bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bitter Taste and Olfactory Receptors: Beyond Chemical Sensing in the Tongue and the Nose
Authors: Alfonso-Prieto Mercedes
Published: June 2021

The Up-and-Coming-Scientist section of the current issue of the Journal of Membrane Biology features the invited essay by Dr. Mercedes Alfonso-Prieto, Assistant Professor at the Forschungszentrum Jülich (FZJ), Germany, and the Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Vogt Institute for Brain Research.
Dr. Alfonso-Prieto completed her doctoral degree in chemistry at the Barcelona Science Park, Spain, in 2009, pursued post-doctoral research in computational molecular sciences at Temple University, USA, and then, as a Marie Curie post-doctoral fellow at the University of Barcelona, worked on computations of enzyme reactions and modeling of photoswitchable ligands targeting neuronal receptors. In 2016, she joined the Institute for Advanced Science and the Institute for Computational Biomedicine at the FZJ, where she pursues research on modeling and simulation of chemical senses.
The invited essay by Dr. Alfonso-Prieto discusses state-of-the-art modeling of molecular receptors involved in chemical sensing – the senses of taste and smell. These receptors, and computational methods to study them, are the focus of Dr. Alfonso-Prieto’s research. Recently, Dr. Alfonso-Prieto and colleagues have presented a new methodology to predict ligand binding poses for GPCRs, and extensive computations that deciphered the ligand selectivity determinants of bitter taste receptors. These developments inform our current understanding of how taste occurs at the molecular level.

Graphic Abstract
Correction to: Cancer testis antigen Cyclin A1 harbors several HLA‑A*02:01‑restricted T cell epitopes, which are presented and recognized in vivo
Authors: Teck Anja Tatjana , Urban Sabrina , Quass Petra , Nelde Annika , Schuster Heiko , Letsch Anne , Busse Antonia , Walz Juliane Sarah , Keilholz Ulrich , Ochsenreither Sebastian
Published: June 2021

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00262-021-02977-6
Eosinophilic pleural effusion due to lung cancer has a better prognosis than non-eosinophilic malignant pleural effusion
Authors: Takeuchi Eiji , Okano Yoshio , Machida Hisanori , Atagi Katsuhiro , Kondou Yoshihiro , Kadota Naoki , Hatakeyama Nobuo , Naruse Keishi , Shinohara Tsutomu
Published: June 2021

Objective

Tumor-related eosinophilia may have extended survival benefits for some cancer patients. However, there has been no report on the prognosis difference between eosinophilic pleural effusion (EPE) and non-EPE in lung cancer patients. Our study aimed to investigate the prognosis difference between EPE and non-EPE due to lung cancer.

Patients and methods

We retrospectively reviewed patients diagnosed with lung cancer who presented with malignant pleural effusion (MPE) between May 2007 and September 2020 at the National Hospital Organization Kochi Hospital. EPE is defined as pleural fluid with a nucleated cell count containing 10% or more eosinophils.

Results

A total of 152 patients were included: 89 were male (59%). The median age was 74.4 years (range 37–101), and all patients were pathologically shown to have MPE. Most patients (140; 92%) had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) Performance Status (PS) of 0/1. Twenty patients had EPE. The median overall survival (OS) of all 152 lung cancer patients with MPE was 298 days. The median OS of the patients with EPE was 766 days, and the median OS of the patients with non-EPE was 252 days. Kaplan–Meier univariate analysis showed that lung cancer patients with EPE had a significantly better prognosis than patients with non-EPE (P < 0.05). Cox proportional regression analysis showed that EPE, ECOG PS, sex, and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in the serum (sNLR) may be independent prognostic factors affecting survival in patients with MPE.

Conclusion

Lung cancer patients with EPE have a better prognosis than those with non-EPE.
Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) in colon cancer and its interaction with budding and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) as tumor-host antagonists
Authors: Lang-Schwarz Corinna , Melcher Balint , Hartmann Arndt , Bertz Simone , Dregelies Theresa , Lang-Schwarz Klaus , Vieth Michael , Sterlacci William
Published: June 2021

Purpose

To analyze the role of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) immunohistochemisty in the context of tumor microenvironment in colon cancer (CC) with focus on the interaction between tumor budding and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and to elucidate its potential value for immunooncologic treatment decisions.

Methods

Three hundred forty seven patients with CC, stages I to IV, were enrolled. PD-L1 immunohistochemistry was performed using two different antibodies (clone 22C3 pharmDx, Agilent and clone QR1, Quartett). Tumor proportion score (TPS) as well as immune cell score (IC) was assessed. Budding and TILs were assessed according to the criteria of the International Tumor Budding Consensus Conference (ITBCC) and International TILs Working Group (ITWG). Correlation analyses as well as survival analyses were performed.

Results

PD-L1 positivity significantly correlated with TILs > 5% and MMR deficiency, and PD-L1-positive cases (overall and IC) showed significantly longer overall survival (OS) with both antibodies.The parameters “high grade,” “right-sidedness,” and “TILS > 5% regardless of MMR status” evolved as potential parameters for additional immunological treatment decisions. Additionally, TPS positivity correlated with low budding. More PD-L1-positive cases were seen in both high TIL groups. The low budding/high TIL group showed longer disease-free survival and longer OS in PD-L1-positive cases.

Conclusion

Overall, PD-L1 positivity correlated with markers of good prognosis. PD-L1 immunohistochemistry was able to identify parameters as additional potential candidates for immune therapy. Furthermore, it was able to stratify patients within the low budding/high TIL group with significant prognostic impact.
Serum markers of fibrosis, cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in hemodialysis patients: the AURORA trial
Authors: Salib Madonna , Girerd Sophie , Girerd Nicolas , März Winfried , Scharnagl Hubert , Massy Ziad A. , Leroy Céline , Duarte Kévin , Holdaas Hallvard , Jardine Alan G. , Schmieder Roland E. , Fellström Bengt , López-Andrés Natalia , Rossignol Patrick , Zannad Faiez
Published: June 2021

Background

Biomarkers of fibrosis are associated with outcome in several cardiovascular diseases. However, their relevance to chronic kidney disease and dialysis is uncertain, as it remains unclear how the kidneys and the dialysis procedure itself affect their elimination and degradation. We aimed to investigate the relationship of the blood levels of two markers associated with fibrosis: procollagen type I C-terminal pro-peptide (PICP) and galectin-3 (Gal-3) with mortality in dialysis patients.

Methods

Procollagen type I C-terminal pro-peptide and galectin-3 were measured at baseline in 2773 patients enrolled in the AURORA trial, investigating the effect of rosuvastatin on cardiovascular outcomes, in patients on hemodialysis, and their interaction with CV death or all-cause mortality using survival models. The added prognostic value of these biomarkers was assessed by the net reclassification improvement (NRI).

Results

The median follow-up period was 3.8 years. Blood concentrations of PICP and Gal-3 were significantly associated with CV death [adjusted HR per 1 SD = 1.11 (1.02–1.20) and SD = 1.20 (1.10–1.31), respectively] and all-cause mortality (all adjusted p < 0.001). PICP and Gal-3 had a synergistic effect with regard to CV death and all-cause mortality (interaction p = 0.04 and 0.01, respectively). Adding PICP, Gal-3 and their interaction on top of clinical and biological covariates, resulted in significantly improved prognostic accuracy NRI = 0.080 (0.019–0.143) for CV death.

Conclusion

In dialysis patients, concomitant increase in PICP and Gal-3 concentrations are associated with higher rates of CV death. These results suggest that concomitantly raised PICP and Gal-3 may reflect an activated fibrogenesis relevant to risk stratification in dialysis, raising the hypothesis that anti-fibrotic therapy may be beneficial for cardiovascular protection in such patients.

Graphic abstract
SEC61G identified as a prognostic biomarker of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Shi Yanan , Liang Yibo , Wang Wei , Zhang Guimin
Published: June 2021

Purpose

It is of obvious interest to identify clinical prognosis-related oncogenes in HNSCC (head and neck squamous cell carcinoma).

Methods

Based on the available datasets within the TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) and the GEO (Gene Expression Omnibus) databases, the potential mechanism of action of the SEC61G (SEC61 translocon subunit gamma) gene in HNSCC tumorigenesis was explored by several bioinformatics approaches.

Results

There was a higher expression level of SEC61G in primary HNSCC tumor tissues than in normal tissues. Moreover, highly expressed SEC61G was statistically associated with the poor survival prognosis of HNSCC patients. When HPV (human papilloma virus) was considered, we also observed a relatively lower proportion of “arm-level gain” and “high amplification” types of CNA (copy-number alteration) in the HNSCC-HPV (+) group than in the HNSCC-HPV (−) group. Additionally, we identified SEC61G CAN-correlated genes, such as CCT6A (chaperonin-containing TCP1 subunit 6A) and HUS1 (HUS1 checkpoint clamp component), and found a correlation between SEC61G copy-number segments and prognosis related to overall and progression-free survival intervals of HNSCC patients. Moreover, the molecular regulation mechanisms of the spliceosome, ribosome, proteasome degradation, cell adhesion, and immune infiltration of B and CD8+ T cells may contribute to the involvement of SEC61G in the pathogenesis of HNSCC.

Conclusions

The SEC61G gene was identified for the first time as a prognostic biomarker of HNSCC. The detailed underlying mechanism merits further research.
On the choice of methodology for evaluating dose-rate effects on radiation-related cancer risks
Authors: Walsh Linda , Shore Roy , Azizova Tamara V. , Rühm Werner
Published: June 2021

Recently, several compilations of individual radiation epidemiology study results have aimed to obtain direct evidence on the magnitudes of dose-rate effects on radiation-related cancer risks. These compilations have relied on meta-analyses of ratios of risks from low dose-rate studies and matched risks from the solid cancer Excess Relative Risk models fitted to the acutely exposed Japanese A-bomb cohort. The purpose here is to demonstrate how choices of methodology for evaluating dose-rate effects on radiation-related cancer risks may influence the results reported for dose-rate effects. The current analysis is intended to address methodological issues and does not imply that the authors recommend a particular value for the dose and dose-rate effectiveness factor. A set of 22 results from one recent published study has been adopted here as a test set of data for applying the many different methods described here, that nearly all produced highly consistent results. Some recently voiced concerns, involving the recalling of the well-known theoretical point—the ratio of two normal random variables has a theoretically unbounded variance—that could potentially cause issues, are shown to be unfounded when aimed at the published work cited and examined in detail here. In the calculation of dose-rate effects for radiation protection purposes, it is recommended that meta-estimators should retain the full epidemiological and dosimetric matching information between the risks from the individual low dose-rate studies and the acutely exposed A-bomb cohort and that a regression approach can be considered as a useful alternative to current approaches.
Quantitative sensory testing and norepinephrine levels in REM sleep behaviour disorder – a clue to early peripheral autonomic and sensory dysfunction?
Authors: Koch Julia , Willemsen Kira , Dogan Imis , Rolke Roman , Schulz Jörg B. , Schiefer Johannes , Reetz Kathrin , Maier Andrea
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Studies have reported autonomic impairment in patients with idiopathic REM sleep behaviour disorder (iRBD), which is considered a prodromal stage of alpha-synucleinopathies. It is still debated whether central or peripheral pathologies are first manifestations of alpha-synucleinopathies. This study aimed to characterize autonomic and somatosensory function in iRBD patients.

Methods

This cross-sectional prospective case–control study included 17 iRBD patients (mean age 66.3 ± 9.2 years) and 16 healthy controls (HCs, 66.6 ± 11.3 years). Quantitative sensory testing, neurological and neuropsychological assessments, norepinephrine blood plasma levels, tilt table examination with orthostatic blood pressure, and heart rate variability were carried out. Longitudinal data of 10 iRBD patients, including neurological, neuropsychological, and tilt table examination, were assessed.

Results

iRBD patients more frequently presented with orthostatic dysfunction than HCs (70.6% vs. 6.3%, p < 0.0001). Supine norepinephrine plasma levels were normal, but lower in iRBD (249.59 ± 99.78 pg/ml iRBD, 354.13 ± 116.38 pg/ml HCs, p < 0.05). Quantitative sensory testing revealed impaired cold (CDT) and vibration detection thresholds (VDT) on the foot in iRBD (CDT foot iRBD − 1.24 ± 0.31, HCs − 9.89E-17 ± 0.25, VDT iRBD − 1.11 ± 0.47, HCs − 1.46E-16 ± 0.25, p < 0.05). Cold detection thresholds differed between the foot and hand among iRBD patients (foot − 1.24 ± 0.31, hand − 0.56 ± 0.25, p < 0.05). Longitudinal data revealed an increase in maximum systolic and diastolic orthostatic blood pressure changes and a decrease in the Valsalva ratio in the follow-up group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

This study revealed autonomic dysfunction with somatosensory impairment, and decreased norepinephrine levels in iRBD, which may serve as a possible prodromal marker for developing alpha-synucleinopathy.
Ökonomisierung im Gesundheitswesen als organisationsethische Herausforderung
Authors: Marckmann Georg
Published: June 2021

Der finanzielle Druck auf die Krankenhäuser in Deutschland führt zu einer Ökonomisierung medizinischer Entscheidungen, die die Qualität der Patientenversorgung beeinträchtigt und das Gesundheitspersonal erheblich belastet. Der vorliegende Beitrag untersucht, welche Möglichkeiten ein organisationsethischer Ansatz bietet, den Herausforderungen durch die Ökonomisierung zu begegnen. Ausgewählte empirische Befunde sollen zunächst verdeutlichen, welche Auswirkungen die Ökonomisierung auf die Patientenversorgung und das Personal in den Krankenhäusern hat. Zudem liefern sie erste Hinweise auf mögliche Handlungsspielräume für die Krankenhäuser. Dabei wird deutlich, dass die Ökonomisierung einen organisationsethischen Ansatz erfordert, der die Handlungsspielräume auf der Mesoebene, d. h. auf der Ebene der einzelnen Krankenhäuser nutzt. Der organisationsethische Ansatz wird in seinen Grundzügen vorgestellt und dann im Sinne eines Wertemanagements als Lösungsperspektive für die Herausforderungen der Ökonomisierung konkretisiert. Abschließend entwickelt der Beitrag Perspektiven, wie klinische Ethikkomitees mit organisationsethischer Arbeit den negativen Auswirkungen der Ökonomisierung auf die Patientenversorgung und das Personal im Krankenhaus entgegenwirken können.
The red alga Tsunamia transpacifica (Stylonematophyceae) from plastic drift shows adaptation to its uncommon habitat in ultrastructure and soluble low molecular weight carbohydrate composition
Authors: Holzinger Andreas , Obwegeser Sabrina , Andosch Ancuela , Karsten Ulf , Oppermann Christina , Ruth Wolfgang , van de Meene Allison , Goodman Christopher D. , Lütz-Meindl Ursula , West John A.
Published: June 2021

The recently described red alga Tsunamia transpacifica (Stylonematophyceae) was previously isolated from plastic drift found at the pacific coast, but the natural habitat remains unknown. Here, we investigate ultrastructural details and the low molecular weight soluble carbohydrate composition to get further insight into the adaptation to this uncommon habitat. By means of high pressure freeze fixation, followed by freeze substitution, we could detect an up to 2-µm-thick cell wall surrounded by a distinct layer of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), likely responsible for the adhering capacities of Tsunamia. The central position of the nucleus and multilobed parietal chloroplast, already observed by light microscopy, could be confirmed. The ultrastructure revealed large electron-dense bodies (EB) in the central cytoplasm, likely resembling degradation products of the chloroplast. Interestingly, these structures contained phosphorous and cobalt, and iron was found in smaller rounded electron-dense bodies by electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). Accumulation of these elements suggests a high biosorption activity of Tsunamia. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC–MS) data showed the presence of two heterosides (floridoside and digeneaside) together with the polyol sorbitol, which are known as organic osmolytes and compatible solutes. Taken together, these are the first observations on ultrastructural details, element storage and accumulation of protective compounds are contributing to our understanding of the ultrastructural and osmotic solute basis for the ability of Tsunamia to thrive on plastic surfaces.
Damping prediction of particle dampers for structures under forced vibration using effective fields
Authors: Meyer Niklas , Seifried Robert
Published: June 2021

Particle damping is a promising damping technique for a variety of technical applications. However, their non-linear behavior and multitude of influence parameters, hinder currently its wide practical use. So far, most researchers focus either on determining the energy dissipation inside the damper or on the overall damping behavior when coupled to a structure. Indeed, currently almost no knowledge exchange between both approaches occurs. Here, a bridge is build to combine both techniques for systems under forced vibrations by coupling the energy dissipation field and effective particle mass field of a particle damper with a reduced model of a vibrating structure. Thus, the overall damping of the structure is estimated very quickly. This combination of both techniques is essential for an overall efficient dimensioning process and also provides a deeper understanding of the dynamical processes. The accuracy of the proposed coupling method is demonstrated via a simple application example. Hereby, the energy dissipation and effective mass of the particle damper are analyzed for a large excitation range first using a shaker setup. The particle damper exhibits multiple areas of different efficiency. The underlying structure is modeled using FEM and modal reduction techniques. By coupling both parts it is shown that multiple eigenmodes of the structure are highly damped using the particle damper. The damping prediction using the developed coupling procedure is validated via experiments of the overall structure with particle damper.
How to manage with telemedicine people with neuromuscular diseases?
Authors: Spina Emanuele , Trojsi Francesca , Tozza Stefano , Iovino Aniello , Iodice Rosa , Passaniti Carla , Abbadessa Gianmarco , Bonavita Simona , Leocani Letizia , Tedeschi Gioacchino , Manganelli Fiore , Lavorgna Luigi ,   on behalf of Digital Technologies, Web and Social Media Study Group of the Italian Society of Neurology (SIN)
Published: June 2021

Introduction

COVID-19 pandemic radically transformed our daily clinical practice, raising the need not to lose close contact with patients without being able to see them face-to-face. These issues are even more felt and evident in fragile patients, as those affected by neuromuscular disease. An important help came from new digital technologies that allow clinicians to remotely monitor health status and any deterioration of chronically ill patients.

Methods

In this mini-review, an initiative of the “Digital Technologies, Web and Social Media Study Group” of the Italian Society of Neurology, we propose to analyze the approach to neuromuscular patients by looking over raising evidence on the main cornerstones of Telemedicine (TM): clinician-patient interaction, remote clinical assessment, remote monitoring, and digital therapeutics. In particular, we explored the strategies developed by researchers and their impact on the physical and emotional status of the patients, with particular focusing on their adherence to the program of virtual monitoring.

Results

TM plays an important role in each of four stages of approach to neuromuscular disease, having demonstrated validity in keep close clinical patient interaction, clinical assessment, remote monitoring, and telerehabilitation. Nevertheless, there is no remote alternative to electrophysiological testing neither validate tools to assess disability.

Conclusion

The role of TM in neuromuscular care is yet underestimated but is crucial, beyond the pandemic era. Further development of TM is advisable, through making specific apps, remotely controlled by clinicians, and making more engaging clinicians-patients interaction. Last, it is necessary to ensure adequate internet access to everyone.
Chunk-wise regularised PCA-based imputation of missing data
Authors: Iodice D’Enza A. , Markos A. , Palumbo F.
Published: June 2021

Standard multivariate techniques like Principal Component Analysis (PCA) are based on the eigendecomposition of a matrix and therefore require complete data sets. Recent comparative reviews of PCA algorithms for missing data showed the regularised iterative PCA algorithm (RPCA) to be effective. This paper presents two chunk-wise implementations of RPCA suitable for the imputation of “tall” data sets, that is, data sets with many observations. A “chunk” is a subset of the whole set of available observations. In particular, one implementation is suitable for distributed computation as it imputes each chunk independently. The other implementation, instead, is suitable for incremental computation, where the imputation of each new chunk is based on all the chunks analysed that far. The proposed procedures were compared to batch RPCA considering different data sets and missing data mechanisms. Experimental results showed that the distributed approach had similar performance to batch RPCA for data with entries missing completely at random. The incremental approach showed appreciable performance when the data is missing not completely at random, and the first analysed chunks contain sufficient information on the data structure.
Micro-CT evaluation of rotary and reciprocating glide path and shaping systems outcomes in maxillary molar curved canals
Authors: Alovisi Mario , Pasqualini Damiano , Scotti Nicola , Carpegna Giorgia , Comba Allegra , Bernardi Mattia , Tutino Fabio , Dioguardi Mario , Berutti Elio
Published: June 2021

The shaping outcomes after instrumentation with rotary and reciprocating glide path and shaping systems were evaluated through micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT). Thirty extracted maxillary first molars were selected. Mesio-buccal canals were randomized into two groups (n = 15): rotary system ProGlider and ProTaper Next X1, X2 (PG-PTN) and reciprocating system WaveOne Gold Glider and WaveOne Gold Primary (WOGG-WOG). Specimens were micro-CT scanned before, after glide path and after shaping. Increase in canal volume and surface area, percentage of removed dentin from the inner curvature, centroid shift and canal geometry variation through ratio of diameter ratios (RDR) and ratio of cross-sectional areas (RA) were measured in the apical and coronal levels and at the point of maximum curvature. The number of pecking motions needed to reach the working length (WL) was recorded. One-way ANOVA and post hoc Turkey–Kramer tests were used (p < 0.05). Post-glide path analysis revealed that in the coronal third, RDR was more favorable to PG and centroid shift was lower for WOGG in the apical third. Post-shaping analysis showed a reduced removal of dentin and a more favorable RA for PTN at point of maximum curvature. The number of pecking motions up to WL resulted in different between groups both for glide path and shaping phases. Despite a higher dentin removal for reciprocating instruments at the point of maximum curvature, both systems seemed to produce well-centered glide path and shaping outcomes. Rotary and reciprocating systems seemed able to respect the original canal anatomy.
Leverage and Risk Taking under Moral Hazard
Authors: Hott Christian
Published: June 2021

In this paper, I analyze the effectiveness of different capital regulations in mitigating the effects of moral hazard that exists only for systemically important banks. Leverage restrictions have the potential to reduce the fraction of banks that are systemically important but do not mitigate moral hazard for those that are. Risk adjusted requirements could mitigate moral hazard (of banks with low leverage) but do not affect (endogenous) systemic risk. A combination of both requirements as proposed by the Basel III framework can be successful, although only under restrictive conditions.
The Effects of NF-kB Inhibition with p65-TMD-Linked PTD on Inflammatory Responses at Peri-implantitis Sites
Authors: Jung Hyun Jung , Lee Won , Shin Jin-Su , Lee Sang-Kyou , Lee Jae Hoon
Published: June 2021

The objective of this study was to find out if suppression of NF-kB complex function by p65-TMD-linked PTD could reduce host inflammation and bone resorption at peri-implantitis sites in rats. Twenty-one male 5-week-old SD rats were divided into three groups: untreated control group (A), silk-induced peri-implantitis group (B), and nt (nucleus transducible)-p65-TMD-treated, silk-induced peri-implantitis group (C). Implant sulcus of a rat in group C were divided into two groups, namely group Cp and Cb. Palatal implant sulcus where nt-p65-TMD solution was applied with an insulin syringe were assigned to group Cp. Buccal implant sulcus without topical nt-p65-TMD application were assigned to group Cb. H&E staining, TRAP staining, and immunohistological staining were done. The crestal bone levels of group A were significantly higher than those of group B at p<0.01. The crestal bone levels of group Cp were significantly higher than those of group Cb at p<0.05. H-E staining showed increased apical migration of junctional epithelium and inflammatory cells in group Cb. TRAP staining revealed more multinucleated osteoclasts in group Cb. As for immunohistological staining, group Cb showed many IL-6-positive cells while group Cp had none. In this study, p65-TMD-linked PTD inhibited NF-kB functions and reduced inflammation and bone resorption at peri-implantitis sites in rats.
Transcendent Experiences Among Pilgrims to Lourdes: A Qualitative Investigation
Authors: Rahtz Emmylou , Warber Sara L. , Goldingay Sarah , Dieppe Paul
Published: June 2021

Millions of pilgrims visit Lourdes each year, often seeking revitalisation rather than miraculous cures. We sought to understand the phenomenon of transcendent experiences. We spoke with 67 pilgrims including assisted pilgrims, young volunteers and medical staff. About two in five reported a transcendent experience: some felt they had communicated or had close contact with a divine presence, while others reported a powerful experience of something intangible and otherworldly. Transcendent experiences are an important feature of pilgrimage to Lourdes and the place offers the faithful a means of connecting with the divine, with nature and with the self.
A Steepest Descent Method for Set Optimization Problems with Set-Valued Mappings of Finite Cardinality
Authors: Bouza Gemayqzel , Quintana Ernest , Tammer Christiane
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we study a first-order solution method for a particular class of set optimization problems where the solution concept is given by the set approach. We consider the case in which the set-valued objective mapping is identified by a finite number of continuously differentiable selections. The corresponding set optimization problem is then equivalent to find optimistic solutions to vector optimization problems under uncertainty with a finite uncertainty set. We develop optimality conditions for these types of problems and introduce two concepts of critical points. Furthermore, we propose a descent method and provide a convergence result to points satisfying the optimality conditions previously derived. Some numerical examples illustrating the performance of the method are also discussed. This paper is a modified and polished version of Chapter 5 in the dissertation by Quintana (On set optimization with set relations: a scalarization approach to optimality conditions and algorithms, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, 2020).
Multi-Stranded Coronal Loops: Quantifying Strand Number and Heating Frequency from Simulated Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) Observations
Authors: Williams Thomas , Walsh Robert W. , Regnier Stephane , Johnston Craig D.
Published: June 2021

Coronal loops form the basic building blocks of the magnetically closed solar corona yet much is still to be determined concerning their possible fine-scale structuring and the rate of heat deposition within them. Using an improved multi-stranded loop model to better approximate the numerically challenging transition region, this article examines synthetic NASA Solar Dynamics Observatory’s (SDO) Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) emission simulated in response to a series of prescribed spatially and temporally random, impulsive and localised heating events across numerous sub-loop elements with a strong weighting towards the base of the structure: the nanoflare heating scenario. The total number of strands and nanoflare repetition times is varied systematically in such a way that the total energy content remains approximately constant across all the cases analysed. Repeated time-lag detection during an emission time series provides a good approximation for the nanoflare repetition time for low-frequency heating. Furthermore, using a combination of AIA 171/193 and 193/211 channel ratios in combination with spectroscopic determination of the standard deviation of the loop-apex temperature over several hours alongside simulations from the outlined multi-stranded loop model, it is demonstrated that both the imposed heating rate and number of strands can be realised.
Can groups be genuine believers? The argument from interpretationism
Authors: Backes Marvin
Published: June 2021

In ordinary discourse we often attribute beliefs not just to individuals but also to groups. But can groups really have genuine beliefs? This paper considers but ultimately rejects one of the main arguments in support of the claim that groups can be genuine believers – the Argument From Interpretationism – and concludes that we have good reasons to be sceptical about the existence of group beliefs. According to the Argument From Interpretationism, roughly speaking, groups qualify as genuine believers because we can interpret (or predict) their behaviour in much the same way that we can interpret (or predict) the behaviour of individuals. While this argument may seem initially attractive, I argue that it is ultimately unsuccessful. In particular, I argue that the argument is unsuccessful even if one is generally sympathetic towards interpretationism. The reason for this, as we will see, is that a number of problems arise when we try to apply the interpretationist strategy – originally formulated with individual subjects in mind – to plural subjects or groups. In showing why the Argument From Interpretationism fails, the paper also brings into focus some more general constraints on the scope and applicability of interpretationism.
A photovoice assessment for illuminating the role of inland fisheries to livelihoods and the local challenges experienced through the lens of fishers in a climate-driven lake of Malawi
Authors: Simmance Fiona Armstrong , Simmance Alison Budden , Kolding Jeppe , Schreckenberg Kate , Tompkins Emma , Poppy Guy , Nagoli Joseph
Published: June 2021

Small-scale inland capture fisheries provide an important source of nutritious food, employment and income to millions of people in developing countries, particularly in rural environments where limited alternatives exist. However, the sector is one of most under-valued fisheries sectors and is increasingly experiencing environmental change. This study adopts a Sustainable Livelihoods Approach and investigates how important a fluctuating inland fishery is to livelihoods, and how local perceptions on challenges corresponds to global evidence. Through an innovative participatory method; photovoice, the lived experiences and perceptions of fishers are depicted. The findings illuminate the valuable role of the sector to food and nutrition security and the complex nexus with vulnerability to climate change. The study responds to the call for more local level assessments of the impacts of climate change on inland fisheries in data-limited environments, and the value of the sector in underpinning the Sustainable Development Goals.
Extraction of first permanent molars severely affected by molar incisor hypomineralisation: a retrospective audit
Authors: Brusevold I. J. , Kleivene K. , Grimsøen B. , Skaare A. B.
Published: June 2021

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate possible spontaneous space closure after extraction of first permanent molars in children and their eventual need for orthodontic treatment.

Methods

Twenty-seven children with at least one first permanent molar planned for extraction were enrolled in the study. The children were referred to the Department of Paediatric Dentistry, University of Oslo, between 2009 and 2017. All extracted teeth were severely affected by Molar Incisor Hypomineralisation and/or caries. The children and their parents had consented to extraction and follow-up. Data were analysed with SPSS 26.

Results

The age of the children was between 5.5 and 12.1 years (mean 8.7) at extraction. The mean follow-up time was 3.2 years (range 1.1–6.3). Sixteen children (59.3%) had all four molars extracted, five (18.5%) had three, five had two and one had one molar extracted. In the maxilla, the second permanent molar had erupted in the place of the first molar in all the children, and none of them needed orthodontic space closure. In the mandible, eight children (29.6%) needed orthodontic treatment to close the spaces after extraction. In three children, the second molar was not yet erupted and treatment need was not settled.

Conclusion

Extraction of severely affected first permanent molars before the eruption of the second molar is a treatment option causing little additional treatment in the majority of cases.
Scheming and Re-scheming: Secondary Mathematics Teachers’ Use and Re-use of Resources
Authors: Kayali Lina , Biza Irene
Published: June 2021

In this article, we examine secondary mathematics teachers’ work with resources using the Documentational Approach to Didactics lens. Specifically, we look at the resources and a teacher’s scheme of use (aims, rules of actions, operational invariants, and inferences) of these resources across a set of lessons (macro-level analysis) that aim towards students’ preparation for the examinations and how this use emerges in a set of three lessons on the same topic (micro-level analysis) as a response to contingent moments. We propose the terms scheming—a teacher’s emerging scheme of use related to the same set of resources used for the same aim—and re-scheming, namely, shifts in such scheming. Our analysis of lesson observations and the teacher’s reflections on his actions from a post-observation interview demonstrate the interplay between the stable characteristics of the scheme of use and the scheming and re-scheming in individual lessons. We conclude this article with a discussion on the methodological potential of using both macro- and micro-level analyses in the investigation of teachers’ use of resources.
Kommunikation des Evangeliums und Populäre Religion. Annäherung an ein Spannungsverhältnis am Beispiel des YouTube-Kanals „Jana glaubt“
Authors: Kühn Jonathan , Simojoki Henrik
Published: June 2021

Das Verhältnis von Religion und populärer Kultur hat in der deutschsprachigen Religionssoziologie breite Aufmerksamkeit gefunden, ist aber bislang nur selten für die Untersuchung kirchlich verfasster Religionspraxis fruchtbar gemacht worden. Mit dem von der EKD mitgetragenen Online-Kanal „Jana glaubt“ erschließt der vorliegende Beitrag ein profiliertes und auch kontrovers diskutiertes Pionierprojekt im Schnittfeld von Populärer Religion und kirchlicher Glaubenskommunikation.

Die Argumentationsführung erfolgt in sechs Schritten. Zunächst werden die für den Beitrag leitenden Theorieperspektiven – das von Hubert Knoblauch entwickelte Konzept Populärer Religion und der praktisch-theologische Leitbegriff der Kommunikation des Evangeliums – zusammengeführt und mit dem in der interdisziplinären Religionsforschung zugkräftigen Mediatisierungsansatz verbunden. Anschließend werden populärkulturelle Eigenlogiken von YouTube-Kommunikation expliziert, damit vor diesem Hintergrund die Adaption des Influencing-Genres im Kanal „Jana glaubt“ in ihrer Spezifizität erhellt werden kann. Weiter konkretisiert wird der Zugriff auf das Zusammenspiel von Populärer Religion, Kommunikation des Evangeliums und Mediatisierung in zwei exemplarischen Materialanalysen, die sich forschungsmethodisch an Jürgen Raabs Analysekonzept einer Visuellen Wissenssoziologie orientieren.

Der Beitrag mündet in einer Zusammenfassung, die beide Seiten des erschlossenen Spannungsverhältnisses bündelt: Auf der einen Seite entsprechen die Gestaltungselemente in den Kanalvideos etablierten Standards personalisierter YouTube-Kommunikation. Zudem werden in den Video-Analysen für Populäre Religion grundlegende Dynamiken der Entgrenzung manifest: Kommunikation des Evangeliums wird öffentlich, indem das Private geteilt wird – in der Erwartung, dass gerade die subjektive Darstellung des Privaten den christlichen Glauben kommunikativ anschlussfähig macht. Auf der anderen Seite wirkt sich die kirchliche Einbettung transformativ auf die populärreligiösen Darstellungspraktiken aus. Dabei kommt es besonders bei Fragen der Authentizität und der Autorität zu teils konflikthaften Aushandlungsprozessen.
Making What Present Again? A Critique of Argumentative Judicial Representation
Authors: Bello Hutt Donald
Published: June 2021

Courts do many good things. Judges carefully consider individual claims and arguments,1 and contrast them against the law in light of evidence. Their decisions are argued for, are public, and can be contested in form and content in different hierarchical stages. Additionally, and among other things, these practices are said to contribute to the will-formation of the public sphere and improve the quality of the legislative process.2
The Booster, the Snitch, and the Bogus False Arrest Victim: Retailers and Shoplifters in Interwar America and Britain
Authors: Scott Peter M.
Published: June 2021

This article examines shoplifting from department stores and variety chain stores in interwar America and Britain. Patterns of shoplifting show strong similarities—with stores facing a predominantly female, and disproportionately affluent, army of amateur shoplifters, together with a much smaller corps of professional thieves. The incidence and characteristics of shoplifting are explored, together with the stores’ legal and other strategies to deter shoplifters. The article also examines why apparently prosperous women had the highest propensity to shoplift. Britain and the United States had strong commonalities in terms of open display retail formats, the methods used to deter shoplifters, and typical legal penalties. However, America had one critical difference—the much higher incidence of a type of store criminal who specialized in deliberately getting apprehended in order to sue the store for false arrest and, often, false imprisonment, slander, and a range of related charges. This reflected the higher damages typically awarded by U.S. courts compared with their British counterparts, inflated by local antagonism to retail corporations, together with a system—at least in some U.S. cities—whereby corrupt lawyers and judges connived in shoplifting acquittals that paved the way for lawsuits.
Validation of a semiautomated system for surveillance of surgical site infection after cesarean section
Authors: Shitrit Pnina , Mudrik Ravid , Gottesman Bat-Sheva , Chowers Michal Y.
Published: June 2021

Surveillance of surgical site infection after cesarean section is challenging due to the high volume of these surgeries. A manual chart review of women undergoing cesarean section between January and June 2017 (675 charts, 40 infections) was compared to charts identified via an algorithm (141 charts, 39 infections). The algorithm achieved 97.5% sensitivity and 83.9% specificity and reduced the workload of infection control personnel.
ApoA2–256T > C polymorphism interacts with Healthy Eating Index, Dietary Quality Index-International and Dietary Phytochemical Index to affect biochemical markers among type 2 diabetic patients
Authors: Esmaeily Zahra , Sotoudeh Gity , Rafiee Masoumeh , Koohdani Fariba
Published: June 2021

Several investigations revealed the association between ApoA2 concentration and lipid profile, inflammation and oxidative stress markers. Dietary habits also play a major role in the health status of individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study aimed to investigate the interaction of ApoA2–256T > C with dietary indexes on ghrelin and leptin hormones together with biochemical markers among individuals with T2DM. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 726 randomly selected individuals with T2DM. A validated FFQ was used to evaluate Healthy Eating Index, Dietary Quality Index-International (DQI-I) and Dietary Phytochemical Index (DPI). ApoA2–256T > C genotypes were detected by real-time-PCR. Ghrelin, leptin and biochemical markers were also assessed. ANCOVA was used for the interaction between the polymorphism and dietary indexes. A significant interaction was observed between ApoA2–256T > C and DQI-I on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) level and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Besides, the interaction of the SNP and DPI significantly affected hs-CRP and 8-isoprostane F2α (PGF2α) levels. CC in the second tertile of DPI had the lowest hs-CRP level, and it was elevated due to adhering to DQI-I (Pinteraction = 0·01 and 0·04, respectively). Moreover, T-allele (protective allele) carriers with the highest level of PGF2α and SOD activity were those in the second tertile of DPI and DQI-I, respectively (Pinteraction = 0·03 and 0·007, respectively). SOD activity, hs-CRP and PGF2α concentration may be modified in T-allele carriers and CC by the adherence to DPI and DQI-I, though additional studies are required to confirm these findings.
Development of a cortical delay discounting assay: a potential biomarker of externalizing disorders
Authors: Sadeh Naomi , Miglin Rickie , Bounoua Nadia , Sheehan Ana , Spielberg Jeffrey M.
Published: June 2021

Background

People who tend to impulsively choose smaller, sooner rewards over larger, later rewards are at increased risk for addiction and psychiatric disorders. A neurobiological measure of the tendency to overvalue immediate gratification could facilitate the study of individuals who are susceptible to these mental disorders. The objective of this research was to develop a cortical assay of impulsive choice for immediate rewards.

Methods

A cortex-based assay of impulsive choice was developed using 1105 healthy adults from the Human Connectome Project, and then cross-validated in two independent samples of adults with elevated rates of psychiatric disorders.

Results

Study 1: Cortical delay discounting (C-DD) was developed using a multivariate additive model of gray matter thickness across both hemispheres. Higher C-DD corresponded to thinner cortex and greater impulsive choice for immediate rewards. It also predicted cannabis use beyond established risk factors for drug use, including familial substance use, childhood conduct problems, personality traits, and cognitive functioning. Study 2: C-DD replicated the association with delay discounting performance from study 1. Structural equation modeling showed C-DD covaried with symptoms of externalizing, but not internalizing disorders. Study 3: C-DD positively predicted future delay discounting behavior (6–34 months later).

Conclusions

Across three studies, a cortical assay of impulsive choice evidenced consistent associations with drug use and delay discounting task performance. It was also uniquely associated with psychiatric disorders that share impulsivity as a core feature. Together, findings support the utility of C-DD as a neurobiological assay of impulsive decision-making and a possible biomarker of externalizing disorders.
Socioeconomic status correlates with measures of Language Environment Analysis (LENA) system: a meta-analysis
Authors: PIOT Leonardo , HAVRON Naomi , CRISTIA Alejandrina
Published: June 2021

Using a meta-analytic approach, we evaluate the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and children's experiences measured with the Language Environment Analysis (LENA) system. Our final analysis included 22 independent samples, representing data from 1583 children. A model controlling for LENATMmeasures, age and publication type revealed an effect size ofrz= .186, indicating a small effect of SES on children's language experiences. The type of LENA metric measured emerged as a significant moderator, indicating stronger effects for adult word counts than child vocalization counts. These results provide important evidence for the strength of association between SES and children's everyday language experiences as measured with an unobtrusive recording analyzed automatically in a standardized fashion.
STEM Tomography of Au Helical Assemblies
Authors: Sobczak Kamil , Turczyniak-Surdacka Sylwia , Lewandowski Wiktor , Baginski Maciej , Tupikowska Martyna , González-Rubio Guillermo , Wójcik Michał , Carlsson Anna , Donten Mikołaj
Published: June 2021

Composite, helical nanostructures formed using cooperative interactions of liquid crystals and Au nanoparticles were studied using a scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) mode. The investigated helical assemblies exhibit long-range hierarchical order across length scales, as a result of the crystallization (freezing) directed growth mechanism of nanoparticle-coated twisted nanoribbons and their ability to form organized bundles. Here, STEM methods were used to reproduce the 3D structure of the Au nanoparticle double helix.
A brief history of the term ‘habitable zone’ in the 19th century
Authors: Lingam Manasvi
Published: June 2021

The appellation ‘habitable zone’ in astrobiology in sooth evinces an overlooked and winding history that can be traced back to the 19th century. This paper sketches how this term from geography was generalized to encompass planetary habitability. The people involved in this narrative are numerous, but the bulk of their musings were rather nebulous. Yet, during this period appear the first true insights, although sadly this saga is not altogether sans blights.