bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Morphodynamics and sediment connectivity index in an unmanaged, debris-flow prone catchment: a through time perspective
Authors: Torresani Loris , Piton Guillaume , D’Agostino Vincenzo 
Published: April 2023

AbstractTorrential processes are among the main actors responsible for sediment production and mobility in mountain catchments. For this reason, the understanding of preferential pathways for sediment routing has become a priority in hazard assessment and mitigation. In this context, the sediment Connectivity Index (IC) enables to analyse the existing linkage between sediment sources and the selected target (channel network or catchment outlet). The IC is a grid-based index that allows fast computation of sediment connectivity based on landscape information derived from a single Digital Terrain Model (DTM). The index computation is based on the log-ratio between an upslope and a downslope component, including information about drainage area, slope, terrain roughness, and distance to the analysis target (e.g. outlet). The output is a map that highlights the degree of structural connectivity of sediment pathways over analysed catchments. Until now, these maps are however rarely used to help defining debris-flow hazard maps, notably due to a lack of guidelines to interpret the IC spatial distribution. This paper proposes an exploitation procedure along profiles to extract more information from the analysis of mapped IC values. The methodology relies on the analysis of the IC and its component variables along the main channel profile, integrated with information about sediment budgeting derived from Difference of DEMs (DoD). The study of connectivity was applied in the unmanaged sub-catchment (without torrent control works) of the Rio Soial (Autonomous Province of Trento – NE Italy) to understanding the geomorphic evolution of the area after five debris flows (in ten years) and the related changes of sediment connectivity. Using a recent DTM as validation, we demonstrated how an IC analysis over the older DTM can help predicting geomorphic changes and associated hazards. The results show an IC aptitude to capture geomorphic trajectories, anticipate debris flow deposits in a specific channel location, and depict preferential routing pathways..
Antiangiogenic Therapy for Malignant Brain Tumors: Does It Still Matter?
Authors: Pellerino Alessia , Bruno Francesco , Soffietti Riccardo , Rudà Roberta 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Purpose of Review
To summarize the mechanisms of tumor angiogenesis and resistance to antiangiogenic therapy, and the influence on tumor microenvironment.

Recent Findings
Several clinical trials have investigated the activity of anti-VEGF monoclonal antibodies and tyrosine kinase inhibitors in glioblastoma, shedding the light on their limitations in terms of disease control and survival. We have outlined the mechanisms of resistance to antiangiogenic therapy, including vessel co-option, hypoxic signaling in response to vessel destruction, modulation of glioma stem cells, and trafficking of tumor-associated macrophages in tumor microenvironment. Moreover, novel generation of antiangiogenic compounds for glioblastoma, including small interfering RNAs and nanoparticles, as a delivery vehicle, could enhance selectivity and reduce side effects of treatments.

Summary
There is still a rationale for the use of antiangiogenic therapy, but a better understanding of vascular co-option, vascular mimicry, and dynamic relationships between immunosuppressive microenvironment and blood vessel destruction is crucial to develop next-generation antiangiogenic compounds.
The European Health Union and the protection of public health in the European Union: Is the European Union prepared for future cross-border health threats?
Authors: Seitz Claudia 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe Covid 19 pandemic has cast traditional health protection issues in a new light due to their cross-border significance with far-reaching consequences for almost all areas of social life and places health protection in the European Union in a broader context that goes beyond the national consideration of necessary measures at EU Member State level. The pandemic has made it clear that the responsibility for public health remains in principle with the EU Member States and that the competences of the European Union under Article 168 TFEU are – with a few exceptions – generally limited to supporting, coordinating and assisting tasks. This article examines whether the European Union is adequately prepared for future pandemics and other cross-border health threats based on its responsibilities under the current system of competences between the EU and its Member States in the area of health policy under article 168. The article concludes with some suggestions for discussion and consideration.
On the Method of Stationary Phase in Calculating the Propagator of the Coulomb–Kepler Problem
Authors: Rauh Alexander 
Published: April 2023

AbstractA theorem is proven on the method of stationary phase to be applied in the calculation of the propagator from the Green’s function of the Coulomb - Kepler problem, by means of Fourier transformation. The Green’s function is available in position representation in an exact compact form as ingeniously derived by Hostler (1963). The Fourier transform, at first, exists in the distributional sense. In order to avoid series representation in Schwartz space, the integrals are defined away from the real axis of the integration variable and by taking principal values. The theorem deals with integrands with a highly oscillating exponential term. It is shown that the method of stationary phase renders exact results in cases relevant to the problem, whereby the integrand can contain an analytic amplitude factor in addition to the exponential term.
Decrease in vancomycin MICs and prevalence of hGISA in MRSA and MSSA isolates from a German pediatric tertiary care center
Authors: Haas Katharina , Meyer-Buehn Melanie , von Both Ulrich , Hübner Johannes , Schober Tilmann 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Resistance of Staphylococcus aureus to vancomycin includes a general increase of minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) within the susceptible range over time (Vancomycin MIC Creep) and the presence of a subset of the bacterial population that expresses resistance (heterogeneous glycopeptide-intermediate S. aureus; hGISA). Increased MICs have been associated with adverse clinical outcomes. However, the vancomycin MIC creep is not a uniform trend suggesting the importance of regional surveys.

Methods
We performed a retrospective analysis at a German pediatric tertiary care hospital. Isolates from 2002 to 2017 were selected which were newly identified methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) or samples from invasive methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) or MRSA infections. Vancomycin and oxacillin MICs as well as GISA/hGISA were measured using MIC test strips and resistance was evaluated over time.

Results
A total of 540 samples were tested, 200 from the early (2002–2009) and 340 from the later period (2010–2017). All samples were vancomycin susceptible, but the MIC was higher for the earlier samples as compared to the later ones (1.11 vs 0.99; p < 0.001). 14% of the samples were hGISA, GISA strains were not detected. Again, vancomycin resistance decreased over time with 28 vs. 6% hGISA (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between MRSA and MSSA samples with respect to vancomycin MIC and hGISA prevalence.

Conclusion
This study shows a decreasing trend for both MIC values and presence of hGISA strains highlighting the importance of monitoring local susceptibilities. Vancomycin remains a first-line treatment option for suspected severe infection with Gram-positive cocci and proven infection with MRSA.
Microencapsulated paraffin as a tribological additive for advanced polymeric coatings
Authors: Gheisari Reza , Vazquez Mariela , Tsigkis Vasilis , Erdemir Ali , Wooley Karen L. , Polycarpou Andreas A. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractNumerous tribological applications, wherein the use of liquid lubricants is infeasible, require adequate dry lubrication. Despite the use of polymers as an effective solution for dry sliding tribological applications, their poor wear resistance prevents the utilization in harsh industrial environment. Different methods are typically implemented to tackle the poor wear performance of polymers, however sacrificing some of their mechanical/tribological properties. Herein, we discussed the introduction of a novel additive, namely microencapsulated phase change material (MPCM) into an advanced polymeric coating. Specifically, paraffin was encapsulated into melamine-based resin, and the capsules were dispersed in an aromatic thermosetting co-polyester (ATSP) coating. We found that the MPCM-filled composite exhibited a unique tribological behavior, manifested as “zero wear”, and a super-low coefficient of friction (COF) of 0.05. The developed composite outperformed the state-of-the-art polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-filled coatings, under the experimental conditions examined herein.
First report of the enset root mealybug Paraputo ensete (Williams & Matile-Ferrero) (Hem.: Pseudococcidae) on banana in Ethiopia
Authors: Erenso Fikadu , Blomme Guy , Goergen Georg , Muanenda Mitiku , Kearsley Elizabeth , Addis Temesgen 
Published: April 2023

AbstractEnset root mealybugs, a major pest affecting the cultivation of the enset crop in the Ethiopian highlands, have for the first time been observed on banana mats indicating the potential host status ofMusaspp. These observations were made under natural conditions in backyard gardens in the Gedeo zone, southern Ethiopia, on the root system of banana mats of the ‘Pisang Awak’ (local name ‘Feranji Muz’, ABB genome group) landrace. Here, we confirm the identification of the collected enset root mealybug specimens on banana mat root systems asParaputo ensete(Williams & Matile-Ferrero) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) through DNA analysis.
Overview of Geriatric Trauma in an Urban Trauma Center in Eastern China: Implications from Computational Intelligence for Localized Trauma-Specific Frailty Index System Design
Authors: Dong Sheng , Wu Tie , Wu Yi-Feng , Min Zu-Liang , Xue Ming-Yu 
Published: April 2023

AbstractDue to the lifestyle and activity of the aging population, it is expected that geriatric trauma will increase and become one of the major challenges in health care. The objective of this study was to determine epidemiological differences between geriatric trauma patients and their younger counterparts, and to find the implications for localized Trauma-Specific Frailty Index (TSFI) system design. This study was a retrospective analysis of adult patients registered in the Trauma Registry, comparisons were made between the geriatric patients, aged over 65 years old, and the younger patients, aged 18–64 years old. Variables were collected include demography, injury mechanism, type, severity of injuries sustained, and outcomes. From July 2018 to July 2021, 2594 trauma patients were evaluated. Injury severity score (ISS) in the geriatric patients’ group is not higher than the younger patients’ group statistically (P = 0.066), and results in increased ICU occupancy and mortality risk as compared with the younger patients (P < 0.05). The majority of geriatric patients suffered falls from low heights and traffic accidents. The geriatric patients most suffered isolated injuries of the extremities/pelvis (31.8%) commonly. In contrast to the younger patients, they had more injuries of the head/neck or polytrauma (P < 0.05). This study provided a snapshot of the trauma burden in a proportion of the urban geriatric patients in Eastern China. The geriatric patients are unlike their younger counterparts, and their unique features should be considered in the future development of computational intelligence, particularly in the case of localized TSFI system design.
Injuries and Health Issues Occurring During Offshore Transoceanic Sailing: A Survey of Recreational Sailors and Cruisers
Authors: Hayes David Oliver , Nathanson Andrew T. , Dubuc Élisa , Blanchette Marc-André 
Published: April 2023

Introduction Most of the literature on sailing injuries is centered on competitive sailing, often involving a single regatta. The aims of this study were to provide a description of the types of injuries and illnesses sustained during amateur offshore cruising events, estimate their incidence, and investigate potential risk factors for injuries. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey of self-reported sailing-related injuries and health issues during 4 different events organized by the World Cruising Club between 2014 and 2015. Prior to departure, sailors received an injury or health issue report form to complete during their sailing event. Questionnaires were then collected at the end of each event. Bivariable (Student’s t tests and χ2 tests) and mutilvariable logistic regression were used to study the associations among injuries, health issues, and the characteristics of sailors or sailboats. Results The incidence of injuries and health issues among the respondents was 1.08 and 1.01 per 10,000 nautical miles, respectively. Smaller boats ( P<0.001) and crews with less experience with the current boat ( P<0.001) were associated with reporting of more injuries. Most of the injuries were reported during favorable weather conditions. Health issues were more frequent on smaller boats and with women ( P=0.008), who reported significantly more seasickness ( P<0.001), anxiety ( P=0.037), and skin rash/fungal infection ( P=0.021). Conclusions Injuries and health issues are relatively common among amateur offshore recreational sailors, but severe injuries are rare. Smaller boats and having less experience in sailing with the current boat were associated with more injuries. Preventive strategies should include a sailing experience requirement on the boat being sailed for all crew members, increasing the minimum boat size requirement for sailing events, and mandatory first-aid training prior to a cruising event for all crew members.
The RAS-24: Development and validation of an adherence-to-medication scale for severe mental illness patients
Authors: Ralat Sandra I. , Rodríguez-Gómez José 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Introduction:
Several studies have found that most patients with severe mental illness (SMI) and comorbid (physical) conditions are partially or wholly nonadherent to their medication regimens. Nonadherence to treatment is a serious concern, affecting the successful management of patients with SMIs. Psychiatric disorders tend to worsen and persist in nonadherent patients, worsening their overall health. The study described herein aimed to develop and validate a scale (the Ralat Adherence Scale) to measure nonadherence behaviors in a culturally sensitive way.

Materials and Methods:
Guided by a previous study that explored the primary reasons for nonadherence in Puerto Rican patients, we developed a pool of 147 items linked to the concept of adherence. Nine experts reviewed the meaning, content, clarity, and relevance of the individual items, and a content validity ratio was calculated for each one. Forty items remained in the scale’s first version. This version was administered to 160 patients (21–60 years old). All the participants had a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, or schizoaffective disorder. The STROBE checklist was used as the reporting guideline.

Results:
The scale had very good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.812). After a factor analysis, the scale was reduced to 24 items; the new scale had a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.900.

Conclusions:
This adherence scale is a self-administered instrument with very good psychometric properties; it has yielded important information about nonadherence behaviors. The scale can help health professionals and researchers to assess patient adherence or nonadherence to a medication regimen.
Neuropeptide Y gene variants and Agreeableness: interaction effect with the birth cohort and the serotonin transporter promoter polymorphism
Authors: Kiive Evelyn , Kanarik Margus , Veidebaum Toomas , Harro Jaanus 
Published: April 2023

AbstractObjective:Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is a powerful regulator of anxious states, including social anxiety, but evidence from human genetic studies is limited. Associations of common gene variants with behaviour have been described as subject to birth cohort effects, especially if the behaviour is socially motivated. This study aimed to examine the association of NPY rs16147 and rs5574 with personality traits in highly representative samples of two birth cohorts of young adults, the samples having been formed during a period of rapid societal transition.Methods:Both birth cohorts (original n = 1238) of the Estonian Children Personality Behaviour and Health Study (ECPBHS) self-reported personality traits of the five-factor model at 25 years of age.Results:A significant interaction effect of the NPY rs16147 and rs5574 and birth cohort on Agreeableness was found. The T/T genotype of NPY rs16147 resulted in low Agreeableness in the older cohort (born 1983) and in high Agreeableness in the younger cohort (born 1989). The C/C genotype of NPY rs5574 was associated with higher Agreeableness in the younger but not in the older cohort. In the NPY rs16147 T/T homozygotes, the deviations from average in Agreeableness within the birth cohort were dependent on the serotonin transporter promoter polymorphism.Conclusions:The association between the NPY gene variants and a personality domain reflecting social desirability is subject to change qualitatively in times of rapid societal changes, serving as an example of the relationship between the plasticity genes and environment. The underlying mechanism may involve the development of the serotonergic system.
The Role of Majority Status in Close Election Studies
Authors: Alpino Matteo , Crispino Marta 
Published: April 2023

AbstractMany studies exploit close elections in a regression discontinuity framework to identify partisan effects, that is, the effect of having a given party in office on some outcome. We argue that, when conducted on single-member districts, such design may identify a compound effect: the partisan effect, plus the majority status effect, that is, the effect of being represented by a member of the legislative majority. We provide a simple strategy to disentangle the two, and test it with simulations. Finally, we show the empirical relevance of this issue using real data.
Landscape dynamics and chronological refinement of the Middle Pleistocene Reinsdorf Sequence of Schöningen, NW Germany
Authors: Urban Brigitte , Kasper Thomas , Krahn Kim J. , van Kolfschoten Thijs , Rech Bent , Holzheu Marco , Tucci Mario , Schwalb Antje 
Published: April 2023

AbstractDetailed sedimentological, geochemical, palynological, and aquatic-microfossil analyses on a new composite profile (Para-Reference Profile Schöningen 13 II and Zeugenblock 13 II [2018]) exposed at the archaeological excavation site of Schöningen 13 II reflect several phases of newly recorded lake level fluctuations and vegetation changes. A pronounced deforestation and the expansion of grasses and herbal plant communities characterize the first steppe (open woodland) phase, which follows the interglacial forest communities. A succeeding tripartite woodland phase predominantly marked by Betula and Pinus is followed by another rather dry steppe phase and a second woodland period, which includes the famous archaeological “spear horizon” 13 II-4ab. Transition into a cold period is indicated by progressive desiccation of the lake and a shift to a steppe/tundra vegetation. Novel 3D images of the 10 most characteristic phases of the Reinsdorf sequence have been constructed based on the botanical data (macro remains as well as palynomorphs), terrestrial vertebrate faunal, geochemical, sedimentological, and previously established data from aquatic microfossils. In addition, a tentative correlation between the post-interglacial phases of the Reinsdorf sequence and Marine Isotope Substages 9d–9a, based on biostratigraphical as well as sedimentological data, is proposed.
John and William Mahon, the earliest British clarinet soloists
Authors: Rice Albert R. , Crisp Catherine J. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractOver the course of a playing career that spanned roughly fifty years, John Mahon (pronoucned M’hone) introduced and popularized the clarinet as a solo and chamber instrument throughout Britain. He performed extensively in London and in many provincial towns. This article presents biographies of John and William Mahon, illustrations of contemporary clarinets and a basset horn, Mahon as a teacher, his music, and his influence and legacy. William Mahon’s concerts and reviews and a conclusion end the article.
Effect of probiotic supplementation on chemotherapy- and radiotherapy-related diarrhoea in patients with cancer: an umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses
Authors: Amiri Khosroshahi Reza , Zeraattalab-Motlagh Sheida , Sarsangi Peyman , Nielsen Sabrina Mai , Mohammadi Hamed 
Published: April 2023

AbstractTo date, several systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SRMA) have investigated the effects of probiotics, but the certainty of the evidence for an effect on chemotherapy and radiotherapy-related diarrhoea has not been assessed. We conducted an overview of SRMA, searching MEDLINE, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science from inception up to February 2022. We summarised the findings of eligible SRMA. Subsequently, we included randomised clinical trials (RCT) from the SRMA in meta-analyses, using a quality effects model to calculate the OR and 95 % CI for each outcome. We used ‘A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews’ and the Cochrane risk of bias tool to assess the methodological quality of the SRMA and their RCT, respectively. We used the ‘Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation’.We included thirteen SRMA, which reported pooled effect sizes for chemotherapy and radiotherapy-related diarrhoea based on a total of eighteen RCT. Our meta-analyses demonstrated statistically significant beneficial effects from probiotics on all outcomes, except stool consistency; diarrhoea (any grade) OR 0·35 (95 % CI 0·22, 0·54), grade ≥ 2 diarrhoea 0·43 (0·25, 0·74), grade ≥ 3 diarrhoea 0·30 (0·15, 0·59), use of medication 0·49 (0·27, 0·88), soft stool 1·10 (0·44, 2·76) and watery stool 0·52 (0·29, 1·29). Probiotics use can reduce the incidence of diarrhoea in cancer patients in chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but the certainty of evidence for significant outcomes was very low and low.