bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Racial and ethnic disparities in diagnostic efficacy of comprehensive genetic testing for sensorineural hearing loss
Authors: Florentine Michelle M. , Rouse Stephanie L. , Stephans Jihyun , Conrad David , Czechowicz Josephine , Matthews Ian R. , Meyer Anna K. , Nadaraja Garani S. , Parikh Rajan , Virbalas Jordan , Weinstein Jacqueline E. , Chan Dylan K.
Published: September 2021

Understanding racial and ethnic disparities in diagnostic rates of genetic testing is critical for health equity. We sought to understand the extent and cause of racial and ethnic disparities in diagnostic efficacy of comprehensive genetic testing (CGT) for sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). We performed a retrospective cohort study at two tertiary children’s hospitals on a diverse cohort of 240 consecutive pediatric patients (76% publicly insured, 82% non-White) with SNHL of unknown etiology who underwent CGT. Definite and possible genetic diagnoses were assigned for each patient, representing the likelihood of a genetic cause of hearing loss. Associations between diagnostic rates were examined. 3.8 ± 2.1 variants were detected per patient; this frequency did not vary between White/Asian and Hispanic/Black cohorts. Overall, 82% of variants were variants of uncertain significance (VUS). Compared with White and Asian subjects, variants identified among Hispanic and Black children were less likely to be classified as pathogenic/likely pathogenic (15% vs. 24%, p < 0.001), and Hispanic and Black children were less likely to have a definite genetic diagnosis (10% vs. 37%, p < 0.001). The adjusted odds ratio for definite genetic diagnosis in Black and Hispanic children compared with White and Asian children was 0.19. Expanding genetic diagnostic criteria to include predicted deleterious VUSs reduced these disparities between White/Asian and Hispanic/Black children, with comparable molecular diagnostic rates (41% vs. 38%, p = 0.72). However, in silico predictions are insufficiently valid for clinical use. Increased inclusion of underrepresented groups in genetic hearing-loss studies to clinically validate these variants is necessary to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in diagnostic efficacy of comprehensive genetic testing.
A randomized controlled trial of stapled versus ultrasonic transection in distal pancreatectomy
Authors: Landoni Luca , De Pastena Matteo , Fontana Martina , Malleo Giuseppe , Esposito Alessandro , Casetti Luca , Marchegiani Giovanni , Tuveri Massimiliano , Paiella Salvatore , Pea Antonio , Ramera Marco , Borin Alex , Giardino Alessandro , Frigerio Isabella , Girelli Roberto , Bassi Claudio , Butturini Giovanni , Salvia Roberto
Published: September 2021

Background

The pancreatic transection method during distal pancreatectomy is thought to influence postoperative fistula rates. Yet, the optimal technique for minimizing fistula occurrence is still unclear. The present randomized controlled trial compared stapled versus ultrasonic transection in elective distal pancreatectomy.

Methods

Patients undergoing distal pancreatectomy from July 2018 to July 2020 at two high-volume institutions were considered for inclusion. Exclusion criteria were contiguous organ resection and a parenchymal thickness > 17 mm on intraoperative ultrasound. Eligible patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to stapled transection (Endo GIA Reinforced Reload with Tri-Staple Technology®) or ultrasonic transection (Harmonic Focus® + or Harmonic Ace® + shears). The primary endpoint was postoperative pancreatic fistula. Secondary endpoints included overall complications, abdominal collections, and length of hospital stay.

Results

Overall, 72 patients were randomized in the stapled transection arm and 73 patients in the ultrasonic transection arm. Postoperative pancreatic fistula occurred in 23 patients (16%), with a comparable incidence between groups (12% in stapled transection versus 19% in ultrasonic dissection arm,p = 0.191). Overall complications did not differ substantially (35% in stapled transection versus 44% in ultrasonic transection arm,p = 0.170). There was an increased incidence of abdominal collections in the ultrasonic dissection group (32% versus 14%,p = 0.009), yet the need for percutaneous drain did not differ between randomization arms (p = 0.169). The median length of stay was 8 days in both groups (p = 0.880). Intraoperative blood transfusion was the only factor independently associated with postoperative pancreatic fistula on logistic regression analysis (OR 4.8, 95% CI 1.2–20.0,p = 0.032).

Conclusion

The present randomized controlled trial of stapled versus ultrasonic transection in elective distal pancreatectomy demonstrated no significant difference in postoperative pancreatic fistula rates and no substantial clinical impact on other secondary endpoints.
Correction to: Evolution and diversity of the angiosperm anther: trends in function and development
Authors: Åstrand Johanna , Knight Christopher , Robson Jordan , Talle Behzad , Wilson Zoe A.
Published: September 2021

Unfortunately, the original publication of the article has an error in the labelling on Fig. 3. The correct figure is given in this correction.
Plant root development: is the classical theory for auxin-regulated root growth false?
Authors: Edelmann Hans G.
Published: September 2021

One of the longest standing theories and, therein-based, regulation-model of plant root development, posits the inhibitory action of auxin (IAA, indolylacetic acid) on elongation growth of root cells. This effect, as induced by exogenously supplied IAA, served as the foundation stone for root growth regulation. For decades, auxin ruled the day and only allowed hormonal side players to be somehow involved, or in some way affected. However, this copiously reiterated, apparent cardinal role of auxin only applies in roots immersed in solutions; it vanishes as soon as IAA-supplied roots are not surrounded by liquid. When roots grow in humid air, exogenous IAA has no inhibitory effect on elongation growth of maize roots, regardless of whether it is applied basipetally from the top of the root or to the entire residual seedling immersed in IAA solution. Nevertheless, such treatment leads to pronounced root-borne ethylene emission and lateral rooting, illustrating and confirming thereby induced auxin presence and its effect on the root — yet, not on root cell elongation. Based on these findings, a new root growth regulatory model is proposed. In this model, it is not IAA, but IAA-triggered ethylene which plays the cardinal regulatory role — taking effect, or not — depending on the external circumstances. In this model, in water- or solution-incubated roots, IAA-dependent ethylene acts due to its accumulation within the root proper by inhibited/restrained diffusion into the liquid phase. In roots exposed to moist air or gas, there is no effect on cell elongation, since IAA-triggered ethylene diffuses out of the root without an impact on growth.
Influences on the excitation behavior of lightweight planetary gearboxes
Authors: Theling Julian , Brimmers Jens , Brecher Christian
Published: September 2021

One of the main cost drivers in mechanical engineering is material. In order to reduce costs, but also to reduce CO2 emissions in mobile applications, increasing efforts are being made to reduce the mass of components. In gear development, power density as the ratio of transmittable power to gear weight has become one of the key quality criteria. However, saving material usually also leads to lower stiffness of the components. In combination with higher specific powers and the associated higher forces, higher deformations and displacements occur in the gear unit. The gear unit is more elastic overall.

Within this paper a measuring cell is presented which allows to measure the influence of elastic deformations and additional misalignments on the excitation behavior. By means of this measuring cell, the influence of certain misalignments and different ring gear rim thicknesses are investigated. The results show modulated excitations and sidebands which are excited depending on the misalignment.
Automation of gearbox design
Authors: Fürst Marius , Götz Joshua , Otto Michael , Stahl Karsten
Published: September 2021

In order to respond to a shortened development time of today’s transmission systems, the automation of certain steps in the design process is essential for ensuring an efficient development process. Computer-aided tools are widely used for analyzing given design configurations because standardized methods are available to evaluate the load carrying capacity of all key components of a simple gear train, namely bearings, shafts and gears. At an early stage of development, requirements and restrictions need to be synthesized to design concepts. During this step, engineers typically rely on their experience and proven practice. Design optimization usually is achieved through an iterative and time-consuming process of analyzing and tuning towards an optimization objective. In this paper a time-saving, automated and systematic method for the design of weight optimized helical gearboxes is proposed. The underlying method has been derived from both, norms and guidelines, which exist for the design and layout of shafts, bearings and gear wheel bodies. Starting with only few input parameters, a detailed shaft geometry with different diameter sections can be derived. A discrete set of values from standard tables and rolling bearing catalogs represents the method’s framework for all realizable shaft diameters in each section. A mixed integer nonlinear optimization problem results from the interdependence between these distinct values. For this purpose, a systematic iterative approach has been developed and implemented in an established design program for gearbox systems. The algorithm uses the results drawn from an analytical calculation of the shaft load carrying capacity to directly adjust the shaft’s diameter and length values. The dimensioning of the wheel body, the service life calculation of rolling element bearings and the selection of specific machine elements are embedded in a systematic sequence. As a result, the model is capable to work out a weight-optimized gearbox that consists of gear meshes, shafts and bearings, taking all three components into consideration at a time.
Measuring treatment effect on psoriatic arthritis-related domains: insights from the SPIRIT-H2H study at weeks 24 and 52
Authors: Behrens Frank , Leage Soyi Liu , Sapin Christophe , Baou Celine El , De La Torre Inmaculada , Meszaros Gabriella , Schett Georg , Combe Bernard , van den Bosch Filip , Gossec Laure
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Improvements in both musculoskeletal and non-musculoskeletal manifestations are important treatment goals in psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Objective

These post hoc analyses determined whether additional benefits related to various PsA domains are observed in patients simultaneously achieving 50% improvement in American College of Rheumatology criteria (ACR50) and 100% improvement in Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI100), the primary endpoint of the SPIRIT-H2H study.

Methods

Patients with active PsA and psoriasis in SPIRIT-H2H (N = 566) were categorised into two sets of four response groups irrespective of treatment allocation (approved dosages of ixekizumab or adalimumab): patients who simultaneously achieved ACR50 and PASI100 response, achieved ACR50 response only, achieved PASI100 response only, or did not achieve ACR50 or PASI100 response after 24 and 52 weeks of treatment. Patients achieving simultaneous ACR50 and PASI100 response were compared with the other patient response groups at the corresponding time point for efficacy and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes.

Results

Patients simultaneously achieving ACR50 and PASI100 responses at week 24 or 52 showed higher rates of ACR70 response, minimal disease activity, Disease Activity in Psoriatic Arthritis ≤ 4, resolution of enthesitis and dactylitis, and HRQoL improvement at weeks 24 and 52, respectively, than the other corresponding response groups at both time points.

Conclusion

High levels of disease control, such as those obtained with simultaneous achievement of ACR50 and PASI100 response, were linked to better outcomes across a wide range of endpoints that are important for patients with PsA. Patients meeting this combined endpoint showed more comprehensive and thus greater control of disease activity.

Trial registration

NCT03151551

Key Points• Treatment goals for patients with psoriatic arthritis emphasise the importance of improving both musculoskeletal and non-musculoskeletal manifestations of the disease.• A combined endpoint considering both these manifestations, achievement of at least 50% improvement in American College of Rheumatology criteria and 100% improvement in Psoriasis Area Severity Index, was linked with achievement of a number of other endpoints relevant to psoriatic arthritis, including health-related quality of life that are important to patients with psoriatic arthritis.• Patients meeting the combined endpoint were more likely to achieve a disease state of remission, which is the stated aim of treatment for psoriasis.
Examining the role of emotional intelligence as a moderator for virtual communication and decision making effectiveness during the COVID-19 crisis: revisiting task technology fit theory
Authors: Warrier Uma , Shankar Anand , Belal H. M.
Published: September 2021

The COVID 19 has brought unprecedented changes in the way we communicate. There is a greater accent on Virtual communication. This paper aims to establish a relationship between Emotional intelligence and the effectiveness of Virtual communication on Decision making. This empirical study is based on a sample drawn from 296 working professionals at five different levels of organizational hierarchy. A standardized questionnaire (ɑ = 0.824) was used to collect the responses of Emotional intelligence, Virtual communication, and Decision-making effectiveness. Hierarchical regression using PROCESS Macro model 1 was used to identify the moderating effect of Emotional intelligence on Virtual communication and Decision making effectiveness. Since thep-value (p ≤ .007) is found significant, Emotional intelligence acts as a moderator that affects the strength of the relationship between Virtual communication effectiveness and Decision making. Validation of Task Technology fit theory is the theoretical implication of the study. Manipulation of individual dimensions in the model can reduce the dependence on technology for task completion with enhanced performance effectiveness. The findings are relevant to educators, consultants, and any professional who need to adapt Virtual communication platforms on an ongoing basis. Since work-life balance is projected as a constraint in this study, policymakers can consider policy amendments to reduce the stress caused due to Virtual communication which intrudes into their personal space. This empirical study is the first of its kind to benchmark the organizational practice of Emotional intelligence training to enhance Virtual communication and Decision making effectiveness during unprecedented times of pandemic.
Reversal and Inversion of Capillary Jet Breakup at Large Excitation Amplitudes
Authors: Denner Fabian , Evrard Fabien , Castrejón-Pita Alfonso Arturo , Castrejón-Pita José Rafael , van Wachem Berend
Published: September 2021

The evolution of the capillary breakup of a liquid jet under large excitation amplitudes in a parameter regime relevant to inkjet printing is analysed using three-dimensional numerical simulations. The results exhibit a reversal of the breakup length of the jet occurring when the velocity scales associated with the excitation of the jet and surface tension are comparable, and an inversion of the breakup from front-pinching to back-pinching at sufficiently large excitation amplitudes. Both phenomena are shown to be associated with the formation of vortex rings and a local flow obstruction inside the jet, which modify the evolution of the jet by locally reducing or even reversing the growth of the capillary instability. Hence, this study provides a mechanism for the well-known breakup reversal and breakup inversion, which are both prominent phenomena in inkjet printing. An empirical similarity model for the reversal breakup length is proposed, which is shown to be valid throughout the considered range of characteristic parameters. Hence, even though the fluid dynamics observed in capillary jet breakup with large excitation amplitudes are complex, the presented findings allow an accurate prediction of the behaviour of jets in many practically relevant situations, especially continuous inkjet printing.
Gene-by-Crisis Interaction for Optimism and Meaning in Life: The Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: de Vries Lianne P. , van de Weijer Margot P. , Pelt Dirk H. M. , Ligthart Lannie , Willemsen Gonneke , Boomsma Dorret I. , de Geus Eco J. C. , Bartels Meike
Published: September 2021

The corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the restrictions to reduce the spread of the virus has had a large impact on daily life. We investigated the individual differences in the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and first lockdown on optimism and meaning in life in a sample from the Netherlands Twin Register. Participants completed surveys before (N = 9964, Mean age: 48.2, SD = 14.4) and during the first months of the pandemic (i.e. April–May 2020, N = 17,464, Mean age: 44.6 SD = 14.8), with a subsample completing both surveys (N = 6461, Mean age T1: 48.8, SD = 14.5). We applied genetic covariance structure models to twin data to investigate changes in the genetic architecture of the outcome traits due to the pandemic and the interaction of genes with the environmental exposure. Although 56% and 35% of the sample was negatively affected by the pandemic in their optimism and meaning in life, many participants were stable (32% and 43%) or even showed increased optimism and meaning in life (11% and 22%). Subgroups, specifically women, higher educated people, and people with poorer health, experienced larger negative effects. During the first months of the pandemic, slightly lower heritability estimates for optimism and meaning in life (respectively 20% and 25%) were obtained compared to pre-pandemic (respectively 26% and 32%), although confidence intervals overlap. The lower than unity genetic correlations across time (.75 and .63) suggest gene-environment interactions, where the expression of genes that influence optimism and meaning in life differs before and during the pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic is a strong exposure that leads to imbalanced effects on the well-being of individuals. Some people decrease in well-being, while others get more optimistic and consider their lives as more meaningful during the pandemic. These differences are partly explained by individual differences in genetic sensitivity to extreme environmental change. More knowledge on the person-specific response to specific environmental variables underlying these individual differences is urgently needed to prevent further inequality.
The management effectiveness of protected areas in Kenya
Authors: Onditi Kenneth Otieno , Li Xueyou , Song Wenyu , Li Quan , Musila Simon , Mathenge James , Kioko Esther , Jiang Xuelong
Published: September 2021

Merely designating new and/or expanding existing protected areas (PAs) does not guarantee the protection of critical ecosystems and species. The management of PAs must be effective to sustain meaningful conservational outcomes. We inferred the management effectiveness of PAs in Kenya based on the representation of ranges and distribution of multiple diversity dimensions of terrestrial mammals and their association with governance and designation types. We hypothesized that different governance types underlie variable management efficacies, such that stricter-managed PAs have better habitats that attract more wildlife, translating to higher species diversity compared to less strictly-managed PAs, especially for focal species groups (large carnivores, large herbivores, and endangered species). The results showed nearly all terrestrial mammals in Kenya represented in at least one PA. However, the relative proportion of represented ranges were low, and analysis of spatial conservation prioritization showed significant expansion beyond current PAs needed to achieve a one third coverage of focal species’ ranges in a best-solution reserve system. Differences in PA governance and designation types were not systematically associated with diversity variances, and while there were more unique species in state-managed PAs than in privately-managed ones, averaged diversity coefficients were comparable between categories. Diversity variances explained by PA size and status year were low in a combined species pool but increased in focal species groups. These findings suggest that success in terrestrial mammal conservation in PAs in Kenya require clearly and formally streamlined definition, performance feedback, and collaboration terms between state-managed and privately-managed PAs.
Isolation and endemism in subterranean aquatic snails: unexpected case of Montenegrospeum bogici (Pešić et Glöer, 2012) (Gastropoda: Truncatelloidea: Hydrobiidae)
Authors: Falniowski Andrzej , Pešić Vladimir , Lewarne Brian , Grego Jozef , Rysiewska Aleksandra , Osikowski Artur , Hofman Sebastian
Published: September 2021

The subterranean aquatic snails may serve as a model of endemism and isolationvs.migration in subterranean habitats. The aim of the present paper is to verify the hypothesis that subterranean aquatic snails can migrate through diverse subterranean habitats, applying four molecular markers as well as a RAPD technique and shell morphometry. They were used to estimate the differences and gene flow between populations of the hydrobiid subterranean aquatic species Montenegrospeum bogici, collected in the Dinaric karst region. Three molecularly distinct taxonomic units were distinguished. The mOTU B was found at single locality, mOTU C at two, but the mOTU A at ten localities, scattered along 236 km distance, at two of them in sympatry with either mOTU B or C. Within mOTU A, the estimated levels of the gene flow were high. The pairwise measures of genetic differentiation were statistically significantly associated with geographic distances between the populations. In general, neither the infinite-island model of interpopulation differentiation, expected for isolated populations, nor the stepping-stone one, but rather the isolation-by-distance model explained the observed pattern. Our results suggest that interstitial habitats provide ways of migration for the stygobiontM. bogici, as has been already suggested for other subterranean gastropods.
Higher Education Institution–Community Partnerships: Measuring the Performance of Sustainability Science Initiatives
Authors: Plummer Ryan , Witkowski Samantha , Smits Amanda , Dale Gillian
Published: September 2021

The enterprise of sustainability science extends beyond the academy to address pressing environmental issues through collaboration. It coincides with trends in higher education institutions (HEIs) towards an expanded mission for addressing societal challenges as well as greater accountability. In this paper, we aim to establish an instrument for assessing the performance of sustainability science initiatives in HEIs. The performance of three HEI–community partnerships for sustainability science in Ontario, Canada (the Brock-Lincoln Living Lab, the Excellence in Environmental Stewardship Initiative, and Niagara Adapts) were examined using the HEI–Community Partnership Performance Index (HCPPI). Our preliminary results suggest that the HCPPI is a reliable, valid, and easy-to-administer tool for accurately assessing the performance of HEI–community partnerships for sustainability science. Incorporating systemic performance assessments into HEI–community partnerships promotes accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement. It also serves as a vital feedback mechanism by fostering reflection, adaptation, and learning—critical components to sustainability science.
The Application of the Principles of Responsible AI on Social Media Marketing for Digital Health
Authors: Liu Rui , Gupta Suraksha , Patel Parth
Published: September 2021

Social media enables medical professionals and authorities to share, disseminate, monitor, and manage health-related information digitally through online communities such as Twitter and Facebook. Simultaneously, artificial intelligence (AI) powered social media offers digital capabilities for organizations to select, screen, detect and predict problems with possible solutions through digital health data. Both the patients and healthcare professionals have benefited from such improvements. However, arising ethical concerns related to the use of AI raised by stakeholders need scrutiny which could help organizations obtain trust, minimize privacy invasion, and eventually facilitate the responsible success of AI-enabled social media operations. This paper examines the impact of responsible AI on businesses using insights from analysis of 25 in-depth interviews of health care professionals. The exploratory analysis conducted revealed that abiding by the responsible AI principles can allow healthcare businesses to better take advantage of the improved effectiveness of their social media marketing initiatives with their users. The analysis is further used to offer research propositions and conclusions, and the contributions and limitations of the study have been discussed.
The Crystal Structures of Two Hydro-closo-Borates with Divalent Tin in Comparison: Sn(H2O)3[B10H10] · 3 H2O and Sn(H2O)3[B12H12] · 4 H2O
Authors: Kleeberg Fabian M. , Zimmermann Lucas W. , Schleid Thomas
Published: September 2021

Single crystals of Sn(H2O)3[B10H10] · 3 H2O and Sn(H2O)3[B12H12] · 4 H2O are easily accessible by reactions of aqueous solutions of the acids (H3O)2[B10H10] and (H3O)2[B12H12] with an excess of tin metal powder after isothermal evaporation of the clear brines. Both compounds crystallize with similar structures in the triclinic system with space group P$$\bar{1 }$$

1

¯

and Z = 2. The crystallographic main features are electroneutral $${}_{\infty }^{1} \{$$

∞

1

{

Sn(H2O)3/1[B10H10]3/3} and $${}_{\infty }^{1} \{$$

∞

1

{

Sn(H2O)3/1[B12H12]3/3} double chains running along the a-axes. Each Sn2+ cation is coordinated by three water molecules of hydration (d(Sn–O) = 221–225 pm for the B10 and d(Sn–O) = 222–227 pm for the B12 compound) and additionally by hydridic hydrogen atoms of the three nearest boron clusters (d(Sn–H) = 281–322 pm for the B10 and d(Sn–H) = 278–291 pm for the B12 compound), which complete the coordination sphere. Between these tin(II)-bonded water and the three or four interstitial crystal water molecules, classical bridging hydrogen bonds are found, connecting the double chains to each other. Furthermore, there is also non-classical hydrogen bonding between the anionic [BnHn]2− (n = 10 and 12) clusters and the crystal water molecules pursuant to B–Hδ−$$\cdots$$
⋯
δ+H–O interactions often called dihydrogen bonds.
Obstacles and opportunities for reducing dwelling size to shrink the environmental footprint of housing: tenants’ residential preferences and housing choice
Authors: Karlen Claudine , Pagani Anna , Binder Claudia R.
Published: September 2021

The environmental footprint of housing is greatly influenced by the size of a dwelling. Housing size is the result of households’ dwelling selections; accordingly, it is critical to consider residential preferences and choices to inform efforts towards housing sustainability. This study aimed to understand tenants’ preferences for and choices of housing size as one amongst several dwelling characteristics and identify obstacles and opportunities for reducing size in the light of promoting sustainable housing. We employed logistic regression models to analyse a survey with 878 Swiss tenants, and our results identify preference for large dwellings as a major obstacle for reducing dwelling size among affluent tenants. Conversely, tenants with lower income might be forced to move to a smaller dwelling due to financial constraints or attribute higher importance to the financial benefit of lower rents. However, financial disincentives along with substantial non-monetary costs of moving, such as the disruption of local bonds and the difficulty of finding a satisfactory dwelling, can outweigh the benefits of moving to a smaller dwelling. To overcome such obstacles, we suggest offering incentives and other facilitating measures for downsizing moves as well as ensuring an adequate supply of smaller dwellings capable of providing high living quality. We highlight the potential of studying housing functions to conceptualize dwellings fulfilling these requirements.
Relationships Among Belief in God, Well-Being, and Social Capital in the 2020 European and World Values Surveys: Distinguishing Interpersonal and Ideological Prosociality
Authors: Nezlek John B.
Published: September 2021

Analyses of the 2020 combined European and World Values Surveys (124,958 respondents from 77 countries) found that people who believed in God tended to be happier, more satisfied with lives, and healthier than non-believers. Believers trusted people close to them (e.g., neighbors) more than non-believers, although non-believers tended to trust people in general and trust people from other countries more than believers. Non-believers tended to be more ideologically prosocial than non-believers (e.g., belonging to an environmental organization, advocating freedom of speech vs. control). Such differences were stronger in countries in which there were more vs fewer believers. Moreover, these differences remained after controlling for individual differences in sex, age, education, income, and left–right political orientation.
Developmental Trajectories of Science Identity Beliefs: Within-Group Differences among Black, Latinx, Asian, and White Students
Authors: Puente Kayla , Starr Christine R. , Eccles Jacquelynne S. , Simpkins Sandra D.
Published: September 2021

Though adolescents’ science identity beliefs predict positive STEM outcomes, researchers have yet to examine developmental differences within racial/ethnic groups despite theoretical arguments for such studies. The current study examined science identity trajectories for Black (14%), Latinx (22%), Asian (4%), and White (52%) students (N = 21,170; 50% girls) from 9thgrade to three years post-high school and the variability within each racial/ethnic group based on gender and college generational status. Contrary to the literature, students’ science identities increased over time, and the increases were larger for potential first- versus continuing-generation White students. Potential continuing-generation boys had stronger 9thgrade science identities than potential first-generation girls in all groups except Asians. The findings suggest who might benefit from additional supports within each racial/ethnic group.
Flexural strength of silica fume, fly ash, and metakaolin of hardened cement paste after exposure to elevated temperatures
Authors: Abdelmelek Nabil , Lubloy Eva
Published: September 2021

The mechanical properties of concrete based mainly on flexural and compressive bearing capacity. Generally, researchers have an interest in the evaluation of compression property through the importance of the flexural performance of the material in the constructions, namely the significance of each mechanical property based upon the position of the structural element. The present experimentally work is directed toward improving the flexural strengths performance of ordinary hardened cement paste (HCP) at ambient and after elevated temperatures exposure. The used parameters were different pozzolanic materials with different replacements ratios to cement mass and different levels of temperature. Results proved the significant contribution of pozzolanic material to enhance the flexural properties of HCP after being exposed to elevated temperatures. The low content of CaO, the high grinding fineness, and the physical morphology of the used pozzolanic materials, made their adoption effective to HCP after exposure to elevated temperatures. Using 3%, 12%, and 15% of silica fume (SF), metakaolin (MK), and fly ash (FA), respectively, showed the highest heat endurance among the other replacements. However, the optimum replacement of MK has shown a better heat endurance than the optimum replacements of SF and FA. On the other hand, the spalling has occurred at high replacements of SF. Finally, the results are supported by means of thermo-gravimetric, SEM, and computed tomography investigations.
A unified framework for closed-form nonparametric regression, classification, preference and mixed problems with Skew Gaussian Processes
Authors: Benavoli Alessio , Azzimonti Dario , Piga Dario
Published: September 2021

Skew-Gaussian Processes (SkewGPs) extend the multivariate Unified Skew-Normal distributions over finite dimensional vectors to distribution over functions. SkewGPs are more general and flexible than Gaussian processes, as SkewGPs may also represent asymmetric distributions. In a recent contribution, we showed that SkewGP and probit likelihood are conjugate, which allows us to compute the exact posterior for non-parametric binary classification and preference learning. In this paper, we generalize previous results and we prove that SkewGP is conjugate with both the normal and affine probit likelihood, and more in general, with their product. This allows us to (i) handle classification, preference, numeric and ordinal regression, and mixed problems in a unified framework; (ii) derive closed-form expression for the corresponding posterior distributions. We show empirically that the proposed framework based on SkewGP provides better performance than Gaussian processes in active learning and Bayesian (constrained) optimization. These two tasks are fundamental for design of experiments and in Data Science.
Misunderstanding, Misperception and Mistakes: The Logic of the Grail in Old French Arthurian Romance and Thomas Malory’s Tale of the Sankgreal
Authors: Baldon Martha Claire
Published: September 2021

This article seeks to resituate critical discussions about logic in the Old French Grail romances and Thomas Malory’sTale of the Sankgreal. Where previous scholarship has emphasised the mystical elements of the Old French Grail narratives to suggest alternate meanings for the Grail itself, this article reads the Grail miracles as structuring devices that reflect classical theories of dialectic and demonstrative argumentation. Through examining one example from Chrétien de Troyes’Perceval, the Didot-Perceval, The Vulgate CycleQueste del Saint Graal, and Thomas Malory’sTale of the Sankgreal, this article also highlights fundamental similarities between the logical systems underlying each Grail narrative that are not restricted by language or date of composition. Thus, the article depicts Malory not just as consciously drawing upon the VulgateQueste del Saint Graal, but also as unconsciously inheriting elements from each of his Old French predecessors.
Differences between immunotherapy-induced and primary hypophysitis—a multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Amereller Felix , Deutschbein Timo , Joshi Mamta , Schopohl Jochen , Schilbach Katharina , Detomas Mario , Duffy Leo , Carroll Paul , Papa Sophie , Störmann Sylvère
Published: September 2021

Objective

Immune checkpoint inhibitors can cause various immune-related adverse events including secondary hypophysitis. We compared clinical characteristics of immunotherapy-induced hypophysitis (IIH) and primary hypophysitis (PH)

Design

Retrospective multicenter cohort study including 56 patients with IIH and 60 patients with PH.

Methods

All patients underwent extensive endocrine testing. Data on age, gender, symptoms, endocrine dysfunction, MRI, immunotherapeutic agents and autoimmune diseases were collected.

Results

Median time of follow-up was 18 months in IIH and 69 months in PH. The median time from initiation of immunotherapy to IIH diagnosis was 3 months. IIH affected males more frequently than PH (p < 0.001) and led to more impaired pituitary axes in males (p < 0.001). The distribution of deficient adenohypophysial axes was comparable between both entities, however, central hypocortisolism was more frequent (p < 0.001) and diabetes insipidus considerably less frequent in IIH (p < 0.001). Symptoms were similar except that visual impairment occurred more rarely in IIH (p < 0.001). 20 % of IIH patients reported no symptoms at all. Regarding MRI, pituitary stalk thickening was less frequent in IIH (p = 0.009). Concomitant autoimmune diseases were more prevalent in PH patients before the diagnosis of hypophysitis (p = 0.003) and more frequent in IIH during follow-up (p = 0.002).

Conclusions

Clinically, IIH and PH present with similar symptoms. Diabetes insipidus very rarely occurs in IIH. Central hypocortisolism, in contrast, is a typical feature of IIH. Preexisting autoimmunity seems not to be indicative of developing IIH.
Garden optimization problems for benchmarking quantum annealers
Authors: Gonzalez Calaza Carlos D. , Willsch Dennis , Michielsen Kristel
Published: September 2021

We benchmark the 5000+ qubit system coupled with the Hybrid Solver Service 2 released by D-Wave Systems Inc. in September 2020 by using a new class of optimization problems calledgarden optimization problemsknown in companion planting. These problems are scalable to an arbitrarily large number of variables and intuitively find application in real-world scenarios. We derive their QUBO formulation and illustrate their relation to the quadratic assignment problem. We demonstrate that the system and the new hybrid solver can solve larger problems in less time than their predecessors. However, we also show that the solvers based on the 2000+ qubit system sometimes produce more favourable results if they can solve the problems.
Psychometric validation of the EORTC QLQ-HCC18 in patients with previously treated unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Serrano Daniel , Podger Lauren , Barnes Gisoo , Song James , Tang Boxiong
Published: September 2021

To demonstrate the measurement properties of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Hepatocellular Carcinoma 18-question module (EORTC QLQ-HCC18) within a previously treated, unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) clinical trial population that was distinct from the published QLQ-HCC18 validation population. Analyses were conducted using data from BGB-A317-208, an open label, international, clinical trial assessing efficacy and safety of the monoclonal antibody tislelizumab in adult HCC patients. The EORTC Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) and QLQ-HCC18 instruments were assessed at baseline and weeks 3 and 9 follow-up visits. Per US Food and Drug Administration guidance, psychometric validation of the QLQ-HCC18 included reliability (internal consistency and test–retest), construct validity (convergent and discriminant validity and known-groups validity), ability to detect change, and meaningful within-patient change (MWPC). Known-groups validity and MWPC analyses were also stratified on several pre-defined subgroups. A total of 248 patients were included. Only the QLQ-HCC18 fatigue, nutrition, and index domains demonstrated acceptable internal consistency; acceptable test–retest reliability was found for fatigue, body image, nutrition, pain, sexual interest, and index domains. The QLQ-HCC18 fatigue domain achieved the pre-specified criterion defining acceptable convergent and discriminant validity for 13 of 16 correlations, whereas the index domain achieved the pre-specified criterion for 14 of 16 correlations. Clear differentiation of the QLQ-HCC18 change scores between improvement and maintenance anchor groups were observed for body image, fatigue, pain, and index domains, whereas differentiation between deterioration and maintenance anchor groups were observed for fever and fatigue domains. MWPC point estimates defining improvement for the QLQ-HCC18 fatigue and index domains were −7.18 and −4.07, respectively; MWPC point estimates defining deterioration were 5.34 and 3.16, respectively. The EORTC QLQ-HCC18 fatigue and index domains consistently demonstrated robust psychometric properties, supporting the use of these domains as suitable patient-reported endpoints within a previously treated, unresectable HCC patient population.
Publication outperformance among global South researchers: An analysis of individual-level and publication-level predictors of positive deviance
Authors: Albanna Basma , Handl Julia , Heeks Richard
Published: September 2021

Research and development are central to economic growth, and a key challenge for countries of the global South is that their research performance lags behind that of the global North. Yet, among Southern researchers, a few significantly outperform their peers and can be styled research “positive deviants” (PDs). In this paper we ask: who are those PDs, what are their characteristics and how are they able to overcome some of the challenges facing researchers in the global South? We examined a sample of 203 information systems researchers in Egypt who were classified into PDs and non-PDs (NPDs) through an analysis of their publication and citation data. Based on six citation metrics, we were able to identify and group 26 PDs. We then analysed their attributes, attitudes, practices, and publications using a mixed-methods approach involving interviews, a survey and analysis of publication-related datasets. Two predictive models were developed using partial least squares regression; the first predicted if a researcher is a PD or not using individual-level predictors and the second predicted if a paper is a paper of a PD or not using publication-level predictors. PDs represented 13% of the researchers but produced about half of all publications, and had almost double the citations of the overall NPD group. At the individual level, there were significant differences between both groups with regard to research collaborations, capacity development, and research directions. At the publication level, there were differences relating to the topics pursued, publication outlets targeted, and paper features such as length of abstract and number of authors.
Associations of maternal bisphenol urine concentrations during pregnancy with neonatal metabolomic profiles
Authors: Blaauwendraad Sophia M. , Voerman Ellis , Trasande Leonardo , Kannan Kurunthachalam , Santos Susana , Ruijter George J. G. , Sol Chalana M. , Marchioro Linda , Shokry Engy , Koletzko Berthold , Jaddoe Vincent W. V. , Gaillard Romy
Published: September 2021

Background

Fetal exposure to bisphenols is associated with altered fetal growth, adverse birth outcomes and childhood cardio-metabolic risk factors. Metabolomics may serve as a tool to identify the mechanisms underlying these associations. We examined the associations of maternal bisphenol urinary concentrations in pregnancy with neonatal metabolite profiles from cord blood.

Methods

In a population-based prospective cohort study among 225 mother–child pairs, maternal urinary bisphenol A, S and F concentrations in first, second and third trimester were measured. LC–MS/MS was used to determine neonatal concentrations of amino acids, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), phospholipids (PL), and carnitines in cord blood.

Results

No associations of maternal total bisphenol concentrations with neonatal metabolite profiles were present. Higher maternal average BPA concentrations were associated with higher neonatal mono-unsaturated alkyl-lysophosphatidylcholine concentrations, whereas higher maternal average BPS was associated with lower neonatal overall and saturated alkyl-lysophosphatidylcholine (p-values < 0.05).Trimester-specific analyses showed that higher maternal BPA, BPS and BPF were associated with alterations in neonatal NEFA, diacyl-phosphatidylcholines, acyl-alkyl-phosphatidylcholines, alkyl-lysophosphatidylcholine, sphingomyelines and acyl-carnitines, with the strongest effects for third trimester maternal bisphenol and neonatal diacyl-phosphatidylcholine, sphingomyeline and acyl-carnitine metabolites (p-values < 0.05). Associations were not explained by maternal socio-demographic and lifestyle characteristics or birth characteristics.

Discussion

Higher maternal bisphenol A, F and S concentrations in pregnancy are associated with alterations in neonatal metabolite profile, mainly in NEFA, PL and carnitines concentrations. These findings provide novel insight into potential mechanisms underlying associations of maternal bisphenol exposure during pregnancy with adverse offspring outcomes but need to be replicated among larger, diverse populations.
Effect of environmental stressors on the mRNA expression of ecdysone cascade genes in Chironomus riparius
Authors: de la Fuente Mercedes , Folgar Raquel Martín , Martínez-Paz Pedro , Cortés Estrella , Martínez-Guitarte José Luis , Morales Mónica
Published: September 2021

Chemical compounds produced by humans are continuously reaching the environment. In this work, we characterised the expression patterns of important endocrine-related genes involved in the ecdysone pathway in the fourth larval instar of the model species Chironomus riparius after exposure to three chemicals: ethinyl oestradiol (EE), nonylphenol (NP) and bis(tributyltin) oxide (TBTO). We used real-time PCR to analyse the gene expression levels of ecdysone receptor (EcR) and ultraspiracle (usp), two genes that encode the dimerising partners of the functional ecdysone receptor; the orphan receptor ERR (oestrogen-related receptor), with an unknown function in invertebrates; and E74, an early response gene induced by ecdysteroids. We estimated the bioaccumulation potential, bioavailability and physicochemical properties of these chemicals, together with a number of other exogenous agents known to interfere with the hormonal system. We also provide a review of previous transcriptional studies showing the effect of all these chemicals on ecdysone cascade genes. This analysis provides useful data for future ecotoxicological studies involving invertebrate species.

Capsule

Changes in transcriptional activities of EcR, E74, usp and ERR genes after exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals would be useful as molecular bioindicators of endocrine disruption in Chironomus riparius.
Development of a redundant anthropomorphic hydraulically actuated manipulator with a roll-pitch-yaw spherical wrist
Authors: Cheng Min , Han Zenan , Ding Ruqi , Zhang Junhui , Xu Bing
Published: September 2021

The demand for redundant hydraulic manipulators that can implement complex heavy-duty tasks in unstructured areas is increasing; however, current manipulator layouts that remarkably differ from human arms make intuitive kinematic operation challenging to achieve. This study proposes a seven-degree-of-freedom (7-DOF) redundant anthropomorphic hydraulically actuated manipulator with a novel roll-pitch-yaw spherical wrist. A hybrid series-parallel mechanism is presented to achieve the spherical wrist design, which consists of two parallel linear hydraulic cylinders to drive the yaw/pitch 2-DOF wrist plate connected serially to the roll structure. Designed as a 1RPRRR-1SPU mechanism (“R”, “P”, “S”, and “U” denote revolute, prismatic, spherical, and universal joints, respectively; the underlined letter indicates the active joint), the 2-DOF parallel structure is partially decoupled to obtain simple forward/inverse kinematic solutions in which a closed-loop subchain “RPRR” is included. The 7-DOF manipulator is then designed, and its third joint axis goes through the spherical center to obtain closed-form inverse kinematic computation. The analytical inverse kinematic solution is drawn by constructing self-motion manifolds. Finally, a physical prototype is developed, and the kinematic analysis is validated via numerical simulation and test results.