bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A model for equilibrium swelling of the upper critical solution temperature type thermoresponsive hydrogels
Authors: Drozdov Aleksey D , deClaville Christiansen Jesper
Published: September 2021

Thermoresponsive gels of the upper critical solution temperature (UCST) type shrink below their critical temperature and swell above it. Changes in water uptake by these gels are driven by thermally induced dissociation of hydrogen or ionic bonds between chains. A simple model is developed for the description of the equilibrium swelling of thermophilic gels with hydrogen bonds. To confirm its ability to describe observations, equilibrium swelling diagrams are fitted on poly(acrylamide‐acrylic acid) and poly(acrylamide‐acrylonitrile) macroscopic gels and microgels with various structures (copolymer gels, gels with interpenetrating networks, nanocomposite gels), as well as on biocompatible poly(N‐acryloyl‐glycinamide) and poly(allylurea‐co‐allylamine) gels. Numerical simulation reveals that material parameters evolve consistently with molar fractions of crosslinker, hydrophobic and hydrophilic comonomers in the feed, degree of ionization of functional groups, and concentration of nanofiller. It is shown that the model can also be applied to describe observations on thermophilic zwitterionic gels. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Proteomic analysis of Giardia lamblia and Trichomonas vaginalis flagella reveal unique post‐translational modifications in tubulin that provide clues to regulation of their motilities
Authors: Sudhakar Aparna , Kamanna Sathisha , Bojja Mallikarjun , Tatu Utpal
Published: September 2021

All eukaryotic flagella are made of microtubules and driven by dynein motor proteins. However, every organism is unique in terms of its flagellar waveform, beat frequency, and its general motility pattern. With recent research, it is becoming clear that despite overall conservation in flagellar structure, the pattern of tubulin post‐translational modifications within the flagella are diverse and may contribute to variations in their patterns of motility. In this study, we have analyzed the tubulin post‐translational modification in the protozoan parasites Giardia lamblia and Trichomonas vaginalis using global, untargeted mass spectrometry. We show that tubulin monoglycylation is a modification localized to the flagella present in G. lamblia but absent in T. vaginalis. We also show the presence of glutamylated tubulin in both G. lamblia and T. vaginalis. Using MS/MS, we were also able to identify the previously unknown sites of monoglycylation in β‐tubulin at E438 and E439 in G. lamblia. Using isolated flagella, we also characterized the flagellar proteome in G. lamblia and T. vaginalis and identified 475 proteins in G. lamblia and 386 proteins in T. vaginalis flagella. Altogether, the flagellar proteomes as well as the sites of tubulin PTMs in these organisms, reveal potential mechanisms in regulating flagellar motilities in these neglected protozoan parasites.
A systematic review of surfactant delivery via laryngeal mask airway, pharyngeal instillation, and aerosolization: Methods, limitations, and outcomes
Authors: Devi Usha , Roberts Kari D. , Pandita Aakash
Published: September 2021

Less invasive surfactant administration methods without laryngoscopy and endotracheal catheterization include delivery via laryngeal mask airway, pharyngeal instillation, and aerosolization. These less invasive techniques are promising and have several advantages over INSURE (Intubation‐Surfactant‐Extubation) and thin catheter techniques. The objective of this review is to discuss the requisites, techniques, short‐term outcomes, and adverse events associated with these methods.
Management of parapneumonic pleural effusion in children: Is there a role for corticosteroids when conventional nonsurgical management fails? A single‐center 15‐year experience
Authors: Thimmesch Matthieu , Mulder André , Lebrun Frédéric , Piérart Frédéric , Genin Caroline , Loeckx Isabelle , Demaret Pierre
Published: September 2021

Objective

Description of the use of corticosteroids for the management of parapneumonic pleural effusion in children.

Methods

Retrospective single‐center observational study of all children hospitalized with a diagnosis of parapneumonic pleural effusion during a 15‐year period.

Results

We documented 97 cases of parapneumonic effusion during the study period, with a median age (interquartile range [IQR]) of 43 (33–61) months. Most of the children benefited from an evacuation of the pleural effusion (89/97, 91.8%): 21 patients (21.6%) were treated with needle thoracocentesis only, while a chest tube was inserted in 68 children (70.1%). Thirty‐two patients (33%) were treated with intrapleural fibrinolysis. Fifty‐five children (56.7%) received corticosteroids for persistent fever. The median time (IQR) between hospital admission and initiation of corticosteroids was 5.5 (4–7) days. When corticosteroids were initiated, children had been febrile for 9 (IQR: 8–11) days. The fever ceased in a median (IQR) of 0 (0–1) day after corticosteroids initiation. Only one patient required a video‐assisted thoracoscopy that was necessary for morphological reasons (morbid obesity). No children treated with corticosteroids required surgery. All children were discharged from hospital. The median (IQR) hospital length of stay was 11 (8–14) days, with no difference between children with and those without corticosteroids.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that corticosteroids may be a part of the therapeutic armamentarium for children with parapneumonic effusion when conventional nonsurgical management fails.
The ERA5 global reanalysis: Preliminary extension to 1950
Authors: Bell Bill , Hersbach Hans , Simmons Adrian , Berrisford Paul , Dahlgren Per , Horányi András , Muñoz‐Sabater Joaquín , Nicolas Julien , Radu Raluca , Schepers Dinand , Soci Cornel , Villaume Sebastien , Bidlot Jean‐Raymond , Haimberger Leo , Woollen Jack , Buontempo Carlo , Thépaut Jean‐Noël
Published: September 2021

The extension of the ERA5 reanalysis back to 1950 supplements the previously published segment covering 1979 to the present. It features the assimilation of additional conventional observations, as well as improved use of early satellite data. The number of observations assimilated increases from 53,000 per day in early 1950 to 570,000 per day by the end of 1978. Accordingly, the quality of the reanalysis improves throughout the period, generally joining seamlessly with the segment covering 1979 to the present. The fidelity of the extension is illustrated by the accurate depiction of the North Sea storm of 1953, and the events leading to the first discovery of sudden stratospheric warmings in 1952. Time series of ERA5 global surface temperature anomalies show temperatures to be relatively stable from 1950 until the late 1970s, in agreement with the other contemporary full‐input reanalysis covering this period and with independent data sets, although there are significant differences in the accuracy of representing specific regions, Europe being well represented in the early period but Australia less so. The variability of ERA5 precipitation from month to month agrees well with observations for all continents, with correlations above 90% for most of Europe and generally in excess of 70% for North America, Asia and Australia. The evolution of upper air temperatures, humidities and winds shows smoothly varying behaviour, including tropospheric warming and stratospheric cooling, modulated by volcanic eruptions. The Quasi‐Biennial Oscillation is well represented throughout. Aspects to be improved upon in future reanalyses include the assimilation of tropical cyclone data, the spin‐up of soil moisture and stratospheric humidity, and the representation of surface temperatures over Australia.
Power calculation for analyses of cross‐sectional stepped‐wedge cluster randomized trials with binary outcomes via generalized estimating equations
Authors: Harrison Linda J. , Wang Rui
Published: September 2021

Power calculation for stepped‐wedge cluster randomized trials (SW‐CRTs) presents unique challenges, beyond those of standard parallel cluster randomized trials, due to the need to consider temporal within cluster correlations and background period effects. To date, power calculation methods specific to SW‐CRTs have primarily been developed under a linear model. When the outcome is binary, the use of a linear model corresponds to assessing a prevalence difference; yet trial analysis often employs a nonlinear link function. We propose power calculation methods for cross‐sectional SW‐CRTs under a logistic model fitted by generalized estimating equations. Firstly, under an exchangeable correlation structure, we show the power based on a logistic model is lower than that from assuming a linear model in the absence of period effects. We then evaluate the impact of background prevalence changes over time on power. To allow the correlation among outcomes in the same cluster to change over time and with treatment status, we generalize the methods to more complex correlation structures. Our simulation studies demonstrate that the proposed power calculation methods perform well with the model‐based variance under the true correlation structure and reveal that a working independence structure can result in substantial efficiency loss, while a working exchangeable structure performs well even when the underlying correlation structure deviates from exchangeable. An extension to our methods accounts for variable cluster sizes and reveals that unequal cluster sizes have a modest impact on power. We illustrate the approaches by application to a quality of care improvement trial for acute coronary syndrome.
Confined Fe Catalysts for High‐Density SWNT Arrays Growth: a New Territory for Catalyst‐Substrate Interaction Engineering
Authors: Hu Yue , Zhang Hongjie , Zhang Shuchen , He Chao , Wang Ying , Wang Taibin , Du Ran , Qian Jinjie , Li Pan , Zhang Jin
Published: September 2021

Great efforts have been devoted to searching for efficient catalytic systems to produce ultra‐high density single‐walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) arrays, which lay the foundation for future electronic devices. However, one major obstacle for realizing high‐density surface‐aligned SWNT arrays is the poor stability of metal nanoparticles in chemical vapor deposition catalytic processes. Recently, Trojan catalyst has been reported to yield unprecedented high‐density SWNT arrays with 130 SWNTs per µm on the a‐plane (11‐20) of the sapphire substrate. Herein, a concept of catalyst confinement effect is put forward to revealing the secret of remarkable growth efficiency of SWNT arrays by Trojan catalyst. Combined experimental and theoretical studies indicate that confinement of catalyst nanoparticles on discrete a‐plane strips plays a key role in stabilizing the small nanoparticles. The highly dispersive and active states of catalysts are maintained, which promote the growth of super‐dense SWNT arrays. By rationally designing the substrate reconstruction process, large areas of dense SWNT arrays (130 SWNTs per µm) covering the entire substrate are obtained. This approach may provide novel ideas for the synthesis of various high‐density 1D nanomaterials.
Goals and challenges in hybrid software development approaches
Authors: Prenner Nils , Unger‐Windeler Carolin , Schneider Kurt
Published: September 2021

The number of companies that use agile methods increases steadily. However, these companies often do not implement a pure agile approach but combine agile and plan‐based methods to so‐called hybrid development approaches. However, the development of these approaches is rather difficult for the companies, since agile and plan‐based approaches often follow opposite concepts. To benefit from agile and plan‐based approaches at the same time, the companies have to identify and address the conflicts between agile and plan‐based methods. The conflicts depend on the goals that are pursued with the implementation of agile and plan‐based methods. However, there is no overview of the exact goals that are pursued in hybrid approaches and which challenges and conflicts arise with them. Therefore, we conducted a systematic mapping study to gather and analyze the goals and challenges in hybrid development approaches. The mapping study is focused on literature that presents the actual needs and goals of companies and projects. Based on our results, we present the influence factors that cause conflicts in hybrid approaches and discuss how these conflicts can be addressed.
Complementarity between dark matter direct searches and CEνNS experiments in U(1)′ models
Authors: de la Vega Leon M. G. , Flores L. J. , Nath Newton , Peinado Eduardo
Published: September 2021

Abstract

We explore the possibility of having a fermionic dark matter candidate within U(1)′ models for CEνNS experiments in light of the latest COHERENT data and the current and future dark matter direct detection experiments. A vector-like fermionic dark matter has been introduced which is charged under U(1)′ symmetry, naturally stable after spontaneous symmetry breaking. We perform a complementary investigation using CEνNS experiments and dark matter direct detection searches to explore dark matter as well as Z′ boson parameter space. Depending on numerous other constraints arising from the beam dump, LHCb, BABAR, and the forthcoming reactor experiment proposed by the SBC collaboration, we explore the allowed region of Z′ portal dark matter.
Heavy quark jet production near threshold
Authors: Dai Lin , Kim Chul , Leibovich Adam K.
Published: September 2021

Abstract

In this paper, we study the fragmentation of a heavy quark into a jet near threshold, meaning that final state jet carries most of the energy of the fragmenting heavy quark. Using the heavy quark fragmentation function, we simultaneously resum large logarithms of the jet radius R and 1 − z, where z is the ratio of the jet energy to the initiating heavy quark energy. There are numerically significant corrections to the leading order rate due to this resummation. We also investigate the heavy quark fragmentation to a groomed jet, using the soft drop grooming algorithm as an example. In order to do so, we introduce a collinear-ultrasoft mode sensitive to the grooming region determined by the algorithm’s zcut parameter. This allows us to resum large logarithms of zcut/(1 − z), again leading to large numerical corrections near the endpoint. A nice feature of the analysis of the heavy quark fragmenting to a groomed jet is the heavy quark mass m renders the algorithm infrared finite, allowing a perturbative calculation. We analyze this for EJR ∼ m and EJR » m, where EJ is the jet energy. To do the latter case, we introduce an ultracollinear-soft mode, allowing us to resum large logarithms of EJR/m. Finally, as an application we calculate the rate for e+e− collisions to produce a heavy quark jet in the endpoint region, where we show that grooming effects have a sizable contribution near the endpoint.
Defect segmentation for multi-illumination quality control systems
Authors: Honzátko David , Türetken Engin , Bigdeli Siavash A. , Dunbar L. Andrea , Fua Pascal
Published: September 2021

Thanks to recent advancements in image processing and deep learning techniques, visual surface inspection in production lines has become an automated process as long as all the defects are visible in a single or a few images. However, it is often necessary to inspect parts under many different illumination conditions to capture all the defects. Training deep networks to perform this task requires large quantities of annotated data, which are rarely available and cumbersome to obtain. To alleviate this problem, we devised an original augmentation approach that, given a small image collection, generates rotated versions of the images while preserving illumination effects, something that random rotations cannot do. We introduce three real multi-illumination datasets, on which we demonstrate the effectiveness of our illumination preserving rotation approach. Training deep neural architectures with our approach delivers a performance increase of up to 51% in terms of AuPRC score over using standard rotations to perform data augmentation.
Compositional modeling of railway Virtual Coupling with Stochastic Activity Networks
Authors: Flammini Francesco , Marrone Stefano , Nardone Roberto , Vittorini Valeria
Published: September 2021

The current travel demand in railways requires the adoption of novel approaches and technologies in order to increase network capacity. Virtual Coupling is considered one of the most innovative solutions to increase railway capacity by drastically reducing train headway. The aim of this paper is to provide an approach to investigate the potential of Virtual Coupling in railways by composing stochastic activity networks model templates. The paper starts describing the Virtual Coupling paradigm with a focus on standard European railway traffic controllers. Based on stochastic activity network model templates, we provide an approach to perform quantitative evaluation of capacity increase in reference Virtual Coupling scenarios. The approach can be used to estimate system capacity over a modelled track portion, accounting for the scheduled service as well as possible failures. Due to its modularity, the approach can be extended towards the inclusion of safety model components. The contribution of this paper is a preliminary result of the PERFORMINGRAIL (PERformance-based Formal modelling and Optimal tRaffic Management for movING-block RAILway signalling) project funded by the European Shift2Rail Joint Undertaking.
Microbial occurrence in liquid nitrogen storage tanks: a challenge for cryobanking?
Authors: Bajerski Felizitas , Nagel Manuela , Overmann Joerg
Published: September 2021

Modern biobanks maintain valuable living materials for medical diagnostics, reproduction medicine, and conservation purposes. To guarantee high quality during long-term storage and to avoid metabolic activities, cryostorage is often conducted in the N2 vapour phase or in liquid nitrogen (LN) at temperatures below − 150 °C. One potential risk of cryostorage is microbial cross contamination in the LN storage tanks. The current review summarises data on the occurrence of microorganisms that may compromise the safety and quality of biological materials during long-term storage. We assess the potential for the microbial contamination of LN in storage tanks holding different biological materials based on the detection by culture-based and molecular approaches. The samples themselves, the LN, the human microbiome, and the surrounding environment are possible routes of contamination and can cause cross contaminations via the LN phase. In general, the results showed that LN is typically not the source of major contaminations and only a few studies provided evidence for a risk of microbial cross contamination. So far, culture-based and culture-independent techniques detected only low amounts of microbial cells, indicating that cross contamination may occur at a very low frequency. To further minimise the potential risk of microbial cross contaminations, we recommend reducing the formation of ice crystals in cryotanks that can entrap environmental microorganisms and using sealed or second sample packing. A short survey demonstrated the awareness for microbial contaminations of storage containers among different culture collections. Although most participants consider the risk of cross contaminations in LN storage tanks as low, they prevent potential contaminations by using sealed devices and − 150 °C freezers. It is concluded that the overall risk for cross contaminations in biobanks is relatively low when following standard operating procedures (SOPs). We evaluated the potential sources in detail and summarised our results in a risk assessment spreadsheet which can be used for the quality management of biobanks.

Key points

• Identification of potential contaminants and their sources in LN storage tanks.

• Recommendations to reduce this risk of LN storage tank contamination.

• Development of a risk assessment spreadsheet to support quality management.
Parental Views on the Non‐Operative Management of Simple Appendicitis in Children: Results of a Cross‐Sectional Survey
Authors: Ensor N. , Qin K. R. , Sivasubramaniam M. , Roddis B. , Mayakaduwage K. , Pacilli M. , Nataraja R. M.
Published: September 2021

Background

To determine parental attitudes for the non‐operative management of simple appendicitis and determine willingness to participate in research evaluating different management options.

Method

Voluntary cross‐sectional survey of parents/guardians presenting to paediatric outpatient department. Likert scale of 0–10 (strongly disagree–strongly agree) was utilised, analysis by individual question responses. Results are presented as medians [IQR], paired t test, the Mann–Whitney U test and Kruskal–Wallis test analysis as appropriate. A p value of < 0.05 is considered significant.

Results

Of 311 respondents, 81% (252/311) completed all the questions. The majority (73%, 220/303) believed that appendicitis needed an urgent operation, and 88% (264/299) believed that perforated appendicitis was a life‐threatening condition. Fifty‐two per cent (131/252) preferred operative management, and 48% (121/252) preferred antibiotic treatment. The most important factors influencing treatment choice were removal of pain (84%, 246/293), removal of infection (83%, 244/293) and minimising complications (54%, 162/293). Concerns regarding antibiotic treatment included the potential for recurrence (75%, 204/271), the risk of progression (63%, 170/271) and the potential of future surgery (53%, 145/271). The perceived beneficial factors of antibiotic treatment included avoiding surgery, 64% (173/269) and surgical complications 68% (184/269). When asked to consider whether they would participate in clinical research evaluating the two treatment options, parents were equally in favour (39%), against (26%) or unsure (35%).

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates equipoise in the parental acceptance of antibiotics as a treatment simple appendicitis in children, or participation in research evaluating this topic. However, the important factors that may influence this decision have been identified to guide future conversations.
Prevalence of large vessel vasculitis in ANCA-associated vasculitis: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Coattrenec Yann , Muller Yannick D. , Spoerl David , Lobrinus Johannes A. , Seebach Jörg D.
Published: September 2021

ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) in general involves small blood vessels and includes granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), and microscopic polyangiitis (MPA). Although reported in a few studies, the prevalence of large vessel vasculitis (LVV) in patients with AAV remains to be further explored. The goal of the present study was to assess the prevalence of LVV in a cohort of patients with AAV and to characterize this population. We conducted a ten-year retrospective study of a single-center cohort of AAV, including 101 patients with GPA (n = 58), EGPA (n = 28), MPA (n = 15), and compared the groups with or without associated LVV. LVV was diagnosed in five patients, two with aortitis and three with temporal arteritis, corresponding to a total prevalence of 5.0% [95% CI 1.6–11.2%]. This value was significantly higher than the estimated prevalence of LVV in the normal Swiss population (OR 234.9 95% CI 91.18–605.2,p < 0.001). All five patients had GPA, whereas no cases with EGPA or MPA were identified. Anti-PR3 antibodies were detected in four out of five patients, anti-MPO in one patient. Since LVV can occur in a significant proportion of patients with GPA, evaluation for LVV may be considered systematically in the diagnostic workup of AAV.
Comments on the paper Study of effect of Gd substitution at the Fe site on structural, dielectric and electrical characteristics of BiFeO3 by L. Thansanga et al. (Appl. Phys. A. 125, 764 (2019))
Authors: Tomaszewski Paweł E.
Published: September 2021

My comments concern the severe errors in the crystallographic part of the commented paper. The correct formula is proposed to be Bi1-xGdxFeO3 instead of BiFe0.95Gd0.05O3. Thus, the actual composition of the studied crystal is not known. Furthermore, it is evident that the sample contains at least three different phases. The subsequent studies do not present the properties of the title compound.
Surgical management and oncological outcome of non-squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx: a bicentric study
Authors: Iandelli Andrea , Missale Francesco , Laborai Andrea , Filauro Marta , Marchi Filippo , Del Bon Francesca , Perotti Pietro , Parrinello Giampiero , Piazza Cesare , Peretti Giorgio
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Non-squamous cell carcinoma (non-SCC) accounts for about 5% of laryngeal malignancies. Survival data are limited, and consensus on management principles is lacking. The present study reviews our experience in the surgical treatment of non-metastatic non-SCC of the larynx and compares oncological and functional outcomes in a cohort of patients affected by traditional SCC.

Methods

We collected data on 592 patients affected by laryngeal neoplasms. Univariate and multivariable survival analyses were performed using Cox proportional-hazards models; survival estimates were reported by hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), and survival curves were established with the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

We identified 326 patients affected by untreated SCC, while 21 had non-SCC histotypes. The non-SCC cohort was composed of 5 soft tissue sarcomas, 8 chondrosarcomas, 2 adenoid cystic carcinomas, 2 neuroendocrine carcinomas, 2 solitary fibrous tumors, 1 Kaposi’s sarcoma, and 1 malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor. Overall survival and disease-specific survival were not significantly different according to histology (p = 0.6 and p = 0.349, respectively). The non-SCC group showed an increased risk of recurrence (HR 5.87; CI95 2.15–16.06; p < 0.001). Nonetheless, no significant difference (p = 0.31) was found at multivariable analysis between the two groups in total laryngectomy-free survival with an organ preservation rate over 5 years of 81% for the non-SCC histologies.

Conclusion

Non-SCC is a broad spectrum pathology, but generalized laryngeal surgical management principles are still feasible and it is possible to identify patients amenable to conservative surgical treatment without affecting survival.
Mental heartbeat tracking and rating of emotional pictures are not related
Authors: Ferentzi Eszter , Vig Luca , Lindkjølen Mats Julin , Lien Markus Erling , Köteles Ferenc
Published: September 2021

Our aim was to conceptually replicate the findings of previous empirical studies showing that people with higher cardiac interoceptive accuracy experience more intense emotions. Apart of the mental heartbeat tracking task of Schandry, Hungarian (n = 46, 76.0% female, mean age 22.28 ± 2.228) and Norwegian (n = 50, 60.0% female, mean age 24.66 ± 3.048) participants rated the arousal and valence evoked by positive, neutral and negative pictures. Multivariate repeated analysis of variance (applying both frequentist and Bayesian approaches) did not reveal any connection between heartbeat perception scores and the subjective ratings (i.e., arousal and valence) of the pictures in any of the two groups. The lack of the expected association between cardioceptive accuracy and arousal might partly be explained by the methodological differences between previous studies and this one; for example, we did not split or preselected the sample based on the performance on the Schandry task and applied a relatively strict instruction (i.e., by encouraging to count felt heartbeats only, and to report zero if no sensations were detected).
Cytokeratin 5 and cytokeratin 6 expressions are unconnected in normal and cancerous tissues and have separate diagnostic implications
Authors: Völkel Cosima , De Wispelaere Noémi , Weidemann Sören , Gorbokon Natalia , Lennartz Maximilian , Luebke Andreas M. , Hube-Magg Claudia , Kluth Martina , Fraune Christoph , Möller Katharina , Bernreuther Christian , Lebok Patrick , Clauditz Till S. , Jacobsen Frank , Sauter Guido , Uhlig Ria , Wilczak Waldemar , Steurer Stefan , Minner Sarah , Krech Rainer H. , Dum David , Krech Till , Marx Andreas H. , Simon Ronald , Burandt Eike , Menz Anne
Published: September 2021

Cytokeratins (CKs) 5 and 6 are functionally unrelated but often analyzed together using bispecific antibodies in diagnostic immunohistochemistry. To better understand the diagnostic utility of CK5 or CK6 alone, tissue microarrays with > 15,000 samples from 120 different tumor types as well as 608 samples of 76 different normal tissues were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. In normal tissues, both CKs occurred in the squamous epithelium; CK5 dominated in basal and CK6 in suprabasal layers. CK5 (not CK6) stained basal cells in various other organs. Within tumors, both CK5 and CK6 were seen in > 95% of squamous cell carcinomas, but other tumor entities showed different results: CK5 predominated in urothelial carcinoma and mesothelioma, but CK6 in adenocarcinomas. Joint analysis of both CK5 and CK6 obscured the discrimination of epithelioid mesothelioma (100% positive for CK5 alone and for CK5/6) from adenocarcinoma of the lung (12.8% positive for CK5 alone; 23.7% positive for CK5/6). CK5 and CK6 expressions were both linked to high grade, estrogen receptor, and progesterone receptor negativity in breast cancer (p < 0.0001 each), grade/stage progression in urothelial cancer (p < 0.0001), and RAS mutations in colorectal cancer (p < 0.01). Useful diagnostic properties which are commonly attributed to CK5/6 antibodies such as basal cell staining in the prostate, distinction of adenocarcinoma of the lung from squamous cell carcinoma and epithelioid mesothelioma, and identification of basal-type features in urothelial cancer are solely driven by CK5. At least for the purpose of distinguishing thoracic tumors, monospecific CK5 antibodies may be better suited than bispecific CK5/6 antibodies.
Mixed reality or LEGO game play? Fostering social interaction in children with Autism
Authors: Sayis Batuhan , Ramirez Rafael , Pares Narcis
Published: September 2021

This study extends the previous research in which it has been shown that a mixed reality (MR) system fosters social interaction behaviours (SIBs) in children with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC). When comparing this system to a LEGO-based non-digital intervention, it has been observed that an MR system effectively mediates a face-to-face play session between a child with ASC and a child without ASC providing new specific advantageous properties (e.g. not being a passive tool, not needing to be guided by the therapist). Considering the newly collected multimodal data totaling to 72 children (36 trials of dyads, child with ASC/child without ASC), a first goal of the present study is to apply detailed statistical inference and machine learning techniques to extensively evaluate the overall effect of this MR system, when compared to the LEGO condition. This goal also includes the analysis of psychophysiological data and allows the context-driven triangulation of the multimodal data which is operationalized by (i) video-coding of SIBs, (ii) psychophysiological data, and (iii) system logs of user-system events. A second goal is to show how SIBs, taking place in these experiences, are influenced by the internal states of the users and the system. SIBs were measured by video-coding overt behaviours (Initiation, Response and Externalization) and with self-reports. Internal states were measured using a wearable device designed by the FuBIntLab (Full-Body Interaction Lab) to acquire: Electrocardiogram (ECG) and Electrodermal Activity (EDA) data. Affective sliders and State Trait Anxiety Scale questionnaires were used as self-reports. Repeated-measures design was chosen with two conditions, the MR environment and the traditional therapy LEGO. The results show that the MR system has a positive effect on SIBs when compared to the LEGO condition, with an added advantage of being more flexible.
Qualitative smell/taste disorders as sequelae of acute COVID-19
Authors: Ercoli Tommaso , Masala Carla , Pinna Ilenia , Orofino Gianni , Solla Paolo , Rocchi Lorenzo , Defazio Giovanni
Published: September 2021

Background

Qualitative smell/taste disorders (such as phantosmia, parosmia, phantogeusia, and parageusia) have not yet been fully characterized in patients who had COVID-19, whereas quantitative disturbances (i.e., reduction/loss of smell/taste) have been widely investigated.

Objective

To simultaneously assess the presence of both quantitative and qualitative smell/taste dysfunctions in patients who suffered from COVID-19.

Methods

We enrolled 17 consecutive patients who suffered from COVID-19 over the last 6 months and 21 healthy controls, matched for sex and age. After a negative nasopharyngeal swab, the Sniffin’ Sticks Test and the Taste Strips were used to assess olfactory and taste function, respectively. At the same time, the presence of phantosmia, parosmia, phantogeusia, and parageusia was investigated with a standardized questionnaire.

Results

Qualitative disturbances of smell and/or taste were found in 6/17 (35.3%) patients. Phantosmia was reported in 2/17 (11.8%) patients and parosmia in 4/17 (23.5%). There were no significant differences in smell test scores between patients who reported phantosmia and/or parosmia and patients who did not. Phantogeusia was described in 3/17 (17.6%) patients, and parageusia was identified in 4/17 (23.5%) patients. All tested patients were normogeusic.

Conclusion

Around one-third of patients who recover from COVID-19 may have persistent qualitative dysfunction in smell/taste domains. Detection of phantogeusia in long-term COVID-19 patients represents a further novel finding. Further investigation is needed to better characterize the pathophysiology of phantosmia, parosmia, phantogeusia, and parageusia in patients who had COVID-19.
A comparison between VAR processes jointly modeling GDP and Unemployment rate in France and Germany
Authors: Iorio Francesca Di , Triacca Umberto
Published: September 2021

Investigating the relationship between Gross Domestic Product and unemployment is one of the most important challenges in macroeconomics. In this paper, we compare French and German economies in terms of the dynamic linkage between these variables. In particular, we use an empirical methodology to investigate how much the relationship between Gross Domestic Product and unemployment growth rates are dynamically different in the two major European economies over the period 2003–2019. To this aim, a Vector Autoregressive model is specified for each country to jointly model the growth rate of the two variables. Then a new statistical test is proposed to assess the distance between the two estimated models. Results indicate that the dynamic linkage between Gross Domestic Product and unemployment is very similar in the two countries. This empirical evidence does not imply identical product and labor markets in France and Germany, but it ensures that in these markets there are common dynamics. This could favor the process of economic convergence between the two countries.
Active ageing policy in challenging production environments: a case study involving social partners in Spain
Authors: Sánchez Mariano , Díaz Pilar
Published: September 2021

In recent years, due to population ageing, the European Union has promoted active ageing policies as a means to encourage workers to delay labour market exit. Our paper explores what active ageing means to social partners (employers, managers and workers) in Spain and also the viability of implementing an active ageing culture in organizations. We used a qualitative case study methodology to identify perceptions regarding obstacles and facilitators in the adoption of an active ageing culture in different production sectors, as well as responses to active ageing policies. Data-generating workshops were held with employees and managers of four types of companies located in the south of the country. Perceived obstacles to active ageing were more organizational than individual in nature. Some of these obstacles gave rise to a kind of forced active ageing in a context in which the previous predominant message had been to retire as early as possible. Job adaptation was perceived as both an obstacle and a facilitator. Increasing recognition of older workers and raising their motivation to extend their working lives were found to be important pending tasks. In contexts of high unemployment, active ageing often remains largely unknown within productive organizations, and the idea of retiring as soon as possible continues to guide many workers. In these circumstances, the implementation of top-down, uniform active ageing policies has proven to be of limited efficacy. Awareness campaigns and initiatives aimed at improving older workers’ health and abilities should be launched as complementary active ageing strategies.
A Novel High Dimensional Fitted Scheme for Stochastic Optimal Control Problems
Authors: Dleuna Nyoumbi Christelle , Tambue Antoine
Published: September 2021

Stochastic optimal principle leads to the resolution of a partial differential equation (PDE), namely the Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman (HJB) equation. In general, this equation cannot be solved analytically, thus numerical algorithms are the only tools to provide accurate approximations. The aims of this paper is to introduce a novel fitted finite volume method to solve high dimensional degenerated HJB equation from stochastic optimal control problems in high dimension ($$ n\ge 3$$

n
≥
3

). The challenge here is due to the nature of our HJB equation which is a degenerated second-order partial differential equation coupled with an optimization problem. For such problems, standard scheme such as finite difference method losses its monotonicity and therefore the convergence toward the viscosity solution may not be guarantee. We discretize the HJB equation using the fitted finite volume method, well known to tackle degenerated PDEs, while the time discretisation is performed using the Implicit Euler scheme.. We show that matrices resulting from spatial discretization and temporal discretization are M-matrices. Numerical results in finance demonstrating the accuracy of the proposed numerical method comparing to the standard finite difference method are provided.
Examining the Performance of Islamic and Conventional Stock Indices: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Asutay Mehmet , Wang Yumeng , Avdukic Alija
Published: September 2021

Islamic indices encompass different fundamental principles to those held by conventional ones, which directs attention onto comparative financial performance. This paper offers a comprehensive performance comparison between Islamic indices and conventional indices, based on four main markets: worldwide, the US, Europe and Asia–Pacific for the period of 2007 and 2017 through financial ratio comparison and also the CAPM-EGARCH model. The main finding shows that Islamic indices yield higher average returns and lower risks during the 2007–2009 and 2013–2017 periods for all four markets, compared with respective conventional markets. During 2009–2013 period, the comparison proves inconclusive, since Islamic indices demonstrate better performance in European and Asia–Pacific markets, while conventional indices operate at an enhanced level within other markets. Overall, Islamic indices outperformed conventional indices during the global financial crisis period (2007–2009) and the latter post-crisis phase (2013–2017), especially in the European and Asia–Pacific markets.
Leveraging autoencoders in change vector analysis of optical satellite images
Authors: Andresini Giuseppina , Appice Annalisa , Iaia Daniele , Malerba Donato , Taggio Nicolò , Aiello Antonello
Published: September 2021

Various applications in remote sensing demand automatic detection of changes in optical satellite images of the same scene acquired over time. This paper investigates how to leverage autoencoders in change vector analysis, in order to better delineate possible changes in a couple of co-registered, optical satellite images. Let us consider both a primary image and a secondary image acquired over time in the same scene. First an autoencoder artificial neural network is trained on the primary image. Then the reconstruction of both images is restored via the trained autoencoder so that the spectral angle distance can be computed pixelwise on the reconstructed data vectors. Finally, a threshold algorithm is used to automatically separate the foreground changed pixels from the unchanged background. The assessment of the proposed method is performed in three couples of benchmark hyperspectral images using different criteria, such as overall accuracy, missed alarms and false alarms. In addition, the method supplies promising results in the analysis of a couple of multispectral images of the burned area in the Majella National Park (Italy).
School Matters: The Effects of School Experiences on Youth’s Attitudes toward Immigrants
Authors: Eckstein Katharina , Miklikowska Marta , Noack Peter
Published: September 2021

Although schools have been described as an important socialization context for the development of intergroup attitudes, longitudinal multilevel studies are still rare within this field. This 3-wave study (with annual assessments) of German adolescents (N = 1292;Mage = 13.86; 51.8% female) examined the role of school experiences (perceived multicultural education, supportive peer relations in class, democratic classroom climate) in the development of youth’s negative attitudes toward immigrants. Longitudinal multilevel analyses revealed that a democratic classroom climate predicted youth’s attitudes at the individual level. At the classroom level class-average perceptions of a democratic classroom climate, supportive peer relations in class, and multicultural education (the latter solely among male, higher track students) were associated with less negative attitudes toward immigrants. In addition, age moderated the effect of school experiences on attitudes, showing that perceptions of a democratic climate at the classroom level mattered in particular among older adolescents. The findings suggest that school experiences are related to youth’s negative attitudes toward immigrants and can therefore help to reduce the risk of prejudice development.
The wonder exerkines—novel insights: a critical state-of-the-art review
Authors: Magliulo Laura , Bondi Danilo , Pini Niccolò , Marramiero Lorenzo , Di Filippo Ester Sara
Published: September 2021

Several benefits can be acquired through physical exercise. Different classes of biomolecules are responsible for the cross-talk between distant organs. The secretome of skeletal muscles, and more widely the field of organokines, is ever-expanding. “Exerkine” has emerged as the umbrella term covering any humoral factors secreted into circulation by tissues in response to exercise. This review aims at describing the most interesting exerkines discovered in the last 3 years, which are paving the way for both physiological novel insights and potential medical strategies. The five exerkines identified all play a significant role in the healthy effect of exercise. Specifically: miR-1192, released by muscles and myocardium into circulation, by modulating cardioprotective effect in trained mice; miR-342-5p, located into exosomes from vascular endothelial cells, also a cardioprotective miRNA in trained young humans; apelin, released by muscles into circulation, involved in anti-inflammatory pathways and muscle regenerative capacity in rats; GDF-15, released into circulation from yet unknown source, whose effects can be observed on multiple organs in young men after a single bout of exercise; oxytocin, released by myoblasts and myotubes, with autocrine and paracrine functions in myotubes. The systemic transport by vesicles and the crosstalk between distant organs deserve a deep investigation. Sources, targets, transport mechanisms, biological roles, population samples, frequency, intensity, time and type of exercise should be considered for the characterization of existing and novel exerkines. The “exercise is medicine” framework should include exerkines in favor of novel insights for public health.
Assessment of intestinal macromolecular absorption in young piglets to pave the way to oral vaccination: preliminary results
Authors: Deluco Brodie , Wilson Heather L.
Published: September 2021

The small intestine of the piglet has evolved to be permeable immediately after birth to facilitate the uptake of colostrum-derived immunoglobulins as well as other macromolecules, and cells. However, the precise timing of gut closure in today’s precocious pig is not known. We gavaged piglets immediately after birth and at 1-h after birth with Cy5-labeled Ovalbumin (Cy5-Ova) then harvested their small intestine’s 6–7 h later. To assess localization of Cy5-Ova in the small intestinal epithelial cells, we performed immunohistochemistry using a basolateral surface marker and a recycling endosome marker called pIgR, the late endosomal marker Rab7, and the lysosomal marker LAMP-1. Cy5-Ova co-localized with Rab7 and LAMP-1 in the duodenum and jejunum of 0-h old and 1-h old gavaged piglets, but only in the ileum of 0-h gavaged piglets. These data suggest that movement of Cy5-Ova through the late endosomes to the lysosomes was much reduced in the ileum of 1-h gavaged piglets. Cy5-Ova was largely present in epithelial cell digestive and transport vacuoles, but it did not colocalize with pIgR-positive endosomes in 0-h and 1-h gavaged piglets. Differences in macromolecular uptake across the different regions of the small intestine after only 1-h may be due to prior processing of colostral macromolecules, changes in the intestine due to initiation of colonization by microflora and/or the initiation of gut-closure. Understanding the relationship between the localization of Cy5-Ova and small intestinal permeability may contribute to establishing whether oral vaccination in the newborn can capitalize on the transient permeability before gut closure to promote immune protection.