bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrating Conservative kidney management Options and advance care Planning Education (COPE) into routine CKD care: a protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial
Authors: Stallings Taylor L , Temel Jennifer S , Klaiman Tamar A , Paasche-Orlow Michael K , Alegria Margarita , O’Hare Ann , O’Connor Nina , Dember Laura M , Halpern Scott D , Eneanya Nwamaka D
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Predialysis education for patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) typically focuses narrowly on haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis as future treatment options. However, patients who are older or seriously ill may not want to pursue dialysis and/or may not benefit from this treatment. Conservative kidney management, a reasonable alternative treatment, and advance care planning (ACP) are often left out of patient education and shared decision-making. In this study, we will pilot an educational intervention (Conservative Kidney Management Options and Advance Care Planning Education—COPE) to improve knowledge of conservative kidney management and ACP among patients with advanced CKD who are older and/or have poor functional status.

Methods and analysis

This is a single-centre pilot randomised controlled trial at an academic centre in Philadelphia, PA. Eligible patients will have: age ≥70 years and/or poor functional status (as defined by Karnofsky Performance Index Score <70), advanced CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate<20 mL/min/1.73 m2), prefer to speak English during clinical encounters and self-report as black or white race. Enrolled patients will be randomised 1:1, with stratification by race, to receive enhanced usual care or usual care and in-person education about conservative kidney management and ACP (COPE). The primary outcome is change in knowledge of CKM and ACP. We will also explore intervention feasibility and acceptability, change in communication of preferences and differences in the intervention’s effects on knowledge and communication of preferences by race. We will assess outcomes at baseline, immediately post-education and at 2 and 12 weeks.

Ethics and dissemination

This protocol has been approved by the Institutional Review Board at the University of Pennsylvania. We will obtain written informed consent from all participants. The results from this work will be presented at academic conferences and disseminated through peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov underNCT03229811.
Microinvasive pars plana vitrectomy versus panretinal photocoagulation in the treatment of severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (the VIP study): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Zheng Wenbin , Chen Shida , Ding Xiaohu , Lai Kunbei , Xiao Sainan , Lin Ying , Liu Bingqian , Jin Ling , Li Jizhu , Wu Yuqing , Ma Yuan , Lu Lin , Liu Yizhi , Li Tao
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the main cause of adult visual impairment worldwide. Severe non-proliferative DR (sNPDR) is an important clinical intervention stage. Currently, panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) is the standard treatment for sNPDR. However, PRP alone cannot completely prevent NPDR progression. One explanation might be that PRP does not remove the detrimental vitreous that plays an important role in DR progression. Microinvasive pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) was shown to be a safe and effective method to treat late-stage proliferative DR (PDR) by completely removing the pathological vitreous. However, whether PPV is effective in controlling sNPDR remains unknown. In this trial, we aim to compare the effectiveness of microinvasive PPV with that of PRP for sNPDR progression control.

Methods and analysis

This single centre, parallel group, randomised controlled trial aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy of microinvasive PPV in preventing the progression of sNPDR compared with PRP. A total of 272 adults diagnosed with sNPDR will be randomised 1:1 to the microinvasive PPV and PRP groups. The primary outcome is the disease progression rate, calculated as the rate of sNPDR progressed to PDR from baseline to 12 months after treatment. The secondary outcomes include the change in best-corrected visual acuity, re-treatment rate, diabetic macular oedema occurrence, change in central retinal thickness, change in the visual field, cataract occurrence and change in the quality of life.

Ethics and dissemination

The Ethics Committee of Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center approved this study (2019KYPJ108). The results will be presented at scientific meetings and submitted for publication to peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

NCT04103671.
Test accuracy of faecal calprotectin for inflammatory bowel disease in UK primary care: a retrospective cohort study of the THIN data
Authors: Freeman Karoline , Taylor-Phillips Sian , Willis Brian H , Ryan Ronan , Clarke Aileen
Published: February 2021

Objective

To estimate the test accuracy of faecal calprotectin (FC) for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in the primary care setting using routine electronic health records.

Design

Retrospective cohort test accuracy study.

Setting

UK primary care.

Participants

5970 patients (≥18 years) without a previous IBD diagnosis and with a first FC test between 1 January 2006 and 31 December 2016. We excluded multiple tests and tests without numeric results in units of µg/g.

Intervention

FC testing for the diagnosis of IBD. Disease status was confirmed by a recorded diagnostic code and/or a drug code of an IBD-specific medication at three time points after the FC test date.

Main outcome measures

Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for the differential of IBD versus non-IBD and IBD versus irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) at the 50 and 100 µg/g thresholds.

Results

5970 patients met the inclusion criteria and had at least 6 months of follow-up data after FC testing. 1897 had an IBS diagnosis, 208 had an IBD diagnosis, 31 had a colorectal cancer diagnosis, 80 had more than one diagnosis and 3754 had no subsequent diagnosis. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were 92.9% (88.6% to 95.6%), 61.5% (60.2% to 62.7%), 8.1% (7.1% to 9.2%) and 99.6% (99.3% to 99.7%), respectively, at the threshold of 50 µg/g. Raising the threshold to 100 µg/g missed less than 7% additional IBD cases. Longer follow-up had no effect on test accuracy. Overall, uncertainty was greater for specificity than sensitivity. General practitioners’ (GPs’) referral decisions did not follow the anticipated clinical pathways in national guidance.

Conclusions

GPs can be confident in excluding IBD on the basis of a negative FC test in a population with low pretest risk but should interpret a positive test with caution. The applicability of national guidance to general practice needs to be improved.
Anatomical study of the innervation of different parts of the posterior ligamentous region of the sacroiliac joint
Authors: Zhu Weijia , Zhao Qinghao , Ma Runxun , Liu Zezheng , Zhao Jianjun , Liu Zexian , Chen Junjie , Zhang Rusen , Zheng Zhiyang , Xu Yejie , Deng Shangxi , Cheng Liang , Li Qingchu
Published: February 2021

Background and objectives

The periarticular sacroiliac joint (SIJ) technique has become an important area of focus, and the quartering of the SIJ posterior ligamentous region has been proposed as a way to refine this technique. However, detailed nerve distribution combined with the division of the SIJ posterior ligamentous region is lacking. We aimed to explore the innervation of the SIJ posteriorly based on the quartering of the SIJ posterior ligamentous region.

Methods

Sixteen SIJs from eight embalmed cadavers were studied. Each SIJ posterior ligamentous region was equally divided into areas 0–3 from top to bottom. The origin, distribution, quantity, transverse diameter, spatial orientation, relation with bony structures, and the number of identifiable terminal nerve branches in each area were examined.

Results

Areas 0–1 were innervated by the lateral branches of the dorsal rami of L4−L5 directly in all specimens. Areas 2–3 were innervated by that of both lumbar and sacral nerves via the posterior sacral network (PSN), with L5 contributing to the PSN in all specimens and L4 in 68.75%. The number of identifiable terminal nerve branches were significantly higher in areas 2–3 than in areas 0–1.

Conclusions

The inferior part of the SIJ posterior ligamentous region seems to be the main source of SIJ-related pain and is innervated by lumbar and sacral nerves via the PSN. However, the superior part directly innervated by lumbar nerves should not be neglected, and further clinical verification is needed.
Maternal source affects seed germination of a rare Arabian desert species (Astragalus sieberi)
Authors: Bhatt Arvind , Carón María Mercedes , Souza-Filho Paulo Roberto de Moura , Gallacher David J.
Published: February 2021

Understanding variation of seed germination in wild populations can assist restoration projects through improved seed source selection. Recruitment of artificially distributed seed can be improved by selecting for suitable dormancy and germination characteristics. We investigated seed germination and emergence responses of three Astragalus sieberi DC. (Fabaceae) populations (Abdali, Liya, and Salmi) to in situ storage for five months at depths of 0 and 5 cm, pre-sowing hydration for 12 and 24 hours, and chemical scarification with concentrated sulfuric acid for 5, 10, and 15 min. The germination percentage was low for freshly collected seed (<3%) from Abdali and Salmi, though in situ storage partially enhanced germination. Pre-sowing hydration did not affect seedling emergence, but acid scarification effectively broke seed dormancy. The longest scarification treatment of 15 min produced the greatest seedling emergence, though populations responded differently. Our results indicate that selection of maternal, native seed sources can improve revegetation projects in desert areas. Knowledge of inter-population variation can improve the understanding of the mechanisms regulating seed germination, thus optimizing restoration projects by selecting optimal seed sources.
The mid-Cretaceous Peninsular Ranges orogeny: a new slant on Cordilleran tectonics? I: Mexico to Nevada
Authors: Hildebrand Robert S. , Whalen Joseph B.
Published: February 2021

The Peninsular Ranges orogeny occurred during the mid-Cretaceous at ∼100 Ma and affected rocks from southern Mexico to Alaska. The event resulted from the closing of an Early Cretaceous marine arc trough, named the Bisbee–Arperos seaway in Mexico and Arizona, and the Cinko Lake arc trough in the Sierra Nevada. The trough was an ocean that formed after the Late Jurassic – Early Cretaceous Nevadan orogeny and associated post-collisional magmatism. It was open for ∼40 million years and closed by westward subduction. Here, we focus initially on the most complete cross section, located in southwestern Mexico, where a west-facing Albian carbonate platform, with subjacent siliciclastic rocks built on the western margin of North America, was pulled down into a trench at 100 Ma, buried in hemipelagic mud and Cenomanian flysch, then overthrust from the west by rocks of the 140–100 Ma Santiago Peak – Alisitos arc and its substrate, the Guerrero Superterrane, which collectively document westerly subduction. This tectonically thickened collision zone was exhumed and intruded by 99–84 Ma distinctive post-collisional tonalite–granodiorite plutonic complexes, all with Sr/Y > 20, Sm/Yb > 2.5, Nb/Y > 0.4, and La/Yb > 10. These geochemical features are typical of slab failure, not arc magmas. The post-collisional plutons, previously considered to represent arc flare-ups, were derived from melting of the descending slab following arc-continent collision. Remnants of the arc, basin, related east-vergent 100 Ma thrusts, flexural foredeep, and 99–84 Ma slab failure plutons are traced from the Peninsular Ranges, through the Mojave Desert to the Sierra Nevada where similar rocks, relations, and ages occur. Along the western, back-arc, side of the orogen after collision and slab break-off, but during exhumation, east-dipping reverse faults with >10 km of east-side up movement shed 100–85 Ma plutonic and other debris westward from the hinterland into troughs such as the Valle and Great Valley. We extend our synthesis northward, from west-central Nevada to Alaska, in Part II.
Behavioral manipulation of the spiderMacrophyes pacoti(Araneae: Anyphaenidae) by the araneopathogenic fungusGibellulasp. (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae)
Authors: Arruda I.D.P. , Villanueva-Bonilla G.A. , Faustino M.L. , Moura-Sobczak J.C.M.S. , Sobczak J.F.
Published: February 2021

Host manipulation has already been documented in several distinct host–parasite associations, covering all major phyla of living organisms. While in animals we know that several species have the ability to manipulate their hosts for the benefit of the parasite, in arthropopathogenic fungi there is very little knowledge about possible behavioral manipulation. We report for the first time the interaction between the araneopathogenic fungus genus Gibellula Cavara and the spider Macrophyes pacoti Brescovit, Oliveira, Sobczak and Sobczak, 2019 (Anyphaenidae) in addition to investigating the potential change in behavior of spiders infected by the parasitic fungus. We also investigated whether the rainfall regime influences the abundance of infected spiders and the parasitism rate by the araneopathogenic fungus. Our results corroborated our hypothesis that the fungus induces vertical segregation in the spider population, inducing infected spiders to be at higher heights than uninfected ones. Dead infected spiders were found in a stretched position that probably helps in fixing the carcass on the leaves by increasing the contact surface between the host and the substrate. Our results also confirm the positive relationship between the rainy season and the greater number of parasitized spiders and the parasitism rate.
Molecular identification and DNA barcode screening of acaroid mites in ground flour dust
Authors: Zhang Wanyu , Cheng Juan , Zhao Yae , Niu Dongling , Guo Hongsong
Published: February 2021

Molecular identification of acaroid mites is difficult because of the scarcity of molecular data in GenBank. Here, acaroid mites collected from ground flour dust in Xi’an, China, were preliminarily morphologically classified/grouped. Universal primers were then designed to amplify and screen suitable DNA barcodes for identifying these mites. Sixty mite samples were morphologically classified into six groups. Groups 1–2 were identified to Dermatophagoides farinae and Tyrophagus putrescentiae, while Groups 3–6 were not identified to the species level. ITS2 exhibited higher efficiency in molecular identification in comparison with COI, 12S, and 16S. Groups 1–6 were identified as D. farinae, T. putrescentiae, Suidasia nesbitti, Chortoglyphus arcuatus, Lepidoglyphus destructor, and Gohieria sp., respectively. The phylogenetic results were consistent with the morphological classification. Group 6 was further identified as G. fusca according to the morphology of the reproductive foramen. We conclude that the use of ITS2 and the availability of universal primers provide an ideal DNA barcode for molecular identification of acaroid mites. The use of multiple target genetic markers in conjunction with morphological approaches will improve the accuracy of Acaridida identification.
Dynamics of diffractive dissociation
Authors: Khoze V. A. , Martin A. D. , Ryskin M. G.
Published: February 2021

We describe a QCD based model which incorporates the main properties of the inclusive particle distributions expected for diffractive processes, including the diffractive dissociation at high energies. We study, in turn, the total cross section, $$\sigma _\mathrm{tot}$$

σ
tot

, the differential elastic, $$d\sigma _\mathrm{el}/dt$$

d

σ
el

/
d
t

, cross section, the dependence of the single proton dissociation cross section, $$\xi d\sigma ^\mathrm{SD}/d\xi $$

ξ
d

σ
SD

/
d
ξ

, on the momentum fraction, $$\xi =1-x_L$$

ξ
=
1
-

x
L

, lost by the leading proton, the multiplicity distributions in inelastic (non-diffractive) collisions and in the processes of dissociation. Besides this we calculate the mean transverse momenta of the ‘wee partons’ (secondaries) produced in the case of dissociation (that is in the processes with a large rapidity gap) and compare it with that in inelastic interactions.
Multiscale entropy and asynchronies of percolation-based price model and Chinese stock market
Authors: Niu Hongli , Lu Yunfan
Published: February 2021

In recent years, the concept of entropy is widely used to measure the degree of uncertainty or complexity of dynamics system. In our work, we utilize the composite multiscale entropy (CMSE) and the composite multiscale cross-sample entropy (CMSCE) which are two modified algorithms of SampEn and Cross-SampEn by considering multiscale factors, to, respectively, investigate the multiscale complexities and asynchronies (correlations) in the Chinese stock market (SSZ, SZSE and HSI) as well as in our established financial stock price model. The price model is given based on a greatly important statistical physics system, the two-dimensional continuum percolation system. In the model, the fluctuations of stock price changes are assumed to be attributed to the market information interactions among the traders, and the percolation cluster is taken to represent the traders holding the same investment attitude. The empirical CMSE and CMSCE results display and meanwhile make comparisons of abundant complexities and correlations properties about Chinese stock indices and simulation data on both overall and the upwards, downwards trend of their returns.
Kaluza–Klein minimally interacting dark energy model in the presence of massive scalar field
Authors: Naidu K. Dasu , Aditya Y. , Naidu R. L. , Reddy D. R. K.
Published: February 2021

In this paper, our purpose is to discuss the dynamical aspects of Kaluza–Klein five-dimensional cosmological model filled with minimally interacting baryonic matter and dark energy (DE) in the presence of an attractive massive scalar field. We obtain a determinate solution of the Einstein field equations using (i) a relation between the metric potentials and (ii) a power law relation between the average scale factor of the universe and the massive scalar field. We have determined scalar field, matter energy density, DE density, equation of state (EoS) [Formula: see text], deceleration [Formula: see text] and statefinder [Formula: see text] parameters of our model. We also develop [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] phase, squared sound speed, statefinders and [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] planes in the evolving universe. It is observed that the EoS parameter exhibits quintom-like behavior from quintessence to phantom epoch by crossing the vacuum era of the universe. The squared speed of sound represents the instability of the model, whereas the [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] plane shows both thawing and freezing regions. The [Formula: see text]CDM limit is attained in both [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] and statefinder planes. We have also discussed the cosmological importance of the above parameters with reference to modern cosmology. It is found that the dynamics of these cosmological parameters indicate the accelerated expansion of the universe which is consistent with the current cosmological observations.
In-orbit performance of the laser interferometer of Taiji-1 experimental satellite
Authors: Liu He-Shan , Luo Zi-Ren , Sha Wei ,   On behalf of The Taiji Scientific Collaboration
Published: February 2021

Taiji-1, which is the first experimental satellite for space gravitational wave detection in China, relies on key technologies which include the laser interferometer, the gravitational reference sensor (GRS), the micro-thruster and the satellite platform. Similarly to the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) pathfinder, except for the science interferometer, the optical bench (OB) of Taiji-1 contains reference and test mass (TM) interferometers. Limited by the lower mechanical strength of the carrier rocket and by the orbit environment, the OB of Taiji-1 is made of invar steel and fused silica, and it is aimed to achieve a sensitivity of the order of 100[Formula: see text]pm/[Formula: see text]. The experimental results from in-orbit tests of Taiji-1 demonstrate that the interferometer can reach a sensitivity of 30[Formula: see text]pm/[Formula: see text] in the frequency range of 0.01–10[Formula: see text]Hz, which satisfies the requirements of Taiji-1 mission.
Multi-particle systems in quantum spacetime and a novel challenge for center-of-mass motion
Authors: Amelino-Camelia Giovanni , Astuti Valerio , Palmisano Michelangelo , Ronco Michele
Published: February 2021

In recent times, there has been considerable interest in scenarios for quantum gravity in which particle kinematics is affected nonlinearly by the Planck scale, with encouraging results for the phenomenological prospects, but also some concerns that the nonlinearities might produce pathological properties for composite/multiparticle systems. We here focus on kinematics in the [Formula: see text]-Minkowski noncommutative spacetime, the quantum spacetime which has been most studied from this perspective and compare the implications of the alternative descriptions of the total momentum of a multiparticle system which have been so far proposed. We provide evidence suggesting that priority should be given to defining the total momentum as the standard linear sum of the momenta of the particles composing the system. We also uncover a previously unnoticed feature concerning some (minute but conceptually important) effects on center-of-mass motion due to properties of the motion of the constituents relative to the center of mass.
The Research and Application of System for Paper Surface Morphology Stereoscopic Observation and Characterization
Authors: Chen Haozhi , Liu Tingli , Chen Guangxue
Published: February 2021

The work aims to explore a microscopic observation system of paper surface and achieve high-precision stereoscopic observation with detail characterization of paper surface morphology. Based on the DT-400E precision program-controlled three-dimensional translation stage and KEYENCE LJV-7200 two-dimensional laser scanner, the hardware parts of our own system are developed to scan and transmit point cloud data of paper surface morphology to the computer. The corresponding system software will automatically process the point cloud data acquired from the laser scanner and generate the corresponding vivid 3D model and height histogram. This system scans and characterizes four different types of paper samples, allowing the human eye to visually distinguish the differences in surface morphology as well as automatically calculate the numerical differences in paper surface morphology parameters. The results of the applicability test show that the system is highly efficient in acquiring, observing, and evaluating the topography of the paper surface. The system can not only predict the paper surface quality of printed paper, but can also be extended to the evaluation of 3D printed surfaces.
Improving the Efficiency of Image and Video Forgery Detection Using Hybrid Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Patil Sonal Pramod , Jariwala K. N.
Published: February 2021

Recently, on the internet, the level of image and video forgery has augmented due to the augmentation in the malware, which has facilitated user (anyone) to upload, download, or share objects online comprising audio, images, or video. Recently, Convolution Neural Network (CNN) has turn into a de-facto technique for classification of multi-dimensional data and it renders standard and also highly effectual network layer arrangements. But these architectures are limited by the speed due to massive number of calculations needed for training in addition to testing the network and also, it might render less accuracy. To trounce these issues, this paper proposed to ameliorate the image and video forgery detection’s efficiency utilizing hybrid CNN. Initially, the intensive along with incremental learning phase is carried out. After that, the hybrid CNN is implemented to detect the image together with video forgery. The developed system was tested on images together with videos for different kinds of forgeries, and it was observed that the proposed work obtains more than 98% accuracy for both testing as well as validation sets.
Behaviour of Expanded Flyash Clay Aggregate Concrete Exposed to Elevated Temperature
Authors: Winsley J. Bright Brabin , Muthukannan M.
Published: February 2021

Expanded flyash clay aggregate (EFCA) is a promising sustainable alternative to coarse aggregate in concrete. Concrete specimens with conventional natural aggregate and EFCA as coarse aggregates were prepared separately and exposed to elevated temperatures of range 200°C, 400°C, 600°C and 800°C, observed for surface changes like change in color and formation of visual cracks, tested for loss in mass, strength and water absorption, analyzed by XRD for mineralogical changes through variation in chemical composition. Specimens when exposed up to 400°C has not shown any notable changes in the above property, beyond which strength of both specimens started to decrease gradually, at higher temperature EFCA mix showed loss in mass of 4.5% compared with normal concrete, visual observation of specimen surface showed EFCA specimens sustained cracks till 600°C. EFCA mix also showed a constant rate of water absorption. Concrete with EFCA showed consistently higher compressive strength at higher temperature up to 400°C and found satisfactory in all aspects tested made EFCA as coarse aggregate in concrete as a sustainable alternative to natural aggregates.
Artificial Suffering: An Argument for a Global Moratorium on Synthetic Phenomenology
Authors: Metzinger Thomas
Published: February 2021

This paper has a critical and a constructive part. The first part formulates a political demand, based on ethical considerations: Until 2050, there should be a global moratorium on synthetic phenomenology, strictly banning all research that directly aims at or knowingly risks the emergence of artificial consciousness on post-biotic carrier systems. The second part lays the first conceptual foundations for an open-ended process with the aim of gradually refining the original moratorium, tying it to an ever more fine-grained, rational, evidence-based, and hopefully ethically convincing set of constraints. The systematic research program defined by this process could lead to an incremental reformulation of the original moratorium. It might result in a moratorium repeal even before 2050, in the continuation of a strict ban beyond the year 2050, or a gradually evolving, more substantial, and ethically refined view of which — if any — kinds of conscious experience we want to implement in AI systems.
Use of high-resolution stratigraphy and derived lithoclasts to document structural inversion: a case study from the Paleogene, Isle of Wight, UK
Authors: Gale Andy
Published: February 2021

The effects of structural inversion generated by the Pyrenean Orogeny on the southerly bounding faults of the Hampshire Basin (the Needles and Sandown faults) and on Eocene sedimentation in the adjacent regions were studied in outcrop by sedimentary logging, dip records and the identification of lithoclasts reworked from the crests of anticlines generated during inversion. The duration and precise age of the hiatuses associated with inversion were identified using bio- and magnetostratigraphy and compared with the Geologic Time Scale 2020. The succession on the northern limb of the Sandown Anticline (Whitecliff Bay) includes five hiatuses of varying durations, which together form a progressive unconformity developed during the Lutetian–Priabonian interval (47–35 Ma). Syn-inversion deposits thicken southwards towards the southern margin of the Hampshire Basin and are erosionally truncated by unconformities. The effects of each pulse of inversion are recorded by successively shallower dips and the age and nature of clasts reworked from the crest of the Sandown Anticline. Most individual hiatuses are interpreted as minor unconformities developed subsequent to inversion, rather than eustatically generated sequence boundaries or transgressive surfaces. By contrast, the succession north of the Needles Fault (Alum Bay) does not contain hiatuses of magnitude or internal unconformities. Subsidiary anticlinal and synclinal structures developed in the NW of the island as a response to Eocene inversion events by the reactivation of minor basement faults. The new dates of the Eocene inversion events correspond closely with radiometric ages (48–36 Ma) derived from fracture vein-fill calcites to the west in Dorset.
Sketch-based interface and modelling of stratigraphy and structure in three dimensions
Authors: Jacquemyn Carl , Pataki Margaret E. H. , Hampson Gary J. , Jackson Matthew D. , Petrovskyy Dmytro , Geiger Sebastian , Marques Clarissa C. , Machado Silva Julio D. , Judice Sicilia , Rahman Fazilatur , Costa Sousa Mario
Published: February 2021

Geological modelling is widely used to predict resource potential in subsurface reservoirs. However, modelling is often slow, requires use of mathematical methods that are unfamiliar to many geoscientists, and is implemented in expert software. We demonstrate here an alternative approach using sketch-based interface and modelling, which allows rapid creation of complex three-dimensional (3D) models from 2D sketches. Sketches, either on vertical cross-sections or in map-view, are converted to 3D surfaces that outline geological interpretations. We propose a suite of geological operators that handle interactions between the surfaces to form a geologically realistic 3D model. These operators deliver the flexibility to sketch a geological model in any order and provide an intuitive framework for geoscientists to rapidly create 3D models. Two case studies are presented, demonstrating scenarios in which different approaches to model sketching are used depending on the geological setting and available data. These case studies show the strengths of sketching with geological operators. Sketched 3D models can be queried visually or quantitatively to provide insights into heterogeneity distribution, facies connectivity or dynamic model behaviour; this information cannot be obtained by sketching in 2D or on paper.

Supplementary material
: Rapid Reservoir Modelling prototype (executable and source code) is available at:
https://bitbucket.org/rapidreservoirmodelling/rrm
. Supplementary screen recordings for the different case studies showing sketch-based modelling in action are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.5084141
and supplementary figure S1-S4 are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.5303043
Can the biases in facial recognition be fixed; also, should they?
Authors: Marks Paul
Published: February 2021

Many facial recognition systems used by law enforcement are shot through with biases. Can anything be done to make them fair and trustworthy?
The push for stricter rules for internet platforms
Authors: Samuelson Pamela
Published: February 2021

Considering the origins, interpretations, and possible changes to Communications Decency Act §230 amid an evolving online environment.
How to effectively use body language
Authors: Yaffe Philip
Published: February 2021

Each "Communication Corner" essay is self-contained; however, they build on each other. For best results, before reading this essay and doing the exercise, go to the first essay "How an Ugly Duckling Became a Swan," then read each succeeding essay.

Learn how to use body language when delivering a speech or presentation. This installment of Communication Corner presents the practical aspects of body language such as eye contact, gestures, and vocal intonation to name a few.
Approximation Algorithms for Submodular Data Summarization with a Knapsack Constraint
Authors: Han Kai , Cui Shuang , Zhu Tianshuai , Zhang Enpei , Wu Benwei , Yin Zhizhuo , Xu Tong , Tang Shaojie , Huang He
Published: February 2021

Data summarization, i.e., selecting representative subsets of manageable size out of massive data, is often modeled as a submodular optimization problem. Although there exist extensive algorithms for submodular optimization, many of them incur large computational overheads and hence are not suitable for mining big data. In this work, we consider the fundamental problem of (non-monotone) submodular function maximization with a knapsack constraint, and propose simple yet effective and efficient algorithms for it. Specifically, we propose a deterministic algorithm with approximation ratio 6 and a randomized algorithm with approximation ratio 4, and show that both of them can be accelerated to achieve nearly linear running time at the cost of weakening the approximation ratio by an additive factor of ε. We then consider a more restrictive setting without full access to the whole dataset, and propose streaming algorithms with approximation ratios of 8+ε and 6+ε that make one pass and two passes over the data stream, respectively. As a by-product, we also propose a two-pass streaming algorithm with an approximation ratio of 2+ε when the considered submodular function is monotone. To the best of our knowledge, our algorithms achieve the best performance bounds compared to the state-of-the-art approximation algorithms with efficient implementation for the same problem. Finally, we evaluate our algorithms in two concrete submodular data summarization applications for revenue maximization in social networks and image summarization, and the empirical results show that our algorithms outperform the existing ones in terms of both effectiveness and efficiency.
Zero Queueing for Multi-Server Jobs
Authors: Wang Weina , Xie Qiaomin , Harchol-Balter Mor
Published: February 2021

Cloud computing today is dominated by multi-server jobs. These are jobs that request multiple servers simultaneously and hold onto all of these servers for the duration of the job. Multi-server jobs add a lot of complexity to the traditional one-server-per-job model: an arrival might not "fit'' into the available servers and might have to queue, blocking later arrivals and leaving servers idle. From a queueing perspective, almost nothing is understood about multi-server job queueing systems; even understanding the exact stability region is a very hard problem. In this paper, we investigate a multi-server job queueing model under scaling regimes where the number of servers in the system grows. Specifically, we consider a system with multiple classes of jobs, where jobs from different classes can request different numbers of servers and have different service time distributions, and jobs are served in first-come-first-served order. The multi-server job model opens up new scaling regimes where both the number of servers that a job needs and the system load scale with the total number of servers. Within these scaling regimes, we derive the first results on stability, queueing probability, and the transient analysis of the number of jobs in the system for each class. In particular we derive sufficient conditions for zero queueing. Our analysis introduces a novel way of extracting information from the Lyapunov drift, which can be applicable to a broader scope of problems in queueing systems.
Revisiting Modified Greedy Algorithm for Monotone Submodular Maximization with a Knapsack Constraint
Authors: Tang Jing , Tang Xueyan , Lim Andrew , Han Kai , Li Chongshou , Yuan Junsong
Published: February 2021

Monotone submodular maximization with a knapsack constraint is NP-hard. Various approximation algorithms have been devised to address this optimization problem. In this paper, we revisit the widely known modified greedy algorithm. First, we show that this algorithm can achieve an approximation factor of 0.405, which significantly improves the known factors of 0.357 given by Wolsey and (1-1/e)/2\approx 0.316 given by Khuller et al. More importantly, our analysis closes a gap in Khuller et al.'s proof for the extensively mentioned approximation factor of (1-1/\sqrte )\approx 0.393 in the literature to clarify a long-standing misconception on this issue. Second, we enhance the modified greedy algorithm to derive a data-dependent upper bound on the optimum. We empirically demonstrate the tightness of our upper bound with a real-world application. The bound enables us to obtain a data-dependent ratio typically much higher than 0.405 between the solution value of the modified greedy algorithm and the optimum. It can also be used to significantly improve the efficiency of algorithms such as branch and bound.
Reduction of ZrO2 during SNF Pyrochemical Reprocessing
Authors: Nikolaev Andrey , Suzdaltsev Andrey , Pavlenko Olga , Zaikov Yuriy , Tatyana Kurennykh  , Vykhodets Vladimir
Published: February 2021

Reduction of ZrO2 by lithium during electrolysis of LiCl-KCl-Li2O melt at 650 °C was studied using a set of physicochemical methods of analysis. Influence of ZrO2 in the space near a molybdenum cathode on the kinetics of the cathode process was established. Possible variations of the electrode reaction associated with the zirconium reduction were proposed. The appearance of ZrO2 in the cathode space resulted in consumption of reduced lithium and in increase in the potential relaxation time of the molybdenum cathode after cathode polarization. Long-term galvanic impulse electrolysis of LiCl-KCl-Li2O melt at 650 °C was carried out using the molybdenum cathode which was immersed into the ZrO2 powder. According to the X-ray fluorescence analysis as well as the method of nuclear reactions the reduction product was presented by the ZrO2, Li2ZrO3, Zr3O phases. Additionally, by alloying the reduction product with tin, the ZrO2 reduction degree to metallic zirconium was estimated, which was close to zero. It was assumed that the main pathway for the appearance of the metallic zirconium in the ZrO2 reduction product during electrolysis of the LiCl-KCl-Li2O melt was direct electroreduction of dissolved zirconium in the melt.
Impact on the Conductance Method of the Asymmetry in the AC Response Induced by Interface Trap Levels
Authors: Lin Hsin-Jyun , Watanabe Hiroshi , Teramoto Akinobu , Kuroda Rihito , Umezawa Kota , Furukawa Kiichi , Sugawa Shigetoshi
Published: February 2021

The conductance method has been extensively used to analyze the dielectric-semiconductor interfaces by assuming a continuous density of the interface traps. If dangling bonds are dense at the interface, the wavefunction tails of electrons in the dangling bonds overlap each other to form a continuous density of interface traps. However, as the advanced fabrication process improves the interface quality, the interface traps become dilute. Hence, the density of interface traps may be interpreted as a composition of distinct peaks with less overlapping of trapped electrons, i.e., the discrete localized interface traps. In this regard, we assume that peaks apart from the Fermi level more than the thermal energy affect the conductance method. This is a novel approach to the conventional conductance method. Present model derived in this study is applied on the zirconium oxide—silicon interface fabricated using the atomic layer deposition. As result, we successfully reproduced the asymmetrical conductance in frequency spectrum and obtained the distribution of interface trap density with time constants correspondent to the extracted energy levels. Inclusion of the peak levels shows larger fluctuation in time constants, and the proposed method compensates underestimation in the conventional conductance method.
Levels of β-klotho determine the thermogenic responsiveness of adipose tissues: involvement of the autocrine action of FGF21
Authors: Moure Ricardo , Cairó Montserrat , Morón-Ros Samantha , Quesada-López Tania , Campderrós Laura , Cereijo Rubén , Hernáez Alvaro , Villarroya Francesc , Giralt Marta
Published: February 2021

Reduced levels of KLB (the obligatory FGF21 co-receptor), as occurring in obesity and type 2 diabetes, reduce the thermogenic responsiveness of adipose tissues in cold-exposed mice. Impaired response to β3-adrenergic activation in brown and beige adipocytes with reduced KLB occurs in a cell-autonomous manner involving an autocrine action of FGF21.
Regulated cell death in cisplatin-induced AKI: relevance of myo-inositol metabolism
Authors: Deng Fei , Zheng Xiaoping , Sharma Isha , Dai Yingbo , Wang Yinhuai , Kanwar Yashpal S.
Published: February 2021

Regulated cell death (RCD), distinct from accidental cell death, refers to a process of well-controlled programmed cell death with well-defined pathological mechanisms. In the past few decades, various terms for RCDs were coined, and some of them have been implicated in the pathogenesis of various types of acute kidney injury (AKI). Cisplatin is widely used as a chemotherapeutic drug for a broad spectrum of cancers, but its usage was hampered because of being highly nephrotoxic. Cisplatin-induced AKI is commonly seen clinically, and it also serves as a well-established prototypic model for laboratory investigations relevant to acute nephropathy affecting especially the tubular compartment. Literature reports over a period of three decades have indicated that there are multiple types of RCDs, including apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and mitochondrial permeability transition-mediated necrosis, and some of them are pertinent to the pathogenesis of cisplatin-induced AKI. Interestingly, myo-inositol metabolism, a vital biological process that is largely restricted to the kidney, seems to be relevant to the pathogenesis of certain forms of RCDs. A comprehensive understanding of RCDs in cisplatin-induced AKI and their relevance to myo-inositol homeostasis may yield novel therapeutic targets for the amelioration of cisplatin-related nephropathy.
Calcineurin A-α suppression drives nuclear factor-κB-mediated NADPH oxidase-2 upregulation
Authors: Cheriyan Aswathy M. , Ume Adaku C. , Francis Cynthia E. , King Keyona N. , Linck Valerie A. , Bai Yun , Cai Hui , Hoover Robert S. , Ma Heping P. , Gooch Jennifer L. , Williams Clintoria R.
Published: February 2021

A long-term consequence of calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) is oxidative damage and nephrotoxicity. This study indicates that NF-κB is a novel calcineurin-regulated transcription factor that is activated with calcineurin inhibition, thereby driving oxidative damage in CNI nephropathy. These findings provide additional evidence of divergent calcineurin signaling pathways and suggest that selective CNIs could improve the long-term outcomes of patients by mitigating renal side effects.
Overlapping roles of NADPH oxidase 4 for diabetic and gadolinium-based contrast agent-induced systemic fibrosis
Authors: Bruno Francesca , DeAguero Joshua , Do Catherine , Lee Doug Yoon , Tan Chunyan , Escobar G. Patricia , Wagner Brent
Published: February 2021

A mouse model of gadolinium-based contrast agent- and diabetes-induced fibrosis was used to demonstrate the role of NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4) in gadolinium-induced systemic disease. Using these models, we established the role of Nox4 as a mediator of reactive oxygen species generation and subsequent skin and kidney fibrosis. These novel findings have defined Nox-4-mediated mechanisms by which gadolinium-based contrast agents induce systemic diseases.
Localization of angiotensin II type 1 receptor gene expression in rodent and human kidneys
Authors: Schrankl Julia , Fuchs Michaela , Broeker Katharina , Daniel Christoph , Kurtz Armin , Wagner Charlotte
Published: February 2021

Angiotensin II (ANG II) type 1 (AT1) receptors are essential for mediating the effects of ANG II in the kidneys. This study aimed to obtain a comprehensive overview about the cell-specific localization of AT1 receptor expression in rodent and human kidneys using the novel RNAscope technique. We found that the conserved AT1 receptor mRNA expression sites across species are the (juxta)glomerular areas and tubulointerstitium, which might present main target sites for ANG II in adult human and rodent kidneys.
Dysregulation of Innate Lymphoid Cells in Patients with Active Rheumatoid Arthritis and Mice with Collagen-Induced Arthritis
Authors: Yang Fengfan , Luo Xing , Zhu Wenxiao , Li Jia , Zheng Zhaohui , Zhu Ping
Published: February 2021

Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) have roles in many diseases and immune pathways. To determine the roles of these cells in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and mice with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), we measured ILC subsets using flow cytometry and multiplex immunofluorescence staining. Patients with stable RA had greater proportions of ILC2s and decreased proportions of ILC1s and ILC3s (all

p
<
0.05

). The 28-joint disease activity (DAS28) score had positive correlations with the proportion of ILC1s and negative correlations with ILC2s (both

p
<
0.05

). ILC2s of patients with RA expressed more IL-4 than healthy controls (

p
<
0.05

). The proportions of ILC1s and ILC2s were greater in mice with CIA (both

p
<
0.05

), especially the ILC2s in mice without arthritis after immunization and had correlations with multiple inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Multiplex immunofluorescence staining described the distribution of ILCs in spleen tissues. Our results indicate that dysregulation of ILCs occurs during the pathogenesis of RA and CIA.
Ancient Chinese Character Image Retrieval Based on Dual Hesitant Fuzzy Sets
Authors: Du Songbo , Yang Fang , Tian Xuedong
Published: February 2021

The complex and changeable structures of ancient Chinese characters result in the decreasing accuracy of their image retrieval. To resolve this problem, a new retrieval method based on dual hesitant fuzzy sets is proposed. Dual hesitation fuzzy sets that can express uncertain information more comprehensively are employed in the feature extraction process of directional line elements. The multiattribute evaluation index of adjacent grids for the current grid and its corresponding membership and nonmembership functions are established, and the weight of each attribute is calculated by the dual hesitation fuzzy entropy, such that the proposed features can fully reflect the topological structure of ancient Chinese characters. Using the dual hesitation fuzzy correlation coefficient to measure the similarity between the ancient Chinese character images to be retrieved and the candidate images, the retrieval of ancient Chinese character images is realized. Experiments show that when the t0hreshold value of the correlation coefficient is 0.9, the average retrieval accuracy is 90.4%.