bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing the consistency of the fixed-effects estimator: a regression-based Wald test
Authors: Spierdijk Laura 
Published: September 2022

AbstractUnder large-n and fixed-T panel data asymptotics, we develop a method to test a sufficient condition for the FE estimator’s consistency using a stacked regression framework. The resulting test exploits a previously unnoted relation between the fixed-effects estimator and the short- and long-differences estimators. It takes the familiar form of a panel-robust Wald test, but is also shown to be asymptotically equivalent to a GMM test. We provide a theoretical comparison between our test and two existing ones from the literature, which are shown to focus on generic strict exogeneity conditions instead of being specifically related to the FE estimator’s moment conditions. We investigate our test’s finite-sample properties in a simulation study, where we continue the comparison with the other tests. We show that our test has good finite-sample properties, especially if the estimator of the covariance matrix is based on a panel bootstrap. The practical use of our test is illustrated in two applications to existing data from the literature.
Lateral extension and attachment of mesh to the lateral vagina during laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy: a modified technique aimed at lowering recurrences in the anterior vaginal compartment. A surgical video
Authors: Bousouni E. , Sarlos D. 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Purpose/objective
Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy has been demonstrated to be the gold standard of prolapse surgery in cases with apical defect. Most recurrences seem to occur in the anterior compartment, especially if a paravaginal defect is present. To reduce the incidence of anterior recurrence after laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy we modified our previous published technique by placing the anterior mesh not only deep under the bladder but also laterally and fixing it to the lateral edge of the vagina. With this video article, we would like to show and explain our modified technique and demonstrate how lateral mesh placement can be easily and safely performed using laparoscopy.

Methods
The video demonstrates our modified technique with lateral extension and fixation of the anterior mesh to the lateral vagina during laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy in a patient with severe uterine prolapse (grade III) and a large cystocele (grade III). Special emphasis is given to the topographical anatomy of the paravaginal space and the surgical technique of lateral fixation.

Results
This modified new technique shows excellent perioperative results in more than 100 cases without any occurrences of lesions of the ureters. Our initial experience also shows very good anatomical results in all three compartments.

Conclusions
Paravaginal dissection and exposure of the ureters to extend the mesh placement and fixation to the lateral border of the vagina in the anterior compartment during laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy seem to be feasible and safe, helping to significantly reduce the risk of anterior recurrences. Prospective data are needed to evaluate this interesting technique.
„Black esophagus“ – zwei Obduktionsfälle mit infektiöser Beteiligung
Authors: Stock Benjamin , Möckel Sigrid , Zander Christine , Heinsen Helmut , Bohnert Simone , Bohnert Michael 
Published: September 2022

Zusammenfassung„Black esophagus“ oder „akute Ösophagusnekrose“ (AÖN) ist eine seltene Erkrankung, die sich makroskopisch durch eine zirkumferente Schwarzverfärbung der Ösophagusmukosa mit abruptem Ende am gastroösophagealen Übergang auszeichnet. Die genaue Pathogenese ist unbekannt; es werden multifaktorielle Einflüsse wie z. B. Säurereflux, Ischämie und verringerte Schutzmechanismen der Mukosa als mögliche Ursachen diskutiert.Vorgestellt werden 2 Obduktionsfälle, die typische Befunde einer AÖN aufwiesen. Zusätzlich hatten Fall 1 eine Candida-Infektion und Fall 2 eine Appendizitis, sodass eine infektiöse Genese in beiden Fällen eine Rolle gespielt haben könnte.
Complex Dirac Structures: Invariants and Local Structure
Authors: Aguero Dan , Rubio Roberto 
Published: September 2022

AbstractWe study complex Dirac structures, that is, Dirac structures in the complexified generalized tangent bundle. These include presymplectic foliations, transverse holomorphic structures, CR-related geometries and generalized complex structures. We introduce two invariants, the order and the (normalized) type. We show that, together with the real index, they allow us to obtain a pointwise classification of complex Dirac structures. For constant order, we prove the existence of an underlying real Dirac structure, which generalizes the Poisson structure associated to a generalized complex structure. For constant real index and order, we prove a splitting theorem, which gives a local description in terms of a presymplectic leaf and a small transversal.
Interrelationship among spatial cohesion, aggression rate, counter-aggression and female dominance in three lemur species
Authors: Seex Lauren , Fichtel Claudia , Kappeler Peter M. , Hemelrijk Charlotte K. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractHow social and ecological factors are associated with variation in dominance style across species of animals has been studied frequently, but the underlying processes are often not addressed. Theoretical research indicates that stronger spatial cohesion among individuals in a group causes a higher frequency of fighting and, thus, through the self-reinforcing effects of winning and losing fights, a stronger differentiation of the dominance hierarchy and dominance of females over more males. Our aim in the present paper is to study whether the same interrelationship among processes may underlie differences in dominance style among three species of lemur that differ in their degree of despotism:Lemur catta,Propithecus verreauxiandEulemur rufifrons. We investigated their agonistic interactions and spatial cohesion based on 2752 h of observational data of 20 wild groups of these three species. We determined dominance style using the proportion of counter-aggression, with a lower proportion indicating a more despotic dominance style. We found that stronger spatial cohesion among individuals is associated with a higher rate of aggression, stronger despotism and dominance of females over more males. The results of our study emphasise the general importance of spatial cohesion in determining dominance style.Significance statementTheoretical studies have shown that the spatial configuration of individuals in a group influences the dominance style. In an agent-based model, DomWorld, individuals are guided by simple rules of grouping and fighting and emergent patterns of behaviour switch between resembling those of despotic or egalitarian primates depending on the degree of cohesion in groups. Yet this link has seldom been studied empirically. We, therefore, examine the relevance of spatial cohesion on patterns of behaviour of individuals in groups of three species of lemur. We confirm the predictions from the model and show that stronger spatial cohesion results in more frequent aggression, a more despotic dominance style and stronger female dominance over males. In light of this, we urge future research of animal dominance to include measures of cohesion.
Investigating the flow field dynamics of transonic shock buffet using particle image velocimetry
Authors: Kokmanian Katherine , Scharnowski Sven , Schäfer Clara , Accorinti Alessandro , Baur Tim , Kähler Christian J. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractAn experimental investigation was performed in order to better understand the transonic shock buffet phenomenon and determine the dominant flow interactions at specific flow conditions. A rigid wing in the shape of an OAT15A airfoil was placed in the Trisonic Wind Tunnel Munich, where both the Mach number and the angle of attack were varied between $$0.65< M_\infty < 0.77$$

0.65
<

M
∞

<
0.77

and $$3.8< \alpha < 6.3^\circ$$

3.8
<
α
<
6
.

3
∘

respectively. With the use of high-speed imaging, high-quality optics and state-of-the-art laser equipment, highly resolved velocity field measurements were obtained via particle image velocimetry, where the streamwise and vertical velocity components were computed over the suction side of the wing center plane. It was shown that sustained buffet first occurs at $$M_\infty \ge 0.74$$

M
∞

≥
0.74

when maintaining the angle of attack constant at $$\alpha =5.8^\circ$$

α
=
5
.

8
∘

. Similarly, an increase in $$\alpha$$
α
for a fixed $$M_\infty =0.74$$

M
∞

=
0.74

also led to the development of shock buffet. Instantaneous snapshots confirmed the presence of a recirculation region downstream of the moving shock, where an increase in the wake size was confirmed when the shock was located most upstream. Streamwise correlations were also computed near the airfoil’s upper surface in order to extract the characteristic convective velocity of flow structures. The convective velocity appeared to increase with streamwise distance, ranging on average between 50 and 150 m/s. Overall, these time-resolved velocity field measurements allow for the investigation of the flow dynamics during shock buffet and highlight the independent effect of Mach number and angle of attack on this complex phenomenon.
First review on the selenium status in Germany covering the last 50 years and on the selenium content of selected food items
Authors: Liaskos Marina , Fark Nicole , Ferrario Paola , Engelbert Ann Katrin , Merz Benedikt , Hartmann Bernd , Watzl Bernhard 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Introduction
Selenium is important for human health. However, the selenium status and selenium intake of the German population has not been recorded in a representative study so far.

Material and Methods
Thus, literature from the last 50 years was screened in a systematic way and the results of various studies were pulled together to shed light on the selenium status of the German population. Moreover, the selenium content of selected food items that were either found on the German market or grown in Germany was researched and evaluated.

Results
Of 3542 articles identified, 37 studies met the inclusion criteria. These 37 studies comprised a total of 8,010 healthy adults living in Germany with a weighted arithmetic mean of 82 μg/l selenium in plasma or serum. The results will form a basis for interpreting upcoming results from national food consumption surveys. Furthermore, 363 selenium values for 199 food items were identified out of 20 data sources—published or analysed between 2002 and 2019. An estimation of the selenium intake of the German population will be possible with this data in future nutrition surveys.
Nonregional small fibre neuropathy in cases of autoimmune autonomic neuropathy
Authors: Maier Andrea , Kapfenberger Romina , Katona Istvan , Weis Joachim , Schulz Jörg B. , Rolke Roman 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Objective
Autonomic small fibre neuropathy is described in patients with autoimmune autonomic neuropathy (AAN). Few data are available on somatosensory function and skin biopsies in AAN.

Methods
Retrospective analysis of 17 patients (51.2 ± 6.8 years, n = 7 males) with AAN, including autoantibodies, quantitative sensory testing (QST, n = 13) and intraepithelial nerve fibre density (IENFD) in skin biopsy (n = 16). QST was performed according to the DFNS protocol over hands and feet dorsum. QST data were compared to healthy controls. Comparison of antibody-positive and antibody-negative cases.

Results
70.6% of patients were antibody positive. 82.4% described at least one episode with sensory symptoms. Skin biopsies revealed reduced IENFD in 58.8% of patients, whereas neuropathic pain was only present in 41.2%. QST showed a nonregional increase for nonpainful thermal and mechanical detection rather than for mechanical pain thresholds. Compared to healthy controls, sensory loss for cold and warm detection thresholds and for the thermal sensory limen—the temperature difference between alternating warm and cold stimuli—was found on hands and feet (all p < 0.05). For nonpainful mechanical stimuli, the vibration detection threshold on the hand was increased (p < 0.05). Of all pain thresholds, only the mechanical pain threshold was elevated for pinprick stimuli to the feet (p < 0.05).

Interpretation
Findings are consistent with a sensory small fibre more than large fibre neuropathy in AAN. Sensory loss was comparably distributed across hands and feet, indicating that nerve fibre dysfunction was rather generalized. Serostatus was not a significant predictor of the small fibre deficit present in AAN.
Exercise regulates shelterin genes and microRNAs implicated in ageing in Thoroughbred horses
Authors: Mandal Shama , Denham Michele M. , Spencer Sarah J. , Denham Joshua 
Published: September 2022

Abstract Ageing causes a gradual deterioration of bodily functions and telomere degradation. Excessive telomere shortening leads to cellular senescence and decreases tissue vitality. Six proteins, called shelterin, protect telomere integrity and control telomere length through telomerase-dependent mechanisms. Exercise training appears to maintain telomeres in certain somatic cells, although the underlying molecular mechanisms are incompletely understood. Here, we examined the influence of a single bout of vigorous exercise training on leukocyte telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) and shelterin gene expression, and the abundance of three microRNAs (miRNAs) implicated in biological ageing (miRNA-143, -223 and -486-5p) in an elite athlete and large animal model, Thoroughbred horses. Gene and miRNA expression were analysed using primer-based and TaqMan Assay qPCR. Leukocyte TRF1, TRF2 and POT1 expression were all significantly increased whilst miR-223 and miR-486-5p were decreased immediately after vigorous exercise (all p < 0.05), and tended to return to baseline levels 24 h after training. Relative to the young horses (~ 3.9 years old), middle-aged horses (~ 14.8 years old) exhibited reduced leukocyte TERT gene expression, and increased POT1 and miR-223 abundance (all p < 0.05). These data demonstrate that genes transcribing key components of the shelterin-telomere complex are influenced by ageing and dynamically regulated by a single bout of vigorous exercise in a large, athletic mammal — Thoroughbred horses. Our findings also implicate TERT and shelterin gene transcripts as potential targets of miR-223 and miR-486-5p, which are modulated by exercise and may have a role in the telomere maintenance and genomic stability associated with long-term aerobic training.
What does the best interests principle of the convention on the rights of the child mean for paediatric healthcare?
Authors: März Julian W. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThe present review analyses the implications of the best interests of the child principle, which is one of the most widely discussed principles of medical ethics and human rights, for paediatric healthcare. As a starting point, it presents the interpretation of the best interests principle by the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child. On this basis, it points out possible fields of application of the best interests principle with regard to paediatric healthcare and discusses the potential difficulties in the application of the best interests principle. Based on this, it illustrates the implications of the best interests principle for paediatric healthcare through four case studies, which look at ethical dilemmas in paediatric gynaecology, end-of-life care, HIV care and genetic testing. Conclusion: The best interests principle requires action, inter alia, by health policymakers, professional associations, hospital managers and medical teams to ensure children receive the best possible healthcare. Whilst the best interests principle does not provide a conclusive solution to all ethical dilemmas in paediatric healthcare (as illustrated by the case studies), it provides children, medical teams, parents and families, and clinical ethicists with an indispensable framework for health care centred on the rights of the child.

What is Known:• The best interests principle is one of the most widely discussed principles of medical ethics and human rights and one of the four general principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

What is New:• The present review discusses possible fields of application and potential difficulties of the best interests principle with regard to paediatric healthcare.• Based on this, it illustrates the implications of the best interests principle for paediatric healthcare through four case studies, which look at ethical dilemmas in paediatric gynaecology, end-of-life care, HIV care and genetic testing.
Prolonged grief as a disease?
Authors: Lutz Ronja , Eibauer Cornelia , Frewer Andreas 
Published: September 2022

AbstractDefinition of the problemThe eleventh version of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), which became effective in 2022, has raised a number of issues associated with medical ethics.ArgumentsIn this context the paper explores the normative view of grief as a disease. ICD-11 contains the new diagnosis of “prolonged grief disorder” with a definition that fails to aid its clear distinction from the normal course of grief. The article discusses the philosophical and ethical implications of this diagnosis and explores the risks of medicalizing and pathologizing grief which may lead to an undermining of its value.Conclusions and further perspectivesThe paper’s specific focus is the particular case of parental grief. We show that pediatric palliative care counteracts many risk factors for difficult grief reactions and may therefore serve as a valuable instrument for their prevention. We propose in this context the concept of “advance bereavement planning” as a potentially beneficial extension of advance care planning and palliative care in general.
Sport improved medium-term results in a prospective cohort of 785 adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis braced full time. SOSORT 2018 award winner
Authors: Negrini Alessandra , Poggio Martina , Donzelli Sabrina , Vanossi Massimiliano , Cordani Claudio , Romano Michele , Negrini Stefano 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Purpose
The association between idiopathic scoliosis (IS) and sports activities remains vague. We aimed to analyse their effect on full-time braced adolescents with IS.

Methods
We retrospectively recruited all the consecutive patients of a tertiary referral Institute of age ≥ 10 (adolescents), with a juvenile (JIS) or adolescent (AIS) IS diagnosis, Risser 0–2, TLSO brace prescription and self-reported adherence ≥ 20 h per day, and follow-up out-of-brace X-rays 18 months after brace prescription. We divided participants into two groups: SPORT (sport twice or more per week) and CONTROL (sport once per week or less). We calculated odds ratio (OR) to compare the outcome of subjects performing to those not performing sport. We ran a logistic regression with covariate adjustment to assess if sports frequency affected the outcomes.

Results
Out of 33,311 participants assessed for eligibility, 785 satisfied the inclusion criteria (693 females, age 12.7 ± 1.3 and 40 ± 11° Cobb). The SPORT group consisted of 290 participants and the CONTROL group of 495. The SPORT group showed higher odds of improvement (OR = 1.59, 95%CI = 1.17–2.16, p = 0.0018). The odds of improving increased with the frequency of sports activity (OR = 1.20, 95%CI 1.08–1.34).

Conclusion
This study shows that sports activities increase the odds of improvement at 18-month follow-up in adolescents with IS treated with a full-time brace. The odds of improvement increase with sports week frequency.
The relationship between thyroid dysfunction, cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in type 2 diabetes: The Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase II
Authors: Chubb S. A. Paul , Peters Kirsten E. , Bruce David G. , Davis Wendy A. , Davis Timothy M. E. 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Aims
It is uncertain whether subclinical thyroid dysfunction is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) events and mortality in people with type 2 diabetes. The aim of this study was to determine whether undetected thyroid disease increases the risk of incident CVD and death in type 2 diabetes.

Methods
One thousand two hundred fifty participants with type 2 diabetes (mean age 65.3 years, 56.5% males, median diabetes duration 8.0 years) without known thyroid disease and not taking medications known to affect thyroid function were categorised, based on baseline serum free thyroxine (FT4) and thyrotropin (TSH) concentrations, as euthyroid, overt hypothyroid (increased TSH, low FT4), subclinical hypothyroid (increased TSH, normal FT4), overt thyrotoxic (decreased TSH, raised FT4) or subclinical thyrotoxic (decreased TSH, normal FT4). Incident myocardial infarction, incident stroke, all-cause and cardiovascular mortality were ascertained during a mean 6.2–6.7 years of follow-up.

Results
Most participants with newly-detected thyroid dysfunction had subclinical hypothyroidism (77.2%) while overt/subclinical thyrotoxicosis was infrequent. Compared to participants with TSH 0.34–2.9 mU/L, those with TSH > 5.1 mU/L were not at increased risk of incident myocardial infarction (adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence limits) 1.77 (0.71, 2.87)), incident stroke (1.66 (0.58, 4.78)), all-cause mortality (0.78 (0.44, 1.37)) or cardiovascular mortality (1.16 (0.38, 3.58)). Independent baseline associates of subclinical hypothyroidism included estimated glomerular filtration rate and systolic blood pressure.

Conclusions
Subclinical hypothyroidism was not independently associated with CVD events or mortality in community-dwelling people with type 2 diabetes despite its associations with CVD risk factors, questioning strategies to identify and/or treat mild thyroid dysfunction outside usual care.
The electrochemical behaviour of butyltrimethylammonium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide at negatively polarised aluminium electrode studied by in situ soft X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry techniques
Authors: Kruusma Jaanus , Käämbre Tanel , Tõnisoo Arvo , Kisand Vambola , Lust Karmen , Lust Enn 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThe in situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy data indicate that butyltrimethylammonium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (N4111(TFSI)) adsorbs strongly within the potential range −3.25 V < E < −2.25 V and specifically at E < −3.25 V (vs. Ag-QRE) at the Al electrode. Strong adsorption of the intermediates of N4111(TFSI) electrochemical decomposition was observed in electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry measurements. At E < −4.25 V (vs. Ag-QRE), very intensive electrochemical reduction of N4111(TFSI) took place at the Al electrode giving gaseous products. In the potential range from − 2.25 to 0.00 V (vs. Ag-QRE), non-specific adsorption of N4111(TFSI) exists et al. surface.
Step on it: asymmetric gain functions improve starting and stopping in virtual reality walking
Authors: van Gemert Thomas , Hornbæk Kasper , Bergström Joanna 
Published: September 2022

AbstractTransfer functions with a high translational gain can increase the range of walking in virtual reality. These functions determine how much virtual movements are amplified compared to the corresponding physical movements. However, it is unclear how the design of these functions influences the user’s gait and experience when walking with high gain values. In a mixed-methods study with 20 users, we find that their best transfer functions are nonlinear and asymmetrical for starting and stopping. We use an optimization approach to determine individually optimized functions that are significantly better than a common approach of using a constant gain. Based on interviews, we also discuss what qualities of walking matter to users and how these vary across different functions. Our work shows that it is possible to create high-gain walking techniques that offer dramatically increased range of motion and speed but still feel like normal walking.