bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data-driven detection of counterpressing in professional football
Authors: Bauer Pascal , Anzer Gabriel
Published: July 2021

Detecting counterpressing is an important task for any professional match-analyst in football (soccer), but is being done exclusively manually by observing video footage. The purpose of this paper is not only to automatically identify this strategy, but also to derive metrics that support coaches with the analysis of transition situations. Additionally, we want to infer objective influence factors for its success and assess the validity of peer-created rules of thumb established in by practitioners. Based on a combination of positional and event data we detect counterpressing situations as a supervised machine learning task. Together, with professional match-analysis experts we discussed and consolidated a consistent definition, extracted 134 features and manually labeled more than 20, 000 defensive transition situations from 97 professional football matches. The extreme gradient boosting model—with an area under the curve of $$87.4\%$$

87.4
%

on the labeled test data—enabled us to judge how quickly teams can win the ball back with counterpressing strategies, how many shots they create or allow immediately afterwards and to determine what the most important success drivers are. We applied this automatic detection on all matches from six full seasons of the German Bundesliga and quantified the defensive and offensive consequences when applying counterpressing for each team. Automating the task saves analysts a tremendous amount of time, standardizes the otherwise subjective task, and allows to identify trends within larger data-sets. We present an effective way of how the detection and the lessons learned from this investigation are integrated effectively into common match-analysis processes.
A methodological critique of research on parent-initiated mathematics activities and young children’s attainment
Authors: Andrews Paul , Petersson Jöran , Sayers Judy
Published: July 2021

In this paper, motivated by the desire to understand which forms of parent-initiated activity are productively implicated in young children’s mathematics learning, we present a methodological critique of recent research. Many such studies, based on assumptions that parent-initiated activities can be categorised as formal or informal, direct or indirect, or advanced or basic, exploit surveys to elicit how frequently parents engage their children in various predetermined activities. While such survey data have the potential to yield important insights, the analytical procedures typically employed prevent them. Studies involving factor analyses yield uninterpretable factors, which are then used to create summative variables based on the scores of individual activities. Other studies, drawing on untested preconceptions, simply create summative variables. In all cases, these summative variables are based on such a wide range of qualitatively different activities that labels like formal or informal become arbitrary and the potential of individual activities to support learning gets lost beneath colleagues’ desires for statistical significance. In closing, we ask colleagues, albeit somewhat rhetorically, what is the purpose of such research? Is it to identify those activities that support learning or to offer statistically robust factors, which, due to the diversity of activities embedded within them, offer few useful insights?
Assessing Habitat Suitability for Native and Alien Freshwater Mussels in the River Waal (the Netherlands), Using Hydroacoustics and Species Sensitivity Distributions
Authors: Flores N. Y. , Collas F. P. L. , Mehler K. , Schoor M. M. , Feld C. K. , Leuven R. S. E. W.
Published: July 2021

Longitudinal training dams (LTDs) in the river Waal are novel river training structures that protect the littoral zone from the adverse effects of navigation providing new habitats for riverine macroinvertebrates. In order to inform river management and to better understand their ecological value for native and alien mussel species, it is important to assess the habitat suitability of the protected LTD shore channels. We applied spatial hydroacoustics surveys consisting of side-scan sonar (SSS) and acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) of the substrate type, water depth and flow velocity in three shore channels in combination with species sensitivity distributions (SSDs) to predict habitat suitability for native and alien mussel species. SSDs allowed for the prediction of habitat suitability as a potentially occurring fraction (POF) of a species pool. High substrate type, water depth, and near-bottom flow velocity POFs were found for ≥ 70%, 100%, and 4–51% of the total shore channel area, respectively, suggesting that shore channels provide suitable habitat for both native and alien mussel species. To enhance the shore channels as habitat for native mussel species, we recommend increasing shallow areas dominated by fine (silt/clay) and sand substrate types with low near-bottom flow velocities (near 0 m/s). In contrast, the total area of hard substrate (e.g., boulders) in the shore channels should be reduced as it strongly favored invasive alien mussel species in our study. Future research should include additional abiotic parameters to enhance the habitat suitability predictions and compare the results for different riverine habitats.
Transcriptional study reveals a potential leptin-dependent gene regulatory network in zebrafish brain
Authors: Ahi Ehsan Pashay , Tsakoumis Emmanouil , Brunel Mathilde , Schmitz Monika
Published: July 2021

The signal mediated by leptin hormone and its receptor is a major regulator of body weight, food intake and metabolism. In mammals and many teleost fish species, leptin has an anorexigenic role and inhibits food intake by influencing the appetite centres in the hypothalamus. However, the regulatory connections between leptin and downstream genes mediating its appetite-regulating effects are still not fully explored in teleost fish. In this study, we used a loss of function leptin receptor zebrafish mutant and real-time quantitative PCR to assess brain expression patterns of several previously identified anorexigenic genes downstream of leptin signal under different feeding conditions (normal feeding, 7-day fasting, 2 and 6-h refeeding). These downstream factors include members of cart genes, crhb and gnrh2, as well as selected genes co-expressed with them based on a zebrafish co-expression database. Here, we found a potential gene expression network (GRN) comprising the abovementioned genes by a stepwise approach of identifying co-expression modules and predicting their upstream regulators. Among the transcription factors (TFs) predicted as potential upstream regulators of this GRN, we found expression pattern of sp3a to be correlated with transcriptional changes of the downstream gene network. Interestingly, the expression and transcriptional activity of Sp3 orthologous gene in mammals have already been implicated to be under the influence of leptin signal. These findings suggest a potentially conserved regulatory connection between leptin and sp3a, which is predicted to act as a transcriptional driver of a downstream gene network in the zebrafish brain.
Beyond cultural and geographical proximity: delving into the factors that influence the dynamics of academic relationships between students in higher education
Authors: Tomás-Miquel José-Vicente , Capó-Vicedo Jordi
Published: July 2021

Scholars have widely recognised the importance of academic relationships between students at the university. While much of the past research has focused on studying their influence on different aspects such as the students’ academic performance or their emotional stability, less is known about their dynamics and the factors that influence the formation and dissolution of linkages between university students in academic networks. In this paper, we try to shed light on this issue by exploring through stochastic actor-oriented models and student-level data the influence that a set of proximity factors may have on formation of these relationships over the entire period in which students are enrolled at the university. Our findings confirm that the establishment of academic relationships is derived, in part, from a wide range of proximity dimensions of a social, personal, geographical, cultural and academic nature. Furthermore, and unlike previous studies, this research also empirically confirms that the specific stage in which the student is at the university determines the influence of these proximity factors on the dynamics of academic relationships. In this regard, beyond cultural and geographic proximities that only influence the first years at the university, students shape their relationships as they progress in their studies from similarities in more strategic aspects such as academic and personal closeness. These results may have significant implications for both academic research and university policies.
Camera-Based Tracking of Floating Objects using Fixed-wing UAVs
Authors: Helgesen Håkon Hagen , Bryne Torleiv H. , Wilthil Erik F. , Johansen Tor Arne
Published: July 2021

This article concerns tracking of floating objects using fixed-wing UAVs with a monocular thermal camera. Target tracking from an agile aerial vehicle is challenging because uncertainty in the UAV pose negatively affects the accuracy of the measurements obtained through thermal images. Consequently, the accuracy of the tracking estimates is degraded if navigation uncertainty is neglected. This is especially relevant for the estimated target covariance since inconsistency is a likely consequence. A tracking system based on the Schmidt-Kalman filter is proposed to mitigate navigation uncertainty. Images gathered with an uncertain UAV pose are weighted less than images captured with a reliable pose. The UAV pose is estimated independently in a multiplicative extended Kalman filter where the estimated covariance matrix is a measure of the uncertainty. The method is compared experimentally with two traditional alternatives based on the extended Kalman filter. The results show that the proposed method performs better with respect to consistency and accuracy.
Finite element study of stem cells under fluid flow for mechanoregulation toward osteochondral cells
Authors: Moradkhani Mehdi , Vahidi Bahman , Ahmadian Bahram
Published: July 2021

Investigating the effects of mechanical stimuli on stem cells under in vitro and in vivo conditions is a very important issue to reach better control on cellular responses like growth, proliferation, and differentiation. In this regard, studying the effects of scaffold geometry, steady, and transient fluid flow, as well as influence of different locations of the cells lodged on the scaffold on effective mechanical stimulations of the stem cells are of the main goals of this study. For this purpose, collagen-based scaffolds and implicit surfaces of the pore architecture was used. In this study, computational fluid dynamics and fluid-structure interaction method was used for the computational simulation. The results showed that the scaffold microstructure and the pore architecture had an essential effect on accessibility of the fluid to different portions of the scaffold. This leads to the optimization of shear stress and hydrodynamic pressure in different surfaces of the scaffold for better transportation of oxygen and growth factors as well as for optimized mechanoregulative responses of cell–scaffold interactions. Furthermore, the results indicated that the HP scaffold provides more optimizer surfaces to culture stem cells rather than Gyroid and IWP scaffolds. The results of exerting oscillatory fluid flow into the HP scaffold showed that the whole surface of the HP scaffold expose to the shear stress between 0.1 and 40 mPa and hydrodynamics factors on the scaffold was uniform. The results of this study could be used as an aid for experimentalists to choose optimist fluid flow conditions and suitable situation for cell culture.
Understanding Changes in Violent Extremist Attitudes During the Transition to Early Adulthood
Authors: Nivette Amy , Echelmeyer Lea , Weerman Frank , Eisner Manuel , Ribeaud Denis
Published: July 2021

Objectives

The current study seeks to explain changes in support for violent extremism during the transition to early adulthood. This period during the life course could increase uncertainty and vulnerability to radicalization, or alternatively lead to maturation, prosocial bonds, and consequently less support for violent extremism. In the absence of population-based longitudinal data on violent extremist attitudes, we know very little about how and why attitudes change during this period.

Method

Data came from an ongoing longitudinal cohort study in Zürich, Switzerland (n = 910). First, we assessed the variation in violent extremist attitudes between ages 17 and 20 using the Reliable Change Index. Second, we used hybrid regression techniques to investigate to what extent theoretically relevant factors can explain between- and within-individual differences in violent extremist attitudes.

Results

Our results show that violent extremist attitudes are largely stable or declining between late adolescence and early adulthood, and that within-individual changes in low self-control, conflict coping skills, and peer disapproval of violence can in part explain these changes.

Conclusions

For young people in Zürich, the transition to early adulthood was characterized by increases in psychosocial maturity, more prosocial peers, and less deviant behavior, which in turn was associated with lower support for violent extremism. Existing research on effective interventions for criminal desistance and disengagement from gangs may therefore be fruitful avenues for developing programs aimed at reducing support for violent extremism and fostering deradicalization.
Engines of learning? Policy instruments, cities and climate governance
Authors: Domorenok Ekaterina , Zito Anthony R.
Published: July 2021

This contribution investigates how combinations of instruments, often called policy mixes, enhance policy learning processes at different levels. It analyzes the European Union’s (EU) Covenant of Mayors (CoM) that is underpinned by a set of learning instruments, to promote local action for sustainable energy and climate. The piece offers an original framework to explore whether and how the Covenant enhances learning at the level of European institutions and among local governments. Drawing on an extensive documentary review and elite interviews in four countries (Germany, Italy, Poland and the UK), the analysis shows that the CoM instrument mix has enhanced certain elements of learning within the actors leading the Covenant as well as many of the local governments within and outside the EU, but only if certain conditions operate, such as political leadership, individual motivation and knowledge and regional coordination mechanisms.
Online monitoring of polysaccharide solution concentration by electromagnetic field, electrical conductivity and spectrophotometry measurements
Authors: Silvonen Jussi , Järvelä Niko , Koppanen Markus , Järveläinen Matti , Ojuva Arto , Levänen Erkki
Published: July 2021

Online control of industrial processes by lean principle increases productivity and yields higher product quality. Polysaccharides are dissolved in liquids, such as water, in many industrial products, like paints, cosmetics and culinary products. In these products, it is important to control viscosity or create thixotropy and yield stress for product functionality. Electromagnetic field and electrical conductivity techniques were applied to a meter polysaccharide dissolution process online up to a 0.5 wt% concentration, and the resultant solution was also further tested by UV–Vis spectrophotometry. The electromagnetic field technique measures changes in the local electrical permittivity of the liquid and the interest in this research were to find out whether the changes correlate to the concentration changes during the dissolution of polymer polysaccharide. The results that were obtained showed good consistency, suggesting the feasibility of the electromagnetic field technique in online monitoring of a polysaccharide suspension concentration. Moreover, this technique gives the advantage of instant monitoring of a polysaccharide dissolution for improved process control.

Graphic abstract
Design and Virtual Testing of American Football Helmets–A Review
Authors: Dymek Mateusz , Ptak Mariusz , Fernandes Fábio A. O.
Published: July 2021

This paper aims to review the recent progress in the research carried out by scientists worldwide regarding American Footballers' head injuries and head protective equipment, focusing on the role of computation methods, mainly finite element method application to American Football helmet design and testing as well as head injury biomechanics. The helmet technology has been constantly improved, and it is driven by market competition, medical records, coaches and athletes' self-awareness. With finite element analysis and computational resources development, it is possible to develop more accurate brain models to recreate American Footballers' head impacts. This method seems to be an excellent simulation tool to verify the helmet's ability to absorb energy and enable the researchers to have an insight into head kinematics and tissue-level injuries. The work is focused on head injuries in American Football as the sport becomes more popular across the globe. Additionally, a reference to the development and newest technology is presented. The review's proposed approach gathers studies presented within the last decade regarding the coupling of finite element brain models with helmets in standardised or on-field conditions. The synthesis of the existing state of the art may enhance the researchers to continue investigating the athlete's trauma and improve the protective gear technology to minimise head injuries. The authors presented numerous studies regarding concussions and the newest findings from the last decade, including Finite Element Head models (FEHm) with American Football helmet simulations. All the studies were searched through Google Scholar, Scopus and ResearchGate databases.
Visual Attention and Sexual Function in Women
Authors: Milani Sonia , Dawson Samantha J. , Velten Julia
Published: July 2021

Purpose of Review

Theoretical models situate attention as integral to the onset and regulation of sexual response and propose that problems with sexual response and subsequent sexual dysfunction result from insufficient attentional processing of sexual stimuli. The goal of this paper is to review literature examining the link between attentional processing of sexual stimuli and sexual function in women. Specifically, we sought to understand whether women with and without sexual dysfunction differ in their visual attention to sexual stimuli and examined the link with sexual response, which would support attention as a mechanism underlying sexual dysfunction.

Recent Findings

Across women with and without sexual concerns, sexual stimuli are preferentially attended to relative to nonsexual stimuli, suggesting that sexual stimuli are more salient than nonsexual stimuli. Differences between women with and without sexual dysfunction emerge when examining visual attention toward the most salient features of sexual stimuli (e.g., genital regions depicting sexual activity). Consistent with theoretical models, visual attention and sexual response are related, such that increasing attention to sexual cues facilitates sexual arousal, whereas reduced attention to sexual stimuli appears to suppress sexual arousal, which may contribute to sexual difficulties in women.

Taken together, the research supports the role of visual attention in sexual response and sexual function. These findings provide empirical support for interventions that target attentional processing of sexual stimuli. Future research is required to further delineate the specific attentional mechanisms involved in sexual response and investigate whether these are modifiable. This knowledge may be beneficial for developing novel psychological interventions targeting attentional processes in the treatment of sexual dysfunctions.
Blood donation barriers: How does donor profile affect them?
Authors: Romero-Domínguez Laura , Martín-Santana Josefa D. , Sánchez-Medina Agustín J. , Beerli-Palacio Asunción
Published: July 2021

Donation barriers are a crucial factor to consider in the study of blood donor behavior. Since blood donors do not behave homogeneously, the aim of this work is to analyze how the donor profile (i.e. sociodemographic characteristics and donation behavior) influences the prevalence of blood donation barriers. A total of 5,353 active donors in the Canary Islands (Spain) completed an online survey. Given the general lack of agreement concerning the conceptualization and measurement of donation barriers, an integrative 25-item barrier scale, which is the result of grouping all barriers identified in the literature according to the concept of obstacle which they represent, was designed and validated. The results indicate that individuals between 18 and 35 years of age, with university education and higher income are more likely to be affected by donation barriers. At the same time, individuals who donate once or twice a year, and those with shorter experience as donors, are more prone to experience donation barriers. The present study is useful for blood transfusion centers, because it shows that centers must identify which donation barriers are the most prevalent in their donor pool, as well as which donor groups are the most affected by them. Thus, blood transfusion centers will be able to design appropriate marketing actions to reduce or eliminate those barriers that prevent active donors to donate repetively.
Preoperative Lymphocyte-to-Monocyte Ratio in the Prognostication of Advanced Resectable Colon Cancer: a Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Kasahara Kenta , Ishizaki Tetsuo , Enomoto Masanobu , Mazaki Junichi , Okazaki Naoto , Tago Tomoya , Udo Ryutaro , Nagakawa Yuichi , Katsumata Kenji , Tsuchida Akihiko
Published: July 2021

Lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) has been reported as a biomarker for predicting the prognosis of colorectal cancer. However, the clinical usefulness of LMR requires detailed research, which can contribute to better therapeutic strategies. A cohort of 554 patients with resectable advanced colon cancer in our institution was analyzed retrospectively. An analysis of stages II and III resectable advanced colon cancer was performed. LMR was useful for predicting overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS). The ROC curve revealed an LMR value of 2.77 as a cutoff for OS. A high LMR was an independent prognostic factor and was associated with a high hazard ratio (HR) in all cases for OS (HR = 0.530, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.334–0.842, p = 0.007). A high LMR was not an independent prognostic factor in stage II cases but was a predictor with the strongest association with prognosis in patients with stage III cases for OS (HR = 0.383, 95% CI = 0.160–0.915, p = 0.031). LMR is a strong predictor of prognosis in patients with stage III colon cancer and may be useful in postoperative treatment options.
Establishment and application of prediction model of natural gas reserve and production in Sichuan Basin
Authors: Yu Guo , Fang Yizhu , Li Haitao , Wang Chenyu , Zhang Dongming
Published: July 2021

Research on predicting the growth trend of natural gas reserves and production will help provide a scientific basis for natural gas exploration and development. The metabolically improved modified weight coefficient GM(1,n) method is applied to the multi-cycle Hubbert model to predict the trend of new proven natural gas reserves in the Sichuan Basin. The ultimate recoverable reserves (URR) is introduced as a boundary condition in the production-time series to predict the natural gas production growth. The research results show that: (1) The annual newly added proven natural gas reserves of the Sichuan Basin maintain a multi-cycle growth trend, which will reach the peak reserves in 2034, at which time the proven rate of natural gas will reach 36%. (2) Based on the predicted results of proven reserves, the final recoverable reserves of natural gas are estimated to be $$5.25-5.75\times {10}^{12}{m}^{3}$$

5.25
-
5.75
×

10

12

m

3

. The production in 2035 will reach $$750-810\times {10}^{8}{\mathrm{m}}^{3}/\mathrm{a}$$

750
-
810
×

10

8

m

3

/
a

, and production will grow rapidly. The exploration and development of natural gas in the basin will be prospective for a long time.
The rheological behavior of crude oil in the presence of palm oil additives
Authors: Ragunathan Thevaruban , Zaqwan Jazeel , Wood Colin D. , Husin Hazlina
Published: July 2021

Wax precipitation has become a serious problem for the petroleum industry. The problem occurs when there is equilibrium disturbance on the pressure and temperature as well as crude oil composition. Wax deposits will eventually result in restriction of the fluid flow inside the pipeline, and severe deposition will cause blockage. The chemical additives currently being implemented in the industry have various limitations including the high cost and the irreversible impact it has on the environment. Therefore, the use of cheaper organic wax inhibitor obtained from crude palm oil (CPO) and crude palm kernel oil (CPKO) on the rheology and deposition of wax was investigated by using Chenor waxy crude oil from the Penyu basin, Pahang, Malaysia. To compare the efficiency of palm oil additives in inhibiting wax deposition, currently utilized chemical additives such as triethanolamine (TEA) and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) were also examined. The pour point of the crude oil was determined using SETA cloud & cryostat, while the rheological behavior of the crude was determined using a rotational Fann viscometer. The results obtained from this study reveal that CPO and CPKO could be used to improve the flow of crude oil, especially when 1 wt.% CPO or when 0.5 wt. % CPKO is used. It was also noted that the palm-based additives were much more effective at reducing the viscosity of the Chenor crude oil than the commercial wax inhibitor tested (TEA and EVA).
Effects of co-substrates’ mixing ratios and loading rate variations on food and agricultural wastes’ anaerobic co-digestion performance
Authors: Chaher Nour El Houda , Engler Nils , Nassour Abdallah , Nelles Michael
Published: July 2021

Tunisia is one of the developing countries which faces crucial challenges, the most prominent of which are the production of organic waste, the need for an appropriate waste treatment, and the demand for water and energy conservation. To this end, the present research was designed to develop a technical concept on closed cycle “biowaste to bioenergy” treating food waste (FW) through combined biological processes. In this approach, semi-continuous anaerobic co-digestion (ACoD) of FW, wheat straw (WS), and cattle manure (CM) was tested to investigate the relationship between the effect of the feedstock mixtures and C:N ratio on biogas and digestate generation at different organic loading rates (OLRs) ranging from 2 to 3.6 kg VS/m3.d. Results showed that the mono-digested FW was optimal and reached 565.5 LN/kg VSin at an OLR of 2.4 kg VS/m3.d, and then a drop of biogas production was recorded. However, for co-digested substrates, the optimum mixture ratio was FW:CM 75:25, where 62%, 39.89%, 91.26%, 130.9%, and 119.97% of the biogas yield improved for OLRs ranging from 2 to 3.6 kg VS/m3.d, respectively. Admittedly, the target of this work was to enhance the ACoD process, but it also examined the exploitation of different AD effluents. Therefore, special attention was paid to the generated digestates to decide how it can be efficiently upcycled later. Thus, the closed cycle “biowaste to bioenergy” treatment met two of the major Tunisian concerns: efficient organic waste management and sustainable bioenergy production.
Psychometric properties of a Silhouette Rating Scale assessing current and ideal body size and body dissatisfaction in adults
Authors: Lombardo Caterina , Cerolini Silvia , Esposito Rita Maria , Lucidi Fabio
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The study aims at validating a new pictorial tool, the Silhouette Rating Scale (SRS). It consists of a series of nine female or male silhouettes. It was created to assess current and ideal body size evaluation, and body dissatisfaction. Our aims were to test the concurrent, convergent and discriminant validity of the scale, evaluating possible gender differences.

Method

A first sample of 754 young adults (age M = 26.10 ± 8.50, males N = 218) and a second sample of 210 young adults (age M = 21.19 ± 3.22, males = 43) completed the SRS, and other self-report measures assessing body size evaluation, disordered eating, body satisfaction, depression, emotion regulation and insomnia.

Results

Statistical analyses performed on the first sample largely support the concurrent validity of the scale. Results obtained from the second sample confirm its convergent validity, showing strong correlations with the Contour Drawing Rating Scale. In addition, the correlations performed between the three responses of the SRS and other measures of eating disorders, depression, insomnia and emotion regulation indicated a good discriminant validity, though some of the variables measured seem to be significantly correlated.

Conclusions

The SRS is a reliable and valid tool for assessing current body size, body ideal and body dissatisfaction as compared to other widely used scales. It guarantees the universality of use thanks to the absence of details related to ethnicity or culture and at the same time, maintaining a right level of realism. Future studies will evaluate test–retest validity and its potential within clinical populations.

Leve of evidence

V, descriptive cross sectional study
A cross-sectional epidemiological study of the relationship between sleep duration, quality, and rhythm and presenteeism in workers
Authors: Itani Osamu , Kaneita Yoshitaka , Otsuka Yuichiro , Tokiya Mikiko , Jike Maki , Matsumoto Yuuki , Nakagome Sachi , Kinoshita Yu
Published: July 2021

This study aims to examine the relationship of sleep (sleep duration, sleep quality, and sleep rhythm) with presenteeism in workers while controlling for other confounding factors. A total of 2375 workers of six Japanese companies received self-administered questionnaires from June to November 2018. Information on sleep duration was used to evaluate sleep quantity, the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) was used to evaluate sleep quality, and workers’ engagement in shift work was used to determine their sleep rhythms. We used the World Health Organization Health and Work Performance Questionnaire to evaluate presenteeism. Information on lifestyle (exercise, smoking, etc.), sex, and age was also collected. We conducted a logistic regression analysis with high absolute/relative presenteeism as an objective variable, sleep duration, AIS, and shift work as dependent variables, and basic attributes and lifestyle factors as adjustment factors. Completed questionnaires were collected from 1992 workers (aged 18–79 years; 25.2% women; response rate: 83.9%). Logistic regression analysis showed that high absolute presenteeism was significantly associated with poor sleep quality (high AIS score; P < 0.001) but not with sleep duration (P = 0.326) and shift work (P = 0.177). High relative absenteeism was significantly associated with poor sleep quality (high AIS score; P = 0.001) but not with sleep duration (P = 0.461) or shift work (P = 0.245). We showed that poor sleep quality is significantly associated with a high level of presenteeism. This suggests focusing on improving sleep quality is important for reducing presenteeism among workers.
Treatment with dopamine β-hydroxylase (DBH) inhibitors prevents morphine use and relapse-like behavior in rats
Authors: Frankowska Małgorzata , Surówka Paulina , Suder Agata , Pieniążek Renata , Pukło Renata , Jastrzębska Joanna , Daniel Władysława A. , Filip Małgorzata , Zadrożny-Bujalska Magdalena , Kleczkowska Patrycja
Published: July 2021

Background

Opioid use disorders are serious contributors to the harms associated with the drug use. Unfortunately, therapeutic interventions for opioid addicts after detoxification have been limited and not sufficiently effective. Recently, several studies have led to promising results with disulfiram (DSF), a dopamine β-hydroxylase (DBH) inhibitor, showing that it is a potent agent against not only alcohol but also addiction to various drugs.

Materials and methods

This study was designed to examine whether DSF and nepicastat (NEP; another DBH inhibitor) modify morphine intake and reinstatement of seeking-behavior using the rat model of intravenous morphine self-administration. Additionally, we intended to estimate the effects of both inhibitors on the locomotor activity as well as on extracellular dopamine and its metabolite levels in the nucleus accumbens using microdialysis in naive rats.

Results

We demonstrated that both DBH inhibitors reduced responding to morphine self-administration. Moreover, DSF and NEP administered acutely before reinstatement test sessions consistently attenuated the reinforcing effects of morphine and a morphine-associated conditioned cue. The observed effects for lower doses (6.25–25 mg/kg; ip) of both DBH inhibitors seem to be independent of locomotor activity reduction and dopamine level in the nucleus accumbens. Neither DSF nor NEP administered daily during morphine abstinence with extinction training sessions had any effect on active lever-responding and changed the reinstatement induced by morphine priming doses. Reinstatement of drug-seeking behavior induced by a conditioned cue previously associated with morphine delivery was attenuated following repeated administration of DSF or NEP during the abstinence period.

Conclusion

These results seem to point to the significance  of DBH inhibition as a potential pharmacotherapy against morphine use disorders.

Graphic abstract
Promoting Best Practices for Medical Science Liaisons Position Statement from the APPA, IFAPP, MAPS and MSLS
Authors: Theron Paul , Britland Matthew , Holder Donna , Ikeda Yasushi , Rewers Ralph F. , Tiku Ajay
Published: July 2021

This position paper is intended to provide recommendations that will help lay the foundation for best practices for medical science liaisons (MSLs) and their activities. Its objective is to outline the roles and responsibilities expected of an MSL and provide clarity on the juxtaposition of MSLs and Sales representatives (SRs) when it comes to scientific exchange versus promotional messaging. It is of utmost importance that industry integrity and ethical standards are assured during external stakeholder engagement as well as medical and scientific communications. This guidance, delivered through the lens of APPA, IFAPP, MAPS and the MSLS executive committees, has been prepared primarily as a supportive resource to assist the Medical Affairs teams in the industry to develop their own set of standard operating procedures (SOPs), codes of conduct and policies within the framework of relevant industry regulations. We acknowledge that whilst there are guidelines already available that provide excellent directive to the MSL function, this paper is a review and distillation of these existing recommendations combined with the perspectives of four peak professional bodies to offer a practically focused resource to help MSLs interact, collaborate and exchange scientific information appropriately with external experts when out in the field.
Differential Gene Expression in Post-Finasteride Syndrome Patients
Authors: Howell Skyler , Song Weitao , Pastuszak Alexander , Khera Mohit
Published: July 2021

Background

An organic etiology underpinning post-finasteride syndrome, a constellation of persistent sexual, neuropsychiatric, and somatic symptoms reported by men exposed to 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (5ARIs), is debated. Persistent changes in neurosteroid levels or androgen receptor expression have been implicated.

Aim

To determine whether differences in gene expression, especially in relevant biologic pathways, exist between patients reporting post-finasteride syndrome symptoms and healthy controls.

Methods

This was a single center, prospective case-control study taking place between March 2013 and September 2018. Men 18 years and older being evaluated for sexual dysfunction (study) or circumcision (control) were eligible for inclusion. Twenty-six men with a history of 5ARI use reporting symptoms consistent with post-finasteride syndrome were included in the patient group. Twenty-six men consented to inclusion in the control group.

Outcomes

The primary outcome measure is gene expression data for genes affecting neurosteroid levels and androgen receptor activity from penile skin cells.

RESULTS

Gene expression of cells from penile skin samples from twenty-six men of median age 38 years (IQR, 33-42) in the study group was compared with that from twenty-six men of median age 41 years (IQR, 35-62) in the control group (P = .13), with 1,446 genes significantly over-expressed and 2,318 genes significantly under-expressed in study patients. Androgen receptor expression was significantly higher in study patients compared to controls (9.961 vs 9.494, adjusted P value = .01). Serum levels of androgen receptor activity markers 5α-androstanediol (0.950 ng/mL [0.749-1.587] vs 0.949 [0.817-1.337], P = .34) or 3α-androstanedione (3.1 ng/mL [1.925-5.475] vs 6.7 [3.375-11.4], P = .31) revealed no significant differences. No significant differences were found between the number of trinucleotide repeats (21.5 [20-23.75], 22 [19-25], P = .94).

Clinical Implications

In this study we present evidence of gene expression correlating with observed biologic differences in patients with post-finasteride syndrome; providers who prescribe 5ARIs should be aware and advise their patients accordingly.

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths of this study include the evaluation of multiple proposed etiologies for post-finasteride syndrome. The study is also strengthened by the fact that not all data matched the initial hypotheses, qualifying the argument for the existence of PFS. Limitations include potential selection bias arising from more severe phenotypes seeking care; lack of gene expression data prior to 5ARI exposure; lack of non-penile tissue samples supposedly involved; and a lack of mechanistic data to imply causality.

CONCLUSION

This study is the first to consider and demonstrate gene expression differences in patients with PFS as a potential etiology of sexual dysfunction.
Mental Healthcare Utilization of Transgender Youth Before and After Affirming Treatment
Authors: Hisle-Gorman Elizabeth , Schvey Natasha A. , Adirim Terry A. , Rayne Anna K. , Susi Apryl , Roberts Timothy A. , Klein David A.
Published: July 2021

Objective

Transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) adolescents experience increased mental health risk compared to cisgender peers. Limited research suggests improved outcomes following gender-affirmation. This study examined mental healthcare and psychotropic medication utilization among TGD youth compared to their siblings without gender-related diagnoses and explored utilization patterns following gender-affirming care.

Method

This retrospective cohort study used military healthcare data from 2010–2018 to identify mental healthcare diagnoses and visits, and psychotropic medication prescriptions among TGD youth who received care for gender dysphoria before age 18, and their siblings. Logistic and Poisson regression analyses compared mental health diagnosis, visits, and psychotropic prescriptions of TGD youth to their siblings, and compared healthcare utilization pre- and post-initiation of gender-affirming pharmaceuticals among TGD adolescents.

RESULTS

3,754 TGD adolescents and 6,603 cisgender siblings were included. TGD adolescents were more likely to have a mental health diagnosis (OR 5.45, 95% CI [4.77–6.24]), use more mental healthcare services (IRR 2.22; 95% CI [2.00–2.46]), and be prescribed more psychotropic medications (IRR = 2.57; 95% CI [2.36–2.80]) compared to siblings. The most pronounced increases in mental healthcare were for adjustment, anxiety, mood, personality, psychotic disorders, and suicidal ideation/attempted suicide. The most pronounced increased in psychotropic medication were in SNRIs, sleep medications, anti-psychotics and lithium. Among 963 TGD youth (Mage: 18.2) using gender-affirming pharmaceuticals, mental healthcare did not significantly change (IRR = 1.09, 95% CI [0.95–1.25]) and psychotropic medications increased (IRR = 1.67, 95% CI [1.46–1.91]) following gender-affirming pharmaceutical initiation; older age was associated with decreased care and prescriptions.

CONCLUSION

Results support clinical mental health screening recommendations for TGD youth. Further research is needed to elucidate the longer-term impact of medical affirmation on mental health, including family and social factors associated with the persistence and discontinuation of mental healthcare needs among TGD youth.
Members of Parliament are Minimally Accountable for Their Issue Stances (and They Know It)
Authors: HANRETTY CHRIS , MELLON JONATHAN , ENGLISH PATRICK
Published: July 2021

For incumbents to be accountable for their issue stances, voters must sanction incumbents whose positions are “out of step” with their own. We test the electoral accountability of British legislators for their stance on Brexit. We find that there is very limited issue accountability. Individuals who disagreed with their representative’s stance on Brexit were 3 percentage points less likely to vote for them. The aggregate consequences of these individual effects are limited. A one-standard-deviation increase in the proportion of constituents agreeing with their incumbent’s Brexit stance is associated with an increase of 0.53 percentage points in incumbent vote share. These effects are one and a half times larger when the main challenger has a different Brexit stance to the incumbent. A follow-up survey of Members of Parliament (MPs) shows that MPs’ estimates of the effects of congruence are similar in magnitude. Our findings suggest that issue accountability is conditional in nature and limited in magnitude even for an issue such as Brexit, which should be maximally amenable to such effects.
Not only a listener: female frog-biting midges (Corethrellidae) also distinguish the shape of frogs
Authors: da Silva Fernando Rodrigues , Breviglieri Crasso Paulo Bosco
Published: July 2021

It is well known that female adults of frog-biting midges (Corethrellidae) are attracted by anuran mating calls. However, the role of host-emitted cues other than mating calls in determining the level of attraction remains poorly understood. Here, we performed field playback experiments to test how the host-seeking behaviour of Corethrella Coquillett is influenced by different sound stimuli: mating call of a tree frog, cricket call, and no sound. Then, after long-distance host detection, we evaluated if Corethrella can distinguish landing sites by using at short distance the colour and/or shape of anurans. For that, we placed artificial models of frogs with different colours (light green and dark brown) and an artificial caterpillar model (light green colour) on the top of speakers. We found that only frog mating calls presented with the visual cue of an artificial frog were attacked by Corethrella, suggesting that frog shape, regardless of colour, is an important cue for the identification of its hosts. This is the first study providing evidence that after flying long distances guided by frog calls, Corethrella can identify their hosts using visual cues at short distances.
Crosslinguistic perceptions of /s/ among English, French, and German listeners
Authors: Boyd Zac , Fruehwald Josef , Hall-Lew Lauren
Published: July 2021

This study reports the results of a crosslinguistic matched guise test examining /s/ and pitch variation in judgments of sexual orientation and nonnormative masculinity among English, French, and German listeners. Listeners responded to /s/ and pitch manipulations in native and other language stimuli (English, French, German, and Estonian). All listener groups rate higher pitch guises as more gay- and effeminate-sounding than lower pitch guises. However, only English listeners hear [s+] guises as more gay- and effeminate-sounding than [s] or [s−] guises for all stimuli languages. French and German listeners do not hear [s+] guises as more gay- or effeminate-sounding in any stimulus language, despite this feature's presence in native speech production. English listener results show evidence of indexical transfer, when indexical knowledge is applied to the perception of unknown languages. French and German listener results show how the enregistered status of /s/ variation affects perception, despite crosslinguistic similarities in production.
Ferroptosis Regulation by Nutrient Signalling
Authors: Qi Yingao , Zhang Xiaoli , Wu Zhihui , Tian Min , Chen Fang , Guan Wutai , Zhang Shihai
Published: July 2021

Tremendous progress has been made in the field of ferroptosis since this regulated cell death process was first named in 2012. Ferroptosis is initiated upon redox imbalance and driven by excessive phospholipid peroxidation. Levels of multiple intracellular nutrients (iron, selenium, vitamin E and coenzyme Q10) are intimately related to the cellular antioxidant system and participate in the regulation of ferroptosis. Dietary intake of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) regulates ferroptosis by directly modifying the fatty acid composition in cell membranes. In addition, amino acids and glucose (energy stress) manipulate the ferroptosis pathway through the nutrient-sensitive kinases mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Understanding the molecular interaction between nutrient signals and ferroptosis sensors might help in the identification of the roles of ferroptosis in normal physiology and in the development of novel pharmacological targets for the treatment of ferroptosis-related diseases.
A reaction–diffusion system with cross-diffusion: Lie symmetry, exact solutions and their applications in the pandemic modelling
Authors: CHERNIHA ROMAN M. , DAVYDOVYCH VASYL V.
Published: July 2021

A non-linear reaction–diffusion system with cross-diffusion describing the COVID-19 outbreak is studied using the Lie symmetry method. A complete Lie symmetry classification is derived and it is shown that the system with correctly specified parameters admits highly non-trivial Lie symmetry operators, which do not occur for all known reaction–diffusion systems. The symmetries obtained are also applied for finding exact solutions of the system in the most interesting case from applicability point of view. It is shown that the exact solutions derived possess typical properties for describing the pandemic spread under 1D approximation in space and lead to the distributions, which qualitatively correspond to the measured data of the COVID-19 spread in Ukraine.