bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hopf bifurcation and global stability of density‐dependent model with discrete delays involving Beddington‐DeAngelis functional response
Authors: Singh Anuraj , Parwaliya Ankit , Kumar Ajay
Published: April 2021

A prey‐predator model with two discrete delays incorporating Beddington‐DeAngelis functional response is investigated. The positivity and boundedness of the solution of the delayed system have been discussed. Further, permanence of the system has been established under sufficient conditions which proves long‐term survival of prey and predator population. The occurrence of periodic solutions in the system is confirmed via phenomenon of Hopf bifurcation with respect to both discrete delays. The properties of periodic solutions are determined by using central manifold and normal form theory. The supercritical Hopf bifurcation occurs with respect to one delay parameter. The global stability of the system has been established for different combinations of delays. The numerical computation has also been performed to verify analytical results. The presence of delays in the system causes a wide range of complex dynamics, viz., limit cycles, quasi‐periodicity, and chaos.
Effect of SunGold Kiwifruit and Vitamin C Consumption on Ameliorating Exercise‐Induced Stress Response in Women
Authors: Ali Ajmol , Mehta Sunali , Starck Carlene , Wong Marie , O'Brien Wendy J. , Haswell Cameron , McNabb Warren , Rutherfurd‐Markwick Kay , Ahmed Nasef Noha
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Markers of oxidative and psychological stress are elevated during high‐intensity exercise. Additionally, when energy intake does not match expenditure, women who actively participate in sports and exercise are at risk of developing menstrual dysfunction, infertility, and osteoporosis. Vitamin C is known to reduce exercise‐induced stress. Here, this study investigates the efficacy of consuming vitamin C from SunGold kiwifruit compared to in isolation, in ameliorating exercise‐induced stress in recreationally active women.

Methods and Results

Ten eumenorrheic women are recruited in this crossover study and attended three exercise and one rest trial. In the exercise trials, participants consumed 300 mg vitamin C from kiwifruit or drink, or have a placebo drink, followed by 30‐min exercise on a cycle ergometer at 60% power. During rest visit, participants sat quietly and consumed a placebo drink. Salivary uric acid (oxidative stress) and cortisol (psychological stress) are measured before and immediately after exercise for 2 h. Both vitamin C and kiwifruit reduced exercise‐induced uric acid, immediately after exercise. Vitamin C drink continued to decrease uric acid for a further 30 min and slightly attenuated exercise‐induced cortisol.

Conclusions

Consuming liquid vitamin C prior to high‐intensity cycling appears more effective than eating kiwifruit, in ameliorating exercise‐induced stress in recreationally active women of reproductive age.
Bilanz 2020: Bayer
Authors: Bulmahn Maren
Published: April 2021

Der Bayer‐Konzern setzte im Jahr 2020 mit seiner umsatzstärksten Division, dem Agrargeschäft, mehr um als im Jahr zuvor. Bei rezeptpflichtigen Arzneimitteln sank der Umsatz, bei rezeptfreien Produkten stieg er.
Wasserstoffwirtschaft: Alternative zu Erdöl und Erdgas
Authors: Hartl Peter
Published: April 2021

Es mangelt an klimaneutral hergestelltem Wasserstoff. Mit welchen Methoden und Maßnahmen die Industrie ihren Bedarf decken kann.
Fingerabdrücke in Blau
Authors: Fischer Rachel , Oetken Marco
Published: April 2021

Für die Spurensicherung ist die Kriminaltechnik nicht nur auf das Bestäuben von Oberflächen mit schwarzem Pulver angewiesen: Auf nicht saugenden und elektrisch leitfähigen Unterlagen liefert Berliner Blau, kathodisch abgeschieden, viele Details von Fingerabdrücken. Der Versuch funktioniert auch mit einer elektrochemischen Zelle aus Alltagsgegenständen.
Trendbericht: Elektronen‐Paramagnetische‐Resonanzspektroskopie
Authors: Schiemann Olav
Published: April 2021

Die EPR‐Spektroskopie liefert Einblicke in die elektronischen und geometrischen Strukturen und Dynamiken von Systemen mit paramagnetischen Zentren. Dieser Beitrag präsentiert Beispiele für neue Spektrometer‐ und Methodenentwicklungen sowie deren Anwendungen in der Analytik, den Lebens‐ und Materialwissenschaften.
Alternativen zu Uni und Industrie
Authors: Brenner Doris , Schumacher Melanie
Published: April 2021

Promovierte Chemiker sollten bei der Jobsuche auch Behörden, Verbände und internationale Organisationen in Betracht ziehen.
Ungewöhnliche Oxidationsstufen, (un)gewöhnliche Maßnahmen
Authors: Suta Makus , George Janine
Published: April 2021

In einigen Oxidationsstufen zeigen Lanthanoide und Actinoide interessante optische oder magnetische Eigenschaften. Solche Oxidationsstufen zu stabilisieren erfordert oft unkonventionelle Ansätze und Lösungsmittel. Gleichzeitig ist das ein Beispiel für die Gültigkeit chemischer Modelle.
Characterizing nanoplastics‐induced stress and its SERS fingerprint in an intestinal membrane model
Authors: Zhang Qianyun , Reinhard Björn M.
Published: April 2021

Epithelium membranes provide important barrier functions, and it is important to understand how nanoparticle (NP) exposure affects their barrier function. In this manuscript, we investigate NP‐induced stress in a Caco‐2 intestinal epithelial membrane model and its effect on the vibrational spectrum of the extracellular medium that can be sampled and investigated without perturbation of the cells. Monolayers of Caco‐2 cells were incubated with 50 nm diameter polystyrene (PS) NPs functionalized with amine or carboxylic acid groups and concentrations of 1 × 1012–1 × 1014PS NPs mL–1for 6 and 18 hours. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, cell viability, and intestinal membrane integrity measurements were performed to detect and quantify PS NP‐induced membrane damage under the acute exposure conditions. After identifying conditions that result in NP‐induced stress, Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) was applied to monitor the composition of the medium in direct contact with the intestinal cells and to detect potential PS NP‐induced changes in the cellular metabolism in real time and in a minimally invasive fashion. The analysis of the SERS spectra through artificial intelligence algorithms and chemometric tools revealed concentration‐, exposure time‐, and surface chemistry‐dependent differences in the cellular metabolism in response to PS NPs. The SERS spectral analysis identifies the ring breathing mode of hypoxanthine (C4H4N4O), as a spectroscopic marker for the PS NP‐induced loss in membrane integrity.
On the pyrotechnic ignitors role in dust explosion testing: Comparison between 20 L and 1 m3 explosion vessels
Authors: Portarapillo Maria , Sanchirico Roberto , Di Benedetto Almerinda
Published: April 2021

Several phenomena (e.g., initial turbulence level, overdriving, underdriving, etc.) affect the measurement of dust explosion parameters in the 20 L and 1 m3 standard test vessels. Estimating the role of each phenomenon is crucial to understand the discrepancies observed over the years between the data collected using these vessels. In this work, we focus on the role of the pyrotechnic ignitors on the pressure trend and the temperature distribution. We run explosion tests in the 20 L vessel to measure the pressure–time history generated by the explosion of pyrotechnic ignitors. Moreover, we performed CFD simulations to simulate the spatial/temporal evolution of the temperature map from the hot core due to the igniter explosion toward the vessel walls. The explosion of the pyrotechnic ignitors shows a significant increase of pressure in the 20 L vessel, suggesting that flame propagation is occurring inside the vessel. Furthermore, the localized increase of temperature due to the ignitor explosions, diffuse, and then uniformize much more rapidly in the 20 L vessel than in the 1 m3 vessel. The flame propagation generated by the ignitors is very relevant in the 20 L sphere leading to the overdriving phenomenon. This result justifies the fact that for many organic dusts, the deflagration index values measured in the 20 L are much higher than those measured in the 1 m3 vessel. CFD simulations show that the hot core generated by the ignitors dissipate much faster in the 20 L vessel than in the 1 m3 vessel, due to the higher turbulence level of the smaller vessel. Therefore, dusts whose combustion is controlled by particle heating are more prone to sustain combustion in the 1 m3 than in the 20 L vessel.
Growth and Characterizations of Rhenium Disulfide (ReS2) Single Crystals
Authors: Ghetiya Atriy , Chaki Sunil H. , Khimani Ankurkumar J. , Hirpara Anilkumar B. , Kannaujiya Rohitkumar M. , Patel Shivam , Deshpande Milind P.
Published: April 2021

Rhenium disulfide (ReS2) single crystals are grown by chemical vapor transport technique. Powder X‐ray diffraction analysis of the single crystals shows them to possess ReS2 phase with triclinic unit cell structure. Energy dispersive analysis of X‐rays shows the crystals to be slightly rich in sulfur and deficient in rhenium. The optical bandgap obtained of the as‐grown single crystals is 1.35 eV. The surface morphology study done by scanning electron microscopy shows that the crystal surface to be flat with layer edges, such observation states that the growth mechanism of crystal have happened by mechanism of sheet spreading. The transmission and diffraction mode electron microscopy shows the single crystals to be layered and crystalline, respectively. The Raman peaks are well assigned to the ReS2. Thermogravimetric and differential thermogravimetric analysis shows the single crystals to disintegrate by two steps. The differential thermal analysis shows that the ReS2 possesses initial endothermic followed by exothermic nature for fast heating rates. In case of a slow heating rate of 10 K min−1, other than endothermic followed by exothermic, the end temperature range shows endothermic nature. The kinetic parameters determined by Kissinger relation shows the single‐crystal samples to disintegrate at a higher temperature range.
Mepolizumab asthma treatment failure due to refractory airway eosinophilia, which responded to benralizumab
Authors: Cook Alistair , Harrington John , Simpson Jodie L. , Wark Peter
Published: April 2021

Monoclonal antibodies directed against interleukin (IL)‐5, such as mepolizumab and benralizumab, are an effective and established treatment for severe eosinophilic asthma. Here, we present a patient with eosinophilic asthma with a partial clinical response to mepolizumab initially, as measured by these biomarkers, who when investigated was found to have refractory airway eosinophilia. Escalation of the mepolizumab dose led to further but still only partial response. A treatment trial with benralizumab was more successful and led to suppression of airway eosinophilia. We review the literature, focusing on eosinophil biology at the tissues and the different mechanisms of action of the two agents.
Porous Structure Engineering of Iridium Oxide Nanoclusters on Atomic Scale for Efficient pH‐Universal Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Zhuang Linzhou , Xu Fang , Wang Keyu , Li Jianku , Liang Chen , Zhou Wei , Xu Zhi , Shao Zongping , Zhu Zhonghua
Published: April 2021

Water electrolysis, which is a promising high‐purity H2 production method, lacks pH‐universality; moreover, highly efficient electrocatalysts that accelerate the sluggish anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are scarce. Geometric structure engineering and electronic structure modulation can be efficiently used to improve catalyst activity. Herein, a facile Ar plasma treatment method to fabricate a composite of uniformly dispersed iridium‐copper oxide nanoclusters supported on defective graphene (DG) to form IrCuOx@DG, is described. Acid leaching can be used to remove Cu atoms and generate porous IrOx nanoclusters supported on DG (P–IrOx@DG), which can serve as efficient and robust pH‐universal OER electrocatalysts. Moreover, when paired with commercial 20 wt% Pt/C, P–IrOx@DG can deliver current densities of 350.0, 317.6, and 47.1 mA cm−2 at a cell voltage of 2.2 V for overall water splitting in 0.5 m sulfuric acid, 1.0 m potassium hydroxide, and 1.0 m phosphate buffer solution, respectively, outperforming commercial IrO2 and nonporous IrOx nanoclusters supported on DG (O–IrOx@DG). Probing experiment, X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, and theoretical calculation results demonstrate that Cu removal can successfully create P–IrOx nanoclusters and introduce unsaturated Ir atoms. The optimum binding energies of oxygenated intermediate species on unsaturated Ir sites and ultrafine IrOx nanoclusters contribute to the high intrinsic OER catalytic activity of P–IrOx@DG.
Person Tracking Using Ankle‐Level LiDAR Based on Enhanced DBSCAN and OPTICS
Authors: Hasan Mahmudul , Hanawa Junichi , Goto Riku , Fukuda Hisato , Kuno Yoshinori , Kobayashi Yoshinori
Published: April 2021

Along with the progress of deep learning techniques, people tracking using video cameras became easy and accurate. However, privacy and security issues are not enough to be concerned with vision‐based monitoring. People may not be tolerated surveillance cameras installed everywhere in our daily life. A camera‐based system may not work robustly in unusual situations such as smoke, fogs, or darkness. To cope with these problems, we propose a two‐dimensional (2D) LiDAR‐based people tracking technique based on clustering algorithms. A LiDAR sensor is a prominent approach for tracking people without disclosing their identity, even under challenging conditions. For tracking people, we propose modified density‐based spatial clustering of applications with noise (DBSCAN) and ordering points to identify cluster structure (OPTICS) algorithms for clustering 2D LiDAR data. We have confirmed that our approach significantly improves the accuracy and robustness of people tracking through the experiments. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Population genetics of wild and captive Trachemysvenusta (Gray, 1856) (Reptilia: Emydidae) in the Usumacinta river basin in Mexico
Authors: Hernández‐García Jorge , Pedraza‐Lara Carlos , Rangel Mendoza Judith A. , Zenteno‐Ruiz Claudia Elena
Published: April 2021

The Mesoamerican slider Trachemysvenusta is endemic to Central America and Southern Mexico. Several human‐mediated disturbances, including habitat degradation and illegal hunting for food, have impacted its populations along the Usumacinta river basin. The extent to which these disturbances have affected the genetic diversity and population structure of T. venusta inhabiting the basin remains unresolved. To this end, we analyzed eight microsatellite markers in five wild populations of T. venusta from the middle and lower reaches of the basin as well as one captive population. Our results show high levels of genetic diversity for all analyzed populations, low F
ST values, high gene flow and no genetic structure, indicating an absence of genetic differentiation across sites and, thus, a single panmictic population for the basin. Evidence of a genetic bottleneck was observed in two of the wild populations (and the captive one), indicating some impact from disturbances, whether from poaching or habitat fragmentation, despite the seemingly high connectivity of most populations. Results are discussed in terms of the relative importance of genetic parameters for the conservation of T. venusta, particularly in light of the importance of demographic stochasticity in local conditions undergoing rapid changes.
Do-It-Yourself Flood Risk Adaptation Strategies in the Neighborhoods of Kano City, Nigeria
Authors: Barau Aliyu , Wada Aliyu Sani
Published: April 2021

The urban poor in developing countries is hit hardest by climate-related extreme events such as flooding. Also, informal settlements lacking municipal support and immediate public response to flooding incur losses and thus exacerbate their sufferings. Left out or left alone, the vulnerable people from some parts of the ancient city of Kano develop their own efforts to protect themselves against the recurrent flood events. Hence, this chapter examines the nature of community-driven do-it-yourself (DIY) adaptation The data was collected through field-based surveys, interviews, and questionnaires to enable in-depth analysis of the problem from socioecological point of view. The results identified flood drivers to include the nature of surface topography, torrential rainfalls, lapses, and inadequacies in the availability of drainage infrastructure and human behavioral lapses in drainage management. On the other hand, the DIY adaptation manifests in the use of sandbags, de-siltation of drainage, construction of fences, and drainage diversions. It is important to highlight that DIY adaptation is a good strategy; however, municipal authorities must come to the aid of such communities and revisit the absence of urban planning by supporting them through capacity building to find more effective solutions to the challenges of the changing climate and environment.
Experimental Platform
Authors: Sattari Amir Shoarian , Frühwirt Thomas , Maßmann Jobst , Nest Mathias , Naumann Dirk , Pötschke Daniel , Ruf Matthias , Kneuker Tilo , Vowinckel Bernhard , Furche Markus , Ziefle Gesa
Published: April 2021

In order to investigate the barrier rocks, such as saltstone, claystone and crystalline, response under the coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) processes, a series of laboratory and field tests in the scope of the GeomInt project are carried out.
Negative Spillovers in International Corporate Taxation and the European Union
Authors: Ates Leyla , Harari Moran , Meinzer Markus
Published: April 2021

Jurisdictions can engage in different types of aggressive tax policies to varying degrees. These policies can have negative spillover effects on other jurisdictions. In the realm of corporate taxation, these effects consist of base erosion and profit shifting and perceived pressures to reduce corporate taxes. Both direct and indirect effects undermine the efforts especially of developing countries at mobilising domestic resources to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. We analyse the intensity of corrosive tax policies by exploiting a new legal dataset compiled for the Corporate Tax Haven Index (CTHI). Relying on rigorously defined indicators, the dataset allows comparative analyses of negative and positive spillover pathways in the corporate income tax systems of 64 jurisdictions. Tax policies under review comprise, for example, preferential tax regimes, extremely low tax rates agreed through secretive tax rulings, economic zones and tax holidays. Comparing the 27 European Union (EU) member states with five African developing countries, we find important differences. Except for two indicators (loss utilisation and economic zones/tax holidays), the European Union members are found to consistently engage in more aggressive corporate tax policies than the African countries. These heightened risks for negative spillovers emanating from the EU27 corporate tax rules stand in conflict with the stated intentions by the European Union to support good governance in tax matters and its commitment to ensure policy coherence for development. The chapter provides recommendations on how to reduce the risks for negative spillovers in corporate taxation and to exit the race to the bottom in corporate taxation.
Policy Coherence for Sustainable Development in International Tax Matters: A Way Forward for Donor Countries?
Authors: Meyer-Nandi Sathi
Published: April 2021

The actual implementation of Policy Coherence for Sustainable Development (PCSD) in the area of international tax matters has some room for improvement undisputedly. Though civil servants agree that giving with one hand but taking with the other is inefficient and that seeking synergies between different policy areas is a good thing to do, the holistic dialogue between all relevant ministries and stakeholders is often missing. A big hurdle here is the technical subject matter, which makes a productive dialogue among different ministries and stakeholders often tricky, next to a different understanding of what benefits sustainable development. This is why PCSD is often lost in translation and stays a concept that constitutes the neglected hot potato despite being internationally endorsed. This chapter tries to provide some food for thought regarding potential measures donor countries could introduce to improve the alignment between their tax policy and their development effort. Suggestions will be given regarding tax treaty and tax transparency policies of donor countries and mechanisms to enhance cooperation between the tax administration of donor and developing countries. These measures aim at raising the revenues in developing countries, provide skill transfer while also contributing to a favorable investment climate through boosting tax certainty for companies and reducing the risk of double taxation.
Augmented Reality in Assembly Systems: State of the Art and Future Perspectives
Authors: Dalle Mura M. , Dini G.
Published: April 2021

Assembly represents a fundamental step in manufacturing, being a time-consuming and costly process, on which the final quality of the product mostly depends. Augmented Reality (AR) may represent a key tool to assist workers during assembly, thanks to the possibility to provide the user of real-time instructions and information superimposed on the work environment. Many implementations have been developed by industries and academic institutions for both manual and collaborative assembly. Among the most remarkable examples of the last few years are applications in guidance of complex tasks, training of personnel, quality control and inspection. This keynote paper aims to provide a useful survey by reviewing recent applications of AR in assembly systems, describing potential advantages, as well as current limitations and future perspectives.
Data Capture and Visualisation on a Shoestring: Demonstrating the Digital Manufacturing on a Shoestring Project
Authors: McNally Michael J. , Chaplin Jack C. , Martínez-Arellano Giovanna , Ratchev Svetan
Published: April 2021

The adoption of digital manufacturing in small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in the manufacturing sector in the UK is low, yet these technologies offer significant promise to boost productivity. Two major causes of this lack of uptake is the high upfront cost of digital technologies, and the skill gap preventing understanding and implementation. This paper describes a common approach to data capture and visualisation that is cheap and simple. Cheap through the utilisation of low cost and readily available consumer technologies, and simple through the pre-defined flexible approaches that require a minimum of configuration. This approach was implemented on three demonstrators to showcase the flexibility of the approach. These were a tool condition monitoring system, a job and machine status monitor, and a robotic process monitor. The development process resulted in a software architecture where processes were separated and communicated by message queues. We conclude that a service oriented architecture would be the best system for carrying forward the development process. This research was conducted as part of the wider EPSRC Digital Manufacturing on a Shoestring project.
Gegen den Zufall anschreiben. Zu Tradition und Funktion des unzuverlässigen Erzählens in Alfred Anderschs Efraim (1967)
Authors: Aumüller Matthias
Published: April 2021

Der Beitrag besteht aus drei Teilen. Zuerst wird erörtert, dass und inwiefern Anderschs Roman Efraim unzuverlässig erzählt ist. Die Zufallstheorie, die er über weite Strecken vertritt, soll als falsche Theorie verstanden werden. Im zweiten Teil wird dargelegt, welcher Tradition Andersch mit seiner Konzeption narrativer Unzuverlässigkeit folgt. Es ist nicht die Tradition Samuel Becketts, auf den im Roman wiederholt angespielt wird, sondern diejenige Max Frischs, auf den sich Andersch in Interview-Äußerungen auch selbst beruft. Im letzten Abschnitt werden drei Funktionen vorgestellt, die mit der Unzuverlässigkeit des Erzählers Efraim verknüpft sind, eine kognitive, weil sein reflektierendes Schreiben ihm einen Erkenntnisfortschritt beschert, eine emotionale, weil er auf diese Weise mit seiner Verzweiflung umgehen kann, und eine transtextuelle Funktion, die darin besteht, den Widerspruch der Leser zu provozieren.
Fundamental Elements of the Strategy Concept
Authors: Yu Xiu-bao
Published: April 2021

This chapter answerers and elaborates on the question of “what is strategy” which has been controversial in the discipline of strategic management over the past half a century. On the basis of proposing the “problem-oriented strategy” and “goal-oriented strategy”, the theory of three elements of the strategy concept is put forward, and is introduced in detail. The chapter suggests that the lack of any element of the three cannot constitute a complete strategy. A strategy without “development goal” is  undirected and one that cannot identify “development problem” is confusing, while one without a “guideline” is unrealistic. The chapter also discusses the integrated relationship among the three elements.
Light dark matter from inflaton decay
Authors: Moroi Takeo , Yin Wen
Published: April 2021

Abstract

We propose a simple mechanism of light dark matter (DM) production from the decay of the oscillating inflaton condensation. If the reheating temperature after inflation is higher than the inflaton mass, which is of the same order of the momentum of the DM at the time of the production, the DM momentum can be suppressed compared to the temperature of the thermal plasma if the interaction of the DM is weak enough. Consequently, the DM can be cold enough to avoid the observational constraints on the warm DM, like the Lyman-α bound even if the DM mass is small. We study the bosonic and fermionic DM production from the inflaton decay, taking into account the effect of the stimulated emission and Pauli blocking, respectively. In both cases, the DM can be cold and abundant enough to be a viable candidate of the DM. We also apply our mechanism to the production of isocurvature-problem-free axion DM and Dirac sea DM of right-handed neutrino consistent the seesaw relation for the active neutrino masses.
Imitation eines Hodgkin-Lymphoms durch Frühmanifestation einer Methotrexat-assoziierten lymphoproliferativen Erkrankung
Authors: Burg Maria Rosa , Schneider Stefan W.
Published: April 2021

Eine Langzeittherapie mit Methotrexat (MTX) ist als Auslöser einer MTX-assoziierten lymphoproliferativen Erkrankung (MTX-LPD) bekannt. Unter einer Kombinationstherapie mit MTX und Ustekinumab kam es bei einer 58-jährigen Patientin mit Psoriasis vulgaris und Pityriasis rubra pilaris innerhalb von 4 Monaten zu einer generalisierten Lymphadenopathie. Die Histologie deutete zunächst auf ein Hodgkin-Lymphom hin. Nur die Zusammenschau mit dem klinischen Hintergrund konnte die Diagnose einer MTX-LPD aufzeigen. Unseres Wissens ist dies der erste Fall einer MTX-LPD nach nur 4 Monaten Therapie.
Advantageous Short‐Term Outcomes of Esophagojejunostomy Using a Linear Stapler Following Open Total Gastrectomy Compared with a Circular Stapler
Authors: Muneoka Yusuke , Ohashi Manabu , Makuuchi Rie , Ida Satoshi , Kumagai Koshi , Sano Takeshi , Nunobe Souya
Published: April 2021

Background

Esophagojejunostomy is one of the most important surgical procedures in total gastrectomy. In the past, esophagojejunostomy was exclusively performed using a circular stapler in open total gastrectomy (OTG). With the increasing frequency of its use in laparoscopic gastrectomy, esophagojejunostomy using a linear stapler has been performed in OTG. However, it is still unclear whether the use of a linear stapler in esophagojejunostomy following OTG has any advantages compared with the conventional use of a circular stapler.

Methods

A total of 298 patients who underwent OTG for gastric cancer between 2014 and 2019 were enrolled in this study. Patients were categorized into circular and linear groups (group C and group L) according to the stapler type used for the esophagojejunostomy. After propensity score matching, 136 patients (68 each in groups C and L) were selected to compare the surgical outcomes including incidence of esophagojejunostomy‐related complications and postoperative nutritional status.

Results

The median operation time was significantly longer in group L than in group C (261.5 min versus 325.5 min; P < 0.001). The incidence of esophagojejunostomy‐related complications did not differ between the two groups (5.9% versus 2.9%; P = 0.68); however, no anastomotic stricture and bleeding occurred in group L. Bodyweight loss was significantly lower in group L than in group C at 6 months (15.9% versus 12.6%; P = 0.007) after surgery.

Conclusions

Esophagojejunostomy using a linear stapler following OTG is equally safe and possibly advantageous in anastomotic stricture, bleeding and nutritional status compared with the use of a circular stapler.
A theory of spectral partitions of metric graphs
Authors: Kennedy James B. , Kurasov Pavel , Léna Corentin , Mugnolo Delio
Published: April 2021

We introduce an abstract framework for the study of clustering in metric graphs: after suitably metrising the space of graph partitions, we restrict Laplacians to the clusters thus arising and use their spectral gaps to define several notions of partition energies; this is the graph counterpart of the well-known theory of spectral minimal partitions on planar domains and includes the setting in Band et al. (Commun Math Phys 311:815–838, 2012) as a special case. We focus on the existence of optimisers for a large class of functionals defined on such partitions, but also study their qualitative properties, including stability, regularity, and parameter dependence. We also discuss in detail their interplay with the theory of nodal partitions. Unlike in the case of domains, the one-dimensional setting of metric graphs allows for explicit computation and analytic—rather than numerical—results. Not only do we recover the main assertions in the theory of spectral minimal partitions on domains, as studied in Conti et al. (Calc Var 22:45–72, 2005), Helffer et al. (Ann Inst Henri Poincaré Anal Non Linéaire 26:101–138, 2009), but we can also generalise some of them and answer (the graph counterparts of) a few open questions.
Deliberating Our Frames: How Members of Multi-Stakeholder Initiatives Use Shared Frames to Tackle Within-Frame Conflicts Over Sustainability Issues
Authors: Zimmermann Angelika , Albers Nora , Kenter Jasper O.
Published: April 2021

Multi-stakeholder initiatives (MSIs) have been praised as vehicles for tackling complex sustainability issues, but their success relies on the reconciliation of stakeholders’ divergent perspectives. We yet lack a thorough understanding of the micro-level mechanisms by which stakeholders can deal with these differences. To develop such understanding, we examine what frames—i.e., mental schemata for making sense of the world—members of MSIs use during their discussions on sustainability questions and how these frames are deliberated through social interactions. Whilst prior framing research has focussed on between-frame conflicts, we offer a different perspective by examining how and under what conditions actors use shared frames to tackle ‘within-frame conflicts’ on views that stand in the way of joint decisions. Observations of a deliberative environmental valuation workshop and interviews in an MSI on the protection of peatlands—ecosystems that contribute to carbon retention on a global scale—demonstrated how the application and deliberation of shared frames during micro-level interactions resulted in increased salience, elaboration, and adjustment of shared frames. We interpret our findings to identify characteristics of deliberation mechanisms in the case of within-frame conflicts where shared frames dominate the discussions, and to delineate conditions for such dominance. Our findings contribute to an understanding of collaborations in MSIs and other organisational settings by demonstrating the utility of shared frames for dealing with conflicting views and suggesting how shared frames can be activated, fostered and strengthened.
Tumor cell PD-L1 expression is a strong predictor of unfavorable prognosis in immune checkpoint therapy-naive clear cell renal cell cancer
Authors: Möller Katharina , Fraune Christoph , Blessin Niclas C. , Lennartz Maximilian , Kluth Martina , Hube-Magg Claudia , Lindhorst Linnea , Dahlem Roland , Fisch Margit , Eichenauer Till , Riechardt Silke , Simon Ronald , Sauter Guido , Büscheck Franziska , Höppner Wolfgang , Matthies Cord , Doh Ousman , Krech Till , Marx Andreas H. , Zecha Henrik , Rink Michael , Steurer Stefan , Clauditz Till S.
Published: April 2021

Background

PD-L1 expression predicts response to immune checkpoint inhibitors in renal cell carcinomas (RCC), but has also been suggested to be linked to poor patient outcome.

Methods

We analyzed PD-L1 in > 1400 RCC in a tissue microarray format by immunohistochemistry. Results were compared with histological tumor type, parameters of cancer aggressiveness, and intratumoral CD8+ cytotoxic cells.

Result

At a cut-off level of 5% PD-L1 positive tumor cells, PD-L1 positivity was seen in 6.3% of 633 clear cell RCC (ccRCC), 18.2% of 165 papillary RCC, 18.8% of 64 chromophobe RCC, and 41.7% of 103 oncocytomas. In ccRCC, PD-L1 positivity was significantly linked to high ISUP (p < 0.0001), Fuhrman (p < 0.0001), Thoenes grade (p < 0.0001), distant metastasis (p = 0.0042), short recurrence-free (p < 0.0001), and overall survival (p = 0.0002). Intratumoral CD8+ lymphocytes were more frequent in PD-L1 positive (1055 ± 109) than in PD-L1 negative ccRCC (407 ± 28; p < 0.0001). PD-L positive immune cells were seen in 8.2% of all RCC and 13.9% of papillary RCC. In ccRCC, PD-L1 positive immune cells were linked to high numbers of tumor-infiltrating CD8+ cells (p < 0.0001), high ISUP (p < 0.0001), Fuhrman (p = 0.0027), and Thoenes grade (p < 0.0001), and poor tumor-specific survival (p = 0.0280).

Conclusions

These data suggest that PD-L1 expression in highly immunogenic RCCs facilitates immune evasion and contributes to cancer aggressiveness.
Softwaretest mit Originaldaten
Authors: Kneuper Ralf , Jacobs Sven
Published: April 2021

Der Wunsch nach einer Nutzung von Originaldaten für den Softwaretest führt in bestimmten
Konstellationen zu einem Konflikt zwischen der Zweckbeschränkung von personenbezogenen Daten einerseits
und der Forderung nach Qualitätssicherung der Systeme zur Verarbeitung dieser Daten andererseits. Der
Beitrag begründet, warum die Nutzung von Originaldaten nach Möglichkeit vermieden werden sollte,
bei Bedarf aber unter eng begrenzten Rahmenbedingungen rechtlich möglich ist.
Correction to: Precocious maturation in male tiger pufferfish Takifugu rubripes: genetics and endocrinology
Authors: Yoshikawa Sota , Chuda Hisashi , Hamasaki Masaomi , Kadomura Kazushi , Yamada Toshiyuki , Kikuchi Kiyoshi , Hosoya Sho
Published: April 2021

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12562-021-01505-w
Evaluating the Implementation and Effectiveness of a Low-Dose Mindfulness-Based Intervention in a Student Sample: a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Karing Constance , Beelmann Andreas
Published: April 2021

Objectives

The aim of the current study was to investigate whether a low-dose mindfulness-based intervention had short- and middle-term effects on primary (mindfulness, mental and physical health, self-efficacy) and secondary outcomes (attentional control, body awareness, emotion regulation and nonattachment). Further, the study examined whether participant compliance (course attendance, mindfulness practice at home) and satisfaction improved the change in primary and secondary outcomes.

Methods

In a randomized controlled trial, 71 university students were assigned to a mindfulness group (n = 35) or a waitlist group (n = 36). The intervention was a 6-week mindfulness-based training. The outcome variables were measured at pre- and postintervention, and at 2.5 months postintervention.

Results

At postintervention and at follow-up, the students in the mindfulness group showed a greater increase over time in mindfulness, self-efficacy, body awareness, and reappraisal than the students in the waitlist control group (Cohen’s d = 0.43–1.06). Although a significant intervention effect on nonattachment was found in the Per Protocol sample at postintervention and at follow-up, this effect was not significant in the Intention-To-Treat sample. Further, satisfaction with the training, course attendance, and the frequency of mindfulness practice at home were associated with positive changes in outcome variables.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that a low-dose mindfulness-based intervention can promote mindfulness, self-efficacy, body awareness, and reappraisal in students. The quality of implementation seems to be important for the benefits of a low-dose mindfulness-based training.
Pour point depression and flow improvement of waxy crude oil using polyethylene glycol esters of cashew nut shell liquid
Authors: Eke William Iheanyi , Kyei Sampson Kofi , Achugasim Ozioma , Ajienka Joseph Atubokiki , Akaranta Onyewuchi
Published: April 2021

Wax crystallization and deposition is a major flow assurance problem in production and transportation of waxy crude oil. Conventional flow improvers are mainly high molecular weight synthetic polymers, many of which are eco-toxic. Bio-based flow improvers derived from natural products are promising as inexpensive, eco-friendly alternatives to existing products. In this study, natural cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) extracted from waste shells ofAnacardium occidentalewas esterified with polyethylene glycol (PEG). CNSL derivative reduced the pour point of waxy crude oil by 12 °C at 1000 ppm. The effects of CNSL derivatives on wax crystal morphology and micro-structure were studied by cross-polarized microscopy. Micrographs were processed and analyzed with ImageJ software. Addition of CNSL derivatives to oil resulted in changes in wax crystal morphology and micro-structure evidenced by a reduction in average crystal Feret diameter and aspect ratio and increase in boundary fractal dimension, indicative of formation of increasing number of smaller, rounder crystals. Effect of the additives on flow properties of the waxy oil was determined using a co-axial cylinder rotational viscometer. Dynamic viscosity of oil at shear rate of 17 s−1was reduced by 79.7–90.5%. CNSL-PEG esters show good prospects as low-cost additives for production, storage and pipeline transportation of waxy crude oil.
The homotopy types of U(n)-gauge groups over lens spaces
Authors: Membrillo-Solis Ingrid , Theriault Stephen
Published: April 2021

We analyse the homotopy types of gauge groups for principal U(n)-bundles over lens spaces and two-dimensional Moore spaces.
Evaluation of the energy demands for a floating O&M-hub
Authors: Wittmann F. , Schmitt C. , Adam F. , Dierken P.
Published: April 2021

The Energyhub@Sea concept is one of the four research applications of the Space@Sea project funded by the EU’s Horizon 2020 research program (GA number: 774253). The focus of this paper is the evaluation of the energy demands of an energy self-sufficient maintenance platform at the location of Helgoland in the North Sea. In view of this, a standardized modular floater was developed as an offshore wind operation and maintenance base, which in the following paper is referred to as an O&M hub. The O&M hub is intended to be equipped with accommodation facilities and various renewable energy infrastructure as well as spare parts logistics, enabling the platform to perform maintenance of offshore gearless wind turbines with a capacity of up to 10 MW. To be energy self-sustaining, an energy supply system for the hub was developed and simulated at a resolution of ten minutes by means of the Top-Energy simulation software, a commercial software tool. As a basis for the simulation, an approach for the automated determination of flexible load profiles, in resolutions of up to ten minutes was developed. This load profile generator creates load profiles on the basis of environmental conditions, technical characteristics, and expected behaviors of the inhabitants. On the basis of the generated load profiles, a first layout (referred to as baseline scenario) for the different components of the energy system was evaluated and tested through simulation. In a second step, three optimization scenarios were developed and simulated with regards to the financial feasibility of the Energyhub.
Book review: Integrity in education for future happiness
Authors: Glendinning Irene
Published: April 2021

The joy of doing any review is having a legitimate excuse to spend time learning about what other researchers are working on, then to reflect on what is new. This book review with a rich tapestry of current research and thinking about integrity in education and research, is no exception. This publication is the product of a virtual conference that took place in April 2020, which, had the Covid-19 pandemic not arrived, would have been held face-to-face in Dubai.

Each of the 15 chapters brings to light new ideas for encouraging academic integrity and ethical conduct, or for deterring and managing academic dishonesty. Some chapters place familiar problems and solutions into new contexts and illustrate classroom experiences in different parts of the world. The key topic of education and training of teachers, researchers and students features in several chapters, including a welcome focus on secondary education. There is no shortage of empirical research in the book, including analysis of data on institutional policies an, admissions. Three chapters concern innovations in use of technology and how they are being applied and developed, with useful take-aways for evidencing contract cheating.

Inclusion of the student voice is important in research into academic integrity. We hear from students through formal research, informal feedback and a whole chapter about one student’s journey.

The book has been fittingly dedicated to the memory of Tracey Bretag (19/6/1962–7/10/2020), who managed to continue her support for the series of PAEB conferences by recording her keynote, despite being already very frail. Whether you decide to read the whole book or just select a few chapters, the ideas you will find there largely stem from Tracey’s legacy. We are reminded that there is so much more to do to improve integrity in education and research, locally and globally.
Cosmetic and oncological outcome of different oncoplastic techniques in female patients with early central breast cancer
Authors: Essa Mohamed S. , Ahmad Khaled S. , Salama Ahmed M.F. , Zayed Mohamed E.
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACT

Background:

Breast conservative surgery (BCS) was absolutely contraindicated in centrally located breast cancer (CLBC). This study evaluates the short-term oncological and cosmetic outcomes of different oncoplastic procedures after resection of CLBC.

Material and methods:

This prospective study includes 40 female patients with CLBC who underwent different oncoplastic techniques and had the Grisotti, Melon slice, Round block, and Batwing mastopexy techniques. Cosmetic outcomes were evaluated by patients and surgeons, in addition to assessing the oncological outcome.

Results:

The patients evaluated the postoperative cosmetic result. They were described as excellent in 27 patients (67.5%), good in 11 patients (27.5%), fair in 2 patients (5%) with neither poor nor bad results, with a mean of 4.44 ± 0.6 (P = 0.002). In comparison, the surgeons evaluation was 10 points in 8 patients (20%), 9 points in 7 patients (17.5%), 8 points in 12 patients (30%), 7 points in 3 patients (7.5%), 6 points in 7 patients (17.5%), and 5 points in 3 patients (7.5%), with a mean of 7.54 ± 1.52, (P = 0.001).

Conclusions:

The Grisotti technique is associated with a better cosmetic result when reconstructing the central defect in moderate-sized breasts. Batwing mastopexy and round block techniques can be used to resect the central tumors with an excellent cosmetic outcome.

Highlights
“We Chilluns, Long wid Her, Wuz Lak de Udder Slaves”: Free Black Families and Quasi-slavery in the Late Antebellum Era
Authors: WEST EMILY
Published: April 2021

This article shows how and why some free black families ended up living among the enslaved in the late antebellum era. Enslavers brought free people of colour into forms of informal quasi-slavery that differed little from enslavement despite their free legal status. Despite a lack of evidence, piecing together free blacks’ experiences through surviving sources reveals much about the porous boundary between slavery and freedom where enslavers manipulated marginality for financial gain. There was no sharp delineation between slavery and freedom but instead a continuum of oppression characterized by varying degrees of persecution and fragile freedoms.
Vom IHR zum WIR – Gemeinsames Lernen interprofessioneller Skills
Authors: Keil Stephanie , Abler Michael , Stocker Ilona , Knerr Marianne , Witti Matthias , Wershofen Birgit
Published: April 2021

Zusammenfassung. Intensiv grübeln die Pflegeauszubildenden und Medizinstudierenden in Dienstkleidung über drei Krankenakten. Gemeinsam versuchen sie, sich in den Krankengeschichten zurecht zu finden und sich ein strukturiertes Vorgehen für die anstehende Visite zu überlegen. „Los geht’s,“ werden sie von der erfahrenen Praxisanleiterin aufgefordert, die Besprechung zu beenden. Jetzt wird es ernst. Aufgeregt betritt die Gruppe das erste Krankenzimmer auf der chirurgischen Station zur interprofessionellen Visite.
Das Leben mit einem Stoma meistern
Authors: Pietzonka Veronika , Boesel Katrin , Marienfeld Ute
Published: April 2021

Zusammenfassung. Eine Operation mit dem Ergebnis einer Stomaanlage bedeutet für Betroffene und ihre Angehörigen eine Lebensveränderung. Sie müssen lernen, mit der neuen Situation umzugehen, viele alltägliche Handlungen müssen wieder erlernt werden. Patienten mit einer Stomaanlage benötigen entsprechende Informationen, Anleitung und Beratung zum Leben mit dem Stoma. Dabei werden sie von Pflegeexpert_innen Stoma, Kontinenz, Wunde (SKW) im Krankenhaus, während einer Anschlussheilbehandlung und zu Hause begleitet.
Das Pflege.Kollektiv
Authors: Paulus Kerstin , Pfeffer Lisa-Marie , Mayerbüchler Christin , Beck Bernhard , Aschenbrenner Johanna
Published: April 2021

Zusammenfassung. Das Pflege.Kollektiv ist eine stetig wachsende Initiative, die kurz nach der Premiere der „#Ehrenpflegas“ von Bernhard Beck und Kerstin Paulus ins Leben gerufen wurde. Derzeit besteht sie aus circa 100 aktiven, mitverfolgenden Pflegenden aus dem bundesweiten Raum. Die Mehrheit der Mitglieder sind Bachelor- und Master-Studierende und ehemalige Studierenden diverser Pflegestudiengänge.