bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Intricate Metabolism of Pancreatic Cancers
Authors: Camelo Felipe , Le Anne
Published: May 2021

Currently, approximately 95% of pancreatic cancers are pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC), which are the most aggressive form and the fourth leading cause of cancer death with extremely poor prognosis [1]. Poor prognosis is primarily attributed to the late diagnosis of the disease when patients are no longer candidates for surgical resection [2]. Cancer cells are dependent on the oncogenes that allow them to proliferate limitlessly. Thus, targeting the expression of known oncogenes in pancreatic cancer has been shown to lead to more effective treatment [3]. This chapter discusses the complexity of metabolic features in pancreatic cancers. In order to comprehend the heterogeneous nature of cancer metabolism fully, we need to take into account the close relationship between cancer metabolism and genetics. Gene expression varies tremendously, not only among different types of cancers but also within the same type of cancer among different patients. Cancer metabolism heterogeneity is often prompted and perpetuated not only by mutations in oncogenes and tumor-suppressor genes but also by the innate diversity of the tumor microenvironment. Much effort has been focused on elucidating the genetic alterations that correlate with disease progression and treatment response [4, 5]. However, the precise mechanisms by which tumor metabolism contributes to cancer growth, survival, mobility, and aggressiveness represent a functional readout of tumor progression (Fig. 1).
Genomics and breeding innovations for enhancing genetic gain for climate resilience and nutrition traits
Authors: Sinha Pallavi , Singh Vikas K. , Bohra Abhishek , Kumar Arvind , Reif Jochen C. , Varshney Rajeev K.
Published: May 2021

Key message

Integrating genomics technologies and breeding methods to tweak core parameters of the breeder’s equation could accelerate delivery of climate-resilient and nutrient rich crops for future food security.

Accelerating genetic gain in crop improvement programs with respect to climate resilience and nutrition traits, and the realization of the improved gain in farmers’ fields require integration of several approaches. This article focuses on innovative approaches to address core components of the breeder’s equation. A prerequisite to enhancing genetic variance (σ2g) is the identification or creation of favorable alleles/haplotypes and their deployment for improving key traits. Novel alleles for new and existing target traits need to be accessed and added to the breeding population while maintaining genetic diversity. Selection intensity (i) in the breeding program can be improved by testing a larger population size, enabled by the statistical designs with minimal replications and high-throughput phenotyping. Selection priorities and criteria to select appropriate portion of the population too assume an important role. The most important component of breeder′s equation is heritability (h2). Heritability estimates depend on several factors including the size and the type of population and the statistical methods. The present article starts with a brief discussion on the potential ways to enhanceσ2gin the population. We highlight statistical methods and experimental designs that could improve trait heritability estimation. We also offer a perspective on reducing the breeding cycle time (t), which could be achieved through the selection of appropriate parents, optimizing the breeding scheme, rapid fixation of target alleles, and combining speed breeding with breeding programs to optimize trials for release. Finally, we summarize knowledge from multiple disciplines for enhancing genetic gains for climate resilience and nutritional traits.
Setting the evolutionary timeline: Tillandsia landbeckii in the Chilean Atacama Desert
Authors: Möbus Johanna , Kiefer Christiane , Quandt Dietmar , Barfuss Michael H. , Koch Marcus A.
Published: May 2021

The Chilean Atacama Desert is among the oldest deserts of the world. Here, Tillandsia landbeckii is forming a unique vegetation type known as Tillandsia lomas. This vegetation consists in its typical configuration of one single vascular plant species only and forms regular linear structures in a sloped landscape and is largely depending on fog occurrence as dominant source of water supply. Without developing a typical root system, there are only few other terrestrial Tillandsia species growing on bare sand in Chile and Peru such as T. marconae, T. virescens, T. purpureaor T. latifolia. Although phylogenetic evidence is limited, convergent evolution of this unique growth behavior is evident. The predominantly arid and hyper-arid climate exists since the Early Miocene, which raises the question about timing of T. landbeckii evolutionary history. Phylogenomic analyses using whole plastome sequence data highlight the onset of diversification in T. landbeckii approximately 500,000 years ago. We also demonstrate subsequent secondary genetic contact with T. purpurea during the Late Pleistocene using DNA sequence data and genome size estimates, which resulted into the formation of T. marconae.
The rosette-forming glioneuronal tumor mimicked cerebral cysticercosis: a case report
Authors: Zhu Dan , Cheng Ailan , Benons Nickita T. L. , Chu Shuguang
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Rosette-forming glioneuronal tumor (RGNT) is a rare variety of slow growing mixed glioneuronal tumor involving primarily fourth ventricular region. This is a comprehensive analysis of a 22-year-old woman with RGNT composed of mainly cystic components. In addition, the case showed multiple lesions located in brain parenchyma which mimicked cerebral cysticercosis. Here, we analyzed this case and listed some characteristics of RGNTs in reported literature which occurring in atypical locations for further understanding it.

Case report

A 22-year-old woman presented with a history of transient dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed multiple cystic lesions in brain parenchyma and then the patient was diagnosed with cerebral cysticercosis possibility. Empirical anti-infective therapy in addition to a follow-up post 2 weeks of MRI examination showed the lesions unchanged. Finally, a biopsy of the right cerebellar hemisphere lesions verified RGNT.

Conclusion

RGNT is an uncommon tumor classified as grade I glioma by World Health Organization (WHO) with slightly longer course. The imaging findings of RGNT are not specific especially in atypical areas. RGNT is rare, but we should also consider the possibility in diagnosis and differential diagnosis.
Quantifying wave measurement differences in historical and present wave buoy systems
Authors: Jensen Robert Edward , Swail Val , Bouchard Richard Harry
Published: May 2021

An intra-measurement evaluation was undertaken, deploying a NOMAD buoy equipped with three National Data Buoy Center and two Environment and Climate Change Canada-AXYS sensor/payload packages off Monterey, California; a Datawell Directional Waverider buoy was deployed within 19 km of the NOMAD site. The six independent wave measurement systems reported hourly estimates of the frequency spectra, and when applicable, the four Fourier directional components. The integral wave parameters showed general agreement among the five sensors compared to the neighboring Datawell Directional Waverider, with the Inclinometer and the Watchman performing similarly to the more sophisticated 3DMG, HIPPY, and Triaxys sensor packages. As the Hm0 increased, all but the Inclinometer were biased low; however, even the Watchman reported reasonable wave measurements up to about 6–7 m, after which the Hm0 becomes negatively biased up to about a meter, comparable to previous studies. The parabolic fit peak spectral wave period, Tpp, results showed a large scatter, resulting from the complex nature of multiple swell wave systems compounded by local wind-sea development, exacerbated by a variable that can be considered as temporally unstable. The three directional sensors demonstrated that NOMAD buoys are capable of measuring directional wave properties along the western US coast, with biases of about 6 to 9 deg, and rms errors of approximately 30 deg. Frequency spectral evaluations found similarities in the shape, but a significant under estimation in the high frequency range. The results from slope analyses also revealed a positive bias in the rear face of the spectra, and a lack of invariance in frequency as suggested by theory.
When did coronavirus arrive in Europe?
Authors: Cerqua Augusto , Di Stefano Roberta
Published: May 2021

The first cluster of coronavirus cases in Europe was officially detected on 21st February 2020 in Northern Italy, even if recent evidence showed sporadic first cases in Europe since the end of 2019. In this study, we have tested the presence of coronavirus in Italy and, even more importantly, we have assessed whether the virus had already spread sooner than 21st February. We use a counterfactual approach and certified daily data on the number of deaths (deaths from any cause, not only related to coronavirus) at the municipality level. Our estimates confirm that coronavirus began spreading in Northern Italy in mid-January.
Degradation of cellulosic key chromophores by ozone: a mechanistic and kinetic study
Authors: Budischowsky David , Zwirchmayr Nele Sophie , Hosoya Takashi , Bacher Markus , Hettegger Hubert , Potthast Antje , Rosenau Thomas
Published: May 2021

Chromophores, colored substances of rather high stability that reduce brightness, are present in all kinds of cellulosic products, such as pulp, fibers, aged cellulosic material, and even in very low concentrations in highly bleached pulps. Thus, they are the prime targets of industrial pulp bleaching. In this study, the three cellulosic key chromophores 2,5-dihydroxy-1,4-benzoquinone (DHBQ, 1), 5,8-dihydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone (DHNQ, 2), and 2,5-dihydroxyacetophenone (DHAP, 3) were bleached with ozone at pH 2 resembling industrial conditions (Z-stage). Bleaching kinetics were followed by UV/Vis spectrophotometry. The chemical structures of the degradation products were analyzed using NMR spectroscopy as well as GC/MS and confirmed by comparison with authentic reference compounds. The main, stable intermediates in the ozonation reactions have been elucidated by employing ozone not in excess but roughly stoichiometric amounts: mesoxalic acid (4) from DHBQ (1), rhodizonic acid (5) from DHNQ (2), and hydroxy-[1,4]-benzoquinone (8) from DHAP (3). As the final products at a large excess of ozone, a complex mixture of carboxylic acids (C1 to C4) was obtained, with the C4 acids being formed by subsequent condensation of smaller fragments (malonic acid and mesoxalic acid) rather than directly as ozonation products. At shorter reaction times and lower ozone excess, some aldehydes and ketones (C2 and C3) were contained in addition. The mixture of the degradation products was not completely stable but tended to undergo further changes, such as decarboxylation and condensation reactions. The reaction mechanisms of degradation by ozone, intermediate formation and re-condensation are described and discussed.

Graphic abstract
Impact of Degradation and Material Crystallinity on the Mechanical Performance of a Bioresorbable Polymeric Stent
Authors: Shine Connor J. , McHugh Peter E. , Ronan William
Published: May 2021

Bioresorbable polymeric stents (BPS) offer possibilities to help address the long-term complications associated with permanent vascular implants, however in-vivo degradation behaviour is not yet fully understood. Here, finite element analysis (FEA) techniques based on physio-chemical reaction diffusion equations are used to predict and analyse BPS degradation behaviour. Physio-chemical degradation models for polymers, both amorphous and semi-crystalline, are incorporated into the FEA software package Abaqus/Standard allowing for BPS degradation rate predictions to be made, with a focus on poly-L-lactide (PLLA). The outputs of the degradation models are linked to mechanical behaviour via three different damage models which couple the changes in molecular weight and crystallinity with a hyperelastic constitutive model for PLLA mechanical behaviour. A simplified representation of a PLLA BPS in an artery is used as a demonstration case. The effects of applied degradation product diffusion boundary conditions on the molecular weight and crystallinity of PLLA BPS under simulated degradation are examined, and the impact of material heterogeneities and mechanical load boundary condition on the scaffolding performance and elastic properties of the degrading stent are investigated. The results suggest that the BPS performance are strongly dependent on the assumed boundary conditions, both in terms of degradation product diffusion and mechanical loading.
Livelihood vulnerability and climate change: a comparative analysis of smallholders in the Indo-Gangetic plains
Authors: Venus Terese E. , Bilgram Stephanie , Sauer Johannes , Khatri-Chettri Arun
Published: May 2021

In the Indo-Gangetic Plains, one of India’s most productive agricultural regions, smallholder livelihood vulnerability can inhibit sustainable development. As there are significant differences in economic development, natural resources and agricultural productivity within the region, we estimate the Livelihood Vulnerability Index in two districts (Vaishali, Bihar and Karnal, Haryana) to determine suitable adaptation strategies under diverse conditions. To reflect different aspects of climate exposure, we include both self-reported climate shocks and spatially interpolated weather data. The assessment of 1127 households shows that while both districts have similar exposure and adaptive capacity levels, the sensitivity dimension makes Vaishali more vulnerable to climate change. To reduce sensitivity, decision-makers should focus on improving infrastructure (e.g., permanent housing, latrines, health centers, alternative energy sources). To improve adaptive capacity and reduce climate risk in both regions, policymakers should promote the expansion of extension training for livelihood diversification, information and communication technologies as well as conservation agriculture.
“I was Confused … and Still am” Barriers Impacting the Help-Seeking Pathway for an Autism Diagnosis in Urban North India: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Bhavnani Supriya , Lockwood Estrin Georgia , Arora Rashi , Kumar Divya , Kakra Minal , Vajaratkar Vivek , Juneja Monica , Gulati Sheffali , Patel Vikram , Green Jonathan , Divan Gauri
Published: May 2021

Timely recognition of autism in children is integral to improve developmental outcomes. This study used mixed-methods (84 case-registers and 20 in-depth interviews with caregivers of children with a diagnosis of autism) to explore the extent to which the nature of parental concerns and prior knowledge of developmental disorders impact the time between symptom recognition and autism diagnosis, and the contextual family, societal and health-system related factors that impede the autism help-seeking pathway. Lack of awareness of age-appropriate child developmental milestones, apparent amongst the community and health professionals, contributed to a 1.5-year delay between parental concerns and autism diagnosis. Recommendations to shorten this help-seeking pathway include harnessing the potential of non-specialist workers to increase awareness and enable developmental monitoring of young children through scalable tools.
Ocean Acidification Amplifies the Olfactory Response to 2-Phenylethylamine: Altered Cue Reception as a Mechanistic Pathway?
Authors: Schirrmacher Paula , Roggatz Christina C. , Benoit David M. , Hardege Jörg D.
Published: May 2021

With carbon dioxide (CO2) levels rising dramatically, climate change threatens marine environments. Due to increasing CO2 concentrations in the ocean, pH levels are expected to drop by 0.4 units by the end of the century. There is an urgent need to understand the impact of ocean acidification on chemical-ecological processes. To date, the extent and mechanisms by which the decreasing ocean pH influences chemical communication are unclear. Combining behaviour assays with computational chemistry, we explore the function of the predator related cue 2-phenylethylamine (PEA) for hermit crabs (Pagurus bernhardus) in current and end-of-the-century oceanic pH. Living in intertidal environments, hermit crabs face large pH fluctuations in their current habitat in addition to climate-change related ocean acidification. We demonstrate that the dietary predator cue PEA for mammals and sea lampreys is an attractant for hermit crabs, with the potency of the cue increasing with decreasing pH levels. In order to explain this increased potency, we assess changes to PEA’s conformational and charge-related properties as one potential mechanistic pathway. Using quantum chemical calculations validated by NMR spectroscopy, we characterise the different protonation states of PEA in water. We show how protonation of PEA could affect receptor-ligand binding, using a possible model receptor for PEA (human TAAR1). Investigating potential mechanisms of pH-dependent effects on olfactory perception of PEA and the respective behavioural response, our study advances the understanding of how ocean acidification interferes with the sense of smell and thereby might impact essential ecological interactions in marine ecosystems.
Visual analytics for technology and innovation management
Authors: Nazemi Kawa , Burkhardt Dirk , Kock Alexander
Published: May 2021

The awareness of emerging trends is essential for strategic decision making because technological trends can affect a firm’s competitiveness and market position. The rise of artificial intelligence methods allows gathering new insights and may support these decision-making processes. However, it is essential to keep the human in the loop of these complex analytical tasks, which, often lack an appropriate interaction design. Including special interactive designs for technology and innovation management is therefore essential for successfully analyzing emerging trends and using this information for strategic decision making. A combination of information visualization, trend mining and interaction design can support human users to explore, detect, and identify such trends. This paper enhances and extends a previously published first approach for integrating, enriching, mining, analyzing, identifying, and visualizing emerging trends for technology and innovation management. We introduce a novel interaction design by investigating the main ideas from technology and innovation management and enable a more appropriate interaction approach for technology foresight and innovation detection.
Improving text-to-image generation with object layout guidance
Authors: Zakraoui Jezia , Saleh Moutaz , Al-Maadeed Somaya , Jaam Jihad Mohammed
Published: May 2021

The automatic generation of realistic images directly from a story text is a very challenging problem, as it cannot be addressed using a single image generation approach due mainly to the semantic complexity of the story text constituents. In this work, we propose a new approach that decomposes the task of story visualization into three phases: semantic text understanding, object layout prediction, and image generation and refinement. We start by simplifying the text using a scene graph triple notation that encodes semantic relationships between the story objects. We then introduce an object layout module to capture the features of these objects from the corresponding scene graph. Specifically, the object layout module aggregates individual object features from the scene graph as well as averaged or likelihood object features generated by a graph convolutional neural network. All these features are concatenated to form semantic triples that are then provided to the image generation framework. For the image generation phase, we adopt a scene graph image generation framework as stage-I, which is refined using a StackGAN as stage-II conditioned on the object layout module and the generated output image from stage-I. Our approach renders object details in high-resolution images while keeping the image structure consistent with the input text. To evaluate the performance of our approach, we use the COCO dataset and compare it with three baseline approaches, namely, sg2im, StackGAN and AttnGAN, in terms of image quality and user evaluation. According to the obtained assessment results, our object layout guidance-based approach significantly outperforms the abovementioned baseline approaches in terms of the accuracy of semantic matching and realism of the generated images representing the story text sentences.
Correction to: Evaluation of Ac-Lys0(IRDye800CW)Tyr3-octreotate as a novel tracer for SSTR2-targeted molecular fluorescence guided surgery in meningioma
Authors: Dijkstra Bianca M. , de Jong Marion , Stroet Marcus C. M. , Andreae Fritz , Dulfer Sebastiaan E. , Everts Marieke , Kruijff Schelto , Nonnekens Julie , den Dunnen Wilfred F. A. , Kruyt Frank A. E. , Groen Rob J. M.
Published: May 2021

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11060-021-03769-9
Correlates of Voter Turnout
Authors: Frank Richard W. , Martínez i Coma Ferran
Published: May 2021

Despite decades of research, there is no consensus as to the core correlates of national-level voter turnout. We argue that this is, in part, due to the lack of comprehensive, systematic empirical analysis. This paper conducts such an analysis. We identify 44 articles on turnout from 1986 to 2017. These articles include over 127 potential predictors of voter turnout, and we collect data on seventy of these variables. Using extreme bounds analysis, we run over 15 million regressions to determine which of these 70 variables are robustly associated with voter turnout in 579 elections in 80 democracies from 1945 to 2014. Overall, 22 variables are robustly associated with voter turnout, including compulsory voting, concurrent elections, competitive elections, inflation, previous turnout, and economic globalization.
An item analysis according to the Rasch model of the German 12-item WHO Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0)
Authors: Vaganian Lusine , Bussmann Sonja , Boecker Maren , Kusch Michael , Labouvie Hildegard , Gerlach Alexander L. , Cwik Jan C.
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The World Health Organization Disability Assessent Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0) assesses disability in individuals irrespective of their health condition. Previous studies validated the usefulness of the WHODAS 2.0 using classical test theory. This study is the first investigating the psychometric properties of the 12-items WHODAS 2.0 in patients with cancer using item analysis according to the Rasch model.

Methods

In total, 350 cancer patients participated in the study. Rasch analysis of the 12-items version of the WHODAS 2.0 was conducted and included testing unidimensionality, local independence, and testing for differential item functioning (DIF) with regard to age, gender, type of cancer, presence of metastases, psycho-oncological support, and duration of disease.

Results

After accounting for local dependence, which was mainly found across items of the same WHODAS domain, satisfactory overall fit to the Rasch model was established (χ2 = 36.14, p = 0.07) with good reliability (PSI = 0.82) and unidimensionality of the scale. DIF was found for gender (testlet ‘Life activities’) and age (testlet ‘Getting around/Self-care’), but the size of DIF was not substantial.

Conclusion

Overall, the analysis results according to the Rasch model support the use of the WHODAS 2.0 12-item version as a measure of disability in cancer patients.
Robust and Facile Automated Radiosynthesis of [18F]FSPG on the GE FASTlab
Authors: Edwards Richard , Greenwood Hannah E. , McRobbie Graeme , Khan Imtiaz , Witney Timothy H.
Published: May 2021

Purpose

(S)-4-(3-18F-Fluoropropyl)-ʟ-Glutamic Acid ([18F]FSPG) is a radiolabeled non-natural amino acid that is used for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of the glutamate/cystine antiporter, system xC-, whose expression is upregulated in many cancer types. To increase the clinical adoption of this radiotracer, reliable and facile automated procedures for [18F]FSPG production are required. Here, we report a cassette-based method to produce [18F]FSPG at high radioactivity concentrations from low amounts of starting activity.

Procedures

An automated synthesis and purification of [18F]FSPG was developed using the GE FASTlab. Optimization of the reaction conditions and automated manipulations were performed by measuring the isolated radiochemical yield of [18F]FSPG and by assessing radiochemical purity using radio-HPLC. Purification of [18F]FSPG was conducted by trapping and washing of the radiotracer on Oasis MCX SPE cartridges, followed by a reverse elution of [18F]FSPG in phosphate-buffered saline. Subsequently, the [18F]FSPG obtained from the optimized process was used to image an animal model of non-small cell lung cancer.

Results

The optimized protocol produced [18F]FSPG in 38.4 ± 2.6 % radiochemical yield and >96 % radiochemical purity with a molar activity of 11.1 ± 7.7 GBq/μmol. Small alterations, including the implementation of a reverse elution and an altered Hypercarb cartridge, led to significant improvements in radiotracer concentration from <10 MBq/ml to >100 MBq/ml. The improved radiotracer concentration allowed for the imaging of up to 20 mice, starting with just 1.5 GBq of [18F]Fluoride.

Conclusions

We have developed a robust and facile method for [18F]FSPG radiosynthesis in high radiotracer concentration, radiochemical yield, and radiochemical purity. This cassette-based method enabled the production of [18F]FSPG at radioactive concentrations sufficient to facilitate large-scale preclinical experiments with a single prep of starting activity. The use of a cassette-based radiosynthesis on an automated synthesis module routinely used for clinical production makes the method amenable to rapid and widespread clinical translation.
The Influence of Gut Microbiota on the Cardiovascular System Under Conditions of Obesity and Chronic Stress
Authors: Dubinski Piotr , Czarzasta Katarzyna , Cudnoch-Jedrzejewska Agnieszka
Published: May 2021

Purpose of Review

Based on the available data, it can be assumed that microbiota is an integral part of the human body. The most heavily colonized area of the human body is the gut, with bacterial accumulation ranging from 101–103 cells/g in the upper intestine to 1011–1012 cells/g in the colon. However, colonization of the gut is not the same throughout, as it was shown that there are differences between the composition of the microbiota in the intestine lumen and in the proximity of the mucus layer.

Recent Findings

Gut microbiota gradient can be differentially regulated by factors such as obesity and chronic stress. In particular, a high fat diet influences the gut microbial composition. It was also found that chronic stress may cause the development of obesity and thus change the organization of the intestinal barrier. Recent research has shown the significant effect of intestinal microflora on cardiovascular function. Enhanced absorption of bacterial fragments, such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), promotes the onset of “metabolic endotoxemia,” which could activate toll-like receptors, which mediates an inflammatory response and in severe cases could cause cardiovascular diseases. It is presumed that the intestinal microbiota, and especially its metabolites (LPS and trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO)), may play an important role in the pathogenesis of arterial hypertension, atherosclerosis, and heart failure.

This review focuses on how gut microbiota can change the morphological and functional activity of the cardiovascular system in the course of obesity and in conditions of chronic stress.
Foam-Resilient Distillation Processes—Influence of Pentosan and Thermal Energy Input on Foam Accumulation in Rye Mash Distillation
Authors: Heller Daniel , Einfalt Daniel
Published: May 2021

Foaming of mashes during distillation is a common problem encountered in spirit drink production. It has a negative impact on the purity of the final product. This research article presents the key aspects of foam accumulation in rye mashes during distillation. Foam accumulation was influenced by substrate characteristics and process parameters. The experiments showed that pentosan levels and thermal energy input were the crucial parameters for foam accumulation in rye mashes. Foam accumulation was significantly enhanced by higher pentosan levels, due to the higher viscosity imparted by pentosan. Hence, degradation of pentosans prior to distillation presents a way to reduce foam accumulation. In terms of thermal energy input, foam accumulation was significantly lower when the thermal energy input was reduced from 400 to 200 W/L. Substantial foaming only occurred in a narrow temperature range of 89.5 to 98.2 C. The results allowed for the first time to make recommendations to prevent problematic foam accumulation during distillation of rye mashes.
The impact of healthy lifestyles on academic achievement among Italian adolescents
Authors: Maniaci Giuseppe , La Cascia Caterina , Giammanco Alessandra , Ferraro Laura , Palummo Alessia , Saia Giovanni F. , Pinetti Gaia , Zarbo Manuela , La Barbera Daniele
Published: May 2021

We evaluated the association between healthy lifestyles and academic achievement in a sample of 373 adolescent Italian students. Specifically, we investigated on the association between use of illegal drugs, habits to practice a regular physical, typology of diet, levels of social support, levels of self-esteem, level of Internet use, perceived stress and amount of sleep and academic achievement. Academic performance was positively correlated with good diet, perceived social support, and self-esteem. A statistically significant difference emerged between students with high versus low correct grade point averages in relation to lifetime and current use of illegal drugs. Last, academic performance was negatively correlated with Internet use, perceived stress, and bad diet. A multiple regression analysis was conducted in order to predict academic achievement based on good diet, physical activity, self-esteem, sleep hours, perceived stress, problematic Internet use, perceived social support, and lifetime substance use while controlling for age, gender, and years of education. As expected, healthy lifestyles behaviors were highlighted as a significant predictor in academic achievement. Specifically, it was showed that a good diet as well as nonproblematic Internet use significantly predicted academic success. Moreover, it was found that gender did not moderate the relationship between those predictors and academic achievement. The results of our study show that to practice healthy lifestyle behaviors is a relevant factor for a better performance at school, at least in our sample.
Long-COVID Headache
Authors: Martelletti Paolo , Bentivegna E. , Spuntarelli V. , Luciani M.
Published: May 2021

The so-called long COVID-19 is a set of symptoms that accompanies the patient even for months after discharge from the hospital. These symptoms include easy muscle fatigue, moderate breathlessness, persistent headache, the feeling of a foggy head, and the development of psychiatric disorders. In general, the quality of life of at least half of the patients who come out of the COVID-19 syndrome, both mild and severe, shows a markedly worsening despite having passed a difficult physical and psychological test. Among all the neurological disorders that can most frequently be found in the long COVID-19, it is important to consider the persistent headache symptomatology as a possible chronic sequela of the infection. Since there is not a definition in the International Headache Society classification of this type of headache, we must focus our attention on this long-COVID-19 headache especially because clinical studies are being planned to collect big data for the International Headache Society Classification Committee.
Erectile Dysfunction and Decreased Libido in Klinefelter Syndrome: A Prevalence Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression Study
Authors: Barbonetti Arcangelo , D’Andrea Settimio , Vena Walter , Pizzocaro Alessandro , Rastrelli Giulia , Pallotti Francesco , Condorelli Rosita , Calogero Aldo E. , Pasquali Daniela , Ferlin Alberto , Foresta Carlo , Jannini Emmanuele A. , Maggi Mario , Lenzi Andrea , Pivonello Rosario , Isidori Andrea , Garolla Andrea , Francavilla Sandro , Corona Giovanni
Published: May 2021

Background

Only few studies have assessed sexual dysfunction in men with Klinefelter syndrome (KS).

Aim

To define pooled prevalence estimates and correlates of erectile dysfunction (ED) and decreased libido (DL) in KS.

Methods

A thorough search of Medline, Embase and Web of Science was performed to identify suitable studies. Quality of the articles was scored using the Assessment Tool for Prevalence Studies. Data were combined using random effect models and the between-studies heterogeneity was assessed by the Cochrane’s Q and I2. The sources of heterogeneity were investigated by meta-regression and sub-group analyses. Funnel plot, Begg’s rank correlation and trim-and-fill test were used to assess publication bias.

Main Outcome Measure

The pooled prevalence of ED and DL in KS as well as 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated from the proportion of cases of sexual dysfunction and the sample size. Variables that could affect the estimates were identified by linear meta-regression models.

RESULTS

Sixteen studies included collectively gave information about ED and DL in 482 and 368 KS men, respectively, resulting in a pooled prevalence of 28% (95% CI: 19%–36%) for ED and 51% (95% CI: 36%–66%) for DL, with a large heterogeneity. The trim-and-fill adjustment for publication bias produced a negligible effect on the pooled estimates. At the meta-regression analyses, a higher prevalence of ED was significantly associated with an older age but not with lower testosterone levels. In series with a mean age >35 years, the ED prevalence estimate increased up to 38% (95% CI: 31%–44%) with no heterogeneity (I2=0.0%, P=0.6). On the contrary, the prevalence of DL increased significantly as testosterone levels decreased, without a significant relationship with age.

Clinical Implications

While DL would largely reflect an androgen deficiency, in older men with KS, erectile function should be assessed irrespective of testosterone levels.

Strength & Limitations

This is the first meta-analysis defining pooled prevalence estimates and correlates of ED and DL in KS. Nevertheless, caution is required when interpreting results, due to the high risk of bias in many studies, as well as the dearth of data about psychosocial and/or psychosexological variables and age at the diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

ED and DL represent common clinical complaints in KS. While the prevalence of ED would increase with age, DL gets more common as serum testosterone decreases. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the pathogenetic mechanism(s) underlying the age-dependent increase in the prevalence of ED, apparently unrelated to the androgenic status.
Mammalian Sexuality
Authors: Dixson Alan F.
Published: May 2021

There are more than 6000 species belonging to twenty-seven orders in the Class Mammalia. Comparative studies of this diverse and magnificent array of extant species provide valuable opportunities to formulate and test hypotheses concerning the evolution of reproduction. This is the first book to explore, in depth and breadth, the complex interrelationships that exist between patterns of mating behaviour and the evolution of mammalian reproductive anatomy and physiology. It focuses upon the role that copulatory and post-copulatory sexual selection have played during the evolution of the monotremes, marsupials and placental mammals, and examines the effects of sperm competition and cryptic female choice upon coevolution of the genitalia in the two sexes. In addition, due weight is also given to discussions of the modes of life of mammals, and to the roles played by natural selection and phylogeny in determining their reproductive traits.
A Philosopher Looks at Architecture
Authors: Guyer Paul
Published: May 2021

What should our buildings look like? Or is their usability more important than their appearance? Paul Guyer argues that the fundamental goals of architecture first identified by the Roman architect Marcus Pollio Vitruvius - good construction, functionality, and aesthetic appeal - have remained valid despite constant changes in human activities, building materials and technologies, as well as in artistic styles and cultures. Guyer discusses philosophers and architects throughout history, including Alberti, Kant, Ruskin, Wright, and Loos, and surveys the ways in which their ideas are brought to life in buildings across the world. He also considers the works and words of contemporary architects including Annabelle Selldorf, Herzog and de Meuron, and Steven Holl, and shows that - despite changing times and fashions - good architecture continues to be something worth striving for. This new series offers short and personal perspectives by expert thinkers on topics that we all encounter in our everyday lives.
A Philosopher Looks at Human Beings
Authors: Ruse Michael
Published: May 2021

Why do we think ourselves superior to all other animals? Are we right to think so? In this book, Michael Ruse explores these questions in religion, science and philosophy. Some people think that the world is an organism - and that humans, as its highest part, have a natural value (this view appeals particularly to people of religion). Others think that the world is a machine - and that we therefore have responsibility for making our own value judgements (including judgements about ourselves). Ruse provides a compelling analysis of these two rival views and the age-old conflict between them. In a wide-ranging and fascinating discussion, he draws on Darwinism and existentialism to argue that only the view that the world is a machine does justice to our humanity. This new series offers short and personal perspectives by expert thinkers on topics that we all encounter in our everyday lives.
A Social and Economic History of the Theatre to 300 BC
Authors: Csapo Eric , Wilson Peter
Published: May 2021

This is the second volume of A Social and Economic History of the Theatre to 300 BC and focuses exclusively on theatre culture in Attica (Rural Dionysia) and the rest of the Greek world. It presents and discusses in detail all the documentary and material evidence for theatre culture and dramatic production from the first two centuries of theatre history, namely the period c.500 to c.300 BC. The traditional assumption is laid to rest that theatre was an exclusively or primarily Athenian institution, with the inclusion of all sources of information for theatrical performances in twenty-two deme sites and over one hundred and twenty independent Greek (and some non-Greek) cities. All texts are translated and made accessible to non-specialists and specialists alike. The volume will be a fundamental work of reference for all classicists and theatre historians interested in ancient theatre and its wider historical contexts.
Machine Learning Arrives in Archaeology
Authors: Bickler Simon H.
Published: May 2021

Overview

Machine learning (ML) is rapidly being adopted by archaeologists interested in analyzing a range of geospatial, material cultural, textual, natural, and artistic data. The algorithms are particularly suited toward rapid identification and classification of archaeological features and objects. The results of these new studies include identification of many new sites around the world and improved classification of large archaeological datasets. ML fits well with more traditional methods used in archaeological analysis, and it remains subject to both the benefits and difficulties of those approaches. Small datasets associated with archaeological work make ML vulnerable to hidden complexity, systemic bias, and high validation costs if not managed appropriately. ML's scalability, flexibility, and rapid development, however, make it an essential part of twenty-first-century archaeological practice. This review briefly describes what ML is, how it is being used in archaeology today, and where it might be used in the future for archaeological purposes.
Synthesis of an active flutter suppression system in the transonic domain using a computational model
Authors: Vepa R. , Kwon J.R.
Published: May 2021

Control laws for implementing active flutter suppression are generally derived from linear aeroelastic models. In this paper, families of control laws for implementing an active flutter suppression system were initially designed using linearised aeroelastic models based on the doublet lattice method after ignoring the aerodynamic loads associated with relatively faster time scales. Using these preliminary sets of control laws and the nonlinear transonic small disturbance theory, near-optimum control laws were chosen in the transonic domain to maximally increase the flutter speed of a typical aircraft wing by at least 16% or more. Thus it is shown that it is feasible to systematically design near-optimal control laws for active flutter suppression using computational models in transonic flow. The doublet lattice method coupled with the zeroth-order matrix Padé approximant provided the fastest method for synthesising a large number of preliminary control laws. The methodology was successfully demonstrated by applying it to two benchmarking examples.
What’s In the Manuscripts of Timbuktu? A Survey of the Contents of 31 Private Libraries
Authors: Stewart Charles C.
Published: May 2021

The Arabic manuscripts of Timbuktu have received considerable publicity during the past 25 years, yet their contents remain largely unknown. Since 2012, an inventory of nearly 350,000 Timbuktu manuscripts in private libraries has been underway, and the contents of those libraries are now accessible in the West African Arabic Manuscript Database (WAAMD). This analysis examines 31 of the 35 libraries and in addition to reporting on their contents, notes challenges in accessing incompletely identified works, and compares the manuscripts with other West African collections.
Both Feminist and Practical Politics: The Incorporation of Infertility Treatment into Family Planning in Britain, 1930s–1950s
Authors: Beers Laura
Published: May 2021

In the mid-twentieth century, the Family Planning Association emerged in Britain as one of the largest providers of infertility diagnosis for men and women. In the early years of the century, women were coming to birth control centers seeking cures for their childlessness, well before those centers began officially offering infertility investigation and treatment. What changed by mid-century was the emergence of a determination not only to welcome infertility patients at birth control clinics but to establish the clinics as centers for infertility research and care. Beginning in the late 1930s, eugenicists concerned with the impact of population decline on the social acceptability of birth control formed an alliance with feminist medical professionals determined both to empower women in involuntarily childless marriages to understand and address the causes of their infertility and to shift the paradigm of infertility treatment away from its over-focus on the female body. This political marriage of convenience gave birth to a large-scale movement to diagnose both male and female infertility through the auspices of the Family Planning Association. The organization's infertility program, in turn, spurred the development of infertility as a field of medical research in postwar Britain and encouraged the expansion of National Health Service provision of infertility care.
Occurrence of global instability in hypersonic compression corner flow
Authors: Hao Jiaao , Cao Shibin , Wen Chih-Yung , Olivier Herbert
Published: May 2021

Hypersonic flow over a two-dimensional compression corner with a Mach number of 7.7 and unit Reynolds number of 4.2 × 106m−1is numerically investigated. Special emphasis is given to the onset of global instability with respect to three-dimensional perturbations. Global stability analysis is performed for various ramp angles and wall temperatures. It is found that the shock-induced separated flow system becomes unstable when the ramp angle is beyond a certain value. The critical ramp angle increases slightly with the wall temperature, although the length of the separation region is significantly enlarged. The global instability is shown to be closely linked with the occurrence of secondary separation beneath the primary separation bubble. A criterion is established based on a scaled ramp angle defined in the triple-deck theory to predict the global stability boundary, which depends on the free-stream conditions and geometries only.
Genes go digital: Mendelian Inheritance in Man and the genealogy of electronic publishing in biomedicine
Authors: McGovern Michael F.
Published: May 2021

Mendelian Inheritance in Man (MIM), a computerized catalogue of human genetic disorders authored and maintained by cardiologist and medical genetics pioneer Victor A. McKusick, played a major part in demarcating between a novel biomedical science and the eugenic projects of racial betterment which existed prior to its emergence. Nonetheless, it built upon prior efforts to systematize genetic knowledge tied to individuals and institutions invested in eugenics. By unpacking the process of digitizing a homespun cataloguing project and charting its development into an online database, this article aims to illuminate how the institution-building efforts of one individual created an ‘information order’ for accessing genetic information that tacitly shaped the norms and priorities of the field toward the pursuit of specific genes associated with discernible genetic disorders. This was not by design, but rather arose through negotiation with the catalogue's users; it accommodated further changes as biomedical research displaced the Mendelian paradigm. While great effort was expended toward making sequence data available to investigators during the Human Genome Project, MIM was largely taken for granted as a ‘legacy system’, McKusick's own labour of love. Drawing on recent histories of biomedical data, the article suggests that the bibliographical work of curation and translation is a central feature of value production in the life sciences meriting attention in its own right.
THE FAMILY TRADITIONS OF THE GENS MARCIA BETWEEN THE FOURTH AND THIRD CENTURIES b.c.
Authors: Morelli Davide
Published: May 2021

In the mid fourth century b.c. some Roman gentes drew on a Pythagorean tradition. In this tradition, Numa's role of Pythagoras’ disciple connected Rome (and the gentes) with Greek elites and culture. The Marcii, between 304 and 300 b.c., used Numa's figure, recently reshaped by the Aemilii and the Pinarii for their propaganda, to promote the need for a plebeian pontificate. After the approval of the Ogulnium plebiscite (300 b.c.), the needs for this kind of propaganda fell away. When Marcius Censorinus became censor, Numa's pontificate was no longer relevant for promoting the gens. For this reason, the Marcii used another genealogy for similar propagandistic effect: the figure of Marsyas, a symbol of plebeian ideals.
NOTE ON THE p-DIVISIBILITY OF CLASS NUMBERS OF AN INFINITE FAMILY OF IMAGINARY QUADRATIC FIELDS
Authors: KRISHNAMOORTHY SRIlAKSHMI , PASUPULATI SUNIL KUMAR
Published: May 2021

For any odd prime p, we construct an infinite family of imaginary quadratic fields whose class numbers are divisible by p. We give a corollary that settles Iizuka’s conjecture for the case n=1 and p>2.