bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Suppression of beta 2 adrenergic receptor actions prevent UVB mediated cutaneous squamous cell tumorigenesis through inhibition of VEGF‐A induced angiogenesis
Authors: Lu Kai , Bhat Madhavi , Peters Sara , Mitra Rita , Oberyszyn Tatiana , Basu Sujit 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAlthough beta 2 adrenergic receptors (β2ADR) are present in the keratinocytes, their role in cutaneous squamous cell tumorigenesis needs to be ascertained. For the first time, we report here that selective β2ADR antagonists by inhibiting β2ADR actions significantly retarded the progression of ultraviolet B (UVB) induced premalignant cutaneous squamous cell lesions. These antagonists acted by inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor‐A (VEGF) mediated angiogenesis to prevent UVB radiation‐induced squamous cell carcinoma of the skin.
Monolithic perovskite/organic tandem solar cells: Developments, prospects, and challenges
Authors: Xie Yue‐Min , Xue Qifan , Yao Qin , Xie Shenkun , Niu Tianqi , Yip Hin‐Lap 
Published: January 2021

AbstractMonolithic perovskite solar cells (PSCs) and small‐bandgap organic photovoltaics (OPVs) integrated perovskite/organic tandem devices and binary perovskite/bulk‐heterojunction (BHJ) devices have recently attracted tremendous attention due to their upgraded light‐harvesting range and theoretical efficiency potential. However, compared with the ideal integrated condition, tandem devices usually exhibit obviously reduced current density (Jsc) and open‐circuit voltage (Voc), which results in compromised power conversion efficiency (PCE). Moreover, the champion PCE of perovskite/organic tandem devices is still lower than that of the best reported single‐junction PSCs. Therefore, relieving their Jsc and Voc losses is vital to develop high‐performance perovskite/organic tandem devices. Besides, several perovskite/BHJ devices are emerging. This paper presents a systematic overview of developing perovskite/organic tandem devices. Particularly, this is the first study to have comprehensively summarized the factors affecting perovskite/organic tandem device efficiency loss, as well as the modulating strategies. Meanwhile, the development of perovskite/BHJ devices is also discussed. Finally, the prospects and development challenges of perovskite/organic tandem devices in the near future are presented.
Modeling the flying sidekick traveling salesman problem with multiple drones
Authors: Dell'Amico Mauro , Montemanni Roberto , Novellani Stefano 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis article considers a version of the flying sidekick traveling salesman problem in which parcels are delivered to customers by either a truck or a set of identical flying drones. The flights of the drones are limited by the battery endurance and each flight is made of a launch, a service to a customer, and a return: launch and return must happen when the truck is stationary. These operations require time and when multiple drones are launched and/or collected at the same node, their order becomes relevant. The proposed model takes into account the order of these operations as a scheduling problem, because ignoring it could lead to infeasible solutions in the reality due to the possible exceeding of the drones endurance. We propose a set of novel formulations for the problem that can improve the size of the largest instances solved in the literature. We provide a comparison among the formulations, between the multiple drones solutions and the single drone ones, and among different variants of the model.
A causal model on assertiveness, stress coping, and workplace environment: Factors affecting novice nurses' burnout
Authors: Suzuki Eiko , Takayama Yuko , Kinouchi Chiaki , Asakura Chihiro , Tatsuno Hirotoshi , Machida Takae , Yanahara Hiroe , Kitajima Hiroko , Miwa Masae 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAimThis study aimed to develop and test a causal model focused on assertiveness, stress coping, and workplace environment as factors affecting burnout among novice nurses.DesignCross‐sectional study was conducted with novice nurses of 17 hospitals.MethodsThe Novice Nurse Assertiveness Scale and the Japanese version of Maslach Burnout Inventory.ResultsData from 645 female novice nurses were analysed. The mean age, Novice Nurse Assertiveness Scale and Maslach Burnout Inventory were 22.6 ± 3.0, 67.4 ± 10.3 and 13.7 ± 2.5. For the final model, the study adopted a model that includes indirect influences; inappropriate assertiveness and inappropriate coping affected the dissatisfaction with the job and then affected the burnout. The goodness of fit index was GFI = 0.94, AGFI = 0.91, RMSEA = 0.66, and R2 was .86. The findings validated this as a causal model of assertiveness, stress coping, and the work environment as factors affecting burnout for novice nurses.
Application of direct meshless local Petrov–Galerkin method for numerical solution of stochastic elliptic interface problems
Authors: Abbaszadeh Mostafa , Dehghan Mehdi , Khodadadian Amirreza , Heitzinger Clemens 
Published: January 2021

AbstractA truly meshless numerical procedure to simulate stochastic elliptic interface problems is developed. The meshless method is based on the generalized moving least squares approximation. This method can be implemented in a straightforward manner and has a very good accuracy for solving this kind of problems. Several realistic examples are presented to investigate the efficiency of the new procedure. Furthermore, compared with other meshless methods that have been developed, the present technique needs less CPU time.
The analytical solution of fractional‐order Whitham–Broer–Kaup equations by an Elzaki decomposition method
Authors: Shah Nehad Ali , Chung Jae Dong 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn this article, the Elzaki decomposition method is used to evaluate the solution of fractional‐order Whitham–Broer–Kaup equations. With the help of Elzaki transform coupled with Adomian decomposition method, an iterative procedure is established to investigate approximate solution to the suggested coupled scheme of nonlinear partial fractional differential equations. The solution of some illustrative examples is presented to show the validity of the proposed technique. The results of the proposed technique are shown and analyzed with the help of figures and tables. Also, we compared the results of our proposed technique with the homotopy perturbation method. The present method has less computational costs and a higher rate of convergence. The suggested algorithm is therefore very helpful to solve other fractional‐order systems of partial differential equations.
Age at diagnosis as a prognostic factor in South African children with neuroblastoma
Authors: van Heerden Jaques , Esterhuizen Tonya M. , Hendricks Marc , Poole Janet , Büchner Ané , Naidu Gita , du Plessis Jan , van Emmenes Barry , Uys Ronelle , Hadley GP , Kruger Mariana 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPurposeLow‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) reported a higher median age at diagnosis of neuroblastoma (NB) compared to high‐income countries. The aim was to determine if the optimal age at diagnosis, which maximizes the difference in overall survival between younger versus older patients in the South African population was similar to the internationally validated 18 months age cut‐point.MethodsFour hundred sixty NB patients diagnosed between 2000 and 2016 were included. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to predict potential age cut‐point values for overall survival in all risk group classifications. Risk ratios, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values at the specific cut‐points were estimated with 95% confidence intervals, and time to mortality by age at the specific cut‐points was shown with Kaplan‐Meier curves and compared using log‐rank tests.ResultsThe median age at diagnosis for the total cohort was 31.9 months (range 0.2‐204.7). For high‐risk (HR), intermediate‐risk, low‐risk, and very low‐risk patients, the median age at diagnosis was, respectively, 36 months (range 0.4‐204.7), 16.8 months (range 0.7‐145.1), 14.2 months (range 2.0‐143.5), and 8.7 months (range 0.2‐75.6). The ROC curves for the total NB cohort (area under the curve [AUC] 0.696; P < .001) and HR (AUC 0.682; P < .001) were analyzed further. The optimal cut‐point value for the total cohort was at 19.1 months (sensitivity 59%; specificity 78%). The HR cohort had potential cut‐point values identified at 18.4 months age at diagnosis (sensitivity 45%; specificity 87%) and 31.1 months (sensitivity 67%; specificity 62%). The 19.1 months cut‐point value in the total cohort and the 18.4 months cut‐point value in HR were as useful in predicting overall survival as 18 months age at diagnosis.ConclusionThe 18 months cut‐point value appears to be the appropriate age for prognostic determination, despite the higher median age at diagnosis in South Africa.
Spanish version of the Perme Intensive Care Unit Mobility Score: Minimal detectable change and responsiveness
Authors: Wilches Luna Esther Cecilia , de Oliveira Anamaria Siriani , Perme Christiane , Gastaldi Ada C. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this study was to determine the minimal detectable change (MDC) and responsiveness of the Perme Score when used in the adult intensive care unit (ICU) population.MethodsThis is a prospective longitudinal study which was conducted from November 2016 to July 2017 in Cali, Colombia. Four physical therapists with observer and evaluator roles, applied the Perme Score upon ICU admission and discharge. The Consensus‐based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments Protocol standards to analyze sensitivity to change were used. The sample size was defined considering the lowest concordance proportion reported (68.6%), and a Kappa Index of 0.2784 or higher to guarantee an adequaten, and a 95% reliability level.ResultsOne hundred and forty‐two patients were enrolled in the study. There were 51.4% men with an average age of 58 ± 17 years. Invasive mechanical ventilation was employed in 42.0% of the patients. The MDC for the Perme Score was 1.36, and 80% of patients demonstrated higher or equal values, detecting a significant difference in the type of weaning and the length of stay in the ICU (p< 0.005).ConclusionsThe Perme Score has an MDC of 1.36 points and shows evidence of being sensitive to change. Therefore, the findings validate the responsiveness of the instrument.
A natural lead‐in approach to response‐adaptive allocation for continuous outcomes
Authors: Donahue Erin , Sabo Roy T. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractResponse‐adaptive (RA) allocation designs can skew the allocation of incoming subjects toward the better performing treatment group based on the previously accrued responses. While unstable estimators and increased variability can adversely affect adaptation in early trial stages, Bayesian methods can be implemented with decreasingly informative priors (DIP) to overcome these difficulties. DIPs have been previously used for binary outcomes to constrain adaptation early in the trial, yet gradually increase adaptation as subjects accrue. We extend the DIP approach to RA designs for continuous outcomes, primarily in the normal conjugate family by functionalizing the prior effective sample size to equal the unobserved sample size. We compare this effective sample size DIP approach to other DIP formulations. Further, we considered various allocation equations and assessed their behavior utilizing DIPs. Simulated clinical trials comparing the behavior of these approaches with traditional Frequentist and Bayesian RA as well as balanced designs show that the natural lead‐in approaches maintain improved treatment with lower variability and greater power.
The universe from a single particle
Authors: Freedman Michael , Zini Modjtaba Shokrian 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
We explore the emergence of many-body physics from quantum mechanics via spontaneous symmetry breaking. To this end, we study potentials which are functionals on the space of Hamiltonians enjoying an unstable critical point corresponding to a random quantum mechanical system (the Gaussian unitary ensemble), but also less symmetrical local minima corresponding to interacting systems at the level of operators.
Swiss Validation of the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Database
Authors: Pache Basile , Martin David , Addor Valérie , Demartines Nicolas , Hübner Martin 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundEnhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathways have considerably improved postoperative outcomes and are in use for various types of surgery. The prospective audit system (EIAS) could be a powerful tool for large‐scale outcome research but its database has not been validated yet.MethodsSwiss ERAS centers were invited to contribute to the validation of the Swiss chapter for colorectal surgery. A monitoring team performed on‐site visits by the use of a standardized checklist. Validation criteria were (I) coverage (No. of operated patients within ERAS protocol; target threshold for validation: ≥ 80%), (II) missing data (8 predefined variables; target ≤ 10%), and (III) accuracy (2 predefined variables, target ≥ 80%). These criteria were assessed by comparing EIAS entries with the medical charts of a random sample of patients per center (range 15–20).ResultsOut of 18 Swiss ERAS centers, 15 agreed to have onsite monitoring but 13 granted access to the final dataset. ERAS coverage was available in only 7 centers and varied between 76 and 100%. Overall missing data rate was 5.7% and concerned mainly the variables “urinary catheter removal” (16.4%) and “mobilization on day 1” (16%). Accuracy for the length of hospital stay and complications was overall 84.6%. Overall, 5 over 13 centers failed in the validation process for one or several criteria.ConclusionEIAS was validated in most Swiss ERAS centers. Potential patient selection and missing data remain sources of bias in non‐validated centers. Therefore, simplified validation of other centers appears to be mandatory before large‐scale use of the EIAS dataset.
Twenty-first century regional temperature response in Chile based on empirical-statistical downscaling
Authors: Mutz Sebastian G. , Scherrer Samuel , Muceniece Ilze , Ehlers Todd A. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractLocal scale estimates of temperature change in the twenty-first century are necessary for informed decision making in both the public and private sector. In order to generate such estimates for Chile, weather station data of the Dirección Meteorológica de Chile are used to identify large-scale predictors for local-scale temperature changes and construct individual empirical-statistical models for each station. The geographical coverage of weather stations ranges from Arica in the North to Punta Arenas in the South. Each model is trained in a cross-validated stepwise linear multiple regression procedure based on (24) weather station records and predictor time series derived from ERA-Interim reanalysis data. The time period 1979–2000 is used for training, while independent data from 2001 to 2015 serves as a basis for assessing model performance. The resulting transfer functions for each station are then directly coupled to MPI-ESM simulations for future climate change under emission scenarios RCP2.6, RCP4.5 and RCP 8.5 to estimate the local temperature response until 2100 A.D. Our investigation into predictors for local scale temperature changes support established knowledge of the main drivers of Chilean climate, i.e. a strong influence of the El Niño Southern Oscillation in northern Chile and frontal system-governed climate in central and southern Chile. Temperature downscaling yields high prediction skill scores (ca. 0.8), with highest scores for the mid-latitudes. When forced with MPI-ESM simulations, the statistical models predict local temperature deviations from the 1979–2015 mean that range between − 0.5–2 K, 0.5–3 K and 2–7 K for RCP2.6, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 respectively.
KIF5A and the contribution of susceptibility genotypes as a predictive biomarker for multiple sclerosis
Authors: Hares Kelly , Kemp K. , Loveless S. , Rice C. M. , Scolding N. , Tallantyre E. , Robertson N. , Wilkins A. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThere is increasing interest in the development of multiple sclerosis (MS) biomarkers that reflect central nervous system tissue injury to determine prognosis. We aimed to assess the prognostic value of kinesin superfamily motor protein KIF5A in MS by measuring levels of KIF5A in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) combined with analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; rs12368653 and rs703842) located within a MS susceptibility gene locus at chromosome 12q13–14 region. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure KIF5A in CSF obtained from two independent biobanks comprising non-inflammatory neurological disease controls (NINDC), clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) and MS cases. CSF KIF5A expression was significantly elevated in progressive MS cases compared with NINDCs, CIS and relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS). In addition, levels of KIF5A positively correlated with change in MS disease severity scores (EDSS, MSSS and ARMSSS), in RRMS patients who had documented disease progression at 2-year clinical follow-up. Copies of adenine risk alleles (AG/AA; rs12368653 and rs703842) corresponded with a higher proportion of individuals in relapse at the time of lumbar puncture (LP), higher use of disease-modifying therapies post LP and shorter MS duration. Our study suggests that CSF KIF5A has potential as a predictive biomarker in MS and further studies into the potential prognostic value of analysing MS susceptibility SNPs should be considered.
Attachment devices and the tarsal gland of the bug Coreus marginatus (Hemiptera: Coreidae)
Authors: Rebora Manuela , Salerno Gianandrea , Piersanti Silvana , Gorb Elena V. , Gorb Stanislav N. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe present ultrastructural investigation using scanning and transmission electron microscopy as well as light and fluorescence microscopy describes in detail the attachment devices and tarsal gland of the bug Coreus marginatus (L.) (Hemiptera: Coreidae). In particular, the fine structure of pulvilli reveals a ventral surface rich with pore channels, consistent with fluid emission, and a folded dorsal surface, which could be useful to enhance the pulvillus contact area during attachment to the substrate. The detailed description of the tarsal gland cells, whose structure is coherent with an active secretory function, allows us to consider the tarsal gland as the plausible candidate for the adhesive fluid production. Scolopidia strictly adhering to the gland cells are also described. On the basis of the fine structure of the tarsal gland, we hypothesise a fluid emission mechanism based on changes of the hydraulic pressure inside the gland, due to the unguitractor tendon movements. This mechanism could provide the fluid release based on compression of the pad and capillary suction, as demonstrated in other insects. The data here reported can contribute to understanding of insect adhesive fluid production, emission and control of its transport.
Focused electromagnetic high-energetic extracorporeal shockwave (ESWT) reduces pain levels in the nodular state of Dupuytren’s disease—a randomized controlled trial (DupuyShock)
Authors: Knobloch Karsten , Hellweg Marie , Sorg Heiko , Nedelka Tomas 
Published: January 2021

AbstractDupuytren’s disease is a progressive fibroproliferative disorder of the hand. In the nodular stage of Dupuytren’s disease, pain might limit daily hand activities and progress to finger contractures. Focused electromagnetic high-energetic extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) may reduce pain in Dupuytren’s nodules (Tubiana N). In this prospective, randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled single center trial, we enrolled 52 patients (mean age, 58.2 ± 9.2) with painful nodular Dupuytren disease Tubiana N. Randomization was done to either (group A) 3 treatments with focused electromagnetic high-energetic ESWT (2000 shots, 3 Hz, 0.35 mmJ/mm2/hand, Storz Duolith SD1,n = 27) or (group B) placebo ESWT (2000 shots, 3 Hz, 0.01 mJ/mm2/hand,n = 25) in a weekly interval. Primary outcome was the level of pain on a visual analogue scale (VAS 0–10) at 3/6/12/18 months, secondary outcomes were patient-related outcome measures (DASH score, MHQ score, URAM scale), grip strength, patient’s satisfaction, and Dupuytren’s disease progression over 18 months follow-up. Focused ESWT significantly improved outcomes. Pain was reduced from 3.6 ± 1.8 to 1.9 ± 1.2 at three, to 1.4 ± 0.7 at six, to 1.7 ± 1.6 after 12 months and 1.9 ± 0.8 after 18 months in the intervention group (47% reduction,p < 0.05). In the placebo group, pain on VAS increased from 2.2 ± 1.4 to 3.4 ± 1.7 at three, to 3.4 ± 1.8 at six, to 3.4 ± 1.4 at 12 and 3.1 ± 1.1 at 18 months (35% increase,p < 0.05). Quality-of-life score tended to improve in the intervention group (MHQ, 77 ± 19 to 83 ± 12; DASH, 12 ± 18 to 10 ± 9) while it deteriorated in the placebo group as Dupuytren’s disease was progressing (MHQ, 79 ± 15 to 73 ± 17; DASH, 6 ± 10 to 14 ± 13). The strength of the affected hand and fingers did not change significantly in either of the groups. Patients’ satisfaction was higher in the intervention group for symptom improvement (56% vs. 12%) and reduction of disease progression (59% vs. 24%). Any Dupuytren-related intervention was performed in 26% in the intervention group and in 36% in the placebo group within 18 months of follow-up (n.s.). Focused electromagnetic high-energetic ESWT can significantly reduce pain in painful nodules in Dupuytren’s disease in an 18-month perspective. (ClinicalTrials.govIdentifier: NCT01184586).
Non-compliant behaviour in public procurement: an evolutionary model with endogenous monitoring
Authors: Coppier Raffaella , Grassetti Francesca , Michetti Elisabetta 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn recent years, the study of the evolution of non-compliant behaviour in public procurement has been widely developed due to the growing economic relevance of this phenomenon. When such a question is formalized in terms of a dynamical model, new insights can be pursued, related to the possible evolution from a situation with low dishonesty level to high dishonesty level or vice versa. The present model considers an evolutionary adaptation process explaining whether honest or dishonest behaviour prevails in society at any given time by assuming endogenous monitoring by the State. We will distinguish between a scenario in which firms converge to monomorphic configurations (all honest or all dishonest) and a scenario in which firms converge to polymorphic compositions (that is with coexistence of both groups), depending on the relevant parameters. By making use of both analytical tools and numerical simulations, the present work aims at explaining the effectiveness of economic policies to reduce or eliminate non-compliant behaviour. Social stigma is found to play a key role: if the “inner attitude toward honesty” of a country is not strong enough, then dishonesty cannot be ruled out. However, increasing both the fine level attached to dishonest behaviour and the monitoring effort by the State can reduce asymptotic dishonesty levels and escape form the dishonesty trap.