bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Early post-discharge mortality in CAP: frequency, risk factors and a prediction tool
Authors: Glöckner Verena , Pletz Mathias W. , Rohde Gernot , Rupp Jan , Witzenrath Martin , Barten-Neiner Grit , Kolditz Martin ,   for the CAPNETZ Study Group, Dreher M. , Cornelissen C. , Knüppel W. , Stolz D. , Suttorp N. , Creutz P. , Witzenrath M. , Mikolajewska A. , le Claire A. , Benzke M. , Bauer T. , Krieger D. , Prediger M. , Schmager S. , Kolditz M. , Schulte-Hubbert B. , Langner S. , Rohde G. , Degen O. , Hüfner A. , Hoffmann C. , Welte T. , Freise J. , Barten-Neiner G. , Nawrocki M. , Fuge I. , Freise J. , Naim J. , Kröner W. , Illig T. , Klopp N. , Kroegel C. , Moeser A. , Pletz M. , Schleenvoigt B. , Bahrs C. , Drömann D. , Parschke P. , Franzen K. , Rupp J. , Käding N. , Wouters M. , Walraven K. , Braeken D. , Spinner C. , Buschmann H. , Zaruchas A. , Schaberg T. , Hering I. , Albrich W. , Waldeck F. , Rassouli F. , Baldesberger S. , Panning M. , Wallner M. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
There are few data on mortality after discharge with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Therefore, we evaluated risk factors for 30-day post-discharge mortality after CAP. We included all patients of the prospective multi-national CAPNETZ study between 2002 and 2018 with (1) hospitalized CAP, (2) survival until discharge, and (3) complete follow-up data. The study endpoint was death within 30 days after discharge. We evaluated risk factors including demographics, comorbidities, admission CAP severity, and laboratory values and treatment-related factors in uni- and multivariable analyses. A total of 126 (1.6%) of 7882 included patients died until day 30 after discharge, corresponding to 26% of all 476 deaths. After multivariable analysis, we identified 10 independent risk factors: higher age, lower BMI, presence of diabetes mellitus, chronic renal or chronic neurological disease (other than cerebrovascular diseases), low body temperature or higher thrombocytes on admission, extended length of hospitalization, oxygen therapy during hospitalization, and post-obstructive pneumonia. By addition these factors, we calculated a risk score with an AUC of 0.831 (95%CI 0.822–0.839, p < 0.001) for prediction of post-discharge mortality. Early post-discharge deaths account for ¼ of all CAP-associated deaths and are associated with patient- and CAP-severity-related risk factors. Additional studies are necessary to replicate our findings in independent cohorts. Study registration: NCT 02139163.
Cognitive control in number processing: new evidence from number compatibility effects in task-switching
Authors: Schliephake A. , Bahnmueller J. , Willmes K. , Koch I. , Moeller K. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractA growing body of research suggests that basic numerical abilities such as number magnitude processing are influenced by cognitive control processes. So far, evidence for number processing being affected by cognitive control processes stems primarily from observed adaptations of numerical effects to stimulus set characteristics (e.g. order or ratio of specific stimulus types). Complementing previous research on adaptation to stimulus set characteristics as an index of influences of cognitive control, the present study employed a task-switching paradigm to examine how cognitive control processes influence number processing. Participants were presented with a two-digit number and had to either judge its parity or compare its magnitude to a standard depending on a preceding cue. We expected numerical congruency effects (i.e. the unit-decade compatibility effect for magnitude comparisons and the parity congruity effect for parity judgements) to be larger in switch trials, as persisting activation of the task set of the preceding trial should increase interference. In contrast to our expectations, both numerical congruity effects were reduced following task switches as compared to repetitions. This interaction of task-switching with numerical congruency effects suggests an influence of cognitive control on basic number processing in form of persisting inhibition of previously abandoned task sets, so that these exert less influence on current number processing demands.
Mandrake: multiagent systems as a basis for programming fault-tolerant decentralized applications
Authors: Christie Samuel H. , Chopra Amit K. , Singh Munindar P. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractWe conceptualize a decentralized software application as one constituted from autonomous agents that communicate via asynchronous messaging. Modern software paradigms such as microservices and settings such as the Internet of Things evidence a growing interest in decentralized applications. Constructing a decentralized application involves designing agents as independent local computations that coordinate successfully to realize the application’s requirements. Moreover, a decentralized application is susceptible to faults manifested as message loss, delay, and reordering. We contribute Mandrake, a programming model for decentralized applications that tackles these challenges without relying on infrastructure guarantees. Specifically, we adopt the construct of an information protocol that specifies messaging between agents purely in causal terms and can be correctly enacted by agents in a shared-nothing environment over nothing more than unreliable, unordered transport. Mandrake facilitates (1) implementing protocol-compliant agents by introducing a programming model; (2) transforming protocols into fault-tolerant ones with simple annotations; and (3) a declarative policy language that makes it easy to implement fault-tolerance in agents based on the capabilities in protocols. Mandrake’s significance lies in demonstrating a straightforward approach for constructing decentralized applications without relying on coordination mechanisms in the infrastructure, thus achieving some of the goals of the founders of networked computing from the 1970s.
Understanding PrEP Acceptability Among Priority Populations: Results from a Qualitative Study of Potential Users in Central Uganda
Authors: Sundararajan Radhika , Wyatt Monique A. , Muwonge Timothy R. , Pisarski Emily E. , Mujugira Andrew , Haberer Jessica E. , Ware Norma C. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractDaily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can safely and effectively prevent HIV acquisition in HIV-negative individuals. However, uptake of PrEP has been suboptimal in sub-Saharan Africa. The goal of this qualitative study was to identify facilitators of and barriers to PrEP acceptability among target users not taking PrEP. Fifty-nine individuals belonging to Ugandan priority populations participated in a single in-depth interview. Participants perceived themselves as being at high risk for HIV acquisition, and expressed interest in PrEP as an HIV prevention strategy. Two forms of stigma emerged as potential barriers to PrEP use: (1) misidentification as living with HIV; and (2) disclosure of membership in a priority population. Acceptability of PrEP was dampened for this sample of potential PrEP users due to anticipated stigmatization. Mitigating stigma should be a key component of effective PrEP delivery to reach UNAIDS goal of ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030.
COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake and Its Impacts in a Cohort of Gay and Bisexual Men in Australia
Authors: Prestage G. , Storer D. , Jin F. , Haire B. , Maher L. , Philpot S. , Bavinton B. , Saxton P. , Murphy D. , Holt M. , Bourne A. , Hammoud M. A. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractSuccessful use of biomedical forms of HIV risk-reduction may have predisposed many gay and bisexual men (GBM) to vaccination against COVID-19, which may, in turn, affect their sexual behavior. A total of 622 Australian GBM provided weekly data on COVID-19 vaccination history and sexual behaviour between 17 January 2021 and 22 June 2021. We identify factors associated with COVID-19 vaccination, and compare sexual behavior before and since vaccination. Mean age was 47.3 years (SD 14.0). At least one-dose vaccination coverage had reached 57.2%, and 61.3% reported that the majority of their friends intended to be vaccinated. Vaccinated men reported a mean of 1.11 (SD 2.10) weekly non-relationship sex partners before vaccination and 1.62 (SD 3.42) partners following vaccination. GBM demonstrated high confidence in COVID-19 vaccines. Their sexual activity increased following vaccination suggesting that greater sexual freedom may be a specific motivation for vaccine uptake among some men.
Ethics of AI-Enabled Recruiting and Selection: A Review and Research Agenda
Authors: Hunkenschroer Anna Lena , Luetge Christoph 
Published: February 2022

AbstractCompanies increasingly deploy artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in their personnel recruiting and selection process to streamline it, making it faster and more efficient. AI applications can be found in various stages of recruiting, such as writing job ads, screening of applicant resumes, and analyzing video interviews via face recognition software. As these new technologies significantly impact people’s lives and careers but often trigger ethical concerns, the ethicality of these AI applications needs to be comprehensively understood. However, given the novelty of AI applications in recruiting practice, the subject is still an emerging topic in academic literature. To inform and strengthen the foundation for future research, this paper systematically reviews the extant literature on the ethicality of AI-enabled recruiting to date. We identify 51 articles dealing with the topic, which we synthesize by mapping the ethical opportunities, risks, and ambiguities, as well as the proposed ways to mitigate ethical risks in practice. Based on this review, we identify gaps in the extant literature and point out moral questions that call for deeper exploration in future research.
Fire Test Performance of Eleven PFAS-Free Class B Firefighting Foams Varying Fuels, Admixture, Water Types and Foam Generation Techniques
Authors: Dahlbom Sixten , Mallin Tove , Bobert Magnus 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe firefighting performance of eleven PFAS-free firefighting foams was evaluated using different fuels (Jet A1, commercial heptane and diesel) and types of water (freshwater and synthetic sea water). Moreover, different firefighting foam generation techniques and application methods were evaluated. The firefighting foams were generated as aspirated foams or as compressed air foams (CAFs). The results for CAF showed a higher performance, with respect to extinction time and burn-back resistance, compared to the foam generated using a UNI 86 nozzle. The CAF was not optimised, indicating a further potential of this foam generation technique. The results indicate that the time to fire knockdown decreases with decreasing foam viscosity. The heat flux was shown to be small, although the entire fuel surface was involved in the fire. The tests showed a dependence on fuel type; different products performed differently depending on the fuel. Tests using sea water showed that addition of salt to the foam solution generally prolonged the extinction time, although for one of the firefighting foams a shorter extinction time was observed. Out of the eleven evaluated PFAS-free products there was no product that outperformed the rest. None of the products in the study met the fire test performance requirements in all the referenced standards. Instead, the products seem to have different niches where they perform best e.g., with different types of fuel or water.
Assessment of activation energy of enthalpy relaxation in sucrose-water system: effects of DSC cycle type and sample thermal history
Authors: Bogdanova Ekaterina , Kocherbitov Vitaly 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to critically analyze different methods of calculation of activation energy of relaxation in sucrose-water system from differential scanning calorimetry data. We consider the use of different thermal cycles for calculations together with Moynihan and Kissinger equations. We study the effect of two methods of glass transition temperature determination (half-step and inflection point) on the activation energy values. Along with experimental DSC data, we use the data simulated using Tool–Narayanaswamy–Moynihan model to validate the use of cooling and heating curves and to check the reproducibility of the activation energy calculations. The obtained results show that the thermal cycle with equal cooling and heating rates provides the most reliable data set and the glass transition temperature definition using inflection point rather than half step can be recommended for calculations. Moreover, due to technical reasons, heating rather than cooling scans provide the most reliable results of activation energy calculations. Furthermore, a simple method based on the width of the glass transition region shows reasonable results for single scan experiments. The activation energies of the glass transition in sucrose-water system with different water contents and different thermal histories were studied. Since it is impossible to apply traditional methods based on Moynihan equation for the activation energy evaluation for freeze-dried samples, we propose using another method based on the properties of the recovery peak. Combining the results obtained by different methods, we present a dependence of activation energy in sucrose-water system on water content. The results show that water decreases the activation energy of relaxation process in sucrose matrix.
How does government expenditure impact sustainable development? Studying the multidimensional link between budgets and development gaps
Authors: Guerrero Omar A. , Castañeda Gonzalo 
Published: February 2022

AbstractWe develop a bottom-up causal framework to study the impact of public spending on high-dimensional and interdependent policy spaces in the context of socioeconomic and environmental development. Using data across 140 countries, we estimate the indicator-country-specific development gaps that will remain open in 2030. We find large heterogeneity in development gaps, and non-linear responses to changes in the total amount of government expenditure. Importantly, our method identifies bounds to how much a gap can be reduced by 2030 through sheer increments in public spending. We show that these structural bottlenecks cannot be addressed through expenditure on the existing government programs, but require novel micro-policies intended to affect behaviors, technologies, and organizational practices. One particular set of bottlenecks that stands out relates to the environmental issues contained in the sustainable development goals 14 and 15.
Integrated Experimental and Thermodynamic Modeling Investigation of Phase Equilibria in the PbO–MgO–SiO2 System in Air
Authors: Abdeyazdan Hamed , Shevchenko Maksym , Hayes Peter C. , Jak Evgueni 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Magnesium oxide-based refractory materials are used industrially to contain the chemically aggressive slags present in lead smelting systems. In the present study an integrated experimental and thermodynamic modeling approach was taken to provide fundamental information on the chemical reactions taking place in these systems. New experimental phase equilibria and liquidus data were obtained for the PbO–MgO–SiO2 system in air in the temperature range 750 °C to 1740 °C. In the MgO–SiO2 binary, new experimental results were obtained at 1550 °C to 1740 °C and compared to the available thermodynamic data in the literature. The experiments were carried out using the high-temperature equilibration of oxide powder mixtures followed by rapid quenching of the samples. Electron probe X-ray microanalysis (EPMA) was used to determine the compositions of the solid and liquid phases present at equilibrium conditions. Phase equilibria and liquidus isotherms in the cristobalite and tridymite (SiO2), pyroxene (protoenstatite MgSiO3), olivine (forsterite Mg2SiO4), barysilite (Pb8MgSi6O21), massicot (PbO) and periclase (MgO) primary phase fields were measured, and the extent of the high-silica two-liquid immiscibility gap in equilibrium with cristobalite was determined. The experimental results were used to optimize the parameters in a thermodynamic database that was subsequently used to describe this multi-component, multi-phase system and predict the liquidus for the PbO–MgO–SiO2 system. The new data were used to characterize the chemical interactions of magnesia-based refractory with PbO–MgO–SiO2 slags.
Circulating Tumour DNA in Melanoma—Clinic Ready?
Authors: Tivey Ann , Britton Fiona , Scott Julie-Ann , Rothwell Dominic , Lorigan Paul , Lee Rebecca 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Purpose of Review
Liquid biopsies, including circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA), can inform a variety of clinical questions. This review examines the potential role of ctDNA as a clinical tool to inform clinical decision-making from early to late stage cutaneous melanoma.

Recent Findings
In pre-clinical studies, ctDNA has been shown to detect minimal residual disease and molecular relapse; predict and monitor response to therapy; and identify key resistance mechanisms. Here, we examine the potential utility of ctDNA and discuss its limitations for use in patients with melanoma. We present novel clinical trials, which are testing its value as a tool to augment clinical decision-making. Finally, we discuss the steps that are needed to ensure that ctDNA is used optimally in order to improve outcomes for patients with melanoma.

Summary
Preclinical studies have shown that ctDNA has huge potential to provide real-time information about disease status in patients with melanoma. It is now time to test it rigorously within clinical trials to assess how it can be optimally used to benefit patients in the clinic.
The association between dispositional mindfulness and empathy among undergraduate nursing students: A multicenter cross-sectional study
Authors: Ardenghi Stefano , Russo Selena , Luciani Michela , Salvarani Valerio , Rampoldi Giulia , Bani Marco , Ausili Davide , Di Mauro Stefania , Strepparava Maria Grazia 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe aim of this study was to explore the role of gender, age, and academic year in shaping dispositional mindfulness (DM) and the association between DM facets and empathy dimensions in a sample of undergraduate nursing students. In a multicenter cross-sectional study design, the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI), and socio-demographic questions were administrated to a convenience sample of Italian nursing students. 622 nursing students (82.2% female) participated in the study (response rate = 86.15%). Females had higher levels of Acting with Awareness (p < .001, d = .54) and lower levels of Non-reacting (p < .001, d = .52) facets of DM than males. Older students displayed higher scores on the Observing (r = .112, p = .005) and on the Non-reacting (r = .187, p < .001) FFMQ subscales than younger ones. No statistically significant differences in DM levels between the three academic years were found (ps > .202). After controlling for socio-demographic factors, DM facets were generally positively related to Perspective Taking (βs from .131 to .208, ps < .007) and Empathic Concern (βs from −.156 to .189, ps < .001), whereas negatively related to Personal Distress (βs from −.141 to −.261, ps < .001). Nursing students with higher levels of DM were more able to consider others’ cognitive perspective and to feel compassion, and were less emotionally distressed when facing tense interpersonal situations. Tailored mindfulness interventions might be useful to foster functional empathy within nursing undergraduate programs.
Stability of Compact Symmetric Spaces
Authors: Semmelmann Uwe , Weingart Gregor 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIn this article, we study the stability problem for the Einstein–Hilbert functional on compact symmetric spaces following and completing the seminal work of Koiso on the subject. We classify in detail the irreducible representations of simple Lie algebras with Casimir eigenvalue less than the Casimir eigenvalue of the adjoint representation and use this information to prove the stability of the Einstein metrics on both the quaternionic and Cayley projective plane. Moreover, we prove that the Einstein metrics on quaternionic Grassmannians different from projective spaces are unstable.
Ulcus cruris venosum
Authors: Weber B. , Deinsberger J. 
Published: February 2022

ZusammenfassungDas Ulcus cruris venosum entsteht im Rahmen einer fortgeschrittenen chronisch-venösen Insuffizienz und stellt die häufigste Entität chronischer Ulzerationen der unteren Extremität dar. Da die Prävalenz im Alter deutlich ansteigt, stellen venöse Ulzera in einer alternden Gesellschaft ein zunehmend relevantes Gesundheitsproblem dar, welches mit einer signifikanten Morbidität und einer hohen sozioökonomischen Belastung verbunden ist. Die Behandlung stellt aufgrund der niedrigen Heilungsrate, der häufigen Chronifizierung und der hohen Rezidivrate eine Herausforderung dar. Die Therapie umfasst in der Regel mehrere Modalitäten, wobei stets die Reduktion der venösen Hypertension in den zuführenden Gefäßen im Vordergrund steht. Bezüglich konservativer Therapieoptionen stehen die Kompressionstherapie, die pharmakologische Therapie sowie ergänzend die lokale Wundpflege zur Verfügung. Im Rahmen der kausalen, invasiven Therapie der dem Ulkus zugrunde liegenden Varkositas finden vor allem endoluminal-ablative Verfahren, die offene chirurgische Sanierung und die Schaumsklerotherapie ihre Anwendung. Neben einer Optimierung der invasiven Verfahren, liegt vor allem in der Entwicklung adjuvanter Therapiemodalitäten noch großes Potenzial.
A review on organosolv pretreatment of softwood with a focus on enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose
Authors: Vaidya Alankar A. , Murton Karl D. , Smith Dawn A. , Dedual Gaetano 
Published: February 2022

AbstractA clean and efficient fractionation of biomass into cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin streams is a key step in biofuel and biorefinery industries. Lignin-free cellulose and hemicellulose streams can be enzymatically hydrolysed to sugars for fermentation to different biofuels, high value biochemicals and biopolymers. Towards this objective, organosolv pretreatment is the promising strategy to separate lignin from carbohydrates. Scientific information on the organosolv pretreatment using lignocellulosic biomass in general and various organic wastes is available with a focus on lignin separation and its use. Amongst different lignocellulosic biomass, softwood is a challenging feedstock due to recalcitrance towards enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose. The aim of this review is to describe technical and research efforts on various organosolv processes developed specifically for softwood as a feedstock and how it influences enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose. Process severity factor, selection of the solvent and choice of a catalyst in organosolv process are discussed. The differences in conventional pulping versus organosolv pretreatment and physico-chemical changes that occur in organosolv fractionated cellulose, lignin and hemicellulose are explained. Pilot and demonstration scale organosolv treatment plants and the challenges they face going towards commercialisation, as well as a path to the future growth and advancement in softwood organosolv processes, are discussed.
Graphical abstract