bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pre‐workout supplements marketed in Brazil: Caffeine quantification and caffeine daily intake assessment
Authors: da Costa Bruno Ruiz Brandão , El Haddad Lohanna Pereira , Freitas Bruno Toledo , Marinho Pablo Alves , De Martinis Bruno Spinosa
Published: April 2021

The stimulating and performance‐enhancing properties of caffeine are often explored in one the most consumed types of supplements: the pre‐workout supplements (PWS). However, despite the popularity of PWS, previous studies have reported incompatibilities between what is described in their labels and their actual caffeine content. This study aimed to develop, to optimize, and to validate a gas‐chromatography coupled to nitrogen–phosphorus detector (GC‐NPD) method to quantify caffeine in PWS and to analyze commercial PWS marketed in Brazil to estimate the caffeine daily intake. For this purpose, three different extraction procedures were evaluated: agitation in vortex, shaker, and sonication. Sonication yielded the best extraction results. Next, the parameters' temperature and time were optimized by using central composite rotatable design (CCRD) and response surface methodology, which revealed the optimal values of 70°C and 10 min. The method was validated and applied to quantify caffeine in 52 PWS. From the 36 PWS labels that specified the caffeine amount, seven (19%) presented more than 120% of the declared quantity, whereas 15 (42%) contained less than 80% of the labeled caffeine. Additionally, six products presented undeclared caffeine. Considering the label stated doses, five supplements exceeded the safe caffeine daily intake (400 mg). On the basis of these findings, supplement quality control remains an issue that deserves more attention from consumers, manufacturers, and regulatory agencies. Finally, we suggest that PWS consumers be careful of the habit of ingesting caffeine through other sources and avoid ingesting two or more different PWS products in the same day.
Metabolism study and toxicological determination of mephtetramine in biological samples by liquid chromatography coupled with high‐resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Odoardi Sara , Mestria Serena , Biosa Giulia , Arfè Raffaella , Tirri Micaela , Marti Matteo , Strano Rossi Sabina
Published: April 2021

The emerging market of new psychoactive substances (NPSs) is a global‐scale phenomenon, and their identification in biological samples is challenging because of the lack of information about their metabolism and pharmacokinetic. In this study, we performed in silico metabolic pathway prediction and in vivo metabolism experiments, in order to identify the main metabolites of mephtetramine (MTTA), an NPS found in seizures since 2013. MetaSite™ software was used for in silico metabolism predictions and subsequently the presence of metabolites in the blood, urine, and hair of mice after MTTA administration was verified. The biological samples were analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled with high‐resolution mass spectrometry (LC–HRMS) using a benchtop Orbitrap instrument. This confirmed the concordance between software prediction and experimental results in biological samples. The metabolites were identified by their accurate masses and fragmentation patterns. LC–HRMS analysis identified the dehydrogenated and demethylated‐dehydrogenated metabolites, together with unmodified MTTA in the blood samples. Besides unmodified MTTA, 10 main metabolites were detected in urine. In hair samples, only demethyl MTTA was detected along with MTTA. The combination of Metasite™ prediction and in vivo experiment was a powerful tool for studying MTTA metabolism. This approach enabled the development of the analytical method for the detection of MTTA and its main metabolites in biological samples. The development of analytical methods for the identification of new drugs and their main metabolites is extremely useful for the detection of NPS in biological specimens. Indeed, high throughput methods are precious to uncover the actual extent of use of NPS and their toxicity.
Gastric symptoms and low perceived maternal warmth are associated with eating disorder symptoms in young adolescent girls
Authors: Kerr Kara L. , Ralph‐Nearman Christina , Colaizzi Janna M. , DeVille Danielle C. , Breslin Florence J. , Aupperle Robin L. , Paulus Martin P. , Morris Amanda Sheffield
Published: April 2021

Objective

This study sought to determine whether gastric symptoms are associated with later eating disorder (ED) symptoms during early adolescence, and whether this relationship is moderated by parental warmth/acceptance and/or the child's sex.

Method

Longitudinal data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive DevelopmentSM Study were utilized. Participants ages 9–10 years old (N = 4,950; 2,370 female) completed measures at baseline and 1 year later (Y1). At baseline, gastric symptoms were measured by parent‐reported items from the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), and perceived parental acceptance was measured by youth report on the Children's Report of Parent Behavior Inventory (CRPBI) Acceptance subscale separately for mothers and fathers. ED symptoms at Y1 were assessed by parent report on a computerized version of the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia (K‐SADS). Linear mixed‐effects models were conducted separately for maternal and paternal acceptance to test relationships among variables.

Results

A three‐way interaction between baseline gastric symptoms, sex, and maternal acceptance predicted Y1 ED symptoms (𝛽 = 0.08; p < .01). Post‐hoc analyses revealed that the interaction between gastric symptoms and maternal acceptance was significant for girls only (𝛽 = −0.06, p < .01), such that low maternal acceptance was associated with a stronger relationship between baseline gastric symptoms and Y1 ED symptoms. No statistically significant main effects or interactions were found in the model for paternal acceptance.

Discussion

Gastric symptoms and low perceived maternal acceptance may interact to result in heightened risk for EDs in young adolescent girls.
Novel dilated cardiomyopathy associated to Calreticulin and Myo7A gene mutation in Usher syndrome
Authors: Frustaci Andrea , De Luca Alessandro , Galea Nicola , Verardo Romina , Guida Valentina , Carrozzo Rosalba , Chimenti Cristina , Frustaci Emanuela , Sansone Luigi , Russo Matteo Antonio
Published: April 2021

We report a novel cardiomyopathy associated to Usher syndrome and related to combined mutation of MYO7A and Calreticulin genes. A 37‐year‐old man with deafness and vision impairment because of retinitis pigmentosa since childhood and a MYO7A gene mutation suggesting Usher syndrome, developed a dilated cardiomyopathy with ventricular tachyarrhythmias and recurrent syncope. At magnetic resonance cardiomyopathy was characterized by left ventricular dilatation with hypo‐contractility and mitral prolapse with valve regurgitation. At left ventricular endomyocardial biopsy, it was documented cardiomyocyte disconnection because of cytoskeletal disorganization of cell‐to‐cell contacts, including intercalated discs, and mitochondrial damage and dysfunction with significant reduction of adenosine triphosphate production in patient cultured fibroblasts. At an extensive analysis by next‐generation‐sequencing of 4183 genes potentially related to the cardiomyopathy a pathogenic mutation of calreticulin was found. The cardiomyopathy appeared to be functionally and electrically stabilized by a combination therapy including carvedilol and amiodarone at a follow‐up of 18 months.
Association between oral contraceptive use and incident heart failure
Authors: Luo Dongling , Li Hezhi , Chen Pengyuan , Xie Nanshan , Yang Ziyang , Zhang Caojin
Published: April 2021

Aims

Oral contraceptives (OCs) are widely used in women of reproductive age, but their influences on heart failure (HF) development have yet to be reported. This study was performed to assess HF risk associated with OC use.

Methods and results

We studied women participating in the Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis with available data on OC use. Inverse probability of treatment weighting analyses were used to reduce baseline imbalances. Cox proportional hazards models were applied to evaluate the associations of OC use and HF risk. The primary analysis comprised a total of 3594 participants [average age 62.10 (10.24) years]. During an average follow‐up of 12.45 (3.75) years, 138 incident HF occurred. In unadjusted Cox model, OC use was associated with a decreased risk of HF [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.45, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.31–0.64, P < 0.001]. However, in multivariable‐adjusted and inverse probability of treatment weighting models, the results were attenuated and became non‐significant (HR = 0.96, 95% CI 0.63–1.48, P = 0.86 and HR = 0.79, 95% CI 0.45–1.40, P = 0.43, respectively). Duration of OC use was not related to increased risks of HF. When stratifying HF into subtypes, similar associations were observed. In multivariable–adjusted regression models, OC use was positively associated with left ventricular end‐diastolic mass [coefficient (β) = 3.04, P = 0.006] and stroke volume (β = 1.76, P = 0.01 for the left ventricle; β = 2.17, P = 0.005 for the right ventricle) but had no impact on left ventricular ejection fraction (β = 0.09, P = 0.75) and right ventricular ejection fraction (β = 0.33, P = 0.25).

Conclusions

Oral contraceptive use in women of reproductive age does not portend increased risk of HF. However, whether the formulations or dosages differently impact this association should be further investigated.
A systematic approach and software for the analysis of point patterns on river networks
Authors: Schwanghart Wolfgang , Molkenthin Christian , Scherler Dirk
Published: April 2021

Many geomorphic phenomena such as bank failures, landslide dams, riffle‐pool sequences and knickpoints can be modelled as spatial point processes. However, as the locations of these phenomena are constrained to lie on or alongside rivers, their analysis must account for the geometry and topology of river networks. Here, we introduce a new numeric class in TopoToolbox called Point Pattern on Stream networks (PPS), which supports exploratory analysis, statistical modelling, simulation and visualization of point processes. We present three case studies that aim at inferring processes and factors that control the spatial density of geomorphic phenomena along river networks: analysis of a synthetic dataset of points on a stream network, the analysis of knickpoints in river profiles, and modelling spatial locations of beaver dams based on topographic metrics. The case studies rely on exploratory analysis and statistical inference using inhomogeneous Poisson point processes. Thereby, statistical and probabilistic procedures implemented in PPS provide a systematic approach for treating and quantifying uncertainties. PPS offers a consistent numeric framework for modelling point processes on river networks with a wide range of applications in fluvial geomorphology, but also other disciplines such as ecology.
Rayleigh–Bénard and Bénard–Marangoni magnetoconvection in variable viscosity finitely conducting liquids
Authors: Govindaraju M. V. , Siddheshwar P. G. , Ramachandramurthy V.
Published: April 2021

The thermorheological effect on magneto‐Bénard‐convection is studied numerically in fluids with finite electrical conductivity. A nonlinear thermorheological equation is considered in the problem. The results are compared with the classical approach of constant viscosity, which depicts the fact that the effect of increasing the strength of the magnetic field is to delay the onset of convection. The magnetic field is shown to have a rheostatic influence on convective instabilities. The results obtained by the study have possible applications in the field of astrophysics, sunspots, and in space applications under microgravity.
Titanium dioxide nanotubes promote M2 polarization by inhibiting macrophage glycolysis and ultimately accelerate endothelialization
Authors: Yu Wen P. , Ding Jing L. , Liu Xin L. , Zhu Guo D. , Lin Feng , Xu Jian J. , Wang Ziyao , Zhou Jian L.
Published: April 2021

Titanium has been widely used in prosthetic valves, but they are associated with serious defects in titanium‐based prosthetic valves, such as thrombosis, calcification, and decay. Therefore, it is very important to biofunctionalize titanium‐based valves to reduce inflammation and accelerate endothelialization of stents and antithrombosis. The titanium dioxide nanotubes were prepared from pure titanium (Ti) by anodic oxidation method in this study. The effects of titanium dioxide nanotubes on the metabolism of macrophages and the inflammatory reaction as implants were studied in vitro. The polarization state of macrophages and the ability to accelerate endothelialization were analyzed. The results demonstrated that titanium nanotubes promote M2 polarization of macrophages by inhibiting glycolysis and activating the Adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway. In general, biofunctionalization titanium with nanotube could inhibit macrophage glycolysis, reduce inflammatory factor release and promote M2 polarization by activating the AMPK signaling pathway. And endothelialization was accelerated in vitro. Our result demonstrated that titanium nanotube could act as a potential approach to biofunctionlize titanium‐based prosthetic valves for endothelialization.
Risk of unexpected uterine leiomyosarcoma during laparoscopic procedures: Experience from a single tertiary institute in Italy
Authors: Surace Alessandra , Baù Maria Grazia , Privitera Sebastiana , Botta Giovanni , Danese Saverio , Plazzotta Claudio , Mitidieri Marco , Picardo Elisa
Published: April 2021

Objective

To evaluate the incidence of occult uterine sarcomas and investigate whether an accurate and well‐established preoperative assessment for uterine fibroids could help identify uterine sarcomas more effectively.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent gynecological laparoscopic surgery for presumed uterine fibroids at Sant’Anna Hospital, a single tertiary institute in Turin, Italy, between January 2003 and December 2019.

Results

Over the 17‐year period, 5826 laparoscopic surgical procedures (myomectomies or subtotal/total hysterectomies) were performed for presumed uterine fibroids. A total of 48 patients with a final diagnosis of uterine sarcoma were identified, the majority of which (n = 39; 81.3%) were recognized as suspicious uterine sarcomas during the preoperative assessment, and morcellement was avoided. The occurrence of unexpected uterine sarcomas was 0.1% (6/5826). Morcellation was conducted in one patient with uterine sarcoma.

Conclusion

Analysis of our data showed that unexpected uterine sarcomas are uncommon. Accurate preoperative evaluation can help avoid, but does not exclude, the possibility of morcellation of unknown uterine sarcomas.
Diagnosing and treating urinary tract disease in rabbits
Authors: Smith Molly Varga
Published: April 2021

Background: Rabbits are popular pets and veterinary knowledge about this species has evolved greatly in the past 15 to 20 years. Rather than languishing in hutches, many rabbits are now house pets; consequently, changes in drinking and voiding habits are more easily noticed by owners. Perhaps unsurprisingly, urinary tract disease is a common reason for rabbits to be presented to veterinary practices. In a histological survey of rabbit kidneys, Hinton (1981) found that 32.7 per cent of unhealthy rabbits had renal lesions, and so did 25 per cent of healthy rabbits, demonstrating the renal disease is a significant disease in our pet rabbits.

Aim of the article: This article provides practical information on diagnosing and treating urinary tract disease in this species.
Nomogram for predicting swallowing recovery in patients after dysphagic stroke
Authors: Wang Zhuo , Shi Yixin , Zhang Lulu , Wu Lingling , Fang Qi , Huiling Li
Published: April 2021

Background

To date, variables predicting the recovery of dysphagia in patients after dysphagic stroke have not been well defined. However, despite the difficulties in predicting and understanding the dysphagia recovery trajectory, its significance for stroke care cannot be understated. This study aims to identify the factors for functional swallowing recovery and develop nomograms that predict dysphagia recovery after stroke.

Methods

The demographic, neurological, and swallowing characteristics were compared between patients who recovered from dysphagia and those who did not. Then, the factors with P <.1 through comparison were enrolled in the multivariable logistic regression analysis to build a prediction model. A nomogram was also built to provide a quantitative tool. Discrimination, calibration, and clinical usefulness of the prediction model were assessed by using the C index, calibration plot, and decision curve analysis.

Results

Predictors in the early‐phase (T7) prediction nomogram included age, Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NHISS), hemispheric stroke, and brainstem stroke on admission. In the middle phase (T14), predictors included age, FOIS, and NHISS on admission. In the late phase (T30), predictors included age, FOIS, NHISS, bilateral stroke, and body mass index on admission. The C index for the day 7, day 14, and day 30 prediction nomograms were 0.847 (95% CI, 0.804–0.884), 0.817 (95% CI, 0.772–0.857), and 0.786 (95% CI, 0.739–0.829).

Conclusion

These novel nomograms predicting dysphagia recovery after ischemic stroke are discriminative and well calibrated and could be used to guide enteral nutrition decision making, rehabilitation plans, and individualized care.
Selective recognition of tumor cells by molecularly imprinted polymers
Authors: Fu Xiaopeng , Li Yan , Gao Shuang , Lv Yongqin
Published: April 2021

Molecularly imprinted polymers, developed 50 years ago, have garnered enormous attention as receptor‐like materials. Lately, molecularly imprinted polymers have been employed as a specific target tool in favor of cancer diagnosis and therapy by the selective recognition of tumor cells. Although the molecular imprinting technology has been well‐innovated recently, the cell still remains the most challenging target for imprinting. In this review, we summarize the advances in the synthesis of molecularly imprinted polymers suitable for the selective recognition of tumor cells. Through a sustained effort, three strategies have been developed including peptide‐imprinting, polysaccharide‐imprinting, and whole‐cell imprinting, which have resulted in inspiring applications in effective cancer diagnosis and therapy. The major challenges and perspectives on the further directions related to the synthesis of molecularly imprinted polymers were also outlined.
The Role of Ex Situ Hypothermic Oxygenated Machine Perfusion and Cold Preservation Time in Extended Criteria Donation After Circulatory Death and Donation After Brain Death
Authors: Dondossola Daniele , Ravaioli Matteo , Lonati Caterina , Maroni Lorenzo , Pini Alessia , Accardo Caterina , Germinario Giuliana , Antonelli Barbara , Odaldi Federica , Zanella Alberto , Siniscalchi Antonio , Cescon Matteo , Rossi Giorgio
Published: April 2021

Hypothermic oxygenated machine perfusion (HOPE) has the potential to counterbalance the detrimental consequences of cold and warm ischemia time (WIT) in both donation after brain death (DBD) and donation after circulatory death (DCD). Herein we investigated the protective effects of HOPE in extended criteria donor (ECD) DBD and overextended WIT DCD grafts. The present retrospective case series included 50 livers subjected to end‐ischemic HOPE or dual DHOPE in 2 liver transplantation (LT) centers from January 2018 to December 2019. All DCD donors were subjected to normothermic regional perfusion before organ procurement. Results are expressed as median (interquartile range [IQR]). In the study period, 21 grafts were derived from overextended WIT DCD donors (total WIT 54 [IQR, 40‐60] minutes and 75% classified as futile), whereas 29 were from ECD DBD. A total of 3 biliary complications and 1 case of ischemia‐type biliary lesion were diagnosed. The rate of early allograft dysfunction (EAD) was 20%, and those patients had higher Comprehensive Complication Index scores. Through a changing point analysis, cold preservation time >9 hours was associated with prolonged hospital stays (P = 0.02), higher rates of EAD (P = 0.009), and worst post‐LT complications (P = 0.02). Logistic regression analyses indicated a significant relationship between cold preservation time and EAD. No differences were shown in terms of the early post‐LT results between LTs performed with DCD and DBD. Overall, our data are fully comparable with benchmark criteria in LT. In conclusion, the application of DHOPE obtained satisfactory and promising results using ECD‐DBD and overextended DCD grafts. Our findings indicate the need to reduce cold preservation time also in the setting of DHOPE, particularly for grafts showing poor quality.
Inhibition of microbial production of the malodorous substance isovaleric acid by 4,4ʹ dichloro 2‐hydroxydiphenyl ether (DCPP)
Authors: Mayer Sonja , Hazenkamp Menno , Kluttig Martin , Ochs Dietmar
Published: April 2021

Human body malodour is a complex phenomenon. Several types of sweat glands produce odorless secretions that are metabolized by a consortium of skin‐resident microorganisms to a diverse set of malodorous substances. Isovaleric acid, a sweaty‐smelling compound, is one major malodorous component produced by staphylococci with the skin‐derived amino acid L‐leucine as a substrate. During wearing, fabrics are contaminated with sweat and microorganisms and high humidity propagates growth and microbial malodour production. Incomplete removal of sweat residues and microorganisms from fabrics during laundry with bleach‐free detergents and at low temperatures elevate the problem of textile malodour. This study aimed to analyze the inhibitory effect of the antimicrobial 4,4ʹ dichloro 2‐hydroxydiphenyl ether (DCPP) on the formation of isovaleric acid on fabrics. Therefore, GC‐FID‐ and GC–MS‐based methods for the analysis of isovaleric acid in an artificial human sweat‐mimicking medium and in textile extracts were established. Here, we show that antimicrobials capable to deposit on fabrics during laundry, such as DCPP, are effective in growth inhibition of typical malodour‐generating bacteria and prevent the staphylococcal formation of isovaleric acid on fabrics in a simple experimental setup. This can contribute to increased hygiene for mild laundry care approaches, where bacterial contamination and malodour production represent a considerable consumer problem.
Clinical and genetic analysis of classical Ehlers‐Danlos syndrome patient caused by synonymous mutation in COL5A2
Authors: Ma Na , Zhu Zhenhua , Liu Jing , Peng Ying , Zhao Xiaomeng , Tang Weiling , Jia Zhengjun , Xi Hui , Gao Bodi , Wang Hua , Du Juan
Published: April 2021

Background

Classical Ehlers‐Danlos syndrome (cEDS) is a heterogeneous connective tissue disorder that mainly results from the germline mutation of COL5A1 and COL5A2. The majority of the COL5A2 mutations reported to date represent structural mutations, including missense or in‐frame exon‐skipping splice mutations. The only reported synonymous mutation was expected to affect on splicing of exon 29 by prediction programs which should be further confirmed.

Methods

Whole exome sequencing was performed to identify the genetic variants of a Chinese boy who was characterized by skin hyperextensibility, abnormal scarring, hypermobile joints and scoliosis. Sanger sequencing was used to validate the variants in his parents. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) was performed to analyze the functional effects of the variant.

Results

A de novo heterozygous synonymous variant (NM_000393.5:c.1977 G>A) of COL5A2 gene was identified in the patient. The results of RT‐PCR revealed that the synonymous variant led to skipping of exon 29 in the RNA transcript.

Conclusions

Our study supplies further supporting evidence that the synonymous COL5A2 mutation c.1977 G>A can cause skipping of exon 29 in the RNA transcript, thus resulting in the production of mutant α2(V)‐chains and clinical phenotype of cEDS. This result highlights the need to include splicing‐altering synonymous mutations into the screening for cEDS.
Unmet needs of the oldest old primary care patients with common somatic and psychiatric disorders—A psychometric evaluation
Authors: Stein Janine , Löbner Margrit , Pabst Alexander , Riedel‐Heller Steffi G.
Published: April 2021

Objectives

Unmet needs are common in older patients and should be assessed via suitable instruments. The adapted German version of the Camberwell Assessment of Need for the Elderly (CANE) represents an often used tool to determine the needs in older individuals. Evidence on the psychometric properties of the CANE is still pending.

Methods

A sample of 231 patients with common somatic and psychiatric diseases were interviewed about their needs including their caring relatives and general practitioners (GPs). Frequencies of unmet needs were evaluated across the different perspectives. Interrater agreement, convergent and discriminant validity were evaluated.

Results

On average, psychiatric patients reported more unmet needs than somatic patients, particularly regarding to psychological distress and behavior. The interrater agreement was higher in the somatic subgroup than in the psychiatric subgroup, and higher between patients and relatives compared to patients and GPs. Evidence for construct validity was reported.

Conclusions

Patients with common somatic and psychiatric disorders report specific unmet needs that should be considered in healthcare. Moderate to good psychometric characteristics were found for the CANE. The use of valid instruments to record needs in health and nursing care can be useful and represents an important starting point for targeted interventions and effective treatment.
Meshless fragile points methods based on Petrov‐Galerkin weak‐forms for transient heat conduction problems in complex anisotropic nonhomogeneous media
Authors: Guan Yue , Atluri Satya N.
Published: April 2021

Three kinds of fragile points methods based on Petrov‐Galerkin weak‐forms (PG‐FPMs) are proposed for analyzing heat conduction problems in nonhomogeneous anisotropic media. This is a follow‐up of the previous study on the original FPM based on a symmetric Galerkin weak‐form. The trial function is piecewise‐continuous, written as local Taylor expansions at the fragile points. A modified radial basis function‐based differential quadrature (RBF‐DQ) method is employed for establishing the local approximation. The Dirac delta function, Heaviside step function, and the local fundamental solution of the governing equation are alternatively used as test functions. Vanishing or pure contour integral formulation in subdomains or on local boundaries can be obtained. Extensive numerical examples in 2D and 3D are provided as validations. The collocation method (PG‐FPM‐1) is superior in transient analysis with arbitrary point distribution and domain partition. The finite volume method (PG‐FPM‐2) shows the best efficiency, saving 25% to 50% computational time comparing with the Galerkin FPM. The singular solution method (PG‐FPM‐3) is highly efficient in steady‐state analysis. The anisotropy and nonhomogeneity give rise to no difficulties in all the methods. The proposed PG‐FPM approaches represent an improvement to the original Galerkin FPM, as well as to other meshless methods in earlier literature.
Solving variational inequalities and cone complementarity problems in nonsmooth dynamics using the alternating direction method of multipliers
Authors: Tasora Alessandro , Mangoni Dario , Benatti Simone , Garziera Rinaldo
Published: April 2021

This work presents a numerical method for the solution of variational inequalities arising in nonsmooth flexible multibody problems that involve set‐valued forces. For the special case of hard frictional contacts, the method solves a second order cone complementarity problem. We ground our algorithm on the Alternating Direction Method of Multipliers (ADMM), an efficient and robust optimization method that draws on few computational primitives. In order to improve computational performance, we reformulated the original ADMM scheme in order to exploit the sparsity of constraint jacobians and we added optimizations such as warm starting and adaptive step scaling. The proposed method can be used in scenarios that pose major difficulties to other methods available in literature for complementarity in contact dynamics, namely when using very stiff finite elements and when simulating articulated mechanisms with odd mass ratios. The method can have applications in the fields of robotics, vehicle dynamics, virtual reality, and multiphysics simulation in general.
A systematic review of how missing data are handled and reported in multi‐database pharmacoepidemiologic studies
Authors: Hunt Nicholas B. , Gardarsdottir Helga , Bazelier Marloes T. , Klungel Olaf H. , Pajouheshnia Romin
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Pharmacoepidemiologic multi‐database studies (MDBS) provide opportunities to better evaluate the safety and effectiveness of medicines. However, the issue of missing data is often exacerbated in MDBS, potentially resulting in bias and precision loss. We sought to measure how missing data are being recorded and addressed in pharmacoepidemiologic MDBS.

Methods

We conducted a systematic literature search in PubMed for pharmacoepidemiologic MDBS published between 1st January 2018 and 31st December 2019. Included studies were those that used ≥2 distinct databases to assess the same safety/effectiveness outcome associated with a drug exposure. Outcome variables extracted from the studies included strategies to execute a MDBS, reporting of missing data (type, bias evaluation) and the methods used to account for missing data.

Results

Two thousand seven hundred and twenty‐six articles were identified, and 62 studies were included: using data from either North America (56%), Europe (31%), multiple regions (11%) or East‐Asia (2%). Thirty‐five (56%) articles reported missing data: 11 of these studies reported that this could have introduced bias and 19 studies reported a method to address missing data. Thirteen (68%) carried out a complete case analysis, 2 (11%) applied multiple imputation, 2 (11%) used both methods, 1 (5%) used mean imputation and 1 (5%) substituted information from a similar variable.

Conclusions

Just over half of the recent pharmacoepidemiologic MDBS reported missing data and two‐thirds of these studies reported how they accounted for it. We should increase our vigilance for database completeness in MDBS by reporting and addressing the missing data that could introduce bias.
Drone‐based thermal remote sensing provides an effective new tool for monitoring the abundance of roosting fruit bats
Authors: McCarthy Eliane D. , Martin John M. , Boer Matthias M. , Welbergen Justin A.
Published: April 2021

Accurate and precise monitoring of species abundance is essential for determining population trends and responses to environmental change. However, traditional population survey methods can be unreliable and labour‐intensive, which complicates the effective conservation and management of many threatened species. We developed a method of using drone‐acquired thermal orthomosaics to monitor the abundance of grey‐headed flying‐foxes (Pteropus poliocephalus) within tree roosts, an IUCN Red Listed species of bat. We assessed the accuracy and precision of this new method and evaluated the performance of four semi‐automated methods for counting flying‐foxes in thermal orthomosaics, including machine learning and Computer Vision (CV) methods. We found a high concordance between the number of flying‐foxes manually counted in drone‐acquired thermal imagery and the true abundance of flying‐foxes in single roost trees, as obtained from direct on‐ground observation. This indicated that the number of flying‐foxes observed in thermal imagery accurately reflected the true abundance of flying‐foxes. In addition, for thermal orthomosaics of whole roost sites, the number of flying‐foxes manually counted was highly repeatable between the same‐day drone surveys and human counters, indicating that this method produced highly precise abundance estimates independent of the identity/experience of human counters. Finally, the number of flying‐foxes manually counted in drone‐acquired thermal orthomosaics was highly concordant with the counts derived from CV and machine learning‐enabled classification techniques. This indicated that accurate and precise measures of colony abundance can be obtained semi‐automatically, thus greatly reducing the amount of human effort involved for obtaining abundance estimates. Our method is thus valuable for reliably monitoring the abundance of individuals in flying‐fox roosts and will aid in the conservation and management of this globally threatened group of flying‐mammals, as well as other homeothermic arboreal‐roosting species.
A house divided: Legislative competition and young firm survival in the United States
Authors: Raj Manav
Published: April 2021

Research Summary

Features of the institutional environment influence the performance of firms. In this research, I examine how one aspect of the institutional environment, competition between parties within legislatures, relates to young firm mortality. I argue that higher legislative competition provides legislators with more power to reward favored interests and thus contributes to a competitive environment that benefits well‐connected incumbents and imposes negative consequences on young firms. Using data on state legislature composition in the United States and both an ordinary least squares and instrumental variables empirical strategy, I find that legislative competition has a positive relationship with young firm mortality and this relationship is partially mediated by incentives that favor incumbents. In doing so, I highlight that political competition can have negative consequences for some firms.

Managerial Summary

In this research, I examine how competition between parties within state legislatures affects the survival of young firms. I argue that higher interparty competition provides legislators with greater bargaining power to obtain policy rewards for favored constituents and that this can lead to a competitive environment that favors well‐connected incumbent firms and disadvantages younger firms. I find that interparty legislative competition has a positive relationship with young firm mortality and that this relationship is partially accounted for by the use of subsidies and incentives that favor incumbents. Through this research, I show that political competition may be harmful to some firms and highlight the importance of government institutions on firms and markets.
Disease surveillance and risk factors affecting mortality of captive cirl buntings (Emberiza cirlus) in a translocation for conservation purposes
Authors: Fountain Kay , Chang Ruby , Laven Carl , Gregson Joanne , Jeffs Cath , Molenaar Fieke , Vaughan‐Higgins Rebecca , Evans Andy , Carter Ian , Sayers Ghislaine , Pocknell Ann , Sainsbury Anthony
Published: April 2021

Cirl buntings in the UK were translocated over a 5‐year period by collecting chicks from the residual population, hand‐rearing and releasing them at a site in Cornwall with the aim of establishing a second breeding population. Because mortality and morbidity during captivity restrict the number and fitness of individuals available for release, selected parasites were monitored in the captive chicks, and all deaths were investigated by autopsy, histopathology and bacteriology. Risk factors associated with captive deaths were analysed. Annual mortality during captivity ranged from 4% (3 of 75 chicks in 2006) to 42% (26 of 73 in 2007) of chicks collected. Infectious disease associated with immunosuppression was an important factor in many deaths, and chicks collected with lower body weight were at greater risk of mortality. These findings emphasise the need for rigorous monitoring of all aspects of captive care during passerine translocations and provide evidence‐based recommendations for future projects.
Surgical resection of a colonic haemangiosarcoma in a cat
Authors: Rivenburg Rachel , Gailbreath Katherine , Campbell Kathryn , Maxwell Elizabeth A.
Published: April 2021

A 14‐year‐old male neutered Ragdoll was presented for hyporexia, lethargy and tenesmus. A mass associated with the descending colon was noted on exploratory laparotomy. A resection and anastomosis of the colonic mass and extirpation of a colonic lymph node was performed. A colonic mural haemangiosarcoma with colonic lymph node metastasis was diagnosed on histopathology. The cat was humanely euthanized 109 days postoperatively for anorexia, haematemesis and hind limb ataxia. Intestinal haemangiosarcoma should be a differential for colonic masses in cats. Surgical resection can provide good short‐term outcomes and should be considered as a treatment option for feline colonic haemangiosarcoma.
Effects of evolving salt precipitation on the evaporation and temperature of sandy soil with a fixed groundwater table
Authors: Li Xinhu , Shi Fengzhi
Published: April 2021

The effects of salt precipitation on water and heat transport in soil have garnered considerable attention. However, salt precipitation growth on the soil surface and its influence on soil evaporation and temperature under a fixed groundwater table are not well understood. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the impact of the evolution of salt precipitation on evaporation and temperature in sandy soils with a fixed groundwater table depth (20 cm). The laboratory experiment consisted of two treatments for sand columns: one with fresh groundwater, and the other with saline groundwater. Regions with salt precipitates expanded laterally and vertically whereby a salt crust was formed that disconnected from the soil. The lateral growth of salt precipitation had a minor impact on evaporation as the soil remained wet, while mostly being covered by the salt crust. However, the elevated salt crust caused a sharp decrease (>60%) in the evaporation rate. Therefore, a new stage of saline soil evaporation was determined; the evaporation rate was further reduced by the elevated salt crust. Moreover, the soil profile temperature decreased when the soil was covered by the salt crust, which is likely attributable to the increased albedo and the formation of a layer of air owing to the elevated salt crust. Therefore, we suggest that the upward growth of salt precipitation should be comprehensively studied because it can cause significant reductions in evaporation rates and soil temperature.
RNA-Seq Data Analysis in Galaxy
Authors: Batut Bérénice , van den Beek Marius , Doyle Maria A. , Soranzo Nicola
Published: April 2021

A complete RNA-Seq analysis involves the use of several different tools, with substantial software and computational requirements. The Galaxy platform simplifies the execution of such bioinformatics analyses by embedding the needed tools in its web interface, while also providing reproducibility. Here, we describe how to perform a reference-based RNA-Seq analysis using Galaxy, from data upload to visualization and functional enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes.
Am Ende der Straße: totale Sicherheit
Authors: Mitteregger Mathias
Published: April 2021

Präsentationen, mit denen die Entwicklung selbstfahrender Autos beworben wird, beginnen häufig mit etwas, was mit Michel Foucault ein „Theater der Schmerzen“ genannt werden könnte (Foucault 2012: 42). Während Fotos zerrissene Schulbusse und halbierte Autos zeigen, unterfüttert die vortragende Person den viszeralen Eindruck mit Zahlen: 1,2 Millionen Menschen werden jedes Jahr im Straßenverkehr getötet, was Verkehrsunfälle zur häufigsten Todesursache für 15- bis 29-Jährige weltweit macht (WHO 2015: 2). Automatisierte Fahrsysteme sollen diese Tragödie beenden. Dazu müssen Menschen das Steuer an lernende Algorithmen abgeben, die den menschlichen Fähigkeiten überlegen und niemals müde, abgelenkt oder betrunken wären.
Zustellroboter als Lösung für die letzte Meile in der Stadt?
Authors: Leerkamp Bert , Soteropoulos Aggelos , Berger Martin
Published: April 2021

Der städtische Güterverkehr nimmt eine immer wichtigere Rolle im Bereich der urbanen Mobilität sowie auch in der städtischen Verkehrspolitik ein, da der E-Commerce boomt: Die Digitalisierung bringt es mit sich, dass immer öfter Waren über das Internet bestellt werden, wodurch sich auch der Lieferverkehr stark erhöht hat (vgl. Muschkiet/Schückhaus 2019: 358; Deutsche Bundesregierung 2019: 44f.). Es bedarf daher neuer nachhaltiger Lösungen und Konzepte in der urbanen Logistik, wobei besonders die letzte Meile infolge fehlender Bündelung und großer Aufwände eine wesentliche Herausforderung darstellt (vgl. Gerdes/Heinemann 2019: 399; Buthe et al. 2018: 30; Lierow/Wisotzky 2019). Gleichzeitig entstehen neue Zustellformen wie etwa Zustellroboter (vgl. Baum et al. 2019: 2455; Jennings/Figliozzi 2019: 317), denen ein großes Potential für die letzte Meile zugeschrieben wird.
Enhancing searches for resonances with machine learning and moment decomposition
Authors: Kitouni Ouail , Nachman Benjamin , Weisser Constantin , Williams Mike
Published: April 2021

Abstract

A key challenge in searches for resonant new physics is that classifiers trained to enhance potential signals must not induce localized structures. Such structures could result in a false signal when the background is estimated from data using sideband methods. A variety of techniques have been developed to construct classifiers which are independent from the resonant feature (often a mass). Such strategies are sufficient to avoid localized structures, but are not necessary. We develop a new set of tools using a novel moment loss function (Moment Decomposition or MoDe) which relax the assumption of independence without creating structures in the background. By allowing classifiers to be more flexible, we enhance the sensitivity to new physics without compromising the fidelity of the background estimation.
How will artificial intelligence and bioinformatics change our understanding of IgA Nephropathy in the next decade?
Authors: Bülow Roman David , Dimitrov Daniel , Boor Peter , Saez-Rodriguez Julio
Published: April 2021

IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common glomerulonephritis. It is characterized by the deposition of immune complexes containing immunoglobulin A (IgA) in the kidney’s glomeruli, triggering an inflammatory process. In many patients, the disease has a progressive course, eventually leading to end-stage kidney disease. The current understanding of IgAN’s pathophysiology is incomplete, with the involvement of several potential players, including the mucosal immune system, the complement system, and the microbiome. Dissecting this complex pathophysiology requires an integrated analysis across molecular, cellular, and organ scales. Such data can be obtained by employing emerging technologies, including single-cell sequencing, next-generation sequencing, proteomics, and complex imaging approaches. These techniques generate complex “big data,” requiring advanced computational methods for their analyses and interpretation. Here, we introduce such methods, focusing on the broad areas of bioinformatics and artificial intelligence and discuss how they can advance our understanding of IgAN and ultimately improve patient care. The close integration of advanced experimental and computational technologies with medical and clinical expertise is essential to improve our understanding of human diseases. We argue that IgAN is a paradigmatic disease to demonstrate the value of such a multidisciplinary approach.
Widening: using parallel resources to improve model quality
Authors: Berthold Michael R. , Fillbrunn Alexander , Siebes Arno
Published: April 2021

This paper provides a unified description of Widening, a framework for the use of parallel (or otherwise abundant) computational resources to improve model quality. We discuss different theoretical approaches to Widening with and without consideration of diversity. We then soften some of the underlying constraints so that Widening can be implemented in real world algorithms. We summarize earlier experimental results demonstrating the potential impact as well as promising implementation strategies before concluding with a survey of related work.
Binary Hamming codes and Boolean designs
Authors: Falcone Giovanni , Pavone Marco
Published: April 2021

In this paper we consider a finite-dimensional vector space $${\mathcal {P}}$$
P
over the Galois field $${\text {GF}}(2),$$

GF
(
2
)
,

and the family $${\mathcal {B}}_k$$

B
k

(respectively, $${\mathcal {B}}_k^*$$

B
k
∗

) of all the k-sets of elements of $$\mathcal {P}$$
P
(respectively, of $${\mathcal {P}}^*= {\mathcal {P}} \setminus \{0\}$$

P

∗

=
P
\

{
0
}

) summing up to zero. We compute the parameters of the 3-design $$({\mathcal {P}},{\mathcal {B}}_k)$$

(
P
,

B
k

)

for any (necessarily even) k, and of the 2-design $$({\mathcal {P}}^{*},{\mathcal {B}}_k^{*})$$

(

P

∗

,

B
k

∗

)

for any k. Also, we find a new proof for the weight distribution of the binary Hamming code. Moreover, we find the automorphism groups of the above designs by characterizing the permutations of $${\mathcal {P}}$$
P
, respectively of $${\mathcal {P}}^*$$

P

∗

, that induce permutations of $${\mathcal {B}}_k$$

B
k

, respectively of $${\mathcal {B}}_k^*.$$

B
k
∗

.

In particular, this allows one to relax the definitions of the permutation automorphism groups of the binary Hamming code and of the extended binary Hamming code as the groups of permutations that preserve just the codewords of a given Hamming weight.
Assessment and abatement of the eco-risk caused by mine spoils in the dry subtropical climate
Authors: Alekseenko Alexey V. , Drebenstedt Carsten , Bech Jaume
Published: April 2021

The highly rugged mountainous land topography of the Novorossiysk industrial agglomeration (NW Caucasus, Krasnodar Krai, Russia) and arid climate limit the restoration abilities of disturbed mine lands. Abandoned waste-rock dumps of a marl quarry occupy an area of ca. 150,000 m2 next to the cement plant, residential districts, and a commercial seaport. To assess the eco-risk, topsoil horizons of urban and mine-site Technosols and background Rendzinas were sampled and analyzed; measurements of particulate matter fractions PM1, PM2.5, PM4, and PM10 were conducted throughout the agglomeration. Fugitive dust emission from the unreclaimed marl dumps raises the PM2.5 content in the air by a factor of 2.68 on average. The high sorption capacity of the fine eluvium results in the accumulation of urban emissions by the dust and contributes to the subsequent soil pollution; the Cumulative Pollution Index of pedochemical anomalies reaches the high-risk level over the areas of up to 5 km2. Environmental threats caused by the mine dumps can be assessed more reliably by means of land zoning based on accumulated environmental damage indicators and the debris flow and waterspout risk calculation. To abate the technogenic impact caused by the mine spoils, reclamation actions must be taken including soil stabilization on sensitive sites by application of geosynthetic cover, hydroseeding of the mixture of soil improvers and seeds of herbaceous plants on the slopes, and anti-erosion plantation of cades (Juniperus oxycedrus L.) and smoke trees (Cotinus coggygria Scop.) at subhorizontal surfaces.