bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The representativeness of the dental calculus dietary record: insights from Taï chimpanzee faecal phytoliths
Authors: Power Robert C. , Wittig Roman M. , Stone Jeffery R. , Kupczik Kornelius , Schulz-Kornas Ellen
Published: May 2021

In recent years, new applications of microremain dietary analysis using dental calculus as a source of dietary data on ancient human subsistence and behaviours have accelerated. The dental calculus of contemporary human and non-human populations with known diets have been used as reference datasets, including the chimpanzees of Taï National Park (Côte d'Ivoire), but explaining the preservation mechanism involved is challenged by our incomplete knowledge of the microremain content within the diets of these reference populations and our rudimentary information on microremain incorporation into dental calculus. Here, we analyse phytoliths in faecal samples to assess to what extent plant phytoliths of a diet are reflected in the dental calculus as well as in the egested faeces. In this study, we identify and document the faecal phytolith assemblages as an indicator of plant consumption in two Western chimpanzees of the Taï National Park (Côte d'Ivoire) before (wet season), during (dry season) and after (dry season) a dust-rich period. Moreover, observational dietary records of these two individuals were compiled to improve the interpretability of this dental calculus phytolith dataset. The faecal phytolith assemblages vary significantly across samples in terms of abundance and diversity. The most common phytolith morphotypes were eudicot plates, single-cell and multi-cell tracheids, monocot rugulose and echinate spheroids and, to a lesser extent, unspecified thick and thin elongates. High loads of grit and other micro-remains (e.g. diatoms) are found during the dry period. Using observational dietary records as a starting point and our faecal results as a terminus, we consider how dental calculus can accumulate phytoliths. Our findings enable identification of the phytolith morphotypes that are under-represented in dental calculus, which is highly informative for future dental calculus research strategies.
Demographic and territorial characteristics of COVID-19 cases and excess mortality in the European Union during the first wave
Authors: Goujon Anne , Natale Fabrizio , Ghio Daniela , Conte Alessandra
Published: May 2021

This article explores for a large number of countries in the European Union (plus the United Kingdom) the main demographic differentials in positive tested COVID-19 cases and excess mortality during the first wave in 2020, accounting for differences at territorial level, where population density and size play a main role in the diffusion and effects of the disease in terms of morbidity and mortality. This knowledge complements and refines the epidemiological information about the spread and impact of the virus. For this analysis, we rely on the descriptive exploration of (1) data from The European Surveillance System (TESSy) database developed at the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) on the number of cases and fatality rates and (2) of weekly mortality data collected by Eurostat. The analysis at territorial level studies the changes in R0—the basic reproduction number—and median excess mortality, across territories with different levels of urbanization. The unique findings of this study encompassing most European Union Member States confirm and define the demographic and territorial differential impacts in terms of infections and fatalities during the first wave of the pandemic in 2020. The information is important for stakeholders at European Union, national and sub-national levels in charge of designing containment measures for COVID-19 and adaptation policies for the future by anticipating the rebound for certain segments of the population with differential medical and economic needs.
Hydrochemistry and environmental isotopes (18O, 2H, 3H, 3He/4He) of groundwater and floodwater in the great area of Hurghada, Eastern Desert of Egypt
Authors: Wannous M. , Jahnke C. , Troeger U. , Falk M. , Bauer F.
Published: May 2021

Porous and fractured aquifers exist in the area of Hurghada, Eastern Desert of Egypt, whose recharge processes through the common flash floods are not identified. Hydrochemical parameters, stable isotopes 18O, 2H and tritium in floodwater and groundwater were applied in the area subject to study. Additionally, He isotopes were investigated in the deep wells in the faulted zone at the Abu Shaar Plateau. 3H activity in all sampled points lies below the detection limit excluding a recent recharge component in groundwater. However, the hydrochemical ratios and the stable isotope signature confirm that the shallow wells and springs (Red Sea Hills group) are being recharged from modern precipitation. The hydrochemical parameters of the deep wells at the Abu Shaar Plateau (coastal plain group) confirm another origin for the ions rather than the modern precipitation. Together with the 18O and 2H values, the Br/Cl ratio of this group confirms the absence of seawater intrusion component and the role of the fault as a hydraulic barrier. These 18O and 2H values deviate from the GMWL confirming an evaporation effect and colder infiltration conditions and reveal strongly a possible mixing with the Nubian Sandstone in the region. The 3He/4He ratio confirms a mantle contribution of 2% from the total He components.
Metabolic reprogramming and epigenetic modifications on the path to cancer
Authors: Sun Linchong , Zhang Huafeng , Gao Ping
Published: May 2021

Metabolic rewiring and epigenetic remodeling, which are closely linked and reciprocally regulate each other, are among the well-known cancer hallmarks. Recent evidence suggests that many metabolites serve as substrates or cofactors of chromatin-modifying enzymes as a consequence of the translocation or spatial regionalization of enzymes or metabolites. Various metabolic alterations and epigenetic modifications also reportedly drive immune escape or impede immunosurveillance within certain contexts, playing important roles in tumor progression. In this review, we focus on how metabolic reprogramming of tumor cells and immune cells reshapes epigenetic alterations, in particular the acetylation and methylation of histone proteins and DNA. We also discuss other eminent metabolic modifications such as, succinylation, hydroxybutyrylation, and lactylation, and update the current advances in metabolism- and epigenetic modification-based therapeutic prospects in cancer.
The Use of Self-Help Strategies in Obesity Treatment. A Narrative Review Focused on Hypnosis and Mindfulness
Authors: Pellegrini Marianna , Carletto Sara , Scumaci Elena , Ponzo Valentina , Ostacoli Luca , Bo Simona
Published: May 2021

Purpose of Review

The aim of this narrative review was to summarize the evidence evaluating the possibilities and limitations of self-hypnosis and mindfulness strategies in the treatment of obesity.

Recent Findings

Psychological factors, such as mood disorders and stress, can affect eating behaviors and deeply influence weight gain. Psychological approaches to weight management could increase the motivation and self-control of the patients with obesity, limiting their impulsiveness and inappropriate use of food. The cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) represents the cornerstone of obesity treatment, but complementary and self-directed psychological interventions, such as hypnosis and mindfulness, could represent additional strategies to increase the effectiveness of weight loss programs, by improving dysfunctional eating behaviors, self-motivation, and stimulus control.

Both hypnosis and mindfulness provide a promising therapeutic option by improving weight loss, food awareness, self-acceptance of body image, and limiting food cravings and emotional eating. Greater effectiveness occurs when hypnosis and mindfulness are associated with other psychological therapies in addition to diet and physical activity. Additional research is needed to determine whether these strategies are effective in the long term and whether they can be routinely introduced into the clinical practice.
A rigid, not infinitesimally rigid surface with K ample
Authors: Böhning Christian , von Bothmer Hans-Christian Graf , Pignatelli Roberto
Published: May 2021

We produce an example of a rigid, but not infinitesimally rigid smooth compact complex surface with ample canonical bundle using results about arrangements of lines inspired by work of Hirzebruch, Kapovich & Millson, Manetti and Vakil.
Immunogenicity of a first dose of mRNA- or vector-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in dialysis patients: a multicenter prospective observational pilot study
Authors: Lesny Paul , Anderson Mark , Cloherty Gavin , Stec Michael , Haase-Fielitz Anja , Haarhaus Mathias , Santos Carla , Lucas Carlos , Macario Fernando , Haase Michael
Published: May 2021

Background

Dialysis patients are at risk for lower SARS-CoV-2-vaccine immunogenicity than the normal population. We assessed immunogenicity to a first mRNA- or vector-based SARS-CoV-2-vaccination dose in dialysis patients.

Methods

In a multicenter observational pilot study, 2 weeks after a first vaccination (BNT162b2/Pfizer-BioNTech [Comirnaty] or ChAdOx1 nCoV-19/Oxford-Astra-Zeneca [Vaxzevria]), hemodialysis patients (N = 23), peritoneal dialysis patients (N = 4) and healthy staff (N = 14) were tested for SARS-CoV-2-spike IgG/IgM, Nucleocapsid-protein-IgG-antibodies and plasma ACE2-receptor-binding-inhibition capacity. Hemodialysis patients who had had prior COVID-19 infection (N = 18) served as controls. Both response to first SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and IgG spike-positivity following prior COVID-19 infection were defined as SARS-CoV-2 spike IgG levels ≥ 50 AU/mL.

Results

Vaccination responder rates were 17.4% (4/23) in hemodialysis patients, 100% (4/4) in peritoneal dialysis patients and 57.1% (8/14) in staff (HD vs. PD: p = 0.004, HD vs. staff: p = 0.027). Among hemodialysis patients, type of vaccine (Comirnaty N = 11, Vaxzevria N = 12, 2 responders each) did not appear to influence antibody levels (IgG spike: Comirnaty median 0.0 [1.–3. quartile 0.0–3.8] versus Vaxzevria 4.3 [1.6–20.1] AU/mL, p = 0.079). Of responders to the first dose of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination among hemodialysis patients (N = 4/23), median IgG spike levels and ACE2-receptor-binding-inhibition capacity were lower than that of IgG spike-positive hemodialysis patients with prior COVID-19 infection (13/18, 72.2%): IgG spike: median 222.0, 1.–3. quartile 104.1–721.9 versus median 3794.6, 1.–3. quartile 793.4–9357.9 AU/mL, p = 0.015; ACE2-receptor-binding-inhibition capacity: median 11.5%, 1.–3. quartile 5.0–27.3 versus median 74.8%, 1.–3. quartile 44.9–98.1, p = 0.002.

Conclusions

Two weeks after their first mRNA- or vector-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, hemodialysis patients demonstrated lower antibody-related response than peritoneal dialysis patients and healthy staff or unvaccinated hemodialysis patients following prior COVID-19 infection.

Graphic abstract
Firing Costs and Job Loss: The Case of the Italian Jobs Act
Authors: Pigini Claudia , Staffolani Stefano
Published: May 2021

A recent reform in the Italian labour market has modified the permanent contract by reducing firing costs. Using a discontinuity in the application of the reform, we evaluate its effect on the probability of being still employed about three and a half years later. In contrast with theoretical predictions, we find that the job survival probability is not smaller for the treated and even significantly larger in some cases. We investigate the composition of permanent workers hired after the reform and we find evidence of treated firms changing their recruitment strategy in favour of potentially more productive workers.
A General Self-Sacrifice Template Strategy to 3D Heteroatom-Doped Macroporous Carbon for High-Performance Potassium-Ion Hybrid Capacitors
Authors: Li Junwei , Hu Xiang , Zhong Guobao , Liu Yangjie , Ji Yaxin , Chen Junxiang , Wen Zhenhai
Published: May 2021

Potassium-ion hybrid capacitors (PIHCs) tactfully combining capacitor-type cathode with battery-type anode have recently attracted increasing attentions due to their advantages of decent energy density, high power density, and low cost; the mismatches of capacity and kinetics between capacitor-type cathode and battery-type anode in PIHCs yet hinder their overall performance output. Herein, based on prediction of density functional theory calculations, we find Se/N co-doped porous carbon is a promising candidate for K+ storage and thus develop a simple and universal self-sacrifice template method to fabricate Se and N co-doped three-dimensional (3D) macroporous carbon (Se/N-3DMpC), which features favorable properties of connective hierarchical pores, expanded interlayer structure, and rich activity site for boosting pseudocapacitive activity and kinetics toward K+ storage anode and enhancing capacitance performance for the reversible anion adsorption/desorption cathode. As expected, the as-assembled PIHCs full cell with a working voltage as high as 4.0 V delivers a high energy density of 186 Wh kg−1 and a power output of 8100 W kg−1 as well as excellent long service life. The proof-of-concept PIHCs with excellent performance open a new avenue for the development and application of high-performance hybrid capacitors.
Maximizing Influence Over Streaming Graphs with Query Sequence
Authors: Zhao Yuying , Hu Yunfei , Yuan Pingpeng , Jin Hai
Published: May 2021

Now, with the prevalence of social media, such as Facebook, Weibo, how to maximize influence of individuals, products, actions in new media is of practical significance. Generally, maximizing influence first needs to identify the most influential individuals since they can spread their influence to most of others in the social media. Many studies on influence maximization aimed to select a subset of nodes in static graphs once. Actually, real graphs are evolving. So, influential individuals are also changing. In these scenarios, people tend to select influential individuals multiple times instead of once. Namely, selections are raised sequentially, forming a sequence (query sequence). It raises several new challenges due to changing influential individuals. In this paper, we explore the problem of Influence Maximization over Streaming Graph (SGIM). Then, we design a compact solution for storing and indexing streaming graphs and influential nodes that eliminates the redundant computation. The solution includes Influence-Increment-Index along with two sketch-centralized indices called Influence-Index and Reverse-Influence-Index. Computing influence set of nodes will incur a large number of redundant computations. So, these indices are designed to keep track of the nodes’ influence in sketches. Finally, with the indexing scheme, we present the algorithm to answer SGIM queries. Extensive experiments on several real-world datasets demonstrate that our method is competitive in terms of both efficiency and effectiveness owing to the design of index.
Idiom and proverb processing in autism: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Morsanyi Kinga , Stamenković Dušan
Published: May 2021

Figurative language processing impairments in autism have been widely demonstrated, and have been considered a defining feature of autism. Studies in this area often consider different types of figurative language together, and less attention has been paid to identifying the factors that might contribute to difficulties in processing specific types of figurative language. Here we present a preregistered systematic review and meta-analysis of studies assessing the comprehension of idioms and proverbs in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as compared to typically developing (TD) individuals. Idioms are widely used multi-word figurative expressions, which are understood by using contextual information. Proverbs are a related type of fixed, figurative, formulaic expression in a sentential form, typically linked with wisdom. Idioms and proverbs represent forms of figurative language which are more conventionalized and frequently opaquer than metaphors, pointing to a unique way that they are processed in conversational contexts. Our analysis encompassed a total of 11 studies from 10 papers (involving 235 autistic and 224 TD individuals), which met our inclusion criteria (the ASD and TD groups were matched on both chronological age and intelligence). The analysis of accuracy data revealed a group difference favouring the TD over the ASD group, with a medium effect size, and no indication of a publication bias. Participants’ age was unrelated to the magnitude of group differences, but there was a trend for smaller group differences in the case of participants with higher (verbal) intelligence. We discuss these findings with reference to theories related to the nature of figurative language impairments in autism.
Novel Ocular Features in a Child with Marinesco-Sjögren Syndrome: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Ali Syed M. , Gharkan Abdulrahman , Bosley Thomas M. , Kozak Igor
Published: May 2021

To report novel ocular findings in unique Marinesco-Sjögren syndrome (early-onset cataracts, cerebellar ataxia, and a progressive myopathy), review literature, and discuss causes of vision decrease in this rare entity. A 3-year-old girl diagnosed with Marinesco-Sjögren syndrome underwent uneventful cataract surgery in both eyes within 1 week of her 2nd birthday. This was exactly similar to her sister and other two related family members. Additionally, she had prominent corneal nerves and subtle corneal subepithelial deposits in both eyes. Cataracts are one of the primary diagnostic criteria for the Marinesco-Sjögren syndrome, and their early diagnosis and treatment are important for prevention of additional permanent visual loss. Prominent corneal nerves and mild corneal subepithelial defects are described in this report and may occasionally be helpful in making the diagnosis.
Main Challenges and Goals of the H2020 STRATOFLY Project
Authors: Viola Nicole , Fusaro Roberta , Saracoglu Bayindir , Schram Christophe , Grewe Volker , Martinez Jan , Marini Marco , Hernandez Santiago , Lammers Karel , Vincent Axel , Hauglustaine Didier , Liebhardt Bernd , Linke Florian , Fureby Christer
Published: May 2021

As eluded in previous studies, with special reference to those carried out in the European framework, some innovative high-speed aircraft configurations have now the potential to assure an economically viable high-speed aircraft fleet. They make use of unexploited flight routes in the stratosphere, offering a solution to the presently congested flight paths while ensuring a minimum environmental impact in terms of emitted noise and green-house gasses, particularly during stratospheric cruise. Only a dedicated multi-disciplinary integrated design approach could realize this, by considering airframe architectures embedding the propulsion systems as well as meticulously integrating crucial subsystems. In this context, starting from an in-depth investigation of the current status of the activities, the STRATOFLY project has been funded by the European Commission, under the framework of Horizon 2020 plan, with the aim of assessing the potential of this type of high-speed transport vehicle to reach Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 by 2035, with respect to key technological, societal and economical aspects. Main issues are related to thermal and structural integrity, low-emissions combined propulsion cycles, subsystems design and integration, including smart energy management, environmental aspects impacting climate change, noise emissions and social acceptance, and economic viability accounting for safety and human factors. This paper aims at summarizing the main challenges and goals of the STRATOFLY project, highlighting the steps forward with respect to the past European Projects and underlying the next planned goals.
Linguistic drivers of misinformation diffusion on social media during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Di Domenico Giandomenico , Tuan Annamaria , Visentin Marco
Published: May 2021

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, unprecedent amounts of fake news and hoax spread on social media. In particular, conspiracy theories argued on the effect of specific new technologies like 5G and misinformation tarnished the reputation of brands like Huawei. Language plays a crucial role in understanding the motivational determinants of social media users in sharing misinformation, as people extract meaning from information based on their discursive resources and their skillset. In this paper, we analyze textual and non-textual cues from a panel of 4923 tweets containing the hashtags #5G and #Huawei during the first week of May 2020, when several countries were still adopting lockdown measures, to determine whether or not a tweet is retweeted and, if so, how much it is retweeted. Overall, through traditional logistic regression and machine learning, we found different effects of the textual and non-textual cues on the retweeting of a tweet and on its ability to accumulate retweets. In particular, the presence of misinformation plays an interesting role in spreading the tweet on the network. More importantly, the relative influence of the cues suggests that Twitter users actually read a tweet but not necessarily they understand or critically evaluate it before deciding to share it on the social media platform.
A preliminary metabolites identification of a novel compound with β-adrenolytic activity
Authors: Walczak Maria , Suraj-Prażmowska Joanna , Kuś Kamil , Kij Agnieszka , Groszek Grażyna
Published: May 2021

Background

The identification of main metabolites and assessment of renal excretion of a novel compound with β-adrenolytic activity (2RS)-1-(1H-indol-4-yloxy)-3-((2-(2-methoxyphenoxy)ethyl)amino)propan-2-ol, briefly called (RS)-9 or 2F109, were studied in vivo in rat serum, urine, faeces, liver, intestine, lungs and kidneys, and in vitro in rat liver microsomes.

Methods

Structures of the metabolites have been developed by comparing the high-resolution product ion mass spectra of metabolites and the parent compound based on the differences in mass values of main fragments. Quantitative analysis of (RS)-9 was done using a system of liquid chromatography coupled with a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer API 2000. Identification studies of predicted metabolites were made by a high-resolution mass spectrometer LTQ XL Orbitrap Discovery and using a Roxy™system, for online electrochemical mimicry of oxidative metabolism by cytochrome P450s connected to QTRAP 5500.

Results

For (RS)-9 (m/z357.2084) phase I metabolites derived from oxidation process: hydroxyl derivatives (m/z373.2470) and dihydroxyl derivatives (m/z389.4318), and phase II metabolites:N-methylated compound (m/z371.1612),O-glucuronide (m/z533.5118), and sulfate (m/z437.2350) were identified.

Conclusion

(RS)-9 was extensively metabolised to several phase I and II metabolites, and renal excretion was a minor route in its elimination.

Graphic abstract
The Oromo and the Christian Kingdom of Ethiopia
Authors: Hassen Mohammed
Published: May 2021

This revisionary account of the Oromo people and the Christian kingdom of Ethiopia transforms our perception of the country's development, rebutting the common depiction of the Oromo as no more than a destructive force and demonstrating their significant role in shaping the course of Ethiopian history.

Tracing the early history of the Oromo as part of the Cushitic language speaking family of peoples, it establishes that they were neither foreigners nor newcomers to Ethiopia, but have been an integral part of the indigenous population since at least the first half of the 14th century. The massive sixteenth-century pastoral Oromo population movement revolutionized relations between the Christians and the Oromo. During the long process of assimilation that followed, with periods of both war and peace in central and southern Ethiopia, Oromo society was able to absorb and assimilate Cushitic and Semitic language speakers and Oromize them through the open, democratic and egalitarian 'Gada' system; while in northern Ethiopia the Oromo themselves were absorbed into Christian Amhara society.

Mohammed Hassen is Associate Professor in the Department of History, Georgia State University. His books include 'The Oromo of Ethiopia: A History, 1570 to 1860' (Cambridge University Press, 1990). He is a Contributing Editor of 'The Journal of Oromo Studies' and 'The Horn of Africa' journal.
Old English Philology
Authors: Griffith Mark , Wright Charles D , Russom Geoffrey , Terasawa Jun , Cronan Dennis , Clark George , Cable Thomas , Cain Christopher M. , Donoghue Daniel , Momma Haruko , Ecay Aaron , Jursinski Stefan , Liberman Anatoly , Minkova Donka , Naismith Rory , Orchard Andy , Pintzuk Susan , Hartman Megan E.
Published: May 2021

Robert D. Fulk is arguably the greatest Old English philologist to emerge during the twentieth century; his corpus of scholarship has fundamentally shaped contemporary understanding of many aspects of Anglo-Saxon literary history and English historical linguistics. This volume, in his honour, brings together essays which engage with his work and advance his research interests. Scholarship onhistorical metrics and the dating, editing, and interpretation of Old English poetry thus forms the core of this book; other topics addressed include syntax, phonology, etymology, lexicology, and paleography. An introductory overview of Professor Fulk's achievements puts these studies in context, alongside essays which assess his contributions to metrical theory and his profound impact on the study of Beowulf. By consolidating and augmenting Fulk's research, this collection takes readers to the cutting edge of Old English philology.  Leonard Neidorf is a Junior Fellow at theHarvard Society of Fellows; Rafael J. Pascual is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Harvard University; Tom Shippey is Professor Emeritus at St Louis University. Contributors: Thomas Cable,Christopher M. Cain, George Clark, Dennis Cronan, Daniel Donoghue, Aaron Ecay, Mark Griffith, Megan E. Hartman, Stefan Jurasinski, Anatoly Liberman, Donka Minkova, Haruko Momma, Rory Naismith, LeonardNeidorf, Andy Orchard, Rafael J. Pascual, Susan Pintzuk, Geoffrey Russom, Tom Shippey, Jun Terasawa, Charles D. Wright.
Musical Debate and Political Culture in France, 1700–1830
Authors: Arnold R. J.
Published: May 2021

In the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, French cultural life seethed with debates about the proper nature and form of musical expression, particularly in opera. Expressed in a flood of pamphlets, articles, letters and poems as well as in the actual disruption of performances, these so-called querelles  were seen at the time as a distinctively French phenomenon and have been mined by scholars since for what they can tell us about French politics and culture in the revolutionary period.

This is the first full-length treatment of the entire history of this phenomenon, from its beginnings in the last years of Louis XIV to the 1820s when the new musical challenges of Berlioz and Wagner put an end to this particular form of debate. Arnold analyses the individual querelles, showing how they reflected and played their part in wider political and cultural events. At the same time, he traces themes common in varying degrees to them all - questions of authority, the issue of national prestige, and the relation of language to music. Where some scholars have characterised these disputes as simply politics by proxy, Arnold paints a more nuanced picture, showing that music itself was taken seriously beyond artistic circles because it was seen as having great, potentially limitless, power over popular sentiment and thus implicitly power to reform society and change the world.

R.J. Arnold is an honorary research fellow at Birkbeck, University of London
A Deep Dive into Organic Carbon Distribution in Hadal Trenches
Authors: Wheeling Kate
Published: May 2021

Researchers use sediment cores to study the amount and origin of sediment organic carbon in one of the least studied regions of the planet: hadal trenches.
Health Costs from Climate Soar To $820 Billion
Authors: Duncombe Jenessa
Published: May 2021

Climate change and fossil fuel use are responsible for hiking up the price of health care beyond what the U.S. spends on defense.
Is the number of procedures completed a valid indicator of final year student competency in operative dentistry?
Authors: Dawson Luke J. , Fox Kathryn , Jellicoe Mark , Adderton Elliot , Bissell Vince , Youngson Callum C.
Published: May 2021

Introduction Concerns regarding the preparedness of dental graduates often focus on the number of procedures undertaken before qualification.

Aims To assess the validity of numerical requirements in determining whether a student has sufficient competency to graduate.

Materials and methods In total, 50,821 observations of student activity while on the restorative clinic, for two integrated student cohorts (n = 139), were continuously recorded using the LiftUpp system from their third year to graduation. Analysis of data determined the most frequent type, location and difficulty of the direct restorations provided.

Results Four groups of students, categorised by the total number of restorations they provided, were identified. Those with the most restorations (70+) had a statistically significantly greater experience in restoring different tooth surfaces, in different quadrants, on different patients than those with the least (40-49). However, increased numbers did not correlate with increasing difficulty, suggesting that students simply became more adept at easier procedures.

Discussion Using a derived measure of 'consistency', it was observed that increased performance consistency was not correlated with greater overall experience. Furthermore, only 4% of students were 100% consistent in their performance in their final year.

Conclusions These data suggest that a 'numerical requirements' approach cannot be used, in isolation, as a valid measure of the competency of an individual. Further work is needed to validate consistency as a holistic measurement to characterise the performance of graduates.
An intermolecular hydrogen bond plays a determining role in product selection of a surface confined Schiff-base reaction
Authors: Chen Huamei , Feng Guangyuan , Liang Qiu , Zhang Enbing , Shen Yongtao , Lei Shengbin , Hu Wenping
Published: May 2021

Herein, we illustrate how the cooperation of intermolecular hydrogen bonds and conformation flexibility leads to the formation of diverse complex covalent nanostructures on the surface, while the relative abundance of the final products can be further tuned by adjusting the molar ratio and concentration of monomers.
Adsorption of gas molecules (NH3, C2H6O, C3H6O, CO, H2S) on a noble metal (Ag, Au, Pt, Pd, Ru)-doped MoSe2 monolayer: a first-principles study
Authors: Zhou Lanjuan , Yu Sujing , Yang Yan , Li Qi , Li Tingting , Zhang Dongzhi
Published: May 2021

In this paper, the effects of five noble metal (Au, Pt, Pd, Ag, Ru)-doped MoSe2 on improving the gas sensing performance were predicted through density functional theory (DFT) based on first-principles.
The effect of Eu3+and Gd3+co-doping on the morphology and luminescence of NaYF4:Eu3+, Gd3+phosphors
Authors: Kolesnikov Ilya E. , Vidyakina Aleksandra A. , Vasileva Marina S. , Nosov Viktor G. , Bogachev Nikita A. , Sosnovsky Vladimir B. , Skripkin Mikhail Y. , Tumkin Ilya I. , Lähderanta Erkki , Mereshchenko Andrey S.
Published: May 2021

Eu3+and Gd3+doping results in the size reduction of β-NaYF4: Eu3+, Gd3+microparticles; Gd3+co-doping enhances the luminescence intensity.
A per‐unit curve rotated decoupling method for CNN‐TCN based day‐ahead load forecasting
Authors: He Shengtao , Li Canbing , Liu Xubin , Chen Xinyu , Shahidehpour Mohammad , Chen Tao , Zhou Bin , Wu Qiuwei
Published: May 2021

The existing load forecasting method based on the per‐unit curve static decoupling (PCSD) would easily lead to the deviation and translation of forecasting results. To tackle this challenge, a per‐unit curve rotated decoupling (PCRD) method is proposed for day‐ahead load forecasting with convolutional neural network and temporal convolutional network framework. The PCRD method decomposes the load into three parts: the rotated per‐unit load curve, the 0 AM load, and the daily average load. The shape feature of the load curve is extracted by CNN, the temporal features of the 0 AM load and daily average load are extracted by TCN. The rotation operation is to rotate the per‐unit load curve at the midpoint of the curve until the first load point is aligned to the same point, in order to improve the similarity of per‐unit load curves and to alleviate the deflection of forecasting results. The 0 AM load can verify the accuracy of the daily average load, which alleviates the translation of forecasting results. Several experimental results show that the proposed method has higher accuracy and stability than the existing PCSD method. After repeated experiments on multiple data sets, the generalization ability of the model is also verified.
Constraint‐based models for dominating protein interaction networks
Authors: Alofairi Adel A. , Mabrouk Emad , Elsemman Ibrahim E.
Published: May 2021

The minimum dominating set (MDSet) comprises the smallest number of graph nodes, where other graph nodes are connected with at least one MDSet node. The MDSet has been successfully applied to extract proteins that control protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks and to reveal the correlation between structural analysis and biological functions. Although the PPI network contains many MDSets, the identification of multiple MDSets is an NP‐complete problem, and it is difficult to determine the best MDSets, enriched with biological functions. Therefore, the MDSet model needs to be further expanded and validated to find constrained solutions that differ from those generated by the traditional models. Moreover, by identifying the critical set of the network, the set of nodes common to all MDSets can be time‐consuming. Herein, the authors adopted the minimisation of metabolic adjustment (MOMA) algorithm to develop a new framework, called maximisation of interaction adjustment (MOIA). In MOIA, they provide three models; the first one generates two MDSets with a minimum number of shared proteins, the second model generates constrained multiple MDSets (‐MDSets), and the third model generates user‐defined MDSets, containing the maximum number of essential genes and/or other important genes of the PPI network. In practice, these models significantly reduce the cost of finding the critical set and classifying the graph nodes. Herein, the authors termed the critical set as the ‐critical set, where is the number of MDSets generated by the proposed model. Then, they defined a new set of proteins called the ‐critical set, where each node belongs to MDSets. This set has been shown to be as important as the ‐critical set and contains many essential genes, transcription factors, and protein kinases as the ‐critical set. The ‐critical set can be used to extend the search for drug target proteins. Based on the performance of the MOIA models, the authors believe the proposed methods contribute to answering key questions about the MDSets of PPI networks, and their results and analysis can be extended to other network types.
The CARMENES search for exoplanets around M dwarfs
Authors: Lafarga M. , Ribas I. , Reiners A. , Quirrenbach A. , Amado P. J. , Caballero J. A. , Azzaro M. , Béjar V. J. S. , Cortés-Contreras M. , Dreizler S. , Hatzes A. P. , Henning Th. , Jeffers S. V. , Kaminski A. , Kürster M. , Montes D. , Morales J. C. , Oshagh M. , Rodríguez-López C. , Schöfer P. , Schweitzer A. , Zechmeister M.
Published: May 2021

Context. Stellar activity poses one of the main obstacles for the detection and characterisation of small exoplanets around cool stars, as it can induce radial velocity (RV) signals that can hide or mimic the presence of planetary companions. Several indicators of stellar activity are routinely used to identify activity-related signals in RVs, but not all indicators trace exactly the same activity effects, nor are any of them always effective in all stars.

Aims. We evaluate the performance of a set of spectroscopic activity indicators for M dwarf stars with different masses and activity levels with the aim of finding a relation between the indicators and stellar properties.

Methods. In a sample of 98 M dwarfs observed with CARMENES, we analyse the temporal behaviour of RVs and nine spectroscopic activity indicators: cross-correlation function (CCF) full-width-at-half-maximum (FWHM), CCF contrast, CCF bisector inverse slope (BIS), RV chromatic index (CRX), differential line width (dLW), and indices of the chromospheric lines Hα and calcium infrared triplet.

Results. A total of 56 stars of the initial sample show periodic signals related to activity in at least one of these ten parameters. RV is the parameter for which most of the targets show an activity-related signal. CRX and BIS are effective activity tracers for the most active stars in the sample, especially stars with a relatively high mass, while for less active stars, chromospheric lines perform best. FWHM and dLW show a similar behaviour in all mass and activity regimes, with the highest number of activity detections in the low-mass, high-activity regime. Most of the targets for which we cannot identify any activity-related signals are stars at the low-mass end of the sample (i.e. with the latest spectral types). These low-mass stars also show the lowest RV scatter, which indicates that ultracool M dwarfs could be better candidates for planet searches than earlier types, which show larger RV jitter.

Conclusions. Our results show that the spectroscopic activity indicators analysed behave differently, depending on the mass and activity level of the target star. This underlines the importance of considering different indicators of stellar activity when studying the variability of RV measurements. Therefore, when assessing the origin of an RV signal, it is critical to take into account a large set of indicators, or at least the most effective ones considering the characteristics of the star, as failing to do so may lead to false planet claims.
Water resistance of thermal insulation composites with cellulose-containing filler
Authors: Susoeva Irina , Vakhnina Tatiana , Titunin Andrey , Grunin Yuri
Published: May 2021

One of the urgent tasks is the development of new thermal insulation materials to improve the energy efficiency of construction. In this work, new composites were obtained based on previously unused cellulose-containing waste. The theoretical and experimental substantiation of the possibility of increasing the water resistance of the heat-insulating composite has scientific significance. The features of the supramolecular structure of cellulose are analyzed. As a result of studies of the process of structure formation of a new heat-insulating material, it has been established that to ensure stable heat-insulating properties of composites from cellulose-containing waste, it is advisable to use a phenol-formaldehyde binder, water glass, or alumochromophosphate. The developed composite has a swelling 2.7 ... 3 times less, and water absorption 2.2 ... 2.4 times less than mineral wool slabs. The coefficient of thermal conductivity of the new composite material, depending on the type of cellulose-containing filler, ranges from 0.076 to 0.092 W/m∙K, which makes it possible to recommend it for use in thermal protection of buildings.
Influence of the Expandable Graphite on the Thermal properties of a Rigid Polyurethane Foam for construction
Authors: Shafigullin Lenar , Romanova Natalya , Shafigullina Gulnaz , Sokolova Yulia
Published: May 2021

In this paper, low-combustible composites were made by adding 0.8-25 wt% of expandable graphite to rigid polyurethane foams (PUF) to ensure effective and safe usage of building materials made of PUFs. Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) was used to study thermal properties and effectiveness of the resulting low-combustible composites in construction. The analysis of TGA curves of the studied composites can be interpreted as a two-stage process: acid-catalyzed degradation of PUF and formation of an intumescent char layer. A dense intumescent layer can provide an effective prevention of heat transfer. The paper showed that the addition of 25 wt% of expandable graphite to PUF composite improved the thermal stability by 8 °С, as compared to starting PUF, while the residue was 36.2 wt% at 600°С, which was higher by approximately 16 wt% than the residue of starting PUF. So, the sample with 25 % loading of expandable graphite in rigid PUF composite showed the best thermal characteristics.
The flare likelihood and region eruption forecasting (FLARECAST) project: flare forecasting in the big data & machine learning era
Authors: Georgoulis Manolis K. , Bloomfield D. Shaun , Piana Michele , Massone Anna Maria , Soldati Marco , Gallagher Peter T. , Pariat Etienne , Vilmer Nicole , Buchlin Eric , Baudin Frederic , Csillaghy Andre , Sathiapal Hanna , Jackson David R. , Alingery Pablo , Benvenuto Federico , Campi Cristina , Florios Konstantinos , Gontikakis Constantinos , Guennou Chloe , Guerra Jordan A. , Kontogiannis Ioannis , Latorre Vittorio , Murray Sophie A. , Park Sung-Hong , von Stachelski Samuel , Torbica Aleksandar , Vischi Dario , Worsfold Mark
Published: May 2021

The European Union funded the FLARECAST project, that ran from January 2015 until February 2018. FLARECAST had a research-to-operations (R2O) focus, and accordingly introduced several innovations into the discipline of solar flare forecasting. FLARECAST innovations were: first, the treatment of hundreds of physical properties viewed as promising flare predictors on equal footing, extending multiple previous works; second, the use of fourteen (14) different machine learning techniques, also on equal footing, to optimize the immense Big Data parameter space created by these many predictors; third, the establishment of a robust, three-pronged communication effort oriented toward policy makers, space-weather stakeholders and the wider public. FLARECAST pledged to make all its data, codes and infrastructure openly available worldwide. The combined use of 170+ properties (a total of 209 predictors are now available) in multiple machine-learning algorithms, some of which were designed exclusively for the project, gave rise to changing sets of best-performing predictors for the forecasting of different flaring levels, at least for major flares. At the same time, FLARECAST reaffirmed the importance of rigorous training and testing practices to avoid overly optimistic pre-operational prediction performance. In addition, the project has (a) tested new and revisited physically intuitive flare predictors and (b) provided meaningful clues toward the transition from flares to eruptive flares, namely, events associated with coronal mass ejections (CMEs). These leads, along with the FLARECAST data, algorithms and infrastructure, could help facilitate integrated space-weather forecasting efforts that take steps to avoid effort duplication. In spite of being one of the most intensive and systematic flare forecasting efforts to-date, FLARECAST has not managed to convincingly lift the barrier of stochasticity in solar flare occurrence and forecasting: solar flare prediction thus remains inherently probabilistic.
Comparing Eyesi Virtual Reality Simulator and Traditional Teaching Methods for Direct Ophthalmoscopy: Students' Perspectives at Indiana University School of Medicine
Authors: Tso Hanna L. , Young Jason , Yung C. W.
Published: May 2021

Background The fundus examination is an essential part of any ophthalmologic evaluation. However, medical students and primary care physicians often lack confidence with direct ophthalmoscopy. Virtual reality simulators are being employed in medical education to teach this technically challenging examination.

Objective To compare medical student ratings of the Eyesi Direct Ophthalmoscope Simulator and traditional small group teaching methods for learning direct ophthalmoscopy skills.

Methods All medical students at Indiana University School of Medicine traditionally learn direct ophthalmoscopy in their first 2 years during a small group session led by a physician instructor. Students who later enrolled in ophthalmology clinical electives during 2019 and 2020 were invited to additionally complete the Eyesi Direct Ophthalmoscope Simulator virtual reality curriculum. A voluntary, anonymous survey was sent between June and August 2020 to students who had completed both the traditional and Eyesi simulator sessions. Students were asked to rate their confidence in performing direct ophthalmoscopy following each session, and to indicate which teaching method was superior and why. Chi-square analysis was used to compare categorical variables.

Results Students' confidence ratings for performing direct ophthalmoscopy were significantly higher following completion of the Eyesi simulator session compared with the traditional small group session (p < 0.001). Four-fifths of respondents felt that the Eyesi simulator was superior to the traditional small group for learning the skills of direct ophthalmoscopy, while one-fifth felt that the two sessions were equally effective (p < 0.001). None of the students responded that the small group session was the superior teaching method.

Conclusion The Eyesi Direct Ophthalmoscope Simulator was rated highly among medical students and offers distinct learning advantages that could not be replicated in a traditional small group environment, such as providing numerous examples of pathological findings and allowing unlimited examination time without concern for patient's inconvenience or light exposure. The Eyesi simulator is a promising tool for teaching direct ophthalmoscopy to medical students. Ultimately, familiarity with the fundus examination will enable future physicians across specialties to better evaluate and appropriately refer patients with ocular fundus pathology.
An Artificial Intelligence Tool for Image Simulation in Rhinoplasty
Authors: Chinski Hernan , Lerch Ricardo , Tournour Damián , Chinski Luis , Caruso Diego
Published: May 2021

During rhinoplasty consultations, surgeons typically create a computer simulation of the expected result. An artificial intelligence model (AIM) can learn a surgeon's style and criteria and generate the simulation automatically. The objective of this study is to determine if an AIM is capable of imitating a surgeon's criteria to generate simulated images of an aesthetic rhinoplasty surgery. This is a cross-sectional survey study of resident and specialist doctors in otolaryngology conducted in the month of November 2019 during a rhinoplasty conference. Sequential images of rhinoplasty simulations created by a surgeon and by an AIM were shown at random. Participants used a seven-point Likert scale to evaluate their level of agreement with the simulation images they were shown, with 1 indicating total disagreement and 7 total agreement. Ninety-seven of 122 doctors agreed to participate in the survey. The median level of agreement between the participant and the surgeon was 6 (interquartile range or IQR 5–7); between the participant and the AIM it was 5 (IQR 4–6), p-value < 0.0001. The evaluators were in total or partial agreement with the results of the AIM's simulation 68.4% of the time (95% confidence interval or CI 64.9–71.7). They were in total or partial agreement with the surgeon's simulation 77.3% of the time (95% CI 74.2–80.3). An AIM can emulate a surgeon's aesthetic criteria to generate a computer-simulated image of rhinoplasty. This can allow patients to have a realistic approximation of the possible results of a rhinoplasty ahead of an in-person consultation. The level of evidence of the study is 4.