bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biomimetic Tough Gels with Weak Bonds Unravel the Role of Collagen from Fibril to Suprafibrillar Self‐Assembly
Authors: Lama Milena , Raveendranathan Biravena , Brun Julie , Fernandes Francisco M. , Boissière Cédric , Nassif Nadine , Marcellan Alba
Published: April 2021

Biological tissues rich in type I collagen exhibit specific hierarchical fibrillar structures together with remarkable mechanical toughness. However, the role of collagen alone in their mechanical response at different structural levels is not fully understood. Here, it is proposed to rationalize such challenging interplay from a materials science perspective through the subtle control of this protein self‐assembly in vitro. It is relied on a spray‐processing approach to readily use the collagen phase diagram and set a palette of biomimetic self‐assembled collagen gels in terms of suprafibrillar organization. Their mechanical responses unveil the involvement of mechanisms occurring either at fibrillar or suprafibrillar scales. Noticeably, both modulus at early stage of deformations and tensile toughness probe the suprafibrillar organization, while durability under cyclic loading and stress relaxation reflect mechanisms at the fibril level. By changing the physicochemical environment, the interfibrillar interactions are modified toward more biomimetic mechanical responses. The possibility of making tissue‐like materials with versatile compositions and toughness opens perspectives in tissue engineering.
Is College Remediation a Barrier or a Boost? Evidence from the Tennessee SAILS Program
Authors: Kane Thomas J. , Boatman Angela , Kozakowski Whitney , Bennett Christopher , Hitch Rachel , Weisenfeld Dana
Published: April 2021

Many states are redesigning their college remediation policies to increase postsecondary degree completion. In 2012, Tennessee began waiving college math remediation for high school students who completed a computer‐based remedial math course (SAILS) during their senior year. Using a regression discontinuity design, we find that the high school remedial course did not improve students' math achievement any more than the typical senior year math course (although it
did allow students to avoid the cost and delay of remedial math in college). Using a difference‐in‐difference design, we find that completing SAILS boosted enrollment in college‐level math among first‐year community college students by nearly 30 percentage points, with nearly half of new enrollees passing the college‐level course. Such students had, however, only completed 1.5 additional college courses after two years. In 2015, Tennessee community colleges implemented “co‐requisite” remediation, allowing students to complete remediation alongside college‐level math. Under the co‐requisite policy, completing SAILS no longer produced any boost in college credits. Although both alternatives to pre‐requisite remediation produced modest gains for students and taxpayers, remediation requirements are not a primary driver of low degree completion rates.
The effect of long‐time moisture exposure and low temperatures on mechanical behavior of open‐hole Cfrp laminate
Authors: Mára Vladimír , Michalcová Lenka , Kadlec Martin , Krčil Jan , Špatenka Petr
Published: April 2021

Carbon fiber composite laminates (CFRP) used in aerospace are operating under various environmental conditions. Parts are often exposed to moisture which slowly diffuses into the laminate and forms internal stresses. During the flight, the aircraft is also exposed to low or elevated temperatures. The result is negative impact on composite performance due to formation of hygrothermal stresses. Understanding this phenomenon helps with prediction of the damage development which is vital for increasing the components service life. The open‐hole CFRP laminates were conditioned in humid air at 70°C/85% RH for 33,800 h and the effect of low temperatures on quasi‐cyclic tension properties and fracture behavior was investigated. The mechanical tests on two types of CFRP laminate with different number and orientation of plies were performed under − 55°C. The material behavior during the testing was monitored by acoustic emission technique. The light optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used for the identification of failure mechanisms. The study showed that the hygrothermal effect has significant impact on materials toughness reduction. The damage mechanisms and characteristic morphologic features are changing due to the matrix degradation and weakened fiber/matrix interface.
Cell‐free fetal DNA coming in all sizes and shapes
Authors: Chiu Rossa W. K. , Lo Y.M. Dennis
Published: April 2021

Cell‐free fetal DNA analysis has an established role in prenatal assessments. It serves as a source of fetal genetic material that is accessible non‐invasively from maternal blood. Through the years, evidence has accumulated to show that cell‐free fetal DNA molecules are derived from placental tissues, are mainly of short DNA fragments and have rapid post‐delivery clearance profiles. But questions regarding how they come to being short molecules from placental cells and in which physical forms do they exist remained largely unanswered until recently. We now know that the distributions of ending sites of cell‐free DNA molecules are non‐random across the genome and bear correlations with the chromatin structures of cells from which they have originated. Such an insight offers ways to deduce the tissue‐of‐origin of these molecules. Besides, the physical nature and sequence characteristics of the ends of each cell‐free DNA molecule provide tell‐tale signs of how the DNA fragmentation processes are orchestrated by nuclease enzymes. These realizations offered opportunities to develop methods for enriching cell‐free fetal DNA to facilitate non‐invasive prenatal diagnostics. Here we aimed to collate what is known about the biological and physical characteristics of cell‐free fetal DNA into one article and explain the implications of these observations.
Returning to teaching during COVID‐19: An empirical study on elementary teachers' self‐efficacy
Authors: Pressley Tim
Published: April 2021

The purpose of this study was to explore how the new teaching approaches and requirements because of COVID‐19 impacted elementary teachers' self‐efficacy, specifically instructional and engagement efficacy. The current study included 329 participants from across the United States who completed the Teacher Sense of Self‐Efficacy Scale (TSES) subsections of instructional and engagement. The results found the average teacher efficacy scores for both instructional and engagement were lower than TSES scores of instructional and engagement in previous studies. The results also indicated teachers who were teaching virtually had the lowest instructional efficacy scores compared to teachers teaching in a hybrid or all in‐person model. However, the results suggested no difference in engagement efficacy score based on the instructional approach. There was also no difference in both instructional and engagement efficacy based on previous accolades or teacher location.
Electrostatic Balance Parameter Mediated Energy Functions‐Toward the Stability and Performance of Explosives
Authors: Han Xun , Liu Min , Huang Hui , Tan Bisheng
Published: April 2021

It is a main challenge to achieve a fine balance between high energy density and good molecular stability in energetic material research. The electrostatic balance parameter (ν), a universal parameter, that describes the coordination relationship between energy and stability of explosives may achieve this purpose. The strain energy, resonance energy, and large π‐π separation energy were calculated from the perspective of molecular transformability to evaluate the stability of explosive molecules, and ν was used to mediate the three parameters.
What can we learn from patients’ experiences of polypharmacy?
Authors: Chaplin Steve
Published: April 2021

Health professionals need to understand patients’ own experiences and the issues that are important to them in order to tackle the challenges posed by multimorbidity and polypharmacy. This article provides a summary of a recent Danish systematic review that examined multimorbid patients’ perspectives on polypharmacy.
Safe prescribing of direct oral anticoagulants for non‐valvular AF
Authors: Cheong V‐Lin , Ali Osman
Published: April 2021

The use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) is becoming increasingly common in primary care. While this group of drugs requires less intensive monitoring than warfarin, safe prescribing is still necessary to achieve optimum therapeutic effect and minimise adverse effects. This article discusses the key principles of safe DOAC prescribing for non‐valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF), and the systems that general practices can put in place to achieve this.
A two state model study of photo‐detachment dynamics driven by an optimally designed polychromatic field: A simulated annealing based optimisation
Authors: Talukder Srijeeta , Seal Dipayan , Naskar Pulak , Chaudhury Pinaki , Ghosh Subhasree
Published: April 2021

The surfaces of and F2 are two well separated surfaces modeled by two Morse potentials. In presence of a field, these two surfaces couple and transition from to F2 takes place resulting in the detachment of an electron. We have applied Simulated Annealing (SA) technique to design the polychromatic field which results in ∼ 95% probability of photo detachment (Pd). Also we have designed a field to achieve photo detachment followed by dissociation of FF bond with nearly 38% dissociation probability. F2 being a homo nuclear diatomic molecule, promotion to the continuum states by directly exciting it from its ground vibrational state is an impossibility and our method appears to be a feasible solution if the target is to break the FF bond.
Distributed resource allocation of second‐order nonlinear multiagent systems
Authors: Li Shiling , Nian Xiaohong , Deng Zhenhua , Chen Zhao , Meng Qing
Published: April 2021

This article investigates a resource allocation problem of second‐order nonlinear multiagent systems. The resource allocation problem arises from many fields such as economic dispatch, network utility maximization, and demand response. Due to the dynamics of agents, we cannot solve this problem by using existing resource allocation algorithms. In order to achieve the optimal allocation, we propose a distributed protocol for agents based on gradient descent. Besides, we analyze the global convergence of the algorithm by constructing a suitable Lyapunov function. Finally, we provide examples to illustrate our result.
Room‐Temperature Diffusion‐Induced Extraction for Perovskite Nanocrystals with High Luminescence and Stability
Authors: Yao Fang , Liu Yongjie , Xu Yalun , Peng Jiali , Gui Pengbin , Liang Jiwei , Lin Qianqian , Tao Chen , Fang Guojia
Published: April 2021

Metal halide perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) serve as a kind of ideal semiconductor for luminescence and display applications. However, the optoelectronic performance and stability of perovskite NCs are mainly subjected to current ligand strategies since these ligands exhibit a highly dynamic binding state, which complicates NC purification and storage. Herein, a method named diffusion‐induced extraction is developed for crystallization (DEC) at room temperature, in which silicone oil serves as a medium to separate the solvent from perovskite precursors and diethyl ether promotes the nucleation, leading to highly emissive perovskite NCs. The formation mechanism of NCs using this approach is elucidated, and their optoelectronic properties are fully characterized. The resultant NCs ink exhibits a high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) over 90% with a narrow full width at half maximum of 17 nm. The DEC method strengthens the interaction between ligand and NCs via the hydrophobic silicone oil. Therefore, the NCs maintain almost 95% of their initial PLQYs after aging more than seven months in air. The findings will be of great significance for the continued advancement of high PLQY perovskite NCs through a better understanding of formation dynamics. The DEC strategy presents a major step forward for advancing the field of perovskite semiconductor nanomaterials.
Antibody Glycoengineering and Homogeneous Antibody‐Drug Conjugate Preparation
Authors: Manabe Shino , Yamaguchi Yoshiki
Published: April 2021

Antibody‐drug conjugates (ADCs) are a class of biopharmaceuticals in which cytotoxic agents are conjugated to monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), allowing targeted drug delivery. Present heterogeneous ADCs (conjugated in random variable positions) suffered from issues of stability, reproducibility, efficacy, etc. Recent advances have led to the development of homogeneous ADC preparations by site‐specific conjugation, allowing the control of the drug‐to‐antibody ratio. These approaches have increased the therapeutic window, efficacy, and batch‐to‐batch consistency of the ADC preparations. Antibodies carry a pair of heterogeneous N‐glycans in the Fc regions, which are critical for antibody function. Drug conjugation through glycoengineering has been achieved with different approaches, including the use of endo‐β‐N‐acetylglucosaminidase (ENGases) and monosaccharyl transferase mutants. In this article, we summarize different glycoengineering approaches for antibody‐drug conjugation, and discuss their advantages for the development of next‐generation homogeneous ADCs.
Launching new global products into subsidiary markets: The vital role of sales and marketing collaboration
Authors: Le Meunier‐FitzHugh Kenneth , Cometto Teresa , Johnson Jim
Published: April 2021

We examine how to encourage collaboration between local sales and marketing teams in multinational enterprise (MNE) subsidiaries in order to successfully commercialize new product launches by creating integrated, locally adapted implementation plans. Empirical research within six subsidiaries of an MNE operating in southern Latin America found that centrally produced processes alone were insufficient for successfully launching new products in these subsidiary markets. However, devolving power, while using cross‐functional teams and formalized processes to encourage communication, led to the development of the types of trust that facilitate effective relationships between sales and marketing teams, which resulted in successfully adapted new product launches for each subsidiary market. We discuss the implications of our findings for theory and practice.
Metropolitan statistical area location choice by foreign direct investors in the United States
Authors: Anderson Thomas
Published: April 2021

The importance of new foreign direct investment as a vehicle for the formation of productive capital has stimulated interest in understanding why multinational enterprises (MNEs) choose particular locations for their investments. Using data from greenfield investments reported on the Bureau of Economic Analysis Survey of new foreign direct investment in the United States, I analyze how locational characteristics influence the choice of where foreign MNEs establish their new investments in the United States. Identifying location choice at the metropolitan statistical area level allows me to analyze both traditional determinants of location choice such industrial agglomeration as well as measures of international connectivity that have been studied in research on global cities. My results support the finding that global cities are attractive to foreign direct investors in the United States not just by virtue of their population or industrial agglomeration, which serve to attract investment, but by virtue of a much wider set of attributes, related to their demography and connections to the wider world.
Internet and Social Media Use of Undocumented Migrants
Authors: Jauhiainen Jussi S. , Tedeschi Miriam
Published: April 2021

The internet and social media are crucial tools in asylum-related journeys and the lives of undocumented migrants in their destination countries. Many use the internet and social media in the country of origin to prepare and plan the trip, and their use becomes even more common during their asylum-related journeys. In the destination country, use of the internet and social media becomes a common, if not an everyday, necessity. In general, the digital divides diminish along their journeys to the destination countries.

This chapter explores the access of undocumented migrants to the internet and social media applications; their ability to use them; and the impact of their use in their country of origin, during their journeys, and in the destination country (Finland). Internet and social media are important tools for building and maintaining social relationships; staying in touch with family; and finding a job, food and clothing, and shelter for the night. Finally, the chapter analyses rumours and misinformation on the internet and in social media, as well as among the migrants’ own networks.
Flavor symmetry of 5d SCFTs. Part II. Applications
Authors: Bhardwaj Lakshya
Published: April 2021

Abstract

In Part I of this series of papers, we described a general method for determining the flavor symmetry of any 5d SCFT which can be constructed by integrating out BPS particles from some 6d SCFT compactified on a circle. In this part, we apply the method to explicitly determine the flavor symmetry of those 5d SCFTs which reduce, upon a mass deformation, to some 5d$$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 gauge theory carrying a simple gauge algebra. In these cases, the flavor symmetry of the 5d gauge theory is often enhanced at the conformal point. We use our method to determine this enhancement.
Dissecting the two mechanisms of scramble competition among the Virunga mountain gorillas
Authors: Robbins Andrew M. , Grueter Cyril C. , Abavandimwe Didier , Stoinski Tara S. , Robbins Martha M.
Published: April 2021

Two mechanisms have been proposed to explain why scramble competition can increase the travel requirements of individuals within larger groups. Firstly, individuals in larger groups may be more likely to encounter food sites where other group members have already eaten, leading to greater asynchronous “individual” travel to find fresh sites. Secondly, when food sites are aggregated into patches, larger groups may need to visit more patches to obtain the same amount of food per capita, leading to greater synchronous “group” travel between patches. If the first mechanism can be mitigated by increasing group spread, then we expect the second mechanism to be more sensitive to group size. Here, we examine the individual travel and group travel of the Virunga mountain gorillas, along with potential implications for the two mechanisms of scramble competition. Asynchronous individual travel accounted for 67% of the total travel time, and the remainder arose from group travel. Group spread increased significantly for larger groups, but not enough to prevent an increase in individual travel. Contrary to expectations, group travel decreased with size among most groups, and we found only limited evidence of patch depletion that would cause the second mechanism of scramble competition. Collectively, our results illustrate how the influence of group size can differ for individual travel versus group travel, just as it differs among species for overall travel. Studies that distinguish between the two mechanisms of scramble competition may enhance our understanding of ecological constraints upon group size, including potential differences between frugivores and folivores.

Significance statement

Feeding competition provides insight into how group size can influence the foraging patterns of social animals, but two key mechanisms are not typically compared. Firstly, larger groups may visit more patches to access the same amount of food per capita (group travel). Secondly, their individuals may also need to move past more spots where another member has already eaten (individual travel). Contrary to expectations, we found that group travel decreased with size for most groups of mountain gorillas, which may reflect extra travel by smaller groups to avoid larger groups. Individual travel increased with size in most groups, even though gorillas in larger groups compensated by spreading out over a broader area. The two mechanisms revealed patterns that were not apparent in our previous study of overall travel. Our approach may help to explain potential differences between folivores and frugivores.
Cerebral blood flow velocity during simultaneous changes in mean arterial pressure and cardiac output in healthy volunteers
Authors: Lie Sole Lindvåg , Hisdal Jonny , Høiseth Lars Øivind
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Cerebral blood flow (CBF) needs to be precisely controlled to maintain brain functions. While previously believed to be autoregulated and near constant over a wide blood pressure range, CBF is now understood as more pressure passive. However, there are still questions regarding the integrated nature of CBF regulation and more specifically the role of cardiac output. Our aim was, therefore, to explore the effects of MAP and cardiac output on CBF in a combined model of reduced preload and increased afterload.

Method

16 healthy volunteers were exposed to combinations of different levels of simultaneous lower body negative pressure and isometric hand grip. We measured blood velocity in the middle cerebral artery (MCAV) and internal carotid artery (ICAV) by Doppler ultrasound, and cerebral oxygen saturation (ScO2) by near-infrared spectroscopy, as surrogates for CBF. The effect of changes in MAP and cardiac output on CBF was estimated with mixed multiple regression.

Result

Both MAP and cardiac output had independent effects on MCAV, ICAV and ScO2. For ICAV and ScO2there was also a statistically significant interaction effect between MAP and cardiac output. The estimated effect of a change of 10 mmHg in MAP on MCAV was 3.11 cm/s (95% CI 2.51–3.71,P < 0.001), and the effect of a change of 1 L/min in cardiac output was 3.41 cm/s (95% CI 2.82–4.00,P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The present study indicates that during reductions in cardiac output, both MAP and cardiac output have independent effects on CBF.
Complex hyperkähler structures defined by Donaldson–Thomas invariants
Authors: Bridgeland Tom , Strachan Ian A. B.
Published: April 2021

The notion of a Joyce structure was introduced in Bridgeland (Geometry from Donaldson–Thomas invariants, preprint arXiv:1912.06504) to describe the geometric structure on the space of stability conditions of a $$\hbox {CY}_3$$

CY
3

category naturally encoded by the Donaldson-Thomas invariants. In this paper we show that a Joyce structure on a complex manifold defines a complex hyperkähler structure on the total space of its tangent bundle, and give a characterisation of the resulting hyperkähler metrics in geometric terms.
Automatic detection of procedural knowledge in robotic-assisted surgical texts
Authors: Bombieri Marco , Rospocher Marco , Dall’Alba Diego , Fiorini Paolo
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The automatic extraction of knowledge about intervention execution from surgical manuals would be of the utmost importance to develop expert surgical systems and assistants. In this work we assess the feasibility of automatically identifying the sentences of a surgical intervention text containing procedural information, a subtask of the broader goal of extracting intervention workflows from surgical manuals.

Methods

We frame the problem as a binary classification task. We first introduce a new public dataset of 1958 sentences from robotic surgery texts, manually annotated as procedural or non-procedural. We then apply different classification methods, from classical machine learning algorithms, to more recent neural-network approaches and classification methods exploiting transformers (e.g., BERT, ClinicalBERT). We also analyze the benefits of applying balancing techniques to the dataset.

Results

The architectures based on neural-networks fed with FastText’s embeddings and the one based on ClinicalBERT outperform all the tested methods, empirically confirming the feasibility of the task. Adopting balancing techniques does not lead to substantial improvements in classification.

Conclusion

This is the first work experimenting with machine / deep learning algorithms for automatically identifying procedural sentences in surgical texts. It also introduces the first public dataset that can be used for benchmarking different classification methods for the task.
Myocardial Involvement in COVID-19: an Interaction Between Comorbidities and Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction. A Further Indication of the Role of Inflammation
Authors: Zaccone Gregorio , Tomasoni Daniela , Italia Leonardo , Lombardi Carlo Mario , Metra Marco
Published: April 2021

Purpose of the review

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and cardiovascular (CV) disease have a close relationship that emerged from the earliest reports. The aim of this review is to show the possible associations between COVID-19 and heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).

Recent findings

In hospitalized patients with COVID-19, the prevalence of HFpEF is high, ranging from 4 to 16%, probably due to the shared cardio-metabolic risk profile. Indeed, comorbidities including hypertension, diabetes, obesity and chronic kidney disease — known predictors of a severe course of COVID-19 — are major causes of HFpEF, too. COVID-19 may represent a precipitating factor leading to acute decompensation of HF in patients with known HFpEF and in those with subclinical diastolic dysfunction, which becomes overt. COVID-19 may also directly or indirectly affect the heart. In otherwise healthy patients, echocardiographic studies showed that the majority of COVID-19 patients present diastolic (rather than systolic) impairment, pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular dysfunction. Such abnormalities are observed both in the acute or subacute phase of COVID-19. Cardiac magnetic resonance reveals myocardial inflammation and fibrosis in up to the 78% of patients in the chronic phase of the disease.

These findings suggest that COVID-19 might be a novel independent risk factor for the development of HFpEF, through the activation of a systemic pro-inflammatory state. Follow-up studies are urgently needed to better understand long-term sequelae of COVID-19 inflammatory cardiomyopathy.
Chronic renal comorbidities in pyoderma gangrenosum: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kridin Khalaf , Solomon Arieh , Britva Rimma Laufer , Bitan Dana Tzur , Cohen Arnon D.
Published: April 2021

The coexistence of pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) and chronic renal comorbidities has been reported anecdotally. We aimed to assess the bidirectional association between PG and the following chronic renal comorbidities: chronic renal failure (CRF), dialysis, kidney transplantation (KT), and other kidney diseases (OKD). That is to evaluate (i) the risk of the aforementioned diseases among patients with PG (ii) and the odds of PG after a diagnosis of renal comorbidities. A population-based retrospective cohort study was conducted comparing PG patients (n=302) with age-, sex-, and ethnicity-matched control subjects (n=1497) with regard to incident cases of renal comorbidities. A case-control design was additionally adopted to estimate the odds of PG in those with a preexisting history of renal comorbidities. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were estimated by Cox regression and logistic regression, respectively. Patients with PG demonstrated an increased risk of CRF (adjusted HR, 3.68; 95% CI, 2.72–5.97), dialysis (adjusted HR, 27.79; 95% CI, 3.24–238.14), and OKD (adjusted HR, 2.71; 95% CI, 1.55–4.74). In addition, the odds of PG were increased after the diagnosis of CRF (adjusted OR, 2.34; 95% CI, 1.33–4.11), KT (adjusted OR, 5.03; 95% CI, 1.01–25.12), and OKD (adjusted OR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.04–2.74). Patients with a dual diagnosis of PG and renal diseases presented with PG at an older age and had a higher prevalence of comorbid conditions. In conclusion, a bidirectional association exists between PG and chronic renal conditions. Awareness of this comorbidity may be of benefit for physicians managing patients with PG.
Nasal Dermoids in Children: Factors Influencing the Distant Result
Authors: Kotowski Michal , Adamczyk Paulina , Szydlowski Jaroslaw
Published: April 2021

The aim of the study was to present a single institution’s treatment strategy for nasal dermoids and to identify factors influencing distant results. The study covered 24 surgically treated pediatric patients with nasal dermoids (NDs). The medical data concerning demographics, preoperative local inflammations and surgical procedures, form of the abnormality, imaging, surgical techniques, and a role of osteotomies and reconstructions were analyzed. The recurrence rates and distant aesthetic outcomes were assessed. The surgical approach included vertical incision in 21 patients, the external rhinoplasty approach in 2 cases, and bicoronal incision in 1 child. The intracranial extension was confirmed in 6 patients. Seven out of 8 cases with preoperative local inflammations and 3 out of 4 with secondary fistulization were < 4 years old. Nine patients required osteotomies. Three children required reconstruction of the nasal skeleton. None of the distant cosmetic results was described as hideous or unsatisfactory. The incidence of local inflammatory complications is unrelated to the age of the patients. The distant aesthetic result depends on both the initial extent of the disease and preoperative local conditions or interventions. Prompt surgical intervention is highly recommended.
Trophoblast Cell Surface Antigen 2 (Trop-2) Protein is Highly Expressed in Salivary Gland Carcinomas and Represents a Potential Therapeutic Target
Authors: Wolber Philipp , Nachtsheim Lisa , Hoffmann Franziska , Klußmann Jens Peter , Meyer Moritz , von Eggeling Ferdinand , Guntinas-Lichius Orlando , Quaas Alexander , Arolt Christoph
Published: April 2021

Treatment options for unresectable, recurrent or metastatic salivary gland carcinomas (SGC) are scarce. Trophoblast cell surface antigen 2 (Trop-2) is a transmembrane glycoprotein that is involved in a variety of oncogenic cell signaling pathways. Its potential as a target for the antibody–drug conjugate sacituzumab govitecan has already been demonstrated in different tumor entities. The United States Food and Drug Administration approved this antibody–drug conjugate for the treatment of metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. Here, we aimed to investigate Trop-2 protein expression in different entities of SGCs. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all patients that underwent surgery for a primary SGC in a tertiary referral center between 1990 and 2014. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for Trop-2 was performed and rated as negative, weak, moderate or high using a semiquantitative score. Additionally, representative cases were analyzed using MALDI-mass spectrometry (MS) imaging to confirm the IHC results. The cohort consisted of 114 tumors of the parotid gland (90.4%) and submandibular gland (9.6%). It mainly included mucoepidermoid, salivary duct and adenoid cystic carcinomas. In IHC samples, 44% showed high, 38% moderate and 10% weak expression rates of Trop-2. MALDI-MS imaging confirmed the presence of Trop-2 protein in 80% of the tested tumor samples. This is the first study to demonstrate that several types of SGC express Trop-2 with variable intensity. Since there are currently few systemic treatment options for advanced SGCs, Trop-2 represents a promising target for further clinical studies, for instance, with sacituzumab govitecan.
Multivariate analysis of potentially toxic elements in surface waters in Ethiopia
Authors: Aschale Minbale , Sileshi Yilma , Kelly-Quinn Mary , Hailu Dereje
Published: April 2021

The Akaki River and its tributaries, in the city of Addis Ababa, are polluted by potentially toxic elements (PTEs) (Sb, Zn, Cd, As, Hg, Cu, Pb, Fe, V, Ni, Co, Mn, Cr, B, Sr and Ba) in varying degrees due to the significantly fast urban expansion and the industrial activities. The water samples collected from twenty-six different locations or sampling sites along the River and some of its tributaries were analyzed by ICP-MS to determine PTEs. The multivariate component analysis was used to evaluate the relationship and interdependency among the PTEs. The results showed that the mean concentrations for most of PTEs exceeded the recommended limits of drinking and irrigation water quality guidelines. A strong and positive relationship was observed among many of PTEs in the river water indicating common sources. The concentrations of many PTEs in the study area exceeded those previously reported and also varied with site or location, signifying localized contributions of the different contaminants associated with municipal, domestic, industrial, hospitals, garages and other activities. These findings of this study should help highlight and focus water quality management on key PTEs of concern and prioritize efforts to mitigate their release into surface waters in the city. Given the potential health implications of the PTEs mitigation measures should be sought as a matter of urgency by the relevant authorities in Ethiopia.
Optimizing the ultrasonic-assisted extraction of antioxidants from Ulva lactuca algal biomass using factorial design
Authors: Rashad Sayed , El-Chaghaby Ghadir , Lima Eder C. , Simoes dos reis Glaydson
Published: April 2021

Ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) is increasingly emerging as a highly effective extraction technique. This extraction technique is affected by several experimental factors. The present work aimed to optimize the ultrasonic-assisted extraction of antioxidants from Ulva lactuca (sea lettuce), widespread macroalgae growing along the Mediterranean coast. In this respect, a full-factorial design (23) was employed to assess the effect of three different factors at two levels and their interactions on the extraction of antioxidants from sea lettuce algal biomass. The studied factors were extraction solvent, time of extraction, and temperature. The two levels chosen for extraction solvent were 100% ethanol and 50% ethanol, for the sonication time (1 h and 3 h) and temperature (25 °C and 40 °C). All experiments were done using an ultrasonic bath, and the biomass to solvent ratio was kept at 1:5. Total antioxidant capacity and quercetin concentration were set as the two responses for optimum output. The results showed that the temperature and solvent were the dominating factors that significantly affect the extraction process. The optimum extraction parameters were extraction time of 1 h, 50% ethanol, and temperature of 25 °C. Under these conditions, the maximum value for TAA was calculated as 2166.51 mg of ascorbic acid equivalent per gram (mg/g of AAE), and quercetin showed a maximum calculated value of 42.5 mg/g with combined desirability of 0.91 for the two responses. The present study results indicate that U. lactuca can be used as a source of antioxidants and phenolic compounds that can be applied in food and medicine at optimum extraction conditions.

Graphical abstract
Diversity and composition of moss guilds on uprooted trees in Central European mountain forests: effects of uprooting components and environmental variables
Authors: Staniaszek-Kik Monika , Żarnowiec Jan , Stefańska-Krzaczek Ewa
Published: April 2021

Key message

The size of the structural components of the root–pit–mound complex was crucial for high moss species richness. Root plates, pits, and mounds were similar in terms of moss species composition, which was mostly determined by forest type.

Context

Uprooted trees may be colonized by different terricolous mosses including common species and specialists.

Aims

The main aim of the present study was to analyze the relative effects of tree uprooting on mosses.

Methods

We used the parametric ZIGLMM and GLMM models to explain the richness and abundance of the moss species and double constrained correspondence analysis (dc-CA) to analyze species composition.

Results

The size of components of RPM complexes had a positive effect on moss species richness. The species cover of mosses was positively correlated with elevation. Species richness was partly dependent on forest type and species cover on component type and age of the RPM complex. The most important factor diversifying species composition was the type of forest. Species traits were also related to forest communities.

Conclusion

Uprooted trees are worth keeping in forest community, especially large ones. Moreover, the conservation value of uprooted trees in woodlands is higher if they are dispersed in different forest types.
Is Physical Activity Associated with Less Depression and Anxiety During the COVID-19 Pandemic? A Rapid Systematic Review
Authors: Wolf Sebastian , Seiffer Britta , Zeibig Johanna-Marie , Welkerling Jana , Brokmeier Luisa , Atrott Beatrice , Ehring Thomas , Schuch Felipe Barreto
Published: April 2021

Background

The Covid-19 pandemic is affecting the entire world population. During the first spread, most governments have implemented quarantine and strict social distancing procedures. Similar measures during recent pandemics resulted in an increase in post-traumatic stress, anxiety and depression symptoms. The development of novel interventions to mitigate the mental health burden are of utmost importance.

Objective

In this rapid review, we aimed to provide a systematic overview of the literature with regard to associations between physical activity (PA) and depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Data Source

We searched major databases (PubMed, EMBASE, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science) and preprint servers (MedRxiv, SportRxiv, ResearchGate, and Google Scholar), for relevant papers up to 25/07/2020.

Study Eligibility Criteria

We included observational studies with cross-sectional and longitudinal designs. To qualify for inclusion in the review, studies must have tested the association of PA with depression or anxiety, using linear or logistic regressions. Depression and anxiety must have been assessed using validated rating scales.

Study Appraisal and Synthesis Methods

Effect sizes were represented by fully adjusted standardized betas and odds ratios (OR) alongside 95% confidence intervals (CI). In case standardized effects could not be obtained, unstandardized effects were presented and indicated.

Results

We identified a total of 21 observational studies (4 longitudinal, 1 cross-sectional with retrospective analysis, and 16 cross-sectional), including information of 42,293 (age 6–70 years, median female = 68%) participants from five continents. The early evidence suggests that people who performed PA on a regular basis with higher volume and frequency and kept the PA routines stable, showed less symptoms of depression and anxiety. For instance, those reporting a higher total time spent in moderate to vigorous PA had 12–32% lower chances of presenting depressive symptoms and 15–34% of presenting anxiety.

Conclusion

Performing PA during Covid-19 is associated with less depression and anxiety. To maintain PA routines during Covid-19, specific volitional and motivational skills might be paramount to overcome Covid-19 specific barriers. Particularly, web-based technologies could be an accessible way to increase motivation and volition for PA and maintain daily PA routines.
Turpin and Tomkins' British Government and the Constitution
Authors: Young Alison L.
Published: April 2021

A lot has happened to the UK Constitution in the last seven years. We've witnessed the UK's exit from the EU, further devolution to Scotland and Wales, a number of prominent cases by the Supreme Court, two early parliamentary general elections, major governmental defeats and two Prime Ministerial resignations. Alison Young has built on the text of Colin Turpin and Adam Tomkins' earlier edition, keeping their unique historical and contextual approach, whilst bringing the material up to date with more contemporary examples, including references to Brexit, the recent prorogation and Brexit case law, and the Covid-19 pandemic. The book continues to include substantial extracts from parliamentary and other political sources as well as from legislation and case law. It also provides a full yet accessible account of the British constitution at the culmination of a series of dramatic events, on the threshold of possible further constitutional reform.
Digital dimensions revisited
Authors: Bury Stephen
Published: April 2021

What happened after the Art history in digital dimensions report of 2017? To what extent have the recommendations been implemented? Has digital art history itself changed in this period? Are the challenges and recommendations outlined in the report still pertinent? What is the role of or is there a role in digital art history for the art librarian in an academic or museum setting?
An overview of recent digital humanities initiatives in US art libraries
Authors: Macken Megan E.
Published: April 2021

As producers and mediators of digital resources, art librarians frequently interact with the digital humanities in a broad sense. In the following brief overview of recent DH work undertaken in US art libraries, engagement with digital humanities is evidenced by the development of open access projects, the creation of linked data sets and the innovative sharing of art and archive collections to support digital pedagogy. Related activities of the Art Libraries Society of North America (ARLIS/NA), its Digital Humanities SIG and the ARLIS/NA in the Humanities Commons are also discussed.
Central limit theorem of Brownian motions in pinched negative curvature
Authors: KIM JAELIN
Published: April 2021

We prove the central limit theorem of random variables induced by distances to Brownian paths and Green functions on the universal cover of Riemannian manifolds of finite volume with pinched negative curvature. We further provide some ergodic properties of Brownian motions and an application of the central limit theorem to the dynamics of geodesic flows in pinched negative curvature.
Trends in body mass index among ever-married Bangladeshi women, 2004–14: evidence from nationally representative population-based surveys
Authors: Islam Md. Rafiqul , Hossain Md. Sabbir , Khan Md. Mostaured Ali , Rahman Md. Shafiur
Published: April 2021

Both high and low body weight are associated with adverse health risk for both mother and children. Studies evaluating trends in the coverage of undernutrition and overnutrition among ever-married Bangladeshi women are limited. The objective of the present study is to assess the trends and develop future projections of body weight status among Bangladeshi women and to estimate the smoothed mean BMI by women's age for the national level and across urban and rural areas. Data from Bangladesh Demographic and Health Surveys conducted between 2004 and 2014 were used. The annual rate of change in the prevalence of underweight, overweight, and obesity, and smoothed age-specific mean BMI was estimated. During 2004–14, the prevalence of underweight reduced with an annual rate of 5⋅9 % at the national level, while the prevalence of overweight and obesity increased with an annual rate of 8⋅6 and 9⋅6 %, respectively. With the recent trends, the prevalence of underweight is expected to reduce from 11⋅9 % in 2020 to 6⋅5 % by 2025. In 2020, the prevalence of overweight and obesity were 30⋅0 and 6⋅9 %, respectively, which are projected to increase to 38⋅5 and 9⋅0 %, respectively, by 2025, if present trends continue. By 2030, the prevalence of overweight was predicted to be much higher in urban areas (44⋅7 %) compared with rural areas (36⋅5 %). Multifaceted nutrition programme should be introduced for rapid reduction of undernutrition and to halt the rise of the prevalence of overweight and obesity.
Against the Flow: Differentiating Between Public Opposition to the Immigration Stock and Flow
Authors: Margalit Yotam , Solodoch Omer
Published: April 2021

Vast research on immigration lumps together native citizens' attitudes toward two different groups: the immigrant stock of non-naturalized resident aliens, and the immigrant flow, that is, the future arrival of foreigners seeking to enter and live in the country. Does popular opposition to immigration distinguish between the two, and if so, how? This article analyzes theoretically the reasons the stock and flow might induce different views among natives, and presents experimental evidence from the United States showing that natives are systematically more accepting of the former. The analysis indicates that this ‘stock premium’ partly stems from a sense of moral obligation toward people residing in the country. Replicating two widely cited experiments, the study shows that the stock–flow distinction has important implications for the interpretation of earlier findings on immigration attitudes, and for understanding voter preferences regarding policies designed to curtail immigration.
The Metaphoricity of Being and the Question of Sameness: Heidegger and Zwicky
Authors: Hensby Eben
Published: April 2021

I draw on Heidegger and Zwicky to challenge the notion that underlying divergent perspectives of an entity there must be something that is ‘the same’; instead, sameness is disclosed within particular world-disclosures. I focus on Heidegger's concepts of world and truth as foundation for thinking about different human worlds. I introduce Zwicky's work on gestalts, internal relations, truth as asymptotic limit, and metaphors; the concept of metaphoricity of Being helps us think through how it is that no thing underlies the different perspectives of a phenomenon, and yet that there are limits for disclosures.
Setiya on Consequentialism and Constraints
Authors: Cox Ryan , Hammerton Matthew
Published: April 2021

It is widely held that agent-neutral consequentialism is incompatible with deontic constraints. Recently, Kieran Setiya has challenged this orthodoxy by presenting a form of agent-neutral consequentialism that he claims can capture deontic constraints. In this reply, we argue against Setiya's proposal by pointing to features of deontic constraints that his account fails to capture.
Exploring the Jungle of Intuitionistic Temporal Logics
Authors: BOUDOU JOSEPH , DIÉGUEZ MARTÍN , FERNÁNDEZ-DUQUE DAVID , KREMER PHILIP
Published: April 2021

The importance of intuitionistic temporal logics in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence has become increasingly clear in the last few years. From the proof-theory point of view, intuitionistic temporal logics have made it possible to extend functional programming languages with new features via type theory, while from the semantics perspective, several logics for reasoning about dynamical systems and several semantics for logic programming have their roots in this framework. We consider several axiomatic systems for intuitionistic linear temporal logic and show that each of these systems is sound for a class of structures based either on Kripke frames or on dynamic topological systems. We provide two distinct interpretations of “henceforth”, both of which are natural intuitionistic variants of the classical one. We completely establish the order relation between the semantically defined logics based on both interpretations of “henceforth” and, using our soundness results, show that the axiomatically defined logics enjoy the same order relations.