bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A nurse shrub species helps associated herbaceous plants by preventing shade‐induced evaporation in a desert ecosystem
Authors: Liu Liang , Bai Yuxuan , She Weiwei , Qiao Yangui , Qin Shugao , Zhang Yuqing
Published: November 2020

Xeric shrubs often play an important role in reversing desertification and promoting ecological restoration of degraded dryland ecosystems. However, how shrubs affect their associated herbaceous species and environmental conditions remains largely unknown. In this study, we conducted a removal experiment along with stable isotope analysis to determine the water use strategy of a shrub species (Artemisia ordosica) and its associated perennial graminoids (PG) in the Mu Us Desert, northern China. We observed that in the intact plots, both shrubs and PG predominantly utilized water from the shallow soil layer (0–20 cm, 54.36%, and 63.63%, respectively). Compared to this, when shrubs were removed, soil water content decreased, the main water source of PG switched to the middle soil layer (20–60 cm, 48.25%), and their water use efficiency (WUE) increased. However, the removal of PG had no significant impacts on the soil water content in any layer or on the water source of shrubs but for slightly decreased WUE. We highlighted that rather than hydraulic lift, shade‐induced evaporation decline is the primary mechanism by which shrubs facilitate the growth of associated herbaceous plants in desert ecosystems, indicating that the facilitated herbaceous plants have more flexible water use strategies than shrubs, which probably drives the community succession from being shrub‐dominated to herb‐dominated.
tert‐Butyl Esters as Potential Reversible Chain Transfer Agents for Concurrent Cationic Vinyl‐Addition and Ring‐Opening Copolymerization of Vinyl Ethers and Oxiranes
Authors: Hotta Daisuke , Kanazawa Arihiro , Aoshima Sadahito
Published: November 2020

tert‐Butyl esters are demonstrated to function as chain transfer agents (CTAs) in the cationic copolymerization of vinyl ether (VE) and oxirane via concurrent vinyl‐addition and ring‐opening mechanisms. In the copolymerization of isopropyl VE and isobutylene oxide (IBO), the IBO‐derived propagating species reacts with tert‐butyl acetate to generate a copolymer chain with an acetoxy group at the ω‐end. This reaction liberates a tert‐butyl cation; hence, a polymer chain with a tert‐butyl group at the α‐end is subsequently generated. Other tert‐butyl esters also function as CTAs, and the substituent attached to the carbonyl group affects the chain transfer efficiency. In addition, ethyl acetate does not function as a CTA, which suggests the importance of the liberation of a tert‐butyl cation for the chain transfer process. Chain transfer reactions by tert‐butyl esters potentially occur reversibly through the reaction of the propagating cation with the ester group at the ω‐end of another chain.
Efficient eddy current characterization using a 2D image‐based sampling scheme and a model‐based fitting approach
Authors: Schwerter Michael , Zimmermann Markus , Felder Jörg , Shah N. Jon
Published: November 2020

Purpose

To propose two innovations to existing eddy current characterization techniques, which include (1) an efficient spatio‐temporal sampling scheme and (2) a model‐based fitting of spherical harmonic eddy current components.

Theory and Methods

This work introduces a three‐plane 2D image‐based acquisition scheme to efficiently sample eddy current fields. Additionally, a model‐based spherical harmonic decomposition is presented, which reduces fitting noise using a rank minimization to impose an exponential decay on the eddy current amplitude evolution. Both techniques are applied in combination and analyzed in simulations for their applicability in reconstructing suitable pre‐emphasis parameters. In a proof‐of‐concept measurement, the routine is tested for its propriety to correctly quantify user‐defined field dynamics. Furthermore, based on acquired precompensation and postcompensation eddy current data, the suitability of pre‐emphasis parameters calculated based on the proposed technique is evaluated.

Results

Simulation results derived from 500 data sets demonstrate the applicability of the acquisition scheme for the spatio‐temporal sampling of eddy current fields. Compared with a conventional data processing strategy, the proposed model‐based approach yields pre‐emphasis parameters that reduce the average maximum residual field offset within a 10‐cm‐diameter spherical volume from 3.17 Hz to 0.58 Hz. Experimental data prove the proposed routine to be suitable to measure and effectively compensate for eddy currents within 10 minutes of acquisition time.

Conclusion

The proposed framework was found to be well‐suited to efficiently characterize and compensate for eddy current fields in a one‐time calibration effort. It can be applied to facilitate pre‐emphasis implementations, such as for dynamic B0 shimming applications.
Bidding Farewell to 2020
Authors: Atwood Stephen P.
Published: November 2020

We're nearing the end of 2020, and I think many people will be happy to see it in the rearview mirror. While the actual boundaries of years do not enforce control over nature's events, they provide a framework to organize our past and imagine our future as we turn the calendar page. Indeed, it's understandable that most new year celebrations focus on spiritual renewal—building hope for comfort, health, and prosperity in the year ahead.
Influence of statin‐potency on the risk of kidney disease – A nationwide cohort study using laboratory data
Authors: Citarella Anna , Linder Marie , Cammarota Simona , Sundström Anders , Kieler Helle
Published: November 2020

Purpose

To estimate the risk of kidney disease in high‐potency statin users compared to those treated with low‐potency statins without history of kidney disease at statin initiation, linking the Swedish national healthcare registers and laboratory data.

Methods

Incident users of statins, ≥40 years of age, with estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) >60 ml/min/1.73 m2 and no diagnosis of kidney disease at treatment initiation were identified between 2006 and 2007 and then followed for 2‐years. The outcome was the incidence of kidney disease identified by the presence of the diagnostic code in the healthcare registers or eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m2. We estimated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) with adjusted and propensity score (PS)‐matched Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

A total of 27 385 patients were identified, 25.2% of which treated with a high‐potency statin. During the follow‐up, 68 (0.25%) patients were identified with a diagnosis of kidney disease from the registers. The number increased to 2498 (9.1%) when the criteria of eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 was added. The adjusted HR of kidney disease in high‐potency statin users was 1.14 (95%CI 1.03–1.25) compared to low‐potency users; the result was unchanged after the PS approach.

Conclusions

Adding information from laboratory data to those from the national health registers, a slightly increased risk for kidney disease was found in high‐potency statin users without pre‐existing kidney disease at treatment initiation compared to those treated with low‐potency statins.
Usefulness of screening tests for diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection in children
Authors: Böncüoğlu Elif , Kıymet Elif , Şahinkaya Şahika , Akaslan Kara Aybüke , Çağlar İlknur , Arıkan Kamile Ö. , Gülfidan Gamze , Bayram Nuri , Devrim İlker
Published: November 2020

Background

The aim of this study is to provide a basis for the development of appropriate screening strategies and evaluate the indications of the interferon‐gamma release assay (IGRA) in Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG)‐vaccinated children.

Methods

Children who were examined with both IGRA (QuantiFERON®‐TB Gold Plus) and tuberculin skin test (TST) for tuberculosis infection were included in the study. Underlying medical conditions of the patients were recorded. Cohen's κ was run to determine if there was an agreement between TST and IGRA.

Results

A total of 220 patients with a mean age of 11.05 ± 4.43 years (2.5–18 years) were analyzed. Ninety‐nine patients were immunocompromised and 121 patients were immunocompetent. TSTs and IGRA showed none to the slight agreement in both of the immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients. In the immunocompromised group, 43/99 (43.4%) and the immunocompetent group 35/121 (28.9%) of the tests did not show any correlation.

Conclusion

In a high‐risk setting where the BCG vaccine is mandatory, it may be beneficial to use IGRA primarily in immunocompetent patients. In immunocompromised patients, the use of both the TST and IGRA could increase the efficacy of screening for latent tuberculosis infection.
Conserved patterns and interactions in the unfolding transition state across SH3 domain structural homologues
Authors: Demakis Cullen , Childers Matthew C. , Daggett Valerie
Published: November 2020

Proteins with similar structures are generally assumed to arise from similar sequences. However, there are more cases than not where this is not true. The dogma is that sequence determines structure; how, then, can very different sequences fold to the same structure? Here, we employ high temperature unfolding simulations to probe the pathways and specific interactions that direct the folding and unfolding of the SH3 domain. The SH3 metafold in the Dynameomics Database consists of 753 proteins with the same structure, but varied sequences and functions. To investigate the relationship between sequence and structure, we selected 17 targets from the SH3 metafold with high sequence variability. Six unfolding simulations were performed for each target, transition states were identified, revealing two general folding/unfolding pathways at the transition state. Transition states were also expressed as mathematical graphs of connected chemical nodes, and it was found that three positions within the structure, independent of sequence, were consistently more connected within the graph than any other nearby positions in the sequence. These positions represent a hub connecting different portions of the structure. Multiple sequence alignment and covariation analyses also revealed certain positions that were more conserved due to packing constraints and stabilizing long‐range contacts. This study demonstrates that members of the SH3 domain with different sequences can unfold through two main pathways, but certain characteristics are conserved regardless of the sequence or unfolding pathway. While sequence determines structure, we show that disparate sequences can provide similar interactions that influence folding and lead to similar structures.
Phase I evaluation of the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of GSK3640254, a next‐generation HIV‐1 maturation inhibitor
Authors: Joshi Samit R. , Fernando Disala , Igwe Stephanie , McKenzie Litza , Krishnatry Anu S. , Halliday Fiona , Zhan Joyce , Greene Thomas J. , Xu Jianfeng , Ferron‐Brady Geraldine , Lataillade Max , Min Sherene
Published: November 2020

Despite advances in HIV‐1 management with antiretroviral therapy, drug resistance and toxicities with multidrug regimens can result in treatment failure. Hence, there is a continuing demand for antiretroviral agents (ARVs) with novel mechanisms of action. Maturation inhibitors inhibit HIV‐1 replication via a unique mechanism of action and can be combined with other ARVs. Two phase I randomized clinical trials were conducted for a maturation inhibitor, GSK3640254, to determine safety, pharmacokinetics (NCT03231943), and relative bioavailability (NCT03575962) in healthy adults. The first trial was conducted in two parts. Part 1 was conducted in a two‐cohort, interlocking, eight‐period fashion in 20 participants with single ascending doses of GSK3640254 (1‐700 mg) or placebo. In Part 2, 58 participants were randomized to receive GSK3640254 (n = 44) or placebo (n = 14). Four participants reported adverse events (AEs) leading to study discontinuation, with one adverse drug reaction (maculopapular rash). There was no relationship between frequency or severity of AEs and dose. Pharmacokinetic assessments showed that GSK3640254 was slowly absorbed, with time to maximum concentration (tmax) occurring between 3.5 and 4 hours and half‐life of ~24 hours. In the relative bioavailability study of GSK3640254 mesylate salt vs bis‐hydrochloride salt capsules in 14 healthy adults, the mesylate salt performed slightly better than the bis‐hydrochloride formulation (12%‐16% increase in area under the concentration‐time curve and maximum concentration); tmax (5 hours) was similar between the formulations. Initial pharmacokinetic and safety data from these healthy‐participant studies informed further development of GSK3640254 for once‐daily dosing for the treatment of HIV‐1 infection.
Investigation of intestinal transportation of peptide‐displaying bacteriophage particles using phage display method
Authors: Kanaani Hakimeh , Azarmi Yadollah , Dastmalchi Siavoush , Zarei Omid , Hamzeh‐Mivehroud Maryam
Published: November 2020

To investigate whether peptide sequences with specific translocation across the gastrointestinal barrier can be identified as drug delivery vehicles, in vivo phage display was conducted. For this purpose, a random library of 12‐mer peptides displayed on M13 bacteriophage was orally administered to mice followed by recovery of the phage particles from the blood samples after three consecutive biopanning rounds. The obtained peptide sequences were analyzed using bioinformatics tools and software. The results demonstrated that M13 bacteriophage bearing peptides translocate nonspecifically across the mice intestinal mucosal barrier deduced from random distribution of amino acids in different positions of the identified peptide sequences. The most probable reason for entering the phage particles into systemic circulation after oral administration of the peptide library can be related to the nanoscale nature of their structures which provides a satisfying platform for the purpose of designing nanocarriers in pharmaceutical applications.
Spherical shallow‐water wave simulation by a cubed‐sphere finite‐difference solver
Authors: Brachet M. , Croisille J.‐P.
Published: November 2020

We consider the test suite for the shallow‐water (SW) equations on the sphere suggested by Paldor in earlier work. This series of tests consists of zonally propagating wave solutions on the full sphere. Two series of solutions are considered. The first series is referred to as “barotropic". It consists of an extension of the Rossby–Haurwitz test case. The second series, referred to as “baroclinic”, consists of a generalisation of the Matsuno solution to the linearized SW equations in an equatorial channel. The Hermitian Compact Cubed Sphere (HCCS) model which is used in this paper is a recently introduced SW solver on the sphere. The spatial approximation is a centred finite‐difference scheme based on high‐order differencing along great circles. The time stepping is performed by the explicit RK4 scheme or by an exponential scheme. For both barotropic and baroclinic test case series, the results show a very good agreement of the numerical solution with the analytic one, even for long time simulations.
Ambipolar 2D Semiconductors and Emerging Device Applications
Authors: Hu Wennan , Sheng Zhe , Hou Xiang , Chen Huawei , Zhang Zengxing , Zhang David Wei , Zhou Peng
Published: November 2020

With the rise of 2D materials, new physics and new processing techniques have emerged, triggering possibilities for the innovation of electronic and optoelectronic devices. Among them, ambipolar 2D semiconductors are of excellent gate‐controlled capability and distinctive physical characteristic that the major charge carriers can be dynamically, reversibly and rapidly tuned between holes and electrons by electrostatic field. Based on such properties, novel devices, like ambipolar field‐effect transistors, light‐emitting transistors, electrostatic‐field‐charging PN diodes, are developed and show great advantages in logic and reconfigurable circuits, integrated optoelectronic circuits, and artificial neural network image sensors, enriching the functions of conventional devices and bringing breakthroughs to build new architectures. This review first focuses on the basic knowledge including fundamental principle of ambipolar semiconductors, basic material preparation techniques, and how to obtain the ambipolar behavior through electrical contact engineering. Then, the current ambipolar 2D semiconductors and their preparation approaches and main properties are summarized. Finally, the emerging new device structures are overviewed in detail, along with their novel electronic and optoelectronic applications. It is expected to shed light on the future development of ambipolar 2D semiconductors, exploring more new devices with novel functions and promoting the applications of 2D materials.
Patterns of River Discharge and Temperature Differentially Influence Migration and Spawn Timing for Coho Salmon in the Umpqua River Basin, Oregon
Authors: LovellFord Rachel M. , Flitcroft Rebecca L. , Lewis Sarah L. , Santelmann Mary V. , Grant Gordon E.
Published: November 2020

The movement patterns of native migratory fishes may reflect different selection pressures in different environments that are associated with predictable patterns of temperature and discharge. Spatial and temporal variability in the movement patterns of adult Coho Salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch were explored with data that were collected from the Umpqua River basin, Oregon, focusing on two points in their return migration: (1) main‐stem midriver migration timing of adult Coho Salmon as they pass Winchester Dam, Oregon, and (2) adult spawn timing in tributary streams of the Smith River. Main‐stem migration of Coho Salmon as they pass Winchester Dam began 7 to 15 d after peak annual water temperature, when mean daily temperatures cooled to 18°C, but before the increases in discharge that are associated with autumn rains. Although migration timing appeared to be strongly related to river temperature, spawn timing of Coho Salmon in tributaries of the Smith River subbasin appeared to respond to a combination of both discharge and temperature thresholds. Spawning occurred after initial annual peak discharge events and when stream temperatures fell below a threshold of 12°C. These results directly inform water conservation and protection planning for environmental flow criteria and thermal ranges during migration and spawn timing of imperiled Coho Salmon in the Oregon Coast Range.
Synthesis of the magnetic core–shell bi‐metallic and tri‐metallic metal–organic framework nanocomposites for dye adsorption
Authors: Akbarbandari Fatemeh , Zabihi Mohammad , Faghihi Morteza
Published: November 2020

Bi‐metallic and tri‐metallic metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) supported on the magnetic activated carbon (MAC) were synthesized for the reduction of methylene blue (MB) concentration in the aqueous solutions. The adsorbent nanocomposites were characterized by applying the general tests including XRD, FTIR, FESEM, TEM, BET, and VSM. The XRD achievements demonstrated that crystalline structure of MOFs was derived on the MAC by the presented method. The core–shell morphology with nano‐scale size of the magnetic carbonaceous MOFs was detected in TEM and FESEM micro‐images. The acceptable magnetic strength of the prepared adsorbents was proved by using the VSM analysis. The important operating conditions including pH and temperature were also evaluated, while the other parameters were kept constant. The pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model was matched with the experimental data to show the kinetic behavior of the multi‐component MOFs. The isotherm studies showed that the good agreement between the experimental data with both Langmuir model and the maximum capacities was calculated to be about 66.51 and 71.43 mg/g for the bi‐metallic and tri‐metallic nanocomposites, respectively. Regeneration experiments indicated that the fabricated adsorbents have an excellent reusing adsorption capacity which can be a proper selection for the industrial applications.

Practitioner points

Bi‐metallic and tri‐metallic MOFs supported on the magnetic activated carbon were synthesized by the facile preparation method.

Adsorption of methylene blue by using MOFs were successfully done.

Nanocomposites were evaluated by XRD, FTIR, BET, FESEM, TEM, and VSM techniques.

Maximum of adsorption capacity was observed for tri‐metallic MOF as 71.43 mg/g.
Irrigation with reclaimed water in an urban watershed and nutrient levels in adjacent streams
Authors: Alsharif Kamal A. , Rivera Anamarie E. , van Beynen Philip E.
Published: November 2020

Reclaimed water, used commonly for lawn irrigation, can be a complicating factor for watershed managers addressing sources of nonpoint source pollution. This research examined concentrations of total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) in the reclaimed water effluent from the City of St. Petersburg wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) (secondary treatment), the Pinellas County WWTP (tertiary treatment), and four tributary sites in the highly urbanized Joe's Creek watershed in Pinellas County, Florida. Two of the four tributary sites are control sites (35‐10 and 35‐11). The Bonn Creek tributary is within the tertiary treatment service area, and Miles Creek tributary is within the secondary treatment service area. For the 6‐year study period, results show that Bonn Creek's mean TN concentration of 0.92 mg/L was lower than Miles Creek's (1.077 mg/L), and both control sites were the lowest (0.66 mg/L and 0.71 mg/L, respectively). Similar results were found for TP concentrations. Bonn Creek's TP concentration was 0.084 mg/L slightly lower than Miles Creek's (0.096 mg/L), and both control sites were the lowest (0.064 mg/L and 0.07 mg/L, respectively). Potential TN and TP loadings from each WWTP to their service areas were calculated, as well as potential TN loadings to each landscape.

Practitioner points

We investigated TN and TP concentrations from secondary and tertiary WWTPs and streams that receive runoff from two neighborhoods using reclaimed water from these plants for landscape irrigation.

As expected, reclaimed water from the secondary WWTP had higher TN and TP concentrations.

The surface water concentrations of TN and TP in the adjacent streams within the reclaimed service areas were higher than the concentrations at the control sites outside of the reclaimed service areas.

The nitrogen applied to landscapes in the secondary WWTP reclaimed service area was ten times higher than the nitrogen applied to landscapes in the tertiary WWTP reclaimed service area.
Explaining g − 2 anomalies in two Higgs doublet model with vector-like leptons
Authors: Chun Eung Jin , Mondal Tanmoy
Published: November 2020

Abstract

We consider the two Higgs doublet model (2HDM) along with a generation of vector-like lepton doublet and singlet to explain the observed discrepancies in the electron and muon anomalous magnetic moments. The type-X (lepton-specific) 2HDM can allow a light pseudo-scalar which is known to explain the muon anomalous magnetic moment at two-loop. Such a light particle induces a sizable negative contribution to the electron anomalous magnetic moment at one-loop in the presence of vector-like leptons evading all the experimental constraints.
Characterisation of diamond abrasive grains of grinding tools using industrial X-ray computed tomography
Authors: Pagani Luca , Qi Qunfen , Lu Jing , Huang Hui , Huang Guoqin , Cui Changcai , Xu Xipeng , Jiang Xiangqian
Published: November 2020

In this paper, a characterisation of diamond abrasive grains of grinding tools using industrial X-ray computed tomography (XCT) is carried out. One of the most challenge tasks in the characterisation is extracting the diamond abrasive grains from the XCT volume data. Methods that are able to extract the grains are then developed and introduced in this paper. The first step is to create a triangular mesh surface from the reconstructed volume file using a gradient anisotropic diffusion filter. The second step is to convert the measured greyscale volume into a signed distance field using a global threshold value and then a localised method for grain segmentation. To validate the proposed method, three different types of grinding tool specimens are measured and analysed. Each abrasive grain is segmented and the distributions of grains (with both random and designed patterns) are then calculated, plotted and analysed. The quantitative analysis clearly shows the deviations between the measured distribution and the designed pattern of the grinding tool, which indicates that the proposed method can provide an accurate and comprehensive characterisation of the grinding tools.
Vegetation history of the Maharlou Lake basin (SW Iran) with special reference to the Achaemenid period (550–330 bc)
Authors: Saeidi Ghavi Andam Sara , Djamali Morteza , Nelle Oliver , Naderi Beni Abdolmajid , Haghighifard Mohamad , Brisset Elodie , Poschlod Peter
Published: November 2020

This study presents the results of a palynological investigation on a sediment core from the seasonal and saline Lake Maharlou in the Zagros Mountains in southwest Iran. We emphasised studying the role of man in modifying the vegetation of the area and the dominant agricultural practices during the Imperial Persia period (2,500–1,299 calbp; 550bc-ad651), particularly the Achaemenid Empire (2,500–2,280 calbp; 550–330bc). Scattered pistachio-almond scrub combined withQuercus brantiiwas the main vegetation type of the basin during the period studied. The present study depicts a significant increase in agriculture, suggesting urban development during the Late Antiquity and early Islamic Iranian dynasties. The inferred chronology of arboricultural activities is compatible with historical evidence showing that Fars Province witnessed economic and agricultural flourishing during these periods. The presence of the ‘Persian gardens’ is supported by the co-increase of cypress tree pollen frequencies with pollen of other cultivated trees, especiallyPlatanus; both trees were cultivated for their shade and symbolic values. This study also provides pollen evidence ofPunica granatumduring the Achaemenid period andPhoenix dactyliferacultivation during the early post-Sasanian era. The variations in indicator pollen ratios among Poaceae,Artemisia, and Amaranthaceae appear compatible with the palaeohydrology of the basin and show periods of aridity followed by higher moisture availability. We suggest that anthropogenic activities played the leading role in vegetation change in the Maharlou Lake basin enhanced by climatic changes during the last ~4,000 years.
The “hype” of hydrops in classifying vestibular disorders: a narrative review
Authors: van der Lubbe Marly F. J. A. , Vaidyanathan Akshayaa , Van Rompaey Vincent , Postma Alida A. , Bruintjes Tjasse D. , Kimenai Dorien M. , Lambin Philippe , van Hoof Marc , van de Berg Raymond
Published: November 2020

Background

Classifying and diagnosing peripheral vestibular disorders based on their symptoms is challenging due to possible symptom overlap or atypical clinical presentation. To improve the diagnostic trajectory, gadolinium-based contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of the inner ear is nowadays frequently used for the in vivo confirmation of endolymphatic hydrops in humans. However, hydrops is visualized in both healthy subjects and patients with vestibular disorders, which might make the clinical value of hydrops detection on MRI questionable.

Objective

To investigate the diagnostic value of clinical and radiological features, including the in vivo visualization of endolymphatic hydrops, for the classification and diagnosis of vestibular disorders.

Methods

A literature search was performed in February and March 2019 to estimate the prevalence of various features in healthy subjects and in common vestibular disorders to make a graphical comparison between healthy and abnormal.

Results

Of the features studied, hydrops was found to be a highly prevalent feature in Menière’s disease (99.4%). Though, hydrops has also a relatively high prevalence in patients with vestibular schwannoma (48.2%) and in healthy temporal bones (12.5%) as well. In patients diagnosed with (definite or probable) Menière’s disease, hydrops is less frequently diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging compared to the histological confirmation (82.3% versus 99.4%). The mean prevalence of radiologically diagnosed hydrops was 31% in healthy subjects, 28.1% in patients with vestibular migraine, and 25.9% in patients with vestibular schwannoma. An interesting finding was an absolute difference in hydrops prevalence between the two diagnostic techniques (histology and radiology) of 25.2% in patients with Menière’s disease and 29% in patients with vestibular schwannoma.

Conclusions

Although the visualization of hydrops has a high diagnostic value in patients with definite Menière’s disease, it is important to appreciate the relatively high prevalence of hydrops in healthy populations and other vestibular disorders. Endolymphatic hydrops is not a pathognomic phenomenon, and detecting hydrops should not directly indicate a diagnosis of Menière’s disease. Both symptom-driven and hydrops-based classification systems have disadvantages. Therefore, it might be worth to explore features “beyond” hydrops. New analysis techniques, such as Radiomics, might play an essential role in (re)classifying vestibular disorders in the future.
Energy and caloric restriction, and fasting and cancer: a narrative review
Authors: Ibrahim Ezzeldin M. , Al-Foheidi Meteb H. , Al-Mansour Mubarak M.
Published: November 2020

Dietary interventions have a significant impact on body metabolism. The sensitivity of cancer cells to nutrient and energy deficiency is an evolving characteristic of cancer biology. Preclinical studies provided robust evidence that energy and caloric restrictions could hinder both cancer growth and progression, besides enhancing the efficacy of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Moreover, several, albeit low-powered, clinical trials have demonstrated clinical benefits in cancer patients. Future research will inform and firmly establish the potential efficacy and safety of these dietary interventions. Here, we review the current evidence and ongoing research investigating the relationship between various dietary restriction approaches and cancer outcomes.
Life with chronic pain during COVID-19 lockdown: the case of patients with small fibre neuropathy and chronic migraine
Authors: Consonni Monica , Telesca Alessandra , Grazzi Licia , Cazzato Daniele , Lauria Giuseppe
Published: November 2020

Objective

We aimed at investigating the impact of COVID-19-related distress on patients with chronic pain, highlighting the effects of changes in individual habits and public health care reconfiguration on physical and psychological health.

Methods

During the pandemic, 80 participants (25 patients with small fibre neuropathy (SFN), 42 patients with chronic migraine (CM) and 13 patients’ healthy family members (HFM)) were asked to evaluate their COVID-19 complains, changes in habits and clinical management, behaviour, mood, loneliness, quality of life (QoL), physical and mental health and coping strategies. Data were analysed by Spearman rho correlations and Mann-WhitneyUtests.

Results

Patients had lower QoL, lower physical health and higher catastrophizing attitude towards pain than HFM. During the pandemic, SFN patients referred greater decline in clinical symptoms, worries about contagion and discomfort for disease management changes than CM patients. In the SFN group, the higher levels of disability were associated with suffering from changes in neurologist-patient relationship. CM patients complained of agitation/anxiety that was related to feelings of loneliness, depressive mood and catastrophism.

Discussion

Despite similar complains of change in habits and worries about COVID-19 pandemic, SFN and CM patients had distinct reactions. In SFN patients, pandemic distress impacted on physical health with worsening of clinical conditions, especially suffering from changes in their care. In CM patients, pandemic distress affected behaviour, mainly with psychological frailty. This suggests the need to customize public health care for patients with distinct chronic pain conditions.
Defeasibility, Law, and Argumentation: A Critical View from an Interpretative Standpoint
Authors: Poggi Francesca
Published: November 2020

The phenomenon of defeasibility has long been a central theme in legal literature. This essay aims to shed new light on that phenomenon by clarifying some fundamental conceptual issues. First, the most widespread definition of legal defeasibility is examined and criticized. The essay shows that such a definition is poorly constructed, inaccurate and generates many problems. Indeed, the definition hides the close relationship between legal defeasibility and legal interpretation. Second, this essay argues that no new definition is needed. I will show that from an interpretative standpoint, there is nothing special about legal defeasibility. Contrary to what some authors maintain, no unique or privileged source of legal defeasibility exists, nor are there privileged arguments to justify it. Specifically, legal defeasibility refers to interpretative outcomes deriving from interpretative arguments that, on the one hand, are very different from one another, and, on the other, are often employed to justify different interpretative outcomes. In the legal field, the problems related to defeasibility have little in common with the problems that this label covers in other areas—such as logic or epistemology—and they are nothing but the well-known problems related to legal interpretation. In conclusion, this paper argues that as far as legal argumentation is concerned, the notion of legal defeasibility lacks explanatory power, and it should be abandoned.
Targeted Proteomics Reveals Inflammatory Pathways that Classify Immune Dysregulation in Common Variable Immunodeficiency
Authors: Berbers Roos-Marijn , Drylewicz Julia , Ellerbroek Pauline M. , van Montfrans Joris M. , Dalm Virgil A. S. H. , van Hagen P. Martin , Keller Baerbel , Warnatz Klaus , van de Ven Annick , van Laar Jaap M. , Nierkens Stefan , Leavis Helen L.
Published: November 2020

Patients with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) can develop immune dysregulation complications such as autoimmunity, lymphoproliferation, enteritis, and malignancy, which cause significant morbidity and mortality. We aimed to (i) assess the potential of serum proteomics in stratifying patients with immune dysregulation using two independent cohorts and (ii) identify cytokine and chemokine signaling pathways that underlie immune dysregulation in CVID. A panel of 180 markers was measured in two multicenter CVID cohorts using Olink Protein Extension Assay technology. A classification algorithm was trained to distinguish CVID with immune dysregulation (CVIDid, n = 14) from CVID with infections only (CVIDio, n = 16) in the training cohort, and validated on a second testing cohort (CVIDid n = 23, CVIDio n = 24). Differential expression in both cohorts was used to determine relevant signaling pathways. An elastic net classifier using MILR1, LILRB4, IL10, IL12RB1, and CD83 could discriminate between CVIDid and CVIDio patients with a sensitivity of 0.83, specificity of 0.75, and area under the curve of 0.73 in an independent testing cohort. Activated pathways (fold change > 1.5, FDR-adjusted p < 0.05) in CVIDid included Th1 and Th17-associated signaling, as well as IL10 and other immune regulatory markers (LAG3, TNFRSF9, CD83). Targeted serum proteomics provided an accurate and reproducible tool to discriminate between patients with CVIDid and CVIDio. Cytokine profiles provided insight into activation of Th1 and Th17 pathways and indicate a possible role for chronic inflammation and exhaustion in immune dysregulation. These findings serve as a first step towards the development of biomarkers for immune dysregulation in CVID.
Management of sellar and parasellar tumors becoming symptomatic during pregnancy: a practical algorithm based on multi-center experience and systematic literature review
Authors: Zoli Matteo , Guaraldi Federica , Zoia Cesare , La Corte Emanuele , Asioli Sofia , Bongetta Daniele , Rustici Arianna , Mazzatenta Diego
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Sellar/parasellar tumors (SPTs) very rarely become symptomatic during pregnancy. No specific guidelines exist for their management, that is extremely challenging as mother and fetus health can be jeopardized.

Materials and methods

Data of patients with SPTs becoming symptomatic during pregnancy treated at two Italian referral Centers were retrospectively collected. Systematic literature review was also performed.

Results

Our series consisted of 6 cases, 3 meningiomas, 1 ACTH-secreting adenoma, 1 pituicytoma and 1 craniopharyngioma. Mean age at presentation was 33.6 ± 6.0 years. Five patients complained of visual disturbances, associated with headache in one case, that occurred between gestation week (GW) 22 and 34. In 5 cases, pregnancy was uneventful with the delivery of a healthy baby between GW 33 and 35, followed by endoscopic surgical tumor exeresis (n = 4) or proton bean therapy (n = 1). Another patient presented with stigmata typical of Cushing’s syndrome and rapidly worsening pre-eclampsia, that required pregnancy interruption and adenomectomy. Based on personal and literature cases, a practical algorithm was proposed to help clinicians dealing with these patients.

Conclusions

SPTs becoming symptomatic in pregnancy deserve careful monitoring and multidisciplinary management. Overall, wait-and-see approach is suggested, reserving surgery to patients with rapidly progressive/life-threatening situations, significant risk of permanent neurological impairment or malignant lesions.
Plasma dilution improves cognition and attenuates neuroinflammation in old mice
Authors: Mehdipour Melod , Mehdipour Taha , Skinner Colin M. , Wong Nathan , Liu Chao , Chen Chia-Chien , Jeon Ok Hee , Zuo Yi , Conboy Michael J. , Conboy Irina M.
Published: November 2020

Our recent study has established that young blood factors are not causal, nor necessary, for the systemic rejuvenation of mammalian tissues. Instead, a procedure referred to as neutral blood exchange (NBE) that resets signaling milieu to a pro-regenerative state through dilution of old plasma, enhanced the health and repair of the muscle and liver, and promoted better hippocampal neurogenesis in 2-year-old mice (Mehdipour et al., Aging 12:8790–8819, 2020). Here we expand the rejuvenative phenotypes of NBE, focusing on the brain. Namely, our results demonstrate that old mice perform much better in novel object and novel texture (whisker discrimination) tests after a single NBE, which is accompanied by reduced neuroinflammation (less-activated CD68+ microglia). Evidence against attenuation/dilution of peripheral senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) as the main mechanism behind NBE was that the senolytic ABT 263 had limited effects on neuroinflammation and did not enhance hippocampal neurogenesis in the old mice. Interestingly, peripherally acting ABT 263 and NBE both diminished SA-βGal signal in the old brain, demonstrating that peripheral senescence propagates to the brain, but NBE was more robustly rejuvenative than ABT 263, suggesting that rejuvenation was not simply by reducing senescence. Explaining the mechanism of the positive effects of NBE on the brain, our comparative proteomics analysis demonstrated that dilution of old blood plasma yields an increase in the determinants of brain maintenance and repair in mice and in people. These findings confirm the paradigm of rejuvenation through dilution of age-elevated systemic factors and extrapolate it to brain health and function.
Informing designs for learning when shifting to digital
Authors: Hrastinski Stefan
Published: November 2020

This paper is a response and considers practical and design implications of the article, The process of designing for learning: understanding university teachers’ design work by Bennett et al. (Educ Technol Res Dev 65:125–145, 2017). Bennett et al. guide us in better understanding teachers’ design practices and in discussions on how such practices could be improved. A key contribution of the article is presenting a descriptive model of the design process. As such, the article is focused on teachers’ current design work, while giving more limited attention to how teachers’ design practice could be improved. When looking forward, this response emphasizes that teachers should be encouraged to inform their designs for learning and iteratively improve their designs based on reflection and evaluation. If teachers take time to look into what is known and deliberately learn more along the way through reflection and evaluation, they will improve their understanding of how to design for learning.
Sexualität bei Menschen mit Autismus-Spektrum-Störung und ihre Bedeutung für die forensische Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie
Authors: Turner Daniel , Schöttle Daniel , Briken Peer
Published: November 2020

Menschen mit einer Autismus-Spektrum-Störung zeigen die gesamte Vielfalt sexueller Fantasien und sexuellen Verhaltens ebenso wie ihre nichtbetroffenen Peers. Dennoch finden sich auch einige Besonderheiten in sexuellem Erleben und Verhalten bei Menschen mit einer Autismus-Spektrum-Störung, die größtenteils auf die störungsspezifischen Symptome zurückzuführen sind. Hierzu zählen eine höhere Diversität bezüglich der eigenen sexuellen Orientierung sowie des eigenen Geschlechtsrollenverständnisses, aber auch Probleme im Hinblick auf das Eingehen von festen Partnerschaften oder im Hinblick auf die eigene sexuelle Funktionsfähigkeit. Darüber hinaus finden sich bei manchen Personen mit einer Autismus-Spektrum-Störung (insbesondere bei Männern) Hinweise auf das Vorliegen hypersexueller Verhaltensweisen sowie paraphiler sexueller Fantasien und Verhaltensweisen. Bisher existieren keine empirischen Befunde, die nahelegen, dass eine Autismus-Spektrum-Störung einen Risikofaktor für allgemeine oder sexuelle Straffälligkeit darstellt. Basierend auf Fallstudien wurden jedoch einige Erklärungsansätze publiziert, die beschreiben, wie in einigen wenigen Fällen die autismusspezifische Symptomatik mit zu der Begehung einer Straftat beigetragen haben könnte, was auch bei der Schuldfähigkeitsbegutachtung Berücksichtigung finden könnte. Hierzu zählen eine fehlende Opferempathie, das Vorliegen kognitiver Verzerrungen oder defizitäre Kommunikations- und Interaktionsfertigkeiten. Straftäter mit einer Autismus-Spektrum-Störung sollten individuell auf sie zugeschnittenen psycho- und pharmakotherapeutischen Interventionen zugeführt werden, um eine erneute Straffälligkeit im besten Falle zu verhindern.
Cauchy Problems for Discrete Holomorphic Functions
Authors: Kiselman Christer Oscar
Published: November 2020

We solve Cauchy problems for discrete holomorphic functions defined on the Gaussian integers, which leads to the existence of discrete holomorphic functions with arbitrarily fast growth. This proves that certain classes of functions are closed in the sense of mathematical morphology.
Ethnic Differences in Bone Microarchitecture
Authors: Durdin Ruth , Parsons Camille M , Dennison Elaine , Harvey Nicholas C , Cooper Cyrus , Ward Kate
Published: November 2020

Purpose of the Review

The aim of this review is to briefly introduce updates in global fracture epidemiology and then to highlight recent contributions to understanding ethnic differences in bone density, geometry and microarchitecture and consider how these might contribute to differences in fracture risk. The review focuses on studies using peripheral quantitative computed tomography techniques.

Recent Findings

Recent studies have contributed to our understanding of the differences in fracture incidence both between countries, as well as between ethnic groups living within the same country. In terms of understanding the reasons for ethnic differences in fracture incidence, advanced imaging techniques continue to increase our understanding, though there remain relatively few studies.

It is a priority to continue to understand the epidemiology, and changes in the patterns of, fracture, as well as the underlying phenotypic and biological reasons for the ethnic differences which are observed.
Correction to: Operationalizing ecosystem service bundles for strategic sustainability planning: A participatory approach
Authors: Malmborg Katja , Enfors-Kautsky Elin , Queiroz Cibele , Norström Albert , Schultz Lisen
Published: November 2020

In Fig. 5 in the original publication, cluster 1 was mistakenly labelled as 2, cluster 2 as 3 and cluster 3 as 1. The updated Fig. 5 is provided in this correction.
Water use governance in a temperate region: Implications for agricultural climate change adaptation in the Northeastern United States
Authors: Schattman Rachel E. , Niles Meredith T. , Aitken Hannah M.
Published: November 2020

Climate change and access to water are interrelated concerns for agriculture and other sectors, even in temperate regions. Governance approaches and regulatory frameworks determine who has access to water, for what purpose, and when. In the northeastern United States, water governance has historically been conducted by states through a combination of statutory guidance and common law. However, it is unclear what effect if current governance approaches will be sufficient for achieving resource conservation and equitable allocation in a changing climate. To provide insight into these issues, we conducted the first review of freshwater governance in the 12 states that comprise the U.S. Northeast. Specifically, we examine their heterogeneous approaches to surface and groundwater use, permitting and reporting, and scarcity provisions. Using agriculture as the sector of focus, we show through narrative review and quantitative analysis that change in the proportion of cropland that is irrigated in each state does not differ based on governance approach. We also suggest that future decades may bring regulatory shifts relevant to agriculture, changes in enforcement, increased competition between agriculture and other users, and greater potential competition between states for water resources. This case study raises the question: how should we prepare for the time when competition for, or degradation of, a resource surpasses the ability of existing governance mechanisms to ensure conservation and equitable distribution?
Robust state dependent Riccati equation variable impedance control for robotic force-tracking tasks
Authors: Roveda Loris , Piga Dario
Published: November 2020

Industrial robots are increasingly used in highly flexible interaction tasks, where the intrinsic variability makes difficult to pre-program the manipulator for all the different scenarios. In such applications, interaction environments are commonly (partially) unknown to the robot, requiring the implemented controllers to take in charge for the stability of the interaction. While standard controllers are sensor-based, there is a growing need to make sensorless robots (i.e., most of the commercial robots are not equipped with force/torque sensors) able to sense the environment, properly reacting to the established interaction. This paper proposes a new methodology to sensorless force control manipulators. On the basis of sensorless Cartesian impedance control, an Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) is designed to estimate the interaction exchanged between the robot and the environment. Such an estimation is then used in order to close a robust high-performance force loop, designed exploiting a variable impedance control and a State Dependent Riccati Equation (SDRE) force controller. The described approach has been validated in simulations. A Franka EMIKA panda robot has been considered as a test platform. A probing task involving different materials (i.e., with different stiffness properties) has been considered to show the capabilities of the developed EKF (able to converge with limited errors) and controller (preserving stability and avoiding overshoots). The proposed controller has been compared with an LQR controller to show its improved performance.