bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A quantitative high-resolution computational mechanics cell model for growing and regenerating tissues
Authors: Van Liedekerke Paul , Neitsch Johannes , Johann Tim , Warmt Enrico , Gonzàlez-Valverde Ismael , Hoehme Stefan , Grosser Steffen , Kaes Josef , Drasdo Dirk 
Published: November 2019

AbstractMathematical models are increasingly designed to guide experiments in biology, biotechnology, as well as to assist in medical decision making. They are in particular important to understand emergent collective cell behavior. For this purpose, the models, despite still abstractions of reality, need to be quantitative in all aspects relevant for the question of interest. This paper considers as showcase example the regeneration of liver after drug-induced depletion of hepatocytes, in which the surviving and dividing hepatocytes must squeeze in between the blood vessels of a network to refill the emerged lesions. Here, the cells’ response to mechanical stress might significantly impact the regeneration process. We present a 3D high-resolution cell-based model integrating information from measurements in order to obtain a refined and quantitative understanding of the impact of cell-biomechanical effects on the closure of drug-induced lesions in liver. Our model represents each cell individually and is constructed by a discrete, physically scalable network of viscoelastic elements, capable of mimicking realistic cell deformation and supplying information at subcellular scales. The cells have the capability to migrate, grow, and divide, and the nature and parameters of their mechanical elements can be inferred from comparisons with optical stretcher experiments. Due to triangulation of the cell surface, interactions of cells with arbitrarily shaped (triangulated) structures such as blood vessels can be captured naturally. Comparing our simulations with those of so-called center-based models, in which cells have a largely rigid shape and forces are exerted between cell centers, we find that the migration forces a cell needs to exert on its environment to close a tissue lesion, is much smaller than predicted by center-based models. To stress generality of the approach, the liver simulations were complemented by monolayer and multicellular spheroid growth simulations. In summary, our model can give quantitative insight in many tissue organization processes, permits hypothesis testing in silico, and guide experiments in situations in which cell mechanics is considered important.
Consistent Provisions Mitigate Exposure to Sexual Risk and HIV Among Young Adolescents in South Africa
Authors: Toska Elona , Campeau Laurence , Cluver Lucie , Orkin F. Mark , Berezin McKenzie N. , Sherr Lorraine , Laurenzi Christina A. , Bachman Gretchen 
Published: November 2019

AbstractExposure to sexual risk in early adolescence strongly predicts HIV infection, yet evidence for prevention in young adolescents is limited. We pooled data from two longitudinal South African surveys, with adolescents unexposed to sexual risk at baseline (n = 3662). Multivariable logistic regression tested associations between intermittent/consistent access to eight provisions and reduced sexual risk exposure. Participants were on average 12.8 years, 56% female at baseline. Between baseline and follow-up, 8.6% reported sexual risk exposure. Consistent access to caregiver supervision (OR 0.53 95%CI 0.35–0.80 p = 0.002), abuse-free homes (OR 0.55 95%CI 0.37–0.81 p = 0.002), school feeding (OR 0.55 95%CI 0.35–0.88 p = 0.012), and HIV prevention knowledge (OR 0.43, 95%CI 0.21–0.88 p = 0.021) was strongly associated with preventing early sexual risk exposure. While individual factors reduced the odds of sexual risk exposure, a combination of all four resulted in a greater reduction, from 12.9% (95%CI 7.2–18.7) to 1.0% (95%CI 0.2–1.8). Consistent access to provisions in early adolescence may prevent sexual risk exposure among younger adolescents.
A nonlocal strain gradient shell model incorporating surface effects for vibration analysis of functionally graded cylindrical nanoshells
Authors: Lu Lu , Zhu Li , Guo Xingming , Zhao Jianzhong , Liu Guanzhong 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIn this paper, a novel size-dependent functionally graded (FG) cylindrical shell model is developed based on the nonlocal strain gradient theory in conjunction with the Gurtin-Murdoch surface elasticity theory. The new model containing a nonlocal parameter, a material length scale parameter, and several surface elastic constants can capture three typical types of size effects simultaneously, which are the nonlocal stress effect, the strain gradient effect, and the surface energy effects. With the help of Hamilton’s principle and first-order shear deformation theory, the non-classical governing equations and related boundary conditions are derived. By using the proposed model, the free vibration problem of FG cylindrical nanoshells with material properties varying continuously through the thickness according to a power-law distribution is analytically solved, and the closed-form solutions for natural frequencies under various boundary conditions are obtained. After verifying the reliability of the proposed model and analytical method by comparing the degenerated results with those available in the literature, the influences of nonlocal parameter, material length scale parameter, power-law index, radius-to-thickness ratio, length-to-radius ratio, and surface effects on the vibration characteristic of functionally graded cylindrical nanoshells are examined in detail.
The Discrete-Continuous, Global Optimisation of an Axial Flow Blood Pump
Authors: Tesch Krzysztof , Kaczorowska-Ditrich Katarzyna 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThis paper presents the results of the discrete-continuous optimisation of an axial flow blood pump. Differential evolution (DE) is used as a global optimisation method in order to localise the optimal solution in a relatively short time. The whole optimisation process is fully automated. This also applies to geometry modelling. Numerical simulations of the flow inside the pump are performed by means of the Reynolds-Average Navier-Stokes approach. All equations are discretised by means of the finite volume method, and the corresponding algebraic equation systems are solved by the open source software for CFD, namely OpenFOAM. Finally, the optimisation results are presented and discussed. The objective function to be maximised is simply pressure increase. The higher pressure increase the lower angular velocities required. This makes it possible to minimise the effect of haemolysis because it is mainly caused by high shear stresses which are related, among others, to angular velocities.
Verification of threshold for image intensity ratio analyses of late gadolinium enhancement magnetic resonance imaging of left atrial fibrosis in 1.5T scans
Authors: Bertelsen Litten , Alarcón Francisco , Andreasen Laura , Benito Eva , Olesen Morten Salling , Vejlstrup Niels , Mont Lluis , Svendsen Jesper Hastrup 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe use of cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging left atrial late gadolinium enhancement (LA LGE) is increasing for fibrosis evaluation though the use is still limited to specialized centres due to complex image acquisition and lack of consensus on image analyses. Analysis of LA LGE with image intensity ratio (IIR) (pixel intensity of atrial wall normalized by blood pool intensity) provides an objective method to obtain quantitative data on atrial fibrosis. A threshold between healthy myocardium and fibrosis of 1.2 has previously been established in 3T scans. The aim of the study was to reaffirm this threshold in 1.5T scans. LA LGE was performed using a 1.5T magnetic resonance scanner on: 11 lone-AF patients, 11 age-matched healthy volunteers (aged 27–44) and 11 elderly patients without known history of AF but varying degrees of comorbidities. Mean values of IIR for all healthy volunteers +2SD were set as upper limit of normality and was reproduced to 1.21 and the original IIR-threshold of 1.20 was maintained. The degree of fibrosis in lone-AF patients [median 9.0% (IQR 3.9–12.0)] was higher than in healthy volunteers [2.8% (1.3–8.3)] and even higher in elderly non-AF [20.1% (10.2–35.8), p = 0.001]. The previously established IIR-threshold of 1.2 was reaffirmed in 1.5T LA LGE scans. Patients with lone AF presented with increased degrees of atrial fibrosis compared to healthy volunteers in the same age-range. Elderly patients with no history of AF showed significantly higher degrees of fibrosis compared to both groups with younger individuals.
Increasing risks of apple tree frost damage under climate change
Authors: Pfleiderer Peter , Menke Inga , Schleussner Carl-Friedrich 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAnthropogenic climate change is affecting agriculture and crop production. The responses of horticultural and agricultural systems to changing climatic conditions can be non-linear and at times counter-intuitive. Depending on the characteristics of the system, the actual impact can arise as a result of a combination of climate hazards or compound events. Here, we show that compound events can lead to increased risk of frost damage for apple fruit trees in Germany in a 2 °C warmer world of up to 10% relative to present day. Although the absolute number of frost days is declining, warmer winters also lead to earlier blossom of fruit trees, which in turn can lead to regionally dependent increased risks of the occurrence of frost days after apple blossom. In southern Germany, warmer winters may also lead to an increase in years in which apple yield is negatively affected by a lack of sufficient amount of cold days to trigger the seasonal response of the trees. Our results show how cropping system responses to seasonal climate can lead to unexpected effects of increased risk of frost damage as a result of warmer winters. An improved understanding of ecosystem responses to changes in climate signals is important to fully assess the impacts of climate change.
Analyzing territory for the sustainable development of solar photovoltaic power using GIS databases
Authors: Guaita-Pradas Inmaculada , Marques-Perez Inmaculada , Gallego Aurea , Segura Baldomero 
Published: November 2019

AbstractSolar energy generated by grid-connected photovoltaic (GCPV) systems is considered an important alternative electric energy source because of its clean energy production system, easy installation, and low operating and maintenance costs. This has led to it becoming more popular compared with other resources. However, finding optimal sites for the construction of solar farms is a complex task with many factors to be taken into account (environmental, social, legal and political, technical-economic, etc.), which classic site selection models do not address efficiently. There are few studies on the criteria that should be used when identifying sites for solar energy installations (large grid-connected photovoltaic systems which have more than 100 kWp of installed capacity). It is therefore essential to change the way site selection processes are approached and to seek new methodologies for location analysis. A geographic information system (GIS) is a tool which can provide an effective solution to this problem. Here, we combine legal, political, and environmental criteria, which include solar radiation intensity, local physical terrain, environment, and climate, as well as location criteria such as the distance from roads and the nearest power substations. Additionally, we use GIS data (time series of solar radiation, digital elevation models (DEM), land cover, and temperature) as further input parameters. Each individual site is assessed using a unique and cohesive approach to select the most appropriate locations for solar farm development in the Valencian Community, a Spanish region in the east of Spain.
Running Rotterdam: on how locals’ participation in running events fosters their sense of place
Authors: Vink Ryanne , Varró Krisztina 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBuilding on the insights of scholarship highlighting specific aspects of the forming of place meanings and experiences during running (events), this paper aims at applying a more holistic perspective on how meanings attached to and experiences of place by local runners are shaped through both individual and collective sense-making. Conceptually, the paper combines (post-)phenomenological and symbolic interactionist approaches. Empirically, the paper focuses on the Dutch city of Rotterdam and draws on extensive fieldwork conducted at the 2018 edition of the NN Marathon Rotterdam, and two smaller scale, non-commercially oriented running events organized by a local running club in 2017. Based on this qualitative research, the paper demonstrates that individual local runners’ understandings and embodied experience of the physical and social environment is always situated in, and interwoven with, broader social meanings and instances of shared embodiment. At the same time, the paper reflects on the methodological challenges faced by research on running (events) and calls for a more explicit acknowledgement of the multiple character of the running world(s) studied, and of the trade-offs between the different research techniques applied.
Accommodating Practices During Episodes of Disillusionment with Mobile IT
Authors: Zamani Efpraxia D. , Pouloudi Nancy , Giaglis George , Wareham Jonathan 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThis study investigates how tablet users react when technology falls short of their expectations. We deploy a data/frame model to study this process and investigate resistance-related reactions and the deployment of accommodating practices at the individual level. Analyzing user blogs that provide narratives on user interaction with tablets, we identify triggers of episodes of disillusionment and illustrate five sensemaking paths that users follow, eventually leading to one of three practices: 1) users choose to defer tasks until the situation changes, or they abandon the platform altogether; 2) they develop workarounds at different levels of proficiency; or 3) they proceed by reframing their expectations of the platform. By revealing user decision-making process during episodes of disillusionment, the findings contribute to information systems post-adoption research. At a practical level, the findings inform IT artifact and application design by offering insights on how users process discrepancies between their expectations and actual use experience.
BCG Moreau Vaccine Safety Profile and NK Cells—Double Protection Against Disseminated BCG Infection in Retrospective Study of BCG Vaccination in 52 Polish Children with Severe Combined Immunodeficiency
Authors: Bernatowska Ewa , Skomska-Pawliszak Małgorzta , Wolska-Kuśnierz Beata , Pac Małgorzata , Heropolitanska-Pliszka Edyta , Pietrucha Barbara , Bernat-Sitarz Katarzyna , Dąbrowska-Leonik Nel , Bohynikova Nadia , Piątosa Barbara , Lutyńska Anna , Augustynowicz Ewa , Augustynowicz-Kopeć Ewa , Korzeniewska-Koseła Maria , Krasińska Maria , Krzysztopa-Grzybowska Katarzyna , Wieteska-Klimczak Anna , Książyk Janusz , Jackowska Teresa , van den Burg Mirjam , van Dongen Jacques J. M. , Casanova Jean-Laurent , Picard Capucine , Mikołuć Bożena 
Published: November 2019

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of the study was to estimate the rate of adverse reactions to live BCG Moreau vaccine, manufactured by Biomed in Poland, in severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) patients.MaterialThe profiles of 52 SCID patients vaccinated at birth with BCG, hospitalized in Children’s Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw (CMHI), in the years 1980–2015 were compared with those of 349 BCG-vaccinated SCID patients from other countries analyzed by Beatriz E. Marciano et al. in a retrospective study (Marciano et al. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2014;133(4):1134–1141).ResultsSignificantly less disseminated BCG infections (10 out of 52 SCID, 19%) occurred in comparison with Marciano study—119 out of 349, 34% (p = 0.0028), with no death in patients treated with SCID anti-TB drug, except one in lethal condition. In our study, disseminated BCG infection was observed only in SCID with T-B+NK- phenotype and significantly lower NK cell counts (p = 0.0161). NK cells do not influence on the frequency of local BCG reaction. A significantly higher number of hematopoietic stem cells transplantations (HSCT) were performed in CMHI study (p = 0.0001). Anti-TB treatment with at least two medicines was provided.ConclusionThe BCG Moreau vaccine produced in Poland, with well-documented genetic characteristics, seems to be safer than other BCG substrains used in other regions of the world. Importantly, NK cells seem to play a role in protecting SCID patients against disseminated BCG complications, which NK- SCID patients are more prone to. HSCT and TB therapy could be relevant due to the patients’ survival and the fact that they protect against BCG infection.
The advantages of microfluidics to study actin biochemistry and biomechanics
Authors: Wioland Hugo , Suzuki Emiko , Cao Luyan , Romet-Lemonne Guillaume , Jegou Antoine 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe regulated assembly of actin filaments is essential in nearly all cell types. Studying actin assembly dynamics can pose many technical challenges. A number of these challenges can be overcome by using microfluidics to observe and manipulate single actin filaments under an optical microscope. In particular, microfluidics can be tremendously useful for applying different mechanical stresses to actin filaments and determining how the physical context of the filaments affects their regulation by biochemical factors. In this review, we summarize the main features of microfluidics for the study of actin assembly dynamics, and we highlight some recent developments that have emerged from the combination of microfluidics and other techniques. We use two case studies to illustrate our points: the rapid assembly of actin filaments by formins and the disassembly of filaments by actin depolymerizing factor (ADF)/cofilin. Both of these protein families play important roles in cells. They regulate actin assembly through complex molecular mechanisms that are sensitive to the filaments’ mechanical context, with multiple activities that need to be quantified separately. Microfluidics-based experiments have been extremely useful for gaining insight into the regulatory actions of these two protein families.
Logical reduction of metarules
Authors: Cropper Andrew , Tourret Sophie 
Published: November 2019

AbstractMany forms of inductive logic programming (ILP) usemetarules, second-order Horn clauses, to define the structure of learnable programs and thus the hypothesis space. Deciding which metarules to use for a given learning task is a major open problem and is a trade-off between efficiency and expressivity: the hypothesis space grows given more metarules, so we wish to use fewer metarules, but if we use too few metarules then we lose expressivity. In this paper, we study whether fragments of metarules can be logically reduced to minimal finite subsets. We consider two traditional forms of logical reduction: subsumption and entailment. We also consider a new reduction technique calledderivation reduction, which is based on SLD-resolution. We compute reduced sets of metarules for fragments relevant to ILP and theoretically show whether these reduced sets are reductions for more general infinite fragments. We experimentally compare learning with reduced sets of metarules on three domains: Michalski trains, string transformations, and game rules. In general, derivation reduced sets of metarules outperform subsumption and entailment reduced sets, both in terms of predictive accuracies and learning times.
The transformation of supreme values: Evidence from Poland on salvation through civic engagement
Authors: Fałkowski Jan , Kurek Przemysław 
Published: November 2019

AbstractPeter Bernholz has described how ideologies and religions with supreme values have used violence to accomplish their goals. We describe the transformation of supreme values through civic engagement and pro-social behavior (dedication to common good, charity, participation in social life) that rejects as unacceptable all forms of violence. Our focus is on Catholicism after the Second Vatican Council, which emphasized the lay faithful’s role in the Church’s mission of salvation in the world and affirmed categorically that the duty of layperson is to serve other people and society. Using data on Poland, we find that the lay faithful try to fulfil those duties. Religious observance measured by participation in Holy Communion and church attendance correlates positively with civic engagement measured by the number of non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
Privacy protection in mobile crowd sensing: a survey
Authors: Wang Yongfeng , Yan Zheng , Feng Wei , Liu Shushu 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe unprecedented proliferation of mobile smart devices has propelled a promising computing paradigm, Mobile Crowd Sensing (MCS), where people share surrounding insight or personal data with others. As a fast, easy, and cost-effective way to address large-scale societal problems, MCS is widely applied into many fields, e.g., environment monitoring, map construction, public safety, etc. Despite the popularity, the risk of sensitive information disclosure in MCS poses a serious threat to the participants and limits its further development in privacy-sensitive fields. Thus, the research on privacy protection in MCS becomes important and urgent. This paper targets the privacy issues of MCS and conducts a comprehensive literature research on it by providing a thorough survey. We first introduce a typical system structure of MCS, summarize its characteristics, propose essential requirements on privacy on the basis of a threat model. Then, we survey existing solutions on privacy protection and evaluate their performances by employing the proposed requirements. In essence, we classify the privacy protection schemes into four categories with regard to identity privacy, data privacy, attribute privacy, and task privacy. Besides, we review the achievements on privacy-preserving incentives in MCS from four viewpoints of incentive measures: credit incentive, auction incentive, currency incentive, and reputation incentive. Finally, we point out some open issues and propose future research directions based on the findings from our survey.
Low delay error resilience algorithm for H.265|HEVC video transmission
Authors: Alfaqheri Taha T. , Sadka Abdul Hamid 
Published: November 2019

AbstractTransmission of high-resolution compressed video on unreliable transmission channels with time-varying characteristics such as wireless channels can adversely affect the decoded visual quality at the decoder side. This task becomes more challenging when the video codec computational complexity is an essential factor for low delay video transmission. High-efficiency video coding (H.265|HEVC) standard is the most recent video coding standard produced by ITU-T and ISO/IEC organisations. In this paper, a robust error resilience algorithm is proposed to reduce the impact of erroneous H.265|HEVC bitstream on the perceptual video quality at the decoder side. The proposed work takes into consideration the compatibility of the algorithm implementations with and without feedback channel update. The proposed work identifies and locates the frame’s most sensitive areas to errors and encodes them in intra mode. The intra-refresh map is generated at the encoder by utilising a grey projection method. The conducted experimental work includes testing the codec performance with the proposed work in error-free and error-prone conditions. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm works effectively at high packet loss rates. These results come at the cost of a slight increase in the encoding bit rate overhead and computational processing time compared with the default HEVC HM16 reference software.