bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interventions for common mental disorders in the occupational health service: a systematic review with a narrative synthesis
Authors: Axén Iben , Björk Brämberg Elisabeth , Vaez Marjan , Lundin Andreas , Bergström Gunnar
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Common mental disorders (CMD) are leading causes of decreased workability in Sweden and worldwide. Effective interventions to prevent or treat such disorders are important for public health.

Objective

To synthesize the research literature regarding occupational health service (OHS) interventions targeting prevention or reduction of CMD among employees. The effect on workability (sickness absence, return-to-work and self-reported workability) and on CMD symptoms was evaluated in a narrative analysis.

Data sources

The literature search was performed in four electronic databases in two searches, in 2014 and in 2017.

Eligibility criteria (using PICO)

Population: studies investigating employees at risk or diagnosed with CMD, as well as preventive workplace intervention targeting mental health. Intervention: studies where the recruitment or the intervention was delivered by the OHS or OHS personnel were included. Control: individuals or groups who did not receive the target intervention. Outcome: all types of outcomes concerning sickness absence and psychological health were included.

Study quality was assessed using a Swedish AMSTAR-based checklist, and results from studies with low or medium risk of bias were narratively synthesized based on effect or absence thereof.

Results

Thirty-three studies were included and assessed for risk of bias. Twenty-one studies had low or medium risk of bias. In 18 studies, rehabilitation interventions were evaluated, 11 studies concerned interventions targeting employees at risk for developing CMD and four studies investigated preventive interventions. Work-focused cognitive behavioral therapy and problem-solving skill interventions decreased time to first return-to-work among employees on sick leave for CMD in comparison with treatment-as-usual. However, effect on return to full-time work was not consistent, and these interventions did not consistently improve CMD symptoms. Selective interventions targeting employees at risk of CMD and preventive interventions for employees were heterogeneous, so replication of these studies is necessary to evaluate effect.

Limitations

Other workplace interventions outside the OHS may have been missed by our search. There was considerable heterogeneity in the included studies, and most studies were investigating measures targeting the individual worker. Interventions at the workplace/organizational level were less common.

Conclusions and implication of key findings

Return-to-work and improvement of CMD symptoms are poorly correlated and should be addressed simultaneously in future interventions. Further, interventions for CMD administered through the occupational health service require further study. Rehabilitative and preventive strategies should be evaluated with scientifically robust methods, to examine the effectiveness of such interventions.
A review on impedimetric immunosensors for pathogen and biomarker detection
Authors: Leva-Bueno J. , Peyman Sally A. , Millner P. A.
Published: April 2020

Since the discovery of antibiotics in the first quarter of the twentieth century, their use has been the principal approach to treat bacterial infection. Modernized medicine such as cancer therapy, organ transplantation or advanced major surgeries require effective antibiotics to manage bacterial infections. However, the irresponsible use of antibiotics along with the lack of development has led to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance which is considered a serious global threat due to the rise of multidrug-resistant bacteria (Wang et al. in Antibiotic resistance: a rundown of a global crisis, pp. 1645–1658, 2018). Currently employed diagnostics techniques are microscopy, colony counting, ELISA, PCR, RT-PCR, surface-enhanced Raman scattering and others. These techniques provide satisfactory selectivity and sensitivity (Joung et al. in Sens Actuators B Chem 161:824–831, 2012). Nevertheless, they demand specialized personnel and expensive and sophisticated machinery which can be labour-intensive and time-consuming, (Malvano et al. in Sensors (Switzerland) 18:1–11, 2018; Mantzila et al. in Anal Chem 80:1169–1175, 2008). To get around these problems, new technologies such as biosensing and lab-on-a-chip devices have emerged in the last two decades. Impedimetric immunosensors function by applying electrochemical impedance spectroscopy to a biosensor platform using antibodies or other affinity proteins such as Affimers (Tiede et al. in Elife 6(c):1–35, 2017) or other binding proteins (Weiss et al. in Electrochim Acta 50:4248–4256, 2005) as bioreceptors, which provide excellent sensitivity and selectivity. Pre-enrichment steps are not required and this allows miniaturization and low-cost. In this review different types of impedimetric immunosensors are reported according to the type of electrode and their base layer materials, either self-assembled monolayers or polymeric layers, composition and functionalization for different types of bacteria, viruses, fungi and disease biomarkers. Additionally, novel protein scaffolds, both antibody derived and non-antibody derived, used to specifically target the analyte are considered.
EmoteControl: an interactive system for real-time control of emotional expression in music
Authors: Micallef Grimaud Annaliese , Eerola Tuomas
Published: April 2020

Several computer systems have been designed for music emotion research that aim to identify how different structural or expressive cues of music influence the emotions conveyed by the music. However, most systems either operate offline by pre-rendering different variations of the music or operate in real-time but focus mostly on structural cues. We present a new interactive system calledEmoteControl, which allows users to make changes to both structural and expressive cues (tempo, pitch, dynamics, articulation, brightness, and mode) of music in real-time. The purpose is to allow scholars to probe a variety of cues of emotional expression from non-expert participants who are unable to articulate or perform their expression of music in other ways. The benefits of the interactive system are particularly important in this topic as it offers a massive parameter space of emotion cues and levels for each emotion which is challenging to exhaustively explore without a dynamic system. A brief overview of previous work is given, followed by a detailed explanation ofEmoteControl’s interface design and structure. A portable version of the system is also described, and specifications for the music inputted in the system are outlined. Several use-cases of the interface are discussed, and a formal interface evaluation study is reported. Results suggested that the elements controlling the cues were easy to use and understood by the users. The majority of users were satisfied with the way the system allowed them to express different emotions in music and found it a useful tool for research.
Determination of the target population in early benefit assessments in Germany: challenges for non-small-cell lung cancer
Authors: ten Thoren C. , Balg C. , Gibbert J. , Mostardt S. , Ripoll M. , Schierbaum D. , Schiller S. , Schwalm A.
Published: April 2020

Objectives

Dossiers submitted for early benefit assessments in Germany also provide information on the precise determination of the target population (patients eligible for a drug). The situation is complex for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) due to highly specific therapeutic indications. Our aim was to compare the different methodological steps applied to determine the target population in dossiers on drugs for NSCLC.

Methods

We analysed NSCLC dossiers assessed by the German Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG) between 01.01.2011 and 31.12.2017. Methodological details regarding the determination of the target population were extracted and compared.

Results

We analysed 23 NSCLC dossiers. In all dossiers, the target population was determined using the number of all patients with lung cancer as the basis for calculations. This patient population was further reduced in several successive steps by assuming proportions of patients with a specific characteristic (e.g. disease stage). The most important calculation steps were patients with NSCLC (n = 23 dossiers), with a specific disease stage (n = 23), with a specific tumour mutation (n = 14), with a specific tumour histology (n = 7), without prior treatment (n = 15), with pretreatment in second or further treatment lines (n = 17), and/or with specific pretreatments (n = 9). The proportions of patients determined within the same calculation step varied considerably between dossiers.

Discussion

The calculation methods applied and the target population sizes reported in NSCLC dossiers vary considerably. A consensus with regard to the databases and calculation methods used to determine the target population in NSCLC would be helpful to reduce variations.
Towards a Universal Pension Points System in France
Authors: Boulhol Hervé
Published: April 2020

A specificity of the current French system is that a private sector worker is currently covered by two mandatory public pay-as-you-go (PAYGO) schemes: a general defined benefit (DB) scheme — which is the main component — managed by the state and a points scheme (AgircArrco) managed by social partners, together representing about 70% of paid benefits.
GNSS code and carrier phase observations of a Huawei P30 smartphone: quality assessment and centimeter-accurate positioning
Authors: Wanninger Lambert , Heßelbarth Anja
Published: April 2020

In 2016, an application programming interface was added to the Android operating systems, which enables the access of GNSS raw observations. Since then, an in-depth evaluation of the performance of smartphone GNSS chips is very much simplified. We analyzed the quality of the GNSS observations, especially the carrier phase observations, of the dual-frequency GNSS chip Kirin 980 built into Huawei P30 and other smartphones. More than 80 h of static observations were collected at several locations. The code and carrier phase observations were processed in baseline mode with reference to observations of geodetic-grade equipment. We were able to fix carrier phase ambiguities for GPS L1 observations. Furthermore, we performed an antenna calibration for this frequency, which revealed that the horizontal phase center offsets from the central vertical axis of the smartphone and also the phase center variations do not exceed 1–2 cm. After successful ambiguity fixing, the 3D position errors (standard deviations) are smaller 4 cm after 5 min of static observation session and 2 cm for long observation session.
Teachers as brokers: adding a university-society perspective to higher education teacher competence profiles
Authors: Oonk Carla , Gulikers Judith T. M. , den Brok Perry J. , Wesselink Renate , Beers Pieter-Jelle , Mulder Martin
Published: April 2020

Higher education institutions are increasingly engaged with society but contemporary higher education teacher competence profiles do not include university-society oriented responsibilities of teachers. Consequently, comprehensive insights in university-society collaborative performance of higher education teachers are not available. This study empirically develops a teacher profile for an exemplary university-society oriented, multi-stakeholder learning environment and builds an argument for university-society collaborative additions to existing higher education teacher profiles. A showcase example of a new university-society collaborative, multi-stakeholder learning environment, the Regional Learning Environment (RLE), provides the context of analysis. Thirteen RLE establishments were included in the study. The study uses a descriptive qualitative design, triangulating data from RLE documents, teacher interviews and focus groups with teachers and managers on RLE teacher roles, tasks and competencies. The resulting RLE teacher profile comprises nine roles, nineteen tasks and 21 competencies. The new profile echoes scattered indications for teacher responsibilities as identified in previous studies on teaching and learning in university-society collaborative learning settings. The study argues that the role of broker, including boundary crossing competence, and the competency ‘stimulating a collaborative learning attitude’, might be added to existing higher education teacher competence profiles. Adding this university-society engaged perspective to existing teacher competence profiles will support higher education institutions in developing their university-society collaborative responsibilities and subsequent teacher professionalisation trajectories.
Sanggenon C Ameliorates Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by Inhibiting Inflammation and Oxidative Stress through Regulating RhoA-ROCK Signaling
Authors: Zhao Yilei , Xu Jingfeng
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Sanggenon C (SC), a natural flavonoid extracted from Cortex Mori (Sang Bai Pi), is reported to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in hypoxia. The present study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential and the underlying mechanisms of SC in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. A rat model of reversible middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was used to induce cerebral I/R injury in vivo, and SC was administrated intragastrically. Brain injuries were evaluated using Bederson scores, brain water content, and 2, 3, 5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. The levels of inflammatory factors and oxidative stress were examined using corresponding kits. Cell apoptosis was evaluated by TUNEL. Moreover, the expressions of apoptosis-related and RhoA/ROCK signaling-related proteins were detected through western blotting. In vitro, RhoA was overexpressed in oxygen-glucose deprivation and reperfusion (OGD/R)-induced PC12 cells to confirm the contribution of RhoA-ROCK signaling inhibition by SC to the neuroprotective effects post OGD/R. Pretreatment with SC significantly ameliorated the neurologic impairment, brain edema, and cerebral infarction post MCAO-reperfusion, associated with reductions of inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell apoptosis in the brain. Furthermore, SC remarkably downregulated the expression of RhoA/ROCK signaling-related proteins post MCAO-reperfusion in rats, while overexpression of RhoA reversed the beneficial effects of SC on protecting against inflammation and oxidative stress in OGD/R-induced PC12 cells. Taken together, these findings demonstrated that SC exerts neuroprotective effects after cerebral I/R injury via inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress through regulating RhoA-ROCK signaling, suggesting a therapeutic potential of SC in cerebral I/R injury.
Chemical Mediation of Oviposition by Anopheles Mosquitoes: a Push-Pull System Driven by Volatiles Associated with Larval Stages
Authors: Schoelitsz Bruce , Mwingira Victor , Mboera Leonard E. G. , Beijleveld Hans , Koenraadt Constantianus J. M. , Spitzen Jeroen , van Loon Joop J. A. , Takken Willem
Published: April 2020

The oviposition behavior of mosquitoes is mediated by chemical cues. In the malaria mosquito Anopheles gambiae, conspecific larvae produce infochemicals that affect this behavior. Emanations from first instar larvae proved strongly attractive to gravid females, while those from fourth instars caused oviposition deterrence, suggesting that larval developmental stage affected the oviposition choice of the female mosquito.

We examined the nature of these chemicals by headspace collection of emanations of water in which larvae of different stages were developing. Four chemicals with putative effects on oviposition behavior were identified: dimethyldisulfide (DMDS) and dimethyltrisulfide (DMTS) were identified in emanations from water containing fourth instars; nonane and 2,4-pentanedione (2,4-PD) were identified in emanations from water containing both first and fourth instars. Dual-choice oviposition studies with these compounds were done in the laboratory and in semi-field experiments in Tanzania.

In the laboratory, DMDS and DMTS were associated with oviposition-deterrent effects, while results with nonane and 2,4-PD were inconclusive. In further studies DMDS and DMTS evoked egg retention, while with nonane and 2,4-PD 88% and 100% of female mosquitoes, respectively, laid eggs. In dual-choice semi-field trials DMDS and DMTS caused oviposition deterrence, while nonane and 2,4-PD evoked attraction, inducing females to lay more eggs in bowls containing these compounds compared to the controls. We conclude that oviposition of An. gambiae is mediated by these four infochemicals associated with conspecific larvae, eliciting either attraction or deterrence. High levels of egg retention occurred when females were exposed to chemicals associated with fourth instar larvae.
Determination of the crystallization mechanism of glasses in the system BaO/SrO/ZnO/SiO2 with differential scanning calorimetry
Authors: Thieme Katrin , Thieme Christian
Published: April 2020

In order to identify suitable volume nucleation agents in glasses, heat treatments and subsequent traditional microscopic investigations are necessary. Those analyses are laborious and time-consuming. Therefore, often DSC methods are used to get information about the preferred crystallization mechanism or adequate nucleation and growth temperatures. In principle, these non-isothermal methods are much faster. In this study, different glasses from the system BaO–SrO–ZnO–SiO2 were prepared. The pairs show only slight compositional variations but a clearly different crystallization behavior. Each pair consists of one glass, which shows volume crystallization and another one, which crystallizes solely at the surface. The DSC results are correlated with the microstructures of the glass ceramics obtained from microscopic studies. It is shown that conventional DSC methods cannot give a distinct answer which crystallization mechanism really exists. One method was identified to securely determine the crystallization mechanism.
Multivariate Outlier Detection in Applied Data Analysis: Global, Local, Compositional and Cellwise Outliers
Authors: Filzmoser Peter , Gregorich Mariella
Published: April 2020

Outliers are encountered in all practical situations of data analysis, regardless of the discipline of application. However, the term outlier is not uniformly defined across all these fields since the differentiation between regular and irregular behaviour is naturally embedded in the subject area under consideration. Generalized approaches for outlier identification have to be modified to allow the diligent search for potential outliers. Therefore, an overview of different techniques for multivariate outlier detection is presented within the scope of selected kinds of data frequently found in the field of geosciences. In particular, three common types of data in geological studies are explored: spatial, compositional and flat data. All of these formats motivate new outlier concepts, such as local outlyingness, where the spatial information of the data is used to define a neighbourhood structure. Another type are compositional data, which nicely illustrate the fact that some kinds of data require not only adaptations to standard outlier approaches, but also transformations of the data itself before conducting the outlier search. Finally, the very recently developed concept of cellwise outlyingness, typically used for high-dimensional data, allows one to identify atypical cells in a data matrix. In practice, the different data formats can be mixed, and it is demonstrated in various examples how to proceed in such situations.
High expression of estrogen receptor alpha and aromatase in glial tumor cells is associated with gender-independent survival benefits in glioblastoma patients
Authors: Hönikl Lisa Stefanie , Lämmer Friederike , Gempt Jens , Meyer Bernhard , Schlegel Jürgen , Delbridge Claire
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly malignant glial tumor, affecting men more often than women. The reason for this gender-specific predominance remains unclear, raising the question whether these effects are subject to hormonal control. The purpose of this study was to examine the expression of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and aromatase in human GBM tissue samples in relation to patient survival and furthermore to investigate the effect of standard chemotherapy in combination with estradiol treatment on glioblastoma tumor cell lines in vitro.

Methods

60 tissue samples (31 male, 29 female) of GBM patients were analysed with immunohistochemistry for ERα and aromatase for survival analyses. The cell lines LN18 and LN229 were treated with 17β-estradiol (E2) in different dosing regimens and the cell viability was measured with MTT assay. After estradiol pre-treatment Temozolomide was added and tested again.

Results

High expression of ERα and aromatase in the GBM tissue samples was associated with significantly longer survival times of GBM patients, regardless of gender and body-mass-index. The treatment with high concentrations of estradiol resulted in lower tumor cell viability, compared to control. The cells significantly showed a stronger sensitivity against Temozolomid (TMZ) after estradiol pre-treatment.

Conclusion

ERα-expression of glial tumour cells seems to play an important prognostic role as a biomarker in GBM, as well as the expression of the enzyme Aromatase. The combined treatment of GBM with standard chemotherapy and estradiol may be beneficial to patient’s survival.
Investigation of the vulnerability of a partly covered karst feature in Veszprém, Hungary
Authors: Trájer Attila J. , Mlinárik Lilla , Hammer Tamás , Földényi Rita , Somlai János , Bede-Fazekas Ákos
Published: April 2020

Karst aquifers represent the most important renewable sources of drinking water. Because anthropogenic influences threaten the integrity of karst aquifers, it is important to determine the soil erosion and karst denudation rates. In order to study the complex signs of degradation processes of the karst, a paleodoline (paleo-polje) was selected near to the county seat Veszprém, Hungary. It was found that gamma radiation measurements can be a useful tool to detect the level of soil erosion since the low gamma radiation indicates the surface proximity of the carbonate bedrock. The level of gamma radiation also predicts the potential agricultural usability of a site. Both the patterns of contamination and the erosion attack zone are strongly defined by the relief. The gullies and the deepest parts of the karstic landscape are the traps of organic materials and pollutants. The amounts of 40K and its decay products originate from the covering sediment and negatively correlate with the soil depth. In the case of covered karsts, the measuring of the concentration of radionuclides and field gamma-ray dose measurement together can characterize the general horizontal and vertical trends of soil erosion, the potential land use, and the vegetation.
Merging the arts and sciences for collaborative sustainability action: a methodological framework
Authors: Trott Carlie D. , Even Trevor L. , Frame Susan M.
Published: April 2020

This manuscript explores the possibilities and challenges of art–science integration in facilitating collaborative sustainability action in local settings. To date, much sustainability education is prescriptive, rather than participatory, and most integrated art–science programming aims for content learning, rather than societal change. What this means is that learners are more often taught “what is” than invited to imagine “what if?” In order to envision and enact sustainable alternatives, there is a need for methods that allow community members, especially young people, to critically engage with the present, imagine a better future, and collaboratively act for sustainability today. This manuscript introduces a methodological framework that integrates the arts and sciences to facilitate: (1) transdisciplinary learning, focusing on local sustainability challenges; (2) participatory process, bringing experience-based knowledge into conversation with research-based knowledge; and (3) collaborative sustainability action, inviting community members to envision and enact sustainable alternatives where they live. The transformative potential of this framework is examined through international case studies from countries representing the richest and poorest in the Western hemisphere: a multi-site research study and after-school program for climate change education and action in collaboration with children in the Western US; and a multi-cycle research study and community arts center course for environmental photography and youth-led water advocacy in Southern Haiti. Despite many shared characteristics, case studies diverge in important ways relative to the sustainability challenges they sought to address, the specific context in which activities took place, and the manner in which art–science integration was practiced. Across cases, however, art–science integration facilitated participants’ learning, connection, and action for sustainability. Framed by the shared aims of transdisciplinary approaches, this manuscript discusses methodological hurdles and practical lessons learned in art–science integration across settings as well as the transformative capacity of alternative pedagogical and research practices in building a sustainable future.
Analysing trade-offs and synergies between SDGs for urban development, food security and poverty alleviation in rapidly changing peri-urban areas: a tool to support inclusive urban planning
Authors: Dolley Jonathan , Marshall Fiona , Butcher Bradley , Reffin Jeremy , Robinson James Alexander , Eray Baris , Quadrianto Novi
Published: April 2020

Transitional peri-urban contexts are frontiers for sustainable development where land-use change involves negotiation and contestation between diverse interest groups. Multiple, complex trade-offs between outcomes emerge which have both negative and positive impacts on progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These trade-offs are often overlooked in policy and planning processes which depend on top-down expert perspectives and rely on course grain aggregate data which does not reflect complex peri-urban dynamics or the rapid pace of change. Tools are required to address this gap, integrate data from diverse perspectives and inform more inclusive planning processes. In this paper, we draw on a reinterpretation of empirical data concerned with land-use change and multiple dimensions of food security from the city of Wuhan in China to illustrate some of the complex trade-offs between SDG goals that tend to be overlooked with current planning approaches. We then describe the development of an interactive web-based tool that implements deep learning methods for fine-grained land-use classification of high-resolution remote sensing imagery and integrates this with a flexible method for rapid trade-off analysis of land-use change scenarios. The development and potential use of the tool are illustrated using data from the Wuhan case study example. This tool has the potential to support participatory planning processes by providing a platform for multiple stakeholders to explore the implications of planning decisions and land-use policies. Used alongside other planning, engagement and ecosystem service mapping tools it can help to reveal invisible trade-offs and foreground the perspectives of diverse stakeholders. This is vital for building approaches which recognise how trade-offs between the achievement of SDGs can be influenced by development interventions.
MicroRNA Let-7b-5p Induces Electroacupuncture Tolerance by Downregulating the MKP-1 Gene in Rats Subjected to CFA-induced Inflammatory Nociception
Authors: Zhang Qiulin , Abouelfetouh Mahmoud M. , Chen Shuhuai , Li Meng , Ding Mingxing , Ding Yi
Published: April 2020

Electroacupuncture (EA) treatment has proved to significantly decrease nociception in inflammatory nociception model by suppressing the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK). However, repeated EA treatment results in gradual attenuation of its analgesic effects, which was defined as “EA tolerance.” Recent studies have shown that let-7b-5p microRNA (miRNA) contributes to the EA tolerance. The present study aimed to explore the function of let-7b-5p in p38MAPK pathway and the development of EA tolerance in the inflammatory nociception. Dual luciferase reporter gene experiments were used in cortical neurons to determine the target gene locus of let-7b-5p. The threshold of nociception was assessed by tail flick latency (TFL) and paw withdrawal threshold (PWT). Western blots were used to measure the expression of mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase 1 (MKP-1) and phosphorylation level of p38MAPK after intracerebroventricular (ICV) injections of let-7b-5p agomir, antagomir, and controls. In vitro dual luciferase experiments demonstrated that the MKP-1-3′ untranslated region (UTR) is a target of let-7b-5p. In vivo experiment, rat with repeated EA treatment exhibits gradual decrease in TFL and PWT, which showed formation of EA tolerance. This trend was delayed after IVC injection of let-7b-5p antagomir and facilitated after IVC injection of let-7b-5p agomir. The protein levels of MKP-1 in the EA+let-7b-5p antagomir group were significantly higher than in the EA + let-7b-5p agomir group. However, P-p38MAPK in the EA+let-7b-5p antagomir group was significantly lower than in the EA+let-7b-5p agomir group. By upregulating the p38MAPK pathway through the inactivation of the MKP-1 gene, let-7b-5p contributes to EA tolerance in complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA)-induced inflammatory nociception rats. Our work revealed the mechanism of EA tolerance and indicated that let-7b-5p could be targeted to improve the long-term effects of EA.
Care Leaver aus Pflegefamilien
Authors: Ehlke Carolin
Published: April 2020

Seit fast zehn Jahren wird auch in Deutschland intensiver zum Thema „Leaving Care“ und „Care Leaver“ geforscht. Trotz dessen haben sich bislang nur sehr wenige Studien mit dem Übergang von jungen Menschen aus Pflegefamilien ins Erwachsenenleben beschäftigt. Zudem wurden nur selten Care Leaver selbst zu ihren Übergangserfahrungen befragt. Daher ist das Wissen darum, wie junge Menschen aus Pflegefamilien den Prozess des Leaving Care aus ihrer Sicht erleben, noch rar. Die Studie „Care Leaver aus Pflegefamilien“ der Autorin hat sich dieser Forschungslücken angenommen und u. a. untersucht, wie und von wem die jungen Menschen während des Übergangs unterstützt wurden. Im Fokus des Beitrags stehen somit soziale Beziehungen sowie die darin deutlich werdende Konstruktion von (familiären) Zugehörigkeiten. Zusammenfassend wird vorgeschlagen, unter dem Konzept eines „doing relationships“ viel stärker die unterschiedlichen Beziehungen von Care Leavern im Hilfe- bzw. Übergangsprozess in den Blick zu nehmen.
1H, 13C, and 15N Backbone assignments of the human brain and acute leukemia cytoplasmic (BAALC) protein
Authors: Lang Andras , Kumar Amit , Jirschitzka Jan , Bordusa Frank , Ohlenschläger Oliver , Wiedemann Christoph
Published: April 2020

The brain and acute leukemia cytoplasmic (BAALC; UniProt entry Q8WXS3) is a 180-residue-long human protein having six known isoforms. BAALC is expressed in either hematopoietic or neuroectodermal cells and its specific function is still to be revealed. However, as a presumably membrane-anchored protein at the cytoplasmic side it is speculated that BAALC exerts its function at the postsynaptic densities of certain neurons and might play a role in developing cytogenetically normal acute myeloid leukemia (CN-AML) when it is highly overexpressed by myeloid or lymphoid progenitor cells. In order to better understand the physiological role of BAALC and to provide the basis for a further molecular characterization of BAALC, we report here the 1H, 13C, and 15N resonance assignments for the backbone nuclei of its longest hematopoietic isoform (isoform 1). In addition, we present a 1HN and 15NH chemical shift comparison of BAALC with its shortest, neuroectodermal isoform (isoform 6) which shows only minor changes in the 1H and 15N chemical shifts.
Microglia-Derived NLRP3 Activation Mediates the Pressor Effect of Prorenin in the Rostral Ventrolateral Medulla of Stress-Induced Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Hu Li , Zhang Shutian , Ooi Kokwin , Wu Xuehai , Wu Jiaxiang , Cai Jian , Sun Yinggang , Wang Jijiang , Zhu Danian , Chen Fuxue , Xia Chunmei
Published: April 2020

Increased microglial activation and neuroinflammation within autonomic brain regions such as the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) have been implicated in stress-induced hypertension (SIH). Prorenin, a member of the brain renin-angiotensin system (RAS), can directly activate microglia. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of prorenin on microglial activation in the RVLM of SIH rats. Rats were subjected to intermittent electric foot-shocks plus noise, this stress was administered for 2 h twice daily for 15 consecutive days, and mean arterial pressure (MAP) and renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) were monitored. The results showed that MAP and RSNA were augmented, and this paralleled increased pro-inflammatory phenotype (M1) switching. Prorenin and its receptor (PRR) expression and the NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) activation were increased in RVLM of SIH rats. In addition, PLX5622 (a microglial depletion agent), MCC950 (a NLRP3 inhibitor), and/or PRO20 (a (Pro)renin receptor antagonist) had antihypertensive effects in the rats. The NLRP3 expression in the RVLM was decreased in SIH rats treated with PLX5622. Mito-tracker staining showed translocation of NLRP3 from mitochondria to the cytoplasm in prorenin-stimulated microglia. Prorenin increased the ROS-triggering M1 phenotype-switching and NLRP3 activation, while MCC950 decreased the M1 polarization. In conclusion, upregulated prorenin in the RVLM may be involved in the pathogenesis of SIH, mediated by activation of the microglia-derived NLRP3 inflammasome. The link between prorenin and NLRP3 in microglia provides insights for the treatment of stress-related hypertension.
Hydrogen and Carbon Nanotubes from Pyrolysis-Catalysis of Waste Plastics: A Review
Authors: Williams Paul T.
Published: April 2020

More than 27 million tonnes of waste plastics are generated in Europe each year representing a considerable potential resource. There has been extensive research into the production of liquid fuels and aromatic chemicals from pyrolysis-catalysis of waste plastics. However, there is less work on the production of hydrogen from waste plastics via pyrolysis coupled with catalytic steam reforming. In this paper, the different reactor designs used for hydrogen production from waste plastics are considered and the influence of different catalysts and process parameters on the yield of hydrogen from different types of waste plastics are reviewed. Waste plastics have also been investigated as a source of hydrocarbons for the generation of carbon nanotubes via the chemical vapour deposition route. The influences on the yield and quality of carbon nanotubes derived from waste plastics are reviewed in relation to the reactor designs used for production, catalyst type used for carbon nanotube growth and the influence of operational parameters.

Graphic Abstract
Kinship Without Words
Authors: Layton Robert
Published: April 2020

This article seeks to identify at what point in hominid evolution language would have become adaptive. It starts by recalling the distinction between kin-selected altruism and reciprocal altruism, noting that the former is characteristic of social insects while the latter is found among some species of social mammal. Reciprocal altruism depends on the exchange of information assuring partners of the other’s continued friendly intent, as in the iterated prisoner’s dilemma. The article focuses on species that practice “fission–fusion”: social behaviour, where the alternation between larger and smaller parties creates greater uncertainty as to individuals’ continued commitment to reciprocity. The greatest uncertainty arises in “atomistic” fission–fusion, where individuals leave and join foraging groups independently. Chimpanzees, bonobos, and human hunter–gatherers practice this type of social behaviour. There is less uncertainty where the smaller social unit is an extended family, as among vampire bats, chacma baboons, and savanna elephants. A comparison of the repertoire of calls and gestures among these species indicates that chimpanzees and bonobos have the largest repertoires. I then point out that, thanks to the higher proportion of meat in the diet, hunter–gatherers must live in far more dispersed communities than chimpanzees or bonobos, yet they practice more complex patterns of cooperation and reciprocity. This, I argue, created a social environment in which language became particularly adaptive.Homo heidelbergensisis identified as the key species in which language could have originated, during the transition between the Lower and Middle Paleolithic.
Correction to: In Vivo Delivery of Nucleic Acid-Encoded Monoclonal Antibodies
Authors: Patel Ami , Bah Mamadou A. , Weiner David B.
Published: April 2020

The article In Vivo Delivery of Nucleic Acid-Encoded Monoclonal Antibodies, written by Ami Patel, Mamadou A. Bah and David B.
A review of recent advances in tribology
Authors: Meng Yonggang , Xu Jun , Jin Zhongmin , Prakash Braham , Hu Yuanzhong
Published: April 2020

The reach of tribology has expanded in diverse fields and tribology related research activities have seen immense growth during the last decade. This review takes stock of the recent advances in research pertaining to different aspects of tribology within the last 2 to 3 years. Different aspects of tribology that have been reviewed including lubrication, wear and surface engineering, biotribology, high temperature tribology, and computational tribology. This review attempts to highlight recent research and also presents future outlook pertaining to these aspects. It may however be noted that there are limitations of this review. One of the most important of these is that tribology being a highly multidisciplinary field, the research results are widely spread across various disciplines and there can be omissions because of this. Secondly, the topics dealt with in the field of tribology include only some of the salient topics (such as lubrication, wear, surface engineering, biotribology, high temperature tribology, and computational tribology) but there are many more aspects of tribology that have not been covered in this review. Despite these limitations it is hoped that such a review will bring the most recent salient research in focus and will be beneficial for the growing community of tribology researchers.
Datenbrillen am Arbeitsplatz
Authors: Holz A. , Herold R. , Friemert D. , Hartmann U. , Harth V. , Terschüren C.
Published: April 2020

Der Artikel gibt eine Übersicht über den aktuellen Forschungsstand zum Einsatz von Datenbrillen an industriellen Arbeitsplätzen. Datenbrillen präsentieren Informationen und Instruktionen zu Tätigkeiten und Arbeitsschritten in einem in die Brille integrierten Display unmittelbar vor dem Auge. Laptops und mobile Handscanner, die in den Händen gehalten werden müssen, um Informationen zu lesen bzw. zu erfassen, sollen dadurch abgelöst werden. In der Branche der Warenlogistik und Kommissionierung besteht ein großes Interesse daran, die Beschäftigten mit Datenbrillen auszustatten, sodass sie beide Hände für die manuellen Kommissionierungstätigkeiten und den Transport in den Logistikzentren frei haben. Es stellt sich die Frage, welche veränderten Belastungen und Beanspruchungen die Positionierung des Displays mit den für die Tätigkeit benötigten Angaben als Text oder Grafik direkt vor dem Auge für die Beschäftigten bedeutet. Zum gegenwärtigen Zeitpunkt liegen überwiegend Ergebnisse aus Pilotstudien oder aus experimentellen Studien vor, bei denen Probanden an nachgebauten Laborarbeitsplätzen unter standardisierten Bedingungen Datenbrillen genutzt haben. Dieser Artikel ist das Ergebnis einer umfangreichen Literaturrecherche, fasst die bisherigen Ergebnisse zu möglichen Auswirkungen von Datenbrillen auf die Gesundheit der Augen zusammen und beinhaltet auch die Diskussion über psychische Belastungen und Beanspruchungen, die bei intensiver Nutzung von Datenbrillen auftreten können.
What to do when patients and physicians disagree? Qualitative research among physicians with different working experiences
Authors: van Bruchem-Visser Rozemarijn Lidewij , de Beaufort Inez Duconia , Mattace-Raso Francesco Umberto Salvatore , Kuipers Ernst Johan
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Impasses between patients, relatives and physicians occur frequently. With the growing attention for shared decision making, it is valuable to know how impasses arise. To understand the challenges experienced by physicians when their opinion on medical decisions differ from those of patients or relatives.

Methods

Fifteen physicians with different working experiences, from five medical specialties were interviewed using a narrative approach. Interviews were based on two patient stories provided by the physician. First of a patient (or relative) who did not want to adhere to a treatment the physician deemed necessary, and the second of a patient (or relative) who requested a treatment the physician felt was unnecessary. Data were analyzed using a bottom-up approach, with identification of five themes (autonomy of the patient, communication, emotions, circumstances and metaphors). Twenty subthemes were formed.

Results

693 references were made. Six major nodes were identified: frustration experienced by the physician, role of the relatives, agreement, cultural/religious aspects, comprehension by the patient of the situation and the existence of an established relationship between patient and physician.

Conclusions

Physicians felt uncomfortable when there was disagreement between themselves and patients or relatives. Frustration was felt when relatives spoke on behalf of the patient, while there was no evidence the desired decision was ever expressed by the patient. A disagreement with a patient was described as being less frustrating, when the patient was able to explain the reasons for making a decision. Differences in background, especially religious, were often mentioned as complicating communication.
Produced water pilot system improves competitiveness and sustainability of valued oil reserves
Authors: Atkinson Simon
Published: April 2020

Canada's Saltworks Technologies Inc has developed and tested an enhanced oil recovery, produced water pilot system. As this brief technology focus article shows, it reliably desalts the returning produced water in operations dedicated to the extraction of crude oil that otherwise cannot be released from oil fields. The results from initial work – supported technically and financially by Alberta Innovates, which invests in research, innovation and entrepreneurship – provide a route to improve the competitiveness and sustainability of Canada's valued oil reserves.
Soup, Harmony, and Disagreement
Authors: WONG DAVID B.
Published: April 2020

Is the ancient Confucian ideal of he 和, ‘harmony,’ a viable ideal in pluralistic societies composed of people and groups who subscribe to different ideals of the good and moral life? Is harmony compatible with accepting, even encouraging, difference and the freedom to think differently? I start with seminal characterizations of harmony in Confucian texts and then aim to chart ways harmony and freedom can be compatible and even mutually supportive while recognizing the constant possibility of conflict between them. I shall point out how the Confucian notion of harmony resonates with the Indian King Asoka's project of promoting religious pluralism. Along the way, I will make some comments of a ‘meta’ nature about the kind of interpretation I am offering of harmony in the Confucian texts and the use to which I am putting this interpretation by setting it in the context of societies that in important respects are quite different from the ones from which concepts of harmony originally emerged.
Who Supports Citizens Selected by Lot to be the Main Policymakers? A Study of French Citizens
Authors: Bedock Camille , Pilet Jean-Benoit
Published: April 2020

Despite their multiplication over the last 15 years, studies on the support for assemblies composed of citizens selected by lot are rare and the few that exist analyse citizens’ attitudes towards such mini-publics as consultative bodies associated with traditional representative institutions. In this article, we examine support for citizens selected by lot as new policymakers who take the most important political decisions instead of political representatives. We contrast support for this radical democratic innovation with support for two other reforms that increase citizen participation: generic support for a greater involvement of citizens in policymaking, and specific support for citizen-initiated referendums. The goal is to understand whether the drivers of support for citizens selected by lot overlap or differ from the drivers of support for other forms of citizen participation. We rely upon data from the 2017 French Election Study.
Consumption of fruit and vegetables and the risk of type 2 diabetes: a 4-year longitudinal study among Swedish adults
Authors: Ahmed Arif , Lager Anton , Fredlund Peeter , Elinder Liselotte Schäfer
Published: April 2020

A low intake of fruit and vegetables is a significant contributor to the global burden of disease. The aim of this study was to estimate the size of the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) of a low intake and to investigate possible sex differences. In this regard, this study used a longitudinal data from the Stockholm Public Health Cohort located in Sweden, collected in 2010 and 2014. The analysis included 14 718 men and 20 589 women aged 25 to 84 years. Fruit and vegetable intake, separately <2 servings/d or combined <4 servings/d (one serving corresponding to 100 g) was set as a cut-point for low intake. The sex difference at baseline was examined. Sex-stratified logistic regression was performed with onset of T2D as the outcome and fruit and vegetable intake at baseline as the exposure with adjustment for other known risk factors. Results indicate that men consumed significantly (P < 0⋅001) less fruit and vegetables compared with women. A 62 % higher risk to develop T2D over the 4-year period was observed in men who had low vegetable intake compared with high intake after adjusting for age, education, BMI, smoking, alcohol and physical activity (OR 1⋅62; 95 % CI 1⋅00, 2⋅63). In women, a significantly higher risk of T2D was also observed with a low intake of vegetables, but not after adjustment. The present study suggests that higher consumption of vegetables seems to be protective for the onset of T2D in men. Thus, increasing the intake of vegetables in men should be a public health priority.