bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A taxonomic revision of Lemna sect. Uninerves (Lemnaceae)
Authors: Bog Manuela , Sree K. Sowjanya , Fuchs Joerg , Hoang Phuong T.N. , Schubert Ingo , Kuever Jan , Rabenstein Andreas , Paolacci Simona , Jansen Marcel A.K. , Appenroth Klaus‐J.
Published: March 2020

Lemna sect. Uninerves Hegelm. consists of three species, Lemna minuta Kunth (synonym L. minuscula), L. valdiviana Phil. and L. yungensis Landolt. Lemna yungensis was discovered growing on rocks in the Yungas in Bolivia by E. Landolt and was described just 20 years ago. In the original description, Landolt reported that this species is closely related to L. valdiviana and that it is difficult to distinguish the three species on a morphological basis. Therefore, the taxonomic position and status of L. yungensis remained controversial. Here, we carried out a detailed taxonomic study, integrating approaches that include quantitative morphometry, metabolomic profiling by matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF‐MS) as well as molecular genetic analysis using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP), and barcoding of plastidic sequences. We also investigated genome sizes of clones of the three species. Whereas L. minuta can easily be differentiated from L. valdiviana and L. yungensis, it was not possible to distinguish L. valdiviana from L. yungensis with any of the methods used. These data imply that L. yungensis is identical to L. valdiviana. Thus, the name L. yungensis should be synonymised with the name L. valdiviana, since this is the older name.
Hamilton–Jacobi equations for optimal control on multidimensional junctions with entry costs
Authors: Dao Manh-Khang , Djehiche Boualem
Published: March 2020

We consider an infinite horizon control problem for dynamics constrained to remain on a multidimensional junction with entry costs. We derive the associated system of Hamilton–Jacobi equations (HJ), prove the comparison principle and that the value function of the optimal control problem is the unique viscosity solution of the HJ system. This is done under the usual strong controllability assumption and also under a weaker condition, coined ‘moderate controllability assumption’.
Comparative genomic analysis of inbred rat strains reveals the existence of ancestral polymorphisms
Authors: Kim Hyeonjeong , Yoshihara Minako , Suyama Mikita
Published: March 2020

In an alignment of closely related genomic sequences, the existence of discordant mutation sites, which do not reflect the phylogenetic relationship of the genomes, is often observed. Although these discordant mutation sites are thought to have emerged by ancestral polymorphism or gene flow, their frequency and distribution in the genome have not yet been analyzed in detail. Using the genome sequences of all protein coding genes of 25 inbred rat strains, we analyzed the frequency and genome-wide distribution of the discordant mutation sites. From the comparison of different substrains, it was found that these loci are not substrain specific, but are common among different groups of substrains, suggesting that the discordant sites might have mainly emerged through ancestral polymorphism. It was also revealed that the discordant sites are not uniformly distributed along chromosomes, but are concentrated at certain genomic loci, such asRT1, major histocompatibility complex of rats, and olfactory receptors, indicating that genes known to be highly polymorphic tend to have more discordant sites. Our results also showed that loci with a high density of discordant sites are also rich in heterozygous variants, even though these are inbred strains.
Use of social thermoregulation fluctuates with mast seeding and reproduction in a pulsed resource consumer
Authors: Ruf Thomas , Bieber Claudia
Published: March 2020

Edible dormice (Glis glis) can remain entirely solitary but frequently share sleeping sites with conspecifics in groups of up to 16 adults and yearlings. Here, we analysed grouping behaviour of 4564 marked individuals, captured in a 13-year study in nest boxes in a deciduous forest. We aimed to clarify (i) whether social thermoregulation is the primary cause for group formation and (ii) which factors affect group size and composition. Dormice temporarily formed both mixed and single-sex groups in response to acute cold ambient temperatures, especially those individuals with small body mass. Thus, thermoregulatory huddling appears to be the driving force for group formation in this species. Huddling was avoided—except for conditions of severe cold load—in years of full mast seeding, which is associated with reproduction and high foraging activity. Almost all females remained solitary during reproduction and lactation. Hence, entire populations of dormice switched between predominantly solitary lives in reproductive years to social behaviour in non-reproductive years. Non-social behaviour pointed to costs of huddling in terms of competition for local food resources even when food is generally abundant. The impact of competition was mitigated by a sex ratio that was biased towards males, which avoids sharing of food resources with related females that have extremely high energy demands during lactation. Importantly, dormice preferentially huddled in male-biased groups with litter mates from previous years. The fraction of related individuals increased with group size. Hence, group composition partly offsets the costs of shared food resources via indirect fitness benefits.
Defining the solution space to accelerate climate change adaptation
Authors: Haasnoot Marjolijn , Biesbroek Robbert , Lawrence Judy , Muccione Veruska , Lempert Robert , Glavovic Bruce
Published: March 2020

Decision makers need better insights about solutions to accelerate adaptation efforts. Defining the concept of solution space and revealing the forces and strategies that influence this space will enable decision makers to define pathways for adaptation action.
Gorillas’ (Gorilla g. gorilla) knowledge of conspecifics’ affordances: intraspecific social tool use for food acquisition
Authors: Prieur Jacques , Pika Simone
Published: March 2020

The use of tools, long thought to be uniquely human, has now been observed in other animal taxa including several species of birds, non-primate mammals as well as some non-human primate species. Chimpanzees, one of humankind’s closest living relatives, exceed all other non-human animal species as they have been reported to use an exceptionally large toolkit. However, relatively little is known about the tool-use skills of the other great ape species. While the majority of tools described are inanimate objects, the use of social tools has received relatively little attention. Here we provide the first evidence of naturally occurring spontaneous exploitative behaviour of a conspecific as a social tool for food acquisition in non-human animals. We observed gorillas in captivity utilising a conspecific as a ladder to gain access to unreachable food. We discuss our findings in the light of other studies on social tool use and suggest the need for more nuanced interpretations of gorillas’ cognitive skills.
Testing and validating IRI-2016 model over Ethiopian ionosphere
Authors: Endeshaw Lake
Published: March 2020

This paper focuses on the validation of the latest version of the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI-2016) model in predicting the vertical total electron content (VTEC) variation over Ethiopian ionospheric region during a high solar activity (2012-2016) phase. The diurnal, monthly and seasonal VTEC variations were analyzed from dual-frequency global positioning system (GPS) and IRI-2016 model at the Debark station. The diurnal, monthly and seasonal maximum TEC values measured between around 9:00 and 18:00 UT (12:00 and 21:00 LT) hours and the minimum TEC values measured before 9:00 (12:00 LT) and after 18:00 UT (21:00 LT). The overall results show that IRI-2016 model generally overestimates the diurnal, monthly and seasonal mean VTEC values during the high solar activity (2012-2016) phase. The model prediction generally follows that the monthly and seasonal variations of the measured VTEC values in equinoctial months are higher than solstice months. The monthly mean and seasonal mean values of IRI-TEC and GPS-TEC mostly correlates before early morning and after evening hours and also slightly IRI-TEC underestimates starting from morning hours up to evening hours. The magnetic storm effects on GPS-TEC are associated with fluctuations. However, the IRI-TEC values show smooth pattern during both in storm on and off options. Consequently, the IRI-2016 model does not correctly respond to the effects of the resulting storm disturbance.
Elevational gradients of species richness, community structure, and niche occupation of tropical rove beetles (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Steninae) across mountain slopes in Northern Thailand
Authors: Betz Oliver , Srisuka Wichai , Puthz Volker
Published: March 2020

We evaluated patterns of species richness, heterogeneity, niche occupation, and community structuring/similarity of staphylinid beetles of the subfamily Steninae across a 2500-m elevational gradient of a tropical mountain area in Northern Thailand. Predaceous Steninae were collected from a variety of habitat types. Increasing Sørensen dissimilarity with increasing elevation was explained by both species turnover (especially across the lower elevational zones) and declining numbers of species (especially across elevations > 1400 m). Unlike the strong decline of the number of species with increasing elevation, species density (i.e., total number of species divided by the number of collection sites at the respective elevational zone) showed a much smoother decline suggesting that the negative gradient in the number of species was superimposed by a land-area effect inherent in mountain shape. In both the litter-inhabiting species and waterfall-associated species, the numbers of species showed a mid-elevational peak. Species frequency was positively correlated to both elevational (“Dianous” andStenus) and habitat niche width (Stenusonly).Stenusshowed high interspecific variety of wide to narrow niche widths for both elevation and habitat. Numbers of Palearctic and Oriental species deviated from statistical expectation, suggesting that climate niche conservatism has played a role in their elevational distribution. The distributional patterns of “Dianous” beetles, with their strong hygrobiont preferences associated with rocks in running water and waterfalls, are potentially explained by source–sink dynamics along mountain streams.
Essence, modality, and intrinsicality
Authors: Bovey Gaétan
Published: March 2020

Kit Fine (Philos Perspect 8:1–16, 1994) famously objected against the idea that essence can be successfully analyzed in terms ofde renecessity. In response, I want to explore a novel, interesting, but controversial modal account of essence in terms ofintrinsicalityandgrounding. In the first section, I will single out two theoretical requirements that any essentialist theory should meet—theessentialist desideratumand theessentialist challenge—in order to clarify Fine’s objections. In the second section, I will assess Denby’s improved modal account, which appeals to the notion of intrinsicality, and argue that it is untenable. In the third section, I will explain how, when combined with a modal-existential criterion, a hyperintensional account of intrinsicality—in the same vein as Bader (J Philos 110(10):525–563, 2013) and Rosen (in: Hale and Hoffman (eds) Modality: Metaphysics, logic, and epistemology, Oxford, OUP, 2010)—can help successfully address Fine’s counterexamples. In the fourth section, I will evaluate how this novel analysis of essence stands with respect to sortal, origin, and natural kinds essentialism and discuss potential objections and difficulties.
Spatio-temporal changes in the six major glaciers of the Chitral River basin (Hindukush Region of Pakistan) between 2001 and 2018
Authors: Gul Jawaria , Muhammad Sher , Liu Shi-yin , Ullah Siddique , Ahmad Shakeel , Hayat Huma , Tahir Adnan Ahmad
Published: March 2020

Glaciers in the northern Pakistan are a distinctive source of freshwater for the irrigation, drinking and industrial water supplies of the people living in those regions and downstream. These glaciers are under a direct global warming impact as indicated in many previous studies. In this study, we estimated the glacier dynamics in terms of Equilibrium Line Altitude (ELA), mass balance and the snout position variation using remote sensing data between 2001 and 2018. Six glaciers, having area ≥ 20 km2 each, situated in the Chitral region (Hindukush Mountains) were investigated in this study. Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and available cloud-free continuous series of Landsat and Sentinel the entire study area was a retreat of -231 ± 140 m. No obvious relationship was found between the glacier variation trends and the available gauged climatic data possibly due to the presence of debris cover in ablation zones of all the studied glaciers which provides insulation and reduces the immediate climatic effects.
Bone mineral density in young adults: the influence of vitamin D status, biochemical indicators, physical activity and body composition
Authors: Kopiczko Anna , Łopuszańska-Dawid Monika , Gryko Karol
Published: March 2020

Summary

The aim of the study was to assess the associations of bone mineral density and bone mass with physical activity levels, vitamin D, phosphorus, magnesium, total cholesterol and triglyceride concentration and body composition in young women and men. Physical activity has the most significant effect on bone status especially in men.

Purpose

The aim of the study was to assess the associations of bone mineral density and bone mass with physical activity levels, vitamin D, phosphorus, magnesium, total cholesterol and triglyceride concentration and body composition in young women and men.

Methods

One hundred subjects aged 19–24 years were included. Bone mineral density (BMD) in distal and proximal parts was evaluated by forearm densitometry. Body composition was analysed with the use of JAWON-Medical-x-scan. The following biochemical indicators were analysed: 25(OH) D and 1,25(OH)2D, magnesium, phosphorus, total cholesterol and triglycerides. Physical activity levels were assessed by interview.

Results

Significant correlations between BMD and physical activity, skeletal muscle mass and body fat percentage were revealed in men. Among women, considerably weaker correlations of BMD with body composition and physical activity were noted than in men. BMD in the distal part correlated only with lean body mass, soft lean mass and body fat percentage. The strongest relationship between physical activity and bone mineral status parameters was noted for BMD in men. In women, physical activity did not affect BMD.

Conclusions

Physical activity has the most significant effect on bone status especially in men.
Minimal Passive Realizations of Generalized Schur Functions in Pontryagin Spaces
Authors: Lilleberg Lassi
Published: March 2020

Passive discrete-time systems in Pontryagin space setting are investigated. In this case the transfer functions of passive systems, or characteristic functions of contractive operator colligations, are generalized Schur functions. The existence of optimal and $$^*$$∗-optimal minimal realizations for generalized Schur functions are proved. By using those realizations, a new definition, which covers the case of generalized Schur functions, is given for defects functions. A criterion due to D.Z. Arov and M.A. Nudelman, when all minimal passive realizations of the same Schur function are unitarily similar, is generalized to the class of generalized Schur functions. The approach used here is new; it relies completely on the theory of passive systems.
Assessing plant-to-plant communication and induced resistance in sagebrush using the sagebrush specialist Trirhabda pilosa
Authors: Grof-Tisza Patrick , Karban Richard , Pan Vincent S. , Blande James D.
Published: March 2020

Plants respond to damage by herbivores or to reliable cues of damage by changing in ways that provide greater resistance and increase their fitness. Sagebrush has been a model system for understanding induced resistance, although resistance in this system is commonly assessed by quantifying damage at the end of the season; this measure is slow and lacks accuracy and interpretability because so many other factors also affect levels of damage. Herbivore choice offers a potentially rapid and accurate alternative assay of induced resistance. Here we evaluate whether feeding behavior of a specialized Chrysomelid beetle, Trirhabda pilosa, could be used to assay induced changes in plant quality. Beetle larvae were offered the choice between two leaves in Petri dish arenas. We found that beetles avoided leaves that were naturally damaged by herbivores, experimentally clipped with scissors, and exposed to the volatiles from naturally or experimentally damaged neighboring leaves compared to control leaves. Experiments varied the source of the damage, the duration of the feeding test, and how damage was measured, still, beetles consistently preferred uninduced controls by a 2:1 ratio over leaves exposed to cues of damage. These results suggest that behavioral assays using T. pilosa larvae can be used to rapidly evaluate induced resistance in this system. More generally, movement and feeding behaviors of herbivores are an important and underappreciated component of induced plant responses.
Baroreflex Amplification and Carotid Body Modulation for the Treatment of Resistant Hypertension
Authors: Groenland Eline H. , Spiering Wilko
Published: March 2020

Purpose of Review

Patients with true resistant hypertension (RH) are characterized by having high sympathetic activity and therefore potentially benefit from treatments such as baroreflex amplification (baroreflex activation therapy (BAT) or endovascular baroreflex amplification therapy (EVBA)) or carotid body (CB) modulation. This review aims at providing an up-to-date overview of the available evidence regarding these two therapies.

Recent Findings

In recent years, increasing evidence has confirmed the potential of baroreflex amplification, either electrically (Barostim neo) or mechanically (MobiusHD), to improve blood pressure control on short- and long-term with only few side effects, in patients with RH. Two studies regarding unilateral CB resection did not show a significant change in blood pressure. Only limited studies regarding CB modulation showed promising results for transvenous CB ablation, but not for unilateral CB resection.

Despite promising results from mostly uncontrolled studies, more evidence regarding the safety and efficacy from ongoing large randomized sham-controlled trials is needed before baroreflex amplification and CB modulation can be implemented in routine clinical practice.
Hard to solve instances of the Euclidean Traveling Salesman Problem
Authors: Hougardy Stefan , Zhong Xianghui
Published: March 2020

The well known 4/3 conjecture states that the integrality ratio of the subtour LP is at most 4/3 for metric Traveling Salesman instances. We present a family of Euclidean Traveling Salesman instances for which we prove that the integrality ratio of the subtour LP converges to 4/3. These instances (using the rounded Euclidean norm) turn out to be hard to solve exactly with , the fastest existing exact TSP solver. For a 200 vertex instance from our family of Euclidean Traveling Salesman instances needs several days of CPU time. This is more than 1,000,000 times more runtime than for a TSPLIB instance of similar size. Thus our new family of Euclidean Traveling Salesman instances may serve as new benchmark instances for TSP algorithms.
Response surface methodology-based optimization of biosurfactant production from isolated Bacillus aryabhattai strain ZDY2
Authors: Yaraguppi Deepak A. , Bagewadi Zabin K. , Muddapur Uday M. , Mulla Sikandar I.
Published: March 2020

A potential biosurfactant producing isolate was identified as Bacillus aryabhattai strain ZDY2. Biosurfactant production was enhanced by 2.51-fold through the development of an optimized process using response surface methodology. The optimized culture medium contained crude oil 4.0%, yeast extract 0.7% and NaNO3 3.0% that yielded 8.86 g/l of biosurfactant. Biosurfactant was characterized for stability up to 100 °C, at pH 5–10 and in the presence of NaCl concentration up to 8%. Biosurfactant demonstrated antimicrobial activity against Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli, Micrococcus luteus, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida tropicalis. The morphological characterization was carried out by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis reveals the lipopeptide nature of the biosurfactant produced by B. aryabhattai strain ZDY2. The biosurfactant finds application in healthcare and pharmaceutical industries.
Die Induktion von Schülerkrisen durch Lehrpersonen. Professionalisiertes Lehrer/innenhandeln zwischen strukturtheoretischer Anforderungslogik und praxeologisch-wissenssoziologisch fundierter Rekonstruktion
Authors: Hinzke Jan-Hendrik
Published: March 2020

Im Artikel wird das Thema der Induktion von Schülerkrisen durch Lehrpersonen aus zwei Perspektiven betrachtet. Erstens wird herausgearbeitet, was unter strukturtheoretischer Perspektive unter Krisen und Kriseninduktion verstanden wird. Dabei zeigt sich, dass Kriseninduktion im strukturtheoretischen Professionsansatz als Element professionalisierten Lehrerhandelns in den Blick gerät, das mit bestimmten Erwartungen verbunden und als Teil einer Anforderungslogik an Lehrpersonen herangetragen wird. Zweitens werden Ergebnisse einer explorativ angelegten, rekonstruktiven Interviewstudie präsentiert, der eine praxeologisch-wissenssoziologische Perspektive zugrunde liegt. In der Interpretation der Lehrer/inneninterviews mit der Dokumentarischen Methode wird deutlich, dass die Induktion von Schülerkrisen voraussetzungsreich ist. Die Arbeit an der Kriseninduktion ist in jenen typischen Orientierungen verankert, die für Lehrpersonen in ihrem Berufsalltag leitend sind. Sie basiert auf einer spezifischen Relation von Normen und Common Sense-Theorien, von Orientierungsrahmen im engeren Sinne sowie von Orientierungsrahmen im weiteren Sinne. Aufbauend auf diesen beiden Perspektiven wird diskutiert, inwiefern die Interpretationsergebnisse als Ausdruck professionalisierten Lehrer/innenhandelns gedeutet werden können und welcher weitere Forschungsbedarf sich abzeichnet. Insgesamt betrachtet verfolgt der Artikel das Anliegen, dadurch einen Beitrag zum Diskurs um Professionalität in Bezug auf den Lehrer/innenberuf zu leisten, dass strukturtheoretische Anforderungslogik an und praxeologisch-wissenssoziologisch fundierte Rekonstruktion von Lehrer/innenhandeln in Bezug zueinander gesetzt werden.
Local Vaporization at the Cut Front at High Laser Cutting Speeds
Authors: Bocksrocker Oliver , Berger Peter , Kessler Steffen , Hesse Tim , Rominger Volker , Graf Thomas
Published: March 2020

High-speed videos of the cut front and spectrometric measurements were applied to detect local vaporization on the cut front at high cutting speeds to show that with increasing feed rate, temporally short and intense flashes are generated by vaporization phenomena on the upper part of the cut front. The latter are accompanied by the emergence of an interrupted striation pattern on the surface of the cutting edge. The findings support the assumption that local vaporization at the cut front might be the cause for reduced quality of the cutting process at elevated cutting speeds. The observation of vaporization serves as a diagnostic method to anticipate a fail cut and the interrupted striation pattern.
Manuelles Umsetzen mobilitätseingeschränkter Personen in Verkehrsflugzeugen
Authors: Backhaus Claus , Homann Helge , Jäger Matthias
Published: March 2020

Dem demografischen Wandel zufolge nimmt der Anteil mobilitätseingeschränkter Personen (MEP) in Verkehrsflugzeugen zu. Beim Unterstützen von MEP können hohe physische Belastungen, insbesondere im Bereich des unteren Rückens, auftreten. In der vorgestellten Studie wurde ein Hilfsmittel zum manuellen Umsetzen von MEP von einem Sitz auf einen anderen oder auf einen Bordrollstuhl an Bord von Verkehrsflugzeugen entwickelt und evaluiert. Die Entwicklung erfolgte iterativ in einer interdisziplinären Arbeitsgruppe. Die Evaluation des Hilfsmittels basiert auf einem Usability-Test im „Flight Training Center“ (FTC) eines großen deutschen Luftfahrtunternehmens durch Flugbegleitpersonal sowie auf einer biomechanischen Belastungsschätzung im Labor. Dazu wurden – als Maß der durch Flugbegleitpersonal ausgeübten Aktionskräfte – die Bodenreaktionskräfte beim Umsetzen einer MEP gemessen, die Bandscheibendruckkräfte als Kenngröße der lumbalen Belastung mit Hilfe des biomechanischen Simulationswerkzeugs „Der Dortmunder“ berechnet und diese mit den als Maximalbelastung des unteren Rückens empfohlenen „Revidierten Dortmunder Richtwerten“ verglichen. Das entwickelte Hilfsmittel besteht aus zwei identischen Gleittuchschlingen aus einem silikonlaminiertem Polyesterstoff. Die durchschnittliche Anwendungsdauer beim Bewegen einer MEP vom Fenstersitz auf den Bordrollstuhl im Gang betrug 02:14 min. Bei 5 von 14 Handlungsschritten wurde ein erhöhter Einweisungsbedarf identifiziert. Die Anwenderakzeptanz wurde mit 81 % als gut bis sehr gut eingeschätzt. Durch den Einsatz des neuen Hilfsmittels verringerten sich die Aktionskräfte um etwa 30 % und die Bandscheibendruckkräfte beim Umsetzen einer MEP um etwa 50 %. Zusammenfassend ermöglichen die neu entwickelten Gleittücher ein schnelles, einfaches und sicheres Umsetzen mobilitätseingeschränkter Passagiere in Verkehrsflugzeugen. Die dabei auf das Flugbegleitpersonal einwirkenden Belastungen, insbesondere des unteren Rückens, sind deutlich verringert.
Governing renewable energy transition in conflict contexts: investigating the institutional context in Palestine
Authors: Khaldi Yasser M. , Sunikka-Blank Minna
Published: March 2020

In response to pressures imposed on the energy sector, several countries in the Middle East-North Africa (MENA) region have committed to increasing the percentage of renewable energy to reach 15–50% of the energy supply by 2030. New governance models are required to conceptualise and guide the energy transition into a more sustainable direction. Therefore, this paper employed the transition management governance framework to answer the questions of who is governing the renewable energy transition in Palestine, and in what ways it is achieved. The analysis is based on three levels: strategic (problem structuring and envisioning), tactical (coalition building, developing transition agenda), and operational (mobilising actors and implementing experiments). Accordingly, key energy-related institutions are examined in terms of their visions, capacities and scope of influence using semi-structured interviews, roundtable discussions, and a survey. The conducted policy analysis suggests that the Palestinian energy sector started experiencing profound changes that affected all actors who had to adapt or transform to remain active, in addition to the rise of various multi-level actors. The analysis also shows that actors are more connected compared to the conventional energy system. Findings suggest that the spread of renewable technologies was not the outcome of only top–down schemes; instead, it is achieved throughout the collaboration of multi-level institutions and increasing reliance on horizontal-based governance networks. The paper uses examples to imply that it is possible to overcome the agglomeration of restrictions imposed on the Palestinian energy sector due to conflict if established regimes support governance networks and local-level initiatives.
Yield and Economic Effectiveness of Soybean Grown Under Different Cropping Systems
Authors: Gawęda Dorota , Nowak Anna , Haliniarz Małgorzata , Woźniak Andrzej
Published: March 2020

An increase in the area under soybean and other legume crops in Europe is one of the assumptions of the European Soya Declaration. A study was undertaken to evaluate the influence of cropping system and tillage system on yield, some quality characteristics of soybean seeds and economic evaluation. Therefore, this paper is of interdisciplinary nature. On average over a four-year study period, the soybean seed yield was significantly higher in monoculture compared to the yield obtained in crop rotation. A decreasing trend in yield of monocultured soybean was only observed in the 4th year of the experiment. Seeds grown in monoculture were characterized by a significantly higher percentage protein content and a lower fat content compared to obtained in crop rotation. Plough tillage affected more beneficially soybean yield. Under no-tillage conditions, soybean seeds were shown to have a higher percentage protein content and a lower fat content. The average income per ha of soybean grown under plough tillage system was higher by EUR 64.6 than that under no-tillage. In comparing production profitability depending on the cropping system, it can be noted that it was more beneficial to grow soybean in monoculture. In monoculture, both plough tillage and no-tillage generated a higher income per ha than in the case of soybean grown in crop rotation.
Antidepressant-like effects of kynurenic acid in a modified forced swim test
Authors: Tanaka Masaru , Bohár Zsuzsanna , Martos Diána , Telegdy Gyula , Vécsei László
Published: March 2020

Background

Kynurenic acid (KYNA) is an l-tryptophan metabolite with neuromodulatory activities, regulating the release of neurotransmitters such as glutamate, dopamine (DA), and acetylcholine (Ach). Dysregulation of the kynurenine pathway has been associated with neurodegenerative, neurological, and psychological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, major depressive disorder, and schizophrenia.

Methods

The antidepressant-like effects of KYNA were studied with a modified mouse forced swimming test (FST), and the potential involvement of the serotonin (SER), norepinephrine, DA, Ach, N-methyl-d-aspartate, or gamma-aminobutyric acid subunit A (GABAA) receptors in its antidepressant-like effect was assayed by modified combination mouse FST. In combination studies, the mice were pretreated with the respective receptor antagonist, cyproheptadine (CPH), phenoxybenzamine, yohimbine, propranolol, haloperidol (HPD), atropine, MK-801, or bicuculline (BCL).

Results

The FST revealed that KYNA reversed immobility, climbing, and swimming times, suggesting the antidepressant-like effects of KYNA. Furthermore, the combination studies showed that CPH prevented the antidepressant-like effects of KYNA on immobility, climbing, and swimming times, whereas HPD reduced climbing time and BCL influenced immobility and climbing times and prevented the effects of KYNA on swimming time.

Conclusions

The results demonstrated, for the first time, the presence of antidepressant-like effects of KYNA in a modified mouse FST. Furthermore, modified combination FST showed that the antidepressant-like actions of KYNA strongly interacted with 5-hydroxytryptamine type 2 SER-ergic receptors, weakly interacted with D2, D3, D4 DA-ergic receptors, and interacted moderately with GABAA receptors.
An Exploration of Social Media-Enabled Voter Relationships through uses and Gratifications Theory, Psychological Contract and Service-Dominant Orientation
Authors: Abid Aman , Harrigan Paul
Published: March 2020

The relationship that develops between voters and political entities on social media is under-researched. This study offers insight into this contemporary phenomenon by exploring the factors that initiate and drive social media-enabled voter relationships. Data were collected by conducting three focus groups with young voters. Uses and gratifications theory was used to explore the motivations that stimulate young voters to follow political entities on social media. Secondly, the drivers of the resulting relationship were explained using the concept of the psychological contract. Lastly, the various online interactions that underpin this relationship were investigated using the concept of service-dominant orientation. The findings reveal that social, informational and entertainment gratifications are the primary initiators of this relationship. Further, developmental, individuated, relational and ethical interactions fortify online voter relationships. However, a lack of trust, unmet expectations and an absence of individuated interactions are major challenges. The study recommends humanising politicians through social and emotional content, along with an educational approach towards social media marketing.
Normal Testosterone but Higher Luteinizing Hormone Plasma Levels in Men With Hypersexual Disorder
Authors: Chatzittofis Andreas , Boström Adrian E. , Öberg Katarina Görts , Flanagan John N. , Schiöth Helgi B. , Arver Stefan , Jokinen Jussi
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Hypersexual disorder as suggested to be included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 integrates aspects of sexual desire deregulation, impulsivity, and compulsivity. However, it is unknown how it affects gonadal activity and the function of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis.

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels in hypersexual men compared with healthy controls. Furthermore, we investigated associations between epigenetic markers and hormone levels.

Methods

Basal morning plasma levels of testosterone, LH, and sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG) were assessed in 67 hypersexual men (mean age: 39.2 years) compared with 39 age-matched healthy controls (mean age: 37.5 years). The Sexual Compulsivity Scale and the Hypersexual Disorder: Current Assessment Scale were used for assessing hypersexual behavior, the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Scale-self rating was used for depression severity, and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) was used for assessing history of childhood adversity. The genome-wide methylation pattern of more than 850 K CpG sites was measured in whole blood using the Illumina Infinium Methylation EPIC BeadChip. CpG sites located within 2,000 bp of the transcriptional start site of hypothalamus pituitary adrenal (HPA) and HPG axis–coupled genes were included.

Main Outcome Measures

Testosterone and LH plasma levels in association with clinical rating and a secondary outcome was the epigenetic profile of HPA and HPG axis–coupled CpG sites with testosterone and LH levels.

Results

LH plasma levels were significantly higher in patients with hypersexual disorder than in healthy volunteers. No significant differences in plasma testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone, prolactin, and SHBG levels were found between the groups. There were no significant associations between DNA methylation of HPA and HPG axis–coupled genes and plasma testosterone or LH levels after multiple testing corrections.

Conclusions

Subtle dysregulation of the HPG axis, with increased LH plasma levels but no difference in testosterone levels may be present in hypersexual men.

Chatzittofis A, Boström AE, Öberg KG, et al. Normal Testosterone but Higher Luteinizing Hormone Plasma Levels in Men With Hypersexual Disorder. Sex Med 2020;8:243–250.
Proceeding of the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) congress on sickle cell disease, 16–17 may 2019, Regensburg, Germany What is the impact of antithymocyte globulin pharmacokinetics on haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation?
Authors: Oostenbrink Lisa V.E. , Jol-van der Zijde Cornelia M. , Jansen-Hoogendijk Anja M. , Pool Emma S. , Halteren Astrid G.S. van , Moes Dirk Jan A.R. , Bredius Robbert G.M. , Mohseny Alex B. , Smiers Frans J.W. , van Tol Maarten J.D. , Schilham Marco W. , Lankester Arjan C.
Published: March 2020

Antithymocyte globulin (ATG) is a widely accepted part of the conditioning regimen applied in the setting of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) to prevent graft rejection and graft-versus-host disease. Although weight-based dosing of ATG has been introduced to optimize ATG dosing, substantial variance in clearance of active ATG, the actual lymphocyte binding component, remains a challenge. Therefore, further research regarding ATG pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in different HSCT settings and in patients with different types of underlying diseases is required.
Alternative donor
Authors: Foell Juergen , Kleinschmidt Katharina , Jakob Marcus , Troeger Anja , Corbacioglu Selim
Published: March 2020

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited disorder; despite significant improvements in supportive care, SCD continues to cause substantial morbidity, mortality, and reduced life expectancy. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is currently the only widely available curative therapy for SCD, which is offered as a standard of care for patients with a matched sibling donor (MSD). Donor availability is limited to a minority of patients. Thus, ab/CD3-depleted haploidentical HSCT, as an efficient means for depletion of graft-versushost disease (GvHD)-mediating T cells, can be offered as an alternative curative therapy, particularly for nonmalignant diseases such as SCD.

Out of 38 patients with advanced stage SCD, 25 were transplanted with CD3/CD19-or T-cell receptor αβ/CD19 T-cell-depleted peripheral stem cell grafts (T-haplo-HSCT group), whereas 13 transplanted from MSD (MSD group); both groups received an almost identical conditioning regimen. Engraftment was achieved in all. However, in the T-haplo-HSCT group, three patients succumbed to an uncontrolled cytomegalovirus pneumonitis, a macrophage activation syndrome, and a major blood group incompatibility with a late graft failure and multiorgan failure. The overall survival was 88% and 100% in T-haplo-HSCT and MSD groups, respectively. None of our patients developed a Glucksberg Grade III-IV acute GvHD. Four patients (16%) in the T-haplo-HSCT group and two patients (15%) in the MSD group developed a steroid-sensitive, mild-to-moderate chronic GvHD that resolved within 18 months posttransplant.

These results are encouraging and demonstrate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of T-haplo-HSCT in advanced stage SCD in children and adults, thus offering a curative alternative to majority of patients.
Standard management of sickle cell disease complications ☆
Authors: Abboud Miguel R.
Published: March 2020

Sickle cell disease remains a major public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa, Europe, and the United States. The survival rate of children and adolescents has increased immensely in developed countries, whereas the survival rate for adults lagged behind. The increase in the pediatric survival rate is attributable to the institution of hydroxyurea treatment as well as stroke prevention strategies. In this review, we discuss the management of the sickle disease major complications such as pain, stroke, and acute chest syndrome with the most current hydroxyurea use and transfusion therapy.
Detection of del(16q) using the CBFB-MYH11 translocation dual fusion probe
Authors: Temerik Doaa F. , El-Mahdy Walaa T. , Ahmed Ahmed Makboul
Published: March 2020

Del(16q) is an uncommon cytogenetic abnormality that can occur in different types of myeloid neoplasms. A small number of cases with del(16q) have been reported. Here, we report del (16q) in an adult patient with acute myelomonocytic leukemia (AMML). Examination of bone marrow aspirate smears and cytochemical stains, and flow cytometric immunophenotyping diagnosed the case as AMML. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for inv(16) was performed using the CBFB-MYH11 translocation dual fusion probe. Accidently, FISH analysis revealed a loss of 16q22 in most of the examined interphase cells, indicating the presence of del(16q). The CBFB-MYH11 translocation dual fusion probe can be very helpful in detecting del(16q).
Wilderness Medicine Simulation-Based Teaching Program for Medical Students in the UK
Authors: To Benjaman , Tailor Bhavesh V. , Beverley Jodie , Moore George , Peng Yuhan
Published: March 2020

Introduction

The UK undergraduate medicine curriculum provides insufficient opportunities for medical students to explore the field of wilderness medicine, despite interest in the area. The student-led Cambridge University Wilderness Medicine Society devised a low-cost wilderness medicine teaching weekend that can be replicated at other institutions.

Methods

The weekend course consisted of small-group lessons introducing the roles of the expedition doctor and expedition leader and the assessment and management of acute conditions in remote environments. This was followed by a 3-station circuit to teach the principles of casualty triage, splinting, and construction of rope stretchers. These skills were then practiced in simulations in which participants rotated roles as care providers and patients. Participant confidence was compared before the course and immediately on course completion using the related-samples Wilcoxon signed-ranks test with significance accepted at P<0.05. Usefulness of course content and perceptions of learning were also assessed.

Results

Sixty-one medical students attended the wilderness teaching weekend and completed the structured feedback questionnaires. Participants rated the course highly in terms of usefulness of course content (mean±SD=18.3±1.9, range=12–20) and perceptions of learning (mean±SD=37.6±2.6, range=31–40), with 92% of participants “strongly agreeing” that the course was of high quality. There was an improvement in perceived confidence after course completion ( P<0.001).

Conclusions

We have demonstrated that a teaching program consisting of structured, low-cost “teaching weekends” is a potential solution to the lack of centralized national wilderness medicine teaching and can be integrated, with minimal disruption, into the undergraduate curriculum.
Mammadov v. Azerbaijan (Eur. Ct. H.R.)
Authors: Dzehtsiarou Kanstantsin
Published: March 2020

The judgment of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR, or the Court) in Mammadov v. Azerbaijan was the first “infringement procedure” judgment pursuant to Article 46(4) of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR, or the Convention). This procedure was introduced to the Convention by Protocol 14, which entered into force in 2010. The idea behind it was that the Committee of Ministers—the body of the Council of Europe that supervises the execution of judgments of the ECtHR—could return the case to the Court to confirm that the responded state had failed to enforce it. Although there are quite a few instances of non-execution, this procedure has not been in use because it is difficult to initiate and its results are uncertain. The Mammadov judgment was a test of the effectiveness of infringement procedures, but it failed to provide a definitive answer as to whether such procedures were effective in terms of state implementation of ECtHR judgments. The applicant in this case was a political prisoner and the Committee of Ministers fruitlessly tried for a number of years to force Azerbaijan to release him. Soon after the Article 46(4) request reached the Court, the Azerbaijani authorities conditionally released the applicant. That said, all other negative consequences of his criminal conviction, such as an inability to run for election, have yet to be removed, so the judgment has not been implemented in full.
Sinonasal cancer: an overview of the emerging subtypes
Authors: Virk J S , Chan J , Dimitrov L , Williamson A , Sandison A , Weir J , Clarke P
Published: March 2020

Background

Advances in immunohistochemistry have spearheaded major developments in our understanding and classification of sinonasal tumours. In the last decade, several new distinct histopathological entities of sinonasal cancer have been characterised.

Objectives

This review aims to provide a clinical update of the major emerging subtypes for the ENT surgeon and an overview of the management strategies available for this heterogeneous group of pathologies.

Conclusion

Although rare, knowledge of sinonasal neoplasm subtypes has implications for prognosis, treatment strategies and the development of novel therapeutic targets.
Once more to the hotel
Authors: HEDRICK LANDON
Published: March 2020

William Lane Craig's defence of the so-called ‘Hilbert's Hotel Argument’ for the beginning of the universe seems to be in conflict with his own presentist views, as I argued in my earlier article ‘Heartbreak at Hilbert's Hotel’ (2014). In response, Andrew Loke (2014) has defended a modified version of the argument which avoids this problem, and this defence has been endorsed by Craig (2018). After clarifying the dialectic, I argue in this article that Loke's modification is not as straightforwardly successful as he and Craig seem to think, and that it in fact requires a controversial independent assumption – namely, that creation ex nihilo is possible. I show that some of the more obvious ways of supporting this assumption are either unsuccessful or unavailable to the proponent of the Hilbert's Hotel Argument. Moreover, I show that accepting this assumption conflicts with a key premise in the Hilbert's Hotel Argument. Hence, Loke's modified argument has not successfully established that the universe – including time itself – began to exist.
Defending the Standard Contract: Unmeasured Work, Class, and Design Professionalism in United Scenic Artists Local 829
Authors: Bisaha David
Published: March 2020

How much is a theatrical design idea worth? Alternatively, how much should a professional theatre designer be paid? For many working today, standard minimum contract scales and “industry standards” help guide fee negotiations. In the United States, United Scenic Artists (USA) Local 829 was among the first bodies to align theatrical design with organized labor activism, and as such, its standard minimum contract for design is an object lesson in the value of artistic labor. These scales were developed nearly a century ago, and were the product of hard negotiation and legal action taken by US-American designers in the interwar period. Lee Simonson and Jo Mielziner are best remembered for their revolutionary use of space, scenery, and lighting, yet their professional advocacy within USA Local 829 provided the basis for today's standard design fees. Further, their defense of fair payment during the Depression and war years preserved scenic design as a form of labor analogous to other backstage crafts and trades.
Prevalence and characteristics of pks gene cluster harbouring Klebsiella pneumoniae from bloodstream infection in China
Authors: Shi Qiucheng , Quan Jingjing , Lan Peng , Huang Danyan , Zhou Jiancang , Jiang Yan , Yu Yunsong
Published: March 2020

Bloodstream infection (BSI), caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae, is associated with high morbidity and mortality, where the pks gene cluster plays a major role in their occurrence and prevalence. Information on the prevalence and characteristics of this gene cluster in K. pneumoniae is currently limited in mainland China. We therefore undertook a multicentre longitudinal study which revealed the prevalence, overall, community-onset and hospital-acquired BSI to be 20.5%, 28.3% and 13.0%, respectively. Compared to pks-negative, pks-positive isolates were significantly more susceptible to antimicrobial agents with a low incidence (5.1%) of multidrug-resistance and with infrequent extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) production. Among pks-positive isolates, ST23 (78/117) and ST65 (20/117) were the dominant sequence types, and the majority harboured virulence genes. Community-onset BSI patients infected with pks-positive isolates had a higher proportion of liver abscesses and a lower proportion of biliary obstructions (P < 0.05). The pks-positive isolates were mostly sporadic in the phylogenetic tree, with a 65.8 and 47.0 average allele difference between Clade 1 and Clade 2, respectively. We concluded that although pks-positive K. pneumoniae were generally susceptible to antimicrobials, the high prevalence of such isolates in community cases and the genotoxicity, merits further investigation.