bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hedyotis, Oldenlandia and related genera (Rubiaceae: Spermacoceae) in Australia: New genera and new combinations in an Asian‐Australian‐Pacific lineage
Authors: Gibbons Kerry Lynne
Published: July 2020

Hedyotis, Oldenlandia and related genera (Rubiaceae: Spermacoceae) comprise a morphologically recognisable group within Spermacoceae, characterised by the presence of raphides, more or less fimbriate stipules, 4‐merous flowers, bicarpellate gynoecia, multiovulate locules, peltate placentas and (generally) tricolporate pollen, but generic‐level taxonomy within the group has long been problematic. Recent molecular phylogenetic studies have made significant progress in our understanding of generic limits in the group internationally but have included little Australian material. This study includes broad geographic sampling and near complete representation of Australian taxa in maximum likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic analyses of chloroplast (rps16, petD) and nuclear ribosomal (ITS, ETS) nucleotide sequence data to infer the phylogeny of the Spermacoceae and resolve the generic‐level classification of Australian taxa in the group. Two Australian species (Hedyotis novoguineensis, H. philippensis) were placed in Hedyotis. All remaining native Australian taxa currently accepted in Hedyotis, Oldenlandia and Synaptantha were placed within a large clade with an Asian‐Australian‐Pacific distribution. This clade includes Debia, Dimetia, Involucrella, Kadua, Exallage, Leptopetalum, Scleromitrion and Synaptantha, with Australian taxa included in clades corresponding to the latter four genera. The remaining native Australian species currently accepted in Oldenlandia are placed in two additional clades within the Asian‐Australian‐Pacific clade, and two new endemic Australian genera, Dolichocarpa and Paranotis, are here described to accommodate them. Oldenlandia s.str. is represented in Australia only by the introduced weed O. corymbosa. The morphology and geographic distribution of genera represented in Australia is discussed. New combinations in Scleromitrion and recommendations for accepted names in Exallage and Leptopetalum in Australia are provided, as is a key to the genera of the Spermacoceae (excluding the Spermacoce clade) in Australia.
A compendium of generic names of agarics and Agaricales
Authors: Kalichman Jacob , Kirk Paul M. , Matheny P. Brandon
Published: July 2020

Agarics (gilled mushrooms) and the order Agaricales include some of the best‐known and most charismatic fungi. However, neither group has had its constituent genera exhaustively compiled in a modern phylogenetic context. To provide that framework, we identified and analyzed 1383 names of genera of agarics (regardless of taxonomic placement) and the Agaricales (regardless of morphology), compiling various data for each name. Including 590 accepted names, the other 793 listed with reasons explaining their disuse, this compendium is intended to be comprehensive at present and phylogenetically up‐to‐date. Data we gathered included type species, continents from which type species were described, accepted synonyms of those species, current family placements, gross macromorphological categories, and sequenced loci (for type specimens, type species, and each genus as a whole). Index Fungorum provided a basis for the data, but much was manually confirmed, augmented, or corrected based on recent literature. Among accepted gilled genera, 82% belonged to the Agaricales; among accepted genera of Agaricales, 67% were gilled. Based on automated searches of GenBank and MycoCosm, 7% of generic names had DNA sequences of their type specimens, 68% had sequences of their type species, and 87% had sequences representing their genus. This leaves an estimated 103 accepted genera entirely lacking molecular data. Some subsets of genera have been sequenced relatively thoroughly (e.g., nidularioid genera and genera described from Europe); others relatively poorly (e.g., cyphelloid genera and genera described from Africa and tropical Asia). We also list nomenclaturally threatened and taxonomically doubtful genus and family names.
The active ingredients in the anti‐obesity drug bofutsushosan in high‐fat‐diet‐fed obese mice
Authors: Takahashi Tatsuo , Hori Kenta , Yoshida Eri , Ikeda‐Matsuo Yuri , Shimada Tsutomu , Nomura Masaaki , Kobayashi Shinjiro
Published: July 2020

Aim

Combined effects on the body weights and white adipose tissues in high‐fat‐diet‐fed obese mice due to bofutsushosan (BTS) were investigated.

Methods

Male ICR mice (four weeks old) were fed a 60% kcal fat diet for five weeks and fed the same diet with administration of aqueous extracts (2.0 g/kg/day) of BTS, component‐removed BTS, and a mixture of the ingredients and the component‐removed BTS for 28 days.

Results

The BTS extract reduced the body weight from 2 to 28 days after administration while also reducing the weight of the subcutaneous and visceral white adipose tissues after administration for 28 days. Extracts of BTS with Glycyrrhizae radix (Glycyrrhiza root; abbreviated as glycyrrhiza) removed, Rhei rhizoma (rhubarb rhizome; rhubarb) removed, Gardeniae fructus (Gardenia fruit; gardenia) removed, Ephedrae herba (Ephedra herb; ephedra) removed, or Sal mirabilis (sodium sulfate hydrate; mirabilite) removed reduced the anti‐obesity and fat‐loss activity compared to that of the BTS extract after administration for 28 days. Glycyrrhizic acid (0.89% [w/w]) and 0.046%(w/w) sennoside AB calcium salt ameliorated the anti‐obesity activity of BTS with glycyrrhiza removed and rhubarb removed eight days after administration, respectively. Geniposide (0.78% [w/w]) and 0.16% (w/w) ephedrine hydrochloride ameliorated the anti‐obesity and fat‐loss activity of BTS with gardenia removed and with ephedra removed respectively after administration for 28 days.

Conclusion

Glycyrrhiza, rhubarb, gardenia, ephedra and mirabilite were the active components responsible for the effect of BTS. Glycyrrhizic acid and sennoside AB induced the early phase while geniposide and ephedrine hydrochloride induced the later phase of the anti‐obesity activity of BTS.
Coal power in China: A multi‐level perspective review
Authors: Zhang Haonan , Zhang Xingping , Yuan Jiahai
Published: July 2020

China's coal‐fired power industry is undergoing a fundamental transformation. From a historical perspective, we conducted a comprehensive assessment of the coal power sector in China, to understand the cause of the transition and where its future lies. Through the interactions among landscape, regime and niches, China's coal‐fired power industry has developed cleaner and more efficient, which positively mitigated the local pollution. Yet the decarbonization in the power sector is unsatisfactory. Due to its dominating role and nature of high‐carbon emitting, the coal power sector has always been a big challenge during China's climate actions. Although the goal of peaking carbon emissions by 2030 demonstrates China's ambitions, expanding coal‐fired power generation capacity hinders climate change mitigation and low‐carbon transition. In this regard, we discuss the guidelines for the future high‐quality coal‐fired power development to provide recommendations for policy‐makers and industry stakeholders. China's coal power sector should commit to the vision of deep decarbonization by 2050.

This article is categorized under:

Energy and Climate > Economics and Policy

Fossil Fuels > Climate and Environment

Energy Policy and Planning > Climate and Environment
Wastewater treatment, reuse, and disposal‐associated effects on environment and health
Authors: Choudri B. S. , Al‐Awadhi Talal , Charabi Yassine , Al‐Nasiri Noura
Published: July 2020

This paper presents the review of the literature published in the year 2019 related to treatment and reuse of wastewater and effects on the environment and human health. The scientific review on the treatment and reuse of wastewaters is divided into various sections in the paper. The review sections cover wastewater management, reuse, removal of microorganisms, and chemical constituents. Besides, the review also covers research focused on wastewater treatment plants, disposal, and the management of wastewater sludge as well as biosolids in the environment.

Practitioner points

This paper highlights the review of scientific literature published in the year 2019.

Review provide issues related to health risks associated with human and the general environment on the reuse of wastewater, treatment as well as disposal.

The literature review covers selected papers relevant to the topic.
Adaptation of Small-Scale Tea and Coffee Farmers in Kenya to Climate Change
Authors: Karuri Alice Nyawira
Published: July 2020

The adverse effect of climate change on agriculture is well-documented and is a cause of concern for governments globally. In addition to concerns over food crop production, the economies of numerous developing countries rely heavily on cash crops. The coffee and tea sectors are key in Kenya’s economy, contributing significantly to the gross domestic product, foreign exchange, and the direct or indirect employment of millions. Farmers engaged in the production of coffee and tea are predominantly small-scale farmers, with the majority farming on less than five acres. Climate change poses a threat to the production of these two crops and by extension to the economy of Kenya and the livelihood of farmers and those employed in these sectors. This study identifies the challenges posed by climate change in the tea and coffee sectors, the adaptation and mitigation measures identified, and the scope of their implementation. The production, processing, and marketing of tea and coffee in Kenya differs widely in terms of the institutions and institutional arrangements in the two sectors. This study will therefore analyze the role played by institutions in both sectors and how this affects climate change adaptation and mitigation measures by small-scale farmers.
Hope in Health Care: A Synthesis of Review Studies
Authors: Olsman Erik
Published: July 2020

The objectives of this study were (1) to provide an overview of review studies on hope in health care, and to describe (2) conceptualizations of hope, (3) antecedents and consequences of hope, and (4) ethical topics related to hope. Electronic databases were searched and 73 review studies were selected and thematically analyzed. Hope was conceptualized as (a) an expectation: appraisal of a future outcome, (b) resilience: endurance of adversity, and (c) a desire: expression of meaning. Opposite concepts to hope were fear/anxiety, hopelessness, despair, and depression. Inspiring relationships, particularly relationships with peers, were an important factor that increased hope in patients. Losses, like the loss of health or (inspiring) relationships, had a negative impact on hope. Also, hope had effects on motivation for change and making decisions. The ethics of hope was addressed in palliative care, where health care providers wanted to maintain patients’ hope while being honest or realistic. In conclusion, this chapter offers an overview of hope in health care and offers conceptual clarification, including ethical issues related to hope. Future studies should broaden the ethics of hope by including other values than realism and they should include the hope of health care providers.
Neural network-based top tagger with two-point energy correlations and geometry of soft emissions
Authors: Chakraborty Amit , Lim Sung Hak , Nojiri Mihoko M. , Takeuchi Michihisa
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Deep neural networks trained on jet images have been successful in classifying different kinds of jets. In this paper, we identify the crucial physics features that could reproduce the classification performance of the convolutional neural network in the top jet vs. QCD jet classification. We design a neural network that considers two types of sub-structural features: two-point energy correlations, and the IRC unsafe counting variables of a morphological analysis of jet images. The new set of IRC unsafe variables can be described by Minkowski functionals from integral geometry. To integrate these features into a single framework, we reintroduce two-point energy correlations in terms of a graph neural network and provide the other features to the network afterward. The network shows a comparable classification performance to the convolutional neural network. Since both networks are using IRC unsafe features at some level, the results based on simulations are often dependent on the event generator choice. We compare the classification results of Pythia 8 and Herwig 7, and a simple reweighting on the distribution of IRC unsafe features reduces the difference between the results from the two simulations.
Transverse-momentum-dependent parton distributions up to N3LL from Drell-Yan data
Authors: Bacchetta Alessandro , Bertone Valerio , Bissolotti Chiara , Bozzi Giuseppe , Delcarro Filippo , Piacenza Fulvio , Radici Marco
Published: July 2020

Abstract

We present an extraction of unpolarised Transverse-Momentum-Dependent Parton Distribution Functions based on Drell-Yan production data from different experiments, including those at the LHC, and spanning a wide kinematic range. We deal with experimental uncertainties by properly taking into account correlations. We include resummation of logarithms of the transverse momentum of the vector boson up to N3LL order, and we include non-perturbative contributions. These ingredients allow us to obtain a remarkable agreement with the data.
The association of loneliness after sudden bereavement with risk of suicide attempt: a nationwide survey of bereaved adults
Authors: Pitman Alexandra L. , King Michael B. , Marston Louise , Osborn David P. J.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

We aimed to test the hypothesis that among people who experience sudden bereavement, loneliness is associated with post-bereavement suicide attempt and post-bereavement suicidal ideation, even when adjusting for network size.

Methods

We analysed cross-sectional data collected in the 2010 UCL Bereavement Study, to identify 3193 respondents who had experienced sudden bereavement. We used multivariable logistic regression to test for an association between loneliness (using a newly-developed eight-item loneliness measure) and post-bereavement suicide attempt and suicidal ideation, adjusting for socio-demographic factors, pre-bereavement depression and self-harm, and network size.

Results

Among bereaved adults, loneliness was significantly associated with probability of post-bereavement suicide attempt (AOR 1.19; 95% CI 1.14–1.25) and of post-bereavement suicidal ideation (AOR 1.24; 95% CI 1.20–1.28), with estimates unchanged by adding perceived stigma of the bereavement to adjusted models. There was no association between suicide bereavement and loneliness (adjusted coefficient 0.22; 95% CI − 0.12 to 0.45;p = 0.063). The association of loneliness and suicide attempt risk was similar whether participants were bereaved by suicide or not.

Conclusions

People who report feeling lonely after sudden bereavement are more likely to make a suicide attempt after their loss, even when taking into account their network size and the perceived stigma of the sudden bereavement. There is no evidence that the effects of loneliness on suicidality are specific to suicide bereavement. This work identifies loneliness as a potential target for suicide prevention interventions among bereaved people. It also fuels interest in longitudinal research investigating loneliness as a putative mediator of suicide risk.
The combined global gravity field model XGM2019e
Authors: Zingerle P. , Pail R. , Gruber T. , Oikonomidou X.
Published: July 2020

XGM2019e is a combined global gravity field model represented by spheroidal harmonics up to degree and order (d/o) 5399, corresponding to a spatial resolution of 2′ (~ 4 km). As data sources, it includes the satellite model GOCO06s in the longer wavelength range up to d/o 300 combined with a ground gravity grid which also covers the shorter wavelengths. The ground data consist over land and ocean of gravity anomalies provided by courtesy of NGA (15′ resolution, identical to XGM2016) augmented with topographically derived gravity information over land (EARTH2014). Over the oceans, gravity anomalies derived from satellite altimetry are used (DTU13 with a resolution of 1′). The combination of the satellite data with the ground gravity observations is performed by using full normal equations up to d/o 719 (15′). Beyond d/o 719, a block-diagonal least squares solution is calculated for the high-resolution ground gravity data (from topography and altimetry). All calculations are performed in the spheroidal harmonic domain. In the spectral band up to d/o 719, the new model shows a slightly improved behaviour in the magnitude of a few mm RMS over land as compared to preceding models such as XGM2016, EIGEN6c4 or EGM2008 when validated with independent geoid information derived from GNSS/levelling. Over land and in the spectral range above d/o 719, the accuracy of XGM2019e marginally suffers from the sole use of topographic forward modelling, and geoid differences at GNSS/levelling stations are increased in the order of several mm RMS in well-surveyed areas, such as the US and Europe, compared to models containing real gravity data over their entire spectrum, e.g. EIGEN6c4 or EGM2008. However, GNSS/levelling validation also indicates that the performance of XGM2019e can be considered as globally more consistent and independent of existing high-resolution global models. Over the oceans, the model exhibits an enhanced performance (equal or better than preceding models), which is confirmed by comparison of the MDT’s computed from CNES/CLS 2015 mean sea surface and the high-resolution geoid models. The MDT based on XGM2019e shows fewer artefacts, particularly in the coastal regions, and fits globally better to DTU17MDT which is considered as an independent reference MDT.
Accuracy and practical aspects of semi- and fully automatic segmentation methods for resected brain areas
Authors: Gau Karin , Schmidt Charlotte S. M. , Urbach Horst , Zentner Josef , Schulze-Bonhage Andreas , Kaller Christoph P. , Foit Niels Alexander
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Precise segmentation of brain lesions is essential for neurological research. Specifically, resection volume estimates can aid in the assessment of residual postoperative tissue, e.g. following surgery for glioma. Furthermore, behavioral lesion-symptom mapping in epilepsy relies on accurate delineation of surgical lesions. We sought to determine whether semi- and fully automatic segmentation methods can be applied to resected brain areas and which approach provides the most accurate and cost-efficient results.

Methods

We compared a semi-automatic (ITK-SNAP) with a fully automatic (lesion_GNB) method for segmentation of resected brain areas in terms of accuracy with manual segmentation serving as reference. Additionally, we evaluated processing times of all three methods. We used T1w, MRI-data of epilepsy patients (n = 27; 11 m; mean age 39 years, range 16–69) who underwent temporal lobe resections (17 left).

Results

The semi-automatic approach yielded superior accuracy (p < 0.001) with a median Dice similarity coefficient (mDSC) of 0.78 and a median average Hausdorff distance (maHD) of 0.44 compared with the fully automatic approach (mDSC 0.58, maHD 1.32). There was no significant difference between the median percent volume difference of the two approaches (p > 0.05). Manual segmentation required more human input (30.41 min/subject) and therefore inferring significantly higher costs than semi- (3.27 min/subject) or fully automatic approaches (labor and cost approaching zero).

Conclusion

Semi-automatic segmentation offers the most accurate results in resected brain areas with a moderate amount of human input, thus representing a viable alternative compared with manual segmentation, especially for studies with large patient cohorts.
The Optimal Feeding Enterostomy Creation During Esophagectomy to Reduce the Long‐Term Risk of Small Bowel Obstruction
Authors: Otake Reiko , Okamura Akihiko , Kanamori Jun , Takahashi Keita , Ushida Yuta , Imamura Yu , Mine Shinji , Watanabe Masayuki
Published: July 2020

Background

Although feeding jejunostomy (FJ) is commonly created during esophagectomy for postoperative enteral nutrition, it can be a cause of postoperative small bowel obstruction (SBO). We introduced a technique of feeding enterostomy using the round ligament of the liver (FERL) to reduce SBO. In this study, we aimed to clarify the efficacy of FERL in reducing the postoperative SBO compared with FJ.

Methods

We assessed 400 consecutive patients who underwent esophagectomy with gastric tube reconstruction between 2011 and 2016, before and after the introduction of FERL (FJ, n = 200; FERL, n = 200). The cumulative incidences of postoperative SBO and SBO associated with feeding enterostomy were compared between the FJ and the FERL groups.

Results

Thoracoscopic and laparoscopic surgery was more frequent in the FERL group than in the FJ group (p < 0.001). The cumulative incidences of postoperative SBO and SBO associated with feeding enterostomy in the FERL group were significantly less frequent than those in the FJ group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.006, respectively). When stratifying by the abdominal surgical approach, the cumulative incidences of postoperative SBO and SBO associated with feeding enterostomy in a laparoscopic approach were less frequent in the FERL group than those in the FJ group (both p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The FERL technique can reduce the incidences of postoperative SBO and SBO associated with feeding enterostomy in patients undergoing esophagectomy.
Familial aggregation of longevity in giant cell arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica
Authors: Milchert Marcin , Brzosko Marek
Published: July 2020

The long-term mortality in giant cell arteritis (GCA) and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is unexpectedly decreased or at least not increased regardless of several mortality risk factors that these diseases share with other chronic immune-mediated rheumatic diseases. The genetic and immunological profile of PMR/GCA patients is unique, therefore, the hypothesis that this profile provides some survival advantage to PMR/GCA patients should be considered. The longevity is a phenomenon that was demonstrated to be familial. The familial aggregation of longevity can be studied by analysis of life expectancy in family members. Here we test the hypothesis of the aggregation of an increased longevity in the families of PMR/GCA patients. We compared the age of death of 358 parents of 179 PMR and GCA patients with corresponding data retrieved from 506 parents of 253 randomly collected age and sex-matched controls. The number of nonagenarian (≥ 90-year -old) mothers of PMR/GCA patients was significantly higher (OR = 2.34, 95%CI 1.11–11.95, p < 0.0005) vs controls. Both nonagenarian parents were found in 6 patients (3.35%) and none in the control cohort (OR = 8.77, 95%CI 2.26–405.10, p = 0.003). Our data suggest the familial aggregation of nonagenarians in PMR/GCA patients.
Gut microbial composition in patients with atrial fibrillation: effects of diet and drugs
Authors: Tabata Tokiko , Yamashita Tomoya , Hosomi Koji , Park Jonguk , Hayashi Tomohiro , Yoshida Naofumi , Saito Yoshihiro , Fukuzawa Koji , Konishi Kana , Murakami Haruka , Kawashima Hitoshi , Mizuguchi Kenji , Miyachi Motohiko , Kunisawa Jun , Hirata Ken-ichi
Published: July 2020

Atrial fibrillation (AF) reduces the quality of life by triggering stroke and heart failure. The association between AF onset and gut metabolites suggests a causal relationship between AF and gut microbiota dysbiosis; however, the relationship remains poorly understood. We prospectively enrolled 34 hospitalized patients with AF and 66 age-, sex-, and comorbidity-matched control subjects without a history of AF. Gut microbial compositions were evaluated by amplicon sequencing targeting the 16S ribosomal RNA gene. We assessed differences in dietary habits by using a brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire (BDHQ). Gut microbial richness was lower in AF patients, although the diversity of gut microbiota did not differ between the two groups. At the genus level,Enterobacterwas depleted, whileParabacteroides,Lachnoclostridium,Streptococcus,andAlistipeswere enriched in AF patients compared to control subjects. The BDHQ revealed that the intake of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and eicosadienoic acid was higher in AF patients. Our results suggested that AF patients had altered gut microbial composition in connection with dietary habits.
Longitudinal determination of resilience in humans to identify mechanisms of resilience to modern-life stressors: the longitudinal resilience assessment (LORA) study
Authors: Chmitorz A. , Neumann R. J. , Kollmann B. , Ahrens K. F. , Öhlschläger S. , Goldbach N. , Weichert D. , Schick A. , Lutz B. , Plichta M. M. , Fiebach C. J. , Wessa M. , Kalisch R. , Tüscher O. , Lieb K. , Reif A.
Published: July 2020

Resilience is the maintenance and/or quick recovery of mental health during and after periods of adversity. It is conceptualized to result from a dynamic process of successful adaptation to stressors. Up to now, a large number of resilience factors have been proposed, but the mechanisms underlying resilience are not yet understood. To shed light on the complex and time-varying processes of resilience that lead to a positive long-term outcome in the face of adversity, the Longitudinal Resilience Assessment (LORA) study has been established. In this study, 1191 healthy participants are followed up at 3- and 18-month intervals over a course of 4.5 years at two study centers in Germany. Baseline and 18-month visits entail multimodal phenotyping, including the assessment of mental health status, sociodemographic and lifestyle variables, resilience factors, life history, neuropsychological assessments (of proposed resilience mechanisms), and biomaterials (blood for genetic and epigenetic, stool for microbiome, and hair for cortisol analysis). At 3-monthly online assessments, subjects are monitored for subsequent exposure to stressors as well as mental health measures, which allows for a quantitative assessment of stressor-dependent changes in mental health as the main outcome. Descriptive analyses of mental health, number of stressors including major life events, daily hassles, perceived stress, and the ability to recover from stress are here presented for the baseline sample. The LORA study is unique in its design and will pave the way for a better understanding of resilience mechanisms in humans and for further development of interventions to successfully prevent stress-related disorder.
Associations between COVID-19 related media consumption and symptoms of anxiety, depression and COVID-19 related fear in the general population in Germany
Authors: Bendau Antonia , Petzold Moritz Bruno , Pyrkosch Lena , Mascarell Maricic Lea , Betzler Felix , Rogoll Janina , Große Julia , Ströhle Andreas , Plag Jens
Published: July 2020

In context of the current COVID-19 pandemic the consumption of pandemic-related media coverage may be an important factor that is associated with anxiety and psychological distress. Aim of the study was to examine those associations in the general population in Germany. 6233 participants took part in an online-survey (March 27th–April 6th, 2020), which included demographic information and media exploitation in terms of duration, frequency and types of media. Symptoms of depression, unspecific anxiety and COVID-19 related anxiety were ascertained with standardized questionnaires. Frequency, duration and diversity of media exposure were positively associated with more symptoms of depression and unspecific and COVID-19 specific anxiety. We obtained the critical threshold of seven times per day and 2.5 h of media exposure to mark the difference between mild and moderate symptoms of (un)specific anxiety and depression. Particularly the usage of social media was associated with more pronounced psychological strain. Participants with pre-existing fears seem to be particularly vulnerable for mental distress related to more immoderate media consumption. Our findings provide some evidence for problematical associations of COVID-19 related media exposure with psychological strain and could serve as an orientation for recommendations—especially with regard to the thresholds of critical media usage.
A distant relationship?—investigation of correlations between DNA isolated from backspatter traces recovered from firearms, wound profile characteristics, and shooting distance
Authors: Euteneuer Jan , Gosch Annica , Cachée Philipp , Courts Cornelius
Published: July 2020

In molecular ballistics, where traces originating from the use of firearms against biological targets are investigated, “backspatter” traces are of particular importance. This biological material comprising blood and tissue from the victim is propelled back from the bullet entry site towards the direction of the shooter and can consolidate and persist on the inner and outer surfaces of the firearm, from where it can be collected and analyzed. Thus, a connection between the weapon and the victim can be established solely by molecular biological trace analysis. For the criminalistic investigation of gun-related crimes, the determination of the distance between the weapon and the victim can be of critical importance in reconstructing the circumstances of a crime. In this study, we investigated possible correlations between the shooting distance and the amount of backspatter in/on the used firearm. To this purpose, we employed a previously established skull model and performed shootings in triplicates from various distances up to 50 cm with two types of handguns (pistol and revolver). Backspatter was collected from various sampling locations, and DNA contents were quantified. A post-shooting wound channel evaluation was conducted by optical and radiological evaluation. The obtained DNA yields varied considerably between replicates from the same and from different distances. In contrast, apart from contact shots, no meaningful differences were observable in wound channel evaluations. In summary, no meaningful correlation between backspatter distribution and DNA yields, the shooting distance and the condition of the wound channel could be established.
Impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on acute stroke care
Authors: Rinkel L. A. , Prick J. C. M. , Slot R. E. R. , Sombroek N. M. A. , Burggraaff J. , Groot A. E. , Emmer B. J. , Roos Y. B. W. E. M. , Brouwer M. C. , van den Berg-Vos R. M. , Majoie C. B. L. M. , Beenen L. F. M. , van de Beek D. , Visser M. C. , van Schaik S. M. , Coutinho J. M.
Published: July 2020

Background and purpose

There are concerns that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak negatively affects the quality of care for acute cardiovascular conditions. We assessed the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on trends in hospital admissions and workflow parameters of acute stroke care in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Methods

We used data from the three hospitals that provide acute stroke care for the Amsterdam region. We compared two 7-week periods: one during the peak of the COVID-19 outbreak (March 16th–May 3th 2020) and one prior to the outbreak (October 21st–December 8th 2019). We included consecutive patients who presented to the emergency departments with a suspected stroke and assessed the change in number of patients as an incidence-rate ratio (IRR) using a Poisson regression analysis. Other outcomes were the IRR for stroke subtypes, change in use of reperfusion therapy, treatment times, and in-hospital complications.

Results

During the COVID-19 period, 309 patients presented with a suspected stroke compared to 407 patients in the pre-COVID-19 period (IRR 0.76 95%CI 0.65–0.88). The proportion of men was higher during the COVID-19 period (59% vs. 47%, p < 0.001). There was no change in the proportion of stroke patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis (28% vs. 30%, p = 0.58) or endovascular thrombectomy (11% vs 12%, p = 0.82) or associated treatment times. Seven patients (all ischemic strokes) were diagnosed with COVID-19.

Conclusion

We observed a 24% decrease in suspected stroke presentations during the COVID-19 outbreak, but no evidence for a decrease in quality of acute stroke care.
Inequalities in referral pathways for young people accessing secondary mental health services in south east London
Authors: Chui Zoe , Gazard Billy , MacCrimmon Shirlee , Harwood Hannah , Downs Johnny , Bakolis Ioannis , Polling Catherine , Rhead Rebecca , Hatch Stephani L.
Published: July 2020

Differences in health service use between ethnic groups have been well documented, but little research has been conducted on inequalities in access to mental health services among young people. This study examines inequalities in pathways into care by ethnicity and migration status in 12–29 years old accessing health services in south east London. This study analyses anonymized electronic patient record data for patients aged 12–29 referred to a south east London mental health trust between 2008 and 2016 for an anxiety or non-psychotic depressive disorder (n = 18,931). Multinomial regression was used to examine associations between ethnicity, migration status, and both referral source and destination, stratified by age group. Young people in the Black African ethnic group were more likely to be referred from secondary health or social/criminal justice services compared to those in the White British ethnic group; the effect was most pronounced for those aged 16–17 years. Young people in the Black African ethnic group were also significantly more likely to be referred to inpatient and emergency services compared to those in the White British ethnic group. Black individuals living in south east London, particularly those who identify as Black African, are referred to mental health services via more adverse pathways than White individuals. Our findings suggest that inequalities in referral destination may be perpetuated by inequalities generated at the point of access.
Epidemiological and clinical course of 483 patients with COVID-19 in Wuhan, China: a single-center, retrospective study from the mobile cabin hospital
Authors: Wang Bo , Wang Zhixian , Zhao Jianping , Zeng Xiaoyong , Wu Mingfu , Wang Shixuan , Wang Tiejun
Published: July 2020

During the COVID-19 outbreak, the mobile cabin hospital has effectively isolated and treated patients diagnosed as mild-moderate disease. However, a detailed clinical course has not been well described. We included 483 patients who were isolated and treated from Feb 6, 2020, to Feb 15, 2020, including definite outcome (discharge or deterioration). Sixty-two patients were transferred to severe cases, of whom were trasfered to designated hospital for intensive care. By March 9, 2020, all patients were discharged without dead. The mobile cabin hospital provides feasible strategy of isolation of mild-moderate cases and timely intervention during the virus outbreak.
Motivational assistance system design for industrial production: from motivation theories to design strategies
Authors: Dostert Janik , Müller Romy
Published: July 2020

Industrial production is still widely sustained by human operators. However, the design of human–machine interaction often does not foster the motivation to learn more about their machine or system. This may decrease operators’ ability to flexibly adjust their decision making and problem-solving skills to the current production context. Motivation to learn could be attained by a motivating socio-technical design of assistance systems, but suitable and context-specific design strategies are lacking. In the present study, a systematic literature review of motivation theories in education, at the workplace, and in system design was carried out. The resulting 16 theories were integrated into a conceptual model of motivating assistance system design in industrial production. In this model, learning motivation results from the satisfaction of the needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness, which in turn is mediated through the design of the system (including interface, task, and behavior). Moreover, this process is subject to moderating influences from job characteristics, personal variables, and factors concerning the respective work domain. Strategies for motivational design are derived from the model, and an example from the discrete processing industry is used to illustrate how the model could be applied to design assistance systems in this domain. Finally, the procedures for theory selection and model development are discussed, theoretical and practical implications are derived, and alternative strategies of instilling motivation are considered.
Transatlantischer Handelskonflikt und die deutsche Wirtschaft: Auf die Dauer kommt es an
Authors: Dullien Sebastian , Stephan Sabine , Theobald Thomas
Published: July 2020

Auch in der Corona-Krise schwelen internationale Handelskonflikte weiter. So verschärfte die US-Regierung Mitte Mai 2020, mitten in der Corona-Krise, noch einmal die Exportbeschränkungen für Zulieferer des chinesischen Telekommunikationsausrüsters Huawei. Angesichts des dramatischen Nachfrageeinbruchs bei den Automobilherstellern kann deshalb auch nicht ausgeschlossen werden, dass Donald Trump seine protektionistische Idee, die Einfuhr von Autos und Autoteilen aus der EU mit Strafzöllen zu belegen, wiederbeleben und damit auch den transatlantischen Handelskonflikt neu anfachen könnte. Simulationen zeigen, dass ein solcher Konflikt insbesondere bei einer Ausweitung der Zölle auf weitere Sektoren und einer längeren Dauer der deutschen Wirtschaft spürbaren Schaden zufügen könnte.
100 Jahre Betriebsrätegesetz und aktuelle Partizipation von Beschäftigten in Deutschland
Authors: Lesch Hagen
Published: July 2020

Am 4. Februar 1920 trat in Deutschland das erste Betriebsrätegesetz in Kraft. Nachdem es 1934 ausgesetzt worden war, führte der Alliierte Kontrollrat die betriebliche Mitbestimmung 1946 wieder ein. Nach mehreren Reformen hat sich die Mitbestimmung etabliert. Während aber in Großunternehmen die betriebliche Mitbestimmung fest verankert ist, wird im Mittelstand eher auf weniger institutionalisierte Beteiligungsformen gesetzt. Der Wandel der Arbeitsorganisation durch Crowdworking, Telearbeit und Solo-Selbständigkeit stellt allerdings die betriebliche Zusammenarbeit vor neue Herausforderungen. Derzeit ist noch nicht erkennbar, dass die Betriebsräte darauf nicht mithilfe der bereits in der Betriebsverfassung angelegten Befugnisse angemessen reagieren können. Das Jubiläum sollte Anlass dafür sein, intensiver über die Zukunft der deutschen Betriebsverfassung und über die alternativ praktizierten Partizipationsformen zu forschen und zu diskutieren.
Raus aus der Neueinstellungskrise!
Authors: Merkl Christian , Weber Enzo
Published: July 2020

Anders als in der Wirtschafts- und Finanzkrise 2009 ist der Arbeitsmarkt in der Corona-Krise 2020 deutlich stärker betroffen. Insbesondere die Neueinstellungen sind sehr stark zurückgegangen — mit der Gefahr, dass daraus eine langwierige Arbeitslosigkeit und eine „Generation Corona“ der Absolventen entsteht. Um diesem Phänomen frühzeitig entgegenzutreten, wären temporäre Einstellungszuschüsse auch unter Einbeziehung aller Risiken eine sinnvolle Maßnahme.
Digitale Zentralbankwährungen: Chancen, Risiken und Blockchain-Technologie
Authors: Groß Jonas , Klein Manuel , Sandner Philipp
Published: July 2020

Zahlreiche Zentralbanken planen innerhalb der nächsten Jahre, eigene digitale Zentralbankwährungen einzuführen. Die Blockchain-Technologie kann dafür die technologische Basis darstellen. Zentralbanken experimentieren mit dieser Technologie, um Währungen perspektivisch auf Blockchain-Basis abzubilden. Mögliche Vorteile einer digitalen Zentralbankwährung wären eine höhere finanzielle Stabilität, eine höhere Sicherheit und Effizienz im Zahlungsverkehr und ein höherer Automatisierungsgrad von Geschäftsprozessen. Risiken beständen darin, dass es nach einer Einführung zu einem digitalen Bank Run kommen könnte, dass Banken immens an Bedeutung verlieren könnten und letztlich die Datenschutzproblematik geklärt werden muss.
Exchange-based diffusion in Hb-Graphs
Authors: Ouvrard Xavier , Le Goff Jean-Marie , Marchand-Maillet Stéphane
Published: July 2020

Highlighting important information of a network is commonly achieved by using random walks related to diffusion over such structures. Complex networks, where entities can have multiple relationships, call for a modeling based on hypergraphs. But, the limitation of hypergraphs to binary entities in co-occurrences has led us to introduce a new mathematical structure called hyperbaggraphs, that relies on multisets. This is not only a shift in the designation but a real change of mathematical structure, with a new underlying algebra. Diffusion processes commonly start with a stroke at one vertex and diffuse over the network. In the original conference article—(Ouvrard et al. 2018)—that this article extends we have proposed a two-phase step exchange-based diffusion scheme, in the continuum of spectral network analysis approaches, that takes into account the multiplicities of entities. This diffusion scheme allows to highlight information not only at the level of the vertices but also at the regrouping level. In this paper, we present new contributions: the proofs of conservation and convergence of the extracted sequences of the diffusion process, as well as the illustration of the speed of convergence and comparison between classical and modified random walks; the algorithms of the exchange-based diffusion and the modified random walk; the application to two use cases, one based on Arxiv publications and another based on Coco dataset images. All the figures have been revisited in this extended version to take the new developments into account.
Repolarization of tumor infiltrating macrophages and increased survival in mouse primary CNS lymphomas after XPO1 and BTK inhibition
Authors: Jiménez Isabel , Carabia Júlia , Bobillo Sabela , Palacio Carles , Abrisqueta Pau , Pagès Carlota , Nieto Juan C. , Castellví Josep , Martínez-Ricarte Francisco , Escoda Lourdes , Perla Cristóbal , Céspedes Torrez Dennis H. , Boix Joan , Purroy Noelia , Puigdefàbregas Lluís , Seoane Joan , Bosch Francesc , Crespo Marta
Published: July 2020

Background

Patients diagnosed with primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) often face dismal outcomes due to the limited availability of therapeutic options. PCNSL cells frequently have deregulated B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling, but clinical responses to its inhibition using ibrutinib have been brief. In this regard, blocking nuclear export by using selinexor, which covalently binds to XPO1, can also inhibit BCR signaling. Selinexor crosses the blood–brain barrier and was recently shown to have clinical activity in a patient with refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in the CNS. We studied selinexor alone or in combination with ibrutinib in pre-clinical mouse models of PCNSL.

Methods

Orthotopic xenograft models were established by injecting lymphoma cells into the brain parenchyma of athymic mice. Tumor growth was monitored by bioluminescence. Malignant cells and macrophages were studied by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry.

Results

Selinexor blocked tumor growth and prolonged survival in a bioluminescent mouse model, while its combination with ibrutinib further increased survival. CNS lymphoma in mice was infiltrated by tumor-promoting M2-like macrophages expressing PD-1 and SIRPα. Interestingly, treatment with selinexor and ibrutinib favored an anti-tumoral immune response by shifting polarization toward inflammatory M1-like and diminishing PD-1 and SIRPα expression in the remaining tumor-promoting M2-like macrophages.

Conclusions

These data highlight the pathogenic role of the innate immune microenvironment in PCNSL and provide pre-clinical evidence for the development of selinexor and ibrutinib as a new promising therapeutic option with cytotoxic and immunomodulatory potential.
Do measures of risk attitude in the laboratory predict behavior under risk in and outside of the laboratory?
Authors: Charness Gary , Garcia Thomas , Offerman Theo , Villeval Marie Claire
Published: July 2020

We consider the external validity of laboratory measures of risk attitude. Based on a large-scale experiment using a representative panel of the Dutch population, we test if these measures can explain two different types of behavior: (i) behavior in laboratory risky financial decisions, and (ii) behavior in naturally-occurring field behavior under risk (financial, health and employment decisions). We find that measures of risk attitude are related to behavior in laboratory financial decisions and the most complex measures are outperformed by simpler measures. However, measures of risk attitude are not related to risk-taking in the field, calling into question the methods currently used for the purpose of measuring actual risk preferences. We conclude that while the external validity of measures of risk attitude holds in closely related frameworks, this validity is compromised in more remote settings.
Spinoza on Ingenium and Exemplarity: Some Consequences for Educational Theory
Authors: Dahlbeck Johan
Published: July 2020

This article turns to the neglected pedagogical concept of ingenium in order to address some shortcomings of the admiration–emulation model of Linda Zabzebski’s influential exemplarist moral theory. I will start by introducing the problem of the admiration-emulation model by way of a fictional example. I will then briefly outline the concept of ingenium such as it appears in a Renaissance context, looking particularly at the pedagogical writings of Juan Luis Vives (1492/3–1540). This will set the stage for the next part, looking at how early modern philosopher Benedict Spinoza (1632–1677) adopts a Vivesian notion of ingenium, adjusting it so as to fit into the setting of his political theory. Next, I will turn to Spinoza’s use of the concept of ingenium in relation to his portrayal of exemplary persons, offering a pedagogical model of moral exemplarism that can counter some of the perceived problems of the admiration–emulation model as it highlights the necessary fallibility of efficient exemplars as well as acknowledges the socio-political dimension of emotions. Finally, I will lay out some preliminary consequences for educational theory, hoping to offer a way of reconciling moral exemplarism with a more realistic pedagogical and psychological framework.
Sexual Desire and Fantasies in the LGBT+ Community: a Focus on Bisexuals, Transgender, and Other Shades of the Rainbow
Authors: Nimbi Filippo Maria , Ciocca Giacomo , Limoncin Erika , Fontanesi Lilybeth , Uysal Ünal Batuhan , Flinchum Matthew , Tambelli Renata , Jannini Emmanuele Angelo , Simonelli Chiara
Published: July 2020

Purpose of Review

The purpose of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on sexual desire expressions, sexual orientation, and identity in understudied groups inside the LGBT+ community.

Recent Findings

Sexual desire and related problems have unique expressions in LGBT+ people which influence their sexual health. Emerging sex-positive approaches might be powerful and prominent tools to provide support and education on behalf of safer sex practices and marginalized sexualities. The importance of deepening LGBT+ sexualities and relationships, not only in lesbian women and gay men but also in all the other shades of the rainbow (bisexual, transgender, asexual, fluid, and non-binary/genderqueer identities), is strongly highlighted.

A lack of literature regarding sexual desire in LGBT+ people is reported. Results are controversial and research is still limited on this topic, with little information available about sexual and health needs of sexual minorities beyond gay and lesbian people.