bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevention of coronary obstruction in patients at risk undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation: the Hamburg BASILICA experience
Authors: Westermann Dirk , Ludwig Sebastian , Kalbacher Daniel , Spink Clemens , Linder Matthias , Bhadra Oliver D. , Nikorowitsch Julius , Waldschmidt Lara , Demal Till , Voigtländer Lisa , Schaefer Andreas , Seiffert Moritz , Pecha Simon , Schofer Niklas , Greenbaum Adam B. , Reichenspurner Hermann , Blankenberg Stefan , Conradi Lenard , Schirmer Johannes
Published: June 2021

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the clinical outcome of the bioprosthetic or native aortic scallop intentional laceration to prevent iatrogenic coronary obstruction (BASILICA) technique in a single-center patient cohort considered at high or prohibitive risk of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI)-induced coronary obstruction.

Methods

Between October 2019 and January 2021, a total of 15 consecutive patients (age 81.0 [78.1, 84.4] years; 53.3% female; EuroSCORE II 10.6 [6.3, 14.8] %) underwent BASILICA procedure prior to TAVI at our institution. Indications for TAVI were degeneration of stented (n = 12, 80.0%) or stentless (n = 1, 6.7%) bioprosthetic aortic valves, or calcific stenosis of native aortic valves (n = 2, 13.3%), respectively. Individual risk of TAVI-induced coronary obstruction was assessed by pre-procedural computed tomography analysis. Procedural and 30-day outcomes were documented in accordance with Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC)-2 criteria.

Results

BASILICA was attempted for single left coronary cusp in 12 patients (80.0%), for single right coronary cusp in 2 patients (13.3%), and for both cusps in 1 patient (6.7%), respectively. The procedure was feasible in 13 patients (86.7%) resulting in effective prevention of coronary obstruction, whilst TAVI was performed without prior successful bioprosthetic leaflet laceration in two patients (13.3%). In one of these patients (6.7%), additional chimney stenting immediately after TAVI was performed. No all-cause deaths or strokes were documented after 30 days.

Conclusion

The BASILICA technique appears to be a feasible, safe and effective concept to avoid iatrogenic coronary artery obstruction during TAVI in both native and bioprosthetic valves of patients at high or prohibitive risk.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04227002 (Hamburg AoRtic Valve cOhoRt).
Pervasive fluid-rock interaction in subducted oceanic crust revealed by oxygen isotope zoning in garnet
Authors: Bovay Thomas , Rubatto Daniela , Lanari Pierre
Published: June 2021

Dehydration reactions in the subducting slab liberate fluids causing major changes in rock density, volume and permeability. Although it is well known that the fluids can migrate and interact with the surrounding rocks, fluid pathways remain challenging to track and the consequences of fluid-rock interaction processes are often overlooked. In this study, we investigate pervasive fluid-rock interaction in a sequence of schists and mafic felses exposed in the Theodul Glacier Unit (TGU), Western Alps. This unit is embedded within metaophiolites of the Zermatt-Saas Zone and reached eclogite-facies conditions during Alpine convergence. Chemical mapping and in situ oxygen isotope analyses of garnet from the schists reveal a sharp chemical zoning between a xenomorphic core and a euhedral rim, associated to a drop of ~ 8‰ in δ18O. Thermodynamic and δ18O models show that the large amount of low δ18O H2O required to change the reactive bulk δ18O composition cannot be produced by dehydration of the mafic fels from the TGU only, and requires a large contribution of the surrounding serpentinites. The calculated time-integrated fluid flux across the TGU rocks is 1.1 × 105 cm3/cm2, which is above the open-system behaviour threshold and argues for pervasive fluid flow at kilometre-scale under high-pressure conditions. The transient rock volume variations caused by lawsonite breakdown is identified as a possible trigger for the pervasive fluid influx. The calculated schist permeability at eclogite-facies conditions (~ 2 × 10–20 m2) is comparable to the permeability determined experimentally for blueschist and serpentinites.
Functioning of EPR Automatic Frequency Control in the Presence of the Circulator’s Spurious Leakage
Authors: Kozioł Jerzy , Froncisz Wojciech
Published: June 2021

This article presents an analysis of spurious signals’ influence on automatic frequency control (AFC) in EPR spectrometers. The primary source of spurious signals is leakage across the circulator in the microwave bridge. Additionally, the signals reflected from connectors in the line between the circulator and the resonator modify that signal. Spurious signals may degrade the performance of AFC, significantly offsetting lock points from the center frequency of the resonator. The offset’s size depends on the parameters of the resonator and the amount of the circulator isolation. It can be minimized by the appropriate use of a phase shifter located in the line between the circulator and the resonator. Another way to avoid these problems is to introduce a leakage compensation arm to the microwave bridge.
Linear and nonlinear effects of nutrient enrichments on the diversity of macrobenthos in lowland watercourses
Authors: Koperski Paweł
Published: June 2021

The study concerns the relationships between taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic diversity of benthic invertebrates inhabiting watercourses and abiotic parameters associated with excessive nutrients load (concentration of Kjejdahl nitrogen, nitrates, phosphorus, organic carbon and dissolved oxygen, values of BOD5 and electrolytic conductivity). The research used data on the species composition of leeches, molluscs and larval forms of odonates and chironomid dipterans. Their description using mathematical functions allowed to determine whether the diversity reaches maximal values at extreme or moderate values of nutrients enrichment. In most cases, statistically significant relationships were unimodal—the highest diversity was observed at intermediate values of nutrients content and associated parameters, however the different patterns of relationships, monotonic and inverse quadratic, were also observed. Indirect impacts of nutrients enrichment on diversity were found as the most significant relationships. Significant responses of functional diversity were clearer and stronger than responses of taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity. The identification of fauna to the species level allowed for obtaining precise results that could enable selection of appropriate parameters for effective assessment of environmental degradation.
Over a decade of social opinion mining: a systematic review
Authors: Cortis Keith , Davis Brian
Published: June 2021

Social media popularity and importance is on the increase due to people using it for various types of social interaction across multiple channels. This systematic review focuses on the evolving research area of Social Opinion Mining, tasked with the identification of multiple opinion dimensions, such as subjectivity, sentiment polarity, emotion, affect, sarcasm and irony, from user-generated content represented across multiple social media platforms and in various media formats, like text, image, video and audio. Through Social Opinion Mining, natural language can be understood in terms of the different opinion dimensions, as expressed by humans. This contributes towards the evolution of Artificial Intelligence which in turn helps the advancement of several real-world use cases, such as customer service and decision making. A thorough systematic review was carried out on Social Opinion Mining research which totals 485 published studies and spans a period of twelve years between 2007 and 2018. The in-depth analysis focuses on the social media platforms, techniques, social datasets, language, modality, tools and technologies, and other aspects derived. Social Opinion Mining can be utilised in many application areas, ranging from marketing, advertising and sales for product/service management, and in multiple domains and industries, such as politics, technology, finance, healthcare, sports and government. The latest developments in Social Opinion Mining beyond 2018 are also presented together with future research directions, with the aim of leaving a wider academic and societal impact in several real-world applications.
Quantum technologies in space
Authors: Kaltenbaek Rainer , Acin Antonio , Bacsardi Laszlo , Bianco Paolo , Bouyer Philippe , Diamanti Eleni , Marquardt Christoph , Omar Yasser , Pruneri Valerio , Rasel Ernst , Sang Bernhard , Seidel Stephan , Ulbricht Hendrik , Ursin Rupert , Villoresi Paolo , van den Bossche Mathias , von Klitzing Wolf , Zbinden Hugo , Paternostro Mauro , Bassi Angelo
Published: June 2021

Recently, the European Commission supported by many European countries has announced large investments towards the commercialization of quantum technology (QT) to address and mitigate some of the biggest challenges facing today’s digital era – e.g. secure communication and computing power. For more than two decades the QT community has been working on the development of QTs, which promise landmark breakthroughs leading to commercialization in various areas. The ambitious goals of the QT community and expectations of EU authorities cannot be met solely by individual initiatives of single countries, and therefore, require a combined European effort of large and unprecedented dimensions comparable only to the Galileo or Copernicus programs. Strong international competition calls for a coordinated European effort towards the development of QT in and for space, including research and development of technology in the areas of communication and sensing. Here, we aim at summarizing the state of the art in the development of quantum technologies which have an impact in the field of space applications. Our goal is to outline a complete framework for the design, development, implementation, and exploitation of quantum technology in space.
Balloon flight test of a CeBr3 detector with silicon photomultiplier readout
Authors: Murphy David , Mangan Joseph , Ulyanov Alexei , Walsh Sarah , Dunwoody Rachel , Hanlon Lorraine , Shortt Brian , McBreen Sheila
Published: June 2021

Recent advances in silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) technology and new scintillator materials allow for the creation of compact high-performance gamma-ray detectors which can be deployed on small low-cost satellites. A small number of such satellites can provide full sky coverage and complement, or in some cases replace the existing gamma-ray missions in detection of transient gamma-ray events. The aim of this study is to test gamma-ray detection using a novel commercially available CeBr3 scintillator combined with SiPM readout in a near-space environment and inform further technology development for a future space mission. A prototype gamma-ray detector was built using a CeBr3 scintillator and an array of 16 J-Series SiPMs by ON Semiconductor. SiPM readout was performed using SIPHRA, a radiation-tolerant low-power integrated circuit developed by IDEAS. The detector was flown as a piggyback payload on the Advanced Scintillator Compton Telescope balloon flight from Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility. The payload included the detector, a Raspberry Pi on-board computer, a custom power supply board, temperature and pressure sensors, a Global Navigation Satellite System receiver and a satellite modem. The balloon delivered the detector to 37 km altitude where its detection capabilities and readout were tested in the radiation-intense near-space environment. The detector demonstrated continuous operation during the 8-hour flight and after the landing. It performed spectral measurements in an energy range of 100 keV to 8 MeV and observed the 511 keV gamma-ray line arising from positron annihilation in the atmosphere with full width half maximum of 6.8%. During ascent and descent, the detector count rate peaked at an altitude of 16 km corresponding to the point of maximum radiation intensity in the atmosphere. Despite several engineering issues discovered after the flight test, the results of this study confirm the feasibility of using CeBr3 scintillator, SiPMs, and SIPHRA in future space missions.
Surveillance recommendations for DICER1 pathogenic variant carriers: a report from the SIOPE Host Genome Working Group and CanGene-CanVar Clinical Guideline Working Group
Authors: Bakhuizen Jette J. , Hanson Helen , van der Tuin Karin , Lalloo Fiona , Tischkowitz Marc , Wadt Karin , Jongmans Marjolijn C. J. ,   SIOPE Host Genome Working Group, Dörgeloh Beate B. , Farah Roula A. , Glentis Stavros , Golmard Lisa , Hoyer Juliane , Jahnukainen Kirsi , Jewell Rosalyn , Karow Axel , Katsibardi Katharina , Kuhlen Michaela , Meinhardt Andrea , Nemes Karolina , Poluha Anna , Ripperger Tim , Waespe Nicolas ,   CanGene-CanVar Clinical Guideline Working Group, Adlard Julian , Ahmed Munaza , Brennan Bernadette , Dabir Tabib , Evans D. Gareth , Kelsey Anna , Kohut Kelly , Kulkarni Anju , Murray Alex , Ong Kai Ren , Penn Anthony , Semple Thomas , Woodward Emma R. ,   Expert Network Members, van Leeuwaarde Rachel S. , Littooij Annemieke S. , Merks Johannes H. M. , Rasmussen Åse K. , van Santen Hanneke M. , Smetsers Stephanie E.
Published: June 2021

DICER1 syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that predisposes to a wide spectrum of tumors. Developing surveillance protocols for this syndrome is challenging because uncertainty exists about the clinical efficacy of surveillance, and appraisal of potential benefits and harms vary. In addition, there is increasing evidence that germline DICER1 pathogenic variants are associated with lower penetrance for cancer than previously assumed. To address these issues and to harmonize DICER1 syndrome surveillance programs within Europe, the Host Genome Working Group of the European branch of the International Society of Pediatric Oncology (SIOPE HGWG) and Clinical Guideline Working Group of the CanGene-CanVar project in the United Kingdom reviewed current surveillance strategies and evaluated additional relevant literature. Consensus was achieved for a new surveillance protocol and information leaflet that informs patients about potential symptoms of DICER1-associated tumors. The surveillance protocol comprises a minimum program and an extended version for consideration. The key recommendations of the minimum program are: annual clinical examination from birth to age 20 years, six-monthly chest X-ray and renal ultrasound from birth to age 6 years, and thyroid ultrasound every 3 years from age 8 to age 40 years. The surveillance program for consideration comprises additional surveillance procedures, and recommendations for DICER1 pathogenic variant carriers outside the ages of the surveillance interval. Patients have to be supported in choosing the surveillance program that best meets their needs. Prospective evaluation of the efficacy and patient perspectives of proposed surveillance recommendations is required to expand the evidence base for DICER1 surveillance protocols.
Barriers and facilitators to reducing anticholinergic burden: a qualitative systematic review
Authors: Stewart Carrie , Gallacher Katie , Nakham Athagran , Cruickshank Moira , Newlands Rumana , Bond Christine , Myint Phyo Kyaw , Bhattacharya Debi , Mair Frances S.
Published: June 2021

Background Despite common use, anticholinergic medications have been associated with serious health risks. Interventions to reduce their use are being developed and there is a need to understand their implementation into clinical care. Aim of review This systematic review aims to identify and analyse qualitative research studies exploring the barriers and facilitators to reducing anticholinergic burden. Methods Medline (OVID), EMBASE (OVID), CINAHL (EMBSCO) and PsycINFO (OVID) were searched using comprehensive search terms. Peer reviewed studies published in English presenting qualitative research in relation to the barriers and facilitators of deprescribing anticholinergic medications, involving patients, carers or health professionals were eligible. Normalization Process Theory was used to explore and explain the data. Results Of 1764 identified studies, two were eligible and both involved healthcare professionals (23 general practitioners, 13 specialist clinicians and 12 pharmacists). No studies were identified that involved patients or carers. Barriers to collaborative working often resulted in poor motivation to reduce anticholinergic use. Low confidence, system resources and organisation of care also hindered anticholinergic burden reduction. Good communication and relationships with patients, carers and other healthcare professionals were reported as important for successful anticholinergic burden reduction. Having a named person for prescribing decisions, and clear role boundaries, were also important facilitators. Conclusions This review identified important barriers and facilitators to anticholinergic burden reduction from healthcare provider perspectives which can inform implementation of such deprescribing interventions. Studies exploring patient and carer perspectives are presently absent but are required to ensure person-centeredness and feasibility of future interventions.
Oral octreotide capsules for the treatment of acromegaly: comparison of 2 phase 3 trial results
Authors: Labadzhyan Artak , Nachtigall L B , Fleseriu M , Gordon M B , Molitch M , Kennedy L , Samson S L , Greenman Y , Biermasz N , Bolanowski M , Haviv A , Ludlam W , Patou G , Strasburger C J
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Results are presented from 2 to 3 trials investigating oral octreotide capsules (OOC) as an alternative to injectable somatostatin receptor ligands (iSRLs) in the treatment of acromegaly.

Methods

CH-ACM-01 was an open-label trial (N = 155) and CHIASMA OPTIMAL was a double-blind placebo-controlled (DPC) trial (N = 56), both investigating OOC as maintenance therapy for patients with acromegaly who were biochemical responders receiving iSRLs.

Results

Baseline characteristics in both trials reflected those expected of patients with acromegaly responding to treatment and were similar between trials, despite differences in inclusion criteria. OOC demonstrated a consistent degree of biochemical response across trials, with 65% of patients in CH-ACM-01 maintaining response during the core period and 64% of patients in CHIASMA OPTIMAL at the end of the DPC. Mean insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) levels remained within inclusion criteria at the end of treatment in both trials. Of 110 patients entering the fixed-dose phase in CH-ACM-01, 80% maintained or improved acromegaly symptoms from baseline to the end of treatment. Over 85% of patients in both trials elected to continue into the extension phases. OOC were found to be well tolerated across both trials, and no dose-related adverse events were observed.

Conclusions

OOC demonstrated remarkably consistent results for biochemical response, durability of response, and preference to continue with oral treatment across these 2 complementary landmark phase 3 trials, despite differences in the design of each.

Trial registration NCT03252353 (August 2017), NCT01412424 (August 2011).
Rural–urban differences in quality of life and associated factors among community-dwelling older persons in Oyo state, South-Western Nigeria
Authors: Cadmus Eniola O. , Adebusoye Lawrence A. , Owoaje Eme T.
Published: June 2021

Aim

The decline of health and functional status as a result of old age makes it necessary to assess the Quality of Life (QoL) among older persons. There is, however, limited information in this regard from low and middle-income countries such as Nigeria. This study compares the QoL and associated factors among rural and urban community-dwelling older persons (≥ 60 years) in Oyo State, Nigeria.

Subject and methods

A cross-sectional, comparative community-based study was carried out using an interviewer-administered, semi-structured questionnaire. The QoL was determined using the World Health Organisation Quality of Life Brief Scale (WHOQOL-BREF). Data were analysed using Stata version 14 at p < 0.05.

Results

Overall, 1,180 (588 urban and 592 rural-dwelling) respondents were interviewed. Females constituted more than half of the respondents in both communities, accounting for over two thirds (69.2%) of the population. The mean QoL scores were similar in the psychological (54.2 ± 7.4) and environmental (54.7 ± 9.5) domains. However, the mean score for the physical domain was 69.2 ± 17.0 and 74.1 ± 12 for the social domain. There was no statistically significant difference between mean scores of the QoL in the two locations except in the environmental domain (p < 0.05). Good self-rated health was a common positive predictor of higher mean scores across the four domains in both the rural and urban settings (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The rural–urban differences in the mean quality of life scores in the environmental domain in the study and poorer scores in the psychological and environmental domains necessitate areas for targeted intervention and more in-depth research.
Legal Concepts as Mental Representations
Authors: Jakubiec Marek
Published: June 2021

Although much ink has been spilled on different aspects of legal concepts, the approach based on the developments of cognitive science is a still neglected area of study. The “mental” and cognitive aspect of these concepts, i.e., their features as mental constructs and cognitive tools, especially in the light of the developments of the cognitive sciences, is discussed quite rarely. The argument made by this paper is that legal concepts are best understood as mental representations. The piece explains what mental representations are and why this view matters. The explanation of legal concepts, understood as mental representations is one of (at least) three levels of explanation within legal philosophy, but—as will be argued—it is the most fundamental level. This paper analyzes the consequences of such understanding of concepts used in the field of legal philosophy. Special emphasis is put on the current debate on the analogical or amodal nature of concepts.
Convective Instability in Slip Flow in a Vertical Circular Porous Microchannel
Authors: Avramenko A. A. , Shevchuk I. V. , Tyrinov A. I.
Published: June 2021

The paper represents an analysis of convective instability in a vertical cylindrical porous microchannel performed using the Galerkin method. The dependence of the critical Rayleigh number on the Darcy, Knudsen, and Prandtl numbers, as well as on the ratio of the thermal conductivities of the fluid and the wall, was obtained. It was shown that a decrease in permeability of the porous medium (in other words, increase in its porosity) causes an increase in flow stability. This effect is substantially nonlinear. Under the condition Da > 0.1, the effect of the porosity on the critical Rayleigh number practically vanishes. Strengthening of the slippage effects leads to an increase in the instability of the entire system. The slippage effect on the critical Rayleigh number is nonlinear. The level of nonlinearity depends on the Prandtl number. With an increase in the Prandtl number, the effect of slippage on the onset of convection weakens. With an increase in the ratio of the thermal conductivities of the fluid and the wall, the influence of the Prandtl number decreases. At high values of the Prandtl numbers (Pr > 10), its influence practically vanishes.
Existence and implications of a pitchfork-Hopf bifurcation in a continuous-time two-sector growth model
Authors: Bella Giovanni , Mattana Paolo , Venturi Beatrice
Published: June 2021

This paper shows that the dynamics of the Lucas (J Monet Econ, 22:3–42, 1988) endogenous growth model with flow externalities may give rise to a 2-torus, a compact three-dimensional manifold enclosed by a two-dimensional surface. The implications of this result are relevant for many fields of economic theory. It is first of all clear that if we choose to initialize the dynamics in the basin of attraction of this trapping region, a continuum of perfect foresight solutions may be observed. A simple econometric exercise, linking the physical-to-human capital ratio (state variable) to the 5-years forward variance of the growth rate of an unbalanced sample of 183 countries, seems to provide empirical backing for the phenomenon. Other important consequences, relevant from the point of view of endogenous cycles theory, are also scrutinized in the paper.
A methodology for the formulation of water retention models in deformable soils
Authors: Gallipoli Domenico , Bruno Agostino Walter
Published: June 2021

This paper presents a novel approach to soil–water retention modelling that is based on the analysis of the material pore network. The approach postulates the existence of a differential coupling function, which relates the variation of water ratio to the variation of void ratio at constant suction. Distinct differential coupling functions have been considered, and the most general option has been integrated in a closed-form relationship between water ratio and void ratio with a suction-dependent integration constant, whose expression describes the isochoric retention behaviour. Four alternative expressions of the suction-dependent integration constant have been proposed resulting in four different, but equivalent, models linking degree of saturation, void ratio and suction. Each model predicts the variation of degree of saturation by means of four parameters, namely two parameters accounting for the effect of void ratio and two parameters accounting for the effect of suction. The models have been calibrated against laboratory data from soils with distinct particle size distributions and have shown accurate predictions of degree of saturation at different levels of suction and void ratio. Validation against additional data has also indicated that the models can extrapolate the soil behaviour to stress paths and suction levels beyond those considered during calibration.
Reduction of impulsivity in patients receiving deep transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment for obesity
Authors: Luzi Livio , Gandini Sara , Massarini Stefano , Bellerba Federica , Terruzzi Ileana , Senesi Pamela , Macrì Concetta , Ferrulli Anna
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Aims of the present study were to investigate a wide array of psychological symptoms through validated psychometric tests, before and after 5 weeks of deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (dTMS) in individuals with obesity, and to identify possible relationships with neuroendocrine parameters.

Methods

Forty-five patients with obesity (33 F, 12 M; age 48.8 ± 9.9 years; body wt 97.6 ± 14.2 Kg; BMI 36.2 ± 4.2) were randomized into two groups: 26 received high frequency (HF) dTMS and 19 Sham stimulation for 5 weeks. At baseline and after the 5-week treatment, all patients underwent the following psychometric evaluations: Food Cravings Questionnaire-Trait (FCQ-T) and its subscales, Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 (BIS-11), State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-y1 and STAI-y2), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Hormonal and neuroendocrine markers were assessed at the first and last dTMS session.

Results

By adjusting for baseline variables and treatment arms, a significant decrease in body wt and BMI was found in HF group, both with univariate (p = 0.019) and multivariate analyses (p = 0.012). Impulsivity significantly decreased in HF group, both with univariate (p = 0.031) and multivariate analyses (p = 0.011). A positive association between the impulsivity score change and the leptin level variation (p = 0.031) was found.

Conclusion

The decrease of impulsivity together with the BMI reduction in individuals with obesity, treated with real stimulation, suggests that impulsivity may be a risk factor for obesity. Treatment with dTMS revealed to be effective in reducing both BMI and impulsivity by enhancing inhibitory capacity of Pre-Frontal Cortex (PFC), and modulating neuroendocrine system, especially leptin.
Be different to be better: the effect of personality on optimal foraging with incomplete knowledge
Authors: Jeffries Poppy M. , Patrick Samantha C. , Potts Jonathan R.
Published: June 2021

Many animal populations include a diversity of personalities, and these personalities are often linked to foraging strategy. However, it is not always clear why populations should evolve to have this diversity. Indeed, optimal foraging theory typically seeks out a single optimal strategy for individuals in a population. So why do we, in fact, see a variety of strategies existing in a single population? Here, we aim to provide insight into this conundrum by modelling the particular case of foraging seabirds, that forage on patchy prey. These seabirds have only partial knowledge of their environment: they do not know exactly where the next patch will emerge, but they may have some understanding of which locations are more likely to lead to patch emergence than others. Many existing optimal foraging studies assume either complete knowledge (e.g. Marginal Value Theorem) or no knowledge (e.g. Lévy Flight Hypothesis), but here we construct a new modelling approach which incorporates partial knowledge. In our model, different foraging strategies are favoured by different birds along the bold-shy personality continuum, so we can assess the optimality of a personality type. We show that it is optimal to be shy (resp. bold) when living in a population of bold (resp. shy) birds. This observation gives a plausible mechanism behind the emergence of diverse personalities. We also show that environmental degradation is likely to favour shyer birds and cause a decrease in diversity of personality over time.
1H, 13C, 15N backbone resonance assignment for the 1–164 construct of human XRCC4
Authors: Cabello-Lobato Maria Jose , Schmidt Christine K. , Cliff Matthew J.
Published: June 2021

DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) represent the most cytotoxic DNA lesions, as—if mis- or unrepaired—they can cause cell death or lead to genome instability, which in turn can cause cancer. DSBs are repaired by two major pathways termed homologous recombination and non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ). NHEJ is responsible for repairing the vast majority of DSBs arising in human cells. Defects in NHEJ factors are also associated with microcephaly, primordial dwarfism and immune deficiencies. One of the key proteins important for mediating NHEJ is XRCC4. XRCC4 is a dimer, with the dimer interface mediated by an extended coiled-coil. The N-terminal head domain forms a mixed alpha–beta globular structure. Numerous factors interact with the C-terminus of the coiled-coil domain, which is also associated with significant self-association between XRCC4 dimers. A range of construct lengths of human XRCC4 were expressed and purified, and the 1–164 variant had the best NMR properties, as judged by consistent linewidths, and chemical shift dispersion. In this work we report the 1H, 15 N and 13C backbone resonance assignments of human XRCC4 in the solution form of the 1–164 construct. Assignments were obtained by heteronuclear multidimensional NMR spectroscopy. In total, 156 of 161 assignable residues of XRCC4 were assigned to resonances in the TROSY spectrum, with an additional 11 resonances assigned to His-Tag residues. Prediction of solution secondary structure from a chemical shift analysis using the TALOS + webserver is in good agreement with the published X-ray crystal structures of this protein.
Computational methods for the investigation of ski boots ergonomics
Authors: Fontanella Chiara Giulia , Arduino Alessandro , Toniolo Ilaria , Zampieri Claudio , Bortolan Lorenzo , Carniel Emanuele Luigi
Published: June 2021

Ski boots are known to cause vasoconstriction in the wearer’s lower limbs and, thus, cause a “cold leg” phenomenon. To address this problem, this work provides a computational framework for analysing interactions between the ski boot and the lower limb. The geometry of the lower limb was derived from magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography techniques and anthropometric data. The geometry of the ski boot shell was obtained by means of three-dimensional computer aided design models from a manufacturer. Concerning the ski boot liner, laser scanning techniques were implemented to capture the geometry of each layer. The mechanical models of the ski boot and the lower limb were identified and validated by means of coupled experimental investigations and computational analyses. The computational models were exploited to simulate the buckling process and to investigate interaction phenomena between the boot and the lower limb. Similarly, experimental activities were performed to further analyse the buckling phenomena. The obtained computational and experimental results were compared regarding both interaction pressure and displacements between the buckle and the corresponding buckle hooks. These comparisons provided reasonable agreement (mean value of discrepancy between the model and mean experimental results in the tibial region: 20%), underlining the model’s capability to correctly interpret results from experimental measurements. Results identified the critical areas of the leg, such as the tibial region, the calcaneal region of the foot and the anterior sole, which may suffer the most due to the hydrostatic pressure and compressive strain exerted on them. The results highlight that computational methods allow investigation of the interaction phenomena between the lower leg and ski boot, potentially providing an effective framework for a more comfortable and ergonomic design of ski boots.
Effects of temperature and soil fauna on the reduction and leaching of deoxynivalenol and zearalenone from Fusarium graminearum-infected maize stubbles
Authors: Meyer-Wolfarth Friederike , Oldenburg Elisabeth , Meiners Torsten , Muñoz Katherine , Schrader Stefan
Published: June 2021

A microcosm study was conducted at two different temperatures under laboratory conditions to investigate the regulatory capacity and the interactive performance of two soil fauna species (Aporrectodea caliginosa, earthworms, andProisotoma minuta, collembolans) on the reduction ofFusariumtoxins in contaminated maize stubbles. Single and mixed species treatments were exposed to artificially infected maize stubbles highly contaminated with the mycotoxins deoxynivalenol (DON) (10,462 µg kg−1) and zearalenone (ZEN) (2,780 µg kg−1) at 17 °C and 25 °C for time periods of 3 and 6 weeks. Immediately after the respective end of incubation, the microcosms were heavily watered to determine the leaching potential of DON and ZEN from contaminated maize stubbles. Maize residues, soil, and eluted water (percolate) samples were analysed for mycotoxin content using liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The biomass of introduced earthworms and number of collembolans were monitored to get information about their adaptability to the experimental conditions. While the decline of ZEN was temperature-dependent, but not influenced by faunal activities, a reduction of DON due to faunal impact was observed by trend. In the leaching experiment, 67–82% of the DON content in the residual maize stubbles leached from the plant material by irrigation and was detected in the soil (1.9–3.4 µg kg−1) and in the percolate (12–295 µg L−1). In the case of ZEN, 27–50% of the mycotoxin leached from the residual maize stubbles due to watering but was only occasionally detected in traces in the soil and not found in the percolate. The results clearly reveal a leaching potential of both DON and ZEN, respectively, but a mobilisation with water was only observed for DON. Temperature confirmed to be a key factor, affecting the fate of the mycotoxins in the soil by driving the interaction between different soil fauna members as well as functional and trophic levels within the soil food web.
Assessment of heavy metal and physico-chemical pollution loadings of River Benue water at Makurdi using water quality index (WQI) and multivariate statistics
Authors: Iwar Raphael Terungwa , Utsev Joseph Terlumun , Hassan Martina
Published: June 2021

In this work, the quality of River Benue water at Makurdi was assessed for its heavy metal load alongside seven other physico-chemical parameters using water quality index (WQI) and multivariate statistical tools. A total of 45 samples from three (3) different points along the River course were collected for five months (October 2018–May, 2019) spanning the dry and wet seasons. Samples were analysed  in accordance with standard methods. Most of the parameters evaluated were found to fall in the allowable limits of the World Health Organization (WHO) among others, except for colour, turbidity, total suspended solids, nickel, lead and cadmium. WQI analysis using the BISWQI, OWQI and CCMEWQI indicated that all indexing methods were suitable for estimating the WQI of River Benue as they all showed that the water corresponded to the classification as “poor water”. Heavy metal index of the river ranged from13.40–6080.00 and from 47.07–7240.00 for the dry and wet seasons, respectively, and was majorly influenced by high cadmium and lead pollution levels. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed three rotated factor with respective communality levels for both the dry and wet seasons. Factor 1 was positively loaded with nine parameters which accounted for 32.3% of the total variance during the dry season, while it was positively loaded with 10 parameters in the wet season accounting for 25.9% of total variance. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) revealed that the river was zoned into four clusters each for both dry and wet seasons. Sampling points 2 and 3 were the most polluted during the dry season, while sampling point 1 was found to be the most polluted in the wet season. It was concluded that the increasing and diverse nature of anthropogenic activities on the river course was responsible for the deteriorating quality of the water. The study recommended continuous pollution monitoring and local regulations to reduce the entrance of both diffuse and point source pollution into the river.
Effects of salinity on solid particle settling velocity in non-Newtonian Herschel–Bulkley fluids
Authors: Moukhametov Robert , Srivastava Anurag , Akhter Syeda , Bautista Jerahmeel , Ferroudji Hicham , Hadear Hassan , Hassan Ibrahim , Rahman Mohammad Azizur
Published: June 2021

Settling velocity or depositional velocity is considered a key parameter to account for in the drilling technology of oil and gas wells as well as hydrocarbon processing since an accurate estimation of this parameter allows the transport of cuttings efficiently, avoids non-productive time, and helps avoid costly problems. Understanding the settling velocity in fluid with high salinity will help for the better separation of oil and natural gas streams in processing facilities. Although a great amount of effort was given to rheology and settling velocity measurements for power-law fluid and Bingham fluids, there are limited studies available in the literature for Herschel–Bulkley (H–B) fluid with salinity. The present study analyzes the fluid rheology of non-Newtonian fluids with, and without, salinity. Moreover, experiments have been conducted to measure the settling velocity of different diameters of solid particles through Herschel–Bulkley fluids with various salinity conditions. For the rheology analysis, it is found that higher weight percentages of NaCl lead to low values of shear stresses. As well, higher weight percentages of CaCl2 concentration result in a slight increase in shear stresses per a given shear rate. On the other hand, higher percentages of salt concentration cause an increase in the terminal velocity.
Retracing Realistic Disaster Scenarios from Archival Sources: A Key Tool for Disaster Risk Reduction
Authors: Ahmad Bashir , Alam Akhtar , Bhat M. Sultan , Bhat Khurshid Ahmad , Haq Jeelani Inaam ul , Ahmad Hakim Farooq , Qadir Junaid
Published: June 2021

Disaster scenarios are constructed by integrating natural hazard phenomena and social science sources of information. We profiled 51 natural hazard events of nineteenth century Kashmir that provide insights into the impacts of varying degree of severity that spread through the socioeconomic and political systems, influenced adaptation, and increased the consequences of the resulting disasters. The root cause of these disasters was embedded in the social, natural, and political economic systems of their time, where vulnerabilities overlapped and interacted periodically with successive colonial regimes and acted as tipping points. The combined effect of successive colonial regimes, inept administration, rigid political economy, and natural hazards made the situation go from bad to worse and reduced Kashmir to the depths of distress and subjugation. Over the arc of the nineteenth century, a series of disasters led the Kashmiri population to learn how to live with disasters and minimize risk, bringing about the evolution of social and environmental knowledge. Understanding the natural hazard vulnerability of the Kashmir Valley through archival narratives can help in scenario building to translate findings into formats that reduce related risk now as it did then. The resulting information can be useful for regional design, planning, and policy responses to promote disaster risk reduction.
Integrated facility location and capacity planning under uncertainty
Authors: Correia Isabel , Melo Teresa
Published: June 2021

We address a multi-period facility location problem with two customer segments having distinct service requirements. While customers in one segment receive preferred service, customers in the other segment accept delayed deliveries as long as lateness does not exceed a pre-specified threshold. The objective is to define a schedule for facility deployment and capacity scalability that satisfies all customer demands at minimum cost. Facilities can have their capacities adjusted over the planning horizon through incrementally increasing or reducing the number of modular units they hold. These two features, capacity expansion and capacity contraction, can help substantially improve the flexibility in responding to demand changes. Future customer demands are assumed to be unknown. We propose two different frameworks for planning capacity decisions and present a two-stage stochastic model for each one of them. While in the first model decisions related to capacity scalability are modeled as first-stage decisions, in the second model, capacity adjustments are deferred to the second stage. We develop the extensive forms of the associated stochastic programs for the case of demand uncertainty being captured by a finite set of scenarios. Additional inequalities are proposed to enhance the original formulations. An extensive computational study with randomly generated instances shows that the proposed enhancements are very useful. Specifically, 97.5% of the instances can be solved to optimality in much shorter computing times. Important insights are also provided into the impact of the two different frameworks for planning capacity adjustments on the facility network configuration and its total cost.
Tissue Engineering Strategies for Improving Beta Cell Transplantation Outcome
Authors: Abadpour Shadab , Wang Chencheng , Niemi Essi M. , Scholz Hanne
Published: June 2021

Purpose of Review

Beta cell replacement therapy as a form of islet transplantation is a promising alternative therapy with the possibility to make selected patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) insulin independent. However, this technique faces challenges such as extensive activation of the host immune system post-transplantation, lifelong need for immunosuppression, and the scarcity of islet donor pancreas. Advancement in tissue engineering strategies can improve these challenges and allow for a more widespread application of this therapy. This review will discuss the recent development and clinical translation of tissue engineering strategies in beta cell replacement therapy.

Recent Findings

Tissue engineering offers innovative solutions for producing unlimited glucose responsive cells and fabrication of appropriate devices/scaffolds for transplantation applications. Generation of pancreatic organoids with supporting cells in biocompatible biomaterials is a powerful technique to improve the function of insulin-producing cell clusters. Fabrication of physical barriers such as encapsulation strategies can protect the cells from the host immune system and allow for graft retrieval, although this strategy still faces major challenges to fully restore physiological glucose regulation.

The three main components of tissue engineering strategies including the generation of stem cell-derived insulin-producing cells and organoids and the possibilities for therapeutic delivery of cell-seeded devices to extra-hepatic sites need to come together in order to provide safe and functional insulin-producing devices for clinical beta cell replacement therapy.
Functional gastrointestinal symptoms and increased risk for orthorexia nervosa
Authors: Gajdos Panna , Román Nóra , Tóth-Király István , Rigó Adrien
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Recent guidelines point out the possible risk for orthorexia nervosa in functional gastrointestinal disorders, however, to date, no study has investigated this association. The present study aimed to explore the potential relationship between irritable bowel syndrome-related functional gastrointestinal symptoms and certain maladaptive eating behaviours, such as symptoms of orthorexia nervosa and emotional eating.

Methods

A sample of 644 Hungarian volunteers (Mage = 22.37; SDage = 3.95) completed a survey with the following questionnaires: the Rome IV Diagnostic Questionnaire (R4DQ) for adults—Irritable bowel syndrome module for the measurement of functional gastrointestinal symptoms, the Hungarian version of the ORTO-15 questionnaire (ORTO-11-Hu) to assess symptoms of orthorexia nervosa, the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ) Emotional Eating subscale to measure symptoms of emotional eating and the Short Health Anxiety Inventory (SHAI) for the assessment of health anxiety. Spearman’s rank correlation was used to explore the associations between the measured variables, and structural equation modeling was used to test the proposed mediation models.

Results

Functional gastrointestinal symptoms were positively related to symptoms of orthorexia nervosa and emotional eating. The relationship between functional gastrointestinal symptoms and symptoms of orthorexia nervosa was partially mediated by health anxiety, while the association between functional gastrointestinal symptoms and symptoms of emotional eating was partially mediated by symptoms of orthorexia nervosa.

Conclusion

Our findings highlight the possible risk for developing orthorexic symptoms in functional gastrointestinal symptoms, which could lead to other types of disordered eating patterns, such as emotional eating. The results also underscore the potential role of health anxiety in these relationships.

Level of evidence

Level V (descriptive cross-sectional study).