bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utilizing Topographic and Soil Features to Improve Rating for Farm‐Level Insurance Products
Authors: Tsiboe Francis , Tack Jesse
Published: April 2021

Previous studies have shown a strong correlation between topographic/soil features and agricultural production; however, linkages between these features and agricultural insurance products are scarce. Agricultural insurance is an ever‐growing means of governmental support for producers globally. However, failure to set insurance premiums that accurately reflect risk exposure can lead to low participation rates and/or adverse selection. The U.S. federal crop insurance program partly guards against this at the farm level by inducing pricing heterogeneity via a rate multiplier curve, which does not consider topographic/soil information. We develop a method for econometrically incorporating this information into existing rating procedures used by the Risk Management Agency (RMA). The empirical application leverages 149,267 farm‐level observations of Kansas producers across four dryland crops (corn, soybean, sorghum, and wheat), spanning forty‐six years, and matched to fine‐scale topographic/soil features. The results suggest that incorporating these features does improve the prediction accuracy of yield losses and can, in general, improve rating performance. However, these improvements are specific to farms with limited yield histories, as there are no improvements for farms with the commonly used yield history of ten years. This suggests substantial rating improvements for new farms or those with limited histories for a particular crop, but more general improvements for the program are not likely to occur given a large number of current participants with a full ten‐year yield history.
Natural resource exports and African countries' voting behaviour in the United Nations: Evidence from the economic rise of China
Authors: Che Yi , He Xiaoyu , Zhang Yan
Published: April 2021

We study the effect of African countries' resource exports to China on the countries' voting alignment with China in the United Nations. Our analysis exploits time variation in the swift surge in China's demand for natural resources and cross‐sectional variation in countries' propensity to export resources. We find that an increase in resource exports to China increases the probability of voting in line with China in the United Nations. Interestingly, we observe a stronger effect for resolutions on which China and the United States cast opposite votes. We provide suggestive evidence that public goods and state capacity are possible explanations for our main results.
Successful endoscopic retrieval of an embedded biliary stent using an intra‐stent balloon inflation technique assisted by direct per‐oral cholangioscopy
Authors: Fujimori Nao , Yasumori Sho , Oono Takamasa
Published: April 2021

Watch a video of this article.
Not Letting Go: Self‐Processes as Mediators in the Association between Child Dependence on Parents and Well‐Being and Adult Status in Emerging Adulthood
Authors: Kaniušonytė Goda , Nelson Larry J. , Crocetti Elisabetta
Published: April 2021

There is a growing body of work showing the negative outcomes of parents who limit the autonomy of their emerging‐adult children. However, there has been little work examining children who limit their own autonomy in emerging adulthood by maintaining dependence on their parents. The purpose of this study was to examine the moderating role of culture in the direct and indirect associations (via self‐processes such as self‐efficacy and self‐concept clarity) between emerging adults’ dependence on parents and subjective markers of adulthood and indices of well‐being. Participants included 430 (74.9% females) emerging adults (aged 18–29) years, Mage = 22.61; SD = 2.88) from Lithuania and 597 (43.9% females) emerging adults (ages 19–25 years, Mage = 22.41; SD = 1.70) from Italy. Results highlighted that, in both countries, emerging adults’ dependence on parents poses a risk factor for their transition to adulthood and well‐being due to its negative association with self‐processes.
The effect of previous eradication failure on antibiotic resistance of Helicobacter pylori: A retrospective study over 8 years in Beijing
Authors: Li Si‐Yu , Li Jiang , Dong Xin‐Hong , Teng Gui‐Gen , Zhang Wei , Cheng Hong , Gao Wen , Dai Yun , Zhang Xiao‐He , Wang Wei‐Hong
Published: April 2021

Background

Antibiotic resistance is the main cause of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) treatment failure. This study aimed to explore the characteristics of antibiotic resistance of H. pylori isolates in Beijing in the last 8 years and to estimate the impact of previous eradication failure on resistance patterns.

Materials and methods

This retrospective study included data from a single center in Beijing from 2013 to 2020. Antibiotic susceptibility of 365 clinical H. pylori isolates was tested for amoxicillin, clarithromycin, metronidazole, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, and tetracycline. The characteristics of the included patients and their previous eradication history were collected. Primary and secondary resistance rates of H. pylori to the six antibiotics and the impact of previous eradication failure on antibiotic resistance patterns were analyzed.

Results

The overall primary resistance rates of amoxicillin, clarithromycin, metronidazole, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, and tetracycline were 0.7%, 55.2%, 68.0%, 49.7%, 64.5%, and 0%, with no significant increase during the observed period; while the secondary resistance rates were 3.2%, 96.7%, 90.7%, 93.1%, 80.0%, and 0%, respectively. The secondary resistance rate of clarithromycin (p < .001), metronidazole (p = .001), and levofloxacin (p < .001) significantly increased to 100% as the number of previous eradication therapies increased and exhibited a linear association. For strains naive to eradication, only 6.8% were susceptible to all the antibiotics, while 32.4% were single resistant, and 60.8% dual or multiple resistant. Clarithromycin+metronidazole+fluoroquinolone multiple resistance was the predominant pattern (0 course: 21.6%, 1 course: 37.5%, 2 courses: 56.1%, ≥3 courses: 71.1%; p < .001) for patients with treatment failure. The prevalence of dual or multiple‐resistance patterns increased significantly as the number of previous therapies increased.

Conclusions

The prevalence of primary and secondary resistance rates of clarithromycin, metronidazole, moxifloxacin, and levofloxacin were high in Beijing. Multiple‐resistance patterns were common after treatment failure. Resistance rates of amoxicillin and tetracycline remained low and stable.
Exotic tree plantations as alternative breeding habitat for an endemic avian predator
Authors: Rodríguez Beneharo , Rodríguez Airam , Lorenzo Juan Antonio , Martínez Juan Manuel
Published: April 2021

Forest‐dwelling raptors living on islands are more vulnerable than continental relatives due to their particular life history traits and habitat degradation. The Canary Islands' forests have suffered severe transformations because of intense human exploitation since its colonization by the Europeans. In recent decades, forest managers have initiated actions to restore the original ecosystems. Consequently, gathering knowledge on the relationships between habitat and reproduction output of forest species is essential to develop long‐term conservation actions. Here, we explore the suitability of exotic tree plantations as breeding habitat for an island endemic raptor, the Macaronesian sparrowhawkAccipiter nisus granti. We monitored territories distributed in three main forest types, two native (laurel forest and Canarian pinewood) and one composed of exotic trees. We assessed breeding density, characterized nesting habitat at macro‐, micro‐habitat and nest tree levels, and estimated breeding parameters in the three forests. We evaluated habitat selection and its potential relationship with breeding parameters, as well as nest structure survival in native versus exotic tree species. Density was higher in exotic forests and habitat features differed among forests at three spatial scales. Sparrowhawks used areas with high cover of exotic trees, with high trees, far away from human settlements and at low altitudes. All models testing for differences in breeding success and productivity among the forest types were not significant, but the percentage of successful pairs was slightly higher in exotic tree plantations than in native forests. Nest structures located in exotic trees showed a higher annual survival than those placed in native trees. Our results indicate that exotic plantations are a secure nesting habitat and therefore forestry practices, including those aiming to eradicate exotic trees, must be carefully planned to avoid nest destruction or disturbance in occupied forest patches.
Annealing process improves the physical, functional, thermal, and rheological properties of Andean oca (Oxalis tuberosa) starch
Authors: Puelles‐Román Jeniffer , Barroso Noadia Genuario , Cruz‐Tirado Jam Pier , Tapia‐Blácido Delia Rita , Angelats‐Silva Luis , Barraza‐Jáuregui Gabriela , Siche Raúl
Published: April 2021

The characteristics of a native starch limit its application in the food industry; for this reason, it is important to investigate alternatives for obtaining modified starches with better characteristics and more possibilities of application. Oca (Oxalis tuberosa) starch was subjected to annealing process with a temperature of 42 and 50°C and starch:water ratios of 1:6 and 1:2 during 24 hr. The effects of the annealing process on thermal, structural, and rheological properties were investigated. The annealing at 50°C and 1:6 (starch:water) ratio yielded a starch with high peak viscosity, stability ratio, gelatinization temperature, and gel firmness, but low solubility and low swelling power. All annealed starch gels had a more elastic behavior (G′ > G″), lower viscosity and greater stability to retrogradation compared to native starch. The annealing process caused the rearrangement of amylopectin and amylose in the starch granule, obtaining a more orderly structure, which increased the thermal stability and functional properties of oca starch.

Practical applications

Few studies have been reported on chemical, physical, or enzymatic modification of native starches using the annealing process, none on oca starch. The annealing process improves the thermal stability and functional properties of oca starch, which can expand its application in the food industry. The starch produced in this work can be used as raw material for noodles, gluten‐free bakery products, and as a thickening agent.
Conventional and advanced MRI evaluation of brain vascular malformations
Authors: Martín‐Noguerol Teodoro , Concepción‐Aramendia Luis , Lim CC Tchoyoson , Santos‐Armentia Eloísa , Cabrera‐Zubizarreta Alberto , Luna Antonio
Published: April 2021

Vascular malformations (VMs) of the central nervous system (CNS) include a wide range of pathological conditions related to intra and extracranial vessel abnormalities. Although some VMs show typical neuroimaging features, other VMs share and overlap pathological and neuroimaging features that hinder an accurate differentiation between them. Hence, it is not uncommon to misclassify different types of VMs under the general heading of arteriovenous malformations. Thorough knowledge of the imaging findings of each type of VM is mandatory to avoid these inaccuracies. Conventional MRI sequences, including MR angiography, have allowed the evaluation of CNS VMs without using ionizing radiation. Newer MRI techniques, such as susceptibility‐weighted imaging, black blood sequences, arterial spin labeling, and 4D flow imaging, have an added value of providing physiopathological data in real time regarding the hemodynamics of VMs. Beyond MR images, new insights using 3D printed models are being incorporated as part of the armamentarium for a noninvasive evaluation of VMs. In this paper, we briefly review the pathophysiology of CNS VMs, focusing on the MRI findings that may be helpful to differentiate them. We discuss the role of each conventional and advanced MRI sequence for VMs assessment and provide some insights about the value of structured reports of 3D printing to evaluate VMs.
Smelling in the dark: Phylogenomic insights into the chemosensory system of a subterranean beetle
Authors: Balart‐García Pau , Cieslak Alexandra , Escuer Paula , Rozas Julio , Ribera Ignacio , Fernández Rosa
Published: April 2021

The chemosensory system has experienced relevant changes in subterranean animals, facilitating the perception of specific chemical signals critical to survival in their particular environment. However, the genomic basis of chemoreception in cave‐dwelling fauna has been largely unexplored. We generated de novo transcriptomes for antennae and body samples of the troglobitic beetleSpeonomus longicornis(whose characters suggest an extreme adaptation to a deep subterranean environment) in order to investigate the evolutionary origin and diversification of the chemosensory gene repertoire across coleopterans through a phylogenomic approach. Our results suggested a diminished diversity of odourant and gustatory gene repertoires compared to polyphagous beetles that inhabit surface habitats. Moreover,S. longicornisshowed a large diversity of odourant‐binding proteins, suggesting an important role of these proteins in capturing airborne chemical cues. We identified a gene duplication of the ionotropic coreceptor IR25a, a highly conserved single‐copy gene in protostomes involved in thermal and humidity sensing. In addition, no homologous genes to sugar receptors or the ionotropic receptor IR41a were detected. Our findings suggest that the chemosensory gene repertoire of this cave beetle may result from adaptation to the highly specific ecological niche it occupies, and that gene duplication and loss may have played an important role in the evolution of gene families involved in chemoreception. Altogether, our results shed light on the genomic basis of chemoreception in a cave‐dwelling invertebrate and pave the road towards understanding the genomic underpinnings of adaptation to the subterranean lifestyle at a deeper level.
Time trends on the prevalence of myopia in India – A prediction model for 2050
Authors: Priscilla Jacinth J , Verkicharla Pavan K
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This study aimed to predict myopia prevalence in urban Indian children and to describe the generational effect of myopia in different age groups over the next three decades from the year 2020.

Methods

A systematic review of myopia prevalence in India was performed using the Preferred Reporting Items for the Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analysis (PRISMA) guidelines and included eight studies with 28 600 participants, which were published in the period 1 January 1999 to 31 December 2019. The best fit for the prediction model was assessed with the baseline prevalence data plotted against different years and fitted with multiple mathematical regressions (linear, second‐order polynomial, third order polynomial and exponential). Based on the quality of the fit assessed by the coefficient of determination (R2) values, the sum of squared residuals and statistical significance, final predictions for myopia prevalence in the 5 to 15‐year‐old urban Indian children was estimated using the aptly suited linear regression model. To describe the generational effect on myopia prevalence over the next three decades, the prevalence of myopia in both children and adults, based on the available literature (1999 to 2020) was plotted against age, as the baseline.

Results

The prevalence of myopia in 5 to 15‐year‐old urban children increased from 4.44% in 1999 to 21.15% in 2019. Our predictions, based on the slope of 0.8% every year (4.05% for every 5 years) indicate that the prevalence of myopia will increase to 31.89% in 2030, 40.01% in 2040 and 48.14% in 2050. Due to the generational effect (caused by the nature of the condition lasting a lifetime once developed), there will be an overall increase in myopia prevalence across all age groups of 10.53% in the next three decades (2020 to 2050).

Conclusion

The estimates of myopia prevalence across all age groups indicate the possible future epidemic of myopia in India within a few decades, similar to the situation in East Asian countries, unless active intervention to prevent myopia and changes in lifestyle are instigated to counteract myopia in India. Meticulously designed eye care services with focussed anti‐myopia strategies are needed to control the rising myopia prevalence in India.
Quantitative palaeobathymetric reconstructions based on foraminiferal proxies: a case study from the Neogene of south‐west Spain
Authors: Pérez‐Asensio José N.
Published: April 2021

Quantitative palaeobathymetric reconstructions based on foraminiferal proxies have been used in a wide variety of geological studies on tectonic, climatic and environmental changes in sedimentary basins. However, palaeo‐water‐depth estimates are frequently biased due to taphonomic processes (dissolution, transport) as well as local conditions (primary productivity, oxygen content, and organic matter fluxes). This study evaluated the level of reliability of three commonly used transfer equations based on planktic and benthic foraminiferal proxies that produce different palaeobathymetric results, using Neogene sediments from the Guadalquivir Basin, south‐west Spain. The most trustworthy method involves removing abundant infaunal benthic foraminifera before applying the palaeo‐water‐depth equation based on benthic foraminiferal water‐depth ranges and presence/absence of species. This new approach provides sound palaeobathymetric results that improve estimations of long and short‐term relative sea‐level changes with negligible influence of taphonomic as well as ecological factors. When using one equation based on planktic/benthic ratios (P/B ratios), removing all infaunal benthic foraminiferal species improves the accuracy of P/B ratios, which yields more accurate palaeodepth reconstructions despite the low level of trustworthiness of this equation for both long and short‐term relative sea‐level variations.
Acral peeling as the sole skin manifestation of COVID‐19 in children
Authors: Andina‐Martínez David , Villaizán‐Perez Carmen , Pavo‐García María Rosa , Suárez‐Gómez Omar , Monzón‐Bueno Ana Isabel , Sanchez‐Prieto Isabel , Viaño‐Nogueira Pedro , Torrelo Antonio
Published: April 2021

Skin lesions in children with proven COVID‐19 are not frequent in the literature apart from those associated with multisystem inflammatory syndrome. Fortunately, microbiologic testing for SARS‐CoV‐2 has become widely available not only for admitted patients but also for mild cases. We present a series of 6 children with mild erythema and desquamation of the fingertips and/or toes as the only skin manifestation of COVID‐19. As all children had asymptomatic to mildly symptomatic disease, it is reasonable to consider this a sign of benign disease and favorable outcome.
Photosynthetic hydrogen production: Novel protocols, promising engineering approaches and application of semi‐synthetic hydrogenases
Authors: Kosourov Sergey , Böhm Maximilian , Senger Moritz , Berggren Gustav , Stensjö Karin , Mamedov Fikret , Lindblad Peter , Allahverdiyeva Yagut
Published: April 2021

Photosynthetic production of molecular hydrogen (H2) by cyanobacteria and green algae is a potential source of renewable energy. These organisms are capable of water biophotolysis by taking advantage of photosynthetic apparatus that links water oxidation at Photosystem II and reduction of protons to H2 downstream of Photosystem I. Although the process has a theoretical potential to displace fossil fuels, photosynthetic H2 production in its current state is not yet efficient enough for industrial applications due to a number of physiological, biochemical, and engineering barriers. This article presents a short overview of the metabolic pathways and enzymes involved in H2 photoproduction in cyanobacteria and green algae and our present understanding of the mechanisms of this process. We also summarize recent advances in engineering photosynthetic cell factories capable of overcoming the major barriers to efficient and sustainable H2 production.
Generalized Pareto Curves: Theory and Applications
Authors: Blanchet Thomas , Fournier Juliette , Piketty Thomas
Published: April 2021

We definegeneralized Pareto curvesas the curve of inverted Pareto coefficientsb(p), whereb(p) is the ratio between average income above rankpand thep‐th quantileQ(p) (i.e.,). We use them to characterize income distributions. We develop a method to flexibly recover a continuous distribution based on tabulated income data as is generally available from tax authorities, which produces smooth and realistic shapes of generalized Pareto curves. Using detailed tabulations from quasi‐exhaustive tax data, we show the precision of our method. It gives better results than the most commonly used interpolation techniques for the top half of the distribution.
Bayesian State‐Space Modeling for Analyzing Heterogeneous Network Effects of US Monetary Policy*
Authors: Hauzenberger Niko , Pfarrhofer Michael
Published: April 2021

We extend the econometric literature on the role of production networks in the propagation of monetary policy shocks along two dimensions. First, we allow for time‐varying industry‐specific responses, reflecting non‐linearities and heterogeneity in direct transmission channels. Second, we allow for time‐varying network structures and dependence. This captures both variation in the structure of the production network and differences in cross‐industry demand elasticities. Spillover effects among industries appear to be important in periods of elevated economic and financial uncertainty, often coinciding with tight credit market conditions and financial stress. Cross‐sectional differentials can be explained by how close industries are to end‐consumers.
Standard quality as a boundary object—A conceptual study
Authors: Borgen Svein Ole
Published: April 2021

This is a conceptual article that uses the concept ‘boundary object’ in order to discuss what role the loosely defined notion ‘standard product quality’ plays with regard to coordination and controversies in the Norwegian agrifood market. The boundary object theory offers a unique approach to exploring the boundaries (shared spaces) between standard and non‐standard product qualities as framed by the involved actors. This theory emphasises the difference between doing and being: Analysing what quality does in social settings is a more informative approach than discussing what quality is. The core arguments are illustrated by a review of available studies of the Norwegian agrifood market. The first part of the article concludes that standard quality coordinates the hegemonic stakeholders (producers, retailers, regulators and consumers) without presupposing consensus between them. The second part of the article addresses the controversies in the boundaries between the hegemonic agricultural agrifood system and competing alternatives related to organic, terroir and animal welfare qualities. The study discerns no signs of any transformative quality turn‐away from the Norwegian hegemonic agrifood system and the inherent emphasise on ‘standard product’ quality. On the other hand, this is not static since different interpretations of quality continuously challenge each other.
The “Cicero”/“Cicero” Puzzling Case
Authors: Bonardi Paolo
Published: April 2021

This paper aims to solve the following twofold problem. Suppose that a rational speaker, Ralph, mistakenly takes (for some reason) the Roman orator Cicero and the World War II German spy Cicero to be the same individual. By sincerely uttering the sentence “Cicero is an orator and a spy”, (a) does Ralph use the name “Cicero” of the Roman orator or the name “Cicero” of the German spy or another name of the genus “Cicero”? And (b) which Cicero does Ralph refer to: the Roman orator, the German spy, both of them or neither of them? After drawing a distinction between the notion of mistaking one individual for another (exemplified by Kripke's “Jones”/“Smith” case and Putnam's “water”/“water” case) and the notion of wrongly taking two individuals to be one and the same individual (exemplified by the “Cicero”/“Cicero” case under discussion), I will defend the following solution to the last puzzling case: Ralph inadvertently creates an abstract individual playing the role of “fusion” or “amalgam” of the two Ciceros and also inadvertently creates a new name “Cicero” referring to such an individual.
Genomic assessment of the Phyllodactylus tuberculosus complex (Reptilia: Phyllodactylidae) in America
Authors: Ramírez‐Reyes Tonatiuh , Flores‐Villela Oscar , Piñero Daniel , Lathrop Amy , Murphy Robert W.
Published: April 2021

Leaf‐toed geckos (Phyllodactylus) exhibit much cryptic diversity, at least in North America. However, the origins of Central American taxa and their relationships with North American congeners remain unknown. The P. tuberculosus species complex is ideal for evolutionary and biogeographic studies because its geographic distribution extends from northern Mexico to Costa Rica. We analyse ~2,500 nuclear loci obtained by the GBS genomic technique to test hypotheses of genetic isolation among taxa and estimate times of divergence using a relaxed molecular clock model, which constitutes the first hypothesis for the diversification of North and Central American phyllodactylids. Phylogenetic analysis recovers three main clades within polyphyletic P. tuberculosus: tuberculosus, magnus and saxatilis. ABBA‐BABA tests show moderate to low levels of gene flow within the latter two clades and yet genetic isolation in Central American lineages. The relaxed molecular clock model dates the age of the MRCA between the Central American and North American lineages to the beginning of the Paleocene (65 mya), suggesting an ancestral distribution in the proto‐Mexican region and the Chortis Block.
Associations of the Neighborhood Built Environment With Physical Activity Across Pregnancy
Authors: Kershaw Kiarri N. , Marsh Derek J. , Crenshaw Emma G. , McNeil Rebecca B. , Pemberton Victoria L. , Cordon Sabrina A. , Haas David M. , Debbink Michelle P. , Mercer Brian M. , Parry Samuel , Reddy Uma , Saade George , Simhan Hyagriv , Wapner Ronald J. , Wing Deborah A. , Grobman William A. , _ _
Published: April 2021

Background: Several features of the neighborhood built environment have been shown to promote leisure-time physical activity (PA) in the general population, but few studies have examined its impact on PA during pregnancy. Methods: Data were extracted from 8362 Nulliparous Pregnancy Outcomes Study: Monitoring Mothers-to-Be cohort participants (2010–2013). Residential address information was linked to 3 built environment characteristics: number of gyms and recreation areas within a 3-km radius of residence and census block level walkability. Self-reported leisure-time PA was measured in each trimester and dichotomized as meeting PA guidelines or not. Relative risks for cross-sectional associations between neighborhood characteristics and meeting PA guidelines were estimated using Poisson regression. Results: More gyms and recreation areas were each associated with a greater chance of meeting PA guidelines in models adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics and preexisting conditions. Associations were strongest in the third trimester where each doubling in counts of gyms and recreation areas was associated with 10% (95% confidence interval, 1.07–1.13) and 8% (95% confidence interval, 1.03–1.12), respectively, greater likelihood of meeting PA guidelines. Associations were similar though weaker for walkability. Conclusions: Results from a large, multisite cohort suggest that these built environment characteristics have similar PA-promoting benefits in pregnant women as seen in more general populations.
Rational antibody design for undruggable targets using kinetically controlled biomolecular probes
Authors: Trkulja Carolina L. , Jungholm Oscar , Davidson Max , Jardemark Kent , Marcus Monica M. , Hägglund Jessica , Karlsson Anders , Karlsson Roger , Bruton Joseph , Ivarsson Niklas , Srinivasa Sreesha P. , Cavallin Alexandra , Svensson Peder , Jeffries Gavin D. M. , Christakopoulou Maria-Nefeli , Reymer Anna , Ashok Anaswara , Willman Gabriella , Papadia Daniela , Johnsson Emma , Orwar Owe
Published: April 2021

This newly developed biological probes/proteomics method yields functional antibodies targeting previously undruggable targets.
The hidden structure dependence of the chemical life of dislocations
Authors: Zhou X. , Mianroodi J. R. , Kwiatkowski da Silva A. , Koenig T. , Thompson G. B. , Shanthraj P. , Ponge D. , Gault B. , Svendsen B. , Raabe D.
Published: April 2021

Combined atomic-scale characterization and simulation reveal the complexity and diversity of the chemical nature of dislocations.
Activity-regulated synaptic targeting of lncRNA ADEPTR mediates structural plasticity by localizing Sptn1 and AnkB in dendrites
Authors: Grinman Eddie , Nakahata Yoshihisa , Avchalumov Yosef , Espadas Isabel , Swarnkar Supriya , Yasuda Ryohei , Puthanveettil Sathyanarayanan V.
Published: April 2021

An lncRNA is synaptically transported in a cAMP-dependent manner and is linked to cytoskeletal components of structural plasticity.
Point: patients with native aortic regurgitation can be treated with transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Khan Sahoor A , Baron Suzanne J
Published: April 2021

Approximately 2% of people between the ages of 70 and 83 suffer from moderate or greater aortic regurgitation (AR) in the United States. Left untreated, this disease is progressive and fatal; however, up to 8% of patients with AR, who meet the criteria for surgical intervention, do not receive treatment. As such, there is a pressing need to address the lack of treatment options for the thousands of patients with AR who meet a class I indication for aortic valve replacement but who still do not receive surgery. The advent of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has significantly altered the paradigm of treatment for valvular heart disease and is now a well-established therapeutic option for patients with severe aortic stenosis. While transcatheter devices dedicated for the treatment of AR are under investigation, they are not commercially available at this time. Nevertheless, there is a growing body of data that demonstrate acceptable safety and efficacy for the off-label use of current TAVI devices for the treatment of severe AR. Given the dearth of treatment options for inoperable patients with severe AR, available TAVI devices should be considered for this patient population.
Update in imaging of cancer therapy-related cardiac toxicity in adults
Authors: de Baat Esmée C , Naaktgeboren Willeke R , Leiner Tim , Teske Arco J , Habets Jesse , Grotenhuis Heynric B
Published: April 2021

Over the past decades, prognosis of patients with cancer has strongly improved and the number of cancer survivors is rapidly growing. Despite this success, cancer treatment is associated with development of serious cardiovascular diseases including left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction, heart failure, valvular disease, myocardial infarction, arrhythmias or pericardial diseases. Serial non-invasive cardiac imaging is an important tool to detect early signs of cardiotoxicity, to allow for timely intervention and provide optimal circumstances for long-term prognosis. Currently, echocardiographic imaging is the method of choice for the evaluation of myocardial function during and after cancer therapy. However, 2D echocardiography may fail to detect subtle changes in myocardial function, potentially resulting in a significant delay of therapeutic intervention to impede advanced cardiac disease states with more overt systolic dysfunction. Strain imaging is a promising method for early detection of myocardial dysfunction and may predict future changes in LV ejection fraction. The use of three-dimensional echocardiography may overcome the limitations of 2D echocardiography with more precise and reproducible measurements of LV performance. Cardiac MRI is the gold standard for volumetric assessment and can also be used to perform myocardial tissue characterisation. Visualisation of oedema and fibrosis may provide insights into the degree and disease course of cardiotoxicity and underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. There is growing body of literature regarding the promising role of these advanced imaging modalities in early detection of cardiotoxicity. With this overview paper, new insights and recent results in literature regarding echocardiographic and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging of cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction in post-cancer therapy adults will be highlighted.
Genetic diversity in the stress regulatory gene LUMAN/CREB3 of Yorkshire and Meishan pigs
Authors: Larson Shayla , Zhou Rong , Li Kui , Zhang Yani , Jafarikia Mohsen , Bergeron Renée , Lu Ray
Published: April 2021

A candidate-gene high-density single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) scanning approach was used to investigate the swine LUMAN/CREB3 locus for polymorphisms in 232 Ontario Yorkshire and 29 Chinese Meishan pigs. Inter- and intra-breed differences in genetic diversity were characterized. In the Yorkshire breed, eight variations (three coding and five non-coding) were identified. Two linkage disequilibrium (LD) blocks (550 bp and ∼4 kb in length) featuring two and three haplotypes, respectively, were reconstructed. In the Meishan breed, six variations (two coding and four non-coding) and one LD block (∼3 kb in length) with three haplotypes were detected. This investigation may provide insight into variable stress responsiveness among pigs.
Coherence and mixedness of neutrino oscillations in a magnetic field
Authors: Kurashvili Podist , Chotorlishvili Levan , Kouzakov Konstantin , Studenikin Alexander
Published: April 2021

The radical departure from classical physics implies quantum coherence, i.e., coherent superposition of eigenstates of Hermitian operators. In resource theory, quantum coherence is a resource for quantum operations. Typically the stochastic phenomenon induces decoherence effects. However, in the present work, we prove that nonunitary evolution leads to the generation of quantum coherence in some cases. Specifically, we consider the neutrino propagation in the dissipative environment, namely in a magnetic field with a stochastic component, and focus on neutrino flavour, spin and spin-flavour oscillations. We present exact analytical results for quantum coherence in neutrino oscillations quantified in terms of the relative entropy. Starting from an initial zero coherence state, we observe persistent oscillations of coherence during the dissipative evolution of an ultra-high energy neutrino in a random interstellar magnetic field. We found that after dissipative evolution, the initial spin-polarized state entirely “thermalizes”, and in the final steady state, the spin-up/down states have the same probabilities. On the other hand, neutrino flavour states also “thermalize”, but the populations of two flavour states do not equate to each other. The initial flavour still dominates in the final steady state.
Multi-task Learning-based All-in-one Collaboration Framework for Degraded Image Super-resolution
Authors: Jin Xin , Xu Jianfeng , Tasaka Kazuyuki , Chen Zhibo
Published: April 2021

In this article, we address the degraded image super-resolution problem in a multi-task learning (MTL) manner. To better share representations between multiple tasks, we propose an all-in-one collaboration framework (ACF) with a learnable “junction” unit to handle two major problems that exist in MTL—“How to share” and “How much to share.” Specifically, ACF consists of a
sharing
phase and a
reconstruction
phase. Considering the intrinsic characteristic of multiple image degradations, we propose to first deal with the compression artifact, motion blur, and spatial structure information of the input image in parallel under a three-branch architecture in the
sharing
phase. Subsequently, in the
reconstruction
phase, we up-sample the previous features for high-resolution image reconstruction with a channel-wise and spatial attention mechanism. To coordinate two phases, we introduce a learnable “junction” unit with a dual-voting mechanism to selectively filter or preserve shared feature representations that come from
sharing
phase, learning an optimal combination for the following
reconstruction
phase. Finally, a curriculum learning-based training scheme is further proposed to improve the convergence of the whole framework. Extensive experimental results on synthetic and real-world low-resolution images show that the proposed all-in-one collaboration framework not only produces favorable high-resolution results while removing serious degradation, but also has high computational efficiency, outperforming state-of-the-art methods. We also have applied ACF to some image-quality sensitive practical task, such as pose estimation, to improve estimation accuracy of low-resolution images.
Assessing a Decision Support Tool for SOC Analysts
Authors: Happa Jassim , Agrafiotis Ioannis , Helmhout Martin , Bashford-Rogers Thomas , Goldsmith Michael , Creese Sadie
Published: April 2021

It is difficult to discern real-world consequences of attacks on an enterprise when investigating network-centric data alone. In recent years, many tools have been developed to help understand attacks using visualisation, but few aim to predict real-world consequences. We have developed a visualisation tool that aims to improve decision support during attacks in Security Operation Centres (SOCs). Our tool visualises propagation of risks from sensor alert data to Business Process (BP) tasks. This is an important capability gap present in many SOCs today, as most threat detection tools are technology-centric. In this article, we present a user study that assesses our tool’s usability and ability to support the analyst. Ten analysts from seven SOCs performed carefully designed tasks related to understanding risks and recovery decision-making. The study was conducted in laboratory conditions with simulated attacks and used a mixed-method approach to collect data from questionnaires, eye tracking, and semi-structured interviews. Our findings suggest that relating business tasks to network asset in visualisations can help analysts prioritise response strategies. Finally, our article also provides an in-depth discussion on user studies conducted with SOC analysts more generally, including lessons learned, recommendations and a critique of our own study.
Compressed Imaging Reconstruction with Sparse Random Projection
Authors: Yang Peihao , Kong Linghe , Qiu Meikang , Liu Xue , Chen Guihai
Published: April 2021

As the Internet of Things thrives, monitors and cameras produce tons of image data every day. To efficiently process these images, many compressed imaging frameworks are proposed. A compressed imaging framework comprises two parts, image signal measurement and reconstruction. Although a plethora of measurement devices have been designed, the development of the reconstruction is relatively lagging behind. Nowadays, most of existing reconstruction algorithms in compressed imaging are optimization problem solvers based on specific priors. The computation burdens of these optimization algorithms are enormous and the solutions are usually local optimums. Meanwhile, it is inconvenient to deploy these algorithms on cloud, which hinders the popularization of compressed imaging. In this article, we dive deep into the random projection to build reconstruction algorithms for compressed imaging. We first fully utilize the information in the measurement procedure and propose a combinatorial sparse random projection (SRP) reconstruction algorithm. Then, we generalize the SRP to a novel distributed algorithm called Cloud-SRP (CSRP), which enables efficient reconstruction on cloud. Moreover, we explore the combination of SRP with conventional optimization reconstruction algorithms and propose the Iterative-SRP (ISRP), which converges to a guaranteed fixed point. With minor modifications on the naive optimization algorithms, the ISRP yields better reconstructions. Experiments on real ghost imaging reconstruction reveal that our algorithms are effective. And simulation experiments show their advantages over the classical algorithms.
Detection of Advanced Web Bots by Combining Web Logs with Mouse Behavioural Biometrics
Authors: Iliou Christos , Kostoulas Theodoros , Tsikrika Theodora , Katos Vasilis , Vrochidis Stefanos , Kompatsiaris Ioannis
Published: April 2021

Web bots vary in sophistication based on their purpose, ranging from simple automated scripts to advanced web bots that have a browser fingerprint, support the main browser functionalities, and exhibit a humanlike behaviour. Advanced web bots are especially appealing to malicious web bot creators, due to their browserlike fingerprint and humanlike behaviour that reduce their detectability. This work proposes a web bot detection framework that comprises two detection modules: (i) a detection module that utilises web logs, and (ii) a detection module that leverages mouse movements. The framework combines the results of each module in a novel way to capture the different temporal characteristics of the web logs and the mouse movements, as well as the spatial characteristics of the mouse movements. We assess its effectiveness on web bots of two levels of evasiveness: (a)
moderate web bots
that have a browser fingerprint and (b)
advanced web bots
that have a browser fingerprint and also exhibit a humanlike behaviour. We show that combining web logs with visitors’ mouse movements is more effective and robust toward detecting advanced web bots that try to evade detection, as opposed to using only one of those approaches.
Directional Laplacian Centrality for Cyber Situational Awareness
Authors: Aksoy Sinan G. , Purvine Emilie , Young Stephen J.
Published: April 2021

Cyber operations is drowning in diverse, high-volume, multi-source data. To get a full picture of current operations and identify malicious events and actors, analysts must see through data generated by a mix of human activity and benign automated processes. Although many monitoring and alert systems exist, they typically use signature-based detection methods. We introduce a general method rooted in
spectral graph theory
to discover patterns and anomalies without
a priori
knowledge of signatures. We derive and propose a new graph-theoretic centrality measure based on the derivative of the graph Laplacian matrix in the direction of a vertex. To build intuition about our measure, we show how it identifies the most central vertices in standard network datasets and compare to other graph centrality measures. Finally, we focus our attention on studying its effectiveness in identifying important IP addresses in network flow data. Using both real and synthetic network flow data, we conduct several experiments to test our measure’s sensitivity to two types of injected attack profiles and show that vertices participating in injected attack profiles exhibit noticeable changes in our centrality measures, even when the injected anomalies are relatively small, and in the presence of simulated network dynamics.
Nanoindentation and Photoluminescence Studies of Hydrogenated Boron Carbon Nitride Thin Films
Authors: Nehate Shraddha Dhanraj , Saikumar Ashwin Kumar , Fincan Mustafa , Santana Anthony , Volinsky Alex A , Campiglia Andres , Sundaram Kalpathy B.
Published: April 2021

Nanoindentation and photoluminescence (PL) studies were performed on hydrogenated boron carbon nitride thin films deposited using radio frequency magnetron sputtering. Dual target sputtering from B4C and BN targets was used to deposit films. The variation in the composition of films was studied using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The influence of hydrogen gas and substrate temperature on the mechanical properties was investigated using nanoindentation measurements. Photoluminescence studies were performed on films deposited under varying hydrogen content and different deposition temperatures. The films deposited in this study exhibited hardness of 6–22 GPa and Young’s modulus of 125–140 GPa. PL spectra demonstrated two prominent emission peaks around 499 nm and 602 nm for the deposited films. Increasing the hydrogen gas ratio in the films induced PL peak shifts to longer wavelengths. Emission spectra shifted to long wavelength with increasing substrate temperature. The emission peak position shifted from 499 nm to 544 nm and from 602 nm to 655 nm as a function of substrate temperature. For the first time, BCNH based thin films PL behavior at low temperature (77 K) has been characterized in this study. The BCNH thin films show a rare phenomenon of negative thermal quenching of emission.
Efficient Electrocatalyst for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction based on N-rGO-MWCNT/CuAlO2 Nanocomposite in Acidic Media
Authors: Arjunan Karthi keyan , Rajakumaran Ramachandran , Sakthinathan Subramanian , Chen Shen-Ming , Chiu Te-Wei , Vinothini Sivaramakrishnan
Published: April 2021

The CuAlO2 delafossite complex was incorporated with nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide (N-rGO) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) based nanocomposite (N-rGO-MWCNT/CuAlO2) for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The CuAlO2 delafossite complex was made by self-combustion glycine nitrate process (GNP), and the N-rGO-MWCNT composite was prepared by the hydrothermal method. The morphology was characterized by spectroscopy and microscopy techniques. The materials were structurally well ordered with a porous structure and high surface area. The GCE/N-rGO-MWCNT/CuAlO2 electrode exhibited electrocatalytic activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) under strongly acidic conditions with a low over-potential, increasing reduction current, and a small Tafel slope of 48 mV dec−1 at 10 mA cm−1 with long-term stability under operating conditions.
International educators’ attitudes, experiences, and recommendations after an abrupt transition to remote physiology laboratories
Authors: Choate Julia , Aguilar-Roca Nancy , Beckett Elizabeth , Etherington Sarah , French Michelle , Gaganis Voula , Haigh Charlotte , Scott Derek , Sweeney Terrence , Zubek John
Published: April 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic triggered university lockdowns, forcing physiology educators to rapidly pivot laboratories into a remote delivery format. This study documents the experiences of an international group of 10 physiology educators surrounding this transition. They wrote reflective narratives, framed by guiding questions, to answer the research question: “What were the changes to physiology laboratories in response to the COVID-19 pandemic?” These narratives probed educators’ attitudes toward virtual laboratories before, during, and after the transition to remote delivery. Thematic analysis of the reflections found that before COVID-19 only a few respondents had utilized virtual laboratories and most felt that virtual laboratories could not replace the in-person laboratory experience. In response to university lockdowns, most respondents transitioned from traditional labs to remote formats within a week or less. The most common remote delivery formats were commercially available online physiology laboratories, homemade videos, and sample experimental data. The main challenges associated with the rapid remote transition included workload and expertise constraints, disparities in online access and workspaces, issues with academic integrity, educator and student stress, changes in learning outcomes, and reduced engagement. However, the experience generated opportunities including exploration of unfamiliar technologies, new collaborations, and revisiting the physiology laboratory curriculum and structure. Most of the respondents reported planning on retaining some aspects of the remote laboratories postpandemic, particularly with a blended model of remote and on-campus laboratories. This study concludes with recommendations for physiology educators as to how they can successfully develop and deliver remote laboratories.