bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resisting through participation
Authors: Meireles Jacqueline , Guzzo Raquel Souza Lobo
Published: May 2021

After 21 years under a violent military dictatorship, institutions’ democratization processes took place in Brazil in the past three decades, starting from the Constitution of 1988. As one of the actors in the struggles for democracy, psychologists whose practices are committed to its consolidation in different contexts are constantly facing challenges due to the contradiction between government´s democratic discourses and its authoritarian practices - which tends to be increasingly constant with the rise of a far-right government to the power. This scenario demands, more than ever, that Brazilian Psychology liberates itself from uncritical conceptions to build decolonizing foundations and practices for strengthening and expanding people´s agency. Considering school as an everyday life context for people in the early stages of development, we understand this place as a privileged space for the intervention of psychologists. We intend to share in this presentation some reflections built from participatory action research on how psychologists can promote the participation of students in school. We argue that, in a context of constant attacks to people’s rights, creating conditions for children to recognize and expand possibilities of action to conduct their everyday lives, as well as producing science that supports it, is a great form of resistance and contribution Psychology can make in such dark days.
Indonesian Agricultural Exports: Trends and Competitiveness Analysis of Last 2 Decades
Authors: Soumya P. , Yeledhalli R. A.
Published: May 2021

The study aims to evaluate the patterns and competitiveness of Indonesian agricultural exports. The research period covered for this report is from 2000 to 2018. The study is focused on the compound growth rate and the revealed comparative advantage. In terms of quantity, the compound growth rate for agricultural commodities exports from Indonesia is 8.78 percent, and in terms of volume, it is 12.33 percent. According to the report, there is a need to expand the export market by meeting the requirements set by import countries. Seven agricultural commodities groups showed revealed comparative advantage throughout the study period, five showed revealed comparative advantage by the end of the study period, and seventeen showed revealed comparative disadvantage throughout the study period. The study proposed a need to promote the export of agricultural commodities having revealed comparative advantage during the entire or at the end of the period of study.
Dates of Sowing and Residual Nitrogen Levels on Growth, Yield and Uptake in Sorghum under Zero-till Conditions in Coastal Belts of India
Authors: Kiran B. Vibhajam Sagal , Murthy V. R. K. , Rekha M. Sree , Prasad P. R. K.
Published: May 2021

A field experiment was conducted during rabi seasons of 2017-18 and 2018-19 at College farm, Agricultural College, Bapatla, situated at 8 km away from the Bay of Bengal in the Krishna Agro-climatic Zone of Andhra Pradesh state of India to study the influence of dates of sowing and residue levels of nitrogen on growth, yield and uptake of sorghum under zero- till conditions in coastal rice fallows. The experiment was designed in RDB with factorial concept and replicated thrice. The treatments consisted of three dates of sowing (Factor-1): S1: 49 MW (5th December); S2: 50 MW (15th December); S3: 52 MW (25th December) and four residual nitrogen levels (Factor-2) applied to the previous rice crop: N1-60 kg, N2-80 kg, N3-100 kg and N4-120 kg N ha-1. Sorghum was grown as a residual crop under zero tillage in rice fallows. Significant higher improvement in drymatter (10395 and 10269 kg ha-1), length of spike (24.8 and 24.5 cm), grain (3839 and 3602 kg ha-1) and stover yields (7446 and 7298 kg ha-1) and nitrogen uptake by grain (51.9 and 42.9 kg N ha-1) and stover (42.0 and 39.9 kg N ha-1) was recorded in early date of sowing i.e. 49 MW in both the seasons 2017-18 and 2018-19, respectively, and among the residue nitrogen levels 120 kg N ha-1 showed highest drymatter (10661 and 10484 kg ha-1), length of spike (25.0 and 24.8 cm), grain (4078 and 3815 kg ha-1) and stover yields (7518 and 7443 kg ha-1) and nitrogen uptake by grain (54.6 and 46.6 kg N ha-1) and stover (44.3 and 42.1 kg N ha-1) compared to other nitrogen levels in both the seasons. Based on above results, early sowing of sorghum with high residue nitrogen levels could be recommended to small and marginal farmers in coastal belts of India for higher productivity.
Highly Efficient Adsorption of Bilirubin by Ti3C2Tx MXene
Authors: Sun Xiaoyu , Yang Jian , Su Dawei , Wang Chengyin , Wang Guoxiu
Published: May 2021

We discovered that the 2D Ti3C2Tx MXene sheet displays an ultra‐high removal capability for bilirubin (BR). In particular, MXene shows 47.6 times higher removal efficiency over traditional activated carbon absorbents. The effect of MXene on the removal rate of BR in BR solution containing different concentrations of bovine serum albumin (BSA) was studied. The adsorption capacity of BSA for BR at high concentration of 5 g L−1 was about 85% of the best adsorption capacity. The MXene before and after adsorption was characterized by SEM, FT‐IR and XPS. Furthermore, MXene beads were prepared, and the hemoperfusion simulation experiment was carried out. The results show that the adsorption capacity of MXene for bilirubin can reach 1192.9 mg g−1. This study suggests that MXene may be promising in the treatment of hyperbilirubinemia.
The effects of biophysical stimulation on osteogenic differentiation and the mechanisms fromncRNAs
Authors: Mao Liwei , Guo Jianmin , Hu Linghui , Li Lexuan , Xu Jiake , Zou Jun
Published: May 2021

Ample proof showed that non‐coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play a crucial role in proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts and bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs). Varied forms of biophysical stimuli like mechanical strain, fluid shear stress (FSS), microgravity and vibration are verified to regulate ncRNAs expression in osteogenic differentiation and influence the expression of target genes associated with osteogenic differentiation and ultimately regulate bone formation. The consequences of biophysical stimulation on osteogenic differentiation validate the prospect of exercise for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. In this review, we tend to summarize the studies on regulation of osteogenic differentiation by ncRNAs beneath biophysical stimulation and facilitate to reveal the regulatory mechanism of biophysical stimulation on ncRNAs, and provide an update for the prevention of bone metabolism diseases by exercise.
High‐Spin Iron(VI), Low‐Spin Ruthenium(VI), and Magnetically Bistable Osmium(VI) in Molecular Group 8 Nitrido Trifluorides NMF3
Authors: Stüker Tony , Xia Xiya , Beckers Helmut , Riedel Sebastian
Published: May 2021

Pseudo‐tetrahedral nitrido trifluorides N≡MF3 (M=Fe, Ru, Os) and square pyramidal nitrido tetrafluorides N≡MF4 (M=Ru, Os) were formed by free‐metal‐atom reactions with NF3 and subsequently isolated in solid neon at 5 K. Their IR spectra were recorded and analyzed aided by quantum‐chemical calculations. For a d2 electron configuration of the N≡MF3 compounds in C3v symmetry, Hund's rule predict a high‐spin 3A2 ground state with two parallel spin electrons and two degenerate metal d(δ)‐orbitals. The corresponding high‐spin 3A2 ground state was, however, only found for N≡FeF3, the first experimentally verified neutral nitrido FeVI species. The valence‐isoelectronic N≡RuF3 and N≡OsF3 adopt different angular distorted singlet structures. For N≡RuF3, the triplet 3A2 state is only 5 kJ mol−1 higher in energy than the singlet 1A′ ground state, and the magnetically bistable molecular N≡OsF3 with two distorted near degenerate 1A′ and 3A“ electronic states were experimentally detected at 5 K in solid neon.
Characteristic Dihydroagarofuran Sesquiterpenoids with Neuroprotective Effects from the Celastraceae Plant Tripterygium wilfordii
Authors: Chen Fangyou , Wang Jing , Luo Yongming , Li Chuangjun , Huang Jiwu , Ma Jie , Zhang Dongming
Published: May 2021

Main observation and conclusion

Ten new characteristic dihydroagarofuran sesquiterpenoids and three known ones were acquired from the Celastraceae plant Tripterygium wilfordii. Their structure characterizations were done through spectroscopic data, while compounds 10—12 were further confirmed by single crystal diffractions. Several dihydroagarofurans protected PC12 cells against H2O2‐induced cytotoxicity as detected by CCK8 assay. Compounds 5—7 and 13 significantly increased the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. In addition, compounds 5—7 and 13 activated the Nrf2 signaling pathway and increased Nrf2, NQO1, and HO1 expression levels in PC12 cells after H2O2 treatment.
Modeling belief‐desire‐intention reasoning agents for situation‐aware formalisms
Authors: Mahfooz Ul Haque Hafiz , Saleem Kiran , Salman Khan Ahmad
Published: May 2021

A natural disaster is an inevitable situation that can occur at any time and anywhere along with varied forms such as earthquakes, floods, hurricane, wildfire, and so forth, and different level of occurrences has been recorded from mild to an intense level. Timely disaster response plays an important role in reducing its deteriorate after‐effects and can save countless lives. Over the years, people have been developing guidelines and processes to cope up with such kinds of hazardous situations. In recent years, with the advent of the pervasive computing paradigm, situation‐awareness has been considered to be the most fascinating approach for situation assessment and provides decision support accordingly. Situation‐aware systems observe/perceive dynamic changes in the environment, understand/comprehend the situation, and perform actions according to the environment. Although state‐of‐the‐art formalisms have been developed to handle such kinds of hazardous situations intelligently and rescue the victims. However, belief‐desire‐intention (BDI) reasoning mechanism with the incorporation of situation‐awareness is still the thirsty area of research to manage hazardous situations. In this article, we propose a temporal epistemic situation‐aware formalism for BDI reasoning agents to model the context‐aware decision support system. To demonstrate the work of the proposed formalism, we develop a case study based on a disaster situation, in which BDI agents are modeled and simulated to present the results in terms of agents' reasoning processes. We demonstrate the scalability in temporal aspects of the system using different levels of disasters to monitor the hazardous situations and evaluate the overall behavior of the system.
A novel marble recognition system using extreme learning machine with LBP and histogram features
Authors: Turan Erhan , Ucar Ferhat , Dandil Besir
Published: May 2021

Marble classification in production facilities is a sensitive application, which results in light of the subjective decisions of experts. The expert classifies marble manually with its color, homogeneity, and texture in the process. An intelligent marble classifier based on image processing can provide solutions to current problems of the industry. In the proposed study, we introduce an intelligent classifier for marble classification with different classes in real field production. The purpose of the proposed intelligent model for marble facilities is to automate and enhance the manual classification process at present. The real‐world dataset consists of Rosso‐Levanto, Onyx, Keivan, and Black marble images. Local Binary Patterns and Histogram are used for feature extraction and Extreme Learning Machine is designed as an intelligent classifier. Decision Tree, Support Vector Machine, and Artificial Neural Network structures are also used for thorough performance analysis. The findings (successful test rate of 97.5%) reveal a high performance comparing to existing studies.
Assessing On‐Farm Economics of Soil Health
Authors: Cappellazzi Shannon , Morgan Cristine L.S. , Flanders Archie , Shanahan John
Published: May 2021

The following article is the fifth in a six‐part series on assessing soil health. It focuses on the question of profitability as it relates to soil health. It is part of a larger Soil Science Society of America webinar series produced in partnership with The Soil Health Institute and sponsored by The Walton Family Foundation. Earn 0.5 CEUs in Soil & Water Management by reading the article and taking the quiz at www.certifiedcropadviser.org/education/classroom/classes/985.
4R Management of Phosphorus Fertilizer in the Northern Great Plains
Authors: Sever Megan
Published: May 2021

Soil scientists Don Flaten and Cynthia Grant recently put together a comprehensive reference for phosphorus fertilizer management across the Northern Great Plains. This article summarizes their findings on managing this nutrient using the 4R approach of right rate, source, placement, and timing. Earn 1.5 CEUs in Nutrient Management by reading the article and taking the quiz at www.certifiedcropadviser.org/education/classroom/classes/951.
Genetic analysis of resistance to bacterial blight Race 18 and B12‐linked marker analysis in U.S. upland cotton
Authors: Elassbli Hanan , Zhu Yi , Abdelraheem Abdelraheem , Wheeler Terry , Wedegaertner Tom , Zhang Jinfa
Published: May 2021

Bacterial blight (BB) in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is caused by the gram‐negative bacterium Xanthomonas citri pv. malvacearum (Xcm), and Xcm Race 18 is the most prevalent and virulent bacterium across the U.S. Cotton Belt. The objectives of this study were to investigate the genetic basis of resistance to Xcm Race 18 in U.S. upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) as broadly represented by 34 resistant obsolete U.S. upland accessions and 29 resistant commercial cultivars and elite breeding lines spanning a century of breeding efforts. Segregation in resistance was analyzed in F2 populations from crosses between the resistant parents and one or two susceptible parents (one upland: Acala Ultima or NM 14T1330, and one G. barbadense: NMSI E2032). A total of 111 F1, 95 F2, and 23 F2:3 populations were artificially inoculated with Xcm Race 18 to investigate segregation ratios for BB resistance. All F1 were resistant, and 65 F2 populations derived from 52 resistant parents exhibited the expected 3:1 resistant/susceptible ratio for resistance to Xcm Race 18, indicating a dominant resistance gene conferring the resistance. The analysis of DNA markers that are tightly linked to the B12 gene on chromosome c14 (D02) showed that all the resistant germplasms tested possessed the B12 gene and they were co‐segregating with BB resistance, indicating that the B12 locus is broadly distributed within the U.S. upland cotton. The results point to the need to discern if these resistant lines carry different B12 alleles or different but tightly linked resistance loci including B12.
Solar‐Driven Lignocellulose‐to‐H2 Conversion in Water using 2D‐2D MoS2/TiO2 Photocatalysts
Authors: Wang Pei , Yuan Yong‐Jun , Liu Qing‐Yu , Cheng Quan , Shen Zhi‐Kai , Yu Zhen‐Tao , Zou Zhigang
Published: May 2021

As an alternative strategy for H2 production under ambient conditions, solar‐driven lignocellulose‐to‐H2 conversion provides a very attractive approach to store and utilize solar energy sustainably. Exploiting efficient photocatalyst for photocatalytic lignocellulose‐to‐H2 conversion is of huge significance and remains the key challenge for development of solar H2 generation from lignocellulose. Herein, 2D‐2D MoS2/TiO2 photocatalysts with large 2D nanojunction were constructed for photocatalytic lignocellulose‐to‐H2 conversion. In this smart structure, the 2D nanojunctions acted as efficient channel for charge transfer from TiO2 to MoS2 to improve charge separation efficiency and thus enhance photocatalytic lignocellulose‐to‐H2 conversion activity. The 2 % MoS2/TiO2 photocatalyst showed the highest photocatalytic lignocellulose‐to‐H2 conversion performance with the maximal H2 generation rate of 201 and 21.4 μmol h−1 g−1 in α‐cellulose and poplar wood chip aqueous solution, respectively. The apparent quantum yield at 380 nm reached 1.45 % for 2 % 2D‐2D TiO2/MoS2 photocatalyst in α‐cellulose aqueous solution. This work highlights the importance of optimizing the interface structures of photocatalyst for solar‐driven lignocellulose‐to‐H2 conversion.
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in a patient with complete situs inversus viscerum: A case report and literature review
Authors: Emmanuel James , Sriram Nagaraj , Muthukaruppan Raman
Published: May 2021

Complete situs inversus viscerum (SIV) is a rare congenital condition, defined by a left‐right transposition of all viscera with dextroposition of the heart. In patients with SIV that requires endoscopic intervention, namely endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), the left‐right coordination can be technically demanding even with skilled endoscopist. We report a case of a patient with underlying SIV who presented with septic shock secondary to ascending cholangitis compounded with a malaria infection. Despite the ascertainment of a relatively large Common Bile Duct (CBD) stone, ERCP and stenting were pursued as an initial treatment modality in view of the clinical presentation of cholangitis and COVID‐19‐related delays in surgical intervention at our center. This case is unique as the patient was maintained in a supine position throughout the procedure. The patient underwent a successful ERCP procedure followed by a CBD Exploration and cholecystectomy 2 weeks later. A key factor that contributed to the success of this procedure was the combined utilization of a rotatable sphincterotome and extractor balloon which assisted with cannulation and shortening manoeuvre of the duodenoscope to facilitate biliary stenting.
The role of tectonic activity, topographic gradient and river flood events in the Testina travertine (Acque Albule Basin, Tivoli, Central Italy)
Authors: Scalera Fabio , Mancini Alessandro , Capezzuoli Enrico , Claes Hannes , Swennen Rudy
Published: May 2021

The Acque Albule Basin in Tivoli (Rome, Central Italy) represents one of the largest exposures of travertine deposits in the world. A detailed study of the Upper Pleistocene Testina travertine, constituting the poorly lithified top part of the Lapis Tiburtinus travertines, is presented. Fieldwork performed in an area of 10 km2 and petrographic analysis allow the recognition of six geobodies with different geometries, degree of diagenetic alteration and architectural elements, composed of seven lithotypes. The Testina travertine appears in general as a poorly lithified travertine, even if it shows a high degree of cementation. It is mainly characterised by blocky, drusy or bladed microsparite and sparite calcite cements, related to thermal and meteoric phreatic to vadose water circulation, affecting in particular those travertine deposits located in the northern part of the study area. The Testina, neglected until now in the several studies performed in the Acque Albule Basin, shows a progradational trend from the north to the south and is characterised by environments, evidencing deposition on a gentle slope, in an alluvial plain and in a shallow lake, with gradual transitions between low‐energy environments and high‐energy environments. Furthermore, based on correlation between the different geobodies in the overall study area, the Testina travertine depositional system was influenced by tectonic activity in the northern part, by an increasing topographic gradient and water discharge flow in the central part and by flooding events related to the Aniene River in the southern part. This study aims to differentiate such influencing factors facilitating the analysis of other travertine depositional systems and also to aid in the interpretation of subsurface analogues, as in the case of South Atlantic Pre‐Salt reservoirs.
Association of sarcopenia with a higher risk of infection in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Zhang Yongze , Weng Suiyan , Huang Lingning , Shen Ximei , Zhao Fengying , Yan Sunjie
Published: May 2021

Aims

This study aimed to determine whether patients with type 2 diabetes and sarcopenia had a higher risk of infection.

Study designs

A cross‐sectional study and a follow‐up study were performed.

Method

A total of 2562 patients were enrolled and assessed for body composition and infection status. They were classified into four groups according to body fat (BF) and muscle mass index (ASMI): obese, sarcopenic, sarcopenic obese, and normal. Among these, 275 patients were followed for a median follow‐up period of 1.84 years to evaluate the relationship of changes in skeletal muscle with infection status.

Results

The sarcopenic and sarcopenic obese groups showed a higher risk of infection, an increase by 49.6% (OR = 1.496, 95% CI 1.102–2.031) and 42.4% (OR = 1.424, 95% CI 1.031–1.967) compared with the normal group, and also had a higher risk of respiratory infection, an increase by 56.0% (OR = 1.560, 95% CI 1.084–2.246) and 57.4% (OR = 1.574, 95% CI 1.080–2.293), respectively. Patients with the increased ASMI (OR = 0.079, 95% CI 0.021–0.298) represented a lower risk of infection than those with the decreased ASMI. Even a minor change (OR = 0.125, 95% CI 0.041–0.378) against age was beneficial to lowering the risk of infection. However, no association was found in the changes of body mass index and BF with infection status.

Conclusions

Sarcopenia, especially in patients with diabetes who are also obese, increases the risk of infection. Maintaining or improving muscle mass is expected to reduce infections.
Common spatial patterns of trees in various tropical forests: Small trees are associated with increased diversity at small spatial scales
Authors: Fibich Pavel , Novotný Vojtěch , Ediriweera Sisira , Gunatilleke Savitri , Gunatilleke Nimal , Molem Kenneth , Weiblen George D. , Lepš Jan
Published: May 2021

Tropical forests are notable for their high species diversity, even on small spatial scales, and right‐skewed species and size abundance distributions. The role of individual species as drivers of the spatial organization of diversity in these forests has been explained by several hypotheses and processes, for example, stochastic dilution, negative density dependence, or gap dynamics. These processes leave a signature in spatial distribution of small trees, particularly in the vicinity of large trees, likely having stronger effects on their neighbors. We are exploring species diversity patterns within the framework of various diversity‐generating hypotheses using individual species–area relationships. We used the data from three tropical forest plots (Wanang—Papua New Guinea, Barro Colorado Island—Panama, and Sinharaja—Sri Lanka) and included also the saplings (DBH ≥ 1 cm). Resulting cross‐size patterns of species richness and evenness reflect the dynamics of saplings affected by the distribution of large trees. When all individuals with DBH ≥1 cm are included, ~50% of all tree species from the 25‐ or 50‐ha plot can be found within 35 m radius of an individual tree. For all trees, 72%–78% of species were identified as species richness accumulators, having more species present in their surroundings than expected by null models. This pattern was driven by small trees as the analysis of DBH >10 cm trees showed much lower proportion of accumulators, 14%–65% of species identified as richness repellers and had low richness of surrounding small trees. Only 11%–26% of species had lower species evenness than was expected by null models. High proportions of species richness accumulators were probably due to gap dynamics and support Janzen–Connell hypothesis driven by competition or top‐down control by pathogens and herbivores. Observed species diversity patterns show the importance of including small tree size classes in analyses of the spatial organization of diversity.
An Introduction to Cite Black Women
Authors: Smith Christen A.
Published: May 2021

In this introduction to the special issue on Cite Black Women, Christen Smith describes the conditions of invisibility, exclusion, and silencing of Black women scholars in anthropology. Charting genealogical and biographical confluences, she describes the formation of the Cite Black Women collective, and the interventions imagined by the contributors to this special issue.
Reciprocity and Liability Protections during the Covid‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Koch Valerie Gutmann , Hoffmann Diane E.
Published: May 2021

During the Covid‐19 pandemic, as resources dwindled, clinicians, health care institutions, and policymakers have expressed concern about potential legal liability for following crisis standards of care (CSC) plans. Although there is no robust empirical research to demonstrate that liability protections actually influence physician behavior, we argue that limited liability protections for health care professionals who follow established CSC plans may instead be justified by reliance on the principle of reciprocity. Expecting physicians to do something they know will harm their patients causes moral distress and suffering that may leave lasting scars. Limited liability shields are both appropriate and proportionate to the risk physicians are being asked to take in such circumstances. Under certain narrow circumstances, it remains unclear that the standard of care is sufficiently flexible to protect physicians from liability. Given this uncertainty, the likelihood that physicians would be sued for such an act, and their desire for such immunity, this limited protection is morally legitimate.
Larval chondrocranial and internal oral morphology of the neotropical treefrog Boana crepitans (Wied‐Neuwied, 1824; Amphibia, Anura, Hylidae)
Authors: Rosa Rodrigues de Oliveira Marianna Isabella , Weber Luiz Norberto , Ferreira Johnny Sousa , Coimbra Libório Anna Evelin , Takazone André Masahide Guimarães , de Sá Rafael O.
Published: May 2021

We describe the internal oral morphology and chondrocranial anatomy for Boana crepitans tadpoles, and compare them with available descriptions for other species in the subfamily Cophomantinae. Among species of the Boana faber group, the chondrocranial anatomy has been reported only for one species internal oral morphology and cranial anatomy are similar to other described species of Boana and Cophomantinae. B. crepitans lacks unique features in the oral cavity and chondrocranium that would distinguish it from other congeneric species. We identify six characters from the internal oral anatomy of tadpoles unique for Cophomantinae. In addition, Boana has infralabial papillae projections, buccal floor arena papillae, and lateral ridge papillae projections shorter than those described for Aplastodiscus and Bokermannohyla.
On a class of nonlocal parabolic equations of Kirchhoff type: Nonexistence of global solutions and blow‐up
Authors: Sert Uğur , Shmarev Sergey
Published: May 2021

We study the homogeneous Dirichlet problem for the degenerate parabolic equation of the Kirchhoff typewhereT > 0, ,n ≥ 2, is a smooth bounded domain. The exponentq(x, t) is a measurable function inQTwith values in an interval [q−, q+] ⊂ (1, ∞). The coefficientsa(·),b(·) are continuous functions defined on . It is assumed thata(s) → 0 ora(s) → ∞ass → 0+; therefore, the equation degenerates or becomes singular as ‖ ∇ u(t)‖2 → 0. We prove the local in time solvability of the problem and derive sufficient conditions of the finite time blow‐up of the nonnegative solutions. The upper and lower estimates on the blow‐up moment are found.
Clinical assessment of a biophysical model for distinguishing tumor progression from radiation necrosis
Authors: Dohm Ammoren E. , Nickles Tanner M. , Miller Caroline E. , Bowers Haley J. , Miga Michael I. , Attia Albert , Chan Michael D. , Weis Jared A.
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The efficacy of an imaging‐driven mechanistic biophysical model of tumor growth for distinguishing radiation necrosis from tumor progression in patients with enhancing lesions following stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for brain metastasis is validated.

Methods

We retrospectively assessed the model using 73 patients with 78 lesions and histologically confirmed radiation necrosis or tumor progression. Postcontrast T1‐weighted MRI images were used to extract parameters for a mechanistic reaction‐diffusion logistic growth model mechanically coupled to the surrounding tissue. The resulting model was then used to estimate mechanical stress fields, which were then compared with edema visualized on FLAIR imaging using DICE similarity coefficients. DICE, model, and standard radiographic morphometric analysis parameters were evaluated using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for prediction of radiation necrosis or tumor progression. Multivariate logistic regression models were then constructed using mechanistic model parameters or advanced radiomic features. An independent validation was performed to evaluate predictive performance.

Results

Tumor cell proliferation rate resulted in ROC AUC = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.76–0.95,P < 0.0001, 74% sensitivity and 95% specificity) and DICE similarity coefficient associated with high stresses demonstrated an ROC AUC = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.86–0.99,P < 0.0001, 81% sensitivity and 95% specificity. In a multivariate logistic regression model using an independent validation dataset, mechanistic modeling parameters had an ROC AUC of 0.95, with 94% sensitivity and 96% specificity.

Conclusions

Imaging‐driven biophysical modeling of tumor growth represents a novel method for accurately predicting clinically significant tumor behavior.
Tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica—stalactite of airways
Authors: Lim Suat Yee , Abu Samah Mohd Faizul , Pereirasamy Lalitha , Chew Bee See , Hyder Ali Irfhan Ali
Published: May 2021

A case of tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica (TO) was diagnosed in a 53‐year‐old man, who presented with prolonged cough and recurrent respiratory tract infection. Bronchoscopy revealed exostosis over the anterolateral wall of trachea and main bronchi sparing the posterior membranous wall. The endobronchial biopsy subsequently revealed ossification of the cartilage. To date, the aetiology of this condition remains unknown, and treatment is mainly symptomatic, emphasizing on timely management of recurrent respiratory infections. Bronchoscopy or surgical intervention is usually reserved for symptomatic patients with severe airway narrowing and airflow obstruction.
Crystal plane‐dependent ethanol gas sensing of ZnO studied by low‐energy He+ ion scattering combined with pulsed jet technique
Authors: Suzuki T.T. , Adachi Y. , Ohgaki T. , Sakaguchi I.
Published: May 2021

Although a semiconductor gas sensor is promising in the future gas sensing technology, the material design for highly sensitive and selective gas sensing is quite challenging. The crystal plane dependence of gas sensing has been studied using various nano‐crystal samples with a controlled crystal facet to obtain a clue for designing the sensing material, but the contact effect between nano‐crystal particles has often hindered the straightforward analysis. In the present study, the crystal plane dependence of ethanol (EtOH) sensing by ZnO, one of the most widely studied target gas‐sensing material combinations, was investigated from an analytical approach. We applied a newly developed low‐energy He+ ion scattering spectroscopy (He+ LEIS) combined with the pulsed jet technique for analyzing the surface structure of ZnO during the EtOH sensing. In this novel technique, the free gas jet is periodically blown onto the sample surface to simulate the gas‐sensing surface in a vacuum as one under the realistic working condition, while the background pressure is maintained low enough for operating He+ LEIS. It was found that the divalent oxygen adatom on the outermost surface is consumed during the EtOH sensing while no change occurs in the concentration of the lattice oxygen on the Zn‐terminated (0001) surface. The availability of this oxygen adsorbate determines the dissociative EtOH adsorption probability on the surface; hence it determines the EtOH sensing sensitivity, which is substantially higher on Zn‐terminated (0001) than other dominant low‐index surfaces, such as O‐terminated (000
), (10
0), and (11
0).
Coexistence without conflict, the recovery of Ireland’s endangered wild grey partridge Perdix perdix
Authors: Buckley Kieran , Gorman Conor O. , Martyn Michael , Kavanagh Brendan , Copland Alex , McMahon Barry J.
Published: May 2021

By 1995, Ireland’s wild grey partridge (Perdix perdix) was extinct nationally as a breeding species on farmland. The two populations remaining were confined to Ireland’s industrial cutaway peat bogs. One of these populations was deemed viable. In 1996, the National Parks and Wildlife Service of Ireland and the Irish Grey Partridge Conservation Trust established a conservation project to prevent the extirpation of this population. In this paper, we explore the impact of each management factor on two key demographic response variables: chick survival rates and the number of breeding pairs. The numbers of linear metres of nesting strips had the most significantly positive effect on spring pairs, followed by the total number of supplementary food hoppers and the total hectares of brood-rearing and over-winter cover. Counterintuitively, encounters with Hen Harriers (Circus cyaneus) did not negatively affect chick survival or the number of spring pairs. While we cannot rule out the contribution of each explanatory variable, none had a statistically significant effect on chick survival, suggesting there may be locally confounding factors that our model could not capture. The weather conditions during the peak hatching period had a significant influence on chick survival, with the average maximum temperature observed in June having the strongest positive association with an increase of 1 °C in the average maximum temperature in June associated with an increase in chick survival of 9.4% on average. Conversely, for every additional 1 mm of rain in June, there was a 0.23% drop in chick survival on average.
Didn’t Plan One but got One: Unintended and sooner-than-intended Parents in the East and the West of Europe
Authors: Brzozowska Zuzanna , Buber-Ennser Isabella , Riederer Bernhard
Published: May 2021

The realisation rates of short-term childbearing intentions are known to be consistently lower in post-socialist countries than in the rest of Europe. However, the East–West differences in the outcomes of intentions to postpone or forego (further) childbearing have not been previously examined. We employ two panel waves of the Generations and Gender Survey in six countries (three from Eastern and three from Western Europe), and, based on the short- and long-term fertility intentions expressed by respondents at the first survey wave, we classify the births occurring between two waves as intended, sooner-than-intended, or unintended. We find that in our study population of non-teenage respondents who had the same partner at both survey waves and a child between the two survey waves, between around 10% (Western European countries) and 30% (Eastern European countries) experienced an unintended or a sooner-than-intended birth. The East–West divide is largely driven by the share of unintended parents which is clearly higher in the post-socialist countries. However, the geographical pattern fades away once we control for the anticipated costs of having a child. Our study gives insight into East–West differences in attitudes to childbearing and into how they affect reproductive behaviour. It also offers methodological improvements of cross-national panel surveys designed to examine childbearing intentions that would allow for a more accurate assessment of childbearing intendedness.
Levels of necessity of entrepreneurial ecosystems elements
Authors: Torres Pedro , Godinho Pedro
Published: May 2021

The literature emphasizes that interactions between biotic (the individual) and abiotic entities (the institutional environment) are central to entrepreneurial ecosystems. However, despite the importance of digital entrepreneurial ecosystem (DEE) elements, it might be questioned if all elements are equally necessary. Furthermore, different outputs might require different conditions. The same can happen with different levels of a given output. The answer to these questions is of particular concern from a policy perspective. By using necessary condition analysis (NCA) alongside with fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fs/QCA), this study advances understanding of the entrepreneurial ecosystems. While fs/QCA identifies only one necessary condition to produce digitally-enabled unicorns – market conditions – and none to unicorns and new business creation, NCA shows that all elements of DEE are necessary to produce digitally-enabled unicorns, and most of them are also necessary for producing unicorns. NCA also identifies formal institutions, regulations, and taxation and finance as necessary conditions for new business creation. Moreover, NCA shows that necessary conditions do not have the same degree of importance, and the necessity of a given condition does not automatically imply its highest level is required. For researchers, these results emphasize the importance of using NCA as a complement of fs/QCA. For practitioners, these findings can be used to optimize the allocation of policy resources, particularly targeting the elements that constitute bottlenecks.

Plain English Summary

Policymakers should target different levels of entrepreneurial ecosystem pillars performance to produce unicorns. Ambitious entrepreneurship is important for country competitiveness in the digital age. Digital entrepreneurial ecosystems can facilitate the rise of digitally-enabled unicorns, an extreme case of ambitious entrepreneurship. This study shows which conditions are necessary to produce this output; these conditions can be required at different levels. The comparison of country’s performance on each condition shows which of them constitute bottlenecks. Although all elements of digital entrepreneurial ecosystems are relevant for digitally-enabled unicorns, policymakers should target the ones that constrain the emergence of this output. This study identifies the levels that should be reached in each condition, not only for digitally-enabled unicorns, but also for unicorns in general. The results show relevant differences between the levels needed for these outputs. For example, knowledge creation and dissemination seem to be more important to boost digitally-enabled unicorns rather than unicorns in general. Thus, policymakers should consider specific levels of the conditions to optimize resource allocation.
Impacts of vegetation and palaeohydrological changes on the n-alkane composition of a Holocene peat sequence from the Upper Vistula Valley (southern Poland)
Authors: Skreczko Sylwia , Szymczyk Artur , Nadłonek Weronika
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The analysis of n-alkanes in palaeoenvironmental studies of peatlands is mainly limited to ombrogenous peatlands which are a rare feature in the environment. Using n-alkane and plant macrofossil analysis, we have tracked changes in the environment in the valley of a large Central European river. We tested the possibilities for applying such studies to low-moor bogs which are the most commonly occurring type of bog in the world.

Materials and methods

Representative peat samples were taken from two profiles in a peatland located in the Vistula Valley (southern Poland), and they were analysed for the occurrence and distribution of biomarkers. The distribution of n-alkanes was determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The botanical composition of the samples was determined by analysis of plant macrofossil remains, and the degree of peat decomposition was also determined.

Results and discussion

Samples of low-moor peat were characterised by a prevalence of medium- and long-chain n-alkane homologues, which is typical for higher plants. The variable values of the CPI, CPI (25–31), and the C23/C25 ratio have provided information on the stages of formation of the Zapadź bog. The source of n-alkane differentiation is vegetation change related to palaeohydrological dynamics and palaeoenvironmental conditions within the peatland.

Conclusions

We have shown that analysis of n-alkanes can be successfully used in low-moor bogs as a complement to palaeobotanical and palaeozoological methods. The bringing together of these types of research enables changes in the ecosystems of large river valleys to be tracked.
Vessel segmentation for automatic registration of untracked laparoscopic ultrasound to CT of the liver
Authors: Montaña-Brown Nina , Ramalhinho João , Allam Moustafa , Davidson Brian , Hu Yipeng , Clarkson Matthew J.
Published: May 2021

Purpose:

Registration of Laparoscopic Ultrasound (LUS) to a pre-operative scan such as Computed Tomography (CT) using blood vessel information has been proposed as a method to enable image-guidance for laparoscopic liver resection. Currently, there are solutions for this problem that can potentially enable clinical translation by bypassing the need for a manual initialisation and tracking information. However, no reliable framework for the segmentation of vessels in 2D untracked LUS images has been presented.

Methods:

We propose the use of 2D UNet for the segmentation of liver vessels in 2D LUS images. We integrate these results in a previously developed registration method, and show the feasibility of a fully automatic initialisation to the LUS to CT registration problem without a tracking device.

Results:

We validate our segmentation using LUS data from 6 patients. We test multiple models by placing patient datasets into different combinations of training, testing and hold-out, and obtain mean Dice scores ranging from 0.543 to 0.706. Using these segmentations, we obtain registration accuracies between 6.3 and 16.6 mm in 50% of cases.

Conclusions:

We demonstrate the first instance of deep learning (DL) for the segmentation of liver vessels in LUS. Our results show the feasibility of UNet in detecting multiple vessel instances in 2D LUS images, and potentially automating a LUS to CT registration pipeline.
A semi-automatic seed point-based method for separation of individual vertebrae in 3D surface meshes: a proof of principle study
Authors: Pijpker Peter A. J. , Oosterhuis Tim S. , Witjes Max J. H. , Faber Chris , van Ooijen Peter M. A. , Kosinka Jiří , Kuijlen Jos M. A. , Groen Rob J. M. , Kraeima Joep
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present and validate a new semi-automated 3D surface mesh segmentation approach that optimizes the laborious individual human vertebrae separation in the spinal virtual surgical planning workflow and make a direct accuracy and segmentation time comparison with current standard segmentation method.

Methods

The proposed semi-automatic method uses the 3D bone surface derived from CT image data for seed point-based 3D mesh partitioning. The accuracy of the proposed method was evaluated on a representative patient dataset. In addition, the influence of the number of used seed points was studied. The investigators analyzed whether there was a reduction in segmentation time when compared to manual segmentation. Surface-to-surface accuracy measurements were applied to assess the concordance with the manual segmentation.

Results

The results demonstrated a statically significant reduction in segmentation time, while maintaining a high accuracy compared to the manual segmentation. A considerably smaller error was found when increasing the number of seed points. Anatomical regions that include articulating areas tend to show the highest errors, while the posterior laminar surface yielded an almost negligible error.

Conclusion

A novel seed point initiated surface based segmentation method for the laborious individual human vertebrae separation was presented. This proof-of-principle study demonstrated the accuracy of the proposed method on a clinical CT image dataset and its feasibility for spinal virtual surgical planning applications.
The Influence of Movement Tempo During Resistance Training on Muscular Strength and Hypertrophy Responses: A Review
Authors: Wilk Michal , Zajac Adam , Tufano James J.
Published: May 2021

Hypertrophy and strength are two common long-term goals of resistance training that are mediated by the manipulation of numerous variables. One training variable that is often neglected but is essential to consider for achieving strength and hypertrophy gains is the movement tempo of particular repetitions. Although research has extensively investigated the effects of different intensities, volumes, and rest intervals on muscle growth, many of the present hypertrophy guidelines do not account for different movement tempos, likely only applying to volitional movement tempos. Changing the movement tempo during the eccentric and concentric phases can influence acute exercise variables, which form the basis for chronic adaptive changes to resistance training. To further elaborate on the already unclear anecdotal evidence of different movement tempos on muscle hypertrophy and strength development, one must acknowledge that the related scientific research does not provide equivocal evidence. Furthermore, there has been no assessment of the impact of duration of particular movement phases (eccentric vs. concentric) on chronic adaptations, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions in terms of resistance-training recommendations. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to explain how variations in movement tempo can affect chronic adaptive changes. This article provides an overview of the available scientific data describing the impact of movement tempo on hypertrophy and strength development with a thorough analysis of changes in duration of particular phases of movement. Additionally, the review provides movement tempo-specific recommendations as well real training solutions for strength and conditioning coaches and athletes, depending on their goals.
Correction to: Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Effects of Carbohydrate Ingestion During Exercise
Authors: Rollo Ian , Gonzalez Javier T. , Fuchs Cas J. , van Loon Luc J. C. , Williams Clyde
Published: May 2021

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-021-01489-8
Regional disparity of covid-19 infections: an investigation using state-level Indian data
Authors: Basu Parantap , Mazumder Ritwik
Published: May 2021

Using the state-level panel data for India, we establish that Covid infections are clustered in more urbanized, and prosperous states. Poverty lowers cases showing evidence of herd immunity of poor which stands in sharp contrast with the developed part of the world. Our dynamic panel regression results indicate that Covid infections are persistent across states and unlocking has aggravated the infections. We also find that richer and more urbanised states with better health infrastructure and governance perform more tests. The policy lesson from this exercise is that the authorities should monitor immunization and Covid protocols in densely populated urban areas.