bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The study of changing characteristics of the winter temperature and extreme cold events in China over the past six decades
Authors: Fu Dongxue , Ding Yihui
Published: December 2020

By using winter (December–February) daily temperature at 1629 meteorological stations over China during 1960/61‐2017/18, spatial–temporal changes and probability distribution characteristics of winter temperature and extreme cold events in China were analysed, with a special emphasis on the warming hiatus in China. The results are as follows: (1) the winter temperature in China showed an overall upward trend during the past six decades. However, since the winter of 2006 (so‐called the warming hiatus period), the winter temperature in China has remained stable and even decreased slightly. (2) There is an obvious difference in winter temperature between South China and North China. North China witnessed a more obvious temperature rise during the warm period (1986–2005) than South China did. However, since 2006, winter temperature in most parts of North China has dropped slightly, with a marked increase in extreme cold events. In contrast, South China did not undergo an obvious temperature drop during the hiatus period. (3) The range of temperature change in North China is larger than that in South China. The range of minimum temperature is also wider than that of maximum temperature, with a noticeable increase in extreme low temperature events since 2006. In such situation, North China is more likely to encounter extreme low temperature events, such as cold wave and low temperature weather. (4) China has experienced an increase in extreme cold events during the hiatus period. There is an obvious upward trend in regional long‐lasting extreme cold events (3–5 and 11–20 days duration). Consequently, this study has revealed that winter temperature and frequency of extreme cold events in China was not only influenced by global warming, with a persistent warming, but also showed an obvious inter‐decadal variation which is associated with the natural forcing. It indicates that the natural forcing factor is also a main factor influencing and modulating the winter temperature change at the inter‐decadal scale at the regional scale as China even in the era of the global warming caused by anthropogenic forcing.
Brief communication: CMIP6 does not suggest any atmospheric blocking increase in summer over Greenland by 2100
Authors: Delhasse Alison , Hanna Edward , Kittel Christoph , Fettweis Xavier
Published: December 2020

The Greenland blocking index (GBI), an indicator of the synoptic‐scale circulation over Greenland, has been anomalously positive during most summers since the late 1990s. Such changes in atmospheric circulation, favouring anticyclonic conditions, have led to an increase in Greenland summer temperatures, a decrease in cloud cover and larger surface melt. The GBI is therefore a key indicator of melting and surface mass balance variability over the Greenland ice sheet. However, the models of fifth phase of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) do not represent the increase in GBI that is suggested by recent observations, and do not project any significant increase in GBI until 2100. In this study, the new generation of CMIP6 Earth‐system models is evaluated in order to analyse the evolution of the future GBI. All CMIP5 and CMIP6 projections reveal the same trend towards a decrease of the GBI until 2100 and no model reproduces the strong increase in the persistence of summer blocking events observed over the last few decades. Significant melting events related to a highly positive GBI, as observed in summer 2019, are still not considered by CMIP6 models and therefore the projected surface melt increase of the ice sheet could be underestimated if such summer circulation changes persist in the next decades.
Anisakis simplex (s.l.) resistance to the action of gastric enzymes depends upon previous treatments applied to infected fish mince and affects antigen release
Authors: Sánchez‐Alonso Isabel , Carballeda‐Sangiao Noelia , Rodríguez Santiago , Tejada Margarita , Navas Alfonso , Arcos Susana C , González‐Muñoz Miguel , Careche Mercedes
Published: December 2020

Background

Freezing is considered the most suitable technological treatment to avoid Anisakis infection from eating raw or undercooked fish but modifications of their cuticles upon freezing may reduce their resistance to gastric fluids, provoking a greater release of allergens. This work aimed to study the relationship between freezing‐induced modifications of Anisakis simplex s.l., antigen recognition, and resistance to oral and gastric digestion in spiked fish mince.

Results

(i) Differences between non‐treated larvae and larvae that survived freezing / thawing were studied in terms of respiratory capacity, survival in simulated gastric fluid (SGF), recognition of antigens and allergens. (ii) Untreated (i.e. chilled) mince containing live larvae, mince frozen at two freezing rates, with a negative (uninfected) mince and a positive mince (infected with broken larvae) as controls, were subjected to the oral and gastric phases of a simulated digestion process. Anisakis able to survive freezing showed lower resistance to gastric fluid (i.e. faster mortality as compared to controls). Untreated larvae released significantly more antigens than freeze‐surviving larvae but only after 96 h in SGF. In treatments rendering complete larvae mortality, the highest loss of larvae integrity was found upon fast freezing. There was a positive correlation between antigen release and the number of ruptures of larvae after the oral digestion phase, whereas a more complex trend was observed after oral plus gastric digestion phases.

Conclusion

These results suggest a new factor to consider for sensitized patients and suggest that the numbers of L3 should be reduced before industrial freezing to minimize risk. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Controlled root‐zone temperature effect on baby leaf vegetables yield and quality in a floating system under mild and extreme weather conditions
Authors: Karnoutsos Panagiotis , Karagiovanidis Marios , Bantis Filippos , Chatzistathis Theocharis , Koukounaras Athanasios , Ntinas Georgios K
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

A floating system is a suitable low‐cost hydroponic method for growing baby leaf vegetables. Among other, an important characteristic of the system is the use of large volume of nutrient solution which is characterized by high heat capacity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different root‐zone temperatures on baby leaves of lettuce and rocket plants grown in a floating system under mild (spring) or extreme environmental conditions (summer and winter).

RESULTS

Root‐zone temperature was recorded in two tanks, one powered by a photovoltaic system and one where root‐zone temperature was not controlled – this was used as a control tank. Photosynthetic parameters, yield, nutritional quality, and mineral composition were determined. In both baby leaf vegetables, during extreme weather conditions, yield was higher in the tanks with controlled root‐zone temperature conditions than the control (+18.9% for rocket, and + 31.4% for baby lettuce), while quality parameters and chemical composition were not significantly affected. Stomatal conductance and net photosynthesis values were positively affected only during summer. On the other hand, control of root‐zone temperature under mild weather conditions had no significant effect on baby lettuce and rocket.

CONCLUSION

Control of the root‐zone temperature could be a useful tool to improve productivity for baby lettuce and rocket crops cultivated in floating systems under extreme weather conditions. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Texture, sensory properties and functionality of extruded snacks from pulses and pseudocereal proteins
Authors: Martin Anna , Schmidt Verena , Osen Raffael , Bez Jürgen , Ortner Eva , Mittermaier Stephanie
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

The protein‐rich fractions of pulses and pseudocereals exhibit a well‐balanced amino acid profile, particularly when combined in different portions, and are therefore high‐value ingredients for the production of extruded snacks. However, the impact of a combination of pulses and pseudocereals on the physical and sensory qualities of extruded snacks has not been investigated up to now. Native or preconditioned protein isolates and concentrates from pulses – as single ingredients or in combination with protein‐rich flours of pseudocereals – were analyzed regarding their thermal and functional properties in relation to extrusion characteristics. Low moisture extrusion cooking was used to investigate the impact of protein source (lentil, lupin, faba bean), pseudocereal source (quinoa, amaranth, buckwheat) and protein content (30%, 50%, 70%) on sectional expansion, specific hardness, density and sensory properties of the snacks.

RESULTS

With increasing protein content from 30% to 50%, the sectional expansion decreased and the density and specific hardness of the extrudates increased, which could be counteracted by preconditioning of the protein‐rich ingredients. Lupin protein‐based extrudates exhibited satisfactory texture and sensory properties. Extruded mixtures of pulses and pseudocereals (70% protein) exhibited a smaller sectional expansion compared to pulses as single ingredients (30%, 50%), regardless of pseudocereal type. However, the texture and sensory properties of the extruded blends were satisfactory.

CONCLUSIONS

We show for the first time that protein‐rich fractions of pulses and pseudocereals can be processed into expanded snacks with favorable texture and nutritional properties such as increased protein contents (70%) and balanced amino acid profiles. © 2020 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Influence of elaboration process on chemical, biological, and sensory characteristics of European pennyroyal liqueurs
Authors: Rodríguez‐Solana Raquel , Esteves Eduardo , Mansinhos Inês , Gonçalves Sandra , Pérez‐Santín Efrén , Galego Ludovina , Romano Anabela
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

Mentha pulegium is an aromatic and medicinal plant used in different Mediterranean herb‐based liqueurs, whose phytochemical composition depends on the elaboration technique used. The aim of this work was to investigate differences in the sensory, chemical, and biological characteristics of pennyroyal liqueurs elaborated by hydro‐alcoholic (HI) and aqueous (AI) infusions, percolation (P), maceration (M), and distillation (D) techniques, and by the mixture of spirit with pennyroyal essential oil (EO). The volatile composition determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and gas chromatography coupled to flame ionization detection (GC–FID), the total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid (TFC) contents, the antioxidant (AC), and enzyme (α‐glucosidase, tyrosinase, and acetylcholinesterase) inhibitory capacities, and the sensory analysis by napping, were evaluated in the liqueurs obtained.

RESULTS

Monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes were the main volatiles present in liqueurs. The M, P, HI, and AI liqueurs showed the highest TPC, TFC, and AC values; and pulegone, the main hepatotoxic chemotype, was found in concentrations that gave rise to concern. The D and EO liqueurs stand out for their acceptable pulegone content and greater tyrosinase inhibition. Similar liqueur classifications were achieved by sensory analyses, and physico‐chemical and biological analyses using multiple factor and principal component analyses, respectively.

CONCLUSION

These results are an important contribution to the identification of the most appropriate elaboration conditions for herbal liqueurs with the healthiest chemical composition and functional properties. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Chemometrics‐based models hyphenated with ensemble machine learning for retention time simulation of isoquercitrin in Coriander sativum L. using high‐performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Usman Abdullahi Garba , Işik Selin , Abba Sani Isah , Meriçli Filiz
Published: December 2020

In this research, two nonlinear models, namely; adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system and feed‐forward neural network and a classical linear model were employed for the prediction of retention time of isoquercitrin in Coriander sativum L. using the high‐performance liquid chromatography technique. The prediction employed the use of composition of mobile phase and pH as the corresponding input parameters. The performance indices of the models were evaluated using root mean square error, determination co‐efficient, and correlation co‐efficient. The results obtained from the simple models showed that subclustering‐adaptive‐neuro fuzzy inference system gave the best results in both the training and testing phases and boosted the performance accuracy of the simple models. The overall comparison of the results showed that subclustering‐adaptive‐neuro fuzzy inference system ensemble demonstrated outstanding performance and increased the accuracy of the single models and ensemble models in the testing phase, up to 35% and 3%, respectively.
Doubly degenerate diffuse interface models of anisotropic surface diffusion
Authors: Salvalaglio Marco , Selch Maximilian , Voigt Axel , Wise Steven M.
Published: December 2020

We extend the doubly degenerate Cahn–Hilliard (DDCH) models for isotropic surface diffusion, which yield more accurate approximations than classical degenerate Cahn–Hilliard (DCH) models, to the anisotropic case. We consider both weak and strong anisotropies and demonstrate the capabilities of the approach for these cases numerically. The proposed model provides a variational and energy dissipative approach for anisotropic surface diffusion, enabling large‐scale simulations with material‐specific parameters.
MR‐guided proton therapy: Impact of magnetic fields on the detector response
Authors: Fuchs Hermann , Padilla‐Cabal Fatima , Zimmermann Lukas , Palmans Hugo , Georg Dietmar
Published: December 2020

Purpose

To investigate the response of detectors for proton dosimetry in the presence of magnetic fields.

Material and Methods

Four ionization chambers (ICs), two thimble‐type and two plane‐parallel‐type, and a diamond detector were investigated. All detectors were irradiated with homogeneous single‐energy‐layer fields, using 252.7 MeV proton beams. A Farmer IC was additionally irradiated in the same geometrical configuration, but with a lower nominal energy of 97.4 MeV. The beams were subjected to magnetic field strengths of 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1 T produced by a research dipole magnet placed at the room’s isocenter. Detectors were positioned at 2 cm water equivalent depth, with their stem perpendicular to both the magnetic field lines and the proton beam’s central axis, in the direction of the Lorentz force. Normality and two sample statistical Student’s t tests were performed to assess the influence of the magnetic field on the detectors’ responses.

Results

For all detectors, a small but significant magnetic field‐dependent change of their response was found. Observed differences compared to the no magnetic field case ranged from +0.5% to −0.7%. The magnetic field dependence was found to be nonlinear and highest between 0.25 and 0.5 T for 252.7 MeV proton beams. A different variation of the Farmer chamber response with magnetic field strength was observed for irradiations using lower energy (97.4 MeV) protons. The largest magnetic field effects were observed for plane‐parallel ionization chambers.

Conclusion

Small magnetic field‐dependent changes in the detector response were identified, which should be corrected for dosimetric applications.
Simultaneously iterative procedure based on block Newton method for elastoplastic problems
Authors: Yamamoto Takeki , Yamada Takahiro , Matsui Kazumi
Published: December 2020

In this article, the authors formulate elastoplastic problems as a coupled problem of the equilibrium equation and the yield condition at each material point, and develop a numerical procedure based on the block Newton method to solve the overall structure using the finite element discretization. For the integration of stress, the backward difference scheme is employed. In the conventional return mapping algorithm, the algorithmic tangent moduli are derived analytically so that it is consistent with local iterative calculation to determine internal variables. On the other hand, in the proposed block Newton method, the tangent moduli can be obtained algebraically by eliminating the internal variables, and the internal variables are also updated algebraically without local iterative calculation. The residual of the yield condition is incorporated into the linearized equilibrium equation. The proposed approach enables the errors of the equilibrium equation and the yield condition to decrease simultaneously. Some numerical examples show the validity and effectiveness of the proposed approach by comparing the results of the proposed approach with those of the conventional return mapping algorithm.
COVID‐19 and market risk: An assessment of the G‐20 nations
Authors: Rout Bhabani Sankar , Das Nupur Moni , Inamdar Mohd Merajuddin
Published: December 2020

The study has attempted to study the impact of COVID‐19 on downside stock market risk in the G‐20 nations using Vaue‐at‐Risk models. The findings of the study suggest that all the G‐20 nations have experienced very high level of risk during Global Financial Crisis and COVID‐19 as all the countries’ stock markets are critical during these two periods, but the magnitude of risk is found to be highest during COVID‐19 period compared to other regimes in most of the countries. However, one shocking revelation is that China is found to be on safe zone having very less market risk, whereas all other countries are found to be critical.
Regulating Catalytic Activity of DNA‐Templated Silver Nanoclusters Based on their Differential Interactions with DNA Structures and Stimuli‐Responsive Structural Transition
Authors: Guo Yuchun , Lv Mengmeng , Ren Jiangtao , Wang Erkang
Published: December 2020

This work reports exquisite engineering of catalytic activity of DNA‐templated silver nanoclusters (DNA‐AgNCs) based on unique adsorption phenomena of DNAs on DNA‐AgNCs and reversible transition between double and triple‐stranded DNAs. Four DNA homopolymers exhibit different inhibition effects on the catalytic activity of DNA‐AgNCs, poly adenine (polyA) > poly guanine (polyG) > poly cytosine (polyC) > poly thymine (polyT), demonstrating that polyA strands have the strongest adsorption affinity on DNA‐AgNCs. Through the formation of T‐A•T triplex DNAs, catalytic activity of DNA‐AgNCs is restored from the deactivated state by double or single‐stranded DNAs, indicating the participation of N7 groups of adenine bases in binding to DNA‐AgNCs and blocking active sites. Accordingly, reversibly regulating catalytic activity of DNA‐AgNCs can be realized based on DNA input‐stimulated transition between duplex and triplex structures. In the end, two low‐cost and facile biosensing methods are presented, which are derived from the activity‐switchable platform. It is worthy to anticipate that the DNA‐AgNCs with controlled catalytic activity will inspire researchers to devise more functionalized nanocatalysts and contribute to the exploration of intelligent biomedicine in the future.
What factors influence the lifetime of pull requests?
Authors: Moreira Soares Daricélio , de Lima Júnior Manoel Limeira , Murta Leonardo , Plastino Alexandre
Published: December 2020

When external contributors want to collaborate with an open‐source project, they fork the repository, make changes, and send a pull request to the core team. However, the lifetime of a pull request, defined by the time interval between its opening and its closing, has a high variation, potentially affecting the contributor engagement. In this context, understanding the root causes of pull request lifetime is important to both the external contributors and the core team. The former can adopt strategies that increase the chances of fast review, while the latter can establish priorities in the reviewing process, alleviating the pending tasks and improving the software quality. In this work, we mined association rules from 97,463 pull requests from 30 projects in order to find characteristics that have affected the pull requests lifetime. In addition, we present a qualitative analysis, helping to understand the patterns discovered from the association rules. The results indicate that: (i) contributions with shorter lifetimes tend to be accepted; (ii) structural characteristics, such as number of commits, changed files, and lines of code, have influence, in an isolated or combined way, on the pull request lifetime; (iii) the files changed and the directories to which they belong can be robust predictors for pull request lifetime; (iv) the profile of external contributors and their social relationships have influence on lifetime; and (v) the number of comments in a pull request, as well as the developer responsible for the review, are important predictors for its lifetime.
Rural Farmers’ Approach to Drought Adaptation: Lessons from Crop Farmers in Ghana
Authors: Dumba Hillary , Danquah Jones Abrefa , Pappinen Ari
Published: December 2020

Sub-Saharan Africa is considered to be highly vulnerable to climate change-related disasters particularly drought. Farmers in Ghana have learnt to co-exist with it by resorting to various approaches. This study sheds light on farmers’ adaptation to drought in Ghana. The cross-sectional survey design was used to collect data from a random sample of 326 farmers and six purposively selected lead farmers from six farming communities. Questionnaire and in-depth interviews were used for data collection. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study revealed a significant variation between locations and use of drought adaptation approaches. The study showed that the most common drought adaptation measures comprise locating farms on riverine areas, drought monitoring, formation of farm-based organizations for dissemination of climate information, application of agro-chemicals, changing planting dates, cultivating different crops, integrating crop and livestock production, changing the location of crops, diversifying from farm to non-farm income-generating activities, and cultivation of early maturing crops. Therefore, it was recommended, among other things, that Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) should assist the government to construct small-scale irrigation facilities and provide drought-resistant crops to further boost the capacity of farming communities in Ghana.
QED corrections in $$ \overline{B}\to \overline{K}{\mathrm{\ell}}^{+}{\mathrm{\ell}}^{-} $$ at the double-differential level
Authors: Isidori Gino , Nabeebaccus Saad , Zwicky Roman
Published: December 2020

Abstract

We present a detailed analysis of QED corrections to $$ \overline{B}\to \overline{K}{\mathrm{\ell}}^{+}{\mathrm{\ell}}^{-} $$

B
¯

→

K
¯

ℓ
+

ℓ
−

decays at the double-differential level. Cancellations of soft and collinear divergences are demonstrated analytically using the phase space slicing method. Whereas soft divergences are found to cancel at the differential level, the cancellation of the hard-collinear logs ln mℓ require, besides photon-inclusiveness, a specific choice of kinematic variables. In particular, hard-collinear logs in the lepton-pair invariant mass distribution (q2), are sizeable and need to be treated with care when comparing with experiment. Virtual and real amplitudes are evaluated using an effective mesonic Lagrangian. Crucially, we show that going beyond this approximation does not introduce any further infrared sensitive terms. All analytic computations are performed for generic charges and are therefore adaptable to semileptonic decays such as $$ \overline{B}\to D\mathrm{\ell}\overline{\nu } $$

B
¯

→
D
ℓ

ν
¯

.
The double scaled limit of super-symmetric SYK models
Authors: Berkooz Micha , Brukner Nadav , Narovlansky Vladimir , Raz Amir
Published: December 2020

Abstract

We compute the exact density of states and 2-point function of the $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 super-symmetric SYK model in the large N double-scaled limit, by using combinatorial tools that relate the moments of the distribution to sums over oriented chord diagrams. In particular we show how SUSY is realized on the (highly degenerate) Hilbert space of chords. We further calculate analytically the number of ground states of the model in each charge sector at finite N, and compare it to the results from the double-scaled limit. Our results reduce to the super-Schwarzian action in the low energy short interaction length limit. They imply that the conformal ansatz of the 2-point function is inconsistent due to the large number of ground states, and we show how to add this contribution. We also discuss the relation of the model to SLq(2|1). For completeness we present an overview of the $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 super-symmetric SYK model in the large N double-scaled limit.
Anomalies and accidental symmetries: charging the scalar leptoquark under Lμ − Lτ
Authors: Davighi Joe , Kirk Matthew , Nardecchia Marco
Published: December 2020

Abstract

While the S3 scalar leptoquark presents a possible tree-level explanation of the b → sℓℓ flavour anomalies, it suffers from two conceptual problems which are often disregarded by model-builders. Firstly, the quantum numbers of the S3 allow for a renormalisable diquark operator that would trigger rapid proton decay unless its coupling were tuned away. Secondly, one expects the leptoquark to have generic couplings to leptons, which require tuning to avoid stringent experimental bounds on lepton flavour violation. By gauging a U(1) current that acts as Lμ− Lτ on the Standard Model (SM) fermions, and under which the leptoquark has charge −1, one can remedy both these problems. The additional U(1), which is spontaneously broken at some high scale, is associated with a massive Z′ gauge boson and a scalar SM singlet Φ, which play no direct role in mediating the anomalous B meson decays. By computing one- and two-loop mass corrections, we show that this pair of particles can be hidden away at much higher mass scales without destabilising either the Higgs or the leptoquark masses. The only low-energy relic of gauging Lμ− Lτ is thus the accidental global symmetry structure of the lagrangian. On the other hand, we find quite generally that an S3 leptoquark that mediates the b → sℓℓ anomalies cannot be much heavier than a few TeV without itself inducing large Higgs mass corrections.
QCD resummation on single hadron transverse momentum distribution with the thrust axis
Authors: Kang Zhong-Bo , Shao Ding Yu , Zhao Fanyi
Published: December 2020

Abstract

We derive the transverse momentum dependent (TMD) factorization and resummation formula of the unpolarized transverse momentum distribution (jT) for the single hadron production with the thrust axis in an electron-positron collision. Two different kinematic regions are considered, including small transverse momentum limit jT « Q, and joint transverse momentum and threshold limit jT « Q(1 − zh) « Q, where Q and zh are the hard scattering energy and the observed hadron momentum fraction. Using effective theory methods, we resum logarithms ln(Q/jT) and ln(1 − zh) to all orders. In the end, we present the differential cross sections and Gaussian widths calculated for the inclusive charged pion production and find that our results are consistent with the measurements reported by the Belle collaboration.
Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors (ATRTs) with SMARCA4 mutation are molecularly distinct from SMARCB1-deficient cases
Authors: Holdhof Dörthe , Johann Pascal D. , Spohn Michael , Bockmayr Michael , Safaei Sepehr , Joshi Piyush , Masliah-Planchon Julien , Ho Ben , Andrianteranagna Mamy , Bourdeaut Franck , Huang Annie , Kool Marcel , Upadhyaya Santhosh A. , Bendel Anne E. , Indenbirken Daniela , Foulkes William D. , Bush Jonathan W. , Creytens David , Kordes Uwe , Frühwald Michael C. , Hasselblatt Martin , Schüller Ulrich
Published: December 2020

Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors (ATRTs) are very aggressive childhood malignancies of the central nervous system. The underlying genetic cause are inactivating bi-allelic mutations in SMARCB1 or (rarely) in SMARCA4. ATRT-SMARCA4 have been associated with a higher frequency of germline mutations, younger age, and an inferior prognosis in comparison to SMARCB1 mutated cases. Based on their DNA methylation profiles and transcriptomics, SMARCB1 mutated ATRTs have been divided into three distinct molecular subgroups: ATRT-TYR, ATRT-SHH, and ATRT-MYC. These subgroups differ in terms of age at diagnosis, tumor location, type of SMARCB1 alterations, and overall survival. ATRT-SMARCA4 are, however, less well understood, and it remains unknown, whether they belong to one of the described ATRT subgroups. Here, we examined 14 ATRT-SMARCA4 by global DNA methylation analyses. We show that they form a separate group segregating from SMARCB1 mutated ATRTs and from other SMARCA4-deficient tumors like small cell carcinoma of the ovary, hypercalcemic type (SCCOHT) or SMARCA4 mutated extra-cranial malignant rhabdoid tumors. In contrast, medulloblastoma (MB) samples with heterozygous SMARCA4 mutations do not group separately, but with established MB subgroups. RNA sequencing of ATRT-SMARCA4 confirmed the clustering results based on DNA methylation profiling and displayed an absence of typical signature genes upregulated in SMARCB1 deleted ATRT. In summary, our results suggest that, in line with previous clinical observations, ATRT-SMARCA4 should be regarded as a distinct molecular subgroup.
Reliability of neural food cue-reactivity in participants with obesity undergoing bariatric surgery: a 26-week longitudinal fMRI study
Authors: Bach Patrick , Grosshans Martin , Koopmann Anne , Kienle Peter , Vassilev Georgi , Otto Mirko , Bumb J. Malte , Kiefer Falk
Published: December 2020

Obesity is highly prevalent worldwide and results in a high disease burden. The efforts to monitor and predict treatment outcome in participants with obesity using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) depends on the reliability of the investigated task-fMRI brain activation. To date, no study has investigated whole-brain reliability of neural food cue-reactivity. To close this gap, we analyzed the longitudinal reliability of an established food cue-reactivity task. Longitudinal reliability of neural food-cue-induced brain activation and subjective food craving ratings over three fMRI sessions (T0: 2 weeks before surgery, T1: 8 weeks and T2: 24 weeks after surgery) were investigated in N = 11 participants with obesity. We computed an array of established reliability estimates, including the intraclass correlation (ICC), the Dice and Jaccard coefficients and similarity of brain activation maps. The data indicated good reliability (ICC > 0.6) of subjective food craving ratings over 26 weeks and excellent reliability (ICC > 0.75) of brain activation signals for the contrast of interest (food > neutral) in the caudate, putamen, thalamus, middle cingulum, inferior, middle and superior occipital gyri, and middle and superior temporal gyri and cunei. Using similarity estimates, it was possible to re-identify individuals based on their neural activation maps (73%) with a fading degree of accuracy, when comparing fMRI sessions further apart. The results show excellent reliability of task-fMRI neural brain activation in several brain regions. Current data suggest that fMRI-based measures might indeed be suitable to monitor and predict treatment outcome in participants with obesity undergoing bariatric surgery.
Automated age estimation of young individuals based on 3D knee MRI using deep learning
Authors: Mauer Markus Auf der , Well Eilin Jopp-van , Herrmann Jochen , Groth Michael , Morlock Michael M. , Maas Rainer , Säring Dennis
Published: December 2020

Age estimation is a crucial element of forensic medicine to assess the chronological age of living individuals without or lacking valid legal documentation. Methods used in practice are labor-intensive, subjective, and frequently comprise radiation exposure. Recently, also non-invasive methods using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have evaluated and confirmed a correlation between growth plate ossification in long bones and the chronological age of young subjects. However, automated and user-independent approaches are required to perform reliable assessments on large datasets. The aim of this study was to develop a fully automated and computer-based method for age estimation based on 3D knee MRIs using machine learning. The proposed solution is based on three parts: image-preprocessing, bone segmentation, and age estimation. A total of 185 coronal and 404 sagittal MR volumes from Caucasian male subjects in the age range of 13 and 21 years were available. The best result of the fivefold cross-validation was a mean absolute error of 0.67 ± 0.49 years in age regression and an accuracy of 90.9%, a sensitivity of 88.6%, and a specificity of 94.2% in classification (18-year age limit) using a combination of convolutional neural networks and tree-based machine learning algorithms. The potential of deep learning for age estimation is reflected in the results and can be further improved if it is trained on even larger and more diverse datasets.
Verbal estimation of the magnitude of time, number, and length
Authors: Ogden R. S. , Simmons F. R. , Wearden J. H.
Published: December 2020

Performance similarities on tasks requiring the processing of different domains of magnitude (e.g. time, numerosity, and length) have led to the suggestion that humans possess a common processing system for all domains of magnitude (Bueti and Walsh in Philos Trans R Soc B 364:1831–1840, 2009). In light of this, the current study examined whether Wearden’s (Timing Time Percept 3:223–245, 2015) model of the verbal estimation of duration could be applied to verbal estimates of numerosity and length. Students (n = 23) verbally estimated the duration, number, or physical length of items presented in visual displays. Analysis of the mean verbal estimates indicated the data were typical of that found in other studies. Analysis of the frequency of individual verbal estimates produced suggested that the verbal responses were highly quantized for duration and length: that is, only a small number of estimates were used. Responses were also quantized for number but to a lesser degree. The data were modelled using Wearden’s (2015) account of verbal estimation performance, which simulates quantization effects, and good fits could be obtained providing that stimulus durations were scaled as proportions (0.75, 1.06, and 0.92 for duration, number, and length, respectively) of their real magnitudes. The results suggest that despite previous reports of similarities in the processing of magnitude, there appear to be differences in the way in which the underlying representations of the magnitudes are scaled and then transformed into verbal outputs.
Minimally invasive procedure for removal of infected ventriculoatrial shunts
Authors: Magrassi Lorenzo , Mezzini Gianluca , Moramarco Lorenzo Paolo , Cionfoli Nicola , Shepetowsky David , Seminari Elena , Di Matteo Angela , Quaretti Pietro
Published: December 2020

Background

Ventriculoatrial shunts were one of the most common treatments of hydrocephalus in pediatric and adult patients up to about 40 years ago. Thereafter, due to the widespread recognition of the severe cardiac and renal complications associated with ventriculoatrial shunts, they are almost exclusively implanted when other techniques fail. However, late infection or atrial thrombi of previously implanted shunts require removal of the atrial catheter several decades after implantation. Techniques derived from management of central venous access catheters can avoid cardiothoracic surgery in such instances.

Methods

We retrospectively investigated all the patients requiring removal of a VA shunt for complications treated in the last 5 years in our institution.

Results

We identified two patients that were implanted 28 and 40 years earlier. Both developed endocarditis with a large atrial thrombus and were successfully treated endovascularly. The successful percutaneous removal was achieved by applying, for the first time in this setting, the endoluminal dilation technique as proposed by Hong. After ventriculoatrial shunt removal and its substitution with an external drainage, both patients where successfully weaned from the need for a shunt and their infection resolved.

Conclusion

Patients carrying a ventriculoatrial shunt are now rarely seen and awareness of long-term ventriculoatrial shunt complications is decreasing. However, these complications must be recognized and treated by shunt removal. Endovascular techniques are appropriate even in the presence of overt endocarditis, atrial thrombi, and tight adherence to the endocardial wall. Moreover, weaning from shunt dependence is possible even decades after shunting.
Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms, cognitive dysfunction and quality of life in high-dose use of benzodiazepine and Z-drug
Authors: Federico Angela , Mantovani Elisa , Casari Rebecca , Bertoldi Anna , Lugoboni Fabio , Tamburin Stefano
Published: December 2020

High-dose use of benzodiazepines (BZDs) and Z-drugs was found to be associated with adult attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and multidomain cognitive deficits, but the interplay between these factors and its effect on quality of life (QoL) is unclear. We explored (a) whether cognitive dysfunction differs in high-dose BZD/Z-drug users with and without adult ADHD and (b) the impact of cognitive deficits and adult ADHD on QoL in this substance-use disorder (SUD). From January 2015 to December 2019, we recruited 207 high-dose BZD/Z-drug users seeking treatment. We assessed the presence of adult ADHD with a screening tool, which was validated in SUD patients, and collected demographic, clinical and QoL data from the 76 included patients. A neuropsychological battery explored five cognitive domains. We found that: (a) screening for adult ADHD was frequently positive; (b) Short Form-36 (SF-36), a self-administered QoL questionnaire, was worse than the general population and worse in patients positive (ADHD+) vs. those negative (ADHD−) to ADHD screening tool; (c) executive function was significantly worse in ADHD+ than ADHD− patients; (d) some SF-36 dimensions were negatively influenced by executive dysfunction; (e) multivariate analysis showed an interplay between adult ADHD and cognitive dysfunction in worsening QoL. We documented a complex interplay between adult ADHD, cognitive dysfunction and QoL in high-dose BZD/Z-drug users. Assessing adult ADHD, neuropsychological measures and QoL may offer a full scenario of these patients, who are frequently impaired in everyday activities. Future research should explore whether pharmacological treatment might improve cognitive dysfunction and QoL in this SUD.
Fear of childbirth during pregnancy: associations with observed mother-infant interactions and perceived bonding
Authors: Challacombe Fiona L. , Nath Selina , Trevillion Kylee , Pawlby Susan , Howard Louise M.
Published: December 2020

Fear of childbirth (FOC) is a common phenomenon that can impair functioning in pregnancy but potential longer term implications for the mother-infant relationship are little understood. This study was aimed at investigating postpartum implications of FOC on the mother-infant relationship. A UK sample of 341 women in a community setting provided data on anxiety, mood and FOC in mid-pregnancy and subsequently completed self-report measures of postnatal bonding in a longitudinal cohort study. Postnatal observations of mother-infant interactions were collected and rated for a subset of 141 women. FOC was associated with maternal perception of impaired bonding, even after controlling for sociodemographic factors, concurrent depression and the presence of anxiety disorders (Coef = 0.10, 95% CI 0.07–0.14, p < 0.001). Observed mother-infant interactions were not associated with FOC (Coef = -0.01-0.03 CI − 0.02 to 0.02, p = 0.46), weakly with concurrent depression (Coef = − 0.10, CI − 0.19 to 0.00, p = 0.06) and not associated with anxiety disorders. The self-efficacy component of FOC was most strongly associated with lower reported bonding (Coef 0.37, 95% CI 0.25–0.49, p < 0.001) FOC makes a distinct contribution to perceived postpartum bonding difficulties but observed mother-infant interaction quality was not affected. This may be due to low self-efficacy impacting psychological adjustment during pregnancy. Targeted interventions during pregnancy focusing both on treatment of key childbirth fears and bonding could help women adjust earlier.
Immersive training of first responder squad leaders in untethered virtual reality
Authors: Mossel Annette , Schoenauer Christian , Froeschl Mario , Peer Andreas , Goellner Johannes , Kaufmann Hannes
Published: December 2020

We present the VROnSite platform that supports immersive training of first responder units’ on-site squad leaders. Our training platform is fully immersive, entirely untethered to ease use and provides two means of navigation—abstract and natural walking—to simulate stress and exhaustion, two important factors for decision making. With the platform’s capabilities, we close a gap in prior art for first responder training. Our research is closely interlocked with stakeholders from multiple fire brigades to gather early feedback in an iterative design process. In this paper, we present the system’s design rationale, provide insight into the process of training scenario development and present results of a user study with 41 squad leaders from the firefighting domain. Virtual disaster environments with two different navigation types were evaluated using quantitative and qualitative measures. Participants considered our platform highly suitable for training of decision making in complex first responder scenarios and results show the importance of the provided navigation technologies in this context.
Physics and Beyond: Essay review of Kay Herrmann (Ed.): Grete Henry-Hermann: Philosophie–Mathematik–Quantenmechanik. Springer: Wiesbaden 2019, xv + 663 pp.
Authors: Bacciagaluppi Guido
Published: December 2020

Using the volume of her works and correspondence recently edited by K. Herrmann, I assess the significance of Grete Hermann's work.
The evolutionary pattern of language in scientific writings: A case study of Philosophical Transactions of Royal Society (1665–1869)
Authors: Sun Kun , Liu Haitao , Xiong Wenxin
Published: December 2020

Scientific writings, as one essential part of human culture, have evolved over centuries into their current form. Knowing how scientific writings evolved is particularly helpful in understanding how trends in scientific culture developed. It also allows us to better understand how scientific culture was interwoven with human culture generally. The availability of massive digitized texts and the progress in computational technologies today provide us with a convenient and credible way to discern the evolutionary patterns in scientific writings by examining the diachronic linguistic changes. The linguistic changes in scientific writings reflect the genre shifts that took place with historical changes in science and scientific writings. This study investigates a general evolutionary linguistic pattern in scientific writings. It does so by merging two credible computational methods: relative entropy; word-embedding concreteness and imageability. It thus creates a novel quantitative methodology and applies this to the examination of diachronic changes in thePhilosophical Transactions of Royal Society(PTRS, 1665–1869). The data from two computational approaches can be well mapped to support the argument that this journal followed the evolutionary trend of increasing professionalization and specialization. But it also shows that language use in this journal was greatly influenced by historical events and other socio-cultural factors. This study, as a “culturomic” approach, demonstrates that the linguistic evolutionary patterns in scientific discourse have been interrupted by external factors even though this scientific discourse would likely have cumulatively developed into a professional and specialized genre. The approaches proposed by this study can make a great contribution to full-text analysis in scientometrics.
A synopsis of Plagiocheilus (Compositae: Astereae)
Authors: Hind D. J. Nicholas
Published: December 2020

A synopsis of Plagiocheilus (Compositae: Astereae) is provided, giving full synonymy, type citations and the location of known types, together with relevant notes and commentary, and the currently accepted distribution of each taxon; the distribution of taxa is also tabulated. Six species are recognised, one containing three subspecies. A key to species is presented. One author citation is corrected following an incorrect assumption by de Candolle when describing Plagiocheilus tanacetoides. The synonymy of Polygyne inconspicua, under Eclipta prostrata, is précised once again. An index to names associated with Plagiocheilus is given, and the nomen nudum of Plagiocheilus herzogii commented upon.
Bryostroma popei — a new bryophilous ascomycete from the British Isles, with a worldwide key to the genus Bryostroma
Authors: Greiff George R. L. , Cannon Paul F.
Published: December 2020

The bryophilous Bryostroma popei is a novel ascomycete that infects the pleurocarpous moss Leptodictyum riparium. The morphology of the new species is described, illustrated and compared to other species in the genus. A key to the nine species of Bryostroma is provided.
Biologika-Therapie der atopischen Dermatitis
Authors: Quint T. , Bangert C.
Published: December 2020

Die atopische Dermatitis (AD) ist eine chronisch-entzündliche Hauterkrankung, die mit quälendem Juckreiz, entzündlichen ekzematösen Läsionen, erhöhtem Risiko für sekundäre Hautinfektionen und einer dadurch stark verminderten Lebensqualität einhergeht. Die AD ist durch eine dominante T-Helfer-Typ 2(Th2)-Immunantwort gekennzeichnet, die von T2-Zytokinen, wie Interleukin(IL)-4 und IL-13 dominiert wird, welche eine Entzündungsreaktion sowie Dysfunktion der epidermalen Barriere hervorrufen. Das therapeutische Ziel der AD besteht in der Verbesserung des Juckreizes und der entzündlichen Hautveränderungen. Die Therapieoptionen waren bisher limitiert und bestanden hauptsächlich aus rückfettender Pflege, topischen Kortikosteroiden (TCS) und systemischen Immunsuppressiva, die mit zahlreichen Nebenwirkungen verbunden sind. Neue Erkenntnisse in der Pathophysiologie der AD haben es ermöglicht, moderne Behandlungsoptionen zu entwickeln, die selektiv auf krankheitsverursachende Pfade abzielen und diese blockieren. Dupilumab, ein vollständig humaner monoklonaler Antikörper, der gegen die alpha-Untereinheit des IL-4-Rezeptors gerichtet ist, war das erste Biologikum, das im Jahr 2017 von der FDA und EMA für die Therapie der AD zugelassen wurde. In diesem Artikel stellen wir neue therapeutische Ansätze vor, die entweder kürzlich zugelassen wurden oder derzeit mit viel versprechendem Erfolg in klinischen Studien zur Behandlung von AD eingesetzt werden. Die meisten Behandlungsmöglichkeiten sind derzeit auf Erwachsene und Jugendliche mit schwerer, refraktärer AD beschränkt.