bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on screen media use in patients referred for ADHD to child and adolescent psychiatry: an introduction to problematic use of the internet in ADHD and results of a survey
Authors: Werling Anna Maria , Walitza Susanne , Drechsler Renate
Published: April 2021

The COVID-19 outbreak and lockdown have been associated with multiple consequences for mental health, including an excessive and potentially harmful increase in screen media use. The specific consequences for children, adolescents and young adults with ADHD are still unknown. In the first part of this study, a short review of problematic use of the internet (PUI) in ADHD is presented, showing that patients with ADHD are at risk for different aspects of PUI, such as excessive gaming or problematic social media use. In the second part, we report original data of an online survey on screen media use before, during and after the lockdown completed by parents of children and adolescents clinically referred for ADHD. Parents rated children’s/adolescents’ media-related behavior and media time on a new screening questionnaire for PUI. Each item was rated three times, referring to the observed behavior before, during and 1–2 months after the lockdown. N = 126 parents of patients referred for ADHD aged 10–18 years participated in the study. Total media time increased by 46% during the lockdown and did not completely return to pre-Corona levels afterwards. Patients with difficulties concentrating, high irritability or deterioration of ADHD problems under lockdown spent more time with screen media than those with milder or no such problems. While the effects of the lockdown on screen media use and its negative impact on everyday life appear to be largely reversible, a small proportion of patients with ADHD apparently continue to show increased media use.
Zusammenhänge zwischen Empathie, therapeutischer Haltung und Wirkeffizienz
Authors: Steinmair Dagmar , Löffler-Stastka Henriette
Published: April 2021

Empathisch sein heißt, fühlen und verstehen können, was andere fühlen. Vermuten zu können, was das Gegenüber fühlt, denkt und wünscht, beruht auf der Fähigkeit, eigene Gefühle und Gedanken als getrennt von jenen anderer wahrnehmen und regulieren zu können. Definierte Therapieerfolge mit adäquatem Aufwand erreichen zu können, verlangt ein Fokussieren auf Wesentliches und Wichtiges. Die Empathie ist im Bereich der Psychotherapie jener Faktor, für den für sich genommen die höchste Effektstärke nachgewiesen werden konnte. Empathietraining ermöglicht eine bessere soziale Performance. Im Falle von Defiziten in sozialer Kompetenz ist störungsunabhängig ein besonders hoher Leidensdruck nachweisbar.
Subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue in patients with primary and recurrent incisional hernia
Authors: Qandeel H. , Chew C. , Young D. , O’Dwyer P. J.
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Visceral obesity rather than body mass index has been reported to be associated with a higher incidence of incisional hernias. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between CT measured adipose tissue and muscle in primary and recurrent incisional hernia.

Methods

Patients with a ‘Primary’ or ‘Recurrent incisional hernia’ were obtained from a prospective cohort of patients who were being assessed for incisional hernia repair over a 2-year period. Computerised tomography (CT)-images were analysed using NIH Image-J software to quantify adipose tissue and skeletal muscle cross-sectional areas at the level of lumber vertebra 3/4 using standard Hounsfield units. To test inter-observer ‘absolute agreement’, each parameter was measured independently by two investigators and reliability analysis performed.

Results

Thirty-six patients were included in the study: 15 had a Primary while 21 had a Recurrent incisional hernia. Both groups had similar baseline characteristics. Reliability analysis for CT-measured areas showed very high interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) between observers. Patients in the recurrent group had significantly greater subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) [median = 321.9cm2 vs 230.9cm2, p = 0.04] and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) [median = 221.1cm2 vs 146.8cm2, p = 0.03] than those in the primary group. There was no difference in skeletal muscle areas for right [median = 2.8cm2 vs 2.9cm2] and left [median = 3.7cm2 vs 4.1cm2] rectus muscles between groups.

Conclusion

Our study shows that patients with a recurrent incisional hernia have significantly more subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue than those with a primary incisional hernia. Further studies in this area are required if we are to reduce the burden of recurrent hernia following repair of a primary incisional hernia.
Comparison of urethral sling surgery and non-ablative vaginal Erbium:YAG laser treatment in 327 patients with stress urinary incontinence: a case-matching analysis
Authors: Okui Nobuo , Miyazaki Hironari , Takahashi Wataru , Miyauchi Toshihide , Ito Chikako , Okui Machiko , Shigemori Kaori , Miyazaki Yoshiharu , Vizintin Zdenko , Lukac Matjaž
Published: April 2021

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) occurs when abdominal pressure, such as from coughing or sneezing, causes urine leakage. We retrospectively compared tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) and non-ablative vaginal Erbium:YAG laser treatment (VEL) by propensity score (PS) analysis in women with SUI. No PS analysis studies have investigated urethral sling surgery using polypropylene TVT and VEL for SUI. Data from patients aged 35–50 years who were treated for SUI and registered at several institutions were selected. Patients with medical records covering 1 year for the 1-h pad test, who completed the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF) and the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS), were included. We analyzed 102, 113, and 112 patients in the TVT, VEL, and control groups, respectively. Compared with the control group, the TVT and VEL groups exhibited significant improvement in the 1-h pad test and ICIQ-SF. In the PS analysis, the TVT and VEL groups similarly improved in the 1-h pad test and ICIQ-SF. As for the OABSS, the VEL group showed significantly greater improvement than the TVT group. In the odds ratio analysis for the 1-h pad test, no differences in any of the parameters were observed between TVT and VEL. VEL may be considered an alternative to TVT for SUI treatment.
Some algorithms for maximum volume and cross approximation of symmetric semidefinite matrices
Authors: Massei Stefano
Published: April 2021

Various applications in numerical linear algebra and computer science are related to selecting the $$r\times r$$

r
×
r

submatrix of maximum volume contained in a given matrix $$A\in \mathbb R^{n\times n}$$

A
∈

R

n
×
n

. We propose a new greedy algorithm of cost $$\mathcal O(n)$$

O
(
n
)

, for the case A symmetric positive semidefinite (SPSD) and we discuss its extension to related optimization problems such as the maximum ratio of volumes. In the second part of the paper we prove that any SPSD matrix admits a cross approximation built on a principal submatrix whose approximation error is bounded by $$(r+1)$$

(
r
+
1
)

times the error of the best rank r approximation in the nuclear norm. In the spirit of recent work by Cortinovis and Kressner we derive some deterministic algorithms, which are capable to retrieve a quasi optimal cross approximation with cost $$\mathcal O(n^3)$$

O
(

n
3

)

.
Experimental Study on the Chemical Stability of Phosphate-Bonded Al2O3-Based Ceramic Foam Filters (CFFs)
Authors: Bergin Are , Voigt Claudia , Fritzsch Robert , Akhtar Shahid , Arnberg Lars , Aneziris Christos G. , Aune Ragnhild E.
Published: April 2021

Production of high-quality aluminum products requires an extensive melt treatment process, even more so with the increasing focus on recycling and sustainability. Filtration is a commonly used process segment for removal of non-metallic inclusions in aluminum, and ceramic foam filters (CFFs) are often used as the filtration media. In the present study, the chemical stability of phosphate-bonded Al2O3-based CFFs has been investigated. Three filters with different chemical compositions have been submerged into pure aluminum (with traces of Mg) and in an aluminum-magnesium melt (~ 2 wt pct Mg) at 730 °C. In addition to filter characterization before and after exposure to molten metal, using various imaging and X-ray techniques, the melt itself was analyzed by spark optical emission spectroscopy. The generation of phosphine gas was also measured by the use of Dräger tubes, and thermodynamic calculations performed using FactSage™. The phosphate-bonded filters were observed to react with the magnesium present in the molten aluminum even at very low magnesium concentrations (0.00035 wt pct), and as the magnesium concentration increased the severity of the degradation became more and more evident. The exposure time proved to have detrimental effect on the filter structure, with pieces of the filter struts broken off causing melt contamination. Severe filter degradation also resulted in color changes with accompanying diffusion of magnesium and phosphorus to and from the filter, respectively. Moreover, phosphine gas was released in amounts exceeding recommended exposure limits when the filter came in contact with the humidity in the air after testing. Good agreement was established to exist between the results from the thermodynamic calculations performed and the experimental results.
Correction to: Psychosocial Interventions for Pain Management in Advanced Cancer Patients: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Warth Marco , Zöller Joshua , Köhler Friederike , Aguilar-Raab Corina , Kessler Jens , Ditzen Beate
Published: April 2021

A Correction to this paper has been published: 10.1007/s11912-021-01063-5
The effect of Blastocystis sp. and Dientamoeba fragilis on psychological symptom severity in a sample of clinically diverse males and females
Authors: Ganci Michael , Butt Henry , Tyrrell Jean , Suleyman Emra , Ball Michelle
Published: April 2021

Health outcomes associated with Blastocystis sp. and Dientamoeba fragilis are disparate and controversial, ranging from health benefits, to years of asymptomatic carriage, through to severe illness. Evidence that Blastocystis sp. and D. fragilis are commensal members of the gut microbiota is growing. Despite this, little to no research exists investigating the potential effect of these protozoa on psychological symptom expression. As such, the aim of this retrospective cross-sectional study was to be the first to investigate the effect of protozoan carriage on severity of Depressive, Neurocognitive, Stress and Anxiety, and Sleep and Fatigue symptoms, and whether this effect changes as a function of sex. The prevalence of D. fragilis was significantly higher in females compared to males, however there were no sex differences in prevalence for Blastocystis sp. (data used in the current study contained ST1, ST3, and Blastocystis ST unspecified) or co-carriage of the two. Females reported significantly more severe symptoms across all four psychological domains compared to males. There was no significant interaction between sex and Blastocystis sp. carriage on psychological symptom severity, and no significant main effect of Blastocystis sp. on symptom severity compared to those who tested negative for protozoa. When investigating the sexes separately, there was no effect of protozoan carriage on psychological symptom expression in either males or females. These findings add weight to the argument that Blastocystis sp. and D. fragilis are not necessarily pathogenic and are likely to be part of a diverse gut (which is typically associated with better health outcomes). Further research is required given that protozoan members of the gut microbiota have been largely ignored in brain-gut-microbiota axis research.
Sample identification and pedigree reconstruction in Wolverine (Gulo gulo) using SNP genotyping of non-invasive samples
Authors: Ekblom Robert , Aronsson Malin , Elsner-Gearing Franziska , Johansson Malin , Fountain Toby , Persson Jens
Published: April 2021

For conservation genetic studies using non-invasively collected samples, genome-wide data may be hard to acquire. Until now, such studies have instead mostly relied on analyses of traditional genetic markers such as microsatellites (SSRs). Recently, high throughput genotyping of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) has become available, expanding the use of genomic methods to include non-model species of conservation concern. We have developed a 96-marker SNP array for use in applied conservation monitoring of the Scandinavian wolverine (Gulo gulo) population. By genotyping more than a thousand non-invasively collected samples, we were able to obtain precise estimates of different types of genotyping errors and sample dropout rates. The SNP panel significantly outperforms the SSR markers (and DBY intron markers for sexing) both in terms of precision in genotyping, sex assignment and individual identification, as well as in the proportion of samples successfully genotyped. Furthermore, SNP genotyping offers a simplified laboratory and analysis pipeline with fewer samples needed to be repeatedly genotyped in order to obtain reliable consensus data. In addition, we utilised a unique opportunity to successfully demonstrate the application of SNP genotype data for reconstructing pedigrees in wild populations, by validating the method with samples from wild individuals with known relatedness. By offering a simplified workflow with improved performance, we anticipate this methodology will facilitate the use of non-invasive samples to improve genetic management of many different types of populations that have previously been challenging to survey.
Flap fixation in preventing seroma formation after mastectomy: an updated meta-analysis
Authors: Velotti Nunzio , Limite Gennaro , Vitiello Antonio , Berardi Giovanna , Musella Mario
Published: April 2021

Seroma formation following mastectomy is one of the most experienced complications, with a very variable incidence ranging from 3 to 90%. In recent years, many publications have been realized to define an effective technique to prevent its formation and several approaches have been proposed. Given the potential of flap fixation in reducing seroma formation, we performed a meta-analysis of the literature to investigate the role of this approach as definitive gold standard in mastectomy surgery. Inclusion criteria regarded all studies reporting on breast cancer patients undergoing mastectomy with or without axillary lymph node dissection; studies that compared mastectomy with flap fixation to mastectomy without flap fixation were selected. Papers were eligible for inclusion if outcome was described in terms of seroma formation. As secondary outcome, also surgical site infection (SSI) was evaluated. The included studies were 12, involving 1887 female patients: 221/986 (22.41%) patients experienced seroma formation after flap fixation and 393/901 (43.61%) patients had this complication not receiving flap fixation, with a significant statistical difference between the two groups (OR = 0.267, p = 0.001, 95% CI 0.153, 0.464). About, SSI 59/686 (8.6%) in flap fixation group and 67/686 (9.7%) in patients without flap fixation, with no statistical differences between groups (OR = 0.59, p = 0.056, 95% CI 0.344, 1.013).

The heterogeneity between included studies does not allow us to reach definitive conclusions but only to suggest the strong evaluation of this approach after mastectomy in seroma preventing and SSI reduction.
Dermal delivery of amitriptyline for topical analgesia
Authors: Kung Chin-Ping , Sil Bruno C. , Zhang Yanling , Hadgraft Jonathan , Lane Majella E. , Patel Bhumik , McCulloch Renée
Published: April 2021

Amitriptyline, administered orally, is currently one of the treatment options for the management of neuropathic pain and migraine. Because of the physicochemical properties of the molecule, amitriptyline is also a promising candidate for delivery as a topical analgesic. Here we report the dermal delivery of amitriptyline from a range of simple formulations. The first stage of the work required the conversion of amitriptyline hydrochloride to the free base form as confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Distribution coefficient values were measured at pH 6, 6.5, 7, and 7.4. Solubility and stability of amitriptyline were assessed prior to conducting in vitro permeation and mass balance studies. The compound demonstrated instability in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) dependent on pH. Volatile formulations comprising of isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and isopropyl myristate (IPM) or propylene glycol (PG) were evaluated in porcine skin under finite dose conditions. Compared with neat IPM, the IPM:IPA vehicles promoted 8-fold and 5-fold increases in the amount of amitriptyline that permeated at 24 h. Formulations containing PG also appear to be promising vehicles for dermal delivery of amitriptyline, typically delivering higher amounts of amitriptyline than the IPM:IPA vehicles. The results reported here suggest that further optimization of topical amitriptyline formulations should be pursued towards development of a product for clinical investigational studies.

Graphical abstract
Safety of adjuvant gemcitabine plus cisplatin chemotherapy in a patient with bilateral ureteral cancer undergoing hemodialysis
Authors: Goto Yumiko , Kanao Kent , Matsumoto Kazuhiro , Kobayashi Ikuo , Kajikawa Keishi , Onishi Masafumi
Published: April 2021

An 80 year old Japanese man with bilateral ureteral cancer underwent laparoscopic bilateral nephroureterectomy and lymph-node dissection. The pathological stage of the left and right ureteral tumors was pT3pN0M0. He received two courses of adjuvant gemcitabine and cisplatin chemotherapy while undergoing hemodialysis. The standard dose of gemcitabine and 50% of the standard dose of cisplatin were administered on the same day. Hemodialysis was started 6 h after gemcitabine administration and 1 h after cisplatin administration. The side effects were evaluated according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v4.0. In the first course, Grade 4 side effects including leukopenia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia were observed. He was treated with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and platelet transfusion. Because the second course was administered without reducing the doses, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor was administered prophylactically, and Grade 4 side effects were reduced to Grade 3. Gemcitabine plus cisplatin chemotherapy can be administered safely in a patient with advanced ureteral cancer undergoing hemodialysis by adequately managing adverse events.
A rapid point-of-care assay accurately measures vitamin D
Authors: Albrecht K. , Lotz J. , Frommer L. , Lackner K. J. , Kahaly G. J.
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Vitamin D (VitD) is a pleiotropic hormone with effects on a multitude of systems and metabolic pathways. Consequently, the relevance of a sufficiently high VitD serum level becomes self-evident.

Methods

A rapid immunofluorescence assay designed for the point-of-care measurement of serum VitD3 solely was tested. Inter- and intra-assay validation, double testing and result comparison with a standardized laboratory method were performed.

Results

An overall linear correlation of r = 0.89 (Pearson, 95% CI 0.88–0.92, p < 0.01) between the point of care and the conventional reference assay was registered. Accuracy and precision were of special interest at cut-points (10 ng/ml [mean deviation 1.7 ng/ml, SD 1.98 ng/ml, SE 0.16 ng/ml], 12 ng/ml [MD 0.41, SD 1.89, SE 0.19] and 30 ng/ml [MD − 1.11, SD 3.89, SE 0.35]). Only a slight deviation was detected between the two assays when using fresh (r = 0.91, 95% CI 0.86–0.94, p < 0.01) and frozen serum samples (r = 0.86, 0.82–0.89, p < 0.01). Results remained steady when samples were frozen several times. Inter- and intra-assay validation according to the CLSI protocol as well as multiuser testing showed stable results.

Conclusion

This novel, innovative, and controlled study indicates that the evaluated rapid point of care VitD assay is reliable, accurate, and suited for clinical practice.
Student Performance During a Simulated Patient Encounter Has No Impact on Debriefer Adherence to PEARLS Debriefing Model
Authors: McNutt Richard , Tews Matthew , Kleinheksel A. J.
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Debriefing is necessary for effective simulation education. The PEARLS (Promoting Excellence and Reflective Learning in Simulations) is a scripted debriefing model that incorporates debriefing best practices. It was hypothesized that student simulation performance might impact facilitator adherence to the PEARLS debriefing model. There are no published findings on the effect of student performance on debriefer behavior.

Methods

Third-year medical students participated in a video-recorded, formative simulation to treat a high-fidelity mannequin for an asthma exacerbation. A faculty debriefer trained in the PEARLS model evaluated student performance with a standardized rubric and conducted a recorded debriefing. Debriefing recordings were analyzed for debriefer adherence to the PEARLS model. Debriefers were assigned a debriefing score (DS) from 0 to 13; 13 was perfect adherence to the model. Definitive intervention (DI) for asthma exacerbation was defined as bronchodilator therapy. Critical actions were as follows: a focused history, heart/lung exam, giving oxygen, and giving a bronchodilator.

Results

Mean DS for the debriefers of students who provided DI was 8.57; 9.14 for those students who did not (P = 0.25). Mean DS for debriefers of students who completed all critical actions was 8.68; 8.52 for those students who did not (P = 0.62). Analysis of elapsed time to DI showed no relationship between the time DI was provided and DS.

Conclusions

Student performance had no impact on debriefer performance, suggesting the PEARLS model is an effective aid for debriefers, regardless of learner performance. These findings suggest student performance may not bias facilitators’ ability to conduct quality debriefings.
Large-scale group decision-making based on Pythagorean linguistic preference relations using experts clustering and consensus measure with non-cooperative behavior analysis of clusters
Authors: Mandal Prasenjit , Samanta Sovan , Pal Madhumangal
Published: April 2021

To represent qualitative aspect of uncertainty and imprecise information, linguistic preference relation (LPR) is a powerful tool for experts expressing their opinions in group decision-making (GDM) according to linguistic variables (LVs). Since for an LV, it generally means that membership degree is one, and non-membership and hesitation degrees of the experts cannot be expressed. Pythagorean linguistic numbers/values (PLNs/PLVs) are novel choice to address this issue. The aim of this paper which we propose a GDM problem involved a large number of the experts is called large-scale GDM (LSGDM) based on Pythagorean linguistic preference relation (PLPR) with a consensus model. Sometimes, the experts do not modify their opinions to achieve consensus. Therefore, the experts’ proper opinions’ management with their non-cooperative behaviors (NCBs) is necessary to establish a consensus model. At the same time, it is essential to ensure the proper adjustment of the credibility information. The proposed model using grey clustering method is divided with the experts’ similar evaluations into a subgroup. Then, we aggregate the experts’ evaluations in each cluster. A cluster consensus index (CCI) and a group consensus index (GCI) are presented to measure consensus level among the clusters. Then, we provide a mechanism for managing the NCBs of the clusters, which contain two parts: (1) NCB degree is defined using CCI and GCI for identifying the NCBs of the clusters; (2) implemented the weight punishment mechanism of the NCBs clusters to consensus improvement. Finally, an example is offered for usefulness of the proposed approach.
Energy Sustainability with a Focus on Environmental Perspectives
Authors: Rosen Marc A.
Published: April 2021

Energy sustainability is a key consideration for anthropogenic activity and the development of societies, and more broadly, civilization. In this article, energy sustainability is described and examined, as are methods and technologies that can help enhance it. As a key component of sustainability, the significance and importance of energy sustainability becomes clear. Requirements to enhance energy sustainability are described, including low environmental and ecological impacts, sustainable energy resources and complementary energy carriers, high efficiencies, and various other factors. The latter are predominantly non-technical, and include living standards, societal acceptability and equity. The outcomes and results are anticipated to inform and educate about energy sustainability, to provide an impetus to greater energy sustainability.
Stakeholder collaboration and irrigation practices in Ghana: issues, challenges, and the way forward
Authors: Nalumu Dorothy Julian , Mensah Henry , Amponsah Owusu , Takyi Stephen Appiah
Published: April 2021

In the era of climate change, irrigation is playing a pivotal role in stabilising food production, enabling dry season farming, and improving farmers’ livelihoods, particularly in Asia and African countries. Recently, Ghana has taken steps to respond to the concept of stakeholder collaboration to improve the irrigated agricultural sub-sector as well as enhance farmers’ resilience to changing climate. However, there is limited attention to recent diverging experiences on collaborative practices from irrigation stakeholders. Using the Weija Irrigation Scheme as a case study, this study explores stakeholders’ perceptions of collaborative practices in irrigation management by identifying gaps and providing suggestions to enhance stakeholder collaboration. We conducted focus group discussions with farmers and in-depth interviews with key informants, such as heads of farmer groups, government departments, agencies, and agricultural extension agents. Secondary data from conventional literature, organisational websites, and quarterly reports were also used. Following the integrated collaboration governance theory, effective collaboration was measured based on the tripartite prism of “principled engagement, shared motivation, and capacity for joint action”. Analysis of the data reveals that despite the central government’s resolve for collaborative irrigation planning and management, effective collaboration remains limited. Based on principle engagement, this study points out  that weak communication and sharing of information remain in the planning and management of the Weija Irrigation Scheme. In terms of shared motivation, there were minimal commitment to joint project planning, exclusion of some key stakeholders from meetings, and negative attitudes towards collaboration. Finally, the capacity for joint action (e.g. lack of fund, time, staff, and equipment) is limited. The policy implications and suggestions for further research are presented in the study.
Monotone Function Problems and Statistical Selection Procedures
Authors: Schott Dieter
Published: April 2021

Monotone function problems are introduced on a very elementary level to reveal the close connection to certain statistical problems. Equations $$F(x) = c$$

F
(
x
)
=
c

and inequalities $$F(x) \ge c$$

F
(
x
)
≥
c

with monotone increasing functions F are considered. Solution methods are stated. In the following, it is shown how some important problems of statistics, especially also statistical selection problems, can be solved by transformation to monotone function problems.
Heterogeneity in farmers’ willingness to produce bioenergy crops in the Midwest USA
Authors: Signorini Guilherme , Ortega David L. , Ross R. Brent , Peterson H. Christopher
Published: April 2021

Previous studies indicate that “hesitation” and “skepticism” are important barriers to the development of renewable energy industries in the United States. We examine whether key pecuniary and nonpecuniary characteristics of bioenergy crops underlie the hesitation argument. Based on a stated choice experiment, we find that Midwestern producers appreciate certain crop attributes that are found in switchgrass, but not in conventional crops. We also find that producers would be willing to grow switchgrass-like crops for net margins between $222/acre/year and $247/acre/year in marginal counties. We argue that farmers’ hesitation and skepticism toward bioenergy crops can be overcome.
Arithmeticity of hyperbolic -manifolds containing infinitely many totally geodesic surfaces
Authors: MOHAMMADI AMIR , MARGULIS GREGORII
Published: April 2021

We prove that if a closed hyperbolic
$3$
-manifold M contains infinitely many totally geodesic surfaces, then M is arithmetic.
Greenhouse gas emissions in agricultural cultivated soils using animal waste-based digestates for crop fertilization
Authors: Doyeni Modupe Olufemi , Stulpinaite Urte , Baksinskaite Ausra , Suproniene Skaidre , Tilvikiene Vita
Published: April 2021

Agricultural waste contributes significantly to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions if not adequately recycled and sustainably managed. A recurring agricultural waste is livestock waste that has consistently served as feedstock for biogas systems. The objective of this study was to assess the use of animal waste digestate to mitigate GHG emissions in agricultural fields. Wheat (Triticumspp. L.) was fertilized with different types of animal waste digestate (organic fertilizers) and synthetic nitrogen fertilizer (inorganic fertilizer). The 170 kg N/ha presented in digestates were split fertilized at an application rate of 90 and 80 kg N/ha. Emissions of GHGs (carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O)) were monitored directly by a static chamber system. The soil and environmental variables were measured to determine their influence on GHG emissions. Emission peaks in N2O and CO2after the first application of fertilizers with the emissions flattening out over the cultivating season while CH4emission was negligible with no apparent patterns observed. Results showed individual and cumulative emissions of CO2, CH4and N2O from the digestates were relatively low and digestate fertilization could be an efficient method for reducing GHGs from agricultural sources in temperate climate conditions.
Beyond Repression and Resistance: Worker agency and corporatism in occupied Nanjing
Authors: HOWARD JOSHUA H.
Published: April 2021

In the aftermath of the Nanjing Massacre, one way in which Wang Jingwei's Reorganized National Government sought to impose social order was to implement a corporatist labour strategy. Inspired by European fascist theory and building on the pre-war Nationalist-Government labour legislation, corporatism sought to prevent union autonomy, stifle class-based sentiment, and undermine the pursuit of class interests whether on the part of capitalists or of workers. It aimed to ensure government control and loyalty to the state, and promote production. An analysis of approximately 50 records of labour–capital disputes mediated by theShehui yundong zhidao weiyuanhui(Social Movement Guidance Committee) during the early 1940s suggests that the Wang regime carved out a sphere autonomous from Japanese oversight and exerted state control over commercial associations and artisans employed in the handicraft sector. Even so, worker actions show that workers did not trust corporatism to provide social unity. Contrary to much of the Chinese historiography on occupied Nanjing that emphasizes either social repression or resistance, one finds that state authorities in most cases granted trade unions’ economic demands for higher wages. The state provided workers with a modicum of agency while pressuring commercial associations to accept worker demands. In response to inflation and to preserve their breadwinner status, male artisans actively participated in the arbitration process. Workers’ agency did not reflect an endorsement of Wang Jingwei's regime or of corporatism. It was a tacit form of consent as a means of survival.
No Gestapo: J. Edgar Hoover's world-wide intelligence service and the limits of bureaucratic autonomy in the national security state
Authors: Blain Harry
Published: April 2021

How powerful are national security bureaucrats? In the United States, they seem to be more than mere administrators, while remaining subordinate to elected politicians. However, despite a rich literature in American political development on bureaucratic autonomy across a variety of policy areas, national security remains undertheorized. Although the origins and evolution of the national security bureaucracy have received substantial scholarly attention, the individuals within this bureaucracy have not. In this article, I examine a case study of how one of these individuals bluntly ran up against the limits of his power. After the Second World War, J. Edgar Hoover's plans for a “World-Wide Intelligence Service” were swiftly shot down by the Truman administration, which adopted a sharp distinction between domestic and global intelligence instead. I pin this abject defeat on three interrelated factors: the resistance of President Truman, the array of bureaucratic competitors emerging from the Second World War, and deep aversion among key decision makers to the prospect of an “American gestapo.” While tracing this historical narrative, I also challenge accounts of Hoover as a near-omnipotent Washington operator, question the extent to which war empowers national security bureaucrats, and foreground the role of analogies in shaping the national security state.
The Effect of Partisan Representation at Different Levels of Government on Satisfaction with Democracy in the United States
Authors: VanDusky-Allen Julie , Utych Stephen M.
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we analyze how variations in partisan representation across different levels of government influence Americans’ satisfaction with the democracy in the United States. We conduct two survey experiments and analyze data from the 2016 American National Election Study postelection survey. We find that Americans are the most satisfied with democracy when their most preferred party controls both the federal and their respective state governments. However, we also find that even if an individual’s least preferred party only controls one level of government, they are still more satisfied with democracy than if their most preferred party controls no levels of government. These findings suggest that competition in elections across both the national and state government, where winning and losing alternates between the two parties, may have positive outcomes for attitudes toward democracy.
Differential aspects of chronic work-related stress predict depression in registered and geriatric nurses
Authors: Weigl Tobias , Tölle Ann-Sophie , Seppelfrick Thomas
Published: April 2021

Abstract. Background: Chronic work stress is a problem which persists among nurses for several reasons and studies suggest that both levels of stress and depression remain on an ongoing high level. However, not much is known about the impact of differential aspects of chronic work-related stress on levels of depression when investigating geriatric and registered nurses. Aim: The aim of this study was to analyse the relationship between various aspects of chronic work stress and levels of depression in geriatric and registered nurses. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey among 370 nurses was carried out. Besides demographic information, several aspects of chronic work stress were assessed with the Trier Inventory of Chronic Stress and levels of depression with the Beck Depression Inventory-II. Statistical analyses included multiple linear regression. Results: Most important work-related predictors of depression scores in nurses were ’Work dissatisfaction’ (ß = .237; 95 %-CI: [.194; .280]) and ’Work overload’ ( ß = .161; 95 %-CI: [.124; .198]) within blockwise multiple regression analysis. A previously diagnosed psychiatric disorder ( ß = –.268; 95 %-CI: [–.313; –.223]) proved to be the strongest predictor of nurses’ depression experience. Our model explained 37 % of variance in depression scores. However, being a geriatric or registered nurse did not predict levels of depression. Conclusions: Different aspects of chronic work stress seem to be associated with levels of depression in nurses. This should be taken into account when working on the improvement of working conditions for nurses.
Diagnosis of Large‐Scale, Low‐Frequency Sea Level Variability in the Northeast Pacific Ocean
Authors: Zhu Yingli , Mitchum Gary T. , Thompson Philip R. , Lagerloef Gary S.E.
Published: April 2021

Earlier studies in the Northeast Pacific (NEP) suggest that the local and remote sea level responses are important for the large‐scale, low‐frequency sea level variability, but the relative importance of the two processes remains unclear. In this study, we develop a novel sea level model driven by wind, buoyancy and eddy forcing to examine their relative roles in the NEP. Based on the new model, a diagnostic equation for sea level that is an alternative to the conventional method of characteristics is formed. The wind, buoyancy and eddy forcing account for the sea level variability in different regions. Sea level variability is primarily controlled by the wind forcing in the central to the northeast of the NEP, by the local buoyancy forcing in the southeast region between 210°E and 230°E, and by the eddy forcing in the southwest of the NEP. In addition, the diagnosis demonstrates that the local sea level response is more important than the remote response over most of the NEP, while the remote sea level response could play an important role in the southwest portion of the NEP.
A Pore‐Scale Investigation of Mineral Precipitation Driven Diffusivity Change at the Column‐Scale
Authors: Deng H. , Tournassat C. , Molins S. , Claret F. , Steefel C. I.
Published: April 2021

Mineral precipitation affects the pore structure and thus transport properties of porous media. In this study, we investigated the pore‐scale dynamics of precipitation in diffusion controlled systems and the resulting impacts on the effective diffusivity, using a micro‐continuum reactive transport model. Forty two‐dimensional pore structures representing both idealized and realistic geometries were simulated with consideration of different precipitation scenarios and rates. A homogeneous nucleation scenario reproduced patterns observed in previous experimental study showing mixing‐induced precipitation, and a surface growth scenario captured the pattern for mineral precipitation on a substrate with the same or similar mineral structures. In all cases, local precipitation resulted in the reduction in the average porosity of the domain (Φ) until the cessation of diffusive transport and the termination of precipitation. The minimum porosity reached was referred to as the critical porosity (Φc). The effective diffusivity (Deff) decreased with Φ and dropped sharply to effectively zero, that is, the critical effective diffusivity (Deffc), as Φc was reached. These pore‐scale dynamics can be captured by a revised relationship that explicitly considers the critical porosity and the corresponding effective diffusivity, and the pre‐exponential coefficient and the exponent of the relationship varied with initial pore structure and the precipitation kinetics. Overall, the homogeneous nucleation scenario results in systematically larger Φc and coefficients that give rise to a sharper decrease in diffusivity as Φc is approached, compared to the surface growth scenario. The revised relationship was also implemented at continuum scale and used to examine column scale diffusivity change and reactions.
Cameroon’s Mangrove Forests Are Choking on Plastics
Authors: Ali Hendratta , Atekwana Eliot , Konfor Njilah , Fregoso-Sanchez Diana , Youaleu Germain
Published: April 2021

Rapid urbanization and insufficient waste management are threatening the environmentally and culturally vital Wouri Estuary. Solutions are needed to save these and other mangroves around the world.
Imagining What a Metal Volcano Would Look Like
Authors: Cartier Kimberly
Published: April 2021

Large-scale lava experiments are helping scientists imagine how metallic lava would flow across and shape a landscape, either on Earth or on a distant asteroid.
Pharmacological modulation of AMPA receptors rescues specific impairments in social behavior associated with the A350V Iqsec2 mutation
Authors: Jabarin Renad , Levy Nina , Abergel Yasmin , Berman Joshua H. , Zag Amir , Netser Shai , Levy Andrew P. , Wagner Shlomo
Published: April 2021

In this study we tested the hypothesis that pharmacological modulation of glutamatergic neurotransmission could rescue behavioral deficits exhibited by mice carrying a specific mutation in the Iqsec2 gene. The IQSEC2 protein plays a key role in glutamatergic synapses and mutations in the IQSEC2 gene are a frequent cause of neurodevelopmental disorders. We have recently reported on the molecular pathophysiology of one such mutation A350V and demonstrated that this mutation downregulates AMPA type glutamatergic receptors (AMPAR) in A350V mice. Here we sought to identify behavioral deficits in A350V mice and hypothesized that we could rescue these deficits by PF-4778574, a positive AMPAR modulator. Using a battery of social behavioral tasks, we found that A350V Iqsec2 mice exhibit specific deficits in sex preference and emotional state preference behaviors as well as in vocalizations when encountering a female mouse. The social discrimination deficits, but not the impaired vocalization, were rescued with a single dose of PF-4778574. We conclude that social behavior deficits associated with the A350V Iqsec2 mutation may be rescued by enhancing AMPAR mediated synaptic transmission.
Tgf-β1 transcriptionally promotes 90K expression: possible implications for cancer progression
Authors: Grassadonia Antonino , Graziano Vincenzo , Pagotto Sara , Veronese Angelo , Giuliani Cesidio , Marchisio Marco , Lanuti Paola , De Tursi Michele , D’Egidio Maurizia , Di Marino Pietro , Brocco Davide , Vici Patrizia , De Lellis Laura , Cama Alessandro , Natoli Clara , Tinari Nicola
Published: April 2021

The 90K protein, also known as Mac-2 BP or LGALS3BP, can activate the immune response in part by increasing major histocompatibility (MHC) class I levels. In studies on a non-immune cell model, the rat FRTL-5 cell line, we observed that transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, like γ-interferon (IFN), increased 90K levels, despite its immunosuppressive functions and the ability to decrease MHC class I. To explain this paradoxical result, we investigated the mechanisms involved in the TGF-β1 regulation of 90K expression with the aim to demonstrate that TGF-β1 utilizes different molecular pathways to regulate the two genes. We found that TGF-β1 was able to increase the binding of Upstream Stimulatory Factors, USF1 and USF2, to an E-box element, CANNTG, at −1926 to −1921 bp, upstream of the interferon response element (IRE) in the 90K promoter. Thyrotropin (TSH) suppressed constitutive and γ-IFN-induced 90K expression by decreasing USF binding to the E-box. TGF-β1 was able to overcome TSH suppression at the transcriptional level by increasing USF binding to the E-box. We suggest that the ability of TGF-β1 to increase 90K did not result in an increase in MHC class I because of a separate suppressive action of TGF-β1 directly on the MHC class I gene. We propose that the increased levels of 90K may play a role, rather than in immune response, in the context of the TGF-β1-induced changing of the cellular microenvironment that predisposes to cell motility and cancer progression. Consistently, analyzing the publicly available cancer patient data sets cBioPortal, we found that 90K expression directly correlated with TGF-β1 and USFs and that high levels of 90K were significantly associated with increased mortality in patients affected by different types of cancer.
Non-additive microbial community responses to environmental complexity
Authors: Pacheco Alan R. , Osborne Melisa L. , Segrè Daniel
Published: April 2021

Environmental composition is a major, though poorly understood, determinant of microbiome dynamics. Here we ask whether general principles govern how microbial community growth yield and diversity scale with an increasing number of environmental molecules. By assembling hundreds of synthetic consortia in vitro, we find that growth yield can remain constant or increase in a non-additive manner with environmental complexity. Conversely, taxonomic diversity is often much lower than expected. To better understand these deviations, we formulate metrics for epistatic interactions between environments and use them to compare our results to communities simulated with experimentally-parametrized consumer resource models. We find that key metabolic and ecological factors, including species similarity, degree of specialization, and metabolic interactions, modulate the observed non-additivity and govern the response of communities to combinations of resource pools. Our results demonstrate that environmental complexity alone is not sufficient for maintaining community diversity, and provide practical guidance for designing and controlling microbial ecosystems.
Leveraging community mortality indicators to infer COVID-19 mortality and transmission dynamics in Damascus, Syria
Authors: Watson Oliver J. , Alhaffar Mervat , Mehchy Zaki , Whittaker Charles , Akil Zack , Brazeau Nicholas F. , Cuomo-Dannenburg Gina , Hamlet Arran , Thompson Hayley A. , Baguelin Marc , FitzJohn Richard G. , Knock Edward , Lees John A. , Whittles Lilith K. , Mellan Thomas , Winskill Peter ,   Imperial College COVID-19 Response Team, Bhatt Samir , Djaafara Bimandra A. , Donnelly Christl A. , Flaxman Seth , Gaythorpe Katy A. M. , Imai Natsuko , Jauneikaite Elita , Laydon Daniel J. , Mishra Swapnil , Unwin H. Juliette T. , Verity Robert , Howard Natasha , Clapham Hannah , Checchi Francesco , Ferguson Neil , Ghani Azra , Beals Emma , Walker Patrick
Published: April 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in substantial mortality worldwide. However, to date, countries in the Middle East and Africa have reported considerably lower mortality rates than in Europe and the Americas. Motivated by reports of an overwhelmed health system, we estimate the likely under-ascertainment of COVID-19 mortality in Damascus, Syria. Using all-cause mortality data, we fit a mathematical model of COVID-19 transmission to reported mortality, estimating that 1.25% of COVID-19 deaths (sensitivity range 1.00% – 3.00%) have been reported as of 2 September 2020. By 2 September, we estimate that 4,380 (95% CI: 3,250 – 5,550) COVID-19 deaths in Damascus may have been missed, with 39.0% (95% CI: 32.5% – 45.0%) of the population in Damascus estimated to have been infected. Accounting for under-ascertainment corroborates reports of exceeded hospital bed capacity and is validated by community-uploaded obituary notifications, which confirm extensive unreported mortality in Damascus.