bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Klaus Hasselmann—His Scientific Footprints and Achievements
Authors: von Storch Hans
Published: June 2022

Klaus Hasselmann was born in Hamburg in 1931. His family fled to England in 1934 because of the Nazis, so he grew up in an English-speaking environment, and returned to Hamburg after the war, where he studied physics, started a family, and became an innovative researcher. Later, he spent several years in the United States of America, but always returned to Hamburg, where he became the founding director of the Max-Planck-Institut für Meteorologie in 1975. His Institute soon became one of the world’s leading research facilities in the field of climate science. He retired in 2000, but continued his work in climate science as a “grey eminence” in the background, whilst his heart and mind turned to particle physics. He recently turned 90, and we—a group of former co-workers, scientific friends and colleagues—decided that we had to tell the story of this remarkable man.
Bootstrapping monodromy defects in the Wess-Zumino model
Authors: Gimenez-Grau Aleix , Liendo Pedro
Published: June 2022

Abstract

We use analytical bootstrap techniques to study supersymmetric monodromy defects in the critical Wess-Zumino model. In preparation for this result we first study two related systems which are interesting on their own: general monodromy defects (no susy), and the ε-expansion bootstrap for the Wess-Zumino model (no defects). For general monodromy defects, we extend previous work on codimension-two conformal blocks and the Lorentzian inversion formula in order to accommodate parity-odd structures. In the Wess-Zumino model, we bootstrap four-point functions of chiral operators in the ε-expansion, with the goal of obtaining spectral information about the bulk theory. We then proceed to bootstrap two-point functions of chiral operators in the presence of a monodromy defect, and obtain explicit expressions in terms of novel special functions which we analyze in detail. Several of the results presented in this paper are quite general and should be applicable to other setups.
Schulische Gesundheitsförderung von Ottawa bis heute: Chancen und Herausforderungen
Authors: Paulus Peter
Published: June 2022

Ein Blick zurück auf die inzwischen 30-jährige Geschichte der schulischen Gesundheitsförderung in Deutschland lässt Entwicklungslinien erkennen, die zu ihrem Verständnis hilfreich sind und den Blick für zukünftige Chancen und Herausforderungen öffnen. In diesem Beitrag wird die schulische Gesundheitsförderung aus 3 Perspektiven betrachtet: als Praxis‑, Forschungs- und Politikfeld.

Im Praxisfeld ist die schulische Gesundheitsförderung konfrontiert mit der schon länger andauernden von gesundheitlichen Einschränkungen geprägten Situation von Schüler*innen, Lehrkräften und Schulleitungen. In einer Vielgestaltigkeit von Maßnahmen lassen sich 3 Realisierungsformen erkennen, die sich aus gemeinsamen Wurzeln herausgebildet haben: (a) verhaltensbasierter Ansatz, (b) gesundheitsfördernde Schule und (c) Gute Gesunde Schule. „Gesundheitskompetenz“ und „Gesundheitskompetente Schule“ stellen aktuelle Entwicklungen dar. Im Forschungsfeld zeigt sich, dass die Möglichkeiten der Evaluation oft nicht ausgeschöpft werden und dass Evaluation in Settingansätzen vor großen Hürden steht. In Fragen zu Strategien der Dissemination und Implementation als weitere wichtige Forschungsfelder sind deutliche Fortschritte zu verzeichnen. Im Politikfeld sind wichtige Meilensteine gesetzt worden mit der Präventionsgesetzgebung von 2015, dem Präventionsleitfaden des Spitzenverbandes Bund der Krankenkassen (GKV), den Empfehlungen der Kultusministerkonferenz (KMK) 2012 und mit dem Fachkonzept der Deutschen Gesetzlichen Unfallversicherung (DGUV) von 2013. Schulgesetze der Länder und die Qualitätskonzepte guter Schulen zeigen mögliche Verknüpfungen des Gesundheitsmanagements mit dem pädagogischen Qualitätsmanagement der Schulen auf.

Im Fazit wird sichtbar, dass eine Rahmung für die schulische Gesundheitsförderung noch fehlt, die theoriegeleitet Forschung und Praxis anleitet und miteinander verbindet.
Assemblage thinking as a methodology for studying urban AI phenomena
Authors: Tseng Yu-Shan
Published: June 2022

This paper seeks to bypass assumptions that researchers in critical algorithmic studies and urban studies find it difficult to study algorithmic systems due to their black-boxed nature. In addition, it seeks to work against the assumption that advocating for transparency in algorithms is, therefore, the key for achieving an enhanced understanding of the role of algorithmic technologies on modern life. Drawing on applied assemblage thinking via the concept of the urban assemblage, I demonstrate how the notion of urban assemblage can work as an alternative way to explore the distributed and potential dimensions of what has been termed as Urban AI phenomena. Rather than seeing Urban AI phenomena as black-boxed, unknown and opaque, the notion of urban assemblage locates such entities within the wider contests of the city: urban places, communities and politics, where human-algorithmic relationships gather and disperse. In addition, this approach focuses on the potentialities of Urban AI phenomena—how algorithmic systems can operate differently through different aspects of the city—which can be seen to manifest new forms of resistance, collective actions and democracy. I use a case study of an algorithmic system designed to facilitate digital democracy—vTaiwan—to exemplify how assemblage methodology foregrounds the role of cities as spaces and places for exploring the democratic possibilities of algorithmic systems. This paper concludes with discussion of how the assemblage methodology contributes to serve as a bridge between critical algorithm studies and recent studies of platform urbanism.
Italian validation of the short form of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12)
Authors: Volonte’ Silvia , Barba Marta , Cola Alice , Marino Giuseppe , Frigerio Matteo
Published: June 2022

Introduction and hypothesis

The aim of this study was to translate the English short form of Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12) and evaluate its validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability.

Methods

The questionnaire was translated into Italian by standardized procedural steps, and the final version was submitted to women referred to urogynecological outpatient care for genital prolapse or urinary incontinence reporting sexual disorders (cases) or not (controls). For the test-retest evaluation, cases received the questionnaire 2 weeks later. The Wilcoxon test (non-parametric) was used to assess differences between cases and controls. Convergent validity was tested with the Italian version of the FSFI-19. The internal consistency was tested using Cronbachʼs alpha. The degree of concordance/agreement was measured with Cohenʼs kappa. The absolute agreement of test-retest results was tested with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

Results

Sixty women were recruited for the study and answered the questionnaire. The overall rate of missing items was 1.3%. Construct validity was demonstrated, as the questionnaire discriminated significantly between patients with and without symptoms. Convergent validity with FSFI-19 was tested, and a linear correlation between scores was demonstrated (F < 0.001). Internal consistency reliability evaluated with Cronbach's alpha was satisfactory (0.54–0.81). Cohenʼs kappa values as absolute agreement coefficients were between 0.59 and 0.80 (good agreement). Intraclass correlation coefficients ranged between 0.88 and 0.94 (very satisfactory agreement) for each functional domain.

Conclusions

The Italian version of the PISQ-12 is reliable, valid, and consistent.
Sesamol protects against liver fibrosis induced in rats by modulating lysophosphatidic acid receptor expression and TGF-β/Smad3 signaling pathway
Authors: Elrazik Nesma A. Abd , El-Mesery Mohamed , El-Shishtawy Mamdouh M.
Published: June 2022

The present study aimed to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of sesamol (SML), a nutritional phenolic compound obtained from sesame seeds, in liver fibrosis induced by thioacetamide (TAA) in rats and to explore the underlying mechanisms. Thirty-two male Sprague–Dawley rats were equally divided into four groups: control, TAA, TAA + SML 50 mg/kg, and TAA + SML 100 mg/kg groups. Liver functions and hepatic contents of glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured colorimetrically. Gene expressions of lysophosphatidic acid receptor (LPAR)-1 and -3, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, small mothers against decapentaplegic (Smad)-3 and -7, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and cytokeratin 19 (CK19) were analyzed by qRT-PCR. Moreover, phosphorylated Smad3 (pSmad3) was quantified by ELISA. Additionally, TGF-β1, α-SMA, CK19, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein concentrations were semi-quantitatively analyzed by immunostaining of liver sections. SML treatment markedly improved liver index and liver functions. Moreover, SML protected against liver fibrosis in a dose-dependent manner as indicated by down-regulation of LPAR1, LPAR3, CTGF, TGF-β1/Smad3, and α-SMA expressions and a decrease in pSmad3 level, as well as an up-regulation of Smad7 expression. In addition, SML suppressed ductular reaction hinted by the decrease in CK19 expression. These results reveal the anti-fibrotic effect of SML against liver fibrosis that might be attributed to down-regulation of LPAR1/3 expressions, inhibition of TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway, and ductular reaction.
Quantum Spectral Problems and Isomonodromic Deformations
Authors: Bershtein Mikhail , Gavrylenko Pavlo , Grassi Alba
Published: June 2022

We develop a self-consistent approach to study the spectral properties of a class of quantum mechanical operators by using the knowledge about monodromies of $$2\times 2$$

2
×
2

linear systems (Riemann–Hilbert correspondence). Our technique applies to a variety of problems, though in this paper we only analyse in detail two examples. First we review the case of the (modified) Mathieu operator, which corresponds to a certain linear system on the sphere and makes contact with the Painlevé $$\mathrm {III}_3$$

III
3

equation. Then we extend the analysis to the 2-particle elliptic Calogero–Moser operator, which corresponds to a linear system on the torus. By using the Kyiv formula for the isomonodromic tau functions, we obtain the spectrum of such operators in terms of self-dual Nekrasov functions ($$\epsilon _1+\epsilon _2=0$$

ϵ
1

+

ϵ
2

=
0

). Through blowup relations, we also find Nekrasov–Shatashvili type of quantizations ($$\epsilon _2=0$$

ϵ
2

=
0

). In the case of the torus with one regular singularity we obtain certain results which are interesting by themselves. Namely, we derive blowup equations (filling some gaps in the literature) and we relate them to the bilinear form of the isomonodromic deformation equations. In addition, we extract the $$\epsilon _2\rightarrow 0$$

ϵ
2

→
0

limit of the blowup relations from the regularized action functional and CFT arguments.
How genetic risk contributes to autoimmune liver disease
Authors: Ellinghaus David
Published: June 2022

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and GWAS/genome-wide meta-analyses (GWMA) for primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) have been successful over the past decade, identifying about 100 susceptibility loci in the human genome, with strong associations with the HLA locus and many susceptibility variants outside the HLA locus with relatively low risk. However, identifying causative variants and genes and determining their effects on liver cells and their immunological microenvironment is far from trivial. Polygenic risk scores (PRSs) based on current genome-wide data have limited potential to predict individual disease risk. Interestingly, results of mediated expression score regression analysis provide evidence that a substantial portion of gene expression at susceptibility loci is mediated by genetic risk variants, in contrast to many other complex diseases. Genome- and transcriptome-wide comparisons between AIH, PBC, and PSC could help to better delineate the shared inherited component of autoimmune liver diseases (AILDs), and statistical fine-mapping, chromosome X-wide association testing, and genome-wide in silico drug screening approaches recently applied to GWMA data from PBC could potentially be successfully applied to AIH and PSC. Initial successes through single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) experiments in PBC and PSC now raise high hopes for understanding the impact of genetic risk variants in the context of liver-resident immune cells and liver cell subpopulations, and for bridging the gap between genetics and disease.
Contrast-enhanced mammography for the assessment of screening recalls: a two-centre study
Authors: Cozzi Andrea , Schiaffino Simone , Fanizza Marianna , Magni Veronica , Menicagli Laura , Monaco Cristian Giuseppe , Benedek Adrienn , Spinelli Diana , Di Leo Giovanni , Di Giulio Giuseppe , Sardanelli Francesco
Published: June 2022

Objectives

To evaluate the potential of contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) for reducing the biopsy rate of screening recalls.

Methods

Recalled women were prospectively enrolled to undergo CEM alongside standard assessment (SA) through additional views, tomosynthesis, and/or ultrasound. Exclusion criteria were symptoms, implants, allergy to contrast agents, renal failure, and pregnancy. SA and CEM were independently evaluated by one of six radiologists, who recommended biopsy or 2-year follow-up. Biopsy rates according to SA or recombined CEM (rCEM) were compared with the McNemar’s test. Diagnostic performance was calculated considering lesions with available final histopathology.

Results

Between January 2019 and July 2021, 220 women were enrolled, 207 of them (median age 56.6 years) with 225 suspicious findings analysed. Three of 207 patients (1.4%) developed mild self-limiting adverse reactions to iodinated contrast agent. Overall, 135/225 findings were referred for biopsy, 90/225 by both SA and rCEM, 41/225 by SA alone and 4/225 by rCEM alone (2/4 being one DCIS and one invasive carcinoma). The rCEM biopsy rate (94/225, 41.8%, 95% CI 35.5–48.3%) was 16.4% lower (p < 0.001) than the SA biopsy rate (131/225, 58.2%, 95% CI 51.7–64.5%). Considering the 124/135 biopsies with final histopathology (44 benign, 80 malignant), rCEM showed a 93.8% sensitivity (95% CI 86.2–97.3%) and a 65.9% specificity (95% CI 51.1–78.1%), all 5 false negatives being ductal carcinoma in situ detectable as suspicious calcifications on low-energy images.

Conclusions

Compared to SA, the rCEM-based work-up would have avoided biopsy for 37/225 (16.4%) suspicious findings. Including low-energy images in interpretation provided optimal overall CEM sensitivity.

Key Points

• The work-up of suspicious findings detected at mammographic breast cancer screening still leads to a high rate of unnecessary biopsies, involving between 2 and 6% of screened women.

• In 207 recalled women with 225 suspicious findings, recombined images of contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) showed a 93.8% sensitivity and a 65.9% specificity, all 5 false negatives being ductal carcinoma in situ detectable on low-energy images as suspicious calcifications.

• CEM could represent an easily available one-stop shop option for the morphofunctional assessment of screening recalls, potentially reducing the biopsy rate by 16.4%.
Associations between exploratory dietary patterns and incident type 2 diabetes: a federated meta-analysis of individual participant data from 25 cohort studies
Authors: Jannasch Franziska , Dietrich Stefan , Bishop Tom R. P. , Pearce Matthew , Fanidi Anouar , O’Donoghue Gráinne , O’Gorman Donal , Marques-Vidal Pedro , Vollenweider Peter , Bes-Rastrollo Maira , Byberg Liisa , Wolk Alicja , Hashemian Maryam , Malekzadeh Reza , Poustchi Hossein , Luft Vivian C. , de Matos Sheila M. Alvim , Kim Jihye , Kim Mi Kyung , Kim Yeonjung , Stern Dalia , Lajous Martin , Magliano Dianna J. , Shaw Jonathan E. , Akbaraly Tasnime , Kivimaki Mika , Maskarinec Gertraud , Le Marchand Loïc , Martínez-González Miguel Ángel , Soedamah-Muthu Sabita S. ,   EPIC-InterAct Consortium, Wareham Nicholas J. , Forouhi Nita G. , Schulze Matthias B.
Published: June 2022

Purpose

In several studies, exploratory dietary patterns (DP), derived by principal component analysis, were inversely or positively associated with incident type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, findings remained study-specific, inconsistent and rarely replicated. This study aimed to investigate the associations between DPs and T2D in multiple cohorts across the world.

Methods

This federated meta-analysis of individual participant data was based on 25 prospective cohort studies from 5 continents including a total of 390,664 participants with a follow-up for T2D (3.8–25.0 years). After data harmonization across cohorts we evaluated 15 previously identified T2D-related DPs for association with incident T2D estimating pooled incidence rate ratios (IRR) and confidence intervals (CI) by Piecewise Poisson regression and random-effects meta-analysis.

Results

29,386 participants developed T2D during follow-up. Five DPs, characterized by higher intake of red meat, processed meat, French fries and refined grains, were associated with higher incidence of T2D. The strongest association was observed for a DP comprising these food groups besides others (IRRpooled per 1 SD = 1.104, 95% CI 1.059–1.151). Although heterogeneity was present (I2 = 85%), IRR exceeded 1 in 18 of the 20 meta-analyzed studies. Original DPs associated with lower T2D risk were not confirmed. Instead, a healthy DP (HDP1) was associated with higher T2D risk (IRRpooled per 1 SD = 1.057, 95% CI 1.027–1.088).

Conclusion

Our findings from various cohorts revealed positive associations for several DPs, characterized by higher intake of red meat, processed meat, French fries and refined grains, adding to the evidence-base that links DPs to higher T2D risk. However, no inverse DP–T2D associations were confirmed.
Can the Borg CR-10 scale for neck and low back discomfort predict future neck and low back pain among high-risk office workers?
Authors: Waongenngarm Pooriput , van der Beek Allard J. , Janwantanakul Prawit , Akkarakittichoke Nipaporn , Coenen Pieter
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Perceived discomfort could indicate an early sign of pain, for example, as a result of a biomechanical load on the musculoskeletal system. Assessing discomfort can, therefore, help to identify workers at increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders for targeted intervention development. We aimed: (1) to identify the optimal cut-off value of neck and low back discomfort among office workers and (2) to evaluate its predictive validity with future neck and low back pain, respectively.

Methods

At baseline healthy participants (n = 100) completed questionnaires, including the Borg CR-10 discomfort scale (on a 0–10 scale), and were followed for six months, during which musculoskeletal pain was assessed monthly. Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the associations of baseline discomfort with the onset of future neck or low back pain. Sensitivity, specificity, and the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve were estimated to identify the optimal discomfort cut-off value predicting future pain.

Results

Borg CR-10 scores ≥ 3.5 for perceived neck and low back discomfort had acceptable sensitivity and specificity to predict future neck and low back pain, respectively. Perceived discomfort at baseline as a dichotomous measure (using the ≥ 3.5 cut-off) was a statistically significant predictor of future neck pain (OR = 10.33) and low back pain (OR = 11.81).

Conclusion

We identified the optimal cut-off value of the Borg CR-10 discomfort scale to identify office workers at increased risk of developing neck and low back pain. These findings might benefit ergonomists, primary health care providers, and occupational health researchers in developing targeted interventions.
Cognitive load promotes honesty
Authors: Reis Moritz , Pfister Roland , Foerster Anna
Published: June 2022

In three experiments, we examined the cognitive underpinnings of self-serving dishonesty by manipulating cognitive load under different incentive structures. Participants could increase a financial bonus by misreporting outcomes of private die rolls without any risk of detection. At the same time, they had to remember letter strings of varying length. If honesty is the automatic response tendency and dishonesty is cognitively demanding, lying behavior should be less evident under high cognitive load. This hypothesis was supported by the outcome of two out of three experiments. We further manipulated whether all trials or only one random trial determined payoff to modulate reward adaptation over time (Experiment 2) and whether payoff was framed as a financial gain or loss (Experiment 3). The payoff scheme of one random or all trials did not affect lying behavior and, discordant to earlier research, facing losses instead of gains did not increase lying behavior. Finally, cognitive load and incentive frame interacted significantly, but contrary to our assumption gains increased lying under low cognitive load. While the impact of cognitive load on dishonesty appears to be comparably robust, motivational influences seem to be more elusive than commonly assumed in current theorizing.
Skipping breakfast and excess weight among young people: the moderator role of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity
Authors: López-Gil José Francisco , Sánchez-Miguel Pedro Antonio , Tapia-Serrano Miguel Ángel , García-Hermoso Antonio
Published: June 2022

The present study aimed to test whether the daily minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) engaged moderate the relationship between breakfast status and excess weight (i.e., overweight and/or obesity) in a Spanish sample of young people. A cross-sectional study involving a total sample of 2890 Spanish schoolchildren (46% girls) aged 6−17 years (M = 12.3 ± 2.6) was conducted. To determine the habit of having breakfast, a dichotomous item about breakfast status (yes/no) from the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index for children and teenagers (KIDMED) was used. Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children and the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents were fulfilled to offer an estimation of the minutes of MVPA that individuals had in the last seven days. Body mass index (BMI) was converted into z-scores and, therefore, excess weight status (i.e., overweight and/or obesity) was established according to World Health Organization criteria for sex and age. Skipping breakfast was positively related with BMI (z-score) and excess weight. Moderation analyses suggested that daily MVPA minutes moderated the association between skipping breakfast and BMI (boys: β =  − 0.175; girls: β =  − 0.073) or the excess weight (boys: OR = 1.10; CI 95%, 1.02 to 1.07; girls: OR = 1.14; CI 95%, 1.04 to 1.24), meaning that physical activity of sufficient intensity seems to reduce the effect of skipping breakfast on the body weight status of young people.

Conclusion: Our results indicate that promotion of having breakfast should be accompanied by daily MVPA, as young participants who have breakfast and with higher daily MVPA seem to be more likely to have no excess weight.

What is Known:• Some of the well-studied factors associated with childhood obesity have been skipping breakfast and insufficient physical activity.• Some studies have pointed out the association between having breakfast and both body mass index and physical activity level, in isolation.

What is New:• Daily minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity moderate the association between skipping breakfast and excess weight.• Breakfast promotion as a healthy eating habit should be accompanied by increases in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, since participants who have breakfast and with higher moderate-to-vigorous physical activity seem to be more likely to have no excess weight.
Ticks on the move—climate change-induced range shifts of three tick species in Europe: current and future habitat suitability for Ixodes ricinus in comparison with Dermacentor reticulatus and Dermacentor marginatus
Authors: Cunze Sarah , Glock Gustav , Kochmann Judith , Klimpel Sven
Published: June 2022

Tick-borne diseases are a major health problem worldwide and could become even more important in Europe in the future. Due to changing climatic conditions, ticks are assumed to be able to expand their ranges in Europe towards higher latitudes and altitudes, which could result in an increased occurrence of tick-borne diseases.

There is a great interest to identify potential (new) areas of distribution of vector species in order to assess the future infection risk with vector-borne diseases, improve surveillance, to develop more targeted monitoring program, and, if required, control measures.

Based on an ecological niche modelling approach we project the climatic suitability for the three tick species Ixodes ricinus, Dermacentor reticulatus and Dermacentor marginatus under current and future climatic conditions in Europe. These common tick species also feed on humans and livestock and are vector competent for a number of pathogens.

For niche modelling, we used a comprehensive occurrence data set based on several databases and publications and six bioclimatic variables in a maximum entropy approach. For projections, we used the most recent IPCC data on current and future climatic conditions including four different scenarios of socio-economic developments.

Our models clearly support the assumption that the three tick species will benefit from climate change with projected range expansions towards north-eastern Europe and wide areas in central Europe with projected potential co-occurrence.

A higher tick biodiversity and locally higher abundances might increase the risk of tick-borne diseases, although other factors such as pathogen prevalence and host abundances are also important.
Exponential-Time Quantum Algorithms for Graph Coloring Problems
Authors: Shimizu Kazuya , Mori Ryuhei
Published: June 2022

The fastest known classical algorithm deciding the k-colorability of n-vertex graph requires running time $$\varOmega (2^n)$$

Ω
(

2
n

)

for $$k\ge 5$$

k
≥
5

. In this work, we present an exponential-space quantum algorithm computing the chromatic number with running time $$O(1.9140^n)$$

O
(
1
.

9140
n

)

using quantum random access memory (QRAM). Our approach is based on Ambainis et al’s quantum dynamic programming with applications of Grover’s search to branching algorithms. We also present a polynomial-space quantum algorithm not using QRAM for the graph 20-coloring problem with running time $$O(1.9575^n)$$

O
(
1
.

9575
n

)

. For the polynomial-space quantum algorithm, we essentially develop $$(4-\epsilon )^n$$

(
4
-
ϵ
)

n

-time classical algorithms that can be improved quadratically by Grover’s search.
Primäre Angiitis des Zentralnervensystems
Authors: Gattringer Thomas , Seifert-Held Thomas
Published: June 2022

Die primäre Angiitis des Zentralnervensystems ist eine sehr seltene Erkrankung, welche durch eine entzündliche Infiltration der Gefäßwände von mittleren und kleinen Gefäßen ausschließlich im Zentralnervensystem, vorwiegend im Gehirn, gekennzeichnet ist. Klinisch und radiologisch kann sich die Erkrankung äußerst vielgestaltig präsentieren und stellt daher eine besondere diagnostische Herausforderung dar. Die häufigsten klinischen Manifestationen sind subakut auftretende Kopfschmerzen, enzephalopathische Zustandsbilder oder schlaganfallähnliche Episoden bei Auftreten von akuten zerebralen Ischämien oder Blutungen. Eine umfassende differenzialdiagnostische Abklärung ist nötig. Neben einer sorgfältigen Anamnese und klinischen Untersuchung stellen die zerebrale MRT, Lumbalpunktion, digitale Subtraktionsangiographie sowie weiterführend die Hirnbiopsie wichtige diagnostische Modalitäten dar. Vor Einleitung der notwendigen immunsuppressiven Therapie, welche zumeist aus Kortikosteroiden und Cyclophosphamid besteht, sollte eine histopathologische Diagnosesicherung erfolgen. Aufgrund der Seltenheit und Komplexität der Erkrankung und des individuellen Therapie- und Nachsorgekonzeptes soll die Betreuung (inkl. regelmäßigen klinischen Kontrollen) von PatientInnen mit primärer Angiitis des Zentralnervensystems an einem Zentrum mit entsprechender Erfahrung und Expertise erfolgen.
The fiscal consequences of immigration: a study of local governments’ expenditures
Authors: Viren Matti
Published: June 2022

In this paper we examine how Finnish municipalities’ expenditures depend on the share of citizens with foreign background out of the total population. Empirical analyses make use of Finnish panel data from 295 municipalities and 202 migrant nationalities for the period 1987–2018. It turns out that the share of foreign population tends to increase per capita expenditures up to the point where the respective semi-elasticity is about one. The result seems robust in terms of different control variables, subsamples of the data and estimation techniques. Sizeable differences between different nationalities could, however, be detected. Thus, we cannot assume that the use of public services is neutral in terms of demographic changes and that should be considered when making assessments on overall fiscal effects of migration.
Parkinsonism in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus: is it time for defining a clinical tetrad?
Authors: Mostile Giovanni , Fasano Alfonso , Zappia Mario
Published: June 2022

Background

Association between parkinsonism and idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) still remains debated. There is already plenty of evidences in the literature suggesting that this clinical sign can be considered as an integral part of the clinical spectrum of iNPH patients.

Methods

We reviewed the possible pitfalls in the core clinical definition of iNPH based on available international diagnostic criteria, phenomenology of parkinsonism in iNPH, and neuroimaging supporting the presence of parkinsonism in iNPH.

Conclusions

We argue that the diagnostic definition of the iNPH “triad” should be possibly reconsidered as a “tetrad” also including parkinsonism.
A qualitative analysis of facilitators and barriers to physical activity among patients with moderate mental disorders
Authors: van Rijen Denise , ten Hoor Gill A.
Published: June 2022

Aim

The current study aims to qualitatively identify determinants, barriers and facilitators of physical activity among a population with mental health disorders.

Subject and methods

Seventeen participants with moderate mental disorders were recruited. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to identify physical activity facilitators and barriers. Data were organized and analysed in ATLAS.ti, mainly based on a generic qualitative research approach.

Results

Most participants found physical activity important and expressed a positive attitude towards it. In general, higher self-efficacy and more social support were beneficial for participants’ physical activity levels. Reasons/facilitating factors to be more physically active were: having fun, good weather, progress, routine, self-compassion and a stimulating environment. Barriers were not having fun, being busy, mental complaints, lack of energy, procrastination and physical complaints.

Conclusion

Future interventions could promote physical activity among people with moderate mental disorders to help them identify and overcome barriers. The newly identified determinant ‘self-compassion’ could be an interesting target for promoting physical activity in this group of people with moderate mental disorders.
Using the Dafermos entropy rate criterion in numerical schemes
Authors: Klein Simon-Christian
Published: June 2022

The following work concerns the construction of an entropy dissipative finite volume solver based on the convex combination of an entropy conservative and an entropy dissipative flux. We aim to construct a semidiscrete scheme that is entropy stable in the sense of the entropy criterion of Dafermos as well as in the classical sense entropy dissipative. The proposed semidiscrete scheme shows nice properties like 2porder accuracy in smooth regions as well as a non-oscillatory behavior around shocks.
Conditioning geological surfaces to horizontal wells
Authors: Vázquez Ariel Almendral , Dahle Pål , Abrahamsen Petter , Sektnan Audun
Published: June 2022

Kriging is a standard method for conditioning surfaces to observations. Kriging works for vertical wells, but may produce surfaces that cross horizontal wells between surface observations. We establish an approach that also works for horizontal wells, where surfaces are modeled as a set of correlated Gaussian random fields. The constraints imposed by the horizontal wells makes the conditional surfaces non-Gaussian. We present a method for exact conditional simulation and an approximation for prediction and prediction uncertainty. Thousands of constraints can be handled efficiently without numerical instabilities. The approach is illustrated with synthetic and real examples that show how the constraints influence the surfaces and reduce uncertainty.
A collection of Constraint Programming models for the three-dimensional stable matching problem with cyclic preferences
Authors: Cseh Ágnes , Escamocher Guillaume , Genç Begüm , Quesada Luis
Published: June 2022

We introduce five constraint models for the 3-dimensional stable matching problem with cyclic preferences and study their relative performances under diverse configurations. While several constraint models have been proposed for variants of the two-dimensional stable matching problem, we are the first to present constraint models for a higher number of dimensions. We show for all five models how to capture two different stability notions, namely weak and strong stability. Additionally, we translate some well-known fairness notions (i.e. sex-equal, minimum regret, egalitarian) into 3-dimensional matchings, and present how to capture them in each model. Our tests cover dozens of problem sizes and four different instance generation methods. We explore two levels of commitment in our models: one where we have an individual variable for each agent (individual commitment), and another one where the determination of a variable involves pairing the three agents at once (group commitment). Our experiments show that the suitability of the commitment depends on the type of stability we are dealing with, and that the choice of the search heuristic can help improve performance. Our experiments not only brought light to the role that learning and restarts can play in solving this kind of problems, but also allowed us to discover that in some cases combining strong and weak stability leads to reduced runtimes for the latter.
Epigenetic effects associated with salmonid supplementation and domestication
Authors: Koch Ilana J. , Nuetzel Hayley M. , Narum Shawn R.
Published: June 2022

Several studies have demonstrated lower fitness of salmonids born and reared in a hatchery setting compared to those born in nature, yet broad-scale genome-wide genetic differences between hatchery-origin and natural-origin fish have remained largely undetected. Recent research efforts have focused on using epigenetic tools to explore the role of heritable changes outside of genetic variation in response to hatchery rearing. We synthesized the results from salmonid studies that have directly compared methylation differences between hatchery-origin and natural-origin fish. Overall, the majority of studies found substantial differences in methylation patterns and overlap in functional genomic regions between hatchery-origin and natural-origin fish which have been replicated in parallel across geographical locations. Epigenetic differences were consistently found in the sperm of hatchery-origin versus natural-origin fish along with evidence for maternal effects, providing a potential source of multigenerational transmission. While there were clear epigenetic differences in gametic lines between hatchery-origin and natural-origin fish, only a limited number explored the potential mechanisms explaining these differences. We outline opportunities for epigenetics to inform salmonid breeding and rearing practices and to mitigate for fitness differences between hatchery-origin and natural-origin fish. We then provide possible explanations and avenues of future epigenetics research in salmonid supplementation programs, including: 1) further exploration of the factors in early development shaping epigenetic differences, 2) understanding the functional genomic changes that are occurring in response to epigenetic changes, 3) elucidating the relationship between epigenetics, phenotypic variation, and fitness, and 4) determining heritability of epigenetic marks along with persistence of marks across generations.
Too Many Males or Too Many Females? Classroom Sex Ratio, Life History Strategies and Risk-Taking Behaviors
Authors: Salas-Rodríguez Javier , Gómez-Jacinto Luis , Hombrados-Mendieta Isabel , del Pino-Brunet Natalia
Published: June 2022

Prior research finds that sex ratio, defined as the proportion of males and females in a given context, is related to engagement in risk-taking behaviors. However, most research operationalizes sex ratio at a local context (e.g., regional or county), which fails to reflect with precision the sex ratios contexts of individuals at a closer level. Furthermore, the relationship between sex ratio and risk-taking behaviors may be affected by individuals’ life history strategy, with previous studies showing fast life history strategies linked to risk-taking behaviors, compared to slow life history strategies. The present study analyzes the relationship between classroom sex ratio and risk-taking behaviors and the interaction between classroom sex ratio and life history strategy in adolescents. The sample comprised 1214 participants nested in 57 classrooms, 49.75% females, 91.5% Spanish and a mean age of 16.15 years (SD = 1.23, range 14–21). Results from multilevel modeling showed a negative relation between classroom sex ratio and risk-taking behaviors in female adolescents with faster life history strategy. By contrast, classroom sex ratio in male adolescents related positively to risk-taking behaviors but did not interact with life history strategy. These findings underscore the importance of studying proximate sex ratio on risk-taking behaviors in adolescents and underline its potential influence in the development and expression of life history strategies.
Moderate heat stress prevented the observed biomass and yield stimulation caused by elevated CO2 in two well-watered wheat cultivars
Authors: Chavan Sachin G. , Duursma Remko A. , Tausz Michael , Ghannoum Oula
Published: June 2022

Key message

Heat stress (HS) under well-watered conditions was not detrimental to leaf photosynthesis or yield but modified the elevated CO2 response of photosynthesis and yield in two contrasting wheat cultivars.

Climate change is increasing the frequency of extreme events such as heat waves, adversely affecting crop productivity. While positive impacts of elevated carbon dioxide (eCO2) on crop productivity are evident, the interactive effects of eCO2 and environmental stresses are still unclear. To investigate the interactive effects of elevated CO2 and heat stress (HS), we grew two contrasting wheat cultivars, early-maturing Scout and high-tillering Yitpi, under non-limiting water and nutrients at ambient (aCO2, 450 ppm) or elevated (eCO2, 650 ppm) CO2 and 22 °C in the glasshouse. Plants were exposed to two 3-day HS cycles at the vegetative (38.1 °C) and/or flowering (33.5 °C) stage. At aCO2, both wheat cultivars showed similar responses of photosynthesis and mesophyll conductance to temperature and produced similar grain yield. Relative to aCO2, eCO2 enhanced photosynthesis rate and reduced stomatal conductance and maximal carboxylation rate (Vcmax). During HS, high temperature stimulated photosynthesis at eCO2 in both cultivars, while eCO2 stimulated photosynthesis in Scout. Electron transport rate (Jmax) was unaffected by any treatment. eCO2 equally enhanced biomass and grain yield of both cultivars in control, but not HS, plants. HS reduced biomass and yield of Scout at eCO2. Yitpi, the cultivar with higher grain nitrogen, underwent a trade-off between grain yield and nitrogen. In conclusion, eCO2 improved photosynthesis of control and HS wheat, and improved biomass and grain yield of control plants only. Under well-watered conditions, HS was not detrimental to photosynthesis or growth but precluded a yield response to eCO2.
Measurements of Laminar Burning Velocities of Alternative Fuels: Application in Transport and Aerospace
Authors: Richter Sandra , Braun-Unkhoff Marina , Naumann Clemens
Published: June 2022

The laminar burning velocity belongs to the fundamental combustion properties of fuels being a measure for their heat release, flame length, as well as reactivity and combustion stability, and thus, may impact the design of burners and combustion chambers. Also, these experimental data are needed for the validation and optimization within the construction and development of detailed chemical kinetic reaction mechanisms. Within this study, an overview of the different applications of fuel characterization regarding the specific area of interest (road transport, aviation, and aerospace) will be given. Depending on the application, effects of different molecular characteristics on the laminar burning velocity are evaluated: the presence of oxygen atoms and the grade of branching in a specific fuel molecule as well as the difference in the type of a chemical bond, here, single and double bonds. Examples of alternative fuels being discussed in the present study are: (I) oxymethylene ether (OMEn) in the field of road transport; (II) a paraffinic Alcohol-to-Jet fuel as sustainable aviation fuel; and (III) mixtures of ethane or ethene with nitrous oxide as green propellants for rocket propulsion applications.
The key to happiness in collaborative workplaces. Evidence from coworking spaces
Authors: Berdicchia Domenico , Fortezza Fulvio , Masino Giovanni
Published: June 2022

This quantitative study explores the significant psychological and behavioral dynamics in coworking spaces. We collected data from a sample of 175 people working in Italian coworking spaces and found that a more cooperative organizational climate increases coworking space users’ happiness. We also found that this relationship is positively moderated by several job crafting behaviors. More specifically, when workers are proactive in the work environment, they are more likely to benefit from the potential advantages (resources, challenges, networking opportunities, etc.) that cooperation-oriented work settings provide, which, in turn, amplifies the positive effect of cooperative work settings on individual happiness. These findings make a useful contribution to both the growing literature on coworking spaces and the more general job crafting literature. Indeed, the previous research on both behavioral dynamics that are specific to coworking spaces and on the role played by job crafting in influencing workers’ happiness remains limited. The study’s managerial implications concern the relevance of establishing a cooperative climate and encouraging workers’ proactivity to promote their happiness.
Antagonists of the Mu-Opioid Receptor in the Cancer Patient: Fact or Fiction?
Authors: Belltall Amparo , Mazzinari Guido , Diaz-Cambronero Oscar , Eroles Pilar , Argente Navarro María Pilar
Published: June 2022

Purpose of Review

Antagonists of mu-opioid receptor role in cancer progression remains to be elucidated. The objective of this review was to summarize the available evidence on antagonists of mu-opioid receptor effect on tumor progression and prognosis in different types of cancers and an evaluation of the available findings on their mechanism of action.

Recent Findings

We have found studies related to methylnaltrexone (MNTX) and naltrexone (NTX) usage in cancer outcomes-related setting. We found consistent preclinical evidence of a potential action of MNTX and NTX on cancer growth and spread mediated mainly by effect on the opioid growth factor receptor (OGFr) axis, which results in depressed cell replication. However, clinical results are scarce and limited to poor-quality evidence.

Further high-quality studies are warranted to study antagonists of mu-opioid receptor role as a therapeutic option in different types of cancer, especially in patients where the classical treatment causes unacceptable side effects.
On critical double phase Kirchhoff problems with singular nonlinearity
Authors: Arora Rakesh , Fiscella Alessio , Mukherjee Tuhina , Winkert Patrick
Published: June 2022

The paper deals with the following double phase problem $$\begin{aligned} \begin{aligned}&-m \left[ \int _\Omega \left( \frac{|\nabla u|^p}{p} + a(x) \frac{|\nabla u|^q}{q}\right) \,\mathrm {d}x\right] {\text{div}} \left( |\nabla u|^{p-2}\nabla u + a(x) |\nabla u|^{q-2}\nabla u \right) \\&\quad = \lambda u^{-\gamma } +u^{p^*-1}&\quad \text {in } \Omega ,\\&u > 0&\quad \text {in } \Omega ,\\&u = 0&\quad \text {on } \partial \Omega , \end{aligned} \end{aligned}$$

-
m

∫
Ω

|
∇
u
|

p

p

+
a

(
x
)

|
∇
u
|

q

q

d
x

div

|
∇
u
|

p
-
2

∇
u
+
a

(
x
)

|
∇
u
|

q
-
2

∇
u

=
λ

u

-
γ

+

u

p
∗

-
1

in

Ω
,

u
>
0

in

Ω
,

u
=
0

on

∂
Ω
,

where $$\Omega \subset {\mathbb {R}}^N$$

Ω
⊂

R

N

is a bounded domain with Lipschitz boundary $$\partial \Omega $$

∂
Ω

, $$N\ge 2$$

N
≥
2

, m represents a Kirchhoff coefficient, $$1
0$$

λ
>
0

and $$\gamma \in (0,1)$$

γ
∈
(
0
,
1
)

. By the Nehari manifold approach, we establish the existence of at least one weak solution.
Polystyrene shaping effect on the enriched bacterial community from the plastic-eating Alphitobius diaperinus (Insecta: Coleoptera)
Authors: Cucini Claudio , Funari Rebecca , Mercati David , Nardi Francesco , Carapelli Antonio , Marri Laura
Published: June 2022

Plastic pollution has become a serious issue of global concern, and biodegradation of plastic wastes is representing one attractive environment-friendly alternative to traditional disposal paths. It is known that insects are involved in the plastic polymer degradation process, with reported evidence of tenebrionid beetle larvae capable to degrade polystyrene (PS), one of the most used plastics worldwide. Recently, a ribosomal RNA based survey on the insect gut microbiota of the lesser mealworm Alphitobius diaperinus has revealed differentially abundant microbial taxa between PS-fed larvae and control group. Following these findings, an enrichment bacterial culture was set up in liquid carbon-free basal medium with PS film as sole carbon source using PS-fed larvae of A. diaperinus as inoculum. After two-months the culture was analysed both by molecular and culture-based methods. Isolated bacteria which had become prevalent under the selective enrichment conditions resulted ascribable to three taxonomic groups: Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, and Stenothrophomonas. The predominance of these groups in PS-fed larvae was confirmed by using bacterial 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, and it was consistent with the results of previous reports. Isolated bacteria were able to attach to PS surfaces and SEM observations showed the presence of thin fibrillar structures connecting the bacterial cells to the abiotic surface.