bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Calibration of model for the utilization rate of organic and nitrogenated substrates by the microorganism in a sequencing batch reactor
Authors: Freytez Boggio Estefanía , Márquez Romance Adriana Mercedes , Pire Sierra María Carolina , Guevara Pérez Edilberto , Pérez Pacheco Sergio Alejandro
Published: August 2021

This paper deals with the calibration of the model for the utilization rate of organic and nitrogenated substrates (URONS) by the microorganisms in a sequencing batch reactor. The URONS model parameterization was carried out using data obtained from two experimental designs (EDs) applied on tannery wastewater (TW), which included as factors: First ED (aeration sequence and cycle duration) reached a COD removal efficiency (RE) between 29% (cycle duration of 6 h) and 48% (cycle duration of 24 h). Second ED (aeration sequence and filling time) obtained COD‐RE (47–51%), NH4‐N–RE (71–91%), and TKN‐RE (50–67%). The URONS model was based on Monod's equation modification. For the first ED, the results of the maximum URONS parameter of 135–946 mg/L·h suggest the organic substrate accumulation due to a possible inhibition of the microorganisms by TW substances such as heavy metals and metal halides. For the second ED, the parameter values resulted negative and varying in the order of −10−2 to −10−4 mg/L·h with respect to for the first ED indicating that a better microorganism performance for URONS occurred in the second ED. For both EDs, the saturation parameter values compared to the effluent substrate concentration suggest that the primary substrate for biodegradation was present in the TW.
Edward Boden
Authors: Alder Martin
Published: August 2021

An inspirational editor of The Veterinary Record, he was skilled at getting the best from his staff.
Effects of pentoxifylline on canine platelet aggregation
Authors: Thomason John M. , Archer Todd M. , Wills Robert W. , Mackin Andrew J.
Published: August 2021

Background

Pentoxifylline can decrease platelet function in humans, but the anti‐platelet effects of pentoxifylline in dogs is unknown. The addition of a luciferin–luciferase reagent during platelet aggregometry can induce a dose‐dependent potentiation of platelet aggregation.

Objective

To determine if exposure to pentoxifylline, without the addition of a luciferin–luciferase reagent during aggregometry, causes canine platelet dysfunction. Our hypotheses were that pentoxifylline would inhibit platelet function, and that the addition of a luciferin–luciferase reagent would obscure detection of pentoxifylline‐induced platelet dysfunction as measured via aggregometry.

Methods

Seven healthy Walker hound dogs. Platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) and whole blood were treated for 30 minutes with pentoxifylline: 0 (control), 1 and 2 μg/mL. The platelet aggregation was determined using optical (maximum amplitude) and impedance (ohms) aggregometry using collagen as the agonists, with and without a luciferin–luciferase reagent. Four samples were analysed per concentration and the results were averaged.

Results

Based on optical aggregometry, there was no difference (p = 0.964) in the mean maximum amplitude at any pentoxifylline concentration, with and without the luciferin–luciferase reagent. During impedance aggregometry, the addition of a luciferin–luciferase reagent was associated with significantly (p < 0.001) greater platelet aggregation in response to a collagen agonist, regardless of the presence or absence of pentoxifylline.

Conclusions

Pentoxifylline does not exert an in vitro anti‐platelet effect on canine platelet aggregation when collagen is used as an agonist, but it is unknown if long‐term oral drug administration will inhibit platelet aggregation. The addition of a luciferin–luciferase reagent during platelet aggregometry can artificially enhance canine platelet aggregation.
Poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐based additives: Plasticization efficacy and migration resistance
Authors: Jamarani Roya , Halloran Matthew W. , Panchal Kushal , Nicell Jim A. , Leask Richard L. , Marić Milan
Published: August 2021

A family of poly(caprolactone) (PCL)‐based oligomeric additives was evaluated as plasticizers for poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC). We found that the entire family of additives, which consist of a PCL core, diester linker, and alkyl chain cap, were effective plasticizers that improve migration resistance. The elongation at break and tensile strength of the blends made with the PCL‐based additives were comparable to blends prepared with diisononyl phthalate (DINP), a plasticizer typically used industrially, and diheptyl succinate (DHPS), an alternative biodegradable plasticizer. Increasing concentration was found to decrease glass transition temperature (Tg) and increase elongation at break, confirming their role as functional plasticizers. We found that all of the PCL‐based plasticizers exhibited significantly reduced leaching into hexanes compared to DINP and DHPS. The PCL‐based plasticizers with shorter carbon chain lengths reduced leaching more than those with longer carbon chain lengths.
String correlators on AdS3: three-point functions
Authors: Dei Andrea , Eberhardt Lorenz
Published: August 2021

Abstract

We revisit the computation of string worldsheet correlators on Euclidean AdS3 with pure NS-NS background. We compute correlation functions with insertions of spectrally flowed operators. We explicitly solve all the known constraints of the model and for the first time conjecture a closed formula for three-point functions with arbitrary amount of spectral flow. We explain the relation of our results with previous computations in the literature and derive the fusion rules of the model. This paper is the first in a series with several installments.
Condensable models of set theory
Authors: Enayat Ali
Published: August 2021

A model $${\mathcal {M}}$$
M
of ZF is said to be condensable if $$ {\mathcal {M}}\cong {\mathcal {M}}(\alpha )\prec _{\mathbb {L}_{{\mathcal {M}}}} {\mathcal {M}}$$

M
≅
M

(
α
)

≺

L
M

M

for some “ordinal” $$\alpha \in \mathrm {Ord}^{{\mathcal {M}}}$$

α
∈

Ord

M

, where $$\mathcal {M}(\alpha ):=(\mathrm {V}(\alpha ),\in )^{{\mathcal {M}}}$$

M

(
α
)

:
=

(
V

(
α
)

,
∈
)

M

and $$\mathbb {L}_{{\mathcal {M}}}$$

L
M

is the set of formulae of the infinitary logic $$\mathbb {L}_{\infty ,\omega }$$

L

∞
,
ω

that appear in the well-founded part of $${\mathcal {M}}$$
M
. The work of Barwise and Schlipf in the 1970s revealed the fact that every countable recursively saturated model of ZF is cofinally condensable (i.e., $${\mathcal {M}}\cong {\mathcal {M}}(\alpha ) \prec _{\mathbb {L}_{{\mathcal {M}}}}{\mathcal {M}}$$

M
≅
M

(
α
)

≺

L
M

M

for an unbounded collection of $$\alpha \in \mathrm {Ord}^{{\mathcal {M}}}$$

α
∈

Ord

M

). Moreover, it can be readily shown that any $$\omega $$
ω
-nonstandard condensable model of $$\mathrm {ZF}$$
ZF
is recursively saturated. These considerations provide the context for the following result that answers a question posed to the author by Paul Kindvall Gorbow.

Theorem A.Assuming a modest set-theoretic hypothesis, there is a countable model $${\mathcal {M}}$$
M
of ZFC that is bothdefinably well-founded (i.e., every first order definable element of $${\mathcal {M}}$$
M
is in the well-founded part of $$\mathcal {M)}$$

M
)

andcofinally condensable. We also provide various equivalents of the notion of condensability, including the result below.

Theorem B.The following are equivalent for a countable model$${\mathcal {M}}$$
M
of $$\mathrm {ZF}$$
ZF
: (a) $${\mathcal {M}}$$
M
is condensable. (b) $${\mathcal {M}}$$
M
is cofinally condensable. (c) $${\mathcal {M}}$$
M
is nonstandard and $$\mathcal {M}(\alpha )\prec _{\mathbb {L}_{{\mathcal {M}}}}{\mathcal {M}}$$

M

(
α
)

≺

L
M

M

for an unbounded collection of $$ \alpha \in \mathrm {Ord}^{{\mathcal {M}}}$$

α
∈

Ord

M

.
Wong–Zakai Approximation for Landau–Lifshitz–Gilbert Equation Driven by Geometric Rough Paths
Authors: Fahim Kistosil , Hausenblas Erika , Mukherjee Debopriya
Published: August 2021

We adapt Lyon’s rough path theory to study Landau–Lifshitz–Gilbert equations (LLGEs) driven by geometric rough paths in one dimension, with non-zero exchange energy only. We convert the LLGEs to a fully nonlinear time-dependent partial differential equation without rough paths term by a suitable transformation. Our point of interest is the regular approximation of the geometric rough path. We investigate the limit equation, the form of the correction term, and its convergence rate in controlled rough path spaces. The key ingredients for constructing the solution and its corresponding convergence results are the Doss–Sussmann transformation, maximal regularity property, and the geometric rough path theory.
Complications of percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography and biliary drainage, a multicenter observational study
Authors: Turan Ayla S. , Jenniskens Sjoerd , Martens Jasper M. , Rutten Matthieu J. C. M. , Yo Lonneke S. F. , van Strijen Marco J. L. , Drenth Joost P. H. , Siersema Peter D. , van Geenen Erwin J. M.
Published: August 2021

Objectives

Over 2500 percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography and biliary drainage (PTCD) procedures are yearly performed in the Netherlands. Most interventions are performed for treatment of biliary obstruction following unsuccessful endoscopic biliary cannulation. Our aim was to evaluate complication rates and risk factors for complications in PTCD patients after failed ERCP.

Methods

We performed an observational study collecting data from a cohort that was subjected to PTCD during a 5-year period in one academic and four teaching hospitals. Primary objective was the development of infectious (sepsis, cholangitis, abscess, or cholecystitis) and non-infectious complications (bile leakage, severe hemorrhage, etc.) and mortality within 30 days of the procedure. Subsequently, risk factors for complications and mortality were analyzed with a multilevel logistic regression analysis.

Results

A total of 331 patients underwent PTCD of whom 205 (61.9%) developed PTCD-related complications. Of the 224 patients without a pre-existent infection, 91 (40.6%) developed infectious complications, i.e., cholangitis in 26.3%, sepsis in 24.6%, abscess formation in 2.7%, and cholecystitis in 1.3%. Non-infectious complications developed in 114 of 331 patients (34.4%). 30-day mortality was 17.2% (N = 57). Risk factors for infectious complications included internal drainage and drain obstruction, while multiple re-interventions were a risk factor for non-infectious complications.

Conclusion

Both infectious and non-infectious complications are frequent after PTCD, most often due to biliary drain obstruction.
HSF1 induces RNA polymerase II synthesis of ribosomal RNA in S. cerevisiae during nitrogen deprivation
Authors: Vallabhaneni Arjuna Rao , Kabashi Merita , Haymowicz Matt , Bhatt Kushal , Wayman Violet , Ahmed Shazia , Conrad-Webb Heather
Published: August 2021

The resource intensive process of accurate ribosome synthesis is essential for cell viability in all organisms. Ribosome synthesis regulation centers on RNA polymerase I (pol I) transcription of a 35S rRNA precursor that is processed into the mature 18S, 5.8S and 25S rRNAs. During nutrient deprivation or stress, pol I synthesis of rRNA is dramatically reduced. Conversely, chronic stress such as mitochondrial dysfunction induces RNA polymerase II (pol II) to transcribe functional rRNA using an evolutionarily conserved cryptic pol II rDNA promoter suggesting a universal phenomenon. However, this polymerase switches and its role in regulation of rRNA synthesis remain unclear. In this paper, we demonstrate that extended nitrogen deprivation induces the polymerase switch via components of the environmental stress response. We further show that the switch is repressed by Sch9 and activated by the stress kinase Rim15. Like stress-induced genes, the switch requires not only pol II transcription machinery, including the mediator, but also requires the HDAC, Rpd3 and stress transcription factor Hsf1. The current work shows that the constitutive allele, Hsf1PO4* displays elevated levels of induction in non-stress conditions while binding to a conserved site in the pol II rDNA promoter upstream of the pol I promoter. Whether the polymerase switch serves to provide rRNA when pol I transcription is inhibited or fine-tunes pol I initiation via RNA interactions is yet to be determined. Identifying the underlying mechanism for this evolutionary conserved phenomenon will help understand the mechanism of pol II rRNA synthesis and its role in stress adaptation.
Immunogenicity of subcutaneous TNF inhibitors and its clinical significance in real-life setting in patients with spondyloarthritis
Authors: Hiltunen J. , Parmanne P. , Sokka T. , Lamberg T. , Isomäki P. , Kaipiainen-Seppänen O. , Peltomaa R. , Uutela T. , Pirilä L. , Taimen K. , Kauppi M. J. , Yli-Kerttula T. , Tuompo R. , Relas H. , Kortelainen S. , Paalanen K. , Asikainen J. , Ekman P. , Santisteban A. , Vidqvist K.-L. , Tadesse K. , Romu M. , Borodina J. , Elfving P. , Valleala H. , Leirisalo-Repo M. , Rantalaiho V. , Kautiainen H. , Jokiranta T. S. , Eklund K. K. ,   for the FinADASpA Study Group, Kokko Arto , Kononoff Aulikki , Savolainen Elina , Barantseva Julia , Puolitaival Antti , Rannio Tuomas , Koskivirta llpo , Paltta Johanna , Puurtinen-Vilkki Maija , Mali Markku , Rutanen Jarno
Published: August 2021

Key messages

Considerable proportion of patients with SpA have been immunized to the subcutaneous anti-TNF drug they are using. Concomitant use of MTX protects from immunization, whereas SASP does not. Patients with SpA using subcutaneous anti-TNF drugs can benefit from monitoring of the drug trough levels.

Immunization to biological drugs can lead to decreased efficacy and increased risk of adverse effects. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to assess the extent and significance of immunization to subcutaneous tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) patients in real-life setting. A serum sample was taken 1–2 days before the next drug injection. Drug trough concentrations, anti-drug antibodies (ADAb) and TNF-blocking capacity were measured in 273 patients with axSpA using subcutaneous anti-TNF drugs. The clinical activity of SpA was assessed using the Bath AS Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) and the Maastricht AS Entheses Score (MASES). ADAb were found in 11% of the 273 patients: in 21/99 (21%) of patients who used adalimumab, in 0/83 (0%) of those who used etanercept, in 2/79 (3%) of those who used golimumab and in 6/12 (50%) of those who used certolizumab pegol. Use of methotrexate reduced the risk of formation of ADAb, whereas sulfasalazine did not. Presence of ADAb resulted in decreased drug concentration and reduced TNF-blocking capacity. However, low levels of ADAb had no effect on TNF-blocking capacity and did not correlate with disease activity. The drug trough levels were below the consensus target level in 36% of the patients. High BMI correlated with low drug trough concentration. Patients with low drug trough levels had higher disease activity. The presence of anti-drug antibodies was associated with reduced drug trough levels, and the patients with low drug trough levels had higher disease activity. The drug trough levels were below target level in significant proportion of patients and, thus, measuring the drug concentration and ADAb could help to optimize the treatment in SpA patients.
A simple qualitative scale for diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux: high correlations with pH measurements and disease severity. The usefulness of the Warsaw Scale in LPR diagnostics compared to other diagnostic tools
Authors: Wlodarczyk E. , Domeracka-Kolodziej A. , Miaskiewicz B. , Skarzynski H. , Skarzynski P. H.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Diagnosis and monitoring of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a constant challenge in otolaryngological practice, chiefly because there are no specific symptoms characteristic of the disease. In this paper, we present the validation of a simple, 6-level qualitative scale to gauge the clinical findings of LPR. It has been previously published in Polish as the Warsaw Scale.

Methods

In the study, we enrolled 100 patients with voice problems who had registered in our clinic, and we performed an extended battery of diagnostic tests for LPR, together with 24-h pH monitoring.

Results

The Warsaw Scale significantly outperformed other instruments in both predicting LPR status and correlating with pH measurements. Moreover, the rating provided by the scale showed a strong association with patient-reported symptoms.

Conclusion

The data indicate that the Warsaw Scale could be used as an affordable, consistent, and effective diagnostic and monitoring tool for LPR.
From Psychologische Forschung to psychological research: a rough journey through a century
Authors: Heuer Herbert
Published: August 2021

Psychologische Forschungstarted as a journal “für Psychologie und ihre Grenzgebiete” and became strongly associated with the Berlin school of Gestalt psychology. Parallel to the fate of that school, the Journal was discontinued after 1938 and re-appeared only 1949. A number of years with variable and broad editorial boards and without a clear profile followed. In 1974 the Journal switched to English as the first German psychology journal and becamePsychological Research. Gradually and without any abrupt changes—as indicated e.g. by analyses of citing and cited journals—the current profile as “An International Journal of Perception, Attention, Memory, and Action” was developed. During the last one to two decades the number of papers, the number of contributing countries, and the impact increase.
Rapid eruptive transitions from low to high intensity explosions and effusive activity: insights from textural analysis of a small-volume trachytic eruption, Ascension Island, South Atlantic
Authors: Davies Bridie V. , Brown Richard J. , Barclay Jenni , Scarrow Jane H. , Herd Richard A.
Published: August 2021

Proximal deposits of small-volume trachytic eruptions are an under-studied record of eruption dynamics despite being common across a range of settings. The 59 ± 4 ka Echo Canyon deposits, Ascension Island, resulted from a small-volume explosive-effusive trachytic eruption. Variations in juvenile clast texture reveal changes in ascent dynamics and transitions in eruption style. Five dominant textural types are identified within the pumice lapilli population. Early Strombolian-Vulcanian eruption phases are typified by macro- and micro-vesicular equant clast types. Sheared clasts are most abundant at the eruption peak, transitioning to dense clasts in later phases due to shear-induced coalescence, outgassing and vesicle collapse. Melt densification and outgassing via tuffisite veins increased plume density, contributing to partial column collapse and the explosive-effusive transition. Bulk vesicularity distributions indicate a shift in dominant fragmentation mechanism during the eruption, from early-stage bubble interference and rupture to late-stage transient fragmentation, with a transient peak of Plinian activity. Dome and lava groundmass crystallinities of up to 70% indicate near-complete degassing during effusive phases, followed by shallow over pressurisation and a final less explosive phase. We provide textural evidence for high-intensity explosive phases and rapid transitions in eruptive style during small-volume trachytic eruptions and consider the impact of trachytic melt compositions on underlying dynamics of these short-lived, explosive events. This analysis demonstrates the value of detailed stratigraphy in understanding critical changes in eruption dynamics and the timescales over which they may occur which is of particular value in anticipating future eruptions of this type.
New hybrid nature-based algorithm to integration support vector machine for prediction of soil cation exchange capacity
Authors: Emamgholizadeh Samad , Mohammadi Babak
Published: August 2021

Soil cation exchange capacity (CEC) strongly influences the chemical, physical, and biological properties of soil. As the direct measurement of the CEC is difficult, costly, and time-consuming, the indirect estimation of CEC from chemical and physical parameters has been considered as an alternative method by researchers. Accordingly, in this study, a new hybrid model using a support vector machine (SVM), coupling with particle swarm optimization (PSO), and integrated invasive weed optimization (IWO) algorithm is developed for estimating the soil CEC. The physical and chemical data (i.e., clay, organic matter (OM), and pH) from two field sites of Taybad and Semnan in Iran were used for validating the new proposed approach. The ability of the proposed model (SVM-PSOIWO) was compared with the individual model (SVM) and the hybrid model (SVM-PSO). The results of the SVM-PSOIWO model were also compared with those of existing studies. Different performance evaluation criteria such as RMSE,R2, MAE, RRMSE, and MAPE, Box plots, and scatter diagrams were used to test the ability of the proposed models for estimation of the CEC values. The results showed that the SVM-PSOIWO model with the RMSE (R2) of 0.229 Cmol + kg−1(0.924) was better than those of the SVM and SVM-PSO models with the RMSE (R2) of 0.335 Cmol + kg−1(0.843) and 0.279 Cmol + kg−1(0.888), respectively. Furthermore, the ability of the SVM-PSOIWO model compared with existing studies, which used the genetic expression programming, artificial neural network, and multivariate adaptive regression splines models. The results indicated that the SVM-PSOIWO model estimates the CEC more accurately than existing studies.
Prevalence and risk factors for diastasis recti abdominis: a review and proposal of a new anatomical variation
Authors: Cavalli M. , Aiolfi A. , Bruni P. G. , Manfredini L. , Lombardo F. , Bonfanti M. T. , Bona D. , Campanelli G.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) or rectus diastasis is an acquired condition in which the rectus muscles are separated by an abnormal distance along their length, but with no fascia defect.

To data there is no consensus about risk factors for DRA. The aim of this article is to critically review the literature about prevalence and risk factor of DRA.

Method

A total of 13 papers were identified.

Results

The real prevalence of DRA is unknown because the prevalence rate varies with measurement method, measurement site and judgment criteria, but it is certainly an extremely frequent condition. Numbers of parity, BMI, diabetes are the most plausible risk factors.

We identified a new anatomical variation in cadaveric dissection and in abdominal CT image evaluation: along the semilunar line the internal oblique aponeurosis could join the rectus sheath with only a posterior layer, so without a double layer (anterior and posterior) as usually described. We conducted a retrospective review of abdominal CT images and the presence of the posterior insertion only could be considered as a risk factor for DRA.

Conclusion

Further studies with large sample size, including nulliparous, primiparous, pluriparous and men too, are necessary for identify the real prevalence
Forecasting Value-at-Risk in turbulent stock markets via the local regularity of the price process
Authors: Frezza Massimiliano , Bianchi Sergio , Pianese Augusto
Published: August 2021

A new computational approach based on the pointwise regularity exponent of the price time series is proposed to estimate Value at Risk. The forecasts obtained are compared with those of two largely used methodologies: the variance-covariance method and the exponentially weighted moving average method. Our findings show that in two very turbulent periods of financial markets the forecasts obtained using our algorithm decidedly outperform the two benchmarks, providing more accurate estimates in terms of both unconditional coverage and independence and magnitude of losses.
Validation of the Sexual Inhibition/Sexual Excitation Scales (SIS/SES) in Italy: Assessing Gender and Age Differences of Sexual Functioning
Authors: Panzeri Marta , Dadomo Harold , Ronconi Lucia , Fontanesi Lilybeth
Published: August 2021

The Sexual Inhibition Scales and Sexual Excitation Scales (Janssen et al., 2002a), based on the dual control model by Bancroft and Janssen (2000), are part of a 45-item self-report questionnaire evaluating individual tendencies to sexual inhibition or excitation according to three factors: two inhibition factors, SIS1, threat of performance failure, and SIS2, threat of performance consequences, and one excitation factor, SES. In this paper, we aimed to validate and explore psychometric properties of the SIS/SES in a sample of 2260 Italian men and women aged 18 to 75 years. Confirmatory factor analyses showed that the three-factor structure proposed in the original version of the scales fit with our sample. Moreover, our data confirmed the results of the original validation sample: Women scored higher on the SIS and lower on the SES than men did, but no significant differences appeared in the factor scores by age group, except for a gender × age interaction, where younger women had higher SIS2 scores. The SIS/SES appeared to be an effective, appropriate cross-cultural measurement of human sexuality in Italian samples, also shedding light on sexual arousal differences in women and men in our country. We also discuss clinical and therapeutic aspects.
Correlation between MRI morphological response patterns and histopathological tumor regression after neoadjuvant endocrine therapy in locally advanced breast cancer: a randomized phase II trial
Authors: Reis Joana , Thomas Owen , Lahooti Maryam , Lyngra Marianne , Schandiz Hossein , Boavida Joao , Gjesdal Kjell-Inge , Sauer Torill , Geisler Jürgen , Geitung Jonn Terje
Published: August 2021

Purpose

To correlate MRI morphological response patterns with histopathological tumor regression grading system based on tumor cellularity in locally advanced breast cancer (LABC)-treated neoadjuvant with third-generation aromatase inhibitors.

Methods

Fifty postmenopausal patients with ER-positive/HER-2-negative LABC treated with neoadjuvant letrozole and exemestane given sequentially in an intra-patient cross-over regimen for at least 4 months with MRI response monitoring at baseline as well as after at least 2 and 4 months on treatment. The MRI morphological response pattern was classified into 6 categories: 0/complete imaging response; I/concentric shrinkage; II/fragmentation; III/diffuse; IV/stable; and V/progressive. Histopathological tumor regression was assessed based on the recommendations from The Royal College of Pathologists regarding tumor cellularity.

Results

Following 2 and 4 months with therapy, the most common MRI pattern was pattern II (24/50 and 21/50, respectively). After 4 months on therapy, the most common histopathological tumor regression grade was grade 3 (21/50). After 4 months an increasing correlation is observed between MRI patterns and histopathology. The overall correlation, between the largest tumor diameter obtained from MRI and histopathology, was moderate and positive (r = 0.50, P-value = 2e-04). Among them, the correlation was highest in type IV (r = 0.53).

Conclusion

The type II MRI pattern “fragmentation” was more frequent in the histopathological responder group; and types I and IV in the non-responder group. Type II pattern showed the best endocrine responsiveness and a relatively moderate correlation between sizes obtained from MRI and histology, whereas type IV pattern indicated endocrine resistance but the strongest correlation between MRI and histology.
Newton-type methods near critical solutions of piecewise smooth nonlinear equations
Authors: Fischer A. , Izmailov A. F. , Jelitte M.
Published: August 2021

It is well-recognized that in the presence of singular (and in particular nonisolated) solutions of unconstrained or constrained smooth nonlinear equations, the existence of critical solutions has a crucial impact on the behavior of various Newton-type methods. On the one hand, it has been demonstrated that such solutions turn out to be attractors for sequences generated by these methods, for wide domains of starting points, and with a linear convergence rate estimate. On the other hand, the pattern of convergence to such solutions is quite special, and allows for a sharp characterization which serves, in particular, as a basis for some known acceleration techniques, and for the proof of an asymptotic acceptance of the unit stepsize. The latter is an essential property for the success of these techniques when combined with a linesearch strategy for globalization of convergence. This paper aims at extensions of these results to piecewise smooth equations, with applications to corresponding reformulations of nonlinear complementarity problems.
Wigner’s friend and Relational Quantum Mechanics: A Reply to Laudisa
Authors: Weststeijn Nikki
Published: August 2021

Relational Quantum Mechanics is an interpretation of quantum mechanics proposed by Carlo Rovelli. Rovelli argues that, in the same spirit as Einstein’s theory of relativity, physical quantities can only have definite values relative to an observer. Relational Quantum Mechanics is hereby able to offer a principled explanation of the problem of nested measurement, also known as Wigner’s friend. Since quantum states are taken to be relative states that depend on both the system and the observer, there is no inconsistency in the descriptions of the observers. Federico Laudisa has recently argued, however, that Rovelli’s description of Wigner’s friend is ambiguous, because it does not take into account the correlation between the observer and the quantum system. He argues that if this correlation is taken into account, the problem with Wigner’s friend disappears and, therefore, a relativization of quantum states is not necessary. I will show that Laudisa’s criticism is not justified. To the extent that the correlation can be accurately reflected, the problem of Wigner’s friend remains. An interpretation of quantum mechanics that provides a solution to it, like Relational Quantum Mechanics, is therefore a welcome one.
Ceramic Production and Social Change in the South east of the Iberian Peninsula between the Islamic and Christian Periods: The Case of Granada
Authors: Busto Zapico Miguel , García Porras Alberto
Published: August 2021

The major social and political shifts undergone by the south eastern Iberian Peninsula, and specifically Granada, Spain, between the fourteenth and seventeenth centuries brought about clear changes in the ceramic repertoire. This work analyzes these changes through the comparative analysis of three archaeological sites: the Castle of Moclín, the Palace of the Abencerrajes, and the Fortress of Lanjarón. These sites present a clear transitional sequence spanning Nasrid repertoires and Early Modern Castilian productions, including instances of both continuity and rupture. The article advances a new statistical methodology to analyze the degree of standardization of these productions, the coefficient of variation.
Performing arithmetic using a neural network trained on images of digit permutation pairs
Authors: Bloice Marcus D. , Roth Peter M. , Holzinger Andreas
Published: August 2021

In this paper, a neural network is trained to perform simple arithmetic using images of concatenated handwritten digit pairs. A convolutional neural network was trained with images consisting of two side-by-side handwritten digits, where the image’s label is the summation of the two digits contained in the combined image. Crucially, the network was tested on permutation pairs that were not present during training in an effort to see if the network could learn the task of addition, as opposed to simply mapping images to labels. A dataset was generated for all possible permutation pairs of length 2 for the digits 0–9 using MNIST as a basis for the images, with one thousand samples generated for each permutation pair. For testing the network, samples generated from previously unseen permutation pairs were fed into the trained network, and its predictions measured. Results were encouraging, with the network achieving an accuracy of over 90% on some permutation train/test splits. This suggests that the network learned at first digit recognition, and subsequently the further task of addition based on the two recognised digits. As far as the authors are aware, no previous work has concentrated on learning a mathematical operation in this way. This paper is an attempt to demonstrate that a network can learn more than a direct mapping from image to label, but is learning to analyse two separate regions of an image and combining what was recognised to produce the final output label.
Do Spectra Live in the Matrix? A Brief Tutorial on Applications of Factor Analysis to Resolving Spectral Datasets of Mixtures
Authors: Kałka Andrzej J. , Turek Andrzej M.
Published: August 2021

In spite of a rapid growth of data processing software, that has allowed for a huge advancement in many fields of chemistry, some research issues still remain problematic. A standard example of a troublesome challenge is the analysis of multi-component mixtures. The classical approach to such a problem consists of separating each component from a sample and performing individual measurements. The advent of computers, however, gave rise to a relatively new domain of data processing – chemometry – focused on decomposing signal recorded for the sample rather than the sample itself. Regrettably, still a very few chemometric methods are practically used in everyday laboratory routines. The Authors believe that a brief ‘user-friendly’ guide-like article on several ‘flagship’ algorithms of chemometrics may, at least partly, stimulate an increased interest in the use of these techniques among researchers specializing in many fields of chemistry. In the paper, five different techniques of factor analysis are used for the analysis of a three-component system of fluorophores. These algorithms, applied on the excitation-emission spectra, recorded for the ‘unknown’ mixture, allowed to unambiguously determine its composition without the need for physical separation of the components. An example of using chemometric methods for physical chemistry research is also provided. For each presented technique of the data analysis, a short description of its theoretical background followed by an example of its practical performance is given. In addition, the Reader is supplemented with a basic information on matrix algebra, detailed experimental ‘recipes’, reference specialist literature and ready-to-use MATLAB codes.

Graphical abstract
Gender Differences in Forgiveness and its Affective Correlates
Authors: Kaleta Kinga , Mróz Justyna
Published: August 2021

Although women are believed to be more forgiving than men, the results of many studies comparing women with men vary. Moreover, little is known about unique correlates or differential patterns of experiencing forgiveness by gender. In the present study, we compared men and women in terms of their level of dispositional forgiveness and its emotional correlates, namely positive and negative affect, anxiety, and emotional control. The sample consisted of 625 individuals aged 19–69, of whom 478 (76.5%) were women and 147 (23.5%) were men. Polish versions of the Heartland Forgiveness Scale (HFS), the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), the Courtauld Emotional Control Scale (CECS), and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were used. Men showed a higher level of general forgiveness and greater willingness to overcome unforgiveness than women, but there was no significant difference in positive facets of the disposition to forgive. In both genders negative affect, anxiety, and control of anger and of depression were negatively related to dimensions of dispositional forgiveness, and positive affect was positively associated with forgiveness. In females control of anxiety was negatively and in males it was positively related to facets of forgiveness. Gender moderated a number of links between affective traits and forgiveness of self and of situations beyond control, but not forgiveness of others.
Identification of factors for a successful implementation of medication reviews in community pharmacies: Using Positive Deviance in pharmaceutical care
Authors: Waltering Isabell , Schwalbe Oliver , Hempel Georg
Published: August 2021

Background Pharmacists in community pharmacies worldwide successfully conduct an increasing number of medication reviews (MR). Since June 2012 MR are incorporated in the German ordinance on the operation of pharmacies as pharmaceutical service. In November 2014, a German guideline for MR was established. Different teaching programmes for MR were implemented since. Despite these favorable conditions, only few pharmacies conduct MR regularly. Objective: Identification of factors necessary for a successful implementation of MR in community pharmacies. Setting: Community pharmacies located in the area of the Pharmacists’  Chamber Westphalia-Lippe (Part of Northrhine-Westphalia, Germany). Method: Following a Positive-Deviance approach, telephone interviews were conducted in community pharmacies with pharmacy-owners, MR-trained employed pharmacists, and technicians. Data evaluation was performed using qualitative content analysis. Main outcome results: Successful strategies for implementing MR in community pharmacies. Results: Forty-four interviews were conducted and analysed. Thirty-three success factors were identified. Data analysis revealed two groups of success-factors important for implementation of MR; organisational (n = 25) and individual factors (n = 8). Relevant organisational success-factor were involvement of the entire team with active involvement of technicians, documentation of results in the pharmacy software and training in patient-identification and communication. Restructuring of workflows increased time-periods for MR. Important individual success-factors were: motivation and identification with the service, routine in execution to enhance self-esteem, and specialisation in pharmacotherapy of particular diseases. Pharmacy-owners play a pivotal role as motivators. Professional healthcare attitude, exhibited in daily routine, leads to increased acceptance by patients and practitioners and thus increases implementation-rates considerably. Conclusion: We were able to define strategies for successful implementation of MR in community pharmacies.
Different algorithms, different models
Authors: Swiatczak Martyna Daria
Published: August 2021

This study assesses the extent to which the two main Configurational Comparative Methods (CCMs), i.e. Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) and Coincidence Analysis (CNA), produce different models. It further explains how this non-identity is due to the different algorithms upon which both methods are based, namely QCA’s Quine–McCluskey algorithm and the CNA algorithm. I offer an overview of the fundamental differences between QCA and CNA and demonstrate both underlying algorithms on three data sets of ascending proximity to real-world data. Subsequent simulation studies in scenarios of varying sample sizes and degrees of noise in the data show high overall ratios of non-identity between the QCA parsimonious solution and the CNA atomic solution for varying analytical choices, i.e. different consistency and coverage threshold values and ways to derive QCA’s parsimonious solution. Clarity on the contrasts between the two methods is supposed to enable scholars to make more informed decisions on their methodological approaches, enhance their understanding of what is happening behind the results generated by the software packages, and better navigate the interpretation of results. Clarity on the non-identity between the underlying algorithms and their consequences for the results is supposed to provide a basis for a methodological discussion about which method and which variants thereof are more successful in deriving which search target.
Visuals and attention to earnings news on twitter
Authors: Nekrasov Alexander , Teoh Siew Hong , Wu Shijia
Published: August 2021

We propose the visual attention hypothesis that visuals in firm earnings announcements increase attention to the earnings news. We find that visuals in firms’ Twitter earnings announcements are associated with more retweets, consistent with greater user engagement with announcements that have visuals. This result holds for earnings tweets sent by the same firm and on the same day in firm-level and tweet-level analyses. Consistent with managerial opportunism, firms are more likely to use visuals in their earnings tweets when performance is good but less persistent. Consistent with visuals increasin g investor attention, the initial return response to earnings news is stronger and the post-announcement response is lower when visuals are used. Our evidence of a post-announcement return reversal indicates that visuals can be a double-edged sword. Furthermore, the higher earnings response coefficient from visuals is more pronounced on days with high investor distraction (when many other firms are also announcing earnings).

Graphical abstract
Active Region Contributions to the Solar Wind over Multiple Solar Cycles
Authors: Stansby David , Green Lucie M. , van Driel-Gesztelyi Lidia , Horbury Timothy S.
Published: August 2021

Both coronal holes and active regions are source regions of the solar wind. The distribution of these coronal structures across both space and time is well known, but it is unclear how much each source contributes to the solar wind. In this study we use photospheric magnetic field maps observed over the past four solar cycles to estimate what fraction of magnetic open solar flux is rooted in active regions, a proxy for the fraction of all solar wind originating in active regions. We find that the fractional contribution of active regions to the solar wind varies between 30% to 80% at any one time during solar maximum and is negligible at solar minimum, showing a strong correlation with sunspot number. While active regions are typically confined to latitudes ±30∘ in the corona, the solar wind they produce can reach latitudes up to ±60∘. Their fractional contribution to the solar wind also correlates with coronal mass ejection rate, and is highly variable, changing by ±20% on monthly timescales within individual solar maxima. We speculate that these variations could be driven by coronal mass ejections causing reconfigurations of the coronal magnetic field on sub-monthly timescales.
‘Animals run about the world in all sorts of paths’: varieties of indeterminism
Authors: Mulder Jesse M.
Published: August 2021

In her seminal essay ‘Causality and Determination’, Elizabeth Anscombe very decidedly announced that “physical indeterminism” is “indispensable if we are to make anything of the claim to freedom”. But it is clear from that same essay that she extends the scope of that claim beyond freedom–she suggests that indeterminism is required already for animal self-movement (a position recently called ‘agency incompatibilism’ by Helen Steward). Building on Anscombe’s conception of causality and (in)determinism, I will suggest that it extends even further: life as such already requires physical indeterminism. Furthermore, I show that we can, on this basis, arrive at the idea of varieties of (in)determinism, along with a corresponding variety of incompatibilist theses. From this Anscombean vantage point, the free will discussion takes on a quite different outlook. The question whether free agency can coexist with determinism on the level of blind physical forces, which preoccupies the philosopher of free will, turns out to conflate a whole series of compatibility questions: not just whether life is compatible with physical determinism, but also whether animal self-movement is compatible with ‘biological determinism’, and whether free agency is compatible with ‘animal determinism’.
A Sticky Situation or Rough Going? Influencing Haptic Perception of Wood Coatings Through Frictional and Topographical Design
Authors: Harris Kathryn L. , Collier Elizabeth S. , Skedung Lisa , Rutland Mark W.
Published: August 2021

Improving the tactile aesthetics of products that can be described as touch intensive is an increasing priority within many sectors, including the furniture industry. Understanding which physical characteristics contribute to the haptic experience of a surface, and how, is therefore highly topical. It has earlier been shown that both friction and topography affect tactile perception. Thus, two series of stimuli have been produced using standard coating techniques, with systematic variation in (physical) friction and roughness properties. This was achieved through appropriate selection of matting agents and resins. The stimuli sets were then evaluated perceptually to determine the extent to which discrimination between pairs of surfaces followed the systematic materials variation. In addition to investigating the role of the physical properties in discrimination of the surfaces, their influence on perceived pleasantness and naturalness was also studied. The results indicate that changes in tactile perception can be understood in terms of friction and roughness, and that varying the matting agents (topography) and resins (material properties) in the coatings provide the controlling factors for furniture applications. Perceived pleasantness is associated with low friction and smoother topography, whilst perceived naturalness is found to be described by an interaction between tactile friction and the average maximum peak height of the surface features.

Graphic Abstract
Is there a role for statistics in artificial intelligence?
Authors: Friedrich Sarah , Antes Gerd , Behr Sigrid , Binder Harald , Brannath Werner , Dumpert Florian , Ickstadt Katja , Kestler Hans A. , Lederer Johannes , Leitgöb Heinz , Pauly Markus , Steland Ansgar , Wilhelm Adalbert , Friede Tim
Published: August 2021

The research on and application of artificial intelligence (AI) has triggered a comprehensive scientific, economic, social and political discussion. Here we argue that statistics, as an interdisciplinary scientific field, plays a substantial role both for the theoretical and practical understanding of AI and for its future development. Statistics might even be considered a core element of AI. With its specialist knowledge of data evaluation, starting with the precise formulation of the research question and passing through a study design stage on to analysis and interpretation of the results, statistics is a natural partner for other disciplines in teaching, research and practice. This paper aims at highlighting the relevance of statistical methodology in the context of AI development. In particular, we discuss contributions of statistics to the field of artificial intelligence concerning methodological development, planning and design of studies, assessment of data quality and data collection, differentiation of causality and associations and assessment of uncertainty in results. Moreover, the paper also discusses the equally necessary and meaningful extensions of curricula in schools and universities to integrate statistical aspects into AI teaching.