bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Integrative Approach Uncovers New Patterns of Ecomorphological Convergence in Slow Arboreal Xenarthrans
Authors: Alfieri Fabio , Botton-Divet Léo , Nyakatura John A. , Amson Eli 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIdentifying ecomorphological convergence examples is a central focus in evolutionary biology. In xenarthrans, slow arboreality independently arose at least three times, in the two genera of ‘tree sloths’,BradypusandCholoepus, and the silky anteater,Cyclopes. This specialized locomotor ecology is expectedly reflected by distinctive morpho-functional convergences.Cyclopes, although sharing several ecological features with ‘tree sloths’, do not fully mirror the latter in their outstandingly similar suspensory slow arboreal locomotion. We hypothesized that the morphology ofCyclopesis closer to ‘tree sloths’ than to anteaters, but yet distinct, entailing that slow arboreal xenarthrans evolved through ‘incomplete’ convergence. In a multivariate trait space, slow arboreal xenarthrans are hence expected to depart from their sister taxa evolving toward the same area, but not showing extensive phenotypical overlap, due to the distinct position ofCyclopes.Conversely, a pattern of ‘complete’ convergence (i.e., widely overlapping morphologies) is hypothesized for ‘tree sloths’. Through phylogenetic comparative methods, we quantified humeral and femoral convergence in slow arboreal xenarthrans, including a sample of extant and extinct non-slow arboreal xenarthrans. Through 3D geometric morphometrics, cross-sectional properties (CSP) and trabecular architecture, we integratively quantified external shape, diaphyseal anatomy and internal epiphyseal structure. Several traits converged in slow arboreal xenarthrans, especially those pertaining to CSP. Phylomorphospaces and quantitative convergence analyses substantiated the expected patterns of ‘incomplete’ and ‘complete’ convergence for slow arboreal xenarthrans and ‘tree sloths’, respectively. This work, highlighting previously unidentified convergence patterns, emphasizes the value of an integrative multi-pronged quantitative approach to cope with complex mechanisms underlying ecomorphological convergence.
Clarifying the relationship between trait mindfulness and objective performance
Authors: Goilean Cristina , Gracia Francisco J. , Tomás Inés 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe present study focused on the relationship between trait mindfulness and the outcome component of performance, evaluated with objective indicators. In particular, four objective performance indicators were studied: accuracy, reaction time, variability in reaction times, and detection of unexpected stimuli. Because attention and awareness have been described as core components of mindfulness, and previous research suggests that mindfulness is associated with improved attention skills, this study predicted that trait mindfulness would be positively related to objective indicators of high performance (accuracy, detection of unexpected stimuli) and negatively related to objective indicators of low performance (reaction time, variability in reaction time), on an attention task. Moreover, the study predicted that the relationship between trait mindfulness and objective performance would be modulated by task complexity. University students (139) completed mindfulness, intelligence, and personality questionnaires and completed an adapted Stroop task (Stroop, 1935) in E-prime 2 software. To test our hypotheses, we performed hierarchical multiple regression analyses in SPSS. Our results revealed that trait mindfulness is not related to objective indicators of performance in an attention task, except for the detection of unexpected stimuli. Going further with our analyses, we also confirmed the important role of intelligence in performance outcomes. Finally, task complexity was not playing a moderator role in the relationship between mindfulness and objective performance. Our research contributes to the literature on mindfulness and objective performance, providing empirical evidence for the relationship between trait mindfulness and the detection of unexpected stimuli. Study limitations and avenues for future research are discussed.
Geschlecht, Parteizugehörigkeit und strategische Überlegungen
Authors: Ruf Florian 
Published: December 2021

ZusammenfassungRatsmitglieder sind zentrale Gatekeeper bei politischen Entscheidungen auf der lokalen Ebene. Dieser Aufsatz erklärt Unterschiede in den Einstellungen von 1638 weiblichen und männlichen Ratsmitgliedern zu repräsentativen, partizipativen und direktdemokratischen Beteiligungsformen. Er legt dabei einen Schwerpunkt auf (a) ihre Parteizugehörigkeit und (b) ihre strategischen Überlegungen, die sie anstrengen, um ihre Präferenzen durchzusetzen. Im Gegensatz zu den vorhandenen vergleichenden Studien legt diese Analyse einen Schwerpunkt auf die Unterschiede in den Einstellungen zwischen den Geschlechtern. Dabei wird gezeigt, dass die Einstellungen von weiblichen Ratsmitgliedern eben auch von ihren unterschiedlichen Erfahrungen und Perspektiven abhängen, die sie mit institutionellen Machtungleichgewichten machen. Oft befinden sich Frauen in einer Minderheitenposition im Rat und müssen zusätzliche Hindernisse überwinden, bevor sie ihre Präferenzen genauso wie ihre männlichen Kollegen durchsetzen können. Die Untersuchung zeigt, dass Ratsfrauen hier partizipative Beteiligungsmöglichkeiten grundsätzlich besser bewerten als ihre männlichen Kollegen. Vor allem Ratsfrauen der Partei die Linke und der CDU unterscheiden sich am stärksten von ihren männlichen Parteikollegen im Rat. Und auch eine gängige Annahme aus der Forschung zur Einstellung von Ratsmitgliedern bei Beteiligungsmöglichkeiten muss für zumindest für Baden-Württemberg ausdifferenziert werden: Es sind die Männer im Rat, die aus einer Position der Stärke heraus ihre Einstellungen begründen, während die Zugehörigkeit zur Mehrheit im Rat keine Auswirkungen für Ratsfrauen auf ihre Einstellungen gegenüber den drei unterschiedlichen Beteiligungsmöglichkeiten hat.
Association of pigment epithelium derived factor expression with cancer progression and prognosis: a meta-analysis study
Authors: Cheng Guo , Song Crystal 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
Pigment epithelium derived factor (PEDF) is a secreted protein that strongly suppresses angiogenesis and directly inhibits cancer cells proliferation. The differential expression of PEDF has been observed in multiple types of human tumors. However, it is unclear as to how PEDF expression is associated with cancer progression and if PEDF could serve as a prognostic marker for cancer patients.

Methods
We performed a comprehensive search for the studies on PEDF expression in 14 top-ranked types of solid tumor cancer with the highest incidence. A systemic approach was used to screen for qualified studies and to extract data. Meta-analysis was performed to investigate if PEDF expression is associated with the TNM staging, tumor size, lymph node invasion, distal metastasis and pathological grade of tumor in a pan-cancer manner. A Kaplan–Meier curve was plotted with the digitally-reconstituted patient survival data to study the effect of PEDF expression on the prognosis of cancer patients.

Results
A total of nine studies were selected, reviewed and analyzed. Meta-analysis suggested that decreased PEDF protein expression was associated with higher TNM staging (OR = 2.13, 95% CI: 1.61–2.81), larger tumor size (OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.1–1.84), larger possibility of lymph node invasion (OR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.26–2.22) and higher pathological grade (OR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.2–2.13). No correlation was found between PEDF expression and tumor distal metastasis, gender or age. In addition, low PEDF protein level in tumor tissue is correlated with shorter overall survival (P < 0.05).

Conclusions
Low PEDF protein expression in cancer is significantly associated with more advanced cancer progression and significantly poorer survival. The differential clinical outcome among patients with various PEDF expression suggests its prognostic value.
Photorheological fluids of azobenzene polymers for lubrication regulation
Authors: Tang Shuangxi , Li Shayu , Ma Liran , Tian Yu 
Published: December 2021

AbstractFluid viscosity is ubiquitous property and is of practical importance in intelligent fluids, industrial lubrication, and pipeline fluid transportation. Recently, there has been a surging interest in viscosity regulation. Here, we have developed a group of photorheological fluids by utilizing azobenzene polymers with a light-induced microstructure transformation. In this work, a photosensitive polymer with 4,4′-bis-hydroxyazobenzene as the main chain was designed and synthesized as a pivotal functional material. The sufficiently large structural difference under ultraviolet and near-infrared light makes it possible to regulate the viscosity of a polyethylene glycol solution. The viscosity of the photosensitive rheological fluids under ultraviolet light radiation is found to be up to 45.1% higher than that under near-infrared light radiation. To explore this intelligent lubricating technology, the friction regulation of ceramic sliding bearings was investigated utilizing photosensitive rheological fluids. Reversible friction regulation with a ratio of up to 3.77 has been achieved by the alternative irradiation of near-infrared and ultraviolet light, which can be attributed to the differences in mechanical properties and molecular structures under ultraviolet and near-infrared light according to both simulations and experiments. Such photorheological fluids will have promising applications in controllable lubrication, intelligent rheological fluids, and photosensitive dampers.
Experimental and modelling studies of the transient tribological behaviour of a two-phase lubricant under complex loading conditions
Authors: Yang Xiao , Zhang Lemeng , Politis Denis J. , Zhang Jie , Gharbi Mohammad M. , Leyvraz David , Wang Liliang 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe transient tribological phenomenon and premature lubricant breakdown have been widely observed in metal forming, leading to excessive friction at the contact interfaces. In this research, the transient tribological behaviour of a two-phase lubricant were studied under complex loading conditions, featuring abrupt interfacial temperature, contact load, and sliding speed changes, thus representing the severe interfacial conditions observed in warm/hot metal forming applications. The strong experimental evidence indicates that the evolution of friction was attributed to the physical diminution and chemical decomposition effects. As such, a visco-mechanochemical interactive friction model was developed to accurately predict the transient tribological behaviour of the two-phase lubricant under complex loading conditions. The new friction model exhibited close agreements between the modelling and experimental results.
Bio-Inspired Microwave Modulator for High-Temperature Electromagnetic Protection, Infrared Stealth and Operating Temperature Monitoring
Authors: Yang Xuan , Duan Yuping , Li Shuqing , Pang Huifang , Huang Lingxi , Fu Yuanyuan , Wang Tongmin 
Published: December 2021

AbstractHigh-temperature electromagnetic (EM) protection materials integrated of multiple EM protection mechanisms and functions are regarded as desirable candidates for solving EM interference over a wide temperature range. In this work, a novel microwave modulator is fabricated by introducing carbonyl iron particles (CIP)/resin into channels of carbonized wood (C-wood). Innovatively, the spaced arrangement of two microwave absorbents not only achieves a synergistic enhancement of magnetic and dielectric losses, but also breaks the translational invariance of EM characteristics in the horizontal direction to obtain multiple phase discontinuities in the frequency range of 8.2–18.0 GHz achieving modulation of reflected wave radiation direction. Accordingly, CIP/C-wood microwave modulator demonstrates the maximum effective bandwidth of 5.2 GHz and the maximum EM protection efficiency over 97% with a thickness of only 1.5 mm in the temperature range 298–673 K. Besides, CIP/C-wood microwave modulator shows stable and low thermal conductivities, as well as monotonic electrical conductivity-temperature characteristics, therefore it can also achieve thermal infrared stealth and working temperature monitoring in wide temperature ranges. This work provides an inspiration for the design of high-temperature EM protection materials with multiple EM protection mechanisms and functions.
Second-order characteristics don't favor a number-representing ANS
Authors: Buijsman Stefan 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Clarke and Beck argue that the ANS doesn't represent non-numerical magnitudes because of its second-order character. A sensory integration mechanism can explain this character as well, provided the dumbbell studies involve interference from systems that segment by objects such as the Object Tracking System. Although currently equal hypotheses, I point to several ways the two can be distinguished.
Numerical cognition: Unitary or diversified system(s)?
Authors: Henik Avishai , Salti Moti , Avitan Aviv , Oz-Cohen Elad , Shilat Yoel , Sokolowski H. Moriah 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Many researchers, including Clarke and Beck, describe the human numerical system as unitary. We offer an alternative view – the coexistence of several systems; namely, multiple systems (general magnitude, parallel individuation, and symbolic) existing in parallel, ready to be activated depending on the task/need. Based on this alternative view, we present an account for the representation of rational numbers.
A model-free deep reinforcement learning approach for control of exoskeleton gait patterns
Authors: Rose Lowell , Bazzocchi Michael C. F. , Nejat Goldie 
Published: December 2021

AbstractLower-body exoskeleton control that adapts to users and provides assistance-as-needed can increase user participation and motor learning and allow for more effective gait rehabilitation. Adaptive model-based control methods have previously been developed to consider a user’s interaction with an exoskeleton; however, the predefined dynamics models required are challenging to define accurately, due to the complex dynamics and nonlinearities of the human-exoskeleton interaction. Model-free deep reinforcement learning (DRL) approaches can provide accurate and robust control in robotics applications and have shown potential for lower-body exoskeletons. In this paper, we present a new model-free DRL method for end-to-end learning of desired gait patterns for over-ground gait rehabilitation with an exoskeleton. This control technique is the first to accurately track any gait pattern desired in physiotherapy without requiring a predefined dynamics model and is robust to varying post-stroke individuals’ baseline gait patterns and their interactions and perturbations. Simulated experiments of an exoskeleton paired to a musculoskeletal model show that the DRL method is robust to different post-stroke users and is able to accurately track desired gait pattern trajectories both seen and unseen in training.
The Temporality of Contemporaneity and Contemporary Art: Kant, Kentridge and Cave Art as Elective Contemporaries
Authors: Hughes Fiona 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThis article contributes to understanding of Contemporary Art and of the temporality of contemporaneity, along with the philosophy of time more generally. I propose a diachronic contemporaneity over time gaps – elective contemporaneity – through examination of Kant’s Transcendental Aesthetic, the Third Analogy and the concept of ‘following’ among artistic geniuses; diachronic recognition and disjunctive synchronicity discoverable in William Kentridge’s multimedia artworks; as well as non-chronological temporal implications of superimpositions in late Palaeolithic cave art suggesting ‘graphic respect’. Elective contemporaneity shows up complexity in relations to past and present, putting in question definitions of ‘Contemporary Art’ restricted to either chronology or supposedly definitive paradigms.
Spatial Heterogeneity of Uplift Pattern in the Western European Alps Revealed by InSAR Time‐Series Analysis
Authors: Mathey M. , Doin M.‐P. , André P. , Walpersdorf A. , Baize S. , Sue C. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe Western European Alps display measurable surface deformation rates from leveling and GNSS data. Based on the time‐series analysis of 4 years of Sentinel‐1 data, we propose for the first time an InSAR‐based mapping of the uplift pattern affecting the Western Alps on a ∼350 × 175‐km‐wide area. This approach provides a denser spatial distribution of vertical motion despite the high noise level inherent to mountainous areas and the low expected deformation signal. Our results show consistency with other geodetic measurements at the regional scale, and reveal smaller‐scale spatial variations in the uplift pattern. Higher uplift rates are found within the external crystalline massifs compared to surrounding areas, in agreement with the variations expected from recent deglaciation and long‐term exhumation data. This work brings the first InSAR‐based geodetic clue of differential uplift within the Alpine belt in response to the surface and deep processes affecting the belt.
Extreme Tropical Precipitation Clusters Show Strong Increases in Frequency Under Global Warming in CMIP6 Models
Authors: Dulguerov Leilani , Ahmed Fiaz , Neelin J. David 
Published: December 2021

AbstractPrecipitation clusters are spatially contiguous precipitating regions. Large clusters in the tropics are rare, extreme events that include organized precipitating systems. Changes to the probability distributions of tropical precipitation clusters under global warming are examined using models from the coupled model intercomparison project Phase 6 (CMIP6). Every analyzed model projects significant increases in frequencies of both very large‐sized clusters and clusters with very large area‐integrated precipitation (cluster power). The occurrence probability for the highest historical cluster power values increases by a factor between 4 and 15 among models in the end‐of‐century SSP5‐8.5 scenario. These changes primarily occur over the precipitating tropics: the western Pacific, Indian subcontinent, central and east Pacific convergence zones, and parts of South America. This spatial pattern is largely explained by Clausius‐Clapeyron scaling of current climate cluster power values. Societal impacts of cluster power increases could be acute in coastal regions of the Indian subcontinent and western Pacific islands.
Long‐Term Changes in Runoff Generation Mechanisms for Two Proglacial Areas in the Swiss Alps II: Subsurface Flow
Authors: Maier Fabian , van Meerveld Ilja , Weiler Markus 
Published: December 2021

AbstractLateral subsurface stormflow (SSF) is the most important runoff generation mechanism for most hillslopes in temperate climates. It is influenced by pedological, biological, and topographic factors that change during landscape evolution, but so far little is known about how SSF changes over long‐time scales. Therefore, we conducted sprinkling experiments on a silicate and carbonate moraine chronosequence in the Swiss Alps. Each chronosequence consisted of four moraines ranging between a couple of decades and ∼13,500 years in age. On each moraine, we installed three plots and measured shallow SSF in a trench. We added tracers (δ2H and NaCl) to the sprinkling water to identify mixing and flow pathways in the subsurface. The coarse and drainable sediments on the young moraines provoked more frequent and larger SSF responses than for the old moraines. There was no SSF during the sprinkling experiments on the older moraines at the calcareous study area, but SSF occurred during larger natural rainfall events. The pre‐event water fractions in SSF were higher for the old moraines than the young moraines due to the increase in silt, clay, and soil organic matter content, and subsequent increase in the amount of water stored in the soil. The results of this study suggest that soil and vegetation development affect SSF characteristics and help—together with the results for overland flow (companion paper; Maier & van Meerveld, 2021, https://doi.org/10.1029/2021WR030221)—to improve hydrological models and our understanding of the changes in near‐surface runoff generation processes during the first millennia of landscape evolution in Alpine areas.
The Lasting Signatures of Past Landslides on Soil Stripping From Landscapes
Authors: Fan Linfeng , Lehmann Peter , Zheng Chunmiao , Or Dani 
Published: December 2021

AbstractRainfall‐induced shallow landslides scar the Earth surface and deliver sediment pulses into fluvial systems and thus play an important role in landscape evolution. Previous landslide legacy affects local soil depths and soil regeneration rates thus modifying future landslide susceptibility and sediment dynamics. Here, we couple an advanced hydromechanical landslide model with a soil depth regeneration model and quantify landslide legacy effects by placing landslide dynamics in a perspective of landscape soil depth evolution. Results show increased landslide susceptibility near recently failed regions due to alteration of hydrological processes in a thinner soil mantle that imposes constraints on released soil volumes. Landslide recurrence in failed regions levels off when soil depths are gradually restored to steady state pre‐failure values. Cumulative effects of past landslides divert future landslide activity from steep hillslopes to alluvial channels and valley margins thus affecting sediment dynamics and yields. Consideration of landslide legacy improves landslide prediction and quantification of landslide erosion and fluvial sediment yield rates.
Randomised controlled trial of intermittent vs continuous energy restriction during chemotherapy for early breast cancer
Authors: Harvie Michelle , Pegington Mary , Howell Sacha J. , Bundred Nigel , Foden Phil , Adams Judith , Graves Lee , Greystoke Alastair , Mattson Mark P. , Cutler Roy G. , Williamson Julie , Livingstone Karen , McMullen Debbie , Sellers Katharine , Lombardelli Cheryl , Cooper Grace , McDiarmid Sarah , Howell Anthony 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
Excess adiposity at diagnosis and weight gain during chemotherapy is associated with tumour recurrence and chemotherapy toxicity. We assessed the efficacy of intermittent energy restriction (IER) vs continuous energy restriction (CER) for weight control and toxicity reduction during chemotherapy.

Methods
One hundred and seventy-two women were randomised to follow IER or CER throughout adjuvant/neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Primary endpoints were weight and body fat change. Secondary endpoints included chemotherapy toxicity, cardiovascular risk markers, and correlative markers of metabolism, inflammation and oxidative stress.

Results
Primary analyses showed non-significant reductions in weight (−1.1 (−2.4 to +0.2) kg, p = 0.11) and body fat (−1.0 (−2.1 to +0.1) kg, p = 0.086) in IER compared with CER. Predefined secondary analyses adjusted for body water showed significantly greater reductions in weight (−1.4 (−2.5 to −0.2) kg, p = 0.024) and body fat (−1.1 (−2.1 to −0.2) kg, p = 0.046) in IER compared with CER. Incidence of grade 3/4 toxicities were comparable overall (IER 31.0 vs CER 36.5%, p = 0.45) with a trend to fewer grade 3/4 toxicities with IER (18%) vs CER (31%) during cycles 4–6 of primarily taxane therapy (p = 0.063).

Conclusions
IER is feasible during chemotherapy. The potential efficacy for weight control and reducing toxicity needs to be tested in future larger trials.

Clinical trial registration
ISRCTN04156504.