bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First-time anterior cruciate ligament injury in adolescent female elite athletes: a prospective cohort study to identify modifiable risk factors
Authors: Zebis M. K. , Aagaard P. , Andersen L. L. , Hölmich P. , Clausen M. B. , Brandt M. , Husted R. S. , Lauridsen H. B. , Curtis D. J. , Bencke J.
Published: May 2021

Purpose

To identify modifiable biomechanical and neuromuscular anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk factors for first-time ACL injury in adolescent female elite football and team handball players.

Methods

Adolescent female elite football and handball players with no previous ACL injury participated in the present study. At baseline, players were tested during side-cutting manoeuvres performed in a 3-dimensional motion analysis laboratory with concomitant electromyography (EMG) measurements. Maximal isometric lower limb muscle strength was assessed by handheld dynamometry. Players were prospectively followed for 2 years after baseline testing, and all magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) verified ACL injuries were registered. The effect of 16 risk factor candidates on the relative risk (RR) of ACL injury was estimated using Poisson regression analysis.

Results

Ninety players (age 16.9 ± 1.2 years) were included in the analyses. Nine first-time ACL injuries (injury incidence 10.0% (95% confidence interval (CI) 5.4–18.6%)) were registered during the 2-year follow-up period. Four risk factor candidates were significantly associated with the risk of ACL injury: (1) hip flexion angle at initial contact (IC) [RR 0.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.34–0.92], (2) internal knee rotation angle at IC [RR 1.13, 95% CI 1.08–1.19], (3) semitendinosus EMG activity 50 ms prior to IC [RR: 0.62, 95% CI 0.43–0.89], and (4) external hip rotator strength [RR: 0.77, 95% CI 0.66–0.89].

Conclusion

Four distinct ACL injury risk factors related to the side-cutting manoeuvre were identified in a population of adolescent female elite football and team handball players with no previous ACL injury. As ACL injury typically occur during side-cutting, intervention programmes to modify these risk factors pose a promising strategy for ACL injury prevention in adolescent female elite football and team handball.

Level of evidence

II.
Electric properties of olive oil under pressure
Authors: Pawlicki L. T. , Siegoczyński R. M. , Ptasznik S. , Marszałek K.
Published: May 2021

The main purpose of the experiment was a thermodynamic research with use of the electric methods chosen. The substance examined was olive oil. The paper presents the resistance, capacitive reactance, relative permittivity and resistivity of olive. Compression was applied with two mean velocities up to 450 MPa. The results were shown as functions of pressure and time and depicted on the impedance phase diagram. The three first order phase transitions have been detected. All the changes in material parameters were observed during phase transitions. The material parameters measured turned out to be the much more sensitive long-time phase transition factors than temperature. The values of material parameters and their dependence on pressure and time were compared with the molecular structure, arrangement of molecules and interactions between them. Knowledge about olive oil parameters change with pressure and its phase transitions is very important for olive oil production and conservation.
Compatibility Complex for Black Hole Spacetimes
Authors: Aksteiner Steffen , Andersson Lars , Bäckdahl Thomas , Khavkine Igor , Whiting Bernard
Published: May 2021

The set of local gauge invariant quantities for linearized gravity on the Kerr spacetime presented by two of the authors (Aksteiner and Bäckdahl in Phys Rev Lett 121:051104, 2018) is shown to be complete. In particular, any gauge invariant quantity for linearized gravity on Kerr that is local and of finite order in derivatives can be expressed in terms of these gauge invariants and derivatives thereof. The proof is carried out by constructing a complete compatibility complex for the Killing operator, and demonstrating the equivalence of the gauge invariants from Aksteiner and Bäckdahl (Phys Rev Lett 121:051104, 2018) with the first compatibility operator from that complex.
Process development and scale-up optimization of the SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain–based vaccine candidate, RBD219-N1C1
Authors: Lee Jungsoon , Liu Zhuyun , Chen Wen-Hsiang , Wei Junfei , Kundu Rakhi , Adhikari Rakesh , Rivera Joanne Altieri , Gillespie Portia M. , Strych Ulrich , Zhan Bin , Hotez Peter J. , Bottazzi Maria Elena
Published: May 2021

A SARS-CoV-2 RBD219-N1C1 (RBD219-N1C1) recombinant protein antigen formulated on Alhydrogel® has recently been shown to elicit a robust neutralizing antibody response against SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus in mice. The antigen has been produced under current good manufacturing practices (cGMPs) and is now in clinical testing. Here, we report on process development and scale-up optimization for upstream fermentation and downstream purification of the antigen. This includes production at the 1-L and 5-L scales in the yeast, Pichia pastoris, and the comparison of three different chromatographic purification methods. This culminated in the selection of a process to produce RBD219-N1C1 with a yield of >400 mg per liter of fermentation with >92% purity and >39% target product recovery after purification. In addition, we show the results from analytical studies, including SEC-HPLC, DLS, and an ACE2 receptor binding assay that were performed to characterize the purified proteins to select the best purification process. Finally, we propose an optimized upstream fermentation and downstream purification process that generates quality RBD219-N1C1 protein antigen and is fully scalable at a low cost.

Key points

• Yeast fermentation conditions for a recombinant COVID-19 vaccine were determined.

• Three purification protocols for a COVID-19 vaccine antigen were compared.

• Reproducibility of a scalable, low-cost process for a COVID-19 vaccine was shown.

Graphical abstract
Radiomics and gene expression profile to characterise the disease and predict outcome in patients with lung cancer
Authors: Kirienko Margarita , Sollini Martina , Corbetta Marinella , Voulaz Emanuele , Gozzi Noemi , Interlenghi Matteo , Gallivanone Francesca , Castiglioni Isabella , Asselta Rosanna , Duga Stefano , Soldà Giulia , Chiti Arturo
Published: May 2021

Objective

The objectives of our study were to assess the association of radiomic and genomic data with histology and patient outcome in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

In this retrospective single-centre observational study, we selected 151 surgically treated patients with adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma who performed baseline [18F] FDG PET/CT. A subgroup of patients with cancer tissue samples at the Institutional Biobank (n = 74/151) was included in the genomic analysis. Features were extracted from both PET and CT images using an in-house tool. The genomic analysis included detection of genetic variants, fusion transcripts, and gene expression. Generalised linear model (GLM) and machine learning (ML) algorithms were used to predict histology and tumour recurrence.

Results

Standardised uptake value (SUV) and kurtosis (among the PET and CT radiomic features, respectively), and the expression of TP63, EPHA10, FBN2, and IL1RAP were associated with the histotype. No correlation was found between radiomic features/genomic data and relapse using GLM. The ML approach identified several radiomic/genomic rules to predict the histotype successfully. The ML approach showed a modest ability of PET radiomic features to predict relapse, while it identified a robust gene expression signature able to predict patient relapse correctly. The best-performing ML radiogenomic rule predicting the outcome resulted in an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.87.

Conclusions

Radiogenomic data may provide clinically relevant information in NSCLC patients regarding the histotype, aggressiveness, and progression. Gene expression analysis showed potential new biomarkers and targets valuable for patient management and treatment. The application of ML allows to increase the efficacy of radiogenomic analysis and provides novel insights into cancer biology.
Correction to: 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: May 2021

A Correction to this paper has been published: 10.1007/s00281-021-00858-9
CAS FGOALS-f3-L Large-ensemble Simulations for the CMIP6 Polar Amplification Model Intercomparison Project
Authors: He Bian , Zhang Xiaoqi , Duan Anmin , Bao Qing , Liu Yimin , Hu Wenting , Li Jinxiao , Wu Guoxiong
Published: May 2021

Large-ensemble simulations of the atmosphere-only time-slice experiments for the Polar Amplification Model Intercomparison Project (PAMIP) were carried out by the model group of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Flexible Global Ocean-Atmosphere-Land System (FGOALS-f3-L). Eight groups of experiments forced by different combinations of the sea surface temperature (SST) and sea ice concentration (SIC) for pre-industrial, present-day, and future conditions were performed and published. The time-lag method was used to generate the 100 ensemble members, with each member integrating from 1 April 2000 to 30 June 2001 and the first two months as the spin-up period. The basic model responses of the surface air temperature (SAT) and precipitation were documented. The results indicate that Arctic amplification is mainly caused by Arctic SIC forcing changes. The SAT responses to the Arctic SIC decrease alone show an obvious increase over high latitudes, which is similar to the results from the combined forcing of SST and SIC. However, the change in global precipitation is dominated by the changes in the global SST rather than SIC, partly because tropical precipitation is mainly driven by local SST changes. The uncertainty of the model responses was also investigated through the analysis of the large-ensemble members. The relative roles of SST and SIC, together with their combined influence on Arctic amplification, are also discussed. All of these model datasets will contribute to PAMIP multi-model analysis and improve the understanding of polar amplification.
Impact of bioprosthetic valve type on peri-procedural myocardial injury and mortality after transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: De Marzo Vincenzo , Crimi Gabriele , Vercellino Matteo , Benenati Stefano , Pescetelli Fabio , Della Bona Roberta , Sarocchi Matteo , Canepa Marco , Balbi Manrico , Porto Italo
Published: May 2021

Peri-procedural myocardial injury (PPMI) is a common complication after transcatheter valve replacement (TAVR), often remaining clinically silent. The role of valve type on PPMI and the association between PPMI and mortality are still unclear. We sought to evaluate predictors and outcome of PPMI after TAVR, and the impact of self-expandable valve (SEV) vs. balloon-expandable valve (BEV) deployment on PPMI. Consecutive patients who underwent successful TAVR in a single-center from January 2014 to December 2019 were included. PPMI was defined according to a modified Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC)-2 definition as a post-procedure elevation of troponin (with a peak value ≥ 15-times the upper-reference limit) < 72 h after TAVR. We included 596 patients, of whom 258 (43.3%) were men. Mean age was 83.4 ± 5.5 years. We deployed 368 (61.7%) BEV and 228 (38.3%) SEV. PPMI was observed in 471 (79.0%) patients. At multivariable analysis, SEV (OR 2.70, 95% CI 1.64–4.55, p < 0.001), creatinine clearance (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.97–1.00, p = 0.011), and baseline ejection fraction (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.02–1.07, p < 0.001) were independent predictors of PPMI; these findings were also confirmed using a propensity-weighted analysis. Thirty-day and 1-year all-cause mortality rates were 2.5% and 8.1%, respectively. No associations between PPMI and 30-day (p = 0.488) or 1-year (p = 0.139) all-cause mortality were found. Independent predictors of 30-day mortality were increasing EUROSCORE II (HR 1.16 per score point, 95% CI 1.08–1.19, p < 0.001) and life-threatening/major bleeding complications (HR 5.87, 95% CI 1.28–26.58, p = 0.019), whereas EUROSCORE II (HR 1.08, 95% CI 1.04–1.13, p = 0.031) and acute kidney injury (HR 2.59, 95% CI 1.20–5.35, p = 0.020) were related to 1-year mortality. PPMI is frequent after TAVR, but it does not affect 30-day or 1-year all-cause mortality. SEV implantation is associated with an increased frequency of PPMI.
Dietary patterns associated with renal impairment in the Northern Ireland Cohort for the Longitudinal Study of Ageing (NICOLA)
Authors: Paterson Euan N. , Neville Charlotte E. , Wallace Sara M. , Woodside Jayne V. , Kee Frank , Young Ian S. , Cruise Sharon , McGuinness Bernadette , Maxwell Alexander P. , McKay Gareth J.
Published: May 2021

Background

Dietary-based primary prevention guidelines for chronic kidney disease (CKD) treatment are lacking due to limited evidence. Single nutrient intake studies do not account for complex dietary interactions. We assessed associations between dietary patterns and renal function in the Northern Ireland Cohort for the Longitudinal Study of Ageing (NICOLA).

Design

A cross-sectional observational study used NICOLA baseline dietary data collected between February 2014 and March 2016 via a food frequency questionnaire for 2590 participants aged ≥ 50 years. Principal component analysis identified a posteriori dietary patterns. Renal function was characterised by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) using serum creatinine and cystatin-C. Associations were assessed according to quintiles of dietary pattern adherence and multivariable regression analysis examined associations with eGFR.

Results

Variation in three dietary patterns was significantly associated with eGFR. After adjustment for potential confounders, participants with least adherence to the ‘healthy’ dietary pattern 1 had a mean eGFR 3.4 ml/min/1.73m2 (95% confidence interval, [CI] − 5.0, − 1.7, p < 0.001) lower than the most adherent. Those with lowest adherence to the ‘unhealthy’ dietary pattern 2 had a mean eGFR 1.9 ml/min/1.73m2 (CI 0.2, 3.5, p = 0.03) higher than those with highest adherence. Participants with lowest adherence to dietary pattern 3, characterised by a high consumption of alcohol and coffee, had a mean eGFR 1.8 ml/min/1.73m2 (− 3.5, − 0.01, p = 0.05) lower than those with greatest adherence.

Conclusions

Our findings identify independent associations between dietary patterns and eGFR. These findings can inform the development of diet-related primary prevention advice for CKD.
Correction to: Endoscopic surgical treatment for rhinogenic contact point headache: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Maniaci Antonino , Merlino Federico , Cocuzza Salvatore , Iannella Giannicola , Vicini Claudio , Cammaroto Giovanni , Lechien Jérome R. , Calvo-Henriquez Christian , La Mantia Ignazio
Published: May 2021

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-021-06844-z
Differences in single positive formal thought disorder symptoms between closely matched acute patients with schizophrenia and mania
Authors: Kircher Tilo , Stein Frederike , Nagels Arne
Published: May 2021

Formal thought disorders (FTD) are a hallmark diagnostic feature of schizophrenia (SZ) and (bipolar) mania (MA). FTD can be separated into positive (pFTD) and negative dimensions. It is unclear whether there are differences in pFTD on a single symptom level between acutely ill patients with SZ and MA, which cannot be attributed to cognitive impairment. We compared single pFTD symptoms in two groups of acutely ill patients with ICD-10 bipolar mania and schizophrenia, closely matched for age, sex, pFTD TALD score, verbal IQ and neuropsychological test performance (executive function, verbal fluency, attention, and working memory). SZ patients had higher severity of the TALD symptoms “perseverations” and “poverty of content of speech” than those with MA (Mann–Whitney U, significant, Bonferroni corrected). Speech in acute SZ patients differs from MA in that it conveys little information and adheres to previously mentioned ideas and topics. Matching for confounding variables, such as IQ and cognition, is important when comparing patients with different diagnoses.
Effects of age on psychosocial working conditions and future labour market marginalisation: a cohort study of 56,867 Swedish twins
Authors: Wang Mo , Svedberg Pia , Narusyte Jurgita , Farrants Kristin , Ropponen Annina
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Previous studies have reported an elevated risk of sickness absence (SA) and disability pension (DP) due to adverse psychosocial working conditions, yet the influence of age and familial factors on the associations have not been examined. We aimed to investigate associations between psychosocial working conditions and labour market marginalisation (LMM) in terms of unemployment, SA and DP adjusting for familial confounding and possible differences in these associations with different age groups and different unemployment and sick leave days.

Methods

All twins living in Sweden in 2001, aged 16–64 years and not on old-age pension or DP were included (n = 56,867). The twins were followed from 2002 to 2016 regarding unemployment, SA and DP. Cox proportional hazards regression models were performed for the whole sample, and for discordant twin pairs, in five age groups.

Results

Each one-unit increase in job demands and job control was associated with a lower risk of unemployment, SA and DP in all age groups. Moreover, each one-unit increase in social support was associated with an increased risk of 1–30 days unemployment in individuals older than 45 years and SA and DP. Social support decreased the risk of unemployment longer than 365 days in age groups 16–25 and 36–45 years. In the discordant twin pair analyses, the estimates attenuated towards statistical non-significance.

Conclusion

Even though familial factors seem to influence the associations between psychosocial working conditions and LMM, improving psychosocial working conditions by for example promoting high job control and social support at workplace may reduce the risk of future short- and long-term LMM in all age groups.
Topographic volume-standardization atlas of the human brain
Authors: Akeret Kevin , van Niftrik Christiaan Hendrik Bas , Sebök Martina , Muscas Giovanni , Visser Thomas , Staartjes Victor E. , Marinoni Federica , Serra Carlo , Regli Luca , Krayenbühl Niklaus , Piccirelli Marco , Fierstra Jorn
Published: May 2021

Specific anatomical patterns are seen in various diseases affecting the brain. Clinical studies on the topography of pathologies are often limited by the absence of a normalization of the prevalence of pathologies to the relative volume of the affected anatomical structures. A comprehensive reference on the relative volumes of clinically relevant anatomical structures serving for such a normalization, is currently lacking. The analyses are based on anatomical high-resolution three-dimensional T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging data of 30 healthy Caucasian volunteers, including 14 females (mean age 37.79 years, SD 13.04) and 16 males (mean age 38.31 years, SD 16.91). Semi-automated anatomical segmentation was used, guided by a neuroanatomical parcellation algorithm differentiating 96 structures. Relative volumes were derived by normalizing parenchymal structures to the total individual encephalic volume and ventricular segments to the total individual ventricular volume. The present investigation provides the absolute and relative volumes of 96 anatomical parcellation units of the human encephalon. A larger absolute volume in males than in females is found for almost all parcellation units. While parenchymal structures display a trend towards decreasing volumes with increasing age, a significant inverse effect is seen with the ventricular system. The variances in volumes as well as the effects of gender and age are given for each structure before and after normalization. The provided atlas constitutes an anatomically detailed and comprehensive analysis of the absolute and relative volumes of the human encephalic structures using a clinically oriented parcellation algorithm. It is intended to serve as a reference for volume-standardization in clinical studies on the topographic prevalence of pathologies.
Growing up after childhood cancer: maturity and life satisfaction in young adulthood
Authors: Dattilo Taylor M. , Olshefski Randal S. , Nahata Leena , Hansen-Moore Jennifer A. , Gerhardt Cynthia A. , Lehmann Vicky
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Young individuals face a variety of developmental tasks as they mature into adulthood. For survivors of childhood cancer, growing up may be more difficult due to their illness and late effects from treatment. This study is the first to quantitatively examine perceptions of maturity and how these perceptions contribute to satisfaction with life among young adult survivors of childhood cancer.

Methods

Ninety survivors of childhood cancer (Mage = 29.8; 7–37 years post-diagnosis) were recruited to complete online surveys on how mature they felt relative to peers, their perceived maturity on three domains (financial, personal, social), and life satisfaction.

Results

Most survivors (62%; n = 56) felt they grew up faster than their peers, and over half (56%; n = 50) felt more mature. Perceived maturity was high on all three domains, but brain tumor survivors reported significantly lower maturity than other survivors (d = 0.76–1.11). All maturity domains were positively associated with life satisfaction (r = .49–.56). Hierarchical linear regressions indicated that 44% of the variance in life satisfaction was explained by perceptions of growing up slower (β =  − 1.08, p = .004) and marginally by greater perceived personal maturity (β = 0.45, p = .061).

Conclusions

Childhood cancer can influence development, with most survivors feeling that they grew up faster and were more mature than peers. Personal maturity was related to life satisfaction, with survivors of brain tumors or those who felt they grew up slower at greatest risk for lower life satisfaction. Future research and clinical practice should consider survivors’ development and maturation across the life span to promote overall well-being.
Elite and dynamic opposite learning enhanced sine cosine algorithm for application to plat-fin heat exchangers design problem
Authors: Zhang Lidong , Hu Tianyu , Yang Zhile , Yang Dongsheng , Zhang Jianhua
Published: May 2021

The heat exchanger has been widely used in the energy and chemical industry and plays an irreplaceable role in the featured applications. The design of heat exchanger is a mixed integer complex optimization problem, where the efficient design significantly improves the efficiency and reduces the cost. Many intelligent methods have been developed for heat exchanger optimal design. In this paper, a novel variant of sine and cosine algorithm named EDOLSCA is proposed, enhanced by dynamic opposite learning algorithm and the elite strategy. The proposed method is tested in CEC2014 benchmark and proved to be of significant advantages over the original algorithm. The new algorithm is then validated in the plate-fin heat exchanger (PFHE) optimal design problem. The comparison results of the proposed algorithm and other algorithms prove that EDOLSCA also has demonstrated superiority in heat exchanger optimal design.
Chancen und Grenzen einer ‚3-D-Ökonomie‘:
Authors: Santarius Tilman , Lange Steffen
Published: May 2021

Digitale Technologien können eine regionale bzw. lokale Produktion durch uneingeschränkten Zugang zu Informationen und Märkten attraktiver und auch kostengünstiger machen. Zugleich ermöglichen digitale Technologien neue Kommunikationsweisen, die mehr Mitsprache, offenere Märkte und eine Begegnung von Marktteilnehmenden ‚auf Augenhöhe‘ ermöglichen. In diesem Beitrag leuchten wir die Chancen und Grenzen der Digitalisierung für eine Dezentralisierung und Demokratisierung der Ökonomie aus, veranschaulichen bestehende Potenziale anhand von zahlreichen Fallbeispielen und zeigen deren Beitrag zur ökologischen Nachhaltigkeit auf. Doch wir analysieren auch, dass diesen Potenzialen in der Realität eine historisch beispiellose Konzentration von Marktmacht in der Hand einiger weniger IT-Konzerne gegenübersteht. Nebst den Chancen zeigen wir in diesem Beitrag daher ebenfalls, aufgrund welcher Mechanismen die Digitalisierung der Ökonomie einer Dezentralisierung und Demokratisierung zuwiderlaufen kann. Abschließend stellen wir Perspektiven und Instrumente vor, wie eine ‚3-D-Ökonomie‘ – digital, demokratisch, dezentral – politisch unterstützt werden kann.
A fast sparse spectral method for nonlinear integro-differential Volterra equations with general kernels
Authors: Gutleb Timon S.
Published: May 2021

We present a sparse spectral method for nonlinear integro-differential Volterra equations based on the Volterra operator’s banded sparsity structure when acting on specific Jacobi polynomial bases. The method is not restricted to convolution-type kernels of the form K(x, y) = K(x − y) but instead works for general kernels at competitive speeds and with exponential convergence. We provide various numerical experiments based on an open-source implementation for problems with and without known analytic solutions and comparisons with other methods.
A Trauma-Informed, Family-Centered, Virtual Home Visiting Program for Young Children: One-Year Outcomes
Authors: Mogil Catherine , Hajal Nastassia , Aralis Hilary , Paley Blair , Milburn Norweeta G. , Barrera Wendy , Kiff Cara , Beardslee William , Lester Patricia
Published: May 2021

Military-connected families face many challenges associated with military life transitions, including deployment separations. We report on a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of Families OverComing Under Stress-Early Childhood (FOCUS-EC) delivered through an in-home, virtual telehealth platform. FOCUS-EC is a trauma-informed, family-centered preventive intervention designed to promote family resilience and well-being. Military-connected families with 3- to 6-year-old children (194 mothers; 155 fathers; 199 children) were randomized to FOCUS-EC or an online education condition. Parent psychological health symptoms, child behavior, parenting, and parent–child relationships were examined by parent-report and observed interaction tasks for up to 12 months. Longitudinal regression models indicated that FOCUS-EC families demonstrated significantly greater improvements than online education families in parent-reported and observational measures of child behavior, parenting practices, and parent–child interaction, as well as greater reductions in parent posttraumatic stress symptoms. Findings provide support for the benefit of a virtually-delivered preventive intervention for military-connected families.
Correction to: Prevalence of Enterobacteriaceae in Wild Long-Tailed Macaques (Macaca fascicularis) in Thailand
Authors: Balasubramaniam Krishna N. , Malaivijitnond Suchinda , Kemthong Taratorn , Meesawat Suthirote , Hamada Yuzuru , Jeamsripong Saharuetai , Srisamran Jutanat , Kuldee Mullika , Thaotumpitak Varangkana , McCowan Brenda , Atwill Edward
Published: May 2021

A Correction to this paper has been published: 10.1007/s10764-021-00222-6
Role of calcium phosphate and bioactive glass coating on in vivo bone healing of new Mg–Zn–Ca implant
Authors: Mahato Arnab , De Munmun , Bhattacharjee Promita , Kumar Vinod , Mukherjee Prasenjit , Singh Gajendra , Kundu Biswanath , Balla Vamsi K. , Nandi Samit Kumar
Published: May 2021

Present investigation focuses on development and detailed characterization of a new Mg alloy sample (BM) with and without coating of hydroxyapatite (BMH) and bioactive glass (BMG) by air plasma spray method. After detailed mechano-physico-chemical characterization of powders and coated samples, electrochemical corrosion and SBF immersion tests were carried out. Detailed in vitro characterizations for cell viability were undertaken using MG-63 cell line followed by in vivo tests in rabbit model for studying bone healing up to 60 days. Starting current density increases from BM to BMH to BMG indicating highest resistance towards corrosion in case of BMG samples, however BMH also showed highest icorr value suggesting slowest rate of corrosion than BM and BMG samples. Dissolution of calcium ion in case of BMH and BMG control formation of apatite phases on surface. Ca2+ ions of coatings and from SBF solution underwent reduction reaction simultaneously with conversion of Mg to MgCl2 releasing OH− in the solution, which increases pH. Viability and propagation of human osteoblast-like cells was verified using confocal microscopy observations and from expression of bone specific genes. Alkaline phosphatase assay and ARS staining indicate cell proliferation and production of neo-osseous tissue matrix. In vivo, based on histology of heart, kidney and liver, and immune response of IL-2, IL-6 and TNFα, all the materials show no adverse effects in body system. The bone creation was observed to be more for BMH. Although both BMH and BMG show rays of possibilities in early new bone formation and tough bone–implant bonding at interface as compared to bare Mg alloy, however, BMG showed better well-sprayed coating covering on substrate and resistance against corrosion prior implanting in vivo. Also, better apatite formation on this sample makes it more favourable implant.
Consistent patterns of fungal communities within ant-plants across a large geographic range strongly suggest a multipartite mutualism
Authors: Greenfield Melinda J. , Lach Lori , Congdon Brad C. , Anslan Sten , Tedersoo Leho , Field Matt , Abell Sandra E.
Published: May 2021

In recent decades, multipartite mutualisms involving microorganisms such as fungi have been discovered in associations traditionally thought of as bipartite. Ant-plant mutualisms were long thought to be bipartite despite fungi being noticed in an epiphytic ant-plant over 100 years ago. We sequenced fungal DNA from the three distinct domatium chambers of the epiphytic ant-plantMyrmecodia beccariito establish if fungal communities differ by chamber type across five geographic locations spanning 675 km. The three chamber types serve different ant-associated functions including ‘waste’ chambers, where ant workers deposit waste; ‘nursery’ chambers, where the brood is kept; and ‘ventilation’ chambers, that allow air into the domatium. Overall, fungi from the order Chaetothyriales dominated the chambers in terms of the proportion of operational taxonomic units (OTUs; 13.4%) and sequence abundances of OTUs (28% of the total); however a large portion of OTUs (28%) were unidentified at the order level. Notably, the fungal community in the waste chambers differed consistently from the nursery and ventilation chambers across all five locations. We identified 13 fungal OTUs as ‘common’ in the waste chambers that were rare or in very low sequence abundance in the other two chambers. Fungal communities in the nursery and ventilation chambers overlapped more than either did with the waste chambers but were also distinct from each other. Differences in dominance of the common OTUs drove the observed patterns in the fungal communities for each of the chamber types. This suggests a multipartite mutualism involving fungi exists in this ant-plant and that the role of fungi differs among chamber types.
Decolonizing transformations through ‘right relations’
Authors: Gram-Hanssen Irmelin , Schafenacker Nicole , Bentz Julia
Published: May 2021

Climate change has been conceptualized as a form and a product of colonization. In this perspective, it becomes important to base climate change adaptation and transformation efforts on decolonizing practices and imaginaries. A central aspect of decolonization is contained in the Indigenous conceptualization of relationality. Exploring how decolonization and relationality might form the foundation for transformations research, we engage with the concept of ‘right relations’. In the context of this inquiry, we take ‘right relations’ to mean an obligation to live up to the responsibilities involved when taking part in a relationship—be it to other humans, other species, the land or the climate. We begin the paper by bringing together the literature on climate change adaptation, transformation and decolonization to show their interconnections and emphasize the need to engage with all three when talking about sustainability. Second, we invoke the idea of ‘right relations’ to address how non-Indigenous transformation researchers can further the process of decolonization as part of their research. Third, we offer insights from our own research experience with narrative practices to help exemplify how transformation researchers in all disciplines might embody ‘right relations’ centered around four characteristics: listening deeply, self-reflexivity, creating space and being in action. Embodying ‘right relations’ is a continuous process of becoming with no end point, and we do not wish to suggest that we hold the answers. Instead, we reflect on our role in this process and hope for these words to open a dialogue about how we might move towards a ‘decolonized humanity’. We suggest that willingness to be affected and altered by the process of reciprocal collaborations is key to imagining decolonial ways of being and that this in turn can be a powerful manner of generating equitable and sustainable transformations.
Enhanced or distorted wisdom of crowds? An agent-based model of opinion formation under social influence
Authors: Mavrodiev Pavlin , Schweitzer Frank
Published: May 2021

We propose an agent-based model of collective opinion formation to study the wisdom of crowds under social influence. The opinion of an agent is a continuous positive value, denoting its subjective answer to a factual question. The wisdom of crowds states that the average of all opinions is close to the truth, i.e., the correct answer. But if agents have the chance to adjust their opinion in response to the opinions of others, this effect can be destroyed. Our model investigates this scenario by evaluating two competing effects: (1) agents tend to keep their own opinion (individual conviction), (2) they tend to adjust their opinion if they have information about the opinions of others (social influence). For the latter, two different regimes (full information vs. aggregated information) are compared. Our simulations show that social influence only in rare cases enhances the wisdom of crowds. Most often, we find that agents converge to a collective opinion that is even farther away from the true answer. Therefore, under social influence the wisdom of crowds can be systematically wrong.
Effect of Ion Irradiation on Nanoindentation Fracture and Deformation in Silicon Carbide
Authors: Leide Alexander J. , Todd Richard I. , Armstrong David E. J.
Published: May 2021

Silicon carbide is desirable for many nuclear applications, making it necessary to understand how it deforms after irradiation. Ion implantation combined with nanoindentation is commonly used to measure radiation-induced changes to mechanical properties; hardness and modulus can be calculated from load–displacement curves, and fracture toughness can be estimated from surface crack lengths. Further insight into indentation deformation and fracture is required to understand the observed changes to mechanical properties caused by irradiation. This paper investigates indentation deformation using high-resolution electron backscatter diffraction (HR-EBSD) and Raman spectroscopy. Significant differences exist after irradiation: fracture is suppressed by swelling-induced compressive residual stresses, and the plastically deformed region extends further from the indentation. During focused ion beam cross-sectioning, indentation cracks grow, and residual stresses are modified. The results clarify the mechanisms responsible for the modification of apparent hardness and apparent indentation toughness values caused by the compressive residual stresses in ion-implanted specimens.
Loneliness and Risk for Cardiovascular Disease: Mechanisms and Future Directions
Authors: Paul Elise , Bu Feifei , Fancourt Daisy
Published: May 2021

Purpose of review

In this review, we synthesise recent research on the association between loneliness and cardiovascular disease (CVD). We present evidence for mechanisms underlying this association and propose directions for future research.

Recent findings

Loneliness is related to increased risk of early mortality and CVD comparable to other well-established risk factors such as obesity or smoking.

Loneliness has been linked to higher rates of incident CVD, poorer CVD patient outcomes, and early mortality from CVD. Loneliness likely affects risk for these outcomes via health-related behaviours (e.g. physical inactivity and smoking), biological mechanisms (e.g. inflammation, stress reactivity), and psychological factors (e.g. depression) to indirectly damage health.
Spatial heterogeneity of mortality and diffusion rates determines larval delivery to adult habitats for coastal marine populations
Authors: Meyer Alexander D. , Hastings Alan , Largier John L.
Published: May 2021

Many benthic animals begin life with a planktonic larval stage during which coastal currents may move individuals far from shore. This trait is believed to allow individuals to develop away from nearshore predators and sibling competition, based on the assumption that mortality rates are weaker offshore. However, larvae developing offshore often fail to locate suitable coastal habitats. This results in a trade-off between nearshore mortality and offshore wastage with consequences for larval delivery to adult habitats that have not been fully appreciated. We use a reaction-diffusion model to show that when the nearshore larval mortality rate is high, larval supply can vary more than 10-fold with the offshore mortality rate. If this offshore rate is weak, then larval supply is maximized by an intermediate diffusion rate or larval duration. While a low-diffusivity coastal boundary layer typically improves the larval supply by decreasing wastage, it can also reduce the larval supply by preventing individuals from exploiting low offshore mortality rates. Finally, the cross-shore structure of the mortality rate may influence the alongshore transport of larvae by determining how far offshore they reside prior to settling, and, consequently, the alongshore currents they experience. Our observations contrast with the prior argument that larval supply decreases with diffusivity and larval duration due to wastage, and challenge the widespread decision to omit cross-shore heterogeneity from studies of alongshore movement. Scenarios in which spatial variability in the mortality rate has a large effect on recruitment are important both for understanding the biological consequences of the larval stage and from a modeling perspective.
Sleep quality in students: Associations with psychological and lifestyle factors
Authors: Henrich Liv C. , Antypa Niki , Van den Berg Julia F.
Published: May 2021

Disturbed sleep is prevalent in adult populations and has been associated with negative health outcomes. This cross-sectional study assessed how psychological and lifestyle factors relate to subjective sleep quality in university students. In a large (N = 1114) sample of Dutch university students we assessed chronotype (Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire), depressive symptoms (Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptoms), cognitive emotion regulation styles (Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire), and substance use (caffeine, alcohol, smoking, cannabis), and analysed whether these factors were related to subjective sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index). The sample was predominantly (77.8%) female, mean age 21.1 (SD = 2.9) years, and 42.8% had clinically significant poor subjective sleep quality. More eveningness (B = −.05, p = .001), more depressive symptoms (B = .31, p = .001), less use of the emotion regulation strategy ‘putting into perspective’ (B = −.06, p = .02) and smoking (B = .53, p = .02) were independently associated with poorer subjective sleep quality. More eveningness, more depressive symptoms, less use of the emotion regulation style ‘putting into perspective’ and smoking were independently associated with poorer subjective sleep quality in a large sample of Dutch university students.
Are there still indications for whole brain irradiation in 2021?
Authors: Dieckmann Karin , Herrmann Harald
Published: May 2021

Brain metastases (BM) are the most frequent intracranial tumors in adults. About 10–20% of the patients with cancer will develop them. Historically, most of the patients with brain metastases were treated with whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT). The intention was to control the metastases and to eliminate distant micrometastases. Randomized control trials showed no difference in survival in patients with single and oligometastases treated with WBRT compared with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). To avoid treatment-related toxicities with neurocognitive decline, indications for WBRT are changing. High precision therapy with SRS or postoperative stereotactic treatments have become increasingly important. Only in exceptional cases is WBRT still the treatment of choice.
Evaluation of sediment transport empirical equations: case study of the Euphrates River West Iraq
Authors: Sulaiman Sadeq Oleiwi , Al-Ansari Nadhir , Shahadha Ahmed , Ismaeel Rasha , Mohammad Sura
Published: May 2021

Sediment transport in rivers is an important and complex process. It is very important to know the nature and quantities of sediments transported in course of rivers to achieve prudent water management. Due to the presence of most of the important projects on or near the banks of the river in the study area, so there is always a fear that these projects will be affected by the processes of erosion, transport, and sedimentation among the decision makers. Therefore, there is a need to develop our knowledge of the suitable equations that can be applied with acceptable accuracy to obtain satisfactory results for monitoring the processes of erosion, sedimentation, and transport that occur in River path to monitor and anticipate the changes taking place in the areas of the riverbanks. This study was carried out to check the reliability of different sediment transport formulas using data collected from the Euphrates River at the thermal power station in Al Anbar province, Iraq. The study also aimed to select the best formula for this site. Hydrological data have been collected. These were used for computing the total sediment load in the river at a specified cross-section using common sediment transport formulas ascribed to Ackers-White, Bagnold, Yang, Colby, Shen and Hung, and Engelund-Hansen. The performance of these formulas was assessed based on the accuracy of the predictions of the observed sediment load within a limited discrepancy ratio. The evaluations showed that the Engelund-Hansen formula represented the best formula for this river reach.
Diversity patterns of Middle Permian gastropod assemblages from the Tak Fa Formation, Central Thailand
Authors: Ketwetsuriya Chatchalerm , Hausmann Imelda M. , Nützel Alexander
Published: May 2021

Middle Permian marine invertebrate assemblages from Central Thailand are strongly dominated by gastropods. Two gastropod assemblages from the Tak Fa Limestone at Khao Noi and Khao Chao Thong of the Nakhon Sawan area are the first Permian ones from Thailand that are analysed regarding diversity and composition based on quantitative data. Both gastropod assemblages, comprising 40 species in total, are dominated by the gastropods Anomphalus sp., Warthia cf. brevisinuata and Glabrocingulum magnum; the genus Anomphalus is especially abundant which is unusual for Permian assemblages. Both studied gastropod assemblages have a similar taxonomic composition and diversity including the same values of diversity indices that indicate a moderate diversity. In addition, rarefaction analyses and rank-abundance distributions also suggest that diversity and structure of both assemblages are the same. The studied assemblage is compared with other Permian gastropod assemblages from Asia (Malaysia, East Timor and Japan). Rarefaction, diversity indices and rank-abundance distributions suggest that the diversity of the studied fauna is distinctly lower than that of the others despite coming from similar depositional environments. This is surprising because the Tak Fa gastropods lived at lower latitudes than the others. This could suggest an inverse diversity gradient in the Palaeo-Tethys, but more evidence is needed to substantiate this assumption. Several Late Palaeozoic and Early Mesozoic fossil assemblages are dominated by gastropods, e.g. those from the Pennsylvanian Buckhorn Asphalt deposit, the Permian from Japan and Malaysia, as well as the Late Triassic Cassian Formation. This shows that at least locally, gastropod dominance is not restricted to modern faunas.
Evolutionary Process from Mockina bidentata to Parvigondolella andrusovi: Evidence from the Pizzo Mondello Section, Sicily, Italy
Authors: Du Yixing , Onoue Tetsuji , Karádi Viktor , Williams Ian S. , Rigo Manuel
Published: May 2021

During their last phase of evolution, the pectiniform conodont elements manifested an evident trend of simplification and miniaturization. This phase started from the late Norian (Sevatian) in the Late Triassic and the evolutionary process of genusMockinatoParvigondolella, in particular betweenMockina bidentataandParvigondolella andrusovi, is one of the most significant examples.Parvigondolellahas been reported worldwide since it was first described in the early 1970s. However, it has recently been suggested that genusParvigondolellais an ecostratigraphic morphotype of genusMockina, and thus a phenotype controlled by the environmental conditions, and not an independent taxon. In the Pizzo Mondello Section (Sicily, Italy), transitional forms betweenM. bidentataandP. andrusovihave been found at different evolutionary stages. We have investigated the oceanic conditions at the time by using redox-sensitive elements (Mn, Fe, V, Cr, and Ni) and seawater temperatures from biogenetic δ18Ophosto understand the possible environmental influences on the phylogenetic evolution betweenMockinaandParvigondolella.The geochemical and isotope analyses indicate that the redox condition and temperature were stable during the evolution of genusParvigondolellain Pizzo Mondello, confirming that genusParvigondolellais a real taxon and not a phenotype. A new conodont species namedParvigondolella ciarapicaen. sp. is described here for the first time.
Multiple Local Community Detection via High-Quality Seed Identification over Both Static and Dynamic Networks
Authors: Liu Jiaxu , Shao Yingxia , Su Sen
Published: May 2021

Local community detection aims to find the communities that a given seed node belongs to. Most existing works on this problem are based on a very strict assumption that the seed node only belongs to a single community, but in real-world networks, nodes are likely to belong to multiple communities. In this paper, we first introduce a novel algorithm, HqsMLCD, that can detect multiple communities for a given seed node over static networks. HqsMLCD first finds the high-quality seeds which can detect better communities than the given seed node with the help of network representation, then expands the high-quality seeds one-by-one to get multiple communities, probably overlapping. Since dynamic networks also act an important role in practice, we extend the static HqsMLCD to handle dynamic networks and introduce HqsDMLCD. HqsDMLCD mainly integrates dynamic network embedding and dynamic local community detection into the static one. Experimental results on real-world networks demonstrate that our new method HqsMLCD outperforms the state-of-the-art multiple local community detection algorithms. And our dynamic method HqsDMLCD gets comparable results with the static method on real-world networks.