bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychological Intervention and Treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder During Pregnancy: A Systematic Review and Call to Action
Authors: Stevens Natalie R. , Miller Michelle L. , Puetz Ann‐Kathrin , Padin Avelina C. , Adams Natasia , Meyer Danie J.
Published: December 2020

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) during pregnancy is a significant global mental health concern that affects up to 1 in 5 trauma‐exposed pregnant women and is associated with an increased risk of adverse maternal and infant complications and health outcomes. This systematic literature review, conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, examined findings from studies of psychological interventions and treatments for prenatal PTSD to inform recommendations for future research. Relevant evidence was identified from reference reviews and electronic databases (i.e., PubMed, Google Scholar, PsychInfo, and Scopus). Included studies reported on the effect of nonpharmacological intervention or treatment of PTSD symptomatology delivered during pregnancy, with at least one postintervention follow‐up collected during pregnancy to assess prenatal treatment outcomes. The systematic review was augmented with a discussion of lower‐level evidence. Of the 954 articles screened, six peer‐reviewed, quantitative reports met the inclusion criteria and featured three empirically based interventions, including two randomized controlled trials: Two psychoeducation interventions for PTSD and one treatment study of interpersonal psychotherapy in trauma‐exposed pregnant women. Effect sizes for PTSD symptom change ranged from small to large, Cohen's d/ηp2 = 0.16–0.78. No studies examined evidence‐based PTSD treatments (e.g., exposure therapy, cognitive processing therapy). A risk of bias assessment indicated variability in study quality. This review demonstrates that research on prenatal PTSD symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment is extremely limited despite a clear link between prenatal PTSD and perinatal complications. Early evidence supports further scientific inquiry into psychoeducation, psychotherapy treatments (e.g., exposure therapy), integrated prenatal care approaches, and community‐based approaches.
Chondroitin sulfate modified and adriamycin preloaded hybrid nanoparticles for tumor‐targeted chemotherapy of lung cancer
Authors: Liang Xiang , Liang Xi
Published: December 2020

Promising cancer treatment requires the assistant of drug delivery systems (DDS) with the aim to increase the accumulation of drugs in tumor tissue. Herein, a hybrid DDS was successfully developed to integrate chondroitin sulfate (CS) and calcium carbonate (CC) in to one system. Anticancer drug adriamycin (Adr) was preloaded into CC nanoparticles to obtain Adr‐loaded CC nanoparticles (CC/Adr). The resulted CS‐CC/Adr nanoparticles as a biocompatible DDS was able to specifically target cancer cells to enhance the chemotherapy of lung cancer due to the surface modification of CS. Intracellular uptake as well as in vivo imaging results revealed the obtained CS‐CC/Adr nanoparticles (size of ~100 nm) showed CS mediated tumor specific accumulation into A549 and LLC cells than unmodified CC/Adr, in which the CD44 receptor might be involved, which finally resulted in stronger anticancer capability than Adr or CC/Adr. As a result, CS‐CC/Adr nanoparticles could be further extended to clinical administration in our future works.
Hypomethylation of SNCA in Idiopathic REM Sleep Behavior Disorder Associated With Phenoconversion
Authors: Li Yuan , Hao Shuwen , Zhang Hui , Mao Wei , Xue Jinhua , Zhang Yanli , Cai Yanning , Chan Piu
Published: December 2020

Background

Hypomethylation of intron 1 of the α‐synuclein (SNCA) gene has been extensively reported in the blood of patients with α‐synucleinopathies. Idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder represents a prodromal stage of α‐synucleinopathies. Methylation of α‐synuclein intron 1 in idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder patients is largely unexplored. The objective of the current study was to assess blood α‐synuclein intron 1 methylation in patients and to explore it as a potential biomarker to predict phenoconversion and monitor disease progression.

Methods

Seventy‐eight polysomnography‐confirmed patients and 74 healthy controls were enrolled. After an average of 3.75 years of follow up, 16 patients converted to neurodegenerative diseases (converters), whereas 59 did not (nonconverters). Blood DNA was obtained at baseline from all participants, as well as at the follow‐up visit for 27 patients. DNA methylation levels were determined using bisulfite pyrosequencing methods and were compared between patients and healthy controls, converters and nonconverters, and baseline and follow‐up visits.

Results

Hypomethylation at cytosine‐phosphate‐guanine 10, 11, 12, 13, and 17 was found in patients compared with healthy controls. Hypomethylation at cytosine‐phosphate‐guanine 17 was associated with an increased risk of clinical phenoconversion, which was further enhanced with the presence of subtle motor abnormalities. In addition, it appeared that later reduction in methylation levels at cytosine‐phosphate‐guanine 14, 15, and 16 was associated with disease progression.

Conclusions

Peripheral blood α‐synuclein intron 1 was hypomethylated in idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder patients. α‐Synuclein methylation levels may be useful biomarkers to screen patients, predict phenoconversion, and monitor disease progression. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Graph‐based risk assessment and error detection in radiation therapy
Authors: Munbodh Reshma , Bowles Juliana K. , Zaveri Hitten P.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The objective of this study was to formalize and automate quality assurance (QA) in radiation oncology. Quality assurance in radiation oncology entails a multistep verification of complex, personalized radiation plans to treat cancer involving an interdisciplinary team and high technology, multivendor software and hardware systems. We addressed the pretreatment physics chart review (TPCR) using methods from graph theory and constraint programming to study the effect of dependencies between variables and automatically identify logical inconsistencies and how they propagate.

Materials and methods

We used a modular approach to decompose the TPCR process into tractable units comprising subprocesses, modules and variables. Modules represented the main software entities comprised in the radiation treatment planning workflow and subprocesses grouped the checks to be performed by functionality. Module‐associated variables served as inputs to the subprocesses. Relationships between variables were modeled by means of a directed graph. The detection of errors, in the form of inconsistencies, was formalized as a constraint satisfaction problem whereby checks were encoded as logical formulae. The sequence in which subprocesses were visited was described in an activity diagram.

Results

The comprehensive model for the TPCR process comprised 5 modules, 19 subprocesses and 346 variables, 225 of which were distinct. Modules included “Treatment Planning System” and “Record and Verify System.” Subprocesses included “Dose Prescription,” “Documents,” “CT Integrity,” “Anatomical Contours,” “Beam Configuration,” “Dose Calculation,” “3D Dose Distribution Quality,” and “Treatment Approval.” Variable inconsistencies, and their source and propagation were determined by checking for constraint violation and through graph traversal. Impact scores, obtained through graph traversal, combined with severity scores associated with an inconsistency, allowed risk assessment.

Conclusions

Directed graphs combined with constraint programming hold promise for formalizing complex QA processes in radiation oncology, performing risk assessment and automating the TPCR process. Though complex, the process is tractable.
Tuned hybrid nonuniform subdivision surfaces with optimal convergence rates
Authors: Wei Xiaodong , Li Xin , Zhang Yongjie J. , Hughes Thomas J. R.
Published: December 2020

This article presents an enhanced version of our previous work, hybrid nonuniform subdivision (HNUS) surfaces, to achieve optimal convergence rates in isogeometric analysis (IGA). We introduce a parameter () to control the rate of shrinkage of irregular regions, so the method is called tuned hybrid nonuniform subdivision (tHNUS). Thus, HUNS is a special case of tHNUS when . While introducing in hybrid subdivision significantly complicates the theoretical proof of G1 continuity around extraordinary vertices, reducing can recover optimal convergence rates when tHNUS functions are used as a basis in IGA. From the geometric point of view, tHNUS retains comparable shape quality as HNUS under nonuniform parameterization. Its basis functions are refinable and the geometric mapping stays invariant during refinement. Moreover, we prove that a tHNUS surface is globally G1‐continuous. From the analysis point of view, tHNUS basis functions form a nonnegative partition of unity, are globally linearly independent, and their spline spaces are nested. In the end, we numerically demonstrate that tHNUS basis functions can achieve optimal convergence rates for the Poisson's problem with nonuniform parameterization around extraordinary vertices.
Prenatal array comparative genomic hybridization in a well‐defined cohort of high‐risk pregnancies. A 3‐year implementation results in a public tertiary academic referral hospital
Authors: Tanner Laura M. , Alitalo Tiina , Stefanovic Vedran
Published: December 2020

Objective

To find out whether the diagnostic yield of prenatal array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) can be improved by targeting preselected high‐risk pregnancies.

Method

All the in‐house arrays ordered by the Fetomaternal Medical Center from February 2016 until December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. The indications for array analysis included fetal structural abnormalities, increased nuchal translucency ≥3.5 mm and a chromosomal abnormality in a parent or a sibling. Common aneuploidies were excluded.

Results

Diagnostic yield was 15.1% in the entire patient cohort and as high as 20% in fetuses with multiple structural anomalies. The diagnostic yield was lowest in the group with isolated growth retardation. A total of 76 copy number variants (CNVs) were reported from a total of 65 samples, including 16 CNVs associated with a well‐described microdeletion/microduplication syndrome, six autosomal trisomies in mosaic form, and three pathogenic single‐gene deletions with dominant inheritance and 12 CNVs known to be risk factors for eg developmental delay.

Conclusion

The diagnostic yield of aCGH was higher than what has previously been reported in less defined patient cohorts. However, the number of CNVs with unclear correlation to the fetal ultrasound findings was still relatively high. The importance of adequate pre‐ and posttest counseling must therefore be emphasized.
Safety and nonclinical and clinical pharmacokinetics of PC945, a novel inhaled triazole antifungal agent
Authors: Cass Lindsey , Murray Alison , Davis Amanda , Woodward Kathy , Albayaty Muna , Ito Kazuhiro , Strong Pete , Ayrton John , Brindley Charlie , Prosser Jayne , Murray John , French Eddie , Haywood Phillip , Wallis Christopher , Rapeport Garth
Published: December 2020

PC945 is a novel antifungal triazole formulated for nebulized delivery to treat lung Aspergillus infections. Pharmacokinetic and safety profiles from nonclinical studies and clinical trials in healthy subjects, and subjects with mild asthma were characterized. Toxicokinetics were assessed following daily 2‐hour inhalation for 14 days. Potential for drug‐drug interactions was evaluated using pooled human liver microsomes. Clinical safety and pharmacokinetics were assessed following (a) single inhaled doses (0.5‐10 mg), (b) 7‐day repeat doses (5 mg daily) in healthy subjects; (c) a single dose (5 mg) in subjects with mild asthma. Cmax occurred 4 hours (rats) or immediately (dogs) after a single dose. PC945 lung concentrations were substantially higher (>2000‐fold) than those in plasma. PC945 only inhibited CYP3A4/5 substrate metabolism (IC50: 1.33 µM [testosterone] and 0.085 µM [midazolam]). Geometric mean Cmax was 322 pg/mL (healthy subjects) and 335 pg/mL (subjects with mild asthma) 4‐5 hours (median tmax) after a single inhalation (5 mg). Following repeat, once daily inhalation (5 mg), Day 7 Cmax was 951 pg/mL (0.0016 µM) 45 minutes after dosing. Increases in Cmax and AUC0–24h were approximately dose‐proportional (0.5‐10 mg). PC945 administration was well tolerated in both healthy subjects and subjects with mild asthma. Treatment‐emergent adverse events were mild/moderate and resolved before the study ended. No clinically significant lung function changes were observed. PC945 pharmacokinetics translated from nonclinical species to humans showed slow absorption from lungs and low systemic exposure, thereby limiting the potential for adverse side effects and drug interactions commonly seen with systemically delivered azoles.
Optical Properties of ZnO Deposited by Atomic Layer Deposition on Sapphire: A Comparison of Thin and Thick Films
Authors: Adhikari Abinash , Przezdziecka Ewa , Mishra Sushma , Sybilski Piotr , Sajkowski Jacek , Guziewicz Elzbieta
Published: December 2020

Optical properties of thin (≈100 nm) ZnO films in comparison with thick (≈1 μm) layers deposited on sapphire substrates by atomic layer deposition (ALD) at temperatures from 100 to 300 °C are investigated by optical transmittance and luminescence. It is found that growth temperature, the thickness of the layers, and post‐grown annealing influence the measured optical bandgap values and low‐temperature photoluminescence. However, the values of the bandgaps corrected according to the Burstein–Moss effect do not depend on layer thickness, whereas an increase in growth temperature leads to a decrease in the energy gap. On the other hand, post‐growth annealing of the layers results in increasing the value of the energy gap and decreasing Urbach energy. It is observed that thicker and annealed samples show more intensive and narrower PL bands, which are assigned to donor and acceptor bound excitons, free electrons to acceptors, and donor–acceptor pair transitions. Their energy position and relative intensity depend on the growth temperature applied.
Ab Initio Hydrogen Dynamics and the Morphology of Voids in Amorphous Silicon
Authors: Biswas Parthapratim , Limbu Dil
Published: December 2020

This article presents an ab initio study of hydrogen dynamics inside nanometer‐size voids in amorphous silicon (a‐Si) within the framework of the density‐functional theory for a varying hydrogen load of 10–30 atoms per void at the low and high temperature of 400 and 700 K, respectively. Using the local density approximation (LDA) and its generalized‐gradient counterpart (GGA), the dynamics of hydrogen atoms inside the voids are examined with an emphasis on the diffusion of H atoms/molecules, and the resulting nanostructural changes of the void surfaces. The results from simulations suggest that the microstructure of the hydrogen distribution on the void surfaces and the morphology of the voids are characterized by the presence of a significant number of monohydride SiH bonds, along with a few dihydride configurations. The study also reveals that a considerable number (about 10–45 at%) of total H atoms inside a void can appear as H2 molecules for a hydrogen load of 10–30 H atoms per void. The approximate shape of the voids is addressed from a knowledge of the positions of the void‐surface atoms using the convex‐hull approximation and the Gaussian broadening of the pseudoatomic surfaces of Si and H atoms.
A review on pain‐relieving activity of berberine
Authors: Hashemzaei Mahmoud , Rezaee Ramin
Published: December 2020

As isoquinoline alkaloid naturally occurs in Coptis and Berberis species, berberine (BER) has shown anti‐oxidant, anti‐tumour, anti‐bacterial and hepatoprotective activities and beneficial effects against digestive, cardiovascular and neurological conditions. Also, BER antiinflammatory, pain‐relieving and anti‐cholinesterase activities were widely studied. The present overview discusses the analgesic effects of BER. Based on the literature, BER exerted pain‐relieving activity against diabetic and chemotherapy‐induced neuropathy, and sciatic nerve injury‐induced pain via down‐regulation of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1, suppression of NF‐κB and modulation of μ and δ opioid receptors. Besides, BER could repress inflammatory markers tumour necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐6 and IL‐1β, as well as prostaglandin E2, inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase‐2. The modulatory effects of BER on dopamine and N‐methyl d‐aspartate systems were also noted. Moreover, BER could induce Nrf2 expression but inhibits p38‐MAPK and STAT3 phosphorylation. Noteworthy, anti‐cholinesterase activity, which may potentially contribute to BER analgesic properties, warrants particular attention.
Becoming advocates: Positioning immigrant youth to share, connect, and apply their stories as tools for social change
Authors: Martin‐Beltrán Melinda , Montoya‐Ávila Angélica , García Andrés A.
Published: December 2020

Although TESOL educators often incorporate autobiographical narrative as pedagogy to develop language and literacy among language learners, research has paid little attention to how immigrant youths’ personal stories relate to advocacy and social justice. This article addresses this gap by investigating and theorizing how student advocacy developed in an autobiographical narrative project, the Immigrant Student Stories Project (ISSP). Using a positioning theoretical lens and an ethnographic approach, the authors focus on students’ participation and voices in their narratives and draw upon interviews and observational fieldnotes across ISSP contexts within and beyond one high school. The authors’ investigation of the ISSP examined what students do with their narratives and how they are positioned both in and outside of a classroom context, which the authors argue have consequences for language learning and social justice. The study found that learners are positioned as legitimate speakers, community members, and advocates when they are afforded opportunities to share their stories publicly, connect their stories with a larger community, and apply their stories as tools for advocacy. This study contributes to TESOL scholarship by exploring student advocacy through the lens of positioning theory and revealing how advocacy, language, and literacy can develop synergistically through storytelling.
Multiscale optimisation of resonant frequencies for lattice-based additive manufactured structures
Authors: Nightingale Morgan , Hewson Robert , Santer Matthew
Published: December 2020

This paper introduces a novel methodology for the optimisation of resonant frequencies in three-dimensional lattice structures. The method uses a multiscale approach in which the homogenised material properties of the lattice unit cell are defined by the spatially varying lattice parameters. Material properties derived from precomputed simulations of the small scale lattice are projected onto response surfaces, thereby describing the large-scale metamaterial properties as polynomial functions of the small-scale parameters. Resonant frequencies and mode shapes are obtained through the eigenvalue analysis of the large-scale finite element model which provides the basis for deriving the frequency sensitivities. Frequency tailoring is achieved by imposing constraints on the resonant frequency for a compliance minimisation optimisation. A sorting method based on the Modal Assurance Criterion allows for specific mode shapes to be optimised whilst simultaneously reducing the impact of localised modes on the optimisation. Three cases of frequency constraints are investigated and compared with an unconstrained optimisation to demonstrate the algorithms applicability. The results show that the optimisation is capable of handling strict frequency constraints and with the use of the modal tracking can even alter the original ordering of the resonant mode shapes. Frequency tailoring allows for improved functionality of compliance-minimised aerospace components by avoiding resonant frequencies and hence dynamic stresses.
Pathogenesis and contemporary diagnoses for lateral hip pain: a scoping review
Authors: Sunil Kumar Karadi Hari , Rawal Jaikirty , Nakano Naoki , Sarmento André , Khanduja Vikas
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Recent advances in diagnostic imaging techniques and soft tissue endoscopy now allow for precise diagnosis and management of extra-articular hip pathology. The aim of this scoping review is to present an evidence-based update of the relevant literature focussing only on the pathoanatomy, clinical assessment and the diagnosis of pathology in the peritrochanteric space.

Methods

A literature search was performed on PubMed to include articles which reported on the anatomy and diagnosis of greater trochanteric pain syndrome, trochanteric bursitis, gluteus medius tears and external snapping hip syndrome.

Results

A total of 542 studies were identified, of which 49 articles were included for full text analysis for the scoping review. Peritrochanteric space pathology can be broadly classified into (1) greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS), (2) abductor tears and (3) external snapping hip syndrome. Anatomically, gluteus medius, gluteus minimus and tensor fascia lata work in conjunction to abduct and internally rotate the hip. The anterolateral part of the gluteus medius tendon is more prone to tears due to a thin tendinous portion. Increased acetabular anteversion has also been shown to be associated with gluteal and trochanteric bursitis. In terms of clinical examination, tests which were found to be most useful for assisting in the diagnoses of lateral hip pain were the single-leg stance, resisted external derotation of the hip, hip lag sign and the Trendelenburg’s test. Dynamic ultrasound along with guided injections and MRI scan do assist in differentiating the pathology and confirming the diagnosis in patients presenting with lateral hip pain. Finally, the assessment of baseline psychological impairment is essential in this group of patients to ensure outcomes are optimised.

Conclusion

Lateral hip pain used to be a poorly defined entity, but advances in imaging and interest in sports medicine have led to a better understanding of the pathology, presentation and management of this cohort of patients. A thorough appreciation of the anatomy of the abductor musculature, specific clinical signs and imaging findings will lead to an appropriate diagnosis being made and management plan instituted.

Level of evidence

IV.
How proteins open fusion pores: insights from molecular simulations
Authors: Risselada H. Jelger , Grubmüller Helmut
Published: December 2020

Fusion proteins can play a versatile and involved role during all stages of the fusion reaction. Their roles go far beyond forcing the opposing membranes into close proximity to drive stalk formation and fusion. Molecular simulations have played a central role in providing a molecular understanding of how fusion proteins actively overcome the free energy barriers of the fusion reaction up to the expansion of the fusion pore. Unexpectedly, molecular simulations have revealed a preference of the biological fusion reaction to proceed through asymmetric pathways resulting in the formation of, e.g., a stalk-hole complex, rim-pore, or vertex pore. Force-field based molecular simulations are now able to directly resolve the minimum free-energy path in protein-mediated fusion as well as quantifying the free energies of formed reaction intermediates. Ongoing developments in Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), free energy calculations, and coarse-grained force-fields will soon gain additional insights into the diverse roles of fusion proteins.
Evaluation of [18F]F-DPA as a target for TSPO in head and neck cancer under normal conditions and after radiotherapy
Authors: Tuominen Sanni , Keller Thomas , Petruk Nataliia , López-Picón Francisco , Eichin Dominik , Löyttyniemi Eliisa , Verhassel Alejandra , Rajander Johan , Sandholm Jouko , Tuomela Johanna , Grönroos Tove J.
Published: December 2020

Background

Many malignant tumours have increased TSPO expression, which has been related to a poor prognosis. TSPO-PET tracers have not comprehensively been evaluated in peripherally located tumours. This study aimed to evaluate whether N,N-diethyl-2-(2-(4-([18F]fluoro)phenyl)-5,7-dimethylpyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-3-yl)acetamide ([18F]F-DPA) can reflect radiotherapy (RT)-induced changes in TSPO activity in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Methods

RT was used to induce inflammatory responses in HNSCC xenografts and cells. [18F]F-DPA uptake was measured in vivo in non-irradiated and irradiated tumours, followed by ex vivo biodistribution, autoradiography, and radiometabolite analysis. In vitro studies were performed in parental and TSPO-silenced (TSPO siRNA) cells. TSPO protein and mRNA expression, as well as tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs), were also assessed.

Results

In vivo imaging and ex vivo measurement revealed significantly higher [18F]F-DPA uptake in irradiated, compared to non-irradiated tumours. In vitro labelling studies with cells confirmed this finding, whereas no effect of RT on [18F]F-DPA uptake was detected in TSPO siRNA cells. Radiometabolite analysis showed that the amount of unchanged [18F]F-DPA in tumours was 95%, also after irradiation. PK11195 pre-treatment reduced the tumour-to-blood ratio of [18F]F-DPA by 73% in xenografts and by 88% in cells. TSPO protein and mRNA levels increased after RT, but were highly variable. The proportion of M1/M2 TAMs decreased after RT, whereas the proportion of monocytes and migratory monocytes/macrophages increased.

Conclusions

[18F]F-DPA can detect changes in TSPO expression levels after RT in HNSCC, which does not seem to reflect inflammation. Further studies are however needed to clarify the physiological mechanisms regulated by TSPO after RT.
Magnesium levels and outcome after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Angenendt Linus , Hilgefort Isabel , Mikesch Jan-Henrik , Schlüter Bernhard , Berdel Wolfgang E. , Lenz Georg , Stelljes Matthias , Schliemann Christoph
Published: December 2020

Low intake of magnesium has been associated with the occurrence of lymphomas and decreased magnesium levels suppress the cytotoxic function of T cells and natural killer cells in patients with “X-linked immunodeficiency with magnesium defect, Epstein-Barr virus infection, and neoplasia” (XMEN) syndrome. These cell types are also important mediators of immune-mediated effects after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Here, we show that high posttransplant magnesium levels independently associate with a lower incidence of relapse, a higher risk of acute graft-versus-host disease, and a higher non-relapse mortality in 368 patients with acute myeloid leukemia from our center. Magnesium serum levels might impact on donor-cell-mediated immune responses in acute myeloid leukemia.
Developmental conditions promote individual differentiation of endocrine axes and behavior in a tropical pinniped
Authors: DeRango Eugene J. , Schwarz Jonas F. L. , Zenth Friederike , Piedrahita Paolo , Páez-Rosas Diego , Crocker Daniel E. , Krüger Oliver
Published: December 2020

Between-individual variation in behavior can emerge through complex interactions between state-related mechanisms, which include internal physiological constraints or feedback derived from the external environment. State-related conditions can be especially influential during early life, when parental effort and exposure to social stress may canalize consistent differences in offspring hormonal profiles and foster specific behavioral strategies. Here, we unravel how relevant state variables, including sex, somatic condition, local population density, and maternal traits, contribute to within-cohort differences in stress, sex, and thyroid hormone axes in dependent Galapagos sea lions with the primary goal of understanding downstream effects on boldness, docility, habitat use, and activity. Pups within denser natal sites had higher levels of cortisol and thyroid T4, a prohormone and proxy for metabolic reserves, likely as an adaptive physiological response after exposure to increased numbers of conspecific interactions. Furthermore, considering maternal effects, mothers in better body condition produced pups with higher testosterone yet downregulated basal cortisol and thyroid T4. This hormonal profile was correlated with increased boldness toward novel objects and attenuated stress responsiveness during capture. Intriguingly, pups with increased thyroid T3, the biologically active form, maintained faster somatic growth and were observed to have increased activity and extensively explored surrounding habitats. Collectively, these findings provide comprehensive evidence for several links to hormone-mediated behavioral strategies, highlighted by variation in socio-environmental and maternally derived input during a foundational life stage.
Smallholder perceptions of land restoration activities: rewetting tropical peatland oil palm areas in Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: Ward Caroline , Stringer Lindsay C. , Warren-Thomas Eleanor , Agus Fahmuddin , Crowson Merry , Hamer Keith , Hariyadi Bambang , Kartika Winda D. , Lucey Jennifer , McClean Colin , Nurida Neneng L. , Petorelli Nathalie , Pratiwi Etty , Saad Aasmadi , Andriyani Ririn , Ariani Tantria , Sriwahyuni Heni , Hill Jane K.
Published: December 2020

The Indonesian government committed to restoring over 2 million ha of degraded peatland by the end of 2020, mainly to reduce peat fires and greenhouse gas emissions. Although it is unlikely the government will meet this target, restoration projects are still underway. One restoration strategy involves blocking peatland drainage canals, but the consequences of this for smallholder farmers whose livelihoods are dependent on agriculture are unclear. This paper investigates perceived impacts of canal blocks on smallholder farmers and identifies factors that affect their willingness to accept canal blocks on their land. We use data from 181 household questionnaires collected in 2018 across three villages in Jambi province, Sumatra. We found that the majority of respondents would accept canal blocks on their farms, perceiving that the blocks would have no impact on yields or farm access, and would decrease fire risk. Respondents who would not accept blocks on their farms were more likely to use canals to access their farms and perceive that canal blocks would decrease yields. The majority of farmers unwilling to accept canal blocks did not change their mind when provided with an option of a block that would allow boat travel. Our results improve understanding of why some smallholders may be unwilling to engage with peatland restoration. Further research is needed to understand the impact of canal blocks on smallholders’ yields. Engaging with stakeholders from the outset to understand farmers’ concerns, and perceptions is key if the government is to succeed in meeting its peatland restoration target and to ensure that the costs and benefits of restoration are evenly shared between local stakeholders and other actors.
Negative impacts of invasive predators used as biological control agents against the pest snail Lissachatina fulica: the snail Euglandina ‘rosea’ and the flatworm Platydemus manokwari
Authors: Gerlach Justin , Barker Gary M. , Bick Cindy S. , Bouchet Philippe , Brodie Gilianne , Christensen Carl C. , Collins Timothy , Coote Trevor , Cowie Robert H. , Fiedler G. Curt , Griffiths Owen L. , Florens F. B. Vincent , Hayes Kenneth A. , Kim Jaynee , Meyer Jean-Yves , Meyer Wallace M. , Richling Ira , Slapcinsky John D. , Winsor Leigh , Yeung Norine W.
Published: December 2020

Since 1955 snails of theEuglandina roseaspecies complex andPlatydemus manokwariflatworms were widely introduced in attempted biological control of giant African snails (Lissachatina fulica) but have been implicated in the mass extinction of Pacific island snails. We review the histories of the 60 introductions and their impacts onL. fulicaand native snails. Since 1993 there have been unofficial releases ofEuglandinawithin island groups. Only three officialP. manokwarireleases took place, but new populations are being recorded at an increasing rate, probably because of accidental introduction. Claims that these predators controlledL. fulicacannot be substantiated; in some cases pest snail declines coincided with predator arrival but concomitant declines occurred elsewhere in the absence of the predator and the declines in some cases were only temporary. In the Hawaiian Islands, although there had been some earlier declines of native snails, theEuglandinaimpacts on native snails are clear with rapid decline of many endemic Hawaiian Achatinellinae following predator arrival. In the Society Islands, Partulidae tree snail populations remained stable untilEuglandinaintroduction, when declines were extremely rapid with an exact correspondence between predator arrival and tree snail decline.Platydemus manokwariinvasion coincides with native snail declines on some islands, notably the Ogasawara Islands of Japan, and its invasion of Florida has led to mass mortality ofLiguusspp. tree snails. We conclude thatEuglandinaandP. manokwariare not effective biocontrol agents, but do have major negative effects on native snail faunas. These predatory snails and flatworms are generalist predators and as such are not suitable for biological control.
What explains the gender gap in wealth? Evidence from administrative data
Authors: Meriküll Jaanika , Kukk Merike , Rõõm Tairi
Published: December 2020

This paper studies the gender gap in net wealth. We use administrative data on wealth that are linked to the Estonian Household Finance and Consumption Survey, which provides individual-level wealth data for all household types. The unconditional gender gap in mean wealth is 45%, but this sizeable gap in means originates mainly from the top tail of the distribution, where men have much more wealth than women, while the gender differences in wealth are statistically insignificant in most of the lower wealth quintiles. At the top of the distribution the differences in wealth can be explained by larger self-employment activity of men. Men have more business wealth than women do, and the gender wealth gap is the largest for this asset class. The gender wealth gaps across different household types are very heterogeneous. The unconditional gaps in wealth are strongly in favour of men throughout most of the wealth distribution for married couples. For single-member households, on the other hand, the raw gaps are in favour of women in the lower half of the wealth distribution. These raw gaps in opposite directions can mostly be explained by differences in the observed characteristics of men and women among married couples vs single people.
Probabilistic truth approximation and fixed points
Authors: Atkinson David , Peijnenburg Jeanne
Published: December 2020

We use the method of fixed points to describe a form of probabilistic truth approximation which we illustrate by means of three examples. We then contrast this form of probabilistic truth approximation with another, more familiar kind, where no fixed points are used. In probabilistic truth approximation with fixed points the events are dependent on one another, but in the second kind they are independent. The first form exhibits a phenomenon that we call ‘fading origins’, the second one is subject to a phenomenon known as ‘the washing out of the prior’. We explain that the two phenomena may seem very similar, but are in fact quite different.
Towards early purchase intention prediction in online session based retailing systems
Authors: Esmeli Ramazan , Bader-El-Den Mohamed , Abdullahi Hassana
Published: December 2020

Purchase prediction has an important role for decision-makers in e-commerce to improve consumer experience, provide personalised recommendations and increase revenue. Many works investigated purchase prediction for session logs by analysing users’ behaviour to predict purchase intention after a session has ended. In most cases, e-shoppers prefer to be anonymous while browsing the websites and after a session has ended, identifying users and offering discounts can be challenging. Therefore, after a session ends, predicting purchase intention may not be useful for the e-commerce strategists. In this work, we propose and develop an early purchase prediction framework using advanced machine learning models to investigate how early purchase intention in an ongoing session can be predicted. Since users could be anonymous, this could help to give real-time offers and discounts before the session ends. We use dynamically created session features after each interaction in a session, and propose a utility scoring method to evaluate how early machine learning models can predict the probability of purchase intention. The proposed framework is validated with a real-world dataset. Computational experiments show machine learning models can identify purchase intention early with good performance in terms of Area Under Curve (AUC) score which shows success rate of machine learning models on early purchase prediction.
Estimate the amount of ground water recharge in hard formations, case study: Mashhad, Iran
Authors: Alem Hossein , Esmaeilzadeh Soudejani Akbar , Fallahi Mahmood
Published: December 2020

Discovering underground water resources remains a vital and inevitable method for optimizing consumption and also maintaining existing resources, not only in the world in general but also in places like Mashhad in particular which faces increasing need for water. Therefore, the present paper aims to identify potential locations for developing karst formations by calculating infiltration percentage of formations. APLIS method, based on GIS analysis, was used to do analytical hierarchical process. Experimental variables assumed to affect infiltration and storage of rain water include altitude, slope, lithology, soil, preferred infiltration sites, and fracture. Information layers for all the above variables were created, and their proportional weight and combinations were specified. Finally, recharge rates of aquifers were calculated and presented in form of maps which also showed the extent of karst formations for various regions. Results let us see that location-specific average of recharge rate for Mashhad formations is 46% in a span of 15–96%. Any increase in infiltration percentage means more karstification in lithology of formations. The ability to map the water resources management and determine the water balance components, including estimating the amount of groundwater resource penetration, and the spatial identification of karst sources compared to other existing methods, is higher. Therefore, the map possesses predictive strength for potential regions of development of karstification. Given the recharge rates for various sites and specified karstic regions, we can anticipate a more efficient management with regard to maintaining water resources and managing consumption. Such management would be more economical and less time-consuming.
Traumatic hollow viscus and mesenteric injury: role of CT and potential diagnostic–therapeutic algorithm
Authors: Bonomi Alessandro Michele , Granieri Stefano , Gupta Shailvi , Altomare Michele , Cioffi Stefano Piero Bernardo , Sammartano Fabrizio , Cimbanassi Stefania , Chiara Osvaldo
Published: December 2020

Despite its rarity, traumatic hollow viscus and mesenteric injury (HVMI) have high mortality and complication rates. There is no consensus regarding its best management. Our aim is to evaluate contrast enhanced CT (ceCT) in the screening of HVMI and its capability to assess the need for surgery. All trauma patients admitted to an urban Level 1 trauma center between 2010 and 2018 were retrospectively evaluated. Patients with ceCT scan prior to laparotomy were included. Patients requiring surgical repair of HVMI and a ceCT scan consistent with HVMI were considered true positives. Six ceCT scan criteria for HVMI were used; at least one criterion was considered positive for HVMI. Sensitivity (Sn), specificity (Sp), predictive values (PV), likelihood ratios (LR) and accuracy (Ac) of ceCT of single ceCT criteria and of the association of ceCT criteria were calculated using intraoperative findings as gold standard. Therapeutic time (TT), death probability (DP), and observed mortality (OM) were described. 114 of 4369 patients were selected for ceCT accuracy analysis; 47 were considered true positives. Sn of ceCT for HVMI was 97.9%, Sp 63.6%, PPV 66.2%, NPV 97.6%, + LR 2.69, −LR 0.03, Ac 78%; no single criterion stood out. The association of four or more criteria improved ceCT Sp to 98.5%, PPV to 95.6%, + LR to 30.5. Median TT was 2 h (IQR: 1–3 h). OM was 7.8%—not significantly higher than overall OM. CeCT in trauma has become a reliable screening test for HVMI and a valid exam to select HVMI patients for surgical exploration.
A rare cerebellar vermis high-grade neuroepithelial tumor
Authors: Kashgari Amna , Al Otaibi Rases , Al Sufiani Fahd , Azzubi Moutasem
Published: December 2020

Neuroepithelial tumors, formerly known as primitive neuroectodermal tumors of the central nervous system, are reclassified under embryonal tumors in the 2016 WHO Classification of Tumors of the Central Nervous System. The tumor has two known genetic alterations: HGNET-MN1 and HGNET-BCOR. Previously, radiological features of the tumor have been reported as large, intra-axial lesions in the cerebral or cerebellar hemisphere, which presents mild adjacent edema. Here, we report the first case of high-grade neuroepithelial tumor not elsewhere classified (HGNET-NEC) arising from the cerebellar vermis, demonstrating good outcomes in clinical follow-up when compared with previously known types.
The Psychology of Social Influence
Authors: Sammut Gordon , Bauer Martin W.
Published: December 2020

This volume brings together the full range of modalities of social influence - from crowding, leadership, and norm formation to resistance and mass mediation - to set out a challenge-and-response 'cyclone' model. The authors use real-world examples to ground this model and review each modality of social influence in depth. A 'periodic table of social influence' is constructed that characterises and compares exercises of influence in practical terms. The wider implications of social influence are considered, such as how each exercise of a single modality stimulates responses from other modalities and how any everyday process is likely to arise from a mix of influences. The book demonstrates that different modalities of social influence are tactics that defend, question, and develop 'common sense' over time and offers advice to those studying in political and social movements, social change, and management.
Near Real‐Time Global Plasma Irregularity Monitoring by FORMOSAT‐7/COSMIC‐2
Authors: Chen Shih‐Ping , Lin Charles (C. H.) , Rajesh Panthalingal Krishanunni , Liu Jann‐Yenq , Eastes Richard , Chou Min‐Yang , Choi Jong‐Min
Published: December 2020

This study presents initial results of the ionospheric scintillation in the F layer using the S4 index derived from the radio occultation experiment (RO‐S4) on FORMOSAT‐7/COSMIC‐2 (F7/C2). With the sufficiently dense RO‐S4 observations at low latitudes, it is possible to construct hourly, global scintillation maps to monitor equatorial plasma bubbles (EPBs). The preliminary F7/C2 RO‐S4 during August 2019 to April 2020 show clear scintillation distributions around American and the Atlantic Ocean longitudes. The RO‐S4 near Jicamarca are compared with range‐time‐intensity (RTI) maps of the 50 MHz radar, and the results show that the occurrence of intense RO‐S4 in the range 0.125–0.5 are co‐located with the bottomside of the spread‐F patterns. Increases in RO‐S4 at the upward phase of bottom‐side oscillations is theoretically consistent with large‐scale wave seeding of the EPBs. The locations and occurrences of the RO‐S4 greater than 0.5 are consistent with airglows depletions from the NASA GOLD mission. Climatology analyses show that monthly occurrences of RO‐S4 > 0.5 agree well with the monthly EPB occurrences in GOLD 135.6 nm image, and show a similar longitudinal distribution to that of DMSP and C/NOFS in‐situ measurements. The results suggest that the RO‐S4 intensities can be utilized to identify EPBs of specific scales.
Grain Size‐Specific Engelund‐Hansen Type Relation for Bed Material Load in Sand‐Bed Rivers, With Application to the Mississippi River
Authors: An Chenge , Gong Zheng , Naito Kensuke , Parker Gary , Hassan Marwan A. , Ma Hongbo , Fu Xudong
Published: December 2020

Many sand‐bed rivers worldwide have been experiencing significant reductions in sediment load over the past several decades. This is one of the causes of river delta drowning worldwide. This problem, however, has not been studied in detail in the context of sediment grain sorting. Considering the good performance of the original Engelund‐Hansen relation (OEH) for uniform sediment, and the fact that bulk grain size‐specific relations for bed material load that allow for sorting are relatively rare in the case of sand‐bed rivers, a grain size‐specific Engelund‐Hansen type relation (SEH) is proposed in this study based on data from a large flume. We embed both the OEH and the SEH in a one‐dimensional river morphodynamic model to simulate the morphodynamic evolution of the middle Mississippi River in response to the upstream cutoff of sediment supply. Simulation results using a single characteristic grain size show that bed material load delivered to the delta reduces only gradually in response to the cutoff of sediment supply, in agreement with previous studies. However, implementing the full grain size distribution of sediment leads to a much faster reduction of bed material load delivered to the delta, because the bed surface coarsens in response to grain sorting. This armoring inhibits the bed degradation that would replenish sediment load along the channel. The bed material load of finer sediment declines more rapidly than that of coarser sediment. The results of this study have practical implications for river delta restoration.
Complexation of 2,7-diazapyrene with boron for structural and electronic tuning
Authors: Nakazato Takumi , Shinokubo Hiroshi , Miyake Yoshihiro
Published: December 2020

Complexation of tetra(hydroxyphenyl)-2,7-diazapyrene with boron provided the boron complexes as anti- and syn-isomers. The structural difference induces self-association behaviour of the syn-isomer and isomerisation of the anti-isomer in the solution and solid states.
Plasmonic nanocatalysts for visible-NIR light induced hydrogen generation from storage materials
Authors: Verma Priyanka , Mori Kohsuke , Kuwahara Yasutaka , Raja Robert , Yamashita Hiromi
Published: December 2020

This review highlights the latest progress on harnessing plasmonic photocatalysts for their application in the enhanced hydrogen evolution from ammonia borane under visible-NIR light irradiation.
Red-to-blue paper-based colorimetric sensor integrated with smartphone for point-of-use analysis of cerebral AChE upon Cd2+ exposure
Authors: Liu Chang , Luo Yuxin , Wen Huijie , Qi Yanxia , Shi Guoyue , Deng Jingjing , Zhou Tianshu
Published: December 2020

A red-to-blue paper-based colorimetric sensor integrated with a smartphone was developed for point-of-use analysis of cerebral AChE upon Cd2+ exposure.
Tuning the interfacial electronic structure via Au clusters for boosting photocatalytic H2 evolution
Authors: Feng Wenhui , Lei Yanhua , Wu Xishuang , Yuan Jie , Chen Jianhong , Xu Difa , Zhang Xiangchao , Zhang Shiying , Liu Ping , Zhang Lulu , Weng Bo
Published: December 2020

Gold (Au) clusters are arranged at the interface of Zn0.5Cd0.5S and Mo2C, achieving (Mo2C/Au)@Zn0.5Cd0.5S configuration, where numerous Au-mediated link points can serve as multifunctional mediators for boosting photocatalytic H2 production.