bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Opinion: What do rescue experiments with heterologous proteins tell us and what not?
Authors: Streit Adrian
Published: August 2021

The recent progress in sequencing technology allowed the compilation of gene lists for a large number of organisms, though many of these organisms are hardly experimentally tractable when compared with well-established model organisms. One popular approach to further characterize genes identified in a poorly tractable organism is to express these genes in a model organism, and then ask what the protein does in this system or if the gene is capable of replacing the homologous endogenous one when the latter is mutated. While this is a valid approach for certain questions, I argue that the results of such experiments are frequently wrongly interpreted. If, for example, a gene from a parasitic nematode is capable of replacing its homologous gene in the model nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, it is often concluded that the gene is most likely involved in the same biological process in its own organism as the C. elegans gene is in C. elegans. This conclusion is not valid. All this experiment tells us is that the chemical properties of the parasite protein are similar enough to the ones of the C. elegans protein that it can perform the function of the C. elegans protein in C. elegans. Here I discuss this misconception and illustrate it using the analog of similar electric switches (components) controlling various devices (processes).
Shade affects magnitude and tactics of juvenile Chinook salmon antipredator behavior in the migration corridor
Authors: Sabal Megan C. , Workman Michelle L. , Merz Joseph E. , Palkovacs Eric P.
Published: August 2021

Environmental conditions strongly affect antipredator behaviors; however, it is less known how migrating prey adjust antipredator behavior in migration corridors, in part, because active migrants are difficult to observe and study. Migrants are vulnerable and encounter many predators in the corridor, and their propensity to travel towards their destination ties antipredator behavior with movement. We evaluated how environmental risk cues in the migration corridor including in-water habitat structure (present, absent) and overhead shade (sun, shade), and salmon origin (hatchery, wild) affected how juvenile Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) reacted to a live predator. We measured how salmon react to predation risk as the difference in time to swim downstream through a 9.1-m long field enclosure with or without a live predatory largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Shade significantly modified the reaction to the predator, and it did so in two ways. First, the magnitude of antipredator behavior was larger in shade compared to direct sun, which suggests salmon perceived shade to be a riskier environment than sun. Second, the escape tactic also varied; salmon slowed down to be cautious in shade and sped up in sun. Structure did not significantly affect behavior and hatchery and wild salmon behaved similarly. Our study suggests that environmental risk cues can shape the magnitude and tactics of how migrants react to predation risk and illustrates how these responses relate to movement with potential to scale up and affect migration patterns.
A unified modelling and simulation for coupled anomalous transport in porous media and its finite element implementation
Authors: Barrera O.
Published: August 2021

This paper presents an unified mathematical and computational framework for mechanics-coupled “anomalous” transport phenomena in porous media. The anomalous diffusion is mainly due to variable fluid flow rates caused by spatially and temporally varying permeability. This type of behaviour is described by a fractional pore pressure diffusion equation. The diffusion transient phenomena is significantly affected by the order of the fractional operators. In order to solve 3D consolidation problems of large scale structures, the fractional pore pressure diffusion equation is implemented in a finite element framework adopting the discretised formulation of fractional derivatives given by Grunwald–Letnikov (GL). Here the fractional pore pressure diffusion equation is implemented in the commercial software Abaqus through an open-source UMATHT subroutine. The similarity between pore pressure, heat and hydrogen transport is also discussed in order to show that it is possible to use the coupled thermal-stress analysis to solve fractional consolidation problems.
Bounds for the Lonely Runner Problems Via Linear Programming
Authors: Gonçalves Felipe , Ramos João P. G.
Published: August 2021

In this note we develop a linear programming framework to produce upper and lower bounds for the lonely runner problem.
Is this love? Sex differences in dog-owner attachment behavior suggest similarities with adult human bonds
Authors: D’Aniello Biagio , Scandurra Anna , Pinelli Claudia , Marinelli Lieta , Mongillo Paolo
Published: August 2021

Sex differences in the behavioral responses of Labrador Retriever dogs in the Strange Situation Test were explored. Behaviors expressed by dogs during seven 3-min episodes were analyzed through a Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The scores of factors obtained were analyzed with a Generalized Linear Mixed Model to reveal the effects of the dog’s sex and age and the owner’s sex. In Episode 1 (dog and owner) and 5 (dog alone), the PCA identified three and two factors, respectively, which overall explained 68.7% and 59.8% of the variance, with no effect of sex. In Episodes 2 (dog, owner, and stranger), 3 and 6 (dog and stranger), and 4 and 7 (dog and owner), the PCA identified four factors, which overall explained 51.0% of the variance. Effects of sex were found on: Factor 1 (distress), with lower scores obtained by females in Episode 2 and higher in Episode 3; Factor 2 (sociability), which was overall higher in females; Factor 3 (separation-distress), with females, but not males, obtaining higher scores when left with the stranger than when with the owner. Therefore, females were overall more social but seemed more affected than males by the owner’s absence. Parallels can be traced between our results and sex differences found in adult human romantic attachment, suggesting that the dog-owner bond has characteristics that are not found in the infant-mother relationship.
Inflation Risk?
Authors: De Grauwe Paul
Published: August 2021

Inflation is on the rise again in the industrialised world. This has led to fears of a sustained surge in inflation. This article argues that while such fears may make sense in the US, they do not in the eurozone, where the monetary-fiscal policy mix has been much less expansionary than in the US. The fear expressed by some that the monetary overhang from the large injections of liquidity through quantitative easing might lead to inflation in the eurozone does not stand up to scrutiny either. The conclusion offers some observations on the monetary operating procedures in the ECB. It argues that in the future, when interest rates rise again, the ECB risks transferring all (and even more) of its profits to the banking system. This article proposes a way to avoid this unacceptable outcome.
Hunting pressure modulates the composition and size structure of terrestrial and arboreal vertebrates in Amazonian forests
Authors: Scabin Andressa B. , Peres Carlos A.
Published: August 2021

Overhunting is a leading contemporary driver of tropical forest wildlife loss. The absence or extremely low densities of large-bodied vertebrates disrupts plant-animal mutualisms and consequently degrades key ecosystem services. Understanding patterns of defaunation is therefore crucial given that most tropical forests worldwide are now “half-empty”. Here we investigate changes in vertebrate community composition and size structure along a gradient of marked anthropogenic hunting pressure in the Médio Juruá region of western Brazilian Amazonia. Using a novel camera trapping grid design deployed both in the understorey and the forest canopy, we estimated the aggregate biomass of several functional groups of terrestrial and arboreal species at 28 sites along the hunting gradient. Generalized linear models (GLMs) identified hunting pressure as the most important driver of aggregate biomass for game, terrestrial, and arboreal species, as well as nocturnal rodents, frugivores, and granivores. Local hunting pressure affected vertebrate community structure as shown by both GLM and ordination analyses. The size structure of vertebrate fauna changed in heavily hunted areas due to population declines in large-bodied species and apparent compensatory increases in nocturnal rodents. Our study shows markedly altered vertebrate community structure even in remote but heavily settled areas of continuous primary forest. Depletion of frugivore and granivore populations, and concomitant density-compensation by seed predators, likely affect forest regeneration in persistently overhunted tropical forests. These findings contribute to a better understanding of how cascading effects induced by historical defaunation operate, informing wildlife management policy in tropical peri-urban, rural and wilderness areas.
Two methods for the maximization of homogeneous polynomials over the simplex
Authors: Ahmed Faizan , Still Georg
Published: August 2021

The paper deals with the numerical solution of the problem P to maximize a homogeneous polynomial over the unit simplex. We discuss the convergence properties of the so-called replicator dynamics for solving P. We further examine an ascent method, which also makes use of the replicator transformation. Numerical experiments with polynomials of different degrees illustrate the theoretical convergence results.
Imagery Rescripting of Autobiographical Memories Versus Intrusive Images in Individuals with Disordered Eating
Authors: Kadriu Fortesa , Claes Laurence , Witteman Cilia , Krans Julie
Published: August 2021

Background

This study compared the effect of imagery rescripting (ImRs) of early autobiographical memories to ImRs of intrusive images and a no task control condition on eating disorder (ED) related core beliefs and ED symptoms in individuals at risk of developing an eating disorder. We qualitatively explored the content of ImRs scripts.

Method

Participants (N = 66, 87.8% females) were allocated to one of three conditions: ImRs of autobiographical memories, ImRs of intrusive images, or a no task control condition. Participants in the ImRs conditions received a 9-min self-guided ImRs intervention in the lab and practiced ImRs daily for the next 6 days online. Participants in the no task control condition took a 9-min break and did not do any further tasks. All participants attended a follow-up testing 1 week after the lab session.

Results

Both ImRs manipulations resulted in greater reductions in negative core beliefs and ED symptoms compared to the no task control group. However, there were no differences among the two ImRs groups. The most widely used rescripting strategy was self-compassion, followed by unhealthy, ED-confirming strategies. No significant associations were found between the ImRs strategies and any of the outcome measures.

Conclusion

ImRs may be a promising intervention for individuals with disordered eating and both early memories as well as intrusive images may be useful targets.
Why lawyers internationalize and police transnationalize: disjointed criminal justice at the border of the state
Authors: Christensen Mikkel Jarle
Published: August 2021

This article investigates the socio-genesis of two different types of criminal justice developed at the border of the state. At this border, the field of international criminal justice was differentiated from the field of transnational criminal justice. The article analyzes how elites of these two fields are characterized by distinct relations to the state that structure their ability to affect criminal justice outside of the national context. These professionals worked in parallel in national systems of justice where they accumulated distinct patterns of expertise and access to the state. On the basis of these socio-professional differences, law and police professionals helped define new criminal justice initiatives at the border of the state that deepened the division between them. The development of international criminal justice was dominated by professionals of law whereas transnational criminal justice was built primarily around police professionals. Societal responses to globalized crime are structured by this disjointed space of criminal justice in which legal and police professionals dominate distinct enforcement initiatives.
How ICT can contribute to realize a sustainable society in the future: a CGE approach
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxi , Shinozuka Machiko , Tanaka Yuriko , Kanamori Yuko , Masui Toshihiko
Published: August 2021

Many information and communications technology (ICT) services have become commonplace worldwide and are certain to continue to spread faster than before, particularly along with the commercialization of 5G and movement restrictions in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Although there is a concern that ICT equipment usage may increase power consumption and emit greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, ICT has also been contributing to reducing GHG emissions through improved productivity and reduced mobility. This research targeted the main ICT services used in Japan and adopted a dynamic national computable general equilibrium model to quantitatively analyze future impacts on economic growth and GHG emission reduction until 2030 by using these ICTs, while considering both the increase in power consumption of ICT itself and the reduction in environmental load in other sectors. The results showed that the spread of ICT services, especially some artificial intelligence-based services, can improve productivity in most sectors through labor-saving and contribute to improving overall gross domestic product (GDP). Additionally, increased efficiency of logistics and manufacturing can greatly reduce the input of oil and coal products and so greatly contribute to GHG emission reduction. In 2030, compared with the baseline scenario in which all technology levels are fixed at current levels, at least 1% additional GDP growth and 4% GHG emission reduction can be expected by the targeted introduction of ICT in the ICT accelerated scenario in which the technology level of ICT accelerates. This also means ICT can potentially decouple the economy from the environment.
A Conceptualisation of Crowd Knowledge
Authors: Blesik Till , Bick Markus , Kummer Tyge-F.
Published: August 2021

Propelled by digitalisation, crowd knowledge (CK) has gained popularity alongside a plurality of related crowd-based concepts (crowdsourcing, wisdom of crowds and collective intelligence), resulting in an inconsistent understanding of the terms and their application. Based on a structured literature review, we conceptualise CK and develop a formal definition, which is then evaluated using knowledge artefacts on different crowd-related platforms and differentiation criteria in relation to participants, context, purpose and process. The paper posits that CK is conceptually different from related concepts, due to its dynamic nature and its instantiation in the form of a CK knowledge artefact which requires a specific context and a unique knowledge-creation process. Furthermore, we discuss how the concept of CK and its associated artefact relates to established knowledge management concepts such as knowledge assets and the flow of CK in the epistemological differentiation of knowledge into tacit and explicit elements. The article contributes to the formal conceptualisation of crowd-based concepts and therefore improves understanding of existing implementations and supports the prudent design of future systems.
Perception and Production of Statement-Question Intonation in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Developmental Investigation
Authors: Wang Li , Beaman C. Philip , Jiang Cunmei , Liu Fang
Published: August 2021

Prosody or “melody in speech” in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is often perceived as atypical. This study examined perception and production of statements and questions in 84 children, adolescents and adults with and without ASD, as well as participants’ pitch direction discrimination thresholds. The results suggested that the abilities to discriminate (in both speech and music conditions), identify, and imitate statement-question intonation were intact in individuals with ASD across age cohorts. Sensitivity to pitch direction predicted performance on intonation processing in both groups, who also exhibited similar developmental changes. These findings provide evidence for shared mechanisms in pitch processing between speech and music, as well as associations between low- and high-level pitch processing and between perception and production of pitch.
Revealing the structure and evolution of entrained oxide film in Mg–Y alloy castings
Authors: Li Tian , Davies J. M. T. , Zhu Xiangzhen
Published: August 2021

The structure and evolution of oxide film in Mg alloys have been a research objective for a long time but are still unclear up to now. In the present work, the structure of the entrained oxide film (which is also known as bifilm) in Mg–Y alloy castings protected by SF6/air cover gas was characterized. It was found that the entrained oxide film can be divided into two typical types: (1) single-layered F-rich films and (2) double-layered films with a F-rich inner layer and a F-poor outer layer. Based on the experimental phenomena and thermodynamic calculation, the evolution mechanism of the oxide film was also revealed. It was found that F element from the cover gas reacted with the melt firstly to form the initial F-rich single-layered film. Then, O and S were also involved in the reaction, transforming the initial film to be a (F, O, S)-rich single-layered film. Finally, when the F element was depleted, the newly formed layer on the existing oxide film is characteristically F-poor but (O, S)-enriched, leading to a double-layered oxide film. It was also found that the oxide film grew faster in SF6/air cover gas than in SF6/CO2 cover gas, resulting in a higher repeatability of mechanical properties of Mg–Y alloy castings.
Robust two-stage combinatorial optimization problems under convex second-stage cost uncertainty
Authors: Goerigk Marc , Kasperski Adam , Zieliński Paweł
Published: August 2021

In this paper a class of robust two-stage combinatorial optimization problems is discussed. It is assumed that the uncertain second-stage costs are specified in the form of a convex uncertainty set, in particular polyhedral or ellipsoidal ones. It is shown that the robust two-stage versions of basic network optimization and selection problems are NP-hard, even in a very restrictive cases. Some exact and approximation algorithms for the general problem are constructed. Polynomial and approximation algorithms for the robust two-stage versions of basic problems, such as the selection and shortest path problems, are also provided.
Cognitive Flexibility and Reaction Time Improvements After Cognitive Training Designed for Men Perpetrators of Intimate Partner Violence: Results of a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Romero-Martínez Á. , Santirso F. , Lila M. , Comes-Fayos J. , Moya-Albiol L.
Published: August 2021

PurposeCurrent interventions for intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetrators are designed to reduce IPV recidivism by treating risk factors and increasing protective factors. However, these interventions pay less attention to cognitive functioning in IPV perpetrators and how these variables interfere with the future risk of recidivism. Therefore, the main objective of this research was to compare the effectiveness of Standard Intervention Programs for men who perpetrate IPV [SIP] + cognitive training vs SIP + placebo training in promoting cognitive improvements and reducing recidivism. Furthermore, we also aimed to assess whether changes in the risk of recidivism would be related to cognitive changes after the intervention.MethodIPV perpetrators who agreed to participate were randomly allocated to receive SIP + cognitive training or SIP + placebo training. Several cognitive variables were assessed before and after the interventions with a complete battery of neuropsychological tests assessing processing speed, memory, attention, executive functions, and emotion decoding abilities. Moreover, we also assessed the risk of recidivism.ResultsOur data pointed out that only the IPV perpetrators who received the SIP + cognitive training improved their processing speed and cognitive flexibility after this intervention. Furthermore, these participants presented the lowest risk of recidivism after the intervention. Nonetheless, cognitive improvements and reductions in the risk of recidivism after the intervention were unrelated.ConclusionsOur study reinforces the importance of implementing cognitive training to reduce risk of recidivism after SIP. Hence, these results might encourage professionals to incorporate neuropsychological variables in IPV intervention programs.
Do Interpersonal Networks Mediate the Relationship Between International Academic Mobility and Entrepreneurial Knowledge?
Authors: De Moortel Kevin , Crispeels Thomas , Xie Jinyu , Jing Qiaosong
Published: August 2021

Temporary international mobility is an increasingly relevant practice amongst academics. However, current literature lacks understanding on whether such mobility influences the individual academics’ entrepreneurial knowledge. This paper hypothesizes that temporary international academic mobility is conducive to the academic’s entrepreneurial knowledge and that interpersonal social networks play a crucial role in the transfer of this knowledge through their strength and size properties. We perform a Partial Least Squares - Structural Equation Model and build upon an original survey data set collected amongst 281 Chinese academics. We find that the size of one’s interpersonal social network fully mediates the relationship between international academic mobility and entrepreneurial knowledge. This result points to the importance of a structurally broad - rather than a relationally strong - international social network in the academic’s accumulation of entrepreneurial knowledge abroad.
Regeneration dynamics in fragmented landscapes at the leading edge of distribution: Quercus suber woodlands as a study case
Authors: Montero-Muñoz Jorge Luis , Ureña Carmen , Navarro Diego , Herrera Valentín , Alonso-Rojo Pilar , Hernández-Alonso Héctor , Cepeda-González María Fernanda , Jovellar Luis Carlos , Fernández-Santos Belén , Silla Fernando
Published: August 2021

Aims

We studied the regeneration dynamics of woodlands and abandoned old fields in a landscape dominated by Quercus suber in its lower limits of rainfall and temperature. Two hypotheses were established: (1) regeneration of Quercus species is strongly favored by the presence of tree cover; and (2) growth of Q. suber is driven by the climatic variables that represent the lower ecological limit of its leading distribution edge.

Methods

We selected woodlands and old fields with and without tree remnants (n = 3 per type), and analyzed stand structure, soil parameters and tree growth.

Results

Succession was arrested in old fields without tree remnants. By contrast, remnant trees were accelerators of forest recovery in old fields. Tree cover played a fundamental role in Quercus recruitment throughout seed dispersal and facilitation that mitigate the effects of summer drought on seedlings. Also, tree cover improved soil parameters (e.g., organic matter) that are important factors for understanding differences in regeneration. Winter/spring precipitation exerted a positive effect on tree growth, as well as temperatures during winter/spring and September.

Conclusions

Regeneration dynamics are modeled by the density of tree cover in the cold and dry edge of the distribution area of Q. suber where Q. ilex is increasing in abundance. Although temperature has a positive effect on the tree growth of Q. suber, when demographic processes are considered, decreases in water availability likely play a critical role in Q. ilex recruitment. This in turn changes dominance hierarchies, especially in abandoned areas with little or no tree cover.
The Random Normal Matrix Model: Insertion of a Point Charge
Authors: Ameur Yacin , Kang Nam-Gyu , Seo Seong-Mi
Published: August 2021

In this article, we study microscopic properties of a two-dimensional Coulomb gas ensemble near a conical singularity arising from insertion of a point charge in the bulk of the droplet. In the determinantal case, we characterize all rotationally symmetric scaling limits (“Mittag-Leffler fields”) and obtain universality of them when the underlying potential is algebraic. Applications include a central limit theorem for$\log |p_{n}(\zeta )|$log|pn(ζ)|wherepnis the characteristic polynomial of ann:th order random normal matrix.
Interplay between upsampling and regularization for provider fairness in recommender systems
Authors: Boratto Ludovico , Fenu Gianni , Marras Mirko
Published: August 2021

Considering the impact of recommendations on item providers is one of the duties of multi-sided recommender systems. Item providers are key stakeholders in online platforms, and their earnings and plans are influenced by the exposure their items receive in recommended lists. Prior work showed that certain minority groups of providers, characterized by a common sensitive attribute (e.g., gender or race), are being disproportionately affected by indirect and unintentional discrimination. Our study in this paper handles a situation where (i) the same provider is associated with multiple items of a list suggested to a user, (ii) an item is created by more than one provider jointly, and (iii) predicted user–item relevance scores are biasedly estimated for items of provider groups. Under this scenario, we assess disparities in relevance, visibility, and exposure, by simulating diverse representations of the minority group in the catalog and the interactions. Based on emerged unfair outcomes, we devise a treatment that combines observation upsampling and loss regularization, while learning user–item relevance scores. Experiments on real-world data demonstrate that our treatment leads to lower disparate relevance. The resulting recommended lists show fairer visibility and exposure, higher minority item coverage, and negligible loss in recommendation utility.
What’s new and notable in bacterial spore killing!
Authors: Setlow Peter , Christie Graham
Published: August 2021

Spores of many species of the orders Bacillales and Clostridiales can be vectors for food spoilage, human diseases and intoxications, and biological warfare. Many agents are used for spore killing, including moist heat in an autoclave, dry heat at elevated temperatures, UV radiation at 254 and more recently 222 and 400 nm, ionizing radiation of various types, high hydrostatic pressures and a host of chemical decontaminants. An alternative strategy is to trigger spore germination, as germinated spores are much easier to kill than the highly resistant dormant spores—the so called “germinate to eradicate” strategy. Factors important to consider in choosing methods for spore killing include the: (1) cost; (2) killing efficacy and kinetics; (3) ability to decontaminate large areas in buildings or outside; and (4) compatibility of killing regimens with the: (i) presence of people; (ii) food quality; (iii) presence of significant amounts of organic matter; and (iv) minimal damage to equipment in the decontamination zone. This review will summarize research on spore killing and point out some common flaws which can make results from spore killing research questionable.
Separation of virgin plastic polymers and post-consumer mixed plastic waste by sinking-flotation technique
Authors: Meneses Quelal Washington Orlando , Velázquez-Martí Borja , Ferrer Gisbert Andrés
Published: August 2021

The main objective of this research is to separate virgin polymers (PA, PC, PP, HDPE; PS, and ABS) and post-consumer plastic waste from municipal solid waste (MSW) using the sinking-flotation technique. Separation was carried out on a pilot scale in an 800-l useful volume container with 160 rpm agitation for one hour. Tap water, ethanol solutions, and sodium chloride at different concentrations were used as densification medium. Virgin polymers were separated into two groups: low-density (HDPE and PP) and high-density polymers groups (PS, ABS, PA, and PC). Polymers whose density was less than that of the medium solution floated to the surface, while those whose density was greater than those of the medium solution sank to the bottom. The experimental results showed that complete separation of HDPE from PP achieved 23% ethanol v/v, whereas high-density polymers separated up to 40% w/v sodium chloride. Polymer recovery ranged from 70 to 99.70%. In post-consumer recycled plastic waste, fractions of 29.6% polyolefins, 37.54% PS, 11% ABS, 8% PA, 12% PC PET, and PVC were obtained. Finally, cast plates were made of the post-consumer waste to properly identify the polymer type present in the separated fractions.
Key factors controlling microbial distribution on a DNAPL source area
Authors: Herrero Jofre , Puigserver Diana , Nijenhuis Ivonne , Kuntze Kevin , Carmona José M.
Published: August 2021

Chlorinated solvents are among the common groundwater contaminants that show high complexity in their distribution in the subsoil. Microorganisms play a vital role in the natural attenuation of chlorinated solvents. Thus far, how the in situ soil microbial community responds to chlorinated solvent contamination has remained unclear. In this study, the microbial community distribution within two boreholes located in the source area of perchloroethene (PCE) was investigated via terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) and clone library analysis. Microbial data were related to the lithological and geochemical data and the concentration and isotopic composition of chloroethenes to determine the key factors controlling the distribution of the microbial communities. The results indicated that Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Firmicutes were the most abundant phylums in the sediment. The statistical correlation with the environmental data proved that fine granulometry, oxygen tolerance, terminal electron-acceptor processes, and toxicity control microbial structure. This study improves our understanding of how the microbial community in the subsoil responds to high concentrations of chlorinated solvents.
Lehren aus der Russischen Grippe für das Endspiel der derzeitigen Pandemie – die Exitstrategie für Deutschland
Authors: Weigl Josef
Published: August 2021

Hintergrund

Seit dem Beginn der SARS-CoV-2-Pandemie wurde in Deutschland noch nie eine konkrete Strategie formuliert. Einzelne Themen verselbstständigen sich immerfort und die Begründungen für den Lockdown, nämlich die Reduktion der Mortalität bei den vulnerablen Personen- und Altersgruppen und die Gefahr einer erhöhten Letalität bei Überlastung des Gesundheitswesens, allen voran der Intensivstationen, geraten aus den Fokus.

Methode

Auf der Basis von Erkenntnissen, die bereits vor dieser Pandemie vorlagen und solchen, die bisher akkumuliert wurden, wird eine Refokussierung vorgenommen und eine Exitstrategie für Deutschland entwickelt.

Ergebnisse

Das eigentliche Ziel in der Pandemie ist, die Erstinfektion der Bevölkerung mittels Wildvirusinfektion oder Impfung möglichst schnell zu überwinden und die Herdenimmunitätsschwelle zu erreichen. Nur so kann dem Virus sein Gefahrenpotenzial genommen und eine neujustierte endemische Lage erreicht werden. Die Russische Grippepandemie 1889–1892 durch CoV-OC43, heute eine pandemische Narbe von damals, ist dazu das Modell. Die aktuell erfolgreiche Impfstoffentwicklung in nie dagewesener Geschwindigkeit ist eine historische Gnade.

Schlussfolgerungen

Die Russische Grippepandemie war die zuletzt größte Coronaviruspandemie. Nach einem Impfangebot an die vulnerablen Gruppen („Targetpopulation“) ist der Lockdown schnellst möglich aufzuheben, das Impfangebot für Erwachsene ohne etablierte Risikofaktoren fortzusetzen und parallel dazu der Rest der Bevölkerung schnellst möglich durchseuchen zu lassen. Trotz erfolgreicher Impfstoffentwicklung drängt die Zeit, um weiteren Verwerfungen vorzubeugen.
New taxa in Glomeromycota: Polonosporaceae fam. nov., Polonospora gen. nov., and P. polonica comb. nov.
Authors: Błaszkowski Janusz , Niezgoda Piotr , Meller Edward , Milczarski Paweł , Zubek Szymon , Malicka Monika , Uszok Sylwia , Casieri Leonardo , Goto Bruno Tomio , Magurno Franco
Published: August 2021

Phylogenetic analyses of sequences of the nuc rDNA small subunit (18S), internal transcribed spacer (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 = ITS), and large subunit (28S) region (= 18S-ITS-28S), as well as sequences of this region concatenated with sequences of the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (RPB1) gene, proved that the species originally described as Acaulospora polonica (phylum Glomeromycota) represents a new genus and a new family of the ancient order Archaeosporales, here introduced into the Glomeromycota under the names Polonospora and Polonosporaceae, respectively. The phylogenetic analyses and BLASTn queries also indicated that the Polonosporaceae with P. polonica comb. nov. still contains several morphologically undescribed taxa at the ranks of genus and species, which have a worldwide distribution.
Intergenerationenbeziehungen im bäuerlichen Milieu zu Beginn des 21. Jahrhunderts
Authors: Eder Anja , Haring-Mosbacher Sabine A. , Höllinger Franz
Published: August 2021

Trotz des Strukturwandels in der Landwirtschaft hat sich die bäuerliche Lebensform der Mehrgenerationenfamilie in Österreich weitgehend erhalten. Allerdings stellt sich die Frage, wie sich diese Lebensform zu den tiefgreifenden Individualisierungstendenzen, die moderne Gesellschaften durchziehen, verhält. Anhand von 30 Interviews und einer österreichweiten Umfrage unter 269 Betriebsleiterinnen und -leitern untersucht der vorliegende Artikel, wie die Generationenbeziehungen von Alt und Jung wahrgenommen werden. Dazu greift der Beitrag auf soziologische Konzepte der Generationensolidarität, des Generationenkonflikts und der Ambivalenzen in den Generationenbeziehungen sowie auf die historische Familienforschung zurück. Die Analyse, die auch die Geschlechterverhältnisse mit einbezieht, zeigt eine Kontinuität der Familiensolidarität, zugleich aber einen erheblichen Wandel der Solidaritäts- und Konfliktmuster. Als charakteristisch für das bäuerliche Milieu zu Beginn des 21. Jahrhunderts erweisen sich der Wandel von der verpflichtenden zur freiwilligen Generationensolidarität, von traditionellen Abhängigkeitsverhältnissen zu einer autonomeren Lebensführung sowie mehr Privatsphäre und vom patriarchalen Gehorsam zur egalitären Familienkommunikation.
Characterization of cognitive function in survivors of diffuse gliomas using resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI)
Authors: Wang Chencai , Van Dyk Kathleen , Cho Nicholas , Raymond Catalina , Choi Justin , Salamon Noriko , Pope Whitney B. , Lai Albert , Cloughesy Timothy F. , Nghiemphu Phioanh L. , Ellingson Benjamin M.
Published: August 2021

As treatments for diffuse gliomas have advanced, survival for patients with gliomas has also increased. However, there remains limited knowledge on the relationships between brain connectivity and the lasting changes to cognitive function that glioma survivors often experience long after completing treatment. This resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) study explored functional connectivity (FC) alterations associated with cognitive function in survivors of gliomas. In this pilot study, 22 patients (mean age 43.8 ± 11.9) with diffuse gliomas who completed treatment within the past 10 years were evaluated using rs-fMRI and neuropsychological measures. Novel rs-fMRI analysis methods were used to account for missing brain in the resection cavity. FC relationships were assessed between cognitively impaired and non-impaired glioma patients, along with self-reported cognitive impairment, non-work daily functioning, and time with surgery. In the cognitively non-impaired patients, FC was stronger in the medial prefrontal cortex, rostral prefrontal cortex, and intraparietal sulcus compared to the impaired survivors. When examining non-work daily functioning, a positive correlation with FC was observed between the accumbens and the intracalcarine cortices, while a negative correlation with FC was observed between the parietal operculum cortex and the cerebellum. Additionally, worse self-reported cognitive impairment and worse non-work daily functioning were associated with increased FC between regions involved in cognition and sensorimotor processing. These preliminary findings suggest that neural correlates for cognitive and daily functioning in glioma patients can be revealed using rs-fMRI. Resting-state network alterations may serve as a biomarker for patients’ cognition and functioning.
Characteristics of movable fluids in tight sandstone reservoir and its influencing factors: a case study of Chang 7 reservoir in the Southwestern of Ordos Basin
Authors: Xu Yongqiang , Liu Linyu , Zhu Yushuang
Published: August 2021

Aiming at the problem of complicated occurrence and flow state of the fluid in tight sandstone reservoir, this paper takes Chang 7 reservoirs in Southwestern of Ordos Basin as an example to analyze the occurrence characteristics of movable fluids by nuclear magnetic resonance experiment, while takes a series of microscopic experiments to analyze the influencing factors of difference of movable fluids. The results show that the T2 spectrum curves of fluid-saturated samples from Chang 7 reservoirs in the study area are dominated by the unimodal shape and the left-high-peak-right-low-peak bimodal shape. After centrifugation, the T2 spectrum curves are dominated by the left-high-peak-right-low-peak bimodal shape. The average movable fluid saturation is 33.27%, and the average T2 cutoff value is 13.61 ms. The movable fluids are mainly distributed in medium and large pores, and a small amount is distributed in small pores. The occurrence characteristics of movable fluids in tight reservoirs are complex and not controlled by a single factor. The size of throats and the connectivity of pore-throat have obvious effects on the saturation of movable fluids. The small size of throats and poor connectivity of pore-throat in tight reservoirs not only restrict the fluids in micropores, but also make the fluids in macropores difficult to flow under the control of small throats. The development of clay minerals will make the pore throats smaller, more complex and have poorer connectivity, and increase the fluid seepage resistance. On the other hand, it will make the specific surface area larger, which will cause a large number of fluids adsorbed on the clay surface and difficult to flow, resulting in the reduction of movable fluid saturation.
A novel and cleaner bio-polymer Gum Karaya-based Silica nanocomposite fracturing fluid for high-temperature application
Authors: Chauhan Geetanjali , Ojha Keka , Prasad Ch. Vara
Published: August 2021

A novel polymer nanocomposite has been synthesized in the present study using a bio-polymer Karaya and inorganic SiO2 nanoparticles via sonication for application as a fracturing fluid in stimulating oil and gas wells. Gum Karaya (KG), an acidic polysaccharide, has been investigated for its structural, morphological and rheological characteristics, and the results have been compared with prepared KG–SiO2 nanocomposite at different SiO2 dosing for improved structure, viscoelasticity, viscosity and temperature stability. Steady shear rheology test depicted pseudoplastic nature, while oscillatory study confirms gel characteristics and weak dependence of storage and loss moduli on frequency for all the prepared samples. Dominance of elasticity over viscous nature of the gel assures efficient solid transporting/suspending capability. Experimental results showed that the rheological characteristics of the synthesized gel is comparable with Guar and CMHPG over the shear and temperature ranges under study and suitable for temperatures above 150 °C and pressure conditions. Also, polymer breaking and sandpack regained permeability tests proved synthesized gels to be a cleaner with less residue as compared to the other two.
Magnitude and timing of density reduction are key for the resilience to severe drought in conifer-broadleaf mixed forests in Central Europe
Authors: Zamora-Pereira Juan Carlos , Yousefpour Rasoul , Cailleret Maxime , Bugmann Harald , Hanewinkel Marc
Published: August 2021

Key message

We applied a modified forest gap model (ForClim) to depict changes in stand water transpiration via density reduction as a forest adaptation strategy. This approach is the key to analyzing the ecological resilience to drought, stress-induced mortality, and economic efficiency of managed mixed forest stands in Central Europe. The results show that specific geographic conditions and forest composition define the optimal stand density of drought-resilient forests.

Context

Reducing stand density has been recognized as a valid strategy to increase forest resilience to drought. Moreover, to develop adaptive management strategies (AMS) under climate change, it is crucial to consider not only drought resilience but also the economic efficiency of alternative AMS proposed to alleviate drought effects.

Aims

To analyze how decreased inter-tree competition among overstorey trees affects stand vulnerability to drought and its expected yield.

Methods

We integrated experimental thinning data and historical responses to drought years in a climate-sensitive forest gap model, ForClim. We tested a business as usual (BAU) and three alternative AMS (“do-nothing,” low- and high-intensity overstorey removal) in mixed stands of Norway spruce (Picea abies), silver fir (Abies alba), and European beech (Fagus sylvatica) along an elevational gradient of 520–1020 m a.s.l. in Central Europe.

Results

High-intensity overstorey removal in mixed stands of all three species considerably increased forest volume growth resilience to drought and decreased stress-induced mortality by two-thirds vis à vis a “do-nothing” strategy. In sites including only conifer species, forest resilience was equally improved by high- and low-intensity overstorey removal compared to that in the BAU strategy. Regarding the timber economy, high-intensity overstorey removal resulted in a higher economic revenue of mixed stands (~ 22% higher net present value than other strategies) on the high-elevation sites (> 1000 m a.s.l.).

Conclusion

Modifying forest density and structure by overstorey removal is principally suitable to increase forest resilience to drought and improve its economic efficiency. The magnitude of the effect however depends on the geographical setting and forest composition.
Italian adaptation of the Düsseldorf Orthorexia Scale (I-DOS): psychometric properties and prevalence of orthorexia nervosa among an Italian sample
Authors: Cerolini Silvia , Vacca Mariacarolina , Zagaria Andrea , Donini Lorenzo Maria , Barbaranelli Claudio , Lombardo Caterina
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Orthorexia Nervosa (ON) is described as an extreme level of preoccupation around healthy eating, accompanied by restrictive eating behaviors. During the years, different assessment instruments have been developed. The aim of the study is to adapt into Italian the Düsseldorf Orthorexia Scale (I-DOS) and to test its psychometric properties.

Method

A total sample of 422 volunteer university students (mean age = 20.70 ± 3.44, women 71.8%) completed a group of self-report questionnaires in large group sessions during their lecture time. The scales assessed ON (the I-DOS and the Orhto-15), disordered eating (Disordered Eating Questionnaire, DEQ), depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory-II, BDI-II), obsessive and compulsive symptoms (Obsessive Compulsive Inventory-Revised, OCI-R), and self-reported height and weight.

Results

The fit of the unidimensional structure and reliability of the I-DOS was tested trough Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) as well as its criterion validity computing correlation coefficients among Ortho-15, DEQ, BDI-II, OCI-R, BMI. Analyses confirmed the unidimensional structure of the I-DOS with acceptable or great fit indices (CFI = 0.984; TLI = 0.978; SRMR = 0.043; RMSEA = 0.076) and the strong internal consistency (α = 0.888). The correlations path supported the criterion validity of the scale. The estimated total prevalence of both ON and ON risk was 8.1%.

Conclusions

This 10-item scale appears to be a valid and reliable measure to assess orthorexic behaviors and attitudes.

Level of evidence

Level V, descriptive cross-sectional study.
Surfaces of Section for Seifert Fibrations
Authors: Albach Bernhard , Geiges Hansjörg
Published: August 2021

We classify global surfaces of section for flows on 3-manifolds defining Seifert fibrations. We discuss branched coverings—one way or the other—between surfaces of section for the Hopf flow and those for any other Seifert fibration of the 3-sphere, and we relate these surfaces of section to algebraic curves in weighted complex projective planes.
Estimation of kidney function in patients with primary neuromuscular diseases: is serum cystatin C a better marker of kidney function than creatinine?
Authors: Aldenbratt Annika , Lindberg Christopher , Johannesson Elias , Hammarsten Ola , Svensson Maria K.
Published: August 2021

Background

Using serum creatinine leads to an overestimation of kidney function in patients with primary neuromuscular disorders, and reduced kidney function may remain undetected. Cystatin C (CysC) could provide a better estimation.

Aim

To evaluate the precision, accuracy, and bias of two creatinine-, one cystatin C-based and one combined equation to estimate glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in patients with primary neuromuscular disease.

Patients and methods

Of the 418 patients initially identified at the out-patient clinic, data on kidney function was obtained for 145 adult patients (age 46 ± 14 years, BMI 26 ± 6 kg/m2) with primary neuromuscular disease. Kidney function was measured by iohexol clearance, and blood samples for serum creatinine and CysC were drawn simultaneously. Bias was defined as the mean difference between eGFR and measured iohexol clearance, and accuracy as the proportion of eGFRs within ± 10% (P10) of measured clearance.

Results

Kidney function (iohexol clearance) was 81 ± 19 (38–134) ml/min/1.73m2. All equations overestimated kidney function by 22–60 ml/min/1.73m2. eGFR CysC had the lowest bias overall 22 (95% CI 20–26) ml/min/1.73m2 also at all levels of kidney function we evaluated (at 30–59 ml/min/1.73m2 bias was 27 (95% CI 21–35), at 60–89 it was 25 (95% CI 20–28) and at ≥ 90 it was 12 (95% CI 7–22)). eGFR CysC also had the best accuracy in patients with reduced kidney function (P10 was 5.9% at 30–59 ml/min/1.73m2).

Conclusions

Cystatin C-based estimations of kidney function performed better than creatinine-based ones in patients with primary neuromuscular disease, but most importantly, all evaluated equations overestimated kidney function, especially in patients with reduced kidney function. Therefore, kidney function should be measured by gold-standard methods when precision and accuracy are needed.

Graphic abstract