bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transformative Change Through Ecological Consumption and Production of Ancient Wheat Varieties in Tuscany, Italy
Authors: Gualandi Guido , Williams-Gualandi D.
Published: April 2021

In the 2016 Volume 2 of the Satoyama Initiative Thematic Review (SITR), a summary of the activities of the Grani Antichi Association in Montespertoli, Tuscany, was introduced with a roll out plan for transformative change of the supply chain and possible replication of the project in other regions. The main goal of the project has been to restore and preserve ancient varieties of wheat, cultivate them sustainably and include a form of payment for the least compensated members of the production chain. The aims of the Association are to reduce the carbon footprint of modern agricultural practices and the landslides and soil erosion caused by them, to preserve biodiversity and most importantly, to improve farmers’ revenue, enabling them to safeguard the environment and improve health by cultivating healthy food. The preservation of social ties and local knowledge is an additional result. Markers of the project’s success include benefits that are equally distributed across the production chain, farmers who are motivated to cultivate ancient wheat varieties and the conversion of 500 ha of abandoned or conventionally cultivated land to a more sustainable and biodiverse system. The market economy system in place was dismantled, and farmers now have access to more economic benefits, which must be distributed fairly. Because the project provides a transformative model of production and consumption outside the traditional market economy system, it appears to function with a complete multi-sectoral chain, where producers, food processors and consumers agree on a set price for a defined product. This chapter provides a preliminary analysis of the successes and challenges related to the main project and to upscaling in different areas.
Thermal order in large N conformal gauge theories
Authors: Chaudhuri Soumyadeep , Choi Changha , Rabinovici Eliezer
Published: April 2021

Abstract

In this work we explore the possibility of spontaneous breaking of global symmetries at all nonzero temperatures for conformal field theories (CFTs) in D = 4 space-time dimensions. We show that such a symmetry-breaking indeed occurs in certain families of non-supersymmetric large N gauge theories at a planar limit. We also show that this phenomenon is accompanied by the system remaining in a persistent Brout-Englert-Higgs (BEH) phase at any temperature. These analyses are motivated by the work done in [1, 2] where symmetry-breaking was observed in all thermal states for certain CFTs in fractional dimensions.

In our case, the theories demonstrating the above features have gauge groups which are specific products of SO(N) in one family and SU(N) in the other. Working in a perturbative regime at the N → ∞ limit, we show that the beta functions in these theories yield circles of fixed points in the space of couplings. We explicitly check this structure up to two loops and then present a proof of its survival under all loop corrections. We show that under certain conditions, an interval on this circle of fixed points demonstrates both the spontaneous breaking of a global symmetry as well as a persistent BEH phase at all nonzero temperatures. The broken global symmetry is ℤ2 in one family of theories and U(1) in the other. The corresponding order parameters are expectation values of the determinants of bifundamental scalar fields in these theories. We characterize these symmetries as baryon-like symmetries in the respective models.
Jet radiation in a longitudinally expanding medium
Authors: Caucal P. , Iancu E. , Soyez G.
Published: April 2021

Abstract

In a series of previous papers, we have presented a new approach, based on perturbative QCD, for the evolution of a jet in a dense quark-gluon plasma. In the original formulation, the plasma was assumed to be homogeneous and static. In this work, we extend our description and its Monte Carlo implementation to a plasma obeying Bjorken longitudinal expansion. Our key observation is that the factorisation between vacuum-like and medium-induced emissions, derived in the static case, still holds for an expanding medium, albeit with modified rates for medium-induced emissions and transverse momentum broadening, and with a modified phase-space for vacuum-like emissions. We highlight a scaling relation valid for the energy spectrum of medium-induced emissions, through which the case of an expanding medium is mapped onto an effective static medium. We find that scaling violations due to vacuum-like emissions and transverse momentum broadening are numerically small. Our new predictions for the nuclear modification factor for jets RAA, the in-medium fragmentation functions, and substructure distributions are very similar to our previous estimates for a static medium, maintaining the overall good qualitative agreement with existing LHC measurements. In the case of RAA, we find that the agreement with the data is significantly improved at large transverse momenta pT ≳ 500 GeV after including the effects of the nuclear parton distribution functions.
Correction to: Risk factors for the progression of finger interphalangeal joint osteoarthritis: a systematic review
Authors: Shah Karishma , Yang Xiaotian , Lane Jennifer C. E. , Collins Gary S. , Arden Nigel K. , Furniss Dominic , Filbay Stephanie R.
Published: April 2021

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00296-021-04823-5
Bi- or multiparametric MRI in a sequential screening program for prostate cancer with PSA followed by MRI? Results from the Göteborg prostate cancer screening 2 trial
Authors: Wallström Jonas , Geterud Kjell , Kohestani Kimia , Maier Stephan E. , Månsson Marianne , Pihl Carl-Gustaf , Socratous Andreas , Arnsrud Godtman Rebecka , Hellström Mikael , Hugosson Jonas
Published: April 2021

Objectives

The PIRADS Steering Committee has called for “higher quality data before making evidence-based recommendations on MRI without contrast enhancement as an initial diagnostic work up,” however, recognizing biparametric (bp) MRI as a reasonable option in a low-risk setting such as screening. With bpMRI, more men can undergo MRI at a lower cost and they can be spared the invasiveness of intravenous access. The aim of this study was to assess cancer detection in bpMRI vs mpMRI in sequential screening for prostate cancer (PCa).

Methods

Within the ongoing Göteborg PCa screening 2 trial, we assessed cancer detection in 551 consecutive participants undergoing prostate MRI. In the same session, readers first assessed bpMRI and then mpMRI. Four targeted biopsies were performed for lesions scored PIRADS 3–5 with bpMRI and/or mpMRI.

Results

Cancer was detected in 84/551 cases (15.2%; 95% CI: 12.4–18.4) with mpMRI and in 83/551 cases (15.1%; 95% CI: 12.3–18.2%) with bpMRI. The relative risk (RR) for cancer detection with bpMRI compared to mpMRI was 0.99 (95% one-sided CI: > 94.8); bpMRI was non-inferior to mpMRI (10% non-inferiority margin). bpMRI resulted in fewer false positives, 45/128 (35.2%), compared to mpMRI, 52/136 (38.2%), RR = 0.92; 95% CI: 0.84–0.98. Of 8 lesions scored positive only with mpMRI, 7 were false positives. The PPV for MRI and targeted biopsy was 83/128 (64.8%) for bpMRI and 84/136 (61.8%) for mpMRI, RR = 1.05, 95% CI: 1.01–1.10.

Conclusions

In a PSA-screened population, bpMRI was non-inferior to mpMRI for cancer detection and resulted in fewer false positives.

Key Points

• In screening for prostate cancer with PSA followed by MRI, biparametric MRI allows radiologists to detect an almost similar number of prostate cancers and score fewer false positive lesions compared to multiparametric MRI.

• In a screening program, high sensitivity should be weighed against cost and risks for healthy men; a large number of men can be saved the exposure of gadolinium contrast medium by adopting biparametric MRI and at the same time allowing for a higher turnover in the MRI room.
Deep velocimetry: Extracting full velocity distributions from projected images of flowing media
Authors: Baker James Lindsay , Einav Itai
Published: April 2021

Particle image velocimetry (PIV) is a powerful image correlation method for measuring bulk velocity fields of flowing media. It typically uses optical images, representing quasi-two-dimensional experimental slices, to measure a single velocity value at each in-plane position. However, projection-based imaging methods, such as x-ray radiography or shadowgraph imaging, encode additional out-of-plane information that regular PIV is unable to capture. Here, we introduce a new image analysis method, named deep velocimetry, that goes beyond established PIV methods and is capable of extracting full velocity distributions from projected images. The method involves solving a deconvolution inverse problem to recover the distribution at each in-plane position, and is validated using artificial data as well as controlled laboratory x-ray experiments. The additional velocity information delivered by deep velocimetry could provide new insight into a range of fluid and granular flows where out-of-plane variation is significant.

Graphic abstract
Myofasziitis unter Nivolumab-Therapie
Authors: Krusche M. , Schneider U. , Geisler C. , Keller S. , Stenzel W. , Ohrndorf S.
Published: April 2021

Wir schildern den Fall einer 73-jährigen Patientin mit malignem Melanom, die eine rasch progrediente Dermatosklerose der Arme und Beine sowie Myalgien und Beugekontrakturen unter der Therapie mit dem Immuncheckpoint-Inhibitor Nivolumab entwickelte. Bildmorphologisch und bioptisch konnte die Diagnose einer Myofasziitis gesichert werden. Nach Rücksprache mit den behandelnden Dermatoonkologen wurde die Nivolumab-Therapie bei gutem Ansprechen des Malignoms pausiert und eine immunmodulierende Therapie mit Methotrexat und Prednisolon eingeleitet. Immuncheckpointinhibitoren können vielfältige immunvermittelte Nebenwirkungen induzieren und auch rheumatologische Krankheitsbilder imitieren. Das Auftreten einer Myofasziitis unter Immuncheckpointinhibition ist nur in wenigen Fällen in der Literatur berichtet. Sinnvoll für die Diagnostik sind insbesondere die Bestimmung der eosinophilen Leukozyten, eine bildgebende Diagnostik mittels Sonographie und/oder MRT sowie die Gewinnung einer Gewebebiopsie. Die weitere onkologische und rheumatologische Therapiesteuerung sollte in enger interdisziplinärer Abstimmung erfolgen.
Using the elastic properties of zircon-garnet host-inclusion pairs for thermobarometry of the ultrahigh-pressure Dora-Maira whiteschists: problems and perspectives
Authors: Campomenosi Nicola , Scambelluri Marco , Angel Ross J. , Hermann Joerg , Mazzucchelli Mattia L. , Mihailova Boriana , Piccoli Francesca , Alvaro Matteo
Published: April 2021

The ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) whiteschists of the Brossasco-Isasca unit (Dora-Maira Massif, Western Alps) provide a natural laboratory in which to compare results from classical pressure (P)–temperature (T) determinations through thermodynamic modelling with the emerging field of elastic thermobarometry. Phase equilibria and chemical composition of three garnet megablasts coupled with Zr-in-rutile thermometry of inclusions constrain garnet growth within a narrowP–Trange at 3–3.5 GPa and 675–720 °C. On the other hand, the zircon-in-garnet host-inclusion system combined with Zr-in-rutile thermometry would suggest inclusion entrapment conditions below 1.5 GPa and 650 °C that are inconsistent with the thermodynamic modelling and the occurrence of coesite as inclusion in the garnet rims. The observed distribution of inclusion pressures cannot be explained by either zircon metamictization, or by the presence of fluids in the inclusions. Comparison of the measured inclusion strains with numerical simulations shows that post-entrapment plastic relaxation of garnet from metamorphic peak conditions down to 0.5 GPa and 600–650 °C, on the retrograde path, best explains the measured inclusion pressures and their disagreement with the results of phase equilibria modelling. This study suggests that the zircon-garnet couple is more reliable at relatively low temperatures (< 600 °C), where entrapment conditions are well preserved but chemical equilibration might be sluggish. On the other hand, thermodynamic modelling appears to be better suited for higher temperatures where rock-scale equilibrium can be achieved more easily but the local plasticity of the host-inclusion system might prevent the preservation of the signal of peak metamorphic conditions in the stress state of inclusions. Currently, we cannot define a precise threshold temperature for resetting of inclusion pressures. However, the application of both chemical and elastic thermobarometry allows a more detailed interpretation of metamorphicP–Tpaths.
Long-term outcome and predictors of long-term disease activity in natalizumab-treated patients with multiple sclerosis: real life data from the Austrian MS Treatment Registry
Authors: Guger Michael , Enzinger Christian , Leutmezer Fritz , Di Pauli Franziska , Kraus Jörg , Kalcher Stefan , Kvas Erich , Berger Thomas ,   the Austrian MS Treatment Registry (AMSTR)
Published: April 2021

Objectives

To evaluate long-term effectiveness of natalizumab (NTZ) and to determine demographic, clinical, and radiological predictors regarding long-term disease activity (≥ 7 years) in a nationwide observational cohort, using data collected prospectively in a real-life setting.

Materials and methods

We analysed data from 230 patients from the Austrian Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Registry (AMSTR), who had started treatment with NTZ at any time since 2006 and stayed on NTZ for at least 7 years without treatment gap of more than three months.

Results

Estimated mean annualised relapse rates (ARR) over a mean treatment period of 9.3 years were 0.07 for NTZ. Sustained EDSS progression for 12 weeks was observed in 36 (19%) patients and for 24 weeks in 31 (16.3%) cases. Sustained EDSS regression for 12 and 24 weeks was seen in 45 (23.7%) and 42 (22.1%) cases. The baseline parameters ≥ 1 Gadolinium-enhancing MRI lesion(s) [incidence rate ratio (IRR) of 0.409 (95% CI 0.283–0.593), p = 0.001], ARR ≤ 1 in the prior 12 month before treatment initiation with NTZ [IRR of 0.353 (95% CI 0.200–0.623), p = 0.001] and EDSS ≤ 1 [incidence rate ratio (IRR) of 0.081 (95% CI 0.011–0.581), p = 0.012] were significantly associated with a reduced relapse risk, whereas a disease duration ≤ 5 years increased significantly the ARR [IRR of 1.851 (95% CI 1.249–2.743), p = 0.002]. The only predictive baseline parameter for experiencing EDSS progression (sustained for 12 and 24 weeks) was age > 35 years [HR of 2.482 (95% CI 1.110–5.549), p = 0.027, and HR of 2.492 (95% CI 1.039–5.978), p = 0.041, respectively].

Conclusions

These real-life data show a stable disease course regarding relapse activity and disease progression under NTZ treatment for more than 7 years. The main predictors for disease activity were higher relapse rate before treatment initiation, higher disability, shorter disease duration and absence of Gadolinium-enhancing MRI lesions at baseline. Older age at NTZ start was the only significant risk factor for disease progression over long-term.
Is quantitative ultrasound a measure for metabolic bone disease in preterm-born infants? A prospective subcohort study
Authors: de Lange A. , Maaskant J.M. , van Weissenbruch M.M.
Published: April 2021

In this study, we aimed to (a) evaluate postnatal changes in bone development in relation to growth and (b) to determine factors associated with bone development, from birth to 24 months of corrected age. The metacarpal speed of sound (mcSOS) and metacarpal bone transmission time (mcBTT) were used to evaluate bone development in 98 preterm infants, during hospitalization and follow-up. The mcSOS and mcBTT values not only declined in the first 6 weeks of hospitalization but also during follow-up. The mcSOS reached its lowest point at 12 months (β=-34.64), while the mcBTT reached a plateau between 12 and 24 months (β=0.06). Univariable analysis showed that gender (p=0.28), time (p<0.001), and growth parameters (p<0.001) were significant negative associated factors with mcSOS, whereas with mcBTT, time (p=0.009), length (p=0.063), length standard deviation scores (SDS) (p=0.027), head circumference (p=0.005), and head circumference SDS (p=0.007) were significant positive. The multivariable model revealed that time (β= -3.364, p=<0.001), weight (β=-0.007, p<0.001) and length (β=1.163, p<0.001) for mcSOS and length (β=-0.021, p<0.001), and length SDS (β= 0.066, p<0.001) and head circumference (β=0.049, p<0.001) for mcBTT remained highly significant associated factors.

Conclusion: The most important finding is that mcSOS decreased and the mcBTT reached a plateau to 24 months. In both mcSOS and mcBTT, the growth parameters were significant factors.

Clinical Trial Registration: N/A

What is known:• Metabolic bone disease is one of the possible long term adverse outcomes after preterm birth.• Metacarpal speed of sound (mcSOS) and metacarpal bone transmission time (mcBTT) decline in the early postnatal period.

What is new:• During follow-up, mcSOS further decreased and reached its lowest point at 12 months, while the mcBTT reached a plateau up to 24 months.• Postnatal nutrition in relation to comorbidity does not meet the optimal mineralization rate of the developing preterm bone.
North African dust intrusions and increased risk of respiratory diseases in Southern Portugal
Authors: Silva T. , Fragoso M. , Almendra R. , Vasconcelos J. , Lopes A. , Faleh A.
Published: April 2021

The study of dust intrusions in Portugal is still a subject on which little investigation has been made, especially in terms of their effects. Thus, this work aims to achieve two goals: firstly, to characterize the dust intrusions in the study area; and secondly, to evaluate the possible statistical association between the dust intrusion days and hospital admissions due to respiratory diseases. Dust intrusions in Portugal are prevalent during the summer season. During this season, the dust plumes tend to cover broader areas than in the other seasons and they have origin in the North African countries. In the study area for the period between 2005 and 2015, the relative risk of urgent hospitalizations due to respiratory diseases was 12.6% higher during dust intrusion days. In order to obtain this statistical association, a Distributed Lag Nonlinear Model was developed. With this work, we expect to help the development of further studies regarding North African dust intrusions in Portugal, more precisely their effects on human health.
Pellino1 deficiency reprograms cardiomyocytes energy metabolism in lipopolysaccharide-induced myocardial dysfunction
Authors: Yang Chuanxi , Zhao Kun , Chen Xufeng , Jiang Lei , Li Peng , Huang Peipei
Published: April 2021

Pellino1 has been shown to regulate proinflammatory genes by activating the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathways, which are important in the pathological development of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced myocarditis. However, it is still unknown whether silencing Pellino1 (si-Pellino1) has a therapeutic effect on this disease. Here, we showed that silencing Pellino1 can be a potential protective strategy for abnormal myocardial energy metabolism in LPS-induced myocarditis. We used liquid chromatography electrospray–ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) to analyze samples from si-Pellino1 neonatal rat cardiac myocytes (NRCMs) treated with LPS or left untreated. After normalization of the data, metabolite interaction analysis of matched KEGG pathway associations following si-Pellino1 treatment was applied, accompanied by interaction analysis of gene and metabolite associations after this treatment. Moreover, we used western blot (WB) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses to determine the expression of genes involved in regulating cardiac energy and energy metabolism in different groups. LC–MS-based metabolic profiling analysis demonstrated that si-Pellino1 treatment could alleviate or even reverse LPS-induced cellular damage by altering cardiomyocytes energy metabolism accompanied by changes in key genes (Cs, Cpt2, and Acadm) and metabolites (3-oxoocotanoyl-CoA, hydroxypyruvic acid, lauroyl-CoA, and NADPH) in NRCMs. Overall, our study unveiled the promising cardioprotective effect of silencing Pellino1 in LPS-induced myocarditis through fuel and energy metabolic regulation, which can also serve as biomarkers for this disease.
Connecting theory and simulation with experiment for the study of diffusion in nanoporous solids
Authors: Bukowski Brandon C. , Keil Frerich J. , Ravikovitch Peter I. , Sastre German , Snurr Randall Q. , Coppens Marc-Olivier
Published: April 2021

Nanoporous solids are ubiquitous in chemical, energy, and environmental processes, where controlled transport of molecules through the pores plays a crucial role. They are used as sorbents, chromatographic or membrane materials for separations, and as catalysts and catalyst supports. Defined as materials where confinement effects lead to substantial deviations from bulk diffusion, nanoporous materials include crystalline microporous zeotypes and metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), and a number of semi-crystalline and amorphous mesoporous solids, as well as hierarchically structured materials, containing both nanopores and wider meso- or macropores to facilitate transport over macroscopic distances. The ranges of pore sizes, shapes, and topologies spanned by these materials represent a considerable challenge for predicting molecular diffusivities, but fundamental understanding also provides an opportunity to guide the design of new nanoporous materials to increase the performance of transport limited processes. Remarkable progress in synthesis increasingly allows these designs to be put into practice. Molecular simulation techniques have been used in conjunction with experimental measurements to examine in detail the fundamental diffusion processes within nanoporous solids, to provide insight into the free energy landscape navigated by adsorbates, and to better understand nano-confinement effects. Pore network models, discrete particle models and synthesis-mimicking atomistic models allow to tackle diffusion in mesoporous and hierarchically structured porous materials, where multiscale approaches benefit from ever cheaper parallel computing and higher resolution imaging. Here, we discuss synergistic combinations of simulation and experiment to showcase theoretical progress and computational techniques that have been successful in predicting guest diffusion and providing insights. We also outline where new fundamental developments and experimental techniques are needed to enable more accurate predictions for complex systems.
Optimal Carbon Storage in Mixed-Species Size-Structured Forests
Authors: Assmuth Aino , Rämö Janne , Tahvonen Olli
Published: April 2021

We extend the study of economically optimal carbon storage to a previously unexplored forest type, mixed-species size-structured stands. The ecological model applied in the study is a transition matrix model with growth functions for boreal Norway spruce (Picea abies(L.) Karst.), birch (Betula pendulaRoth andB. pubescensEhrh.), and other broadleaves. The other broadleaved trees are assumed to have no commercial value. We maximize the sum of timber revenues and the value of carbon storage by optimizing the timing and intensity of thinnings and the potentially infinite rotation age. The optimization problem is solved in its general dynamic form using gradient-based interior point methods and a genetic algorithm. We present results for a mixed stand of Norway spruce and birch, and a mixed stand of Norway spruce, birch, and other broadleaves, and compare these to a pure Norway spruce stand. We show that carbon pricing increases stand volume by postponing harvests and limiting them to larger trees, and changes the optimal species composition by increasing the share of Norway spruce relative to birch. Further, carbon pricing incentivizes maintaining other broadleaves in the stand despite their lack of commercial value, thus increasing tree species diversity. We find that sawlog and total yields increase with carbon price. We show that the higher the number of tree species in a stand, the lower the marginal cost of carbon storage.
Thomas Luckmann on the Relation Between Phenomenology and Sociology: A Constructive Critical Assessment
Authors: Gros Alexis
Published: April 2021

In the present paper, I intend to systematically revisit Thomas Luckmann’s account of the relation between phenomenology and sociology and to assess its strengths and weaknesses in terms of constructive criticism. In order to achieve this aim, I will proceed in three steps. First (1), I will reconstruct the Luckmannian approach by means of an exhaustive analysis of his programmatic texts. Second (2), I will identify its strengths and merits. And finally (3), I will discuss its shortcomings and try to correct them in two ways, namely, by bringing Luckmann into a dialogue with other sociological-theoretical and phenomenological accounts, and by counteracting some of his problematic claims with alternative insights contained in his own work.
The growth rate and clinical outcomes of radiation induced meningioma undergoing treatment or active monitoring
Authors: Gillespie Conor S. , Islim Abdurrahman I. , Taweel Basel A. , Millward Christopher P. , Kumar Siddhant , Rathi Nitika , Mehta Shaveta , Haylock Brian J. , Thorp Nicola , Gilkes Catherine E. , Lawson David D. A. , Mills Samantha J. , Chavredakis Emmanuel , Farah Jibril Osman , Brodbelt Andrew R. , Jenkinson Michael D.
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Radiation induced meningioma (RIM) incidence is increasing in line with improved childhood cancer survival. No optimal management strategy consensus exists. This study aimed to delineate meningioma growth rates from tumor discovery and correlate with clinical outcomes.

Methods

Retrospective study of patients with a RIM, managed at a specialist tertiary neuroscience center (2007–2019). Tumor volume was measured from diagnosis and at subsequent interval scans. Meningioma growth rate was determined using a linear mixed-effects model. Clinical outcomes were correlated with growth rates accounting for imaging and clinical prognostic factors.

Results

Fifty-four patients (110 meningiomas) were included. Median duration of follow-up was 74 months (interquartile range [IQR], 41–102 months). Mean radiation dose was 41 Gy (standard deviation [SD] = 14.9) with a latency period of 34.4 years (SD = 13.7). Median absolute growth rate was 0.62 cm3/year and the median relative growth rate was 72%/year. Forty meningiomas (between 27 patients) underwent surgical intervention after a median follow-up duration of 4 months (IQR 2–35). Operated RIMs were clinically aggressive, likely to be WHO grade 2 at first resection (43.6%) and to progress after surgery (41%). Median time to progression was 28 months (IQR 13–60.5). A larger meningioma at discovery was associated with growth (HR 1.2 [95% CI 1.0–1.5], P = 0.039) but not progression after surgery (HR 2.2 [95% CI 0.7–6.6], P = 0.181). Twenty-seven (50%) patients had multiple meningiomas by the end of the study.

Conclusion

RIMs exhibit high absolute and relative growth rates after discovery. Surgery is recommended for symptomatic or rapidly growing meningiomas only. Recurrence risk after surgery is high.
A Meta-Analysis of Line Bisection and Landmark Task Performance in Older Adults
Authors: Learmonth Gemma , Papadatou-Pastou Marietta
Published: April 2021

Young adults exhibit a small asymmetry of visuospatial attention that favours the left side of space relative to the right (pseudoneglect). However, it remains unclear whether this leftward bias is maintained, eliminated or shifted rightward in older age. Here we present two meta-analyses that aimed to identify whether adults aged ≥50 years old display a group-level spatial attention bias, as indexed by the line bisection and the landmark tasks. A total of 69 datasets from 65 studies, involving 1654 participants, were analysed. In the meta-analysis of the line bisection task (n = 63), no bias was identified for studies where the mean age was ≥50, but there was a clear leftward bias in a subset where all individual participants were aged ≥50. There was no moderating effect of the participant’s age or sex, line length, line position, nor the presence of left or right cues. There was a small publication bias in favour of reporting rightward biases. Of note, biases were slightly more leftward in studies where participants had been recruited as part of a stand-alone older group, compared to studies where participants were recruited as controls for a clinical study. Similarly, no spatial bias was observed in the meta-analysis of the landmark task, although the number of studies included was small (n = 6). Overall, these results indicate that over 50s maintain a group-level leftward bias on the line bisection task, but more studies are needed to determine whether this bias can be modulated by stimulus- or state-dependent factors.
Social distancing in public transport: mobilising new technologies for demand management under the Covid-19 crisis
Authors: Hörcher Daniel , Singh Ramandeep , Graham Daniel J.
Published: April 2021

Dense urban areas are especially hardly hit by the Covid-19 crisis due to the limited availability of public transport, one of the most efficient means of mass mobility. In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, public transport operators are experiencing steep declines in demand and fare revenues due to the perceived risk of infection within vehicles and other facilities. The purpose of this paper is to explore the possibilities of implementing social distancing in public transport in line with epidemiological advice. Social distancing requires effective demand management to keep vehicle occupancy rates under a predefined threshold, both spatially and temporally. We review the literature of five demand management methods enabled by new information and ticketing technologies: (i) inflow control with queueing, (ii) time and space dependent pricing, (iii) capacity reservation with advance booking, (iv) slot auctioning, and (v) tradeable travel permit schemes. Thus the paper collects the relevant literature into a single point of reference, and provides interpretation from the viewpoint of practical applicability during and after the pandemic.
Mut zur Lücke. Verantwortungszuschreibungen auf der Ebene sozialer Beziehungen als neuer Bereich der Framing-Forschung zu Gesundheitsthemen
Authors: Reifegerste Doreen , Wiedicke Annemarie , Temmann Linn Julia , Scherr Sebastian
Published: April 2021

Frames der Verantwortungszuschreibung (Responsibility Frames) in der Medienberichterstattung betonen sowohl spezifische Ursachen als auch spezifische Lösungen für ein Thema. Die Forschung zum Responsibility Framing von Medieninhalten und deren Wirkungen untersucht diese Betonung bislang zumeist auf zwei verschiedenen Ebenen: der Individualebene und der gesellschaftlichen Ebene. Diese Betrachtungsweise vernachlässigt allerdings die wichtige mittlere Ebene des sozialen Umfelds der Menschen. Hier befinden sich zentrale Akteur*innen (wie Familie, Freund*innen oder Kolleg*innen), die als Ursache oder Lösung zu einem Problem beitragen können, was insbesondere bei Gesundheitsproblemen deutlich wird. Das Ziel des Beitrags ist es daher, die Ebene sozialer Beziehungen in das Konzept des Responsibility Framings zu integrieren. Dafür verknüpfen wir zentrale Elemente der sozialen Netzwerktheorie (Akteur*innen und ihre Funktionen für das Individuum) und der Attributionstheorie mit den Framing-Konzepten. Darauf aufbauend werden Konsequenzen für die zukünftige Forschung der Kommunikationswissenschaft abgeleitet.
Biomarkers for Renal Cell Carcinoma Recurrence: State of the Art
Authors: Marchioni Michele , Rivas Juan Gomez , Autran Anamaria , Socarras Moises , Albisinni Simone , Ferro Matteo , Schips Luigi , Scarpa Roberto Mario , Papalia Rocco , Esperto Francesco
Published: April 2021

Purpose of Review

We aim to summarize the current state of art about the possible use of biomarkers for predicting renal cell carcinoma (RCC) recurrence after curative treatment. In addition, we aim to provide a snapshot about the clinical implication of biomarkers use for follow-up planification.

Recent Findings

A wide variety of biomarkers have been proposed. RCC biomarkers have been individuated in tumoral tissue, blood, and urine. A variety of molecules, including proteins, DNA, and RNA, warrant a good accuracy for RCC recurrence and progression prediction. Their use in prediction models might warrant a better patients’ risk stratification.

Future prognostic models will probably include a combination of classical features (tumor grade, stage, etc.) and novel biomarkers. Such models might allow a more accurate treatment and follow-up planification.
Soziale Arbeit am Limit?
Authors: Meyer Nikolaus , Alsago Elke
Published: April 2021

Sozialer Arbeit kommt in der Corona-Pandemie eine mehrdimensionale Schlüsselfunktion bei der Bewältigung der Folgen ebendieser auf den Ebenen der Adressat_innen und der Gesellschaft zu. Gleichzeitig ist auch die Soziale Arbeit auf verschiedene Weisen von den Folgen der Pandemie betroffen. Der Beitrag thematisiert die Situation der Beschäftigten aus unterschiedlichen Handlungsfeldern und zeigt, dass sich die Arbeitsbedingungen in der Sozialen Arbeit während der Corona-Pandemie weiter verschlechtern.
Kann mit Erziehungsplänen erzogen werden?
Authors: Engelbracht Mischa
Published: April 2021

Stufen- oder Verstärkerpläne erfahren eine breite Anwendung in der stationären Kinder- und Jugendhilfe und werden, teilweise medial gestützt, zu besonders wirksamen pädagogischen Verfahrensweisen erhoben. Der Beitrag setzt sich aus verschiedenen Perspektiven kritisch mit den Funktions- und Wirkungsweisen von Erziehungsplänen auseinander.
Correction to: The Japanese Breast Cancer Society Clinical Practice Guidelines for systemic treatment of breast cancer, 2018 edition
Authors: Shimoi Tatsunori , Nagai Shigenori E. , Yoshinami Tetsuhiro , Takahashi Masato , Arioka Hitoshi , Ishihara Mikiya , Kikawa Yuichiro , Koizumi Kei , Kondo Naoto , Sagara Yasuaki , Takada Masahiro , Takano Toshimi , Tsurutani Junji , Naito Yoichi , Nakamura Rikiya , Hattori Masaya , Hara Fimikata , Hayashi Naoki , Mizuno Toshiro , Miyashita Minoru , Yamashita Nami , Yamanaka Takashi , Saji Shigehira , Iwata Hiroji , Toyama Tatsuya
Published: April 2021

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12282-021-01252-x
Aerodynamic analysis of uphill drafting in cycling
Authors: van Druenen T. , Blocken B.
Published: April 2021

Some teams aiming for victory in a mountain stage in cycling take control in the uphill sections of the stage. While drafting, the team imposes a high speed at the front of the peloton defending their team leader from opponent’s attacks. Drafting is a well-known strategy on flat or descending sections and has been studied before in this context. However, there are no systematic and extensive studies in the scientific literature on the aerodynamic effect of uphill drafting. Some studies even suggested that for gradients above 7.2% the speeds drop to 17 km/h and the air resistance can be neglected. In this paper, uphill drafting is analyzed and quantified by means of drag reductions and power reductions obtained by computational fluid dynamics simulations validated with wind tunnel measurements. It is shown that even for gradients above 7.2%, drafting can yield substantial benefits. Drafting allows cyclists to save over 7% of power on a slope of 7.5% at a speed of 6 m/s. At a speed of 8 m/s, this reduction can exceed 16%. Sensitivity analyses indicate that significant power savings can be achieved, also with varying bicycle, cyclist, road and environmental characteristics.
Applying ubiquitous sensing to estimate perceived exertion based on cardiorespiratory features
Authors: de Almeida e Bueno Leonardo , Kwong Man Ting , Milnthorpe William R. F. , Cheng Runbei , Bergmann Jeroen H. M.
Published: April 2021

Reliable monitoring of one’s response to exercise intensity is imperative to effectively plan and manage training, but not always practical in impact sports settings. This study aimed to evaluate if an inexpensive mobile cardio-respiratory monitoring system can achieve similar performance to a metabolic cart in estimating rated perceived exertion. Eight adult men volunteered to perform treadmill tests under different conditions. Cardiorespiratory data were collected using a metabolic cart and an instrumented oral-cavity device, as well as their ratings of perceived exertion. Pearson correlation corrected for repeated measurements and stepwise regression analysis were used to observe the relationship between the cardiorespiratory features and the ratings of perceived exertion and determine the proportion of the variance of exertion that could be explained by the measurements. Minute ventilation was found to be the most associated variable to perceived exertion, closely followed by a novel metric called the audio minute volume, which can be collected by the oral-cavity device. A generalised linear model combining minute ventilation, audio minute volume, heart rate and respiration rate accounted for 64% of the variance in perceived exertion, whilst a model with only audio minute volume accounted for 56%. Our study indicates that minute ventilation is key to estimating perceived exertion during indoor running exercises. Audio minute volume was also observed to perform comparably to a lab-based metabolic cart in estimating perceived exertion. This research indicates that mobile techniques offer the potential for real-world data collection of an athlete’s physiological load and estimation of perceived exertion.
Vaccines After an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA): Modern Evidence Generation Approaches
Authors: Zariffa Névine , Russek-Cohen Estelle
Published: April 2021

Every medical product requires additional study even after regulatory approval. We highlight several lines of enquiry to advance our understanding of COVID19 vaccines post authorization: identifying key population segments warranting more study, assessment of efficacy, and of safety data, harmonization of data relating to immune response and developing mechanisms for data and knowledge sharing across countries. We show how innovative trial designs and sources from real world data play a critical role in generating evidence.
Foundations of Modern Physics
Authors: Weinberg Steven
Published: April 2021

In addition to his ground-breaking research, Nobel Laureate Steven Weinberg is known for a series of highly praised texts on various aspects of physics, combining exceptional physical insight with his gift for clear exposition. Describing the foundations of modern physics in their historical context and with some new derivations, Weinberg introduces topics ranging from early applications of atomic theory through thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, transport theory, special relativity, quantum mechanics, nuclear physics, and quantum field theory. This volume provides the basis for advanced undergraduate and graduate physics courses as well as being a handy introduction to aspects of modern physics for working scientists.
Interpreting Isotopic and Macrobotanical Evidence for Early Maize in the Eastern Woodlands: A Response to Hart and Colleagues
Authors: Simon Mary L. , Hedman Kristin M. , Emerson Thomas E.
Published: April 2021

In the following response to Hart and colleagues (2021) we clarify our interpretations of the archaeological record for maize use from western Illinois. The robust archaeological record, newly obtained AMS dates, and evaluations of enamel apatite combine to support a late date for maize cultivation in this region. We reiterate that maize histories in the Eastern Woodlands may vary among different regions.
Conflict, Population Movement, and Microscale Social Networks in Northern Iroquoian Archaeology
Authors: Birch Jennifer , Hart John P.
Published: April 2021

We employ social network analysis of collar decoration on Iroquoian vessels to conduct a multiscalar analysis of signaling practices among ancestral Huron-Wendat communities on the north shore of Lake Ontario. Our analysis focuses on the microscale of the West Duffins Creek community relocation sequence as well as the mesoscale, incorporating several populations to the west. The data demonstrate that network ties were stronger among populations in adjacent drainages as opposed to within drainage-specific sequences, providing evidence for west-to-east population movement, especially as conflict between Wendat and Haudenosaunee populations escalated in the sixteenth century. These results suggest that although coalescence may have initially involved the incorporation of peoples from microscale (local) networks, populations originating among wider mesoscale (subregional) networks contributed to later coalescent communities. These findings challenge previous models of village relocation and settlement aggregation that oversimplified these processes.
Transdiagnostic Versus Construct-Specific Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Emotional Disorders in Patients with High Anxiety Sensitivity: A Double-Blind Randomised Clinical Trial
Authors: Ahmadi Reza , Ahmadizadeh Roya , Hasani Mohsen , Saed Omid
Published: April 2021

Anxiety sensitivity (AS) is a common vulnerability in emotional disorders. Due to the pathological role of AS, individuals with high AS are faced with emotional problems. Thus, cognitive behavioural interventions try to reduce these problems by targeting AS. The present study aimed to compare the efficacy of transdiagnostic cognitive behavioural therapy (T-CBT) and construct-specific CBT (CS-CBT) on AS, anxiety, depression, and positive and negative affect in these patients. To this end, 40 patients with high AS were randomly assigned to one of the three groups of T-CBT, CS-CBT, and wait list. Participants were assessed using the Anxiety and Related Disorders Interview Schedule for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory-II, and Positive and Negative Affect Schedule at baseline, post-treatment, 3-month follow-up, and 6-month follow-up. The findings showed that T-CBT and CS-CBT have a significant effect on AS, anxiety, and negative affect; however, contrary to T-CBT, CS-CBT is not effective for reducing depression and positive affect. T-CBT had a more promising efficacy than CS-CBT in all treatment outcomes. The results show better and more stable efficacy of T-CBT among patients with high AS. It is essential to consider AS as a target for cognitive behavioural intervention for the spectrum of emotional disorders.
Continuity of Hausdorff dimension across generic dynamical Lagrange and Markov spectra II
Authors: CERQUEIRA ALINE , MOREIRA CARLOS G. , ROMAÑA SERGIO
Published: April 2021

Let

$g_0$
be a smooth pinched negatively curved Riemannian metric on a complete surface N, and let

$\Lambda _0$
be a basic hyperbolic set of the geodesic flow of

$g_0$
with Hausdorff dimension strictly smaller than two. Given a small smooth perturbation g of

$g_0$
and a smooth real-valued function f on the unit tangent bundle to N with respect to g, let

$L_{g,\Lambda ,f}$
(respectively

$M_{g,\Lambda ,f}$
) be the Lagrange (respectively Markov) spectrum of asymptotic highest (respectively highest) values of f along the geodesics in the hyperbolic continuation

$\Lambda $
of

$\Lambda _0$
. We prove that for generic choices of g and f, the Hausdorff dimensions of the sets

$L_{g,\Lambda , f}\cap (-\infty , t)$
vary continuously with

$t\in \mathbb {R}$
and, moreover,

$M_{g,\Lambda , f}\cap (-\infty , t)$
has the same Hausdorff dimension as

$L_{g,\Lambda , f}\cap (-\infty , t)$
for all

$t\in \mathbb {R}$
.
Mass of prominences experiencing failed eruptions
Authors: Filippov B.
Published: April 2021

A number of solar filaments/prominences demonstrate failed eruptions, when a filament at first suddenly starts to ascend and then decelerates and stops at some greater height in the corona. The mechanism of the termination of eruptions is not clear yet. One of the confining forces able to stop the eruption is the gravity force. Using a simple model of a partial current-carrying torus loop anchored to the photosphere and photospheric magnetic field measurements as the boundary condition for the potential magnetic field extrapolation into the corona, we estimated masses of 15 eruptive filaments. The values of the filament mass show rather wide distribution in the range of

$4\times10^{15}$

–

$270\times10^{16}$

g. Masses of the most of filaments, laying in the middle of the range, are in accordance with estimations made earlier on the basis of spectroscopic and white-light observations.
Genetic and environmental sources of familial resemblance in anxiety: a nuclear twin family design
Authors: Ding Qingwen , Bi Dandan , Zhou Yueyue , Bai Xiaoyu , Li Xinying
Published: April 2021

Background

A dominant feature of anxiety disorders is familial aggregation. However, the underlying mechanisms of between- and within-generational anxiety resemblance remain poorly understood. By disentangling the genetic v. environmental sources of familial resemblance in anxiety, we can help prevent within-family transmission of anxiety disorders. Therefore, data from both parents and twins are needed to obtain unbiased and detailed estimations of genetic and environmental sources of similarity between family members.

Methods

We examined data from 991 families with same-sex twins. Trait anxiety in twins was assessed via self-report and parent report, while parental trait anxiety was assessed via self-report. We established a nuclear twin family model and estimated genetic and environmental variances using two survey waves.

Results

The results suggested that additive genetic (A), dominant genetic (D), and non-shared environmental (E) influences significantly contributed to trait anxiety, whereas familial environmental influences (F) and passive gene–environment correlations (rGE) did not. Sibling environmental influences (S) were only found in self-report data, and increased when genetic influences decreased from Wave 1 to Wave 2.

Conclusions

Our study highlights the important role of broad heritability in intrafamilial trait anxiety similarity. Parent–child resemblance occurred primarily due to shared genetic makeup rather than direct environmental transmission. Sibling-specific environments, as the only source of shared environments, need further investigation. These findings have both theoretical and practical significance for anxiety disorders. Future research can expand our understanding by examining the gene–environment interplay and sex differences.
(Northwest) Semitic sg. *CVCC-, pl. *CVCaC-ū-: Broken plural or regular reflex?
Authors: Suchard Benjamin D. , Groen Jorik (F.J.)
Published: April 2021

This paper provides a new explanation for the insertion of *ain plural forms of *CVCC-nouns also formed with an external plural suffix, e.g. *ʕabd-: *ʕabad-ū-‘servant(s)’, in various Semitic languages. This *CVCaC-ū-pattern is usually considered to be a remnant of the Proto-Semitic broken plural system in Northwest Semitic, but we show that it goes back to Proto-Semitic in this form. Internal evidence from Semitic as well as comparative evidence from Afroasiatic points towards a pre-Proto-Semitic plural suffix *-w-underlying the external plural suffixes. This suffix created a consonant cluster in the plural of *CVCC-nouns, triggering epenthesis of *a. As the prime example of broken plural formation in Northwest Semitic thus seems to be purely suffixal in origin, we conclude by briefly considering the implications for the history of nominal pluralization in Semitic.