bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biochemical responses of wheat to silicon application under salinity
Authors: Zia Ahmad , Hegazy Hegazy S. , Hassan Noaman S. , Naguib Deyala M. , Abdel-Haliem Mahmoud E. F.
Published: January 2021

Background: Salinity is one of the main threats that can cause crop yield losses by limiting plant growth. Several important cultivated crops including wheat exhibit sensitivity to salt stress by severe yield reductions. Approaches to improve salt resistance are critical for improved food production in the future.

Aims: Silicon (Si) is well known for its role as quasi‐essential element to enhance growth and development of monocot food crops, especially under a variety of abiotic and biotic stress conditions. However, the mechanism of Si‐induced stress resistance is still not fully understood. Here, we investigate the biochemical basis of Si‐induced salt resistance of wheat.

Methods: Effect of Si treatment on wheat plants under salt stress was measured by biochemical studies of photosynthetic pigments, ions, oxidative stress indicators, enzymatic and non‐enzymatic antioxidant systems, phytohormones along with expression of two Si‐transport genes.

Results: Our results suggest that Si‐induced salt resistance of wheat involves a signaling cascade that triggers the biochemical defense responses. Salinity induces production of the stress hormone abscisic acid that upregulates the expression of Si‐influx transporter gene TaLsi1 and Si‐efflux transporter gene TaLsi2, in the presence of soluble Si in cytosol, and this triggers jasmonate‐mediated activation of both enzymatic and non‐enzymatic antioxidant systems along with osmolyte production. Moreover, peculiar stoichiometric changes in photosynthetic pigments after Si application, as signatures of shaded condition, also lead us to the hypothesis that insoluble Si phytoliths in plants may aid a physical defense response by creating a “mechanically shielded leaf microenvironment” against a variety of abiotic and biotic stress conditions.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates that Si activates biochemical defense responses against salt stress in wheat plants.
Posttraumatic Distress and Treatment Barriers Among Former Gang Members: Implications for Improving Access to Traumatic Stress Resources in Marginalized Populations
Authors: Valdez Christine
Published: January 2021

Limited research has examined the links among violent victimization, mental health, and service utilization among gang‐involved individuals. This mixed‐methods preliminary study examined narratives of psychiatric distress, current psychiatric morbidity, and mental health treatment experiences among a sample of former gang members (N = 32; M age = 44.4 years, 87.5% male; 56.3% Hispanic or Latino, 31.3% African American). Participants completed online questionnaires to assess trauma exposure and current psychiatric symptoms as well as a semistructured interview to examine histories of psychiatric distress and mental health treatment. Participants reported exposure to an average of 10.2 discrete traumatic events (range: 3–21). On average, participants reported exposure to five to six community violence–related events, ranging from never or one time up to monthly and weekly exposure. Participants generally described histories of depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance abuse, although a thematic analysis revealed PTSD symptoms predominated the psychiatric distress described, including symptoms related to intrusions, avoidance, negative alterations in cognitions and mood, and alterations in arousal. Grounded theory analysis revealed barriers to traditional models of mental health treatment included self‐isolation, gang rules, and social stigma, especially in the context of interpersonal disconnect with providers. Given conditions of limited resources to access treatment, participants engaged in peer support services, which may have reduced their psychiatric distress to currently low levels. Implications for understanding these notable findings of recovery and resilience for some individuals and building trauma‐informed communities that improve access to traumatic stress resources for marginalized populations are discussed.
Suppression of beta 2 adrenergic receptor actions prevent UVB mediated cutaneous squamous cell tumorigenesis through inhibition of VEGF‐A induced angiogenesis
Authors: Lu Kai , Bhat Madhavi , Peters Sara , Mitra Rita , Oberyszyn Tatiana , Basu Sujit
Published: January 2021

Although beta 2 adrenergic receptors (β2ADR) are present in the keratinocytes, their role in cutaneous squamous cell tumorigenesis needs to be ascertained. For the first time, we report here that selective β2ADR antagonists by inhibiting β2ADR actions significantly retarded the progression of ultraviolet B (UVB) induced premalignant cutaneous squamous cell lesions. These antagonists acted by inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor‐A (VEGF) mediated angiogenesis to prevent UVB radiation‐induced squamous cell carcinoma of the skin.
Monolithic perovskite/organic tandem solar cells: Developments, prospects, and challenges
Authors: Xie Yue‐Min , Xue Qifan , Yao Qin , Xie Shenkun , Niu Tianqi , Yip Hin‐Lap
Published: January 2021

Monolithic perovskite solar cells (PSCs) and small‐bandgap organic photovoltaics (OPVs) integrated perovskite/organic tandem devices and binary perovskite/bulk‐heterojunction (BHJ) devices have recently attracted tremendous attention due to their upgraded light‐harvesting range and theoretical efficiency potential. However, compared with the ideal integrated condition, tandem devices usually exhibit obviously reduced current density (Jsc) and open‐circuit voltage (Voc), which results in compromised power conversion efficiency (PCE). Moreover, the champion PCE of perovskite/organic tandem devices is still lower than that of the best reported single‐junction PSCs. Therefore, relieving their Jsc and Voc losses is vital to develop high‐performance perovskite/organic tandem devices. Besides, several perovskite/BHJ devices are emerging. This paper presents a systematic overview of developing perovskite/organic tandem devices. Particularly, this is the first study to have comprehensively summarized the factors affecting perovskite/organic tandem device efficiency loss, as well as the modulating strategies. Meanwhile, the development of perovskite/BHJ devices is also discussed. Finally, the prospects and development challenges of perovskite/organic tandem devices in the near future are presented.
Modeling the flying sidekick traveling salesman problem with multiple drones
Authors: Dell'Amico Mauro , Montemanni Roberto , Novellani Stefano
Published: January 2021

This article considers a version of the flying sidekick traveling salesman problem in which parcels are delivered to customers by either a truck or a set of identical flying drones. The flights of the drones are limited by the battery endurance and each flight is made of a launch, a service to a customer, and a return: launch and return must happen when the truck is stationary. These operations require time and when multiple drones are launched and/or collected at the same node, their order becomes relevant. The proposed model takes into account the order of these operations as a scheduling problem, because ignoring it could lead to infeasible solutions in the reality due to the possible exceeding of the drones endurance. We propose a set of novel formulations for the problem that can improve the size of the largest instances solved in the literature. We provide a comparison among the formulations, between the multiple drones solutions and the single drone ones, and among different variants of the model.
A causal model on assertiveness, stress coping, and workplace environment: Factors affecting novice nurses' burnout
Authors: Suzuki Eiko , Takayama Yuko , Kinouchi Chiaki , Asakura Chihiro , Tatsuno Hirotoshi , Machida Takae , Yanahara Hiroe , Kitajima Hiroko , Miwa Masae
Published: January 2021

Aim

This study aimed to develop and test a causal model focused on assertiveness, stress coping, and workplace environment as factors affecting burnout among novice nurses.

Design

Cross‐sectional study was conducted with novice nurses of 17 hospitals.

Methods

The Novice Nurse Assertiveness Scale and the Japanese version of Maslach Burnout Inventory.

Results

Data from 645 female novice nurses were analysed. The mean age, Novice Nurse Assertiveness Scale and Maslach Burnout Inventory were 22.6 ± 3.0, 67.4 ± 10.3 and 13.7 ± 2.5. For the final model, the study adopted a model that includes indirect influences; inappropriate assertiveness and inappropriate coping affected the dissatisfaction with the job and then affected the burnout. The goodness of fit index was GFI = 0.94, AGFI = 0.91, RMSEA = 0.66, and R2 was .86. The findings validated this as a causal model of assertiveness, stress coping, and the work environment as factors affecting burnout for novice nurses.
Application of direct meshless local Petrov–Galerkin method for numerical solution of stochastic elliptic interface problems
Authors: Abbaszadeh Mostafa , Dehghan Mehdi , Khodadadian Amirreza , Heitzinger Clemens
Published: January 2021

A truly meshless numerical procedure to simulate stochastic elliptic interface problems is developed. The meshless method is based on the generalized moving least squares approximation. This method can be implemented in a straightforward manner and has a very good accuracy for solving this kind of problems. Several realistic examples are presented to investigate the efficiency of the new procedure. Furthermore, compared with other meshless methods that have been developed, the present technique needs less CPU time.
The analytical solution of fractional‐order Whitham–Broer–Kaup equations by an Elzaki decomposition method
Authors: Shah Nehad Ali , Chung Jae Dong
Published: January 2021

In this article, the Elzaki decomposition method is used to evaluate the solution of fractional‐order Whitham–Broer–Kaup equations. With the help of Elzaki transform coupled with Adomian decomposition method, an iterative procedure is established to investigate approximate solution to the suggested coupled scheme of nonlinear partial fractional differential equations. The solution of some illustrative examples is presented to show the validity of the proposed technique. The results of the proposed technique are shown and analyzed with the help of figures and tables. Also, we compared the results of our proposed technique with the homotopy perturbation method. The present method has less computational costs and a higher rate of convergence. The suggested algorithm is therefore very helpful to solve other fractional‐order systems of partial differential equations.
Age at diagnosis as a prognostic factor in South African children with neuroblastoma
Authors: van Heerden Jaques , Esterhuizen Tonya M. , Hendricks Marc , Poole Janet , Büchner Ané , Naidu Gita , du Plessis Jan , van Emmenes Barry , Uys Ronelle , Hadley GP , Kruger Mariana
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) reported a higher median age at diagnosis of neuroblastoma (NB) compared to high‐income countries. The aim was to determine if the optimal age at diagnosis, which maximizes the difference in overall survival between younger versus older patients in the South African population was similar to the internationally validated 18 months age cut‐point.

Methods

Four hundred sixty NB patients diagnosed between 2000 and 2016 were included. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to predict potential age cut‐point values for overall survival in all risk group classifications. Risk ratios, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values at the specific cut‐points were estimated with 95% confidence intervals, and time to mortality by age at the specific cut‐points was shown with Kaplan‐Meier curves and compared using log‐rank tests.

Results

The median age at diagnosis for the total cohort was 31.9 months (range 0.2‐204.7). For high‐risk (HR), intermediate‐risk, low‐risk, and very low‐risk patients, the median age at diagnosis was, respectively, 36 months (range 0.4‐204.7), 16.8 months (range 0.7‐145.1), 14.2 months (range 2.0‐143.5), and 8.7 months (range 0.2‐75.6). The ROC curves for the total NB cohort (area under the curve [AUC] 0.696; P < .001) and HR (AUC 0.682; P < .001) were analyzed further. The optimal cut‐point value for the total cohort was at 19.1 months (sensitivity 59%; specificity 78%). The HR cohort had potential cut‐point values identified at 18.4 months age at diagnosis (sensitivity 45%; specificity 87%) and 31.1 months (sensitivity 67%; specificity 62%). The 19.1 months cut‐point value in the total cohort and the 18.4 months cut‐point value in HR were as useful in predicting overall survival as 18 months age at diagnosis.

Conclusion

The 18 months cut‐point value appears to be the appropriate age for prognostic determination, despite the higher median age at diagnosis in South Africa.
Spanish version of the Perme Intensive Care Unit Mobility Score: Minimal detectable change and responsiveness
Authors: Wilches Luna Esther Cecilia , de Oliveira Anamaria Siriani , Perme Christiane , Gastaldi Ada C.
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine the minimal detectable change (MDC) and responsiveness of the Perme Score when used in the adult intensive care unit (ICU) population.

Methods

This is a prospective longitudinal study which was conducted from November 2016 to July 2017 in Cali, Colombia. Four physical therapists with observer and evaluator roles, applied the Perme Score upon ICU admission and discharge. The Consensus‐based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments Protocol standards to analyze sensitivity to change were used. The sample size was defined considering the lowest concordance proportion reported (68.6%), and a Kappa Index of 0.2784 or higher to guarantee an adequaten, and a 95% reliability level.

Results

One hundred and forty‐two patients were enrolled in the study. There were 51.4% men with an average age of 58 ± 17 years. Invasive mechanical ventilation was employed in 42.0% of the patients. The MDC for the Perme Score was 1.36, and 80% of patients demonstrated higher or equal values, detecting a significant difference in the type of weaning and the length of stay in the ICU (p< 0.005).

Conclusions

The Perme Score has an MDC of 1.36 points and shows evidence of being sensitive to change. Therefore, the findings validate the responsiveness of the instrument.
Thin‐Film Solar Cells using a Selenized Silver Antimony Sulfide Absorber Prepared by Spray Pyrolysis Deposition
Authors: Xie Fan , Tang Hua , Zhao Xin , Li Meng , Li Lu , Cheng Jiang
Published: January 2021

Silver antimony sulfide (AgSbS2) has attracted great interest as a photovoltaic absorber, attributed to its suitable energy gap, large absorption coefficient, and being of relatively earth‐abundant elements. However, the applications of AgSbS2 are very limited due to the immaturity of the fabrication technology. A novel spray pyrolysis method for AgSbS2 film deposition is reported. Selenization is the most important step to improve the device performance. The composition analysis shows that the S element in AgSbS2 can be partly substituted by Se via heating the sample in Se vapor at 400 °C for several minutes. X‐ray diffraction shows that the selenized film contains AgSbS2, AgSbSe2, and AgSbS2−xSex without other impurities. The Hall effect confirms a carrier concentration of 3.31 × 1018 cm−3, which is significantly higher than that of the untreated film and those processed in other atmospheres. The optical measurement indicates that the optical absorbance of the selenized AgSbS2 is tremendously improved. In addition, a cascade‐type energy level with the bandgap varying from 1.15 eV at the surface to 1.68 eV into the bulk is formed, resulting in an ideal energy level matching. Because of these beneficial factors, the efficiency improves significantly from 0.27% to 1.30%.
A natural lead‐in approach to response‐adaptive allocation for continuous outcomes
Authors: Donahue Erin , Sabo Roy T.
Published: January 2021

Response‐adaptive (RA) allocation designs can skew the allocation of incoming subjects toward the better performing treatment group based on the previously accrued responses. While unstable estimators and increased variability can adversely affect adaptation in early trial stages, Bayesian methods can be implemented with decreasingly informative priors (DIP) to overcome these difficulties. DIPs have been previously used for binary outcomes to constrain adaptation early in the trial, yet gradually increase adaptation as subjects accrue. We extend the DIP approach to RA designs for continuous outcomes, primarily in the normal conjugate family by functionalizing the prior effective sample size to equal the unobserved sample size. We compare this effective sample size DIP approach to other DIP formulations. Further, we considered various allocation equations and assessed their behavior utilizing DIPs. Simulated clinical trials comparing the behavior of these approaches with traditional Frequentist and Bayesian RA as well as balanced designs show that the natural lead‐in approaches maintain improved treatment with lower variability and greater power.
The universe from a single particle
Authors: Freedman Michael , Zini Modjtaba Shokrian
Published: January 2021

Abstract

We explore the emergence of many-body physics from quantum mechanics via spontaneous symmetry breaking. To this end, we study potentials which are functionals on the space of Hamiltonians enjoying an unstable critical point corresponding to a random quantum mechanical system (the Gaussian unitary ensemble), but also less symmetrical local minima corresponding to interacting systems at the level of operators.
Swiss Validation of the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Database
Authors: Pache Basile , Martin David , Addor Valérie , Demartines Nicolas , Hübner Martin
Published: January 2021

Background

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathways have considerably improved postoperative outcomes and are in use for various types of surgery. The prospective audit system (EIAS) could be a powerful tool for large‐scale outcome research but its database has not been validated yet.

Methods

Swiss ERAS centers were invited to contribute to the validation of the Swiss chapter for colorectal surgery. A monitoring team performed on‐site visits by the use of a standardized checklist. Validation criteria were (I) coverage (No. of operated patients within ERAS protocol; target threshold for validation: ≥ 80%), (II) missing data (8 predefined variables; target ≤ 10%), and (III) accuracy (2 predefined variables, target ≥ 80%). These criteria were assessed by comparing EIAS entries with the medical charts of a random sample of patients per center (range 15–20).

Results

Out of 18 Swiss ERAS centers, 15 agreed to have onsite monitoring but 13 granted access to the final dataset. ERAS coverage was available in only 7 centers and varied between 76 and 100%. Overall missing data rate was 5.7% and concerned mainly the variables “urinary catheter removal” (16.4%) and “mobilization on day 1” (16%). Accuracy for the length of hospital stay and complications was overall 84.6%. Overall, 5 over 13 centers failed in the validation process for one or several criteria.

Conclusion

EIAS was validated in most Swiss ERAS centers. Potential patient selection and missing data remain sources of bias in non‐validated centers. Therefore, simplified validation of other centers appears to be mandatory before large‐scale use of the EIAS dataset.
Twenty-first century regional temperature response in Chile based on empirical-statistical downscaling
Authors: Mutz Sebastian G. , Scherrer Samuel , Muceniece Ilze , Ehlers Todd A.
Published: January 2021

Local scale estimates of temperature change in the twenty-first century are necessary for informed decision making in both the public and private sector. In order to generate such estimates for Chile, weather station data of the Dirección Meteorológica de Chile are used to identify large-scale predictors for local-scale temperature changes and construct individual empirical-statistical models for each station. The geographical coverage of weather stations ranges from Arica in the North to Punta Arenas in the South. Each model is trained in a cross-validated stepwise linear multiple regression procedure based on (24) weather station records and predictor time series derived from ERA-Interim reanalysis data. The time period 1979–2000 is used for training, while independent data from 2001 to 2015 serves as a basis for assessing model performance. The resulting transfer functions for each station are then directly coupled to MPI-ESM simulations for future climate change under emission scenarios RCP2.6, RCP4.5 and RCP 8.5 to estimate the local temperature response until 2100 A.D. Our investigation into predictors for local scale temperature changes support established knowledge of the main drivers of Chilean climate, i.e. a strong influence of the El Niño Southern Oscillation in northern Chile and frontal system-governed climate in central and southern Chile. Temperature downscaling yields high prediction skill scores (ca. 0.8), with highest scores for the mid-latitudes. When forced with MPI-ESM simulations, the statistical models predict local temperature deviations from the 1979–2015 mean that range between − 0.5–2 K, 0.5–3 K and 2–7 K for RCP2.6, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 respectively.
KIF5A and the contribution of susceptibility genotypes as a predictive biomarker for multiple sclerosis
Authors: Hares Kelly , Kemp K. , Loveless S. , Rice C. M. , Scolding N. , Tallantyre E. , Robertson N. , Wilkins A.
Published: January 2021

There is increasing interest in the development of multiple sclerosis (MS) biomarkers that reflect central nervous system tissue injury to determine prognosis. We aimed to assess the prognostic value of kinesin superfamily motor protein KIF5A in MS by measuring levels of KIF5A in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) combined with analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; rs12368653 and rs703842) located within a MS susceptibility gene locus at chromosome 12q13–14 region. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure KIF5A in CSF obtained from two independent biobanks comprising non-inflammatory neurological disease controls (NINDC), clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) and MS cases. CSF KIF5A expression was significantly elevated in progressive MS cases compared with NINDCs, CIS and relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS). In addition, levels of KIF5A positively correlated with change in MS disease severity scores (EDSS, MSSS and ARMSSS), in RRMS patients who had documented disease progression at 2-year clinical follow-up. Copies of adenine risk alleles (AG/AA; rs12368653 and rs703842) corresponded with a higher proportion of individuals in relapse at the time of lumbar puncture (LP), higher use of disease-modifying therapies post LP and shorter MS duration. Our study suggests that CSF KIF5A has potential as a predictive biomarker in MS and further studies into the potential prognostic value of analysing MS susceptibility SNPs should be considered.
Attachment devices and the tarsal gland of the bug Coreus marginatus (Hemiptera: Coreidae)
Authors: Rebora Manuela , Salerno Gianandrea , Piersanti Silvana , Gorb Elena V. , Gorb Stanislav N.
Published: January 2021

The present ultrastructural investigation using scanning and transmission electron microscopy as well as light and fluorescence microscopy describes in detail the attachment devices and tarsal gland of the bug Coreus marginatus (L.) (Hemiptera: Coreidae). In particular, the fine structure of pulvilli reveals a ventral surface rich with pore channels, consistent with fluid emission, and a folded dorsal surface, which could be useful to enhance the pulvillus contact area during attachment to the substrate. The detailed description of the tarsal gland cells, whose structure is coherent with an active secretory function, allows us to consider the tarsal gland as the plausible candidate for the adhesive fluid production. Scolopidia strictly adhering to the gland cells are also described. On the basis of the fine structure of the tarsal gland, we hypothesise a fluid emission mechanism based on changes of the hydraulic pressure inside the gland, due to the unguitractor tendon movements. This mechanism could provide the fluid release based on compression of the pad and capillary suction, as demonstrated in other insects. The data here reported can contribute to understanding of insect adhesive fluid production, emission and control of its transport.
Focused electromagnetic high-energetic extracorporeal shockwave (ESWT) reduces pain levels in the nodular state of Dupuytren’s disease—a randomized controlled trial (DupuyShock)
Authors: Knobloch Karsten , Hellweg Marie , Sorg Heiko , Nedelka Tomas
Published: January 2021

Dupuytren’s disease is a progressive fibroproliferative disorder of the hand. In the nodular stage of Dupuytren’s disease, pain might limit daily hand activities and progress to finger contractures. Focused electromagnetic high-energetic extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) may reduce pain in Dupuytren’s nodules (Tubiana N). In this prospective, randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled single center trial, we enrolled 52 patients (mean age, 58.2 ± 9.2) with painful nodular Dupuytren disease Tubiana N. Randomization was done to either (group A) 3 treatments with focused electromagnetic high-energetic ESWT (2000 shots, 3 Hz, 0.35 mmJ/mm2/hand, Storz Duolith SD1,n = 27) or (group B) placebo ESWT (2000 shots, 3 Hz, 0.01 mJ/mm2/hand,n = 25) in a weekly interval. Primary outcome was the level of pain on a visual analogue scale (VAS 0–10) at 3/6/12/18 months, secondary outcomes were patient-related outcome measures (DASH score, MHQ score, URAM scale), grip strength, patient’s satisfaction, and Dupuytren’s disease progression over 18 months follow-up. Focused ESWT significantly improved outcomes. Pain was reduced from 3.6 ± 1.8 to 1.9 ± 1.2 at three, to 1.4 ± 0.7 at six, to 1.7 ± 1.6 after 12 months and 1.9 ± 0.8 after 18 months in the intervention group (47% reduction,p < 0.05). In the placebo group, pain on VAS increased from 2.2 ± 1.4 to 3.4 ± 1.7 at three, to 3.4 ± 1.8 at six, to 3.4 ± 1.4 at 12 and 3.1 ± 1.1 at 18 months (35% increase,p < 0.05). Quality-of-life score tended to improve in the intervention group (MHQ, 77 ± 19 to 83 ± 12; DASH, 12 ± 18 to 10 ± 9) while it deteriorated in the placebo group as Dupuytren’s disease was progressing (MHQ, 79 ± 15 to 73 ± 17; DASH, 6 ± 10 to 14 ± 13). The strength of the affected hand and fingers did not change significantly in either of the groups. Patients’ satisfaction was higher in the intervention group for symptom improvement (56% vs. 12%) and reduction of disease progression (59% vs. 24%). Any Dupuytren-related intervention was performed in 26% in the intervention group and in 36% in the placebo group within 18 months of follow-up (n.s.). Focused electromagnetic high-energetic ESWT can significantly reduce pain in painful nodules in Dupuytren’s disease in an 18-month perspective. (ClinicalTrials.govIdentifier: NCT01184586).
Non-compliant behaviour in public procurement: an evolutionary model with endogenous monitoring
Authors: Coppier Raffaella , Grassetti Francesca , Michetti Elisabetta
Published: January 2021

In recent years, the study of the evolution of non-compliant behaviour in public procurement has been widely developed due to the growing economic relevance of this phenomenon. When such a question is formalized in terms of a dynamical model, new insights can be pursued, related to the possible evolution from a situation with low dishonesty level to high dishonesty level or vice versa. The present model considers an evolutionary adaptation process explaining whether honest or dishonest behaviour prevails in society at any given time by assuming endogenous monitoring by the State. We will distinguish between a scenario in which firms converge to monomorphic configurations (all honest or all dishonest) and a scenario in which firms converge to polymorphic compositions (that is with coexistence of both groups), depending on the relevant parameters. By making use of both analytical tools and numerical simulations, the present work aims at explaining the effectiveness of economic policies to reduce or eliminate non-compliant behaviour. Social stigma is found to play a key role: if the “inner attitude toward honesty” of a country is not strong enough, then dishonesty cannot be ruled out. However, increasing both the fine level attached to dishonest behaviour and the monitoring effort by the State can reduce asymptotic dishonesty levels and escape form the dishonesty trap.
Allelopathic effects of leachates of Juglans regia L., Populus tremula L. and juglone on germination of temperate zone cultivated medicinal and aromatic plants
Authors: Zubay Péter , Kunzelmann Jakob , Ittzés András , Németh Zámboriné Éva , Szabó Krisztina
Published: January 2021

The environmental benefits of agroforestry systems are well known. However, current knowledge of potential allelopathic interactions is inadequate. The decrease in soil fertility, the increasingly rhapsodic distribution of precipitation, and the special metabolism and cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants are all harbingers of medicinal-agroforestry systems. The authors aimed to discover the allelopathic effects ofJuglans regiaL. andPopulus tremulaL. on germination of medicinal and aromatic plants cultivated in a temperate zone. Accordingly, an in vitro germination trial was conducted with leachates of these trees and two juglone concentrations. These allelopathic effects were evaluated for germination vigour, germination rate, and total fresh weight of seedlings of twelve different species. A pronounced species specificity was observed in tolerance of seeds and seedlings to the allelopathic effect ofPopulusandJuglans. In four of the species studied, the allelopathic effect may inhibit germination, but only initially. Poppy and angelica proved to be the most sensitive to the treatments. The following species had relative tolerance to the allelochemicals, so further research under natural conditions is suggested for:Althea officinalisL. (9.34 ± 5.04–68.66 ± 13.62 GR%),Anethum graveolensL. (12.00 ± 2.00–100.00 ± 6.12 GR%),Cannabis sativaL. (72.66 ± 9.02–91.34 ± 1.16 GR%),Dracocephalum moldavicaL. (38.00 ± 2.00–80.00 ± 17.44 GR%),Linum usitatissimumL. (44.66 ± 2.00–58.00 ± 3.46 GR%), andSatureja hortensisL. (52.00 ± 28.22–82.00 ± 8.00 GR%). The aim would be to introduce them into agroforestry systems.
Improving parity games in practice
Authors: Di Stasio Antonio , Murano Aniello , Prignano Vincenzo , Sorrentino Loredana
Published: January 2021

Parity gamesare infinite-round two-player games played on directed graphs whose nodes are labeled with priorities. The winner of a play is determined by the smallest priority (even or odd) that is encountered infinitely often along the play. In the last two decades, several algorithms for solving parity games have been proposed and implemented in , a platform written in OCaml. includes theZielonka’s recursive algorithm(, for short) which is known to be the best performing one over random games. Notably, several attempts have been carried out with the aim of improving the performance of in , but with small advances in practice. In this work, we deeply revisit the implementation of by dealing with the use of specific data structures and programming languages such asScala,Java,C++, andGo. Our empirical evaluation shows that these choices are successful, gaining up to three orders of magnitude in running time over the classic version of the algorithm implemented in .
Contribution of non-native galliforms to annual variation in biomass of British birds
Authors: Blackburn Tim M. , Gaston Kevin J.
Published: January 2021

Millions of individuals of two species of non-native galliform birds, the Common Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) and Red-legged Partridge (Alectoris rufa) are released into the British countryside annually in late summer, supplementing established breeding populations of these two species. The biomass of birds involved in these releases has been compared to the British breeding bird biomass. However, the validity of this comparison is compromised because the biomass of wild birds varies across the year due to reproduction, mortality and migration. How the biomass of Common Pheasants and Red-legged Partridges compares to that of other British bird species in late summer, or across the whole year, is currently unknown. Here, we produce estimates of how British bird biomass varies across the year, to assess the contribution of the two non-native galliforms to this variation. We show that overall British bird biomass is probably lowest around the start of the breeding season in April, and peaks in late summer and autumn. We estimate that around a quarter of British bird biomass annually is contributed by Common Pheasants and Red-legged Partridges, and that at their peak in August these two species represent about half of all wild bird biomass in Britain.
Reducing the Nighttime Fears of Young Children Through a Brief Parent-Delivered Treatment—Effectiveness of the Hungarian Version of Uncle Lightfoot
Authors: Kopcsó Krisztina , Láng András , Coffman Mary F.
Published: January 2021

The aims of the present study were to evaluate the efficacy of a brief intervention, and to determine for whom the treatment works. 73 children between 3 and 8 years of age with significant nighttime fears were enrolled in an intervention group (n = 36) or in a waitlist group (n = 37). The intervention involved a 5-week parent delivered therapy. Assessments took place at baseline, post-treatment, and 20 weeks following baseline. In the intervention group, compared with the waitlist group, nighttime-related fears and phobic symptoms decreased more, whereas adaptive nighttime behavior increased to a greater extent. The more time children spent with exposure and relaxation games during the intervention, the more their separation anxiety and maladaptive nighttime behavior were reduced. Girls’ fear of darkness was reduced to a greater extent. The present study provides support for the use of parent-delivered therapy in the treatment of childhood nighttime fears.
Loss and damage from climate change and implicit assumptions of sustainable development
Authors: Boda Chad S. , Faran Turaj , Scown Murray , Dorkenoo Kelly , Chaffin Brian C. , Nastar Maryam , Boyd Emily
Published: January 2021

Loss and damage from climate change, recognized as a unique research and policy domain through the Warsaw International Mechanism (WIM) in 2013, has drawn increasing attention among climate scientists and policy makers. Labelled by some as the “third pillar” of the international climate regime—along with mitigation and adaptation—it has been suggested that loss and damage has the potential to catalyze important synergies with other international agendas, particularly sustainable development. However, the specific approaches to sustainable development that inform loss and damage research and how these approaches influence research outcomes and policy recommendations remain largely unexplored. We offer a systematic analysis of the assumptions of sustainable development that underpins loss and damage scholarship through a comprehensive review of peer-reviewed research on loss and damage. We demonstrate that the use of specific metrics, decision criteria, and policy prescriptions by loss and damage researchers and practitioners implies an unwitting adherence to different underlying theories of sustainable development, which in turn impact how loss and damage is conceptualized and applied. In addition to research and policy implications, our review suggests that assumptions about the aims of sustainable development determine how loss and damage is conceptualized, measured, and governed, and the human development approach currently represents the most advanced perspective on sustainable development and thus loss and damage. This review supports sustainable development as a coherent, comprehensive, and integrative framework for guiding further conceptual and empirical development of loss and damage scholarship.
Single nucleotide polymorphisms in interleukin-6 attenuates hepatocytes injury in hypoxia/re-oxygenation via STAT3 signal pathway mediated autophagy
Authors: Tang Hongwei , Fang Hongbo , Guo Wenzhi , Cao Shengli , Guo Danfeng , Zhang Huapeng , Gao Jie , Zhang Shuijun
Published: January 2021

Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is inevitable during liver surgery, and it is an important factor affecting the prognosis of patients. IL-6 rs1800796 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) can promote synthesis and secretion of IL-6 and protect hepatocytes from IRI. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms by which IL-6 alleviates hepatic IRI. We transfected lentivirus which carries IL-6 rs1800796 to L02 cells and constructed the cell line (L02-IL6) with a high expression of IL-6. The biological function of IL-6 SNPs was explored through a cell model of hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R). Cell viability was evaluated by CCK8 and Real-Time Cell Analysis (RTCA), and found that the viability of the L02-IL6 cells was higher than that of the control group (P < 0.01). Flow cytometry assay showed that the rate of apoptosis was significantly decreased in L02-IL6 cells. Furthermore, in comparison with the control group, the level of cleaved-caspase3, which is an important marker of apoptosis, was dramatically decreased. These differences showed that the sequence variants at rs1800796 of the IL-6 gene could improve the resistance against H/R. Moreover, the levels of autophagy-related proteins, such as LC3 and Beclin-1, were upregulated in L02-IL6 group on H/R injury, which means IL-6 could alleviate apoptosis via activating the autophagy pathway. And we also found that the STAT3 signal pathway was activated. Next, we investigated whether the exogenous treatment with IL-6 affect hepatocytes and thus play a protective role. We pre-treated the L02 cells with recombinant human IL-6 for 12 h and then made H/R treatment. We found the treatment with 100 ng/ml IL-6 alleviated the damage of L02 cells and inhibited the apoptosis. And the further study revealed the pre-treatment with IL-6 activated the STAT3 signaling pathway in the L02 cells and then caused the activation of autophagy and apoptosis inhibition. IL-6 might play a critical role in alleviating hepatic IRI, through its modulation of the STAT3 signaling pathway, and activation of autophagy. Recombinant human IL-6 might be a potential therapeutic target in hepatic IRI.
Discrete Harmonic Functions in the Three-Quarter Plane
Authors: Trotignon Amélie
Published: January 2021

In this article we are interested in finding positive discrete harmonic functions with Dirichlet conditions in three quadrants. Whereas planar lattice (random) walks in the quadrant have been well studied, the case of walks avoiding a quadrant has been developed lately. We extend the method in the quarter plane—resolution of a functional equation via boundary value problem using a conformal mapping—to the three-quarter plane applying the strategy of splitting the domain into two symmetric convex cones. We obtain a simple explicit expression for the algebraic generating function of harmonic functions associated to random walks avoiding a quadrant.
Interior Schauder Estimates for Elliptic Equations Associated with Lévy Operators
Authors: Kühn Franziska
Published: January 2021

We study the local regularity of solutions f to the integro-differential equation
$$ Af=g \quad \text{in } U $$

A
f
=
g

in

U

for open sets $U \subseteq \mathbb {R}^{d}$
U
⊆

ℝ

d

, where A is the infinitesimal generator of a Lévy process (Xt)t≥ 0. Under the assumption that the transition density of (Xt)t≥ 0 satisfies a certain gradient estimate, we establish interior Schauder estimates for both pointwise and weak solutions f. Our results apply for a wide class of Lévy generators, including generators of stable Lévy processes and subordinated Brownian motions.
New Model for Measuring Job Quality: Developing an European Intrinsic Job Quality Index (EIJQI)
Authors: Cascales Mira María
Published: January 2021

This article deals with the development of a new model for measuring job quality based on the intrinsic components of work, an European Intrinsic Job Quality Index. The objective is measure job quality on the basis of the characteristics inherent to the labour activity itself, and not from its financial rewards. First, we review the existing literature on current measurement models and justify the need for an index of this nature. Secondly, we explain the fundamental methodological decisions adopted for the construction of the index, and present the descriptive model, the indicators that make up each dimension, and the empirical model. Finally, we present the index scores by European Union countries within the framework of institutional theories. In this work, we have used a quantitative methodology, based on social indicator systems, and it has been carried out mainly with data from the European Working Conditions Survey (2015). The fundamental contribution of this article is the construction of a new model for measuring the quality of work, robust, valid and reliable, which will allow us to monitor the intrinsic job quality of the member countries, and thus provide relevant information that contributes to the framework of public policies.
How autism shows that symptoms, like psychiatric diagnoses, are 'constructed': methodological and epistemic consequences
Authors: Fellowes Sam
Published: January 2021

Critics who are concerned over the epistemological status of psychiatric diagnoses often describe them as being constructed. In contrast, those critics usually see symptoms as relatively epistemologically unproblematic. In this paper I show that symptoms are also constructed. To do this I draw upon the demarcation between data and phenomena. I relate this distinction to psychiatry by portraying behaviour of individuals as data and symptoms as phenomena. I then draw upon philosophers who consider phenomena to be constructed to argue that symptoms are also constructed. Rather than being ready made in the world I show how symptoms are constructs we apply to the world. I highlight this with a historical example and describe methodological constraints on symptom construction. I show the epistemic problems with psychiatric diagnoses are also applicable to symptoms. Following this, I suggest that critics of psychiatric diagnoses should extend their criticism to symptoms or, if they still believe symptoms are relatively epistemologically unproblematic, should rethink their concerns over psychiatric diagnoses.
A maturity framework for autonomous solutions in manufacturing firms: The interplay of technology, ecosystem, and business model
Authors: Thomson Linus , Kamalaldin Anmar , Sjödin David , Parida Vinit
Published: January 2021

Significant advancements within the fields of digitalization, electrification, and automation have enabled the development, testing, and implementation of increasingly advanced autonomous solutions. Current examples of industrial automation promise significant economic and sustainability-oriented benefits for industrial customers. Yet, implemented autonomous solutions have rarely advanced beyond ‘islands of autonomy’. Although enabling initial improvements in the efficiency and effectiveness of operations, they have not led to the systemic process improvements that fully integrated site-wide solutions can achieve. It is becoming increasingly clear that the major challenges in this shift extend beyond technology to focus on business transformation and ecosystem relationships. Yet, extant research offers few insights into these domains. There is a need to develop a business-focused maturity framework for autonomous solutions to contribute to a predominantly technical discourse and support equipment actors and their wider ecosystems in commercializing autonomous solutions. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to investigate how industrial equipment manufacturers can align the development of technology, business models and ecosystem relationships for the advancement of autonomous solutions. We build on case studies that include 32 interviews from four industrial equipment manufacturers and their extended ecosystems of customers and partners. We capture our findings in a three-level maturity framework for industrial autonomous solutions. This framework unwraps the attributes of each level from the perspectives of technical system development, ecosystem configuration, and business model design and is complemented by three overarching principles for the successful commercialization of autonomous solutions.
1H, 13C and 15N chemical shift assignment of the stem-loop 5a from the 5′-UTR of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Schnieders Robbin , Peter Stephen A. , Banijamali Elnaz , Riad Magdalena , Altincekic Nadide , Bains Jasleen Kaur , Ceylan Betül , Fürtig Boris , Grün J. Tassilo , Hengesbach Martin , Hohmann Katharina F. , Hymon Daniel , Knezic Bozana , Oxenfarth Andreas , Petzold Katja , Qureshi Nusrat S. , Richter Christian , Schlagnitweit Judith , Schlundt Andreas , Schwalbe Harald , Stirnal Elke , Sudakov Alexey , Vögele Jennifer , Wacker Anna , Weigand Julia E. , Wirmer-Bartoschek Julia , Wöhnert Jens
Published: January 2021

The SARS-CoV-2 (SCoV-2) virus is the causative agent of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. It contains a positive sense single-stranded RNA genome and belongs to the genus of Betacoronaviruses. The 5′- and 3′-genomic ends of the 30 kb SCoV-2 genome are potential antiviral drug targets. Major parts of these sequences are highly conserved among Betacoronaviruses and contain cis-acting RNA elements that affect RNA translation and replication. The 31 nucleotide (nt) long highly conserved stem-loop 5a (SL5a) is located within the 5′-untranslated region (5′-UTR) important for viral replication. SL5a features a U-rich asymmetric bulge and is capped with a 5′-UUUCGU-3′ hexaloop, which is also found in stem-loop 5b (SL5b). We herein report the extensive 1H, 13C and 15N resonance assignment of SL5a as basis for in-depth structural studies by solution NMR spectroscopy.
First successful case of percutaneous transabdominal thoracic duct embolization (PTTDE) for chylous ascites resulting from laparoscopic gastric cancer surgery
Authors: Yokokawa Hideyuki , Katsube Takao , Miyazawa Miki , Nishiguchi Ryohei , Asaka Shinichi , Yamaguchi Kentaro , Murayama Minoru , Kuhara Kotaro , Usui Takebumi , Yokomizo Hajime , Yoshimatsu Kazuhiko , Shimakawa Takeshi , Shiozawa Shunichi
Published: January 2021

A 61-year-old woman underwent laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG) with extragastric lymph node dissection (D2). Two months later, she was readmitted to hospital to be treated for chylous ascites. Oral intake was discontinued and total parenteral nutrition started, but increasing body weight and decreasing serum albumin concentration was not controllable. Percutaneous transabdominal thoracic duct embolization (PTTDE) was performed on the 8th day after the readmission. Five days after PTTDE, oral intake was resumed. Seventeen days after PTTDE, the patient was discharged without recurrence of ascites. She has remained asymptomatic. We describe here the first patient with chylous ascites two months after LADG with D2 dissection for early gastric cancer who was successfully treated by PTTDE.