bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What Fatigue Means to Persons Living with Parkinson's Disease? A Qualitative Study
Authors: George Derek D. , Baer Nicholas K. , Berliner Jean M. , Jones Jacqueline , Kluger Benzi M.
Published: June 2021

Background

Fatigue is one of the most prevalent non‐motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD). Research is hampered by imprecise terminology and the lack of case definition criteria.

Objectives

To elicit the experiences of persons living with PD‐related fatigue and provide ecological validation for case definition criteria.

Methods

Qualitative interviews were conducted with 22 individuals and 4 focus groups, and analyzed using an inductive qualitative method.

Results

Six core themes emerged: (i) difficulty initiating and completing important tasks; (ii) desire for others to understand their fatigue experience; (iii) heterogeneity of experiences and descriptions of fatigue; (iv) complex relationships with other non‐motor symptoms; (v) variable self‐management strategies; and (vi) general alignment with proposed case definition criteria.

Conclusions

PD‐related fatigue impacts function, is subjectively distinguishable from other non‐motor symptoms, has heterogeneous descriptions, and may be mitigated by various self‐management strategies. Proposed case definition criteria appear ecologically valid and warrant further optimization and testing.
On asymptotically statistical equivalent functions on time scales
Authors: Sözbir Bayram , Altundağ Selma
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we introduce the concepts of asymptotically f‐statistical equivalence, asymptotically f‐lacunary statistical equivalence, and strong asymptotically f‐lacunary equivalence for non‐negative two delta measurable real‐valued functions defined on time scales with the aid of modulus function f. Furthermore, the relationships between these new concepts are investigated. We also present some inclusion theorems.
Artificial Intelligence in Cancer Care: Legal and Regulatory Dimensions
Authors: Gowda Vrushab , Kwaramba Tendai , Hanemann Cynthia , Garcia Jorge A. , Barata Pedro C.
Published: June 2021

Considering that artificial intelligence (AI) technologies have the potential to change cancer care, this article discusses the AI features of which oncologist should most be aware.
Exploration of a ternary deep eutectic solvent for the efficient extraction of plantamajoside, acteoside, quercetin and kaempferol from Plantago asiatica L.
Authors: Guo Huiling , Feng Chuanhua , Hu Lvjiang , Zhao Xiaojuan , Tang Xiaolin , Huang Yan , Luo Jiangnan , Xu Mengtian , Xie Wei
Published: June 2021

Introduction

In the present study, ternary deep eutectic solvent‐based ultrasound‐assisted extraction was developed for the efficient extraction of plantamajoside, acteoside, quercetin and kaempferol from Plantago asiatica L.

Methodology

Six kinds of choline chloride‐based ternary deep eutectic solvents (TDESs) were prepared as potential extraction solutions. In order to obtain optimal extraction efficiency, a series of extraction conditions were investigated by single‐factor test and orthogonal test.

Results

The extraction efficiency of choline chloride/lactic acid/ethylene glycol (ChCl‐LA‐EG) was much higher than that of other TDESs. ChCl‐LA‐EG‐11 synthesised with choline chloride, lactic acid and ethylene glycol (1:4:2) was considered to have a higher extraction efficiency. The optimal ultrasound‐assisted extraction conditions were as follows: water content in ChCl‐LA‐EG‐11, 50%; extraction temperature, 70°C; ratio of solid/liquid, 20 mg/mL; ultrasonic power, 60 W; extraction time, 35 min; pH of the solution, 8. Under the optimal extraction conditions, the extraction efficiencies of plantamajoside, acteoside, quercetin and kaempferol were 3.83 ± 0.41, 4.23 ± 0.45, 0.56 ± 0.15 and 0.19 ± 0.08 mg/g, respectively. The extraction efficiency of the total target components was 9.21 ± 0.63 mg/g, which was much higher than that of conventional solvents (water, methanol, ethanol, 50% methanol, 50% ethanol). The target components were isolated efficiently from the TDES solution by an AB‐8 macroporous resin column with a recovery rate of 95.6%.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that TDESs possessed excellent physical and chemical properties and had enormous potential for active component extraction of traditional Chinese medicinal materials.
Professional discrepancies of doctors and lawyers in episodic memory: Modulations of professional morality and warning
Authors: Nie Aiqing , Li Minye
Published: June 2021

Past investigations have consistently demonstrated the robust stereotype‐consistent effect in the circumstance of source memory but not always in item memory, including the case of professional stereotype. However, it remains unclear whether the effect still occurs in professional stereotype when considering the attributes of negative (or bad) or positive (or good); besides, it has not been concerned about how does warning work in remembering the professional stereotypical stimuli. The current experiments aimed to address these issues by adopting descriptive sentences as stimuli, which were related or unrelated to doctors and lawyers, and with different professional moral valences (negative, neutral, or positive). Item memory and source memory were tested successively. Experiment 1 without the explicit warning confirmed the reliable stereotype‐consistent effect solely in source memory; the modulation of professional morality on memory behaved differently between doctor and lawyer, that is, negativity bias versus positivity bias. When giving an explicit warning (Experiment 2), the stereotype‐consistent effect attenuated in the lawyer case, and the occurrence of negativity bias was sensitive to the memory task. Thus, our findings further reinforce the dual‐process model; both professional morality and warning work in memory of professional stereotype, depending upon the nature of the profession, the concerned memory task, and also the presence of warning. Implications are made for future research to consider more perspectives.
Concerted increases of FAE1 expression level and substrate availability improve and singularize the production of very‐long‐chain fatty acids in Arabidopsis seeds
Authors: Ma Shijie , Du Chang , Taylor David C. , Zhang Meng
Published: June 2021

Our initial goal was to evaluate the contributions of high 18:1 phosphatidylcholine and the expression level of FAE1 to the accumulation of very‐long‐chain fatty acids (VLCFAs), which have wide applications as industrial feedstocks. Unexpectedly, VLCFAs were not improved by increasing the proportions of 18:1 in fad2‐1 mutant, FAD2 artificial miRNA, and FAD2 co‐suppression lines. Expressing Arabidopsis FAE1 resulted in co‐suppression in 90% of transgenic lines, which was effectively released when it was expressed in the rdr6‐11 mutant host. When FAE1 could be highly expressed, apart from its naturally preferred product, 20:1, other saturated and polyunsaturated VLCFAs also accumulated in seeds. We postulated that overabundant FAE1 might cause the diversified VLCFA profile. When FAE1 was highly expressed, knocking down FAD2 increased the content of 20:1, suggesting that the 18:1 availability in the acyl‐CoA pool increased from the high 18:1‐PC via acyl editing. Concurrent decreases of side products like 22:1 and 20:0 in these lines suggest that increasing availability of the preferred substrate could suppress the side elongation reactions and reverse the effect of VLCFA product diversification due to overabundant FAE1. Re‐analysis of FAD2 knockdown lines indicated that increasing 18:1 led to a decrease of 22:1, which also supports the above hypothesis. These results demonstrate that 18:1 substrate could be increased by a downregulation of FAD2 and that a balance between the levels of enzyme and substrate may be crucial for engineering‐specific VLCFA products.
A probabilistic framework to achieve robust non‐fragile tuning methods: PD control of IPD‐modeled processes
Authors: Bahavarnia MirSaleh , Tavazoei Mohammad Saleh
Published: June 2021

We introduce a novel probabilistic framework to achieve robust non‐fragile tuning methods in control of processes with parametric uncertainties. We consider probability distributions to model the process parameters' uncertainties. First, we propose the tuning framework in a general setting. Then, as an illustration, we apply it to PD control of IPD‐modeled processes. It is noteworthy that the proposed tuning method is robust against the considered parametric uncertainties. Also, to empower the proposed robust tuning method in the viewpoint of non‐fragility, we utilize a centroid approach. Selecting the form of the probabilistic framework, we empirically observe some of the popular tuning methods are special cases of the proposed novel framework. Moreover, we theoretically/empirically make a comparison among the tuning methods in the literature based on non‐fragility and robustness via such a probabilistic framework.
A framework for the assessment of qualitative and quantitative sustainable development of groundwater system
Authors: Moghaddam Hamid Kardan , Banihabib Mohammad Ebrahim , Javadi Saman , Randhir Timothy O.
Published: June 2021

The groundwater mitigation issues and moving toward sustainable quality and quantity conditions of the aquifers are primary water resources management objectives in arid and semi‐arid regions. A framework is required to assess groundwater restoration strategies' impacts on the aquifer's qualitative and quantitative sustainability. In this study, two new indices are introduced to evaluate the state of aquifer sustainability. The aquifer quantity restoration index was determined by using the results of the MODFLOW, considering the differences between the simulated and the desired water levels and the storage volumes for restoration scenarios, and the percentage of obtaining the desired level at the end of the simulated period. The aquifer quality restoration index was defined based on the DRASTIC‐LU aquifer vulnerability and the percentage of the desired total dissolved solids (TDS) goals at the end of the simulated period using the Bayesian networks model. Six restoration groundwater scenarios in 10 years were assessed to examine both proposed indices. Scenarios are comprised of a one to 3.5% reduction in agriculture groundwater withdrawal. The aquifer quantitative restoration index resulting from the MODFLOW simulation indicated that 2.5% of the decrease in groundwater withdrawal satisfied the aquifer's sustainability. Furthermore, the qualitative sustainability index showed that the reduction in groundwater withdrawal has enormous impacts on the aquifer's central area and marginal parts, where the groundwater is dramatically over‐exploited. Indices proposed can be utilized for the assessment of achieving sustainable management in groundwater by restoration scenarios.
Daily cortisol awakening response and menstrual symptoms in young females
Authors: Ozgocer Tuba , Ucar Cihat , Yildiz Sedat
Published: June 2021

Menstrual symptoms include some rhythmical changes and stress perception but women differ in duration and severity of these symptoms. It is not known whether these differences are associated with cortisol awakening response (CAR). The aim of the current study was to follow young women daily for the CAR and menstrual parameters throughout the whole menstrual cycle. Healthy and regularly cycling young women (n = 16, 17 to 31‐year‐old) participated in the current study. The daily records of severity of problems (DRSP) was filled in daily by the participants. CAR was also assessed daily form the salivary samples collected at a 0‐, 15‐, 30‐ and 60‐min post‐awakening. In terms of daily awakening cortisol profiles, women had either 2–20 (n = 3), or 20–200 (n = 8) or 200–2000 (n = 5) ng/ml cortisol according to the median levels throughout their cycle. CAR was weakly and negatively correlated with DRSP scores but strongly and positively with oestradiol (R2 = 0.300;p = 0.000) and progesterone (R2 = 0.490;p = 0.000) concentrations. Individuals with higher oestradiol and progesterone concentrations did not have high DRSP scores. In conclusion, CAR had a very high between‐subject difference but had a low within‐subject difference throughout the days of menstrual cycle, suggesting that CAR is a relatively stable personal trait. Moreover, the interplay between cortisol, progesterone and oestradiol appears to be important for the severity of menstrual symptoms.
Boron Dopant Induced Electron‐Rich Bismuth for Electrochemical CO2 Reduction with High Solar Energy Conversion Efficiency
Authors: Chen Xin , Chen Huayu , Zhou Wei , Zhang Qiqi , Yang Zhongshan , Li Zhe , Yang Fang , Wang Defa , Ye Jinhua , Liu Lequan
Published: June 2021

Electrochemical CO2 reduction to formate offers a mild and feasible pathway for the utilization of CO2, and bismuth is a promising metal for its unique hydrogen evolution reaction inhibition. Reported works of Bi‐based electrodes generally exhibit high selectivity while suffering from relatively narrow working potential range. From the perspective of electronic modification engineering, B‐doped Bi is prepared by a facile chemical reduction method in this work. With B dopant, above 90% Faradaic efficiency for formate over a broad window of working potential of −0.6 to −1.2 V (vs. reversible hydrogen electrode) is achieved. In situ Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray adsorption spectroscopy, and computational analysis demonstrate that the B dopant induces the formation of electron‐rich bismuth, which is in favor of the formation of formate by fine‐tuning the adsorption energy of *OCHO. Moreover, full‐cell electrolysis system coupled with photovoltaic device is constructed and achieves the solar‐to‐formate conversion efficiency as high as 11.8%.
High‐Performance Perovskite Composite Electrocatalysts Enabled by Controllable Interface Engineering
Authors: Xu Xiaomin , Pan Yangli , Ge Lei , Chen Yubo , Mao Xin , Guan Daqin , Li Mengran , Zhong Yijun , Hu Zhiwei , Peterson Vanessa K. , Saunders Martin , Chen Chien‐Te , Zhang Haijuan , Ran Ran , Du Aijun , Wang Hao , Jiang San Ping , Zhou Wei , Shao Zongping
Published: June 2021

Single‐phase perovskite oxides that contain nonprecious metals have long been pursued as candidates for catalyzing the oxygen evolution reaction, but their catalytic activity cannot meet the requirements for practical electrochemical energy conversion technologies. Here a cation deficiency‐promoted phase separation strategy to design perovskite‐based composites with significantly enhanced water oxidation kinetics compared to single‐phase counterparts is reported. These composites, self‐assembled from perovskite precursors, comprise strongly interacting perovskite and related phases, whose structure, composition, and concentration can be accurately controlled by tailoring the stoichiometry of the precursors. The composite catalyst with optimized phase composition and concentration outperforms known perovskite oxide systems and state‐of‐the‐art catalysts by 1–3 orders of magnitude. It is further demonstrated that the strong interfacial interaction of the composite catalysts plays a key role in promoting oxygen ionic transport to boost the lattice‐oxygen participated water oxidation. These results suggest a simple and viable approach to developing high‐performance, perovskite‐based composite catalysts for electrochemical energy conversion.
An exploratory semantic analysis of logging questions
Authors: Gujral Harshit , Lal Sangeeta , Li Heng
Published: June 2021

Logging is an integral part of software development. Software practitioners often face issues in software logging, and they post these issues on Q&A websites to take suggestions from the experts. In this study, we perform a three‐level empirical analysis of logging questions posted on six popular technical Q&A websites, namely, Stack Overflow (SO), Serverfault (SF), Superuser (SU), Database Administrators (DB), Software Engineering (SE), and Android Enthusiasts (AE). The findings show that logging issues are prevalent across various domains, for example, database, networks, and mobile computing, and software practitioners from different domains face different logging issues. The semantic analysis of logging questions using Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) reveals trends of several existing and new logging topics, such as logging conversion pattern, Android device logging, and database logging. In addition, we observe specific logging topics for each website: DB (log shipping and log file growing/shrinking), SU (event log and syslog configuration), SF (log analysis and syslog configuration), AE (app install and usage tracking), SE (client server logging and exception logging), and SO (log file creation/deletion, Android emulator logging, and logger class of Log4j). We obtain an increasing trend of logging topics on the SO, SU, and DB websites whereas a decreasing trend of logging topics on the SF website.
Just‐in‐time defect prediction for software hunks
Authors: Zhu Xiaoyan , Yan Chenyu , Whitehead E. James , Niu Binbin , Zhu Lei , Pan Long
Published: June 2021

Just‐in‐time defect prediction can remind software developers and managers to verify and fix bugs at the moment they appeared, thus improving the effectiveness and validity of bug fixing. Existing studies mainly focus on just‐in‐time prediction for software files (JIT‐F). JIT‐F is a binary classification problem, which classifies (hence predicts) a file change as buggy or clean. This article provides a detailed analysis of just‐in‐time defect prediction for software hunks (JIT‐H), which predicts bugs at a finer level of granularity, and hence further improves the efficiency of bug fixing. Classification is performed using the ensemble technique of bagging—aggregated combinations of random under sampling plus multiple classifiers (J48 and Random Forest). An empirical study with 10 open source projects was conducted to validate the effectiveness of JIT‐H. Experimental results show that JIT‐H is effective at predicting defects in software hunk changes. Compared with JIT‐F, JIT‐H is more cost effective. Additionally, analysis on the change features indicates that Text Vector features and hunk change level features are of more importance than features in other groups and levels.
The Rich Legacy and Bright Future of Transition‐Metal Catalyzed Peroxide Based Radical Reactions
Authors: Dahiya Anjali , Patel Bhisma K.
Published: June 2021

This personal account is mainly focused on the author's involvement in the field of transition metal‐catalyzed peroxide based radical reactions. Over the past decades, radical chemistry has flourished and become crucial in contemporary synthetic organic chemistry. Owing to the presence of a single electron in one orbital, radicals are very unstable and react very fast. To carry out desired transformations and to control the side reactions the stabilizations of these radicals is essential. Fortunately, the implementation of a suitable transition metal and peroxide combination into the radical reactions have proved beneficial. Transition metals not only stabilizes the radicals but also protects them from being quenched by undesired homo‐coupling or fragmentation. Transition metal‐catalyzed radical‐radical reactions provide an innovative way for the construction and derivatization of carbocycles and heterocycles. The objective of this review is to give an overview of the construction and derivatization of heterocycles through the lens of radical chemistry, mainly focusing on research work done by our group.
Recognition and Sequestration of Toxic Inorganic Water Pollutants with Hydrolytically Stable Metal‐Organic Frameworks
Authors: Dutta Subhajit , Let Sumanta , Sharma Shivani , Mahato Debanjan , Ghosh Sujit K.
Published: June 2021

Water pollution and crisis of freshwater is one of the most alarming concern globally, which threatens the development and survival of living beings. Recycling of contaminated water has been the prime demand of 21st century as the area of contamination in natural waterbodies increasing rapidly worldwide. Detoxification and purification of wastewater via adsorptive removal technology has been proven to be more efficient because of it's simplicity, lesser complexity and cost‐effectiveness. As the most rapid‐growing division of coordination chemistry, porous coordination polymers (PCPs) or metal−organic frameworks (MOFs) with the liberty of crafting tailorable porous architecture and presence of numerous functional sites have become quintessential for recognition and sequestration of water pollutants. This personal account intends to highlight our recent contributions in the field of sensing and sequestration of toxic aquatic inorganic pollutants by functionalized water stable MOFs.
Synthesis of sulfonated poly(styrene‐co‐methyl methacrylate) by semicontinuous heterophase polymerization for filtration membranes
Authors: Ovando‐Medina Víctor M. , Escobar‐Villanueva Alondra G. , Martínez‐Gutiérrez Hugo
Published: June 2021

In this study, styrene (St) and methyl methacrylate (MMA) were copolymerized in semicontinuous heterophase using Hitenol‐BC10 (HBC10) as polymerizable surfactant and ammonium persulfate as initiator to obtain copolymers of poly(St‐co‐MMA). The effects of St/MMA weight ratio and surfactant concentration on kinetics, and colloidal properties of latexes were studied. Copolymers and latexes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction analysis. Fast reaction rates under monomer starved conditions and high conversions (>85%) were observed in all cases, with a weight‐average molecular weight in the range of 2.10 × 106 to 0.96 × 106 g mol−1, decreasing with the HBC10 concentration due to an effect of chain transference to surfactant. Stable latexes with spherical particles with average diameter in the interval of 65–41 nm and Z‐potential in the interval of −68.24 to −38.44 mV were obtained. Copolymers were sulfonated using acetyl sulfate as sulfonating agents and subsequently used for filtration membrane fabrication through the phase inversion method. Membranes were tested in simulated seawater filtration (3.5% NaCl) under constant pressure. At a pressure of 20 psia, permeated flux (J) of pure water and salt rejection (R) varied from 13.8 to 20.5 L m−2 h−1 and 37.8%–50.7%, respectively. It was concluded that membrane's performance is dependent on copolymer composition, the crystallinity of copolymers, and the ionic exchange capacity of membranes, being the best membrane composed of 90/10 of St‐to‐MMA weight ratio and using a monomer‐to‐surfactant weight ratio of 29.9.
Experimental production cross sections for synchrotron radiation induced L‐series X‐rays of Sn and Sb at energies across their Li (i = 1–3) absorption edges
Authors: Kaur Sandeep , Ayri Vibha , Kumar Anil , Czyzycki Mateusz , Karydas Andreas G. , Puri Sanjiv
Published: June 2021

We have measured the X‐ray production cross sections (XRPCS) for the Lp (p = l, α, η, β1,3,4,6, β2,15, γ1,5, γ2,3,4) emission lines of Sn and Sb using synchrotron induced mono‐chromatic radiation tuned across their respective Li (i = 1–3) sub‐shell absorption edges covering the range 4.0 keV–5.0 keV. These measured XRPCS have been compared with the corresponding values calculated using the non‐relativistic Hartree‐Fock‐Slater model based Li (i = 1–3) photoionization cross‐sections, the Dirac‐Fock model based X‐ray emission rates and three sets of fluorescence and Coster‐Kronig (CK) yields based on the Dirac‐Hartree‐Slater model, the semi‐empirical values tabulated by Krause and recently reported experimental values. The present measured Lp XRPCS for both Sn and Sb at different investigated photon energies are found to be in good agreement with those calculated using the experimental photoionization cross sections, fluorescence and CK yields. Further, a good agreement observed between the present measured and calculated branching ratios for both Sn and Sb indicates the reliability of the Dirac‐Fock model based X‐ray emission rates. The Lp XRPCS and intensity ratios for Sn and Sb calculated using the experimental photoionization cross sections, the DF model based X‐ray emission rates and the experimental fluorescence and CK yields are recommended for use in different applications.
Advancing MıNNLOPS to diboson processes: Zγ production at NNLO+PS
Authors: Lombardi Daniele , Wiesemann Marius , Zanderighi Giulia
Published: June 2021

Abstract

We consider Zγ production in hadronic collisions and present the first computation of next-to-next-to-leading order accurate predictions consistently matched to parton showers (NNLO+PS). Spin correlations, interferences and off-shell effects are included by calculating the full process pp → ℓ+ℓ−γ. We extend the recently developed MiNNLOPS method to genuine 2 → 2 hard scattering processes at the LHC, which paves the way for NNLO+PS simulations of all diboson processes. This is the first 2 → 2 NNLO+PS calculation that does not require an a-posteriori multi-differential reweighting. We find that both NNLO corrections and matching to parton showers are crucial for an accurate simulation of the Zγ process. Our predictions are in very good agreement with recent ATLAS data.
Interplay of New Physics effects in (g − 2)ℓ and h → ℓ+ℓ− — lessons from SMEFT
Authors: Fajfer Svjetlana , Kamenik Jernej F. , Tammaro M.
Published: June 2021

Abstract

We explore the interplay of New Physics (NP) effects in (g− 2)ℓ and h→ℓ+ℓ− within the Standard Model Effective Field Theory (SMEFT) framework, including one-loop Renormalization Group (RG) evolution of the Wilson coefficients as well as matching to the observables below the electroweak symmetry breaking scale. We include both the leading dimension six chirality flipping operators including a Higgs and SU(2)L gauge bosons as well as four-fermion scalar and tensor operators, forming a closed operator set under the SMEFT RG equations. We compare present and future experimental sensitivity to different representative benchmark scenarios. We also consider two simple UV completions, a Two Higgs Doublet Model and a single scalar LeptoQuark extension of the SM, and show how tree level matching to SMEFT followed by the one-loop RG evolution down to the electroweak scale can reproduce with high accuracy the (g−2)ℓ and h→ℓ+ℓ− contributions obtained by the complete one- and even two-loop calculations in the full models.
NNLO QCD predictions for W+c-jet production at the LHC
Authors: Czakon Michał , Mitov Alexander , Pellen Mathieu , Poncelet Rene
Published: June 2021

Abstract

We study the production of a W boson in association with a c-jet at the LHC. We calculate, for the first time, the complete set of NNLO QCD corrections to the dominant CKM-diagonal contribution to this process. Both signatures, pp → μ+νμjc and pp →$$ {\mu}^{-}{\overline{\nu}}_{\mu }{\mathrm{j}}_c $$

μ
−

ν
¯

μ

j
c

are considered. We present predictions for fiducial cross sections and differential distributions for each one of the two signatures as well as for their ratio. The theoretical predictions are compared with ATLAS measurements at 7 TeV. The results of this work are essential for the precision description of associated heavy flavor production at hadron colliders and for the determination of the strange-quark content of the proton from LHC data in NNLO QCD.
Signal identification with Kalman Filter towards background-free neutrinoless double beta decay searches in gaseous detectors
Authors: Li Tao , Wang Shaobo , Chen Yu , Han Ke , Lin Heng , Ni Kaixiang , Wang Wei , Xu Yiliu , Zou An’ni
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Particle tracks and differential energy loss measured in high pressure gaseous detectors can be exploited for event identification in neutrinoless double beta decay (0νββ) searches. We develop a new method based on Kalman Filter in a Bayesian formalism (KFB) to reconstruct meandering tracks of MeV-scale electrons. With simulation data, we compare the signal and background discrimination power of the KFB method assuming different detector granularities and energy resolutions. Typical background from 232Th and 238U decay chains can be suppressed by another order of magnitude than that in published literatures, approaching the background-free regime. For the proposed PandaX-III experiment, the 0νββ search half-life sensitivity at the 90% confidence level would reach 2.7× 1026 yr with 5-year live time, a factor of 2.7 improvement over the initial design target.
Energy-saving optimization method for point-to-point trajectories planned via standard primitives in 1-DoF mechatronic systems
Authors: Carabin Giovanni , Vidoni Renato
Published: June 2021

In this work, an analytical methodology to minimize the energy expenditure of mechatronic systems performing point-to-point (PTP) trajectories based on well-known motion primitives is developed and validated. Both PTP trajectory profiles commonly used in industrial motor drives and more complex ones are investigated. Focusing on generic 1-DoF mechatronic systems moving a constant inertia load (e.g., elevators, cranes, CNC machines, Cartesian axis) and possibly equipped or retrofitted with regenerative devices, the consumed energy formulation is firstly derived. Then, the analytical optimization considering all the selected PTP trajectory profiles is computed and a generic closed-form solution is determined. Finally, numerical and experimental evaluations are done showing the effectiveness of the theoretical results and proposed methodology. In addition, all the different trajectories are compared with respect to energy consumption.
The use of Li2O fortified growing compost to enhance lithiation in white Agaricus bisporus mushrooms: Li uptake and co-accumulation of other trace elements
Authors: Pankavec Sviatlana , Falandysz Jerzy , Komorowicz Izabela , Fernandes Alwyn R. , Hanć Anetta , Barałkiewicz Danuta
Published: June 2021

In an attempt to enrich the fruiting bodies with Lithium (Li), this study cultivated mushrooms using growing sets that were fortified with Li2O at 1.0, 5.0, 10, 50, 100 and 500 mg·kg−1 dw. Compost fortification up to 100 mg·kg−1 dw induced a dose-dependent increase in Li accumulation with resulting median mushroom concentrations of 2.0, 8.6, 16, 29 and 38 mg·kg−1 dw, respectively, relative to the unfortified control at 0.087 mg·kg−1 dw. The dose dependency appears to level off as Li2O addition approaches 100 mg·kg−1, suggesting that there is a limit to the ability of the species to accumulate/tolerate Li. Mushrooms did not grow at the 500 mg·kg−1 dw fortification level. At the highest viable level of fortification (100 mg·kg−1 dw), the fruiting bodies were around 440-fold richer in Li content than the control mushrooms. Additionally, the fortification at all levels up to 100 mg·kg−1 dw showed very low, if any, effect on the co-accumulation of the other, studied trace mineral constituents, with concentrations occurring at the lower range of those reported for commercial A. bisporus mushrooms.
European guideline for imaging in paediatric and adolescent rhabdomyosarcoma — joint statement by the European Paediatric Soft Tissue Sarcoma Study Group, the Cooperative Weichteilsarkom Studiengruppe and the Oncology Task Force of the European Society of Paediatric Radiology
Authors: van Ewijk Roelof , Schoot Reineke A. , Sparber-Sauer Monika , ter Horst Simone A. J. , Jehanno Nina , Borgwardt Lise , de Keizer Bart , Merks Johannes H. M. , de Luca Alberto , McHugh Kieran , von Kalle Thekla , Schäfer Jürgen F. , van Rijn Rick R. ,   On behalf of the Cooperative Weichteilsarkom Studiengruppe Imaging Group, the European Society of Paediatric Radiology Oncology Task Force and the European Paediatric Soft Tissue Sarcoma Study Group Imaging Committee, Bouhamama Amine , Coma Ana , Di Paolo Pier Luigi , Fajardo Raquel Davila , Franzius Christiane , Giraudo Chiara , de Jonge Gideon M. , Levine Daniel , MacVicar David , Mandeville Henry , Moholkar Shruti , Morosi Carlo , Müller Lil-Sophie Ording , Pace Erika , Rogers Timothy N. , van Scheltinga Sheila Terwisscha , Tolboom Nelleke
Published: June 2021

Appropriate imaging is essential in the treatment of children and adolescents with rhabdomyosarcoma. For adequate stratification and optimal individualised local treatment utilising surgery and radiotherapy, high-quality imaging is crucial. The paediatric radiologist, therefore, is an essential member of the multi-disciplinary team providing clinical care and research. This manuscript presents the European rhabdomyosarcoma imaging guideline, based on the recently developed guideline of the European Paediatric Soft Tissue Sarcoma Study Group (EpSSG) Imaging Committee. This guideline was developed in collaboration between the EpSSG Imaging Committee, the Cooperative Weichteilsarkom Studiengruppe (CWS) Imaging Group, and the Oncology Task Force of the European Society of Paediatric Radiology (ESPR). MRI is recommended, at diagnosis and follow-up, for the evaluation of the primary tumour and its relationship to surrounding tissues, including assessment of neurovascular structures and loco-regional lymphadenopathy. Chest CT along with [F-18]2-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/CT or PET/MRI are recommended for the detection and evaluation of loco-regional and distant metastatic disease. Guidance on the estimation of treatment response, optimal long-term follow-up, technical imaging settings and standardised reporting are described. This European imaging guideline outlines the recommendations for imaging in children and adolescents with rhabdomyosarcoma, with the aim to harmonise imaging and to advance patient care.
Predictive Factors for Hypertrophy of the Future Liver Remnant After Portal Vein Embolization: A Systematic Review
Authors: Soykan E. A. , Aarts B. M. , Lopez-Yurda M. , Kuhlmann K. F. D. , Erdmann J. I. , Kok N. , van Lienden K. P. , Wilthagen E. A. , Beets-Tan R. G. H. , van Delden O. M. , Gomez F. M. , Klompenhouwer E. G.
Published: June 2021

This systematic review was conducted to determine factors that are associated with the degree of hypertrophy of the future liver remnant following portal vein embolization. An extensive search on September 15, 2020, and subsequent literature screening resulted in the inclusion of forty-eight articles with 3368 patients in qualitative analysis, of which 18 studies were included in quantitative synthesis. Meta-analyses based on a limited number of studies showed an increase in hypertrophy response when additional embolization of segment 4 was performed (pooled difference of medians = − 3.47, 95% CI − 5.51 to − 1.43) and the use of N-butyl cyanoacrylate for portal vein embolization induced more hypertrophy than polyvinyl alcohol (pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.60, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.91). There was no indication of a difference in degree of hypertrophy between patients who received neo-adjuvant chemotherapy and those who did not receive pre-procedural systemic therapy

(pooled SMD = − 0.37, 95% CI − 1.35 to 0.61), or between male and female patients (pooled SMD = 0.19, 95% CI − 0.12 to 0.50).

The study was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews on April 28, 2020 (CRD42020175708).
Aspects of visual avatar appearance: self-representation, display type, and uncanny valley
Authors: Hepperle Daniel , Purps Christian Felix , Deuchler Jonas , Wölfel Matthias
Published: June 2021

The visual representation of human-like entities in virtual worlds is becoming a very important aspect as virtual reality becomes more and more “social”. The visual representation of a character’s resemblance to a real person and the emotional response to it, as well as the expectations raised, have been a topic of discussion for several decades and have been debated by scientists from different disciplines. But as with any new technology, the findings may need to be reevaluated and adapted to new modalities. In this context, we make two contributions which may have implications for how avatars should be represented in social virtual reality applications. First, we determine how default and customized characters of current social virtual reality platforms appear in terms of human likeness, eeriness, and likability, and whether there is a clear resemblance to a given person. It can be concluded that the investigated platforms vary strongly in their representation of avatars. Common to all is that a clear resemblance does not exist. Second, we show that the uncanny valley effect is also present in head-mounted displays, but—compared to 2D monitors—even more pronounced.
Risk factors for upper and lower type prolonged postoperative ileus following surgery for Crohn’s disease
Authors: Pozios Ioannis , Seeliger Hendrik , Lauscher Johannes C. , Stroux Andrea , Weixler Benjamin , Kamphues Carsten , Beyer Katharina , Kreis Martin E. , Lehmann Kai S. , Seifarth Claudia
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Prolonged postoperative ileus (PPOI) is common after bowel resections, especially in Crohn’s disease (CD). The pathophysiology of PPOI is not fully understood. PPOI could affect only the upper or lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The aim of this study was to assess risk factors for diverse types of PPOI, particularly to differentiate PPOI of upper and lower GI tract.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 163 patients with CD undergoing ileocecal resection from 2015 to 2020 in a single center was performed. PPOI of the upper GI tract was predefined as the presence of vomiting or use of nasogastric tube longer than the third postoperative day. Lower PPOI was predefined as the absence of defecation for more than three days. Independent risk factors were identified by multivariable logistic regression analysis.

Results

Overall incidence of PPOI was 42.7%. PPOI of the upper GI tract was observed in 30.7% and lower PPOI in 20.9% of patients. Independent risk factors for upper PPOI included older age, surgery by a resident surgeon, hand-sewn anastomosis, prolonged opioid analgesia, and reoperation, while for lower PPOI included BMI ≤ 25 kg/m2, preoperative anemia, and absence of ileostomy.

Conclusion

This study identified different risk factors for upper and lower PPOI after ileocecal resection in patients with CD. A differentiated upper/lower type approach should be considered in future research and clinical practice. High-risk patients for each type of PPOI should be closely monitored, and modifiable risk factors, such as preoperative anemia and opioids, should be avoided if possible.
Successful surgical closure of infected abdominal wounds following preconditioning with negative pressure wound therapy
Authors: Wagner Johanna C. , Wetz Anja , Wiegering Armin , Lock Johan F. , Löb Stefan , Germer Christoph-Thomas , Klein Ingo
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Traditionally, previous wound infection was considered a contraindication to secondary skin closure; however, several case reports describe successful secondary wound closure of wounds “preconditioned” with negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). Although this has been increasingly applied in daily practice, a systematic analysis of its feasibility has not been published thus far. The aim of this study was to evaluate secondary skin closure in previously infected abdominal wounds following treatment with NPWT.

Methods

Single-center retrospective analysis of patients with infected abdominal wounds treated with NPWT followed by either secondary skin closure referenced to a group receiving open wound therapy. Endpoints were wound closure rate, wound complications (such as recurrent infection or hernia), and perioperative data (such as duration of NPWT or hospitalization parameters).

Results

One hundred ninety-eight patients during 2013–2016 received a secondary skin closure after NPWT and were analyzed and referenced to 67 patients in the same period with open wound treatment after NPWT. No significant difference in BMI, chronic immunosuppressive medication, or tobacco use was found between both groups. The mean duration of hospital stay was 30 days with a comparable duration in both patient groups (29 versus 33 days, p = 0.35). Interestingly, only 7.7% of patients after secondary skin closure developed recurrent surgical site infection and in over 80% of patients were discharged with closed wounds requiring only minimal outpatient wound care.

Conclusion

Surgical skin closure following NPWT of infected abdominal wounds is a good and safe alternative to open wound treatment. It prevents lengthy outpatient wound therapy and is expected to result in a higher quality of life for patients and reduce health care costs.
Revisiting the anatomy of the monocot cambium, a novel meristem
Authors: Jura-Morawiec Joanna , Oskolski Alexei , Simpson Philip
Published: June 2021

Main conclusion

The monocot cambium is semi-storied, and its cells do not undergo rearrangement.

The monocot cambium is a lateral meristem responsible for secondary growth in some monocotyledons of Asparagales. It is an unusual meristem, not homologous with the vascular cambia of gymnosperms and non-monocotyledonous angiosperms. Owing to the limited information available on the characteristics of this meristem, the aim of this study was to survey the structure of the monocot cambium in order to clarify the similarities and dissimilarities of this lateral meristem to the vascular cambium of trees. Using the serial sectioning analysis, we have studied the monocot cambium of three species of arborescent monocotyledons, i.e., Quiver TreeAloe dichotoma, Dragon TreeDracaena draco, and Joshua TreeYucca brevifolia, native to different parts of the world. Data showed that in contrast to the vascular cambium, the monocot cambium is composed of a single type of short initials that vary in shape, and in tangential view display a semi-storied pattern. Furthermore, the cells of the monocot cambium do not undergo rearrangement. The criteria used in identifying monocot cambium initial cell are also discussed.
Correction to: Letter to the Editor of the Journal of Artificial Organs: The flaws in the detail of describing methods, comparing patient cohorts and interpreting results
Authors: Maier Sven , Klemm Rolf , Beyersdorf Friedhelm , Benk Christoph
Published: June 2021

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10047-021-01279-z
Norms and standardizations in neuropsychology via equivalent scores: software solutions and practical guides
Authors: Aiello Edoardo Nicolò , Depaoli Emanuele Giovanni
Published: June 2021

Background

Norming neuropsychological tests and standardizing their raw scores are needed to draw objective clinical judgments on clients’ neuropsychological profile. The Equivalent Score (ES) method is a regression-based normative/standardization technique that relies on the non-parametric identification of the observations corresponding to the outer and inner tolerance limits (oTL; iTL) — to derive a cut-off, as well as to between-ES thresholds — to mark the passage across different levels of ability. However, identifying these observations is still a time-consuming, “manual” procedure. This work aimed at providing practitioners with a user-friendly code that helps compute TLs and ES thresholds.

Methods

R language and RStudio environment were adopted. A function for identifying the observations corresponding to both TLs by exploiting Beta distribution features was implemented. A code for identifying the observations corresponding to ES thresholds according to az-deviate-based approach is also provided.

Results

An exhaustive paradigm of usage of both the aforementioned function and script has been carried out. A user-friendly, online applet is provided for the calculation of both TLs and ESs thresholds. A brief summary of the regression-based procedure preceding the identification of TLs and ESs threshold is also given (along with an R script implementing these steps).

Discussion

The present work provides with a software solution to the calculation of TLs and ES thresholds for norming/standardizing neuropsychological tests. These software can help reduce both the subjectivity and the error rate when applying the ES method, as well as simplify and expedite its implementation.
Adapting preference-based utility measures to capture the impact of cancer treatment-related symptoms
Authors: Shah Koonal K. , Bennett Bryan , Lenny Andrew , Longworth Louise , Brazier John E. , Oppe Mark , Pickard A. Simon , Shaw James W.
Published: June 2021

It is important that patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures used to assess cancer therapies adequately capture the benefits and risks experienced by patients, particularly when adverse event profiles differ across therapies. This study explores the case for augmenting preference-based utility measures to capture the impact of cancer treatment-related symptoms. Additional cancer treatment-related items could be specific (e.g., rash) or global. While specific items are easier to describe and understand, their use may miss rarer symptoms and those that are currently unknown but will arise from future medical advancements. The appropriate number of additional items, the independence of those items, and their impact on the psychometric properties of the core instrument require consideration. Alternatively, a global item could encompass all potential treatment-related symptoms, of any treatments for any disease. However, such an item may not be well understood by general public respondents in valuation exercises. Further challenges include the decision about whether to generate de novo value sets for the modified instrument or to map to existing tariffs. The fluctuating and transient nature of treatment-related symptoms may be inconsistent with the methods used in conventional valuation exercises. Fluctuating symptoms could be missed by sub-optimal measure administration timing. The addition of items also poses double-counting risks. In summary, the addition of treatment-related symptom items could increase the sensitivity of existing utility measures to capture known and unknown treatment effects in oncology, while retaining the core domains. However, more research is needed to investigate the challenges, particularly regarding valuation.
Monodromy of projections of hypersurfaces
Authors: Cifani Maria Gioia , Cuzzucoli Alice , Moschetti Riccardo
Published: June 2021

Let X be an irreducible, reduced complex projective hypersurface of degree d. A point P not contained in X is called uniform if the monodromy group of the projection of X from P is isomorphic to the symmetric group $$S_d$$

S
d

. We prove that the locus of non-uniform points is finite when X is smooth or a general projection of a smooth variety. In general, it is contained in a finite union of linear spaces of codimension at least 2, except possibly for a special class of hypersurfaces with singular locus linear in codimension 1. Moreover, we generalise a result of Fukasawa and Takahashi on the finiteness of Galois points.