bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A simplified subsurface soil salinity estimation using synergy of SENTINEL‐1 SAR and SENTINEL‐2 multispectral satellite data, for early stages of wheat crop growth in Rupnagar, Punjab, India
Authors: Tripathi Akshar , Tiwari Reet Kamal
Published: May 2021

Soil salinity has become a highly disastrous phenomenon responsible for crop failure worldwide, especially in countries with low farmer incomes and food insecurity. Soil salinity is often due to water accumulation in fields caused by improper flood irrigation whereby plants take up the water leaving salts behind. It is, however, the subsurface soil salinity that affects plant growth. This soil salinity prevents further water intake. There have been very few studies conducted for subsurface soil salinity estimation. Therefore our study aimed to estimate subsurface soil salinity (at 60 cm depth) for the early stage of wheat crop growth in a simplified manner using freely available satellite data, which is a novel feature and prime objective in this study. The study utilises SENTINEL‐1 SAR (synthetic aperture RADAR) data for backscatter coefficient generation, SENTINEL‐2A multispectral data for NDSI (normalised differential salinity index) generation and on‐ground equipment for direct collection of soil electrical conductivity (EC). The data were collected for two dates in November and December 2019 and one date in January 2020 during the early stage of wheat crop growth. The dates were selected keeping in mind the satellite pass over the study area of Rupnagar on the same day. Ordinary least squares regression was used for modelling which gave R2‐statistics of 0.99 and 0.958 in the training and testing phase and root mean square error (RMSE) of 1.92 and mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.78 in modelling for soil salinity estimation.
Biochemical basis of resistance to pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera) in Australian wild relatives of pigeonpea
Authors: Vanambathina Prameela , Rachaputi Rao C. N. , Sultanbawa Yasmina , Phan Anh Dao Thi , Henry Robert J. , Brier Hugh
Published: May 2021

The domestication of pigeonpea has severely impacted the intrinsic host‐plant resistance (HPR) to pest and diseases, particularly pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera hubner). This study with 41 Australian wild Cajanus genotypes and interspecific hybrids demonstrated a high level of resistance to H. armigera in the accessions of Cajanus acutifolius, C. latisepalus, C. lanceolatus, C. pubescens, and C. reticulatus var. reticulatus. Significant variation in herbivory development and mortality (P < 0.001) was observed in the wild accessions and their hybrids in response to feeding on leaves. A strong positive relationship (R2 = 0.69, P < 0.001) between total phenolic compounds (TPC) and the HPR was observed. Australian wild genotypes demonstrated the role of TPC and the absence of certain flavonoids such as rutin and quercetin in resistant genotypes. The detached leaf bioassay technique separated the wild and domesticated accessions into wild resistant, with herbivory weight difference (HWD) (Day 7–Day 1) ranging between −27 ‐ 104 mg, wild susceptible, with HWD ranging between 124 ‐ 207 mg and domesticated susceptible, with HWD ranging from 208 ‐ 300 mg. Similarly, based on TPC, accessions were also categorised into wild high TPC, with TPC ranging between 32.3 ‐ 42.5 GAE mg/g DW, and wild low TPC had only 17.2–24.8 GAE mg/g DW. Low TPC concentrations were found in domesticated pigeonpea, with 10.7–17.6 GAE mg/g DW. The presence of very high concentrations of the flavone isoorientin, an important antioxidant implicated in the intracellular defence mechanism of cancer therapy, was identified for the first time in wild species of pigeonpea.
Field lauds historic investment in MH, addiction funding; new BH council
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: May 2021

The field hailed new funding announced last week by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in the amount of $3 billion for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's Community Mental Health Services block grant and Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment block grant.
Research calls for more investment in MH care for LGBTQ youth
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: May 2021

New research that calls attention to mental health disparities faced by diverse lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQ) youth amid COVID‐19 and beyond found that 42% of LGBTQ youth, including more than half of transgender and nonbinary youth, seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year. However, nearly half could not access the mental health care they wanted.
In silico Studies on the Interaction between Mpro and PLpro From SARS‐CoV‐2 and Ebselen, its Metabolites and Derivatives
Authors: Nogara Pablo Andrei , Omage Folorunsho Bright , Bolzan Gustavo Roni , Delgado Cássia Pereira , Aschner Michael , Orian Laura , Teixeira Rocha João Batista
Published: May 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic caused by the SARS‐CoV‐2 has mobilized scientific attention in search of a treatment. The cysteine‐proteases, main protease (Mpro) and papain‐like protease (PLpro) are important targets for antiviral drugs. In this work, we simulate the interactions between the Mpro and PLpro with Ebselen, its metabolites and derivatives with the aim of finding molecules that can potentially inhibit these enzymes. The docking data demonstrate that there are two main interactions between the thiol (−SH) group of Cys (from the protease active sites) and the electrophilic centers of the organoselenium molecules, i. e. the interaction with the carbonyl group (O=C…SH) and the interaction with the Se moiety (Se…SH). Both interactions may lead to an adduct formation and enzyme inhibition. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations with Ebselen indicate that the energetics of the thiol nucleophilic attack is more favorable on Se than on the carbonyl group, which is in accordance with experimental data (Jin et al. Nature, 2020, 582, 289–293). Therefore, organoselenium molecules should be further explored as inhibitors of the SARS‐CoV‐2 proteases. Furthermore, we suggest that some metabolites of Ebselen (e. g. Ebselen diselenide and methylebselenoxide) and derivatives ethaselen and ebsulfur should be tested in vitro as inhibitors of virus replication and its proteases.
Apostichopus japonicus Oligopeptide Induced Heterogeneity in the Gastrointestinal Tract Microbiota and Alleviated Hyperuricemia in a Microbiota‐Dependent Manner
Authors: Lu Chenyang , Tang Shasha , Han Jiaojiao , Fan Siqing , Huang Yumeng , Zhang Zhen , Zhou Jun , Ming Tinghong , Li Ye , Su Xiurong
Published: May 2021

Scope

This study aims to investigate the protective effect of Apostichopus japonicus oligopeptide (AJOP) on hyperuricemia, demonstrate the modulation of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) microbiota, and clarify the underlying microbiota‐dependent mechanism.

Methods and Results

Hyperuricemic mice treated with AJOP and subjected to corresponding fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) are used to observe the beneficial effects of AJOP and microbiota. Gene transcriptions are measured using quantitative real‐time PCR. The GIT (stomach, colon, cecum, and feces) microbiota is analyzed by 16S rDNA sequencing and the short‐chain fatty acids are detected using GC‐MS. Dietary administration of AJOP significantly alleviates hyperuricemia, regulates uric acid metabolism, inhibites the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and NF‐κB‐related signaling pathway, and restores m6A methylation levels. In addition, substantial heterogeneity is observed in GIT microbiota. Furthermore, FMT effectively alleviates hyperuricemia in mice by selectively regulating the corresponding pathways associated with AJOP treatment, indicating that the mechanism underlying the protective effects of AJOP is partly microbiota‐dependent.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that AJOP exerts a protective effect on hyperuricemic mice by regulating uric acid metabolism, resulting in substantial heterogeneity among the GIT microbiota, thus mediating the beneficial effects in a microbiota‐dependent manner.
Chemical, thermal, and mechanical properties and ultraviolet transmittance of novel nano‐hydroxyapatite/polyethylene terephthalate milk bottles
Authors: Demirel Bilal , İnaner Nihat B. , Gezer Derya U. , Daver Fugen , Yaras Ali , Akkurt Fatih
Published: May 2021

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)/nano‐hydroxyapatite (nHAp) composite granules were obtained using twin‐screw extruder. Preforms were prepared by injection molding and then PET/nHAp bottles were produced by blow molding. For PET bottles with nHAp, the migration amounts of carboxylic acid (COOH), acetaldehyde (AA), diethylene glycol (DEG), and isophthalic acid (IPA); glass transition temperature (Tg); melting temperature (Tm); and the maximum crystallization temperature (Tcry) were measured. The load‐carrying capacity, burst strength, stress cracking, and regional material distribution tests were carried out on the bottles. X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and ultraviolet transmittance analyses were conducted to explain the changes in mechanical, chemical, physical properties, and light transmission of bottles. It was found out that the COOH amount increased and the AA content decreased with increasing nHAp amount. On the other hand, no change was observed in the amounts of DEG and IPA. Although the mechanical properties such as load‐carrying capacity and burst strength of the bottles have improved, it has been determined that the standard environmental stress crack resistance test procedure cannot be applied to such a composite. Experimental findings indicate that nHAp disrupts the chemical structure of PET and it isolates harmful chemicals such as AA by forming intermolecular bonds. Moreover, with the addition of up to 0.8% nHAp, PET bottles block the light transmission approximately 80% within 400–700 nm wave length zone. The study demonstrates that the PET/nHAp composite bottles can be used in the food industry, particularly in the packaging of milk and milk products which are vulnerable to light exposure.
A poly(carbazole‐alt‐fluorene) π‐conjugated polymer bearing thiophenyl benzimidazole: synthesis, characterization and fluorescence recognition of metal ions and cysteine
Authors: Liu Kuan , Wei Yuhan , Xu Jinyao , Qiu Lingfei , Hu Shaping , Wan Jiayi , Feng Juhua
Published: May 2021

A novel conjugated polymer PFCZ‐IM containing 2‐(thiophen‐2‐yl)‐1H‐benzo[d]imidazole units was synthesized and characterized. The basic photophysical properties of the polymer and its fluorescence recognition behaviors toward metal ions and amino acids were investigated. In the study of the response of metal ions, PFCZ‐IM had high sensitivity to Fe3+, Ag+ and Cu2+, which significantly quenched the fluorescence of the polymer. The binding of the 2‐(thiophen‐2‐yl)‐1H‐benzo[d]imidazole moiety to Cu2+ was investigated by density functional theory calculation. Interestingly, [PFCZ‐IM‐Cu2+] also exhibited outstanding characteristics of fluorescence ‘turn on’ in the presence of cysteine (Cys), as the interaction between Cu2+ and Cys caused the polymer to dissociate from the complex. In particular, addition of 30 μmol L–1 of Cys can increase the Cu2+‐quenching fluorescence of PFCZ‐IM by 34.8 times with short response time, demonstrating that [PFCZ‐IM‐Cu2+] has tremendous potential in the actual detection of Cys. This polymer is expected to be utilized for dual fluorescence detection of specific metal ions and Cys. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Study of castor oil‐based auxetic polyurethane foams for cushioning applications
Authors: Vinay Chaithanya V , Varma DS Mohan , Chandan Mohammed R , Sivabalan Ponsubha , Jaiswal Amit K , Swetha Sai , Sionkowska Alina , Kaczmarek Beata
Published: May 2021

This work involves the study of mechanical and antibacterial properties of auxetic polyurethane (APU) foams synthesized using castor oil (CO) to ascertain their suitability as seat cushions in wheelchairs. Firstly, CO‐based PU foams (PU‐CO) were synthesized by substituting 25% synthetic polyol with CO in a polyol blend. Conventional PU foams and PU‐CO foams were then converted to auxetic foams using triaxial compression and heating. The chemical composition, microstructure and thermal, mechanical and antibacterial properties of the foams were analyzed. It was found that addition of CO improved the antibacterial and mechanical properties of the foams. CO‐based APU (CO‐APU) foams showed highest compression strength and storage modulus. An increase in thermal stability of PU‐CO was also observed as compared to PU foams. These CO‐APU foams could be a better alternative to conventional PU foams for wheelchair seat cushions and in hospital bed applications. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Output feedback based PD‐type robust iterative learning control for uncertain spatially interconnected systems
Authors: Tao Hong‐Feng , Zhou Long‐Hui , Hao Shoulin , Paszke Wojciech , Yang Hui‐Zhong
Published: May 2021

Spatially interconnected systems (SISs) are formed by a chain of subsystems or units with the same or similar structure, all of which directly interact with their neighbors. For robust tracking of SISs subject to both polytopic uncertainty and external disturbances, a PD‐type iterative learning control (ILC) algorithm integrated with real‐time output feedback is proposed in the absence of accurate state measurement. By lifting along the spatial variable, the SISs are first transformed into an equivalent one‐dimensional (1D) state‐space model. Then, the transformed 1D system, together with the learning law, is reformulated as an equivalent discrete repetitive process model. Based on the Lyapunov theory, sufficient conditions in terms of bilinear matrix inequalities (BMIs) are established to ensure the robust stability of the resulting ILC system along the trial. To circumvent computation problem of BMIs, a two‐stage heuristic approach is developed to derive ILC gains iteratively. Finally, the validity of the proposed method is verified by the comparative simulation of temperature distribution model of the metal rod.
Proposition of an ontology to support product service systems of systems engineering
Authors: Fakhfakh Sarra , Jankovic Marija , Hein Andreas M. , Chazal Yann , Dauron Alain
Published: May 2021

The venue of new technologies such as autonomous vehicles implies the design not only of the product but also of services related to it. These systems are known as Product Service Systems (PSS). Moreover, they are not only PSS but also System of Systems (SoS). Up till now, research has been addressing the design of PSS and SoS separately. The PSS literature focuses mainly on the product servitization and the increasing heterogeneity of PSS elements. On the other hand, the SoS literature focuses on the relationships between SoS constituent systems and their management. Both research domains propose systems modeling approaches and systems architectural patterns independently according to PSSs and SoS development contexts. In order to address this gap and support PSSoS design and development, there is a need to identify necessary data, the PSSoS ontology. The proposed ontology is developed with the Unified Modeling Language (UML) and is structured in four views: the stakeholder view, the service view, the systems view, and the operational view. The proposed model has been validated by nine industrial experts as well as five industrial projects; and is illustrated via the case of Plug&Charge within one of the major automotive French constructors.
Does sustainable water management affect business performance in the Brazilian mining industry?
Authors: Bichueti Roberto Schoproni , Gomes Clandia Maffini , Kruglianskas Isak , Kneipp Jordana Marques , Rosa Luciana Aparecida Barbieri da , Frizzo Kamila
Published: May 2021

The mining activity is essential in the economic context. However, there are several potential impacts caused by this activity, from the environmental and social perspective. In this regard, it is worth noting the relationship of this industry with the management of water use, a strategic resource for the business activity. This study aims to identify the relationship between the management of water use and the business performance in industries in the Brazilian mining sector. To that end, we conducted a survey with managers from industries in the sector. The results of the survey lead to the acceptance of the central hypothesis of the study, where there is a positive relationship between the management of water use and business performance, corroborating the significant importance of this resource to the competitiveness of industries in the mining sector.
Determination of essential elements (Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn) in herbal teas by TXRF, FAAS and ICP‐OES
Authors: Marguí Eva , Dalipi Rogerta , Sangiorgi Emanuele , Bival Štefan Maja , Sladonja Katarina , Rogga Vanessa , Jablan Jasna
Published: May 2021

The aim of this study was the comparison of the results obtained in the determination of the content of essential elements such as Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn in vegetation samples using different analytical approaches, including suspension preparation and total reflection X‐ray fluorescence (TXRF) analysis as well as most commonly used spectroscopic methods in the field of vegetal analysis such as acid digestion in combination with atomic emission (AES) and atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). In the case of TXRF analysis, two instruments equipped with different X‐ray tubes anodes (W and Mo) were used to better evaluate the potential of TXRF for vegetal samples analysis. Analytical figures of merit for the considered methods were determined by the analysis of plant reference materials. The one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) applied to the analysed and certified values showed that the results were not statistically different at the significance level of p‐values <0.05. Therefore, suspension preparation and TXRF analysis proved to be a sustainable and fast analytical alternative to the most commonly used ones involving a previous digestion of the sample and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP‐OES) or flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) analysis. Finally, the different analytical approaches were applied to the determination of Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn in a set of herbal teas used for medical purposes.
Evaluating lower limb tendinopathy with Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment (VISA) questionnaires: a systematic review shows very-low-quality evidence for their content and structural validity—part I
Authors: Korakakis Vasileios , Kotsifaki Argyro , Stefanakis Manos , Sotiralis Yiannis , Whiteley Rod , Thorborg Kristian
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment (Achilles tendon—VISA-A, greater trochanteric pain syndrome—VISA-G, proximal hamstring tendinopathy—VISA-H, patellar tendon—VISA-P) questionnaires are widely used in research and clinical practice; however, no systematic reviews have formally evaluated their content, structural, and cross-cultural validity evidence. The measurement properties referring to content, structural and cross-cultural validity of the VISA questionnaires were appraised and synthesized.

Methods

The systematic review was conducted according to Consensus-based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) methodology. PubMed, Cochrane, CINAHL, EMBASE, Web of Science, SportsDiscus, grey literature, and reference lists were searched. Development studies and cross-cultural adaptations (12 languages) assessing content or structural validity of the VISA questionnaires were included and two reviewers assessed their methodological quality. Evidence for content (relevance, comprehensiveness, and comprehensibility), structural, and cross-cultural validity was synthesized. A modified Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was applied to evidence synthesis.

Results

The VISA-A presented very-low-quality evidence of sufficient relevance, insufficient comprehensiveness, and inconsistent comprehensibility. VISA-G displayed moderate-quality evidence for sufficient comprehensibility and very-low-quality evidence of sufficient relevance and comprehensiveness. The VISA-P presented very-low-quality evidence of sufficient relevance, insufficient comprehensiveness, and inconsistent comprehensibility, while VISA-H presented very-low evidence of insufficient content validity. VISA-A displayed low-quality evidence for structural validity concerning unidimensionality and internal structure, while VISA-H presented low-quality evidence of insufficient unidimensionality. The structural validity of VISA-G and VISA-P were indeterminate and inconsistent, respectively. Internal consistency for VISA-G, VISA-H, and VISA-P was indeterminate. No studies evaluated cross-cultural validity, while measurement invariance across sexes was assessed in one study.

Conclusions

Only very-low-quality evidence exists for the content and structural validity of VISA questionnaires when assessing the severity of symptoms and disability in patients with lower limb tendinopathies.

Level of evidence

IV.

Registration

PROSPERO reference—CRD42019126595.
Substitution of histidine 30 by asparagine in manganese superoxide dismutase alters biophysical properties and supports proliferation in a K562 leukemia cell line
Authors: Bonetta Rosalin , Hunter Gary J. , Trinh Chi H. , Borowski Tomasz , Fenech Anthony G. , Kulp Maria , Tabares Leandro C. , Un Sun , Hunter Thérèse
Published: May 2021

We have generated a mutant of C. elegans manganese superoxide dismutase at histidine 30 by site-directed mutagenesis. The structure was solved at a resolution of 1.52 Å by X-ray crystallography (pdb: 6S0D). His30 was targeted, as it forms as a gateway residue at the top of the solvent access funnel to the active site, together with Tyr34. In the wild-type protein, these gateway residues are involved in the hydrogen-bonding network providing the protons necessary for the catalytic reaction at the metal center. However, biophysical characterization and cell viability experiments reveal that a mutation from histidine to asparagine in the H30N mutant modifies metal selectivity in the protein, favoring the uptake of iron over manganese in minimal media conditions, alters active-site coordination from the characteristic trigonal bipyramidal to octahedral geometry, and encourages cellular proliferation in K562 cells, when added exogenously to the cells.
Advantages of Laparoscopic Surgery for Gastric Cancer in Elderly Patients Aged Over 80 Years: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis
Authors: Tanaka Ryo , Lee Sang‐Woong , Imai Yoshiro , Honda Kotaro , Matsuo Kentaro , Tashiro Keitaro , Kawai Masaru , Uchiyama Kazuhisa
Published: May 2021

Background

The short‐ and long‐term efficacy of laparoscopic surgery for elderly patients with gastric cancer has not been evaluated. We aimed to use propensity score matching to clarify the efficacy of laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) for elderly patients with gastric cancer aged ≥80 years.

Methods

We retrospectively collected data from 159 consecutive patients with gastric cancer aged ≥80 years who underwent gastrectomy with curative intent at our institution between 2004 and 2015. Propensity score matching was applied to compare the open gastrectomy (OG) and LG. Short‐ and long‐term outcomes were evaluated between the propensity‐matched groups.

Results

Patients’ backgrounds and surgical factors were similar in both groups except for blood loss. The median time to first flatus was significantly shorter in the LG group than in the OG group (P = 0.002). The postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter in the LG group (P = 0.014). The complication rate of Clavien–Dindo grade III or higher was significantly lower in the LG group (3% vs. 23%, P = 0.023). The 5‐year overall survival and 5‐year disease‐specific survival rates were better in the LG group than in the OG group, but the differences were not significant (45% vs. 42% and 67% vs 57%, respectively).

Conclusion

LG was associated with good short‐term outcomes and acceptable oncologic outcomes compared with OG in these propensity‐matched patients aged ≥80 years.
Einschätzung des subjektiven Infektionsrisikos und Impfbereitschaft gegen SARS-CoV-2 unter deutschen Augenärzten
Authors: Roth M. , Holtmann C. , Tillmann A. , Bertram B. , Geerling G.
Published: May 2021

Hintergrund und Ziele

Nach Zulassung erster COVID-19-Impfstoffe in Deutschland sind „Impfpriorisierung“ und „Impfbereitschaft“ zentrale Themen in der Diskussion über Strategien zur Beendigung der Pandemie. Wie Augenärztinnen und Augenärzte das Infektionsrisiko in Augenkliniken und -praxen subjektiv bewerten und wie groß die Impfbereitschaft in dieser Berufsgruppe ist, wurde bisher nicht untersucht. Ziel dieses Projekts war die Erfassung der subjektiven Bewertung des Infektionsrisikos und der Impfbereitschaft der Augenärzte in Deutschland.

Methoden

Die Daten wurden im Rahmen einer kurzen, anonymen Online-Umfrage des Berufsverbands der Augenärzte Deutschlands (BVA) und der Deutschen Ophthalmologischen Gesellschaft (DOG) unter Federführung der Universitätsaugenklinik Düsseldorf erhoben. Der Fragebogen war im Zeitraum vom 22.01. bis 12.02.2021 zur Teilnahme freigeschaltet. Die Umfrage richtete sich an alle augenärztlichen Kolleginnen und Kollegen.

Ergebnisse

Insgesamt wurden 1162 vollständige Antwortbögen ausgewertet. Das berufsbedingte Infektionsrisiko bewerten die Befragten durchschnittlich mit 7,5 ± 1,9 (Skala von 1 bis 10; 1 = sehr geringes Risiko, 10 = sehr hohes Risiko); 971 Umfrageteilnehmer (83,6 %) schätzen das Infektionsrisiko im Vergleich zu anderen ärztlichen Fachrichtungen als höher ein; 92,9 % (n = 1079) der Umfrageteilnehmer geben an, sich impfen lassen zu wollen.

Schlussfolgerung

Die befragten Augenärzte sehen ihre Berufsgruppe einem auch im Vergleich zu anderen Fachrichtungen überdurchschnittlich hohen SARS-CoV-2-Infektionsrisiko ausgesetzt. Dabei kritisieren sie häufig die Priorisierung des Bundesministeriums für Gesundheit (BMG), die von der Priorisierung der Ständigen Impfkommission (STIKO) abweicht. Die Impfbereitschaft ist unter den befragten deutschen Augenärzten sehr hoch.
Paediatric neurosurgical implications of a ribosomopathy: illustrative case and literature review
Authors: Murphy Suzanne , Grima Gabriella , Mankad Kshitij , Aquilina Kristian
Published: May 2021

Ribosomopathies are rare, recently defined entities. One of these, Labrune syndrome, is recognisable radiologically by its distinctive triad of leukoencephalopathy, intracranial calcifications and cysts (LCC). These cysts may have neurosurgical implications at different ages because of their progressive expansion and local mass effect. The aetiology of LCC is related to a widespread cerebral microangiopathy and is due to a genetic mutation in SNORD118, responsible for stabilisation of the large ribosomal subunit during assembly.
Poly (adenosine diphosphate [ADP]–ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors as maintenance therapy in women with newly diagnosed ovarian cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Cheng Hongyan , Yang Junjun , Liu Huixin , Xiang Yang
Published: May 2021

Purpose

To investigate the efficacy and safety of poly (adenosine diphosphate [ADP]–ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors (including their different types) as maintenance therapy in women with newly diagnosed ovarian cancer, and to explore whether this therapy produces a survival benefit in a subgroup population with specific clinical characteristics.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science and relevant clinical research registry platforms on October 1, 2019, and included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared PARP inhibitors with placebo in women (aged ≥ 18 years) with newly diagnosed epithelial ovarian cancer.

Results

We identified four RCTs with 3,070 participants. Compared with placebo, PARP inhibitor maintenance therapy showed a clinically significant benefit on progression free survival (PFS) in homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) positive population (hazard ratio [HR], 0.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.29–0.53). In contrast, no clear differences were identified between the groups in the HRD negative population (HR, 0.83; 95% CI 0.67–1.03). Further, there was no clear difference between the groups in terms of other outcomes (overall survival, health-related quality of life, and adverse events).

Conclusions

PARP inhibitor maintenance therapy significantly prolongs the PFS of patients with newly diagnosed ovarian cancer, especially in HRD positive patients. The diagnostic test used to determine HRD status plays an important role in guiding PARP inhibitor maintenance therapy. Compared with placebo, the effect of PARP inhibitors on ovarian cancer was probably not affected by the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage status, response to first-line chemotherapy, and residual macroscopic disease after debulking surgery.
CD73 expression in normal, hyperplastic, and neoplastic thyroid: a systematic evaluation revealing CD73 overexpression as a feature of papillary carcinomas
Authors: Monteiro Inês , Missiaglia Edoardo , Sciarra Amedeo , Santos João Vasco , Bouilly Justine , Romero Pedro , Sempoux Christine , de Leval Laurence
Published: May 2021

CD73 converts AMP to adenosine, an immunosuppressive metabolite that promotes tumorigenesis. This study presents a systematic evaluation of CD73 expression in benign, hyperplastic, and neoplastic thyroid. CD73 expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry in 142 thyroid samples. CD73 was expressed in normal thyroid (3/6) and goiter (5/6), with an apical pattern and mild intensity. Apical and mild CD73 expression was also present in oncocytic cell adenomas/carcinomas (9/10; 5/8) and in follicular adenomas/carcinomas (12/18; 23/27). In contrast, papillary thyroid carcinomas featured extensive and intense CD73 staining (49/50) (vs. normal thyroid/goiter, p < 0.001). Seven of nine anaplastic carcinomas were CD73-positive with heterogeneous extensiveness of staining. Medullary and poorly differentiated carcinomas were mostly CD73-negative (1/6; 2/2). These results were corroborated by NT5E mRNA profiling. Papillary carcinomas feature enhanced CD73 protein and mRNA expression with distinct and intense staining, more pronounced in the invasive fronts of the tumors.
Ophiolite derived material as parent rocks for Late Jurassic bauxite: evidence for Tithonian unroofing in the Northern Calcareous Alps (Eastern Alps, Austria)
Authors: Steiner Timotheus Martin Christoph , Gawlick Hans-Jürgen , Melcher Frank , Schlagintweit Felix
Published: May 2021

In shallow-water limestones of the Plassen Formation in the Tirolic nappe of the Northern Calcareous Alps, bauxite was formed on karstified and tilted platform margin grainstones to boundstones around the ?Kimmeridgian/Tithonian boundary, or in the Early Tithonian as proven by Protopeneroplis striata Weynschenk, Labyrinthina mirabilis Weynschenk, and Salpingoporella pygmaea Gümbel. The platform established on top of the obducted ophiolite nappe stack. The onset of unroofing at the Kimmeridgian/Tithonian boundary exposed ophiolites to weathering, forming laterites, and bauxites. The weathered ophiolitic material was shed on the tilted, emerged, and karstified platform, where the bauxite accumulated. Continued subsidence led to flooding, and a Tithonian transgressive carbonate sequence sealed the bauxites. XRD analysis of the bauxite yields a composition of mainly boehmite with hematite and some berthierine, kaolinite, and chromite. SEM analysis verified magnetite, hematite, rutile, chromite, zircon, ferropseudobrookite, ilmenite, monazite, xenotime, and garnet distributed in pisoids and within the matrix. The pisoids reach a millimeter in size and partly show cores of older, larger pisoids. The composition of the chromites indicates an ophiolitic origin. Geochemical examination using major- and trace elements points to a mafic andesitic to basaltic parent material contaminated with highly fractionated rocks from an island arc. Formation of Early Tithonian bauxites in shallow-water limestones confirms Middle to Early Late Jurassic ophiolite obduction. This was followed by uplift and unroofing of the orogen from the Kimmeridgian/Tithonian boundary onwards after a period of relative tectonic quiescence with an onset of carbonate platforms during the Kimmeridgian on top of the nappe stack and the obducted Neo-Tethys ophiolites.
Hydromechanical Investigations on the Self-propping Potential of Fractures in Tight Sandstones
Authors: Cheng Chaojie , Milsch Harald
Published: May 2021

The hydromechanical properties of single self-propping fractures under stress are of fundamental interest for fractured-rock hydrology and a large number of geotechnical applications. This experimental study investigates fracture closure and hydraulic aperture changes of displaced tensile fractures, aligned tensile fractures, and saw-cut fractures for two types of sandstone (i.e., Flechtinger and Fontainebleau) with contrasting mechanical properties, cycling confining pressure between 5 and 30 MPa. Emphasis is placed on how surface roughness, fracture wall offset, and the mechanical properties of the contact asperities affect the self-propping potential of these fractures under normal stress. A relative fracture wall displacement can significantly increase fracture aperture and hydraulic conductivity, but the degree of increase strongly depends on the fracture surface roughness. For smooth fractures, surface roughness remains scale-independent as long as the fracture area is larger than a roll-off wavelength and thus any further displacement does not affect fracture aperture. For rough tensile fractures, these are self-affine over a larger scale so that an incremental fracture wall offset likely leads to an increase in fracture aperture. X-ray microtomography of the fractures indicates that the contact area ratio of the tensile fractures after the confining pressure cycle inversely correlates with the fracture wall offset yielding values in the range of about 3–25%, depending, first, on the respective surface roughness and, second, on the strength of the asperities in contact. Moreover, the contact asperities mainly occur isolated and tend to be preferentially oriented in the direction perpendicular to the fracture wall displacement which, in turn, may induce flow anisotropy. This, overall, implies that relatively harder sedimentary rocks have a higher self-propping potential for sustainable fluid flow through fractures in comparison to relatively soft rocks when specific conditions regarding surface roughness and fracture wall offset are met.
Correction to: Development of the Experiences of Sex Work Stigma Scale Using Item Response Theory: Implications for Research on the Social Determinants of HIV
Authors: Kerrigan Deanna , Karver Tahilin S. , Barrington Clare , Davis Wendy , Donastorg Yeycy , Perez Martha , Gomez Hoisex , Mbwambo Jessie , Likindikoki Samuel , Shembilu Catherine , Mantsios Andrea , Beckham S. Wilson , Galai Noya , Chan Kitty S.
Published: May 2021

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-021-03298-6
Measures of Facilitator Competent Adherence Used in Parenting Programs and Their Psychometric Properties: A Systematic Review
Authors: Martin Mackenzie , Steele Bridget , Lachman Jamie M. , Gardner Frances
Published: May 2021

Implementation fidelity is a critical component of intervention science, which aims to understand how interventions unfold in practice to improve outcomes. A key element of fidelity is facilitator competent adherence—the extent to which a program is delivered as prescribed with the specified level of quality. We conducted a two-part systematic review examining these aspects in parenting programs aiming to reduce child behavior problems and maltreatment. Part One reviews measures of facilitator competent adherence and Part Two examines the psychometric properties of the observational measures found. Searches identified 9153 articles from electronic databases, citation tracking, and expert input. After screening using pre-specified criteria, 156 (Part One) and 41 (Part Two) articles remained. In Part One, measure, facilitator, and intervention characteristics were extracted and synthesized from 65 measures. Most measures were observational, used by facilitators and researchers, and employed Likert-scale ratings. In Part Two, evidence on the reliability (internal consistency, inter-rater, intra-rater, test–retest) and validity (content, construct, convergent/divergent, criterion) of 30 observational measures identified from Part One was synthesized and evaluated. An adapted COSMIN checklist was used to assess study and measure quality. We found most studies to be of reasonably high quality. This is the first review to summarize and critically appraise measures of facilitator competent adherence used in the parenting program literature and establish their psychometric properties. The findings underscore the need to advance research on measures of facilitator competent adherence; reliable, valid, and high-quality implementation measures allow for evidence-based decisions regarding the delivery and scale-up of parenting programs. PROSPERO Registration Number: CRD42020167872.
The Relativistic Car: Applying Metaethics to the Debate about Self-Driving Vehicles
Authors: Pölzler Thomas
Published: May 2021

Almost all participants in the debate about the ethics of accidents with self-driving cars have so far assumed moral universalism. However, universalism may be philosophically more controversial than is commonly thought, and may lead to undesirable results in terms of non-moral consequences and feasibility. There thus seems to be a need to also start considering what I refer to as the “relativistic car” — a car that is programmed under the assumption that what is morally right, wrong, good, bad, etc. is determined by the moral beliefs of one’s society or culture. My investigation of this idea involves six steps. First, I explain why and how the moral universalism/relativism debate is relevant to the issue of self-driving cars. Second, I argue that there are good reasons to consider accident algorithms that assume relativism. Third, I outline how a relativistic car would be programmed to behave. Fourth, I address what advantages such a car would have, both in terms of its non-moral consequences and feasibility. Fifth, I address the relativistic car’s disadvantages. Finally, I qualify and conclude my considerations.
A review on extreme learning machine
Authors: Wang Jian , Lu Siyuan , Wang Shui-Hua , Zhang Yu-Dong
Published: May 2021

Extreme learning machine (ELM) is a training algorithm for single hidden layer feedforward neural network (SLFN), which converges much faster than traditional methods and yields promising performance. In this paper, we hope to present a comprehensive review on ELM. Firstly, we will focus on the theoretical analysis including universal approximation theory and generalization. Then, the various improvements are listed, which help ELM works better in terms of stability, efficiency, and accuracy. Because of its outstanding performance, ELM has been successfully applied in many real-time learning tasks for classification, clustering, and regression. Besides, we report the applications of ELM in medical imaging: MRI, CT, and mammogram. The controversies of ELM were also discussed in this paper. We aim to report these advances and find some future perspectives.
Deep root uptake of leachable nitrogen in two soil types is reduced by high availability of soil nitrogen in fodder radish grown as catch crop
Authors: Xie Yue , Islam Sarmin , Legesse Haftom Teka , Kristensen Hanne Lakkenborg
Published: May 2021

Aims

Plant available soil nitrogen (N) may affect deep root growth and soil N depletion by catch crops. We investigated the influence of topsoil N availability on root growth and uptake by fodder radish.

Methods

We conducted field and greenhouse experiments of root growth and late autumn N uptake at medium and high soil N availabilities, and root N inflow at medium and deep soil depths (15N injection) in sandy loam and loamy sand, using the minirhizotron method in the field and rhizotrons in the greenhouse.

Results

High soil N availability resulted in lower root intensity in the field, but higher root intensity in the greenhouse experiment under both soil types. Radish had deeper roots and higher root intensity in sandy loam than in loamy sand. High soil N availability caused lower 15N uptake at both soil depths in the field and lower N inflow rates at both soil depths in field and greenhouse. At medium soil N availability in the field, N inflow was twice as high in the deep than in the medium depth.

Conclusions

Higher soil N availability affects root growth and decrease N inflow, thus lowering late autumn N uptake and hampering deep N exploitation by fodder radish. At medium soil N availability, the potential for N uptake in deep soil is higher probably due to younger roots than at a medium soil depth. The shallower and less dense root growth in loamy sand is probably due to its lower clay and higher P contents.
Wildfire events at the Triassic–Jurassic boundary of the Tabas Basin, Central Iran
Authors: Alipour Majid , Alizadeh Bahram , Jahangard AmirAbbas , GandomiSani AhmadReza
Published: May 2021

This paper presents organic geochemical evidence pointing to the occurrence of wildfire events at the Triassic–Jurassic boundary in Central Iran. The studied outcrop section (the Kamarmacheh Kuh section) is comprised of the Upper Triassic Nayband Formation which passes conformably into the Lower Jurassic Ab-e-Haji Formation with no sharp boundary. Organic petrographical studies reveal a higher concentration of semi-fusinite macerals and microscopic charcoal at the boundary between studied formations. This observation can be an evidence for widespread wildfire events at the Triassic–Jurassic boundary of the studied area. Following these fires, vast areas of land were exposed for erosion and large volumes of clastic sediments were provided due to increased run-off. This agrees well with previous sedimentological and stratigraphical studies suggesting a major change in the depositional conditions from marine to non-marine at the Triassic–Jurassic boundary of the Tabas Basin. These findings can have important implications about paleo-depositional settings of the studied formations and the nature of the associated organic matter.
Mapping Phenomena Relevant to Adolescent Emotion Regulation: A Text-Mining Systematic Review
Authors: van Lissa Caspar J.
Published: May 2021

Adolescence is a developmentally sensitive period for emotion regulation with potentially lifelong implications for mental health and well-being. Although substantial empirical research has addressed this topic, the literature is fragmented across subdisciplines, and an overarching theoretical framework is lacking. The first step toward constructing a unifying framework is identifying relevant phenomena. This systematic review of 6305 articles used text mining to identify phenomena relevant to adolescents’ emotion regulation. First, a baseline was established of relevant phenomena discussed in theory and recent narrative reviews. Then, article keywords and abstracts were analyzed using text mining, examining term frequency as an indicator of relevance and term co-occurrence as an indicator of association. The results reflected themes commonly featured in theory and narrative reviews, such as socialization and neurocognitive development, but also identified undertheorized themes, such as developmental disorders, physical health, external stressors, structural disadvantage, substance use, identity and moral development, and sexual development. The findings illustrate how text mining systematic reviews, a novel approach, may complement narrative reviews. Future theoretical work might integrate these undertheorized themes into an overarching framework, and empirical research might consider them as promising areas for future research, or as potential confounders in research on adolescents’ emotion regulation.
Commercial Speech as Free Expression
Authors: Redish Martin H.
Published: May 2021

For many years, commercial speech was summarily excluded from First Amendment protection, without reason or logic. Starting in the mid-1970s, the Supreme Court began to extend protection but it remained strictly limited. In recent years, that protection has expanded, but both Court and scholars have refused to consider treating commercial speech as the First Amendment equivalent of traditionally protected expressive categories such as political speech or literature. Commercial Speech as Free Expression stands as the boldest statement yet for extending full First Amendment protection to commercial speech by proposing a new, four-part synthesis of different perspectives on the manner in which free expression fosters and protects expressive values. This book explains the complexities and subtleties of how the equivalency principle would function in real-life situations. The key is to recognize that as a matter of First Amendment value, commercial speech deserves treatment equivalent to that received by traditionally protected speech.
The Empire of Habit
Authors: Baltes John
Published: May 2021

The Empire of Habit critiques the traditional interpretation of Locke's political thought, revealing that the foundation of Lockean liberalism is not natural law but discipline and habit.
Flaying in the Pre-Modern World
Authors: Mittman Asa Simon , Sciacca Christine , Leverett Emily , Bain Frederika , Hartnell Jack , DeVries Kelly , Rambaran-Olm Mary R. , Livingston Michael , Harrison Perry Neil , Dent Peter , Ward Renée , Lindquist Sherry C.M. , Small Susan , Gramling Valerie , Sayers William , Tracy Larissa
Published: May 2021

Skin is the parchment upon which identity is written; class, race, ethnicity, and gender are all legible upon the human surface. Removing skin tears away identity, and leaves a blank slate upon whichlaw, punishment, sanctity, or monstrosity can be inscribed; whether as an act of penal brutality, as a comic device, or as a sign of spiritual sacrifice, it leaves a lasting impression about the qualities and nature of humanity. Flaying often functioned as an imaginative resource for medieval and early modern artists and writers, even though it seems to have been rarely practiced in reality.From images of Saint Bartholomew holding his skin in his arms, to scenes of execution in Havelok the Dane, to laws that prescribed it as a punishment for treason, this volume explores the ideaand the reality of skin removal - flaying - in the Middle Ages. It interrogates the connection between reality and imagination in depictions of literal skin removal, rather than figurative or theoretical interpretations of flaying, and offers a multilayered view of medieval and early modern perceptions of flaying and its representations in European culture. Its two parts consider practice and representation, capturing the evolution of flaying as both an idea and a practice in the premodern world. Larissa Tracy is Associate Professor, Longwood University. Contributors: Frederika Bain, Peter Dent, Kelly DeVries, Valerie Gramling, Perry Neil Harrison, Jack Hartnell, Emily Leverett, Michael Livingston, Sherry C.M. Lindquist, Asa Mittman, Mary Rambaran-Olm, William Sayers, Christina Sciacca, Susan Small, Larissa Tracy, Renée Ward
Benjamin Franklin, Natural Right, and the Art of Virtue
Authors: Slack Kevin
Published: May 2021

A thorough examination of Benjamin Franklin's works on philosophy and politics, arguing that Franklin was a philosopher of natural right