bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An anchor-free detector and R-CNN integrated neural network architecture for environmental perception of urban roads
Authors: Lin Chaojun , Shi Ying , Zhang Jian , Xie Changjun , Chen Wei , Chen Yue
Published: March 2021

Environmental perception of urban roads is a critical research goal in intelligent transportation technology and autonomous vehicles, and pedestrian location is key to many relevant algorithms. Because anchor-free detectors are faster and region-based convolutional neural networks have a higher accuracy in object detection and classification, we propose an integrated convolutional networking architecture combining an anchor-free detector with a region-based convolutional neural network in the environmental perception task. The proposed network achieves higher precision and increases inference speed by up to 30%. To acquire more accurate region boundaries than a coarse bounding box method, a semantic segmentation sub-network is adopted to predict an instance segmentation mask for each object, and more accurate segmentation results are obtained by using the Dice loss. Moreover, we present an assignment strategy using a modified feature pyramid structure and show that it improves mean average precision of pedestrian detection by 2% on average. Finally, we verify that the pretrained neural network is beneficial for small datasets. Overall, the results show that our model achieves higher precision than the approaches used for comparison.
Histiocytic Sarcoma Arising From a Long Bone: Report of Two Cases
Authors: Ajabnoor Rana , Bell Phoenix D. , Schiffman Scott , Carmody Emily , Monu Johnny , Wang Xi
Published: March 2021

Histiocytic sarcoma is a rare, but aggressive malignant neoplasm of monocyte/macrophage lineage with a wide age distribution. Bone involvement is exceedingly rarer compared to the lymph node, skin, and soft tissue, and no long bone involvement has been reported in the English literature. We here report 2 cases of histiocytic sarcoma involving the long bone: one from the femur of a 77-year-old female, status post the placement of an intramedullary nail for subtrochanteric hip fracture; the other from the radius of a 3-year-old female with no significant medical history. Radiologic imaging showed highly destructive lesions in both cases with soft-tissue extension. Microscopy in both cases showed sheets of polygonal mononuclear cells with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm, prominent nucleoli, and frequent mitosis. Hemophagocytosis were also identified. Immunohistochemistry showed that the lesional cells were strongly diffusely positive for CD68 and CD163. The first patient deteriorated rapidly, despite the aggressive treatment of amputation and chemotherapy. However, the second patient is disease free 36 months post the treatment of amputation only. We conclude that the long bone could be the primary site of histiocytic sarcoma. Its prognosis could be very variable and it is difficult to predict its behavior based on morphological evaluation only.
Visual avoidance of faces in socially anxious individuals: The moderating effect of type of social situation
Authors: Chen Jiemiao , van den Bos Esther , L.M. Velthuizen Sara , Westenberg P. Michiel
Published: March 2021

Patients with social anxiety disorder appear to display aberrant gaze behavior across a variety of social situations. In contrast, the gaze behavior of high socially anxious (HSA) individuals from the community seems to depend on the type of situation and the aberration might be limited to gaze avoidance. This study investigated the differential effect of social situation—a face-viewing task and a public speaking task—on gaze behavior in HSA participants from a community sample. Participants’ eye movements were tracked using a wearable eye tracker. Two aspects of gaze behavior were measured: (1) gaze avoidance was assessed by total fixation time, fixation counts, and mean fixation time on faces; (2) hypervigilance was assessed by scan path length and mean distance between fixations. The results confirmed a moderating effect of task on total (though not mean) fixation time on faces and fixation counts. Compared to low socially anxious participants, HSA participants looked less frequently (hence shorter) at the audience during the speech only. This indicates that visual avoidance in HSA individuals does not occur by default, but only when risks of (negative) social consequences are perceived. High and low socially anxious participants showed no difference in hypervigilance in either situation.
Establishment of a typing model for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma based on B-cell receptor repertoire sequencing
Authors: Jiang Wenhua , Wang Hailong , Zhou Shiyong , Zhu Guoqing , Gao Mingyou , Zhao Kuo , Zhang Limeng , Xie Xiaojing , Zhao Ning , Tian Caijuan , Zhang Zhenzhen , Yan Fang , Pan Yi , Liu Pengfei
Published: March 2021

Background

The purpose of this study was to construct a new typing model for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients based on the B-cell receptor (BCR) and explore its potential molecular mechanism.

Methods

BCR repertoire sequencing and whole-exome sequencing were performed on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples from 12 DLBCL patients. Subsequently, a typing model was built with cluster analysis, and prognostic indicators between the two groups were compared to verify the typing model. Then, mutation and bioinformatics analyses were conducted to investigate the potential biomarkers of prognostic differences between the two groups.

Results

Based on BCR sequencing data, we divided patients into two clusters (cluster 1 and cluster 2); this classification differed from the traditional typing method (GCB and non-GCB), in which cluster 1 included some non-GCB patients. The progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), metastasis and Shannon diversity index of IGH V-J and survival after chemotherapy were significantly different (P < 0.05) between the two clusters, but no statistical significance was found between the GCB and non-GCB groups. The mutation status of 248 genes was significantly different between cluster 1 and cluster 2. Among them, FTSJ3, MAGED2, and ODF3L2 were the specific mutated genes in all patients in cluster 2, and these genes could be considered critical to the different prognoses of the two clusters of DLBCL patients.

Conclusion

We constructed a new typing model of DLBCL based on BCR repertoire sequencing that can better predict the survival time after chemotherapy. FTSJ3, MAGED2, and ODF3L2 may represent key genes for the difference in prognosis between the two clusters.
Pathways into and out of homelessness among people with severe mental illness in rural Ethiopia: a qualitative study
Authors: Smartt Caroline , Ketema Kaleab , Frissa Souci , Tekola Bethlehem , Birhane Rahel , Eshetu Tigist , Selamu Medhin , Prince Martin , Fekadu Abebaw , Hanlon Charlotte
Published: March 2021

Background

Little is known about the pathways followed into and out of homelessness among people with experience of severe mental illness (SMI) living in rural, low-income country settings. Understanding these pathways is essential for the development of effective interventions to address homelessness and promote recovery. The aim of this study was to explore pathways into and out of homelessness in people with SMI in rural Ethiopia.

Methods

In-depth interviews were conducted with 15 people with SMI who had experienced homelessness and 11 caregivers. Study participants were identified through their participation in the PRIME project, which implemented a multi-component district level plan to improve access to mental health care in primary care in Sodo district, Ethiopia. People enrolled in PRIME who were diagnosed with SMI (schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder or bipolar disorder) and who had reported experiencing homelessness at recruitment formed the sampling frame for this qualitative study. We used OpenCode 4.0 and Microsoft Excel for data management. Thematic analysis was conducted using an inductive approach.

Results

Study participants reported different patterns of homelessness, with some having experienced chronic and others an intermittent course. Periods of homelessness occurred when family resources were overwhelmed or not meeting the needs of the person with SMI. The most important pathways into homelessness were reported to result from family conflict and the worsening of mental ill health, interplaying with substance use in many cases. Participants also mentioned escape and/or wanting a change in environment, financial problems, and discrimination from the community as contributing to them leaving the home. Pathways out of homelessness included contact with (mental and physical) health care as a catalyst to the mobilization of other supports, family and community intervention, and self-initiated return.

Conclusions

Homelessness in people with SMI in this rural setting reflected complex health and social needs that were not matched by adequate care and support. Our study findings indicate that interventions to prevent and tackle homelessness in this and similar settings ought to focus on increasing family support, and ensuring access to acceptable and suitable housing, mental health care and social support.
Pre-operative ankle-brachial index for cardiovascular risk assessment in simultaneous pancreas–kidney transplant recipients: a simple and elegant strategy!
Authors: Hau Hans-Michael , Jahn Nora , Brunotte Max , Wagner Tristan , Rademacher Sebastian , Branzan Daniela , Sucher Elisabeth , Seehofer Daniel , Sucher Robert
Published: March 2021

Background

Patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus type 1 (IDDM1) and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) undergoing simultaneous pancreas kidney transplantation (SPKT) are a population with diffuse atherosclerosis and elevated risk of cardio- and cerebrovascular morbidity and mortality. We aimed to investigate the feasibility of preoperative screening for peripheral arterial disease (PAD), specifically ankle-brachial index (ABI) testing, to predict peri- and postoperative outcomes in SPKT recipients.

Methods

Medical data (2000–2016) from all patients with IDDM and ESKD undergoing SPKT at our transplant center were retrospectively analyzed. The correlation between PAD (defined by an abnormal ABI before SPKT and graft failure and mortality rates as primary end points, and the occurrence of acute myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular and peripheral vascular complications as secondary end points were investigated after adjustment for known cardiovascular risk factors.

Results

Among 101 SPKT recipients in our transplant population who underwent structured physiological arterial studies, 17 patients (17%) were diagnosed with PAD before transplantation. PAD, as defined by a low ABI index, was an independent and significant predictor of death (HR, 2.99 (95% CI 1.00–8.87), p = 0.049) and pancreas graft failure (HR, 4.3 (95% CI 1.24–14.91), p = 0.022). No significant differences were observed for kidney graft failure (HR 1.85 (95% CI 0.76–4.50), p = 0.178). In terms of the secondary outcomes, patients with PAD were more likely to have myocardial infarction, stroke, limb ischemia, gangrene or amputation (HR, 2.90 (95% CI 1.19–7.04), p = 0.019).

Conclusions

Pre-transplant screening for PAD and cardiovascular risk factors with non-invasive ABI testing may help to reduce perioperative complications in high-risk patients. Future research on long-term outcomes might provide more in depth insights in optimal treatment strategies for PAD among SPKT recipients.
Towards implementing exercise into the prostate cancer care pathway: development of a theory and evidence-based intervention to train community-based exercise professionals to support change in patient exercise behaviour (The STAMINA trial)
Authors: Reale Sophie , Turner Rebecca R. , Sutton Eileen , Taylor Stephanie J. C. , Bourke Liam , Morrissey Dylan , Brown Janet , Rosario Derek J. , Steed Liz
Published: March 2021

Background

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommend that men on androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer should receive supervised exercise to manage the side-effects of treatment. However, these recommendations are rarely implemented into practice. Community-based exercise professionals (CBEPs) represent an important target group to deliver the recommendations nationally, yet their standard training does not address the core competencies required to work with clinical populations, highlighting a need for further professional training. This paper describes the development of a training package to support CBEPs to deliver NICE recommendations.

Methods

Development of the intervention was guided by the Medical Research Council guidance for complex interventions and the Behaviour Change Wheel. In step one, target behaviours, together with their barriers and facilitators were identified from a literature review and focus groups with CBEPs (n = 22) and men on androgen deprivation therapy (n = 26). Focus group outputs were mapped onto the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to identify theoretical constructs for change. In step two, behaviour change techniques and their mode of delivery were selected based on psychological theories and evidence to inform intervention content. In step three, the intervention was refined following delivery and subsequent feedback from intervention recipients and stakeholders.

Results

Six modifiable CBEPs target behaviours were identified to support the delivery of the NICE recommendations. Nine domains of the TDF were identified as key determinants of change, including: improving knowledge and skills and changing beliefs about consequences. To target the domains, we included 20 BCTs across 8 training modules and took a blended learning approach to accommodate different learning styles and preferences. Following test delivery to 11 CBEPs and feedback from 28 stakeholders, the training package was refined.

Conclusion

Established intervention development approaches provided a structured and transparent guide to intervention development. A training package for CBEPs was developed and should increase trust amongst patients and health care professionals when implementing exercise into prostate cancer care. Furthermore, if proven effective, the development and approach taken may provide a blueprint for replication in other clinical populations where exercise has proven efficacy but is insufficiently implemented.
Systematic review of intervertebral disc repair: a bibliometric analysis of the 100 most-cited articles
Authors: Xu Gang , Meng Xianglong , Guan Juan , Xing Yaozhong , Feng Zihe , Hai Yong
Published: March 2021

Study design

A bibliometric review of the literature.

Objective

To identify the most frequently cited articles relating to the repair of intervertebral disc (IVD) and to summarize the key points and findings of these highly cited works, to quantify their impact on the developments of the disc disease treatment.

Summary of background data

IVD repair is an ever-growing and multi-disciplinary innovating treatment method for disc diseases. There are numerous literatures and related studies about it, promoting the development of the field. A comprehensive review and analysis of the most influential articles can help clarify the most effective strategy of IVD repair, and discover the promising directions for future research.

Methods

The Thomson Reuters Web of Knowledge was searched for citations of all literatures relevant to IVD repair. The number of citations, key points, categories, authorships, years, journals, countries, and institutions of publications were analyzed.

Results

The most highly cited articles in IVD Repair were published over 30 years, between 1991 and 2017. Most works (No. 41) were published between 2005 and 2009. The most-cited article was Sakai’s 2003 article which described the possibility of combining MSC and gel to repair IVD. The three most popular categories involved were Orthopedics [44], Clinical Neurology [34], Engineering, and Biomedical [24]. The three most common topics were regenerative medicine and the progenitor cells [33], biomaterials and cellular scaffolds [29], application of growth factors [25]. Author Masuda and the partners have 4 articles in the top 100 list. The Rush University has 12 articles in the top 100 list.

Conclusion

This report identifies the top 100 articles in IVD repair and acknowledges those individuals who have contributed the most to the study of the IVD repair and the body of knowledge used to the repair strategy making. It allows insight into the trends of this innovative and interdisciplinary subspecialty of spine surgery.
Correction to: A guide to writing systematic reviews of rare disease treatments to generate FAIRcompliant datasets: building a Treatabolome
Authors: Atalaia Antonio , Thompson Rachel , Corvo Alberto , Carmody Leigh , Piscia Davide , Matalonga Leslie , Macaya Alfons , Lochmuller Angela , Fontaine Bertrand , Zurek Birte , Hernandez-Ferrer Carles , Reinhard Carola , Gómez-Andrés David , Desaphy Jean-François , Schon Katherine , Lohmann Katja , Jennings Matthew J. , Synofzik Matthis , Riess Olaf , Yaou Rabah Ben , Evangelista Teresinha , Ratnaike Thiloka , Bros-Facer Virginie , Gumus Gulcin , Horvath Rita , Chinnery Patrick , Laurie Steven , Graessner Holm , Robinson Peter , Lochmuller Hanns , Beltran Sergi , Bonne Gisèle
Published: March 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Land use impacts on parasitic infection: a cross-sectional epidemiological study on the role of irrigated agriculture in schistosome infection in a dammed landscape
Authors: Lund Andrea J. , Rehkopf David H. , Sokolow Susanne H. , Sam M. Moustapha , Jouanard Nicolas , Schacht Anne-Marie , Senghor Simon , Fall Assane , Riveau Gilles , De Leo Giulio A. , Lopez-Carr David
Published: March 2021

Background

Water resources development promotes agricultural expansion and food security. But are these benefits offset by increased infectious disease risk? Dam construction on the Senegal River in 1986 was followed by agricultural expansion and increased transmission of human schistosomes. Yet the mechanisms linking these two processes at the individual and household levels remain unclear. We investigated the association between household land use and schistosome infection in children.

Methods

We analyzed cross-sectional household survey data (n = 655) collected in 16 rural villages in August 2016  across demographic, socio-economic and land use dimensions, which were matched to Schistosoma haematobium (n = 1232) and S. mansoni (n = 1222) infection data collected from school-aged children. Mixed effects regression determined the relationship between irrigated area and schistosome infection presence and intensity.

Results

Controlling for socio-economic and demographic risk factors, irrigated area cultivated by a household was associated with an increase in the presence of S. haematobium infection (odds ratio [OR] = 1.14; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.03–1.28) but not S. mansoni infection (OR = 1.02; 95% CI: 0.93–1.11). Associations between infection intensity and irrigated area were positive but imprecise (S. haematobium: rate ratio [RR] = 1.05; 95% CI: 0.98–1.13, S. mansoni: RR = 1.09; 95% CI: 0.89–1.32).

Conclusions

Household engagement in irrigated agriculture increases individual risk of S. haematobium but not S. mansoni infection. Increased contact with irrigated landscapes likely drives exposure, with greater impacts on households relying on agricultural livelihoods.
Mechanical strength of stainless steel and titanium alloy mini-implants with different diameters: an experimental laboratory study
Authors: Barros Sérgio Estelita , Vanz Viviane , Chiqueto Kelly , Janson Guilherme , Ferreira Eduardo
Published: March 2021

Background

The mechanical strength of mini-implants is a critical factor due to their small diameters. Currently, it is not possible to state whether there is a relevant difference between the mechanical properties of stainless steel (SS-MIs) and titanium alloy mini-implants (TA-MIs). The objective of this study was to test the null hypothesis that there is no difference in the mechanical strength of SS-MIs and TA-MIs, and to analyze, by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the SS-MI, and TA-MI threads resistance to morphological damage after insertion.

Methods

A standardized sample of 504 SS-MIs and TA-MIs with diameters ranging from 1.2 mm to 1.8 mm was used. Torsional fracture was performed in 154 MIs. Flexural strength of 280 MIs was evaluated at 1 mm and 2 mm-deflection. The threads of 70 MIs were morphologically analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), before and after their insertion in high-density artificial bone blocks. Comparisons between SS-MIs and TA-MIs were performed with t tests or Mann-Whitney U tests. A multiple linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the influence of variables on the ranging of MI mechanical strength.

Results

SS-MIs had higher fracture torque. The mean difference between the SS-MIs and TA-MIs fracture torque was of 4.09 Ncm. The MI diameter explained 90.3% of the total variation in fracture torque, while only 2.2% was explained by the metallic alloy. The SS-MI group presented a higher deformation force during the 1mm and 2mm-deflection. The mean difference between the flexural strength of SS and TA-MIs at 1 mm and 2 mm-deflection was of 18.21 N and 17.55 N, respectively. There was no noticeable morphological damage to the threads of SS-MIs and TA-MIs.

Conclusions

The null hypothesis was rejected. SS-MIs were 13.2% and 20.2% more resistant to torsional fracture and deflection, respectively. The threads of the SS-MIs and TA-MIs were not damaged during the insertion and removal process. Thus, the use of SS-MI can reduce the fracture risk without increasing the MI diameter.
Analytical methodology for the analysis of vibration for unconstrained discrete systems and applications to impedance control of redundant robots
Authors: Kao Imin , Saldarriaga Carlos
Published: March 2021

This paper presents a general methodology for the analysis and synthesis of a positive semi-definite system described by mass, damping and stiffness matrices that is often encountered in impedance control in robotics research. This general methodology utilizes the fundamental kinematic concept of rigid-body and non-rigid-body motions of which all motions consist. The rigid-body mode results in no net change in the potential energy from the stiffness matrix of the multiple degree-of-freedom (DoF) discrete mechanical system. Example of an unconstrained discrete mechanical system is presented to illustrate the theoretical principle as applied in obtaining the free and forced vibration responses, as well as the dynamic characteristics of the system in natural frequency, $$\omega_n$$

ω
n

and damping ratio, $$\zeta$$
ζ
. In addition, the methodology is applied to the impedance control of redundant robots. The rigid-body mode is equivalent to the motions of a redundant robot which result in no net change in potential energy, also called the zero-potential or ZP mode, of impedance control. Example of a redundant robot is used to demonstrate the application of the methodology in robotics. The dynamic characteristics of $$\omega _n$$

ω
n

and $$\zeta$$
ζ
in the modal space are analyzed, which can be synthesized to modulate the damping of the system analytically.
“My Best Memory Is When I Was Done with It”: PE Memories Are Associated with Adult Sedentary Behavior
Authors: Ladwig Matthew A. , Vazou Spyridoula , Ekkekakis Panteleimon
Published: March 2021

The transition from childhood to adolescence is marked by a dramatic decrease in physical activity (PA). Physical education (PE) experiences may contribute to this change but remain underresearched. Using a retrospective survey, we examined whether memories of enjoyment or nonenjoyment of PE relate to present-day (adult) attitudes, intentions, PA, and sedentary behavior. An online questionnaire was completed by 1028 American respondents (18–45 yr). The participants rated their retrospective enjoyment of PE, present attitudes and intentions for PA, as well as present PA and sedentary behavior. In addition, participants responded with their best and worst PE memories in an open-ended fashion. Retrospective enjoyment of PE was associated with present-day attitude (r = 0.37, P < 0.00001) and intention (r = 0.23, P < 0.00001) for PA, as well as negatively associated with sedentary time on the weekend (r = −0.14, P < 0.00001). The best memories related to enjoyment of the activities in class (56%), experiencing feelings of physical competence (37%), and, interestingly, 7% were not having to take PE class any longer or skipping the class. Of the worst memories, 34% related to embarrassment, 18% to lack of enjoyment, 17% to bullying, 14% to social–physique anxiety, 16% to injury, and 2% to being punished by the PE teacher. Childhood memories of PE are associated with PA attitude, intention, and sedentary behavior in adulthood. Intensified research efforts should be directed toward understanding the factors and processes that lead to the formation of memories of PE.
Το περιοδικό Εβδομάς (1884-1892) και η συμβολή του στην πνευματική κίνηση της εποχής
Authors: Γκίνκο Μαρινέλλα-Σοφία
Published: March 2021

Αντικείμενο της διδακτορικής διατριβής αποτελεί το περιοδικό "Εβδομάς" που εκδόθηκε στην Αθήνα σε δύο περιόδους: κατά την πρώτη περίοδο (1884-1886) εκδότης και διευθυντής ήταν ο Δημήτριος Γρ. Καμπούρογλου και κατά τη δεύτερη περίοδο (1887-1892) ο Ιωάννης Μ. Δαμβέργης. Η μελέτη βασίζεται στη συστηματική αποδελτίωση του συνόλου των τευχών, των Δελτίων και των Παραρτημάτων του περιοδικού, το οποίο εξετάζεται μέσα στο ιστορικοπολιτισμικό πλαίσιο της εποχής. Επιχειρείται η ανάδειξη της ιδιαίτερης φυσιογνωμίας του μέσα από τις προθέσεις των εκδοτών, όπως στοιχειοθετούνται με βάση τις προγραμματικές τους δηλώσεις. Παρουσιάζεται το επιτελείο των συντελεστών και εξετάζεται η ύλη του περιοδικού ανά κατηγορίες. Στόχος είναι η ανάδειξη της φυσιογνωμίας της "Εβδομάδος", η αποτίμησή της μέσα στην ιστορία του ελληνικού Τύπου, καθώς και της προσφοράς της στην ελληνική γραμματεία της τελευταίας εικοσαετίας του 19ου αιώνα.
Bibliometric analysis on workplace cyberbullying: study protocol
Authors: Kim Yun Jin , Qian Linchao , Aslam Muhammad Shahzad
Published: March 2021

Cyberbullying behaviour is an international public health concern all around the world due to the increasing trend of working from home during COVID-19. The prevalence of workplace cyberbullying behaviour (WCB) has been shown to be increased prior to COVID-19 among allied health professionals, such as nurses and trainee doctors. There has been a lack of bibliometric analysis on scientific publications concerning this subject; therefore, the current articles presents a protocol for bibliometric analysis of WCB.

An indicator-based search will have carried out from documents on PubMed and Scopus to retrieve data from primary peer-reviewed WCB research articles using relevant keywords. Articles that involve WCB research will be included in the analysis. The dataset will identify documents all around the world, and data will be validated using the VAKS assessment tool. Analysis will be carried out by comparing the relationship among institutions, authors, countries and keywords.

The dataset will be publicly accessible in the Zenodo repository. There will be no involvement of human participants; therefore, the current research does not require an ethical review.  Results will be publish in a peer-reviewed journal and at related conferences
Sufficient Optimality Conditions in Bilevel Programming
Authors: Mehlitz Patrick , Zemkoho Alain B.
Published: March 2021

This paper is concerned with the derivation of first- and second-order sufficient optimality conditions for optimistic bilevel optimization problems involving smooth functions. First-order sufficient optimality conditions are obtained by estimating the tangent cone to the feasible set of the bilevel program in terms of initial problem data. This is done by exploiting several different reformulations of the hierarchical model as a single-level problem. To obtain second-order sufficient optimality conditions, we exploit the so-called value function reformulation of the bilevel optimization problem, which is then tackled with the aid of second-order directional derivatives. The resulting conditions can be stated in terms of initial problem data in several interesting situations comprising the settings where the lower level is linear or possesses strongly stable solutions.
Bayesian direct-binary-search algorithm for the efficient design of mosaic-based power splitters
Authors: Fujisawa Takeshi , Saitoh Kunimasa
Published: March 2021

An efficient design method of mosaic-based power splitters based on Bayesian optimization technique is proposed. First, learning characteristics of Gaussian process (GP), which is one of the Bayesian inference techniques, is investigated to show its high regression performance. The transmission characteristics of 1×2 mosaic-based power splitters can be learned with an error of only 0.5%, which is comparable or better than simple ANN. Next, it is demonstrated that an efficient design of 1×2 mosaic-based power splitter with various splitting ratios is possible by using Bayesian optimization based on GP for selecting the next pixel. In the conventional direct-binary-search (DBS) design of mosaic-structure, the next pixel is chosen randomly. On the other hand, in the proposed method it is chosen based on the statistical information obtained by Bayesian inference. By accumulating the information of the transmission characteristics of the device obtained by electromagnetic (EM) simulation as training data, 70% reduction of the number of EM simulation compared with conventional DBS design is demonstrated. Furthermore, by using Bayesian optimization technique, it is shown that the device structure with better characteristics is obtained, compared with those obtained by conventional DBS design for the same number of EM simulation. There results indicate that the proposed method is useful for the design of mosaic-based devices.
Lead–halide perovskites for next-generation self-powered photodetectors: a comprehensive review
Authors: Perumal Veeramalai Chandrasekar , Feng Shuai , Zhang Xiaoming , Pammi S. V. N. , Pecunia Vincenzo , Li Chuanbo
Published: March 2021

Metal halide perovskites have aroused tremendous interest in optoelectronics due to their attractive properties, encouraging the development of high-performance devices for emerging application domains such as wearable electronics and the Internet of Things. Specifically, the development of high-performance perovskite-based photodetectors (PDs) as an ultimate substitute for conventional PDs made of inorganic semiconductors such as silicon, InGaAs, GaN, and germanium-based commercial PDs, attracts great attention by virtue of its solution processing, film deposition technique, and tunable optical properties. Importantly, perovskite PDs can also deliver high performance without an external power source; so-called self-powered perovskite photodetectors (SPPDs) have found eminent application in next-generation nanodevices operating independently, wirelessly, and remotely. Earlier research reports indicate that perovskite-based SPPDs have excellent photoresponsive behavior and wideband spectral response ranges. Despite the high-performance perovskite PDs, their commercialization is hindered by long-term material instability under ambient conditions. This review aims to provide a comprehensive compilation of the research results on self-powered, lead–halide perovskite PDs. In addition, a brief introduction is given to flexible SPPDs. Finally, we put forward some perspectives on the further development of perovskite-based self-powered PDs. We believe that this review can provide state-of-the-art current research on SPPDs and serve as a guide to improvising a path for enhancing the performance to meet the versatility of practical device applications.
Integrating structure-based machine learning and co-evolution to investigate specificity in plant sesquiterpene synthases
Authors: Durairaj Janani , Melillo Elena , Bouwmeester Harro J. , Beekwilder Jules , de Ridder Dick , van Dijk Aalt D. J.
Published: March 2021

Sesquiterpene synthases (STSs) catalyze the formation of a large class of plant volatiles called sesquiterpenes. While thousands of putative STS sequences from diverse plant species are available, only a small number of them have been functionally characterized. Sequence identity-based screening for desired enzymes, often used in biotechnological applications, is difficult to apply here as STS sequence similarity is strongly affected by species. This calls for more sophisticated computational methods for functionality prediction. We investigate the specificity of precursor cation formation in these elusive enzymes. By inspecting multi-product STSs, we demonstrate that STSs have a strong selectivity towards one precursor cation. We use a machine learning approach combining sequence and structure information to accurately predict precursor cation specificity for STSs across all plant species. We combine this with a co-evolutionary analysis on the wealth of uncharacterized putative STS sequences, to pinpoint residues and distant functional contacts influencing cation formation and reaction pathway selection. These structural factors can be used to predict and engineer enzymes with specific functions, as we demonstrate by predicting and characterizing two novel STSs fromCitrus bergamia.
Independent domains for recruitment of PRC1 and PRC2 by human XIST
Authors: Dixon-McDougall Thomas , Brown Carolyn J.
Published: March 2021

XIST establishes inactivation across its chromosome of origin, even when expressed from autosomal transgenes. To identify the regions of human XIST essential for recruiting heterochromatic marks we generated a series of overlapping deletions in an autosomal inducible XIST transgene present in 8p of the HT1080 male fibrosarcoma cell line. We examined the ability of each construct to enrich its unified XIST territory with the histone marks established by PRC1 and PRC2 as well as the heterochromatin factors MacroH2A and SMCHD1. Chromatin enrichment of ubH2A by PRC1 required four distinct regions of XIST, and these were completely distinct from the two domains crucial for enrichment of H3K27me3 by PRC2. Both the domains required, as well as the impact of PRC1 and PRC2 inhibitors, suggest that PRC1 is required for SMCHD1 while PRC2 function is necessary for MacroH2A recruitment, although incomplete overlap of regions implicates roles for additional factors. This cooperativity between factors contributes to the requirement for multiple separate domains being required for each feature examined. The independence of the PRC1/PRC2 pathways was observed when XIST was expressed both autosomally or from the X chromosome suggesting that these observations are not purely a result of the context in which XIST operates. Although independent domains were required for the PRC1 and PRC2 pathways overall all regions tested were important for some aspect of XIST functionality, demonstrating both modularity and cooperativity across the XIST lncRNA.
Spatio-temporal clustering of Mountain-type Zoonotic Visceral Leishmaniasis in China between 2015 and 2019
Authors: Hao Yuwan , Hu Xiaokang , Gong Yanfeng , Xue Jingbo , Zhou Zhengbin , Li Yuanyuan , Wang Qiang , Zhang Yi , Li Shizhu
Published: March 2021

With several decades of concerted control efforts, visceral leishmaniasis(VL) eradication had almost been achieved in China. However, VL cases continue to be detected in parts of western China recent years. Using data of reported cases, this study aimed to investigate the epidemiology and spatio⁃temporal distribution, of mountain-type zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis (MT-ZVL) in China between the years 2015 and 2019. Epidemiological data pertaining to patients with visceral leishmaniasis (VL) were collected in Gansu, Shaanxi, Sichuan, Shanxi, Henan and Hebei provinces between the years 2015 and 2019. Joinpoint regression analysis was performed to determine changes in the epidemic trend of MT-ZVL within the time period during which data was collected. Spatial autocorrelation of infection was examined using the Global Moran’s I statistic wand hotspot analysis was carried out using the Getis-Ord Gi* statistic. Spatio-temporal clustering analysis was conducted using the retrospective space-time permutation flexible spatial scanning statistics. A total of 529 cases of MT-ZVL were detected in the six provinces from which data were collected during the study time period, predominantly in Gansu (55.0%), Shanxi (21.7%), Shaanxi (12.5%) and Sichuan (8.9%) provinces. A decline in VL incidence in China was observed during the study period, whereas an increase in MT-ZVL incidence was observed in the six provinces from which data was obtained (t = 4.87, P < 0.05), with highest incidence in Shanxi province (t = 16.91, P < 0.05). Significant differences in the Moran’s I statistic were observed during study time period (P < 0.05), indicating spatial autocorrelation in the spatial distribution of MT-ZVL. Hotspot and spatial autocorrelation analysis revealed clustering of infection cases in the Shaanxi-Shanxi border areas and in east of Shanxi province, where transmission increased rapidly over the study duration, as well as in well know high transmission areas in the south of Gansu province and the north of the Sichuan province. It indicates resurgence of MT-ZVL transmission over the latter three years of the study. Spatial clustering of infection was observed in localized areas, as well as sporadic outbreaks of infection.
In vitro susceptibility of Trypanosoma cruzi discrete typing units (DTUs) to benznidazole: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Vela Andrea , Coral-Almeida Marco , Sereno Denis , Costales Jaime A. , Barnabé Christian , Brenière Simone Frédérique
Published: March 2021

Background

Chagas disease, a neglected tropical disease endemic to Latin America caused by the parasiteTrypanosoma cruzi, currently affects 6–7 million people and is responsible for 12,500 deaths each year. No vaccine exists at present and the only two drugs currently approved for the treatment (benznidazole and nifurtimox), possess serious limitations, including long treatment regimes, undesirable side effects, and frequent clinical failures. A link between parasite genetic variability and drug sensibility/efficacy has been suggested, but remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated associations betweenT.cruzigenetic variability andin vitrobenznidazole susceptibility via a systematic article review and meta-analysis.

Methodology/Principal findings

In vitronormalized benznidazole susceptibility indices (LC50and IC50) for epimastigote, trypomastigote and amastigote stages of differentT.cruzistrains were recorded from articles in the scientific literature. A total of 60 articles, which include 189 assays, met the selection criteria for the meta-analysis. Mean values for each discrete typing unit (DTU) were estimated using the meta and metaphor packages through R software, and presented in a rainforest plot. Subsequently, a meta-regression analysis was performed to determine differences between estimated mean values by DTU/parasite stage/drug incubation times. For each parasite stage, some DTU mean values were significantly different, e.g. at 24h of drug incubation, a lower sensitivity to benznidazole of TcI vs. TcII trypomastigotes was noteworthy. Nevertheless, funnel plots detected high heterogeneity of the data within each DTU and even for a single strain.

Conclusions/Significance

Several limitations of the study prevent assigning DTUs to differentin vitrobenznidazole sensitivity groups; however, ignoring the parasite’s genetic variability during drug development and evaluation would not be advisable. Our findings highlight the need for establishment of uniform experimental conditions as well as a screening of different DTUs during the optimization of new drug candidates for Chagas disease treatment.
Max Weber y la constitución de identidades: un legado para un mundo desencantado
Authors: Weisz Eduardo
Published: March 2021

El artículo discute en primer lugar una definición del concepto de identidad para poder, a partir de esta, señalar el aporte específico que puede extraerse de la obra weberiana. Sin ser un término en el que este autor se haya detenido —su uso en las ciencias sociales es posterior—, su tratamiento de la constitución de comunidades, sobre todo religiosas y políticas, permite apreciar el interés del autor en los vínculos comunitarios. A partir de los procesos de identidad que Weber señala, por ejemplo en torno a etnias o a estamentos, puede apreciarse la importancia que le asigna a su carácter subjetivo, así como su énfasis en el aspecto irracional de estos vínculos. La perspectiva histórica weberiana resalta los lazos comunitarios constituidos en torno a las religiones y la incapacidad de la modernidad para reproducirlos. Sin embargo, puede encontrarse en Weber la aspiración a que en la política moderna pueda recuperarse algo de esa intensidad, por ejemplo en torno al problema nacional. Para finalizar, el artículo marca la potencialidad del populismo, un fenómeno de enorme extensión en la actualidad, para reproducir esos vínculos y dar a lo político una nueva entidad.
Inmigración y memoria social en Berisso (Argentina) Un análisis de los lugares de memoria, las prácticas conmemorativas y los objetos ligados a la inmigración ultramarina
Authors: Herrera Nicolás
Published: March 2021

El artículo analiza —a escala local— el proceso de espacialización, materialización y transmisión de uno de los ejes que estructuran la memoria oficial de la Argentina: la llegada de inmigrantes ultramarinos durante el período de entre siglos (XIX-XX) y el rol jugado por dichos actores en la conformación poblacional de un armónico crisol de razas. A partir de la descripción de tres lugares de memoria emplazados en la ciudad de Berisso, las prácticas conmemorativas que se desarrollan en ellos y los objetos materiales investidos de sentidos memoriales que allí se exhiben, mostramos la capacidad que han tenido distintos actores de la sociedad civil (las asociaciones étnicas locales) y del Estado (la intendencia municipal) para instituir a los inmigrantes ultramarinos en figuras míticas de la memoria local/nacional: héroes, pioneros y padres fundadores de la comunidad. Este proceso no solo relega a un lugar marginal a otros actores presentes en la historia de la ciudad/nación (inmigrantes limítrofes, migrantes internos) sino que, además, silencia/olvida cualquier indicio de conflictividad que pudiera haber existido durante el proceso de integración de los inmigrantes ultramarinos con la sociedad berissense/argentina. Así, a partir del material elaborado durante un extenso trabajo de campo de tipo cualitativo, el artículo muestra que la figura legitimada en los lugares de memoria, en las prácticas conmemorativas y en los objetos analizados no es la de cualquier inmigrante, sino la del inmigrante ultramarino, exitosamente integrado a la cultura nativa y respetuoso de las instituciones locales.
Defending the motivational theory of desire
Authors: Pineda-Oliva David
Published: March 2021

In this paper I offer a defense of the motivational theory of desire. According to the motivational view, a desire is basically a disposition to bring about the desire’s content. First, I argue that two rival views on the nature of desire, the evaluative theory and the deontic theory, fall prey to the problem of the death of desire and that, when one tries to develop a plausible version of these theories which is able to overcome this problem, one ends up with a view that is not relevantly different from the evaluative view. Second, I respond to some objections to the claim that motivations are sufficient for desire, namely, the Radioman objection and the objection that some motivational states like intentions and habits are not desires.
Determination of residues of pesticides, anabolic steroids, antibiotics, and antibacterial compounds in meat products in Oman by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
Authors: Al-Amri Issa , Kadim Isam T. , AlKindi Abdulaziz , Hamaed Ahmed , Al-Magbali Rabea , Khalaf Samera , Al-Hosni Khdija , Mabood Fazal
Published: March 2021

Background and Aim: Meat is a rich source of many nutrients and plays a vital role in human life however, meat safety is one of the top priorities of great concern for consumers today. More than 90% of human exposure to harmful materials is due to consumption of contaminated meat products. This study was designed to compare four valid analytical methods for the determination of organochlorine pesticides 2,4 D (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid), dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene/ dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, alachlor, organophosphate, anabolic steroids (progesterone, testosterone, and estrogen), antibiotics (tetracycline, sulfonamides, gentamycin, and cephalexin), antibacterial compounds (Macrolide, β-Lactam, Chloramphenicol, Sulphur drugs, and Gentamicin) residues in 135 beef, buffalo, and sheep meat samples (fresh, frozen meats, minced, and sausage samples) of local, regional, and international brands available in Omani markets.

Materials and Methods: Triplicate meat samples from each brand within each species were extracted with acetonitrile and purified with acetonitrile-saturated n-hexane to remove all impurities. To dry the sample after heating, the residue was passed across a Sep-Pak C18 cartridge for sample cleaning before gas chromatography (GC) (Brand GCMS-QP2010 Plus) coupled with different detectors, including a mass spectrometer or GC-electron capture detector (GC-ECD). Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was also employed for the quantification of the residues in meat products. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits were employed to assess veterinary drug residues, anabolic steroids, and pesticides. The CHARM II instrument was employed to detect chloramphenicol, gentamicin, sulfa-drug, β-lactam, and macrolide residues in meat and meat product samples.

Results: A thin-layer chromatographic (TLC) method should be considered as another method of choice to determine concentrations of veterinary drugs and anabolic steroids. The TLC results were validated by LC-MS. The three described methods permit the multi-residue analysis of anabolic steroid residue levels of 0.06-1.89 ppb in meat product samples. There were three violative residues of anabolic steroids in red meat products that were above the maximum residue limits (MRLs). Although, the levels of organochlorine pesticides and antibiotic concentrations in meat products were below the MRLs, the long-term consumption is considered a health hazard and will affect the wellbeing of consumers.

Conclusion: The four techniques (GC, high-performance liquid chromatography, ELISA and CHARM II) provided results that were reliable and precise for the detection of chessssmical residues in meat and meat products.
Az expressz pénztárak optimális működtetésének szolgáltatásmenedzsment-vonatkozásai
Authors: Kalló Noémi , Koltai Tamás
Published: March 2021

Expressz pénztárakat gyakran alkalmaznak a vevői várakozás csökkentése érdekében. Az ilyen rendszerek azonban csak akkor képesek mérsékelni a várakozást, ha kialakításuknál mind a sorálláselmélet alapjait, mind a vevői viselkedés jellemzőit figyelembe veszik. Ugyanakkor a vevői várakozás nem egzakt fogalom, különböző módokon definiált mutatók segítségével fejezhető ki. Ennek következtében az expressz pénztárakat alkalmazó sorállási rendszerek kialakításához a működés alapos ismeretére és több szempontú optimalizálásra van szükség. A cikk összefoglalja és egy barkácsáruház valós példájával szemlélteti az expressz pénztárak alkalmazásának optimalizálásával kapcsolatos főbb elméleti kérdéseket.