bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal Fluctuations in Conjugation and their Effect on Calculated Excitation Energies: A Case Study on the Astaxanthin Carotenoid
Authors: Wang Jun , Durbeej Bo
Published: October 2021

A popular approach to the calculation of molecular excitation energies is to consider only equilibrium geometries and neglect the effects of thermal motion. Although this static approach is sensible for molecules with distinct potential‐energy minima, its adequacy relative to dynamical approaches appears not to have been thoroughly tested. Here, we report a case study investigating how thermal motion accounted for by molecular dynamics simulations influences the optically bright state of astaxanthin, a carotenoid of broad photobiological interest that features 13 conjugated double bonds. Employing several different density functional methods, it is shown that thermal fluctuations in the conjugation result in the Boltzmann‐weighted average excitation energies for this state being shifted by up to 0.05 eV relative to those obtained from purely static calculations. Accordingly, it is concluded that the effects of thermal motion on excitation energies of conjugated systems can be quite large even for molecules with distinct potential‐energy minima.
Ditch the low flow: Agricultural impacts on flow regimes and consequences for aquatic ecosystem functions
Authors: Rideout Natalie K. , Lapen David R. , Peters Daniel L. , Baird Donald J.
Published: October 2021

Large‐scale, intensive agriculture is a critical activity supporting global food production, yet it has taken a significant toll on the equally critical ecosystem services supplied by global biodiversity. This is particularly true for the planet's most threatened ecosystems: freshwaters. As one of the world's largest agricultural producers, Canada is also home to much of the world's freshwater. As Canada's agricultural capacity expands under climate warming into more northerly latitudes—and in some cases regions with large carbon sinks—it is imperative that this sectoral shift is accompanied by careful management to avoid exacerbating ecosystem service losses. Across Canada, agricultural practices vary in terms of their impact on freshwater ecosystems. Agricultural water extraction, storage behind dams, diversions, dredging and clearing of riparian vegetation can impact more naturalized flow regimes. This review explores the influence of managed low flows on ecosystem functioning in man‐made drainage/irrigation ditch systems. We examine how low flows in these systems can impact ecosystem functions in agricultural watersheds with fragmented natural capital. We provide management options to protect ecosystem functions under a changing climate, recognizing that in agro‐ecosystems, drainage/irrigation ditch systems provide a critical remnant habitat to support biodiversity in otherwise depauperate landscapes.
Collision force suppression system for human‐friendly robot
Authors: Zhang Bin , Tanaka Naoto , Lim Hun‐Ok
Published: October 2021

A collision force suppression system for a human friendly robot, which consists of two arms, a trunk, a waist, an omnidirectional mobile base, is proposed. In this paper, the proposed passive collision force suppression system is realized by the collision force suppression mechanisms and the reaction system. When the collision occurs between the robot and an object, the joints of the arm and the waist are disconnected by the collision force suppression mechanism depending on the magnitude of collision forces. The reaction system is based on the strength and existence time of the collision force, and the joints are disconnected by the order of arm and waist, and the finally the mobile base will move if the reactions are not enough to decrease the passive force. The effectiveness of the proposed system is proven by experiments.
In vitro genotoxicity of dibutyl phthalate on A549 lung cells at air–liquid interface in exposure concentrations relevant at workplaces
Authors: Binder Stephanie , Cao Xin , Bauer Stefanie , Rastak Narges , Kuhn Evelyn , Dragan George C. , Monsé Christian , Ferron George , Breuer Dietmar , Oeder Sebastian , Karg Erwin , Sklorz Martin , Di Bucchianico Sebastiano , Zimmermann Ralf
Published: October 2021

The ubiquitous use of phthalates in various materials and the knowledge about their potential adverse effects is of great concern for human health. Several studies have uncovered their role in carcinogenic events and suggest various phthalate‐associated adverse health effects that include pulmonary diseases. However, only limited information on pulmonary toxicity is available considering inhalation of phthalates as the route of exposure. While in vitro studies are often based on submerged exposures, this study aimed to expose A549 alveolar epithelial cells at the air–liquid interface (ALI) to unravel the genotoxic and oxidative stress‐inducing potential of dibutyl phthalate (DBP) with concentrations relevant at occupational settings. Within this scope, a computer modeling approach calculating alveolar deposition of DBP particles in the human lung was used to define in vitro ALI exposure conditions comparable to potential occupational DBP exposures. The deposited mass of DBP ranged from 0.03 to 20 ng/cm2, which was comparable to results of a human lung particle deposition model using an 8 h workplace threshold limit value of 580 μg/m3 proposed by the Scientific Committee on Occupational Exposure Limits for the European Union. Comet and Micronucleus assay revealed that DBP induced genotoxicity at DNA and chromosome level in sub‐cytotoxic conditions. Since genomic instability was accompanied by increased generation of the lipid peroxidation marker malondialdehyde, oxidative stress might play an important role in phthalate‐induced genotoxicity. The results highlight the importance of adapting in vitro studies to exposure scenarios relevant at occupational settings and reconsidering occupational exposure limits for DBP.
Primary Ewing's sarcoma with orbit involvement: Survival and visual outcomes after eye‐sparing multidisciplinary management in eight patients
Authors: Koka Kirthi , Rahim Farrah E. , El‐Hadad Christian , Bell Diana , Debnam J. Matthew , Guo Yunxia , Esmaeli Bita
Published: October 2021

Background

To describe the clinical presentation, treatment, and overall prognosis in eight patients with primary Ewing's sarcoma (ES) involving the orbit.

Methods

A retrospective interventional study of all biopsy‐proven cases of primary ES involving the orbit was done.

Results

There were seven males and one female with a median age of 14 years. Imaging showed osseous involvement in all eight cases with extraorbital extension in four. Complete tumor resection was done in four, partial resection in three, and biopsy followed by sinus surgery in one. EWSR1 gene rearrangement analysis was done to confirm diagnosis. All patients received multidrug systemic chemotherapy and seven patients received adjuvant radiotherapy. Eye salvage was achieved in all patients. At a mean follow‐up duration of 52.63 months, seven patients were doing well with no evidence of disease.

Conclusions

ES involving the orbit is sensitive to chemotherapy and radiation. Aggressive multimodality treatment can help salvage the globe and improve overall survival.
An experimental study on the evolution law of roll wave parameters in overland flow
Authors: Fang Chenyu , Pan Xuncheng , Zhang Bo , Zhang Kuandi , Lv Xiangru
Published: October 2021

Roll waves commonly occur in overland flow and have an important influence on the progress of soil erosion on slopes. This study aimed to explore the evolution and mechanism of roll waves on steep slopes. The potential effects of flow rate, rainfall intensity and bed roughness on the laws controlling roll wave parameters were investigated. The flow rates, rainfall intensities and bed roughness varied from 5 to 30 L/min, 0 to 150 mm/h, and 0.061 to 1.700 mm, respectively. The results indicate that roll waves polymerize significantly along the propagation path, and bed roughness and rainfall affect the generation and evolution of roll waves. The wave velocity, length and height decreased with bed roughness, whereas the wave frequency increased with increasing bed roughness under fixed flow rate and rainfall intensity conditions. Rainfall increased the wave velocity and wavelength and decreased the wave frequency. The wave velocity, height and wavelength tended to increase with an increasing flow rate. Rainfall promoted the generation of roll waves, whereas bed roughness had the opposite effect. The generation of roll waves is closely related to the Froude number (Fr) and flow resistance. In this experiment, the range of the Reynolds number for the roll waves generated in the laminar region was 142–416, and the range of the flow resistance coefficient was 0.64–4.85. The critical value of the Fr for flow instability in the laminar region was approximately 0.57. Exploring the generation and evolution law of roll waves is necessary for understanding the processes and dynamic mechanisms of slope soil erosion.
Comparison of P25 and nanobelts on Kruppel‐like factor‐mediated nitric oxide pathways in human umbilical vein endothelial cells
Authors: Gu Manyu , Wang Shuyi , Cao Wandi , Yan Dejian , Cao Yi
Published: October 2021

Recently, we reported that titanium dioxide (TiO2) materials activated endothelial cells via Kruppel‐like factor (KLF)‐mediated nitric oxide (NO) dysfunction, but the roles of physical properties of materials are not clear. In this study, we prepared nanobelts from P25 particles and compared their adverse effects to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). TiO2 nanobelts had belt‐like morphology but comparable surface areas as P25 particles. When applied to HUVECs, P25 particles or nanobelts did not induce cytotoxicity, although nanobelts were much more effective to increase intracellular Ti element concentrations compared the same amounts of P25 particles. Only nanobelts significantly induced THP‐1 adhesion onto HUVECs. Consistently, nanobelts were more significant to induce the expression of intracellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM1) and the release of soluble ICAM‐1 (sICAM‐1), indicating that nanobelts were more potent to induce endothelial activation in vitro. As the mechanisms for endothelial activation, both P25 and nanobelts reduced the generation of intracellular NO as well as the expression of NO regulators KLF2 and KLF4. Combined, the results from this study indicated that the different morphologies of P25 particles and nanobelts only changed their internalization into HUVECs but showed minimal impact on KLF‐mediated NO signaling pathways.
Evaluation and validation of a novel 10‐color flow cytometer
Authors: Sun Lin , Wu Hui , Pan Baishen , Wang Beili , Guo Wei
Published: October 2021

Background

Flow cytometry is a powerful technique that provides information regarding cell properties. In this study, we evaluated the analytical performance of a new flow cytometer, the 10‐color BD FACSLyricTM, which could help doctors obtain reliable test results prior to clinical research.

Methods

We used SpheroTM Rainbow Calibration Particles and the SpheroTM Nano Fluorescent Particle Size Standard Kit to validate the fluorescence sensitivity and linearity. The Beckman Coulter IMMUNO‐TROL Cell was used as the quality control to evaluate the accuracy and reproducibility of surface markers detected by the flow cytometer. Furthermore, BD Calibrate APC Beads and CS&T Research Beads were applied to calculate the carry‐over contamination rate and assess the instrument stability.

Results

A linear regression equation between the molecules of equivalent soluble fluorochrome and fluorescence detection limit showed a good linear fit (R2 > 0.99). The minimum bead size detected by side scatter was 0.22 μm. The coefficient of variation percentage of each fluorescence channel was below 2%, and the carry‐over contamination rate of the cytometer was under 0.2%. After running the BD FACSLyricTM cytometer continuously for 8 h, the median fluorescence index of particles remained close to that at the time of cytometer startup.

Conclusions

The 10‐color BD FACSLyricTM cytometer showed good performance in the evaluation performed in this study and may be trusted to provide accurate results for clinical research.
Dynamical and thermodynamical aspects of precipitation events over India
Authors: Kumari Amita , Kumar Pankaj , Dubey Aditya Kumar , Mishra Alok Kumar , Saharwardi Md. Saquib
Published: October 2021

This study examines different precipitation events (PEs) for 1951–2015 using 0.25°×0.25° India Meteorological Department data and diagnoses their associated dynamical and thermodynamical processes during the summer monsoon season over India using ERA5 reanalysis. Our results reveal a significant decreasing trend of mean precipitation, rain event days, light rain events and moderate rain events (MREs) for the overall period. However, the frequency of heavy rain events (HREs) and very heavy rain events (VhREs) has increased. Pettit's test for all PEs and mean precipitation indicates the changes nearly in the 1970s. In spite of this, the rate of change of LREs, MREs and HREs was increased by 17, 91 and 114% after the observed change point with respect to before change point, while for VhREs, this was reduced by 50%. These decreasing (increasing) trends of LREs (VhREs) are attributed to both thermodynamical and dynamical conditions. LREs are driven mainly by convective precipitation having a contribution of ~79%, whereas large‐scale precipitation contributes ~56% to the VhREs. It is observed that the dynamical (thermodynamical) effect largely drives VhREs (LREs) PEs. During VhREs, stronger moisture‐laden low‐level jet (LLJ) from the surrounding ocean converges over the Indian land mass, facilitating favourable conditions for enhanced precipitation. Simultaneously, weaker convective available potential energy (CAPE) during the VhREs underlines inconstancy in thermodynamics. Stronger LLJ and weaker CAPE during the extremes and vice versa for LREs highlight the dominance of the dynamical (thermodynamical) effect during the VhREs (LREs).
Improving the nutritional value and digestibility of wheat straw, rice straw, and corn cob through solid state fermentation using different Pleurotus species
Authors: Sufyan Abubakar , Ahmad Nazir , Shahzad Faisal , Embaby Mohamed G , AbuGhazaleh Amer , Khan Nazir A
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

The growing food‐feed‐fuel competition, declining availability of traditional feeds, higher prices, and the urgent need to provide long‐term sustainability for animal production have all triggered global research into the optimum extraction of energy and nutrients from lignin‐rich plant biomass. Recent studies have shown that the Pleurotus species of white rot fungus can selectively degrade lignin in lignin‐rich plant biomass; however, its effectiveness in selectively degrading lignin depends on the type of substrate and species of fungus. This study was therefore designed to treat wheat straw, rice straw, and corn cob, with Pleurotus eryngii, P. ostreatus, and P. florida for 30 days under solid‐state fermentation, to identify a promising fungus‐substrate combination for the selective degradation of lignin and optimal improvement in the nutritional value and digestibility of each substrate.

RESULTS

The type of fungus strongly influenced (P < 0.01) selectivity in lignin degradation, and the level of improvement in crude protein (CP), in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), and in vitro gas production (IVGP), in wheat straw, rice straw, and corn cob. Fungus‐substrate interaction data revealed that P. ostreatus caused maximum (P < 0.05) degradation of lignin, and greater (P < 0.05) improvement in CP, IVDMD, and IVGP in wheat straw and rice straw. The lowest (P < 0.05) degradation of lignin and improvement in CP, IVDMD, and IVGP was caused by P. eryngii in corn cob. Among the fungi, the maximum (P < 0.05) degradation of lignin, and greater (P < 0.05) improvement in CP, IVDMD, and IVGP were caused by P. florida as compared with those of P. ostreatus and P. eryngii.

CONCLUSION

The results highlight significant influence of fungus‐substrate combination for selective lignin degradability and the consequent improvement in the nutritional value of the substrates. Maximum selective lignin degradability and improvement in nutritional value and digestibility was caused by P. ostreatus in wheat straw and in rice straw, and by P. florida in corn cob. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Influence of reversed austenite on the properties of a 13Cr4NiMo ultra‐low carbon martensitic stainless steel in different environments
Authors: Zhang Shenghua , Huang Yanning , Wang Yanli
Published: October 2021

In this study, the influence of reversed austenite on the mechanical and corrosion resistance properties of 13Cr4NiMo martensitic stainless steel was investigated. The results reveal that the reversed austenite content in the sample increases with the increase of tempering times. The presence of an appropriate amount of reversed austenite not only improves the comprehensive mechanical properties of martensitic stainless steel but also reduces the susceptibility to pitting corrosion.
A medicinal chemist who reshaped the antiviral drug industry: John Charles Martin (1951–2021)
Authors: Li Guangdi , De Clercq Erik
Published: October 2021

John Charles Martin should be remembered as a visionary medicinal chemist who was involved in the coinvention, development, or management of many FDA‐approved antiviral drugs such as ganciclovir, stavudine, didanosine, cidofovir, oseltamivir, adefovir dipivoxil, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, tenofovir alafenamide, sofosbuvir, and remdesivir.
Acid Hydrolysis of Gluten Enhances the Skin Sensitizing Potential and Drives Diversification of IgE Reactivity to Unmodified Gluten Proteins
Authors: Ballegaard Anne‐Sofie Ravn , Castan Laure , Larsen Jeppe Madura , Piras Cristian , Villemin Clélia , Andersen Daniel , Madsen Charlotte Bernhard , Roncada Paola , Brix Susanne , Denery‐Papini Sandra , Mazzucchelli Gabriel , Bouchaud Grégory , Bøgh Katrine Lindholm
Published: October 2021

Scope

Personal care products containing hydrolyzed gluten have been linked to spontaneous sensitization through the skin, however the impact of the hydrolysate characteristics on the sensitizing capacity is generally unknown.

Methods and Results

The physicochemical properties of five different wheat‐derived gluten products (one unmodified, one enzyme hydrolyzed, and three acid hydrolyzed) are investigated, and the skin sensitizing capacity is determined in allergy‐prone Brown Norway rats. Acid hydrolyzed gluten products exhibited the strongest intrinsic sensitizing capacity via the skin. All hydrolyzed gluten products induced cross‐reactivity to unmodified gluten in the absence of oral tolerance to wheat, but were unable to break tolerance in animals on a wheat‐containing diet. Still, the degree of deamidation in acid hydrolyzed products is associated with product‐specific sensitization in wheat tolerant rats. Sensitization to acid hydrolyzed gluten products is associated with a more diverse IgE reactivity profile to unmodified gluten proteins compared to sensitization induced by unmodified gluten or enzyme hydrolyzed gluten.

Conclusion

Acid hydrolysis enhances the skin sensitizing capacity of gluten and drives IgE reactivity to more gluten proteins. This property of acid hydrolyzed gluten may be related to the degree of product deamidation, and could be a strong trigger of wheat allergy in susceptible individuals.
Audience engagement when disseminating livestock information through infographics on social media
Authors: Lochner Hannah L. , Swenson Rebecca D. , Martinson Krishona L.
Published: October 2021

Infographics utilize visuals to narrate complex information in a simple and concise manner and may represent an educational opportunity for Extension professionals. The objective of this project was to evaluate the effect of communication mode on audience engagement and reach through social media. We hypothesized infographic posts would elicit a greater number of reactions, comments, shares, and people reached compared to webpage link posts. Four informational webpages for five different livestock species (n = 20) were selected from the University of Minnesota (UMN) Extension website and were utilized to create corresponding infographics. Two infographic‐webpage pairs were systematically assigned to a month and posted to the associated UMN Extension livestock Facebook page (www.facebook.com). Posts occurred on the first and third Mondays of the month with a one‐week washout period between post types. Facebook metrics were recorded at 1, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, and 168 h following posting. Results were compared using mixed‐effect negative binomial regression models and reported as estimated marginal means following back transformation. Overall, posts containing infographics tended to elicit more reactions, comments, shares, and reach compared to posts containing webpage links; however, significance varied among audiences. These findings support infographics as a valuable tool for Extension professionals to effectively disseminate science‐based, livestock information on social media.
Density Functional Theory‐Based Prediction of the Pressure‐Dependent Magnetic Properties of CaRuO3
Authors: Zhang Jiamei , Yue Caixia , Zhang Wenying , Liu Jia , Zhao Dewei , Li Guoke , Ma Li , Zhen Congmian , Hou Denglu
Published: October 2021

Using the density functional theory with the plane‐wave ultrasoft pseudopotentials method within the local density approximation (LDA), the magnetic structure of CaRuO3 (hereafter referred to as CRO) is studied as a function of hydrostatic pressure. The calculated results show that: 1) the compressive stress does not cause the disappearance of the ferromagnetic (FM) ground state of cubic CRO but only reduces the magnetic ordering energy and magnetic moment per formula unit, and that 2) the orthorhombic CRO with the Pbnm structure is just in the critical region of the FM, antiferromagnetic (AF), and paramagnetic ground states. Although there is no evidence of an AF phase of CRO at low temperature, the calculated results show that an AF interaction does exist between the Ru atoms of CRO. This can explain the negative Weiss temperature of CRO and the abnormal behavior of the magnetic susceptibility of CRO at low temperature. The AF interaction and the sensitivity to the crystal structure may be the reasons for the various properties of CRO.
Translanguaging as Norm: Rejecting Narrow and Restrictive Notions of Reading
Authors: Souto‐Manning Mariana , Martell Jessica , Pérez Aura Y. , Pión Patricia
Published: October 2021

In this article, we bring different fields into conversation as a way of expanding understandings about the teaching of reading, centering the communicative practices of multilingual children. Instead of seeking to remedy children whose communicative practices and norms do not align with “academic language,” we traverse fields to show how seemingly innocuous concepts and related undertakings may harm young multilingual children by sponsoring pathological paradigms that frame their ways of communicating as inferior and/or wrong. Challenging the monoglossic gaze that upholds and reifies monolingual ideologies, we consider how teachers might rethink longstanding albeit narrow, restrictive, and exclusionary conceptualizations of language and literacy, moving toward reconceptualizing languages and literacies plurally, expansively, and inclusively. After doing so, we discuss the power and possibility of translanguaging‐‐conceptually and empirically. We conclude by offering resources that can help foster, cultivate, and sustain translanguaging in classrooms and (pre)schools.
The People’s Algorithms: Social Credits and the Rise of China’s Big (Br)other
Authors: Lam Tong
Published: October 2021

Around the turn of the twentieth century, Chinese intellectuals and political leaders dreamed of a modern nation inhabited by politically aware citizens. For them, this involved the production and circulation of social facts enabling citizens to make sound judgements. This theory of making citizens continued in the socialist era (1949–1978). Yet, it has changed profoundly with the advance of state-guided neoliberalism. Instead of creating enlightened citizens, the new paradigm of governance aims at producing an ecology in which citizens are expected to align their desires and aspirations with the state-sanctioned social order. Focusing on China’s emerging social credit system, this essay illustrates how central planning and neoliberal belief have come together to construct a new social and economic order using numbers, algorithms and credit rating.
Accounting for Who We Are and Could Be: Inventing Taxonomies of the Self in an Age of Uncertainty
Authors: Vormbusch Uwe
Published: October 2021

Self-trackers are confronted with economic and cultural uncertainty as two fundamental traits of late-modern capitalism. Coping with uncertainty in this context means the calculative quest for discovering the representational forms by which the plurality of individual capabilities as well as the plurality of the cultural forms of living can be inscribed into common registers of worth. Drawing on Foucault as well as the Sociology of Critique, this paper emphasizes the moral and cognitive conflicts accompanying the emergence of self-quantification and points to the contradictions and ambivalences this involves: self-inspection as a form of enabling accounting and emancipation, on the one hand, versus an extension of instrumental rationality to hitherto incommensurable and incalculable entities, on the other.
A New Calculable Global World in the Making: Governing Through Transnational Certification Standards
Authors: Thévenot Laurent
Published: October 2021

Governing with quantification rests on preliminary processes of transforming the world to make it quantifiable through conventions of formatting and equivalence-making. This chapter investigates a new globalized mode of governing, operating, away from states, through voluntary certification standards. Considering the case of sustainable palm oil certification, it follows the most vulnerable “stakeholders”, from their daily life in remote rural areas to the governing public roundtables and private confidential negotiations. Fostering the dialogue between the extended convention theory framework and governmentality studies, the chapter shows that in a new kind of “standardizing liberalism” [libéralisme normalisateur], “governing by standards” shifts the political debate about power, legitimacy and the common good onto measurable certifiable characteristics of goods and services to be chosen by autonomous opting individuals.
Does certainty on the winner diminish the interest in sport competitions? The case of formula one
Authors: Garcia-del-Barrio Pedro , Reade J. James
Published: October 2021

The literature acknowledges “Uncertainty of Outcome” (UO) as a major factor to explain the degree of interest that sporting competitions draw from fans and the general public. Uncertainty about the championship winner is crucial insofar as financial success depends on the capacity to attract potential consumers of spectacle. This paper focusses on one aspect of UO and examines to what extent reduction in the interest of followers is due to the removal of uncertainty about the world drivers’ champion in Formula One. To study how certainty on the winner undermines the degree of attention generated by the Formula One world drivers’ championship, we rely on two alternative indexes—similar although not identical—reported by Google Trends. Both of these appraisals are computed from data on users’ search intensity in Google, where weekly records are normalised on the relative amount of searches per calendar year. Thus, as dependent variables for the empirical analysis we use two measures: Google Trends News (GTN), to capture the intensity with which individuals search news articles associated; and Google Trends Web (GTW), to get a wider overview based on all kind of Internet contents. The former empirical analysis is carried out on 10 years of available data, while the latter approach estimates the models for a larger period of 14 years. Our empirical strategy includes additionally adopting indicator saturation techniques to address this issue while controlling for outliers.
Long-term unmet supportive care needs of teenage and young adult (TYA) childhood brain tumour survivors and their caregivers: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Nicklin Emma , Velikova Galina , Glaser Adam , Kwok-Williams Michelle , Debono Miguel , Sarwar Naseem , Boele Florien
Published: October 2021

Introduction

The supportive care needs of long-term childhood brain tumour survivors, now teenagers and young adults (TYAs), and their caregivers are largely unknown. We aimed to describe their supportive care needs and explore associations between needs and quality of life (QoL).

Methods

Participants were recruited from long-term follow-up clinics (in three NHS Trusts in England) and online. Participants included childhood brain tumour survivors, ≥ 5 years from diagnosis, currently aged 13–30, and their primary caregivers. Survivors completed the Supportive Care Needs Survey (SCNS) Short Form and caregivers the SCNS-Partners & Caregivers, alongside validated QoL questionnaires (Peds-FACT-Br and CQOLC).

Results

In total, 112 individuals (69 survivors/43 caregivers) participated. Survivors reported on average 9.4 (± 8.5) unmet needs. Needs were greatest in the psychological domain, with anxiety (60.3%), uncertainty about the future (50.7%) and feeling down and depressed (48.5%) most commonly reported. Caregivers reported on average 12.4 (± 12.3) unmet needs. Again, the greatest number of unmet needs was observed in the psychological domain. Many caregivers also reported information needs around financial support/government benefits (42.9%) and possible survivor fertility problems (42.9%). Multivariable linear regression analysis showed that female survivors, unemployed survivors, survivors further away from diagnosis and single caregivers were more likely to report unmet needs. More unmet needs were significantly associated with poorer QoL in survivors and caregivers.

Conclusion

This research provides leads to improving supportive care and long-term follow-up services. Psychological support represents the biggest gap in care. Understanding unmet needs and recognising what services are required are critical to improving quality of long-term survival.
Influence of overplanting paddy rice on irrigation water delivery performance: a case study in the Dakalt branch canal, Nile Delta of Egypt
Authors: Farig Mohamed , Shimizu Katsuyuki , El-Kassar Gamal , Abou El Hassan Waleed H. , Fujimaki Haruyuki , Kita Ichiro , Watanabe Tsugihiro
Published: October 2021

In the North Nile Delta of Egypt, the impacts of overplanting paddy rice on water delivery performance have not been discussed quantitatively. Further, the amount of water that could have been saved if farmers would follow the planned area is unknown. In this study, water delivery performance was assessed by comparison of actual paddy rice planting and the government’s planned conditions. For both conditions, performance indicators relating to adequacy, equity, and dependability were analyzed across six locations in conjunction with the branch canal water level in 2013 and 2014. Based on the difference between the actual water supply and planned water demand, the amount of water that could have been saved for downstream uses was calculated. The average adequacy for the investigation period was good at one location, fair at 2 locations, and poor at 3 locations in both years. Further, adequacy under both actual and planned conditions was poor in late July at all locations. The planned adequacy and dependability downstream and equity among locations improved compared to the actual condition in both years. Under the condition that paddy rice area is the upper limit planned by the government, about 12.3% and 9.6% of water could be potentially saved in each year. The difference between actual and planned water delivery performance is caused by the branch canal’s low water level. Control of overplanting paddy rice and coordination of water distribution among water user associations would improve stable water level in the canal and, eventually, water delivery performance.
Crowded out: Heterogeneity in risk attitudes among poor households in the US
Authors: Galliera Arianna , Rutström E. Elisabet
Published: October 2021

Not much is known about the heterogeneity of risk attitudes among poor households in rich countries. This paper provides estimates from a unique data set collected among the urban poor in Atlanta, Georgia. The data set includes lab-in-the-field experiments on the relationship between risk attitudes and several household characteristics. Apart from looking at income, wealth, and education, we are particularly interested in household composition as it captures the number and kind of people who are dependant on the income of the household head. Heads of households who are less risk averse may be willing to take on the extra risk from smaller resource margins resulting from additional dependants, implying a negative relationship between household size and risk aversion. However, if the size of the household is a result of exogenous forces some heads of households may become more risk averse with more dependants. Household size can also reflect a risk management choice that involves adding non-dependant members who can provide resources and risk sharing. However, this possibility is limited to homes that are not already too crowded. We find that household size correlates positively with the risk aversion of the head, but with a large proportion of children the correlation is strongly dampened. However, this negative effect of children is conditional on the home not already being crowded. These heterogeneous findings have implications for the design of new insurance, savings, and credit programs where risk attitudes are important to the decisions to adopt.
A Tale of Two Dams: The Impact of Reservoir Management on Rural Depopulation in Central Spain
Authors: Larraz Beatriz , San-Martin Enrique
Published: October 2021

In rural areas, depopulation is mainly due to a lack of economic and employment opportunities. In this context, the reservoirs already built can be a source of socioeconomic development based on tourism and outdoor leisure activities. The condition for this development to materialize is that reservoir management considers these activities. In Central Spain, a process of rural depopulation has been generated in the municipalities around the reservoirs at the Upper Tagus River, as water management allows water transfers from the Tagus to the Segura River without taking into account regulations that prioritize and protect donor basin users. Through the comparison of reservoir water management and demographic data of two rural areas close to the reservoirs, this article reveals the direct relationship between reservoir management that enables recreational uses with its consequent socioeconomic development and the maintenance of the population in the territory. Consequently, reservoir water management based on the socioeconomic development of reservoir banks is necessary and a priority over transfers to another basin.
Nitrogen Recovery from Clear-Cut Forest Runoff Using Biochar: Adsorption–Desorption Dynamics Affected by Water Nitrogen Concentration
Authors: Kakaei Lafdani E. , Laurén Ari , Cvetkovic Jovana , Pumpanen Jukka , Saarela Taija , Palviainen Marjo
Published: October 2021

Forest regeneration operations increase the concentration of nitrogen (N) in watercourses especially outside the growing season when traditional biological water protection methods are inefficient. Biochar adsorption-based water treatment could be a solution for nutrient retention. We studied the total nitrogen (TN) and nitrate–nitrogen (NO3−–N) adsorption–desorption properties of spruce and birch biochar. The adsorption test was performed under four different initial concentrations of TN (1, 2, 3, and 4 mg L−1) using forest runoff water collected from ditch drains of boreal harvested peatland. The results showed that the TN adsorption amount increased linearly from the lowest to the highest concentration. The maximum adsorption capacity was 2.4 and 3.2 times greater in the highest concentration (4 mg L−1) compared to the lowest concentration (1 mg L−1) in spruce and birch biochar, respectively. The NO3−–N adsorption amount of birch biochar increased linearly from 0 to 0.15 mg NO3−–N g biochar−1 when the initial concentration of NO3−–N increased from 0.2 to 1.4 mg L−1. However, in spruce biochar, the initial concentration did not affect NO3−–N adsorption amount. The results indicate that concentration significantly affects the biochar’s capacity to adsorb N from water. The desorption test was performed by adding biochar extracted from the adsorption test into the forest runoff water with low TN concentration (0.2 or 0.35 mg L−1). The desorption results showed that desorption was negligibly small, and it was dependent on the TN concentration for birch biochar. Therefore, biochar can be a complementary method supporting water purification in peatland areas.
Polytope Novikov homology
Authors: Pellegrini Alessio
Published: October 2021

Let M be a closed manifold and $${\mathcal {A}} \subseteq H^1_{\mathrm {dR}}(M)$$

A
⊆

H
dR
1

(
M
)

a polytope. For each $$a \in {\mathcal {A}}$$

a
∈
A

, we define a Novikov chain complex with a multiple finiteness condition encoded by the polytope $${\mathcal {A}}$$
A
. The resulting polytope Novikov homology generalizes the ordinary Novikov homology. We prove that any two cohomology classes in a prescribed polytope give rise to chain homotopy equivalent polytope Novikov complexes over a Novikov ring associated with said polytope. As applications, we present a novel approach to the (twisted) Novikov Morse Homology Theorem and prove a new polytope Novikov Principle. The latter generalizes the ordinary Novikov Principle and a recent result of Pajitnov in the abelian case.
Relation among EGFL7, ITGB3, and KLF2 and their clinical implication in multiple myeloma patients: a prospective study
Authors: Li Yaqiong , Zhang Lingli , Gong Jichang
Published: October 2021

Objective

We aimed to investigate the relationship among epidermal growth factor–like protein-7 (EGFL7), integrin subunit beta 3 (ITGB3), and Kruppel-like factor 2 (KLF2) expressions and their clinical implication in multiple myeloma (MM).

Methods

This prospective study enrolled 72 de novo symptomatic MM patients and 30 controls, and then collected their bone marrow plasma cell samples. Subsequently, the EGFL7, ITGB3, and KLF2 expressions were carried out by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results

EGFL7, ITGB3, and KLF2 expressions were increased in MM patients compared to controls. Besides, EGFL7, ITGB3, and KLF2 inter-correlated with each other in MM patients but not in controls. In MM patients, EGFL7 and ITGB3 (but not KLF2) expressions were positively correlated with ISS stage, while ITGB3 and KLF2 (but not EGFL7) expressions were correlated with increased R-ISS stage. Interestingly, ITGB3 and KLF2 were decreased in induction-treatment complete remission (CR) MM patients compared to non-CR MM patients, while EGFL7 only showed a trend but without statistical significance. Furthermore, ITGB3 high expression was correlated with worse progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), while EGFL7 and KLF2 high expressions only associated with pejorative PFS but not OS.

Conclusion

EGFL7, ITGB3, and KLF2 may serve as potential prognostic indicators in MM patients.
The meta-analyses of deliberate practice underestimate the effect size because they neglect the core characteristic of individualization—an analysis and empirical evidence
Authors: Debatin Tobias , Hopp Manuel D. S. , Vialle Wilma , Ziegler Albert
Published: October 2021

Influential meta-analyses have concluded that only a small to medium proportion of variance in performance can be explained by deliberate practice. We argue that the authors have neglected the most important characteristic of deliberate practice: individualization of practice. Many of the analyzed effect sizes derived from measures that did not assess individualized practice and, therefore, should not have been included in meta-analyses of deliberate practice. We present empirical evidence which suggests that the level of individualization and quality of practice (indicated by didactic educational capital) substantially influences the predictive strength of practice measures. In our study of 178 chess players, we found that at a high level of individualization and quality of practice, the effect size of structured practice was more than three times higher than that found at the average level. Our theoretical analysis, along with empirical results, support the claim that the explanatory power of deliberate practice has been considerably underestimated in the meta-analyses. The question of how important deliberate practice is for individual differences in performance remains an open question.
A case of hemobilia caused by pancreatic metastasis of renal cell carcinoma treated with a covered metallic stent
Authors: Yamawaki Masataka , Takano Yuichi , Noda Jun , Azami Tetsushi , Kobayashi Takahiro , Niiya Fumitaka , Maruoka Naotaka , Yamagami Tatsuya , Nagahama Masatsugu
Published: October 2021

We present the case of an 86-year-old man who had undergone left nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma (clear cell carcinoma) 22 years ago. He visited the emergency department complaining of right hypochondrial pain and fever. He was eventually diagnosed with acute cholangitis. Abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed multiple tumors in the pancreas. The tumor in the pancreatic head obstructed the distal bile duct. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography detected bloody bile juice flowing from the papilla of Vater. Therefore, he was diagnosed with hemobilia. Cholangiography showed extrinsic compression of the distal bile duct; a 6 Fr endoscopic nasobiliary drainage tube was placed. Endoscopic ultrasound showed that the pancreas contained multiple well-defined hypoechoic masses. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration was performed using a 22 G needle. Pathological examination revealed clear cell carcinoma, and the final diagnosis was pancreatic metastasis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) causing hemobilia. A partially covered metallic stent was placed in the distal bile duct. Consequently, hemobilia and cholangitis were resolved.
neurolib: A Simulation Framework for Whole-Brain Neural Mass Modeling
Authors: Cakan Caglar , Jajcay Nikola , Obermayer Klaus
Published: October 2021

neurolib is a computational framework for whole-brain modeling written in Python. It provides a set of neural mass models that represent the average activity of a brain region on a mesoscopic scale. In a whole-brain network model, brain regions are connected with each other based on biologically informed structural connectivity, i.e., the connectome of the brain. neurolib can load structural and functional datasets, set up a whole-brain model, manage its parameters, simulate it, and organize its outputs for later analysis. The activity of each brain region can be converted into a simulated BOLD signal in order to calibrate the model against empirical data from functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Extensive model analysis is made possible using a parameter exploration module, which allows one to characterize a model’s behavior as a function of changing parameters. An optimization module is provided for fitting models to multimodal empirical data using evolutionary algorithms. neurolib is designed to be extendable and allows for easy implementation of custom neural mass models, offering a versatile platform for computational neuroscientists for prototyping models, managing large numerical experiments, studying the structure–function relationship of brain networks, and for performing in-silico optimization of whole-brain models.
Automatic feature extraction and matching modelling for highly noise near-equatorial satellite images
Authors: Dibs Hayder , Hasab Hashim Ali , Jaber Hussein Sabah , Al-Ansari Nadhir
Published: October 2021

Feature extraction plays an important role in pattern recognition because band-to-band registration and geometric correction from different satellite images have linear image distortion. However, new near-equatorial orbital satellite system (NEqO) images is different because they have nonlinear distortion. Conventional techniques cannot overcome this type of distortion and lead to the extraction of false features and incorrect image matching. This research presents a new method by improving the performance of the Scale-Invariant Feature Transformation (SIFT) with a significantly higher rate of true extracted features and their correct matching. The data in this study were obtained from the RazakSAT satellite covering a part of Penang state, Malaysia. The method consists of many stages: image band selection, image band compression, image sharpening, automatic feature extraction, and applying the sum of absolute difference algorithm with an experimental and empirical threshold. We evaluate a refined features scenario by comparing the result of the original extracted SIFT features with corresponding features of the proposed method. The result indicates accurate and precise performance of the proposed method from removing false SIFT extracted features of satellite images and remain only true SIFT extracted features, that leads to reduce the extracted feature from using three frame size: (1) from 2000 to 750, 552 and 92 for the green and red bands image, (2) from 678 extracted control points to be 193, 228 and 73 between the green and blue bands, and (3) from 1995 extracted CPs to be 656, 733, and 556 between the green and near-infrared bands, respectively.
Expressive Conduct and Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution: A Purposivist Approach
Authors: Kohli Raghav
Published: October 2021

Unlike the First Amendment of the United States, the quest to develop a grand theory to explain the scope and purpose of the free speech clause of the Indian Constitution has rarely been attempted. In this void, the significant constitutional question of when expressive conduct should trigger free speech protection has not received adequate academic and judicial scrutiny in India despite its global resonance. This article examines the evolution of the current doctrine by the Indian Supreme Court on the issue of expressive conduct and finds that the Court's ad-hoc approach fails to provide a meaningful resolution framework. Analysing the jurisprudence of the US Supreme Court on its First Amendment, it discusses two potential approaches available to the Indian Supreme Court: one based on the speaker's conduct, and the other, based on state purposes. It argues that focusing on state purposes not only provides a principled answer to this conundrum but is also consistent with Indian free speech jurisprudence. Contrary to contemporary scholarship, it demonstrates that the law on Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution, as moulded by the Indian Supreme Court over decades, has implicitly treated the examination of state purpose as its predominant inquiry. This article concludes with some ideas on the limitations and prospects of adopting such an approach.