bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revisiting inspection game and inspector leadership through reaction networks
Authors: Ganatuin‐Nocon Ederlina , Ang Tyrone
Published: June 2020

The inspection game is a two‐player noncooperative game that models a situation where an inspector verifies whether the inspectee complies with the rules (on the assumption that the inspectee has the tendency to violate at least one of the rules). The usual approach in the analysis of this game seeks to find an optimal strategic inspection scheme for each of the two players yielding favorable payoffs. Recently, there have been some developments in the study of such games that use a mathematical structure known as reaction network involving a set of molecular species and the existing reactions among these species. In this paper, we use a reaction network to analyze the inspection game giving an alternative way of modeling the social situation. The molecular species play the role of the players' decision moves and their resulting gain or loss, while the reactions are the encounters of the decisions of the players which, as expected, yield payoffs. We reexamine the dynamics of the inspection game through the lens of reaction network theory and consider various situations that call for more detailed analyses such as equal or unequal reaction rates and inspection leadership. Conditions concerning reaction rates, initial population of decision species, benefits, and costs are determined in order to identify strategies that yield better payoffs both for the inspector and inspectee. These results illustrate practical insights rooted from the formulated simple game models.
A semi‐LASER, single‐voxel spectroscopic sequence with a minimal echo time of 20.1 ms in the human brain at 3 T
Authors: Landheer Karl , Gajdošík Martin , Juchem Christoph
Published: June 2020

An optimized semi‐LASER sequence that is capable of acquiring artefact‐free data with an echo time (TE) of 20.1 ms on a standard clinical 3 T MR system was developed. Simulations were performed to determine the optimal TEs that minimize the expected Cramér‐Rao lower bound (CRLB) as proxy for quantification accuracy of metabolites. Optimized RF pulses, crusher gradients and phase cycling were used to achieve the shortest TE in a semi‐LASER sequence to date on a clinical system. Synthetic spectra were simulated using the density matrix formalism for TEs spanning from 20.1 to 220.1 ms. These simulations were used to calculate the expected CRLB for each of the 18 metabolites typically considered in 1H MRS. High quality spectra were obtained in six healthy volunteers in the prefrontal cortex, which is known for spurious echoes due to its proximity to the paranasal sinuses, and in the parietal‐occipital cortex. Spectral transients were sufficient in quality to enable phase and frequency alignment prior to summation over all repetitions. Automated high‐quality water suppression was obtained for all voxels without manual adjustment. The shortest TE minimized the CRLB for all brain metabolites except glycine due to its overlap with myo‐inositol at this TE. It is also demonstrated that the CRLBs increase rapidly with TE for certain coupled metabolites.
Novel numerical techniques for the finite moment log stable computational model for European call option
Authors: An Xingyu , Liu Fawang , Chen Shanzhen , Anh Vo V.
Published: June 2020

Option pricing models are often used to describe the dynamic characteristics of prices in financial markets. Unlike the classical Black–Scholes (BS) model, the finite moment log stable (FMLS) model can explain large movements of prices during small time steps. In the FMLS, the second‐order spatial derivative of the BS model is replaced by a fractional operator of order α which generates an α‐stable Lévy process. In this paper, we consider the finite difference method to approximate the FMLS model. We present two numerical schemes for this approximation: the implicit numerical scheme and the Crank–Nicolson scheme. We carry out convergence and stability analyses for the proposed schemes. Since the fractional operator routinely generates dense matrices which often require high computational cost and storage memory, we explore three methods for solving the approximation schemes: the Gaussian elimination method, the bi‐conjugate gradient stabilized method (Bi‐CGSTAB) and the fast Bi‐CGSTAB (FBi‐CGSTAB) in order to compare the cost of calculations. Finally, two numerical examples with exact solutions are presented where we also use extrapolation techniques to achieve higher‐order convergence. The results suggest that the proposed schemes are unconditionally stable and convergent, and the FMLS model is useful for pricing options.
Adverse perinatal outcome and placental abnormalities in pregnancies with major fetal congenital heart defects: A retrospective case‐control study
Authors: Giorgione Veronica , Fesslova Vlasta , Boveri Sara , Candiani Massimo , Khalil Asma , Cavoretto Paolo
Published: June 2020

Objective

The placental development has been shown to be compromised in pregnancies affected by fetal congenital heart defects (CHD). This study aimed to investigate the frequency of complications related to utero‐placental insufficiency in pregnancies with and without major CHD.

Method

This retrospective case‐control study was conducted at a Fetal Echocardiography Center in Milan. The following outcomes were compared between the two groups: preeclampsia (PE), small for gestational age (SGA), placental disorders and preterm birth (PTB). The logistic regression analysis was adjusted for maternal age, parity, co‐morbidities and mode of conception.

Results

The CHD group (n = 480) showed significantly increased incidence of PE (2.9% vs 0.9%; aOR, 6.50; 95% CI, 1.39‐30.41; P = .017) as compared to the control group (n = 456). Placental disorders occurred more frequently in the CHD than in controls, but the increased risk showed only a borderline significance (4.5% vs 3.3%; aOR, 2.56; 95% CI, 0.99‐1.02; P = .046). There was a significantly higher risk of SGA in CHD than in controls (8.7% vs 3.9%; aOR, 3.37; 95% CI, 1.51‐7.51; P = .003). PTB occurred in 65/477 (13.6%) cases and in 39/447 (8.7%) controls (P = .022) (aOR, 2.17; 95% CI, 1.24‐3.81; P = .007).

Conclusion

Major CHD are significantly associated with the risk of PE, SGA and PTB.
Spillover effects of state medicaid antipsychotic prior authorization policies in US commercially insured youth
Authors: Spence O'Mareen , Reeves Gloria , dosReis Susan
Published: June 2020

Purpose

To evaluate spillover effects of Medicaid antipsychotic prior authorization (PA) policies among commercially insured youth.

Methods

Commercially insured youth residing in nine US states that implemented PA exclusively for antipsychotics in 2011 or 2012 were identified using a 10% random sample of enrollees in the IQVIA PharMetrics Plus database spanning 2007 to 2015. Youth were included if they were ≤18 years, met the age criteria of the PA at the time of dispensing, and had at least 1 month of prescription drug coverage from 2007 to 2015. The primary outcome of interest was the monthly prevalence of antipsychotics. We implemented segmented regression of interrupted time series analysis to estimate changes in the monthly prevalence of targeted medications, overall and stratified by age. Trends were compared in the 4‐year period before and the 3‐year period after implementation of PA policies.

Results

Antipsychotics prescribing significantly decreased 6.74/10 000 (95% CI, −9.04 to −4.44) enrollees per month immediately after PA implementation. However, PA was not associated with significant long‐term trend changes (−0.06; 95% CI, −0.16 to 0.03). Antipsychotic prescribing in children <12 years‐old significantly decreased 0.14/10 000 (95% CI, −0.21 to −0.07) enrollees per month after PA implementation, while prescribing in adolescents 12 to 18 years‐old significantly increased 0.32/10 000 (95% CI, 0.16 to 0.47) enrollees per month.

Conclusion

While Medicaid PA polices for antipsychotic oversight did not affect overall prescribing, there were spillover effects in U.S. commercially insured children <12 years‐old. This suggests that state‐level Medicaid policies intended to improve the quality of care and safe use of antipsychotics can have broad reach.
Enhanced (thermo)mechanical properties in biobased poly(l‐lactide)/poly(amide‐12) blends using high shear extrusion processing without compatibilizers
Authors: Raj Amulya , Samuel Cédric , Malladi Nagalakshmaiah , Prashantha Kalappa
Published: June 2020

Compatible and partly‐biobased poly(l‐lactide) (PLA)/polyamide‐12 (PA12) blends (30 wt% PA12) are here processed by twin‐screw extrusion at high shear without added compatibilizers and the effect of several processing parameters (screw speed, feed rate) on final properties (tensile strength, ductility, impact toughness, thermal resistance) is addressed. High tensile strengths could be maintained for these blends with a maximal ductility (225%) and impact toughness (48 kJ/m2) achieved for an optimal screw speed of 800 rpm. However, extreme screw speeds higher than 800 rpm dramatically reduce ductility and impact toughness. Concerning thermal resistance, a constant increase of the heat deflection temperature is observed with the screw speed and thermal resistance up to 123°C could be obtained. In this respect, processing conditions of PLA/PA12 blends have profound positive effects on all (thermo)mechanical properties. Blend morphologies were revealed by scanning electron microscopy and refined PA12 fibrils are detected at optimal processing conditions. Properties deterioration were correlated to a PA12 fibrillar‐to‐ellipsoidal shape transition at extreme screw speeds arising from PLA degradation and attesting for the importance of the PA12 fibrillation process on final properties. Consequently, PLA/PA12 blends represent interesting biobased candidates for high‐performance applications and their optimization could be easily performed by playing with extrusion conditions without compatibilizers.
Esc‐1GN shows therapeutic potentials for acne vulgaris and inflammatory pain
Authors: Ye Tiaofei , Wu Jiena , Xu Zhengnan , Chai Jinwei , Zeng Qingye , Zeng Baishuang , Gao Yahua , Guo Ruiyin , Chen Xin , Xu Xueqing
Published: June 2020

The inflammatory response plays important roles in acne vulgaris and pain pathogenesis. In previous study, Esc‐1GN with anti‐inflammatory, antimicrobial, and lipopolysacchride (LPS) binding activity was identified from the skin of the frog Hylarana guentheri. Here, we report its therapeutic potentials for acne vulgaris and inflammatory pain. Esc‐1GN destroyed the cell membrane of Propionibacteria acnes in the membrane permeability assays. In addition, bacterial agglutination test suggested that Esc‐1GN triggered the agglutination of P. acnes, which was affected by LPS and Ca2+. Meanwhile, in vivo anti‐P. acnes and anti‐inflammatory effects of Esc‐1GN were confirmed by reducing the counts of P. acnes in mice ear, relieving P. acnes‐induced mice ear swelling, decreasing mRNA expression and the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, and attenuating the infiltration of inflammatory cells. Moreover, Esc‐1GN also displayed antinociceptive effect in mice induced by acetic acid and formalin. Therefore, Esc‐1GN is a promising candidate drug for treatment of acne vulgaris and inflammatory pain.
A Quantitative Systems Pharmacology Model of Gaucher Disease Type 1 Provides Mechanistic Insight Into the Response to Substrate Reduction Therapy With Eliglustat
Authors: Abrams Ruth , Kaddi Chanchala D. , Tao Mengdi , Leiser Randolph J. , Simoni Giulia , Reali Federico , Tolsma John , Jasper Paul , van Rijn Zachary , Li Jing , Niesner Bradley , Barrett Jeffrey S. , Marchetti Luca , Peterschmitt M. Judith , Azer Karim , Neves‐Zaph Susana
Published: June 2020

Gaucher’s disease type 1 (GD1) leads to significant morbidity and mortality through clinical manifestations, such as splenomegaly, hematological complications, and bone disease. Two types of therapies are currently approved for GD1: enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), and substrate reduction therapy (SRT). In this study, we have developed a quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP) model, which recapitulates the effects of eliglustat, the only first‐line SRT approved for GD1, on treatment‐naïve or patients with ERT‐stabilized adult GD1. This multiscale model represents the mechanism of action of eliglustat that leads toward reduction of spleen volume. Model capabilities were illustrated through the application of the model to predict ERT and eliglustat responses in virtual populations of adult patients with GD1, representing patients across a spectrum of disease severity as defined by genotype‐phenotype relationships. In summary, the QSP model provides a mechanistic computational platform for predicting treatment response via different modalities within the heterogeneous GD1 patient population.
Film Thickness Dependence of Surface Plasmon Resonance Behavior at a Grating Structure of Highly Ga‐Doped ZnO
Authors: Liu Chi-Wu , Chen Chi-Chung , Cheng Yung-Chen , Chen Po-Yu , Chang Wen-Yen , Kuo Yang , Kiang Yean-Woei , Yang Chih-Chung (C. C.)
Published: June 2020

Grating structures of the same grating period and similar ridge widths and heights are fabricated at the air interface of highly Ga‐doped ZnO (GaZnO) thin films of different thicknesses for studying the different resonance behaviors of induced surface plasmon (SP) polariton and localized SP in the near‐IR range. The wavelengths of those SP resonance modes obtained via the reflection and transmission measurements from the air and substrate sides are compared for observing the effects of the GaZnO/substrate interface on the behaviors of the SP resonances induced around the grating structures. With the refractive index of the sapphire substrate around 1.75, the resonance wavelengths of the SP modes induced in a sample of a smaller GaZnO film thickness generally become longer. This variation trend can be clearly observed in the reflection measurement from the sapphire side. Therefore, the SP resonance wavelengths of a GaZnO grating structure can be controlled by the refractive index of the used substrate as long as the GaZnO layer is not too thick (roughly thin than 200 nm).
The completeness properties of Gaussian‐type orbitals in quantum chemistry
Authors: Shaw Robert A.
Published: June 2020

In this work, I extend results on the convergence of Gaussian basis sets in quantum chemistry, previously shown for ground‐state hydrogenic wavefunctions, to orbitals of arbitrary angular momentum. I give rigorous proofs of their asymptotic behavior, and demonstrate for methods with regular potential operators—in particular, Hartree–Fock and Kohn–Sham density functional theory—that the assumption of completeness is correct under fairly lenient conditions. The final result under the correct norm is that the convergence in energy follows , where M is the number of Gaussians and k is a positive constant, generalizing previous results due to Kutzelnigg. This then yields prescriptions for accelerated convergence using even‐tempered Gaussians, which could be used as initial guesses in future basis set optimizations.
Formation of the exceptional [M − H]+ cation in atmospheric pressure ionization mass spectrometry analysis of 2‐(diphenylsilyl) cyclopropanecarboxylate esters
Authors: Wang Ruoqian , Zhao Zhiyuan , Zhang Huarong , Sheng Chunqi , Wang Yan , Jiang Kezhi
Published: June 2020

Rationale

In general, ionization of analytes in atmospheric pressure ionization mass spectrometry (API‐MS) in positive ion mode results in the formation of protonated molecules ([M + H]+) and/or cationized molecules (e.g., [M + Na]+). The formation of specific [M − H]+ cations in the API process is of significant interest for further investigation.

Methods

The ionization processes of 2‐(diphenylsilyl)‐1‐phenyl‐cyclopropanecarboxylate esters were investigated using electrospray ionization (ESI)‐MS and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization–MS in positive ion mode. Theoretical calculations were carried out with the Gaussian 03 program using the density functional theory (DFT) method at the B3LYP/6‐311 + G(2d,p) level.

Results

The anomalous [M − H]+ ion and the regular [M + Na]+ ion were both observed using ESI–MS. Interestingly, no [M + H]+ ion was obtained in the ESI–MS analysis, and acidification of the ESI solvent accelerated the formation of [M − H]+ rather than [M + H]+ ion. DFT calculations for the typical methyl 2‐(diphenylsilyl)‐1‐phenyl‐cyclopropanecarboxylate (1) indicated that the [1 + H]+ ion can thermodynamically and kinetically undergo facile H2 elimination to generate [1 − H]+.

Conclusions

The favorable formation of [M − H]+ ions in these compounds is attributed to the unique diphenylhydrosilyl group in their structure. The [M + H]+ ion formed easily underwent H2 elimination to produce the [1 − H]+ ion in the API source, and thus, acidification of the ESI solvent apparently accelerates the formation of the [1 − H]+ ion.
Seaweed‐eating sheep show that δ34S evidence for marine diets can be fully masked by sea spray effects
Authors: Guiry Eric J. , Szpak Paul
Published: June 2020

Rationale

Stable sulfur isotope compositions (δ34S values) are a useful marker of terrestrial (lower δ34S) versus marine (higher δ34S) diets. In coastal areas, 34S‐enriched sea spray can obscure these marine/terrestrial differences. We sought to establish whether δ34S values of sea spray‐affected terrestrial fauna can be distinguished from those of marine‐feeding terrestrial fauna.

Methods

We measured bone and dentine collagen δ34S values, as well as stable carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotope compositions via continuous flow elemental analysis/isotope ratio mass spectrometry of 21 sheep (Ovis aries) raised on an island (North Ronaldsay, UK) of <7 km2 that had widely divergent access to marine (seaweed) and heavily sea spray‐affected terrestrial (grass) food sources. We also analyzed the bone collagen of marine and terrestrial fauna from this island.

Results

Sheep bone collagen showed well‐defined trends with highly significant correlations between δ13C and δ15N values indicative of feeding along a continuum of fully terrestrial to fully marine diets, consistent with other modern baseline data from marine and terrestrial animals in the same area. In contrast, δ34S values were generally elevated for all sheep and were not significantly correlated with either δ13C or δ15N values.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that δ34S values are poorly suited for differentiating marine and terrestrial diets in terrestrial animals in areas with pronounced sea spray effects. Care must be taken to characterize the isotopic compositions of potential food items before δ34S values are used as a marker for reliance on marine protein in modern and ancient contexts.
Assessing sustainable development of flood mitigation projects using an innovative sustainability assessment framework
Authors: Shah Mohammad Aminur Rahman , Rahman Anisur , Chowdhury Sanaul Huq
Published: June 2020

Sustainability assessments of flood mitigation projects are crucial for achieving sustainable development of floodplains. This article presents the application of an innovative sustainability assessment (SA) framework for flood mitigation projects throughout its life. The research employed a literature review, consultation with experts, and a case study of a flood mitigation project in Australia. The sustainability assessment framework includes five stages: (a) contextualizing the project; (b) SA at the planning and implementation stage; (c) SA during a flood event; (d) SA at regular intervals; and (e) SA during a change or modification phase. The results of the sustainability assessment at the first two stages of the flood mitigation project suggest how the sustainability index (SI) could be used to choose the best design options. Also, the study presents how the achievement toward sustainability of the finally constructed project could be compared with the planned project using the SI score. Sustainability assessment at Stages 3–5, carried out with possible scenarios, demonstrates that the project's sustainability could be hindered by the growing number of vulnerable population and property development in the floodplain without an upgrade of the project. The findings suggest the applicability of the SA framework for better decision‐making for sustainable flood risk management.
DFTpy: An efficient and object‐oriented platform for orbital‐free DFT simulations
Authors: Shao Xuecheng , Jiang Kaili , Mi Wenhui , Genova Alessandro , Pavanello Michele
Published: June 2020

In silico materials design is hampered by the computational complexity of Kohn–Sham DFT, which scales cubically with the system size. Owing to the development of new‐generation kinetic energy density functionals (KEDFs), orbital‐free DFT (OFDFT) can now be successfully applied to a large class of semiconductors and such finite systems as quantum dots and metal clusters. In this work, we present DFTpy, an open‐source software implementing OFDFT written entirely in Python 3 and outsourcing the computationally expensive operations to third‐party modules, such as NumPy and SciPy. When fast simulations are in order, DFTpy exploits the fast Fourier transforms from PyFFTW. New‐generation, nonlocal and density‐dependent‐kernel KEDFs are made computationally efficient by employing linear splines and other methods for fast kernel builds. We showcase DFTpy by solving for the electronic structure of a million‐atom system of aluminum metal which was computed on a single CPU. The Python 3 implementation is object‐oriented, opening the door to easy implementation of new features. As an example, we present a time‐dependent OFDFT implementation (hydrodynamic DFT) which we use to compute the spectra of small metal clusters recovering qualitatively the time‐dependent Kohn–Sham DFT result. The Python codebase allows for easy implementation of application programming interfaces. We showcase the combination of DFTpy and ASE for molecular dynamics simulations of liquid metals. DFTpy is released under the MIT license.

This article is categorized under:

Software > Quantum Chemistry

Electronic Structure Theory > Density Functional Theory

Data Science > Computer Algorithms and Programming
Chiral transition and the chiral charge density of the hot and dense QCD matter.
Authors: Shi Chao , He Xiao-Tao , Jia Wen-Bao , Wang Qing-Wu , Xu Shu-Sheng , Zong Hong-Shi
Published: June 2020

Abstract

We study the chirally imbalanced hot and dense strongly interacting matter by means of the Dyson-Schwinger equations (DSEs). The chiral phase diagram is studied in the presence of chiral chemical potential μ
5. The chiral quark condensate

$$ \left\langle \overline{\psi}\psi \right\rangle $$

ψ
¯

ψ

is obtained with the Cornwall-Jackiw-Tomboulis (CJT) effective action in concert with the Rainbow truncation. Catalysis effect of dynamical chiral symmetry breaking (DCSB) by μ
5 is observed. We examine with two popular gluon models and consistency is found within the DSE approach, as well as in comparison with lattice QCD. The critical end point (CEP) location (μ

E

, T

E
) shifts toward larger T

E
but constant μ

E
as μ
5 increases. A technique is then introduced to compute the chiral charge density n
5 from the fully dressed quark propagator. We find the n
5 generally increases with temperature T , quark number chemical potential μ and μ
5. Since the chiral magnetic effect (CME) is typically investigated with peripheral collisions, we also investigate the finite size effect on n
5 and find an increase in n
5 with smaller system size.
Multilevel regulation of muscle-specific transcription factor hlh-1 during Caenorhabditis elegans embryogenesis
Authors: Guan Guoye , Fang Meichen , Wong Ming-Kin , Ho Vincy Wing Sze , An Xiaomeng , Tang Chao , Huang Xiaotai , Zhao Zhongying
Published: June 2020

hlh-1is a myogenic transcription factor required for body-wall muscle specification during embryogenesis inCaenorhabditis elegans. Despite its well-known role in muscle specification, comprehensive regulatory control upstream ofhlh-1remains poorly defined. Here, we first established a statistical reference for the spatiotemporal expression ofhlh-1at single-cell resolution up to the second last round of divisions for most of the cell lineages (from 4- to 350-cell stage) using 13 wild-type embryos. We next generated lineal expression ofhlh-1after RNA interference (RNAi) perturbation of 65 genes, which were selected based on their degree of conservation, mutant phenotypes, and known roles in development. We then compared the expression profiles between wild-type and RNAi embryos by clustering according to their lineal expression patterns using mean-shift and density-based clustering algorithms, which not only confirmed the roles of existing genes but also uncovered the potential functions of novel genes in muscle specification at multiple levels, including cellular, lineal, and embryonic levels. By combining the public data on protein-protein interactions, protein-DNA interactions, and genetic interactions with our RNAi data, we inferred regulatory pathways upstream ofhlh-1that function globally or locally. This work not only revealed diverse and multilevel regulatory mechanisms coordinating muscle differentiation duringC. elegansembryogenesis but also laid a foundation for further characterizing the regulatory pathways controlling muscle specification at the cellular, lineal (local), or embryonic (global) level.
Specification testing of agent-based simulation using property-based testing
Authors: Thaler Jonathan , Siebers Peer-Olaf
Published: June 2020

The importance of Agent-Based Simulation (ABS) as scientific method to generate data for scientific models in general and for informed policy decisions in particular has been widely recognised. However, the important technique of code testing of implementations like unit testing has not generated much research interested so far. As a possible solution, in previous work we have explored the conceptual use of property-based testing. In this code testing method, model specifications and invariants are expressed directly in code and tested through automated and randomised test data generation. This paper expands on our previous work and explores how to use property-based testing on a technical level to encode and test specifications of ABS. As use case the simple agent-based SIR model is used, where it is shown how to test agent behaviour, transition probabilities and model invariants. The outcome are specifications expressed directly in code, which relate whole classes of random input to expected classes of output. During test execution, random test data is generated automatically, potentially covering the equivalent of thousands of unit tests, run within seconds on modern hardware. This makes property-based testing in the context of ABS strictly more powerful than unit testing, as it is a much more natural fit due to its stochastic nature.
Coordination Cost and Super-Efficiency in Teamwork: The Role of Communication, Psychological States, Cardiovascular Responses, and Brain Rhythms
Authors: Hoyle Ben , Taylor Jamie , Zugic Luca , Filho Edson
Published: June 2020

To advance knowledge on the psychophysiological markers of “coordination cost” in team settings, we explored differences in meta-communication patterns (i.e., silence, speaking, listening, and overlap), perceived psychological states (i.e., core affect, attention, efficacy beliefs), heart rate variability (i.e., RMSSD), and brain rhythms (i.e., alpha, beta and theta absolute power) across three studies involving 48 male dyads (Mage = 21.30; SD = 2.03). Skilled participants cooperatively played three consecutive FIFA-17 (Xbox) games in a dyad against the computer, or competed against the computer in a solo condition and a dyad condition. We observed that playing in a team, in contrast to playing alone, was associated with higher alpha peak and global efficiency in the brain and, at the same time, led to an increase in focused attention as evidenced by participants’ higher theta activity in the frontal lobe. Moreover, we observed that overtime participants’ brain dynamics moved towards a state of “neural-efficiency”, characterized by increased theta and beta activity in the frontal lobe, and high alpha activity across the whole brain. Our findings advance the literature by demonstrating that (1) the notion of coordination cost can be captured at the neural level in the initial stages of team development; (2) by decreasing the costs of switching between tasks, teamwork increases both individuals’ attentional focus and global neural efficiency; and (3) communication dynamics become more proficient and individuals’ brain patterns change towards neural efficiency over time, likely due to team learning and decreases in intra-team conflict.
Common names for all species and subspecies of the genus Anguilla
Authors: Tsukamoto Katsumi , Kuroki Mari , Watanabe Shun
Published: June 2020

Scientific naming rules of animals are strictly defined by the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature, while those for common names are vague and not well defined. Specifically, the common names of freshwater eels of the genus Anguilla have become confused among scientific papers, pictorial books, and online resources in recent years. This disordered use of common names among freshwater eels demonstrates the urgent need for the standardization of common names for these species. In addition, freshwater eel populations have drastically decreased worldwide over the past few decades, resulting in their listing as endangered species. In the present study, we defined the following five rules for the common names of freshwater eels: to (1) use a representative locality name of the geographic distribution of the species or subspecies, (2) distinguish two sympatric species or subspecies as longfin or shortfin, (3) select a name that would enable the scientific name to be easily recalled, (4) value longstanding former common names if they adhere to the above three rules, and (5) use the shortest name possible. Based on current scientific knowledge and on these rules, we proposed 22 common names for all known 19 species and subspecies of the genus. As a result, 21, 6, 13, and 3 species and subspecies were named based on Rules (1), (2), (3), and (4), respectively.
Stochastic Distance Transform: Theory, Algorithms and Applications
Authors: Öfverstedt Johan , Lindblad Joakim , Sladoje Nataša
Published: June 2020

Distance transforms (DTs) are standard tools in image analysis, with applications in image registration and segmentation. The DT is based on extremal (minimal) distance values and is therefore highly sensitive to noise. We present astochastic distance transform(SDT) based ondiscrete random sets, in which a model of element-wise probability is utilized and the SDT is computed as the first moment of the distance distribution to the random set. We present two methods for computing the SDT and analyze them w.r.t. accuracy and complexity. Further, we propose a method, utilizing kernel density estimation, for estimating probability functions and associated random sets to use with the SDT. We evaluate the accuracy of the SDT and the proposed framework on images of thin line structures and disks corrupted by salt and pepper noise and observe excellent performance. We also insert the SDT into a segmentation framework and apply it to overlapping objects, where it provides substantially improved performance over previous methods. Finally, we evaluate the SDT and observe very good performance, on simulated images from localization microscopy, a state-of-the-art super-resolution microscopy technique which yields highly spatially localized but noisy point-clouds.
Sleep apnea in men is associated with altered lipid metabolism, glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, and body fat percentage
Authors: Kamble Prasad G. , Theorell-Haglöw Jenny , Wiklund Urban , Franklin Karl A. , Hammar Ulf , Lindberg Eva , Eriksson Jan W.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with obesity and risk for type 2 diabetes. In this community-based study, we thoroughly investigated fatty acid metabolism, incretin response, glucose tolerance, insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity, and autonomic nerve activity in men with or without OSA.

Methods

Fifteen men without diabetes but with signs of severe OSA, defined as apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) >30, and 15 age- and BMI-matched men without OSA (AHI < 5) were recruited from a community-based cohort. Assessments included clinical and anthropometric measurements, a 2-h oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and autonomic nerve activity using heart rate variability (HRV).

Results

Men with OSA had higher body fat % than BMI-matched men without OSA (p = 0.046) and it was associated with markers of insulin resistance. The area under the curve for nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) during OGTT was higher in men with OSA (p = 0.021) and fasting NEFA levels were numerically higher (p = 0.097). The plasma glucose at fasting and during OGTT was higher in men with OSA (p < 0.001). Incretin response was similar between groups. Fasting and OGTT-derived indices indicated impaired insulin sensitivity in men with OSA. Compared with men without OSA, Matsuda index (p = 0.068) and Gutt index (p < 0.01) were lower in men with OSA. The HRV measures did not differ between groups.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that fatty acid handling, glucose tolerance, and insulin sensitivity are impaired in men with severe OSA. This might partly be explained by the increased body fat percentage.
SF-12 or SF-36 in pituitary disease? Toward concise and comprehensive patient-reported outcomes measurements
Authors: van der Meulen Merel , Zamanipoor Najafabadi Amir H. , Lobatto Daniel J. , Andela Cornelie D. , Vliet Vlieland Thea P. M. , Pereira Alberto M. , van Furth Wouter R. , Biermasz Nienke R.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Pituitary diseases severely affect patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The most frequently used generic HRQoL questionnaire is the Short Form-36 (SF-36). The shorter 12-item version (SF-12) can improve efficiency of patient monitoring. This study aimed to determine whether SF-12 can replace SF-36 in pituitary care.

Methods

In a longitudinal cohort study (August 2016 to December 2018) among 103 endoscopically operated adult pituitary tumor patients, physical and mental component scores (PCS and MCS) of SF-36 and SF-12 were measured preoperatively, and 6 weeks and 6 months postoperatively. Chronic care was assessed with a cross-sectional study (N = 431). Mean differences and agreement between SF-36 and SF-12 change in scores (preoperative vs. 6 months) were assessed with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and limits of agreement, depicting 95% of individual patients.

Results

In the longitudinal study, mean differences between change in SF-36 and SF-12 scores were 1.4 (PCS) and 0.4 (MCS) with fair agreement for PCS (ICC = 0.546) and substantial agreement for MCS (ICC = 0.931). For 95% of individual patients, the difference between change in SF-36 and SF-12 scores varied between −14.0 and 16.9 for PCS and between −7.8 and 8.7 for MCS. Cross-sectional results showed fair agreement for PCS (ICC = 0.597) and substantial agreement for MCS (ICC = 0.943).

Conclusions

On a group level, SF-12 can reliably reproduce MCS in pituitary patients, although PCS is less well correlated. However, individual differences between SF-36 and SF-12 can be large. For pituitary diseases, alternative strategies are needed for concise, but comprehensive patient-reported outcome measurement.
Soziale Arbeit im Ausnahmezustand?! Professionstheoretische Forschungsnotizen zur Corona-Pandemie
Authors: Buschle Christina , Meyer Nikolaus
Published: June 2020

Die Corona-Pandemie verändert aktuell zahlreiche Lebens- und Arbeitsbereiche in Deutschland. Im vorliegenden Beitrag werden erste Trends aus einer bundesweiten Online-Befragung mit 1867 Beschäftigten der Sozialen Arbeit zu den Auswirkungen der Einschränkungen auf die Beschäftigungssituation in der Sozialen Arbeit vorgestellt. Deutlich wird bereits jetzt: Neben Arbeitsverdichtungen nehmen die Beschäftigten veränderte Arbeitsbündnisse mit den Adressat*innen ebenso wie sich wandelnde professionelle Standards wahr – bei gleichzeitig mangelnder gesellschaftlicher Anerkennung. Die Folgen der Corona-Pandemie für die Soziale Arbeit sind zum aktuellen Zeitpunkt noch nicht absehbar, münden für die Mehrheit der Befragten aber in größeren Anforderungen an das eigene Handlungsfeld.
Interleukin-23 Represses the Level of Cell Senescence Induced by the Androgen Receptor Antagonists Enzalutamide and Darolutamide in Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Gupta Siddharth , Pungsrinont Thanakorn , Ženata Ondrej , Neubert Laura , Vrzal Radim , Baniahmad Aria
Published: June 2020

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths of men in Western countries. Androgen deprivation therapy is initially successful, however eventually fails, and tumors progress to the more aggressive castration-resistant PCa (CRPC). Yet, androgen receptor (AR) usually remains as a major regulator of tumor cell proliferation in CRPC. Interleukin-23 (IL-23) was recently shown to promote the development of CRPC by driving AR transcription. Here we used the androgen-sensitive LNCaP, castration-resistant C4-2, and 22Rv1 cells. Interestingly, cellular senescence is induced in these human cell lines by treatment with the AR antagonists enzalutamide (ENZ) or darolutamide (ODM), which might be one underlying mechanism for inhibition of PCa cell proliferation. Treatment with IL-23 alone did not change cellular senescence levels in these cell lines, whereas IL-23 inhibited significantly cellular senescence levels induced by ENZ or ODM in both CRPC cell lines C4-2 and 22Rv1 but not in LNCaP cells. This indicates a response of IL-23 specific in CRPC cells. Generating LNCaP and C4-2 three-dimensional (3D) spheroids and treatment with AR antagonists resulted in the reduced spheroid volume and thus growth inhibition. However, the combination of AR antagonists with IL-23 did not affect the antagonist-mediated reduction of spheroid volumes. This observation was confirmed with proliferation assays using adherent monolayer cell cultures. Taken together, the data indicate that IL-23 treatment reduces the AR antagonists-induced level of cellular senescence of CRPC cells, which could be one possible mechanism for promoting castration resistance.
TRIM35 mediates protection against influenza infection by activating TRAF3 and degrading viral PB2
Authors: Sun Nan , Jiang Li , Ye Miaomiao , Wang Yihan , Wang Guangwen , Wan Xiaopeng , Zhao Yuhui , Wen Xia , Liang Libin , Ma Shujie , Liu Liling , Bu Zhigao , Chen Hualan , Li Chengjun
Published: June 2020

Tripartite motif (TRIM) family proteins are important effectors of innate immunity against viral infections. Here we identified TRIM35 as a regulator of TRAF3 activation. Deficiency in or inhibition of TRIM35 suppressed the production of type I interferon (IFN) in response to viral infection.Trim35-deficient mice were more susceptible to influenza A virus (IAV) infection than were wild-type mice. TRIM35 promoted the RIG-I-mediated signaling by catalyzing Lys63-linked polyubiquitination of TRAF3 and the subsequent formation of a signaling complex with VISA and TBK1. IAV PB2 polymerase countered the innate antiviral immune response by impeding the Lys63-linked polyubiquitination and activation of TRAF3. TRIM35 mediated Lys48-linked polyubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of IAV PB2, thereby antagonizing its suppression of TRAF3 activation. Ourin vitroandin vivofindings thus reveal novel roles of TRIM35, through catalyzing Lys63- or Lys48-linked polyubiquitination, in RIG-I antiviral immunity and mechanism of defense against IAV infection.
Creep deformation behavior during densification of ZrB2-SiBCN ceramics with ZrO2 additive
Authors: Feng Bo , Wang Zhenhang , Fan Yunhao , Gu Jinghua , Zhang Yue
Published: June 2020

ZrB2-SiBCN ceramics with ZrO2additive are hot-pressed under a constant applied pressure. The densification behavior of the composites is studied in a view of creep deformation by means of the Bernard-Granger and Guizard model. With determination of the stress exponent (n) and the apparent activation energy (Qd), the specific deformation mechanisms controlling densification are supposed. Within lower temperature ranges of 1300–1400 °C, the operative mechanism is considered to be grain boundary sliding accommodated by atom diffusion of the polymer-derived SiBCN (n= 1,Qd= 123±5 kJ/mol) and by viscous flow of the amorphous SiBCN (n= 2,Qd= 249±5 kJ/mol). At higher temperatures, the controlling mechanism transforms to lattice or intra-granular diffusion creep (n= 3–5) due to gradual consumption of the amorphous phase. It is suggested that diffusion of oxygen ions inside ZrO2into the amorphous SiBCN decreases the viscosity, modifies the fluidity, and contributes to the grain boundary mobility.
Hypersensitivity reactions to biologics (part II): classifications and current diagnostic and treatment approaches
Authors: Gülsen Askin , Wedi Bettina , Jappe Uta
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Biotechnological substances (BS) have rapidly expanded their clinical use. In parallel, there is an increase in expected or unexpected immunological or non-immunological adverse effects. In this part of the review, the current nomenclature of BSs, the classification of hypersensitivity reactions (HSR), as well as diagnostic and treatment approaches are documented to provide the tools to understand the nomenclature used throughout the databases and the need to harmonize it where applicable.

Methods

Detailed searches were performed on Pubmed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar to include all available publications. The search terms, such as specific BS, allergy, anaphylaxis, hypersensitivity, reactions, classification, diagnosis, grading, management, and desensitization, were determined for the search. Case reports, articles, and reviews on this subject were included.

Results

Today, a variety of non-standardized methods are used to support the clinical diagnosis. These include prick-to-prick tests and intradermal tests with the drug itself and its potentially allergenic ingredients. More rarely, anti-drug antibodies are detected and basophil activation tests are used by centers with research facilities. Although the treatment protocols for acute conditions vary, the overall approach is the same.

Conclusion

HSRs to BS are gradually increasing with the widening of their clinical use and indications. It is very important to prevent HSRs and to know the degree of severity as well as the emergency treatment algorithm. This review summarizes the diagnostic tests that should be applied: (a) immediately during/after a reaction, and (b) subsequently, and in the case that a switch of BS is not possible, desensitization is an option.
Multi-criteria decision-making method with double risk parameters in interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy environments
Authors: Niu Li-li , Li Jian , Li Feilong , Wang Zhong-xing
Published: June 2020

In the multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) process, decision-makers with different risk attitudes may have different decision results. To address this issue and present decision-makers’ mentality, this paper introduces two mentality parameters. These parameters reflect the decision-makers’ risk attitudes in determining the membership and non-membership degrees of the evaluation information. In addition, the parameters demonstrate the risk attitude in terms of the hesitancy degree under interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy information. Then, a new score function of interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy numbers (IVIFNs) is proposed that uses the introduced mentality parameters. Meanwhile, certain properties of the proposed score function are discussed. Furthermore, the weighted comprehensive score value of IVIFNs is introduced, and an MCDM method is developed in an interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy environment. Finally, a numerical example and comparative analyses are provided to illustrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Choose Quickly! The Influence of Cognitive Resource Availability on the Preference between the Intuitive and Externally Recommended Options
Authors: Kim Jungkeun , Kim Jae-Eun , Marshall Roger
Published: June 2020

The issue addressed by this research is when does a decision-maker select his or her intuitive, default, option and when the option suggested by someone else? We introduce the idea that cognitive resource availability is a key to this question. When there are limited cognitive resources available either due to knowledge deficiencies or, perhaps, time pressure then the default option is more likely to be selected. When there is plenty of cognitive resource available, then it is more likely that a decision favoring a recommended option is made. We support this hypothesis with three experiments; within the context of buying a digital camera, in the Ultimatum Game, and in a decoy choice situation. The findings have significance in that they support and explicate current theory, and also to practice in that there are public services, as well as competitive business situations, when a particular choice outcome is socially beneficial.
Rawlsian Institutionalism and Business Ethics: Does It Matter Whether Corporations Are Part of the Basic Structure of Society?
Authors: Berkey Brian
Published: June 2020

In this article, I aim to clarify some key issues in the ongoing debate about the relationship between Rawlsian political philosophy and business ethics. First, I discuss precisely what we ought to be asking when we consider whether corporations are part of the “basic structure of society.” I suggest that the relevant questions have been mischaracterized in much of the existing debate, and that some key distinctions have been overlooked. I then argue that although Rawlsian theory’s potential implications for business ethics are more extensive than some have suggested, the nature of the concern that we ought to have about the effects of corporate behavior on individuals’ economic and social conditions should lead us to reject the view that corporations are bound by principles of justice only if, and insofar as, they are part of the basic structure.
NONMEASURABLE SETS AND UNIONS WITH RESPECT TO TREE IDEALS
Authors: MICHALSKI MARCIN , RAŁOWSKI ROBERT , ŻEBERSKI SZYMON
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we consider a notion of nonmeasurablity with respect to Marczewski and Marczewski-like tree ideals

$s_0$
,

$m_0$
,

$l_0$
,

$cl_0$
,

$h_0,$
and

$ch_0$
. We show that there exists a subset of the Baire space

$\omega ^\omega ,$
which is s-, l-, and m-nonmeasurable that forms a dominating m.e.d. family. We investigate a notion of

${\mathbb {T}}$
-Bernstein sets—sets which intersect but do not contain any body of any tree from a given family of trees

${\mathbb {T}}$
. We also obtain a result on

${\mathcal {I}}$
-Luzin sets, namely, we prove that if

${\mathfrak {c}}$
is a regular cardinal, then the algebraic sum (considered on the real line

${\mathbb {R}}$
) of a generalized Luzin set and a generalized Sierpiński set belongs to

$s_0, m_0$
,

$l_0,$
and

$cl_0$
.
Workshop on reproducibility in research
Authors: Kalichman Michael , Mills Paul J.
Published: June 2020

In recent years, concern about research reproducibility has increased dramatically for scientists, funders of research, and the general public. With a view to explicitly address what is often called a reproducibility crisis and putting the focus on research being done by individual trainees, a two-hour workshop was developed and introduced into six courses at UC San Diego. Participation in the workshop resulted in a statistically significant increase in the number of different types of strategies identified by the trainees for fostering reproducibility. The findings are consistent with having increased awareness of strategies to promote reproducibility.