bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
OP7, a novel influenza A virus defective interfering particle: production, purification, and animal experiments demonstrating antiviral potential
Authors: Hein Marc D. , Kollmus Heike , Marichal-Gallardo Pavel , Püttker Sebastian , Benndorf Dirk , Genzel Yvonne , Schughart Klaus , Kupke Sascha Y. , Reichl Udo
Published: December 2020

The novel influenza A virus (IAV) defective interfering particle “OP7” inhibits IAV replication in a co-infection and was previously suggested as a promising antiviral agent. Here, we report a batch-mode cell culture-based production process for OP7. In the present study, a seed virus containing standard virus (STV) and OP7 was used. The yield of OP7 strongly depended on the production multiplicity of infection. To inactivate infectious STV in the OP7 material, which may cause harm in a potential application, UV irradiation was used. The efficacy of OP7 in this material was preserved, as shown by an in vitro interference assay. Next, steric exclusion chromatography was used to purify and to concentrate (~ 13-fold) the UV-treated material. Finally, administration of produced OP7 material in mice did not show any toxic effects. Furthermore, all mice infected with a lethal dose of IAV survived the infection upon OP7 co-treatment. Thus, the feasibility of a production workflow for OP7 and its potential for antiviral treatment was demonstrated.

Key points

• OP7 efficacy strongly depended on the multiplicity of infection used for production

• Purification by steric exclusion chromatography increased OP7 efficacy

• OP7-treated mice were protected against a lethal infection with IAV
BRAF and MEK inhibition in melanoma patients enables reprogramming of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes
Authors: Peiffer Lukas , Farahpour Farnoush , Sriram Ashwin , Spassova Ivelina , Hoffmann Daniel , Kubat Linda , Stoitzner Patrizia , Gambichler Thilo , Sucker Antje , Ugurel Selma , Schadendorf Dirk , Becker Jürgen C.
Published: December 2020

Background

Combined inhibition of BRAF/MEK is an established therapy for melanoma. In addition to its canonical mode of action, effects of BRAF/MEK inhibitors on antitumor immune responses are emerging. Thus, we investigated the effect of these on adaptive immune responses.

Patients, methods and results

Sequential tumor biopsies obtained before and during BRAF/MEK inhibitor treatment of four (n = 4) melanoma patients were analyzed. Multiplexed immunofluorescence staining of tumor tissue revealed an increased infiltration of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells upon therapy. Determination of the T-cell receptor repertoire usage demonstrated a therapy induced increase in T-cell clonotype richness and diversity. Application of the Grouping of Lymphocyte Interactions by Paratope Hotspots algorithm revealed a pre-existing immune response against melanoma differentiation and cancer testis antigens that expanded preferentially upon therapy. Indeed, most of the T-cell clonotypes found under BRAF/MEK inhibition were already present in lower numbers before therapy. This expansion appears to be facilitated by induction of T-bet and TCF7 in T cells, two transcription factors required for self-renewal and persistence of CD8+ memory T cells.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that BRAF/MEK inhibition in melanoma patients allows an increased expansion of pre-existing melanoma-specific T cells by induction of T-bet and TCF7 in these.
Quantification of myocardial strain assessed by cardiovascular magnetic resonance feature tracking in healthy subjects—influence of segmentation and analysis software
Authors: Lim Carolin , Blaszczyk Edyta , Riazy Leili , Wiesemann Stephanie , Schüler Johannes , von Knobelsdorff-Brenkenhoff Florian , Schulz-Menger Jeanette
Published: December 2020

Objectives

Quantification of myocardial deformation by feature tracking is of growing interest in cardiovascular magnetic resonance. It allows the assessment of regional myocardial function based on cine images. However, image acquisition, post-processing, and interpretation are not standardized. We aimed to assess the influence of segmentation procedure such as slice selection and different types of analysis software on values and quantification of myocardial strain in healthy adults.

Methods

Healthy volunteers were retrospectively analyzed. Post-processing was performed using CVI42 and TomTec. Longitudinal and radialLong axis (LAX) strain were quantified using 4-chamber-view, 3-chamber-view, and 2-chamber-view. Circumferential and radialShort axis (SAX) strain were assessed in basal, midventricular, and apical short-axis views and using full coverage. Global and segmental strain values were compared to each other regarding their post-processing approach and analysis software package.

Results

We screened healthy volunteers studied at 1.5 or 3.0 T and included 67 (age 44.3 ± 16.3 years, 31 females). Circumferential and radialSAX strain values were different between a full coverage approach vs. three short slices (− 17.6 ± 1.8% vs. − 19.2 ± 2.3% and 29.1 ± 4.8% vs. 34.6 ± 7.1%). Different analysis software calculated significantly different strain values. Within the same vendor, different field strengths (− 17.0 ± 2.1% at 1.5 T vs. − 17.0 ± 1.7% at 3 T, p = 0.845) did not influence the calculated global longitudinal strain (GLS), and were similar in gender (− 17.4 ± 2.0% in females vs. − 16.6 ± 1.8% in males, p = 0.098). Circumferential and radial strain were different in females and males (circumferential strain − 18.2 ± 1.7% vs. − 17.1 ± 1.8%, p = 0.029 and radial strain 30.7 ± 4.7% vs. 27.8 ± 4.6%, p = 0.047).

Conclusions

Myocardial deformation assessed by feature tracking depends on segmentation procedure and type of analysis software. CircumferentialSAX and radialSAX depend on the number of slices used for feature tracking analysis. As known from other imaging modalities, GLS seems to be the most stable parameter. During follow-up studies, standardized conditions should be warranted.

Trial registration Retrospectively registered

Key Points

• Myocardial deformation assessed by feature tracking depends on the segmentation procedure.

• Global myocardial strain values differ significantly among vendors.

• Standardization in post-processing using CMR feature tracking is essential.
MRI following scoliosis surgery? An analysis of implant heating, displacement, torque, and susceptibility artifacts
Authors: Heinrich Andreas , Reinhold Maximilian , Güttler Felix V. , Matziolis Georg , Teichgräber Ulf K.-M. , Zippelius Timo , Strube Patrick
Published: December 2020

Objectives

The implant constructs used in scoliosis surgery are often long with a high screw density. Therefore, it is generally believed that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) should not be carried out after scoliosis surgery, with the result that computed tomography is often preferred despite the ionizing radiation involved. The objective of this study was to evaluate the MRI compatibility of long pedicle-screw-rod constructs at 1.5 T and 3 T using standardized methods of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).

Methods

Constructs between 130 and 430 mm long were systematically examined according to the ASTM standards F2182 (radio frequency–induced heating), F2119 (susceptibility artifacts), F2213 (magnetically induced torque), and F2052 (magnetically induced displacement force).

Results

The maximum heating in the magnetic field was 1.3 K. Heating was significantly influenced by magnetic field strength (p < 0.001), implant length (p = 0.048), and presence of cross-links (p = 0.001). The maximum artifact width for different lengths of the anatomically bent titanium rods with CoCr alloy ranged between 14.77 ± 2.93 mm (TSE) and 17.49 ± 1.82 mm (GRE) for 1.5 T and between 23.67 ± 2.39 mm (TSE) and 27.77 ± 2.37 mm (GRE) for 3 T. TiCP and TiAl showed the smallest and CoCr and CoCr Plus the largest artifact widths. The magnetically induced torque and displacement force were negligible.

Conclusions

MRI following scoliosis surgery with long implant constructs is safe with the patient in supine position. Although susceptibility artifacts can severely limit the diagnostic value, the examination of other regions is possible.

Key Points

• Large spinal implants are not necessarily a contraindication for MRI; MR conditional status can be examined according to the ASTM standards F2182, F2119, F2213, and F2052.

• A metallic pedicle-screw-rod system could be reliably and safely examined in all combinations of length (130 to 430 mm), configuration, and material in a B0at 1.5 T and 3 T.

• According to ASTM F2503, the examined pedicle-screw-rod system is MR conditional and especially the young patients can benefit from a non-ionizing radiation MRI examination.
Usefulness of dual-axis rotational coronary angiography in primary percutaneous coronary intervention for patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Suwa Hideaki , Koyabu Yota , Adachi Taichi , Kawai Akira , Kotani Kazuhiko , Toyoda Shigeru , Inoue Teruo , Kato Toru
Published: December 2020

Several studies have shown that dual-axis rotational coronary angiography (DARCA) reduces contrast medium volume and radiation exposure compared to conventional coronary angiography (CCA). However, there are no studies comparing the safety and usefulness of DARCA in primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of DARCA on contrast medium volume, radiation exposure, time course of treatment, and adverse events in primary PCI for patients with STEMI. A total of 82 patients undergoing primary PCI were included in this study. Subjects were propensity matched to 41 patients in the CCA group and 41 in the DARCA group. Data were retrospectively collected from in-patient medical records and the contrast medium volume and radiation exposure (dose-area product, DAP) during the PCI procedure was compared between the two groups. Contrast medium volume [100.0 (82.5–115.0) vs 110 (102.5–127.5) ml, p = 0.018, r = 0.26] and DAP [113.4 (74.3–141.1) vs 138.1 (100.5–194.7) Gy cm2, p = 0.014, r = 0.27] were significantly lower in the DARCA group, compared with the CCA group. Door to device time (68.7 ± 26.1 vs 76.5 ± 44.2 min, p = 0.33) were comparable between the two groups. There were no adverse events requiring treatment reported in either groups. DARCA may reduce contrast medium volume and radiation exposure in primary PCI for patients with STEMI, and can be used safely, without delaying reperfusion of the infarct-related coronary artery.
PD-L1 immunohistochemistry in non-small-cell lung cancer: unraveling differences in staining concordance and interpretation
Authors: Keppens Cleo , Dequeker Elisabeth MC , Pauwels Patrick , Ryska Ales , ‘t Hart Nils , von der Thüsen Jan H
Published: December 2020

Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) immunohistochemistry (IHC) is accepted as a predictive biomarker for the selection of immune checkpoint inhibitors. We evaluated the staining quality and estimation of the tumor proportion score (TPS) in non-small-cell lung cancer during two external quality assessment (EQA) schemes by the European Society of Pathology. Participants received two tissue micro-arrays with three (2017) and four (2018) cases for PD-L1 IHC and a positive tonsil control, for staining by their routine protocol. After the participants returned stained slides to the EQA coordination center, three pathologists assessed each slide and awarded an expert staining score from 1 to 5 points based on the staining concordance. Expert scores significantly (p < 0.01) improved between EQA schemes from 3.8 (n = 67) to 4.3 (n = 74) on 5 points. Participants used 32 different protocols: the majority applied the 22C3 (56.7%) (Dako), SP263 (19.1%) (Ventana), and E1L3N (Cell Signaling) (7.1%) clones. Staining artifacts consisted mainly of very weak or weak antigen demonstration (63.0%) or excessive background staining (19.8%). Participants using CE-IVD kits reached a higher score compared with those using laboratory-developed tests (LDTs) (p < 0.05), mainly attributed to a better concordance of SP263. The TPS was under- and over-estimated in 20/423 (4.7%) and 24/423 (5.7%) cases, respectively, correlating to a lower expert score. Additional research is needed on the concordance of less common protocols, and on reasons for lower LDT concordance. Laboratories should carefully validate all test methods and regularly verify their performance. EQA participation should focus on both staining concordance and interpretation of PD-L1 IHC.
Plasticity and modulation of olfactory circuits in insects
Authors: Anton Sylvia , Rössler Wolfgang
Published: December 2020

Olfactory circuits change structurally and physiologically during development and adult life. This allows insects to respond to olfactory cues in an appropriate and adaptive way according to their physiological and behavioral state, and to adapt to their specific abiotic and biotic natural environment. We highlight here findings on olfactory plasticity and modulation in various model and non-model insects with an emphasis on moths and social Hymenoptera. Different categories of plasticity occur in the olfactory systems of insects. One type relates to the reproductive or feeding state, as well as to adult age. Another type of plasticity is context-dependent and includes influences of the immediate sensory and abiotic environment, but also environmental conditions during postembryonic development, periods of adult behavioral maturation, and short- and long-term sensory experience. Finally, plasticity in olfactory circuits is linked to associative learning and memory formation. The vast majority of the available literature summarized here deals with plasticity in primary and secondary olfactory brain centers, but also peripheral modulation is treated. The described molecular, physiological, and structural neuronal changes occur under the influence of neuromodulators such as biogenic amines, neuropeptides, and hormones, but the mechanisms through which they act are only beginning to be analyzed.
Bladder/bowel dysfunction in pre-school children following febrile urinary tract infection in infancy
Authors: Sjöström Sofia , Sillén Ulla , Bachelard Marc , Johansson Ewa , Brandström Per , Hellström Anna-Lena , Abrahamsson Kate
Published: December 2020

Background

An association between bladder-bowel dysfunction (BBD) and urinary tract infection (UTI) is well-known. However, a question less explored is whether children with UTI early in life also have increased prevalence of BBD after they are toilet-trained. In this study, consecutively selected children with pyelonephritis during their first year of life were assessed for BBD at pre-school age.

Methods

Ninety-two children (51 boys) hospitalized due to pyelonephritis during their first year of life were assessed for BBD at median age 5.4 years. A validated BBD questionnaire, along with urine flow and residual volume measurements, was used for diagnosing BBD. During follow-up, the group was well-characterized regarding renal status, vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), and recurrent UTI.

Results

BBD was diagnosed in 35/92 (38%), of which the majority was sub-diagnosed with dysfunctional voiding (DV). There was a strong association between BBD and recurrent UTI during follow-up (p < 0.0001), but only a slight association with VUR status at presentation. Nevertheless, in the group with both BBD and VUR, recurrent UTI was four times higher (12/13, 92%) than in children who had neither VUR nor BBD (23%), (p = 0.0008). BBD was also associated with kidney damage (p = 0.017).

Conclusion

In children with pyelonephritis during the first year of life, 38% had BBD at pre-school age, regardless of whether they had VUR or not. The study shows an important association between BBD and recurrent UTI, so an assessment of BBD is therefore recommended for pre-school children with UTI, especially when they have history of pyelonephritis during infancy.
Effect of scaling on the invasion of oral microorganisms into dentinal tubules including the response of pulpal cells—an in vitro study
Authors: Stähli Alexandra , Schatt Alex S. J. , Stoffel Miro , Nietzsche Sandor , Sculean Anton , Gruber Reinhard , Cvikl Barbara , Eick Sigrun
Published: December 2020

Objectives

To investigate how scaling affects the penetration of microorganisms into dentinal tubules, how pulpal cells seeded into the pulp cavity respond to bacterial challenge, and how penetration and inflammatory response may depend on the bacterial composition.

Materials and methods

Root canals of 102 extracted human teeth underwent shaping and cleaning. Half of the teeth were subjected to scaling and root planing, the other half remained untreated. Teeth were exposed to eitherStreptococcus gordoniiandActinomyces orisorS. gordoniiandPorphyromonas gingivalisfor 10 weeks. Bacterial invasion was assessed in a depth of 1 mm to the root surface. Human pulpal cells were seeded into the cavities to assess the expression of interleukin-8 (IL-8), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) by real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunoassay.

Results

The percentage of teeth with bacteria detected in dentine was higher when teeth received scaling than when they were untreated: 66.6% versus 44.4% when exposed toA. oris/S. gordonii, and 50% versus 25% when exposed toP. gingivalis/S. gordonii(p= 0.043). Scaling had no impact on IL-8 and MMP-3 expression in pulpal cells.P. gingivalis/S. gordoniicaused higher levels of IL-8, MCP-1, and MMP-3 thanA. oris/S. gordonii(p= 0.003,p= 0.011,p= 0.037).

Conclusion

Scaling supports the penetration of bacteria into the dentine of extracted human teeth.P. gingivalismay affect the immune response in pulpal cells.

Clinical relevance

Root surface debridement with hand instruments may facilitate bacterial penetration. Other kinds of mechanical instrumentation in this experimental setting should be investigated.
SFRP4 drives invasion in gastric cancer and is an early predictor of recurrence
Authors: Busuttil Rita A. , George Joshy , House Colin M. , Lade Stephen , Mitchell Catherine , Di Costanzo Natasha S. , Pattison Sharon , Huang Yu-Kuan , Tan Patrick , Cheong Jae-Ho , Rha Sun Young , Boussioutas Alex
Published: December 2020

Objective

Gastric cancer patients generally have a poor outcome, particularly those with advanced-stage disease which is defined by the increased invasion of cancer locally and is associated with higher metastatic potential. This study aimed to identify genes that were functional in the most fundamental hallmark of cancer, namely invasion. We then wanted to assess their value as biomarkers of gastric cancer progression and recurrence.

Design

Data from a cohort of patients profiled on cDNA expression arrays was interrogated using K-means analysis. This genomic approach classified the data based on patterns of gene expression allowing the identification of the genes most correlated with the invasion of GC. We evaluated the functional role of a key protein from this analysis in invasion and as a biomarker of recurrence after curative resection.

Results

Expression of secreted frizzled-related protein 4 (SFRP4) was identified as directly proportional to gastric cancer invasion. This finding was validated in multiple, independent datasets and its functional role in invasion was also confirmed using invasion assays. A change in serum levels of SFRP4 after curative resection, when coupled with AJCC stage, can accurately predict the risk of disease recurrence after curative therapy in an assay we termed PredictR.

Conclusions

This simple ELISA-based assay can help predict recurrence of disease after curative gastric cancer surgery irrespective of adjuvant therapy. The results require further evaluation in a prospective trial but would help in the rational prescription of cancer therapies and surveillance to prevent under or over treatment of patients after curative resection.
Element accumulation performance of living and dead lichens in a large-scale transplant application
Authors: Cecconi Elva , Fortuna Lorenzo , Peplis Marco , Tretiach Mauro
Published: December 2020

In bioaccumulation studies, sample devitalization through acid washing or oven drying is commonly applied to enhance the element accumulation efficiency of moss sample. Such aspect, however, has never been considered in biomonitoring surveys using lichens. In this study, the trace element accumulation performance of living (L) and dead (D) samples of the lichen Pseudevernia furfuracea was compared by a side-by-side transplanting at 40 sites in a large, mixed land use area of NE Italy for 8 weeks. Devitalization was achieved without any physico-chemical treatments, by storing lichen samples in a dark cool room for 18 months. Health status of lichens was assessed before and after the sample exposure by chlorophyll fluorescence emission. Although elemental analysis of the two exposed sample sets revealed a similar trace element pollution scenario, the content of 13 out of the 24 selected elements was higher in D samples. By expressing results as exposed-to-unexposed (EU) ratio, D samples show a higher bioaccumulation signal in 80% of transplant sites for Al, Ca, Fe, Hg, Pb and Ti. Overall, the health status of lichen samples might lead to interpretational discrepancies when EU ratio is classified according to the recently proposed bioaccumulation scale.
XDose: toward online cross-validation of experimental and computational X-ray dose estimation
Authors: Roser Philipp , Birkhold Annette , Preuhs Alexander , Ochs Philipp , Stepina Elizaveta , Strobel Norbert , Kowarschik Markus , Fahrig Rebecca , Maier Andreas
Published: December 2020

Purpose

As the spectrum of X-ray procedures has increased both for diagnostic and for interventional cases, more attention is paid to X-ray dose management. While the medical benefit to the patient outweighs the risk of radiation injuries in almost all cases, reproducible studies on organ dose values help to plan preventive measures helping both patient as well as staff. Dose studies are either carried out retrospectively, experimentally using anthropomorphic phantoms, or computationally. When performed experimentally, it is helpful to combine them with simulations validating the measurements. In this paper, we show how such a dose simulation method, carried out together with actual X-ray experiments, can be realized to obtain reliable organ dose values efficiently.

Methods

A Monte Carlo simulation technique was developed combining down-sampling and super-resolution techniques for accelerated processing accompanying X-ray dose measurements. The target volume is down-sampled using the statistical mode first. The estimated dose distribution is then up-sampled using guided filtering and the high-resolution target volume as guidance image. Second, we present a comparison of dose estimates calculated with our Monte Carlo code experimentally obtained values for an anthropomorphic phantom using metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor dosimeters.

Results

We reconstructed high-resolution dose distributions from coarse ones (down-sampling factor 2 to 16) with error rates ranging from 1.62 % to 4.91 %. Using down-sampled target volumes further reduced the computation time by 30 % to 60 %. Comparison of measured results to simulated dose values demonstrated high agreement with an average percentage error of under $$10 \%$$

10
%

for all measurement points.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that Monte Carlo methods can be accelerated hardware-independently and still yield reliable results. This facilitates empirical dose studies that make use of online Monte Carlo simulations to easily cross-validate dose estimates on-site.
Cardenolide and glucosinolate accumulation in shoot cultures of Erysimum crepidifolium Rchb.
Authors: Horn Elisa , Kemmler Yvonne , Kreis Wolfgang , Munkert Jennifer
Published: December 2020

Erysimum crepidifoliumRchb.is one of the few Brassicaceae species accumulating glucosinolates as well as cardenolides. This is possibly providing a selective advantage in evolution as both compounds are part of a chemical defense system. In order to study the biosynthesis of these compounds, a regeneration protocol forE. crepidifoliumusingin vitroshoot cultures derived from seeds has been developed. Murashige and Skoog (MS) culture medium supplemented with various combinations of cytokinins and auxins was used. MS medium containing NAA (naphthaleneacetic acid, 0.04 mg mL−1) and BAP (6-benzylaminopurine, 0.2·10−2 mg mL−1) proved to be optimal for root formation. Plantlets developed well on modified MS medium without the use of phytohormones. About 80% of the plantlets rootedin vitrodeveloped into intact plants after transfer to the greenhouse. Cardenolides (1.75 mg g−1dry weight (DW)) were detected in cultured shoots on solid DDV media while glucosinolates mainly accumulated in roots where 0.025 mg g−1FW were detected in shoots cultured on the same medium (DDV). The expression of twoprogesterone 5β-reductaseand threeΔ5-3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenasegenes were measured in shoot cultures since the encoded enzymes are supposed to be involved in cardenolide biosynthesis.E. crepidifoliumshoot cultures propagated on solid media meet the necessary requirements,i.e., clonal homogeneity, product accumulation, and gene expression, for a suitable model to study cardenolide but not glucosinolate biosynthesis.
Not just “implementation”: the synergy of research and practice in an engineering research approach to educational design and development
Authors: Burkhardt Hugh , Schoenfeld Alan
Published: December 2020

This paper builds on a range of traditions in educational research and design to argue, with empirical evidence, that constructing powerful instructional materials and approaches that work at scale requires a grounding in theory and a commitment to engineering practice, including rapid prototyping and multiple development cycles. Specifically, we claim that improving practice within a reasonable timescale requires replicable materials that integrate: (1) grounding in robust aspects of theory from prior research, (2) design tactics that combine these core ideas with a design team’s creativity, along with (3) flexibility in the draft materials that affords adaptation across contexts, (4) rapid prototyping, followed by iterative refinement cycles in increasingly realistic circumstances, with (5) feedback from each round of trials that is rich and detailed enough to inform revision, and (6) continued refinement on the basis of post-implementation feedback ‘from the field’. Examples of successful implementation are analysed and related to the various roles that research-based theory and programmatic research-based methods of development can and should play in the complex process of turning insights from research into improvements in practice. In contrast, we shall argue that materials which are written and published without the development processes (4) to (6)—still the great majority—lack research validity for use at scale.
Assignment of the Ile, Leu, Val, Met and Ala methyl group resonances of the DEAD-box RNA helicase DbpA from E. coli
Authors: Wurm Jan Philip
Published: December 2020

ATP-dependent DEAD-box helicases constitute one of the largest families of RNA helicases and are important regulators of most RNA-dependent cellular processes. The functional core of these enzymes consists of two RecA-like domains. Changes in the interdomain orientation of these domains upon ATP and RNA binding result in the unwinding of double-stranded RNA. The DEAD-box helicase DbpA from E. coli is involved in ribosome maturation. It possesses a C-terminal RNA recognition motif (RRM) in addition to the canonical RecA-like domains. The RRM recruits DbpA to nascent ribosomes by binding to hairpin 92 of the 23S rRNA. To follow the conformational changes of Dbpa during the catalytic cycle we initiated solution state NMR studies. We use a divide and conquer approach to obtain an almost complete resonance assignment of the isoleucine, leucine, valine, methionine and alanine methyl group signals of full length DbpA (49 kDa). In addition, we also report the backbone resonance assignments of two fragments of DbpA that were used in the course of the methyl group assignment. These assignments are the first step towards a better understanding of the molecular mechanism behind the ATP-dependent RNA unwinding process catalyzed by DEAD-box helicases.
Zusammenhalt und Differenz
Authors: Bunk Benjamin , Sobottka Emil A.
Published: December 2020

Eine wesentliche Debatte in Deutschland dreht sich um das Spannungsverhältnis von Zusammenhalt und Differenz, wie auch der Umgang mit Heterogenität seit jeher konstitutiv für die Sozialpädagogik ist. Vor dem Hintergrund von feinen Vereinnahmungen und Verschiebungen des sozialen Zusammenhaltes hier, wirft der Beitrag zunächst einen gesellschaftstheoretischen Blick auf die historisch wie aktuell umkämpfte Verfassung des Sozialen in Brasilien. Dort, wo das Soziale extrem ungleich ist und grobe Unterschiede herrschen, haben sich Ansätze Sozialer Arbeit herausgebildet, die sich der guten Bewältigung des sozialen Zusammenhaltes verschrieben haben, aber diesen von Erfahrungen der Differenz aus bearbeiten. Gerade weil sie individuelle Bildungsprozesse im Ringen um eine einseitig aufgekündigte Idee des Sozialen im Blick haben, zielen sie auf die Stärkung kollektiver Bewegungen, lokaler Wissenskulturen und alternativer (tradierter) Lebensweisen im urbanen wie im ländlichen Raum. Der Beitrag wendet daher den Blick, um anhand der versammelten Beiträge dieses Themenheftes vom Globalen Süden zu lernen sowie Brücken zur hiesigen Diskussion herauszuarbeiten. Sozialpädagogische Denkfiguren und postkoloniale Theorieansätze werden anhand der Frage verwickelt, wie man von einer Kritik der Verhältnisse zur guten Gestaltung von Praxis gelangt.
Watch Me Improve—Algorithm Aversion and Demonstrating the Ability to Learn
Authors: Berger Benedikt , Adam Martin , Rühr Alexander , Benlian Alexander
Published: December 2020

Owing to advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and specifically in machine learning, information technology (IT) systems can support humans in an increasing number of tasks. Yet, previous research indicates that people often prefer human support to support by an IT system, even if the latter provides superior performance – a phenomenon called algorithm aversion. A possible cause of algorithm aversion put forward in literature is that users lose trust in IT systems they become familiar with and perceive to err, for example, making forecasts that turn out to deviate from the actual value. Therefore, this paper evaluates the effectiveness of demonstrating an AI-based system’s ability to learn as a potential countermeasure against algorithm aversion in an incentive-compatible online experiment. The experiment reveals how the nature of an erring advisor (i.e., human vs. algorithmic), its familiarity to the user (i.e., unfamiliar vs. familiar), and its ability to learn (i.e., non-learning vs. learning) influence a decision maker’s reliance on the advisor’s judgement for an objective and non-personal decision task. The results reveal no difference in the reliance on unfamiliar human and algorithmic advisors, but differences in the reliance on familiar human and algorithmic advisors that err. Demonstrating an advisor’s ability to learn, however, offsets the effect of familiarity. Therefore, this study contributes to an enhanced understanding of algorithm aversion and is one of the first to examine how users perceive whether an IT system is able to learn. The findings provide theoretical and practical implications for the employment and design of AI-based systems.
Influence of linear-sprint performance, concentric power and maximum strength on change of direction performance in elite youth soccer players
Authors: Kadlubowski Björn , Keiner Michael , Stefer Tobias , Kapsecker Andreas , Hartmann Hagen , Wirth Klaus
Published: December 2020

Change of direction (COD) performance has an essential role in soccer. In the literature, there is a wide range of explained variance in correlation analyses between linear-sprint performance, concentric power and maximum strength and COD performance. Therefore this study has (1) analyzed the influence of linear-sprint performance, concentric power and maximum strength on COD performance in elite youth soccer players and (2) compared the calculated influence on the different COD tests. To answer the research questions, 67 elite youth soccer players were tested. The linear-sprint (10 m, [LS]) performance, concentric power (squat jump [SJ]) and maximum strength (1 repetition maximum [1 RM]) and COD (measured via the Illinois agility test [IAT], the 505 agility test [505], the agility test of the German Soccer Association [GewT], and the triangle test [TriT]) were assessed. The Pearson correlation analysis was used to assess the relationship. Benjamini and Hochberg’s method, which was used to control the study-wise false discovery rate, was 0.05. The LS performance had the greatest impact on COD performance with a wide range of explained variance between the different COD tests (r2 = 0.18 to 0.39). However, SJ compared to LS performance had lower influence, but also a wide range of explained variance (r2 = −0.02 to −0.29). Correlations for 1 RM and COD test were calculated with r2 = −0.01 to −0.09. Thus, (1) the greater the similarity between the performance tests (i.e., LS, SJ, 1 RM) and the COD tests, the higher the explained variance between the variables in question. Furthermore, (2) as the different COD tests are affected to different degrees by linear-sprint, concentric power and maximum strength performance, it might be concluded that the tests have a different physiological requirement profile. Therefore, coaches and sport scientists must review and select different tests with logical validity, based on the requirement profiles of soccer.
Sustaining the current or pursuing the new: incumbent digital transformation strategies in the financial service industry
Authors: Dehnert Maik
Published: December 2020

Digital transformation (DT) is a major challenge for traditional companies. Despite the term, DT is relatively new; its substance is not: a whole stream of research has examined the relationship between DT and firm performance with contradictory findings. Most of these studies have chosen a linear correlational approach, however, did not analyze the holistic interplay of DT dimensions, leading to firm performance. This applies especially to the mature financial services industry and the future perspectives of traditional financial service providers (FSP). Hence, it remains an open question for both research and practice what DT configurations have a positive impact on firm performance. Against this background, the aim of this exploratory study is to examine how DT dimensions are systemically connected to firm performance of incumbent FSP. Drawing on a qualitative-empirical research approach with case data from 83 FSP, we identify digital configurations along different levels of firm performance. Our findings suggest an evolution of digital configurations of FSP, leading to five empirical standard types from which only one managed to establish a profound basis of DT.
Correction to: Gangs, Methodology and Ethical Protocols: Ethnographic Challenges in Researching Youth Street Groups
Authors: Feixa Carles , Sánchez-García Jose , Brisley Adam
Published: December 2020

A Correction to this paper has been published: 10.1007/s43151-020-00028-y
Perplexing complexity human modelling and primacy of the group as essence of complexity
Authors: Hanappi Hardy
Published: December 2020

This paper describes the emergence of complexity as duplicated evolutionary process. The first procedural source of complexity is the quantum jump of the evolution of the human species when it started to maintain certain brain-internal models of its environment. The second—parallel—procedural origin is the evolution of a communication structure, a language, with which an already existing group of primates could frame their internal models. In contrast to definitions of complexity which use the concept in the context of theoretical physics, this approach reveals some perplexing properties of model building for a special subject of investigation, namely the human species. All adequate models of political economy (economics is just the sub-discipline that freezes political dynamics) have to be complex. Since today’s mainstream economic theory lends its formal apparatus from the mathematics of Newtonian physics, it misses the most essential features characterizing human social dynamics, i.e. its complexity. On the other hand, a formal definition of complexity by mathematicians, e.g. the one provided by Princeton Companion to Mathematics, sometimes falls short of the inspirations gained by closely observing biological systems. What is needed thus is transdisciplinary research. The first part of the paper takes Erwin Schrödinger’s book ‘What is Life?’ as a starting point for this issue. In this part, several—sometimes highly speculative—suggestions on how to proceed are presented. The following second part then identifies two central obstacles that turn out to be overcome:First, scientific research in this field always has to come up with a synthesis that states what is essential. A wealth of singular islands of knowledge isolated in their domains is unsatisfactory.Second, the modelling of political economy dynamics as a complex system has to be rooted in an understanding of how living systems in their deepest structure work. The daring hypothesis put forward is that such an understanding can be enabled by letting quantum theoretic reasoning revolutionize the formal language of the social sciences.
Management and Governance of Intergovernmental Organizations
Authors: Federo Ryan , Saz-Carranza Angel , Esteve Marc
Published: December 2020

What happens to intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) after their creation has remained in mystery over the years. Although the current globalized outlook has sparked new and growing interests on the role that IGOs play in the global landscape, the scholarship has largely focused on the political aspects of cooperation, primarily on how and why different IGO member states interact with each other and the outcomes associated with such cooperation. Research is yet to untangle how these organizations work and operate. This Element addresses this niche in the literature by delving into two important aspects: the management and governance of IGOs. We build on a four-year research program where we have collected three types of different data and produced several papers. Ultimately, the Element seeks to provide scholars with a description of the inner workings of IGOs, while providing guidance to policymakers on how to manage and govern them.
The Cambridge Introduction to Narrative
Authors: Abbott H. Porter
Published: December 2020

What is narrative? How does it work and how does it shape our lives? H. Porter Abbott emphasizes that narrative is found not just in literature, film, and theatre, but everywhere in the ordinary course of people's lives. This widely used introduction, now revised and expanded in its third edition, is informed throughout by recent developments in the field and includes one new chapter. The glossary and bibliography have been expanded, and new sections explore unnatural narrative, retrograde narrative, reader-resistant narratives, intermedial narrative, narrativity, and multiple interpretation. With its lucid exposition of concepts, and suggestions for further reading, this book is not only an excellent introduction for courses focused on narrative but also an invaluable resource for students and scholars across a wide range of fields, including literature and drama, film and media, society and politics, journalism, autobiography, history, and still others throughout the arts, humanities, and social sciences.
Introduction to Effective Field Theory
Authors: Burgess C. P.
Published: December 2020

Using examples from across the sub-disciplines of physics, this introduction shows why effective field theories are the language in which physical laws are written. The tools of effective field theory are demonstrated using worked examples from areas including particle, nuclear, atomic, condensed matter and gravitational physics. To bring the subject within reach of scientists with a wide variety of backgrounds and interests, there are clear physical explanations, rigorous derivations, and extensive appendices on background material, such as quantum field theory. Starting from undergraduate-level quantum mechanics, the book gets to state-of-the-art calculations using both relativistic and nonrelativistic few-body and many-body examples, and numerous end-of-chapter problems derive classic results not covered in the main text. Graduate students and researchers in particle physics, condensed matter physics, nuclear physics, string theory, and mathematical physics more generally, will find this book ideal for both self-study and for organized courses on effective field theory.
Asymptotic variance of Newton–Cotes quadratures based on randomized sampling points
Authors: Stehr Mads , Kiderlen Markus
Published: December 2020

We consider the problem of numerical integration when the sampling nodes form a stationary point process on the real line. In previous papers it was argued that a naïve Riemann sum approach can cause a severe variance inflation when the sampling points are not equidistant. We show that this inflation can be avoided using a higher-order Newton–Cotes quadrature rule which exploits smoothness properties of the integrand. Under mild assumptions, the resulting estimator is unbiased and its variance asymptotically obeys a power law as a function of the mean point distance. If the Newton–Cotes rule is of sufficiently high order, the exponent of this law turns out to only depend on the point process through its mean point distance. We illustrate our findings with the stereological estimation of the volume of a compact object, suggesting alternatives to the well-established Cavalieri estimator.
Effects of whole-body vibration on motor function in patients with Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: He Chuan , Su Caixia , Zhang Wentong , Wan Qi
Published: December 2020

Objective:

To review the effects of whole body vibration for patients with Parkinson’s disease.

Design:

Randomized clinical trials comparing whole body vibration with no vibration or conventional physical therapy for patients with Parkinson’s disease were searched up to July 31, 2019.

Results:

Seven studies with 196 patients were included for quantitative analysis. No significant difference was found between groups in motor score of unified Parkinson’s disease rating scale (UPDRS-III) (WMD [weighted mean difference] = −1.75, 95% CI, −5.40 to 1.90, I2= 45.8%), functional reach test (SMD [standardized mean difference] = 0.21, 95% CI, −0.29 to 0.71; I2= 0%), and other balance tests (including Berg balance test and Tinetti score) (SMD = 0.39, 95% CI, −0.01 to 0.80; I2= 0%). No statistical difference was detected in walking velocity as well (WMD = −0.05, 95% CI, −0.17 to 0.06; I2= 0%). In contrast, the pooled analysis from four studies on the Time Up and Go test showed favorable results for whole body vibration (WMD = −1.59, 95% CI, −2.90 to −0.28, I2= 0%).

Conclusion:

Whole body vibration may not be beneficial over placebo or conventional physical therapy in overall motor function, balance, and walking velocity in patients with Parkinson’s disease. However, it might have positive effects on sit to stand transitions or turning.
Decompositions and measures on countable Borel equivalence relations
Authors: CHEN RUIYUAN
Published: December 2020

We show that the uniform measure-theoretic ergodic decomposition of a countable Borel equivalence relation

$(X, E)$
may be realized as the topological ergodic decomposition of a continuous action of a countable group

$\Gamma \curvearrowright X$
generating E. We then apply this to the study of the cardinal algebra

$\mathcal {K}(E)$
of equidecomposition types of Borel sets with respect to a compressible countable Borel equivalence relation

$(X, E)$
. We also make some general observations regarding quotient topologies on topological ergodic decompositions, with an application to weak equivalence of measure-preserving actions.
The social legitimacy of the universal basic income from a social justice perspective: a comparative analysis of Germany and Slovenia
Authors: Zimmermann Katharina , Boljka Urban , Rakar Tatjana , Filipovič Hrast Maša
Published: December 2020

The universal basic income (UBI) has found its way into public debates and has prominent advocates across almost all political camps. In many debates, it is presented as a solution for the consequences of a large variety of current societal challenges, such as unemployment, over-education, ecological crises, gender inequality and issues related to digitalization and automatization. While UBI has been discussed broadly from an expert position, we know very little about the population’s perceptions of UBI. Thus, to shed light on the public legitimacy of UBI as a radically different concept of social justice and citizenship, our contribution uses data from large group discussions where participants explicitly refer to the UBI as an option for a future welfare state. By comparing debates in Slovenia and Germany, we unearth that the perspective adopted by the participants towards a UBI is strongly shaped by the welfare institutions of the countries in which they live and the social justice principles embodied in those institutions.
Rolling out a mindfulness-based stress reduction intervention for parents of children with ADHD: a feasibility study
Authors: Rice R. , Ni Bhearra A. , Kilbride K. , Lynch C. , McNicholas F.
Published: December 2020

Background:

Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the single most frequent reason for attendance at Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in Ireland. Research has suggested that parents of children with ADHD experience more parenting stress than parents of non-clinical controls, yet routine treatment for ADHD rarely addresses parental well-being. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have been found to result in a reduction in parental stress.

Method:

An adapted Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) intervention was delivered to parents (n = 23) of children with ADHD recruited from CAMHS and ADHD Ireland.

Results:

Following the intervention a significant improvement was documented within the social relationships domain of quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF) and a significant reduction on the child hyperactivity scale of the Strengths and Difficulties (SDQ) questionnaire.

Conclusion:

This pilot study suggests that an MBSR intervention is both feasible and effective for parents whose children have ADHD. Larger scale studies need to be conducted before inclusion in routine CAMHS.