bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic criteria for fetal growth restriction: sensitivity, specificity and clinical role across gestation
Authors: Dall'Asta A. , Frusca T. , Ghi T.
Published: August 2021

Linked article: This Correspondence comments on Roeckner et al. Click here to view the article.
Twin Higgs portal dark matter
Authors: Curtin David , Gryba Shayne
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Many minimal models of dark matter (DM) or canonical solutions to the hierarchy problem are either excluded or severely constrained by LHC and direct detection null results. In particular, Higgs Portal Dark Matter (HPDM) features a scalar coupling to the Higgs via a quartic interaction, and obtaining the measured relic density via thermal freeze-out gives definite direct detection predictions which are now almost entirely excluded. The Twin Higgs solves the little hierarchy problem without coloured top partners by introducing a twin sector related to the Standard Model (SM) by a discrete symmetry. We generalize HPDM to arbitrary Twin Higgs models and introduce Twin Higgs Portal Dark Matter (THPDM), which features a DM candidate with an SU(4)-invariant quartic coupling to the Twin Higgs scalar sector. Given the size of quadratic corrections to the DM mass, its most motivated scale is near the mass of the radial mode. In that case, DM annihilation proceeds with the full Twin Higgs portal coupling, while direct detection is suppressed by the pNGB nature of the 125 GeV Higgs. For a standard cosmological history, this results in a predicted direct detection signal for THPDM that is orders of magnitude below that of HPDM with very little dependence on the precise details of the twin sector, evading current bounds but predicting possible signals at next generation experiments. In many Twin Higgs models, twin radiation contributions to ∆Neff are suppressed by an asymmetric reheating mechanism. We study this by extending the νMTH and X MTH models to include THPDM and compute the viable parameter space according to the latest CMB bounds. The injected entropy dilutes the DM abundance as well, resulting in additional suppression of direct detection below the neutrino floor.
Black hole microstates from the worldsheet
Authors: Bufalini Davide , Iguri Sergio , Kovensky Nicolas , Turton David
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Recently an exact worldsheet description of strings propagating in certain black hole microstate geometries was constructed in terms of null-gauged WZW models. In this paper we consider a family of such coset models, in which the currents being gauged are specified by a set of parameters that a priori take arbitrary values. We show that consistency of the spectrum of the worldsheet CFT implies a set of quantisation conditions and parity restrictions on the gauging parameters. We also derive these constraints from an independent geometrical analysis of smoothness, absence of horizons and absence of closed timelike curves. This allows us to prove that the complete set of consistent backgrounds in this class of models is precisely the general family of (NS5-decoupled) non-BPS solutions known as the JMaRT solutions, together with their various (BPS and non-BPS) limits. We clarify several aspects of these backgrounds by expressing their six-dimensional solutions explicitly in terms of five non-negative integers and a single length-scale. Finally we study non-trivial two-charge limits, and exhibit a novel set of non-BPS supergravity solutions describing bound states of NS5 branes carrying momentum charge.
Endemics determine bioregionalization in the alpine zone of the Irano-Anatolian biodiversity hotspot (South-West Asia)
Authors: Noroozi Jalil , Khalvati Sina , Nafisi Haniyeh , Kaveh Akram , Nazari Behnaz , Zare Golshan , Minaei Masoud , Vitek Ernst , Schneeweiss Gerald M.
Published: August 2021

Alpine habitats are characterized by a high rate of range restricted species compared to those of lower elevations. This is also the case for the Irano-Anatolian global biodiversity hotspot in South-West Asia, which is a mountainous area harbouring a high amount of endemic species. Using two quantitative approaches, Endemicity Analysis and Network-Clustering, we want to identify areas of concordant species distribution patterns in the alpine zone of this region as well as to test the hypothesis that, given the high proportion of endemics among alpine species, delimitation of these areas is determined mainly by endemic alpine species, i.e., areas of concordant species distribution patterns are congruent with areas of endemism. Endemicity Analysis identified six areas of concordant species distribution patterns irrespective of dataset (total alpine species versus endemic alpine species), whereas the Network-Clustering approach identified five and four Bioregions from total alpine species and endemic alpine species, respectively. Most of these areas have been previously identified using the endemic flora of different elevational zones. The identified units using both methods and both datasets are strongly congruent, proposing that they reveal meaningful distribution patterns. Bioregionalization in the Irano-Anatolian biodiversity hotspot appears to be strongly influenced by the endemic alpine species, a pattern likely to hold in alpine regions outside the Irano-Anatolian hotspot.
Genetische Epilepsien im Kindesalter
Authors: von Stülpnagel C. , Kluger G.
Published: August 2021

Hintergrund

Aktuell werden in der Epileptologie fast ausschließlich Medikamente eingesetzt, die gegen Anfälle wirken („Antikonvulsiva“). Diese beeinflussen die Pathophysiologie der individuell zugrunde liegenden Epilepsie wenig spezifisch im Sinne von „Antiepileptika“. Darauf zielt aber der Begriff „molekulare Pädiatrie“ ab.

Methodik

Ein großes internationales Netzwerk zum einfachen Erfahrungsaustausch von Klinikern über die Therapie von Kindern mit sehr seltenen genetischen Epilepsien ist das Network for Therapy of Rare Epilepsies (NETRE).

Ergebnisse

NETRE besteht seit 15 Jahren und ist in > 320 Gruppen gegliedert, die mit anderen Forschungsgruppen und Selbsthilfevereinigungen kooperieren. Einige Beispiele für klinische Charakteristika neuer Epilepsiegene werden vorgestellt (z. B. Kauanfälle bei SYNGAP1). Eine genetische Untersuchung kann helfen, eine diagnostische Odyssee, auch eine Fehl- oder Überbehandlung eines Patienten zu vermeiden. Aus den genetischen Befunden ergeben sich bislang nur in Einzelfällen gezielte Therapiemöglichkeiten, und diese bisher meist nur mit geringer Evidenz: z. B. Natriumkanalblocker bei SCN2A-Mutationen mit einer „gain of function“ oder Statine bei SYNGAP1-Mutationen. Epigenetische Faktoren wie „early neuroimpaired twin entity“ (ENITE) sind auch bei genetischen Epilepsien bedeutsam.

Diskussion

Der rasante Fortschritt in der genetischen Grundlagenforschung kommt einem Paradigmenwechsel im Verständnis von Pathophysiologie und klinischen Zeichen v. a. bei im frühen Kindesalter beginnenden Epilepsien gleich. Individualisierte Therapieansätze sind aktuell noch selten. Anamnese, klinische Untersuchung und Erfahrung bleiben wichtig. Ethische, psychologische und wirtschaftliche Aspekte einer breiten genetischen Diagnostik sind zu berücksichtigen.
Extended Larché–Cahn framework for reactive Cahn–Hilliard multicomponent systems
Authors: Clavijo Santiago P. , Espath Luis , Calo Victor M.
Published: August 2021

At high temperature and pressure, solid diffusion and chemical reactions between rock minerals lead to phase transformations. Chemical transport during uphill diffusion causes phase separation, that is, spinodal decomposition. Thus, to describe the coarsening kinetics of the exsolution microstructure, we derive a thermodynamically consistent continuum theory for the multicomponent Cahn–Hilliard equations while accounting for multiple chemical reactions and neglecting deformations. Our approach considers multiple balances of microforces augmented by multiple component content balance equations within an extended Larché–Cahn framework. As for the Larché–Cahn framework, we incorporate into the theory the Larché–Cahn derivatives with respect to the phase fields and their gradients. We also explain the implications of the resulting constrained gradients of the phase fields in the form of the gradient energy coefficients. Moreover, we derive a configurational balance that includes all the associated configurational fields in agreement with the Larché–Cahn framework. We study phase separation in a three-component system whose microstructural evolution depends upon the reaction–diffusion interactions and to analyze the underlying configurational fields. This simulation portrays the interleaving between the reaction and diffusion processes and how the configurational tractions drive the motion of interfaces.
Analysis of saponins detoxification genes in Ilyonectria mors-panacis G3B inducing root rot of Panax notoginseng by RNA-Seq
Authors: Zeng Guohong , Li Jin , Ma Yuxiu , Pu Qian , Xiao Tian , Yang Ruihuan , Hu Xiufang
Published: August 2021

Saponins are kinds of antifungal compounds produced by Panax notoginseng to resist invasion by pathogens. Ilyonectria mors-panacis G3B was the dominant pathogen inducing root rot of P. notoginseng, and the abilities to detoxify saponins were the key to infect P. notoginseng successfully. To research the molecular mechanisms of detoxifying saponins in I. mors-panacis G3B, we used high-throughput RNA-Seq to identify 557 and 1519 differential expression genes (DEGs) in I. mors-panacis G3B with saponins treatments for 4H (Hours) and 12H (Hours) compared with no saponins treatments, respectively. Among these DEGs, we found 93 genes which were simultaneously highly expressed in I. mors-panacis G3B with saponins treatments for 4H and 12H, they mainly belong to genes encoding transporters, glycoside hydrolases, oxidation–reduction enzymes, transcription factors and so on. In addition, there were 21 putative PHI (Pathogen–Host Interaction) genes out of those 93 up-regulated genes. In this report, we analyzed virulence-associated genes in I. mors-panacis G3B which may be related to detoxifying saponins to infect P. notoginseng successfully. They provided an excellent starting point for in-depth study on pathogenicity of I. mors-panacis G3B and developed appropriate root rot disease management strategies in the future.
A comparative experimental study of visual brain event-related potentials to a working memory task: virtual reality head-mounted display versus a desktop computer screen
Authors: Aksoy Murat , Ufodiama Chiedu E. , Bateson Anthony D. , Martin Stewart , Asghar Aziz U. R.
Published: August 2021

Virtual reality head mounted display (VR HMD) systems are increasingly utilised in combination with electroencephalography (EEG) in the experimental study of cognitive tasks. The aim of our investigation was to determine the similarities/differences between VR HMD and the computer screen (CS) in response to an n-back working memory task by comparing visual electrophysiological event-related potential (ERP) waveforms (N1/P1/P3 components). The same protocol was undertaken for VR HMD and CS with participants wearing the same EEG headcap. ERP waveforms obtained with the VR HMD environment followed a similar time course to those acquired in CS. The P3 mean and peak amplitudes obtained in VR HMD were not significantly different to those obtained in CS. In contrast, the N1 component was significantly higher in mean and peak amplitudes for the VR HMD environment compared to CS at the frontal electrodes. Significantly higher P1 mean and peak amplitudes were found at the occipital region compared to the temporal for VR HMD. Our results show that successful acquisition of ERP components to a working memory task is achievable by combining VR HMD with EEG. In addition, the higher amplitude N1/P1 components seen in VR HMD indicates the potential utility of this VR modality in the investigation of early ERPs. In conclusion, the combination of VR HMD with EEG/ERP would be a useful approach to advance the study of cognitive function in experimental brain research.
Service for Good
Authors: Robra-Bissantz Susanne , Lux Anna M. , Lattemann Christoph
Published: August 2021

Vorspann: Die digitale Transformation geht Hand in Hand mit einem radikalen Wandel der Märkte. Gewinner beider Entwicklungen sind solche Unternehmen, die das Wohlergehen von Menschen in den Vordergrund stellen und „Service for Good“ anbieten.

Auf dem Weg zu Service for Good: Die Entwicklungen der vergangenen Jahre führen uns vor Augen, dass sich grundlegende Annahmen über Märkte, Produkte und Wertschöpfung verändern. Die Gewinner der digitalen Transformation machen vor, was theoretische Fundamente der modernen Betriebswirtschaftslehre erklären: Die Zukunft liegt in der Gestaltung von Services, die auf die persönliche Situation von Menschen ausgerichtet sind. Eine Herausforderung des Human Life Engineering ist es, Potenziale der Digitalisierung für personennahe Dienstleistungen nutzbar zu machen. Der vorliegende Beitrag beleuchtet hierfür notwendige Grundlagen der Service Logik und stellt mit der Service Canvas einen anwendungsorientierten Gestaltungsrahmen vor. Hieraus leitet sich ein Methodenset zum Design personennaher Dienstleistungen ab, das im Rahmen eines Forschungsprojekts eine erste praktische Anwendung fand. Ziel ist es, Unternehmen in der Gestaltung zukunftsorientierter Angebote zu begleiten, die das Wohlergehen von Menschen in den Vordergrund stellen: Service for Good.
A real-world assessment of mycophenolate mofetil for remission induction in eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis
Authors: Philobos Mariana , Perkins Amy , Karabayas Maira , Dospinescu Paula , Fluck Nick , Kidder Dana , Chapman Fiona A. , Dhaun Neeraj , Basu Neil
Published: August 2021

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is a form of ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV). Clinical trials demonstrating the efficacy of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) for remission induction in AAV excluded patients with EGPA. Despite this, MMF is commonly used in these patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate, for the first time, the effectiveness and tolerance of MMF in EGPA remission induction. A retrospective, two-center, real-world study was conducted in patients with EGPA who received MMF in addition to prednisolone for newly diagnosed or relapsing disease between 2009 and 2019. Baseline, 3-, 6- and 12-month outcome data were extracted from electronic health records. The primary outcome was disease remission, defined as a Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score of 0 at 6 months. Secondary outcomes included disease relapse, median prednisolone dose at 12 months and drug tolerance. In total, 15 patients (73% male, median age 57) with EGPA (11 newly diagnosed/4 relapsing) were identified. At 6 months, 67% had achieved disease remission. At 12 months, this was maintained (66.7%) and 4 patients had relapsed. All but one patient remained on MMF at study completion and all patients tolerated MMF. Our real-world data suggest that MMF is an effective and well-tolerated agent for achieving disease remission in EGPA. A future randomized controlled trial of MMF in this neglected orphan disease is now warranted.
Expansive Growth vs. pH Reflects a Poisson Point Process of Binding/Unbinding Events in Plant Cell Walls
Authors: Pietruszka Mariusz A.
Published: August 2021

The paramount role of$$\mathrm{pH}$$pHand temperature$$\left(T\right)$$Tin the expansive growth of a plant coleoptile/hypocotyl non-meristematic zone or plant and fungal cells was examined within the framework of the underlying chemical bond statistics in order to reproduce an experimental plot of growth vs.$$\mathrm{pH}$$pH. Here, according to the definition,$$\mathrm{pH}=\mathrm{pH}\left({\mu }_{{\mathrm{H}}^{+}}\left(T\right), T\right)$$pH=pHμH+T,Tis considered as a function of the chemical potential of the H+(hydronium) ions ($${\mu }_{{\mathrm{H}}^{+}})$$μH+), as well as an implicit and explicit function of$$T$$T. The derivation of the$$\mathrm{pH}$$pHand$$T$$Tdependent expansive growth distribution from the Poisson statistics of the “tethers” that reproduce the chemical bonds between microfibrils was determined. The probability distribution for the attachment/detachment/reattachment events of the tethers that are connected to the microfibrils in the elongation zone was obtained. The two distinct but interrelated modes of the expansive growth, which are known as “acid growth” and “auxin growth” were distinguished in the analytic model, while theacid growth hypothesiswas verified and confirmed at the semi-empirical and microscopic levels for the first time. Moreover, further perspectives, in which the macroscopic variables$$\left(P, V, T\right)$$P,V,Twith$$P$$Pstanding for the turgor pressure and$$V$$Vfor the cell volume, and the microscopic variables,$${E}^{{\varvec{d}},{\varvec{r}}}$$Ed,r, which represent the binding energies of the detachment/reattachment events at the expense of ATP energy, and$${\mu }_{{\mathrm{H}}^{+}}$$μH+can occur simultaneously, were identified. With a few assumptions that are partly based on experimental data it was possible to synthesise a link between the microscopic, explicit statistical explanation of bond dynamics and the macroscopic rheological properties of the cell wall at a given$$\mathrm{pH}$$pHand temperature. A statistical description that predicted the importance of$$\mathrm{pH}$$pHand temperature-dependent chemical potential of the H+ions in microscopic events that result in growth would be supposedly applicable across scales.
Intrinsisch photosensitive retinale Ganglienzellen
Authors: Kinder Leonie , Palumaa Teele , Lindner Moritz
Published: August 2021

Hintergrund

Melanopsin exprimierende, intrinsisch-photosensitive retinale Ganglienzellen (ipRGCs) bilden neben Stäbchen und Zapfen die dritte Klasse von retinalen Photorezeptoren. Diese kleine, heterogene Zellfamilie vermittelt ein weites Spektrum an Aufgaben überwiegend des nicht-bildformenden Sehens.

Fragestellung

Diese Arbeit soll einen Einblick in das aktuelle Verständnis der Funktion und der funktionellen Diversität der ipRGCs geben sowie klinisch und translational relevante Aspekte beleuchten.

Material und Methoden

Narrative Übersichtsarbeit.

Ergebnisse

ipRGCs machen etwa 1–2 % aller retinalen Ganglienzellen aus und bilden dabei 6 spezialisierte Subtypen. Mit ihrem Photopigment Melanopsin sind sie in der Lage, unabhängig von synaptischem Input Lichtinformationen an das Gehirn weiterzuleiten oder lichtabhängig zu modifizieren. Je nach Subtyp vermitteln sie so nichtvisuelle Aufgaben wie die Synchronisation der inneren Uhr oder den Pupillenreflex, greifen aber auch in das bildformende System ein. ipRGCs weisen eine differenzielle Widerstandskraft gegenüber Optikusschädigung auf, was sie zu einem attraktiven Studienobjekt für die Entwicklung neuroprotektiver Therapieansätze macht. Melanopsin rückt zudem als optogenetisches Werkzeug, etwa in der prosthetischen Gentherapie, in den Fokus.

Schlussfolgerungen

Häufige klinische Beobachtungen lassen sich nur mit Kenntnis des ipRGC-Systems verstehen. Ihre neuronale Vernetzung und die intrazelluläre Signalverarbeitung sind Gegenstand aktiver Forschung, die neue translationale Ansätze hervorbringt.
A clinical decision support system in back pain helps to find the diagnosis: a prospective correlation study
Authors: Benditz Achim , Pulido Loreto C. , Grifka Joachim , Ripke Fabian , Jansen Petra
Published: August 2021

The aim of this study is to show the concordance of an app-based decision support system and the diagnosis given by spinal surgeons in cases of back pain. 86 patients took part within 2 months. They were seen by spine surgeons in the daily routine and then completed an app-based questionnaire that also led to a diagnosis independently. The results showed a Cramer’s V = .711 (p < .001), which can be taken as a strong relation between the tool and the diagnosis of the medical doctor. Besides, in 67.4% of the cases, the diagnosis was concordant. An overestimation of the severity of the diagnosis occurred more often than underestimation (15.1% vs. 7%). The app-based tool is a safe tool to support healthcare professionals in back pain diagnosis.
A proposed division of the family Picornaviridae into subfamilies based on phylogenetic relationships and functional genomic organization
Authors: Zell Roland , Knowles Nick J. , Simmonds Peter
Published: August 2021

The highly diverse virus family Picornaviridae presently comprises 68 approved genera with 158 species plus many unassigned viruses. In order to better match picornavirus taxonomy to the functional and genomic groupings between genera, the establishment of five subfamilies (Caphthovirinae, Kodimesavirinae, Ensavirinae, Paavivirinae and Heptrevirinae) is proposed. The subfamilies are defined by phylogenetic analyses of 3CD (precursor of virus-encoded proteinase and polymerase) and P1 (capsid protein precursor) coding sequences and comprise between 7 and 22 currently approved virus genera. Due to the high within-subfamily and between-subfamily divergences of the picornavirus genera, p-distance estimates are unsuited for the demarcation of subfamilies. Members of the proposed subfamilies typically show some commonalities in their genome organisations, including VP1/2A cleavage mechanisms and possession of leader proteins. Other features, such as internal ribosomal entry site types, are more variable within and between members of genera. Some subfamilies are characterised by homology of proteins 1A, 2A, 2B and 3A encoded by members, which do not belong to the canon of orthologous picornavirus proteins. The proposed addition of a subfamily layer to the taxonomy of picornaviruses provides a valuable additional organisational level to the family that acknowledges the existence of higher-level evolutionary groupings of its component genera.
Metal-dependent electrochemical discrimination of DNA quadruplex sequences
Authors: Escher Daniela , Hossain M. Nur , Kraatz Heinz-Bernhard , Müller Jens
Published: August 2021

Films of four different DNA quadruplex-forming (G4) sequences (c-KIT, c-MYC, HTelo, and BCL2) on gold surfaces were investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to evaluate whether they evoke unique electrochemical responses that can be used for their identification. This could render EIS an alternative means for the determination of G4 sequences of unknown structure. Towards, this end, cation-dependent topology changes in the presence of either K+, K+ in combination with Li+, or Pb2+ in the presence of Li+ were first evaluated by circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, and electrochemical studies were performed subsequently. As a result, G4-sequence specific charge transfer resistance (RCT) patterns were in fact observed for each G4 sequence, allowing their discrimination by EIS.

Graphic abstract
The factitious/malingering continuum and its burden on public health costs: a review and experience in an Italian neurology setting
Authors: Onofrj Marco , Digiovanni Anna , Ajdinaj Paola , Russo Mirella , Carrarini Claudia , Di Giannantonio Massimo , Martinotti Giovanni , Sensi Stefano L.
Published: August 2021

Factitious disorder is classified as one of the five aspects of somatic symptom disorders. The fundamental element of factitious disorder is deception, i.e., pretending to have a medical or psychiatric disorder, but the enactment of deception is considered unconscious. Indeed, volition, i.e., the perception of deliberate deception, is blurred in patients presenting with factitious disorder. In the USA and the UK, factitious disorder has received constant media attention because of its forensic implications and outrageous costs for the National Health Systems. Unfortunately, a comparable level of attention is not present in Italian National Health System or the Italian mass media. The review analyzes the classifications, disorder mechanisms, costs, and medico-legal implications in the hope of raising awareness on this disturbing issue. Moreover, the review depicts 13 exemplification cases, anonymized and fictionalized by expert writers. Finally, our paper also evaluates the National Health System’s expenditures for each patient, outlandish costs in the range between 50,000 and 1 million euros.
PRILJ: an efficient two-step method based on embedding and clustering for the identification of regularities in legal case judgments
Authors: De Martino Graziella , Pio Gianvito , Ceci Michelangelo
Published: August 2021

In an era characterized by fast technological progress that introduces new unpredictable scenarios every day, working in the law field may appear very difficult, if not supported by the right tools. In this respect, some systems based on Artificial Intelligence methods have been proposed in the literature, to support several tasks in the legal sector. Following this line of research, in this paper we propose a novel method, called PRILJ, that identifies paragraph regularities in legal case judgments, to support legal experts during the redaction of legal documents. Methodologically, PRILJ adopts a two-step approach that first groups documents into clusters, according to their semantic content, and then identifies regularities in the paragraphs for each cluster. Embedding-based methods are adopted to properly represent documents and paragraphs into a semantic numerical feature space, and an Approximated Nearest Neighbor Search method is adopted to efficiently retrieve the most similar paragraphs with respect to the paragraphs of a document under preparation. Our extensive experimental evaluation, performed on a real-world dataset provided by EUR-Lex, proves the effectiveness and the efficiency of the proposed method. In particular, its ability of modeling different topics of legal documents, as well as of capturing the semantics of the textual content, appear very beneficial for the considered task, and make PRILJ very robust to the possible presence of noise in the data.
The Influence of Spiritual Traditions on the Interplay of Subjective and Normative Interpretations of Meaningful Work
Authors: Vu Mai Chi , Burton Nicholas
Published: August 2021

This paper argues that the principles of spiritual traditions provide normative ‘standards of goodness’ within which practitioners evaluate meaningful work. Our comparative study of practitioners in the Buddhist and Quaker traditions provide a fine-grained analysis to illuminate, that meaningfulness is deeply connected to particular tradition-specific philosophical and theological ideas. In the Buddhist tradition, meaningfulness is temporal and rooted in Buddhist principles of non-attachment, impermanence and depending-arising, whereas in the Quaker tradition, the Quaker testimonies and theological ideas frame meaningfulness as eternal. Surprisingly, we find that when faced with unethical choices and clashes between organizational normativity and spiritual normativity, Buddhist practitioners acknowledge the temporal character of meaningfulness and compromise their moral values, whereas in contrast, Quaker practitioners morally disengage from meaningless work. Our study highlights how normative commitments in different spiritual traditions can influence different levels of adaptability in finding work meaningful and stresses the central importance of normative commitments in meaningful work. Our study concludes with practical implications and future pathways for inter-disciplinary research.
Multiple annotation for biodiversity: developing an annotation framework among biology, linguistics and text technology
Authors: Lücking Andy , Driller Christine , Stoeckel Manuel , Abrami Giuseppe , Pachzelt Adrian , Mehler Alexander
Published: August 2021

Biodiversity information is contained in countless digitized and unprocessed scholarly texts. Although automated extraction of these data has been gaining momentum for years, there are still innumerable text sources that are poorly accessible and require a more advanced range of methods to extract relevant information. To improve the access to semantic biodiversity information, we have launched the BIOfid project (www.biofid.de) and have developed a portal to access the semantics of German language biodiversity texts, mainly from the 19th and 20th century. However, to make such a portal work, a couple of methods had to be developed or adapted first. In particular, text-technological information extraction methods were needed, which extract the required information from the texts. Such methods draw on machine learning techniques, which in turn are trained by learning data. To this end, among others, we gathered thebiotext corpus, which is a cooperatively built resource, developed by biologists, text technologists, and linguists. A special feature ofbiois its multiple annotation approach, which takes into account both general and biology-specific classifications, and by this means goes beyond previous, typically taxon- or ontology-driven proper name detection. We describe the design decisions and the genuineAnnotation Hub Frameworkunderlying thebioannotations and present agreement results. The tools used to create the annotations are introduced, and the use of the data in the semantic portal is described. Finally, some general lessons, in particular with multiple annotation projects, are drawn.
Surrogate-based Bayesian comparison of computationally expensive models: application to microbially induced calcite precipitation
Authors: Scheurer Stefania , Schäfer Rodrigues Silva Aline , Mohammadi Farid , Hommel Johannes , Oladyshkin Sergey , Flemisch Bernd , Nowak Wolfgang
Published: August 2021

Geochemical processes in subsurface reservoirs affected by microbial activity change the material properties of porous media. This is a complex biogeochemical process in subsurface reservoirs that currently contains strong conceptual uncertainty. This means, several modeling approaches describing the biogeochemical process are plausible and modelers face the uncertainty of choosing the most appropriate one. The considered models differ in the underlying hypotheses about the process structure. Once observation data become available, a rigorous Bayesian model selection accompanied by a Bayesian model justifiability analysis could be employed to choose the most appropriate model, i.e. the one that describes the underlying physical processes best in the light of the available data. However, biogeochemical modeling is computationally very demanding because it conceptualizes different phases, biomass dynamics, geochemistry, precipitation and dissolution in porous media. Therefore, the Bayesian framework cannot be based directly on the full computational models as this would require too many expensive model evaluations. To circumvent this problem, we suggest to perform both Bayesian model selection and justifiability analysis after constructing surrogates for the competing biogeochemical models. Here, we will use the arbitrary polynomial chaos expansion. Considering that surrogate representations are only approximations of the analyzed original models, we account for the approximation error in the Bayesian analysis by introducing novel correction factors for the resulting model weights. Thereby, we extend the Bayesian model justifiability analysis and assess model similarities for computationally expensive models. We demonstrate the method on a representative scenario for microbially induced calcite precipitation in a porous medium. Our extension of the justifiability analysis provides a suitable approach for the comparison of computationally demanding models and gives an insight on the necessary amount of data for a reliable model performance.
ANN-MATOPT hybrid algorithm: determination of kinetic and non-kinetic parameters in different reaction mechanisms
Authors: Canedo Alonso M. M. , González Cuadra Jaime , González-Hernández J. L.
Published: August 2021

In this work we have applied the computational methodology based on Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) to the kinetic study of distinct reaction mechanisms to determine different types of parameters. Moreover, the problems of ambiguity or equivalence are analyzed in the set of parameters to determine in different kinetic systems when these parameters are from different natures. The ambiguity in the set of parameters show the possibility of existence of two possible set of parameter values that fit the experimental data. The deterministic analysis is applied to know beforehand if this problem occurs when rate constants of the different stages of the mechanism and the molar absorption coefficients of the species participating in the reaction are obtained together. Through the deterministic analysis we will analyze if a system is identifiable (unique solution or finite number of solutions) or if it is non-identifiable if it possesses infinite solutions. The determination of parameters of different nature can also present problems due to the different magnitude order, so we must analyze in each case the necessity to apply a second method to improve the values obtained through ANN. If necessary, an optimization mathematical method for improving the values of the parameters obtained with ANN will be used. The complete process, ANN and mathematical optimizations constitutes a hybrid algorithm ANN-MATOPT. The procedure will be applied first for the treatment of synthetic data with the purpose of checking the applicability of the method and after, it will be used in the case of experimental kinetic data.
Why Does PSM Lead to Higher Work Stress? Exploring the Role that Organizational Identity Theory has on the Relationship between Public Service Motivation and External-Related Stress among Federal Government Employees
Authors: Bright Leonard
Published: August 2021

This study explored the effects that organizational identity and perceptions of prestige have on the relationship between public service motivation (PSM) and public employees’ concerns regarding external-related work stressors. Using a sample of federal employees, the findings reveal that the relationship PSM has to perceptions of external-related stress were fully mediated by employee’s organizational identity (OI) and perceptions of organizational prestige (POP). Public employees with high levels of PSM were significantly more likely to report having a stronger bond with their organization and more favorable perceptions of outsider views of their organization. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Comparing the use of patient-reported outcomes in clinical studies in Europe in 2008 and 2018: a literature review
Authors: Astrup Guro Lindviksmoen , Rohde Gudrun , Rimehaug Stein Arne , Andersen Marit Helen , Bernklev Tomm , Bjordal Kristin , Falk Ragnhild Sørum , Jørgensen Nina Marie Høyning , Stavem Knut , Tollisen Anita , Amdal Cecilie Delphin ,   on behalf of PROMiNET
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Several guidelines for the use of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in clinical studies have been published in the past decade. This review primarily aimed to compare the number and compliance with selected PRO-specific criteria for reporting of clinical studies in Europe using PROs published in 2008 and 2018. Secondarily, to describe the study designs, PRO instruments used, patient groups studied, and countries where the clinical studies were conducted.

Methods

A literature search was conducted in MEDLINE to identify eligible publications. To assess the number of publications, all abstracts were screened for eligibility by pairs of reviewers. Compliance with PRO-specific criteria and other key characteristics was assessed in a random sample of 150 eligible full-text publications from each year. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were assessed according to the full CONSORT-PRO checklist.

Results

The search identified 1692 publications in 2008 and 4290 in 2018. After screening of abstracts, 1240 from 2008 and 2869 from 2018 were clinical studies using PROs. By full-text review, the proportion of studies discussing PRO-specific limitations and implications was higher in 2018 than in 2008, but there were no differences in the other selected PRO-specific criteria. In 2018, a higher proportion of studies were longitudinal/cohort studies, included ≥ 300 patients, and used electronic administration of PRO than in 2008. The most common patient groups studied were those with cancer or diseases of the musculoskeletal system or connective tissue.

Conclusion

The number of clinical studies from Europe using PROs was higher in 2018 than in 2008, but there was little difference in compliance with the PRO-specific criteria. The studies varied in terms of study design and PRO instruments used in both publication years.
Martingale estimation functions for Bessel processes
Authors: Hufnagel Nicole , Woerner Jeannette H. C.
Published: August 2021

In this paper we derive martingale estimating functions for the dimensionality parameter of a Bessel process based on the eigenfunctions of the diffusion operator. Since a Bessel process is non-ergodic and the theory of martingale estimating functions is developed for ergodic diffusions, we use the space-time transformation of the Bessel process and formulate our results for a modified Bessel process. We deduce consistency, asymptotic normality and discuss optimality. It turns out that the martingale estimating function based of the first eigenfunction of the modified Bessel process coincides with the linear martingale estimating function for the Cox Ingersoll Ross process. Furthermore, our results may also be applied to estimating the multiplicity parameter of a one-dimensional Dunkl process and some related polynomial processes.
To Do or To Listen? Student Active Learning vs. the Lecture
Authors: Opdal Pål Anders
Published: August 2021

This paper is a discussion of the concept ‘student active forms of learning’. It aims not at conclusions, but at a perspicuous representation—a map for future navigation and understanding of the concept. From the perspective of philosophy of education, I characterize and discuss issues relating to student active learning in the paper. The context for my discussion is higher education. Further, I contrast student active learning to a form of learning that is allegedly passive, the lecture, which traditionally is the main form of learning in higher education. I proceed by assessing arguments in favor of the two forms by way of a philosophical analysis, a main component of which is transparent exposition. Positive conclusions are not the main concern, but rather to demonstrate possibilities. Still, two results of the discussions in the paper are noteworthy: (1) ‘student active learning’ is a weak construct, it being too general or even contradictory; (2) the lecture is not passive, and astudent-centered education, consequently, should not be construed as a dismissal of lecturing.
Chest CT texture-based radiomics analysis in differentiating COVID-19 from other interstitial pneumonia
Authors: Caruso Damiano , Pucciarelli Francesco , Zerunian Marta , Ganeshan Balaji , De Santis Domenico , Polici Michela , Rucci Carlotta , Polidori Tiziano , Guido Gisella , Bracci Benedetta , Benvenga Antonella , Barbato Luca , Laghi Andrea
Published: August 2021

Purpose

To evaluate the potential role of texture-based radiomics analysis in differentiating Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) pneumonia from pneumonia of other etiology on Chest CT.

Materials and methods

One hundred and twenty consecutive patients admitted to Emergency Department, from March 8, 2020, to April 25, 2020, with suspicious of COVID-19 that underwent Chest CT, were retrospectively analyzed. All patients presented CT findings indicative for interstitial pneumonia. Sixty patients with positive COVID-19 real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and 60 patients with negative COVID-19 RT-PCR were enrolled.

CT texture analysis (CTTA) was manually performed using dedicated software by two radiologists in consensus and textural features on filtered and unfiltered images were extracted as follows: mean intensity, standard deviation (SD), entropy, mean of positive pixels (MPP), skewness, and kurtosis. Nonparametric Mann–Whitney test assessed CTTA ability to differentiate positive from negative COVID-19 patients. Diagnostic criteria were obtained from receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results

Unfiltered CTTA showed lower values of mean intensity, MPP, and kurtosis in COVID-19 positive patients compared to negative patients (p = 0.041, 0.004, and 0.002, respectively). On filtered images, fine and medium texture scales were significant differentiators; fine texture scale being most significant where COVID-19 positive patients had lower SD (p = 0.004) and MPP (p = 0.004) compared to COVID-19 negative patients. A combination of the significant texture features could identify the patients with positive COVID-19 from negative COVID-19 with a sensitivity of 60% and specificity of 80% (p = 0.001).

Conclusions

Preliminary evaluation suggests potential role of CTTA in distinguishing COVID-19 pneumonia from other interstitial pneumonia on Chest CT.
Wie entsteht psychologische Sicherheit und Teamidentifikation? Eine empirische Untersuchung
Authors: Bachmann Thomas , Quispe Bravo Katherina
Published: August 2021

Die Bedeutung von psychologische Sicherheit und Teamidentifikation sowie die Faktoren für deren Entstehung werden im Kontext von New Work und agilem Arbeiten diskutiert. In einer empirischen Studie wurden Teammitglieder nach Merkmalen ihres Teams, der wahrgenommenen psychologischen Sicherheit und der Identifikation mit dem Team befragt. Die Ergebnisse unterscheiden und identifizieren wesentliche Faktoren zur Beschreibung von Arbeitsteam. Weiterhin konnte ein enger Zusammenhang zwischen psychologischer Sicherheit und Teamidentifikation nachgewiesen werden. Unterschiede zwischen beiden Konstrukten liegen auf der Sozialdimension, die als Prädiktor der Teamidentifikation einen Unterschied zur psychologischen Sicherheit markiert.
Multipotent Stromal Cells and Viral Interaction: Current Implications for Therapy
Authors: Taechangam Nopmanee , Kol Amir , Arzi Boaz , Borjesson Dori L.
Published: August 2021

Multipotent stromal cells (MSCs) are widely utilized in therapy for their immunomodulatory properties, but their usage in infectious viral diseases is less explored. This review aimed to collate the current novel use of MSCs in virus-associated conditions, including MSC’s susceptibility to virus infection, antiviral properties of MSCs and their effects on cell-based immune response and implementation of MSC therapy in animal models and human clinical trials of viral diseases. Recent discoveries shed lights on MSC’s capability in suppressing viral replication and augmenting clearance through enhancement of antiviral immunity. MSC therapy may maintain a crucial balance between aiding pathogen clearance and suppressing hyperactive immune response.

Graphical Abstract
Promoting FAIR Data Through Community-driven Agile Design: the Open Data Commons for Spinal Cord Injury (odc-sci.org)
Authors: Torres-Espín Abel , Almeida Carlos A. , Chou Austin , Huie J. Russell , Chiu Michael , Vavrek Romana , Sacramento Jeff , Orr Michael B. , Gensel John C. , Grethe Jeffery S. , Martone Maryann E. , Fouad Karim , Ferguson Adam R. ,   the STREET-FAIR Workshop Participants, Alilain Warren , Bacon Mark , Batty Nicholas , Beattie Michael , Bresnahan Jacqueline , Burnside Emily , Busch Sarah , Carpenter Randall , Quijorna Isaac Francos , Guo Xiaohui , Haggerty Agnes , Haroon Sarah , Harris Jack , Jakeman Lyn , Jones Linda , Kleitman Naomi , Kopper Timothy , Lane Michael , Magana Francisco , Magnuson David , Maldonado Ines , May Verena , McFarlane Katelyn , Morioka Kazuhito , Oudega Martin , Pascual Philip Leo , Poline Jean-Baptiste , Rosenzweig Ephron , Schmidt Emma , Tetzlaff Wolfram , Zholudeva Lana
Published: August 2021

The past decade has seen accelerating movement from data protectionism in publishing toward open data sharing to improve reproducibility and translation of biomedical research. Developing data sharing infrastructures to meet these new demands remains a challenge. One model for data sharing involves simply attaching data, irrespective of its type, to publisher websites or general use repositories. However, some argue this creates a ‘data dump’ that does not promote the goals of making data Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable (FAIR). Specialized data sharing communities offer an alternative model where data are curated by domain experts to make it both open and FAIR. We report on our experiences developing one such data-sharing ecosystem focusing on ‘long-tail’ preclinical data, the Open Data Commons for Spinal Cord Injury (odc-sci.org). ODC-SCI was developed with community-based agile design requirements directly pulled from a series of workshops with multiple stakeholders (researchers, consumers, non-profit funders, governmental agencies, journals, and industry members). ODC-SCI focuses on heterogeneous tabular data collected by preclinical researchers including bio-behaviour, histopathology findings and molecular endpoints. This has led to an example of a specialized neurocommons that is well-embraced by the community it aims to serve. In the present paper, we provide a review of the community-based design template and describe the adoption by the community including a high-level review of current data assets, publicly released datasets, and web analytics. Although odc-sci.org is in its late beta stage of development, it represents a successful example of a specialized data commons that may serve as a model for other fields.
Cultivating mindfulness: evaluation of a community-based mindfulness program for Arabic-speaking women in Australia
Authors: Blignault Ilse , Saab Hend , Woodland Lisa , O’Callaghan Cathy
Published: August 2021

Arabic-speaking communities in Australia underutilise mental health services. Previous research with Arabic-speakers recruited individually demonstrated that an Arabic Mindfulness Compact Disc (CD) was an acceptable and useful resource for this group. Subsequently, the CD was introduced as part of a 5-week group mindfulness program for Arabic-speaking Muslim women. The intervention was delivered in a community setting by a bilingual (Arabic/English) psychologist with support from a bilingual multicultural health worker. The mixed-methods evaluation incorporated a pre–post study with a wait-list control group. An Arabic translation of the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS21) was administered at baseline and program completion. Pre–post differences were tested using the sign test for paired samples (one-sided). Qualitative methods were used to evaluate the program’s acceptability. After five weeks, the intervention group showed statistically significant improvement on all DASS21 subscales (n = 12, p < .001 for depression and stress and p < .01 for anxiety). For the wait-list control group, only anxiety showed significant improvement (n = 8, p < .05). Qualitative analysis revealed how the women grew in their understanding of mindfulness concepts and mastered the different techniques, how they dealt with painful memories, how mindfulness practice assisted them in their daily lives, and how they related mindfulness to Islam. The in-language mindfulness intervention was shown to be culturally and spiritually relevant, and clinically effective. The group program incorporating the Arabic Mindfulness CD has potential for scaling up. Further research is required to investigate effectiveness for Arabic-speaking men with similar backgrounds.