bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical fitness and modifiable cardiovascular disease risk factors in survivors of childhood cancer: A report from the SURfit study
Authors: Schindera Christina , Zürcher Simeon Joel , Jung Ruedi , Boehringer Sarah , Balder Jan Willem , Rueegg Corina Silvia , Kriemler Susi , von der Weid Nicolas Xavier
Published: January 2021

Background

Childhood cancer survivors are at risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) because of intensive cancer therapies often accompanied by an unhealthy lifestyle. This study was aimed at 1) describing modifiable CVD risk factors in survivors and 2) investigating the association between different aspects of physical fitness and CVD risk factors.

Methods

The authors analyzed cross‐sectional data from ≥5‐year survivors who were 16 years old or younger at their cancer diagnosis and 16 years old or older at the time of the study. Single CVD risk factors (waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting glucose, inverse high‐density lipoprotein, and triglycerides), a composite CVD risk score (combined z scores of all CVD risk factors), and metabolic syndrome were evaluated. Physical fitness measures included cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), a handgrip test, and a 1‐minute sit‐to‐stand test (STS). Multivariable logistic regression was used for the association between fitness measures and CVD risk factors, with adjustments made for demographic factors and cancer therapy.

Results

This study included 163 survivors with a median age at diagnosis of 7 years and a median age at the time of the study of 28 years. Among those survivors, 27% had a high waist circumference, 32% had high blood pressure, 19% had high triglycerides, 20% had an increased composite CVD risk score, and 10% had metabolic syndrome. A better performance during CPET, handgrip testing, and STS was associated with a lower probability of having a high waist circumference, high triglycerides, and metabolic syndrome.

Conclusions

Better aerobic fitness (CPET) and, to a lesser extent, handgrip and STS were associated with fewer CVD risk factors. Further investigations are warranted to investigate which fitness measures should preferably be used to screen survivors to promote physical activity in those with impaired test performance.

Lay Summary

This study investigated the relationship between physical fitness of adult childhood cancer survivors and their risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, a high waist circumference, and high blood lipids were frequently found in childhood cancer survivors. Survivors with better physical fitness (measured by a cycling test or simple strength and endurance tests) had a lower chance of having cardiovascular risk factors.

This suggests that childhood cancer survivors could benefit from physical activity and general fitness by increasing their physical fitness and possibly decreasing their risk of cardiovascular disease.
Genetic Variation in Sodium‐glucose Cotransporter 2 and Heart Failure
Authors: Katzmann Julius L. , Mason Amy M. , März Winfried , Kleber Marcus E. , Niessner Alexander , Blüher Matthias , Speer Thimoteus , Laufs Ulrich
Published: January 2021

Inhibition of sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) represents an emerging pharmaceutical approach for the treatment of heart failure. The mechanisms by which SGLT2 inhibitors reduce the risk of heart failure are not well understood. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the SLC5A2 gene, encoding SGLT2, and heart failure, and to assess potential mediators of this association. Regression and mediation analyses were conducted with individual participant data of the UK Biobank (n = 416,737) and validated in the cardiovascular high‐risk cohort of the LUdwigshafen RIsk and Cardiovascular Health study (LURIC; n = 3316). Two intronic SNPs associated with SLC5A2 expression were included in a genetic score, which was associated with lower risk of heart failure in UK Biobank (odds ratio 0.97, 95% confidence interval, 0.95−0.99, P = 0.016). This association was also present in participants without type 2 diabetes or coronary artery disease (CAD). The associations of the genetic score with HbA1c, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, uric acid, systolic blood pressure, waist circumference, and body composition mediated 35% of the effect of the score on heart failure risk. No associations of the genetic SGLT2 score with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease outcomes or markers of volume status were observed, which was confirmed in the LURIC study. Variations in the gene encoding SGLT2 were associated with the risk of prevalent or incident heart failure. This association was mediated by several mechanisms and did not depend on the presence of type 2 diabetes or previous CAD events.
A Multipurpose First‐in‐Human Study With the Novel CXCR7 Antagonist ACT‐1004‐1239 Using CXCL12 Plasma Concentrations as Target Engagement Biomarker
Authors: Huynh Christine , Henrich Andrea , Strasser Daniel S. , Boof Marie‐Laure , Al‐Ibrahim Mohamed , Meyer Zu Schwabedissen Henriette E. , Dingemanse Jasper , Ufer Mike
Published: January 2021

The C‐X‐C chemokine receptor 7 (CXCR7) has evolved as a promising, druggable target mainly in the immunology and oncology fields modulating plasma concentrations of its ligands CXCL11 and CXCL12 through receptor‐mediated internalization. This “scavenging” activity creates concentration gradients of these ligands between blood vessels and tissues that drive directional cell migration. This randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled first‐in‐human study assessed the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of ACT‐1004‐1239, a first‐in‐class drug candidate small‐molecule CXCR7 antagonist. Food effect and absolute bioavailability assessments were also integrated in this multipurpose study. Healthy male subjects received single ascending oral doses of ACT‐1004‐1239 (n = 36) or placebo (n = 12). At each of six dose levels (1–200 mg), repeated blood sampling was done over 144 hours for pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic assessments using CXCL11 and CXCL12 as biomarkers of target engagement. ACT‐1004‐1239 was safe and well tolerated up to the highest tested dose of 200 mg. CXCL12 plasma concentrations dose‐dependently increased and more than doubled compared with baseline, indicating target engagement, whereas CXCL11 concentrations remained unchanged. An indirect‐response pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model well described the relationship between ACT‐1004‐1239 and CXCL12 concentrations across the full dose range, supporting once‐daily dosing for future clinical studies. At doses ≥ 10 mg, time to reach maximum plasma concentration ranged from 1.3 to 3.0 hours and terminal elimination half‐life from 17.8 to 23.6 hours. The exposure increase across the dose range was essentially dose‐proportional and no relevant food effect on pharmacokinetics was determined. The absolute bioavailability was 53.0% based on radioactivity data after oral vs. intravenous 14C‐radiolabeled microtracer administration of ACT‐1004‐1239. Overall, these comprehensive data support further clinical development of ACT‐1004‐1239.
Plasma cell‐rich bronchoalveolar lavage fluid: Could be a first clue to IgG4 plasma cell‐related lung disease
Authors: AbdullGaffar Badr , Abdelkareem Fatma
Published: January 2021

Plasma cells are usually absent in normal bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluids. Frequent plasma cells in BAL are always pathologically significant. They raise a rather narrow differential diagnosis, predominantly extrinsic allergic alveolitis and few other interstitial lung diseases. BAL is a key diagnostic procedure for certain lung diseases. Because plasma cells are uncommon in BAL fluids and usually associated with limited conditions compared to other more common interstitial lung diseases, the focus of cell count differentials in BAL fluids was on other mononuclear and granulocytic inflammatory cells. Recently, cases of IgG4 positive plasma cell‐related lung diseases have been reported in tissue specimens. This may raise the importance of cytologically recognizing plasma cells in BAL fluids. We report a case of a 16‐year‐old boy with clinical and radiologic features of diffuse interstitial lung disease. His BAL cytology showed frequent plasma cells. Endobronchial biopsy showed substantial infiltration by plasma cells confirmed by immunohistochemistry. After excluding other lung diseases, the possibility of IgG4 plasma cell‐related disease was raised. Blood tests showed elevated serum levels of IgG4. This case emphasizes the importance of including of IgG4 plasma cell‐related lung disease as a possible differential diagnosis. This should prompt proper serologic tests for confirmation and appropriate management. With increasing reports of IgG4‐related lung disease, cytopathologists should be aware of this possibility when examining BAL fluids. Measurement of IgG levels in BAL fluids and plasma cell immunophenotyping might be promising tools.
Comparing scraping cytology with touch imprint cytology and frozen section analysis in the intraoperative diagnosis of sentinel lymph node metastasis in breast cancer
Authors: Mohammadnia Avval Maryam , Hosseinzadeh Massood , Farahi Zahra , Mirtalebi Maryamsadat
Published: January 2021

Background

Breast cancer is a common cancer in the female population. Sentinel lymph node (SLN) in breast cancer patients can be evaluated by different methods including intraoperative frozen section analysis (FSA), touch imprint cytology (TIC), and scraping cytology (SC). In this study, in addition to investigating TIC and FSA, we focused on SC to evaluate the diagnostic value of this almost new method.

Materials and methods

In this retrospective study, the quadrantectomy and sentinel lymph node resection of 150 specimens with mammography and core needle biopsy‐confirmed breast cancer were examined. Of the 150 participants, 77 and 73 had negative and positive results for the permanent pathology of SLN metastasis, respectively. Intra‐operative FSA, TIC, and SC for SLN were performed for the patients and all were confirmed by permanent pathology.

Results

All the specimens were taken from females aged between 25 and 82 years. The sensitivity and specificity of TIC, FS, and SC were 73% and 50%, 92.6% and 50%, and 92.1% and 50%, respectively. Among the three techniques, TIC had the lowest positive and negative predictive values. However, FS had the highest positive predictive value whereas SC had the highest negative predictive value.

Conclusion

In addition to FS and TIC as rapid, cost‐effective, and reliable diagnostic methods in SLN metastasis, SC is an acceptable and highly sensitive method. A combination of these methods may provide a more favorable diagnostic value for SLN assessment in breast cancer patients.
A comparison of two methods for estimating measurement repeatability in morphometric studies
Authors: Wylde Zachariah , Bonduriansky Russell
Published: January 2021

Measurement repeatability is often reported in morphometric studies as an index of the contribution of measurement error to trait measurements. However, the common method of remeasuring a mounted specimen fails to capture some components of measurement error and could therefore yield inflated repeatability estimates. Remounting specimens between successive measurements is likely to provide more realistic estimates of repeatability, particularly for structures that are difficult to measure.

Using measurements of 22 somatic and genitalic traits of the neriid fly Telostylinus angusticollis, we compared repeatability estimates obtained via remeasurement of a specimen that is mounted once (single‐mounted method) versus remeasurement of a specimen that is remounted between measurements (remounted method). We also asked whether the difference in repeatability estimates obtained via the two methods depends on trait size, trait type (somatic vs. genitalic), sclerotization, or sex.

Repeatability estimates obtained via the remounted method were lower than estimates obtained via the single‐mounted method for each of the 22 traits, and the difference between estimates obtained via the two methods was generally greater for small structures (such as genitalic traits) than for large structures (such as legs and wings). However, the difference between estimates obtained via the two methods did not depend on trait type (genitalic or somatic), tissue type (soft or sclerotized) or sex.

Remounting specimens between successive measurements can provide more accurate estimates of measurement repeatability than remeasuring from a single mount, especially for small structures that are difficult to measure.
Determination of acidity constants, ionic mobilities, and hydrodynamic radii of carborane‐based inhibitors of carbonic anhydrases by capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Šolínová Veronika , Brynda Jiří , Šícha Václav , Holub Josef , Grűner Bohumír , Kašička Václav
Published: January 2021

Capillary electrophoresis (CE) has been applied for determination of the thermodynamic acidity constants (pKa) of the sulfamidoalkyl and sulfonamidoalkyl groups, the actual and limiting ionic mobilities and hydrodynamic radii of important compounds, eight carborane‐based inhibitors of carbonic anhydrases, which are potential new anticancer drugs. Two types of carboranes were investigated, (i) icosahedral cobalt bis(dicarbollide)(1‐) ion with sulfamidoalkyl moieties, and (ii) 7,8‐nido‐dicarbaundecaborate with sulfonamidoalkyl side chains. First, the mixed acidity constants, pKamix, of the sulfamidoalkyl and sulfonamidoalkyl groups of the above carboranes and their actual ionic mobilities were determined by nonlinear regression analysis of the pH dependences of their effective electrophoretic mobility measured by capillary electrophoresis in the pH range 8.00−12.25, at constant ionic strength (25 mM), and constant temperature (25°C). Second, the pKamix were recalculated to the thermodynamic pKas using the Debye–Hückel theory. The sulfamidoalkyl and sulfonamidoalkyl groups were found to be very weakly acidic with the pKas in the range 10.78−11.45 depending on the type of carborane cluster and on the position and length of the alkyl chain on the carborane scaffold. These pKas were in a good agreement with the pKas (10.67−11.27) obtained by new program AnglerFish (freeware at https://echmet.natur.cuni.cz), which provides thermodynamic pKas and limiting ionic mobilities directly from the raw CE data. The absolute values of the limiting ionic mobilities of univalent and divalent carborane anions were in the range 18.3−27.8 TU (Tiselius unit, 1 × 10−9 m2/Vs), and 36.4−45.9 TU, respectively. The Stokes hydrodynamic radii of univalent and divalent carborane anions varied in the range 0.34−0.52 and 0.42−0.52 nm, respectively.
Social Perceptions of Pediatric Hearing Aids
Authors: Qian Z. Jason , Nuyen Brian A. , Kandathil Cherian K. , Truong Mai‐Thy , Tribble Melissa S. , Most Sam P. , Chang Kay W.
Published: January 2021

Objectives

To determine whether hearing aid (HA) use affects social perceptions of general public adults and age‐matched peers and if so, determine if effects are modulated by lack of societal representation of pediatric HAs.

Methods

A 10‐year‐old boy was presented in six photographic conditions with and without HAs and eyeglasses (a worn sensory aid with wider societal representation). HAs were presented in neutral skin tone and bright blue colors. Photographic conditions were embedded into web‐based surveys with visual analog scales to capture social perceptions data and sourced to 206 adults (age 18–65) and 202 peers (age 10) with demographic characteristics representative of the general US population. Mean differences in scores for each condition compared to control images were computed using two‐tailed t‐tests.

Results

In both adult and child respondents, HAs were associated with decreased athleticism, confidence, health, leadership, and popularity. Glasses were associated with decreased athleticism and popularity but increased intelligence, overall success, and in the child respondents, friendliness. When worn in combination, the beneficial effects of glasses were mitigated by brightly colored but not neutrally colored HAs.

Conclusion

Negative effects of pediatric HAs on social perceptions may be influenced by poor societal representation of HAs. These results suggest that greater representation of pediatric HAs is necessary to make society more inclusive for children with hearing loss.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:E2387–E2392, 2021
Factors Associated With Tolerance for In‐Office Laryngeal Laser Procedures
Authors: Zheng Melissa , Arora Nikhil , Bhatt Neel , O'Dell Karla , Johns Michael
Published: January 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

A variety of laryngeal pathologies are increasingly being managed with in‐office KTP laser (IOKTP) endoscopic procedures. The primary goal of this study was to identify patient characteristics and disease‐related features that correlated with tolerance for IOKTP.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Methods

The study was a retrospective review of adult patients undergoing office‐based laryngeal laser procedures between November 2016 and December 2019 at a tertiary care center. Two blinded otolaryngologist reviewers scored videotaped recordings of IOKTP procedures and assessed severity and distribution of disease using a modified Derkay score, and evaluated procedure tolerance using a visual analog scale.

Results

A total of 56 patients who received IOKTP procedures for laryngeal pathology were reviewed, 42 male and 14 female, with a mean age of 61 years. Gender, age, and BMI were not correlated with tolerance. There was a moderate, negative correlation between tolerance and total number of pathological anatomic laryngeal subsites (rs(56) = −0.35, P = .01). There was a weak, negative correlation between tolerance and total modified Derkay score (rs(56) = −0.29, P = .03). The median tolerance score was lower for patients with posterior lesions (Mdn = 6.4) compared with patients with non‐posterior lesions (Mdn = 7.4), P = .04, and lower for current or former smokers (Mdn = 6.5) compared with never smokers (Mdn = 7.3), P = .04.

Conclusion

Patients with large disease burden or posterior lesions and patients with smoking history may exhibit poorer tolerance of IOKTP procedures, factors which can help guide pre‐procedural counseling and management decisions.

Level of Evidence

IV Laryngoscope, 131:E2292–E2297, 2021
Hematopoietic stem cell transplant referral patterns for children with sickle cell disease vary among pediatric hematologist/oncologists’ practice focus: A Sickle Cell Transplant Advocacy and Research Alliance (STAR) study
Authors: Meier Emily Riehm , Abraham Allistair A. , Ngwube Alex , Janson Isaac A. , Guilcher Gregory M.T. , Horan John , Kasow Kimberly A.
Published: January 2021

Background

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) provides a curative therapy for children severely affected by sickle cell disease (SCD). Rejection‐free survival after matched sibling donor (MSD) HSCT is very high, but adoption of HSCT as a curative SCD therapy has been slow. In this study, we assess providers’ perceptions about MSD HSCT for children with variable SCD severity, and determine the influence of provider characteristics on HSCT referrals.

Procedure

After our Institutional Review Board deemed the study exempt, American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Clinical Forum listserv subscribers and American Society of Hematology members who self‐identified as pediatric hematologists/oncologists (PHO) were emailed a survey. Analysis was performed to describe and evaluate correlations between participant demographics (including practice focus within PHO) and likelihood of HSCT referral for each scenario.

Results

Spearman's rank correlation analysis did not reveal any significant relationship between demographic characteristics except practice focus and likelihood to refer to HSCT for any scenarios. Providers focused on SCD and HSCT were more likely to refer a child who had never been admitted to the hospital or had suboptimal adherence to hydroxyurea than general PHOs. A significantly higher proportion of all respondents would refer a child with β‐thalassemia major (87%) than an asymptomatic child with HbSS (47%, P < .00001) or non‐HbSS variant (23%, P < .00001).

Conclusion

PSCD and HSCT physicians are more likely to refer for MSD HSCT in almost every condition than general PHO practitioners, likely because of increased awareness of long‐term effects of SCD and safety of MSD HSCT for children with SCD.
Effective operator bases for beyond Standard Model scenarios: an EFT compendium for discoveries
Authors: Banerjee Upalaparna , Chakrabortty Joydeep , Prakash Suraj , Rahaman Shakeel Ur , Spannowsky Michael
Published: January 2021

Abstract

It is not only conceivable but likely that the spectrum of physics beyond the Standard Model (SM) is non-degenerate. The lightest non-SM particle may reside close enough to the electroweak scale that it can be kinematically probed at high-energy experiments and on account of this, it must be included as an infrared (IR) degree of freedom (DOF) along with the SM ones. The rest of the non-SM particles are heavy enough to be directly experimentally inaccessible and can be integrated out. Now, to capture the effects of the complete theory, one must take into account the higher dimensional operators constituted of the SM DOFs and the minimal extension. This construction, BSMEFT, is in the same spirit as SMEFT but now with extra IR DOFs. Constructing a BSMEFT is in general the first step after establishing experimental evidence for a new particle. We have investigated three different scenarios where the SM is extended by additional (i) uncolored, (ii) colored particles, and (iii) abelian gauge symmetries. For each such scenario, we have included the most-anticipated and phenomenologically motivated models to demonstrate the concept of BSMEFT. In this paper, we have provided the full EFT Lagrangian for each such model up to mass dimension 6. We have also identified the CP, baryon (B), and lepton (L) number violating effective operators.
Quantum mechanical out-of-time-ordered-correlators for the anharmonic (quartic) oscillator
Authors: Romatschke Paul
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Out-of-time-ordered correlators (OTOCs) have been suggested as a means to study quantum chaotic behavior in various systems. In this work, I calculate OTOCs for the quantum mechanical anharmonic oscillator with quartic potential, which is classically integrable and has a Poisson-like energy-level distribution. For low temperature, OTOCs are periodic in time, similar to results for the harmonic oscillator and the particle in a box. For high temperature, OTOCs exhibit a rapid (but power-like) rise at early times, followed by saturation consistent with 2〈x2〉T〈p2〉T at late times. At high temperature, the spectral form factor decreases at early times, bounces back and then reaches a plateau with strong fluctuations.
Search for like-sign dileptons plus two jets signal in the framework of the manifest left-right symmetric model
Authors: Roitgrund Aviad , Eilam Gad
Published: January 2021

Abstract

The left-right symmetric model may present evidence of new physics at the era of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). We use its framework to investigate the lepton number violating process pp → e±e±jj + X at the 14 TeV LHC. We show that for an integrated luminosity of 300 fb−1, the discovery contour of the right-handed boson WR and the right-handed electron neutrino Ne as a result of the pp → $$ {W}_R^{\pm } $$

W
R
±

→ e±N → e±e±jj process can be expanded upon considering an additional channel mediated by the right-handed doubly charged Higgs $$ {\delta}_R^{\pm \pm } $$

δ
R

±
±

, i.e. pp → $$ {W}_R^{\pm } $$

W
R
±

→ $$ {W}_R^{\mp \ast }{\delta}_R^{\pm \pm \ast } $$

W
R

∓
∗

δ
R

±
±
∗

→ e±e±jj.
The axion quality problem: global symmetry breaking and wormholes
Authors: Alvey James , Escudero Miguel
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Continuous global symmetries are expected to be broken by gravity, which can lead to important phenomenological consequences. A prime example is the threat that this poses to the viability of the Peccei-Quinn solution to the strong CP problem. In this paper, we explore the impact of wormholes as a source of global symmetry breaking by gravity. We review the current status of wormholes and global symmetries and note that, surprisingly, the axion has a quality problem within non-perturbative Einstein gravity. Although these wormholes lead to a large breaking of global symmetries, we show that their effect is nonetheless relevant for the model building of gauge protected axions. We also find wormhole solutions within two scenarios: (i) an extended global symmetry group within Einstein gravity, and (ii) U(1) wormholes within the low-energy limit of an open String Theory. The former allows us to show that the concept of a global symmetry in General Relativity is somewhat ill-defined. The latter illustrates that for motivated values of the string coupling constant, axions appear to have a quality problem within the open String Theory we consider.
General solutions in Chern-Simons gravity and $$ T\overline{T} $$-deformations
Authors: Llabrés Eva
Published: January 2021

Abstract

We find the most general solution to Chern-Simons AdS3 gravity in Fefferman-Graham gauge. The connections are equivalent to geometries that have a non-trivial curved boundary, characterized by a 2-dimensional vielbein and a spin connection. We define a variational principle for Dirichlet boundary conditions and find the boundary stress tensor in the Chern-Simons formalism. Using this variational principle as the departure point, we show how to treat other choices of boundary conditions in this formalism, such as, including the mixed boundary conditions corresponding to a $$ T\overline{T} $$
T

T
¯

-deformation.
Entrepreneurial lean thinking for sustainable business modeling: a workshop design for incumbent firms
Authors: Schwarz E. J. , Gregori P. , Krajger I. , Wdowiak M. A.
Published: January 2021

In times of increasing concerns and extensive political debates about social and environmental problems, incumbent firms are obliged to reduce their negative environmental impact by implementing sustainable business model innovation. Yet, realizing more sustainable business model variants entails several complexities and associated challenges that need to be overcome. To support this task, this article takes an entrepreneurship perspective on sustainable business model innovation and combines literature of business models and entrepreneurial lean thinking (ELT). In doing so, it derives a workshop design grounded in contemporary theory with state-of-the-art tools and methods. The workshop is framed as a stage-gate process facilitating the notions of ELT with iterative cycles of ‘create, test, and improve’ and spans the phases of opportunity identification, opportunity evaluation, opportunity development through sustainable business model design, and decision of opportunity exploitation. The article shows that ELT is an appropriate yet underutilized approach for sustainable business modeling. Further, it discusses how the workshop supports opportunities and mitigate pitfalls of ELT for sustainable business modeling. As such, the findings have theoretical implications for the intersection of sustainability and lean approaches in innovation research as well as implications for practitioners by providing a comprehensive framework to support sustainable business model innovation.
Modeling and “smart” prototyping human-in-the-loop interactions for AmI environments
Authors: Gil Miriam , Albert Manoli , Fons Joan , Pelechano Vicente
Published: January 2021

Autonomous capabilities are required in AmI environments in order to adapt systems to new environmental conditions and situations. However, keeping the human in the loop and in control of such systems is still necessary because of the diversity of systems, domains, environments, context situations, and social and legal constraints, which makes full autonomy a utopia within the short or medium term. Human-system integration introduces an important number of challenges and problems that have to be solved. On the one hand, humans should interact with systems even in those situations where their attentional, cognitive, and physical resources are limited in order to perform the interaction. On the other hand, systems must avoid overwhelming the user with unnecessary actions. Therefore, appropriate user-centered methods for AmI development should be used to help designers analyze and design human-in-the-loop interactions in AmI environments. This paper presents a user-centered design method that defines a process with a set of tools and techniques that supports the process steps in order to systematically design, prototype, and validate human-in-the-loop (HiL) solutions. The process starts with the definition of the HiL design, which defines how the system cooperates with the human. This HiL design is built using a conceptual framework that focuses on achieving human-system interactions that get human attention and avoid obtrusiveness. Then, we provide a software infrastructure to generate a prototype based on the HiL design and validate it by having end-users use a web simulator. The feedback data generated during the prototype user validation is gathered and used by a machine learning tool that infers the user’s needs and preferences. Finally, these inferences are used to automatically enhance the human-in-the-loop designs and prototypes. We have validated the proposed method through a twofold perspective: an experiment to analyze the perception of interaction designers regarding their acceptance of the design method and another experiment to evaluate the usefulness of the “smart” prototyping technique. The results obtained point out the acceptability of the proposed method by designers and the useful adaptations provided by the “smart” prototyping technique to achieve a HiL design that adapts well to users’ preferences and needs.
Evolutionary histories and mycorrhizal associations of mycoheterotrophic plants dependent on saprotrophic fungi
Authors: Ogura-Tsujita Yuki , Yukawa Tomohisa , Kinoshita Akihiko
Published: January 2021

Mycoheterotrophic plants (MHPs) are leafless, achlorophyllous, and completely dependent on mycorrhizal fungi for their carbon supply. Mycorrhizal symbiosis is a mutualistic association with fungi that is undertaken by the majority of land plants, but mycoheterotrophy represents a breakdown of this mutualism in that plants parasitize fungi. Most MHPs are associated with fungi that are mycorrhizal with autotrophic plants, such as arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) or ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi. Although these MHPs gain carbon via the common mycorrhizal network that links the surrounding autotrophic plants, some mycoheterotrophic lineages are associated with saprotrophic (SAP) fungi, which are free-living and decompose leaf litter and wood materials. Such MHPs are dependent on the forest carbon cycle, which involves the decomposition of wood debris and leaf litter, and have a unique biology and evolutionary history. MHPs associated with SAP fungi (SAP-MHPs) have to date been found only in the Orchidaceae and likely evolved independently at least nine times within that family. Phylogenetically divergent SAP Basidiomycota, mostly Agaricales but also Hymenochaetales, Polyporales, and others, are involved in mycoheterotrophy. The fungal specificity of SAP-MHPs varies from a highly specific association with a single fungal species to a broad range of interactions with multiple fungal orders. Establishment of symbiotic culture systems is indispensable for understanding the mechanisms underlying plant–fungus interactions and the conservation of MHPs. Symbiotic culture systems have been established for many SAP-MHP species as a pure culture of free-living SAP fungi is easier than that of biotrophic AM or ECM fungi. Culturable SAP-MHPs are useful research materials and will contribute to the advancement of plant science.
Hunting of mammals by central chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes troglodytes) in the Loango National Park, Gabon
Authors: Klein Harmonie , Bocksberger Gaëlle , Baas Pauline , Bunel Sarah , Théleste Erwan , Pika Simone , Deschner Tobias
Published: January 2021

The predation and consumption of animals are common behaviours in chimpanzees across tropical Africa. To date, however, relatively little is known concerning the hunting behaviour of central chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes troglodytes). Here, we provide the first direct observations of hunting behaviour by individuals of the newly habituated Rekambo community in the Loango National Park, Gabon. Over a period of 23 months (May 2017 to March 2019), we observed a total of 61 predation attempts on eight mammal species, including four monkey species. The two most frequently hunted species were two monkey species (Cercocebus torquatus,Cercopithecus nictitans), which are not hunted at other long-term field sites. The majority of predation events observed involved parties of an average of eight individuals, mainly adult males, with hunting success being higher with increasing numbers of participants. Hunting occurred all year round, but hunting rates increased in the dry season, the period of high fruit availability in the Loango National Park. These results are in line with the nutrient surplus hypothesis which explains seasonal variation in hunting behaviour in several populations of eastern chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii: e.g., Mahale, Tanzania; Ngogo, Uganda). Finally, with a hunting frequency of 2.65 hunts per month, the Rekambo community had higher hunting rates than other sites (Bossou, Republic of Guinea; Kahuzi-Biega, Democratic Republic of Congo; Budongo, Uganda) where red colobus monkeys are also absent. We discuss these results and compare them to patterns at other long-term sites.
Machine learning models for the secondary Bjerknes force between two insonated bubbles
Authors: Chen Haiyan , Zeng Yue , Li Yi
Published: January 2021

The secondary Bjerknes force plays a significant role in the evolution of bubble clusters. However, due to the complex dependence of the force on multiple parameters, it is highly non-trivial to include its effects in the simulations of bubble clusters. In this paper, machine learning is used to develop a data-driven model for the secondary Bjerknes force between two insonated bubbles as a function of the equilibrium radii of the bubbles, the distance between the bubbles, the amplitude and the center frequency of the ultrasound wave. The sign of the force may change with the phase difference between the oscillating bubbles. Meanwhile, the magnitude of the force varies over several orders of magnitude, which poses a serious challenge for the usual machine learning models. To overcome this difficulty, the magnitudes and the signs of the force are separated and modelled separately. A nonlinear regression is obtained with a feed-forward network model for the logarithm of the magnitude, whereas the sign is modelled by a support-vector machine model. The principle, the practical aspects related to the training and validation of the machine models are introduced. The predictions from the models are checked against the values computed from the Keller–Miksis equations. The results show that the models are extremely efficient while providing accurate estimate of the force. The models make it computationally feasible for the future simulations of the bubble clusters to include the effects of the secondary Bjerknes force.

Graphic abstract
A “toy” model of biogeochemical dynamics on climate gradients
Authors: Vitousek Peter M. , Bateman Jesse Bloom , Chadwick Oliver A.
Published: January 2021

We used a simple “toy” model to aid in the evaluation of the controls of biogeochemical patterns along a climate gradient. The model includes simplified treatments of water balance (precipitation minus Potential Evapotranspiration), leaching, weathering of cation- and P-bearing minerals, N cycling and loss, biomass production, and biological N fixation. We use δ15N as a central integrator of biogeochemical processes, because δ15N integrates multiple pathways of N input, output, and transformation in ecosystems. The model simulated the location and magnitude of a peak in δ15N on a gradient on Kohala Volcano, Hawai‘i which peaked ~  + 14 ‰ in sites receiving ~ 3.5 cm/month average precipitation (− 1300 mm/year water balance); the model also captured a peak in total P in surface soil at intermediate levels of precipitation and water balance, and other biogeochemical features on the gradient. We then applied the model to understanding the patterns of and mechanisms underlying nutrient limitation to net primary production (NPP) and plant biomass on the gradient, testing for the existence and extent of N and P limitation by simulated additions of N and/or P in the model. Both a simulated symbiotic biological N fixer and a simulated non-fixer were limited by P supply across the gradient; the non-fixer was independently limited by N supply in wetter sites. By running the toy model with and without the influence of temperature, we demonstrated that water is the most important factor shaping biogeochemical patterns on this gradient.
A Retrospective on Teenage Pregnancy in Poland: Focussing on Empowerment and Support Variables to Challenge Stereotyping in the Context of Social Work
Authors: Odrowąż-Coates Anna , Kostrzewska Dagmara
Published: January 2021

The article focuses on selected predicators of successful and fulfilling teenage motherhood. It contains analysis of qualitative data, obtained through comprehensive interviews and field notes from social work practice, based on the personal experiences of teenage mothers and a court appointed family curator. Using herstory perspective, it aims to present positive examples of teenage motherhood as a source of empowerment and independence, to unveil and combat stereotypical views on adolescent mothers in Poland. Moreover, the authors discuss systemic issues and challenges as well as a social stigma created by public opinion and aim to challenge harmful stereotyping. The article contributes to social work practice for the purpose of enhancement of the international comparative studies in this field.
Semiparametric regression based on quadratic inference function for multivariate failure time data with auxiliary information
Authors: Yan Feifei , Zhu Lin , Liu Yanyan , Cai Jianwen , Zhou Haibo
Published: January 2021

This paper deals with statistical inference procedure of multivariate failure time data when the primary covariate can be measured only on a subset of the full cohort but the auxiliary information is available. To improve efficiency of statistical inference, we use quadratic inference function approach to incorporate the intra-cluster correlation and use kernel smoothing technique to further utilize the auxiliary information. The proposed method is shown to be more efficient than those ignoring the intra-cluster correlation and auxiliary information and is easy to implement. In addition, we develop a chi-squared test for hypothesis testing of hazard ratio parameters. We evaluate the finite-sample performance of the proposed procedure via extensive simulation studies. The proposed approach is illustrated by analysis of a real data set from the study of left ventricular dysfunction.
Discount, transparency and announcements effects of equity rights offerings: international evidence
Authors: Bobenhausen Nils-Christian , Salzmann Astrid Juliane
Published: January 2021

Equity rights offerings and their respective announcement effects have been studied extensively in the literature. Our study expands upon these studies and focuses on those announcement effects and the relation between the discount of an equity rights offering and the announcement effect. Previous theoretical and empirical analyses show that firms can signal their quality via the discount in an equity rights offering and demonstrate a negative relation between the discount and the announcement effect. We argue that this link is only relevant in environments where signalling is possible and necessary. These are financial markets with a particularly low level of capital market transparency, i.e. high information asymmetry. We calculate announcement effects for an international sample of equity rights offerings and show that the negative effect of the discount on announcement effects can only be observed in environments with a low capital market transparency. Hence, our study estimates announcement effects across several different countries and is thus among the first to analyse signalling considerations for equity rights offerings in different transparency environments.
Decision-making for nature’s contributions to people in the Cape Floristic Region: the role of values, rules and knowledge
Authors: Topp Emmeline N. , Loos Jacqueline , Martín-López Berta
Published: January 2021

Nature conservation on privately owned land depends on land managers’ decision-making. Interactions between values, rules and knowledge (vrk) underpin decision-making, thus, it is important to understand these interactions to support conservation intentions. We investigated how different sets of vrk determine the decision-making context regarding the management and conservation of renosterveld, a critically endangered ecosystem in the Cape Floristic Region, and how this relates to land managers’ perceptions of nature’s contributions to people (NCP). From interviews with thirty land managers, we identified nine value types, four rule types, three knowledge types and 13 different NCP. We found that different vrk combinations can be grouped into three decision-making contexts: Bottom-up conservation, Top-down conservation and Utility. Each context is associated with the perception of different beneficial and detrimental NCP. Regulating NCP are perceived across all contexts, whereas more non-material NCP are associated with a Bottom-up conservation context and relational values, such as family ties. The prevalence of relational values in Bottom-up and Top-down conservation contexts illustrates the complexity and non-substitutability of the dynamic relationships between renosterveld and people. This indicates the importance of plural valuation in nature conservation to foster diverse NCP provided by renosterveld.
Nanomechanical Response of Pulsed Tungsten Inert Gas Welded Titanium Alloy by Nanoindentation and Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Hassaan Muhammad , Junaid Massab , Shahbaz Tauheed , Ilyas Muhammad , Khan Fahd Nawaz , Haider Julfikar
Published: January 2021

Nanohardness and Effective Elastic Moduli were measured for pulsed-Gas Tungsten Arc Welded Ti-5Al-2.5Sn alloy using autogenous mode through nanoindentation and atomic force microscopy. Experiments were conducted using a Berkovich tip on nanoindentor with Berkovich tip and elliptical pile ups were measured using an Atomic Force Microscope. Nanohardness and effective elastic moduli were calculated in the base metal, heat affected zone and fusion zone of the weldments using different approaches namely Oliver–Pharr method, AFM analysis and work of indentation. A significant difference was observed in the nanomechanical response using these approaches which was attributed to the pile up morphology of the nano indents. The presence of residual stress in the weldments also significantly influenced the nanohardness profile across the weld joint. The present research suggested that the work of indentation is most suitable for assessment of nanomechanical properties of Ti-5Al-2.5Sn alloy weldments among the three techniques studied in this investigation.
Prevention of postoperative intrapericardial adhesion by dextrin hydrogel
Authors: Kikusaki Satoshi , Takagi Kazuyoshi , Shojima Takahiro , Saku Kosuke , Fukuda Tomofumi , Oryoji Atsunobu , Anegawa Tomoyuki , Fukumoto Yoshihiro , Aoki Hiroki , Tanaka Hiroyuki
Published: January 2021

Objective

Postoperative intrapericardial adhesion increases the risk of complications in patients undergoing reoperation. We investigated the effect of a bioabsorbable dextrin hydrogel (DHG) on the formation of intrapericardial adhesions.

Methods

Intrapericardial adhesion was surgically induced in Japanese white rabbits with DHG treatment (Adh + DHG) or without DHG treatment (Adh). The sham group was not treated with DHG and intrapericardial adhesion was not induced. The extent of intrapericardial adhesion was assessed by adhesion scoring and crystal violet staining of the pericardial cavity. Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) uptake assay was performed to assess the proliferative response to the injury in the tissue beneath the intrapericardial adhesion.

Results

The Adh + DHG group showed looser intrapericardial adhesions compared to the Adh group. The adhesion area of the Adh + DHG group was 4.6 ± 2.2%, whereas that of the Adh group was 32.6 ± 6.4% at the end of the 28-day observation period (p < 0.01). The induction of intrapericardial adhesion resulted in a proliferative response mainly in the cardiac tissue just beneath the adhesion. There were 48.6 ± 10.7 cells/0.1 mm2BrdU-positive cells in the Adh + DHG group and 135.7 ± 23.8 cells/0.1 mm2BrdU-positive cells in the Adh group on day 28 (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

These findings indicate that DHG effectively prevented intrapericardial adhesion in this model.
Important factors associated with sick leave after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation—a 1-year prospective study
Authors: Eriksson Linda , Wennman-Larsen Agneta , Bergkvist Karin , Ljungman Per , Winterling Jeanette
Published: January 2021

Purpose

This study examines sick leave (SL) and factors associated with full-time SL 1 year after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) in patients of working age from 2009 to 2016 (n = 122).

Methods

Questionnaire data were collected on admission to the allo-HSCT unit, at 7 months and 1 year after allo-HSCT. Associations between factors and SL were analysed using logistic regression analyses.

Results

One year after allo-HSCT, 76% of participants were on SL, with 36% on full-time SL. In univariable analyses, chronic graft-versus-host-disease (cGvHD) (OR 3.07; 95% CI 1.34–7.07; p = 0.01), having symptoms of depression at 7 months (OR 4.81; 95% CI 1.69–13.69; p = 0.00) and low levels of vocational satisfaction at 7 months after treatment (OR 3.27; 95% CI 1.27–8.41; p = 0.01) were associated with full-time SL 1 year after allo-HSCT. cGvHD (OR 3.43; 95% CI 1.35–8.73; p = 0.01) and having symptoms of depression at 7 months after allo-HSCT (OR 3.37; 95% CI 1.2–11.58; p = 0.02) remained significant in multivariable analysis.

Conclusion

The majority of allo-HSCT survivors were on SL 1 year after treatment, and cGvHD, low vocational satisfaction and depressive symptoms were associated with full-time SL 1 year after allo-HSCT.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

Healthcare professionals need to be observant of and manage the consequences of cGvHD and patients’ symptoms of depression in order to support them appropriately in their return-to-work process.