bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
5G service delivery platform: 360 VR vertical as an example
Authors: Hänsge Kay , Trossen Dirk , Robitzsch Sebastian , Boniface Michael J. , Phillips Stephen C.
Published: May 2020

Operators have been adopting the cloud‐native paradigm for the roll‐out of 5G architecture. With it goes the introduction of the service‐based architecture as a key design pattern for realizing future control‐ and ultimately user‐planes of mobile networks. The main benefits of this new design pattern are increased flexibility, meaning new business cases may be addressed while maintaining competitive cost levels, and also the ability to realize use cases which historically have required the full breadth of infrastructure level knowledge. We present a realization of a service delivery platform entirely built upon service‐based architecture principles.
IL-18R signaling is required for γδ T cell response and confers resistance to Trypanosoma cruzi infection
Authors: da Mota Julia Barbalho , Echevarria-Lima Juliana , Kyle-Cezar Fernanda , Melo Matheus , Bellio Maria , Scharfstein Julio , Oliveira Ana Carolina
Published: May 2020

IFN-γ-producing γδ T cells have been suggested to play an important role in protection against infection with Trypanosoma cruzi. However, little is known about the mechanisms leading to functional differentiation of this T cell subset in this model. In the current work, we investigated the possibility that the IL-18/MyD88 pathway is central for the generation of effector γδ T cells, playing a role for resistance against infection. We found that splenic γδ+CD3+ cells were rapidly expanded (10–14 days post infection), which was accompanied by an early γδ T cell infiltration into the heart. In the following days, intracardiac parasitism was reduced, the protective immunity being accompanied by decreased γδ T cells tissue infiltration. As predicted, there was a drastic reduction of γδ T cells in Myd88- and Il18r1-deficient mice, both transgenic strains displaying a susceptible phenotype with increased intracardiac parasitism. In vivo and in vitro assays confirmed that IL-18R deficiency hampered γδ T cell proliferation. Further characterization revealed that T. cruzi infection up-regulates IL-18R expression in WT γδ+ T cell population whereas Il18r1−/− mice showed impaired generation of cytotoxic GzB+ and IFN-γ-producing γδ T cells. Consistently, in vitro cytotoxicity assay confirmed that cytolytic function was impaired in Il18r1-deficient γδ T cells. As a proof of concept, adoptive transfer of WT γδ T cells rescues Il18r1-deficient mice from susceptibility, reducing parasitemia and abrogating the mortality. Collectively, our findings implicate the IL-18R-MyD88 signaling in the mechanisms underlying generation of immunoprotective γδ T cells response in experimental Trypanosoma cruzi infection.
Multi‐model ensemble of CMIP6 projections for future extreme climate stress on wheat in the North China plain
Authors: Bai Huizi , Xiao Dengpan , Wang Bin , Liu De Li , Feng Puyu , Tang Jianzhao
Published: May 2020

Future extreme climate events will become more intense and frequent with global warming, which is a great threat to wheat productivity in the North China Plain (NCP). Projecting future changes in extreme climate events is an important prerequisite for exploring crop adaptation measures to climate variation. In this study, we calculated 11 extreme climate indices at different wheat growth stages that are sensitive to wheat yield across NCP. The future climate projections were sourced from thirteen Global Climate Models (GCMs) from the Coupled Model Inter‐comparison Project phase 6 (CMIP6) under two emission scenarios of future societal development pathway (SSP) 245 and SSP585. Daily climate data of thirteen GCMs were generated by using a statistically downscaled method. Two multi‐model ensemble methods, that is, arithmetic mean and independence weighted mean (IWM), were used to assess the performance of thirteen GCMs in reproducing historical changes of extreme climate indices. The IWM ensemble results could better reproduce historical changes of extreme climate indices than multi‐model arithmetic mean and any individual GCM. We found that the frequency and intensity of heat extremes were projected to increase over the 21st century for both scenarios, but those of cold extremes will decrease. Heat stress intensity (HSI) increases around 1.0°C for SSP245 scenario and 1.6°C for SSP585 scenario by the end of the 21st century. There was no significant change in extreme precipitation indices across the NCP, but the changes of extreme precipitation had strong spatial heterogeneity. Overall, wheat production in the NCP might have a higher frequency of exposure to extreme climate, especially under heat stress. Therefore, adopting effective adaptation measures to mitigate heat stress for wheat is the first priority in the NCP.
Microstructure and corrosion behavior of FeCrNiMnMox high‐entropy alloys fabricated by the laser surface remelting
Authors: Hu Jinkang , Liu Ying , Li Wei
Published: May 2020

In this study, an Nd:YAG laser was used to carry out laser surface remelting treatment on FeCrNiMnMox (x = 0, 0.5, 1) alloys. A study was conducted on the potential impact of Mo on the microstructure and corrosion resistance of the laser‐remelted layer. According to the research results, FeCrNiMnMox alloys were more effective in refining the dendrites, compared with the matrix, whereas the FeCrNiMn alloys' remelted layer exhibited an almost single face‐centered cubic (FCC) structure. In comparison, FeCrNiMnMo0.5 and FeCrNiMnMo1 alloys' remelted layer displayed the FCC and σ phase. In addition, the dendrite crystals' microstructure can be clearly refined by Mo alloying. Mo is effective in improving the corrosion resistance of the FeCrNiMnMox alloys' remelted layer in 3.5% NaCl solution. The pitting resistance of Mo‐containing‐remelted layers is significantly higher, compared with Mo‐free alloy's remelted layer, and the FeCrNiMnMo0.5‐remelted layer shows the most satisfactory corrosion resistance. As revealed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses, the addition of molybdenum promotes the generation of Cr2O3 and enhances the corrosion resistance of the remelted layer.
Community Orientation Scale among Community Health Nurses in Fiji: Scale development and psychometric evaluation
Authors: Tanabe Sachiko , Yanagisawa Satoko , Waqa Ledua Silina , Tukana Mereani
Published: May 2020

Aim

To develop and evaluate the reliability and validity of the COSCHN, a scale that aims to measure community orientation among community health nurses in Fiji.

Design

Descriptive cross‐sectional design.

Methods

A self‐administered questionnaire that included the 51 items in the preliminary COSCHN was distributed to community health nurses in Fiji from April–July 2016.

Results

Exploratory factor analysis of 226 responses (77.4% response rate) to the COSCHN revealed 30 items loading on four factors: Community Initiative Promotion, Consensus Building for Community Needs and Activity Goal, Commitment towards Work and Community Members and Mutually Trusting Relationships with Community Members towards Empowerment. Confirmatory factor analysis with high‐order factor modelling revealed a reasonable fit to the data. Cronbach's α values for the COSCHN and the four factors ranged from 0.78–0.94. Weak correlations were noted for concurrent validity, while known‐groups validity and time stability were generally satisfactory.
Spontaneous onset of TNFα‐triggered colonic inflammation depends on functional T lymphocytes, S100A8/A9 alarmins, and MHC H‐2 haplotype
Authors: Leite Dantas Rafael , Bettenworth Dominik , Varga Georg , Weinhage Toni , Wami Haleluya Tesfaye , Dobrindt Ulrich , Roth Johannes , Vogl Thomas , Ludwig Stephan , Wixler Viktor
Published: May 2020

Recently, we established a doxycycline‐inducible human tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα)‐transgenic mouse line, ihTNFtg. Non‐induced young and elderly mice showed low but constitutive expression of hTNFα due to promoter leakiness. The persistently present hTNFα stimulated endogenous pro‐inflammatory mouse mS100A8/A9 alarmins. Secreted mS100A8/A9 in turn induced the expression and release of mouse mTNFα. The continuous upregulation of pro‐inflammatory mTNFα and mS100A8/A9 proteins, due to their mutual expression dependency, gradually led to increased levels in colon tissue and blood. This finally exceeded the threshold levels tolerated by the healthy organism, leading to the onset of intestinal inflammation. Here, recombinant hTNFα functioned as an initial trigger for the development of chronic inflammation. Crossing ihTNFtg mice with S100A9KO mice lacking active S100A8/A9 alarmins or with Rag1KO mice lacking T and B lymphocytes completely abrogated the development of colonic inflammation, despite the still leaky hTNFα promoter. Furthermore, both the intensity of the immune response and the strength of immunosuppressive Treg induction was found to depend on the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genetic composition. In summary, the onset of intestinal inflammation in elderly mice depends on at least four factors that have to be present simultaneously: TNFα upregulation, S100A8/A9 protein expression, functional T lymphocytes and genetic composition, with the MHC haplotype being of central importance. Only joint action of these factors leads to chronic intestinal inflammation, while absence of any of these determinants abrogates the development of the autoimmune disorder. © 2020 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Inactivation of airborne bacteria by plasma treatment and ionic wind for indoor air cleaning
Authors: Prehn Franziska , Timmermann Eric , Kettlitz Manfred , Schaufler Katharina , Günther Sebastian , Hahn Veronika
Published: May 2020

Airborne bacteria are a general problem in medical or health care facilities with a high risk for nosocomial infections. Rooms with a continuous airflow, such as operation theaters, are of particular importance due to a possible dissemination and circulation of pathogens including multidrug‐resistant microorganisms. In this regard, a cold atmospheric‐pressure plasma (CAP) may be a possibility to support usual disinfection procedures due to its decontaminating properties. The aim of this study was to determine the antimicrobial efficacy of a plasma decontamination module that included a dielectric barrier discharge for plasma generation. Experimental parameters such as an airflow velocity of 4.5 m/s and microbial contaminations of approximately 6,000 colony‐forming units (cfu)/m3 were used to simulate practical conditions of a ventilation system in an operating theater. The apathogenic microorganism Escherichia coli K12 DSM 11250/NCTC 10538 and the multidrug‐resistant strains E. coli 21181 and 21182 (isolated from patients) were tested to determine the antimicrobial efficacy. In summary, the number of cfu was reduced by 31–89% for the tested E. coli strains, whereby E. coli K12 was the most susceptible strain toward inactivation by the designed plasma module. A possible correlation between the number or kind of resistances and susceptibility against plasma was discussed. The inactivation of microorganisms was affected by plasma intensity and size of the plasma treatment area. In addition, the differences of the antimicrobial efficacies caused through the nebulization of microorganisms in front (upstream) or behind (downstream) the plasma source were compared. The presence of ionic wind had no influence on the reduction of the number of cfu for E. coli K12, as the airflow velocity was too high for a successful precipitation, which would be a prerequisite for an increased antimicrobial efficacy. The inactivation of the tested microorganisms confirms the potential of CAP for the improvement of air quality. The scale‐up of this model system may provide a novel tool for an effective air cleaning process.
Breathing pattern disorders (dysfunctional breathing) characteristics and outcomes of children and young people attending a secondary care respiratory clinic
Authors: Newson Timothy P. , Elias Annie
Published: May 2020

Methods

We retrospectively audited the health records of 18 patients with breathing pattern disorders (BPDs), who were diagnosed in our respiratory clinic (2015‐2018), and then referred onto our dysfunctional breathing care pathway to a specialist speech and language therapist.

Results

The age of the patients ranged from 11 to 16 years (median: 14 years, 14 female/4 male patients). Comorbidities included the following: 16 patients had asthma, 2 patients had a tracheoesophageal fistula and esophageal atresia repair, one patient suffered from chronic regional pain syndrome, and one patient had chronic fatigue syndrome. The commonest BPD was induced laryngeal obstruction (ILO) in 16 patients (exercise‐induced laryngeal obstruction [EILO] in 15). Other types of BPDs included hyperventilation syndrome in seven patients, psychogenic cough in eight, and dysphonia in one. A single BPD was present in 6 patients (mainly EILO), and two or more BPDs were present in 10 patients. Inducers of BPD symptoms were as follows: exercise in 16 patients, bullying in 3, anxiety in 14, emotions and stress in 11, weather in 3, posture in 1, and odors in 3. Significant school absenteeism was observed in most of the patients (2 weeks to 24 months). Significant delays in diagnosing BPD were noted (range: 1‐24 months and median: 6 months). Emergency calls occurred in 14 patients, with one patient presenting with ILO and comorbidity of asthma needing intubation and ventilation. A 1‐year follow‐up of patients showed that there was a complete resolution of BPD in two patients, 14 had good control of BPD with confidence in ability to control their symptoms, showing improved morbidity, two had no improvement, and one lost to follow‐up.

Conclusion

It is important to recognize and treat BPD early to limit the significant morbidity that adversely impacts the quality of life.
Identification of biochemically neutral positions in liver pyruvate kinase
Authors: Martin Tyler A. , Wu Tiffany , Tang Qingling , Dougherty Larissa L. , Parente Daniel J. , Swint‐Kruse Liskin , Fenton Aron W.
Published: May 2020

Understanding how each residue position contributes to protein function has been a long‐standing goal in protein science. Substitution studies have historically focused on conserved protein positions. However, substitutions of nonconserved positions can also modify function. Indeed, we recently identified nonconserved positions that have large substitution effects in human liver pyruvate kinase (hLPYK), including altered allosteric coupling. To facilitate a comparison of which characteristics determine when a nonconserved position does vs does not contribute to function, the goal of the current work was to identify neutral positions in hLPYK. However, existing hLPYK data showed that three features commonly associated with neutral positions—high sequence entropy, high surface exposure, and alanine scanning—lacked the sensitivity needed to guide experimental studies. We used multiple evolutionary patterns identified in a sequence alignment of the PYK family to identify which positions were least patterned, reasoning that these were most likely to be neutral. Nine positions were tested with a total of 117 amino acid substitutions. Although exploring all potential functions is not feasible for any protein, five parameters associated with substrate/effector affinities and allosteric coupling were measured for hLPYK variants. For each position, the aggregate functional outcomes of all variants were used to quantify a “neutrality” score. Three positions showed perfect neutral scores for all five parameters. Furthermore, the nine positions showed larger neutral scores than 17 positions located near allosteric binding sites. Thus, our strategy successfully enriched the dataset for positions with neutral and modest substitutions.
The brief daily stressors screening tool: An introduction and evaluation
Authors: Scholten Saskia , Lavallee Kristen , Velten Julia , Zhang Xiao‐Chi , Margraf Jürgen
Published: May 2020

The present study introduces a short screening instrument for the measurement of experienced general daily stressors across different life domains that can be used in large‐scale studies. The brief daily stressors screening tool (BDSST) assesses the experience of general daily stressors in eight distinct life domains. General daily stressors are indicated for the past 12‐months on a five‐point Likert scale. The present study evaluates the BDSST in two successive studies. The first study was conducted in a representative German sample (n = 7,849). The second study was conducted to assess one‐month‐retest‐stability in another representative German sample (n = 1,294). The BDSST shows promising psychometric properties. It has a skewed positive distribution, internal consistency and stability are acceptable and its one‐factor structure was confirmed in a bifactor confirmatory factor analysis. The BDSST is a reliable and valid short instrument for the assessment of experienced general daily stressors in large‐scale studies and routine clinical practise. For in‐depth clinical assessment, it can be used to identify relevant life domains for further investigation.
Daucosterol from Crateva adansoniiDC (Capparaceae) reduces 7,12‐dimethylbenz(a)anthracene‐induced mammary tumors in Wistar rats
Authors: Nguedia Merline Ymele , Tueche Alain Brice , Yaya Abel Joël Gbaweng , Yadji Vincent , Ndinteh Derek Tantoh , Njamen Dieudonné , Zingue Stéphane
Published: May 2020

This study aimed to evaluate the in vivo anticancer effects of daucosterol which was earlier reported to possess in vitro anticancer effects. Breast tumor was induced in 30 rats using the environmental carcinogen 7,12‐dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) while 6 control rats received olive oil (NOR). Animals with palpable tumors were randomized into five groups (n = 6) each as follows: negative control group treated with the vehicle (DMBA); positive control group treated with 5 mg/kg BW doxorubicin (DOXO + DMBA); three groups treated with daucosterol at doses of 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg BW (DAU + DMBA). Treatment lasted 28 days afterward, tumor (mass, volume, cancer antigen [CA] 15‐3 level and histoarchitecture), hematological and toxicological parameters were examined. The tumor volume gradually increased in the DMBA group during the 28 days, with a tumor volume gain of ∼390 cm3. Daucosterol at all doses reduced tumor volume (∼133.7 cm3 at 10 mg/kg) as well as protein, malondialdehyde (MDA), and CA 15‐3 levels compared to DMBA rats. Tumor sections in daucosterol‐treated rats showed a lower proliferation of mammary ducts with mild (5 and 10 mg/kg) to moderate (2.5 mg/kg) inflammatory responses. Moreover, it exhibited an antioxidant effect, evidenced by a significant and dose‐dependent decreased in MDA levels, as well as an increase in catalase activity compared to the DMBA group. Daucosterol showed for the first time in vivo antitumor effects that corroborate its previous in vitro effects.
Studied and Forgotten. A Fresh Look at the Li–Mn–Ge System
Authors: Ovchinnikov Alexander , Bobev Svilen
Published: May 2020

The crystal structure of the ternary germanide Li2MnGe has been re‐evaluated from single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction data. This compound crystallizes in a non‐centrosymmetric superstructure of the ZrCuSiAs type (space group P4bm, Pearson code tP16), with the lattice parameters a = 6.088(4) Å, c = 6.323(4) Å. First‐principle calculations for the idealized structure predict antiferromagnetic exchange in the square Mn nets and semimetallic ground state. In addition, a new ternary phase with the composition Li2–xMn4+xGe5 (x ≈ 1.2) was discovered. It adopts the V6Si5 structure type (space group Ibam, Pearson code oI44), with the lattice parameters a = 7.570(2) Å, b = 16.323(3) Å, c = 5.057(1) Å. DSC/TG measurements show that this compound is thermally stable below 995 K.
Die Pestarztmaske im Deutschen Medizinhistorischen Museum Ingolstadt
Authors: Ruisinger Marion Maria
Published: May 2020

Dieser Beitrag ist Teil des Forums COVID-19: Perspektiven in den Geistes- und Sozialwissenschaften. Die Figur des Pestarztes mit der schnabelförmigen Maske ist heute die am häufigsten zitierte Bildmetapher für die Pest. Es verwundert daher nicht, dass die Pestarztmaske in der Sammlung des Deutschen Medizinhistorischen Museums in Ingolstadt zu den am meisten nachgefragten Objekten und Bildmotiven des Hauses gehört. Der Forumsbeitrag spürt der Figur des Pestarztes auf mehreren Ebenen nach: Zunächst wird anhand zeitgenössischer Text- und Bildquellen diskutiert, welche Art von Schutzkleidung zu Seuchenzeiten empfohlen wurde und welche Rolle das schnabelförmige Maskenattribut dabei spielte. Anschließend wird das Ingolstädter Exemplar unter die Lupe genommen, hinsichtlich seines Materials und seiner Machart auf Authentizität und Praktikabilität hin untersucht und mit dem Exemplar des Deutschen Historischen Museums in Berlin verglichen.

Das Ergebnis: Die frühesten Belege für die Verwendung dieser speziellen Art von Schutzkleidung stammen aus Italien und Südfrankreich und datieren aus der Mitte des 17. Jahrhunderts. Für Mitteleuropa gibt es keinerlei Nachweise dafür, dass zu Pestzeiten jemals eine solche Schnabelmaske in Gebrauch gewesen wäre. Und die Pestarztmasken in Ingolstadt und Berlin? Bei kritischer Betrachtung finden sich bei beiden Masken Details, die gegen eine Verwendung als Schutzkleidung sprechen. Ob es sich dabei um ältere, historisierende Nachbauten oder bewusste Fälschungen handelt, muss offen bleiben.
Arthroscopic coronal plane syndesmotic instability has been over-diagnosed
Authors: Hagemeijer Noortje C. , Elghazy Mohamed Abdelaziz , Waryasz Gregory , Guss Daniel , DiGiovanni Christopher W. , Kerkhoffs Gino M. M. J.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Ankle arthroscopy is widely used for diagnosis of syndesmotic instability, especially in subtle cases. To date, no published article has systematically reviewed the literature in aggregate to understand which instability values should be used intraoperatively. The primary aim was to systematically review the amount of tibiofibular displacement that correlates with syndesmotic instability after a high ankle sprain. A secondary aim is to assess the quality of such research.

Methods

Systematic searches of EMBASE (Ovid) and MEDLINE via PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were used. Inclusion criteria: studies that arthroscopically evaluated the fibular displacement at various stages of syndesmotic ligament injury. Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed methodological quality using the Anatomical Quality Assessment (AQUA) Tool and methodological index for non-randomized studies (MINORS).

Results

Eight cadaveric studies and three clinical studies were included for review. All studies reported displacement in the coronal plane, four studies reported in the sagittal plane, and one reported findings in the rotational plane. Four cadaveric studies had a similar experimental set up and the weighted mean associated with instability in the coronal plane could be calculated and was 2.9 mm at the anterior portion of the distal tibiofibular joint and 3.4 mm at the posterior portion. Syndesmotic instability in the sagittal plane is less extensively studied, however available data from a cadaveric study suggests thresholds of 2.2 mm of posterior fibular translation when performing an anterior to posterior hook test and 2.6 mm of anterior fibular translation when performing a posterior to anterior hook test.

Conclusions

The results have concluded that the commonly used 2.0 mm threshold value of distal tibiofibular diastasis may lead to overtreatment of syndesmotic instability, and that using threshold values of 2.9 mm measured at the anterior portion of the incisura and 3.4 mm at the posterior portion may represent better cut off values. Given the ready availability of 3 mm probes among standard arthroscopic instrumentation, at the very least surgeons should use 3 mm in lieu of 2 mm probes intraoperatively.

Level of evidence

IV.
What makes nonholonomic integrators work?
Authors: Modin Klas , Verdier Olivier
Published: May 2020

A nonholonomic system is a mechanical system with velocity constraints not originating from position constraints; rolling without slipping is the typical example. A nonholonomic integrator is a numerical method specifically designed for nonholonomic systems. It has been observed numerically that many nonholonomic integrators exhibit excellent long-time behaviour when applied to various test problems. The excellent performance is often attributed to some underlying discrete version of the Lagrange–d’Alembert principle. Instead, in this paper, we give evidence that reversibility is behind the observed behaviour. Indeed, we show that many standard nonholonomic test problems have the structure of being foliated over reversible integrable systems. As most nonholonomic integrators preserve the foliation and the reversible structure, near conservation of the first integrals is a consequence of reversible KAM theory. Therefore, to fully evaluate nonholonomic integrators one has to consider also non-reversible nonholonomic systems. To this end we construct perturbed test problems that are integrable but no longer reversible (with respect to the standard reversibility map). Applying various nonholonomic integrators from the literature to these problems we observe that no method performs well on all problems. This further indicates that reversibility is the main mechanism behind near conservation of first integrals for nonholonomic integrators. A list of relevant open problems is given toward the end.
Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt placement: portal vein puncture guided by 3D/2D image registration of contrast-enhanced multi-detector computed tomography and fluoroscopy
Authors: Meine Timo C. , Dewald Cornelia L. A. , Becker L. S. , Mähringer-Kunz Aline , Massoumy Benjamin , Maschke Sabine K. , Kirstein Martha M. , Werncke Thomas , Wacker Frank K. , Meyer Bernhard C. , Hinrichs Jan B.
Published: May 2020

Background

To assess the technical feasibility, success rate, puncture complications and procedural characteristics of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement using a three-dimensional vascular map (3D-VM) overlay based on image registration of pre-procedural contrast-enhanced (CE) multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) for portal vein puncture guidance.

Materials and methods

Overall, 27 consecutive patients (59 ± 9 years, 18male) with portal hypertension undergoing elective TIPS procedure were included. TIPS was guided by CE-MDCT overlay after image registration based on fluoroscopic images. A 3D-VM of the hepatic veins and the portal vein was created based on the pre-procedural CE-MDCT and superimposed on fluoroscopy in real-time. Procedural characteristics as well as hepatic vein catheterization time (HVCT), puncture time (PT), overall procedural time (OPT), fluoroscopy time (FT) and the dose area product (DAP) were evaluated. Thereafter, HVCT, PT, OPT and FT using 3D-VM (61 ± 9 years, 14male) were compared to a previous using classical fluoroscopic guidance (53 ± 9 years, 21male) for two interventional radiologist with less than 3 years of experience in TIPS placement.

Results

All TIPS procedure using of 3D/2D image registered 3D-VM were successful with a significant reduction of the PSG (p < 0.0001). No clinical significant complication occurred. HVCT was 14 ± 11 min, PT was 14 ± 6 min, OPT was 64 ± 29 min, FT was 21 ± 12 min and DAP was 107.48 ± 93.84 Gy cm2. HVCT, OPT and FT of the interventionalist with less TIPS experience using 3D/2D image registered 3D-VM were statistically different to an interventionalist with similar experience using fluoroscopic guidance (pHVCT = 0.0022; pOPT = 0.0097; pFT = 0.0009). PT between these interventionalists was not significantly different (pPT = 0.2905).

Conclusion

TIPS placement applying registration-based CE-MDCT vessel information for puncture guidance is feasible and safe. It has the potential to improve hepatic vein catherization, portal vein puncture and radiation exposure.
Expression of Pancreatic Stone Protein is Unaffected by Trauma and Subsequent Surgery in Burn Patients
Authors: Klein Holger J. , Buehler Philipp K. , Niggemann Pia , Rittirsch Daniel , Schweizer Riccardo , Waldner Matthias , Giovanoli Pietro , Cinelli Paolo , Reding Theresia , Graf Rolf , Plock Jan A.
Published: May 2020

Background

Altered levels of pro‐inflammatory markers secondary to trauma or surgery present a major problem to physicians in being prone to interfere with the clinical identification of infectious events.

Methods

Patients admitted to Zurich Burn Center between May 2015 and October 2018 with burns ≥10% total body surface area (TBSA) and without infection. Longitudinal analysis of the time course of PSP and routine inflammatory biomarkers [procalcitonin (PCT), C‐reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cells (WBC)] over two days after (a) trauma with initial debridement and (b) subsequent burn surgeries was performed. The influence of TBSA, abbreviated burn severity index (ABSI), age and length of operation was investigated using a linear mixed effect regression model.

Results

Sixty‐six patients (15 female) were included with a mean age of 45.5 ± 18.3 years, median TBSA of 22% (IQR 17) and mean ABSI score 6.8 ± 2.7. PSP was the only biomarker that showed no association with any of the baseline characteristics. Additionally, PSP serum levels did not change over time neither after the burn trauma (p = 0.832) nor after secondary procedures (p = 0.113), while PCT levels increased significantly after the trauma (p < 0.001). Similarly, CRP serum levels were elevated significantly after both trauma and surgery (p < 0.001), whereas WBC values demonstrated a significant decline after the trauma (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Established biomarkers (WBC, CRP and PCT) demonstrate decisive alterations after tissue destruction caused by burn injuries and subsequent surgical interventions. The robustness of PSP serum levels toward these inflammatory insults is a quality criterion for an upcoming sepsis biomarker.
Molecular mechanisms of dendritic cell migration in immunity and cancer
Authors: de Winde Charlotte M. , Munday Clare , Acton Sophie E.
Published: May 2020

Dendritic cells (DCs) are a heterogeneous population of antigen-presenting cells that act to bridge innate and adaptive immunity. DCs are critical in mounting effective immune responses to tissue damage, pathogens and cancer. Immature DCs continuously sample tissues and engulf antigens via endocytic pathways such as phagocytosis or macropinocytosis, which result in DC activation. Activated DCs undergo a maturation process by downregulating endocytosis and upregulating surface proteins controlling migration to lymphoid tissues where DC-mediated antigen presentation initiates adaptive immune responses. To traffic to lymphoid tissues, DCs must adapt their motility mechanisms to migrate within a wide variety of tissue types and cross barriers to enter lymphatics. All steps of DC migration involve cell–cell or cell–substrate interactions. This review discusses DC migration mechanisms in immunity and cancer with a focus on the role of cytoskeletal processes and cell surface proteins, including integrins, lectins and tetraspanins. Understanding the adapting molecular mechanisms controlling DC migration in immunity provides the basis for therapeutic interventions to dampen immune activation in autoimmunity, or to improve anti-tumour immune responses.
The quest for infrastructure development from a “market creation” perspective: China’s “Belt and Road”, Japan’s “Quality Infrastructure” and the EU’s “Connecting Europe and Asia”
Authors: Pascha Werner
Published: May 2020

The paper deals with the interplay of major international infrastructure initiatives, in particular China’s Belt and Road Initiative, Japan’s Partnership for Quality Infrastructure and the EU strategy on “Connecting Europe and Asia”. Their co-evolution is interpreted as the creation and further development of a new market, whose characteristics like its complexity, its properties as an international public good and its oligopolistic supply structure create interesting insights. The paper finds that initiatives have adjusted to each other, in line with expectations from a market perspective. While China’s initiative at first followed a “low-price” strategy, Japan reacted with a “quality infrastructure” approach, also winning support from multilateral fora like G7 and G20. With the Second Belt and Road Forum, China has signaled to move closer to this line as well, and the EU is pursuing a similar approach as Japan, signing a partnership agreement with it. Interpreting this interaction as an oligopolistic structure, a chaotic competitive process has so far been avoided. The contest is actually evolving towards superior solutions, raising the quality of institutional infrastructure initiatives and, hopefully, of specific projects as well.
Depression and quality of life in old age: a closer look
Authors: Hussenoeder Felix S. , Jentzsch Doreen , Matschinger Herbert , Hinz Andreas , Kilian Reinhold , Riedel-Heller Steffi G. , Conrad Ines
Published: May 2020

Depressive disorders are among the most widespread mental disorders in old age, with negative consequences for quality of life (QOL). Understanding QOL as a multidimensional construct, in this article we have a closer look on what specific aspects are affected by depression. We used a representative sample of the German population (n = 805) and one of individuals diagnosed with depression (n = 106) to compare QOL using the WHOQOL-BREF and the WHOQOL-OLD. Multivariate analysis showed that individuals diagnosed with depression exhibited lower QOL with regard to WHOQOL-BREF-dimensions physical health, psychological, social relationships and global QOL and with regard to WHOQOL-OLD-facets sensory abilities, past, present, and future activities and social participation. In addition, in the regression analysis, there were no significant differences between individuals with and without depression with regard to environment (WHOQOL-BREF), autonomy, death and dying, intimacy and overall (WHOQOL-OLD). Associations between depression and QOL in older age are selective in terms of which aspects of QOL are affected. From a methodological perspective, a multidimensional approach to QOL is recommended. From a clinical perspective, our research highlights those areas of QOL that are relevant for health professionals working with older people and that could be the focus of interventions.
Picky losers and carefree winners prevail in collective risk dilemmas with partner selection
Authors: Santos Fernando P. , Mascarenhas Samuel , Santos Francisco C. , Correia Filipa , Gomes Samuel , Paiva Ana
Published: May 2020

Understanding how to design agents that sustain cooperation in multi-agent systems has been a long-lasting goal in distributed artificial intelligence. Proposed solutions rely on identifying free-riders and avoiding cooperating or interacting with them. These mechanisms of social control are traditionally studied in games with linear and deterministic payoffs, such as the prisoner’s dilemma or the public goods game. In reality, however, agents often face dilemmas in which payoffs are uncertain and non-linear, as collective success requires a minimum number of cooperators. The collective risk dilemma (CRD) is one of these games, and it is unclear whether the known mechanisms of cooperation remain effective in this case. Here we study the emergence of cooperation in CRD through partner-based selection. First, we discuss an experiment in which groups of humans and robots play a CRD. This experiment suggests that people only prefer cooperative partners when they lose a previous game (i.e., when collective success was not previously achieved). Secondly, we develop an evolutionary game theoretical model pointing out the evolutionary advantages of preferring cooperative partners only when a previous game was lost. We show that this strategy constitutes a favorable balance between strictness (only interact with cooperators) and softness (cooperate and interact with everyone), thus suggesting a new way of designing agents that promote cooperation in CRD. We confirm these theoretical results through computer simulations considering a more complex strategy space. Third, resorting to online human–agent experiments, we observe that participants are more likely to accept playing in a group with one defector when they won in a previous CRD, when compared to participants that lost the game. These empirical results provide additional support to the human predisposition to use outcome-based partner selection strategies in human–agent interactions.
Enzymatic pulp modification: an excellent way to expand the raw material base for Lyocell applications?
Authors: Kosan Birgit , Römhild Katrin , Meister Frank , Pelenc Vincent , Kühnel Stefan , Gerhardt Matthias
Published: May 2020

The potential of enzymatic modification procedures was studied to adjust pulp properties for Lyocell process applications. Cellulases with well-defined activity compositions were identified and tested for pulp treatment. The changes of the pulp properties by such biotechnological modification were investigated especially concerning the resulting average degrees of polymerisation (DP) and the molecular weight distributions (MWD).
Several industrial cellulases catalysed endo-splitting on solid cellulose. The selected compositions of the tested enzymes effected the intended decrease of the cellulose DP as suitable adaption of the MWD as well as an improvement of the pulp solubility in NMMO. The DP reduction of tested pulp qualities (paper, viscose and plant pulps) reached 20–35% related to the DP of initial pulp. Depending on the used pulp quality, different changes of the molecular weight distributions with increase or decrease of the polydispersities were detected. Because of improved pulp solubility, spinning dopes with excellent solution qualities could be obtained, even when paper pulps with lower α-cellulose were applied. Exemplary, softwood TCF paper pulp was tested for upscaling in staple fibre. Also filament spinning could be successfully carried out. The prepared fibre samples showed good textile-physical properties. Enzymatic treatment could have a great potential for expansion of raw material base in Lyocell process. It could cause cost savings by applying cheaper cellulose pulps. It also provides options for use of alternative pulps from recycled textile fabrics or annual plants, outside of wood or cotton.
The Hawking energy on photon surfaces
Authors: Bengtsson Ingemar
Published: May 2020

The Hawking energy has a monotonicity property under the inverse mean curvature flow on totally umbilic hypersurfaces with constant scalar curvature in Einstein spaces. It grows if the hypersurface is spacelike, and decreases if it is timelike. Timelike examples include Minkowski and de Sitter hyperboloids, and photon surfaces in Schwarzschild.
Radon and thoron radiation exposure of the Angolan population living in adobe houses
Authors: Salupeto-Dembo Judith , Szabó-Krausz Zsuzsanna , Völgyesi Péter , Szabό Csaba
Published: May 2020

This study investigates radon and thoron activity concentrations in adobe houses of Angola. Activity concentrations were recorded by passive detectors in rainy and dry seasons in 40 dwellings located at three areas with different climatic and geological backgrounds (Cabinda, Huambo, Menongue). Regarding seasonal and spatial variations, radon activity concentrations are higher in the rainy than in the dry season and both radon and thoron levels are the highest in Huambo, the central part of the country. The number of adobe houses above certain radon and thoron levels were estimated and the contribution of thoron to the inhalation dose was significant.
The implicit preference of bibliometrics for basic research
Authors: Donner Paul , Schmoch Ulrich
Published: May 2020

By individually associating articles to basic or applied research, it is shown that basic articles are cited more frequently than applied ones. Dividing the subject categories of the Web of Science into a basic and an applied part, the mean field-normalization rate is referred to the applied or basic part depending on the research orientation of the paper analysed. By this approach, a distinct difference of the citations for the applied and basic parts of most subject categories is found. However, differences of the citation scores of applied and basic research organisations are found as well, but are less clear. The explanation is that applied and basic research organisations generally publish a mix of basic and applied articles. In consequence, the standard normalization without distinction of basic and applied papers is generally sufficient for the bibliometric assessment of research organisations.
Double Negation Semantics for Generalisations of Heyting Algebras
Authors: Arthan Rob , Oliva Paulo
Published: May 2020

This paper presents an algebraic framework for investigating proposed translations of classical logic into intuitionistic logic, such as the four negative translations introduced by Kolmogorov, Gödel, Gentzen and Glivenko. We view these asvariant semanticsand present a semantic formulation of Troelstra’s syntactic criteria for a satisfactory negative translation. We consider how each of the above-mentioned translation schemes behaves on two generalisations of Heyting algebras: bounded pocrims and bounded hoops. When a translation fails for a particular class of algebras, we demonstrate that failure via specific finite examples. Using these, we prove that the syntactic version of these translations will fail to satisfy Troelstra’s criteria in the corresponding substructural logical setting.
Site factors are more important than management for indicator species in semi-natural grasslands in southern Sweden
Authors: Milberg Per , Bergman Karl-Olof , Glimskär Anders , Nilsson Sigrid , Tälle Malin
Published: May 2020

Management of semi-natural grasslands is essential to retain the characteristic diversity of flora and fauna found in these habitats. To maintain, restore or recreate favourable conditions for grassland species, knowledge regarding how they occur in relation to grazing intensity and soil nutrient availability is crucial. We focused on grassland plant species, i.e., species selected to indicate high natural values in semi-natural grasslands. Environmental monitoring data collected at 366 grassland sites in southern Sweden between 2006 and 2010 were used to relate the occurrence of indicator species to factors describing geographic location, local site conditions related to nutrients and moisture, and management. Site productivity, soil moisture and cover of trees and shrubs were the main structuring factors, while other factors related to management had a lesser effect (grass sward height, amount of litter, type of grazer). Not surprisingly, these patterns were also reflected in species-wise analyses of the 25 most commonly occurring indicator species, with almost all species negatively related to site productivity and most also to soil moisture. Furthermore, many species were negatively affected by increasing sward height and litter. In contrast, species-wise responses varied among species in relation to increasing cover of trees and shrubs. In comparison to cattle grazing, sheep grazing was detrimental to six species and beneficial to none, while horse grazing was detrimental to no species and beneficial to four species. When evaluating species traits, taller plant species were favoured when site productivity, grass sward height and the amount of grass litter were high. There were no strong patterns related to the flowering time, leaf arrangement, or nutrient and light requirements of species. These results highlight the importance of nutrient-poor and dry sites, e.g., when selecting sites for conservation, and the importance of the type of management executed.
Progress in Psychological Science. The Importance of Informed Ignorance and Curiosity-Driven Questions
Authors: Mazur Lucas B
Published: May 2020

In recent decades we have seen an exponential growth in the amount of data gathered within psychological research without a corresponding growth of theory that could meaningfully organize these research findings. For this reason, considerable attention today is given to discussions of such broader, higher-order concepts as theory and paradigm. However, another area important to consider is the nature of the questions psychologists are asking. Key to any discussion about the scientific status of psychology or about progress in the field (scientific or otherwise) is the nature of the questions that inspire psychological research. Psychologists concerned about scientific progress and the growth of theory in the field would be well served by more robust conversations about the nature of the questions being asked. Honest, curiosity-driven questions—questions that admit to our ignorance and that express an active and optimistic yearning for what we do not yet know—can help to propel psychology forward in a manner similar to the development of theory or paradigm. However, existing as it does in the “twilight zone” between the natural sciences and the humanities, psychology is fertile ground for questions of wide-ranging natures, and thus the nature of progress in the field can be variously understood, not all of which will be “scientific.” Recent psychological research in three areas (cognition, memory, and disorders/differences of sex development) are discussed as examples of how curiosity-driven questions being asked from a position of informed ignorance can lead to progress in the field.
Inequalities for $$L^p$$-Norms that Sharpen the Triangle Inequality and Complement Hanner’s Inequality
Authors: Carlen Eric A. , Frank Rupert L. , Ivanisvili Paata , Lieb Elliott H.
Published: May 2020

In 2006 Carbery raised a question about an improvement on the naïve norm inequality $$\Vert f+g\Vert _p^p \le 2^{p-1}(\Vert f\Vert _p^p + \Vert g\Vert _p^p)$$

‖
f
+
g
‖

p
p

≤

2

p
-
1

(
‖
f
‖

p
p

+

‖
g
‖

p
p

)

for two functions f and g in $$L^p$$

L
p

of any measure space. When $$f=g$$

f
=
g

this is an equality, but when the supports of f and g are disjoint the factor $$2^{p-1}$$

2

p
-
1

is not needed. Carbery’s question concerns a proposed interpolation between the two situations for $$p>2$$

p
>
2

with the interpolation parameter measuring the overlap being $$\Vert fg\Vert _{p/2}$$

‖
f
g
‖

p
/
2

. Carbery proved that his proposed inequality holds in a special case. Here, we prove the inequality for all functions and, in fact, we prove an inequality of this type that is stronger than the one Carbery proposed. Moreover, our stronger inequalities are valid for all real $$p\ne 0$$

p
≠
0

.
Pearl formation in an Early Cretaceous belemnite
Authors: Stevens Kevin , Hoffmann René , Picollier Marie-Claire , Mutterlose Jörg
Published: May 2020

Many aspects of the paleobiology and biomineralization of belemnites, the most common fossil coleoid cephalopods of the Mesozoic, are still unclear. Here, we describe a pearl from an Early Cretaceous belemnite rostrum (Duvalia emerici) using high-resolution micro-CT imaging. After initial formation of a free pearl within the soft tissue, the pearl was fused to the rostrum and later overgrown by rostrum increments, thereby forming a blister pearl. The contact zone of the pearl with the rostrum shows resorption and deformation of earlier rostrum increments. Formation of a free pearl inside the soft tissue of the belemnite demonstrates a relatively thick (min. 5.6 mm) tissue layer surrounding the rostrum in this species. Our data show that classification of paleopathologies based on external features alone might lead to false inferences of formation mechanisms.