bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The semianalytical analysis of nearly singular integrals in 2D potential problem by isogeometric boundary element method
Authors: Han Zhilin , Huang Yifan , Cheng Changzheng , Liang Yongcheng , Hu Zongjun , Niu Zhongrong
Published: March 2020

Benefited from the accuracy improvement in modeling physical problem of complex geometry and integrating the discretization and simulation, the isogeometric analysis in boundary element method (IGABEM) has been drawn a great deal of attention. The nearly singular integrals of 2D potential problem in the IGABEM are addressed by a semianalytical scheme in the present work. We use the subtraction technique to separate the integrals to singular and nonsingular parts, where the singular parts can be calculated by the analytical formulae derived by utilizing a series of integration by parts, while the nonsingular parts are calculated numerically with fewer quadrature points. Comparing the present semianalytical results with the ones of exact solutions, we find that the present method can obtain precise potential and flux densities of inner points much closer to the boundary without refining the elements nearby. Sufficient comparisons with other regularization schemes, such as the exponential and sinh transformation methods, are also conducted. The results in the numerical examples show the competitiveness of the present method, especially when calculating the nearly strongly and highly singular integrals during the simulation of the flux density.
Single‐Cell Multi‐Omics and Its Prospective Application in Cancer Biology
Authors: Peng Anghui , Mao Xiying , Zhong Jiawei , Fan Shuxin , Hu Youjin
Published: March 2020

In recent years, the emergence of single‐cell omics technologies, which can profile genomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics, and proteomics, has provided unprecedented insights into characteristics of cancer, enabling higher resolution and accuracy to decipher the cellular and molecular mechanisms relating to tumorigenesis, evolution, metastasis, and immune responses. Single‐cell multi‐omics technologies, which are developed based on the combination of multiple single‐cell mono‐omics technologies, can simultaneously analyze RNA expression, single nucleotide polymorphism, epigenetic modification, or protein abundance, enabling the in‐depth understanding of gene expression regulatory mechanisms. In this review, the state‐of‐the‐art single‐cell multi‐omics technologies are summarized and the prospects of their application in cancer biology are discussed.
Salivary Microbiome Shifts in Response to Periodontal Treatment Outcome
Authors: Greenwood David , Afacan Beral , Emingil Gulnur , Bostanci Nagihan , Belibasakis Georgios N.
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Periodontitis is linked to a localized dysbiotic microbial shift. This trending may often not be evident due to deep taxonomic changes of low abundance organisms and lack of consideration of variations in the treatment response. By using next generation sequencing this study aims to evaluate the salivary microbiome dynamics of periodontal treatment and the implication of treatment outcome

Experimental Design

Patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis are treated non‐surgically and followed up for 6 months. Saliva is collected for microbiome profiling by next generation sequencing and diversity analysis, as well as quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The treatment outcome on the first follow‐up is also considered.

Results

Clinical parameters are significantly improved following treatment, but with no accompanying relative abundance changes on the phylum, genus and species levels, or diversity indices. Distinctive differences are observed on species level when the sensitive qPCR is used. Patients responding poorly to treatment display a marginally lower microbiome profile distance from baseline, compared to those responding favorably.

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance

Periodontal treatment does not alter the broader salivary microbiome profile, but may have selective implications on the species level. Treatment outcome can be impactful in the microbiome profile, as reduced microbiome changes may be associated with poorer clinical responses.
The metastable states of proteins
Authors: Ghosh Debasish Kumar , Ranjan Akash
Published: March 2020

The intriguing process of protein folding comprises discrete steps that stabilize the protein molecules in different conformations. The metastable state of protein is represented by specific conformational characteristics, which place the protein in a local free energy minimum state of the energy landscape. The native‐to‐metastable structural transitions are governed by transient or long‐lived thermodynamic and kinetic fluctuations of the intrinsic interactions of the protein molecules. Depiction of the structural and functional properties of metastable proteins is not only required to understand the complexity of folding patterns but also to comprehend the mechanisms of anomalous aggregation of different proteins. In this article, we review the properties of metastable proteins in context of their stability and capability of undergoing atypical aggregation in physiological conditions.
Cellular functions and intrinsic attributes of the ATP‐binding Eps15 homology domain‐containing proteins
Authors: Bhattacharyya Soumya , Pucadyil Thomas J.
Published: March 2020

Several cellular processes rely on a cohort of dedicated proteins that manage tubulation, fission, and fusion of membranes. A notably large number of them belong to the dynamin superfamily of proteins. Among them is the evolutionarily conserved group of ATP‐binding Eps15‐homology domain‐containing proteins (EHDs). In the two decades since their discovery, EHDs have been linked to a range of cellular processes that require remodeling or maintenance of specific membrane shapes such as during endocytic recycling, caveolar biogenesis, ciliogenesis, formation of T‐tubules in skeletal muscles, and membrane resealing after rupture. Recent work has shed light on their structure and the unique attributes they possess in linking ATP hydrolysis to membrane remodeling. This review summarizes some of these recent developments and reconciles intrinsic protein functions to their cellular roles.
(Q)SAR tools for the prediction of mutagenic properties: Are they ready for application in pesticide regulation?
Authors: Herrmann Kristin , Holzwarth Andrea , Rime Soyub , Fischer Benjamin C , Kneuer Carsten
Published: March 2020

The assessment of human health risks resulting from the presence of metabolites in groundwater and food residues has become an important element in pesticide authorisation. In this context, the evaluation of mutagenicity is of particular interest and a paradigm shift from exposure‐triggered testing to in silico‐based screening has been recommended in the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Guidance on the establishment of the residue definition for dietary risk assessment. In addition, it is proposed to apply in silico predictions when experimental mutagenicity testing is not possible due to a lack of sufficient quantities of the pesticide metabolite. This, combined with animal welfare and economic considerations, has led to a situation where an increasing number of in silico studies are submitted to regulatory authorities. Whilst there is extensive experience with in silico predictions for mutagenicity in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry, their suitability in pesticide regulation is still insufficiently considered. Therefore, we herein discuss critical issues that need to be resolved to successfully implement (Quantitative) Structure‐Activity Relationship ((Q)SAR) as an accepted tool in pesticide regulation. For illustration purposes, the results of a pilot study are included. The presented study highlights a need for further improvement regarding the predictivity and applicability domain of (Q)SAR systems for pesticides and their metabolites, but also raises other questions such as model selection, establishment of acceptance criteria, harmonised approaches to the combination of model outputs into overall conclusions, adequate reporting and data sharing. © 2020 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Revised GNSS‐RO observation uncertainties in the Met Office NWP system
Authors: Bowler Neill E.
Published: March 2020

The diagnostics of Desroziers et al. have been used to estimate the uncertainties of Global Navigation Satellite System Radio Occultation (GNSS‐RO) observations. Compared with the uncertainties that are currently operational, the new uncertainties are smaller and vary with height, latitude, satellite identifier, and other variables. The initial tests allowed the observation uncertainties to vary with latitude, satellite identifier, and the tangent‐point height of the observation. Using these uncertainties for a winter period demonstrated clear improvements in the weather forecast skill. Further tests showed that this improvement derived from the variation of the uncertainties with satellite identifier and from using a smooth variation with latitude—the current method gives a sharp change in the uncertainty at 30° intervals in latitude. The diagnosis method indicated a maximum in the observation uncertainty just above the tropical tropopause (around 20 km). Experiments demonstrated that the high values for the observation uncertainty in this region degrade the forecast performance. It is suggested that this is a sign that this method is identifying some model errors incorrectly as observation errors, which may be a consequence of the known assumptions of the method being violated. The uncertainties diagnosed in this study were calculated over a one‐month period in winter 2017/2018, and the initial tests were conducted using a three‐month period for the same winter. Using uncertainties that vary with latitude, height, and satellite identifier in an experiment for summer 2018 resulted in a much smaller increase in forecast skill than for the winter period. Therefore uncertainties were diagnosed that vary with quantities other than latitude. The most effective of these is to allow the observation uncertainties to vary with the average temperature between the Earth's surface and 20 km. Uncertainties that vary with this and with satellite identifier and height give good forecast skill improvements in both seasons.
Use of the transoral robotic surgery to treat patients with recurrent lingual tonsillitis
Authors: Di Luca Milena , Iannella Giannicola , Montevecchi Filippo , Magliulo Giuseppe , De Vito Andrea , Cocuzza Salvatore , Maniaci Antonino , Meccariello Giuseppe , Cammaroto Giovanni , Sgarzani Rossella , Ferlito Salvatore , Vicini Claudio
Published: March 2020

Background

This study evaluates the efficacy of lingual tonsil resection by transoral robotic surgery (TORS) in a large group of patients with recurrent lingual tonsillitis (RLT).

Methods

Eighty‐four patients with RLT treated with a lingual tonsil surgical resection using TORS were analyzed in terms of their postoperative results, disease recurrence, postoperative dysphagia, and quality of life.

Results

A reduction of the mean number/year of acute lingual tonsillitis (LT) episodes emerged after surgery (5.17 vs 0.54 events), comparing the mean number of preoperative and postoperative LT episodes, a statistical significance emerged (P = .0001). The postoperative endoscopic evaluation showed 94.1% of patients with absent or poor lymphatic tissue on the tongue base. Evaluation of postoperative dysphagia showed good results with an average score of 85.9 ± 7.5.

Conclusion

This article explains how in patients with chronic LT with medical therapy failure and impaired quality of life, TORS could represent a valid therapeutic option.
Role of sentiment analysis in social media security and analytics
Authors: Sharma Sanur , Jain Anurag
Published: March 2020

Social media, in recent times, has with eased an explosion of data with so many social media platforms available to interact and express opinions freely. This has led to easy access to the privacy of social media users which raise broader security concerns and issues. The present paper provides an overview of various sentiment analysis approaches and techniques for social media security and analytics. The multiple security application domains like deception detection, anomaly detection, risk management, and disaster relief have been identified where sentiment analysis is used for social media security. An in‐depth study on security issues related to data provenance, distrust, e‐commerce security, consumer security breaches, market surveillance, credibility, and risk assessment in social media have been presented. A comparison of various techniques, methodologies, dataset, and application domain where sentiment analysis is used has been discussed. The present work discusses the results of different machine learning techniques based on the performance metrics that have been used for the implementation of sentiment analysis in the respective security domains. It identifies the various gaps, issues, and the recent advancements in the field and presents a line of work that needs to be carried forward in future.

This article is categorized under:

Commercial, Legal, and Ethical Issues > Security and Privacy

Technologies > Machine Learning

Technologies > Prediction
AI in the headlines: the portrayal of the ethical issues of artificial intelligence in the media
Authors: Ouchchy Leila , Coin Allen , Dubljević Veljko
Published: March 2020

As artificial intelligence (AI) technologies become increasingly prominent in our daily lives, media coverage of the ethical considerations of these technologies has followed suit. Since previous research has shown that media coverage can drive public discourse about novel technologies, studying how the ethical issues of AI are portrayed in the media may lead to greater insight into the potential ramifications of this public discourse, particularly with regard to development and regulation of AI. This paper expands upon previous research by systematically analyzing and categorizing the media portrayal of the ethical issues of AI to better understand how media coverage of these issues may shape public debate about AI. Our results suggest that the media has a fairly realistic and practical focus in its coverage of the ethics of AI, but that the coverage is still shallow. A multifaceted approach to handling the social, ethical and policy issues of AI technology is needed, including increasing the accessibility of correct information to the public in the form of fact sheets and ethical value statements on trusted webpages (e.g., government agencies), collaboration and inclusion of ethics and AI experts in both research and public debate, and consistent government policies or regulatory frameworks for AI technology.
Hybrid manufacturing of titanium Ti-6Al-4V combining laser metal deposition and cryogenic milling
Authors: Moritz Juliane , Seidel André , Kopper Michael , Bretschneider Jörg , Gumpinger Johannes , Finaske Thomas , Riede Mirko , Schneeweiß Michael , López Elena , Brückner Frank , Leyens Christoph , Rohr Thomas , Ghidini Tommaso
Published: April 2020

Hybrid manufacturing, which, e.g., combines additive manufacturing with conventional machining processes, can be a way of overcoming limitations currently encountered in additive manufacturing. Cryogenic milling might be a viable option for hard-to-cut materials, as it leaves a contamination-free surface and can increase surface quality and tool life compared to conventional cooling concepts. In this study, the influence of cryogenic milling with carbon dioxide on titanium Ti-6Al-4V specimens manufactured with laser metal deposition (LMD) was investigated regarding tool wear and surface integrity in comparison to dry machining and machining with cooling lubricants. Moreover, additional layers of material were deposited on top of conventionally and cryogenically machined surfaces by means of LMD. The interface zone was then examined for defects. The milling process was closely monitored by means of thermal and high-speed imaging. Optical and tactile surface analysis provided evidence that lower roughness values and improved surface qualities could be obtained with cryogenic machining in comparison to dry machining. Moreover, significantly less tool wear was observed when a cryogenic cooling medium was applied. Although the utilization of conventional cooling lubricants resulted in satisfying surface qualities, substantial residual contamination on the milled surface was detected by means of fluorescence analysis. These contaminants are suspected to cause defects when the next layer of material is deposited. This is supported by the fact that pores were found in the weld bead applied on top of the milled specimens by means of LMD. Conversely, cryogenic machining resulted in very clean surfaces due to the residue-free evaporation of the coolant. Hence, a good metallurgical bonding between the weld bead and the milled substrate could be achieved. The results indicate the great potential of cryogenic milling in hybrid manufacturing, especially in terms of intermediate machining, as it provides residue-free surfaces for subsequent material deposition without an additional cleaning step and can significantly prolongate tool life.
Sup-ADF-style bubble-detection methods under test
Authors: Monschang Verena , Wilfling Bernd
Published: March 2020

In this paper, we analyze the capacity of supremum augmented Dickey–Fuller (SADF), generalized SADF (GSADF), and of several heteroscedasticity-adjusted sup-ADF-style tests for detecting and date-stamping financial bubbles. Our Monte Carlo simulations find that the majority of the sup-ADF-style tests exhibit substantial size distortions, when the data-generating process is subject to leverage effects. Moreover, the sup-ADF-style tests often have low empirical power in identifying a (flexible and empirically relevant) rational stock-price bubble, recently proposed in the literature. In a simulation study, we compare the effectiveness of two real-time bubble date-stamping procedures (Procedures 1 and 2), both based on variants of the backward SADF (BSADF) test. While Procedure 1 (predominantly) provides better estimates of the bubbles’ origination and termination dates than Procedure 2, the first procedure frequently stamps non-existing bubbles. In an empirical application, we use NASDAQ data covering a time-span of 45 years and find that the bubble date-stamping outcomes of both procedures are sensitive to the data frequency chosen by the econometrician.
Internal exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and biological markers in 101 healthy 1-year-old children: associations between levels of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and vaccine response
Authors: Abraham Klaus , Mielke Hans , Fromme Hermann , Völkel Wolfgang , Menzel Juliane , Peiser Matthias , Zepp Fred , Willich Stefan N. , Weikert Cornelia
Published: March 2020

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a complex group of man-made chemicals with high stability and mobility leading to ubiquitous environmental contamination and accumulation in the food chain. In human serum/plasma samples, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) are the lead compounds. They are immunotoxic in experimental animals, and epidemiological studies provided evidence of a diminished production of vaccine antibodies in young children. However, information on children of the first year of age is missing but relevant, as they have a relatively high exposure if breastfed, and may have a higher susceptibility as their immune system is developing. In a cross-sectional study with 101 healthy 1-year-old children, internal levels of persistent organic pollutants and a broad panel of biological parameters were investigated at the end of the 1990s. Additional analysis of PFASs resulted in plasma levels (mean ± SD) of PFOA and PFOS of 3.8 ± 1.1 and 6.8 ± 3.4 µg/L, respectively, in the 21 formula-fed children, and of 16.8 ± 6.6 and 15.2 ± 6.9 µg/L in the 80 children exclusively breastfed for at least 4 months. The study revealed significant associations between levels of PFOA, but not of PFOS, and adjusted levels of vaccine antibodies against Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib, r = 0.32), tetanus (r = 0.25) and diphtheria (r = 0.23), with no observed adverse effect concentrations (NOAECs) determined by fitting a ‘knee’ function of 12.2, 16.9 and 16.2 µg/L, respectively. The effect size (means for PFOA quintiles Q1 vs. Q5) was quantified to be − 86, − 54 and − 53%, respectively. Furthermore, levels of PFOA were inversely associated with the interferon gamma (IFNɣ) production of ex-vivo lymphocytes after stimulation with tetanus and diphtheria toxoid, with an effect size of − 64 and − 59% (means Q1 vs. Q5), respectively. The study revealed no influence of PFOA and PFOS on infections during the first year of life and on levels of cholesterol. Our results confirmed the negative associations of PFAS levels and parameters of immune response observed in other epidemiological studies, with high consistency as well as comparable NOAECs and effects sizes for the three vaccine antibodies investigated, but for PFOA only. Due to reduction of background levels of PFASs during the last 20 years, children in Germany nowadays breastfed for a long duration are for the most part not expected to reach PFOA levels at the end of the breastfeeding period above the NOAECs determined.
Individual factors increasing complexity of drug treatment—a narrative review
Authors:   HIOPP-6 Consortium, Schmidt Steffen J. , Wurmbach Viktoria S. , Lampert Anette , Bernard Simone , Haefeli Walter E. , Seidling Hanna M. , Thürmann Petra A.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Complexity of drug treatment is known to be a risk factor for administration errors and nonadherence promoting higher healthcare costs, hospital admissions and increased mortality. Number of drugs and dose frequency are parameters often used to assess complexity related to the medication regimen. However, factors resulting from complex processes of care or arising from patient characteristics are only sporadically analyzed. Hence, the objective of this review is to give a comprehensive overview of relevant, patient-centered factors influencing complexity of drug treatment.

Methods

A purposeful literature search was performed in MEDLINE to identify potential complexity factors relating to the prescribed drug (i.e. dosage forms or other product characteristics), the specific medication regimen (i.e. dosage schemes or additional instructions), specific patient characteristics and process characteristics. Factors were included if they were associated to administration errors, nonadherence and related adverse drug events detected in community dwelling adult patients.

Results

Ninety-one influencing factors were identified: fourteen in “dosage forms”, five in “product characteristics”, twelve in “dosage schemes”, nine in “additional instructions”, thirty-one in “patient characteristics” and twenty in “process characteristics”.

Conclusions

Although the findings are limited by the non-systematic search process and the heterogeneous results, the search shows the influence of many factors on the complexity of drug treatment. However, to evaluate their relevance for individual patients, prospective studies are necessary.
Preoperative Role of RAS or BRAF K601E in the Guidance of Surgery for Indeterminate Thyroid Nodules
Authors: Ravella L. , Lopez J. , Descotes F. , Giai J. , Lapras V. , Denier M.‐L. , Borson‐Chazot F. , Lifante J.‐C. , Decaussin‐Petrucci M.
Published: March 2020

Background

RAS and K601E BRAF mutations are not a reliable indicator of malignancy in fine‐needle aspirations (FNA) of thyroid indeterminate cytologic nodules. We aimed to evaluate the histologic characteristics, the risk of malignancy associated with such mutations in FNA and their potential interest for preoperative clinical management of nodules.

Methods

We evaluated 69 indeterminate thyroid nodules with RAS or K601E BRAF mutations with available histopathologic follow‐up. All FNA specimens were indeterminate according to the thyroid Bethesda system. Diagnosis of malignant, benign or indolent neoplasms was classified according to 2017 WHO classification. Carcinoma, NIFTP (noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary‐like features) and WDTUMP (well‐differentiated tumor of uncertain malignant potential) were considered “surgical,” as they require surgical excision. Adenoma was considered “non‐surgical.” The risk of malignancy and the risk of “surgical disease” were evaluated.

Results

Pathologic evaluation of the 69 mutated nodules demonstrated benign, indolent and malignant histology in 17 cases (25%), 21 cases (30%) and 31 cases (45%), respectively. The risk of malignancy was 45%, and the risk of surgical disease was 75%. The majority of carcinomas were a follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma. On follow‐up, there have been no recurrences to date.

Conclusion

Preoperative RAS or BRAF K601E mutations detection in cytologic indeterminate thyroid nodules carries a high risk of surgical disease and may benefit from surgical management. Most surgical lesions harboring those mutations are low‐risk tumors, which may be in favor of an initial lobectomy.
A Novel Parameter Identified Using Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Angiography may Contribute to Predicting Anastomotic Leakage in Gastric Cancer Surgery
Authors: Mori Mikito , Shuto Kiyohiko , Hirano Atsushi , Kosugi Chihiro , Narushima Kazuo , Hosokawa Isamu , Fujino Masafumi , Yamazaki Masato , Shimizu Hiroaki , Koda Keiji
Published: March 2020

Background

Anastomotic leak is one of the most serious postoperative complications, and intraoperative adequate perfusion plays a key role in preventing its development in gastric cancer surgery. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between anastomotic leak and the parameters defined by an assessment of intraoperative anastomotic perfusion using a near‐infrared indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence system and to evaluate the usefulness of this ICG fluorescence assessment in gastric cancer surgery.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed data of 100 patients who underwent gastric cancer surgery. In a visual assessment based on fluorescence intensity, we classified ICG fluorescence image patterns as homogeneous, heterogeneous, or faint. In a chronological assessment, the first or second time point of ICG fluorescence appearance on one or the other side of the anastomosis was defined as FT or ST, respectively. The time difference in ICG fluorescence appearance between FT and ST was defined as TD. The relationships between anastomotic leak and the evaluated clinical factors, including the parameters identified by the ICG fluorescence assessment, were evaluated using univariate or multivariate analysis.

Results

Although no signs of leak were found by surgeons’ subjective judgments, four patients developed postoperative anastomotic leak of Clavien–Dindo grade III or IV. Multivariate analysis revealed that TD was an independent predictor of anastomotic leak (odds ratio 35.361, 95% confidence interval 1.489–839.923, p = 0.027).

Conclusions

A novel parameter identified using near‐infrared ICG fluorescence assessment may be useful to predict anastomotic leak in gastric cancer surgery.

Trial Registration

UMIN Clinical Trials Registry: #UMIN000030747 (https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index.htm).
ETV in infancy and childhood below 2 years of age for treatment of hydrocephalus
Authors: El Damaty Ahmed , Marx Sascha , Cohrs Gesa , Vollmer Marcus , Eltanahy Ahmed , El Refaee Ehab , Baldauf Joerg , Fleck Steffen , Baechli Heidi , Zohdi Ahmed , Synowitz Michael , Unterberg Andreas , Schroeder Henry W. S.
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Age and etiology play a crucial role in success of endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) as a treatment of obstructive hydrocephalus. Outcome is worse in infants, and controversies still exist whether ETV is superior to shunt placement. We retrospectively analyzed 70 patients below 2 years from 4 different centers treated with ETV and assessed success.

Methods

Children < 2 years who received an ETV within 1994–2018 were included. Patients were classified according to age and etiology; < 3, 4–12, and 13–24 months, etiologically; aqueductal stenosis, post-hemorrhagic-hydrocephalus (PHH), tumor-related, fourth ventricle outflow obstruction, with Chiari-type II and following CSF infection. We investigated statistically the predictors for ETV success through computing Kaplan-Meier estimates using patient’s follow-up time and time to ETV failure.

Results

We collected 70 patients. ETV success rate was 41.4%. The highest rate was in tumor-related hydrocephalus and fourth ventricle outlet obstruction (62.5%, 60%) and the lowest rate was in Chiari-type II and following infection (16.7%, 0%). The below 3 months age group showed relatively lower success rate (33.3%) in comparison to older groups which showed similar results (46.4%, 46.6%). Statistically, a previous VP shunt was a predictor for failure (p value < 0.05).

Conclusion

Factors suggesting a high possibility of failure were age < 3 months and etiology such as Chiari-type II or following infection. Altered CSF dynamics in patients with PHH and under-developed arachnoid villi may play a role in ETV failure. We do not recommend ETV as first line in children < 3 months of age or in case of Chiari II or following infection.
Non-additive (dominance) effects of genetic variants associated with refractive error and myopia
Authors:   and the UK Biobank Eye and Vision Consortium, Pozarickij Alfred , Williams Cathy , Guggenheim Jeremy A.
Published: March 2020

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have revealed that the genetic contribution to certain complex diseases is well-described by Fisher’s infinitesimal model in which a vast number of polymorphisms each confer a small effect. Under Fisher’s model, variants have additive effects both across loci and within loci. However, the latter assumption is at odds with the common observation of dominant or recessive rare alleles responsible for monogenic disorders. Here, we searched for evidence of non-additive (dominant or recessive) effects for GWAS variants known to confer susceptibility to the highly heritable quantitative trait, refractive error. Of 146 GWAS variants examined in a discovery sample of 228,423 individuals whose refractive error phenotype was inferred from their age-of-onset of spectacle wear, only 8 had even nominal evidence (p < 0.05) of non-additive effects. In a replication sample of 73,577 individuals who underwent direct assessment of refractive error, 1 of these 8 variants had robust independent evidence of non-additive effects (rs7829127 within ZMAT4, p = 4.76E−05) while a further 2 had suggestive evidence (rs35337422 in RD3L, p = 7.21E−03 and rs12193446 in LAMA2, p = 2.57E−02). Accounting for non-additive effects had minimal impact on the accuracy of a polygenic risk score for refractive error (R2 = 6.04% vs. 6.01%). Our findings demonstrate that very few GWAS variants for refractive error show evidence of a departure from an additive mode of action and that accounting for non-additive risk variants offers little scope to improve the accuracy of polygenic risk scores for myopia.
Cats show an unexpected pattern of response to human ostensive cues in a series of A-not-B error tests
Authors: Pongrácz Péter , Onofer Dóra L.
Published: March 2020

It is an intriguing question whether cats’ social understanding capacity, including the sensitivity to ostensive signals (resulting in fast preferential learning of behavioural choices demonstrated by humans), would be comparable to that in dogs. In a series of A-not-B error tests, we investigated whether the ostensive or non-ostensive manner of human communication and the familiarity of the human demonstrator would affect the search error pattern in companion cats. Cats’ performance showed an almost completely different distribution of perseverative erring than earlier was shown in dogs and human infants. Cats demonstrated perseverative errors both during ostensive and non-ostensive cueing by the owner and also during non-ostensive cueing by the experimenter. However, unlike prior studies with dogs, they avoided perseverative errors during the experimenter ostensive cueing condition. We assume that the reliance on human ostensive signals may serve different purpose in companion dogs and cats—meanwhile in dogs, human ostension could support fast rule learning, in cats, it may have only a circumstantial attention-eliciting effect. Our results highlight the need of conducting further throughout experiments on the social cognition of cats, based on their own right beside the traditional cat–dog comparative approach.
Landslide damming hazard susceptibility maps: a new GIS-based procedure for risk management
Authors: Tacconi Stefanelli C. , Casagli N. , Catani F.
Published: March 2020

A complete landslide dam hazard management incorporates two assessment phases: the damming probability and the breach hazard. A prompt evaluation of the dam stability is crucial during the emergency to mitigate its consequences, but a reliable risk assessment can be realized only after the event has occurred, when the available time is very short. Therefore, it is necessary to develop tools able to help in mapping the spatial probability of damming over large areas for land-use planning, in order to better constrain consequence analysis and risk scenarios for setting up mitigation measures. In this work, a semi-automated GIS-based mapping methodology, based on a statistical correlation of morphometric parameters described by a morphological index, is proposed to spatially assess the likelihood of a river obstruction by landslide damming through two main mechanisms: the reactivation of existing landslides and the formation of new landslides. The two mapping methods (damming predisposition and damming probability) were used on a test area, the Arno River basin in Italy. The Eastern part of the basin resulted as the most susceptible to damming events in the whole basin. These are the highest mountain ridges in the basin (about 1600 m a.s.l.), characterized by calcareous, arenaceous, and marl lithology. The results are confirmed by the high concentration of the known historical landslide dams in the area according to existing inventories.
A novel high-dimensional NMR experiment for resolving protein backbone dihedral angle ambiguities
Authors: Kauffmann Clemens , Kazimierczuk Krzysztof , Schwarz Thomas C. , Konrat Robert , Zawadzka-Kazimierczuk Anna
Published: April 2020

Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) are challenging established structural biology perception and urge a reassessment of the conventional understanding of the subtle interplay between protein structure and dynamics. Due to their importance in eukaryotic life and central role in protein interaction networks, IDP research is a fascinating and highly relevant research area in which NMR spectroscopy is destined to be a key player. The flexible nature of IDPs, as a result of the sampling of a vast conformational space, however, poses a tremendous scientific challenge, both technically and theoretically. Pronounced signal averaging results in narrow signal dispersion and requires higher dimensionality NMR techniques. Moreover, a fundamental problem in the structural characterization of IDPs is the definition of the conformational ensemble sampled by the polypeptide chain in solution, where often the interpretation relies on the concept of ‘residual structure’ or ‘conformational preference’. An important source of structural information is information-rich NMR experiments that probe protein backbone dihedral angles in a unique manner. Cross-correlated relaxation experiments have proven to fulfil this task as they provide unique information about protein backbones, particularly in IDPs. Here we present a novel cross-correlation experiment that utilizes non-uniform sampling detection schemes to resolve protein backbone dihedral ambiguities in IDPs. The sensitivity of this novel technique is illustrated with an application to the prototypical IDP $$\alpha$$α-Synculein for which unexpected deviations from random-coil-like behaviour could be observed.
An intelligent approach to predicting the effect of nanoparticle mixture ratio, concentration and temperature on thermal conductivity of hybrid nanofluids
Authors: Wole-Osho Ifeoluwa , Okonkwo Eric C. , Adun Humphery , Kavaz Doga , Abbasoglu Serkan
Published: March 2020

Hybrid nanofluids are better heat transfer fluids than conventional nanofluids because of the combined properties of two or more nanoparticles. In this study, the thermal conductivity of Al2O3–ZnO nanoparticles suspended in a base fluid of distilled water is investigated. The experiments were conducted for three mixture ratios (1:2, 1:1 and 2:1) of Al2O3–ZnO nanofluid at five different volume concentrations of 0.33%, 0.67%, 1.0%, 1.33% and 1.67%. X-ray diffractometric analysis, X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy were used to characterise the nanoparticles. The highest thermal conductivity enhancement achieved for Al2O3–ZnO hybrid nanofluids with 1:2, 1:1 and 2:1 (Al2O3:ZnO) mixture ratios was 36%, 35% and 40%, respectively, at volume concentration 1.67%. The study observed the highest thermal conductivity for Al2O3–ZnO nanofluid was achieved at a mixture ratio of 2:1. A “deeping” effect was observed at a mixture ratio of 1:1 representing the lowest value of thermal conductivity within the considered range. The study proposed and compared three models for obtaining the thermal conductivity of Al2O3–ZnO nanofluids based on temperature, volume concentration and nanoparticle mixture ratio. A polynomial correlation model, the adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system model and an artificial neural network model optimised with three different learning algorithms. The adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system model was most accurate in forecasting the thermal conductivity of the Al2O3–ZnO hybrid nanofluid with an R2 value of 0.9946.
Marine connectivity in spatial conservation planning: analogues from the terrestrial realm
Authors: Virtanen Elina A. , Moilanen Atte , Viitasalo Markku
Published: April 2020

Context

Spatial prioritization is an analytical approach that can be used to provide decision support in spatial conservation planning (SCP), and in tasks such as conservation area network design, zoning, planning for impact avoidance or targeting of habitat management or restoration.

Methods

Based on literature, we summarize the role of connectivity as one component of relevance in the broad structure of spatial prioritization in both marine and terrestrial realms.

Results

Partially diffuse, directed connectivity can be approximated in Zonation-based multi-criteria SCP by applying hydrodynamic modelling, knowledge on species traits, and information on species occurrences and quality of habitats. Sources and destinations of larvae or propagules can be identified as separate spatial layers and taken into account in full-scale spatial prioritization involving data on biota, as well as economic factors, threats, and administrative constraints. While population connectivity is an important determinant of metapopulation persistence, the importance of marine connectivity depends on species traits and the marine environment studied. At one end of the continuum are species that occupy isolated habitats and have long pelagic larval durations in deeper sea areas with strong directional currents. At the other extreme are species with short pelagic durations that occupy fragmented habitats in shallow topographically complex sea areas with weak and variable currents.

Conclusions

We conclude that the same objectives, methods, and analysis structures are applicable to both terrestrial and marine spatial prioritization. Marine spatial conservation planning, marine spatial planning, marine zoning, etc., can be implemented using methods originated in the terrestrial realm of planning.
Hybrid P3HT: PCBM/GaN nanowire/Si cascade heterojunction for photovoltaic application
Authors: Tchutchulashvili Giorgi , Korona Krzysztof P. , Mech Wojciech , Chusnutdinow Sergij , Sobanska Marta , Klosek Kamil , Zytkiewicz Zbigniew R. , Sadowski Wojciech
Published: March 2020

Poly (3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) are commonly used for the fabrication of organic photovoltaics (OPV). Efficiency limitations of OPVs could be circumvented by incorporation of inorganic nanostructures into organic blends. Again, integration of organic solar cells with well-developed silicon photovoltaic technology is ultimately desirable. In the present work, GaN nanowires with diameters of 25–50 nm and two lengths (200 and 500 nm) have been grown using molecular beam epitaxy technique. Solar-grade monocrystalline silicon wafers were used as substrates for nanowire synthesis. GaN nanostructures were incorporated into P3HT:PCBM photoactive layer in order to facilitate charge transfer between P3HT:PCBM and Si. Samples with and without nanowires were compared. Addition of nanowires led to the improvement in photovoltaic performance. Open circuit voltage has risen by 72% and short circuit current density by 200%. Series resistance has decreased 50 times, and power conversion efficiency has risen 20.7 times. Additional maxima are found in photocurrent spectrum corresponding to carriers being generated near GaN absorption edge. Moreover, external quantum efficiency peaks near GaN absorption edge, indicating the formation of current transfer channel via P3HT/GaN/Si cascade heterojunction. Mechanism explaining source of abovementioned improvement is proposed.
Education and Ignorance: Between the Noun of Knowledge and the Verb of Thinking
Authors: Szkudlarek Tomasz , Zamojski Piotr
Published: March 2020

In this paper we look at the relations between knowledge and thinking through the lens of ignorance. In relation to knowledge, ignorance becomes its “constitutive outside,” and as such it may be politically organised in order to delimit the borders of the right to knowledge [the “ignorance economy,” see Roberts and Armitage (Prometheus 26 (4): 335–354, 2008)]. In this light, the notion of a knowledge-based society should be understood as a society structured along the lines of knowledge distribution: the rights of possession of and access to knowledge demand that ignorance is planned and executed as the condition of their establishment. In relation to thinking, ignorance appears differently. According to Rancière, the teacher's ignorance conditions the student's appearance as Anthropos, a being who can be asked: what do you think about it? Hence, we are dealing with the ambiguity of ignorance which seems to be both the criterion of social exclusion, and the condition of emancipation. Following this thread with reference to Heidegger's discourse on thinking, we would like to explore the possibility of comprehending knowledge and education beyond the relations of ownership and demands of productivity. Following Rancière, we may say that thinking—as displacing the notion of ignorance—stands in the position of “politics” and questions the ways knowledge societies are structured as “police orders” along the lines of knowledge possession and exclusion.
Optimal scheduling of measurement-based parallel real-time tasks
Authors: Agrawal Kunal , Baruah Sanjoy , Ekberg Pontus , Li Jing
Published: March 2020

In this work we consider a measurement-based model for parallel real-time tasks represented by the work and span parameters of directed acyclic graphs, with different bounds for nominal and overload scenarios. We address the corresponding real-time scheduling problem and propose an optimal scheduling strategy with a derived tight bound on the maximum response time of a task.
What “Evidence” in Evidence-Based Medicine?
Authors: Martini Carlo
Published: March 2020

The concept of evidence has gone unanalysed in much of the current debate between proponents and critics of evidence-based medicine. In this paper I will suggest that part of the controversy rests on an understanding of the word “evidence” that is too broad, and therefore contains the contradictions that allow both camps to defend their position and charge their adversaries. I will argue that reconciling the different meanings of the word ‘evidence’ in “evidence-based medicine” should help put EBM in its rightful place.
Effect of Activated Sludge on the Degradation of 2-Ethylhexyl 4-Methoxycinnamate and 2-Ethylhexyl 4-(Dimethylamino)Benzoate in Wastewater
Authors: Gackowska Alicja , Studziński Waldemar
Published: March 2020

Incomplete removal of organic pollutants during wastewater treatment is one of the main routes to introduce micro-pollutants into the environment. This group of pollutants includes, among others, UV filters. Commonly used UV filters are 2-ethylhexyl 4-methoxycinnamate (EHMC) and 2-ethylhexyl 4-(dimethylamino)benzoate (ODPABA). Due to the lipophilic character, these compounds can accumulate in sludge. The effects of activated sludge on the removal of EHMC and ODPABA from wastewater have been investigated in this study. It was shown that both UV filters tend to accumulate in the sludge. The concentration of UV filters in sludge increased with the increase of activated sludge dose and time of process. It was checked whether EHMC and ODPABA were transformed in activated sludge. A gas chromatograph coupled with a mass spectrometry detector (GC-MS) was used to identify products. In the case of EHMC, ethylhexyl alcohol (EHA) and the Z-EHMC isomer were identified. Methyl-4-aminobenzoic acid (MPABA) was identified as ODPABA degradation product. Elimination of EHMC and ODPABA from wastewater mainly proceeds by adsorption of these pollutants in the sludge. Filters present in wastewater and sludge undergo transformations.
Touch too much: aquatic disinfectant and steam exposure treatments can inhibit further spread of invasive bloody-red mysid shrimp Hemimysis anomala
Authors: Coughlan Neil E. , O’Hara Shane , Crane Kate , Dick Jaimie T. A. , MacIsaac Hugh J. , Cuthbert Ross N.
Published: March 2020

Biosecurity protocols designed to prevent further spread of invasive alien species have become a key component of invader management strategies. However, spread-prevention of invasive peracarids is especially difficult due to ineffectiveness of detection and treatment options. For instance, bloody-red mysid shrimp, Hemimysis anomala, is a high impact ecosystem-destabilising invader, which continues to spread in both Europe and North America. Here, we examine the effectiveness of two commonly used aquatic disinfectants (Virasure®/Virkon® Aquatic), and steam treatments (≥ 100 °C) to kill H. anomala. Specimens were exposed to 1% disinfectant solutions for complete immersion or mist-spray treatments, both lasting 60 s. Steam exposures lasted for 10 or 30 s. All treatments caused 100% mortality of H. anomala. Accordingly, it appears that relatively brief exposures to disinfectant and steam treatments can curtail further H. anomala spread. Therefore, these treatments should be used to decontaminate all equipment, from wetsuits to boats. In particular, steam and disinfectant spray treatments may be useful for decontamination of large, complex equipment, such as vehicles, trailers, outboard motors, or live wells on fishing boats.