bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality metrics for diversified similarity searching: What they stand for?
Authors: Lopes Camila L. , Jasbick Daniel L. , Bedo Marcos , Santos Lúcio F.D.
Published: March 2021

Diversity-oriented searches retrieve objects not only similar to a reference element but also related to the different types of collections within the queried dataset. While such characterization is flexible enough to include methods originally from information retrieval, data clustering, and similarity searching under the same umbrella, diversity metrics are expected to be much less paradigm-biased in order to discriminate which approaches are more suitable and when they should be applied. Accordingly, we extend and implement a broad set of quality metrics from those distinct realms and experimentally discuss their trends and limitations. In particular, we evaluate the suitability of data clustering indexes, and similarity-driven measures regarding their adherence to diversified similarity searching. Experiments in real-world datasets indicate such measures are capable of distinguishing diversity methods from different paradigms, but they heavily favor the approaches of the same group – especially cluster indexes. As an alternative, we argue diversity is better addressed by a set of measures rather than a single quality value. Therefore, we propose the Diversity Features Model (DFM) that combines the perspectives of the competing approaches into a multidimensional point whose features are calculated based on the distance distribution within both retrieved and queried datasets. Empirical evaluations showed DFM compares different diversity searching approaches by considering multiple criteria, whereas overall winners can be found by ranking aggregation or visualized through parallel coordinates maps.
Temporal Evolution of Complex Data
Authors: Fogaça Isis Caroline Oliveira de Sousa , Bueno Renato
Published: March 2021

Monitoring the temporal evolution of data is essential in many areas of application of databases, such as medicine, agriculture and meteorology. Complex data are usually represented in metric spaces, where only the elements and the distances between them are available, which makes it impossible to represent trajectories considering a temporal dimension. In this paper we propose to map the metric data to multidimensional spaces so that we can estimate the element's status at a given time, based on known states of the same element. As it is not possible to create the complex data equivalent to its estimated position, we propose to apply similarity queries using this position as query center. We evaluated three types of similarity queries: k-NN, kAndRange and kAndRev.
Keyword Search over the COVID-19 Data
Authors: Torres Izquierdo Yenier , Monteagudo Garcia Grettel , Lemos Melissa , Novello Alexandre , Novelli Bruno , Damasceno Cleber , Leme Luiz André P. P. , Casanova Marco Antonio
Published: March 2021

Keyword search is typically associated with information retrieval systems. However, recently, keyword search has been expanded to relational databases and RDF datasets, as an attractive alternative to traditional database access. With this motivation, this paper first introduces a platform for data and knowledge retrieval, called DANKE, concentrating on the keyword search component. It then describes an application that uses DANKE to implement keyword search over two COVID-19 data scenarios.
A Novel Solution for the Aggregation Problem in Natural Language Interface to Databases (NLIDB)
Authors: Novello Alexandre Ferreira , Casanova Marco Antonio
Published: March 2021

Natural Language Interface to Databases (NLIDB) systems usually do not deal with aggregations, which can be of two types: aggregation functions (such as count, sum, average, minimum, and maximum) and grouping functions (GROUP BY). This paper addresses the creation of a generic module, to be used in NLIDB systems, that allows such systems to perform queries with aggregations, on the condition that the query results the NLIDB returns are or can be transformed into tables. The paper covers aggregations with specificities, such as ambiguities, timescale differences, aggregations in multiple attributes, the use of superlative adjectives, basic unit measure recognition, and aggregations in attributes with compound names.
Detectando Doença de Parkinson - Uma Comparação de Modelos de Aprendizagem de Máquina com Redução de Dimensionalidade Diferencialmente Privada
Authors: Bento Filho Manuel Edvar , Silva Maria de Lourdes Maia , Barros Patrícia Vieira da Silva , Mattos César Lincoln Cavalcante , Machado Javam De Castro
Published: March 2021

Este artigo visa apresentar uma comparação de modelos de aprendizagem de máquina utilizando duas abordagens de redução de dimensionalidade no pré-processamento dos dados, uma privada e outra não privada. O problema consiste em classificar pacientes como portadores ou não da doença de Parkinson. Modelos foram comparados a partir de suas capacidades em diagnosticar a doença a partir de uma coleta de dados vocais. Os resultados obtidos indicam que os modelos de processo Gaussiano e Random Forest foram as melhores abordagens sem e com restrição de privacidade diferencial, respectivamente.
Semantic Search on Scientific Repositories: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Gottardi Thiago , Medeiros Claudia Bauzer , Dos Reis Julio Cesar
Published: March 2021

Open Science has been recognized as one of the most important movements for leveraging scientific collaboration, helping scientists produce high quality research through sharing and reuse. It is usually defined as a combination of three factors: open access, open data and open processes, and relies on the corresponding publication of papers, data and software in repositories that can be publicly accessed on the Web. However, finding relevant papers, data and software has become one of the associated problems. Many search mechanisms – in particular semantic search – have risen as a means to solve this issue. Nevertheless, implementing these mechanisms and integrating them into scientific repositories presents many challenges. This paper presents a systematic literature review of research efforts on mechanisms for supporting search for scientific papers, data and processes, based on extracting and analyzing the entire contents of Scopus and IEEE Xplore.
Der Einfluss von schulischer, nachschulischer und Erwachsenenbildung auf die politische Partizipation. Ein integratives Modell unter Kontrolle des familiären Hintergrundes
Authors: Lischewski Julia , Busse Robin , Seeber Susan , Baethge Martin
Published: March 2021

Politisch interessierte Bürgerinnen und Bürger bilden eine wichtige Voraussetzung für eine funktionierende Demokratie. Die Förderung politischen Wissens, von demokratischen Einstellungen und Wertorientierungen einerseits und die der politischen Partizipation andererseits stellen deshalb nicht zuletzt auch zentrale Anliegen von Bildung dar. Wenngleich der positive Effekt von allgemeiner Schulbildung auf die politische Partizipation schon seit den 60er Jahren diskutiert wird, beschränkt sich die Forschung im deutschen Sprachraum weitgehend auf diesen Bildungsabschnitt, ohne die sich daran anschließenden Bildungsphasen (mit Ausnahme der Hochschulbildung) näher in den Blick zu nehmen. Im vorliegenden Beitrag wird deshalb unter Kontrolle von Herkunftsfaktoren sowohl der Effekt der allgemeinen Schulbildung als auch der der beruflichen, der universitären und Erwachsenenbildung in einem integrierten Modell untersucht. Die Ergebnisse auf Grundlage der NEPS Erwachsenenkohorte sowie des SOEP zeigen, dass die genannten Bildungsphasen je einen positiven, wenngleich unterschiedlich starken Einfluss auf die Wahlbeteiligung, einer zentralen und grundlegenden Form politischer Teilhabe, ausüben, der auch unter Kontrolle des familiären Hintergrundes bestehen bleibt.
System im Umbruch
Authors: Sievert Maren
Published: March 2021

How do legal practitioners deal with a completely unknown institution? This question is examined in the work based on the introduction of the real estate liens of the BGB in Baden. Beginning with the previously French-influenced Baden Land Law, the work examines the view of the Baden government and the scientific community on the BGB's drafts in the area of real estate liens. It represents the Baden preparation for the introduction of the BGB. The core of the work is the analysis of how the legal practitioners handled the new law after the introduction. For this purpose, notarial records from Heidelberg are evaluated and supplemented by findings from the scientific discussion at the time and statistics.
Improved a Guillain-Barre Syndrome Patient with Positive PCR Test for Coronavirus in Cerebrospinal Fluid After Plasmapheresis: A Case Report
Authors: Shaliahmadi Davood , Bavarsad Kowsar , Momeni Mohammad , Salehi Kahyesh Roya , Ghafouri Samireh
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), started in December 2019, affects many organs and systems of the body, such as the central nervous system. Case Presentation: We describe a case of a 66-year-old female patient with positive results for COVID-19 using real-time PCR (RT-PCR) testing from her cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and the coronavirus antibodies (Ig G and Ig M) using serology test. Her clinical presentation showed the misbalance and acute weakness of upper and lower limbs with preference of proximal parts of the limbs, pinprick, and the absence of deep tendon reflexes. Taken together, these symptoms, neurological tests and the result of CSF analysis (high protein) were in favor of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS). In addition, because the neurological symptoms worsted four days after hospitalization, plasmapheresis was started over the course of 8 days (on every alternate day) with a volume of 2000 mL. Although the results of electromyogram (EMG) - nerve conduction velocity (NCV) following plasmapheresis showed the motor and sensory neuropathy, which was generally accompanied by demyelination, but it leads to the recovery of upper and lower limbs from 2/5 to 4/5 and improvement of neck flexor muscles from 3/5 to 5/5. Conclusions: GBS should be considered as a neurological outcome of COVID-19. In addition, regarding the beneficial effects of plasmapheresis on GBS (following coronavirus infection), it can be suggested as a part of the treatment protocol in these patients.
Business processes reconfiguration through the implementation of an enterprise resource planning system
Authors: Jesus Cristiano , Lima Rui
Published: March 2021

The use of technology in organizations does not always produce the expected effects, because the cause-effect relationship in efficiency, productivity and therefore competitiveness is not linear. The available resources, ways of access and their capacities in terms of storage, processing and speed of response are known, however they are not always assimilated by the agents of the productive sector as they should to promote effective results and business agility. The research procedure adopted was a critical-descriptive analysis of a real case. Based on the bibliographic review on Business Processes reconfiguration and follow-up of an implementation project in a Brazilian company, a Business Model reconfiguration with ERP system implementation case was described and evaluated. The purpose of this article is to present a success case of Information Systems implementation project, to demonstrate the long way to go before reaching the results that makes such a project a successful project and to examine the impacts in the human resource perception. The research resulted in the description of an ERP implementation case, its evaluation based on perceptions, followed by critical discussion about barriers and risks inherent to projects of this nature. Although information technology has advanced a lot in the last decades in resources and functionalities, its cost has been significantly reduced, and its acquisition has been greatly facilitated, implementation is not a trivial activity. The article can serve as a guide for characterization of risks and sensitive aspects in reconfiguration projects for organizations that wish to achieve effectiveness in this type of project.
Modeling the effect of wheeled tractors and skidded timber bunches on forest soil compaction
Authors: Grigorev Igor , Kunickaya Olga , Burgonutdinov Albert , Tikhonov Evgeniy , Makuev Valentin , Egipko Sergey , Hertz Edward , Zorin Maksim
Published: March 2021

An increasing demand for forest products incites a large number of log transportation operations, which may lead to negative consequences for the soil and the ecosystem as a whole. This paper is focused on establishing a mathematical model to estimate the soil deformation and compaction processes under tires of wheeled forest machines and individual components of the skidding system such as forwarder, limbs, butts, and tops of tree-lengths in high latitudes, permafrost soil and forests. The method applied is based on simulating the impact processes of elastic tires and the skidding system on the soil through a mathematical device for the measurement of the compaction parameters for different types of soil and the size of the shelterbelt. The effectiveness of the proposed models was evaluated according to experimental results. The influence of the rheological (elastic, viscous, and plastic) properties of soil were studied. The elasticity of tires and the running speed of forest machines can help to control the performance of forest machines. This can be done by reducing the pressure exerted on the soil and increasing the number of skidder passes 1.5-2-fold. Comparative analysis showed that the calculated data differ from the experimental ones by no more than 10%. The obtained results and the developed model will allow for a qualitative and quantitative assessment of technological impact on the soil during the projecting maps for logging operations.
One of the approaches to solve the problem of the cost of a phase transition heat accumulator for a solar heat supply system
Authors: Umerenkova Vladimirovna
Published: March 2021

Based on the analysis of the Russian market of basic materials for phase-shifting heat accumulators (FPAT), including the issue of pricing policy, an attempt was made to reveal the dependence of the cost of a heat accumulator for a solar thermal supply system on operating and design parameters. In turn, to determine the latter, the method was used, which makes it possible to design FPAT with the given design and technological parameters, at a given minimum temperature of the coolant at the outlet of the accumulator, the known thermophysical characteristics of the coolant and heat storage material (TAM), including the phase transition temperature.
Version of a mathematical model of purge ventilation system with a complex recuperative heat exchanger
Authors: Ezhov Vladimir , Semicheva Natalia , Tyutyunov Dmitry , Burtsev Alexey , Perepelitsa Nikita
Published: March 2021

The aim of the study is to develop a design of an air-heating recuperator for a purge ventilation system of a building inbuilt for the purpose of utilizing lower-grade heat from ventilation gases and emissions with the associated production of thermoelectricity. An experimental design of an air-heating recuperator as part of an experimental purge unit has been developed. It includes a thermoelectric source of electromotive difference, which operates as a result of the associated conversion of heat into electricity, which allows utilizing lower-potential heat of ventilation releases from 40°C to 60°C.
Proyectos de ciencia ciudadana. Una oportunidad para la alfabetización científica y la educación en sostenibilidad
Authors: López-Iñesta Emilia , Queiruga-Dios Miguel Ángel , García-Costa Daniel , Grimaldo Francisco
Published: March 2021

Desde que surgió el término ciencia ciudadana hasta la actualidad, los proyectos de participación ciudadana en la ciencia han aumentado en cantidad y en diversidad de áreas de actuación. La ciencia ciudadana se descubre así como un mecanismo para implicar a la sociedad, propiciar su interés en la ciencia y contribuir a su alfabetización científica. Además, hay que destacar la aportación inherente de los proyectos de ciencia ciudadana al logro de los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible (ODS). En este artículo se revisan algunos ejemplos de proyectos de ciencia ciudadana de ámbito internacional y se detallan proyectos en activo en España, tanto desde la perspectiva de la enseñanza formal como desde la formación no reglada.
Prevalence of Depression in Podiatric Medical Students
Authors: Shofler David W. , Oh Elizabeth , Kaur Karanjot , Flavin Kaitlin , Danesh Peyman
Published: March 2021

Background

Although depression and depressive symptoms have been previously explored in various medical student cohorts, there has been a lack of formal investigation among podiatric medical students specifically. The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence and related characteristics of depression and depressive symptoms in podiatric medical students.

Methods

A mixed-methods approach was used. Students at a podiatric medical college were asked to complete the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale Revised survey electronically each year for 4 consecutive years. Focus group sessions were also conducted to further explore topics related to depression and depressive symptoms.

Results

Surveys were completed by 271 of 539 potential respondents (50.3%). A total of 34.7% of respondents screened positive for depression or depressive symptoms, defined as meeting or exceeding the criteria for subthreshold depressive symptoms on the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale Revised. The prevalence was found to be lower in clinical students (third- and fourth-year students) and in students in committed relationships. Themes from the focus group sessions included the following: coping with stress, general health concerns, self-evaluation, action and preparation, and the use of campus resources.

Conclusions

Depression and depressive symptoms were commonly encountered in this podiatric medical student cohort. Future investigations may consider specific treatment and prevention strategies.
Does the Application of a Semiocclusive Dressing Alter the Microflora of Healthy Intact Skin on the Foot?
Authors: Forss Rachel , Hugman Zoe , Ridlington Kelly , Radley Marissa , Henry-Toledo Emma , O'Neill Bill
Published: March 2021

Background

The skin on human feet presents unique environments for the proliferation of potentially pathogenic commensals. This study examined microflora changes on healthy intact skin under a semiocclusive dressing on the medial longitudinal arch of the foot to determine changes in growth, distribution, and frequency of microflora under the dressing.

Methods

Nine human participants wore a low-adherent, absorbent, semiocclusive dressing on the medial longitudinal arch of the left foot for 2 weeks. An identical location on the right foot was swabbed and used as a control. Each foot was swabbed at baseline, week 1, and week 2. The swabs were cultured for 48 hours. Visual identification, Gram staining, DNase test agar, and a latex slide agglutination test were used to identify genera and species.

Results

Microflora growth was categorized as scant (0–10 colony-forming units [CFU]), light (11–50 CFU), moderate (51–100 CFU), or heavy (>100 CFU). Scant and light growth decreased and moderate and heavy growth increased under the dressing compared with the control. Seven different genera of bacteria were identified. Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp appeared most frequently, followed by Corynebacterium spp.

Conclusions

Changes in microflora distribution, frequency, and growth were found under the dressing, supporting historical studies. Microflora changes were identified as an increase in bioburden and reduction in diversity. The application of similar methods, using more sophisticated identification and analysis techniques and a variety of dressings, could lead to a better understanding of bacterial and fungal growth under dressings, informing better dressing selection to assist the healing process of wounds and prevent infection.
Schwannoma with Psammoma Body
Authors: Hummel Lindsay M. , Gamble Susan , Krouse Robert , Jhala Darshana , Dalal Sharvari , Adjapong Opoku
Published: March 2021

We present a case of a 59-year-old male veteran with a chronic history of right foot soft-tissue mass that was causing pain in his shoes, but not functional or neurologic symptoms. Excision of the mass and pathologic evaluation resulted in multidisciplinary involvement and evaluation. In this example, the mass was found to be either an unusual schwannoma that happens to be psammoma body–rich or an unusual psammomatous melanocytic schwannoma that deviates from conventional examples, as a diagnostic consensus was unable to be reached. Schwannomas are an uncommon finding in the foot, and even more uncommon are those that contain psammoma bodies. Although rare, these tumors can be concerning for more systemic, life-altering diseases such as Carney complex, for which our patient refused genetic testing.
Role of Ultrasound in Early Diagnosis of Stress Fracture: A Case Report of Bilateral Distal Fibular Stress Fracture in a Female Recreational Badminton Player
Authors: Kim Hak Jun , Park Young Hwan , Kim Jae Young , Choi Gi Won
Published: March 2021

A 34-year-old female recreational badminton player presented with left ankle pain 1 week after a recreational badminton game. She reported experiencing a similar pattern of pain in her right ankle 4 months before that had persisted for 3 months. On plain radiography, callus formation was evident on the right distal fibula, and a subtle lesion was observed on the left side. Ultrasound was performed with the clinical suspicion of bilateral, nonsimultaneous, distal fibular stress fracture. Focal hyperechoic thickening of the periosteum with irregularity and hypoechoic periosteal edema over the left distal fibula were identified. These findings were consistent with stress fracture, and an early phase of distal fibular stress fracture was diagnosed. This case report highlights that ultrasound can be an alternative modality to magnetic resonance imaging or bone scan scintigraphy for the early diagnosis of stress fracture.
Acute-Onset Achilles Tendon Pain and Swelling Treated with an Amniotic Fluid–Derived Allograft: A Case Study
Authors: Carroll Chad C. , Chemelewski Kali , Patel Shivam H. , Curtis Donald
Published: March 2021

Background

Tendinopathies are common musculoskeletal disorders that often develop because of chronic loading and failed healing. Tendinopathy related to systemic inflammation has been less extensively examined. Furthermore, although the use of biological agents to treat tendinopathies continues to gain popularity, the use of amniotic fluid–derived allografts in outpatient settings to resolve tendinopathies requires further evaluation.

Methods

The focus of this case report is a 25-year-old man who presented for a second opinion, having been diagnosed with Haglund deformity and Achilles tendinopathy. At the time of presentation, he complained of 10 of 10 pain to the right Achilles tendon. He was treating the injury conservatively with intermittent use of a controlled ankle motion boot and working with physiotherapy for approximately 5 months before presentation. Diagnostic ultrasound along with magnetic resonance imaging indicated distal thickening of the Achilles tendon, substantial fluid and edema in the Kager fat pad, and retrocalcaneal erosions with bursitis. Conservative management did not resolve the symptoms. As an alternative to surgery, the patient elected to undergo an Achilles tendon injection of an amniotic fluid–derived allograft. Before and after the initial injection, a microdialysis catheter was inserted into the Achilles peritendinous space to sample local levels of extracellular matrix enzymes and growth factors important for tendon remodeling. The patient received considerable relief with the initial injection, but did not return to full strength. Over the subsequent 8 weeks, the patient was followed closely and was able to return to daily activities with minimal pain. He was not able to return to a more active lifestyle without further Achilles pain, so a second amniotic fluid–derived allograft injection was performed 8 weeks after the initial injection.

Results

Injection of the initial allograft resulted in significant improvement, but not complete resolution of pain and swelling. Microdialysis findings suggested a reduction in peritendinous levels of the cytokine interlukin-6 in addition to changes in extracellular matrix regulatory enzymes. After 8 weeks of additional conservative therapy and a second injection, no further improvement in pain was noted.

Conclusions

Based on the clinical improvement of symptoms in this individual and the changes seen with microdialysis methodology, the authors find the use of amniotic fluid–derived allograft injection for treatment of Achilles pain in this patient to be a viable treatment. Additional comorbidities of systemic inflammatory polyarthritis and possible seronegative disease were addressed after rheumatology consultation with a variety of medications that provided the patient additional relief of his symptoms. The patient ultimately moved and was lost to further follow-up.
Rosai-Dorfman Disease of the Talus in a Child: A Case Report
Authors: Okay Erhan , Yıldız Yavuz , Sarı Tarık , Yildirim Ayse Nur Toksoz , Ozkan Korhan
Published: March 2021

Background

Primary Rosai-Dorfman disease of bone is a rare disorder. Radiologic and clinical evaluation is insufficient in differentiating malignancy from these lesions.

Methods

We present a talar lesion in a 17-month-old boy who presented with deterioration in gait pattern, limping, pain, and swelling of the left ankle of 4-months' duration. Curettage and demineralized bone matrix grafting were performed.

Results

At 1 year after surgery, complete clinical and radiological healing was obtained.

Conclusions

Primary RDD of bone may present a diagnostic challenge. The condition must be included in the differential diagnosis of lytic or lucent lesions of the skeleton. Curettage and grafting provide satisfactory outcomes in talar RDD lesion in the pediatric age group.
Settling taxonomic and nomenclatural problems in brine shrimps,Artemia(Crustacea: Branchiopoda: Anostraca), by integrating mitogenomics, marker discordances and nomenclature rules
Authors: Sainz-Escudero Lucía , López-Estrada E. Karen , Rodríguez-Flores Paula Carolina , García-París Mario
Published: March 2021

High morphological plasticity in populations of brine shrimp subjected to different environmental conditions, mainly salinity, hindered for centuries the identification of the taxonomic entities encompassed withinArtemia. In addition, the mismatch between molecular and morphological evolution rates complicates the characterization of evolutionary lineages, generating taxonomic problems. Here, we propose a phylogenetic hypothesis forArtemiabased on two new complete mitogenomes, and determine levels of congruence in the definition of evolutionary units using nuclear and mtDNA data. We used a fossil ofArtemiato calibrate the molecular clock and discuss divergence times within the genus. The hypothesis proposed herein suggests a more recent time frame for lineage splitting than previously considered. Phylogeographic analyses were performed using GenBank available mitochondrial and nuclear markers. Evidence of gen e flow, identified through discordances between nuclear and mtDNA markers, was used to reconsider the specific status of some taxa. As a result, we considerArtemiato be represented by five evolutionary units: Southern Cone, Mediterranean—South African, New World, Western Asian, and Eastern Asian Lineages. After an exhaustive bibliographical revision, unavailable names for nomenclatural purposes were discarded. The remaining available names have been assigned to their respective evolutionary lineage. The proper names for the evolutionary units in which brine shrimps are structured remain as follows:Artemia persimilisPiccinelli & Prosdocimi, 1968 for the Southern Cone Lineage,Artemia salina(Linnaeus, 1758) for the Mediterranean-SouthAfrican Lineage,Artemia urmianaGünther, 1899 for the Western Asian Lineage, andArtemia sinicaCai, 1989 for the Eastern Asian Lineage. The nameArtemia monicaVerrill, 1869 has nomenclatural priority overA. franciscanaKellogg, 1906 for naming the New World Lineage. New synonymies are proposed forA. salina(= C. dybowskiiGrochowski, 1896n. syn., andA. tunisianaBowen & Sterling, 1978n. syn.),A. monica(=A. franciscanaKellogg, 1906n. syn., andA. salinavar.pacificaSars, 1904n. syn.);A. urmiana(=B. milhauseniiFischer de Waldheim, 1834n. syn.,A. koeppenianaFischer, 1851n. syn.,A. proximaKing, 1855n. syn.,A. s. var. biloba Entz, 1886n. syn.,A. s. var. furcataEntz, 1886n. syn.,A. asiaticaWalter, 1887n. syn.,A. parthenogeneticaBowen & Sterling, 1978n. syn.,A. ebinuricaQian & Wang, 1992n. syn.,A. muraeNaganawa, 2017n. syn., andA. frameshiftaNaganawa & Mura, 2017n. syn.). Internal deep nuclear structuring within theA. monicaandA. salinaclades, might suggest the existence of additional evolutionary units within these taxa.
T cell mediated immunity against influenza H5N1 nucleoprotein, matrix and hemagglutinin derived epitopes in H5N1 survivors and non-H5N1 subjects
Authors: Noisumdaeng Pirom , Roytrakul Thaneeya , Prasertsopon Jarunee , Pooruk Phisanu , Lerdsamran Hatairat , Assanasen Susan , Kitphati Rungrueng , Auewarakul Prasert , Puthavathana Pilaipan
Published: March 2021

Background

Protection against the influenza virus by a specific antibody is relatively strain specific; meanwhile broader immunity may be conferred by cell-mediated immune response to the conserved epitopes across influenza virus subtypes. A universal broad-spectrum influenza vaccine which confronts not only seasonal influenza virus, but also avian influenza H5N1 virus is promising.

Methods

This study determined the specific and cross-reactive T cell responses against the highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) virus in four survivors and 33 non-H5N1 subjects including 10 H3N2 patients and 23 healthy individuals. Ex vivo IFN-γ ELISpot assay using overlapping peptides spanning the entire nucleoprotein (NP), matrix (M) and hemagglutinin (HA) derived from A/Thailand/1(KAN-1)/2004 (H5N1) virus was employed in adjunct with flow cytometry for determining T cell functions. Microneutralization (microNT) assay was performed to determine the status of previous H5N1 virus infection.

Results

IFN-γ ELISpot assay demonstrated that survivors nos. 1 and 2 had markedly higher T cell responses against H5N1 NP, M and HA epitopes than survivors nos. 3 and 4; and the magnitude of T cell responses against NP were higher than that of M and HA. Durability of the immunoreactivity persisted for as long as four years after disease onset. Upon stimulation by NP in IFN-γ ELISpot assay, 60% of H3N2 patients and 39% of healthy subjects exhibited a cross-reactive T cell response. The higher frequency and magnitude of responses in H3N2 patients may be due to blood collection at the convalescent phase of the patients. In H5N1 survivors, the effector peptide-specific T cells generated from bulk culture PBMCs by in vitro stimulation displayed a polyfunction by simultaneously producing IFN-γ and TNF-α, together with upregulation of CD107a in recognition of the target cells pulsed with peptide or infected with rVac-NP virus as investigated by flow cytometry.

Conclusions

This study provides an insight into the better understanding on the homosubtypic and heterosubtypic T cell-mediated immune responses in H5N1 survivors and non-H5N1 subjects. NP is an immunodominant target of cross-recognition owing to its high conservancy. Therefore, the development of vaccine targeting the conserved NP may be a novel strategy for influenza vaccine design.
Study to Evaluate HER2-neu Expression in Different Histopathological Grades of Prostatic Carcinoma in a Tertiary Care Centre, Bareilly
Authors: Bansal Surbhi , Pant Hema , Agrawal Tanu , Kumar Piyush , Mehdiratta Pradeep
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Prostate cancer is the second most common neoplasm among men around the world. Two routinely used immunocytochemical markers for prostatic epithelium are Prostatic Acid Phosphatase (PAP) and Prostatic Specific Antigen (PSA). Various other markers like Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA), androgen and progesterone receptors, HER2-neu, low molecular weight keratin, etc., are also used. HER2-neu overexpression has been implicated in tumorigenesis and has been correlated with a poor prognosis for patients with breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and gastric cancer. Use of Trastuzumab for the treatment of breast carcinoma has improved prognosis in HER2-neu positive cases. Recent studies have suggested the correlation of HER2-neu overexpression with higher grades of prostate cancer. Aim: To study HER2-neu expression in different histopathological grades of prostatic carcinoma. Materials and Methods: A prospective study was carried out on 41 histopathologically proven cases of prostatic carcinoma in Pathology Department of SRMSIMS, Bareilly over a period of one year and six months (November 2017 to April 2019). Gleason grading and HER2-neu Immunohistochemistry was applied on every case and then correlated. Statistical tests were applied, statistical software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21. Results: A 92.7% (38/41) cases were reported as Prostatic Adenocarcinoma of Non-Mucinous type. Total of 42.5% (17/40) were grouped under Grade group 5, 27.5% (11/40) cases under Grade group 3 and 10% (4/40) under Grade groups 1,2 and 4 each. Out of total, 14.6% (6/41) cases were considered as positive and 80.5% (33/41) cases were considered as negative for HER2-neu expression and 4.9% (2/41) cases were considered as equivocal (Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) conformation required). In cases with positive HER2-neu expression, mean group grade was calculated to be 4.83±0.40 and in patients with negative HER2-neu expression, it was 3.38±1.40 (it was calculated to find correlation between group grade and HER2-neu expression). There was a significant statistical difference (p=0.00003668) found between the Gleason Group Grade in HER2-neu positive and negative patients as HER2-neu positivity is seen in higher group grades. One case was reported as neuroendocrine carcinoma in which Gleason grading was not done. Conclusion: Compared to low Gleason Group Grade carcinoma, higher percentage of HER2-neu expression was seen in high Gleason Group grade carcinoma.
Improving quality, affordability, and equity of multiple sclerosis care
Authors: Langer‐Gould Annette , Klocke Shilpa , Beaber Brandon , Brara Sonu M. , Debacker Julie , Ayeni Oluwasheyi , Nielsen Allen S.
Published: March 2021

Objective

The prevailing approaches to selecting multiple sclerosis (MS) disease modifying therapies (DMTs) have contributed to exponential increases in societal expenditures and out‐of‐pocket expenses, without compelling evidence of improved outcomes. Guidance is lacking regarding when and in whom the benefits of preventing MS‐related disability likely outweighs the risks of highly effective DMTs (HET) and when it is appropriate to consider DMT costs. Our objective was to develop a standardized approach to improve the quality, affordability and equity of MS care.

Methods

MS experts partnered with health plan pharmacists to develop an ethical, risk‐stratified, cost‐sensitive treatment algorithm. We developed a risk‐stratification schema to classify patients with relapsing forms of MS as high, intermediate or low risk of disability based on the best available evidence and, when the evidence was poor or lacking, by consensus. DMTs are grouped as highly, modestly or low/uncertain effectiveness and preferentially ranked within groups by safety based on pre‐specified criteria. We reviewed FDA documents and the published literature. When efficacy and safety are equivalent, the lower cost DMT is preferred.

Results

Assignment to the high‐risk group prompts treatment with preferred HETs early in the disease course. For persons in the intermediate‐ or low‐risk groups with cost or health care access barriers, we incorporated induction therapy with an affordable B‐cell depleting agent. Based on more favorable safety profiles, our preferred approach prioritizes use of rituximab and natalizumab among HETs and interferon‐betas or glatiramer acetate among modestly effective agents.

Interpretation

The risk‐stratified treatment approach we recommend provides clear, measurable guidance in whom and when to prescribe HETs, when to prioritize lower cost DMTs and how to accommodate persons with MS with cost or other barriers to DMT use. It can be adapted to other cost structures and updated quickly as new information emerges. We recommend that physician groups partner with health insurance plans to adapt our approach to their settings, particularly in the United States. Future studies are needed to resolve the considerable uncertainty about how much variability in prognosis specific risk factors explain.
Dual Additive for Simultaneous Improvement of Photovoltaic Performance and Stability of Perovskite Solar Cell
Authors: Yang In Seok , Park Nam‐Gyu
Published: March 2021

Additive engineering is one of the most efficient approaches to improve not only photovoltaic performance but also phase stability of formamidinium (FA)‐based perovskite. Chlorine‐based additives, such as methylammonium chloride (MACl), have been in general used to improve phase stability of FAPbI3, which however often leads to loss of open‐circuit voltage Voc, accompanied by instability of the perovskite phase due to the volatile nature of the MA cation. A dual additive strategy for improving Voc and thereby the overall efficiency are reported here. The mixing ratio of MACl to CsCl is varied from [MACl]/[CsCl] = 4 to 1, where Voc increases with decreasing the ratio and best performance is achieved from [MACl]/[CsCl] = 2. As compared to the single source of MACl, the addition of CsCl reduces trap density and increases resistance against charge recombination, which is responsible for the increased Voc. Moreover, defect passivation achieved by dual additive enables better stability than the single additive MACl as confirmed by long‐term stability tests with unencapsulated devices for 50 days under relative humidity of about 40% at room temperature. The best power conversion efficiency of 23.22% is achieved by dual additive, which is higher than that for single additive of MACl or CsCl.
Anomalous High‐Temperature Superconductivity in YH6
Authors: Troyan Ivan A. , Semenok Dmitrii V. , Kvashnin Alexander G. , Sadakov Andrey V. , Sobolevskiy Oleg A. , Pudalov Vladimir M. , Ivanova Anna G. , Prakapenka Vitali B. , Greenberg Eran , Gavriliuk Alexander G. , Lyubutin Igor S. , Struzhkin Viktor V. , Bergara Aitor , Errea Ion , Bianco Raffaello , Calandra Matteo , Mauri Francesco , Monacelli Lorenzo , Akashi Ryosuke , Oganov Artem R.
Published: March 2021

Pressure‐stabilized hydrides are a new rapidly growing class of high‐temperature superconductors, which is believed to be described within the conventional phonon‐mediated mechanism of coupling. Here, the synthesis of one of the best‐known high‐TC superconductors—yttrium hexahydride ‐YH6 is reported, which displays a superconducting transition at ≈224 K at 166 GPa. The extrapolated upper critical magnetic field Bc2(0) of YH6 is surprisingly high: 116–158 T, which is 2–2.5 times larger than the calculated value. A pronounced shift of TC in yttrium deuteride YD6 with the isotope coefficient 0.4 supports the phonon‐assisted superconductivity. Current–voltage measurements show that the critical current IC and its density JC may exceed 1.75 A and 3500 A mm−2 at 4 K, respectively, which is higher than that of the commercial superconductors, such as NbTi and YBCO. The results of superconducting density functional theory (SCDFT) and anharmonic calculations, together with anomalously high critical magnetic field, suggest notable departures of the superconducting properties from the conventional Migdal–Eliashberg and Bardeen–Cooper–Schrieffer theories, and presence of an additional mechanism of superconductivity.
Electrically Tunable Singular Phase and Goos–Hänchen Shifts in Phase‐Change‐Material‐Based Thin‐Film Coatings as Optical Absorbers
Authors: Sreekanth Kandammathe Valiyaveedu , Das Chandreyee Manas , Medwal Rohit , Mishra Mayank , Ouyang Qingling , Rawat Rajdeep Singh , Yong Ken‐Tye , Singh Ranjan
Published: March 2021

The change of the phase of light under the evolution of a nanomaterial with time is a promising new research direction. A phenomenon directly related to the sudden phase change of light is the Goos–Hänchen (G–H) shift, which describes the lateral beam displacement of the reflected light from the interface of two media when the angles of incidence are close to the total internal reflection angle or Brewster angle. Here, an innovative design of lithography‐free nanophotonic cavities to realize electrically tunable G–H shifts at the singular phase of light in the visible wavelengths is reported. Reversible electrical tuning of phase and G–H shifts is experimentally demonstrated using a microheater integrated optical cavity consisting of a dielectric film on an absorbing substrate through a Joule heating mechanism. In particular, an enhanced G–H shift of 110 times of the operating wavelength at the Brewster angle of the thin‐film cavity is reported. More importantly, electrically tunable G–H shifts are demonstrated by exploiting the significant tunable phase change that occurs at the Brewster angles, due to the small temperature‐induced refractive index changes of the dielectric film. Realizing efficient electrically tunable G–H shifts with miniaturized heaters will extend the research scope of the G–H shift phenomenon and its applications.
Transition Path Sampling as Markov Chain Monte Carlo of Trajectories: Recent Algorithms, Software, Applications, and Future Outlook
Authors: Bolhuis Peter G. , Swenson David W. H.
Published: March 2021

The development of enhanced sampling methods to investigate rare but important events has always been a focal point in the molecular simulation field. Such methods often rely on prior knowledge of the reaction coordinate. However, the search for this reaction coordinate is at the heart of the rare event problem. Transition path sampling (TPS) circumvents this problem by generating an ensemble of dynamical trajectories undergoing the activated event. The reaction coordinate is extracted from the resulting path ensemble using variants of machine learning, making it an output of the method instead of an input. Over the last 20 years, since its inception, many extensions of TPS have been developed. Perhaps surprisingly, large‐scale TPS simulations on complex molecular systems have become possible only recently. Other important developments include the transition interface sampling (TIS) methodology to compute rate constants, the application to multiple states, and adaptive path sampling. The development of OpenPathSampling and PyRETIS has enabled easy and flexible use and implementation of these and other novel path sampling algorithms. In this progress report, a brief overview of recent developments, novel algorithms, and software is given. In addition, several application areas are discussed, and a future outlook for the next decade is given.
Single‐Unit‐Cell Catalysis of CO2 Electroreduction over Sub‐1 nm Cu9S5 Nanowires
Authors: Yang Deren , Zuo Shouwei , Yang Haozhou , Wang Xun
Published: March 2021

As a bridge between nanocrystal catalysts and single‐atom catalysts, single‐unit‐cell catalysts seem at first glance to be unavailable for catalysis due to quantum effects and synthetic difficulties. Here, 24 nm Cu9S5 nanowires are synthesized via the LaMer pathway. Interestingly, when polyoxometalate (POM) clusters are introduced during the nucleation process, the 0.9 nm Cu9S5 nanowires are finally formed via covalent co‐assembly, analog to A–B–A–B‐type block co‐polymerization in the polymer field (“A” and “B” represent Cu9S5 unit cells and POM clusters, respectively). Multiple characterizations show that Cu9S5 exists as single‐unit‐cell structure. Therefore, each unit cell can work as an isolated active site. The single‐unit‐cell structure exhibits higher electrocatalytic activity and Faradaic efficiency (FE) of formic acid (82.0% at −0.8 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE)) during CO2 electroreduction, while the nanocrystal structure generates HCOO−, methanol, and ethanol with low FEs. This study suggests that the single‐unit‐cell catalyst displays great potential for precise catalysis by the finite size effect.
How can evolutionary and biological anthropologists engage broader audiences?
Authors: Jones James Holland , Pisor Anne C. , Douglass Kristina G. , Bird Rebecca Bliege , Ready Elspeth , Hazel Ashley , Hackman Joseph , Kramer Karen L. , Kohler Timothy A. , Pontzer Herman , Towner Mary C.
Published: March 2021

Objectives

With our diverse training, theoretical and empirical toolkits, and rich data, evolutionary and biological anthropologists (EBAs) have much to contribute to research and policy decisions about climate change and other pressing social issues. However, we remain largely absent from these critical, ongoing efforts. Here, we draw on the literature and our own experiences to make recommendations for how EBAs can engage broader audiences, including the communities with whom we collaborate, a more diverse population of students, researchers in other disciplines and the development sector, policymakers, and the general public. These recommendations include: (1) playing to our strength in longitudinal, place‐based research, (2) collaborating more broadly, (3) engaging in greater public communication of science, (4) aligning our work with open‐science practices to the extent possible, and (5) increasing diversity of our field and teams through intentional action, outreach, training, and mentorship.

Conclusions

We EBAs need to put ourselves out there: research and engagement are complementary, not opposed to each other. With the resources and workable examples we provide here, we hope to spur more EBAs to action.
Taxonomic diversity ofCebuellain the western Amazon: Molecular, morphological and pelage diversity of museum and free‐ranging specimens
Authors: Porter Leila M. , de la Torre Stella , Pérez‐Peña Pedro , Cortés‐Ortiz Liliana
Published: March 2021

Objectives

We investigated the diversity of the pygmy marmoset,Cebuella pygmaea, by comparing genetic, morphological and pelage traits of animals from Peru and Ecuador.

Materials and Methods

We extracted DNA from museum specimen osteocrusts and from fecal samples collected from free‐ranging individuals. We sequenced the mtDNA cytochromebgene and the control region from samples collected at 13 different sites and used Bayesian inference and Maximum Likelihood to identify distinct clades. We took measurements of the crania of a subset of these specimens (n= 26) and ran a logistic regression to determine if any of the cranial measurements (n= 22) could predict a specimen's clade. In addition, we examined the pelage patterns of the museum specimens and photographs taken of free‐ranging individuals and divided them into pelage types based on coloration of the underbelly.

Results

We identified two divergent clades, and two distinct groups with clear geographic boundaries within one of those clades. Two measurements of the zygomatic bone perfectly predicted a given individual's mtDNA clade. We found four distinct pelage patterns in our samples, but these patterns are variable within clades and among individuals within the same population.

Conclusion

These analyses indicate that the two recognized subspecies of pygmy marmoset should be elevated to the species level (C. pygmaeaandC. niveiventris) based on molecular and cranial differences but not on pelage patterns. We provide evidence on the geographic limits of the two clades and identify regions where additional sampling is required to better define the geographic distribution of the two clades.