bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beyond ‘Liberals’ and ‘Conservatives’: Complexity in Ideology, Moral Intuitions, and Worldview among Swedish Voters
Authors: Nilsson Artur , Montgomery Henry , Dimdins Girts , Sandgren Maria , Erlandsson Arvid , Taleny Adrian
Published: March 2020

This research investigated the congruence between the ideologies of political parties and the ideological preferences ( N = 1515), moral intuitions ( N = 1048), and political values and worldviews ( N = 1345) of diverse samples of Swedish adults who voted or intended to vote for the parties. Logistic regression analyses yielded support for a series of hypotheses about variations in ideology beyond the left–right division. With respect to social ideology, resistance to change and binding moral intuitions predicted stronger preference for a social democratic (vs. progressive) party on the left and weaker preference for a social liberal (vs. social conservative or liberal–conservative) party on the right. With respect to political values and broader worldviews, normativism and low acceptance of immigrants predicted the strongest preference for a nationalist party, while environmentalism predicted the strongest preference for a green party. The effects were generally strong and robust when we controlled for left–right self–placements, economic ideology, and demographic characteristics. These results show that personality variation in the ideological domain is not reducible to the simplistic contrast between ‘liberals’ and ‘conservatives’, which ignores differences between progressive and non–progressive leftists, economic and green progressives, social liberal and conservative rightists, and nationalist and non–nationalist conservatives.
Relaxation dynamics of blends ofPVDFand zwitterionic copolymer by dielectric relaxation spectroscopy
Authors: Clark Andrew G. , Salcedo Montero Miriam , Govinna Nelaka D. , Lounder Samuel J. , Asatekin Ayse , Cebe Peggy
Published: March 2020

Relaxation dynamics of PVDF blended with a random zwitterionic copolymer (r‐ZCP) of methyl methacrylate and zwitterionic sulfobetaine‐2‐vinylpyridine (PMMA‐r‐SB2VP) were investigated using dielectric relaxation spectroscopy. FTIR spectroscopy was used to determine the PVDF crystal phase of compression molded blends. Adding 25 wt% ofr‐ZCP promoted the formation of the polarβandγcrystals over the nonpolarαphase. A structural model is proposed where ther‐ZCP biases the PVDF to form polar crystal phases. Boyd's model was used to calculate the room temperature dielectric constants and led to good agreement with our measurements. Dielectric spectra of neatr‐ZCP showed two relaxation peaks attributed to PMMA units, with no additional relaxations present from the zwitterions. Blends of PVDF withr‐ZCP were dominated by theαcrelaxation associated with the crystalline phase of PVDF, which showed an Arrhenius temperature dependence. Analysis of the conductivity spectra shows a larger DC conductivity in the blends than in eitherr‐ZCP or homopolymer PVDF. Blends show an additional peak in the loss tangent, absent in the copolymer or PVDF attributed to space‐charge polarization. Higher DC conductivity and space‐charge polarization indicate that the combination of zwitterions and unique microstructure affects charge transport properties.
Maturity‐onset diabetes of the young: Different diabetes in an infant with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Hangül Melih , Erdoğan Murat , Hatipoğlu Nihal , Köse Mehmet
Published: March 2020

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is one of the most common autosomal recessive and multisystemic diseases. CF affects many systems. One of these systems is the endocrine and exocrine functions of the pancreas, causing cystic fibrosis‐related diabetes, which is extremely complex and has unique pathogenesis. Maturity‐onset diabetes of the young (MODY) is a rare type of diabetes with autosomal dominant inheritance and is not expected in patients with CF. In this study, we present MODY due to a novel glucokinase gene mutation, which is an unexpected form of diabetes in patients with CF. This is previously unreported in the literature.
Density functional theory study of ω phase in steel with varied alloying elements
Authors: Sasikala Devi Assa Aravindh , Pallaspuro Sakari , Cao Wei , Somani Mahesh , Alatalo Matti , Huttula Marko , Kömi Jukka
Published: March 2020

The presence of a long‐abandoned hexagonal omega (ω) phase in steel samples is recently gaining momentum owing to the advances in transmission electron microscopy (TEM) measurements, even though it is already reported in other transition‐metal alloys. The stabilization of this metastable phase is mainly investigated in presence of C, even though the formation of the ω phase is attributed to the combined effect of many factors, one among which is the enrichment of solute elements such as Al, Mn, Si, C, and Cr in the nanometer‐sized regimes. The present study investigates the effect of the above alloying elements in ω‐Fe using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. It is seen that the magnetic states of the atoms play a major role in the stability of ω‐Fe. Cohesive energy calculations show that the alloying elements affect the energetics and stabilization of ω‐Fe. Further, density of states calculations reveal the variation in d‐band occupancy in the presence of alloying elements, which in turn affects the cohesive energy. Phonon band structure calculations show that only ω‐Fe with substitutional C shows positive frequencies and hence possess thermodynamic stability. Finally, we confirm the existence of ω‐Fe using TEM measurements of a steel sample containing the same alloying elements. Our results can shed light on the stabilization of the ω in other transition‐metal alloys as well, in the presence of minor alloying elements.
A less conservative approach to handle time‐varying parameters in discrete‐time linear parameter‐varying systems with applications in networked control systems
Authors: Palma Jonathan M. , Morais Cecília F. , Oliveira Ricardo C. L. F.
Published: March 2020

This article proposes a new strategy to deal with linear parameter‐varying discrete‐time systems, whose time‐varying parameters can be written as solutions (such as exponential, trigonometric, or periodic function) of a linear difference equation (DE). The novelty is to explicitly exploit the precise knowledge of the function describing the time‐varying parameter by incorporating the associated DE in the conditions, providing less conservative results when compared with conventional approaches based on bounded or arbitrary rates of variation. The advantage of the method comes from the fact that, differently from the available methods, the pointwise stability for the whole domain of the time‐varying parameters is not a necessary condition to obtain feasible solutions. The applicability and benefits of the proposed technique are investigated in terms of numerical examples concerning robust stability analysis,  filtering, and  state‐feedback control. As a final contribution, the problem of time‐varying sampling periods in the context of networked control systems is investigated using the proposed strategy. A numerical example based on a practical application is presented to illustrate the superiority of the approach when compared to methods from the literature based on matrix exponential computation.
Three‐dimensional impact angle‐constrained adaptive guidance law considering autopilot lag and input saturation
Authors: Lin Defu , Ji Yi , Wang Wei , Wang Yuchen , Wang Hui , Zhang Fubiao
Published: March 2020

This work investigates three‐dimensional accurate guidance problem in the presence of impact angle constraint, input saturation, autopilot lag, and external disturbance, and presents a robust adaptive guidance method for maneuvering targets. More specifically, based on integral Lyapunov control algorithm, a robust guidance law, which can drive both terminal line‐of‐sight angle error and its rate to a small region around zero, while resisting the terrible influence caused by external disturbance, is proposed in this work. To deal with input saturation, guidance command is separated into two parts: real input and saturation error, and an adaptive control technique is employed to compensate the influence resulting from external disturbance and saturation error. Moreover, regarding autopilot lag as a first‐order dynamics, a backstepping designed controller with an adaptive term is proposed. Numerical simulations are carried out and their results demonstrate the proposed properties.
The mesenchymal stromal cell secretome impairs methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus biofilms via cysteine protease activity in the equine model
Authors: Marx Charlotte , Gardner Sophia , Harman Rebecca M. , Van de Walle Gerlinde R.
Published: March 2020

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) from various species, such as humans, mice, and horses, were recently found to effectively inhibit the growth of various bacteria associated with chronic infections, such as nonhealing cutaneous wounds, via secretion of antimicrobial peptides. These MSC antimicrobial properties have primarily been studied in the context of the planktonic phenotype, and thus, information on the effects on bacteria in biofilms is largely lacking. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the in vitro efficacy of the MSC secretome against various biofilm-forming wound pathogens, including the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and to explore the mechanisms that affect bacterial biofilms. To this end, we used equine MSCs, because the horse represents a physiologically relevant model for human wound healing and offers a readily translatable model for MSC therapies in humans. Our salient findings were that the equine MSC secretome inhibits biofilm formation and mature biofilms of various bacteria, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, S. aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Furthermore, we demonstrated that equine MSC secrete cysteine proteases that destabilize MRSA biofilms, thereby increasing the efficacy of antibiotics that were previously tolerated by the biofilms. In light of the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains as an increasing global health threat, our results provide the rationale for using the MSC secretome as a complementary treatment for bacterial skin infections in both humans and horses.

Significance statement This study demonstrated for the first time that mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are effective against bacteria in biofilms, including the antibiotic-resistant methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, via secretion of active proteases that destabilize biofilms by protein degradation, resulting in increased antibiotic effectiveness. In light of the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains as an increasing global health threat, these results provide the rationale for using the MSC secretome as a complementary treatment for bacterial infections.
Temperature Stable Dielectric Properties in BaTiO3–Bi(Mg2/3Nb1/3)O3–NaNbO3 Solid Solution
Authors: Muhammad Raz , Ali Asif , Camargo Javier , Castro Miriam S.
Published: March 2020

0.5BaTiO3–(0.5–x)Bi(Mg2/3Nb1/3)O3–xNaNbO3 (x=0.1, 0.2 and 0.3) samples were processed via solid‐state sintering route. Phase identification of the samples showed the formation of a single‐phase cubic perovskite‐structure (space group Pm‐3 m) which was further confirmed using Raman spectroscopy. Microstructural analysis of the samples revealed some voids in the samples while grain size was observed to decrease with increasing NaNbO3 concentration. The addition of NaNbO3 shifted Tm to below room temperature and the stability range of 0.5BaTiO3–0.5Bi(Mg2/3Nb1/3)O3 ceramics was enhanced. The sample with x=0.20 exhibited ϵr(mid) = 400 ±15% stable over a wide temperature range from −85 to 500 °C and most importantly a low dielectric loss of < 0.05 stable across a wide temperature range −100 to 426 °C was maintained. The thermally stable dielectric properties of sample x=0.2 suggests that it could be useful candidate material for capacitor applications in both low (X9R) as well as harsh environment applications.
Design, Synthesis, and In vitro Evaluation of Thieno[a]dibenzothiophene Derivatives
Authors: Konus Metin , Algso Muheb A. S. , Kavak Emrah , Kurt‐Kızıldoğan Aslıhan , Yılmaz Can , Kivrak Arif
Published: March 2020

A variety of highly substituted thieno[2,3‐a]dibenzothiophenes and thieno[3,2‐a]dibenzothiophenes are readily prepared via cascade electrophilic cyclization reaction. The reaction was tolerated a variety of compounds. In the present study, antimicrobial and antifungal activities were investigated for all synthesized molecules against A. niger ATCC 16404, C. albicans ATCC 10231, S. aureus ATCC 25923 and B. subtilis ATCC 6633, respectively.
Are U.S. firms becoming more short‐term oriented? Evidence of shifting firm time horizons from implied discount rates, 1980–2013
Authors: Sampson Rachelle C. , Shi Yuan
Published: March 2020

Research Summary

We provide evidence that investors in U.S. public markets are increasingly discounting firms' expected future cash flows during 1980–2013. This trend is shown not only on average across firms, but also within firms over time after alternative explanations are accounted for. To corroborate a link with firm time horizons, we estimate the relationship between an implied discount rate (“IDR”) and factors relevant to firm long‐term strategy. We find that IDR is correlated in expected ways with firm investments, management incentives, financial health, ownership, and external pressures—measures that have been argued to correlate with firm time horizons. This article represents one of the first attempts to document market‐wide evidence of shortening firm time horizons. These changing horizons bear important implications for firm strategy.

Managerial Summary

Whether U.S. firms have become more short‐term oriented remains an active debate among managers, investors, researchers, and policymakers. In this study, we report that investors have been increasingly discounting the expected future returns of public firms over the last three decades. We find that a firm's discounting rate is explained by signals of its long‐term strategy, including investment decisions, ownership structure, financial health, executive compensation scheme, and short‐term pressures from the external environment. Our findings indicate a market‐wide contraction of firm time horizons, highlighting firm characteristics that suggest how and why firms differ in their time horizons. These demonstrated relationships may help guide firms in devising investment strategies as well as external communications to attract investors that share a firm's preferred time horizon.
Insight on the Contribution of Plasmons to Gold‐Catalyzed Solar‐Driven Selective Oxidation of Glucose under Oxygen
Authors: Golonu Séma , Pourceau Gwladys , Quéhon Lucie , Wadouachi Anne , Sauvage Frédéric
Published: March 2020

With the increasing concerns about pollution and reduction of energy demands, the use of solar energy to drive chemical transformations is becoming increasingly attractive. Within the context of sustainability, sunlight‐driven organic transformation of biomass feedstock, such as free carbohydrates, to obtain high added‐value products is an important topic in which the recent progress should contribute to the development of solar biorefineries. Among the variety of photocatalysts, gold nanoparticles (NPs) loaded onto large bandgap semiconductors represent the state of the art. Such catalysts are known to accelerate the targeted reaction upon plasmonic excitation. In addition, as noble metal NPs, they also hold an additional role related to surface catalysis, which has been exploited for aerobic oxidation of free sugars. Nevertheless, the respective contribution of each role during transformation is not well established. Herein, the enhancement of the O2‐mediated oxidation of free sugars using Au NPs on CeO2 under standard air mass 1.5G illumination conditions is reported. The results highlight that the plasmonic contribution of Au NPs is totally annihilated and this enhancement stems solely from a thermal activation process induced by NIR radiation from standard white‐light conditions.
Investigating mesh‐based approximation methods for the normalization constant in the log Gaussian Cox process likelihood
Authors: Jullum Martin
Published: March 2020

The log Gaussian Cox process (LGCP) is a frequently applied method for modeling point pattern data. The normalization constant of the LGCP likelihood involves an integral over a latent field. That integral is computationally expensive, making it troublesome to perform inference with standard methods. The so‐called stochastic partial differential equation–integrated nested Laplace approximation (SPDE‐INLA) framework enables fast approximate inference for a range of hierarchical models, where a key component is to approximate the latent field by a triangulated mesh. Recent research has made it possible to fit LGCP models with this framework using an approximate integration method to compute the integral. We carefully describe several alternative variants of that approximate integration method and derive an analytical formula for the integral in question, which actually is exact under the triangular mesh assumption used by SPDE‐INLA. We compare the different integration strategies through a comprehensive simulation study and find that the analytical formula is often more accurate, but not always. Among the approximate integration methods, we recommend a simple extension to a method implemented in an R‐package for fitting LGCP models.
Novel percolation‐based measure for fiber efficacy in fiber‐reinforced concrete beams
Authors: Aryanfar Asghar , Sanal Irem , Marian Jaime
Published: March 2020

Fiber‐reinforced concrete exhibits a heterogeneous microstructure formed by aggregates, fibers and a matrix, where the stress from external forces can lead to cracking and fracture. This paper discusses the development of a computational measure for predicting the fiber's efficacy by means of the energy absorbed within the initiated area of the cracks. The analytical development was verified with experimental data from the literature and the results were justified with numerical simulations in the elastic regime. This development couples the localization of the stress in the crack tip with the random distribution of the cracks, which leads to the spatial strain field. Such percolation‐based quantification of the cracks in the early‐stage particularly is useful for effective utilization of fibers during the cracking progress.
T‐type Ca2+ channel activity increases in rat hippocampal CA1 region during kindling epileptogenesis
Authors: Aksoz Erkan , Sara Yildirim , Onur Rustu
Published: March 2020

Epileptogenesis is a dynamical process that involves synaptic plasticity changes such as synaptic reorganization of excitatory and inhibitory systems and axonal sprouting in the hippocampus, which is one of the most studied epileptogenic regions in the brain. However, the early events that trigger these changes are not understood well. We investigated short‐term and long‐term synaptic plasticity parameters and T‐type Ca2+ channel activity changes in the early phase of a rat kindling model. Chronic pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) application was used in order to induce the kindling process in rats. The recordings were obtained from hippocampal slices in the CA1 region at 25th day of PTZ application. Tetraethylammonium was used in order to induce long‐term potentiation and T‐type Ca2+ channel activity was assessed in the presence of mibefradil. We found that tetraethylammonium‐induced long‐term potentiation was not prevented by mibefradil in the kindling group in contrast to control group. We also found an increase in paired‐pulse ratios in the PTZ‐applied group. Our findings indicate an increase in the “T‐type Ca2+ channel component of LTP” in the kindling group, which may be an early mechanism in epileptogenesis.
Modeling of GERDA Phase II data
Authors:   The GERDA collaboration, Agostini M. , Bakalyarov A. M. , Balata M. , Barabanov I. , Baudis L. , Bauer C. , Bellotti E. , Belogurov S. , Bettini A. , Bezrukov L. , Borowicz D. , Bossio E. , Bothe V. , Brudanin V. , Brugnera R. , Caldwell A. , Cattadori C. , Chernogorov A. , Comellato T. , D’Andrea V. , Demidova E. V. , Di Marco N. , Domula A. , Doroshkevich E. , Egorov V. , Fischer F. , Fomina M. , Gangapshev A. , Garfagnini A. , Gooch C. , Grabmayr P. , Gurentsov V. , Gusev K. , Hakenmüller J. , Hemmer S. , Hiller R. , Hofmann W. , Hult M. , Inzhechik L. V. , Janicskó Csáthy J. , Jochum J. , Junker M. , Kazalov V. , Kermaïdic Y. , Kihm T. , Kirpichnikov I. V. , Klimenko A. , Kneißl R. , Knöpfle K. T. , Kochetov O. , Kornoukhov V. N. , Krause P. , Kuzminov V. V. , Laubenstein M. , Lazzaro A. , Lindner M. , Lippi I. , Lubashevskiy A. , Lubsandorzhiev B. , Lutter G. , Macolino C. , Majorovits B. , Maneschg W. , Miloradovic M. , Mingazheva R. , Misiaszek M. , Moseev P. , Nemchenok I. , Panas K. , Pandola L. , Pelczar K. , Pertoldi L. , Piseri P. , Pullia A. , Ransom C. , Riboldi S. , Rumyantseva N. , Sada C. , Salamida F. , Schönert S. , Schreiner J. , Schütt M. , Schütz A-K. , Schulz O. , Schwarz M. , Schwingenheuer B. , Selivanenko O. , Shevchik E. , Shirchenko M. , Simgen H. , Smolnikov A. , Stukov D. , Vanhoefer L. , Vasenko A. A. , Veresnikova A. , Vignoli C. , von Sturm K. , Wester T. , Wiesinger C. , Wojcik M. , Yanovich E. , Zatschler B. , Zhitnikov I. , Zhukov S. V. , Zinatulina D. , Zschocke A. , Zsigmond A. J. , Zuber K. , Zuzel G.
Published: March 2020

Abstract

The GERmanium Detector Array (Gerda) experiment at the Gran Sasso underground laboratory (LNGS) of INFN is searching for neutrinoless double-beta (0νββ) decay of 76Ge. The technological challenge of Gerda is to operate in a “background-free” regime in the region of interest (ROI) after analysis cuts for the full 100 kg·yr target exposure of the experiment. A careful modeling and decomposition of the full-range energy spectrum is essential to predict the shape and composition of events in the ROI around Qββ for the 0νββ search, to extract a precise measurement of the half-life of the double-beta decay mode with neutrinos (2νββ) and in order to identify the location of residual impurities. The latter will permit future experiments to build strategies in order to further lower the background and achieve even better sensitivities. In this article the background decomposition prior to analysis cuts is presented for Gerda Phase II. The background model fit yields a flat spectrum in the ROI with a background index (BI) of $$ {16.04}_{-0.85}^{+0.78}\cdotp {10}^{-3} $$

16.04

−
0.85

+
0.78

·

10

−
3

cts/(keV·kg·yr) for the enriched BEGe data set and $$ {14.68}_{-0.52}^{+0.47}\cdotp {10}^{-3} $$

14.68

−
0.52

+
0.47

·

10

−
3

cts/(keV·kg·yr) for the enriched coaxial data set. These values are similar to the one of Phase I despite a much larger number of detectors and hence radioactive hardware components.
Pure and twisted holography
Authors: Li Songyuan , Troost Jan
Published: March 2020

Abstract

We analyze a simple example of a holographically dual pair in which we topologically twist both theories. The holography is based on the two-dimensional N = 2 supersymmetric Liouville conformal field theory that defines a unitary bulk quantum supergravity theory in three-dimensional anti-de Sitter space. The supersymmetric version of three-dimensional Liouville quantum gravity allows for a topological twist on the boundary and in the bulk. We define the topological bulk supergravity theory in terms of twisted boundary conditions. We corroborate the duality by calculating the chiral configurations in the bulk supergravity theory and by quantizing the solution space. Moreover, we note that the boundary calculation of the structure constants of the chiral ring carries over to the bulk theory as well. We thus construct a topological AdS/CFT duality in which the bulk theory is independent of the boundary metric.
Triangle diagram, distance geometry and Symmetries of Feynman Integrals
Authors: Kol Barak , Mazumdar Subhajit
Published: March 2020

Abstract

We study the most general triangle diagram through the Symmetries of Feynman Integrals (SFI) approach. The SFI equation system is obtained and presented in a simple basis. The system is solved providing a novel derivation of an essentially known expression. We stress a description of the underlying geometry in terms of the Distance Geometry of a tetrahedron discussed by Davydychev-Delbourgo [1], a tetrahedron which is the dual on-shell diagram. In addition, the singular locus is identified and the diagram’s value on the locus’s two components is expressed as a linear combination of descendant bubble diagrams. The massless triangle and the associated magic connection are revisited.
Continuous intraoperative neuromonitoring (cIONM) in head and neck surgery—a review
Authors: Stankovic P. , Wittlinger J. , Georgiew R. , Dominas N. , Hoch S. , Wilhelm T.
Published: March 2020

Although the history of intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) dates back to the 19th century, the method did not evolve further than the mere differentiation of nerves until recently. Only the development of continuous IONM (cIONM) has allowed for non-stop analysis of excitation amplitude and latency during surgical procedures, which is nowadays integrated into the software of almost all commercially available neuromonitoring devices. The objective of cIONM is real-time monitoring of nerve status in order to recognize and prevent impending nerve injury and predict postoperative nerve function. Despite some drawbacks such as false-positive/negative alarms, technical artefacts, and rare adverse effects, cIONM remains a good instrument which is still under development. Active (acIONM) and passive (pcIONM) methods of cIONM are described in literature. The main fields of cIONM implementation are currently thyroid surgery (in which the vagal nerve is continuously stimulated) and surgery to the cerebellopontine angle (in which the facial nerve is either continuously stimulated or the discharge signal of the nerve is analyzed via pcIONM). In the latter surgery, continuous monitoring of the cochlear nerve is also established.
Prescribing medications of questionable benefit prior to death: a retrospective study on older nursing home residents with and without dementia in Germany
Authors: Rausch Christian , Hoffmann Falk
Published: March 2020

Purpose

We studied the prevalence of medications of questionable benefit in the last 6 months of life among older nursing home residents with and without dementia in Germany.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted on claims data from 67,328 deceased nursing home residents aged 65+ years who were admitted between 2010 and 2014. We analyzed prescription regimens of medications of questionable benefit in the 180–91-day period and the 90-day period prior to death for residents with dementia (n = 29,052) and without dementia (n = 38,276). Factors associated with new prescriptions of medications of questionable benefit prior to death were analyzed using logistic regression models among all nursing home residents and stratified by dementia.

Results

A higher proportion of nursing home residents with dementia were prescribed at least one medication of questionable benefit in the 180–91-day (29.6%) and 90-day (26.8%) periods prior to death, compared with residents without dementia (180–91 days, 22.8%; 90 days, 20.1%). Lipid-lowering agents were the most commonly prescribed medications. New prescriptions of medications of questionable benefit were more common among residents with dementia (9.8% vs. 8.7%). When excluding anti-dementia medication, new prescriptions of these medications were more common among residents without dementia (6.4% vs. 8.0%). The presence of dementia (odds ratio [OR] 1.40, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 1.32–1.48) and excessive polypharmacy were associated with new prescriptions of medications of questionable benefit prior to death (OR 4.74, 95%CI 4.15–5.42).

Conclusion

Even when accounting for anti-dementia prescriptions, the prevalence of nursing home residents with dementia receiving medications of questionable benefit is considerable and may require further attention.
Hoch dosierte Anderson- und Kestenbaum-Operation bei Nystagmus mit Kopfzwangshaltung
Authors: Gräf Michael , Hausmann Anja , Kowanz Dominik , Lorenz Birgit
Published: March 2020

Hintergrund

Die Korrektur einer Kopfzwangshaltung (KZH) bei infantilem Nystagmussyndrom (INS) erfolgt mit der Kestenbaum-Operation (KO) in Form der beidseitigen Rücklagerung der in KZH aktiven Agonisten und Verkürzung ihrer Antagonisten oder mit der Anderson-Operation (AO) durch die alleinige Rücklagerung der Agonisten.

Ziel der Arbeit

Vergleich der Ergebnisse hoch dosierter AO und KO bei ähnlicher KZH.

Patienten und Methoden

In unterschiedlichen Zeiträumen (2013 bis 2019 bzw. 2003 bis 2013) kam ausschließlich die AO bzw. die KO zur Anwendung. Eine hoch dosierte AO erhielten in einer konsekutiven Fallserie 33 Orthotrope mit INS und KZH, eine KO erhielten 19 Patienten. Die Mediane und Streubreiten (min–max) in den Gruppen AO/KO betrugen: Alter bei OP 7 (4–44) Jahre/6 (4–27) Jahre; KZH 32,5°(20–45)/30°(17–40); Operationsstrecke pro Auge AO 13 (10–16) mm (Standarddosis), KO 10 (6–12) mm + 10 (6–12) mm (Mittel 0,60 mm/°KZH).

Ergebnisse

Die KZH betrug nach ca. 3 Monaten 10°(−3–20)/10°(−7–20), bei der Spätkontrolle (8 bis 153 Monate) 10°(0–20)/10°(−27–30). Sie war bei der letzten Kontrolle um 67 % (20–100)/64 % (14–100) verringert. Eine Restdrehung ≤15° fand sich in 79/81 % der Fälle (91 % nach AO ≥13 mm; n = 23), ein Rest ≤10° in 55/57 %, (65 % nach AO ≥13 mm). Die Ad‑/Abduktionsfähigkeit der rückgelagerten Muskeln betrug nach AO 30°/30° (10–37/15–45), nach KO 32°/30° (10–40/12–45). Eine assoziierte Kopfneigung wurde durch den Eingriff nicht verbessert. Der mittlere Anstieg des binokularen Visus betrug jeweils <1 Zeile, in der Gruppe AO 1 Zeile bei Kindern ≤6 Jahre, kein Anstieg in der Altersklasse >6 Jahre.

Schlussfolgerung

AO und KO waren bei der verwendeten Dosierung wirkungsgleich. Die geringere Invasivität der AO spricht für deren Anwendung als Ersteingriff.
Diverse, evolving conformer populations drive distinct phenotypes in frontotemporal lobar degeneration caused by the same MAPT-P301L mutation
Authors: Daude Nathalie , Kim Chae , Kang Sang-Gyun , Eskandari-Sedighi Ghazaleh , Haldiman Tracy , Yang Jing , Fleck Shelaine C. , Gomez-Cardona Erik , Han Zhuang Zhuang , Borrego-Ecija Sergi , Wohlgemuth Serene , Julien Olivier , Wille Holger , Molina-Porcel Laura , Gelpi Ellen , Safar Jiri G. , Westaway David
Published: March 2020

Tau protein accumulation is a common denominator of major dementias, but this process is inhomogeneous, even when triggered by the same germline mutation. We considered stochastic misfolding of human tau conformers followed by templated conversion of native monomers as an underlying mechanism and derived sensitive conformational assays to test this concept. Assessments of brains from aged TgTauP301L transgenic mice revealed a prodromal state and three distinct signatures for misfolded tau. Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD)-MAPT-P301L patients with different clinical phenotypes also displayed three signatures, two resembling those found in TgTauP301L mice. As physicochemical and cell bioassays confirmed diverse tau strains in the mouse and human brain series, we conclude that evolution of diverse tau conformers is intrinsic to the pathogenesis of this uni-allelic form of tauopathy. In turn, effective therapeutic interventions in FTLD will need to address evolving repertoires of misfolded tau species rather than singular, static molecular targets.
Research paper on abiotic factors and their influence on Ixodes ricinus activity—observations over a two-year period at several tick collection sites in Germany
Authors: Gethmann Jörn , Hoffmann Bernd , Kasbohm Elisa , Süss Jochen , Habedank Birgit , Conraths Franz J. , Beer Martin , Klaus Christine
Published: March 2020

Tick-borne diseases are a public health issue. To predict vector tick abundance and activity, it is necessary to understand the driving factors for these variables. In this study, the activity ofIxodes ricinuswas investigated in forest and meadow habitats in Germany with a focus on abiotic factors.Ixodes ricinusadults, nymphs and larvae were caught by flagging over a period of 2 years. Microclimatic and weather conditions were recorded at the collection sites. Statistical models were applied to describe correlations between abiotic factors and tick activity in univariable and multivariable analyses. Tick activity was observed in a broad range of air temperature between 3 and 28 °C, and air humidity varied between 35 and 95%. In general, tick activity of nymphs and larvae was higher in forest habitats than that in meadows. With the exception of a single specimen ofDermacentor reticulatus, all ticks wereIxodes ricinus, most of them nymphs (63.2% in 2009 and 75.2% in 2010). For the latter, a negative binomial mixed-effects model fitted best to the observed parameters. The modelling results showed an activity optimum between 20 and 23 °C for air temperature and between 13 and 15 °C for ground temperature. In univariable analyses, the collection site, month, season, ground and air temperature were significant factors for the number of ticks caught and for all life stages. In the multivariable analysis, temperature, season and habitat turned out to be key drivers.Ixodes ricinuspositive for RNA of tick-borne encephalitis virus was only found at a single sampling site. The results of this study can be used in risk assessments and to parameterise predictive models.
Neck cooling induces blood pressure increase and peripheral vasoconstriction in healthy persons
Authors: Koehn Julia , Wang Ruihao , de Rojas Leal Carmen , Kallmünzer Bernd , Winder Klemens , Köhrmann Martin , Kollmar Rainer , Schwab Stefan , Hilz Max J.
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Noninvasive temperature modulation by localized neck cooling might be desirable in the prehospital phase of acute hypoxic brain injuries. While combined head and neck cooling induces significant discomfort, peripheral vasoconstriction, and blood pressure increase, localized neck cooling more selectively targets blood vessels that supply the brain, spares thermal receptors of the face and skull, and might therefore cause less discomfort cardiovascular side effects compared to head- and neck cooling. The purpose of this study is to assess the effects of noninvasive selective neck cooling on cardiovascular parameters and cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV).

Methods

Eleven healthy persons (6 women, mean age 42 ± 11 years) underwent 90 min of localized dorsal and frontal neck cooling (EMCOOLS Brain.Pad™) without sedation. Before and after cooling onset, and after every 10 min of cooling, we determined rectal, tympanic, and neck skin temperatures. Before and after cooling onset, after 60- and 90-min cooling, we monitored RR intervals (RRI), systolic, diastolic blood pressures (BPsys, BPdia), laser Doppler skin blood flow (SBF) at the index finger pulp, and CBFV at the proximal middle cerebral artery (MCA). We compared values before and during cooling by analysis of variance for repeated measurements with post hoc analysis (significance: p < 0.05).

Results

Neck skin temperature dropped significantly by 9.2 ± 4.5 °C (minimum after 40 min), while tympanic temperature decreased by only 0.8 ± 0.4 °C (minimum after 50 min), and rectal temperature by only 0.2 ± 0.3 °C (minimum after 60 min of cooling). Index finger SBF decreased (by 83.4 ± 126.0 PU), BPsys and BPdia increased (by 11.2 ± 13.1 mmHg and 8.0 ± 10.1 mmHg), and heart rate slowed significantly while MCA-CBFV remained unchanged during cooling.

Conclusions

While localized neck cooling prominently lowered neck skin temperature, it had little effect on tympanic temperature but significantly increased BP which may have detrimental effects in patients with acute brain injuries.
The Impact of Reducing the Pension Generosity on Inequality and Schooling
Authors: Sanchez-Romero Miguel , Prskawetz Alexia
Published: March 2020

We investigate the impact of a reduction in the pension replacement rate on the schooling choice and on inequality in an overlapping generations model in which individuals differ by their life expectancy and in their cost of attending schooling. Within our framework we illustrate that many pension systems are ex ante regressive due to the difference in life expectancy across skill groups. We then derive the level of progressivity that needs to be implemented to restore an equal treatment of the pension system across skill groups.
Comprehensive magnetic resonance characteristics of carbon-encapsulated iron nanoparticles: a new frontier for the core-shell–type contrast agents
Authors: Grudzinski Ireneusz P. , Bystrzejewski Michal , Bogorodzki Piotr , Cieszanowski Andrzej , Szeszkowski Wojciech , Poplawska Magdalena , Bamburowicz-Klimkowska Magdalena
Published: March 2020

The development of carbon-encapsulated iron nanoparticles (CEINS) is of considerable interest in many areas of cancer nanotechnology, ranging from basic tumor biology to early detection and treatment of cancer. To meet these challenges, the present study was undertaken to determine the magnetic and relaxometric performance of CEINS used as a new contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in preclinical phantom models. CEIN samples were synthesized using a carbon arc discharge route, and the as-synthesized nanoparticles were purified and functionalized with surface acidic groups. The presence of various Fe-bearing metallic phases reflecting the net magnetic properties of CEINS was characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetry (TGA), and vibrating sample magnetometry. The morphological and surface chemistry features were characterized by electron microscopy (transmission electron microscopy [TEM] and scanning electron microscopy [SEM]), Raman spectroscopy, and Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The textural properties of CEINS, including porosity, surface total charge density, and zeta potentials, were also measured. The as-synthesized different CEIN samples were finally examined as a potent MRI contrast drug candidate. Magnetic resonance relaxation measurements were performed in bovine gelatin-based phantom models by using a 1.5-T MRI scanner equipped with a standard radiofrequency “birdcage” type head coil. To obtain data, T1- and T2-weighted MR images were acquired using the inversion recovery spin echo (SE) and the SE protocol with multiple time of echo (TE), respectively. Chemical characterization showed similarity in morphology and textural properties between as-synthesized CEINS, purified CEINS, and CEINS functionalized with acidic groups. The as-synthesized CEINS had significantly higher Fe content and higher saturation magnetization. The analysis of the relaxometric properties of CEINS revealed that all the CEIN samples decreased T2 relaxation times on the T2-weighted images. The relaxation rate (1/T2) showed some differences between the as-synthesized, purified, and surface-functionalized CEINS containing surface carboxylic groups. Both the as-synthesized and purified CEINS slightly decreased the T1 relaxation times, which was evident through increase in the relaxation rates (1/T1). This study concludes that CEINS may represent a novel “core-shell”–type negative contrast drug candidate for MRI. It should be emphasized that all the studied CEIN samples have acceptable r2 relaxivities at the field strength of 1.5 T where most of the MRI systems operate in clinical radiology.
Brain imaging technologies as source for Extrospection: self-formation through critical self-identification
Authors: Aydin Ciano , de Boer Bas
Published: March 2020

Brain imaging technologies are increasingly used to find networks and brain regions that are specific to the functional realization of particular aspects of the self. In this paper, we aim to show how neuroscientific research and techniques could be used in the context of self-formation without treating them as representations of an inner realm. To do so, we show first how a Cartesian framework underlies the interpretation and usage of brain imaging technologies as functional evidence. To illustrate how material-technological inventions and developments can have a significant and lasting impact on views of the self, we show how this framework was influenced by another technology: the camera obscura. Subsequently, we show that brain imaging technologies challenge the idea that privileged access to the self can be obtained merely through introspection, indicating a strong discontinuity between the Cartesian and the current neuroscientific framework. Building on these insights, we reframe the self in terms of self-formation. This view neither regards the brain as an independent realizer of aspects of the self, nor assumes that self-knowledge can be obtained through introspection. From this perspective, self-formation is realized throughcritical self-identification: instead of offering representational knowledge of an ‘inner self,’ the potential use of brain imaging technologies within this framework lies in their capacity to offer what we call ‘extrospective knowledge’ that pragmatically can contribute to self-formation. Brain imaging technologies contribute to this process because they foreground our neurophysiology, which helps to critically integrate biological aspects into self-formation.
Fatal α-PVP and amphetamine poisoning during a sauna and autoerotic practices
Authors: Lunetta Philippe , Kriikku Pirkko , Tikka Julius , Ojanperä Ilkka
Published: March 2020

We describe the sudden death of a middle-aged man while having a sauna under the influence of α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (α-PVP) (PM blood concentration: 0.8 mg/L), amphetamine (0.34 mg/L), and other drugs (buprenorphine, benzodiazepines), and engaging in solitary sexual activities. The drugs’ effects on the cardio-circulatory system and on body thermoregulation combined with the high temperatures are likely to have been central mechanisms leading to death. The high levels of adrenaline triggered by sexual arousal and the respiratory depression caused by buprenorphine, in association with benzodiazepines, may have also contributed to his death. This previously unreported type of accidental autoerotic death illustrates the risk of using amphetamine-like sympathomimetic drugs (e.g. cathinone derivates) in hot environments such as a sauna, and during sexual activities therein.
Developing a National Geodemographic Classification of Workplace Zones
Authors: Cockings Samantha , Martin David , Harfoot Andrew
Published: March 2020

Geodemographics conventionally refers to the classification of geographical areas based on the socioeconomic characteristics of their residents. In this paper, we develop the novel concept of a classification based on the characteristics of workers and workplaces. The paper describes the implementation of this concept at the small area level for the whole of the UK, which has involved reconciliation of three slightly different national censuses. It presents a summary of the resulting classification (a Classification of Workplace Zones for the UK (COWZ-UK)) and an innovative validation exercise based on comparison with a very large digital mapping dataset containing specific workplace locations. The openly available classification provides important new insights into the characteristics of workers and workplaces at the small area level across the UK, which will be useful for analysts in a range of sectors, including health, local government, transport and commerce. The generic concept of a classification based on the characteristics of workers and workplaces within a set of workplace zones is transferable to other countries, with refinement to reflect context- and country-specific phenomena. The concept can be readily implemented by census agencies or other data providers where individual level worker and workplace data are available.
Regularity of Solutions to the Quaternionic Monge–Ampère Equation
Authors: Kołodziej Sławomir , Sroka Marcin
Published: March 2020

The regularity of solutions to the Dirichlet problem for the quaternionic Monge–Ampère equation is discussed. We prove that the solution to the Dirichlet problem is Hölder continuous under some conditions on the boundary values and the quaternionic Monge–Ampère density from $$L^p(\Omega )$$Lp(Ω) for $$p>2$$p>2. As a step towards the proof, we provide a refined version of stability for the weak solutions to this equation.
Automatisierte Bestimmung von Dentalmaterialien aus Speichel
Authors: Thurow Kerstin , Roddelkopf Thomas , Rohde Max , Bartel Jone , Fleischer Heidi
Published: March 2020

Due to their excellent properties, methacrylates are often used in tooth restoration. However, numerous studies have shown the occurrence of allergies in both patients and medical personnel. Thus, a precise knowledge of the concentrations of dental components from tooth materials is required. An automated solid phase extraction method was developed, which was evaluated for the determination of MA, MMA and HEMA in aqueous solutions and artificial saliva. The method allows the detection of the compounds in the lower ppb range with coefficients of variation between 1.97 and 4.55 per cent.
Kompartimentierung bei den Enzymkaskaden: statisch oder Durchfluss
Authors: Kara Selin , von Langermann Jan
Published: March 2020

Development of efficient enzymatic reaction cascades necessitates individual and careful handling of reaction conditions, which may differ from one enzymatic step to another one. Compartmentalization is a key solution that can be either done under static or flow conditions. The recent developments enable the use of different strategies, materials and set-ups, which can be applied based on the requirements of different bioprocesses.
I–C–E Framework: Concepts for Group Dynamics Research in Human-Robot Interaction
Authors: Abrams Anna M. H. , der Pütten Astrid M. Rosenthal-von
Published: March 2020

The research community of human-robot interaction relies on theories and phenomena from the social sciences in order to study and validate robotic developments in interaction. These studies mainly concerned one (human) on one (robot) interactions in the past. The present paper shifts the attention to groups and group dynamics and reviews relevant concepts from the social sciences: ingroup identification (I), cohesion (C) and entitativity (E). Ubiquitous robots will be part of larger social settings in the near future. A conceptual framework, the I–C–E framework, is proposed as a theoretical foundation for group (dynamics) research in HRI. Additionally, we present methods and possible measures for these relevant concepts and outline topics for future research.