bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficient exploratory clustering analyses in large-scale exploration processes
Authors: Fritz Manuel , Behringer Michael , Tschechlov Dennis , Schwarz Holger 
Published: November 2021

AbstractClustering is a fundamental primitive in manifold applications. In order to achieve valuable results in exploratory clustering analyses, parameters of the clustering algorithm have to be set appropriately, which is a tremendous pitfall. We observe multiple challenges for large-scale exploration processes. On the one hand, they require specific methods to efficiently explore large parameter search spaces. On the other hand, they often exhibit large runtimes, in particular when large datasets are analyzed using clustering algorithms with super-polynomial runtimes, which repeatedly need to be executed within exploratory clustering analyses. We address these challenges as follows: First, we present LOG-Means and show that it provides estimates for the number of clusters in sublinear time regarding the defined search space, i.e., provably requiring less executions of a clustering algorithm than existing methods. Second, we demonstrate how to exploit fundamental characteristics of exploratory clustering analyses in order to significantly accelerate the (repetitive) execution of clustering algorithms on large datasets. Third, we show how these challenges can be tackled at the same time. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work which simultaneously addresses the above-mentioned challenges. In our comprehensive evaluation, we unveil that our proposed methods significantly outperform state-of-the-art methods, thus especially supporting novice analysts for exploratory clustering analyses in large-scale exploration processes.
Characterizing the universal rigidity of generic tensegrities
Authors: Oba Ryoshun , Tanigawa Shin-ichi 
Published: November 2021

AbstractA tensegrity is a structure made from cables, struts, and stiff bars. A d-dimensional tensegrity is universally rigid if it is rigid in any dimension $$d'$$

d
′

with $$d'\ge d$$

d
′

≥
d

. The celebrated super stability condition due to Connelly gives a sufficient condition for a tensegrity to be universally rigid. Gortler and Thurston showed that super stability characterizes universal rigidity when the point configuration is generic and every member is a stiff bar. We extend this result in two directions. We first show that a generic universally rigid tensegrity is super stable. We then extend it to tensegrities with point group symmetry, and show that this characterization still holds as long as a tensegrity is generic modulo symmetry. Our strategy is based on the block-diagonalization technique for symmetric semidefinite programming problems, and our proof relies on the theory of real irreducible representations of finite groups.
Workers’ access to Swedish opera houses and concert halls, 1898–2019
Authors: Albinsson Staffan 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIn this study ticket prices to Swedish opera houses and symphony orchestra concerts are compared to wages during the 1898–2019 period. Both wages and ticket prices have increased continuously. The same kind of policy objectives concerning social inclusion of disadvantaged groups that were established in the beginning of the twentieth century is still proclaimed. The most favourable ticket pricing policies for buyers were used in the decades around the first national Cultural Policy Act from 1974. The study shows that ticket price levels have risen thereafter to a level much less favourable for low-income workers. Managements do use some price discrimination tactics. However, they do it uniformly for all events. They now focus on the promotion of special, ‘popular music’-based events as a response to social inclusion directives. The idea is that attending such performances will make visitors interested in the normal repertoire, as well. The choice of high-level ticket prices for the traditional content means that the standard audience remains monocultural.
The environmental Kuznets curve for Turkish provinces: a spatial panel data approach
Authors: Karahasan Burhan Can , Pinar Mehmet 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThis paper aims to test the existence of the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis using SO2 measurements in Turkish provinces between 2004 and 2019. The existing studies concerning the EKC hypothesis for Turkey either use a country-level analysis or panel data techniques covering provincial data that do not account for the spatial dimension. To account for the spatial dependence and overcome the biases resulting from the existence of such spatial spillovers, this paper combines the traditional panel data methodology with the recent advances in spatial econometrics. Our findings confirm the presence of a non-linear link between regional economic prospects and environmental degradation. However, unlike the core expectations of the EKC hypothesis, our results demonstrate a U-shaped relationship between economic development and SO2 levels. Moreover, these findings are robust to the inclusion of a spatial battery which highlights the existence of regional spillovers. Overall, our results show that the post-2000 epoch calls for a different action plan to mitigate the rising impact of environmental degradation in Turkey.
The influence of antibiotics on the anammox process — a review
Authors: Gamoń Filip , Cema Grzegorz , Ziembińska-Buczyńska Aleksandra 
Published: November 2021

AbstractAnaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) is one of the most promising processes for the treatment of ammonium-rich wastewater. It is more effective, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly than the conventional process currently in use for nitrogen removal. Unfortunately, anammox bacteria are sensitive to various substances, including heavy metals and organic matter commonly found in the wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Of these deleterious substances, antibiotics are recognized to be important. For decades, the increasing consumption of antibiotics has led to the increased occurrence of antibiotics in the aquatic environment, including wastewater. One of the most important issues related to antibiotic pollution is the generation and transfer of antibiotic resistance bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Here, we will discuss the effect of short- and long-term exposure of the anammox process to antibiotic pollutants; with a special focus on the activity of the anammox bacteria, biomass properties, community structures, the presence of antibiotic resistance genes and combined effect of antibiotics with other substances commonly found in wastewater. Further, the defense mechanisms according to which bacteria adapt against antibiotic stress are speculated upon. This review aims to facilitate a better understanding of the influence of antibiotics and other co-pollutants on the anammox process and to highlight future avenues of research to target gaps in the knowledge.
Determination of anisotropic elastic parameters from morphological parameters of cancellous bone for osteoporotic lumbar spine
Authors: Oefner Christoph , Riemer Elena , Funke Kerstin , Werner Michael , Heyde Christoph-Eckhard , Schoenfelder Stephan 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIn biomechanics, large finite element models with macroscopic representation of several bones or joints are necessary to analyze implant failure mechanisms. In order to handle large simulation models of human bone, it is crucial to homogenize the trabecular structure regarding the mechanical behavior without losing information about the realistic material properties. Accordingly, morphology and fabric measurements of 60 vertebral cancellous bone samples from three osteoporotic lumbar spines were performed on the basis of X-ray microtomography (μCT) images to determine anisotropic elastic parameters as a function of bone density in the area of pedicle screw anchorage. The fabric tensor was mapped in cubic bone volumes by a 3D mean-intercept-length method. Fabric measurements resulted in a high degree of anisotropy (DA = 0.554). For the Young’s and shear moduli as a function of bone volume fraction (BV/TV, bone volume/total volume), an individually fit function was determined and high correlations were found (97.3 ≤ R2 ≤ 99.1,p < 0.005). The results suggest that the mathematical formulation for the relationship between anisotropic elastic constants and BV/TV is applicable to current μCT data of cancellous bone in the osteoporotic lumbar spine. In combination with the obtained results and findings, the developed routine allows determination of elastic constants of osteoporotic lumbar spine. Based on this, the elastic constants determined using homogenization theory can enable efficient investigation of human bone using finite element analysis (FEA).
Central Nervous System Effects of COVID-19 in People with HIV Infection
Authors: Peluso Michael J. , Hellmuth Joanna , Chow Felicia C. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe convergence of the HIV and SARS-CoV-2 pandemics is an emerging field of interest. In this review, we outline the central nervous system (CNS) effects of COVID-19 in the general population and how these effects may manifest in people with HIV (PWH). We discuss the hypothetical mechanisms through which SARS-CoV-2 could impact the CNS during both the acute and recovery phases of infection and the potential selective vulnerability of PWH to these effects as a result of epidemiologic, clinical, and biologic factors. Finally, we define key research questions and considerations for the investigation of CNS sequelae of COVID-19 in PWH.
Neuroligin-3 Regulates Excitatory Synaptic Transmission and EPSP-Spike Coupling in the Dentate Gyrus In Vivo
Authors: Muellerleile Julia , Vnencak Matej , Ippolito Angelo , Krueger-Burg Dilja , Jungenitz Tassilo , Schwarzacher Stephan W. , Jedlicka Peter 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Neuroligin-3 (Nlgn3), a neuronal adhesion protein implicated in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is expressed at excitatory and inhibitory postsynapses and hence may regulate neuronal excitation/inhibition balance. To test this hypothesis, we recorded field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs) in the dentate gyrus of Nlgn3 knockout (KO) and wild-type mice. Synaptic transmission evoked by perforant path stimulation was reduced in KO mice, but coupling of the fEPSP to the population spike was increased, suggesting a compensatory change in granule cell excitability. These findings closely resemble those in neuroligin-1 (Nlgn1) KO mice and could be partially explained by the reduction in Nlgn1 levels we observed in hippocampal synaptosomes from Nlgn3 KO mice. However, unlike Nlgn1, Nlgn3 is not necessary for long-term potentiation. We conclude that while Nlgn1 and Nlgn3 have distinct functions, both are required for intact synaptic transmission in the mouse dentate gyrus. Our results indicate that interactions between neuroligins may play an important role in regulating synaptic transmission and that ASD-related neuroligin mutations may also affect the synaptic availability of other neuroligins.
Exploring domestic energy consumption feedback through interactive annotation
Authors: Herrmann Melanie R. , Costanza Enrico , Brumby Duncan P. , Harries Tim , das Graças Brightwell Maria , Ramchurn Sarvapali , Jennings Nicholas R. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractWe report on a three-week field study in which participants from nine households were asked to annotate their domestic electricity consumption data using a prototype interactive visualisation. Through an analysis of the annotations and semi-structured interviews, our findings suggest that the intervention helped participants to develop a detailed and accurate understanding of their electricity consumption data. Our results suggest that energy data visualisations can be improved by having users actively manipulate and annotate their data, as doing so encourages reflection on how energy is being used, facilitating insights on how consumption can be reduced. One of the key findings from our thematic analysis was that participants went beyond the data in their reflections, talking about generational issues, upbringing, financial matters, socio-economic comparisons, environmental concern, mistrust towards utilities, convenience, comfort and self-reported waste. Reading beyond the data illustrates the importance of social practices in the context of energy feedback, embedding eco-feedback research into the relevant context of sociology and psychology research.
Mesenchymal stem cell therapy in decompensated liver cirrhosis: a long-term follow-up analysis of the randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Shi Ming , Li Yuan-Yuan , Xu Ruo-Nan , Meng Fan-Ping , Yu Shuang-Jie , Fu Jun-Liang , Hu Jin-Hua , Li Jing-Xin , Wang Li-Feng , Jin Lei , Wang Fu-Sheng 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) infusion was reported to improve liver function in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis (DLC); however, whether the medication can improve outcome of these patients is poorly understood.

Methods
This prospective, open-labeled, randomized controlled study enrolled 219 patients with HBV-related DLC who were divided into control group (n = 111) and umbilical cord-derived MSC (UC-MSC)-treated group (n = 108), then all of them received a follow-up check from October 2010 to October 2017. The treated patients received three times of UC-MSC infusions at 4-week intervals plus conventional treatment that was only used for control group. The overall survival rate and HCC-free survival rate were calculated as primary endpoints and the liver function and adverse events associated with the medication were also evaluated.

Results
During the follow-up check period from 13 to 75th months, there was a significantly higher overall survival rate in the treated group than the control group, while the difference of the hepatocellular carcinoma event-free survival rate between the treated and control groups was not observed during the 75-month follow-up. UC-MSC treatment markedly improved liver function, as indicated by the levels of serum albumin, prothrombin activity, cholinesterase, and total bilirubin during 48 weeks of follow-up. No significant side effects or treatment-related complications were observed in the UC-MSC group.

Conclusions
Therapy of UC-MSC is not only well tolerated, but also significantly improves long-term survival rate, as well as the liver function in patients with HBV-related DLC. UC-MSC medication, therefore, might present a novel therapeutic approach for the disease.

Graphic abstract
CD47 interactions with exportin-1 limit the targeting of m7G-modified RNAs to extracellular vesicles
Authors: Kaur Sukhbir , Saldana Alejandra Cavazos , Elkahloun Abdel G. , Petersen Jennifer D. , Arakelyan Anush , Singh Satya P. , Jenkins Lisa M. , Kuo Bethany , Reginauld Bianca , Jordan David G. , Tran Andy D. , Wu Weiwei , Zimmerberg Joshua , Margolis Leonid , Roberts David D. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractCD47 is a marker of self and a signaling receptor for thrombospondin-1 that is also a component of extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by various cell types. Previous studies identified CD47-dependent functional effects of T cell EVs on target cells, mediated by delivery of their RNA contents, and enrichment of specific subsets of coding and noncoding RNAs in CD47+ EVs. Mass spectrometry was employed here to identify potential mechanisms by which CD47 regulates the trafficking of specific RNAs to EVs. Specific interactions of CD47 and its cytoplasmic adapter ubiquilin-1 with components of the exportin-1/Ran nuclear export complex were identified and confirmed by coimmunoprecipitation. Exportin-1 is known to regulate nuclear to cytoplasmic trafficking of 5’-7-methylguanosine (m7G)-modified microRNAs and mRNAs that interact with its cargo protein EIF4E. Interaction with CD47 was inhibited following alkylation of exportin-1 at Cys528 by its covalent inhibitor leptomycin B. Leptomycin B increased levels of m7G-modified RNAs, and their association with exportin-1 in EVs released from wild type but not CD47-deficient cells. In addition to perturbing nuclear to cytoplasmic transport, transcriptomic analyses of EVs released by wild type and CD47-deficient Jurkat T cells revealed a global CD47-dependent enrichment of m7G-modified microRNAs and mRNAs in EVs released by CD47-deficient cells. Correspondingly, decreasing CD47 expression in wild type cells or treatment with thrombospondin-1 enhanced levels of specific m7G-modified RNAs released in EVs, and re-expressing CD47 in CD47-deficient T cells decreased their levels. Therefore, CD47 signaling limits the trafficking of m7G-modified RNAs to EVs through physical interactions with the exportin-1/Ran transport complex.
Intergroup Contact as a Potential Path to Neutralize the Detrimental Effect of National Identification on Xenophobia in Germany
Authors: Genkova Petia , Schaefer Christoph Daniel , Karch Simone 
Published: November 2021

AbstractProceeding globalization and the increase in global mobility entail that a growing proportion of people in economically developed countries have a migration background, so that cultural diversity has become an integral characteristic of many societies. Consequently, national identifications and attitudes towards immigrants are gaining importance in both international and intra-societal contexts. Previous studies revealed that in some countries, including Germany, national identification is associated with negative attitudes towards outgroups. In the present article, the interplay between national identification and intergroup contact is analyzed, with xenophobia as the criterion. The study is based on a cross-sectional survey amongst members of the majority population in Germany. It was predicted and found that the association between national identification and xenophobia is moderated by intergroup contact. There was only an association between national identification and xenophobia in participants with below-average or average levels of contact, whilst for those with above-average levels of contact, there was no significant association. Thus, the results point to the importance of contact experiences as a path to neutralize the effects of national identification on xenophobia, possibly by assisting in a redefinition of national belonging.
A design of forceps-type coincidence radiation detector for intraoperative LN diagnosis: clinical impact estimated from LNs data of 20 esophageal cancer patients
Authors: Takahashi Miwako , Yoshimura Shuntaro , Takyu Sodai , Aikou Susumu , Okumura Yasuhiro , Yagi Koichi , Fukayama Masashi , Momose Toshimitsu , Seto Yasuyuki , Yamaya Taiga 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Purpose
To reduce postoperative complications, intraoperative lymph node (LN) diagnosis with 18F-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) is expected to optimize the extent of LN dissection, leading to less invasive surgery. However, such a diagnostic device has not yet been realized. We proposed the concept of coincidence detection wherein a pair of scintillation crystals formed the head of the forceps. To estimate the clinical impact of this detector, we determined the cut-off value using FDG as a marker for intraoperative LN diagnosis in patients with esophageal cancer, the specifications needed for the detector, and its feasibility using numerical simulation.

Methods
We investigated the dataset including pathological diagnosis and radioactivity of 1073 LNs resected from 20 patients who underwent FDG-positron emission tomography followed by surgery for esophageal cancer on the same day. The specifications for the detector were determined assuming that it should measure 100 counts (less than 10% statistical error) or more within the intraoperative measurement time of 30 s. The detector sensitivity was estimated using GEANT4 simulation and the expected diagnostic ability was calculated.

Results
The cut-off value was 620 Bq for intraoperative LN diagnosis. The simulation study showed that the detector had a radiation detection sensitivity of 0.96%, which was better than the estimated specification needed for the detector. Among the 1035 non-metastatic LNs, 815 were below the cut-off value.

Conclusion
The forceps-type coincidence detector can provide sufficient sensitivity for intraoperative LN diagnosis. Approximately 80% of the prophylactic LN dissections in esophageal cancer can be avoided using this detector.
CSA6D: Channel-Spatial Attention Networks for 6D Object Pose Estimation
Authors: Chen Tao , Gu Dongbing 
Published: November 2021

Abstract6D object pose estimation plays a crucial role in robotic manipulation and grasping tasks. The aim to estimate the 6D object pose from RGB or RGB-D images is to detect objects and estimate their orientations and translations relative to the given canonical models. RGB-D cameras provide two sensory modalities: RGB and depth images, which could benefit the estimation accuracy. But the exploitation of two different modality sources remains a challenging issue. In this paper, inspired by recent works on attention networks that could focus on important regions and ignore unnecessary information, we propose a novel network: Channel-Spatial Attention Network (CSA6D) to estimate the 6D object pose from RGB-D camera. The proposed CSA6D includes a pre-trained 2D network to segment the interested objects from RGB image. Then it uses two separate networks to extract appearance and geometrical features from RGB and depth images for each segmented object. Two feature vectors for each pixel are stacked together as a fusion vector which is refined by an attention module to generate a aggregated feature vector. The attention module includes a channel attention block and a spatial attention block which can effectively leverage the concatenated embeddings into accurate 6D pose prediction on known objects. We evaluate proposed network on two benchmark datasetsYCB-Videodataset andLineModdataset and the results show it can outperform previous state-of-the-art methods underADDandADD-Smetrics. Also, the attention map demonstrates our proposed network searches for the unique geometry information as the most likely features for pose estimation. From experiments, we conclude that the proposed network can accurately estimate the object pose by effectively leveraging multi-modality features.
A hydrogeochemical approach to evaluate groundwater quality in the vicinity of three tributaries of the Beas River, North-West India
Authors: Singh Jasdeep , Sehgal Simerpreet Kaur , Singh Kuldip , Singh Didar 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe present study focused on the seasonal investigation of hydro-geochemical characteristics of groundwater samples collected from the vicinity of three tributaries of the Beas River, Punjab, India. Total 45 samples were analyzed during the pre- and post-monsoon season for physico-chemical parameters and heavy metals along with health risk assessment. Results revealed that the majority of samples were below the permissible limits set by the BIS and WHO. The relative abundance of major cations was Ca2+ > Mg2+ > Na+ > K+ and Ca2+ > Na+ > Mg2+ > K+, while that of the major anions was HCO3− > SO42− > Cl− > CO32− in the pre- and post-monsoon season, respectively. Groundwater was alkaline and hard in nature at most of the sites. Bicarbonate content exceeded the desirable limit having an average concentration of 337.26 mg/L and 391.48 mg/L, respectively, during the pre- and post-monsoon season. Tukey’s multiple comparison test was applied for finding significant differences among samples at p < 0.05. The dominant hydrochemical face of water was Ca–Mg–HCO3 type. US salinity (USSL) diagram indicated that during the pre-monsoon, 48.9% samples were C2S1 type and remaining 51.1% were C3S1 type while during the post-monsoon all samples were C3S1 type. It indicates that groundwater of the study area is at risk of salinity hazards in future and is not to be ignored. Such monitoring studies are recommended to design future safety plans to combat soil and human health risks.