bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Separation of timescales for the seed bank diffusion and its jump-diffusion limit
Authors: Blath Jochen , Buzzoni Eugenio , González Casanova Adrián , Wilke Berenguer Maite
Published: April 2021

We investigate scaling limits of the seed bank model when migration (to and from the seed bank) is ‘slow’ compared to reproduction. This is motivated by models for bacterial dormancy, where periods of dormancy can be orders of magnitude larger than reproductive times. Speeding up time, we encounter a separation of timescales phenomenon which leads to mathematically interesting observations, in particular providing a prototypical example where the scaling limit of a continuous diffusion will be a jump diffusion. For this situation, standard convergence results typically fail. While such a situation could in principle be attacked by the sophisticated analytical scheme of Kurtz (J Funct Anal 12:55–67, 1973), this will require significant technical efforts. Instead, in our situation, we are able to identify and explicitly characterise a well-defined limit via duality in a surprisingly non-technical way. Indeed, we show that moment duality is in a suitable sense stable under passage to the limit and allows a direct and intuitive identification of the limiting semi-group while at the same time providing a probabilistic interpretation of the model. We also obtain a general convergence strategy for continuous-time Markov chains in a separation of timescales regime, which is of independent interest.
Advanced gastric cancer: CT radiomics prediction and early detection of downstaging with neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Xu Qinmei , Sun Zeyu , Li Xiuli , Ye Chen , Zhou Changsheng , Zhang Longjiang , Lu Guangming
Published: April 2021

Objectives

To develop and evaluate machine learning models using baseline and restaging computed tomography (CT) for predicting and early detecting pathological downstaging (pDS) with neoadjuvant chemotherapy in advanced gastric cancer (AGC).

Methods

We collected 292 AGC patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. They were classified into (a) primary cohort (206 patients with 3–4 cycles chemotherapy) for model development and internal validation, (b) testing cohort I (46 patients with 3–4 cycles chemotherapy) for evaluating models’ predictive ability before and after the complete course, and (c) testing cohort II (n = 40) for model evaluation on its performance at early treatment. We extracted 1,231 radiomics features from venous phase CT at baseline and restaging. We selected radiomics models based on 28 cross-combination models and measured the areas under the curve (AUC). Our prediction radiomics (PR) model is designed to predict pDS outcomes using baseline CT. Detection radiomics (DR) model is applied to restaging CT for early pDS detection.

Results

PR model achieved promising outcomes in two testing cohorts (AUC 0.750, p = .009 and AUC 0.889, p = .000). DR model also showed a good predictive ability (AUC 0.922, p = .000 and AUC 0.850, p = .000), outperforming the commonly used RECIST method (NRI 39.5% and NRI 35.4%). Furthermore, the improved DR model with averaging outcome scores of PR and DR models showed boosted results in two testing cohorts (AUC 0.961, p = .000 and AUC 0.921, p = .000).

Conclusions

CT-based radiomics models perform well on prediction and early detection tasks of pDS and can potentially assist surgical decision-making in AGC patients.

Key Points

• Baseline contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT)-based radiomics features were predictive of pathological downstaging, allowing accurate identification of non-responders before therapy.

• Restaging CECT-based radiomics features were predictive to achieve pDS after and even at an early stage of neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

• Combination of baseline and restaging CECT-based radiomics features was promising for early detection and preoperative evaluation of pathological downstaging of AGC.
Digitale Transformation in den Haushalten älterer Menschen
Authors: Seifert Alexander
Published: April 2021

Hintergrund

Nicht nur jüngere, sondern zunehmend auch ältere Menschen leben heute in einer Welt, in der digitale Alltagstechnologien ihren Alltag maßgeblich begleiten. Aber wie hat sich diese Techniknutzung in den letzten 10 Jahren verändert, und inwieweit hat sich die Einstellung gegenüber dieser Technik verändert? Um diese Fragen zu beantworten, wurden 3 querschnittliche Bevölkerungsbefragungen miteinander verglichen.

Material und Methoden

Das Datenmaterial stammt aus 3 Schweizer Befragungen (2009: n = 1105, 2014: n = 1037, 2019: n = 1130) von Personen ab 65 Jahren. Diese Befragungen erfolgten jeweils als standardisiertes telefonisches Interview und wurden mit einer optionalen schriftlichen Befragung kombiniert.

Ergebnisse

Sowohl die Nutzung des Internets als auch die von mobilen Endgeräten (Smartphone, Tablet) ist von 2009 zu 2019 angestiegen. So nutzten 2009 37,8 % der Befragten das Internet, 2019 waren es bereits 74,2 %. Dennoch ist weiterhin zu erkennen, dass v. a. Personen ab 80 Jahren diese Technologien seltener nutzen. Auch wenn 2019 bereits mehr unterschiedliche Internetanwendungen genutzt wurden als noch 2009, so wurden jedoch ähnliche Gründe für die Nichtnutzung des Internets angegeben. Zu den Hauptgründen zählen Sicherheitsbedenken und Angaben, nach denen die Nutzung des Internets zu kompliziert bzw. das Erlernen des Umgangs mit dem Internet überhaupt zu hoch sei. Auch die Einstellungen zur Technik und die Faktoren, die für eine Internetnutzung sprechen, haben sich nur wenig verändert.

Schlussfolgerung

Auch wenn die digitale Transformation voranschreitet, gibt es bei der Techniknutzung weiterhin Ungleichheiten. Auch wenn sich diese mehr und mehr nivellieren, so werden neue Technologien in den kommenden Jahren neue Ungleichheiten schaffen.
LRP10 interacts with SORL1 in the intracellular vesicle trafficking pathway in non-neuronal brain cells and localises to Lewy bodies in Parkinson’s disease and dementia with Lewy bodies
Authors: Grochowska Martyna M. , Carreras Mascaro Ana , Boumeester Valerie , Natale Domenico , Breedveld Guido J. , Geut Hanneke , van Cappellen Wiggert A. , Boon Agnita J. W. , Kievit Anneke J. A. , Sammler Esther ,   Netherlands Brain Bank, Parchi Piero , Cortelli Pietro , Alessi Dario R. , van de Berg Wilma D. J. , Bonifati Vincenzo , Mandemakers Wim
Published: April 2021

Loss-of-function variants in the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 10 (LRP10) gene have been associated with autosomal-dominant Parkinson’s disease (PD), PD dementia, and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). Moreover, LRP10 variants have been found in individuals diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Despite this genetic evidence, little is known about the expression and function of LRP10 protein in the human brain under physiological or pathological conditions. To better understand how LRP10 variants lead to neurodegeneration, we first performed an in-depth characterisation of LRP10 expression in post-mortem brains and human-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived astrocytes and neurons from control subjects. In adult human brain, LRP10 is mainly expressed in astrocytes and neurovasculature but undetectable in neurons. Similarly, LRP10 is highly expressed in iPSC-derived astrocytes but cannot be observed in iPSC-derived neurons. In astrocytes, LRP10 is present at trans-Golgi network, plasma membrane, retromer, and early endosomes. Interestingly, LRP10 also partially co-localises and interacts with sortilin-related receptor 1 (SORL1). Furthermore, although LRP10 expression and localisation in the substantia nigra of most idiopathic PD and DLB patients and LRP10 variant carriers diagnosed with PD or DLB appeared unchanged compared to control subjects, significantly enlarged LRP10-positive vesicles were detected in a patient carrying the LRP10 p.Arg235Cys variant. Last, LRP10 was detected in Lewy bodies (LB) at late maturation stages in brains from idiopathic PD and DLB patients and in LRP10 variant carriers. In conclusion, high LRP10 expression in non-neuronal cells and undetectable levels in neurons of control subjects indicate that LRP10-mediated pathogenicity is initiated via cell non-autonomous mechanisms, potentially involving the interaction of LRP10 with SORL1 in vesicle trafficking pathways. Together with the specific pattern of LRP10 incorporation into mature LBs, these data support an important mechanistic role for disturbed vesicle trafficking and loss of LRP10 function in neurodegenerative diseases.
Is motor inhibition involved in the processing of sentential negation? An assessment via the Stop-Signal Task
Authors: Montalti Martina , Calbi Marta , Cuccio Valentina , Umiltà Maria Alessandra , Gallese Vittorio
Published: April 2021

In the last decades, the embodied approach to cognition and language gained momentum in the scientific debate, leading to evidence in different aspects of language processing. However, while the bodily grounding of concrete concepts seems to be relatively not controversial, abstract aspects, like the negation logical operator, are still today one of the main challenges for this research paradigm. In this framework, the present study has a twofold aim: (1) to assess whether mechanisms for motor inhibition underpin the processing of sentential negation, thus, providing evidence for a bodily grounding of this logic operator, (2) to determine whether the Stop-Signal Task, which has been used to investigate motor inhibition, could represent a good tool to explore this issue. Twenty-three participants were recruited in this experiment. Ten hand-action-related sentences, both in affirmative and negative polarity, were presented on a screen. Participants were instructed to respond as quickly and accurately as possible to the direction of the Go Stimulus (an arrow) and to withhold their response when they heard a sound following the arrow. This paradigm allows estimating the Stop Signal Reaction Time (SSRT), a covert reaction time underlying the inhibitory process. Our results show that the SSRT measured after reading negative sentences are longer than after reading affirmative ones, highlighting the recruitment of inhibitory mechanisms while processing negative sentences. Furthermore, our methodological considerations suggest that the Stop-Signal Task is a good paradigm to assess motor inhibition’s role in the processing of sentence negation.
Pediatric Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing: Critical Analysis of Implementation and Future Perspectives
Authors: Zang Jana , Nienstedt Julie Cläre , Koseki Jana-Christiane , Nießen Almut , Flügel Till , Kim Susan Hyoungeun , Pflug Christina
Published: April 2021

This study aimed to critically review pediatric swallowing assessment data to determine the future need for standardized procedures. A retrospective analysis of 152 swallowing examinations in 128 children aged 21 days to 18 years was performed. The children were presented at a university dysphagia center between January 2015 and June 2020 for flexible-endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES). Descriptive analysis was conducted for the sample, swallowing pathologies, diagnosis, and missing values. Using binary logistic regression, the relationship between dysphagia and underlying diseases was investigated. The largest group with a common diagnosis in the cohort were children with genetic syndromes (n = 43). Sixty-nine children were diagnosed with dysphagia and 59 without dysphagia. The non-dysphagic group included 15 patients with a behavioral feeding disorder. The presence of an underlying disease significantly increased the chance of a swallowing problem (OR 13.08, 95% CI 3.66 to 46.65, p = .00). In particular, the categories genetic syndrome (OR 2.60, 95% CI 1.15 to 5.88) and neurologic disorder (OR 4.23, 95% CI 1.31 to 13.69) were associated with higher odds for dysphagia. All pediatric FEES were performed without complications, with a completion rate of 96.7%, and with a broad variability of implementation. Several charts lacked information concerning swallowing pathologies, though. Generally, a more standardized protocol and documentation for pediatric FEES is needed to enable better comparability of studies on epidemiology, assessment, and treatment outcomes in future.
Nationwide evaluation of mutation-tailored treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumors in daily clinical practice
Authors: Steeghs Elisabeth M. P. , Gelderblom Hans , Ho Vincent K. Y. , Voorham Quirinus J. M. , Willems Stefan M. ,   PATH consortium, Grünberg Katrien , Ligtenberg Marjolijn J. L.
Published: April 2021

Background

Molecular analysis of KIT and PDGFRA is critical for tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment selection of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) and hence recommended by international guidelines. We performed a nationwide study into the application of predictive mutation testing in GIST patients and its impact on targeted treatment decisions in clinical practice.

Methods

Real-world clinical and pathology information was obtained from GIST patients with initial diagnosis in 2017–2018 through database linkage between the Netherlands Cancer Registry and the nationwide Dutch Pathology Registry.

Results

Predictive mutation analysis was performed in 89% of the patients with high risk or metastatic disease. Molecular testing rates were higher for patients treated in expertise centers (96%) compared to non-expertise centers (75%, P < 0.01). Imatinib therapy was applied in 81% of the patients with high risk or metastatic disease without patient’s refusal or adverse characteristics, e.g., comorbidities or resistance mutations. Mutation analysis that was performed in 97% of these imatinib-treated cases, did not guarantee mutation-tailored treatment: 2% of these patients had the PDGFRA p.D842V resistance mutation and 7% initiated imatinib therapy at the normal instead of high dose despite of having a KIT exon 9 mutation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, nationwide real-world data show that over 81% of the eligible high risk or metastatic disease patients receive targeted therapy, which was tailored to the mutation status as recommended in guidelines in 88% of cases. Therefore, still 27% of these GIST patients misses out on mutation-tailored treatment. The reasons for suboptimal uptake of testing and treatment require further study.
Tick species from cattle in the Adama Region of Ethiopia and pathogens detected
Authors: Tufa Tafese Beyene , Wölfel Silke , Zubriková Dana , Víchová Bronislava , Andersson Martin , Rieß Ramona , Rutaihwa Liliana , Fuchs André , Orth Hans Martin , Häussinger Dieter , Feldt Torsten , Poppert Sven , Dobler Gerhard , Bakkes Deon K. , Chitimia-Dobler Lidia
Published: April 2021

Ticks will diminish productivity among farm animals and transmit zoonotic diseases. We conducted a study to identify tick species infesting slaughter bulls from Adama City and to screen them for tick-borne pathogens. In 2016, 291 ticks were collected from 37 bulls in Adama, which were ready for slaughter. Ticks were identified morphologically. Total genomic DNA was extracted from ticks and used to test for Rickettsia spp. with real-time PCR. Species identification was done by phylogenetic analysis using sequencing that targeted the 23S-5S intergenic spacer region and ompA genes. Four tick species from two genera, Amblyomma and Rhipicephalus, were identified. Amblyomma cohaerens was the dominant species (n = 241, 82.8%), followed by Amblyomma variegatum (n = 22, 7.5%), Rhipicephalus pulchellus (n = 19, 6.5%), and Rhipicephalus decoloratus (n = 9, 3.0%). Among all ticks, 32 (11%) were positive for Rickettsia spp. and 15 (5.2%) of these were identified as R. africae comprising at least two genetic clades, occurring in A. variegatum (n = 10) and A. cohaerens (n = 5). The remainder of Rickettsia-positive samples could not be amplified due to low DNA yield. Furthermore, another 15 (5.2%) samples carried other pathogenic bacteria: Ehrlichia ruminantium (n = 9; 3.1%) in A. cohaerens, Ehrlichia sp. (n = 3; 1%) in Rh. pulchellus and A. cohaerens, Anaplasma sp. (n = 1; 0.5%) in A. cohaerens, and Neoehrlichia mikurensis (n = 2; 0.7%) in A. cohaerens. All ticks were negative for Bartonella spp., Babesia spp., Theileria spp., and Hepatozoon spp. We reported for the first time E. ruminatium, N. mikurensis, Ehrlichia sp., and Anaplasma sp. in A. cohaerens. Medically and veterinarily important pathogens were mostly detected from A. variegatum and A. cohaerens. These data are relevant for a One-health approach for monitoring and prevention of tick-borne disease transmission.
Chemical weathering and carbon dioxide consumption in a small tropical river catchment, southwestern India
Authors: Nisha Baby Krishnan , Balakrishna Keshava , Udayashankar Harikripa Narayana , Manjunatha Busnur Rachotappa
Published: April 2021

Studies done on small tropical west-flowing river catchments located in the Western Ghats in southwestern India have suggested very intense chemical weathering rates and associated CO2 consumption. Very less studies are reported from these catchments notwithstanding their importance as potential sinks of atmospheric CO2 at the global scale. A total of 156 samples were collected from a small river catchment in the southwestern India, the Payaswini–Chandragiri river Basin, during pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon seasons in 2016 and 2017, respectively. This river system comprises two small rivers originating at an elevation of 1350 m in the Western Ghats in peninsular India. The catchment area is dominated by biotite sillimanite gneiss. Sodium is the dominant cation, contributing ~ 50% of the total cations, whereas HCO3− contributes ~ 75% of total anions. The average anion concentration in the samples varied in the range HCO3− > Cl− > SO42− > NO3− > F−, whereas major cation concentration varied in the range Na+  > Ca2+  > Mg2+  > K+. The average silicate weathering rate (SWR) was 42 t km−2 y−1 in the year 2016 and 36 t km−2 y−1 in 2017. The average annual carbon dioxide consumption rate (CCR) due to silicate rock weathering was 9.6 × 105 mol km−2y−1 and 8.3 × 105 mol km−2 y−1 for 2016 and 2017, respectively. The CCR in the study area is higher than other large tropical river catchments like Amazon, Congo-Zaire, Orinoco, Parana and Indus because of its unique topography, hot and humid climate and intense rainfall.
KDM4B Overexpression Promotes the Growth, Migration, and Invasion of Rheumatoid Arthritis Fibroblast-Like Synoviocytes by Activating STAT3 Pathway
Authors: Zhang Xin , Nan He , Guo Jialong , Liu Jinyu
Published: April 2021

In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) present a unique aggressive phenotype and have a passive response to the inflammatory microenvironment, which are critical for the disease’s progression. KDM4B, as a histone demethylase, functions as an oncogenic factor in many cancers and is implicated in osteoclastogenesis as well as pro-inflammatory cytokine release in inflammatory diseases. However, the effects of KDM4B on RA FLS have not been reported. To investigate this issue, our study determined the expression of KDM4B in RA FLS using RT-qPCR and western blot. The effects of KDM4B on RA FLS viability, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were detected by MTT, flow cytometry, transwell migration, and invasion assays. Furthermore, the interaction of KDM4B with STAT3 signaling was studied by western blot, MTT, flow cytometry, transwell migration, and invasion assays. The experimental results showed that KDM4B expression was upregulated in RA synovial tissues and FLS as compared to healthy control tissues and normal FLS. Knockdown of KDM4B obviously suppressed RA FLS viability, migration and invasion, and induced apoptosis. In addition, knockdown of KDM4B in RA FLS decreased the expression of p-STAT3 and MMP-9 but increased cleaved caspase-3 expression compared with the control group. Moreover, KDM4B overexpression could promote cell growth, migration and invasion, and suppress apoptosis in RA FLS by activating STAT3 signaling. Therefore, these findings provide new insight for understanding the pathogenesis of RA and indicate that KDM4B may have a potential to be an effective therapeutic target for RA.
Living in discarded containers: spiders explore a new niche created by littering in urban woodlands
Authors: Kolenda Krzysztof , Wiśniewski Konrad , Kujawa Krzysztof , Kuśmierek Natalia , Smolis Adrian , Kadej Marcin
Published: April 2021

Increased urbanisation is leading to littering of the environment. However, some animals may adapt to live in such altered habitats. The aim of this study was to assess whether discarded containers can serve as a suitable microhabitat for spiders. The study was conducted in 10 woodland areas in the city of Wrocław, Poland. In September 2018, a total of 939 containers were collected, of which 33.5% contained evidence of spiders having resided therein: webs, dead or living spiders, exuviae or cocoons. A total of 22 species and several other taxa that could not be recognised so accurately were detected. The most common of these belonged to Linyphiidae and Theridiidae. Juveniles (N = 103) dominated over adults (N = 58), and females (N = 34) were more numerous than males (N = 24). In 15 containers, interspecies pairs were found. Among ecological guilds, sheet web spiders dominated (60%) followed by space web spiders (24%), ground hunters (9%), ambush hunters (3%), specialists (3%), and other hunters (2%). Spiders were significantly more often found in colourless (38.3%) and green (35.5%) than in brown bottles (25.2%). They were also more numerous in glass bottles for sweet drinks (50.0%) than in beer bottles (28.0%), and slightly more frequent than in glass vodka bottles (33.3%). Our study showed that discarded containers are fully exploitable microhabitats for spiders and are used by these animals for at least three different purposes: hunting, hiding and breeding, however the effect on their fitness remains unknown.
Land-Use Improvements in the Weather Research and Forecasting Model over Complex Mountainous Terrain and Comparison of Different Grid Sizes
Authors: Golzio Alessio , Ferrarese Silvia , Cassardo Claudio , Diolaiuti Gugliemina Adele , Pelfini Manuela
Published: April 2021

Weather forecasts over mountainous terrain are challenging due to the complex topography that is necessarily smoothed by actual local-area models. As complex mountainous territories represent 20% of the Earth’s surface, accurate forecasts and the numerical resolution of the interaction between the surface and the atmospheric boundary layer are crucial. We present an assessment of the Weather Research and Forecasting model with two different grid spacings (1 km and 0.5 km), using two topography datasets (NASA Shuttle Radar Topography Mission and Global Multi-resolution Terrain Elevation Data 2010, digital elevation models) and four land-cover-description datasets (Corine Land Cover, U.S. Geological Survey land-use, MODIS30 and MODIS15, Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer land-use). We investigate the Ortles Cevadale region in the Rhaetian Alps (central Italian Alps), focusing on the upper Forni Glacier proglacial area, where a micrometeorological station operated from 28 August to 11 September 2017. The simulation outputs are compared with observations at this micrometeorological station and four other weather stations distributed around the Forni Glacier with respect to the latent heat, sensible heat and ground heat fluxes, mixing-layer height, soil moisture, 2-m air temperature, and 10-m wind speed. The different model runs make it possible to isolate the contributions of land use, topography, grid spacing, and boundary-layer parametrizations. Among the considered factors, land use proves to have the most significant impact on results.
Thermal Submesoscale Motions in the Nocturnal Stable Boundary Layer. Part 1: Detection and Mean Statistics
Authors: Pfister Lena , Lapo Karl , Mahrt Larry , Thomas Christoph K.
Published: April 2021

Submesoscale motions within the stable boundary layer were detected during the Shallow Cold Pool Experiment conducted in the Colorado plains, Colorado, U.S.A. in 2012. The submesoscale motion consisted of two air layers creating a well-defined front with a sharp temperature gradient, and further-on referred to as a thermal submesofront (TSF). The semi-stationary TSFs and their advective velocities are detected and determined by the fibre-optic distributed-sensing (FODS) technique. An objective detection algorithm utilizing FODS measurements is able to detect the TSF boundary, which enables a detailed investigation of its spatio–temporal statistics. The novel approach in data processing is to conditionally average any parameter depending on the distance between a TSF boundary and the measurement location. By doing this, a spatially-distributed feature like TSFs can be characterized by point observations and processes at the TSF boundary can be investigated. At the TSF boundary, the air layers converge, creating an updraft, strong static stability, and vigorous mixing. Further, the TSF advective velocity of TSFs is an order of magnitude lower than the mean wind speed. Despite being gentle, the topography plays an important role in TSF formation. Details on generating mechanisms and implications of TSFs on the stable boundary layer are discussed in Part 2.
Ovarian carcinoma in children with constitutional mutation of SMARCA4: single-family report and literature review
Authors: Pastorczak Agata , Krajewska Karolina , Urbanska Zuzanna , Szmyd Bartosz , Salacinska-Los Elzbieta , Kobos Józef , Mlynarski Wojciech , Trelinska Joanna
Published: April 2021

Ovarian carcinoma is an extremely rare malignancy in children, often developing on the underlying inherited background. Female carriers of pathogenic germline mutations of SMARCA4 are at risk of an aggressive type of undifferentiated ovarian cancer called small cell carcinoma of the ovary, hypercalcemic type (SCCOHT). Regardless of age of the patient, stage of the disease, and oncological treatment, the prognosis for SCCOHT is poor. Therefore, early intervention with risk-reducing surgeries is recommended for these patients. In this study, we report genetic testing of a family with two children carrying pathogenic germline mutations of SMARCA4 and summarize the course of SCCOHT in all pediatric patients reported in the literature with constitutional defects identified within the SMARCA4 locus.
Material Responses to the Great Depression in Northeast England
Authors: Petts David , O’Donnell Ronan , Armstrong Kayt
Published: April 2021

The Great Depression of the 1920s and 1930s was a global economic crisis, yet to understand its impacts in material terms, it is necessary to recognize that they were situated within specific local and regional contexts. This article, drawing on the work of the Leverhulme Trust-fundedLandscapes of the Great Depression in the North Eastproject, explores the impacts and responses to the Great Depression in Northeast England through an exploration of the materiality of a series of different responses to the crisis, as well as wider consideration of its impact on the landscape. By moving beyond an individual site, and instead looking at a range of interventions at site and landscape scale it shows the potential of taking a more holistic and comparative approach to exploring the impact of the Great Depression and offers an approach that might be used to better understand economic crises in other situations and contexts.
Anti-essentialism, modal relativity, and alternative material-origin counterfactuals
Authors: Janssen-Lauret Frederique
Published: April 2021

In ordinary language, in the medical sciences, and in the overlap between them, we frequently make claims which imply that we might have had different gametic origins from the ones we actually have. Such statements seem intuitively true and coherent. But they counterfactually ascribe different DNA to their referents and therefore contradict material-origin essentialism, which Kripke and his followers argue is intuitively obvious. In this paper I argue, using examples from ordinary language and from philosophy of medicine and bioethics, that statements which attribute alternative material origins to their referents are useful, common in political and medical reasoning, and in many cases best interpreted literally. So we must replace the doctrine of material-origin essentialism with one that can make sense of ordinary discourse and the language of the medical sciences. I propose an anti-essentialist account of such counterfactuals according to which individuals’ modal properties are relative to a given inquiry.
Nomogram to predict the progression of patients with primary membranous nephropathy and nephrotic syndrome
Authors: Liu Lili , Wang Haitao , Zhao Ban , Liu Xin , Sun Ying , Mao Yonghui
Published: April 2021

Background

The outcome of patients with primary membranous nephropathy (pMN) who present with nephrotic syndrome (NS) is variable and difficult to predict. The goal of this study was to develop a nomogram to predict the risk of progression for specific individuals.

Methods

This retrospective study involved biopsy-proven patients with pMN and NS treated between January 2012 and June 2018. The primary outcome of our investigation was progression, defined as a reduction of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) that was equal to or over 20% compared with baseline at the end of follow-up or the onset of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). We used backwards stepwise logistic regression analysis to create a nomogram to predict prognosis. The model was validated internally using bootstrap resampling.

Results

A total of 111 patients were enrolled. After a median follow-up of 40.0 months (range 12–92 months), 18.9% (21/111) patients showed progression. Backwards stepwise selection using the Akaike information criterion (AIC) identified the following four variables as independent risk factors for progression, which were all used in the nomogram: age ≥ 65 years [odds ratio (OR) 7.004; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.783–27.505; p = 0.005], Ln (sPLA2R-Ab) (OR 2.150; 95% CI 1.293–3.577; p = 0.003), Ln (proteinuria) (OR 5.939; 95% CI 1.055–33.436; p = 0.043) and Ln (Uα1m/Cr) (OR 2.808; 95% CI 1.035–7.619; p = 0.043). The discriminative ability and calibration of the nomogram revealed good predictive ability, as indicated by a C-index of 0.888 (95% CI 0.814–0.940) and a bootstrap-corrected C-index of 0.869; calibration curves were also well fitted. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for the nomogram score revealed significantly better discrimination than each of the three risk factors alone, including Ln (sPLA2R-Ab) [area under the curve (AUC) 0.769], Ln (proteinuria) (AUC 0.653) and Ln (Uα1m) (AUC 0.781) in the prediction of progression (p < 0.05). The optimal cutoff value of the nomogram score was 117.8 with a positive predictive value of 44.4% and a negative predictive value of 98.5%.

Conclusion

The nomogram successfully achieved good predictive ability of progression for patients with pMN who present with NS. It can therefore help clinicians to individualize treatment plans and improve the outcome of pMN.
Using different levels of energy and protein and their effects on bodyweight and blood chemistry of ostriches
Authors: Nikravesh-Masouleh Tahereh , Seidavi Alireza , Solka Magdalena , Dadashbeiki Mohammad
Published: April 2021

To determine the effect of different dietary energy and protein levels on bodyweight and blood chemistry, 36 ostriches at 2 to 9 weeks of age for feeding conditions and 18 for blood chemistry parameters was used. The birds were divided into six treatment groups. Energy and protein levels of diet were 2400 and 2600 kcal/kg and 20%, 22%, and 24%, respectively. The feed intake and bodyweight gain were determined a weekly. Blood chemical parameters including glucose, HDL, LDL, total cholesterol, triglycerides, total protein, albumin, globulin, aspartate amino-transferase and alanine amino-transferase activity were determined. The highest weight gain during the whole experiment was observed in ostriches offered 2400 kcal · kg−1dietary energy and 20% protein. The lowest level of total cholesterol and protein was observed in treatment V (2600 kcal · kg−1dietary energy and 22% protein). The lowest level of glucose and triglycerides was noted after treatment I. The highest albumin and globulin concentrations were in treatment III (2400 kcal · kg−1dietary energy and 24% protein) and treatment II (2400 kcal · kg−1dietary energy and 22% protein), respectively. The energy level had no effect (P < 0.05) on feed intake and weight gain in all experimental period. The results of this study showed that with increasing energy and protein levels, most blood parameters increased in ostriches but total cholesterol did not.
Evaluation of in-house, haptic assisted surgical planning for virtual reduction of complex mandibular fractures
Authors: Nilsson Johanna , Nysjö Fredrik , Nyström Ingela , Kämpe Johan , Thor Andreas
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The management of complex mandible fractures, i.e. severely comminuted or fractures of edentulous/atrophic mandibles, can be challenging. This is due to the three-dimensional loss of bone, which limits the possibility for accurate anatomic reduction. Virtual surgery planning (VSP) can provide improved accuracy and shorter operating times, but is often not employed for trauma cases because of time constraints and complex user interfaces limited to two-dimensional interaction with three-dimensional data.

Methods

In this study, we evaluate the accuracy, precision, and time efficiency of the haptic assisted surgery planning system (HASP), an in-house VSP system that supports stereo graphics, six degrees-of-freedom input, and haptics to improve the surgical planning. Three operators performed planning in HASP on computed tomography (CT) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of a plastic skull model and on twelve retrospective cases with complex mandible fractures.

Results

The results show an accuracy and reproducibility of less than 2 mm when using HASP for virtual fracture reduction, with an average planning time of 15 min including time for segmentation in the software BoneSplit.

Conclusion

This study presents an in-house haptic assisted planning tool for cranio-maxillofacial surgery with high usability that can be used for preoperative planning and evaluation of complex mandible fractures.
Quantifizierung der Weltumwelt. Zur Geschichte einer Kommunikationsform
Authors: Speich Chassé Daniel
Published: April 2021

Umweltrelevante Problemstellungen sind politisch lange fast ausschließlich in lokalen und nationalen Kontexten bearbeitet worden, obwohl politische Grenzen in naturräumlichen Sachzusammenhängen keine Rolle spielen. Doch heute gehört die globale Umweltproblematik zu den zentralen Herausforderungen der Weltpolitik. Der Beitrag fragt, seit wann und in welcher Form „Umwelt“ als ein alle Menschen betreffendes Problem wahrgenommen wurde, das nach gemeinsamen politischen Lösungen verlangt. Im geschichtlichen Rückblick fällt auf, wie sehr die Umweltpolitik durch numerische Kommunikationen geprägt ist. Ohne Quantifizierung, so die leitende These, hätte es niemals zu dem politisch verhandelbaren Gegenstand „Umwelt“ kommen können, der heute die Schlagzeilen dominiert. Der erste Teil handelt von der Epochenwende um 1970, die für die Konstitution des politischen Problemfelds der Weltumwelt bedeutsam gewesen zu sein scheint. Der zweite Abschnitt greift historisch weiter zurück, um die Genealogie von weltumweltpolitischen Institutionen und Akteuren zu skizzieren. Im letzten Abschnitt wird versuchsweise bestimmt, in welchem Verhältnis die Quantifizierung der Umwelt zu dem Vorgang ihrer Ökonomisierung steht. Dieser Zusammenhang scheint heute so fraglos plausibel, dass beide Prozesse analytisch oft in eins gesetzt werden. Sie haben aber historisch unterschiedliche Taktungen und ihre Verbindung musste aktiv geschaffen werden.
Die Denkerin der Stunde? Neue Schriften von und über Hannah Arendt
Authors: Meyer Thomas
Published: April 2021

Das weltweit gestiegene Interesse an Leben und Werk Hannah Arendts hat in den letzten zehn Jahren eine unüberschaubare Menge an neuer Literatur hervorgebracht. Der Literaturbericht konzentriert sich zum einen auf Schriften Arendts, die erstmals zugänglich gemacht wurden. Ein Schwerpunkt liegt hier auf der neuen kritischen Edition ihrer Schriften. Zudem werden neuere Einführungen und Sekundärliteratur aus den Bereichen Literatur und Recht eingehender analysiert.
Drivers of sustainability transformations: leverage points, contexts and conjunctures
Authors: Linnér Björn-Ola , Wibeck Victoria
Published: April 2021

While increasing hopes are being attached to deliberate societal transformative change to achieve the targets of the 2030 Agenda and the Paris Agreement, questions remain about whether and whereby such profound systemic change can be governed. This paper analyses how transformative changes are intended to be encouraged and achieved, where and when. The paper explores critical drivers and how they relate to leverage points at different places in the societal systems. The paper builds on a comprehensive sense-making analysis of scholarly literature, policy documents, including countries’ contributions to the Paris Agreement and national reviews of progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals, international news media and lay focus group discussions on five continents. There are great variations in how drivers were made sense of in the data. The many ongoing interacting transformations across societies involve different social, cultural, and political contexts, while the implementation of the 2030 Agenda also contains goal conflicts and unavoidable trade-offs. The paper highlights four categories of drivers as particularly important to consider in view of international transformation efforts: technological innovations, political economy redistribution, new narratives, and transformative learning. Four features are important for bringing clarity on how deliberate transformations can be encouraged: (1) the function of drivers in enabling and restricting transformations of societal systems characterised by detailed or dynamic complexity, (2) cultural and geographical contexts of transformations, (3) where in the systems the drivers are intended to intervene, and (4) the role of critical junctions in time, where transformative trajectories can branch out.
The Microstructure and Properties of Laser Shock Peened CMSX4 Superalloy
Authors: Rozmus-Górnikowska Magdalena , Kusiński Jan , Cieniek Łukasz , Morgiel Jerzy
Published: April 2021

The influence of laser shock peening on the surface morphology and microstructure of single-crystal CMSX4 nickel-based superalloy was investigated by optical profilometry and atomic force microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy as well as scanning-transmission electron microscopy in high-angle annular dark-field mode. Maps of chemical elements distribution in the laser-affected areas were determined using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Furthermore, after the LSP, nanohardness tests were conducted on the cross section of the treated samples as well as the untreated material. Laser shock peening caused an ablation and melting of the surface layer and hence enlarged the surface roughness. Beneath the surface, in the laser shock-peened areas, severe distortion of the regular

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microstructure was observed. In the surface layer, down to about 15 μm, shear bands of localized deformation were formed. Moreover, the result showed that the average nano-hardness value was obviously increased in the laser-treated region.
Correction of the CSA does not decrease the re-tear rate after SSP repair
Authors: Lücke Christoph , Schnetzke Marc , Engelke Jennifer , Storg Janis , Loew Markus , Lichtenberg Sven
Published: April 2021

Background

The re-tear rate after supraspinatus tendon (SSP) repair is high despite optimization of surgical techniques. The critical shoulder angle (CSA) > 35° has been identified as a risk for re-tear. Surgical reduction of the CSA performing additional lateral acromioplasty (ALAP) is intended to reduce the risk.

Objective

We aimed to evaluate the effect of ALAP on the re-tear rate in patients with a CSA > 35° after SSP repair.

Patients and methods

The study included 49 shoulders fulfilling predefined inclusion criteria. The patients were assigned to two groups; group I (25 SSP) was additionally treated with an ALAP. In group II (24 SSP) standard acromioplasty was performed during reconstruction. Magnetic resonance imaging and a clinical examination (Constant Score; CS) were performed 12 months after surgery.

Results

After 15 months group I showed a re-tear rate of 20%, a decreased CSA (mean 38.0° preoperatively vs. 34.5° postoperatively) and an increase in CS (mean 53.9 vs. 84.6). After 16 months group II showed a re-tear rate of 16.7%, no difference between pre- and postoperative CSA (37.8° vs. 37.6°), and an increase in CS (48.9 vs. 84.5). There was no difference between the groups in terms of re-tears and postoperative CS (p = 0.4557), but there was a significant difference in postoperative CSA (p < 0.0001). We did not find a decrease in the failure rate after ALAP. Unlike other studies, patients with a postoperative CSA > 35° did not have a worse clinical outcome and no increased rate of re-tears compared with patients with a mechanically reduced CSA.

Conclusion

Additive lateral acromioplasty does not decrease the re-tear rate after arthroscopic SSP repair. However, ALAP significantly decreases the CSA to normal values.
Comparison of Linear versus Circular-Stapled Gastroenterostomy in Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Romeijn Marleen M. , van Hoef Stijn , Janssen Loes , van de Pas Kelly G. H. , van Dielen François M. H. , Luijten Arijan A. P. M. , Göttgens Kevin W. A. , Greve Jan Willem M. , Leclercq Wouter K. G.
Published: April 2021

Background

When performing a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), the gastroenterostomy can be constructed with a circular stapled or linear stapled technique. The size of the gastroenterostomy depends on the stapling method and this may affect weight loss outcomes. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of the stapling technique on weight loss outcomes after RYGB.

Methods

This is a nationwide population-based cohort study of patients that received a RYGB. Data were derived from the Dutch Audit of Treatment of Obesity. Primary outcome was the impact of stapling technique on the rate of non-response defined as significant weight regain (≥20% of a patients’ lost weight) 2–4 years post-surgery, after initial successful weight loss (≥20% total weight loss, TWL). Secondary outcomes were the rate of response, defined as successful weight loss (≥20% TWL) within 1.5 years post-surgery, the incidence of complications and the progression of comorbidities.

Results

In a cohort of 12,468 patients, non-response was equally distributed between both groups (circular 18.0% vs. linear 17.6%). No differences in response rate (circular 97.0% vs. linear 96.5%) or %TWL were observed up to 4 years post-surgery. Patients in the circular stapled group experienced more complications, specifically major bleedings (2.4% vs. 1.2%; p=0.002) within 30 days postoperatively. No differences were found in deteriorated comorbidities, neither in de novo developed comorbidities.

Conclusion

When comparing stapling technique in RYGB, weight loss outcomes did not differ during a 4-year follow-up period. The linear stapled gastroenterostomy could pose an advantage due to its lower complication rate.

Graphical abstract
Use of Underexploited Flours for the Reduction of Glycaemic Index of Gluten-Free Biscuits: Physicochemical and Sensory Characterization
Authors: Di Cairano Maria , Condelli Nicola , Caruso Marisa Carmela , Cela Nazarena , Tolve Roberta , Galgano Fernanda
Published: April 2021

The type and the amount of starch present in bakery products affect their glycaemic index. The control of glycaemic index in our diet can be relevant to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart diseases. The use of alternative flours to rice, maize, and their starches may improve the nutritional quality of gluten-free baked goods by reducing the glycaemic index. This work aimed at the formulation of satisfactory gluten-free biscuits by using underexploited flour mixes (from cereals, pseudocereals, and legumes), at the evaluation of their physical properties, starch digestibility and subsequent estimation of the glycaemic index. The presence of chickpea flour increased biscuit hardness and gluten-free flours darkened biscuit surface. The greatest differences in starch composition and its digestion were found between gluten-free samples and wheat-containing control. Experimental biscuits had also a lower predicted glycaemic index compared to commercial products, whereas experimental formulations presented similar values between each other. Consumers’ acceptance and sensory profiling by Check All That Apply questionnaire were carried out. All formulations but one were above the acceptance threshold (50); crumbliness and easiness to swallow were drivers of acceptance, whereas sandiness exerted a negative impact on liking score.
Spatial Dynamics Regarding Geographical Concentration of Economic Activities. Italian NUTS-3 Analysis
Authors: De Falco Stefano
Published: April 2021

For several years, the themes concerning agglomeration economies have been approached from different perspectives in the scientific debate, as capable of triggering various positive features. The present research starts precisely where many others arrive, that is, given the value of these externalities, analyzing the spatial distribution of the geographical concentration of economic activities and the related influencing factors. To this end, in this contribution an explanatory investigation is carried out into the spatial dynamics deriving from main productive sectors’ concentration in some Italian regions. The proposed methodological approach is based respectively on the LISA spatial autocorrelation models and on the analysis of non-neighboring clusters to understand if the geographical area of reference and / or the particular production sector are influencing variables. The empirical investigation confirms the presence of a parametric interaction between factors related in some cases on the geographical context and in others on the productive sector.
Correction to: Attention in Skilled Behavior: an Argument for Pluralism
Authors: Dayer Alex , Jennings Carolyn Dicey
Published: April 2021

A Correction to this paper has been published: 10.1007/13164.1878-5166
Carcinoma Cervix Leading to Ichthyosis Uteri: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Vijaywargiya Komal , Kachhara Namrata , Chahwala Qutbuddin , Ruia Aayushi
Published: April 2021

Ichthyosis uteri is an exceedingly rare condition in which the entire surface of the endometrium is replaced by stratified squamous epithelium. It is a benign lesion and its association with benign and malignant conditions has been reported in the literature (Bewtra, Xie, Hunter, Jurgensen (Arch Pathol Lab Med 29:e124–e125, 2005)). Originally described as an endometrial response to iatrogenically introduced caustic substances, similar changes have since been described in association with a variety of inflammatory conditions of the endometrium. It is concluded that a squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix extended proximally into the endometrium (Bagga, Jaswal, Datta, Mahajan (Indian J Pathol Microbiol 51:267–268, 2008)). The possibility of significant cervical pathology should be considered when plaques of squamous epithelium with low-grade dysplastic changes are identified in an endometrial biopsy or curettage.