bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oscillation in a posteriori error estimation
Authors: Kreuzer Christian , Veeser Andreas
Published: April 2021

In a posteriori error analysis, the relationship between error and estimator is usually spoiled by so-called oscillation terms, which cannot be bounded by the error. In order to remedy, we devise a new approach where the oscillation has the following two properties. First, it is dominated by the error, irrespective of mesh fineness and the regularity of data and the exact solution. Second, it captures in terms of data the part of the residual that, in general, cannot be quantified with finite information. The new twist in our approach is a locally stable projection onto discretized residuals.
Hydrodynamically enhanced electrochemical mass transfer on the surface of an electrically conductive droplet
Authors: Kharicha A. , Karimi-Sibaki E. , Vakhrushev A. , Wu M. , Ludwig A. , Bohacek J.
Published: April 2021

A fully coupled model is proposed to investigate the influence of flow on electrochemical mass transfer at the interface between the electrolyte and an electrically conductive droplet. The electric current flows through the droplet, and consequently the droplet acts as both anode and cathode. Computations of flow, concentration of reactant, and electric current density fields were carried out. Various droplet sizes (0.5, 2, 4 mm) under different flow regimes considering Reynolds number (Re = 0.2, 2, 20, 40 and 80) were investigated. An iterative numerical method is proposed to determine the concentration of reactant and electric current density at droplet-electrolyte interface considering the reaction kinetics (Butler-Volmer) formula and the diffusion-advection of the reactant through the hydrodynamic boundary layer around the droplet. With the increase of Reynolds number, the amount of electric current density which flows through the droplet increases. It is found that the mass transfer at droplet-electrolyte interface is controlled by reaction kinetics for the small droplet (0.5 mm). However, the diffusion of the reactant governs the efficiency of mass transfer with the increase of the droplet size (2 and 4 mm). With the increase of Reynolds number, the anodic area on the surface of droplet is enlarged.
Accelerated 3D whole-brain T1, T2, and proton density mapping: feasibility for clinical glioma MR imaging
Authors: Pirkl Carolin M. , Nunez-Gonzalez Laura , Kofler Florian , Endt Sebastian , Grundl Lioba , Golbabaee Mohammad , Gómez Pedro A. , Cencini Matteo , Buonincontri Guido , Schulte Rolf F. , Smits Marion , Wiestler Benedikt , Menze Bjoern H. , Menzel Marion I. , Hernandez-Tamames Juan A.
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Advanced MRI-based biomarkers offer comprehensive and quantitative information for the evaluation and characterization of brain tumors. In this study, we report initial clinical experience in routine glioma imaging with a novel, fully 3D multiparametric quantitative transient-state imaging (QTI) method for tissue characterization based on T1 and T2 values.

Methods

To demonstrate the viability of the proposed 3D QTI technique, nine glioma patients (grade II–IV), with a variety of disease states and treatment histories, were included in this study. First, we investigated the feasibility of 3D QTI (6:25 min scan time) for its use in clinical routine imaging, focusing on image reconstruction, parameter estimation, and contrast-weighted image synthesis. Second, for an initial assessment of 3D QTI-based quantitative MR biomarkers, we performed a ROI-based analysis to characterize T1 and T2 components in tumor and peritumoral tissue.

Results

The 3D acquisition combined with a compressed sensing reconstruction and neural network-based parameter inference produced parametric maps with high isotropic resolution (1.125 × 1.125 × 1.125 mm3 voxel size) and whole-brain coverage (22.5 × 22.5 × 22.5 cm3 FOV), enabling the synthesis of clinically relevant T1-weighted, T2-weighted, and FLAIR contrasts without any extra scan time. Our study revealed increased T1 and T2 values in tumor and peritumoral regions compared to contralateral white matter, good agreement with healthy volunteer data, and high inter-subject consistency.

Conclusion

3D QTI demonstrated comprehensive tissue assessment of tumor substructures captured in T1 and T2 parameters. Aiming for fast acquisition of quantitative MR biomarkers, 3D QTI has potential to improve disease characterization in brain tumor patients under tight clinical time-constraints.
Effectiveness of Quality Improvement Processes, Interventions, and Structure in Trauma Systems in Low‐ and Middle‐Income Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Jin James , Akau'ola Salesi’ , Yip Cheng‐Har , Nthumba Peter , Ameh Emmanuel A. , de Jonge Stijn , Mehes Mira , Waiqanabete Iferemi , Henry Jaymie , Hill Andrew ,   The International Society of Surgery (ISS) and the G4 Alliance International Standards and Guidelines for Quality Safe Surgery and Anesthesia (ISG‐QSSA) Group
Published: April 2021

Background

Trauma mortality in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) remains high compared to high‐income countries. Quality improvement processes, interventions, and structure are essential in the effort to decrease trauma mortality.

Methods

A systematic review and meta‐analysis of interventional studies assessing quality improvement processes, interventions, and structure in developing country trauma systems was conducted from November 1989 to August 2020 according to the Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies were included if they were conducted in an LMIC population according to World Bank Income Classification, occurred in a trauma setting, and measured the effect of implementation and its impact. The primary outcome was trauma mortality.

Results

Of 37,575 search results, 30 studies were included from 15 LMICs covering five WHO regions in a qualitative synthesis. Twenty‐seven articles were included in a meta‐analysis. Implementing a pre‐hospital trauma system reduced overall trauma mortality by 45% (risk ratio (RR) 0.55, 95% CI 0.4 to 0.75). Training first responders resulted in an overall decrease in mortality (RR 0.47, 95% CI 0.28 to 0.78). In‐hospital trauma training with certified courses resulted in a reduction of mortality (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.62 to 0.78). Trauma audits and trauma protocols resulted in varying improvements in trauma mortality.

Conclusion

There is evidence that quality improvement processes, interventions, and structure can improve mortality in the trauma systems in LMICs.
Spare Parathyroid Glands During Thyroid Surgery with Perioperative Autofluorescence Imaging: A Diagnostic Study
Authors: Bellier Alexandre , Wazne Yann , Chollier Thibaut , Sturm Nathalie , Chaffanjon Philippe
Published: April 2021

Background

The aim of this original study was to determine the number of parathyroid glands that can be saved and reimplanted thanks to autofluorescence during thyroid surgery. Preservation of parathyroid function remains challenging during thyroid surgery. The parathyroid glands must be identified and immediately autotransplanted in the case of devascularization. Near‐infrared autofluorescence of parathyroid glands has recently been proposed to help surgeons during the dissection.

Methods

A total of 116 thyroid lobectomies were performed on 70 consecutive adult patients. Each lobectomy specimen was scanned in vitro with an autofluorescence imaging device. Every spot of autofluorescence was examined by the surgeon and subsequently the pathologist. The pathologist also performed a complete study of the rest of the lobe. We compared the results of the macroscopic and microscopic diagnoses.

Results

We detected 24 fluorescent spots on the specimens: 13 were considered to be parathyroid tissue by the surgeon and 11, non‐parathyroid tissue. The pathologist confirmed the surgical diagnosis but also discovered 15 additional parathyroid glands that were hidden.

Conclusions

Autofluorescence imaging of the thyroidectomy specimen with surgical inspection is safe, quick, noninvasive and can help detect the accidental removal of parathyroid glands. About 60% of these glands can be spared and autotransplanted during the surgery.
Neurophysiology goes wild: from exploring sensory coding in sound proof rooms to natural environments
Authors: Römer Heiner
Published: April 2021

To perform adaptive behaviours, animals have to establish a representation of the physical “outside” world. How these representations are created by sensory systems is a central issue in sensory physiology. This review addresses the history of experimental approaches toward ideas about sensory coding, using the relatively simple auditory system of acoustic insects. I will discuss the empirical evidence in support of Barlow’s “efficient coding hypothesis”, which argues that the coding properties of neurons undergo specific adaptations that allow insects to detect biologically important acoustic stimuli. This hypothesis opposes the view that the sensory systems of receivers are biased as a result of their phylogeny, which finally determine whether a sound stimulus elicits a behavioural response. Acoustic signals are often transmitted over considerable distances in complex physical environments with high noise levels, resulting in degradation of the temporal pattern of stimuli, unpredictable attenuation, reduced signal-to-noise levels, and degradation of cues used for sound localisation. Thus, a more naturalistic view of sensory coding must be taken, since the signals as broadcast by signallers are rarely equivalent to the effective stimuli encoded by the sensory system of receivers. The consequences of the environmental conditions for sensory coding are discussed.
Characterization of maize root microbiome in two different soils by minimizing plant DNA contamination in metabarcoding analysis
Authors: Aliche Ernest B. , Talsma Warner , Munnik Teun , Bouwmeester Harro J.
Published: April 2021

A micropore-filtration method was used to reduce the proportion of plant DNA in microbial DNA samples isolated from roots prior to sequencing. We tested the impact of this pre-sequencing filtration methodology and used it to characterize the root microbiome of maize grown on two soils with different fertility levels. The micropore filtration reduced plant DNA contamination and unveiled potential in the N-poor soil for N fixation in roots and phosphate uptake by roots in the phosphate-poor soil. Our methodology and findings allude to the potential capability of plants to initiate plant-microbe interactions under sub-optimal soil fertility.
In-frame deletion in canine PITRM1 is associated with a severe early-onset epilepsy, mitochondrial dysfunction and neurodegeneration
Authors: Hytönen Marjo K. , Sarviaho Riika , Jackson Christopher B. , Syrjä Pernilla , Jokinen Tarja , Matiasek Kaspar , Rosati Marco , Dallabona Cristina , Baruffini Enrico , Quintero Ileana , Arumilli Meharji , Monteuuis Geoffray , Donner Jonas , Anttila Marjukka , Suomalainen Anu , Bindoff Laurence A. , Lohi Hannes
Published: April 2021

We investigated the clinical, genetic, and pathological characteristics of a previously unknown severe juvenile brain disorder in several litters of Parson Russel Terriers. The disease started with epileptic seizures at 6–12 weeks of age and progressed rapidly to status epilepticus and death or euthanasia. Histopathological changes at autopsy were restricted to the brain. There was severe acute neuronal degeneration and necrosis diffusely affecting the grey matter throughout the brain with extensive intraneuronal mitochondrial crowding and accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ). Combined homozygosity mapping and genome sequencing revealed an in-frame 6-bp deletion in the nuclear-encoded pitrilysin metallopeptidase 1 (PITRM1) encoding for a mitochondrial protease involved in mitochondrial targeting sequence processing and degradation. The 6-bp deletion results in the loss of two amino acid residues in the N-terminal part of PITRM1, potentially affecting protein folding and function. Assessment of the mitochondrial function in the affected brain tissue showed a significant deficiency in respiratory chain function. The functional consequences of the mutation were modeled in yeast and showed impaired growth in permissive conditions and an impaired respiration capacity. Loss-of-function variants in human PITRM1 result in a childhood-onset progressive amyloidotic neurological syndrome characterized by spinocerebellar ataxia with behavioral, psychiatric and cognitive abnormalities. Homozygous Pitrm1-knockout mice are embryonic lethal, while heterozygotes show a progressive, neurodegenerative phenotype characterized by impairment in motor coordination and Aβ deposits. Our study describes a novel early-onset PITRM1-related neurodegenerative canine brain disorder with mitochondrial dysfunction, Aβ accumulation, and lethal epilepsy. The findings highlight the essential role of PITRM1 in neuronal survival and strengthen the connection between mitochondrial dysfunction and neurodegeneration.
Heatwave frequency and seedling death alter stress-specific emissions of volatile organic compounds in Aleppo pine
Authors: Birami Benjamin , Bamberger Ines , Ghirardo Andrea , Grote Rüdiger , Arneth Almut , Gaona-Colmán Elizabeth , Nadal-Sala Daniel , Ruehr Nadine K.
Published: April 2021

Biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOC) play important roles in plant stress responses and can serve as stress indicators. While the impacts of gradual environmental changes on BVOCs have been studied extensively, insights in emission responses to repeated stress and recovery are widely absent. Therefore, we studied the dynamics of shoot gas exchange and BVOC emissions in Pinus halepensis seedlings during an induced moderate drought, two four-day-long heatwaves, and the combination of drought and heatwaves. We found clear stress-specific responses of BVOC emissions. Reductions in acetone emissions with declining soil water content and transpiration stood out as a clear drought indicator. All other measured BVOC emissions responded exponentially to rising temperatures during heat stress (maximum of 43 °C), but monoterpenes and methyl salicylate showed a reduced temperature sensitivity during the second heatwave. We found that these decreases in monoterpene emissions between heatwaves were not reflected by similar declines in their internal storage pools. Because stress intensity was extremely severe, most of the seedlings in the heat-drought treatment died at the end of the second heatwave (dark respiration ceased). Interestingly, BVOC emissions (methanol, monoterpenes, methyl salicylate, and acetaldehyde) differed between dying and surviving seedlings, already well before indications of a reduced vitality became visible in gas exchange dynamics. In summary, we could clearly show that the dynamics of BVOC emissions are sensitive to stress type, stress frequency, and stress severity. Moreover, we found indications that stress-induced seedling mortality was preceded by altered methanol, monoterpene, and acetaldehyde emission dynamics.
Six-Pulse RIDME Sequence to Avoid Background Artifacts
Authors: Abdullin Dinar , Suchatzki Miriam , Schiemann Olav
Published: April 2021

Relaxation induced dipolar modulation enhancement (RIDME) is a valuable method for measuring nanometer-scale distances between electron spin centers. Such distances are widely used in structural biology to study biomolecular structures and track their conformational changes. Despite significant improvements of RIDME in recent years, the background analysis of primary RIDME signals remains to be challenging. In particular, it was recently shown that the five-pulse RIDME signals contain an artifact which can hinder the accurate extraction of distance distributions from RIDME time traces [as reported by Ritsch et al. (Phys Chem Chem Phys 21: 9810, 2019)]. Here, this artifact, as well as one additionally identified artifact, are systematically studied on several model compounds and the possible origins of both artifacts are discussed. In addition, a new six-pulse RIDME sequence is proposed that eliminates the artifact with the biggest impact on the extracted distance distributions. The efficiency of this pulse sequence is confirmed on several examples.
Robust-adaptive dynamic programming-based time-delay control of autonomous ships under stochastic disturbances using an actor-critic learning algorithm
Authors: Esfahani Hossein Nejatbakhsh , Szlapczynski Rafal
Published: April 2021

This paper proposes a hybrid robust-adaptive learning-based control scheme based on Approximate Dynamic Programming (ADP) for the tracking control of autonomous ship maneuvering. We adopt a Time-Delay Control (TDC) approach, which is known as a simple, practical, model free and roughly robust strategy, combined with an Actor-Critic Approximate Dynamic Programming (ACADP) algorithm as an adaptive part in the proposed hybrid control algorithm. Based on this integration, Actor-Critic Time-Delay Control (AC-TDC) is proposed. It offers a high-performance robust-adaptive control approach for path following of autonomous ships under deterministic and stochastic disturbances induced by the winds, waves, and ocean currents. Computer simulations have been conducted under two different conditions in terms of the deterministic and stochastic disturbances and all simulation results indicate an acceptable performance in tracking of paths for the proposed control algorithm in comparison with the conventional TDC approach.
Clinical and experimental approaches for imaging of acute kidney injury
Authors: Katagiri Daisuke , Wang Feng , Gore John C. , Harris Raymond C. , Takahashi Takamune
Published: April 2021

Complex molecular cell dynamics in acute kidney injury and its heterogeneous etiologies in patient populations in clinical settings have revealed the potential advantages and disadvantages of emerging novel damage biomarkers. Imaging techniques have been developed over the past decade to further our understanding about diseased organs, including the kidneys. Understanding the compositional, structural, and functional changes in damaged kidneys via several imaging modalities would enable a more comprehensive analysis of acute kidney injury, including its risks, diagnosis, and prognosis. This review summarizes recent imaging studies for acute kidney injury and discusses their potential utility in clinical settings.
Perceived loneliness and the role of cultural and intergenerational belonging: the case of Portuguese first-generation immigrants in Luxembourg
Authors: Albert Isabelle
Published: April 2021

The risk of loneliness for migrants, particularly in older age, has been documented across multiple studies. Migration is a life-changing transition. While often retaining links to their country of origin, an important developmental task for migrants is the establishment of bonds in the receiving country. Drawing on recent studies, I will explore the role of cultural and intergenerational belonging in order to identify both protective and risk factors regarding loneliness in middle and older age in a sample of first-generation immigrants from Portugal living in Luxembourg. The sample comprises N = 131 participants (51.9% female) between the ages of 41 and 80 (M = 56.08; SD = 7.80) who have on average spent M = 31.71 years (SD = 8.81) in Luxembourg and raised children in Luxembourg. They took part in the IRMA project (‘Intergenerational Relations in the Light of Migration and Ageing’) which was funded by the Fonds National de la Recherche Luxembourg. A standardised questionnaire assessed socio-demographic data, aspects of cultural belonging (i.e. cultural attachment to both countries, bicultural identity orientation, acculturative stress), intergenerational belonging (i.e. family cohesion, family conflict, perceived intergenerational value consensus) and perceived loneliness. Results showed that while cultural and intergenerational belonging were protective factors, the strongest predictors for participants’ perceived loneliness were cultural identity conflict and, even more so, intergenerational conflict. Our findings suggest that establishing roots and bonds in the host country is a protective factor against loneliness, whereas the feeling of not fitting in is a strong risk factor.
Perceptions of Challenges Affecting Research Ethics Committees’ Members at Medical and Health Science Colleges in Omani and Jordanian Universities
Authors: Al Omari Omar , Khalaf Atika , Al Delaimy Wael , Al Qadire Mohammad , Khatatbeh Moawiah M. , Thultheen Imad
Published: April 2021

In recent years there has been an increase in research conducted in the Middle East, with a corresponding increase in the challenges faced by members of the Research Ethics Committees (RECs). This study compares the structures of Omani and Jordanian RECs and investigates the perceptions of the challenges affecting the work of the REC members in Oman and Jordan. A convenience sample of 34 Omani and 66 Jordanian participants from 21 universities was recruited in this cross-sectional study. Almost 70% disagreed that the members of RECs are unqualified, providing comments without justification; half believed that members have limited experience in research, and almost three-quarters that they have different opinions regarding some ethical issues. No significant differences were found between Omani and Jordanian REC members regarding their perception of the challenges, except for the perception that reviewing proposals is a time-consuming task (p = 0.048) and that multi-REC centres are less available (p = 0.026). The regression model showed that there were significantly more male members of Jordanian RECs, and that Jordanian members were less likely to receive formal training. In conclusion, the current structure of RECs and the challenges faced by members need to be re-evaluated by decision makers to improve the overall quality of research activities, and to ensure that current REC members’ practices adhere to international standards.
Commercially available garden products as important sources of antibiotic resistance genes—a survey
Authors: Cira Marisol , Echeverria-Palencia Cristina M. , Callejas Ileana , Jimenez Karina , Herrera Rafael , Hung Wei-Cheng , Colima Nicolas , Schmidt Amanda , Jay Jennifer A.
Published: April 2021

The dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the environment contributes to the global rise in antibiotic resistant infections. Therefore, it is of importance to further research the exposure pathways of these emerging contaminants to humans. This study explores commercially available garden products containing animal manure as a source of ARGs in a survey of 34 garden products, 3 recently landscaped soils, and 5 native soils. DNA was extracted from these soils and quantified for 5 ARGs, intI1, and 16S rRNA. This study found that both absolute and relative gene abundances in garden products ranged from approximately two to greater than four orders of magnitude higher than those observed in native soils. Garden products with Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) certification did not have significantly different ARG abundances. Results here indicate that garden products are important sources of ARGs to gardens, lawns, and parks.

Graphical abstract
Temperature-Dependent Configurational Entropy Calculations for Refractory High-Entropy Alloys
Authors: Nataraj Chiraag M , van de Walle Axel , Samanta Amit
Published: April 2021

The cluster expansion formalism for alloys is used to construct surrogate models for three refractory high-entropy alloys (NbTiVZr, HfNbTaTiZr, and AlHfNbTaTiZr). These cluster expansion models are then used along with Monte Carlo methods and thermodynamic integration to calculate the configurational entropy of these refractory high-entropy alloys as a function of temperature. Many solid solution alloy design guidelines are based on the ideal entropy of mixing, which increases monotonically with $$N$$
N
, the number of elements in the alloy. However, our results show that at low temperatures, the configurational entropy of these materials is largely independent of $$N$$
N
, and the assumption described above only holds in the high-temperature limit. This suggests that alloy design guidelines based on the ideal entropy of mixing require further examination.
Clinical profile and evolution of patients with juvenile-onset Behçet’s syndrome over a 25-year period: insights from the AIDA network
Authors: Sota Jurgen , Rigante Donato , Lopalco Giuseppe , Emmi Giacomo , Gentileschi Stefano , Gaggiano Carla , Ciarcia Luisa , Berlengiero Virginia , Mourabi Mariam , Ricco Nicola , Barneschi Sara , Mattioli Irene , Tosi Gian Marco , Frediani Bruno , Tarsia Maria , di Scala Gerardo , Vitale Antonio , Iannone Florenzo , Fabiani Claudia , Cantarini Luca
Published: April 2021

Behçet’s syndrome (BS) represents an understudied topic in pediatrics: the main aims of our study were to characterize demographic and clinical features of a cohort of BS patients with juvenile-onset managed in three tertiary referral centers in Italy, evaluate their evolution in the long-term, and detect any potential differences with BS patients having an adult-onset. Medical records of 64 juvenile-onset and 332 adult-onset BS followed-up over a 2-year period were retrospectively analyzed and compared. Mean age ± SD of first symptom-appearance was 10.92 ± 4.34 years with a female-to-male ratio of 1.06:1. Mucocutaneous signs were the most frequent initial manifestations, followed by uveitis. Throughout the disease course, genital aphthae (76.56%) and pseudofolliculitis (40.63%) prevailed among the mucocutaneous signs, while major organ involvement was represented by gastrointestinal and ocular involvement (43.75 and 34.38%, respectively). No significant differences emerged for both mucocutaneous signs and specific major organ involvement between juvenile-onset and adult BS patients. After excluding nonspecific abdominal pain, juvenile-onset BS patients were less frequently characterized by the development of major organ involvement (p = 0.027). Logistic regression detected the juvenile-onset as a variable associated with reduced risk of long-term major organ involvement (OR 0.495 [0.263–0.932],p = 0.029). In our cohort, juvenile-onset BS resembled the clinical spectrum of adult-onset patients. Pediatric patients with a full-blown disease at onset showed a more frequent mucocutaneous involvement. In addition, patients with juvenile-onset seemed to develop less frequently major organ involvement and had an overall less severe disease course.
Coping strategies in active and inactive men with prostate cancer: a qualitative study
Authors: Langelier David Michael , Jackson Colleen , Bridel William , Grant Christopher , Culos-Reed S. Nicole
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Prostate cancer can result in a shift in the way men perceive their masculinity. Despite the interest in exercise as a treatment strategy to address masculinity concerns, there is insufficient information about how perceptions may differ in active and inactive men. The aim of this study was to explore how exercise might influence self-perceptions of masculinity in men across the exercise continuum (from active to inactive) and in men receiving different forms of treatment for their prostate cancer, including androgen deprivation therapy.

Methods

Individual, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 men. Ten men met aerobic and/or resistance guidelines and were considered active, while five men, considered inactive, reached neither guideline. This study used a grounded theory approach to data analysis, examining masculinity issues in active men and compared them to inactive men.

Results

Redefining masculinity emerged as an overarching theme. Subthemes were the various coping strategies men used to redefining masculinity and directly related to their exercise habits. Coping subthemes included re-establishing control, tapping into competition, remaining socially connected, rationalization, and acceptance.

Conclusions

In the active men, dominant coping strategies achieved from exercise included control through active participation, acceptance, competition, and leadership. In inactive men, control was observed with knowledge-seeking behaviors, rationalization, and acceptance.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

A tailored approach to exercise counseling based upon specific masculine traits and motivations could lead to improved exercise engagement.
Digital Technologies for Schizophrenia Management: A Descriptive Review
Authors: Chivilgina Olga , Elger Bernice S. , Jotterand Fabrice
Published: April 2021

While the implementation of digital technology in psychiatry appears promising, there is an urgent need to address the implications of the absence of ethical design in the early development of such technologies. Some authors have noted the gap between technology development and ethical analysis and have called for an upstream examination of the ethical issues raised by digital technologies. In this paper, we address this suggestion, particularly in relation to digital healthcare technologies for patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. The introduction of digital technologies in psychiatry offers a broad spectrum of diagnostic and treatment options tailored to the health needs and goals of patients’ care. These technologies include wearable devices, smartphone applications for high-immersive virtual realities, smart homes, telepsychiatry and messaging systems for patients in rural areas. The availability of these technologies could increase access to mental health services and improve the diagnostics of mental disorders.

Additional Instruction Abstract

In this descriptive review, we systematize ethical concerns about digital technologies for mental health with a particular focus on individuals suffering from schizophrenia. There are many unsolved dilemmas and conflicts of interest in the implementation of these technologies, such as (1) the lack of evidence on efficacy and impact on self-perception; (2) the lack of clear standards for the safety of their daily implementation; (3) unclear roles of technology and a shift in the responsibilities of all parties; (4) no guarantee of data confidentiality; and (5) the lack of a user-centered design that meets the particular needs of patients with schizophrenia. mHealth can improve care in psychiatry and make mental healthcare services more efficient and personalized while destigmatizing mental health disorders. To ensure that these technologies will benefit people with mental health disorders, we need to heighten sensitivity to ethical issues among mental healthcare specialists, health policy makers, software developers, patients themselves and their proxies. Additionally, we need to develop frameworks for furthering sustainable development in the digital technologies industry and for the responsible usage of such technologies for patients with schizophrenia in the clinical setting. We suggest that digital technology in psychiatry, particularly for schizophrenia and other serious mental health disorders, should be integrated into treatment with professional supervision rather than as a self-treatment tool.
On the Content of Information Systems Ontologies
Authors: Tambassi Timothy
Published: April 2021

Despite the fact that information systems ontologies [ISOs] support the mutual understanding between human beings and software applications, human beings and software applications do not understand ISOs' contents in the same way. The same applies to ontological integration. This paper attempts to account for such discrepancies by emphasizing that while human being can have access to entities represented in ISOs, software applications cannot.
Effects of DNA preservation solution and DNA extraction methods on microbial community profiling of soil
Authors: Iturbe-Espinoza Paul , Brandt Bernd W. , Braster Martin , Bonte Matthijs , Brown David M. , van Spanning Rob J. M.
Published: April 2021

Microbial community profiling using high-throughput sequencing relies in part on the preservation of the DNA and the effectiveness of the DNA extraction method. This study aimed at understanding to what extent these parameters affect the profiling. We obtained samples treated with and without a preservation solution. Also, we compared DNA extraction kits from Qiagen and Zymo-Research. The types of samples were defined strains, both as single species and mixtures, as well as undefined indigenous microbial communities from soil. We show that the use of a preservation solution resulted in substantial changes in the 16S rRNA gene profiles either due to an overrepresentation of Gram-positive bacteria or to an underrepresentation of Gram-negative bacteria. In addition, 16S rRNA gene profiles were substantially different depending on the type of kit that was used for extraction. The kit from Zymo extracted DNA from different types of bacteria in roughly equal amounts. In contrast, the kit from Qiagen preferentially extracted DNA from Gram-negative bacteria while DNA from Gram-positive bacteria was extracted less effectively. These differences in kit performance strongly influenced the interpretation of our microbial ecology studies.
Valorisation of Coffee Roasting By-Products: Recovery of Silverskin Fat By Supercritical CO2 Extraction
Authors: Nasti Rita , Galeazzi Andrea , Marzorati Stefania , Zaccheria Federica , Ravasio Nicoletta , Bozzano Giulia Luisa , Manenti Flavio , Verotta Luisella
Published: April 2021

Recovery of agro and food-industrial waste and their valorisation via green technologies can help to outline new concepts of industrial strategies. In this contest, a fat enriched of added-value components was extracted from coffee silverskin by applying a supercritical fluid extraction technique (sc-CO2). An appropriate modulation of process parameters like temperature (T = 35, 50, 60 °C) and pressure (p = 200–300 bar) influences the fat yield and the chemical composition, opening the way for targeted extraction. The extraction time, the organic solvent use and the energy consume were reduced compared to Soxhlet. Moreover, a mathematical model was constructed based on the experimental data collected, employed apparatus, and physico-chemical characteristics of biomass, pointing to a possible industrial scale-up. The experimental results are accompanied by a preliminary cost of manufacturing (COM), highlighting how the high investment for the apparatus is compensated by several benefits.

Graphic Abstract
Nephroblastoma overexpressed protein (NOV) enhances 5-Fu-mediated inhibitory effect of colorectal cancer cell proliferation via JNK/AP-1/caspase-8/caspase-3 pathway
Authors: Wang Dong , Wang Tingting , An Yongbo , Jin Lan , Wang Jin , Wu Guocong , Yao Hongwei , Zhang Zhongtao , Li Jun
Published: April 2021

Chemoresistance often occurs during 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). It is significant to explore the potential strategies to sensitize colorectal cancer cells to 5-Fu treatment. We studied the sensitization of Nephroblastoma overexpressed protein (NOV) on 5-Fu treatment. NOV was overexpressed and knocked down in HT115 and RKO cells respectively. Cell proliferation experiments and related mechanism studies by RT-qPCR and Western blot were performed Subsequently. Nude mouse xenograft model was established to test the inhibitory effect of 5-FU on CRC cells in vivo. In this study, we found that NOV mRNA expression was significantly lower in tumor tissues than that in the normal tissues (P < 0.05). The cell proliferation was reduced in the HT115-NOVexp groups (P < 0.05) and increased in the RKO-NOVkd groups (P < 0.05) than that in the control groups and NC groups. The RT-PCR and Western Blot results showed that NOV inhibited the expression of activator protein (AP)-1 (P < 0.05) and promoted the expression of Caspase-8/3 (P < 0.05) in CRC cells in vitro. NOV also improved the inhibitory effect of 5-Fu on inhibiting colorectal cancer proliferation in a tumor cell xenotransplantation nude mouse model. NOV inhibited the expression of AP-1 and JUK and promoted the expression of Caspase-8/3 in cancer tissues in a tumor cell xenotransplantation nude mouse model. In summary, NOV can sensitize CRC cells towards 5-Fu-mediated inhibitory effect on cell proliferation and its sensitization may be achieved by the JNK/AP-1/Caspase-8/Caspase-3 pathway.
Impacts of wastewater discharge from Kalar city on Diyala-Sirwan river water quality, Iraq: pollution evaluation, health risks of heavy metals contamination
Authors: Issa Hayder Mohammed , Alshatteri Azad H.
Published: April 2021

In this work, a comprehensive assessment has been performed to understand impact of wastewater discharge from Kalar city on water quality parameters of Diyala-Sirwan river, Iraq. Levels of physicochemical parameters of Ca, K, Na, Mg, pH, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solid, turbidity, biological oxygen demand, and total hardness, and heavy metals of Fe, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Hg, Al, Ba, Se, and As have been determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy and other devices. Pollution indices, health risk assessment, and multivariate analysis have been applied to evaluate pollution intensity originated from wastewater discharge on river water quality at different locations, before and after the impact point. Pollution levels of slight to moderate have been identified using different indices for the river water at all sampling locations after the wastewater discharge point. Cluster and correlation analyses showed that the impact of wastewater discharge on the river water quality was occurring along the river within the study area. Non-carcinogenic health risk assessment for heavy metals in the river, indicating a potential risk, might on people's health, especially after discharge point. Furthermore, a significant effect of carcinogenic risk by heavy metals of As and Hg was recognized in the same area. This study thus helps to understand clearly the alteration that happened in the water quality of Diyala-Sirwan river due to the discharge of untreated wastewater from Kalar city.
Higher-order assemblies in immune signaling: supramolecular complexes and phase separation
Authors: Xia Shiyu , Chen Zhenhang , Shen Chen , Fu Tian-Min
Published: April 2021

Signaling pathways in innate and adaptive immunity play vital roles in pathogen recognition and the functions of immune cells. Higher-order assemblies have recently emerged as a central principle that governs immune signaling and, by extension, cellular communication in general. There are mainly two types of higher-order assemblies: 1) ordered, solid-like large supramolecular complexes formed by stable and rigid protein-protein interactions, and 2) liquid-like phase-separated condensates formed by weaker and more dynamic intermolecular interactions. This review covers key examples of both types of higher-order assemblies in major immune pathways. By placing emphasis on the molecular structures of the examples provided, we discuss how their structural organization enables elegant mechanisms of signaling regulation.
Symmetric products, linear representations and trace identities
Authors: Vaccarino Francesco
Published: April 2021

We give the equations of then-th symmetric product$$X^n/S_n$$Xn/Snof a flat affine scheme$$X=\mathrm {Spec}\,A$$X=SpecAover a commutative ringF. As a consequence, we find a closed immersion into the coarse moduli space parameterizingn-dimensional linear representations ofA. This is done by exhibiting an isomorphism between the ring of symmetric tensors overAand the ring generated by the coefficients of the characteristic polynomial of polynomials in commuting generic matrices giving representations ofA. Using this we derive an isomorphism of the associated reduced schemes over an infinite field. When the characteristic is zero we show that this isomorphism is an isomorphism of schemes and we express it in term of traces.
Accelerate the optimization of large-scale manufacturing planning using game theory
Authors: Zhen Hui-Ling , Wang Zhenkun , Li Xijun , Zhang Qingfu , Yuan Mingxuan , Zeng Jia
Published: April 2021

This paper studies a real-world manufacturing problem, which is modeled as a bi-objective integer programming problem. The variables and constraints involved are usually numerous and dramatically vary according to the manufacturing data. It is very challenging to directly solve such large-scale problems using heuristic algorithms or commercial solvers. Considering that the decision space of such problems is usually sparse and has a block-like structure, we propose to use decomposition methods to accelerate the optimization process. However, the existing decomposition methods require that the problem has strict block structures, which is not suitable for our problem. To deal with problems with such block-like structures, we propose a game theory based decomposition algorithm. This new method can overcome the large-scale issue and guarantee convergence to some extent, as it can narrow down the search space and accelerate the convergence. Extensive experimental results on real-world industrial manufacturing planning problems show that our method is more effective than the world fastest commercial solver Gurobi. The results also indicate that our method is less sensitive to the problem scale comparing with Gurobi.
Multi-objective System Design Optimization via PPA and a Fuzzy Method
Authors: Mellal Mohamed Arezki , Salhi Abdellah
Published: April 2021

System design deals with various challenges of targets and resources, such as reliability, availability, maintainability, cost, weight, volume, and configuration. This paper deals with the multi-objective system availability and cost optimization of parallel–series systems by resorting to the multi-objective strawberry algorithm also known as the Plant Propagation Algorithm or PPA and a fuzzy method. It is the first implementation of this optimization algorithm in the literature for this kind of problem to generate the Pareto Front. The fuzzy method allows helping the decision maker to select the best compromise solution. A numerical case study involving 10 subsystems highlights the applicability of the proposed approach.
Correction to: Preserving the Knowledge of the Past Through Virtual Visits: From 3D Laser Scanning to Virtual Reality Visualisation at the Istanbul Çatalca İnceğiz Caves
Authors: Büyüksalih Gürcan , Kan Tuna , Özkan Gözde Enç , Meriç Müge , Isın Lale , Kersten Thomas P.
Published: April 2021

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s41064-021-00143-2
Geometrical inspired pre-weighting enhances Markov clustering community detection in complex networks
Authors: Durán Claudio , Muscoloni Alessandro , Cannistraci Carlo Vittorio
Published: April 2021

Markov clustering is an effective unsupervised pattern recognition algorithm for data clustering in high-dimensional feature space. However, its community detection performance in complex networks has been demonstrating results far from the state of the art methods such as Infomap and Louvain. The crucial issue is to convert the unweighted network topology in a ‘smart-enough’ pre-weighted connectivity that adequately steers the stochastic flow procedure behind Markov clustering. Here we introduce a conceptual innovation and we discuss how to leverage network latent geometry notions in order to design similarity measures for pre-weighting the adjacency matrix used in Markov clustering community detection. Our results demonstrate that the proposed strategy improves Markov clustering significantly, to the extent that it is often close to the performance of current state of the art methods for community detection. These findings emerge considering both synthetic ‘realistic’ networks (with known ground-truth communities) and real networks (with community metadata), and even when the real network connectivity is corrupted by noise artificially induced by missing or spurious links. Our study enhances the generalized understanding of how network geometry plays a fundamental role in the design of algorithms based on network navigability.
Long-term ABA Therapy Is Abusive: A Response to Gorycki, Ruppel, and Zane
Authors: Shkedy Gary , Shkedy Dalia , Sandoval-Norton Aileen H.
Published: April 2021

Objective

In a recent response to a review of ABA literature, methodologies, and ethics, the authors of the response attempted to negate the compilation of research presented. The goal of their response was to advocate for the continued use of ABA and attempt to demonstrate that it is in fact effective in treating autism. The research utilized in the response does not pertain to the population discussed, does not present any neuroscientific research, and does not address intrinsic motivation, elevated levels of anxiety, or various other pertinent issues associated with the nonverbal autism population.

Methods

The current paper helps clarify any misinterpretation of the original research and seeks to advocate for greater protections and ethical compliance within this vulnerable subset of individuals on the autism spectrum. Additionally, more recent research has been included to assist in this clarification.

Results

Despite decades of usage as the primary method for this population worldwide, ABA has never been shown to be even slightly efficacious for the nonverbal Autism population.

Conclusions

Research in ABA continues to neglect the structure the autistic brain, the overstimulation of the autistic brain, the trajectory of child development, or the complex nature of human psychology, as all of these factors were ignored in the response and are ignored in ABA practice itself. Providing a treatment that causes pain in exchange for no benefit, even if unknowingly, is tantamount to torture and violates the most basic requirement of any therapy, to do no harm.
Understanding the Geographical Spread of COVID-19 in Relation with Goods Regional Routes and Governmental Decrees: The Lombardy Region Case Study
Authors: Tosi Davide , Chiappa Marco
Published: April 2021

In this paper, a preliminary data analytics study on the spread of COVID-19 in Italy and Lombardy Region is reported to understand how the COVID-19 spread from a geographical point-of-view. Understanding the rules followed by the virus in its spread in Italy and Lombardy Region is fundamental to act properly to reduce and isolate the contagious promptly. The paper investigates the possible correlation between the goods and transport routes and the citizen travels with the spread of the COVID-19 from a geographical perspective. Moreover, in the paper, an empirical discussion is reported on how the actions and decrees, which have been imposed by the Italian Government over time, impacted actually on the spread of COVID-19. This discussion can highlight important aspects that can be taken into account in future pandemic waves, to better balance the policies and actions imposed by the Government and by the Regions.