bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth hormone secretagogues: history, mechanism of action, and clinical development
Authors: Ishida Junichi , Saitoh Masakazu , Ebner Nicole , Springer Jochen , Anker Stefan D. , von Haehling Stephan
Published: February 2020

Growth hormone secretagogues (GHSs) are a generic term to describe compounds that increase growth hormone (GH) release. GHSs include agonists of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS‐R), whose natural ligand is ghrelin, and agonists of the growth hormone‐releasing hormone (GHRH) receptor, to which the GHRH binds as a native ligand. Several GHSs have been developed with a view to treating or diagnosing of GH deficiency, which causes growth retardation, gastrointestinal dysfunction, and altered body composition, in parallel with extensive research to identify GHRH, GHS‐R, and ghrelin. This review will focus on the research history and the pharmacology of each GHS, which reached randomized clinical trials. Furthermore, we will highlight the publicly disclosed clinical trials regarding GHSs.
Fertilizer timing affects nitrous oxide, carbon dioxide, and ammonia emissions from soil
Authors: Thies Samuel , Joshi Deepak R. , Bruggeman Stephanie A. , Clay Sharon A. , Mishra Umakant , Morile‐Miller Janet , Clay David E.
Published: February 2020

The impact of interactions between management and climate on nitrous oxide (N2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), and ammonia (NH3) emissions are not well understood. This study quantified the effect of urea fertilizer application timing on inorganic N movement, immobilization, and the gaseous emissions of N2O‐N, CO2‐C, and NH3‐N. Urea was applied once, at two rates (0 and 224 kg ha−1) on six dates (early fall, 20 Sept. 2017; mid‐fall, 11 Oct. 2017; early winter, 1 Nov. 2017; early spring, 1 May 2018; mid‐spring, 22 May 2018; and early summer, 12 June 2018). Gaseous emissions, soil temperature, and soil moisture were measured every 4 h for 21 consecutive days following urea application. Changes in soil inorganic N contents were used to determine the amount of inorganic N remaining in the soil, nitrification, immobilization/fixation, and leaching. For all fertilizer application dates, the cumulative fertilizer derived N2O‐N emissions for the 21 days following application were <0.05% of the applied N. Fertilizer‐derived N2O‐N emission rates were higher than N2O‐N emission rates in the unfertilized soil in early fall and early summer. Even though the highest net N2O‐N emissions occurred in early spring, the application of fertilizer did not increase emissions. The highest net N2O‐N + NH3‐N emissions occurred in cool soils (early spring) in soils with water filled pore space (>60%). These findings indicate that intergovernmental panel on climate change (IPCC) default value of 1% of applied N for N2O emissions improved by considering the fertilizer application date.
Biomass crops as a soil amendment in cultivated histosols: Can we reach carbon equilibrium?
Authors: Dessureault‐Rompré Jacynthe , Libbrecht Christophe , Caron Jean
Published: February 2020

Peatlands are known to perform essential economical, societal and regulating functions. Once they are drained to provide optimal crop growth conditions, however, a series of degradation processes is generated. Wind and water erosion, subsidence and soil organic matter oxidation are the main causes of degradation observed in cultivated histosols. This study evaluated the decomposition dynamics and chemical changes of three biomass crops during an in‐situ incubation in a cultivated histosol. The decomposition dynamics characterized in the field study were then used in a simulation to determine if sustainability could be reached by using biomass crops as a soil amendment. The results showed that an exponential decay fitting curve best represented the weight loss of sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] in the in‐situ bags over time, while a logistic fitting curve best represented that of miscanthus (Miscanthus X giganteus) and willow (Salix miyabeana). The quality of the crop determined the initial and overall decomposition dynamics observed. The loss of carbon from the crushed biomass crop was much more important in sorghum than in miscanthus and willow. The long‐term simulation of histosol amendment revealed that using miscanthus and willow at input rates of 7.5 and 10 T of carbon per year, respectively, would be sufficient to ensure sustainability. Improving knowledge on carbon loss in cultivated histosols as related to soil and crop management would help in developing a soil amendment program at the farm scale. In addition, more knowledge is needed to determine the impact of long‐term and successive amendment with biomass crops on the physical and biochemical properties of histosols.
Influence of Titanium Species on the Ordered Mesoporous Structure of V‐Zr Catalysts for Naphthalene Oxidation with Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Liu Chuanfa , Zhou Zhiwei , Qin Juan , Li Fanqing , Yu Chaojie , Liu Guang , Huang Hao , Wu Wenliang
Published: February 2020

The characterization of XRD, N2 sorption, Raman, Py‐IR, O2‐TPD, NH3‐TPD, SEM‐EDX and TEM were utilized to investigate the influence of titanium species on the ordered mesoporous structure of V‐doped titanium and zirconium composite metal oxides (VTZ) catalysts prepared by EISA method. The characterization results showed that the introduction of titanium species would increase the catalyst crystallization temperature resulting in pure t‐ZrO2 phase formation with uniform distribution for all elements and more oxygen vacancies owing to the inhibition of its crystal transformation, which would be beneficial to the promotion of specific surface area and stronger Brønsted acidity. The catalytic performance in the liquid‐phase oxidation of naphthalene with hydrogen peroxide was also studied. The 12V15TZ‐550 catalyst with the molar ratio of vanadium and titanium species to the total titanium and zirconium species of 12 and 15%, respectively, calcined at 550 °C showed higher catalytic performance than other catalysts, where the naphthalene conversion of 17.3% and the 1,4‐naphthoquinone selectivity of 71.0% can be obtained. The catalytic stability would be kept well after repeated use for 5 times.
Security of Internet of Things edge devices
Authors: Lv Zhihan
Published: February 2020

The purpose of the study is to meet the more needs of the future social development for the Internet of things (IoT) and make IoT better provide more convenience for people and reduce the risk of data leakage in the IoT system. Starting with the IoT edge devices, the centralized and distributed hit rate and average corresponding speed of the edge nodes are studied. Meanwhile, the gateway security of the edge devices designed is discussed to obtain a more reliable gateway. The research results show that the Max‐PSN cache algorithm proposed in this article is superior to the other two algorithms in terms of hit rate and average response speed of centralized and distributed fog systems, which shows the effectiveness of the cache algorithm. The gateway designed shows good randomness through frequency detection and poker detection, which can effectively resist attacks, thus ensuring the security of the gateway. Therefore, the research on the security of the IoT edge devices plays a positive role in reducing the risk of data leakage and the wide application of the IoT system.
Thick slab punching with symmetry reductions
Authors: Bocklenberg Lennart , Mark Peter
Published: February 2020

The contribution presents a test series of four geometrically similar specimens of different size designed to investigate the punching behavior of thick reinforced concrete slabs. The thickness ranges from 300 to 650 mm and the slab radius varies between 1.12 and 2.45 m. For experimental execution, an innovative test method is employed and updated towards thick slabs. It uses the symmetry of specimens and reduces them corresponding to the symmetry grade to quarters. By applying this method, geometrical dimensions and associated test loads are reduced by 75%. The tests demonstrate on the one hand that the updated method is suitable for punching tests of thick specimens. And, on the other hand, the results indicate a less pronounced size effect for multilayered, highly reinforced slabs than predicted in theory.
Diamagnetic Levitation Thermometer
Authors: Inomata Naoki , Inomata Eiji , Ono Takahito
Published: February 2020

This paper reports a diamagnetic levitation thermometer using a pyrolytic graphite (PG). The levitation height of diamagnetic materials depends on the temperature. The system is composed of a PG disc, permanent magnet for driving, non‐contact laser displacement meter, and spot heater. We evaluated the height in air and vacuum changing the temperature of the PG disc, and the disc changes its height as to be −1.49 and 1.55 µm/°C in air and vacuum, respectively. Differential thermal analysis of polystyrene is demonstrated. The potential of the diamagnetic levitation as a new principle measuring temperature changes is indicated. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Density Estimation of Unmarked Populations Using Camera Traps in Heterogeneous Space
Authors: Luo Gai , Wei Weideng , Dai Qiang , Ran Jianghong
Published: February 2020

Camera traps are commonly used to monitor animal populations, but statistical estimators of density from camera‐trap data for species that cannot be individually identified are still in development, and few models take space use into account. We present a model to estimate the density of unmarked populations, which considers species’ space use. The model assumes that animal movements depend on space use probability. Using a hypothetical animal population, we carried out a set of computer simulations on individual movements and camera‐trap monitoring to estimate population density with sampling data. Our results demonstrated that the model performed well, and highlighted the importance of adding space use information into density estimation approaches. We also tested the effect of multiple variables (i.e., day range, no. of camera traps, time span of monitoring duration) on density estimates. Increasing the number of camera traps and monitoring duration may reduce the variance of density estimate. Precision of density estimates increased when the species’ day range increased. Subject to accurate measurement of model parameters, this method provides a potential approach to estimate unmarked population density using camera‐trap data. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
Analysis of Ligand Field Effects in Europium(III) Phosphates
Authors: Glaum Robert , Grunwald Waldemar , Kannengießer Nils , Bronova Anna
Published: February 2020

Optical spectra (powder reflectance, UV/Vis/NIR region), and temperature dependent magnetic behavior (χ, μ/μB) were recorded for the series of anhydrous europium(III) phosphates EuIII3O3(PO4), EuIIIPO4, EuIII2P4O13, lt‐ and ht‐EuIII(PO3)3, and EuIIIP5O14. By modeling within the AOM framework, the experimental data can be related to the ligand‐field splitting experienced by the Eu3+ ions in the various mainly low‐symmetry coordination environments. Our study confirms the well‐established relation eσ(Eu3+–O2–) ~ d(Eu3+–O2–)–7.0 between the AOM parameter and the interatomic distance. In addition it is shown that eσ(Eu3+–O2–) depends strongly on the highly variable polarizability of the oxygen ligator atoms. This polarizability can be related to the optical basicity Λ of the various phosphates.
Core Values and Value Conflicts in Cybersecurity: Beyond Privacy Versus Security
Authors: van de Poel Ibo
Published: February 2020

This chapter analyses some of the main values, and values conflicts, in relation to cybersecurity by distinguishing four important value clusters that should be considered when deciding on cybersecurity measures. These clusters are security, privacy, fairness and accountability. Each cluster consists of a range of further values, which can be viewed as articulating specific moral reasons relevant when devising cybersecurity measures. In addition to the four value clusters, domain-specific values that are served by computer systems, such as health, are important. Following a detailed discussion of the four relevant value clusters, potential value conflicts and value tensions are considered. The relationships of five pairs of values (privacy-security, privacy-fairness, privacy-accountability, security-accountability and security-fairness) are analysed in terms of whether they are largely supportive or conflicting. In addition, possible methods for addressing these potential value conflicts are discussed. It is concluded that values, and value conflicts, in cybersecurity should be considered in context, also taking into account the specific computer systems at play, to enable the use of nuanced and fine-grained methods for addressing the relevant value conflicts.
Hadron-in-jet production at partonic threshold
Authors: Kaufmann Tom , Liu Xiaohui , Mukherjee Asmita , Ringer Felix , Vogelsang Werner
Published: February 2020

Abstract

We consider the longitudinal momentum distribution of hadrons inside jets in proton-proton collisions. At partonic threshold large double logarithmic corrections arise which need to be resummed to all orders. We develop a factorization formalism within SCET that allows for the joint resummation of threshold and jet radius logarithms. We achieve next-to-leading logarithmic NLL′ accuracy by including non-global logarithms in the leading-color approximation. Overall, we find that the threshold resummation leads to a sizable enhancement of the cross section and a reduced QCD scale dependence, suggesting that the all-order resummation can be important for the reliable extraction of fragmentation functions in global analyses when jet substructure data is included.
Universal black holes
Authors: Hervik Sigbjørn , Ortaggio Marcello
Published: February 2020

Abstract

We prove that a generalized Schwarzschild-like ansatz can be consistently employed to construct d-dimensional static vacuum black hole solutions in any metric theory of gravity for which the Lagrangian is a scalar invariant constructed from the Riemann tensor and its covariant derivatives of arbitrary order. Namely, we show that, apart from containing two arbitrary functions a(r) and f (r) (essentially, the gtt and grr components), in any such theory the line-element may admit as a base space any isotropy-irreducible homogeneous space. Technically, this ensures that the field equations generically reduce to two ODEs for a(r) and f (r), and dramatically enlarges the space of black hole solutions and permitted horizon geometries for the considered theories. We then exemplify our results in concrete contexts by constructing solutions in particular theories such as Gauss-Bonnet, quadratic, F(R) and F(Lovelock) gravity, and certain conformal gravities.
Identification of early pericyte loss and vascular amyloidosis in Alzheimer’s disease retina
Authors: Shi Haoshen , Koronyo Yosef , Rentsendorj Altan , Regis Giovanna C. , Sheyn Julia , Fuchs Dieu-Trang , Kramerov Andrei A. , Ljubimov Alexander V. , Dumitrascu Oana M. , Rodriguez Anthony R. , Barron Ernesto , Hinton David R. , Black Keith L. , Miller Carol A. , Mirzaei Nazanin , Koronyo-Hamaoui Maya
Published: February 2020

Pericyte loss and deficient vascular platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β (PDGFRβ) signaling are prominent features of the blood–brain barrier breakdown described in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) that can predict cognitive decline yet have never been studied in the retina. Recent reports using noninvasive retinal amyloid imaging, optical coherence tomography angiography, and histological examinations support the existence of vascular-structural abnormalities and vascular amyloid β-protein (Aβ) deposits in retinas of AD patients. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of such retinal vascular pathology were not previously explored. Here, by modifying a method of enzymatically clearing non-vascular retinal tissue and fluorescent immunolabeling of the isolated blood vessel network, we identified substantial pericyte loss together with significant Aβ deposition in retinal microvasculature and pericytes in AD. Evaluation of postmortem retinas from a cohort of 56 human donors revealed an early and progressive decrease in vascular PDGFRβ in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD compared to cognitively normal controls. Retinal PDGFRβ loss significantly associated with increased retinal vascular Aβ40and Aβ42burden. Decreased vascular LRP-1 and early apoptosis of pericytes in AD retina were also detected. Mapping of PDGFRβ and Aβ40levels in pre-defined retinal subregions indicated that certain geometrical and cellular layers are more susceptible to AD pathology. Further, correlations were identified between retinal vascular abnormalities and cerebral Aβ burden, cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), and clinical status. Overall, the identification of pericyte and PDGFRβ loss accompanying increased vascular amyloidosis in Alzheimer’s retina implies compromised blood–retinal barrier integrity and provides new targets for AD diagnosis and therapy.
Lifetime and age-conditional risk estimates of end-stage kidney disease requiring maintenance dialysis in Japan
Authors: Wakasugi Minako , Narita Ichiei
Published: February 2020

Background

Lifetime risk is an epidemiologic measure that expresses the probability of disease in the remaining lifetime for an index age. It is also an easily understandable statistical measure used to communicate the absolute risk of disease to the lay population. The lifetime risk of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) has never been reported for the Japanese population. Here, we used data from the Japanese Society of Dialysis Therapy (JSDT) to estimate the lifetime risk of ESKD by sex in Japan.

Methods

The lifetime risk of ESKD was estimated using life-table methods. We defined an incident case of ESKD as a patient with loss of kidney function that resulted in maintenance dialysis therapy. The number of incident cases of ESKD and number of ESKD deaths in 2017 were obtained from data published by the JSDT. The population and total number of deaths in Japan for the same year were obtained from National Vital Statistics. By including all-cause mortality, risks were adjusted for competing causes of death.

Results

The cumulative incidence of ESKD from birth until age 95 years was 3.14% [95% confidence interval (CI) 3.10–3.18] for men and 1.42% (1.39–1.44) for women. These probabilities illustrate that approximately 1 in 32 men and 1 in 71 women in Japan will develop ESKD that results in maintenance dialysis therapy in their lifetime.

Conclusions

Considerable sex differences were found in the lifetime risk of ESKD in Japan. This easily understandable information could be used to assist in public health education and planning.
Asbestos exposure and haematological malignancies: a Danish cohort study
Authors: Würtz Else Toft , Hansen Johnni , Røe Oluf Dimitri , Omland Øyvind
Published: February 2020

Environmental asbestos exposure and occupational asbestos exposure increase the risk of several types of cancer, but the role of such exposures for haematological malignancies remains controversial. We aimed to examine the risk of haematological malignancies: first, in subjects exposed early in life, independently of any occupational exposure occurring later; second, in subjects exposed occupationally. We established an environmentally exposed cohort from four schools located near the only former asbestos cement production plant in Denmark. We identified nearly all pupils in the seventh grade and created an age and sex-matched 1:9 reference cohort from the Danish Central Population Register. Participants were born 1940–1970 and followed up in national registers until the end of 2015. Occupational asbestos exposure was assessed for all participants using two different job exposure matrices. The school cohort included 12,111 participants (49.7% girls) and the reference cohort 108,987 participants. Eight subgroups of haematological malignancy were identified in the Danish Cancer Registry. These cases were analysed for combined overall haematological malignancy, a combined subgroup of lymphomas and a combined subgroup of leukaemias. The data were analysed using Cox regression (hazard ratios (HR)) including other cancers and death as competing risks. Haematological malignancy was identified in 1125 participants. The median follow-up was 49.3 years (0.1–63.4). Early environmental asbestos exposure was not associated with an increased risk of haematological malignancy. Long-term occupational asbestos exposure was associated with overall haematological malignancy (HR 1.69, 95% CI 1.04–2.73); in particular for the leukaemia subgroup (HR 2.14, 95% CI 1.19–3.84). This large follow-up study suggests that long-term occupational asbestos exposure is associated with increased leukaemia risk. However, further studies are needed to confirm these observations.
Development of a recoil ion source providing slow Th ions including 229(m)Th in a broad charge state distribution
Authors: Haas Raphael , Kieck Tom , Budker Dmitry , Düllmann Christoph E. , Groot-Berning Karin , Li Wenbing , Renisch Dennis , Schmidt-Kaler Ferdinand , Stopp Felix , Viatkina Anna
Published: February 2020

Ions of the isomer 229mTh are a topic of high interest for the construction of a “nuclear clock” and in the field of fundamental physics for testing symmetries of nature. They can be efficiently captured in Paul traps which are ideal for performing high precision quantum logic spectroscopy. Trapping and identification of long-lived 232Th+ ions from a laser ablation source was already demonstrated by the TACTICa collaboration on Trapping And Cooling of Thorium Ions with Calcium. The 229mTh is most easily accessible as α-decay daughter of the decay of 233U. We report on the development of a source for slow Th ions, including 229mTh for the TACTICa experiment. The 229mTh source is currently under construction and comprises a 233U monolayer, from which 229mTh ions recoil. These are decelerated in an electric field. Conservation of the full initial charge state distribution of the 229mTh recoil ions is one of the unique features of this source. We present ion-flight simulations for our adopted layout and give a final source design. This source will provide Th ions in their original charge state at energies suitable for capture in a linear Paul trap for spectroscopy investigations.
Gendered Pathways of Internalizing Problems from Early Childhood to Adolescence and Associated Adolescent Outcomes
Authors: Gutman Leslie Morrison , Codiroli McMaster Natasha
Published: February 2020

Despite trends indicating worsening internalizing problems, characterized by anxiety and depression, there is dearth of research examining gender differences in developmental trajectories of internalizing problems from early childhood to adolescence. Drawing on the UK Millennium Cohort Study (n = 17,206, 49% female), this study examines trajectories of parent-reported, clinically-meaningful (reflecting the top 10%) internalizing problems from ages 3 to 14 years and their early predictors and adolescent outcomes. Group-based modelling revealed three trajectories when examining boys and girls together, but there were significant gender differences. When examining boys and girls separately, four trajectories were identified including two relatively stable trajectories showing either high or low probabilities of internalizing problems. An increasing trajectory was also found for both boys and girls, showing an increasing probability of internalizing problems which continued to rise for girls, but levelled off for boys from age 11. A decreasing trajectory was revealed for boys, while a moderate but stable trajectory was identified for girls. Boys and girls in the increasing and high probability groups were more likely to report a number of problematic outcomes including high BMI, self-harm, low mental wellbeing, depressive symptoms, and low educational motivation than the low group. Girls on the increasing trajectory also reported more cigarette and cannabis use and early sexual activity at age 14 compared to girls on the low trajectory. Findings suggest that intervention strategies take a systemic view, targeting not only internal feelings, but also behaviours potentially associated with later negative outcomes.
A Four-Valued Dynamic Epistemic Logic
Authors: Santos Yuri David
Published: February 2020

Epistemic logic is usually employed to model two aspects of a situation: the factual and the epistemic aspects. Truth, however, is not always attainable, and in many cases we are forced to reason only with whatever information is available to us. In this paper, we will explore a four-valued epistemic logic designed to deal with these situations, where agents have only knowledge about the available information (or evidence), which can be incomplete or conflicting, but not explicitly about facts. This layer of available information or evidence, which is the object of the agents’ knowledge, can be seen as a database. By adopting this sceptical posture in our semantics, we prepare the ground for logics where the notion of knowledge—or more appropriately, belief—is entirely based on evidence. The technical results include a set of reduction axioms for public announcements, correspondence proofs, and a complete tableau system. In summary, our contributions are twofold: on the one hand we present an intuition and possible application for many-valued modal logics, and on the other hand we develop a logic that models the dynamics of evidence in a simple and intuitively clear fashion.
Generalized Forbidden Subposet Problems
Authors: Gerbner Dániel , Keszegh Balázs , Patkós Balázs
Published: February 2020

A subfamily$\{F_{1},F_{2},\dots ,F_{|P|}\}\subseteq \mathcal {F}${F1,F2,…,F|P|}⊆Fof sets is a copy of a posetPin$\mathcal {F}$Fif there exists a bijection$\phi :P\rightarrow \{F_{1},F_{2},\dots ,F_{|P|}\}$ϕ:P→{F1,F2,…,F|P|}such that whenever$x \le _{P} x^{\prime }$x≤Px′holds, then so does$\phi (x)\subseteq \phi (x^{\prime })$ϕ(x)⊆ϕ(x′). For a family$\mathcal {F}$Fof sets, let$c(P,\mathcal {F})$c(P,F)denote the number of copies ofPin$\mathcal {F}$F, and we say that$\mathcal {F}$FisP-free if$c(P,\mathcal {F})=0$c(P,F)=0holds. For any two posetsP,Qlet us denote byLa(n,P,Q) the maximum number of copies ofQover allP-free families$\mathcal {F} \subseteq 2^{[n]}$F⊆2[n], i.e.$\max \limits \{c(Q,\mathcal {F}): \mathcal {F} \subseteq 2^{[n]}, c(P,\mathcal {F})=0 \}$max{c(Q,F):F⊆2[n],c(P,F)=0}. This generalizes the well-studied parameterLa(n,P) =La(n,P,P1) whereP1is the one element poset, i.e.La(n,P) is the largest possible size of aP-free family. The quantityLa(n,P) has been determined (precisely or asymptotically) for many posetsP, and in all known cases an asymptotically best construction can be obtained by taking as many middle levels as possible without creating a copy ofP. In this paper we consider the first instances of the problem of determiningLa(n,P,Q). We find its value whenPandQare small posets, like chains, forks, theNposet and diamonds. Already these special cases show that the extremal families are completely different from those in the originalP-free cases: sometimes not middle or consecutive levels maximizeLa(n,P,Q) and sometimes the extremal family is not the union of levels. Finally, we determine (up to a polynomial factor) the maximum number of copies of complete multi-level posets ink-Sperner families. The main tools for this are the profile polytope method and two extremal set system problems that are of independent interest: we maximize the number ofr-tuples$A_{1},A_{2},\dots , A_{r} \in \mathcal {A}$A1,A2,…,Ar∈Aover all antichains$\mathcal {A}\subseteq 2^{[n]}$A⊆2[n]such that (i)$\cap _{i=1}^{r}A_{i}=\emptyset $∩i=1rAi=∅, (ii)$\cap _{i=1}^{r}A_{i}=\emptyset $∩i=1rAi=∅and$\cup _{i=1}^{r}A_{i}=[n]$∪i=1rAi=[n].
Concretising the role of extended producer responsibility in European Union waste law and policy through the lens of the circular economy
Authors: Pouikli Kleoniki
Published: February 2020

The aim of this paper is to shed light on the main aspects of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), a widely used principle of environmental policy, looking through the lens of EU waste law and policy, as this is currently evolving. The main discussion will revolve around the opportunities of moving towards a more effective EPR and adopting more effective policy instruments. Emphasis will be given to the definition of EPR, to its content and to implementation schemes in EU law especially as regards the role of EPR in achieving the challenging targets which exist relating to waste management and product design requirements under the Circular Economy Package, while at the same time highlighting the inter-relationship between waste and product laws.
Iliocaval Venous Obstruction, Cardiac Preload Reserve and Exercise Limitation
Authors: Morris Rachael I. , Sobotka Paul A. , Balmforth Peter K. , Stöhr Eric J. , McDonnell Barry J. , Spencer Darren , O’Sullivan Gerard J. , Black Stephen A.
Published: February 2020

Cardiac output during exercise increases by as much as fivefold in the untrained man, and by as much as eightfold in the elite athlete. Increasing venous return is a critical but much overlooked component of the physiological response to exercise. Cardiac disorders such as constrictive pericarditis, restrictive cardiomyopathy and pulmonary hypertension are recognised to impair preload and cause exercise limitation; however, the effects of peripheral venous obstruction on cardiac function have not been well described. This manuscript will discuss how obstruction of the iliocaval venous outflow can lead to impairment in exercise tolerance, how such obstructions may be diagnosed, the potential implications of chronic obstructions on sympathetic nervous system activation, and relevance of venous compression syndromes in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.
Effects of Brief Mindfulness Meditation on Attention Switching
Authors: Jankowski Tomasz , Holas Pawel
Published: February 2020

Objectives

Attention switching is postulated in many theories as a crucial executive function related to mindfulness. However, the existing literature does not provide convincing support for this claim. Based on the attentional control theory, the presented experiment tested the hypothesis that brief mindfulness training improves attention switching in the presence of anxiety.

Methods

Seventy-four undergraduates (53 women) with an average age of 22.25 years (SD = 2.42) performed a pre-test switching task, watched an emotional film clip, and then were randomly assigned to three conditions: brief mindfulness training, worry induction, and free mind-wandering, followed by a post-test switching task.

Results

We found reduced overall reaction times (i.e., for both switch and no-switch trials) in mindfulness compared with worry and free mind-wandering conditions (F[2,68.9] = 5.09, p = .009, η2 = .13), but no differences between conditions with regard to the switch cost.

Conclusions

The results are discussed in the context of working memory capacity and processing speed theory. We suggest that mindfulness may release attentional resources otherwise engaged in the inhibition of task-irrelevant thinking associated with anxiety and thus facilities the general efficiency of cognitive processes. Suggestions for future research are proposed.
Genetic structure of important resident brown trout breeding lines in Poland
Authors: Bernaś Rafał , Wąs-Barcz Anna
Published: February 2020

The history of brown troutSalmo truttaL. stocking has long tradition in the European Union and other countries. Hundreds of hatchery facilities on continent have artificial broodstocks used for enhancement of neighbouring and also geographically far river basins. These practices have substantial effect on wild brown trout populations. To illuminate this phenomenon, eleven hatchery stocks and wild populations from northern Poland and Carpathian region were analysed using 13 microsatellite markers. Obtained results revealed high genetic diversity between studied stocks and clear differentiation between northern and southern populations and hybridization between these two major clads. As a recommendation, the principle of treating regions as metapopulations should be applied, which, in the case of Poland, means using the division of the northern and southern genetic lines that were revealed in the present study.
Metals concentrations in road dust from high traffic and low traffic area: a size dependent comparison
Authors: Miazgowicz A. , Krennhuber K. , Lanzerstorfer C.
Published: February 2020

Metals in road dust are increasingly investigated. The fine size fractions are of particular importance because of their higher mobility and the increased concentrations of pollutants. In this study, two average road dust samples from areas with high- and low-traffic density were investigated. Prior to chemical analysis, a combined sieving and air classification procedure was applied where the road dust samples were split into seven size fractions. The metal concentrations in the road dust from the low-traffic area were only up to twice the background concentrations. An exception was Cu where the concentration was 15 time higher. In the sample from the high-traffic area, the respective concentrations of Zn, Mn, Fe, Pb, Ba, Sb and Cu were 5.4, 3.2, 3.0, 2.7, 2.7, 2.5 and 1.2 times higher compared to the low-traffic area. The ratio of the concentration in high- and low-traffic road dust was 0.8–2.0 for the fine size fractions and 2.0–6.0 for the coarse size fractions for several metals, including traffic-related metals like Fe and Ba. An explanation for this surprising result might be the atmospheric transport of re-suspended particles from high-traffic to low-traffic areas, which is feasible only for smaller particles because of their low sedimentation velocity. However, for the highly traffic-related metals Pb and Zn, the ratio was more size independent. For Cu, the concentration ratio was fluctuating. Some particles with a high Cu content in the analysed samples might be the reason.
Laser welding of laser-structured copper connectors for battery applications and power electronics
Authors: Helm Johanna , Schulz Adrian , Olowinsky Alexander , Dohrn Andreas , Poprawe Reinhart
Published: February 2020

The electrification of the automobile industry leads to an increasing demand for high-performance energy storage systems. The more complex the battery pack, the more complex the electronic components will become. Very high currents have to be transported in a short time and very fast electrical switching processes have to be made possible. These requirements have an effect on the required quality of the electrical connection. Furthermore, a joining process is required that offers short cycle times and a high degree of automation. Laser micro welding with fibre lasers (1070 nm) meets the requirements placed on joining technology. Due to the high beam quality, very small spot diameters and thus very high intensities can be achieved. Copper materials of high purity are used to achieve the high conductivity of the electrical connection. This material, in turn, poses a great challenge to the welding process, since the reflectance for the beam sources mentioned is above 95%.

This paper presents a way of significantly reducing the reflectance for copper connectors and thus making the joining process more efficient. For this purpose, the copper connectors are first pre-processed with an ultrashort pulse laser process, which significantly increases the surface area. In a second step, bead-on-plate welds are carried out on the structured surfaces and the absorption coefficient is determined during the welding process with the aid of a double integrating sphere assembly in comparison to a bare copper sample.
Joint effects of depth-aiding augmentations and viewing positions on the quality of experience in augmented telepresence
Authors: Dima Elijs , Brunnström Kjell , Sjöström Mårten , Andersson Mattias , Edlund Joakim , Johanson Mathias , Qureshi Tahir
Published: February 2020

Virtual and augmented reality is increasingly prevalent in industrial applications, such as remote control of industrial machinery, due to recent advances in head-mounted display technologies and low-latency communications via 5G. However, the influence of augmentations and camera placement-based viewing positions on operator performance in telepresence systems remains unknown. In this paper, we investigate the joint effects of depth-aiding augmentations and viewing positions on the quality of experience for operators in augmented telepresence systems. A study was conducted with 27 non-expert participants using a real-time augmented telepresence system to perform a remote-controlled navigation and positioning task, with varied depth-aiding augmentations and viewing positions. The resulting quality of experience was analyzed via Likert opinion scales, task performance measurements, and simulator sickness evaluation. Results suggest that reducing the reliance on stereoscopic depth perception via camera placement has a significant benefit to operator performance and quality of experience. Conversely, the depth-aiding augmentations can partly mitigate the negative effects of inferior viewing positions. However the viewing-position based monoscopic and stereoscopic depth cues tend to dominate over cues based on augmentations. There is also a discrepancy between the participants’ subjective opinions on augmentation helpfulness, and its observed effects on positioning task performance.
Concentrations of Antidepressants, Antipsychotics, and Benzodiazepines in Hair Samples from Postmortem Cases
Authors: Methling Maximilian , Krumbiegel Franziska , Alameri Ayesha , Hartwig Sven , Parr Maria K. , Tsokos Michael
Published: February 2020

Certain postmortem case constellations require intensive investigation of the pattern of drug use over a long period before death. Hair analysis of illicit drugs has been investigated intensively over past decades, but there is a lack of comprehensive data on hair concentrations for antidepressants, antipsychotics, and benzodiazepines. This study aimed to obtain data for these substances. A LC-MS/MS method was developed and validated for detection of 52 antidepressants, antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, and metabolites in hair. Hair samples from 442 postmortem cases at the Institute of Legal Medicine of the Charité-University Medicine Berlin were analyzed. Postmortem hair concentrations of 49 analytes were obtained in 420 of the cases. Hair sample segmentation was possible in 258 cases, and the segments were compared to see if the concentrations decreased or increased. Descriptive statistical data are presented for the segmented and non-segmented cases combined (n = 420) and only the segmented cases (n = 258). An overview of published data for the target substances in hair is given. Metabolite/parent drug ratios were investigated for 10 metabolite/parent drug pairs. Cases were identified that had positive findings in hair, blood, urine, and organ tissue. The comprehensive data on postmortem hair concentrations for antidepressants, antipsychotics, and benzodiazepines may help other investigators in their casework. Postmortem hair analysis results provide valuable information on the drug intake history before death. Pattern changes can indicate if drug intake stopped or increased before death. Results should be interpreted carefully and preferably include segmental analysis and metabolite/parent drug ratios to exclude possible contamination.
Screening of long non‐coding RNAs markers in plasma of children with chronic gastritis
Authors: Gu Zhen , Shen Hua‐Qin , Fu Pei‐Hua , Chen Mei
Published: February 2020

Objective

The study aimed to detect and analyze long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in plasma of children diagnosed with chronic gastritis, and to explore its biological functions and involved signaling pathways.

Methods

The plasma samples were collected from six children that were diagnosed with chronic gastritis by physical examination, gastroscopy, and pathological examination and six healthy children. The plasma samples were assayed for determining the expression profiles of lncRNA based upon the gen chip detection. The specific expression of lcnRNA in plasma of children with chronic gastritis was analyzed and its biological functions were speculated.

Results

Five lncRNAs (RP11‐697M17.1, RP11‐388M20.9, AFAP1‐AS1, BC062758, and XLOC001406) were significantly up‐regulated, and five lncRNAs (UNQ697, BX571672.5, CYP4F35P, ANKRD20A5P, and AL832737) were observed to be significantly down‐regulated. The lncRNAs RP11‐697M17.1, and UNQ697 were detected with the highest up‐regulation and down‐regulation, respectively. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis showed that the up‐regulated lncRNAs were significantly enriched in 20 signaling pathways such as phosphoinositide‐3‐kinase–protein kinase B (PI3K‐Akt) pathway, and the down‐regulated lncRNAs target genes were significantly enriched in 20 signaling pathways such as the metabolic pathway.

Conclusion

The analysis of the lncRNA expression profiles in plasma of children with chronic gastritis revealed that the lncRNA RP11‐697M17.1, and lncRNA UNQ697 may act as plasma markers for predicting chronic gastritis in children.
Normal amenable subgroups of the automorphism group of sofic shifts
Authors: YANG KITTY
Published: February 2020

Let $(X,\unicode[STIX]{x1D70E})$ be a transitive sofic shift and let $\operatorname{Aut}(X)$ denote its automorphism group. We generalize a result of Frisch, Schlank, and Tamuz to show that any normal amenable subgroup of $\operatorname{Aut}(X)$ must be contained in the subgroup generated by the shift. We also show that the result does not extend to higher dimensions by giving an example of a two-dimensional mixing shift of finite type due to Hochman whose automorphism group is amenable and not generated by the shift maps.
Does Investor-State Dispute Settlement Discriminate Against Nationals?
Authors: Riffel Christian
Published: February 2020

This Article answers the question of whether investor-state dispute settlement (“ISDS”) discriminates against nationals by providing foreign investors with an extra avenue to challenge state measures. The complaint that ISDS is discriminatory as a matter of principle has surfaced before several European constitutional courts—including the German Federal Constitutional Court and the European Court of Justice—in connection with the ratification of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between Canada and the European Union (“CETA”). This Article rejects this complaint. The Federal Constitutional Court was able to leave the question of discrimination open in the applications for a preliminary injunction to stop ratification. It will have to take a stand, however, in the principal proceedings. If the Court were to side with the applicants, it would sound the death knell not only for the CETA in its present form, but also for the multilateral investment court system promoted by the European Union and, in particular, Germany. The point made by the applicants in the CETA complaint is not only of importance in a European constitutional law context. Whether ISDS is per se discriminatory is a fundamental issue which requires answering before any reform steps in relation to ISDS are addressed.
The Schmitelsen Court: The Question of Legitimacy
Authors: Bassok Or
Published: February 2020

In recent years, a new creature has emerged on the institutional landscape: The Schmitelsen Court. This court is the end-product of a combination of the positions presented by Hans Kelsen and Carl Schmitt in their famous debate over the institutional identity of the guardian of the constitution during the Weimar years. The Schmitelsen guardian is a court thus fulfilling Kelsen’s vision of the constitutional court as the guardian of the constitution. Nevertheless, it possesses the mission, the means to achieve it, and the source of legitimacy that Schmitt envisioned for the president as the guardian of the constitution. In this Article, I focus on the Schmitelsen Court’s source of legitimacy that differs greatly from the traditional source of judicial legitimacy that Kelsen envisioned for the guardian. Whereas Kelsen viewed legal expertise as the guardian’s source of legitimacy, Schmitt viewed public support as filling this role. After analyzing these two positions, I explain why it is vital for the Schmitelsen Court to harness public support as its source of legitimacy. I proceed by examining how the Schmitelsen Court model manifests itself in three case studies. In the US, Alexander Hamilton—in The Federalist No. 78—raised the notion of the guardian of the constitution long before Schmitt and Kelsen. He designated the judiciary as the guardian and ascribed its source of legitimacy to expertise. After describing how in recent decades the US Supreme Court adopted the Schmitelsen understanding of judicial legitimacy, I turn to examine the Israeli Supreme Court and the European Court of Human Rights. The relevance of these latter two courts stems not only from their adoption of the Schmitelsen Court’s understanding of judicial legitimacy, but also from the strong influence of the Weimar lessons on their evolution into Schmitelsen guardians.
Gene expression in peripheral blood in treatment-free major depression
Authors: Cuellar-Barboza Alfredo B. , Sánchez-Ruiz Jorge A. , Rodriguez-Sanchez Iram P. , González Sarai , Calvo Geovana , Lugo José , Costilla-Esquivel Antonio , Martínez Laura E. , Ibarra-Ramirez Marisol
Published: February 2020

Background:

Peripheral gene expression of several molecular pathways has been studied in major depressive disorder (MDD) with promising results. We sought to investigate some of these genes in a treatment-free Latino sample of Mexican descent.

Material and Methods:

The sample consisted of 50 MDD treatment-free cases and 50 sex and age-matched controls. Gene expression of candidate genes of neuroplasticity (BDNF, p11, and VGF), inflammation (IL1A, IL1B, IL4, IL6, IL7, IL8, IL10, MIF, and TNFA), the canonical Wnt signaling pathway (TCF7L2, APC, and GSK3B), and mTOR, was compared in cases and controls. RNA was obtained from blood samples. We used bivariate analyses to compare subjects versus control mean mRNA quantification of target genes and lineal regression modelling to test for effects of age and body mass index on gene expression.

Results:

Most subjects were female (66%) with a mean age of 26.7 (SD 7.9) years. Only GSK3B was differentially expressed between cases and controls at a statistically significant level (p = 0.048). TCF7L-2 showed the highest number of correlations with MDD-related traits, yet these were modest in size.

Discussion:

GSK3B encodes a moderator of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway. It has a role in neuroplasticity, neuroprotection, depression, and other psychiatric phenotypes. We found that adding population diversity has the potential to elicit distinct peripheral gene expression markers in MDD and MDD-related traits. However, our results should only be considered as hypothesis-generating research that merits further replication in larger cohorts of similar ancestry.