bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of an evidence‐based veterinary medicine exercise for instruction in clinical year of veterinary medicine program
Authors: Gibbons Philippa M. , Anderson Stacy L. , Robertson Stanley , Thurman Faythe K. , Hunt Julie A.
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Evidence‐based veterinary medicine (EBVM) is a fundamental core competency for new graduates. Our objectives were to evaluate clinical students’ use, understanding of, and confidence in EBVM before undertaking an exercise consisting of an hour seminar in conjunction with a medical librarian, followed by a journal club and to evaluate students’ knowledge of and ability to apply EBVM following the exercise.

Methods

In this cohort study, students undertaking a large animal ambulatory rotation completed questionnaires before the seminar, following the journal club, and at graduation. Students took a Fresno test evaluating EBVM knowledge at the end of the rotation.

Results

Prior to the seminar, 94% of students defined EBVM at least somewhat accurately, and 51% reported EBVM was at least 'quite important'. During previous rotations, 71% of students had performed literature searches to answer a clinician‐assigned question; 89% had done this to answer their own questions. Students with previous research or EBVM training were more likely to perform self‐directed literature searches. The most frequently used resource was textbooks. Eighty‐seven per cent and 90% of students found the seminar and journal club, respectively, at least moderately useful in improving EBVM knowledge.

Conclusions

Our results support the inclusion of an EBVM exercise during the clinical year and suggest spaced repetition may be helpful in teaching this topic.
Concepts, models, and methods in computational heterogeneous catalysis illustrated throughCO2conversion
Authors: Morales‐García Ángel , Viñes Francesc , Gomes José R. B. , Illas Francesc
Published: April 2021

Theoretical investigations and computational studies have notoriously contributed to the development of our understanding of heterogeneous catalysis during the last decades, when powerful computers have become generally available and efficient codes have been written that can make use of the new highly parallel architectures. The outcomes of these studies have shown not only a predictive character of theory but also provide inputs to experimentalists to rationalize their experimental observations and even to design new and improved catalysts. In this review, we critically describe the advances in computational heterogeneous catalysis from different viewpoints. We firstly focus on modeling because it constitutes the first key step in heterogenous catalysis where the systems involved are tremendously complex. A realistic description of the active sites needs to be accurately achieved to produce trustable results. Secondly, we review the techniques used to explore the potential energy landscape and how the information thus obtained can be used to bridge the gap between atomistic insight and macroscale experimental observations. This leads to the description of methods that can describe the kinetic aspects of catalysis, which essentially encompass microkinetic modeling and kinetic Monte Carlo simulations. The puissance of computer simulations in heterogeneous catalysis is further illustrated by choosing CO2conversion catalyzed by different materials for most of which a comparison between computational information and experimental data is available. Finally, remaining challenges and a near future outlook of computational heterogeneous catalysis are provided.

This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Computational Materials Science

Structure and Mechanism > Reaction Mechanisms and Catalysis
Copulae: An overview and recent developments
Authors: Größer Joshua , Okhrin Ostap
Published: April 2021

Over the decades that have passed since they were introduced, copulae still remain a very powerful tool for modeling and estimating multivariate distributions. This work gives an overview of copula theory and it also summarizes the latest results. This article recalls the basic definition, the most important cases of bivariate copulae, and it then proceeds to a sketch of how multivariate copulae are developed both from bivariate copulae and from scratch. Regarding higher dimensions, the focus is on hierarchical Archimedean, vine, and factor copulae, which are the most often used and most flexible ways to introduce copulae to multivariate distributions. We also provide an overview of how copulae can be used in various fields of data science, including recent results. These fields include but are not limited to time series and machine learning. Finally, we describe estimation and testing methods for copulae in general, their application to the presented copula structures, and we give some specific testing and estimation procedures for those specific copulae.

This article is categorized under:

Statistical Models > Multivariate Models

Statistical Models > Semiparametric Models

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Multivariate Analysis
Regulation of mating and mating‐type‐specific genes in Zygosaccharomyces sp. yeast
Authors: Ogata Tomoo , Kuroki Katsuaki
Published: April 2021

Zygosaccharomyces sp. is an industrially important yeast for the production traditional fermented foods in Japan. At present, however, there is no easy method for mating Zygosaccharomyces sp. strains in the laboratory; furthermore, little is known about the expression of mating‐type‐specific genes in this yeast. Here, mating was observed when Zygosaccharomyces sp. was subjected to nitrogen‐starvation conditions. The expression of mating‐type‐specific genes, Zygo STE6 and Zygo MFα1, was induced under nitrogen‐starvation conditions, as confirmed by lacZ reporter assay. This expression was mating‐type‐specific: Zygo STE6 was expressed specifically for mating‐type a, whereas and Zygo MFα1 was expressed specifically for mating‐type α. Yeast strains Zygosaccharomyces rouxii DL2 and DA2, derived from type strain Z. rouxii CBS732, did not show mating even under nitrogen‐starvation conditions. Gene sequencing revealed that the Zygo STE12 in Z. rouxii CBS732 has a frameshift mutation. Under nitrogen starvation, mating was observed in both DL2 and DA2 transformed with the wild‐type Zygo STE12. The expression of Zygo STE6 in Z. rouxii DL2 transformed with wild‐type Zygo STE12 under nitrogen‐starvation conditions was confirmed by lacZ reporter assay. Collectively, these results revealed that, under nitrogen‐starvation conditions, Zygosaccharomyces sp. can mate and mating‐type‐specific genes are expressed. Furthermore, Zygo Ste12 is essential for both mating and the expression of mating‐type‐specific genes in Zygosaccharomyces sp.
Coarse median algebras: the intrinsic geometry of coarse median spaces and their intervals
Authors: Niblo Graham A. , Wright Nick , Zhang Jiawen
Published: April 2021

This paper establishes a new combinatorial framework for the study of coarse median spaces, bridging the worlds of asymptotic geometry, algebra and combinatorics. We introduce a simple and entirely algebraic notion of coarse median algebra which simultaneously generalises the concepts of bounded geometry coarse median spaces and classical discrete median algebras. We study the coarse median universe from the perspective of intervals, with a particular focus on cardinality as a proxy for distance. In particular we prove that the metric on a quasi-geodesic coarse median space of bounded geometry can be constructed up to quasi-isometry using only the coarse median operator. Finally we develop a concept of rank for coarse median algebras in terms of the geometry of intervals and show that the notion of finite rank coarse median algebra provides a natural higher dimensional analogue of Gromov’s concept of $$\delta $$
δ
-hyperbolicity.
Conflicting Guidelines: A Systematic Review on the Proper Interval for Colorectal Cancer Treatment
Authors: Molenaar Charlotte J. L. , Janssen Loes , van der Peet Donald L. , Winter Desmond C. , Roumen Rudi M. H. , Slooter Gerrit D.
Published: April 2021

Background

Timely treatment for colorectal cancer (CRC) is a quality indicator in oncological care. However, patients with CRC might benefit more from preoperative optimization rather than rapid treatment initiation. The objectives of this study are (1) to determine the definition of the CRC treatment interval, (2) to study international recommendations regarding this interval and (3) to study whether length of the interval is associated with outcome.

Methods

We performed a systematic search of the literature in June 2020 through MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane databases, complemented with a web search and a survey among colorectal surgeons worldwide. Full‐text papers including subjects with CRC and a description of the treatment interval were included.

Results

Definition of the treatment interval varies widely in published studies, especially due to different starting points of the interval. Date of diagnosis is often used as start of the interval, determined with date of pathological confirmation. The end of the interval is rather consistently determined with date of initiation of any primary treatment. Recommendations on the timeline of the treatment interval range between and within countries from two weeks between decision to treat and surgery, to treatment within seven weeks after pathological diagnosis. Finally, there is no decisive evidence that a longer treatment interval is associated with worse outcome.

Conclusions

The interval from diagnosis to treatment for CRC treatment could be used for prehabilitation to benefit patient recovery. It may be that this strategy is more beneficial than urgently proceeding with treatment.
Interdecadal changes in synoptic transient eddy activity over the Northeast Pacific and their role in tropospheric Arctic amplification
Authors: Xiao Dong , Ren Hongli
Published: April 2021

Arctic amplification refers to the greater surface warming of the Arctic than of other regions during recent decades. A similar phenomenon occurs in the troposphere and is termed “tropospheric Arctic amplification” (TAA). The poleward eddy heat flux and eddy moisture flux are critical to Arctic warming. In this study, we investigate the synoptic transient eddy activity over the North Pacific associated with TAA and its relationship with the subtropical jet stream, and propose the following mechanism. A poleward shift of the subtropical jet axis results in anomalies of the meridional gradient of zonal wind over the North Pacific, which drive a meridional dipole pattern of synoptic transient wave intensity over the North Pacific, referred to as the North Pacific Synoptic Transient wave intensity Dipole (NPSTD). The NPSTD index underwent an interdecadal shift in the late 1990s accompanying that of the subtropical jet stream. During the positive phase of the NPSTD index, synoptic eddy heat flux transports more heat to the Arctic Circle, and the eddy heat flux diverges, increasing Arctic temperature. This mechanism highlights the need to consider synoptic transient eddy activity over the North Pacific as the link between the mean state of the North Pacific subtropical upper jet and TAA.
Factors associated with mortality in older patients sustaining pelvic or acetabular fractures
Authors: Harrison Anna , Ordas-Bayon Alejandro , Chimutengwende-Gordon Mukai , Fortune Mary , Chou Daud , Hull Peter , Carrothers Andrew , Rawal Jaikirty
Published: April 2021

Introduction

This study aimed to investigate potential factors, including delay to surgical stabilisation, affecting mortality in older patients sustaining pelvic or acetabular (PA) fractures.

Materials and methods

A retrospective review of the Trauma Audit and Research Network (TARN) database was performed to identify older patients (aged 65 and over) sustaining PA fractures treated surgically in a UK Major Trauma Centre (MTC) between 2015 and 2019. Chi-squared and Fisher tests were used to compare 1-year mortality rates following operative intervention between patients treated within 72 h and after 72 h. Kaplan–Meier curves were used to visualise survival probability; significant predictors of survival were found using Cox proportional hazard models.

Results

Of 564 older patients with PA fractures, 70 met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 76.1 years. The overall 1-year mortality rate was 20%. When patients were grouped by time to surgery (fracture fixation within or greater than 72 h), there was no statistically significant difference in 1-year mortality. Patients whose surgery was delayed more than 72 h were more likely to have longer hospital stays (p = 0.002) or to have suffered from polytrauma (p = 0.025). Age, Charlson Co-morbidities Index (CCI) and pre-op mobility status were associated with statistically significant differences in overall mortality. The same factors were associated with a significantly increased hazard of death in the multivariate Cox proportional hazards model. Patient gender, mechanism of injury, Injury Severity Score (ISS) > 15 and head injury were not significant predictors of mortality.

Conclusion

Surgical intervention within 72 h of injury did not result in decreased mortality in older patients with PA fractures. The 1-year mortality rate between older PA fractures and hip fractures was comparable. Consideration should be given to a combined multidisciplinary approach between orthogeriatric and expert PA surgeons for these patients.
Treatment success after rhinosurgery: an evaluation of subjective and objective parameters
Authors: Martin M. M. , Hauck K. , von Witzleben A. , Lindemann J. , Scheithauer M. O. , Hoffmann T. K. , Sommer F.
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Septal deviation and nose deformities are widely prevalent. As a consequence, patients may complain about difficulties in nasal breathing leading to a perception of diminished disease-specific quality of life. In a prospective randomized trial, we aimed to analyse the outcome of septoplasty (SPL) and septorhinoplasty (SRP) on patient satisfaction.

Methods

Patients with functional indication for SPL (n = 19) or SRP (n = 54) were included and randomized for additional turbinoplasty. Preoperative clinical symptoms were collected with SNOT-20 GAV (Sinu-nasal outcome test-20—German adapted version) and NOSE© (nasal obstruction symptom evaluation) questionnaires. The final evaluation of treatment success was performed 9 months after surgery with SNOT-20 GAV, NOSE© and a self-established feedback questionnaire. Nasal breathing and obstruction were objectively measured with rhinomanometry and acoustic rhinometry [minimum cross-sectional area 2 (MCA2)].

Results

Minimum cross-sectional area 2 was statistically improved compared to the pre-treatment value in SPL (p = 0.0004) and SRP (p = 0.0001). Regarding MCA2 values of matched patient groups, similar findings were detected (SPL: p = 0.0013, SRP: p < 0.0001).

Sinu-nasal outcome test-20 GAV and NOSE© scores were significantly reduced after both surgical procedures (NOSE©: SPL: p < 0.0001, SRP: p < 0.0001; SNOT-20 GAV: SPL: p = 0.0068, SRP: p < 0.0001). Evaluation of patient satisfaction in a self-established feedback questionnaire revealed a motivation of 81% of patients to redo the surgery (SPL 13/16, SRP 34/42) and a notably general satisfaction of 86% for SPL and 80% for SRP.

Conclusion

Rhinosurgery leads to quantitative better nasal breathing and increased disease-specific satisfaction. However, this study implies the importance of the right selection of patients and the correct indication of the surgical technique.
A de novo STUB1 variant associated with an early adult-onset multisystemic ataxia phenotype
Authors: Mengel David , Traschütz Andreas , Reich Selina , Leyva-Gutiérrez Alejandra , Bender Friedemann , Hauser Stefan , Haack Tobias B. , Synofzik Matthis
Published: April 2021

Background

Biallelic STUB1 variants are a well-established cause of autosomal-recessive early-onset multisystemic ataxia (SCAR16). Evidence for STUB1 variants causing autosomal-dominant ataxia (SCA48) so far largely relies on segregation data in larger families. Presenting the first de novo occurrence of a heterozygous STUB1 variant, we here present additional qualitative evidence for STUB1-disease as an autosomal-dominant disorder.

Methods

Whole exome sequencing on an index patient with sporadic early-onset ataxia, followed by Sanger sequencing in all family members, was used to identify causative variants as well as to rule out alternative genetic hits and intronic STUB1 variants. STUB1 mRNA and protein levels in PBMCs in all family members were analysed using qRT-PCR and Western Blot.

Results

A previously unreported start-lost loss-of-function variant c.3G>A in the start codon of STUB1 was identified in the index case, occurring de novo and without evidence for a second (potentially missed) variant (e.g., intronic or copy number) in STUB1. The patient showed an early adult-onset multisystemic ataxia complicated by spastic gait disorder, distal myoclonus and cognitive dysfunction, thus closely mirroring the systems affected in autosomal-recessive STUB1-associated disease. In line with the predicted start-lost effect of the variant, functional investigations demonstrated markedly reduced STUB1 protein expression in PBMCs, whereas mRNA levels were intact.

Conclusion

De novo occurrence of the loss-of-function STUB1 variant in our case with multisystemic ataxia provides a qualitatively additional line of evidence for STUB1-disease as an autosomal-dominant disorder, in which the same neurological systems are affected as in its autosomal-recessive counterpart. Moreover, this finding adds support for loss-of-function as a mechanism underlying autosomal-dominant STUB1-disease, thus mirroring its autosomal-recessive counterpart also in terms of the underlying mutational mechanism.
A clinical evaluation of VO2 kinetics in kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Patti Alessandro , Neunhaeuserer Daniel , Ortolan Sara , Roman Fausto , Gasperetti Andrea , Battista Francesca , Di Bella Caterina , Gobbo Stefano , Bergamin Marco , Furian Lucrezia , Ermolao Andrea
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Aerobic exercise capacity is reduced in patients with chronic kidney disease, partly due to alterations at the muscular and microvascular level. This study evaluated oxygen uptake (VO2) kinetics as indicator of muscular oxidative metabolism in a population of Kidney Transplant Recipients (KTRs).

Methods

Two groups of KTRs enrolled 3 (n = 21) and 12 months (n = 14) after transplantation and a control group of healthy young adults (n = 16) underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing on cycle-ergometer. The protocol consisted in two subsequent constant, moderate-load exercise phases with a final incremental test until exhaustion.

Results

The time constant of VO2 kinetics was slower in KTRs at 3 and 12 months after transplantation compared to controls (50.4 ± 13.1 s and 43.8 ± 11.6 s vs 28.9 ± 8.4 s, respectively; P < 0.01). Peak VO2 was lower in KTRs evaluated 3 months after transplantation compared to patients evaluated after 1 year (21.3 ± 4.3 and 26.4 ± 8.0 mL/kg/min; P = 0.04). Blood haemoglobin (Hb) concentration was higher in KTRs evaluated at 12 months (12.8 ± 1.7 vs 14.6 ± 1.7 g/dL; P < 0.01). Among KTRs, τ showed a moderate negative correlation with Peak VO2 (ρ = − 0.52) and Oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES) (r = − 0.57) while no significant correlation with Hb and peak heart rate.

Conclusions

KTRs show slower VO2 kinetics compared to healthy controls. Hb and peak VO2 seem to improve during the first year after transplantation. VO2 kinetics were significantly associated with indices of cardiorespiratory fitness, but less with central determinants of aerobic capacity, thus suggesting a potential usefulness of adding this index of muscular oxidative metabolism to functional evaluation in KTRs.
An update: the emerging evidence of complement involvement in COVID-19
Authors: Li Qin , Chen Zi
Published: April 2021

The current outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has affected people around the world. Typically, COVID-19 originates in the lung, but lately it can extend to other organs and lead to tissue injury and multiorgan failure in severe patients, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), kidney failure and sepsis or systemic inflammation. Given that COVID-19 has been detected in a range of other organs, the COVID-19-associated disease is an alert of aberrant activation of host immune response which drives un-controlled inflammation that affects multiple organs. Complement is a vital component of innate immunity where it forms the first line of defense against potentially harmful microbes, but its role in COVID-19 is still not clear. Notably, the abnormal activation and continuous deposits of complement components were identified in the pre-clinical samples from COVID-19 patients, which have been confirmed in animal models. Recent evidence has revealed that the administration of complement inhibitors leads to relieve inflammatory response in ARDS. Hence, we speculate that the targeting complement system could be a potential treatment option for organ damage in COVID-19 patients.
Effect of confinement of horse heart cytochrome c and formate dehydrogenase from Candida boidinii on mesoporous carbons on their catalytic activity
Authors: Hernández-Ibáñez Naiara , Montiel Vicente , Gomis-Berenguer Alicia , Ania Conchi , Iniesta Jesús
Published: April 2021

This study reports the immobilization of two biocatalysts (e.g., cytochrome c—Cyt c—and the non-metalloenzyme formate dehydrogenase from Candida boidinii–cbFDH) on a series of mesoporous carbons with controlled pore sizes. The catalytic activity of the nanoconfined proteins was correlated with the pore size distribution of the carbon materials used as supports. The electrochemical behaviour of nanoconfined Cyt c showed direct electron transfer electroactivity in pore sizes matching tightly the protein dimension. The pseudo-peroxidase activity towards H2O2 reduction was enhanced at pH 4.0, due to the protein conformational changes. For cbFDH, the reduction of CO2 towards formic acid was evaluated for the nanoconfined protein, in the presence of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH). The carbons displayed different cbFDH uptake capacity, governed by the dimensions of the main mesopore cavities and their accessibility through narrow pore necks. The catalytic activity of nanoconfined cbFDH was largely improved, compared to its performance in free solution. Regardless of the carbon support used, the production of formic acid was higher upon immobilization with lower nominal cbFDH:NADH ratios.
Lateral one-third gland resection in Cushing patients with failed adenoma identification leads to low remission rates: long-term observations from a small, single-center cohort
Authors: Andereggen Lukas , Mariani Luigi , Beck Jürgen , Andres Robert H. , Gralla Jan , Luedi Markus M. , Weis Joachim , Christ Emanuel
Published: April 2021

Background

Currently, there are no guidelines for neurosurgeons treating patients with Cushing’s disease (CD) when intraoperative adenoma identification is negative. Under these circumstances, a total hypophysectomy or hemi-hypophysectomy on the side indicated by inferior petrosal sinus sampling (IPSS) is the approach being used, although there is a subsequent risk of hypopituitarism. Data on whether one-third lateral pituitary gland resection results in cure of hypercortisolism and low rates of hypopituitarism remain inconclusive.

Methods

Retrospective single-center study of CD patients with failed intraoperative adenoma identification and subsequent resection of the lateral one-third of the pituitary gland as predicted by IPSS. We assessed (i) histopathological findings, (ii) early and long-term remission rates, and (iii) rates of additional pituitary hormone insufficiency.

Results

Ten women and three men met the inclusion criteria. At 3 months, remission was noted in six (46%) patients: three (23%) had histologically confirmed adenomas, two (15%) had ACTH hyperplasia, and one patient (8%) was positive for Crooke’s hyaline degeneration. New pituitary hormone deficits were noted in two patients (15%). After a median (±SD) follow-up of 14±4 years, recurrence was noted in two (15%) patients. Long-term control of hypercortisolism was attained by 10 patients (77%), with additional therapies required in nine (69%) of them.

Conclusions

In CD patients with failed intraoperative adenoma visualization, lateral one-third gland resection resulted in low morbidity and long-term remission in 31% of patients without the need for additional therapies. Bearing in mind the sample size of this audit, the indication for lateral one-third-gland resection has to be critically appraised and discussed with the patients before surgery.
Characterizing the heterogeneous course of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity from childhood to young adulthood
Authors: Vos Melissa , Rommelse Nanda N. J. , Franke Barbara , Oosterlaan Jaap , Heslenfeld Dirk J. , Hoekstra Pieter J. , Klein Marieke , Faraone Stephen V. , Buitelaar Jan K. , Hartman Catharina A.
Published: April 2021

To advance understanding of the heterogeneity in the course of ADHD, joint symptom trajectories of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity from childhood to young adulthood were modelled and associated with genetic, demographic, and clinical characteristics. Data were obtained from the NeuroIMAGE cohort which includes 485 individuals with ADHD, their 665 siblings, and 399 typically developing children. Trajectories were based on scores of the Conners Parent Rating Scale Revised and estimated over seven homogeneous age bins (from 5 to 28 years) using parallel process latent class growth analysis on data collected across 2–4 time points. Multilevel multinomial logistic regression was used to identify characteristics that differentiated between the derived classes. A seven-class solution revealed “severe combined stable” (4.8%), “severe combined decreasing” (13%), “severe inattentive stable” (4.8%), “moderate combined increasing” (7.5%), “moderate combined decreasing” (12.7%), “stable mild” (12.9%), and “stable low” (44.3%) classes. Polygenic risk for depression, ADHD diagnosis, ADHD medication use, IQ, comorbid symptom levels (foremost oppositional behaviour), and functional impairment levels differentiated classes with similar ADHD symptom levels in childhood but a diverging course thereafter. The course of ADHD is highly heterogeneous, with stable, decreasing, and increasing trajectories. Overall, severe symptom levels in childhood are associated with elevated-to-severe symptom levels in adolescence and young adulthood, despite substantial symptom reductions. Beyond symptom severity in childhood, genetic, demographic, and clinical characteristics distinguish the heterogeneous course.
Home range use in the West Australian seahorse Hippocampus subelongatus is influenced by sex and partner’s home range but not by body size or paired status
Authors: Kvarnemo Charlotta , Andersson Susanne E. , Elisson Jonas , Moore Glenn I. , Jones Adam G.
Published: April 2021

Genetic monogamy is the rule for many species of seahorse, including the West Australian seahorse Hippocampus subelongatus. In this paper, we revisit mark-recapture and genetic data of H. subelongatus, allowing a detailed characterization of movement distances, home range sizes and home range overlaps for each individual of known sex, paired status (paired or unpaired) and body size. As predicted, we find that females have larger home ranges and move greater distances compared to males. We also confirm our prediction that the home ranges of pair-bonded individuals (members of a pair known to reproduce together) overlap more on average than home ranges of randomly chosen individuals of the opposite or same sex. Both sexes, regardless of paired status, had home ranges that overlapped with, on average, 6–10 opposite-sex individuals. The average overlap area among female home ranges was significantly larger than the overlap among male home ranges, probably reflecting females having larger home ranges combined with a female biased adult sex ratio. Despite a prediction that unpaired individuals would need to move around to find a mate, we find no evidence that unpaired members of either sex moved more than paired individuals of the same sex. We also find no effect of body size on home range size, distance moved or number of other individuals with which a home range overlapped. These patterns of movement and overlap in home ranges among individuals of both sexes suggest that low mate availability is not a likely explanation for the maintenance of monogamy in the West Australian seahorse.
Contrasting responses of native ant communities to invasion by an ant invader, Linepithema humile
Authors: Devenish Adam J. M. , Newton Rosemary J. , Bridle Jon R. , Gomez Crisanto , Midgley Jeremy J. , Sumner Seirian
Published: April 2021

Invasive alien species pose a serious threat to the integrity and function of natural ecosystems. Understanding how these invaders alter natural communities is therefore an important aspect in predicting the likely future outcomes of biological invasions. Many studies have documented the consequences of invasive alien species on native community structure, through the displacement and local extinction of native species. However, sampling methods and intensities are rarely standardised across such studies, meaning that it is not clear whether differences in response among native communities to the same invader species are due to biological differences between the invaded regions, or differences in the methodologies used. Here we use a matched sampling methodology to compare the effects of the Argentine ant (Linepithema humile Mayr) on native ant community assemblages in two distinct biogeographical regions that share similar ecologies: Girona (Spain) and Jonkershoek Nature Reserve (South Africa). We found a strong negative association between L. humile presence and native ant species richness within both geographic regions. However, the effects differed between the two study regions: in Girona, a single native ant species (Plagiolepis pygmaea) persisted in invaded sites; by contrast, substantially more native ant species persisted at invaded sites in Jonkershoek Nature Reserve. In addition, in Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, the abundance of certain native species appeared to increase in the presence of L. humile. This study therefore demonstrates the potential variable effects of an invasive species in contrasting locations within different biogeographical regions. Future work should explore the causes of this differential resistance among communities and expand standardised sampling approaches to more invaded zones to further explore how local biotic or abiotic conditions of a region determine the nature and extent of impact of L. humile invasion on native ant communities.
Development and Preliminary Validation of the Child & Adolescent Social Cognitions Questionnaire
Authors: Leigh Eleanor , Clark David M.
Published: April 2021

Negative cognitions play a central role in adolescent social anxiety, and yet there is a lack of empirically validated measures assessing these in detail. This study describes the adaptation of the Child & Adolescent Social Cognitions Questionnaire (CASCQ) from the adult version of the scale and its preliminary validation in a general adolescent school sample (N = 671). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis on split halves of the data indicated two factors, labelled ‘negative self-concept’ and ‘anxious appearance’, provided the best fit. Totals and subscales possessed good internal consistency and convergent validity. Findings suggest that the CASCQ is a reliable and valid measure of social anxiety-related cognitions in youth and may be useful for research and clinical purposes. Further examination of the scale with pre-adolescents and clinical samples is warranted.
Essential Crimes? Essential Punishments? Rethinking Essentiality in the Midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Vegh Weis Valeria , Magnin Brittany
Published: April 2021

The phrases, “essential businesses” and “essential jobs,” emerged at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, raising questions about and reflecting concerns over which goods, services, and workers were necessary to prevent societal collapse. In an attempt to continue to probe “essentiality,” this article coins the term “essential crimes” to refer to those socially injurious acts and omissions that are part and parcel of a global neoliberal capitalist order, and that are, therefore, vital to keep the socioeconomic system running. In other words, if keeping humans alive in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic required supermarkets and hospitals to remain open (“essential business and jobs”), maintaining the existing socioeconomic system and ensuring that the powerful remained powerful required harmful acts and omissions by states and corporations—what we refer to as “essential crimes.” This article sheds light on how the COVID-19 pandemic has helped illuminate just howessentialthese crimes and harms are to the perpetuation of the status quo by the powerful. In addition, this article encourages us to consider which punishments, if any, are vital to a well-ordered society, and it demands that we rethink whether prison is an “essential punishment” for ensuring public safety.
Technologizing the Transcendental, not Discarding it
Authors: Lemmens Pieter
Published: April 2021

In this reply I further defend my claim that the transcendental should always remain a primary concern for philosophy of technology as a philosophical enterprise, contra the empirical turn’s rejection of it. Yet, instead of emphasizing the non-technological conditions of technology, as ‘classic’ thinkers of technology such as Heidegger did, it should recognize technology itself as the transcendental operator par excellence. Starting from Heidegger’s ontological understanding of transcendence I show that while technical artifacts may indeed always conform to a certain horizon of understanding, they also constitute this horizon in specific ways. Following Stiegler I show that concrete technologies (technology with a small ‘t’) are not just empirical effects of an overarching movement of transcendence (Technology with a capital ‘T’) but are originally constitutive of it. In response to Romele’s critique that the social, language, images, imaginaries, symbols, etc. are also transcendentals, I argue that all these phenomena are always already conditioned by technical milieus. As for Besmer’s contention that I offer a reductive interpretation of postphenomenology’s notion of multistability, I argue that there are decisive systemic and organological limits to multistability offered by technical artefacts and that all variation in use and implementation is always constrained by inherent technical tendencies and processes of concretization. Agreeing with Besmer that the transcendental and the empirical should be understood not oppositional but compositional I argue that technology may be that which constantly ‘mediates’ between the two.
Space-Time in Quantum Theory
Authors: Capellmann H.
Published: April 2021

Quantum Theory, similar to Relativity Theory, requires a new concept of space-time, imposed by a universal constant. While velocity of lightcnot being infinite calls for a redefinition of space-time on large and cosmological scales, quantization of action in terms of a finite, i.e. non vanishing, universal constanthrequires a redefinition of space-time on very small scales. Most importantly, the classical notion of “time”, as one common continuous time variable and nature evolving continuously “in time”, has to be replaced by an infinite manifold of transition rates for discontinuous quantum transitions. The fundamental laws of quantum physics, commutation relations and quantum equations of motion, resulted from Max Born’s recognition of the basic principle of quantum physics:To each change in nature corresponds an integer number of quanta of action. Action variables may only change by integer values ofh, requiring all other physical quantities to change by discrete steps, “quantum jumps”. The mathematical implementation of this principle led to commutation relations and quantum equations of motion. The notion of “point” in space-time looses its physical significance; quantum uncertainties of time, position, just as any other physical quantity, are necessary consequences of quantization of action.
Exploring Advocacy Self-efficacy Among K-12 STEM Teacher Leaders
Authors: Velasco Richard Carlos L. , Hite Rebecca , Milbourne Jeff
Published: April 2021

Advocacy is an emergent dimension of teacher leadership, given its growing importance in shaping policy and facilitating reform efforts in American K-12 education. In 2014, the National Academies called for advancing advocacy-based activities and leadership among K-12 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) teachers, who are presently understudied. The purpose of this embedded single-case case study was to explore STEM teachers’ development of self-efficacy in advocacy for STEM education. Contextualizing the case, participants consisted of 11 STEM teacher leaders who were part of the STEM Teacher Ambassadors (STA) program, a year-long advocacy-focused leadership development fellowship program, jointly sponsored by the National Science Teaching Association and National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Employing case study research methodology, primary data were collected using semi-structured interviews, while secondary data were sourced via focus group interview and documents to triangulate interview data. Utterances (i.e., participant statements, groups of statements, or segments of statements) from transcribed data were coded a priori and analyzed via four constructs of self-efficacy theory: enactive master experiences, vicarious experiences, verbal persuasion, and emotional arousal. Results revealed 157 utterances coded to self-efficacy building within STEM education advocacy. Findings suggest that STEM teacher leaders’ participation in professional development programs that specifically focus on development of policy knowledge and advocacy activities help to develop and sustain STEM teacher leaders’ advocacy self-efficacy, given that participating teachers have numerous opportunities to fully engage in mastery experiences in STEM education advocacy. Implications and recommendations for policy and suggestions for further studies are discussed.
Student Loans at the Dinner Table: Family Communication Patterns About Student Loans Before Accrual and During Repayment
Authors: Miller Julie , Brady Samantha , Balmuth Alexa , D’Ambrosio Lisa , Coughlin Joseph
Published: April 2021

With student loan borrowing becoming an increasingly common experience in U.S. households, it is crucial to understand the interpersonal manifestation of education debt within family systems. This study sought to understand how accruing and repaying student loan debt for one’s own higher education relates to family dynamics and communication within families. Leveraging Family Communication Patterns Theory, this study asked: How do student loan borrowers describe loan-related family communication patterns prior to loan accrual and during the repayment period? Utilizing qualitative and quantitative data collected through a concurrent nested mixed methods study design, findings from this study profile family communication typologies leading up to, and during, student loan repayment. Study findings suggest that the ways in which families communicate about student loans prior to loan accrual and during repayment (a) relate to family financial socialization processes and (b) play at least a partial role in how they experience student loans as part of their overall family dynamics. This study proposes a model of loan-related family communication dynamics and offers implications for future scholarship and practice.
The Vicarios Virtual Reality Interface for Remote Robotic Teleoperation
Authors: Naceri Abdeldjallil , Mazzanti Dario , Bimbo Joao , Tefera Yonas T. , Prattichizzo Domenico , Caldwell Darwin G. , Mattos Leonardo S. , Deshpande Nikhil
Published: April 2021

Intuitive interaction is the cornerstone of accurate and effective performance in remote robotic teleoperation. It requires high-fidelity in control actions as well as perception (vision, haptic, and other sensory feedback) of the remote environment. This paper presentsVicarios, a Virtual Reality (VR) based interface with the aim of facilitating intuitive real-time remote teleoperation, while utilizing the inherent benefits of VR, including immersive visualization, freedom of user viewpoint selection, and fluidity of interaction through natural action interfaces.Vicariosaims to enhance the situational awareness, using the concept ofviewpoint-independent mappingbetween the operator and the remote scene, thereby giving the operator better control in the perception-action loop. The article describes the overall system ofVicarios, with its software, hardware, and communication framework. A comparative user study quantifies the impact of the interface and its features, including immersion and instantaneous user viewpoint changes, termed “teleporting”, on users’ performance. The results show that users’ performance with the VR-based interface was either similar to or better than the baseline condition of traditional stereo video feedback, approving the realistic nature of theVicariosinterface. Furthermore, including the teleporting feature in VR significantly improved participants’ performance and their appreciation for it, which was evident in the post-questionnaire results.Vicarioscapitalizes on the intuitiveness and flexibility of VR to improve accuracy in remote teleoperation.
Dynamic Monopolistic Competition
Authors: Hoof Simon
Published: April 2021

I study a dynamic variant of the Dixit–Stiglitz (Am Econ Rev 67(3), 1977) model of monopolistic competition by introducing price stickiness à la Fershtman and Kamien (Econometrica 55(5), 1987). The analysis is restricted to bounded quantity and price paths that fulfill the necessary conditions for an open-loop Nash equilibrium. I show that there exists a symmetric steady state and that its stability depends on the degree of product differentiation. When moving from complements to perfect substitutes, the steady state is either a locally asymptotically unstable (spiral) source, a stable (spiral) sink or a saddle point. I further apply the Hopf bifurcation theorem and prove the existence of limit cycles, when passing from a stable to an unstable steady state. Lastly, I provide a numerical example and show that there exists a stable limit cycle.
On recovery: re-directing the concept by differentiation of its meanings
Authors: Friedman Yael
Published: April 2021

Recovery is a commonly used concept in both professional and everyday contexts. Yet despite its extensive use, it has not drawn much philosophical attention. In this paper, I question the common understanding of recovery, show how the concept is inadequate, and introduce new and much needed terminology. I argue that recovery glosses over important distinctions and even misrepresents the process of moving away from malady as "going back" to a former state of health. It does not invite important nuances needed to distinguish between biomedical, phenomenological, and social perspectives. In addition, I claim that there are many conditions where we are making use of the concept of recovery, although the person recovered from the condition in question, has not regained the same degree of soundness. I show how the concept of recovery leads to conceptual discrepancies that can result in worsening patients' conditions. To gain a fuller understanding, I propose to rethink the direction of the process in question. I define the process of moving away from malady as a move forward towards a new state of soundness. I also suggest three terms, corresponding to different perspectives, to describe this movement forward: 'curing' (biomedical perspective), 'healing' (first-person perspective), and 'habilitating' (social perspective). This new terminology provides a more nuanced understanding of the states of both malady and soundness and an attentiveness as to how they differ and relate.
Stevia rebaudiana germplasm characterization using microsatellite markers and steviol glycosides quantification by HPLC
Authors: Ribeiro Maria Margarida , Diamantino Tatiana , Domingues Joana , Montanari Ílio , Alves Marcos Nopper , Gonçalves José Carlos
Published: April 2021

Stevia rebaudianaBertoni, Asteraceae, is an herbaceous perennial plant native to Paraguay. This species is considered since ancient times a medicinal plant with important bioactive compounds and pharmacologic and food properties, namely diterpenes glycosides. The high natural sweetener potential stevioside and rebaudioside A produced byS. rebaudianaplants are suitable sucrose substitutes, and their obtention is influenced by environmental, phytosociological, and genetic factors. The plants’ genetic profile and sweet potential depiction are needed for suitable plant selection for improvement and deployment. Thirty-oneS. rebaudianaaccessions grown in the same plot where leaves samples were collected in early 2019, were genotyped using six microsatellite markers, including two steviol glycosides biosynthesis functionally involved markers. Additionally, an aqueous extract of each sample was obtained in a water bath and purified by SPE for stevioside and rebaudioside A quantification by normal phase HPLC. Stevioside and rebaudioside A contents varied between 0.53–7.36% (w w−1) and 0.37–3.60% (w w−1), respectively. Two genotypes displayed interesting ratios of rebaudioside A/stevioside (number 3 and 33). The level of genetic similarity between genotypes was tested through a pairwise similarity coefficient, and two groups of individuals had the same fingerprinting. Strong relatedness was found within genotypes, possibly due to cloning, thus, influx of new germplasm ought to be made to prevent mating between relatives, and for further selection and genetic improvement.
Enumerative Combinatorics of Intervals in the Dyck Pattern Poset
Authors: Bernini Antonio , Cervetti Matteo , Ferrari Luca , Steingrímsson Einar
Published: April 2021

We initiate the study of the enumerative combinatorics of the intervals in the Dyck pattern poset. More specifically, we find some closed formulas to express the size of some specific intervals, as well as the number of their covering relations. In most of the cases, we are also able to refine our formulas by rank. We also provide the first results on the Möbius function of the Dyck pattern poset, giving for instance a closed expression for the Möbius function of initial intervals whose maximum is a Dyck path having exactly two peaks.
Manipulation and liability to defensive harm
Authors: Renzo Massimo
Published: April 2021

Philosophers working on the morality of harm have paid surprisingly little attention to the problem of manipulation. The aim of this paper is to remedy this lacuna by exploring how liability to defensive harm is affected by the fact that someone posing an unjust threat has been manipulated into doing so. In addressing this problem, the challenge is to answer the following question:Why should it be the case (if it is, indeed, the case) that being misled into posing an unjust threat by manipulation makes a difference to one’s liability, as compared to being misled into doing so by natural events or by someone’s honest attempt to persuade us?To answer this question, I first outline an account of manipulation and then use it to defend what I shall call the “Pre-emption Principle.”