bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the existence of global‐in‐time weak solutions and scaling laws for Kolmogorov's two‐equation model for turbulence
Authors: Mielke Alexander , Naumann Joachim
Published: July 2022

This paper is concerned with Kolmogorov's two‐equation model for turbulence in involving the mean velocity u, the pressure p, an average frequency , and a mean turbulent kinetic energy k. We consider the system with space‐periodic boundary conditions in a cube , which is a good choice for studying the decay of free turbulent motion sufficiently far away from boundaries. In particular, this choice is compatible with the rich set of similarity transformations for turbulence. The main part of this work consists in proving existence of global weak solutions of this model. For this we approximate the system by adding a suitable regularizing r‐Laplacian and invoke existence result for evolutionary equations with pseudo‐monotone operators. An important point constitutes the derivation of pointwise a priori estimates for ω (upper and lower) and k (only lower) that are independent of the box size a, thus allow us to control the parabolicity of the diffusion operators.
ALYREF, a novel factor involved in breast carcinogenesis, acts through transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms selectively regulating the short NEAT1 isoform
Authors: Klec Christiane , Knutsen Erik , Schwarzenbacher Daniela , Jonas Katharina , Pasculli Barbara , Heitzer Ellen , Rinner Beate , Krajina Katarina , Prinz Felix , Gottschalk Benjamin , Ulz Peter , Deutsch Alexander , Prokesch Andreas , Jahn Stephan W. , Lellahi S. Mohammad , Perander Maria , Barbano Raffaela , Graier Wolfgang F. , Parrella Paola , Calin George Adrian , Pichler Martin
Published: July 2022

The RNA-binding protein ALYREF (THOC4) is involved in transcriptional regulation and nuclear mRNA export, though its role and molecular mode of action in breast carcinogenesis are completely unknown. Here, we identified high ALYREF expression as a factor for poor survival in breast cancer patients. ALYREF significantly influenced cellular growth, apoptosis and mitochondrial energy metabolism in breast cancer cells as well as breast tumorigenesis in orthotopic mouse models. Transcriptional profiling, phenocopy and rescue experiments identified the short isoform of the lncRNANEAT1as a molecular trigger for ALYREF effects in breast cancer. Mechanistically, we found that ALYREF binds to theNEAT1promoter region to enhance the globalNEAT1transcriptional activity. Importantly, by stabilizing CPSF6, a protein that selectively activates the post-transcriptional generation of the short isoform ofNEAT1, as well as by direct binding and stabilization of the short isoform ofNEAT1,ALYREF selectively fine-tunes the expression of the shortNEAT1isoform. Overall, our study describes ALYREF as a novel factor contributing to breast carcinogenesis and identifies novel molecular mechanisms of regulation the two isoforms ofNEAT1.
Lord Rayleigh’s Conjecture for Vibrating Clamped Plates in Positively Curved Spaces
Authors: Kristály Alexandru
Published: July 2022

We affirmatively solve the analogue of Lord Rayleigh’s conjecture on Riemannian manifolds with positive Ricci curvature for any clamped plates in 2 and 3 dimensions, and for sufficiently large clamped plates in dimensions beyond 3. These results complement those from the flat (Ashbaugh and Benguria in Duke Math J 78(1):1–17, 1995; Nadirashvili in Arch Ration Mech Anal 129(1):1–10, 1995) and negatively curved (Kristály in Adv Math 367:107113, 2020) cases that are valid only in 2 and 3 dimensions, and at the same time also provide the first positive answer to Lord Rayleigh’s conjecture in higher dimensions. The proofs rely on an Ashbaugh–Benguria–Nadirashvili–Talenti nodal-decomposition argument, on the Lévy–Gromov isoperimetric inequality, on fine properties of Gaussian hypergeometric functions and on sharp spectral gap estimates of fundamental tones for both small and large clamped spherical caps. Our results show that positive curvature enhances genuine differences between low- and high-dimensional settings, a tacitly accepted paradigm in the theory of vibrating clamped plates. In the limit case—when the Ricci curvature is non-negative we establish a Lord Rayleigh-type isoperimetric inequality that involves the asymptotic volume ratio of the non-compact complete Riemannian manifold; moreover, the inequality is strongly rigid in 2 and 3 dimensions, i.e., if equality holds for a given clamped plate then the manifold is isometric to the Euclidean space.
An Incidence Estimate and a Furstenberg Type Estimate for Tubes in $$\mathbb {R}^2$$
Authors: Fu Yuqiu , Gan Shengwen , Ren Kevin
Published: July 2022

We study the $$\delta $$
δ
-discretized Szemerédi–Trotter theorem and Furstenberg set problem. We prove sharp estimates for both two problems assuming tubes satisfy some spacing condition. For both problems, we construct sharp examples that share common features.
Surface Gravity of Compact Non-degenerate Horizons Under the Dominant Energy Condition
Authors: Gurriaran Sebastian , Minguzzi Ettore
Published: July 2022

We prove that under the dominant energy condition any non-degenerate smooth compact totally geodesic horizon admits a smooth tangent vector field of constant non-zero surface gravity. This result generalizes previous work by Isenberg and Moncrief, and by Bustamante and Reiris to the non-vacuum case, the vacuum case being given a largely independent proof. Moreover, we prove that any such achronal non-degenerate horizon is actually a Cauchy horizon bounded on one side by a chronology violating region.
Decadal Methane Emission Trend Inferred from Proxy GOSAT XCH4 Retrievals: Impacts of Transport Model Spatial Resolution
Authors: Zhu Sihong , Feng Liang , Liu Yi , Wang Jing , Yang Dongxu
Published: July 2022

In recent studies, proxy XCH4 retrievals from the Japanese Greenhouse gases Observing SATellite (GOSAT) have been used to constrain top-down estimation of CH4 emissions. Still, the resulting interannual variations often show significant discrepancies over some of the most important CH4 source regions, such as China and Tropical South America, by causes yet to be determined. This study compares monthly CH4 flux estimates from two parallel assimilations of GOSAT XCH4 retrievals from 2010 to 2019 based on the same Ensemble Kalman Filter (EnKF) framework but with the global chemistry transport model (GEOS-Chem v12.5) being run at two different spatial resolutions of 4° × 5° (R4, lon × lat) and 2° × 2.5° (R2, lon × lat) to investigate the effects of resolution-related model errors on the derived long-term global and regional CH4 emission trends. We found that the mean annual global methane emission for the 2010s is 573.04 Tg yr−1 for the inversion using the R4 model, which becomes about 4.4 Tg yr−1 less (568.63 Tg yr−1) when a finer R2 model is used, though both are well within the ensemble range of the 22 top-down results (2008–17) included in the current Global Carbon Project (from 550 Tg yr−1 to 594 Tg yr−1). Compared to the R2 model, the inversion based on the R4 tends to overestimate tropical emissions (by 13.3 Tg yr which is accompanied by a general underestimation (by 8.9 Tg yr−1) in the extratropics. Such a dipole reflects differences in tropical-mid-latitude air exchange in relation to the model’s convective and advective schemes at different resolutions. The two inversions show a rather consistent long-term CH4 emission trend at the global scale and over most of the continents, suggesting that the observed rapid increase in atmospheric methane can largely be attributed to the emission growth from North Africa (1.79 Tg yr−2 for R4 and 1.29 Tg yr−2 for R2) and South America Temperate (1.08 Tg yr−2 for R4 and 1.21 Tg yr−2 for R2) during the first half of the 2010s, and from Eurasia Boreal (1.46 Tg yr−2 for R4 and 1.63 Tg yr−2 for R2) and Tropical South America (1.72 Tg yr−2 for R4 and 1.43 Tg yr−2 for R2) over 2015–19. In the meantime, emissions in Europe have shown a consistent decrease over the past decade. However, the growth rates by the two parallel inversions show significant discrepancies over Eurasia Temperate, South America Temperate, and South Africa, which are also the places where recent GOSAT inversions usually disagree with one other.
Aberrant NOVA1 function disrupts alternative splicing in early stages of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Krach Florian , Wheeler Emily C. , Regensburger Martin , Boerstler Tom , Wend Holger , Vu Anthony Q. , Wang Ruth , Reischl Stephanie , Boldt Karsten , Batra Ranjan , Aigner Stefan , Ravits John , Winkler Juergen , Yeo Gene W. , Winner Beate
Published: July 2022

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal disease characterized by aberrant alternative splicing (AS). Nuclear loss and cytoplasmic accumulation of the splicing factor TDP-43 in motor neurons (MN) are hallmarks of ALS at late stages of the disease. However, it is unknown if altered AS is present before TDP-43 pathology occurs. Here, we investigate altered AS and its origins in early stages of ALS using human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived motor neurons (MNs) from sporadic and familial ALS patients. We find high levels of the RNA-binding proteins NOVA1, NOVA2, and RBFOX2 in the insoluble protein fractions and observe that AS events in ALS-associated MNs are enriched for binding sites of these proteins. Our study points to an early disrupted function of NOVA1 that drives AS changes in a complex fashion, including events caused by a consistent loss of NOVA1 function. NOVA1 exhibits increased cytoplasmic protein levels in early stage MNs without TDP-43 pathology in ALS postmortem tissue. As nuclear TDP-43 protein level depletes, NOVA1 is reduced. Potential indications for a reduction of NOVA1 also came from mice over-expressing TDP-43 lacking its nuclear localization signal and iPSC-MN stressed with puromycin. This study highlights that additional RBP-RNA perturbations in ALS occur in parallel to TDP-43.
Mapping Research Domain Criteria using a transdiagnostic mini-RDoC assessment in mental disorders: a confirmatory factor analysis
Authors: Förstner Bernd R. , Tschorn Mira , Reinoso-Schiller Nicolas , Maričić Lea Mascarell , Röcher Erik , Kalman Janos L. , Stroth Sanna , Mayer Annalina V. , Schwarz Kristina , Kaiser Anna , Pfennig Andrea , Manook André , Ising Marcus , Heinig Ingmar , Pittig Andre , Heinz Andreas , Mathiak Klaus , Schulze Thomas G. , Schneider Frank , Kamp-Becker Inge , Meyer-Lindenberg Andreas , Padberg Frank , Banaschewski Tobias , Bauer Michael , Rupprecht Rainer , Wittchen Hans-Ulrich , Rapp Michael A.
Published: July 2022

This study aimed to build on the relationship of well-established self-report and behavioral assessments to the latent constructs positive (PVS) and negative valence systems (NVS), cognitive systems (CS), and social processes (SP) of the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) framework in a large transnosological population which cuts across DSM/ICD-10 disorder criteria categories. One thousand four hundred and thirty one participants (42.1% suffering from anxiety/fear-related, 18.2% from depressive, 7.9% from schizophrenia spectrum, 7.5% from bipolar, 3.4% from autism spectrum, 2.2% from other disorders, 18.4% healthy controls, and 0.2% with no diagnosis specified) recruited in studies within the German research network for mental disorders for the Phenotypic, Diagnostic and Clinical Domain Assessment Network Germany (PD-CAN) were examined with a Mini-RDoC-Assessment including behavioral and self-report measures. The respective data was analyzed with confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to delineate the underlying latent RDoC-structure. A revised four-factor model reflecting the core domains positive and negative valence systems as well as cognitive systems and social processes showed a good fit across this sample and showed significantly better fit compared to a one factor solution. The connections between the domains PVS, NVS and SP could be substantiated, indicating a universal latent structure spanning across known nosological entities. This study is the first to give an impression on the latent structure and intercorrelations between four core Research Domain Criteria in a transnosological sample. We emphasize the possibility of using already existing and well validated self-report and behavioral measurements to capture aspects of the latent structure informed by the RDoC matrix.
Acute serum free thiols: a potentially modifiable biomarker of oxidative stress following traumatic brain injury
Authors: Visser Koen , van der Horn Harm Jan , Bourgonje Arno R. , Jacobs Bram , de Borst Martin H. , Vos Pieter E. , Bulthuis Marian L. C. , van Goor Harry , van der Naalt Joukje
Published: July 2022

Serum concentrations of free thiols (key components of the extracellular antioxidant machinery) reflect the overall redox status of the human body. The objective of this exploratory study was to determine the concentrations of serum free thiols in the acute phase after traumatic brain injury (TBI) and their association with long-term outcome. In this observational cohort study, patients with TBI of various severity were included from a biobank of prospectively enrolled TBI patients. Further eligibility criteria included an available blood sample and head computed tomography data, obtained within 24 h of injury, as well as a functional outcome assessment (Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended (GOSE)) at 6 months post-injury. Serum free thiol concentrations were markedly lower in patients with TBI (n = 77) compared to healthy controls (n = 55) (mean ± standard deviation; 210.3 ± 63.3 vs. 301.8 ± 23.9 μM, P < 0.001) indicating increased oxidative stress. Concentrations of serum free thiols were higher in patients with complete functional recovery (GOSE = 8) than in patients with incomplete recovery (GOSE < 8) (median [interquartile range]; 235.7 [205.1–271.9] vs. 205.2 [173–226.7] μM, P = 0.016), suggesting that patients with good recovery experience less oxidative stress in the acute phase after TBI or have better redox function. Acute TBI is accompanied by a markedly lower concentration of serum free thiols compared to healthy controls indicating that serum free thiols may be a novel biomarker of TBI. Future studies are warranted to validate our findings and explore the clinical applicability and prognostic capability of this candidate-biomarker.
Multiple regression analyses to determine the effect of sweating rate and tattoo characteristics on sweat outcome measures during exercise
Authors: Keyes David M. , Brown Shyretha D. , King Michelle A. , Engel Megan D. , Ciciora-Gold Matthew , Chavez Peter John D. De , Baker Lindsay B.
Published: July 2022

Purpose

To compare local sweating rate (LSR) and local sweat sodium ([Na+]), chloride ([Cl−]), and potassium ([K+]) concentrations of tattooed skin and contralateral non-tattooed skin during exercise.

Methods

Thirty-three recreational exercisers (17 men, 16 women) with ≥ 1 unilateral permanent tattoo on the torso/arms were tested during cycling, running, or fitness sessions (26 ± 4 °C and 54 ± 13% relative humidity). Forty-eight tattoos with a range of ink colors, ages (3 weeks to 20 years), and densities (10–100%) were included. Before exercise, the skin was cleaned with alcohol and patches (3 M Tegaderm + Pad) were placed on the tattooed and contralateral non-tattooed skin. LSR was calculated from sweat mass (0.80 ± 0.31 g), patch surface area (11.9 cm2), and duration (62 ± 14 min). Sweat [Na+], [Cl−], and [K+] were measured via ion chromatography.

Results

Based on the analysis of variance results, there were no differences between tattooed and non-tattooed skin for LSR (1.16 ± 0.52 vs. 1.12 ± 0.53 mg/cm2/min; p = 0.51), sweat [Na+] (60.2 ± 23.5 vs. 58.5 ± 22.7 mmol/L; p = 0.27), sweat [Cl−] (52.1 ± 22.4 vs. 50.6 ± 22.0 mmol/L; p = 0.31), or sweat [K+] (5.8 ± 1.6 vs. 5.9 ± 1.4 mmol/L; p = 0.31). Multiple regression analyses suggested that younger tattoos were associated with higher sweat [Na+] (p = 0.045) and colorful tattoos were associated with higher sweat [Cl−] (p = 0.04) compared with contralateral non-tattooed skin. Otherwise, there were no effects of LSR or tattoo characteristics on regression models for LSR or sweat electrolyte concentrations.

Conclusion

There were no effects of tattoos on LSR and sweat [K+] during exercise-induced sweating, but tattoo age and color had small effects on sweat [Na+] and sweat [Cl−], respectively.

Clinical trial identifiers

NCT04240951 was registered on January 27, 2020 and NCT04920266 was registered on June 9, 2021.
In vitro accuracy of digital and conventional impressions in the partially edentulous maxilla
Authors: Waldecker Moritz , Rues Stefan , Awounvo Awounvo Junior Sinclair , Rammelsberg Peter , Bömicke Wolfgang
Published: July 2022

Objectives

This in vitro study compared the dimensional accuracy of conventional impressions (CI) with that of digital impressions (DI) in a partially edentulous maxilla. DIs were made by two intraoral scanners, Omnicam (OC) and Primescan (PS).

Materials and methods

CI and both intraoral scanners were used to take 30 impressions of two identical reference models. CIs were poured with type 4 gypsum and the saw-cut models were digitized. The reference models simulated a maxilla with six prepared teeth that accommodated a cross-arch fixed partial denture. Center points of five precision balls and center points at the margin level of each prepared tooth were used to detect changes in dimensions and tooth axis between the reference model and the scans.

Results

For DI, the largest deviations (176 µm for OC and 122 µm for PS) occurred over the cross-arch. For CI, the largest deviation (118 µm) occurred over the anterior segment. For shorter distances up to a quadrant, DI was superior to CI. For longer scan distances, DI was comparable (2 sextant and anterior segment) or inferior (cross-arch) to CI. Vertical and tooth axis deviations were significantly smaller for CI than for DI (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The impression method affected the impression accuracy of a partially edentulous maxilla with prepared teeth. DI is recommended for scans up to a quadrant. Larger scan volumes are not yet suitable for fabricating a fixed partial denture because of the high scatter of accuracy values.

Clinical relevance

In contrast to conventional impressions, digital impressions lead to comparable or better results concerning scans up to a quadrant. Consequently, for larger scan volumes, several smaller scans should be performed or, if restoration-related not possible, it is recommended to take conventional impressions.
Paper2GIS: improving accessibility without limiting analytical potential in Participatory Mapping
Authors: Denwood Timna , Huck Jonathan J. , Lindley Sarah
Published: July 2022

Participatory Mapping encompasses a broad spectrum of methods, each with advantages and limitations that can influence the degree to which the target audience is able to participate and the veracity of the data collected. Whilst being an efficient means to gather spatial data, the accessibility of online methods is limited by digital divides. Conversely, whilst non-digital approaches are more accessible to participants, data collected in this way are typically more challenging to analyse and often necessitate researcher interpretation, limiting their use in decision-making. We therefore present ‘Paper2GIS’, a novel sketch mapping tool that automatically extracts mark-up drawn onto paper maps and stores it in a geospatial database. The approach embodied in our tool simultaneously limits the technical burden placed on the participant and generates data comparable to that of a digital system without the subjectivity of manual digitisation. This improves accessibility, whilst simultaneously facilitating spatial analyses that are usually not possible with paper-based mapping exercises. A case study is presented to address two energy planning questions of the residents in the Outer Hebrides, UK. The results demonstrate that accessibility can be improved without impacting the potential for spatial analysis, widening participation to further democratise decision-making.
Responsive inclusive design (RiD): a new model for inclusive software development
Authors: Moreno Martínez Carlos , Piorno Joaquín Recas , Escribano Otero Juan José , Guijarro Mata-García María
Published: July 2022

The design and development of technological solutions based on software for all types of people, including people with disabilities, is still a pending issue in most software application development projects today. Situations like the 2020 pandemic drastically reflect how people with disabilities tend to be left outside the application design and construction guidelines. There are multiple initiatives and previous works that advocate user involvement from the beginning of the project; however, in this work, we go a step further by presenting a model for designing and constructing software applications (RiD—Responsive inclusive Design) defined for inclusive software. RiD extends the involvement of the user with disabilities to the entire software life cycle, in different roles, and taking into account the changing nature of the user profile in the evolution of the product. This article also presents the EDICO case study, an accessible and inclusive scientific editor for the Spanish National Organization of the Blind (ONCE), which was successfully implemented applying the RiD principles.
Perceptions Towards HCV Treatment with Direct Acting Antivirals (DAAs): A Qualitative Analysis with Persons with HIV/HCV Co-infection Who Delay or Refuse Treatment
Authors: Brothers Sarah , DiDomizio Elizabeth , Nichols Lisa , Brooks Ralph , Villanueva Merceditas
Published: July 2022

In the United States, approximately 25% of people with HIV (PWH) are co-infected with hepatitis C (HCV). Since 2014, highly effective and well-tolerated direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) have revolutionized HCV treatment. Uptake of DAAs by people with HIV/HCV co-infection has improved but remains suboptimal due to system, provider, and patient-level barriers. To explore patient-level issues by better understanding their attitudes towards DAA treatment, we conducted qualitative interviews with 21 persons with HIV/HCV co-infection who did not consent to DAA treatment or delayed treatment for at least 1 year after diagnosis. We found PWH perceived DAA treatment barriers and facilitators on multiple levels of the social-ecological environment: the individual (HCV disease and treatment literacy), interpersonal (peer influence), institutional (media and healthcare provider relationship), and structural levels (treatment cost and adherence support). Recommendations to improve DAA treatment uptake include HCV-treatment adherence support, HCV disease and treatment literacy training (particularly for substance use and DAA treatment interactions), and encouraging PWH who have successfully completed DAA treatment to speak with their peers.
Lack of anti-predator recognition in a marine isopod under the threat of an invasive predatory crab
Authors: Yli-Renko Maria , Pettay Jenni E. , Rothäusler Eva , Vesakoski Outi
Published: July 2022

The prey naïveté hypothesis suggests that the failure of prey to recognize novel predators as a threat is caused by a lack of anti-predator adaptations. We tested this hypothesis in a unique natural setting, where the isopod Idotea balthica encountered the rapidly spreading invasive crab, Rhithropanopeus harrissii. Earlier research had indicated high mortality of the isopods during exposure to R. harrissii. The isopod exerted no co-evolutionary history with any littoral crabs and thus the strong impact could be caused by lack of pre-adaptations towards the new predator species. We tested this hypothesis by studying the anti-predator responses of the isopods with water-born cues of R. harrissii and of the native predatory fish Perca fluviatilis. Compared to control water, the isopods lowered their activity when exposed to the fish cue. Instead crab cue did not induce anti-predator behaviour. We also tested the hypothesis that mortality caused by novel predator, similar to predation by P. fluviatilis, would result in differential selection for the two sexes and contribute to the evolution of personalities. However, we found no differences in anti-predator behaviour nor in mortality between the sexes or personalities of the isopods. The outcomes reveal an interesting evolutionary scenario, where predation by a local predator induce soft selection on prey characteristics, but an invasive species cause hard selection without differentiating between prey individuals. Our study—conducted in the dawn of the population outbreak of R. harrissii—provides an excellent reference point for studies resolving the evolutionary impacts of invasive predators on naïve prey.
PARP1 and XRCC1 exhibit a reciprocal relationship in genotoxic stress response
Authors: Reber Julia M. , Božić-Petković Jovana , Lippmann Michelle , Mazzardo Marvin , Dilger Asisa , Warmers Rebecca , Bürkle Alexander , Mangerich Aswin
Published: July 2022

Abstract

PARP1 (aka ARTD1) acts as a prime sensor of cellular genotoxic stress response. PARP1 detects DNA strand breaks and subsequently catalyzes the formation of poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR), which leads to the recruitment of the scaffold protein XRCC1 during base excision and single strand break repair and the assembly of multi-protein complexes to promote DNA repair. Here, we reveal that the recruitment of either protein to sites of DNA damage is impeded in the absence of the other, indicating a strong reciprocal relationship between the two DNA repair factors during genotoxic stress response. We further analyzed several cellular and molecular endpoints in HeLa PARP1 KO, XRCC1 KO, and PARP1/XRCC1 double KO (DKO) cells after genotoxic treatments, i.e., PARylation response, NAD+ levels, clonogenic survival, cell cycle progression, cell death, and DNA repair. The analysis of NAD+ levels and cytotoxicity after treatment with the topoisomerase I inhibitor camptothecin revealed a hypersensitivity phenotype of XRCC1 KO cells compared to PARP1 KO cells—an effect that could be rescued by the additional genetic deletion of PARP1 as well as by pharmacological PARP inhibition. Moreover, impaired repair of hydrogen peroxide and CPT-induced DNA damage in XRCC1 KO cells could be partially rescued by additional deletion of PARP1. Our results therefore highlight important reciprocal regulatory functions of XRCC1 and PARP1 during genotoxic stress response.
Towards a More Evidence-Based Risk Assessment for People in the Criminal Justice System: the Case of OxRec in the Netherlands
Authors: Fazel Seena , Sariaslan Amir , Fanshawe Thomas
Published: July 2022

Risk assessment tools are widely used throughout the criminal justice system to assist in making decisions about sentencing, supervision, and treatment. In this article, we discuss several methodological and practical limitations associated with risk assessment tools currently in use. These include variable predictive performance due to the exclusion of important background predictors; high costs, including the need for regular staff training, in order to use many tools; development of tools using suboptimal methods and poor transparency in how they create risk scores; included risk factors being based on dated evidence; and ethical concerns highlighted by legal scholars and criminologists, such as embedding systemic biases and uncertainty about how these tools influence judicial decisions. We discuss the potential that specific predictors, such as living in a deprived neighbourhood, may indirectly select for individuals in racial or ethnic minority groups. To demonstrate how these limitations and ethical concerns can be addressed, we present the example of OxRec, a risk assessment tool used to predict recidivism for individuals in the criminal justice system. OxRec was developed in Sweden and has been externally validated in Sweden and the Netherlands. The advantages of OxRec include its predictive accuracy based on rigorous multivariable testing of predictors, transparent reporting of results and the final model (including how the probability score is derived), scoring simplicity (i.e. without the need for additional interview), and the reporting of a wide range of performance measures, including those of discrimination and calibration, the latter of which is rarely reported but a key metric. OxRec is intended to be used alongside professional judgement, as a support for decision-making, and its performance measures need to be interpreted in this light. The reported calibration of the tool in external samples clearly suggests no systematic overestimation of risk, including in large subgroups.
Spatio-Temporal Properties of Amused, Embarrassed, and Pained Smiles
Authors: Namba Shushi , Sato Wataru , Matsui Hiroshi
Published: July 2022

Smiles are universal but nuanced facial expressions that are most frequently used in face-to-face communications, typically indicating amusement but sometimes conveying negative emotions such as embarrassment and pain. Although previous studies have suggested that spatial and temporal properties could differ among these various types of smiles, no study has thoroughly analyzed these properties. This study aimed to clarify the spatiotemporal properties of smiles conveying amusement, embarrassment, and pain using a spontaneous facial behavior database. The results regarding spatial patterns revealed that pained smiles showed less eye constriction and more overall facial tension than amused smiles; no spatial differences were identified between embarrassed and amused smiles. Regarding temporal properties, embarrassed and pained smiles remained in a state of higher facial tension than amused smiles. Moreover, embarrassed smiles showed a more gradual change from tension states to the smile state than amused smiles, and pained smiles had lower probabilities of staying in or transitioning to the smile state compared to amused smiles. By comparing the spatiotemporal properties of these three smile types, this study revealed that the probability of transitioning between discrete states could help distinguish amused, embarrassed, and pained smiles.
Proactive control and agency
Authors: Baston René
Published: July 2022

Can agents overcome unconscious psychological influences without being aware of them? Some philosophers and psychologists assume that agents need to be aware of psychological influences to successfully control behavior. The aim of this text is to argue that when agents engage in a proactive control strategy, they can successfully shield their behavior from some unconscious influences. If agents actively check for conflicts between their actions and mental states, they engage in reactive control. For engaging in reactive control, agents need awareness of those mental states which are in conflict with an action. In contrast, if agents are actively maintaining a goal in consciousness, they engage in proactive control. Proactive control does not consist of conflict detection or conflict resolution. I argue that proactive control explains how agents overcome unconscious psychological influences. In doing so, I claim that consciousness is important for engaging in reactive and proactive control.
Biological properties and potential of compounds extracted from red seaweeds
Authors: Carpena M. , Garcia-Perez P. , Garcia-Oliveira P. , Chamorro F. , Otero Paz , Lourenço-Lopes C. , Cao Hui , Simal-Gandara J. , Prieto M. A.
Published: July 2022

Macroalgae have been recently used for different applications in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry since they do not compete for land and freshwater against other resources. Moreover, they have been highlighted as a potential source of bioactive compounds. Red algae (Rhodophyta) are the largest group of seaweeds, including around 6000 different species, thus it can be hypothesized that they are a potential source of bioactive compounds. Sulfated polysaccharides, mainly agar and carrageenans, are the most relevant and exploited compounds of red algae. Other potential molecules are essential fatty acids, phycobiliproteins, vitamins, minerals, and other secondary metabolites. All these compounds have been demonstrated to exert several biological activities, among which antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and antimicrobial properties can be highlighted. Nevertheless, these properties need to be further tested on in vivo experiments and go in-depth in the study of the mechanism of action of the specific molecules and the understanding of the structure–activity relation. At last, the extraction technologies are essential for the correct isolation of the molecules, in a cost-effective way, to facilitate the scale-up of the processes and their further application by the industry. This manuscript is aimed at describing the fundamental composition of red algae and their most studied biological properties to pave the way to the utilization of this underused resource.
Genetic yield gain between 1942 and 2013 and associated changes in phenology, yield components and root traits of Australian barley
Authors: Cossani C. Mariano , Palta Jairo , Sadras Victor O.
Published: July 2022

Background and Aims

Barley breeding has increased yield over the last century, but the associated changes in the phenotype are largely unknown. Our aim was to quantify the rate of genetic gain in a collection of Australian barley cultivars representing seven decades of breeding, and the associated changes in the phenotype.

Methods

Thirteen barley cultivars were grown in the field at Roseworthy and Mintaro, South Australia, to evaluate shifts in phenology, yield, and its components. A subset of five cultivars was grown under controlled conditions to probe for changes in root traits and nutrient uptake.

Results

Grain yield increased at 16.0 ± 5.3 kg ha−1 yr−1 or 0.43 ± 0.15% yr−1 at Roseworthy, where average yield was 3.1 t ha−1. There was no relation between yield and year of registration at Mintaro, where severe, extended frost disrupted reproduction. Changes in phenology with year of registration were not apparent. The main drivers of yield gain were grain number per m2 and harvest index, with a minor contribution of shoot biomass. Root length density, specific root length, root extension rate, and nutrient uptake per cm of root length increased with year of registration.

Conclusions

The rate of genetic gain of Australian barley aligned with rates reported for other breeding programs worldwide and compared to 21.0 ± 2.3 kg ha−1 yr−1 for actual yield in Australian farms between 1961 and 2019. Changes in the growth and functionality of the root system highlight the indirect effects of selective pressure for yield and agronomic adaptation.
The concept of a maximal network plan to enhance automated decision making in production steering
Authors: Larek Roland , Wagner Jan Cetric , Grendel Heiko , Nüchter Andreas
Published: July 2022

Digitalization is a major driver of competitiveness in industry. Especially, automated scheduling systems are broadly available to deal with production steering in complex production systems. Their underlying concept is the network plan to describe the logical relation between different production steps for the completion of a production process. The network plan, however, is limited to contain only one standard process and allows therefore basically only the automated variation of execution time of each step within the given logical sequence. This is sufficient as long as the production process and the boundary conditions, such as resource availability, are stable to a certain degree. This work introduces an enhancement of the concept of the network plan, the Maximal Network Plan, that is designed to automatically cope with disruptions. It stores additional alternative sequences, weighted according to their priority in comparison to the standard process. Therefore, a numerical decision making is possible in terms of also varying the order of production tasks to achieve a maximum performance for the overall process. Instead of waiting for a disruption in the standard process to be solved, an alternative sequence will be proposed to increase overall progress by circumventing the blocked step. This concept has been developed and tested for complex assembly tasks, such as the production of air- and spacecraft structures and systems. In conjunction with the use of mobile computing devices instead of paper-based work order documents it allows a very fast and dynamic production steering, also in the case of substantial disruptions in the standard process.
Modeling of laser processing as a distortion compensation strategy for profile grinding
Authors: Schieber Christian , Hettig Matthias , Müller Valentin , Zaeh Michael F. , Heinzel Carsten
Published: July 2022

In this paper, the possibility of using laser machining on long slim steel workpieces, such as linear guide rails, was investigated to selectively induce tensile residual stresses. The approach will be used to counteract the residual stresses in a V-groove after profile grinding and to compensate for workpiece distortion. Experimental data with a variation of laser power and feed rate were used to calibrate a finite element simulation so that a valid predictive model could be built. Decisive factors were the distortion values as well as metallographic investigations. Relevant results are the numerical design of suitable strategies for targeted distortion potential induction and an advanced understanding of thermal treatment by laser processing. The completed successful modeling of the process strategy can be used for distortion compensation during profile grinding.
A comparative optimization and modeling of ammonia–nitrogen adsorption from abattoir wastewater using a novel iron-functionalized crab shell
Authors: Ohale Paschal Enyinnaya , Onu Chijioke Elijah , Nwabanne Joseph Tagbo , Aniagor Chukwunonso Onyeka , Okey-Onyesolu Chinenye Faith , Ohale Nonye Jennifer
Published: July 2022

High-grade adsorbent (Fe–CS) was successfully synthesized from waste crab shells (CS) for the adsorptive removal of ammonia–nitrogen (A–N) from abattoir wastewater. Fe–CS was analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, Scanning electron microscopy, and Thermogravimetric analysis. The characterization results indicated that Fe–CS possessed important qualities required for surface-driven chelation. The analysis of variance result showed that Fe–CS dosage (with f–value of 284.5) was the most effective process parameter of influence during A-N adsorption. The regression coefficients obtained from the process modeling illustrated the applicability of RSM (R2 = 0.9799), ANN (R2 = 0.9025), and ANFIS (R2 = 0.9998) in predicting the A–N adsorptive removal, while the comparative statistical analysis established the superiority of ANFIS model over ANN and RSMs’ data prediction accuracy. The optimization result further demonstrated that ANFIS–GA predicted an optimum removal efficiency of 92.60% at pH of 6.5, a dosage of 2.2 g, A–N conc. of 18.8 mg/L, Temp. of 317 K, and adsorption time of 156 min. The mechanistic plot obtained from Weber–Morris model depicted that three regions were involved in the adsorption process. Boyd model parameters revealed that intraparticle diffusion controlled the process at low A–N concentration (A–N concentration ≤ 15 mg/L), while film diffusion dominated the adsorption process at concentrations higher than 15 mg/L. The average Gibbs free energy value ($$- \Delta G^{0}$$

-
Δ

G
0

 = 3.08212 kJ/mol), enthalpy ($$\Delta H^{0}$$

Δ

H
0

 = 4.1150 kJ/mol), activation energy ($$E_{A}$$

E
A

 = 3.7454 kJ/mol) and entropy ($$\Delta S^{0}$$

Δ

S
0

 = 22.9710 J/mol K) obtained from thermodynamic studies confirmed the spontaneous, endothermic, favorable and physical nature of the process.
Pattern of recurrence and survival after D2 right colectomy for cancer: is there place for a routine more extended lymphadenectomy?
Authors: Palmeri Matteo , Peri Andrea , Pucci Valentina , Furbetta Niccolò , Gallo Virginia , Di Franco Gregorio , Pagani Anna , Dauccia Chiara , Farè Camilla , Gianardi Desirée , Guadagni Simone , Bianchini Matteo , Comandatore Annalisa , Masi Gianluca , Cremolini Chiara , Borelli Beatrice , Pollina Luca Emanuele , Di Candio Giulio , Pietrabissa Andrea , Morelli Luca
Published: July 2022

Background

Conventional Right Colectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy (RC-D2) currently represent the most common surgical treatment of right-sided colon cancer (RCC). However, whether it should be still considered a standard of care, or replaced by a routine more extended D3 lymphadenectomy remains unclear. In the present study, we aim to critically review the patterns of relapse and the survival outcomes obtained from our 11-year experience of RC-D2.

Methods

Clinical data of 489 patients who underwent RC-D2 for RCC at two centres, from January 2009 to January 2020, were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with synchronous distant metastases and/or widespread nodal involvement at diagnosis were excluded. Post-operative clinical–pathological characteristics and survival outcomes were evaluated including the pattern of disease relapse.

Results

We enrolled a total of 400 patients with information follow-up. Postoperative morbidity was 14%. The median follow-up was 62 months. Cancer recurrence was observed in 55 patients (13.8%). Among them, 40 patients (72.7%) developed systemic metastases, and lymph-node involvement was found in 7 cases (12.8%). None developed isolated central lymph-node metastasis (CLM), in the D3 site. The estimated 3- and 5-year relapse-free survival were 86.1% and 84.4%, respectively. The estimated 3- and 5-year cancer-specific OS were 94.5% and 92.2%, respectively.

Conclusions

The absence of isolated CLM, as well as the cancer-specific OS reported in our series, support the routine use of RC-D2 for RCC. However, D3 lymphadenectomy may be recommended in selected patients, such as those with pre-operatively known CLM, or with lymph-node metastases close to the origin of the ileocolic vessels.
Innovative mobile-health led participatory approach to comprehensive screening and treatment of diabetes (IMPACT diabetes): rationale, design, and baseline characteristics
Authors: Bassi Abhinav , Arfin Sumaiya , John Oommen , Praveen Devarsetty , Arora Varun , Kalra O.P. , Madhu S. V. , Jha Vivekanand
Published: July 2022

Background

India has 66 million people with diabetes, of which a large proportion do not receive adequate care. The primary health centres can serve as platforms for early detection of diabetes and continuum of care.

Objectives

This project evaluates a community-level technology-enabled system-level intervention based around the community health workers and primary-care physicians. We hypothesize that incorporation of a mobile clinical decision support system, with other process-level changes will improve identification and management of individuals with diabetes in primary care settings.

Methods

A cluster-randomized trial in sixteen villages/peri-urban areas in Andhra Pradesh and Haryana will test the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of this intervention. The effectiveness of the extended care intervention will be evaluated by the difference in HbA1c (glycosylated hemoglobin) measured at baseline and end-line between the two study arms. Qualitative interviews of physicians, ASHA, and community members will ascertain the intervention acceptability and feasibility.

Results

A total of 1785 adults (females: 53.2%; median age: 50 years) were screened. ASHAs achieved 100% completeness of data for anthropometric, blood-pressure, and blood-glucose measures. At baseline, 63% of the participants were overweight/obese, 27.8% had elevated blood pressure, 20.3% were at high-risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD), and 21.3% had elevated blood glucose. Half of the individuals with diabetes were newly diagnosed.

Conclusion

Technology enabled transfer of simple clinical procedures from physicians to nonphysician health workers can support the provision of healthcare in under-served communities. Community health workers can successfully screen and refer patients with diabetes and/or CVD to physicians in primary healthcare system.
Building coherence and impact: differences in Finnish school level curriculum making
Authors: Soini Tiina , Pyhältö Kirsi , Haverinen Kaisa , Sullanmaa Jenni , Leskinen Esko , Pietarinen Janne
Published: July 2022

The study aims to gain a better understanding on how curriculum making regulated by reform’s implementation strategy contributes to teachers’ and teacher communities perceived curriculum coherence, and further to the impact that reform has on school development. The two-level path modelling was utilised for analysing clustered data including the 75 schools and 1556 individual teachers from these schools during the most recent Finnish core curriculum reform. The results showed that the participatory strategy, including balancing the steering and transformative dialogue, seemed to be crucial both for promoting the individual teacher’s and professional communities’ shared capacity to process the big ideas of the new core curriculum document at the school level. Moreover, it promoted perceived curriculum coherence and further impact on school development. Participatory curriculum making strategy, balancing the steering and transformative dialogue in the curriculum making, seemed to be crucial both for supporting the individual teacher’s and professional communities’ in processing the ideas of the new core curriculum. Change management and knowledge sharing promoted perceived curriculum coherence and further reform’s perceived impact on school development for both individual teacher and teacher communities.
Maximum likelihood estimation for tensor normal models via castling transforms
Authors: Derksen Harm , Makam Visu , Walter Michael
Published: July 2022

In this paper, we study sample size thresholds for maximum likelihood estimation for tensor normal models. Given the model parameters and the number of samples, we determine whether, almost surely, (1) the likelihood function is bounded from above, (2) maximum likelihood estimates (MLEs) exist, and (3) MLEs exist uniquely. We obtain a complete answer for both real and complex models. One consequence of our results is that almost sure boundedness of the log-likelihood function guarantees almost sure existence of an MLE. Our techniques are based on invariant theory and castling transforms.
Thinking and Writing Truth. Rahel Levin Varnhagen's ‘Diaries’ and Philosophical Notes
Authors: Wernli Martina
Published: July 2022

This paper collects some of Rahel Levin Varnhagen's thinking about truth. It aims to contextualize Levin Varnhagen's non-conventional writing within German Romanticism. Her so-called ‘diaries’ vary between aphorisms, personal reflections, problem-oriented sketches and apodictic definitions concerning anthropology and society. Truth and honesty are shaped in opposition to lies but also build a base for the process of thinking itself. According to Levin Varnhagen, truth leads to the real quality of things and towards understanding—thinking truth is an epistemic process. The paper follows Levin Varnhagen's quest for and definition of truth by re-reading her diaries as philosophical practice. Thematizing the possibilities of critical female thought by a (Jewish) woman of the early nineteenth century (with a ‘twice incorrect name’, as Barbara Hahn has put it) and the restrictions in education and publishing, the paper addresses furthermore intersectional questions of gender and religion.