bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of ocular blood flow and contrast sensitivity in normal tension glaucoma
Authors: Kuerten David , Fuest Matthias , Walter Peter , Mazinani Babac , Plange Niklas
Published: May 2021

Purpose

To investigate the relationship of ocular blood flow (via arteriovenous passage time, AVP) and contrast sensitivity (CS) in healthy as well as normal tension glaucoma (NTG) subjects.

Design

Mono-center comparative prospective trial

Methods

Twenty-five NTG patients without medication and 25 healthy test participants were recruited. AVP as a measure of retinal blood flow was recorded via fluorescein angiography after CS measurement using digital image analysis. Association of AVP and CS at 4 spatial frequencies (3, 6, 12, and 18 cycles per degree, cpd) was explored with correlation analysis.

Results

Significant differences regarding AVP, visual field defect, intraocular pressure, and CS measurement were recorded in-between the control group and NTG patients. In NTG patients, AVP was significantly correlated to CS at all investigated cpd (3 cpd: r =  − 0.432,p< 0.03; 6 cpd: r =  − 0.629,p< 0.0005; 12 cpd: r =  − 0.535,p< 0.005; and 18 cpd: r =  − 0.58,p< 0.001), whereas no significant correlations were found in the control group. Visual acuity was significantly correlated to CS at 6, 12, and 18 cpd in NTG patients (r =  − 0.68,p< 0.002; r =  − 0.54,p< .02, and r =  − 0.88,p< 0.0001 respectively), however not in healthy control patients. Age, visual field defect MD, and PSD were not significantly correlated to CS in in the NTG group. MD and PSD were significantly correlated to CS at 3 cpd in healthy eyes (r = 0.55,p< 0.02; r =  − 0.47,p< 0.03).

Conclusion

Retinal blood flow alterations show a relationship with contrast sensitivity loss in NTG patients. This might reflect a disease-related link between retinal blood flow and visual function. This association was not recorded in healthy volunteers.
Dekarbonisierungsszenarien für das industrielle Energiesystem in Österreich
Authors: Nagovnak Peter , Kienberger Thomas , Geyer Roman , Hainoun Ali
Published: May 2021

Ein Überblick über die gewählten Szenarien für die Dekarbonisierung des industriellen Energiesystems und deren Grundlage in bestehender Fachliteratur wird präsentiert. Im Anschluss wird die Methodik der Modellierung dargelegt und aufgezeigt, welche Alleinstellungsmerkmale die Szenarienerarbeitung u. a. in Bezug auf Stakeholderintegration und Bilanzgrenzen aufweist. Es wird zudem gezeigt, welche Handlungsempfehlungen aus den Ergebnissen ableitbar sein werden.
Non-intrusive load monitoring algorithm based on household electricity use habits
Authors: Yin Bo , Li Zhenhuan , Xu Jiali , Li Lin , Yang Xinghai , Du Zehua
Published: May 2021

The construction of smart grid is an important part of improving the utilization rate of electric energy. As an important way for the construction of smart grid, non-intrusive load decomposition methods have been extensively studied. In this type of method, limited by transmission cost and network bandwidth, low-frequency data has been widely used in practical applications. However, the accuracy of device identification in this case faces challenges. Due to the relatively single characteristics of low-frequency data, it is difficult to express the operating status of complex electrical appliances, resulting in low decomposition performance. In this paper, a non-intrusive load is proposed based on household electrical habits by studying the relationship between household electricity consumption habits and load status decomposition method. The Gaussian mixture model and time information are used to model the probability distribution of the electrical appliance state. This probability distribution is then used as the observation probability distribution of the factor hidden Markov model. In such a way, the BH-FHMM model is proposed. Finally, load decomposition is carried out through the load decomposition process of the FHMM model. In order to verify the performance of the proposed method, an experimental comparison is conducted based on the REDD data set. According to the results, a significant improvement in equipment recognition accuracy is obtained.
Climate warming drives divergence of montane butterfly communities in Southern Italy
Authors: Santorufo Lucia , Ienco Annamaria , Scalercio Stefano
Published: May 2021

Because of climate change, many insect species are shifting their altitudinal and latitudinal ranges, including Mediterranean butterflies, particularly in mountainous regions. In this study, we evaluated changes in butterfly communities over time, sampled in 1975, 2004, and 2012, in relation to their altitude and two indices representing the climate envelopes of species within a given community: CTI (Community Temperature Index) and CPI (Community Precipitation Index). The study took place in a protected area where we found strong changes in community compositions over the 37-year study period. There was no vertical stratification of communities in 1975, but became significantly so in 2004 and 2012. Likewise, CTI and CPI were correlated with altitude only in 2004 and 2012. Over time, CTI increased at lower altitudes, indicating an increase in species associated with higher temperatures, and was stable or decreased at higher altitudes. CPI showed opposing trends, decreasing at lower altitude of communities and increasing in higher altitude communities. This resulted in asymmetric changes along the altitudinal gradient. The highest elevations (>1900 m) shifted towards butterfly species that are more associated with colder, wetter habitats, and lower elevations shifted towards species more associated with hotter, drier habitats. In conclusion, changes in butterfly communities were consistent with expectations from observed changes of temperatures and precipitations at low altitudes and mid-altitudes, but not at the highest altitudes. This counter-intuitive result may be due to land-use changes following creation of a national park in 1993 that encompassed the sample sites, but we lack the data to test this hypothesis.
The cost-effectiveness of transcatheter aortic valve implantation: exploring the Italian National Health System perspective and different patient risk groups
Authors: Lorenzoni V. , Barbieri G. , Saia F. , Meucci F. , Martinelli G. L. , Cerillo A. G. , Berti S. , Candolfi P. , Turchetti G.
Published: May 2021

Objectives

To assess the cost-effectiveness (CE) of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in Italy, considering patient groups with different surgical risk.

Methods

A Markov model with a 1-month cycle length, comprising eight different health states, defined by the New York Heart Association functional classes (NYHA I–IV), with and without stroke plus death, was used to estimate the CE of TAVI for intermediate-, high-risk and inoperable patients considering surgical aortic valve replacement or medical treatment as comparators according to the patient group. The Italian National Health System perspective and 15-year time horizon were considered. In the base-case analysis, effectiveness data were retrieved from published efficacy data and total direct costs (euros) were estimated from national tariffs. A scenario analysis considering a micro-costing approach to estimate procedural costs was also considered. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was expressed both in terms of costs per life years gained (LYG) and costs per quality adjusted life years (QALY). All outcomes and costs were discounted at 3% per annum. Univariate and probabilistic sensitivity analyses (PSA) were performed to assess robustness of results.

Results

Over a 15-year time horizon, the higher acquisition costs for TAVI were partially offset in all risk groups because of its effectiveness and safety profile. ICERs were €8338/QALY, €11,209/QALY and €10,133/QALY, respectively, for intermediate-, high-risk and inoperable patients. ICER values were slightly higher in the scenario analysis. PSA suggested consistency of results.

Conclusions

TAVI would be considered cost-effective at frequently cited willingness-to-pay thresholds; further studies could clarify the CE of TAVI in real-life scenarios.
A Test of Two Methods for Waste Rock Drainage Quality Prediction: Aqua Regia Extraction and Single-addition Net-acid Generation Test Leachate Analysis
Authors: Karlsson Teemu , Alakangas Lena , Kauppila Päivi , Räisänen Marja Liisa
Published: May 2021

The mobility of contaminants from mine waste can be assessed using different extraction methods. Aqua regia (AR) extraction is the most commonly used method in Finland. Another method is the analysis of leachate from net acid generation (NAG) tests, which is primarily designed for acid production potential assessment. We investigated the performance of single-addition NAG test leachate analysis and AR extraction in drainage quality prediction, using waste rock and drainage water samples from several Finnish waste rock sites. Our objective was to improve interpretation of the AR and single-addition NAG test leachate analysis results in drainage quality prediction. The AR extraction effectively reflected elements that occurred in elevated concentrations in drainage water, though it over-predicted Al, As, Cd, Co, Cu, and Ni in some circumneutral drainages, and Cr in general. The single-addition NAG test leachate analysis also performed well in assessing the mobility of contaminants including Al and Cr at acid mine drainage sites. As the contaminants tend to precipitate in neutral NAG test solution, the usability of the method in neutral mine drainage cases should be further investigated. Furthermore, the conclusions presented in this study are limited to waste rock samples collected from the surface of piles; future work will examine waste rock history, dump cores, drainage quality changes, etc. in more detail.
Linking remote sensing parameters to CO2 assimilation rates at a leaf scale
Authors: Hikosaka Kouki , Tsujimoto Katsuto
Published: May 2021

Solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) and photochemical reflectance index (PRI) are expected to be useful for remote sensing of photosynthetic activity at various spatial scales. This review discusses how chlorophyll fluorescence and PRI are related to the CO2assimilation rate at a leaf scale. Light energy absorbed by photosystem II chlorophylls is allocated to photochemistry, fluorescence, and heat dissipation evaluated as non-photochemical quenching (NPQ). PRI is correlated with NPQ because it reflects the composition of xanthophylls, which are involved in heat dissipation. Assuming that NPQ is uniquely related to the photochemical efficiency (quantum yield of photochemistry), photochemical efficiencies can be assessed from either chlorophyll fluorescence or PRI. However, this assumption may not be held under some conditions such as low temperatures and photoinhibitory environments. Even in such cases, photosynthesis may be estimated more accurately if both chlorophyll fluorescence and PRI are determined simultaneously. To convert from photochemical efficiency to CO2assimilation, environmental responses in stomatal conductance also need to be considered. Models linking chlorophyll fluorescence and PRI with CO2assimilation rates will contribute to understanding and future prediction of the global carbon cycle.
The Type-Token Distinction and Four Problems with Propertarian IP Justifications
Authors: Gamrot Wojciech
Published: May 2021

Propertarian justifications of intellectual property postulate the appropriation of various entities, often called patterns, designs, or technologies. These must be immaterial and should not be confused with material structures that embody them. Hence two classes of objects are distinguished. It is convenient to refer to them as types and tokens. The type must involve a condition defining which material structures should be considered its tokens. For an IP regime to be economically meaningful one must necessarily appropriate types in a way which restricts access to wide classes of similar, non-identical material structures. Therefore, type conditions must be general. They must define, with a margin of tolerance, only certain aspects of the structure, leaving others unspecified. Consequently, the relationship between such types and tokens is of many-to-many variety. The recognition of these facts leads to four problems in justifying intellectual property on propertarian grounds. The first problem is to demonstrate possession of the type in the pre-legal situation. The second one is to explain, why boundaries of an appropriated type should be placed in a particular location. The third problem is to avoid claim deadlocks resulting from conflicts of rights generated by separate overlapping types. The fourth problem is to justify why ownership of the type should entail the control over other separate entities—that is tokens. In the propertarian framework grounded in the pre-legal state of nature, satisfactory solutions do not seem to have been proposed for any of these four problems.
Combination therapy of capecitabine, irinotecan, oxaliplatin, and bevacizumab as a first‐line treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer: Safety lead‐in results from the QUATTRO-II study
Authors: Kotani Daisuke , Yoshino Takayuki , Kotaka Masahito , Kawazoe Akihito , Masuishi Toshiki , Taniguchi Hiroya , Yamazaki Kentaro , Yamanaka Takeharu , Oki Eiji , Muro Kei , Komatsu Yoshito , Bando Hideaki , Satake Hironaga , Kato Takeshi , Tsuji Akihito
Published: May 2021

Background FOLFOXIRI plus bevacizumab is the first-line treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) but demonstrates high neutropenia incidence among Asian patients. Hence, we conducted the randomized phase II QUATTRO-II study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04097444; Japan Registry of Clinical Trials identifier: jRTCs041190072) to evaluate the safety and efficacy of capecitabine, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan (CAPOXIRI) combination plus bevacizumab versus FOLFOXIRI plus bevacizumab, expecting a lower incidence of neutropenia without compromising the efficacy. Methods We investigated the recommended doses (RD) of oxaliplatin and irinotecan as a safety lead-in portion of Step 1 before initiating the randomized portion as Step 2. Four dose levels of CAPOXIRI (fixed dose of capecitabine, 1600 mg/m2; escalated/de-escalated doses of oxaliplatin and irinotecan) plus bevacizumab (7.5 mg/kg) were investigated in a 3 + 3 manner. A dose level of ≤ 2/6 of dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) cases was expected as the RD. Results In Step 1, we included nine patients (three and six in levels 0 and + 1, respectively). Level 0 (irinotecan, 200 mg/m2; oxaliplatin, 100 mg/m2) did not demonstrate DLTs. In level + 1 (irinotecan, 200 mg/m2; oxaliplatin, 130 mg/m2), although one patient experienced grade 4 febrile neutropenia, no further safety concerns were observed. As a preliminary efficacy result, the objective response rate in all nine patients was 89 % (100 and 83 % in levels 0 and + 1, respectively). Conclusions The RD of CAPOXIRI plus bevacizumab was 200, 130, and 1600 mg/m2 for irinotecan, oxaliplatin, and capecitabine, respectively, and 7.5 mg/kg for bevacizumab. The randomized portion is still ongoing.
Quantum Polar Duality and the Symplectic Camel: A New Geometric Approach to Quantization
Authors: Gosson Maurice A. de
Published: May 2021

We define and study the notion of quantum polarity, which is a kind of geometric Fourier transform between sets of positions and sets of momenta. Extending previous work of ours, we show that the orthogonal projections of the covariance ellipsoid of a quantum state on the configuration and momentum spaces form what we call a dual quantum pair. We thereafter show that quantum polarity allows solving the Pauli reconstruction problem for Gaussian wavefunctions. The notion of quantum polarity exhibits a strong interplay between the uncertainty principle and symplectic and convex geometry and our approach could therefore pave the way for a geometric and topological version of quantum indeterminacy. We relate our results to the Blaschke–Santaló inequality and to the Mahler conjecture. We also discuss the Hardy uncertainty principle and the less-known Donoho–Stark principle from the point of view of quantum polarity.
Fast screening of covariates in population models empowered by machine learning
Authors: Sibieude Emeric , Khandelwal Akash , Hesthaven Jan S. , Girard Pascal , Terranova Nadia
Published: May 2021

One of the objectives of Pharmacometry (PMX) population modeling is the identification of significant and clinically relevant relationships between parameters and covariates. Here, we demonstrate how this complex selection task could benefit from supervised learning algorithms using importance scores. We compare various classical methods with three machine learning (ML) methods applied to NONMEM empirical Bayes estimates: random forest, neural networks (NNs), and support vector regression (SVR). The performance of the ML models is assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. The F1 score, which measures test accuracy, is used to compare ML and PMX approaches. Methods are applied to different scenarios of covariate influence based on simulated pharmacokinetics data. ML achieved similar or better F1 scores than stepwise covariate modeling (SCM) and conditional sampling for stepwise approach based on correlation tests (COSSAC). Correlations between covariates and the number of false covariates does not affect the performance of any method, but effect size has an impact. Methods are not equivalent with respect to computational speed; SCM is 30 and 100-times slower than NN and SVR, respectively. The results are validated in an additional scenario involving 100 covariates. Taken together, the results indicate that ML methods can greatly increase the efficiency of population covariate model building in the case of large datasets or complex models that require long run-times. This can provide fast initial covariate screening, which can be followed by more conventional PMX approaches to assess the clinical relevance of selected covariates and build the final model.
Use of WetSEM® capsules for convenient multimodal scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, and micro Raman spectroscopy characterisation of technetium oxides
Authors: Bailey D. J. , Stennett M. C. , Heo J. , Hyatt N. C.
Published: May 2021

SEM–EDX and Raman spectroscopy analysis of radioactive compounds is often restricted to dedicated instrumentation, within radiological working areas, to manage the hazard and risk of contamination. Here, we demonstrate application of WetSEM® capsules for containment of technetium powder materials, enabling routine multimodal characterisation with general user instrumentation, outside of a controlled radiological working area. The electron transparent membrane of WetSEM® capsules enables SEM imaging of submicron non-conducting technetium powders and acquisition of Tc Lα X-ray emission, using a low cost desktop SEM–EDX system, as well as acquisition of good quality μ-Raman spectra using a 532 nm laser.
Dynamic light scattering distributions by any means
Authors: Farkas Natalia , Kramar John A.
Published: May 2021

Dynamic light scattering (DLS) is an essential technique for nanoparticle size analysis and has been employed extensively for decades, but despite its long history and popularity, the choice of weighting and mean of the size distribution often appears to be picked ad hoc to bring the results into agreement with other methods and expectations by any means necessary. Here, we critically discuss the application of DLS for nanoparticle characterization and provide much-needed clarification for ambiguities in the mean-value practice of commercial DLS software and documentary standards. We address the misleading way DLS size distributions are often presented, that is, as a logarithmically scaled histogram of measured relative quantities. Central values obtained incautiously from this representation often lead to significant interpretation errors. Through the measurement of monomodal nanoparticle samples having an extensive range of sizes (5 to 250 nm) and polydispersity, we similarly demonstrate that the default outputs of a frequently used DLS inversion method are ill chosen, as they are regularizer-dependent and significantly deviate from the cumulant z-average size. The resulting discrepancies are typically larger than 15% depending on the polydispersity index of the samples. We explicitly identify and validate the harmonic mean as the central value of the intensity-weighted DLS size distribution that expresses the inversion results consistently with the cumulant results. We also investigate the extent to which the DLS polydispersity descriptors are representative of the distributional quality and find them to be unreliable and misleading, both for monodisperse reference materials and broad-distribution biomedical nanoparticles. These results overall are intended to bring essential improvements and to stimulate reexamination of the metrological capabilities and role of DLS in nanoparticle characterization.
Germination and early establishment of dryland grasses and shrubs on intact and wind-eroded soils under greenhouse conditions
Authors: Niu Furong , Pierce Nathan A. , Archer Steven R. , Okin Gregory S.
Published: May 2021

Aims

Grassland-to-shrubland transition is a common form of land degradation in drylands worldwide. It is often attributed to changes in disturbance regimes, particularly overgrazing. A myriad of direct and indirect effects (e.g., accelerated soil erosion) of grazing may favor shrubs over grasses, but their relative importance is unclear. We tested the hypothesis that topsoil “winnowing” by wind erosion would differentially affect grass and shrub seedling establishment to promote shrub recruitment over that of grass.

Methods

We monitored germination and seedling growth of contrasting perennial grass (Bouteloua eriopoda, Sporobolus airoides, and Aristida purpurea) and shrub (Prosopis glandulosa, Atriplex canescens, and Larrea tridentata) functional groups on field-collected non-winnowed and winnowed soils under well-watered greenhouse conditions.

Results

Non-winnowed soils were finer-textured and had higher nutrient contents than winnowed soils, but based on desorption curves, winnowed soils had more plant-available moisture. Contrary to expectations, seed germination and seedling growth on winnowed and non-winnowed soils were comparable within a given species. The N2-fixing deciduous shrub P. glandulosa was first to emerge and complete germination, and had the greatest biomass accumulation of all species.

Conclusions

Germination and early seedling growth of grasses and shrubs on winnowed soils were not adversely nor differentially affected comparing with that observed on non-winnowed soils under well-watered greenhouse conditions. Early germination and rapid growth may give P. glandulosa a competitive advantage over grasses and other shrub species at the establishment stage in grazed grasslands. Field establishment experiments are needed to confirm our findings in these controlled environment trials.
Prospects and challenges of gender neutralization in Russian
Authors: Kirey-Sitnikova Yana
Published: May 2021

Feminist linguistic activism has gained prominence among Western feminists as a way to eliminate sexism in language and everyday life. In Russian, gender specification (known asfeminitivy) represents the mainstream approach practiced by grassroots feminist reformers. However, alternative approaches aimed at gender neutralization proliferate. The paper examines the prospects and challenges of gender neutralization both in writing and oral speech. Results of a survey documenting attitudes of Russian-speaking feminist and LGBTQI communities to language reform attempts are presented, with a special focus on comparison between gender specification and gender neutralization.
Should one trust experts?
Authors: Duijf Hein
Published: May 2021

Should one trust experts? My answer to this question is a qualified ‘no’ (and a qualified ‘yes’). In this paper I explore the conditions under which it is rational to trust and defer to experts, and those under which it may be rational to refrain from doing so. I draw on two important factors for an actor’s trust in a partner: trust depends on the partner’s competence and on the partner’s interests (and benevolence). I propose that the conditions under which it is rational to trust and defer to experts depend on the competences of the layperson and the expert, and the degree of interest alignment. I present a model that demonstrates that it can be practically infeasible and even logically impossible to determine the expert’s level of competence and the degree of interest alignment. Although it may sound pessimistic that one can rationally refrain from trusting experts, I will also explore some more optimistic conclusions.
Screening for venous thromboembolism in patients with COVID-19
Authors: Vandenbriele Christophe , Gorog Diana A.
Published: May 2021

Pulmonary thromboembolism and deep venous thrombosis occur frequently in hospitalised patients with COVID-19, the prevalence increases on the intensive care unit (ICU) and is very high in patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). We undertook a literature review to assess the usefulness of screening for peripheral venous thrombosis or pulmonary thrombosis in patients admitted with COVID-19. Outside of the ICU setting, D-dimer elevation on presentation or marked increase from baseline should alert the need for doppler ultrasound scan of the lower limbs. In the ICU setting, consideration should be given to routine screening with doppler ultrasound, given the high prevalence of thrombosis in this cohort despite standard anticoagulant thromboprophylaxis. However, absence of lower limb thrombosis on ultrasound does not exclude pulmonary venous thrombosis. Screening with CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) is not justified in patients on the general wards, unless there are clinical features and/or marked elevations in markers of COVID-19-associated coagulopathy. However, the risk of pulmonary embolism or pulmonary thrombosis in ICU patients is very high, especially in patients on ECMO, where studies that employed routine screening for thrombosis with CT scanning have uncovered up to 100% incidence of pulmonary thrombosis despite standard anticoagulant thromboprophylaxis. Therefore, in patients at low bleeding risk and high clinical suspicion of venous thromboembolism, therapeutic anticoagulation should be considered even before screening, Our review highlights the need for increased vigilance for VTE, with a low threshold for doppler ultrasound and CTPA in high risk in-patient cohorts, where clinical features and D-dimer levels may not accurately reflect the occurrence of pulmonary thromboembolism.
Distribution of Gaps and Adhesive Interaction Between Contacting Rough Surfaces
Authors: Monti Joseph M. , Sanner Antoine , Pastewka Lars
Published: May 2021

Understanding the distribution of interfacial separations between contacting rough surfaces is integral for providing quantitative estimates for adhesive forces between them. Assuming non-adhesive, frictionless contact of self-affine surfaces, we derive the distribution of separations between surfaces near the contact edge. The distribution exhibits a power-law divergence for small gaps, and we use numerical simulations with fine resolution to confirm the scaling. The characteristic length scale over which the power-law regime persists is given by the product of the rms surface slope and the mean diameter of contacting regions. We show that these results remain valid for weakly adhesive contacts and connect these observations to recent theories for adhesion between rough surfaces.
Differences in attitudes, behaviours and beliefs towards eating between female bodybuilding athletes and non-athletes, and the implications for eating disorders and disordered eating
Authors: Money-Taylor Eleanor , Dobbin Nick , Gregg Rebecca , Matthews Joseph J. , Esen Ozcan
Published: May 2021

Background

Female athletes participating in sports emphasising aesthetics are potentially more prone to developing disordered eating (DE) and eating disorders (EDs) than non-athletes, males, and those participating in sports with less emphasis on leanness. Despite this, female bodybuilding athletes have received little attention.

Aim

To investigate differences in eating attitudes, behaviours and beliefs in female bodybuilding athletes and a non-athlete group.

Methods

A cross-sectional study design was used with the eating attitude test-26 (EAT-26) distributed to 75 women (49.3% bodybuilding athletes; 50.7% non-athletes) and the female athlete screening tool (FAST) distributed to the female bodybuilding group only.

Results

Demographic characteristics revealed no significant difference in age, stature or body mass index (P = 0.106 to 0.173), though differences in body mass were evident (P = 0.0001 to 0.042). Bodybuilding athletes scored significantly higher (P = 0.001) than non-athletes on the EAT-26 questionnaire, with significantly more athletes (56.8%) being labelled as ‘at risk’ of an ED than non-athletes (23.7%,P = 0.001). Responses to the FAST questionnaire indicated female bodybuilding athletes have high preoccupation with their body mass; engage in exercise to alter their body mass; and disclosed negative perceptions of themselves.

Conclusion

In all, female bodybuilding athletes demonstrate behaviours associated with DE and EDs as well as a preoccupation with nutrition intake, exercise, and strategies to alter their appearance. These findings have important implications for those managing female bodybuilding athletes such as strength and conditioning coaches, athletic trainers, nutritionist and dietitians with respect to detecting DE and EDs as well as minimising the risk factors.
A Low-Dimensional Network Model for an SIS Epidemic: Analysis of the Super Compact Pairwise Model
Authors: Corcoran Carl , Hastings Alan
Published: May 2021

Network-based models of epidemic spread have become increasingly popular in recent decades. Despite a rich foundation of such models, few low-dimensional systems for modeling SIS-type diseases have been proposed that manage to capture the complex dynamics induced by the network structure. We analyze one recently introduced model and derive important epidemiological quantities for the system. We derive the epidemic threshold and analyze the bifurcation that occurs, and we use asymptotic techniques to derive an approximation for the endemic equilibrium when it exists. We consider the sensitivity of this approximation to network parameters, and the implications for disease control measures are found to be in line with the results of existing studies.
On the Comparison of Incompatibility of Split Systems Across Different Numbers of Taxa
Authors: Hendriksen Michael , Kapust Nils
Published: May 2021

We consider the problem of the minimum number of phylogenetic trees it would take to display all splits in a given set, a problem related tok-compatibility. A set of trees that displays every single possible split is termed auniversal tree set. In this note, we find the universal incompatibilityU(n), the minimal size of a universal tree set forntaxa. By normalising incompatibility usingU(n), one can then compare incompatibility of split systems across different numbers of taxa. We demonstrate this application by comparing two SplitsTree networks derived from archaeal genomes, with different numbers of taxa.
Screening for extremely rare pathogenic variants of monogenic diabetes using targeted panel sequencing
Authors: Płoszaj Tomasz , Antosik Karolina , Jakiel Paulina , Zmysłowska Agnieszka , Borowiec Maciej
Published: May 2021

Aims

Maturity‐onset diabetes of the young (MODY) is one of the rare monogenic forms of diabetes. To date, about 12 genes in the scientific literature are closely related to the occurrence of the disease phenotype. However, there is still a high prevalence of undiagnosed cases of so-called MODY-X whose genetic background is still unknown.

Methods

We performed tNGS for 523 patients with suspected MODY. Next 357 selected patients, in whom no damaging variants were found in 12 major genes causing MODY, were screened for the presence of pathogenic variants in four candidate genes (MNX1, RFX6, NKX2.2, and NKX6.1). All data were generated in one tNGS sequencing reaction and confirmed by Sanger sequencing.

Results

In total, we selected five potentially damaging variants, in eight patients, in RFX6, NKX2.2, and NKX6.1 genes. Four of them have never been described in literature before. The frequency of occurrence of two of them in the RFX6 gene significantly differed in relation to the healthy population. The analysis of segregation in the family did not reveal that they were the only cause of the disease phenotype.

Conclusions

The very-rare variants indicated in this study show that this type of research on large population groups may help in the future for better understanding and more accurate diagnostics of extremely rare forms of MODY.
The differential activation of cardiovascular hormones across distinct stages of portal hypertension predicts clinical outcomes
Authors: Hartl Lukas , Jachs Mathias , Desbalmes Christopher , Schaufler Dunja , Simbrunner Benedikt , Paternostro Rafael , Schwabl Philipp , Bauer David Josef Maria , Semmler Georg , Scheiner Bernhard , Bucsics Theresa , Eigenbauer Ernst , Marculescu Rodrig , Szekeres Thomas , Peck-Radosavljevic Markus , Kastl Stefan , Trauner Michael , Mandorfer Mattias , Reiberger Thomas
Published: May 2021

Background and aims

The cardiovascular hormones renin/angiotensin/aldosterone (RAA), brain-type natriuretic peptide (BNP)and arginine-vasopressin (AVP) are key regulators of systemic circulatory homeostasis in portal hypertension (PH). We assessed (i) the activation of renin, BNP and AVP across distinct stages of PH and (ii) whether activation of these hormones correlates with clinical outcomes.

Methods

Plasma levels of renin, proBNP and copeptin (AVP biomarker) were determined in 663 patients with advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD) undergoing hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) measurement at the Vienna General Hospital between 11/2011 and 02/2019. We stratified for Child stage (A–C), HVPG (6–9 mmHg, 10–15 mmHg, ≥ 16 mmHg) and compensated vs. decompensated ACLD.

Results

With increasing PH, hyperdynamic state was indicated by higher heart rates (6–9 mmHg: median 71.0 [IQR 18.0] bpm, 10–15 mmHg: 76.0 [19.0] bpm, ≥ 16 mmHg: 80.0 [22.0] bpm; p < 0.001), lower mean arterial pressure (6–9 mmHg: 103.0 [13.5] mmHg, 10–15 mmHg: 101.0 [19.5] mmHg, ≥ 16 mmHg: 99.0 [21.0] mmHg; p = 0.032) and lower serum sodium (6–9 mmHg: 139.0 [3.0] mmol/L, 10–15 mmHg: 138.0 [4.0] mmol/L, ≥ 16 mmHg: 138.0 [5.0] mmol/L; p < 0.001). Across HVPG strata (6–9 mmHg vs. 10–15 mmHg vs ≥ 16 mmHg), median plasma levels of renin (21.0 [50.5] vs. 25.1 [70.9] vs. 65.4 [219.6] µIU/mL; p < 0.001), proBNP (86.1 [134.0] vs. 63.6 [118.0], vs. 132.2 [208.9] pg/mL; p = 0.002) and copeptin (7.8 [7.7] vs. 5.6 [8.0] vs. 10.7 [18.6] pmol/L; p = 0.024) increased with severity of PH. Elevated renin levels independently predicted first hepatic decompensation (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 1.69; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.07–2.68; p = 0.025) and mortality in compensated patients (aHR: 3.15; 95% CI 1.70–5.84; p < 0.001) and the overall cohort aHR: 1.42; 95% CI 1.01–2.01; p = 0.046). Elevated copeptin levels predicted mortality in decompensated patients (aHR: 5.77; 95% CI 1.27–26.33; p = 0.024) and in the overall cohort (aHR: 3.29; 95% CI 1.36–7.95; p = 0.008). ProBNP levels did not predict clinical outcomes.

Conclusions

The cardiovascular hormones renin, proBNP and AVP are activated with progression of ACLD and PH. Renin activation is a risk factor for hepatic decompensation and mortality, especially in compensated patients. Increased plasma copeptin is a risk factor for mortality, in particular in decompensated patients.
‘Everyday Bordering’ in England, Sweden and Bulgaria: Social Work Decision-Making Processes When Working with Migrant Family Members
Authors: Walsh Julie , Khoo Evelyn , Nygren Karina
Published: May 2021

The global movement of people is a growing feature of contemporary life, and it is essential that professionals providing support services know how to best engage with migrant families. However, despite globalisation and the related processes of de-bordering, borders continue to remain significant and, in contemporary life, the ways in which immigration is controlled and surveilled—bureaucratically and symbolically—are multiple. The paper draws on data gathered in the immediate period following the so called 2015 European ‘migration crisis’ and examines whether and in what ways social workers in three European countries—Bulgaria, Sweden and England—enact bordering in their work with migrant family members. We apply the concept of ‘everyday bordering’ to the data set: whilst borders are traditionally physical and at the boundary between nation states, bordering practices increasingly permeate everyday life in bureaucratic and symbolic forms. Overall, the data show that everyday bordering affects social work practice in three ways: by social workers being required to engage in bordering as an everyday practice; by producing conditions that require social workers to negotiate borders; and in revealing aspects of symbolic everyday bordering. Our analyses shows that ‘everyday bordering’ practices are present in social work decision-making processes in each country, but the forms they take vary across contexts. Analysis also indicates that, in each country, social workers recognise the ways in which immigration control can impact on the families with whom they work but that they can also inadvertently contribute to the ‘othering’ of migrant populations.
Neuroendocrine neoplasms of the lung: a pathology update
Authors: Metovic Jasna , Barella Marco , Pelosi Giuseppe
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Neuroendocrine tumors and neuroendocrine carcinomas in the lung are distinct and separate entities featuring neuroendocrine differentiation, for which an accurate classification is clinically warranted.

Materials and methods

Three perspectives were addressed: (i) diagnostic tools, with the terminology to be used in either resection specimen or small-sized material; (ii) the so-called carcinoid tumors with elevated proliferation rates (mitotic and/or Ki-67 activity); (iii) predictive biomarkers based on immunohistochemical characterization.

Results

We herein provide a pathology update on lung neuroendocrine neoplasm classification that will appear in the forthcoming 5th edition of the WHO Blue Book, including a short discussion about biomarkers, which are presently given full consideration in clinical practice.

Conclusion

The WHO classification on lung neuroendocrine neoplasms is the cornerstone to provide the best clinical management of patients and is the starting point for any investigative insight.
Implementing the National Quality Standard in schools: leadership that motivates improvement initiatives through psychological ownership
Authors: Kirk Gillian , Barblett Lennie
Published: May 2021

From 2016, all Western Australian schools were mandated to implement the National Quality Standard (NQS) in Kindergarten through to Year 2. Over the first year of implementation, this mandate had varying degrees of success in adoption. This study examined four schools which were identified as having implemented the NQS. A qualitative methodology was employed to examine those factors that supported implementation. A key finding was the integral role played by distributed leadership in adopting new initiatives. Using Activity Theory to conceptualise the data, it was found that psychological ownership was a key factor in enabling distributed leadership. Ownership was enabled when community differences were acknowledged, and time was given for the NQS tool to be reassessed and reconfigured as one’s own. Once staff had psychological ownership, they were more likely to support implementation of the NQS. This study has implications for leaders and those implementing the NQS or other initiatives in schools.
„Wenn ich lerne, dann werde ich auch Erfolg haben später“ – Kinder als Akteure in Prozessen struktureller (Re‑)Produktion
Authors: Türkyilmaz Aytüre
Published: May 2021

Die Frage nach den Ursachen und Akteuren ungleicher Bildungsverläufe ist seit Jahrzehnten ein zentrales Thema des wissenschaftlichen Bildungsdiskurses. Dabei wird vor allem auf das Handeln der Lehrkräfte und der Eltern, also der erwachsenen Akteure, fokussiert, während weitgehend unberücksichtigt bleibt, wie die Kinder über ihr Handeln an diesem Geschehen beteiligt sind. Auf Basis qualitativer Längsschnittdaten zu Schüler/innenkarrieren untersucht der vorliegende Beitrag, inwiefern Kinder in Interaktionen mit Lehrkräften und Eltern eigene Handlungslinien realisieren können und wie damit ungleiche Herkunftsbedingungen in Bildungsvor- oder -nachteile übersetzt oder modifiziert werden. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die Kinder aktiv am Zustandekommen ungleicher Bildungswege beteiligt sind – je nachdem, wie sie mit den Erwartungen der Erwachsenen in Familie und Schule umgehen und wie sie sich zur Zukunft positionieren. Die Studie liefert auch Einsichten dazu, wo diese Einflussnahme durch die Kinder auf strukturelle Grenzen stößt; dabei wird deutlich, wie die soziale Herkunft der Kinder in diesem Interaktionsgeflecht bedeutsam wird.
Prevalence of physiological uptake in the pancreas on somatostatin receptor-based PET/CT: a systematic review and a meta-analysis
Authors: Boughdad Sarah , Meyer Marie , Prior John O. , Fernandes Victor , Allenbach Gilles , Kamani Christel , Jreige Mario , Albano Domenico , Bertagna Francesco , Nicod-Lalonde Marie , Schaefer Niklaus , Treglia Giorgio
Published: May 2021

Background

Physiological focal radiopharmaceutical uptake in the head and uncinate process of the pancreas may be seen on somatostatin receptor-based PET/CT and might lead to false-positive results for neuroendocrine tumours (NETs). We aimed to perform a systematic review and a meta-analysis about the prevalence of this finding.

Methods

We performed a comprehensive computer literature search across several databases until July 2020. Pooled prevalence of physiological focal uptake on somatostatin receptor-based PET/CT in the pancreas was calculated on a per-examination-based analysis and 95% confidence interval values (95% CI) were reported.

Results

Six studies (684 patients and 829 PET/CT scans) were included. The pooled prevalence of physiological uptake in the head and uncinate process of the pancreas on somatostatin receptor-based PET/CT imaging was 34% (95% CI 19.5–48.7%) with average SUVmax values ranging from 5 to 12.6. Heterogeneity was seen across the selected studies.

Conclusions

High radiopharmaceutical uptake in the head and uncinate process of the pancreas is frequent at somatostatin receptor-based PET/CT and it should be recognized by nuclear medicine physicians to prevent unnecessary additional investigations. In addition, next generation PET/CT tomographs might increase the prevalence of this finding.
Learning Analytics to Reveal Links Between Learning Design and Self-Regulated Learning
Authors: Fan Yizhou , Matcha Wannisa , Uzir Nora’ayu Ahmad , Wang Qiong , Gašević Dragan
Published: May 2021

The importance of learning design in education is widely acknowledged in the literature. Should learners make effective use of opportunities provided in a learning design, especially in online environments, previous studies have shown that they need to have strong skills for self-regulated learning (SRL). The literature, which reports the use of learning analytics (LA), shows that SRL skills are best exhibited in choices of learning tactics that are reflective of metacognitive control and monitoring. However, in spite of high significance for evaluation of learning experience, the link between learning design and learning tactics has been under-explored. In order to fill this gap, this paper proposes a novel learning analytic method that combines three data analytic techniques, including a cluster analysis, a process mining technique, and an epistemic network analysis. The proposed method was applied to a dataset collected in a massive open online course (MOOC) on teaching in flipped classrooms which was offered on a Chinese MOOC platform to pre- and in-service teachers. The results showed that the application of the approach detected four learning tactics (Search oriented, Content and assessment oriented, Content oriented and Assessment oriented) which were used by MOOC learners. The analysis of tactics’ usage across learning sessions revealed that learners from different performance groups had different priorities. The study also showed that learning tactics shaped by instructional cues were embedded in different units of study in MOOC. The learners from a high-performance group showed a high level of regulation through strong alignment of the choices of learning tactics with tasks provided in the learning design. The paper also provides a discussion about implications of research and practice.
The implication of business intelligence in risk management: a case study in agricultural insurance
Authors: Amini Mehran , Salimi Sara , Yousefinejad Farid , Tarokh Mohammad J. , Haybatollahi Sayyed M.
Published: May 2021

The increasing data scales in today’s business sectors coupled with the necessity of risk management raise the importance of business intelligence tools as an integrated solution for the insurance industry. These tools have mostly been used to achieve effective risk management. Although methods of risk management in the insurance industry have been proposed many years ago, the research effort has primarily been focused on predictive analyses. This study aimed to investigate the role of business intelligence as a solution to illustrate its potential in risk management particularly for decision-makers in agricultural insurance. We hypothesized that this would make a preferable decision in uncertain conditions. Sample data from the online transaction process system of Iran agricultural insurance fund were preprocessed in SQL server. Multidimensional online analytical processing architecture was analyzed using Targit business intelligence tool. Our results identified financial risks that lead to a framework of controlling risk based on business intelligence in the agricultural insurance fund.
Races, disease symptoms and genetic variability in Pyrenophora tritici-repentis isolates from Oklahoma that cause tan spot of winter wheat
Authors: Kader Kazi A. , Hunger Robert M. , Sreedharan Aswathy , Marek Stephen M.
Published: May 2021

In recent years, tan spot of wheat caused by the fungus Pyrenophora tritici-repentis has become more prevalent in Oklahoma. Experiments were conducted to investigate the race structure, disease symptoms and genetic variability in P. tritici-repentis isolates collected from winter wheat over three decades. Race determination was conducted for 16 isolates based on expression of necrosis and/or chlorosis produced on wheat differentials. Variability in disease symptoms expressed by 12 isolates was determined on 13 hard red winter wheat cultivars grown in Oklahoma. In addition, genetic variability among 17 isolates was determined using amplified fragment length polymorphism-polymerase chain reaction (AFLP-PCR). All isolates except one (El Reno) were classified as race 1. Isolates varied widely in producing necrosis and/or chlorosis symptoms on wheat cultivars, but necrosis with a chlorotic halo was predominant (56.4%). AFLP-PCR analysis using 13 primer pairs produced a total of 494 alleles of which 285 were polymorphic. The overall genetic diversity among the isolates was 25.2%. Genetic relationships based on cluster analysis and principal component analysis showed only minor differences between isolates, and isolates did not form tight clusters or groups. The isolates of P. tritici-repentis were predominantly race 1; however, they produced a range of tan spot symptoms on wheat cultivars. The lack of distinct genetic grouping by the AFLP marker study indicates that the isolates used in this study likely originated from a single lineage.