bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DNA METHYLTRANSFERASE 3 (MET3) is regulated by Polycomb Group complex during Arabidopsis endosperm development
Authors: Tirot Louis , Jullien Pauline E.
Published: June 2021

Complex epigenetic changes occur during plant reproduction. These regulations ensure the proper transmission of epigenetic information as well as allowing for zygotic totipotency. In Arabidopsis, the main DNA methyltransferase is called MET1 and is responsible for methylating cytosine in the CG context. The Arabidopsis genome encodes for three additional reproduction-specific homologs of MET1, namely MET2a, MET2b and MET3. In this paper, we show that the DNA methyltransferase MET3 is expressed in the seed endosperm and its expression is further restricted to the chalazal endosperm. MET3 is biallelically expressed in the endosperm but displays a paternal expression bias. We found that MET3 expression is regulated by the Polycomb complex proteins FIE and MSI1. Seed development is not impaired in met3 mutant, and we could not observe significant transcriptional changes in met3 mutant. Interestingly, we found that MET3 regulates gene expression in a Polycomb mutant background suggesting a further complexification of the interplay between H3K27me3 and DNA methylation in the seed endosperm.

Key message

The DNA METHYLTRANSFERASE MET3 is controlled by Polycomb group complex during endosperm development.
Phase behaviour and crystal structures of 2′,3′-difluorinated p-terphenyl derivatives
Authors: Gupta Sakuntala , Das Partha Pratim , Kula Przemysław , Parisi Emmanuele , Centore Roberto
Published: June 2021

The crystal structures of difluorine derivatives of p-terphenyls (nTm) have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. For the unsymmetrical substituted compounds 2′,3′-difluoro-4-methyl-p-terphenyl (1T0, C19H14F2) and 4-ethyl-2′,3′-difluoro-4′′-methyl-p-terphenyl (1T2, C21H18F2), the crystal structure is disordered, with molecules statistically entering the crystal in up and down orientations, with full superposition of all the atoms, except for those of the terminal groups (H/methyl for 1T0 and methyl/ethyl for 1T2). For triclinic 2′,3′-difluoro-4,4′′-dimethyl-p-terphenyl (1T1, C20H16F2), with the space group P-1, the two crystallographically independent molecules have the same conformation, which is different from monoclinic 1T0 (space group C2) and 1T2 (space group C2/c). A common feature of the conformation of the three compounds is the noncoplanar twisted arrangement of the three rings of the p-terphenyl moiety. Two-dimensional (2D) Hirshfeld fingerprint plots are consistent with H...H and C...H contacts in the crystal packing. For the three compounds, the phase behaviour has been investigated by POM (Petra/Osiris/Molinspiration) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis. 1T2 is mesogenic, with enantiotropic nematic behaviour.
Structure of an H3N2 influenza virus nucleoprotein
Authors: Knight Michael L. , Fan Haitian , Bauer David L. V. , Grimes Jonathan M. , Fodor Ervin , Keown Jeremy R.
Published: June 2021

Influenza A viruses of the H1N1 and H3N2 subtypes are responsible for seasonal epidemic events. The influenza nucleoprotein (NP) binds to the viral genomic RNA and is essential for its replication. Efforts are under way to produce therapeutics and vaccines targeting the NP. Despite this, no structure of an NP from an H3N2 virus has previously been determined. Here, the structure of the A/Northern Territory/60/1968 (H3N2) influenza virus NP is presented at 2.2 Å resolution. The structure is highly similar to those of the A/WSN/1933 (H1N1) and A/Hong Kong/483/97 (H5N1) NPs. Nonconserved amino acids are widely dispersed both at the sequence and structural levels. A movement of the 73–90 RNA-binding loop is observed to be the key difference between the structure determined here and previous structures. The data presented here increase the understanding of structural conservation amongst influenza NPs and may aid in the design of universal interventions against influenza.
A wavelet method for solving Caputo–Hadamard fractional differential equation
Authors: Saeed Umer
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of the present work is to propose a wavelet method for the numerical solutions of Caputo–Hadamard fractional differential equations on any arbitrary interval.

Design/methodology/approach

The author has modified the CAS wavelets (mCAS) and utilized it for the solution of Caputo–Hadamard fractional linear/nonlinear initial and boundary value problems. The author has derived and constructed the new operational matrices for the mCAS wavelets. Furthermore, The author has also proposed a method which is the combination of mCAS wavelets and quasilinearization technique for the solution of nonlinear Caputo–Hadamard fractional differential equations.

Findings

The author has proved the orthonormality of the mCAS wavelets. The author has constructed the mCAS wavelets matrix, mCAS wavelets operational matrix of Hadamard fractional integration of arbitrary order and mCAS wavelets operational matrix of Hadamard fractional integration for Caputo–Hadamard fractional boundary value problems. These operational matrices are used to make the calculations fast. Furthermore, the author works out on the error analysis for the method. The author presented the procedure of implementation for both Caputo–Hadamard fractional initial and boundary value problems. Numerical simulation is provided to illustrate the reliability and accuracy of the method.

Originality/value

Many scientist, physician and engineers can take the benefit of the presented method for the simulation of their linear/nonlinear Caputo–Hadamard fractional differential models. To the best of the author’s knowledge, the present work has never been proposed and implemented for linear/nonlinear Caputo–Hadamard fractional differential equations.
Flow control in microfluidics devices: electro-osmotic Couette flow with joule heating effect
Authors: Ahamed Saleel C. , Alshahrani Saad Ayed , Afzal Asif , Baig Maughal Ahmed Ali , Kamangar Sarfaraz , Yunus Khan T.M.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Joule heating effect is a pervasive phenomenon in electro-osmotic flow because of the applied electric field and fluid electrical resistivity across the microchannels. Its effect in electro-osmotic flow field is an important mechanism to control the flow inside the microchannels and it includes numerous applications.

Design/methodology/approach

This research article details the numerical investigation on alterations in the profile of stream wise velocity of simple Couette-electroosmotic flow and pressure driven electro-osmotic Couette flow by the dynamic viscosity variations happened due to the Joule heating effect throughout the dielectric fluid usually observed in various microfluidic devices.

Findings

The advantages of the Joule heating effect are not only to control the velocity in microchannels but also to act as an active method to enhance the mixing efficiency. The results of numerical investigations reveal that the thermal field due to Joule heating effect causes considerable variation of dynamic viscosity across the microchannel to initiate a shear flow when EDL (Electrical Double Layer) thickness is increased and is being varied across the channel.

Originality/value

This research work suggest how joule heating can be used as en effective mechanism for flow control in microfluidic devices.
Numerical study of melting heat transfer in stagnation-point flow of hybrid nanomaterial (MWCNTs+Ag+kerosene oil)
Authors: Hayat Tasawar , Muhammad Khursheed , Alsaedi Ahmed
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze hybrid nanofluid (MWCNTs+Ag+Kerosene oil) over a stretched cylinder. Flow analysis is carried out in presence of stagnation-point. Features of heat transport are examined via melting conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

Governed expression (partial differential equations) for flow and heat transfer are transmitted into ordinary differential equations (ODEs) via applying adequate transformations. For solutions development shooting method (bvp4c) is used on these non-linear coupled ODEs.

Findings

Comparative observation among hybrid nanofluid (MWCNTs+Ag+Kerosene oil), basefluid (kerosene oil) and nanofluid (MWCNTs+Kerosene oil) are performed. Influences of physical parameters on heat transfer rate, velocity, skinfriction coefficient and temperature are visualized graphically. Higher values nanoparticle volume fractions, curvature parameter, melting parameter and velocity ratio parameter lead to intensification in the velocity profile. The temperature of the fluid reduces with higher values nanoparticle volume fractions, curvature parameter and melting parameter. The surface friction coefficient is minimized via a higher melting parameter and velocity ratio parameter. Heat transmission rate intensifies with velocity ratio parameter, nanoparticle volume friction and curvature parameter while it reduces gradually with larger melting parameter. During comparative study performance of hybrid nanomaterial (MWCNTs+Ag+Kerosene oil) is outstanding and is proceeded by nanomaterial (MWCNTs+ Kerosene oil) and basefluid (kerosene oil).

Originality/value

In the presented study authors have analyzed the flow of hybrid nanomaterial (MWCNTs+Ag+Kerosene oil) by a stretching cylinder. The further cylinder is subjected to stagnation point and melting condition. The authors believe that all the consequences of the presented study and numerical technique (bvp4c) are original and not published before.
Tribological characterization of friction stir welded dissimilar aluminum alloy AA6061–AA5083 reinforced with CeO2 and La2O3 nanoparticles
Authors: M. Arun , M. Muthukumaran , S. Balasubramanian
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Dissimilar materials found applications in the structural fields to withstand the different types of loads and provide multi-facet properties to the final structure. Aluminum alloy materials are mostly used in aerospace and marine industries to provide better strength and safeguard the material from severe environmental conditions. The purpose of this study is to develop new material with superior strength to challenge the severe environmental conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

In the present investigation, friction stir welding (FSW) dissimilar joints were prepared from AA6061 and AA5083 aluminum alloys, and the weld nugget (WN) was reinforced with hard reinforcement particles such as La2O3 and CeO2. The tribological and mechanical properties of the prepared materials were tested to analyze the suitability of material in the aerospace and marine environmental conditions.

Findings

The results showed that the AA6061–AA5083/La2O3 material exhibited better mechanical and tribological characteristics. The FSW dissimilar AA6061–AA5083/La2O3 material exhibited lower wear rate of 7.37 × 10−3 mm3/m and minimum friction coefficient of 0.31 compared to all other materials owing to the reinforcing effect of La2O3 particles and the fine grains formed by FSW process at WN region. Further, FSW dissimilar AA6061–AA5083/La2O3 material displayed a maximum tensile strength and hardness of 378 MPa and 118 HV, respectively, among all the other materials tested.

Originality/value

This work is original and novel in the field of materials science engineering focusing on tribological characteristics of friction stir welded dissimilar aluminum alloys by the reinforcing effect of hard particles such as La2O3 and CeO2.
Research on scale development of consumption rituals
Authors: Fei Xianzheng , Huang Yajing , Huang Qian
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The current research aims to develop a measurement scale of consumption rituals. On the basis of literature review and second-hand data, this paper conceptualizes consumption rituals and compiles the initial items. Furthermore, through the scale development process, this paper constructs and verifies the four dimensions of consumption rituals, namely, uniqueness, commitment, ceremoniality and nonfunctionality.

Design/methodology/approach

First, qualitative data gathered in an open interview and secondary data from the Internet were examined, and then they were converted into initial statements. Then researchers refined and evaluated the statements to form the initial items. After two rounds of exploratory factor analysis (EFA), the items were tested and improved to make them clear representatives of the conceptual structure and the final items of the Consumption Ritual Scale were formed. Finally, through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), the items were retested and revised, and the reliability and validity of the scale were assessed, so as to obtain the final scale.

Findings

Empirical studies show that the scale has good reliability and validity, and has good discriminative validity with related variables (such as the sense of sacredness, sense of participation, feeling of awe, sense of control and sense of identity).

Originality/value

This paper selects rituals in the consumption context as the research object, explores and verifies the conceptual dimension, constructs a four-factor dimensional model and develops a measurement scale of consumption rituals.
Artification strategies to improve luxury perceptions: the role of adding an artist name
Authors: Marin Vicente , Barra Cristóbal , Moyano Jorge
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of adding the name of an artist to an art-infused product as a way to improve luxury perceptions. Additionally, the underlying processes are explored through the mediation of perceptions of aesthetics, exclusivity and brand quality.

Design/methodology/approach

Two experimental studies were conducted with two independent samples of students (n = 215) and the general population (n = 291). A between-subjects design (artist name: present versus absent) was used to test the main effect and mediation, and it was replicated in two different conditions: low- and high-quality brands.

Findings

The results indicate that when an artist’s name is added to the description of an art-infused product, luxury perceptions improve significantly. These results are also explained by a significant complementary mediation of aesthetics, exclusivity and product quality.

Originality/value

This paper addresses important issues in the understanding of alternative ways to gain luxury associations through an artification strategy. This paper clearly contributes to expanding the effects of art infusion in branding, considering the use of artists’ names as a luxury perception booster. In addition, this paper provides insight into the underlying processes and guides marketers on how to manage potential artist collaborations in low- or high-quality brand contexts.
Modeling of the machining parameters in turning of Al-5052/TiC/SiC composites: a statistical modeling approach using grey relational analysis (GRA) and response surface methodology (RSM)
Authors: Pathapalli Venkateshwar Reddy , Reddigari Meenakshi Reddy , Anna Eswara Kumar , Srinivasa Rao P. , Ramana Reddy D V.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Metal matrix composites (MMC) has been a section which gives an overview of composite materials and owing to those exceptional physical and mechanical properties, particulate-reinforced aluminum MMCs have gained increasing interest in particular engineering applications. Owing to the toughness and abrasive quality of reinforcement components such as silicon carbide (SiC) and titanium carbide (TiC), such materials are categorized as difficult materials for machining. The work aims to develop the model for evaluating the machinability of the materials via the response surface technique by machining three distinct types of hybrid MMCs.

Design/methodology/approach

The combined effects of three machining parameters, namely “cutting speed” (s), “feed rate” (f) and “depth of cut” (d), together with three separate composite materials, were evaluated with the help of three performance characteristics, i.e. material removal rate (MRR), cutting force (CF) and surface roughness (SR). Response surface methodology and analysis of variance (ANOVA) both were initially used for analyzing the machining parameters results.

Findings

The contours were developed to observe the combined process parameters along with their correlations. The process variables were concurrently configured using grey relational analysis (GRA) and the composite desirability methodology. Both the GRA and composite desirability approach obtained similar results.

Practical implications

The results obtained in the present paper will be helpful for decision-makers in manufacturing industries, who work on metal cutting area especially composites, to select the suitable solution by implementing the Grey Taguchi and modeling techniques.

Originality/value

The originality of this research is to identify the suitability of process parameters combination based on the obtained research results. The optimization of machining parameters in turning of hybrid metal matrix composites is carried out with two different methods such as Grey Taguchi and composite desirability approach.
Rock–bit interaction effects on high-frequency stick-slip vibration severity in rotary drilling systems
Authors: Mendil Chafiaa , Kidouche Madjid , Doghmane Mohamed Zinelabidine , Benammar Samir , Tee Kong Fah
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The drill string vibrations can create harmful effects on drilling performance because they generate the stick-slip phenomenon which reduces the quality of drilling and decreases the penetration rate and may affect the robustness of the designed controller. For this reason, it is necessary to carefully test the different rock-bit contact models and analyze their influences on system stability in order to mitigate the vibrations. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of rock-bit interaction on high-frequency stick-slip vibration severity in rotary drilling systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The main objective of this study is an overview of the influence of the rock-bit interaction models on the bit dynamics. A total of three models have been considered, and the drilling parameters have been varied in order to study the reliability of the models. Moreover, a comparison between these models has allowed the determination of the most reliable function for stick-slip phenomenon.

Findings

The torsional model with three degrees of freedom has been considered in order to highlight the effectiveness of the comparative study. Based on the obtained results, it has been concluded that the rock-bit interaction model has big influences on the response of the rotary drilling system. Therefore, it is recommended to consider the results of this study in order to design and implement a robust control system to mitigate harmful vibrations; the practical implementation of this model can be advantageous in designing a smart rotary drilling system.

Originality/value

Many rock-bit functions have been proposed in the literature, but no study has been dedicated to compare them; this is the main contribution of this study. Moreover, a case study of harmonic torsional vibrations analysis has been carried out in well-A, which is located in an Algerian hydrocarbons field, the indices of vibrations detection are given with their preventions.
The short-term impact of analyst recommendations: evidence from the Indian stock market
Authors: Sharda Shreya
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the short-term impact of brokerage analysts’ recommendations on abnormal returns using a sample selected from the S&P BSE 100 in the Indian context. The efficient market hypothesis, specifically, its semi-strong form, is tested for “Buy” stock recommendations published in the electronic version of Business Standard. The crucial issue is, are there any abnormal returns that can be earned following a recommendation? If so, how quickly do prices incorporate the information value of these recommendations? It tests the impact of analyst recommendations on average abnormal returns (AARs) and standardized abnormal returns (SRs) to determine their statistical significance.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of stock recommendations published in the e-version of Business Standard, the event study methodology is used to determine whether AARs and SRs are significantly different from zero for the duration of the event window by using several significance tests.

Findings

The findings indicate a marginal opportunity for profit in the short term, restricted to the event day. However, the effect does not persist, i.e. the market is efficient in its semi-strong form implying that investors cannot consistently earn abnormal returns by following analysts’ recommendations. Post the event date, the market reaction to analyst recommendations becomes positive, however, insignificant until the ninth day after the recommendation providing support to the underreaction hypothesis given by Shliefer (2000) and post-recommendation price drift documented by Womack (1996). The study contributes by using different statistical tests to determine the significance of returns.

Practical implications

There are important implications for traders, investors and portfolio managers. The speed with which market prices incorporate publicly available information is useful in formulating trading strategies. However, stock characteristics such as market capitalization, volatility and level of analyst coverage need to be incorporated while making investment decisions.

Originality/value

The study contributes by using different statistical tests to determine the significance of returns.
Preferring the devil you know: Potential applicant reactions to artificial intelligence evaluation of interviews
Authors: Mirowska Agata , Mesnet Laura
Published: June 2021

In search of greater resource savings and efficiencies, companies are turning to new technologies in the interview process, such as artificial intelligence evaluation (AIE). However, little is known about candidate reactions to this new tool. We identified outstanding questions regarding reactions to AIE arising from justice and signaling theories and conducted interviews with 33 professionals to understand their perceptions of AIE use in selection. Participants raised issues related to all four types of justice and indicated that there is a signaling effect of AIE use. Despite acknowledging the superior objectivity of AIE, participants expressed a desire for the maintenance of human elements in the evaluation process, seemingly preferring ‘the devil they know’ (human biases and intuition) rather than the one they do not (AIE algorithm). This result is explored through the lens of uncertainty reduction, discussing theoretical implications for justice and signaling theories, and providing implications for the implementation of AIE in the selection process.
Discriminative ability of trabecular bone score over bone mineral density for vertebral and fragility fracture in patients treated with long‐term and low‐dose glucocorticoid
Authors: Lee Kyung‐Ann , Kim JongSun , Kim Hyun‐joo , Kim Hyun‐Sook
Published: June 2021

Aim

To evaluate the ability of the trabecular bone score (TBS) to discriminate vertebral fracture (VF) and fragility fracture (FF) in patients with chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases on long‐term and low‐dose glucocorticoid (GC) treatment and those without exposure to GC.

Methods

This study assessed TBS and bone mineral density (BMD) in chronic GC users, defined as ≥2.5 mg/d of prednisone for >3 months (n = 89, mean age: 62.5 ± 11 years), and in controls (n = 59, mean age: 60.3 ± 9.6 years). Osteoporosis risk factors, radiographs of the thoracolumbar spine, non‐VF history, osteoporosis drugs, and current/cumulative GC doses were collected. Patients were classified as high (TBS <1.23), intermediate (1.23‐1.31), or low risk (>1.31), according to the fracture risk based on a recent meta‐analysis.

Results

The mean current dose and duration of GC treatment were 3.9 ± 1.9 mg/d and 3.9 ± 4.2 years, respectively. The prevalence of VF was significantly higher in chronic GC users than in controls (20.2% vs 5.1%, P = .010), although the prevalence of non‐VF was similar (11.2% vs 5.1%). The GC group had significantly lower L1‐L4 TBS and femur total BMD than did the controls (all with P < .01) without significantly different lumbar BMD. TBS (<1.31) showed a higher sensitivity for patients with VF and FF (83.3% and 81.8%, respectively) than with densitometric osteoporosis in the GC group (61.1% and 59.1%, respectively). Using the receiver operating characteristic curve, TBS <1.31 showed better diagnostic accuracy than TBS <1.23 and BMD in chronic GC users.

Conclusion

TBS is more sensitive than BMD in detecting VF and FF in chronic GC users, even at a lower dose.
Different pathologic types of early stage lung adenocarcinoma have different post‐operative recurrence patterns
Authors: Liu Xianping , Sun Kunkun , Yang Fan , Sui Xizhao , Jiang Guanchao , Wang Jun , Li Xiao
Published: June 2021

Objectives

To accurately describe the pattern, timing and predictors of disease recurrence after curative resection for different types of early‐stage lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD).

Methods

A total of 1962 patients with early‐stage LUAD were included. The presence of micropapillary, solid components or poorly differentiated cancer as a clinical variable was named “high‐grade” adenocarcinoma (HGADC), while others were classified as “low‐grade” adenocarcinoma (LGADC). Predictive factors for specific recurrence patterns were assessed by univariate and multivariate analyses using Cox‐proportional hazard regression models. Event dynamics, based on the hazard rate, were evaluated.

Results

At a median follow‐up of 36.0 months, 137 (6.98%) of 1962 patients suffered from recurrence. Multivariable Cox analysis revealed that HGADC was an independent predictor for overall recurrence (hazard ratio [HR] 3.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.09–4.52, p < 0.001), local recurrence (HR 2.77, 95% CI 1.38–5.55, p < 0.001), distant metastasis (HR 3.22, 95% CI 2.03–5.11, p < 0.001), chest recurrence (HR 2.80, 95% CI 1.65–4.75, p < 0.001) and brain recurrence (HR 4.11, 95% CI 1.83–9.22, p < 0.001). However, HGADC (HR 1.56, 95% CI 0.63–3.86, p = 0.335 in univariate analysis) was not a risk factor for bone recurrence. The hazard curve of the whole group presented a double‐peaked pattern. Different types of LUAD had different hazard curves. HGADC patients exhibited higher hazard rates than LGADC patients during the whole follow‐up. In addition, the recurrence hazard curve in HGADC patients showed a typical “double‐peaked” pattern, while the curve in LGADC patients displayed a smooth curve after surgery.

Conclusions

Different postoperative recurrence patterns were seen in HGADC and LGADC. Site‐specific recurrence patterns were also different in HGADC and LGADC types.
Of droughts and fleeting rains: Drought, agriculture and media discourse in Australia†
Authors: Rutledge‐Prior Serrin , Beggs Richard
Published: June 2021

Drought is a normal part of the variable Australian climate, occurring on average every thirteen years since 1870. Changes in agricultural policy since the 1980s have attempted to shift more of the drought risk from the state to the producer. During drought, however, governments feel political pressure to support the industry financially. The iconography of rural hardship and representation of drought as crisis in media discourse are key factors in forcing government intervention and ensuring public support. We analysed the content of eighty news articles during six months of the drought which began in 2018. In line with previous research, we found that drought was represented primarily through its effects on the agricultural industry. Implicit disaster narratives persisted, but in contrast to past studies, a recognition of drought as normal was more salient than drought as exceptional. Agrarian narratives emphasising the exceptional cultural value of the agricultural industry persisted and were presented as justification for continued government support. Scientifically informed discourses, recognising the effects of climate change on future drought risk and acknowledging the role of the agricultural industry in current and historical environmental degradation, were scarce or absent.
MR1‐dependent immune surveillance of the skin contributes to pathogenesis and is a photobiological target of UV light therapy in a mouse model of atopic dermatitis
Authors: Naidoo Karmella , Woods Katherine , Pellefigues Christophe , Cait Alissa , O'Sullivan David , Gell Katie , Marshall Andrew J. , Anderson Regan J. , Li Yanyan , Schmidt Alfonso , Prasit Kef , Mayer Johannes U. , Gestin Aurelie , Hermans Ian F. , Painter Gavin , Jacobsen Elizabeth A. , Gasser Olivier
Published: June 2021

Background

Mucosal‐associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are unconventional T cells which recognize microbial metabolites presented by the major histocompatibility complex class I‐related molecule MR1. Although MAIT cells have been shown to reside in human and murine skin, their contribution to atopic dermatitis (AD), an inflammatory skin disease associated with barrier dysfunction and microbial translocation, has not yet been determined.

Methods

Genetic deletion of MR1 and topical treatment with inhibitory MR1 ligands, which result in the absence and functional inhibition of MAIT cells, respectively, were used to investigate the role of MR1‐dependent immune surveillance in a MC903‐driven murine model of AD.

Results

The absence or inhibition of MR1 arrested AD disease progression through the blockade of both eosinophil activation and recruitment of IL‐4‐ and IL‐13‐producing cells. In addition, the therapeutic efficacy of phototherapy against MC903‐driven AD could be increased with prior application of folate, which photodegrades into the inhibitory MR1 ligand 6‐formylpterin.

Conclusion

We identified MAIT cells as sentinels and mediators of cutaneous type 2 immunity. Their pathogenic activity can be inhibited by topical application or endogenous generation, via phototherapy, of inhibitory MR1 ligands.
Effect of high‐flow vs. low‐flow nasal plus mouthguard oxygen therapy on hypoxaemia during sedation: a multicentre randomised controlled trial
Authors: Thiruvenkatarajan V. , Dharmalingam A. , Arenas G. , Wahba M. , Liu W.-M. , Zaw Y. , Steiner R. , Tran A. , Currie J. ,   collaborators
Published: June 2021

Whether high‐flow vs. low‐flow nasal oxygen reduces hypoxaemia for sedation during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is currently unknown. In this multicentre trial, 132 patients ASA physical status 3 or higher, BMI > 30 kg.m‐2 or with known or suspected obstructive sleep apnoea were randomly allocated to high‐flow nasal oxygen up to 60 l.min‐1 at 100% FIO2 or low‐flow nasal oxygen at 4 l.min‐1. The low‐flow nasal oxygen group also received oxygen at 4 l.min‐1 through an oxygenating mouthguard, totalling 8 l.min‐1. Primary outcome was hypoxaemia, defined as SpO2 < 90% regardless of duration. Hypoxaemia occurred in 7.7% (5/65) of patients with high‐flow and 9.1% (6/66) with low‐flow nasal oxygen (percentage point difference −1.4%, 95%CI −10.9 to 8.0; p = 0.77). Between the groups, there were no significant differences in frequency of hypoxaemic episodes; lowest SpO2; peak transcutaneous carbon dioxide; hypercarbia (transcutaneous carbon dioxide > 2.66 kPa from baseline); requirement of chin lift/jaw thrust; nasopharyngeal airway insertion; bag‐mask ventilation; or tracheal intubation. Following adjustment for duration of the procedure, the primary outcome remained non‐significant. In high‐risk patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, oxygen therapy with high‐flow nasal oxygen did not reduce the rate of hypoxaemia, hypercarbia or the need for airway interventions, compared with combined oral and nasal low‐flow oxygen.
Randomised clinical trial: adjunctive induction therapy with oral effervescent budesonide in newly diagnosed coeliac disease
Authors: Newnham Evan D. , Clayton‐Chubb Daniel , Nagarethinam Meena , Hosking Patrick , Gibson Peter R.
Published: June 2021

Background

The healing of the mucosal lesion in patients with coeliac disease is slow.

Aim

To determine whether concurrent budesonide and gluten‐free diet hasten small bowel healing and symptomatic improvement in patients with newly diagnosed coeliac disease.

Methods

In a pilot, randomised, double‐blind trial, effects on Marsh grading and quantitative duodenal morphometry of 10 weeks' effervescent budesonide (initially 9 mg/day) or placebo were assessed after 8 and 52 weeks. Multiple clinical measures and adverse events were assessed.

Results

Nineteen patients were randomised to budesonide and 18 to placebo. No differences (all P > 0.32) were observed for the week‐8 mucosal response (Marsh 0 or 1) (budesonide: 37% vs placebo: 28%), week‐8 remission (Marsh 0) (32% vs 17%), week‐52 response (63% vs 44%) and week‐52 remission (42% vs 33%). Likewise, the improvement from baseline in villous‐height : crypt‐depth ratio was not different for the treatment groups. There were no statistically significant differences in clinical measures or adverse events between the treatment groups. No corticosteroid adverse effects were observed. In a post hoc analysis of all patients, Marsh 3C was present at the diagnostic biopsy in 1/9 achieving mucosal remission at 8 weeks versus 18/23 not (P < 0.001) and mean villous‐height : crypt‐depth ratio was 1.06 (SD: 0.73) versus 0.46 (0.38) (P = 0.005).

Conclusions

In this pilot trial, induction therapy with budesonide had no significant effect on mucosal healing in patients with coeliac disease concurrently initiated on a gluten‐free diet. Mucosal remission at 8 weeks occurred in approximately one in four patients and was associated with less severe histological lesions at diagnosis.
Did the Pope ban blood transfusion in 1678?
Authors: Jones David A.
Published: June 2021

This paper concerns an alleged event in the history of haematology that disrupts the otherwise positive narrative of papal encouragement for blood transfusion. It is frequently stated, in popular websites and in the scholarly literature, that when blood transfusion was first developed it was banned by the Pope. However, careful analysis of the sources cited shows this claim to be without historical foundation. There was never any papal prohibition of blood transfusion. It is a myth that needs to be dispelled if the full extent of the Catholic Church’s support for blood and organ donation is to be appreciated.
Automatic Improvement of Continuous Colormaps in Euclidean Colorspaces
Authors: Nardini Pascal , Chen Min , Böttinger Michael , Scheuermann Gerik , Bujack Roxana
Published: June 2021

Colormapping is one of the simplest and most widely used data visualization methods within and outside the visualization community. Uniformity, order, discriminative power, and smoothness of continuous colormaps are the most important criteria for evaluating and potentially improving colormaps. We present a local and a global automatic optimization algorithm in Euclidean color spaces for each of these design rules in this work. As a foundation for our optimization algorithms, we used the CCC‐Tool colormap specification (CMS); each algorithm has been implemented in this tool. In addition to synthetic examples that demonstrate each method's effect, we show the outcome of some of the methods applied to a typhoon simulation.
Line Weaver: Importance‐Driven Order Enhanced Rendering of Dense Line Charts
Authors: Trautner T. , Bruckner S.
Published: June 2021

Line charts are an effective and widely used technique for visualizing series of ordered two‐dimensional data points. The relationship between consecutive points is indicated by connecting line segments, revealing potential trends or clusters in the underlying data. However, when dealing with an increasing number of lines, the render order substantially influences the resulting visualization. Rendering transparent lines can help but unfortunately the blending order is currently either ignored or naively used, for example, assuming it is implicitly given by the order in which the data was saved in a file. Due to the non‐commutativity of classic alpha blending, this results in contradicting visualizations of the same underlying data set, so‐called “hallucinators”. In this paper, we therefore present line weaver, a novel visualization technique for dense line charts. Using an importance function, we developed an approach that correctly considers the blending order independently of the render order and without any prior sorting of the data. We allow for importance functions which are either explicitly given or implicitly derived from the geometric properties of the data if no external data is available. The importance can then be applied globally to entire lines, or locally per pixel which simultaneously supports various types of user interaction. Finally, we discuss the potential of our contribution based on different synthetic and real‐world data sets where classic or naive approaches would fail.
ClusterSets: Optimizing Planar Clusters in Categorical Point Data
Authors: Geiger J. , Cornelsen S. , Haunert J.‐H. , Kindermann P. , Mchedlidze T. , Nöllenburg M. , Okamoto Y. , Wolff A.
Published: June 2021

In geographic data analysis, one is often given point data of different categories (such as facilities of a university categorized by department). Drawing upon recent research on set visualization, we want to visualize category membership by connecting points of the same category with visual links. Existing approaches that follow this path usually insist on connecting all members of a category, which may lead to many crossings and visual clutter. We propose an approach that avoids crossings between connections of different categories completely. Instead of connecting all data points of the same category, we subdivide categories into smaller, local clusters where needed. We do a case study comparing the legibility of drawings produced by our approach and those by existing approaches.

In our problem formulation, we are additionally given a graph G on the data points whose edges express some sort of proximity. Our aim is to find a subgraph G′ of G with the following properties: (i) edges connect only data points of the same category, (ii) no two edges cross, and (iii) the number of connected components (clusters) is minimized. We then visualize the clusters in G′. For arbitrary graphs, the resulting optimization problem, Cluster Minimization, is NP‐hard (even to approximate). Therefore, we introduce two heuristics. We do an extensive benchmark test on real‐world data. Comparisons with exact solutions indicate that our heuristics do astonishing well for certain relative‐neighborhood graphs.
Animated Presentation of Static Infographics with InfoMotion
Authors: Wang Yun , Gao Yi , Huang Ray , Cui Weiwei , Zhang Haidong , Zhang Dongmei
Published: June 2021

By displaying visual elements logically in temporal order, animated infographics can help readers better understand layers of information expressed in an infographic. While many techniques and tools target the quick generation of static infographics, few support animation designs. We propose InfoMotion that automatically generates animated presentations of static infographics. We first conduct a survey to explore the design space of animated infographics. Based on this survey, InfoMotion extracts graphical properties of an infographic to analyze the underlying information structures; then, animation effects are applied to the visual elements in the infographic in temporal order to present the infographic. The generated animations can be used in data videos or presentations. We demonstrate the utility of InfoMotion with two example applications, including mixed‐initiative animation authoring and animation recommendation. To further understand the quality of the generated animations, we conduct a user study to gather subjective feedback on the animations generated by InfoMotion.
Uncertainty‐aware Visualization of Regional Time Series Correlation in Spatio‐temporal Ensembles
Authors: Evers Marina , Huesmann Karim , Linsen Lars
Published: June 2021

Given a time‐varying scalar field, the analysis of correlations between different spatial regions, i.e., the linear dependence of time series within these regions, provides insights into the structural properties of the data. In this context, regions are connected components of the spatial domain with high time series correlations. The detection and analysis of such regions is often performed globally, which requires pairwise correlation computations that are quadratic in the number of spatial data samples. Thus, operations based on all pairwise correlations are computationally demanding, especially when dealing with ensembles that model the uncertainty in the spatio‐temporal phenomena using multiple simulation runs. We propose a two‐step procedure: In a first step, we map the spatial samples to a 3D embedding based on a pairwise correlation matrix computed from the ensemble of time series. The 3D embedding allows for a one‐to‐one mapping to a 3D color space such that the outcome can be visually investigated by rendering the colors for all samples in the spatial domain. In a second step, we generate a hierarchical image segmentation based on the color images. From then on, we can visually analyze correlations of regions at all levels in the hierarchy within an interactive setting, which includes the uncertainty‐aware analysis of the region's time series correlation and respective time lags.
TourVis: Narrative Visualization of Multi‐Stage Bicycle Races
Authors: Díaz J. , Fort M. , Vázquez P.
Published: June 2021

There are many multiple‐stage racing competitions in various sports such as swimming, running, or cycling. The wide availability of affordable tracking devices facilitates monitoring the position along with the race of all participants, even for non‐professional contests. Getting real‐time information of contenders is useful but also unleashes the possibility of creating more complex visualization systems that ease the understanding of the behavior of all participants during a simple stage or throughout the whole competition. In this paper we focus on bicycle races, which are highly popular, especially in Europe, being the Tour de France its greatest exponent. Current visualizations from TV broadcasting or real‐time tracking websites are useful to understand the current stage status, up to a certain extent. Unfortunately, still no current system exists that visualizes a whole multi‐stage contest in such a way that users can interactively explore the relevant events of a single stage (e.g. breakaways, groups, virtual leadership…), as well as the full competition. In this paper, we present an interactive system that is useful both for aficionados and professionals to visually analyze the development of multi‐stage cycling competitions.
Data to Physicalization: A Survey of the Physical Rendering Process
Authors: Djavaherpour H. , Samavati F. , Mahdavi‐Amiri A. , Yazdanbakhsh F. , Huron S. , Levy R. , Jansen Y. , Oehlberg L.
Published: June 2021

Physical representations of data offer physical and spatial ways of looking at, navigating, and interacting with data. While digital fabrication has facilitated the creation of objects with data‐driven geometry, rendering data as a physically fabricated object is still a daunting leap for many physicalization designers. Rendering in the scope of this research refers to the back‐and‐forth process from digital design to digital fabrication and its specific challenges. We developed a corpus of example data physicalizations from research literature and physicalization practice. This survey then unpacks the “rendering” phase of the extended InfoVis pipeline in greater detail through these examples, with the aim of identifying ways that researchers, artists, and industry practitioners “render” physicalizations using digital design and fabrication tools.
BLS courses for refugees are feasible and induce commitment towards lay rescuer resuscitation
Authors: Schnaubelt Sebastian , Schnaubelt Benedikt , Pilz Arnold , Oppenauer Julia , Yildiz Erdem , Schriefl Christoph , Ettl Florian , Krammel Mario , Garg Rakesh , Niessner Alexander , Greif Robert , Domanovits Hans , Sulzgruber Patrick
Published: June 2021

Background

High‐quality Basic Life Support (BLS), the first step in the Utstein formula for survival, needs effective education for all kinds of population groups. The feasibility of BLS courses for refugees is not well investigated yet.

Methods

We conducted BLS courses including automated external defibrillator (AED) training for refugees in Austria from 2016 to 2019. Pre‐course and after course attitudes and knowledge towards cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) were assessed via questionnaires in the individuals’ native languages, validated by native speaker interpreters.

Results

We included 147 participants (66% male; 22 [17‐34] years; 28% <18 years) from 19 countries (74% from the Middle East). While the availability of BLS courses in the participants’ home countries was low (37%), we noted increased awareness towards CPR and AED use after our courses. Willingness to perform CPR increased from 25% to 99%. A positive impact on the participants’ perception of integration into their new environment was noted after CPR training. Higher level of education, male gender, age <18 years and past traumatizing experiences positively affected willingness or performance of CPR.

Conclusion

BLS education for refugees is feasible and increases their willingness to perform CPR in emergency situations, with the potential to improve survival after cardiac arrest. Individuals with either past traumatizing experiences, higher education or those <18 years might be eligible for advanced life support education. Interestingly, these BLS courses bear the potential to foster resilience and integration. Therefore, CPR education for refuge should be generally offered and further evaluated.
Location, location, location: Melanoma cells “living at the edge”
Authors: Maiques Oscar , Sanz‐Moreno Victoria
Published: June 2021

Abnormal cell migration and invasion underlie metastatic dissemination, one of the major challenges for cancer treatment. Melanoma is one of the deadliest and most aggressive forms of skin cancer due in part to its migratory and metastatic potential. Cancer cells use a variety of migratory strategies regulated by cytoskeletal remodelling. In particular, we discuss the importance of amoeboid invasive melanoma strategies, since they have been identified at the edge of human melanomas. We hypothesize that the presence of amoeboid melanoma cells will favour tumor progression since they are invasive and metastatic; they support immunosuppression; they harbour cancer stem cell properties and they are involved in therapy resistance. The Rho‐ROCK‐Myosin II pathway is key to maintain amoeboid melanoma invasion but this pathway is further regulated by pro‐tumorigenic/pro‐metastatic/pro‐survival signalling pathways such as JAK‐STAT3, TGFβ‐SMAD, NF‐κB, Wnt11/5‐FDZ7 and BRAFV600E‐MEK‐ERK. These pathways support amoeboid behaviour and are actionable in the clinic. After melanoma wide surgical margin removal, we propose that possible remaining melanoma cells should be eradicated using anti‐amoeboid therapies.