bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysing the Robustness of Evolutionary Algorithms to Noise: Refined Runtime Bounds and an Example Where Noise is Beneficial
Authors: Sudholt Dirk
Published: January 2020

We analyse the performance of well-known evolutionary algorithms, the $$(1+1)$$

(
1
+
1
)

 EA and the $$(1+\lambda )$$

(
1
+
λ
)

 EA, in the prior noise model, where in each fitness evaluation the search point is altered before the evaluation with probability p. We present refined results for the expected optimisation time of these algorithms on the function Leading-Ones, where bits have to be optimised in sequence. Previous work showed that the $$(1+1)$$

(
1
+
1
)

 EA on Leading-Ones runs in polynomial expected time if $$p = O((\log n)/n^2)$$

p
=
O
(

(
log
n
)

/

n
2

)

and needs superpolynomial expected time if $$p = \omega ((\log n)/n)$$

p
=
ω
(
(
log
n
)
/
n
)

, leaving a huge gap for which no results were known. We close this gap by showing that the expected optimisation time is $$\varTheta (n^2) \cdot \exp (\varTheta (\min \{pn^2, n\}))$$

Θ

(

n
2

)

·
exp

(
Θ

(
min

{
p

n
2

,
n
}

)

)

for all $$p \le 1/2$$

p
≤
1
/
2

, allowing for the first time to locate the threshold between polynomial and superpolynomial expected times at $$p = \varTheta ((\log n)/n^2)$$

p
=
Θ
(

(
log
n
)

/

n
2

)

. Hence the $$(1+1)$$

(
1
+
1
)

 EA on Leading-Ones is surprisingly sensitive to noise. We also show that offspring populations of size $$\lambda \ge 3.42\log n$$

λ
≥
3.42
log
n

can effectively deal with much higher noise than known before. Finally, we present an example of a rugged landscape where prior noise can help to escape from local optima by blurring the landscape and allowing a hill climber to see the underlying gradient. We prove that in this particular setting noise can have a highly beneficial effect on performance.
Colouring (Pr + Ps)-Free Graphs
Authors: Klimošová Tereza , Malík Josef , Masařík Tomáš , Novotná Jana , Paulusma Daniël , Slívová Veronika
Published: January 2020

The k-Colouring problem is to decide if the vertices of a graph can be coloured with at most k colours for a fixed integer k such that no two adjacent vertices are coloured alike. If each vertex u must be assigned a colour from a prescribed list $$L(u)\subseteq \{1,\ldots ,k\},$$

L
(
u
)
⊆
{
1
,
…
,
k
}
,

then we obtain the List k-Colouring problem. A graph G is H-free if G does not contain H as an induced subgraph. We continue an extensive study into the complexity of these two problems for H-free graphs. The graph $$P_r+P_s$$

P
r

+

P
s

is the disjoint union of the r-vertex path $$P_r$$

P
r

and the s-vertex path $$P_s.$$

P
s

.

We prove that List 3-Colouring is polynomial-time solvable for $$(P_2+P_5)$$

(

P
2

+

P
5

)

-free graphs and for $$(P_3+P_4)$$

(

P
3

+

P
4

)

-free graphs. Combining our results with known results yields complete complexity classifications of 3-Colouring and List 3-Colouring on H-free graphs for all graphs H up to seven vertices.
Health benefits and risks during 10 years after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
Authors: Chahal-Kummen M. , Salte O. B. K. , Hewitt S. , Blom-Høgestøl I. K. , Risstad H. , Kristinsson J. , Mala T.
Published: January 2020

Background

Long-term evaluations 10 years after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) are limited. We report the development in weight and cardiovascular risk factors during 10 years after laparoscopic RYGB, with evaluation of gastrointestinal symptoms and quality of life (QoL) at 10-year follow-up.

Methods

We performed a prospective longitudinal cohort study. Patients operated with laparoscopic RYGB from May 2004 to November 2006 were invited to 10-year follow-up consultations. Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) questionnaire and two QoL questionnaires were used for analyses of gastrointestinal symptoms and QoL.

Results

A total of 203 patients were operated; nine (4.4%) died during follow-up. Of 194 eligible patients, 124 (63.9%) attended 10-year follow-up consultations. Percent excess weight loss (%EWL) and percent total weight loss (%TWL) at 10 years were 53.0% and 24.1%, respectively. %EWL > 50% was seen in 53.2%. Significant weight regain (≥15%) from 2 to 10 years was seen in 63.3%. Remission rates of type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, and hypertension were 56.8%, 46.0%, and 41.4%, respectively. Abdominal operations beyond 30 days after RYGB were reported in 33.9%. Internal hernia and ileus (13.7%) and gallstone-related disease (9.7%) were the most common causes. Vitamin D deficiency (<50nmol/L) was seen in 33.3%. At 10 years, bothersome abdominal pain and indigestion symptoms (GSRS scores ≥3) were reported in 42.9% and 54.0%, respectively, and were associated with low QoL.

Conclusion

We observed significant weight loss and remission of comorbidities 10 years after RYGB. Significant weight regain occurred in a substantial subset of patients. Gastrointestinal symptoms were common and negatively impacted QoL.
Phase field approximations of branched transportation problems
Authors: Ferrari Luca , Dirks Carolin , Wirth Benedikt
Published: January 2020

In branched transportation problems mass has to be transported from a given initial distribution to a given final distribution, where the cost of the transport is proportional to the transport distance, but subadditive in the transported mass. As a consequence, mass transport is cheaper the more mass is transported together, which leads to the emergence of hierarchically branching transport networks. We here consider transport costs that are piecewise affine in the transported mass withNaffine segments, in which case the resulting network can be interpreted as a street network composed ofNdifferent types of streets. In two spatial dimensions we propose a phase field approximation of this street network usingNphase fields and a function approximating the mass flux through the network. We prove the corresponding$$\Gamma $$Γ-convergence and show some numerical simulation results.
Rathke’s cleft cysts following transsphenoidal surgery: long-term outcomes and development of an optimal follow-up strategy
Authors: Marcus Hani J. , Borg Anouk , Hussein Ziad , Jaunmuktane Zane , Baldeweg Stephanie E. , Grieve Joan , Dorward Neil L.
Published: January 2020

Background

In patients with symptomatic Rathke’s cleft cyst, transsphenoidal surgery is highly effective at preventing further visual loss and usually allows for some recovery of vision. However, cyst recurrence and the need for re-operation are well recognized. To this end, the aim of this study was to investigate patterns of recurrence and long-term outcomes and to use this information to develop an optimal follow-up strategy.

Method

A prospectively maintained database was searched over a 10-year period between 1 January 2008 and the 1 January 2018 to identify all adults that underwent transsphenoidal surgery with a new diagnosis of Rathke’s cleft cyst. A retrospective case note review was performed for each patient to extract data on their presentation, investigation, treatment, and outcome.

Results

In all, 61 eligible patients were identified. The median follow-up was 34 months (range 2–112 months). In the 22 patients with pre-operative visual loss, the outcomes at 6 months were as follows: normal vision (2/22; 9.1%), improved but not normal (7/22; 31.8%), stable (12/22; 54.5%), worse but not blind (1/22; 4.5%), and blind (0/22; 0%). The overall rate of regrowth and re-operation in our study was 19.7 and 11.5%, respectively. The only factor that was significantly associated with recurrence was the presence of residual cystic disease on the post-operative MRI (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

We propose a follow-up strategy that stratifies patients at “low risk” if there is no residual cyst, with increasing interval scans, or “high risk” if there is residual cyst, with annual visual assessment and scans.
Recommendations for the nomenclature of enteroviruses and rhinoviruses
Authors: Simmonds P. , Gorbalenya A. E. , Harvala H. , Hovi T. , Knowles N. J. , Lindberg A. M. , Oberste M. S. , Palmenberg A. C. , Reuter G. , Skern T. , Tapparel C. , Wolthers K. C. , Woo P. C. Y. , Zell R.
Published: January 2020

Enteroviruses (EVs) and rhinoviruses (RVs) are significant pathogens of humans and are the subject of intensive clinical and epidemiological research and public health measures, notably in the eradication of poliovirus and in the investigation and control of emerging pathogenic EV types worldwide. EVs and RVs are highly diverse in their antigenic properties, tissue tropism, disease associations and evolutionary relationships, but the latter often conflict with previously developed biologically defined terms, such as “coxsackieviruses”, “polioviruses” and “echoviruses”, which were used before their genetic interrelationships were understood. This has created widespread formatting problems and inconsistencies in the nomenclature for EV and RV types and species in the literature and public databases. As members of the International Committee for Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) Picornaviridae Study Group, we describe the correct use of taxon names for these viruses and have produced a series of recommendations for the nomenclature of EV and RV types and their abbreviations. We believe their adoption will promote greater clarity and consistency in the terminology used in the scientific and medical literature. The recommendations will additionally provide a useful reference guide for journals, other publications and public databases seeking to use standardised terms for the growing multitude of enteroviruses and rhinoviruses described worldwide.
Supporting intergenerational memento storytelling for older adults through a tangible display: a case study
Authors: Li Cun , Hu Jun , Hengeveld Bart , Hummels Caroline
Published: January 2020

Mementoes act as emotional companions that anchor stories. Older adults typically have a rich knowledge of family mementoes. However, storytelling and preservation of mementoes are still problematic for them: their mementoes are still mostly in physical format, which is difficult to share and preserve. Additionally, digital applications and websites for sharing mementoes usually are inaccessible for them. As a result, they spend much time collecting mementoes, but spend less time on telling and recording the related stories. In response to this, we report our study driven by the research questions: Rq1: What are the characteristics of older adults’ intergenerational memento storytelling? And Rq2: In which ways could a tangible display facilitate intergenerational memento storytelling for older adults? We designed a tangible device named Slots-Memento. We first conducted a preliminary evaluation to refine the prototype. In the field study, eight pairs of participants (each pair consisting of an older adult and his/her child) were recruited to use the prototype for around 1 week. Semi-structured interviews were then conducted both with the older adults and their children. Subsequently, mementoes collected were categorized and analyzed. Stories collected were firstly transcribed, then were conducted with structural and interactional analysis. In the concluding discussion, we present abstract implications for the research questions: two tables summarizing characteristics of their intergenerational memento storytelling, and related strategies of designing a tangible display individually.
Improved convergence analysis of Lasserre’s measure-based upper bounds for polynomial minimization on compact sets
Authors: Slot Lucas , Laurent Monique
Published: January 2020

We consider the problem of computing the minimum value $$f_{\min ,K}$$

f

min
,
K

of a polynomial f over a compact set $$K\subseteq {\mathbb {R}}^n$$

K
⊆

R

n

, which can be reformulated as finding a probability measure $$\nu $$
ν
on $$K$$
K
minimizing $$\int _Kf d\nu $$

∫
K

f
d
ν

. Lasserre showed that it suffices to consider such measures of the form $$\nu = q\mu $$

ν
=
q
μ

, where q is a sum-of-squares polynomial and $$\mu $$
μ
is a given Borel measure supported on $$K$$
K
. By bounding the degree of q by 2r one gets a converging hierarchy of upper bounds $$f^{(r)}$$

f

(
r
)

  for $$f_{\min ,K}$$

f

min
,
K

. When K is the hypercube $$[-1, 1]^n$$

[
-
1
,
1
]

n

, equipped with the Chebyshev measure, the parameters $$f^{(r)}$$

f

(
r
)

are known to converge to $$f_{\min , K}$$

f

min
,
K

at a rate in $$O(1/r^2)$$

O
(
1
/

r
2

)

. We extend this error estimate to a wider class of convex bodies, while also allowing for a broader class of reference measures, including the Lebesgue measure. Our analysis applies to simplices, balls and convex bodies that locally look like a ball. In addition, we show an error estimate in $$O(\log r / r)$$

O
(
log
r
/
r
)

when $$K$$
K
satisfies a minor geometrical condition, and in $$O(\log ^2 r / r^2)$$

O
(

log
2

r
/

r
2

)

when $$K$$
K
is a convex body, equipped with the Lebesgue measure. This improves upon the currently best known error estimates in $$O(1 / \sqrt{r})$$

O
(
1
/

r

)

and $$O(1/r)$$

O
(
1
/
r
)

for these two respective cases.
A practical probabilistic earthquake hazard analysis tool: case study Marmara region
Authors: Sianko Ilya , Ozdemir Zuhal , Khoshkholghi Soheil , Garcia Reyes , Hajirasouliha Iman , Yazgan Ufuk , Pilakoutas Kypros
Published: January 2020

Earthquakes have a damaging impact on the economic welfare and resilience of communities, particularly in developing countries. Seismic hazard assessment is the first step towards performing prevention, preparedness, and response or recovery actions to reduce seismic risk. This paper presents a computation tool for predicting the seismic hazard at the macro level as a part of a comprehensive multi-hazard framework on earthquake risk assessment. The probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA) procedure is based on the Monte-Carlo approach, and particular attention is paid to the definition of source zones assigned in the study area. Both Poisson and time dependent (renewal) models are adopted to quantify the effect of temporal dependencies between seismic events, while near-field rupture directivity effects are also taken into account. Marmara region in Turkey is selected as a case study area to perform a new seismic hazard analysis and verify the accuracy of the proposed tool. The results show good agreement with results from the recent SHARE project and the latest Turkish Earthquake Design code hazard maps. This confirms that the proposed PSHA method can be an attractive alternative to the direct integration based methods due to its practicality and powerful handling of uncertainties.
Competition between the invasive Impatiens glandulifera and UK native species: the role of soil conditioning and pre-existing resident communities
Authors: Power Georgia , Sánchez Vilas Julia
Published: January 2020

Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) is a highly invasive annual herb that has become extremely prevalent in riparian zones across the UK. The competitive ability of I. glandulifera, both in terms of resource exploitation and allelopathy (i.e., the release of biochemicals that may be toxic to neighbouring plants), is considered a key determinant of its success. Little is known, however, about the effects of the resident community on the establishment and growth of I. glandulifera. Here, we aim to increase our understanding of the competitive ability of this highly invasive plant by investigating the effects of soil conditioning on the performance of four co-occurring native species (Tanacetum vulgare, Urtica dioica, Chelidonium majus and Arabidopsis thaliana). In addition, we also aim to investigate the effect that the pre-existing species composition have on the performance of I. glandulifera seedlings by establishing artificial communities (monocultures and mixtures of four UK native species, including U. dioica). We found negative effects of soil conditioning by I. glandulifera in all four species, either by reducing above-ground biomass, chlorophyll content or both. Monocultures of U. dioica were the only artificial communities that reduced growth of I. glandulifera, and we did not find any support for the idea that a more diverse community may be more resistant to invasion. Our results confirm the high competitive ability of I. glandulifera and highlight how the identity of the natives in the resident community may be key to limit its success.
An empirical, cross-taxon evaluation of landscape-scale connectivity
Authors: Hunter-Ayad James , Hassall Christopher
Published: January 2020

Connectivity is vital for the maintenance of spatially structured ecosystems, but is threatened by anthropogenic processes that degrade habitat networks. Thus, connectivity enhancement has become a conservation priority, with resources dedicated to enhancing habitat networks. However, much effort may be wasted on ineffective management, as conservation theory and practice can be poorly linked. Here we evaluate the success of landscape management designed to restore connectivity in the Humberhead wetlands (UK). Hybrid pattern-process models were created for six species, representing key taxa in the wetland ecosystem. Habitat suitability models were used to provide the spatial context for individual-based models that predicted metapopulation dynamics, including functional connectivity. To create models representing post-management conditions, landscape structure was modified to represent local improvements in habitat quality achieved through management. Models indicate that management had limited success in enhancing connectivity. Interventions have buffered existing connectivity in several species’ habitat networks, with inter-patch movement increasing for modelled species by up to 22% (for water vole,Arvicola amphibius), but have not reconnected isolated habitat fragments. Field surveys provided provisional support for the accuracy of baseline models, but could not identify predicted benefits from management interventions, likely due to time-lags following these interventions. Despite lacking clear empirical support as yet, models suggest the management of the Humberhead wetlands has successfully enhanced the landscape-scale ecological network, achieving management targets. However we identify key limitations to this success and provide specific recommendations for improvement of future landscape-scale management. Our developments in model application and integration can be developed further and be usefully applied to studies of species and/or community dynamics in a range of contexts.
Estimation of equilibrium times and maximum capacity of adsorption of heavy metals by E. crassipes (review)
Authors: Sayago Uriel Fernando Carreño , Castro Yineth Pineros , Rivera Laura Rosa Conde , Mariaca Alexander Garcia
Published: January 2020

Cellulose emerges as an alternative for the treatment of water contaminated with heavy metals due to its abundant biomass and its proven potential in the adsorption of pollutants. The aquatic plantEichhornia crassipesis an option as raw material in the contribution of cellulose due to its enormous presence in contaminated wetlands, rivers, and lakes. The efficiency in the removal of heavy metals is due to the cation exchange between the hydroxyl groups and carboxyl groups present in the biomass ofE. crassipeswith heavy metals. Through different chemical and physical transformations of the biomass ofE. crassipesThe objective of this review article is to provide a discussion on the different mechanisms of adsorption of the biomass ofE. crassipesto retain heavy metals and dyes. In addition to estimating equilibrium, times through kinetic models of adsorption and maximum capacities of this biomass through equilibrium models with isotherms, in order to design one biofilter for treatment systems on a larger scale represented the effluents of a real industry.
Background levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and legacy organochlorine pesticides in wheat sampled in 2017 and 2018 in Poland
Authors: Roszko Marek Łukasz , Juszczyk Karolina , Szczepańska Magdalena , Świder Olga , Szymczyk Krystyna
Published: January 2020

Both polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and legacy organochlorine insecticides (OCPs), including DDT, are dangerous chemical contaminants. The aims of this study were to (i) determine background levels of PAHs and legacy OCPs for wheat samples collected in 2017 and 2018 in Poland, (ii) identify differences between levels in wheat harvested in various regions of Poland, (iii) evaluate differences in contamination sources manifested by the profiles of the identified chemicals, (iv) identify possible correlations between different classes of chemicals present in wheat, and (v) assess the health risks associated with the presence of PAHs and OCPs in Polish wheat. Average concentrations found in the samples were 0.09 ± 0.03 μg kg−1 for benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) (formerly used as a single PAH marker), 0.43 ± 0.16 for the more recently introduced collective PAH 4 marker (benzo[a]anthracene + benzo[a]pyrene + chrysene + benzo[b]fluoranthene), and 1.07 ± 0.68 μg kg−1 for DDT and its metabolites. The PAH profiles indicated contamination from combustion-related emission sources (liquid fossil fuels, coal, biomass). Health risks associated with the presence of PAHs and OCPs in cereals were assessed using the margin of exposure (MOE) approach. The MOE values calculated based on the highest concentrations found in this study exceeded 50,000 for both BaP and PAH 4. The calculated worst-case scenario value for DDT and metabolites was as low as 0.3% of the respective tolerable daily intake (TDI) value. Assessment of dietary risk has shown that the presence of the two contaminant classes in Polish wheat grains is of low concern.
Genetic variability, stability and heritability for quality and yield characteristics in provitamin A cassava varieties
Authors: Peprah Bright Boakye , Parkes Elizabeth , Manu-Aduening Joseph , Kulakow Peter , van Biljon Angeline , Labuschagne Maryke
Published: January 2020

Cassava is widely consumed in many areas of Africa, including Ghana, and is a major part of most household diets. These areas are characterized by rampant malnutrition, because the tuberous roots are low in nutritional value. Provitamin A biofortified cassava varieties have been developed by the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture, but adoption of these varieties in Ghana will largely depend on their agronomic performance, including fresh root yield, dry matter content, resistance to major pests and diseases, mealiness, starch content and the stability of these traits. Eight provitamin A varieties with two white checks were planted in three environments for two seasons to determine stability and variability among the varieties for important traits. There were significant variations in performance between varieties and between environments for cassava mosaic disease, root number, fresh root yield and starch content. High broad-sense heritability and genetic advance were observed in all traits, except for storage root number, and could be exploited through improvement programs. This study identified the best performing enhanced provitamin A varieties for traits that are key drivers of variety adoption in Ghana. In view of this, some varieties can be recommended for varietal release after on-farm testing. The study also showed the possibility of tapping heterosis after careful selection of parents.
Comparative study of industrial design undergraduate education in China and USA
Authors: Huang Xuefei , Ball Roger , Wang Wei
Published: January 2020

Industrial design (ID) undergraduate education in China is seen as a new rapidly growing discipline over the past 40 years. China’s ID education is not well known in the West due to several barriers: language, the Great Firewall of China which blocks out most of the Western websites and a 12-h time difference. All Chinese ID curriculum and program information are available in Mandarin. The Ministry of Education administers all Chinese design education as well as ID scholarships and faculty exchange grants and its website and documents require translation. The Great Firewall of China blocks 90% of Western websites including Google making it difficult for Western Scholars to access accurate information about the size and shape of the Chinese ID education landscape. China has a historical relationship between the ID schools in China and the United States. Chinese students are studying or alumni of every American ID program. China and USA share similar program types, dual-track admissions for art and design streams, and academic calendars. In this paper, a model was developed to clarify the features of ID undergraduate education in China and USA, and a survey of eight ID schools was processed. Four aspects were comparatively discussed: (1) types of ID education, (2) ranking, evaluation, and certification of ID schools and programs, (3) curriculum, credits, course features, and yearly schedules of schools, (4) influences coming from the culture and globalization process. Based on the analysis, the similarities and differences in ID undergraduate education between the two countries are discussed. Results show the dual-track modes in China and USA are different. It is mainly reflected in the management and enrollment, curriculum organization, and cultural environment. Implications for the localization, openness, and globalization to ID education are finally discussed together with several directions for future development. The findings are valuable to USA and Chinese ID departments and faculty, researchers, staff and visiting scholars. It is also useful for university administrative units such as registrars, admissions, international offices and exchanges to understand each other.
Happiness and Hostile Attributions in a Cross-Cultural Context: The Importance of Interdependence
Authors: Jasielska Dorota , Rogoza Radosław , Russa Mary Bower , Park Joonha , Zajenkowska Anna
Published: January 2020

Although the association between happiness and a positive attitude towards other people is well documented, little is known about the attributional processes that characterize happy individuals when they are faced with negative social events. Because of the impact of culture on social relationships and self/other-construal, both attributional style and subjective happiness may be influenced by culture. To examine the interplay of factors that may be associated with happiness, we propose a model in which interdependence predicts happiness, but only for individuals who do not have an inclination to make hostile attributions about the others. In order to determine whether the identified patterns are culture specific or culturally universal, we have conducted our study in three culturally diverse countries: the United States, Poland and Japan (N = 707). We expected that level of happiness would be linked to interdependent self, and that it would be also associated with lower levels of hostile attributions. We also predicted an interaction between levels of interdependent self and hostile attributions in explaining level of happiness. Results mostly confirmed our predictions and remained consistent across all studied countries. We conclude with emphasis on the importance of embracing both negative and positive aspects of experience when studying wellbeing, especially in a cross-cultural context.
Prying Open the Black Box of Causality: A Causal Mediation Analysis Test of Procedural Justice Policing
Authors: Pósch Krisztián
Published: January 2020

Objectives

Review causal mediation analysis as a method for estimating and assessing direct and indirect effects. Re-examine a field experiment with an apparent implementation failure. Test procedural justice theory by examining to which extent procedural justice mediates the impact of contact with the police on police legitimacy and social identity.

Methods

Data from a block-randomised controlled trial of procedural justice policing (the Scottish Community Engagement Trial) were analysed. All constructs were measured using surveys distributed during roadside police checks. Treatment implementation was assessed by analysing the treatment effect’s consistency and heterogeneity. Causal mediation analysis, which can derive the indirect effect even in the presence of a treatment–mediator interaction, was used as a versatile technique of effect decomposition. Sensitivity analysis was carried out to assess the robustness of the mediating role of procedural justice.

Results

First, the treatment effect was fairly consistent and homogeneous, indicating that the treatment’s effect is attributable to the design. Second, there is evidence that procedural justice channels the treatment’s effect towards normative alignment (NIE = − 0.207), duty to obey (NIE = − 0.153), and social identity (NIE = − 0.052), all of which are moderately robust to unmeasured confounding (ρ = 0.3–0.6, LOVE = 0.5–0.7).

Conclusions

The effect’s consistency and homogeneity should be examined in future block-randomised designs. Causal mediation analysis is a versatile tool that can salvage experiments with systematic yet ambiguous treatment effects by allowing researchers to “pry open” the black box of causality. The theoretical propositions of procedural justice policing were supported. Future studies are needed with more discernible causal mediation effects.
Effects of thermal annealing and solvent-induced crystallization on the structure and properties of poly(lactic acid) microfibres produced by high-speed electrospinning
Authors: Vadas Dániel , Nagy Zsombor K. , Csontos István , Marosi György , Bocz Katalin
Published: January 2020

This research concentrates on the marked discrepancies in the crystalline structure of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) nano- and microfibres, achieved by different annealing strategies. PLA nonwoven mats were produced by high-speed electrospinning. The high-speed production technique allowed the manufacturing of PLA microfibres with diameters of 0.25–8.50 µm with a relatively high yield of 40 g h−1. The crystalline content of the inherently highly amorphous microfibres was increased by two methods; thermal annealing in an oven at 85 °C was compared to immersion in absolute ethanol at 40 °C. The morphology of the fibres was examined by scanning electron microscopy; crystalline forms and thermal properties were assessed using X-ray diffractometry, Raman spectrometry, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) as well as modulated DSC. As a consequence of 45-min heat treatment, the crystalline fraction increased up to 26%, while solution treatment resulted in 33% crystallinity. It was found that only disordered α′ crystals are formed during the conventional heat treatment; however, the ethanol-induced crystallization favours the formation of the ordered α polymorph. In connection with the different crystalline structures, noticeable changes in the macroscopic properties such as heat resistance and mechanical properties were evinced by localized thermomechanical analysis and static tensile test, respectively.
Nebulin: big protein with big responsibilities
Authors: Yuen Michaela , Ottenheijm Coen A. C.
Published: January 2020

Nebulin, encoded byNEB, is a giant skeletal muscle protein of about 6669 amino acids which forms an integral part of the sarcomeric thin filament. In recent years, the nebula around this protein has been largely lifted resulting in the discovery that nebulin is critical for a number of tasks in skeletal muscle. In this review, we firstly discussed nebulin’s role as a structural component of the thin filament and the Z-disk, regulating the length and the mechanical properties of the thin filament as well as providing stability to myofibrils by interacting with structural proteins within the Z-disk. Secondly, we reviewed nebulin’s involvement in the regulation of muscle contraction, cross-bridge cycling kinetics, Ca2+-homeostasis and excitation contraction (EC) coupling. While its role in Ca2+-homeostasis and EC coupling is still poorly understood, a large number of studies have helped to improve our knowledge on how nebulin affects skeletal muscle contractile mechanics. These studies suggest that nebulin affects the number of force generating actin-myosin cross-bridges and may also affect the force that each cross-bridge produces. It may exert this effect by interacting directly with actin and myosin and/or indirectly by potentially changing the localisation and function of the regulatory complex (troponin and tropomyosin). Besides unravelling the biology of nebulin, these studies are particularly helpful in understanding the patho-mechanism of myopathies caused byNEBmutations, providing knowledge which constitutes the critical first step towards the development of therapeutic interventions. Currently, effective treatments are not available, although a number of therapeutic strategies are being investigated.
Is the anatomical distribution of low-grade gliomas linked to regions of gliogenesis?
Authors: Skjulsvik Anne Jarstein , Bø Hans Kristian , Jakola Asgeir Store , Berntsen Erik Magnus , Bø Lars Eirik , Reinertsen Ingerid , Myrmel Kristin Smistad , Sjåvik Kristin , Åberg Kristin , Berg Thomas , Dai Hong Yan , Kloster Roar , Torp Sverre Helge , Solheim Ole
Published: January 2020

Introduction

According to the stem cell theory, two neurogenic niches in the adult human brain may harbor cells that initiate the formation of gliomas: The larger subventricular zone (SVZ) and the subgranular zone (SGZ) in the hippocampus. We wanted to explore whether defining molecular markers in low-grade gliomas (LGG; WHO grade II) are related to distance to the neurogenic niches.

Methods

Patients treated at two Norwegian university hospitals with population-based referral were included. Eligible patients had histopathological verified supratentorial low-grade glioma. IDH mutational status and 1p19q co-deletion status was retrospectively assessed. 159 patients were included, and semi-automatic tumor segmentation was done from pre-treatment T2-weighted (T2W) or Fluid-Attenuated Inversion Recovery (FLAIR) images. 3D maps showing the anatomical distribution of the tumors were then created for each of the three molecular subtypes (IDH mutated/1p19q co-deleted, IDH mutated and IDH wild-type). Both distance from tumor center and tumor border to the neurogenic niches were recorded.

Results

In this population-based cohort of previously untreated low-grade gliomas, we found that low-grade gliomas are more often found closer to the SVZ than the SGZ, but IDH wild-type tumors are more often found near SGZ.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that the stem cell origin of IDH wild-type and IDH mutated low-grade gliomas may be different.
Charting the Open Access scholarly journals landscape in the UAE
Authors: Boufarss Mohamed
Published: January 2020

The purpose of this study is to chart the scholarly journal landscape in the UAE in order to provide a scientific perspective on research productivity, distribution, and access in the country and lay the foundations for further research in this area. The study aims also to contribute to research endeavoring to paint a global picture of scholarly publishing. We carried out a mapping of scholarly journals published in the UAE compiled from international and local sources. The resulting journal list was studied focusing on the share of OA titles, language of publication, discipline, and type of publisher. Our results show that: (1) 534 journals are published in the UAE and that the share of OA is quite noteworthy with about 64% of all online journals; (2) the APC-based OA model is prevalent with around 75% of OA journals levying a publication fee; (3) UAE journals are predominantly in English while the number of Arabic-language journals is marginal; (4) science, technology and medicine prevail as the most prevalent subject areas of the journals; and (5) commercial publishers control most of the publications especially in the medical field. The study lays a foundation for further studies on scholarly journals in the UAE. The combination of regional indexes and international directories to measure the country’s scholarly journal output can also be replicated and built upon for other countries where the major international bibliometric databases do not provide a comprehensive representation of scholarly publishing activities.
Age-related murine hippocampal CA1 laminae oxidative stress measured in vivo by QUEnch-assiSTed (QUEST) MRI: impact of isoflurane anesthesia
Authors: Berkowitz Bruce A. , Podolsky Robert H. , Childers Karen Lins , Gow Alexander , Schneider Brandy L. , Lloyd Scott C. , Bosse Kelly E. , Conti Alana C. , Roberts Robin , Berri Ali M. , Graffice Emma , Sinan Kenan , Eliwat Waleed , Shen Yimin
Published: January 2020

Age-related impairments in spatial learning and memory often precede non-familial neurodegenerative disease. Ex vivo studies suggest that physiologic age-related oxidative stress in hippocampus area CA1 may contribute to prodromal spatial disorientation and to morbidity. Yet, conventional blood or cerebrospinal fluid assays appear insufficient for early detection or management of oxidative stress within CA1 sub-regions in vivo. Here, we address this biomarker problem using a non-invasive MRI index of CA1 laminae oxidative stress based on reduction in R1 (= 1/T1) after anti-oxidant administration. An R1 reduction reflects quenching of continuous and excessive production of endogenous paramagnetic free radicals. Careful motion-correction image acquisition, and avoiding repeated exposure to isoflurane, facilitates detection of hippocampus CA1 laminae oxidative stress with QUEnch-assiSTed (QUEST) MRI. Intriguingly, age- and isoflurane-related oxidative stress is localized to the stratum lacunosum of the CA1 region. Our data raise the possibility of using QUEST MRI and FDA-approved anti-oxidants to remediate spatial disorientation and later neurodegeneration with age in animals and humans.
Impact-based feed drive actuator for discontinuous motion profiles
Authors: Zahn Peter , Schulte Alexander , Verl Alexander
Published: January 2020

This paper discusses an approach to enable step-wise velocity changes in machine tool feed drives while reducing the reaction force of the drive on structural machine components. The implementation is based on an additional actuator that transmits well-defined impulses on the table via mechanical impacts. Possible applications are seen in processes as beam processing or handling. The approach is introduced by means of a multi-body model and afterwards experimental results are shown. On the one hand, the reduction of the tracking error while following discontinuous velocity profiles is analyzed, on the other hand, the reduced excitation of the machine structure is shown. The experimental verification of the functional principle is performed on a single axis setup where the fundamental parameters in design, material and control are quantified. Concluding, a short outlook on remaining research topics regarding the shown approach is given.
Evaluation of preference of brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål) for different colour bell peppers and the role of plant protein
Authors: Mensah-Bonsu Melvin , Dingha Beatrice N. , Jackai Louis E. N. , Adjei-Fremah Sarah , Worku Mulumebet
Published: January 2020

The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB),Halyomorpha halys, (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) a highly polyphagous invasive pest from Asia, has become a major agricultural pest in the United States. Laboratory experiments were conducted to determine nymph and adult BMSB preference for bell peppers of different colours (red, yellow, green, and orange). Peppers were presented to BMSB using a Dual Choice Arena Test (DCAT) with and without a standard (cowpea pod). The experiments were video recorded using the Noldus ObserverXT video system. A 4-arm olfactometer was used to determine plant volatile involvement in observed preferences. The Pierce Bicinchoninic Acid Protein assay was used to measure total protein concentration of the peppers. Results on preference measured by a Preference Index (PI, range 0–2), showed that nymphs and adults preferred peppers (PI ≥ 1.1) over cowpea pod. In a pairwise DCAT with all possible combinations, orange-coloured pepper was preferred over all the other peppers. Olfactometer test indicated thatH. halyswere more attracted to red and yellow peppers. Orange peppers showed the highest protein concentration whilst green peppers showed the least protein concentration.
Profiles of mathematics teachers’ competence and their relation to instructional quality
Authors: Blömeke Sigrid , Kaiser Gabriele , König Johannes , Jentsch Armin
Published: January 2020

Most of the research examining the relation between instructional quality (INQUA) and mathematics teachers’ competence was restricted to a limited set of competence facets. Furthermore, mostly variable-oriented approaches were applied that assume homogeneity of teacher competence. In our study, teacher competence is conceptualized as a comprehensive multi-dimensional construct including a broad range of subject-specific and generic facets regarding mathematics teachers’ knowledge, skills and beliefs, all assessed in a standardized way with well-established instruments. In our person-oriented approach, applying latent profile analysis, we examined whether it was possible to identify subgroups of teachers with different competence profiles. These profiles were then related to the generic and subject-specific INQUA implemented. The exploratory study was carried out with 77 secondary mathematics teachers from Germany as part of the projects TEDS Instruct and TEDS Validate. The data revealed four competence profiles that differed quantitatively and qualitatively. The profiles were related to different types of INQUA, and the relations indicate a need of strong levels of knowledge and skills for high INQUA but a lesser relevance of learning beliefs related to the dynamic nature of mathematics. In addition, our results indicate a need of a stronger subject-specific operationalization of INQUA in contrast to previously dominating generic conceptualizations.
Numerical and experimental investigation of out-of-plane fiber waviness on the mechanical properties of composite materials
Authors: Thor M. , Mandel U. , Nagler M. , Maier F. , Tauchner J. , Sause M. G. R. , Hinterhölzl R. M.
Published: January 2020

The limited capability to predict material failure in composite materials and specifically in wavy composite layers has led to high margins of safety for the design of composite structures. Thus, the full lightweight potential of this class of materials is left unused. To understand the complex failure behavior of composite materials containing out-of-plane fiber waviness under compressive and tensile loading, a non-linear 2D material model was implemented in ABAQUS and validated with extensive experimental test data from compression and tensile tests. Each test was recorded by a stereo camera system for digital image correlation to resolve damage initiation and propagation in detail. This study has shown excellent agreement of numerical simulations with experimental data. In a virtual testing approach various parameters, i.e. amplitude, wavelength and laminate thickness, have been studied. It was found that the failure mode changed from delamination to kink shear band formation with increasing laminate thickness. The wavelength has shown minor influences compared to amplitude and laminate thickness.
Geological Heritage, Geotourism and Local Development in Aggtelek National Park (NE Hungary)
Authors: Telbisz Tamás , Gruber Péter , Mari László , Kőszegi Margit , Bottlik Zsolt , Standovár Tibor
Published: January 2020

We examine how geoconservation and geotourism can help the local development of an economically underdeveloped karst area. First, we briefly present the geoheritage of Aggtelek National Park, which largely overlaps the area of the Aggtelek Karst. The area is built up predominantly of Triassic limestones and dolomites. It is a typical temperate zone, medium mountain karst area with doline-dotted karst plateaus and tectonic-fluvial valleys. Besides caves, the past history of iron mining also enriches its geoheritage. Aggtelek National Park was set aside in 1985. The caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst became part of the UNESCO World Heritage in 1995 due to the high diversity of cave types and morphology. Socially, the area of the national park is a disadvantaged border region in NE Hungary. Baradla Cave has always been a popular tourist destination, but visitor numbers fell significantly after 1985. Tourism is largely focused on Baradla Cave, and thus it can be considered “sensu lato” geotourism. Reasons for the changes in visitor numbers are discussed in this paper. Tourist motivations, the significance of geotourism and other tourism-related issues were explored in our study by questionnaire surveys and semi-structured interviews. Furthermore, the balance of geoconservation versus bioconservation is also examined. Finally, the relationship of geotourism, nature protection and local development is discussed. We conclude that the socio-economic situation of the Aggtelek Karst microregion is relatively better than that of the neighbouring regions, and this relative welfare is due to the existence of the national park and Baradla Cave.
DNA Mismatch Repair Deficiency Detection in Colorectal Cancer by a New Microsatellite Instability Analysis System
Authors: Wu Shafei , Liu Xiaoding , Wang Jing , Zhou Weixun , Guan Mei , Liu Yuanyuan , Pang Junyi , Lu Tao , Zhou Liangrui , Shi Xiaohua , Wu Huanwen , Liang Zhiyong , Zeng Xuan
Published: January 2020

Background

Although microsatellite instability (MSI) is most commonly detected in colorectal cancer (CRC), improvement in MSI analysis method can always help us better assessing MSI phenotypes and gaining useful information in challenging cases. The purpose of current study is to explore whether the ProDx® MSI analysis System (ProDx® MSI) can improve MSI classification in CRC.

Methods

We compared the MSI profiles of 97 FFPE samples from CRC patients by ProDx® MSI with Promega MSI analysis System 1.2 and NCI panel. The result is then confirmed by IHC test, which evaluate MMR protein expression. Furthermore, next generation sequencing was performed to double confirm the specimens with discordant results.

Results

Among the total 97 CRC cases, 35 were scored as MSI-High by ProDx® MSI, Promega MSI analysis System 1.2, and NCI panel simultaneously. Three extra MSI-High cases were identified by ProDx® MSI. These three cases were classified as MSI-Low by NCI panel, while two of these as MSI-Low, and 1 as MSS by Promega MSI analysis System 1.2. ProDx® MSI had higher concordance with IHC detection compared with Promega MSI Analysis System 1.2 and NCI panel at 99.0%, 96.9%, and 95.9%, respectively. The ProDx® MSI distinguished MSI status with 100% sensitivity and 98.4% specificity. Our data showed that MSI-High phenotype occurred most frequently in tumor development stage I and stage II.

Conclusions

The colorectal cancer can be classified according to MSI status accurately by ProDx® MSI. More cases with MSI-High feature may be revealed by ProDx® MSI than by previous test systems in colorectal cancer.