bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Challenging Task: Identifying Patients with Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP) According to ESMO Guidelines: The CUPISCO Trial Experience
Authors: Pauli Chantal , Bochtler Tilmann , Mileshkin Linda , Baciarello Giulia , Losa Ferran , Ross Jeffrey S. , Pentheroudakis George , Zarkavelis George , Yalcin Suayib , Özgüroğlu Mustafa , Beringer Andreas , Scarato Jeremy , Mueller-Ohldach Mathis , Thomas Marlene , Moch Holger , Krämer Alwin
Published: March 2021

Background

CUPISCO is an ongoing randomized phase II trial (NCT03498521) comparing molecularly guided therapy versus platinum-based chemotherapy in patients newly diagnosed with “unfavorable” cancer of unknown primary (CUP).

Materials and Methods

Patients with an unfavorable CUP diagnosis, as defined by the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO), and available cancer tissue for molecular sequencing are generally eligible. Potential patients with CUP entering screening undergo a review involving reference histopathology and clinical work-up by a central eligibility review team (ERT). Patients with “favorable” CUP, a strongly suspected primary site of origin, lack of tissue, or unmet inclusion criteria are excluded.

Results

As of April 30, 2020, 628 patients had entered screening and 346 (55.1%) were screen failed. Screen fails were due to technical reasons (n = 89), failure to meet inclusion and exclusion criteria not directly related to CUP diagnosis (n = 89), and other reasons (n = 33). A total of 124 (35.8%) patients were excluded because unfavorable adeno- or poorly differentiated CUP could not be confirmed by the ERT. These cases were classified into three groups ineligible because of (a) histologic subtype, such as squamous and neuroendocrine, or favorable CUP; (b) evidence of a possible primary tumor; or (c) noncarcinoma histology.

Conclusion

Experience with CUPISCO has highlighted challenges with standardized screening in an international clinical trial and the difficulties in diagnosing unfavorable CUP. Reconfirmation of unfavorable CUP by an ERT in a clinical trial can result in many reasons for screen failures. By sharing this experience, we aim to foster understanding of diagnostic challenges and improve diagnostic pathology and clinical CUP algorithms.

Implications for Practice

A high unmet need exists for improved treatment of cancer of unknown primary (CUP); however, study in a trial setting is faced with the significant challenge of definitively distinguishing CUP from other cancer types. This article reports the authors' experience of this challenge so far in the ongoing CUPISCO trial, which compares treatments guided by patients’ unique genetic signatures versus standard chemotherapy. The data presented will aid future decision-making regarding diagnosing true CUP cases; this will have far-reaching implications in the design, execution, and interpretation of not only CUPISCO but also future clinical studies aiming to find much-needed treatment strategies.
The accuracy of ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging for estimating thickness of oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma and influence of biopsy on those findings
Authors: Nogami Shinnosuke , Yamauchi Kensuke , Kitamura Jun , Miyashita Hitoshi , Kojima Ikuho , Kouketsu Atsumu , Furuuchi Toshi , Iikubo Masahiro , Kumamoto Hiroyuki , Takahashi Tetsu
Published: March 2021

Introduction

A squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity or mobile tongue represents the sixth most common type of cancer worldwide. Patient work‐up procedures vary among institutions, though generally include clinical, imaging, and histopathology examinations. This study had two aims: assess the accuracy of ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for evaluating tumor thickness of ventral tongue squamous cell carcinoma, and ascertain the effects of biopsy on imaging results.

Methods

We retrospectively examined the medical records of 69 patients diagnosed and treated for ventral tongue squamous cell carcinoma stage T1 or T2. We compared tumor thickness in US and MRI results with histological thickness measured using specimens obtained in a partial glossectomy.

Results

The mean difference between thickness measured with MRI before the biopsy procedure and that of the pathological specimens was 0.28 mm while that between US imaging results before the biopsy and histologic thickness was 0.75 mm. Furthermore, following the biopsy, the mean difference between thickness shown by MRI and that of the histological specimens was 0.89 mm, and between US findings and histologic thickness was 2.67 mm. There was a positive correlation between thickness shown by MRI and US when performed before the biopsy and the pathological result.

Conclusions

MRI and US results appear to have adequate accuracy for estimating the thickness of T1‐and T2 lesions of the tongue when scanning is performed prior to a biopsy procedure. Furthermore, the present findings confirm the clinical impression that inflammatory changes induced by a biopsy often alter later imaging findings.
Effect of CF/PEEK plasticity behavior on the mechanical performance of interference‐fit joint
Authors: Yao Chenxi , Qi Zhenchao , Chen Wenliang , Zhang Chenqun
Published: March 2021

Carbon fiber reinforced polyetheretherketone polymer (CF/PEEK) thermoplastic composites have a marked plastic yield stage compared to thermoset composites with epoxy matrix. During the interference fit riveting process, extrusion between rivet and composites laminate creates plastic deformation on the hole wall, which will enhance the bearing capacity of composites hole. Therefore, it is expected that the interference fit will play a greater advantage in enhancing the bearing strength of CF/PEEK riveted joint. Numerical and experimental study are applied to investigate the effect of interference fit on bearing strength of CF/PEEK riveted joint. Results show that the plastic deformation of CF/PEEK composites hole wall is positively correlated with the bearing strength of CF/PEEK riveted joint. When the interference fit size exceeds 2.6%, the bearing capacity of CF/PEEK riveted joint reduces because of the increase of fiber damage. It is concluded that the plastic deformation of riveted hole wall can enhance the bearing capacity of CF/PEEK riveted joint, while fiber damage reduces the bearing capacity of CF/PEEK riveted joint. As the increase of interference‐fit size, bearing strength of CF/PEEK riveted joint raises first then decreases, the appropriate interference‐fit size is in the range of 2.0% ~ 2.6%, which is larger than that of thermoset composites.
Prenatally diagnosed omphaloceles: Report of 92 cases and association with Beckwith‐Wiedemann syndrome
Authors: Abbasi Nimrah , Moore Aideen , Chiu Priscilla , Ryan Greg , Weksberg Rosanna , Shuman Cheryl , Steele Leslie , Chitayat David
Published: March 2021

Objective

Describe the prevalence, perinatal and long‐term outcomes of Beckwith‐Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) among prenatally detected omphaloceles.

Methods

All prenatally diagnosed omphaloceles from 2010 to 2015 within a single tertiary care centre were identified. An echocardiogram and detailed fetal ultrasound were performed, and amniocentesis was offered with karyotype/microarray analysis and BWS molecular testing. Perinatal, neonatal, and long‐term outcomes were retrieved for BWS cases.

Results

Among 92 omphaloceles, 62 had additional anomalies. Abnormal karyotypes were identified in 23/62 (37%) non‐isolated and 2/30 (7%) isolated cases. One BWS case (5%) was identified among non‐isolated omphaloceles and six BWS cases (37.5%) were identified among isolated omphaloceles after exclusion of aneuploidy. Among 19 BWS cases, 21% were conceived by ART. All omphaloceles underwent primary closure. Prenatally, macrosomia and polyhydramnios were seen in 42%. Macroglossia and nephromegaly were more commonly detected postnatally. Preterm birth occurred in 10/19 (53%) cases and cesarean deliveries were performed in 7/19 (40%) cases. Overall mortality was 20% (4/19). Embryonal tumors were diagnosed in 2/16 (12.5%) children, and neurodevelopmental outcomes were normal in 9/12 (75%) survivors.

Conclusions

After excluding aneuploidy, BWS was identified in 37.5% and 5% of isolated and non‐isolated omphaloceles, respectively. Omphaloceles were small‐moderate size with good long‐term surgical and neurodevelopmental outcomes when isolated.
First principles study of the optical response of Au8 cluster conjugated with methionine, tryptophan, and tryptophyl‐methionine dipeptide
Authors: Abdalmoneam Marwa H. , Saikia Nabanita , Abd El‐Mageed H.R. , Pandey Ravindra
Published: March 2021

Bioconjugated complexes of the Au clusters are shown to demonstrate unique electronic properties and exceptional tunable optical features for applications in health‐related areas including cell imaging and target‐specific drug delivery. To establish the relationship between the optical response and the nature of interaction in such complexes, we consider the cases of the representative amino acids, L‐methionine, L‐tryptophan, and L‐tryptophyl‐L‐methionine dipeptide conjugated with Au8 cluster. The results based on time‐dependent density functional theory find the near‐ultraviolet (UV) absorption of the complexes is dominated by the cluster, though site‐specific interactions through the indole chromophore or thioether side chains provide their signature responses in the optical spectra. Under physiological conditions, the predicted optical recognition of specific bonds formed between Au8 cluster and amino acids can then be exploited in the design of functional fluorescent bio‐labels for biochemical sensing and detection of thiols, polypeptides, proteins, and nucleic acids at nanoscale.
The reciprocal associations between caregiver burden, and mental health in primary caregivers of cancer patients: A longitudinal study
Authors: Yu Wenjun , Chen Jia , Sun Shiyan , Liu Peiwen , Ouyang Longqiang , Hu Jize
Published: March 2021

Objective

The vital role played by primary caregivers in caring for cancer patients is well‐recognized, but the caregiver burden and impact on family functioning to caregivers’ mental health is poorly understood. This study examined the prospective and reciprocal relationships between family functioning, caregiver burden, and mental health. We aimed to determine whether inferior family functioning and heavy caregiver burden act as risk factors for mental health, as consequences of mental health, or both.

Methods

Participants were 187 primary caregivers of cancer patients. They completed questionnaires with standardized measures assessing family functioning, caregiver burden, and mental health. A quantitative longitudinal design and a cross‐lag model were used to test the reciprocal relationships between variables at three time points with 6‐month intervals during the first year of early‐stage cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Results

Family functioning did not predict participants' future mental health, but their mental health state predicted future caregiver burden and family functioning. Caregiver burden also predicted participants' future mental health. There was a dynamic reciprocal relationship between caregiver burden and mental health over time.

Conclusions

The findings of this study emphasize the adverse effects of caregiver burden and may contribute to shedding light on the distinct mechanisms that underlie the relationships between caregiver burden, family functioning, and mental health. Our findings indicate the necessity of developing interventions to reduce the burden of caregiving and to facilitate family functioning. They will provide direction for family‐centered nursing to meet primary caregivers' mental health needs in the care of cancer patients.
Modeling the pharmacodynamics of nandrolone doping drug and implications for anti‐doping testing
Authors: Sahin Özge , Senturk Feyyaz , Barlas Yaman , Yasarcan Hakan
Published: March 2021

We model the pathways of nandrolone in the body, an anabolic steroid widely used as a performance enhancing drug (PED). The model generates the dynamics of nandrolone and its metabolites. PED tests check for the presence of a primary metabolite of nandrolone, 19‐NA in urine. To cheat in these tests, PED users typically use inhibitors that reduce the urinary concentration of 19‐NA. One such inhibitor is finasteride. Finasteride’s main effect in the body is the inhibition of reductase enzymes that turn nandrolone into its metabolite 19‐NA. To capture this effect, we include structures for finasteride and reductase enzymes in the model. The model is tested by fundamental structure validity tests. We also show that the model behavior is consistent with experimental data in the literature. We finally investigate the potential ways by which the drug users may cheat in PED tests and make suggestions for improved testing as counter‐measures. © 2021 System Dynamics Society
The Application of Ethanolic Ultrasonication to Ameliorate the Triterpenoid Content Extracted from Vietnamese Ganoderma lucidum with the Examination by Gas Chromatography
Authors: Dat Tran Do , Viet Nguyen Duc , My Phan Le Thao , Linh Nguyen Thi , Thanh Vuong Hoai , Linh Nguyen Thi Thuy , Ngan Nguyen Thi Kim , Linh Ngo Thi Thuy , Nam Hoang Minh , Phong Mai Thanh , Hieu Nguyen Huu
Published: March 2021

In this study, to investigate the extraction of triterpenoids from the Vietnamese red G. lucidum by ultrasound‐assisted extraction (UAE) method using ethanol as a solvent, the determination of the four single factors influence on the triterpenoid content including liquid‐to‐solid ratio, extraction power, extraction temperature, and extraction time was carried out for the performance of experiments on simultaneous effects by Central Composite design. The results showed that based on ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy analysis, the highest yield of triterpenoids could be achieved with value of 18.3751 mg/g under optimal extraction conditions including extraction time of 60 min, ultrasonic power of 360 W, liquid‐to‐solid ratio of 38 : 1 mL/g, and ultrasonic temperature of 48 °C. To determine the characteristics of the obtained extract, the Gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry, the Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, and the thermogravimetric analyzer were employed in this study. Besides, for antioxidant capacity evaluation, the DPPH free radical scavenging assay, H2O2 scavenging assay, and the ABTS radical cation decolorization assay were carried out whereas the anticancer evaluation results denoted the potential for anticancer agents of G. lucidum extract. Therefore, it could be concluded that UAE is a promising method for triterpenoid extraction with antioxidant properties.
Enhancing the Electrochemical Performance of Polyaniline Using Fly Ash of Coal Waste for Supercapacitor Application
Authors: Karri Sangam Naidu , Ega Sai Prasad , Perupogu Vijayananad , Srinivasan Palaniappan
Published: March 2021

Hybrid materials are essential materials for the future age elite electrochemical supercapacitors. A hybrid material or organic polymer‐inorganic metal oxide composite comprises of polyaniline (PANI) with fly ash (FA) is made by in‐situ polymerization of aniline monomer with fly ash, an inexhaustible asset. The impact of fly ash on polyaniline is resolved from electrical and electrochemical measurements. PANI‐FA is utilized in a supercapacitor cell as the electrode. FT‐IR, XRD, FE‐SEM, TGA and BET evaluate properties of this hybrid, and their electrochemical properties are assessed by CV, CD, and EIS measurements. PANI with 10 wt.% of FA (PANI‐FA01) indicates higher conductivity and supercapacitor execution than its individual material via metal oxide, acting as an intermediate for transferring ions from PANI and electrolyte. PANI‐FA01 demonstrates a higher capacitance estimation of 208 F g−1 contrasted with PANI (83 F g−1) at 2.5 A g−1. The hybrid electrode material shows better charge‐discharge cycles, holding over 66 % of its first cycle gravimetric capacitance after 5000 cycles with effective coulombic efficiency of 99–100 %, which is as yet 43 % higher than the specific capacity of PANI. The Bode plot shows a phase angle of 80°.
Bioengineered Multicellular Liver Microtissues for Modeling Advanced Hepatic Fibrosis Driven Through Non‐Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Cho Hyun‐Jong , Kim Han‐Jun , Lee KangJu , Lasli Soufian , Ung Aly , Hoffman Tyler , Nasiri Rohollah , Bandaru Praveen , Ahadian Samad , Dokmeci Mehmet R. , Lee Junmin , Khademhosseini Ali
Published: March 2021

Despite considerable efforts in modeling liver disease in vitro, it remains difficult to recapitulate the pathogenesis of the advanced phases of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) with inflammation and fibrosis. Here, a liver‐on‐a‐chip platform with bioengineered multicellular liver microtissues is developed, composed of four major types of liver cells (hepatocytes, endothelial cells, Kupffer cells, and stellate cells) to implement a human hepatic fibrosis model driven by NAFLD: i) lipid accumulation in hepatocytes (steatosis), ii) neovascularization by endothelial cells, iii) inflammation by activated Kupffer cells (steatohepatitis), and iv) extracellular matrix deposition by activated stellate cells (fibrosis). In this model, the presence of stellate cells in the liver‐on‐a‐chip model with fat supplementation showed elevated inflammatory responses and fibrosis marker up‐regulation. Compared to transforming growth factor‐beta‐induced hepatic fibrosis models, this model includes the native pathological and chronological steps of NAFLD which shows i) higher fibrotic phenotypes, ii) increased expression of fibrosis markers, and iii) efficient drug transport and metabolism. Taken together, the proposed platform will enable a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying fibrosis progression in NAFLD as well as the identification of new drugs for the different stages of NAFLD.
Single Antenna Interference Cancellation Algorithm of FSK Signal Based on Virtual MIMO and its Application in Multi‐Component Separation
Authors: Zhu Hang , Shen Jianjun , Dai Zheng , Song Wei , Zhang Shuning
Published: March 2021

A novel single antenna interference cancellation algorithm of frequency shift keying (FSK) signal based on virtual multi‐input multi‐output (MIMO) is proposed in this paper. The idea is to form a virtual MIMO detection model from one‐dimensional signal through over‐sampling, then the pseudo‐Inverse matrix of transfer matrix can be used to complete demodulation. Simulation results are presented to indicate the symbol error rate performance with gaussian white noise and frequency sweeping interference of the proposed algorithm, and the performances of non‐synchronous reception and multi‐component separation are also analyzed in simulation. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Measuring what matters: A sector‐specific corporate social responsibility framework for quality practice
Authors: Bantan Bayan Sameer , Thomas Keith
Published: March 2021

This article explains the development and partial validation of a sector‐specific Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) framework to help resolve a policy/practice gap in Saudi Arabia. Designed using feedback from health‐care professionals, who represent the primary stakeholders of the sector, and a quantitative method called analytical hierarchy process, the framework is intended to help Saudi CSR practitioners shift from rhetoric and undifferentiated activity to a focus on prioritized needs. The utility of the framework is tested using a simplified rubric with four levels of performance measured across two formative criteria, relevance and credibility of information. The overall result is a composite index that provides a substantive basis to implement CSR in the private health sector. The framework is potentially also suitable for stakeholders in other emerging economies seeking to integrate CSR into corporate planning and to reporting performance for strategic and ethical reasons beyond compliance.
Nano‐therapeutic strategies to target coronavirus
Authors: Rauf Mohd Ahmar , Tasleem Munazzah , Bhise Ketki , Tatiparti Katyayani , Sau Samaresh , Iyer Arun K.
Published: March 2021

The coronaviruses have caused severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), and the more recent coronavirus pneumonia (COVID‐19). The global COVID‐19 pandemic requires urgent action to develop anti‐virals, new therapeutics, and vaccines. In this review, we discuss potential therapeutics including human recombinant ACE2 soluble, inflammatory cytokine inhibitors, and direct anti‐viral agents such as remdesivir and favipiravir, to limit their fatality. We also discuss the structure of the SARS‐CoV‐2, which is crucial to the timely development of therapeutics, and previous attempts to generate vaccines against SARS‐CoV and MERS‐CoV. Finally, we provide an overview of the role of nanotechnology in the development of therapeutics as well as in the diagnosis of the infection. This information is key for computational modeling and nanomedicine‐based new therapeutics by counteracting the variable proteins in the virus. Further, we also try to effectively share the latest information about many different aspects of COVID‐19 vaccine developments and possible management to further scientific endeavors.
Nidicolous beetle species richness is driven by Barn Owl’s nests occupancy and landscape structure
Authors: Cosandey Vivien , Séchaud Robin , Béziers Paul , Chittaro Yannick , Sanchez Andreas , Roulin Alexandre
Published: March 2021

Bird nests are specialized habitats because of their particular composition including nest detritus and bird droppings. In consequence, they attract a specialized arthropod community considered as nidicolous, which includes species only found in bird nests (strictly nidicolous) or sometimes found in bird nests (facultatively nidicolous). Because the factors influencing the entomofauna in bird nests are poorly understood, in autumn 2019, we collected nest material in 86 Barn Owl (Tyto alba) nest boxes. We investigated whether the invertebrate species richness was related to Barn Owl nest box occupancy, the density of available nest boxes and the landscape structure. We found 3,321 nidicolous beetle specimens belonging to 24 species. Species richness of strictly nidicolous beetles was 2.7 times higher in nest boxes occupied by a family of Barn Owls the previous spring compared to unoccupied nest boxes. It was also higher in sites that were more often occupied by Barn Owls in the five previous years and in areas surrounded by a higher proportion of crop fields. For facultatively nidicolous beetles, the density of Barn Owl nest boxes enhanced the species richness. In conclusion, our study suggests that the strictly nidicolous beetles benefit from occupied nest boxes of Barn Owls, whereas facultatively nidicolous beetles look for nest boxes independently of whether Barn Owls occupy them. Our study highlights the importance of bird nests for a suite of invertebrates.
Solanum gourlayi—a Source of Cyst Nematode Resistance in Potato Breeding
Authors: Milczarek Dorota , Tatarowska Beata , Plich Jarosław , Podlewska-Przetakiewicz Anna , Flis Bogdan
Published: March 2021

The potato cyst nematodes (PCN) Globodera rostochiensis and G. pallida are among the most important pests causing significant yield loss in potato production. Cultivating resistant cultivars of potato is the most effective and environmentally safe method for protecting potato crops against nematodes. However, widespread cultivation of cultivars resistant to G. rostochiensis can affect the reproduction of G. pallida. Therefore, breeding for resistance to nematodes remains among the major aims of potato breeding programmes. Many wild Solanum species could be valuable sources of nematode resistance. This study examined the resistance to G. pallida identified in two accessions of the wild species Solanum gourlayi. Both accessions demonstrated resistance to pathotypes Pa2 and Pa3, but show asymmetric distribution of resistance among the progeny clones. The presented distributions of resistance scores indicate quantitative nature of resistance to G. pallida. Furthermore, this resistance is specific to each pathotype and may be controlled by different genes. We also conclude that there is a need for independent evaluation of resistance for both pathotypes of G. pallida (Pa2 and Pa3).
The significance of climate variability on early modern European grain prices
Authors: Ljungqvist Fredrik Charpentier , Thejll Peter , Christiansen Bo , Seim Andrea , Hartl Claudia , Esper Jan
Published: March 2021

Grain was the most important food source in early modern Europe (c. 1500–1800), and its price influenced the entire economy. The extent to which climate variability determined grain price variations remains contested, and claims of solar cycle influences on prices are disputed. We thoroughly reassess these questions, within a framework of comprehensive statistical analysis, by employing an unprecedentedly large grain price data set together with state-of-the-art palaeoclimate reconstructions and long meteorological series. A highly significant negative grain price–temperature relationship (i.e. colder = high prices and vice versa) is found across Europe. This association increases at larger spatial and temporal scales and reaches a correlation of$$-\,0.41$$-0.41considering the European grain price average and previous year June–August temperatures at annual resolution, and of$$-\,0.63$$-0.63at decadal timescales. This strong relationship is of episodic rather than periodic (cyclic) nature. Only weak and spatially inconsistent signals of hydroclimate (precipitation and drought), and no meaningful association with solar variations, are detected in the grain prices. The significant and persistent temperature effects on grain prices imply that this now rapidly changing climate element has been a more important factor in European economic history, even in southern Europe, than commonly acknowledged.
A descriptive phase model of problem-solving processes
Authors: Rott Benjamin , Specht Birte , Knipping Christine
Published: March 2021

Complementary to existingnormativemodels, in this paper we suggest adescriptivephase model of problem solving. Real, not ideal, problem-solving processes contain errors, detours, and cycles, and they do not follow a predetermined sequence, as is presumed in normative models. To represent and emphasize the non-linearity of empirical processes, adescriptivemodel seemed essential. The juxtaposition of models from the literature and our empirical analyses enabled us to generate such adescriptivemodel of problem-solving processes. For the generation of our model, we reflected on the following questions: (1) Which elements of existing models for problem-solving processes can be used for a descriptive model? (2) Can the model be used to describe and discriminate different types of processes? Ourdescriptivemodel allows one not only to capture the idiosyncratic sequencing of real problem-solving processes, but simultaneously to compare different processes, by means of accumulation. In particular, our model allows discrimination between problem-solving and routine processes. Also, successful and unsuccessful problem-solving processes as well as processes in paper-and-pencil versus dynamic-geometry environments can be characterised and compared with our model.
Multi-attribute and Artificial Neural Network Analysis of Seismic Inferred Chimney-like Features in Marine Sediments: A Study from KG Basin, India
Authors: Ramu Rowtu , Sain Kalachand
Published: March 2021

In marine seismic sections, features like “chimneys”, characterized by low similarity chaotic zones or vertical disordered characteristics arise due to migration of gas. Numerous interpretation tools have been developed for the identification of chimney features from seismic data. Here, a study over a 2D seismic reflection profile, acquired by CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI), Hyderabad in the Krishna-Godavari (KG) basin in 2010 was carried out. The data is optimally conditioned or post-processed before extracting the attributes such as the similarity, dip variance, energy, and frequency washout, to capture the chimneys on seismic data. Finally, the attributes are combined and trained over interpreter’s acquaintances through a non-linear multi-layer perceptron (MLP) neural network to compute a hybrid attribute, defined as the chimney meta-attribute. The neural training results into an overall normalized root mean squared (RMS) error of 0.6 to 0.7 between the train and test data sets. Three chimneys of ~1.5, ~0.9, ~1.3 km heights are observed over the seismic line. As chimneys represent gas migration paths, the computation of chimney attribute helps in understanding the genesis of gas-hydrates not only in the KG basin, studied here, but also in any other prospective basin.
Sandstone Geochemistry of Dalbuing Formation of Yinkiong Group, Arunachal Pradesh, NE India: Implications for Provenance, Paleoweathering and Tectonic Settings
Authors: Mudoi Niku Moni , Gogoi Bikash , Dehingia Panchanan
Published: March 2021

This study presents the results of geochemical investigations of early to middle Eocene sandstones belonging to the Dalbuing Formation of Yinkiong Group, occurring in and around Yamne valley of Arunachal Pradesh. Geochemically, these sandstones are wacke and lithic arenite, with the former being dominant than the other. The various indices of weathering (CIA, CIW, PIA) suggest intense chemical weathering of the source rock. Moreover, the average Th/U ratio (mean = 6.97) also indicates intense chemical weathering in the source areas and derivation of the sediments from the upper continental crust. However, the plot of chemical index of alteration (CIA) vs. index of compositional variability (ICV) shows that most of the sandstones are geochemically mature and were derived from intensively weathered source rock. The sandstones were deposited dominantly in semi-arid condition. Tectonically, these sandstones are found to have affinities towards both the passive margin (PM) and the active continental margin (ACM) settings, which further implies existence of multiple tectonic activities during their deposition. Moreover, the elemental ratios of Eu/Eu*, La/Sc, Th/Sc, La/Co, Th/Co, Th/Cr and chondrite normalized REE distribution pattern suggest their derivation from sources of felsic composition. The high ratio of Zr/Sc indicates the enrichment of heavy mineral zircon supplemented by sediment recycling.
Two Decadal Changes in the Major Ions Chemistry of Melt Water Draining from Dokriani Glacier, central Himalaya, India
Authors: Sundriyal Shipika , Bhan Uday , Selvakumar S. , Singh Rajesh , Dobhal D. P.
Published: March 2021

Present study aims to understand the hydrochemical changes in proglacial meltwater stream emerging from the termini of Dokriani Glacier, central Himalaya, India. The major ion concentration of melt water between the years 1994-2015 has been reassessed to infer the glacial/subglacial weathering induced ionic release from Dokriani glacier system. The results from meltwater data collected during post-monsoon period (October 2015) shows that Ca2+ is more dominant cation followed by Mg2+, K+, Na+ and SO42− is most dominant anion followed by HCO3− and Cl-. Scatter plot between Ca2+ + Mg2+ vs total cations shows the overall dominance of carbonate weathering whereas Na++K+ vs total anions shows high positive relation suggesting domination of both carbonate and silicate weathering. By comparison, the ionic concentration for the year 2015 suggests a significant increase since 1994; however, the discharge weighted concentrations could provide more detailed estimates. An increasing trend in major cations viz. calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+) while the bicarbonate (HCO3−), sulphate (SO42−) and nitrogen (NO3-) has been observed as major anion. Further, the source of Cl-, NH4+, and NO3- in the meltwater stream is mainly derived from the atmospheric precipitation, anthropogenic, and weathering process. The process of carbonate weathering and dissolution of rock is ascertained as the one which regulates the melt water chemistry.
Sociodemographic correlates of physical activity and sport among adults in Germany: 1997–2018
Authors: Abu-Omar Karim , Messing Sven , Sarshar Mustafa , Gelius Peter , Ferschl Susanne , Finger Jonas , Bauman Adrian
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Promoting physical activity (PA) is a key strategy to prevent noncommunicable diseases worldwide. In order to monitor physical activity levels in Germany, several large-scale studies have reported on prevalence rates and correlates. However, a comprehensive analysis of correlates of PA over time is currently lacking for Germany.

Methods

For the analysis, 13 national cross-sectional data sets were utilized. Data analysis was restricted to respondents aged 18 and older. In a first step, data sets were kept separate in order to explore social gradients of PA and sport. In the second step, data sets were pooled, demographic factors harmonized and binary logistic regressions were conducted.

Results

Regarding sports participation, different data sets indicate comparable social gradients. People with a higher age, lower income, lower levels of education, or a migrant background consistently have a higher risk of not engaging in sports. Compared to sports participation, social gradients are less pronounced for engaging in vigorous PA. Higher age, lower education, and lower income are also markers for an increased risk of not engaging in vigorous PA.

Discussion

The study confirms that factors of age, income, education and migrant background continue to contribute to differentials in sport and vigorous PA participation in Germany. For policy-making, this implies that PA promotion should focus on systems-based actions that might reduce population-wide inequalities. Future research might focus on pooling single studies with smaller samples in order to investigate PA and sports participation in specific disadvantaged target groups.
Tumorlokalisaties op PSMA-PET/CT bij patiënten met een persisterend meetbaar PSA na een radicale prostatectomie
Authors: Ettema Rosemarijn H. , Meijer Dennie , Donswijk Maarten L. , Bodar Yves J. L. , van Leeuwen Pim J. , van der Poel Henk G. , Vogel Wouter V. , Nieuwenhuijzen Jakko A. , Hendrikse N. Harry , Oprea-Lager Daniela E. , Vis André N.
Published: March 2021

Samenvatting

Het doel van deze studie was om de rol van PSMA-PET/CT vast te stellen bij patiënten met biochemische persistentie (BCP) van prostaatkanker na robotgeassisteerde laparoscopische radicale prostatectomie (RALP). Geïncludeerd werden 150 patiënten met BCP na RALP, bij wie een PSMA-PET/CT-scan werd gemaakt. Een multivariabele logistische regressieanalyse werd uitgevoerd ter identificatie van voorspellers voor de detectie van metastasen buiten de prostaatloge (≥miN1) op PSMA-PET/CT. Bij 89/150 patiënten waren er aanwijzingen voor prostaatkanker buiten de prostaatloge (≥miN1). Een hogere PSA-waarde na RALP (p = 0,004) en een positieve pathologische lymfeklierstatus (p = 0,006) waren voorspellers voor PSMA-avide laesies buiten de prostaatloge. Het bleek dat bij een groot deel van de patiënten op de PSMA-PET/CT-scan met BCP na een RALP vanwege gelokaliseerd prostaatkanker, metastasen buiten de prostaatloge werden gezien. Hogere PSA-waarden en een positieve pathologische lymfeklierstatus waren significant geassocieerd met metastasen buiten de prostaatloge. De conclusie luidt dat bij patiënten met BCP een PSMA-PET/CT-scan is geïndiceerd om tot salvagebehandelbeslissingen te komen.
Intellectual Property Rights and Access in Crisis
Authors: Walsh Karen , Wallace Andrea , Pavis Mathilde , Olszowy Natalie , Griffin James , Hawkins Naomi
Published: March 2021

The importance of access to intellectual property rights (IPR) protected subject-matter in two crucial areas – public health, and educational and cultural engagement – has been extensively demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although they involve separate legal areas, patent and copyright, the common thread linking the two is intellectual property's difficult relationship with access in the public interest. This paper examines the tensions caused by access barriers, the tools used to reduce them and their effectiveness. It is clear that the access barriers magnified by COVID-19 are not restricted to narrow or specific contexts but are widespread. They are created by, and are a feature of, our existing IPR frameworks. Open movements provide limited remedies because they are not designed to, nor can adequately address the wide range of access barriers necessary to promote the public interest. Existing legislative mechanisms designed to remove access barriers similarly fail to effectively remedy access needs. These existing options are premised on the assumption that there is a singular “public” motivated by homogenous “interests”, which fails to reflect the plurality and cross-border reality of the public(s) interest(s) underpinning the welfare goals of IPR. We conclude that a systemic re-evaluation is required and call for positive and equitable legal measures protective of the public(s) interest(s) to be built within IPR frameworks that also address non-IPR barriers. The current pandemic and development of a “new normal” provides a crucial opportunity to comprehensively consider the public(s) interest(s), not just during a global health crisis, but on an ongoing basis.
Something Scary Is Out There: Remembrances of Where the Threat Was Located by Preschool Children and Adults with Nighttime Fear
Authors: Coss Richard G.
Published: March 2021

Young children frequently report imaginary scary things in their bedrooms at night. This study examined the remembrances of 140 preschool children and 404 adults selecting either above, side, or below locations for a scary thing relative to their beds. The theoretical framework for this investigation posited that sexual-size dimorphism in Australopithecus afarensis, the presumed human ancestor in the Middle Pliocene, constrained sleeping site choice to mitigate predation. Smaller-bodied females nesting in trees would have anticipated predatory attacks from below, while male nesting on the ground would have anticipated attacks from their side. Such anticipation of nighttime attacks from below is present in many arboreal primates and might still persist as a cognitive relict in humans. In remembrances of nighttime fear, girls and women were predicted to select the below location and males the side location. Following interviews of children and adult questionnaires, multinomial log-linear analyses indicated statistically significant interactions (p < 0.001) of sex by location for the combined sample and each age class driven, in part, by larger frequencies of males selecting the side location and females selecting the below location. Data partitioning further revealed that males selected the side location at larger frequencies (p < 0.001) than the below location, whereas female selection of side and below locations did not differ significantly. While indicative of evolutionary persistence in cognitive appraisal of threat locations, the female hypothesis did not consider natural selection acting on assessment of nighttime terrestrial threats following the advent of early Homo in the Late Pliocene.
„Die Enkel der Osmanen“ – Ausgrenzung, Diskriminierung und Illegalisierung von „Tagelöhnern“ im Münchner Bahnhofsviertel
Authors: Atanisev Kaan , Haverkamp Rita
Published: March 2021

Im Münchner Bahnhofsviertel gibt es eine „Tagelöhnerbörse“, die viel Unmut unter Anwohnenden und Gewerbetreibenden hervorruft. Die überwiegend aus Bulgarien stammenden „Tagelöhner“ sind dabei vielfältigen Ausgrenzungs- und Diskriminierungserfahrungen ausgesetzt, die zum Teil aus ihrer Angehörigkeit zu einer ethnischen Minderheit resultieren. Bei näherer Betrachtung zeigt sich allerdings, dass ihre ethnische Zugehörigkeit komplexer und vielschichtiger ist, als man auf den ersten Blick erahnt. Im Beitrag steht die Frage nach der Rolle der ethnischen Zugehörigkeit der „Tagelöhner“ im Mittelpunkt, um anhand ethnografischer Feldgespräche und Interviews die Aushandlungsprozesse von Zugehörigkeit im multiethnischen Bahnhofsviertel nachzuzeichnen. Nach einer Beschreibung der „Tagelöhner“ im Münchner Bahnhofsviertel wird die soziokulturelle Lage der ethnischen Minderheiten in Bulgarien dargestellt. Aus der von Uneindeutigkeit charakterisierten Zugehörigkeit der „Tagelöhner“ ergeben sich sowohl Vor- als auch Nachteile im Umgang mit den Gewerbetreibenden und Anwohnenden des Bahnhofsviertels. Abschließend wird die Illegalisierung der „Tagelöhnerbörse“ und deren Auswirkungen auf die Stellung der „Tagelöhner“ diskutiert.
Dank or not? Analyzing and predicting the popularity of memes on Reddit
Authors: Barnes Kate , Riesenmy Tiernon , Trinh Minh Duc , Lleshi Eli , Balogh Nóra , Molontay Roland
Published: March 2021

Internet memes have become an increasingly pervasive form of contemporary social communication that attracted a lot of research interest recently. In this paper, we analyze the data of 129,326 memes collected from Reddit in the middle of March, 2020, when the most serious coronavirus restrictions were being introduced around the world. This article not only provides a looking glass into the thoughts of Internet users during the COVID-19 pandemic but we also perform a content-based predictive analysis of what makes a meme go viral. Using machine learning methods, we also study what incremental predictive power image related attributes have over textual attributes on meme popularity. We find that the success of a meme can be predicted based on its content alone moderately well, our best performing machine learning model predicts viral memes with AUC=0.68. We also find that both image related and textual attributes have significant incremental predictive power over each other.
A study of Phytophthora spp. in declining highbush blueberry in Germany reveals that P. cinnamomi can thrive under Central European outdoor conditions
Authors: Nechwatal Jan , Jung Thomas
Published: March 2021

Phytophthora cinnamomiandP. cactorumwere detected in soil samples from aVaccinium corymbosumstand in southern Germany. Both species were virulent in an underbark inoculation assay and have not been reported from highbush blueberry in Germany before. WhileP. cactorumis a widely distributed species in nurseries and (semi)natural habitats like forests, field reports ofP. cinnamomiin Germany are rare due to its sensitivity to frost. Its occurrence in an outdoor blueberry stand indicates its potential to survive Central European winter periods that tend to be increasingly mild.Phytophthora cinnamomiwas also found in the substrate of youngV. corymbosumnursery plants, suggesting a high degree of contamination in commercial blueberry production and demonstrating the risk of spreading exotic invasive plant pathogens via planting of infested nursery stock.
Hydrodynamic and ecological 3D modeling in tropical lakes
Authors: Amorim Lais F. , Martins José Rodolfo Scarati , Nogueira Fabio F. , Silva Fabio P. , Duarte Bárbara P. S. , Magalhães Ariel A. B. , Vinçon-Leite Brigitte
Published: March 2021

Conservation and improvement of water quality in water bodies is an important matter to maintain all of its uses as well as other human necessities like microclimate regulation and leisure. Lakes and reservoirs have a complex circulation behavior with vertical temperature profiles changes along the time, resulting in differences in water density and a vertical stratification condition. This characteristic can directly affect the water quality conditions perturbing its main indicators. This study aims to evaluate the quasi-3D models' capacity to represent the hydrodynamic behavior of a tropical lake and its effects on the main variables that characterize its water quality. To achieve this objective, high-frequency monitoring data were collected, the lake was represented in a quasi-3D model, and the accuracy of the result was evaluated by applying statistical indices. The evaluation showed good agreement between field measures and simulated results when compared with other applications. The connections between hydrodynamic behavior and water quality were seen with the simulations results analysis, which showed that mixing events and long stratification periods perturb the water quality, the first with re-suspended bed material and the second blocking the surface and bottom exchanges. The application of a 3D model gives the capacity to reproduce the reservoir spatial variability and its vertical profiles, which is necessary to study the constituents' distributions across the water column. Therefore, the hydrodynamic and water quality behavior of lakes was accurately represented by the model, as well as the importance of improving high-frequency monitoring techniques.
A People's Constitution: The Everyday Life of Law in the Indian Republic
Authors: DE Rohit
Published: March 2021

I am grateful to Professor Mathew John for his deep and rigorous engagement with A People's Constitution: The Everyday Life of Law in the Indian Republic, and to the editors of this journal for giving me the opportunity to be in dialogue with some of the questions he raises.
Effects of Onabotulinum Toxin A on Gait in Parkinson’s Disease Patients with Foot Dystonia
Authors: Huang Pei , Li Yuan-Yuan , Park Jung E. , Huang Ping , Xiao Qin , Wang Ying , Chen Sheng , Chen Sheng-Di , Liu Jun , Wu Yi-Wen
Published: March 2021

We investigated the effects of botulinum toxin on gait in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients with foot dystonia. Six patients underwent onabotulinum toxin A injection and were assessed by Burke–Fahn–Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale (BFMDRS), visual analog scale (VAS) of pain, Timed Up and Go (TUG), Berg Balance Test (BBT), and 3D gait analysis at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months. BFMDRS (p = 0.002), VAS (p = 0.024), TUG (p = 0.028), and BBT (p = 0.034) were improved. Foot pressures at Toe 1 (p = 0.028) and Midfoot (p = 0.018) were reduced, indicating botulinum toxin’s effects in alleviating the dystonia severity and pain and improving foot pressures during walking in PD.
Estimating and Using Individual Marginal Component Effects from Conjoint Experiments
Authors: Zhirkov Kirill
Published: March 2021

Conjoint experiments are quickly gaining popularity as a vehicle for studying multidimensional political preferences. A common way to explore heterogeneity of preferences estimated with conjoint experiments is by estimating average marginal component effects across subgroups. However, this method does not give the researcher the full access to the variation of preferences in the studied populations, as that would require estimating effects on the individual level. Currently, there is no accepted technique to obtain estimates of individual-level preferences from conjoint experiments. The present paper addresses this gap by proposing a procedure to estimate individual preferences as respondent-specific marginal component effects. The proposed strategy does not require any additional assumptions compared to the standard conjoint analysis, although some changes to the task design are recommended. Methods to account for uncertainty in resulting estimates are also discussed. Using the proposed procedure, I partially replicate a conjoint experiment on immigrant admission with recommended design adjustments. Then, I demonstrate how individual marginal component effects can be used to explore distributions of preferences, intercorrelations between different preference dimensions, and relationships of preferences to other variables of interest.