bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of loci controlling timing of stem elongation in red clover using genotyping by sequencing of pooled phenotypic extremes
Authors: Ergon Åshild , Milvang Øystein W. , Skøt Leif , Ruttink Tom
Published: August 2022

Main conclusion

Through selective genotyping of pooled phenotypic extremes, we identified a number of loci and candidate genes putatively controlling timing of stem elongation in red clover.

We have identified candidate genes controlling the timing of stem elongation prior to flowering in red clover (Trifolium pratense L.). This trait is of ecological and agronomic significance, as it affects fitness, competitivity, climate adaptation, forage and seed yield, and forage quality. We genotyped replicate pools of phenotypically extreme individuals (early and late-elongating) within cultivar Lea using genotyping-by-sequencing in pools (pool-GBS). After calling and filtering SNPs and GBS locus haplotype polymorphisms, we estimated allele frequencies and searched for markers with significantly different allele frequencies in the two phenotypic groups using BayeScan, an FST-based test utilizing replicate pools, and a test based on error variance of replicate pools. Of the three methods, BayeScan was the least stringent, and the error variance-based test the most stringent. Fifteen significant markers were identified in common by all three tests. The candidate genes flanking the markers include genes with potential roles in the vernalization, autonomous, and photoperiod regulation of floral transition, hormonal regulation of stem elongation, and cell growth. These results provide a first insight into the potential genes and mechanisms controlling transition to stem elongation in a perennial legume, which lays a foundation for further functional studies of the genetic determinants regulating this important trait.
A review of the content and psychometric properties of cancer-related fatigue (CRF) measures used to assess fatigue in intervention studies
Authors: Campbell Rachel , Bultijnck Renée , Ingham Gemma , Sundaram Chindhu Shunmuga , Wiley Joshua F. , Yee Jasmine , Dhillon Haryana M. , Shaw Joanne
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a common and debilitating consequence of cancer and its treatment. Numerous supportive care interventions have been developed to alleviate CRF; however, the diversity of outcome measures used to assess CRF limits comparability of findings. We aimed to evaluate the content and psychometric properties of measures used to assess CRF in interventions targeting fatigue, to inform the selection of suitable measures in future research.

Methods

Included measures were identified from a systematic review of interventions targeting CRF. General characteristics of each measure were extracted, and item content was assessed against domains specified by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) definition of CRF. Psychometric properties were evaluated against COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of heath Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) criteria.

Results

Of 54 measures identified, 25 met inclusion criteria. Seventeen were fatigue-specific and eight a fatigue subscale or single item within a broader measure. Only 14 (56%) were specifically developed for cancer populations. Content coverage according to the NCCN CRF definition ranged from 0 to 75%. Evidence for fulfilment of COSMIN criteria in cancer populations ranged from 0 to 93%, with only five measures meeting > 70% of the COSMIN criteria.

Conclusion

The Piper Fatigue Scale-Revised had good content coverage, but did not comprehensively address COSMIN criteria. The EORTC-FA12 and FACIT/FACT-F had excellent psychometric properties, with each capturing different aspects of fatigue. Ultimately, the choice of CRF measure should be guided by the research question and the CRF domains most relevant to the particular research context.
Non-homogeneous Dirichlet-transmission problems for the anisotropic Stokes and Navier-Stokes systems in Lipschitz domains with transversal interfaces
Authors: Kohr Mirela , Mikhailov Sergey E. , Wendland Wolfgang L.
Published: August 2022

This paper is build around the stationary anisotropic Stokes and Navier-Stokes systems with an $$L^\infty $$

L
∞

-tensor coefficient satisfying an ellipticity condition in terms of symmetric matrices in $${\mathbb {R}}^{n\times n}$$

R

n
×
n

with zero matrix traces. We analyze, in $$L^2$$

L
2

-based Sobolev spaces, the non-homogeneous boundary value problems of Dirichlet-transmission type for the anisotropic Stokes and Navier-Stokes systems in a compressible framework in a bounded Lipschitz domain with a transversal Lipschitz interface in $${\mathbb {R}}^n$$

R

n

, $$n\ge 2$$

n
≥
2

($$n=2,3$$

n
=
2
,
3

for the nonlinear problems). Thus, the interface intersects transversally the boundary of the Lipschitz domain and divides the domain into two Lipschitz sub-domains. First, we use a mixed variational approach to prove the well-posedness of linear problems related to the anisotropic Stokes system. Then we show the existence of a weak solution to the Dirichlet and Dirichlet-transmission problems for the nonlinear anisotropic Navier-Stokes system. This is done by implementing the Leray-Schauder fixed point theorem and using various results and estimates from the linear case, as well as the Leray-Hopf and some other norm inequalities. Explicit conditions for uniqueness of solutions to the nonlinear problems are also provided.
Convergence rates for the Allen–Cahn equation with boundary contact energy: the non-perturbative regime
Authors: Hensel Sebastian , Moser Maximilian
Published: August 2022

We extend the recent rigorous convergence result of Abels and Moser (SIAM J Math Anal 54(1):114–172, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1137/21M1424925) concerning convergence rates for solutions of the Allen–Cahn equation with a nonlinear Robin boundary condition towards evolution by mean curvature flow with constant contact angle. More precisely, in the present work we manage to remove the perturbative assumption on the contact angle being close to 90$$^\circ $$

∘

. We establish under usual double-well type assumptions on the potential and for a certain class of boundary energy densities the sub-optimal convergence rate of order $${\varepsilon ^{\frac{1}{2}}}$$

ε

1
2

for general contact angles $$\alpha \in (0,\pi )$$

α
∈
(
0
,
π
)

. For a very specific form of the boundary energy density, we even obtain from our methods a sharp convergence rate of order $$\varepsilon $$
ε
; again for general contact angles $$\alpha \in (0,\pi )$$

α
∈
(
0
,
π
)

. Our proof deviates from the popular strategy based on rigorous asymptotic expansions and stability estimates for the linearized Allen–Cahn operator. Instead, we follow the recent approach by Fischer et al. (SIAM J Math Anal 52(6):6222–6233, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1137/20M1322182), thus relying on a relative entropy technique. We develop a careful adaptation of their approach in order to encode the constant contact angle condition. In fact, we perform this task at the level of the notion of gradient flow calibrations. This concept was recently introduced in the context of weak-strong uniqueness for multiphase mean curvature flow by Fischer et al. (arXiv:2003.05478v2).
Harmonic extension technique for non-symmetric operators with completely monotone kernels
Authors: Kwaśnicki Mateusz
Published: August 2022

We identify a class of non-local integro-differential operators $$K$$
K
in $$\mathbb {R}$$
R
with Dirichlet-to-Neumann maps in the half-plane $$\mathbb {R}\times (0, \infty )$$

R
×
(
0
,
∞
)

for appropriate elliptic operators $$L$$
L
. More precisely, we prove a bijective correspondence between Lévy operators $$K$$
K
with non-local kernels of the form $$\nu (y - x)$$

ν
(
y
-
x
)

, where $$\nu (x)$$

ν
(
x
)

and $$\nu (-x)$$

ν
(
-
x
)

are completely monotone functions on $$(0, \infty )$$

(
0
,
∞
)

, and elliptic operators $$L= a(y) \partial _{xx} + 2 b(y) \partial _{x y} + \partial _{yy}$$

L
=
a

(
y
)

∂

xx

+
2
b

(
y
)

∂

xy

+

∂

yy

. This extends a number of previous results in the area, where symmetric operators have been studied: the classical identification of the Dirichlet-to-Neumann operator for the Laplace operator in $$\mathbb {R}\times (0, \infty )$$

R
×
(
0
,
∞
)

with $$-\sqrt{-\partial _{xx}}$$

-

-

∂

xx

, the square root of one-dimensional Laplace operator; the Caffarelli–Silvestre identification of the Dirichlet-to-Neumann operator for $$\nabla \cdot (y^{1 - \alpha } \nabla )$$

∇
·
(

y

1
-
α

∇
)

with $$(-\partial _{xx})^{\alpha /2}$$

(
-

∂

xx

)

α
/
2

for $$\alpha \in (0, 2)$$

α
∈
(
0
,
2
)

; and the identification of Dirichlet-to-Neumann maps for operators $$a(y) \partial _{xx} + \partial _{yy}$$

a

(
y
)

∂

xx

+

∂

yy

with complete Bernstein functions of $$-\partial _{xx}$$

-

∂

xx

due to Mucha and the author. Our results rely on recent extension of Krein’s spectral theory of strings by Eckhardt and Kostenko.
Are we promoting boys and girls equally? An analysis of boys’ and girls’ participation in community prevention
Authors: Weyers Simone , Kreffter Katharina , Götz Simon , Nguyen Thuy H. , Lisak-Wahl Stefanie , Fischer Inken , Wessely Stefanie , Joisten Christine
Published: August 2022

Aim

Despite consensus that prevention and health promotion need to address gender aspects and differences, not much is known about how boys and girls in infancy (or their parents) make use of existing non-medical community programmes. The aim of the study was therefore to analyse the extent to which boys and girls or their parents in distinct social circumstances participate in respective programmes.

Subject and methods

We conducted secondary analyses for two study samples: The COLIPRE Study includes (n = 6.480) pre-schoolers from Duesseldorf; the SKILLS Study includes (n = 637) pre-schoolers and school children from Cologne. Social circumstances included parental education, employment status, family status, migration background, mother language and neighbourhood deprivation. Prevention participation included programmes for a healthy diet, physical activity, child education and language development. We used Poisson regressions to calculate prevalence ratios (PR) with 95% confidence interval (CI), adjusted for age, siblings and BMI, stratified for boys and girls.

Results

In both studies, we observed no gender differences in general participation. Taking a range of social circumstances into account, we found that boys and girls with specific disadvantages were underrepresented in programmes to promote a healthy diet, physical activity and child education. By contrast, boys and girls with a migration background participate in language promotion programmes more often than their German-native peers.

Conclusion

More effort should be put into developing programmes for boys and girls and their parents in difficult social circumstances.
A Systematic Review of Therapeutic Process Factors in Mental Health Treatment for Autistic Youth
Authors: Albaum Carly S. , Vashi Nisha , Bohr Yvonne , Weiss Jonathan A.
Published: August 2022

Understanding the role of therapeutic process factors in treatment change may prove useful for discerning why some autistic youth benefit from psychosocial interventions that target emotional and psychological aspects of mental health, while others do not. The aim of the current study was to synthesize what is currently known about therapeutic process factors in mental health treatment of emotional and psychological challenges for autistic youth, regarding how process factors have been measured in past research, and the relation between process factors and treatment outcome. A systematic review of the literature was conducted to narratively synthesize all articles published up until June 2021. Methodological quality of included studies was appraised. Twenty-five studies met inclusion criteria. Process factors assessed across studies included relational factors; treatment expectations, readiness, and satisfaction; and treatment engagement from youth and their parents. Process-outcome associations were reported for a limited number of constructs. There is a limited, albeit growing, body of high-quality research evaluating the role of process factors in the treatment of mental health issues for autistic youth. Future research should continue to examine process factors in relation to treatment outcome, and validate measures to accurately capture process-related constructs in mental health treatment for this population. Greater understanding of therapy processes can lead to developing evidence-informed strategies that clinicians can implement to promote positive expectations, relationships, and engagement.
Soild-state decomposition mechanisms with conversion extent for ammonium percholorate catalyzed with nanothermite particles
Authors: Hamed Abdelaziz , Gobara Mohamed , Mokhtar Mohamed , Elbasuney Sherif
Published: August 2022

Colloidal ferric oxide/aluminum nanothermite mixture was incorporated into ammonium percholorate (AP). Nanothermite particles experienced an increase in AP decomposition enthalpy by 120% using DSC. Decomposition kinetic study was performed using integral isoconversional models including Kissinger and KAS models. Nanothermite particles offered decrease in AP activation energy by 55 and 44% using KAS and Kissinger models, respectively. AP nanocomposite is running through three decomposition steps according to extent of conversion: first-order decomposition with Ea = 41.08 kJ.mol−1 (α = 0: 0.25), two-dimensional decomposition with Ea = 71.90 kJ.mol−1 (α = 0.25: 0.6), and one-dimensional diffusion reaction with Ea = 97.10 kJ.mol−1 (α = 0.6:0.9).
Associations between heart rate asymmetry expression and asymmetric detrended fluctuation analysis results
Authors: Piskorski J. , Kośmider M. , Mieszkowski D. , Żurek S. , Biczuk B. , Jurga S. , Krauze T. , Wykrętowicz A. , Guzik P.
Published: August 2022

The relation between recently established asymmetry in Asymmetric Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (ADFA) and Heart Rate Asymmetry is studied. It is found that the ADFA asymmetric exponents are related both to the overall variability and to its asymmetric components at all studied time scales. We find that the asymmetry in scaling exponents, i.e., $$\alpha ^{+}<\alpha ^{-}$$

α
+

<

α
-

is associated with both variance-based and runs-based types of asymmetry. This observation suggests that the physiological mechanisms of both types are similar, even though their origins and mathematical methods are very different.

Graphical abstract

The graphical abstract demonstrates strong, nonlinear association between the expression of Heart Rate Asymmetry measured using relative descriptors and the Asymmetric Detrended Fluctuation Analysis results. It is clear that there is a strong relation between the two theoretically disparate approaches to signal analysis. The technique to demonstrate the association is loess fit.
Association of waist circumference with haemoglobin A1c and its optimal cutoff for identifying prediabetes and diabetes risk in the Chinese population
Authors: Zhen Juanying , Liu Shuyun , Zhao Guoru , Peng Hao , Samaranayake Nithushi , Xu Aimin , Li Chao , Wu Jun , Cheung Bernard Man Yung
Published: August 2022

Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is a marker of glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Increased waist circumference (WC) is known to be associated with T2DM. Therefore, we investigated the relationship of WC with HbA1c and explored its optimal cutoff for identifying prediabetes and diabetes risk. This study included 2339 participants between 18 and 84 years of age [mean (SD) age, 43.5 (11.9) years] with valid data on WC, HbA1c and related variables in the Shenzhen–Hong Kong United Network on Cardiovascular Disease study. Participants on anti-diabetic medications were excluded. Multiple linear regression was used to investigate the relationship between HbA1c and WC. Cutoff values of WC indicating an HbA1c level of 5.7% and 6.5% were also assessed using optimal binning. There was a significant linear relationship between WC and HbA1c in the overall population (B = 0.261, P < 0.001), men (B = 0.206, P < 0.001) and women (B = 0.311, P < 0.001). After adjustment for smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia and age, the association remained significant in the overall population (B = 0.201, P < 0.001), men (B = 0.186, P < 0.001) and women (B = 0.182, P < 0.001). The optimal cutoff values of WC indicating an HbA1c level of 5.7% and 6.5% was 83 cm (entropy = 0.943) and 85 cm (entropy = 0.365) in men, and 78 cm (entropy = 0.922) and 86 cm (entropy = 0.256) in women. The linear relationship between WC and HbA1c in this study suggests that addressing central obesity issue is beneficial to people with T2DM or at risk of T2DM. WC cutoff values of 85 cm for men and 86 cm for women are appropriate for recommendation to undergo diabetes screening.
Contamination from plastic pipes in small systems: migration and leaching
Authors: Fadel Hatem A.
Published: August 2022

In recent years, extensive laboratory-scale research has focused on the biofilm formation, leaching, and migration of organic chemical compounds from plastic pipes into drinking water. This research has been conducted on an existing distribution network in three rural villages near the dead ends to study the small diameter pipes associated with stagnant or low flow conditions. The distribution network was constructed more than ten years ago using unplasticized polyvinyl chloride pipes. Samples of water, soil, and aged pipes have been collected and tested in the laboratory. Results showed a heavy biofilm formed on the inner surfaces of the uPVC pipes. The biofilm has resulted in high concentrations of trihalomethanes, total organic carbon, and PAHs in the drinking water. The predominant PAHs were the acenaphthylene followed by the naphthalene, while no PAHs have detected at the source. The SEM images showed deterioration of pipe walls, swelled parts, and pores. The EDX confirms the migration of some elements including O, Cl, Ca, Ti, Mg, Fe and K due to the biodegradation of the pipe material and the Ca/Zn stabilizers. However, PAHs released from the plastic pipes into the flowing water are caused by metabolic activities. In addition, results showed that the surrounding soil has classified as having low organic content. Hence, uPVC pipes need protection or change in the manufacturing processes to reduce their hazards in distribution networks over time.
Extending the duty of care to achieve justice for abused match officials
Authors: Carpenter Kevin
Published: August 2022

The welfare of participants in sport has historically been treated with lesser significance than other, largely commercial, considerations. In recent years, the wellbeing and treatment of athletes has come under the glare of the media and the public, due to a number of high-profile and deeply troubling claims of mistreatment and abuse whilst participating in sport. As result, there has been much support from stakeholders for the plight and well-being of athletes, indeed such concerns led to the commissioning of a “Duty of Care” report in the United Kingdom by former Paralympic athlete, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson. Her report was published in April 2017 and covered a number of important areas, including safeguarding and mental welfare. Although the focus was on athletes, there are a number of other participants in sport to whom a duty of care is, or should arguably, be owed. This article contextualizes the position in the UK and elsewhere in world when it comes to participants, the law and duty of care, focussing the analysis to a group of participants who do not garner the same attention: match officials. The author himself is a former football and current rugby union referee. The article shall consider how recent developments in national laws and sporting regulations may well extend the legal duty of care to protect match officials from what has become widespread and unacceptable levels of abuse and ill treatment by athletes and other stakeholders, as well as the options for remedy and redress.
Effect of self-perceived oral habits on orofacial dysfunction and oral health-related quality of life among a group of Egyptian children: a cohort study
Authors: Abd-Elsabour M. A. A. A. , Hanafy R. M. H. , Omar O. M.
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the relationship between OHRQoL and orofacial dysfunction in children practicing oral habits.

Methods

Thirty Egyptian Children, aged from five to seven years, practicing oral habits (habit practicing/exposed group), were examined for orofacial dysfunction using Nordic Orofacial Test-Screen (NOT-S). Their parents were asked to fill 8-item Parental–Caregiver Perception Questionnaire (P-CPQ), translated to Arabic, as an assessment tool for their children’s OHRQoL. The scores of the habit practicing group were compared to those obtained from another 30 children with matched criteria not practicing oral habits (habit free/ control group).

Results

Children in the exposure group showed higher total NOT-S score (median 3, range 1–5) and higher P-CPQ (median 6, range 1–16) than the control group (median 0.5, range 0–2) and (median 4, range 1–8), with a statistical significance (p = 0.00, p = 0.014), respectively. A statistically significant moderate positive correlation was found between OHRQoL and orofacial dysfunction in the habit practicing group, (R = 0.384, p = 0.036). The exposure group was found to be 7.4 and 1.5 times the control group in developing orofacial dysfunction, and having inferior OHRQoL, respectively.

Conclusion

An existing association between the degree of orofacial dysfunction and OHRQoL in children practicing oral habit(s) is suggested.

Trial registration number

NCT04575792, date of registration: 26/9/2020, first posted (approved): 5/10/2020.
Outdoor Air Pollution and Pregnancy Loss: a Review of Recent Literature
Authors: Ha Sandie , Ghimire Sneha , Martinez Valerie
Published: August 2022

Purpose of Review

This review summarizes recent literature about the impacts of outdoor air pollution on pregnancy loss (spontaneous abortion/miscarriage and stillbirth), identifies challenges and opportunities, and provides recommendations for actions.

Recent Findings

Both short- and long-term exposures to ubiquitous air pollutants, including fine particulate matter < 2.5 and < 10 μm, may increase pregnancy loss risk. Windows of susceptibility include the entire gestational period, especially early pregnancy, and the week before event. Vulnerable subpopulations were not consistently explored, but some evidence suggests that pregnant parents from more disadvantaged populations may be more impacted even at the same exposure level.

Given environmental conditions conductive to high air pollution exposures become more prevalent as the climate shifts, air pollution’s impacts on pregnancy is expected to become a growing public health concern. While awaiting larger preconception studies to further understand causal impacts, multi-disciplinary efforts to minimize exposures among pregnant women are warranted.
On the Effect of Hot Rolling on Inclusion Size and Distribution in a Cast AISI 1070 Steel Railroad Wheel
Authors: Summers Jacob M. , Chakraborty Soumava , Bartlett Laura N. , O’Malley Ronald J. , Buchely Mario F. , Pilon Richard
Published: August 2022

The goal of this work is to examine the effect of hot deformation on shrinkage porosity and nonmetallic inclusions in an AISI 1070 grade steel industrially produced wheel casting. Steel cleanliness is an important consideration as it influences the mechanical properties of the final product. A high density of porosity and inclusions have been shown to be detrimental for mechanical properties, especially during hot rolling. Using a laboratory-scale rolling mill, cast preforms were subjected to a 66% cumulative reduction to determine the effect of thermomechanical processing on void closure and inclusions that may produce anisotropy in mechanical properties. Quantitative automated feature analysis, AFA, of inclusion type, size, morphology, and distribution was conducted utilizing an Aspex PICA 1020 scanning electron microscope to determine differences in inclusions and shrinkage porosity in the as-cast and as-rolled conditions. The results were compared with previously reported impact toughness values which indicated a trend with MnS projected length and average impact toughness in the T-L orientation. Reduction in shrinkage porosity was also verified utilizing 3D micro-X-ray CT scans. The AFA results showed a decrease in shrinkage porosity from 177 ppm in the as-cast condition to less than 35 ppm after rolling. Pores were in general much smaller and widely distributed after hot rolling and this would suggest improved impact properties. Analysis of nonmetallic inclusions revealed three primary categories of inclusions that included MnS, Al2O3, and complex inclusions that mainly consisted of MnS with an Al2O3 core, with small quantities of mixed silicates of Mn and Al and calcium aluminates (CaAl2O4).
Subjectivism and Constitutionalism
Authors: Hamlin Alan
Published: August 2022

In the light of Giuseppe Eusepi’s career-long interest in the subjectivist element of James Buchanan’s work, my strategy here is to follow Eusepi by outlining and situating the variety of subjectivism discussed by Buchanan and, after some critical discussion, to attempt to track some of the implications of that subjectivism for the idea of constitutionalism, particularly of the contractarian variety, and some of the limitations imposed by subjectivism. To be clear, what follows is not strictly an attempt at the detailed reconstruction of either Buchanan’s or Eusepi’s position, but rather a discussion of subjectivism, constitutionalism, and the linkages between these two themes that is inspired by Buchanan and Eusepi.
Vertical Distribution of Phosphorous Fractions and Bioavailability of the Nutrient in the Southern Indian Ocean
Authors: Mullungal Muhammed Nayeem , Thalayappil Sruthi , Peediyakkathodi Sajna , Salas Palliparambil Michael , Sujatha Chenicherry House , Kumar Chelakkal Sukumaran Ratheesh
Published: August 2022

The study evaluated concentration, vertical distribution, and bioavailability of phosphorus fractions in the Indian Ocean core sediments. Sediment samples were collected from two sites in the Indian Ocean during January–February 2010 using gravity corer. Phosphorus fractions in sediments were analyzed by a modified sequential extraction procedure (SEDEX). The vertical profile revealed silt and clay as dominant grain size fractions in both cores. The enriched levels of organic carbon were observed in samples due to adsorption on fine grained sediments. Loosely bound P was the most dominant fraction, and its higher concentration in sediments was due to increased productivity and subsequent inputs of biogenic components. Detritus from marine organisms and lower oxygen concentrations (depletedEhvalues) enhanced the production of authigenic P. The lower iron bound P fraction at specific depths was attributed to the nature of Fe minerals present within sediments. Decreased level of organic phosphate fraction was due to mineralization. The presence of Detrital P, the diagenetically stable form of P, might be due to inputs from the Himalayan, peninsular Indian, and Sri Lankan regions. The biogenic form was the dominant phosphate fraction throughout the cores suggesting the dissolution of fish debris. Estimated bioavailable phosphorous (BAP) ranged from 82.2 to 98.7% in Core I and from 90.21 to 92.98% in Core II, suggesting the fact that a major portion of the phosphate was bioavailable and hence the alterations in environmental conditions can release the BAP to water column resulting in nutrient enrichment.

Graphical Abstract
PaFSe: A Parameter-Free Segmentation Approach for 3D Fluorescent Images
Authors: Ameli Corrado , Fixemer Sonja , Bouvier David S. , Skupin Alexander
Published: August 2022

Confocal fluorescent microscopy is a major tool to investigate the molecular orchestration of biomedical samples. The quality of the image acquisition depends critically on the tissue quality and thickness, the type, and concentration of antibodies used, as well as on microscope parameters. Due to these factors, intra-sample and inter-sample variability inevitably arises. Segmentation and quantification of targeted proteins can thus become a challenging process. Image processing techniques need therefore to address the acquisitions variability to minimize the risk of biases originating from changes in signal intensity, background noise, and parameterization. Here, we introduce PaFSe, a parameter-free segmentation algorithm for 3D fluorescent images. The algorithm is based on our established PRAQA approach, which evaluates the dispersion of several pixel intensity neighborhoods allowing for a statistical assessment whether individual subfields of an image can be considered as positive signal or background. PaFSe extends PRAQA by a fully automatic estimate for the segmentation parameters, and thereby provides a completely parameter-free and robust segmentation algorithm. By comparing PaFSe with Ilastik on synthetic examples, we show that our method achieves similar performances as a supervised approach in low-to-moderate noise environments without the need of tedious training. Furthermore, we validate the efficiency of PaFSe by segmenting and quantifying the abundance of hyperphosphorylated Tau protein in post-mortem human brain samples from Alzheimer’s disease patients and age-matched controls, where we obtain quantification values highly correlated with manual neuropathological segmentation. PaFSe is a parameter-free, fast, and adaptive approach for robust segmentation and quantification of protein abundance from complex 3D fluorescent images and is freely available at https://doi.org/10.17881/j20h-pa27.
Characterizing the Temperature of SAT Formulas
Authors: Almagro-Blanco Pedro , Giráldez-Cru Jesús
Published: August 2022

The remarkable advances in SAT solving achieved in the last years have allowed to use this technology to solve many real-world applications, such as planning, formal verification and cryptography, among others. Interestingly, these industrial SAT problems are commonly believed to be easier than classical random SAT formulas, but estimating their actual hardness is still a very challenging question, which in some cases even requires to solve them. In this context, realistic pseudo-industrial random SAT generators have emerged with the aim of reproducing the main features of these application problems to better understand the success of those SAT solving techniques on them. In this work, we present a model to estimate the temperature of real-world SAT instances. This temperature represents the degree of distortion into the expected structure of the formula, from highly structured benchmarks (more similar to real-world SAT instances) to the complete absence of structure (observed in the classical random SAT model). Our solution is based on the popularity–similarity random model for SAT, which has been recently presented to reproduce two crucial features of application SAT benchmarks: scale-free and community structures. This model is able to control the hardness of the generated formula by introducing some randomizations in the expected structure. Using our regression model, we observe that the estimated temperature of the applications benchmarks used in the last SAT Competitions correlates to their hardness in most of the cases.
Male Sexual Health Related Complications Among Combat Veterans
Authors: Castillo Otilio , Chen Irene K. , Amini Eliad , Yafi Faysal A. , Barham David W.
Published: August 2022

Introduction

With improved armor and combat trauma care, more male service members in the 21st century are surviving devastating injuries to their genitourinary (GU) system. The impact of these injuries can have long lasting effect on their sexual function and fertility status.

Objectives

To review the current literature on sexual health-related complications and fertility implications among male service members sustaining combat related injuries.

Methods

We performed a literature search that included male sexual health complications and combat injuries using PubMed and Google Scholar. We reviewed the impact of traumatic injuries to the pelvis and perineum on sexual function and fertility, and we also discuss sexual dysfunction from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injuries (TBI).

Results

Injuries sustained during combat are usually polytraumatic, especially in recent conflicts with improvised explosive devices. The majority of GU combat injuries involve the scrotum, testes, and penis resulting in lasting structural dysfunction. PTSD is associated with higher levels of erectile dysfunction, hypoactive sexual desire, and premature ejaculation. Overall, veterans diagnosed with PTSD had a higher risk of developing sexual dysfunction. Veterans with TBI experience sexual health complications, such as decreased libido, difficulties with arousal maintenance, and the ability to achieve orgasm. Combat related injuries can have significant fertility implications on service members as they typically serve in their peak fertility years.

Conclusions

Traumatic GU injuries, PTSD, TBI, and associated endocrine dysfunction can all contribute to sexual dysfunction among combat veterans. Given the complex nature of sexual dysfunction in this population, these patients are best managed by a multidisciplinary team.
Grave and Sudden Provocation: RevisitingR. v. Ahluwalia– Implementing a New Exception Under Section 300 of the Indian Penal Code and the Defence of the Battered Woman Syndrome
Authors: Mehta Dhruv
Published: August 2022

Lenore Walker introduced the concept of battered woman syndrome in the 1970s, which helps explain the psychological state of battered women and why such women face a slow-burn reaction. This article helps explain why battered woman syndrome must be included under the Indian Penal Code, 1860. It is further proposed that the present exception of a grave and sudden provocation be retained, and a new exception of sustained provocation be created under the Indian Penal Code. The inclusion of sustained provocation would help the cause of battered women. The article concludes with a proposal for creating a new exception under §300 of the Indian Penal Code.
A Medical Nebulizer as a Substitute for the OSHA-Approved Nebulizer for Qualitative Fit Testing of Respirators During the Respiratory Infectious Pandemics: An Experimental Feasibility Study
Authors: Fakherpour Anahita , Jahangiri Mehdi , Seif Mozhgan
Published: August 2022

Objective:

The qualitative fit testing procedure would be challenging due to severe shortages, high cost, and unavailability of commercial fit test kits in the marketplaces during pandemics of respiratory infectious diseases. Assessment of alternatives for commercial fit test kits to be prepared for emergencies is critically required. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of an alternative of the Accumed NF60 nebulizer for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)-approved Allegro nebulizer.

Methods:

Thirty-two participants were randomly allocated to 6 filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs). They were qualitatively fit tested by both manual Allegro and automated Accumed NF60 nebulizers.

Results:

There was no statistically significant difference between the Allegro and Accumed NF60 nebulizers by passing rates. The odds for passing fit testing using the Accumed NF60 nebulizer was similar to that of the Allegro one (odds ratio=1.0, 95% confidence interval [0.58-1.74]).

Conclusions:

The Accumed NF60 nebulizer could be used as a cost-benefit substitute for the standard fit test nebulizers in the pandemic situation where there is a shortage and difficulty of access. It is more convenient, decreases the time investment, and reduces the contact stress in the operators’ hands as it does not require squeezing the nebulizer bulb frequently. The test solutions’ preparation and fit testing procedures on many personnel are more straightforward, efficient, and hygienic than the Allegro one.
Comparing the creamatocrit of human milk before and after long-term freezing
Authors: Fujita Masako , Brindle Eleanor
Published: August 2022

Objectives

The creamatocrit is a simple technique for estimating the lipid content of milk, widely adopted for clinical and research purposes. We evaluated the effect of long-term cryogenic storage on the creamatocrit for human milk.

Methods

Frozen and thawed milk specimens (n = 18) were subjected to the creamatocrit technique. The specimens were reanalyzed after long-term cryogenic storage (10 years at <70°C). The correlation between pre- and post-storage values was tested, and their differences were analyzed using the Bland–Altman plot.

Results

The pre- and post-storage values were highly correlated (r = 0.960, p < .0001). The Bland–Altman plot revealed a positive association between their differences and means (Pitman’s test r = 0.743, p < .001), suggesting the presence of nonconstant bias across the creamatocrit range. Long-term storage of human milk may introduce subtle bias to the creamatocrit in replicating pre-storage values. Further research should evaluate whether this bias is statistically correctable.
Cross-flow vortices and their secondary instabilities in hypersonic and high-enthalpy boundary layers
Authors: Chen Xianliang , Xi Youcheng , Ren Jie , Fu Song
Published: August 2022

Compared to the streamwise instability, the cross-flow instability in high-enthalpy flows has received relatively less attention, but the latter is of vital importance in the flow transition for practical configurations. This work aims to investigate the cross-flow primary and secondary instabilities in hypersonic and high-enthalpy boundary layers, considering thermochemical non-equilibrium (TCNE) effects. The numerical tools adopted include a high-order shock-fitting solver, nonlinear parabolized stability equations and secondary instability theory (SIT). The flow over a swept parabola is calculated at a free-stream Mach number of 16. It is found that TCNE has a destabilizing effect on the cross-flow mode with a non-catalytic wall. Two important non-dimensional parameters are summarized to explain this effect. One is the ratio between the wall and boundary-layer edge temperatures, and the other is the cross-flow Mach number. Due to nonlinear effects, the stationary cross-flow vortices evolve and exhibit the classic rollover structures as in lower-speed flows. Two different disturbance energy norms are used in the energy budget analysis to classify the secondary cross-flow instability modes. The results from SIT highlight the importance of type-IV modes in TCNE flows at the downwash region of the vortex. The type-IV modes arise with the combined contribution from the wall-normal (on top and trough of the vortex) and spanwise (in the downwash region) production terms. The type-I mode is dominant in the calorically perfect gas case with an adiabatic wall, whereas the type-IV mode has the largest growth rate in the TCNE cases irrespective of wall temperature variation.
Hydrodynamic force and torque acting on a micron-sized spherical particle attached to a surface with large-scale concave roughness in linear shear flow and the possibility of detachment
Authors: Meng Kun , Pang Yequ , Liu Yinshui , Cui Yan
Published: August 2022

This work studies the detachment of a micron-sized spherical particle from a surface with concave roughness in a linear shear flow. The concave roughness is described as regularly spaced hollow hemispheres below a flat surface and is characterised by two dimensionless parameters, i.e. dimensionless asperity distance and asperity size ratio. The hydrodynamic force and torque on the particle are calculated by performing lattice Boltzmann simulations for particle Reynolds numbers ranging from 0.02 to 40. Empirical correlations of the drag, lift and torque coefficients of the particle as functions of the particle Reynolds number and the asperity size ratio are proposed. For detachment by lifting, sliding and rolling, a numerical approach to calculate the critical particle Reynolds number (i.e. above which the particle can detach from the surface) is proposed. It is found that the dimensionless asperity distance and the distribution of asperities on the rough surface have a minor influence on the hydrodynamic force and torque on the particle, and the detachment of the particle becomes more difficult as the particle sits deeper in a larger hole. Both the empirical correlations and the numerical approach can be implemented into Lagrangian particle tracking and can accurately predict the detachment of particles from the surface with concave roughness or the detachment of particles embedded in a flat surface.
Sensitivity of isochrones to surface mass balance and dynamics
Authors: Theofilopoulos Alexios , Born Andreas
Published: August 2022

The interior of an ice sheet consists of layers of accumulated snow, which contain important information on accumulation and ice dynamics that are imprinted on layer shapes over time. This work describes how changes in accumulation influence the stratigraphy of an ice sheet. The thickness of each layer at present day depends both on accumulation and on the effect of dynamic thinning after its deposition. An isochronal numerical model is used to simulate the evolution of a 2-D, idealized ice sheet while explicitly representing the layers. A series of simulations was carried out to quantify the changes that anomalous accumulation at different locations and times has on the stratigraphy. These simulations form the basis of a linear response function. A second set of simulations with more sustained changes in accumulation is then used to describe large-scale and long-term impacts on the layering of the ice sheet as well as to test the quality of the linear approximation. The aim is to examine whether long-term effects can be extrapolated from small differential changes. The result confirms a certain degree of linearity between changes in accumulation and layer thickness that may be exploited for future inverse modeling applications.
First integrative study of the diversity and specificity of metacercariae of Posthodiplostomum Dubois, 1936 from native and introduced fishes in the Caribbean
Authors: Díaz Pernett Sandra C. , Brant Sara V. , Locke Sean A.
Published: August 2022

Metacercariae of the genus Posthodiplostomum are often recorded in freshwater fish hosts. While the diversity and taxonomy of this genus are receiving increasing attention in molecular phylogenetic studies, available data remain geographically biased. Most molecular studies of Posthodiplostomum and morphologically similar (neascus) worms originate in North America and Europe and Asia (more than 60% of DNA sequences are from USA and Canada), with few data currently available from the Neotropics, where high host diversity suggests high and under-sampled parasite diversity. In this study, we report molecular and morphological data from metacercariae of Posthodiplostomum in fish in Puerto Rico, where only a single species has been previously reported. Partial sequences of cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 from metacercariae from Dajaus monticola (native to Puerto Rico) and the introduced fishes Poecilia reticulata, Parachromis managuensis, Lepomis macrochirus and Micropterus salmoides revealed 7 genetically distinct species-level lineages, of which 4 were novel. We report novel molecular life-cycle linkages in Posthodiplostomum macrocotyle (metacercariae in muscle of the cichlid Pa. managuensis), a species previously known only from adults in birds from South America; and in Posthodiplostomum sp. 23 (metacercariae in poeciliids), which has recently been found in Ardea herodias in Georgia, USA. We also report the first molecular data from Posthodiplostomum sp. 8 in M. salmoides in the Caribbean. Metacercariae of most species were morphologically distinguished and all displayed narrow specificity for fish hosts, with no indication of parasite sharing among introduced and native fishes.
Connectivity and Disconnectivity in the Roman Empire
Authors: Ramgopal Sailakshmi
Published: August 2022

‘J'ai passionnément aimé la Méditerranée, sans doute parce que venu du Nord, comme tant d'autres, après tant d'autres.’
The primacy of property; or, the subordination of property rights
Authors: Wilson Bart J.
Published: August 2022

A property right, the standard view maintains, is a proper subset of the most complete and comprehensive set of incidents for full ownership of a thing. The subsidiary assumption is that the pieces that are property rights compose the whole that is ownership or property, i.e., that property rights explain property. In reversing the standard view I argue that (1) a custom of intelligent and meaningful human action explains property and that (2) as a custom, property is a historical process of selecting actions conditional on the context. My task is to explain how a physical world of human bodies with minds that feel, think, know, and want gives rise to a custom of property with meaning and purpose. Property is primary because ideas are primary.
Eine Lücke, die es zu schließen gilt: Die Untersuchung sozial-kognitiver Fähigkeiten an deutschsprachigen Memory-Kliniken
Authors: Jarsch Marianne , Semenkova Anna , Monsch Andreas U. , Kressig Reto W. , Sollberger Marc
Published: August 2022

Zusammenfassung: Die Untersuchung sozial-kognitiver Fähigkeiten kann zur Diagnostik kognitiver Störungen beitragen. In diesem Zusammenhang stellt sich die Frage, inwieweit sozial-kognitive Fähigkeiten in deutschsprachigen Memory-Kliniken (MK) untersucht werden. Wir führten dazu eine Befragung in 87 deutschsprachigen MK in Deutschland, österreich und der Schweiz durch. Es zeigte sich, dass die Untersuchung sozial-kognitiver Fähigkeiten mehrheitlich befürwortet wird, jedoch nur selten erfolgt. Die Mehrheit der MK könnte sich jedoch vorstellen, in Zukunft sozial-kognitive Diagnostik durchzuführen, vorausgesetzt, dass hierfür adäquate psychometrische Testverfahren vorliegen. Die Forderung der MK nach psychometrischen sozial-kognitiven Tests gewinnt an Bedeutung angesichts der Tatsache, dass die kürzlich publizierten ICD-11-Kriterien (International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems) die Untersuchung sozial-kognitiver Fähigkeiten bei der Abklärung einer kognitiven Störung empfehlen.
Automated Computerized Neuropsychological Diagnostics in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Hansen Sascha , Wettinger Lena , Keune Jana , Oschmann Patrick , Keune Philipp M.
Published: August 2022

Abstract: Cognitive deficits are common in multiple sclerosis (MS), necessitating diagnosis and constant monitoring. However, frequent neuropsychological assessments are costly and not always feasible. A computerized assessment of basic cognitive functions could contribute to better patient care in this regard. The primary cognitive inventory of the Memory and Attention Test (MAT-COBI) constitutes such a tool. In this feasibility study, we tested N = 44 patients with MS with a standardized neuropsychological assessment consisting of established screening procedures (Brief International Cognitive Assessment in MS [BICAMS] and Brief Repeatable Battery [BRB] and three subtests of the Test Battery of Attentional Performance (TAP). The results of these procedures were considered a gold standard for assessing which patients were cognitively impaired or cognitively unaffected. We also administered the MAT-COBI and compared the results to the gold standard. While the results of an exploratory correlation analysis pointed toward the interpretation that the the MAT-COBI adequately operationalized the basic cognitive domains of attention, memory, and executive, sensitivity was insufficient (32.3 %), while specificity reached 92.3 %. A closer look at the single cognitive domains showed marginal differences across domains (sensitivity ranged from 0–24 %, specificity: 89.5 %-100 %). Based on these results, the MAT-COBI does not appear to be a suitable tool for differentiating between cognitively preserved and cognitively impaired patients with MS. We discuss possible explanations and implications for automated cognitive diagnostics.