bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“La donnée n’est pas un donné”: Statistics, Quantification and Democratic Choice
Authors: Salais Robert
Published: October 2021

This article investigates the transformation of employment policies in France, Germany, the UK and at European level, problematizing their shift towards governance-driven quantification, which has at its core the quest for efficiency putting equivalence between more and better, and having more for less. Numbers become both targets and evaluators leading to rational optimization of the data produced. This calls democracy into question. Citizens have no say in how they are accounted for. Employment takes on a very different meaning encompassing any job, regardless of wage, working conditions, or contract type. Social criticism movements face the task to produce alternative data relying on democratized procedures and justice expectations. Such data, capable of legitimately counteracting governance-driven quantification, would support another “understanding” of the collective issue at hand.
What’s inside a hairy black hole in massive gravity?
Authors: Mansoori Seyed Ali Hosseini , Li Li , Rafiee Morteza , Baggioli Matteo
Published: October 2021

Abstract

In the context of massive gravity theories, we study holographic flows driven by a relevant scalar operator and interpolating between a UV 3-dimensional CFT and a trans-IR Kasner universe. For a large class of scalar potentials, the Cauchy horizon never forms in presence of a non-trivial scalar hair, although, in absence of it, the black hole solution has an inner horizon due to the finite graviton mass. We show that the instability of the Cauchy horizon triggered by the scalar field is associated to a rapid collapse of the Einstein-Rosen bridge. The corresponding flows run smoothly through the event horizon and at late times end in a spacelike singularity at which the asymptotic geometry takes a general Kasner form dominated by the scalar hair kinetic term. Interestingly, we discover deviations from the simple Kasner universe whenever the potential terms become larger than the kinetic one. Finally, we study the effects of the scalar deformation and the graviton mass on the Kasner singularity exponents and show the relationship between the Kasner exponents and the entanglement and butterfly velocities probing the black hole dynamics. Differently from the holographic superconductor case, we can prove explicitly that Josephson oscillations in the interior of the BH are absent.
Proca Q-balls and Q-shells
Authors: Heeck Julian , Rajaraman Arvind , Riley Rebecca , Verhaaren Christopher B.
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Non-topological solitons such as Q-balls and Q-shells have been studied for scalar fields invariant under global and gauged U(1) symmetries. We generalize this frame-work to include a Proca mass for the gauge boson, which can arise either from spontaneous symmetry breaking or via the Stückelberg mechanism. A heavy (light) gauge boson leads to solitons reminiscent of the global (gauged) case, but for intermediate values these Proca solitons exhibit completely novel features such as disconnected regions of viable parameter space and Q-shells with unbounded radius. We provide numerical solutions and excellent analytic approximations for both Proca Q-balls and Q-shells. These allow us to not only demonstrate the novel features numerically, but also understand and predict their origin analytically.
Long-term breeding progress of yield, yield-related, and disease resistance traits in five cereal crops of German variety trials
Authors: Laidig F. , Feike T. , Klocke B. , Macholdt J. , Miedaner T. , Rentel D. , Piepho H. P.
Published: October 2021

Key message

Considerable breeding progress in cereal and disease resistances, but not in stem stability was found. Ageing effects decreased yield and increased disease susceptibility indicating that new varieties are constantly needed.

Plant breeding and improved crop management generated considerable progress in cereal performance over the last decades. Climate change, as well as the political and social demand for more environmentally friendly production, require ongoing breeding progress. This study quantified long-term trends for breeding progress and ageing effects of yield, yield-related traits, and disease resistance traits from German variety trials for five cereal crops with a broad spectrum of genotypes. The varieties were grown over a wide range of environmental conditions during 1988–2019 under two intensity levels, without (I1) and with (I2) fungicides and growth regulators. Breeding progress regarding yield increase was the highest in winter barley followed by winter rye hybrid and the lowest in winter rye population varieties. Yield gaps between I2 and I1 widened for barleys, while they shrank for the other crops. A notable decrease in stem stability became apparent in I1 in most crops, while for diseases generally a decrasing susceptibility was found, especially for mildew, brown rust, scald, and dwarf leaf rust. The reduction in disease susceptibility in I2 (treated) was considerably higher than in I1. Our results revealed that yield performance and disease resistance of varieties were subject to considerable ageing effects, reducing yield and increasing disease susceptibility. Nevertheless, we quantified notable achievements in breeding progress for most disease resistances. This study indicated an urgent and continues need for new improved varieties, not only to combat ageing effects and generate higher yield potential, but also to offset future reduction in plant protection intensity.
The relation between public assistance and self-employment in census tracts: a long-term perspective
Authors: Patel Pankaj C. , Rietveld Cornelius A. , Richter Jack I.
Published: October 2021

We present evidence on the long-term relationship between the breadth (the proportion of households) and depth (the amount per household) of public assistance and the prevalence of self-employment in US neighbourhoods. The analysis of decennial data of 71,437 census tracts over four decades (1970 to 2000) shows that the poverty ratio lowers self-employment, and that breadth (but not depth) of public assistance mitigates the negative relationship between the poverty ratio and self-employment. The results are robust to alternate model specifications and are informative about the distributional effects of welfare spendings.
Impact of Multifidus Muscle Atrophy on the Occurrence of Secondary Symptomatic Adjacent Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures
Authors: Osterhoff Georg , Asatryan Garnik , Spiegl Ulrich J. A. , Pfeifle Christian , Jarvers Jan-Sven , Heyde Christoph-E.
Published: October 2021

To assess the potential influence of multifidus atrophy and fatty degeneration on the incidence of adjacent vertebral compression fractures within one year after the index fracture. In a retrospective cohort study, patients who underwent surgery for an OVCF were identified and baseline characteristics, fracture patterns and the occurrence of secondary adjacent fractures within one year were obtained by chart review. Multifidus muscle atrophy and fatty degeneration were determined on preoperative MRI or CT scans. In this analysis of 191 patients (mean age 77 years, SD 8, 116 female), OF type 3 was the most common type of OVCF (49.2%). Symptomatic adjacent OVCFs within one year after index fracture were observed in 23/191 patients (12%) at mean 12, SD 12 weeks (range 1–42 weeks) postoperatively. The mean multifidus muscle area was 264, SD 53 mm2 in patients with an adjacent vertebral fracture and 271, SD 92 mm2 in patients without a secondary fracture (p = 0.755). Mean multifidus fatty infiltration was graded Goutallier 2.2, SD 0.6 in patients with an adjacent fracture and Goutallier 2.2, SD 0.7 in patients without an adjacent fracture (p = 0.694). Pre-existing medication with corticosteroids was associated with the occurrence of an adjacent fracture (p = 0.006). Multifidus area and multifidus fatty infiltration had no significant effect on the occurrence of adjacent vertebral fractures within one year after the index fracture. Patients with a pre-existing medication with corticosteroids were more likely to sustain an adjacent fracture.
Burnout, stress and Type D personality amongst hospital/emergency physicians
Authors: Somville Francis , Van der Mieren Gerry , De Cauwer Harald , Van Bogaert Peter , Franck Erik
Published: October 2021

Introduction

In previous studies, physicians have been identified as a high-risk group for burnout.

Although the work environment has received more attention than specific determinants of personality traits, the latter might contribute to burnout.

Study objective.

We aimed to investigate the association of Type D personality, job and organizational determinants with burnout, stress and work engagement as outcome factors among emergency physicians and hospital physicians working in intensive care and surgery departments.

We specifically focused on our group of emergency physicians.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, self-report questionnaires were distributed via social media using a specific survey link to 531 Belgian hospital physicians working at the Emergency Department, Intensive Care, and Surgery Department between October 21, 2018, and April 11, 2019. The survey instrument included questions about sociodemographic characteristics, job characteristics, organizational factors, job satisfaction, social support by supervisors and colleagues (Leiden Quality of Work Questionnaire for Medical Doctors) and Type D personality (Distress Scale-14) and as outcomes burnout (Oldenburg Burnout Inventory) and work engagement (Utrecht Work Engagement Scale). A multiple regression analysis was used to examine the associations between the determinants and each of the outcomes with emergency physicians as the study population.

Results

Eligible data were available for 436 questionnaires and involved 212 emergency physicians, 162 other hospital physicians (Intensive Care and Surgery Department) and 62 residents concerning both groups of physicians. Type D personality ranged from 28.5 to 29.1% in emergency physicians and other hospital physicians. Additionally, even after correcting for job-related and organizational factors, emergency physicians with Type D personality were seven times more likely to have a high risk for burnout.

Conclusion

As a result, this study offers a new perspective on the associations between burnout, stress and Type D personality. Type D personality might be a personality-related risk factor for burnout among emergency physicians. Therefore, we recommend enhanced prevention measures that take into account this individual factor in the further development of coaching programs. Improving the professional well-being of emergency physicians is necessary, especially in the scope of the recent COVID-19 pandemic, which has put a high demand on acute and emergency care departments.
Comprehensive characterization of central BCL-2 family members in aberrant eosinophils and their impact on therapeutic strategies
Authors: Odinius Timo O. , Buschhorn Lars , Wagner Celina , Hauch Richard T. , Dill Veronika , Dechant Marta , Buck Michele C. , Shoumariyeh Khalid , Moog Philipp , Schwaab Juliana , Reiter Andreas , Brockow Knut , Götze Katharina , Bassermann Florian , Höckendorf Ulrike , Branca Caterina , Jost Philipp J. , Jilg Stefanie
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Hypereosinophilia represents a heterogenous group of severe medical conditions characterized by elevated numbers of eosinophil granulocytes in peripheral blood, bone marrow or tissue. Treatment options for hypereosinophilia remain limited despite recent approaches including IL-5-targeted monoclonal antibodies and tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

Methods

To understand aberrant survival patterns and options for pharmacologic intervention, we characterized BCL-2-regulated apoptosis signaling by testing for BCL-2 family expression levels as well as pharmacologic inhibition using primary patient samples from diverse subtypes of hypereosinophilia (hypereosinophilic syndromen = 18, chronic eosinophilic leukemia not otherwise specifiedn = 9, lymphocyte-variant hypereosinophilian = 2, myeloproliferative neoplasm with eosinophilian = 2, eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitisn = 11, reactive eosinophilian = 3).

Results

Contrary to published literature, we found no difference in the levels of the lncRNAMorrbidand its targetBIM. Yet, we identified a near complete loss of expression of pro-apoptoticPUMAas well as a reduction in anti-apoptoticBCL-2. Accordingly,BCL-2inhibition using venetoclax failed to achieve cell death induction in eosinophil granulocytes and bone marrow mononuclear cells from patients with hypereosinophilia. In contrast,MCL1inhibition using S63845 specifically decreased the viability of bone marrow progenitor cells in patients with hypereosinophilia. In patients diagnosed with Chronic Eosinophilic Leukemia (CEL-NOS) or Myeloid and Lymphatic Neoplasia with hypereosinophilia (MLN-Eo) repression of survival was specifically powerful.

Conclusion

Our study shows thatMCL1inhibition might be a promising therapeutic option for hypereosinophilia patients specifically for CEL-NOS and MLN-Eo.
Reddish male swallows have short sperm
Authors: Hasegawa Masaru , Arai Emi , Nakamura Masahiko
Published: October 2021

Sexual selection favors the evolution of pre-copulatory sexual traits such as ornamentation and post-copulatory sexual traits such as long sperm, but the interrelationships of the two types of sexual traits remain unclear. Here, using Japanese barn swallows,Hirundo rustica gutturalis,and an interspecific analysis of the family Hirundinidae,we examined sperm length in relation to pheomelanin-based plumage coloration. As predicted by the fact that pheomelanogenesis consumes antioxidants, which would be detrimental to develop long sperm, reddish coloration (but not other ornaments) were negatively related to sperm length both within and across species, suggesting an evolutionary tradeoff between these traits.
Multiscale modeling of cancellous bone considering full coupling of mechanical, electric and magnetic effects
Authors: Blaszczyk Mischa , Hackl Klaus
Published: October 2021

Modeling of cancellous bone has important applications in the detection and treatment of fatigue fractures and diseases like osteoporosis. In this paper, we present a fully coupled multiscale approach considering mechanical, electric and magnetic effects by using the multiscale finite element method and a two-phase material model on the microscale. We show numerical results for both scales, including calculations for a femur bone, comparing a healthy bone to ones affected by different stages of osteoporosis. Here, the magnetic field strength resulting from a small mechanical impact decreases drastically for later stages of the disease, confirming experimental research.
Comparison of integral equations for the Maxwell transmission problem with general permittivities
Authors: Helsing Johan , Karlsson Anders , Rosén Andreas
Published: October 2021

Two recently derived integral equations for the Maxwell transmission problem are compared through numerical tests on simply connected axially symmetric domains for non-magnetic materials. The winning integral equation turns out to be entirely free from false eigenwavenumbers for any passive materials, also for purely negative permittivity ratios and in the static limit, as well as free from false essential spectrum on non-smooth surfaces. It also appears to be numerically competitive to all other available integral equation reformulations of the Maxwell transmission problem, despite using eight scalar surface densities.
Altered peripapillary vessel density and nerve fiber layer thickness in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy using optical coherence tomography angiography
Authors: Jian Huan , Wang Yujiao , Ou Luyu , He Weimin
Published: October 2021

Objective

To measure the peripapillary vessel density (VD) and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT) in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) and dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON) patients using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), and determine their prognostic relevance.

Methods

Forty-three TAO patients with or without DON (82 eyes in total) and 26 healthy subjects (52 eyes) were enrolled. All participants underwent ophthalmology and endocrinology tests. The peripapillary VD in retinal peripapillary capillary layer and RNFLT were analyzed using OCTA images. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between peripapillary VD /RNFLT and the relevant factors.

Results

The total peripapillary VD and RNFLT were significantly lower in the DON patients compared to the other groups (P < 0.001, 95% confidence intervals), and each quadrant of VD and RNFLT showed similar results except temporal RNFLT. No significant difference was seen between the RNFLT and VD of active non-DON (ANDON), inactive non-DON (NDON) patients and normal control (NC) group. Multivariable linear regression model showed that high IOP is an independent risk factor for lower peripapillary VD and RNFLT (β = −0.465, P < 0.001 and β = −0.343, P = 0.002 respectively).

Conclusion

OCTA parameters are suitable indicators for diagnosing DON. TAO patients with high IOP should be considered at high risk of retinal vessel and nerve fiber layer deterioration. In addition, patients with TAO should be advised to quit smoking since it could affect peripapillary VD and RNFLT.
Enablers and Inhibitors of AI-Powered Voice Assistants: A Dual-Factor Approach by Integrating the Status Quo Bias and Technology Acceptance Model
Authors: Balakrishnan Janarthanan , Dwivedi Yogesh K. , Hughes Laurie , Boy Frederic
Published: October 2021

This study investigates the factors that build resistance and attitude towards AI voice assistants (AIVA). A theoretical model is proposed using the dual-factor framework by integrating status quo bias factors (sunk cost, regret avoidance, inertia, perceived value, switching costs, and perceived threat) and Technology Acceptance Model (TAM; perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness) variables. The study model investigates the relationship between the status quo factors and resistance towards adoption of AIVA, and the relationship between TAM factors and attitudes towards AIVA. A sample of four hundred and twenty was analysed using structural equation modeling to investigate the proposed hypotheses. The results indicate an insignificant relationship between inertia and resistance to AIVA. Perceived value was found to have a negative but significant relationship with resistance to AIVA. Further, the study also found that inertia significantly differs across gender (male/female) and age groupings. The study's framework and results are posited as adding value to the extant literature and practice, directly related to status quo bias theory, dual-factor model and TAM.
A Relaxed Interior Point Method for Low-Rank Semidefinite Programming Problems with Applications to Matrix Completion
Authors: Bellavia Stefania , Gondzio Jacek , Porcelli Margherita
Published: October 2021

A new relaxed variant of interior point method for low-rank semidefinite programming problems is proposed in this paper. The method is a step outside of the usual interior point framework. In anticipation to converging to a low-rank primal solution, a special nearly low-rank form of all primal iterates is imposed. To accommodate such a (restrictive) structure, the first order optimality conditions have to be relaxed and are therefore approximated by solving an auxiliary least-squares problem. The relaxed interior point framework opens numerous possibilities how primal and dual approximated Newton directions can be computed. In particular, it admits the application of both the first- and the second-order methods in this context. The convergence of the method is established. A prototype implementation is discussed and encouraging preliminary computational results are reported for solving the SDP-reformulation of matrix-completion problems.
Smart city services: an empirical analysis of citizen preferences
Authors: Wirtz Bernd W. , Becker Marcel , Schmidt Florian W.
Published: October 2021

In times of increasing urbanization worldwide, smart city management is becoming increasingly important. In this regard, successful implementation requires not only the creation of technological foundations but also, in particular, the inclusion and engagement of the citizens of the respective "smart city" (SC). Despite their recognized importance, knowledge concerning their needs and preferences is currently still rather limited. By surveying 906 citizens of a SC, this study provides comprehensive insights into the preference and relevance structure of digital SC services from a citizen perspective. To compare and contrast, the findings are finally cross-referenced with survey results from public officials.
Modeling Not-Reached Items in Timed Tests: A Response Time Censoring Approach
Authors: Guo Jinxin , Xu Xin , Ying Zhiliang , Zhang Susu
Published: October 2021

Time limits are imposed on many computer-based assessments, and it is common to observe examinees who run out of time, resulting in missingness due to not-reached items. The present study proposes an approach to account for the missing mechanisms of not-reached items via response time censoring. The censoring mechanism is directly incorporated into the observed likelihood of item responses and response times. A marginal maximum likelihood estimator is proposed, and its asymptotic properties are established. The proposed method was evaluated and compared to several alternative approaches that ignore the censoring through simulation studies. An empirical study based on the PISA 2018 Science Test was further conducted.
Child and Adolescent Psychosocial Support Programs Following Natural Disasters—a Scoping Review of Emerging Evidence
Authors: L. Gibbs , K. Marinkovic , J. Nursey , A. Tong L. , E. Tekin , M. Ulubasoglu , N. Callard , S. Cowlishaw , E. Cobham V.
Published: October 2021

Purpose of Review

This review aimed to identify and describe evidence published in the past 3 years from trials of psychosocial support programs for children and adolescents affected by natural disasters.

Recent Findings

Previous reviews have indicated these programs are beneficial overall. Positive impacts were documented in school-based programs conducted by trained teachers and paraprofessionals with stronger effects achieved by more qualified professionals.

The review found supporting evidence for positive impacts of post-disaster psychosocial programs. However, the strength of evidence is limited due to heterogeneity in interventions and evaluations. The stepped care model was found to be useful in differentiating between programs and level of available evidence. Hobfoll’s five essential elements of mass trauma intervention provide an additional means of guiding program content and assessments, particularly for universal programs. Identified gaps in evidence included groups likely to be at most risk: preschool children, ethnically diverse groups, those with disability, and social disadvantage. There were promising indications of program benefits for groups with repeated exposure to natural disasters.
Overlap between general factors of psychopathology and personality: They share associations with daily life functioning and communication style
Authors: van der Linden Dimitri , Dunkel Curtis S. , Prinzie Peter , Yamanaka-Altenstein Misa , von Wyl Agnes , Hengartner Michael P.
Published: October 2021

Previous studies have shown that specific personality dimensions, -e.g., the Big Five-, consistently intercorrelate, such that they form a general factor of personality (GFP). It has been hypothesized that the GFP reflects social effectiveness. Similarly, in the clinical domain, overlap between various psychopathological symptoms has also been reported, leading to a general factor of Psychopathology, orpfactor. The aim of this study was to test the overlap between the higher-order factors in personality and psychopathology, and how they relate to daily life functioning and communication style. We tested a sample of 165 outpatients of a psychological therapy institute, using a multi-source approach that included self-reports and other ratings. The outpatients’ self-reports of personality, general psychological problems, and interpersonal problems were available. Psychotherapists rated the outpatients’ functioning in daily life with the well-knownGlobal Assessment of Functioning(GAF) scale. A spouse or friend also rated the impact of the patient’s communication/social behavior. Patients with lower GFP scores and higher scores on general psychopathology, displayed more distress and daily functioning deficits (i.e., lower GAF scores) and, in terms of communication styles, were also rated as being less dominant, less in control socially, and more submissive and aggressive. We proposed that part of the overlap between the general factors (GFP,psychopathologyfactors) may relate to a lower general life functioning and less social effectiveness.
Social and Active Inclusion of the Elderly in the City Through Affective Walkability
Authors: Bandini Stefania , Gasparini Francesca
Published: October 2021

The development of cities aware of the needs of all citizens is a priority, especially in the case of elderly people. In this context, particular attention should be paid to the analysis of walkability. It has been proved that performing walking activities produces significant benefits both for physical and mental health, above all in elderly subjects. Besides traditional criteria adopted to evaluate walkability, we here propose a novel approach defined affective walkability. Being able to interpret the emotions of elderly walking in the urban environment and interacting with vehicles and other citizens, it is possible to evaluate if and to which extent an environment is perceived safe, comfortable and walkable. One way to obtain quantitative measures of walkability is to assess safety perception relying on physiological signals that can be considered indicators of emotions and mood. The assessment of affective walkability requires the design and performance of rigorous experiments to properly collect data. In this paper, the proposal of an affective walkability is presented and the developed experimental protocols, their performance and preliminary results are illustrated.
Suitability of reclaimed wastewater effluent from decentralized wastewater plant for irrigation
Authors: Al Hadidi Nour , Al Hadidi Majeda
Published: October 2021

Decentralized wastewater plants have been proven to be cost-effective, easy to construct and operate and widely used in small ruler communities. The suitability of reclaimed wastewater for irrigation purpose was evaluated in this study based on the various water quality parameters, international water quality standards and water–irrigation water quality guideline (JS 1766). Twenty-seven samples were collected from a decentralized wastewater plant that is located in Balqa Governorate in Salt city, Jordan. Samples were analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity, major anions and cations, as well as biological oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand and total suspended solids. Study results show that water is slightly alkaline in nature. According to Jordanian domestic reclaimed wastewater standard, the use of water for irrigation has a mild-to-moderate degree of restriction. Using the US Salinity Laboratory classification scheme, there is high salinity and medium sodium water, 50% of samples falls in the area of (C3-S2) and this water is suitable for irrigation for many types of soil with low risk of increasing exchangeable sodium content. According to chloride hazards, the water for irrigation can be used for moderately tolerant plants. 74% of the samples have the residual sodium carbonate (RSC) less than 1.25 meq/L and hence suitable for irrigation. The study recommends that treated wastewater from decentralized wastewater a plant is considered as non-conventional source for irrigation.
Characterization of the firm–firm public procurement co-bidding network from the State of Ceará (Brazil) municipalities
Authors: Lyra Marcos S. , Curado António , Damásio Bruno , Bação Fernando , Pinheiro Flávio L.
Published: October 2021

Fraud in public funding can have deleterious consequences for societies’ economic, social, and political well-being. Fraudulent activity associated with public procurement contracts accounts for losses of billions of euros every year. Thus, it is of utmost relevance to explore analytical frameworks that can help public authorities identify agents that are more susceptible to irregular activities. Here, we use standard network science methods to study the co-bidding relationships between firms that participate in public tenders issued by the 184 municipalities of the State of Ceará (Brazil) between 2015 and 2019. We identify 22 groups/communities of firms with similar patterns of procurement activity, defined by their geographic and activity scopes. The profiling of the communities allows us to highlight organizations that are more susceptible to market manipulation and irregular activities. Our work reinforces the potential application of network analysis in policy to unfold the complex nature of relationships between market agents in a scenario of scarce data.
Neues zur Therapie des Pankreaskarzinoms: Hoffnung am Horizont?
Authors: Wenning Anna Silvia , Ryser Christoph O. , Andreou Andreas , Gloor Beat , Berger Martin D.
Published: October 2021

Das Pankreaskarzinom stellt sowohl eine therapeutische Herausforderung dar: für den Chirurgen auf Grund der anatomischen Nähe zu vitalen Arterien und Venen, welche eine onkologische Resektion mit weitem Sicherheitsabstand oft nicht zulassen, für den Onkologen aufgrund der im Vergleich zu anderen Malignomen des Gastrointestinaltrakts limitierten Wirksamkeit einer Systemtherapie. Viele klinische Studien, welche interessante therapeutische Ansätze prüften, verliefen bisher frustran. Im Gegensatz zu anderen soliden Tumoren, bei denen Immuncheckpoint-Inhibitoren (ICI) mit Erfolg eingesetzt werden, ist dieser Ansatz bisher lediglich Patienten mit Mikrosatelliten-instabilen Pankreaskarzinomen (< 1 %) vorbehalten. Präliminäre Daten deuten jedoch auf neue Behandlungsansätze mit ICI in Kombination mit Chemotherapeutika hin. Neue Chemotherapie-Ansätze zielen auf die verbesserte Verfügbarkeit der zytotoxischen Substanzen an der Tumorzelle ab. Ermutigende Ansätze zeichnen sich auch bei den treibermutationsgerichteten Behandlungen ab, deren Effektivität zurzeit in laufenden Studien geprüft wird. Für alle mittels Resektion behandelbaren Karzinome gilt, dass die Therapie durch eine Chemotherapie – sei es neoadjuvant oder adjuvant – ergänzt werden soll. Bei metastasierten, respektive nichtresezierbaren, Pankreaskarzinomen sollte bereits früh im diagnostischen Algorithmus ein NGS durchgeführt werden, um in der Subgruppe von KRAS–Wildtyp-Tumoren potenziell medikamentös angehbare Zielstrukturen zu identifizieren.
Efficacy and Safety of Recombinant Thrombomodulin for the Prophylaxis of Veno-Occlusive Complication in Allogeneiccit Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kashyap Richi , Anwer Faiz , Iqbal Muhammad Areeb , Khalid Farhan , Khan Anam , Ali Muhammad Ashar , Anwar Muhammad Yasir , Chaudhary Anamika , Jaan Ali
Published: October 2021

Background:

Hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD), also termed as sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS), is a lethal complication after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Various factors put patients undergoing allogeneic HSCT at an increased risk for VOD. Thrombomodulin (TM) is an important factor which has a wide range of effects, including anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, angiogenic, and protective effect, on endothelial cells. It plays a role in preventing excessive coagulation and thrombosis by binding with thrombin and inhibiting the coagulation cascade. There are a limited number of options for the prevention of this fatal complication. Recombinant thrombomodulin (rTM), an endothelial anticoagulant co-factor, as prophylactic therapy might be able to prevent veno-occlusive complications after stem cell transplantation.

Methods:

A literature search was performed on PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. We used the following Mesh terms and Emtree terms, “Hepatic Veno-Occlusive Diseases” OR “Sinusoidal Obstruction” OR “Stem Cell Transplantations” AND “Thrombomodulin” from the inception of data up to April 1, 2021. The PICO (Patient/Population, Intervention, Comparison and Outcomes) framework was used for the literature search.

Results:

For the VOD incidence after HSCTstem cell transplantation, the result was in favor of rTM with a risk ratio (RR) of 0.53 (I2 = 0%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.32–0.89). The incidence of transplant-associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TA-TMA) after HSCT was reduced in rTM group. The RR for incidence of TA-TMA was 0.48 (I2 = 62%, 95% CI = 0.20–1.17) favoring rTM. The RR for incidence of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) was also lower in rTM group, 0.48 (I2 = 64%, 95% CI = 0.32–0.72).

Conclusion:

In our meta-analysis, we evaluate the efficacy and safety of rTM in the prevention of SOS after HSCT. According to our results, rTM use led to a significant reduction in SOS episodes, TA-TMA, and GvHD after HSCT.
Stüve-Wiedemann syndrome with a novel mutation in a Saudi infant
Authors: Alallah Jubara , Alamoudi Loujen Omar , Makki Reham Mohmmed , Shawli Aiman , AlHarbi Alaa T.
Published: October 2021

A full-term male infant born from consanguineous Saudi parents, with one other live child, is suspected to have skeletal dysplasia on a fetal anomaly scan. Clinical findings at birth included short stature, bowed long bone affecting the lower limbs more than the upper limbs, severe joint contractures with restricted movement, failure to thrive, hypertonia, and camptodactyly of the index fingers. During infancy, the baby is noted to have sucking and swallowing difficulties necessitated nasogastric tube feeding, and recurrent respiratory distress episodes with frequent admissions due to respiratory failure required intensive care admission and mechanical ventilation. The skeletal survey demonstrated dysplasia of long bones and spine. To investigate a suspect genetic syndrome, a whole-exome sequencing test was performed, which identified a novel homozygous mutation in the LIFR gene.
Association of the Affordable Care Act Medicaid Expansion with Trauma Outcomes and Access to Rehabilitation among Young Adults: Findings Overall, by Race and Ethnicity, and Community Income Level
Authors: Metzger Gregory A. , Asti Lindsey , Quinn John P. , Chisolm Deena J. , Xiang Henry , Deans Katherine J. , Cooper Jennifer N.
Published: October 2021

Background

Low-income young adults disproportionately experience traumatic injury and poor trauma outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid expansion, in its first 4 years, on trauma care and outcomes in young adults, overall and by race, ethnicity, and ZIP code-level median income.

Study Design

Statewide hospital discharge data from 5 states that did and 5 states that did not implement Medicaid expansion were used to perform difference-in-difference (DD) analyses. Changes in insurance coverage and outcomes from before (2011-2013) to after (2014-2017) Medicaid expansion and open enrollment were examined in trauma patients aged 19 to 44 years.

Results

Medicaid expansion was associated with a decrease in the percentage of uninsured patients (DD –16.5 percentage points; 95% CI, –17.1 to –15.9 percentage points). This decrease was larger among Black patients but smaller among Hispanic patients than White patients. It was also larger among patients from lower-income ZIP codes (p < 0.05 for all). Medicaid expansion was associated with an increase in discharge to inpatient rehabilitation (DD 0.6 percentage points; 95% CI, 0.2 to 0.9 percentage points). This increase was larger among patients from the lowest-compared with highest-income ZIP codes (p < 0.05). Medicaid expansion was not associated with changes in in-hospital mortality or readmission or return ED visit rates overall, but was associated with decreased in-hospital mortality among Black patients (DD –0.4 percentage points; 95% CI, –0.8 to –0.1 percentage points).

Conclusions

The Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion, in its first 4 years, increased insurance coverage and access to rehabilitation among young adult trauma patients. It also reduced the socioeconomic disparity in inpatient rehabilitation access and the disparity in in-hospital mortality between Black and White patients.

Visual Abstract
Practical Techniques in Molecular Biotechnology
Authors: Singh Bal Ram , Kumar Raj
Published: October 2021

Practical Techniques in Molecular Biotechnology intends to familiarise students with the basics of the well-known experiments of molecular biotechnology and related courses like chemical biotechnology and cell biology. The content of the book will be useful in strengthening the basic skills and help students to apply the concepts to real-world problems. This book emphasises important concepts like bioanalytical techniques, biochemical analysis of proteins, recombinant DNA, and protein technology etc. The text will help students to understand the theoretical aspects of the techniques and provide experience with hands-on techniques to demonstrate practical troubleshooting and data analysis. The text is supported with diagrams, data, summaries for the quick recap and appendices with useful protocols and calculation methods.
Relations
Authors: Heil John
Published: October 2021

Historically, philosophical discussions of relations have featured chiefly as afterthoughts, loose ends to be addressed only after coming to terms with more important and pressing metaphysical issues. F. H. Bradley stands out as an exception. Understanding Bradley's views on relations and their significance today requires an appreciation of the alternatives, which in turn requires an understanding of how relations have traditionally been classified and how philosophers have struggled to capture their nature and their ontological standing. Positions on these topics range from the rejection of relations altogether, to their being awarded the status as grounds for everything else, to various intermediary positions along this spectrum. Love them, hate them, or merely tolerate them, no philosopher engaged in ontologically serious metaphysics can afford to ignore relations.
Lagrangian approach for modal analysis of fluid flows
Authors: Shinde Vilas J. , Gaitonde Datta V.
Published: October 2021

Common modal decomposition techniques for flow-field analysis, data-driven modelling and flow control, such as proper orthogonal decomposition and dynamic mode decomposition, are usually performed in an Eulerian (fixed) frame of reference with snapshots from measurements or evolution equations. The Eulerian description poses some difficulties, however, when the domain or the mesh deforms with time as, for example, in fluid–structure interactions. For such cases, we first formulate a Lagrangian modal analysis (LMA) ansatz by a posteriori transforming the Eulerian flow fields into Lagrangian flow maps through an orientation and measure-preserving domain diffeomorphism. The development is then verified for Lagrangian variants of proper orthogonal decomposition and dynamic mode decomposition using direct numerical simulations of two canonical flow configurations at Mach 0.5, i.e. the lid-driven cavity and flow past a cylinder, representing internal and external flows, respectively, at pre- and post-bifurcation Reynolds numbers. The LMA is demonstrated for several situations encompassing unsteady flow without and with boundary and mesh deformation as well as non-uniform base flows that are steady in Eulerian but not in Lagrangian frames. We show that application of LMA to steady non-uniform base flow yields insights into flow stability and post-bifurcation dynamics. LMA naturally leads to Lagrangian coherent flow structures and connections with finite-time Lyapunov exponents. We examine the mathematical link between finite-time Lyapunov exponents and LMA by considering a double-gyre flow pattern. Dynamically important flow features in the Lagrangian sense are recovered by performing LMA with forward and backward (adjoint) time procedures.
Drop impact on superheated surfaces: short-time dynamics and transition to contact
Authors: Chantelot Pierre , Lohse Detlef
Published: October 2021

When a volatile drop impacts on a superheated solid, air drainage and vapour generation conspire to create an intermediate gas layer that delays or even prevents contact between the liquid and the solid. In this article, we use high-speed synchronized reflection interference and total internal reflection imaging to measure the short-time dynamics of the intermediate gas film and to probe the transition between levitation and contact. We observe that the substrate temperature strongly affects the vertical position of the liquid–gas interface and that the dynamic Leidenfrost transition is influenced by both air and vapour drainage (i.e. gas drainage), and evaporation, the latter giving rise to hitherto unreported vertical oscillations of the gas film that can trigger liquid–solid contact. We first derive scaling relations for the height of the gas film trapped under the drop's centreline, called the dimple height, and the minimum film thickness at short times. The former is set by a competition between gas drainage and liquid inertia, similarly as for isothermal impacts, while the latter strongly depends on the vapour production. The gas pressure, at the location where the minimum thickness is reached, is determined by liquid inertia and vapour production and ultimately balanced by the increasing interfacial curvature, determining the minimum thickness. We show that, in the low impact velocity limit, the transient stability of the draining gas film remarkably makes dynamic levitation less demanding than static levitation. We characterize the vertical gas film oscillations by measuring their frequency and monitoring their occurrence in the parameter space spanned by surface temperature and impact velocity. Finally, we model the occurrence of these oscillations and account for their frequency through a hydrodynamic mechanism.
Congenital inferior turbinate hypertrophy: an overlooked entity in newborns and review of the literature
Authors: C A Rahim N A , Saniasiaya J , Kulasegarah J
Published: October 2021

Background

Neonatal nasal obstruction may result in respiratory distress, feeding difficulties, sleep apnoea and failure to thrive; hence, it requires thorough evaluation and prompt intervention. Congenital inferior turbinate hypertrophy is relatively uncommon, and its presentation can mimic other congenital nasal anomalies.

Relevance

This paper reports two cases of congenital inferior turbinate hypertrophy in neonates that resulted in significant respiratory distress, feeding difficulties and sleep disturbance. Both patients were successfully treated surgically by endoscopic nasal dilatation and stenting. A literature search was performed to identify articles on congenital inferior turbinate hypertrophy in neonates and its management.

Conclusion

Albeit rare, congenital inferior turbinate hypertrophy should be considered a differential diagnosis in newborns presenting with respiratory distress at birth.
Null results of oxytocin and vasopressin administration on mentalizing in a large fMRI sample: evidence from a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Straccia Mark A. , Teed Adam R. , Katzman Perri L. , Tan Kevin M. , Parrish Michael H. , Irwin Michael R. , Eisenberger Naomi I. , Lieberman Matthew D. , Tabak Benjamin A.
Published: October 2021

Background

Although potential links between oxytocin (OT), vasopressin (AVP), and social cognition are well-grounded theoretically, most studies have included all male samples, and few have demonstrated consistent effects of either neuropeptide on mentalizing (i.e. understanding the mental states of others). To understand the potential of either neuropeptide as a pharmacological treatment for individuals with impairments in social cognition, it is important to demonstrate the beneficial effects of OT and AVP on mentalizing in healthy individuals.

Methods

In the present randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study (n= 186) of healthy individuals, we examined the effects of OT and AVP administration on behavioral responses and neural activity in response to a mentalizing task.

Results

Relative to placebo, neither drug showed an effect on task reaction time or accuracy, nor on whole-brain neural activation or functional connectivity observed within brain networks associated with mentalizing. Exploratory analyses included several variables previously shown to moderate OT's effects on social processes (e.g., self-reported empathy, alexithymia) but resulted in no significant interaction effects.

Conclusions

Results add to a growing literature demonstrating that intranasal administration of OT and AVP may have a more limited effect on social cognition, at both the behavioral and neural level, than initially assumed. Randomized controlled trial registrations: ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT02393443; NCT02393456; NCT02394054.
Associations between polygenic risk of substance use and use disorder and alcohol, cannabis, and nicotine use in adolescence and young adulthood in a longitudinal twin study
Authors: Schaefer Jonathan D. , Jang Seon-Kyeong , Clark D. Angus , Deak Joseph D. , Hicks Brian M. , Iacono William G. , Liu Mengzhen , McGue Matt , Vrieze Scott I. , Wilson Sylia
Published: October 2021

Background

Recent well-powered genome-wide association studies have enhanced prediction of substance use outcomes via polygenic scores (PGSs). Here, we test (1) whether these scores contribute to prediction over-and-above family history, (2) the extent to which PGS prediction reflects inherited genetic variation v. demography (population stratification and assortative mating) and indirect genetic effects of parents (genetic nurture), and (3) whether PGS prediction is mediated by behavioral disinhibition prior to substance use onset.

Methods

PGSs for alcohol, cannabis, and nicotine use/use disorder were calculated for Minnesota Twin Family Study participants (N = 2483, 1565 monozygotic/918 dizygotic). Twins' parents were assessed for histories of substance use disorder. Twins were assessed for behavioral disinhibition at age 11 and substance use from ages 14 to 24. PGS prediction of substance use was examined using linear mixed-effects, within-twin pair, and structural equation models.

Results

Nearly all PGS measures were associated with multiple types of substance use independently of family history. However, most within-pair PGS prediction estimates were substantially smaller than the corresponding between-pair estimates, suggesting that prediction is driven in part by demography and indirect genetic effects of parents. Path analyses indicated the effects of both PGSs and family history on substance use were mediated via disinhibition in preadolescence.

Conclusions

PGSs capturing risk of substance use and use disorder can be combined with family history measures to augment prediction of substance use outcomes. Results highlight indirect sources of genetic associations and preadolescent elevations in behavioral disinhibition as two routes through which these scores may relate to substance use.