bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nuclear conditions of basidiospores and hyphal cells in the edible mushroom Oudemansiella aparlosarca
Authors: Rebecca Roy , Gao Qi , Cui Yujin , Rong Chengbo , Liu Yu , Zhao Wensheng , Kumara Wasantha , Wang Shouxian
Published: September 2021

Oudemansiella aparlosarca is an edible mushroom possessing medicinal and health benefits. Although there are studies on the cultivation of O. aparlosarca, only a few studies have focused on its genetics and life cycle. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to identify the nuclear conditions of basidiospores and homokaryotic and heterokaryotic hyphal cells and to determine the influence of different nuclear conditions on basidiospore diameter in O. aparlosarca. Two parental strains: strain‐55 and strain‐81 were used. Staining of basidiospores and hyphal cells in the apical region was performed. We observed the following nuclear conditions: non‐nucleate, mononucleate, binucleate, and multinucleate. In both parental strains, binucleate spores were predominant, while the number of non‐nucleate spores was the lowest. The diameter of non‐nucleate spores was the smallest, being 11.52 µm and 12.15 µm in parental strain‐81 and strain‐55, respectively, while multinucleate spores had the largest diameter, being 14.78 µm in both parental strains. Both homokaryotic and heterokaryotic strains were identified in isolated single spores from parental strains. Binucleate cells were majorly present in heterokaryotic hyphal cells, and multinucleate cells were predominant in homokaryotic hyphal cells. We conclude that O. aparlosarca contains homokaryotic and heterokaryotic basidiospores, which indicates an amphithallic life cycle. The observed binucleate spores might be the result of post‐meiotic mitosis.
Pathogenic Vibrio parahaemolyticus Increase in Intertidal-Farmed Oysters in the Mid-Atlantic Region, but Only at Low Tide
Authors: Ben-Horin Tal , Audemard Corinne , Calvo Lisa , Reece Kimberly S. , Bushek David
Published: September 2021

Human-pathogenic marine bacteria in the genus Vibrio proliferate rapidly in shellfish tissues when exposed to warm ambient air conditions, such as during intertidal exposure. However, it remains unclear whether intertidal-cultured shellfish are inherently associated with elevated Vibrio concentrations. Here we spatially matched eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) held in subtidal and intertidal aquaculture systems at six experimental oyster farms along the mid-Atlantic coast and tested whether intertidal aquaculture elevates concentrations of V. parahaemolyticus, the predominant species associated with seafood-related gastroenteritis, as well as concentrations of V. parahaemolyticus carrying the tdh and/or trh genes associated with pathogenicity in humans. Across the sites and over time, we found only slight evidence for increasing V. parahaemolyticus concentrations with exposure to ambient air at low tide; however, tdh/trh+ V. parahaemolyticus increased about 1.5-fold. We also found that total V. parahaemolyticus concentrations and concentrations of tdh/trh+ V. parahaemolyticus did not differ between intertidal- and subtidal-cultured oysters when submerged at high tides. Any changes to V. parahaemolyticus concentrations within oyster tissues, including concentrations of tdh/trh+ V. parahaemolyticus, therefore diminish with the incoming tide. Our results collectively support the existing time-to-cooling restrictions that are in place in many state Vibrio control plans, which involve minimizing the amount of time harvested shellfish can be held prior to cooling or refrigeration, but oppose more austere measures such as restricting or prohibiting intertidal harvest entirely.
Dermatologic toxicities of targeted antineoplastic agents and immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy in pediatric patients: A systematic review
Authors: Liu Lucy Y. , Teng Joyce M. C. , Spunt Sheri L. , Strelo Jenna L. , Kwong Bernice Y. , Zaba Lisa C.
Published: September 2021

Cutaneous adverse events (cAEs) from targeted antineoplastic agents and immune checkpoint inhibitors are common in children with cancer and may lead to dose reduction or cessation of critical oncologic treatment. Timely diagnosis and proper management of cAEs in pediatric oncology patients is essential to optimize ongoing cancer‐directed therapy and improve quality of life. This systematic review of published studies summarizes dermatologic toxicities to targeted anticancer treatments and immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Hypercalcemia is a frequent side effect of 13‐cis‐retinoic acid treatment in patients with high‐risk neuroblastoma
Authors: Hoemberg Marc , Schwenzfeur Ruth , Berthold Frank , Simon Thorsten , Hero Barbara
Published: September 2021

Purpose

13‐cis‐Retinoic acid (13‐cisRA) is used as a postconsolidation treatment in patients with high‐risk neuroblastoma. Hypercalcemia is a known side effect of retinoids. Frequency, symptoms, treatment, and risk factors for hypercalcemia were analyzed.

Patients

Data were retrospectively analyzed for 350 patients registered in the German Neuroblastoma trials NB97 and NB04 who were treated with high‐risk protocols—including myeloablative chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation (SCT) or maintenance therapy—and had received 13‐cisRA between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2010.

Results

Hypercalcemia was reported in 78 patients (22.3%), and 37 patients (10.6%) developed Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) grade 3 or 4 hypercalcemia. The calcium levels were 2.5–4.6 mmol/L (median 3.1 mmol/L). Patients with a single kidney were at a higher risk of developing hypercalcemia (p = .001). Regarding postinduction treatment, 69 of 280 patients with SCT (24.6%) and nine of 70 patients without SCT (12.9%) developed hypercalcemia during 13‐cisRA treatment (p = .037). Most patients developed hypercalcemia in the first cycle of 13‐cisRA, and only in a single cycle. Hypercalcemia symptoms were frequent but moderate. In most patients, treatment with 13‐cisRA was continued without dose reduction in subsequent cycles.

Conclusion

In this cohort, grades 3 and 4 hypercalcemia were observed more often than previously reported. A single kidney and pretreatment with myeloablative chemotherapy with stem cell transplantation were identified as potential risk factors for the development of hypercalcemia.
Twin twin transfusion syndrome with and without selective fetal growth restriction: Predictors of donor demise
Authors: Donepudi Roopali , Krispin Eyal , Mustafa Hiba , Espinoza Jimmy , Nassr Ahmed A. , Belfort Michael A. , Sanz Cortes Magdalena , Mostafaei Shayan , Harman Christopher , Turan Ozhan , Shamshirsaz Alireza A.
Published: September 2021

Objective

Evaluate survival in twin twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) with and without selective fetal growth restriction (sFGR) after fetoscopic laser surgery (FLS).

Methods

Retrospective study of monochorionic diamniotic twins undergoing FLS. The cohort was classified as TTTS and TTTS with sFGR. Baseline, intra‐operative and postoperative variables were analyzed. Mann–Whitney U, Pearson chi‐square, Fisher's exact, t‐test and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were performed.

Results

Four hundred and ninety‐two pregnancies were included, 304 (61.78%) TTTS and 188 (38.22%) TTTS with sFGR. No difference in donor outcomes. TTTS group had higher donor estimated fetal weight (EFW%) percentile (19.7 ± 18.8 vs. 2.2 ± 2.1, p < 0.001). Significant predictors for demise at 30 days were 37% intertwin weight discordance (IWD) with donor EFW% < first (area under ROC curve [AUC] = 0.85, p = 0.001) or IWD >25% and intertwin umbilical artery pulsatility index discordance (DUAPI) ≥0.4 (AUC = 0.71, p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Combination of IWD of 37% and donor EFW% <first was most predictive for demise 30 days after birth. DUAPI ≥0.4 was also associated with increased risk for demise.
Treatment of modelling uncertainty of NLFEA in fib Model Code 2020
Authors: Engen Morten , Hendriks Max A. N. , Monti Giorgio , Allaix Diego L.
Published: September 2021

When non‐linear finite element analyses are used in design of new or assessment of existing concrete structures, one should account for the modelling uncertainty before conclusions are drawn based on the results. The present article describes the basis for how this topic is treated in the draft of fib Model Code 2020. There are two components of the modelling uncertainty: (i) within‐model, and (ii) between‐model. The within‐model uncertainty was estimated from a range of series of benchmark analyses gathered from the literature. Each series was assumed analyzed in a consistent manner, termed as the solution strategy. The main result for the within‐model component, is a set of prior parameters for Bayesian updating. In an application setting, the prior parameters should be updated after validating the selected solution strategy with a suite of relevant benchmark analyses, before using the mean and coefficient of variation in the Global Factor Method or calculating the modelling uncertainty factor to be used in the Partial Factors Method. Finally, results from blind‐prediction competitions were studied. With the present data, it cannot be concluded that a‐priori knowledge of the experimental outcome reduces the uncertainty in the prediction. Hence, there is no need for compensating for this effect by a separate partial factor.
Investigating the impact of internal standard heterogeneity on gold quantification with total reflection X‐ray fluorescence: A simulation study
Authors: Mankovskii Gabriella , Pejović‐Milić Ana
Published: September 2021

Total reflection X‐ray Fluorescence (TXRF) is a powerful analytical tool with high detection sensitivity that has been applied to a variety of biological samples. While its ability to quantify gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in cancer cells has been demonstrated, the extension to tissue slices would be of interest. To that end, the preservation of the underlying tissue microstructure requires samples to be measured as microtome slices. In this form, internal standard spiking is warranted. Thus, it is important to examine the impact of sample heterogeneity on the TXRF's quantification accuracy. To address these questions, a TXRF spectrometer along with 5 μm thin heterogeneous and homogeneous samples were modeled using TOPAS. The simulation model generated TXRF spectra which were then analyzed to obtain recovery rates of Au in both sample types. The results showed near 100% recovery regardless of the elemental spatial distribution in the samples. This provides insights into the quantification potential for AuNPs inside tumors that are histologically processed into thin tissue slices. In addition, this simulation toolkit provides the first practical means of modeling TXRF spectroscopy which will hopefully be of use to the TXRF community.
Asymptotic Optimality of the Triangular Lattice for a Class of Optimal Location Problems
Authors: Bourne David P. , Cristoferi Riccardo
Published: September 2021

We prove an asymptotic crystallization result in two dimensions for a class of nonlocal particle systems. To be precise, we consider the best approximation with respect to the 2-Wasserstein metric of a given absolutely continuous probability measure$$f \mathrm {d}x$$fdxby a discrete probability measure$$\sum _i m_i \delta _{z_i}$$∑imiδzi, subject to a constraint on the particle sizes$$m_i$$mi. The locations$$z_i$$ziof the particles, their sizes$$m_i$$mi, and the number of particles are all unknowns of the problem. We study a one-parameter family of constraints. This is an example of an optimal location problem (or an optimal sampling or quantization problem) and it has applications in economics, signal compression, and numerical integration. We establish the asymptotic minimum value of the (rescaled) approximation error as the number of particles goes to infinity. In particular, we show that for the constrained best approximation of the Lebesgue measure by a discrete measure, the discrete measure whose support is a triangular lattice is asymptotically optimal. In addition, we prove an analogous result for a problem where the constraint is replaced by a penalization. These results can also be viewed as the asymptotic optimality of the hexagonal tiling for an optimal partitioning problem. They generalise the crystallization result of Bourne et al. (Commun Math Phys, 329: 117–140, 2014) from a single particle system to a class of particle systems, and prove a case of a conjecture by Bouchitté et al. (J Math Pures Appl, 95:382–419, 2011). Finally, we prove a crystallization result which states that optimal configurations with energy close to that of a triangular lattice are geometrically close to a triangular lattice.
Defining growth in small pulmonary nodules using volumetry: results from a “coffee-break” CT study and implications for current nodule management guidelines
Authors: Bartlett Emily C. , Kemp Samuel V. , Rawal Bhavin , Devaraj Anand
Published: September 2021

Objectives

An increase in lung nodule volume on serial CT may represent true growth or measurement variation. In nodule guidelines, a 25% increase in nodule volume is frequently used to determine that growth has occurred; this is based on previous same-day, test–retest (coffee-break) studies examining metastatic nodules. Whether results from prior studies apply to small non-metastatic nodules is unknown. This study aimed to establish the interscan variability in the volumetric measurements of small-sized non-metastatic nodules.

Methods

Institutional review board approval was obtained for this study. Between March 2019 and January 2021, 45 adults (25 males; mean age 65 years, range 37–84 years) with previously identified pulmonary nodules (30–150 mm3) requiring surveillance, without a known primary tumour, underwent two same-day CT scans. Non-calcified solid nodules were measured using commercial volumetry software, and interscan variability of volume measurements was assessed using a Bland–Altman method and limits of agreement.

Results

One hundred nodules (range 28–170 mm3; mean 81.1 mm3) were analysed. The lower and upper limits of agreement for the absolute volume difference between the two scans were − 14.2 mm3 and 12.0 mm3 respectively (mean difference 1.09 mm3, range − 33–12 mm3). The lower and upper limits of agreement for relative volume difference were − 16.4% and 14.6% respectively (mean difference 0.90%, range − 24.1–32.8%).

Conclusions

The interscan volume variability in this cohort of small non-metastatic nodules was smaller than that in previous studies involving lung metastases of varying sizes. An increase of 15% in nodule volume on sequential CT may represent true growth, and closer surveillance of these nodules may be warranted.

Key Points

• In current pulmonary nodule management guidelines, a threshold of 25% increase in volume is required to determine that true growth of a pulmonary nodule has occurred.

• This test–retest (coffee break) study has demonstrated that a smaller threshold of 15% increase in volume may represent true growth in small non-metastatic nodules.

• Closer surveillance of some small nodules growing 15–25% over a short interval may be appropriate.
Understanding model diversity in future precipitation projections for South America
Authors: Hodnebrog Ø. , Steensen B. M. , Marelle L. , Alterskjær K. , Dalsøren S. B. , Myhre G.
Published: September 2021

Precipitation patterns are expected to change in the future climate, affecting humans through a number of factors. Global climate models (GCM) are our best tools for projecting large-scale changes in climate, but they cannot make reliable projections locally. To abate this problem, we have downscaled three GCMs with the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model to 50 km horizontal resolution over South America, and 10 km resolution for central Chile, Peru and southern Brazil. Historical simulations for years 1996–2005 generally compare well to precipitation observations and reanalyses. Future simulations for central Chile show reductions in annual precipitation and increases in the number of dry days at the end-of-the-century for a high greenhouse gas emission scenario, regardless of resolution and GCM boundary conditions used. However, future projections for Peru and southern Brazil are more uncertain, and simulations show that increasing the model resolution can switch the sign of precipitation projections. Differences in future precipitation changes between global/regional and high resolution (10 km) are only mildly influenced by the orography resolution, but linked to the convection parameterization, reflected in very different changes in dry static energy flux divergence, vertical velocity and boundary layer height. Our findings imply that using results directly from GCMs, and even from coarse-resolution (50 km) regional models, may give incorrect conclusions about regional-scale precipitation projections. While climate modelling at convection-permitting scales is computationally costly, we show that coarse-resolution regional simulations using a scale-aware convection parameterization, instead of a more conventional scheme, better mirror fine-resolution precipitation projections.
A retrospective study on the incidence of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ) associated with different preventive dental care modalities
Authors: Bacci Christian , Cerrato Alessia , Bardhi Elisa , Frigo Anna Chiara , Djaballah Selma Ahcene , Sivolella Stefano
Published: September 2021

Purpose

To assess the efficacy of different preventive dental visits and treatments in reducing the risk of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ).

Methods

In this retrospective study, patients diagnosed with MRONJ were divided into 5 groups based on available data: no preventive dental visits (group 0); dental visits and compliance with recommended treatments, at the university hospital’s dental clinic (group 1) or maxillofacial surgery unit (group 2), or at a private dentist’s (group 3); dental visits at one of the above and noncompliance with proposed treatments (group 4); patients judged eligible by the oncologist on panoramic radiography (group 5). Patients were classified on severity of MRONJ according to the Italian SIPMO/SICMF 2.0 staging system. A descriptive analysis was performed on the results. Fisher’s exact test was applied (p < 0.05).

Results

Ninety-three patients diagnosed with MRONJ were considered for the study, but 22 were excluded due to a lack of data, leaving a sample of 71 cases. MRONJ staging was only 0 for some patients (26.92%) in group 0. In all groups, the majority of patients had stage 2 MRONJ. The proportions of cases in stage 3 were 7.69% in group 0, 18.18% in group 3, and 43.48% in group 5. Groups 0 and 3 were somewhat similar as regard MRONJ staging. Most patients in group 5 had MRONJ stage 2 or 3. No statistically significant differences emerged between the groups.

Conclusions

Preventive dental care can reduce the risk of MRONJ providing patients comply with the specialist’s recommendations.
The Influence of Surgical Weight Reduction on Left Atrial Strain
Authors: Strzelczyk Jakub , Kalinowski Piotr , Zieniewicz Krzysztof , Szmigielski Cezary , Byra Michał , Styczyński Grzegorz
Published: September 2021

Background

Obesity increases and surgical weight reduction decreases the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF). We hypothesized that surgically induced weight loss may favorably affect left atrial (LA) mechanical function measured by longitudinal strain, which has recently emerged as an independent imaging biomarker of increased AF and HF risk.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated echocardiograms performed before and 12.2 ± 2.2 months after bariatric surgery in 65 patients with severe obesity (mean age 39 [36; 47] years, 72% of females) with no known cardiac disease or arrhythmia. The LA mechanical function was measured by the longitudinal strain using the semi-automatic speckle tracking method.

Results

After surgery, body mass index decreased from 43.72 ± 4.34 to 30.04 ± 4.33 kg/m2. We observed a significant improvement in all components of the LA strain. LA reservoir strain (LASR) and LA conduit strain (LASCD) significantly increased (35.7% vs 38.95%, p = 0.0005 and − 19.6% vs − 24.4%, p < 0.0001) and LA contraction strain (LASCT) significantly decreased (− 16% vs − 14%, p = 0.0075). There was a significant correlation between an increase in LASR and LASCD and the improvement in parameters of left ventricular diastolic and longitudinal systolic function (increase in E’ and MAPSE). Another significant correlation was identified between the decrease in LASCT and an improvement in LA function (decrease in A’).

Conclusions

The left atrial mechanical function improves after bariatric surgery. It is partially explained by the beneficial effect of weight reduction on the left ventricular diastolic and longitudinal systolic function. This effect may contribute to decreased risk of AF and HF after bariatric surgery.

Graphical abstract
Association Between Iodine Nutritional Status and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in Beijing, China: a Single-Center Cohort Study
Authors: Zhang Xiaomei , Yuan Ning , Sun Jianbin , Zhao Xin , Du Jing , Nan Min , Zhang QiaoLing , Ji Linong
Published: September 2021

Iodine is an essential trace element for humans and the main raw material for thyroid hormone synthesis. However, the association between iodine nutritional status and adverse pregnancy outcomes in different regions remains controversial. This single-center cohort study was focused on the association between iodine nutritional status and adverse pregnancy outcomes in Beijing, China. We enrolled 726 pregnant women who were registered at the Peking University International Hospital between February 2017 and December 2019. To analyze the association between iodine nutritional status variations and adverse pregnancy outcomes, this study cohort included 390 (53.72%) participants with iodine deficiency, 206 (28.37%) with an adequate iodine level, 103 (14.19%) with a more than adequate iodine level, and 27 (3.72%) with iodine excess, according to the urinary iodine (UI) status of pregnant women. After adjusting for age, body mass index, parity, and history of spontaneous abortion, we identified iodine deficiency as a risk factor for anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) positivity [odds ratio (OR), 3.646; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.658–8.017], anti-thyroglobulin antibody (TGAb) positivity (OR, 3.109; 95% CI, 1.465–6.599), and thyroid autoimmunity (OR, 2.885; 95% CI, 1.539–5.407). There was a non-linear relationship between UI and the concentrations of TPOAb and TGAb (Pnon-linear < 0.05). Iodine deficiency during the first trimester is a risk factor for thyroid autoantibody positivity. The relationship between UI and the concentrations of TPOAb and TGAb follows a nearly U-shaped curve. Thus, physicians should critically consider the iodine nutritional status of pregnant women during the first trimester. Clinical Trials.gov Identifier: NCT02966405
Effect of silica nano particles on the rheological and HTHP filtration properties of environment friendly additive in water-based drilling fluid
Authors: Prakash Ved , Sharma Neetu , Bhattacharya Munmun
Published: September 2021

Rheological and filtration properties of drilling fluid contribute a vital role in successful drilling operations. Rheological parameters such as apparent viscosity (AV), plastic viscosity (PV), yield point (YP) and gel strength of drilling fluids are very essential for hydraulic calculations and lifting of drill cuttings during the drilling operation. Control of filtration loss volume is also very important for cost effective and successful drilling operations. Therefore, the main goal of this research is to improve the rheological and filtration properties of Grewia Optiva fibre powder (GOFP) by using 30–50 nm size of silica nano particles (SNP) in water-based drilling fluid. The experimental outcomes revealed that after hot rolling of mud samples at 100 °C for 16 h, the low pressure-low temperature (LPLT) and high pressure-high temperature (HPHT) filtration loss of GOFP additives was improved, after the addition of SNP on it. The mixture of 5% GOFP + 4% SNP has reduced the LPLT and HPHT filtration loss of drilling fluid by 74.03 and 78.12%, respectively, as compared to base mud. Thus, it was concluded that after the addition of 0.4% SNP, the LPLT and HPHT filtration control ability of GOFP additive in WBM were increased by 17.6 and 15%, respectively. The rheological parameters such as AV, PV, YP and gelation of drilling fluids were also improved by the addition of GOFP + SNP mixture in the base mud. Therefore, the implementation of GOFP + SNP mixture in water-based mud showed auspicious results which reaffirm the feasibility of using them in the successful drilling operations.
A unique case of Miller Fisher-Guillain-Barré overlap syndrome in a liver transplant recipient
Authors: Ramirez-Sanchez Claudia , Syed Rehan , Meier Angela , LaBuzetta Jamie Nicole , Hylton Diana J. , Taremi Mahnaz
Published: September 2021

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an ascending demyelinating polyneuropathy often associated with recent infection. Miller Fisher syndrome represents a variant with predominant facial and cranial nerve involvement, although Miller Fisher and Guillain-Barré overlap syndromes can occur. Guillain-Barré spectrum syndromes have been thought to be rare among solid organ transplant recipients. We describe an immunocompromised patient with a liver transplant who presented with ophthalmoplegia and bulbar deficits. His symptoms rapidly progressed to a state of descending paralysis involving the diaphragm; he then developed acute respiratory failure and eventually developed quadriparesis. Electromyography and a nerve conduction study demonstrated a severe sensorimotor axonal polyneuropathy consistent with Miller Fisher variant Guillain-Barré syndrome. Despite several negative nasopharyngeal swabs for COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction, a serology for SARS-CoV-2 IgG was positive. He was diagnosed with Miller Fisher-Guillain-Barré overlap syndrome with rapid recovery following treatment with plasma exchange. Although Guillain-Barré is a rare complication in solid organ transplant recipients, this case highlights the importance of rapid diagnosis and treatment of neurologic complications in transplant patients. Furthermore, it demonstrates a possible case of neurological complications from COVID-19 infection.
Vorsprung durch Technik? Zur Rolle von Technikbereitschaft und Technikausstattung für das Studieren von zuhause
Authors: Karapanos Marios , Hawlitschek Patrick
Published: September 2021

Seit Beginn der Coronapandemie müssen Studentinnen und Studenten stärker denn je für das Studium auf Technik zurückgreifen. Bislang ist unklar, welche differentiellen Effekte sich durch interindividuelle Unterschiede in der technischen Ausstattung und in der Bereitschaft zum Umgang mit Technik für die Bewältigung von Studienanforderungen und die Zufriedenheit mit den angebotenen Lernmedien ergeben. Die Analyse von Befragungsdaten (N = 3332) mit Hilfe von Strukturgleichungsmodellen zeigt, dass beide Ressourcen interindividuelle Unterschiede in der Bewältigung von Lernaktivitäten (ΔR2 = 0,11), der Studienorganisation (ΔR2 = 0,16) und in der Zufriedenheit mit den digitalen Lernmedien (ΔR2 = 0,13) erklären. Technische Ausstattung und Technikbereitschaft erweisen sich dabei für die Bewältigung der untersuchten Studienanforderungen als vergleichbar bedeutsam. Die Zufriedenheit mit den digitalen Lernmedien hingegen scheint stärker an die technische Ausstattung gebunden zu sein. Die Ergebnisse erweitern den derzeit an Hochschulen stattfindenden Diskurs über gute digitale Hochschullehre und verdeutlichen die Notwendigkeit, Lehren und Lernen an Ressourcen der Studentinnen und Studenten auszurichten.
Rechtsextreme Muslimhetze: Die Instrumentalisierung von Religion als Vote-Seeking-Strategie der AfD
Authors: Bitzl Christoph , Kurze Michael
Published: September 2021

Die AfD setzt in ihrer Identitätskonstruktion zunehmend auf einen populistischen Gegensatz zwischen „christlich-jüdischem Abendland“ und „dem Islam“, obwohl sie sich weder durch eine besondere Nähe zur Kirche und christlichen Wähler:innen noch zur jüdischen Gemeinde auszeichnet. Der folgende Beitrag zeigt anhand einer Analyse von Programmen, Äußerungen und weiteren Veröffentlichungen, dass sich die Partei einer bestehenden Muslimfeindlichkeit in der Bevölkerung bedient und Religion zum Zweck der nativistischen Mobilisierung und Stimmenmaximierung instrumentalisiert. Sowohl der Islam als auch Christentum und Judentum werden zum Träger inhärenter kultureller Merkmale umgedeutet und damit von ihrer religiösen Bedeutung losgelöst. Dabei bedient sich die AfD in ihren essenzialisierenden Zuschreibungen einer antimuslimisch-rassistischen Rhetorik. Durch die Einbettung in einen „Kampf der Kulturen“ schafft es die Partei, ihre mitunter rechtsextremen nativistischen Positionen, die sich vor allem in antipluralistischen Haltungen und einer Unterminierung der Religionsfreiheit zeigen, als Verteidigung liberaler christlich-aufgeklärter Werte, gar als Philosemitismus, zu verklausulieren. Der Beitrag zeigt, dass diese Islamisierung der Debatten und die gleichzeitige Berufung auf ein „christlich-jüdisches“ Erbe einem wahltaktischen Kalkül zur Stimmenmaximierung folgt, das über einen vermeintlich drohenden Identitätsverlust den rechten Rand und die bürgerliche Mitte gleichermaßen inkludiert, während man sich selbst vom Vorwurf des Rechtsextremismus freispricht.
A project-based purchasing portfolio matrix applied to the Australian construction industry
Authors: Bildsten Louise
Published: September 2021

For a project to be delivered on-time and to an agreed cost in accordance with the specification, it is important to have an appropriate purchasing strategy. A project succeeds due to many factors, one of which is cost alongside timely delivery and quality. Formal purchasing strategies for different purchasing categories are common in the manufacturing industry, but less so in a project-based industry such as construction. The paper argues that purchasing strategies suited to the project-based nature of construction would improve project delivery and other success factors. The purpose of this study is to determine if a matrix could assist companies in the project-based industry to formulating their purchasing strategies. Case studies of five Australian construction companies’ purchasing practises were undertaken to support this work. There is evidence that, to remain competitive, it is necessary for companies to develop a network of well-established relationships with suppliers and subcontractors. Purchasing strategies need to be adapted to each purchasing situation as projects are rarely, if ever, the same. It is necessary, therefore, to adopt an approach that combines the best commercial deal and most effective collaboration.
Conditional loyalty and its implications for pricing
Authors: De Francesco Massimo A.
Published: September 2021

Bertrand–Edgeworth competition has recently been analyzed under imperfect buyer mobility, as a game in which, once prices are chosen, a static buyer subgame (BS) is played where the buyers choose which seller to visit (see, e.g., Burdett et al. in J Political Econ 109:1060–1085, 2001). Our paper considers a symmetric duopoly where two buyers play a two-stage BS of imperfect information after price setting. An “assessment equilibrium” of the BS is shown to exist in which, with prices at the two firms sufficiently close to each other, the buyers keep loyal if previously served. Conditional loyalty is proved to increase the duopolists’ market power: at the corresponding subgame perfect equilibrium of the entire game, the uniform price is higher than that corresponding to the equilibrium of the BS in which the buyers are persistently randomizing.
Applying reinforcement learning to plan manufacturing material handling
Authors: Govindaiah Swetha , Petty Mikel D.
Published: September 2021

Applying machine learning methods to improve the efficiency of complex manufacturing processes, such as material handling, can be challenging. The interconnectedness of the multiple components that make up real-world manufacturing processes and the typically very large number of variables required to specify procedures and plans within them combine to make it very difficult to map the details of such processes to a formal mathematical representation suitable for conventional optimization methods. Instead, in this work reinforcement learning was applied to produce increasingly efficient plans for material handling in representative manufacturing facilities. Doing so included defining a formal representation of a realistically complex material handling plan, specifying a set of suitable plan change operators as reinforcement learning actions, implementing a simulation-based multi-objective reward function that considers multiple components of material handling costs, and abstracting the many possible material handling plans into a state set small enough to enable reinforcement learning. Experimentation with multiple material handling plans on two separate factory layouts indicated that reinforcement learning could consistently reduce the cost of material handling. This work demonstrates the applicability of reinforcement learning with a multi-objective reward function to realistically complex material handling processes.
DEGREES OF RANDOMIZED COMPUTABILITY
Authors: HÖLZL RUPERT , PORTER CHRISTOPHER P.
Published: September 2021

In this survey we discuss work of Levin and V’yugin on collections of sequences that are non-negligible in the sense that they can be computed by a probabilistic algorithm with positive probability. More precisely, Levin and V’yugin introduced an ordering on collections of sequences that are closed under Turing equivalence. Roughly speaking, given two such collections
$\mathcal {A}$
and
$\mathcal {B}$
,
$\mathcal {A}$
is below
$\mathcal {B}$
in this ordering if
$\mathcal {A}\setminus \mathcal {B}$
is negligible. The degree structure associated with this ordering, the Levin–V’yugin degrees (or
$\mathrm {LV}$
-degrees), can be shown to be a Boolean algebra, and in fact a measure algebra. We demonstrate the interactions of this work with recent results in computability theory and algorithmic randomness: First, we recall the definition of the Levin–V’yugin algebra and identify connections between its properties and classical properties from computability theory. In particular, we apply results on the interactions between notions of randomness and Turing reducibility to establish new facts about specific LV-degrees, such as the LV-degree of the collection of 1-generic sequences, that of the collection of sequences of hyperimmune degree, and those collections corresponding to various notions of effective randomness. Next, we provide a detailed explanation of a complex technique developed by V’yugin that allows the construction of semi-measures into which computability-theoretic properties can be encoded. We provide two examples of the use of this technique by explicating a result of V’yugin’s about the LV-degree of the collection of Martin-Löf random sequences and extending the result to the LV-degree of the collection of sequences of DNC degree.
The marriage age U-shape
Authors: Jelnov Pavel
Published: September 2021

In this paper, I address the U-shaped dynamics (a decrease followed by an increase) in the age at first marriage during the twentieth century. First, I show that the U-shaped dynamics have been steeper in Western that in other countries. Second, I find that these dynamics in the West are strongly related to the post-World War II (WWII) economic growth. By contrast, in the nineteenth and the first half of the twentieth centuries age of marriage was much less correlated across Western countries. I propose a simple model where age of marriage is a function of search frictions and married women's labor force participation. Both factors put together generate U-shaped dynamics as a result of an industrial boom that mimics the post-WWII Western economic development.
MEAGER-ADDITIVE SETS IN TOPOLOGICAL GROUPS
Authors: ZINDULKA ONDŘEJ
Published: September 2021

By the Galvin–Mycielski–Solovay theorem, a subset X of the line has Borel’s strong measure zero if and only if
$M+X\neq \mathbb {R}$
for each meager set M.

A set
$X\subseteq \mathbb {R}$
is meager-additive if
$M+X$
is meager for each meager set M. Recently a theorem on meager-additive sets that perfectly parallels the Galvin–Mycielski–Solovay theorem was proven: A set
$X\subseteq \mathbb {R}$
is meager-additive if and only if it has sharp measure zero, a notion akin to strong measure zero.

We investigate the validity of this result in Polish groups. We prove, e.g., that a set in a locally compact Polish group admitting an invariant metric is meager-additive if and only if it has sharp measure zero. We derive some consequences and calculate some cardinal invariants.
Authoritarian Rallying as Reputational Cascade? Evidence from Putin’s Popularity Surge after Crimea
Authors: HALE HENRY E.
Published: September 2021

When international conflict causes an authoritarian leader’s popularity to soar, extant theories lead us to treat such “rallying” as sincere preference change, the product of surging patriotism or cowed media. This study advances a theory of less-than-fully sincere rallying more appropriate for nondemocratic settings, characterizing it as at least partly reflecting cascading dissembling driven by social desirability concerns. The identification strategy combines a rare nationally representative rally-spanning panel survey with a list experiment and econometric analysis. This establishes that three quarters of those who rallied to Putin after Russia annexed Crimea were engaging in at least some form of dissembling and that this rallying developed as a rapid cascade, with social media joining television in fueling perceptions this was socially desirable.
Memory Laws as a Misuse of Legislation
Authors: Fish Eran
Published: September 2021

Memory laws are often accused of enforcing an inaccurate, manipulative or populist view of history. Some are also said to violate fundamental rights, in particular the right to free speech. These accusations are not entirely unjustified. Yet, a discussion of memory legislation that concentrates on these faults might be missing its mark. The main problem with memory legislation is not necessarily with the merits of any particular law. Rather, the determination of historical facts is not the kind of matter that should be entrusted to the legislator in the first place. The role of legislation is to make social cooperation possible despite substantial disagreement, but only when such social cooperation is indeed required. Disputes about historical facts, I argue, are not a coordination problem that requires a legislative solution. Still less can they justify legal coercion.
Evaluation of a “tummy time” intervention to improve motor skills in infants after cardiac surgery
Authors: Uzark Karen , Smith Cynthia , Yu Sunkyung , Lowery Ray , Tapley Christopher , Romano Jennifer C. , Butcher Jennifer
Published: September 2021

Background:

Infants who require open heart surgery are at increased risk for developmental delays including gross motor impairments which may have implications for later adaptive skills and cognitive performance. We sought to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a tummy time intervention to improve motor skill development in infants after cardiac surgery.

Methods:

Infants <4 months of age who underwent cardiac surgery were randomly assigned to tummy time with or without outpatient reinforcement or standard of care prior to hospital discharge. The Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) was administered to each infant prior to and 3 months after discharge. Groups were compared, and the association between parent-reported tummy time at home and change in motor scores at follow-up was examined.

Results:

Parents of infants (n = 64) who had cardiac surgery at a median age of 5 days were randomly assigned to tummy time instruction (n = 20), tummy time + outpatient reinforcement (n = 21) or standard of care (n = 23). Forty-nine (77%) returned for follow-up. At follow-up, reported daily tummy time was not significantly different between groups (p = 0.17). Fifteen infants had <15 minutes of tummy time daily. Infants who received >15 minutes of tummy time daily had a significantly greater improvement in motor scores than infants with <15 minutes of tummy time daily (p = 0.01).

Conclusion:

In infants following cardiac surgery, <15 minutes of tummy time daily is associated with increased motor skill impairment. Further research is needed to elucidate the best strategies to optimise parental compliance with tummy time recommendations.
Impact of Assimilating High‐Resolution Atmospheric Motion Vectors on Convective Scale Short‐Term Forecasts: 1. Observing System Simulation Experiment (OSSE)
Authors: Zhao Juan , Gao Jidong , Jones Thomas A. , Hu Junjun
Published: September 2021

This research investigates to what extent the high‐spatiotemporal‐resolution Atmospheric Motion Vector (AMV) product derived from the new‐generation Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites‐Series R can benefit convective‐scale data assimilation (DA) and forecasts of potential high impact weather events. In the first part of this two‐part study, the impact of AMV DA on convective‐scale numerical weather prediction (NWP) is evaluated with an idealized supercell storm. The simulated AMV observations are synthesized from the idealized supercell storm generated by the Weather Research and Forecasting model and then the data are assimilated with a three‐dimensional variational analysis and forecast system. A baseline DA experiment demonstrates that the wind errors within and around the storms are remarkably reduced by assimilating the AMV data, consequently enhancing the storm top‐level divergence and low‐level convergence signatures associated with two strong splitting supercells. Three sets of sensitivity experiments are then performed to test the impact of observation resolution, DA cycling frequency and horizontal correlation length scale respectively. Generally, assimilating higher‐spatial‐resolution AMVs at higher cycling frequency is able to produce reasonable divergence analysis as well as the subsequent 90 min forecasts. However, too frequent DA cycling tends to produce a warm bias and overestimate nonprecipitating hydrometeor and storm‐relative helicity features, resulting in more spurious cells in the short‐term forecasts. It is also found that the correlation length scale of 20 km produces the best results when assimilating the AMV data.
Solution-processable electrode-material embedding in dynamically inscribed nanopatterns (SPEEDIN) for continuous fabrication of durable flexible devices
Authors: Lee Wonseok , Chae Hyoungseok , Oh Dong Kyo , Lee Minyoung , Chun Hyunsoo , Yeon Gyubeom , Park Jaewon , Kim Joohoon , Youn Hongseok , Rho Junsuk , Ok Jong G.
Published: September 2021

A facile and scalable lithography-free fabrication technique, named solution-processable electrode-material embedding in dynamically inscribed nanopatterns (SPEEDIN), is developed to produce highly durable electronics. SPEEDIN uniquely utilizes a single continuous flow-line manufacturing process comprised of dynamic nanoinscribing and metal nanoparticle solution coating with selective embedding. Nano- and/or micro-trenches are inscribed into arbitrary polymers, and then an Ag nanoparticle solution is dispersed, soft-baked, doctor-bladed, and hard-baked to embed Ag micro- and nanowire structures into the trenches. Compared to lithographically embossed metal structures, the embedded SPEEDIN architectures can achieve higher durability with comparable optical and electrical properties and are robust and power-efficient even under extreme stresses such as scratching and bending. As one tangible application of SPEEDIN, we demonstrate a flexible metal electrode that can operate at 5 V at temperatures up to 300 °C even under the influence of harsh external stimuli. SPEEDIN can be applied to the scalable fabrication of diverse flexible devices that are reliable for heavy-duty operation in harsh environments involving high temperatures, mechanical deformations, and chemical hazards.
The Effect of Duration of Lenalidomide Maintenance and Outcomes of Different Salvage Regimens in Patients with Multiple Myeloma (MM)
Authors: Ho Matthew , Zanwar Saurabh , Kapoor Prashant , Gertz Morie , Lacy Martha , Dispenzieri Angela , Hayman Suzanne , Dingli David , Baudi Francis , Muchtar Eli , Leung Nelson , Kourelis Taxiarchis , Warsame Rahma , Fonder Amie , Hwa Lisa , Hobbs Miriam , Kyle Robert , Rajkumar S. Vincent , Kumar Shaji
Published: September 2021

The optimal duration of lenalidomide maintenance post-autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) in Multiple Myeloma (MM), and choice of therapy at relapse post-maintenance, need further evaluation. This retrospective study assessed outcomes of patients with MM (n = 213) seen at Mayo Clinic, Rochester between 1/1/2005–12/31/2016 who received lenalidomide maintenance post-ASCT. The median PFS was 4 (95% CI: 3.4, 4.5) years from diagnosis of MM; median OS was not reached (5-year OS: 77%). Excluding patients who stopped lenalidomide maintenance within 3 years due to progression on maintenance, ≥3 years of maintenance had a superior 5-year OS of 100% vs. 85% in <3 years (p = 0.011). Median PFS was 7.2 (95% CI: 6, 8.5) years in ≥3 years vs. 4.4 (95% CI: 4.3, 4.5) years in <3 years (p < 0.0001). Lenalidomide refractoriness at first relapse was associated with inferior PFS2 [8.1 (95% CI: 6.4, 9.9) months vs. 19.9 (95% CI: 9.7, 30.2; p = 0.002) months in nonrefractory patients]. At first relapse post-maintenance, median PFS2 was superior with daratumumab-based regimens [18.4 (95% CI: 10.9, 25.9) months] versus regimens without daratumumab [8.9 (95% CI: 5.5, 12.3) months; p = 0.006]. Daratumumab + immunomodulatory drugs had superior median PFS2 compared to daratumumab + bortezomib [NR vs 1 yr (95% CI: 0.5, 1.5); p = 0.004].
Specific deletion of protein phosphatase 6 catalytic subunit in Sertoli cells leads to disruption of spermatogenesis
Authors: Lei Wen-Long , Li Yuan-Yuan , Meng Tie-Gang , Ning Yan , Sun Si-Min , Zhang Chun-Hui , Gui Yaoting , Wang Zhen-Bo , Qian Wei-Ping , Sun Qing-Yuan
Published: September 2021

Protein phosphatase 6 (PP6) is a member of the PP2A-like subfamily, which plays significant roles in numerous fundamental biological activities. We found that PPP6C plays important roles in male germ cells recently. Spermatogenesis is supported by the Sertoli cells in the seminiferous epithelium. In this study, we crossedPpp6cF/Fmice withAMH-Cremice to gain mutant mice with specific depletion of thePpp6cgene in the Sertoli cells. We discovered that the PPP6C cKO male mice were absolutely infertile and germ cells were largely lost during spermatogenesis. By combing phosphoproteome with bioinformatics analysis, we showed that the phosphorylation status of β-catenin at S552 (a marker of adherens junctions) was significantly upregulated in mutant mice. Abnormal β-catenin accumulation resulted in impaired testicular junction integrity, thus led to abnormal structure and functions of BTB. Taken together, our study reveals a novel function for PPP6C in male germ cell survival and differentiation by regulating the cell-cell communication through dephosphorylating β-catenin at S552.