bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Invasive legume affects species and functional composition of mountain meadow plant communities
Authors: Hansen Wiebke , Wollny Julia , Otte Annette , Eckstein R. Lutz , Ludewig Kristin
Published: October 2020

Plant invasions are among the key drivers of global biodiversity and ecosystem change. They often cause reductions in native species richness and overall biodiversity. Nitrogen-fixing plants are problematic as they affect soil nutrient availability and outcompete species of nutrient-poor sites. Here we assessed the impacts of the legumeLupinus polyphylluson species and functional diversity of mountain meadow communities in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Rhön. We compared species diversity (richness, evenness and effective species number), functional diversity (functional richness, evenness, divergence and dispersion) and similarity of plots in three characteristic vegetation types (Nardusgrassland, mesic and wet mountain hay meadows) between different lupine cover classes. We calculated community weighted means (CWMs) of single plant traits and plotted them against lupine cover classes. The invasion ofL. polyphyllushomogenizes vegetation composition since the similarity among plots of the different vegetation types increased with increasing lupine cover. It significantly affected species diversity in terms of richness and effective species number and the functional divergence of the vegetation. The trait set of species occurring together with lupine was shifted towards more competitive trait values. We demonstrate strongly negative impacts ofL. polyphylluson different mountain meadow vegetation types sinceL. polyphyllus, fosters the growth of competitive species and leads to overall more productive plant communities.
An Evaluation of a New Autism-Adapted Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Manual for Adolescents with Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder
Authors: Jassi Amita , Fernández de la Cruz Lorena , Russell Ailsa , Krebs Georgina
Published: October 2020

Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) frequently co-occur. Standard cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) for OCD outcomes are poorer in young people with ASD, compared to those without. The aim of this naturalistic study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a novel adolescent autism-adapted CBT manual for OCD in a specialist clinical setting. Additionally, we examined whether treatment gains were maintained at 3-month follow-up. Thirty-four adolescents underwent CBT; at the end of treatment, 51.51% were treatment responders and 21.21% were in remission. At 3-month follow-up, 52.94% were responders and 35.29% remitters. Significant improvements were also observed on a range of secondary measures, including family accommodation and global functioning. This study indicates this adapted package of CBT is associated with significant improvements in OCD outcomes, with superior outcomes to those reported in previous studies. Further investigation of the generalizability of these results, as well as dissemination to different settings, is warranted.
When animal coloration is a poor match
Authors: Caro Tim
Published: October 2020

Biologists usually pursue the adaptationist paradigm in trying to explain the functional significance of animal coloration. Here I collate instances in which coloration may be a poor match in the context of background matching, Batesian mimicry, aposematism, and colour polymorphisms. This can occur because of trade-offs with other functions, relaxed selection from predation, or colour trait neutrality. Also, mechanistic, pleiotropic and chance genetic effects can all result in a poor match to the background environment or to signaling efficiently. While biologists implicitly recognise these constraints placed on adaptive coloration, they rarely explicitly acknowledge the heterodox notion that coloration might be under weak selection or no selection at all. Unfortunately, it is difficult to show this definitively, as illustrated in an investigation into the function of colour polymorphisms in coconut crabs.
A regionalisation approach for rainfall based on extremal dependence
Authors: Saunders K. R. , Stephenson A. G. , Karoly D. J.
Published: October 2020

To mitigate the risk posed by extreme rainfall events, we require statistical models that reliably capture extremes in continuous space with dependence. However, assuming a stationary dependence structure in such models is often erroneous, particularly over large geographical domains. Furthermore, there are limitations on the ability to fit existing models, such as max-stable processes, to a large number of locations. To address these modelling challenges, we present a regionalisation method that partitions stations into regions of similar extremal dependence using clustering. To demonstrate our regionalisation approach, we consider a study region of Australia and discuss the results with respect to known climate and topographic features. To visualise and evaluate the effectiveness of the partitioning, we fit max-stable models to each of the regions. This work serves as a prelude to how one might consider undertaking a project where spatial dependence is non-stationary and is modelled on a large geographical scale.
Revisiting the characteristic initial value problem for the vacuum Einstein field equations
Authors: Hilditch David , Valiente Kroon Juan A. , Zhao Peng
Published: October 2020

Using the Newman–Penrose formalism we study the characteristic initial value problem in vacuum General Relativity. We work in a gauge suggested by Stewart, and following the strategy taken in the work of Luk, demonstrate local existence of solutions in a neighbourhood of the set on which data are given. These data are given on intersecting null hypersurfaces. Existence near their intersection is achieved by combining the observation that the field equations are symmetric hyperbolic in this gauge with the results of Rendall. To obtain existence all the way along the null-hypersurfaces themselves, a bootstrap argument involving the Newman–Penrose variables is performed.
Correcting the Text of the Sarvadarśanasaṃgraha
Authors: Bronkhorst Johannes
Published: October 2020

Attempts have been made to correct the text of the Sarvadarśanasaṃgraha on the basis of the texts that its author used—and sometimes refers to by name—while composing his work. This procedure is promising in texts like the Sarvadarśanasaṃgraha, which makes abundant use of other works, and might in principle give results that are independent of, and prior to, the detailed study of its manuscripts. A closer investigation shows that this procedure is not without risks, and may occasionally give rise to unjustified “corrections”. The article shows that quotations in the Sarvadarśanasaṃgraha deviate from their source-texts in numerous cases. It further illustrates that the archetype underlying the manuscripts used for the available editions on occasion demonstrably differs from what must have been the text’s autograph. Other cases demonstrate that already the autograph sometimes deviated from its source-texts. The article concludes that careless “correcting” of the text may have serious consequences and can stand in the way of its correct interpretation.
GRN, NOTCH3, FN1, and PINK1 expression in eutopic endometrium – potential biomarkers in the detection of endometriosis – a pilot study
Authors: Holzer Isabell , Machado Weber Amanda , Marshall Anne , Freis Alexander , Jauckus Julia , Strowitzki Thomas , Germeyer Ariane
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Endometriosis (EM) is a common gynecological disease affecting 10–15% of women of reproductive age. However, molecular mechanisms and pathogenesis are still not completely understood. Furthermore, due to the absence of a reliable clinical biomarker, the only viable method for the often-delayed definitive diagnosis is laparoscopic surgery. Our objective was to analyze molecular differences of selected endometrial proteins and genes of women suffering from different stages of EM compared with healthy women to evaluate potential clinical biomarkers.

Methods

We analyzed eutopic endometrial tissue samples from women undergoing a laparoscopic surgery (n = 58). mRNA gene expression of progranulin (GRN), neurogenic locus notch homolog protein (NOTCH3), fibronectin (FN1), and PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1) was analyzed using qRT-PCR. Protein expression was determined using ELISA and immunohistochemistry.

Results

Significant differences in gene expression between the different stages of the disease were noted for GRN, NOTCH3, FN1, and PINK1 (p < 0.05). The endometrium of women with minimal EM (ASRM I) showed the highest mRNA expression. Protein levels of GRN and FN1 on the other hand were significantly decreased in the endometrium of women with EM compared with those of healthy controls. Furthermore, for GRN and FN1, we could detect a correlation of protein expression with the severity of the disease.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest a potential use of GRN and FN1 as clinical biomarkers to detect endometriosis. In addition, GRN, NOTCH3, FN1, and PINK1 could potentially be useful to differentiate between the underlying stages of the disease. However, a validation with a larger study population is needed.
The Effect of State and Trait Self-Critical Rumination on Acute Distress: An Exploratory Experimental Investigation
Authors: Kolubinski Daniel C. , Nikčević Ana V. , Spada Marcantonio M.
Published: October 2020

Self-critical rumination is a process whereby individuals focus attention on past failures and inadequacies without consideration for improvement or problem-solving. Past research has demonstrated that self-critical rumination is a separate process from the experience of having intrusive self-critical thoughts and that engaging in self-critical rumination is strongly correlated with beliefs that it is uncontrollable or represents a weakness of character. What is less clear at this time, however, is the impact that self-critical rumination has on levels of distress when faced with failure. Thirty volunteers who were not experiencing significant levels of depression were randomly assigned across three groups: one rumination and two controls. Acute distress was measured prior to and immediately following a task, as well as upon debrief. Individuals expected to complete an impossible task, who experienced simulated self-critical rumination experienced greater levels of acute distress than controls immediately following the task. There was also a significant correlation between reported levels of trait self-critical rumination, negative metacognitive beliefs and self-esteem with levels of distress following debrief when controlling for initial levels of distress and group membership. The use of subjective self-reports and small sample size limits the findings of this exploratory study. Engaging in self-critical rumination, and associated negative metacognitive beliefs, may have a significant impact on levels of acute distress following a recent failure.
Canada and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES): Lessons Learned on Implementation and Compliance
Authors: Wyatt Tanya
Published: October 2020

Unsustainable and illegal wildlife trade are contributing to the unprecedented levels of biodiversity loss and possible extinction of one million species. Law enforcement and the criminal justice system have a role to play in helping to regulate and monitor such trade. The main international instrument to regulate wildlife trade is the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This mixed methods study researched the lessons learned and best practice in regards to implementation of and compliance with CITES. As part of the study, three countries were identified as case studies and Canada was selected as one of these. Lessons can also be learned from Canada’s Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act, which is cumbersome to update when species protections change within CITES. Canada has several elements of good practice, such as the remit, effectiveness and relationships of the three CITES authorities located within Environment and Climate Change Canada, the public health approach to some wildlife imports, and the protection of native CITES species. CITES needs to be improved to further protect endangered species and lessons from Canada and other countries can contribute to this improvement.
The epidemiology of moral bioenhancement
Authors: Gibson R. B.
Published: October 2020

In their 2008 paper, Persson and Savulescu suggest that for moral bioenhancement (MBE) to be effective at eliminating the danger of ‘ultimate harm’ the intervention would need to be compulsory. This is because those most in need of MBE would be least likely to undergo the intervention voluntarily. By drawing on concepts and theories from epidemiology, this paper will suggest that MBE may not need to be universal and compulsory to be effective at significantly improving the collective moral standing of a human populace and reducing the threat of ultimate harm. It will identify similarities between the mechanisms that allow biological contagions (such as a virus) and behaviours (such as those concerned with ethical and unethical actions) to develop, spread, and be reinforced within a population. It will then go onto suggest that, just as with the epidemiological principle of herd immunity, if enough people underwent MBE to reach a minimum threshold then the incidence and spread of immoral behaviours could be significantly reduced, even in those who have not received MBE.
Humanist transfer of knowledge from foreign lands: modes of cognitive perception of the world among Florentine travelers to America between 1490 and 1530
Authors: Tiller Elisabeth
Published: October 2020

In fifteenth and sixteenth century Italy, even before the beginning of the Age of Discovery, numerous (travel) reports were written by commercial travellers to Asian countries, soon followed by those to the Americas and the African coastal regions. In Florence, which was a Renaissance center of cultural innovation and a financially powerful hub for the exchange of knowledge, ideas, techniques and strategies, reports from Florentine travelers received particular attention. These epistemic materializations transformed, in primary emplotments, newfound material reality and real-space travel events into codified knowledge. Once they arrived Europe and circulated among European scholars, these cultural materials were then stored in further processes of knowledge materialization. Such secondary emplotments, from 1492 on, refer to a (geographically and historically) global framework that enforces the generation and classification of knowledge. For these purposes reports from travelling authors who already use a humanist standard of knowledge—like the erudite Florentine travelers Vespucci and Verrazzano—are able to deliver precious epistemic material, that, beyond the requirements of power politics, will contribute to re-coding not only the European perspective on the world, but especially the knowledge of the others.
Response to trametinib treatment in progressive pediatric low-grade glioma patients
Authors: Selt Florian , van Tilburg Cornelis M. , Bison Brigitte , Sievers Philipp , Harting Inga , Ecker Jonas , Pajtler Kristian W. , Sahm Felix , Bahr Annabelle , Simon Michèle , Jones David T. W. , Well Lennart , Mautner Victor-Felix , Capper David , Hernáiz Driever Pablo , Gnekow Astrid , Pfister Stefan M. , Witt Olaf , Milde Till
Published: October 2020

Introduction

A hallmark of pediatric low-grade glioma (pLGG) is aberrant signaling of the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. Hence, inhibition of MAPK signaling using small molecule inhibitors such as MEK inhibitors (MEKi) may be a promising strategy.

Methods

In this multi-center retrospective centrally reviewed study, we analyzed 18 patients treated with the MEKi trametinib for progressive pLGG as an individual treatment decision between 2015 and 2019. We have investigated radiological response as per central radiology review, molecular classification and investigator observed toxicity.

Results

We observed 6 partial responses (PR), 2 minor responses (MR), and 10 stable diseases (SD) as best overall responses. Disease control rate (DCR) was 100% under therapy. Responses were observed in KIAA1549:BRAF- as well as neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1)-driven tumors. Median treatment time was 12.5 months (range: 2 to 27 months). Progressive disease was observed in three patients after cessation of trametinib treatment within a median time of 3 (2–4) months. Therapy related adverse events occurred in 16/18 patients (89%). Eight of 18 patients (44%) experienced severe adverse events (CTCAE III and/or IV; most commonly skin rash and paronychia) requiring dose reduction in 6/18 patients (33%), and discontinuation of treatment in 2/18 patients (11%).

Conclusions

Trametinib was an active and feasible treatment for progressive pLGG leading to disease control in all patients. However, treatment related toxicity interfered with treatment in individual patients, and disease control after MEKi withdrawal was not sustained in a fraction of patients. Our data support in-class efficacy of MEKi in pLGGs and necessity for upfront randomized testing of trametinib against current standard chemotherapy regimens.
Immediate rewards or delayed gratification? A conjoint survey experiment of the public’s policy preferences
Authors: Christensen Henrik Serup , Rapeli Lauri
Published: October 2020

Previous scholarship has focused primarily on how citizens’ form policy preferences and how those preferences are taken into account in democratic decision-making. However, the temporal aspect of policy preferences has received little attention, although many significant societal problems have consequences that extend far into the future. To fill the gap, we examine to what extent citizens are willing to support policies, when rewards can only be expected after several electoral cycles. Using a conjoint survey experiment, we demonstrate that while a slight tendency towards more immediate policy rewards is discernible, citizens are not as impatient as has been widely assumed. In contrast with previous research, political trust does not affect the impact of the time horizon of policy choice. Instead, we find that people with higher education are more likely to choose policies the benefits of which materialize in the distant future. These findings add to the growing evidence which suggests that citizens’ short-sightedness is not a very strong driver of democratic myopia.
Explaining value: on Orsi and Garcia’s explanatory objection to the fitting-attitude analysis
Authors: Rabinowicz Wlodek , Rønnow-Rasmussen Toni
Published: October 2020

Orsi and Garcia (Philos Stud, 2020, 10.1007/s11098-020-01471-6) argue that fitting-attitude analysis of value (FA-analysis, for short) is vulnerable to an explanatory objection. On FA-analysis, for an object to be valuable is for it to be a fitting target of an attitude—a pro-attitude if its value is positive and a con-attitude if it is negative. For different kinds of value different kinds of attitudes are fitting: desire for desirability, admiration for admirability, etc. To explain the fittingness relation we therefor need to appeal to the features of the relevant attitude, but these seldom, if ever, are needed for explaining the object’s value. This explanatory disparity between the analysans and the analysandum implies that FA-analysis must be incorrect. In our reply to Orsi and Garcia, we provide a refutation of their objection. We argue that the features of a fitting attitude do have a right place in the explanation of an object’s value, even though they are not among the properties that make the object valuable. They help to explain this value-making relation itself.
Saving the armchair by experiment: what works in economics doesn’t work in philosophy
Authors: de Bruin Boudewijn
Published: October 2020

Financial incentives, learning (feedback and repetition), group consultation, and increased experimental control are among the experimental techniques economists have successfully used to deflect thebehavioral challengeposed by research conducted by such scholars as Tversky and Kahneman. These techniques save the economic armchair to the extent that they align laypeople judgments with economic theory by increasing cognitive effort and reflection in experimental subjects. It is natural to hypothesize that a similar strategy might work to address theexperimentalorrestrictionist challengeto armchair philosophy. To test this hypothesis, a randomized controlled experiment was carried out (for incentives and learning), as well as two lab experiments (for group consultation, and for experimental control). Three types of knowledge attribution tasks were used (Gettier cases, false belief cases, and cases in which there is knowledge on the consensus/orthodox understanding). No support for the hypothesis was found. The paper describes the close similarities between the economist’s response to the behavioral challenge, and the expertise defense against the experimental challenge, and presents the experiments, results, and an array of robustness checks. The upshot is that these results make the experimental challenge all the more forceful.
Nuclear operators on Banach function spaces
Authors: Nowak Marian
Published: October 2020

Let X be a Banach space and E be a perfect Banach function space over a finite measure space $$(\Omega ,\Sigma ,\lambda )$$

(
Ω
,
Σ
,
λ
)

such that $$L^\infty \subset E\subset L^1$$

L
∞

⊂
E
⊂

L
1

. Let $$E'$$

E
′

denote the Köthe dual of E and $$\tau (E,E')$$

τ
(
E
,

E
′

)

stand for the natural Mackey topology on E. It is shown that every nuclear operator $$T:E\rightarrow X$$

T
:
E
→
X

between the locally convex space $$(E,\tau (E,E'))$$

(
E
,
τ

(
E
,

E
′

)

)

and a Banach space X is Bochner representable. In particular, we obtain that a linear operator $$T:L^\infty \rightarrow X$$

T
:

L
∞

→
X

between the locally convex space $$(L^\infty ,\tau (L^\infty ,L^1))$$

(

L
∞

,
τ

(

L
∞

,

L
1

)

)

and a Banach space X is nuclear if and only if its representing measure $$m_T:\Sigma \rightarrow X$$

m
T

:
Σ
→
X

has the Radon-Nikodym property and $$|m_T|(\Omega )=\Vert T\Vert _{nuc}$$

|

m
T

|

(
Ω
)

=
‖
T
‖

nuc

(= the nuclear norm of T). As an application, it is shown that some natural kernel operators on $$L^\infty $$

L
∞

are nuclear. Moreover, it is shown that every nuclear operator $$T:L^\infty \rightarrow X$$

T
:

L
∞

→
X

admits a factorization through some Orlicz space $$L^\varphi $$

L
φ

, that is, $$T=S\circ i_\infty $$

T
=
S
∘

i
∞

, where $$S:L^\varphi \rightarrow X$$

S
:

L
φ

→
X

is a Bochner representable and compact operator and $$i_\infty :L^\infty \rightarrow L^\varphi $$

i
∞

:

L
∞

→

L
φ

is the inclusion map.
The Solar Event of 14 – 15 July 2012 and Its Geoeffectiveness
Authors: Gil Agnieszka , Modzelewska Renata , Moskwa Szczepan , Siluszyk Agnieszka , Siluszyk Marek , Wawrzynczak Anna , Pozoga Mariusz , Tomasik Lukasz
Published: October 2020

During Solar Cycle 24, which started at the end of 2008, the Sun was calm, and there were not many spectacular geoeffective events. In this article, we analyze the geomagnetic storm that happened on 15 July 2012 during the 602nd anniversary of the Polish Battle of Grunwald, thus we propose this event to be called the “Battle of Grunwald Day Storm”. According to NOAA scale, it was a G3 geomagnetic storm with a southward component of the heliospheric magnetic field, $Bz$
B
z
, falling to −20 nT, minimum Dst index of −139 nT, AE index of 1368 nT, and Ap index of 132 nT. It was preceded by a solar flare class X1.4 on 12 July. This geomagnetic storm was associated with the fast halo coronal mass ejection at 16:48:05 UT on 12 July, first appearance in the Large Angle and Spectroscopic Coronagraph C2, with a plane-of-sky speed of 885 km s−1 and maximum of 1415 km s−1. This geomagnetic storm was classified as the fourth strongest geomagnetic storm of Solar Cycle 24. At that time, a significant growth in the failures of the Polish electric transmission lines was observed, which could have a solar origin.
The human side in Structural Chemistry—a survey of 30 years
Authors: Hargittai Balazs , Hargittai Istvan
Published: October 2020

The journal Structural Chemistry has published reports of original research and reviews of research areas in all field of structural chemistry, creating and disseminating new knowledge, uncovering variations and regularities in structural information, and fostering discussions among scientists. In addition, from time to time, it communicates papers concerned with the history of the science of structures, obituaries of structural chemists, and reviews of books related to structural chemistry. These contributions that could be covered by the term of “the human side” are surveyed in this paper using the occasion of celebrating the 30-year anniversary of launching this periodical.
Towards Experimental Handbooks in Catalysis
Authors: Trunschke Annette , Bellini Giulia , Boniface Maxime , Carey Spencer J. , Dong Jinhu , Erdem Ezgi , Foppa Lucas , Frandsen Wiebke , Geske Michael , Ghiringhelli Luca M. , Girgsdies Frank , Hanna Rania , Hashagen Maike , Hävecker Michael , Huff Gregory , Knop-Gericke Axel , Koch Gregor , Kraus Peter , Kröhnert Jutta , Kube Pierre , Lohr Stephen , Lunkenbein Thomas , Masliuk Liudmyla , Naumann d’Alnoncourt Raoul , Omojola Toyin , Pratsch Christoph , Richter Sven , Rohner Christian , Rosowski Frank , Rüther Frederik , Scheffler Matthias , Schlögl Robert , Tarasov Andrey , Teschner Detre , Timpe Olaf , Trunschke Philipp , Wang Yuanqing , Wrabetz Sabine
Published: October 2020

The “Seven Pillars” of oxidation catalysis proposed by Robert K. Grasselli represent an early example of phenomenological descriptors in the field of heterogeneous catalysis. Major advances in the theoretical description of catalytic reactions have been achieved in recent years and new catalysts are predicted today by using computational methods. To tackle the immense complexity of high-performance systems in reactions where selectivity is a major issue, analysis of scientific data by artificial intelligence and data science provides new opportunities for achieving improved understanding. Modern data analytics require data of highest quality and sufficient diversity. Existing data, however, frequently do not comply with these constraints. Therefore, new concepts of data generation and management are needed. Herein we present a basic approach in defining best practice procedures of measuring consistent data sets in heterogeneous catalysis using “handbooks”. Selective oxidation of short-chain alkanes over mixed metal oxide catalysts was selected as an example.
The effect of intermittent hypoxia and fecal microbiota of OSAS on genes associated with colorectal cancer
Authors: Gao Jia , Cao Hailong , Zhang Qiang , Wang Bangmao
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the common causes of cancer death worldwide. Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), sharing many risk factors in common with CRC, is prevalent among CRC patients. OSAS may promote the CRC development independently but the mechanism is still unknown. Intermittent hypoxia (IH) is one of the characteristics of OSAS, and hypoxia may influence the genes associated with CRC. Intestinal microbiota plays important role in CRC carcinogenesis, and OSAS patients have been shown to have intestinal microbiota dysbiosis. We hypothesized that IH and intestinal microbiota dysbiosis may be involved for CRC in patients with OSAS.

Methods

We established precancerous cell models of CRC with Immorto-Min colonic epithelial (IMCE) cells. First, the cells were exposed to IH in a special chamber for 4 h, 8 h, and 12 h. Feces from 6 patients with OSAS and 6 healthy controls were collected and made into sterile fecal fluid for incubation with IMCE cells for 12 h. The cells were then exposed to IH for 4 h, 8 h, and 12 h. After IH exposure, the expressions of genes and inflammation cytokines associated with CRC, such as β-catenin, STAT3, HIF-1α, IL-6, TNF-α, c-myc, and cyclinD1, were tested.

Results

IH activated the expression of HIF-1α and STAT3 both in mRNA and protein level (HIF-1α:P= 0.015 for mRNA level,P= 0.027 for protein level; STAT3:P= 0.023 for mRNA level,P= 0.023 for protein level), and promoted p-STAT3 shifting to the nucleus (P= 0.023). The mRNA of β-catenin (P= 0.022) and cyclinD1 (P= 0.023) was elevated, but there was no change for the β-catenin protein in the nucleus. Gut microbiota of OSAS patients promoted the expression of STAT3 (protein level: 0 h:P= 0.037; 4 h:P= 0.046; 8 h:P= 0.049; 12 h:P= 0.037), promoted p-STAT3 (4 h:P =0.049; 8 h:P =0.046; 12 h:P =0.046) shifting to the nucleus, and also elevated the expression of IL-6 and TNF-α in mRNA level at 4 h (IL-6:P= 0.037, TNF-α:P= 0.037) and 8 h (IL-6:P= 0.037, TNF-α:P= 0.037). The protein of β-catenin in the nucleus was not affected by IH and gut microbiota from OSAS.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that IH and gut microbiota of patients with OSAS activated HIF-1α expression and STAT3 pathway in IMCE cells, with no influence on β-catenin pathway, which suggested that IH, STAT3 pathway, chronic inflammation, and intestinal microbiota dysbiosis may be involved in CRC carcinogenesis correlated with OSAS These findings must be interpreted cautiously and further research is necessary to clarify the causative steps in CRC development.
Experimental Research and Numerical Simulation of Ejector Precipitator in a Fully Mechanized Mining Face
Authors: Zhai Guodong , Zhang Wentao , Li Yaozong , Lu Xinghao , Hu Wenyuan
Published: October 2020

In order to effectively reduce the coal dust concentration in a fully mechanized mining face, this research used laboratory experiment, numerical simulation, and field test to conduct an in-depth exploration of the ejector precipitator installed at the low-level caving coal hydraulic support. Firstly, through the experimental platform in the laboratory, the dust removal effect of the nozzle with different structural parameters was tested, and the 3D particle dynamic analyzer was adopted to verify its atomization characteristics; then, the structural parameters corresponding to the nozzle in the best test results were obtained. Secondly, by using Fluent, the negative pressure flow field in the ejector barrel was numerically simulated. The results indicated that when the pressure of supply water was 12 MPa, the negative pressure value formed in the flow field was the lowest and the inspiratory velocity was the largest, which was conducive to dust removal. Finally, the tests of liquid–gas ratio and dust removal ratio were carried out in a fully mechanized mining face. The results showed that when the nozzle specification recommended by the experiment and the pressure of supply water recommended by the numerical simulation were used, the removal ratios of the total coal dust and the respirable coal dust were 89.5% and 91.0%, respectively, at the measuring point of the highest coal dust concentration. It indicates that the ejector precipitator has a good application effect in reducing the coal dust concentration in a fully mechanized mining face and improving the work environment of coal mine workers.
Maschinelles Lernen mit Aussagen zur Modellkompetenz
Authors: Krüger Dirk , Krell Moritz
Published: October 2020

Verfahren des maschinellen Lernens können dazu beitragen, Aussagen in Aufgaben im offenen Format in großen Stichproben zu analysieren. Am Beispiel von Aussagen von Biologielehrkräften, Biologie-Lehramtsstudierenden und Fachdidaktiker*innen zu den fünf Teilkompetenzen von Modellkompetenz (NTraining = 456; NKlassifikation = 260) wird die Qualität maschinellen Lernens mit vier Algorithmen (naïve Bayes, logistic regression, support vector machines und decision trees) untersucht. Evidenz für die Validität der Interpretation der Kodierungen einzelner Algorithmen liegt mit zufriedenstellender bis guter Übereinstimmung zwischen menschlicher und computerbasierter Kodierung beim Training (345–607 Aussagen je nach Teilkompetenz) vor, bei der Klassifikation (157–260 Aussagen je nach Teilkompetenz) reduziert sich dies auf eine moderate Übereinstimmung. Positive Korrelationen zwischen dem kodierten Niveau und dem externen Kriterium Antwortlänge weisen darauf hin, dass die Kodierung mit naïve Bayes keine gültigen Ergebnisse liefert. Bedeutsame Attribute, die die Algorithmen bei der Klassifikation nutzen, entsprechen relevanten Begriffen der Niveaufestlegungen im zugrunde liegenden Kodierleitfaden. Abschließend wird diskutiert, inwieweit maschinelles Lernen mit den eingesetzten Algorithmen bei Aussagen zur Modellkompetenz die Qualität einer menschlichen Kodierung erreicht und damit für Zweitkodierungen oder in Vermittlungssituationen genutzt werden könnte.
Riese, Walfisch und das Jüngste Gericht
Authors: Pawlak Anna , Rüth Sophie
Published: October 2020

Im Fokus des Beitrags stehen ausgewählte Objekte der frühneuzeitlichen Festkultur Antwerpens, die – so die Leitthese der folgenden Überlegungen – als Träger und Vermittler religiöser, gesellschaftlicher, politischer sowie wirtschaftlicher Diskurse fungierten. Aufgrund ihrer aufwendigen ästhetischen Gestaltung, semantischen Aufladung und spezifischen Handhabung respektive Interaktion innerhalb des soziokulturellen Dispositivs der Handelsmetropole wurden sie während der performativen Akte zu wichtigen Reflexionsfiguren städtischer Geschichte und damit zu zentralen Bezugspunkten der kollektiven Identitätsstiftung.
Assessing Carbon Capture: Public Policy, Science, and Societal Need
Authors: Sekera June , Lichtenberger Andreas
Published: October 2020

From typhoons to wildfires, as the visible impacts of climate change mount, calls for mitigation through carbon drawdown are escalating. Environmentalists and many climatologists are urging steps to enhance biological methods of carbon drawdown and sequestration. Market actors seeing avenues for profit have launched ventures in mechanical–chemical carbon dioxide removal (CDR), seeking government support for their methods. Governments are responding. Given the strong, if often unremarked, momentum of demands for public subsidy of these commercial methods, on what cogent bases can elected leaders make decisions that, first and foremost, meet societal needs? To address this question, we reviewed the scientific and technical literature on CDR, focusing on two methods that have gained most legislative traction: point-source capture and direct air capture–which together we term “industrial carbon removal” (ICR), in contrast to biological methods. We anchored our review in a standard of “collective biophysical need,” which we define as a reduction of the level of atmospheric CO2. For each ICR method, we sought to determine (1) whether it sequesters more CO2than it emits; (2) its resource usage at scale; and (3) its biophysical impacts. We found that the commercial ICR (C-ICR) methods being incentivized by governments are net CO2additive: CO2emissions exceed removals. Further, the literature inadequately addresses the resource usage and biophysical impacts of these methodsat climate-significant scale.We concluded that dedicated storage, not sale, of captured CO2is the only assured way to achieve a reduction of atmospheric CO2. Governments should therefore approach atmospheric carbon reduction as a public service, like water treatment or waste disposal. We offer policy recommendations along this line and call for an analysis tool that aids legislators in applying biophysical considerations to policy choices.
Working time flexibility and work-life balance
Authors: Wöhrmann Anne M. , Dilchert Nicola , Michel Alexandra
Published: October 2020

Based on border theory (Clark 2000), we aim to investigate the relationship between individual-oriented and organization-oriented working time flexibility and employees’ work-life balance, as well as the moderating role of segmentation preference. We use data from around 18,000 employees from the 2015 Working Time Survey of the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health in Germany. Survey data were collected through computer-assisted telephone interviews. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that individual-oriented working time flexibility was positively related to employees’ work-life balance, whereas organization-oriented working time flexibility had a negative effect. Employees’ individual preferences regarding the segmentation of work and private life only played a minor role. Those with a higher segmentation preference profit only marginally more from individual-oriented working time flexibility and suffer only marginally more from organization-oriented working time flexibility demands.

Practical Relevance: Taken together, the study’s findings highlight the importance of the design of flexible working time arrangements for improving employees’ work-life balance. Employers should grant their employees a certain degree of working time autonomy while keeping organization-oriented working time requirements, such as changes of working time at short notice to accommodate operational demands, to a minimum. This applies to all employees, not only those with a strong preference for separating work and private life.
Prognostic Models for Changes in Memory Performance After Memory Training in Healthy Older Adults: a Systematic Review
Authors: Roheger Mandy , Folkerts Ann-Kristin , Krohm Fabian , Skoetz Nicole , Kalbe Elke
Published: October 2020

Identifying individuals’ profiles of prognostic factors that predict improvements after nonpharmacological interventions such as memory trainings may help to not only predict individuals’ future outcomes after such intervention, but also tailor new trainings for individuals with specific characteristics. However, until now, no systematic review on prognostic models, defined as a set of multiple prognostic factors to predict a future outcome, for changes in memory performance after memory training exist. MEDLINE, Web of Science Core Collection, CENTRAL, and PsycInfo were searched up to November 2019 to identify studies investigating prognostic models on verbal and non-verbal short- and long-term memory after conducting memory training in healthy older adults. The PROBAST tool was used to assess risk of bias. After screening n = 10,703 studies, n = 12 studies were included. These studies and the investigated statistical models are highly heterogeneous, so that conclusions are limited. However, one consistent result was that lower age combined with higher education seems to predict higher improvements after memory training. More studies on prognostic models for memory changes after memory training have to be conducted before clear conclusions which will help to tailor memory trainings to individuals’ profiles can be drawn. Registration: CRD42018105803, https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO
Free Surface Flows in Electrohydrodynamics with a Constant Vorticity Distribution
Authors: Hunt M. J. , Dutykh D.
Published: October 2020

In 1895, Korteweg and de Vries (Philos Mag 20:20, 1895) studied an equation describing the motion of waves using the assumptions of long wavelength and small amplitude. Two implicit assumptions which they also made were irrotational and inviscid fluids. Comparing experiment and observation seems to suggest that these two assumptions are well justified. This paper removes the assumption of irrotationality in the case of electrohydrodynamics with an assumption of globally constant vorticity in the fluid. A study of the effect of vorticity on wave profiles and amplitudes is made revealing some unusual features. The velocity potential is an important variable in irrotational flow; the vertical component of velocity takes place of this variable in our analysis. This allows the bypassing of the Burns condition and also demonstrates that waves exist even for negative values of the vorticity. The linear and weakly nonlinear models are derived.
Selected single-nucleotide variants in GRIN1, GRIN2A, and GRIN2B encoding subunits of the NMDA receptor are not biomarkers of schizophrenia resistant to clozapine: exploratory study
Authors: Krzystanek Marek , Asman Marek , Witecka Joanna , Pałasz Artur , Wiaderkiewicz Ryszard
Published: October 2020

Background

Schizophrenia is a common mental illness whose pathogenesis is still unknown. The vulnerability and stress model in schizophrenia assume that susceptibility to the disease is mainly associated with genes. Of the five symptomatic dimensions of schizophrenia, cognitive impairment appears to be most associated with the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. The aim of the study was to explore whether selected nucleotide variants in GRIN1, GRIN2A, and GRIN2B encoding subunits of the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDA-R) receptor occur in a selected group of patients with treatment resistant schizophrenia with cognitive impairment.

Methods

The study included 45 patients diagnosed with super refractory schizophrenia, all with cognitive deficits and chronically psychotic. DNA fragments including the studied polymorphisms of the NMDA receptors subunit genes were amplified by polymerase chain reaction and subjected to sequencing.

Results

The study did not confirm the presence of any of the four selected single-nucleotide variants in GRIN1, GRIN2A, and GRIN2B subunits of NMDA-R in the study group.

Conclusion

Results of the study indicated that the selected single-nucleotide variants are not associated both with resistance to clozapine and the presence of cognitive deficits in

schizophrenia. It is possible, however, that a more extensive sequencing along with analyzing the expression of these genes may reveal different single-nucleotide variants than those assumed in the study.
Salvage Penile Plication Is an Effective Modality for Resolving Residual Curvature After Surgery for Peyronie’s Disease
Authors: Deebel Nicholas A. , Scarberry Kyle , Dutta Rahul , Matz Ethan , Terlecki Ryan P.
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Penile plication is highly successful in appropriately selected patients with Peyronie’s disease; however, a minority of patients experience residual curvature or delayed recurrence of curvature. Revision surgery outcomes are seldomly reported.

Aim

To determine the efficacy of salvage penile plication for the correction of residual and recurrent curvature.

Methods

Our institutional review board–approved prospective single-surgeon database of patients with Peyronie’s disease was reviewed for cases performed from 2011 to 2019. Patients requiring salvage procedures were analyzed. A successful salvage was defined by residual curvature <20° with patient-reported satisfaction. Potential etiologies for initial plication failure were examined.

Main outcome measure

The outcomes of this study are subjective and patient-reported success of salvage plication.

Results

Data analysis identified 134 men treated surgically for Peyronie’s disease. Management involved plication in 105 (78.4%), incision and grafting in 14 (10.4%), excision and grafting with inflatable penile prosthesis in 7 (5.2%), plication with inflatable penile prosthesis in 6 (4.5%), or grafting, plication, and inflatable penile prosthesis in 2 (1.5%). Mean preoperative degree of curvature before initial surgery was 55° (30°–90°). Of this cohort, 5.2% (n=7) required salvage plication for a median residual or recurrent curvature of 45° (35°–90°). Initially, 3 men (43%) received an 8-dot plication, 3 (43%) underwent 16-dot plication, and 1 (14%) received plaque incision and grafting. Among salvage patients, 4 (57%) had initially satisfying results followed by recurrence of curvature and 3 (43%) desired correction of residual curvature. Salvage plication entailed an 8-dot plication in 3 (42.9%) and a 16-dot plication procedure in 4 (57.1%). The median time to salvage surgery was 9 (3–15) months, with all patients showing intraoperative resolution of curvature. At a median follow-up of 12 (1–20) months, 6 (85.7%) patients reported satisfaction with residual curvature <20°.

Conclusion

Patients with residual or delayed recurrence of curvature after plication for Peyronie’s disease can be effectively managed with salvage plication.
Emergency Department Use in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Data Linkage Study
Authors: Fortin Olivier , Ng Pamela , Dorais Marc , Koclas Louise , Pigeon Nicole , Shevell Michael , Oskoui Maryam
Published: October 2020

Objective:

To describe the pattern of emergency department (ED) consultations in children with cerebral palsy (CP) compared to controls and factors predictive of ED consultations.

Methods:

This retrospective cohort study linked data from the Registre de la paralysie cérébrale du Québec (REPACQ) and provincial administrative health databases. The CP cohort was comprised of children enrolled in REPACQ born between 1999 and 2002. REPACQ covers 6 of 17 Quebec health administrative regions. Region-, age-, and gender-matched controls were identified from administrative health databases in a 20:1 ratio. The primary outcome was high use of ED services (≥4 ED visits during the study period). Relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated.

Results:

In total, 301 children with CP were linked to administrative data and 6040 peer controls were selected. Ninety-two percent (92%) of the CP cohort had at least one ED visit in the study period, compared to 74% among controls (RR 1.24, 95% CI 1.19–1.28). Children with CP were more likely than their peers to have high ED use (RR 1.40; 95% CI 1.30–1.52). Factors predictive of high ED use were comorbid epilepsy (RR 1.23; 95% CI 1.04–1.46) and severity of motor impairment (RR 1.14; 95% CI 0.95–1.37).

Conclusion:

Children with CP are more likely to present to the ED than their peers, resulting in increased use of ED services. Coordinated care with improved access to same-day evaluations could decrease ED use. Health system factors and barriers should be investigated to ensure optimal and appropriate use of ED services.
Can We Prevent Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP)?
Authors: Bhasin Himani , Sharma Suvasini , Ramachandrannair Rajesh
Published: October 2020

Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) remains an important cause of epilepsy-related mortality, especially in patients with refractory epilepsy. The exact cause is not known, but postictal cardiac, respiratory, and brainstem dysfunctions are implicated. SUDEP prevention remains a big challenge. Except for low-quality evidence of preventive effect of nocturnal supervision for SUDEP, no other evidence-based preventive modality is available. Other potential preventive strategies for SUDEP include reducing the occurrence of generalized tonic–clonic seizures using seizure detection devices, detecting cardiorespiratory distress through respiratory and heart rate monitoring devices, preventing airway obstruction (safety pillows), and reducing central hypoventilation using selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and adenosine and opiate antagonists. However, none of the above-mentioned modalities has been proven to prevent SUDEP. The present review intends to provide insight into the available SUDEP prevention modalities.