bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A nomogram for predicting overall survival in patients with Ewing sarcoma: a SEER-based study
Authors: Zhou Zhenggang , Wang Jinyu , Fang Liming , Ma Jianlin , Guo Mingbo
Published: November 2020

Background

Ewing sarcoma, the second most frequent bone tumor in children and adolescents, is often presented with localized disease or metastatic-related symptoms. In this study, we aim to construct and validate a nomogram for patients with Ewing sarcoma to predict the 3- and 5-year overall survival (OS) based on the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database.

Methods

Demographic and clinic pathological characteristics of patients with Ewing sarcoma diagnosed between 2010 and 2015 were extracted from SEER database. Univariate and multivariate Cox analyses were carried out to identify the independent characteristics. The independent factors were further included into the construction of a nomogram. Finally, c-index and calibration curves were used to validate the nomogram.

Results

A total of 578 patients were enrolled into our analysis. The results of univariate Cox analysis showed that age, 7th AJCC stage, 7th AJCC T stage, 7th AJCC N stage, 7th AJCC M stage, metastatic status to lung, liver and bone were significant factors. Multivariate Cox analysis was performed and it confirmed age, N stage and bone metastasis as independent variables. Next, a nomogram was constructed using these independent variables in prediction to the 3- and 5-year OS. Furthermore, favorable results with c-indexes (0.757 in training set and 0.697 in validation set) and calibration curves closer to ideal curves indicated the accurate predictive ability of this nomogram.

Conclusions

The individualized nomogram demonstrated a good ability in prognostic prediction for patients with Ewing sarcoma.
Epidemiological characteristics of 1385 primary sacral tumors in one institution in China
Authors: Wang Jun , Li Dasen , Yang Rongli , Tang Xiaodong , Yan Taiqiang , Guo Wei
Published: November 2020

Background

Sacral tumors and tumor-like lesions are a rare group of lesions that can affect children and adults of all ages. Little is known about clinical characteristics of age, gender, histologic type, and anatomic site in China.

Methods

A total of 1385 patients with sacral tumors and tumor-like lesions, which had the clinical record at our bone tumor center from January 2000 to November 2018 were analyzed. The metastatic cancers were not included in the present study.

Results

A total of 51.7% (716 cases) were malignant and 48.3% (669 cases) were benign tumors or tumor-like lesions. Of malignant tumors, chordoma was the most common malignant tumor (316 cases, 22.8% of all tumors), followed by chondrosarcoma, myeloma, and other histologic types. The most common histological type of benign tumors was a giant cell tumor accounting for 14.8% (205 cases) of all tumors, followed by neurofibroma, schwannoma, and other types. The most common age group affected by malignant bone tumors was the 51- to 60-year-old group, followed by the 41- to 50-year-old group. The most commonly affected age group for benign tumors and tumor-like lesions was the 31- to 50-year-old group, followed by the 21- to 30-year old group. Furthermore, the following histologic types had gender predilection. Chordoma, chondrosarcoma, myeloma, and osteosarcoma affected more frequently males than females. Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor, lymphoma, giant cell tumor, neurofibroma, tuberculosis, teratoma, and epidermoid cyst more frequently affected females than males.

Conclusions

The large cohort of sacral tumors and tumor-like lesions in our database may reveal their clinical characteristics of age, gender, histologic type, and anatomic site in China and features of sacral tumors and tumor-like lesions are fairly distinct from the mobile spine and extremities.
Perioperative strategy and outcome in giant retroperitoneal dedifferentiated liposarcoma—results of a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Bachmann Robert , Eckert Franziska , Gelfert Daniel , Strohäker Jens , Beltzer Christian , Ladurner Ruth
Published: November 2020

Background and objectives

Retroperitoneal liposarcoma (RPLS) are common soft tissue sarcomas of adulthood. The aim of this study is to show resectability of even giant liposarcomas and to identify factors associated with recurrence and survival in primary retroperitoneal liposarcomas.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients with retroperitoneal liposarcoma. Seventy-seven patients met inclusion criteria. Out of these 10 patients with primary giant, dedifferentiated retroperitoneal liposarcomas were operated with en bloc compartment resection with intention of radical resection. Treatment consisted of neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy and surgical resection or surgical resection.

Results

In 6 patients, neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy was performed; 3 patients were treated with surgical resection alone and 1 patient received adjuvant chemotherapy. The median diameter of tumor size was 360 mm (300 to 440 mm). Operative outcome showed complete resection in all 10 patients. Local tumor free survival was in median 19 month. Tumor recurrence was seen in 3 of 4 patients (75%) without neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy, and in 2 of 6 patients (33%) after neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy in 2 years follow-up.

Conclusion

Even in case of giant retroperitoneal liposarcoma, complete resection is possible and remains the principal treatment. The rate of recurrence was improved in patients with neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy.
Combined medial patellofemoral and medial patellotibial reconstruction for patellar instability: a PRISMA systematic review
Authors: Aicale Rocco , Maffulli Nicola
Published: November 2020

Background

The medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) works in association with the medial patellotibial ligament (MPTL) and the medial patellomeniscal ligament (MPML) to impart stability to the patellofemoral joint. The anatomy and biomechanical characteristics of the MPFL have been well described but little is known about the MPTL and MPML. Several reconstruction procedures of the MPFL with semitendinosus, gracilis, patellar and quadriceps tendons, allografts and synthetic grafts have been described. No clear superiority of one surgical technique over another is evident.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature was conducted using PRISMA guidelines. Inclusion criteria were articles that reported clinical outcomes of combined reconstruction of MPTL and MPFL. The methodological quality of the articles was determined using the modified Coleman Methodology Score (CMS).

Results

Nine articles were included, reporting the clinical outcomes of 197 operated knees. The surgical procedures described include hamstrings grafting and transfer of the medial patellar and quadriceps tendons with or without bony procedures to reconstruct the MPTL in association with the MPFL. Overall, good and excellent outcomes were achieved. The median CMS is 70.6 ± 14.4 (range 38 to 84).

Conclusion

Different techniques are reported, and outcomes are good with low rates of recurrence. The quality of the articles is variable, ranging from low to high. Appropriately powered randomized controlled trials are needed to better understand what the adequate indications for surgery in patients with patellar instability and clinical outcomes are. Combined reconstruction of MPFL and MPTL leads to favourable clinical outcomes, supporting its role as a valid surgical procedure for patellar stabilization.
Leptin down-regulates KCC2 activity and controls chloride homeostasis in the neonatal rat hippocampus
Authors: Dumon Camille , Belaidouni Yasmine , Diabira Diabe , Appleyard Suzanne M. , Wayman Gary A. , Gaiarsa Jean-Luc
Published: November 2020

The canonical physiological role of leptin is to regulate hunger and satiety acting on specific hypothalamic nuclei. Beyond this key metabolic function; leptin also regulates many aspects of development and functioning of neuronal hippocampal networks throughout life. Here we show that leptin controls chloride homeostasis in the developing rat hippocampus in vitro. The effect of leptin relies on the down-regulation of the potassium/chloride extruder KCC2 activity and is present during a restricted period of postnatal development. This study confirms and extends the role of leptin in the ontogenesis of functional GABAergic inhibition and helps understanding how abnormal levels of leptin may contribute to neurological disorders.
Possibility of live birth in patients with low serum β-hCG 14 days after blastocyst transfer
Authors: Wu Yixuan , Liu Haiying
Published: November 2020

Background

Although prior work has attempted to predict pregnancy outcomes by assaying serum β-hCG levels after blastocyst transfer, no study has focused on pregnancy outcomes in those with initially low serum β-hCG levels. This study sought to investigate pregnancy outcomes of patients with low serum β-hCG levels 14 days after blastocyst transfer.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University to study patients whose serum β-hCG levels were at 5–299 mIU/ml 14 days after frozen blastocyst transfer. Rates of live birth, early miscarriage, biochemical pregnancy loss and ectopic pregnancy were analyzed according to the female patients’ age by Chi-squared analysis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted to explore the threshold of predicting clinical pregnancy and live births.

Results

312 patients had serum β-hCG levels < 300 mIU/ml at 14 days after frozen blastocyst transfer, among which, 18.6% were live births, 47.4% were early miscarriages, 22.8% were biochemical pregnancies and 9.6% were ectopic pregnancies. ROC curve analysis showed that a predicted value of β-hCG for clinical pregnancy was 58.8 mIU/ml with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.752, a sensitivity of 95.0% and specificity of 53.5%. The threshold for live births was 108.6 mIU/ml with an AUC of 0.649, a sensitivity of 93.1% and a specificity of 37.0%. For the β-hCG fold increase over 48 h, the cut-off for clinical pregnancy was 1.4 with an AUC of 0.899, a sensitivity of 90.3% and a specificity of 77.8%. The threshold for live birth was 1.9 with an AUC of 0.808, a sensitivity of 88.5% and specificity of 64.5%.

Conclusions

Initially low serum β-hCG levels 14 days after frozen blastocyst transfer indicated minimal chances of live birth. For patients having an initial β-hCG > 58.8 mIU/ml, luteal phase support should continue. Another serum β-hCG test and ultrasound should be performed one week later. When an initial serum β-hCG is < 58.8 mIU/ml, luteal phase support should be discontinued and serum β-hCG measured with ultrasound one week later.
Increased leukotriene B4 plasma concentration in type 2 diabetes individuals with cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy
Authors: Neves Jose Antonio Januario , De Matos Mozânia Reis , Ramalho Theresa , Santos-Bezerra Daniele Pereira , Cavalcante Cristiane Das Graças Dias , Alpino Peixoto Renata D’ , Queiroz Márcia Silva , Jancar Sonia , Correa-Giannella Maria Lucia
Published: November 2020

Background and aim

A low-grade inflammation is associated with cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) and increased concentration of leukotriene B4 (LTB4) was found in individuals with type 1 diabetes and definitive CAN. This cross-sectional study evaluated plasma concentration of LTB4 and of other inflammatory mediators, namely, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin (IL)1B, and IL10 in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and different degrees of CAN, and correlated these inflammatory mediators with the degree of glycemic control and with a surrogate marker of insulin resistance.

Methods

TNF, IL1B, IL10 and LTB4 plasma concentrations were measured in 129 T2D subjects (62% women with [median] age of 63 years, disease duration of 8 years and HbA1c of 7.3%) with or without CAN. The Lipid accumulation product index was used as a surrogate marker of insulin resistance.

Results

LTB4 concentration was significantly higher in those presenting incipient CAN (69.7 ± 16.6 pg mL-1) and definitive CAN (71.5 ± 15.7 pg mL-1) versus those without CAN (57.0 ± 13.9 pg mL-1). The groups without CAN and with incipient CAN were pooled (group without definitive CAN) and compared to those with definitive CAN. LTB4 concentration was higher in the latter group, as well as TNF concentration, while IL10 concentration was lower in this group. After adjustment for confounding variables, only LTB4 concentration remained significantly different between the groups with and without definitive CAN. Plasma concentration of LTB4 did not correlate with the degree of glycemic control. After sorting the participants by sex, a borderline weak correlation was found between LTB4 and the Lipid accumulation product index in women.

Conclusion

In the T2D setting, circulating LTB4 concentration seems to be associated with cardiovascular dysautonomia.
Age and sex impact plasma NFL and t-Tau trajectories in individuals with subjective memory complaints: a 3-year follow-up study
Authors:   the INSIGHT-preAD study group, Baldacci Filippo ,   for the Alzheimer Precision Medicine Initiative (APMI), Lista Simone , Manca Maria Laura , Chiesa Patrizia A. , Cavedo Enrica , Lemercier Pablo , Zetterberg Henrik , Blennow Kaj , Habert Marie-Odile , Potier Marie Claude , Dubois Bruno , Vergallo Andrea , Hampel Harald
Published: November 2020

Background

Plasma neurofilament light (NFL) and total Tau (t-Tau) proteins are candidate biomarkers for early stages of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The impact of biological factors on their plasma concentrations in individuals with subjective memory complaints (SMC) has been poorly explored. We longitudinally investigate the effect of sex, age, APOE ε4 allele, comorbidities, brain amyloid-β (Aβ) burden, and cognitive scores on plasma NFL and t-Tau concentrations in cognitively healthy individuals with SMC, a condition associated with AD development.

Methods

Three hundred sixteen and 79 individuals, respectively, have baseline and three-time point assessments (at baseline, 1-year, and 3-year follow-up) of the two biomarkers. Plasma biomarkers were measured with an ultrasensitive assay in a mono-center cohort (INSIGHT-preAD study).

Results

We show an effect of age on plasma NFL, with women having a higher increase of plasma t-Tau concentrations compared to men, over time. The APOE ε4 allele does not affect the biomarker concentrations while plasma vitamin B12 deficiency is associated with higher plasma t-Tau concentrations. Both biomarkers are correlated and increase over time. Baseline NFL is related to the rate of Aβ deposition at 2-year follow-up in the left-posterior cingulate and the inferior parietal gyri. Baseline plasma NFL and the rate of change of plasma t-Tau are inversely associated with cognitive score.

Conclusion

We find that plasma NFL and t-Tau longitudinal trajectories are affected by age and female sex, respectively, in SMC individuals. Exploring the influence of biological variables on AD biomarkers is crucial for their clinical validation in blood.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: A smart position optimization scheme for badminton doubles based on human–computer interactive training in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Yao Bo , Liang Na
Published: November 2020

In the continuous development process, robot technology based on multimedia interactions has been widely used in aerospace, medical, education and service industries. The relationship between robots and humans is getting closer. The improvement of robot intelligence is a process of continuously learning the outside world. Since 1959, multimedia human–computer interaction technology has provided more and more technical support for human research robots. In this paper, we firstly study the characteristics of badminton competition, including the technical characteristics, tactics characteristics, and the collection requirements about on-site training. The technical description of the badminton doubles station is also completed. Furthermore, in terms of the digitalization of the gait-based sensation, the automated acquisition of the gait technology, the simultaneously with the video, and the high-speed imaging system, the system implement information is integrated. After that, badminton multimedia techniques and tactics are designed based on the extensive statistical analysis. The skills and tactics of athletes are expressed in the form of video, graphics and text. Finally, the operators can carry out the technical and tactical analysis processes through good human–computer interactions. This increases the end user’s game information. The related attention and understanding can strengthen the strength and depth of technical and tactical ability analysis. Thus, we propose the station optimization plan for badminton doubles.
A model of peer effects on instructor innovation adoption
Authors: McConnell Melody , Montplaisir Lisa , Offerdahl Erika G
Published: November 2020

A considerable body of evidence demonstrates that active, student-centered instructional practices are more effective than lecture-based, transmissionist approaches in improving undergraduate STEM learning. Despite this evidence and extensive reform initiatives, the majority of STEM instructors continue to teach didactically. Awareness of teaching innovations is widespread in some STEM disciplines, and instructors report trying new instructional approaches, yet the majority of them fail to continue using active learning strategies. Recent work suggests that the decision to experiment with and persist in using a teaching innovation is influenced more by instructors’ perceived supports (e.g., access to curricular resources, supportive colleagues, positive departmental climate toward teaching) than perceived barriers. This commentary expands on the notion that the instructional decision-making process is personal and influenced by both individual and contextual factors to explicitly model the potential mechanisms by which peers encourage or discourage adoption of teaching innovations. We also discuss implications of this work for future research. We hope that this model will be helpful for work related to increasing the prevalence of active, student-centered instruction in undergraduate STEM.
Laparoscopic splenectomy in children with sickle cell disease younger than 5 years old
Authors: Alkhatrawi Taha , Elsherbini Radi , Turkistani Waheed
Published: November 2020

Background

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the feasibility, safety, efficacy, benefits, and outcome of elective laparoscopic splenectomy for children younger than 5 years with sickle cell disease (SCD) who needed splenectomy. We conducted a retrospective review for a prospective data on patients younger than 5 years with SCD requiring splenectomy from January 2007 to June 2019. Patients were evaluated with regard to patient demographics, operative time, presence of accessory spleens, blood loss, length of hospital stay, morbidity, mortality, and clinical outcome.

Results

A total of 71 patients younger than 5 years with SCD underwent laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) at our institution from January 2007 to June 2019. There were 28 boys and 43 girls. The age at LS is from 2 years to less than 5 years (mean 3.2 years). The mean operating time was 65 min. There was no conversion to open surgery; all the cases were successfully performed laparoscopically. Twelve patients (17%) underwent a concomitant cholecystectomy. The hospital stay ranged from 2 to 6 days (median, 3 days). The mean follow-up was 86 months (range, 17 to 161 months). Postoperative follow-up revealed no cases of overwhelming postsplenectomy sepsis infection (OPSI).

Conclusion

Laparoscopic splenectomy in young children less than 5 years of age with sickle cell disease is a safe and effective treatment. When patients are given preoperative vaccination and penicillin prophylaxis, OPSI rarely occurs.
Efficacy of the Zero Suicide framework in reducing recurrent suicide attempts: cross-sectional and time-to-recurrent-event analyses
Authors: Stapelberg Nicolas J. C. , Sveticic Jerneja , Hughes Ian , Almeida-Crasto Alice , Gaee-Atefi Taralina , Gill Neeraj , Grice Diana , Krishnaiah Ravikumar , Lindsay Luke , Patist Carla , Engelen Heidy Van , Walker Sarah , Welch Matthew , Woerwag-Mehta Sabine , Turner Kathryn
Published: November 2020

Background

The Zero Suicide framework is a system-wide approach to prevent suicides in health services. It has been implemented worldwide but has a poor evidence-base of effectiveness.

Aims

To evaluate the effectiveness of the Zero Suicide framework, implemented in a clinical suicide prevention pathway (SPP) by a large public mental health service in Australia, in reducing repeated suicide attempts after an index attempt.

Method

A total of 604 persons with 737 suicide attempt presentations were identified between 1 July and 31 December 2017. Relative risk for a subsequent suicide attempt within various time periods was calculated using cross-sectional analysis. Subsequently, a 10-year suicide attempt history (2009–2018) for the cohort was used in time-to-recurrent-event analyses.

Results

Placement on the SPP reduced risk for a repeated suicide attempt within 7 days (RR = 0.29; 95% CI 0.11–0.75), 14 days (RR = 0.38; 95% CI 0.18–0.78), 30 days (RR = 0.55; 95% CI 0.33–0.94) and 90 days (RR = 0.62; 95% CI 0.41–0.95). Time-to-recurrent event analysis showed that SPP placement extended time to re-presentation (HR = 0.65; 95% CI 0.57–0.67). A diagnosis of personality disorder (HR = 2.70; 95% CI 2.03–3.58), previous suicide attempt (HR = 1.78; 95% CI 1.46–2.17) and Indigenous status (HR = 1.46; 95% CI 0.98–2.25) increased the hazard for re-presentation, whereas older age decreased it (HR = 0.92; 95% CI 0.86–0.98). The effect of the SPP was similar across all groups, reducing the risk of re-presentation to about 65% of that seen in those not placed on the SPP.

Conclusions

This paper demonstrates a reduction in repeated suicide attempts after an index attempt and a longer time to a subsequent attempt for those receiving multilevel care based on the Zero Suicide framework.
The Ends of (German) Film Criticism: On Recurring Doomsday Scenarios and the New Algorithmic Culture
Authors: Frey Mattias
Published: November 2020

A prominent strain of discourse sees digital-age German film criticism in a terminal trajectory of commercialization and dumbing down. This article demonstrates that this rhetoric is not unique: neither to German-speaking countries nor to the digital age. Complaints about slipping benchmarks and declining quality, the fragmentation of the filmgoing public into niche markets, and above all the anxiety about the authority of the critic to definitively speak for and interpret culture to a receptive audience have animated international film criticism since its origins. The article proceeds to examine the supposed new threat to critics: algorithmic recommender systems for video-on-demand platforms such as Netflix. Based on the author’s mixed-method empirical audience study, it concludes that the need and desire for human cultural mediators has not decreased despite the digital-age explosion of content and computational tools.
Film Criticism in Germany Today: A Report on Practice
Authors: Lenssen Claudia
Published: November 2020

As traditional media in Germany have lost their relevance in the digital age, so has the perpetually embattled authority of film criticism diminished. The article addresses current debates about the state of criticism while critics are confronting the collapse of the media having traditionally defined their work. What does it mean that writing on film is supposed to function as the “taste tester for cultural gastronomy” (Wolfram Schütte)? Do social media marginalize critical expertise? How does film criticism work under the omen of changing concepts of the public sphere? The article discusses the prospects of film criticism “at a time when the architectonic, mythic, and social unity of film is no longer self-evident and has ceased to function hegemonically” (Georg Seeßlen). What does it mean that “writing about the audiovisual must change” and young film critics open up spaces to win back film criticism as a counterbalance to market-driven film policies?
Segmented quantitative diffusion tensor imaging evaluation of acute traumatic cervical spinal cord injury
Authors: Mossa-Basha Mahmud , Peterson Daniel J , Hippe Daniel S , Vranic Justin E , Hofstetter Christoph , Reyes Maria , Bombardier Charles , Jarvik Jeffrey G
Published: November 2020

Objectives:

To evaluate segmented diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) white matter tract fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) values in acute cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI).

Methods:

15 patients with acute CSCI and 12 control subjects were prospectively recruited and underwent axial DTI as part of the spine trauma MRI. Datasets were put through a semi-automated probabilistic segmentation algorithm that analyzed white matter, motor and sensory tracts. FA and MD values were calculated for white matter, sensory (spinal lemniscal) and motor tracts (ventral/lateral corticospinal) at the level of clinical injury, levels remote from injury and in normal controls.

Results:

There were significant differences in FA between the level of injury and controls for total white matter (0.65 ± .09 vs 0.68 ± .07; p = .044), motor tracts (0.64 ± .07 vs 0.7 ± .09; p = .006), and combined motor/sensory tracts (0.63 ± .09 vs 0.69 ± .08; p = .022). In addition, there were significant FA differences between the level of injury and one level caudal to the injury for combined motor tracts (0.64 ± .07 vs 0.69 ± .05; p = .002) and combined motor/sensory tracts (0.63 ± .09 vs 0.7 ± .07; p = .011). There were no significant differences for MD between the level of injury and one level caudal to the injury or normal controls.

Conclusion:

Abnormalities in DTI metrics of DTI-segmented white matter tracts were detected at the neurological level of injury relative to normal controls and levels remote from the injury site, confirming its value in CSCI assessment.

Advances in knowledge:

Segmented DTI analysis can help identify microstructural spinal cord abnormalities in the setting of traumatic cervical spinal cord injury.
Ψυχοεκπαιδευτική παρέμβαση για την ενίσχυση της συγχωρητικότητας σε παιδιά ηλικίας 9 έως 12 ετών
Authors: Ανδρέας Μπρούζος , Βασιλόπουλος Στέφανος , Σουρτζίνου Αγγελική , Μπαούρδα Βασιλική
Published: November 2020

Children’s ability to forgive affects their social relationships and is connected to the development of their social skills and their emotional health. This research aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a six-session psychoeducational program designed to enhance forgiveness in children aged 9 to 12. Sixty-seven children (intervention group: n = 30 and control group: n = 37) participated in the study, completing: (a) Enright Forgiveness Inventory for Children (Enright 2000); (b) Behavioral Anger Response Questionnaire (Miers et al., 2007), (c) Bryant Empathy Index for Children and Αdolescents (Bryant, 1982), and (d) Children’s Self-report Social Skills Scale (Danielson & Phelps, 2003). Results revealed that the children who participated in the intervention showed higher levels of forgiveness and enhanced anger management, while there were no changes in the control group. Theoretically basing the intervention on Enright’s forgiveness model (2001) as well as including specifically designed anger management activities may have contributed to the effectiveness of the program. It is suggested that interventions for forgiveness can contribute to the emotional and social health of children.
Recent advances in understanding and improving photosynthesis
Authors: Perera-Castro Alicia V , Flexas Jaume
Published: November 2020

Since 1893, when the word “photosynthesis” was first coined by Charles Reid Barnes and Conway MacMillan, our understanding of the elements and regulation of this complex process is far from being entirely understood. We aim to review the most relevant advances in photosynthesis research from the last few years and to provide a perspective on the forthcoming research in this field. Recent discoveries related to light sensing, harvesting, and dissipation; kinetics of CO2 fixation; components and regulators of CO2 diffusion through stomata and mesophyll; and genetic engineering for improving photosynthetic and production capacities of crops are addressed.
Gara Garayev'in piyano eserlerinde doğu-batı bağlamında uygulanan muğam ilkeleri
Authors: Mikayılova Sevil
Published: November 2020

Azerbaycanlı bestecilerin piyano yaratıcılığının çeşitli gelişim aşamalarında, yeni sanat akımlarına sürekli bir ilgi, müzikal ifade araçlarını yenileme eğilimi var. Yirminci yüzyılın ilk yarısında, Romantizm ve Empresyonizm ile birlikte, muğamdan gelen ilkeleri de içeren Azerbaycan piyano müziğinin milli gelenekleri Avrupalı bestecilerin çalışmalarına dahil edilmiştir. Bunlardan biri, G.Garayev'in adıyla bağlantılı olan ve daha sonra ulusal besteci yaratıcılığının diğer alanlarında parlak tezahürünü bulan neoklasizm eğilimiydi. Azerbaycan bestecilerin piyano çalışmalarında neoklasizmin eğiliminden bahsederken, bu üslubu karakterize eden ana özelliklerden kısaca bahsetmemiz gerekiyor. G.Garayev'in piyano için yaptığı çalışmalar örneğinde, ulusal müzikal düşüncenin ilkelerinin neoklasik tarzda kullanılan araçlarla birleştirildiğini görüyoruz. Bestecinin çok sesli eserlerinde, muğam düşüncenin düzenlilikleri artık geçmişin ve günümüzün çok sesli yazım üslubuyla aynı değildir, aynı zamanda on iki tonlu kromatik tonalitenin "ortamında" da tezahür eden bu son derece farklı sistemlerin kesişme noktasını bulmada yazarın elde ettiği yeni sanatsal kalitenin açık bir örneği olarak kabul edilir.
Nitrogen fluxes in Western streams
Authors: Madinger Hilary L. , Hall Jr. Robert O.
Published: November 2020

Nitrogen pollution to streams is altering the nitrogen cycling in unknown ways, causing challenges for predicting nitrogen fixation fluxes within aquatic ecosystems. Increasing nitrate pollution decreases the amount of nitrogen fixation occurring in streams. However, the relationship between stream nitrate concentration and the rate of nitrogen fixation is unknown. We predict that lower nitrate streams will have the highest rates of nitrogen fixation. Additionally, there will be much more energy produced in streams with nitrogen fixation compared to the amount required to fix the nitrogen. We estimated whole-stream gross primary production and nitrogen fixation fluxes using the diel change in dissolved nitrogen and oxygen gases compared to the expected dissolved gas saturation. Our whole-stream method is preferable to chamber estimates to understand the relationship between energy requirements for nitrogen fixation and gross primary production, but additional data is needed to distinguish between relationship types and make our measurements generalizable.

 

Featured photo by Intermountain Forest Service, USDA Region 4 Photography on Flickr. https://flic.kr/p/jbTRUj
Establishing a long-term monitoring network for assessing potential climatic refugia in cold alpine streams
Authors: Tronstad Lusha , Giersch J. Joseph , Hotaling Scott , Zeglin Lydia , Wilmot Oliver , Bixby Rebecca J. , Finn Debra S.
Published: November 2020

Managing landscapes to maintain climate refugia is likely the best strategy to promote persistence of temperature-sensitive species with limited dispersal capacity. Rare, cold-stenothermic taxa occupy mosaic mountain stream networks due largely to hydrological source heterogeneity. We collected environmental and biological data from alpine streams in the Teton Range, Wyoming representing runoff from snowpack (N=3), glaciers (N=4) and subterranean ice (N=4), every summer from 2015-2017. We quantified differences in habitat among the streams according to a glaciality index that included bed stability, suspended solids, temperature and conductivity, and by comparing annual water temperature profiles for each stream. We measured to what degree macroinvertebrate and diatom assemblages varied by stream type. Abiotic and biotic characteristics appeared to differ among sources. Notably, streams fed by subterranean ice (icy seeps) maintained extremely low (mean <2°C) and stable water temperature. Rare, cold-stenothermic stonefly species (Zapada glacier and Lednia tetonica) were indicators for, although not exclusive to, icy seeps. Icy seeps and their sources may be refugia for temperature-sensitive taxa, as the subsurface ice is more insulated from warmer air temperatures.

 

Featured photo by Nicole Y-C on Unsplash. https://unsplash.com/photos/9XixVlnUCbk
Examining my place in social work history: a scholarly personal narrative
Authors: Gonyer Megan E.
Published: November 2020

The social work profession began in the early 1900s and has changed and evolved in many ways since then. The author raises the question: ‘Am I who the founding mothers of social work imagined when they began their work?’ Looking at the values of the profession with a focus on social justice and language, the author explores how she is working towards social justice and how it fits into the historical perspective of the profession.
Investigation of the extended focusing capability of the spherical aberration to enlarge the field of view in light-sheet fluorescence microscopy
Authors: Deng Suhui , Ding Zijun , Yuan Deyi , Liu Mingping , Zhou Huilin
Published: November 2020

In light-sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM), using Gaussian beams for light-sheet generation results in a trade-off between the thickness and the field of view (FOV). Here we present a theoretical analysis of using spherical aberration to enlarge the FOV while keeping the light-sheet thickness small. Such spherical aberration can arise when focusing beams through an interface between materials of mismatched refractive indices. The depth-of-focus extension of the Gaussian beam is achieved when using air objectives to focus light into the samples dipped in the immersion medium with a higher refractive index. By scanning this elongated beam, a thin light sheet with a wide FOV can be used for LSFM imaging. Meanwhile, the accompanied sidelobes with the spherical aberrated light sheet, which are mainly distributed in the rear part of the light sheet, are also discussed. Simulation results show that an extended FOV of

64.4

µ

m

is possible for an objective lens of

N
A

=
0.3

, which is about 5 times that of the unaberrated case. For such an extended FOV, a comparatively thin thickness of

1.38

µ

m

as well as the first sidelobe about 11.1% of the peak intensity in the center are also demonstrated.
In situ measurements of the volume scattering function with LISST-VSF and LISST-200X in extreme environments: evaluation of instrument calibration and validity
Authors: Sandven Håkon , Kristoffersen Arne S. , Chen Yi-Chun , Hamre Børge
Published: November 2020

The LISST-VSF and LISST-200X are commercial instruments made available in recent years, enabling underwater measurements of the volume scattering function, which has not been routinely measured in situ due to lack of instrumentation and difficulty of measurement. Bench-top and in situ measurements have enabled absolute calibration of the instruments and evaluation of instrument validity ranges, even at environmental extremes such as the clear waters at the North Pole and turbid glacial meltwaters. Key considerations for instrument validity ranges are ring detector noise levels and multiple scattering. In addition, Schlieren effects can be significant in stratified waters.
Filament-induced breakdown spectroscopy with structured beams
Authors: Burger M. , Polynkin P. , Jovanovic I.
Published: November 2020

Filament-induced ablation represents an attractive scheme for long-range material identification via optical spectroscopy. However, the delivery of laser energy to the target can be severely hindered by the stochastic nature of multiple-filamentation, ionization of ambient gas, and atmospheric turbulence. In order to mitigate some of these adverse effects, we examine the utility of beam shaping for femtosecond filament-induced breakdown spectroscopy with Gaussian and structured (Laguerre-Gaussian, Airy, and Bessel-Gaussian) beams in the nonlinear regime. Interaction of filaments with copper, zinc, and brass targets was studied by recording axially-resolved broadband emission from the filament-induced plasma. The laser-solid coupling efficacy was assessed by inferring thermodynamic parameters such as excitation temperature and electron density. While under our experimental conditions the ablation rate with Gaussian- and Laguerre-Gaussian beams is found to be similar, the Airy and Bessel-Gaussian beams offer the advantage of longitudinally extended working zones. These results provide insights into potential benefits of structuring ultrafast laser beams for standoff sensing applications.
Computational imaging during video game playing shows dynamic synchronization of cortical and subcortical networks of emotions
Authors: Leitão Joana , Meuleman Ben , Van De Ville Dimitri , Vuilleumier Patrik
Published: November 2020

Emotions are multifaceted phenomena affecting mind, body, and behavior. Previous studies sought to link particular emotion categories (e.g., fear) or dimensions (e.g., valence) to specific brain substrates but generally found distributed and overlapping activation patterns across various emotions. In contrast, distributed patterns accord with multi-componential theories whereby emotions emerge from appraisal processes triggered by current events, combined with motivational, expressive, and physiological mechanisms orchestrating behavioral responses. According to this framework, components are recruited in parallel and dynamically synchronized during emotion episodes. Here, we use functional MRI (fMRI) to investigate brain-wide systems engaged by theoretically defined components and measure their synchronization during an interactive emotion-eliciting video game. We show that each emotion component recruits large-scale cortico-subcortical networks, and that moments of dynamic synchronization between components selectively engage basal ganglia, sensory-motor structures, and midline brain areas. These neural results support theoretical accounts grounding emotions onto embodied and action-oriented functions triggered by synchronized component processes.
Evaluating the effectiveness of a group-based resilience intervention versus psychoeducation for emergency responders in England: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Wild Jennifer , El-Salahi Shama , Degli Esposti Michelle , Thew Graham R.
Published: November 2020

Background

Emergency responders are routinely exposed to traumatic critical incidents and other occupational stressors that place them at higher risk of mental ill health compared to the general population. There is some evidence to suggest that resilience training may improve emergency responders’ wellbeing and related health outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a tertiary service resilience intervention compared to psychoeducation for improving psychological outcomes among emergency workers.

Methods

We conducted a multicentre, parallel-group, randomised controlled trial. Minim software was used to randomly allocate police, ambulance, fire, and search and rescue services personnel, who were not suffering from depression or post-traumatic stress disorder, to Mind’s group intervention or to online psychoeducation on a 3:1 basis. The resilience intervention was group-based and included stress management and mindfulness tools for reducing stress. It was delivered by trained staff at nine centres across England in six sessions, one per week for six weeks. The comparison intervention was psychoeducation about stress and mental health delivered online, one module per week for six weeks. Primary outcomes were assessed by self-report and included wellbeing, resilience, self-efficacy, problem-solving, social capital, confidence in managing mental health, and number of days off work due to illness. Follow-up was conducted at three months. Blinding of participants, researchers and outcome assessment was not possible due to the type of interventions.

Results

A total of 430 participants (resilience intervention N = 317; psychoeducation N = 113) were randomised and included in intent-to-treat analyses. Linear Mixed-Effects Models did not show a significant difference between the interventions, at either the post-intervention or follow-up time points, on any outcome measure.

Conclusions

The limited success of this intervention is consistent with the wider literature. Future refinements to the intervention may benefit from targeting predictors of resilience and mental ill health.

Trial registration

ISRCTN registry,ISRCTN79407277.
Composition of nutrients, heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and microbiological quality in processed small indigenous fish species from Ghana: Implications for food security
Authors: Hasselberg Astrid Elise , Wessels Laura , Aakre Inger , Reich Felix , Atter Amy , Steiner-Asiedu Matilda , Amponsah Samuel , Pucher Johannes , Kjellevold Marian
Published: November 2020

The triple burden of malnutrition is an incessant issue in low- and middle-income countries, and fish has the potential to mitigate this burden. In Ghana fish is a central part of the diet, but data on nutrients and contaminants in processed indigenous fish species, that are often eaten whole, are missing. Samples of smoked, dried or saltedEngraulis encrasicolus(European anchovy),Brachydeuterus auritus(bigeye grunt),Sardinella aurita(round sardinella),Selene dorsalis(African moonfish),Sierrathrissa leonensis(West African (WA) pygmy herring) andTilapia spp. (tilapia) were collected from five different regions in Ghana. Samples were analyzed for nutrients (crude protein, fat, fatty acids, several vitamins, minerals, and trace elements), microbiological quality (microbial loads of total colony counts,E.coli, coliforms, and Salmonella), and contaminants (PAH4 and heavy metals). Except for tilapia, the processed small fish species had the potential to significantly contribute to the nutrient intakes of vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids. High levels of iron, mercury and lead were detected in certain fish samples, which calls for further research and identification of anthropogenic sources along the value chains. The total cell counts in all samples were acceptable;Salmonellawas not detected in any sample andE.colionly in one sample. However, high numbers of coliform bacteria were found. PAH4 in smoked samples reached high concentrations up to 1,300 μg/kg, but in contrast salted tilapia samples had a range of PAH4 concentration of 1 μg/kg to 24 μg/kg. This endpoint oriented study provides data for the nutritional value of small processed fish as food in Ghana and also provides information about potential food safety hazards. Future research is needed to determine potential sources of contamination along the value chains in different regions, identify critical points, and develop applicable mitigation strategies to improve the quality and safety of processed small fish in Ghana.
Prediction of hierarchical time series using structured regularization and its application to artificial neural networks
Authors: Shiratori Tomokaze , Kobayashi Ken , Takano Yuichi
Published: November 2020

This paper discusses the prediction of hierarchical time series, where each upper-level time series is calculated by summing appropriate lower-level time series. Forecasts for such hierarchical time series should be coherent, meaning that the forecast for an upper-level time series equals the sum of forecasts for corresponding lower-level time series. Previous methods for making coherent forecasts consist of two phases: first computing base (incoherent) forecasts and then reconciling those forecasts based on their inherent hierarchical structure. To improve time series predictions, we propose a structured regularization method for completing both phases simultaneously. The proposed method is based on a prediction model for bottom-level time series and uses a structured regularization term to incorporate upper-level forecasts into the prediction model. We also develop a backpropagation algorithm specialized for applying our method to artificial neural networks for time series prediction. Experimental results using synthetic and real-world datasets demonstrate that our method is comparable in terms of prediction accuracy and computational efficiency to other methods for time series prediction.
A new secure image encryption algorithm based on a 5D hyperchaotic map
Authors: Fang Dejian , Sun Shuliang
Published: November 2020

Image encryption is an effective method for protecting private images during communication. In this paper, a novel image encryption method is proposed based on a 5D hyperchaotic system. Since a 5D hyperchaotic system can generate more complex dynamic behavior than a low-dimensional system, it is used in this paper to generate pseudorandom number sequences. The generated sequences are processed to obtain new sequences. The randomness of the new sequences is improved by recombination and rearrangement. The experimental results and theoretical analysis show that the method possesses a large key space and can resist differential attacks, statistical analysis, entropy analysis, clipping attacks and noise attacks. Therefore, it is very secure and can be used for secure communication.
Soluble dimeric prion protein ligand activates Adgrg6 receptor but does not rescue early signs of demyelination in PrP-deficient mice
Authors: Henzi Anna , Senatore Assunta , Lakkaraju Asvin K. K. , Scheckel Claudia , Mühle Jonas , Reimann Regina , Sorce Silvia , Schertler Gebhard , Toyka Klaus V. , Aguzzi Adriano
Published: November 2020

The adhesion G-protein coupled receptor Adgrg6 (formerly Gpr126) is instrumental in the development, maintenance and repair of peripheral nervous system myelin. The prion protein (PrP) is a potent activator of Adgrg6 and could be used as a potential therapeutic agent in treating peripheral demyelinating and dysmyelinating diseases. We designed a dimeric Fc-fusion protein comprising the myelinotrophic domain of PrP (FT2Fc), which activated Adgrg6 in vitro and exhibited favorable pharmacokinetic properties for in vivo treatment of peripheral neuropathies. While chronic FT2Fc treatment elicited specific transcriptomic changes in the sciatic nerves of PrP knockout mice, no amelioration of the early molecular signs demyelination was detected. Instead, RNA sequencing of sciatic nerves revealed downregulation of cytoskeletal and sarcomere genes, akin to the gene expression changes seen in myopathic skeletal muscle of PrP overexpressing mice. These results call for caution when devising myelinotrophic therapies based on PrP-derived Adgrg6 ligands. While our treatment approach was not successful, Adgrg6 remains an attractive therapeutic target to be addressed in other disease models or by using different biologically active Adgrg6 ligands.