bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“The Awe is In the Process”: The nature and impact of professional scientists' experiences of awe
Authors: Cuzzolino Megan P.
Published: May 2021

In recent years, there has been a call in the research for greater attention to the role of affect in science learning and practice. Awe, which is characterized in the literature as an emotion that facilitates learning and motivates an orientation toward something larger than the self, appears frequently in scientists' descriptions of their work. Empirical evidence also suggests that awe has a unique relationship with scientific reasoning. However, this evidence comes primarily from tightly controlled laboratory research, a methodology that limits our ability to investigate more authentic manifestations of awe and any lingering effects that may extend beyond the initial moment of experience. This study, a qualitative analysis of interviews with professional scientists (n = 30), advances our understanding of the conditions that are likely to elicit awe in the context of scientific practice as well as the perceived impact of those experiences. For study participants, the emotion of awe was deeply connected to the process of learning and to personal moments of discovery. Scientists described their awe experiences as contributing to shifts in their perspective or worldview, including a greater appreciation for the vastness and complexity of the universe. In addition, participants reported that awe served as an important source of motivation for their continued pursuit of the work. The findings indicate that authentic inquiry and metacognition, which we already recognize as critical pedagogical practices for encouraging scientific reasoning, are just as valuable for helping students to experience the affective dimensions of the discipline.
On the robustness of latent class models for diagnostic testing with no gold standard
Authors: Schofield Matthew R. , Maze Michael J. , Crump John A. , Rubach Matthew P. , Galloway Renee , Sharples Katrina J.
Published: May 2021

It is difficult to estimate sensitivity and specificity of diagnostic tests when there is no gold standard. Latent class models have been proposed as a potential solution as they provide estimates without the need for a gold standard. Using a motivating example of the evaluation of point of care tests for leptospirosis in Tanzania, we show how a realistic violation of assumptions underpinning the latent class model can lead directly to substantial bias in the estimates of the parameters of interest. In particular, we consider the robustness of estimates of sensitivity, specificity, and prevalence, to the presence of additional latent states when fitting a two‐state latent class model. The violation is minor in the sense that it cannot be routinely detected with goodness‐of‐fit procedures, but is major with regard to the resulting bias.
Giving a little to many or a lot to a few? The returns to variety in corporate philanthropy
Authors: Seo Haram , Luo Jiao , Kaul Aseem
Published: May 2021

Research Summary

We examine the returns to specialization versus variety in corporate philanthropy. Acknowledging the theoretical rationale for both a specialist and a generalist approach to philanthropy, we took a question‐driven, abductive approach, and found a robust positive association between philanthropic variety and firm profitability for donations by large US public corporations from 2003 to 2011. This association held for variety across causes but not within causes, for nonlocal giving and for giving by diversified firms, and was weaker for firms whose donations faced greater scrutiny. These findings are consistent with a moral hazard explanation whereby firms take advantage of the relatively inelastic support for philanthropy within a cause area by strategically spreading their donations across a wide range of supporter interests, thus maximizing profits.

Managerial Summary

Do firms earn higher profits if they spread their philanthropic donations across many different causes, or if they concentrate them among a few? Examining donations by large US public corporations we found that firms earned higher returns when they gave to many different causes, holding the total amount of donations constant; that this relationship was primarily true for nonlocal giving and giving by multinational and multi‐business firms, and was weaker for firms under shareholder scrutiny or those that gave inconsistently over time. Our best explanation for these results is that supporters of corporate philanthropy care more about whether a firm gives to a cause than how much it gives, making it optimal for firms to give minimal amounts to a large variety of causes.
Endothelium‐Mimicking Surface Combats Thrombosis and Biofouling via Synergistic Long‐ and Short‐Distance Defense Strategy
Authors: Yu Han , Qiu Hua , Ma Wenmei , Maitz Manfred F. , Tu Qiufen , Xiong Kaiqin , Chen Jiang , Huang Nan , Yang Zhilu
Published: May 2021

Thrombosis and infections are the main causes of implant failures (e.g., extracorporeal circuits and indwelling medical devices), which induce significant morbidity and mortality. In this work, an endothelium‐mimicking surface is engineered, which combines the nitric oxide (NO)‐generating property and anti‐fouling function of a healthy endothelium. The released gas signal molecules NO and the glycocalyx matrix macromolecules hyaluronic acid (HA) jointly combine long‐ and short‐distance defense actions against thrombogenicity and biofouling. The biomimetic surface is efficiently fabricated by cografting a NO‐generating species (i.e., Tri‐tert‐butyl 1,4,7,10‐Tetraazacyclododecane‐1,4,7,10‐tetraacetate‐chelated Cu2+, DTris@Cu) and the macromolecular HA on an aminated tube surface through one‐pot amide condensation chemistry. The active attack (i.e., NO release) and zone defense (i.e., HA tethering) system endow the tubing surface with significant inhibition of platelets, fibrinogen, and bacteria adhesion, finally leading to long‐term anti‐thrombogenic and anti‐fouling properties over 1 month. It is envisioned that this endothelium‐mimicking surface engineering strategy will provide a promising solution to address the clinical issues of long‐term blood‐contacting devices associated with thrombosis and infection.
Challenges in the Mold Flux Design: Development of F‐Free Fluxes and Fluxes for Casting of High‐Al Steel
Authors: Yang Jian , Wang Lin , Wang Qi , Zhang Jianqiang , Sasaki Yasushi , Zhang Chen , Cai Dexiang , Ostrovski Oleg
Published: May 2021

A significant research effort is directed toward development of F‐free fluxes to decrease an environmental impact of steel continuous casting. Another challenging problem in the mold flux design is their stability in the casting of high‐aluminum steel. This article summarizes the results of a study of F‐free CaO–SiO2‐based fluxes and CaO–Al2O3‐based fluxes for the continuous casting of high‐Al steels, obtained at the University of New South Wales, Sydney, in close collaboration with the Baosteel Research Centre, China. This article discusses melting properties, viscosity, flux stability, crystallization, and heat transfer of F‐free CaO–SiO2‐based fluxes and CaO–Al2O3‐based fluxes, and the effect of high‐Al steel–flux reaction on the flux properties. Melting properties of fluxes are determined by the hot stage microscopy method. Viscosity is measured using rotating cylindrical viscometer. Solidification of mold fluxes is examined using single and double hot thermocouple techniques (SHTT and DHTT, respectively). Continuous cooling and isothermal SHTT experiments are used to construct continuous cooling transformation (CCT) and time‐temperature transformation (TTT) diagrams. Heat transfer of mold fluxes is examined using an IR emitter technique. The properties of F‐free CaO–SiO2‐based fluxes and CaO–Al2O3‐based fluxes are compared with the properties of industrial mold fluxes.
Characterizing Millimeter‐Sized Coils for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation of Small Animals: Comparison of Magnetic Cores
Authors: Higuchi Hisaya , Furukawa Ryo , Tateno Takashi
Published: May 2021

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is used for neuromodulation of the human brain. However, the technique is not widely used for small animal models. Here, we propose millimeter‐sized coils for brain stimulation of small animals. To estimate the electric field distributions of TMS coils, we performed magnetic flux density measurements and computer simulation using a simplified model combining a mouse head and a TMS coil. Our results indicate the millimeter‐sized TMS coils produce electrical field with sufficient magnitude to activate the cortex under the skull in vivo. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Prenatal cardiac biometry and flow assessment in fetuses with bicuspid aortic valve at 20 weeks' gestation: multicenter cohort study
Authors: Vedel C. , Rode L. , Bundgaard H. , Iversen K. , Jørgensen F. S. , Petersen O. B. , Sillesen A.‐S. , Sundberg K. , Vejlstrup N. , Zingenberg H. , Tabor A. , Ekelund C. K.
Published: May 2021

Objective

To investigate prenatal changes in cardiac biometric and flow parameters in fetuses with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) diagnosed neonatally compared with controls with normal cardiac anatomy.

Methods

This analysis was conducted as part of the Copenhagen Baby Heart Study, a multicenter cohort study of 25 556 neonates that underwent second‐trimester anomaly scan at 18 + 0 to 22 + 6 weeks' gestation and neonatal echocardiography within 4 weeks after birth, in Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev, Hvidovre Hospital and Rigshospitalet in greater Copenhagen, between April 2016 and October 2018. From February 2017 (Rigshospitalet) and September 2017 (Herlev and Hvidovre hospitals), the protocol for second‐trimester screening of the heart was extended to include evaluation of the four‐chamber view, with assessment of flow across the atrioventricular valves, sagittal view of the aortic arch and midumbilical artery and ductus venosus pulsatility indices. All images were evaluated by two investigators, and cardiac biometric and flow parameters were measured and compared between cases with BAV and controls. All cases with neonatal BAV were assessed by a specialist. Maternal characteristics and first‐ and second‐trimester biomarkers were also compared between the two groups.

Results

Fifty‐five infants with BAV and 8316 controls with normal cardiac anatomy were identified during the study period and assessed using the extended prenatal cardiac imaging protocol. There were three times as many mothers who smoked before pregnancy in the group with BAV as in the control group (9.1% vs 2.7%; P = 0.003). All other baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups. Fetuses with BAV, compared with controls, had a significantly larger diameter of the aorta at the level of the aortic valve (3.1 mm vs 3.0 mm (mean difference, 0.12 mm (95% CI, 0.03–0.21 mm))) and the pulmonary artery at the level of the pulmonary valve (4.1 mm vs 3.9 mm (mean difference, 0.15 mm (95% CI, 0.03–0.28 mm))). Following conversion of the diameter measurements of the aorta and pulmonary artery to Z‐scores and Bonferroni correction, the differences between the two groups were no longer statistically significant. Pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A (PAPP‐A) multiples of the median (MoM) was significantly lower in the BAV group than in the control group (0.85 vs 1.03; P = 0.04).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that fetuses with BAV may have a larger aortic diameter at the level of the aortic valve, measured in the left‐ventricular‐outflow‐tract view, and a larger pulmonary artery diameter at the level of the pulmonary valve, measured in the three‐vessel view, at 20 weeks' gestation. Moreover, we found an association of maternal smoking and low PAPP‐A MoM with BAV. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Prevalence of nine genetic defects in Chinese Holstein cattle
Authors: Khan Md. Yousuf Ali , Omar Abdullah I. , He Yuwei , Chen Shaohu , Zhang Shengli , Xiao Wei , Zhang Yi
Published: May 2021

Worldwide use of elite sires has caused inbreeding accumulation and high frequencies of genetic defects in dairy cattle populations. In recent years, several genetic defect genes or haplotypes have been identified in Holstein cattle. A rapid and reliable microfluidic chip with Kompetitive allele‐specific PCR (KASP) assay was developed in our previous study for the detection of heterozygotes at eight genetic defect loci of bovine leukocyte adhesion deficiency (BLAD), Brachyspina syndrome (BS), complex vertebral malformation (CVM), Holstein haplotype 1 (HH1), Holstein haplotype 3 (HH3), Holstein haplotype 4 (HH4), Holstein haplotype 5 (HH5) and haplotype for cholesterol deficiency (HCD). This study aimed to extend that assay to include a newly identified genetic defect of Holstein haplotype 6 (HH6) and to estimate the frequencies of carriers for each of the nine genetic defects in six Chinese Holstein herds. Of the 1633 cows, carrier frequencies of the genetic defects were 6.92%, 5.76%, 4.46%, 4.30%, 3.62%, 2.94%, 1.86% and 0.37% for HH1, HH3, CVM, HH5, HCD, BS, HH6 and BLAD, respectively. No carrier was found for HH4. Notably, 27.43% of cows carried at least one genetic defect, while 2.27% and 0.12% of cows carried double and triple genetic defect alleles, respectively. The existence of genetic defects calls for routine molecular testing and effective management of genetic defects by avoiding carrier‐to‐carrier mating in production herds and eliminating or at least reducing the frequency of the defective alleles through marker‐assisted selection in breeding herds.
Candida steatolytica causing systemic candidiasis in a group of African spurred tortoises (Centrochelys sulcata)
Authors: Keller Saskia , Kleiner Lukas , Ghielmetti Giovanni , Kipar Anja , Tahas Stamatios Alan
Published: May 2021

Three African spurred tortoises (Centrochelys sulcata) were referred for inappetence and lethargy of 1 week's duration. On presentation, one animal was confirmed dead and submitted for necropsy. The conspecifics were treated symptomatically for upper respiratory tract disease. The deceased individual tested negative for herpes‐, rana‐ and picornavirus but positive for Mycoplasma agassizii by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), however, without exhibiting pathological changes consistent with this infection. Instead, systemic mycosis was diagnosed, with isolation of Candida steatolytica. This allowed effective targeted treatment of the remaining animals. Candida steatolytica is commonly isolated from rotting fruits and has so far been rarely associated with clinical disease. In the present cases, the most likely source of infection was pruned vine shoots and leaves, which the tortoises had access to in their outdoor paddock. This case highlights the significance of rapid and comprehensive post‐mortem diagnostics with swift interdisciplinary communication to allow effective handling of challenging cases.
Artificial intelligence advances for de novo molecular structure modeling in cryo‐electron microscopy
Authors: Si Dong , Nakamura Andrew , Tang Runbang , Guan Haowen , Hou Jie , Firozi Ammaar , Cao Renzhi , Hippe Kyle , Zhao Minglei
Published: May 2021

Cryo‐electron microscopy (cryo‐EM) has become a major experimental technique to determine the structures of large protein complexes and molecular assemblies, as evidenced by the 2017 Nobel Prize. Although cryo‐EM has been drastically improved to generate high‐resolution three‐dimensional maps that contain detailed structural information about macromolecules, the computational methods for using the data to automatically build structure models are lagging far behind. The traditional cryo‐EM model building approach is template‐based homology modeling. Manual de novo modeling is very time‐consuming when no template model is found in the database. In recent years, de novo cryo‐EM modeling using machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) has ranked among the top‐performing methods in macromolecular structure modeling. DL‐based de novo cryo‐EM modeling is an important application of artificial intelligence, with impressive results and great potential for the next generation of molecular biomedicine. Accordingly, we systematically review the representative ML/DL‐based de novo cryo‐EM modeling methods. Their significances are discussed from both practical and methodological viewpoints. We also briefly describe the background of cryo‐EM data processing workflow. Overall, this review provides an introductory guide to modern research on artificial intelligence for de novo molecular structure modeling and future directions in this emerging field.

This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Molecular Structures

Structure and Mechanism > Computational Biochemistry and Biophysics

Data Science > Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning
Deposited Dust
Authors: Al-Dousari Ali , Al-Dousari Noor
Published: May 2021

A dust storm is meteorologically defined whenever visibility is less than 1,000 meters (Al-Kulaib 1990). Al-Dousari (2009) lists Kuwait as having one of the highest dust precipitation rates in the world. Safar (1980) states that the annual average number of dusty days due to dust storms or rising dust or suspended dust in Kuwait is 255.4. Forty-seven sampling sites representing all the geomorphological and sedimentological provinces in Kuwait were selected for the installation of dust traps to measure the average annual amount of deposited dust during 2009–2010 and 2010–2011 in tons.km-2.
Sugarcane Industry Expansion and Changing Rural Labour Regimes in Mato Grosso do Sul (2000–2016)
Authors: Lorenzen Kristina
Published: May 2021

The objective of this chapter is to assess how the expanding production of biofuels as part of an emerging bioeconomy affects existing social inequalities in labour and land relations. A case study method was applied to investigate the growth of the sugarcane industry in Mato Grosso do Sul between 2000 and 2016. The analytical framework of social inequalities and a rural labour regime approach guided the research and data analysis. This chapter shows that the expansion of biofuels was propelled by an entanglement of global dynamics such as land grabbing and green development discourses, as well as national policies that fostered bioethanol production. The expansion of the sugarcane industry in Mato Grosso do Sul led to changes in existing labour regimes. The most striking changes were the increased but temporal semi-proletarianisation of peasants in agrarian reform settlements and the double exclusion of the Guarani-Kaiowá Indigenous people.
Sustaining the European Bioeconomy: The Material Base and Extractive Relations of a Bio-Based EU-Economy
Authors: Lühmann Malte
Published: May 2021

This chapter explores the implications of a growing need for biomass inputs for the transnational relations of the European bioeconomy. In order to do so, transnational material flows into the European bioeconomy are analysed from a world systems perspective. This puts the European bioeconomy in relation to extractive economies mainly in the (semi-)peripheries of the capitalist world system. Most of the biomass consumed in the EU today is produced domestically, but imports represent 16% of total supply. Material flows in the form of commodity imports to the EU are analysed as extractive relations between the EU and its biomass suppliers. As the potential for increased domestic production in the EU is small, biomass imports are expected to become even more important in the context of a growing bioeconomy. The extractive relations constituted by existing material flows call into question the social and ecological sustainability of bioeconomy transition.
Tools of Extraction or Means of Speculation? Making Sense of Patents in the Bioeconomy
Authors: Braun Veit
Published: May 2021

Over the last few decades, Europe has seen a rise in applications for “native trait” patents on conventionally bred plants. Based on expert interviews, participant observation, patent statistics and document analysis, this chapter discusses what constitutes the (potential) value of these patents for various stakeholders. Native trait patents are a legacy of biotech plant patents from the 1980s and 1990s but follow different material, legal and economic logics. Unlike GMO patents, it would be wrong to view them as tools with which to extract surplus value from farmers. Neither, however, are they simply a means to capture investment from stock markets. There is no single business model that could explain the rush of companies to apply for patents in conventional plant breeding; therefore, patents must be understood as complex value objects that fulfil different functions for different actors and that often defy their original purpose of stimulating and protecting innovation.
Repräsentation und Reflexion von Zeit in der Novellistik 1820–1850
Authors: Brössel Stephan
Published: May 2021

Die uneinheitliche Literatur im zweiten Drittel des 19. Jahrhunderts ist in einem Punkt erstaunlich homogen: in ihrem Bestreben nämlich, über Zeit nachzudenken. Indem sie den eigenen Status als Übergangsepoche entwirft, erhebt sie die Störung von Zeit zu einem ihrer kardinalen Verhandlungsgegenstände und erzeugt ein Konzept von ›Zukunft‹, das vor allem eines ist: vielgestaltig. So, wie der Realismus besessen ist vom Tod und die Frühe Moderne vom Leben, wie der Sturm und Drang von der Freiheit und die Romantik vom Ungenügen an der Realität – so ist die Zwischenphase besessen von der Reflexion von Zeit. Die Zeit als Störung, die Unsicherheit des Lebenslaufmodells und die Insuffizienz der eigenen Gegenwart, die regressive Orientierung an der Vergangenheit und der progressive Fortschrittsglaube – überhaupt: das fortwährende Nachdenken über Zeit und Zeitlichkeit, gebunden an die Erkenntnis, dass etwas vorbei ist, ohne dass etwas Anderes schon gefunden worden wäre oder sich etabliert hätte – allesdies zeichnet die literaturgeschichtliche Phase aus, die wir um 1820 ansetzen und um 1850 enden lassen und Zwischenphase nennen wollen. Zeitreflexion ist – dies die Grundidee der nachfolgenden Ausführungen – Dreh- und Angelpunkt eines weitreichenden und tiefgreifenden literar- und mentalitätshistorischen Wandels, der von der Zwischenphase als solcher wahrgenommen und verarbeitet wird.
Lebenslaufmodelle und Zeitreflexion: Modifikationen der Initiationsgeschichte
Authors: Brössel Stephan
Published: May 2021

Die Zwischenphase erhebt das Lebenslaufmodell der Goethezeit zu einem ihrer zentralen Problemverhandlungsfelder. Literatur entwirft ›Welten‹ mit anthropomorphen Bewohnern, fiktiven Personen mit körperlichen und geistigen Eigenschaften des Menschen. Und Figuren setzen sich mit dem eigenen Selbst und ihrem soziokulturellen Umfeld auseinander. Es geht um die Selbstfindung und die Einfindung in die soziokulturelle Lebenswelt.
Real-time gravitational replicas: formalism and a variational principle
Authors: Colin-Ellerin Sean , Dong Xi , Marolf Donald , Rangamani Mukund , Wang Zhencheng
Published: May 2021

Abstract

This work is the first step in a two-part investigation of real-time replica wormholes. Here we study the associated real-time gravitational path integral and construct the variational principle that will define its saddle-points. We also describe the general structure of the resulting real-time replica wormhole saddles, setting the stage for construction of explicit examples. These saddles necessarily involve complex metrics, and thus are accessed by deforming the original real contour of integration. However, the construction of these saddles need not rely on analytic continuation, and our formulation can be used even in the presence of non-analytic boundary-sources. Furthermore, at least for replica- and CPT-symmetric saddles we show that the metrics may be taken to be real in regions spacelike separated from a so-called ‘splitting surface’. This feature is an important hallmark of unitarity in a field theory dual.
Reduced frequency of cytotoxic CD56dim CD16+ NK cells leads to impaired antibody-dependent degranulation in EBV-positive classical Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Pánisová Elena , Lünemann Anna , Bürgler Simone , Kotur Monika , Lazarovici Julien , Danu Alina , Kaulfuss Meike , Mietz Juliane , Chijioke Obinna , Münz Christian , Busson Pierre , Berger Christoph , Ghez David , Azzi Tarik
Published: May 2021

Around 30–50% of classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) cases in immunocompetent individuals from industrialized countries are associated with the B-lymphotropic Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Although natural killer (NK) cells exhibit anti-viral and anti-tumoral functions, virtually nothing is known about quantitative and qualitative differences in NK cells in patients with EBV+ cHL vs. EBV- cHL. Here, we prospectively investigated 36 cHL patients without known immune suppression or overt immunodeficiency at diagnosis. All 10 EBV+ cHL patients and 25 out 26 EBV- cHL were seropositive for EBV antibodies, and EBV+ cHL patients presented with higher plasma EBV DNA levels compared to EBV- cHL patients. We show that the CD56dim CD16+ NK cell subset was decreased in frequency in EBV+ cHL patients compared to EBV- cHL patients. This quantitative deficiency translates into an impaired CD56dim NK cell mediated degranulation toward rituximab-coated HLA class 1 negative lymphoblastoid cells in EBV+ compared to EBV- cHL patients. We finally observed a trend to a decrease in the rituximab-associated degranulation and ADCC of in vitro expanded NK cells of EBV+ cHL compared to healthy controls. Our findings may impact on the design of adjunctive treatment targeting antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity in EBV+ cHL.
Age-dependent microstructural changes of the intervertebral disc: a validation of proteoglycan-sensitive spectral CT
Authors: Pohlan Julian , Stelbrink Carsten , Pumberger Matthias , Deppe Dominik , Schömig Friederike , Hecht Nils , Göhler Friedemann , Hamm Bernd , Diekhoff Torsten
Published: May 2021

Objective

To analyze the two major components of the intervertebral disc (IVD) in an ex vivo phantom, as well as age-related changes in patients.

Methods

Collagen and chondroitin sulfate were imaged at different concentrations in agar solution. Age-related changes in disc density were retrospectively analyzed in normal-appearing discs in dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) images from a patient cohort with various spinal pathologies (n = 136). All computed tomography (CT) scans were acquired using single-source DECT at 80 and 135 kVp with automatic exposure calculation. In 136 patients, the attenuation of normal-appearing discs on collagen/chondroitin maps (cMaps) correlated with the patients’ age with Pearson’s r using standardized regions of interest in the anterior anulus fibrosus (AAF) and nucleus pulposus (NP).

Results

DECT collagen mapping revealed concentration-dependent Hounsfield units (HU) of IVD components. For collagen, we found Pearson’s r = 0.9610 (95% CI 0.6789–0.9959), p = 0.0023 at 120 kVe, and r = 0.8824 (95% CI 0.2495–0.9871), p = 0.0199 in cMap. For chondroitin sulfate, Pearson’s r was 0.9583 (95% CI 0.6603–0.9956), p = 0.0026 at 120 kVp, and r = 0.9646 (95% CI 0.7044–0.9963), p = 0.0019 in cMap. Analysis of normal-appearing IVDs revealed an inverse correlation of density with age in the AAF: Pearson’s r = − 0.2294 at 135 kVp (95% CI − 0.4012 to − 0.04203; p=0.0141) and r = − 0.09341 in cMap (95% CI − 0.2777 to 0.09754; p = 0.0003). In the NP, age and density did not correlate significantly at 135 kVp (p = 0.9228) and in cMap (p = 0.3229).

Conclusions

DECT-based collagen mapping allows microstructural analysis of the two main intervertebral disc components—collagen and chondroitin sulfate. IVD density declines with age, presumably due to a reduction in collagen and chondroitin sulfate content. Age-related alterations of disc microstructure appear most pronounced in the AAF.

Key Points

• DECT-based collagen mapping allows precise analysis of the two main intervertebral disc components—collagen and chondroitin sulfate.

• Intervertebral disc (IVD) density declines with age, presumably due to a reduction in collagen and chondroitin sulfate content.

• Age-related alterations of disc microstructure are most pronounced in the anterior anulus fibrosus (AAF).
Pilonidal sinus disease on the rise: a one-third incidence increase in inpatients in 13 years with substantial regional variation in Germany
Authors: Oetzmann von Sochaczewski Christina , Gödeke Jan
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Collective evidence from single-centre studies suggests an increasing incidence of pilonidal sinus disease in the last decades, but population-based data is scarce.

Methods

We analysed administrative case–based principal diagnoses of pilonidal sinus disease and its surgical therapy between 2005 and 2017 in inpatients. Changes were addressed via linear regression.

Results

The mean rate of inpatient episodes of pilonidal sinus disease per 100,000 men increased from 43 in 2005 to 56 in 2017. In females, the mean rate of inpatient episodes per 100,000 women rose from 14 in 2005 to 18 in 2017. In the whole population, for every case per 100,000 females, there were 3.1 cases per 100,000 males, but the numbers were highly variable between the age groups. There was considerable regional variation within Germany. Rates of inpatient episodes of pilonidal sinus disease were increasing in almost all age groups and both sexes by almost a third. Surgery was dominated by excision of pilonidal sinus without reconstructive procedures, such as flaps, whose share was around 13% of all procedures, despite recommendations of the national guidelines to prefer flap procedures.

Conclusion

Rates of inpatient episodes of pilonidal sinus disease in Germany rose across almost all age groups and both sexes with relevant regional variation. The underlying causative factors are unknown. Thus, patient-centred research is necessary to explore them. This should also take cases into account that are solely treated office-based in order to obtain a full-spectrum view of pilonidal sinus disease incidence rates.
α-Synuclein in blood exosomes immunoprecipitated using neuronal and oligodendroglial markers distinguishes Parkinson’s disease from multiple system atrophy
Authors: Dutta Suman , Hornung Simon , Kruayatidee Adira , Maina Katherine N. , del Rosario Irish , Paul Kimberly C. , Wong Darice Y. , Duarte Folle Aline , Markovic Daniela , Palma Jose-Alberto , Serrano Geidy E. , Adler Charles H. , Perlman Susan L. , Poon Wayne W. , Kang Un Jung , Alcalay Roy N. , Sklerov Miriam , Gylys Karen H. , Kaufmann Horacio , Fogel Brent L. , Bronstein Jeff M. , Ritz Beate , Bitan Gal
Published: May 2021

The diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and atypical parkinsonian syndromes is difficult due to the lack of reliable, easily accessible biomarkers. Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a synucleinopathy whose symptoms often overlap with PD. Exosomes isolated from blood by immunoprecipitation using CNS markers provide a window into the brain’s biochemistry and may assist in distinguishing between PD and MSA. Thus, we asked whether α-synuclein (α-syn) in such exosomes could distinguish among healthy individuals, patients with PD, and patients with MSA. We isolated exosomes from the serum or plasma of these three groups by immunoprecipitation using neuronal and oligodendroglial markers in two independent cohorts and measured α-syn in these exosomes using an electrochemiluminescence ELISA. In both cohorts, α-syn concentrations were significantly lower in the control group and significantly higher in the MSA group compared to the PD group. The ratio between α-syn concentrations in putative oligodendroglial exosomes compared to putative neuronal exosomes was a particularly sensitive biomarker for distinguishing between PD and MSA. Combining this ratio with the α-syn concentration itself and the total exosome concentration, a multinomial logistic model trained on the discovery cohort separated PD from MSA with an AUC = 0.902, corresponding to 89.8% sensitivity and 86.0% specificity when applied to the independent validation cohort. The data demonstrate that a minimally invasive blood test measuring α-syn in blood exosomes immunoprecipitated using CNS markers can distinguish between patients with PD and patients with MSA with high sensitivity and specificity. Future optimization and validation of the data by other groups would allow this strategy to become a viable diagnostic test for synucleinopathies.
Trajectories of pain over 6 years in early Parkinson’s disease: ICICLE-PD
Authors: Naisby J. , Lawson R. A. , Galna B. , Alcock L. , Burn D. J. , Rochester L. , Yarnall A. J.
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Pain is a common non-motor symptom in Parkinson’s disease (PD), affecting up to 85% of patients. The frequency and stability of pain over time has not been extensively studied. There is a paucity of high-quality studies investigating pain management in PD. To develop interventions, an understanding of how pain changes over the disease course is required.

Methods

One hundred and fifty-four participants with early PD and 99 age-and-sex-matched controls were recruited as part of a longitudinal study (Incidence of Cognitive Impairment in Cohorts with Longitudinal Evaluation in PD, ICICLE-PD). Pain data were collected at 18-month intervals over 72 months in both groups using the Nonmotor Symptom Questionnaire (NMSQ), consisting of a binary yes/no response. Two questions from the Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39) were analysed for the PD group only.

Results

Unexplained pain was common in the PD group and occurred more frequently than in age-matched controls. ‘Aches and pains’ occurred more frequently than ‘cramps and muscle spasms’ at each time point (p < 0.001) except 54 months.

Conclusions

This study shows that pain is prevalent even in the early stages of PD, yet the frequency and type of pain fluctuates as symptoms progress. People with PD should be asked about their pain at clinical consultations and given support with describing pain given the different ways this can present.
Parents’ intention to get vaccinated and to have their child vaccinated against COVID-19: cross-sectional analyses using data from the KUNO-Kids health study
Authors: Brandstetter Susanne , Böhmer Merle M. , Pawellek Maja , Seelbach-Göbel Birgit , Melter Michael , Kabesch Michael , Apfelbacher Christian ,   KUNO-Kids study group, Ambrosch Andreas , Arndt Petra , Baessler Andrea , Berneburg Mark , Böse-O’Reilly Stephan , Brunner Romuald , Buchalla Wolfgang , Malfertheiner Sara Fill , Franke André , Häusler Sebastian , Heid Iris , Herr Caroline , Högler Wolfgang , Kerzel Sebastian , Koller Michael , Leitzmann Michael , Rothfuß David , Rösch Wolfgang , Schaub Bianca , Weber Bernhard H.F. , Weidinger Stephan , Wellmann Sven
Published: May 2021

A COVID-19 vaccine can be an important key for mitigating the spread of the pandemic, provided that it is accepted by a sufficient proportion of the population. This study investigated parents’ intention to get vaccinated and to have one’s child vaccinated against COVID-19. In May 2020, 612 parents participating with their child in the KUNO-Kids health study completed an online survey. Multivariable logistic regression models were calculated to analyze predictors of intention to vaccinate. Fifty-eight percent of parents intended to get vaccinated against COVID-19, and 51% intended to have their child vaccinated. Significant predictors for the intention to get vaccinated and for having the child vaccinated included stronger parental confidence in one’s knowledge about prevention measures and lower beliefs that policy measures were exaggerated.

Conclusion: COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy was considerable in our sample of parents in Germany. However, our study revealed some potentially modifiable factors which should be addressed by a comprehensive and tailored communication and education strategy.

What is Known?• A COVID-19 vaccine can mitigate the spread of the pandemic.• Many parents are skeptical about vaccinations in general.

What is New?• COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy was considerable in our sample of parents from Germany, not only for getting vaccinated but also for having the child vaccinated.• Negative parental attitudes regarding policy measures to contain the pandemic were associated with a lower intention to vaccinate.
Strongly Stable and Maximum Weakly Stable Noncrossing Matchings
Authors: Hamada Koki , Miyazaki Shuichi , Okamoto Kazuya
Published: May 2021

In IWOCA 2019, Ruangwises and Itoh introduced stable noncrossing matchings, where participants of each side are aligned on each of two parallel lines, and no two matching edges are allowed to cross each other. They defined two stability notions, strongly stable noncrossing matching (SSNM) and weakly stable noncrossing matching (WSNM), depending on the strength of blocking pairs. They proved that a WSNM always exists and presented an $$O(n^{2})$$

O
(

n
2

)

-time algorithm to find one for an instance with n men and n women. They also posed open questions of the complexities of determining existence of an SSNM and finding a largest WSNM. In this paper, we show that both problems are solvable in polynomial time. Our algorithms are applicable to extensions where preference lists may include ties, except for one case which we show to be NP-complete. This NP-completeness holds even if each person's preference list is of length at most two and ties appear in only men's preference lists. To complement this intractability, we show that the problem is solvable in polynomial time if the length of preference lists of one side is bounded by one (but that of the other side is unbounded).
Niederschlags-Abfluss-Modellierung mit Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM)
Authors: Kratzert Frederik , Gauch Martin , Nearing Grey , Hochreiter Sepp , Klotz Daniel
Published: May 2021

Methoden der künstlichen Intelligenz haben sich in den letzten Jahren zu essenziellen Bestandteilen fast aller Bereiche von Wissenschaft und Technik entwickelt. Dies gilt auch für die Hydrologie: Vielschichtige neuronale Netzwerke – auch bekannt als Modelle des Deep Learning – ermöglichen hier Vorhersagen von Niederschlagsabflussmengen in zuvor unerreichter Präzision.

Dieser Beitrag beleuchtet das Potenzial von Deep Learning für wasserwirtschaftliche Anwendungen. Der erste Teil des Artikels zeigt, wie sogenannte Long Short-Term Memory-Netzwerke – eine spezifisch für Zeitreihen entwickelte Methode des Deep Learnings – für die Niederschlags-Abfluss-Modellierung verwendet werden, und wie diese für eine Reihe hydrologischer Probleme bessere Ergebnisse als jedes andere bekannte hydrologische Modell erzielen. Der zweite Teil demonstriert wesentliche Eigenschaften der Long Short-Term Memory-Netzwerke. Zum einen zeigen wir, dass diese Netzwerke beliebige Daten verarbeiten können. Dies erlaubt es, mögliche synergetische Effekte aus unterschiedlichen meteorologischen Datensätzen zu extrahieren und damit die Modellgüte zu verbessern. Zum anderen stellen wir dar, wie relevante hydrologische Prozesse (wie z. B. das Akkumulieren und Schmelzen von Schnee) innerhalb der Modelle abgebildet werden, ohne dass diese spezifisch darauf trainiert wurden.
Photobiomodulation of oral fibroblasts stimulated with periodontal pathogens
Authors: Serrage H. J. , Cooper P. R. , Palin W. M. , Horstman P. , Hadis M. , Milward M. R.
Published: May 2021

Photobiomodulation (PBM) utilises light energy to treat oral disease, periodontitis. However, there remains inconsistency in the reporting of treatment parameters and a lack of knowledge as to how PBM elicits its molecular effects in vitro. Therefore, this study aimed to establish the potential immunomodulatory effects of blue and near infra-red light irradiation on gingival fibroblasts (GFs), a key cell involved in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. GFs were seeded in 96-well plates in media + / − Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS 1 μg/ml), or heat-killed Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum, 100:1MOI) or Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis, 500:1MOI). Cultures were incubated overnight and subsequently irradiated using a bespoke radiometrically calibrated LED array (400–830 nm, irradiance: 24 mW/cm2 dose: 5.76 J/cm2). Effects of PBM on mitochondrial activity (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) assays, total reactive oxygen species production (ROS assay) and pro-inflammatory/cytokine response (interleukin-8 (IL-8) and tumour growth factor-β1 (TGFβ1)) were assessed 24 h post-irradiation. Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA followed by the Tukey test. Irradiation of untreated (no inflammatory stimulus) cultures at 400 nm induced 15%, 27% and 13% increases in MTT, ROS and IL-8 levels, respectively (p < 0.05). Exposure with 450 nm light following application of P. gingivalis, F. nucleatum or LPS induced significant decreases in TGFβ1 secretion relative to their bacterially stimulated controls (p < 0.001). Following stimulation with P. gingivalis, 400 nm irradiation induced 14% increases in MTT, respectively, relative to bacteria-stimulated controls (p < 0.05). These findings could identify important irradiation parameters to enable management of the hyper-inflammatory response characteristic of periodontitis.
Another usage of autotomized penis
Authors: Sekizawa Ayami , Tsurumi Yurika , Ito Natsuki , Nakashima Yasuhiro
Published: May 2021

We described and compared the mating behavior and morphology of the reproductive system in chromodorid nudibranchs, then, examined how extensively the unique usage of the penis (autotomy and sperm removal) evolved among Chromodorids. In addition to Ardeadoris egretta, all of examined five species in Glossodoris autotomized their penises at the last stage of copulation. An interspecific difference was seen in penis autotomy in Noumea and Goniobranchus. A spiral structure was recognized in the vas deferens of autotomized species. This structure is supposed to be undifferentiated “next penises” stored in the vas deferens, which ensure successive copulation in autotomized species. Though the basic mechanism of penis replenishment was consistent, the reason to autotomize their penises may not be the same. Goniobranchus reticulatus is reported to remove sperm already stored in the mating partner’s sperm storage organ(s) with backward-pointing spines on the surface of its penis. Contrary to G. reticulatus, all of ten species that autotomized their penises in the present study did not have thorny but smooth penises. When they autotomized their penises, the tip of the penises still remained in the vagina of the partners. This suggests that autotomized penises in these nudibranchs function as a kind of copulatory plugs.
Chancen und Potenziale von Mobility-as-a-Service nach der Corona-Pandemie
Authors: Scheier Benedikt , Frieske Benjamin , Viergutz Kathrin
Published: May 2021

Die Pandemie stellt einen Einschnitt in der positiven Entwicklung des öffentlichen Verkehrs dar. Die Furcht der Nutzer:innen vor Infektionen könnte einen nachhaltigen negativen Effekt auf den öffentlichen Verkehr haben. Dieser Beitrag stellt Chancen und Potenziale des Mobility-as-a-Service vor, mit einem Fokus auf die Betriebsform Demand-Responsive Transport. Besondere Chancen könnten in einem Fahrzeugkonzept mit exklusiven Abteilen liegen, die auch bezüglich des Infektionsschutzes Vorteile gegenüber herkömmlichen Fahrzeugen des ÖPNV aufweisen. Auf Basis einer Betriebssimulation werden Anschaffungs- und Besitzkosten ermittelt.
Recent advances toward the sustainable management of invasive Xylosandrus ambrosia beetles
Authors: Gugliuzzo Antonio , Biedermann Peter H. W. , Carrillo Daniel , Castrillo Louela A. , Egonyu James P. , Gallego Diego , Haddi Khalid , Hulcr Jiri , Jactel Hervé , Kajimura Hisashi , Kamata Naoto , Meurisse Nicolas , Li You , Oliver Jason B. , Ranger Christopher M. , Rassati Davide , Stelinski Lukasz L. , Sutherland Roanne , Tropea Garzia Giovanna , Wright Mark G. , Biondi Antonio
Published: May 2021

We provide an overview of both traditional and innovative control tools for management of three Xylosandrus ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), invasive species with a history of damage in forests, nurseries, orchards and urban areas. Xylosandrus compactus, X. crassiusculus and X. germanus are native to Asia, and currently established in several countries around the globe. Adult females bore galleries into the plant xylem inoculating mutualistic ambrosia fungi that serve as food source for the developing progeny. Tunneling activity results in chewed wood extrusion from entry holes, sap outflow, foliage wilting followed by canopy dieback, and branch and trunk necrosis. Maintaining plant health by reducing physiological stress is the first recommendation for long-term control. Baited traps, ethanol-treated bolts, trap logs and trap trees of selected species can be used to monitor Xylosandrus species. Conventional pest control methods are mostly ineffective against Xylosandrus beetles because of the pests’ broad host range and rapid spread. Due to challenges with conventional control, more innovative control approaches are being tested, such as the optimization of the push–pull strategy based on specific attractant and repellent combinations, or the use of insecticide-treated netting. Biological control based on the release of entomopathogenic and mycoparasitic fungi, as well as the use of antagonistic bacteria, has yielded promising results. However, these technologies still require validation in real field conditions. Overall, we suggest that management efforts should primarily focus on reducing plant stress and potentially be combined with a multi-faceted approach for controlling Xylosandrus damage.
3D Printing for Cardiovascular Applications: From End-to-End Processes to Emerging Developments
Authors: Gharleghi Ramtin , Dessalles Claire A. , Lal Ronil , McCraith Sinead , Sarathy Kiran , Jepson Nigel , Otton James , Barakat Abdul I. , Beier Susann
Published: May 2021

3D printing as a means of fabrication has seen increasing applications in medicine in the last decade, becoming invaluable for cardiovascular applications. This rapidly developing technology has had a significant impact on cardiovascular research, its clinical translation and education. It has expanded our understanding of the cardiovascular system resulting in better devices, tools and consequently improved patient outcomes. This review discusses the latest developments and future directions of generating medical replicas (‘phantoms’) for use in the cardiovascular field, detailing the end-to-end process from medical imaging to capture structures of interest, to production and use of 3D printed models. We provide comparisons of available imaging modalities and overview of segmentation and post-processing techniques to process images for printing, detailed exploration of latest 3D printing methods and materials, and a comprehensive, up-to-date review of milestone applications and their impact within the cardiovascular domain across research, clinical use and education. We then provide an in-depth exploration of future technologies and innovations around these methods, capturing opportunities and emerging directions across increasingly realistic representations, bioprinting and tissue engineering, and complementary virtual and mixed reality solutions. The next generation of 3D printing techniques allow patient-specific models that are increasingly realistic, replicating properties, anatomy and function.