bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of scale, nuclear PDF and temperature variations on the interpretation of medium-modified jet production data from the LHC
Authors: Andronic A. , Honermann J. , Klasen M. , Klein-Bösing C. , Salomon J.
Published: April 2021

Abstract

In this paper we present a study of in-medium jet modifications performed with JEWEL and PYTHIA 6.4, focusing on the uncertainties related to variations of the perturbative scales and nuclear parton distribution functions (PDFs) and on the impact of the initial and crossover temperature variations of the medium. The simulations are compared to LHC data for the jet spectrum and the nuclear modification factor. We assess the interplay between the choice of nuclear PDFs and different medium parameters and study the impact of nuclear PDFs and the medium on the jet structure via the Lund plane.
The ethics of human-embryoids model: a call for consistency
Authors: Nicolas Paola , Etoc Fred , Brivanlou Ali H.
Published: April 2021

In this article, we discuss the ethics of human embryoids, i.e., embryo-like structures made from pluripotent stem cells for modeling natural embryos. We argue that defining our social priorities is critical to design a consistent ethical guideline for research on those new entities. The absence of clear regulations on these emerging technologies stems from an unresolved debate surrounding natural human embryo research and one common opinion that one needs to solve the question of the moral status of the human embryo before regulating their surrogate. The recent NIH funding restrictions for research on human embryoids have made scientists even more unlikely to raise their voices. As a result, the scientific community has maintained a low profile while longing for a more favorable socio-political climate for their research. This article is a call for consistency among biomedical research on human materials, trying to position human embryoids within a spectrum of existing practice from stem cell research or IVF to research involving human subjects. We specifically note that the current practices in infertility clinics of freezing human embryos or disposing of them without any consideration for their potential benefits contradicts the assumption of special consideration for human material. Conversely, creating human embryoids for research purposes could ensure that no human material be used in vain, always serving humankind. We argue here that it is time to reconsider the full ban on embryo research (human embryos and embryoids) beyond the 14-day rule and that research on those entities should obey a sliding scale combining the completeness of the model (e.g., complete vs. partial) and the developmental stage: with more advanced completeness and developmental stage of the considered entity, being associated with more rigorous evaluation of societal benefits, statements of intention, and necessity of such research.
Derivation and validation of a machine learning risk score using biomarker and electronic patient data to predict progression of diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Chan Lili , Nadkarni Girish N. , Fleming Fergus , McCullough James R. , Connolly Patricia , Mosoyan Gohar , El Salem Fadi , Kattan Michael W. , Vassalotti Joseph A. , Murphy Barbara , Donovan Michael J. , Coca Steven G. , Damrauer Scott M.
Published: April 2021

Aim

Predicting progression in diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is critical to improving outcomes. We sought to develop/validate a machine-learned, prognostic risk score (KidneyIntelX™) combining electronic health records (EHR) and biomarkers.

Methods

This is an observational cohort study of patients with prevalent DKD/banked plasma from two EHR-linked biobanks. A random forest model was trained, and performance (AUC, positive and negative predictive values [PPV/NPV], and net reclassification index [NRI]) was compared with that of a clinical model and Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) categories for predicting a composite outcome of eGFR decline of ≥5 ml/min per year, ≥40% sustained decline, or kidney failure within 5 years.

Results

In 1146 patients, the median age was 63 years, 51% were female, the baseline eGFR was 54 ml min−1 [1.73 m]−2, the urine albumin to creatinine ratio (uACR) was 6.9 mg/mmol, follow-up was 4.3 years and 21% had the composite endpoint. On cross-validation in derivation (n = 686), KidneyIntelX had an AUC of 0.77 (95% CI 0.74, 0.79). In validation (n = 460), the AUC was 0.77 (95% CI 0.76, 0.79). By comparison, the AUC for the clinical model was 0.62 (95% CI 0.61, 0.63) in derivation and 0.61 (95% CI 0.60, 0.63) in validation. Using derivation cut-offs, KidneyIntelX stratified 46%, 37% and 17% of the validation cohort into low-, intermediate- and high-risk groups for the composite kidney endpoint, respectively. The PPV for progressive decline in kidney function in the high-risk group was 61% for KidneyIntelX vs 40% for the highest risk strata by KDIGO categorisation (p < 0.001). Only 10% of those scored as low risk by KidneyIntelX experienced progression (i.e., NPV of 90%). The NRIevent for the high-risk group was 41% (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

KidneyIntelX improved prediction of kidney outcomes over KDIGO and clinical models in individuals with early stages of DKD.

Graphical abstract
Learning safe neural network controllers with barrier certificates
Authors: Zhao Hengjun , Zeng Xia , Chen Taolue , Liu Zhiming , Woodcock Jim
Published: April 2021

We provide a new approach to synthesize controllers for nonlinear continuous dynamical systems with
control against safety properties. The controllers are based on neural networks (NNs).
To certify the safety property we utilize barrier functions, which are represented by NNs as well.
We train the controller-NN and barrier-NN simultaneously, achieving a verification-in-the-loop synthesis.
We provide a prototype tool nncontroller with a number of case studies.
The experiment results confirm the feasibility and efficacy of our approach.
Gaining a better understanding of the extrusion process in fused filament fabrication 3D printing: a review
Authors: Shaqour Bahaa , Abuabiah Mohammad , Abdel-Fattah Salameh , Juaidi Adel , Abdallah Ramez , Abuzaina Waleed , Qarout Mohammad , Verleije Bart , Cos Paul
Published: April 2021

Additive manufacturing is a promising tool that has proved its value in various applications. Among its technologies, the fused filament fabrication 3D printing technique stands out with its potential to serve a wide variety of applications, ranging from simple educational purposes to industrial and medical applications. However, as many materials and composites can be utilized for this technique, the processability of these materials can be a limiting factor for producing products with the required quality and properties. Over the past few years, many researchers have attempted to better understand the melt extrusion process during 3D printing. Moreover, other research groups have focused on optimizing the process by adjusting the process parameters. These attempts were conducted using different methods, including proposing analytical models, establishing numerical models, or experimental techniques. This review highlights the most relevant work from recent years on fused filament fabrication 3D printing and discusses the future perspectives of this 3D printing technology.
How Much is Enough? Public Perception of Minimum Surgeon Volumes
Authors: Danford Julia M. , Wong Sandra L. , Sirovich Brenda , Underbaake Daniel , Sorensen Meredith J.
Published: April 2021

Background

A large body of literature supports an association between surgical volumes and outcomes. Research on this subject has resulted in attempts to quantify minimum volume standards for specific surgeries. However, the extent to which the public takes interest in or is able to interpret surgical volume information is not known.

Methods

We designed a 38‐question online survey to assess respondents’ knowledge and beliefs about minimum surgical volume standards, and other factors influencing choice of surgeon. Participants, recruited through Amazon Mechanical Turk, an online crowdsourcing marketplace, were specifically asked to estimate minimum volume standards for four different operations (hernia repair, knee replacement, mitral valve repair, and Whipple) and to assess the implications of specific surgeon volumes for decision‐making in two hypothetical scenarios.

Results

Among 2024 participants, 81% attested that surgeons should be subject to minimum volume standards. A small minority (19%) reported having prior knowledge of a link between surgeon volumes and outcomes. Respondents’ mean estimates for appropriate minimum annual volumes across four operations were directly correlated with surgical complexity (5 for inguinal hernia repair, 25 for Whipple), while published minimum standards fall with increasing surgical complexity (25 for hernia repair, 5 for Whipple). These findings were validated by participants’ stated intentions: 55% would proceed with a hernia repair by a surgeon with annual volume of 25, while 13% would proceed with a Whipple when annual volume was 5.

Conclusion

The concept of minimum surgical volumes is intuitively important to the lay public. However, the general public's skewed expectations of minimum volume standards demonstrate an inability to interpret surgical volume numbers meaningfully in clinical settings without appropriate context.
Towards a replicator dynamics model of age structured populations
Authors: Argasinski K. , Broom M.
Published: April 2021

We present a new modelling framework combining replicator dynamics, the standard model of frequency dependent selection, with an age-structured population model. The new framework allows for the modelling of populations consisting of competing strategies carried by individuals who change across their life cycle. Firstly the discretization of the McKendrick von Foerster model is derived. We show that the Euler–Lotka equation is satisfied when the new model reaches a steady state (i.e. stable frequencies between the age classes). This discretization consists of unit age classes where the timescale is chosen so that only a fraction of individuals play a single game round. This implies a linear dynamics and individuals not killed during the round are moved to the next age class; linearity means that the system is equivalent to a large Bernadelli–Lewis–Leslie matrix. Then we use the methodology of multipopulation games to derive two, mutually equivalent systems of equations. The first contains equations describing the evolution of the strategy frequencies in the whole population, completed by subsystems of equations describing the evolution of the age structure for each strategy. The second contains equations describing the changes of the general population’s age structure, completed with subsystems of equations describing the selection of the strategies within each age class. We then present the obtained system of replicator dynamics in the form of the mixed ODE-PDE system which is independent of the chosen timescale, and much simpler. The obtained results are illustrated by the example of the sex ratio model which shows that when different mortalities of the sexes are assumed, the sex ratio of 0.5 is obtained but that Fisher’s mechanism, driven by the reproductive value of the different sexes, is not in equilibrium.
Two-year efficacy after first transscleral controlled cyclophotocoagulation in patients with and without pseudoexfoliation
Authors: Lenzhofer Markus , Hohensinn Melchior , Hitzl Wolfgang , Steiner Veit , Motaabbed Armin , Motloch Karolina , Colvin Hans Peter , Reitsamer Herbert A. , Moussa Sarah
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Transscleral controlled cyclophotocoagulation (COCO) is a transscleral 810-nm diode laser cyclophotocoagulation that automatically adjusts the applied laser energy utilizing an optical feedback loop. The present study investigates the influence of pseudoexfoliation (PEX) on the efficacy of COCO in a Caucasian study population.

Methods

Retrospective data from 130 consecutive eyes were analyzed during a 2-year follow-up. Baseline characteristics, intraocular pressure (IOP), number of IOP-lowering medications, visual field, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and secondary surgical interventions (SSI) were analyzed. The primary endpoint was IOP reduction at M24 compared to baseline, and the secondary endpoints were IOP course, reduction of IOP-lowering medications, surgical success, and IOP-lowering SSIs stratified by PEX and baseline IOP.

Results

IOP reductions of −35, −39, −25, −25, −23, −34, and −36% could be achieved from baseline to D1, W1, M1, M3, M6, M12, and M24 (all p < 0.001), respectively, while there was a significant overall reduction over time (p < 0.001) in the number of topical IOP-lowering medications postoperatively. The proportion of eyes requiring additional systemic IOP-lowering medication reduced from 31 to 0% at M24 (p = 0.025). Eyes without PEX and IOP < 30 mmHg at baseline had the lowest risk for IOP-lowering SSIs (p < 0.03). BCVA dropped at M12 (0.25 [95% CI: 0.12–0.38]), and the drop persisted during the following 12 months.

Conclusion

The present study demonstrates a midterm IOP-lowering effect after COCO while reducing the burden for topical and systemic IOP-lowering medications. Patients without PEX and IOP < 30 mmHg have a lower risk of SSI. The procedure per se cannot be excluded as causative for the decreased postoperative BCVA. Further prospective investigations are suggested.
Traits of cancer patients and CAM usage
Authors: Dufter Sabine Andrea , Hübner Jutta , Ahmadi Emadaldin , Zomorodbakhsch Bijan
Published: April 2021

Background

The use of Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM) Methods is increasing and therefore gaining importance also in conventional western medicine. Identifying personal traits to make out by whom and why CAM is used can help physicians in successful physician–patient interaction, and thus improve patient’s compliance and trust towards their physician.

Patients and methods

A questionnaire was passed on to cancer patients in an ambulant clinical and a rehabilitation setting. Multiple regression analyses were run to examine possible predictors for CAM use, such as gender, age, level of education, spirituality, attentiveness, self-efficacy and resilience. To differentiate within CAM users, two dependent variables were created: “holistic and mind–body methods”, such as Yoga, meditation or Homeopathy and “material based methods”, such as food supplements or vitamins.

Results

Higher level of education, younger age and religion-independent attentiveness were significant predictors for the use of “material based methods”. Female gender, higher education and religious spirituality were detected as significant predictors for “holistic and mind–body methods”.

Conclusion

This study is among the first to take a more detailed look at how numerous personal traits are associated with the use of CAM methods and differentiate between the applied methods. Our finding should be considered by conventional health care providers and could be integrated into a holistic assessment, to offer information about complementary medicine and meeting patients’ needs.
Prospective study of hair recovery after (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy with scalp cooling in Japanese breast cancer patients
Authors: Ohsumi Shozo , Kiyoto Sachiko , Takahashi Mina , Takashima Seiki , Aogi Kenjiro , Shimizu Sachie , Doi Miyuki
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Scalp cooling during chemotherapy infusion to mitigate alopecia for breast cancer patients is becoming widespread; however, studies regarding hair recovery after chemotherapy with scalp cooling are limited. We conducted a prospective study of hair recovery after chemotherapy with scalp cooling.

Patients and methods

One hundred and seventeen Japanese female breast cancer patients who completed planned (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy using the Paxman Scalp Cooling System for alopecia prevention were evaluated for alopecia prevention in our prospective study. We evaluated their hair recovery 1, 4, 7, 10, and 13 months after chemotherapy. Primary outcomes were grades of alopecia judged by two investigators (objective grades) and patients’ answers to the questionnaire regarding the use of a wig or hat (subjective grades).

Results

Of 117 patients, 75 completed scalp cooling during the planned chemotherapy cycles (Group A), but 42 discontinued it mostly after the first cycle (Group B). Objective and subjective grades were significantly better in Group A than in Group B throughout 1 year, and at 4 and 7 months after chemotherapy. When we restricted patients to those with objective Grade 3 (hair loss of > 50%) at 1 month, Group A exhibited slightly faster hair recovery based on the objective grades than Group B. There was less persistent alopecia in Group A than in Group B.

Conclusions

Scalp cooling during chemotherapy infusion for Japanese breast cancer patients increased the rate of hair recovery and had preventive effects against persistent alopecia.
Deep learning approaches to pattern extraction and recognition in paintings and drawings: an overview
Authors: Castellano Giovanna , Vessio Gennaro
Published: April 2021

This paper provides an overview of some of the most relevant deep learning approaches to pattern extraction and recognition in visual arts, particularly painting and drawing. Recent advances in deep learning and computer vision, coupled with the growing availability of large digitized visual art collections, have opened new opportunities for computer science researchers to assist the art community with automatic tools to analyse and further understand visual arts. Among other benefits, a deeper understanding of visual arts has the potential to make them more accessible to a wider population, ultimately supporting the spread of culture.
The provenance signal of climate–tectonic interactions in the evolving St. Elias orogen: framework component analysis and pyroxene and epidote single grain geochemistry of sediments from IODP 341 sites U1417 and U1418
Authors: Huber Barbara , Bahlburg Heinrich
Published: April 2021

The St. Elias orogen and the Surveyor Fan in the adjacent Gulf of Alaska are a coupled source to sink system recording the interplay of tectonics and variable degrees of glaciation during the collision of the Yakutat terrane with the southern Alaska margin since the Miocene. The Miocene to Holocene sediments of the Surveyor Fan were drilled during IODP expedition 341. The recovered material is used to constrain information on changes in erosion centers during the last 10 Ma to study the impact of climatic and tectonic processes on orogen evolution. Point counting of sand- and silt-sized light framework components and geochemical single grain analysis of heavy mineral groups epidote and pyroxene is applied to analyze patterns of sedimentary provenance of two sites on the distal and proximal Surveyor Fan (Site U1417 and U1418, respectively). The studied sands and silts of Miocene to Pleistocene age are slightly enriched in feldspar (plag >> kf) at the proximal site, compositions at both sites do not show systematical changes with time of deposition. Framework component spectra uniformly reflect the expected active margin provenance. Epidote and pyroxene compositions are very consistent and show no change with time of deposition. Associations of epidote and pyroxene with albite, titanite and pumpellyite are in line with near-shore sources in the Chugach Metamorphic Complex and the metabasite belt at its southern border, and in units of recycled detritus exposed in the fold and thrust belt on the western Yakutat Terrane, respectively. Rock fragments indicate input from mainly metamorphic sources during the Miocene and Pliocene and an increase of input from low-grade metamorphic and sedimentary rocks in the Pleistocene, a finding also indicated by the abundance of epidote and pyroxene. This implies increasing erosion of the near-shore areas of the fold and thrust belt with advance of glaciers to the shore since the Miocene, being enhanced by the onset of the Northern Hemisphere glaciation at the beginning of the Pleistocene. Climate changes connected to the mid-Pleistocene transition did not result in appreciable changes in the petrographic compositions. Glaciers seem to have remained nested in their topographically predefined positions, continuously feeding material with uniform characteristics into the fan.
Ion-to-electron capacitance of single-walled carbon nanotube layers before and after ion-selective membrane deposition
Authors: Zdrachek Elena , Bakker Eric
Published: April 2021

The capacitance of the ion-to-electron transducer layer helps to maintain a high potential stability of solid-contact ion-selective electrodes (SC-ISEs), and its estimation is therefore an essential step of SC-ISE characterization. The established chronopotentiometric protocol used to evaluate the capacitance of the single-walled carbon nanotube transducer layer was revised in order to obtain more reliable and better reproducible values and also to allow capacitance to be measured before membrane deposition for electrode manufacturing quality control purposes. The capacitance values measured with the revised method increased linearly with the number of deposited carbon nanotube–based transducer layers and were also found to correlate linearly before and after ion-selective membrane deposition, with correlation slopes close to 1 for nitrate-selective electrodes, to 0.7 and to 0.5 for potassium- and calcium-selective electrodes.

Graphical abstract
Radiotherapy versus combination radiotherapy-bevacizumab for the treatment of recurrent high-grade glioma: a systematic review
Authors: Kulinich Daniel P. , Sheppard John P. , Nguyen Thien , Kondajji Aditya M. , Unterberger Ansley , Duong Courtney , Enomoto Adam , Patel Kunal , Yang Isaac
Published: April 2021

Background

High-grade gliomas (HGG) comprise the most common primary adult brain cancers and universally recur. Combination of re-irradiation therapy (reRT) and bevacizumab (BVZ) therapy for recurrent HGG is common, but its reported efficacy is mixed.

Objective

To assess clinical outcomes after reRT ± BVZ in recurrent HGG patients receiving stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), hypofractionated radiosurgery (HFSRT), or fully fractionated radiotherapy (FFRT).

Methods

We performed a systematic review of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane databases, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We identified studies reporting outcomes for patients with recurrent HGG treated via reRT ± BVZ. Cohorts were stratified by BVZ treatment status and re-irradiation modality (SRS, HFSRT, and FFRT). Outcome variables were overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and radiation necrosis (RN).

Results

Data on 1399 patients was analyzed, with 954 patients receiving reRT alone and 445 patients receiving reRT + BVZ. All patients initially underwent standard-of-care therapy for their primary HGG. In a multivariate analysis that adjusted for median patient age, WHO grade, RT dosing, reRT fractionation regimen, time between primary and re-irradiation, and re-irradiation target volume, BVZ therapy was associated with significantly improved OS (2.51, 95% CI [0.11, 4.92] months,P= .041) but no significant improvement in PFS (1.40, 95% CI [− 0.36, 3.18] months,P= .099). Patients receiving BVZ also had significantly lower rates of RN (2.2% vs 6.5%,P< .001).

Conclusions

Combination of reRT + BVZ may improve OS and reduce RN rates in recurrent HGG, but further controlled studies are needed to confirm these effects.
The Metabolic Regimes at the Scale of an Entire Stream Network Unveiled Through Sensor Data and Machine Learning
Authors: Segatto Pier Luigi , Battin Tom J. , Bertuzzo Enrico
Published: April 2021

Streams and rivers form dense networks that drain the terrestrial landscape and are relevant for biodiversity dynamics, ecosystem functioning, and transport and transformation of carbon. Yet, resolving in both space and time gross primary production (GPP), ecosystem respiration (ER) and net ecosystem production (NEP) at the scale of entire stream networks has been elusive so far. Here, combining Random Forest (RF) with time series of sensor data in 12 reach sites, we predicted annual regimes of GPP, ER, and NEP in 292 individual stream reaches and disclosed properties emerging from the network they form. We further predicted available light and thermal regimes for the entire network and expanded the library of stream metabolism predictors. We found that the annual network-scale metabolism was heterotrophic yet with a clear peak of autotrophy in spring. In agreement with the River Continuum Concept, small headwaters and larger downstream reaches contributed 16% and 60%, respectively, to the annual network-scale GPP. Our results suggest that ER rather than GPP drives the metabolic stability at the network scale, which is likely attributable to the buffering function of the streambed for ER, while GPP is more susceptible to flow-induced disturbance and fluctuations in light availability. Furthermore, we found large terrestrial subsidies fueling ER, pointing to an unexpectedly high network-scale level of heterotrophy, otherwise masked by simply considering reach-scale NEP estimations. Our machine learning approach sheds new light on the spatiotemporal dynamics of ecosystem metabolism at the network scale, which is a prerequisite to integrate aquatic and terrestrial carbon cycling at relevant scales.
Der Ost-West-Produktivitätsunterschied: Was sagt die mikroökonomische Forschung?
Authors: Müller Steffen
Published: April 2021

Laut Volkswirtschaftlicher Gesamtrechnung erreicht die ostdeutsche Wirtschaft auch 30 Jahre nach dem Fall des Eisernen Vorhangs nur 80 % der westdeutschen Arbeitsproduktivität. Dieser Unterschied in der gesamtwirtschaftlichen Arbeitsproduktivität geht Hand in Hand mit vielen der wirtschaftlichen und gesellschaftlichen Probleme, denen Ostdeutschland heute gegenübersteht. Um die Ursachen des aggregierten Produktivitätsgefälles zu verstehen, wird die neuere Literatur zum Ost-West-Gefälle diskutiert, die granulare Daten auf Firmen- und Produktebene verwendet. Die Evidenz zeigt die Relevanz von Produktivitätsunterschieden auf Firmenebene für die aggregierte Lücke deutlich und stellt gängige Hypothesen infrage, die aus aggregierten Daten abgeleitet werden.
Genome-based classification of the Streptomyces violaceusniger clade and description of Streptomyces sabulosicollis sp. nov. from an Indonesian sand dune
Authors: Kusuma Ali B. , Nouioui Imen , Goodfellow Michael
Published: April 2021

A polyphasic study was designed to determine the taxonomic provenance of a strain, isolate PRKS01-29T, recovered from an Indonesian sand dune and provisionally assigned to the Streptomyces violaceusniger clade. Genomic, genotypic and phenotypic data confirmed this classification. The isolate formed an extensively branched substrate mycelium which carried aerial hyphae that differentiated into spiral chains of rugose ornamented spores, contained LL-as the wall diaminopimelic acid, MK-9 (H6, H8) as predominant isoprenologues, phosphatidylethanolamine as the diagnostic phospholipid and major proportions of saturated, iso- and anteiso- fatty acids. Whole-genome sequences generated for the isolate and Streptomyces albiflaviniger DSM 41598T and Streptomyces javensis DSM 41764T were compared with phylogenetically closely related strains, the isolate formed a branch within the S. violaceusniger clade in the resultant phylogenomic tree. Whole-genome sequences data showed that isolate PRKS01-29T was most closely related to the S. albiflaviniger strain but was distinguished from the latter and from other members of the clade using combinations of phenotypic properties and average nucleotide identity and digital DNA:DNA hybridization scores. Consequently, it is proposed that isolate PRKS01-29T (= CCMM B1303T = ICEBB-02T = NCIMB 15210T) should be classified in the genus Streptomyces as Streptomyces sabulosicollis sp. nov. It is also clear that streptomycetes which produce spiral chains of rugose ornamented spores form a well-defined monophyletic clade in the Streptomyces phylogenomic tree., the taxonomic status of which requires further study. The genome of the type strain of S. sabulosicollis contains biosynthetic gene clusters predicted to produce new natural products.
The maturity index for Uropodina (Acari: Mesostigmata) communities as an indicator of human-caused disturbance in selected forest complexes of Poland
Authors: Napierała Agnieszka , Błoszyk Jerzy
Published: April 2021

The necessity of monitoring changes occurring in soil compels us to look for new methods that will allow easy and precise evaluation of the soil quality in a given area. One proposed method is the maturity index (MI) – an index that is based on the distribution of species along the r-to-K continuum in examined populations. In this study, mites from the suborder Uropodina (Acari: Mesostigmata) were examined for their appropriateness in MI-based assessments of soil quality. The first aim of the study was to establish the criteria on the basis of which the evaluation of the r-to-K reproductive strategies was conducted for Uropodina in the examined communities. The second aim was to evaluate the performance of the maturity index of communities of Uropodina as indicator of human-caused disturbance in five areas that are legally protected in Poland. The selected areas were: Białowieża Primeval Forest, Gorce National Park, and three nature reserves: Jakubowo, Las Grądowy nad Mogilnicą, and Cisy Staropolskie im. Leona Wyczółkowskiego. We found that as many as 68 out of the 96 analyzed Uropodina species in Poland are K-stategists. The highest values of the maturity index were recorded for the nature reserves Cisy Staropolskie im. Leona Wyczółkowskiego and the Białowieża Primeval Forest.
Stanniocalcin-2 promotes cell EMT and glycolysis via activating ITGB2/FAK/SOX6 signaling pathway in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Li Jingquan , Zhang Zihao , Feng Xu , Shen Zhuqing , Sun Ji , Zhang Xiuwen , Bu Fengjiao , Xu Midie , Tan Cong , Wang Ziliang
Published: April 2021

Stanniocalcin-2 (STC2) has been proved to regulate a variety of signaling pathways including cell growth, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. However, the role of STC2 in the regulation of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the regulatory function of STC2 on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and glycolysis traits in NPC and revealed the underlying molecular mechanisms. We found that STC2 was highly expressed in primary nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissues and lymph node metastatic tissues. Silencing of STC2 inhibited cell proliferation, invasion, and glycolysis. Further analyses for the clinical samples demonstrated that STC2 expression was associated with the poor clinical progression. Moreover, we demonstrated the interaction of ITGB2 with STC2 and its involvement in STC2-mediated ITGB2/FAK/SOX6 axis. Collectively, our results provide new insights into understanding the regulatory mechanism of STC2 and suggest that the STC2/ITGB2/FAK/SOX6 signaling axis may be a potential therapeutic target for NPC.
Contagion of Temporal Discounting Value Preferences in Neurotypical and Autistic Adults
Authors: Thomas Louisa , Lockwood Patricia L. , Garvert Mona M. , Balsters Joshua H.
Published: April 2021

Neuroeconomics paradigms have demonstrated that learning about another’s beliefs can make you more like them (i.e., contagion). Due to social deficits in autism, it is possible that autistic individuals will be immune to contagion. We fit Bayesian computational models to a temporal discounting task, where participants made decisions for themselves before and after learning the distinct preferences of two others. Two independent neurotypical samples (N = 48; N = 98) both showed a significant contagion effect; however the strength of contagion was unrelated to autistic traits. Equivalence tests showed autistic (N = 12) and matched neurotypical N = 12) samples had similar levels of contagion and accuracy when learning about others. Despite social impairments being at the core of autistic symptomatology, contagion of value preferences appears to be intact.
Automated segmentation and quantitative analysis of optic disc and fovea in fundus images
Authors: Kim Ga Young , Lee Sang Hyeok , Kim Sung Min
Published: April 2021

Fundus image is widely used diagnosis method and involves the retinal tissues which can be important biomarkers for diagnosing diseases. Many studies have proposed automatic algorithms to detect the optic disc (OD) and fovea. However, they showed some limitations. Although the precise regions of retinal tissues are clinically important, most of these studies focused on the localization not the segmentation. Also, they did not sufficiently prove the clinical effectiveness of the methods using quantitative analysis. Furthermore, many of them have researched about the single retinal tissue. To compensate for these limitations, this study proposed automated segmentation method for both of the OD and fovea. In this study, the dataset was acquired from the DRIVE and Drions databases, and additional ground truth dataset was obtained from an ophthalmologist. The original fundus image was preprocessed to remove noise and enhance contrast. And the retinal vessel was segmented to use for the OD and fovea segmentation. In the OD and fovea segmentation step, a region of interest was designated based on the image features to increase the segmentation accuracy. To segment the OD, the retinal vessel was removed and substituted based on the intensity value of the four nearest non-vessel pixels. Finally, the OD and fovea regions were segmented based on the image features including intensity, shape and size. The proposed method was evaluated by quantitative analysis using eight methods. As a result, the proposed method showed high segmentation performance for the OD and fovea with accuracy of 99.18 and 99.80 % on the DRIVE database.
An offline parallel architecture for forensic multimedia classification
Authors: Spalazzi Luca , Paolanti Marina , Frontoni Emanuele
Published: April 2021

Nowadays, the volume of the multimedia heterogeneous evidence presented for digital forensic analysis has significantly increased, thus requiring the application of big data technologies, cloud-based forensics services, as well as Machine Learning (ML) techniques. In digital forensics domain, ML algorithms have been applied for cybercrime investigation such as child abuse investigations, malware classification, and image forensics. This paper addresses this issues and deals with forensic analysis of digital images and videos. In particular, this work aims at proposing a multimedia classification tool with a parallel software architecture for a fast inspection, which is easy to use (to be used by officers during a search), requires limited hardware resources and it is built on an open-source software to limit its costs. Moreover, this tool must be able to quickly inspect multiple devices at a time. When positives are found in a device, such device will be seized for a deeper analysis later in the lab. It will not be seized otherwise, reducing the inconvenience for the suspect as well as the time required for the next analysis phase. As a case study, we focus on the identification of child pornography images. Experimental results show that the proposed architecture is capable of guaranteeing a high recall, a fast process and high performances in real scenarios.
Global solution of constrained min-max problems with inflationary differential evolution
Authors: Filippi Gianluca , Vasile Massimiliano
Published: April 2021

This paper proposes a method for the solution of constrained min-max problems. The method is tested on a benchmark of representative problems presenting different structures for the objective function and the constraints. The particular min-max problem addressed in this paper finds application in optimisation under uncertainty when the constraints need to be satisfied for all possible realisations of the uncertain quantities. Hence, the algorithm proposed in this paper search for solutions that minimise the worst possible outcome for the objective function due to the uncertainty while satisfying the constraint functions in all possible scenarios. A constraint relaxation and a scalarisation procedure are also introduced to trade-off between objective optimality and constraint satisfaction when no feasible solutions can be found.
Can a Systemic-Phenomenological Teacher Professional Development Program Enhance Awareness of Intuitions and Serve Pedagogical Tact?
Authors: Sipman Gerbert , Thölke Jürg , Martens Rob , McKenney Susan
Published: April 2021

In all levels of education, teachers’ abilities to deal with complex classroom situations in split-seconds concerns pedagogical tact, a crucial quality which relies, in part, on intuition. Developing the ability to appropriately handle the complexity of classroom situations requires a systemic approach. This study aimed to explore the experiences in and effects of a systemic-phenomenological professional development program for enhancing teacher abilities to handle complex (classroom) situations through conscious attention for intuition. In the present study, 64 teachers from primary, secondary, and higher education participated in a 12 week professional development program featuring systemic-phenomenological exercises, such as meditations and embodied simulations. By increasing understanding of the complexity of social systems and sensitizing awareness of intuitive signals, the program aimed to improve teachers’ use of intuition, and through that, their handling of classroom situations. Data were gathered through participant reflection logs and focus group discussions, which were analysed both deductively and inductively. The findings suggest that the program helped heighten teacher awareness of intuitions, and individual awareness in the classroom, yielding positive effects on teacher abilities to take appropriate split-second action in complex classroom situations. While further research is needed, the results of this study include practices for enhancing teacher awareness of intuition through systemic-phenomenological exercises which proved to be promising, and a taxonomy of effects related to pedagogical tact in the classroom.
Comprehensive analytical and structural characteristics of methyl 3,3-dimethyl-2-(1-(pent-4-en-1-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamido)butanoate (MDMB-4en-PINACA)
Authors: Dybowski Michal P. , Holowinski Piotr , Typek Rafal , Dawidowicz Andrzej L.
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to evaluate a complete analytical and structural characterization of methyl 3,3-dimethyl-2-(1-(pent-4-en-1-yl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamido)butanoate (MDMB-4en-PINACA), a novel synthetic cannabinoid being the analogue of 5F-ADB.

Methods

The compound was analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), high-resolution liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS), X-ray diffraction and spectroscopic methods, such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopies. To derive MDMB-4en-PINACA molecular geometry and to assign infrared absorption bands, quantum calculations with the employment of density functional theory were also used.

Results

We present a wide range of chromatographic and spectroscopic data supported with theoretical calculations allowing to identify MDMB-4en-PINACA.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first report presenting a comprehensive analytical and structural characterization of MDMB-4en-PINACA obtained by 1D and 2D NMR, GC–MS, LC–MS(/MS), attenuated total reflection-FTIR spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction and quantum chemical calculations. The presented results not only broaden the knowledge about this psychoactive substance but also are useful for forensic and clinical purposes.
Homeschooling during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: the role of students’ trait self-regulation and task attributes of daily learning tasks for students’ daily self-regulation
Authors: Blume Friederike , Schmidt Andrea , Kramer Andrea C. , Schmiedek Florian , Neubauer Andreas B.
Published: April 2021

As a means to counter the SARS-CoV‑2 pandemic, schools were closed throughout Germany between mid-March and end of April 2020. Schooling was translocated to the students’ homes where students were supposed to work on learning tasks provided by their teachers. Students’ self-regulation and attributes of the learning tasks may be assumed to have played important roles when adapting to this novel schooling situation. They may be predicted to have influenced students’ daily self-regulation and hence the independence with which they worked on learning tasks. The present work investigated the role of students’ trait self-regulation as well as task difficulty and task enjoyment for students’ daily independence from their parents in learning during the homeschooling period. Data on children’s trait self-regulation were obtained through a baseline questionnaire filled in by the parents of 535 children (Mage = 9.69,SDage = 2.80). Parents additionally reported about the daily task difficulty, task enjoyment, and students’ learning independence through 21 consecutive daily online questionnaires. The results showed students’ trait self-regulation to be positively associated with their daily learning independence. Additionally, students’ daily learning independence was shown to be negatively associated with task difficulty and positively with task enjoyment. The findings are discussed with regard to students’ daily self-regulation during the homeschooling period. Finally, implications for teaching practice during the pandemic-related school closures are derived.
Modelling the Nucleation, Growth and Agglomeration of Alumina Inclusions in Molten Steel by Combining Kampmann–Wagner Numerical Model with Particle Size Grouping Method
Authors: Shu Qifeng , Alatarvas Tuomas , Visuri Ville-Valtteri , Fabritius Timo
Published: April 2021

Recent inclusion models are mainly focused on the compositional evolution of inclusion, steel and slag. Due to the importance of inclusion size distribution to steel properties, the evolution of inclusion size distributions should also be accounted for. As the first step to establish a model to predict the evolution of inclusion size distribution, the nucleation, growth and removal of alumina inclusions in molten steel were modeled by combining Kampmann and Wagner numerical model for nucleation, growth and coarsening with particle size grouping method. The model could simulate the time evolution of the size distribution of alumina inclusions after aluminum de-oxidation. The model was validated by using the experimental size distribution data of alumina inclusions available in the literature. The model calculation results were also compared with previous simulation results. The influences of interfacial tension between steel and inclusion and diffusion coefficient on the calculated inclusion size distribution were investigated. As interfacial tension between steel and alumina increases, the maximum number density decreases and the peak value of radius increases. As diffusion coefficient increases, the maximum number density decreases and the peak-value radius increases. The calculated size distribution curves showed a change from log normal to fractal, which is due to the change of dominating mechanisms for crystal growth and agglomeration.
The processing of visual food cues during bitter aftertaste perception in females with high vs. low disgust propensity: an fMRI study
Authors: Schienle Anne , Wabnegger Albert
Published: April 2021

An extremely bitter taste can signal food spoilage, and therefore typically elicits disgust. The present cross-modal functional magnetic resonance imaging experiment investigated whether the personality trait ‘disgust propensity’ (DP; temporally stable tendency to experience disgust across different situations) has an influence on the processing of visual food cues during bitter aftertaste perception. Thirty females with high DP and 30 females with low DP viewed images depicting sweet food (e.g., cakes, ice cream) and vegetables, once in combination with an extremely bitter aftertaste (concentrated wormwood tea), and once with a neutral taste (water). Females highly prone to disgust (compared to low disgust-prone females) showed increased activity in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and increased mPFC-insula connectivity when presented with the mismatch of a bitter aftertaste and visual cues of sweet food. The ACC is involved in conflict monitoring and is strongly interconnected with insular areas. This connection plays a critical role in awareness of changes in homeostatic states. Our findings indicate that the personality trait DP is associated with cross-modal integration processes of disgust-relevant information. Females high in DP were more alert to food-related sensory mismatch (pleasant visual features, aversive taste) than females low in DP.
The impact of naphthalimide derivative on the mitigation of mild steel corrosion in sulfamic acid medium: experimental and theoretical insights
Authors: Bhatt Yash , Kumari Preethi , Sunil Dhanya , Rao Suma A. , Shetty Prakasha , Kagatikar Sneha
Published: April 2021

The deterioration of iron-based alloys, especially mild steel (MS) is one amongst the most challenging problems faced in various chemical industries. The present work focuses on the potential activity of a naphthalimide derivative namely 2-(2-hydroxyethyl)benzo[de]isoquinoline-1,3-dione (HBIQ) as corrosion inhibitor for MS in sulfamic acid (SA) medium in the temperature range from 303 to 323 K. Potentiodynamic polarization (PP) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were employed in the experimental measurement and HBIQ exhibited 89% inhibition at its optimum concentration. HBIQ demonstrated electrostatic interactions with MS surface and behaved as a mixed type of inhibitor by obeying Langmuir’s isotherm model. Surface characterization of uninhibited and inhibited MS specimens combined with elemental analysis data provided clear evidences for the formation of a protective adsorption layer of HBIQ on MS surface. Spectral analysis such as Ultraviolet visible and Fourier Transform Infra-red spectral analyses were carried out in order to confirm the adsorption of HBIQ on to the metal surface. The density functional theory calculations supported the experimental results and indicated the contribution of delocalized π-electrons in the naphthalimide unit and the lone-pair electrons of oxygen in the carbonyl and hydroxyl group for improved adsorption of HBIQ onto MS surface, thereby reducing the corrosion of the alloy in SA environment.

Graphic abstract
The Evolutionarily Mismatched Impact of Urbanization on Insomnia Symptoms: a Short Review of the Recent Literature
Authors: O Jiaqing , Pugh-Jones Catrin , Clark Bethany , Trott Jenna , Chang Lei
Published: April 2021

Purpose of Review

For the most part of human existence, individuals have been living a rural lifestyle in a rural setting. However, such sleep-conducive conditions have largely been transformed dramatically by urbanization within a relatively short span of time in recent history, and the resulting evolved mechanisms-environment mismatch is theorized to bring about an increased risk for insomnia symptoms. This brief review of the recent literature is designed to evaluate the veracity of this proposition.

Recent Findings

The majority of recent findings have suggested that most proposed evolutionarily mismatched urban factors are indeed related to the presence of insomnia symptoms. However, there is a general paucity of longitudinal evidence (and for some other factors, a lack of enough evidence of any kind).

Although there is a preponderance of recent findings indicating a link between evolutionarily mismatched urban phenomena and insomnia symptoms, more longitudinal data are needed before any causative conclusion can be drawn.