bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The emergence and evolution of cognition‐ and affect‐based trust in Russian entrepreneurial ventures
Authors: Lascaux Alexander , Kolesnikova Irina
Published: November 2020

Research Summary

In this study, we trace the origins and development of attitudes of trust and distrust toward Russian entrepreneurial ventures. Drawing on the results of an in‐depth comparative case analysis, we examine the patterns of cognition‐based and affect‐based trust‐building efforts in Russian entrepreneurial companies and reflect on the outcomes of these efforts at various stages of the firms' life cycle. We demonstrate that trust‐enhancing attempts undertaken by Russian entrepreneurial ventures can lead to a sense of trust or distrust toward entrepreneurial projects, depending upon the firms' initial resource endowment. We also show that trust can substitute for the lack of entrepreneurial resources available to nascent businesses in a transitioning environment. In addition, we present a novel evolutionary framework for the affect‐based trusting attitudes.

Managerial Summary

Entrepreneurial firms need to develop trust toward their business projects, particularly among their customers and employees. This is especially important when entrepreneurial ventures strive to achieve their objectives in transitioning economies, which often exhibit hostility and disbelief toward entrepreneurial initiatives. We examine the development of trust and distrust in two Russian entrepreneurial companies working in the private educational sector. We show that entrepreneurial ventures create very different types of trusting and distrusting attitudes among their stakeholders, and their trust‐building efforts are determined by the initial amount of resources available to the companies at the start of their entrepreneurial projects. We compare the outcomes of the firms' efforts to promote trust and make some conclusions important to launching successful entrepreneurial ventures in transitioning economies.
Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells by Fluorinated Ionic Liquid–Induced Component Interaction
Authors: Wang Yue , Chao Lingfeng , Niu Tingting , Li Deli , Wei Qi , Wu Hui , Qiu Jian , Lu Hui , Ran Chenxin , Zhong Qi , Song Lin , Xing Guichuan , Xia Yingdong , Chen Yonghua , Müller‐Buschbaum Peter , Huang Wei
Published: November 2020

The instability of organic cations in lead halide perovskite materials is a major obstacle for the commercial breakthrough of perovskite photovoltaics due to desorption of organic cations during the thermal annealing and device operation. Herein, a novel strategy is reported to improve the performance and stability of organic halide perovskite solar cells containing organic cations by adding a small amount of the ionic liquid methylammonium difluoroacetate (MA+DFA−). Nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy measurements show that MA+DFA− can anchor the organic cations via hydrogen bonding and enhance the Pb–O interaction in perovskite precursors, leading to the retardation of the perovskite crystallization and improved stability of the perovskite precursor solution. Dynamic light scattering and scanning electron microscopy verify the defect‐passivation effect of MA+DFA− on the perovskite precursors and films. The passivated perovskite film shows superior photo carrier dynamics as investigated by time‐resolved photoluminescence and transient absorption spectra. Moreover, the hydrogen bonding of the perovskite with MA+DFA− imparts excellent ambient and thermal stability to the film as revealed by X‐ray diffraction measurements. As a result, devices with a high efficiency of 21.46% and excellent stability over 180 days in nitrogen atmosphere at room temperature are achieved with the ionic liquid.
Capacity design for composite partially restrained steel frame‐reinforced concrete infill walls with concealed vertical slits
Authors: Sun Guohua , Hu Yuehua , Gu Qiang , Wang Yixin , Fang Youzhen
Published: November 2020

This paper presents an innovative capacity‐based design procedure that aims to achieve the ideal seismic performance for the composite partially restrained (PR) steel frame‐reinforced concrete (RC) infill wall with concealed vertical slits (PSRCW‐CVS). The proposed method adopts the direct capacity design principles and preselected preferred plastic mechanism such that the RC infill wall undergoes ductile failure prior to the other steel components in the event of a rare‐level earthquake (i.e., earthquake with a 2% probability of exceedance in 50 years). Based on the ultimate resisting capacity of RC infill walls, the free‐body diagrams and simplified design formulae for the surrounding steel components, including the vertical boundary element (VBE), horizontal boundary element (HBE), PR connection, and shear connectors, were proposed. To demonstrate the reasonability of the capacity‐based design procedure, a five‐story PSRCW‐CVS structure was designed according to the proposed design method, followed by a series of nonlinear time history analyses. The overall seismic response of this example was evaluated in terms of story displacement, interstory drift ratio, residual story displacement, and residual interstory drift ratio. The proposed method yielded a more uniform interstory drift ratio distribution along the height of the five‐story PSRCW‐CVS structure. Structural damage was controlled by achieving the preselected preferred plastic mechanism.
Evaluation of vitamin A gut loading in black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens)
Authors: Boykin Kimberly L. , Mitchell Mark A.
Published: November 2020

Black soldier fly (BSF) larvae are potentially an excellent source of calcium for insectivores; however, previous studies have identified that they lack appreciable amounts of fat‐soluble vitamins (A, D3, and E). To make BSF larvae a more complete food item, fat‐soluble vitamins should either be provided via gut loading or with a multivitamin dusting supplement. The purpose of this study is to identify factors associated with gut loading vitamin A into BSF larvae and to develop feeding recommendations for a more consistent gut‐loading process. Factors that were addressed include the vitamin A concentration added to the diet, length of time given to gut load, moisture content of the diet, and density of larvae during feeding. Diets and larvae were analyzed for vitamin A concentration using high‐performance liquid chromatography. Larval vitamin A concentrations increased in a nonlinear fashion with increasing dietary vitamin A. Length of time (F = 150.818, p < .001), moisture content of the diet (F = 41.436, p < .001), and larval density (F = 78.407, p < .001) were all found to be significant factors contributing to the larvae's gut‐loading capacity. On the basis of our results and vitamin A recommendations from the National Resource Council for rats and poultry, gut‐loading recommendations for BSF larvae when fed to insectivorous reptiles and amphibians are as follows: vitamin A concentration of diet between 16,000 and 20,000 mcg retinol equivalents/kg, gut‐loading time period of 24 h, moisture content of the diet approximately 60%, and larval density between 0.1 and 1 larvae per each gram of moist substrate.
Lepton number violating operators with standard model gauge fields: a survey of neutrino masses from 3-loops and their link to dark matter
Authors: Gustafsson Michael , No José Miguel , Rivera Maximiliano A.
Published: November 2020

Abstract

We investigate neutrino mass generation scenarios where the lepton number breaking new physics does not interact with Standard Model (SM) quarks and couples only to the SM right-handed charged lepton chirality. The lowest-order lepton number violating effective operator which describes this framework is a unique dimension nine operator involving SM gauge fields, $$ {\mathcal{O}}_9 $$

O
9

. We find that there are two possible classes of new physics scenarios giving rise to this $$ {\mathcal{O}}_9 $$

O
9

operator. In these scenarios neutrino masses are induced radiatively via dark matter interactions, linking the dark matter to a natural explanation for the smallness of neutrino masses compared to the electroweak scale. We discuss the phenomenology and existing constraints in the different neutrino mass models within each class. In particular, we analyze the important interplay between neutrino mixing and neutrinoless double β-decay in order to predict characteristic signatures and disfavour certain scenarios.
Finding three-dimensional layouts for crashworthiness load cases using the graph and heuristic based topology optimization
Authors: Beyer F. , Schneider D. , Schumacher A.
Published: November 2020

In this paper we present a new procedure using the graph and heuristic based topology optimization in order to find layouts for three-dimensional frame structures under crash loads. A three-dimensional graph describes the geometry and is used to derive a finite element shell model. The model of the frame structure consists of different profiles with continuous cross-sections. The ends of the profiles are currently rigidly connected. Each cross-section is defined by an individual two-dimensional graph. After performing a simulation its results are used by competing heuristics to propose new topologies for the frame structure. Most of these heuristics are derived from expert knowledge. Over several iterations, the goal is to improve the structures mechanical behavior. Typical objectives are the minimization of the structural intrusion in a crash scenario or the minimization of the maximal contact force between structural components. The presented method includes topology optimization by heuristics and shape optimization respectively sizing by mathematical optimization algorithms. The new flexible syntax for three- and two-dimensional graphs, the optimization process and the currently used heuristics are described. The performance is demonstrated for two examples, each optimized twice with opposing objectives.
Hydrothermal eruption dynamics reflecting vertical variations in host rock geology and geothermal alteration, Champagne Pool, Wai-o-tapu, New Zealand
Authors: Gallagher Anna , Montanaro Cristian , Cronin Shane , Scott Bradley , Dingwell Donald B. , Scheu Bettina
Published: November 2020

Hydrothermal eruptions are characterised by violent explosions ejecting steam, water, mud, and rock. They pose a risk to tourism and the operation of power plants in geothermal areas around the world. Large events with a severe destructive threat are often intensified by the injection of magmatic fluids along faults and fractures within volcano-tectonic rifting environments, such as the Taupo Volcanic Zone. How these hydrothermal eruptions progress, how craters form and the scale of ejecta impacts, are all influenced by the local geology and reservoir hydrology. By analysing breccia lithology, undisturbed strata proximal to the explosion sites, and conducting tailored decompression experiments, we elucidate the eruption sequence that formed Champagne Pool, Wai-o-tapu, New Zealand. This iconic touristic site was formed by a violent hydrothermal eruption at ~ 700 years B.P. Samples from undisturbed drill cores and blocks ejected in the eruption were fragmented in shock-tube experiments under the moderate pressure/temperature conditions estimated for this system (3–4 MPa, 210–220 °C). Our results show that this was a two-phase eruption. It started with an initial narrow jetting of deep-sourced lithologies, ejecting fragments from at least a 110-m depth. This event was overtaken by a larger, broader, and dominantly shallower eruption driven by decompression of much more geothermal fluid within a soft and porous ignimbrite horizon. The second phase was triggered once the initial, deeper-sourced eruption broke through a strong silicified aquitard cap. The soft ignimbrite collapsed during the second-phase eruption into the crater, to repeatedly choke the explosions causing short-term pressure rises that triggered ongoing deeper-sourced eruptions. The eruption spread laterally also by exploiting a local fault. These results are relevant for hydrothermal eruption hazard scenarios in environments where strong vertical variations in rock strength and porosity occur.
Trends in cerebrospinal fluid leak rates following the extended endoscopic endonasal approach for anterior skull base meningioma: a meta-analysis over the last 20 years
Authors: Zamanipoor Najafabadi Amir H. , Khan Danyal Z. , Muskens Ivo S , Broekman Marike L. D. , Dorward Neil L. , van Furth Wouter R. , Marcus Hani J.
Published: November 2020

Objective

The extended endoscopic approach provides unimpaired visualization and direct access to ventral skull base pathology, but is associated with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak in up to 25% of patients. To evaluate the impact of improved surgical techniques and devices to better repair skull base defects, we assessed published surgical outcomes of the extended endoscopic endonasal approach in the last two decades for a well-defined homogenous group of tuberculum sellae and olfactory groove meningioma patients.

Methods

Random-effects meta-analyses were performed for studies published between 2004 (first publications) and April 2020. We evaluated CSF leak as primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were gross total resection, improvement in visual outcomes in those presenting with a deficit, intraoperative arterial injury, and 30-day mortality. For the main analyses, publications were pragmatically grouped based on publication year in three categories: 2004–2010, 2011–2015, and 2016–2020.

Results

We included 29 studies describing 540 patients with tuberculum sellae and 115 with olfactory groove meningioma. The percentage patients with CSF leak dropped over time from 22% (95% CI: 6–43%) in studies published between 2004 and 2010, to 16% (95% CI: 11–23%) between 2011 and 2015, and 4% (95% CI: 1–9%) between 2016 and 2020. Outcomes of gross total resection, visual improvement, intraoperative arterial injury, and 30-day mortality remained stable over time

Conclusions

We report a noticeable decrease in CSF leak over time, which might be attributed to the development and improvement of new closure techniques (e.g., Hadad-Bassagasteguy flap, and gasket seal), refined multilayer repair protocols, and lumbar drain usage.
Developmental, ultrastructural and cytochemical investigations of the female gametophyte in Sedum rupestre L. (Crassulaceae)
Authors: Brzezicka Emilia , Kozieradzka-Kiszkurno Małgorzata
Published: November 2020

This article describes the development of female gametophyte inSedum rupestreL. New embryological information about the processes of megasporogenesis and megagametogenesis provided in this paper expand the current knowledge about the embryology of the studied species.S.rupestreis characterized by monosporic megasporogenesis and the formation ofPolygonum–type embryo sac.The process of megasporogenesis is initiated by one megaspore mother cell, resulting in the formation of a triad of cells after meiosis and cytokinesis. The functional megaspore, which is located chalazally, is a mononuclear cell present next to the megaspore in the centre of the triad. Only one of the two non-functional cells of the triad is binucleate, which occur at the micropylar pole. In this paper, we explain the functional ultrastructure of the female gametophytic cells inS. rupestre. Initially, the cytoplasm of the gametophytic cells does not differ from each other; however, during differentiation, the cells reveal different morphologies. The antipodals and the synergids gradually become organelle-rich and metabolically active. The antipodal cells participate in the absorption and transport of nutrients from the nucellar cells towards the megagametophyte. Their ultrastructure shows the presence of plasmodesmata with electron-dense material, which is characteristic of Crassulaceae, and wall ingrowths in the outer walls. The ultrastructure of synergid cells is characterized by the presence of filiform apparatus and cytoplasm with active dictyosomes, abundant profiles of endoplasmic reticulum and numerous vesicles, which agrees with their main function—the secretion of pollen tube attractants. Reported data can be used to resolve the current taxonomic problems within the genusSedumser.Rupestria.
Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis overview
Authors: Manganelli Fiore , Fabrizi Gian Maria , Luigetti Marco , Mandich Paola , Mazzeo Anna , Pareyson Davide
Published: November 2020

Hereditary amyloidogenic transthyretin (ATTRv) amyloidosis is a rare autosomal dominantly inherited disorder caused by mutations in the transthyretin (TTR) gene. The pathogenetic model of ATTRv amyloidosis indicates that amyloidogenic, usually missense, mutations destabilize the native TTR favouring the dissociation of the tetramer into partially unfolded species that self-assemble into amyloid fibrils. Amyloid deposits and monomer-oligomer toxicity are the basis of multisystemic ATTRv clinical involvement. Peripheral nervous system (autonomic and somatic) and heart are the most affected sites. In the last decades, a better knowledge of pathomechanisms underlying the disease led to develop novel and promising drugs that are rapidly changing the natural history of ATTRv amyloidosis. Thus, clinicians face the challenge of timely diagnosis for addressing patients to appropriate treatment. As well, the progressive nature of ATTRv raises the issue of presymptomatic testing and risk management of carriers. The main aim of this review was to focus on what we know about ATTRv so far, from pathogenesis to clinical manifestations, diagnosis and hence patient’s monitoring and treatment, and from presymptomatic testing to management of carriers.
High genetic diversity and low future habitat suitability: will Cupressus atlantica, endemic to the High Atlas, survive under climate change?
Authors: Sękiewicz Katarzyna , Walas Łukasz , Beridze Berika , Fennane Mohamed , Dering Monika
Published: November 2020

Cupressus atlantica is a narrow endemic species of semi-arid and sub-humid habitats in the western High Atlas, Morocco. We explored the possible dynamics of the species’ range under climatic changes using species distribution modelling (SDM) to identify populations vulnerable to range changes. Additionally, we investigated the spatial genetic structure (SGS), the effective population size and genetic connectivity in natural populations, which may provide important data on demo-genetic processes and support the conservation management of this critically endangered species. The SDM results showed that the current species range constitutes only 49% of the potential distribution. Under the most pessimistic scenarios (RCP6.0 and RCP8.5), a significant reduction in the species range was predicted. However, the projection based on RPC4.5 revealed possible extensions of the habitats suitable for C. atlantica. Potentially, these areas could serve as new habitats that could be used with the assisted migration approach aiming to mitigate the current fragmentation. In terms of the SGS, significant and positive aggregation of relatives was detected up to ca. 100 m. In comparison to other fragmented and endemic species, the detected SGS was weak (Sp = 0.0112). The estimated level of recent gene flow was considerable, which likely prevented a strong SGS and allowed diversity to accumulate (HE = 0.894). The most alarming results concern the effective population size, which was very low in the studied populations (< 53), suggesting a possible increase in inbreeding and loss of diversity in the near future. More effective conservation actions integrating in situ and ex situ measures should be undertaken to prevent extirpation of the species.
Can South America form an optimal monetary area? A structural vector autoregression analysis
Authors: Padilla León , Rodriguez García-Brazales Ángel
Published: November 2020

This research analyzes the feasibility of adopting a common currency in South America using the Optimal Monetary Areas theory. Taking into account that the relative dominance of regional shocks in local output is considered a key indicator to adopt a regional currency, we use a structural vector autoregression (SVAR) model to determine what type of shock —among global, regional or country specific— prevails in South American economies. The results of variance decomposition demonstrate that the output trajectory of South American countries is mainly explained by country-specific shocks; therefore, South America as a whole is not considered not an optimal monetary area. However, we identified a group of countries —named Sud-5 (comprised of Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Brazil and Argentina)— for which the costs of a hypothetical monetary union would be relatively lower.
Shape-shifting Davydov’s ideas for early number learning in South Africa
Authors: Venkat Hamsa , Askew Mike , Morrison Samantha
Published: November 2020

In this paper, we share details of a South African early grades’ number intervention informed by aspects of Davydov’s writing on early number teaching and learning. A key part of Davydov’s approach to early number teaching involves starting with attention to relationships between quantities rather than with counting. The Structuring Number Starters (SNS) intervention focused—over a nine-year period—on supporting early grades’ students to move beyond the calculating-by-counting approaches that are prevalent in South Africa. In attending to this focus, the intervention shifted increasingly towards an emphasis on relationships between quantities, though not in the same format or task sequence as advocated by Davydov. The contextual and cultural features that led to our adaptations—or shape-shifting—are highlighted in this paper. We interrogate key aspects of Davydov’s approaches to early number teaching in relation to key features typical of South African classroom mathematics teaching in order to understand the evolution of the SNS initiative. Quasi-longitudinal interview-based assessment data available from a cross-attainment sample of students in 2011, 2014 and 2018 indicate shifts over time from calculating-by-counting to calculating-by-structuring. These outcomes point to successes with moves into increasingly structured ways of working with early number, but suggest also that these successes may be contingent on some fluency with forward and backward number word sequences. The outcomes suggest that it is feasible to explore interventions directing attention to early number structure from the outset in larger scale studies.
Inductive and deductive justification of knowledge: epistemological beliefs and critical thinking at the beginning of studying mathematics
Authors: Rott Benjamin
Published: November 2020

Epistemological beliefs are considered to play an important role in processes of learning and teaching. However, research on epistemological beliefs is confronted with methodological issues as for traditionally used self-report instruments with closed items, problems with social desirability, validity, and capturing domain-specific aspects of beliefs have been reported. Therefore, a new instrument with open items has been developed to capture mathematics-related epistemological beliefs, focusing on the justification of knowledge. Extending a previous study, the study at hand uses a larger and more diverse sample as well as a refined methodology. In total, 581 mathematics students (Bachelor of Science as well as pre-service teachers) completed the belief questionnaire and a test for mathematical critical thinking. The results confirm that beliefs can empirically be distinguished into belief position and belief argumentation, with only the latter being correlated to critical thinking.
An Image Super-Resolution Reconstruction Method with Single Frame Character Based on Wavelet Neural Network in Internet of Things
Authors: Guo Ling-li , Woźniak Marcin
Published: November 2020

The application of the traditional single frame character image super-resolution reconstruction method has some problems, such as noise can not be removed completely and anti-interference performance is poor. A new method for the super-resolution reconstruction of single frame character image based on wavelet neural network is proposed. The structure and interface of image acquisition unit of solid state image sensor are designed. Combined with pinhole imaging model and camera self-calibration, image acquisition of Internet of Things is completed. An image degradation model was established to simulate the degradation process of ideal high-resolution image to low-resolution image. Wavelet threshold denoising method is used to remove the noise in a single frame character image and improve the anti-interference performance of the method. The wavelet neural network reflection model is used to reconstruct the single frame feature image and improve the resolution of the image. The experimental results show that the blur degree of the reconstructed image is always less than 5%. In the whole experiment, the accuracy of this method can be maintained at 80% ~ 90%. The image detail retention rate of the research method is relatively stable. With the increase of the number of experimental images, the retention rate of image details remains between 80% and 95%, indicating that the method is effective in practical application.
Long and Short Time Asymptotics of the Two-Time Distribution in Local Random Growth
Authors: Johansson Kurt
Published: November 2020

The two-time distribution gives the limiting joint distribution of the heights at two different times of a local 1D random growth model in the curved geometry. This distribution has been computed in a specific model but is expected to be universal in the KPZ universality class. Its marginals are the GUE Tracy-Widom distribution. In this paper we study two limits of the two-time distribution. The first, is the limit of long time separation when the quotient of the two times goes to infinity, and the second, is the short time limit when the quotient goes to zero.
Smarcd1 Inhibits the Malignant Phenotypes of Human Glioblastoma Cells via Crosstalk with Notch1
Authors: Zhu Yihao , Wang Handong , Fei Maoxing , Tang Ting , Niu Wenhao , Zhang Li
Published: November 2020

Smarcd1 is a component of an evolutionary conserved chromatin remodeling complex—SWI/SNF, which is involved in transcription factor recruitment, DNA replication, recombination, and repair. Suppression of the SWI/SNF complex required for cellular differentiation and gene regulation may be inducible for cell proliferation and tumorigenicity. However, the inhibitory role of Smarcd1 in human glioblastoma cells has not been well illustrated. Both U87 and U251 human glioblastoma cell lines were employed in the present study. The lentivirus-mediated gene knockdown and overexpression approach was conducted to determine the function of Smarcd1. The protein levels were tested by western blot, and the relative mRNA contents were detected by quantitative real-time PCR. Cell viability was tested by CCK-8 and colony-forming assay. Transwell assays were utilized to evaluate the motility and invasive ability. Flow cytometry was employed to analyze cell cycle and apoptosis. SPSS software was used for statistical analysis. Low expression of Smarcd1 was observed in glioblastoma cell lines and in patients with high-grade glioma. Importantly, the depletion of Smarcd1 promoted cell proliferation, invasion, and chemoresistance, whereas enhanced expression of Smarcd1 inhibited tumor-malignant phenotypes. Mechanistic research demonstrated that overexpression of Smarcd1 decreased the expression of Notch1, while knockdown of Notch1 increased the expression of Smarcd1 through Hes1 suppression. Hence, the crosstalk between Smarcd1 and Notch1, which formed a feedback loop, was crucial in regulation of glioblastoma malignant phenotypes. Furthermore, targeting Smarcd1 could be a potential strategy for human glioblastoma treatment.
Toward a Practical Theory of Timing: Upbeat and E-Series Time for Organisms
Authors: Nomura Naoki , Matsuno Koichiro , Muranaka Tomoaki , Tomita Jun
Published: November 2020

Timing adjustment is an important ability for living organisms. Wild animals need to act at the right moment to catch prey or escape a predator. Land plants, although limited in their movement, need to decide the right time to grow and bloom. Humans also need to decide the right moment for social actions. Although scientists can pinpoint the timing of such behaviors by observation, we know extremely little about how living organisms as actors or players decide when to act – such as the exact moment to dash or pounce. The time measurements of an outsider-observer and the insider-participants are utterly different. We explain how such essential operations of timing adjustment and temporal spanning, both of which constitute a single regulated set, can be carried out among organisms. For this purpose, we have to reexamine the ordinary conception of time. Our specific explanatory tools include the natural movement known as the upbeat (anacrusis) in music, a rhythmic push for the downbeat that follows, which predicts future moves as an anticipatory lead-in. The scheme is situated in and is the extension of our formulation of E-series time, i.e., timing co-adjusted through interaction, which is derived from the semiotic/communicative perspectives. We thereby demonstrate that a prediction-based timing system is not mechanical but communicative and entails meanings for future anticipation.
The Use of New Mobile and Gaming Technologies for the Assessment and Rehabilitation of People with Ataxia: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Lacorte Eleonora , Bellomo Guido , Nuovo Sara , Corbo Massimo , Vanacore Nicola , Piscopo Paola
Published: November 2020

There are no currently available disease-modifying pharmacological treatments for most of the chronic hereditary ataxias; thus, effective rehabilitative strategies are crucial to help improve symptoms and therefore the quality of life. We propose to gather all available evidence on the use of video games, exergames, and apps for tablet and smartphone for the rehabilitation, diagnosis, and assessment of people with ataxias. Relevant literature published up to June 8, 2020, was retrieved searching the databases PubMed, ISI Web of Science, and the Cochrane Database. Data were extracted using a standardized form, and their methodological quality was assessed using RoB and QUADAS-2. Six studies of 434 retrieved articles met the predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria. Two of them were diagnostic, while 4 were experimental studies. Studies included participants ranging from 9 to 28 in trials and 70 to 248 in diagnostic studies. Although we found a small number of trials and of low methodological quality, all of them reported an improvement of motor outcomes and quality of life as measured by specific scales, including the SARA, BBS, DHI, and SF-36 scores. The main reason for such low quality in trials was that most of them were small and uncontrolled, thus non-randomized and unblinded. As video games, exergames, serious games, and apps were proven to be safe, feasible, and at least as effective as traditional rehabilitation, further and more high-quality studies should be carried out on the use of these promising technologies in people with different types of ataxia.
Updating the current knowledge on the relationships between Haplosyllis chamaeleon Laubier, 1960 (Annelida, Syllidae) and Paramuricea clavata (Risso, 1826) (Cnidaria, Plexauridae) in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Pola Lisa , Calcinai Barbara , Pica Daniela , Di Camillo Cristina Gioia , Martin Daniel , Cerrano Carlo
Published: November 2020

In the Mediterranean Sea, the symbiosis between the gorgonian Paramuricea clavata (Risso, 1826) and the polychaete Haplosyllis chamaeleon Laubier, 1960 (Annelida, Syllidae, Syllinae) has only been documented from the western basin. Our findings extend its geographic distribution to the north-central basin and represent the first record of H. chamaeleon in Italy and Croatia. Periodic observations from the Ligurian Sea allowed establishing that the symbiont occurs on P. clavata almost throughout the year, showing a reproductive period longer than previously reported. Morphometric comparisons of three Mediterranean populations, from Portofino Promontory (Ligurian Sea), Cape of Creus (Catalan Sea) and Chafarinas Archipelago (Alboran Sea) proved that there were no significant differences in body measurements, whilst the observed differences in dorsal cirri length pattern could be consider intra-specific. Our behavioural observations confirm that the species had (i) a kleptoparasitic behaviour, (ii) did not cause injuries to the host and (iii) did not induce the host to generate any malformation.
Who are the actors and who are the acted-ons? An analysis of news media reporting on mathematics education
Authors: Abtahi Yasmine , Barwell Richard
Published: November 2020

While there are several studies analysing how mathematics education is portrayed in news media discourses, there has been little examination of the construction of different stakeholders (e.g. teachers, parents, curricula). In this paper, we report our analysis of a corpus of Canadian newspaper reports on mathematics education, focusing on the underlying construction of different stakeholders. Drawing on Foucault’s notion of regimes of truth, we show how news media construct a “truth” that portrays different stakeholders as either actors or acted-ons working for or against individual or national mathematical performance. We explain these findings with reference to the general media framing of mathematics education in the corpus.
The Duchenne muscular dystrophy gene and cancer
Authors: Jones Leanne , Naidoo Michael , Machado Lee R. , Anthony Karen
Published: November 2020

Background

Mutation of the Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD)gene causes Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy, degenerative neuromuscular disorders that primarily affect voluntary muscles. However, increasing evidence implicatesDMDin the development of all major cancer types.DMDis a large gene with 79 exons that codes for the essential muscle protein dystrophin. Alternative promotor usage drives the production of several additional dystrophin protein products with roles that extend beyond skeletal muscle. The importance and function(s) of these gene products outside of muscle are not well understood.

Conclusions

We highlight a clear role forDMDin the pathogenesis of several cancers, including sarcomas, leukaemia’s, lymphomas, nervous system tumours, melanomas and various carcinomas. We note that the normal balance ofDMDgene products is often disrupted in cancer. The short dystrophin protein Dp71 is, for example, typically maintained in cancer whilst the full-length Dp427 gene product, a likely tumour suppressor, is frequently inactivated in cancer due to a recurrent loss of 5’ exons. Therefore, the ratio of short and long gene products may be important in tumorigenesis. In this review, we summarise the tumours in whichDMDis implicated and provide a hypothesis for possible mechanisms of tumorigenesis, although the question of cause or effect may remain. We hope to stimulate further study into the potential role ofDMDgene products in cancer and the development of novel therapeutics that targetDMD.
Different Risk Profiles of European Patients Using Direct Oral Anticoagulants or Vitamin K Antagonists: a Rapid Review
Authors: Krueger Katrin , Jobski Kathrin , Voss Annemarie , Haug Ulrike
Published: November 2020

Purpose of Review

We investigated the risk profiles of patients using direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) or vitamin K antagonists (VKA) in European cohort studies to estimate the importance of potential (measured or unmeasured) confounding factors in analyses comparing these drugs. We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE (2008–2018) for relevant studies and extracted information on age, sex, comorbidity, Charlson comorbidity index, HAS-BLED score (assessing risk of bleeding) and CHA2DS2-VASc score (assessing risk of stroke).

Recent Findings

Overall, 66 studies with 2,808,757 patients were included. Most patients were from France (37%), Denmark (24%) and Germany (23%). In 56 studies (85%), the focus was on patients with atrial fibrillation. Of the 43 studies comparing DOAC with VKA users, 33% reported a higher and 16% a lower age of DOAC compared with VKA users. The mean age varied by about 1 year in most of these studies. Rivaroxaban was used in the widest age range. Patients with DOAC more often had a history of stroke or bleedings, and patients with VKA more often had a history of diabetes, renal failure, cancer, heart failure or other heart diseases. Most studies did not observe differences regarding the HAS-BLED score or the CHA2DS2-VASc score between groups.

Our review suggests that there are relevant differences in the risk profiles of DOAC versus VKA users and between users of individual DOACs. Reported HAS-BLED or CHA2DS2-VASc scores did not reflect these differences. These patterns require careful consideration in the interpretation of observational studies comparing the effectiveness and the risks of these drugs, also when comparing the results of studies conducted in different countries.
Who shapes plant biotechnology in Germany? Joint analysis of the evolution of co-authors’ and co-inventors’ networks
Authors: Shkolnykova Mariia
Published: November 2020

The interdependence of science and technology has been of high interest for researchers from different fields for several decades now. As they represent different means of knowledge output protection, patents and research articles generally have different reasons for creation and different audiences. However, some of the inventors may be interested in making an impact on the scientific community and vice versa. This interaction between technology space (patents) and science space (articles) is especially important for high-technology fields, where both research institutions and enterprises play important roles in the innovative environment. This paper investigates the interaction between science and technology in the case of German plant biotechnology. With the help of network analysis tools, the evolution and co-evolution of co-inventors’ and co-authors’ networks for the period 1995–2015 is explored. Finally, the topics of the patents and papers from the overlap were analyzed with the help of text mining tools in order to identify the differences of topics between science/technology and their overlap. As a result, sizable differences in nature and advancement are observed between the two network types. Although the overlap between these spheres of innovative activities increased over time, the role author-inventors played in the science or technology space varied.
How to Succeed in the Academic Clinical Interview
Authors: Tan Wei Keith , Piper Rory
Published: November 2020

Academic clinical posts offer doctors the highly rewarding opportunity to maintain both clinical and research careers, but these opportunities are fiercely competitive. This book provides medical students and doctors-in-training with a complete guide to preparing, applying and interviewing for such posts. Providing guidance on the typical UK academic pathways (including Academic Foundation Programme (AFP), Academic Clinical Fellowship (ACF), and Academic Clinical Lectureship (ACL)), candidates will learn how to choose a programme that suits their needs and experience. They will also get practical tips on how to best showcase their achievements and work portfolio in order to submit the highest quality application. A range of model answers to application and in-person questions are provided, together with a mock interview section demonstrating how to approach tricky questions and interviewers. Prepare for successful academic clinical interviews by following the tips and advice from authors who have excelled at their own interviews.
Projecting Exposure to Extreme Climate Impact Events Across Six Event Categories and Three Spatial Scales
Authors: Lange Stefan , Volkholz Jan , Geiger Tobias , Zhao Fang , Vega Iliusi , Veldkamp Ted , Reyer Christopher P. O. , Warszawski Lila , Huber Veronika , Jägermeyr Jonas , Schewe Jacob , Bresch David N. , Büchner Matthias , Chang Jinfeng , Ciais Philippe , Dury Marie , Emanuel Kerry , Folberth Christian , Gerten Dieter , Gosling Simon N. , Grillakis Manolis , Hanasaki Naota , Henrot Alexandra‐Jane , Hickler Thomas , Honda Yasushi , Ito Akihiko , Khabarov Nikolay , Koutroulis Aristeidis , Liu Wenfeng , Müller Christoph , Nishina Kazuya , Ostberg Sebastian , Müller Schmied Hannes , Seneviratne Sonia I. , Stacke Tobias , Steinkamp Jörg , Thiery Wim , Wada Yoshihide , Willner Sven , Yang Hong , Yoshikawa Minoru , Yue Chao , Frieler Katja
Published: November 2020

The extent and impact of climate‐related extreme events depend on the underlying meteorological, hydrological, or climatological drivers as well as on human factors such as land use or population density. Here we quantify the pure effect of historical and future climate change on the exposure of land and population to extreme climate impact events using an unprecedentedly large ensemble of harmonized climate impact simulations from the Inter‐Sectoral Impact Model Intercomparison Project phase 2b. Our results indicate that global warming has already more than doubled both the global land area and the global population annually exposed to all six categories of extreme events considered: river floods, tropical cyclones, crop failure, wildfires, droughts, and heatwaves. Global warming of 2°C relative to preindustrial conditions is projected to lead to a more than fivefold increase in cross‐category aggregate exposure globally. Changes in exposure are unevenly distributed, with tropical and subtropical regions facing larger increases than higher latitudes. The largest increases in overall exposure are projected for the population of South Asia.
Sea Level Rise May Erode Development in Africa
Authors: Mafaranga Hope
Published: November 2020

The continent is enduring some of the highest global sea level rise. A new report identifies the western coast as particularly vulnerable to coastal erosion and saltwater intrusion.
New Insights from the Magnetic Properties of Fault Rocks
Authors: Dekkers Mark , Ferr� Eric , Chou Yu‐Min , Yang Tao , Chen Jianye , Yeh En‐Chao , Tanikawa Wataru
Published: November 2020

Magnetic studies offer a new strand for the analysis of faulting processes and could help with better understanding of fault rupture and earthquakes.
Dune Initiation in a Bimodal Wind Regime
Authors: Delorme Pauline , Wiggs Giles F. S. , Baddock Matthew C. , Claudin Philippe , Nield Joanna M. , Valdez Andrew
Published: November 2020

Early‐stage bedforms develop into mature dunes through complex interactions between wind, sand transport, and surface topography. Depending on varying environmental and wind conditions, the mechanisms driving dune formation and, ultimately, the shape of nascent dunes may differ markedly. In cases where sand availability is plentiful, the emergence and growth of dunes can be studied with a linear stability analysis of coupled transport and hydrodynamic equations. Until now, this analysis has only been applied using field evidence in unidirectional winds. However, in many areas of the world and on other planets, wind regimes are more often bimodal or multimodal. Here, we investigate field evidence of protodune formation under a bimodal wind regime by applying linear stability analysis to a developing protodune field. Employing recent development of the linear stability theory and experimental research, combined with in situ wind, sediment transport, and topographic measurements during a monthlong field campaign at Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado, USA, we predict the spatial characteristics (orientation and wavelength) and temporal evolution (growth rate and migration velocity) of a protodune field. We find that the theoretical predictions compare well with measured dunefield attributes as characterized by high‐resolution Digital Elevation Models measured using repeat terrestrial laser scanning. Our findings suggest that linear stability analysis is a quantitative predictor of protodune development on sandy surfaces with a bimodal wind regime. This result is significant as it offers critical validation of the linear stability analysis for explaining the initiation and development of dunes toward maturity in a complex natural environment.
Machine Learning for Model Error Inference and Correction
Authors: Bonavita Massimo , Laloyaux Patrick
Published: November 2020

Model error is one of the main obstacles to improved accuracy and reliability in numerical weather prediction (NWP) and climate prediction conducted with state‐of‐the‐art, comprehensive high‐resolution general circulation models. In a data assimilation framework, recent advances in the context of weak‐constraint 4D‐Var have shown that it is possible to estimate and correct for a large fraction of systematic model error which develops in the stratosphere over short forecast ranges. The recent explosion of interest in machine learning/deep learning technologies has been driven by their remarkable success in disparate application areas. This raises the question of whether model error estimation and correction in operational NWP and climate prediction can also benefit from these techniques. In this work, we aim to start to give an answer to this question. Specifically, we show that artificial neural networks (ANNs) can reproduce the main results obtained with weak‐constraint 4D‐Var in the operational configuration of the IFS model of the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). We show that the use of ANN models inside the weak‐constraint 4D‐Var framework has the potential to extend the applicability of the weak‐constraint methodology for model error correction to the whole atmospheric column. Finally, we discuss the potential and limitations of the machine learning/deep learning technologies in the core NWP tasks. In particular, we reconsider the fundamental constraints of a purely data‐driven approach to forecasting and provide a view on how to best integrate machine learning technologies within current data assimilation and forecasting methods.
AMOC, Water Mass Transformations, and Their Responses to Changing Resolution in the Finite‐VolumE Sea Ice‐Ocean Model
Authors: Sidorenko Dmitry , Danilov Sergey , Fofonova Vera , Cabos William , Koldunov Nikolay , Scholz Patrick , Sein Dmitry V. , Wang Qiang
Published: November 2020

The Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) is one of the most important characteristics of an ocean model run. Using the depth (z) and density frameworks, we analyze how the sinking and diapycnal transformations defining the AMOC as well as AMOC strength and variability react to mesh refinement from low to higher resolution in two model runs driven by the CORE‐II forcing. Both runs can represent the key locations of sinking and diapycnal transformations behind AMOC, that is, northeastern North Atlantic. Although their spatial patterns do not change significantly with resolution in both frameworks as the consequence of the same atmospheric forcing, the quantitative differences, reaching several sverdrups, are seen in different locations between two model runs for both frameworks. In particular, the refinement leads to the strongest differences in the vertical transport and diapycnal transformations in the latitude range between 30°N and 55°N. The z framework emphasizes the role of localized upwelling around the Gulf Stream separation site, whereas the density framework emphasizes the contribution of (spurious) diapycnal mixing around the Grand Banks. Both effects are reduced in the higher‐resolution run, leading to higher AMOC south of 26°N as compared to the low‐resolution run, despite the AMOC maxima, located at high latitudes, are higher in the low‐resolution run. We suggest that both AMOC frameworks should be used routinely in standard analyses, including forthcoming intercomparison projects.