bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scope and correlates of high school youths' exposure to dating and sexual violence prevention initiatives
Authors: Edwards Katie M. , Banyard Victoria L. , Rizzo Andrew , Greenberg Patricia
Published: January 2021

The researchers examined the extent to which high school youth were exposed to dating and sexual violence (DSV) prevention types (e.g., social marketing campaign) across various locations (e.g., in‐school) and how exposure to DSV prevention related to perceptions of social norms and collective efficacy. Participants included 877 high school youth who completed in‐school surveys across three towns in New England. Most youth (92%) were exposed to DSV prevention. In general, active exposure and active participation, more so than passive exposure, were related to greater perceptions of collective efficacy and perceptions of social norms more intolerant of DSV. Results also suggested that online exposure to DSV prevention was the most consistent correlate of greater perceptions of collective efficacy and perceptions of social norms more intolerant of DSV. These findings provide clues about the types and locations that might be most effective at preventing DSV among youth.
Enhancement of antibacterial activity of synthesized ligand‐free CdS nanocrystals due to silver doping
Authors: Dey Pijush C. , Ingti Birson , Bhattacharjee Amitabha , Choudhury Manabendra D. , Das Ratan , Nath Siddhartha S.
Published: January 2021

Recently, different nanocrystals have been reported to be the alternative, optimistic, and novel antimicrobial agent against the many antibiotic‐resistant bacteria. Here, ligand‐free CdS and Ag‐doped CdS (Ag/CdS) nanocrystals have been synthesized by chemical methods for the study of the antimicrobial activity on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus by Kirby–Bauer diffusion method to see the effect against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria. These prepared nanocrystals have been characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). TEM and SEM images confirm the spherical morphology of both the sample and the respective XRD patterns indicate polycrystalline nature having a cubic zinc blende structure. Antibacterial activities have been tested with CdS and Ag/CdS, considering concentrations ranging from 10 to 200 μg/ml. After 24 h of incubation, the zone of inhibition (ZOI) is measured for each concentration, which shows that both the nanocrystals are ineffective against E. coli but much effective against S. aureus at this low concentration range. Furthermore, Ag/CdS nanocrystals have been found to show much more ZOI than CdS. Differences in the antibacterial activity can be due to the presence of different cell wall in E. coli and S. aureus.
Overexpression and repression of key rate‐limiting enzymes (acetyl CoA carboxylase and HMG reductase) to enhance fatty acid production from Rhodotorula mucilaginosa
Authors: Chaturvedi Shivani , Gupta Amit K. , Bhattacharya Amrik , Dutta Tanmay , Nain Lata , Khare Sunil K.
Published: January 2021

Implementing two‐way strategies to enhance the lipid production in Rhodotorula mucilaginosa with the help of metabolic engineering was focused on the overexpression of acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase (ACC1 carboxylase) gene and repression of 3‐hydroxy 3‐methylglutaryl reductase (HMG‐CoA reductase). Using an inducer (sodium citrate) and inhibitor (rosuvastatin), the amounts of biomass, lipid, and carotenoid were estimated. In the presence of inhibitor (200 mM), 62% higher lipid concentration was observed, while 44% enhancement was recorded when inducer (3 mM) was used. A combination of both inhibitor and inducer resulted in a 57% increase in lipid concentration by the oleaginous yeast. These results were again confirmed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction by targeting the expression of the genes coding for ACC1 carboxylase and 13‐fold increase was recorded in the presence of inducer as compared with control. This combined strategy (inducer and inhibitor use) has been reported for the first time as far as the best of our knowledge. The metabolic engineering strategies reported here will be a powerful approach for the enhanced commercial production of lipids.
Responses of sweet pepper (Capsicum annum L.) cultivated in a closed hydroponic system to variable calcium concentrations in the nutrient solution
Authors: Ropokis Andreas , Ntatsi Georgia , Rouphael Youssef , Kotsiras Anastasios , Kittas Constantinos , Katsoulas Nikolaos , Savvas Dimitrios
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

The use of water containing calcium bicarbonate (Ca(HCO3)2) at excessively high concentrations in closed hydroponic crops can cause calcium ion (Ca2+) accumulation in the recycled nutrient solution (NS) and concomitantly negatively affect yield and product quality. The aim of the study was to determine maximum Ca2+ concentrations that do not harm the crop and to simulate the pattern of Ca2+ accumulation when the Ca2+ concentration in the irrigation water, and concomitantly in the replenishment nutrient solution (RNS), is excessive. In the current study, irrigation water containing 1.5, 3.0, 4.5 and 6.0 mmol L−1 Ca2+ was used to prepare the RNS supplied to pepper cultivated in a closed hydroponic system.

RESULTS

At 1.5 mmol L−1 Ca2+, no Ca2+ accumulation was observed in the recirculating NS. However, at 3.0, 4.5 and 6.0 mmol L−1 in the irrigation water, the Ca2+ concentration in the recirculating NS, increased by the latter cropping stages to 17, 28 and 37 mmol L−1, corresponding to 6.4, 9.0 and 10.8 dS m−1. The accumulation of Ca2+ in the recirculating NS affected both tissue nutrient concentrations and uptake concentrations of Ca2+, sulphate ion (SO42−) and magnesium ion (Mg2+), but this was not the case for nitrogen (N) or potassium ion (K+). Growth, yield and plant water uptake were restricted at moderate (3.0 and 4.5 mmol L−1) and high (6.0 mmol L−1) external Ca2+ levels.

CONCLUSION

In soilless pepper crops with zero discharge of fertigation effluents, the Ca2+ concentration in the irrigation water and the RNS should be lower than 3.0 mmol L−1 to avoid yield restrictions due to salinity. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Quality differentiation of cocoa beans: implications for geographical indications
Authors: Hernandez Carlos Eduardo , Granados Leonardo
Published: January 2021

Geographical indications may stimulate collective actions of governance for quality control, trade and marketing as well as innovation based on the use of local resources and regional biodiversity. Cocoa production, however, dominated by small family agriculture in tropical regions, has rarely made use of such strategies. This review is aimed at understanding major research interests and emerging technologies helpful for the origin differentiation of cocoa quality. Results from literature search and cited references of publications on cocoa research were imported into VOSviewer for data analysis, which aided in visualizing major research hotpots. Co‐occurrence analysis yielded major research clusters which guided the discussion of this review. Observed was a consensus recognizing cocoa quality resulting from the interaction of genotype, fermentation variables and geographical origin. A classic view of cocoa genetics based on the dichotomy of ‘fine versus bulk’ has been reexamined by a broader perspective of human selection and cocoa genotype evolution. This new approach to cocoa genetic diversity, together with the understanding of complex microbiome interactions through fermentation, as well as quality reproducibility challenged by geographical conditions, have demonstrated the importance of terroir in the production of special attributes. Cocoa growing communities around the tropics have been clearly enabled by new omics and chemometrics to systematize producing conditions and practices in the designation of specifications for the differentiation of origin quality. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Influence of dietary phytogenic feed additives on lactation performance, methane emissions and health status ofMurrah buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)
Authors: Dey Avijit , Attri Kiran , Dahiya Satbir S , Paul Shyam S
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

Several feed additives have been used in recent past to reduce enteric methane production in ruminants. But most of them also inhibit feed digestibility and rumen fermentation, thereby lowering animal performance. Phytogenic feed additives are gaining importance owing to their safety in regard to human health issues. The present study examined the effect of dietary supplementation of phytogenic feed additive containing a blend of poplar (Populus deltoides) and eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora) leaves on feed utilization, milk production, methane emissions and health status of Murrah buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis).

RESULTS

The daily milk yield, 6% fat corrected milk yield, and fat–protein corrected milk yield were increased (P < 0.05) in phytogenic composite feed additive (PCFA)‐supplemented buffaloes. A decrease (37.3%) in methane concentration in exhaled air of supplemented buffaloes was evident. The digestibility coefficient of dry matter, organic matter and neutral detergent fibre was increased (P < 0.05) in PCFA‐fed buffaloes without affecting feed intake. Total digestible nutrient content of the ration fed to buffaloes of the PCFA group was significantly (P < 0.05) increased. The buffaloes fed PCFA exhibited an enhanced cell‐mediated and humoral immune response.

CONCLUSION

A discernible positive impact was evident on overall performances and health status along with lowered methane production of buffaloes fed (15 g kg−1dry matter intake) a blend of phytogenic feed additive composed of leaves of poplar (P. deltoides) and eucalyptus (E. citriodora). © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Readers remain optimistic in 2021 despite COVID‐19 challenges
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: January 2021

Mental Health Weekly readers continue to weigh in on what awaits them in the new year. Here are more of their comments.
NAMI goes virtual, addresses ‘epidemic within the pandemic’
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: January 2021

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has, like other organizations, had to contend with a lot regarding COVID‐19 and the delivery of its educational programming, according to its CEO. “People fail to realize that we have an epidemic within the pandemic,” Daniel H. Gillison Jr. told MHW. A “ripple of mental health issues” has been exacerbated. Racial trauma and economic issues have created fear and uncertainty, he said.
Quantification of three‐dimensional morphology of craniofacial mineralized tissue defects in Tgfbr2/Osx‐Cre mice
Authors: Snider Taylor Nicholas , Louie Ke’ale W. , Zuzo Gabrielle , de Oliveira Ruellas Antonio Carlos , Solem Richard Christian , Cevidanes Lucia H. S. , Zhang Honghao , Mishina Yuji
Published: January 2021

Craniofacial morphology is affected by the growth, development, and three‐dimensional (3D) relationship of mineralized structures including the skull, jaws, and teeth. Despite fulfilling different purposes within this region, cranial bones and tooth dentin are derived from mesenchymal cells that are affected by perturbations within the TGF‐β signaling pathway. TGFBR2 encodes a transmembrane receptor that is part of the canonical, SMAD‐dependent TGF‐β signaling pathway and mutations within this gene are associated with Loeys‐Dietz syndrome, a condition which often presents with craniofacial signs including craniosynostosis and cleft palate. To investigate the role of Tgfbr2 in immature, but committed, mineralized tissue forming cells, we analyzed postnatal craniofacial morphology in mice with conditional Tgfbr2 deletion in Osx‐expressing cells. Novel application of a 3D shape‐based comparative technique revealed that Tgfbr2 in Osx‐expressing cells results in impaired postnatal molar root and anterior cranial growth. These findings support those from studies using similar Tgfbr2 conditional knockout models, highlight the anomalous facial and dental regions/structures using tomographic imaging‐based techniques, and provide insight into the role of Tgfbr2 during postnatal craniofacial development.
Functional performance evolution of urchin‐like structured SiO2‐carbon nanotube hybrid constructions reinforcing polyethylene‐based composites
Authors: Zhang Na , Liu Yu , Zhao Hang , Ma Shenghua , Gao Shuyan , He Delong , Bai Jinbo
Published: January 2021

In order to meet the growing demands for high specific performance in advanced composite system, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are widely utilized to endow composite with optimized properties. However, the performance improvement is always impeded by CNTs aggregation. Herein, two typical urchin‐liked SiO2‐CNTs hybrid (SCH) and SiO2@SiO2‐CNTs hybrid (SSCH) were synthesized by utilizing chemical vapor deposition. SCH and SSCH filled polyethylene (PE) nanocomposites were fabricated by solution‐blending and hot‐compression. The electrical, dielectric, rheological, and thermal behaviors of the composites were carefully studied. Both composites showed the low percolation threshold that below 0.5 wt%. By adding 1 wt% hybrid, the electrical conductivity of composites were enhanced by 12 orders of magnitude. Moreover, the self‐strengthened SSCH was preferred to form homogeneous dispersion in polymer matrix, leading to a slightly negative influence on processability. All these features provide a reasonable route for designing CNTs‐filled composites with advanced structural or highly conductive properties in future.
Effective strategies for comprehensive action plans ‐ theory and practice
Authors: Cypriano Daniel , Marques Adriano , Salles Ricardo , Rudek Romildo
Published: January 2021

For this paper we discuss strategies adopted by the Industry to implement action plans, created from the study of accidents, incidents, or deviations. A pyramid of losses was established, structured based on tools and systems already defined as effective barriers for the occurrence of process safety events, creating a strong identity with technical and manager teams. For asset management, these losses could be considered for any function performed by the related equipment, and we highlight the primary containment itself, where it clearly converges to the objectives of process safety management: Effectiveness of management processes, barriers to failure; non‐recurrence of process safety accidents. A real case is presented, focused on positive material identification for process equipment and piping. This action plan was particularly challenging, either due to the resources invested (materials, labor, time), for long‐term monitoring and diligence, or mainly due to the results achieved. Actions were divided into three groups, structured in a multiannual coverage plan: (a) Materials already installed in the field (in the process); (b) Materials under the responsibility of the warehouses; (c) Materials under responsibility of the maintenance and installation areas.
It Started with Templates: The Future of Profiling in Side-Channel Analysis
Authors: Batina Lejla , Djukanovic Milena , Heuser Annelie , Picek Stjepan
Published: January 2021

Side-channel attacks (SCAs) are powerful attacks based on the information obtained from the implementation of cryptographic devices. Profiling side-channel attacks has received a lot of attention in recent years due to the fact that this type of attack defines the worst-case security assumptions. The SCA community realized that the same approach is actually used in other domains in the form of supervised machine learning. Consequently, some researchers started experimenting with different machine learning techniques and evaluating their effectiveness in the SCA context. More recently, we are witnessing an increase in the use of deep learning techniques in the SCA community with strong first results in side-channel analyses, even in the presence of countermeasures. In this chapter, we consider the evolution of profiling attacks, and subsequently we discuss the impacts they have made in the data preprocessing, feature engineering, and classification phases. We also speculate on the future directions and the best-case consequences for the security of small devices.
Information Extraction From the GDELT Database to Analyse EU Sovereign Bond Markets
Authors: Consoli Sergio , Tiozzo Pezzoli Luca , Tosetti Elisa
Published: January 2021

In this contribution we provide an overview of a currently on-going project related to the development of a methodology for building economic and financial indicators capturing investor’s emotions and topics popularity which are useful to analyse the sovereign bond markets of countries in the EU.These alternative indicators are obtained from the Global Data on Events, Location, and Tone (GDELT) database, which is a real-time, open-source, large-scale repository of global human society for open research which monitors worlds broadcast, print, and web news, creating a free open platform for computing on the entire world’s media. After providing an overview of the method under development, some preliminary findings related to the use case of Italy are also given. The use case reveals initial good performance of our methodology for the forecasting of the Italian sovereign bond market using the information extracted from GDELT and a deep Long Short-Term Memory Network opportunely trained and validated with a rolling window approach to best accounting for non-linearities in the data.
An $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 1 Lagrangian for an $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 3 SCFT
Authors: Zafrir Gabi
Published: January 2021

Abstract

We propose that a certain 4d$$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 SU(2) × SU(2) gauge theory flows in the IR to an $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 3 SCFT plus a single free chiral field. The specific $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 3 SCFT has rank 1 and a dimension three Coulomb branch operator. The flow is generically expected to land at the $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 3 SCFT deformed by the marginal deformation associated with said Coulomb branch operator. We also present a discussion about the properties expected of various RG invariant quantities from $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 3 superconformal symmetry, and use these to test our proposal. Finally, we discuss a generalization to another $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 model that we propose is related to a certain rank 3 $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 3 SCFT through the turning of certain marginal deformations.
Cobordism conjecture, anomalies, and the String Lamppost Principle
Authors: Montero Miguel , Vafa Cumrun
Published: January 2021

Abstract

We consider consequences of triviality of cobordism classes and anomaly cancellation in supergravity theories in d > 6. We argue that this leads to the existence of certain defects which we call “I-folds” (a generalization of orientifolds). The requirement that compactifications to lower dimensions involving these defects be anomaly free leads to conditions on the higher dimensional theory. We show that in theories with 16 supercharges in d > 6 this leads to restrictions on the rank of the allowed gauge groups and thus provides an explanation for the observed restrictions in known string theory constructions. In particular, in eight and nine dimensions the only solutions to our constraints are precisely the ones realized in string theory compactifications. We also use these techniques to place constraints on the global structure of the gauge group in eight and nine dimensions.
Occlusal outcome after orthodontic treatment with preadjusted straight-wire and standard edgewise appliances
Authors: Papageorgiou Spyridon N. , Tilen Raphael , Vandevska-Radunovic Vaska , Eliades Theodore
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Orthodontic fixed appliances have been proven to be effective in treating a wide variety of malocclusions, and different types of appliances have emerged during recent decades. However, the comparative effects of different appliances have not been adequately assessed. Thus, the aim was to assess the occlusal outcome of orthodontic treatment with preadjusted straight-wire (SWIRE) and standard edgewise (SEDGE) appliances.

Methods

In all, 56 patients (mean age: 13.5 years; 45% male) receiving extraction-based treatment with either SWIRE or SEDGE appliances were included. Between-group differences in the occlusal outcome assessed with the American Board of Orthodontists Objective Grading System (ABO-OGS) and treatment duration were analyzed statistically at the 5% level.

Results

The average ABO-OGS score was 31.3 ± 7.2 points and 34.0 ± 10.4 points in the SWIRE and SEDGE groups with no statistically significant difference between groups (P = 0.26). Treatment duration was significantly shorter in the SWIRE group compared to the SEDGE group, with an average difference of −6.8 months (95% confidence interval [95% CI] = −9.6 to −4.0 months; P < 0.001). Likewise, fewer visits were needed with SWIRE compared to SEDGE appliances with an average difference of −7.2 visits (95% CI = −10.3 to −4.2 visits; P < 0.001). Adjusting for the influence of any potential confounders did not considerably impact the results.

Conclusion

Similar treatment outcomes were observed after premolar extraction treatment with SWIRE and SEDGE appliances. On the other hand, SEDGE appliances were associated with prolonged treatment duration and more visits needed to complete treatment compared to SWIRE appliances.
Hemocyanins of Muricidae: New ‘Insights’ Unravel an Additional Highly Hydrophilic 800 kDa Mass Within the Molecule
Authors: Schäfer Gabriela Giannina , Grebe Lukas Jörg , Depoix Frank , Lieb Bernhard
Published: January 2021

Hemocyanins are giant oxygen transport proteins that freely float within the hemolymph of most molluscs. The basic quaternary structure of molluscan hemocyanins is a cylindrical decamer with a diameter of 35 nm which is built of 400 kDa subunits. Previously published results, however, showed that one out of two hemocyanin subunits of Rapana venosa encompasses two polypeptides, one 300 kDa and one 100 kDa polypeptide which aggregate to typical 4 MDa and 8 MDa hemocyanin (di-)decamer molecules. It was shown that the polypeptides are bound most probably by one or more cysteine disulfide bridges but it remained open if these polypeptides were coded by one or two genes. Our here presented results clearly showed that both polypeptides are coded by one gene only and that this phenomenon can also be found in the gastropod Nucella lapillus. Thus, it can be defined as clade-specific for Muricidae, a group of the very diverse Caenogastropoda. In addition, we discovered a further deviation of this hemocyanin subunit within both species, namely a region of 340 mainly hydrophilic amino acids (especially histidines and aspartic acids) which have not been identified in any other molluscan hemocyanin, yet. Our results indicate that, within the quaternary structure, these additional amino acids most probably protrude within the inner part of didecamer cylinders, forming a large extra mass of up to 800 kDa. They presumably influence the structure of the protein and may affect the functionality. Thus, these findings reveal further insights into the evolution and structures of gastropod hemocyanins.
Improved Outcomes of Laparoscopic Liver Resection for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Located in Posterosuperior Segments of the Liver
Authors: Kwon Yujin , Cho Jai Young , Han Ho‐Seong , Yoon Yoo‐Seok , Lee Hae Won , Lee Jun Suh , Lee Boram , Kim Moonwhan
Published: January 2021

Background

LLR is widely adapted for HCC, while LLR in PS segments is still challenging. With recent improvement of techniques and accumulation of experiences, LLR in PS segments is feasible, but studies investigating the result after the modifications are lacking.

Methods

In this single‐center, retrospective study, 149 patients who underwent LLR for HCC located in PS segments from September 2003 to December 2016 were analyzed. The patients were divided into Group 1 (n=43) and Group 2 (n=106) who underwent LLR before and after 2012, respectively, when advanced techniques including use of intercostal trocars, Pringle maneuver, and semi‐lateral position of patient were introduced. Also, these patients were compared with those who underwent open liver resection (OLR; n=124) for HCC in PS segments during the same period.

Results

Mean operative time (394.7 minutes vs 331.2 minutes; P=0.013), intraoperative blood loss (1545.8 ml vs 1208.2 ml; P=0.020), and hospital stay (11.6 days vs 9.2, P<0.001) were significantly less in Group 2. Postoperative complication rate (18.6% vs 18.9%; P=0.970), open conversion rate (23% vs 17%; P=0.374), 5‐year overall (79% vs 89%; P=0.607) and 5‐year disease‐free (52% vs 53%; P=0.657) survival rates were not significantly different between the groups. Compared to the OLR group, complication rate (40.3% vs 18.8%; P< 0.001) and hospital stay (17.6 days vs 9.7 days; P< 0.001) were significantly lower in the LLR group.

Conclusion

The complexity of LLR for HCC in PS segments is being gradually overcome by the introduction of advanced techniques.
CT-like images based on T1 spoiled gradient-echo and ultra-short echo time MRI sequences for the assessment of vertebral fractures and degenerative bone changes of the spine
Authors: Schwaiger Benedikt J. , Schneider Charlotte , Kronthaler Sophia , Gassert Florian T. , Böhm Christof , Pfeiffer Daniela , Baum Thomas , Kirschke Jan S. , Karampinos Dimitrios C. , Makowski Marcus R. , Woertler Klaus , Wurm Markus , Gersing Alexandra S.
Published: January 2021

Objectives

To evaluate the performance of 3D T1w spoiled gradient-echo (T1SGRE) and ultra-short echo time (UTE) MRI sequences for the detection and assessment of vertebral fractures and degenerative bone changes compared with conventional CT.

Methods

Fractures (n = 44) and degenerative changes (n = 60 spinal segments) were evaluated in 30 patients (65 ± 14 years, 18 women) on CT and 3-T MRI, including CT-like images derived from T1SGRE and UTE. Two radiologists evaluated morphological features on both modalities: Genant and AO/Magerl classifications, anterior/posterior vertebral height, fracture age; disc height, neuroforaminal diameter, grades of spondylolisthesis, osteophytes, sclerosis, and facet joint degeneration. Diagnostic accuracy and agreement between MRI and CT and between radiologists were assessed using crosstabs, weighted κ, and intraclass correlation coefficients. Image quality was graded on a Likert scale.

Results

For fracture detection, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 0.95, 0.98, and 0.97 for T1SGRE and 0.91, 0.96, and 0.95 for UTE. Agreement between T1SGRE and CT was substantial to excellent (e.g., Genant: κ, 0.92 [95% confidence interval, 0.83–1.00]; AO/Magerl: κ, 0.90 [0.76–1.00]; osteophytes: κ, 0.91 [0.82–1.00]; sclerosis: κ, 0.68 [0.48–0.88]; spondylolisthesis: ICCs, 0.99 [0.99–1.00]). Agreement between UTE and CT was lower, ranging from moderate (e.g., sclerosis: κ, 0.43 [0.26–0.60]) to excellent (spondylolisthesis: ICC, 0.99 [0.99–1.00]). Inter-reader agreement was substantial to excellent (0.52–1.00), respectively, for all parameters. Median image quality of T1SGRE was rated significantly higher than that of UTE (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Morphologic assessment of bone pathologies of the spine using MRI was feasible and comparable to CT, with T1SGRE being more robust than UTE.

Key Points

• Vertebral fractures and degenerative bone changes can be assessed on CT-like MR images, with 3D T1w spoiled gradient-echo–based images showing a high diagnostic accuracy and agreement with CT.

• This could enable MRI to precisely assess bone morphology, and 3D T1SGRE MRI sequences may substitute additional spinal CT examinations in the future.

• Image quality and robustness of T1SGRE sequences are higher than those of UTE MRI for the assessment of bone structures.
Multi-scale and multi-parametric radiomics of gadoxetate disodium–enhanced MRI predicts microvascular invasion and outcome in patients with solitary hepatocellular carcinoma ≤ 5 cm
Authors: Chong Huan-Huan , Yang Li , Sheng Ruo-Fan , Yu Yang-Li , Wu Di-Jia , Rao Sheng-Xiang , Yang Chun , Zeng Meng-Su
Published: January 2021

Objectives

To develop radiomics-based nomograms for preoperative microvascular invasion (MVI) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) prediction in patients with solitary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ≤ 5 cm.

Methods

Between March 2012 and September 2019, 356 patients with pathologically confirmed solitary HCC ≤ 5 cm who underwent preoperative gadoxetate disodium–enhanced MRI were retrospectively enrolled. MVI was graded as M0, M1, or M2 according to the number and distribution of invaded vessels. Radiomics features were extracted from DWI, arterial, portal venous, and hepatobiliary phase images in regions of the entire tumor, peritumoral area ≤ 10 mm, and randomly selected liver tissue. Multivariate analysis identified the independent predictors for MVI and RFS, with nomogram visualized the ultimately predictive models.

Results

Elevated alpha-fetoprotein, total bilirubin and radiomics values, peritumoral enhancement, and incomplete or absent capsule enhancement were independent risk factors for MVI. The AUCs of MVI nomogram reached 0.920 (95% CI: 0.861–0.979) using random forest and 0.879 (95% CI: 0.820–0.938) using logistic regression analysis in validation cohort (n = 106). With the 5-year RFS rate of 68.4%, the median RFS of MVI-positive (M2 and M1) and MVI-negative (M0) patients were 30.5 (11.9 and 40.9) and > 96.9 months (p < 0.001), respectively. Age, histologic MVI, alkaline phosphatase, and alanine aminotransferase independently predicted recurrence, yielding AUC of 0.654 (95% CI: 0.538–0.769, n = 99) in RFS validation cohort. Instead of histologic MVI, the preoperatively predicted MVI by MVI nomogram using random forest achieved comparable accuracy in MVI stratification and RFS prediction.

Conclusions

Preoperative radiomics-based nomogram using random forest is a potential biomarker of MVI and RFS prediction for solitary HCC ≤ 5 cm.

Key Points

• The radiomics score was the predominant independent predictor of MVI which was the primary independent risk factor for postoperative recurrence.

• The radiomics-based nomogram using either random forest or logistic regression analysis has obtained the best preoperative prediction of MVI in HCC patients so far.

• As an excellent substitute for the invasive histologic MVI, the preoperatively predicted MVI by MVI nomogram using random forest (MVI-RF) achieved comparable accuracy in MVI stratification and outcome, reinforcing the radiologic understanding of HCC angioinvasion and progression.
Vascular and haemodynamic issues of brain ageing
Authors: Beishon Lucy , Clough Rebecca H. , Kadicheeni Meeriam , Chithiramohan Tamara , Panerai Ronney B. , Haunton Victoria J. , Minhas Jatinder S. , Robinson Thompson G.
Published: January 2021

The population is ageing worldwide, thus increasing the burden of common age-related disorders to the individual, society and economy. Cerebrovascular diseases (stroke, dementia) contribute a significant proportion of this burden and are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Thus, understanding and promoting healthy vascular brain ageing are becoming an increasing priority for healthcare systems. In this review, we consider the effects of normal ageing on two major physiological processes responsible for vascular brain function: Cerebral autoregulation (CA) and neurovascular coupling (NVC). CA is the process by which the brain regulates cerebral blood flow (CBF) and protects against falls and surges in cerebral perfusion pressure, which risk hypoxic brain injury and pressure damage, respectively. In contrast, NVC is the process by which CBF is matched to cerebral metabolic activity, ensuring adequate local oxygenation and nutrient delivery for increased neuronal activity. Healthy ageing is associated with a number of key physiological adaptations in these processes to mitigate age-related functional and structural declines. Through multiple different paradigms assessing CA in healthy younger and older humans, generating conflicting findings, carbon dioxide studies in CA have provided the greatest understanding of intrinsic vascular anatomical factors that may mediate healthy ageing responses. In NVC, studies have found mixed results, with reduced, equivalent and increased activation of vascular responses to cognitive stimulation. In summary, vascular and haemodynamic changes occur in response to ageing and are important in distinguishing “normal” ageing from disease states and may help to develop effective therapeutic strategies to promote healthy brain ageing.
From scenario-based seismic hazard to scenario-based landslide hazard: rewinding to the past via statistical simulations
Authors: Luo Luguang , Lombardo Luigi , van Westen Cees , Pei Xiangjun , Huang Runqiu
Published: January 2021

The vast majority of statistically-based landslide susceptibility studies assumes the slope instability process to be time-invariant under the definition that “the past and present are keys to the future”. This assumption may generally be valid. However, the trigger, be it a rainfall or an earthquake event, clearly varies over time. And yet, the temporal component of the trigger is rarely included in landslide susceptibility studies and only confined to hazard assessment. In this work, we investigate a population of landslides triggered in response to the 2017 Jiuzhaigou earthquake ($$M_w = 6.5$$

M
w

=
6.5

) including the associated ground motion in the analyses, these being carried out at the Slope Unit (SU) level. We do this by implementing a Bayesian version of a Generalized Additive Model and assuming that the slope instability across the SUs in the study area behaves according to a Bernoulli probability distribution. This procedure would generally produce a susceptibility map reflecting the spatial pattern of the specific trigger and therefore of limited use for land use planning. However, we implement this first analytical step to reliably estimate the ground motion effect, and its distribution, on unstable SUs. We then assume the effect of the ground motion to be time-invariant, enabling statistical simulations for any ground motion scenario that occurred in the area from 1933 to 2017. As a result, we obtain the full spectrum of potential coseismic susceptibility patterns over the last century and compress this information into a hazard model/map representative of all the possible ground motion patterns since 1933. This backward statistical simulations can also be further exploited in the opposite direction where, by accounting for scenario-based ground motion, one can also use it in a forward direction to estimate future unstable slopes.
H2020 – ROBOMINERS
Authors: Berner Michael , Sifferlinger Nikolaus August
Published: January 2021

Der folgende Artikel beschäftigt sich mit dem EU-H2020 Projekt ROBOMINERS mit Schwerpunkt auf den Aufgaben der Montanuniversität Leoben, die die Entwicklung der Abbaueinheit eines kleinen Bergbauroboters umfassen. Die einzelnen Technologien werden hinsichtlich ihrer Effizienz und Machbarkeit bewertet, indem vorhandene Technologien untersucht und analytische Studien, Simulationen bis hin zu Konzeptentwicklungen durchgeführt werden. Dies beinhaltet konventionelle, alternative und kombinierte Abbaumethoden. Der Beitrag dieser Arbeit soll weiters eine Richtlinie zur Anwendbarkeit potenzieller Abbaumethoden für Bergbau-Roboter in unterschiedlichen Klassen liefern.
The hamster wheel: a case study on embodied narrative identity and overcoming severe obesity
Authors: Natvik Eli , Råheim Målfrid , Sviland Randi
Published: January 2021

Based in narrative phenomenology, this article describes an example of how lived time, self and bodily engagement with the social world intertwine, and how our sense of self develops. We explore this through the life story of a woman who lost weight through surgery in the 1970 s and has fought against her own body, food and eating ever since. Our narrative analysis of interviews, reflective notes and email correspondence disentangled two storylines illuminating paradoxes within this long-term weight loss process.Thea’s Medical Weight Narrative: From Severely Obese Child to Healthy Adultis her story in context of medicine and obesity treatment and expresses success and control.Thea’s Story: The Narrative of Fighting Weightis the experiential story, including concrete examples and quotes, highlighting bodily struggles and the inescapable ambiguity of being and having one’s body. The two storylines coexist and illuminate paradoxes within the weight loss surgery narrative, connected to meaningful life events and experiences, eating practices and relationships with important others. Surgery was experienced as lifesaving, yet the surgical transformation did not suffice, because it did not influence appetite or, desire for food in the long run. In the medical narrative of transforming the body by repair, a problematic relationship with food did not fit into the plot.
Assessing Microbial Communities Related to Mercury Transformations in Contaminated Streambank Soils
Authors: Abdelmageed Yazeed , Miller Carrie , Sanders Carrie , Egbo Timothy , Johs Alexander , Robertson Boakai
Published: January 2021

In nature, the bioaccumulative potent neurotoxin methylmercury (MeHg) is produced from inorganic mercury (Hg) predominantly by anaerobic microorganisms. Hg-contaminated soils are a potential source of MeHg due to microbial activity. We examine streambank soils collected from the contaminated East Fork Poplar Creek (EFPC) in Tennessee, USA, where seasonal variations in MeHg levels have been observed throughout the year, suggesting active microbial Hg methylation. In this study, we characterized the microbial community in contaminated bank soil samples collected from two locations over a period of one year and compared the results to soil samples from an uncontaminated reference site with similar geochemistry (n = 12). Microbial community composition and diversity were assessed by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Furthermore, to isolate potential methylators from soils, enrichment cultures were prepared using selective media. A set of three clade-specific primers targeting the genehgcAwere used to detect Hg methylators among the δ-Proteobacteria in EFPC bank soils across all seasons. Two families among the δ-Proteobacteria that have been previously associated with Hg methylation, Geobacteraceae and Syntrophobacteraceae, were found to be predominant with relative abundances of 0.13% and 4.0%, respectively. However, in soil enrichment cultures, Firmicutes were predominant among families associated with Hg methylation. Specifically, Clostridiaceae and Peptococcaceae and their generaClostridiumandDesulfosporosinuswere among the ten most abundant genera with relative abundances of 2.6% and 1.7%, respectively. These results offer insights into the role of microbial communities on Hg transformation processes in contaminated bank soils in EFPC. Identifying the biogeochemical drivers of MeHg production is critical for future remediation efforts.
Präsentismus in der Hochschule
Authors: Komp Rebecca , Ianiro-Dahm Patrizia , Kauffeld Simone
Published: January 2021

Hintergrund

Empirische Studien zeigen, dass mehr als zwei Drittel der Beschäftigten trotz Krankheit zur Arbeit gehen. Dieser sog. Präsentismus bringt sowohl gesundheitliche und motivationale Risiken für die Mitarbeiter als auch wirtschaftliche Risiken für die Organisation mit sich.

Ziel der Arbeit

Die durchgeführten Studien fokussieren Möglichkeiten zur Verringerung der negativen gesundheitlichen Effekte und entwickeln Maßnahmen zur generellen Vermeidung von Präsentismus am spezifischen Setting Hochschule.

Methode

An einer deutschen Hochschule erfolgte eine quantitative Befragung (n = 308) zur Prävalenz von Präsentismus, dessen Zusammenhang mit körperlichen Beschwerden untersucht wurde. Weiterhin wurden potenziell moderierende Effekte der Ressourcen Erholung, Achtsamkeit und Work-Life-Balance (WLB) betrachtet. Eine qualitative Studie explorierte auf Grundlage von Interviews (n = 11, qualitative Inhaltsanalyse) Gründe für Präsentismus und potenzielle Maßnahmen, um diesem entgegenzuwirken.

Ergebnisse

Die quantitativen Ergebnisse zeigen, dass Präsentismus im Hochschulkontext vertreten ist und körperliche Beschwerden begünstigt. Die Ressourcen Erholung, Achtsamkeit und WLB können bei hoher Ausprägung die negativen gesundheitlichen Effekte von Präsentismus abschwächen. Bei niedriger Ausprägung verstärken sie die Effekte. Die qualitative Analyse machte deutlich, dass quantitative Arbeitsbelastung, Pflichtgefühl sowie das Gefühl, noch leistungsfähig zu sein, zentrale Gründe für Präsentismus sind und zum Beispiel die Unterstützung eines gesundheitsförderlichen Organisationsklimas oder Vertretungsregelungen geeignete Gegenmaßnahmen darstellen.

Diskussion

Die Ergebnisse werden vor dem Hintergrund verhaltens- und verhältnispräventiver Maßnahmen diskutiert und praktische Implikationen abgeleitet.
Molecular breeding of sporeless strains of Pleurotus ostreatus using a non-homologous DNA end-joining defective strain
Authors: Yamasaki Fuga , Nakazawa Takehito , Sakamoto Masahiro , Honda Yoichi
Published: January 2021

Gene targeting is useful to isolate strains with mutations in a gene of interest for efficient breeding. In this study, we generated msh4 or mer3 single-gene disruptant monokaryons using a Pleurotus ostreatus Δku80 strain for efficient gene targeting. Dikaryons of P. ostreatus Δmsh4×Δmsh4 or Δmer3×Δmer3 were isolated via backcrosses, and the number of basidiospores produced was measured. The number of basidiospores fell by an average 1/13.7 in the P. ostreatus Δmsh4×Δmsh4 dikaryons versus the P. ostreatus msh4+×Δmsh4 dikaryons, and 1/82.6 in the P. ostreatus Δmer3×Δmer3 dikaryons versus the P. ostreatus mer3+×Δmer3 dikaryons. To demonstrate the effects of ku80 disruption, P. ostreatus Δku80×Δku80 dikaryon strains were isolated and no significant effects on basidiospore production were observed. Fluorescence microscopy showed meiotic progression was arrested during prophase I in the msh4 or mer3 disruptants. To our knowledge, this is the first report on molecular breeding of sporeless strains in cultivated mushrooms using an efficient method for targeted gene disruption.
Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Thomas Horatio R. , Feng Mary
Published: January 2021

Purpose of Review

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rising cause of mortality and morbidity, and although surgical resection is the preferred curative local therapy, < 30% of patients are candidates at diagnosis. This review discusses SBRT as an option in a variety of clinical scenarios.

Recent Findings

Multiple retrospective and prospective studies demonstrate that stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is an effective bridge for transplant candidates and local therapy for patients with inoperable early-, intermediate-, or advanced-stage disease. SBRT is associated with excellent local control, and it is well-tolerated despite study cohorts enriched with patients who failed prior therapies and had poor baseline liver function.

Additional randomized control trials are needed to determine the ideal treatment regimen and patient selection for SBRT.
Focus on radioiodine-131 biokinetics: the influence of methylprednisolone on intratherapeutic effective half-life of 131I during radioiodine therapy of Graves’ disease
Authors: Happel C. , Kranert W. T. , Gröner D. , Baumgarten J. , Halstenberg J. , Bockisch B. , Sabet A. , Grünwald F.
Published: January 2021

Aim

Radioiodine therapy (RIT) may trigger the development of Graves’ ophthalmopathy (GO) or exacerbate pre-existing subclinical GO. Therefore, glucocorticoid administration is recommended for patients with pre-existing GO. Aim of this study was to analyze the influence of glucocorticoid therapy with methylprednisolone on intratherapeutic effective half-life (EHL) of radioiodine-131 in patients with Graves’ disease (GD) as recent studies showed an effect for prednisolone.

Methods

In a retrospective study, 264 patients with GD who underwent RIT without any additional antithyroid medication were evaluated. Intrathyroidal EHL was determined pre- and intratherapeutically. Patients with co-existing GO (n = 43) received methylprednisolone according to a fixed scheme starting 1 day prior to RIT, patients without GO (n = 221) did not receive any protective glucocorticoid medication. The ratios of EHL during RIT and during radioiodine uptake test (RIUT) were compared.

Results

Patients receiving methylprednisolone showed a slight decrease of the mean EHL from 5.63 d (RIUT) to 5.39 d (RIT) (p > 0.05). A comparable result was obtained in patients without glucocorticoids (5.71 d (RIUT) to 5.47 d (RIT); p > 0.05). The ratios of the EHL between RIT and RIUT failed to show a significant difference between the two groups. EHL is therefore not significantly influenced by an additional protective treatment with methylprednisolone.

Conclusions

In the present study a decreased intrathyroidal EHL under glucocorticoid medication with methylprednisolone could not be detected. Therefore, co-medication with methylprednisolone in patients with GO may be preferred to avoid an intratherapeutic decrease of EHL by accompanying protective glucocorticoides.
Modelling of total dissolved solids in water supply systems using regression and supervised machine learning approaches
Authors: Ewusi Anthony , Ahenkorah Isaac , Aikins Derrick
Published: January 2021

Monitoring of water quality through accurate predictions provides adequate information about water management. In the present study, three different modelling approaches: Gaussian process regression (GPR), backpropagation neural network (BPNN) and principal component regression (PCR) models were used to predict the total dissolved solids (TDS) as water quality indicator for the water quality management. The performance of each model was evaluated based on three different sets of inputs from groundwater (GW), surface water (SW) and drinking water (DW). The GPR, BPNN and PCR models used in this study gave an accurate prediction of the observed data (TDS) in GW, SW and DW, with the R2 consistently greater than 0.850. The GPR model gave a better prediction of TDS concentration, with an average R2, MAE and RMSE of 0.987, 4.090 and 7.910, respectively. For the BPNN, an average R2, MAE and RMSE of 0.913, 9.720 and 19.137, respectively, were achieved, while the PCR gave an average R2, MAE and RMSE of 0.888, 11.327 and 25.032, respectively. The performance of each model was assessed using efficiency based indicators such as the Nash and Sutcliffe coefficient of efficiency (ENS) and the index of agreement (d). The GPR, BPNN and PCR models, respectively, gave an ENS of (0.967, 0.915, 0.874) and d of (0.992, 0.977, 0.965). It is understood from this study that advanced machine learning approaches (e.g. GPR and BPNN) are appropriate for the prediction of water quality indices and would be useful for future prediction and management of water quality parameters of various water supply systems in mining communities where artificial intelligence technology is yet to be fully explored.