bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regression with linked datasets subject to linkage error
Authors: Wang Zhenbang , Ben‐David Emanuel , Diao Guoqing , Slawski Martin
Published: September 2021

Data are often collected from multiple heterogeneous sources and are combined subsequently. In combing data, record linkage is an essential task for linking records in datasets that refer to the same entity. Record linkage is generally not error‐free; there is a possibility that records belonging to different entities are linked or that records belonging to the same entity are missed. It is not advisable to simply ignore such errors because they can lead to data contamination and introduce bias in sample selection or estimation, which, in return, can lead to misleading statistical results and conclusions. For a long while, this problem was not properly recognized, but in recent years a growing number of researchers have developed methodology for dealing with linkage errors in regression analysis with linked datasets. The main goal of this overview is to give an account of those developments, with an emphasis on recent approaches and their connection to the so‐called “Broken Sample” problem. We also provide a short empirical study that illustrates the efficacy of corrective methods in different scenarios.

This article is categorized under:

Statistical Models > Model Selection

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Robust Methods

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Multivariate Analysis
Introduction to the Balkan Homicide Study
Authors: Getoš Kalac Anna-Maria
Published: September 2021

The Balkan Homicide Study (BHS) fills a considerable gap in current European homicide research. Its findings shed first light on the phenomenology of violence in this region of Europe. The BHS provides original empirical data from 2073 prosecution and court case files in six countries: Croatia, Hungary, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Romania, and Slovenia. By analyzing data on 2416 offenders and 2379 victims, the book at hand takes a close look at situational, criminogenic, victimogenic, and procedural characteristics of (lethal) violence in the Balkans. It thus investigates the highly heterogeneous types of different (potentially) deadly situations, thereby focusing on what might make them become deadly and what could be possible protective traits on the side of victims. Such an investigation of pathways into lethal violence becomes possible only if lethal violence (completed homicides) is studied together with non-lethal violence (attempted homicides). This approach however considerably broadens the subject and scope of homicide research, which commonly deals primarily with lethal violence. This chapter provides a brief overview of the pros and cons of such an approach and briefly sketches the study’s background. It also discusses the relevance of the criminal justice’s power to define violence, introduces the Balkan-violence-paradox, and presents the study’s conceptual, as well as terminological framework.
Violence in the Balkans: Regional Commons and Country Specifics
Authors: Getoš Kalac Anna-Maria
Published: September 2021

This chapter presents first findings from the BHS by providing data on main incident, offender, victim, and procedural characteristics of (lethal) violence in six countries of Southeastern Europe and the Balkans: Croatia, Hungary, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Romania, and Slovenia. The discussion will concentrate on regional commons, as well as country specifics with a particular focus on comparison between completed and attempted homicides. In terms of the type of violence, only the most relevant ones will be analyzed, whereby this relates to both the most prevalent and most interesting for the regional context. Thus, certain methodological aspects, like those related to missing data and the merging of datasets with different counting units, will be presented. Bearing in mind the overall scope of the BHS with more than 200 different variables, this chapter clearly presents but a fraction of all findings. Nevertheless, it is a solid starting point for future topic-wise more focused in-depth analyses, and will hopefully deliver food for thought on new lines of (lethal) violence and homicide research.
Multitask Recalibrated Aggregation Network for Medical Code Prediction
Authors: Sun Wei , Ji Shaoxiong , Cambria Erik , Marttinen Pekka
Published: September 2021

Medical coding translates professionally written medical reports into standardized codes, which is an essential part of medical information systems and health insurance reimbursement. Manual coding by trained human coders is time-consuming and error-prone. Thus, automated coding algorithms have been developed, building especially on the recent advances in machine learning and deep neural networks. To solve the challenges of encoding lengthy and noisy clinical documents and capturing code associations, we propose a multitask recalibrated aggregation network. In particular, multitask learning shares information across different coding schemes and captures the dependencies between different medical codes. Feature recalibration and aggregation in shared modules enhance representation learning for lengthy notes. Experiments with a real-world MIMIC-III dataset show significantly improved predictive performance.
Modell unterrichtszentrierter Schulentwicklung in Richtung personalisierten Lernens (uSpL-Modell)
Authors: Galle Marco
Published: September 2021

In den letzten Jahrzehnten hat sich ein Verständnis von Schulentwicklung herausgebildet, dem zufolge verschiedene Akteurinnen und Akteure des Bildungssystems vermehrt kooperativ Entwicklungsprojekte zu initiieren haben und die Unterrichtsentwicklung sowie insbesondere das Lernen der Schülerinnen und Schüler als Ausgangs- und Zielpunkt von Entwicklungstätigkeiten aufgefasst werden (siehe Kapitel 2). Diese Merkmale eignen sich auch für die Beschreibung von Unterrichts- und Schulentwicklung in Richtung personalisierten Lernens: Schulteams passen Lernumgebungen an die personalen Voraussetzungen der Schülerinnen und Schüler an und erarbeiten Lernangebote für den Aufbau fachlicher und überfachlicher Kompetenzen, in deren Rahmen selbstgesteuertes und eigenverantwortliches Lernen möglich ist und Lehrpersonen wie auch die Lerngemeinschaft bildend wirken (siehe Kapitel 1). Vor diesem Hintergrund stellt sich die weiterführende Frage, in welchen Bereichen und wie Schulleitende und Lehrperson ihre Schule und ihren Unterricht weiterentwickeln, damit personalisiertes Lernen umgesetzt werden kann.
Tilings of the Infinite p-ary Tree and Cantor Homeomorphisms
Authors: Cobos Alberto , Navas Luis M.
Published: September 2021

We define a notion of tiling of the full infinite p-ary tree, establishing a series of equivalent criteria for a subtree to be a tile, each of a different nature; namely, geometric, algebraic, graph-theoretic, order-theoretic, and topological. We show how these results can be applied in a straightforward and constructive manner to define homeomorphisms between two given spaces of p-adic integers, $${\mathbb {Z}}_{p}$$

Z
p

and $${\mathbb {Z}}_{q}$$

Z
q

, endowed with their corresponding standard non-archimedean metric topologies.
Field Insights and Analysis of the 2018 Mw 7.5 Palu, Indonesia Earthquake, Tsunami and Landslides
Authors: Cilia Marcella G. , Mooney Walter D. , Nugroho Cahyo
Published: September 2021

A devastating Mw 7.5 earthquake and tsunami struck northwestern Sulawesi, Indonesia on 28 September 2018, causing over 4000 fatalities and severe damage to several areas in and around Palu City. Severe earthquake-induced soil liquefaction and landslides claimed hundreds of lives in three villages within Palu. The mainshock occurred at 18:03 local time at a depth of 10 km on a left-lateral strike-slip fault. The hypocenter was located 70 km north of Palu City and the rupture propagated south, under Palu Bay, passing on land on the west side of Palu City. The surface rupture of the earthquake has been mapped onshore along a 30 km stretch of the Palu-Koro fault. We present results of field surveys on the effects of the earthquake, tsunami and liquefaction conducted between 1–3 and 12–19 of October 2018. Seismic intensities on the Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale are reported for 375 sites and reach a maximum value of 10. We consolidate published tsunami runup heights from several field studies and discuss three possible interrelated tsunami sources to explain the variation in observed tsunami runup heights. Due to limited instrumentation, PGA and PGV values were recorded at only one of our field sites. To compensate, we use our seismic intensities and Ground Motion to Intensity Conversion Equations (GMICEs) and Ground Motion Prediction Equations (GMPEs) developed for similar tectonic regions. Our results indicate that the maximum predicted PGAs for Palu range from 1.1 g for GMICEs to 0.6 g for GMPEs.
Dorsal Root Ganglion Morphometric Changes Under Oxaliplatin Treatment
Authors: Apostolidis Leonidas , Kowalscheck Lars , Weber Tim Frederik , Godel Tim , Bendszus Martin , Kauczor Hans-Ulrich , Jäger Dirk , Schlemmer Heinz-Peter , Bäumer Philipp
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) can detect dorsal root ganglia (DRG) hypertrophy in patients with oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy (OXIPN) but is difficult to apply in clinical daily practice. Aims of this study were (i) to assess whether DRG volume is reliably measurable by routine computed tomography (CT) scans, (ii) to measure longitudinal changes in DRG during and after oxaliplatin administration and (iii) to assess correlation between DRG morphometry and individual oxaliplatin dose.

Methods

For comparison of MRN and CT measurements, CT scans of 18 patients from a previous MRN study were analyzed. For longitudinal assessment of DRG size under treatment, 96 patients treated with oxaliplatin between January and December 2014 were enrolled retrospectively. DRG volumetry was performed by analyzing routine CT scans, starting with the last scan before oxaliplatin exposure (t0) and up to four consecutive timepoints after initiation of oxaliplatin therapy (t1–t4) with the following median and ranges in months: 3.1 (0.4–4.9), 6.2 (5.3–7.8), 10.4 (8.2–11.9), and 18.4 (12.8–49.8).

Results

DRG volume measured in CT showed a moderately strong correlation with MRN (r = 0.51, p < 0.001) and a strong correlation between two consecutive CTs (r = 0.77, p < 0.001). DRG volume increased after oxaliplatin administration with a maximum at timepoint t2. Higher cumulative oxaliplatin exposure was associated with significantly higher absolute DRG volumes (p = 0.005). Treatment discontinuation was associated with a nonsignificant trend towards lower relative DRG volume changes (p = 0.08).

Conclusion

CT is a reliable method for continuous DRG morphometry; however, since no standardized assessment of OXIPN was performed in this retrospective study, correlations between DRG size, cumulative oxaliplatin dose and clinical symptoms in future prospective studies are needed to establish DRG size as a potential OXIPN biomarker.
Behandlung von Knochen- und Protheseninfektionen mit Bakteriophagen
Authors: Walter Nike , Deng Li , Brochhausen Christoph , Alt Volker , Rupp Markus
Published: September 2021

Hintergrund

Die Behandlung von Knochen- und Protheseninfektionen bleibt trotz moderner Behandlungskonzepte mit interdisziplinärem Therapieansatz schwierig und weitere Maßnahmen zur Verbesserung des Behandlungsergebnisses sind wünschenswert. Präklinischen Studien liefern ein vielversprechendes Bild der Wirksamkeit von Bakteriophagen zur Behandlung von Knochen- und Protheseninfektionen.

Ziel der Arbeit

Die vorliegende Arbeit gibt eine systematische Übersicht über die klinische Anwendung von Bakteriophagen zur Behandlung von Knochen- und Protheseninfektionen.

Material und Methoden

Eine systematische Suche wurde in PubMed zur Identifikation von primären klinischen Daten zur Anwendung der Phagentherapie bei Patienten mit Knochen- und Protheseninfektion durchgeführt.

Ergebnisse

Elf Studien wurden eingeschlossen, bestehend aus 8 Fallberichten und 3 Fallserien. Indikationen der Phagentherapie waren periprothetische Infektionen (n = 12, 52,2 %), frakturassoziierte Infektionen (n = 9, 39,1 %), Osteomyelitis (n = 1, 4,4 %) und eine Iliosakralgelenkinfektion nach Zementaugmentation einer Metastase (n = 1, 4,4 %). Die Interventionen waren heterogen, Phagen wurden intravenös verabreicht, intraoperativ ins Gelenk injiziert, intraoperativ lokal angewendet oder über Drainagen appliziert. In Kombination mit Antibiotikatherapie konnte eine vollständige Infekteradikation bei 18 Patienten (78,3 %) erreicht werden. Bei 91,3 % der Patienten wurden keine Nebenwirkungen berichtet.

Schlussfolgerung

Bakteriophagen sind eine vielversprechende Behandlungsmethode von Knochen- und Protheseninfektionen in Kombination mit einer Antibiotikatherapie. Zukünftige klinische Studien mit höherem Evidenzgrad werden benötigt, um eine erfolgreiche Translation der Bakteriophagentherapie in die klinische Praxis weiter zu etablieren.
Fiscal reaction functions for the advanced economies revisited
Authors: Iorio Francesca Di , Fachin Stefano
Published: September 2021

We revisit the relationship between the primary balances/GDP and debt/GDP ratios (fiscal reaction function, FRF), in the advanced economies, showing that using adequate tests and estimators leads to question the validity of the current consensus. Using data for 1961–2019, we find that long-run FRFs exist only in a small number of advanced economies (Belgium, Germany, Greece, Norway, Portugal and Sweden), with polynomial effects with fiscal fatigue only in Germany. These results warn against the widespread practice of estimating homogeneous polynomial panel FRFs. Limiting the sample to 1961–2007, thus excluding the 2008 crisis and its aftermath, FRFs hold also in Canada, Ireland, Italy (polynomial), Spain and USA, though not in Germany, and the coefficients are generally larger. Particularly, after 2008 European Union countries appear somehow to have been more likely to implement FRFs.
The Chow ring of hyperkähler varieties of $$K3^{[2]}$$-type via Lefschetz actions
Authors: Kretschmer Andreas
Published: September 2021

We propose an explicit conjectural lift of the Neron–Severi Lie algebra of a hyperkähler variety X of $$K3^{[2]}$$

K

3

[
2
]

-type to the Chow ring of correspondences $$\mathrm{CH}^*(X \times X)$$

CH

∗

(
X
×
X
)

in terms of a canonical lift of the Beauville–Bogomolov class obtained by Markman. We give evidence for this conjecture in the case of the Hilbert scheme of two points of a K3 surface and in the case of the Fano variety of lines of a very general cubic fourfold. Moreover, we show that the Fourier decomposition of the Chow ring of X of Shen and Vial agrees with the eigenspace decomposition of a canonical lift of the cohomological grading operator.
Guaranteed lower bounds on eigenvalues of elliptic operators with a hybrid high-order method
Authors: Carstensen Carsten , Ern Alexandre , Puttkammer Sophie
Published: September 2021

This paper introduces a novel hybrid high-order (HHO) method to approximate the eigenvalues of a symmetric compact differential operator. The HHO method combines two gradient reconstruction operators by means of a parameter $$0<\alpha <~1$$

0
<
α
<

1

and introduces a novel cell-based stabilization operator weighted by a parameter $$0<\beta <\infty $$

0
<
β
<
∞

. Sufficient conditions on the parameters $$\alpha $$
α
and $$\beta $$
β
are identified leading to a guaranteed lower bound property for the discrete eigenvalues. Moreover optimal convergence rates are established. Numerical studies for the Dirichlet eigenvalue problem of the Laplacian provide evidence for the superiority of the new lower eigenvalue bounds compared to previously available bounds.
Energizing effects of bupropion on effortful behaviors in mice under positive and negative test conditions: modulation of DARPP-32 phosphorylation patterns
Authors: Carratalá-Ros Carla , Olivares-García Régulo , Martínez-Verdú Andrea , Arias-Sandoval Edgar , Salamone John D. , Correa Mercè
Published: September 2021

Motivational symptoms such as anergia, fatigue, and reduced exertion of effort are seen in depressed people. To model this, nucleus accumbens (Nacb) dopamine (DA) depletions are used to induce a low-effort bias in rodents tested on effort-based decision-making. We evaluated the effect of the catecholamine uptake blocker bupropion on its own, and after administration of tetrabenazine (TBZ), which blocks vesicular storage, depletes DA, and induces depressive symptoms in humans. Male CD1 mice were tested on a 3-choice-T-maze task that assessed preference between a reinforcer involving voluntary physical activity (running wheel, RW) vs. sedentary activities (sweet food pellet intake or a neutral non-social odor). Mice also were tested on the forced swim test (FST), two anxiety-related measures (dark–light box (DL), and elevated plus maze (EPM)). Expression of phosphorylated DARPP-32 (Thr34 and Thr75) was evaluated by immunohistochemistry as a marker of DA-related signal transduction. Bupropion increased selection of RW activity on the T-maze. TBZ reduced time running, but increased time-consuming sucrose, indicating an induction of a low-effort bias, but not an effect on primary sucrose motivation. In the FST, bupropion reduced immobility, increasing swimming and climbing, and TBZ produced the opposite effects. Bupropion reversed the effects of TBZ on the T-maze and the FST, and also on pDARPP32-Thr34 expression in Nacb core. None of these manipulations affected anxiety-related parameters. Thus, bupropion improved active behaviors, which were negatively motivated in the FST, and active behaviors that were positively motivated in the T-maze task, which has implications for using catecholamine uptake inhibitors for treating anergia and fatigue-like symptoms.
Signet ring cell cancer of stomach and gastro-esophageal junction: molecular alterations, stage-stratified treatment approaches, and future challenges
Authors: Kumar Naveena A. N. , Jose Anmi , Usman Nawaz , Rajan Keshava , Munisamy Murali , Shetty Preethi S. , Rao Mahadev
Published: September 2021

Purpose

There has been an increase in the incidence of signet ring cell cancer (SRCC) of the stomach and gastro-esophageal junction (GEJ). The multistage carcinogenesis involving genetic and epigenetic aberrations may have a major role in the increasing incidence of SRCC. Although there are numerous studies on the prognostic value of SRCC, they are markedly inconsistent in their results, making it impossible to draw any meaningful conclusions. We aimed to examine the available evidences on molecular alterations and stage-stratified treatment approaches in SRCC of the stomach and GEJ.

Methods

A systematic search was carried out in PubMed. Studies available in English related to SRCC of stomach and gastro-esophageal junction were identified and evaluated.

Results

This study reviewed the current evidence and provided an insight into the molecular alterations, stage-stratified treatment approaches, and future challenges in the management of SRCC of the stomach and GEJ. Specific therapeutic strategies and personalized multimodal treatment have been recommended based on the tumor characteristics of SRCC.

Conclusion

Multistage carcinogenesis involving genetic and epigenetic aberrations in SRCC is interlinked with stage-dependent prognosis. Specific therapeutic strategy and personalized multimodal treatment should be followed based on the tumor characteristics of SRCC. Endoscopic resection, radical surgery, and perioperative chemotherapy should be offered in carefully selected patients based on stage and prognostic stratification. Future studies in genetic and molecular analysis, histopathological classification, and options of multimodality treatment will improve the prognosis and oncological outcomes in SRCC of gastric and GEJ.
An analysis of 130 neuroendocrine tumors G3 regarding prevalence, origin, metastasis, and diagnostic features
Authors: Kasajima Atsuko , Konukiewitz Björn , Schlitter Anna Melissa , Weichert Wilko , Klöppel Günter
Published: September 2021

Limited data exist on high-grade neuroendocrine tumors (NETs G3) which represent a new category among neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN). We analyzed NETs G3 in a consultation series regarding prevalence, origin, metastasis, and diagnostic problems. Based on the WHO classification of digestive system tumors, 130 NETs G3 (9%) were identified in 1513 NENs. NET G3 samples were more often obtained from metastatic sites (69%) than NET G1/G2 samples (24%). NET G3 metastases presented most frequently in the liver (74%) and originated from the pancreas (38/90, 42%), followed by the lung (9%), ileum (7%), stomach (3%), rectum (1%), and rare sites (2%) such as the prostate and breast. The primaries remained unknown in 15%. NETs G3 had a median Ki67 of 30% that distinguished them from NECs (60%), though with great overlap. The expression of site-specific markers, p53, Rb1, and SST2 was similar in NETs G3 and NETs G1/G2, except for p53 and Rb1 which were abnormally expressed in 8% and 7% of liver metastases from NET G3 but not from NET G1/G2. NETs G3 were frequently referred as NECs (39%) but could be well distinguished from NECs by normal p53 (92% versus 21%) and Rb1 expression (93% versus 41%) expression. In conclusion, NETs G3 are frequently discovered as liver metastases from pancreatic or pulmonary primaries and are often misinterpreted as NEC. p53 and Rb1 are powerful markers in the distinction of NET G3 from NEC. Rarely, carcinomas from non-digestive, non-pulmonary organs with neuroendocrine features may present as NET G3.
GSTM1 and GSTT1 double null genotypes determining cell fate and proliferation as potential risk factors of relapse in children with hematological malignancies after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Jurkovic Mlakar Simona , Uppugunduri Satyanarayana Chakradhara Rao , Nava Tiago , Mlakar Vid , Golay Hadrien , Robin Shannon , Waespe Nicolas , Rezgui Mohamed Aziz , Chalandon Yves , Boelens Jaap Jan , Bredius Robert G. M. , Dalle Jean-Hugues , Peters Christina , Corbacioglu Selim , Bittencourt Henrique , Krajinovic Maja , Ansari Marc ,   the paediatric diseases working party of the European society for blood and marrow transplantation
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study aimed to retrospectively evaluate the genetic association of null variants of glutathione S-transferases GSTM1 and GSTT1 with relapse incidence in children with hematological malignancies (HMs) undergoing busulfan (BU)- containing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and to assess the impact of these variants on BU-induced cytotoxicity on the immortalized lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) and tumor THP1 GST gene-edited cell models.

Methods

GSTM1- and GSTT1-null alleles were genotyped using germline DNA from whole blood prior to a conditioning BU-based regimen. Association of GSTM1- and GSTT1-null variants with relapse incidence was analyzed using multivariable competing risk analysis. BU-induced cell death studies were conducted in GSTs- null and non-null LCLs and CRISPR–Cas9 gene-edited THP1 leukemia cell lines.

Results

Carrying GSTM1/GSTT1 double null genotype was found to be an independent risk factor for post-HSCT relapse in 86 children (adjusted HR: 6.52 [95% Cl, 2.76–15.42; p = 1.9 × 10–5]). BU-induced cell death preferentially in THP1GSTM1(non−null) and LCLsGSTM1(non−null) as shown by decreased viability, increased necrosis and levels of the oxidized form of glutathione compared to null cells, while GSTT1 non-null cells showed increased baseline proliferation.

Conclusion

The clinical association suggests that GSTM1/GSTT1 double null genotype could serve as genetic stratification biomarker for the high risk of post-HSCT relapse. Functional studies have indicated that GSTM1 status modulates BU-induced cell death. On the other hand, GSTT1 is proposed to be involved in baseline cell proliferation.
p53 is functionally inhibited in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC): a mechanistic and correlative investigation into genetic and molecular characteristics
Authors: Diesing Karoline , Ribback Silvia , Winter Stefan , Gellert Manuela , Oster Antonia M. , Stühler Viktoria , Gläser Eva , Adler Frank , Hartwig Christoph , Scharpf Markus , Bedke Jens , Burchardt Martin , Schwab Matthias , Lillig Christopher H. , Kroeger Nils
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Although p53 is rarely mutated in ccRCC, its overexpression has been linked to poor prognosis. The current study sought to elucidate the unique role of p53 in ccRCC with genomic, proteomic, and functional analyses.

Materials and methods

Data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were evaluated for genomic and proteomic characteristics of p53; a tissue micro array (TMA) study was carried out to evaluate the association of p53 and phosphorylated p53 (pp53) with clinical outcome. Mechanistic in vitro experiments were performed to confirm a pro-apoptotic loss of p53 in ccRCC and p53 isoforms as well as posttranslational modifications of p53 where assessed to provide possible reasons for a functional inhibition of p53 in ccRCC.

Results

A low somatic mutation rate of p53 could be confirmed. Although mRNA levels were correlated with poor prognosis and clinicopathological features, there was no monotonous association of mRNA levels with survival outcome. Higher p53 protein levels could be confirmed as poor prognostic features. In vitro, irradiation of ccRCC cell lines markedly induced levels of p53 and of activated (phosphorylated) p53. However, irradiated ccRCC cells demonstrated similar proliferation, migration, and p53 transcriptional activity like non-irradiated controls indicating a functional inhibition of p53. p53 isoforms and could not be correlated with clinical outcome of ccRCC patients.

Conclusions

p53 is rarely mutated but the wildtype p53 is functionally inhibited in ccRCC. To investigate mechanisms that underlie functional inhibition of p53 may provide attractive therapeutic targets in ccRCC.
Protective effects of Stevia rebaudiana extracts on beta cells in lipotoxic conditions
Authors: Bugliani Marco , Tavarini Silvia , Grano Francesca , Tondi Silvia , Lacerenza Serena , Giusti Laura , Ronci Maurizio , Maidecchi Anna , Marchetti Piero , Tesi Marta , Angelini Luciana G.
Published: September 2021

Aims

Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni leaf extracts have gained increasing attention for their potential protection against type 2 diabetes. In this study, we have evaluated the possible beneficial effects of Stevia rebaudiana leaf extracts on beta-cells exposed to lipotoxicity and explored some of the possible mechanisms involved.

Methods

Extracts, deriving from six different chemotypes (ST1 to ST6), were characterized in terms of steviol glycosides, total phenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity. INS-1E beta cells and human pancreatic islets were incubated 24 h with 0.5 mM palmitate with or without varying concentrations of extracts. Beta-cell/islet cell features were analyzed by MTT assay, activated caspase 3/7 measurement, and/or nucleosome quantification. In addition, the proteome of INS-1E cells was assessed by bi-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE).

Results

The extracts differed in terms of antioxidant activity and stevioside content. As expected, 24 h exposure to palmitate resulted in a significant decrease of INS-1E cell metabolic activity, which was counteracted by all the Stevia extracts at 200 μg/ml. However, varying stevioside only concentrations were not able to protect palmitate-exposed cells. ST3 extract was also tested with human islets, showing an anti-apoptotic effect. Proteome analysis showed several changes in INS-1E beta-cells exposed to ST3, mainly at the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondrial levels.

Conclusions

Stevia rebaudiana leaf extracts have beneficial effects on beta cells exposed to lipotoxicity; this effect does not seem to be mediated by stevioside alone (suggesting a major role of the leaf phytocomplex as a whole) and might be due to actions on the endoplasmic reticulum and the mitochondrion.
Can zooplankton species be used as indicators of trophic status and ecological potential of reservoirs?
Authors: Muñoz-Colmenares Manuel E. , Soria Juan M. , Vicente Eduardo
Published: September 2021

The European Water Framework Directive implements the policies to achieve a good ecological status of all European waterbodies. To determine the ecological potential in freshwater environments, abiotic (morphology, physical and chemical variables) and biotics (algae, fishes, etc.) metrics are used. Despite their importance in trophic web, zooplankton was not included as one of the Biological Quality Elements (BQE) to determine the water quality. In the present research, we studied the zooplankton species that can be considered as indicators of trophic status and ecological potential for more than 60 water reservoirs. The data were obtained from more of 300 samples collected during 10 years from reservoirs at Ebro River watershed, which is the largest basin in Spain. According to their physicochemical and biological elements, the trophic status and ecological potential of these reservoirs were established. More than 150 zooplankton species were identified during the study. The results from this research indicate that species that are related with low water quality are: Acanthocyclops americanus, Ceriodaphnia spp., Daphnia cucullata, Daphnia párvula, Diaphanosoma brachyurum, Brachionus angularis, Keratella cochlearis and Phompolyx sulcata. An indicator of moderate quality was Bosmina longirostris, while Daphnia longispina, Ascomorpha ovalis and Ascomorpha saltans were considered as indicators of good water quality. The data obtained suggest that zooplankton species can be used as a valuable tool to determine the water quality status and should be considered, in a near future, as one more of the BQE within the WFD metrics.
Superweed amaranth: metaphor and the power of a threatening discourse
Authors: Bétrisey Florence , Boisvert Valérie , Sumberg James
Published: September 2021

This paper analyses the use of metaphor in discourses around the “superweed” Palmer amaranth. Most weed scientists associated with the US public agricultural extension system dismiss the term superweed. However, together with the media, they indirectly encourage aggressive control practices by actively diffusing the framing of herbicide resistant Palmer amaranth as an existential threat that should be eradicated at any cost. We use argumentative discourse analysis to better understand this process. We analyze a corpus consisting of reports, policy briefs, and press releases produced by state extension services, as well as articles from professional and popular magazines and newspapers quoting extension specialists and/or public sector weed scientists or agronomists. We show how the superweed discourse is powered by negative metaphors, and legitimizes aggressive steps to eradicate the weed. This discourse reinforces the farmers’ techno-optimism master frame, contributes to deskilling of farmers and sidelines ethical concerns.
Enhancing Racial/Ethnic Equity in College Student Mental Health Through Innovative Screening and Treatment
Authors: Kodish Tamar , Lau Anna S. , Gong-Guy Elizabeth , Congdon Eliza , Arnaudova Inna , Schmidt Madison , Shoemaker Lauren , Craske Michelle G.
Published: September 2021

Although college campuses are diversifying rapidly, students of color remain an underserved and understudied group. Online screening and subsequent allocation to treatment represents a pathway to enhancing equity in college student mental health. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate racial/ethnic differences in mental health problems and treatment enrollment within the context of a largescale screening and treatment research initiative on a diverse college campus. The sample was comprised of n = 2090 college students who completed an online mental health screening survey and were offered either free online or face-to-face treatment based on symptom severity as a part of a research study. A series of ordinal, binomial and multinomial logistic regression models were specified to examine racial/ethnic differences in mental health problems, prior treatment receipt, and enrollment in online and face-to-face treatment through the campus-wide research initiative. Racial/ethnic differences in depression, anxiety and suicidality endorsed in the screening survey were identified. Students of color were less likely to have received prior mental health treatment compared to non-Hispanic white students, but were equally likely to enroll in and initiate online and face-to-face treatment offered through the current research initiative. Rates of enrollment in online therapy were comparable to prior studies. Online screening and treatment may be an effective avenue to reaching underserved students of color with mental health needs on college campuses. Digital mental health tools hold significant promise for bridging gaps in care, but efforts to improve uptake and engagement are needed.
Chronic Diclofenac Exposure Increases Mitochondrial Oxidative Stress, Inflammatory Mediators, and Cardiac Dysfunction
Authors: Thai Phung N. , Ren Lu , Xu Wilson , Overton James , Timofeyev Valeriy , Nader Carol E. , Haddad Michael , Yang Jun , Gomes Aldrin V , Hammock Bruce D. , Chiamvimonvat Nipavan , Sirish Padmini
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among one of the most commonly prescribed medications for pain and inflammation. Diclofenac (DIC) is a commonly prescribed NSAID that is known to increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. However, the mechanisms underlying its cardiotoxic effects remain largely unknown. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that chronic exposure to DIC increases oxidative stress, which ultimately impairs cardiovascular function.

Methods and Results

Mice were treated with DIC for 4 weeks and subsequently subjected to in vivo and in vitro functional assessments. Chronic DIC exposure resulted in not only systolic but also diastolic dysfunction. DIC treatment, however, did not alter blood pressure or electrocardiographic recordings. Importantly, treatment with DIC significantly increased inflammatory cytokines and chemokines as well as cardiac fibroblast activation and proliferation. There was increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in cardiomyocytes from DIC-treated mice, which may contribute to the more depolarized mitochondrial membrane potential and reduced energy production, leading to a significant decrease in sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ load, Ca2+ transients, and sarcomere shortening. Using unbiased metabolomic analyses, we demonstrated significant alterations in oxylipin profiles towards inflammatory features in chronic DIC treatment.

Conclusions

Together, chronic treatment with DIC resulted in severe cardiotoxicity, which was mediated, in part, by an increase in mitochondrial oxidative stress.
Secure and Efficient Transmission of Vision-Based Feedback Control Signals
Authors: Volden Øystein , Solnør Petter , Petrovic Slobodan , Fossen Thor I.
Published: September 2021

An ever-increasing number of autonomous vehicles use bandwidth-greedy sensors such as cameras and LiDARs to sense and act to the world around us. Unfortunately, signal transmission in vehicles is vulnerable to passive and active cyber-physical attacks that may result in loss of intellectual property, or worse yet, the loss of control of a vehicle, potentially causing great harm. Therefore, it is important to investigate efficient cryptographic methods to secure signal transmission in such vehicles against outside threats. This study is motivated by the observation that previous publications have suggested legacy algorithms, which are either inefficient or insecure for vision-based signals. We show how stream ciphers and authenticated encryption can be applied to transfer sensor data securely and efficiently between computing devices suitable for distributed guidance, navigation, and control systems. We provide an efficient and flexible pipeline of cryptographic operations on image and point cloud data in the Robot Operating System (ROS). We also demonstrate how image data can be compressed to reduce the amount of data to be encrypted, transmitted, and decrypted. Experiments on embedded computers verify that modern software cryptographic algorithms perform very well on large sensor data. Hence, the introduction of such algorithms should enhance security without significantly compromising the overall performance.
Effects of SiC particles codeposition and ultrasound agitation on the electrocrystallisation of nickel-based composite coatings
Authors: Pinate S. , Eriksson F. , Leisner P. , Zanella C.
Published: September 2021

This study analysed the influence of the codeposition of SiC particles with different sizes: 50 nm, 500 nm and 5 μm, and the type of bath agitation (stirring or ultrasonic) on the electrocrystallisation of nickel coatings. The composites matrix microstructure was analysed by means of SEM, EBSD and XRD, to evaluate the grain size, crystal orientation, and internal stresses and was benchmarked against pure nickel samples electrodeposited in equivalent conditions. The codeposition of nano- and microsize particles with an approximate content of 0.8 and 4 vol.%, respectively, caused only a minor grain refinement and did not vary the dominant < 100 > crystal orientation observed in pure Ni. The internal stress was, however, increased by particles codeposition, up to 104 MPa by nanoparticles and 57 MPa by microparticles, compared to the values observed in pure nickel (41 MPa). The higher codeposition rate (11 vol.%) obtained by the addition of submicron-size particles caused a change in the grain growth from columnar to equiaxial, resulting in deposits with a fully random crystal orientation and pronounced grain refinement. The internal stress was also increased by 800% compared to pure nickel. The ultrasound (US) agitation during the deposition caused grain refinement and a selective particle inclusion prompting a decrease in the content of the particles with the larger particles. The deposits produced under US agitation showed an increase in the internal stresses, with double values compared to stirring. The increase in the deposits microhardness, from 280 HV in pure Ni to 560 HV in Ni/SiC submicron-US, was linked to the microstructural changes and particles content.

Graphical abstract
Production of polylactic acid aerogels via phase separation and supercritical CO2 drying: thermodynamic analysis of the gelation and drying process
Authors: Bueno Alberto , Luebbert Christian , Enders Sabine , Sadowski Gabriele , Smirnova Irina
Published: September 2021

The application range of aerogels, especially in the life-science sector, can be extended by utilizing biocompatible polymers such as polylactic acid (PLA). However, the low glass transition temperature (Tg) of PLA and the challenging gelation techniques limit the application of supercritical CO2 (scCO2) drying and thus the PLA-aerogel production. The aim of this work is to overcome this challenge and to provide a better understanding of the thermodynamics of the process. Therefore, the gelation of amorphous PLA (PDLLA) and semicrystalline PLA (PLLA) via thermal-induced phase separation (TIPS) was studied. To identify polymer/solvent/antisolvent ratios suitable for gelation, thermodynamic modeling (PC-SAFT) was used to describe the corresponding ternary phase diagrams. scCO2 drying was used to preserve the mesoporous gel structure formed during the gelation. Due to the decrease in the Tg of PLA in the presence of CO2, this could not be applied to all gels. It was found that the critical parameter to enable the scCO2 drying of low Tg polymers is the crystallinity degree (Xc) of the polymer. Based on these results, some guidelines for producing aerogels from polymers with low Tg are formulated.

Graphical abstract
Integrable triples in semisimple Lie algebras
Authors: De Sole Alberto , Jibladze Mamuka , Kac Victor G. , Valeri Daniele
Published: September 2021

We classify all integrable triples in simple Lie algebras, up to equivalence. The importance of this problem stems from the fact that for each such equivalence class one can construct the corresponding integrable hierarchy of bi-Hamiltonian PDE. The simplest integrable triple (f, 0, e) in $${\mathfrak {sl}}_2$$

sl
2

corresponds to the KdV hierarchy, and the triple $$(f,0,e_\theta )$$

(
f
,
0
,

e
θ

)

, where f is the sum of negative simple root vectors and $$e_\theta $$

e
θ

is the highest root vector of a simple Lie algebra, corresponds to the Drinfeld–Sokolov hierarchy.
High Mercury Concentrations of European Perch (Perca fluviatilis) in Boreal Headwater Lakes with Variable History of Acidification and Recovery
Authors: Rask Martti , Malinen Tommi , Olin Mikko , Nyberg Kari , Ruuhijärvi Jukka , Kahilainen Kimmo K. , Verta Matti , Vuorenmaa Jussi , Blauberg Tarja-Riitta , Arvola Lauri
Published: September 2021

High dissolved organic carbon and low pH are often associated with elevated mercury content of fish in boreal lakes, but less is known about the fish mercury dynamics in lakes recovering from acidification stress. We measured total mercury concentration (THg) in muscle of European perch (Perca fluviatilis) and evaluated the overall correlation with environmental and growth variables in 24 boreal headwater lakes in the 2010s. We found negative correlations of length-corrected perch THg with lake pH and perch growth, but no correlation with dissolved organic carbon. The main emphasis in the present study was focused to a subset of ten lakes in southern Finland with known perch THg during severe acidification in the 1980–1990s. The comparison of perch THg concentrations in the 2010s with values determined in the 1980–1990s showed a sharp increase in most acidic lakes where the perch populations suffered from severe acid stress in the 1980s. This increase was attributed to growth condensation caused by sharp decrease in perch growth during recovery of reproduction capacity and the consequent increases in population densities of perch. Our results highlight the importance of perch growth rate and population density for understanding the variability of fish Hg in boreal headwater lakes, where recovery from acidification can lead to higher mercury concentration of fish in certain cases.
Research streams in corporate social responsibility literature: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Frerichs Ilka Marie , Teichert Thorsten
Published: September 2021

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) research is heterogeneous and still fragmented. In its interdisciplinary setting, researchers focus on different CSR aspects, secondary concepts and themes. The lack of a unifying paradigm indicates that the CSR literature should be summarized and classified. This study’s systematic overview of CSR research provides such a classification. Previous conceptualizations of CSR research mapped the literature from individual authors’ perspective, rendering different and partly inconsistent classifications. Using bibliometric methods, this paper offers an objective overview. We analyze the references of 1902 CSR journal articles by bibliometric techniques as (co-)citation, core/periphery, factor, and network analyses. By doing that, we provide an overview of the CSR research core, identify different research streams, describe their main publications’ topics and recent developments, and make suggestions to inspire future research in and across research streams. Our results show the increased relevance of formerly niche research streams, such as employee-oriented CSR research, or research on consumer skepticism. Among others, process-oriented and micro-level research, critical approaches, and mergers between themes from various research fields offer a wide scope for further research.
Cemetery waste as a substream of municipal waste: research and structure of the selective waste collection in Poland
Authors: Janda Anna , Marcinkowski Tadeusz
Published: September 2021

Cemetery waste (CW) constitutes one of the streams of municipal waste (MW). Based on the available data, it can be said that it accounts for about 1% of the mass of MW being generated in Poland. CW management should be carried out selectively. It is estimated that the level of CW selective collection is lower than the average level achieved for MW. This paper presents some solutions concerning the selective collection of CW implemented in selected municipal and denominational cemeteries in Poland. Based on research conducted, the levels of proper separation of glass and biodegradable waste in containers for their selective collection were determined, accordingly as >85% and >80%. Due to the contamination with paraffin residues, the purity of the selectively collected plastic fraction was lower than 20%. The human factor was recognized as the most significant determining efficiency of the selective collection of CW. Therefore, further education of society, as well as promoting good practices in the field of CW management, should be regarded as desirable.
Metacognitive Confidence Can Increase but Also Decrease Performance in Academic Settings
Authors: Moreno Lorena , Briñol Pablo , Petty Richard E.
Published: September 2021

The present research examined the role of metacognitive confidence in understanding to what extent people’s valenced thoughts guide their performance in academic settings. First, students were asked to engage in positive or negative thinking about exams in their major area of study (Study 1) or about themselves (Studies 2 and 3). The valence of these primary cognitions was manipulated to be positive or negative. Furthermore, a metacognitive variable, the perceived validity of the primary cognitions, was measured or varied to be relatively high or low. Finally, performance was assessed using a knowledge test (Study 1), a geometric shapes task (Study 2) or a selection of questions from the Graduate Record Examination (Study 3). In accordance with self-validation theory, we predicted and found that metacognitive confidence (relative to doubt) increased the impact of primary cognitions on performance. When thoughts were positive, increased confidence in the primary cognitions improved performance. However, when thoughts were negative, the same confidence validated the negative primary cognitions and reduced performance. Thus, metacognitive confidence can lead to opposite findings on performance depending on whether it validates performance-relevant positive thoughts or negative thoughts. Variations in the perceived validity of thoughts mediated the obtained effects. Therefore, we conclude that understanding the process of thought validation can help in specifying why and when metacognitive confidence is likely to work or to backfire in producing the desired performance effects.
Dry granular masses impacting on rigid obstacles: numerical analysis and theoretical modelling
Authors: Redaelli Irene , di Prisco Claudio , Calvetti Francesco
Published: September 2021

The assessment of the time evolution of the impact force exerted by dry flowing masses on rigid obstacles is mandatory for the dynamic design of sheltering structures and the evaluation of the vulnerability of existing structures. In this paper, the results of an extensive numerical campaign performed by employing a discrete element method (DEM) code are presented and the role of different geometrical factors (flow length, height and front inclination) and state parameters (porosity and velocity) on the impact force–time evolution is investigated. The impact process is studied to correlate local information with the macroscopic response and a physically based force–time function, generalising the formula already introduced by the authors for the assessment of maximum impact force, in which each parameter is correlated with the previously mentioned factors, is proposed.