bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of sunlight and UV lamp exposure on EPR signals in X-ray irradiated touch screens of mobile phones
Authors: Juniewicz Małgorzata , Marciniak Agnieszka , Ciesielski Bartłomiej , Prawdzik-Dampc Anita , Sawczak Mirosław , Boguś Piotr
Published: June 2020

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) signals generated by ionizing radiation in touch-screen glasses have been reported as useful for personal dosimetry in people accidently exposed to ionizing radiation. This article describes the effect of light exposure on EPR spectra of various glasses obtained from mobile phones. This effect can lead to significant inaccuracy of the radiation doses reconstructed by EPR. The EPR signals from samples unexposed and exposed to X-rays and/or to natural and artificial light were numerically separated into three model spectra: those due to background (BG), radiation-induced signal (RIS), and light-induced signal (LIS). Although prolonged exposures of mobile phones to UV light are rather implausible, the article indicates errors underestimating the actual radiation doses in dose reconstruction in glasses exposed to UV light even for low fluences equivalent to several minutes of sunshine, if one neglects the effects of light in applied dosimetric procedures. About 5 min of exposure to sunlight or to light from common UV lamps reduced the intensity of the dosimetric spectral components by 20–60% as compared to non-illuminated samples. This effect strongly limits the achievable accuracy of retrospective dosimetry using EPR in glasses from mobile phones, unless their exposure to light containing a UV component can be excluded or the light-induced reduction in intensity of the RIS can be quantitatively estimated. A method for determination of a correction factor accounting for the perturbing light effects is proposed on basis of the determined relation between the dosimetric signal and intensity of the light-induced signal.
131I thyroid activity and committed dose assessment among family members of patients treated with radioactive iodine
Authors: Brudecki K. , Kluczewska-Gałka A. , Zagrodzki P. , Jarząb B. , Gorzkiewicz K. , Mróz T.
Published: June 2020

The main goal of the present study was estimation of an internal contamination of 131I among family members of patients treated with radioactive iodine. Thyroid activity measurements of 131I in examined volunteers were performed using a whole-body spectrometer at the institute of nuclear physics, Polish academy of sciences. During this research, 20 relatives of patients treated with 131I were examined: eight women and 12 men with an age in the range from 3 to 72 years. In the case of nine individuals, the activity of 131I in the thyroid was below the detection limit, but among the remaining 11 individuals, the activity varied from (9 ± 3) Bq up to (1140 ± 295) Bq. Subsequently, based on the measurements of thyroid 131I activities, the corresponding doses were assessed. The highest estimated effective dose reached 218 μSv, while the thyroid equivalent dose was 2.4 mSv. In addition, the experimental data obtained were statistically analysed together with the results of surveys of the individuals participating in the study by means of correspondence analysis and nonparametric tests: Mann–Whitney, gamma, χ2 and Yule Phi coefficient. These analyses revealed relationships between 131I activities in the thyroids of the examined individuals and their housing conditions as well as consumption of meals prepared by the patients.
Midlife alcohol consumption and longitudinal brain atrophy: the PREVENT-Dementia study
Authors: Firbank Michael J. , O’Brien John T. , Ritchie Karen , Wells Katie , Williams Guy , Su Li , Ritchie Craig W.
Published: June 2020

Background and aims

Consensus is lacking on whether light to moderate consumption of alcohol compared to abstinence is neuroprotective. In this study, we investigated the relationship between self-reported alcohol use and brain volume change over 2 years in middle-aged subjects.

Methods

A sample of 162 subjects (aged 40–59 at baseline) from the PREVENT-Dementia programme underwent MRI scans on two separate occasions (mean interval 734 days; SD 42 days). We measured longitudinal rates of brain atrophy using the FSL Siena toolbox, and change in hippocampal volume from segmentation in SPM.

Results

Controlling for age and sex, there were no significant associations of either total brain, ventricular, or hippocampal volume change with alcohol consumption. Adjusting for lifestyle, demographic and vascular risk factors did not alter this.

Conclusions

We did not find any evidence of influence of alcohol consumption on changes in brain volume over a 2-year period in 40–60-year-olds.
Explicit Correlation Amplifiers for Finding Outlier Correlations in Deterministic Subquadratic Time
Authors: Karppa Matti , Kaski Petteri , Kohonen Jukka , Ó Catháin Padraig
Published: June 2020

We derandomize Valiant’s (J ACM 62, Article 13, 2015) subquadratic-time algorithm for finding outlier correlations in binary data. This demonstrates that it is possible to perform a deterministic subquadratic-time similarity join of high dimensionality. Our derandomized algorithm gives deterministic subquadratic scaling essentially for the same parameter range as Valiant’s randomized algorithm, but the precise constants we save over quadratic scaling are more modest. Our main technical tool for derandomization is an explicit family of correlation amplifiers built via a family of zigzag-product expanders by Reingold et al. (Ann Math 155(1):157–187, 2002). We say that a function $$f:\{-1,1\}^d\rightarrow \{-1,1\}^D$$

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An efficient optimization approach for designing machine learning models based on genetic algorithm
Authors: Hamdia Khader M. , Zhuang Xiaoying , Rabczuk Timon
Published: June 2020

Machine learning (ML) methods have shown powerful performance in different application. Nonetheless, designing ML models remains a challenge and requires further research as most procedures adopt a trial and error strategy. In this study, we present a methodology to optimize the architecture and the feature configurations of ML models considering a supervised learning process. The proposed approach employs genetic algorithm (GA)-based integer-valued optimization for two ML models, namely deep neural networks (DNN) and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). The selected variables in the DNN optimization problems are the number of hidden layers, their number of neurons and their activation function, while the type and the number of membership functions are the design variables in the ANFIS optimization problem. The mean squared error (MSE) between the predictions and the target outputs is minimized as the optimization fitness function. The proposed scheme is validated through a case study of computational material design. We apply the method to predict the fracture energy of polymer/nanoparticles composites (PNCs) with a database gathered from the literature. The optimized DNN model shows superior prediction accuracy compared to the classical one-hidden layer network. Also, it outperforms ANFIS with significantly lower number of generations in GA. The proposed method can be easily extended to optimize similar architecture properties of ML models in various complex systems.
Effective extraction methodology for the isolation of antidepressants from human blood
Authors: Świądro Magdalena , Wietecha-Posłuszny Renata , Dudek Dominika
Published: June 2020

The objective of this study is to choose the best methodology containing a high-efficiency extraction technique and an extraction agent for the isolation of antidepressants, such as citalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, and venlafaxine, from human blood samples. In this research, various extraction agents have been examined to achieve the highest efficiency of the conducted process. Moreover, the following most available extraction techniques have been investigated and compared: liquid–liquid extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, and microwave-assisted extraction. The obtained extracts have been analysed with the application of the ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry. The conducted research has confirmed that the microwave-assisted extraction with ethyl acetate—the average extraction efficiency is 77.4 ± 2.7%—onstitute the most promising extraction method and the agent. Furthermore, the developed method was successfully applied to the analysis of the whole blood samples collected from patients treated with the analysed drugs. It should be emphasised that choice of extraction and solvent methods are the first steps to develop the methods allowing for determination of antidepressants in whole blood for toxicological and clinical purposes.

Graphic abstract
Modelling decision-making within rail maintenance control rooms
Authors: Dadashi Nastaran , Golightly David , Sharples Sarah
Published: June 2020

This paper presents a cognitive task analysis to derive models of decision-making for rail maintenance processes. Maintenance processes are vital for safe and continuous availability of rail assets and services. These processes are increasingly embracing the ‘Intelligent Infrastructure’ paradigm, which uses automated analysis to predict asset state and potential failure. Understanding the cognitive processes of maintenance operators is critical to underpin design and acceptance of Intelligent Infrastructure. A combination of methods, including observation, interview and an adaptation of critical decision method, was employed to elicit the decision-making strategies of operators in three different types of maintenance control centre, with three configurations of pre-existing technology. The output is a model of decision-making, based on Rasmussen’s decision ladder, that reflects the varying role of automation depending on technology configurations. The analysis also identifies which types of fault were most challenging for operators and identifies the strategies used by operators to manage the concurrent challenges of information deficiencies (both underload and overload). Implications for design are discussed.
The Study of Metaphor in Argumentation Theory
Authors: van Poppel Lotte
Published: June 2020

This paper offers a review of the argumentation-theoretical literature on metaphor in argumentative discourse. Two methodologies are combined: the pragma-dialectical theory is used to study the argumentative functions attributed to metaphor, and distinctions made in metaphor theory and the three-dimensional model of metaphor are used to compare the conceptions of metaphor taken as starting point in the reviewed literature. An overview is provided of all types of metaphors distinguished and their possible argumentative functions. The study reveals that not all possible argumentative functions of metaphor have been taken into account, such as the role of conventional direct metaphors in standpoint and starting point. Novel direct metaphor as part of an analogy argument has received most attention, while indirect metaphor can constitute argumentative moves as well, such as the introduction of a standpoint, starting point or connection premise. The overview also shows that certain combinations of variables seem to be impossible of unlikely to occur. These results have a bearing on the analysis of metaphors in argumentative discourse and show the omission in current studies of metaphor. Being aware of these dimensions of metaphor ánd of its potential in argumentation would enrich argumentation studies and metaphor studies alike.
Pertuzumab, trastuzumab, and docetaxel for Chinese patients with previously untreated HER2-positive locally recurrent or metastatic breast cancer (PUFFIN): a phase III, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
Authors: Xu Binghe , Li Wei , Zhang Qingyuan , Shao Zhimin , Li Qiao , Wang Xiaojia , Li Huiping , Sun Tao , Yin Yongmei , Zheng Hong , Feng Jifeng , Zhang Hong , Lei Guiyuan , Restuccia Eleonora
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The Chinese bridging study PUFFIN (NCT02896855) aimed to assess consistency of efficacy with CLEOPATRA (NCT00567190), investigating pertuzumab with trastuzumab and docetaxel versus placebo, trastuzumab, and docetaxel in patients with previously untreated HER2-positive locally recurrent or metastatic breast cancer.

Methods

Patients were randomized 1:1, stratified by visceral/non-visceral disease and hormone receptor status. The primary endpoint was investigator-assessed progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary endpoints included objective response rate (in patients with measurable baseline disease), overall survival, and safety. The consistency threshold for PFS (hazard ratio [HR] < 0.81) (maintaining ≥ 50% of the risk reduction determined in CLEOPATRA [HR 0.62]) determined the target sample size (n = 240).

Results

Two hundred forty-three patients were randomized. Median PFS was 14.5 months in the pertuzumab arm (95% confidence interval [CI] 12.5, 18.6) and 12.4 months in the placebo arm (95% CI 10.4, 12.7) in the intention-to-treat population (HR: 0.69 [95% CI 0.49, 0.99]). Objective responses were recorded in 83/105 (79.0%) and 67/97 (69.1%) patients, respectively. Grade ≥ 3 adverse events (70.5% and 69.2%, respectively) and serious adverse events (19.7% and 19.2%, respectively) were similar across both arms. No heart failure cases or symptomatic left ventricular ejection fraction declines were reported.

Conclusions

PUFFIN met its primary objective. Overall, efficacy data were consistent with CLEOPATRA. Safety was consistent with the known pertuzumab safety profile. PUFFIN adds to the totality of data with pertuzumab in previously untreated HER2-positive locally recurrent or metastatic breast cancer and supports the favorable benefit–risk profile of pertuzumab in Chinese patients

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02896855, registered 7 September 2016
Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid enhances the cisplatin sensitivity of non-small cell lung cancer cells through cell cycle arrest, apoptosis induction, and autophagy suppression via p21-dependent signaling pathway
Authors: Lv Minghe , Zhuang Xibing , Zhang Qi , Cheng Yunfeng , Wu Duojiao , Wang Xiangdong , Qiao Tiankui
Published: June 2020

Cisplatin-based therapy is a widely used chemotherapeutic regimen for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); however, drug resistance limits its efficacy. Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA), a bioactive compound from frankincense, has been shown to exert anti-cancer effects. The aim of this study is to explore the potential of AKBA in combination with cisplatin as a new regimen for NSCLC. CCK8 assay and clone formation assay were used to determine the effects of AKBA in combination with cisplatin on cell viability of NSCLC cell lines. A three-dimensional spherification assay was used to simulate in vivo tumor formation. Flow cytometry was performed to examine cell cycle distribution and the percentages of apoptotic cells. The associated proteins and mRNA of cell cycle, apoptosis, and autophagy were measured by western blotting and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. Immunofluorescence assay was used to test apoptotic nuclei and autolysosome. Small interfering RNA experiments were used to silence the expression of p21. Combination treatment of AKBA and cisplatin inhibited cell viability, clone formation, and three-dimensional spherification, enhanced G0/G1 phase arrest, increased the percentages of apoptotic cells, and decreased the ratio of positive autolysosomes, compared with cisplatin alone. AKBA in combination with cisplatin suppressed the protein expressions of cyclin A2, cyclin E1, p-cdc2, CDK4, Bcl-xl, Atg5, and LC3A/B, and upregulated p27 and p21 mRNA levels in A549 cells. Downregulation of p21 decreased G0/G1 phase arrest and the percentages of apoptotic cells, and promoted autophagy in NSCLC A549 cells. Our study demonstrates that AKBA enhances the cisplatin sensitivity of NSCLC cells and that the mechanisms involve G0/G1 phase arrest, apoptosis induction, and autophagy suppression via targeting p21-dependent signaling pathway.
Methylsulfonylmethane sensitizes endometrial cancer cells to doxorubicin
Authors: Kowalska Karolina , Habrowska-Górczyńska Dominika Ewa , Kurczewska Dominika , Domińska Kamila , Urbanek Kinga Anna , Piastowska-Ciesielska Agnieszka Wanda
Published: June 2020

Background

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a commonly used diet supplement believed to decrease the inflammation in joints and fastens recovery in osteoarthritis, gastric mucosal injury, or obesity-related disorders. It was also suggested that MSM might play a beneficial role in cancer treatment.

Purpose

So far, the MSM might have a potentially beneficial effect in endometrial cancer (EC) treatment.

Study design

This study evaluated the effect and usefulness of MSM in combinatory therapy with known drug doxorubicin (DOX).

Methods

The effect of combinational treatment of MSM and DOX on the induction of apoptosis was evaluated in EC cell lines (ISHIKAWA, MFE-296, MFE-280).

Results

We observed that MSM itself induces apoptosis in EC cell lines, and pre-treatment with MSM for 24 h increases the sensitivity of EC cells to DOX-induced apoptosis and DNA damage and that effect might be regulated by p42/44 (Erk1/2) MAPK and Akt (protein kinase B).

Conclusion

These results for the first time show that MSM might act as a sensitizer of EC cells to known drugs, for which EC cells quickly acquire resistance.
Tailored covalently cross-linked hydrogels based on oxidized cellulose sulfate and carboxymethyl chitosan by targeted adjustment of the storage modulus
Authors: Strätz Juliane , Fischer Steffen
Published: June 2020

In general hydrogel synthesis uses a trial and error method when creating new hydrogels and searches afterwards for a fitting application of the received hydrogel. A much more effective and sustainable approach would be to have an application in mind before starting a targeted synthesis of a hydrogel with specific properties. Hence the goal of the study is to investigate influencing factors—crosslink density here represented through the degree of substitution, mass average molecular mass, mixing ratio and time for gelation—to the storage modulus $$G'$$

G
′

for covalently cross-linked hydrogels based on oxidized cellulose sulfate and carboxymethyl chitosan. The results can be summarized as follows: higher values for $$G'$$

G
′

can be reached by increasing the mass average molecular mass, the crosslink density and by shifting the mixing ratio toward the polymer which determines the number of possible cross-linkings in the hydrogel. The findings of this work may be transferred to similar systems and are helpful for a targeted synthesis of hydrogels with specific characteristics.
The ‘Exposed’ Population, Violent Crime in Public Space and the Night-time Economy in Manchester, UK
Authors: Haleem Muhammad Salman , Do Lee Won , Ellison Mark , Bannister Jon
Published: June 2020

The daily rhythms of the city, the ebb and flow of people undertaking routines activities, inform the spatial and temporal patterning of crime. Being able to capture citizen mobility and delineate a crime-specific population denominator is a vital prerequisite of the endeavour to both explain and address crime. This paper introduces the concept of an exposed population-at-risk, defined as the mix of residents and non-residents who may play an active role as an offender, victim or guardian in a specific crime type, present in a spatial unit at a given time. This definition is deployed to determine the exposed population-at-risk for violent crime, associated with the night-time economy, in public spaces. Through integrating census data with mobile phone data and utilising fine-grained temporal and spatial violent crime data, the paper demonstrates the value of deploying an exposed (over an ambient) population-at-risk denominator to determine violent crime in public space hotspots on Saturday nights in Greater Manchester (UK). In doing so, the paper illuminates that as violent crime in public space rises, over the course of a Saturday evening, the exposed population-at-risk falls, implying a shifting propensity of the exposed population-at-risk to perform active roles as offenders, victims and/or guardians. The paper concludes with a discussion of the theoretical and policy relevance of these findings.
Regulators and villains: the dual role of private actors in diamonds and caviar
Authors: Siegel Dina , Spapens Toine , van Uhm Daan
Published: June 2020

In the past decades, private actors have become key actors in regulation and enforcement of various forms of trade. In this paper, we focus on the role of private actors in the regulation of the trade in diamonds and caviar. We examine the stages of calling for additional regulation; setting regulatory requirements; and determining and effectuating compliance mechanisms. Our analysis illustrates that private actors may play important roles in this process, but at the same time be unaware of loopholes that illegal operators may exploit, whereas others may commit crimes themselves. These dual roles reflect the various activities of private actors in different representations. We argue in this article that the increased involvement of private actors in processes of regulation may not only benefit but also constrain the effectivity, competence and meaning of such regulatory frameworks within contemporary society.
Comparing the effect of positioning on cerebral autoregulation during radical prostatectomy: a prospective observational study
Authors: Beck Stefanie , Ragab Haissam , Hoop Dennis , Meßner-Schmitt Aurélie , Rademacher Cornelius , Kahl Ursula , von Breunig Franziska , Haese Alexander , Graefen Markus , Zöllner Christian , Fischer Marlene
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Surgery in the prolonged extreme Trendelenburg position may lead to elevated intracranial pressure and compromise cerebral hemodynamic regulation. We hypothesized that robot-assisted radical prostatectomy with head-down tilt causes impairment of cerebral autoregulation compared with open retropubic radical prostatectomy in the supine position.

Methods

Patients scheduled for elective radical prostatectomy were included at a tertiary care prostate cancer clinic. Continuous monitoring of the cerebral autoregulation was performed using the correlation method. Based on measurements of cerebral oxygenation with near-infrared spectroscopy and invasive mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), a moving correlation coefficient was calculated to obtain the cerebral oxygenation index as an indicator of cerebral autoregulation. Cerebral autoregulation was measured continuously from induction until recovery from anesthesia.

Results

There was no significant difference in cerebral autoregulation between robot-assisted and open retropubic radical prostatectomy during induction (p = 0.089), intraoperatively (p = 0.162), and during recovery from anesthesia (p = 0.620). Age (B = 0.311 [95% CI 0.039; 0.583], p = 0.025) and a higher difference between baseline MAP and intraoperative MAP (B = 0.200 [95% CI 0.073; 0.327], p = 0.002) were associated with impaired cerebral autoregulation, whereas surgical technique was not (B = 3.339 [95% CI  1.275; 7.952], p = 0.155).

Conclusion

Compared with open radical prostatectomy in the supine position, robot-assisted surgery in the extreme Trendelenburg position with capnoperitoneum did not lead to an impairment of cerebral autoregulation during the perioperative period in our study population.

Trial registration number: DRKS00010014, date of registration: 21.03.2016, retrospectively registered.
Upper and Lower Bounds for the Synchronizer Performance in Systems with Probabilistic Message Loss
Authors: Zeiner Martin , Schmid Ulrich
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we revisit the performance of theα-synchronizer in distributed systems with probabilistic message loss as introduced in Függer et al. [Perf. Eval. 93(2015)]. In sharp contrast to the infinite-state Markov chain resp. the exponential-size finite-state upper bound presented in the original paper, we introduce a polynomial-size finite-state Markov chain for a new synchronizer variant$\alpha ^{\prime }$α′, which provides a new upper bound on the performance of theα-synchronizer. Both analytic and simulation results show that our new upper bound is strictly better than the existing one. Moreover, we show that a modified version of the$\alpha ^{\prime }$α′-synchronizer provides a lower bound on the performance of theα-synchronizer. By means of elaborate simulation results, we show that our new lower bound is also strictly better than the lower bound presented in the original paper.
Field surveys and numerical modeling of the August 2016 Typhoon Lionrock along the northeastern coast of Japan: the first typhoon making landfall in Tohoku region
Authors: Heidarzadeh Mohammad , Iwamoto Takumu , Takagawa Tomohiro , Takagi Hiroshi
Published: June 2020

Typhoon Lionrock, also known as the national number 1610 in Japan, caused severe flooding in east Japan in August 28–31, 2016, leaving a death toll of 22. With a maximum sustained wind speed of ~ 220 km/h from the Joint Typhoon Warning Center’s best track, Lionrock was classified as a category 4 hurricane in Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale and as a typhoon in Japan Meteorological Agency’s scale. Lionrock was among unique typhoons as it started its landfall from north of Japan. Here, we studied the characteristics of this typhoon through tide gauge data analysis, field surveys and numerical modeling. Tide gauge analysis showed that the surges generated by Lionrock were in the ranges of 15–55 cm with surge duration of 0.8–3.1 days. Our field surveys revealed that the damage to coastal communities/structures was moderate although it caused severe flooding inland. We measured a maximum coastal wave runup of 4.3 m in Iwaisaki. Such a runup was smaller than that generated by other category 4 typhoons hitting Japan in the past. Our numerical model was able to reproduce the storm surge generated by the 2016 Typhoon Lionrock. This validated numerical model can be used in the future for typhoon-hazard studies along the coast of northeastern Japan. Despite relatively small surge/wave runups in coastal areas, Lionrock’s death toll was more than that of some other category 4 typhoons. We attribute this to various primary (e.g., flooding, surges, waves, strong winds) and secondary (e.g., landslides, coastal erosions, debris flows, wind-blown debris) mechanisms and their combinations and interactions that contribute to damage/death during a typhoon event.
Effects of breeding history and crop management on the root architecture of wheat
Authors: Fradgley N. , Evans G. , Biernaskie J.M. , Cockram J. , Marr E.C. , Oliver A. G. , Ober E. , Jones H.
Published: June 2020

Aims

Selection for optimal root system architecture (RSA) is important to ensure genetic gains in the sustainable production of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Here we examine the hypothesis that past wheat breeding has led to changes in RSA and that future breeding efforts can focus directly on RSA to improve adaptation to target environments.

Methods

We conducted field trials using diverse wheat varieties, including modern and historic UK varieties and non-UK landraces, tested under contrasting tillage regimes (non-inversion tillage versus conventional ploughing) for two trial years or different seeding rates (standard versus high rate) for one trial year. We used field excavation, washing and measurement of root crowns (‘shovelomics’) to characterise RSA traits, including: numbers of seminal, crown and nodal roots per plant, and crown root growth angle.

Results

We found differences among genotypes for all root traits. Modern varieties generally had fewer roots per plant than historic varieties. On average, there were fewer crown roots and root angles were wider under shallow non-inversion tillage compared with conventional ploughing. Crown root numbers per plant also tended to be smaller at a high seeding rate compared with the standard. There were significant genotype-by-year, genotype-by-tillage and genotype-by-seeding-rate interactions for many root traits.

Conclusions

Smaller root systems are likely to be a result of past selection that facilitated historical yield increases by reducing below-ground competition within the crop. The effects of crop management practices on RSA depend on genotype, suggesting that future breeding could select for improved RSA traits in resource-efficient farming systems.
Health-related quality of life and physical activity level after a behavior change program at Norwegian healthy life centers: a 15-month follow-up
Authors: Blom Ellen Eimhjellen , Aadland Eivind , Skrove Guri Kaurstad , Solbraa Ane Kristiansen , Oldervoll Line Merethe
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The long-term impact of primary care behavior change programs on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and physical activity (PA) level is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in HRQoL and PA among participants after a 3-month behavior change intervention at Norwegian healthy life center (HLCs) and at a 15-month follow-up. Furthermore, we aimed to study associations between changes in PA and HRQoL.

Methods

We followed 524 adult participants (18–83 years), recruited from 32 HLCs in August 2016–January 2018, who provided data on HRQoL (SF-36) and PA (ActiGraph accelerometers) 12 months after a 3-month behavior change intervention. Changes in HRQoL and PA between baseline, 3-month and 15-month follow-ups, and associations between changes in PA and HRQoL were analyzed by linear mixed models.

Results

All HRQoL dimensions improved from baseline to 3-month follow-up, and the improvements maintained at 15-month follow-up (mean 3.1–13.1 points, p < 0.001). PA increased from baseline to 3 months (mean 418 steps/day, p < 0.001), but declined from 3 to 15 months (mean − 371 steps/day, p < 0.001). We observed positive associations between changes in PA and HRQoL (0.84–3.23 points per 1000 steps/day, p < 0.023).

Conclusions

Twelve months after completing a 3-month HLC intervention we found improved HRQoL, but not PA level. Still, there were positive associations between PA and HRQoL over this period, indicating that participants increasing their PA were more likely to improve their HRQoL.
GlycA, a novel marker for low grade inflammation, reflects gut microbiome diversity and is more accurate than high sensitive CRP in reflecting metabolomic profile
Authors: Mokkala Kati , Houttu Noora , Koivuniemi Ella , Sørensen Nikolaj , Nielsen Henrik Bjørn , Laitinen Kirsi
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Gut microbiota is, along with adipose tissue, recognized as a source for many metabolic and inflammatory disturbances that may contribute to the individual’s state of health.

Objectives

We investigated in cross-sectional setting the feasibility of utilizing GlycA, a novel low grade inflammatory marker, and traditional low grade inflammatory marker, high sensitivity CRP (hsCRP), in reflecting serum metabolomics status and gut microbiome diversity.

Methods

Fasting serum samples of overweight/obese pregnant women (n = 335, gestational weeks: mean 13.8) were analysed for hsCRP by immunoassay, GlycA and metabolomics status by NMR metabolomics and faecal samples for gut microbiome diversity by metagenomics. The benefits of GlycA as a metabolic marker were investigated against hsCRP.

Results

The GlycA concentration correlated with more of the metabolomics markers (144 out of 157), than hsCRP (55 out of 157) (FDR < 0.05). The results remained essentially the same when potential confounding factors known to associate with GlycA and hsCRP levels were taken into account (P < 0.05). This was attributable to the detected correlations between GlycA and the constituents and concentrations of several sized VLDL-particles and branched chain amino acids, which were statistically non-significant with regard to hsCRP. GlycA, but not hsCRP, correlated inversely with gut microbiome diversity.

Conclusion

GlycA is a superior marker than hsCRP in assessing the metabolomic profile and gut microbiome diversity. It is proposed that GlycA may act as a novel marker that reflects both the gut microbiome and adipose tissue originated metabolic aberrations; this proposal will need to be verified with regard to clinical outcomes.

Clinical trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01922791, August 14, 2013
Students’ Complex Problem Solving Profiles
Authors: Gnaldi Michela , Bacci Silvia , Kunze Thiemo , Greiff Samuel
Published: June 2020

Complex problem solving (CPS) is an up-and-coming twenty-first century skill that requires test-takers to solve dynamically changing problems, often assessed using computer-based tests. The log data that users produce when interacting with a computer-based test provide valuable information about each individual behavioral action they undertake, but such data are rather difficult to handle from a statistical point of view. This paper addresses this issue by building upon recent research focused on decoding log data and aims to identify homogeneous student profiles with regard to their ability to solve CPS tasks. Therefore, we estimated a discrete two-tier item response theory model, which allowed us to profile units (i.e., students) while taking into account the multidimensionality of the data and the explanatory effect of individual characteristics. The results indicate that: (1) CPS can be thought of as a three-dimensional latent variable; (2) there are ten latent classes of students with homogenous profiles regarding the CPS dimensions; (3) students in the higher latent classes generally demonstrate higher cognitive and non-cognitive performances; (4) some of the latent classes seem to profit from learning-by-doing within tasks, whereas others seem to exhibit the reverse behavior; (5) cognitive and non-cognitive skills, as well as gender and to some extent age, contribute to distinguishing among the latent classes.
Textual Representation and Intertextuality of Graphene in Swedish Newspapers
Authors: Boholm Max
Published: June 2020

Textual representation of graphene in Sweden’s most circulated newspapers is analyzed in 229 articles from 2004 to 2018. What is and is not said about graphene is explored through systematically identifying the lexical and grammatical patterns of sentences using the word “graphene.” Graphene is said to be a super material with certain properties, to be an object of research, commercialization, and application, and to have societal significance. Given frequent classifications of graphene as a nanomaterial in scientific discourse, there is notably limited reference to graphene as “nano” in the newspapers and only marginal reference to risk. This paper discusses the findings regarding this Swedish newspaper discourse on graphene in relation to its intertextuality, i.e., how texts draw upon and recontextualize other texts: the Swedish newspaper discourse on graphene echoes discourses of promise formulated elsewhere in society; it is not very diversified in terms of themes; it is dominated by positive and neutral representations rather than by risk; and it makes limited reference to the nano-discourse, even though, according to most definitions, graphene is a nanomaterial.
Operationalising place for land system science
Authors: Switalski Michal , Grêt-Regamey Adrienne
Published: June 2020

The following paper introduces the concept of place for land system science to better understand how the transformation of place, as place-making, can be operationalised. The aim is to operationalise place with the motivation that a deeper understanding of people–place interactions can advance knowledge of land systems towards practicable solutions to current sustainability challenges. An overview of place studies spanning a wide range of research disciplines is presented to form a clear and concise theoretical foundation, necessary when operationalising place beyond its traditional research domains and applications. The limitations and potential of place in the context of land systems science are then explored through examples and the importance of operationalising place as both a product and process is demonstrated. Place and place-making are presented as a conceptual model, which allows for expansion and substantiation when deployed to relevant land system research tasks. In closing, the directions and key themes for further development of people–place interactions in land system science are discussed.
The Impact of Mitochondrial Dysfunction on Dopaminergic Neurons in the Olfactory Bulb and Odor Detection
Authors: Paß Thomas , Aßfalg Marlene , Tolve Marianna , Blaess Sandra , Rothermel Markus , Wiesner Rudolf J. , Ricke Konrad M.
Published: June 2020

Understanding non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease is important in order to unravel the underlying molecular mechanisms of the disease. Olfactory dysfunction is an early stage, non-motor symptom which occurs in 95% of Parkinson’s disease patients. Mitochondrial dysfunction is a key feature in Parkinson’s disease and importantly contributes to the selective loss of dopaminergic neurons the substantia nigra pars compacta. The olfactory bulb, the first olfactory processing station, also contains dopaminergic neurons, which modulate odor information and thereby enable odor detection as well as odor discrimination. MitoPark mice are a genetic model for Parkinson’s disease with severe mitochondrial dysfunction, reproducing the differential vulnerability of dopaminergic neurons in the midbrain. These animals were used to investigate the impact of mitochondrial dysfunction on olfactory-related behavior and olfactory bulb dopaminergic neuron survival. Odor detection was severely impaired in MitoPark mice. Interestingly, only the small anaxonic dopaminergic subpopulation, which is continuously replenished by neurogenesis, was moderately reduced in number, much less compared with dopaminergic neurons in the midbrain. As a potential compensatory response, an enhanced mobilization of progenitor cells was found in the subventricular zone. These results reveal a high robustness of dopaminergic neurons located in the olfactory bulb towards mitochondrial impairment, in striking contrast to their midbrain counterparts.
Transcriptome Analysis of iPSC-Derived Neurons from Rubinstein-Taybi Patients Reveals Deficits in Neuronal Differentiation
Authors: Calzari Luciano , Barcella Matteo , Alari Valentina , Braga Daniele , Muñoz-Viana Rafael , Barlassina Cristina , Finelli Palma , Gervasini Cristina , Barco Angel , Russo Silvia , Larizza Lidia
Published: June 2020

Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome (RSTS) is a rare multisystem developmental disorder with moderate to severe intellectual disability caused by heterozygous mutations of either CREBBP or EP300 genes encoding CBP/p300 chromatin regulators. We explored the gene programs and processes underlying the morphological and functional alterations shown by iPSC-derived neurons modeling RSTS to bridge the molecular changes resulting from defective CBP/p300 to cognitive impairment. By global transcriptome analysis, we compared the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) marking the transition from iPSC-derived neural progenitors to cortical neurons (iNeurons) of five RSTS patients carrying private CREBBP/EP300 mutations and manifesting differently graded neurocognitive signs with those of four healthy controls. Our data shows a defective and altered neuroprogenitor to neuron transcriptional program in the cells from RSTS patients. First, transcriptional regulation is weaker in RSTS as less genes than in controls are modulated, including genes of key processes of mature functional neurons, such as those for voltage-gated channels and neurotransmitters and their receptors. Second, regulation is subverted as genes acting at pre-terminal stages of neural differentiation in cell polarity and adhesive functions (members of the cadherin family) and axon extension/guidance (members of the semaphorins and SLIT receptors families) are improperly upregulated. Impairment or delay of RSTS neuronal differentiation program is also evidenced by decreased modulation of the overall number of neural differentiation markers, significantly impacting the initial and final stages of the differentiation cascade. Last, extensive downregulation of genes for RNA/DNA metabolic processes confirms that RSTS is a global transcription disorder, consistent with a syndrome driven by chromatin dysregulation. Interestingly, the morphological and functional alterations we have previously appointed as biomarkers of RSTS iNeurons provide functional support to the herein designed transcriptome profile pointing to key dysregulated neuronal genes as main contributors to patients’ cognitive deficit. The impact of RSTS transcriptome may go beyond RSTS as comparison of dysregulated genes across modeled neurodevelopmental disorders could unveil convergent genes of cognitive impairment.
Forensic Brain-Reading and Mental Privacy in European Human Rights Law: Foundations and Challenges
Authors: Ligthart Sjors , Douglas Thomas , Bublitz Christoph , Kooijmans Tijs , Meynen Gerben
Published: June 2020

A central question in the current neurolegal and neuroethical literature is how brain-reading technologies could contribute to criminal justice. Some of these technologies have already been deployed within different criminal justice systems in Europe, including Slovenia, Italy, England and Wales, and the Netherlands, typically to determine guilt, legal responsibility, or recidivism risk. In this regard, the question arises whether brain-reading could permissibly be used against the person's will. To provide adequate legal protection from such non-consensual brain-reading in the European legal context, ethicists have called for the recognition of a novel fundamental legal right to mental privacy. In this paper, we explore whether these ethical calls for recognising a novel legal right to mental privacy are necessary in the European context. We argue that a right to mental privacy could be derived from, or at least developed within in the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights, and that introducing an additional fundamental right to protect against (forensic) brain-reading is not necessary. What is required, however, is a specification of the implications of existing rights for particular neurotechnologies and purposes.
Flow simulation considering adsorption boundary layer based on digital rock and finite element method
Authors: Yang Yong-Fei , Wang Ke , Lv Qian-Fei , Askari Roohollah , Mei Qing-Yan , Yao Jun , Hou Jie-Xin , Zhang Kai , Li Ai-Fen , Wang Chen-Chen
Published: June 2020

Due to the low permeability of tight reservoirs, throats play a significant role in controlling fluid flow. Although many studies have been conducted to investigate fluid flow in throats in the microscale domain, comparatively fewer works have been devoted to study the effect of adsorption boundary layer (ABL) in throats based on the digital rock method. By considering an ABL, we investigate its effects on fluid flow. We build digital rock model based on computed tomography technology. Then, microscopic pore structures are extracted with watershed segmentation and pore geometries are meshed through Delaunay triangulation approach. Finally, using the meshed digital simulation model and finite element method, we investigate the effects of viscosity and thickness of ABL on microscale flow. Our results demonstrate that viscosity and thickness of ABL are major factors that significantly hinder fluid flow in throats.
Online Mindfulness Stress Intervention for Family Carers of Children and Adults with Intellectual Disabilities: Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Flynn Samantha , Hastings Richard P. , Burke Christine , Howes Simon , Lunsky Yona , Weiss Jonathan A. , Bailey Tom
Published: June 2020

Objectives

Family carers of people with intellectual disabilities (ID) are twice as likely as other carers to experience stress and mental ill-health, but research exploring interventions is sparse. Online mindfulness may provide an accessible, cost-effective resource. The addition of guided telephone support could help to tailor an existing intervention for this population. A feasibility randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted to inform the development of a definitive RCT.

Methods

Sixty participants were randomized to complete Be Mindful (a brief online mindfulness intervention) either with or without additional Peer Mentor support. Feasibility of recruitment, retention, intervention adherence, and acceptability of study design was examined. Preliminary analyses were undertaken on participant-reported outcomes pre- and post-intervention. Eighteen semi-structured interviews were conducted as a process evaluation.

Results

Feasibility outcomes indicate that it would be possible to recruit and retain (88%) participants to a definitive RCT, and that the study design and intervention are acceptable. The addition of guided telephone support was not burdensome; indeed, it was additionally motivating. Telephone support can be delivered with high fidelity, but this is inconsistent and requires further piloting. Preliminary comparison data indicate small, but non-significant, improvements for participants receiving guided telephone support relative to those who did not over time.

Conclusions

It is feasible to deliver online mindfulness with additional telephone-guided support to family carers of people with ID, and this may lead to small benefits over receiving online mindfulness alone. A definitive RCT can be planned to examine the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of this intervention.
Log-based rock compressibility estimation for Asmari carbonate formation
Authors: Ashena Rahman , Behrenbruch Peter , Ghalambor Ali
Published: June 2020

Rock compressibility has many applications in the upstream petroleum industry, for example, reservoir material balance calculations and geomechanics, as related to possible formation compaction and subsidence. When measurements on core are not available, empirical correlations may need to be considered, derived for specific fields. In the study presented, the suitability of the log-based method for evaluating rock compressibility is investigated, with the aim of deriving a suitable correlation for Asmari carbonate, Southwest Iran. A stepwise log-based method of rock compressibility determination is presented, including the construction of a geomechanical earth model, MEM. In comparing a log approach with core-derived results, it was found that the log-based method showed a rather reliable estimation of pore compressibility for carbonates studied, except for intervals with extremely large wellbore washout. Although the selected procedure is similar to that used for sandstone by other researchers, involving in some cases complex procedures, a relatively good matching result could be obtained with a relatively simple procedure. To validate the results from this study, a comparison of compressibility values is made with several industry correlations. An application of formation compressibility for estimating possible formation compaction and associated subsidence is also presented. However, a minimal effect is indicated in this case, as the carbonates studied are rather consolidated. In summary, this study presents a new correlation for rock compressibility for Southwestern Iranian carbonate oilfields (Asmari carbonate), validating the applicability of a log-based technique.