bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of a diaphragm override strategy for robustly optimized proton therapy planning for esophageal cancer patients
Authors: Visser Sabine , Neh Hendrike , Oraboni Ribeiro Cássia , Korevaar Erik W. , Meijers Arturs , Poppe Björn , Sijtsema Nanna M. , Both Stefan , Langendijk Johannes A. , Muijs Christina T. , Knopf Antje C.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

To ensure target coverage in the treatment of esophageal cancer, a density override to the region of diaphragm motion can be applied in the optimization process. Here, we evaluate the benefit of this approach during robust optimization for intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) planning.

Materials and methods

For 10 esophageal cancer patients, two robustly optimized IMPT plans were created either using (WDO) or not using (NDO) a diaphragm density override of 1.05 g/cm3 during plan optimization. The override was applied to the excursion of the diaphragm between exhale and inhale. Initial robustness evaluation was performed for plan acceptance (setup errors of 8 mm, range errors of ±3%), and subsequently, on all weekly repeated 4DCTs (setup errors of 2 mm, range errors of ±3%). Target coverage and hotspots were analyzed on the resulting voxel‐wise minimum (Vwmin) and voxel‐wise maximum (Vwmax) dose distributions.

Results

The nominal dose distributions were similar for both WDO and NDO plans. However, visual inspection of the Vwmax of the WDO plans showed hotspots behind the right diaphragm override region. For one patient, target coverage and hotspots improved by applying the diaphragm override. We found no differences in target coverage in the weekly evaluations between the two approaches.

Conclusion

The diaphragm override approach did not result in a clinical benefit in terms of planning and interfractional robustness. Therefore, we do not see added value in employing this approach as a default option during robust optimization for IMPT planning in esophageal cancer.
Application of an integrated radio‐frequency/shim coil technology for signal recovery in fMRI
Authors: Willey Devin , Darnell Dean , Song Allen W. , Truong Trong‐Kha
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Gradient‐echo echo‐planar imaging (EPI), which is typically used for blood oxygenation level‐dependent (BOLD) functional MRI (fMRI), suffers from distortions and signal loss caused by localized B0 inhomogeneities. Such artifacts cannot be effectively corrected for with the low‐order spherical harmonic (SH) shim coils available on most scanners. The integrated parallel reception, excitation, and shimming (iPRES) coil technology allows radiofrequency (RF) and direct currents to flow on each coil element, enabling imaging and localized B0 shimming with one coil array. iPRES was previously used to correct for distortions in spin‐echo EPI and is further developed here to also recover signal loss in gradient‐echo EPI.

Methods

The cost function in the shim optimization, which typically uses a single term representing the B0 inhomogeneity, was modified to include a second term representing the signal loss, with an adjustable weight to optimize the trade‐off between distortion correction and signal recovery. Simulations and experiments were performed to investigate the shimming performance.

Results

Slice‐optimized shimming with iPRES and the proposed cost function substantially reduced the signal loss in the inferior frontal and temporal brain regions compared to shimming with iPRES and the original cost function or 2nd‐order SH shimming with either cost function. In breath‐holding fMRI experiments, the ΔB0 and signal loss root‐mean‐square errors decreased by −34.3% and −56.2%, whereas the EPI signal intensity and number of activated voxels increased by 60.3% and 174.0% in the inferior frontal brain region.

Conclusion

iPRES can recover signal loss in gradient‐echo EPI, which is expected to improve BOLD fMRI studies in brain regions suffering from signal loss.
Transvaginal radiofrequency energy for the treatment of urinary stress incontinence: A comparison of monopolar and bipolar technologies in both pre‐ and post‐menopausal patients
Authors: Abdelaziz Ahmed , Dell Jeffrey , Karram Mickey
Published: July 2021

Aim

A study to compare the effect of two different radio frequency energy models (mono polar and bipolar) for the treatment of urinary stress incontinence.

Methods

Retrospective chart review, which was conducted at 2 sites, 69 patients received treatment with a bipolar radiofrequency device. Out of those 69 patients, 13 patients received bipolar in conjugation with CO2 laser treatment, while 32 patients received monopolar frequency. The study protocol normally consists of three sessions of treatment. Each session was four weeks apart with a whole 6‐month duration follow‐up. Results were evaluated by urogenital distress inventory (UDI)‐6 questionnaire before and after treatment.

Results

The bipolar group improved UDI‐6 scores across time more so than did the monopolar group with some evidence suggesting that the bipolar radiofrequency treatment was more effective compared to the monopolar radiofrequency. Three months after treatment, the bipolar group UDI‐6 values were lower than those of the monopolar group. Six months after treatment, the UDI‐6 scores increased in both groups, suggesting decrease efficacy with time however, the bipolar group's UDI‐6 scores were consistently lower than the monopolar group's scores.

Conclusion

This study shows benefit of both monopolar and bipolar radiofrequency device in patients with stress urinary incontinence and mixed UI, with bipolar RF more efficacious than monopolar RF. More randomized prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.
A fast Fourier transform based method for computing the effective crack energy of a heterogeneous material on a combinatorially consistent grid
Authors: Ernesti Felix , Schneider Matti
Published: July 2021

This work is concerned with computing the effective crack energy of periodic and random media which arises in mathematical homogenization results for the Francfort–Marigo model of brittle fracture. A previous solver based on the fast Fourier transform (FFT) led to solution fields with ringing or checkerboard artifacts and was limited in terms of the achievable accuracy. As computing the effective crack energy may be recast as a continuous maximum flow problem, we suggest using the combinatorial continuous maximum flow discretization introduced by Couprie et al. The latter is devoid of artifacts, but lacks an efficient large‐scale solution method. We fill this gap and introduce a novel solver which relies upon the FFT and a doubling of the local degrees of freedom which is resolved by the alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM). Last but not least we provide an adaptive strategy for choosing the ADMM penalty parameter, further speeding up the solution procedure. We demonstrate the salient features of the proposed approach on problems of industrial scale.
Evidence of psychological and biological effects of structured Mindfulness‐Based Interventions for cancer patients and survivors: A meta‐review
Authors: Pedro Juliana , Monteiro‐Reis Sara , Carvalho‐Maia Carina , Henrique Rui , Jerónimo Carmen , Silva Eunice R.
Published: July 2021

Objective

A large number of studies have been conducted exploring the effects of mindfulness programs on health outcomes, such as psychological and biological outcomes. However, there is substantial heterogeneity among studies and, consequently, in the systematic reviews/meta‐analyses. Since clinical practice is massively informed by evidence on review studies, our main objective was to summarize the reported evidence regarding the effects of structured mindfulness‐based programs on psychological, biological, and quality‐of‐life outcomes in cancer patients.

Methods

We conducted a meta‐review, using a literature search from inception to June 2020 in several electronic databases using a combination of keywords including MBSR, MBCT, cancer, and meta‐analysis OR “systematic review” (PROSPERO registration CRD42020186511).

Results

Ten studies met the eligibility criteria and were included. The main findings were beneficial small to medium effect sizes of Mindfulness‐Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)/Mindfulness‐Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)/Mindfulness‐Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR) on psychological health, such as anxiety, depression, stress, and quality of life. A beneficial effect was found for biological outcomes, albeit based on a reduced number of studies. Studies were moderate homogenous regarding the intervention, population, and outcomes explored. Results on long‐term follow‐up seem to indicate that the effects tend not to be maintained, namely in shorter follow‐ups (6 months).

Conclusions

This meta‐review brings a broad perspective on the actual evidence regarding MBSR/MBCT/MBCR. We expect to contribute to future project design, focused on developing high‐quality studies and exploring the moderating effects that might contribute to biased results, as well as exploring who might benefit more from MBSR/MBCT/MBCT interventions.
Trends in patent ductus arteriosus ligation in neonates and changes in outcomes: A 10‐year multicenter experience
Authors: Wang Huanhuan , Jain Amish , Weisz Dany E. , Moraes Theo J.
Published: July 2021

Rationale

The management of neonates with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) has changed over time.

Methods

We conducted a single‐city, retrospective review of neonates who underwent PDA ligation over a 10‐year time period and compared infants from the first 5 years to the second 5 years to evaluate how clinical characteristics changed over this time.

Results

Infants from the second 5‐year epoch were older at time of ligation (38 vs. 30 days), had a higher ligation weight (1432 vs. 1121 g) and a lower incidence of postligation cardiac syndrome (1.9% vs. 11.5%). No differences in mortality, length of hospital‐stay or major morbidities were seen. Compared to neonates who underwent PDA ligation at ≤28 days of life, those with a ligation age >28 days had a higher ligation weight (1421 vs. 1039 g), a higher proportion of COX inhibitor use (92.5% vs. 83.8%), and a higher incidence of moderate‐severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) (60.4% vs. 44.4%). Only 10.7% (25/233) patients were evaluated by laryngoscopy, in which the incidence of vocal cord paralysis (VCP) was 36.0%; 2 patients were clinically diagnosed with VCP for a total 4.7% incidence of VCP (11/233).

Conclusions

Over the 10 years examined, neonates underwent PDA ligation at an older age in the second 5‐year time period; this change was not associated with a change in the incidence of major morbidities. Ligation age >28 days was associated with an increase incidence of moderate‐severe BPD. The overall incidence of documented VCP post‐PDA ligation was relatively low but was seen in over 1/3 who were evaluated by laryngoscopy.
Controllable Synthesis and Performance Modulation of 2D Covalent–Organic Frameworks
Authors: Li Chenyu , Yu Gui
Published: July 2021

Covalent–organic frameworks (COFs) are especially interesting and unique as their highly ordered topological structures entirely built from plentiful π‐conjugated units through covalent bonds. Arranging tailorable organic building blocks into periodically reticular skeleton bestows predictable lattices and various properties upon COFs in respect of topology diagrams, pore size, properties of channel wall interfaces, etc. Indeed, these peculiar features in terms of crystallinity, conjugation degree, and topology diagrams fundamentally decide the applications of COFs including heterogeneous catalysis, energy conversion, proton conduction, light emission, and optoelectronic devices. Additionally, this research field has attracted widespread attention and is of importance with a major breakthrough in recent year. However, this research field is running with the lack of summaries about tailorable construction of 2D COFs for targeted functionalities. This review first covers some crucial polymeric strategies of preparing COFs, containing boron ester condensation, amine‐aldehyde condensation, Knoevenagel condensation, trimerization reaction, Suzuki CC coupling reaction, and hybrid polycondensation. Subsequently, a summary is made of some representative building blocks, and then underlines how the electronic and molecular structures of building blocks can strongly influence the functional performance of COFs. Finally, conclusion and perspectives on 2D COFs for further study are proposed.
A Bio‐Inspired Molecular Design Strategy toward 2D Organic Semiconductor Crystals with Superior Integrated Optoelectronic Properties
Authors: Li Yin‐Xiang , Dong Xue‐Mei , Yu Meng‐Na , Liu Wei , Nie Yi‐Jie , Zhang Jing , Xie Ling‐Hai , Xu Chun‐Xiang , Liu Ju‐Qing , Huang Wei
Published: July 2021

Inspired by the 2D bilayer lipid membranes in nature, a unique supramolecular “push–pull” synergetic strategy toward self‐assembled 2D organic crystals (2DOCs) is proposed in this work, which can effectively suppress the interlayer 3D stacking while maintaining the assembly of the intralayer for 2D growth. For this purpose, a model molecule PF‐Py consisting of a planar supramolecular “attractor” and a nonplanar steric “repellor” is designed for the solution self‐assembly process. Well‐defined 2DOCs including crystal nanosheets and millimeter‐sized crystal films with layered amphiphile‐like packing are obtained, which is analogical to the cell membranes of living organisms. Thanks to the special packing mode, the 2DOCs have fascinating integrated photoelectric property, with high mobility of 7.8 × 10−2 cm2 V−1 s−1, high crystalline state photoluminescence quantum yield of 55%, and superior deep‐blue laser characteristics with a low threshold of 5.51 µJ cm−2. This supramolecular synergetic strategy advances the design of 2D organic semiconductor crystals for high performance optoelectronics.
Mechanical Training‐Driven Structural Remodeling: A Rational Route for Outstanding Highly Hydrated Silk Materials
Authors: Shu Ting , Lv Zhuochen , Chen Chun‐Teh , Gu Grace X. , Ren Jing , Cao Leitao , Pei Ying , Ling Shengjie , Kaplan David L.
Published: July 2021

Highly hydrated silk materials (HHSMs) have been the focus of extensive research due to their usefulness in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and soft devices, among other fields. However, HHSMs have weak mechanical properties that limit their practical applications. Inspired by the mechanical training‐driven structural remodeling strategy (MTDSRS) in biological tissues, herein, engineered MTDSRS is developed for self‐reinforcement of HHSMs to improve their inherent mechanical properties and broaden potential utility. The MTDSRS consists of repetitive mechanical training and solvent‐induced conformation transitions. Solvent‐induced conformation transition enables the formation of β‐sheet physical crosslinks among the proteins, while the repetitive mechanical loading allows the rearrangement of physically crosslinked proteins along the loading direction. Such synergistic effects produce strong and stiff mechanically trained‐HHSMs (MT‐HHSMs). The fracture strength and Young's modulus of the resultant MT‐HHSMs (water content of 43 ± 4%) reach 4.7 ± 0.9 and 21.3 ± 2.1 MPa, respectively, which are 8‐fold stronger and 13‐fold stiffer than those of the as‐prepared HHSMs, as well as superior to most previously reported HHSMs with comparable water content. In addition, the animal silk‐like highly oriented molecular crosslinking network structure also provides MT‐HHSMs with fascinating physical and functional features, such as stress‐birefringence responsibility, humidity‐induced actuation, and repeatable self‐folding deformation.
Vulnerability disclosure and cybersecurity awareness campaigns on twitter during COVID‐19
Authors: Bahl Aditya , Sharma Aastha , Asghar Muhammad Rizwan
Published: July 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic introduced the new norm that changed the way we work and live. During these unprecedented times, most of the organizations expected their employees to work from home. Remote working created new opportunities for hackers since more users were making use of digital platforms for online shopping, accessing Virtual Private Network (VPN), videoconferencing platforms, and software alike. Consequently, cybercrime increased due to the increase in the attack surface, and software vulnerabilities were exploited for launching cyberattacks. There is existing research that explores vulnerability disclosure on Twitter. However, there is a lack of study on opportunistic targeted attacks where specific vulnerabilities are exploited in a way that benefit adversaries the most in times such as COVID‐19. The primary aim of this work is to study the effectiveness of vulnerability disclosure pattern on Twitter in COVID‐19, and discuss how Twitter can be leveraged as Open‐Source Intelligence (OSINT) during a pandemic where the global users can follow a coordinated approach to share security‐related information and conduct awareness campaigns. The study identifies Twitter as an apt source for conducting cybersecurity awareness campaigns as 99.83% of the security vulnerabilities are found to be accurate. The information can help global cybersecurity agencies to proactively identify vulnerabilities, coordinate activities, and plan for mitigation strategies since releasing patches from the vendor might take time.
Emotion Mining: from Unimodal to Multimodal Approaches
Authors: Zucco Chiara , Calabrese Barbara , Cannataro Mario
Published: July 2021

In the last decade, Sentiment Analysis and Affective Computing have found applications in different domains. In particular, the interest of extracting emotions in healthcare is demonstrated by the various applications which encompass patient monitoring and adverse events prediction. Thanks to the availability of large datasets, most of which are extracted from social media platforms, several techniques for extracting emotion and opinion from different modalities have been proposed, using both unimodal and multimodal approaches. After introducing the basic concepts related to emotion theories, mainly borrowed from social sciences, the present work reviews three basic modalities used in emotion recognition, i.e. textual, audio and video, presenting for each of these i) some basic methodologies, ii) some among the widely used datasets for the training of supervised algorithms and iii) briefly discussing some deep Learning architectures. Furthermore, the paper outlines the challenges and existing resources to perform a multimodal emotion recognition which may improve performances by combining at least two unimodal approaches. architecture to perform multimodal emotion recognition.
Open fishchain in N = 4 Supersymmetric Yang-Mills Theory
Authors: Gromov Nikolay , Julius Julius , Primi Nicolò
Published: July 2021

Abstract

We consider a cusped Wilson line with J insertions of scalar fields in $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 SYM and prove that in a certain limit the Feynman graphs are integrable to all loop orders. We identify the integrable system as a quantum fishchain with open boundary conditions. The existence of the boundary degrees of freedom results in the boundary reflection operator acting non-trivially on the physical space. We derive the Baxter equation for Q-functions and provide the quantisation condition for the spectrum. This allows us to find the non-perturbative spectrum numerically.
On positive geometries of quartic interactions: one loop integrands from polytopes
Authors: Jagadale Mrunmay , Laddha Alok
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Building on the seminal work of Arkani-Hamed, He, Salvatori and Thomas (AHST) [1] we explore the positive geometry encoding one loop scattering amplitude for quartic scalar interactions. We define a new class of combinatorial polytopes that we call pseudo-accordiohedra whose poset structures are associated to singularities of the one loop integrand associated to scalar quartic interactions. Pseudo-accordiohedra parametrize a family of projective forms on the abstract kinematic space defined by AHST and restriction of these forms to the type-D associahedra can be associated to one-loop integrands for quartic interactions. The restriction (of the projective form) can also be thought of as a canonical top form on certain geometric realisations of pseudo-accordiohedra. Our work explores a large class of geometric realisations of the type-D associahedra which include all the AHST realisations. These realisations are based on the pseudo-triangulation model for type-D cluster algebras discovered by Ceballos and Pilaud [2].
Boson-fermion correspondence and holomorphic anomaly equation in 2d Yang-Mills theory on torus
Authors: Huang Min-xin
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Recently, Okuyama and Sakai proposed a novel holomorphic anomaly equation for the partition function of 2d Yang-Mills theory on a torus, based on an anholomorphic deformation of the propagator in the bosonic formulation. Using the boson-fermion correspondence, we derive the formula for the deformed partition function in fermionic description and give a proof of the holomorphic anomaly equation.
Local Turnpike Analysis Using Local Dissipativity for Discrete Time Discounted Optimal Control
Authors: Grüne Lars , Krügel Lisa
Published: July 2021

Recent results in the literature have provided connections between the so-called turnpike property, near optimality of closed-loop solutions, and strict dissipativity. Motivated by applications in economics, optimal control problems with discounted stage cost are of great interest. In contrast to non-discounted optimal control problems, it is more likely that several asymptotically stable optimal equilibria coexist. Due to the discounting and transition cost from a local to the global equilibrium, it may be more favourable staying in a local equilibrium than moving to the global—cheaper—equilibrium. In the literature, strict dissipativity was shown to provide criteria for global asymptotic stability of optimal equilibria and turnpike behaviour. In this paper, we propose a local notion of discounted strict dissipativity and a local turnpike property, both depending on the discount factor. Using these concepts, we investigate the local behaviour of (near-)optimal trajectories and develop conditions on the discount factor to ensure convergence to a local asymptotically stable optimal equilibrium.
HOME vs. LAB hair samples for the determination of long-term steroid concentrations: a comparison between hair samples collected by laypersons and trained research staff
Authors: Skoluda Nadine , Piroth Isabell , Gao Wei , Nater Urs M.
Published: July 2021

Hair segment analysis is a valuable tool for the assessment of cumulative long-term steroid secretion. Preliminary findings suggest comparable cortisol concentrations in hair collected by instructed laypersons and research staff. However, it remains unclear whether hair sample quality and hair steroids other than cortisol are affected by level of experience (laypersons vs. research staff), home collection circumstances (instructions, familiarity to participant, performance confidence), and characteristics of the layperson (conscientiousness). Sixty participants (23.6 ± 3.9 years; 43 females) provided hair samples twice: first collected by laypersons (HOME) according to provided instructions (written vs. written/video-based instructions) and second by trained research staff (LAB) on the same day or the day after the HOME collection. Hair steroid concentrations (cortisol, cortisone, DHEA, progesterone) were determined using LC–MS/MS. Hair sample quality was evaluated using nine predefined criteria. Laypersons completed questionnaires for the assessment of potential factors of hair outcome measures (hair steroid concentrations, hair sample quality). Hair steroids from HOME and LAB samples were positively correlated (rs between 0.76 and 0.89) and did not significantly differ, with the exception of cortisone. The quality of hair samples was significantly higher for LAB than for HOME samples. Neither HOME collection circumstances nor layperson-related characteristics had an impact on hair outcome measures. However, a low self-reported performance confidence predicted a high absolute difference between HOME and LAB DHEA. In summary, our findings suggest higher quality of hair samples collected by trained research staff compared to instructed laypersons. However, these differences might be negligible, considering the high correlation between HOME and LAB hair steroid concentrations, with the characteristics of the layperson or collection circumstances having a minor impact on hair steroids and hair sample quality. These findings provide further support for the notion that well-instructed laypersons can be enabled to collect hair samples.
The effect of influenza and pneumococcal vaccination in the elderly on health service utilisation and costs: a claims data-based cohort study
Authors: Storch Josephine , Fleischmann-Struzek Carolin , Rose Norman , Lehmann Thomas , Mikolajetz Anna , Maddela Srikanth , Pletz Mathias W. , Forstner Christina , Wichmann Ole , Neufeind Julia , Vogel Monique , Reinhart Konrad , Vollmar Horst Christian , Freytag Antje ,   the Vaccination 60+ Study Group
Published: July 2021

Background

To date, cost-effectiveness of influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations was assumed in several health economic modelling studies, but confirmation by real-world data is sparse. The aim of this study is to assess the effects on health care utilisation and costs in the elderly using real-world data on both, outpatient and inpatient care.

Methods

Retrospective community-based cohort study with 138,877 individuals aged ≥ 60 years, insured in a large health insurance fund in Thuringia (Germany). We assessed health care utilisation and costs due to influenza- or pneumococcal-associated diseases, respiratory infections, and sepsis in 2015 and 2016. Individuals were classified into four groups according to their vaccination status from 2008 to 2016 (none, both, or either only influenza or pneumococcal vaccination). Inverse probability weighting based on 236 pre-treatment covariates was used to adjust for potential indication and healthy vaccinee bias.

Results

Influenza vaccination appeared as cost-saving in 2016, with lower disease-related health care costs of − €178.87 [95% CI − €240.03;− €117.17] per individual (2015: − €50.02 [95% CI − €115.48;€15.44]). Cost-savings mainly resulted from hospital inpatient care, whereas higher costs occurred for outpatient care. Overall cost savings of pneumococcal vaccination were not statistically significant in both years, but disease-related outpatient care costs were lower in pneumococci-vaccinated individuals in 2015 [− €9.43; 95% CI − €17.56;− €1.30] and 2016 [− €12.93; 95% CI − €25.37;− €0.48]. Although we used complex adjustment, residual bias cannot be completely ruled out.

Conclusion

Influenza and pneumococcal vaccination in the elderly can be cost-saving in selective seasons and health care divisions. As cost effects vary, interpretation of findings is partly challenging.
Did the COVID-19 pandemic change the willingness to pay for an early warning system for infectious diseases in Europe?
Authors: Himmler Sebastian , van Exel Job , Brouwer Werner
Published: July 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic highlights the need for effective infectious disease outbreak prevention. This could entail installing an integrated, international early warning system, aiming to contain and mitigate infectious diseases outbreaks. The amount of resources governments should spend on such preventive measures can be informed by the value citizens attach to such a system. This was already recognized in 2018, when a contingent valuation willingness to pay (WTP) experiment was fielded, eliciting the WTP for such a system in six European countries. We replicated that experiment in the spring of 2020 to test whether and how WTP had changed during an actual pandemic (COVID-19), taking into account differences in infection rates and stringency of measures by government between countries. Overall, we found significant increases in WTP between the two time points, with mean WTP for an early warning system increasing by about 50% (median 30%), from around €20 to €30 per month. However, there were marked differences between countries and subpopulations, and changes were only partially explained by COVID-19 burden. We discuss possible explanations for and implication of our findings.
Looking at the big picture: worldwide population structure and range expansion of the cosmopolitan pest Ceratitis capitata (Diptera, Tephritidae)
Authors: Deschepper Pablo , Todd Terrance N. , Virgilio Massimiliano , De Meyer Marc , Barr Norman B. , Ruiz-Arce Raul
Published: July 2021

The Mediterranean fruit fly,Ceratitis capitata(Weidemann), is considered one of the most significant tephritid pest species worldwide and is an exotic species in most of its range. Here, we investigated polymorphism at 14 microsatellite loci for a total of 126 populations ofC. capitatafrom six geographical regions, applying network theory and cluster analyses. Analyses revealed nine distinct modules for the Central American region and one in each of the remaining five regions. Bayesian cluster analysis revealed that the highest level of genetic partitioning corresponds with the presence of 3 well-defined genetic clusters. Our results confirm the African origin for Mediterranean populations based on genetic diversity and suggest a direct invasion ofC. capitatafrom the Mediterranean to Central-America. South American populations show links with Central-America, but also exhibit indications of direct admixture with the European cluster. Additionally, the network analysis proposes a South American origin for the Madeiran and Hawaiian flies. Cluster analysis corroborates the hypothesis of a Mediterranean origin for Australian samples. Our work provides novel insights regarding the migration history of Medfly worldwide.
The Treachery of Images in the Digital Sovereignty Debate
Authors: Ruohonen Jukka
Published: July 2021

This short theoretical and argumentative essay contributes to the ongoing deliberation about the so-called digitalfug sovereignty, as pursued particularly in the European Union (EU). Drawing from classical political science literature, the essay approaches the debate through paradoxes that arise from applying classical notions of sovereignty to the digital domain. With these paradoxes and a focus on the Peace of Westphalia in 1648, the essay develops a viewpoint distinct from the conventional territorial notion of sovereignty. Accordingly, the lesson from Westphalia has more to do with the capacity of a state to govern. It is also this capacity that is argued to enable the sovereignty of individuals within the digital realm. With this viewpoint, the essay further advances another, broader, and more pressing debate on politics and democracy in the digital era.
Does signaling childcare support on job applications reduce the motherhood penalty?
Authors: Bedi Arjun , Majilla Tanmoy , Rieger Matthias
Published: July 2021

There is substantial evidence that due to perceived childcare obligations, mothers are disadvantaged in labor markets. To what extent can childcare support ameliorate such a disadvantage? To answer this question, we ran a CV experiment in a large Indian city and examined whether indicating access to childcare support in a CV may offset the motherhood penalty associated with labor market entry. We randomly varied motherhood, as well as access to childcare in CVs sent to online applications for service sector jobs in Delhi. Indicating motherhood on a CV led to a 57% or 20 percentage point reduction in callback rates for interviews as compared to non-mothers. A simple indication of access to childcare support offsets the motherhood penalty by 20% or 4 percentage points. We interpret the findings in the Indian context and with respect to potential sources of discrimination.
Anatomical variants of pulmonary segments and uni-portal thoracoscopic segmentectomy for lung cancer in a patient with Kartagener syndrome: a case report
Authors: Zhou Di , Tian Ye , Lu Yao , Yang Xueying
Published: July 2021

Situs inversus totalis (SIT) is an extremely uncommon congenital disease where the major organs of the body are transposed through the sagittal plane. Kartagener syndrome is a complication of SIT with immotility of bronchial cilia, bronchiectasis, and chronic sinusitis. There is no report describing patients with Kartagener syndrome who accept uni-portal segmentectomies for lung cancer in past studies. Here we report a 74-year-old female patient with both Kartagener syndrome and a small early-stage lung cancer lesion located in the apical segment of the left upper lobe (LS1). The pulmonary segment anatomy of the left upper lobe in this case, which had very rare variants, was presented and interpreted in detail. This patient underwent an anatomic segmentectomy to the LS1 and a partial excision to the left middle lobe with bronchiectasis through a single 3 cm length incision. We believe that the case can give surgeons some experience and inspiration.
PCR vs karyotype for CVS and amniocentesis—the experience at one tertiary fetal medicine unit
Authors: Finnegan Catherine , Smyth Suzanne , Smith Orla , Flood Karen , Dalrymple Jane , Breathnach Fionnuala M. , Malone Fergal D.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Despite the rise of non-invasive screening tests for fetal aneuploidy, invasive testing during pregnancy remains the definitive diagnostic tool for fetal genetic anomalies. Results are rapidly available with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, but cases have been reported whereby initial results were not confirmed after pregnancy termination and the fetal karyotype was ultimately normal. We sought to examine the potential discordance between PCR and karyotype for fetal aneuploidy.

Methods

The results from all amniocentesis and CVS tests performed over a 6-year period in a large tertiary level fetal medicine unit were reviewed. The results of PCR and karyotype were recorded and discrepancies examined. Pregnancy outcomes were also recorded.

Results

A total of 1222 invasive tests were performed (716 amniocentesis and 506 CVS). Within the cohort having amniocentesis, 11 had discrepant results (normal QF-PCR result but with a subsequent abnormal karyotype). There was 1 case among this group which QF-PCR should have identified. Within the CVS group, 7 patients had discrepant results. All had a diploid QF-PCR and would not have been identified as abnormal by it.

Conclusion

PCR can be reliably used to determine aneuploidy of chromosomes 13, 18, and 21. However, in cases of sex chromosome aneuploidy, its performance is less reliable and warrants waiting for a complete karyotype. Given such discordance, we advise waiting for karyotype for all invasive tests performed in the presence of a normal ultrasound before advising a patient of a diploid QF-PCR result or potentially terminating a normal pregnancy.
Ptotic Right Retro-renal Liver Lobe Injury During Supine Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy Managed by Hemostatic Sponge
Authors: Üntan İbrahim , Sabur Volkan
Published: July 2021

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy is an invasive procedure applied to large and complex stones in the prone or supine position. Various complications—but mostly fever or bleeding—can be seen during and after the procedure. Neighboring organ injuries are rare during access. Liver injuries are rarely seen and have a better clinical prognosis than other organ injuries. We present the management of liver injury with ptosis of the retro-renal right lobe as a complication during supine percutaneous nephrolithotomy.
Management of environmental streaming data to optimize Arctic shipping routes
Authors: Zhang Zhihua , Crabbe M. James C.
Published: July 2021

Dynamic accurate predictions of Arctic sea ice, ocean, atmosphere, and ecosystem are necessary for safe and efficient Arctic maritime transportation; however a related technical roadmap has not yet been established. In this paper, we propose a management system for trans-Arctic maritime transportation supported by near real-time streaming data from air-space-ground-sea integrated monitoring networks and high spatio-temporal sea ice modeling. As the core algorithm of integrated monitoring networks, a long short-term memory (LSTM) neural network is embedded to improve Arctic sea ice mapping algorithms. Since the LSTM is localized in time and space, it can make full use of streaming data characteristics. The sea ice–related parameters from satellite remote sensing raw data are used as the input of the LSTM, while streaming data from shipborne radar networks and/or buoy measurements are used as training datasets to enhance the accuracy and resolution of environmental streaming data from outputs of LSTM. Due to large size of streaming data, the proposed management system of trans-Arctic shipping should be built on a cloud distribution platform using existing wireless communications networks among vessels and ports. Our management system will be used by the ongoing European Commission Horizon 2020 Programme “ePIcenter.”
Farm wage and Rice Price dynamics in Bangladesh
Authors: Hassan Md. Fuad , Kornher Lukas
Published: July 2021

Empirical findings explaining the wage-price nexus in Bangladesh are diverse and conflicting. A proper understanding of the relationship between food prices and farm wages is essential for planning policies in support of the wellbeing and food security of the rural poor. In exploring the link between food prices and rising agricultural wages, this study analyzes the dynamic relations between those two by using monthly data from 1994 to 2014. A standard vector error correction model (VECM) is implemented to determine the short-run and long-run relationships between wages and food prices in eight divisions in Bangladesh. In addition, we use autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) models to estimate the pass-through coefficients and to compare the short-run effects of rice price and urban wage shocks on agricultural wages. We find statistical evidence for a structural break between January 2007 and January 2009 in the relationships of the variables in all divisions. Different to the period until 2007/2009, after the structural break, in six out of eight divisions, rice price shocks do not transmit to the farm wages in the short-run. Moreover, our findings show that in the long-run food prices have become less influential in explaining the changes in farm wages while the influence of urban wages has become stronger in some divisions.
Fretting Wear and Scratch Resistance of Cold-Sprayed Pure Cu and Ti
Authors: Váz Rodolpho F. , Silvello Alessio , Cavalière Pasquale D. , Dosta Sergi , Cano Irene G. , Capodieci Laura , Rizzo Antonella , Valerini Daniele
Published: July 2021

The paper analyses the fretting and wear behavior of pure copper and pure titanium coatings realized through cold spray. The coatings were designed and produced by employing processing conditions leading to minimum porosity and high hardness; these conditions were 700 °C and 40 bar for Ti powders and 400 °C and 30 bar for Cu ones. The low porosity and high strength materials led to high resistance to wear damaging through the optimal energy dissipation upon fretting. Due to the sprayed particles deformation mode, the sprayed materials show non-uniform hardening along the deposition distance. As a matter of fact, hardness varied in the range 3.7–4.2 GPa for Ti coatings and 1.5–2 GPa for the Cu ones depending on the distance from the substrate and on the coatings thickness. This influenced the materials properties and the response to the wear damaging. This was demonstrated by the scratch tests performed on coatings with different thicknesses. Those coatings sprayed in major thickness revealed the best wear resistance due to the deformation hardening. The harder coatings also revealed brittle fracture at the experienced highest loads.
A review of deep-neural automated essay scoring models
Authors: Uto Masaki
Published: July 2021

Automated essay scoring (AES) is the task of automatically assigning scores to essays as an alternative to grading by humans. Although traditional AES models typically rely on manually designed features, deep neural network (DNN)-based AES models that obviate the need for feature engineering have recently attracted increased attention. Various DNN-AES models with different characteristics have been proposed over the past few years. To our knowledge, however, no study has provided a comprehensive review of DNN-AES models while introducing each model in detail. Therefore, this review presents a comprehensive survey of DNN-AES models, describing the main idea and detailed architecture of each model. We classify the AES task into four types and introduce existing DNN-AES models according to this classification.
Von der Geschichtsphilosophie zur Formalpragmatik
Authors: Ellmers Sven
Published: July 2021

Die gegenwärtige Debatte über die normativen Grundlagen Kritischer Theorie lässt sich nur vor dem Hintergrund ihrer Geschichte verstehen: Die Defizite in den Konzeptionen der 1. und 2. Generation strukturieren das Feld der Optionen, die heute noch als aussichtsreich gelten können. Der Blick zurück schärft den Blick nach vorn. Im ersten Teil des Beitrags werde ich deshalb die Hauptthesen, ethischen Implikationen und Einseitigkeiten von HorkheimersZur Kritik der instrumentellen Vernunftdarstellen. Im zweiten Teil werde ich die (von Horkheimer beiläufig angedachte und) von Habermas ausgearbeitete These diskutieren, dass der Sprache das nicht-instrumentelle Telos der Verständigung innewohnt. Zudem werde ich zeigen, dass es Habermas nicht gelingt, den für seine Diskursethik zentralen Universalisierungsgrundsatz abzuleiten. Wie sich die Begründungsprobleme bei Horkheimer und Habermas auf die gegenwärtige Debatte auswirken, werde ich im dritten Teil besprechen.
Worldwide increases in adolescent loneliness
Authors: Twenge Jean M. , Haidt Jonathan , Blake Andrew B. , McAllister Cooper , Lemon Hannah , Le Roy Astrid
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Several studies have documented increases in adolescent loneliness and depression in the U.S., UK, and Canada after 2012, but it is unknown whether these trends appear worldwide or whether they are linked to factors such as economic conditions, technology use, or changes in family size.

Methods

The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) survey of 15‐ and 16‐year‐old students around the world included a 6‐item measure of school loneliness in 2000, 2003, 2012, 2015, and 2018 (n = 1,049,784, 51% female) across 37 countries.

Results

School loneliness increased 2012–2018 in 36 out of 37 countries. Worldwide, nearly twice as many adolescents in 2018 (vs. 2012) had elevated levels of school loneliness. Increases in loneliness were larger among girls than among boys and in countries with full measurement invariance. In multi‐level modeling analyses, school loneliness was high when smartphone access and internet use were high. In contrast, higher unemployment rates predicted lower school loneliness. Income inequality, GDP, and total fertility rate (family size) were not significantly related to school loneliness when matched by year. School loneliness was positively correlated with negative affect and negatively correlated with positive affect and life satisfaction, suggesting the measure has broad implications for adolescent well‐being.

Conclusions

The psychological well‐being of adolescents around the world began to decline after 2012, in conjunction with the rise of smartphone access and increased internet use, though causation cannot be proven and more years of data will provide a more complete picture.
Psychotropic medication use and academic performance in adolescence: A cross‐lagged path analysis
Authors: Bortes Cristian , Landstedt Evelina , Strandh Mattias
Published: July 2021

Introduction

The study investigated the directionality of associations between mental health problems and school grades across two timepoints (T1 and T2) during mid to late adolescence; in school year 9 (ages 15–16) and school year 12 (ages 17–18). The study also investigated variation in the associations as a function of gender and across socioeconomic groups.

Methods

Longitudinal data from several Swedish administrative registers were utilised. Information on prescribed psychotropic drugs was used as a proxy for mental health problems, and teacher‐assigned school grades were used to measure academic performance. The study sample comprised 85 186 individuals (50.7% girls) born in 1991 who were alive and resident in Sweden in 2010. Directions of associations were analysed by estimating a series of cross‐lagged path models.

Results

The model with the best fit to data showed that higher school grades at T1 were associated with relatively lower rates of mental health problems by T2, for both boys and girls, mainly in socioeconomic groups with the highest educated parents. This association was equal in size across all of the socioeconomic groups that were explored.

Conclusions

Performing well in school is equally important for boys' and girls’ subsequent mental health, but only among adolescents in socioeconomic groups with the highest educated parents. The results underscore the importance of promoting opportunities for youth to do as well as they can in school.
Hyperendogenous Heparinization Suggests a Guideline for the Management of Massive Wasp Stings in Two Victims
Authors: Lai Dong , Tian Yan , Zhang Jie , Weng Ching-Feng
Published: July 2021

Bees and wasps (order Hymenoptera) are commonly encountered worldwide and often deliver defensive stings when in contact with humans. Massive envenomation resulting from >50 stings causes a toxic reaction and life-threatening complications that typically result in rhabdomyolysis and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Two male patients who were stung over 80 times by wasps experienced severe coagulation abnormality. Consecutive examination by thromboelastography (TEG) guided by heparinase treatment during their hospitalization evidenced heparin-like coagulation dysfunction despite no clinical use of heparin-like substances. Numerous tests were also conducted to confirm whether the coagulation abnormalities could be attributed to hyperendogenous heparinization and allergic reaction, rhabdomyolysis, and vascular endothelial cell injury without apparent disseminated intravascular coagulation, which might all be affected by the production of endogenous heparin. The reduced coagulation potential caused by hyperendogenous heparinization was associated with the binding of antithrombin and the activation of fibrinolysis. In addition, TEG-identified coagulopathy was moderated using protamine for heparin neutralization. The massively envenomed patients survived and were discharged after completion of medical care. We also review clinical manifestations from other published case reports, including topical treatment. Our study provides clinical evidence and guidance for diagnosis via TEG and appropriate intervention with protamine for patients with massive wasp envenomation.
The Wind-Chill Index
Authors: Lankford Harvey V. , Fox Leslie R.
Published: July 2021

This Lessons from History article about the wind-chill index (WCI) explores the historical polar and meteorologic literature relevant to the topic and presents unpublished work from 1939. Geographer Paul Siple (1908–1968) was a 6-time Antarctic explorer and scientist who invented and named the WCI in his doctoral dissertation at Clark University. Siple and Charles Passel (1915–2002) performed studies in Antarctica in 1940 that led to publication in 1945. This paper is often credited as the beginning of the WCI. Through years of critiques and revisions by others, these efforts evolved into the wind-chill equivalent temperatures (WCTs) used today. This essay explores the history, the science, and the overlooked originality, simplicity, and details of Siple’s unpublished work. The remarkable similarity of the original chart to a current chart is shown by adapting and overlaying the 1939 WCI onto a current WCT chart with its times-to-frostbite data. The writings of Siple, Passel, and others provide an evocative supporting narrative to illustrate some of the problems of living in cold environmental conditions.