bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mothers’ and Children’s Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown: The Mediating Role of Parenting Stress
Authors: Babore Alessandra , Trumello Carmen , Lombardi Lucia , Candelori Carla , Chirumbolo Antonio , Cattelino Elena , Baiocco Roberto , Bramanti Sonia Monique , Viceconti Maria Luisa , Pignataro Silvia , Morelli Mara
Published: August 2021

The present study, carried out during the first peak of the COVID-19 outbreak in Italy, aimed at investigating the mental health of mothers and children during the nationwide lockdown. More specifically, the study investigated children’s depression and mothers’ individual distress and parenting stress, in comparison with normative samples. The mediating effect of mothers’ parenting stress on the relationship between mothers’ individual distress and children’s depression was also explored. Finally, the study analyzed whether children’s biological sex and age moderated the structural paths of the proposed model. A sample of 206 Italian mothers and their children completed an online survey. Mothers were administered self-report questionnaires investigating individual distress and parenting stress; children completed a standardized measure of depression. Mothers’ individual distress and parenting stress and children’s depression were higher than those recorded for the normative samples. Mothers’ parenting stress was found to mediate the association between mothers’ individual distress and children’s depression. With respect to children, neither biological sex nor age emerged as significant moderators of this association, highlighting that the proposed model was robust and invariant. During the current and future pandemics, public health services should support parents—and particularly mothers—in reducing individual distress and parenting stress, as these are associated with children’s depression.
The Impact of Career Concerns and Cognitive Dissonance on Bureaucrats’ Use of Benefit-Cost Analysis
Authors: Hammes Johanna Jussila
Published: August 2021

Previous research shows that Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA) is seldom done in Sweden, and that the results e.g., in Norway and the Netherlands do not influence the ultimate policy choice. We explain why bureaucrats may choose (not) to do a BCA with cognitive- and search costs coupled with career concerns. Given the initial policy chosen by an agenda setter, bureaucrats who stay working at an agency have policy preferences close to the initial policy; those with reservation wages above a threshold quit and therefore do not influence policy. The bureaucrats’ preferences converge to the initial policy level over time. A BCA reveals the inefficiency of the initial policy and the bureaucrats consequently have no incentive to do one, except when the policy is restricted by a binding governmental budget constraint.
Unfettering discussions about social justice: the role of conversational prompts in discussions about mathematics education for Indigenous students
Authors: Meaney Tamsin , Fyhn A. B. , Graham S. R. W.
Published: August 2021

To increase possibilities for listening respectfully to Indigenous educators, there is a need to identify conversational prompts which are used to raise alternative views of social justice about mathematics education for Indigenous students. Using Nancy Fraser’s description of abnormal social justice, an analysis was made of transcripts from round table sessions, at an Indigenous mathematics education conference. This analysis identified a number of conversational prompts that enabled shifts from normal to abnormal discussions about social justice. Normal discussions exhibited assumptions in which mathematics was valued as a Western domain of knowledge; cultural examples could be used as vehicles to teach mathematics; and decisions about education for Indigenous students should be made by external authorities. In abnormal discussions, these assumptions were queried and alternative possibilities arose. The conversational prompts, which initiated this querying, occurred in a number of ways, including the telling of stories and the asking of questions that either directly or indirectly challenged normal justice discourses about Indigenous students’ learning of mathematics. Identifying conversational prompts can assist non-Indigenous mathematics educators, who wish to be allies, to challenge their own and others’ assumptions about normal social justice issues related to mathematics education for Indigenous students.
Spinal Cord Injury Increases Pro-inflammatory Cytokine Expression in Kidney at Acute and Sub-chronic Stages
Authors: Parvin Shangrila , Williams Clintoria R. , Jarrett Simone A. , Garraway Sandra M.
Published: August 2021

Abstract—

Accumulating evidence supports that spinal cord injury (SCI) produces robust inflammatory plasticity. We previously showed that the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α is increased in the spinal cord after SCI. SCI also induces a systemic inflammatory response that can impact peripheral organ functions. The kidney plays an important role in maintaining cardiovascular health. However, SCI-induced inflammatory response in the kidney and the subsequent effect on renal function have not been well characterized. This study investigated the impact of high and low thoracic (T) SCI on C-fos, TNFα, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 expression in the kidney at acute and sub-chronic timepoints. Adult C57BL/6 mice received a moderate contusion SCI or sham procedures at T4 or T10. Uninjured mice served as naïve controls. mRNA levels of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, TNFα, and C-fos, and TNFα and C-fos protein expression were assessed in the kidney and spinal cord 1 day and 14 days post-injury. The mRNA levels of all targets were robustly increased in the kidney and spinal cord, 1 day after both injuries. Whereas IL-6 and TNFα remained elevated in the spinal cord at 14 days after SCI, C-fos, IL-6, and TNFα levels were sustained in the kidney only after T10 SCI. TNFα protein was significantly upregulated in the kidney 1 day after both T4 and T10 SCI. Overall, these results clearly demonstrate that SCI induces robust systemic inflammation that extends to the kidney. Hence, the presence of renal inflammation can substantially impact renal pathophysiology and function after SCI.
Interocular biometric parameters comparison measured with swept-source technology
Authors: Albarrán-Diego César , Poyales Francisco , López-Artero Esther , Garzón Nuria , García-Montero María
Published: August 2021

Purpose

In the event that any ocular parameter involved in the calculation of intraocular lens power could not be properly measured in one eye, it is important to know whether clinically relevant differences between both eyes can be expected. The aim of this work is to evaluate the symmetry of interocular biometric parameters.

Methods

This was a prospective, cross-sectional study involving 4090 subjects. Patients underwent consecutive swept-source optical biometry performed with an IOLMaster 700 (Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, Jena, Germany). The biometric parameters that were evaluated were: axial length (AL), mean anterior curvature (Rm), anterior chamber depth (ACD), crystalline lens thickness (LT), central corneal thickness (CCT) and white-to-white (WTW). The Chang–Waring chord distance (CWC-D) and the Chang–Waring chord angle (CWC-A) were also evaluated.

Results

There is an excellent correlation between both eyes for almost all the biometric parameters under study, with the exception of the CWC. Agreement for AL was better for eyes shorter than 24 mm. The linearity of the OD-vs-OS relationship can be correctly assumed for all parameters (Cusum test: p > 0.05 in all cases).

Conclusion

There are no clinically significant interocular differences for the biometric parameters under study, although for all of them, except the LT, statistically significant differences did arise. In the case of AL, moderate differences can be expected in eyes larger than 24 mm.
A demographic and ecological study of an Italian population of Polyommatus ripartii: the ESU Polyommatus exuberans
Authors: Parile Enrico , Piccini Irene , Bonelli Simona
Published: August 2021

Polyommatus exuberansis an evolutionarily significant unit (ESU) of the lycaenid butterflyPolyommatus ripartii. This ESU is known to survive at only two sites in the Susa Valley (NW Italy). Lack of correct management, reforestation and frequent wildfires severely threaten this ESU (listed as endangered species in the most recent IUCN Italian Red List). Although the taxonomic rank of this taxon is still debated, current threats could cause extinction of its two remaining populations before its taxonomic rank and its ecology are clarified. We collected data for the first time on this population at the small site of Mompantero (ab. 10 ha). We used butterfly GPS-positioning and the mark-release-recapture (MRR)-method to estimate its population size (269 individuals), sex-ratio (1.36 M/F), lifespan (4.76 days), density (47/ha) and mobility (median 153 and 33 m for males and females, respectively). Both sexes are equally catchable. Catchability increases around midday and decreases during overcast weather. While the size and density of this small population are comparable to those of other endemicPolyommatusspecies (such asP. humedasaeandP. gennargenti), scarce mobility makes its populations isolated and even more seriously threatened.

Implications for insect conservation

We suggest that implementing an active management plan, including mowing before July and/or in autumn, and supporting ant diversity, is of immediate importance. Management should be extended to road verges, where the larval host plant (Onobrychissp.) is abundant, and would thus also serve as corridors to favour dispersion between sites. Our research is the first study to investigate this taxon, thus shedding some light on the ecological and biological aspects that are crucial for long-term survival.
Repair of long bone defects of large size using a tissue-engineered periosteum in a rabbit model
Authors: Zhao Lin , Zhao Junli , Tuo Zhenhe , Ren Guangtie
Published: August 2021

Tissue engineering is a promising approach for bone regeneration. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether tissue engineered periosteum (TEP), which was fabricated by combining osteogenically-induced mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS), could restore long bone defects of large size in rabbits. Twenty-four adult New Zealand white rabbits (NZWRs) were used in the experiments. Long bone defects of large size (30 mm-50 mm; average, 40 mm) were established on both sides of NZWRs’ radii. The defects were treated with TEP (Group A), allogeneic deproteinized bone (DPB, Group B), TEP combined with DPB (Group C), and pure SIS (Group D). The healing outcome was evaluated by radiography and histological examination at 4, 8, and 12 weeks post-treatment. The radiographical findings showed that bone defects of large size were all repaired in Groups A, B and C within 12 weeks, whereas Group D (pure SIS group) failed to result in defect healing at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Although there was some new bone regeneration connecting the allografts and bone ends, as observed under radiographical and histological observations, bone defects of large sizes were restored primarily by structurally allografted DPB within 12 weeks. The TEP groups (Groups A and C) showed partial or total bone regeneration upon histological inspection. Based on 12-week histological examinations, significantly more bone was formed in Group A than Group C (P < 0.05), and both groups formed significantly more bone than in Groups B and D. The results indicated that long bone defects of a large size could be restored by TEP or TEP combined with the DPB scaffold, and such materials provide an alternative approach to resolving pathological bone defects in clinical settings.
Minimum-uncertainty coherent states of the hyperbolic and trigonometric Rosen–Morse oscillators
Authors: Molski Marcin
Published: August 2021

A mixed supersymmetric-algebraic approach is employed to generate the minimum uncertainty coherent states of the hyperbolic and trigonometric Rosen–Morse oscillators. The method proposed produces the superpotentials, ground state eigenfunctions and associated eigenvalues as well as the Schrödinger equation in the factorized form amenable to direct treatment in the algebraic or supersymmetric scheme. In the standard approach the superpotentials are calculated by solution of the Riccati equation for the given form of potential energy function or by differentiation of the ground state eigenfunction. The procedure applied is general and permits derivation the exact analytical solutions and coherent states for the most important model oscillators employed in molecular quantum chemistry, coherent spectroscopy (femtochemistry) and coherent nonlinear optics.
The effect of natural disasters on FDI attraction: a sector-based analysis over time and space
Authors: Neise Thomas , Sohns Franziska , Breul Moritz , Revilla Diez Javier
Published: August 2021

Extensive research has addressed the question of why some countries are able to attract a large amount of foreign direct investment (FDI), while others are not. Until now, this research mostly neglected natural disasters as a business risk. In the realm of natural disaster research, some studies have investigated the effect of natural disasters on FDI inflow. However, this research remains overly simplistic and conceals the complexities of the underlying relationship. As such, this article aims to provide a more deciphered perspective by considering variations across economic sectors and the dynamic effect of natural disasters. We apply hybrid panel regressions to a dataset of 181 countries over a period of 13 years across four different economic sectors. The analysis shows that the effect of natural disasters on FDI inflow varies among economic sectors. From a longitudinal perspective, the study finds a positive relationship between exposure to natural disasters and the inflow of FDI within countries 3 and 5 years after an event. Overall, the findings highlight the complex nature of the relationship between natural disasters and FDI and warn against using too simplistic approaches.
Identifying material parameters in crystal plasticity by Bayesian optimization
Authors: Kuhn Jannick , Spitz Jonathan , Sonnweber-Ribic Petra , Schneider Matti , Böhlke Thomas
Published: August 2021

In this work, we advocate using Bayesian techniques for inversely identifying material parameters for multiscale crystal plasticity models. Multiscale approaches for modeling polycrystalline materials may significantly reduce the effort necessary for characterizing such material models experimentally, in particular when a large number of cycles is considered, as typical for fatigue applications. Even when appropriate microstructures and microscopic material models are identified, calibrating the individual parameters of the model to some experimental data is necessary for industrial use, and the task is formidable as even a single simulation run is time consuming (although less expensive than a corresponding experiment). For solving this problem, we investigate Gaussian process based Bayesian optimization, which iteratively builds up and improves a surrogate model of the objective function, at the same time accounting for uncertainties encountered during the optimization process. We describe the approach in detail, calibrating the material parameters of a high-strength steel as an application. We demonstrate that the proposed method improves upon comparable approaches based on an evolutionary algorithm and performing derivative-free methods.
Flow and the dynamics of conscious thought
Authors: Shepherd Joshua
Published: August 2021

The flow construct has been influential within positive psychology, sport psychology, the science of consciousness, the philosophy of agency, and popular culture. In spite of its longstanding influence, it remains unclear [a] how the constituents of the flow state ‘hang together’—how they relate to each other causally and functionally—[b] in what sense flow is an ‘optimal experience,’ and [c] how best to describe the unique phenomenology of the flow state. As a result, difficulties persist for a clear understanding of the flow state’s structure and function. After explicating the standard view of the flow construct (section one), I articulate several basic questions regarding its nature and functional roles (section two), and I argue that these questions are best answered by integrating flow within broader streams of research on the dynamics of thought, on cognitive control resource allocation, and on creative thought (sections three and four).
Contrasting ability of deep and shallow rooting rice genotypes to grow through plough pans containing simulated biopores and cracks
Authors: Islam M.D. Dhin , Price Adam H. , Hallett Paul D.
Published: August 2021

Aims

Cracks and biopores in compacted soil such as plough pans could aid deep rooting, mitigating constraints to seasonal upland use of paddy fields for rice production. This research investigated how soil macropores through a simulated plough pan affects root growth of contrasting deep and shallow rooting rice genotypes.

Methods

Deep rooting Black Gora and shallow rooting IR64 rice varieties were grown in packed cores of unsaturated soil in a controlled greenhouse. Simulated biopores and cracks (macropores) were inserted through the plough pan to form treatments with no macropores, biopores, cracks, and combined cracks and biopores. Different root parameters such as root length density (RLD), root volume, root diameter, number of root tips and branches were measured. The number of roots was calculated manually, including the number of roots growing through macropores in the plough pan layer.

Results

Plough pans with macropores had 25–32% more roots than with no macropores. RLD was 55% greater in the plough pan layer if cracks were present compared to biopores. Conversely, RLD was 26% less in subsoil if the plough pan had cracks compared to biopores. Different root parameters were greatly influenced by the presence of macropores in the plough pan, and deep-rooted Black Gora produced 81% greater RLD, 30% more root numbers and 103% more branching than the shallow rooted rice genotype IR64 within the plough pan layer.

Conclusions

Macropores greatly improve rice root growth through plough pans for a deep rooting but not a shallow rooting rice variety. Whereas cracks produce a greater number of roots in the plough pan, biopores result in greater root branching and root numbers deeper in subsoil.
Missing data strategies for the Patient-Reported Outcomes version of the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (PRO-CTCAE) in Alliance A091105 and COMET-2
Authors: Mazza Gina L. , Petersen Molly M. , Ginos Brenda , Langlais Blake T. , Heon Narre , Gounder Mrinal M. , Mahoney Michelle R. , Zoroufy Alexander J. , Schwartz Gary K. , Rogak Lauren J. , Thanarajasingam Gita , Basch Ethan , Dueck Amylou C.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Missing scores complicate analysis of the Patient-Reported Outcomes version of the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (PRO-CTCAE) because patients with and without missing scores may systematically differ. We focus on optimal analysis methods for incomplete PRO-CTCAE items, with application to two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase III trials.

Methods

In Alliance A091105 and COMET-2, patients completed PRO-CTCAE items before randomization and several times post-randomization (N = 64 and 107, respectively). For each trial, we conducted between-arm comparisons on the PRO-CTCAE via complete-case two-sample t-tests, mixed modeling with contrast, and multiple imputation followed by two-sample t-tests. Because interest lies in whether CTCAE grades can inform missing PRO-CTCAE scores, we performed multiple imputation with and without CTCAE grades as auxiliary variables to assess the added benefit of including them in the imputation model relative to only including PRO-CTCAE scores across all cycles.

Results

PRO-CTCAE completion rates ranged from 100.0 to 71.4% and 100.0 to 77.1% across time in A091105 and COMET-2, respectively. In both trials, mixed modeling and multiple imputation provided the most similar estimates of the average treatment effects. Including CTCAE grades in the imputation model did not consistently narrow confidence intervals of the average treatment effects because correlations for the same PRO-CTCAE item between different cycles were generally stronger than correlations between each PRO-CTCAE item and its corresponding CTCAE grade at the same cycle.

Conclusion

For between-arm comparisons, mixed modeling and multiple imputation are informative techniques for handling missing PRO-CTCAE scores. CTCAE grades do not provide added benefit for informing missing PRO-CTCAE scores. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifiers: NCT02066181 (Alliance A091105); NCT01522443 (COMET-2).
Efficacy of a hypolipid diet in patients with primary antiphospholipid syndrome with dyslipidemia: a prospective study
Authors: Rodrigues Thays C. R. , de Oliveira Vaz Camila , Miranda Eliana C. M. , Pereira Marcos , da Silva Saraiva Sabrina , Annichino-Bizzacchi Joyce Maria , de Moraes Mazetto Bruna , Orsi Fernanda A.
Published: August 2021

Although dyslipidemia is associated with poorer prognosis in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), the management of lipid disorders can be challenging. While statins may increase the bleeding risk associated with anticoagulation, the effectiveness of hypolipid diet (HD) has not yet been established in patients with autoimmune disorders. In this study, we evaluated whether HD is associated with decreases in cholesterol levels in patients with thrombotic primary APS (t-PAPS) and dyslipidemia. Nutritional and lipid profiles were assessed before HD was initiated (baseline) and after 3 and 6 months with HD. A 24-h dietary recall was applied to assess the adherence to the diet. Forty-four patients were included, mean age was 43 years (± 12.93) and 65% were female. After HD was started, the intake of carbohydrates, lipids, saturated fats and cholesterol decreased, whereas dietary fiber intake increased. Levels of total cholesterol (TC) and non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) decreased after 3 and 6 months of HD, as compared to baseline (P = 0.007 and P = 0.008). Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) values did not change during the study period. The mean body mass index (BMI) decreased from 28.4 to 27.8 kg/m2 after six months of HD (p < 0.0001). In subgroup analysis, the effects of HD were more pronounced in patients with high TC, LDL-C or non-HDL-C levels at baseline and in those without obesity or hypertension. Nutritional intervention is feasible among t-PAPS and could be an alternative therapy to modulate lipid metabolism in this population.
Exogenous abscisic acid impacts the development of isolated immature endosperm in bread wheat
Authors: Chłosta Iwona , Kozieradzka-Kiszkurno Małgorzata , Kwolek Dagmara , Marcińska Izabela , Sieprawska Apolonia , Popielarska-Konieczna Marzena
Published: August 2021

Endosperm in cereals such as wheat, is a part of the mature seeds and a valuable source of key substances for humans and animals. For this reason, the development of immature endosperm tissues in planta was the focus of this research. However, it is commonly known that tissue culture conditions can alter the developmental pathway of plant cells and can expose their potency. There is scarce information about research on isolated endosperm in wheat. The development of isolated immature endosperm in the winter bread wheat variety ‘Kobra’, depending on the media composition, is presented in this study. Abscisic acid (ABA) is a key plant growth regulator for proper seed development. The addition of exogenous ABA had a positive impact on the size and ultrastructural features in isolated endosperm, especially of the outer aleurone-like cells. Furthermore, the content of starch in the endosperm cultured on a medium with ABA did not significantly differ from that of caryopsis at the same age, in contrast to soluble carbohydrates. Fluorescein diacetate (FDA) staining and confocal microscopy observation confirmed the viability of the cells from the outer layers. The analysis of internucleosomal fragmentation of DNA in the explants suggests the induction of programmed cell death (PCD) and DNA degradation typical of necrosis. We concluded that the development of isolated immature endosperm in bread wheat depends on the composition of the media. Thus, it could be a model for in vitro studies of this specific storage tissue and its response to culture conditions in bread wheat.
Management of local recurrence after radical nephrectomy: surgical removal with or without systemic treatment is still the gold standard. Results from a multicenter international cohort
Authors: Marchioni Michele , Sountoulides Petros , Furlan Maria , Mir Maria Carmen , Aretano Lucia , Rubio-Briones Jose , Alvarez-Maestro Mario , Di Nicola Marta , Bazán Alfredo Aguilera , Antonelli Alessandro , Simeone Claudio , Schips Luigi
Published: August 2021

Objective

To evaluate the survival outcomes of patients with local recurrence after radical nephrectomy (RN) and to test the effect of surgery, as monotherapy or in combination with systemic treatment, on cancer-specific mortality (CSM).

Methods

Patients with local recurrence after RN were abstracted from an international dataset. The primary outcome was CSM. Cox’s proportional hazard models tested the main predictors of CSM. Kaplan–Meier method estimates the 3-year survival rates.

Results

Overall, 96 patients were included. Of these, 44 (45.8%) were metastatic at the time of recurrence. The median time to recurrence after RN was 14.5 months. The 3-year cancer-specific survival rates after local recurrence were 92.3% (± 7.4%) for those who were treated with surgery and systemic therapy, 63.2% (± 13.2%) for those who only underwent surgery, 22.7% (± 0.9%) for those who only received systemic therapy and 20.5% (± 10.4%) for those who received no treatment (p < 0.001). Receiving only medical treatment (HR: 5.40, 95% CI 2.06–14.15, p = 0.001) or no treatment (HR: 5.63, 95% CI 2.21–14.92, p = 0.001) were both independently associated with higher CSM rates, even after multivariable adjustment. Following surgical treatment of local recurrence 8 (16.0%) patients reported complications, and 2/8 were graded as Clavien–Dindo ≥ 3.

Conclusions

Surgical treatment of local recurrence after RN, when feasible, should be offered to patients. Moreover, its association with a systemic treatment seems to warrantee adjunctive advantages in terms of survival, even in the presence of metastases.
Analysis of nocturnal desaturation waveforms using algorithms in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Yasuda Yuichiro , Nagano Tatsuya , Izumi Shintaro , Yasuda Mina , Tsuruno Kosuke , Tobino Kazunori , Nakata Kyosuke , Okamura Kayoko , Nishiuma Teruaki , Takatsuki Kiyonobu , Funada Yasuhiro , Ohnishi Hisashi , Yamamoto Masatsugu , Nishimura Yoshihiro , Kobayashi Kazuyuki
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Sleep-disordered breathing is recognized as a comorbidity in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Among them, nocturnal hypoxemia has been reported to be associated with poor prognosis and disease progression. We developed a diagnostic algorithm to classify nocturnal desaturation from percutaneous oxygen saturation (SpO2) waveform patterns: sustained pattern, periodic pattern, and intermittent pattern. We then investigated the prevalence of nocturnal desaturation and the association between the waveform patterns of nocturnal desaturation and clinical findings of patients with IPF.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled patients with IPF from seven general hospitals between April 2017 and March 2020 and measured nocturnal SpO2 and nasal airflow by using a home sleep apnea test. An algorithm was used to classify the types of nocturnal desaturation. We evaluated the association between sleep or clinical parameters and each waveform pattern of nocturnal desaturation.

Results

Among 60 patients (47 men) who met the eligibility criteria, there were 3 cases with the sustained pattern, 49 cases with the periodic pattern, and 41 cases with the intermittent pattern. Lowest SpO2 during sleep and total sleep time spent with SpO2 < 90% were associated with the sustained pattern, and apnea–hypopnea index was associated with the intermittent pattern.

Conclusion

We demonstrated the prevalence of each waveform and association between each waveform and sleep parameters in patients with IPF. This classification algorithm may be useful to predict the degree of hypoxemia or the complication of obstructive sleep apnea.
On the learning of addictive behavior: Sensation-seeking propensity predicts dopamine turnover in dorsal striatum
Authors: Chang Natalie Hong Siu , Kumakura Yoshitaka , Møller Arne , Linnet Jakob , Bender Dirk , Doudet Doris J. , Vafaee Manouchehr Seyedi , Gjedde Albert
Published: August 2021

We asked if sensation-seeking is linked to premorbid personality characteristics in patients with addictive disorders, or the characteristics follow the sensation-seeking activity. We interpreted the former as a state associated with normal rates of dopamine synthesis, and the latter as a trait of individuals with abnormally high rates of synthesis. We previously determined dopaminergic receptor density in striatum, and we now tested the hypothesis that an elevated dopaminergic condition with increased extracellular dopamine and receptor density follows increased dopamine synthesis capacity in highly sensation-seeking individuals, as measured by positron emission tomography of 18 men with tracer fluorodopa (FDOPA). We detected a site in left caudate nucleus where the volume of distribution of FDOPA-derived metabolites correlated negatively with FDOPA metabolite turnover, consistent with decreased metabolite breakdown in highly sensation-seeking subjects. High rates of sensation-seeking attenuated the dopamine turnover in association with a low rate of dopamine recycling, low dopamine oxidation, and elevated extracellular dopamine and receptors in caudate nucleus. In contrast, low rates of sensation-seeking were associated with rapid dopamine recycling, rapid dopamine oxidation, low extracellular dopamine, and low receptor density. We conclude that the modulation of dopaminergic neurotransmission associated with sensation-seeking is a state of sensation-seeking, rather than a trait of personality following abnormal regulation of dopaminergic neurotransmission.
When diversity leads to closed-mindedness: Cognitive factors explain the effects of perceived diversity
Authors: Schumpe Birga M. , Bélanger Jocelyn J. , Nisa Claudia F. , Pierro Antonio
Published: August 2021

This paper makes a case for explaining diversity effects through cognitive factors as compared to demographic or other differences in backgrounds. We argue that studying perceived diversity in conjunction with diversity beliefs can explain positive and negative effects through a motivated opening or closing of the mind (Need for Cognitive Closure, NFCC). NFCC is the motivation to avoid uncertainty and ambiguity. In Study 1, we experimentally demonstrate that asking participants to think about differences among their coworkers increases their NFCC. Study 2 shows that greater uncertainty about social norms in the workplace is positively related to NFCC. Study 3 confirms the mediating role of NFCC in explaining divergent thinking attitudes in expatriates working in various multicultural cities around the world. Study 4 demonstrates that perceived diversity is positively associated with NFCC when people hold negative beliefs about diversity, whereas positive beliefs mitigate this effect. Lastly, Study 5 shows that the interaction between perceived diversity and diversity beliefs is further moderated by task type. Taken together, the present research highlights the importance of studying cognitive factors to explain diversity effects.
Modelling other agents through evolutionary behaviours
Authors: Zeng Yifeng , Ran Qiang , Ma Biyang , Pan Yinghui
Published: August 2021

Modelling other agents is a challenging topic in artificial intelligence research particularly when a subject agent needs to optimise its own decisions by predicting their behaviours under uncertainty. Existing research often leads to a monotonic set of behaviours for other agents so that a subject agent can not cope with unexpected decisions from the other agents. It requires creative ideas about developing diversity of behaviours so as to improve the subject agent’s decision quality. In this paper, we resort to evolutionary computation approaches to generate a new set of behaviours for other agents and solve the complicated agents’ behaviour search and evaluation issues. The new approach starts with the initial behaviours that are ascribed to the other agents and expands the behaviours by using a number of genetic operators in the behaviour evolution. This is the first time that evolutionary techniques are used to modelling other agents in a general multiagent decision framework. We examine the new methods in two well-studied problem domains and provide experimental results in support.
Biosemiotic Achievement Award for the Year 2020
Authors: Rodríguez Higuera Claudio Julio , Tønnessen Morten
Published: August 2021

The Annual Biosemiotic Achievement Award was established at the annual meeting of the International Society for Biosemiotic Studies (ISBS) in 2014, in conjunction with Springer and Biosemiotics. It seeks to recognize papers published in the journal that present novel and potentially important contributions to biosemiotic research, its scientific impact and its future prospects. Here the winner of the Biosemiotic Achievement Award for 2020 is announced: The award goes to Filip Jaroš and Matěj Pudil for the article “Cognitive systems of human and non-human animals: At the crossroads of phenomenology, ethology and biosemiotics”.
Regional Cerebellar Volume Loss Predicts Future Disability in Multiple Sclerosis Patients
Authors: Parmar Katrin , Fonov Vladimir S. , Naegelin Yvonne , Amann Michael , Wuerfel Jens , Collins D. Louis , Gaetano Laura , Magon Stefano , Sprenger Till , Kappos Ludwig , Granziera Cristina , Tsagkas Charidimos
Published: August 2021

Cerebellar symptoms in multiple sclerosis (MS) are well described; however, the exact contribution of cerebellar damage to MS disability has not been fully explored. Longer-term observational periods are necessary to better understand the dynamics of pathological changes within the cerebellum and their clinical consequences. Cerebellar lobe and single lobule volumes were automatically segmented on 664 3D-T1-weighted MPRAGE scans (acquired at a single 1.5 T scanner) of 163 MS patients (111 women; mean age: 47.1 years; 125 relapsing–remitting (RR) and 38 secondary progressive (SP) MS, median EDSS: 3.0) imaged annually over 4 years. Clinical scores (EDSS, 9HPT, 25FWT, PASAT, SDMT) were determined per patient per year with a maximum clinical follow-up of 11 years. Linear mixed-effect models were applied to assess the association between cerebellar volumes and clinical scores and whether cerebellar atrophy measures may predict future disability progression. SPMS patients exhibited faster posterior superior lobe volume loss over time compared to RRMS, which was related to increase of EDSS over time. In RRMS, cerebellar volumes were significant predictors of motor scores (e.g. average EDSS, T25FWT and 9HPT) and SDMT. Atrophy of motor-associated lobules (IV-VI + VIII) was a significant predictor of future deterioration of the 9HPT of the non-dominant hand. In SPMS, the atrophy rate of the posterior superior lobe (VI + Crus I) was a significant predictor of future PASAT performance deterioration. Regional cerebellar volume reduction is associated with motor and cognitive disability in MS and may serve as a predictor for future disease progression, especially of dexterity and impaired processing speed.
Lipogenic Potency of Individual Perfluorinated Alkyl Acids (PFAAs) and Persistent Organic Pollutant (POP) Mixtures at Human Blood-Based Exposure Levels on Adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 Cells
Authors: Xie Y. , Berntsen H. F. , Zimmer K. E. , Ropstad E. , Verhaegen S. , Connolly L.
Published: August 2021

In recent decades, the incidence of metabolic disorders has increased internationally. This increase has been linked to exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs), but little is known about the metabolic effects of realistic human exposure mixtures at relevant concentrations. In this study we tested if POPs, representing real-life exposure profiles and concentrations, were able to disrupt development and functions of adipose tissue in a direct way. The lipogenic potency of a POP mixture modelled on levels found in human blood as detected in the Scandinavian population was assessed. The Total mixture comprises 29 compounds divided over three groups: chlorinated (Cl), brominated (Br) and perfluorinated compounds (PFAA). Individual PFAA chemicals, the Total mixture and sub-mixtures (Cl, Br, PFAA, Cl + Br, Cl + PFAA and Br + PFAA) at five (× 1/10, × 1, × 50, × 100 and × 500) human blood levels were tested in an optimized high content analysis (HCA) 3T3-L1 adipogenesis assay. All exposures promoted adipocyte formation in 3T3-L1 cells at concentrations equivalent to × 1/10 human blood levels. PFAAs promoted lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells at 33.6 pM (PFUnDA) and 390,460 pM (PFHxS). The Total mixture, and the Cl, PFAA, Cl + Br and Cl + PFAA sub-mixtures, started to promote lipid accumulation at × 1/10 human blood levels. This in vitro bioassay study assessed the adipogenic effects of POP mixtures modelled on real-life human exposure levels. The findings highlight that such exposures may alter adipose tissue development and function, thus potentially playing a role in the globally increasing escalation of metabolic disorders.
Autonomous Driving and Public Reason: a Rawlsian Approach
Authors: Brändle Claudia , Schmidt Michael W.
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we argue that solutions to normative challenges associated with autonomous driving, such as real-world trolley cases or distributions of risk in mundane driving situations, face the problem of reasonable pluralism: Reasonable pluralism refers to the fact that there exists a plurality of reasonable yet incompatible comprehensive moral doctrines (religions, philosophies, worldviews) within liberal democracies. The corresponding problem is that a politically acceptable solution cannot refer to only one of these comprehensive doctrines. Yet a politically adequate solution to the normative challenges of autonomous driving need not come at the expense of an ethical solution, if it is based on moral beliefs that are (1) shared in an overlapping consensus and (2) systematized through public reason. Therefore, we argue that a Rawlsian justificatory framework is able to adequately address the normative challenges of autonomous driving and elaborate on how such a framework might be employed for this purpose.
Distance estimation of howling golden jackals (Canis aureus) using relative sound level
Authors: Graf Lukas , Hatlauf Jennifer
Published: August 2021

Golden jackals (Canis aureus) display a complex repertoire of calls, utilized in different communication types (e.g., marking territories, attraction of mating partners). Resident golden jackal groups can successfully be detected by active bioacoustic stimulation, as well as with passive recording devices. For monitoring, basic knowledge of the calls of the focal species and potential restrictions and strengths of the monitoring devices should be considered. We therefore tested possible applications of a low-budget autonomous recording unit for bioacoustic golden jackal monitoring and examined the following research questions: How far can group calls be detected? Can the distance to the recording device be estimated? To answer these questions, we placed 11 AudioMoth recording devices in a linear transect to record live imitated and replayed howls. For the estimation of the number of responding animals, the number of howling individuals was determined based on the maximum number of simultaneously visible fundamental frequencies in a spectrogram. To predict the distance of the playback howls to the recording devices, the relative sound level (RSL) of each call was measured and fitted in linear models. Reliable distance estimations using RSL were possible up to 400 m. Estimated number of responding animals showed a negative relationship with distance. Our results present a baseline for future studies and show that AudioMoths can be a helpful asset in distance estimation of golden jackal packs—both in passive but also active monitoring.
On the pillars of Functional Analysis
Authors: Velasco M. Victoria
Published: August 2021

Many authors consider that the main pillars of Functional Analysis are the Hahn–Banach Theorem, the Uniform Boundedness Principle and the Open Mapping Principle. The first one is derived from Zorn’s Lemma, while the latter two usually are obtained from Baire’s Category Theorem. In this paper we show that these three pillars should be either just two or at least eight, since the Uniform Boundedness Principle, the Open Mapping Principle and another five theorems are equivalent, as we show in a very elemental way. Since one can give an almost trivial proof of the Uniform Boundedness Principle that does not require the Baire’s theorem, we conclude that this is also the case for the other equivalent theorems that, in this way, are simultaneously proved in a simple, brief and concise way that sheds light on their nature.
Hydrothermal carbonization of fructose—effect of salts and reactor stirring on the growth and formation of carbon spheres
Authors: Jung Dennis , Duman Gözde , Zimmermann Michael , Kruse Andrea , Yanik Jale
Published: August 2021

Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) has become a promising technology for the production of hydrochar and carbon spheres. Several studies indicate a strong dependency of the reaction conditions on the sphere diameter. The usage of additives, such as salts, is one possibility to increase the size of the spheres. However, the growth mechanism which leads to larger particles is not fully understood. In this work, kinetic studies of HTC with fructose were performed with different salts as additives. The growth of the particles (the increase in size) has been compared to the formation rates (increase in yield) of hydrochar by using the reaction rate constants from the kinetic model. The results indicate that the acceleration of the growth rate is independent of the formation rate. It is therefore assumed that coagulation, as a growth mechanism, took place. With longer reaction times, the particles reached a stable particle size, independently from the added salts; therefore, it was assumed that the particles underwent some sort of solidification. The state of matter can therefore be described as an intermediate state between liquid and solid, similar to mesophase pitch. Experiments with a stirrer resulted in squashed particles, which supports the model, that the particles exhibit emulsion-like behavior.
Knowledge-based sentence semantic similarity: algebraical properties
Authors: Oussalah Mourad , Mohamed Muhidin
Published: August 2021

Determining the extent to which two text snippets are semantically equivalent is a well-researched topic in the areas of natural language processing, information retrieval and text summarization. The sentence-to-sentence similarity scoring is extensively used in both generic and query-based summarization of documents as a significance or a similarity indicator. Nevertheless, most of these applications utilize the concept of semantic similarity measure only as a tool, without paying importance to the inherent properties of such tools that ultimately restrict the scope and technical soundness of the underlined applications. This paper aims to contribute to fill in this gap. It investigates three popular WordNet hierarchical semantic similarity measures, namely path-length, Wu and Palmer and Leacock and Chodorow, from both algebraical and intuitive properties, highlighting their inherent limitations and theoretical constraints. We have especially examined properties related to range and scope of the semantic similarity score, incremental monotonicity evolution, monotonicity with respect to hyponymy/hypernymy relationship as well as a set of interactive properties. Extension from word semantic similarity to sentence similarity has also been investigated using a pairwise canonical extension. Properties of the underlined sentence-to-sentence similarity are examined and scrutinized. Next, to overcome inherent limitations of WordNet semantic similarity in terms of accounting for various Part-of-Speech word categories, a WordNet “All word-To-Noun conversion” that makes use of Categorial Variation Database (CatVar) is put forward and evaluated using a publicly available dataset with a comparison with some state-of-the-art methods. The finding demonstrates the feasibility of the proposal and opens up new opportunities in information retrieval and natural language processing tasks.
Sampling and analysis of coarsely shredded mixed commercial waste. Part II: particle size-dependent element determination
Authors: Viczek S. A. , Kandlbauer L. , Khodier K. , Aldrian A. , Sarc R.
Published: August 2021

In contemporary waste management, sampling of waste is essential whenever a specific parameter needs to be determined. Although sensor-based continuous analysis methods are being developed and enhanced, many parameters still require conventional analytics. Therefore, sampling procedures that provide representative samples of waste streams and enable sufficiently accurate analysis results are crucial. While Part I estimated the relative sampling variabilities for material classes in a replication experiment, Part II focuses on relative sampling variabilities for 30 chemical elements and the lower heating value of the same samples, i.e., 10 composite samples screened to yield 9 particle size classes (< 5 mm–400 mm). Variabilities < 20% were achieved for 39% of element-particle size class combinations but ranged up to 203.5%. When calculated for the original composite samples, variabilities < 20% were found for 57% of the analysis parameters. High variabilities were observed for elements that are expectedly subject to high constitutional heterogeneity. Besides depending on the element, relative sampling variabilities were found to depend on particle size and the mass of the particle size fraction in the sample. Furthermore, Part I and Part II results were combined, and the correlations between material composition and element concentrations in the particle size classes were interpreted and discussed. For interpretation purposes, log-ratios were calculated from the material compositions. They were used to build a regression model predicting element concentration based on material composition only. In most cases, a prediction accuracy of ± 20% of the expected value was reached, implying that a mathematical relationship exists.
Fixed point theorems via Generalized WF-Contractions with applications
Authors: Rodríguez-López Rosana , Tiwari Rakesh
Published: August 2021

The aim of this paper is to introduce a new class of mixed contractions which allow to revise and generalize some results obtained in [6] by R. Gubran, W. M. Alfaqih and M. Imdad. We also provide an example corresponding to this class of mappings and show how the new fixed point result relates to the above-mentioned result in [6]. Further, we present an application to the solvability of a two-point boundary value problem for second order differential equations.