bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adult resistance genes to barley powdery mildew confer basal penetration resistance associated with broad‐spectrum resistance
Authors: Ge Cynthia , Wentzel Elzette , D'Souza Nola , Chen Kefei , Oliver Richard P , Ellwood Simon R
Published: August 2021

Powdery mildew isa major disease of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) for which breeders have traditionally relied on dominant, pathogen race‐specific resistance genes for genetic control. Directional selection pressures in extensive monocultures invariably result in such genes being overcome as the pathogen mutates to evade recognition. This has led to a widespread reliance on fungicides and a single broad‐spectrum recessive resistance provided by the mlo gene. The range of resistance genes and alleles found in wild crop relatives and landraces has been reduced in agricultural cultivars through an erosion of genetic diversity during domestication and selective breeding. Three novel major‐effect adult plant resistance (APR) genes from landraces, designated Resistance to Blumeria graminis f. sp. hordei (Rbgh1 to Rbgh3), were identified in the terminal regions of barley chromosomes 5HL, 7HS, and 1HS, respectively. The phenotype of the new APR genes showed neither pronounced penetration resistance, nor the spontaneous necrosis and mesophyll cell death typical of mlo resistance, nor a whole epidermal cell hypersensitive response, typical of race‐specific resistance. Instead, resistance was localized to the site of attempted penetration in an epidermal cell and was associated with cell wall appositions and cytosolic vesicle‐like bodies, and lacked strong induction of reactive oxygen species. The APR genes exhibited differences in vesicle‐like body sizes, their distribution, and the extent of localized 3,3‐diaminobenzidine staining in individual doubled haploid lines. The results revealed a set of unique basal penetration resistance genes that offer opportunities for combining different resistance mechanisms in breeding programs for robust mildew resistance.
Application of X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry in plant science: Solutions, threats, and opportunities
Authors: Singh Vivek K. , Sharma Neha , Singh Virendra K.
Published: August 2021

X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry is a nondestructive, rapid, simultaneous multi‐elemental imaging methodology for plant materials. Its applications are broad and cover most of the elements with varying concentration below the parts per million (ppm). XRF is a well‐established atomic spectrometric technique that is also being used as a field portable instrumentation. In recent decades, XRF has been considered a very versatile tool for plant nutrition diagnosis due to its fast and multi‐elemental analytical imaging response directly from a solid sample. In this review, we have mainly focused on the recent developments and advancements in XRF spectrometry to analyze plant materials. We have also included the fundamental aspects and instrumentation for XRF spectrometry for its use in plants imaging. We have also covered the use of XRF for vegetal tissues and plant leaves. Mainly, we have briefly focused on some features of sampling procedures and calibration strategies regarding the use of XRF for plant tissues. Microchemical imaging applications by XRF, μ‐XRF, μ‐SRXRF, and TXRF have been covered for a wide variety of plant tissues such as leaves, roots, stems, and seeds.
Two-loop splitting in double parton distributions: the colour non-singlet case
Authors: Diehl M. , Gaunt J. R. , Plößl P.
Published: August 2021

Abstract

At small inter-parton distances, double parton distributions receive their dominant contribution from the splitting of a single parton. We compute this mechanism at next-to-leading order in perturbation theory for all colour configurations of the observed parton pair. Rapidity divergences are handled either by using spacelike Wilson lines or by applying the δ regulator. We investigate the behaviour of the two-loop contributions in different kinematic limits, and we illustrate their impact in different channels.
F-theory flux vacua at large complex structure
Authors: Marchesano Fernando , Prieto David , Wiesner Max
Published: August 2021

Abstract

We compute the flux-induced F-term potential in 4d F-theory compactifications at large complex structure. In this regime, each complex structure field splits as an axionic field plus its saxionic partner, and the classical F-term potential takes the form V = ZABρAρB up to exponentially-suppressed terms, with ρ depending on the fluxes and axions and Z on the saxions. We provide explicit, general expressions for Z and ρ, and from there analyse the set of flux vacua for an arbitrary number of fields. We identify two families of vacua with all complex structure fields fixed and a flux contribution to the tad- pole Nflux which is bounded. In the first and most generic one, the saxion vevs are bounded from above by a power of Nflux. In the second their vevs may be unbounded and Nflux is a product of two arbitrary integers, unlike what is claimed by the Tadpole Conjecture. We specialise to type IIB orientifolds, where both families of vacua are present, and link our analysis with previous results in the literature. We illustrate our findings with several examples.
Anisotropic 1-Laplacian problems with unbounded weights
Authors: Ortiz Chata Juan C. , Pimenta Marcos T. O. , Segura de León Sergio
Published: August 2021

In this work we prove the existence of nontrivial bounded variation solutions to quasilinear elliptic problems involving a weighted 1-Laplacian operator. A key feature of these problems is that weights are unbounded. One of our main tools is the well-known Caffarelli-Kohn-Nirenberg’s inequality, which is established in the framework of weighted spaces of functions of bounded variation (and that provides us the necessary embeddings between weighted spaces). Additional tools are suitable variants of the Mountain Pass Theorem as well as an extension of the pairing theory by Anzellotti to this new setting.
Antibiotikaprophylaxe bei transrektaler Prostatabiopsie
Authors: Rothe Kathrin , Querbach Christiane , Busch Dirk H. , Gschwend Jürgen E. , Hauner Katharina
Published: August 2021

Hintergrund

Die transrektale Prostatastanzbiopsie (TRPB) gehört zu den häufigsten interventionell-urologischen Eingriffen in Deutschland. Es wird leitliniengerecht eine kurzeitige periprozedurale Antibiotikaprophylaxe (PAP) empfohlen. Die Indikationsrücknahme von Fluorchinolonen als PAP-Substanz durch das Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte macht die Verwendung alternativer Substanzen notwendig.

Ziele

Im Rahmen der Studie wurde die klinische Praxis der PAP bei TRPB mit Fokus auf infektiöse Komplikationen im Vergleich zwischen Fluorchinolon- und Cotrimoxazol-PAP evaluiert.

Methodik

Es handelt sich um eine retrospektive monozentrische Auswertung klinischer Routinedaten von Patienten mit TRPB zwischen 03.01.2019 und 28.01.2021.

Ergebnisse

Es wurden 508 erwachsene männliche Patienten eingeschlossen, das mediane Alter betrug 68 Jahre. 55,9 % erhielten eine Cotrimoxazol-PAP, 40,0 % eine Fluorchinolon-PAP. Insgesamt traten in 5,5 % postinterventionelle Komplikationen auf, davon 50,0 % infektiöse Komplikationen. Der Vergleich von Cotrimoxazol- und Fluorchinolon-PAP ergab keinen Unterschied der Komplikationsraten. Bei aufgrund von Komplikationen durchgeführten mikrobiologischen Urinuntersuchungen zeigten sich Erregernachweise mit Resistenz gegenüber der zuvor eingesetzten PAP im Sinne einer Selektion.

Schlussfolgerung

Eine Cotrimoxazol-PAP für TRPB ist verglichen mit dem bisherigen Standard einer Fluorchinolon-PAP nicht mit vermehrt infektiösen Komplikationen assoziiert. Die präinterventionelle Analyse von Keimspektrum und Resistenz ermöglicht den Einsatz einer gezielten Prophylaxe und kann somit Komplikationen reduzieren.
Fecal glucocorticoid metabolites as an indicator of adrenocortical activity in Arctic foxes (Vulpes lagopus) and recommendations for future studies
Authors: Larm Malin , Hovland Anne Lene , Palme Rupert , Thierry Anne-Mathilde , Miller Andrea L. , Landa Arild , Angerbjörn Anders , Eide Nina E.
Published: August 2021

Measuring fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (fGCMs) is a widely used, non-invasive method for studies of stress in vertebrates. To study physiological responses in wild Arctic foxes (Vulpes lagopus) to perceived stressors such as fluctuating food availability, occurrence of competitors and predators and disturbance from human activities, a species-specific physiological validation of a method to evaluate adrenocortical activity is needed. Here we used 15 captive Arctic foxes (both males and females and juveniles and adults) to investigate fGCM concentrations following ACTH injection (physiological validation), or handling alone and compared them with their respective baseline concentrations prior to the treatments. A 5α-pregnane-3ß,11ß,21-triol-20-one enzyme immunoassay measured significant fGCM increases following both treatments. The time lags to reach peak fGCM values were 9.3 ± 1.3 h and 12.8 ± 1.7 h for ACTH and handling treatment, respectively. Concentrations of fGCMs varied a lot between individuals, but not attributed to sex nor age of the foxes. However, we found a negative relationship between boldness and fGCM concentrations. Faecal glucocorticoid metabolites concentrations did not change significantly over a period of 48 h in samples kept at temperatures reflecting winter and summer means. This would allow the collection of samples up to two days old in the wild regardless of the season. We conclude that our successfully validated method for measuring fGCMs can be used as a non-invasive tool for studies exploring various stressors both in wild and captive Arctic foxes.
Omphalocele: national current birth prevalence and survival
Authors: Fogelström Anna , Caldeman Cecilia , Oddsberg Jenny , Löf Granström Anna , Mesas Burgos Carmen
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The increase in prenatal diagnosis together with the high rates of associated anomalies in omphalocele has led to increased rates of termination of pregnancies. The aim of this study was to examine the national Swedish birth prevalence and survival rates among these patients.

Methods

This study is based on a nationwide population-based cohort of all children born in Sweden between 1/1/1997 and 31/12/2016. All omphalocele cases were identified though the Swedish National Patient Register and the Swedish Medical Birth Register. Outcome of malformations and deaths were retrieved from the Swedish Birth Defects Register and the Swedish Causes of Death Register.

Results

The study included 207 cases of omphalocele (42% females). The birth prevalence for omphalocele was 1/10,000 live births. About 62% of the cases had associated malformations and/or genetic disorders; most common was ventricular septal defect. The mortality within the first year was 13%. The rate of termination of pregnancy was 59%.

Conclusion

The national birth prevalence for omphalocele in Sweden is 1/10,000 newborn, with high termination rates. Over half of the pregnancies with prenatally diagnosed omphalocele will be terminated. Among those who continue the pregnancy, 1-year survival rates are high.

Type of study

National register study

Level of evidence

III.
Practical application of synthetic head models in real ballistic cases
Authors: Riva F. , Fracasso T. , Guerra A. , Genet P.
Published: August 2021

In shooting crimes, ballistics tests are often recommended in order to reproduce the wound characteristics of the involved persons. For this purpose, several “simulants” can be used. However, despite the efforts in the research of “surrogates” in the field of forensic ballistic, the development of synthetic models needs still to be improved through a validation process based on specific real caseworks. This study has been triggered by the findings observed during the autopsy performed on two victims killed in the same shooting incident, with similar wounding characteristics; namely two retained head shots with ricochet against the interior wall of the skull; both projectiles have been recovered during the autopsies after migration in the brain parenchyma. The thickness of the different tissues and structures along the bullets trajectories as well as the incident angles between the bullets paths and the skull walls have been measured and reproduced during the assemblage of the synthetic head models. Two different types of models (“open shape” and “spherical”) have been assembled using leather, polyurethane and gelatine to simulate respectively skin, bone and soft tissues. Six shots have been performed in total. The results of the models have been compared to the findings of post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) and the autopsy findings.Out of the six shots, two perforated the models and four were retained. When the projectile was retained, the use of both models allowed reproducing the wounds characteristics observed on both victims in terms of penetration and ricochet behaviour. However, the projectiles recovered from the models showed less deformation than the bullets collected during the autopsies. The “open shape” model allowed a better controlling on the shooting parameters than the “spherical” model. Finally, the difference in bullet deformation could be caused by the choice of the bone simulant, which might under-represent either the strength or the density of the human bone. In our opinion, it would be worth to develop a new, more representative material for ballistic which simulates the human bone.
Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis: efficacy of outbreak management
Authors: Martin Cristina , Löw Ursula , Quintin Adrien , Schießl Gesine , Gärtner Barbara , Heim Albert , Seitz Berthold
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC) is one of the most severe ocular viral infections. The aim of this interruptive time series study was to quantitatively evaluate the effectiveness of a hygienic EKC outbreak management concept developed in our ophthalmological department.

Methods

All patients with suspected EKC in the period from August to November 2018 were included in the study. Data were retrospectively collected from the patient’s medical documents and records. The disease was diagnosed clinically and confirmed by virus detection through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from conjunctival swabs. With the beginning of the epidemic, an outbreak management plan was implemented to reduce the nosocomial spread.

Results

The outbreak lasted 77 days (20th August 2018 to 4th November 2018) and affected a total of 120 patients. This corresponds to a mean of 1.5 patients per outbreak day. The median age was 58 [1–92] years. Of all patients, 61 (50.8%) were female. Conjunctival swabs were collected in 100/120 (83.3%) cases, the adenovirus being detected in all positive smears (63/63, 100%). The implementation of our outbreak management plan reduced significantly the number of EKC cases per outbreak day and resulted in a reduction of the basic reproduction number by a factor of 2.2.

Conclusion

The detection of EKC together with the immediate implementation of hygienic outbreak measures can significantly reduce the spread of infection. The implementation of a strict outbreak management concept can significantly reduce the number of EKC cases, thus avoiding possible complications and therefore unnecessary health-related costs.
Influence of the compatible solute sucrose on thylakoid membrane organization and violaxanthin de-epoxidation
Authors: Goss Reimund , Schwarz Christian , Matzner Monique , Wilhelm Christian
Published: August 2021

Main conclusion

The compatible solute sucrose reduces the efficiency of the enzymatic de-epoxidation of violaxanthin, probably by a direct effect on the protein parts of violaxanthin de-epoxidase which protrude from the lipid phase of the thylakoid membrane.

The present study investigates the influence of the compatible solute sucrose on the violaxanthin cycle of higher plants in intact thylakoids and in in vitro enzyme assays with the isolated enzyme violaxanthin de-epoxidase at temperatures of 30 and 10 °C, respectively. In addition, the influence of sucrose on the lipid organization of thylakoid membranes and the MGDG phase in the in vitro assays is determined. The results show that sucrose leads to a pronounced inhibition of violaxanthin de-epoxidation both in intact thylakoid membranes and the enzyme assays. In general, the inhibition is similar at 30 and 10 °C. With respect to the lipid organization only minor changes can be seen in thylakoid membranes at 30 °C in the presence of sucrose. However, sucrose seems to stabilize the thylakoid membranes at lower temperatures and at 10 °C a comparable membrane organization to that at 30 °C can be observed, whereas control thylakoids show a significantly different membrane organization at the lower temperature. The MGDG phase in the in vitro assays is not substantially affected by the presence of sucrose or by changes of the temperature. We conclude that the presence of sucrose and the increased viscosity of the reaction buffers stabilize the protein part of the enzyme violaxanthin de-epoxidase, thereby decreasing the dynamic interactions between the catalytic site and the substrate violaxanthin. This indicates that sucrose interacts with those parts of the enzyme which are accessible at the membrane surface of the lipid phase of the thylakoid membrane or the MGDG phase of the in vitro enzyme assays.
Lower conversion rate with robotic assisted rectal resections compared with conventional laparoscopy; a national cohort study
Authors: Myrseth Elisabeth , Nymo Linn Såve , Gjessing Petter Fosse , Kørner Hartwig , Kvaløy Jan Terje , Norderval Stig
Published: August 2021

Background

Conversion from laparoscopic to open access colorectal surgery is associated with a poorer postoperative outcome. The aim of this study was to assess conversion rates and outcomes after standard laparoscopic rectal resection (LR) and robotic laparoscopic rectal resection (RR).

Methods

A national 5-year cohort study utilizing prospectively recorded data on patients who underwent elective major laparoscopic resection for rectal cancer. Data were retrieved from the Norwegian Registry for Gastrointestinal Surgery and from the Norwegian Colorectal Cancer Registry. Primary end point was conversion rate. Secondary end points were postoperative complications within 30 days and histopathological results. Chi-square test, two-sided T test, and Mann–Whitney U test were used for univariable analyses. Both univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to analyze the relations between different predictors and outcomes, and propensity score matching was performed to address potential treatment assignment bias.

Results

A total of 1284 patients were included, of whom 375 underwent RR and 909 LR. Conversion rate was 8 out of 375 (2.1%) for RR compared with 87 out of 909 (9.6%) for LR (p < 0.001). RR was associated with reduced risk for conversion compared with LR (aOR 0.22, 95% CI 0.10–0.46). There were no other outcome differences between RR and LR. Factors associated with increased risk for conversion were male gender, severe cardiac disease and BMI > 30. Conversion was associated with higher rates of major complications (20 out of 95 (21.2%) vs 135 out of 1189 (11.4%) p = 0.005), reoperations (13 out of 95 (13.7%) vs 93 out of 1189 (7.1%) p = 0.020), and longer hospital stay (median 8 days vs 6 days, p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Conversion rate was lower with robotic assisted rectal resections compared with conventional laparoscopy. Conversions were associated with higher rates of postoperative complications.
Long-term outcomes among localized prostate cancer survivors: prospective predictors for return-to-work three years after cancer rehabilitation
Authors: Ullrich Anneke , Rath Hilke Maria , Otto Ullrich , Kerschgens Christa , Raida Martin , Hagen-Aukamp Christa , Bergelt Corinna
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study aimed at (1) investigating the work status of men treated by radical prostatectomy due to diagnosis of localized prostate cancer (LPCa) three years after having attended a cancer rehabilitation program and (2) identifying prospective risk factors for not working at this time point.

Methods

In a longitudinal, questionnaire-based multicenter study, 519 working-age LPCa survivors reported on their work status 12 and 36 months following rehabilitation. Chi-square tests/ttests and multivariable logistic regression analysis were used to identify prospective factors associated with not working at 36 months follow-up.

Results

Nearly three quarter of LPCa survivors (N = 377, 73%) worked 3 years after post-acute rehabilitation. Most participants (N = 365, 71%) showed continuous return-to-work (RTW) patterns as they worked both 1 and 3 years following rehabilitation. Multivariable regression analysis revealed older age, low or middle socio-economic status as well as resigned and unambitious work behavior and fatigue at the time of attending the rehabilitation program to be prospective factors for not working at 36 months follow-up. Low socio-economic status [Odds ratio (OR) 4.81, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.07–11.16] and unambitious work behavior [OR 4.48, 95% CI 2.16–9.31] were the strongest predictors.

Conclusion

Long-term work retention is a realistic goal among LPCa survivors. The results contribute to the identification of at-risk LPCa survivors early in the RTW process. Special attention should be paid to social inequality. Further, interventions related to the management of fatigue and work-related coping styles could improve long-term RTW, as these were relevant, but potentially modifiable factors impeding work retention.
Geranyl-geraniol addition affects potency of bisphosphonates—a comparison in vitro promising a therapeutic approach for bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaw and oral wound healing
Authors: Otto Marius , Lux Christine , Schlittenbauer Tilo , Halling Frank , Ziebart Thomas
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Analysis of the influence of geranyl-geraniol (GG) addition on four bisphosphonate derivatives regarding their influence on cell viability and migration ability of bone metabolism and endothelial cells in vitro.

Methods

Clodronate, pamidronate, ibandronate, and zoledronate were observed with and without GG addition, for their effect on human osteoblasts (HOB), normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF), human endothelial progenitor cells (EPC), and endothelial cells of the human umbilical cord (HUVEC) using migration-, MTT-, and colony-forming cell assays.

Results

Data pointed to a depressing effect of all bisphosphonates on the migration ability of NHDF, EPC, and HOB. MTT assay demonstrated a decreased cell viability of HUVEC of all bisphosphonates in a 50 μM concentration and of NHDF when treated with 50 μM of clodronate, ibandronate, or zoledronate. Tested drugs showed a depressing effect on colony-forming potential of EPC even in a 5 μM concentration. GG addition demonstrated an attenuate impact on bisphosphonate effect on all primary cell cultures, respectively.

Conclusion

In vitro comparison showed that the addition of GG weakens the effect of all bisphosphonates examined. It supports investigations that suggest GG to be able to prevent bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaw (BP-ONJ) in vivo. Future clinical trials may discover the local therapeutic use of GG for the prevention of BP-ONJ.
Nondimensionalization of the Atmospheric Boundary-Layer System: Obukhov Length and Monin–Obukhov Similarity Theory
Authors: Yano Jun–Ichi , Wacławczyk Marta
Published: August 2021

The Obukhov length, although often adopted as a characteristic scale of the atmospheric boundary layer, has been introduced purely based on a dimensional argument without a deductive derivation from the governing equations. Here, its derivation is pursued by the nondimensionalization method in the same manner as for the Rossby deformation radius and the Ekman-layer depth. Physical implications of the Obukhov length are inferred by nondimensionalizing the turbulence-kinetic-energy equation for the horizontally homogeneous boundary layer. A nondimensionalization length scale for a full set of equations for boundary-layer flow formally reduces to the Obukhov length by dividing this scale by a rescaling factor. This rescaling factor increases with increasing stable stratification of the boundary layer, in which flows tend to be more horizontal and gentler; thus the Obukhov length increasingly loses its relevance. A heuristic, but deductive, derivation of Monin–Obukhov similarity theory is also outlined based on the obtained nondimensionalization results.
Temperature and Exports: Evidence from the United States
Authors: Karlsson Jimmy
Published: August 2021

This paper estimates the effect of exogenous short-term temperature changes on the economy of the United States, using high-resolution data on monthly exports which has not been previously exploited in the literature. The detailed disaggregation of U.S. export data into sectors enables a top-down estimation of the net effect of temperature, while also identifying potential mechanisms at the micro level. Using an econometric specification which allows high parametric flexibility, I find significantly negative effects of both high and low temperatures. The magnitude of the effects corresponds to an average reduction of annual U.S. exports by 0.20%, following a uniform 2 $$^{\circ }$$

∘

C temperature increase. Industry heterogeneity in the temperature effect suggests disparate mechanisms behind hot and cold days, which are important to take into account when estimating the future economic damages of climate change in the United States.
Predicting unstable software benchmarks using static source code features
Authors: Laaber Christoph , Basmaci Mikael , Salza Pasquale
Published: August 2021

Software benchmarks are only as good as the performance measurements they yield. Unstable benchmarks show high variability among repeated measurements, which causes uncertainty about the actual performance and complicates reliable change assessment. However, if a benchmark is stable or unstable only becomes evident after it has been executed and its results are available. In this paper, we introduce a machine-learning-based approach to predict a benchmark’s stability without having to execute it. Our approach relies on 58 statically-computed source code features, extracted for benchmark code and code called by a benchmark, related to (1) meta information, e.g., lines of code (LOC), (2) programming language elements, e.g., conditionals or loops, and (3) potentially performance-impacting standard library calls, e.g., file and network input/output (I/O). To assess our approach’s effectiveness, we perform a large-scale experiment on 4,461 Go benchmarks coming from 230 open-source software (OSS) projects. First, we assess the prediction performance of our machine learning models using 11 binary classification algorithms. We find that Random Forest performs best with good prediction performance from 0.79 to 0.90, and 0.43 to 0.68, in terms of AUC and MCC, respectively. Second, we perform feature importance analyses for individual features and feature categories. We find that 7 features related to meta-information, slice usage, nested loops, and synchronization application programming interfaces (APIs) are individually important for good predictions; and that the combination of all features of the called source code is paramount for our model, while the combination of features of the benchmark itself is less important. Our results show that although benchmark stability is affected by more than just the source code, we can effectively utilize machine learning models to predict whether a benchmark will be stable or not ahead of execution. This enables spending precious testing time on reliable benchmarks, supporting developers to identify unstable benchmarks during development, allowing unstable benchmarks to be repeated more often, estimating stability in scenarios where repeated benchmark execution is infeasible or impossible, and warning developers if new benchmarks or existing benchmarks executed in new environments will be unstable.
Does choice change preferences? An incentivized test of the mere choice effect
Authors: Alós-Ferrer Carlos , Granic Georg D.
Published: August 2021

Widespread evidence from psychology and neuroscience documents that previous choices unconditionally increase the later desirability of chosen objects, even if those choices were uninformative. This is problematic for economists who use choice data to estimate latent preferences, demand functions, and social welfare. The evidence on this mere choice effect, however, exhibits serious shortcomings which prevent evaluating its possible relevance for economics. In this paper, we present a novel, parsimonious experimental design to test for the economic validity of the mere choice effect addressing these shortcomings. Our design uses well-defined, monetary lotteries, all decisions are incentivized, and we effectively randomize participants’ initial choices without relying on deception. Results from a large, pre-registered online experiment find no support for the mere choice effect. Our results challenge conventional wisdom outside economics. The mere choice effect does not seem to be a concern for economics, at least in the domain of decision making under risk.
AI for in-line vehicle sequence controlling: development and evaluation of an adaptive machine learning artifact to predict sequence deviations in a mixed-model production line
Authors: Stauder Maximilian , Kühl Niklas
Published: August 2021

Customers in the manufacturing sector, especially in the automotive industry, have a high demand for individualized products at price levels comparable to traditional mass-production. The contrary objectives of providing a variety of products and operating at minimum costs have introduced a high degree of production planning and control mechanisms based on a stable order sequence for mixed-model assembly lines. A major threat to this development is sequence scrambling, triggered by both operational and product-related root causes. Despite the introduction of Just-in-time and fixed production times, the problem of sequence scrambling remains partially unresolved in the automotive industry. Negative downstream effects range from disruptions in the Just-in-sequence supply chain, to a discontinuation of the production process. A precise prediction of sequence deviations at an early stage allows the introduction of counteractions to stabilize the sequence before disorder emerges. While procedural causes are widely addressed in research, the work at hand requires a different perspective involving a product-related view. Built on unique data from a real-world global automotive manufacturer, a supervised classification model is trained and evaluated. This includes all the necessary steps to design, implement, and assess an AI-artifact, as well as data gathering, preprocessing, algorithm selection, and evaluation. To ensure long-term prediction stability, we include a continuous learning module to counter data drifts. We show that up to 50% of the major deviations can be predicted in advance. However, we do not consider any process-related information, such as machine conditions and shift plans, but solely focus on the exploitation of product features like body type, power train, color, and special equipment.
Spatial positional relationship between macular superficial vessel density and ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer thickness in primary angle closure glaucoma
Authors: Lin Yongdong , Ma Di , Wang Hongxi , Chen Shirong , Cai Weihao , Zhang Anlin , Zhang Mingzhi
Published: August 2021

Purpose

To evaluate the spatial relationship between macular superficial vessel density (SVD) and macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thickness in primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG), and to investigate diagnostic abilities of macular SVD and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) parameters.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study on 38 PACG patients (38 eyes) and 25 healthy subjects (25 eyes). Macular region was imaged using a 1050-nm-wavelength swept-source optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography (OCTA) system (DRI OCT Triton, TOPCON). Vessel density of the macular region was quantified by ImageJ software. The peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thicknesses and macular GCIPL thickness were obtained by swept-source OCT. Pearson correlation analysis was used to evaluate the spatial positional relationship between macular SVD and macular GCIPL thickness. At the same time, the correlation between macular SVD and pRNFL thickness was evaluated. Areas under the receiver operating characteristics curves (AUCs) of OCT, OCTA and FAZ measurement metrics were calculated to assess the diagnostic ability for glaucoma.

Results

Macular GCIPL thickness had a moderate correlation with the macular SVD in the inferonasal sector (r = 0.426, P = 0.008). In addition, there was a strong correlation between inferonasal sector of macular vessel density and 5,6,7,8 clock-hour regions of the pRNFL thicknesses (all r > 0.5). Inferoinferior sector of macular SVD and 6,7 clock-hour regions of pRNFL thicknesses also had strong correlation (all r > 0.5). The AUCs of macular SVD ranged between 0.61 (superonasal sector) and 0.76 (inferoinferior sector). The FAZ circularity index showed the highest diagnostic power (AUC = 0.94;95% CI, 0.85–0.99), followed by superotemporal sector of macular GCIPL thicknesses (0.93;95% CI,0.83–0.98).

Conclusions

Sector of macular SVD not only had a spatial positional correlation with corresponding macular GCIPL thickness, but also with clock-hour regional pRNFL thicknesses in PACG eyes. FAZ circulation index might be a useful diagnostic parameter.
Teacher Characteristics, Knowledge and Use of Evidence-Based Practices in Autism Education in Ireland
Authors: Barry Lorna , Holloway Jennifer , Gallagher Stephen , McMahon Jennifer
Published: August 2021

Autism evidence-based practices (EBPs) are those with demonstrated improved outcomes for students with autism across a range of skill areas, yet issues persist in adopting these in classroom settings- particularly in general education (GE) settings. This research aimed to identify teacher training, years of experience, access to allied professionals and knowledge and use of autism EBPs in GE settings in Ireland. 369 mainstream primary school teachers reported their characteristics and their knowledge and use of EBPs. Results indicated that the majority of teachers received little initial teacher education training in autism, almost no continuous professional development (CPD) before educating a child with autism, and received little support from allied professionals. Knowledge and use of EBPs differed significantly across teacher characteristics, with findings discussed in relation to teacher training.
Measuring the Impact of Bilingualism on Executive Functioning Via Inhibitory Control Abilities in Autistic Children
Authors: Montgomery Lewis , Chondrogianni Vicky , Fletcher-Watson Sue , Rabagliati Hugh , Sorace Antonella , Davis Rachael
Published: August 2021

One factor that may influence how executive functions develop is exposure to more than one language in childhood. This study explored the impact of bilingualism on inhibitory control in autistic (n = 38) and non-autistic children (n = 51). Bilingualism was measured on a continuum of exposure to investigate the effects of language environment on two facets of inhibitory control. Behavioural control of motor impulses was modulated positively through increased bilingual exposure, irrespective of diagnostic status, but bilingual exposure did not significantly affect inhibition involving visual attention. The results partially support the hypothesis that bilingual exposure differentially affects components of inhibitory control and provides important evidence for families that bilingualism is not detrimental to their development.
Critical parameters in cultivation of experimental biofilms using the example of Pseudomonas fluorescens
Authors: Reddersen Kirsten , Güllmar André , Tonndorf-Martini Silke , Sigusch Bernd W. , Ewald Andrea , Dauben Thomas J. , Martin Karin , Wiegand Cornelia
Published: August 2021

Formation and treatment of biofilms present a great challenge for health care and industry. About 80% of human infections are associated with biofilms including biomaterial centered infections, like infections of prosthetic heart valves, central venous catheters, or urinary catheters. Additionally, biofilms can cause food and drinking water contamination. Biofilm research focusses on application of experimental biofilm models to study initial adherence processes, to optimize physico-chemical properties of medical materials for reducing interactions between materials and bacteria, and to investigate biofilm treatment under controlled conditions. Exploring new antimicrobial strategies plays a key role in a variety of scientific disciplines, like medical material research, anti-infectious research, plant engineering, or wastewater treatment. Although a variety of biofilm models exist, there is a lack of standardization for experimental protocols, and designing experimental setups remains a challenge. In this study, a number of experimental parameters critical for material research have been tested that influence formation and stability of an experimental biofilm using the non-pathogenic model strain of Pseudomonas fluorescens. These parameters include experimental time frame, nutrient supply, inoculum concentration, static and dynamic cultivation conditions, material properties, and sample treatment during staining for visualization of the biofilm. It was shown, that all tested parameters critically influence the experimental biofilm formation process. The results obtained in this study shall support material researchers in designing experimental biofilm setups.
Occupational Stress and Catholic Priests: A Scoping Review of the Literature
Authors: Ruiz-Prada Miguel , Fernández-Salinero Samuel , García-Ael Cristina , Topa Gabriela
Published: August 2021

This study offers an exploratory review of the experience of stress and burnout syndrome among Catholic priests. Following Arksey and O’Malley's (Int J Soc Res Methodol 8(1):19–32, 2005, 10.1080/1364557032000119616)  protocol, a scoping study was conducted. Given the scarcity of studies found on the subject, a broad selection criterion  was used, which included quantitative, qualitative and mixed studies, literature reviews and comparative studies with other professions. The results reveal various risk factors: work overload among younger generations of priests, a sociocultural context that distrusts the clergy, neurotic, introverted, perfectionist and narcissistic personality styles, avoidant and complacent coping styles, living alone, not having sufficient support (especially from the Church authorities), excessive demands and lack of boundaries related to the priestly role and submissive obedience styles, among others. However, the studies reviewed also identified important protection factors: promoting optimism, an approach-based coping style and a collaborative way of resolving conflicts, frequent physical exercise, eating a balanced diet, finding time to rest, strengthening personal identity, social support (from parishioners, collaborators, colleagues, superiors) and leading an active spiritual life. Stress and burnout are associated with certain pathologies linked to smoking, alcoholism, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, anxiety and depression. Strengthening protective factors and minimizing the impact of risk factors would do much to improve the clergy’s occupational health.
30 years of IRMM-1027 reference materials for fissile material accountancy and control: development, production and characterisation
Authors: Jakopič Rožle , Toth Kalman , Bauwens Jeroen , Buják Renata , Hennessy Carmel , Kehoe Frances , Jacobsson Ulf , Richter Stephan , Aregbe Yetunde
Published: August 2021

The IRMM-1027 Large-sized dried (LSD) spikes are certified reference materials applied to measure the uranium and plutonium content of dissolved fuel solutions using isotope dilution mass spectrometry. High quality starting metals of uranium and plutonium are dissolved to produce a stock solution, which is dispensed into individual vials and dried down. The present spikes are mixtures of typically 50 mg 20% enriched U and 2 mg enriched 239Pu as dried nitrates, conditioned in an organic substance for stability. Each vial of an IRMM-1027 LSD spike comes with certified masses of uranium (235U and 238U) and 239Pu and isotopic composition with associated uncertainty. This article will discuss major developments since the production of the first batch of LSD spikes and will reflect on the current preparation and certification approaches.
Ensemble slice sampling
Authors: Karamanis Minas , Beutler Florian
Published: August 2021

Slice sampling has emerged as a powerful Markov Chain Monte Carlo algorithm that adapts to the characteristics of the target distribution with minimal hand-tuning. However, Slice Sampling’s performance is highly sensitive to the user-specified initial length scale hyperparameter and the method generally struggles with poorly scaled or strongly correlated distributions. This paper introduces Ensemble Slice Sampling (ESS), a new class of algorithms that bypasses such difficulties by adaptively tuning the initial length scale and utilising an ensemble of parallel walkers in order to efficiently handle strong correlations between parameters. These affine-invariant algorithms are trivial to construct, require no hand-tuning, and can easily be implemented in parallel computing environments. Empirical tests show that Ensemble Slice Sampling can improve efficiency by more than an order of magnitude compared to conventional MCMC methods on a broad range of highly correlated target distributions. In cases of strongly multimodal target distributions, Ensemble Slice Sampling can sample efficiently even in high dimensions. We argue that the parallel, black-box and gradient-free nature of the method renders it ideal for use in scientific fields such as physics, astrophysics and cosmology which are dominated by a wide variety of computationally expensive and non-differentiable models.
Assessment of ecosystem services provided by livestock agroecosystems in the tropics: a case study of tropical island environment of Guadeloupe
Authors: Gourdine J.-L. , Fourcot A. , Lefloch C. , Naves M. , Alexandre G.
Published: August 2021

The present study aims to assess (1) the ecosystem services (ES) provided by LFS and (2) the differential ES between local (Creole) and exotic breeds from pig, cattle and goat. The ES are defined as the benefits that humans derive from LFS. They were summarized in 12 ES indicators that cover services related to provisioning, ecological and socio-cultural aspects and territorial vitality. A total of 106 LFS units that covers the five agroecological zones of Guadeloupe were analysed. Functional typologies of LFS per species were created from surveys. The effect of breed on the ES indicators was tested. Results showed that the 40 pig LFS units were separated into 3 clusters that were differentiated in ES according to provisioning ES (cluster 1), cultural use and sale to the neighborhood (cluster 2) and pork self-consumption (cluster 3). The typology of the 57 farms with cattle distinguished 4 clusters with differences in ES provided in self-consumption (cluster1), ecological ES (cluster 2), socio-cultural ES for racing or draught oxen (cluster 3) and ES associated with territory vitality (cluster 4). The 66 goat LFS units were classified into 3 clusters different in ES concerning self-consumption (cluster 1), cultural aspects (cluster 2) and provisioning ES (cluster 3). Our study highlights that ES indicators are not breed dependent (P > 0.10) but rather livestock farming system dependent. The ES rely more on the rearing management than on the breed type, and up to now, there are no specifications in Guadeloupe to differentiate management between breeds.
Sorption and desorption kinetics of PFOS to pristine microplastic
Authors: Cormier Bettie , Borchet Flora , Kärrman Anna , Szot Marta , Yeung Leo W. Y. , Keiter Steffen H.
Published: August 2021

The sorption processes of persistent organic pollutants on microplastics particles are poorly understood. Therefore, the present study investigated the sorption processes of perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) on polyethylene (PE) microplastic particles (MPs) which are representing a prominent environmental pollutant and one of the most abundant microplastic polymers in the aquatic environment, respectively. The focus was set on the investigation of the impact of the particle size on PFOS sorption using four different PE MPs size ranges. The sorption kinetics for 6 months was studied with one selected size range of PE MPs. Besides, the desorption of PFOS from PE MPs under simulated digestive conditions was carried out by using artificial gut fluid mimicking the intestinal juice of fish. The investigation of the size effects of particles over 6 months demonstrated a linear increase of PFOS concentration sorbed onto PE with a decrease of the particle size. Thus, our findings implicate efficient sorption of PFOS onto PE MPs of different sizes. The results showed that PFOS desorbed from the PE MPs into the artificial gut fluid with a rate of 70 to 80%. Besides, a longer exposure of PE MPs to PFOS leads to a higher concentration adsorbed by PE MPs, which may favor the ingestion of higher concentration of PFOS, and thus represents a higher risk to transfer relevant concentrations of PFOS during digestion.
Biomonitoring of arsenic, cadmium and lead in two artisanal and small-scale gold mining areas in Zimbabwe
Authors: Rakete Stefan , Moonga Given , Wahl Anna-Maria , Mambrey Viola , Shoko Dennis , Moyo Dingani , Muteti-Fana Shamiso , Tobollik Myriam , Steckling-Muschack Nadine , Bose-O’Reilly Stephan
Published: August 2021

People living and working in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) areas are frequently exposed to elemental mercury (Hg), which is used for gold extraction. However, additional exposure to other toxic metals such as arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) may result from mining-related activities and could be ingested via dust, water or food. In these areas, only limited biomonitoring data is available for toxic metals other than Hg. In particular, data about the exposure to As, Cd and Pb is unavailable for the Zimbabwean population. Therefore, we conducted a cross-sectional study in two ASGM areas in Zimbabwe to evaluate the internal exposure to these metals. In total, urine and blood samples from 207 people that identified themselves as miners were collected and analysed for As and Cd in urine as well as Pb in blood by GF-AAS. Median levels (interquartile ranges in μg/l) of As and Pb were 9.7 μg/l (4.0, 18.5) and 19.7 μg/l (12.5, 34.5), respectively. The 25th percentile and the median for Cd were below the limit of detection (0.5 μg/l); the 75th percentile was at 0.9 μg/l. The results were compared to reference values found for the general population in the USA and Germany, and a significant number of participants exceeded these values (As, 33 %; Cd, 27 %; Pb, 32 %), indicating a relevant exposure to toxic metals. Although not representative for the Zimbabwean population, our results demonstrate that the exposure to toxic metals is relevant for the public health in Zimbabwe and requires further investigation.