bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutrichemical alterations in different fractions of multiple-harvest alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) green biomass fortified with various selenium forms
Authors: Kovács Zoltán , Soós Áron , Kovács Béla , Kaszás László , Elhawat Nevien , Razem Mutasem , Veres Szilvia , Fári Miklós G. , Koroknai Judit , Alshaal Tarek , Domokos-Szabolcsy Éva
Published: February 2023

Background and Aims

Wet processed alfalfa-based products can provide high-quality concentrated protein, also contain nutrients and phytochemicals. Agronomic fortification can increase selenium (Se) incorporation into green biomass. For this reason, the aim was to investigate how different forms of Se are incorporated into the green biomass of multiple-harvest alfalfa and how they affect the chemical quality of the processed product candidates.

Methods

In this research, alfalfa was enriched with three forms of selenium at different concentrations [selenate (Se(VI)); selenite (Se(IV)); and red elemental Se (Se0)]. The fortified green biomass was fractionated into leaf protein concentrate (LPC), fiber and phytoserum, and changes in selenium content and speciation, protein and phytochemical composition were determined.

Results

Total Se content in alfalfa fractions drastically reduced within the four consecutive harvests, particularly for Se(VI) and Se(IV) forms, and significantly varied according to the Se treatments. Selenomethionine (SeMet) was the predominant organic Se species in LPC (35.7–246.0 µg g −1 DW) and fiber (9.0- 47.7 µg g −1 DW) fractions. Se-fortification induced considerable changes in the crude protein of LPC, which varied between 29—45 (m/m)%. Phytochemical composition markedly varied among Se-treatments. Besides several flavonoids, aglycones and glycosyl derivatives, apigenin glucuronide, and apigenin were the most abundant with a concentration up to 170.85 µg g −1 DW. Medicagenic acid concentration was below 1.86 µg g −1 DW in LPC.

Conclusions

Se-enhanced alfalfa green biomass could provide functional products, such as LPC, for human and animal consumption with enhanced nutritional value, including Se, protein, and phytochemical contents.
Performance of length-based assessment in predicting small-scale multispecies fishery sustainability
Authors: Medeiros-Leal Wendell , Santos Régis , Peixoto Ualerson I. , Casal-Ribeiro Morgan , Novoa-Pabon Ana , Sigler Michael F. , Pinho Mário
Published: February 2023

Small-scale fisheries play a critical role in food security and contribute to nearly half of reported global fish catches. However, the status of most small-scale fisheries stocks is still poor. In data-limited situations, length-based methods have been widely applied to estimate reference points and to understand stock status. This study applied three different length-based assessment methods (length-based indicators—LBI, length-based spawning potential ratio—LBSPR, and the length-based Bayesian biomass approach—LBB) to predict fisheries stock sustainability in the Azores. Overall, the three methods showed robustness for 15 out of 18 stocks assessed and agreed on their exploitation status. The results showed that 45% of the Azorean stocks were classified assustainable stocks, 33% possiblerebuilding/overfishedand 22%overfishing/overfishedstock status. Sensitivity analysis showed that biases on the source of initial life-history parameters, especially the asymptotic length (L∞) and the ratio of natural mortality and growth coefficient (M/k), have a stronger influence on the reference points of conservation of mature individuals (LBI), spawning potential ratio and fishing mortality (LBSPR) and the biomass relative to the maximum sustainable yield (LBB). Furthermore, sensitivity analysis indicated that, among the three methods, LBI is more robust. Our findings provide some management recommendations such as (1) catches and effort should be reduced; (2) minimum landing size should be increased; (3) minimum hook size should be increased, to be applied mainly for those stocks classified as possiblerebuilding/overfishedandoverfishing/overfishedstock status.

Graphical abstract
Fragmented and conflicted: folk beliefs about vision
Authors: Fischer Eugen , Allen Keith , Engelhardt Paul E.
Published: February 2023

Many philosophical debates take for granted that there is such a thing as ‘the’ common-sense conception of the phenomenon of interest. Debates about the nature of perception tend to take for granted that there is a single, coherent common-sense conception of vision, consistent with Direct Realism. This conception is often accorded an epistemic default status. We draw on philosophical and psychological literature on naïve theories and belief fragmentation to motivate the hypothesis that untutored common sense encompasses conflicting Direct Realist and Indirect Realist conceptions: there is no such thing as ‘the’ common-sense conception of vision that could enjoy epistemic default status. To examine this hypothesis, a survey administered an agreement rating task with verbal and pictorial stimuli to lay participants. We found many laypeople simultaneously hold conflicting Direct Realist and Indirect Realist beliefs about vision. Against common assumptions, Direct Realist beliefs are not clearly dominant, and consistent adherence to Direct Realism is not the norm, but the exception. These findings are consistent with recent accounts of belief fragmentation. They forcefully challenge common methodology in philosophical debates about the nature of perception and beyond.
How different augmented reality visualizations for drilling affect trajectory deviation, visual attention, and user experience
Authors: Wolf Julian , Luchmann Dietmar , Lohmeyer Quentin , Farshad Mazda , Fürnstahl Philipp , Meboldt Mirko
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Previous work has demonstrated the high accuracy of augmented reality (AR) head-mounted displays for pedicle screw placement in spinal fusion surgery. An important question that remains unanswered is how pedicle screw trajectories should be visualized in AR to best assist the surgeon.

Methodology

We compared five AR visualizations displaying the drill trajectory via Microsoft HoloLens 2 with different configurations of abstraction level (abstract or anatomical), position (overlay or small offset), and dimensionality (2D or 3D) against standard navigation on an external screen. We tested these visualizations in a study with 4 expert surgeons and 10 novices (residents in orthopedic surgery) on lumbar spine models covered by Plasticine. We assessed trajectory deviations ($$^\circ $$

∘

) from the preoperative plan, dwell times (%) on areas of interest, and the user experience.

Results

Two AR visualizations resulted in significantly lower trajectory deviations (mixed-effects ANOVA, p<0.0001 and p<0.05) compared to standard navigation, whereas no significant differences were found between participant groups. The best ratings for ease of use and cognitive load were obtained with an abstract visualization displayed peripherally around the entry point and with a 3D anatomical visualization displayed with some offset. For visualizations displayed with some offset, participants spent on average only 20% of their time examining the entry point area.

Conclusion

Our results show that real-time feedback provided by navigation can level task performance between experts and novices, and that the design of a visualization has a significant impact on task performance, visual attention, and user experience. Both abstract and anatomical visualizations can be suitable for navigation when not directly occluding the execution area. Our results shed light on how AR visualizations guide visual attention and the benefits of anchoring information in the peripheral field around the entry point.
Does the combination of sustainable business model patterns lead to truly sustainable business models? Critical analysis of existing frameworks and extensions
Authors: Abdelkafi Nizar , Xu Jinou , Pero Margherita , Ciccullo Federica , Masi Antonio
Published: February 2023

Business models can be created by combining business model patterns. The use of patterns can stimulate creativity of entrepreneurs and support the design of innovative business models for sustainability. In this article, we analyze the frameworks on sustainable business model (SBM) patterns, which can be mainly classified along the three dimensions of the triple bottom line (TBL): economic, environmental, and social. Furthermore, we introduce the concept of “truly sustainable business models” by drawing on contingency and system theory. We observe that the simple application of the frameworks of business model patterns by combining economic, environmental, and social business model patterns for sustainability into one single business model does not necessarily lead to a truly sustainable business model. Therefore, the combination of patterns along the TBL seems a necessary, but not sufficient condition for achieving true sustainability, and hence, the mere reliance on SBM patterns in business model design can be misleading to entrepreneurs. Our conceptual work advances research related to frameworks on SBM patterns by identifying three critical levels for the analysis of whether a business model is truly sustainable or not. The first level is inherent to the business model as a system; the second is related to the larger system, in which the business model is embedded; and the third is about the contingency factors that can impact the sustainability effectiveness of the business model over time.
Inter- und Transdisziplinarität als normative Dynamik: Herausforderungen und Chancen für die Politikwissenschaft
Authors: Graf Antonia , Loges Bastian , Schwindenhammer Sandra
Published: February 2023

Die Inter- und Transdisziplinarität (ITD) hält seit längerer Zeit Einzug in die Politikwissenschaft und obgleich diese sich regelmäßig mit ihrem Selbstverständnis auseinandersetzt, sind die Konsequenzen von ITD für Forschung und Forschende bislang noch nicht systematisch betrachtet worden. Um Impulse für diese Debatte zu setzen, konzeptualisieren wir ITD als Spektrum zwischen Wissensintegration, Anwendungsbezug und Beteiligung. Wir nutzen die Normenforschung der Internationalen Beziehungen (IB) als theoretischen Referenzrahmen, um die ITD als normative Dynamik zu beschreiben, zu analysieren und zu reflektieren. Autoethnografisch und mittels teilnehmender Beobachtung untersuchen wir ITD als normative Dynamik anhand von drei Forschungsprojekten im Bereich der Nachhaltigkeit. Konkret fragen wir, welche Implikationen die ITD für Forschende und Forschung in der Politikwissenschaft hat. Im Ergebnis zeigt sich, dass ITD sowohl Chancen als auch Herausforderungen bietet. Vor dem Hintergrund der Wissensintegration diskutieren wir die Bedeutung einer an den großen gesellschaftlichen Fragen teilhabenden Politikwissenschaft im Kontrast zu den Präferenzen der ITD für ein bestimmtes Wissens- und Forschungsverständnis. Den Anwendungsbezug der ITD reflektieren wir im Hinblick auf die Möglichkeiten zur Problemlösung und Outputorientierung. Zudem betrachten wir das Teilhabepostulat der ITD und wägen potenzielle demokratisierende Effekte mit den Bedingungen ab, unter denen diese realisiert werden könnten. Abschließend gehen wir darauf ein, wo weitere Forschung sinnvoll erscheint, um die Reflexion über ITD weiter fortzuschreiben.
Is the EU shirking responsibility for its deforestation footprint in tropical countries? Power, material, and epistemic inequalities in the EU’s global environmental governance
Authors: Kumeh Eric Mensah , Ramcilovic-Suominen Sabaheta
Published: February 2023

This paper critically examines the European Union’s (EU) role in tropical deforestation and the bloc’s actions to mitigate it. We focus on two EU policy communications aimed at the challenge: stepping up EU action to protect and restore the world's forests and the EU updated bioeconomy strategy. In addition, we refer to the European Green Deal, which articulates the bloc’s overarching vision for sustainability and transformations. We find that by casting deforestation as a production problem and a governance challenge on the supply side, these policies deflect attention from some of the key drivers of tropical deforestation—the EU’s overconsumption of deforestation-related commodities and asymmetric market and trade power relations. The diversion allows the EU unfettered access to agro-commodities and biofuels, which are important inputs to the EU’s green transition and bio-based economy. Upholding a ‘sustainability image’ within the EU, an overly business-as-usual approach has taken precedence over transformative policies, enabling multinational corporations to run an ecocide treadmill, rapidly obliterating tropical forests. Whereas the EU's plan to nurture a bioeconomy and promote responsible agro-commodities production in the global South are relevant, the bloc is evasive in setting firm targets and policy measures to overcome the inequalities that spring from and enable its overconsumption of deforestation-related commodities. Drawing on degrowth and decolonial theories, we problematise the EU’s anti-deforestation policies and highlight alternative ideas that could lead to more just, equitable and effective measures for confronting the tropical deforestation conundrum.
A Novel Approach to Analysis of Complex Crystallization Behavior in Zr-Based Bulk Metallic Glass by Non-isothermal Kinetics Studies
Authors: Biały Michał , Hasiak Mariusz , Łaszcz Amadeusz
Published: February 2023

The complex crystallization behavior of the Zr40Ti15Cu10Ni10Be25 bulk metallic glass (BMG) produced by suction-casting method was studied with the non-isothermal DSC measurements with the heating rate from 5 to 40 K/min. Three exothermic phenomena were observed for the investigated material. The novel evaluation procedure for qualitative and quantitative analysis of intricate crystallization kinetics for Zr-based BMGs is proposed. The unusual deconvolution of the DSC curves based on a Gaussian function and a two-phase exponential decay function allowed for separate, detailed analysis of overlapped peaks. The activation energies for each crystallization stage were studied based on overall (Kissinger) and local (Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose) procedures. The KAS method applied separately for both low and high heating rates showed a significant difference in local activation energies. Finally, the local Avrami exponent evaluation revealed that the first two stages of crystallization are diffusion-controlled with mainly increasing nucleation rate, whereas the third crystallization is more growth-dominated.
Prevalence and correlates of restrictive interventions in an Irish child and adolescent psychiatric unit: a 4-year retrospective study
Authors: Haran Maeve , Killeen David , Healy Mike , Brophy Peadar , Donohue Aoife , Whyte Imelda , Doody Brendan
Published: February 2023

Background

There has been a global effort to reduce the use of restrictive interventions (RIs) in healthcare settings. In order to reduce unnecessary RIs, it is essential to understand their use in mental health settings. To date, there have been few studies examining the use of RIs in child and adolescent mental health settings, with no such studies in Ireland.

Aims

The purpose of this study is to examine the prevalence and frequency of physical restraints and seclusion and to identify any associated demographic and clinical characteristics.

Methods

This is a 4-year retrospective study of the use of seclusion and physical restraint in an Irish child and adolescent psychiatric inpatient unit from 2018 to 2021. Computer-based data collection sheets and patient records were retrospectively reviewed. Eating disorder and non-eating disorder samples were analysed.

Results

Of 499 hospital admissions from 2018 to 2021, 6% (n = 29) had at least one episode of seclusion and 18% (n = 88) had at least one episode of physical restraint. Age, gender and ethnicity were not significantly associated with rates of RI. Unemployment, prior hospitalization, involuntary legal status and longer length of stay were significantly associated with higher rates of RIs in the non-eating disorder group. Involuntary legal status was associated with higher rates of physical restraint in the eating disorder group. Patients with a diagnosis of eating disorder and psychosis had the highest prevalence of physical restraints and seclusions respectively.

Conclusions

Identifying youth who are at greater risk of requiring RIs may allow early and targeted intervention and prevention.
Personality Profiles of Royal Canadian Mounted Police Cadets Starting the Cadet Training Program
Authors: Andrews Katie L. , Jamshidi Laleh , Nisbet Jolan , Teckchandani Taylor A. , Afifi Tracie O. , Sauer-Zavala Shannon , Krätzig Gregory P. , Carleton R. Nicholas
Published: February 2023

Personalities of those entering the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Cadet Training Program (CTP) are unknown and may differ to the general public. The current study provides the first known detailed analyses of personality trait, sociodemographic, and gender differences among RCMP cadets. The current study draws data from the RCMP Longitudinal PTSD Study (www.rcmpstudy.ca). Participating RCMP cadets (n = 772) starting the CTP completed a web-based questionnaire which included sociodemographic questions and the six-factor HEXACO personality inventory. Cadet women reported significantly higher scores on the HEXACO factors of Honesty-Humility, Emotionality, and Conscientiousness and lower scores on Agreeableness and Openness to Experience than cadet men. Older cadets (+ 40 years old) and cadets with more education (university degree or higher) also scored significantly higher on all factor-level scales, except for Extraversion. Relative to the general population, participating cadets reported significantly higher levels of Honesty-Humility, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness and lower levels of Emotionality and Openness to Experience. Cadets also reported significantly higher scores on the HEXACO facet-level scales of Fairness and lower scores on Fearfulness and Unconventionality. The current results highlight potentially important HEXACO factor-level and facet-level differences between cadet men and women and between the general population and RCMP cadets.
Sex differences in the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of cancer: the rationale for an individualised approach
Authors: Vera Ruth , Juan-Vidal Oscar , Safont-Aguilera María José , de la Peña Francisco Ayala , del Alba Aránzazu González
Published: February 2023

Background

Precision medicine in oncology aims to identify the most beneficial interventions based on a patient’s individual features and disease. However, disparities exist when providing cancer care to patients based on an individual’s sex.

Objective

To discuss how sex differences impact the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, disease progression, and response to treatment, with a focus on data from Spain.

Results

Genetic and environmental factors (social or economic inequalities, power imbalances, and discrimination) that contribute to these differences adversely affect cancer patient health outcomes. Increased health professional awareness of sex differences is essential to the success of translational research and clinical oncological care.

Conclusions

The Sociedad Española de Oncología Médica created a Task Force group to raise oncologists’ awareness and to implement measures to address sex differences in cancer patient management in Spain. This is a necessary and fundamental step towards optimizing precision medicine that will benefit all individuals equally and equitably.
Inxeba: Rethinking Dichotomies of Black Queer Visibilities
Authors: Livermon Xavier
Published: February 2023

In this commentary, I read the recent film Inxeba alongside Andrew Tucker’s Queer Visibilities in order to ask questions about dichotomies, the space of the rural, and the framework of visibilities for thinking through African Queer urban practices. I suggest that a careful attention to the representational practices of a film like Inxeba requires us to think in more nuanced ways about Urban African sexualities.
Wild and Indigenous Foods (WIF) and Urban Food Security in Northern Namibia
Authors: Nickanor Ndeyapo M. , Kazembe Lawrence N. , Crush Jonathan S.
Published: February 2023

Rapid urbanisation and food system transformation in Africa have been accompanied by growing food insecurity, reduced dietary diversity, and an epidemic of non-communicable disease. While the contribution of wild and indigenous foods (WIF) to the quality of rural household diets has been the subject of longstanding attention, research on their consumption and role among urban households is more recent. This paper provides a case study of the consumption of WIF in the urban corridor of northern Namibia with close ties to the surrounding rural agricultural areas. The research methodology involved a representative household food security survey of 851 urban households using tablets and ODK Collect. The key methods for data analysis included descriptive statistics and ordinal logistic regression. The main findings of the analysis included the fact that WIFs are consumed by most households, but with markedly different frequencies. Frequent consumers of WIF are most likely to be female-centred households, in the lowest income quintiles, and with the highest lived poverty. Frequent consumption is not related to food security, but is higher in households with low dietary diversity. Infrequent or occasional consumers tend to be higher-income households with low lived poverty and higher levels of food security. We conclude that frequent consumers use WIF to diversify their diets and that occasional consumers eat WIF more for reasons of cultural preference and taste than necessity. Recommendations for future research include the nature of the supply chains that bring WIF to urban consumers, intra-household consumption of WIF, and in-depth interviews about the reasons for household consumption of WIF and preferences for certain types of wild food.
Smaller Cerebellar Lobule VIIb is Associated with Tremor Severity in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Sadeghi Fatemeh , Pötter-Nerger Monika , Grimm Kai , Gerloff Christian , Schulz Robert , Zittel Simone
Published: February 2023

Alterations
in the cerebellum’s morphology in Parkinson’s disease (PD) point to its pathophysiological involvement in this movement disorder. Such abnormalities have previously been attributed to different PD motor subtypes. The aim of the study was to relate volumes of specific cerebellar lobules to motor symptom severity, in particular tremor (TR), bradykinesia/rigidity (BR), and postural instability and gait disorders (PIGD) in PD. We performed a volumetric analysis based on T1-weighted MRI images of 55 participants with PD (22 females, median age 65 years, Hoehn and Yahr stage 2). Multiple regression models were fitted to investigate associations between volumes of cerebellar lobules with clinical symptom severity based on MDS-Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) part III score and sub-scores for TR, BR, and PIGD; adjusted for age, sex, disease duration, and intercranial volume as cofactors. Smaller volume of lobule VIIb was associated with higher tremor severity (P = 0.004). No structure–function relationships were detected for other lobules or other motor symptoms. This distinct structural association denotes the involvement of the cerebellum in PD tremor. Characterizing morphological features of the cerebellum leads to a better understanding of its role in the spectrum of motor symptoms in PD and contributes further to identifying potential biological markers.
Different Silicon Application Sources and Factors Influencing Mandibular Wear in Sugarcane Early Shoot Borer, Chilo infuscatellus Walker
Authors: Veeran Sivakumar Indhumathi , Periyakaman Chandramani , Peyandi Paraman Mahendran , Jayachandran Jayaraj
Published: February 2023

Silicon (Si) can improve plant resistance to herbivorous insect attack. Early shoot borer (ESB), is one of the most solemn lepidopterans borers on sugarcane in India. Even with insecticide application, management of this pest is difficult. The management requires a fresh new approach. As a result, the current study aims to determine the effect of silicon on the early shoot borer, Chilo infuscatellus Walker, through biophysical factor analysis and mandibular wear documentation. When sugarcane leaves were treated with calcium silicate at 1000 kg/ha, scanning electron microscopy revealed the presence of silicified cells and trichomes, as well as increased cell wall thickness, silicon content, and waxes content. Furthermore, larvae of an early shoot borer fed silica-treated plants showed a complete wearing of mandibles as compared to untreated check.
Carbon nanotubes as a suitable material for electrochemical sensor used in voltammetric determinations of titanium
Authors: Grabarczyk Malgorzata , Wlazłowska Edyta , Adamczyk Marzena
Published: February 2023

We report the use of carbon nanotubes as a material for the preparation of an electrochemical sensor that acts as a substrate for film metal electrodes used in stripping voltammetry. The sensor is based on a mixture of multiwall carbon nanotubes, glassy carbon spherical powder, and epoxy resin. The properly selected composition of the sensor made it possible to obtain a new substrate, competitive in relation to glassy carbon, for creating film metal electrodes. In this work, the proposed new sensor was used to determine the trace amounts of Ti(IV) on the lead film electrode. Measurements were carried out with in situ mode in an acetate buffer by adsorption stripping voltammetry with the use of cupferron as a complexing agent. Linear response to Ti(IV) ions in the concentration range of 7 × 10–10–7 × 10–8 mol L−1 and the limit of detection (LODs) 2.4 × 10–10 were obtained, respectively. These promising results revealed that a mixture of carbon nanotubes, epoxy resin, and spherical glassy carbon powder used for the determination of titanium ions on PbFE might represent an important addition to existing electrochemical sensor technologies. The proposed procedure was successfully used as a new and powerful analytical tool for determination of Ti(IV) in horsetail extracts.
Tumor-associated macrophage-derived GDNF promotes gastric cancer liver metastasis via a GFRA1-modulated autophagy flux
Authors: Ni Bo , He Xuan , Zhang Yeqian , Wang Zeyu , Dong Zhongyi , Xia Xiang , Zhao Gang , Cao Hui , Zhu Chunchao , Li Qing , Liu Jiahua , Chen Huimin , Zhang Zizhen
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Liver metastasis, a lethal malignancy of gastric cancer (GC) patients, execrably impairs their prognosis. As yet, however, few studies have been designed to identify the driving molecules during its formation, except screening evidence pausing before their functions or mechanisms. Here, we aimed to survey a key driving event within the invasive margin of liver metastases.

Methods

A metastatic GC tissue microarray was used for exploring malignant events during liver-metastasis formation, followed by assessing the expression patterns of glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and GDNF family receptor alpha 1 (GFRA1). Their oncogenic functions were determined by both loss- and gain-of-function studies in vitro and in vivo, and validated by rescue experiments. Multiple cell biological studies were performed to identify the underlying mechanisms.

Results

In the invasive margin, GFRA1 was identified as a pivotal molecule involved in cellular survival during liver metastasis formation, and we found that its oncogenic role depends on tumor associated macrophage (TAM)-derived GDNF. In addition, we found that the GDNF-GFRA1 axis protects tumor cells from apoptosis under metabolic stress via regulating lysosomal functions and autophagy flux, and participates in the regulation of cytosolic calcium ion signalling in a RET-independent and non-canonical way.

Conclusion

From our data we conclude that TAMs, homing around metastatic nests, induce the autophagy flux of GC cells and promote the development of liver metastasis via GDNF-GFRA1 signalling. This is expected to improve the comprehension of metastatic pathogenesis and to provide a novel direction of research and translational strategies for the treatment of metastatic GC patients.
Eosinofiele cystitis
Authors: van den Ouden Dies
Published: February 2023

Samenvatting

Eosinofiele cystitis (EC) is een zeldzame vorm van blaasontsteking die wordt gekenmerkt door ontsteking met infiltratie van eosinofiele granulocyten in alle lagen van de blaaswand. De incidentie en epidemiologie zijn onbekend. Voornaamste etiologische factoren zijn allergische aanleg en trauma (operatie/instrumentatie) van de blaas. De diagnostiek bestaat uit cystoscopie en biopten van de blaaswand, urine- en bloedonderzoeken, aangevuld met een echo van de nieren om obstructie (dilatatie) van de hoge urinewegen uit te sluiten. Als therapie worden corticosteroïden gecombineerd met antihistaminica en NSAID’s gebruikt, en bij therapieresistentie IL‑5 remmers. In het laatste geval of bij recidieven kunnen meerdere opeenvolgende behandelingen noodzakelijk zijn, met als laatste stap cystectomie.
Five new limonoids isolated from Walsura robusta
Authors: Hou Li , Mei Cui-Xuan , Yuan Chun-Mao , Tang Gui-Hua , Chen Duo-Zhi , Zhao Qing , He Hong-Ping , Cao Ming-Ming , Hao Xiao-Jiang
Published: February 2023

Five new toosendanin limonoids with highly oxidative furan ring walsurobustones A-D (1–4), and one new furan ring degraded limonoid walsurobustone E (5) together with one known compound toonapubesic acid B (6) were isolated from the leaves of Walsura robusta. Their structures were elucidated by NMR and MS data. Especially, the absolute configuration of toonapubesic acid B (6) was confirmed by X-ray diffraction study. Compounds 1–6 exhibited good cytotoxicity against the cancer cell lines HL-60, SMMC-7721, A-549, MCF-7, and SW480.
Disgust sensitivity and behavioural inhibitory systems in binge eating disorder: associations with eating pathology
Authors: Brassard Sarah L. , Laliberte Michele , MacKillop James , Balodis Iris M.
Published: February 2023

Disgust sensitivity refers to how unpleasant a disgusting experience is to an individual and is involved in the development of many psychiatric conditions. Given its link with food ingestion, there is an interest in understanding how an individual’s susceptibility to disgust relates to dietary habits. One possible mechanism giving rise to this association is through the effects negative emotions have on high-order cognitive processes, but few studies take this model into account. The aim of this study was to characterize general disgust sensitivity in a clinical binge eating disorder (BED) population, and explore whether disgust sensitivity relates to inhibitory control and eating pathology. Following a case-controlled study design, our results show that: (1) disgust sensitivity and its subscales do not differ between BED and healthy controls, (2) higher disgust sensitivity in BED relates to greater behavioural inhibition, (3) inhibitory control reaction times relate to aspects of eating pathology, and (4) inhibitory control does not mediate relationships between disgust sensitivity and BMI among participants with BED. Understanding the role of disgust sensitivity in BED may allow us to understand how negative emotion systems maintain dysregulated eating behaviours with the potential to inform emotion-regulation treatment approaches. Level of evidence: Level III: Evidence obtained from well-designed cohort or case–control analytic studies.
Dysthyroid optic neuropathy: emerging treatment strategies
Authors: Pelewicz-Sowa M. , Miśkiewicz P.
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON) is a rare sight-threatening complication of Graves’ disease. First-line treatment for DON consists of high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone (ivMP), followed by immediate orbital decompression (OD) if the response is poor or absent as recommended by the 2021 European Group on Graves’ orbitopathy guidelines. The safety and efficacy of the proposed therapy have been proven. However, consensus regarding possible therapeutic options for patients with contraindications to ivMP/OD or resistant form of disease is missing. This paper aims to provide and summarize all available data regarding possible alternative treatment strategies for DON.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search within an electronic database was performed including data published until December 2022.

Results

Overall, 52 articles describing use of emerging therapeutic strategies for DON were identified. Collected evidence indicates that biologics, including teprotumumab and tocilizumab, may be considered as an important possible treatment option for DON patients. Rituximab should be avoided in DON due to conflicting data and risk of adverse events. Orbital radiotherapy could be beneficial for patients with restricted ocular motility classified as poor surgical candidates.

Conclusion

Only a limited number of studies have been dedicated to the therapy of DON, mostly retrospective with a small sample size. Clear criteria regarding diagnosis and resolution of DON do not exist, which restricts comparison of therapeutic outcomes. Randomized clinical trials and comparison studies with long-term follow-ups are necessary to verify the safety and efficacy of each therapeutic option for DON.
A Proposed Curricular Framework for an Interprofessional Approach to Deprescribing
Authors: Farrell Barbara , Raman-Wilms Lalitha , Sadowski Cheryl A. , Mallery Laurie , Turner Justin , Gagnon Camille , Cole Mollie , Grill Allan , Isenor Jennifer E. , Mangin Dee , McCarthy Lisa M. , Schuster Brenda , Sirois Caroline , Sun Winnie , Upshur Ross
Published: February 2023

Deprescribing involves reducing or stopping medications that are causing more harm than good or are no longer needed. It is an important approach to managing polypharmacy, yet healthcare professionals identify many barriers. We present a proposed pre-licensure competency framework that describes essential knowledge, teaching strategies, and assessment protocols to promote interprofessional deprescribing skills. The framework considers how to involve patients and care partners in deprescribing decisions. An action plan and example curriculum mapping exercise are included to help educators assess their curricula, and select and implement these concepts and strategies within their programs to ensure learners graduate with competencies to manage increasingly complex medication regimens as people age.
Integral and Weighted Composition Operators on Fock-type Spaces
Authors: Mengestie Tesfa , Takele Mollalgn Haile
Published: February 2023

We study various structures of general Volterra-type integral and weighted composition operators acting between two Fock-type spaces $$\mathcal {F}_{\varphi }^p$$

F

φ

p

and $$\mathcal {F}_{\varphi }^q,$$

F

φ

q

,

where $$\varphi $$
φ
is a radial function growing faster than the function $$z\rightarrow |z|^2/2$$

z
→

|
z
|

2

/
2

. The main results show that the unboundedness of the Laplacian of $$\varphi $$
φ
provides interesting results on the topological and spectral structures of the operators in contrast to their actions on Fock spaces, where the Laplacian of the weight function is bounded. We further describe the invertible and unitary weighted composition operators. Finally, we show the spaces support no supercyclic weighted composition operator with respect to the pointwise convergence topology and hence with the weak and strong topologies.
Evolution characteristics of acoustic emission and strain energy for deep granite under different damage stages
Authors: Wang Chuanle , Du Guangyin , Han Yang , He Kang , Li Erbing
Published: February 2023

The first underground research laboratory (URL) as the research platform for the deep geological disposal of high-level radioactive waste (HLW) in China is being built in a deep granite rock mass. The damaged characteristics and mechanical properties of the deep granite under loading seriously influence the URL’s construction safety and disposal function for HLW. Therefore, this paper investigates the damaged characteristics and mechanical properties of the Beishan deep granite used in various confining pressure levels through a series of triaxial compression and acoustic emission (AE) tests. Based on the crack volumetric strain model, the crack stress thresholds of the deep granite specimens under various confining pressure levels were acquired. The damage development of the specimens used in five confining pressure conditions was analyzed, and the evolution of AE parameters and strain energy of the deep rock under different damage stages were explored. The studied results shown that the crack stress thresholds of the deep granite rose linearly with the increasing confining pressure, but their stress ratios remained relatively constant under various confining pressure levels. Under the rock loading tests, the designed confining pressure levels influenced the AE hit count and AE accumulative count development under the rock damage process. The high-frequency points of the AE hit count coincide with the AE accumulative count increasing, and the maximum value of the AE hit count of the specimens used in different confining pressure conditions appears in the postpeak stress‒strain stage. Additionally, with the axial strain of the loading rock rising in the prepeak stress‒strain stage, all the strain energy (including total energy U, elastic energy Ue and dissipated energy Ud) continues to rise, and in the postpeak stress‒strain stage, Ue stored inside the rock is quickly released, resulting in the Ue/U decreasing and Ud/U increasing.
Wettbewerb in der digitalen Ökonomie
Authors: Wambach Achim
Published: February 2023

Es gibt kaum ein Thema in der Wirtschaftspolitik, das weltweit so viele Kommissionen, Ausschüsse und ad-hoc Gremien beschäftigt hat, wie die Frage nach der „richtigen“ Wettbewerbspolitik in der digitalen Welt. Auch die Wirtschaftswissenschaften haben sich darauf eingestellt: Ein ganzer Forschungszweig, die Industrieökonomik, hat sich mittlerweile zu großen Teilen der Erforschung von digitalen Plattformen verschrieben. In diesem Beitrag gehe ich auf die ökonomischen Grundlagen der digitalen Ökonomie ein, die ein Umdenken in der Wettbewerbspolitik notwendig machten. In einem zweiten Schritt diskutiere ich ausgewählte Aspekte der legislativen Reformen in Deutschland und Europa unter Berücksichtigung der ökonomischen Grundlagen. Die Arbeit endet mit einem Ausblick auf die 11. Novelle des Gesetzes gegen Wettbewerbsbeschränkungen.
Neutrino transport in general relativistic neutron star merger simulations
Authors: Foucart Francois
Published: February 2023

Numerical simulations of neutron star–neutron star and neutron star–black hole binaries play an important role in our ability to model gravitational-wave and electromagnetic signals powered by these systems. These simulations have to take into account a wide range of physical processes including general relativity, magnetohydrodynamics, and neutrino radiation transport. The latter is particularly important in order to understand the properties of the matter ejected by many mergers, the optical/infrared signals powered by nuclear reactions in the ejecta, and the contribution of that ejecta to astrophysical nucleosynthesis. However, accurate evolutions of the neutrino transport equations that include all relevant physical processes remain beyond our current reach. In this review, I will discuss the current state of neutrino modeling in general relativistic simulations of neutron star mergers and of their post-merger remnants. I will focus on the three main types of algorithms used in simulations so far: leakage, moments, and Monte-Carlo scheme. I will review the advantages and limitations of each scheme, as well as the various neutrino–matter interactions that should be included in simulations. We will see that the quality of the treatment of neutrinos in merger simulations has greatly increased over the last decade, but also that many potentially important interactions remain difficult to take into account in simulations (pair annihilation, oscillations, inelastic scattering).
Wer leitet die deutschen Bildungsministerien? Ein neuer Datensatz zur Analyse von biografischen Merkmalen von Bildungsminister:innen der Bundesländer, 1950–2020
Authors: Irmert Natalie , Mummert Kaja , Nikolai Rita , Mergele Lukas , Zierow Larissa
Published: February 2023

Dieser Beitrag untersucht, wer in Deutschland Bildungsminister:in wird. Zur Klärung dieser Frage entwickelten wir einen Datensatz, der die biografischen Merkmale aller Bildungsminister:innen der deutschen Bundesländer zwischen 1950 und 2020 enthält. Als Beispiel für die Nutzung des Datensatzes untersuchen wir die beiden Merkmale Geschlecht und frühere Berufserfahrung und verknüpfen diese Merkmale mit Indikatoren für die Größe und Entwicklung des Bildungsbudgets und die Dauer der Amtszeit. Wir zeigen, dass zwischen 1950 und 2020 deutlich mehr Männer als Frauen zum/zur Bildungsminister:in ernannt wurden, unabhängig davon, welche Parteien die Bildungsminister:innen stellten. Außerdem verfügt die Mehrheit der Bildungsminister:innen bei Amtsantritt nicht über vorherige Berufserfahrung als Lehrer:in. Die meisten Bildungsminister:innen haben jedoch bereits politische Erfahrung, wenn sie ihr Amt antreten. Unsere Datenbank, die die erste umfassende Erhebung biografischer Merkmale von Bildungsminister:innen in den deutschen Bundesländern enthält, steht allen interessierten Forscher:innen zur Verfügung.
‘Why haven’t you known?’
Authors: Eschle Catherine
Published: February 2023

This article critically examines the character and extent of transoceanic solidarity in feminist anti-nuclear activism. Drawing on archival research into a British-based solidarity network, Women Working for a Nuclear Free and Independent Pacific (WWNFIP), the article centralises the rhetorical question ‘Why Haven’t You Known?’ demanded by Māori activist Titewhai Harawira of her British audience in 1986, and extends it to contemporary scholars of feminist anti-nuclear activism. The article makes three main empirical claims. First, the WWNFIP archive pushes Indigenous women from across the Pacific into the limelight as experts and teachers, with British-based counterparts playing a supportive role. Second, the archive foregrounds Indigenous knowledge claims about nuclear colonialism and correspondingly represents decolonisation as essential to nuclear abolition. Thirdly, solidarity is shaped in ambivalent ways by these knowledge claims, which simultaneously evoke sisterly closeness and the discomfort of potential white allies. Overall, WWNFIP’s relatively successful construction of transoceanic solidarity, notwithstanding some ambiguities and limitations, points to the crucial relationship between knowledge and solidarity. The case study not only offers some valuable lessons for contemporary efforts to forge anti-nuclear solidarities but also disrupts dominant accounts of feminist anti-nuclear activism, past and present.
A lipid droplet-associated protein Nem1 regulates appressorium function for infection of Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Chen Deng , Cai Xuan , Xing Junjie , Chen Shen , Zhao Juan , Qu Zhiguang , Li Guotian , Liu Hao , Zheng Lu , Huang Junbin , Chen Xiao-Lin
Published: February 2023

Lipid droplets are important storages in fungal conidia and can be used by plant pathogenic fungi for infection. However, the regulatory mechanism of lipid droplets formation and the utilization during fungal development and infection are largely unknown. Here, in Magnaporthe oryzae, we identified a lipid droplet-associated protein Nem1 that played a key role in lipid droplets biogenesis and utilization. Nem1 was highly expressed in conidia, but lowly expressed in appressoria, and its encoded protein was localized to lipid droplets. Deletion of NEM1 resulted in reduced numbers of lipid droplets and decreased content of diacylglycerol (DAG) or triacylglycerol (TAG). NEM1 was required for asexual development especially conidia production. The Δnem1 mutant was nearly loss of virulence to host plants due to defects in appressorial penetration and invasive growth. Remarkably, Nem1 was regulated by the TOR signaling pathway and involved in the autophagy process. The Ser303 residue of Nem1 could be phosphorylated by the cAMP-PKA signaling pathway and was important for biological function of Nem1. Together, our study revealed a regulatory mechanism of lipid biogenesis and metabolism during the conidium and appressorium formation of the rice blast fungus.
Cross-Toeplitz operators on the Fock–Segal–Bargmann spaces and two-sided convolutions on the Heisenberg group
Authors: Kisil Vladimir V.
Published: February 2023

We introduce an extended class of cross-Toeplitz operators which act between Fock–Segal–Bargmann spaces with different weights. It is natural to consider these operators in the framework of representation theory of the Heisenberg group. Our main technique is representation of cross-Toeplitz by two-sided relative convolutions from the Heisenberg group. In turn, two-sided convolutions are reduced to usual (one-sided) convolutions on the Heisenberg group of the doubled dimensionality. This allows us to utilise the powerful group-representation technique of coherent states, co- and contra-variant transforms, twisted convolutions, symplectic Fourier transform, etc. We discuss connections of (cross-)Toeplitz operators with pseudo-differential operators, localisation operators in time–frequency analysis, and characterisation of kernels in terms of ladder operators. The paper is written in a detailed and reasonably self-contained manner to be suitable as an introduction into group-theoretical methods in phase space and time–frequency operator theory.