bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) are susceptible to the Kanizsa’s triangle illusion
Authors: Lõoke Miina , Marinelli Lieta , Guérineau Cécile , Agrillo Christian , Mongillo Paolo 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe ability to complete partially missing contours is widespread across the animal kingdom, but whether this extends to dogs is still unknown. To address this gap in knowledge, we assessed dogs’ susceptibility to one of the most common contour illusions, the Kanizsa’s triangle. Six dogs were trained to discriminate a triangle from other geometrical figures using a two-alternative conditioned discrimination task. Once the learning criterion was reached, dogs were presented with the Kanizsa’s triangle and a control stimulus, where inducers were rotated around their centre, so as to disrupt what would be perceived as a triangle by a human observer. As a group, dogs chose the illusory triangle significantly more often than control stimuli. At the individual level, susceptibility to the illusion was shown by five out of six dogs. This is the first study where dogs as a group show susceptibility to a visual illusion in the same manner as humans. Moreover, the analyses revealed a negative effect of age on susceptibility, an effect that was also found in humans. Altogether, this suggests that the underling perceptual mechanisms are similar between dogs and humans, and in sharp contrast with other categories of visual illusions to which the susceptibility of dogs has been previously assessed.
Deciphering meteorological influencing factors for Alpine rockfalls: a case study in Aosta Valley
Authors: Bajni Greta , Camera Corrado A. S. , Apuani Tiziana 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThis study exploited the historical rockfall inventory and the meteorological stations database of Mont Cervin and Mont Emilius Mountain Communities (Aosta Valley, northern Italy) to decipher relationships between climate processes, typical of mountain environments and rockfall phenomena. The period from 1990 to 2018 was selected as reference to perform the analysis. Climate processes were translated into four climate indices, namely short-term rainfall (STR), effective water inputs (EWI, including both rainfall and snow melting), wet and dry episodes (WD) and freeze-thaw cycles (FT). The comparison between climate indices values at each rockfall occurrence and the statistical distributions describing the whole indices dataset allowed to define not ordinary climatic conditions for each index and their influence on rockfall occurrence. Most of the events analysed (>95% out of 136) occurred in correspondence of the defined not ordinary climatic conditions for one or for a combination of the indices. The relationships between rockfalls and climate showed a seasonality. In spring, most of the events resulted to be connected to FT (70%) while in autumn to EWI (49%). The relative seasonal importance of WD reached its maximum in summer with 23% of the events related to this index alone. Based on these results, different strategies to define empirical critical thresholds for each climate index were explored, in order to make them valid for the whole study area. A preliminary exploratory analysis of the influence of high temperatures and temperature gradients was carried out for some summertime rockfalls, not correlated to the other investigated indices. The presented approach is exportable in neighbouring regions, given the availability of a dated rockfall dataset, and could be adapted to include different processes.
RNA methylation in mammalian development and cancer
Authors: Song Peizhe , Tayier Subiding , Cai Zhihe , Jia Guifang 
Published: July 2021

AbstractSimilar to epigenetic DNA and histone modifications, epitranscriptomic modifications (RNA modifications) have emerged as crucial regulators in temporal and spatial gene expression during eukaryotic development. To date, over 170 diverse types of chemical modifications have been identified upon RNA nucleobases. Some of these post-synthesized modifications can be reversibly installed, removed, and decoded by their specific cellular components and play critical roles in different biological processes. Accordingly, dysregulation of RNA modification effectors is tightly orchestrated with developmental processes. Here, we particularly focus on three well-studied RNA modifications, including N6-methyladenosine (m6A), 5-methylcytosine (m5C), and N1-methyladenosine (m1A), and summarize recent knowledge of underlying mechanisms and critical roles of these RNA modifications in stem cell fate determination, embryonic development, and cancer progression, providing a better understanding of the whole association between epitranscriptomic regulation and mammalian development.
Numerical modeling as a tool for evaluating the renewability of geothermal resources: the case study of the Euganean Geothermal System (NE Italy)
Authors: Torresan Filippo , Piccinini Leonardo , Cacace Mauro , Pola Marco , Zampieri Dario , Fabbri Paolo 
Published: July 2021

AbstractRenewable natural resources are strategic for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the human footprint. The renewability of these resources is a crucial aspect that should be evaluated in utilization of scenario planning. The renewability of geothermal resources is strictly related to the physical and geological processes that favor water circulation and heating. In the Veneto region (NE Italy), thermal waters of the Euganean Geothermal System are the most profitable regional geothermal resource, and its renewability assessment entails the evaluation of fluid and heat recharge, regional and local geological settings, and physical processes controlling system development. This renewability assessment is aimed at defining both the importance of such components and the resource amount that can be exploited without compromising its future preservation. In the second part of the twentieth century, the Euganean thermal resource was threatened by severe overexploitation that caused a sharp decrease in the potentiometric level of the thermal aquifers. Consequently, regulation for their exploitation is required. In this work, the renewability of the Euganean Geothermal System was assessed using the results from numerical simulations of fluid flow and heat transport. The simulations were based on a detailed hydrogeological reconstruction that reproduced major regional geological heterogeneities through a 3D unstructured mesh, while a heterogeneous permeability field was used to reproduce the local fracturing of the thermal aquifers. The model results highlight the role played by the resolved structural elements, in particular the subsurface high-angle faults of the exploitation field, and by the anomalous regional crustal heat flow affecting the central Veneto region.
Optimized isolation method of humin fraction from mineral soil material
Authors: Weber Jerzy , Jamroz Elżbieta , Kocowicz Andrzej , Debicka Magdalena , Bekier Jakub , Ćwieląg-Piasecka Irmina , Ukalska-Jaruga Aleksandra , Mielnik Lilla , Bejger Romualda , Jerzykiewicz Maria 
Published: July 2021

AbstractHumic substances, including humin fraction, play a key role in the fate of organic and inorganic xenobiotics contaminating the environment. Humin is an important fraction of humic substances, which has been the least studied to date. This is due to the difficulties connected with its isolation that pose a number of methodological problems. Methods of humin fraction isolation can be divided into following main groups: (1) digestion of mineral soil components with HF/HCl followed by alkali extraction of HA and FA; (2) alkali extraction of HA and FA followed by extraction of humin by different organic solvents; and (3) alkali extraction of HA and FA followed by HF/HCl digestion of mineral soil components. Nevertheless, each of these methods has different limitations. We described in detail a useful procedure of humin isolation, in which this fraction was not extracted, but isolated from the soil by removing its soluble organic and mineral components. A modified method of HA and FA extraction with 0.1 M NaOH, according to the International Humic Substances Society, was used in the first step. Then, the mineral components in the residue were digested with the 10% HF/HCl. Unlike the procedures oriented to increase the concentration of organic matter, samples were treated several times with the HF/HCl mixture until the mineral fraction was almost completely digested. The main assumption of the method modification was to obtain the highest yield with the lowest possible ash content, but without affecting humin chemical structure. The results showed that the proposed procedure is characterized by a high efficiency and recovery and, therefore, it can be used to isolate high amounts of humin from soil.
A performance model for mobile robot-based part feeding systems to supermarkets
Authors: Moretti Emilio , Tappia Elena , Mauri Martina , Melacini Marco 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIn a context where companies are striving to produce highly customised goods in small batches and within short lead times, increasing attention is being put on the design and management of part feeding systems. This research is the first to model automated part feeding to supermarkets in a factory environment, considering an innovative technology called vertical robotic storage and retrieval systems. This technology allows automating the storage, picking, and internal transportation activities in an integrated process, thanks to rack-climbing robots roaming in both the shop floor and the storage racks. We develop an analytical model based on the queuing network approach to analyse the system performance, and we use it to perform numerical experiments and to evaluate the design trade-offs with reference to a real case in the automotive industry. Results show that an increase in the number of robots leads to better performance since the positive impact on the response time is stronger than the negative impact on the waiting times of robots at the supermarkets due to congestion. Furthermore, a configuration with multiple small supermarkets improves the efficiency of the replenishment process, compared to a setting with few big supermarkets.
Regularity of Local Times Associated with Volterra–Lévy Processes and Path-Wise Regularization of Stochastic Differential Equations
Authors: Harang Fabian A. , Ling Chengcheng 
Published: July 2021

AbstractWe investigate the space-time regularity of the local time associated with Volterra–Lévy processes, including Volterra processes driven by $$\alpha $$
α
-stable processes for $$\alpha \in (0,2]$$

α
∈
(
0
,
2
]

. We show that the spatial regularity of the local time for Volterra–Lévy process is $${\mathbb {P}}$$
P
-a.s. inverse proportional to the singularity of the associated Volterra kernel. We apply our results to the investigation of path-wise regularizing effects obtained by perturbation of ordinary differential equations by a Volterra–Lévy process which has sufficiently regular local time. Following along the lines of Harang and Perkowski (2020), we show existence, uniqueness and differentiability of the flow associated with such equations.
Changes in Patterns of Social Role Combinations at Ages 25–26 among Those Growing Up in England between 1996 and 2015–16: Evidence from the 1970 British Cohort and Next Steps Studies
Authors: Gagné Thierry , Sacker Amanda , Schoon Ingrid 
Published: July 2021

AbstractChanges across education, employment, and family life over the past 20 years challenges the capacity of previously established social role combinations to continue representing the experiences of young men and women born since the late 1980s. Latent class analysis was used to derive patterns of role combinations at ages 25–26 in those growing up in England, using data from 3191 men and 3921 women in the 1970 British Cohort Study (1996) and 3426 men and 4281 women in the Next Steps study born in 1989–90 (2015–16). Role combinations in 1996 were well defined by five patterns across genders: educated, work-oriented, traditional family, fragile family, and slow starters. Patterns in 2015–16 diverged across genders (e.g., disappearance of home ownership in the traditional family group among men and higher education as a group identifier among women) and included across genders fewer work-oriented, more slow starters, and a new group of “left behind” who are excluded from work and relationships. Young men and women born around 1990 experienced diverging role combinations characterized by increased delays and inequalities, with fewer being able to attain the milestones traditionally associated with the transition to adulthood by the mid-20s.
Norwegian population norms for the EQ-5D-5L: results from a general population survey
Authors: Garratt Andrew Malcolm , Hansen Tonya Moen , Augestad Liv Ariane , Rand Kim , Stavem Knut 
Published: July 2021

AbstractPurposeTo provide the first Norwegian EQ-5D-5L and EQ VAS population norms for the adult general population.MethodsPostal survey of a random sample of 12,790 Norwegians identified through the National Registry of the Norwegian Tax Administration. Norms, weighted for Norwegian general population characteristics, are shown for the five EQ-5D-5L dimensions, EQ-5D index, and EQ VAS scores for seven age categories, females, males, and education level.ResultsThere were 3200 (25.9%) respondents to 12,263 correctly addressed questionnaires. The EQ-5D-5L dimensions, EQ VAS, and background questions were completed by 3120 (24.6%) respondents. The mean age (SD) was 50.9 (21.7) and range was 18–97 years. The youngest age group of 18–29 years and oldest of 80 years and over had the highest (n = 691) and lowest (n = 239) number of respondents, respectively. Compared to the general population, the respondents comprised a greater number of females, younger and older ages, and had a higher education level. 32% of respondents reported no health problems on the EQ-5D-5L. From the youngest to oldest age groups, there was a general decline in health as assessed by the EQ-5D-5L. The exception was for anxiety/depression, where the youngest age groups had the poorest health. Apart from self-care, women reported poorer health than men, as assessed by the EQ-5D-5L; EQ VAS scores were similar for men and women. Higher levels of health (EQ-5D index, EQ VAS scores) were found with increasing levels of education.ConclusionThe population norms will improve interpretation of EQ-5D-5L and EQ VAS scores in Norwegian applications including clinical practice, clinical and health services research, and national quality registers where EQ-5D-5L is the most widely used patient-reported instrument.
Methodological approach for determining the Minimal Important Difference and Minimal Important Change scores for the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Head and Neck Cancer Module (EORTC QLQ-HN43) exemplified by the Swallowing scale
Authors: Singer Susanne , Hammerlid Eva , Tomaszewska Iwona M. , Amdal Cecilie Delphin , Bjordal Kristin , Herlofson Bente Brokstad , Santos Marcos , Silva Joaquim Castro , Mehanna Hisham , Fullerton Amy , Brannan Christine , Gonzalez Loreto Fernandez , Inhestern Johanna , Pinto Monica , Arraras Juan I. , Yarom Noam , Bonomo Pierluigi , Baumann Ingo , Galalae Razvan , Nicolatou-Galitis Ourania , Kiyota Naomi , Raber-Durlacher Judith , Salem Dina , Fabian Alexander , Boehm Andreas , Krejovic-Trivic Sanja , Chie Wei-Chu , Taylor Katherine , Simon Christian , Licitra Lisa , Sherman Allen C. ,   the EORTC Quality of Life Group and the EORTC Head and Neck Cancer Group
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study was to explore what methods should be used to determine the minimal important difference (MID) and minimal important change (MIC) in scores for the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Head and Neck Cancer Module, the EORTC QLQ-HN43.

Methods
In an international multi-centre study, patients with head and neck cancer completed the EORTC QLQ-HN43 before the onset of treatment (t1), three months after baseline (t2), and six months after baseline (t3). The methods explored for determining the MID were: (1) group comparisons based on performance status; (2) 0.5 and 0.3 standard deviation and standard error of the mean. The methods examined for the MIC were patients' subjective change ratings and receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curves, predictive modelling, standard deviation, and standard error of the mean. The EORTC QLQ-HN43 Swallowing scale was used to investigate these methods.

Results
From 28 hospitals in 18 countries, 503 patients participated. Correlations with the performance status were |r|< 0.4 in 17 out of 19 scales; hence, performance status was regarded as an unsuitable anchor. The ROC approach yielded an implausible MIC and was also discarded. The remaining approaches worked well and delivered MID values ranging from 10 to 14; the MIC for deterioration ranged from 8 to 16 and the MIC for improvement from − 3 to − 14.

Conclusions
For determining MIDs of the remaining scales of the EORTC QLQ-HN43, we will omit comparisons of groups based on the Karnofsky Performance Score. Other external anchors are needed instead. Distribution-based methods worked well and will be applied as a starting strategy for analyses. For the calculation of MICs, subjective change ratings, predictive modelling, and standard-deviation based approaches are suitable methods whereas ROC analyses seem to be inappropriate.
Influence of Interfacial Oxidation on Friction in Structural Superlubricity
Authors: Özoğul Alper , Jany Benedykt R. , Krok Franciszek , Gnecco Enrico , Baykara Mehmet Z. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractWe present the results of friction experiments performed by manipulation of oxidized platinum nanoislands on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) substrates through atomic force microscopy (AFM). The oxidation of the platinum nanoislands, performed via mild plasma exposure, is confirmed through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and high-resolution energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), the latter of which reveals partial oxidation on the sliding surfaces of the nanoislands. Oxidized platinum nanoislands are found to exhibit higher friction than non-oxidized islands, with a ~ 70% increase in mean shear stress over the investigated contact size regime. An increase in chemical interaction forces between the oxidized platinum and the graphite substrate is proposed to explain the increase in friction forces. Our results reveal that alteration of interfacial chemistry through oxidation leads to a noticeable modulation of friction forces, but not a total breakdown of the superlubric state (as evidenced by the signature observation of decreasing shear stress with increasing contact size), providing further feasibility for the design of superlubric mechanical systems to be operated under ambient conditions.
Graphic Abstract
Cystatin C predicts renal function impairment after partial or radical tumor nephrectomy
Authors: Wenzel Mike , Yu Hang , Uhlig Annemarie , Würnschimmel Christoph , Wallbach Manuel , Becker Andreas , Fisch Margit , Chun Felix K. H. , Meyer Christian P. , Leitsmann Marianne 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Purpose
To test the value of preoperative and postoperative cystatin C (CysC) as a predictor on kidney function after partial (PN) or radical nephrectomy (RN) in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients with normal preoperative renal function.

Methods
From 01/2011 to 12/2014, 195 consecutive RCC patients with a preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) > 60 ml/min/1.73m2 underwent surgical RCC treatment with either PN or RN. Logistic and linear regression models tested for the effect of CysC as a predictor of new-onset chronic kidney disease in follow-up (eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73m2). Moreover, postoperative CysC and creatinine values were compared for kidney function estimation.

Results
Of 195 patients, 129 (66.2%) underwent PN. In postoperative and in follow-up setting (median 14 months, IQR 10–20), rates of eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73m2 were 55.9 and 30.2%. In multivariable logistic regression models, preoperative CysC [odds ratio (OR): 18.3] and RN (OR: 13.5) were independent predictors for a reduced eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73m2 in follow-up (both p < 0.01), while creatinine was not. In multivariable linear regression models, a difference of the preoperative CysC level of 0.1 mg/dl estimated an eGFR decline in follow-up of about 5.8 ml/min/1.73m2. Finally, we observed a plateau of postoperative creatinine values in the range of 1.2–1.3 mg/dl, when graphically depicted vs. postoperative CysC values (‘creatinine blind area’).

Conclusion
Preoperative CysC predicts renal function impairment following RCC surgery. Furthermore, CysC might be superior to creatinine for renal function monitoring in the early postoperative setting.
Imaging of Joint and Soft Tissue Involvement in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Di Matteo Andrea , Smerilli Gianluca , Cipolletta Edoardo , Salaffi Fausto , De Angelis Rossella , Di Carlo Marco , Filippucci Emilio , Grassi Walter 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Purpose of Review
To highlight the potential uses and applications of imaging in the assessment of the most common and relevant musculoskeletal (MSK) manifestations in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Recent Findings
Ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are accurate and sensitive in the assessment of inflammation and structural damage at the joint and soft tissue structures in patients with SLE. The US is particularly helpful for the detection of joint and/or tendon inflammation in patients with arthralgia but without clinical synovitis, and for the early identification of bone erosions. MRI plays a key role in the early diagnosis of osteonecrosis and in the assessment of muscle involvement (i.e., myositis and myopathy). Conventional radiography (CR) remains the traditional gold standard for the evaluation of structural damage in patients with joint involvement, and for the study of bone pathology. The diagnostic value of CR is affected by the poor sensitivity in demonstrating early structural changes at joint and soft tissue level. Computed tomography allows a detailed evaluation of bone damage. However, the inability to distinguish different soft tissues and the need for ionizing radiation limit its use to selected clinical circumstances. Nuclear imaging techniques are valuable resources in patients with suspected bone infection (i.e., osteomyelitis), especially when MRI is contraindicated. Finally, dual energy X-ray absorptiometry represents the imaging mainstay for the assessment and monitoring of bone status in patients with or at-risk of osteoporosis.

Summary
Imaging provides relevant and valuable information in the assessment of MSK involvement in SLE.