bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prenatal onset of the neuroradiologic phenotype of pyruvate carboxylase deficiency due to homozygous PC c.1828G > A mutations
Authors: Mhanni Aizeddin A. , Rockman‐Greenberg Cheryl , Ryner Lawrence , Bunge Martin
Published: June 2021

Pyruvate carboxylase (PC) deficiency (MIM# 266150) is an autosomal recessive disorder with three subtypes. Patients homozygous for the c.1828G > A mutation in the PC gene belong to type A, which typically has infantile onset, severe to profound developmental delay, hypotonia, and lactic acidemia. We report the neuroimaging abnormalities in a 33‐week gestation infant homozygous for the c.1828G > A mutation. Brain magnetic resonance imaging on day 10 of life revealed increased T2 signal within the subcortical and periventricular white matter, an immature gyral pattern, large periventricular cysts with mass effect on the lateral ventricles, and dilatation of the occipital and temporal horns. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy showed reduced creatine and NAA peaks, a relatively high choline peak and no lactate peak. These findings were observed prior to the neonate experiencing any episodes of decompensation with lactic acidosis. The presence of these brain anomalies at this gestational age, prior to any metabolic decompensation, supports the essential role of PC in normal brain morphogenesis and the resulting in‐utero brain anomalies secondary to its deficiency. Our experience with this affected premature infant and many others we have managed with the same founder mutation suggests that the clinical phenotypes of the type A and the more severe type B PC deficient patients are on a spectrum rather than distinct subtypes.
Plasma‐based ambient mass spectrometry: Recent progress and applications
Authors: Yue Hanlu , He Feiyao , Zhao Zhongjun , Duan Yixiang
Published: June 2021

Ambient mass spectrometry (AMS) has grown as a group of advanced analytical techniques that allow for the direct sampling and ionization of the analytes in different statuses from their native environment without or with minimum sample pretreatments. As a significant category of AMS, plasma‐based AMS has gained a lot of attention due to its features that allow rapid, real‐time, high‐throughput, in vivo, and in situ analysis in various fields, including bioanalysis, pharmaceuticals, forensics, food safety, and mass spectrometry imaging. Tens of new methods have been developed since the introduction of the first plasma‐based AMS technique direct analysis in real‐time. This review first provides a comprehensive overview of the established plasma‐based AMS techniques from their ion source configurations, mechanisms, and developments. Then, the progress of the representative applications in various scientific fields in the past 4 years (January 2017 to January 2021) has been summarized. Finally, we discuss the current challenges and propose the future directions of plasma‐based AMS from our perspective.
Endogenous codetermination
Authors: Gori Luca , Fanti Luciano
Published: June 2021

This research introduces endogenous codetermination in a Cournot duopoly. Unlike the received literature (Kraft, 1998), this work assumes that firms bargain with their own union bargaining units under codetermination if and only if they can choose an ad hoc bargaining effort by maximising profits (three‐stage non‐cooperative game). There are remarkable differences compared with the main findings of the exogenous codetermination literature. Indeed, there may exist asymmetric multiple (Pareto efficient) Nash equilibria in pure strategies. Mandatory codetermination, therefore, is Pareto worsening. Each firm can then use the union bargaining power as a strategic device in a Cournot setting.
Evaluating student attitudes and learning at remote collegiate soil judging events
Authors: Owen Rachel K. , Anderson Amber , Bhandari Ammar , Clark Kerry , Davis Morgan , Dere Ashlee , Jelinski Nic , Moorberg Colby , Osterloh Kristopher , Presley DeAnn , Turk Judith , Young Rebecca
Published: June 2021

As with many aspects of teaching, the COVID‐19 pandemic forced soil judging teams to attempt new strategies towards achieving student learning outcomes. Soil judging Regions IV and V hosted remote regional contests in October 2020 in place of traditional, in‐person contests typically held each fall. We conducted pre‐ and post‐contest surveys to assess student learning outcomes, attitudes, and reflections on the remote contest experience compared to past, in‐person contest experiences. We received 108 total responses from students who participated in the Region IV and Region V remote soil judging contests (>80% response rate). In self‐reported learning outcomes, there were no significant gains post‐contest and there were minimal differences between students in Regions IV and V. Female students, students with more soil judging experience, and students who had taken more soil science courses agreed more strongly that soil science is important, that they planned to pursue careers in soil science, and that they gained important skills from soil judging. Finally, students who previously participated in contests reported that they gained more knowledge and enjoyed in‐person contests more than the remote contests held in Fall 2020. Thus, while it is possible to replicate some aspects of the soil judging experience in a remote contest, other aspects that are critical to student engagement are lost when teams are unable to gather at the contest location and examine soils in the field.
Very thin crystalline silicon cells: A way to improve the photovoltaic performance at elevated temperatures
Authors: Sai Hitoshi , Sato Yoshiki , Oku Toshiki , Matsui Takuya
Published: June 2021

In general, the conversion efficiency of solar cells decreases with the increase in temperature. This temperature dependence is mitigated by enhancing the open circuit voltage (VOC). Given a solar cell, its VOC can be enhanced by several routes, for example, reducing the defect density within the absorber, applying passivating contacts, and reducing the absorber thickness. In this work, we investigate the impact of wafer thickness in crystalline silicon (c‐Si) solar cells from the viewpoint of the photovoltaic performance at elevated temperatures. It is confirmed experimentally that the VOC of c‐Si solar cells increases by thinning the Si wafer, for example, VOC ≥ 0.75 V is obtained at a wafer thickness of <60 μm with a conversion efficiency of 22.7%, if surface recombination is sufficiently suppressed. It is also confirmed that thin c‐Si cells exhibiting high VOC show less temperature dependence. As a result, the optimum wafer thickness for maximizing the efficiency decreases with the increase in temperature according to the relation of −1.1 μm/°C. Numerical simulation predicts that this tendency becomes more emphasized with the suppression of Shockley–Read–Hall recombination. These findings suggest that the device structure of c‐Si solar cells including the choice of the wafer thickness should be optimized depending on the operating temperature in the field.
Effect of benzene ring on the excited‐state intramolecular proton transfer mechanisms of hydroxyquinoline derivatives
Authors: Zhang Feng , Zhao Jing , Li Chaozheng
Published: June 2021

The proton transfer process of 8‐hydroxyquinoline (HQ) can occur from the hydroxy oxygen to the pyridine nitrogen through a five‐membered ring. For 10‐hydroxybenzo[h]quinolone (HBQ), the proton transfer process occurs through a six‐membered ring due to the insertion of a benzene ring between phenol and pyridine. In this work, the proton transfer processes of the five‐membered (HQ) and six‐membered (HBQ) ring hydroxyquinoline hydrogen bond systems were studied through theoretical methods. The geometric parameters and infrared (IR) vibrational spectra analysis show that the insertion of a benzene ring between phenol and pyridine affect the strength of the intramolecular hydrogen bond (O─H···N). Upon photoexcitation, the electron density is redistributed, which can provide driving force for the proton transfer processes. The potential barrier of the excited‐state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) process for HQ is 3.05 kcal/mol, whereas the ESIPT process of HBQ is barrierless. It is demonstrated that the proton transfer process of HBQ is easier than that of HQ in S1 state. The proton transfer process of HQ can only occur in S1 state, whereas that of HBQ can occur in the ground state (S0) and S1 state. In addition, the analysis of the nonadiabatic dynamics simulations reveals that the ESIPT process of HBQ (26 fs) is faster than that of HQ (53 fs). To sum up, the insertion of a benzene ring between phenol and pyridine affect the strength of the intramolecular hydrogen bond (O─H···N) and then affect the proton transfer processes to some extent.
p‐cymene impairs SARS‐CoV‐2 and Influenza A (H1N1) viral replication: In silico predicted interaction with SARS‐CoV‐2 nucleocapsid protein and H1N1 nucleoprotein
Authors: Panagiotopoulos Athanasios , Tseliou Melpomeni , Karakasiliotis Ioannis , Kotzampasi Danai‐Maria , Daskalakis Vangelis , Kesesidis Nikolaos , Notas George , Lionis Christos , Kampa Marilena , Pirintsos Stergios , Sourvinos George , Castanas Elias
Published: June 2021

Therapeutic regimens for the COVID‐19 pandemics remain unmet. In this line, repurposing of existing drugs against known or predicted SARS‐CoV‐2 protein actions have been advanced, while natural products have also been tested. Here, we propose that p‐cymene, a natural monoterpene, can act as a potential novel agent for the treatment of SARS‐CoV‐2‐induced COVID‐19 and other RNA‐virus‐induced diseases (influenza, rabies, Ebola). We show by extensive molecular simulations that SARS‐CoV‐2 C‐terminal structured domain contains a nuclear localization signal (NLS), like SARS‐CoV, on which p‐cymene binds with low micromolar affinity, impairing nuclear translocation of this protein and inhibiting viral replication, as verified by preliminary in vitro experiments. A similar mechanism may occur in other RNA‐viruses (influenza, rabies and Ebola), also verified in vitro for influenza, by interaction of p‐cymene with viral nucleoproteins, and structural modification of their NLS site, weakening its interaction with importin A. This common mechanism of action renders therefore p‐cymene as a possible antiviral, alone, or in combination with other agents, in a broad spectrum of RNA viruses, from SARS‐CoV‐2 to influenza A infections.
Hybrid fiber concrete with different basalt fiber length and content
Authors: Khan Mehran , Cao Mingli , Xie Chaopeng , Ali Majid
Published: June 2021

The concrete undergoes brittle failure, which is a disadvantage for stability and safety analysis. This drawback was compensated by addition of different types and size of fibers for improving the compressive and fracture characteristics. The incorporation of multi‐scale hybrid fibers in concrete showed enhanced performance at multi‐level than that of single type or size of fiber. This study examined the influence of basalt fiber length (12, 25, 37, and 50 mm) and content (0.15% and 0.3%) on compressive and fracture parameters of hybrid fiber reinforced concrete (HyFRC). Systematic experimentations were performed on mechanical properties which include compressive strength (f'c), toughness index (ɳ) and capability coefficient index (ξ), initial fracture toughness (), unstable fracture toughness (), and fracture energy (). The crack resistance process and fiber‐matrix interaction obtained by scanning electron microscopy analysis were also discussed. The proposed analytical models of HyFRC stress–strain equations indicated great suitability for fitting of experimental behavior with R2 ≥ 0.92. The basalt fiber with different length and contents showed a great potential in HyFRC and indicated a substantial degree of enhancement for the compressive and fracture properties, as compared to that of PC and HyFRC without basalt fiber.
Influence of Pole and Slot Combination on Torque Characteristics and Radial Force of Fractional Slot Permanent Magnet Machines
Authors: Zhang Jiaxu , Zhang Bingyi , Feng Guihong
Published: June 2021

The fractional slot concentrated winding structure effectively solves the difficulty of low‐speed and high‐torque permanent magnet (PM) machines with a large number of poles and slots, but it also brings a wealth of magnetomotive force (MMF) harmonic. The winding function method is used to compare and analyze the stator MMF distribution and harmonic content of the fractional slot PM machines with different pole and slot combinations, and the cogging torque waveform and torque ripple are calculated by the finite element method. The influence of pole and slot combination on radial force and vibration modes of fractional slot PM machines is studied. The main vibration mode can be determined from the lowest order of radial force harmonics. The results show that in a fractional slot PM motor, the radial force is the main cause of noise and vibration, rather than the cogging torque and torque ripple. The dominant radial force is mainly produced by the interaction of rotor field harmonics and armature reaction field harmonics, and the vibration and noise will significantly increase with the decrease of the dominant vibration mode order, which largely depends on the pole and slot combination. This paper provides a certain reference for the selection of pole and slot combination in the electromagnetic design process of low speed high torque fractional slot PM motors. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Study on the influencing factors of natural pectin's flocculation: Their sources, modification, and optimization
Authors: Shao Fulin , Xu Jingtao , Zhang Jinyong , Wei Luyao , Zhao Congcong , Cheng Xiaoxiang , Lu Chongxiao , Fu Yanzhao
Published: June 2021

Natural pectin, derived from fruit residue, presented a certain flocculation performance in previous studies. However, the process of extraction and treatment affected the flocculation performance considering the uncontrollable chemical composition and the molecule structure. In this study, degree of esterification (DE), degree of amidation (DA) were used as the internal factors affecting flocculation performance. The DE/DA values of pectin were obtained through FTIR, elemental analyses, H‐NMR, and titration measurements. The kaolin suspension was employed for the coagulation jar tests, and the removal of NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Unit) was used as the index of the flocculation performance. Results showed that the flocculation performance of pectin arising from different fruits was different, which was associated with the various preparation processes. By introducing polar groups into pectin, the flocculation was found to be related to bridging, adsorption, and charge neutralization. Based on the trends of three‐dimensional response surfaces, the flocculation effect was improved with the decreased DE and the increased DA. The optimized amidated pectin was obtained by the amidation experiment, the turbidity reduction in wastewater was 99.63%.

Practitioner points

The internal influencing factors of pectin as a flocculant were investigated.

Different sources of pectin show different flocculation ability.

Amidation modification can improve the flocculation performance of pectin.

Response surface method to study the interaction of different influencing factors.

Pectin may replace synthetic flocculants in water treatment.
Adaptive boundary stabilization of a nonlinear axially moving string
Authors: Kelleche Abdelkarim , Tatar Nasser Eddine
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we are interested in stabilizing a nonlinear axially moving string by an adaptive boundary control. The existence and uniqueness of a solution of the closed loop system is dealt with in the framework of the nonlinear semigroup theory by using a theorem due to Crandall‐Liggett. The control is constructed through a low‐gain adaptive velocity feedback. It is shown that the formulated control is capable of stabilizing exponentially the closed loop system.
Analyticity of solutions to thermo‐elastic‐plastic flow problem with microtemperatures
Authors: Aouadi Moncef , Bettaieb Mohamed Ben , Abed‐Meraim Farid
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we study some qualitative and numerical properties of new equations including the coupled effects of thermal elastic‐plastic theory with microtemperatures. We establish the necessary and sufficient conditions to guarantee that the model dissipates energy. The one‐dimensional case, which corresponds to isotropic hardening problem, is chosen in order to present some qualitative and numerical properties. With the help of the semigroup theory of linear operators, we prove the well‐posedness of the one‐dimensional problem corresponding to plastic flow. Then, we show that the associated semigroup is not analytical in general, except for a special case. The exponential stability of the solutions is kept in all cases. Finally, a numerical tool, based on the finite element method, is developed to validate the proposed model and to show its capability. Particular attention is paid to the consideration of the elastoplastic behavior in the development of this tool.
Learning in Collaboration: Exploring Processes and Outcomes
Authors: Vanblaere Bénédicte , Devos Geert
Published: June 2021

Moving towards school improvement requires coming to understand what it means for a teacher to engage in ongoing learning and how a professional community can contribute to that end. This mixed methods study first classifies 48 primary schools into clusters, based on the strength of three professional learning community (PLC) characteristics. This results in four meaningful categories of PLCs at different developmental stages. During a one-year project, teacher logs about a school-specific innovation were then collected in four primary schools belonging to two extreme clusters. This analysis focuses on contrasting the collaboration and resulting learning outcomes of experienced teachers in these high and low PLC schools. The groups clearly differed in the type, contents, and profoundness of their collaboration throughout the school year. While the contents of teachers’ learning outcomes show both differences and similarities between high and low PLC schools, outcomes were more diverse in high PLC schools, nurturing optimism about the learning potential in PLCs. The study has implications for systematically supporting teacher learning through PLCs.
S-matrix bootstrap for effective field theories: massless pions
Authors: Guerrieri Andrea L. , Penedones João , Vieira Pedro
Published: June 2021

Abstract

We use the numerical S-matrix bootstrap method to obtain bounds on the two leading Wilson coefficients (or low energy constants) of the chiral lagrangian controlling the low-energy dynamics of massless pions. This provides a proof of concept that the numerical S-matrix bootstrap can be used to derive non-perturbative bounds on massless EFTs in more than two spacetime dimensions.
Holographic anisotropic model for light quarks with confinement-deconfinement phase transition
Authors: Aref’eva Irina Ya. , Rannu Kristina , Slepov Pavel
Published: June 2021

Abstract

We present a five-dimensional anisotropic holographic model for light quarks supported by Einstein-dilaton-two-Maxwell action. This model generalizing isotropic holographic model with light quarks is characterized by a Van der Waals-like phase transition between small and large black holes. We compare the location of the phase transition for Wilson loops with the positions of the phase transition related to the background instability and describe the QCD phase diagram in the thermodynamic plane — temperature T and chemical potential μ. The Cornell potential behavior in this anisotropic model is also studied. The asymptotics of the Cornell potential at large distances strongly depend on the parameter of anisotropy and orientation. There is also a nontrivial dependence of the Cornell potential on the boundary conditions of the dilaton field and parameter of anisotropy. With the help of the boundary conditions for the dilaton field one fits the results of the lattice calculations for the string tension as a function of temperature in isotropic case and then generalize to the anisotropic one.
The topological line of ABJ(M) theory
Authors: Gorini Nicola , Griguolo Luca , Guerrini Luigi , Penati Silvia , Seminara Domenico , Soresina Paolo
Published: June 2021

Abstract

We construct the one-dimensional topological sector of $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 6 ABJ(M) theory and study its relation with the mass-deformed partition function on S3. Supersymmetric localization provides an exact representation of this partition function as a matrix integral, which interpolates between weak and strong coupling regimes. It has been proposed that correlation functions of dimension-one topological operators should be computed through suitable derivatives with respect to the masses, but a precise proof is still lacking. We present non-trivial evidence for this relation by computing the two-point function at two-loop, successfully matching the matrix model expansion at weak coupling and finite ranks. As a by-product we obtain the two-loop explicit expression for the central charge cT of ABJ(M) theory. Three- and four-point functions up to one-loop confirm the relation as well. Our result points towards the possibility to localize the one-dimensional topological sector of ABJ(M) and may also be useful in the bootstrap program for 3d SCFTs.
The phosphatase PRL-3 affects intestinal homeostasis by altering the crypt cell composition
Authors: Rubio Teresa , Weyershaeuser Judith , Montero Marta G. , Hoffmann Andreas , Lujan Pablo , Jechlinger Martin , Sotillo Rocio , Köhn Maja
Published: June 2021

Expression of the phosphatase of regenerating liver-3 (PRL-3) is known to promote tumor growth in gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas, and the incidence of tumor formation upon inflammatory events correlates with PRL-3 levels in mouse models. These carcinomas and their onset are associated with the impairment of intestinal cell homeostasis, which is regulated by a balanced number of Paneth cells and Lgr5 expressing intestinal stem cells (Lgr5+ ISCs). Nevertheless, the consequences of PRL-3 overexpression on cellular homeostasis and ISC fitness in vivo are unexplored. Here, we employ a doxycycline-inducible PRL-3 mouse strain to show that aberrant PRL-3 expression within a non-cancerous background leads to the death of Lgr5+ ISCs and to Paneth cell expansion. A higher dose of PRL-3, resulting from homozygous expression, led to mice dying early. A primary 3D intestinal culture model obtained from these mice confirmed the loss of Lgr5+ ISCs upon PRL-3 expression. The impaired intestinal organoid formation was rescued by a PRL inhibitor, providing a functional link to the observed phenotypes. These results demonstrate that elevated PRL-3 phosphatase activity in healthy intestinal epithelium impairs intestinal cell homeostasis, which correlates this cellular mechanism of tumor onset with PRL-3-mediated higher susceptibility to tumor formation upon inflammatory or mutational events.

Key messages

• Transgenic mice homozygous for PRL-3 overexpression die early.

• PRL-3 heterozygous mice display disrupted intestinal self-renewal capacity.

• PRL-3 overexpression alone does not induce tumorigenesis in the mouse intestine.

• PRL-3 activity leads to the death of Lgr5+ ISCs and Paneth cell expansion.

• Impairment of cell homeostasis correlates PRL-3 action with tumor onset mechanisms.
Dissolution of delta phase in Ni-based superalloy during linear friction welding: integrated multiphysics computational process modelling
Authors: Okeke Saviour I. , Harrison Noel M. , Tong Mingming
Published: June 2021

Linear friction welding (LFW) is an increasingly popular solid-state joining method for challenging applications such as integrated blade disk of aero-engines. However, the influence of friction-generated heat on the material microstructural evolution, material deformation and resultant mechanical performance of the manufactured components is not well understood. A novel integrated multiphysics computational modelling is presented for predicting the component-scale microstructural evolution of IN718 alloy during LFW. A modified time-temperature equivalence formulation was implemented for predicting the evolution of the δ phase, which was coupled with thermomechanical modelling of the LFW process. There is reasonably good agreement between the computational modelling results of this paper and the experimental results from the literature in terms of δ phase volume fraction and weld temperature. The integrated multiphysics computational modelling predicts the influence of process parameters on thermomechanical and microstructural processes of IN718 LFW. By systematically analysing the influence of 10 different LFW process parameter configurations, the friction pressure was identified as the most influential process parameter determining the extent of δ phase dissolution and weld temperature during LFW.
Galerkin approximation of holomorphic eigenvalue problems: weak T-coercivity and T-compatibility
Authors: Halla Martin
Published: June 2021

We consider Galerkin approximations of eigenvalue problems for holomorphic Fredholm operator functions for which the operators do not have the structure “coercive+compact”. In this case the regularity (in the vocabulary ofdiscrete approximation schemes) of Galerkin approximations is not unconditionally satisfied and the question of convergence is delicate. We report a technique to prove regularity of approximations which is applicable to a wide range of eigenvalue problems. The technique is based on the knowledge of a suitableTest function operator. In particular, we introduce the concepts of weak T-coercivity and T-compatibility and prove that for weakly T-coercive operators, T-compatibility of Galerkin approximations implies their regularity. Our framework can be successfully applied to analyze e.g. complex scaling/perfectly matched layer methods, problems involving sign-changing coefficients due to meta-materials and also (boundary element) approximations of Maxwell-type equations. We demonstrate the application of our framework to the Maxwell eigenvalue problem for a conductive material.
Evaluation of efficacy and toxicity of nivolumab combined with or without docetaxel in patients with advanced NSCLC
Authors: Wang Yang , Nie Jun , Dai Ling , Hu Weiheng , Zhang Jie , Chen Xiaoling , Ma Xiangjuan , Tian Guangming , Han Jindi , Han Sen , Wu Di , Long Jieran , Zhang Ziran , Fang Jian
Published: June 2021

Background

The combination of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor and chemotherapy has been clinically confirmed to be beneficial as the first-line treatment of patients with advanced NSCLC. This study aimed to assess the effect of nivolumab + docetaxel versus nivolumab monotherapy in patients with NSCLC after the failure of platinum doublet chemotherapy.

Materials and methods

The efficacy and toxicity of nivolumab + docetaxel combination therapy versus nivolumab monotherapy were compared in this retrospective study. Primary endpoint of the study was progression-free survival (PFS), and the secondary endpoints were objective response rate (ORR), overall survival (OS), and toxicity.

Results

Between November 2017 and December 2019, 77 patients were included in this study, with 58 patients in the nivolumab group and 19 in the nivolumab + docetaxel group. The median follow-up was 18 months, and the PFS was 8 months for patients receiving nivolumab + docetaxel and 2 months for those receiving nivolumab alone (p = 0.001), respectively. Nivolumab + docetaxel showed superior OS compared with nivolumab, with the median OS unreached versus 7 months (p = 0.011). Among patients without EGFR/ALK variation, compared to nivolumab monotherapy, nivolumab + docetaxel showed better PFS (p = 0.04) and OS (p  = 0.05). There was no significant difference in grade 3–4 adverse events (AEs) between the two groups (p = 0.253).

Conclusions

The combination of nivolumab and docetaxel demonstrated a meaningful improvement in progression-free survival and overall survival compared to nivolumab monotherapy, in patients with NSCLC after the failure of platinum doublet chemotherapy, irrespective of EGFR/ALK variation status.
Latitudinal variation in monthly-scale reproductive synchrony among Acropora coral assemblages in the Indo-Pacific
Authors: Bouwmeester Jessica , Edwards Alasdair J. , Guest James R. , Bauman Andrew G. , Berumen Michael L. , Baird Andrew H.
Published: June 2021

Early research into coral reproductive biology suggested that spawning synchrony was driven by variations in the amplitude of environmental variables that are correlated with latitude, with synchrony predicted to break down at lower latitudes. More recent research has revealed that synchronous spawning, both within and among species, is a feature of all speciose coral assemblages, including equatorial reefs. Nonetheless, considerable variation in reproductive synchrony exists among locations and the hypothesis that the extent of spawning synchrony is correlated with latitude has not been formally tested on a large scale. Here, we use data from 90 sites throughout the Indo-Pacific and a quantitative index of reproductive synchrony applied at a monthly scale to demonstrate that, despite considerable spatial and temporal variation, there is no correlation between latitude and reproductive synchrony. Considering the critical role that successful reproduction plays in the persistence and recovery of coral reefs, research is urgently needed to understand the drivers underpinning variation in reproductive synchrony.
Social isolation and psychosis: an investigation of social interactions and paranoia in daily life
Authors: Fett Anne-Kathrin J. , Hanssen Esther , Eemers Marlie , Peters Emmanuelle , Shergill Sukhi S.
Published: June 2021

Social isolation has been suggested to foster paranoia. Here we investigate whether social company (i.e., being alone vs. not) and its nature (i.e., stranger/distant vs. familiar other) affects paranoia differently depending on psychosis risk. Social interactions and paranoid thinking in daily life were investigated in 29 patients with clinically stable non-affective psychotic disorders, 20 first-degree relatives, and 26 controls (n = 75), using the experience sampling method (ESM). ESM was completed up to ten times daily for 1 week. Patients experienced marginally greater paranoia than relatives [b = 0.47, p = 0.08, 95% CI (− 0.06, 1.0)] and significantly greater paranoia than controls [b = 0.55, p = 0.03, 95% CI (0.5, 1.0)], but controls and relatives did not differ [b = 0.07, p = 0.78, 95% CI (− 0.47, 0.61)]. Patients were more often alone [68.5% vs. 44.8% and 56.2%, respectively, p = 0.057] and experienced greater paranoia when alone than when in company [b = 0.11, p = 0.016, 95% CI (0.02, 0.19)]. In relatives this was reversed [b = − 0.17, p < 0.001, 95% CI (− 0.28, − 0.07)] and in controls non-significant [b = − 0.02, p = 0.67, 95% CI (− 0.09, 0.06)]. The time-lagged association between being in social company and subsequent paranoia was non-significant and paranoia did not predict the likelihood of being in social company over time (both p’s = 0.68). All groups experienced greater paranoia in company of strangers/distant others than familiar others [X2(2) = 4.56, p = 0.03] and being with familiar others was associated with lower paranoia over time [X2(2) = 4.9, p = 0.03]. Patients are frequently alone. Importantly, social company appears to limit their paranoia, particularly when being with familiar people. The findings stress the importance of interventions that foster social engagement and ties with family and friends.
Systematic reviews in surgery—recommendations from the Study Center of the German Society of Surgery
Authors: Kalkum Eva , Klotz Rosa , Seide Svenja , Hüttner Felix J. , Kowalewski Karl-Friedrich , Nickel Felix , Khajeh Elias , Knebel Phillip , Diener Markus K. , Probst Pascal
Published: June 2021

Background

Systematic reviews are an important tool of evidence-based surgery. Surgical systematic reviews and trials, however, require a special methodological approach.

Purpose

This article provides recommendations for conducting state-of-the-art systematic reviews in surgery with or without meta-analysis.

Conclusions

For systematic reviews in surgery, MEDLINE (via PubMed), Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) should be searched. Critical appraisal is at the core of every surgical systematic review, with information on blinding, industry involvement, surgical experience, and standardisation of surgical technique holding special importance. Due to clinical heterogeneity among surgical trials, the random-effects model should be used as a default. In the experience of the Study Center of the German Society of Surgery, adherence to these recommendations yields high-quality surgical systematic reviews.
Diaphragmatic herniation after esophagogastric surgery: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bona Davide , Lombardo Francesca , Matsushima Kazuhide , Cavalli Marta , Panizzo Valerio , Mendogni Paolo , Bonitta Gianluca , Campanelli Giampiero , Aiolfi Alberto
Published: June 2021

Introduction

The anatomy of the esophageal hiatus is altered during esophagogastric surgery with an increased risk of postoperative hiatus hernia (HH). The purpose of this article was to examine the current evidence on the surgical management and outcomes associated with HH after esophagogastric surgery for cancer.

Materials and methods

Systematic review and meta-analysis. Web of Science, PubMed, and EMBASE data sets were consulted.

Results

Twenty-seven studies were included for a total of 404 patients requiring surgical treatment for HH after esophagogastric surgery. The age of the patients ranged from 35 to 85 years, and the majority were males (82.3%). Abdominal pain, nausea/vomiting, and dyspnea were the commonly reported symptoms. An emergency repair was required in 51.5%, while a minimally invasive repair was performed in 48.5%. Simple suture cruroplasty and mesh reinforced repair were performed in 65% and 35% of patients, respectively. The duration between the index procedure and HH repair ranged from 3 to 144 months, with the majority (67%) occurring within 24 months. The estimated pooled prevalence rates of pulmonary complications, anastomotic leak, overall morbidity, and mortality were 14.1% (95% CI = 8.0–22.0%), 1.4% (95% CI = 0.8–2.2%), 35% (95% CI = 20.0–54.0%), and 5.0% (95% CI = 3.0–8.0%), respectively. The postoperative follow-up ranged from 1 to 110 months (mean = 24) and the pooled prevalence of HH recurrence was 16% (95% CI = 13.0–21.6%).

Conclusions

Current evidence reporting data for HH after esophagogastric surgery is narrow. The overall postoperative pulmonary complications, overall morbidity, and mortality are 14%, 35%, and 5%, respectively. Additional studies are required to define indications and treatment algorithm and evaluate the best technique for crural repair at the index operation in an attempt to minimize the risk of HH.
Consistent posets
Authors: Chajda Ivan , Länger Helmut
Published: June 2021

We introduce so-called consistent posets which are bounded posets with an antitone involution$$'$$′where the lower cones of$$x,x'$$x,x′and of$$y,y'$$y,y′coincide provided thatx, yare different from 0, 1 and, moreover, ifx, yare different from 0, then their lower cone is different from 0, too. We show that these posets can be represented by means of commutative meet-directoids with an antitone involution satisfying certain identities and implications. In the case of a finite distributive or strongly modular consistent poset, this poset can be converted into a residuated structure and hence it can serve as an algebraic semantics of a certain non-classical logic with unsharp conjunction and implication. Finally we show that the Dedekind–MacNeille completion of a consistent poset is a consistent lattice, i.e., a bounded lattice with an antitone involution satisfying the above-mentioned properties.
Clipping of unruptured cerebral aneurysms
Authors: Winter Fabian , Markert Celia M. , Krawagna Maximilian , Buchfelder Michael , Roessler Karl
Published: June 2021

Background

The incidence of aneurysms is steadily increasing in older patients due to the aging population. This study compared radiological parameters as well as clinical outcomes between patients younger than 65 years and those over 65 years of age, with special respect to individual treatment options.

Methods

Retrospective data were obtained for patients with cerebral aneurysms at a single academic institution within a 7-year period. Data reviewed included admission protocols, patient charts, operating reports as well as outpatient clinic charts. Aneurysmal characteristics as well as surgical outcome were compared between older patients, defined as patients older than 65 years of age, and a control group of patients younger than 65 years of age. To evaluate and compare individual clinical characteristics various scores including the Hunt and Hess score, the Fisher score, and the Glasgow outcome scale were used.

Results

A total of 347 patients were included in the final analysis. The control group included 290 patients, while 57 patients were in the older patient group. Neither the Hunt and Hess scores nor Fisher scores were significantly correlated to patient age. The Glasgow outcome scale was significantly lower in the older group after clipping of ruptured aneurysms (p < 0.000) but not significantly different after clipping of unruptured aneurysms (p = 0.793).

Conclusion

Postoperative Glasgow outcome scale scores were not significantly different after clipping of unruptured cerebral aneurysms approximately 1 cm in diameter in older patients compared to the younger age group. Therefore, clipping of unruptured cerebral aneurysms may also be a valuable treatment option for older patients.
Comparative evaluation of WIMP and immersive natural finger interaction: a user study on CAD assembly modeling
Authors: Fechter Marius , Schleich Benjamin , Wartzack Sandro
Published: June 2021

Virtual and augmented reality allows the utilization of natural user interfaces, such as realistic finger interaction, even for purposes that were previously dominated by the WIMP paradigm. This new form of interaction is particularly suitable for applications involving manipulation tasks in 3D space, such as CAD assembly modeling. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the suitability of natural interaction for CAD assembly modeling in virtual reality. An advantage of the natural interaction compared to the conventional operation by computer mouse would indicate development potential for user interfaces of current CAD applications. Our approach bases on two main elements. Firstly, a novel natural user interface for realistic finger interaction enables the user to interact with virtual objects similar to physical ones. Secondly, an algorithm automatically detects constraints between CAD components based solely on their geometry and spatial location. In order to prove the usability of the natural CAD assembly modeling approach in comparison with the assembly procedure in current WIMP operated CAD software, we present a comparative user study. Results show that the VR method including natural finger interaction significantly outperforms the desktop-based CAD application in terms of efficiency and ease of use.
Description and preliminary experience with Virtual Visit Assessment (ViVA) during the COVID-19 pandemic, a structured virtual management protocol for patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Bergamaschi Roberto , Tronconi Livio , Bosone Daniele , Mastretti Antonella , Jommi Laura , Bassano Marco Andrè , Turrini Renato , Benati Sara , Volpe Marco , Franzini Jean Marie , Allodi Silvia , Mallucci Giulia
Published: June 2021

In people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS), strict follow-up is essential. Telemedicine has the potential to overcome many of the difficulties in routine management. Herein, we present a structured protocol that can be used to remotely manage patients with MS, describing in detail the steps to be taken and exams needed at each stage. A working group was established which developed a tailored protocol that can be adapted to a variety of settings. The overall protocol consisted of 5 phases: enrolment, document sharing phase, pre-evaluation, virtual visit, and post-visit phase, which was divided into 14 individual steps. As of October 2020, 25 virtual visits have been carried out, all via Skype. The patient’s caregiver was present during visits and had an active role. The average duration of the virtual visit was 24 min, and that of the pre-visit and post-visit were around 15 min each. Overall satisfaction as rated by physicians was considered high (8.0 ± 0.5). Using the system usability scale (SUS), patients also favorably rated the virtual visit (96.6 ± 6.1). In 20% of cases, the virtual visit was not sufficient to provide adequate information and an in-person clinical visit was recommended. The described protocol has the potential to provide benefits for the healthcare system as well as patients and their caregivers both during and beyond COVID-19 pandemic.
Combining regional to local restoration goals in the Brazilian Atlantic forest
Authors: Lemos Cassia M.G. , Andrade Pedro R. , Rodrigues Ricardo R. , Hissa Leticia , Aguiar Ana P. D.
Published: June 2021

To achieve regional and international large-scale restoration goals with minimum costs, several restoration commitments rely on natural regeneration, a passive and inexpensive strategy. However, natural regeneration potential may vary within the landscape, mainly due to its historical context. In this work, we use spatially explicit restoration scenarios to explore how and where, within a given region, multiple restoration commitments could be combined to achieve cost-effectiveness outcomes. Our goal is to facilitate the elaboration of forest restoration plans at the regional level, taking into consideration the costs for active and passive restoration methods. The approach includes (1) a statistical analysis to estimate the natural regeneration potential for a given area based on alternative sets of biophysical, land cover, and/or socioeconomic factors and (2) the use of a land change allocation model to explore the cost-effectiveness of combining multiple restoration commitments in a given area through alternative scenarios. We test our approach in a strategic region in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest Biome, the Paraiba Valley in São Paulo State. Using the available data for 2011, calibrated for 2015, we build alternative scenarios for allocating natural regeneration until 2025. Our models indicate that the natural regeneration potential of the region is actually very low, and the cost-effectiveness outcomes are similar for all scenarios. We believe our approach can be used to support the regional-level decision-making about the implementation of multiple commitments aiming at the same target area. It can also be combined with other approaches for more refined analysis (e.g., optimization models).
Multispecialty Enterprise Imaging Workgroup Consensus on Interactive Multimedia Reporting Current State and Road to the Future: HIMSS-SIIM Collaborative White Paper
Authors: Roth Christopher J. , Clunie David A. , Vining David J. , Berkowitz Seth J. , Berlin Alejandro , Bissonnette Jean-Pierre , Clark Shawn D. , Cornish Toby C. , Eid Monief , Gaskin Cree M. , Goel Alexander K. , Jacobs Genevieve C. , Kwan David , Luviano Damien M. , McBee Morgan P. , Miller Kelly , Hafiz Abdul Moiz , Obcemea Ceferino , Parwani Anil V. , Rotemberg Veronica , Silver Elliot L. , Storm Erik S. , Tcheng James E. , Thullner Karen S. , Folio Les R.
Published: June 2021

Diagnostic and evidential static image, video clip, and sound multimedia are captured during routine clinical care in cardiology, dermatology, ophthalmology, pathology, physiatry, radiation oncology, radiology, endoscopic procedural specialties, and other medical disciplines. Providers typically describe the multimedia findings in contemporaneous electronic health record clinical notes or associate a textual interpretative report. Visual communication aids commonly used to connect, synthesize, and supplement multimedia and descriptive text outside medicine remain technically challenging to integrate into patient care. Such beneficial interactive elements may include hyperlinks between text, multimedia elements, alphanumeric and geometric annotations, tables, graphs, timelines, diagrams, anatomic maps, and hyperlinks to external educational references that patients or provider consumers may find valuable. This HIMSS-SIIM Enterprise Imaging Community workgroup white paper outlines the current and desired clinical future state of interactive multimedia reporting (IMR). The workgroup adopted a consensus definition of IMR as “interactive medical documentation that combines clinical images, videos, sound, imaging metadata, and/or image annotations with text, typographic emphases, tables, graphs, event timelines, anatomic maps, hyperlinks, and/or educational resources to optimize communication between medical professionals, and between medical professionals and their patients.” This white paper also serves as a precursor for future efforts toward solving technical issues impeding routine interactive multimedia report creation and ingestion into electronic health records.
Mind the Gap
Authors: Smid Jeroen
Published: June 2021

In debates about the metaphysics of material objects examples of colocated objects are commonly taken to be examples of coincidence too. But the argument that colocation is best understood as involving coincidence is never spelled out. This paper shows under what conditions colocation entails coincidence and argues that the entailment depends on a principle that actually rules out certain forms of colocation. This undermines the argument from colocation to coincidence.
Guidance in computer-supported collaborative inquiry learning: Capturing aspects of affect and teacher support in science classrooms
Authors: Pietarinen Tarja , Palonen Tuire , Vauras Marja
Published: June 2021

Technology-enhanced collaborative inquiry learning has gained a firm position in curricula across disciplines and educational settings and has become particularly pervasive in science classrooms. However, understanding of the teacher’s role in this context is limited. This study addresses the real-time shifts in focus and distribution of teachers’ guidance and support of different student groups during in-person computer-supported collaborative inquiry learning in science classrooms. Teachers’ self-perceptions of their guidance and affect were supplemented with students’ self-reported affect. A mixed-methods approach using video analyses and questionnaire data revealed differences between teacher guidance and support associated with teacher perceptions and group outcomes. Groups’ prior science competence was not found to have an effect on teacher guidance and support, rather the teachers guided the groups they perceived as motivated and willing to collaborate. Teacher affect was compounded by student affect, suggesting that consideration of the reciprocal perceptions of teachers and students is necessary in order to understand the teachers’ role in collaborative learning.