bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The simulation manifesto: The limits of brute‐force empiricism in geopolitical forecasting
Authors: Lustick Ian S. , Tetlock Philip E.
Published: February 2021

Intelligence analysis has traditionally relied on inside‐view, case‐specific modes of thinking: why did this actor—say, the USSR—do that and what might it do next? After 9/11, however, analysts faced a vastly wider range of threats that necessitated outside‐view, statistical modes of reasoning: how likely are threats to emerge from actors of diverse types operating in situations of diverse types? Area‐study specialists (who staffed most geopolitical desks) were ill‐equipped for answering these questions. Thanks to advances in long‐range sensing, digitization, and computing, the intelligence community was flooded with data, but lacked clear ideas about how to render it relevant. Empiricism, whether grounded in deep inside‐view knowledge of particular places or broad outside‐view knowledge of statistical patterns across the globe, could not and cannot solve the problem of anticipating high‐impact, rare events, like sneak attacks and pandemics. Contingency planning for these threats requires well‐calibrated conditional forecasts of the impact of policy interventions that in turn require synthesizing inside‐ and outside‐view analytics. Such syntheses will be best achieved by refining computer simulations that permit replays of history based on the interplay among initial conditions, chance, and social‐science models of causation. We offer suggestions for accelerating the development and application of theory‐guided simulation techniques.
Physiological effects of tangeretin and heptamethoxyflavone on obese C57BL/6J mice fed a high‐fat diet and analyses of the metabolites originating from these two polymethoxylated flavones
Authors: Nery Marina , Ferreira Paula S. , Gonçalves Danielle R. , Spolidorio Luis C. , Manthey John A. , Cesar Thais B.
Published: February 2021

Two compounds from citrus peel, tangeretin (TAN) and 3′,4′,3,5,6,7,8‐heptamethoxyflavone (HMF), were investigated for their abilities to repair metabolic damages caused by an high‐fat diet (HFD) in C57BL/6J mice. In the first 4 weeks, mice were fed either a standard diet (11% kcal from fat) for the control group, or a HFD (45% kcal from fat) to establish obesity in three experimental groups. In the following 4 weeks, two groups receiving the HFD were supplemented with either TAN or HMF at daily doses of 100 mg/kg body weight, while the two remaining groups continued to receive the standard healthy diet or the nonsupplemented HFD. Four weeks of supplementation with TAN and HMF resulted in intermediate levels of blood serum glucose, leptin, resistin, and insulin resistance compared with the healthy control and the nonsupplemented HFD groups. Blood serum peroxidation (TBARS) levels were significantly lower in the TAN and HMF groups compared with the nonsupplemented HFD group. Several differences occurred in the physiological effects of HMF versus TAN. TAN, but not HMF, reduced adipocyte size in the mice with pre‐existent obesity, while HMF, but not TAN, decreased fat accumulation in the liver and also significantly increased the levels of an anti‐inflammatory cytokine, IL‐10. In an analysis of the metabolites of TAN and HMF, several main classes occurred, including a new set of methylglucuronide conjugates. It is suggested that contrasts between the observed physiological effects of TAN and HMF may be attributable to the differences in numbers and chemical structures of TAN and HMF metabolites.
Highly conductive polypropylene‐based composites for bipolar plates for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells
Authors: Bühler Roman , Thommen Moritz , Le Canut Jean‐Marc , Weber Jean‐Francois , Rytka Christian , Tsotra Panagiota
Published: February 2021

This work focuses on the development of innovative polymer‐based composites suitable for fuel cell bipolar plates. The developed composites need to fulfil the given requirements concerning electrical and thermal conductivity, mechanical properties, and additionally ensure easy implementation in industry. Various potentially suitable electrically conductive fillers, such as graphite, carbon black, carbon fibers, carbon nanotubes, and expanded graphite are added to a polypropylene (PP) matrix. The samples are tested with regard to their through‐plane electrical conductivity, in‐plane thermal conductivity, flexural properties, and corrosion resistance. The effect of plate thickness and filler composition is systematically investigated. It is also found that the electrode area and the applied pressure during the electrical resistance measurements have a significant effect on the electrical conductivity. The materials show very good processability with compression molding, which results in the maximum electrical conductivity of 46 S cm−1, using a multi‐filler approach with carbon‐based fillers of different forms and sizes. These results meet or even exceed those found in the literature, and it is strongly believed that optimization of the manufacturing process can result in an electrical conductivity value above the target of 50 S cm−1.
The dual nature of the BOLD signal: Responses in visual area hMT+ reflect both input properties and perceptual decision
Authors: Sousa Teresa , Duarte João V. , Costa Gabriel N. , Kemper Valentin G. , Martins Ricardo , Goebel Rainer , Castelo‐Branco Miguel
Published: February 2021

Neuroimaging studies have suggested that hMT+ encodes global motion interpretation, but this contradicts the notion that BOLD activity mainly reflects neuronal input. While measuring fMRI responses at 7 Tesla, we used an ambiguous moving stimulus, yielding the perception of two incoherently moving surfaces—component motion—or only one coherently moving surface—pattern motion, to induce perceptual fluctuations and identify perceptual organization size‐matched domains in hMT+. Then, moving gratings, exactly matching either the direction of component or pattern motion percepts of the ambiguous stimulus, were shown to the participants to investigate whether response properties reflect the input or decision. If hMT+ responses reflect the input, component motion domains (selective to incoherent percept) should show grating direction stimulus‐dependent changes, unlike pattern motion domains (selective to the coherent percept). This hypothesis is based on the known direction‐selective nature of inputs in component motion perceptual domains versus non‐selectivity in pattern motion perceptual domains. The response amplitude of pattern motion domains did not change with grating direction (consistently with their non‐selective input), in contrast to what happened for the component motion domains (consistently with their selective input). However, when we analyzed relative ratio measures they mirrored perceptual interpretation. These findings are consistent with the notion that patterns of BOLD responses reflect both sensory input and perceptual read‐out.
Anatomical‐based classification for transoral base of tongue resection
Authors: De Virgilio Armando , Kim Se‐Heon , Wang Chen‐Chi , Holsinger Floyd Christopher , Magnuson Scott , Lawson Georges , Pellini Raul , Mercante Giuseppe , Costantino Andrea , Spriano Giuseppe
Published: February 2021

Background

To propose a classification of transoral base of tongue (BOT) procedures able to provide uniform terminology in order to better define postoperative results.

Methods

The classification resulted from the consensus of the different authors and is based on anatomical and surgical principles.

Results

The classification comprises three types of BOT resections: type 1 is the resection of the entire lingual tonsil to the muscular plane; type 2 is performed by removing the entire lingual tonsil and part of BOT muscles; type 3 is performed by removing the entire lingual tonsil and the entire BOT muscles. Based on the extension of the dissection, we can use the suffix A (contralateral BOT), B (supraglottic larynx), C (lateral oropharynx), and/or D (oral tongue).

Conclusion

The proposed classification could allow us to easily compare data from different centers.
Durability of the parotid‐sparing effect of intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) in early stage nasopharyngeal carcinoma: A 15‐year follow‐up of a randomized prospective study of IMRT versus two‐dimensional radiotherapy
Authors: Poon Darren M. C. , Kam Michael K. M. , Johnson David , Mo Frankie , Tong Macy , Chan Anthony T. C.
Published: February 2021

Background

The durability of improved xerostomia with intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) in patients with early stage nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is uncertain. We conducted a long‐term prospective assessment of participants treated with IMRT or two‐dimensional radiotherapy (2DRT) in a prior randomized study.

Methods

Parent study participants (IMRT, n = 28; 2DRT, n = 28) who were free of second malignancy or recurrence were eligible. Long‐term radiotherapy‐related toxicities were graded according to the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) criteria. Long‐term patient‐reported outcomes were assessed by the six‐item xerostomia (XQ) and two European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) questionnaires (QLQ‐C30, QLQ‐H&N35). Overall survival (OS), locoregional relapse‐free survival (LRFS), distant relapse‐free survival (DRFS), and the rate of symptomatic late complications (SLCs) were estimated for the entire cohort (n = 56).

Results

Totally, 21 (IMRT, n = 10; 2DRT, n = 11) patients gave consent and were assessed for an overall median follow‐up of 15.5 years. There was significantly less RTOG ≥grade 2 xerostomia with IMRT versus 2DRT (20% vs. 90%; p = 0.001), but no significant difference in XQ scores. Patients in the IMRT arm reported lower mean scores for the “dry mouth” domain of EORTC QLQ‐H&N35 (p = 0.02) and showed trends toward better 15‐year OS (81.5% vs. 53.8%, p = 0.06), LRFS (70.6% vs. 53.8%, p = 0.38), and DRFS (81.5% vs. 53.8%, p = 0.07). SLCs were more frequent in the 2DRT arm.

Conclusions

The parotid‐sparing effect of IMRT in NPC treatment is durable, with significantly less physician‐ and patient‐scored xerostomia at 15 years. IMRT results in better long‐term survival and fewer SLCs.
Presence and duration of feeding tube in a 5‐year cohort of patients with head and neck cancer treated with curative intensity‐modulated radiation therapy
Authors: Greco Elissa , Ringash Jolie , Tomlinson George , Huang Shao Hui , O'Sullivan Brian , Waldron John , Martino Rosemary
Published: February 2021

Background

Our study assessed post‐radiation therapy (RT) G‐tube presence, duration, and clinical predictors in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC).

Methods

We identified those 1–5‐years post‐RT with stage III/IV nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal, hypopharyngeal, laryngeal, or unknown primaries. Logistic regression identified predictors of post‐RT G‐tube presence, Kaplan–Meier analysis estimated G‐tube days, and log‐rank test compared by tumor site.

Results

The 977 patients had mean age 60.6 ± 11.6 years, 804 (82.3%) male, 764 (78.2%) stage IV, and 618 (63.3%) oropharyngeal primaries. All patients received intensity‐modulated RT (IMRT), 571 (58.4%) received chemotherapy, and 698 (71.4%) prophylactic G‐tube. G‐tube prevalence 1‐ and 5‐years post‐IMRT was 7.1% and 4.8%, respectively. Median post‐IMRT G‐tube days were overall 63 (95%CI: 56–70), nasopharynx 119 (95%CI: 109–131), oropharynx 57 (95%CI: 51–68), hypopharynx 126 (95%CI: 77–256), larynx 53 (95%CI: 21–63), unknown 30 (95%CI: 17–55), of which hypopharynx was highest p < 0.001.

Conclusions

At an institution offering prophylactic G‐tube for patients with advanced HNC, no differences were found in yearly G‐tube use 1–5 years post‐IMRT. Across all patients, median post‐IMRT days with G‐tube was 63 day but those with hypopharyngeal tumors registered the most days.
A Machine Learning Approach Enables Quantitative Measurement of Liver Histology and Disease Monitoring in NASH
Authors: Taylor‐Weiner Amaro , Pokkalla Harsha , Han Ling , Jia Catherine , Huss Ryan , Chung Chuhan , Elliott Hunter , Glass Benjamin , Pethia Kishalve , Carrasco‐Zevallos Oscar , Shukla Chinmay , Khettry Urmila , Najarian Robert , Taliano Ross , Subramanian G. Mani , Myers Robert P. , Wapinski Ilan , Khosla Aditya , Resnick Murray , Montalto Michael C. , Anstee Quentin M. , Wong Vincent Wai‐Sun , Trauner Michael , Lawitz Eric J. , Harrison Stephen A. , Okanoue Takeshi , Romero‐Gomez Manuel , Goodman Zachary , Loomba Rohit , Beck Andrew H. , Younossi Zobair M.
Published: February 2021

Background and Aims

Manual histological assessment is currently the accepted standard for diagnosing and monitoring disease progression in NASH, but is limited by variability in interpretation and insensitivity to change. Thus, there is a critical need for improved tools to assess liver pathology in order to risk stratify NASH patients and monitor treatment response.

Approach and Results

Here, we describe a machine learning (ML)‐based approach to liver histology assessment, which accurately characterizes disease severity and heterogeneity, and sensitively quantifies treatment response in NASH. We use samples from three randomized controlled trials to build and then validate deep convolutional neural networks to measure key histological features in NASH, including steatosis, inflammation, hepatocellular ballooning, and fibrosis. The ML‐based predictions showed strong correlations with expert pathologists and were prognostic of progression to cirrhosis and liver‐related clinical events. We developed a heterogeneity‐sensitive metric of fibrosis response, the Deep Learning Treatment Assessment Liver Fibrosis score, which measured antifibrotic treatment effects that went undetected by manual pathological staging and was concordant with histological disease progression.

Conclusions

Our ML method has shown reproducibility and sensitivity and was prognostic for disease progression, demonstrating the power of ML to advance our understanding of disease heterogeneity in NASH, risk stratify affected patients, and facilitate the development of therapies.
American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases Expert Panel Consensus Statement: Vaccines to Prevent Coronavirus Disease 2019 Infection in Patients With Liver Disease
Authors: Fix Oren K. , Blumberg Emily A. , Chang Kyong‐Mi , Chu Jaime , Chung Raymond T. , Goacher Elizabeth K. , Hameed Bilal , Kaul Daniel R. , Kulik Laura M. , Kwok Ryan M. , McGuire Brendan M. , Mulligan David C. , Price Jennifer C. , Reau Nancy S. , Reddy K. Rajender , Reynolds Andrew , Rosen Hugo R. , Russo Mark W. , Schilsky Michael L. , Verna Elizabeth C. , Ward John W. , Fontana Robert J. ,   for the AASLD COVID‐19 Vaccine Working Group
Published: February 2021

The aim of this document is to provide a concise scientific review of the currently available COVID‐19 vaccines and those in development, including mRNA, adenoviral vectors, and recombinant protein approaches. The anticipated use of COVID‐19 vaccines in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) and liver transplant (LT) recipients is reviewed and practical guidance is provided for health care providers involved in the care of patients with liver disease and LT about vaccine prioritization and administration. The Pfizer and Moderna mRNA COVID‐19 vaccines are associated with a 94%‐95% vaccine efficacy compared to placebo against COVID‐19. Local site reactions of pain and tenderness were reported in 70%‐90% of clinical trial participants, and systemic reactions of fever and fatigue were reported in 40%‐70% of participants, but these reactions were generally mild and self‐limited and occurred more frequently in younger persons. Severe hypersensitivity reactions related to the mRNA COVID‐19 vaccines are rare and more commonly observed in women and persons with a history of previous drug reactions for unclear reasons. Because patients with advanced liver disease and immunosuppressed patients were excluded from the vaccine licensing trials, additional data regarding the safety and efficacy of COVID‐19 vaccines are eagerly awaited in these and other subgroups. Remarkably safe and highly effective mRNA COVID‐19 vaccines are now available for widespread use and should be given to all adult patients with CLD and LT recipients. The online companion document located at https://www.aasld.org/about‐aasld/covid‐19‐resources will be updated as additional data become available regarding the safety and efficacy of other COVID‐19 vaccines in development.
Usability heuristics for the set‐top box and TV interfaces
Authors: Kaya Aycan , Gumussoy Cigdem A. , Ekmen Beste , Bayraktaroglu Ayse E.
Published: February 2021

Set‐top box (STB) is a special interface device that is connected to a TV and allows digital content to be received, decoded, and displayed on the TV. The new features added to STB&TVs increase the complexity of the systems and lead to usability problems. This study proposes a set of usability heuristics and their corresponding criteria specific to STB&TV interfaces that usability experts may use during the design and evaluation process. In this study, a total of 493 usability problems were collected from three sources: problems identified by software developers during the design and development phase, problems identified by three experts with cognitive walkthrough approach, and problems collected from customer complaints made to the service or call center. Then, each heuristics' checklist item was rated by the experts for how well they explain the usability problems, and the severity levels of the usability problems were determined. In the next step, through correspondence and cluster analyses, heuristics and the checklists were listed in descending order of severity. Furthermore, the proposed heuristic list was validated with three methods—user testing, expert judgment, and heuristic evaluation. As a result of this study, 16 usability heuristics were identified. Five of these heuristics—Visibility of system status (H4), Pleasurable and respectful interaction with the user (H13), Privacy (H14), Parental control (H15), and Easy access (H16) are related to catastrophic usability problems.
Real‐life experience with the combination of polatuzumab vedotin, rituximab, and bendamustine in aggressive B‐cell lymphomas
Authors: Dimou Maria , Papageorgiou Sotirios G. , Stavroyianni Niki , Katodritou Eirini , Tsirogianni Maria , Kalpadakis Christina , Banti Anastasia , Arapaki Maria , Iliakis Theodoros , Bouzani Maria , Verrou Eugenia , Spanoudakis Emmanouil , Giannouli Stavroula , Marinakis Theodoros , Mandala Evdokia , Mparmparousi Despoina , Sachanas Sotirios , Dalekou‐Tsolakou Maria , Hatzimichael Eleftheria , Vadikolia Chryssa , Violaki Vasiliki , Poziopoulos Christos , Tsirkinidis Pantelis , Chatzileontiadou Sofia , Vervessou Elissavet , Ximeri Maria , Sioni Anastasia , Konstantinidou Pavlina , Kyrtsonis Marie‐Christine , Siakantaris Marina P. , Angelopoulou Maria K. , Pappa Vassiliki , Konstantopoulos Kostas , Panayiotidis Panayiotis , Vassilakopoulos Theodoros P.
Published: February 2021

Transplant‐ineligible relapsed/refractory (rr) diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients represent an unmet medical need. Polatuzumab vedotin (Pola), an anti‐CD79b antibody‐drug‐conjugate (ADG), with bendamustine‐ rituximab(BR) has recently gained approval for these patients, both in the USA and Europe, based on the GO29365 phase IIb trial. Real‐life data with Pola are extremely limited. We report the outcomes of 61 Greek patients, who received Pola‐(B)R mainly within a compassionate use program. Treatment was given for up to six 21‐day cycles. Bendamustine was omitted in three cases due to previous short‐lived responses. Fourty‐nine rrDLBCL(efficacy cohort‐EC) and 58 rr aggressive B‐NHL (safety cohort‐SC) patients received at least 1 Pola‐BR cycle. Twenty‐one (43%) patients of the EC responded with 12/49 (25%) CR and 9/49 (18%) PR as best response. Median progression–free survival, overall survival and duration of response were 4.0, 8.5, and 8.5 months respectively, while 55% of patients experienced a grade ≥3 adverse event, mainly hematologic. Treatment discontinuations and death during treatment were mainly due to disease progression. Twenty‐two (41%) patients received further treatment; 11/22 are still alive, including one after CAR‐T cells, and two after stem cell transplantation. Our data confirm that Pola‐BR is a promising treatment for rrDLBCL patients, inducing an adequate response rate with acceptable toxicity. Pola‐BR could be used as bridging therapy before further consolidative treatments.
Scientists' warning on extreme wildfire risks to water supply
Authors: Robinne François‐Nicolas , Hallema Dennis W. , Bladon Kevin D. , Flannigan Mike D. , Boisramé Gabrielle , Bréthaut Christian M. , Doerr Stefan H. , Di Baldassarre Giuliano , Gallagher Louise A. , Hohner Amanda K. , Khan Stuart J. , Kinoshita Alicia M. , Mordecai Rua , Nunes João Pedro , Nyman Petter , Santín Cristina , Sheridan Gary , Stoof Cathelijne R. , Thompson Matthew P. , Waddington James M. , Wei Yu
Published: February 2021

2020 is the year of wildfire records. California experienced its three largest fires early in its fire season. The Pantanal, the largest wetland on the planet, burned over 20% of its surface. More than 18 million hectares of forest and bushland burned during the 2019–2020 fire season in Australia, killing 33 people, destroying nearly 2500 homes, and endangering many endemic species. The direct cost of damages is being counted in dozens of billion dollars, but the indirect costs on water‐related ecosystem services and benefits could be equally expensive, with impacts lasting for decades. In Australia, the extreme precipitation (“200 mm day −1 in several location”) that interrupted the catastrophic wildfire season triggered a series of watershed effects from headwaters to areas downstream. The increased runoff and erosion from burned areas disrupted water supplies in several locations. These post‐fire watershed hazards via source water contamination, flash floods, and mudslides can represent substantial, systemic long‐term risks to drinking water production, aquatic life, and socio‐economic activity. Scenarios similar to the recent event in Australia are now predicted to unfold in the Western USA. This is a new reality that societies will have to live with as uncharted fire activity, water crises, and widespread human footprint collide all‐around of the world. Therefore, we advocate for a more proactive approach to wildfire‐watershed risk governance in an effort to advance and protect water security. We also argue that there is no easy solution to reducing this risk and that investments in both green (i.e., natural) and grey (i.e., built) infrastructure will be necessary. Further, we propose strategies to combine modern data analytics with existing tools for use by water and land managers worldwide to leverage several decades worth of data and knowledge on post‐fire hydrology.
Observing the critical zone on a critical budget: The Peri Lake experimental catchment
Authors: Chaffe Pedro Luiz Borges , Innocente dos Santos Camyla , Perez Alondra Beatriz Alvarez , Sá João Henrique Macedo , Carlotto Tomas , Hoinaski Leonardo
Published: February 2021

The Peri Lake Experimental Catchment, in Southern Brazil, is a small coastal lake (5 km2, 7 m depth) with a total catchment area of 20 km2. The catchment is mainly covered by subtropical Atlantic Forest. Peri Lake is a recreational destination, an important ecosystem for biodiversity preservation, and a major water supply source. Even though there is a clear social and economic relevance, the information on this ecosystem is scarce, especially regarding the dynamics of water balance and water quality. We built this observatory using a low‐cost, low‐technology monitoring system to estimate the major components of the water budget on what we called a critical budget. We monitor meteorology, rainfall interception in two plots, overland flow and groundwater connectivity in a representative hillslope; and streamflow and velocity are measured in several small headwater rivers mostly starting during 2015. Geographic information on topography, land cover, geology, soil characteristics and the location of all the equipment installed in the field are also provided. The data set can be used to understand rainfall interception in Atlantic forests, catchment connectivity and streamflow permanence in coastal areas, spatial patterns of baseflow, and the modelling of complex processes in the critical zone involving the interaction between surface and groundwater, that are important in coastal lake ecosystems. Besides being used for research and education, we hope this observatory built on a shoestring budget will encourage fieldwork particularly in underrepresented and underfunded regions of the world.
Hydraulic properties affected by litter and stem cover under overland flow
Authors: Ding Lin , Fu Suhua , Zhao Hui
Published: February 2021

Vegetation stems and litter cover have different effects on sediment transport capacity under the same experimental conditions, which in essence, may be due to differences in their hydraulic properties, but the availability of comparative studies is limited. This study aimed to compare the hydraulic properties affected by litter and stem cover, compare differences in the drag forces exerted by litter and stems on overland flow, and develop new Manning's n and flow velocity equations for litter cover. Two series of flume experiments were conducted with the same slope gradients (8.8%, 17.6%, 26.8%) and flow discharge rates (0.5, 1.0 × 10−3 m3 s−1). Artificial Gramineae stems with a 0%–30% cover level and Pinus tabulaeformis litter with a 0%–70% cover level were used in series 1 and series 2, respectively. The flow velocity and depth were measured. The results showed that the Froude number and flow velocity affected by stem cover were much lower than those affected by litter cover, while the opposite trend was observed in the relative magnitude of the Reynolds number, flow depth and shear stress. The form resistance caused by stems was 22–57 times greater than that caused by litter for the same cover level, which suggests that stem cover contributes more than litter cover to increasing the flow resistance and reducing the flow's ability for sediment detachment and transport. Two new equations for calculating Manning's n and flow velocity under the influence of litter cover were developed, with R2 and NSE values of 0.96. The results of this study contribute to revealing the mechanisms of the differences of the effects of stem and litter cover on soil erosion.
Bank distress in the European Union 2008–2015: A closer look at capital, size and revenue diversification
Authors: Markoulis Stelios , Ioannou Panagiotis , Martzoukos Spiros
Published: February 2021

The recent global financial crisis has clearly highlighted the importance of the timely identification of weak banks. This paper introduces and analyses a new sample of European Union (EU) banks, which faced distress during 2008–2015 and provides evidence regarding the relationship between distress and bank‐specific, macroeconomic, banking sector and stock market distress determinants, paying particular attention to issues that have been central following the crisis, such as capital, size and revenue diversification. Our findings regarding these variables seem to “connect” well with current supervisory actions. The paper also focuses on banks in EU countries that faced economic problems and documents that the probability of distress in these countries has been influenced by different factors, in comparison to the rest of the EU.
Do Dow Jones Islamic equity indices undergo speculative pressure? New insights from a nonlinear and asymmetric analysis
Authors: Arfaoui Mongi , Raggad Bechir
Published: February 2021

This paper study the exposure of Dow Jones Islamic equity indices to global risk factors while considering both effects of speculative influence and fundamental changes. The study involves future markets according to Shari'a guidelines that ban speculative trading. Nonlinear ARDL modelling approach along with dynamic asymmetric causality tests is conducted to scrutinize long‐run and short‐run asymmetries and asymmetric causalities. The used data are crude refined oil future prices to stand for fundamental chocks in speculative trading and implied volatility index to stand for speculative pressure. Obtained results approve the presence of asymmetric cointegration between Islamic equity indices and oil‐VIX future prices. The Islamic indices are sensitive to oil‐VIX future chocks both in the long run and the short run. Asymmetric causality tests indicate the existence of asymmetric causality running from crude refined oil future prices which confirm the fundamental contagion effects but the causality from VIX to Islamic indices is not pronounced at all. Results support the absence of speculative influence on Islamic indices and prove that DJIM indices corroborate with Shari'a compliant rules. In sum, the paper confirms the asymmetric cointegration and then assumes that the asymmetry is present in Islamic equity indices inherent to changes in international futures prices. The paper shows the structure of exposure to global markets' expectations and provides faith‐based investors with insights about the attitude of Islamic indices towards the future. Our findings suggest useful highlights to policymakers, portfolio managers, faith‐based investors and scholars. We then could state that if long‐run relationship occurs it is naturally asymmetrical.
Economic growth and club convergence: Is there a neighbour's effect?
Authors: Sofi Arfat Ahmad , Sasidharan Subash , Bhat Mohammad Younus
Published: February 2021

The study investigates economic growth and club convergence in a cross‐country framework from 1970–1971 to 2014–2015. In particular, we test the club convergence hypothesis through a non‐parametric and spatial interaction setting. The kernel density estimate shows a cyclical behaviour of per capita incomes, albeit following a common steady state. The conditional distribution is concentrated around the mean indicating a similar relative position across the heterogeneous countries. The transitional probabilities are strong enough to demonstrate a significant sign of clubbing. On testing the convergence hypothesis, we perceive strong evidence of club convergence across the countries. A persistent spatial dependence is unveiled across the proximities, therefore confirming the neighbour's effects in club formation. The study realizes a need to harmonize the interaction between the countries to improve the conditions for achieving long‐run sustained economic growth.
Maternal parentification history impacts evaluative cognitions about self, parenting, and child
Authors: Nuttall Amy K. , Ballinger Alexandra L. , Levendosky Alytia A. , Borkowski John G.
Published: February 2021

Parentification occurs when children are unfairly charged with fulfilling parental instrumental and emotional needs. Parentification is associated with risk to evaluative self cognitions from childhood to emerging adulthood, but this association has not yet been studied among parents. The transition to parenthood is typically characterized by declines in self‐esteem, suggesting it is a critical period for understanding the risk parentification history poses to evaluative self‐cognitions and evaluative cognitions about children. The present study addresses these gaps using longitudinal data (N = 374 first‐time mothers) to examine the influence of maternal parentification history domains (emotional and instrumental caregiving, role unfairness) on trajectories of maternal evaluative cognitions about the self (self‐esteem, parenting self‐efficacy) and about the child (difficult child temperament, dissatisfaction with child contributions to relationships) in early parenthood. A spillover model was also examined such that evaluative cognitions about the self were examined as potential mediators between parentification history and evaluative cognitions about children. Results support associations between the role unfairness domain of parentification and each domain of maternal evaluative cognitions and a significant indirect effect of unfairness on risk to maternal evaluative cognitions about child contributions via parenting self‐efficacy. Implications for mother–child relationships and processes of intergenerational transmission of parentification are discussed.
An evaluation of a renewal‐mitigation procedure for inappropriate mealtime behavior
Authors: Haney Sarah D. , Piazza Cathleen C. , Peterson Kathryn M. , Greer Brian D.
Published: February 2021

Renewal, the increase in behavior during extinction following context changes, may be particularly concerning during intervention for feeding disorders because context changes are often necessary for intervention generality and maintenance (Podlesnik et al., 2017). In the current study, we tested for renewal and evaluated a renewal‐mitigation procedure when we transferred intervention from a therapist to a caregiver, from clinic to the home, and changed the foods the feeder presented. We used an ABA arrangement to evaluate the generality of the renewal effect with 7 participants who engaged in inappropriate mealtime behavior. Context A was functional reinforcement. Context B was function‐based extinction during the control and mitigation conditions and our renewal‐mitigation procedure in the mitigation condition. The renewal test was function‐based extinction in Context A. We observed renewal of inappropriate mealtime behavior in 4 of 7 participants, and our renewal‐mitigation procedure was effective for 4 of 4 participants.
Polarimetric optical scanning microscopy of zebrafish embryonic development using the coherency matrix
Authors: Le Gratiet Aymeric , Bendandi Artemi , Sheppard Colin J. R. , Diaspro Alberto
Published: February 2021

Many of the most important resolution improvements in optical microscopy techniques are based on the reduction of scattering effects. The main benefit of polarimetry‐based imaging to this end is the discrimination between scattering phenomena originating from complex systems and the experimental noise. The determination of the coherency matrix elements from the experimental Mueller matrix can take advantage of scattering measurements to obtain additional information on the structural organization of a sample. We analyze the contrast mechanisms extracted from (a) the coherency matrix elements, (b) its eigenvalues and (c) the indices of polarimetric purity at different stages of zebrafish embryos, based on previous work using Mueller matrix optical scanning microscopy. We show that the use of the coherency matrix and related decompositions leads to an improvement in the imaging contrast, without requiring any complicated algebraic operations or any a priori knowledge of the sample, in contrast to standard polarimetric methods.
The use of therapeutic plasma exchange as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019: A critical appraisal of the current evidence
Authors: Lu Wen , Kelley Walter , Fang Deanna C. , Joshi Sarita , Kim Young , Paroder Monika , Tanhehco Yvette , Tran Minh‐Ha , Pham Huy P.
Published: February 2021

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) has led to a major pandemic. While vaccine development moves forward, optimal treatment continues to be explored. Efforts include an ever‐expanding number of clinical trials along with newly proposed experimental and off‐label investigational therapies; one of which is therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE). There have been a number of publications on TPE use as adjunctive therapy for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), but no prospective randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been completed. This article critically appraises the current available evidence on TPE as a treatment modality for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.
Temporal changes in the value relevance of analysts' forecasts
Authors: Johnston Joseph , Guidry Ronald P. , Trimble Madeline
Published: February 2021

We examine the temporal change in the value relevance of analysts' forecasts relative to accounting information over a 42‐year period. The temporal change in value relevance is measured using the explained variation (R2) from the cross‐sectional regressions of security prices and returns on accounting metrics, specifically earnings and book value, alone and jointly with other information proxied by analysts' forecasts using a sample of 102,875 U.S. firm‐year observations. Prior research suggests that the value relevance of accounting information has declined over time. If investors are relying on metrics other than financial metrics, we would expect the reliance on analysts' forecasts to increase. Interestingly, the joint relevance of accounting and analysts' forecasts also declines over our sample period and the incremental relevance of analysts' forecasts remains constant over our sample period, suggesting that investors are not substituting analysts' forecasts for accounting information.
Toward efficient generation, correction, and properties control of unique drug‐like structures
Authors: Druchok Maksym , Yarish Dzvenymyra , Gurbych Oleksandr , Maksymenko Mykola
Published: February 2021

Efficient design and screening of the novel molecules is a major challenge in drug and material design. This paper focuses on a multi‐stage pipeline, in which several deep neural network models are combined to map discrete molecular representations into continuous vector space to later generate from it new molecular structures with desired properties. Here, the Attention‐based Sequence‐to‐Sequence model is added to “spellcheck” and correct generated structures, while the oversampling in the continuous space allows generating candidate structures with desired distribution for properties and molecular descriptors, even for a small reference datasets. We further use computer simulation to validate the desired properties in the numerical experiment. With the focus on the drug design, such a pipeline allows generating novel structures with a control of Synthetic Accessibility Score and a series of metrics that assess the drug‐likeliness. Our code is available at https://github.com/SoftServeInc/novel-molecule-generation.
Synthesis of hydantoin alkynes through palladium‐catalyzed reaction, antibacterial evaluation, and molecular docking studies
Authors: Keivanloo Ali , Lashkari Saeed , Sepehri Saghi , Bakherad Mohammad , Abbaspour Sima
Published: February 2021

Novel 3‐(3‐(aryl)prop‐2‐yn‐1‐yl)‐5,5‐diphenylimidazolidine‐2,4‐diones were synthesized through the reaction of 5,5‐diphenyl‐3‐(prop‐2‐yn‐1‐yl)imidazolidine‐2,4‐dione and aryl iodides in the presence of a palladium‐copper catalytic in CH3CN at room temperature. All prepared compounds were examined against the two bacterial strains, Micrococcus luteus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and subjected by molecular docking studies. The in silico study carried out to predict the conformation of the examined compounds recommended that these compounds could bind noticeably to key the residues at the active site of dihydropteroate synthase. The interactive, biochemical, and in silico studies were in concordance with each other.
Differential diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 pneumonia or influenza A pneumonia by clinical characteristics and laboratory findings
Authors: Lv Ding‐feng , Ying Qi‐ming , He Yi‐wen , Liang Jun , Zhang Ji‐hong , Lu Bei‐bei , Qian Guo‐qing , Chu Jin‐guo , Weng Xing‐bei , Chen Xue‐qin , Mu Qi‐tian
Published: February 2021

Background

Pneumonia caused by the 2019 novel Coronavirus (COVID‐2019) shares overlapping signs and symptoms, laboratory findings, imaging features with influenza A pneumonia. We aimed to identify their clinical characteristics to help early diagnosis.

Methods

We retrospectively retrieved data for laboratory‐confirmed patients admitted with COVID‐19–induced or influenza A–induced pneumonia from electronic medical records in Ningbo First Hospital, China. We recorded patients' epidemiological and clinical features, as well as radiologic and laboratory findings.

Results

The median age of influenza A cohort was higher and it exhibited higher temperature and higher proportion of pleural effusion. COVID‐19 cohort exhibited higher proportions of fatigue, diarrhea and ground‐glass opacity and higher levels of lymphocyte percentage, absolute lymphocyte count, red‐cell count, hemoglobin and albumin and presented lower levels of monocytes, c‐reactive protein, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, serum creatinine. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that fatigue, ground‐glass opacity, and higher level of albumin were independent risk factors for COVID‐19 pneumonia, while older age, higher temperature, and higher level of monocyte count were independent risk factors for influenza A pneumonia.

Conclusions

In terms of COVID‐19 pneumonia and influenza A pneumonia, fatigue, ground‐glass opacity, and higher level of albumin tend to be helpful for diagnosis of COVID‐19 pneumonia, while older age, higher temperature, and higher level of monocyte count tend to be helpful for the diagnosis of influenza A pneumonia.
Therapist and client attitudes toward client independent review of psychotherapy sessions
Authors: King Brittany R. , Boswell James F.
Published: February 2021

Objectives

Little consideration has been given to the possibility that clients may find therapeutic value in reviewing (i.e., watching, listening, or reading transcripts of) their own therapy sessions independently. This study aimed to evaluate prevalence, interest, and preferences in this practice, beliefs regarding potential benefits and concerns, and overall attitudes.

Methods

A diverse sample of clients (N = 275) as well as trainee (N = 85) and Master's/doctoral‐level (N = 89) therapists of different therapeutic approaches completed forms online. Descriptive statistics, frequency counts, and one‐way analysis of variance tests were used to analyze the data.

Results

Relatively few clients and therapists have engaged in this practice, but clients report interest in doing so. All participant groups identified several advantages and concerns. Clients rated overall helpfulness and harm significantly higher than therapists.

Conclusion

Client independent review of sessions may be a promising transdiagnostic and transtheoretical treatment intervention. Future research is needed to evaluate its impact on treatment.
Signaling, metabolism, and cancer: An important relationship for therapeutic intervention
Authors: Vaghari‐Tabari Mostafa , Ferns Gordon A. , Qujeq Durdi , Andevari Ali Nosrati , Sabahi Zahra , Moein Soheila
Published: February 2021

In cancerous cells, significant changes occur in the activity of signaling pathways affecting a wide range of cellular activities ranging from growth and proliferation to apoptosis, invasiveness, and metastasis. Extensive changes also happen with respect to the metabolism of a cancerous cell encompassing a wide range of functions that include: nutrient acquisition, biosynthesis of macromolecules, and energy generation. These changes are important and some therapeutic approaches for treating cancers have focused on targeting the metabolism of cancerous cells. Oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes have a significant effect on the metabolism of cells. There appears to be a close interaction between metabolism and the signaling pathways in a cancerous cell, in which the interaction provides the metabolic needs of a cancerous cell for uncontrolled proliferation, resistance to apoptosis, and metastasis. In this review, we have reviewed the latest findings in this regard and briefly review the most recent research findings regarding targeting the metabolism of cancer cells as a therapeutic approach for treatment of cancer.
Energy deficiency caused by CTPS downregulation in decidua may contribute to pre‐eclampsia by impairing decidualization
Authors: Ma Ke , Li Na , Yan Xingyu , Zhu Yunqing , Zhang Cong
Published: February 2021

Pre‐eclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy‐related disorder that occurs after 20 weeks of gestation. It seriously affects the health of maternity and the fetus. However, the pathogenesis of PE is still unknown. Decidualization deficiency is considered a contributing factor to the development of PE. CTP synthetase (CTPS) which is the rate‐limiting enzyme in the CTP de novo biosynthesis, is essential for nucleic acid synthesis and cellular energy metabolism, and often appears as cytoophidium in many cell types. Here, we found that the expression of CTPS was significantly downregulated in decidual tissues of patients with severe PE compared with healthy pregnant women. During in vitro decidualization, changes in CTPS were accompanied by opposite fluctuation of the AMPK signaling pathway. Moreover, the downregulation of CTPS by glutamine analogs or CTPS small interfering RNA inhibited the decidualization process and the AMPK signaling pathway. Investigating the underlying mechanism of action by co‐immunoprecipitation coupled with mass spectrometry showed that CTPS interacted with ATP synthase (ATPS) and maintained the content of ATP on Day 3 of decidualization. However, when combined with mitochondrial stress protein STRESS‐70 instead of ATPS, the concentration of ATP on Day 6 of induction was reduced. Corresponding to this, CTPS was mainly distributes in the cytoplasm on Day 3 of induction, while it appeared both in the cytoplasm and the nucleus on Day 6 in decidualized cells, which was similar to that in cells before induction. In summary, we believe that CTPS plays an important role in decidualization by participating in energy metabolism. Abnormal expression of CTPS in decidualization would lead to abnormal decidualization and consequently result in the occurrence of PE.
Designing for All: Consumer Response to Inclusive Design
Authors: Patrick Vanessa M. , Hollenbeck Candice R.
Published: February 2021

Inclusive design considers the needs and capabilities of the whole population to decrease the actual or perceived mismatch between the user and the design object. We review the inclusive design literature across multiple disciplines to conceptualize inclusive design, identify who should be included in the inclusive design process, present an overview of the evolution of design approaches, and summarize best practices on how organizations can facilitate inclusive design. We posit three levels of inclusive design based on the diminishing degree of mismatch between the user and the design object: providing accessibility (Level 1), engaging participation by creating equitable experiences (Level 2), and facilitating empowered success via flow experiences (Level 3). We introduce our Design, Appraisal, Response, Experience (DARE) framework to explain the complex cognitive appraisals and emotional responses that each of these three levels of inclusive design elicits and underscores the notion that inclusive design works best when it's not intended for a specific need, but rather benefits anyone who uses it. We conclude with a call for future research in this rich and important domain of investigation that seeks both to understand consumer response to inclusive design and to incorporate inclusive design into brand strategy, practice, and policy.