bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-surgical Modalities of Facial Rejuvenation and Aesthetics
Authors: Panda Arun Kumar , Chowdhary Aarti
Published: February 2021

Ageing is an undesirable, ever progressing complex phenomenon that cannot be defied by anyone. An aged face definitely influences the individual’s personality and confidence. The various signs of ageing include droopy upper eyelids, hollowness in the under-eye area, folds and wrinkles on the face, genesis of nasolabial folds and jowls etc. Aesthetic medicine has evolved tremendously to counter many such telltale signs of ageing. In this chapter we have explained the mechanism of ageing at various levels of face and the effectiveness of diverse non-surgical modalities like the thread lift, platelet concentrates, High Intensity Focused Ultrasound and Radio Frequency in overcoming the ageing process. There modalities can be easily mastered to provide excellent results to patients to relive life to the fullest.
Surgical Facelift
Authors: Ilankovan Velupillai , Seah Tian Ee
Published: February 2021

With aging, a combination of gravitational forces, laxity of the skin due to loss of elasticity, decreased dermal thickness and loss of dermal appendages results in ptotic, hanging skin. Face lift or rhytidectomy as its name suggest is a procedure to partially eliminate folds, creases and wrinkles (rhytids) caused by gravity and degeneration. The creation of two large cervicofacial flaps which after suspension and trimming, produces an overall tightening the skin and the fascial envelope of the face and neck results in restored anatomical structure. Treatment of the SMAS layer is important and can be broadly categorized into 3 methods. They are plication, elevation and imbrication and SMASectomy. Platysma elevation and plication can be carried out simultaneously for the neck. Face lift can help to negate some of these gravitational problems and produce some intrinsic improvement. Complications include haematoma, skin ischaemia and necrosis, obvious scarring, sensory disturbances, motor nerve disturbances and ear lobe irregularities.
Computer-Assisted Navigation Surgery in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Authors: Sukegawa Shintaro , Kanno Takahiro
Published: February 2021

Computer-assisted surgery (CAS) and navigation offers significant improvements in patient orientation and safety in every facet of our specialty of maxillofacial surgery. Ranging from precisely planned orthognathic procedures to the removal of foreign bodies requiring extremely flexible surgical options, and from minimally invasive dental implantology procedures to radical tumor resections of the skull base, they have made their mark for improving the procedure safety, predictability, and accuracy of surgery and options for intraoperative adaptations. In the future, the application of CAS is expected to further reduce operative risks and surgery time, accompanied by a considerable decrease in patient stress.

Navigation systems are effective for delicate and accurate oral and maxillofacial surgery, neurosurgery, otolaryngology, and orthopedic surgery.

This section presents an overview of available navigation systems and their applications with a focus on clinical utility and the solutions they offer for problems/challenges in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery.
Local Anesthesia in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Authors: John Reena Rachel
Published: February 2021

A brief description of the common Local Anesthetics, regional blocks, and extraoral techniques that are used by a maxillofacial surgeon has been described in this chapter with mention of the recent advances in techniques and armamentarium for painless delivery of local anesthesia.
Principles of Internal Fixation in Maxillofacial Surgery
Authors: Yadav Abhilasha
Published: February 2021

Since past many years management of facial trauma has evolved greatly. To provide stable fixation various plating system have been developed. To reconstruct the chin and mandibles, craniofacial skeleton surgery and midface fractures, the maxillofacial plating system is designed. There are various forms of plates and screws for fixation of maxilla, mandible and midface including fractures of orbit and zygoma. They also involve plates for mandibular reconstruction after tumor resection. Different sizes and shapes of plates are available as per the needs.
Cleft Maxillary Hypoplasia
Authors: Mathew Philip , K Mustafa. , Mathai Paul
Published: February 2021

Cleft lip and palate patients are born with a challenging deformity that requires multiple surgical interventions in order to reach functional and esthetic harmony. Mid face deficiency in cleft patients is a challenging clinical problem very often encountered in the management of this congenital defect. Cleft maxillary hypoplasia can be attributed to the inherited traits, acquired traits and Induced traits. CLP patients usually present with symptoms varying from malocclusion, retrusion of midface, and a narrow hard palate. A detailed evaluation and individualized treatment planning is of utmost importance in dealing with these patients. Treatment involves the contribution from both the orthodontist and the craniofacial team. The goals for the treatment for cleft maxillary hypoplasia are improvement of aesthetic deficits as well as correction of malocclusion.
Radiology for Maxillofacial Surgeons: The Essentials
Authors: Joshi Shyamsundar K. , Kochuveettil Annie I.
Published: February 2021

The current scenario of radiological imaging of the maxillofacial region is a far cry from its humble beginnings. Rapid strides have been made over the years, with Radiology having made an immense impact on the practice of maxillofacial surgery. These advances in imaging, play a vital role not only in the diagnosis of maxillofacial disease conditions but also in the planning and implementation of appropriate and timely treatment. Since Radiology has a crucial role to play in the practice of maxillofacial surgery it is essential that a MFS should have basic understanding of the core concepts of different imaging techniques, their similarities and differences and should also be able to comprehend how imaging helps both diagnosing the clinical condition of a patient as well as management of the same.

Chest Radiography and High-Resolution Ultrasound of the cheek are two imaging techniques, that are both useful and of interest to the MFS and so have been discussed in elaboration. Chest radiographs are one of the imaging investigations most frequently requested for and is of prime importance in many patient pathways. High resolution ultrasound too has a wide range of applications in the maxillofacial region, of which cheek imaging is of paramount importance. There being a paucity in existing literature on this newer investigative technique, this writeup is aimed both at creating awareness about it among maxillofacial surgeons and also at conveying the important role it plays in the management of MFS patients.
Soft Tissue Reconstruction of the Maxillofacial Region
Authors: Turner Benjamin , Collin John , Fernandes Rui
Published: February 2021

Arguably the greatest challenge within Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is reconstruction following major trauma or oncologic ablative surgery that restores the patient’s pre-morbid quality of life. Satisfactory reconstruction of the maxillofacial region needs to address both cosmetic and often functional concerns beyond those encountered at other sites in the body. Even small facial defects can lead to cosmetic deformity that impacts significantly on a patient’s psychosocial well-being if not reconstructed appropriately. There have been many technological advances over the last few decades, particularly with respect to free tissue transfer and transplantation. In contrast, a number of techniques have ancient origins that have been refined over the years. Many defects will have multiple reconstructive options and a number of factors require consideration to decide which are appropriate for an individual patient. In this chapter anatomical units of the oral cavity (lip, cheek, tongue, floor of mouth and palate), and face (forehead, orbit, nose, cheek and ear) are considered in turn, with reconstructive options presented from simple to complex.
Faddeev-Reshetikhin model from a 4D Chern-Simons theory
Authors: Fukushima Osamu , Sakamoto Jun-ichi , Yoshida Kentaroh
Published: February 2021

Abstract

We derive the Faddeev-Reshetikhin (FR) model from a four-dimensional Chern-Simons theory with two order surface defects by following the work by Costello and Yamazaki [arXiv:1908.02289]. Then we present a trigonometric deformation of the FR model by employing a boundary condition with anR-operator of Drinfeld-Jimbo type. This is a generalization of the work by Delduc, Lacroix, Magro and Vicedo [arXiv:1909.13824] from the disorder surface defect case to the order one.
Causal gravitational waves as a probe of free streaming particles and the expansion of the Universe
Authors: Hook Anson , Marques-Tavares Gustavo , Racco Davide
Published: February 2021

Abstract

The low frequency part of the gravitational wave spectrum generated by local physics, such as a phase transition or parametric resonance, is largely fixed by causality, offering a clean window into the early Universe. In this work, this low frequency end of the spectrum is analyzed with an emphasis on a physical understanding, such as the suppressed production of gravitational waves due to the excitation of an over-damped harmonic oscillator and their enhancement due to being frozen out while outside the horizon. Due to the difference between sub-horizon and super-horizon physics, it is inevitable that there will be a distinct spectral feature that could allow for the direct measurement of the conformal Hubble rate at which the phase transition occurred. As an example, free-streaming particles (such as the gravity waves themselves) present during the phase transition affect the production of super-horizon modes. This leads to a steeper decrease in the spectrum at low frequencies as compared to the well-known causal k3 super-horizon scaling of stochastic gravity waves. If a sizable fraction of the energy density is in free-streaming particles, they even lead to the appearance of oscillatory features in the spectrum. If the universe was not radiation dominated when the waves were generated, a similar feature also occurs at the transition between sub-horizon to super-horizon causality. These features are used to show surprising consequences, such as the fact that a period of matter domination following the production of gravity waves actually increases their power spectrum at low frequencies.
Natural history of pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (PAIVS) and critical pulmonary stenosis (CPS) and prediction of outcome
Authors: Wolter Aline , Markert Natalia , Wolter Jan Sebastian , Kurkevych Andrii , Degenhardt Jan , Ritgen Jochen , Stressig Rüdiger , Enzensberger Christian , Bedei Ivonne , Vorisek Carina , Schenk Johanna , Graupner Oliver , Khalil Markus , Thul Josef , Jux Christian , Axt-Fliedner Roland
Published: February 2021

Objectives

To analyse prenatal parameters predicting biventricular (BV) outcome in pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum/critical pulmonary stenosis (PAIVS/CPS).

Methods

We evaluated 82 foetuses from 01/08 to 10/18 in 3 centres in intervals 1 (< 24 weeks), 2 (24–30 weeks) and 3 (> 30 weeks).

Results

61/82 (74.4%) were livebirths, 5 (8.2%) lost for follow-up, 3 (4.9%) had compassionate care leaving 53 (64.6% of the whole cohort and 86.9% of livebirths) with intention to treat. 9 died, 44/53 (83.0%) survived. 24/38 (63.2%) with information on postnatal outcome had BV outcome, 14 (36.8%) non-BV outcome (2 × 1.5 circulation). One with BV outcome had prenatal valvuloplasty. Best single parameter for BV outcome was tricuspid/mitral valve (TV/MV) ratio (AUC 0.93) in intervals 2 and 3 (AUC 0.92). Ventriculo-coronary-arterial communications (VCAC) were present in 11 (78.6%) in non-BV outcome group vs. 2 (8.3%) in BV outcome group (p < 0.001). Tricuspid insufficiency (TI)-Vmax > 2.5 m/s was present in BV outcome group in75.0% (18/24) vs. 14.3% (2/14) in non-BV outcome group. Including the most predictive markers (VCAC presence, TI- Vmax  < 2.5 m/s, TV/MV ratio < cutoff) to a score, non-BV outcome was correctly predicted when > 1 criterion was fulfilled in all cases. After recently published criteria for foetal intervention, only 4/9 (44.4%) and 5/14 (35.7%) in our interval 2 + 3 with predicted non-BV outcome would have been candidates for intervention. Two (1 × intrauterine intervention) in interval 2, two in interval 3 reached BV outcome and one 1.5 circulation without intervention.

Conclusion

TV/MV ratio as simple parameter has high predictive value. After our score, non-BV outcome was correctly predicted in all cases. Criteria for foetal intervention must further be evaluated.
Antenatal predictors of stem cell content for successful umbilical cord blood donation
Authors: Funk Anna , Buechel Johanna , Huhn Evelyn Annegret , Mueller Doris , Granado Cristina , Tsakiris Dimitrios , Schoetzau Andreas , Passweg Jakob , Hoesli Irene , Manegold-Brauer Gwendolin
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The most important HLA-independent factor for the selection of cord blood units (CBU) for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is the total nucleated cell (TNC) count over 150 × 107 as a surrogate marker for stem cell content. The purpose of this prospective study was to define prenatal clinical predictors for TNC count that would help to identify successful CBU donors before the onset of active labor.

Methods

This was a prospective analysis of 594 CBUs, collected from all eligible term singleton pregnancies at Basel University Hospital between 4/2015 and 9/2016 analyzing several maternal and fetal factors. The impact of these factors on TNC count (< 150 × 107 cells vs. ≥ 150 × 107 cells) of the CBUs was modeled in a multivariate analysis.

Results

A total of 114 (19.2%) CBUs had a TNC count of ≥ 150 × 107. In a ROC analysis there was no significant difference between the AUC of all prenatal factors (AUC 0.62) and estimated fetal birth weight by ultrasound alone (AUC 0.62). For women planning a trial of labor a recruitment cut-off at an estimated birth weight of 3300 g would allow 72.6% of all donors with sufficient TNC count to be recruited and 22.8% of all collected CBUs would have a sufficient TNC count for banking. For women planning for elective CS a cut-off of 3400 g would allow 71.4% of all donors with sufficient TNC count to be recruited and 22.7% of all collected CBUs would have sufficient TNC count for banking.

Conclusion

The estimated fetal birth weight within 2 weeks of delivery by ultrasound as single parameter can be considered at the time of recruitment to estimate the chances of a successful CBU donation.
Prey, management and landscape requirements of an endangered population of the Woodlark Lullula arborea in Southwest Germany
Authors: Rösch Verena , Aloisio Pascal , Entling Martin H.
Published: February 2021

Vineyards can be valuable habitats for biodiversity conservation. For example, in Rhineland-Palatinate (Germany) over a third of the state’s critically endangered Woodlark (Lullula arborea) population breeds in vineyards along the western margin of the Upper Rhine Valley. We here aim to elucidate how local ground cover management, food availability and the proximity to settlements affect territory selection by this bird species in the region. As climate, site conditions and management differ greatly from more continental or Mediterranean wine-growing areas, conditions for Woodlark conservation may differ as well.

We compared 26 Woodlark territories in vineyards with 26 nearby reference areas from which Woodlarks were absent. We recorded vineyard ground cover in the inter-rows (% cover) as well as vegetation height and composition (forbs vs. grasses). Arthropods were sampled using pitfall traps, since they are the main food resource of Woodlarks during the breeding season. In addition, the distance to built-up areas was measured. The vegetation in Woodlark territories was shorter (mean 14.2 vs. 19.6 cm) and more dominated by forbs (39% vs. 27% cover) than in absence areas. The vegetation cover in the inter-rows had no effect on Woodlark territory presence or absence. Woodlarks also favoured areas with a higher abundance of arthropods (mean abundance 69.1 vs. 57.5) and a greater distance to built-up areas (mean distance 554 vs. 373 m). We conclude that to promote the Woodlark in wine-growing areas, short, forb-rich swards should be created, facilitating arthropod detectability. This is likely to require low levels of nitrogen fertilization since fertilizers favour tall-growing grasses that outcompete forbs. Pesticide applications should be kept at a minimum to enhance arthropods as the main food source for Woodlarks and their chicks. In addition, the expansion of settlements into breeding areas of Woodlarks should be avoided.
Spatio-temporal distribution of Hylobius abietis in Scots pine stands – implications for pest monitoring
Authors: Skrzecz Iwona , Sukovata Lidia , Jabłoński Tomasz , Sowińska Alicja , Szmidla Hanna
Published: February 2021

The protection of reforested areas against the large pine weevilHylobius abietisis one of the greatest forest management challenges in many European countries. No information exists on the spatial distribution of this pest, which is necessary to assess its abundance and, consequently, to precisely estimate its threat to reforested sites. The aim of this study was to assess the spatio-temporal changes in the number ofH. abietisbeetles in reforested clear-cut areas (reforestations) and neighbouringPinus sylvestrisstands, from which these beetles are assumed to migrate to the reforestations. In this two-year study, baited traps were used to catchH. abietisbeetles in the reforestations and neighbouring stands. The results revealed significantly more beetles in the neighbouring old stands (61–69 years) than in the young stands (5–11 years). The distribution of the beetles in both the old and young stands was inversely dependent on the distance from the stand edge. The large pine weevil migration to the reforestations was most intense in mid-May and early June. In May, most beetles were collected along the edges of the reforestations; in June, their distribution was more regular; and in July, the beetles were more abundant in the central part of the reforestations. These results allowH. abietismonitoring improvement, which is an important element of integrated forest protection.
A participant perspective on collaborative reflection: video-stimulated interviews show what residents value and why
Authors: van Braak Marije , Giroldi Esther , Huiskes Mike , Diemers Agnes D. , Veen Mario , van den Berg Pieter
Published: February 2021

The potential of reflection for learning and development is broadly accepted across the medical curriculum. Our understanding of how exactly reflection yields its educational promise, however, is limited to broad hints at the relation between reflection and learning. Yet, such understanding is essential to the (re)design of reflection education for learning and development. In this qualitative study, we used participants’ video-stimulated comments on actual practice to identify features that do or do not make collaborative reflection valuable to participants. In doing so, we focus on aspects of the interactional process that constitute the educational activity of reflection. To identify valuable and less valuable features of collaborative reflection, we conducted one-on-one video-stimulated interviews with Dutch general practice residents about collaborative reflection sessions in their training program. Residents were invited to comment on any aspect of the session that they did or did not value. We synthesized all positively and negatively valued features and associated explanations put forward in residents’ narratives into shared normative orientations about collaborative reflection: what are the shared norms that residents display in telling about positive and negative experiences with collaborative reflection? These normative orientations display residents’ views on the aim of collaborative reflection (educational value for all) and the norms that allegedly contribute to realizing this aim (inclusivity and diversity, safety, and efficiency). These norms are also reflected in specific educational activities that ostensibly contribute to educational value. As such, the current synthesis of normative orientations displayed in residents’ narratives about valuable and less valuable elements of collaborative reflection deepen our understanding of reflection and its supposed connection with educational outcomes. Moreover, the current empirical endeavor illustrates the value of video-stimulated interviews as a tool to value features of educational processes for future educational enhancements.
Autonomous flight cycles and extreme landings of airliners beyond the current limits and capabilities using artificial neural networks
Authors: Baomar Haitham , Bentley Peter J.
Published: February 2021

We describe the Intelligent Autopilot System (IAS), a fully autonomous autopilot capable of piloting large jets such as airliners by learning from experienced human pilots using Artificial Neural Networks. The IAS is capable of autonomously executing the required piloting tasks and handling the different flight phases to fly an aircraft from one airport to another including takeoff, climb, cruise, navigate, descent, approach, and land in simulation. In addition, the IAS is capable of autonomously landing large jets in the presence of extreme weather conditions including severe crosswind, gust, wind shear, and turbulence. The IAS is a potential solution to the limitations and robustness problems of modern autopilots such as the inability to execute complete flights, the inability to handle extreme weather conditions especially during approach and landing where the aircraft’s speed is relatively low, and the uncertainty factor is high, and the pilots shortage problem compared to the increasing aircraft demand. In this paper, we present the work done by collaborating with the aviation industry to provide training data for the IAS to learn from. The training data is used by Artificial Neural Networks to generate control models automatically. The control models imitate the skills of the human pilot when executing all the piloting tasks required to pilot an aircraft between two airports. In addition, we introduce new ANNs trained to control the aircraft’s elevators, elevators’ trim, throttle, flaps, and new ailerons and rudder ANNs to counter the effects of extreme weather conditions and land safely. Experiments show that small datasets containing single demonstrations are sufficient to train the IAS and achieve excellent performance by using clearly separable and traceable neural network modules which eliminate the black-box problem of large Artificial Intelligence methods such as Deep Learning. In addition, experiments show that the IAS can handle landing in extreme weather conditions beyond the capabilities of modern autopilots and even experienced human pilots. The proposed IAS is a novel approach towards achieving full control autonomy of large jets using ANN models that match the skills and abilities of experienced human pilots and beyond.
A deep learning methodology for the automated detection of end-diastolic frames in intravascular ultrasound images
Authors: Bajaj Retesh , Huang Xingru , Kilic Yakup , Jain Ajay , Ramasamy Anantharaman , Torii Ryo , Moon James , Koh Tat , Crake Tom , Parker Maurizio K. , Tufaro Vincenzo , Serruys Patrick W. , Pugliese Francesca , Mathur Anthony , Baumbach Andreas , Dijkstra Jouke , Zhang Qianni , Bourantas Christos V.
Published: February 2021

Coronary luminal dimensions change during the cardiac cycle. However, contemporary volumetric intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) analysis is performed in non-gated images as existing methods to acquire gated or to retrospectively gate IVUS images have failed to dominate in research. We developed a novel deep learning (DL)-methodology for end-diastolic frame detection in IVUS and compared its efficacy against expert analysts and a previously established methodology using electrocardiographic (ECG)-estimations as reference standard. Near-infrared spectroscopy-IVUS (NIRS-IVUS) data were prospectively acquired from 20 coronary arteries and co-registered with the concurrent ECG-signal to identify end-diastolic frames. A DL-methodology which takes advantage of changes in intensity of corresponding pixels in consecutive NIRS-IVUS frames and consists of a network model designed in a bidirectional gated-recurrent-unit (Bi-GRU) structure was trained to detect end-diastolic frames. The efficacy of the DL-methodology in identifying end-diastolic frames was compared with two expert analysts and a conventional image-based (CIB)-methodology that relies on detecting vessel movement to estimate phases of the cardiac cycle. A window of ± 100 ms from the ECG estimations was used to define accurate end-diastolic frames detection. The ECG-signal identified 3,167 end-diastolic frames. The mean difference between DL and ECG estimations was 3 ± 112 ms while the mean differences between the 1st-analyst and ECG, 2nd-analyst and ECG and CIB-methodology and ECG were 86 ± 192 ms, 78 ± 183 ms and 59 ± 207 ms, respectively. The DL-methodology was able to accurately detect 80.4%, while the two analysts and the CIB-methodology detected 39.0%, 43.4% and 42.8% of end-diastolic frames, respectively (P < 0.05). The DL-methodology can identify NIRS-IVUS end-diastolic frames accurately and should be preferred over expert analysts and CIB-methodologies, which have limited efficacy.
A simple multi‐wavelength spectroscopic method for the determination of carboxyl group content in nanocellulose
Authors: Yan Ning , Chai Xin-Sheng , Runge Troy
Published: February 2021

This study describes a multi-wavelength spectroscopic method for the determination of carboxyl group content of nanocellulose. Methylene blue (MB) was used as a color indicator, which can bind to the carboxyl groups in nanocellulose to form a R-COOMB complex with a binding ratio of 1:1, although the spectrums of MB and R-COOMB at 500–750 nm are overlapped, and solid impurities could cause spectral interference. To solve these issues, a multi-wavelength spectroscopic measurement on a MB and nanocellulose mixture solution technique and mathematical model were developed, allowing the content of carboxyl groups in nanocellulose to be quantified. The results showed that the method has good measurement precision and accuracy as compared with those measured by a reference method. The method is simple and requires only a small sample size for testing and thus makes it suitable for nanocellulose related research and applications.
‘A change of heart’: Indigenous perspectives from the Onjisay Aki Summit on climate change
Authors: Cameron Laura , Courchene Dave , Ijaz Sabina , Mauro Ian
Published: February 2021

In June 2017, the Turtle Lodge Indigenous knowledge centre convened the Onjisay Aki International Climate Summit, an unparalleled opportunity for cross-cultural dialogue on climate change with environmental leaders and Indigenous Knowledge Keepers from 14 Nations around the world. In collaboration with Turtle Lodge, the Prairie Climate Centre was invited to support the documentation and communication of knowledge shared at the Summit. This process of Indigenous-led community-based research took an inter-epistemological approach, using roundtable discussions within a ceremonial context and collaborative written and video methods. The Summit brought forward an understanding of climate change as a symptom of a much larger problem with how colonialism has altered the human condition. The Knowledge Keepers suggested that, in order to effectively address climate change, humanity needs a shift in values and behaviours that ground our collective existence in a balanced relationship with the natural world and its laws. They emphasized that their diverse knowledges and traditions can provide inspiration and guidance for this cultural shift. This underscores the need for a new approach to engaging with Indigenous knowledge in climate research, which acknowledges it not only as a source of environmental observations, but a wealth of values, philosophies, and worldviews which can inform and guide action and research more broadly. In this light, Onjisay Aki makes significant contributions to the literature on Indigenous knowledge on climate change in Canada and internationally, as well as the ways in which this knowledge is gathered, documented, and shared through the leadership of the Knowledge Keepers.
TGFβ signaling networks in ovarian cancer progression and plasticity
Authors: Kumari Asha , Shonibare Zainab , Monavarian Mehri , Arend Rebecca C. , Lee Nam Y. , Inman Gareth J. , Mythreye Karthikeyan
Published: February 2021

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death in women. Late-stage diagnosis with significant tumor burden, accompanied by recurrence and chemotherapy resistance, contributes to this poor prognosis. These morbidities are known to be tied to events associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cancer. During EMT, localized tumor cells alter their polarity, cell–cell junctions, cell–matrix interactions, acquire motility and invasiveness and an exaggerated potential for metastatic spread. Key triggers for EMT include the Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGFβ) family of growth factors which are actively produced by a wide array of cell types within a specific tumor and metastatic environment. Although TGFβ can act as either a tumor suppressor or promoter in cancer, TGFβ exhibits its pro-tumorigenic functions at least in part via EMT. TGFβ regulates EMT both at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels as outlined here. Despite recent advances in TGFβ based therapeutics, limited progress has been seen for ovarian cancers that are in much need of new therapeutic strategies. Here, we summarize and discuss several recent insights into the underlying signaling mechanisms of the TGFβ isoforms in EMT in the unique metastatic environment of EOCs and the current therapeutic interventions that may be relevant.
Modelling of droplet impacts on dry and wet surfaces using depth-averaged form
Authors: Hook Krish S. L. , Veremieiev Sergii
Published: February 2021

An efficient time-adaptive multigrid algorithm is used to solve a range of normal and oblique droplet impacts on dry surfaces and liquid films using the Depth-Averaged Form (DAF) method of the governing unsteady Navier–Stokes equations. The dynamics of a moving three-phase contact line on dry surfaces is predicted by a precursor film model. The method is validated against a variety of experimental results for droplet impacts, looking at factors such as crown height and diameter, spreading diameter and splashing for a range of Weber, Reynolds and Froude numbers along with liquid film thicknesses and impact angles. It is found that, while being a computationally inexpensive methodology, the DAF method produces accurate predictions of the crown and spreading diameters as well as conditions for splash, however, underpredicts the crown height as the vertical inertia is not included in the model.
Experimental evidence of limited attention at the gym
Authors: Habla Wolfgang , Muller Paul
Published: February 2021

In a randomized field experiment, we show that a low-cost intervention, weekly email reminders, increases the weekly exercising frequency of gym members by 13%, with the effect being larger for class training (19%) than for free training (11%). We find that nearly all types of individuals benefit from the reminders (e.g., students, nonstudents, women, men, new members, recurring members), and this effect persists in a three-month posttreatment period. Furthermore, the increase in class visits is partly driven by an increase in the number of bookings of gym classes and a slight decrease in the share of bookings that are canceled. Limited attention and habit formation can best explain these results. In contrast to the increase in gym attendance, we do not find any effect on the duration and renewal of membership contracts.
On agricultural commodities’ extreme price risk
Authors: van Oordt Maarten R. C. , Stork Philip A. , de Vries Casper G.
Published: February 2021

We show how fat tails in agricultural commodity returns arise endogenously from productivity shocks in a standard macroeconomic model. Using nearly ninety years of data, we show that the eight agricultural commodities in our sample exhibit fat-tailed return distributions. Statistical tests confirm the heavy-tailedness of price spikes for agricultural commodities. We apply extreme value theory to estimate the size and likelihood of price spikes in agricultural commodities. Back-testing verifies the validity of our risk assessment methodology.
Investigating Gaze Behaviour of Children Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders in a Classroom Setting
Authors: McParland Aideen , Gallagher Stephen , Keenan Mickey
Published: February 2021

A defining feature of ASD is atypical gaze behaviour, however, eye-tracking studies in ‘real-world’ settings are limited, and the possibility of improving gaze behaviour for ASD children is largely unexplored. This study investigated gaze behaviour of ASD and typically developing (TD) children in their classroom setting. Eye-tracking technology was used to develop and pilot an operant training tool to positively reinforce typical gaze behaviour towards faces. Visual and statistical analyses of eye-tracking data revealed different gaze behaviour patterns during live interactions for ASD and TD children depending on the interaction type. All children responded to operant training with longer looking times observed on face stimuli post training. The promising application of operant gaze training in ecologically valid settings is discussed.
Recruitment into Organized Crime: An Agent-Based Approach Testing the Impact of Different Policies
Authors: Calderoni Francesco , Campedelli Gian Maria , Szekely Aron , Paolucci Mario , Andrighetto Giulia
Published: February 2021

Objectives

We test the effects of four policy scenarios on recruitment into organized crime. The policy scenarios target (i) organized crime leaders and (ii) facilitators for imprisonment, (iii) provide educational and welfare support to children and their mothers while separating them from organized-crime fathers, and (iv) increase educational and social support to at-risk schoolchildren.

Methods

We developed a novel agent-based model drawing on theories of peer effects (differential association, social learning), social embeddedness of organized crime, and the general theory of crime. Agents are simultaneously embedded in multiple social networks (household, kinship, school, work, friends, and co-offending) and possess heterogeneous individual attributes. Relational and individual attributes determine the probability of offending. Co-offending with organized crime members determines recruitment into the criminal group. All the main parameters are calibrated on data from Palermo or Sicily (Italy). We test the effect of the four policy scenarios against a baseline no-intervention scenario on the number of newly recruited and total organized crime members using Generalized Estimating Equations models.

Results

The simulations generate realistic outcomes, with relatively stable organized crime membership and crime rates. All simulated policy interventions reduce the total number of members, whereas all but primary socialization reduce newly recruited members. The intensity of the effects, however, varies across dependent variables and models.

Conclusions

Agent-based models effectively enable to develop theoretically driven and empirically calibrated simulations of organized crime. The simulations can fill the gaps in evaluation research in the field of organized crime and allow us to test different policies in different environmental contexts.
The thermal decomposition of studtite: analysis of the amorphous phase
Authors: Thompson Nathan B. A. , Frankland Victoria L. , Bright Joshua W. G. , Read David , Gilbert Matthew R. , Stennett Martin C. , Hyatt Neil C.
Published: February 2021

Studtite is known to exist at the back-end of the nuclear fuel cycle as an intermediate phase formed in the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel. In the thermal decomposition of studtite, an amorphous phase is obtained at calcination temperatures between 200 and 500 °C. This amorphous compound, referred to elsewhere in the literature as U2O7, has been characterised by analytical spectroscopic methods. The local structure of the amorphous compound has been found to contain uranyl bonding by X-ray absorption near edge (XANES), Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy. Changes in bond distances in the uranyl group are discussed with respect to studtite calcination temperature. The reaction of the amorphous compound with water to form metaschoepite is also discussed and compared with the structure of schoepite and metaschoepite by X-ray diffraction. A novel schematic reaction mechanism for the thermal decomposition of studtite is proposed.
Ring-opening polymerization and plasticization of poly(L-lactic)acid by adding of glycerol-dioleate
Authors: Horváth Tibor , Marossy Kálmán , Szabó Tamás J.
Published: February 2021

Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) has been produced by ring-opening polymerization method. During the polymerization processes different temperatures and process times have been applied to reach an optimum setup that was used to produce sample. The sample was measured by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) methods to identify the structure, molar mass and define the glass transition temperatures of product and obtain general information about the physical and chemical properties of material. Based on the results of measures, the material’s crystallinity was also investigated. The plasticization of PLLA has been also investigated. During the experiments, previously produced material (PLLA synthesized by polycondensation) was plasticised by adding of glycerol-dioleate. The plasticized material was also measured by FTIR, GPC and DSC methods to check the basic physical and chemical parameters of the material. According to the results of the measurements that were found, by this approach, the glass transition temperature of PLLA was reduced by 7 °C that indicated the glycerol-dioleate might act as a plasticizer for PLLA material without any deviation in the chemical structure of material.
Toxic milk mice models of Wilson’s disease
Authors: Hadrian Krzysztof , Przybyłkowski Adam
Published: February 2021

Wilson’s disease (WD) is a rare genetic disorder inherited as an autosomal recessive trait. The signs and symptoms of this disease are related to dysfunctional ATP7B protein which leads to copper accumulation and cellular damage. The organs that are most commonly affected by WD are the liver and brain. The dysfunctional ATP7B homolog has previously been identified in many different species, including two naturally occurring murine models called toxic milk mice. The aim of this paper was to compare the toxic milk mouse described by Rauch (tx) to that from Jackson Laboratory (txJ) through a review of studies on these two groups of mice. The two mice strains differ in the type of carried mutation and the phenotype of the disease. The data of the studies showed that the tx mice developed mild chronic hepatitis but suffered severe organ destruction with faster progression to full-liver cirrhosis. No changes were noted in the neurological and behavioral status of this strain despite the described toxic accumulation of copper and neuronal destruction in their brain. On the other hand, though the Jackson toxic milk mice (txJ) also presented chronic hepatitis, the condition was a bit milder with slower progression to end-stage disease. Moreover, hepatocyte suitable to perform neurobehavioral research as their phenotype characterized by tremors and locomotor disabilities better corresponds with the cliniconeurological picture of the humans.
Molecular Basis of Coupled Transport and Anion Conduction in Excitatory Amino Acid Transporters
Authors: Alleva Claudia , Machtens Jan-Philipp , Kortzak Daniel , Weyand Ingo , Fahlke Christoph
Published: February 2021

Glutamate is the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system. After its release from presynaptic nerve terminals, glutamate is quickly removed from the synaptic cleft by excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs) 1–5, a subfamily of glutamate transporters. The five proteins utilize a complex transport stoichiometry that couples glutamate transport to the symport of three Na+ ions and one H+ in exchange with one K+ to accumulate glutamate against up to 106-fold concentration gradients. They are also anion-selective channels that open and close during transitions along the glutamate transport cycle. EAATs belong to a larger family of secondary-active transporters, the SLC1 family, which also includes purely Na+- or H+-coupled prokaryotic transporters and Na+-dependent neutral amino acid exchangers. In recent years, molecular cloning, heterologous expression, cellular electrophysiology, fluorescence spectroscopy, structural approaches, and molecular simulations have uncovered the molecular mechanisms of coupled transport, substrate selectivity, and anion conduction in EAAT glutamate transporters. Here we review recent findings on EAAT transport mechanisms, with special emphasis on the highly conserved hairpin 2 gate, which has emerged as the central processing unit in many of these functions.
Is there a demand for autocracies in Europe? Comparing the attitudes of Hungarian and Italian university students toward liberal democratic values inspired by János Kornai
Authors: Rosta Miklós , Tóth László
Published: February 2021

In the European Union right-wing and left-wing populist parties are increasingly becoming stronger. Meanwhile in Central and Eastern Europe autocracies are emerging and becoming stabilized. Italy and Hungary are two notable examples of these processes. Italy is the only country in Western Europe where a coalition of purely populist parties won an election, while Hungary has the most mature autocracy in the European Union. By using survey methodology, we examined the preferences of Hungarian and Italian students regarding the values of liberal democracy. We seek answers to the questions whether there are any significant differences between the proportion of Hungarian students and Italian students who identify themselves with the values of liberal democracy and which of these values of liberal democracy they consider to be protected values. Based on our results, we claim that students from both countries are more likely to support liberal democratic values than to support either right-wing or left-wing populist values, even if the distributions of the two groups differ significantly. We found that Italian students adhere more strongly to liberal democratic values, while Hungarians are more open to left-wing and right-wing populism. Our results confirm that in Hungary, because of the values that many people hold, conditions are conducive for establishing a sustainable autocracy, while in Italy, the demand for such a system is much weaker.
Willingness to pay for a quality-adjusted life year for depressive disorders compared to heart disease based on population preferences
Authors: Ulbrich Laura , Kröger Christoph
Published: February 2021

Purpose

According to estimations of the World Health Organization, depressive disorders, and cardiovascular disease will be the leading causes for global burden of disease in 2030. The aim of the present study was to estimate the value a representative sample of the German population places on quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) for depressive disorders compared to heart disease.

Methods

A representative sample of N = 967 of the German general public was randomly presented with one of two hypothetical health-loss scenarios: One version of the questionnaire presented respondents with health loss due to depression, while the other version dealt with health loss due to experiencing a heart disease. Respondents were asked to indicate their willingness to pay (WTP) for four hypothetical health-gain scenarios with different treatment options.

Results

In the depression questionnaire median WTP values ranged from 1000 to 1500 EUR; in the heart disease questionnaire from 1000 to 2000 EUR. Results of the Mann–Whitney U-Test and Median Test indicate higher WTP values for heart disease compared to depressive disorders when QALY gains were minor and stretched over a long period of time, and when treatment with bypass operation (rather than treatment with ECT) was offered. Zero WTP was significantly higher in all scenarios of the depression questionnaire in comparison to the hearth disease questionnaire.

Conclusion

Results indicate that respondents valued the necessity of paying for treatment higher when presented with heart disease compared to depression.
The asymptotic number of weighted partitions with a given number of parts
Authors: Stark Dudley
Published: February 2021

For a given sequence $$b_k$$

b
k

of non-negative real numbers, the number of weighted partitions of a positive integer n having m parts $$c_{n,m}$$

c

n
,
m

has bivariate generating function equal to $$\prod _{k=1}^\infty (1-yz^k)^{-b_k}$$

∏

k
=
1

∞

(
1
-
y

z
k

)

-

b
k

. Under the assumption that $$b_k\sim Ck^{r-1}$$

b
k

∼
C

k

r
-
1

, $$r>0$$

r
>
0

, and related conditions on the Dirichlet generating function of the weights $$b_k$$

b
k

, we find asymptotics for $$c_{n,m}$$

c

n
,
m

when $$m=m(n)$$

m
=
m
(
n
)

satisfies $$m=o\left( n^\frac{r}{r+1}\right) $$

m
=
o

n

r

r
+
1

and $$\lim _{n\rightarrow \infty }m/\log ^{3+\epsilon }n=\infty $$

lim

n
→
∞

m
/

log

3
+
ϵ

n
=
∞

, $$\epsilon >0$$

ϵ
>
0

.
Spontaneous autopolyploidy in the Acipenseriformes, with recommendations for management
Authors: Schreier Andrea D. , Van Eenennaam Joel P. , Anders Paul , Young Shawn , Crossman Jamie
Published: February 2021

Sturgeon and paddlefishes (Acipenseriformes) are cultured worldwide for commercial and conservation purposes. Over the past decade, we have learned many sturgeon culture programs experience spontaneous autopolyploidy, or the generation of triploidy without management intervention. Spontaneous autopolyploidy has been shown to negatively impact the physiology, reproductive development and fertility of sturgeon. Given these concerns, it is necessary to understand how it arises, how it affects production, and how it can be managed. The goal of this review is to describe the incidence of spontaneous autopolyploidy in sturgeon relative to other fishes, explain how spontaneous autopolyploids are formed, and report what is known about how triploidy and intermediate ploidy effect sturgeon reproductive development and physiology. We then describe four common methods for detecting spontaneous autopolyploids and their intermediate ploidy progeny and end with recommendations for reducing the incidence of spontaneous autopolyploidy based on the results of recent research. Although spontaneous autopolyploidy may never be completely eliminated from sturgeon culture, following these recommendations may significantly decrease its incidence.