bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toward Diffusion Measurements of Colloidal Nanoparticles in Biological Environments by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
Authors: Padro Daniel , Cienskowski Philipp , Lopez‐Fernandez Sonia , Chakraborty Indranath , Carrillo‐Carrion Carolina , Feliu Neus , Parak Wolfgang J. , Carril Monica
Published: May 2020

Protein corona formation on the surface of nanoparticles (NPs) is observed in situ by measuring diffusion coefficients of the NPs under the presence of proteins with a 19F nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) based methodology. Formation of a protein corona reduces the diffusion coefficient of the NPs, based on an increase in their effective hydrodynamic radii. With this methodology it is demonstrated that the apparent dissociation constant of protein–NP complexes may vary over at least nine orders of magnitude for different types of proteins, in line with the Vroman effect. Using this methodology, the interaction between one type of protein and one type of nanoparticle can be studied quantitatively. Due to the NMR‐based detection, this methodology has no interference by absorption/scattering effects, by which optical detection schemes are affected. By using the potential of the NMR chemical shift, the detection of multiple 19F signals simultaneously opens the possibility to study the diffusion of several NPs at the same time. The 19F labeling of the NPs has negligible effect on their acute toxicity and moderate effect on NPs uptake by cells.
Microstructural and Mechanical Characterization of Ti‐Containing Twinning‐Induced Plasticity Steel Welded Joint Produced by Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Process
Authors: Hernández-Belmontes Humberto , Mejía Ignacio , Antonio Benito José , María Cabrera José
Published: May 2020

The aim herein is to study the microstructural and mechanical changes generated in a welded joint of Ti‐containing twinning‐induced plasticity (TWIP) steel by the gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) process. For this purpose, the welding parameters that allow the union of 5.6 mm‐thick butt plates with full penetration and without filler material are investigated. Microstructural changes are examined by light optical metallography. Segregation and second‐phase precipitated particles are investigated by scanning electron microscopy and electron‐dispersive spectroscopy. Phase transformations are evaluated using X‐ray diffraction. Finally, the mechanical behavior is assessed by Vickers microhardness and microtensile tests. In general, the welded joint shows dendritic structure formations in the fusion zone (FZ) and equiaxed grain growth in the heat‐affected zone (HAZ). The FZ shows a high degree of segregation, where Mn, Si, and C segregate in the interdendritic regions, whereas Al preferentially segregates in dendritic areas. In contrast, no effect on austenite stability is noticed. The welded joint shows an increase in microhardness, which is associated with the formation of precipitated particles. Finally, the microtensile results show a decrease in ultimate tensile strength (UTS) in the FZ, whereas the welding interface and HAZ show an increase in UTS compared with the base material.
Gene regulation could be attributed to TCF3 and other key transcription factors in the muscle of pubertal heifers
Authors: Lau Li Yieng , Nguyen Loan T. , Reverter Antonio , Moore Stephen S. , Lynn Aaron , McBride‐Kelly Liam , Phillips‐Rose Louis , Plath Mackenzie , Macfarlane Rhys , Vasudivan Vanisha , Morton Lachlan , Ardley Ryan , Ye Yunan , Fortes Marina R. S.
Published: May 2020

Puberty is a whole‐body event, driven by the hypothalamic integration of peripheral signals such as leptin or IGF‐1. In the process of puberty, reproductive development is simultaneous to growth, including muscle growth. To enhance our understanding of muscle function related to puberty, we performed transcriptome analyses of muscle samples from six pre‐ and six post‐pubertal Brahman heifers (Bos indicus). Our aims were to perform differential expression analyses and co‐expression analyses to derive a regulatory gene network associate with puberty. As a result, we identified 431 differentially expressed (DEx) transcripts (genes and non‐coding RNAs) when comparing pre‐ to post‐pubertal average gene expression. The DEx transcripts were compared with all expressed transcripts in our samples (over 14,000 transcripts) for functional enrichment analyses. The DEx transcripts were associated with “extracellular region,” “inflammatory response” and “hormone activity” (adjusted p < .05). Inflammatory response for muscle regeneration is a necessary aspect of muscle growth, which is accelerated during puberty. The term “hormone activity” may signal genes that respond to progesterone signalling in the muscle, as the presence of this hormone is an important difference between pre‐ and post‐pubertal heifers in our experimental design. The DEx transcript with the highest average expression difference was a mitochondrial gene, ENSBTAG00000043574 that might be another important link between energy metabolism and puberty. In the derived co‐expression gene network, we identified six hub genes: CDC5L, MYC, TCF3, RUNX2, ATF2 and CREB1. In the same network, 48 key regulators of DEx transcripts were identified, using a regulatory impact factor metric. The hub gene TCF3 was also a key regulator. The majority of the key regulators (22 genes) are members of the zinc finger family, which has been implicated in bovine puberty in other tissues. In conclusion, we described how puberty may affect muscle gene expression in cattle.
The materiality of ethics: Perspectives on water and reciprocity in a Himalayan Anthropocene
Authors: Gagné Karine
Published: May 2020

In the Himalayas, water is seen by some as intricately linked to humans and produced through ethical actions. Its materiality, as a lack or excess of rain or snow, as healthy or receding ice, as destructive hail or flash flood, is a reflection of humans' moral attitude and an outcome of a process of reciprocity that links humans to nonhumans, the land, and divine beings. This perspective departs from the conception of water seen through development projects and from studies about climate change, which tend to objectify water through an epistemology that isolates nature from culture. Water as the materiality of ethics is examined by drawing on cases from Ladakh and Zanskar in the Himalayas and by reviewing studies from other parts of the Himalayas. In particular, water as the materiality of ethics is analyzed through three perspectives: how water is produced as people interact with a sacred geography, how snowy peaks are produced as objects of morality through affective attachment and encounters, and how water is produced as part of multispecies assemblages. A review of an ontology of water defined by reciprocity is important considering the significant changes currently taking place in the Himalayas and which are brought about by climate change and state production through large‐scale development projects. It can enrich our understanding of their implications for the cultural life of the often marginalized peoples of the Himalayas and contribute to narratives about the Anthropocene.

This article is categorized under:

Human Water > Water as Imagined and Represented

Human Water > Rights to Water
Contested framings of greenhouse gas removal and its feasibility: Social and political dimensions
Authors: Waller Laurie , Rayner Tim , Chilvers Jason , Gough Clair Amanda , Lorenzoni Irene , Jordan Andrew , Vaughan Naomi
Published: May 2020

Prospective approaches for large‐scale greenhouse gas removal (GGR) are now central to the post‐2020 international commitment to pursue efforts to limit the global temperature increase to 1.5°C. However, the feasibility of large‐scale GGR has been repeatedly questioned. Most systematic analyses focus only on the physical, technical, and economic challenges of deploying it at scale. However, social and political dimensions will be just as important, if not more so, to how possible futures play out. We conduct one of the first reviews of the international peer‐reviewed literature pertaining to the social and political dimensions of large‐scale GGR, with a specific focus on two predominant approaches: Biomass energy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) and afforestation/reforestation (AR). Our analysis of 78 studies proposes two important insights. First, it shows how six key social and political dimensions of GGR feasibility–namely economics and incentives; innovation; societal engagement; governance; complexity and uncertainty; and ethics, equity, and justice–are identifiable and are emphasized to varying degrees in the literature. Second, there are three contested ways in which BECCS and AR and their feasibility are being framed in the literature: (a) a techno‐economic framing; (b) a social and political acceptability framing; and (c) a responsible development framing. We suggest this third frame will, and indeed should, become increasingly pertinent to the assessment, innovation, and governance of climate futures.

This article is categorized under:

The Carbon Economy and Climate Mitigation > Policies, Instruments, Lifestyles, Behavior.
The use of transition analysis in skeletal age estimation
Authors: Getz Sara M.
Published: May 2020

The ability to produce accurate and precise age‐at‐death estimates from adult skeletal remains is critical for both forensic and bioarchaeological analyses. Despite many decades of investigation, anthropologists are still heavily reliant on methods that fail to adequately capture biological variation in skeletal aging and produce estimates that are insufficient for most applications. The Transition analysis (TA) by Boldsen et al. (2002) refers to a broad category of statistical approaches used to generate probabilistic information from binary or ordinal reference data as well as a specific method, Transition Analysis (TA) (Boldsen et al. 2002), that combines components of the cranial sutures and pelvic joints. The TA method uses free software to generate age estimates from the available trait scores, a statistical correction for the use of correlated features, and information about population mortality structure. Variations of the transition analysis approach have also applied to data from traditional age‐estimation methods, isolated areas of the skeleton, and many features distributed throughout the body. Investigations of TA and other transition analysis‐based approaches on archaeological, historic, and modern remains have demonstrated significant improvements in our ability to document skeletal variation, produce estimates in the upper half of the adult lifespan, and investigate patterns of mortality in the past. Despite these improvements, several challenges remain, including wide age intervals and systematic age‐estimation bias, particularly for individuals in the youngest and oldest portions of adulthood. Moving forward, component‐based approaches capable of producing individualized, probabilistic estimates using new skeletal features and user‐friendly software are needed.

This article is categorized under:

Forensic Anthropology > Age Assessment
Wie stark trifft die Corona-Pandemie die Kliniken für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie?
Authors: von Dercks Nikolaus , Körner Christian , Heyde Christoph-E. , Theopold Jan
Published: May 2020

Hintergrund

Die Corona-Pandemie stellt Krankenhäuser vor enorme finanzielle Herausforderungen. Am Beispiel einer Klinik für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie soll die Leistungsentwicklung in der stationären Versorgung der ersten 5 Wochen nach Beginn der gesetzgeberisch angeordneten Leistungsreduktion im Vorjahresvergleich sowie eine Bewertung der gesetzgeberisch festgelegten Kompensationsmaßnahmen bewertet werden.

Methodik

Anhand der Leistungszahlen wird ein Vergleich des Zeitraumes 16.03. bis 17.04.2019 und demselben Zeitraum 2020 durchgeführt. Veränderungen von Fallzahl, Casemix, Casemix-Index und Daymix-Index sowie den Belegungstagen werden erfasst. Auf diese Veränderungen werden die monetären Maßnahmen aus dem COVID-19-Krankenhausentlastungsgesetz angewendet und deren Auskömmlichkeit bewertet.

Ergebnisse

Im Vergleich zum Vorjahr kommt es im Beobachtungszeitraum zu einem Rückgang der stationären Aufnahmen von 307 Patienten. Demzufolge waren ein Rückgang des Casemix um 595 Punkte und der Belegungstage um 2320 Tage zu verzeichnen. Es ergibt sich ein Erlösrückgang von ca. 1,9 Mio. EUR. Die Leerbettenpauschale stellt die monetär größte Kompensation der Erlösausfälle dar. Sie beläuft sich auf ca. 1,3 Mio. EUR. Unter Berücksichtigung weiterer Unterstützung und einer Bereinigung um variable Kosten bleibt ein Fehlbetrag von 382.069 € in Bezug auf die stationären Leistungen für 5 Wochen.

Diskussion

Die Maßnahmen des Gesetzgebers stellen eine wichtige Stütze zur wirtschaftlichen Absicherung deutscher Krankenhäuser dar. Die fehlende Differenzierung der Maßnahmen nach Fachrichtung führt für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie zu einer nur unzureichenden Kompensation.
The cyanobacterial neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA) targets the olfactory bulb region
Authors: Pierozan Paula , Piras Elena , Brittebo Eva , Karlsson Oskar
Published: May 2020

Olfactory dysfunction is implicated in neurodegenerative disorders and typically manifests years before other symptoms. The cyanobacterial neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA) is suggested as a risk factor for neurodegenerative disease. Detection of BMAA in air filters has increased the concern that aerosolization may lead to human BMAA exposure through the air. The aim of this study was to determine if BMAA targets the olfactory system. Autoradiographic imaging showed a distinct localization of radioactivity in the right olfactory mucosa and bulb following a unilateral intranasal instillation of 3H-BMAA (0.018 µg) in mice, demonstrating a direct transfer of BMAA via the olfactory pathways to the brain circumventing the blood–brain barrier, which was confirmed by liquid scintillation. Treatment of mouse primary olfactory bulb cells with 100 µM BMAA for 24 h caused a disruption of the neurite network, formation of dendritic varicosities and reduced cell viability. The NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801 and the metabotropic glutamate receptor antagonist MCPG protected against the BMAA-induced alterations, demonstrating the importance of glutamatergic mechanisms. The ionotropic non-NMDA receptor antagonist CNQX prevented the BMAA-induced decrease of cell viability in mixed cultures containing both neuronal and glial cells, but not in cultures with neurons only, suggesting a role of neuron–glial interactions and glial AMPA receptors in the BMAA-induced toxicity. The results show that the olfactory region may be a target for BMAA following inhalation exposure. Further studies on the relations between environmental olfactory toxicants and neurodegenerative disorders are warranted.
Prognostic relevance of the loss of stromal CD34 positive fibroblasts in invasive lobular carcinoma of the breast
Authors: Westhoff Christina C. , Jank Paul , Jacke Christian O. , Albert Ute-Susann , Ebrahimsade Schokufe , Barth Peter J. , Moll Roland
Published: May 2020

CD34+ fibroblasts are constitutive stromal components of virtually all organs, including the mammary stroma, being involved in matrix synthesis, antigen presentation, and tumor-associated stromal remodeling. The most common subtype of invasive breast carcinoma, invasive carcinoma of no special type (IBC-NST), is known for its stromal loss of CD34+ fibroblasts while acquiring alpha smooth muscle actin-positive (α-SMA+) myofibroblasts, i.e., cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF), whereas invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) displays partial preservation of CD34+ fibroblasts. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic relevance of stromal CD34+ fibroblasts and α-SMA+ myofibroblasts in an extended collection of ILC. A total of 133 cases of ILC, primarily resected between 1996 and 2004 at University Hospital Marburg, were examined semiquantitatively for stromal content of CD34+ fibroblasts and α-SMA+ myofibroblasts. Partial preservation of CD34+ fibroblasts in the tumor stroma of ILC was confirmed. Absence of CD34+ fibroblasts in the tumor stroma significantly correlated with the presence of α-SMA+ myofibroblasts (p = 0.010), positive lymph node status (p = 0.004), and pN stage (p = 0.006). Stromal loss of CD34+ fibroblasts was significantly associated with lower overall and disease-free survival rates (p = 0.012 and 0.013, respectively). Multivariate analysis adjusted for pT and pN stage revealed stromal loss of CD34+ fibroblasts as independent prognostic parameter (p = 0.05). To our knowledge, this is the first report defining prognostically relevant stromal subtypes of ILC with long-term follow-up. Future research targeting the potential diagnostic and therapeutic implications of CD34+ fibroblasts and CAF in breast cancer, especially ILC, is a promising field of interest.
ESM-Kredite zur Bekämpfung der Corona-Krise greifen zu kurz
Authors: Schäfer Hans-Bernd
Published: May 2020

Am 9. April 2020 einigten sich die Finanzminister der Eurozone auf Kreditlinien beim Europäischen Stabilisierungsmechanismus (ESM), um der Corona-Krise entgegenzutreten. Die ESM-Kredite werden mit 200 Mrd. Euro beziffert. Dieser Wert ist jedoch irreführend, denn nur wenige Staaten hätten überhaupt Vorteile gegenüber einer zehnjährigen Staatsanleihe im eigenen Land. Zudem ist der Umfang der ESM-Kredite begrenzt.
SciKit-Surgery: compact libraries for surgical navigation
Authors: Thompson Stephen , Dowrick Thomas , Ahmad Mian , Xiao Goufang , Koo Bongjin , Bonmati Ester , Kahl Kim , Clarkson Matthew J.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This paper introduces the SciKit-Surgery libraries, designed to enable rapid development of clinical applications for image-guided interventions. SciKit-Surgery implements a family of compact, orthogonal, libraries accompanied by robust testing, documentation, and quality control. SciKit-Surgery libraries can be rapidly assembled into testable clinical applications and subsequently translated to production software without the need for software reimplementation. The aim is to support translation from single surgeon trials to multicentre trials in under 2 years.

Methods

At the time of publication, there were 13 SciKit-Surgery libraries provide functionality for visualisation and augmented reality in surgery, together with hardware interfaces for video, tracking, and ultrasound sources. The libraries are stand-alone, open source, and provide Python interfaces. This design approach enables fast development of robust applications and subsequent translation. The paper compares the libraries with existing platforms and uses two example applications to show how SciKit-Surgery libraries can be used in practice.

Results

Using the number of lines of code and the occurrence of cross-dependencies as proxy measurements of code complexity, two example applications using SciKit-Surgery libraries are analysed. The SciKit-Surgery libraries demonstrate ability to support rapid development of testable clinical applications. By maintaining stricter orthogonality between libraries, the number, and complexity of dependencies can be reduced. The SciKit-Surgery libraries also demonstrate the potential to support wider dissemination of novel research.

Conclusion

The SciKit-Surgery libraries utilise the modularity of the Python language and the standard data types of the NumPy package to provide an easy-to-use, well-tested, and extensible set of tools for the development of applications for image-guided interventions. The example application built on SciKit-Surgery has a simpler dependency structure than the same application built using a monolithic platform, making ongoing clinical translation more feasible.
Arbeitsbezogene Gesundheit in Inklusionsbetrieben – eine Übersicht zur Arbeits- und Gesundheitssituation der Beschäftigten und der betrieblichen Gesundheitsförderung
Authors: Lengen Julia , Kordsmeyer Ann-Christin , Harth Volker , Mache Stefanie
Published: May 2020

Hintergrund

Inklusionsbetriebe bieten Menschen mit geistigen oder körperlichen Einschränkungen einen geschützten Beschäftigungsrahmen auf dem allgemeinen Arbeitsmarkt. Aufgrund der gesundheitlichen Notwendigkeit bei der Zielgruppe Menschen mit Behinderung und der kürzlich reformierten gesetzlichen Vorgaben nimmt die betriebliche Gesundheitsförderung einen wichtigen Stellenwert in Inklusionsbetrieben ein.

Fragestellung

In dem Artikel wird eine Übersicht zum Forschungsstand zur Arbeits- und Gesundheitssituation von Beschäftigten in Inklusionsbetrieben sowie die aktuelle Umsetzung von Gesundheitsförderungsmaßnahmen präsentiert.

Ergebnisse

Forschungsergebnisse deuten darauf hin, dass Erwerbsarbeit durch ihre vielen potenziell gesundheitsförderlichen und sozial-inklusiven Effekte für Beschäftige mit Behinderung viele Ressourcen (z. B. soziale Unterstützung oder Flexibilität) mit sich bringt.

Schlussfolgerung

Forschungsbedarf wird v. a. hinsichtlich evidenzbasierter Interventionsmaßnahmen und in der Analyse gesundheitlicher Belastungen der in Inklusionsbetrieben beschäftigten Menschen mit und ohne Behinderung sichtbar. Zur Entwicklung gesundheitsförderlicher Arbeitsbedingungen werden in diesem Beitrag Empfehlungen auf Basis der bisherigen Forschung, v. a. für die Kategorien Arbeitsinhalte, Arbeitsorganisation und soziale Beziehungen zusammengefasst.
Recognition and Imaging of Point Defect Diffusion, Recombination, and Reaction During Growth of Czochralski-Silicon Crystals
Authors: Hourai Masataka , Asayama Eiichi , Nishikawa Hideshi , Nishimoto Manabu , Ono Toshiaki , Okui Masahiko
Published: May 2020

The behavior of point defects was visualized in lightly and heavily boron (B)-doped Czochralski-silicon (CZ-Si) crystals by employing a special growth technique, namely, rapidly cooling a growing crystal after it is detached from the Si melt. In the case of crystal growth with a high pulling rate, an anomalous oxygen precipitation (AOP) region dominated by vacancies appeared, whereas in the case of crystal growth with a low pulling rate, a dislocation loop region dominated by self-interstitials appeared. In the crystals cooled rapidly after halting growth for several hours, self-interstitials flowed into the AOP region and dislocation loop regions formed and expanded, while the AOP region shrunk due to diffusion of excess vacancies to the crystal surface and void regions. These transient changes in the point defect distribution were reproduced using a point defect simulator. Defect regions related to self-interstitials could not be confirmed in the heavily B-doped crystals with resistivities of 10 mΩcm or less, where the void- and oxidation-induced stacking fault (OSF)-ring regions disappeared completely at the center of the crystal. These results show that the behaviors of point defects in heavily doped CZ-Si crystals with various impurities are important research subjects in relation to future advanced power applications.
Efficiency of pozzolan and sawdust as biofilter in the treatment of wastewater
Authors: Ouadi B. , Bendraoua A. , Boualla N. , Adjdir M.
Published: May 2020

Wastewater can offer a favorable solution for wastewater treatment. This work reviews series of filters with different particle sizes, namely pozzolan and sawdust, as an alternative for wastewater treatment. A permeability coefficient was determined for each filter. The biofilm was prepared by passing a stream of wastewater containing bacteria through different filters separately. The purification of wastewater was performed on the biofilm with different particles sizes. The results show an inverse relationship between the permeability coefficient and the contact time that affects the efficiency of the filtration. Filtration efficiency yield is around 85–94% for chemical oxygen demand (COD) and around 92–97% for biological oxygen demand (BOD). High efficiency in removing some minerals is also observed by bacteria. The biofilm prepared from wastewater seems to be an efficient agent to filter wastewaters in particular rural areas. The formation of biofilms has significantly reduced bacterial activity and heavy metal content.
Optimization of engineered water injection performance in heterogeneous carbonates: a numerical study on a sector model
Authors: Adegbite Jamiu Oyekan , Al-Shalabi Emad Walid
Published: May 2020

One of the emerging technologies for boosting oil recovery in both sandstone and carbonate reservoirs is engineered/low-salinity water injection (EWI/LSWI). In this paper, optimization of engineered water injection is investigated using three synthetic sector models representing homogeneous, heterogeneous with channeling, and heterogeneous with gravity underride reservoirs. Both oil recovery and net present value were investigated as objective functions for the study. Eighteen design parameters were selected for the study including reservoir, operational, and economic parameters. Response Surface Methodology and Designed Exploration and Controlled Evolution algorithms were implemented for sensitivity analysis and optimization studies, respectively. The study highlighted that NPV is more representative as an objective function compared to oil recovery where the three optimized models have about similar oil recovery, but different NPVs. The sensitivity analysis showed that oil price, tax rate, and initial oil saturation are the three most influential design parameters on the net present value for the three models investigated. Moreover, the findings showed that developing the gravity underride model requires more attention as being the most sensitive model with 13 influential design parameters. The optimization study highlighted that secondary EWI is recommended to achieve the best profitability out of the three models. However, a high maximum exposure is expected due to the capital and operational costs related to early EWI application. This study is one of the very few that discusses the economic aspect of EWI while incorporating the complexity of geochemical reactions and the heterogeneity of carbonates.
Remembering, Forgetting, and Absencing Disasters in the Post-disaster Recovery Process
Authors: Monteil Charlotte , Barclay Jenni , Hicks Anna
Published: May 2020

Sustainable post-disaster recovery implies learning from past experience in order to prevent recreating forms of vulnerability. Memory construction supports both the healing process and redevelopment plans. Hence, memory of disaster results from the balance between remembering, forgetting, and absencing elements of the disaster, and can be both a tool and an obstacle to sustainable recovery. We explore here how collective memory is built in a post-disaster context to respond to the needs of this critical period, and how it shapes recovery. This ethnographic study, conducted between 2015 and 2017, explores the recovery processes in Montserrat, a small Caribbean island affected by an extended volcanic crisis from 1995 to 2010. Although this study does not give tangible solutions for disaster risk reduction in a post-disaster context, it highlights potential obstacles for learning from a disaster and how they may be surmounted. We argue that it is crucial to acknowledge evolving collective memory in order to implement effective measures for preserving and sharing a shared understanding of disaster across generations and social groups in a way that supports disaster risk awareness. We also maintain that acknowledging the dilemma faced by authorities and disaster management agencies during a period of conflicting needs may encourage the reconsideration of risk framing, and hence reveal how to improve implementation of disaster risk reduction measures.
The PERSEO Experience: A Water-Filled Garment Prototype for Personal Radiation Protection of Astronauts Successfully Tested on Board the International Space Station
Authors: Baiocco G. , Giraudo M. , Bocchini L. , Barbieri S. , Locantore I. , Brussolo E. , Giacosa D. , Meucci L. , Steffenino S. , Ballario A. , Barresi B. , Barresi R. , Benassai M. , Ravagnolo L. , Narici L. , Rizzo A. , Carrubba E. , Carubia F. , Neri G. , Crisconio M. , Piccirillo S. , Valentini G. , Barbero S. , Giacci M. , Lobascio C. , Ottolenghi A.
Published: May 2020

The PERSEO project (PErsonal Radiation Shielding for intErplanetary missiOns), funded by the Italian Space Agency, has led to the development of a first technological demonstrator of a radiation shielding garment, to be used in a pressurized space habitat, that can be filled at need with on-board water and used for personal protection in case of solar particle events. The collaboration, including academic partners and companies active in space research and technology development, designed and manufactured the prototype that has been successfully tested on board the International Space Station by the European Space Agency astronaut Paolo Nespoli in November 2017, during the VITA mission. The effectiveness of the garment in terms of reduction of the radiation dose to sensitive organs (subject to the occurrence of short-term non-cancer effects following acute exposure) has been evaluated with Monte Carlo simulations with an anthropomorphic phantom. The successful outcome of the experimental session on board has demonstrated the practicality of use and wearability of the prototype, and, in perspective, the feasibility of a personal radiation shielding strategy, complementary to habitat shielding and based on the use of available resources, of fundamental importance also in view of future manned interplanetary missions.
Oestrogens in milk and breast cancer: a cause for concern…or not?
Authors: Peaker Malcolm
Published: May 2020

In this short Research Reflection I address and refute the suggestion that oestrogens consumed in milk might contribute in a significant way to endogenous levels and thereby have a physiological action, possibly resulting in adverse consequences including increased breast cancer risk. Quantitative analysis based on published data shows that, even in worst case scenarios, oestrogen consumption in milk is considerably less than regulatory bodies regard as entirely safe.
Determining the ideal prevention strategy for multidrug-resistance organisms in resource-limited countries: a cost-effectiveness analysis study
Authors: Wang Ying , Yuan Yufeng , Lin Likai , Tan Xiaodong , Tan Yibin
Published: May 2020

The aim of this study was to determine the most cost-effective strategy for the prevention and control of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) in intensive care units (ICUs) in areas with limited health resources. The study was conducted in 12 ICUs of four hospitals. The total cost for the prevention of MDROs and the secondary attack rate (SAR) of MDROs for each strategy were collected retrospectively from 2046 subjects from January to December 2017. The average cost-effectiveness ratio (CER), incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) and cost-effectiveness acceptability curve were calculated. Hand hygiene (HH) had the lowest total cost (2149.6 RMB) and SAR of MDROs (8.8%) while single-room isolation showed the highest cost (33 700.2 RMB) and contact isolation had the highest SAR of MDROs (31.8%). The average cost per unit infection prevention was 24 427.8 RMB, with the HH strategy followed by the environment disinfection strategy (CER = 21 314.67). HH had the highest iterative cost effect under willingness to pay less than 2000 RMB. Due to the low cost for repeatability and obvious effectiveness, we conclude that HH is the optimal strategy for MDROs infections in ICUs in developing countries. The cost-effectiveness of the four prevention strategies provides some reference for developing countries but multiple strategies remain to be examined.
Integration of Islam in Europe: Categorical Remarks
Authors: Grinell Klas
Published: May 2020

One of the most frequently described cultural borders in European public discourse is that between Europe and Islam. Further to which, there are many concerns as to whether Islam can be integrated into Europe. This article argues that it is impossible to understand the real and imagined problems addressed in the ‘integration of Islam in Europe’ debate using the categories ‘Islam’ and ‘Europe’. The question of categories is addressed through Bourdieu’s critique of journalism’s influence on research, leading to questions about suitable criteria of demarcation and meaningful terminologies. The route goes via classical theorists of science, such as Carnap, Popper and Kuhn, to Ricoeur, Said and Connolly. Some segments of the modern genealogy of the category of Islam in European studies are also touched upon. The article ends with a call for unpopular categories as an escape from the popular and political frames of debate.
Empathy and Theory of Mind in Alzheimer’s Disease: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Demichelis Olivia P. , Coundouris Sarah P. , Grainger Sarah A. , Henry Julie D.
Published: May 2020

Objective:

A large literature now shows that Alzheimer’s disease (AD) disrupts a number of social cognitive abilities, including social perceptual function and theory of mind (ToM). However, less well understood is how the specific subcomponents of ToM as well as both the broader and specific subcomponents of empathic processing are affected.

Method:

The current study provides the first meta-analytic review of AD that focuses on both empathy and ToM as broad constructs, as well as their overlapping (cognitive empathy and affective ToM) and distinct (affective empathy and cognitive ToM) subcomponents.

Results:

Aggregated across 31 studies, the results revealed that, relative to controls, AD is associated with large-sized deficits in both cognitive ToM (g= 1.09) and affective ToM/cognitive empathy (g= 0.76). However, no statistical differences were found between the AD participants and controls on affective empathic abilities (g= 0.36).

Conclusions:

These data point to a potentially important disconnect between core aspects of social cognitive processing in people with AD. The practical and theoretical implications of these findings are discussed.
Symptombezogene Subgruppen von Patienten mit agoraphobischer Angst
Authors: Hoferichter Esther , Schmidt Ruth , Höfler Michael , Hoyer Jürgen , Rottstädt Fabian , Weidner Kerstin , Noack René
Published: May 2020

Zusammenfassung. Theoretischer Hintergrund: Bisher ist wenig über symptombezogene Teilgruppen von Patient_innen mit agoraphobischer Angst über die Betrachtung als mit oder ohne Panikstörung hinausgehend bekannt. So sind existierende Behandlungsprogramme meist nicht modularisiert und berücksichtigen die möglicherweise vorhandenen spezifischen Bedarfe kaum. Daher untersuchten wir die Frage, welche Subgruppen anhand von symptombezogenen Variablen identifiziert werden können. Methode: N = 290 Patient_innen mit SKID-Diagnose Agoraphobie mit oder ohne Panikstörung, in einer auf die Behandlung von Angststörungen spezialisierten universitären Tagesklinik, wurden anhand von Skalenwerten des Fragebogens zu angstbezogenen Kognitionen (ACQ) sowie der Panik- und Agoraphobie-Skala (PAS) mittels einer Clusteranalyse nach dem Ward-Verfahren mit anschließender k-means-Optimierung nach inhaltlicher Interpretierbarkeit gruppiert. Die Validität wurde am externen Kriterium „Therapieerfolg“ geprüft. Ergebnisse: Neben zwei Subgruppen mit sehr hoher ( n = 67) und sehr niedriger ( n = 56) Symptomausprägung auf sämtlichen Skalen, wurden zwei qualitativ-symptomatisch differentielle Subtypen identifiziert: der Typus „Körperliche Befürchtungen“ ( n = 81) und der Typus „Verhaltenskontrollverlust“ ( n = 86). Letztere zeigten keine Unterschiede im Therapieerfolg. Schlussfolgerungen: Die Identifikation spezifischer Patient_innengruppen impliziert spezifische Therapiebedarfe und -erwartungen über das Vorliegen einer Paniksymptomatik hinaus. Es zeigte sich, dass der individuellen agoraphobischen Befürchtung bei den unterschiedlichen Patient_innengruppen besondere Bedeutung zukommt, weswegen diese bei der Therapieplanung besondere Beachtung erfahren sollte.
It Gets Better Videos for Suicide Prevention in LGBTIQ+ Adolescents
Authors: Kirchner Stefanie , Till Benedikt , Plöderl Martin , Niederkrotenthaler Thomas
Published: May 2020

Abstract. Background: The It Gets Better project aims to help prevent suicide among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer (LGBTIQ+) adolescents. It features personal video narratives portraying how life gets better when struggling with adversities. Research on the contents of messages is scarce. Aims: We aimed to explore the content of videos in the Austrian It Gets Better project regarding the representation of various LGBTIQ+ groups and selected content characteristics. Method: A content analysis of all German-language videos was conducted ( N = 192). Messages related to coming out, stressors experienced, suicidal ideation/behavior, and on how things get better were coded. Results: Representation was strong for gay men ( n = 45; 41.7%). Coming out to others was mainly positively framed ( n = 31; 46.3%) and seen as a tool to make things better ( n = 27; 37.5%). Social support ( n = 42; 62.7%) and self-acceptance ( n = 37; 55.2%) were prevalent topics. Common stressors included a conservative setting ( n = 18, 26.9%), and fear of outing ( n = 17; 25.4%). Suicidality ( n = 9; 4.7%) and options to get professional help ( n = 7; 8.2%) were rarely addressed. Limitations: Only aspects explicitly brought up in the videos were codeable. Conclusion: Videos do not fully represent gender identities and sexual orientations. Messaging on suicidality and professional help require strengthening to tailor them better for suicide prevention.
How Clinicians Incorporate Suicide Risk Factors Into Suicide Risk Assessment
Authors: Picard Emilie H. , Rosenfeld Barry
Published: May 2020

Abstract. Background: The literature has focused on explicit communications of suicidal ideation, although such communications are infrequent and less overt symptoms are comparable indicators of suicide risk. Aims: Our aim was to understand how clinicians consider inexplicit suicide risk factors in assessments of risk. Method: A national sample of 75 psychiatric crisis clinicians were provided with three vignettes, which varied in nine variables related to suicide risk. Clinicians rated imminent suicide risk and identified an appropriate level of care for each hypothetical patient. Results: Prior suicide attempt, intent to die, presence of a suicide plan, desire to die, hopelessness, burdensomeness, and passive suicidal ideation (defined as a combination of hopelessness, burdensomeness, desire to die, and anhedonia) significantly impacted risk perception while depression and anhedonia did not. Level of care was significantly associated with passive suicidal ideation, suicide plan, desire to die, and hopelessness. Limitations: Limitations of the study include its small sample size, experienced clinicians, and reliance on hypothetical patients. The study design did not allow for all variables to be compared against one another. Conclusion: Clinicians considered less overt risk factors for suicide when assessing risk. Future research should examine whether this knowledge is applied in real-life scenarios and if less experienced clinicians equally consider these risk factors.
Contact With Gay Men and Lesbian Women Moderates the Negative Relationship Between Religiosity and Endorsement of Same-Sex Unions’ and Families’ Rights
Authors: Piumatti Giovanni , Salvati Marco
Published: May 2020

Abstract. This study investigated the moderation effect of contact with gay men and lesbian women on the relationship between religiosity levels with the endorsement of same-sex unions’ and families’ rights. Analyses were carried out on a national representative cross-sectional sample of 5,544 Italian adult residents (% females = 54). Multiple linear regressions coupled with an examination of the interaction between contact and religiosity showed that contact mitigated the negative relationship between religiosity and endorsement of same-sex unions’ and families’ rights, especially at lower rather than higher levels of religiosity. These results are important in terms of understandings of the relationship between religiosity and policy preference regarding same-sex unions’ and families’ rights. Contact can promote equality for gay men and lesbian women but different susceptibility levels persist between highly and less religious individuals in this respect.
Health Anxiety
Authors: Rask Charlotte U. , Gehrt Tine B. , Rimvall Martin K. , Frostholm Lisbeth
Published: May 2020

Abstract. Health anxiety, characterized by excessive concern about one’s health, is a serious and costly public health problem. The disorder might become chronic if left untreated. Unfortunately many patients do not receive timely or proper treatment due to sparse treatment resources. Also, existing treatment programs, though effective for many, do not work for all. This paper discusses the conceptualization of health anxiety and future directions based on novel research findings. These include: (i) the content and characteristics of autobiographical memories and episodic future thoughts in severe health anxiety, (ii) related concepts such as cyberchondria with excessive Internet browsing on health issues and health anxiety by proxy, where parents display and might confer health anxiety towards their children, (iii) an epidemiological perspective on the association between health anxiety and subclinical psychotic experiences in preadolescence. Exploring these new dimensions could have important implications for the further development of preventive strategies and effective treatment.
Spatial and Temporal Evolution of Different‐Scale Ionospheric Irregularities in Central and East Siberia During the 27–28 May 2017 Geomagnetic Storm
Authors: Ovodenko V. B. , Klimenko M. V. , Zakharenkova I. E. , Oinats A. V. , Kotova D. S. , Nikolaev A. V. , Tyutin I. V. , Rogov D. D. , Ratovsky K. G. , Chugunin D. V. , Budnikov P. A. , Coxon J. C. , Anderson B. J. , Chernyshov A. A.
Published: May 2020

We present a multi‐instrumental study of ionospheric irregularities of different scales (from tens of centimeters to few kilometers) observed over the Central and East Siberia, Russia, during a moderate‐to‐strong geomagnetic storm on 27–28 May 2017. From high‐frequency (HF) and ultrahigh‐frequency (UHF) radar data, we observed an intense auroral backscatter developed right after the initial phase of the geomagnetic storm. Additionally, we examined variations of Global Positioning System (GPS)‐based ROT (rate of TEC changes, where TEC is total electron content) for available GPS receivers in the region. Ionosondes, HF, and UHF radar data exhibited a presence of intense multi‐scale ionospheric irregularities. We revealed a correlation between different‐scale Auroral/Farley‐Buneman ionospheric irregularities of the E layer during the geomagnetic storm. The combined analysis showed that an area of intense irregularities is well connected and located slightly equatorward to field‐aligned currents (FACs) and auroral oval at different stages of the geomagnetic storm. An increase and equatorward displacement of Region 1 (R1)/Region 2 (R2) FACs leads to appearance and equatorward expansion of ionospheric irregularities. During downward (upward) R1 FAC and upward (downward) R2 FAC, the eastward and upward (westward and downward) E × B drift of ionospheric irregularities occurred. Simultaneous disappearance of UHF/HF auroral backscatter and GPS ROT decrease occurred during a prolonged near noon reversal of R1 and R2 FAC directions that accompanied by R1/R2 FAC degradation and disappearance of high‐energy auroral precipitation.
Curbing the Summer Surge: Permanent Outdoor Water Use Restrictions in Humid and Semiarid Cities
Authors: Finley Sara L. , Basu Nandita B.
Published: May 2020

As urban droughts make headlines across the globe, it is increasingly relevant to critically evaluate the long‐term sustainability of both water supply and demand in the world's cities. This is the case even in water‐rich regions, where upward swings in water demands during periods of hot, dry weather can aggravate already strained water supplies and increase cities' vulnerability to water shortage. Summer spikes in water demand have motivated several cities to impose permanent restrictions on outdoor water uses; however, little is yet known about their effectiveness. This paper examines daily water production data from 15 Canadian cities to (1) quantify how overall and seasonal demands are evolving over time across humid and semiarid settings and (2) determine whether permanent water use restrictions have been effective in curbing summer water demands both seasonally and during specific hot and dry periods. Results show that while per‐capita water demand is declining in all cities studied, the seasonal distribution of that demand has remained largely stable in all but a few cases. While average demands in the summer months remain largely unaffected by the imposition of permanent restrictions, cities that enforce stringent limits on outdoor water use have seen a reduction in the variability of daily demands and a decline in peak demands following their implementation. During short‐term periods of exceptionally hot and dry weather when vulnerability to water shortage is most acute, cities with strict restrictions also see smaller surges in demand than those with weaker or no restrictions in place.
Floodplain Inundation and Salinization From a Recently Restored First‐Order Tidal Stream
Authors: Yabusaki Steven B. , Myers‐Pigg Allison N. , Ward Nicholas D. , Waichler Scott R. , Sengupta Aditi , Hou Zhangshuan , Chen Xingyuan , Fang Yilin , Duan Zhuoran , Serkowski John A. , Indivero Julia , Wiese Moore Cora , Gunn Cailene M.
Published: May 2020

The systematic response of coastal ecosystems to inundation and salinity exposure is fundamental to their ecology and biogeochemical function. Here we observe and model freshwater‐seawater interactions in a first‐order stream—floodplain system where tidal access was recently restored. Subsurface flow and transport modeling were used to quantify and better understand the interplay of processes, properties, and conditions that control water level and salinity in the floodplain to the tidal stream. Water levels in the stream were highly correlated with tidal forcing, which resulted in episodic inundation of the floodplain at quasi‐monthly frequency. The tidal stream is the only source of salinity to the floodplain, yet shallow groundwater salinity was considerably higher than average stream salinity. The low‐permeability clay floodplain soils limit lateral groundwater flow and transport, resulting in floodplain groundwater and salinity dynamics driven almost exclusively by infiltration during inundation events. As inundation occurs during high tide, estuarine waters reach the floodplain with minor attenuation in salinity from the stream's freshwater discharge. Infiltration and salinity exposure are topography controlled and regulated by ponding depth and duration, seasonal ground saturation, and depth to water table. The model suggests that floodplain salinity is currently in an early stage of transition from pre‐restoration freshwater conditions and will not reach equilibrium for ~20 years. These findings have broad relevance for understanding how and over what time scales coastal ecosystems will respond to increasing seawater exposure from sea level rise, ocean‐originating storms, and changes in natural and man‐made barriers.
Tracking Tropospheric Ozone Since 1979
Authors: Shultz David
Published: May 2020

Stratospheric ozone depletion between 1979 and 2010 resulted in a slight decrease of ozone in the troposphere during that period despite increased ozone production from anthropogenic emissions.