bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How alanine catalyzes melanoidin formation and dehydration during synthesis from glucose
Authors: Mohsin Ghassan Faisal , Schmitt Franz-Josef , Kanzler Clemens , Alzubaidi Azalldeen Kazal , Hornemann Andrea
Published: March 2022

The chemical composition of melanoidins formed from glucose (Glc) and alanine (Ala) in different molar ratios was investigated using UV/Vis, FTIR, EPR spectroscopy and elemental analysis (EA). Melanoidin samples were prepared at varying molar ratios of Glc and Ala ranging from 10:1 to 1:10 (Glc:Ala). Reaction systems containing a higher molar ratio of Ala show higher melanoidin yields and higher UV/Vis absorbance. This indicates that an excess of Ala facilitates the formation of larger π-electron systems and catalyzes the melanoidin formation. EPR spectroscopy showed more radicals in Ala enriched samples. The EA data suggest that during the formation of melanoidin from Glc and Ala higher amounts of amino acid support dehydration of the reaction products. On the basis of our data, we postulate the structures of products and intermediates for the reaction at different Glc/Ala ratios. PCA of the FTIR spectra allows to separate different melanoidin samples formed at varying molar ratios indicating their different molecular compositions.
Contrast-induced encephalopathy—neuroimaging findings and clinical relevance
Authors: Meijer Frederick J. A. , Steens Stefan C. A. , Tuladhar Anil M. , van Dijk Ewoud D. , Boogaarts Hieronymus D.
Published: March 2022

Contrast-induced encephalopathy (CIE) is a rare encephalopathic condition after the administration of a contrast agent. The diagnosis of CIE is challenging because of the heterogeneity and non-specificity of the clinical presentation. The clinical course is usually favorable with full recovery within 48–72 h in most patients, although comorbidity is of relevance and contributes to the clinical outcome. It is expected that the incidence of CIE is currently increasing, due to an increase in endovascular and diagnostic imaging procedures using iodinated contrast. It is important to include CIE in the differential diagnosis when patients deteriorate during, or immediately after, contrast administration, even when only a small amount of non-ionic contrast agent is used. When CIE is considered to be the most likely explanation for the clinical symptoms, it is advised to refrain from unnecessary additional contrast studies such as angiography or perfusion CT.
A Multi-Criteria Framework for the Sustainable Management of Fisheries: a Case Study of UK’s North Sea Scottish Fisheries
Authors: Akbari Negar , Bjørndal Trond , Failler Pierre , Forse Andy , Taylor Marc H. , Drakeford Benjamin
Published: March 2022

In this paper, a sustainability framework with a case application for UK’s Scottish fisheries has been developed which integrates aspects related to economic growth, social development, governance, biology, environment, and logistics. Scotland is the centre of UK’s commercial fishery sector however it faces challenges such as overexploitation, and changes in the governance structure following Brexit. The contributions of this study are threefold including (i) collecting and analysing primary data gathered from a diverse group of stakeholders in the Scottish fishery sector and scientific community, (ii) prioritising a diverse range of criteria in terms of importance in decision making from industry and scientific community perspectives, (iii) elaboration of the key management objectives in this region within the context of sustainable management of fisheries in the UK.

The results of this stakeholders’ survey show that the key management objectives are reductions in overexploitation of stocks, inclusive governance, increase in transparency and simplicity of policy measures, reduction in marine litter, and increase in the efficiency of vessels. The analysis also shows that the industry group places a higher importance on socio-economic objectives such as increase in profit and employment compared to the scientific group. On the other hand, the scientific group prioritised the objectives such as reducing discards, bycatch, and impact on seafloor compared to the industry group. This study provides insight for the UK’s fisheries sector, and scientific advisory groups for the enhanced implementation of sustainable fisheries management policies.
mEPE-score: a comprehensive grading system for predicting pathologic extraprostatic extension of prostate cancer at multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Gatti Marco , Faletti Riccardo , Gentile Francesco , Soncin Enrico , Calleris Giorgio , Fornari Alberto , Oderda Marco , Serafini Alessandro , Strazzarino Giulio Antonino , Vissio Elena , Bergamasco Laura , Cirillo Stefano , Papotti Mauro Giulio , Gontero Paolo , Fonio Paolo
Published: March 2022

Objective

To investigate the diagnostic accuracy of the PI-RADS v2.1 multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) features in predicting extraprostatic extension (mEPE) of prostate cancer (PCa), as well as to develop and validate a comprehensive mpMRI-derived score (mEPE-score).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed all consecutive patients admitted to two institutions for radical prostatectomy for PCa with available records of mpMRI performed between January 2015 and December 2020. Data from one institution was used for investigating diagnostic performance of each mEPE feature using radical prostatectomy specimens as benchmark. The results were implemented in a mEPE-score as follows: no mEPE features: 1; capsular abutment: 2; irregular or spiculated margin: 3; bulging prostatic contour, or asymmetry of the neurovascular bundles, or tumor-capsule interface > 1.0 cm: 4; ≥ 2 of the previous three parameters or measurable extraprostatic disease: 5. The performance of mEPE features was evaluated using the five diagnostic parameters and ROC curve analysis.

Results

Two-hundred patients were enrolled at site 1 and 76 at site 2. mEPE features had poor sensitivities ranging from 0.08 (0.00–0.15) to 0.71 (0.59–0.83), whereas specificity ranged from 0.68 (0.58–0.79) to 1.00. mEPE-score showed excellent discriminating ability (AUC > 0.8) and sensitivity = 0.82 and specificity = 0.77 with a threshold of 3. mEPE-score had AUC comparable to ESUR-score (p = 0.59 internal validation; p = 0.82 external validation), higher than or comparable to mEPE-grade (p = 0.04 internal validation; p = 0.58 external validation), and higher than early-and-late-EPE (p < 0.0001 internal and external validation). There were no significant differences between readers having different expertise with EPE-score (p = 0.32) or mEPE-grade (p = 0.45), but there were significant differences for ESUR-score (p = 0.02) and early-versus-late-EPE (p = 0.03).

Conclusions

The individual mEPE features have low sensitivity and high specificity. The use of mEPE-score allows for consistent and reliable assessment for pathologic EPE.

Key Points

• Individual PI-RADS v2.1 mpMRI features had poor sensitivities ranging from 0.08 (0.00–0.15) to 0.71 (0.59–0.83), whereas Sp ranged from 0.68 (0.58–0.79) to 1.00.

• mEPE-score is an all-inclusive score for the assessment of pEPE with excellent discriminating ability (i.e., AUC > 0.8) and Se = 0.82, Sp = 0.77, PPV = 0.74, and NPV = 0.84 with a threshold of 3.

• The diagnostic performance of the expert reader and beginner reader with pEPE-score was comparable (p = 0.32).
Learning curves in minimally invasive pancreatic surgery: a systematic review
Authors: Fung Gayle , Sha Menazir , Kunduzi Basir , Froghi Farid , Rehman Saad , Froghi Saied
Published: March 2022

Background

The learning curve of new surgical procedures has implications for the education, evaluation and subsequent adoption. There is currently no standardised surgical training for those willing to make their first attempts at minimally invasive pancreatic surgery. This study aims to ascertain the learning curve in minimally invasive pancreatic surgery.

Methods

A systematic search of PubMed, Embase and Web of Science was performed up to March 2021. Studies investigating the number of cases needed to achieve author-declared competency in minimally invasive pancreatic surgery were included.

Results

In total, 31 original studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria with 2682 patient outcomes being analysed. From these studies, the median learning curve for distal pancreatectomy was reported to have been achieved in 17 cases (10–30) and 23.5 cases (7–40) for laparoscopic and robotic approach respectively. The median learning curve for pancreaticoduodenectomy was reported to have been achieved at 30 cases (4–60) and 36.5 cases (20–80) for a laparoscopic and robotic approach respectively. Mean operative times and estimated blood loss improved in all four surgical procedural groups. Heterogeneity was demonstrated when factoring in the level of surgeon’s experience and patient’s demographic.

Conclusions

There is currently no gold standard in the evaluation of a learning curve. As a result, derivations are difficult to utilise clinically. Existing literature can serve as a guide for current trainees. More work needs to be done to standardise learning curve assessment in a patient-centred manner.
Distance Bounds for High Dimensional Consistent Digital Rays and 2-D Partially-Consistent Digital Rays
Authors: Chiu Man-Kwun , Korman Matias , Suderland Martin , Tokuyama Takeshi
Published: March 2022

We consider the problem of digitalizing Euclidean segments. Specifically, we look for a constructive method to connect any two points in $$\mathbb {Z}^d$$

Z

d

. The construction must be consistent (that is, satisfy the natural extension of the Euclidean axioms) while resembling them as much as possible. Previous work has shown asymptotically tight results in two dimensions with $$\varTheta (\log N)$$

Θ
(
log
N
)

error, where resemblance between segments is measured with the Hausdorff distance, and N is the $$L_1$$

L
1

distance between the two points. This construction was considered tight because of a $$\varOmega (\log N)$$

Ω
(
log
N
)

lower bound that applies to any consistent construction in $$\mathbb {Z}^2$$

Z

2

. In this paper we observe that the lower bound does not directly extend to higher dimensions. We give an alternative argument showing that any consistent construction in d dimensions must have $$\varOmega (\log ^{1/(d-1)}\!N)$$

Ω
(

log

1
/
(
d
-
1
)

N
)

error. We tie the error of a consistent construction in high dimensions to the error of similar weak constructions in two dimensions (constructions for which some points need not satisfy all the axioms). This not only opens the possibility for having constructions with $$o(\log N)$$

o
(
log
N
)

error in high dimensions, but also opens up an interesting line of research in the tradeoff between the number of axiom violations and the error of the construction. A side result, that we find of independent interest, is the introduction of the bichromatic discrepancy: a natural extension of the concept of discrepancy of a set of points. In this paper, we define this concept and extend known results to the chromatic setting.
Employment status and diabetic outpatient appointment non-attendance in middle to senior working generation with type 2 diabetes: the Japan diabetes outcome intervention trial-2 large‑scale trial 005 (J-DOIT2-LT005)
Authors: Nakayama Izumi , Goto Atsushi , Hayashino Yasuaki , Suzuki Hikari , Yamazaki Katsuya , Izumi Kazuo , Noda Mitsuhiko
Published: March 2022

Aims

Workplace demands, support, and relationships differ according to employment status (e.g., employment that is full-time, part-time, or self-employed) and may lead to unequal opportunities to keep diabetic appointments. We investigated the association between employment status and outpatient diabetic appointment non-attendance among working-age adults with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

This was a secondary analysis of a cluster-randomized trial (the Japan diabetes outcome intervention trial 2 large-scale trial). The analysis included 2010 trial participants (40–65 years old) with type 2 diabetes who were regularly followed by primary care physicians (PCPs). The outcome measure was the first non-attendance (defined as a failure to visit a PCP within 2 months of the original appointment) during the one-year follow-up. The association between baseline employment status and non-attendance was examined using Cox proportional hazard model in men and women.

Results

During the 1279 and 789 person-year follow-up periods, 90 men and 34 women, respectively, experienced their first appointment non-attendance. Among men, self-employed participants had a higher risk of non-attendance compared with full-time employees (adjusted HR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.15, 2.95). The trial intervention (attendance promotion) was associated with a significantly reduced risk of non-attendance among self-employed participants (HR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.26, 0.99). Among women, a significant association between employment status and non-attendance was not observed.

Conclusions

Self-employed men with type 2 diabetes had a twofold increased risk of non-attendance than did full-time employees. Our study suggests that self-employed men with type 2 diabetes should be targeted for interventions promoting appointment adherence.
Diurnal variations of rainfall affected by complex topography based on high-density observation in Chongqing over southwest China
Authors: Li Qiang , Zheng Yongguang , Zhou Guobing , Zhu Yan , Liu Chao , Liu Yan
Published: March 2022

Located in the eastern edge of the Sichuan Basin (SCB) in the southwest China, Chongqing is a mountainous region with typical complex topographic features. Using the hourly rainfall observation data of high-density 1686 meteorological stations in Chongqing during warm season from 2009 to 2016, we investigated the diurnal characteristics of precipitation affected by complex topography. The complex mountainous terrain has a significant impact on diurnal variations and distinct regional features of rainfall amount, frequency, and intensity. The stations located in the higher complex mountainous areas have greater rainfall amount, frequency, and intensity than those in the lower surrounding areas. In addition, the detailed characteristics of the rainfall amount and frequency in the four study regions further show that the rainfall amount and frequency significantly increase with the rise of elevation, especially in the area that terrain height sharply increases along the mountain extending direction. The diurnal variation of the rainfall amount is characterized by a bimodal structure with a dominant early-morning peak occurring at approximately 0700 LST (23 UTC) and a weaker secondary late-afternoon peak at approximately 1600 LST (08 UTC), while the rainfall frequency has a single early-morning peak. The terrain height has a significant impact on the proportions of the early-morning rainfall. With the elevation increasing in the four study regions, the proportions of rainfall amount (frequency) that occurs during early-morning period decrease.
A novel parvovirus (family Parvoviridae) in a freshwater fish, zander (Sander lucioperca)
Authors: Reuter Gábor , Boros Ákos , Mátics Róbert , Altan Eda , Delwart Eric , Pankovics Péter
Published: March 2022

In this study, a novel parvovirus (zander/M5/2015/HUN, OK236393) was detected in faecal specimens from a fish – zander or pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) – and genetically characterized using viral metagenomics and PCR methods. The NS1 and VP1 proteins of zander/M5/2015/HUN share <30% aa sequence identity, respectively, with the corresponding proteins of known members of the family Parvoviridae. Out of 62 faecal specimens collected from 13 freshwater fish species, three (4.8%) samples were positive by PCR for the novel parvovirus – all from zander. This is the second parvovirus detected in fish – after the disease-causing tilapia parvovirus of the subfamily Hamaparvovirinae – and it potentially represents a novel genus in the subfamily Parvovirinae.
Previously undocumented relationship between spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias and juvenile Atlantic horse mackerel Trachurus trachurus revealed by stereo-BRUV
Authors: Ovegård Mikael , Högvall Johanna , Ovegård Maria , Wikström Andreas , Wennhage Håkan
Published: March 2022

This study revealed a previously undocumented association between a teleost and a shark. Atlantic horse mackerel Trachurus trachurus were observed following spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias during 3 consecutive years (2018–2020) on off-shore banks in Kattegat (57°N; 11°E, Sweden). The observations were made by the use of stereo-BRUV (baited remote underwater stereo-video systems). Our findings provide additional information about relationships between sharks and teleosts and suggest that stereo-BRUV can add to the ecological knowledge gained from the commonly deployed trawl surveys in temperate waters such as the Kattegat. With the increasing use of BRUVs in areas where the method has rarely been used before, such as higher latitudes or deeper water, observations as the one described here will likely increase. We urge the growing community of BRUVvers to make use of the methods full potential and to share not only estimations of abundance of different species but also observations of species associations and behaviors. These observations are important for better understanding of the interaction between species and could be important knowledge for targeted management measures.
The use of lectures: effective pedagogy or seeds scattered on the wind?
Authors: Loughlin Colin , Lindberg-Sand Åsa
Published: March 2022

This case study of large-class teaching at a UK university focuses on the place of large-scale lectures in academics’ approaches to teaching, their use by students in their studies, and their relationship to institutional quality assurance policies. The case is a second-year module comprised of 180 students, and it includes two-hour lectures as the primary mode of teaching. The data is drawn from a range of sources including observations, interviews, focus groups, institutional documentation, and a student survey. Observations revealed largely transmissive lectures with little student interaction. The analytic framework of constructive alignment and outcome-based education is used to examine the promoted educational values and the practice experienced by students. The results are further explored in relation to two texts celebrating 50 years since publication: Donald Bligh’s What’s the Use of Lectures and Benson Snyder’s The Hidden Curriculum, Both highlight the dissonance of espoused approaches to teaching, and the realities of large-class environments. While the institutional literature foregrounds student-centred, ‘active learning’ approaches, the teacher-centred practice observed would have been very familiar to Bligh and Snyder; the principles of constructive alignment were visible only at the policy level. The implicit reward mechanisms of the hidden curriculum ensure that the majority of students succeed and are satisfied with the educational offering. The students who attended the lectures appeared to enjoy them and indicated that the primary benefits are the structure offered by live lectures and the support of the peer networks which develop as a result of attendance.
Behavioral gender differences across Pre-School Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Tofani Marco , Scarcella Lucia , Galeoto Giovanni , Giovannone Federica , Sogos Carla
Published: March 2022

There is increasing literature showing that the presentation of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) could be different according to the sex of the patient. Through the analysis of the Autism Diagnostic Interview Revised interview results of a study group consisting of 56 preschool children diagnosed with ASD potential differences in the presentation of ASD were searched. Variables investigated were verbal abilities, the presence/absence of unusual sensory interests, as well as of echolalia. The results showed significant differences between gender in restricted and repetitive behavior (p < 0.01), in particular for those children who have no unusual sensory interest (p < 0.05) and with minimal verbal ability (p < 0.05). The findings contribute providing evidences on phenotypical differences in preschool children with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Emission of volatile organic compounds by plants on the floor of boreal and mid-latitude forests
Authors: Isidorov Valery A. , Pirożnikow Ewa , Spirina Viktoria L. , Vasyanin Alexander N. , Kulakova Svetlana A. , Abdulmanova Irina F. , Zaitsev Andrei A.
Published: March 2022

The forests of the boreal and mid-latitude zones of the Northern Hemisphere are the largest source of reactive volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which have an important impact on the processes occurring in the atmospheric boundary layer. However, the composition of biogenic emissions from them remains incompletely characterized, as evidenced by the significant excess OH radical concentrations predicted by models in comparison with those observed under the forest canopy. The missing OH sink in the models may be related to the fact that they do not take into account the emission of highly reactive VOCs by vegetation on the forest floor. In this work, we report the results of laboratory determinations of the composition of VOCs emitted by representatives of different groups of plants that form the living soil cover (LSC) in the forests of the boreal and mid-latitude zones: bryophytes, small shrubs, herbaceous plants, and ferns. In the chromatograms of volatile emissions of all 11 studied plant species, 254 compounds with carbon atoms ranging in number from two to 20 were registered. All plants were characterized by the emission of terpenes, accounting for 112 compounds, and the second largest group (35 substances) was formed by carbonyl compounds. Both groups of compounds are characterized by high reactivity and are easily included in the processes of gas-phase oxidation with the participation of radicals HO, NO3 and ozone. These data indicate the importance of a thorough study of the so far disregarded source of VOCs, that is, the LSC in forests.
Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation for Adenosine Deaminase Severe Combined Immunodeficiency—Improved Outcomes in the Modern Era
Authors: Ghimenton Elisabetta , Flinn Aisling , Lum Su Han , Leahy Timothy R. , Nademi Zohreh , Owens Stephen , Williams Eleri , Flood Terrence , Hambleton Sophie , Slatter Mary , Gennery Andrew R.
Published: March 2022

Current treatment for adenosine deaminase (ADA)-deficient severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) includes enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT), or ex vivo corrected autologous hematopoietic stem cell gene therapy. Historic data show HSCT survival is superior using unconditioned matched sibling and family compared to matched unrelated and haploidentical donors. Recent improvement in HSCT outcomes prompted us to retrospectively examine HSCT survival and long-term graft function in ADA-SCID transplanted at our center. Thirty-three ADA-deficient patients received HSCT between 1989 and 2020, with follow-up data to January 2021. Chemotherapy conditioning regimens were defined as myeloablative (MAC—busulfan/cyclophosphamide), reduced-toxicity myeloablative (RT-MAC—treosulfan-based, since 2007), or no conditioning. Serotherapy used included alemtuzumab (with or without other conditioning agents) or antithymocyte globulin (ATG). ERT was introduced routinely in 2010 until commencement of conditioning. Median age at HSCT was 3.2 (0.8–99.8) months. Twenty-one (63.6%) received stem cells from unrelated or haploidentical donors. Seventeen (51.5%) received chemotherapy conditioning and 16 (48.5%) received alemtuzumab. Median follow-up was 7.5 (0.8–25.0) years. Overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) at 8 years were 90.9% (95% CI: 79.7–100.0%) and 79% (55–91%), respectively. OS after 2007 (n = 21) was 100% vs 75% before 2007 (n = 12) (p = 0.02). Three (9.1%) died after HSCT: two from multiorgan failure and one from unexplained encephalopathy. There were no deaths after 2007, among those who received ERT and treosulfan-based conditioning pre-HSCT. Ten (30.3%) developed acute GvDH (3 grade II, 2 grade III); no chronic GvHD was observed. In the modern era, conditioned HSCT with MUD has a favorable outcome for ADA-deficient patients.
The Effect of a Mandatory Play Break on Subsequent Gambling Behavior among British Online Casino Players: A Large-Scale Real-World Study
Authors: Auer Michael , Griffiths Mark D.
Published: March 2022

In recent years, various novel responsible gambling (RG) tools have been implemented to aid harm-minimization. One such RG tool has been the implementation of enforced mandatory play breaks. Despite many responsible gambling operators using mandatory play breaks, only three previous studies have examined their efficacy and the findings were mixed. Therefore, the present investigation was a large-scale real-world study which was designed to see whether a 60-minute mandatory play break influenced subsequent depositing and wagering. The authors were given access to 27 days of player data prior to the introduction of a mandatory play break and 27 days of player data after the mandatory play break was introduced. The study comprised British online gamblers from Skillonnet (a European online gambling operator). Between July 23 and September 15 (2021), 2,021 players deposited at least ten times or more on a calendar day, at least once. The 2,201 players generated 2,994 corresponding events (i.e., the depositing of money at least 10 times in one day). The percentage of players who stopped depositing money as a consequence of the mandatory play break rose from 27% to 68% on the day of a play break. Moreover, the percentage of players who stopped wagering as a consequence of the mandatory play break rose from 0.1% to 45% on the day of a play break. The findings of the present study demonstrated that a 60-minute mandatory play break impacts players’ depositing and wagering immediately after the play break. This means that a mandatory hour-long play break in an online casino setting appears to prevent overspending during a short period of time. The effects of a 60-minute mandatory break on the next day’s behavior were inconclusive.
Photoluminescence properties of silk–carbon quantum dots composites
Authors: Colusso Elena , Cicerchia Luca , Rigon Michele , Gomes Vincent , Martucci Alessandro
Published: March 2022

In this paper, we report silk fibroin (SF) and carbon quantum dots (CQDs) nanocomposites obtained through a facile solution casting approach. The optical properties of the nanocomposites have been characterised by UV–vis absorption and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Crosslinking of SF and chemical interactions with the CQDs have been investigated by FTIR spectroscopy. In addition, water stability and degradability of the prepared composites have been investigated in terms of mass loss, important for applications in a real scenario. We observed that for a concentration of CQDs above 1%wt aggregation of nanoparticles occurs, affecting the photoluminescence of the material. The results show that the best composition in terms of photoluminescence intensity and water stability is 0.5%wt CQDs.
Association of gene polymorphisms with body weight changes in prediabetic patients
Authors: Valeeva Farida V. , Medvedeva Mariya S. , Khasanova Kamilya B. , Valeeva Elena V. , Kiseleva Tatyana A. , Egorova Emiliya S. , Pickering Craig , Ahmetov Ildus I.
Published: March 2022

Background

Recent research has demonstrated that Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) risk is influenced by a number of common polymorphisms, including MC4R rs17782313, PPARG rs1801282, and TCF7L2 rs7903146. Knowledge of the association between these single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and body weight changes in different forms of prediabetes treatment is still limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of polymorphisms within the MC4R, PPARG, and TCF7L2 genes on the risk of carbohydrate metabolism disorders and body composition changes in overweight or obese patients with early carbohydrate metabolism disorders.

Methods and results

From 327 patients, a subgroup of 81 prediabetic female patients (48.7 ± 14.8 years) of Eastern European descent participated in a 3-month study comprised of diet therapy or diet therapy accompanied with metformin treatment. Bioelectrical impedance analysis and genotyping of MC4R rs17782313, PPARG rs1801282, and TCF7L2 rs7903146 polymorphisms were performed. The MC4R CC and TCF7L2 TT genotypes were associated with increased risk of T2D (OR = 1.46, p = 0.05 and OR = 2.47, p = 0.006, respectively). PPARG CC homozygotes experienced increased weight loss; however, no additional improvements were experienced with the addition of metformin. MC4R TT homozygotes who took metformin alongside dietary intervention experienced increased weight loss and reductions in fat mass (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

We have shown that the obesity-protective alleles (MC4R T and PPARG C) were positively associated with weight loss efficiency. Furthermore, we confirmed the previous association of the MC4R C and TCF7L2 T alleles with T2D risk.
Playful teasing and the emergence of pretence
Authors: Reddy Vasudevi , Williams Emma , Costall Alan
Published: March 2022

The study of the emergence of pretend play in developmental psychology has generally been restricted to analyses of children’s play with toys and everyday objects. The widely accepted criteria for establishing pretence are the child’s manipulation of object identities, attributes or existence. In this paper we argue that there is another arena for pretending—playful pretend teasing—which arises earlier than pretend play with objects and is therefore potentially relevant for understanding the more general emergence of pretence. We present examples of playful pretend teasing in infancy before and around the end of the first year, involving pretend communicative gestures, mis-labelling and almost non-compliance with prohibitions. We argue that the roots of pretence not only lie earlier in human infancy than generally acknowledged, but also are rooted in playful emotional exchanges in which people recognise and respond to violations of communicative gestures and agreements.
The link between countries’ economic and scientific wealth has a complex dependence on technological activity and research policy
Authors: Rodríguez-Navarro Alonso , Brito Ricardo
Published: March 2022

We studied the research performance of 69 countries by considering two different types of new knowledge: incremental (normal) and fundamental (radical). In principle, these two types of new knowledge should be assessed at two very different levels of citations, but we demonstrate that a simpler assessment can be performed based on the total number of papers (P) and the ratio of the number of papers in the global top 10% of most cited papers divided to the total number of papers (Ptop 10%/P). P represents the quantity, whereas the Ptop 10%/P ratio represents the efficiency. In ideal countries, P and the Ptop 10%/P ratio are linked to the gross domestic product (GDP) and GDP the per capita, respectively. Only countries with high Ptop 10%/P ratios participate actively in the creation of fundamental new knowledge and have Noble laureates. In real countries, the link between economic and scientific wealth can be modified by the technological activity and the research policy. We discuss how technological activity may decrease the Ptop 10%/P ratio while only slightly affecting the capacity to create fundamental new knowledge; in such countries, many papers may report incremental innovations that do not drive the advancement of knowledge. Japan is the clearest example of this, although there are many less extreme examples. Independently of technological activity, research policy has a strong influence on the Ptop 10%/P ratio, which may be higher or lower than expected from the GDP per capita depending on the success of the research policy.
GP-ETAS: semiparametric Bayesian inference for the spatio-temporal epidemic type aftershock sequence model
Authors: Molkenthin Christian , Donner Christian , Reich Sebastian , Zöller Gert , Hainzl Sebastian , Holschneider Matthias , Opper Manfred
Published: March 2022

The spatio-temporal epidemic type aftershock sequence (ETAS) model is widely used to describe the self-exciting nature of earthquake occurrences. While traditional inference methods provide only point estimates of the model parameters, we aim at a fully Bayesian treatment of model inference, allowing naturally to incorporate prior knowledge and uncertainty quantification of the resulting estimates. Therefore, we introduce a highly flexible, non-parametric representation for the spatially varying ETAS background intensity through a Gaussian process (GP) prior. Combined with classical triggering functions this results in a new model formulation, namely the GP-ETAS model. We enable tractable and efficient Gibbs sampling by deriving an augmented form of the GP-ETAS inference problem. This novel sampling approach allows us to assess the posterior model variables conditioned on observed earthquake catalogues, i.e., the spatial background intensity and the parameters of the triggering function. Empirical results on two synthetic data sets indicate that GP-ETAS outperforms standard models and thus demonstrate the predictive power for observed earthquake catalogues including uncertainty quantification for the estimated parameters. Finally, a case study for the l’Aquila region, Italy, with the devastating event on 6 April 2009, is presented.
A numerically stable algorithm for integrating Bayesian models using Markov melding
Authors: Manderson Andrew A. , Goudie Robert J. B.
Published: March 2022

When statistical analyses consider multiple data sources, Markov melding provides a method for combining the source-specific Bayesian models. Markov melding joins together submodels that have a common quantity. One challenge is that the prior for this quantity can be implicit, and its prior density must be estimated. We show that error in this density estimate makes the two-stage Markov chain Monte Carlo sampler employed by Markov melding unstable and unreliable. We propose a robust two-stage algorithm that estimates the required prior marginal self-density ratios using weighted samples, dramatically improving accuracy in the tails of the distribution. The stabilised version of the algorithm is pragmatic and provides reliable inference. We demonstrate our approach using an evidence synthesis for inferring HIV prevalence, and an evidence synthesis of A/H1N1 influenza.
Particle swarm optimization and artificial bee colony algorithm for clustering and mobile based software-defined wireless sensor networks
Authors: Sixu Lu , Muqing Wu , Min Zhao
Published: March 2022

With the development of the internet of things, people pay more and more attention to wireless sensor networks. Designing the energy efficient routing is an essential objective for wireless sensor networks. Cluster routing is one of the most popular routing protocols to enhance the network lifetime. However, hotspot problem always exists in cluster-based routing protocol. The task of this study is designing a cluster routing protocol with mobile base station which aims at balancing the energy consumption and prolonging the network lifetime. In this article, we design a particle swarm optimization and artificial bee colony algorithm for clustering and mobile based software-defined wireless sensor networks. The software defined network architecture is used to reduce the energy overhead and computation overhead in sensor nodes. Particle swarm optimization-based cluster routing algorithm is used to calculate the cluster heads and the sojourn locations of base station. Artificial bee colony algorithm-based traversal path algorithm is used to design the move path of the base station. Comparing with relevant protocols, the proposed protocol reduces the energy consumption, enhances the network lifetime and reduces the control overhead.
Cutting uncertain stock and vehicle routing in a sustainability forestry harvesting problem
Authors: Fajemisin Adejuyigbe O. , Prestwich Steven D. , Climent Laura
Published: March 2022

Sustainable forest management is concerned with the management of forests according to the principles of sustainable development. As a contribution to the field, this paper combines the Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP) (in which the vehicles are harvesters) with the Multiple Stock Size Cutting Stock Problem under uncertainty (in which the stock is logs). We present an Integer Linear Program that dynamically combines the cutting of the uncertain stock with vehicle routing, and uses it to address real-life problems. In experiments on real data from the forestry harvesting industry, we show that it outperforms a commonly used metaheuristic algorithm.
Signaling Mechanism for Modulation by GLP-1 and Exendin-4 of GABA Receptors on Rat Retinal Ganglion Cells
Authors: Zhang Tao , Ruan Hang-Ze , Wang Yong-Chen , Shao Yu-Qi , Zhou Wei , Weng Shi-Jun , Zhong Yong-Mei
Published: March 2022

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is expressed in retinal neurons, but its role in the retina is largely unknown. Here, we demonstrated that GLP-1 or the GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R; a G protein-coupled receptor) agonist exendin-4 suppressed γ-aminobutyric acid receptor (GABAR)-mediated currents through GLP-1Rs in isolated rat retinal ganglion cells (GCs). Pre-incubation with the stimulatory G protein (Gs) inhibitor NF 449 abolished the exendin-4 effect. The exendin-4-induced suppression was mimicked by perfusion with 8-Br-cAMP (a cAMP analog), but was eliminated by the protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor Rp-cAMP/KT-5720. The exendin-4 effect was accompanied by an increase in [Ca2+]i of GCs through the IP3-sensitive pathway and was blocked in Ca2+-free solution. Furthermore, when the activity of calmodulin (CaM) and CaM-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) was inhibited, the exendin-4 effect was eliminated. Consistent with this, exendin-4 suppressed GABAR-mediated light-evoked inhibitory postsynaptic currents in GCs in rat retinal slices. These results suggest that exendin-4-induced suppression may be mediated by a distinct Gs/cAMP-PKA/IP3/Ca2+/CaM/CaMKII signaling pathway, following the activation of GLP-1Rs.
Toward an Overarching Framework for Systematizing Research Perspectives on Diagnostic Thinking and Practice
Authors: Leuders Timo , Loibl Katharina , Sommerhoff Daniel , Herppich Stephanie , Praetorius Anna-Katharina
Published: March 2022

Assessing students’ learning processes and products is considered a core requirement of effective teaching. As such, it is an object of research in several disciplines and research areas. To structure the various corresponding research perspectives and provide a broader, yet still systematic view of the field, we propose an overarching framework that allows for systematizing foci of interest, goals, methodologies, and theoretical premises as four integral aspects of conducting research in this area. We demonstrate the benefits of the overarching framework by using it as a tool to analyze and systematize previous research from four different research perspectives. Based on this framework, we discuss the strengths and limitations of existing studies and, in particular, highlight theoretical premises that are rarely explicitly addressed but become more obvious by using the overarching framework. In addition, we provide directions for future research by drawing connections within and between research perspectives. Our analyses illustrate how the overarching framework can provide a foundation for research synthesis and inform future studies.
Weight stigma in patients with overweight and obesity: validation of the Italian Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire (WSSQ)
Authors: Rossi Alessandro Alberto , Manzoni Gian Mauro , Pietrabissa Giada , Di Pauli Daniele , Mannarini Stefania , Castelnuovo Gianluca
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to explore the factorial structure of the Italian Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire (WSSQ) (Study1); and to test structural validity, internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and measurement invariance of the questionnaire across gender, Body Mass Index (BMI), age and occurrence of previous hospitalization for obesity (Study2).

Methods

At admission into a hospital-based program for weight reduction and rehabilitation, 150 inpatients with overweight/obesity (68% females) completed the WSSQ (Study1). In Study2, in addition to the WSSQ, 446 inpatients (61.9% females) completed the Weight Bias Internalization Scale (WBIS), the Body Uneasiness Test (BUT), and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). A subsample of 40 patients also re-completed the WSSQ at discharge from the hospital.

Results

The Italian WSSQ showed good overlap with the original factorial structure (Study1) and results were confirmed in Study2. Test–retest reliability and convergent validity showed adequate values. Measurement invariance revealed that WSSQ was perfectly invariant across both BMI and the occurrence of previous hospitalizations for obesity. In both studies, the internal consistency of the questionnaire was deemed acceptable.

Conclusions

The Italian WSSQ is a valid, reliable, and invariant tool for the assessment of weight-related self-stigma among patients with overweight/obesity. Future studies should assess its longitudinal invariance as well as its responsiveness to weight reduction treatments.

Level of evidence

V, descriptive study.
Hospital physicians’ and older patients’ agreement with individualised STOPP/START-based medication optimisation recommendations in a clinical trial setting
Authors: Huibers C. J. A. , Sallevelt B. T. G. M. , Heij J. M. J. op , O’Mahony D. , Rodondi N. , Dalleur O. , van Marum R. J. , Egberts A. C. G. , Wilting I. , Knol W.
Published: March 2022

Objective

To evaluate the agreement of hospital physicians and older patients with individualised STOPP/START-based medication optimisation recommendations from a pharmacotherapy team.

Methods

This study was embedded within a large European, multicentre, cluster randomised controlled trial examining the effect of a structured medication review on drug-related hospital admissions in multimorbid (≥ 3 chronic conditions) older people (≥ 70 years) with polypharmacy (≥ 5 chronic medications), called OPERAM. Data from the Dutch intervention arm of this trial were used for this study. Medication review was performed jointly by a physician and pharmacist (i.e. pharmacotherapy team) supported by a Clinical Decision Support System with integrated STOPP/START criteria. Individualised STOPP/START-based medication optimisation recommendations were discussed with patients and attending hospital physicians.

Results

139 patients were included, mean (SD) age 78.3 (5.1) years, 47% male and median (IQR) number of medications at admission 11 (9–14). In total, 371 recommendations were discussed with patients and physicians, overall agreement was 61.6% for STOPP and 60.7% for START recommendations. Highest agreement was found for initiation of osteoporosis agents and discontinuation of proton pump inhibitors (both 74%). Factors associated with higher agreement in multivariate analysis were: female gender (+ 17.1% [3.7; 30.4]), ≥ 1 falls in the past year (+ 15.0% [1.5; 28.5]) and renal impairment i.e. eGFR 30–50 ml/min/1.73 m2; (+ 18.0% [2.0; 34.0]). The main reason for disagreement (40%) was patients’ reluctance to discontinue or initiate medication.

Conclusion

Better patient and physician education regarding the benefit/risk balance of pharmacotherapy, in addition to more precise and up-to-date medical records to avoid irrelevant recommendations, will likely result in higher adherence with future pharmacotherapy optimisation recommendations.

Clinical trial registration

Trial Registration Number NCT02986425.
End-of-Life Decision making in circular economy using generalized colored stochastic Petri nets
Authors: Vanson Gautier , Marangé Pascale , Levrat Eric
Published: March 2022

Circular economy enables to restore product value at the end of life i.e. when no longer used or damaged. Thus, the product life cycle is extended and this economy permits to reduce waste increase and resources rarefaction. There are several revaluation options (reuse, remanufacturing, recycling, …). So, decision makers need to assess these options to determine which is the best decision. Thus, we will present a study about an End-Of-Life (EoL) decision making which aims to facilitate the industrialization of circular economy. For this, it is essential to consider all variables and parameters impacting the decision of the product trajectory. A first part of the work proposes to identify the variables and parameters impacting the decision making. A second part proposes an assessment approach based on a modeling by Generalized Colored Stochastic Petri Net (GCSPN) and on a Monte-Carlo simulation. The approach developed is tested on an industrial example from the literature to analyze the efficiency and effectiveness of the model. This first application showed the feasibility of the approach, and also the limits of the GCSPN modelling.
A search for technosignatures toward the Galactic Centre at 150 MHz
Authors: Tremblay Chenoa D. , Price Danny C. , Tingay Steven J.
Published: March 2022

This paper is the fourth in a series of low-frequency searches for technosignatures. Using the Murchison Widefield Array over two nights, we integrate 7 h of data toward the Galactic Centre (centred on the position of Sagittarius$\mathrm{A}^{*}$) with a total field-of-view of$200\,\mathrm{deg}^{2}$. We present a targeted search toward 144 exoplanetary systems, at our best yet angular resolution (75 arcsec). This is the first technosignature search at a central frequency of 155 MHz toward the Galactic Centre (our previous central frequencies have been lower). A blind search toward in excess of 3 million stars toward the Galactic Centre and Galactic bulge is also completed, placing an equivalent isotropic power limit$<\!1.1\times10^{19}\,\mathrm{W}$at the distance to the Galactic Centre. No plausible technosignatures are detected.
Implicit computation complexity in higher-order programming languages
Authors: Dal Lago U.
Published: March 2022

This paper is meant to be a survey about implicit characterizations of complexity classes by fragments of higher-order programming languages, with a special focus on type systems and subsystems of linear logic. Particular emphasis will be put on Martin Hofmann’s contributions to the subject, which very much helped in shaping the field.
Enthusiastic Proselytisers: Translating the Swedish Gender Policy Model in Cold War United States
Authors: Rom-Jensen Byron Z.
Published: March 2022

In the early 1960s, the US President's Commission on the Status of Women analysed Swedish gender policies with an interest in securing social and economic justice for American women. This largely overlooked investigation ultimately led to the integration of Swedish policy goals and strategies into the commission's recommendations, extending the impact of a Swedish model beyond mere rhetorical functions. This case indicates how, in the context of Cold War bipolarisation, transnational labour networks facilitated ‘modellisation’ by bolstering the trendiness of Swedish examples and the receptivity of American actors. Crucial was Esther Peterson of the US Women's Bureau, who served as a proselytiser of Swedish ideas, thereby driving a spontaneous and highly contingent translation of these policies into US-compatible proposals. The role of Peterson suggests a need for a greater recognition of the agendas of specific interest groups when historicising the creation and international circulation of a Swedish model.