bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chiral Triarylborane‐Based Small Organic Molecules for Circularly Polarized Luminescence
Authors: Wang Min , Zhao Cui‐Hua
Published: September 2021

Circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) has shown promising application potentials in 3D display, optical data storage, smart sensors/probers, CPL lasers, and light source for asymmetric photosynthesis. In the last decade, the CPL‐active small organic molecules (CPL‐SOMs) have attracted rapidly increasing research interest owing to the great advantages of SOMs, such as high luminescence efficiency, facile modification of chemical structure, fine emission wavelength tuning, precise relationships between structure and properties, and as well as easy fabrication. Promoted by the unique effects of boryl group, such as strong electron‐accepting ability, great steric effect, and Lewis acidity to bind with Lewis bases, we herein summarized our recent research results about the creation of CPL‐SOMs by modification of chiral scaffolds, such as [2.2]paracyclophane, [5]/[7]helicene, and binaphthyl, with boryl group. The preliminary results have well demonstrated that the chiral triarylborane‐based SOMs exhibit promising CPL properties, such as intense CPL in combination of high luminescence dissymmetry factor (|glum|) with high fluorescence efficiency, solvent‐induced sign inversion, facile emission wavelength tuning, high fluorescence efficiency in the solid, and substituent‐induced sign inversion.
K‐mer counting and curated libraries drive efficient annotation of repeats in plant genomes
Authors: Contreras‐Moreira Bruno , Filippi Carla V , Naamati Guy , García Girón Carlos , Allen James E , Flicek Paul
Published: September 2021

The annotation of repetitive sequences within plant genomes can help in the interpretation of observed phenotypes. Moreover, repeat masking is required for tasks such as whole‐genome alignment, promoter analysis, or pangenome exploration. Although homology‐based annotation methods are computationally expensive, k‐mer strategies for masking are orders of magnitude faster. Here, we benchmarked a two‐step approach, where repeats were first called by k‐mer counting and then annotated by comparison to curated libraries. This hybrid protocol was tested on 20 plant genomes from Ensembl, with the k‐mer‐based Repeat Detector (Red) and two repeat libraries (REdat, last updated in 2013, and nrTEplants, curated for this work). Custom libraries produced by RepeatModeler were also tested. We obtained repeated genome fractions that matched those reported in the literature but with shorter repeated elements than those produced directly by sequence homology. Inspection of the masked regions that overlapped genes revealed no preference for specific protein domains. Most Red‐masked sequences could be successfully classified by sequence similarity, with the complete protocol taking less than 2 h on a desktop Linux box. A guide to curating your own repeat libraries and the scripts for masking and annotating plant genomes can be obtained at https://github.com/Ensembl/plant‐scripts.
Polymorphisms of the prion‐related protein gene are strongly associated with cervids’ susceptibility to chronic wasting disease
Authors: Roh In‐Soon , Kim Yong‐Chan , Kim Hyo‐Jin , Won Sae‐Young , Jeong Min‐Ju , Hwang Ji‐Yong , Kang Hae‐Eun , Sohn Hyun‐Joo , Jeong Byung‐Hoon
Published: September 2021

Background

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a cervid prion disease that is caused by abnormal prion protein (PrPSc). Recent studies have reported that prion family genes showed a strong association with the susceptibility of several types of prion diseases. To date, an association study of the prion‐related protein gene (PRNT) has not been performed in any type of cervid prion disease.

Methods

In the present study, we investigated PRNT polymorphisms in large deer, including 235 elk, 257 red deer and 150 sika deer. We compared genotype, allele and haplotype frequencies of PRNT polymorphisms between CWD‐negative animals and CWD‐positive animals to find an association of PRNT polymorphisms with the susceptibility of CWD.

Results

We found a total of five novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the cervid PRNT gene. Interestingly, we observed significantly different distributions of genotypes and allele frequencies of three PRNT SNPs, including c.108C>T, c.159+30C>T and c.159+32A>C, between CWD‐negative and CWD‐positive red deer. In addition, significant differences of two haplotype frequencies in red deer were found between the CWD‐negative and CWD‐positive groups. However, the association identified in the red deer was not found in elk and sika deer.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this report is the first to describe the strong association of PRNT SNPs with the susceptibility of CWD.
Effects of a nutraceutical supplement in the management of mild equine squamous gastric disease in endurance horses
Authors: Lo Feudo Chiara Maria , Stucchi Luca , Conturba Bianca , Alberti Elena , Zucca Enrica , Ferrucci Francesco
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Equine squamous gastric disease (ESGD) may require prolonged treatments with acid suppressants; therefore, interest in nutraceutical supplements with anti‐ulcerogenic properties has increased. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of Trophogast pellet for the treatment of ESGD in endurance horses.

Material and methods

Fifteen endurance horses were included based on their gastroscopic examination and randomly assigned to a treatment group, receiving Trophogast pellet for 30 days together with management changes, or to a control group, only subjected to management modifications. At the end of treatment, gastroscopy was repeated. Scores were assigned according to the Equine Gastric Ulcer Council scoring system. All horses were weighed at the beginning and at the end of the study. ESGD grades and weight before and after treatment were compared.

Results

At enrolment, median ESGD score in the treatment group was 2, while in the control group it was 1. After the treatment period, a significant decrease in ESGD grade was observed in the treatment group (median 1,p = 0.0078), while there was no change in the control group (median 2). No significant weight change was observed in either group.

Conclusion

Trophogast pellet was effective at promoting healing of mild ESGD in endurance horses.
From zoo vet to leading the BVA
Authors: Shotton Justine , Loeb Josh
Published: September 2021

As self‐proclaimed ‘jack of all trades’ Justine Shotton becomes BVA president, Josh Loeb talks to her about her varied career, life as a zoo vet and why sustainability is so important to her.
Anaesthetic management of a cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) for caesarean section
Authors: Kadwa Abdur Rahmaan , Brown Geoffrey James , Henry O'Dell Jacques , Zeiler Gareth Edward , Buck Roxanne Kate
Published: September 2021

After delivering a single stillborn cub, a 4‐year‐old, semi‐feral, captive cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) presented at full‐term pregnancy with either suspension of labour or uterine inertia and a caesarean section was performed. The cheetah was sedated with 0.0357 mg/kg medetomidine intramuscularly, followed by intravenous induction with propofol to effect and maintenance on isoflurane inhalational anaesthesia. Each cub was administered a total of 0.15 mg atipamezole intramuscularly, in 0.05 mg increments, after delivery. The anaesthetic management of the cheetah focused on selecting anaesthetic drugs that would minimise neonatal drug exposure and ultimately maximise the chances of neonatal viability. Additionally, the drugs administered had to also provide sufficient sedation to ensure personnel safety. Finally, the anaesthesia of the cheetah had to be considered in context of the physiological changes that occur during pregnancy.
Detecting communities using social network analysis in online learning environments: Systematic literature review
Authors: Yassine Sahar , Kadry Seifedine , Sicilia Miguel‐Angel
Published: September 2021

Uncovering community structure has made a significant advancement in explaining, analyzing, and forecasting behaviors and dynamics of networks related to different fields in sociology, criminology, biology, medicine, communication, economics, and academia. Detecting and clustering communities is a powerful step toward identifying the structural properties and the behavioral patterns in social networks. Recently, online learning has been progressively adopted by a lot of educational practices which raise many questions about assessing the learners' engagement, collaboration, and behaviors in the new emerging learning communities. This systematic literature review aims to assess the use of community detection techniques in analyzing the network's structure in online learning environments. It provides a comprehensive overview of the existing research that adopted those techniques with identifying the educational objectives behind their application as well as suggesting possible future research directions. Our analysis covered 65 studies that found in the literature and applied different community discovery techniques on various types of online learning environments to analyze their users' interactions patterns. Our review revealed the potential of this field in improving educational practices and decisions and in utilizing the massive amount of data generated from interacting with those environments. Finally, we highlighted the need to include automated community discovery techniques in online learning environments to facilitate and enhance their use as well as we stressed on the urge for further advance research to uncover a lot of hidden opportunities.

This article is categorized under:

Algorithmic Development > Statistics

Algorithmic Development > Web Mining

Application Areas > Education and Learning
The dynamic responses of an infinite plate resting on a poroelastic layered half‐space soil medium with imperfect interface to a moving load
Authors: Zheng Yuanxun , Luo Cunxin , Liu Heng , Du Chaowei
Published: September 2021

The present study deals with the dynamic responses of an infinite plate resting on a poroelastic layered half‐space soil medium with imperfect interfaces to a moving load. Kirchhoff thin plate theory is employed to analyze the plate, while Biot's fully dynamic poroelastic theory is used to characterize the poroelastic half‐space. Applying the Fourier transform and vector functions, the completely coupled system of equations of motion for the layered system are reduced to a system of decoupled ordinary differential equations which could be solved semi‐analytically. The propagation relationships for the layered structure with imperfect interfaces are derived by the novel and efficient dual variable and position (DVP) method. In so doing, the calculated expansion coefficients in the transformed domain are utilized to calculate the unknowns in the physical domain by integration at each field point. Numerical analyses validate the obtained results by comparing with the existing work, and soil vertical displacements, accelerations and pore water pressures induced by moving load are calculated. Moreover, the effects of the different factors are investigated. Computed result shows apparent influences of load velocity, intrinsic permeability and imperfect bonded condition of the soil medium on the dynamic responses of the whole system.
Application to a Case Study
Authors: Rey Emmanuel , Laprise Martine , Lufkin Sophie
Published: September 2021

We present an application of the operational monitoring tool SIPRIUS+ to an ongoing case study representative of urban brownfield regeneration projects: the Pôle Viotte neighbourhood, located in Besançon (France). We start with a description of the brownfield site, followed by the regeneration project. Then, we evaluate 52 indicators linked to the context, project, and governance. Each monitoring result is illustrated by a graph showing the evolution of the performances. Then, we analyse the overall results, which allows us to assess the sustainability strategy of the regeneration project. Through this analysis, we identify four actions to improve sustainability objectives. Finally, we conclude that SIPRIUS+ has the potential to contribute to the integration of sustainability issues into the dynamics of neighbourhoods in transition. The operational monitoring tool is expected to contribute to decision-making in a multi-disciplinary manner, without giving ready-made solutions. Interactions with project stakeholders reveal that, while the use of such a tool would require a change in project management, the evolutions to adopt to include this practice appear not only feasible but realistic and desired.
Compactifying 5d superconformal field theories to 3d
Authors: Sacchi Matteo , Sela Orr , Zafrir Gabi
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Building on recent progress in the study of compactifications of 6d (1, 0) superconformal field theories (SCFTs) on Riemann surfaces to 4d$$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 theories, we initiate a systematic study of compactifications of 5d$$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 SCFTs on Riemann surfaces to 3d$$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 theories. Specifically, we consider the compactification of the so-called rank 1 Seiberg $$ {E}_{N_f+1} $$

E

N
f

+
1

SCFTs on tori and tubes with flux in their global symmetry, and put the resulting 3d theories to various consistency checks. These include matching the (usually enhanced) IR symmetry of the 3d theories with the one expected from the compactification, given by the commutant of the flux in the global symmetry of the corresponding 5d SCFT, and identifying the spectrum of operators and conformal manifolds predicted by the 5d picture. As the models we examine are in three dimensions, we encounter novel elements that are not present in compactifications to four dimensions, notably Chern-Simons terms and monopole superpotentials, that play an important role in our construction. The methods used in this paper can also be used for the compactification of any other 5d SCFT that has a deformation leading to a 5d gauge theory.
Strings in bimetric spacetimes
Authors: Yan Ziqi
Published: September 2021

Abstract

We put forward a two-dimensional nonlinear sigma model that couples (bosonic) matter fields to topological Hořava gravity on a nonrelativistic worldsheet. In the target space, this sigma model describes classical strings propagating in a curved spacetime background, whose geometry is described by two distinct metric fields. We evaluate the renormalization group flows of this sigma model on a flat worldsheet and derive a set of beta-functionals for the bimetric fields. Imposing worldsheet Weyl invariance at the quantum level, we uncover a set of gravitational field equations that dictate the dynamics of the bimetric fields in the target space, where a unique massless spin-two excitation emerges. When the bimetric fields become identical, the sigma model gains an emergent Lorentz symmetry. In this single metric limit, the beta-functionals of the bimetric fields reduce to the Ricci flow equation that arises in bosonic string theory, and the bimetric gravitational field equations give rise to Einstein’s gravity.
Bulk reconstruction of metrics inside black holes by complexity
Authors: Hashimoto Koji , Watanabe Ryota
Published: September 2021

Abstract

We provide a formula to reconstruct bulk spacetime metrics inside black holes by the time dependence of complexity in the dual quantum field theory, based on the complexity=volume (CV) conjecture in the holographic duality.
Modular flow of excited states
Authors: Lashkari Nima , Liu Hong , Rajagopal Srivatsan
Published: September 2021

Abstract

We develop new techniques for studying the modular and the relative modular flows of general excited states. We show that the class of states obtained by acting on the vacuum (or any cyclic and separating state) with invertible operators from the algebra of a region is dense in the Hilbert space. This enables us to express the modular and the relative modular operators, as well as the relative entropies of generic excited states in terms of the vacuum modular operator and the operator that creates the state. In particular, the modular and the relative modular flows ofanystate can be expanded in terms of the modular flow of operators in vacuum. We illustrate the formalism with simple examples including states close to the vacuum, and coherent and squeezed states in generalized free field theory.
Rapid closure technique in suboccipital decompression
Authors: Vychopen Martin , Hadjiathanasiou Alexis , Brandecker Simon , Borger Valeri , Schuss Patrick , Vatter Hartmut , Güresir Erdem
Published: September 2021

Objective

Suboccipital decompression has been established as standard therapeutic procedure for raised intracranial pressure caused by mass-effect associated pathologies in posterior fossa. Several different surgical techniques of dural closure have been postulated to achieve safe decompression. The aim of this study was to examine the differences between fibrin sealant patch (FSP) and dural reconstruction (DR) in suboccipital decompression for acute mass-effect lesions.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed our institutional data of patients who underwent suboccipital decompression due to spontaneous intracerebellar hemorrhage, cerebellar infarction and acute traumatic subdural hematoma between 2010 and 2019. Two different dural reconstruction techniques were performed according to the attending neurosurgeon: (1) fibrin sealant patch (FSP), and (2) dural reconstruction (DR) including the use of dural patch. Complications, operative time, functional outcome and the necessity of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VP Shunt) were assessed and further analyzed.

Results

Overall, 87 patients were treated at the authors’ institution (44 in FSP group, 43 in DR group). Glasgow coma scale on admission and preoperative coagulation state did not differ between the groups. Postoperatively, we found no difference in cerebrospinal fluid leakage or chronic hydrocephalus between the groups (p = 0.47). Revision rates were 2.27% (1/44 patients) in the FSP group, compared to 16.27% (7/43) in the DR group (p < 0.023). Operative time was significantly shorter in the FSP group (90.3 ± 31.0 min vs. 199.0 ± 48.8 min, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Rapid closure technique in suboccipital decompression is feasible and safe. Operative time is hereby reduced, without increasing complication rates.
Optical inline monitoring of the burnish surface in the punching process
Authors: Lorenz Maximilian , Menzl Matthias , Donhauser Christian , Layh Michael , Pinzer Bernd R.
Published: September 2021

Punching is a wide-spread production process, applied when massive amounts of the ever-same cheap parts are needed. The punching process is sensitive to a multitude of parameters. Unfortunately, the precise dependencies are often unknown. A prerequisite for optimal, reproducible and transparent process alignment is the knowledge of how exactly parameters influence the quality of a punching part, which in turn requires a quantitative description of the quality of a part. We developed an optical inline monitoring system, which consists of a combined imaging and triangulation sensor as well as subsequent image processing. We show that it is possible to capture images of the cutting surface for every part within production. We automatically derive quality parameters using the example of the burnish height from 2D images. In addition, the 3D parameters are calculated and verified from the triangulation images. As an application, we show that the status of tool wear can be inferred by monitoring the burnish height, with immediate consequences for predictive maintenance. Although limited by slow images processing in our prototype, we conclude that connecting machine and process parameters with quality metrics in real time for every single part enables data-driven process modelling and ultimately the implementation of intelligent punching machines.
The value of bacterial metagenomic analysis in post-surgical examination of gallstones
Authors: Ploszaj T. , Brauncajs M. , Traczyk-Borszynska M. , Matyjas T. , Pomorski L. , Wasiak T. , Borowiec M.
Published: September 2021

Gallstone disease is one of the most common causes of hospitalization for gastrointestinal diseases in the world. Recent studies have examined the presence of bacteria in the formation of stones. Our main goal was to determine the overall composition of gallstone microflora. Gallstones were obtained from 24 patients during laparoscopic cholecystectomy from which DNA were extracted. Composition of bacterial flora was evaluated on 16 s rDNA sequencing technique. In the vast majority of samples, bacteria were present, and four groups could be differentiated regarding the flora. Overall composition shows that 87% of the stones were cholesterol/mixed type of gallstone. Additionally, potentially harmful microorganisms (Streptococcus, ClostridiumandKocuria) that could cause post-surgery complications were identified in several patients. The obtained results indicate that this technique may be useful in analyzing the type of stones and in pinpointing the presence of pathogenic bacteria.
Functional interaction of H2-receptors and 5HT4-receptors in atrial tissues isolated from double transgenic mice and from human patients
Authors: Neumann Joachim , Schwarzer Denise , Fehse Charlotte , Schwarz Rebecca , Marusakova Margareta , Kirchhefer Uwe , Hofmann Britt , Gergs Ulrich
Published: September 2021

In the past, we generated transgenic mice that overexpress the human histamine 2 (H2)-receptor (H2-TG) or that overexpress the human serotonin 4 (5-HT4)-receptor (5-HT4-TG) in the heart. Here, we crossbred these lines of mice to generate double transgenic mice that overexpress both receptors (DT). This was done to study a conceivable interaction between these receptors in the mouse heart as a model for the human heart. When in left atria, initially, force of contraction was elevated maximally with 1 µM serotonin, and subsequently, histamine was cumulatively applied; a biphasic effect of histamine was noted: the force of contraction initially decreased, maximally at 10 nM histamine, and thereafter, the force of contraction increased again at 1 µM histamine. Notably, functional interaction between 5-HT and histamine was also identified in isolated electrically stimulated trabeculae carneae from human right atrium (obtained during cardiac surgery). These functional and biochemical data together are consistent with a joint overexpression of inotropically active H2-receptors and 5-HT4-receptors in the same mouse heart. We also describe an antagonistic interaction on the force of contraction of both receptors in the mouse atrium (DT) and in the human atrial muscle strips. We speculate that via this interaction, histamine might act as a “brake” on the cardiac actions of 5-HT via inhibitory GTP-binding proteins acting on the activity of adenylyl cyclase.
The mid-term effects of carotid endarterectomy on cognition and regional neural activity analyzed with the amplitude of low frequency fluctuations technique
Authors: Porcu Michele , Cocco Luigi , Cau Riccardo , Suri Jasjit S. , Mannelli Lorenzo , Yang Qi , Defazio Giovanni , Wintermark Max , Saba Luca
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The study aims to evaluate the mid-term effects of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) on cognition and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) using the Amplitude of Low Frequency Fluctuations (ALFF) technique.

Methods

In this observational study, patients eligible for CEA were prospectively included. On the same day, within 1 week of the CEA procedure performed and 12 months after the CEA procedure, all patients underwent (i) an MRI examination for rs-fMRI analysis and (ii) a cognitive evaluation using the Italian version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) corrected for age and schooling. Pre-CEA and post-CEA MMSE scores were evaluated using paired samplet-tests, adopting ap-value < 0.05 as statistical threshold. The ALFF technique was used for analyzing the differences between pre-CEA and post-CEA rs-fMRI scans in terms of regional neural activation. This was accomplished by applying non-parametric statistics based on randomization/permutation for cluster-level inferences, adopting a cluster-massp-value corrected for false discovery < 0.05 for cluster threshold, and ap-uncorrected < 0.01 for the voxel threshold.

Results

Twenty asymptomatic patients were enrolled. The mean MMSE score resulted improved following CEA procedure (p-value = 0.001). The ALFF analysis identified a single cluster of 6260 voxels of increased regional neural activity following CEA, and no cluster of reduced activity. The majority of voxels covered the right precentral gyrus, the right middle frontal gyrus, and the anterior division of the cingulate gyrus.

Conclusion

Mid-term cognitive improvements observed after CEA are associated to increased regional neural activity of several cerebral regions.
Overtime working patterns and adverse events in work-related suicide cases: hierarchical cluster analysis of national compensation data in Japan (fiscal year 2015–2016)
Authors: Nishimura Yuki , Yamauchi Takashi , Sasaki Takeshi , Yoshikawa Toru , Takahashi Masaya
Published: September 2021

Background

Although various work-related adverse events affect workers’ mental health, the association between long working hours and mental disorders remains unclear. We investigated the characteristics of overtime work and work-related adverse events among all cases of compensated work-related suicide in Japan to empirically reveal the context of the serious consequences.

Methods

We analysed all 167 cases of mental disorders resulting in suicide that were compensated in fiscal year 2015–2016. Hierarchical clustering was applied to the overtime working history. Work-related adverse events were also evaluated as the qualitative aspects of their jobs.

Results

More than half of the cases committed suicide within a month of developing a mental disorder. The Administrative and professional or engineering workers had a higher suicide rate. The clustering analysis revealed chronic long working hours (19%), gradual increase (27%), or rapid increase (25%) in working hours before the onset of a mental disorder. A group of cases with less overwork experienced more interpersonal conflicts.

Conclusion

This is the first study to employ a clustering technique to objectively reveal the actual working patterns behind suicide. The patterns of working overtime before the onset of mental disorders varied considerably among the cases. Taking the transition of working overtime into account may provide clearer insight into the relationship between long working hours and workers’ mental health. These results highlight the need for countermeasures especially for causes of chronic overworking, drastic increases in working hours, and interpersonal conflicts to prevent work-related suicide.
Short- and long-term follow-up of patients with non-neoplastic esophageal perforation
Authors: Brinkmann Sebastian , Knepper Laura , Fuchs Hans , Hoelscher Arnulf , Kuhr Kathrin , dos Santos Daniel Pinto , Plum Patrick , Chon Seung-Hun , Bruns Christiane , Schroeder Wolfgang , Leers Jessica
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Esophageal perforation is associated with high morbidity and mortality. In addition to surgical treatment, endoscopic endoluminal stent placement and endoscopic vacuum therapy (EVT) are established methods in the management of this emergency condition. Although health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is becoming a major issue in the evaluation of any therapeutic intervention, not much is known about HRQoL, particularly in the long-term follow-up of patients treated for non-neoplastic esophageal perforation with different treatment strategies. The aim of this study was to evaluate patients’ outcome after non-neoplastic esophageal perforation with focus on HRQoL in the long-term follow-up.

Methods

Patients treated for non-neoplastic esophageal perforation at the University Hospital Cologne from January 2003 to December 2014 were included. Primary outcome and management of esophageal perforation were documented. Long-term quality of life was assessed using the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI), the Health-Related Quality of Life Index (HRQL) for patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) questionnaires for general and esophageal specific QoL (QLQ-C30 and QLQ-OES18).

Results

Fifty-eight patients were included in the study. Based on primary treatment, patients were divided into an endoscopic (n = 27; 46.6%), surgical (n = 20; 34.5%), and a conservative group (n = 11; 19%). Short- and long-term outcome and quality of life were compared. HRQoL was measured after a median follow-up of 49 months. HRQoL was generally reduced in patients with non-neoplastic esophageal perforation. Endoscopically treated patients showed the highest GIQLI overall score and highest EORTC general health status, followed by the conservative and the surgical group.

Conclusion

HRQoL in patients with non-neoplastic esophageal perforation is reduced even in the long-term follow-up. Temporary stent or EVT is effective and provides a good alternative to surgery, not only in the short-term but also in the long-term follow-up.
Two-field formulations for isogeometric Reissner–Mindlin plates and shells with global and local condensation
Authors: Kikis G. , Klinkel S.
Published: September 2021

In this paper, mixed formulations are presented in the framework of isogeometric Reissner–Mindlin plates and shells with the aim of alleviating membrane and shear locking. The formulations are based on the Hellinger-Reissner functional and use the stress resultants as additional unknowns, which have to be interpolated in appropriate approximation spaces. The additional unknowns can be eliminated by static condensation. In the framework of isogeometric analysis static condensation is performed globally on the patch level, which leads to a high computational cost. Thus, two additional local approaches to the existing continuous method are presented, an approach with discontinuous stress resultant fields at the element boundaries and a reconstructed approach which is blending the local control variables by using weights in order to compute the global ones. Both approaches allow for a static condensation on the element level instead of the patch level. Various numerical examples are investigated in order to verify the accuracy and effectiveness of the different approaches and a comparison to existing elements that include mechanisms against locking is carried out.
Causes and consequences of long-term groundwater overabstraction in Jordan
Authors: Brückner Florian , Bahls Rebecca , Alqadi Mohammad , Lindenmaier Falk , Hamdan Ibraheem , Alhiyari Mohammad , Atieh Ala’a
Published: September 2021

In 2017, a comprehensive review of groundwater resources in Jordan was carried out for the first time since 1995. The change in groundwater levels between 1995 and 2017 was found to be dramatic: large declines have been recorded all over the country, reaching more than 100 m in some areas. The most affected areas are those with large-scale groundwater-irrigated agriculture, but areas that are only used for public water supply are also affected. The decrease of groundwater levels and saturated thickness poses a growing threat for drinking water supply and the demand has to be met from increasingly deeper and more remote sources, causing higher costs for drilling and extraction. Groundwater-level contour lines show that groundwater flow direction has completely reversed in some parts of the main aquifer. Consequently, previously established conceptual models, such as the concept of 12 “groundwater basins” often used in Jordan should be revised or replaced. Additionally, hydraulic conditions are changing from confined to unconfined; this is most likely a major driver for geogenic pollution with heavy metals through leakage from the overlying bituminous aquitard. Three exemplary case studies are presented to illustrate and discuss the main causes for the decline of the water tables (agriculture and population growth) and to show how the results of this assessment can be used on a regional scale.
Terpenoid indole alkaloid biosynthesis in Catharanthus roseus: effects and prospects of environmental factors in metabolic engineering
Authors: Liu Yongliang , Patra Barunava , Singh Sanjay Kumar , Paul Priyanka , Zhou Yan , Li Yongqing , Wang Ying , Pattanaik Sitakanta , Yuan Ling
Published: September 2021

Plants synthesize a vast array of specialized metabolites that primarily contribute to their defense and survival under adverse conditions. Many of the specialized metabolites have therapeutic values as drugs. Biosynthesis of specialized metabolites is affected by environmental factors including light, temperature, drought, salinity, and nutrients, as well as pathogens and insects. These environmental factors trigger a myriad of changes in gene expression at the transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels. The dynamic changes in gene expression are mediated by several regulatory proteins that perceive and transduce the signals, leading to up- or down-regulation of the metabolic pathways. Exploring the environmental effects and related signal cascades is a strategy in metabolic engineering to produce valuable specialized metabolites. However, mechanistic studies on environmental factors affecting specialized metabolism are limited. The medicinal plantCatharanthus roseus(Madagascar periwinkle) is an important source of bioactive terpenoid indole alkaloids (TIAs), including the anticancer therapeutics vinblastine and vincristine. The emerging picture shows that various environmental factors significantly alter TIA accumulation by affecting the expression of regulatory and enzyme-encoding genes in the pathway. Compared to our understanding of the TIA pathway in response to the phytohormone jasmonate, the impacts of environmental factors on TIA biosynthesis are insufficiently studied and discussed. This review thus focuses on these aspects and discusses possible strategies for metabolic engineering of TIA biosynthesis.

Purpose of work

Catharanthus roseusis a rich source of bioactive terpenoid indole alkaloids (TIAs). The objective of this work is to present a comprehensive account of the influence of various biotic and abiotic factors on TIA biosynthesis and to discuss possible strategies to enhance TIA production through metabolic engineering.
Bifurcations of quasi-periodic solutions from relative equilibria in the Lennard–Jones 2-body problem
Authors: Strzelecki Daniel
Published: September 2021

We propose the general method of proving the bifurcation of new solutions from relative equilibria in N-body problems. The method is based on a symmetric version of Lyapunov center theorem. It is applied to study the Lennard–Jones 2-body problem, where we have proved the existence of new periodic or quasi-periodic solutions.
Operationalizing Intentionality in Primate Communication: Social and Ecological Considerations
Authors: Rodrigues Evelina D. , Fröhlich Marlen
Published: September 2021

An intentional transfer of information is central to human communication. When comparing nonhuman primate communication systems to language, a critical challenge is to determine whether a signal is used in intentional, goal-oriented ways. As it is not possible to directly observe psychological states in any species, comparative researchers have inferred intentionality via behavioral markers derived from studies on prelinguistic human children. Recent efforts to increase consistency in nonhuman primate communication studies undervalue the effect of possible sources of bias: some behavioral markers are not generalizable across certain signal types (gestures, vocalizations, and facial expressions), contexts, settings, and species. Despite laudable attempts to operationalize first-order intentionality across signal types, a true “multimodal” approach requires integration across their sensory components (visual-silent, contact, audible), as a signal from a certain type can comprise more than one sensory component. Here we discuss how the study of intentional communication in nonlinguistic systems is hampered by issues of reliability, validity, consistency, and generalizability. We then highlight future research avenues that may help to understand the use of goal-oriented communication by opting, whenever possible, for reliable, valid, and consistent behavioral markers, but also taking into account sampling biases and integrating detailed observations of intraspecific communicative interactions.
From the Sequence of the Sun-Goddess (bhānavīkrama) to Time-Consumption (kālagrāsa): Some Notes on the Development of the Śākta Doctrine of the Twelve Kālīs
Authors: Wenta Aleksandra
Published: September 2021

The doctrine of the twelve Kālīs is one of the earliest developments of the Śākta tradition of the Kālīkula/Kālīkrama/Mahānaya and it is well known in the later exegetical works of Abhinavagupta (10th–11th c.), Kṣemarāja (11th c.), and Maheśvarānanda (13th–14th c.). Although the twelve Kālīs have been treated to some extent in secondary literature, a systematic study of the development and reception of this doctrine has not been undertaken yet. This is mainly due to the fact that most of the Kālīkula scriptures are available in manuscript form, and methodical analysis of their contents remains a desideratum. In this article, I intend to examine selected tantric scriptures teaching the doctrine of the twelve Kālīs, focusing on the development of the constituent elements of this doctrine, as they appear in different tantric sources. This article traces the origins of the twelve Kālīs to the esoteric teaching of the Sun-Goddess, linked to the tradition of the Skeleton of Kālī (kālīkaṅkāla/kaṅkāla). It will argue that in the subsequent phase of the doctrine’s development the solar context gradually diminished and an emphasis on the twelve goddesses’ function as the destroyers of time became more and more pronounced. This tendency, in turn, influenced the codification of the twelve Kālīs as the fully-fledged doctrine of time-consumption (kālagrāsa), popular in the Trika and the Trika-inspired Krama sources.
Family-Based Cohort Association Study of PRKCB1, CBLN1 and KCNMB4 Gene Polymorphisms and Autism in Polish Population
Authors: Iwanicki Tomasz , Balcerzyk Anna , Kazek Beata , Emich-Widera Ewa , Likus Wirginia , Iwanicka Joanna , Kapinos-Gorczyca Agnieszka , Kapinos Maciej , Jarosz Alicja , Grzeszczak Władysław , Górczyńska-Kosiorz Sylwia , Niemiec Paweł
Published: September 2021

The aim of the study was to perform family-based association analysis of PRKCB1, CBLN1 and KCNMB4 gene polymorphisms and autism disorder. We comprised 206 Caucasian children with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) and their biological parents. In transmission/disequilibrium test we observed that T-allele of the rs198198 polymorphism of the PRKCB1 gene was more often transmitted to affected children in the male subgroup (p = 0.010). Additionally, the T carrier state was significantly associated with hypotonia (p = 0.048). In the female subgroup, the T-allele carriers more often showed more mobile/vital behavior (p = 0.046). In conclusion, our study showed that the rs198198 of the PRKCB1 gene may be associated with ASD in men and with some features characteristic for the disorder.
The benefits of need satisfaction depend on their relative importance for people with a unidimensional identity: an idiographic analysis
Authors: Glendinning Freya , Woodman Tim , Hardy Lew , Ong Chin Wei
Published: September 2021

Self-determination theory proposes that the satisfaction of basic psychological needs is equally beneficial for everyone – the Universal Hypothesis. Equally, there are intra-individual differences in how the satisfaction of differentially important needs might be differentially beneficial, which we term the Intra-individual Hypothesis. We aimed to reconcile these positions. Across four cross-sectional studies (ns = 300 rock climbers, 323 sportspeople, 394 UK and Chinese adults, 320 UK adults), we investigated the needs of individuals with varying dimensions to their identity, and their motivation and self-esteem. In Studies 1, 2, and 4, when individuals strongly related their sense of identity to investment in a specific activity, the association between need satisfaction and self-esteem (and motivation in Studies 1–2) depended on their intra-individual need importance, supporting the Intra-individual Hypothesis. In Studies 3 and 4, for individuals with a multidimensional identity, the association between need satisfaction and self-esteem did not depend on the importance of each need, supporting the Universal Hypothesis. The satisfaction of basic psychological needs is not always uniform in its link with motivation and well-being. The degree to which individuals have a unidimensional or multidimensional self-concept appears fruitful in predicting the relative value of the Universal Hypothesis and the Intra-individual Hypothesis.
Commentary: how person-centred is pharmaceutical care?
Authors: Gyllensten Hanna , Fuller Joanne M. , Östbring Malin Johansson
Published: September 2021

Health systems in many countries are currently undergoing an evolution towards more person-centred care. However, an overview of the literature shows that there is little or no guidance available on how to apply person-centred care to pharmaceutical care and clinical pharmacy practices. In this paper we apply a model for person-centred care created by a national multidisciplinary research centre in Gothenburg, Sweden, to the clinical work tasks of outpatient and inpatient pharmacists and describe how pharmaceutical care can become more person-centred.
Gender differences in work-related high mobility differentiated by partnership and parenthood status
Authors: Wachter Isabelle , Holz-Rau Christian
Published: September 2021

The income situation and the division of labor in households, which are closely related to occupational mobility, are central aspects of the debate on gender equality. Women have shorter commuting times and distances than men and spend fewer nights away from their main place of residence for work-related reasons. Various studies attribute these gender differences to a gendered division of labor and the associated greater involvement of women in household tasks and childcare. Consequently, studies investigating these gender differences focus primarily on employees in relationships and the associated intra-couple interactions, while little attention is paid to singles. Based on the German Family Panel (pairfam) this research aims to broaden the scope of interpretation and examines gender differences in work-related high mobility among employees in partnerships with and without children and among singles. Logistic regression models including gender interaction terms show that gender differences exist not only among employees with partners (and children), but also among singles. The results highlight that gender differences in high mobility are due to factors related to relationships and parenthood, as well as from other factors. Gender differences in high mobility are thus not merely the result of negotiation processes or of (patriarchal) power structures in relationships and gendered labor division. They are also related to gendered occupational segregation and economic disparities and internalized gender preferences that are independent of partnership and parenthood.
Does R&D Expenditure Boost Economic Growth in Lagging Regions?
Authors: Celli Viviana , Cerqua Augusto , Pellegrini Guido
Published: September 2021

We assess the impact of the EU Regional Policy on regional economic growth by applying a new evaluation strategy, which integrates mediation analysis with a quasi-experimental framework. Using the R&D expenditure as an indicator of innovation capability, we evaluate how much of the total effect of the EU Regional Policy is due to R&D in the poorest EU regions. Consistently with the previous literature, we found a positive impact of the overall policy on economic growth, but, among the convergence regions, those investing a higher proportion of funds in R&D have the same convergence rate as regions investing more in other priorities. These findings confirm that the EU Regional Policy played an important role in the economic recovery of the poorest regions in the aftermath of the Great Recession. However, focusing resources on R&D does not seem to provide additional economic benefits, at least in the short run.
Independent or Dependent? European Labour Statistics and Their (In)ability to Identify Forms of Dependency in Self-employment
Authors: Bozzon Rossella , Murgia Annalisa
Published: September 2021

In the studies on labour market change and transformation of employment relations, the growth of new forms of self-employment, including platform work, has raised a broad debate about how to define, classify, and analyse the wide range of positions within the heterogeneous category of self-employed workers. This article analyses the emergent methodologies used in European comparative labour statistics to identify forms of dependency in self-employment. Using the 6th wave of the 2015 European Working Condition Survey and the 2017 ad hoc module on self-employment from the European Labour Force Survey, this article discusses how the representation of dependent self-employment changes by adopting a different operationalization of economic and operational dependency. Findings show how different indicators of dependency change the representation of self-employment in different economic sectors, affecting our understanding of the transformation of working arrangements within self-employment and the boundaries between employment and self-employment.
The Best Years of Older Europeans’ Lives
Authors: Álvarez Begoña
Published: September 2021

This paper offers new evidence on the life-cycle pattern of happiness. A novelty of the analysis is that it exploits information on the period individuals recall as the happiest in their lives. Data come from SHARELIFE 2008/09, a retrospective life survey conducted in 13 European countries among individuals aged 50 or more. Using this information, I build a longitudinal data set that extends across the whole lifespan of respondents. The probability of living a happiest year in life at each age is estimated through a conditional fixed effects logit model. Results show that the likelihood of living the happiest period in life exhibits a concave relationship with age, with a turning point at about 30–34 years and a decreasing trend from that point onward. Retrospectively, midlife is not perceived as the least likely happiest period in life. These patterns persist even after controlling for usual correlates of subjective well-being, and they are rather stable across cohorts and genders despite presenting certain variability across European countries.