bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What is educational entrepreneurship? Strategic action, temporality, and the expansion of US higher education
Authors: Kindel Alexander T. , Stevens Mitchell L.
Published: April 2021

The massive expansion of US higher education after World War II is a sociological puzzle: a spectacular feat of state capacity-building in a highly federated polity. Prior scholarship names academic leaders as key drivers of this expansion, yet the conditions for the possibility and fate of their activity remain under-specified. We fill this gap by theorizing what Randall Collins first callededucational entrepreneurshipas a special kind of strategic action in the US polity. We argue that the cultural authority and organizational centrality of universities in the US national context combine with historical contingency to episodically produce conditions under which academic credentials can be made viable solutions to social problems. We put our theorization to the test by revisiting and extending a paradigmatic case: the expansion of engineering education at Stanford University between 1945 and 1969. Invoking several contemporaneous and subsequent cases, we demonstrate the promise of theorizing educational expansion as an outcome of strategic action by specifically located actors over time.
Zwischen Normalisierung und Dekonstruktion
Authors: Höblich Davina , Goede Hannah
Published: April 2021

Die gesellschaftliche Matrix der Heteronormativität prägt unbewusst das professionelle Handeln von Fachkräften der Sozialen Arbeit. Dies ist kritisch zu bewerten, da Normalitätsvorstellungen als hegemoniale Grenzziehungen zum Ausschluss (vermeintlich) von der Norm abweichender Personen aus der Gesellschaft führen. Der Beitrag gibt Impulse für eine Soziale Arbeit als Grenzbearbeiterin, die sich neben der Wahrnehmung und Kritik von Grenzziehungen auch der eigenen „Denormalisierungsangst“ stellt. Im Spannungsfeld zwischen Affirmation und Dekonstruktion von Differenz werden Ansatzpunkte für eine Veränderung der hegemonialen Geschlechterordnung sichtbar.
Educating educators on research on research
Authors: Ioannidis John P. A.
Published: April 2021

None
3D investigations of microscale mixing in helically coiled capillaries
Authors: Schuler Julia , Herath Jakob , Kockmann Norbert
Published: April 2021

In capillary reactors, improving radial mixing and narrowing the residence time distribution is of great importance for high selectivity and reaction performance. A well-known approach is inducing secondary flow patterns by coiling the capillary around a cylinder. To increase understanding of transport phenomena in helically coiled capillaries non-invasive 3D imaging approaches are required. In this perspective paper, we introduce X-ray-based micro-computed tomography for the investigation of dispersion of iodide in a helically coiled tube. The methodology presented here allows for the direct evaluation of radial concentration fields. By varying Dean number $$Dn$$
D
n
and modified torsion parameter $${T}^{*}$$

T

∗

, the effect of torsion and curvature on the radial concentration profile can be identified. Detailed knowledge of local radial mixing in helically coiled capillaries will help the precise prediction of reaction progress and selectivity.

Graphical abstract
Geoinformatics-based assessment of land deformation and damage zonation for Gorkha earthquake, 2015, using SAR interferometry and ANN approach
Authors: Priya Tannu , Pandey Arvind Chandra
Published: April 2021

The Gorkha earthquake 2015 was one of the largest disastrous events that occurred in the main Himalayan thrust (MHT) region with epicenter at Gorkha region and magnitude of 7.8 which caused severe causality to life as well as property. The spatial statistics on vertical displacement and extent of damage zone is still too scarce to provide strong evidences of its hazard potential. In the present study, quantitative assessment on surface deformation has been carried out to compare land displacement of two different regions of Nepal (the Central Nepal and the Eastern Nepal), which are located at different distances from the epicenter, using InSAR technique on post- and pre-earthquake images from Sentinel 1A SLC product. The Central Nepal experiences an upliftment of 1.1 m and land subsidence of − 0.61 m, whereas for the Eastern Nepal the estimated upliftment and subsidence were 1.0 m and − 0.33 m, respectively. Further a regional earthquake-prone zone map was generated using the historical earthquake epicenter data and geographic information system (GIS) to understand the major vulnerability zones in the area. A total of 564 earthquake events were reported by USGS in Nepal region during 2000–2019, of which 476 (84.39%) were of magnitude greater than 4 on Richter scale and 376 events (66%) occurred at depth greater than 15 km. The damage assessment was done using machine learning (artificial neural network) back-propagation model in which the satellite imagery retrieved from the optical satellite Landsat 8 OLI sensor and digital elevation model was used to map slope, aspect, relief, drainage and lineament to be used as input layers to generate damage proxy map. The result obtained from ANN illustrated that despite being located comparatively at more distance from epicenter, the Eastern Nepal exhibited more damage-prone area (587 sq. km) in comparison with Central Nepal with 457sq. km damage prone in similar zone. Central Nepal evidences more damage-prone areas over compact build-up in contrast to Eastern Nepal, making greater risk potential in urban areas of Central Nepal during earthquake activity.
Frequency Versus Quantity: Phenotypic Response of Two Wheat Varieties to Water and Nitrogen Variability
Authors: Cousins Olivia H. , Garnett Trevor P. , Rasmussen Amanda , Mooney Sacha J. , Smernik Ronald J. , Brien Chris J. , Cavagnaro Timothy R.
Published: April 2021

Due to climate change, water availability will become increasingly variable, affecting nitrogen (N) availability. Therefore, we hypothesised watering frequency would have a greater impact on plant growth than quantity, affecting N availability, uptake and carbon allocation. We used a gravimetric platform, which measures the unit of volume per unit of time, to control soil moisture and precisely compare the impact of quantity and frequency of water under variable N levels. Two wheat genotypes (Kukri and Gladius) were used in a factorial glasshouse pot experiment, each with three N application rates (25, 75 and 150 mg N kg−1 soil) and five soil moisture regimes (changing water frequency or quantity). Previously documented drought tolerance, but high N use efficiency, of Gladius as compared to Kukri provides for potentially different responses to N and soil moisture content. Water use, biomass and soil N were measured. Both cultivars showed potential to adapt to variable watering, producing higher specific root lengths under low N coupled with reduced water and reduced watering frequency (48 h watering intervals), or wet/dry cycling. This affected mineral N uptake, with less soil N remaining under constant watering × high moisture, or 48 h watering intervals × high moisture. Soil N availability affected carbon allocation, demonstrated by both cultivars producing longer, deeper roots under low N. Reduced watering frequency decreased biomass more than reduced quantity for both cultivars. Less frequent watering had a more negative effect on plant growth compared to decreasing the quantity of water. Water variability resulted in differences in C allocation, with changes to root thickness even when root biomass remained the same across N treatments. The preferences identified in wheat for water consistency highlights an undeveloped opportunity for identifying root and shoot traits that may improve plant adaptability to moderate to extreme resource limitation, whilst potentially encouraging less water and nitrogen use.
Christianity and Violence
Authors: Steffen Lloyd
Published: April 2021

How Christian people have framed the meaning of violence within their faith tradition has been a complex process subject to all manner of historical, cultural, political, ethnic and theological contingencies. As a tradition encompassing widely divergent beliefs and perspectives, Christianity has, over two millennia, adapted to changing cultural and historical circumstances. To grasp the complexity of this tradition and its involvement with violence requires attention to specific elements explored in this Element: the scriptural and institutional sources for violence; the faith commitments and practices that join communities and sanction both resistance to and authorization for violence; and select historical developments that altered the power wielded by Christianity in society, culture and politics. Relevant issues in social psychology and the moral action guides addressing violence affirmed in Christian communities provide a deeper explanation for the motivations that have led to the diverse interpretations of violence avowed in the Christian tradition.
Does the visual salience of credit card features affect choice?
Authors: Hilchey Matthew D. , Osborne Matthew , Soman Dilip
Published: April 2021

Regulators require lenders to display a subset of credit card features in summary tables before customers finalize a credit card choice. Some jurisdictions require some features to be displayed more prominently than others to help ensure that consumers are made aware of them. This approach could lead to untoward effects on choice, such that relevant but nonprominent product features do not factor in as significantly. To test this possibility, we instructed a random sample of 1615 adults to choose between two hypothetical credit cards whose features were shown side by side in tables. The sample was instructed to select the card that would result in the lowest financial charges, given a hypothetical scenario. Critically, we randomly varied whether the annual interest rates and fees were made visually salient by making one, both, or neither brighter than other features. The findings show that even among credit-savvy individuals, choice tends strongly toward the product that outperforms the other on a salient feature. As a result, we encourage regulators to consider not only whether a key feature should be made more salient, but also the guidelines regarding when a key feature should be displayed prominently during credit card acquisition.
Protecting Victims of Terrorism in the Light of Global Criminology: International Experiences and Developments in the Early Third Millennium
Authors: Rayejian Asli Mehrdad
Published: April 2021

The relationship between terrorism and criminology illustrates the global feature of crime. Terrorism is presently at the top of the fields of interest of global criminology. However, the issue of victims of terrorism has been neglected in its research agenda. This article seeks to redefine global criminology and victimology by incorporating that issue into their fields of interest. It attempts to answer key questions like: What is the typical model for protecting the victims of terrorism? How could a more operative and effective system be created for that purpose? The European and the United Nations systems are two models that provide international experiences, developments and efforts. Since they generally form a soft law-based system, the author concludes that a protection-oriented system for victims of terrorism will be more operative and effective when it is transformed into one based on hard law.
Characteristics of Clinical Trials Launched Early in the COVID-19 Pandemic in the US and in France
Authors: Raimond Véronique , Mousquès Julien , Avorn Jerry , Kesselheim Aaron S.
Published: April 2021

Based on hierarchical classification and logistic regression of early US and French COVID-19 clinical trials we show that despite the registration of a large number of trials, only a minority had characteristics usually associated with providing robust and relevant evidence.
Viviendo al borde: Territorio y patrones de asentamiento prehispánico en Santo Domingo Tonaltepec dentro del contexto regional de la mixteca alta
Authors: Martínez Tuñón Antonio , Pérez Rodríguez Verónica , Saumur Jennifer , García Ríos César Dante , Medina Aphizetl Lemus
Published: April 2021

Se presentan los resultados del recorrido de superficie realizado en la comunidad de Santo Domingo Tonaltepec en la Mixteca Alta de Oaxaca, en el que se identificaron y registraron 43 nuevos sitios arqueológicos datados a las fases Ramos (alrededor de los 300 aC hasta los 250 dC), Las Flores (aproximadamente 250-900 dC) y Natividad (aproximadamente 900-1521 dC). Estos nuevos sitios se contextualizan en el ámbito regional al relacionarlos con los sitios urbanos identificados para cada una de estas fases en los valles adyacentes de Coixtlahuaca, Nochixtlán, Tamazulapan y Teposcolula. Basados en estos datos, consideramos que Tonaltepec se encontró relativamente aislado y fuera del control de los sitios urbanos tempranos durante Ramos; que se transformó en un asentamiento fronterizo entre las entidades políticas durante la fase Las Flores; y que aprovechó los beneficios de localizarse sobre la ruta de comunicación entre importantes reinos mixtecos durante Natividad. La localización de Tonaltepec, relativamente lejos de los principales valles, pero a la vez entre ellos, le otorgó ventajas que supo aprovechar a través de la historia de desarrollo político de la región.
Tropical Hospitality, British Masculinity, and Drink in Late Eighteenth-Century Jamaica
Authors: Burnard Trevor
Published: April 2021

White Jamaicans developed a drinking culture that drew on British precedents, but which mutated in the tropics into a form of sociability different from how sociability operated in mid-eighteenth Enlightenment Europe, where civility was a much-aspired-to norm. In this article, I use works by eighteenth-century social commentators on Jamaica – Edward Long and especially J. B. Moreton – to explore how white Jamaicans developed a form of sociability which in Long was praised as showing Jamaicans as a generous and hospitable people but which in Moreton was described, more accurately, as a distinctive and unattractive form of debauchery, oriented around excessive drinking and sexual exploitation of enslaved women and free women of colour. The overwhelming importance of slavery in Jamaica accentuated the trends towards a debauched version of hospitality that stressed white male pleasure over everything else as a central animating value in society.
Anterior hippocampal dysfunction in early psychosis: a 2-year follow-up study
Authors: McHugo Maureen , Avery Suzanne , Armstrong Kristan , Rogers Baxter P. , Vandekar Simon N. , Woodward Neil D. , Blackford Jennifer Urbano , Heckers Stephan
Published: April 2021

Background

Cross-sectional studies indicate that hippocampal function is abnormal across stages of psychosis. Neural theories of psychosis pathophysiology suggest that dysfunction worsens with illness stage. Here, we test the hypothesis that hippocampal function is impaired in the early stage of psychosis and declines further over the next 2 years.

Methods

We measured hippocampal function over 2 years using a scene processing task in 147 participants (76 individuals in the early stage of a non-affective psychotic disorder and 71 demographically similar healthy control individuals). Two-year follow-up was completed in 97 individuals (50 early psychosis, 47 healthy control). Voxelwise longitudinal analysis of activation in response to scenes was carried out within a hippocampal region of interest to test for group differences at baseline and a group by time interaction.

Results

At baseline, we observed lower anterior hippocampal activation in the early psychosis group relative to the healthy control group. Contrary to our hypothesis, hippocampal activation remained consistent and did not show the predicted decline over 2 years in the early psychosis group. Healthy controls showed a modest reduction in hippocampal activation after 2 years.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that hippocampal dysfunction in early psychosis does not worsen over 2 years and highlight the need for longer-term longitudinal studies.
(In/Ex)clusive fitness cultures: an institutional ethnography of group exercise for older adults
Authors: Harvey K. , Griffin M.
Published: April 2021

Older adults benefit greatly from being physically active yet they are the least active generation. To appeal to older consumers, to reduce barriers older adults experience to becoming physically active and to increase the number of physically active older adults, the exercise market has been divided into mainstream fitness and age-segregated programming that specifically targets older adults. This research employed an institutional ethnography approach to understand better the social discourses and material practices that shape socially (in/ex)clusive physical cultures for older exercisers in both mainstream and older-adult group exercise classes. Textual analyses, interviews and field observations revealed that the material and discursive work practices intended to promote inclusivity in group exercise physical cultures actually engendered age-exclusive markets. Herein, we discuss how the guidelines and policies put forth by these certifying bodies, and the training curricula they publish, govern group exercise practices in a manner that tends to align with dominant ideological discourses conflating age and ability. We conclude by arguing that in order to create more inclusive physical cultures, mainstream fitness providers need to embrace options that appeal to potential group exercise consumers of all abilities, regardless of age.
Language aptitude and language awareness: Polyglot perspectives
Authors: Hyltenstam Kenneth
Published: April 2021

This paper discusses the notion of language aptitude as a factor contributing to successful language acquisition achievements in polyglots. The difficulty in distinguishing between what is, indeed, language aptitude and what is language awareness is the main focus of the paper. A polyglot is operationalized here as a person who, after puberty, (a) acquired/learned at least six new languages (L2s), (b) commands at least six L2s at an intermediate or advanced proficiency level, and (c) presently uses these languages relatively unimpededly in oral interaction. The article draws specifically on a controlled investigation of ten polyglots who were extensively interviewed and tested for language aptitude, motivation, language awareness, and use of language learning strategies. Results show well above average, often outstanding, aptitude scores and an immediate preference for explicit learning. It appears that the combination of strong motivation and high levels of language aptitude and language awareness is what makes polyglots unusually successful second language learners. This paper suggests that language aptitude is both a prerequisite for developing high levels of language awareness and (since the two concepts are partially overlapping), much of the dynamism sometimes ascribed to aptitude is indeed awareness.
OASIS evaluation of the French surveillance network for antimicrobial resistance in diseased animals (RESAPATH): success factors underpinning a well-performing voluntary system
Authors: Mader R. , Jarrige N. , Haenni M. , Bourély C. , Madec J.-Y. , Amat J.-P.
Published: April 2021

Antimicrobial resistance is a One Health issue requiring the development of surveillance systems in the human, environmental and animal sectors. In the European Economic Area, the surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in zoonotic pathogens and indicator bacteria in healthy food-producing animals is required legally, while countries are also expected to extend their surveillance to diseased animals in the frame of national action plans. In this context, evaluating existing antimicrobial resistance surveillance systems in animal health is important to improve systems in place, but also to help other countries learn from these experiences, understand success factors and anticipate challenges. With this aim, the French surveillance network for antimicrobial resistance in bacteria from diseased animals (RESAPATH) was evaluated using the Outil d'Analyse des Systèmes d'Information en Santé (OASIS) assessment tool. Key performance factors included (i) a strong and inclusive central institutional organisation defining clear and well-accepted surveillance objectives, scope and procedures, (ii) strong skills in epidemiology and microbiology and (iii) a win–win approach enabling the voluntary participation of 71 field laboratories and where free annual proficiency testing plays a pivotal role. The main area for improvement of RESAPATH was its time-consuming data management system.
MONETARY REGIMES, MONEY SUPPLY, AND THE USA BUSINESS CYCLE SINCE 1959: IMPLICATIONS FOR MONETARY POLICY TODAY
Authors: Hollander Hylton , Christensen Lars
Published: April 2021

The monetary authority’s choice of operating procedure has significant implications for the role of monetary aggregates and interest rate policy on the business cycle. Using a dynamic general equilibrium model, we show that the type of endogenous monetary regime, together with the interaction between money supply and demand, does well to capture the actual behavior of a monetary economy—the USA. The results suggest that the evolution toward a stricter interest rate-targeting regime renders central bank balance sheet expansions ineffective. In the context of the 2007–2009 Great Recession, a more flexible interest rate-targeting regime would have led to a significant monetary expansion and more rapid economic recovery in the USA.
On Signings and the Well-Founded Semantics
Authors: MAHER MICHAEL J.
Published: April 2021

In this note, we use Kunen’s notion of a signing to establish two theorems about the well-founded semantics of logic programs, in the case where we are interested in only (say) the positive literals of a predicate p that are consequences of the program. The first theorem identifies a class of programs for which the well-founded and Fitting semantics coincide for the positive part of p. The second theorem shows that if a program has a signing, then computing the positive part of p under the well-founded semantics requires the computation of only one part of each predicate. This theorem suggests an analysis for query answering under the well-founded semantics. In the process of proving these results, we use an alternative formulation of the well-founded semantics of logic programs, which might be of independent interest.
Interaction of 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) and atrazine alternative photosystem II (PS II) inhibitors for control of multiple herbicide–resistant waterhemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus) in corn
Authors: Willemse Christian , Soltani Nader , David C. Hooker , Jhala Amit J. , Robinson Darren E. , Sikkema Peter H.
Published: April 2021

The complementary activity of 4-hydroxphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) inhibitors and atrazine is well documented, but the use of atrazine is restricted in some geographic areas, including the province of Quebec in Canada, necessitating the evaluation of atrazine alternatives and their interactions with HPPD inhibitors. The objectives of this study were to determine whether mixing HPPD inhibitors with atrazine alternative photosystem II (PS II) inhibitors, such as metribuzin and linuron applied PRE or bromoxynil and bentazon applied POST, results in similar control of multiple herbicide–resistant (MHR) waterhemp [Amaranthus tuberculatus (Moq.) Sauer] in corn (Zea mays L.). Ten field trials, five with herbicides applied PRE and five with herbicides applied POST, were conducted in Ontario, Canada, in fields infested with MHR A. tuberculatus. Isoxaflutole, applied PRE, controlled MHR A. tuberculatus 58% to 76%; control increased 17% to 34% with the addition of atrazine, metribuzin, or linuron at three of five sites across 2, 4, 8, and 12 wk after application (WAA). The interaction between isoxaflutole and PS II inhibitors, applied PRE, was additive for MHR A. tuberculatus control and biomass and density reduction. Mesotrione, tolpyralate, and topramezone, applied POST, controlled MHR A. tuberculatus 54% to 59%, 61%, and 44% to 45%, respectively, at two of five sites across 4, 8, and 12 WAA. The addition of atrazine, bromoxynil, or bentazon to mesotrione improved MHR A. tuberculatus control 29%, 34%, and 22%; to tolpyralate, improved control 2%, 20%, and 10%; and to topramezone, improved control 3%, 14%, and 8%, respectively. Interactions between HPPD and PS II inhibitors were mostly additive; however, synergistic responses were observed with mesotrione + bromoxynil or bentazon, and tolpyralate + bromoxynil. Mixing atrazine alternatives metribuzin or linuron with isoxaflutole, applied PRE, and bromoxynil or bentazon with mesotrione or tolpyralate, applied POST, resulted in similar or better control of MHR A. tuberculatus in corn.
Super-resolution vibrational microscopy by stimulated Raman excited fluorescence
Authors: Xiong Hanqing , Qian Naixin , Miao Yupeng , Zhao Zhilun , Chen Chen , Min Wei
Published: April 2021

Inspired by the revolutionary impact of super-resolution fluorescence microscopy, super-resolution Raman imaging has been long pursued because of its much higher chemical specificity than the fluorescence counterpart. However, vibrational contrasts are intrinsically less sensitive compared with fluorescence, resulting in only mild resolution enhancement beyond the diffraction limit even with strong laser excitation power. As such, it is still a great challenge to achieve biocompatible super-resolution vibrational imaging in the optical far-field. In 2019 Stimulated Raman Excited Fluorescence (SREF) was discovered as an ultrasensitive vibrational spectroscopy that combines the high chemical specificity of Raman scattering and the superb sensitivity of fluorescence detection. Herein we developed a novel super-resolution vibrational imaging method by harnessing SREF as the contrast mechanism. We first identified the undesired role of anti-Stokes fluorescence background in preventing direct adoption of super-resolution fluorescence technique. We then devised a frequency-modulation (FM) strategy to remove the broadband backgrounds and achieved high-contrast SREF imaging. Assisted by newly synthesized SREF dyes, we realized multicolor FM-SREF imaging with nanometer spectral resolution. Finally, by integrating stimulated emission depletion (STED) with background-free FM-SREF, we accomplished high-contrast super-resolution vibrational imaging with STED-FM-SREF whose spatial resolution is only determined by the signal-to-noise ratio. In our proof-of-principle demonstration, more than two times of resolution improvement is achieved in biological systems with moderate laser excitation power, which shall be further refined with optimized instrumentation and imaging probes. With its super resolution, high sensitivity, vibrational contrast, and mild laser excitation power, STED-FM-SREF microscopy is envisioned to aid a wide variety of applications.
Long-term depression at hippocampal mossy fiber-CA3 synapses involves BDNF but is not mediated by p75NTR signaling
Authors: Garad Machhindra , Edelmann Elke , Leßmann Volkmar
Published: April 2021

BDNF plays a crucial role in the regulation of synaptic plasticity. It is synthesized as a precursor (proBDNF) that can be proteolytically cleaved to mature BDNF (mBDNF). Previous studies revealed a bidirectional mode of BDNF actions, where long-term potentiation (LTP) was mediated by mBDNF through tropomyosin related kinase (Trk) B receptors whereas long-term depression (LTD) depended on proBDNF/p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) signaling. While most experimental evidence for this BDNF dependence of synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus was derived from Schaffer collateral (SC)-CA1 synapses, much less is known about the mechanisms of synaptic plasticity, in particular LTD, at hippocampal mossy fiber (MF) synapses onto CA3 neurons. Since proBDNF and mBDNF are expressed most abundantly at MF-CA3 synapses in the rodent brain and we had shown previously that MF-LTP depends on mBDNF/TrkB signaling, we now explored the role of proBDNF/p75NTR signaling in MF-LTD. Our results show that neither acute nor chronic inhibition of p75NTR signaling impairs MF-LTD, while short-term plasticity, in particular paired-pulse facilitation, at MF-CA3 synapses is affected by a lack of functional p75NTR signaling. Furthermore, MF-CA3 synapses showed normal LTD upon acute inhibition of TrkB receptor signaling. Nonetheless, acute inhibition of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), an inhibitor of both intracellular and extracellular proBDNF cleavage, impaired MF-LTD. This seems to indicate that LTD at MF-CA3 synapses involves BDNF, however, MF-LTD does not depend on p75NTRs. Altogether, our experiments demonstrate that p75NTR signaling is not warranted for all glutamatergic synapses but rather needs to be checked separately for every synaptic connection.
Subsequent attendance in a breast cancer screening program after a false-positive result in the Local Health Authority of Bologna (Italy)
Authors: Squillace Lorena , Pizzi Lorenzo , Rallo Flavia , Bazzani Carmen , Saguatti Gianni , Mezzetti Francesca
Published: April 2021

We conducted a cross-sectional study to assess the likelihood of returning for routine breast cancer screening among women who have experienced a false-positive result (FPR) and to describe the possible individual and organizational factors that could influence subsequent attendance to the screening program. Several information were collected on demographic and clinical characteristics data. Electronic data from 2014 to 2016 related to breast screening program of the Local Health Authority (LHA) of Bologna (Italy) of women between 45 and 74 years old were reviewed. A total of 4847 women experienced an FPR during mammographic screening and were recalled to subsequent round; 80.2% adhered to the screening. Mean age was 54.2 ± 8.4 years old. Women resulted to be less likely to adhere to screening if they were not-Italian (p = 0.001), if they lived in the Bologna district (p < 0.001), if they had to wait more than 5 days from II level test to end of diagnostic procedures (p = 0.001), if the diagnostic tests were performed in a hospital with the less volume of activity and higher recall rate (RR) (p < 0.001) and if they had no previous participation to screening tests (p < 0.001). Our results are consistent with previous studies, and encourages the implementation and innovation of the organizational characteristics for breast cancer screening. The success of screening programs requires an efficient indicators monitoring strategy to develop and evaluate continuous improvement processes.
One-pot green synthesis of gold and silver nanoparticles using Rosa canina L. extract
Authors: Cardoso-Avila Pablo Eduardo , Patakfalvi Rita , Rodríguez-Pedroza Carlos , Aparicio-Fernández Xochitl , Loza-Cornejo Sofía , Villa-Cruz Virginia , Martínez-Cano Evelia
Published: April 2021

Gold and silver nanoparticles were synthesized at room temperature using an aqueous extract from dried rosehips acting as reducing and capping agents with no other chemicals involved.
Tunable LSPR of silver/gold bimetallic nanoframes and their SERS activity for methyl red detection
Authors: Vu Xuan Hoa , Dien Nguyen Dac , Ha Pham Thi Thu , Van Truong Nguyen , Ca Nguyen Xuan , Van Thu Vu
Published: April 2021

Ag/Au nanoframes were synthesizedviaroom temperature solution phase chemical reduction using pre-synthesized triangular Ag nanoplates as templates in the presence of appropriate amounts of HAuCl4, and were applied in detecting methyl red.
Greener and facile synthesis of Cu/ZnO catalysts for CO2hydrogenation to methanol by urea hydrolysis of acetates
Authors: Phongprueksathat Nat , Bansode Atul , Toyao Takashi , Urakawa Atsushi
Published: April 2021

Sodium- and nitrate-free hydroxy-carbonate precursors were preparedviaurea hydrolysis co-precipitation of acetate salt, which is simpler with fewer steps, even without the need for a washing and pH control, rendering the synthesis more sustainable.
Butyric acid alleviated chronic intermittent hypoxia-induced lipid formation and inflammation through up-regulating HuR expression and inactivating AMPK pathways
Authors: Su MiaoShang , He Yifan , Xue Sichen , Yu Jueke , Ren Xikai , Huang Nan , Abdullahi Rukkaiya , Xu Manhuan
Published: April 2021

To investigate whether butyric acid could alleviate chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH)-induced lipid formation in human preadipocytes-subcutaneous (HPA-s) through accumulation of human antigen R (HuR) and inactivation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway, HPA-s were obtained and divided into three groups: Control group: cells were cultured under normal conditions; CIH group: cells were cultured in a three-gas incubator (10% O2); Butyric acid group: 10 mmol/l butyric acid added into cell culture medium. HuR-siRNA was futher transfected into CIH group for verification the function of HuR. Oil Red O was implemented for observation of lipid droplets within cells. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) assay was used for detecting cell viability. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate-nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay as well as flow cytometry analysis was employed for determining cell apoptosis. Western blotting was used for measurement of protein expression levels. RT-qPCR analysis was used for detecting mRNA expression. CIH treatment increased adipocytes proliferation, while butyric acid inhibited cell proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis. The treatment of butyric acid in CIH group down-regulated expression of inflammatory factors and increased cell apoptotic rate. Butyric acid treatment increased HuR expression in both cytoplasm and nucleus and decreased the level of p-AMPK and p-ACC, while transfection of AMPK activator or HuR-siRNA would down-regulate HuR expression. Moreover, butyric acid alleviated CIH-induced cell proliferation, lipid formation and inflammatory status and promoted cell apoptosis through regulating related genes including p21, PPARγ, C/EBPa, IL-1β, IL-6, TLR4, caspase-8 and caspase-3. In conclusion, butyric acid could alleviate CIH-induced inflammation, cell proliferation and lipid formation through accumulation of HuR and inactivation of AMPK pathway.
Spondyloarthritis
Authors: Holz-Müller Jana , Dauth Stephanie , Behrens Frank , Köhm Michaela
Published: April 2021

Der Begriff Spondyloarthritis umfasst mehrere Krankheitsbilder, die sich in der Pathophysiologie und im klinischen Erscheinungsbild ähneln. Zu der Gruppe der Spondyloarthritiden werden die axiale Spondyloarthritis, die Psoriasisarthritis, die reaktive Arthritis, die chronisch entzündliche Darmerkrankung (CED)-assoziierte Spondyloarthritis und die undifferenzierte Spondyloarthritis gezählt. Die Auswahl von geeigneten Therapiestrategien mit hoher klinischer Effektstärke basiert stärker auf der Charakterisierung des klinischen Phänotyps und des Manifestationstyps als auf der indikationsbasierten Zuordnung. Durch die Heterogenität der Erkrankung und durch das Fehlen kontrollierter klinischer Studien, die als Endpunkt die Effektivität auf verschiedene Manifestationsformen vorsieht, ist die Evidenzlage für verschiedene Therapieprinzipien bezogen auf das Manifestationslevel niedrig. Dies beschränkt den In-Label-Einsatz verschiedener Wirkprinzipien. Hier besteht ein hoher Bedarf für die Potenzierung von Evidenz, damit effektive Therapien individualisiert im Patientenkollektiv eingesetzt werden können.
On- und Off-Label-Therapien von Vaskulitiden
Authors: Thiel Jens
Published: April 2021

Unter dem Begriff Vaskulitiden wird eine heterogene Gruppe entzündlicher Gefäßerkrankungen zusammengefasst. Während die Riesenzellarteriitis eine vergleichsweise häufige Erkrankung ist, kommen andere Vaskulitiden sehr selten vor. Allen Vaskulitiden gemein ist jedoch, dass sich die therapeutischen Möglichkeiten in den vergangenen Jahren erheblich verbessert haben. Bei der Riesenzellarteriitis (RZA) wurde die Effektivität von Tocilizumab in einer großen randomisierten, kontrollierten Studie nachgewiesen, die zur Zulassung der Substanz geführt hat und die Glukokortikoid-sparende Therapie der RZA erlaubt. Weitere biologische und zielgerichtete synthethische Immunsuppressiva werden derzeit hinsichtlich ihrer Wirksamkeit bei RZA evaluiert. Im Bereich der Kleingefäßvaskulitiden hat insbesondere die B-Zell-depletierende Therapie mit Rituximab bisher gängige Behandlungsalgorithmen erheblich verändert. Während Rituximab für Induktions- und Erhaltungstherapie von Granulomatose mit Polyangiitis (GPA) und mikroskopischer Polyangiitis (MPA) zugelassen ist, liegt für die eosinophile Granulomatose mit Polyangiitis (EGPA) und für die Therapie der HCV-assoziierten kryoglobulinämischen Vaskulitis (HCV-MC) keine Zulassung vor. Auch direkte antivirale Substanzen führen häufig zu einem Ansprechen der HCV-assoziierten, kryoglobulinämischen Vaskulitis. Die vorliegende Arbeit stellt die gegenwärtig innerhalb und außerhalb der Zulassung verwendeten Therapien verschiedener Vaskulitiden dar.
Systemischer Lupus erythematodes und primäres Sjögren-Syndrom
Authors: Mucke Johanna , Korsten Peter
Published: April 2021

Die Therapie des systemischen Lupus erythematodes (SLE) und des primären Sjögren-Syndroms (pSS) stellt eine Herausforderung dar. Dies liegt nicht nur an der Heterogenität der Ausprägung beider Erkrankungen, sondern auch an den wenigen erprobten und zugelassenen Therapiemöglichkeiten. Für die Behandlung des SLE zugelassen sind Hydroxychloroquin, Azathioprin, Belimumab und, zur Therapie der schweren Lupus-Nephritis, Cyclophosphamid; durch den gemeinsamen Bundesausschuss wurde zudem Mycophenolat-Mofetil zur Behandlung der Lupus-Nephritis genehmigt, während das bewährte Medikament Methotrexat zwar nicht zugelassen ist, jedoch standardmäßig verwendet wird. Für das pSS gibt es wenige zugelassene Optionen zur Therapie der glandulären Beteiligung. Die Behandlung extraglandulärer, systemischer Manifestationen richtet sich nach dem Organbefall. Hierfür existieren keine zugelassenen Therapieoptionen und wir bewegen uns stets im Off-Label-Bereich. Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit ist es, die möglichen Therapieoptionen des SLE und pSS zu erläutern und ihren Stellenwert in der Behandlung einzelner Manifestationen darzulegen. Zudem wollen wir dem behandelnden Rheumatologen Hinweise geben, wann ein Off-Label-Use für beide Erkrankungen sinnvoll sein kann.
Darmmikrobiota und Leber
Authors: Rüffer Andreas , Back Julia , Eckert Michaela , Ermisch Maria , Gollsch Annemarie , Jung Clarissa , Kleinhenz Anna , Krause Diana , Niebling Martina , Schwarzkopf Andreas , Teibert Adrienn
Published: April 2021

Die Darmmikrobiota ist unter anderem mit ihren immunregulatorischen, antiinflammatorischen und energieliefernden Effekten an Stoffwechselprozessen der Darm-Leber-Achse beteiligt. Störungen der Darmmikrobiota können Erkrankungen (mit)verursachen, welche die Leber direkt betreffen (z. B. Fettleber) oder das Organ belasten (z. B. Gallensäure-Verlustsyndrom). Störungen der Leberfunktion können über eine Einschränkung der Fettverdauung und -resorption die Darmmikrobiota beeinflussen und in diversen Darmbeschwerden resultieren.
Die Behandlung eines Patienten mit ausgeprägtem Zytokinsturm bei schwerer COVID-19-Pneumonie unter Einsatz von Hämoadsorption in Kombination mit der Gabe von Tocilizumab
Authors: Kornitzky F. W. , Langen H.-J. , Held M.
Published: April 2021

Die intensivmedizinische Behandlung von Patienten mit schwerer COVID-19-Pneumonie stellt, trotz zunehmender Erfahrungen aufgrund zunehmender Patientenzahlen, im Einzelfall weiterhin eine spezielle Herausforderung dar, welche auch einen individuellen Therapieversuch legitimiert. Eine besondere Situation stellt das sog. Hyperinflammationssyndrom dar, in dessen Rahmen es zu einem Zytokinsturm mit z. T. massivem Anstieg inflammatorischer Marker wie z. B. Interleukin-6 kommt. Die vorliegende Kasuistik beschreibt den Therapieansatz bei einem 58-jährigen, männlichen Patienten mit schwerer COVID-19-Pneumonie durch den Einsatz des IL-6-spezifischen Antikörpers Tocilizumab in Kombination mit dem Hämoadsorptionsverfahren CytoSorb. In diesem Fall war es am 6. Beatmungstag zu einer massiven klinischen Verschlechterung mit Horovitz-Indices von bis zu 127 mmHg gekommen. Nach parallelem Einsatz der genannten Therapieansätze kam es zu einer raschen klinischen Stabilisierung des Patienten mit deutlich ansteigenden Horovitz-Indices und der Möglichkeit der Deeskalation des Beatmungsregimes, welche letztlich eine erfolgreiche Extubation nach bereits 13 Beatmungstagen ermöglichte. Darüber hinaus war die kombinierte Behandlung mit einer deutlichen hämodynamischen Stabilisierung bei konsekutiver Reduktion der Vasopressor-Dosierungen assoziiert, während die Hyperinflammation gut kontrolliert werden konnte. Die Einbindung des Hämoadsorbers in das laufende Therapieregime stellte sich dabei als sicher und einfach dar. Zusammenfassend erschien die Kombination der CytoSorb-Therapie mit einer IL-6-Rezeptor-Blockade durch Tocilizumab in diesem Fall als effektive Maßnahme zur Modulation einer überschießenden Immunantwort bei COVID-19-Pneumonie mit begleitender klinischer Verbesserung der respiratorischen wie hämodynamischen Funktion und könnte somit als potenzielle therapeutische Option bei diesem Krankheitsbild eingesetzt werden.
The International Academy of Health Sciences Informatics (IAHSI): 2020 Report
Authors: Haux Reinhold , Ball Marion J. , Hersh William R. , Huesing Elaine , Kimura Michio , Koch Sabine , Martin-Sanchez Fernando , Otero Paula
Published: April 2021

Objectives: To summarize the major activities of the International Academy of Health Sciences Informatics (IAHSI) in the 2020 time period and to welcome its 2020 Class of Fellows.

Method: Report from the members of the Academy’s Board.

Results: Due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, both Plenary meetings in 2020 had to be organized as virtual meetings. Scientific discussions, focusing on mobilizing computable biomedical knowledge and on data standards and interoperability formed major parts of these meetings. A statement on the use of informatics in pandemic situations was elaborated and sent to the World Health Organization. A panel on data standards and interoperability started its work. 34 Fellows were welcomed in the 2020 Class of Fellows so that the Academy now consists of 179 members.

Conclusions: There was a shift from supporting to strategic activities in the Academy’s work. After having achieved organizational stability, the Academy can now focus on its strategic work and so on its main objective.
Association of Rural and Frontier Residence with Very Preterm and Very Low Birth Weight Delivery in Nonlevel III NICUs
Authors: Bourque Stephanie L. , Weikel Blair W. , Crispe Kristin , Hwang Sunah S.
Published: April 2021

Objective Delivery of very preterm and very low birth weight neonates (VPT/VLBW) in a nonlevel III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) increases risk of morbidity and mortality. Study objectives included the following: (1) Determine incidence of VPT/VLBW delivery (<32 weeks gestational age and/or birth weight <1,500 g), in nonlevel III units in Colorado; (2) Evaluate the independent association between residence and nonlevel III unit delivery; (3) Determine the incidence of and factors associated with postnatal transfer.

Study Design This retrospective cohort study used 2007 to 2016 Colorado birth certificate data. Demographic and clinical characteristics by VPT/VLBW delivery in level III NICUs versus nonlevel III units were compared using Chi-square analyses. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the independent association between residence and VPT/VLBW delivery.

Results Among patients, 897 of 10,015 (8.96%) VPT/VLBW births occurred in nonlevel III units. Compared with infants born to pregnant persons in urban counties, infants born to those residing in rural (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.58, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.33, 1.88) or frontier (AOR = 3.19, 95% CI: 2.14, 4.75) counties were more likely to deliver in nonlevel III units and to experience postnatal transfer within 24 hours (rural AOR = 2.24, 95% CI: 1.60, 3.15; frontier AOR = 3.91, 95% CI: 1.76, 8.67). Compared with non-Hispanic Whites, Hispanics were more likely to deliver VPT/VLBW infants in nonlevel III units (AOR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.15, 1.61).

Conclusion A significant number of VPT/VLBW neonates were born in nonlevel III units with associated disparities by race/ethnicity and nonurban residence.

Key Points
Humpback whale (
Authors: McCulloch S. , Meynecke J.-O. , Franklin T. , Franklin W. , Chauvenet A. L. M.
Published: April 2021

Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) require a suite of essential habitats during their long migration. Therefore, the identification of critical habitats is important for continuation of their successful recovery. In this study we investigated the behaviours and habitat usage exhibited by humpback whales in two known aggregation sites on the east coast of Australia. Using a combined 5400 humpback whale records collected from Hervey Bay between 1999 and 2009 and from the Gold Coast Bay between 2011 and 2018, we analysed different types of behavioural categories. We found that humpback whales in Hervey Bay primarily exhibited surface travel and non-aggressive social behaviour, whereas both sites appeared to be similarly important for resting. Our results suggest that the Gold Coast Bay provides habitat for a wide range of critical humpback whale activities, in particular for resting mother–calf pairs, mature males seeking copulation and socialising immature whales. Hervey Bay had a higher number of mother–calf pair sightings, confirming the area as an important resting site. This study demonstrates that the two regions are critical habitats for humpback whales during their annual migration, but for different essential activities, and should be considered as a whale protection area.
Observations from a two-week visit to the source of the Nile tilapia farm in Uganda, on Lake Victoria.
Authors: Gatward Iain
Published: April 2021

The Source of the Nile (SON) fish farm was established in 2005 with support from two main shareholders - the Lake Harvest Group and Greenfields Uganda Ltd. The aim of the farm is to eventually have production levels of 2500 Metric Tonnes (MT) of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The farm currently operates a production system consisting of both ponds for fingerling production and cages for on-growing of the tilapia. Due to the lack of commercially viable fish feed in Uganda, SON has also begun to produce its own feeds on-site as required. A number of different types and sizes of feed are produced to meet the needs of the fish at SON and excess is also produced for sale to local farmers. The farm currently employs in the region of 35 people, who are directly responsible for day-to-day running of production. Some fish produced are sold as fingerlings to other farmers in Uganda, who are responsible for collection and transport of their purchased stocks. Most fry are used for on-growing at the site and are grown to around 600 g before harvesting. Fish are sold whole and fresh to local buyers and are delivered to markets and restaurants as required to meet the specific needs of each client. The objectives of this case study are as follows:To provide an overview of operations at the SON Fish Farm based on a two-week visit in May 2009. To highlight the process of farming Nile tilapia in ponds and cages as a means of knowledge transfer for other parties interested in the industry.