bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selbst berichtete Infektionen in der NAKO Gesundheitsstudie – Einordnung in die gegenwärtige Forschungslandschaft
Authors: Hassenstein Max J , Aarabi Ghazal , Ahnert Peter , Becher Heiko , Franzke Claus-Werner , Fricke Julia , Krause Gérard , Glöckner Stephan , Gottschick Cornelia , Karch André , Kemmling Yvonne , Kerrinnes Tobias , Lange Berit , Mikolajczyk Rafael , Nieters Alexandra , Ott Jördis J , Ahrens Wolfgang , Berger Klaus , Meinke-Franze Claudia , Gastell Sylvia , Günther Kathrin , Greiser Karin Halina , Holleczek Bernd , Horn Johannes , Jaeschke Lina , Jagodzinski Annika , Jansen Lina , Jochem Carmen , Jöckel Karl-Heinz , Kaaks Rudolf , Krist Lilian , Kuß Oliver , Langer Susan , Legath Nicole , Leitzmann Michael , Lieb Wolfgang , Loeffler Markus , Mangold Nina , Michels Karin B. , Meisinger Christa , Obi Nadia , Pischon Tobias , Schikowski Tamara , Schipf Sabine , Schulze Matthias B. , Stang Andreas , Waniek Sabina , Wirkner Kerstin , Willich Stefan N. , Castell Stefanie
Published: March 2020

Hintergrund

Infektionen spielen für das Krankheitsempfinden, für gesundheitsökonomische Überlegungen sowie Public Health in Deutschland weiterhin eine wichtige Rolle. Sie wurden in den letzten Jahren außerdem mit der Entstehung von nichtübertragbaren Erkrankungen in Zusammenhang gebracht. Die NAKO Gesundheitsstudie kann Erkenntnisse auf diesem Gebiet vertiefen und damit zielgenaueren präventiven Ansätzen den Weg bereiten.

Ziel

Die infektionsbezogenen Erhebungsinstrumente sollen beschrieben und in Bezug zu Erhebungsarten anderer deutscher Studien gesetzt werden. Zudem werden erste Daten zur Häufigkeit von Infektionskrankheiten berichtet.

Methoden

Fragen zu Infektionskrankheiten wurden in der NAKO-Basiserhebung sowohl im Interview als auch im Selbstausfüllerfragebogen (Touchscreen) gestellt. Es wurden die Daten der ersten 101.787 Teilnehmenden ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse

Das Auftreten von Herpes Zoster (HZ), Post-Zoster-Neuralgie (bei Angabe von HZ), Hepatitis B/C, HIV/Aids und Tuberkulose im Sinne einer ärztlichen Diagnose bzw. von Sepsis als Grund für eine stationäre Behandlung wurde von 0,2 % (HIV/Aids) bis 8,6 % (HZ) der Befragten im Interview angegeben. Im Touchscreenmodul wurde das mindestens einmalige Auftreten einer Infektion der oberen Atemwege (IOA), der unteren Atemwege, des Magen-Darm-Traktes, der Harnblase oder von Fieber in den letzten 12 Monaten von 12 % (Zystitis) bis 81 % (IOA) berichtet.

Ausblick

Weitere Ergebnisse anhand von Daten aus den hier vorgestellten Fragebögen sind im Querschnittsdesign – beispielsweise zu Determinanten der Anfälligkeit für selbst berichtete Infektionen – ab 2021 zu erwarten. Die Bearbeitung darüber hinausgehender Forschungsfragen der Infektionsepidemiologie wird insbesondere nach Analysen von NAKO-Bioproben möglich sein.
Competing ultrafast photoinduced electron transfer and intersystem crossing of [Re(CO)$$_3$$(Dmp)(His124)(Trp122)]$$^+$$ in Pseudomonas aeruginosa azurin: a nonadiabatic dynamics study
Authors: Mai Sebastian , Menger Maximilian F. S. J. , Marazzi Marco , Stolba Dario L. , Monari Antonio , González Leticia
Published: March 2020

We present a computational study of sub-picosecond nonadiabatic dynamics in a rhenium complex coupled electronically to a tryptophan (Trp) side chain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa azurin, a prototypical protein used in the study of electron transfer in proteins. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the photoinduced processes in this system, we have carried out vertical excitation calculations at the TDDFT level of theory as well as nonadiabatic dynamics simulations using the surface hopping including arbitrary couplings (SHARC) method coupled to potential energy surfaces represented with a linear vibronic coupling model. The results show that the initial photoexcitation populates both singlet metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) and singlet charge-separated (CS) states, where in the latter an electron was transferred from the Trp amino acid to the complex. Subsequently, a complex mechanism of simultaneous intersystem crossing and electron transfer leads to the sub-picosecond population of triplet MLCT and triplet CS states. These results confirm the assignment of the sub-ps time constants of previous experimental studies and constitute the first computational evidence for the ultrafast formation of the charge-separated states in Re-sensitized azurin.
I-waves in motor cortex revisited
Authors: Ziemann Ulf
Published: March 2020

I-waves represent high-frequency (~ 600 Hz) repetitive discharge of corticospinal fibers elicited by single-pulse stimulation of motor cortex. First detected and examined in animal preparations, this multiple discharge can also be recorded in humans from the corticospinal tract with epidural spinal electrodes. The exact underpinning neurophysiology of I-waves is still unclear, but there is converging evidence that they originate at the cortical level through synaptic input from specific excitatory interneuronal circuitries onto corticomotoneuronal cells, controlled by GABAAergic interneurons. In contrast, there is at present no supportive evidence for the alternative hypothesis that I-waves are generated by high-frequency oscillations of the membrane potential of corticomotoneuronal cells upon initial strong depolarization. Understanding I-wave physiology is essential for understanding how TMS activates the motor cortex.
Why some size illusions affect grip aperture
Authors: Smeets Jeroen B. J. , Kleijn Erik , van der Meijden Marlijn , Brenner Eli
Published: March 2020

There is extensive literature debating whether perceived size is used to guide grasping. A possible reason for not using judged size is that using judged positions might lead to more precise movements. As this argument does not hold for small objects and all studies showing an effect of the Ebbinghaus illusion on grasping used small objects, we hypothesized that size information is used for small objects but not for large ones. Using a modified diagonal illusion, we obtained an effect of about 10% on perceptual judgements, without an effect on grasping, irrespective of object size. We therefore reject our precision hypothesis. We discuss the results in the framework of grasping as moving digits to positions on an object. We conclude that the reported disagreement on the effect of illusions is because the Ebbinghaus illusion not only affects size, but—unlike most size illusions—also affects perceived positions.
On Restricted Colorings of $$\text{(d,s)}$$-Edge Colorable Graphs
Authors: Pham Lan Anh
Published: March 2020

A cycle is 2-colored if its edges are properly colored by two distinct colors. A (d, s)-edge colorable graphG is a d-regular graph that admits a proper d-edge coloring in which every edge of G is in at least $$s-1$$s-1 2-colored 4-cycles. Given a (d, s)-edge colorable graph G and a list assigment L of forbidden colors for the edges of G satisfying certain sparsity conditions, we prove that there is a proper d-edge coloring of G that avoids L, that is, a proper edge coloring $$\varphi$$φ of G such that $$\varphi (e) \notin L(e)$$φ(e)∉L(e) for every edge e of G. Additionally, this paper also contains a discussion of graphs belonging to the family of (d, s)-edge colorable graphs.
Comprehensive characterization and gene expression patterns of LBD gene family in Gossypium
Authors: Yu Jingwen , Xie Qianwen , Li Cheng , Dong Yating , Zhu Shuijin , Chen Jinhong
Published: March 2020

Main conclusion

A comprehensive account of theLBDgene family ofGossypiumwas provided in this work. Expression analysis and functional characterization revealed thatLBDgenes might play different roles inG. hirsutumandG. barbadense.

The Lateral Organ Boundaries Domain (LBD) proteins comprise a plant-specific transcription factor family, which plays crucial roles in physiological processes of plant growth, development, and stress tolerance. In the present work, a systematical analysis ofLBDgene family from two allotetraploid cotton species,G. hirsutumandG. barbadense, together with their genomic donor species,G. arboreumandG. raimondii, was conducted. There were 131, 128, 62, and 68LBDsidentified inG. hirsutum,G. barbadense,G. arboreumandG. raimondii, respectively. The LBD proteins could be classified into two main classes, class I and class II, based on the structure of their lateral organ boundaries domain and traits of phylogenetic tree, and class I was further divided into five subgroups. The gene structure and motif composition analyses conducted in bothG. hirsutumandG. barbadenserevealed thatLBDgenes kept relatively conserved within the subfamilies. Synteny analysis suggested that segmental duplication acted as an important mechanism in expansion of the cottonLBDgene family. Cis-element analysis predicated the possible functions ofLBDgenes. Public RNA-seq data were investigated to analyze the expression patterns of cottonLBDgenes in various tissues as well as gene expression under abiotic stress treatments. Furthermore, RT-qPCR results found thatGhLBDshad various expression regulation under MeJA treatments. Expression analysis indicated the differential functions of cottonLBDgenes in response to abiotic stress and hormones.
The Amsterdam Wrist Rules: how much money can they save?
Authors: Mulders Marjolein A. M. , Walenkamp Monique M. J. , Sosef Nico L. , Ouwehand Frank , van Velde Romuald , Goslings J. Carel , Schep Niels W. L.
Published: March 2020

Purpose

To allow physicians to be more selective in their request for a radiograph of the wrist and to potentially reduce costs, the Amsterdam Wrist Rules (AWR) have been developed, externally validated, and recently also implemented. The aim of this study was to conduct an incremental cost analysis and budget impact analysis of the implementation of the AWR at the emergency department (ED) in the Netherlands.

Methods

A cost-minimisation analysis to determine the expected cost savings for implementation of the Amsterdam Wrist Rules. The incremental difference in costs before and after implementation of the AWR was based on the reduction in costs for radiographs, the cost savings due to reduction of ED consultation times and the costs of a re-evaluation appointment by a physician.

Results

In the Netherlands, implementation of the AWR could potentially result in 6% cost savings per patient with a wrist injury. In addition, implementation of the AWR resulted in €203,510 cost savings annually nationwide. In the sensitivity analysis, an increase in physician compliance to 100% substantially increased the potential total amount of annual cost savings to €610,248, which is 6% of total costs before implementation. Variation in time spent at the ED, a decrease and increase in costs and patients presenting annually at the ED did not change the cost savings substantially.

Conclusion

Implementation of the AWR has been shown to reduce direct and indirect costs and can, therefore, result in considerable savings of healthcare consumption and expenditure.
The pedogenic Walker and Syers model under high atmospheric P deposition rates
Authors: Gallardo Antonio , Fernández-Palacios José María , Bermúdez Alfredo , de Nascimento Lea , Durán Jorge , García-Velázquez Laura , Méndez Javier , Rodríguez Alexandra
Published: March 2020

The Walker and Syers model predict that phosphorus (P) availability decreases with time leading to a final stage known as retrogression. We tested the validity of the Walker and Syers model in the Canary Islands, a soil chronosequence ranging from 300 years to 11 million years under recurrent episodes of atmospheric dust-containing P inputs. In particular, we compared our results with those from the volcanic soil chronosequences described in the Hawaii Islands and in Arizona, as they share key biological and/or geological characteristics. In three islands of the Canarian Archipelago, we selected 18 independent sites dominated by mature Pinus canariensis forests and grouped them into six age classes. For each site, soil samples were analyzed for known proxies of soil nitrogen (N), P and cations availability. We also analyzed the P. canariensis needles for N, P and cation contents. We found tendencies similar to those observed in other soil chronosequences: maximum N and P concentrations at intermediate ages and lower P concentrations in the older soils. The nutrient dynamics suggested that the older sites may indeed be approaching the retrogression stage but at lower rates than in other similar chronosequences. Differences from other chronosequences are likely due to the drier Canarian climate, the higher P deposition rates originating from the nearby Sahara Desert and the top soil horizon studied. Our results confirm the validity of the Walker and Syers model for the Canary Islands despite the influence that the high P deposition rates and the seasonally dry climate may have on soil development and P pools in P. canariensis ecosystems.
Evaluating the implementation of cervical cancer screening programs in low-resource settings globally: a systematized review
Authors: Dykens J. Andrew , Smith Jennifer S. , Demment Margaret , Marshall E. , Schuh Tina , Peters Karen , Irwin Tracy , McIntosh Scott , Sy Angela , Dye Timothy
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Cervical cancer disproportionately burdens low-resource populations where access to quality screening services is limited. A greater understanding of sustainable approaches to implement cervical cancer screening services is needed.

Methods

We conducted a systematized literature review of evaluations from cervical cancer screening programs implemented in resource-limited settings globally that included a formal evaluation and intention of program sustainment over time. We categorized the included studies using the continuum of implementation research framework which categorizes studies progressively from “implementation light” to more implementation intensive.

Results

Fifty-one of 13,330 initially identified papers were reviewed with most study sites in low-resource settings of middle-income countries (94.1%) ,while 9.8% were in low-income countries. Across all studies, visual inspection of the cervix with acetic acid (58.8%) was the most prevalent screening method followed by cytology testing (39.2%). Demand-side (client and community) considerations were reported in 86.3% of the articles, while 68.6% focused scientific inquiry on the supply side (health service). Eighteen articles (35.3%) were categorized as “Informing Scale-up” along the continuum of implementation research.

Conclusions

The number of cervical cancer screening implementation reports is limited globally, especially in low-income countries. The 18 papers we classified as Informing Scale-up provide critical insights for developing programs relevant to implementation outcomes. We recommend that program managers report lessons learnt to build collective implementation knowledge for cervical cancer screening services, globally.
The impact of high stakes oral performance assessment on students’ approaches to learning: a case study
Authors: Iannone Paola , Czichowsky Christoph , Ruf Johannes
Published: March 2020

This paper presents findings from a case study on the impact of high stakes oral performance assessment on third year mathematics students’ approaches to learning (Entwistle and Ramsden, Understanding student learning, 1983). We choose oral performance assessment as this mode of assessment differs substantially from written exams for its dialogic nature and because variation of assessment methods is seen to be very important in an otherwise very uniform assessment diet. We found that students perceived the assessment to require conceptual understanding over memory and were more likely to employ revision strategies conducive to deep learning (akin to conceptual understanding) when preparing for the oral performance assessment than when preparing for a written exam. Moreover, they reported to have engaged and interacted in lectures more than they would have otherwise, another characteristic conducive to deep learning approaches. We conclude by suggesting some implications for the summative assessment of mathematics at university level.
Maternal healthful dietary patterns during peripregnancy and long-term overweight risk in their offspring
Authors: Strohmaier Susanne , Bogl Leonie Helen , Eliassen A. Heather , Massa Jennifer , Field Alison E. , Chavarro Jorge E. , Ding Ming , Tamimi Rulla M. , Schernhammer Eva
Published: March 2020

Adherence to healthful dietary patterns is associated with lower body mass index (BMI) in adults; however, whether maternal diet quality during peripregnancy is related to a lower overweight risk in the offspring remains to be elucidated. We investigated the associations between the Alternate Healthy Eating Index (AHEI), Alternate Mediterranean Diet (aMED) and Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) during peripregnancy and offspring weight outcomes in a study including 2729 mother–child pairs from the Nurses’ Health Study II and offspring cohort Growing Up Today Study II. Children, 12–14 years at baseline were 21–23 years at the last follow-up. Overweight or obesity was defined according to International Obesity Task Force (< 18 years) and World-Health-Organization guidelines (18 + years). Maternal dietary patterns were calculated from food frequency questionnaires. Log-binomial models were used to estimate relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals. In models adjusted for sex, gestational age at delivery and maternal total energy intake, greater maternal adherence to aMED and DASH, but not AHEI, was associated with lower overweight risk in the offspring (RRQ5 vs Q1 = 0.82 [0.70–0.97] for aMED and 0.86 [0.72–1.04] for DASH, P for trend < 0.05 for both). After additional adjustment for maternal pre-pregnancy lifestyle factors and socio-demographic characteristic, none of the diet quality scores were significantly associated with offspring overweight risk. Maternal pre-pregnancy BMI did not modify any of these associations. In this population of generally well-nourished women, maternal healthful dietary patterns during the period surrounding pregnancy were not independently associated with offspring overweight risk at ages 12–23 years.
Pelagic seabird density and vulnerability in the Gulf of Mexico to oiling from the Deepwater Horizon/MC-252 spill
Authors: Haney J. C. , Hemming J. M. , Tuttle P.
Published: March 2020

Using ship-based surveys, the Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) Trustees assessed the external oiling of offshore and pelagic marine birds inhabiting the northern Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) in the year following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill (DWH spill). Study objectives were to (1) collect data on pelagic seabirds that were visibly oiled, (2) collect data to estimate abundance of seabirds in offshore and pelagic waters, and 3) document the location and condition of any bird carcasses encountered. Methods employed included strip line transects and station point counts. Surveys were conducted within a study area bound by the Texas-Mexico border and the Dry Tortugas of Florida to the south, and the nearshore coastal waters of the northern Gulf of Mexico. A total of 5665 strip line transects and 386 station point-counts of variable duration were collected during the study. More than 23,000 individual seabirds comprising 45 estuarine, coastal, offshore, and pelagic species were tallied. Average daily abundance of seabirds detected varied from a low of approximately 7 birds/day in November 2010 along regions of the mid- and outer continental shelf to a high of more than 580 birds/day in June 2011 within the near-shore, coastal waters of the northern Gulf.
Comparative efficacy and cost–utility of combined cataract and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery in primary open-angle glaucoma
Authors: Bartelt-Hofer Jose , Flessa Steffen
Published: March 2020

Purpose

To assess the comparative efficacy and the long-term cost–utility of alternative minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGSs) when combined with cataract surgery in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).

Methods

Treatment effects, as measured by the 1-year reduction in intraocular pressure (IOP), were estimated with an adjusted indirect treatment comparison. Evidence from randomized clinical trials was identified for four different MIGS methods. A disease-transition model was developed by capturing clinically relevant POAG stages and the expected natural disease evolution. Outcomes of the disease-transition model were the comparative utility [quality-adjusted life years (QALYs)], cost and cost–utility of included strategies in a lifetime horizon.

Results

Estimated 1-year IOP reductions were: cataract surgery − 2.05 mmHg (95% CI − 3.38; − 0.72), one trabecular micro-bypass stent − 3.15 mmHg (95% CI − 5.66; − 0.64), two trabecular micro-bypass stents − 4.85 mmHg (95% CI − 7.71; − 1.99) and intracanalicular scaffold − 2.25 mmHg (95% CI − 4.87; 0.37). Discounted outcomes from the disease-transition model appraised the strategy of two trabecular micro-bypass stents with cataract surgery in the moderate POAG stage as the one providing the greatest added value, with 10,955€ per additional QALY. Improved outcomes were seen when assessing MIGS in the moderate POAG stage.

Conclusions

When indirectly comparing alternative MIGS methods combined with cataract surgery, the option of two trabecular micro-bypass stents showed both a superior efficacy and long-term cost–utility from a German perspective. Moreover, outcomes of the disease-transition model suggest POAG patients to beneficiate the most from an earlier intervention in the moderate stage contrary to waiting until an advanced disease is present.
MAS NMR detection of hydrogen bonds for protein secondary structure characterization
Authors: Friedrich Daniel , Perodeau Jacqueline , Nieuwkoop Andrew J. , Oschkinat Hartmut
Published: March 2020

Hydrogen bonds are essential for protein structure and function, making experimental access to long-range interactions between amide protons and heteroatoms invaluable. Here we show that measuring distance restraints involving backbone hydrogen atoms and carbonyl- or α-carbons enables the identification of secondary structure elements based on hydrogen bonds, provides long-range contacts and validates spectral assignments. To this end, we apply specifically tailored, proton-detected 3D (H)NCOH and (H)NCAH experiments under fast magic angle spinning (MAS) conditions to microcrystalline samples of SH3 and GB1. We observe through-space, semi-quantitative correlations between protein backbone carbon atoms and multiple amide protons, enabling us to determine hydrogen bonding patterns and thus to identify β-sheet topologies and α-helices in proteins. Our approach shows the value of fast MAS and suggests new routes in probing both secondary structure and the role of functionally-relevant protons in all targets of solid-state MAS NMR.
On Temporal Scale Separation in Coupled Data Assimilation with the Ensemble Kalman Filter
Authors: Tondeur Maxime , Carrassi Alberto , Vannitsem Stephane , Bocquet Marc
Published: March 2020

Data assimilation for systems possessing many scales of motions is a substantial methodological and technological challenge. Systems with these features are found in many areas of computational physics and are becoming common thanks to increased computational power allowing to resolve finer scales and to couple together several sub-components. Coupled data assimilation (CDA) distinctively appears as a main concern in numerical weather and climate prediction with major efforts put forward by meteo services worldwide. The core issue is the scale separation acting as a barrier that hampers the propagation of the information across model components (e.g. ocean and atmosphere). We provide a brief survey of CDA, and then focus on CDA using the ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF), a widely used Monte Carlo Gaussian method. Our goal is to elucidate the mechanisms behind information propagation across model components. We consider first a coupled system of equations with temporal scale difference, and deduce that: (i) cross components effects are strong from the slow to the fast scale, but, (ii) intra-component effects are much stronger in the fast scale. While observing the slow scale is desirable and benefits the fast, the latter must be observed with high frequency otherwise the error will grow up to affect the slow scale. Numerical experiments are performed using the atmosphere-ocean model, MAOOAM. Six configurations are considered, differing for the strength of the atmosphere-ocean coupling and/or the number of model modes. The performance of the EnKF depends on the model configuration, i.e. on its dynamical features. A comprehensive dynamical characterisation of the model configurations is provided by examining the Lyapunov spectrum, Kolmogorov entropy and Kaplan–Yorke attractor dimension. We also compute the covariant Lyapunov vectors and use them to explain how model instabilities act on different model’s modes according to the coupling strength. The experiments confirm the importance of observing the fast scale, but show also that, despite its slow temporal scale, frequent observations in the ocean are beneficial. The relation between the ensemble size, N, and the unstable subspace dimension, $$n_0$$

n
0

, has been studied. Results largely ratify what known for uncoupled system: the condition $$N\ge n_0$$

N
≥

n
0

is necessary for the EnKF to work satisfactorily. Nevertheless the quasi-degeneracy of the Lyapunov spectrum of MAOOAM, with many near-zero exponents, is potentially the cause of the smooth gradual reduction of the analysis error observed for some model configurations, even when $$N>n_0$$

N
>

n
0

. Future prospects for the EnKF in the context of coupled ocean-atmosphere systems are finally discussed.
Surgical stress detection in human blood plasma by DSC
Authors: Ferencz Andrea , Lőrinczy Dénes
Published: March 2020

It is a well-known fact that the extension of the surgical intervention influences both the success and time of the patient’s recovery, the degree of the blood loss, i.e., overall the patients’ surgical burden. Disease itself determines extent of surgical procedure (minor, intermediate or major surgery), which affects the risk and frequency of complications. Previous works have contributed to the validation of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) as a potential non-invasive tool for diagnosing and monitoring several illnesses. Hence, the main goal of this study was to measure the effect of each surgical intervention on its own to blood plasma composition. Peripheral venous blood samples were collected from patients who underwent minor (n = 8), intermediate (n = 9) and major surgical interventions (n = 7). According our DSC data of blood plasma components, from the thermodynamic parameters, namely from the thermal transitions (Tm1–Tm8) to calorimetric enthalpy (ΔHcal) in proportion corresponded to the size of surgical interventions (duration of operation time, length of incision, surgical intraoperative stress, blood loss, etc.). This examination has shown that intraoperative stress during any surgical intervention affects the composition of plasma proteins, which should be always considered in the evaluation of DSC results in any surgical study.
Using isothermal calorimetry and FT-Raman spectroscopy for step-by-step monitoring of maize seed germination: case study
Authors: Stawoska Iwona , Staszak Aleksandra M. , Ciereszko Iwona , Oliwa Jakub , Skoczowski Andrzej
Published: March 2020

Thermoanalytical methods are widely used to study seed germination processes. Our research aimed to use them in order to monitor the germination of maize seeds. To this end, we employed—for the first time—the isothermal calorimetric method with full oxygen access. Dry seeds were placed in ampoules with threaded caps, filled with distilled water. Heat flow was recorded in microwatts at 20 °C for 72 h in order to determine changes in thermal power associated with germination. In parallel with these measurements, in the same time regime, we measured FT-Raman spectra, which allowed us to analyze how endosperm and embryo changed their chemical compositions during imbibition and germination. Spectra obtained for endosperm reflected chemical changes resulting from catabolic processes. We also analyzed variations in the secondary structure of proteins in the embryo accompanying germination. Decomposition of amide I bands proved that during germination and protein hydrolysis, the content of helical and β-sheet structures decreased. Furthermore, in the embryos of dry seeds, S-S linkages were in both gauche–gauche-trans and trans-gauche-trans conformations, but after imbibition, only gauche–gauche-trans conformation can be identified.
Application of Oil-in-Water Nanoemulsion Carrying Size-Defined Gold Nanoparticles Synthesized by Non-thermal Plasma for the Human Breast Cancer Cell Lines Migration and Apoptosis
Authors: Dzimitrowicz Anna , Bielawska-Pohl Aleksandra , Pohl Pawel , Jermakowicz-Bartkowiak Dorota , Jamroz Piotr , Malik-Gajewska Magdalena , Klimczak Aleksandra , Cyganowski Piotr
Published: March 2020

In this work, the gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were synthesized using pulse-modulated radio-frequency atmospheric pressure glow discharge (pm-rf-APGD). By tailoring selected operating parameters of the pm-rf-APGD reaction-discharge system, the experimental conditions for the synthesis of raw-AuNPs with controlled optical and structural properties were found. The colloidal suspension of the size-controlled raw-AuNPs was mixed with an aqueous solution of gelatine and turmeric oil to produce an oil-in-water (O/W) nanoemulsion. AuNPs loaded into the nanoemulsion were characterized using ultraviolet–visible absorption spectrophotometry, dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy supported by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy equipped with selected area X-ray diffraction. Additionally, attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy was used to confirm the efficient functionalization of the AuNPs by nanoemulsion component. It was revealed that AuNPs were mostly spherical with an average size of 4.6 ± 1.0 nm and a face-centered cubic crystal system. The developed O/W nanoemulsion carrying AuNPs was applied towards the human breast cancer cell lines MCF7 and MDA-MB-231. It was found that it exhibited the cytotoxicity towards the breast cancer cells while were non-cytotoxic towards the non-tumour breast cells MCF10A. Moreover, it also inhibited the migration of the invasive cancer breast cells (line MDA-MB-231) and hence, could prevent the breast cancer metastasis.
Consensus statement from 2nd International Conference on Controversies in Vitamin D
Authors: Giustina A. , Adler R. A. , Binkley N. , Bollerslev J. , Bouillon R. , Dawson-Hughes B. , Ebeling P. R. , Feldman D. , Formenti A. M. , Lazaretti-Castro M. , Marcocci C. , Rizzoli R. , Sempos C. T. , Bilezikian J. P.
Published: March 2020

The 2ndInternational Conference on Controversies in Vitamin D was held in Monteriggioni (Siena), Italy, September 11-14, 2018. The aim of this meeting was to address ongoing controversies and timely topics in vitamin D research, to review available data related to these topics and controversies, to promote discussion to help resolve lingering issues and ultimately to suggest a research agenda to clarify areas of uncertainty. Several issues from the first conference, held in 2017, were revisited, such as assays used to determine serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration, which remains a critical and controversial issue for defining vitamin D status. Definitions of vitamin D nutritional status (i.e. sufficiency, insufficiency and deficiency) were also revisited. New areas were reviewed, including vitamin D threshold values and how they should be defined in the context of specific diseases, sources of vitamin D and risk factors associated with vitamin D deficiency. Non-skeletal aspects related to vitamin D were also discussed, including the reproductive system, neurology, chronic kidney disease and falls. The therapeutic role of vitamin D and findings from recent clinical trials were also addressed. The topics were considered by 3 focus groups and divided into three main areas: 1) “Laboratory”: assays and threshold values to define vitamin D status; 2) “Clinical”: sources of vitamin D and risk factors and role of vitamin D in non-skeletal disease and 3) “Therapeutics”: controversial issues on observational studies and recent randomized controlled trials. In this report, we present a summary of our findings.
Perspectives on Sexuality Among Patients with Hypopituitarism: Broadening the Medical Focus on Sexual Function to Include Sexual Wellbeing
Authors: Dellenborg Lisen , Persson Jenny Tiberg , Jakobsson Ung Eva , Johannsson Gudmundur , Olofsson Ann-Charlotte , Björkman Ida
Published: March 2020

Hypopituitarism means a partial or complete inability to produce pituitary hormones, including those regulating gonadal function. The condition therefore leads to hormone deficiencies that may affect sexuality in various ways. This study aimed to explore patients’ own experiences of hypopituitarism in relation to sexuality, and it is based on interviews with 19 men and women. A qualitative methodology inspired by Gadamer’s philosophical hermeneutics was used. Analysis revealed that current healthcare practices, which focus primarily on sexual functioning, fail to address patients’ existential concerns about loneliness, loving relationships and selfhood. Another important finding was that women felt that their sexual functioning and wellbeing tended to go unnoticed, while men said that healthcare professionals focused mainly on erectile function rather than problems with sexual wellbeing. Cultural and gender norms were apparent in these healthcare interactions, and proactive efforts to improve awareness is required in order to improve the quality of care provided to these patients. Healthcare professionals need time, space and support for reflection so that they may enhance their knowledge about the complexity of sexuality and discuss the results of research into hormone replacement in men and women. They also need support to develop critical awareness of how gendered norms about sexuality may negatively affect the care provided to persons with hypopituitarism.
The multiple relation theory and Schiffer’s puzzle
Authors: Rinner Stefan
Published: March 2020

Following Russell, philosophers like Moltmann, Jubien, Boër, and Newman analyse ‘John believes that Mary is French’ as ‘R (John, the property of being French, Mary)’, instead of analysing it as ‘R (John, that Mary is French)’. Thus, for these philosophers, instead of relations holding between agents and truth-bearing entities (propositions), propositional attitude verbs, like ‘belief’, express relations holding between agents and the properties and objects our thoughts and speech acts are about. This is also known as the Multiple Relation Theory. In this paper, I will discuss the Multiple Relation Theory primarily in connection with a problem known as Schiffer’s puzzle. Schiffer first presented the puzzle to argue against the so called direct-reference theory of belief reports advocated, among others, by Salmon and Braun. I will argue that, unlike the direct-reference theory of belief reports, the Multiple Relation Theory does not provide a solution to Schiffer’s puzzle. In this connection, I will also discuss a slight modification of the Multiple Relation Theory according to which the ways the properties and objects our thoughts and speech acts are about are presented to us are part of the truth-conditions of sentences like ‘John believes that Mary is French’. We will see that prima facie such a contextualist version of the Multiple Relation Theory provides a solution to Schiffer’s puzzle. However, concluding, I will argue with new Schiffer cases that, ultimately, also a contextualist version of the Multiple Relation Theory cannot explain all instances of Schiffer’s puzzle. This will undermine the Multiple Relation Theory in general.
History of Economic Thought as an Analytic Tool: why Past Intellectual Ideas Must Be Acknowledged as Lighthouses for the Future
Authors: Bögenhold Dieter
Published: March 2020

Contemporaries tend to question certain belief systems including academic systems of knowledge. Paradigms evolve to become a subject of inquiry. The need to acknowledge history of economic thought as a neglected but important domain of economic inquiry as an important discussion topic. During recent decades, history of economic thought has largely been abolished and has disappeared from many contemporary teaching curricula in economics. The article argues that our academic understanding of economics is incomplete if we do not respect history and understand the social embeddedness of economic institutions and social behaviour. Of course, one must distinguish between history of intellectual ideas and economic history. Both items have to be discussed separately when assessing methodological appropriateness and benefits. The argumentation is based on the work of Joseph A. Schumpeter who dealt in detail with the question why and how to deal with historiography as a tool of proper economics in his substantial introduction to the 1945 bookHistory of Economic Analysis.
Enzymatic studies on aromatic prenyltransferases
Authors: Mori Takahiro
Published: March 2020

Aromatic prenyltransferases (PTases), including ABBA-type and dimethylallyl tryptophan synthase (DMATS)-type enzymes from bacteria and fungi, play important role for diversification of the natural products and improvement of the biological activities. For a decade, the characterization of enzymes and enzymatic synthesis of prenylated compounds by using ABBA-type and DMATS-type PTases have been demonstrated. Here, I introduce several examples of the studies on chemoenzymatic synthesis of unnatural prenylated compounds and the enzyme engineering of ABBA-type and DMATS-type PTases.
Forbidden Revolutions: David Martin’s Encounter with Pentecostalism
Authors: Maxwell David
Published: March 2020

This article illuminates how David Martin’s engagement with Pentecostalism represented a significant turning point in his career in both personal and academic terms. It allowed him to come to terms with his own Methodist ‘revivalist childhood’ and to generate new insights into his pre-existing concerns: insights into the sociological method, the relation of religion to politics, the modernity of religion, and the secularisation thesis. In particular, it brought new energy to his continuing mission to persuade his own sociological profession, along with a liberal-minded intelligentsia, to see the social and political significance of contemporary religious expressions. David wrote with profundity and poignancy about the mentalities and aspirations of ordinary Pentecostal adherents, aware that communities of the poor across the globe aspired to an all-around ‘betterment’ from on high. His research and mentoring of young scholars inspired those pioneering the anthropology of Christianity in the early 2000s and prompted interventions in debates on the nature of World Christianity.
The Parasitic Nature of Social AI: Sharing Minds with the Mindless
Authors: Sætra Henrik Skaug
Published: March 2020

Can artificial intelligence (AI) develop the potential to be ourpartner, and will we be as sensitive to its social signals as we are to those of human beings? I examine both of these questions and how cultural psychology might add such questions to its research agenda. There are three areas in which I believe there is a need for both a better understanding and added perspective. First, I will present some important concepts and ideas from the world of AI that might be beneficial for pursuing research topics focused on AI within the cultural psychology research agenda. Second, there are some very interesting questions that must be answered with respect to central notions in cultural psychology as these are tested through human interactions with AI. Third, I claim that social robots areparasiticto deeply ingrained human social behaviour, in the sense that they exploit and feed upon processes and mechanisms that evolved for purposes that were originally completely alien to human-computer interactions.
New Therapeutic Strategy and Innovative Lubricating Ophthalmic Solution in Minimizing Dry Eye Disease Associated with Cataract Surgery: A Randomized, Prospective Study
Authors: Fogagnolo Paolo , Favuzza Eleonora , Marchina Daniele , Cennamo Michela , Vignapiano Roberto , Quisisana Chiara , Rossetti Luca , Mencucci Rita
Published: March 2020

Introduction

To evaluate the effects of a new lubricating, antioxidant solution (VisuEvo®) on dry eye disease (DED) in patients undergoing cataract surgery.

Methods

Patients requiring cataract surgery with either healthy ocular surface or mild DED (tear break-up time, TBUT > 7, Schirmer I test > 15 mm/5 min) were enrolled in this multicenter, open-label, randomized, prospective study. Scheduled visits were 2 weeks before surgery (screening), day of surgery (V0), week 1 (V1), and 2 (V2) after surgery. VisuEvo® was self-administered three times daily for the whole study duration (group A); the control group (group B) had no tear substitute administration. The primary endpoint was the change in TBUT over time; the secondary endpoints were changes in Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), ocular surface staining, the Schirmer I test, and osmometry.

Results

A total of 45 patients were included (group A, 23; group B, 22; age 74 ± 8 years). At the screening, TBUT was similar between the groups (group A, 8.5 ± 1.8 s; group B, 7.8 ± 0.7, p = 0.11). At the scheduled visits, TBUT increase vs screening visit was significantly higher in group A: +1.2 s at V0, +1.4 s at V1, and +1.9 s at V2 (p < 0.01). Also, OSDI was significantly lower in group A at V0, V1, and V2 (p < 0.027). After surgery, corneal staining was absent in 65–78% of group A compared with 54–59% in group B. The two groups did not show any significant differences of osmometry and the Schirmer I test.

Conclusions

The ocular surface was more protected and quickly restored from surgery when VisuEvo® was used from 2 weeks preoperatively to 2 weeks postoperatively.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT03833908
Characterising the Bushe-Poladpur Contact across the Western Deccan Traps and Implications for Mapping the K-Pg Boundary?
Authors: Patil Shiva Kumar , Gadpallu Purva , Monteiro Aristle , Sepahi Mohammad Noor , Duraiswami Raymond A.
Published: March 2020

The Bushe-Poladpur contact is one of the most important stratigraphic boundary separating the middle Lonavala Sub-group from upper Wai Sub-group in the Western Deccan Traps. In this paper, physical volcanology textural and petrochemical finger printing, crystal size distribution and shape preferred orientation studies (SPO) is integrated with paleomagnetic and AMS studies to correlate lavas across five localities transcending the Bushe-Poladpur boundary, south of Pune city. The flows belonging to the Bushe Formation are highly inflated, compound pahoehoe lavas, with plagioclase-olivine-phyric, coarse grained diktytaxitic textures. The flows belonging to the Poladpur Formation are transitional between pahoehoe and aa (rubbly pahoehoe lavas), with or without multi-tiered entablature showing fine-grained, olivine-phyric glassy textures. CSD studies indicate that the Bushe lavas have lower plagioclase crystals per unit area (1.11x10-4/μm2), low average effective nucleation rates (2.60x 10-12/μm3s) and high average effective growth rates (1.22x10-5μm2/s) for intact crust time than the Poladpur lavas that have higher plagioclase crystals per unit area (8.31x10-4/μm2), high average effective nucleation rates (3.46x10-11/μm3s) and lower average effective growth rates (2.24x10-6μm2/s) akin to their emplacement dynamics and cooling histories. There is a stark contrast in the magnetic susceptibilities (Bushe- 24759.8 x 10-6 SI; Poladpur-29178.02 x10-6 SI) across the Bushe-Poladpur contact. There is a general similarity between the SPO of the primary silicates (plagioclase) to the AMS derived directions. The divergence in AMS directions across the Bushe-Poladpur contact in the study area can be attributed to complex interplay of local paleotopography and slope, lava flow field dynamics, inflation and inversion of topography, style and emplacement mechanism of flow units. Generalisations and over simplifications of delineating lavas and deciphering their flow direction on a single criteria (tool) or single ghat (road section), outcrop or sample will have disastrous consequences while mapping large and complex lava flow fields. Thus, a multi-disciplinary approach needs to be the norm for characterising, correlating and mapping lavas across formations that transcend the K-Pg boundary in highly dissected ancient continental flood basalt province like the Deccan Traps.
Petrography and Clay Mineralogical Study of the Siwalik Group of Rocks Exposed along Pasighat-Mariyang Road Section, East Siang District, Arunachal Pradesh, Northeast India
Authors: Chutia Ananya , Taye Chaitra Dhar , Daimari Jagriti , Chutia Debasish
Published: March 2020

The Neogene (Mio-Pliocene) molassic sediments occur as a linear belt along the foot hills of Arunachal Pradesh, are designated as the Siwalik Group. Petrography, heavy mineral and clay mineralogical characteristics of these rocks exposed along Pasighat-Mariyang road section, East Siang district, Arunachal Pradesh, India is presented here. These massive and well bedded rocks are detached from alluvium by HFT and remarkably from Yinkiong Group of rocks by MBT. The present study reveals the presence of lower as well as middle-upper Siwalik in the study area. Petrographic study of the sandstones has shown that these rocks are mainly sub-arkose and sub-lith-arenite with lithic and feldspathic greywacke in subordinate amount, which are medium to coarse grained and composed mainly of quartz, feldspar, mica and rock fragments as their detrital constituents. Argillaceous and siliceous matrix as well as argillaceous, carbonate and siliceous cement are binding the framework grains. These sediments were derived mainly from middle to upper grade metamorphic rocks. During deposition these rocks have undergone shallow depth as well as deeper level diagenesis and the climate prevailed was humid and tropical.
Geochemistry of the Biotite from Pegmatites of Kudi Valley, Paddar area, District Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir
Authors: Srivastava P. K. , Singh Pawan , Arora Neha , Namga Stanzin , Magotra Rajni
Published: March 2020

The pegmatites of Kudi valley, Paddar area are mineralogically characterised by the presence of Na-plagioclase, quartz, perthite, tourmaline, biotite with minor amount of muscovite, sillimanite, and garnet. The biotite mineral from the pegmatites show higher Al2O3, FeO, K2O, moderate SiO2, MgO, Cr2O3, TiO2, F; and low Na2O, CaO, MnO, Cl concentration. They are classified as siderophyllite type. The geochemical signature of biotite indicates the peraluminous nature of the pegmatitic melt generated from the melting of continental crust in the syn-tectonic collision setting. They are mostly magmatic; however, some of them also show reequilibrated nature. The biotite crystallised at high temperature (600°C - 700°C) at low oxygen fugacity . 3Mg↔2Al and coupled substitution between LiIV+SiIV=(Fe2+)IV played an important role during the crystallisation of the studied biotite.