bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neurons expressing the aryl hydrocarbon receptor in the locus coeruleus and island of Calleja major are novel targets of dioxin in the mouse brain
Authors: Kimura Eiki , Kohda Masanobu , Maekawa Fumihiko , Fujii-Kuriyama Yoshiaki , Tohyama Chiharu
Published: May 2021

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) acts as a receptor that responds to ligands, including dioxin. The AhR–ligand complex translocates from the cytoplasm into the nucleus to induce gene expression. Because dioxin exposure impairs cognitive and neurobehavioral functions, AhR-expressing neurons need to be identified for elucidation of the dioxin neurotoxicity mechanism. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect AhR-expressing neurons in the mouse brain and confirm the specificity of the anti-AhR antibody using Ahr−/− mice. Intracellular distribution of AhR and expression level of AhR-target genes, Cyp1a1, Cyp1b1, and Ahr repressor (Ahrr), were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and quantitative RT-PCR, respectively, using mice exposed to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). The mouse brains were shown to harbor AhR in neurons of the locus coeruleus (LC) and island of Calleja major (ICjM) during developmental period in Ahr+/+ mice but not in Ahr−/− mice. A significant increase in nuclear AhR of ICjM neurons but not LC neurons was found in 14-day-old mice compared to 5- and 7-day-old mice. AhR was significantly translocated into the nucleus in LC and ICjM neurons of TCDD-exposed adult mice. Additionally, the expression levels of Cyp1a1, Cyp1b1, and Ahrr genes in the brain, a surrogate of TCDD in the tissue, were significantly increased by dioxin exposure, suggesting that dioxin-activated AhR induces gene expression in LC and ICjM neurons. This histochemical study shows the ligand-induced nuclear translocation of AhR at the single-neuron level in vivo. Thus, the neurotoxicological significance of the dioxin-activated AhR in the LC and ICjM warrants further studies.
The combined impact of ankle–brachial index and transcutaneous oxygen pressure on mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes and foot ulcers
Authors: Fagher Katarina , Löndahl Magnus
Published: May 2021

Aims

A diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is associated with increased cardiovascular risk and mortality, independently of ulcer etiology (ischemic, neuro-ischemic or neuropathic). Ankle–brachial index (ABI) is the most commonly used test when diagnosing peripheral macrovascular disease and is a well-known marker for increased cardiovascular risk. Transcutaneous oxygen pressure (TcPO2) is considered to better evaluate microvascular function and has in previous studies shown correlations with both wound healing and survival. The aim of this study was to evaluate the combined impact of a low TcPO2 (<30 mmHg) and a pathological ABI (<0.9 or ≥1.4) on three-year mortality in patients with DFU.

Methods

Type 2 diabetes patients aged <90 years, with at least one DFU who underwent vascular assessment with ABI and TcPO2 were screened for participation. The primary endpoint was mortality after three years, assessed from the National Death Registry in Sweden.

Results

The study enrolled 235 participants with a median age of 76 years. Individuals with either an abnormally high or low ABI in combination with a low TcPO2 had the worst survival rates, with three-year mortality of 54%, compared to 42% in those with one abnormal variable (either ABI or TcPO2), and 21% in those with normal ABI and TcPO2.

Conclusions

Combining ABI and TcPO2 when risk stratifying DFU patients seems to provide additional predictive information, not only concerning ulcer healing and limb salvage, but also on survival.
Intradural extraarachnoid sutureless technique combined with laminoplasty for indirect repair of ventral dural defects in spontaneous intracranial hypotension: technical note and case series
Authors: Kamenova M. , Schaeren S. , Wasner M-G.
Published: May 2021

Background

There is a significant variance in surgical treatment strategies of ventral cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks causing spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH). Posterior approaches might represent a preferable alternative to the more invasive anterior and lateral routes, as long as the spinal cord is not exposed to harmful manipulation. The aim of this technical note is to report and illustrate a new surgical technique using an intradural extraarachnoid sutureless technique via laminoplasty for indirect repair of ventral CSF leaks causing intractable SIH symptoms.

Methods

The surgical technique is described in a step by step fashion. Between May 2018 and May 2020, five patients with ventral spinal CSF leaks were operated on, utilizing this technique. All dural defects were located at the level of the thoracic spine. A retrospective review on demographic and radiological findings, symptoms, outcome, and follow-up was performed.

Results

The intra- and postoperative course was uneventful in all patients with no surgery-related complications. Three patients recovered completely at discharge, while neurological symptoms significantly improved in two patients. A postoperative MRI of the spine was obtained for all patients, demonstrating regressive signs of CSF leak.

Conclusion

Based on the presented case series, this intradural extraarachnoid sutureless technique combined with laminoplasty seems to be a safe and effective option for indirect repair of ventral dural defects in SIH. In our opinion, it represents a valid alternative to traditional more aggressive approaches.
Validation of a new hemifacial spasm grading questionnaire (HFS score) assessing clinical and quality of life parameters
Authors: Wabbels Bettina , Yaqubi Ali
Published: May 2021

Validation of the new hemifacial spasm (HFS) questionnaire “HFS score” that captures both clinical (HFS clinical) and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) parameters (HFS subjective) in one tool and comparison with a global HRQOL questionnaire. Cross sectional, prospective validation study including 143 subjects (62 HFS patients and 81 healthy volunteers) from the University Eye Hospital Bonn. Patients were interviewed with the new HFS score and the SF-12 questionnaire prior to and 3 weeks after Botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT-A) injection. All HRQOL-related questions (HFS subjective) were answered on a visual analogue scale (VAS) ranging from 0 (no complaints) to 100% (maximum complaints) by the patients themselves. Reproducibility was tested in a study extension with 10 patients by repeat interviews (telephone/personal). The new HFS score questionnaire provided a reliable clinical assessment and demonstrated that BoNT-A therapy significantly reduced frequency and severity of eye and cheek spasms (p < 0.001; Wilcoxon test). Relevant aspects of HRQOL of HFS patients were assessed with high accuracy and sensitivity. Significant improvements were achieved after BoNT-A injection in five out of eight HRQOL parameters (p ≤ 0.02; Wilcoxon test). Cronbach’s alpha of 0.818 demonstrated good internal consistency. Telephone survey provided comparable results to personal interviews. This new sensitive and specific HFS score seems a reliable instrument to monitor BoNT therapy and customize it to the needs of the individual HFS patient—in clinical studies and daily clinical practice.
Low-molecular-mass labile metal pools in Escherichia coli: advances using chromatography and mass spectrometry
Authors: Brawley Hayley N. , Lindahl Paul A.
Published: May 2021

Labile low-molecular-mass (LMM) transition metal complexes play essential roles in metal ion trafficking, regulation, and signalling in biological systems, yet their chemical identities remain largely unknown due to their rapid ligand-exchange rates and weak M–L bonds. Here, an Escherichia coli cytosol isolation procedure was developed that was devoid of detergents, strongly coordinating buffers, and EDTA. The interaction of the metal ions from these complexes with a SEC column was minimized by pre-loading the column with 67ZnSO4 and then monitoring 66Zn and other metals by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) when investigating cytosolic ultrafiltration flow-through-solutions (FTSs). Endogenous cytosolic salts suppressed ESI-MS signals, making the detection of metal complexes difficult. FTSs contained ca. 80 µM Fe, 15 µM Ni, 13 µM Zn, 10 µM Cu, and 1.4 µM Mn (after correcting for dilution during cytosol isolation). FTSs exhibited 2–5 Fe, at least 2 Ni, 2–5 Zn, 2–4 Cu, and at least 2 Mn species with apparent masses between 300 and 5000 Da. Fe(ATP), Fe(GSH), and Zn(GSH) standards were passed through the column to assess their presence in FTS. Major LMM sulfur- and phosphorus-containing species were identified. These included reduced and oxidized glutathione, methionine, cysteine, orthophosphate, and common mono- and di-nucleotides such as ATP, ADP, AMP, and NADH. FTSs from cells grown in media supplemented with one of these metal salts exhibited increased peak intensity for the supplemented metal indicating that the size of the labile metal pools in E. coli is sensitive to the concentration of nutrient metals.
Performances of automated digital imaging of Gram-stained slides with on-screen reading against manual microscopy
Authors: Fischer Adrien , Azam Nouria , Rasga Lara , Barras Valérie , Tangomo Manuela , Renzi Gesuele , Vuilleumier Nicolas , Schrenzel Jacques , Cherkaoui Abdessalam
Published: May 2021

The objective of this study was to evaluate the performances of the automated digital imaging of Gram-stained slides against manual microscopy. Four hundred forty-three identified Gram-stained slides were included in this study. When both methods agreed, we considered the results as correct, and no further examination was carried out. Whenever the methods gave discrepant results, we reviewed the digital images and the glass slides by manual microscopy to avoid incorrectly read smears. The final result was a consensus of multiple independent reader interpretations. Among the 443 slides analyzed in this study, 101 (22.8%) showed discrepant results between the compared methods. The rates of discrepant results according to the specimen types were 5.7% (9/157) for positive blood cultures, 42% (60/142) for respiratory tract specimens, and 22% (32/144) for sterile site specimens. After a subsequent review of the discrepant slides, the final rate of discrepancies dropped to 7.0% (31/443). The overall agreement between the compared methods and the culture results reached 78% (345/443) and 79% (349/443) for manual microscopy and automated digital imaging, respectively. According to culture results, the specificity for automated digital imaging and manual microscopy were 90.8% and 87.7% respectively. In contrast, sensitivity was 84.1% for the two compared methods. The discrepant results were mostly encountered with microorganism morphologies of rare occurrence. The results reported in this study emphasize that on-screen reading is challenging, since the recognition of morphologies on-screen can appear different as compared to routine manual microscopy. Monitoring of Gram stain errors, which is facilitated by automated digital imaging, remains crucial for the quality control of reported Gram stain results.
Solastalgia, place attachment and disruption: insights from a coastal community on the front line
Authors: Phillips Christopher , Murphy Conor
Published: May 2021

We explore how solastalgia, a concept that describes distress and inability to derive solace from one’s environment caused by disruptive environmental change, is currently being experienced by a community in southeast Ireland as they struggle to cope with place disruption through loss of a beach by coastal erosion. We analyse relationships between empirical measurements of solastalgia, place attachment and place disruption as well as their association with community outlook for the future. Results indicate that solastalgia, resulting from loss of place, is experienced by almost half of residents, especially those who have lived in the area >20 years. Seasonal variation exists for residents who experience the highest levels of solastalgia, with expression strongest in summer. We find that solastalgia is positively correlated with place attachment; those having higher levels of place attachment express stronger feelings of solastalgia and impacts to their lives due to loss of place. Place attachment is most weakly expressed through place dependence, suggesting ongoing adaptation of relationships with place. We find that solastalgia is positively correlated with negative statements regarding future outlook. However, negative outlooks are moderated for those with high levels of place attachment, despite experiencing solastalgia. Given the vulnerability of coastal environments and communities to climate change, understanding and assessing solastalgia will be critical to helping communities navigate environmental disruption.
Heterogeneity in outcome selection, definition and measurement in studies assessing the treatment of cryptoglandular anal fistula: findings from a systematic review
Authors: Machielsen A. J. H. M. , Iqbal N. , Kimman M. L. , Sahnan K. , Adegbola S. O. , Kane G. , Woodcock R. , Kleijnen J. , Grossi U. , Breukink S. O. , Tozer P. J.
Published: May 2021

Background

Treatment for cryptoglandular anal fistula (AF) is challenging and a lack of uniform outcomes in the literature prevents direct comparison of treatments. This can be addressed by developing a core outcome set, a standardised set of outcomes reported in all interventional studies for a specific condition. The aim of this systematic review is to assess the range of outcomes, their definitions, and the measurement instruments currently utilised in interventional studies for adult patients with AF. This will inform the development of an AF core outcome set.

Methods

Medline, Embase and The Cochrane Library were searched to identify all patient- and clinician-reported outcomes in studies assessing medical, surgical or combination treatment of adult patients with AF published from January 2008 to May 2020. The resulting outcomes were categorized according to the Core Outcome Measurement in Effectiveness Trials (COMET) taxonomy to better understand their distribution.

Results

In total, 155 studies were included, 552 outcomes were extracted, with a median of three outcomes (interquartile range 2–5) per study. Only 25% of studies demonstrated high-quality outcome reporting. The outcomes were merged into 52 unique outcomes and structured into four core areas and 14 domains, with the majority in the domain of physiological or clinical (gastrointestinal) outcomes. The most commonly reported outcomes were healing (77%), incontinence (63%), and recurrence (40%), with no single outcome assessed across all studies. There was a wide variation in outcome definitions and measurement instruments used.

Conclusions

There is substantial heterogeneity in outcomes, definitions, and measurement instruments reported in interventional studies for cryptoglandular anal fistula. This emphasises the need for standardised outcome reporting and measurement.
Understanding augmented reality adoption trade-offs in production environments from the perspective of future employees: A choice-based conjoint study
Authors: Schuir Julian , Teuteberg Frank
Published: May 2021

The implementation of augmented reality (AR) systems in production environments is associated with a variety of advantages, such as productivity gains, lower costs and reduced operating times. Despite these potential benefits, the lack of user acceptance due to issues such as privacy concerns constitutes a barrier to diffusion in workplace environments. In order to better understand the issues surrounding AR acceptance, we employed a conjoint study to empirically examine the trade-offs that future employees perceive when being involved in adopting such systems. Using a hierarchical Bayes estimation, we discover that functional benefits such as productivity gains and safety enhancement are the main adoption drivers. In contrast, future employees indeed perceive monitoring through head-worn AR devices as negative. However, a complementary cluster analysis indicates that not all respondents share a negative view of monitoring, and one third are likely to share their performance data with employers. We identify three groups with significantly different utility patterns. Furthermore, we monetize the value of privacy to determine compensation payments. The results may help employers, decision-makers, software solution providers as well as researchers in the information systems domain to better understand the factors surrounding acceptance of AR assistance systems. To the best of our knowledge, we are the first to address this issue using conjoint analysis.
How Anxious are German Preschool Children?
Authors: Ehrenberg Daniela , Lohaus Arnold , Konrad Kerstin , Lüning Lorena , Heinrichs Nina
Published: May 2021

The experience of fear is universal and is among the earliest of all forms of psychopathology, if excessively present. To prevent negative developmental outcomes due to early-onset excessive fears in children, it is important to systematically assess these experiences as early as possible. Using the preschool anxiety scale (PAS), we aimed to assess the frequency and structure of anxiety symptoms of 489 preschool-aged children raised in their biological family and 88 raised in foster care (as a high-risk sample) in Germany. While these young children displayed the same types of anxiety most commonly as young children in other countries, the overall occurrence seems to be reported less often by parents in Germany compared to parents from other countries. Anxiety symptoms clustered into five correlated factors (generalized anxiety, social anxiety, obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD), physical injury fear and separation anxiety). Young children in foster care exhibited more OCD and significantly less social anxiety symptoms indicating early repetitive and social disturbances in children in foster care.
Cloud Resource Demand Prediction using Machine Learning in the Context of QoS Parameters
Authors: Nawrocki Piotr , Osypanka Patryk
Published: May 2021

Predicting demand for computing resources in any system is a vital task since it allows the optimized management of resources. To some degree, cloud computing reduces the urgency of accurate prediction as resources can be scaled on demand, which may, however, result in excessive costs. Numerous methods of optimizing cloud computing resources have been proposed, but such optimization commonly degrades system responsiveness which results in quality of service deterioration. This paper presents a novel approach, using anomaly detection and machine learning to achieve cost-optimized and QoS-constrained cloud resource configuration. The utilization of these techniques enables our solution to adapt to different system characteristics and different QoS constraints. Our solution was evaluated using a system located in Microsoft’s Azure cloud environment, and its efficiency in other providers’ computing clouds was estimated as well. Experiment results demonstrate a cost reduction ranging from 51% to 85% (for PaaS/IaaS) over the tested period.
Intervention Services for Autistic Adults: An ASDEU Study of Autistic Adults, Carers, and Professionals’ Experiences
Authors: Micai Martina , Ciaramella Antonio , Salvitti Tommaso , Fulceri Francesca , Fatta Laura Maria , Poustka Luise , Diehm Robert , Iskrov Georgi , Stefanov Rumen , Guillon Quentin , Rogé Bernadette , Staines Anthony , Sweeney Mary Rose , Boilson Andrew Martin , Leósdóttir Thora , Saemundsen Evald , Moilanen Irma , Ebeling Hanna , Yliherva Anneli , Gissler Mika , Parviainen Tarja , Tani Pekka , Kawa Rafal , Vicente Astrid , Rasga Célia , Budişteanu Magdalena , Dale Ian , Povey Carol , Flores Noelia , Jenaro Cristina , Monroy Maria Luisa , Primo Patricia García , Charman Tony , Cramer Susanne , Warberg Christine Kloster , Canal-Bedia Ricardo , Posada Manuel , Scattoni Maria Luisa , Schendel Diana
Published: May 2021

The Autism Spectrum Disorders in the European Union (ASDEU) survey investigated local services’ use experiences of autistic adults, carers and professionals with interventions for autistic adults. The majority of the 697 participants experienced recommended considerations prior to deciding on intervention and during the intervention plan and implementation. Psychosocial interventions were the most commonly experienced interventions, while pharmacological interventions NOT recommended for core autistic symptoms were reported by fairly large proportions of participants. Family interventions were experienced slightly more commonly by carers than adults or professionals. Less than the 26% of autistic adult responders who had experienced challenging behaviors reported receiving an intervention to change them. These results provide insights for improving gaps in service provision of interventions among autistic adults.
Pinning behavior in bulk MgB2 prepared using boron powder refined via high-energy ultra-sonication
Authors: Arvapalli Sai Srikanth , Miryala Muralidhar , Jirsa Milos , Sakai Naomichi , Murakami Masato
Published: May 2021

We successfully refined a cheap commercial boron powder by means of high-energy ultra-sonication and utilized it in synthesis of bulk MgB2. Rietveld phase analysis of X-ray diffraction pattern revealed completely formed MgB2 with a low amount of MgO. MgB2 bulk prepared of boron ultra-sonicated in ethanol for 15 min showed self-field Jc of around 300 kA/cm2 at 20 K without any compromise in Tc (~39 K). Pinning analysis based on Dew-Hughes expression showed major pinning contribution from grain-boundary pinning (~95.5%), along with a slight contribution from point pinning (4.5%). The microstructure study detected a system of large MgB2 grains (hundreds nm large) and 10–20 nm sized particles, possibly Mg-B-O, formed at MgB2 grain boundaries.
Euler–Bernoulli elastic beam models of Eringen’s differential nonlocal type revisited within a $$\mathbf{C }^{0}-$$continuous displacement framework
Authors: Pisano A. A. , Fuschi P. , Polizzotto C.
Published: May 2021

A theory of the Erigen’s differential nonlocal beams of (isotropic) elastic material is prospected independent of the original integral formulation. The beam problem is addressed within a $$C^{(0)}-$$

C

(
0
)

-

continuous displacement framework admitting slope discontinuities of the deflected beam axis with the formation of bending hinges at every cross section where a transverse concentrated external force is applied, either a load or a reaction. Concepts sparsely known from the literature are in this paper used within a more general context, in which the beam is envisioned as a macro-beam whose microstructure is able to take on a size dependent initial curvature dictated by the loading and constraint conditions. Indeed, initial curvature seems to be an effective analytical tool to inject size effects into micro- and nano-beams. The proposed theory is applied to a set of benchmark beam problems showing that a softening behaviour is always predicted without the appearance of paradoxical situations. Comparisons with other theories are also presented.
Don’t drink it, bury it: comparing decomposition rates with the tea bag index is possible without prior leaching
Authors: Blume-Werry Gesche , Di Maurizio Vanessa , Beil Ilka , Lett Signe , Schwieger Sarah , Kreyling Juergen
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The standardized ‘Tea Bag Index’ enables comparisons of litter decomposition rates, a key component of carbon cycling, across ecosystems. However, tea ‘litter’ may leach more than other plant litter, skewing comparisons of decomposition rates between sites with differing moisture conditions. Therefore, some researchers leach tea bags before field incubation. This decreases comparability between studies, and it is unclear if this modification is necessary.

Methods

We submerged green and rooibos tea bags in water, and measured their leaching losses over time (2 min – 72 h). We also compared leaching of tea to leaf and root litter from other plant species, and finally, compared mass loss of pre-leached and standard tea bags in a fully factorial incubation experiment differing in soil moisture (wet and dry) and soil types (sand and peat).

Results

Both green and rooibos tea leached strongly, levelling-off at about 40% and 20% mass loss, respectively. Mass loss from leaching was highest in green tea followed by leaves of other plants, then rooibos tea, and finally roots of other plants. When incubated for 4 weeks, both teas showed lower mass loss when they had been pre-leached compared to standard tea bags. However, these differences between standard and pre-leached tea bags were similar in moist vs. dry soils, both in peat and in sand.

Conclusions

Thus, despite large leaching losses, we conclude that leaching tea bags before field or lab incubation is not necessary to compare decomposition rates between systems, ranging from as much as 5% to 25% soil moisture.
The Italian Start Up Act: a microeconometric program evaluation
Authors: Biancalani Francesco , Czarnitzki Dirk , Riccaboni Massimo
Published: May 2021

This paper analyzes the impact of the Italian Start Up Act which entered into force in October 2012. This public policy provides a unique bundle of benefits, such as tax incentives, public loan guarantees, and a more flexible labor law, for firms registered as “innovative startups” in Italy. This legislation has been implemented by the Italian government to increase innovativeness of small and young enterprises by facilitating access to (external) capital and (high-skilled) labor. Consequently, the goal of our evaluation is to assess the impact of the policy on equity, debt, and employment. Using various conditional difference-in-difference models, we find that the Italian innovative startup policy has met its primary objectives. The econometric results strongly suggest that Italian innovative startups are more successful in obtaining equity and debt capital and they also hire more employees because of the program participation.
An Assessment of the Effect of Relative Humidity on the Decomposition of the ZDDP Antiwear Additive
Authors: Dorgham Abdel , Azam Abdullah , Parsaeian Pourya , Wang Chun , Morina Ardian , Neville Anne
Published: May 2021

The effect of relative humidity on the decomposition reaction of zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDDP) additive under boundary lubrication regime has been investigated using Raman spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The ZDDP tribofilms were formed using the pin-on-disc tribometer at 30 and 90% relative humidity, which was controlled using a custom-made humid chamber. The results suggest that relative humidity does not change only the length of the phosphate chains but also their affinity towards the available cations. At low relative humidity, zinc pyrophosphate to polyphosphate chains were formed compared to predominantly shorter iron orthophosphate chains at high relative humidity. In addition, relative humidity altered the structure of the mature tribofilm. At low relative humidity, the tribofilm had a patchy structure with average thickness of 140 nm and fractal dimension of 2.17. However, at high relative humidity, the tribofilm had a thin dendritic structure with average thickness of 85 nm and fractal dimension of 2.34. This means that the structure is more complex with a larger number of nesting self-similar structures at all scales. This is significant in making the transition from descriptive towards quantitative information of the tribofilm structure.
Anthropometric and performance profile of elite Gaelic football players comparing position and role
Authors: Boyle Eoghan , Warne Joe , Collins Kieran
Published: May 2021

There is currently no information available on the variation in anthropometric and performance characteristics of starters and non-starters in elite Gaelic football. The aim of the current study was to determine if variations exist for elite male Gaelic football players with respect to position and playing role (starter or non-starter). One-hundred-and-sixty-two footballers from six elite teams underwent anthropometric and performance assessments. Players were categorised into six positional groups (goalkeeper, full back, half back, midfield, half forward and full forward) and two playing role groups (starter and non-starter). A significant position × role interaction was observed for Yo-YoIRT1 distance (p = 0.031, pη2 =  0.078), with starters covering a greater distance in all positions when compared to non-starters (all p < 0.05), except for half backs. Goalkeepers covered a significantly lower Yo-YoIRT1 distance compared to all other positions (p ≤ 0.001, pη2 = 0.35), while half backs completed a significantly greater distance compared to full backs (p = 0.014, pη2 = 0.35) and full forwards (p ≤ 0.001, pη2 = 0.35). Starters had a significantly greater CMJ height (p ≤ 0.001, pη2 = 0.082) and CMJ PP (p = 0.001, pη2 = 0.08) compared to non-starters. This research is the first of its kind within Gaelic football to provide anthropometric and performance values with respect to playing role. The data obtained may aid coaches to individualize training regimes to enhance role-specific preparation for competitive match-play.
Predicting performance indicators with ANNs for AI-based online scheduling in dynamically interconnected assembly systems
Authors: Göppert Amon , Mohring Leon , Schmitt Robert H.
Published: May 2021

Mass customization demands shorter manufacturing system response times due to frequent product changes. This increase in system dynamics imposes additional flexibility requirements especially on assembly processes, as complexity accumulates in this last step of value creation. Flexible and dynamically interconnected assembly systems can meet the increased requirements as opposed to traditional dedicated assembly line approaches. The high complexity and dynamical environment in these kinds of systems lead to the demand for real-time online control and scheduling solutions. Within the decision-making of online scheduling, the capability of predicting the consequences of available actions is crucial. In real-time environments, running extensive discrete-event simulations to evaluate how actions unfold requires too much computing time. Artificial neural networks (ANN) are a viable alternative to quickly evaluate the potential future performance value of a production state for online production planning and control. They can predict performance indicators such as the expected makespan given the current production status. Leveraging recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) game algorithms, an assembly control system based on Google DeepMind’s AlphaZero was created. Specifically, an ANN is incorporated into the approach that suggests favorable job routing decisions and predicts the value of actions. The results show that the trained network can predict favorable actions with an accuracy of over 95% and estimate the makespan with an error smaller than 3%.
Body image, self-esteem, and sense of masculinity in patients with prostate cancer: a qualitative meta-synthesis
Authors: Bowie Jessica , Brunckhorst Oliver , Stewart Robert , Dasgupta Prokar , Ahmed Kamran
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Body image, self-esteem, and masculinity are three interconnected constructs in men with prostate cancer, with profound effects on quality of life. This meta-synthesis aimed to evaluate all known qualitative studies published studying the effect of prostate cancer on these constructs.

Methods

A systematic review utilising PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO databases up to May 2020 was conducted in line with PRISMA and ENTREQ guidelines. All qualitative studies of men’s experiences with body image, self-esteem, and masculinity whilst living with prostate cancer were included. A thematic meta-synthesis was conducted to identify emergent descriptive and analytical themes under the main study constructs.

Results

Of 2188 articles identified, 68 were included. Eight descriptive themes were identified under two analytical themes: ‘Becoming a Prostate Cancer Patient’ and ‘Becoming a Prostate Cancer Survivor’. These described the distress caused by changes to body image, sexual functioning, sense of masculinity, and self-esteem, and the subsequent discourses men engaged with to cope with and manage their disease. A key element was increased flexibility in masculinity definitions, and finding other ways to re-affirm masculinity.

Conclusions

Prostate cancer has an important effect on men’s health post-diagnosis, and we identified strong relationships between each construct evaluated. The role of hegemonic masculinity is important when considering men’s coping mechanisms and is also a key factor when addressing these constructs in counselling post-treatment.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

This meta-synthesis provides key topics that uniquely affect prostate cancer survivors, enabling these patients to be effectively counselled, and have their concerns recognised by clinicians.
Maternal Subclinical Hypothyroidism in Rats Impairs Spatial Learning and Memory in Offspring by Disrupting Balance of the TrkA/p75NTR Signal Pathway
Authors: Zhang Fan , Lin Xinyue , Liu Aihua , Chen Jian , Shan Zhongyan , Teng Weiping , Yu Xiaohui
Published: May 2021

Maternal subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) during pregnancy can adversely affect the neurodevelopment of the offspring. The balance of nerve growth factor (NGF)-related tropomyosin receptor kinase A/p75 neurotrophin receptor (TrkA/p75NTR) signaling in the hippocampus is important in brain development, and whether it affects cognitive function in maternal SCH’s offspring is not clear. In this study, we found that compared with the control (CON) group, expression of proliferation-related proteins [NGF, p-TrkA, phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (p-ERK1/2) and phospho-cAMP response element-binding protein (p-CREB)] decreased in the hippocampus of the offspring in the SCH group, overt hypothyroidism (OHT) group, and the group with levothyroxine (L-T4) treatment for SCH from gestational day 17 (E17). In contrast, expression of apoptosis-related proteins [pro-NGF, p75NTR, phospho-C-Jun N-terminal kinase (p-JNK), p53, Bax and cleaved caspase-3] was increased. The two groups with treatment with L-T4for SCH from E10 and E13, respectively, showed no significant difference compared with the CON group. L-T4treatment enhanced relative expression of NGF by increasing NGF/proNGF ratio in offspring from maternal SCH rats. In conclusion, L-T4treatment for SCH from early pregnancy dramatically ameliorated cognitive impairment via TrkA/p75NTRsignaling, which involved activation of the neuronal proliferation and inhibition of neuronal apoptosis in SCH rats’ offspring.
Rajyoga Meditation Experience Induces Enhanced Positive Thoughts and Alters Gray Matter Volume of Brain Regions: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: M G Ramesh Babu , Kadavigere Rajagopal , Koteshwara Prakashini , Sathian Brijesh , Rai Kiranmai S.
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Many studies on various meditation types have reported regional gray matter volume changes using voxel-based morphometric analysis of structural MRI, but there are no studies done on structural MRI of Rajyoga meditators. The objective of the present study is to analyze and compare gray matter volume changes of brain regions in meditators and non-meditators and further study the effects of meditation experience on alterations in various brain regions. These regions were then correlated and compared to positive thought scores of participants.

Methods

Forty participants in each group (closely matched for age, gender, and handedness) were selected after obtaining their informed consent, and voxel-based morphometric analysis was carried out using their structural MRI scans.

Results

On voxel-wise comparison of the brain scans, meditators were observed to have significantly higher global gray matter volume and significant regional gray matter volume increases in the right superior frontal gyrus, left inferior orbitofrontal cortex, left inferior parietal gyrus, left posterior cerebellum, left middle temporal gyrus, bilateral precuneus, and cuneus. Additionally, long-term meditators particularly had significantly higher positive thinking scores compared to non-meditators. On multiple regression analysis, gray matter volume of the left superior parietal gyrus and left inferior parietal gyrus had a positive association, whereas the left posterior cerebellum had a negative association with hours of meditation experience. With the positive thoughts score, a significant relationship was found in the right superior temporal gyrus in meditators.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that Rajyoga meditation experience/practice enhances gray matter volume of specific brain regions and positive thoughts.
The Radon Inversion Problem for Holomorphic Functions in the Unit Disc
Authors: Kot P. , Pierzchała P.
Published: May 2021

This paper deals with the so-called Radon inversion problem formulated in the following way: Given a $$p>0$$

p
>
0

and a strictly positive function H continuous on the unit circle $${\partial {\mathbb {D}}}$$

∂
D

, find a function f holomorphic in the unit disc $${\mathbb {D}}$$
D
such that $$\int _0^1|f(zt)|^pdt=H(z)$$

∫
0
1

|
f

(
z
t
)

|

p

d
t
=
H

(
z
)

for $$z \in {\partial {\mathbb {D}}}$$

z
∈

∂
D

. We prove solvability of the problem under consideration. For $$p=2$$

p
=
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, a technical improvement of the main result related to convergence and divergence of certain series of Taylor coefficients is obtained.
How Do State Gambling Monopolies Affect Levels of Gambling Harm?
Authors: Marionneau Virve , Egerer Michael , Nikkinen Janne
Published: May 2021

Purpose of Review

This systematic literature review evaluates the potential of gambling monopolies to affect gambling harms. It compares the occurrence of gambling harms in jurisdictions with gambling monopolies to jurisdictions with license-based regimes.

Recent Findings

The review identified 21 publications concerning three gambling-related harm indicators: problem gambling prevalence, total consumption, and the appearance of conflicts of interest. Due to the dearth of literature, concept papers and older publications were also included.

Results show that there is a paucity of empirical research on the effectiveness of different regulatory regimes in affecting gambling harms. Available research demonstrates that monopolistic regimes appear to perform somewhat better in terms of problem gambling prevalence and total consumption but may also be more prone to conflicts of interest than license-based regimes. Monopolistic configurations also differ between themselves, and issues such as availability, accessibility, product range, scope of preventive work, monitoring, as well as the recognition of the public health approach may better predict the levels of harm in society than the existence of a monopoly.
Examining the validity and consistency of the Adult Eating Behaviour Questionnaire-Español (AEBQ-Esp) and its relationship to BMI in a Mexican population
Authors: Hunot-Alexander Claudia , Arellano-Gómez Laura Patricia , Smith Andrea D. , Kaufer-Horwitz Martha , Vásquez-Garibay Edgar M. , Romero-Velarde Enrique , Fildes Alison , Croker Helen , Llewellyn Clare H. , Beeken Rebecca J.
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Appetitive traits in adults and their associations with weight can be measured using the Adult Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (AEBQ). The aim of this study was to confirm the factor structure of the Spanish AEBQ (AEBQ-Esp) in a Mexican sample and explore associations between the eight traits with body mass index (BMI).

Method

A sample of 1023 adults, mean age of 36.8 ± 12.8 years, was recruited from Guadalajara, Mexico. Researchers weighed and measured participants, and they completed the AEBQ-Esp either online or in paper format and reported sociodemographic data. To test two alternative factor structures (eight factors including Hunger; seven factors excluding Hunger), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used. Internal reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha; test–retest reliability was assessed using intra-class correlation coefficients. Multivariate linear regressions were used to test for associations between the AEBQ subscales and BMI, adjusted for age, sex, format of AEBQ responses, education, marital and employment status.

Results

A seven-factor structure was the best model fit using CFA, excluding the Hunger subscale but similar to the original AEBQ. Internal reliability was good for all subscales (Cronbach’s α = 0.70–0.86), and the intra-class correlation coefficient (0.70–0.91) reflected good test–retest reliability. In the fully adjusted models, Satiety Responsiveness [β = − 0.61; (− 1.01, − 0.21)] and Slowness in Eating [β = − 0.70; (− 1.01, − 0.39)] were negatively associated with BMI, and Emotional Over-Eating [β = 0.94; (0.62, 1.27)] was positively associated with BMI.

Conclusions

The AEBQ-Esp (excluding Hunger) appears to be a valid and reliable psychometric questionnaire for measuring appetitive traits in a Mexican Spanish-speaking population. Some traits appear to be associated with BMI in adulthood and warrant further exploration.

Level of evidence

Level III evidence obtained from well-designed cohort or case–control analytic studies. Although this was just an observational study, it was well designed and provided new evidence.
Security for eHealth system: data hiding in AMBTC compressed images via gradient-based coding
Authors: Chen Yung-Yao , Hu Yu-Chen , Kao Hsiang-Yun , Lin Yu-Hsiu
Published: May 2021

Various eHealth applications based on the Internet of Things (IoT) contain a considerable number of medical images and visual electronic health records, which are transmitted through the Internet everyday. Information forensics thus becomes a critical issue. This paper presents a data hiding algorithm for absolute moment block truncation coding (AMBTC) images, wherein secret data, or the authentication code, can be embedded in images to enhance security. Moreover, in view of the importance of transmission efficiency in IoT, image compression is widely used in Internet-based applications. To cope with this challenge, we present a novel compression method named gradient-based (GB) compression, which is compatible with AMBTC compression. Therefore, after applying the block classification scheme, GB compression and data hiding can be performed jointly for blocks with strong gradient effects, and AMBTC compression and data hiding can be performed jointly for the remaining blocks. From the experimental results, we demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms other state-of-the-art methods.
Span identification and technique classification of propaganda in news articles
Authors: Li Wei , Li Shiqian , Liu Chenhao , Lu Longfei , Shi Ziyu , Wen Shiping
Published: May 2021

Propaganda is a rhetorical technique designed to serve a specific topic, which is often used purposefully in news article to achieve our intended purpose because of its specific psychological effect. Therefore, it is significant to be clear where and what propaganda techniques are used in the news for people to understand its theme efficiently during our daily lives. Recently, some relevant researches are proposed for propaganda detection but unsatisfactorily. As a result, detection of propaganda techniques in news articles is badly in need of research. In this paper, we are going to introduce our systems for detection of propaganda techniques in news articles, which is split into two tasks, Span Identification and Technique Classification. For these two tasks, we design a system based on the popular pretrained BERT model, respectively. Furthermore, we adopt the over-sampling and EDA strategies, propose a sentence-level feature concatenating method in our systems. Experiments on the dataset of about 550 news articles offered by SEMEVAL show that our systems perform state-of-the-art.
Reflections on the Political Economy of European Wine Appellations
Authors: Alston Julian M. , Gaeta Davide
Published: May 2021

Today’s European wine policy is centered on a system of appellations, implemented as geographical indications (GIs), that entail significant technological regulations—restricting the varieties that may be grown, while imposing maximum yields per hectare and other rules regarding grape production and winemaking practice. This paper outlines the historical development of European wine policy under the CAP, and presents a more detailed analysis of the economic consequences of the rules and regulations under the appellation system. The introduction of these rules and regulations was probably beneficial initially, both for their didactive effect on wine producers and consumers and as a way of overcoming a significant “lemons” problem in the market. However, those same rules and regulations are much less valuable today, given (1) the potential for alternative sources of information to solve the lemons problem, and (2) evidence that the appellation system per se might not be effectively serving that purpose as well as it once did, while some of the regulations impose significant social costs. Yield restrictions, in particular, are economically inefficient as a way of enhancing and signaling quality (their ostensible purpose) and as a way of restricting total supply to support market prices and thus producer incomes (a significant motivation). The inherent weaknesses of the policy design are compounded by failures of governance. A less heavy-handed approach to policy would allow more scope for the market mechanism to match supply and demand for this signature product from European agriculture.
Association Between Penile Color Doppler Ultrasonography and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Patients With Vascular Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: De Rocco Ponce Maurizio , Vecchiato Marco , Neunhaeuserer Daniel , Battista Francesca , Caretta Nicola , Savalla Francesco , Favero Claudia , Garolla Andrea , Foresta Carlo , Ermolao Andrea
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Vascular erectile dysfunction (ED) is a burdensome condition, associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Peak systolic velocity (PSV) represents the maximum pulse velocity in the cavernous artery measured by a penile color doppler ultrasonography (PCDU) during a pharmacologically induced erection and is considered a reliable parameter for the diagnosis of vascular ED. However, the cut-off value of standard PSV (30 cm/s) provides high sensitivity only in the diagnosis of advanced arteriogenic disease. Thus, an age-adjusted PSV (6.73 + 0.7 x age cm/s) has been proposed to offer a more accurate diagnosis of vascular ED.

Aim

In this study it was aimed to answer the following question: “Is there any positive association between indexes of vascular erectile dysfunction and cardiorespiratory fitness?”

Main Outcome Measure And Methods

25 patients with a medical history of ED (median age 55.3 years) underwent PCDU after pharmacological stimulation. Subsequently, a functional evaluation with ECG-monitored, incremental, maximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing was performed.

Results

Peak oxygen uptake (VO2 peak), peak oxygen uptake per body weight (VO2 peak/kg) and Watt/kg correlated with standard PSV, even when corrected for age and BMI (p < 0.05). No differences emerged in cardiopulmonary fitness between pathological and healthy patients (4 vs 21) identified using the standard PSV cut-off. Conversely, the age-adjusted PSV cut-off identified a greater number of patients as pathological (18 vs 7), presenting a significantly lower cardiopulmonary fitness, exercise capacity and efficiency when compared to patients with normal age-adjusted PSV (all p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Data showed an age and BMI independent association between vascular disfunction of cavernous artery and cardiopulmonary fitness, a known solid predictor of all-cause and disease-specific mortality. Moreover, the age-adjusted PSV better identified a subgroup of patients with vascular ED presenting impaired cardiorespiratory fitness and thus increased cardiovascular risk.