bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Python: Data Handling, Analysis and Plotting
Authors: Bercowsky Rama Arianne
Published: September 2022

When performing an image analysis pipeline, a programming language like Python is mainly used for two distinctive applications: (1) the analysis of the acquired images, such as background removal, noise reduction, object segmentation, measurements of biological structures and events, etc. and (2) the analysis of the data obtained as a result of the image analysis, such as a calculating a histogram from the noise-removed image or statistics on the shape of the segmented object.
The first string-derived eclectic flavor model with realistic phenomenology
Authors: Baur Alexander , Nilles Hans Peter , Ramos-Sánchez Saúl , Trautner Andreas , Vaudrevange Patrick K. S.
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Eclectic flavor groups arising from string compactifications combine the power of modular and traditional flavor symmetries to address the flavor puzzle. This top-down scheme determines the representations and modular weights of all matter fields, imposing strict constraints on the structure of the effective potential, which result in controlled corrections. We study the lepton and quark flavor phenomenology of an explicit, potentially realistic example model based on a 𝕋6/ℤ3× ℤ3 orbifold compactification of the heterotic string that gives rise to an Ω(2) eclectic flavor symmetry. We find that the interplay of flavon alignment and the localization of the modulus in the vicinity of a symmetry-enhanced point leads to naturally protected fermion mass hierarchies, favoring normal-ordered neutrino masses arising from a see-saw mechanism. We show that our model can reproduce all observables in the lepton sector with a small number of parameters and deliver predictions for so far undetermined neutrino observables. Furthermore, we extend the fit to quarks and find that Kähler corrections are instrumental in obtaining a successful simultaneous fit to the quark and lepton sectors.
Conformal bootstrap deformations
Authors: Afkhami-Jeddi Nima
Published: September 2022

Abstract

We explore the space of extremal functionals in the conformal bootstrap. By recasting the bootstrap problem as a set of non-linear equations parameterized by the CFT data, we find an efficient algorithm for converging to the extremal solution corresponding to the boundary of allowed regions in the parameter space of CFTs. Furthermore, by deforming these solutions, we demonstrate that certain solutions corresponding to known theories are continuously connected. Employing these methods, we will explore the space of non-unitary CFTs in the context of modular as well as correlation function bootstrap. In two dimensions, we show that the extremal solution corresponding to the Ising model is connected to that of the Yang-Lee minimal model. By deforming this solution to three dimensions, we provide evidence that the CFT data obtained in this way is compatible with the E-expansion for a non-unitary theory.
Acceleration of neuromelanin-sensitive MRI sequences in the substantia nigra using standard MRI options
Authors: van der Pluijm Marieke , Wallert Elon D. , Coolen Bram F. , Tjong Tjin Joe Kaithlyn T. , de Haan Lieuwe , Booij Jan , van de Giessen Elsmarieke
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Neuromelanin MRI (NM-MRI) is applied as a proxy measurement of dopaminergic functioning of the substantia nigra pars compacta (SN). To increase its clinical applicability, a fast and easily applicable NM-MRI sequence is needed. This study therefore compared accelerated NM-MRI sequences using standard available MRI options with a validated 2D gradient recalled echo NM-MRI sequence with off-resonance magnetization transfer (MT) pulse (2D-MToffRes).

Methods

We used different combinations of compressed sense (CS) acceleration, repetition times (TR), and MT pulse to accelerate the validated 2D-MToffRes. In addition, we compared a recently introduced 3D sequence with the 2D-MToffRes.

Results

Our results show that the 2D sequences perform best with good to excellent reliability. Only excellent intraclass correlation coefficients were found for the CS factor 2 sequences.

Conclusion

We conclude that there are several reliable approaches to accelerate NM-MRI, in particular by using CS.
‘Breast Cosmesis After Breast‐Conserving Therapy’ Who is the Judge, Patient or Surgeon?
Authors: Hong Alton Wern Jie , James J. , Stoney D. , Law M.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

More than 80% of newly diagnosed breast cancers are managed with breast‐conserving therapy (BCT). Preservation of cosmetically acceptable breasts is an inherent aim of all breast‐conserving efforts—this can, however, be difficult to assess objectively. Compounding this is the difference in perception of breast cosmesis between patients and surgeons. This study compares the concordance of a new subscale‐based cosmetic score (TCS) with the patient's perception.

Method

Eastern Health Breast and Cancer Centre conducted this study on patients who had completed their BCT and radiotherapy. Participation was voluntary and involved permitting an assessor (breast surgery fellow or consultant) to grade cosmetic outcomes to generate a Total Cosmesis Score (TCS). The patients blinded to this assessment were then asked to complete the postoperative segment of the BCT module of the Breast‐Q questionnaire. TCS from surgeon assessment was compared against patient assessment (questions BQ1i and BQ1k specifically). Cohen's kappa was calculated to define the strength of the inter‐rater agreement.

Results

One hundred twelve patients with a mean age of 59 (range 27–89) participated in the study. TCS was low in 26% and high in 74% of participants. 76% and 69% of participants were satisfied when answering Breast‐Q questions ‘How your lumpectomy breast looks?’ and ‘How you look in the mirror unclothed?’ respectively (Cohen's k = 0.464, 95% CI 0.337–0.591, p < 0.01). The agreement between the TCS and the patient assessment was poor (Cohen's k = 0.172, 95% CI − 0.020–2.093, p = 0.067).

Conclusion

Cosmetic outcomes scored using TCS by surgeons do not match patient's own assessment of the cosmetic result.
Hydrothermal genesis and growth of the banded agates from the Allumiere-Tolfa volcanic district (Latium, Italy)
Authors: Conte Alessandra , Della Ventura Giancarlo , Rondeau Benjamin , Romani Martina , Cestelli Guidi Mariangela , La Carole , Napoleoni Camilla , Lucci Federico
Published: September 2022

In this work, we studied the hydrothermal agates from the Neogene–Quaternary volcanic district of Allumiere-Tolfa, north-west of Rome (Latium, Italy) using a combination of micro-textural, spectroscopic, and geochemical data. The examined sample consists of (1) an outer cristobalite layer deposited during the early stages of growth, (2) a sequence of chalcedonic bands (including i.e., length-fast, zebraic, and minor length-slow chalcedony) with variable moganite content (up to ca. 48 wt%), (3) an inner layer of terminated hyaline quartz crystals. The textures of the various SiO2 phases and their trace element content (Al, Li, B, Ti, Ga, Ge, As), as well as the presence of mineral inclusions (i.e., Fe-oxides and sulfates), is the result of physicochemical fluctuations of SiO2-bearing fluids. Positive correlation between Al and Li, low Al/Li ratio, and low Ti in hyaline quartz points to low-temperature hydrothermal environment. Local enrichment of B and As in chalcedony-rich layers are attributed to pH fluctuations. Analysis of the FT-IR spectra in the principal OH-stretching region (2750–3750 cm−1) shows that the silanol and molecular water signals are directly proportional. Strikingly, combined Raman and FT-IR spectroscopy on the chalcedonic bands reveals an anticorrelation between the moganite content and total water (SiOH + molH2O) signal. The moganite content is compatible with magmatic-hydrothermal sulfate/alkaline fluids at a temperature of 100–200 °C, whereas the boron-rich chalcedony can be favored by neutral/acidic conditions. The final Bambauer quartz growth lamellae testifies diluted SiO2-bearing solutions at lower temperature. These findings suggest a genetic scenario dominated by pH fluctuations in the circulating hydrothermal fluid.
Optimisation of b-values for the accurate estimation of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in whole-body diffusion-weighted MRI in patients with metastatic melanoma
Authors: Knill Annemarie K. , Blackledge Matthew D. , Curcean Andra , Larkin James , Turajlic Samra , Riddell Angela , Koh Dow Mu , Messiou Christina , Winfield Jessica M.
Published: September 2022

Objective

To establish optimised diffusion weightings (‘b-values’) for acquisition of whole-body diffusion-weighted MRI (WB-DWI) for estimation of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in patients with metastatic melanoma (MM). Existing recommendations for WB-DWI have not been optimised for the tumour properties in MM; therefore, evaluation of acquisition parameters is essential before embarking on larger studies.

Methods

Retrospective clinical data and phantom experiments were used. Clinical data comprised 125 lesions from 14 examinations in 11 patients with multifocal MM, imaged before and/or after treatment with immunotherapy at a single institution. ADC estimates from these data were applied to a model to estimate the optimum b-value. A large non-diffusing phantom was used to assess eddy current–induced geometric distortion.

Results

Considering all tumour sites from pre- and post-treatment examinations together, metastases exhibited a large range of mean ADC values, [0.67–1.49] × 10−3 mm2/s, and the optimum high b-value (bhigh) for ADC estimation was 1100 (10th–90th percentile: 740–1790) s/mm2. At higher b-values, geometric distortion increased, and longer echo times were required, leading to reduced signal.

Conclusions

Theoretical optimisation gave an optimum bhigh of 1100 (10th–90th percentile: 740–1790) s/mm2 for ADC estimation in MM, with the large range of optimum b-values reflecting the wide range of ADC values in these tumours. Geometric distortion and minimum echo time increase at higher b-values and are not included in the theoretical optimisation; bhigh in the range 750–1100 s/mm2 should be adopted to maintain acceptable image quality but performance should be evaluated for a specific scanner.

Key Points

• Theoretical optimisation gave an optimum high b-value of 1100 (10th–90th percentile: 740–1790) s/mm2for ADC estimation in metastatic melanoma.

• Considering geometric distortion and minimum echo time (TE), a b-value in the range 750–1100 s/mm2is recommended.

• Sites should evaluate the performance of specific scanners to assess the effect of geometric distortion and minimum TE.
A new discriminant strategy combined with four TIRADS screening procedures increases ultrasound diagnostic accuracy—focusing on “wrong diagnostic” thyroid nodules
Authors: Lu Ke , Wang Long , Lai Shuiqing , Chen Zhijiang , Cong Shuzhen , Huang Chunwang , Gan Kehong , Guan Haixia , Kuang Jian
Published: September 2022

Objective

To utilize the discrepancies of different TIRADS, including ACR-TIRADS, Kwak-TIRADS, C-TIRADS, and EU-TIRADS, to explore methods for improving ultrasound diagnostic accuracy.

Methods

In total, 795 nodules with cytological or surgical pathology were included. All nodules were screened by the four TIRADS according to their diagnostic concordance (Screening procedures, SP). Discriminant strategy (DS) derived from predictor variables was combined with SP to construct the evaluation method (SP+DS). The diagnostic performance of the SP+DS method alone and its derivational methods and two-TIRADS combined tests was evaluated.

Results

A total of 86.8% (269/310) malignant nodules and 93.6% (365/390) benign cases diagnosed by the four TIRADS simultaneously were pathologically confirmed, while 12.0% (95/795) nodules could not be consistently diagnosed by them. The criteria of DS were that iso- or hyper-echogenicity nodules should be considered benign, while hypo- or marked hypo-echogenicity nodules malignant. For 95 inconsistently diagnosed nodules screened by at least two TIRADS, DS performed best with an accuracy of 79.0%, followed by Kwak-TIRADS (72.6%). In the overall sample, the sensitivity and AUC were highest for the SP+DS method compared to the four TIRADS (91.3%, 0.895). Combining ACR-TIRADS and Kwak-TIRADS via parallel test resulted in significant improvements in the sensitivity and AUC compared to ACR-TIRADS (89.2% vs. 81.4%, 0.889 vs. 0.863). Combining C-TIRADS and DS in serial resulted in the highest AUC (0.887), followed by Kwak-TIRADS (0.884), while EU-TIRADS was the lowest (0.879).

Conclusions

For undetermined or suspected thyroid nodules, two-TIRADS combined tests can be used to improve diagnostic accuracy. Otherwise, considering the inconsistent diagnosis of two TIRADS may require attention to the echo characteristics to differentiate between benign and malignant nodules.

Key Points

• The discrepancies in the diagnostic performance of different TIRADS arise from their performance on inconsistently diagnosed nodules.

• ACR-TIRADS improves sensitivity via combining with Kwak-TIRADS in parallel (from 81.4 to 89.2%), while C-TIRADS increases specificity via combining with EU-TIRADS in serial (from 80.9 to 85.7%).

• If the diagnostic findings of two TIRADS are inconsistent, echo characteristics will be helpful for the differentiation of benign and malignant nodules with an accuracy of 79.0%.
Apparent diffusion coefficient for assessing Crohn’s disease activity: a meta-analysis
Authors: Thormann Maximilian , Melekh Bohdan , Bär Caroline , Pech Maciej , Omari Jazan , Wienke Andreas , Meyer Hans-Jonas , Surov Alexey
Published: September 2022

Purpose

To analyze relationships betweenapparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and activity parameters of Crohn’s disease, e.g., length and wall thickness, CRP, FCP, MaRIA, CDAI, SES-CD, histologic inflammatory activity score, and the histological fibrotic score, based upon published data.

Materials and methods

MEDLINE library, Scopus, and Embase databases were screened for association between ADC and activity parameters of Crohn’s disease in patients with Crohn’s disease up to Mai 2021. Overall, 21 studies with 1053 patients were identified. The following data were extracted from the literature: number of patients, correlation coefficients between ADC and length as well as wall thickness, CRP, FCP, MaRIA, CDAI, and SES-CD, inflammatory activity score, and fibrotic score. Associations between ADC and activity parameters were analyzed by Spearman’s correlation coefficient. The studies’ methodologic quality was evaluated by using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Studies (QUADAS 2) instrument, revealing a low risk of bias.

Results

In the overall sample, the pooled correlation coefficient between ADC and CDAI was −0.8 (95% CI = [−0.94; −0.65]), between ADC and MaRIA −0.66 (95% CI = [−0.79; −0.53]). A strong association was observed between ADC and SES-CD with a pooled correlation of −0.66 (95% CI = [−0.87; −0.46]). The pooled sensitivity to discriminate between involved and non-involved bowel segments was 0.89, with an area under the curve of 0.89

Conclusions

ADC showed strong inverse correlations with CDAI, MaRIA, and SES-CD scores. However, the role of ADC in assessing fibrotic changes in the bowel wall is limited. ADC can reflect acute inflammatory reactions but not systemic inflammation.

Key Points

• ADC value can reflect acute inflammatory reactions but not systemic inflammation.

• ADC is inversely correlated with CDAI, MaRIA, and SES-CD.

• The role of ADC in assessing fibrotic changes in the bowel wall is limited.
Options for the generation of seedless cherry, the ultimate snacking product
Authors: Vignati Edoardo , Lipska Marzena , Dunwell Jim M. , Caccamo Mario , Simkin Andrew J.
Published: September 2022

Main conclusion

This manuscript identifies cherry orthologues of genes implicated in the development of pericarpic fruit and pinpoints potential options and restrictions in the use of these targets for commercial exploitation of parthenocarpic cherry fruit.

Cherry fruit contain a large stone and seed, making processing of the fruit laborious and consumption by the consumer challenging, inconvenient to eat ‘on the move’ and potentially dangerous for children. Availability of fruit lacking the stone and seed would be potentially transformative for the cherry industry, since such fruit would be easier to process and would increase consumer demand because of the potential reduction in costs. This review will explore the background of seedless fruit, in the context of the ambition to produce the first seedless cherry, carry out an in-depth analysis of the current literature around parthenocarpy in fruit, and discuss the available technology and potential for producing seedless cherry fruit as an ‘ultimate snacking product’ for the twenty-first century.
The impact of obstructive sleep apnea on growth in patients with syndromic and complex craniosynostosis: a retrospective study
Authors: Yang S. , Mathijssen I. M. J. , Joosten K. F. M.
Published: September 2022

Given the high prevalence of OSA in children with syndromic and complex craniosynostosis (SCC) and the consequences of untreated OSA, it is important to assess their nutritional status and growth. Yet, literature regarding growth in children with SCC remain scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to (1) illustrate the growth pattern in SCC, (2) determine the impact of OSA on this growth pattern, and (3) evaluate the effect of surgical treatment of OSA on growth over time. A retrospective study was performed in children with SCC, who were treated at the Dutch Craniofacial Center (Rotterdam, Netherlands). Growth variables (height, weight, weight-for-age standard-deviation-score (SDS), weight-for-height SDS, and height-for-age SDS) and degree of OSA (obstructive apnea–hypopnea index) were assessed. Of the 153 children with SCC, 38 (25%) were acutely malnourished at some point during follow-up, of whom 21 had disease-related acute malnutrition. Children with moderate-severe OSA had significant lower weight-for-height SDS compared to children without OSA (p = 0.0063). Growth parameters (weight-for-age SDS, weight-for-height SDS, height-for-age SDS) in children with SCC without OSA were not impaired as they did not differ from the normal healthy population, with exception of the patients with Saethre-Chotzen syndrome (SCS) who had a significantly lower SDS for height-for-age.

   Conclusion: Children with SCC have a substantial chance of developing acute malnutrition at some point during growth. Additionally, in children with moderate-severe OSA, a significant lower SDS for weight-for-height is present, indicating the importance of assessing the weight and growth pattern in children who are clinically suspected for OSA.

What is Known:• Obstructive sleep apnea is seen in up to two-thirds of the children with syndromic and complex craniosynostosis.• Presence of obstructive sleep apnea is associated with intracranial hypertension and an increased risk of metabolic, cardiovascular, and neurocognitive consequences later in life. Untreated obstructive sleep apnea may lead to impaired growth and weight gain, which can result in growth failure.

What is New:• Craniosynostosis patients with moderate-severe obstructive sleep apnea had significant lower weight-for-height standard deviation scores (SDS), compared to children without obstructive sleep apnea. • Children with syndromic and complex craniosynostosis without OSA did not significantly differ from the normal healthy population in regard to weight-for-age SDS, weight-for-height SDS, and height-for-age SDS.
Evidence-based practice in well-child care
Authors: De Schipper JJ , Hermans AJM , Jaarsma ADC , Noordik FW , Reijneveld SA
Published: September 2022

Evidence-based practice (EBP) significantly improves the quality of healthcare, but its use in community pediatrics has not yet been proven. We aimed to assess how Dutch community pediatricians use scientific findings and apply evidence-based practice in everyday well-child care. We interviewed a purposive sample of 14 community pediatricians in the Netherlands regarding their professional activities in daily practice, focusing on instances in which their professional knowledge was insufficient to address the issue at hand. We transcribed the interviews verbatim, and coded them using ATLAS.ti software. We structured the information using template analysis. Community pediatricians relied largely on guidelines of their own profession. If these were not sufficient, they first consulted other medical specialists or colleagues, or used different sources that they considered reliable. They only rarely performed an EBP search, and if so, only for somatic problems. For psychosocial problems, they used a strategy of extensive interaction with clients and members of multidisciplinary teams. We identified five barriers to performing an EBP search: (1) a conviction that not every community pediatrician needs to be able to perform an EBP search; (2) a conviction that an EBP search is not suitable for psychosocial problems; (3) lack of confidence in one’s own abilities to perform an EBP search; (4) limited access to literature; (5) lack of time.

Conclusions: Community pediatricians rely on professional guidelines; this indicates a need to keep these up-to-date and user-friendly. Furthermore, pediatricians should be better trained in performing EBP searches, and in working in multidisciplinary teams, especially for psychosocial problems.

What is Known:

• Conducting an evidence-based practice search is considered indispensable to determine the best management of the patient’s problem.

• Conducting such a search is still considered challenging in many medical disciplines, including pediatrics.

What is New:

• There is a need to strengthen skills of community pediatricians to find evidence on psychosocial problems and to present this effectively in multidisciplinary teams.

• The pediatricians’ broad use of other sources of evidence, like experts and online sources, shows the importance of critical evaluation skills.
Dynamic Split Tensile Strength of Basalt, Granite, Marble and Sandstone: Strain Rate Dependency and Fragmentation
Authors: Padmanabha Vivek , Schäfer Frank , Rae Auriol S. P. , Kenkmann Thomas
Published: September 2022

The aim of this study is to understand the strength behaviour and fragment size of rocks during indirect, quasi-static and dynamic tensile tests. Four rocks with different lithological characteristics, namely: basalt, granite, sandstone, and marble were selected for this study. Brazilian disc experiments were performed over a range of strain rates from ~ 10–5 /s to 2.7 × 101 /s using a hydraulic loading frame and a split Hopkinson bar. Over the range of strain rates, our measurements of dynamic strength increase are in good agreement with the universal theoretical scaling relationship of (Kimberley et al., Acta Mater 61:3509–3521, 2013). Dynamic fragmentation during split tension mode failure has received little attention, and in the present study, we determine the fragment size distribution based on the experimentally fragmented specimens. The fragments fall into two distinct groups based on the nature of failure: coarser primary fragments, and finer secondary fragments. The degree of fragmentation is assessed in terms of characteristic strain rate and is compared with existing theoretical tensile fragmentation models. The average size of the secondary fragments has a strong strain rate dependency over the entire testing range, while the primary fragment size is less sensitive at lower strain rates. Marble and sandstone are found to generate more pulverised secondary debris when compared to basalt and granite. Furthermore, the mean fragment sizes of primary and secondary fragments are well described by a power-law function of strain rate.
Management of mixed cryoglobulinemia with rituximab: evidence and consensus-based recommendations from the Italian Study Group of Cryoglobulinemia (GISC)
Authors: Quartuccio Luca , Bortoluzzi Alessandra , Scirè Carlo Alberto , Marangoni Antonio , Del Frate Giulia , Treppo Elena , Castelnovo Laura , Saccardo Francesco , Zani Roberta , Candela Marco , Fraticelli Paolo , Mazzaro Cesare , Renoldi Piero , Scaini Patrizia , Filippini Davide Antonio , Visentini Marcella , Scarpato Salvatore , Giuggioli Dilia , Mascia Maria Teresa , Sebastiani Marco , Zignego Anna Linda , Lauletta Gianfranco , Fiorilli Massimo , Casato Milvia , Ferri Clodoveo , Pietrogrande Maurizio , Pioltelli Pietro Enrico , De Vita Salvatore , Monti Giuseppe , Galli Massimo
Published: September 2022

Cryoglobulinemic vasculitis (CV) or mixed cryoglobulinemic syndrome (MCS) is a systemic small-vessel vasculitis characterized by the proliferation of B-cell clones producing pathogenic immune complexes, called cryoglobulins. It is often secondary to hepatitis C virus (HCV), autoimmune diseases, and hematological malignancies. CV usually has a mild benign clinical course, but severe organ damage and life-threatening manifestations can occur. Recently, evidence in favor of rituximab (RTX), an anti-CD 20 monoclonal antibody, is emerging in CV: nevertheless, questions upon the safety of this therapeutic approach, especially in HCV patients, are still being issued and universally accepted recommendations that can help physicians in MCS treatment are lacking. A Consensus Committee provided a prioritized list of research questions to perform a systematic literature review (SLR). A search was made in Medline, Embase, and Cochrane library, updated to August 2021. Of 1227 article abstracts evaluated, 27 studies were included in the SLR, of which one SLR, 4 RCTs, and 22 observational studies. Seventeen recommendations for the management of mixed cryoglobulinemia with rituximab from the Italian Study Group of Cryoglobulinemia (GISC) were developed to give a valuable tool to the physician approaching RTX treatment in CV.
The microstructural abnormalities of cingulum was related to patients with mild cognitive impairment: a diffusion kurtosis imaging study
Authors: Liu Yueyang , Liu Dongtao , Liu Mingyong , Li Kun , Shi Qinglei , Wang Chenlong , Pan Zhenyu , Zhou Lichun
Published: September 2022

Objective

Our study aimed to investigate the correlations between microstructural changes of cingulum and patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) by diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) technique.

Method

A total of 104 patients with cerebral small vessel diseases (cSVD) were retrospectively enrolled in this study. According to Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA) scores, these patients were divided into MCI group (n = 59) and non-MCI group (n = 45). The general clinical data was collected and analyzed. The regions of interests (ROIs) were selected for investigation in cingulum. The values of DKI parameters were measured in each ROI and compared between the two groups, the correlations between DKI parameters and MoCA scores were examined.

Results

Compared to non-MCI group, MCI patients had more severe white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) (P = 0.038) and lower MoCA scores (P < 0.01). MCI patients showed significantly decreased fractional anisotropy (FA), axial kurtosis (AK), mean kurtosis (MK), radial kurtosis (RK), and kurtosis fractional anisotropy (KFA) in the left cingulum in the cingulated cortex (CgC) region (all P < 0.0125). In the left CgC region, FA, AK, MK, RK, and KFA were positively correlated with MoCA scores (r = 0.348, 0.409, 0.310, 0.441, 0.422, all P < 0.001). Meanwhile, FA, AK, MK, RK, and KFA were also positively correlated with MoCA scores (r = 0.338, 0.352, 0.289, 0.380, 0.370, all P < 0.001) in the right CgC region.

Conclusion

DKI technique could be used to explore the microstructural changes of cingulum in MCI patients and DKI-derived parameters might be feasible to evaluate MCI patients.
Optimal MoCA cutoffs for detecting biologically-defined patients with MCI and early dementia
Authors: Ilardi Ciro Rosario , Menichelli Alina , Michelutti Marco , Cattaruzza Tatiana , Manganotti Paolo
Published: September 2022

Objective

In this phase II psychometric study on the Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA), we tested the clinicometric properties of Italian norms for patients with mild cognitive impairment (PwMCI) and early dementia (PwD) and provided optimal cutoffs for diagnostic purposes.

Methods

Retrospective data collection was performed for consecutive patients with clinically and biologically defined MCI and early dementia. Forty-five patients (24 PwMCI and 21 PwD) and 25 healthy controls were included. Raw MoCA scores were adjusted according to the conventional 1-point correction (Nasreddine) and Italian norms (Conti, Santangelo, Aiello). The diagnostic properties of the original cutoff (< 26) and normative cutoffs, namely, the upper limits (uLs) of equivalent scores (ES) 1, 2, and 3, were evaluated. ROC curve analysis was performed to obtain optimal cutoffs.

Results

The original cutoff demonstrated high sensitivity (0.93 [95% CI 0.84–0.98]) but low specificity (0.44 [0.32–0.56]) in discriminating between patients and controls. Nominal normative cutoffs (ES0 uLs) showed excellent specificity (SP range = 0.96–1.00 [0.88–1.00]) but poor sensitivity (SE range = 0.09–0.24 [0.04–0.36]). The optimal cutoff for Nasreddine’s method was 23.50 (SE = 0.82 [0.71–0.90]; SP = 0.72 [0.60–0.82]). Optimal cutoffs were 20.97, 22.85, and 22.29 (SE range = 0.69–0.73 [0.57–0.83], SP range = 0.88–0.92 [0.77–0.97]) for Conti’s, Santangelo’s, and Aiello’s methods, respectively.

Conclusion

Using the 1-point correction, combined with a cutoff of 23.50, might be useful in ambulatory settings with a large turnout. Our optimal cutoffs can offset the poor sensitivity of Italian cutoffs.
Towards nonuniform distributions of unisolvent weights for high-order Whitney edge elements
Authors: Alonso Rodríguez Ana , Bruni Bruno Ludovico , Rapetti F.
Published: September 2022

We propose to extend results on the interpolation theory for scalar functions to the case of differential k-forms. More precisely, we consider the interpolation of fields in $${\mathcal P}^-_r \varLambda ^k(T)$$

P

r
-

Λ
k

(
T
)

, the finite element spaces of trimmed polynomial k-forms of arbitrary degree $$r \ge 1$$

r
≥
1

, from their weights, namely their integrals on k-chains. These integrals have a clear physical interpretation, such as circulations along curves, fluxes across surfaces, densities in volumes, depending on the value of k. In this work, for $$k=1$$

k
=
1

, we rely on the flexibility of the weights with respect to their geometrical support, to study different sets of 1-chains in T for a high order interpolation of differential 1-forms, constructed starting from “good” sets of nodes for a high order multi-variate polynomial representation of scalar fields, namely 0-forms. We analyse the growth of the generalized Lebesgue constant with the degree r and preliminary numerical results for edge elements support the nonuniform choice, in agreement with the well-known nodal case.
Enhancing workplace competence acquisition through a persuasive system
Authors: Za Stefano , Scornavacca Eusebio , Pallud Jessie
Published: September 2022

The continuous development of individual competences is a fundamental instrument for organizations aiming to achieve long-term competitive advantage. Digital technologies can play a pivotal role in competence acquisition by facilitating the learning process. This paper describes the design, development, and evaluation process of a competence acquisition mobile app incorporating persuasive systems principles. A pilot study involving managers from an IT consulting firm was used to evaluate the artifact. This was followed by a full-scale deployment of the mobile app with management and staff of a supermarket chain. The results indicate that the use of the mobile app effectively improved users’ learning process outcomes, as well as their ability to deploy the new competence. Theoretical and practical contributions are discussed.
Home advantage and mispricing in indoor sports’ ghost games: the case of European basketball
Authors: De Angelis Luca , Reade J. James
Published: September 2022

Several recent studies suggest that the home advantage, that is, the benefit competitors accrue from performing in familiar surroundings, was—at least temporarily—reduced in games played without spectators due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. These games played without fans during the Pandemic have been dubbed ‘ghost games’. However, the majority of the research to date focus on soccer and no contributions have been provided for indoor sports, where the effect of the support of the fans might have a stronger impact than in outdoor arenas. In this paper, we try to fill this gap by investigating the effect of ghost games in basketball with a special focus on the possible reduction of the home advantage due to the absence of spectators inside the arena. In particular, we test (i) for the reduction of the home advantage in basketball, (ii) whether such reduction tends to disappear over time, (iii) if the bookmakers promptly adapt to such structural change or whether mispricing was created on the betting market. The results from a large data set covering all seasons since 2004 for the ten most popular and followed basketball leagues in Europe show, on the one hand, an overall significant reduction of the home advantage of around 5% and no evidence that suggests that this effect has been reduced at as teams became more accustomed to playing without fans; on the other hand, bookmakers appear to have anticipated such effect and priced home win in basketball matches accordingly, thus avoiding creating mispricing on betting markets.
“I’m Often Alone”: An Ethnographic Study of School Loneliness and Bullying in a Swedish Elementary School
Authors: Strindberg Joakim
Published: September 2022

Background

Despite extensive work to prevent and reduce bullying interactions, bullying is still a prevalent problem in many schools. Children and youth also report that they feel involuntarily left out in school. While research has demonstrated the ways in which school bullying is connected to risk factors across different ecological layers or contexts, relatively little consideration has been given to aspects beyond the individuals directly involved in bullying situations, such as the exo, and macrosystem layers.

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine three pupils’ experiences of school loneliness and bullying. The following questions guided the study: (1) What are the pupils’ experiences of school loneliness and bullying? (2) How can the pupils’ experiences of school loneliness and bullying be understood beyond the individuals directly involved in the bullying situations?

Method

The research is based on ethnographic fieldwork conducted at one Swedish elementary school including 34 pupils and 7 teachers in two sixth-grade classes (i.e., ages 11–12). The findings presented in this article are based on a group interview with three pupils about their experiences of school loneliness and bullying. The interview responses are put into perspective using findings from the ethnographic fieldwork. The findings were analysed using methods from constructivist grounded theory and through the lens of Bronfenbrenner’s ecological theory of human development as well as critical bullying studies.

Results

The findings of this study demonstrate the ways bullying interactions are tied to the different layers, or “settings”, of the bullying ecology as the pupils draw from a range of differential points of reference so as to socially evaluate themselves, their classmates, and their peers.

Conclusions

An important conclusion of the study is for principals, teachers, and other school personnel to consider more thoroughly the interdependent interplay of the bullying ecology.
Application of Pencil Lead Break (PLB) Point Source in the Detection of Interfacial Defects in Adhesive Bonds
Authors: Prathuru Anil , Faisal Nadimul , Steel John , Jihan Sha
Published: September 2022

The presence of kissing bonds (zero-thickness disbond) along the interface of an adhesive bond is highly detrimental to its strength and longevity. The detection of these kind of defects has previously been attempted using several techniques such as ultrasonic, infrared thermography, and X-ray spectroscopy, etc. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of pencil lead break (PLB) tests as a source in detecting the defects distributed along the interface of an adhesive bond. The defects were introduced artificially using polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) spray along one of the interfaces of the adhesive bond fabricated with aluminium plates bonded with an epoxy adhesive. Three different interfacial defect area percentages, 0%, 25% and 40% and three adhesive layer thicknesses (i.e., 0.1 mm, 0.25 mm, and 0.5 mm) were considered. The PLB tests were conducted, and the recorded signals were analysed to assess the variation of AE features with the defect area percentage and adhesive layer thicknesses. Different source-sensor location configurations were also considered. The 200 kHz-highpass component of the recorded signals was found to be sensitive to the presence of the interfacial defects. The duration above a chosen threshold was found to be the distinguishing factor between the different defective specimens. Of the different sensor-source configurations tried, the configurations with the PLB on the 0.5 mm side were seen to be sensitive to the presence of defects.
A 5-year trend in the use of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors and other oral antidiabetic drugs in a Middle Eastern country
Authors: Zaghloul Nancy , Awaisu Ahmed , Mahfouz Ahmed , Alyafei Sumaya , Elewa Hazem
Published: September 2022

Background

Sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) are a novel class of oral antidiabetic drugs. To date, there are no pharmacoepidemiologic studies investigating the pattern of use of SGLT2is compared to other oral antidiabetic drugs in the Middle East, including Qatar.

Aim

This study aimed to explore the trends in the use of SGLT2is compared to other oral antidiabetic drugs in Qatar from 2016 to 2020.

Method

This is a descriptive, retrospective cross-sectional study where information on all oral antidiabetic drugs dispensed as in- or out-patient prescriptions from 2016 to 2020 in Hamad Medical Corporation hospitals, Qatar were collected. Outcomes included the number and relative frequency of quarterly prescriptions of different oral antidiabetic drug classes [biguanides, sulfonylureas, dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors, thiazolidinediones, meglitinides, α-glucosidase inhibitors, and SGLT2is] prescribed from 2016 to 2020.

Results

SGLT2is prescriptions increased from 1045 (2.13%) in 2017 to 8375 (12.39%) in 2020, while sulfonylureas prescriptions declined from 10,436 (21.25%) to 9158 (13.55%) during the same period. Metformin use decreased from 23,926 (48.71%) in 2017 to 30,886 (45.70%) in 2020. The proportions of thiazolidinediones, meglitinides, α-glucosidase inhibitors prescriptions remained stable over the years. Among SGLT2is, empagliflozin prescriptions showed an increase from 537 (10.65%) to 2881 (34.40%) compared to dapagliflozin, which decreased by the end of 2018 from 4505 (89.35%) to 5494 (65.6%).

Conclusion

SGLT2is have largely replaced sulfonylureas in Qatar. The increasing trend in their use over the years is similar to that reported in other countries. The trend among SGLT2is suggests greater preference for empagliflozin over dapagliflozin.
Neonicotinoid exposure in Tricolored Blackbirds (Agelaius tricolor)
Authors: Graves Emily E. , Meese Robert J. , Holyoak Marcel
Published: September 2022

There is increasing awareness of the negative ecological and environmental effects of widespread use of pesticides on the landscape. Spillover or drift of pesticides from agricultural areas has been shown to impact species health, reproduction, and trophic dynamics through both direct and indirect mechanisms. Neonicotinoid insecticides are associated with observed declines of insectivorous and grassland birds, and these environmental pollutants are a significant conservation concern for many species that have experienced past or current population declines. Due to the high efficacy of these modern insecticides in depressing local insect populations, insectivorous birds can be negatively impacted by a pesticide-mediated reduction in food supply. Neonicotinoids may act synergistically with other stressors, such as habitat loss, to exacerbate threats to species or population viability. The Tricolored Blackbird is an insectivorous grassland bird of conservation concern in California, USA. Due to the high association of this species with agricultural habitats, we sought to quantify the amount of neonicotinoid residues in Tricolored Blackbird carcasses as a first step in assessing how this species may be impacted by pesticides. Out of 85 salvaged carcasses sampled (N = 24 adults, N = 3 fledglings, and N = 58 nestlings), only two contained detectable levels of target compounds. These were an adult and one nestling that contained clothianidin residue (40 ppb and 7 ppb, respectively); both of these birds were salvaged from breeding colonies associated with dairy farms in Kern County, California. We suggest that further work is needed to assess neonicotinoid exposure of Tricolored Blackbirds in dairy-associated breeding colonies.
Effect of cold stratification on the temperature range for germination of Pinus koraiensis
Authors: Song Yuan , Li Xinghuan , Zhang Mingyi , Xia Guowei , Xiong Chao
Published: September 2022

Germination at low spring temperatures may offer a competitive advantage for the growth and survival of plant species inhabiting temperate forest ecosystems. Pinus koraiensis is a dominant species in temperate forests of northeastern China. Its seeds exhibit primary morphophysiological dormancy following dispersal in autumn, limiting natural or artificial regeneration: direct seeding and planting seedlings in spring. The aim of this study was to determine the optimum cold stratification temperature that induces germination to increase towards lower temperatures. Seeds from two populations (Changbaishan and Liangshui) were cold stratified at 0, 5 and 10 °C. Germination to incubation temperatures (10/5, 20/10, 25/15 and 30/20 °C; 14/10 h day/night) were determined after 2 and 4 weeks, and 5.5 and 6.5 months of cold stratification. After 5.5 months, approximately 68–91% of seeds from both populations germinated at incubation temperatures of 25/15 °C and 30/20 °C, regardless of cold stratification temperatures. When the cold stratification temperature was reduced to 0 °C and the period increased to 6.5 months, germination at 10/5 °C significantly improved, reaching 37% and 64% for the Changbaishan and Liangshui populations, respectively. After 6.5 months of cold stratification, there was a significant linear regression between cold stratification temperatures and germination at 10/5 °C. The range in temperatures allowing for germination gradually expanded to include lower temperatures with decreasing cold stratification temperatures from 10 to 5 °C and further to 0 °C.
Point Cloud Generation for Meshfree Methods: An Overview
Authors: Suchde Pratik , Jacquemin Thibault , Davydov Oleg
Published: September 2022

Meshfree methods are becoming an increasingly popular alternative to mesh-based methods of numerical simulation. The biggest stated advantage of meshfree methods is the avoidance of generating a mesh on the computational domain. However, even today a surprisingly large amount of meshfree literature ironically uses the nodes of a mesh as the point set that discretizes the domain. On the other hand, already existing efficient meshfree methods to generate point clouds are apparently not very well known among meshfree communities, which has led to recent work redeveloping existing algorithms. In this paper, we present a brief overview of point cloud generation methods for domains and surfaces and discuss their features and challenges, in particular in the context of applicability to industry-relevant complex geometries.
Are Defense Styles Mediators between traumatic Experiences and Maladaptive Daydreaming?
Authors: Musetti Alessandro , Gori Alessio , Michelini Giovanni , Di Monte Cinzia , Franceschini Christian , Mariani Rachele
Published: September 2022

Maladaptive daydreaming (MD) is a new proposed mental disorder in which an excessive absorption in vivid, narrative fantasies generates impairments in various life domains. This study aimed to examine the role of traumatic life experiences and immature, neurotic, and mature defense styles in MD. Three hundred and fifty-six Italian adults, ranging in age from 18 to 60 years completed an online survey, including measures of MD, traumatic life events, and defense styles. A multiple mediation model showed that immature, neurotic, and mature defense styles fully mediated the relationship between traumatic life experiences and MD. These findings suggest that clinical interventions for people with a history of traumatic experience who developed MD should aim to help them acquire more adaptive coping strategies to deal with traumatic memories.
On binary quartics and the Cassels–Tate pairing
Authors: Fisher Tom
Published: September 2022

We use the invariant theory of binary quartics to give a new formula for the Cassels–Tate pairing on the 2-Selmer group of an elliptic curve. Unlike earlier methods, our formula does not require us to solve any conics. An important role in our construction is played by a certain K3 surface defined by a (2, 2, 2)-form.
Effects of Potassium Fertilizer Application on Festuca arundinacea I: Plant Growth and Potassium Requirement
Authors: Huai Tingting , Xu Shuxuan , Zhang Shen , Miao Qingxuan , Liu Chunxiao , Lu Xinghui , Li Haiyun , Lv Futang , Si Dongxia
Published: September 2022

This study sought to clarify the effects of potassium (K) fertilizer application on the growth and K requirement of Festuca arundinacea and determine the appropriate K fertilizer application rate for its normal growth. A pot experiment was conducted to test the plant growth and K uptake of Festuca arundinacea response to different K fertilizer rates (0, 100, 200, 300, and 400 mg K2O kg−1) in two K levels (medium K and low K) of soils. Potassium fertilizer application and soil significantly affected plant growth, K uptake and K concentration in the shoot, and K uptake in the root. Low-K soil and without K fertilizer application increased the root-shoot ratio. Increasing K fertilizer application enhanced K distribution in the shoot. The recommended optimum K fertilizer rate to obtain 80% of the maximum shoot biomass in medium-K and low-K soils was 88.9 mg K2O kg−1 and 71.1 mg K2O kg−1, and the corresponding critical K concentration of shoot was 17.9 g kg−1 and 14.4 g kg−1. Appropriate K fertilizer application could promote plant growth and K uptake. An optimized K fertilizer management strategy and K diagnostic concentration should be carried out according to soil K levels during the establishment phase of Festuca arundinacea.