change between the radiographic TDI and ACI before and after simulated coronoid fracture was observed [TDI: decrease from 0.45 ± 0.03 to 0.39 ± 0.08 (p = 0.035); ACI: decrease from 1.90 ± 0.17 to 1.58 ± 0.21 (p = 0.001)]. As expected, no significant changes were documented for the PCI. Based on these data, a predictive model was generated, able to identify coronoid fractures with a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 100%.

Conclusion
New, simple and easily reproducible radiological indexes to describe the congruency of the greater sigmoid notch have been proposed. TDI and ACI change significantly after a simulated coronoid fracture, indicating a good responsiveness of these parameters to a pathological condition. Furthermore, combining TDI and ACI in a regression model equation allowed to identify simulated fractures with high sensitivity and specificity. The newly proposed indexes are, therefore, promising tools to improve diagnostic accuracy of coronoid fractures and show potential to enhance perioperative diagnostic also in cases of elbow instability and stiffness.

Level of evidence
Basic science study.

Clinical relevance
The newly proposed indexes are promising tools to improve diagnostic accuracy of coronoid fractures as well as to enhance perioperative diagnostic for elbow instability and stiffness.
Accounting for Multisectoral Dynamics in Supporting Equitable Adaptation Planning: A Case Study on the Rice Agriculture in the Vietnam Mekong Delta
Authors: Jafino Bramka Arga , Kwakkel Jan H. , Klijn Frans , Dung Nguyen Viet , van Delden Hedwig , Haasnoot Marjolijn , Sutanudjaja Edwin H. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe need for explicitly considering equity in climate change adaptation planning is increasingly being recognized. However, evaluations of adaptation often adopt an aggregated perspective, while disaggregation of results is important to learn about who benefits when and where. A typical example is adaptation of rice agriculture in the Vietnam Mekong Delta (VMD). Efforts focused on flood protection have mainly benefitted large‐scale farmers while harming small‐scale farmers. To investigate the distributional consequences of adaptation policies in the VMD, we assess both aggregate total output and equity indicators, as well as disaggregated impacts in terms of district‐level farming profitability. Doing so requires an adequate representation of the multisectoral dynamics between the human and biophysical systems which influence farming profitability. We develop a spatially explicit integrated assessment model that couples inundation, sedimentation, soil fertility and nutrient dynamics, and behavioral land‐use change and farming profitability calculation. We find that inter‐district inequality responds in a non‐linear way to climatic and socio‐economic changes and choices of adaptation policies. The patterns of who wins and who loses could change substantially when a different policy is implemented or if a slightly different uncertain future materializes. We also find that there is no simple ranking of alternative adaptation policies, so one should make trade‐offs based on agreed preferences. Accounting for equity implies exploring the distribution of outcomes over different groups over a range of uncertain futures. Only by accounting for multisectoral dynamics can planners anticipate the equity consequences of adaptation and prepare additional measures to aid the worse‐off actors.
A New Metric of the Biological Carbon Pump: Number of Pump Passages and Its Control on Atmospheric pCO2
Authors: Holzer Mark , Kwon Eun Young , Pasquier Benoit 
Published: May 2021

AbstractWe develop novel locally defined diagnostics for the efficiency of the ocean's biological pump by tracing carbon throughout its lifetime in the ocean from gas injection to outgassing and counting the number of passages through the soft‐tissue and carbonate pumps. These diagnostics reveal that the biological pump's key controls on atmospheric pCO2 are the mean number of lifetime pump passages per dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) molecule at the surface and the mean aphotic sequestration time of regenerated DIC. We apply our diagnostics to an observationally constrained carbon‐cycle model that features spatially varying stoichiometric ratios and is embedded in a data‐assimilated global ocean circulation. We find that for the present‐day ocean an average of 44 ± 4% of DIC in a given water parcel makes at least one lifetime passage through the soft tissue pump, and about 4% makes at least one passage through the carbonate pump. The global mean number of lifetime pump passages per molecule, including the fraction with zero passages, is and for the soft‐tissue and carbonate pumps. Using idealized perturbations to sweep out a sequence of states ranging from zero biological activity ( ppmv) to complete surface nutrient depletion ( ppmv), we find that fractional changes in are dominated by fractional changes in the number of soft‐tissue pump passages. At complete surface nutrient depletion, the mean fraction of DIC that has at least one lifetime passage through the soft‐tissue pump increases to 69 ± 5% with .
Anisotropy Variations in the Alaska Subduction Zone Based on Shear‐Wave Splitting From Intraslab Earthquakes
Authors: Richards Cole , Tape Carl , Abers Geoffrey A. , Ross Zachary E. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractShear‐wave splitting observations can provide insight into mantle flow, due to the link between the deformation of mantle rocks and their direction‐dependent seismic wave velocities. We identify anisotropy in the Cook Inlet segment of the Alaska subduction zone by analyzing splitting parameters of S waves from local intraslab earthquakes between 50 and 200 km depths, recorded from 2015–2017 and emphasizing stations from the Southern Alaska Lithosphere and Mantle Observation Network experiment. We classify 678 high‐quality local shear‐wave splitting observations into four regions, from northwest to southeast: (L1b) splitting measurements parallel to Pacific plate motion, (L1a) arc‐perpendicular splitting pattern, (L2) sharp transition to arc‐parallel splitting, and (L3) splitting parallel to Pacific plate motion. Forward modeling of splitting from various mantle fabrics shows that no one simple model fully explains the observed splitting patterns. An A‐type olivine fabric with fast direction dipping 45° to the northwest (300°)—aligned with the dipping slab—predicts fast directions that fit L1a observations well, but not L2. The inability of the forward model fabrics to fit all the observed splitting patterns suggests that the anisotropy variations are not due to variable ray angles, but require distinct differences in the anisotropy regime below the arc, forearc, and subducting plate.
A Pulsed Oxygenation in Terminal Paleoproterozoic Ocean: Evidence From the Transition Between the Chuanlinggou and Tuanshanzi Formations, North China
Authors: Wei Beilei , Tang Dongjie , Shi Xiaoying , Lechte Maxwell , Zhou Limin , Zhou Xiqiang , Song Huyue 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe mid‐Proterozoic (ca. 1.8–0.8 Ga) witnessed a period of stable carbon cycling and long stasis in eukaryotic evolution, which was commonly ascribed to the persistently low oxygen levels in the atmosphere‐ocean system. Recently, several pulsed marine oxygenations were identified from different continents, and presumed to have facilitated the short‐term diversification of eukaryotes in the early Mesoproterozoic Era. To test this hypothesis, an integrated study of iodine species [I/ (Ca + Mg)], paired carbon isotopes (δ13Ccarb and δ13Corg), and elemental abundances was conducted on the fossil‐bearing Tuanshanzi Formation (∼1.64–1.63 Ga), North China. The near‐zero I/(Ca + Mg) ratios (0.00 ± 0.01 μmol/mol) coupled with low δ13Corg (−30.2 ± 1.4‰) in the strata below the fossil‐bearing interval suggests anoxic conditions in shallow seawater. An increase of I/ (Ca + Mg) up to ∼1.54 μmol/mol coupled with a ∼2‰ negative shift in δ13Ccarb and a ∼11‰ positive excursion in δ13Corg in the fossil‐bearing interval point to an increased oxygen concentration. Above the fossil‐bearing interval, I/ (Ca + Mg) decrease to <0.5 μmol/mol, suggesting deoxygenation and a return to anoxic to suboxic conditions. Combined with relevant data from other mid‐Proterozoic sections of North China and Australia, these data likely indicate dynamic redox conditions in the shallow seawaters of this period, with multiple pulses in oxygenation in otherwise anoxic conditions. These pulsed oxygenations may have facilitated short‐term proliferation and diversification of early eukaryotes in shallow seawaters, but the overall low oxygen levels have impeded their continuous development and the rise to ecological dominance until late Neoproterozoic.
MMS Observations of Field Line Resonances Under Disturbed Solar Wind Conditions
Authors: Le G. , Chi P. J. , Strangeway R. J. , Russell C. T. , Slavin J. A. , Anderson B. , Nakamura R. , Plaschke F. , Torbert R. , Wilder F. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractWe report an observational study of magnetospheric field‐line resonances (FLRs) using multi‐point data from the Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) mission. We examine well‐defined FLR events in the frequency range ∼2–10 mHz observed under disturbed solar wind conditions, such as high‐speed solar wind streams and solar wind pressure pulses. We focus on their azimuthal wave numbers (m‐numbers) and spatial variations of the wave frequencies, and compare their occurrence characteristics and wave properties for insights into their energy sources. Under disturbed solar wind conditions, we have found supporting observations for both external and internal energy sources for the generation of FLRs. The FLRs associated with different energy sources appear to have different wave characteristics. Although mode coupling is very common (i.e., waves generally have both toroidal and poloidal components with variable relative amplitudes), our observations show that solar wind disturbances directly drive low‐m, toroidal mode dominated FLRs, but internal energy sources are inferred for high‐m, poloidal mode dominated FLRs. The frequencies of the toroidal and poloidal waves have different spatial variations as a function of the L‐value. The frequency of the toroidal mode waves can change continuously with L while the frequency of poloidal waves exhibits discrete spatial structure along L.