bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Child–display interaction: Lessons learned on touchless avatar-based large display interfaces
Authors: Rubegni Elisa , Gentile Vito , Malizia Alessio , Sorce Salvatore , Kargas Niko
Published: October 2020

During the last decade, touchless gestural interfaces have been widely studied as one of the most promising interaction paradigms in the context of pervasive displays. In particular, avatars and silhouettes have proved to be effective in making the touchless capacity of displays self-evident. In this paper, we focus on a child–display interaction approach to avatar-based touchless gestural interfaces. We believe that large displays offer an opportunity to stimulate children’s experiences and engagement; for instance, learning about art is very engaging for children but can bring a number of challenges. Our study aims to contribute to the literature on both pervasive displays and child–computer interaction by reporting the results of a study involving 107 children aged 2 to 10 years. The main purposes of this study were to discover: (1) whether an avatar (movable or immovable) provides interactions that are intuitive for children and therefore help to overcome so-called “affordance blindness”; (2) whether an avatar-based touchless interface makes children’s experiences engaging and enjoyable therefore improving recall of content provided through the interaction (learning about art). The study unveiled relevant outcomes in terms of affordance blindness and two-handed interactions. We provide evidence indicating that chronological age influences the style of child–avatar interaction. Finally, it is suggested that avatars could facilitate the development of new effective educational technologies for young children.
Characterization of digestate microbial community structure following thermophilic anaerobic digestion with varying levels of green and food wastes
Authors: Fernandez-Bayo Jesus D , Simmons Christopher W , VanderGheynst Jean S
Published: October 2020

The properties of digestates generated through anaerobic digestion are influenced by interactions between the digester microbial communities, feedstock properties and digester operating conditions. This study investigated the effect of varying initial feedstock carbon to nitrogen (C/N) ratios on digestate microbiota and predicted abundance of genes encoding lignocellulolytic activity. The C/N ratio had a significant impact on the digestate microbiome. Feedstocks with intermediate C/N ratio (20–27) (where higher biomethane potential was observed) showed higher relative abundance of archaea compared to feedstocks with C/N ratios at 17 and 34. Within microbial networks, four microbial clusters and eight connector microorganisms changed significantly with the C/N ratio (P < 0.05). Feedstocks with C/N < 23 were richer in organisms from the family Thermotogaceae and genus Caldicoprobacter and enhanced potential for degradation of maltose, galactomannans, melobiose and lactose. This study provides new insights into how anaerobic digestion conditions relate to the structure and functional potential of digester microbial communities, which may be relevant to both digester performance and subsequent utilization of digestates for composting or amending soil.
Revealing the origin of wildcat reappearance after presumed long-term absence
Authors: Mueller Sarah A. , Reiners Tobias E. , Steyer Katharina , von Thaden Alina , Tiesmeyer Annika , Nowak Carsten
Published: October 2020

Following severe population decline and local extinction due to massive habitat destruction and persecution, wildcats have recently reappeared in several parts of Germany’s low mountain region. It remains unknown how this reemergence occurred, specifically if local populations have been overlooked at low densities or if the species has successfully spread across the highly fragmented anthropogenic landscape. In the central German Rhön Mountains, for instance, wildcats were believed to be extinct during most of the twentieth century, however, the species was recently detected and subsequent genetic monitoring found the presence of a sizeable population. In this study, we used microsatellite and SNP genotypes from 146 wildcat individuals from 2008 to 2017 across a ~ 15,000 km2area in the central German low mountain region to understand the population re-establishment of wildcats in the region. Bayesian clustering and subsequent analyses revealed that animals in the Rhön Mountains appear to be a mix from the two adjacent populations in the North and South of the area, suggesting a recent range expansion from two different directions. Both populations meet in the Rhön Biosphere Reserve, leading to an admixture of the northern, autochthonous, and the southern reintroduced wildcat population. While we cannot completely exclude the possibility of undetected population persistence, the high genetic homogeneity in the central German wildcat population and the lack of any signatures of past population decline in the Rhön favor a scenario of natural expansion. Our findings thus suggest that wildcats are well capable of rapid range expansion across richly structured landscape mosaics consisting of open land, settlements, and forest patches and document the potential of massive non-invasive genetic sampling when aiming to reconstruct the complex population and range dynamics of wildlife.
Robotic resection for esophageal cancer
Authors: Kersebaum Jan-Niclas , Möller Thorben , Becker Thomas , Egberts Jan-Hendrik
Published: October 2020

Background

In the surgical treatment of esophageal cancer, complete tumor resection is the most important factor and determines long-term survival. With an increase in robotic expertise in other fields of surgery, robotic-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) was born. Currently, there is a lack of convincing data on the extent of expected benefits (perioperative and oncologic outcomes and/or quality of life). Some evidence exists that patients’ overall quality of life and physical function improves, with less fatigue and pain 3 months after surgery. We aimed to review the available literature regarding robotic esophagectomy, compare perioperative, oncologic, and quality of life outcomes with open and minimally invasive approaches, and give a brief overview of our standardized four-arm RAMIE technique and explore future directions.

Methods

A Medline (PubMed) search was conducted including the following key words: esophagectomy, minimally invasive esophagectomy, robotic esophagectomy, Ivor Lewis and McKeown. We present the history, different techniques used, outcomes, and the standardization of robotic esophagectomy.

Results

Robotic esophagectomy offers a steeper learning curve with fewer complications but comparable oncological results compared to conventional minimally invasive esophagectomy.

Conclusions

Available studies suggest that RAMIE is associated with benefits regarding length of stay, clinical outcomes, and quality of life—if patients are treated in an experienced center with a standardized technique for robotic esophagectomy—making it a potentially beneficial tool in the treatment of esophageal cancer. However, center-wide standardization and prospective data collection will be a necessity to prove superiority of robotic esophagectomy.
Bifurcation and dynamic behavior analysis of a rotating cantilever plate in subsonic airflow
Authors: Ma Li , Yao Minghui , Zhang Wei , Cao Dongxing
Published: October 2020

Turbo-machineries, as key components, have a wide utilization in fields of civil, aerospace, and mechanical engineering. By calculating natural frequencies and dynamical deformations, we have explained the rationality of the series form for the aerodynamic force of the blade under the subsonic flow in our earlier studies. In this paper, the subsonic aerodynamic force obtained numerically is applied to the low pressure compressor blade with a low constant rotating speed. The blade is established as a pre-twist and presetting cantilever plate with a rectangular section under combined excitations, including the centrifugal force and the aerodynamic force. In view of the first-order shear deformation theory and von-Kármán nonlinear geometric relationship, the nonlinear partial differential dynamical equations for the warping cantilever blade are derived by Hamilton’s principle. The second-order ordinary differential equations are acquired by the Galerkin approach. With consideration of 1:3 internal resonance and 1/2 sub-harmonic resonance, the averaged equation is derived by the asymptotic perturbation methodology. Bifurcation diagrams, phase portraits, waveforms, and power spectrums are numerically obtained to analyze the effects of the first harmonic of the aerodynamic force on nonlinear dynamical responses of the structure.
Automated analysis and detection of abnormalities in transaxial anatomical cardiovascular magnetic resonance images: a proof of concept study with potential to optimize image acquisition
Authors: Howard James P. , Zaman Sameer , Ragavan Aaraby , Hall Kerry , Leonard Greg , Sutanto Sharon , Ramadoss Vijay , Razvi Yousuf , Linton Nick F. , Bharath Anil , Shun-Shin Matthew , Rueckert Daniel , Francis Darrel , Cole Graham
Published: October 2020

The large number of available MRI sequences means patients cannot realistically undergo them all, so the range of sequences to be acquired during a scan are protocolled based on clinical details. Adapting this to unexpected findings identified early on in the scan requires experience and vigilance. We investigated whether deep learning of the images acquired in the first few minutes of a scan could provide an automated early alert of abnormal features. Anatomy sequences from 375 CMR scans were used as a training set. From these, we annotated 1500 individual slices and used these to train a convolutional neural network to perform automatic segmentation of the cardiac chambers, great vessels and any pleural effusions. 200 scans were used as a testing set. The system then assembled a 3D model of the thorax from which it made clinical measurements to identify important abnormalities. The system was successful in segmenting the anatomy slices (Dice 0.910) and identified multiple features which may guide further image acquisition. Diagnostic accuracy was 90.5% and 85.5% for left and right ventricular dilatation, 85% for left ventricular hypertrophy and 94.4% for ascending aorta dilatation. The area under ROC curve for diagnosing pleural effusions was 0.91. We present proof-of-concept that a neural network can segment and derive accurate clinical measurements from a 3D model of the thorax made from transaxial anatomy images acquired in the first few minutes of a scan. This early information could lead to dynamic adaptive scanning protocols, and by focusing scanner time appropriately and prioritizing cases for supervision and early reporting, improve patient experience and efficiency.
Willow phenological modelling at different altitudes in central Italy
Authors: Orlandi Fabio , Ruga Luigia , Fornaciari Marco
Published: October 2020

In order to estimate the impact of climate change on the phenological parameters and to compare them with the historical record, a decision support system (DSS) has been applied employing a Phenological Modelling Platform. Biological observations of two willow species (Salix acutifolia and smithiana Willd) in 3 gardens at different altitudes located in Central Italy were utilized to identify suitable phenological models related to four main vegetative phase timings (BBCH11, BBCH91, BBCH 94, BBCH95), and male full flowering (BBCH 65) clearly identifiable in these species. The present investigation identifies the best phenological models for the main phenophases allowing their practical application as real-time monitoring and plant development prediction tools. Sigmoid model revealed high performances in simulating spring vegetative phases, BBCH11 (First leaves unfolded), and BBCH91 (Shoot and foliage growth completed). Salix acutifolia Willd. development appeared to be more related to temperature amount interpreted by phenological models in comparison to Salix smithiana Willd. above all during spring (BBCH11 and 91), probably due to a different grade of phenotypic plasticity between the 2 considered species.
About time: the narrowing gender wage gap in Austria
Authors: Böheim René , Fink Marian , Zulehner Christine
Published: October 2020

We examine the gender wage gap in Austria from 2005 to 2017 using data from EU-SILC. The raw gap of hourly wages declined from 18.6 log points in 2005 to 14.9 log points in 2017. We use standard decomposition techniques that correct for differences in the distributions of human capital and other variables between men and women. Decompositions of the wage gap indicate that both the explained and the unexplained part of the gender wage gap decreased substantially over the last ten years. Using the approach developed by Neumark (J Hum Resour 22:279–295, 1988), the unexplained wage gap shrank from 8.7 log points in 2005 to 5.1 log points in 2017. The main reason for the decline in wage differences was the relative improvement of women’s observed and unobserved characteristics.
Individual variability in stable isotope turnover rates of epidermal mucus according to body size in an omnivorous fish
Authors: Winter Emily R. , Britton J. Robert
Published: October 2020

Epidermal mucus (‘mucus’) is increasingly applied to fish ecological studies based on stable isotope analysis (SIA) due to its non-invasive collection. However, knowledge on mucus SI turnover rates of individual fish remains limited, including uncertainty over how they are influenced by fish body sizes. Here, a diet switch experiment predicted mucus SI turnover rates (δ13C and δ15N) as a function of time using samples taken over 200 days from 10 individually tagged common carp Cyprinus carpio covering two size groups. Non-linear mixed effects models revealed rapid turnover of both δ13C and δ15N (T50: 2–5 days; T95: 9–22 days); δ15N turnover rates were slower for the larger cohort, while δ13C turnover rates were independent of body size. Within size groups, turnover rates were not expected to vary between individuals. These experimental results suggest that due to these fast turnover rates, epidermal mucus can provide insights into the diets of fish over very short timeframes, although for δ15N the body size of the fish needs consideration.
Algae and Bioguano as promising source of organic fertilizers
Authors: Atzori Giulia , Nissim Werther Guidi , Rodolfi Liliana , Niccolai Alberto , Biondi Natascia , Mancuso Stefano , Tredici Mario R.
Published: October 2020

The projected population growth implies an increased food demand with a severe impact on Earth’s natural resources. Improving crops yield without compromising the environment will be one of the main challenges of the next decades. Among the practices that can promote sustainable agriculture, organic fertilizers, and seaweeds in particular, are receiving growing attention. The aim of the current study was to test two macroalgae (Chaetomorphasp. andCystoseirasp.), one microalga (ChlorellaCH2) and Bioguano (a mixture of macroalgae, spirulina, and guano) as organic fertilizers for the growth of barley seedlings. Remarkable plant growth was obtained on Bioguano, with seedlings showing a comparable total biomass yield with respect to the positive control plants on mineral fertilizer. Plants growth on macroalgae was reduced, even if inChaetomorphasp. not significantly compared to the positive control. Plants growth onChlorellaCH2 was close to that of the negative control (only water). Plants on Bioguano attained high uptake efficiencies of N (60%) and K (41%). Plants on macroalgae showed high N, and especially P (about 30%) uptake efficiency. Our results suggest a high potential for Bioguano and, to a lesser extent, for macroalgae without any synthetic fertilizer application to be used as growing substrates for crops.
“En la Lucha”: Strategies to Improve HIV Care for Puerto Ricans with Opioids Use Disorders
Authors: Muñoz-Laboy Miguel , Bamford Laura , Benitez Jose , Zisman-Ilani Yaara , Ripkin Alexandra , del Castillo Laura , Esteves-Camacho Tracy , de la Cruz Mario , Katumkeeryil Elby
Published: October 2020

Background

Clínica Bienestar is a comprehensive HIV primary care clinic for Spanish-speaking Latinx with opioids use disorders (OUD). This article describes the barriers and trajectories to HIV viral suppression for Puerto Ricans with a transnational profile and dual diagnoses (HIV and OUD), and the strategies applied to increase retention in care.

Methods

Case study methodology was used to select two patient life histories that illustrate the most common pathways to success in reducing HIV viral load to undetectable and achieving OUD long-term recovery.

Results and Discussion

Patients’ major challenges included: (1) Persistent migrating while seeking substance use treatment services with limited or no support from their sending and hosting communities; (2) Intersectional stigmas; (3) Untreated trauma; (4) Language and cultural barriers. Clínica Bienestar’s service model included ten strategies to retain patients in care (e.g., Case management to identify cases with high social isolation), six emerged as central to addressing transnational challenges.
Covid-19 and the Apocalypse: Religious and Secular Perspectives
Authors: Dein Simon
Published: October 2020

The current Covid-19 pandemic has led to existential crises. One way of finding meaning in this is through apocalyptic narratives. We differentiate between religious (based upon eschatology) and secular apocalypticism (based upon radical political and economic change) and argue that both are to be found in the wake of Covid-19 infection. For religious believers, the apocalypse signifies the rapture of the faithful into heaven while those on earth will undergo the tribulations. For secular believers, the apocalypse signifies sociopolitical change. The paper ends by speculating upon the socio-political and economic changes during and after the pandemic- the New Jerusalem.
Early Antecedents of School Burnout in Upper Secondary Education: A Five-year Longitudinal Study
Authors: Parviainen Milja , Aunola Kaisa , Torppa Minna , Lerkkanen Marja-Kristiina , Poikkeus Anna-Maija , Vasalampi Kati
Published: October 2020

School burnout symptoms are prevalent among upper secondary education students, but thus far, very little is known about the background of these symptoms. The present study examined the extent to which school burnout symptoms (i.e., exhaustion and cynicism) among upper secondary education students have their roots in primary and lower secondary school and whether early antecedents of school burnout symptoms could be identified. The sample consisted of 1544 Finnish students followed up four times (Time1–Time 4) from the end of primary school (T1; mean age 12.74 and range 11.71–14.20) to the first year of upper secondary education (T4; mean age 16.66 and range 15.55–18.39). The results of latent growth curve modeling showed that school burnout symptoms in upper secondary education were predicted by the level of school burnout symptoms at the end of primary school and by an increase in these symptoms across the transition from primary school through lower secondary school. In addition, psychological well-being, academic skills, and gender were found to contribute to the prediction of school burnout symptoms. Overall, the present study suggest that potential warning signs of school burnout should not be ignored and attention should be directed to earlier education phases.
Use of silver–bentonite in sorption of chloride and iodide ions
Authors: Buzetzky Dóra , Nagy Noémi M. , Kónya József
Published: October 2020

Ag–bentonite was prepared by ion exchange process to sorb iodide and chloride ions in batch experiments. The modified bentonite was examined with XRF and XRD. 75% of the cation exchange capacity was exchanged by silver ions. It was found that the sorption of chloride ions is an exothermic precipitation process because the solubility decreases with increasing temperature. In the case of iodide sorption, the dissolution of AgI was observed under high concentration of non-radioactive iodide ions, which is well known in analytical chemistry. The phenomenon occurs not only in the bulk aqueous phase but also in the interlayer space of montmorillonite.
Correction to: Assessing the impacts of having a child with achondroplasia on parent well-being
Authors: Pfeiffer Kathryn M. , Brod Meryl , Smith Alden , Gianettoni Jill , Viuff Dorthe , Ota Sho , Charlton R. Will
Published: October 2020

In the original publication, the summary statistics for child BMI in Tables 2 and 8 were incorrect. The correct version of tables (with updated summary statistics) are provided in this correction.
Každyj den’ turist *otdoxnul na pljaže. An event-related potentials study on the processing of aspectual violation in Russian iterative sentences
Authors: Zeller Jan Patrick , Clasmeier Christina
Published: October 2020

The treatment of verbal aspect in Russian grammar and its interaction with lexical semantics are controversial matters. We address these issues from a psycholinguistic perspective. We conducted an EEG study with 14 native Russian speakers processing 160 sentences in the unrestrictedly iterative meaning; the sentences were either correct or contained semantic, morpho-syntactic, or aspectual violations (e.g., Každyj večer otec *zasnulpfvna divane. ‘Every evening the father *fell asleep on the sofa’). Processing the aspectual violation resulted in a P600, which is typical for processing morpho-syntactic violations and usually is interpreted as an index of difficulties in syntactic (re-)analysis, while an N400, which is typical for processing lexico-semantic violations, could not be observed. Our results show that Russian speakers must make more effort to analyze aspectually incorrect sentences compared with aspectually correct sentences. Processing aspectual violations in Russian clearly resembles processing of morpho-syntactic violations. This is in line with the interpretation of aspect as a typical grammatical category.
Closing the loop in a constructed wetland for the improvement of metal removal: the use of Phragmites australis biomass harvested from the system as biosorbent
Authors: Bianchi Elisabetta , Coppi Andrea , Nucci Simone , Antal Alexandra , Berardi Chiara , Coppini Ester , Fibbi Donatella , Del Bubba Massimo , Gonnelli Cristina , Colzi Ilaria
Published: October 2020

Among the numerous clean-up techniques for water treatment, sorption methods are widely used for the removal of trace metals. Phragmites australis is a macrophyte commonly used in constructed wetlands for water purification, and in the last decades, its use as biosorbent has attracted increasing attention. In view of a circularly economy approach, this study investigated improvement of trace metal removal by recycling the biomass of P. australis colonizing a constructed wetland, which operates as post-treatment of effluent wastewater from an activated sludge plant serving the textile industrial district of Prato (Italy). After the annual mowing of the reed plants, the biomass was dried and blended to derive a sustainable and eco-friendly biosorbent and its sorption capacity for Fe, Cu, and Zn was investigated comparing the batch system with the easier-to-handle column technique. The possibility of regeneration and reuse of the biosorbent was also evaluated. The biomaterial showed an interesting sorption capacity for Cu, Fe, and Zn, both in batch and in column experiments, especially for Fe ions. The immobilization of the biosorbent in column filters induced some improvement in the removal efficiency, and, in addition, this operation mode has the advantage of being much more suitable for practical applications than the batch process.
Correction to: Non-isothermal Phase-Field Modeling of Heat–Melt–Microstructure-Coupled Processes During Powder Bed Fusion
Authors: Yang Yangyiwei , Kühn Patrick , Yi Min , Egger Herbet , Xu Bai-Xiang
Published: October 2020

The article “Non-isothermal Phase-Field Modeling of Heat–Melt–Microstructure-Coupled Processes During Powder Bed Fusion” written by Yang et al. was originally published electronically on the publisher’s internet portal on January 17, 2020 without open access.
Cardiovascular Safety of Anagrelide Hydrochloride versus Hydroxyurea in Essential Thrombocythaemia
Authors: Gotic Mirjana , Egyed Miklos , Gercheva Liana , Warzocha Krzysztof , Kvasnicka Hans Michael , Achenbach Heinrich , Wu Jingyang
Published: October 2020

Essential thrombocythaemia (ET) is a rare myeloproliferative neoplasm. This multicentre, Phase 3b, randomised, open-label, non-inferiority study investigated the cardiac safety, efficacy and tolerability of first-line treatment with anagrelide or hydroxyurea in high-risk ET patients for up to 3 years. Eligible patients aged ≥ 18 years with a diagnosis of high-risk ET confirmed by bone marrow biopsy within 6 months of randomisation received anagrelide (n = 75) or hydroxyurea (n = 74), administered twice daily. Treatment dose for either compound was titrated to the lowest dose needed to achieve a response. Planned primary outcome measures were change in left ventricular ejection fraction from baseline over time and platelet count at Month 6. Planned secondary outcome measures were platelet count change from baseline at Months 3 and 36; percentage of patients with complete or partial response; time to complete or partial response; number of patients with thrombohaemorrhagic events; and changes in white blood cell count or red blood cell count over time. Neither treatment altered cardiac function. There were no significant differences in adverse events between treatment groups, and no reports of malignant transformation. The incidence of disease-related thrombotic or haemorrhagic events was numerically higher in anagrelide-treated patients. Both treatments controlled platelet counts at 6 months, with the majority of patients experiencing complete or partial responses. In conclusion, these results suggest that long-term treatment with anagrelide is not associated with adverse effects on cardiac function. This is one of the few studies using left ventricular ejection fraction assessment and central biopsy reading to confirm the diagnosis of ET.

Trial registration number: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT00202644
Mindful Age and Technology: a Qualitative Analysis of a Tablet/Smartphone App Intervention Designed for Older Adults
Authors: Vailati Riboni Francesco , Sadowski Isabel , Comazzi Benedetta , Pagnini Francesco
Published: October 2020

The global population is aging while modern healthcare systems are responding with limited success to the growing care demands of the senior population. Capitalizing on recent technological advancements, new ways to improve older adults’ quality of life have recently been implemented. The current study investigated, from a qualitative point of view, the utility of a mindfulness-based smartphone application for older adults. A description of the older adults’ experience with the smartphone application designed to enhance well-being and mindfulness will be presented. Participants’general beliefs about the benefits of technology for personal well-being will also be discussed. 68 older adults were recruited from different education centers for seniors. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: a) a treatment group, which received the smartphone application intervention (n = 34), or b) a waitlist control group (n = 34). The experimental intervention included the utilization of a smartphone app designed specifically for improving older adult well-being and mindfulness levels. Participants completed semi-structured interviews evaluating participants’ treatment experience and technology-acceptance at recruitment (T0, baseline) and post-intervention (T1, post-intervention). Through thematic analysis, four themes were identified from verbatim responses of both interviews: Utility of technology for health, Impressions of technology, Mindful-benefits of smartphone application usage, and Smartphone application usage as a means to improve interpersonal relationships. Participants showed a positive experience of the app intervention. Qualitative analysis underlined the main Mindfulness-benefits reported by participants and the potentially crucial role of “Langerian” mindfulness in the relationship between older adults and health technology.
Do people choose happiness? Anticipated happiness affects both intuitive and deliberative decision-making
Authors: Kumalasari Asteria D. , Karremans Johan C. , Dijksterhuis Ap
Published: October 2020

People make choices among different options for different reasons. We hypothesized that people will choose the options that they believe will make them happier and that this effect of anticipated happiness on decision-making will be moderated by style of thinking (i.e., intuitive or deliberative). In a two-phase online experiment, 15 pairs of options were randomly presented one at a time, and participants indicated the extent to which each option would contribute to their happiness (i.e. anticipated happiness of a choice option). One week later, participants were randomly assigned to make choices on similar pairs of options either by using deliberative thinking or intuitive thinking. Results of a linear mixed-effects model analysis revealed that anticipated happiness influenced choices significantly. However, this occurred independent of whether participants made the choice in a deliberative or in an intuitive mindset. The implications of these findings for understanding the association between decision-making and happiness are discussed.
Comparing the extent of breast cancer tumors through contrast-enhanced ultrasound vs B-mode, opposed with pathology: evergreen study
Authors: Shima Hiroaki , Okuno Toshitaka , Nakamura Takashi , Noro Aya , Noma Midori , Sato Megumi , Kaga Terumi , Mituzuka Yukio , Kamei Keitaro , Imayoshi Yumi , Ito Toshikazu , Kanazawa Shinsaku , Kato Kumiko , Kutomi Goro , Sekiguchi Ryuzo , Mori Mitsuru , Tadashi Hasegawa , Hirai Toshiko , Takemasa Ichiro
Published: October 2020

Background

To prove the efficacy of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in determining the extent of resection, more evidence about B-mode and CEUS as opposed to pathology is required. We compared maximum tumor width measured on B-mode/CEUS images with that determined pathologically.

Methods

In this retrospective multicenter study, 152 operable breast cancer patients who had undergone both B-mode and CEUS were analyzed. Maximum tumor width on B-mode and CEUS, and on the postoperative pathological examination (P), was measured by the participating investigators. In addition, maximum width was assessed in B-mode and CEUS image sets by independent reviewers blinded to all patient information. We analyzed differences in maximum width between CEUS, B-mode and P.

Results

The mean widths as measured by the participating investigators were 15 ± 7 mm (B-mode), 19 ± 8 mm (CEUS), and 17 ± 9 mm (P). The difference subtracted P from B-mode was − 3 ± 7 mm (p < 0.0001), and that from CEUS was 1 ± 6 mm (p = 0.0163). The mean widths as measured by the independent reviewers were 16 ± 7 mm (B-mode) and 18 ± 7 mm (CEUS). The difference subtracted P from B-mode was − 2 ± 8 mm (p = 0.0114), while that from CEUS was 1 ± 7 mm (p = 0.1921).

Conclusions

Maximum lesion width measurement showed a tendency to increase in the order of B-mode, to P and CEUS. The difference in measurement between P and B-mode was significant, but there was no significant between CEUS and P. These results provide additional information of tendency patterns in measuring the maximum lesion width through enhancement on CEUS.
Pancreatic solid pseudopapillary neoplasm in male patients: systematic review with three new cases
Authors: Milanetto Anna Caterina , Gais Zürcher Anna-Lea , Macchi Lorenzo , David Alina , Pasquali Claudio
Published: October 2020

Pancreatic solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (pSPN) is a rare exocrine neoplasm, which generally occurs in young women. This study analyses the clinical characteristics of pSPN in male patients through a systematic review of the literature, adding three new cases from our institution. We reviewed our experience in Pspns, and we performed a systematic review of pSPN of all articles published in English in PubMed and SCOPUS from 1980. Using the final included articles, we evaluated clinic-pathological features, surgical treatment and prognosis of male patients affected by pSPN. From the literature review and our cases, we collected 246 male patients with a proven pSPN. Mean age was 34.3 (range 4–78) years, with 26.2% patients younger than 18 years. Patients were asymptomatic in 35.9% of cases, despite a mean tumour size of 6.3 cm. In 63.7% of cases, the pSPN was located in the body–tail region. Distant metastases were reported at diagnosis in only 10 (4.1%) patients. A correct pre-operative diagnosis (including cytopathology) was provided in 53.6% of patients, with only 40 fine-needle aspiration/biopsy performed. Standard pancreatic resections represented 90.4% of surgical procedures. Beta-catenin and progesterone receptors were positive at immunostaining in 100% and 77.8% of cases, respectively. Fourteen (7.2%) patients relapsed after a mean disease-free survival of 43.1 months. After a mean follow-up of 47 (range 4–180) months, 89.5% of patients were alive and disease-free. Although rare, when dealing with a solid-cystic pancreatic mass, even in asymptomatic male patients, a pSPN should be considered as a possible diagnosis.
Barriers to Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis for Young Women and Girls: a Systematic Review
Authors: Lockwood Estrin Georgia , Milner Victoria , Spain Debbie , Happé Francesca , Colvert Emma
Published: October 2020

There is increased recognition that women and girls with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are underserved by the clinical criteria and processes required to receive a diagnosis. This mixed-methods systematic review aimed to identify key barriers to obtaining an ASD diagnosis in girls and young women under 21 years. Six themes were identified that focused on perceived gendered symptoms, namely behavioural problems, social and communication abilities, language, relationships, additional diagnoses/difficulties and restricted and repetitive behaviours and interests. Five themes were identified as (parental) perceived barriers to diagnosis, namely compensatory behaviours, parental concerns, others’ perceptions, lack of information/resources and clinician bias. This review highlights the importance of enhancing widespread understanding and recognition of ASD presentation in females across development. PROSPERO Centre for Reviews and Dissemination (ID 2018 CRD42018087235)
Designing for the co-Orchestration of Social Transitions between Individual, Small-Group and Whole-Class Learning in the Classroom
Authors: Olsen Jennifer K. , Rummel Nikol , Aleven Vincent
Published: October 2020

Educational technologies are often developed such that students work on specific social levels (e.g., individual, small group, whole class) at specific times. However, in the reality of the classroom, learning activities are not so cleanly divided, with transitions occurring between social levels for students at different times. To support these social transitions in a way that can promote student learning, we need to lower the teacher’s orchestration load around managing fluid social transitions. Co-orchestration, in which the orchestration decisions are shared between different parties, can help to lower the orchestration load when it is designed according to the teacher’s values and classroom culture. In this paper, we present a taxonomy of social transitions and investigate how the responsibilities of orchestration can be divided between primary school teachers and a co-orchestration system in order to support the extension from rigid social transitions to fluid transitions in technology-enhanced classrooms. Across two studies, we used a design process involving co-design and prototyping with teachers. We uncovered and refined co-orchestration design desires that balance teachers’ orchestration loads while providing them with a sense of control. We present six design desires for maintaining a balance between teacher and system responsibilities regarding the orchestration of social transitions that can be implemented, such as in our mid-fidelity prototype, to support the range of social transitions. The list of desires contributes to co-orchestration research and more broadly technology design for classrooms by highlighting the changing balance of teacher control depending on what is the focus of the orchestration support.
Diagnostic accuracy of anti-phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) antibodies in idiopathic membranous nephropathy: an Italian experience
Authors: Porcelli Brunetta , Guarnieri Andrea , Ferretti Fabio , Garosi Guido , Terzuoli Lucia , Cinci Francesca , Tabucchi Antonella , Tampoia Marilina , Abbracciavento Letizia , Villani Chiara , Deleonardi Gaia , Grondona Ana Gabriela , Mazzolini Marcello , La Manna Gaetano , Santostefano Marisa , Infantino Maria , Manfredi Mariangela , Spatoliatore Giuseppe , Rosati Alberto , Somma Chiara , Bizzaro Nicola
Published: October 2020

Background

Autoantibodies against-phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) are specific markers of idiopathic membranous nephropathy (iMN). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is becoming the preferred method in many laboratories for the determination of anti-PLA2R antibodies, because it provides quantitative results, and is not prone to subjective interpretation, as is the case with indirect immunofluorescence assay.

Methods

The purpose of our study was to determine the diagnostic performance of serum PLA2R antibodies detected by commercially available ELISA in a large Italian multicenter cohort of patients with biopsy-proven iMN and in patients with other renal diseases, with special focus on evaluating the optimal cut-off value to discriminate positive and negative results. A total of 495 consecutive patients were recruited. Renal biopsies were performed in all patients, and blood samples were taken before the initiation of immunosuppressive treatment.

Results

According to the clinical diagnosis and to kidney biopsy, 126 patients were diagnosed with iMN and 369 had other non-membranous nephropathies. Anti-PLA2R autoantibodies were detected using a commercial anti-PLA2R ELISA. At a cut-off value of 20 relative units (RU)/ml indicated by the manufacturer for positive classification, sensitivity was 61.1% and specificity 99.7%. At a cut-off value of 14 RU/ml indicated by the manufacturer for borderline results, sensitivity was 63.5% and specificity remained the same (99.7%). At a cut-off of 2.7 RU/ml, selected as the optimal cut-off on the basis of ROC curve analysis, sensitivity was 83.3% and specificity 95.1%. The best overall efficiency of the test was observed at 2.7 RU/ml; however, the highest positive likelihood ratio and diagnostic odds ratio were achieved at 14 RU/ml. A cut-off threshold higher than 14 RU/ml or lower than 2.7 RU/ml entailed worse test performance.

Conclusion

Depending on the clinical use (early diagnosis or as a support to confirm clinical diagnosis), nephrologists may take advantage of this evidence by choosing the most convenient cut-off. However, renal biopsy remains mandatory for the definitive diagnosis of iMN and for the assessment of disease severity.
Aristotle on Language and Style
Authors: Kotarcic Ana
Published: October 2020

This is the first systematic analysis of Aristotle's concept of lexis. Ana Kotarcic argues that it should be approached on three interconnected levels: the first dealing with language as a system, the second with actual language usage, into which sociolinguistic factors come into play, and the third with prescriptions for the kind of language to be used in poetic and rhetorical compositions. She introduces ideas and concepts from classics and modern linguistics into the analysis alongside the philosophical approaches which have prevailed until now. The results reveal that Aristotle's ideas on lexis are complex, well-developed and intimately connected to many other fundamental concepts in his works, such as aretē, energeia, ēthos, logos, mimēsis, pathos, phantasia and technē. A major component of his thought is therefore illuminated comprehensively for the first time.
Victorian Women and Wayward Reading
Authors: Palacios Knox Marisa
Published: October 2020

In the nineteenth century, no assumption about female reading generated more ambivalence than the supposedly feminine facility for identifying with fictional characters. The belief that women were more impressionable than men inspired a continuous stream of anxious rhetoric about “female quixotes”: women who would imitate inappropriate characters or apply incongruous frames of reference from literature to their own lives. While the overt cultural discourse portrayed female literary identification as passive and delusional, Palacios Knox reveals increasing accounts of Victorian women wielding literary identification as a deliberate strategy. Wayward women readers challenged dominant assumptions about “feminine reading” and, by extension, femininity itself. Victorian Women and Wayward Reading contextualizes crises about female identification as reactions to decisive changes in the legal, political, educational, and professional status of women over the course of the nineteenth century: changes that wayward reading helped women first to imagine and then to enact.
Identity Development during STEM Integration for Underrepresented Minority Students
Authors: Kuchynka Sophie L. , Gates Alexander E. , Rivera Luis M.
Published: October 2020

Over the past three decades, research efforts and interventions have been implemented across the United States to increase the persistence of underrepresented minority (URM) students in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). This Element systematically compares STEM interventions that offer resources and opportunities related to mentorship, research, and more. We organize the findings of this literature into a multi-phase framework of STEM integration and identity development. We propose four distinct phases of STEM integration: Phase 1: High School; Phase 2: Summer before College; Phase 3: First Year of College; and Phase 4: Second Year of College through Graduation. We combine tenets of theories about social identity, stereotypes and bias, and the five-factor operationalization of identity formation to describe each phase of STEM integration. Findings indicate the importance of exploration through exposure to STEM material, mentorship, and diverse STEM communities. We generalize lessons from STEM interventions to URM students across institutions.
Citizenship Reimagined
Authors: Colbern Allan , Ramakrishnan S. Karthick
Published: October 2020

The United States is entering a new era of progressive state citizenship, with California leading the way. A growing number of states are providing expanded rights to undocumented immigrants that challenge conventional understandings of citizenship as binary, unidimensional, and exclusively national. In Citizenship Reimagined, Allan Colbern and S. Karthick Ramakrishnan develop a precise framework for understanding and measuring citizenship as expansive, multi-dimensional, and federated - broader than legal status and firmly grounded in the provision of rights. Placing today's immigration battles in historical context, they show that today's progressive state citizenship is not unprecedented: US states have been leaders in rights expansion since America's founding, including over the fight for black citizenship and women's suffrage. The book invites readers to rethink how American federalism relates to minority rights and how state laws regulating undocumented residents can coexist with federal exclusivity over immigration law.
A strongly irreducible affine iterated function system with two invariant measures of maximal dimension
Authors: MORRIS IAN D. , SERT CAGRI
Published: October 2020

A classical theorem of Hutchinson asserts that if an iterated function system acts on

$\mathbb {R}^{d}$
by similitudes and satisfies the open set condition then it admits a unique self-similar measure with Hausdorff dimension equal to the dimension of the attractor. In the class of measures on the attractor, which arise as the projections of shift-invariant measures on the coding space, this self-similar measure is the unique measure of maximal dimension. In the context of affine iterated function systems it is known that there may be multiple shift-invariant measures of maximal dimension if the linear parts of the affinities share a common invariant subspace, or more generally if they preserve a finite union of proper subspaces of

$\mathbb {R}^{d}$
. In this paper we give an example where multiple invariant measures of maximal dimension exist even though the linear parts of the affinities do not preserve a finite union of proper subspaces.
Generation of polarized particle beams at relativistic laser intensities
Authors: Büscher Markus , Hützen Anna , Ji Liangliang , Lehrach Andreas
Published: October 2020

The acceleration of polarized electrons, positrons, protons and ions in strong laser and plasma fields is a very attractive option for obtaining polarized beams in the multi-mega-electron volt range. Recently, there has been substantial progress in the understanding of the dominant mechanisms leading to high degrees of polarization, in the numerical modeling of these processes and in their experimental implementation. This review paper presents an overview on the current state of the field, and on the concepts of polarized laser–plasma accelerators and of beam polarimetry.
INFINITE STRINGS AND THEIR LARGE SCALE PROPERTIES
Authors: KHOUSSAINOV BAKH , TAKISAKA TORU
Published: October 2020

The aim of this paper is to shed light on our understanding of large scale properties of infinite strings. We say that one string
$\alpha $
has weaker large scale geometry than that of
$\beta $
if there is color preserving bi-Lipschitz map from
$\alpha $
into
$\beta $
with small distortion. This definition allows us to define a partially ordered set of large scale geometries on the classes of all infinite strings. This partial order compares large scale geometries of infinite strings. As such, it presents an algebraic tool for classification of global patterns. We study properties of this partial order. We prove, for instance, that this partial order has a greatest element and also possess infinite chains and antichains. We also investigate the sets of large scale geometries of strings accepted by finite state machines such as Büchi automata. We provide an algorithm that describes large scale geometries of strings accepted by Büchi automata. This connects the work with the complexity theory. We also prove that the quasi-isometry problem is a
$\Sigma _2^0$
-complete set, thus providing a bridge with computability theory. Finally, we build algebraic structures that are invariants of large scale geometries. We invoke asymptotic cones, a key concept in geometric group theory, defined via model-theoretic notion of ultra-product. Partly, we study asymptotic cones of algorithmically random strings, thus connecting the topic with algorithmic randomness.