bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Habitat heterogeneity enables spatial and temporal coexistence of native and invasive macrophytes in shallow lake landscapes
Authors: Salgado Jorge , Sayer Carl D. , Willby Nigel , Baker Ambroise G. , Goldsmith Ben , McGowan Suzanne , Davidson Thomas A. , Bexell Patrik , Patmore Ian R. , Okamura Beth
Published: July 2021

Macrophyte invasive alien species (IAS) fitness is often hypothesised to be associated with beneficial environmental conditions (environmental matching) or species‐poor communities. However, positive correlations between macrophyte IAS abundance and native plant richness can also arise, due to habitat heterogeneity (defined here as variation in abiotic and native biotic conditions over space and time). We analysed survey and palaeoecological data for macrophytes in satellite lakes along the Upper Lough Erne (ULE) system (Northern Ireland, UK), covering a gradient of eutrophication and connectivity to partition how environmental conditions, macrophyte diversity and habitat heterogeneity explained the abundance of Elodea canadensis, a widely distributed non‐native macrophyte in Europe. E. canadensis abundance positively correlated with macrophyte richness at both the within‐ and between‐lake scales indicating coexistence of native and invasive species over time. E. canadensis was also more prolific in highly connected and macrophyte‐rich lakes, but sparser in the more eutrophic‐isolated ones. Partial boosted regression trees revealed that in eutrophic‐isolated lakes, E. canadensis abundances correlated with water clarity (negatively), plant diversity (positively), and plant cover (negatively) whereas in diverse‐connected lakes, beta diversity (both positively and negatively) related to most greatly E. canadensis abundance. Dense macrophyte cover and unfavourable environmental conditions thus appear to confer invasibility resistance and sufficient habitat heterogeneity to mask any single effect of native biodiversity or environmental matching in controlling E. canadensis abundance. Therefore, in shallow lake landscapes, habitat heterogeneity variously enables the coexistence of native macrophytes and E. canadensis, reducing the often‐described homogenisation effects of invasive macrophytes.
Phase‐Selective Synthesis of Ultrathin FeTe Nanoplates by Controllable Fe/Te Atom Ratio in the Growth Atmosphere
Authors: Zhang Hongmei , Li Qiuqiu , Hossain Mongur , Li Bo , Chen Keqiu , Huang Ziwei , Yang Xiangdong , Dang Weiqi , Shu Weining , Wang Di , Li Bailing , Xu Weiting , Zhang Zucheng , Yu Gang , Duan Xidong
Published: July 2021

Phase controllable synthesis of 2D materials is of significance for tuning related electrical, optical, and magnetic properties. Herein, the phase‐controllable synthesis of tetragonal and hexagonal FeTe nanoplates has been realized by a rational control of the Fe/Te ratio in a chemical vapor deposition system. Using density functional theory calculations, it has been revealed that with the change of the Fe/Te ratio, the formation energy of active clusters changes, causing the phase‐controllable synthesis of FeTe nanoplates. The thickness of the obtained FeTe nanoplates can be tuned down to the 2D limit (2.8 nm for tetragonal and 1.4 nm for hexagonal FeTe). X‐ray diffraction pattern, transmission electron microscopy, and high resolution scanning transmission electron microscope analyses exhibit the high crystallinity of the as‐grown FeTe nanoplates. The two kinds of FeTe nanoflakes show metallic behavior and good electrical conductivity, featuring 8.44 × 104 S m−1 for 9.8 nm‐thick tetragonal FeTe and 5.45 × 104 S m−1 for 7.6 nm‐thick hexagonal FeTe. The study provides an efficient and convenient route for tailoring the phases of FeTe nanoplates, which benefits to study phase‐sensitive properties, and may pave the way for the synthesis of other multiphase 2D nanosheets with controllable phases.
Comparison of the Release Kinetics of Bioactive Molecules from Native and Modified Starch Nanoparticles into Food and Gastric Simulants
Authors: Sanchez Leidy T. , Arbelaez Lina M. , Villa Cristian C.
Published: July 2021

Starch nanoparticles (SNPs) show great potential to be used as carriers of bioactive molecules, due to their biocompatibility and relative easy synthesis. Furthermore, SNPs can be tailored to have specific properties through chemical modifications such as acetylation and citric acid cross linking, among others. Curcumin (CUR) and ferulic acid (FA) are two polyphenols extracted from turmeric and corn, respectively, that are known for several biological activities, specially their antioxidant capability. In this paper, native (NSNP), acetylated (ASNP) and citric acid cross‐linked (CaSNP) starch nanoparticles are used as carries of CUR and FA. Structural characterization through FTIR and XRD shows that bioactive molecules are incorporated into the starch carriers, and that specific interactions, specially hydrogen bonds, allows higher encapsulation in the modified SNPs. Likewise, release kinetics in food simulant media are studies. Mathematical modeling shows that diffusion is the main force for both CUR and FA release, and that kinetics are heavily influenced by the nature of the release media.
Insights into the Relations between Particle Size and Physicochemical Properties of Starch Nanoparticles Prepared by Combining High‐Speed Shearing with Precipitation
Authors: Wu Xiaonian , Xiao Yiwei , Zhang Biao , Luo Feijun , Lin Qinlu , Ding Yongbo
Published: July 2021

This study is the first to investigate the relations between particle size and physicochemical properties of starch nanoparticles (SNPs) prepared by the combination of high‐speed shearing and precipitation. Results show that this new approach allows to produce SNPs in nanoscale range of 157.8–859.4 nm by modifying the main operating parameters regarding the effect of starch variety, shearing speed, and shearing time. Interestingly, with decreasing the average particle size of potato starch nanoparticles (PtS‐SNPs), the apparent amylose content, solubility, loss modulus, flow behavior index, rapidly digestible starch content, equilibrium hydrolysis percentage, and kinetic constant increased, whereas the swelling power, storage modulus, consistency coefficient, slowly digestible starch content, resistant starch content decreased. These findings suggest the significant impact of average particle size on the physicochemical properties of PtS‐SNPs, which provides useful information for the utilization of these size controlled PtS‐SNPs with desirable physicochemical properties in product development for different demands.
A new subfamily classification of the Citrus family (Rutaceae) based on six nuclear and plastid markers
Authors: Appelhans Marc S. , Bayly Michael J. , Heslewood Margaret M. , Groppo Milton , Verboom G. Anthony , Forster Paul I. , Kallunki Jacquelyn A. , Duretto Marco F.
Published: July 2021

Rutaceae is a family of angiosperms well known for the economically important genus Citrus. The division of Rutaceae into subfamilies is still inadequate and provisional. Previous phylogenetic studies at the family level are characterized by a limited sampling of genera and lack several crucial taxa. Here, we present a phylogenetic study based on six nuclear and plastid markers including 87.7% of the currently accepted genera, which is more than twice as many as in previous studies. Seven genera are included in a phylogenetic analysis for the first time. Most clades are resolved with high support, and we propose a new subfamily classification for Rutaceae that comprises the subfamilies Amyridoideae, Aurantioideae, Cneoroideae, Haplophylloideae, Rutoideae and Zanthoxyloideae. Aurantioideae is the only traditional subfamily that is resolved as monophyletic. We tested whether 13 morphological and karyological characters are taxonomically informative in Rutaceae. Chromosome numbers are clearly different in the two main clades of Rutaceae, but fruit characteristics, which have been used to define subfamilies in the past, do not distinguish between the main lineages of the family.
When Games and Gambling Collide: Modern Examples and Controversies
Authors: Wardle Heather
Published: July 2021

The intersection of gaming and gambling has a long lineage. In recent years this process has amplified, arguably accelerated by developing technological infrastructures which facilitate rapid payment purchases and online and real-time systems which allow companies to communicate directly with users and users to communicate with each other. This chapter traces key issues relating to some notable recent examples of the gaming/gambling intersection. It includes controversies about the status of social casino games and loot boxes; the development and expansion of daily fantasy sports markets; the betting and wagering of skins won or bought through digital games, and; rising opportunities to bet on esports. Each exemplifies how these activities are products of a unique set of social and economic circumstances, how corporations are diversifying and becoming part of a more complex gaming/gambling ecosystem and using data to drive growth, all of which raise particular issues for consumer protection.
Concluding Remarks
Authors: Wardle Heather
Published: July 2021

Changing technology has accelerated the intersection between gaming and gambling products and practices, generated new products and thus created concerns about the impact of things like loot boxes or social casinos. Games which incorporate gambling-like practices (aside from generating profit) reflect the increasing normalisation of gambling within everyday life but these games also become accelerants of this trend, through the vast power and reach they have, especially among young people. Attention tends to focus on whether these practices should be defined as “gambling” or not. Whilst important, this arguably misses a range of other considerations—such as the potential exploitative or coercive nature of these products and the mechanics that underlie them. Games and gambling tend to be viewed as distinct practices but increasing intersection of products, practices and common mechanics used by both means they are increasingly viewed as intertwined, where the improbity of each will likely reflect on the other.
GPU Acceleration of Bounded Model Checking with ParaFROST
Authors: Osama Muhammad , Wijs Anton
Published: July 2021

The effective parallelisation of Bounded Model Checking is challenging, due to SAT and SMT solving being hard to parallelise. We present ParaFROST, which is the first tool to employ a graphics processor to accelerate BMC, in particular the simplification of SAT formulas before and repeatedly during the solving, known as pre- and inprocessing. The solving itself is performed by a single CPU thread. We explain the design of the tool, the data structures, and the memory management, the latter having been particularly designed to handle SAT formulas typically generated for BMC, i.e., that are large, with many redundant variables. Furthermore, the solver can make multiple decisions simultaneously. We discuss experimental results, having applied ParaFROST on programs from the Core C99 package of Amazon Web Services.
Pono: A Flexible and Extensible SMT-Based Model Checker
Authors: Mann Makai , Irfan Ahmed , Lonsing Florian , Yang Yahan , Zhang Hongce , Brown Kristopher , Gupta Aarti , Barrett Clark
Published: July 2021

Symbolic model checking is an important tool for finding bugs (or proving the absence of bugs) in modern system designs. Because of this, improving the ease of use, scalability, and performance of model checking tools and algorithms continues to be an important research direction. In service of this goal, we present , an open-source SMT-based model checker. is designed to be both a research platform for developing and improving model checking algorithms, as well as a performance-competitive tool that can be used for academic and industry verification applications. In addition to performance, prioritizes transparency (developed as an open-source project on GitHub), flexibility ( can be adapted to a variety of tasks by exploiting its general SMT-based interface), and extensibility (it is easy to add new algorithms and new back-end solvers). In this paper, we describe the design of the tool with a focus on the flexible and extensible architecture, cover its current capabilities, and demonstrate that is competitive with state-of-the-art tools.
Model Checking Finite-Horizon Markov Chains with Probabilistic Inference
Authors: Holtzen Steven , Junges Sebastian , Vazquez-Chanlatte Marcell , Millstein Todd , Seshia Sanjit A. , Van den Broeck Guy
Published: July 2021

We revisit the symbolic verification of Markov chains with respect to finite horizon reachability properties. The prevalent approach iteratively computes step-bounded state reachability probabilities. By contrast, recent advances in probabilistic inference suggest symbolically representing all horizon-length paths through the Markov chain. We ask whether this perspective advances the state-of-the-art in probabilistic model checking. First, we formally describe both approaches in order to highlight their key differences. Then, using these insights we developRubicon, a tool that transpilesPrismmodels to the probabilistic inference tool . Finally, we demonstrate better scalability compared to probabilistic model checkers on selected benchmarks. All together, our results suggest that probabilistic inference is a valuable addition to the probabilistic model checking portfolio, withRubiconas a first step towards integrating both perspectives.
Formally Validating a Practical Verification Condition Generator
Authors: Parthasarathy Gaurav , Müller Peter , Summers Alexander J.
Published: July 2021

A program verifier produces reliable results only if both the logic used to justify the program’s correctness is sound, and the implementation of the program verifier is itself correct. Whereas it is common to formally prove soundness of the logic, the implementation of a verifier typically remains unverified. Bugs in verifier implementations may compromise the trustworthiness of successful verification results. Since program verifiers used in practice are complex, evolving software systems, it is generally not feasible to formally verify their implementation.

In this paper, we present an alternative approach: we validate successful runs of the widely-used Boogie verifier by producing a certificate which proves correctness of the obtained verification result. Boogie performs a complex series of program translations before ultimately generating a verification condition whose validity should imply the correctness of the input program. We show how to certify three of Boogie’s core transformation phases: the elimination of cyclic control flow paths, the (SSA-like) replacement of assignments by assumptions using fresh variables (passification), and the final generation of verification conditions. Similar translations are employed by other verifiers. Our implementation produces certificates in Isabelle, based on a novel formalisation of the Boogie language.
Automatically Tailoring Abstract Interpretation to Custom Usage Scenarios
Authors: Mansur Muhammad Numair , Mariano Benjamin , Christakis Maria , Navas Jorge A. , Wüstholz Valentin
Published: July 2021

In recent years, there has been significant progress in the development and industrial adoption of static analyzers, specifically of abstract interpreters. Such analyzers typically provide a large, if not huge, number of configurable options controlling the analysis precision and performance. A major hurdle in integrating them in the software-development life cycle is tuning their options to custom usage scenarios, such as a particular code base or certain resource constraints.

In this paper, we propose a technique that automatically tailors an abstract interpreter to the code under analysis and any given resource constraints. We implement this technique in a framework, tAIlor, which we use to perform an extensive evaluation on real-world benchmarks. Our experiments show that the configurations generated by tAIlor are vastly better than the default analysis options, vary significantly depending on the code under analysis, and most remain tailored to several subsequent code versions.
Functional Correctness of C Implementations of Dijkstra’s, Kruskal’s, and Prim’s Algorithms
Authors: Mohan Anshuman , Leow Wei Xiang , Hobor Aquinas
Published: July 2021

We develop machine-checked verifications of the full functional correctness of C implementations of the eponymous graph algorithms of Dijkstra, Kruskal, and Prim. We extend Wang et al.’s CertiGraph platform to reason about labels on edges, undirected graphs, and common spatial representations of edge-labeled graphs such as adjacency matrices and edge lists. We certify binary heaps, including Floyd’s bottom-up heap construction, heapsort, and increase/decrease priority.

Our verifications uncover subtle overflows implicit in standard textbook code, including a nontrivial bound on edge weights necessary to execute Dijkstra’s algorithm; we show that the intuitive guess fails and provide a workable refinement. We observe that the common notion that Prim’s algorithm requires a connected graph is wrong: we verify that a standard textbook implementation of Prim’s algorithm can compute minimum spanning forests without finding components first. Our verification of Kruskal’s algorithm reasons about two graphs simultaneously: the undirected graph undergoing MSF construction, and the directed graph representing the forest inside union-find. Our binary heap verification exposes precise bounds for the heap to operate correctly, avoids a subtle overflow error, and shows how to recycle keys to avoid overflow.
Fast Computation of Strong Control Dependencies
Authors: Chalupa Marek , Klas̆ka David , Strejček Jan , Tomovic̆ Lukás̆
Published: July 2021

We introduce new algorithms for computing non-termination sensitive control dependence (NTSCD) and decisive order dependence (DOD). These relations on vertices of a control flow graph have many applications including program slicing and compiler optimizations. Our algorithms are asymptotically faster than the current algorithms. We also show that the original algorithms for computing NTSCD and DOD may produce incorrect results. We implemented the new as well as fixed versions of the original algorithms for the computation of NTSCD and DOD. Experimental evaluation shows that our algorithms dramatically outperform the original ones.
Porous Invariants
Authors: Lefaucheux Engel , Ouaknine Joël , Purser David , Worrell James
Published: July 2021

We introduce the notion of porous invariants for multipath (or branching/nondeterministic) affine loops over the integers; these invariants are not necessarily convex, and can in fact contain infinitely many ‘holes’. Nevertheless, we show that in many cases such invariants can be automatically synthesised, and moreover can be used to settle (non-)reachability questions for various interesting classes of affine loops and target sets.
Phases of five-dimensional supersymmetric gauge theories
Authors: Santilli Leonardo
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Five-dimensional $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 theories with gauge group U(N), SU(N), USp(2N) and SO(N) are studied at large rank through localization on a large sphere. The phase diagram of theories with fundamental hypermultiplets is universal and characterized by third order phase transitions, with the exception of U(N), that shows both second and third order transitions. The phase diagram of theories with adjoint or (anti-)symmetric hypermultiplets is also determined and found to be universal. Moreover, Wilson loops in fundamental and antisymmetric representations of any rank are analyzed in this limit. Quiver theories are discussed as well. All the results substantiate the ℱ-theorem.
Sugar and no sugar added fruit microalgae-enriched jams: a study about their physicochemical, rheological, and textural properties
Authors: Uribe-Wandurraga Zaida Natalia , Bravo-Villar María , Igual Marta , Savall Carmen , García-Segovia Purificación , Martínez-Monzó Javier
Published: July 2021

Jams are preparations of fruits whose main preserving agent is sugar. Due to this, health concerns of consumers have resulted in a sugar reduction, and its replacement using alternative sweeteners and introducing new ingredients enhancing nutritional properties. In this study, four types of fruits jams (plum, strawberry, apple, and peach), with or without sugar, were prepared using two microalgae biomass, Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina) and Chlorella vulgaris, and Dunaliella salina extract as ingredients at different mix levels of concentrations, 0.10%–0.10%–0.05% respectively, for plum; 0.04%–0.00%–0.01 respectively, for strawberry; 0.06%–0.04%–0.00% respectively, for apple and 0.00%–0.01%–0.04% respectively, for peach. Physicochemical, rheological, and textural parameters were evaluated. Substitution of sugar/fructose syrup in the jam’s preparation caused changes in pH values, solid soluble content, and rheological and textural properties compared to sugar jams. Using sugar or sweeteners as isomalt, stevia and sucralose and microalgae biomass or extract showed significant changes in colour coordinates, however, these differences were not perceptible by the human eye. Jams containing microalgae biomass-extract showed higher G', G'', G*, and η* values than their corresponding control samples. All the jams presented weak-gel characteristics, distinguishing fruit jams. However, the results of weak-gel model analysis suggest that the influence of the different ingredients in the food system depends not only on their concentration but also on the interactions in the gel structure. Strawberry and apple jams showed no significant differences between microalgae biomass-extract samples and control samples, for both sugar and no sugar added jams being the best-obtained samples.
Radiotherapy planning parameters correlate with changes in the peripheral immune status of patients undergoing curative radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer
Authors: Hoffmann Elgin , Paulsen Frank , Schaedle Philipp , Zips Daniel , Gani Cihan , Rammensee Hans-Georg , Gouttefangeas Cécile , Eckert Franziska
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The influence of radiotherapy on patient immune cell subsets has been established by several groups. Following a previously published analysis of immune changes during and after curative radiotherapy for prostate cancer, this analysis focused on describing correlations of changes of immune cell subsets with radiation treatment parameters.

Patients and methods

For 13 patients treated in a prospective trial with radiotherapy to the prostate region (primary analysis) and five patients treated with radiotherapy to prostate and pelvic nodal regions (exploratory analysis), already published immune monitoring data were correlated with clinical data as well as radiation planning parameters such as clinical target volume (CTV) and volumes receiving 20 Gy (V20) for newly contoured volumes of pelvic blood vessels and bone marrow.

Results

Most significant changes among immune cell subsets were observed at the end of radiotherapy. In contrast, correlations of age and CD8+ subsets (effector and memory cells) were observed early during and 3 months after radiotherapy. Ratios of T cells and T cell proliferation compared to baseline correlated with CTV. Early changes in regulatory T cells (Treg cells) and CD8+ effector T cells correlated with V20 of blood vessels and bone volumes.

Conclusions

Patient age as well as radiotherapy planning parameters correlated with immune changes during radiotherapy. Larger irradiated volumes seem to correlate with early suppression of anti-cancer immunity. For immune cell analysis during normofractionated radiotherapy and correlations with treatment planning parameters, different time points should be looked at in future projects.

Trial registration number:

NCT01376674, 20.06.2011
Percutaneous Versus Surgical Interventions for Hepatic Cystic Echinococcosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Mönnink G. L. E. , Stijnis C. , van Delden O. M. , Spijker R. , Grobusch M. P.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This systematic review and meta-analysis summarises the current literature on invasive treatment options of cystic hepatic echinococcosis (CE), comparing percutaneous radiological interventions to surgery, still the cornerstone of treatment in many countries.

Methods

A literature search was conducted in Medline and EMBASE databases (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42019126150). The primary outcome was recurrence of cysts after treatment. Secondary outcomes were complications, duration of hospitalisation, mortality and treatment conversion.

Results

The number of eligible prospective studies, in particular RCTs, was limited. In the four included studies, only conventional surgery is compared directly to percutaneous techniques. From the available data, in terms of recurrence, percutaneous treatment of hydatid cysts is non-inferior to open surgery. With regard to complications and length of hospital stay, outcomes favour percutaneous therapy.

Conclusion

Although evidence from prospective research is small, percutaneous treatment in CE is an effective, safe and less invasive alternative to surgery.
Self-reported fatigue in patients with rheumatoid arthritis compared to patients with cancer: results from two large-scale studies
Authors: Müller Karolina , Kuipers Jens G. , Weis Joachim , Fischer Irene , Pukrop Tobias , Rüffer Jens U. , Koller Michael
Published: July 2021

Fatigue is a common symptom in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and in patients with cancer (CA). The aim was to investigate the degree of fatigue in RA patients as compared to CA patients as well as potential influencing factors on RA-related fatigue. This was a retrospective analyses of two prospective cohort studies that used the EORTC QLQ-FA12 as a common instrument to assess fatigue. The cohort of RA patients was based on a nationwide survey in Germany. The cohort of CA patients was recruited in the context of an international validation field study. Multivariable ANCOVAs compared levels of fatigue between the two cohorts, also including various subgroup analyses. Regression analyses explored influencing factors on RA patients’ fatigue. Data of n = 705 RA patients and of n = 943 CA patients were available for analyses. RA patients reported significantly higher Physical Fatigue (mean difference = 7.0, 95% CI 4.2–9.7, p < 0.001) and Social Sequelae (mean difference = 7.5, 95% CI 4.7–10.2, p < 0.001). CA patients reported higher Cognitive Fatigue (mean difference = 3.5, 95% CI 1.4–5.6, p = 0.001). No differences in Emotional Fatigue (p = 0.678) and Interference with Daily Life (p = 0.098) were found. In RA patients, mental health and pain were associated with fatigue (p values < 0.001). RA patients showed a considerable level of fatigue that is comparable to and in certain cases even higher than that of CA patients. The implementation of standardized diagnostic procedures and interventions to reduce fatigue in RA patients are recommended.
Stereology and three-dimensional reconstructions to analyze the pulmonary vasculature
Authors: Mühlfeld Christian
Published: July 2021

The pulmonary vasculature consists of a large arterial and venous tree with a vast alveolar capillary network (ACN) in between. Both conducting blood vessels and the gas-exchanging capillaries are part of important human lung diseases, including bronchopulmonary dysplasia, pulmonary hypertension and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Morphological tools to investigate the different parts of the pulmonary vasculature quantitatively and in three dimensions are crucial for a better understanding of the contribution of the blood vessels to the pathophysiology and effects of lung diseases. In recent years, new stereological methods and imaging techniques have expanded the analytical tool box and therefore the conclusive power of morphological analyses of the pulmonary vasculature. Three of these developments are presented and discussed in this review article, namely (1) stereological quantification of the number of capillary loops, (2) serial block-face scanning electron microscopy of the ACN and (3) labeling of branching generations in light microscopic sections based on arterial tree segmentations of micro-computed tomography data sets of whole lungs. The implementation of these approaches in research work requires expertise in lung preparation, multimodal imaging at different scales, an advanced IT infrastructure and expertise in image analysis. However, they are expected to provide important data that cannot be obtained by previously existing methodology.
Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) are susceptible to the Kanizsa’s triangle illusion
Authors: Lõoke Miina , Marinelli Lieta , Guérineau Cécile , Agrillo Christian , Mongillo Paolo
Published: July 2021

The ability to complete partially missing contours is widespread across the animal kingdom, but whether this extends to dogs is still unknown. To address this gap in knowledge, we assessed dogs’ susceptibility to one of the most common contour illusions, the Kanizsa’s triangle. Six dogs were trained to discriminate a triangle from other geometrical figures using a two-alternative conditioned discrimination task. Once the learning criterion was reached, dogs were presented with the Kanizsa’s triangle and a control stimulus, where inducers were rotated around their centre, so as to disrupt what would be perceived as a triangle by a human observer. As a group, dogs chose the illusory triangle significantly more often than control stimuli. At the individual level, susceptibility to the illusion was shown by five out of six dogs. This is the first study where dogs as a group show susceptibility to a visual illusion in the same manner as humans. Moreover, the analyses revealed a negative effect of age on susceptibility, an effect that was also found in humans. Altogether, this suggests that the underling perceptual mechanisms are similar between dogs and humans, and in sharp contrast with other categories of visual illusions to which the susceptibility of dogs has been previously assessed.
Deciphering meteorological influencing factors for Alpine rockfalls: a case study in Aosta Valley
Authors: Bajni Greta , Camera Corrado A. S. , Apuani Tiziana
Published: July 2021

This study exploited the historical rockfall inventory and the meteorological stations database of Mont Cervin and Mont Emilius Mountain Communities (Aosta Valley, northern Italy) to decipher relationships between climate processes, typical of mountain environments and rockfall phenomena. The period from 1990 to 2018 was selected as reference to perform the analysis. Climate processes were translated into four climate indices, namely short-term rainfall (STR), effective water inputs (EWI, including both rainfall and snow melting), wet and dry episodes (WD) and freeze-thaw cycles (FT). The comparison between climate indices values at each rockfall occurrence and the statistical distributions describing the whole indices dataset allowed to define not ordinary climatic conditions for each index and their influence on rockfall occurrence. Most of the events analysed (>95% out of 136) occurred in correspondence of the defined not ordinary climatic conditions for one or for a combination of the indices. The relationships between rockfalls and climate showed a seasonality. In spring, most of the events resulted to be connected to FT (70%) while in autumn to EWI (49%). The relative seasonal importance of WD reached its maximum in summer with 23% of the events related to this index alone. Based on these results, different strategies to define empirical critical thresholds for each climate index were explored, in order to make them valid for the whole study area. A preliminary exploratory analysis of the influence of high temperatures and temperature gradients was carried out for some summertime rockfalls, not correlated to the other investigated indices. The presented approach is exportable in neighbouring regions, given the availability of a dated rockfall dataset, and could be adapted to include different processes.
RNA methylation in mammalian development and cancer
Authors: Song Peizhe , Tayier Subiding , Cai Zhihe , Jia Guifang
Published: July 2021

Similar to epigenetic DNA and histone modifications, epitranscriptomic modifications (RNA modifications) have emerged as crucial regulators in temporal and spatial gene expression during eukaryotic development. To date, over 170 diverse types of chemical modifications have been identified upon RNA nucleobases. Some of these post-synthesized modifications can be reversibly installed, removed, and decoded by their specific cellular components and play critical roles in different biological processes. Accordingly, dysregulation of RNA modification effectors is tightly orchestrated with developmental processes. Here, we particularly focus on three well-studied RNA modifications, including N6-methyladenosine (m6A), 5-methylcytosine (m5C), and N1-methyladenosine (m1A), and summarize recent knowledge of underlying mechanisms and critical roles of these RNA modifications in stem cell fate determination, embryonic development, and cancer progression, providing a better understanding of the whole association between epitranscriptomic regulation and mammalian development.
Numerical modeling as a tool for evaluating the renewability of geothermal resources: the case study of the Euganean Geothermal System (NE Italy)
Authors: Torresan Filippo , Piccinini Leonardo , Cacace Mauro , Pola Marco , Zampieri Dario , Fabbri Paolo
Published: July 2021

Renewable natural resources are strategic for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the human footprint. The renewability of these resources is a crucial aspect that should be evaluated in utilization of scenario planning. The renewability of geothermal resources is strictly related to the physical and geological processes that favor water circulation and heating. In the Veneto region (NE Italy), thermal waters of the Euganean Geothermal System are the most profitable regional geothermal resource, and its renewability assessment entails the evaluation of fluid and heat recharge, regional and local geological settings, and physical processes controlling system development. This renewability assessment is aimed at defining both the importance of such components and the resource amount that can be exploited without compromising its future preservation. In the second part of the twentieth century, the Euganean thermal resource was threatened by severe overexploitation that caused a sharp decrease in the potentiometric level of the thermal aquifers. Consequently, regulation for their exploitation is required. In this work, the renewability of the Euganean Geothermal System was assessed using the results from numerical simulations of fluid flow and heat transport. The simulations were based on a detailed hydrogeological reconstruction that reproduced major regional geological heterogeneities through a 3D unstructured mesh, while a heterogeneous permeability field was used to reproduce the local fracturing of the thermal aquifers. The model results highlight the role played by the resolved structural elements, in particular the subsurface high-angle faults of the exploitation field, and by the anomalous regional crustal heat flow affecting the central Veneto region.
Optimized isolation method of humin fraction from mineral soil material
Authors: Weber Jerzy , Jamroz Elżbieta , Kocowicz Andrzej , Debicka Magdalena , Bekier Jakub , Ćwieląg-Piasecka Irmina , Ukalska-Jaruga Aleksandra , Mielnik Lilla , Bejger Romualda , Jerzykiewicz Maria
Published: July 2021

Humic substances, including humin fraction, play a key role in the fate of organic and inorganic xenobiotics contaminating the environment. Humin is an important fraction of humic substances, which has been the least studied to date. This is due to the difficulties connected with its isolation that pose a number of methodological problems. Methods of humin fraction isolation can be divided into following main groups: (1) digestion of mineral soil components with HF/HCl followed by alkali extraction of HA and FA; (2) alkali extraction of HA and FA followed by extraction of humin by different organic solvents; and (3) alkali extraction of HA and FA followed by HF/HCl digestion of mineral soil components. Nevertheless, each of these methods has different limitations. We described in detail a useful procedure of humin isolation, in which this fraction was not extracted, but isolated from the soil by removing its soluble organic and mineral components. A modified method of HA and FA extraction with 0.1 M NaOH, according to the International Humic Substances Society, was used in the first step. Then, the mineral components in the residue were digested with the 10% HF/HCl. Unlike the procedures oriented to increase the concentration of organic matter, samples were treated several times with the HF/HCl mixture until the mineral fraction was almost completely digested. The main assumption of the method modification was to obtain the highest yield with the lowest possible ash content, but without affecting humin chemical structure. The results showed that the proposed procedure is characterized by a high efficiency and recovery and, therefore, it can be used to isolate high amounts of humin from soil.
A performance model for mobile robot-based part feeding systems to supermarkets
Authors: Moretti Emilio , Tappia Elena , Mauri Martina , Melacini Marco
Published: July 2021

In a context where companies are striving to produce highly customised goods in small batches and within short lead times, increasing attention is being put on the design and management of part feeding systems. This research is the first to model automated part feeding to supermarkets in a factory environment, considering an innovative technology called vertical robotic storage and retrieval systems. This technology allows automating the storage, picking, and internal transportation activities in an integrated process, thanks to rack-climbing robots roaming in both the shop floor and the storage racks. We develop an analytical model based on the queuing network approach to analyse the system performance, and we use it to perform numerical experiments and to evaluate the design trade-offs with reference to a real case in the automotive industry. Results show that an increase in the number of robots leads to better performance since the positive impact on the response time is stronger than the negative impact on the waiting times of robots at the supermarkets due to congestion. Furthermore, a configuration with multiple small supermarkets improves the efficiency of the replenishment process, compared to a setting with few big supermarkets.
Regularity of Local Times Associated with Volterra–Lévy Processes and Path-Wise Regularization of Stochastic Differential Equations
Authors: Harang Fabian A. , Ling Chengcheng
Published: July 2021

We investigate the space-time regularity of the local time associated with Volterra–Lévy processes, including Volterra processes driven by $$\alpha $$
α
-stable processes for $$\alpha \in (0,2]$$

α
∈
(
0
,
2
]

. We show that the spatial regularity of the local time for Volterra–Lévy process is $${\mathbb {P}}$$
P
-a.s. inverse proportional to the singularity of the associated Volterra kernel. We apply our results to the investigation of path-wise regularizing effects obtained by perturbation of ordinary differential equations by a Volterra–Lévy process which has sufficiently regular local time. Following along the lines of Harang and Perkowski (2020), we show existence, uniqueness and differentiability of the flow associated with such equations.
Changes in Patterns of Social Role Combinations at Ages 25–26 among Those Growing Up in England between 1996 and 2015–16: Evidence from the 1970 British Cohort and Next Steps Studies
Authors: Gagné Thierry , Sacker Amanda , Schoon Ingrid
Published: July 2021

Changes across education, employment, and family life over the past 20 years challenges the capacity of previously established social role combinations to continue representing the experiences of young men and women born since the late 1980s. Latent class analysis was used to derive patterns of role combinations at ages 25–26 in those growing up in England, using data from 3191 men and 3921 women in the 1970 British Cohort Study (1996) and 3426 men and 4281 women in the Next Steps study born in 1989–90 (2015–16). Role combinations in 1996 were well defined by five patterns across genders: educated, work-oriented, traditional family, fragile family, and slow starters. Patterns in 2015–16 diverged across genders (e.g., disappearance of home ownership in the traditional family group among men and higher education as a group identifier among women) and included across genders fewer work-oriented, more slow starters, and a new group of “left behind” who are excluded from work and relationships. Young men and women born around 1990 experienced diverging role combinations characterized by increased delays and inequalities, with fewer being able to attain the milestones traditionally associated with the transition to adulthood by the mid-20s.
Norwegian population norms for the EQ-5D-5L: results from a general population survey
Authors: Garratt Andrew Malcolm , Hansen Tonya Moen , Augestad Liv Ariane , Rand Kim , Stavem Knut
Published: July 2021

Purpose

To provide the first Norwegian EQ-5D-5L and EQ VAS population norms for the adult general population.

Methods

Postal survey of a random sample of 12,790 Norwegians identified through the National Registry of the Norwegian Tax Administration. Norms, weighted for Norwegian general population characteristics, are shown for the five EQ-5D-5L dimensions, EQ-5D index, and EQ VAS scores for seven age categories, females, males, and education level.

Results

There were 3200 (25.9%) respondents to 12,263 correctly addressed questionnaires. The EQ-5D-5L dimensions, EQ VAS, and background questions were completed by 3120 (24.6%) respondents. The mean age (SD) was 50.9 (21.7) and range was 18–97 years. The youngest age group of 18–29 years and oldest of 80 years and over had the highest (n = 691) and lowest (n = 239) number of respondents, respectively. Compared to the general population, the respondents comprised a greater number of females, younger and older ages, and had a higher education level. 32% of respondents reported no health problems on the EQ-5D-5L. From the youngest to oldest age groups, there was a general decline in health as assessed by the EQ-5D-5L. The exception was for anxiety/depression, where the youngest age groups had the poorest health. Apart from self-care, women reported poorer health than men, as assessed by the EQ-5D-5L; EQ VAS scores were similar for men and women. Higher levels of health (EQ-5D index, EQ VAS scores) were found with increasing levels of education.

Conclusion

The population norms will improve interpretation of EQ-5D-5L and EQ VAS scores in Norwegian applications including clinical practice, clinical and health services research, and national quality registers where EQ-5D-5L is the most widely used patient-reported instrument.
Methodological approach for determining the Minimal Important Difference and Minimal Important Change scores for the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Head and Neck Cancer Module (EORTC QLQ-HN43) exemplified by the Swallowing scale
Authors: Singer Susanne , Hammerlid Eva , Tomaszewska Iwona M. , Amdal Cecilie Delphin , Bjordal Kristin , Herlofson Bente Brokstad , Santos Marcos , Silva Joaquim Castro , Mehanna Hisham , Fullerton Amy , Brannan Christine , Gonzalez Loreto Fernandez , Inhestern Johanna , Pinto Monica , Arraras Juan I. , Yarom Noam , Bonomo Pierluigi , Baumann Ingo , Galalae Razvan , Nicolatou-Galitis Ourania , Kiyota Naomi , Raber-Durlacher Judith , Salem Dina , Fabian Alexander , Boehm Andreas , Krejovic-Trivic Sanja , Chie Wei-Chu , Taylor Katherine , Simon Christian , Licitra Lisa , Sherman Allen C. ,   the EORTC Quality of Life Group and the EORTC Head and Neck Cancer Group
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The aim of this study was to explore what methods should be used to determine the minimal important difference (MID) and minimal important change (MIC) in scores for the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Head and Neck Cancer Module, the EORTC QLQ-HN43.

Methods

In an international multi-centre study, patients with head and neck cancer completed the EORTC QLQ-HN43 before the onset of treatment (t1), three months after baseline (t2), and six months after baseline (t3). The methods explored for determining the MID were: (1) group comparisons based on performance status; (2) 0.5 and 0.3 standard deviation and standard error of the mean. The methods examined for the MIC were patients' subjective change ratings and receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curves, predictive modelling, standard deviation, and standard error of the mean. The EORTC QLQ-HN43 Swallowing scale was used to investigate these methods.

Results

From 28 hospitals in 18 countries, 503 patients participated. Correlations with the performance status were |r|< 0.4 in 17 out of 19 scales; hence, performance status was regarded as an unsuitable anchor. The ROC approach yielded an implausible MIC and was also discarded. The remaining approaches worked well and delivered MID values ranging from 10 to 14; the MIC for deterioration ranged from 8 to 16 and the MIC for improvement from − 3 to − 14.

Conclusions

For determining MIDs of the remaining scales of the EORTC QLQ-HN43, we will omit comparisons of groups based on the Karnofsky Performance Score. Other external anchors are needed instead. Distribution-based methods worked well and will be applied as a starting strategy for analyses. For the calculation of MICs, subjective change ratings, predictive modelling, and standard-deviation based approaches are suitable methods whereas ROC analyses seem to be inappropriate.
Influence of Interfacial Oxidation on Friction in Structural Superlubricity
Authors: Özoğul Alper , Jany Benedykt R. , Krok Franciszek , Gnecco Enrico , Baykara Mehmet Z.
Published: July 2021

We present the results of friction experiments performed by manipulation of oxidized platinum nanoislands on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) substrates through atomic force microscopy (AFM). The oxidation of the platinum nanoislands, performed via mild plasma exposure, is confirmed through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and high-resolution energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), the latter of which reveals partial oxidation on the sliding surfaces of the nanoislands. Oxidized platinum nanoislands are found to exhibit higher friction than non-oxidized islands, with a ~ 70% increase in mean shear stress over the investigated contact size regime. An increase in chemical interaction forces between the oxidized platinum and the graphite substrate is proposed to explain the increase in friction forces. Our results reveal that alteration of interfacial chemistry through oxidation leads to a noticeable modulation of friction forces, but not a total breakdown of the superlubric state (as evidenced by the signature observation of decreasing shear stress with increasing contact size), providing further feasibility for the design of superlubric mechanical systems to be operated under ambient conditions.

Graphic Abstract