bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automating Labour and the Spatial Politics of Data Centre Technologies
Authors: Neilson Brett , Rossiter Ned
Published: January 2022

Data politics traffics through data centres. A primary function of data centres over the next decades will consist of supporting the transition to automated economies with the integration of artificial intelligence,machine learningand robotics into processes of capital valorisation and accumulation. Stemming from a project that investigates data centres in Asia, this contribution positions the age of automation in terms of the spatial politics of data infrastructures. Singapore is renowned as a growth centre for data storage facilities in Asia. Yet the policy literature on smart nations lacks narratives that address the political and social problem of job loss precipitated by automated futures. Because data centres are themselves automated environments and provide infrastructure that enables automation in workplaces spread across geographical scales, they offer a strategic object for research on the varied implications of automation for labour. The extent to which data centres make worlds and reconfigure regions bears upon conceptualisations of sovereign power harnessed to the state. This contribution maintains that an emergent sovereign form registers in the operational logic of computational machines special to data centres.
Asymptotically free AdS3/CFT2
Authors: Balthazar Bruno , Giveon Amit , Kutasov David , Martinec Emil J.
Published: January 2022

Abstract

We propose a new AdS3/CFT2 duality, in which the bulk string theory has a target spacetime AdS3 times a squashed three-sphere $$ {\mathbbm{S}}_{\flat}^3 $$

S
♭
3

, and the dual CFT2 is a symmetric product of sigma models on ℝϕ×$$ {\mathbbm{S}}_{\flat}^3 $$

S
♭
3

, deformed by a ϕ-dependent ℤ2 twist operator. The duality maps the asymptotic region of AdS3 to the region ϕ → ∞, where the twist interaction in the CFT2 turns off. The AdS3 backgrounds in question have RAdS< ℓs, and so lie on the string side of the string/black hole correspondence transition. As a consequence, the high energy density of states consists of a string gas in AdS3 rather than an ensemble of BTZ black holes. This property allows us to derive the dual CFT2 by a systematic analysis of the worldsheet string theory on AdS3.
On arithmetic sums of Ahlfors-regular sets
Authors: Orponen Tuomas
Published: January 2022

Let $$A,B \subset \mathbb {R}$$

A
,
B
⊂
R

be closed Ahlfors-regular sets with dimensions $$\dim _{\mathrm {H}}A =: \alpha $$

dim
H

A
=
:
α

and $$\dim _{\mathrm {H}}B =: \beta $$

dim
H

B
=
:
β

. I prove that $$\begin{aligned} \dim _{\mathrm {H}}[A + \theta B] \ge \alpha + \beta \cdot \tfrac{1 - \alpha }{2 - \alpha } \end{aligned}$$

dim
H

[
A
+
θ
B
]

≥
α
+
β
·

1
-
α

2
-
α

for all $$\theta \in \mathbb {R}{\setminus } E$$

θ
∈
R
\
E

, where $$\dim _{\mathrm {H}}E = 0$$

dim
H

E
=
0

.
Genome-wide association study reveals white lupin candidate gene involved in anthracnose resistance
Authors: Alkemade Joris A. , Nazzicari Nelson , Messmer Monika M. , Annicchiarico Paolo , Ferrari Barbara , Voegele Ralf T. , Finckh Maria R. , Arncken Christine , Hohmann Pierre
Published: January 2022

Key message

GWAS identifies candidate gene controlling resistance to anthracnose disease in white lupin.

White lupin (Lupinus albus L.) is a promising grain legume to meet the growing demand for plant-based protein. Its cultivation, however, is severely threatened by anthracnose disease caused by the fungal pathogen Colletotrichum lupini. To dissect the genetic architecture for anthracnose resistance, genotyping by sequencing was performed on white lupin accessions collected from the center of domestication and traditional cultivation regions. GBS resulted in 4611 high-quality single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for 181 accessions, which were combined with resistance data observed under controlled conditions to perform a genome-wide association study (GWAS). Obtained disease phenotypes were shown to highly correlate with overall three-year disease assessments under Swiss field conditions (r > 0.8). GWAS results identified two significant SNPs associated with anthracnose resistance on gene Lalb_Chr05_g0216161 encoding a RING zinc-finger E3 ubiquitin ligase which is potentially involved in plant immunity. Population analysis showed a remarkably fast linkage disequilibrium decay, weak population structure and grouping of commercial varieties with landraces, corresponding to the slow domestication history and scarcity of modern breeding efforts in white lupin. Together with 15 highly resistant accessions identified in the resistance assay, our findings show promise for further crop improvement. This study provides the basis for marker-assisted selection, genomic prediction and studies aimed at understanding anthracnose resistance mechanisms in white lupin and contributes to improving breeding programs worldwide.
Genome-wide superior alleles, haplotypes and candidate genes associated with tolerance on sodic-dispersive soils in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Sharma Darshan Lal , Bhoite Roopali , Reeves Karyn , Forrest Kerrie , Smith Rosemary , Dowla Mirza A. N. N. U.
Published: January 2022

Key message

The pleiotropic SNPs/haplotypes, overlapping genes (metal ion binding, photosynthesis), and homozygous/biallelic SNPs and transcription factors (HTH myb-type and BHLH) hold great potential for improving wheat yield potential on sodic-dispersive soils.

Sodic-dispersive soils have multiple subsoil constraints including poor soil structure, alkaline pH and subsoil toxic elemental ion concentration, affecting growth and development in wheat. Tolerance is required at all developmental stages to enhance wheat yield potential on such soils. An in-depth investigation of genome-wide associations was conducted using a field phenotypic data of 206 diverse Focused Identification of Germplasm Strategy (FIGS) wheat lines for two consecutive years from different sodic and non-sodic plots and the exome targeted genotyping by sequencing (tGBS) assay. A total of 39 quantitative trait SNPs (QTSs), including 18 haplotypes were identified on chromosome 1A, 1B, 1D, 2A, 2B, 2D, 3A, 3B, 5A, 5D, 6B, 7A, 7B, 7D for yield and yield-components tolerance. Among these, three QTSs had common associations for multiple traits, indicating pleiotropism and four QTSs had close associations for multiple traits, within 32.38 Mb. The overlapping metal ion binding (Mn, Ca, Zn and Al) and photosynthesis genes and transcription factors (PHD-, Dof-, HTH myb-, BHLH-, PDZ_6-domain) identified are known to be highly regulated during germination, maximum stem elongation, anthesis, and grain development stages. The homozygous/biallelic SNPs having allele frequency above 30% were identified for yield and crop establishment/plants m−2. These SNPs correspond to HTH myb-type and BHLH transcription factors, brassinosteroid signalling pathway, kinase activity, ATP and chitin binding activity. These resources are valuable in haplotype-based breeding and genome editing to improve yield potential on sodic-dispersive soils.
Load capacity of single-lap adhesive joints made of 2024-T3 aluminium alloy sheets after shot peening
Authors: Zielecki Władysław , Trzepieciński Tomasz , Bąk Łukasz , Ozga Ewelina
Published: January 2022

The goal of the work reported was to determine the influence of selected shot peening parameters on the deflection of the Almen strip and the load capacity of single-lap adhesive joints made of 2-mm-thick aluminium alloy EN AW-2024-T3. Moreover, the research was aimed at checking the possibility of using the Almen strip deflection indicator to predict the load capacity of adhesive joints after shot peening. The analysis was carried out according to Hartley’s PS/DS-P:Ha3 plan. The input factors were the shot peening parameters: treatment time t (60–180 s), ball diameter dk (0.5–1.5 mm) and compressed air pressure p (0.3–0.5 MPa). It has been proved in this work that shot peening treatment of the outer surface of single-lap adhesive joints can be used to strengthen the joint. The maximum increase in the load capacity of the shot peened joints was 33.4%. It was observed that the load capacity of the joints decreases with an increase in the deflection of the Almen strip (in the assumed area of variability of technological parameters). Moreover, the results obtained indicate that the adoption of too intensive treatment, manifested in high values of deflection of the Almen strip, may weaken single-lap adhesive joints.
The effects of bilingualism on hippocampal volume in ageing bilinguals
Authors: Voits Toms , Robson Holly , Rothman Jason , Pliatsikas Christos
Published: January 2022

Long-term management of more than one language has been argued to contribute to changes in brain and cognition. This has been particularly well documented in older age, where bilingualism has been linked to protective effects against neurocognitive decline. Since memory difficulties are key aspects of this decline, herein we examine potential effects of bilingualism on the hippocampus, a brain structure related to memory that is particularly vulnerable to cognitive ageing. Hippocampal volume has been shown to increase as a result of second language learning and use in younger adults. However, it is unknown if this is maintained throughout the lifespan. We examine hippocampal volume and episodic memory performance in a participant sample consisting of healthy older individuals with a wide range of experiences in exposure and using a second language. Results reveal greater hippocampal volume calibrated to degree of quantified dual language use. Our results mirror those of immersive active bilingualism in younger populations, suggesting that long-term active bilingualism leads to neuroprotective effects in the hippocampus. We discuss this in the context of literature proposing bilingualism-induced brain reserve in the older age.
Cost-effectiveness of screening smokers and ex-smokers for lung cancer in the Netherlands in different age groups
Authors: Al Khayat Mohamed N. M. T. , Eijsink Job F. H. , Postma Maarten J. , van de Garde Ewoudt M. W. , van Hulst Marinus
Published: January 2022

Objective

We aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of screening smokers and ex-smokers for lung cancer in the Netherlands.

Methods

A Markov model was used to evaluate the health effects and costs of lung cancer screening from the healthcare perspective. The effects and costs of ten screening scenarios with different start and stop ages of screening were examined across a lifetime horizon in a cohort of 100,000 smokers and ex- smokers 50 years and older.

Results

The incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) of screening smokers and ex-smokers aged 50–60 years, 50–70 years, and 50 years and older are below the cost-effectiveness threshold of € 20,000 per quality adjusted life year (QALY) gained. Screening 50–60-year-old smokers and ex-smokers was the most cost-effective scenario with an ICER of € 14,094 per QALY gained. However, screening smokers and ex-smokers 50 years and older yielded the highest QALYs and resulted in an ICER of € 16,594 per QALY, which is below the threshold of € 20,000 per QALY. All screening scenarios compared to no screening resulted in CERs between the € 14,000 and € 16,000 per QALY gained. The efficiency frontier showed that screening smokers and ex-smokers in the age groups 70 years and older, 60–70 years, 60 years and older are excluded by extended dominance by no screening, screening smokers and ex-smokers aged 50–60 years and 50–70 years.

Conclusion

This study showed that lung cancer screening is cost-effective in the Netherlands.
Measuring the acceptability of EQ-5D-3L health states for different ages: a new adaptive survey methodology
Authors: Hermann Zoltán , Péntek Márta , Gulácsi László , Kopcsóné Németh Irén Anna , Zrubka Zsombor
Published: January 2022

Background

Acceptable health and sufficientarianism are emerging concepts in health resource allocation. We defined acceptability as the proportion of the general population who consider a health state acceptable for a given age. Previous studies surveyed the acceptability of health problems separately per EQ-5D-3L domain, while the acceptability of health states with co-occurring problems was barely explored.

Objective

To quantify the acceptability of 243 EQ-5D-3L health states for six ages from 30 to 80 years: 1458 health state–age combinations (HAcs), denoted as the acceptability set of EQ-5D-3L.

Methods

In 2019, an online representative survey was conducted in the Hungarian general population. We developed a novel adaptive survey algorithm and a matching statistical measurement model. The acceptability of problems was evaluated separately per EQ-5D-3L domain, followed by joint evaluation of up to 15 HAcs. The selection of HAcs depended on respondents’ previous responses. We used an empirical Bayes measurement model to estimate the full acceptability set.

Results

1375 respondents (female: 50.7%) were included with mean (SD) age of 46.7 (14.6) years. We demonstrated that single problems that were acceptable separately for a given age were less acceptable when co-occurring jointly (p < 0.001). For 30 years of age, EQ-5D-3L health states of ‘11112’ (11.9%) and ‘33333’ (1%), while for 80 years of age ‘21111’ (93.3%) and ‘33333’ (7.4%) had highest and lowest acceptability (% of population), respectively.

Conclusion

The acceptability set of EQ-5D-3L quantifies societal preferences concerning age and disease severity. Its measurement profiles and potential role in health resource allocation needs further exploration.
Contrasting protist communities (Cercozoa: Rhizaria) in pristine and earthworm-invaded North American deciduous forests
Authors: Dumack Kenneth , Ferlian Olga , Morselli Gysi Deisy , Degrune Florine , Jauss Robin-Tobias , Walden Susanne , Öztoprak Hüsna , Wubet Tesfaye , Bonkowski Michael , Eisenhauer Nico
Published: January 2022

Earthworms are considered ecosystem engineers due to their fundamental impact on soil structure, soil processes and on other soil biota. An invasion of non-native earthworm species has altered soils of North America since European settlement, a process currently expanding into still earthworm-free forest ecosystems due to continuous spread and increasing soil temperatures owing to climate change. Although earthworms are known to modify soil microbial diversity and activity, it is as yet unclear how eukaryote consumers in soil microbial food webs will be affected. Here, we investigated how earthworm invasion affects the diversity of Cercozoa, one of the most dominant protist taxa in soils. Although the composition of the native cercozoan community clearly shifted in response to earthworm invasion, the communities of the different forests showed distinct responses. We identified 39 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) exclusively indicating earthworm invasion, hinting at an earthworm-associated community of Cercozoa. In particular,Woronina pythii, a hyper-parasite of plant-parasitic Oomycota in American forests, increased strongly in the presence of invasive earthworms, indicating an influence of invasive earthworms on oomycete communities and potentially on forest health, which requires further research.
Comparison of the Agatston score acquired with photon-counting detector CT and energy-integrating detector CT: ex vivo study of cadaveric hearts
Authors: Skoog Susann , Henriksson Lilian , Gustafsson Håkan , Sandstedt Mårten , Elvelind Sebastian , Persson Anders
Published: January 2022

The purpose of this study was to compare the correlation and agreement between AS derived from either an energy-integrating detector CT (EID-CT) or a photon-counting detector CT (PCD-CT). Reproducibility was also compared. In total, 26 calcified coronary lesions (from five cadaveric hearts) were identified for inclusion. The hearts were positioned in a chest phantom and scanned in both an EID-CT and a prototype PCD-CT. The EID-CT and PCD-CT acquisition and reconstruction parameters were matched. To evaluate the reproducibility, the phantom was manually repositioned, and an additional scan was performed using both methods. The EID-CT reconstructions were performed using the dedicated calcium score kernel Sa36. The PCD-CT reconstructions were performed with a vendor-recommended kernel (Qr36). Several monoenergetic energy levels (50–150 keV) were evaluated to find the closest match with the EID-CT scans. A semi-automatic evaluation of calcium score was performed on a post-processing multimodality workplace. The best match with Sa36 was PCD-CT Qr36 images, at a monoenergetic level of 72 keV. Statistical analyses showed excellent correlation and agreement. The correlation and agreement with regards to the Agatston score (AS) between the two methods, for each position as well as between the two positions for each method, were assessed with the Spearman´s rank correlation. The correlation coefficient, rho, was 0.98 and 0.97 respectively 0.99 and 0.98. The corresponding agreements were investigated by means of Bland–Altman plots. High correlation and agreement was observed between the AS derived from the EID-CT and a PCD-CT. Both methods also demonstrated excellent reproducibility.
A study of the separating property in Reed-Solomon codes by bounding the minimum distance
Authors: Fernandez Marcel , Urroz Jorge J.
Published: January 2022

According to their strength, the tracing properties of a code can be categorized as frameproof, separating, IPP and TA. It is known that, if the minimum distance of the code is larger than a certain threshold then the TA property implies the rest. Silverberg et al. ask if there is some kind of tracing capability left when the minimum distance falls below the threshold. Under different assumptions, several papers have given a negative answer to the question. In this paper, further progress is made. We establish values of the minimum distance for which Reed-Solomon codes do not posses the separating property.
Radiosensitizing effect of galunisertib, a TGF-ß receptor I inhibitor, on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in vitro
Authors: Jank Bernhard J. , Lenz Teresa , Haas Markus , Kadletz-Wanke Lorenz , Campion Nicholas J. , Schnoell Julia , Heiduschka Gregor , Macfelda Karin
Published: January 2022

Background. Resistance to radiation therapy poses a major clinical problem for patients suffering from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Transforming growth factor ß (TGF-ß) has emerged as a potential target. This study aimed to investigate the radiosensitizing effect of galunisertib, a small molecule TGF-ß receptor kinase I inhibitor, on HNSCC cells in vitro. Methods. Three HNSCC cell lines were treated with galunisertib alone, or in combination with radiation. Of those three cell lines, one has a known inactivating mutation of the TGF-ß pathway (Cal27), one has a TGF-ß pathway deficiency (FaDu) and one has no known alteration (SCC-25). The effect on metabolic activity was evaluated by a resazurin-based reduction assay. Cell migration was evaluated by wound-healing assay, clonogenic survival by colony formation assay and cell cycle by FACS analysis. Results. Galunisertib reduced metabolic activity in FaDu, increased in SCC-25 and had no effect on CAL27. Migration was significantly reduced by galunisertib in all three cell lines and showed additive effects in combination with radiation in CAL27 and SCC-25. Colony-forming capabilities were reduced in SCC-25 by galunisertib and also showed an additive effect with adjuvant radiation treatment. Cell cycle analysis showed a reduction of cells in G1 phase in response to galunisertib treatment. Conclusion. Our results indicate a potential antineoplastic effect of galunisertib in HNSCC with intact TGF-ß signaling in combination with radiation.
Social Insurance Literacy of Dutch Workers Receiving Disability Benefits and its Associations with Socio-Economic Characteristics
Authors: Boonstra M. D. , Abma F. I. , Wilming L. , Ståhl C. , Karlsson E. , Brouwer S.
Published: January 2022

PurposeThis study explores the concept social insurance literacy (SIL) and corresponding questionnaire (SILQ) among workers receiving disability benefits and the comprehensibility of the social security institute (SSI), and examines associations with socio-economic characteristics.Methods1753 panel members of the Dutch SSI were approached to complete the SILQ-NL37. This measure was based on the original SILQ. The SILQ-NL37 contains domains for obtaining, understanding and acting upon information for both individual SIL and system comprehensibility. A higher score means better SIL or comprehensibility. Data on age, gender, education, living situation, Dutch skills and time receiving disability benefits were also collected. With k-means clustering, groups with adequate and limited SIL were created. Associations with socio-economic characteristics were examined with independent t-tests and linear regression analyses for both the total scores and within domain scores.Cronbach αandSpearman rho’sindicated measurement properties were good to acceptable for the SILQ-NL37.ResultsThirty-five percent of the 567 participants were in the group with limited SIL. Higher individual SILQ-NL37 scores were associated with having a partner (p = 0.018) and northeastern living region (p = 0.031). Higher scores for obtaining (p = 0.041) and understanding (p = 0.049) information were associated with female sex, and for acting on information with younger age (p = 0.020). People with limited Dutch skills (p = 0.063) and a partner (p = 0.085) rated system comprehensibility higher.ConclusionsAccording to the SILQ-NL37 scores, about 35% of the panel members have limited ability to obtain, understand and act upon social insurance systems information. Limited SIL is associated with several socio-economic factors. Future researches should study the concept in a more representative sample, and in different countries and social insurance contexts.
Skeletal muscle phenotyping of Hippo gene-mutated mice reveals that Lats1 deletion increases the percentage of type I muscle fibers
Authors: Nezhad Fakhreddin Yaghoob , Riermeier Annett , Schönfelder Martin , Becker Lore , de Angelis Martin Hrabĕ , Wackerhage Henning
Published: January 2022

The Hippo signal transduction network regulates transcription through Yap/Taz-Tead1-4 in many tissues including skeletal muscle. Whilst transgenic mice have been generated for many Hippo genes, the resultant skeletal muscle phenotypes were not always characterized. Here, we aimed to phenotype the hindlimb muscles of Hippo gene-mutated Lats1−/−, Mst2−/−, Vgll3−/−, and Vgll4+/− mice. This analysis revealed that Lats1−/− mice have 11% more slow type I fibers than age and sex-matched wild-type controls. Moreover, the mRNA expression of slow Myh7 increased by 50%, and the concentration of type I myosin heavy chain is 80% higher in Lats1−/− mice than in age and sex-matched wild-type controls. Second, to find out whether exercise-related stimuli affect Lats1, we stimulated C2C12 myotubes with the hypertrophy agent clenbuterol or the energy stress agent AICAR. We found that both stimulated Lats1 expression by 1.2 and 1.3 fold respectively. Third, we re-analyzed published datasets and found that Lats1 mRNA in muscle is 63% higher in muscular dystrophy, increases by 17–77% after cardiotoxin-induced muscle injury, by 41–71% in muscles during overload-induced hypertrophy, and by 19–21% after endurance exercise when compared to respective controls. To conclude, Lats1 contributes to the regulation of muscle fiber type proportions, and its expression is regulated by physiological and pathological situations in skeletal muscle.
Comparison of Anti-factor Xa Levels in Female and Male Patients with Obesity After Enoxaparin Application for Thromboprophylaxis
Authors: Wagner Jonas , Wruck Henrike , Lautenbach Anne , von Kroge Philipp , Wolter Stefan , Mann Oliver , Izbicki Jakob , Duprée Anna
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Venous thromboembolic events (VTEs) are common complications after bariatric surgery, and enoxaparin is commonly used to prevent VTEs. The risk for VTEs is sex-specific. Whether enoxaparin application results in similar anti-factor Xa activities (aFXa) in males and females with obesity remains to be determined. We investigated whether our dosage regimen of enoxaparin resulted in similar serum aFXa levels in female and male patients undergoing bariatric surgery.

Materials and Methods

We administered enoxaparin twice daily in patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Patients with a body mass index (BMI) > 60 kg/m2 (n = 11) received 60 mg enoxaparin (group 2), and patients with lower BMI (n = 86) received 40 mg per dose (group 1). Peak aFXa levels were measured 3 days after surgery. The primary outcome was the aFXa level. As a secondary outcome, we detected VTEs and major bleeding events and explored the possible influencing factors of aFXa.

Results

Women had higher aFXa than men, but after matching for anthropometric values, the two groups were similar (females: 0.17 ± 0.08 U/ml; males: 0.18 ± 0.08 U/ml). Linear regression revealed a moderate relationship between weight and aFXa levels. The 3-month follow-up was attended by 94.9%, at which one patient had pulmonary embolism.

Conclusion

Individual enoxaparin dosage regimens for men and women do not seem to be required. Weight-based dosing regimen seems to be a more reasonable choice.

Graphical abstract
Interaction of ionic liquids with human serum albumin in the view of bioconcentration: a preliminary study
Authors: Kowalska Dorota , Stolte Stefan , Wyrzykowski Dariusz , Stepnowski Piotr , Dołżonek Joanna
Published: January 2022

Bioaccumulation potential is critical in PBT and risk assessment of chemicals. However, for ionic liquids (ILs), this aspect remains neglected. It is especially important to fill this gap, because for this group of compounds, existing data confirm their risk of being environmentally persistent and toxicity. Moreover, considering preliminary reports on the interactions of ILs with lipids, it may be assumed that ILs have a higher potential for bioaccumulation than indicated by previous estimations built upon octanol–water partition coefficients. Moreover, the bioconcentration of ionizable chemical compounds may also be strongly related to plasma protein contents. Therefore, in this work, the affinity of a set of imidazolium cations and organic anions, and their combination to human serum albumin (HSA) was determined. The obtained results reveal that both cations and anions can be strongly bound to HSA, and blood proteins might play an important role in overall bioaccumulation. Furthermore, it was observed that HSA binding properties towards IL cations depend on the hydrophobicity of cations. The obtained data also provide indication that cation–anion interaction may affect ILs ions affinity to HSA.
Energy Communities and the Tensions Between Neoliberalism and Communitarianism
Authors: Laes Erik , Bombaerts Gunter
Published: January 2022

The convergent development of (renewable) distributed electricity sources, storage technologies (e.g., batteries), ‘big data’ devices (e.g., sensors, smart meters), and novel ICT infrastructure matching energy supply and demand (smart grids) enables new local and collective forms of energy consumption and production. This socio-technical evolution has been accompanied by the development of citizen energy communities that have been supported by EU energy governance and directives, adopting a political narrative of placing the citizen central in the ongoing energy transition. But to what extent are the ideals that motivate the energy community movement compatible with those of neoliberalism that have guided EU energy policy for the last four decades? Using a framework inspired by Michel Foucault’s idea of governmentality, we analyze the two political forms from three dimensions: ontological, economic and power politics. For the ontological and the economic dimensions, neoliberal governmentality is flexible enough to accommodate the tensions raised by the communitarians. In the dimension of power politics however, the communitarian logic does raise a fundamental challenge to neoliberal governmentality in the sense that it explicitly aims for a redefinition of the ‘common good’ of society’s energy supply based on democratic premises.
No Association Was Found Between Mild Iodine Deficiency During Pregnancy and Pregnancy Outcomes: a Follow-up Study Based on a Birth Registry
Authors: Cui Xueying , Yu Huiting , Wang Zhengyuan , Wang Hai , Shi Zehuan , Jin Wei , Song Qi , Guo Changyi , Tang Hongmei , Zang Jiajie
Published: January 2022

Background

Severe iodine deficiency during gestation is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes; however, the impact of mild-to-moderate iodine deficiency, though prevalent in pregnancy, remains unclear.

Methods

We extracted follow-up data for 7435 pregnant women from a national iodine deficiency disorders monitoring program from 2016 to 2018 and a mother–child cohort study in 2017 based on a birth registry in Shanghai. Birth outcomes were collected from the registry. Spot urine and household salt samples were collected for iodine testing. Single-factor analysis and logistic regression were used to evaluate the association between maternal iodine status and pregnancy outcomes.

Results

The median urine iodine level in pregnant women was 137.5 μg/L (interquartile range 82.4–211.5), suggesting mild deficiency according to WHO standards. The incidence of pregnancy termination, preterm birth, congenital malformations, low birth weight, and cesarean section was 3.2%, 4.3%, 1.4%, 2.7%, and 45.2% in the mildly iodine-deficient group and 3.4%, 4.5%, 1.4%, 2.7%, and 44.5% in the normal group, respectively. After adjusting for maternal age and education, trimesters, and preterm birth rate in the general population, the odds ratios for any outcome did not differ significantly between the two groups.

Conclusion

The present study suggests that mild maternal iodine deficiency is not associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Erotik als Teil Sozialer Arbeit
Authors: Brückner Margrit
Published: January 2022

Zunächst werden Verhältnisse zwischen Erotik – Sexualität – Liebe ausgelotet. Anschließend geht es um historischen und gesellschaftlichen Wandel dieser Verhältnisse. Dann werden erotische Gehalte von Beziehungen in der Sozialen Arbeit und der professionelle Umgang mit ihnen diskutiert. Zuletzt gibt es einen Ausblick auf die notwendige Demokratisierung der zwischenmenschlichen Sphäre.
Wissen, nicht Wahrheit
Authors: Vogel Katharina
Published: January 2022

Wissen ist keine absolute Wahrheit, sondern immer sozial determiniert. Auch pädagogisches Wissen ist eine eher unübersichtliche Ansammlung von unterschiedlichen „Wahrheiten“ – sie lassen sich aber sortieren.
Pediatric medulloblastoma express immune checkpoint B7-H3
Authors: Li S. , Poolen G. C. , van Vliet L. C. , Schipper J. G. , Broekhuizen R. , Monnikhof M. , Van Hecke W. , Vermeulen J. F. , Bovenschen N.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Medulloblastomas (MB) are highly malignant brain tumors that predominantly occur in young infants. Immunotherapy to boost the immune system is emerging as a novel promising approach, but is often hampered by inhibitory immune checkpoints. In the present study, we have studied immune checkpoint B7-H3 expression in a tissue cohort of human pediatric MB.

Methods

Expression of B7-H3 was detected by immunohistochemistry and classified via B7-H3 staining intensity and percentage of B7-H3 positive tumor cells. Subsequently, B7-H3 protein expression was distinguished in MB molecular subtypes and correlated to immune cell infiltrates, patient characteristics, and survival.

Results

B7-H3 protein expression was found in 23 out of 24 (96%) human pediatric MB cases and in 17 out of 24 (71%) MB cases > 25% of tumor cells had any level of B7-H3 expression. B7-H3 protein expression was more frequent on Group-4 MB as compared with other molecular subtypes (p = 0.02). Tumors with high B7-H3 expression showed less influx of γδT cells (p = 0.002) and CD3+ T cells (p = 0.041).

Conclusion

Immune checkpoint B7-H3 is differentially expressed by the large majority of pediatric MB. This further warrants the development of novel B7-H3-directed (immuno)therapeutic methods for children with incurable, metastatic, or chemo-resistant MB.
Spectral Stability of the $${\overline{\partial }}-$$Neumann Laplacian: Domain Perturbations
Authors: Fu Siqi , Zhu Weixia
Published: January 2022

We study spectral stability of the$${\bar{\partial }}$$∂¯-Neumann Laplacian on a bounded domain in$${\mathbb {C}}^n$$Cnwhen the underlying domain is perturbed. In particular, we establish upper semi-continuity properties for the variational eigenvalues of the$${\bar{\partial }}$$∂¯-Neumann Laplacian on bounded pseudoconvex domains in$${\mathbb {C}}^n$$Cn, lower semi-continuity properties on pseudoconvex domains that satisfy property (P), and quantitative estimates on smooth bounded pseudoconvex domains of finite D’Angelo type in$${\mathbb {C}}^n$$Cn.
Trans Masculinity: Comparing Trans Masculine Individuals’ and Cisgender Men’s Conformity to Hegemonic Masculinity
Authors: Anzani Annalisa , Decaro Sofia Pavanello , Prunas Antonio
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Masculinity and masculine norms are still relevant in the current social context. Literature showed that some masculine norms could be considered protective health buffers, while traditional masculinity has negative consequences on men’s behaviors, relationships, and health.

Methods

In the present study, we aimed at investigating trans masculine and cisgender men’s levels of adherence to different dimensions of hegemonic masculinity. A total of 200 participants (100 trans masculine people and 100 cisgender men) took part in the study.

Results

Results exhibit that trans masculine individuals showed higher scores than cisgender men on the dimensions of emotional control and self-reliance, whereas cisgender men showed higher endorsement of norms such as heterosexual self-presentation and power over women.

Conclusions

Results are discussed in light of the minority stress model and masculinity threat theory.

Policy Implications

The present work should act as a reminder of the pressure that trans masculine people may feel to conform to certain aspects of hegemonic masculinity. This may have the adaptive function of protecting them from the discrimination and threats that they expect from others.
Hilfebedarfe pflegender Angehöriger von onkologischen Patienten im Raum Erfurt
Authors: Drossel Matthias , Sperling Daniela
Published: January 2022

Durch die zunehmende Ambulantisierung in der Krebstherapie steigen die Anforderungen an pflegende Angehörige, die den onkologisch Erkrankten unterstützend zur Seite stehen. Die Belastungen, die diese als informell Pflegende im Laufe der Pflegezeit empfinden, verstärken sich über die Dauer. Spezielle Unterstützungs- und Hilfsangebote können diese Belastungen reduzieren. Das Ziel der Untersuchung ist, Hilfebedarfe pflegender Angehöriger speziell im Raum Erfurt zu ermitteln und das bereits bestehende Angebotsspektrum in diesem Gebiet darzustellen. Dazu wurden in zwei Forschungsschritten Experten und informell Pflegende mithilfe leitfadengestützter Interviews befragt. Hierbei zeigte sich ein Defizit in der Verfügbarkeit von Hilfsangeboten, die speziell an informell Pflegende gerichtet sind. Die informell Pflegenden sind jedoch nur selten über Unterstützungsmöglichkeiten informiert. Aus diesem Grund muss die informelle Pflege im onkologischen Bereich durch gezielte, frühzeitige Information und Beratung über Unterstützungsleistungen und eine Erweiterung des Angebotsspektrums gestärkt werden.
In-situ TEM studies on stick-slip friction characters of sp2 nanocrystallited carbon films
Authors: Fan Xue , Hu Zelong , Huang Wenchao
Published: January 2022

Carbon films with two different kinds of sp2 nanocrystallited structure were investigated to study the stick-slip friction with the in-situ and ex-situ tests. In-situ transmission electron microscope (TEM) observation and nanofriction tests revealed that the origins of stick and slip varied with shear stress and film deformation. At the stick stage, shear stress gradually increased with the contact strengthened until reached the shear strength to break the interfacial adhesion; at the slip stage, the shear stress decreased and accompanied with film deformation. During the sliding process, adhesive deformation resulted in the large stick-slip step while ploughing deformation led to a smoother step. Ex-situ nanofriction tests on a series of sp2 nanocrystallited carbon films with different irradiation energies showed the expected sliding behavior with the in-situ results. This study first clarified the mechanism of stick-slip friction with the in-situ TEM observation, which plays the important role for the micro and nano application of sp2 nanocrystallited carbon films.
Electricity Markets in a Time of Change: A Call to Arms for Business Research
Authors: Bichler Martin , Buhl Hans Ulrich , Knörr Johannes , Maldonado Felipe , Schott Paul , Waldherr Stefan , Weibelzahl Martin
Published: January 2022

Europe’s clean energy transition is imperative to combat climate change and represents an economic opportunity to become independent of fossil fuels. As such, the energy transition has become one of the most important, but also one of the most challenging economic and societal projects today. Electricity systems of the past were characterized by price-inelastic demand and only a small number of large electricity generators. The transition towards intermittent renewable energy sources changes this very paradigm. Future electricity systems will consist of many thousands of electricity generators and consumers that actively participate in markets, offering flexibility to balance variable electricity supply in markets with a high spatial and temporal resolution. These structural changes have ample consequences for market operators, generators, industrial consumers as well as prosumers. While a large body of the literature is devoted to the energy transition in engineering and the natural sciences, it has received relatively little attention in the recent business research literature, even though many of the central challenges for a successful energy transition are at the core of business research. Therefore, we provide an up-to-date overview of key questions in electricity market design and discuss how changes in electricity markets lead to new research challenges in business research disciplines such as accounting, business & information systems engineering, finance, marketing, operations management, operations research, and risk management.
Effects of Metal-Polycation Pillaring and Exchangeable Cations on Aflatoxin Adsorption by Smectite
Authors: Khan Ahmad , Akhtar Mohammad Saleem , Akbar Saba , Khan Khalid Saifullah , Iqbal Mazhar , Barrientos-Velazquez Ana , Deng Youjun
Published: January 2022

Natural smectites bind aflatoxins from water effectively, but the complex chemical environment in the guts of mammals and other animals can limit binding of aflatoxins. Many efforts have been made to enhance the adsorption capacity and affinity of smectites for aflatoxins in the presence of biological compounds. The main objective of the present study was to modify smectite structures by pillaring and cation exchange to enhance aflatoxin B1 adsorption capacity and selectivity. Smectite was pillared with Al and Al-Fe polycations or saturated with Ca, Mg, Zn, or Li. Structural changes in smectites with or without heat treatment were determined using X-ray diffraction and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Equilibrium aflatoxin B1 adsorption to the smectites was measured in aqueous solution and in simulated gastric fluid. Pillaring with the polycations expanded smectites in the z-direction to 18.6 Å and the expansion was stable after heating at 500°C. Changes in the Al–OH–Al infrared bands in the stretching region supported the formation of pillared clays. Migration of Mg, Zn, and Li into the octahedral sites of the smectite was observed as Mg and Zn saturation yielded a d spacing of 15 Å at 200°C which collapsed to 9.6 Å at 400°C. The 14.6 Å peak of the Li-saturated smectite collapsed to 9.6 Å at 200°C while the 15 Å Ca-saturated smectite peak was stable up to 400°C. The unheated Al- and AlFe-pillared smectites adsorbed significantly more aflatoxin B1 from an aqueous suspension than did unpillared clay. In both water and simulated gastric fluid, heat treatment decreased aflatoxin B1 adsorption to pillared smectites, but heat treatment increased aflatoxin B1 adsorption to unpillared smectites. Without heat treatment, smectites saturated with divalent cations (Ca, Mg, Zn) adsorbed more aflatoxin B1 from an aqueous suspension than the smectite saturated with a monovalent cation (Li). Ca-saturated smectite showed the greatest aflatoxin B1 adsorption, 114 g kg–1, from aqueous suspension after 400°C heat treatment. The Zn-, Mg-, and Li-saturated smectites showed maximum aflatoxin adsorption of 107, 93, and 90 g kg–1, respectively, after 200°C heat treatment. From simulated gastric fluid with pepsin, the 200°C heated, Zn-saturated smectite had maximum aflatoxin B1 adsorption of 68 g kg–1. Pillared smectites effectively adsorbed aflatoxin B1 from aqueous suspension, but Ca- and Zn-saturated smectites after heat treatment might improve the selectivity of smectites for aflatoxin B1 over pepsin and enhance the efficacy of smectite as a feed additive.
Circulating Innate Lymphoid Cells Exhibit Distinctive Distribution During Normal Pregnancy
Authors: Zhao Yiran , Zhu Yajie , Chen Xi , Lin Hui , Qin Ningxin , Zhou Zhiyang , Liu Han , Hao Yanhui , Zhou Chengliang , Liu Xinmei , Jin Li , Sheng Jianzhong , Huang Hefeng
Published: January 2022

Over the past decades, the investigation of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) has revealed their significance in successful pregnancy. Sex hormones, such as estradiol and progesterone, show specific changes during pregnancy and modulate both adaptive and innate immune systems. ILC subset distribution in peripheral blood of pregnant women and its potential association with sex hormone levels have not been well revealed. Peripheral blood was obtained from healthy non-pregnant, early-pregnant, and late-pregnant women. Radioimmunoassay was performed to measure plasma estradiol and progesterone levels. The levels of type 1 ILCs (ILC1s), type 2 ILCs (ILC2s), type 3 ILCs (ILC3s), and total ILCs as well as estrogen and progesterone receptors of ILC2s in peripheral blood were analyzed using flow cytometry. The proportion of total ILCs and distribution of ILC subsets in peripheral blood changed dynamically during pregnancy. Compared to non-pregnant women, late-pregnant women displayed significantly higher proportion of circulating ILCs, among which ILC2s accounted for the majority in late-pregnant women while a smaller part in others, and ILC3s displayed the opposite. Plasma estradiol and progesterone levels elevated while pregnancy proceeded and the expression of their receptors in ILC2s increased consisted with the proportion of circulating ILC2s. Our work first observed the existence of progesterone receptors in human circulating ILC2s and revealed the distribution pattern of circulating ILC subsets and their interrelation with plasma sex hormone levels during pregnancy. Our results suggested that the estradiol and progesterone levels might partly influence the distribution of circulating ILC subsets and implied the interplay between circulating ILCs and pregnancy.
Deception in everyday life of Japanese young adults: a reanalysis
Authors: Murai Jun’ichiro , Daiku Yasuhiro
Published: January 2022

Very little research has focused on the subject of lying in everyday life, despite the benefits such study would provide. In this paper, we reanalyze the data from Murai’s work in 2000, which examined the telling of lies and the perception of being lied to in daily life by using a diary method in which participants recorded events in a diary for a certain period of time as directed by the researcher. Our reanalysis led us to three key findings. First, we found one prolific liar in the data. This is relevant because previous deception studies have only discussed the existence of “a few prolific liars” in Asia through one-shot surveys, whereas we confirm it through the reanalysis of the data collected by the diary method. Second, we did not find any significant rank correlation between the number of lies told and the number of perceptions of lies, nor was there evidence of any “prolific lie perceivers”. Third, we found that the mean percentage of the subjective accuracy of recording was roughly 80%, which demonstrates the accuracy of the diary method. In this paper, we report our findings, discuss the limitations (in particular, the small sample size), and mention future research directions using the diary method in deception studies.
Common Health Issues Encountered by Ultraendurance Ocean Rowers
Authors: Galsworthy William J.H. , Carr James A.J. , Hearn Russell P.
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Ocean rowing is an extreme ultraendurance sport in which athletes push themselves to their mental and physical limits while rowing across an ocean. Limited academic attention has meant health issues facing this population are poorly understood. This report provides a descriptive analysis of the injuries and illnesses encountered by ocean rowers at sea and suggests potential preventative measures.

Methods

Retrospective self-reported data were collected from ocean rowers via an online 29-question survey, classified by medical system, and totaled to produce a report of the most frequently encountered symptoms.

Results

Seventy-one ocean rowers, accounting for 86 ocean rowing attempts, completed the survey. Dermatologic symptoms formed 52% (n=169) of all reported issues, followed by musculoskeletal injuries (14%; n=45), mental health symptoms (11%; n=36), gastrointestinal symptoms (5%; n=16), and neurologic symptoms (2%). Gluteal pressure sores were the most common dermatologic symptoms (24%; n=40), hallucinations the most common mental health symptoms (69%; n=25), hand and finger issues the most reported musculoskeletal problems (36%; n=16); vomiting (38%) and headaches (50%) were the most common gastrointestinal and neurologic issues, respectively. Seasickness was reported in 42% of expeditions (n=33).

Conclusions

This report presents the physiological, mental, and medical challenges facing ocean rowers. Dermatologic and musculoskeletal issues were most common and varied greatly in severity. Over 90% of reported infections occurred as a dermatologic complaint, demonstrating the importance of preventative measures such as hygiene and wound care. Continued work with a larger population is required to further understand the physiological stress and medical complaints associated with transoceanic rowing.
Introductory Incompressible Fluid Mechanics
Authors: Berkshire Frank H. , Malham Simon J. A. , Stuart J. Trevor
Published: January 2022

This introduction to the mathematics of incompressible fluid mechanics and its applications keeps prerequisites to a minimum – only a background knowledge in multivariable calculus and differential equations is required. Part One covers inviscid fluid mechanics, guiding readers from the very basics of how to represent fluid flows through to the incompressible Euler equations and many real-world applications. Part Two covers viscous fluid mechanics, from the stress/rate of strain relation to deriving the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations, through to Beltrami flows, the Reynolds number, Stokes flows, lubrication theory and boundary layers. Also included is a self-contained guide on the global existence of solutions to the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations. Students can test their understanding on 100 progressively structured exercises and look beyond the scope of the text with carefully selected mini-projects. Based on the authors' extensive teaching experience, this is a valuable resource for undergraduate and graduate students across mathematics, science, and engineering.