bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measurement of the retinal venous pressure with a new instrument in healthy subjects
Authors: Stodtmeister Richard , Wetzk Emilie , Herber Robert , Pillunat Karin R. , Pillunat Lutz E. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
The retinal venous pressure (RVP) is a determining factor for the blood supply of the retina as well as the optic nerve head and until recently has been measured by contact lens dynamometry (CLD). A new method has been developed, potentially offering better acceptance. The applicability and the results of both methods were compared.

Methods
The type of this study is cross sectional. The subjects were 36 healthy volunteers, age 26 ± 5 years (mean ± s). Tonometry: rebound tonometer (RT) (iCare). The measurements were performed during an increase in airway pressure of 20 mmHg (Valsalva manoeuvre). Principle of RVP measurement: the central retinal vein (CRV) is observed during an increase of intraocular pressure (IOP) and at the start of pulsation, which corresponds with the RVP. Two different instruments for the IOP enhancement where used: contact lens dynamometry and the new instrument, IOPstim. Principle: a deflated balloon of 8 mm diameter—placed on the sclera laterally of the cornea—is filled with air. As soon as a venous pulsation occurs, filling is stopped and the IOP is measured, equalling the RVP. Examination procedure: randomization of the sequence: CLD or IOPstim, IOP, mydriasis, IOP three single measurements (SM) of the IOP with RT or of the pressure increase with CLD at an airway pressure of 20 mmHg, 5 min break, IOP, and three SM using the second method at equal pressure (20 mmHg).

Results
Spontaneous pulsation of the CRV was present in all 36 subjects. Pressures are given in mmHg. IOP in mydriasis 15.6 ± 3.3 (m ± s). Median RVP (MRVP)) of the three SM: CLD/IOPstim, 37.7 ± 5.2/24.7 ± 4.8 (t test: p < 0.001). Range of SM: 3.2 ± 1.8/2.9 ± 1.3 (t test: p = 0.36). Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of SM: 0.88/0.83. ANOVA in SM: p = 0.48/0.08. MRVP CLD minus MRVP IOPstim: 13.0 ± 5.6. Ratio MRVP CLD/MRVP IOPstim: 1.56 ± 3.1. Cooperation and agreeability were slightly better with the IOPstim.

Conclusion
This first study with the IOPstim in humans was deliberately performed in healthy volunteers using Valsalva conditions. As demonstrated by ICC and ANOVA, reproducible SM can be obtained by both methods and the range of the SM does not differ greatly. The higher MRVP in CLD could be explained by the different directions of the force vectors.
Income and conversion handicaps: estimating the impact of child chronic illness/disability on family income and the extra cost of child chronic illness/child disability in Ireland using a standard of living approach
Authors: Roddy Áine 
Published: September 2021

AbstractChild chronic illness/ disability can present significant challenges for children, families and society that require appropriate policy responses; yet little is known about the demands placed on families resources from an economics perspective in terms of its impact on household income and the extra income required to achieve the same standard of living as families who do not have a child with a chronic illness/disability. The paper uses data from theGrowing Up in Ireland National surveydataset for nine year olds. It is the first study to empirically investigate the impact of child chronic illness/disability on earnings, standard of living and the extra cost of disability together. It is also the first study to explicitly address endogeneity in the standard of living model by using a two-stage process where residuals were harvested to provide efficient estimates. The findings show that families experience significant disadvantage and economic hardship due to reduced household income and a lower standard of living due to the extra cost of disability that would require considerable income to compensate. Policy implications of these findings suggest that a tiered approach to disability support payments which encompass broader criteria for inclusion based on varying severity levels be introduced to alleviate the financial hardship and compromised economic wellbeing of families affected. In addition, more innovative policies are required to implement appropriate timely access to health and social care services and flexi parental employment, which in turn requires the provision of adequate access to high quality educational and care facilities.
Transcriptome analysis of North American sweet birch (Betula lenta) revealed a higher expression of genes involved in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites than European silver birch (B. pendula)
Authors: Singewar Kiran , Kersten Birgit , Moschner Christian R. , Hartung Eberhard , Fladung Matthias 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe North American Betula lenta L. (sweet birch) has been used for medicinal reasons for centuries by native Americans. Although sophisticated technologies have rapidly been developed, a large information gap has been observed regarding genetic regulators of medicinally important compounds in sweet birch. Very little is known on the different genes involved in secondary metabolic biosynthesis in sweet birch. To gain a deeper insight into genetic factors, we performed a transcriptome analysis of each three biological samples from different independent trees of sweet and European silver birch (B. pendula Roth). This allowed us to precisely quantify the transcripts of about 24,000 expressed genes including 29 prominent candidate genes putatively involved in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites like terpenoids, and aromatic benzoic acids. A total number of 597 genes were differentially expressed between B. lenta and B. pendula, while 264 and 210 genes showed upregulation in the bark and leaf of B. lenta, respectively. Moreover, we identified 39 transcriptional regulatory elements, involved in secondary metabolite biosynthesis, upregulated in B. lenta. Our study demonstrated the potential of RNA sequencing to identify candidate genes interacting in secondary metabolite biosynthesis in sweet birch. The candidate genes identified in this study could be subjected to genetic engineering to functionally characterize them in sweet birch. This knowledge can be beneficial to the increase of therapeutically important compounds.
Resident vascular endothelial progenitor definition and function: the age of reckoning
Authors: Dight James , Zhao Jilai , Styke Cassandra , Khosrotehrani Kiarash , Patel Jatin 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe cardiovascular system is composed around the central function of the endothelium that lines the inner surfaces of its vessels. In recent years, the existence of a progenitor population within the endothelium has been validated through the study of endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs) in human peripheral blood and certain vascular beds. However, our knowledge on endothelial populations in vivo that can give rise to ECFCs in culture has been limited. In this review we report and analyse recent attempts at describing progenitor populations in vivo from murine studies that reflect the self-renewal and stemness capacity observed in ECFCs. We pinpoint seminal discoveries within the field, which have phenotypically defined, and functionally scrutinised these endothelial progenitors. Furthermore, we review recent publications utilising single-cell sequencing technologies to better understand the endothelium in homeostasis and pathology.
A novel self-learning weighted fuzzy local information clustering algorithm integrating local and non-local spatial information for noise image segmentation
Authors: Song Qiuyu , Wu Chengmao , Tian Xiaoping , Song Yue , Guo Xiaokang 
Published: September 2021

AbstractFuzzy clustering algorithm (FCM) can be directly used to segment images, it takes no account of the neighborhood information of the current pixel and does not have a robust segmentation noise suppression. Fuzzy Local Information C-means Clustering (FLICM) is a widely used robust segmentation algorithm, which combines spatial information with the membership degree of adjacent pixels. In order to further improve the robustness of FLICM algorithm, non-local information is embedded into FLICM algorithm and a fuzzy C-means clustering algorithm has local and non-local information (FLICMLNLI) is obtained. When calculating distance from pixel to cluster center, FLICMLNLI algorithm considers two distances from current pixel and its neighborhood pixels to cluster center. However, the algorithm gives the same weight to two different distances, which incorrectly magnifies the importance of neighborhood information in calculating the distance, resulting in unsatisfactory image segmentation effects and loss of image details. In order to solve this problem, we raise an improved self-learning weighted fuzzy algorithm, which directly obtains different weights in distance calculation through continuous iterative self-learning, then the distance metric with the weights obtained from self-learning is embedded in the objective function of the fuzzy clustering algorithm in order to improve the segmentation performance and robustness of the algorithm. A large number of experiments on different types of images show that the algorithm can not only suppress the noise but also retain the details in the image, the effect of segmenting complex noise images is better, and it provides better image segmentation results than the existing latest fuzzy clustering algorithms.
Upwelling of Deep-seated Fluid in the Sikhote-Alin Region, Far East of the Eurasian Plate
Authors: Nakamura Hitomi , Iwamori Hikaru , Morikawa Noritoshi , Kharitonova Natalia , Chelnokov Georgy , Bragin Ivan , Chang Qing 
Published: September 2021

AbstractSpring waters with high-pCO2 content are widely distributed in the Sikhote-Alin region in Russia. Mukhen spa is one such spring located in the northern Sikhote-Alin region. This spa has two types of upwelling spring waters and exhibits distinct chemical signatures. One of the springs originates from a shallow aquifer and features hydrogen and oxygen isotopic ratios of meteoric water with a high 3He/4He ratio, whereas the other originates from a deeper aquifer and features a distinctly negative δ18O with a lower 3He/4He ratio. To understand this apparent discrepancy and the water circulation dynamics beneath Mukhen springs, we utilized all published data concerning the major solute elements and isotopic ratios of Mukhen spring waters and compared them with the He isotopic compositions on several springs in the far eastern region, which are newly analyzed in this study. The results show that the shallow aquifer comprises meteoric water that interacts with the crust enhanced by the gas component welling up from deep underground, while the fluid in deep aquifer fingerprinted the hydration reaction of silicate and involves a mantle component possibly delivered by a deep-seated fluid and/or gas upwelling along the tectonic fault through the western margin of the Sikhote-Alin region.
Genomic profiling using the UltraSEEK panel identifies discordancy between paired primary and breast cancer brain metastases and an association with brain metastasis-free survival
Authors: Giannoudis Athina , Sartori Alexander , Eastoe Lee , Zakaria Rasheed , Charlton Christopher , Hickson Nicholas , Platt-Higgins Angela , Rudland Philip S. , Irwin Darryl , Jenkinson Michael D. , Palmieri Carlo 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Purpose
Brain metastases (BM) are an increasing clinical problem. This study aimed to assess paired primary breast cancers (BC) and BM for aberrations within TP53, PIK3CA, ESR1, ERBB2 and AKT utilising the MassARRAY® UltraSEEK® technology (Agena Bioscience, San Diego, USA).

Methods
DNA isolated from 32 paired primary BCs and BMs was screened using the custom UltraSEEK® Breast Cancer Panel. Data acquisition and analysis was performed by the Agena Bioscience Typer software v4.0.26.74.

Results
Mutations were identified in 91% primary BCs and 88% BM cases. TP53, AKT1, ESR1, PIK3CA and ERBB2 genes were mutated in 68.8%, 37.5%, 31.3%, 28.1% and 3.1% respectively of primary BCs and in 59.4%, 37.5%, 28.1%, 28.1% and 3.1% respectively of BMs. Differences in the mutations within the 5 genes between BC and paired BM were identified in 62.5% of paired cases. In primary BCs, ER-positive/HER2-negative cases harboured the most mutations (70%), followed by ER-positive/HER2-positive (15%) and triple-negatives (13.4%), whereas in BMs, the highest number of mutations was observed in triple-negative (52.5%), followed by ER-positive/HER2-negative (35.6%) and ER-negative/HER2-positive (12%). There was a significant association between the number of mutations in the primary BC and breast-to-brain metastasis-free survival (p = 0.0001) but not with overall survival (p = 0.056).

Conclusion
These data demonstrate the discordancy between primary BC and BM, as well as the presence of clinically important, actionable mutations in BCBM. The UltraSEEK® Breast Cancer Panel provides a tool for BCBM that can be utilised to direct more tailored treatment decisions and for clinical studies investigating targeted agents.
Intergenerational continuity of crime among children of organized crime offenders in the Netherlands
Authors: van Dijk Meintje , Eichelsheim Veroni , Kleemans Edward , Soudijn Melvin , van de Weijer Steve 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAs existing literature on intergenerational continuity of criminal behavior is mainly based on data on ‘general’ offenders and their children, the current study aims to improve our knowledge by looking at intergenerational continuity of crime among a national sample of children of organized crime offenders. Judicial data on all (N= 478) offenders convicted of organized crime in the Netherlands (in the period 2008 - 2014) and their children were used to study offspring’s involvement in crime. In addition, a comparison group was selected from the entire population in the Netherlands to examine the relative risk of offending. Results show that almost half of the children of organized crime offenders have a criminal record. Sons are significantly more at risk of offending and this risk also increases strongly by age. Furthermore, the results show the strongest intergenerational relation for violent crimes. Gender of the convicted parent and timing of parental crime also seem to play a role in the continuity. With regard to the relative risk of offending, the results show that children of convicted organized crime offenders are three times more at risk of offending compared to children in the comparison group, even after controlling for the number of parental crimes. In sum, there is a substantial risk of intergenerational continuity of criminal behavior among children of organized crime offenders. Future research would benefit from focusing on how criminal behavior in these specific families is transmitted to future generations.
Advanced computational technique based on kriging and Polynomial Chaos Expansion for structural stability of mechanical systems with uncertainties
Authors: Denimal E. , Sinou J.-J. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIn this paper, a numerical strategy based on the combination of the kriging approach and the Polynomial Chaos Expansion (PCE) is proposed for the prediction of buckling loads due to random geometric imperfections and fluctuations in material properties of a mechanical system. The original computational approach is applied on a beam simply supported at both ends by rigid supports and by one punctual spring whose location and stiffness vary. The beam is subjected to a deterministic axial compression load. The PCE-kriging meta-modelling approach is employed to efficiently perform a parametric analysis with random geometrical and material properties. The approach proved to be computationally efficient in terms of number of model evaluations and in terms of computational time to predict accurately the buckling loads of a beam system. It is demonstrated that the buckling loads are substantially impacted not only by both the location and the stiffness of the spring, but also by the random parameters.
A purposeful approach for measuring greenhouse gas emissions of material flow accounts for the accomplishment of territorial sustainable development and cultural economy goals on climate. The case of the Basque Country
Authors: Larrea Basterra Macarena , Alvaro-Hermana Roberto , Ceular-Villamandos Nuria , Muniz Noel M. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThis study aims at developing a purposeful approach for estimating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and its possible use to recreate alternative scenarios that might potentially facilitate the attainment of the material productivity (MP) ratio needed for achieving territorial sustainable development (SDGs) and circular economy goals on climate. The propounded method associates these two key concepts (GHG-MP) with the domestic material consumption (DMC) and international trade of materials, including product life cycle emissions in the overarching GHG total estimation. Developed utilizing the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and diverse data, linked to the suggested scheme, from the Basque Country (Spain), this work also relies its scientific foundation upon leading literature in this field to align territorial models of production and consumption with a more localized measurement of GHG emissions. According to its results, the emissions estimated allow advising more contextualized scenarios for the potential achievement of local MP target indicator, when expressed as the amount of economic output―based on gross domestic product (GDP)—generated per unit of materials consumed and traded―in terms of DMC. From a theoretical perspective, this work contributes to the local strategic management of circular economy research and 2030 Agenda, particularly on the subject of measuring progress in the achievement of territorial climate and circular economy goals. From a utilitarian perspective, the findings comprise promising implications for both multilevel policy makers and public/private organizations that further sustainable development and actions against climate change.
To be or not to be a technical university: organisational categories as reference points in higher education
Authors: Geschwind Lars , Broström Anders 
Published: September 2021

AbstractClassifications of higher education institutions into categories that are more or less clearly differentiated through prestige and status are legion in the world of higher education. The notion of parallel categories with comparable statuses, such as those of different types of universities, is however much less well understood. This paper investigates how universities navigate between such alternative categories. We examine boundary work and institutional change involving Swedish higher education institutions with significant activity in engineering sciences in order to analyse how actors relate to ideas regarding the category ‘technical university’ as an ideal potentially distinct from that of the broad, comprehensive university. Analysis of two cases in the second half of the twentieth century shows that for engineering faculty, a focused technical university was an attractive alternative to the institutional model of the broad university. In contrast, analysis of two twenty-first-century cases suggests that aspirations to be recognised as a technical university were largely driven by adaption to external stakeholders’ interests. We discuss these findings in light of the emergence of the global hegemonic category ‘research university’. We also suggest that the organisational identity of a HEI may be tied to ideas about an organisational category through imprinting and path dependency. Moreover, we propose that changes over time in how categories are perceived may serve as an impetus to organisational change.
From Someone Who May Cause Trouble to Someone You Can Play With: Stakeholders' Perspectives on Preschool Program Quality for Autistic Children
Authors: Bejnö Hampus , Bölte Sven , Linder Nina , Långh Ulrika , Odom Samuel L. , Roll-Pettersson Lise 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIn Sweden, young autistic children typically attend community-based preschool programs, which may not be adapted to their needs. In the current study, stakeholders to autistic children receiving Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention were interviewed following a quasi-randomized study (#NCT03634761) aimed at improving the preschool program quality using the Swedish version of the Autism Program Environment Rating Scale (APERS). Stakeholders provided their perceptions and experiences concerning key factors for high quality preschool programs as well as well as their experiences of the abovementioned APERS study. Applying thematic analysis, stakeholder groups differed in what they emphasized, but all highlighted staff’s competence, children’s inclusion and participation, collaboration, and the learning environment as key program areas that had been positively influenced by the APERS-based intervention.
Thorsmoerkia curvula gen. et spec. nov. (Trebouxiophyceae, Chlorophyta), a semi-terrestrial microalga from Iceland exhibits high levels of unsaturated fatty acids
Authors: Nicoletti Cecilia , Procházková Lenka , Nedbalová Linda , Mócsai Réka , Altmann Friedrich , Holzinger Andreas , Remias Daniel 
Published: September 2021

AbstractA terrestrial green alga was isolated at Iceland, and the strain (SAG 2627) was described for its morphology and phylogenetic position and tested for biotechnological capabilities. Cells had a distinctly curved, crescent shape with conical poles and a single parietal chloroplast. Phylogenetic analyses of 18S rDNA andrbcL markers placed the strain into the Trebouxiophyceae (Chlorophyta). The alga turned out to belong to an independent lineage without an obvious sister group within the Trebouxiophyceae. Based on morphological and phylogenetic data, the strain was described as a new genus and species,Thorsmoerkia curvulagen. et sp. nov. Biomass was generated in column reactors and subsequently screened for promising metabolites. Growth was optimized by pH-regulated, episodic CO2supplement during the logarithmic growth-phase, and half of the biomass was thereafter exposed to nitrogen and phosphate depletion. The biomass yield reached up to 53.5 mg L−1 day−1. Fatty acid (FA) production peaked at 24 mg L−1 day−1and up to 83% of all FAs were unsaturated. At the end of the log phase, approximately 45% of dry mass were lipids, including eicosapentaenoic acid. Carotenoid production reached up to 2.94 mg L−1 day−1but it was halted during the stress phase. The N-linked glycans of glycoproteins were assessed to reveal chemotaxonomic patterns. The study demonstrated that new microalgae can be found at Iceland, potentially suitable for applied purposes. The advantage ofT. curvulais its robustness and that significant amounts of lipids are already accumulated during log phase, making a subsequent stress exposure dispensable.