bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An ensemble‐based feature selection framework for early detection of Parkinson's disease based on feature correlation analysis
Authors: Masood Sarfaraz , Maqsood Khwaja Wisal , Pal Om , Kumar Chanchal
Published: November 2021

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a highly common neurological disease affecting a large population worldwide. Several studies reveal that the degradation of voice is one of its initial symptoms, which is also known as dysarthria. This work explores the correlation between various features in the voice samples observed in PD subjects, using which a novel two‐level ensemble‐based feature selection method has been proposed. This selected feature set is fed to a custom fine‐tuned multilayer perceptron (MLP)‐based classifier while using k‐fold cross‐validation as the resampling strategy. For a robust model training and analysis, three separate benchmark datasets of voice samples were used for the experimentation. Several performance metrics including accuracy, precision, area under the curve (AUC), Matthew's correlation coefficient (MCC), and F1‐score were evaluated from the trained model. Results strongly suggest that the proposed feature selection framework helps in identifying an optimal set of features which greatly assist the MLP classifier for a highly accurate identification of PD patients. The proposed model achieves an overall accuracy of 98.3%, 95.1%, and 100% on the three selected datasets. These results are significantly better than those achieved by the non‐feature selection‐based studies, and even the recently proposed chi‐square based feature selection option.
Exponential decay for nonlinear abstract evolution equations with a countably infinite number of time‐dependent time delays
Authors: Paolucci Alessandro
Published: November 2021

In this paper, we analyze a nonlinear abstract evolution equation with an infinite number of time‐dependent time delays and a Lipschitz continuous nonlinear term. By using a fixed point argument, we prove the existence of a mild solution. This allows us to take into account also nonnegative time delays. Furthermore, by using Gronwall estimates, exponential decay of the solution is also proven under some smallness assumptions on the parameters appearing in the system and on the initial data. Finally, some examples are illustrated.
Ethylene/1‐Hexene Copolymerization Kinetics and Microstructure of Copolymers Made with a Supported Metallocene Catalyst
Authors: Mehdiabadi Saeid , Lhost Olivier , Vantomme Aurelien , Soares João B.P.
Published: November 2021

Ethylene/1‐olefin copolymers made with supported metallocenes in slurry or gas‐phase polymerization are often less homogeneous than those made with the same unsupported metallocene in solution polymerization. In particular, their molecular weight distributions are broader, having polydispersities higher than two, and sometimes their chemical composition distributions may even be bimodal. In our previous publication, we developed a mathematical model to describe the polymerization kinetics and polymer microstructure of ethylene homopolymers made with a supported metallocene catalyst. In this article, we extended that model to also cover the copolymerization of ethylene and 1‐hexene with the same supported catalyst. The copolymerizations are performed in parallel semibatch reactors using a metallocene catalyst supported on an inorganic porous carrier. 1‐Hexene concentration and polymerization time are the factors changed to investigate this system. Modeling results show that, as for the ethylene homopolymerization case, a three‐site model is needed to describe the molecular weight distributions of the copolymers, but their chemical compositions can be described with a single set of reactivity ratios. A single set of parameters is also enough to describe the copolymerization kinetics with this supported catalyst. A new method is also developed and tested to estimate reactivity ratios under composition drift in this article.
The bare bones appearance of hyperparathyroidism: Distinguishing subperiosteal bone resorption from periosteal reaction
Authors: Rothschild Bruce M.
Published: November 2021

Three types of resorption (endosteal, intracortical [Haversian], and periosteal envelope [subperiosteal]) have been observed in hyperparathyroidism. The current manuscript addresses the one manifestation that seems to have specificity, subperiosteal bone resorption, and allows us to distinguish the resultant subperiosteal resorption from the unrelated accretion phenomenon, periosteal reaction. Skeletons of 2906 individuals in the Hamann‐Todd Human Skeletal Collection were visually (macroscopically) examined to identify surface resorption and tuft alterations. Surface resorption was present bilaterally in 18 of 94 individuals with renal disease‐derived hyperparathyroidism, but absent in the other 2812 individuals examined. Manual tuft resorption was present in four individuals with hyperparathyroidism and absent in all others examined. Given its limitation to individuals with known hyperparathyroidism, the presence of subperiosteal resorption appears diagnostic. The 4% prevalence of subperiosteal reaction in the Hamman‐Todd cohort with hyperparathyroidism is indistinguishable from that reported in clinical samples. Subperiosteal resorption appears be a phenomenon in the archeological record that is pathognomonic for the diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism. Such biologically remodeled bone is easily distinguished from post‐mortem damage and its position subjacent to the periosteum facilitates distinguishing it from periosteal reaction. While the presence of subperiosteal bone resorption appears to have great specificity, its sensitivity is low as it was found only in 19% of individuals examined in this study.
Sociodemographic determinants of prepregnancy body mass index and gestational weight gain: The Mutaba'ah study
Authors: Cheng Tuck Seng , Ali Nasloon , Elbarazi Iffat , Al‐Rifai Rami H. , Al‐Maskari Fatma , Loney Tom , Ahmed Luai A.
Published: November 2021

Objective

This study examined the associations of sociodemographic and lifestyle factors with prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG).

Methods

In the Mutaba'ah Study in the United Arab Emirates, repeated measurements throughout pregnancy from medical records were used to determine prepregnancy BMI and GWG. Associations of sociodemographic and lifestyle factors with prepregnancy BMI and GWG (separately by normal weight, overweight, and obesity status) were tested using multivariable regression models, adjusted for maternal age at delivery.

Results

Among 3536 pregnant participants, more than half had prepregnancy overweight (33.2%) or obesity (26.9%), and nearly three‐quarters had inadequate (34.2%) or excessive (38.2%) GWG. Higher parity (β for 1–2 to ≥5 children = 0.94 to 1.73 kg/m2), lower maternal education (β for tertiary = −1.42), infertility treatment (β = 0.69), and maternal prepregnancy active smoking (β = 1.95) were independently associated with higher prepregnancy BMI. Higher parity was associated with a lower risk for excessive GWG among women with prepregnancy normal weight (odds ratios (ORs) for 1–2 to ≥5 children = 0.61 to 0.39). Higher maternal education was negatively associated with inadequate GWG among women with normal weight and overweight (ORs for tertiary education = 0.75 and 0.69, respectively).

Conclusions

Sociodemographic factors, especially parity and maternal education, were differentially associated with prepregnancy BMI and GWG adequacy across weight status.
Ohne Widerstand in die Anwendung
Authors: Noe Mathias , Bauer Markus
Published: November 2021

Für supraleitende Kabel und Leitungen gibt es eine Vielzahl potenzieller Anwendungen. Hochtemperatur‐Supraleiter sind heute als Bandleiter guter Qualität kommerziell verfügbar. Ihre durchschnittliche Stromtragfähigkeit hat sich in den letzten zehn Jahren etwa verdreifacht, weitere Steigerungen sind absehbar. Zu den Vorteilen im Vergleich zu konventionellen Lösungen zählen signifikant verringerte elektrische Verluste, hohe Übertragungsleistung bei niedrigeren Spannungen sowie eine wesentliche Reduzierung des Platzbedarfs und der elektromagnetischen wie thermischen Belastung der Umgebung. Das vereinfacht zum Beispiel die unterirdische Legung in Innenstädten erheblich. Das Kabelprojekt AmpaCity in Essen hat den dauerhaften und zuverlässigen Betrieb eines supraleitenden Kabels eindrucksvoll unter Beweis gestellt. Im Zuge der Energiewende haben sich die Rahmenbedingungen für energieeffiziente und kompakte Kabel positiv entwickelt. Der Bedarf in Erneuerung und Ausbau des Stromnetzes ist in allen Spannungsebenen stark gewachsen.
Eulers Rösselsprungrätsel
Authors: Mecke Klaus
Published: November 2021

Wissenschaftliche Theorien entstehen manchmal als Antworten auf literarische Rätsel; ihre mathematische Lösung kann wieder sinnbildlich zu Weisheitssprüchen werden, wenn sie tiefe Strukturprobleme aufzeigen, die im Leben der Menschen Bedeutung haben.
Inter‐ethnic differences in pharmacokinetics—is there more that unites than divides?
Authors: Olafuyi Olusola , Parekh Nikita , Wright Jacob , Koenig Jennifer
Published: November 2021

Inter‐ethnic variability in pharmacokinetics (PK) has been attributed to several factors ranging from genetic to environmental. It is not clear how current teaching in higher education (HE) reflects what published literature suggests on this subject. This study aims to gain insights into current knowledge about inter‐ethnic differences in PK based on reports from published literature and current teaching practices in HE. A systematic literature search was conducted on PubMed and Scopus to identify suitable literature to be reviewed. Insights into inter‐ethnic differences in PK teaching among educators in HE and industry were determined using a questionnaire. Thirty‐one percent of the studies reviewed reported inter‐ethnic differences in PK, of these, 37% of authors suggested genetic polymorphism as possible explanation for the inter‐ethnic differences observed. Other factors authors proposed included diet and weight differences between ethnicities. Most respondents (80%) who taught inter‐ethnic difference in PK attributed inter‐ethnic differences to genetic polymorphism. While genetic polymorphism is one source of variability in PK, the teaching of genetic polymorphism is better associated with interindividual variabilities rather than inter‐ethnic differences in PK as there are no genes with PK implications specific to any one ethnic group. Nongenetic factors such as diet, weight, and environmental factors, should be highlighted as potential sources of interindividual variation in the PK of drugs.
Monolithic Passive−Active Integration of Epitaxially Grown Quantum Dot Lasers on Silicon
Authors: Zhang Zeyu , Shang Chen , Norman Justin C. , Koscica Rosalyn , Feng Kaiyin , Bowers John E.
Published: November 2021

Quantum dot (QD) lasers epitaxially grown on Si have already been demonstrated to show record low threshold, high temperature tolerance, and low feedback sensitivity. When grown on the silicon photonic chip and integrated with Si waveguides (WGs), QD lasers offer considerable economical and foundry‐scalable solutions to on‐chip light sources. Yet, a technology that enables both growth and integration of QD lasers on a silicon photonic chip has not been demonstrated. Herein, a novel device platform which enables integration of the QD active region with passive WG structures is designed. By doing so, complex and high‐performance lasers such as distributed Bragg reflector lasers, mode‐locked lasers, and sampled grating distributed Bragg reflector tunable lasers are demonstrated in this platform. The same laser epitaxial stack can be easily grown on the substrate of a silicon photonic chip to allow light coupling from QD laser cavities to the silicon WGs.
Complex conductivity dependent surface plasmon polaritons at the interface of metal and silver silica nanocomposites
Authors: Ullah Kaleem , Bacha Bakht Amin , Wahid Umer , Ullah Arif , Irfan Muhammad
Published: November 2021

Surface plasmon polariton (SPPs) is investigated with complex conductivity at the interface of metal and silver silica nonacomposites. The amplitude and phase of complex conductivity significantly influence the SPPs propagation. The value of Re(ksp) varies with the phase and norm of complex conductivity. Similarly the wavelength, propagation length, group velocity, decay time, penetration depth and rotary Plasmon drag of SPPs are investigated. These results may have vital applications in the field of wave‐guides, Plasmonster, data storage, chemical and biosensors.
Facile and Efficient Nitration of 4‐Aryl‐1(2H)‐Phthalazinone Derivatives Using Different Catalysts
Authors: Abdullah Rokaia Safwat , El Nemr Ahmed , El‐Sakka Sahar S. A. , Soliman Mohamed H. , El‐Hashash Maher A. , Ragab Safaa
Published: November 2021

Different nitration methods were investigated on 4‐(4‐mthoxy‐3‐methyl phenyl)‐1(2H)‐phthalazinone and its derivatives using HNO3 as a nitrating agent with different catalysts. LC–MS/MS has been used to determine the product‘s structure. The results showed that the most suitable catalyst was P2O5 at room temperature to introduce an ortho mono‐nitrated group for the phthalazinone derivatives bearing donating groups on the phenyl ring. In contrast, 4‐halophenyl phthalazinone derivatives gave a high yield of mono‐nitrated products using H2SO4 as a catalyst. All mono‐nitrated products were separated with good to excellent yields, and their structures were confirmed by FT‐IR, NMR, LC‐MS/MS and elemental analyses.
Enhanced Stability and Luminous Performance for Structured Mn‐Doped CsPbCl3 Quantum Dots
Authors: Zhang Yang , Liang Zhenyao , Ni Liang , Huang Le , Yang Yibin , Xiao Ye
Published: November 2021

To improve the photoluminescence quantum yield (PL QY) and the environmental stability of the CsPbCl3 quantum dots (QDs), the Mn doping strategy has been applied first. The substitute of Mn2+ can reduce the toxicity of the lead element firstly, and then slightly enhance the stability of QDs. Increasing the nominal content of Mn, the longtime duration of the intrinsic excitation peak is significantly improved; and at a higher nominal content, a wide red emission by the d‐d transition of Mn2+ is introduced, the overall PL QY of CsPbCl3 QDs increases to 54.32 %. Secondly, to further prevent the penetration of oxygen and water, the Mn‐doped CsPbCl3@SiO2 nano‐composite with a physical coating shell was synthesized by the hydrolysis of aminopropyltriethoxysilane. The investigation on the PL spectrum within hours shows that the relative peak intensity maintains 74 % of the initial intensity and the shift of peak position is also inhibited. Finally, the nano‐composite materials were fabricated into white light‐emitting devices (WLED), under the illumination of a commercial GaN chip, the device shows a good Commission Internationale de lEclairage (CIE) color coordination of (0.31,0.35). As a result, the obtained Mn‐doped CsPbCl3@SiO2 QDs have excellent optical properties and good stability under aqueous and polar solvent environments. Therefore, this doping and coating method could pave the way for future applications in illumination and display fields.
Pyroelectric Synthesis of the Site‐Specific Au‐ZnO Nanorod Array
Authors: Wang Liren , Wang Han , Wang Xinyu , Tao Peng , Shang Wen , Fu Benwei , Song Chengyi , Deng Tao
Published: November 2021

This paper introduces an alternative approach for the synthesis of site‐specific gold‐zinc oxide (Au‐ZnO) nanorod array through the pyroelectric approach. The hydrothermally grown ZnO nanorod array on the Si substrate is served as the pyroelectric catalyst. Under rapid temperature oscillation, the gold salt precursor is reduced into gold nanoparticles around the tip of ZnO nanorods in aqueous solution. The hybrid structure shows a significant photoluminescence quenching in the visible emission spectrum of ZnO, which is due to the interaction of ZnO and gold nanoparticles. A Rhodamine B (RhB) degradation test under full spectrum sunlight illumination is conducted to demonstrate the photocatalytic performance of the Au‐ZnO nanorod array. The mechanism behind the hydrothermal growth of ZnO, pyroelectric reduction of gold nanoparticles, and photoluminescence quenching of Au‐ZnO is discussed. The findings of this work offer possible ways to the sustainable use of thermal energy, including harvesting waste heat through pyroelectric effect, and the site‐specific synthesis of various nanomaterials with enhanced photocatalytic degradation capability.
Synthesis of 3‐Aminopyrido[2,1‐a]isoquinolin‐4‐one Derivatives via Condensation of Azlactones with 1‐Alkyl‐3,4‐dihydroisoquinolines
Authors: Shuvalov Vladislav Yu. , Samsonenko Anna L. , Rozhkova Yuliya S. , Morozov Vyacheslav V. , Shklyaev Yurii V. , Fisyuk Alexander S.
Published: November 2021

Reactions of available 1‐alkyl‐3,4‐dihydroisoquinolines with 4‐(2,2,2‐trifluoroacetyl)‐, 4‐acetyl‐ or 4‐(ethoxy‐methylene)‐2‐aryloxazol‐5(4H)‐ones were studied. A series of new 3‐amino‐6,7‐dihydro‐4H‐pyrido[2,1‐a]isoquinolin‐4‐one derivatives was synthesized. The intermediates formed as a result of the addition of azlactone to 1‐methyl‐3,4‐dihydroisoquinoline were isolated. The effect of the nature of the substituents, as well as the reaction conditions on the yield and structure of the title products was revealed.
Reliability Evaluation of Photovoltaic Modules Fabricated from Treated Solar Cells by Laser‐Enhanced Contact Optimization Process
Authors: Krassowski Eve , Jaeckel Bengt , Zeller Ulli , Pander Matthias , Schenk Paul , Hofmueller Eckehard , Hanifi Hamed
Published: November 2021

According to the International Technology Roadmap for Photovoltaics, passivated emitter and rear solar cells dominate the market in 2021 of up to 80% and are forecast to remain state of the art at least for the next 5 years. Within the production process of solar cells, it is typical to have cells with lower efficiency grades due to variations in manufacturing processes or material defects. Reprocessing such solar cells could save cost due to increased production yield and simultaneously reduced cost for recycling of unusable/unsellable low‐efficiency cells. Herein, the impact of the laser‐enhanced contact optimization (LECO) process on the power output and reliability of solar modules using commercial off‐spec cells of different manufacturers is analyzed. LECO is a downstream process for optimizing metal−semiconductor contacts on finished solar cells. The treatment leads to a significant economic gain due to enhanced cell efficiency (Wp ↑, therefore manufacturing cost per Wp ↓) even of already good solar cells. Herein, the first evaluation of the impact of the LECO process on the cell output power on an industrial scale (>1000 cells) and on module reliability is presented. The results for common short‐term effects like light‐induced degradation and light‐ and elevated temperature‐induced degradation are within expected limits and the durability against, for example, potential‐induced degradation is not changed due to the LECO process. The results further show that cell sorting is crucial for a reliable module and to avoid outliers in terms of unexpected degradation and recovery phenomena of individual cells.
Preparation of Resistant Rice Starch and Processing Technology Optimization
Authors: Sun Xiaohong , Dong Zhihua , Liang Jianfen
Published: November 2021

Resistant starch has been attracting increasing attention due to its health benefits. Rice, is composed of 80% starch and represents a potential resource for resistant starch production with low. Using rice starch as a raw material displayed no noticeable adverse effects on the taste and texture of applied food. This study aimed to produce an effective method for improving resistant rice starch. A commercial rice ground to prepare the rice starch, after which the protein is removed using NaOH. The autoclave‐cooling processing technology is optimized via single‐factor experiments and the Box‐Behnken response surface methodology design. The results indicated that the highest yield of resistant starch reached 9.78%, about 10 times the level in raw rice starch. The optimal conditions included a starch slurry concentration of 18%, and autoclave gelatinization at 115 °C for 80 min, followed by natural cooling to room temperature.
Degrees of Reasoning: Student Uptake of a Language‐Focused Approach to Scaffolding Patterns of Logical Reasoning in the Case Analysis Genre
Authors: Mitchell Thomas D. , Pessoa Silvia , Gómez‐Laich María Pía , Maune Michael
Published: November 2021

This study reports on student writing outcomes from a two‐year interdisciplinary collaboration between applied linguists (the authors) and an organizational behavior (OB) professor. We used an ethnographic language‐focused approach to make explicit the linguistic features of the case analysis genre at an American university in the Middle East. We analyzed 33 student case analyses to examine how effectively students applied two heuristics from our scaffolding materials: the semantic wave heuristic for writing analytical paragraphs that move from abstract to concrete and back to abstract knowledge; and the I know, I see, I conclude heuristic for making explicit the logical connections between disciplinary knowledge and case information to produce conclusions. Students integrated the focal linguistic features with varying degrees of effectiveness. Most students met genre expectations by making abstract claims about the case at the beginning and at the end of their analysis paragraphs, integrating OB knowledge with information about the case, thus creating effective waves between disciplinary and case knowledge. However, our analysis reveals differences in the quality of students’ logical reasoning between high‐, mid‐, and low‐rated texts. We discuss how these differences can inform linguistically responsive disciplinary writing instruction.
Environmental pollutant N‐N′ethylnitrosourea‐induced leukemic NLRP3 inflammasome activation and its amelioration by Eclipta prostrata and its active compound wedelolactone
Authors: Bhattacharyya Subhashree , Law Sujata
Published: November 2021

Environmental exposure of N‐nitroso compounds (NOCs) from various sources like tobacco smoke, pesticides, smoked meat, and rubber manufacturing industries has been an alarming cause of carcinogenesis. Neonatal exposure to the carcinogenic N‐N′ethylnitrosourea (ENU), a NOC has been established to cause leukemogenesis. Our world is constantly battling against cancer with consistent investigations of new anti‐cancer therapeutics. Plant derived compounds have grasped worldwide attention of researchers for their promising anti‐cancer potentials. Eclipta prostrata is one such ayurvedic herb, renowned for its anti‐inflammatory properties. Currently, it has been explored in various cancer cell lines to establish its anti‐cancer effect, but rarely in in‐vivo cancer models. Wedelolactone (WDL), the major coumestan of E. prostrata is recognized as an inhibitor of IKK, a master regulator of the NF‐kB inflammatory pathway. As persistent inflammation and activated inflammasome contribute to leukemogenesis, we tried to observe anti‐leukemogenic efficacy of E. prostrata and its active compound WDL on the marrow cells of ENU induced experimental leukemic mice. Treatment groups were administered an oral gavage at a dose of 1200 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg b.w of crude extract and WDL respectively for 4 weeks. Various parameters like hemogram, survivability, cytological and histological investigations, migration assay, cell culture, flowcytometry and confocal microscopy were taken into consideration pre‐ and post‐treatment. Interestingly, the plant concoction portrayed maximum effects in comparison to WDL alone. The study suggests E. prostrata and WDL as vital complementary adjuncts for anti‐inflammasome mechanism in ENU‐induced leukemia.
Evaluation of classic and novel ultrasound signs of placenta accreta spectrum
Authors: Skupski D. W. , Duzyj C. M. , Scholl J. , Perez‐Delboy A. , Ruhstaller K. , Plante L. A. , Hart L. A. , Palomares K. T. S. , Ajemian B. , Rosen T. , Kinzler W. L. , Ananth C. ,   for the Perinatal Research Consortium
Published: November 2021

Objectives

Improvement in the antenatal diagnosis of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) would allow preparation for delivery in a referral center, leading to decreased maternal morbidity and mortality. Our objectives were to assess the performance of classic ultrasound signs and to determine the value of novel ultrasound signs in the detection of PAS.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of women with second‐trimester placenta previa who underwent third‐trimester transvaginal ultrasound and all women with PAS in seven medical centers. A retrospective image review for signs of PAS was conducted by three maternal–fetal medicine physicians. Classic signs of PAS were defined as placental lacunae, bladder‐wall interruption, myometrial thinning and subplacental hypervascularity. Novel signs were defined as small placental lacunae, irregular placenta–myometrium interface (PMI), vascular PMI, non‐tapered placental edge and placental bulge towards the bladder. PAS was diagnosed based on difficulty in removing the placenta or pathological examination of the placenta. Multivariate regression analysis was performed and receiver‐operating‐characteristics (ROC) curves were generated to assess the performance of combined novel signs, combined classic signs and a model combining classic and novel signs.

Results

A total of 385 cases with placenta previa were included, of which 55 had PAS (28 had placenta accreta, 11 had placenta increta and 16 had placenta percreta). The areas under the ROC curves for classic markers, novel markers and a model combining classic and novel markers for the detection of PAS were 0.81 (95% CI, 0.75–0.88), 0.84 (95% CI, 0.77–0.90) and 0.88 (95% CI, 0.82–0.94), respectively. A model combining classic and novel signs performed better than did the classic or novel markers individually (P = 0.03). An increasing number of signs was associated with a greater likelihood of PAS. With the presence of 0, 1, 2 and ≥ 3 classic ultrasound signs, PAS was present in 5%, 24%, 57% and 94% of cases, respectively.

Conclusions

We have confirmed the value of classic ultrasound signs of PAS. The use of novel ultrasound signs in combination with classic signs improved the detection of PAS. These findings have clinical implications for the detection of PAS and may help guide the obstetric management of patients diagnosed with these placental disorders. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Linking climate change, environmental degradation, and migration: An update after 10 years
Authors: Piguet Etienne
Published: November 2021

In WIREs Climate Change, Issue 1(4), 2010, I suggested a typology of the data and methods used to assess links between climate change, environmental degradation and migration (Piguet, 2010). My review of the literature included publications up to 2009. Since then, the number of empirically based scientific publications on this topic has risen substantially to average 40 articles per year and the scope of methods, stock of results and diversity of questions has widened. Based on the CLIMIG database—a systematic and analytic collection of scientific references published on migration and the environment—this new synthesis provides a methodological typology of an exceptionally large number of published case studies. This will complement existing reviews and meta‐studies and allow a global overview of the state of research by identifying consensus and disagreements, revisiting methodological challenges and mapping current and future research questions.

This article is categorized under:

Vulnerability and Adaptation to Climate Change > Values‐Based Approach to Vulnerability and Adaptation
Diversity of bet‐hedging strategies in microbial communities—Recent cases and insights
Authors: Morawska Luiza P. , Hernandez‐Valdes Jhonatan A. , Kuipers Oscar P.
Published: November 2021

Microbial communities are continuously exposed to unpredictable changes in their environment. To thrive in such dynamic habitats, microorganisms have developed the ability to readily switch phenotypes, resulting in a number of differently adapted subpopulations expressing various traits. In evolutionary biology, a particular case of phenotypic heterogeneity that evolved in an unpredictably changing environment has been defined as bet‐hedging. Bet‐hedging is a risk‐spreading strategy where isogenic populations stochastically (randomly) diversify their phenotypes, often resulting in maladapted individuals that suffer lower reproductive success. This fitness trade‐off in a specific environment may have a selective advantage upon the sudden environmental shift. Thus, a bet‐hedging strategy allows populations to persist in very dynamic habitats, but with a particular fitness cost. In recent years, numerous examples of phenotypic heterogeneity in different microorganisms have been observed, some suggesting bet‐hedging. Here, we highlight the latest reports concerning bet‐hedging phenomena in various microorganisms to show how versatile this strategy is within the microbial realms.

This article is categorized under:

Infectious Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology
Introduction: Cultural Literacy and Creativity
Authors: Lähdesmäki Tuuli , Baranova Jūratė , Ylönen Susanne C. , Koistinen Aino-Kaisa , Mäkinen Katja , Juškiene Vaiva , Zaleskiene Irena
Published: November 2021

The introductory chapter explains the core concepts of the book: Cultural literacy and creativity. Cultural literacy is defined as a social practice that is inherently dialogic and based on learning and gaining knowledge through emphatic, tolerant, and inclusive interaction. Creativity is seen as stimulating cultural literacy learning through openness and curiosity to test and develop something new or imaginative. The chapter introduces the Cultural Literacy Learning Programme (CLLP) and the research data: 1906 works created by 5–15-year-old children and young people who participated in the program in 2019 and 2020 in Cyprus, Germany, Israel, Lithuania, Spain, Portugal, and the UK. The authors discuss how the data is explored through data-driven content analysis and self-reflexive and collaborative interpretation.
Tolerance, Empathy, and Inclusion
Authors: Lähdesmäki Tuuli , Baranova Jūratė , Ylönen Susanne C. , Koistinen Aino-Kaisa , Mäkinen Katja , Juškiene Vaiva , Zaleskiene Irena
Published: November 2021

In this chapter, the authors analyze the artifacts in which the students explore the key attitudes of cultural literacy within the CLLP: Tolerance, empathy, and inclusion. The chapter introduces each attitude with critical discussion of its meanings, connections, and relations to other key concepts of cultural literacy, such as diversity, equality, and democracy. The authors explore how the program addresses these attitudes and the cultural texts it includes. The analysis of the artifacts reveals the variety of ways in which children give meanings to tolerance, empathy, and inclusion, such as helping others. In this meaning-making process, the students draw from their own experiences and emotions.
Conclusions: Cultural Literacy in Action
Authors: Lähdesmäki Tuuli , Baranova Jūratė , Ylönen Susanne C. , Koistinen Aino-Kaisa , Mäkinen Katja , Juškiene Vaiva , Zaleskiene Irena
Published: November 2021

In this chapter, the authors emphasize how even very young children can deal with complex and abstract ideas and emotions through creative practices and how the differences between people are not an issue for children. The analysis indicates that children have a multifaceted capacity for empathy. The authors stress that image-making is an important mode of communication through which children and young people shape their understanding of the world. This is a constructive and dialogic process of thinking in action. It allows children and young people to develop their imagination, emotional responses, personality, and position in the community, in relationship with others, and with the external world. The “dialogic chain of thinking” occurs not only in linguistic, but also in visual communication.
The formation of (Ni-Co-Sb)-Ag-As ore shoots in hydrothermal galena-sphalerite-fluorite veins
Authors: Scharrer Manuel , Epp Tatjana , Walter Benjamin , Pfaff Katharina , Vennemann Torsten , Markl Gregor
Published: November 2021

Unusual hydrothermal native As-sulfide ± native Ag ± arsenide ± antimonide ± sulfosalt ore shoots and their co-genetic sulfide-fluorite-barite-quartz host veins, which are common in the region and in whole Central Europe, were investigated at three localities in the Schwarzwald, SW Germany, to understand the physico-chemical processes governing the change from a normal (= common) hydrothermal to an exceptional ore shoot regime. Based on fluid inclusions, the formation of the gangue minerals is the result of binary mixing between a NaCl-rich brine and a CaCl2-rich brine (both ~ 20 wt% NaCl aq.). This mixing correlation, major and minor fluid composition, formation temperature (~ 150 °C), and δ34S signature are identical (within error) in ore shoots and host veins. Thermodynamic modeling indicates that ore shoot formation must have resulted from a change in redox conditions by a local influx of a volumetrically minor reducing agent, probably hydrocarbons. The elemental content and the mineralogy of each ore shoot locality (Ag-As-rich: Münstertal; Ag–Ni-As-rich: Urberg; Ag–Ni-As-Sb-rich: Wieden) reflect the metal content of the binary mixed fluid, while mineral textures, successions, and assemblages are thermodynamically and, regarding sulfur, kinetically controlled. The formation of vein and ore shoot sulfides requires an addition of sulfide, most probably from the sulfide-bearing host rocks, because thermodynamic and kinetic reasons suggest that the two major vein-forming and metal-bearing fluids are not the source of the sulfur. The final ore shoot textures are influenced by later hydrothermal remobilization processes of As and Ag. This results in a number of sulfosalts, mostly proustite-pyrargyrite. Interestingly, the greater thermodynamic stability of Sb-endmember sulfosalts enables them to form even in As-dominated fluid systems.
Integrated approach for the molecular characterization of edited plants obtained via Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated gene transfer
Authors: Dalla Costa Lorenza , Vinciguerra Daniela , Giacomelli Lisa , Salvagnin Umberto , Piazza Stefano , Spinella Katia , Malnoy Mickael , Moser Claudio , Marchesi Ugo
Published: November 2021

Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated gene transfer—actually the most used method to engineer plants—may lead to integration of multiple copies of T-DNA in the plant genome, as well as to chimeric tissues composed of modified cells and wild type cells. A molecular characterization of the transformed lines is thus a good practice to select the best ones for further investigation. Nowadays, several quantitative and semi-quantitative techniques are available to estimate the copy number (CN) of the T-DNA in genetically modified plants. In this study, we compared three methods based on (1) real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), (2) droplet digital PCR (ddPCR), and (3) next generation sequencing (NGS), to carry out a molecular characterization of grapevine edited lines. These lines contain a knock-out mutation, obtained via CRISPR/Cas9 technology, in genes involved in plant susceptibility to two important mildew diseases of grapevine. According to our results, qPCR and ddPCR outputs are largely in agreement in terms of accuracy, especially for low CN values, while ddPCR resulted more precise than qPCR. With regard to the NGS analysis, the CNs detected with this method were often not consistent with those calculated by qPCR and ddPCR, and NGS was not able to discriminate the integration points in three out of ten lines. Nevertheless, the NGS method can positively identify T-DNA truncations or the presence of tandem/inverted repeats, providing distinct and relevant information about the transgene integration asset. Moreover, the expression analysis of Cas9 and single guide RNA (sgRNA), and the sequencing of the target site added new information to be related to CN data. This work, by reporting a practical case-study on grapevine edited lines, explores pros and cons of the most advanced diagnostic techniques available for the precocious selection of the proper transgenic material. The results may be of interest both to scientists developing new transgenic lines, and to laboratories in charge of GMO control.
Waist Circumference is not Superior to Body Mass Index in Predicting Groin Hernia Repair in Either Men or Women
Authors: Hemberg A. , Montgomery A. , Holmberg H. , Nordin P.
Published: November 2021

Background and aims

A high body mass index (BMI) is considered a risk factor for ventral abdominal wall hernias but protective for the development of groin hernias. The reason for this is unclear. The surrounding abdominal fat in obesity might “protect” and limit the passage through the inguinal canal. The aim was to compare two different methods used for obesity registration in groin hernia patients and to investigate the hypothesis of high BMI/low groin hernia risk phenomenon.

Methods

This was a population‐based observational study comparing BMI to waist circumference (WC) as well as their correlations to the quantity of groin hernia repair performed in either sex. Two national registers were crosslinked to a large regional register including information on WC.

Results

A larger WC and a higher BMI were associated with a lower risk of having groin hernia repair in both sexes. There was no difference using either WC or BMI as a risk factor for groin hernia repair in either sex. There was no advantage to using body composition based on WC rather than BMI for surgery indication.

Conclusions

Overweight patients, both men and women, have a lower risk of undergoing groin hernia repair regardless of fat distribution. BMI is a well‐established method for obesity registration and is recommended in the evaluation of hernia patients.
Psychopathology and health-related quality of life as patient-reported treatment outcomes: evaluation of concordance between the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) and the Short Form-36 (SF-36) in psychiatric outpatients
Authors: de Beurs Edwin , Carlier Ingrid , van Hemert Albert
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Treatment outcome for common psychiatric disorders, such as mood and anxiety disorders, is usually assessed by self-report measures regarding psychopathology [e.g., via Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI)]. However, health-related quality of life [as measured by the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36)] may be a useful supplementary outcome domain for routine outcome monitoring (ROM). To date, the assessment of both outcomes has become fairly commonplace with severe mental illness, but this is not yet the case for common psychiatric disorders. The present study examined among outpatients with common psychiatric disorders whether aggregate assessments of change across treatment regarding psychopathology and health-related quality of life yield similar results and effect sizes.

Methods

We compared treatment outcome on the BSI and the SF-36 in a sample of 13,423 outpatients. The concordance of both instruments was assessed at various time points during treatment.

Results

Scores on both instruments were associated, but not so strongly to suggest they measure the same underlying construct. The SF-36 scales presented a varied picture of treatment outcome: understandably, patients changed more on the mental component scales than on physical component scales. Outcome according to the BSI was quite similar to outcome according to scales of the SF-36 that showed the largest change.

Conclusions

Although (mental health) scores on both instruments are associated, adding the SF-36 in addition to the BSI in treatment evaluation research produces valuable information as the SF-36 measures a broader concept and contains physical/functional component scales, resulting in a more complete clinical picture of individual patients.
The link between corporate governance and corporate financial misconduct. A review of archival studies and implications for future research
Authors: Velte Patrick
Published: November 2021

In this article, we review recent archival research articles (98 studies) on the impact of corporate governance on restatements, enforcement activities and fraud as corporate financial misconduct. Applying an agency-theoretical view, we mainly differentiate between four levels of corporate governance (group, individual, firm, and institutional level). We find that financial restatements on the one hand and the group and individual level of corporate governance on the other hand are dominant in our literature review. Enforcement actions and fraud events as misconduct proxies, and the firm and institutional level of corporate governance are of lower relevance yet. The following review highlights that many studies on corporate governance find inconclusive results on firms’ financial misconduct. But there are indications that board expertise and especially gender diversity in the top management decreases firms’ financial misconduct. We know very little about the impact of non-shareholder stakeholders’ monitoring role on misconduct yet. In discussing potential future research, we emphasize the need for a more detailed analysis of misconduct proxies, recognition of moderator and especially mediator variables, especially in the interplay of the board of directors and external auditors.
Religious Congregations’ Technological and Financial Capacities on the Eve of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Holleman Anna , Roso Joseph , Chaves Mark
Published: November 2021

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically upended religious life and placed significant strain on religious congregations. However, the effects of the pandemic were likely not felt evenly across the religious landscape.

Purpose

We used data from the fourth wave of the National Congregations Study, gathered on the eve of the coronavirus pandemic in 2018–19, to identify the kinds of congregations that may have been especially vulnerable to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Using bivariate and multiple regression analysis, we examined two aspects of congregations' preparedness for the pandemic: technological infrastructure and financial stability.

Results

We found that, while many congregations were technologically and financially equipped for a time of social distancing and economic recession, there were stark inequalities in levels of preparedness among congregations on the basis of race, class, size, urban/rural location, religious tradition, and the age of congregations' parishioners. In particular, Catholic congregations and congregations with older attendees tended to lack streaming or online communication capacities, and both rural and small congregations had more limited technological infrastructure and less financial cushion. Somewhat surprisingly, predominantly Black congregations were more likely to have worship streaming systems set up prior to the pandemic, though these congregations were more likely to lack other kinds of technological and financial infrastructure.

Conclusions and Implications

Though COVID-19's full impact on congregations will not be known for several years, these results highlight variations in congregations’ readiness for the pandemic's challenges, and they show that COVID-19's impact likely has not been felt equally across the religious landscape.
Infected deep vein thrombophlebitis in people who inject drugs: missed opportunities and potential for alternative antimicrobial approaches
Authors: McCaughan Hugh , Russell Clark D. , O’Shea Dáire T.
Published: November 2021

Infected deep vein thrombophlebitis (i-DVT) in people who inject drugs (PWID) is a clinically challenging but poorly characterised disease. We undertook a retrospective observational study of 70 PWID presenting acutely with i-DVT to improve the clinical and microbiological characterisation of this disease. i-DVT was frequently associated with bacteraemia (59.1% patients with blood cultures obtained), groin abscesses (in 34.3%; of which 54.2% required surgical drainage), and septic pulmonary emboli (38.6%) requiring anticoagulation. Network analysis identified a cluster of patients presenting with respiratory symptoms but lacking typical DVT symptoms, more likely to have septic pulmonary emboli. A microbiologic diagnosis was frequently achieved (70%). Causative pathogens were predominantly gram-positive (S. aureus and streptococci, especially anginosus group), whereas gram-negative pathogens were identified very infrequently (in 6.1% of microbiological diagnoses). This suggests routine empiric therapy against gram-negative bacteria, though commonly administered, is not required. High rates of clinical cure (88.6%) were observed despite the complex nature of infections and independently of the highly variable intravenous and total antimicrobial durations received. There exists a rationale to devise pragmatic approaches to implement novel individualised treatment plans utilising oral antimicrobial therapy for i-DVT. Despite frequent healthcare interactions, opportunities to address HCV treatment and opioid substitution therapy were frequently missed during these acute admissions.
Still Unifying? The Future of the Unified Patent Court
Authors: Wszołek Anna
Published: November 2021

Since its launching, the Unified Patent Court (UPC) project has faced obstacles and scepticism from some EU Member States. When the United Kingdom ratified the UPC Agreement in 2018, it seemed that there was nothing left but to wait for a positive decision of the Federal Constitutional Court of Germany on the ratification by that country, so that finally the UPC could start its activity. Nevertheless, 2020 brought events that make one look back and reflect on the project itself. The UK withdrew its ratification and the Federal Constitutional Court ruled the German ratification process of the UPC Agreement unconstitutional. Then two new complaints were submitted to the Federal Constitutional Court, which this summer finally gave the green light to the ratification, but it seems the UPC project has already split Europe. The question that arises is whether, in the context of last year’s events and the fracture between the states, the unitary patent system can still be seen as unifying the European patent litigation system. This article discusses the examples of Poland, Hungary and the UK, as countries that refuse to participate in the system due to its interference in their internal legal systems and sovereignty, and other examples of fractures visible in the UPC.