bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spinodal decomposition in alkali feldspar studied by atom probe tomography
Authors: Petrishcheva Elena , Tiede Lisa , Schweinar Kevin , Habler Gerlinde , Li Chen , Gault Baptiste , Abart Rainer
Published: June 2020

We used atom probe tomography to complement electron microscopy for the investigation of spinodal decomposition in alkali feldspar. To this end, gem-quality alkali feldspar of intermediate composition with a mole fraction of $$a_{\text {K}}=0.43$$

a
K

=
0.43

of the K end-member was prepared from Madagascar orthoclase by ion-exchange with (NaK)Cl molten salt. During subsequent annealing at $$550\,^\circ \hbox {C}$$

550

∘

C

and close to ambient pressure the ion-exchanged orthoclase unmixed producing a coherent lamellar intergrowth of Na-rich and K-rich lamellae. The chemical separation was completed, and equilibrium Na–K partitioning between the different lamellae was attained within four days, which was followed by microstructural coarsening. After annealing for 4 days, the wavelength of the lamellar microstructure was $$\approx 17\,\hbox {nm}$$

≈
17

nm

and it increased to $$\approx 30\,\hbox {nm}$$

≈
30

nm

after annealing for 16 days. The observed equilibrium compositions of the Na-rich and K-rich lamellae are in reasonable agreement with an earlier experimental determination of the coherent solvus. The excess energy associated with compositional gradients at the lamellar interfaces was quantified from the initial wavelength of the lamellar microstructure and the lamellar compositions as obtained from atom probe tomography using the Cahn–Hilliard theory. The capability of atom probe tomography to deliver quantitative chemical compositions at nm resolution opens new perspectives for studying the early stages of exsolution. In particular, it helps to shed light on the phase relations in nm scaled coherent intergrowth.
Soft resilience: moisture-dependent lichen elasticity buffer herbivore trampling in cold alpine-tundra ecosystems
Authors: Heggenes Jan , Fagertun Christian , Odland Arvid , Bjerketvedt Dag K.
Published: June 2020

Herbivores may have extensive top-down effects in open grazing ecosystems, generating vegetation changes by grazing and trampling. Trampling effects are understudied, but may be a major ecological factor. In cold alpine-Arctic ecosystems grazing and trampling by wild tundra reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) may be particularly important in lichen-dominated heaths. Dry lichen are crushed by trampling, and it is estimated that volume loss of lichen trampled may be considerably larger than lichen volume eaten by reindeer. Humidity affects lichen pliability and elasticity, and thereby resilience to trampling. Although crucial for estimating lichen vegetation trampling loss, the relationship between humidity and lichen elasticity is not well known. We collected samples of three lichen speciesin naturaand in factorial experiments tested effects of species, levels of humidity (25, 70, 80, 90 and 100% RH) and temperatures (5 and 25 °C), on resilience to trampling (pressure resistance). The humidity:species interaction was the strongest factor increasing pressure resilience with increasing humidity, whereas temperature had small or no effects. Lichen elasticity increased rapidly above 70% RH. Consequently, when estimating lichen resources and potential trampling loss, number of dry days (less than 70% RH) should be estimated. This also has important ramifications for effects of climate change on the sustainability of reindeer populations.
Projected future changes in rainfall in Southeast Asia based on CORDEX–SEA multi-model simulations
Authors: Tangang Fredolin , Chung Jing Xiang , Juneng Liew , Supari  , Salimun Ester , Ngai Sheau Tieh , Jamaluddin Ahmad Fairudz , Mohd Mohd Syazwan Faisal , Cruz Faye , Narisma Gemma , Santisirisomboon Jerasorn , Ngo-Duc Thanh , Van Tan Phan , Singhruck Patama , Gunawan Dodo , Aldrian Edvin , Sopaheluwakan Ardhasena , Grigory Nikulin , Remedio Armelle Reca C. , Sein Dmitry V. , Hein-Griggs David , McGregor John L. , Yang Hongwei , Sasaki Hidetaka , Kumar Pankaj
Published: June 2020

This paper examines the projected changes in rainfall in Southeast Asia (SEA) in the twenty-first century based on the multi-model simulations of the Southeast Asia Regional Climate Downscaling/Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment–Southeast Asia (SEACLID/CORDEX–SEA). A total of 11 General Circulation Models (GCMs) have been downscaled using 7 Regional Climate Models (RCMs) to a resolution of 25 km × 25 km over the SEA domain (89.5° E–146.5° E, 14.8° S–27.0° N) for two different representative concentration pathways (RCP) scenarios, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5. The 1976–2005 period is considered as the historical period for evaluating the changes in seasonal precipitation of December–January–February (DJF) and June–July–August (JJA) over future periods of the early (2011–2040), mid (2041–2070) and late twenty-first century (2071–2099). The ensemble mean shows a good reproduction of the SEA climatological mean spatial precipitation pattern with systematic wet biases, which originated largely from simulations using the RegCM4 model. Increases in mean rainfall (10–20%) are projected throughout the twenty-first century over Indochina and eastern Philippines during DJF while a drying tendency prevails over the Maritime Continent. For JJA, projections of both RCPs indicate reductions in mean rainfall (10–30%) over the Maritime Continent, particularly over the Indonesian region by mid and late twenty-first century. However, examination of individual member responses shows prominent inter-model variations, reflecting uncertainty in the projections.
Factors influencing the need for recovery in employees with hearing loss: a cross-sectional study of health administrative data
Authors: van der Hoek-Snieders Hanneke E. M. , Boymans Monique , Sorgdrager Bas , Dreschler Wouter A.
Published: June 2020

Objective

Need for recovery is a predictor of work stress and health problems, but its underlying factors are not yet well understood. We aimed to identify hearing-related, work-related, and personal factors influencing need for recovery in hearing-impaired employees.

Methods

We retrospectively identified hearing-impaired employees (N = 294) that were referred to the Amsterdam University Medical Center between 2004 and 2019. Routinely obtained healthcare data were used, including a survey and hearing assessments. A directed acyclic graph was constructed, revealing the hypothesized structure of factors influencing need for recovery as well as the minimal set of factors needed for multiple regression analysis.

Results

Four variables were included in the regression analysis. In total, 46.1% of the variance in need for recovery was explained by the factors feeling that something should change at work (B = 19.01,p < 0.001), self-perceived listening effort (B = 1.84,p < 0.001), personal adaptations scale score (B = − 0.34,p < .001), and having a moderate/poor general health condition (B = 20.06,p < 0.001). Although degree of hearing loss was associated with self-perceived listening effort, the direct association between degree of hearing loss and need for recovery was not significant.

Conclusions

The results suggest that the way employees perceive their hearing loss and how they cope with it directly influence need for recovery, rather than their measured degree of hearing loss. Additionally, general health condition was found to be an independent factor for need for recovery. The results should be confirmed by future, longitudinal research.
Malignant teratoid tumor of the thyroid gland: an aggressive primitive multiphenotypic malignancy showing organotypical elements and frequent DICER1 alterations—is the term “thyroblastoma” more appropriate?
Authors: Agaimy Abbas , Witkowski Leora , Stoehr Robert , Cuenca Joseph Christopher Castillo , González-Muller Carlos Alberto , Brütting Alfred , Bährle Markus , Mantsopoulos Konstantinos , Amin Randa M. S. , Hartmann Arndt , Metzler Markus , Amr Samir S. , Foulkes William D. , Sobrinho-Simões Manuel , Eloy Catarina
Published: June 2020

Primary thyroid teratomas are exceedingly rare. Mature and immature variants recapitulate their gonadal counterparts (predilection for infants/children, triphasic germ layer differentiation, and favorable outcome). On the other hand, the so-called malignant teratomas affect predominantly adults and elderly, are highly aggressive, and, according to a few published cases, harborDICER1mutations. We describe three highly aggressive sporadic malignant teratoid thyroid tumors in 2 females (17 and 45 years) and one male (17 years). Histology showed triphasic neoplasms composed of solid nests of small primitive monomorphic cells embedded in a cellular stroma with primitive immature rhabdomyosarcoma-like (2) or pleomorphic sarcoma-like (1) phenotype. The third component was represented by TTF1+/PAX8+ primitive teratoid epithelial tubules reminiscent of primitive thyroid follicles and/or Wilms tumor, admixed with scattered respiratory- or enteric-type tubules, neuroepithelial rosettes, and fetal-type squamoid nests. Foci of cartilage were seen in two cases, but none contained mature organoid adult-type tissue or skin adnexa. SALL4 was expressed in the small cell (2) and stromal (1) component. Other germ cell markers were negative. Molecular testing revealed a known “hotspot” pathogenicDICER1mutation in two cases. In addition, case 1 had a missenseTP53variant. This type of thyroid malignancy is distinct from genuine teratomas. The immunoprofile suggests primitive thyroid- or branchial cleft-like differentiation. Given that “blastoma” is a well-accepted terminology in the spectrum of DICER1-associated malignancies, the term “thyroblastoma” might be more convenient for these malignant teratoid tumors of the thyroid gland. Relationship of thyroblastoma to the DICER1 syndrome remains to be addressed.
Preoperative biopsies as predictor for the necessity of inguinal lymph node surgery in squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva-a retrospective tertiary center analysis
Authors: Pahmeyer Caroline , Thangarajah Fabinshy , Ratiu Dominik , Schultheis Anne Maria , Schömig-Markiefka Birgid , Mallmann Peter , Morgenstern Bernd
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva (SQCV) is the fifth common cancer in women. Necessity of inguinal lymph node surgery depends on the depth of stromal invasion, inducing lymph node surgery, if depth of invasion is more than 1 mm. In this study we tested the prediction of stromal infiltration depth by measurements in preoperative biopsies.

Methods

We analyzed whether a different operative strategy in respect to lymph node surgery would have been chosen based on the pre- or postoperative depth of stromal invasion for each patient. Examination of infiltration depth in preoperative biopsies and surgical specimen were compared.

Results

In total 77 patients were included in this study. Of those 89.6% showed different depths of stromal invasion comparing the pre- and postoperative specimen. Within seventeen patients (22.1%) preoperative depth was 1 mm or less and a postoperative depth was > 1 mm.

Conclusion

We pointed, that only in 77.9% of the patients who should have undergo lymph node surgery based on the postoperative depth of infiltration underwent this procedure. Consequentially in 22.1% of the cases a second operation could not be prevented with a preoperative taken biopsy as indicator for the necessity of lymph node surgery.
Needle-type organic electrochemical transistor for spatially resolved detection of dopamine
Authors: Mariani Federica , Quast Thomas , Andronescu Corina , Gualandi Isacco , Fraboni Beatrice , Tonelli Domenica , Scavetta Erika , Schuhmann Wolfgang
Published: June 2020

In this work, the advantages of carbon nanoelectrodes (CNEs) and orgonic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) were merged to realise nanometre-sized, spearhead OECTs based on single- and double-barrel CNEs functionalised with a conducting polymer film. The needle-type OECT shows a high aspect ratio that allows its precise positioning by means of a macroscopic handle and its size is compatible with single-cell analysis. The device was characterised with respect to its electrolyte-gated behaviour and was employed as electrochemical sensor for the proof-of-concept detection of dopamine (DA) over a wide concentration range (10−12—10−6 M). Upon application of fixed drain and gate voltages (Vd = − 0.3 V, Vg = − 0.9 V, respectively), the nano-sized needle-type OECT sensor exhibited a linear response in the low pM range and from 0.002 to 7 μM DA, with a detection limit of 1 × 10−12 M.
Enhanced strength of cyclically preloaded arrays of pillars
Authors: Derda Tomasz , Domanski Zbigniew
Published: June 2020

Under compression, a cyclically precompressed nanopillar supports greater load than its as-fabricated counterpart. Such an improvement on mechanical properties takes place only when the preloading process is tuned carefully with regard to a particular pillar being tested. This experimental evidence raises a question: does a cyclic preloading applied simultaneously to an ensemble of nanopillars enhance the overall strength of the system? To answer this question, we simulate numerically cyclic loadings of pillars assembled into an array. Assuming that the pillars are characterized by random strength-thresholds $$\left\{ \sigma _{\mathrm{th}}\right\} $$

σ
th

, we demonstrate that quasi-statically compressed arrays with initial cycling process support higher load than the corresponding ones with no precompression. By applying the fibre bundle model, we evolve $$\left\{ \sigma _{\mathrm{th}}\right\} $$

σ
th

and estimate that the mean strengthening may attain 7–9% for an optimally tailored cycling.
The long-term consequence of salivary contamination at various stages of adhesive application and clinically feasible remedies to decontaminate
Authors: Nair Pooja , Ilie Nicoleta
Published: June 2020

Objective

To analyse the bond quality in dentine post-ageing after salivary contamination and decontamination at different stages of dental adhesive application.

Materials and methods

A total of 1120 human dentine specimens were randomly allocated to 14 groups for four intervals (n = 20) to be treated with a self-etching (SE) and universal (U) adhesive. The saliva contamination and decontamination were implemented after surface preparation, after primer application (for SE) and after adhesive curing. The decontamination groups were either rinsed and air-dried or rinsed, air-dried and reapplied with adhesive. They were stored (37 °C, distilled water) for four intervals (1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 1 year) and subjected to shear bond strength (SBS) test at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min.

Result

One-way ANOVA with Tukey’s test (α = 0.05) revealed significant reduction in SBS in all the groups in U adhesive compared with the control group at 1 week (p < 0.0001) and in SE when the contamination took place after primer application. However, decontamination improved the SBS in SE but not in U adhesive. The univariate analysis confirmed significant influences (p < 0.0001) seen by treatment procedure ($$ {\eta}_{\mathrm{p}}^2 $$

η
p
2

=0.075), type of adhesive ($$ {\eta}_{\mathrm{p}}^2 $$

η
p
2

 = 0.328), ageing ($$ {\eta}_{\mathrm{p}}^2 $$

η
p
2

 = 0.13), experimental groups ($$ {\eta}_{\mathrm{p}}^2 $$

η
p
2

 = 0.518), and the stage of influence ($$ {\eta}_{\mathrm{p}}^2 $$

η
p
2

 = 0.60).

Conclusion

Saliva contamination is detrimental after primer application in SE but, decontamination regained the SBS and maintained it over time. In U adhesive, SBS deteriorated over time irrespective of the contamination.

Clinical relevance

Salivary contamination showed different influences on SBS at various stages of restoration with contemporary dental adhesives.
Dysphagia in neurological diseases: a literature review
Authors: Panebianco M. , Marchese-Ragona R. , Masiero S. , Restivo D. A.
Published: June 2020

Dysphagia is defined as an impairment of this complex and integrated sensorimotor system. It is estimated that 400,000 to 800,000 individuals worldwide develop neurogenic dysphagia per year. Neurogenic dysphagia is typically occurring in patients with neurological disease of different etiologies. A correct and early diagnosis and an appropriate management of dysphagia could be useful for improving patient’s quality of life and may help to prevent or delay death. In the present review, we discuss thoroughly the anatomy and physiology of swallowing and also the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in impaired swallowing, as well as the diagnosis, management, and potential treatments of neurogenic dysphagia. Assessment of neurogenic dysphagia includes medical history, physical exam, and instrumental examinations (fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing, videofluoroscopic swallowing study, electromyography). Pharmacological treatment of these problems includes oral anticholinergic drugs. Surgical myotomy of the cricopharyngeal muscle showed an important improvement of oropharyngeal dysphagia associated to upper esophageal sphincter hyperactivity. Chemical myotomy of the upper esophageal sphincter by local injections of botulinum toxin type A into the cricopharyngeal muscle has been proposed as an alternative less invasive and less unsafe than surgical myotomy.
The Need for Monetary Financing of Corona Budget Deficits
Authors: De Grauwe Paul
Published: June 2020

Sooner or later, the ECB must accept that monetary financing in support of deficit spending is a necessity not just for mitigating the coronavirus crisis, but also for averting a downward deflationary cycle that could pull the eurozone apart.
Whither Coronabonds? The Past and Future of the EMU in the Coronavirus Pandemic
Authors: Herzog Bodo
Published: June 2020

The long-term fiscal and economic damage of eurobonds in a rule-based fiscal architecture — as history corroborates — would be greater than the historical challenge of the coronavirus pandemic, unless there is a political union in Europe.
SURE — EU Capacity for Stabilising Employment and Incomes in the Pandemic
Authors: Andor László
Published: June 2020

On 2 April 2020, the European Commission (2020) duly put forward a proposal for the creation of a European instrument for temporary Support to mitigate Unemployment Risks in an Emergency (SURE). This bold and innovative move must be welcome, but the actual profile of this new instrument requires clarification to avoid misunderstandings, false expectations and eventual disappointment.
The Privilege of Working From Home at the Time of Social Distancing
Authors: Cetrulo Armanda , Guarascio Dario , Virgillito Maria Enrica
Published: June 2020

Although the common perception is that the pandemic is ‘the great equaliser’, workers’ tasks, contractual framework and position in the internal organisational hierarchy strongly affect their ability to work remotely.
Common Pitfalls in the Interpretation of COVID-19 Data and Statistics
Authors: Backhaus Andreas
Published: June 2020

Policymakers, experts and the general public heavily rely on the data that are being reported in the context of the coronavirus pandemic. Daily data releases on confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths provide information on the course of the pandemic.
Potential Output, EU Fiscal Surveillance and the COVID-19 Shock
Authors: Heimberger Philipp
Published: June 2020

This paper discusses how the technical foundations of the EU’s fiscal rules constrain the fiscal space in EU countries in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. We review the evidence on how estimates of potential output, which are at the heart of essential control indicators in EU fiscal surveillance, were revised in the ten years running up to the COVID-19 pandemic, and how these revisions affected the fiscal stance of EU countries. We provide first evidence for downward revisions in the European Commission’s potential output estimates against the background of the COVID-19 shock across the EU27 countries, and we assess the potential consequences in terms of fiscal space. According to our results, one additional percentage point in predicted losses of actual output is associated with a loss in potential output of about 0.6 percentage points. Given the importance of model-based estimates in the EU’s fiscal rules, avoiding pro-cyclical fiscal tightening will require that policymakers’ hands are not tied by overly pessimistic views on the development of potential output.
Great Green Transition and Finance
Authors: Kemfert Claudia , Schäfer Dorothea , Semmler Willi
Published: June 2020

European governments are struggling to regain economic strength in the coronavirus pandemic as in many countries the number of new infections seems to gradually subside. Growth rates deep in the red call for a reconstruction programme when the crisis is finally manageable and economic activity can resume. Amidst this, there are again influential groups that claim “this is not the time to insist on strict climate protection goals”. On the contrary, the ongoing COVID-19 crisis has clearly illustrated what climate disasters, often occurring locally, could do to the life of citizens. The reconstruction programme needs to initiate the great green transition. The transformation from a climate-distorting to a climate-protecting economy opens up investment opportunities and points to financing needs comparable with those necessary for the rebuilding of the European economy after World War II. The great green transition is a unique chance to pursue policies for a new and sustainable growth regime.
Coronavirus Crisis: Government Aid That Also Promotes Employee Ownership
Authors: Ellerman David P. , Gonza Tej
Published: June 2020

The premise of this paper is that state aid to distressed companies should benefit not only the current owners but also the employees, who are the ones taking personal risks to continue or restart companies. Government aid during the Great Recession was aimed primarily at restoring the status quo. In the current deeper crisis, aid should be designed to create a fairer, more inclusive and more socially responsible economy by promoting employee ownership as both an incentive and a reward. We show how the Employee Stock Ownership Plan, which has been pioneered in the US for 40 years and can be adapted to the European legal context, can be used as the vehicle for structuring this aid.
Competition, Technological Change and Productivity Gains: A Sectoral Analysis
Authors: Ciriani Stéphane , Jeanjean François
Published: June 2020

The empirical relationship between competition intensity and the rate of productivity growth across 30 sectors of the French economy between 1978 and 2015 displays an inverted U-shape. This implies that there exists an optimal level of competition for each sector, defined by the price markup that maximises the growth rate of hourly labour productivity. As there is a significant and strong positive correlation between optimal markups and technical progress rates in each sector, it follows that sectors with high technical progress require higher markups to maximise their labour productivity growth rate. The persistence of non-optimal markups in French sectors is associated with a 0.4% loss in aggregate annual labour productivity growth during the period (1.86%). French long-term productivity growth could have reached 2.25% had markups been at their optimal level. As a result, policies to foster innovation and productivity should aim at enabling the optimal level of markup (or market power), particularly in high-innovation sectors.
High Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography of Plant Ecdysteroids Coupled with Desorption Electrospray Ionisation–Ion Mobility–Time of Flight High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HPTLC/DESI/IM/ToFMS)
Authors: Claude E. , Tower M. , Lafont R. , Wilson I. D. , Plumb R. S.
Published: June 2020

The use of high performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) in combination with high resolution time of flight mass spectrometry (MS) for the detection, identification and imaging (HPTLC/MSI) of ecdysteroids (insect moulting hormones) present in a number of plant extracts obtained from members of the Silene family is demonstrated. DESI is shown to be a convenient method for the recovery of these polar polyhydroxylated steroids from the silica gel of the HPTLC plate for subsequent MS detection and imaging. The incorporation of an ion mobility separation (IMS) to the system to give HPTLC/IMS/MS provided additional drift time data which enabled more confident identification. Using HPTLC/DESI/IMS/MS, a range of ecdysteroids were detected and characterized in extracts of S. otitis, S nutans, S. maritime, S. viridiflora and S. fimbriata.
Evaluating causes of algorithmic bias in juvenile criminal recidivism
Authors: Miron Marius , Tolan Songül , Gómez Emilia , Castillo Carlos
Published: June 2020

In this paper we investigate risk prediction of criminal re-offense among juvenile defendants using general-purpose machine learning (ML) algorithms. We show that in our dataset, containing hundreds of cases, ML models achieve better predictive power than a structured professional risk assessment tool, the Structured Assessment of Violence Risk in Youth (SAVRY), at the expense of not satisfying relevant group fairness metrics that SAVRY does satisfy. We explore in more detail two possible causes of this algorithmic bias that are related to biases in the data with respect to two protected groups, foreigners and women. In particular, we look at (1) the differences in the prevalence of re-offense between protected groups and (2) the influence of protected group or correlated features in the prediction. Our experiments show that both can lead to disparity between groups on the considered group fairness metrics. We observe that methods to mitigate the influence of either cause do not guarantee fair outcomes. An analysis of feature importance using LIME, a machine learning interpretability method, shows that some mitigation methods can shift the set of features that ML techniques rely on away from demographics and criminal history which are highly correlated with sensitive features.
Welfare and Trade Effects of International Environmental Agreements
Authors: Montagna Catia , Pinto Avanti Nisha , Vlassis Nikolaos
Published: June 2020

We analyse the welfare effects of environmental policy arising from the formation of an international environmental agreement on the participating and non-participating countries and thus shed light on the potential incentives for a country to join such an agreement. Within aN-countryQ-goods general equilibrium framework under free-trade conditions, we consider unilateral and cooperative policy settings and, within the latter, country-specific and fully harmonized policies within the agreement. A key result of the paper is the emergence of a negative relationship, arising from terms of trade effects, between the welfare changes of the participating and non-participating countries following the formation of the agreement. These however do not result in a zero sum welfare outcome for the world as a whole.
Explaining Why There is Something Rather than Nothing
Authors: Brenner Andrew
Published: June 2020

It is sometimes supposed that, in principle, we cannot offer an explanation for why there is something rather than nothing. I argue that this supposition is a mistake, and stems from a needlessly myopic conception of the form explanations can legitimately take. After making this more general point, I proceed to offer a speculative suggestion regarding one sort of explanation which can in principle serve as an answer to the question “why is there something rather than nothing?” The suggestion is that there may be something rather than nothing in virtue of the truth of certain sorts of subjunctive conditionals.
Understanding Technology as Situated Practice: Everyday use of Voice User Interfaces Among Diverse Groups of Users in Urban India
Authors: Kendall Linus , Chaudhuri Bidisha , Bhalla Apoorva
Published: June 2020

As smartphones have become ubiquitous across urban India, voice user interfaces (VUIs) are increasingly becoming part of diverse groups of users’ daily experiences. These technologies are now generally accessible as a result of improvements in mobile Internet access, [-8.5pc]Biography is Required. Please provide. introduction of low-cost smartphones and the ongoing process of their localisation into Indian languages. However, when people engage with technologies in their everyday lives, they not only enact the material attributes of the artifact but also draw on their skills, social positions, prior experience and societal norms and expectations to make use of the artifact. Drawing on Orlikowski’s analytical framework of “technologies-in-practice” we engage in an interview-based exploratory study among diverse groups of users in urban India to understand use of VUIs as situated practice. We identify three technologies-in-practice emerging through enactment of VUIs on users’ smartphones: looking up, learning and leisure. We argue that – instead of asking why and how users appropriate VUIs – identifying different kinds of enactments of VUIs present researchers and practitioners with a more nuanced understanding of existing and potential use of VUIs across varied contexts.
Herbivory by aboveground insects impacts plant root morphological traits
Authors: Heinze Johannes
Published: June 2020

Aboveground herbivory induces physiological responses, like the release of belowground chemical defense and storage of secondary metabolites, as well as physical responses in plants, like increased root biomass production. However, studies on effects of aboveground herbivory on root morphology are scarce and until now no study tested herbivory effects under natural conditions for a large set of plant species. Therefore, in a field experiment on plant–soil interactions, I investigated the effect of aboveground insect herbivory on root morphological traits of 20 grassland plant species. For 9 of the 20 species, all individuals showed shoot damage in the presence of insect herbivores, but no damage in insect herbivore exclusions. In these 9 species root biomass increased and root morphological traits changed under herbivory towards thinner roots with increased specific root surface. In contrast, the remaining species did not differ in the number of individuals damaged, root biomass nor morphological traits with herbivores present vs. absent. The fact that aboveground herbivory resulted in thinner roots with increased specific root surface area for all species in which the herbivore exclusion manipulation altered shoot damage might indicate that plants increase nutrient uptake in response to herbivory. However, more importantly, results provide empirical evidence that aboveground herbivory impacts root morphological traits of plants. As these traits are important for the occupation of soil space, uptake processes, decomposition and interactions with soil biota, results suggest that herbivory-induced changes in root morphology might be of importance for plant–soil feedbacks and plant–plant competition.
137Cs, 40K, and K in raw and stir-fried mushrooms from the Boletaceae family from the Midu region in Yunnan, Southwest China
Authors: Falandysz Jerzy , Zhang Ji , Saniewski Michał
Published: June 2020

The parallel batches of the same species and geographical origin mushrooms both raw and stir-fried were investigated to get an insight into the content and intake of 137Cs, 40K, and K from mushroom meals. The Boletaceae family species (Baorangia bicolor, Boletus bainiugan, Butyriboletus roseoflavus, Retiboletus griseus, Rugiboletus extremiorientalis, and Sutorius magnificus) were collected from the Midu County (Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture) in 2018. The activity concentrations of 137Cs in the caps of dried raw mushrooms were in the range 14 ± 1 Bq kg−1 dry biomass (db) (R. griseus) to 34 ± 2 Bq kg−1 db (R. extremiorientalis), and in stems from 16 ± 1 Bq kg−1 db (B. bicolor and B. bainiugan) to 23 ± 1 Bq kg-1 db (R. extremiorientalis). The mean activity concentration in the whole fruiting bodies in all six species was 18 ± 4 Bq kg-1 db. The activity concentrations of 137Cs were roughly the same in both dehydrated materials, stir-fried, and raw mushrooms, while the contents of 40K and stable K were around 2- to 3-fold smaller in stir-fried than raw product. The raw and stir-fried mushrooms on a whole (wet) weight basis showed activity concentrations of 137Cs in the range from 1.2 to 3.2 Bq kg−1 ww (mean 1.9 ± 0.6 Bq kg−1 ww) and 6.0 to 9.4 Bq kg−1 ww (mean 7.0 ± 1.2 Bq kg−1 ww), respectively. Evidently, when expressed on a whole (wet) weight basis, the cooked mushrooms showed on average around 3.5-fold greater activity concentration of 137Cs when compared with raw mushrooms. The 137Cs, 40K, and total K enrichment in stir-frying (in a whole (wet) weight basis for the meal), confronted with the results for dehydrated raw and fried mushrooms, show the direct correlation with loss of mass (largely moisture) during the cooking procedure but not much of 137Cs and 40K. Edible wild mushrooms from Yunnan were little contaminated with radiocaesium. As assessed, the mean radioactivity dose from natural 40K in around 9.3-fold exceeded the dose obtained for artificial 137Cs from stir-fried mushroom meals, which both were very low doses.
Hypothermic circulatory arrest induced coagulopathy: rotational thromboelastometry analysis
Authors: Ise Hayato , Kitahara Hiroto , Oyama Kyohei , Takahashi Keiya , Kanda Hirotsugu , Fujii Satoshi , Kunisawa Takayuki , Kamiya Hiroyuki
Published: June 2020

Objectives

Hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA) has been considered to cause coagulopathy during cardiac surgery. However, coagulopathy associated with HCA has not been understood clearly in details. The objective of this study is to analyze the details of coagulopathy related to HCA in cardiac surgery by using rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 38 patients who underwent elective cardiac surgery (HCA group = 12, non-HCA group = 26) in our hospital. Blood samples were collected before and after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Standard laboratory tests (SLTs) and ROTEM were performed. We performed four ROTEM assays (EXTEM, INTEM, HEPTEM and FIBTEM) and analyzed the following ROTEM parameters: clotting time (CT), clot formation time (CFT), maximum clot firmness (MCF) and maximum clot elasticity (MCE). The amount of perioperative bleeding, intraoperative transfusion and perioperative data were compared between the HCA and non-HCA group.

Results

Operation time and hemostatic time were significantly longer in the HCA group, whereas CPB time had no difference between the groups. The amount of perioperative bleeding and intraoperative transfusion were much higher in the HCA group. SLTs showed no difference between the groups both after anesthesia induction and after protamine reversal. In ROTEM analysis, MCE contributed by platelet was reduced in the HCA group, whereas MCE contributed by fibrinogen had no difference.

Conclusion

Our study confirmed that the amount of perioperative bleeding and intraoperative transfusion were significantly higher in the HCA group. ROTEM analysis would indicate that clot firmness contributed by platelet component is reduced by HCA in cardiac surgery.
Mapping endocrine toxicity spectrum of immune checkpoint inhibitors: a disproportionality analysis using the WHO adverse drug reaction database, VigiBase
Authors: Bai Xuefeng , Lin Xiahong , Zheng Kainan , Chen Xiaoyu , Wu Xiaohong , Huang Yinqiong , Zhuang Yong
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Our study aimed to map endocrine toxicity spectrum of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs).

Methods

We obtained data from VigiBase, between January 1, 2011 and March 6, 2019. All endocrine adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were classified by group queries according to the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities. Disproportionality analysis was performed with information component (IC) and reporting odds ratio (ROR). We used IC to identify meaningful endocrinopathies associated with ICIs and ROR to compare differences between ICI subgroups of ADRs. IC025 (lower end of the 95% confidence interval of IC) is considered significant if larger than 0.

Results

In all, 6089 reports for endocrinopathies associated with ICIs were involved, with a male to female ratio of 1.5:1. The disproportionality analysis indicated significance of not only common endocrinopathies: thyroid dysfunction, hypophysitis/hypopituitarism, adrenal insufficiency, T1DM, fulminant T1DM (IC025: 4.12–6.62), but also rare endocrinopathies: hypoparathyroidism, diabetes insipidus, hypogonadism (IC025: 1.56–2.04). Increased risk of ADR reporting emerged in anti-CTLA-4 (e.g., hypophysitis/hypopituitarism, adrenal insufficiency) or in anti-PD-1/PD-L1 (e.g., thyroid dysfunction, T1DM, fulminant T1DM). In general, combination therapy (anti-CTLA-4 plus anti-PD-1/PD-L1) had a stronger association with endocrinopathies than monotherapy (ROR: 2.8, 95% CI: 2.5–3.1). Onset time of common endocrinopathies differed between different ICI therapies, typically within 12 weeks in anti-CTLA-4 monotherapy but diffusely ranging from 0 to 48 weeks in anti-PD-1 monotherapy.

Conclusions

Our study shows rising reporting frequencies of endocrinopathies caused by ICIs, especially aggravated in combination therapy. Clinicians should be early aware of latent endocrine toxicity and different onset time of endocrinopathies when implementing ICI therapies.
Thyroid disease in the time of COVID-19
Authors: Dworakowska Dorota , Grossman Ashley B.
Published: June 2020

The novel coronavirus disease COVID-19 is produced by SARS-CoV-2. WHO has declared COVID-19 as a public health emergency, with the most susceptible populations (requiring ventilation) being the elderly, pregnant women and people with associated co-morbidities including heart failure, uncontrolled diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma and cancer. However, such general guidance does not provide information regarding COVID-19 risks in patients with suffering from pre-existing thyroid problems, and furthermore, we do not know whether patients with COVID-19 (symptomatic or without symptoms), who have not previously had thyroid issues develop endocrine thyroid dysfunction after infection. The European Society for Endocrinology recently published a statement on COVID-19 and endocrine diseases (Endocrine, 2020); however, thyroid diseases were not mentioned specifically. We have therefore reviewed the current literature on thyroid diseases (excluding cancer) and COVID-19, including data from the previous coronavirus pandemic caused by the SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV), a member of the same family Coronaviridae leading to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). At the moment there are no data suggesting that thyroid patients are at higher risk of COVID-19, but this requites further research and data analysis.
Iron index as an organic matter decay intensity indicator in a shallow groundwater system highly contaminated with phenol (case study in northern Poland)
Authors: Pierri Dorota , Czop Mariusz
Published: June 2020

The decay of organic matter of anthropogenic origin in a highly contaminated shallow groundwater system occurs permanently regardless of the availability of oxygen. Oxidation of organic matter smoothly changes from aerobic to anaerobic and vice versa. Hydrogeochemical transformations occurring in the interior of the contaminant plume are conditioned by the position in the 3D zone of the so-called “redox reactor” and its edge. The primary reaction initiating the decay of organic matter (TOC max 1620 mg/L, phenol max 613 mg/L) is its aerobic oxidation. In the case of the consumption of free oxygen, the decay undergoes anaerobic oxidation, where the source of electrons are oxides and hydroxides (MnO2, Fe(OH)3). As a result of these reactions, mobile ions Mn2+ and Fe2+ pass into the aqueous environment creating a concentration anomaly (max 15 mg/L for Mn2+, 673 mg/L for Fe2+). The presence of Fe2+ in groundwater is crucial. A strong correlation between the organic matter decay processes and concentration of the Fe2+ showed that “iron index” may be a preliminary marker for the hydrogeochemical recognition of aquifer and allows to diagnose zones with an intense organic matter decay, especially by anaerobic oxidation through redox reactions. At the edge of the “redox reactor” redox sensitive metals (Fe2+, Mn2+ and also Cu2+, Cr3+, Hg2+) undergo aerobic oxidation due to the access of oxygen as a result of mixing of contaminated groundwater and oxygenated pure Quaternary water. These transformations produce oxides and hydroxides (MnO2, Fe(OH)3)—new reaction products, however, are used for anaerobic oxidation of organic matter. Organic matter decay is an cyclic system of redox processes up to the full decay of pollutants and generation of the anomalously high concentrations of redox sensitive metals in the ground.
Making a Lecture Stick: the Effect of Spaced Instruction on Knowledge Retention in Medical Education
Authors: Timmer Marnix C. J. , Steendijk Paul , Arend Sandra M. , Versteeg Marjolein
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Poor knowledge retention is a persistent problem among medical students. This challenging issue may be addressed by optimizing frequently used instructional designs, such as lectures. Guided by neuroscientific literature, we designed a spaced learning lecture in which the educator repeats the to-be-learned information using short temporal intervals. We investigated if this modified instructional design could enhance students’ retention.

Materials and Methods

Second-year medical students (n= 148) were randomly allocated to either the spaced lecture or the traditional lecture. The spaced lecture consisted of three 15-min instructional periods, separated by 5-min intervals. A short summary of the preceding information was provided after each interval. The traditional lecture encompassed the same information including the summary in the massed format, thus without the intervals. All students performed a baseline knowledge test 2 weeks prior to the lectures and students’ knowledge retention was assessed 8 days after the lectures.

Results

The average score on the retention test (α= 0.74) was not significantly different between the spaced lecture group (33.8% ± 13.6%) and the traditional lecture group (31.8% ± 12.9%) after controlling for students’ baseline-test performance (F(1,104) = 0.566,p= 0.458). Students’ narrative comments showed that the spaced lecture format was well-received and subjectively benefitted their attention-span and cognitive engagement.

Discussion and Conclusion

We were unable to show increased knowledge retention after the spaced lecture compared with the traditional lecture. Based on these findings, we provide recommendations for further research. Ultimately, we aim for optimized spaced learning designs to facilitate learning in the medical curriculum and to help educate health professionals with a solid knowledge base.
What do people “like” on Facebook? Content marketing strategies used by retail bank brands in Australia and Singapore
Authors: Wang Pengji , McCarthy Breda
Published: June 2020

Previous research has yet to examine the effectiveness of social media content strategies in the financial services sector. This study advances knowledge of content strategies used by retail bank brands by examining how the type of message, the post format and the source of the content influence customer engagement independently and interactively. A total of 541 posts from the Facebook pages of ten banks in Australia and Singapore are analysed using multiple regressions. Results suggest that in the Singaporean sample, persuasive-only content and mixed content lead to more likes and emoji responses, whereas informative-only content is effective in generating comments and questions. Furthermore, videos and third-party sources strengthen the relationship between informative-only content and customer engagement. In the Australian sample, informative-only content and mixed content are more effective than persuasive content in engaging customers. The findings support an integrated view of content design and highlight the importance of adjusting the content strategy to suit the utilitarian nature of banking services and engage high-involvement customers.
OPENING UP TEXTS: FLAVIAN INTERACTIONS IN STATIUS’THEBAIDAND SILIUS ITALICUS’PVNICA
Authors: Agri Dalida
Published: June 2020

This article adopts a revisionist approach to the intertextual relationship between Statius’Thebaidand Silius Italicus’Punica, two contemporary Flavian epics that interact with one another (first centurya.d.). As such, this is not only an excellent illustration of intertextuality in action but also a prime example of how texts can be read in either direction depending on which takes precedence. Since both epics overlap in time, it is precisely the difficulty in establishing the direction of influence between the two poets that opens up texts in creative ways by allowing further readings. Of course, such an overlap calls for a shift in power from the author onto the reader in constructing meaning in text. However, textual evidence only allows us to do so much. It is my contention that Statius could not have interacted with Silius’Punicabeyonda.d.92, which is the year when he published hisThebaid. This is also the year when Silius is thought to have composed Book 12 of thePunica. Therefore, Statius could only effectively engage with Silius up toPunicaBook 12, it seems, while Silius carried on writing the remainder of his seventeen-book-long epic. Still, there is ample material from Statius’Thebaidand Silius’PunicaBooks 1–12 to explore in terms of mutual influence. A critical trend in Flavian scholarship has produced a list of parallels between the two epics showing Silius’ potential borrowing from Statius and vice versa. As recently discussed in Ripoll's study, the most significant parallel inviting close comparison is Hannibal's siege of Rome inPunicaBook 12 and Capaneus’ assault on Thebes inThebaidBook 10. In this article, I would like to return to these two specific episodes and read them alongside each other. The purpose of the reading is to evaluate whether this single interaction changes the model of how we think about the intertextual activity between Silius and Statius, before the final publication of theThebaidina.d.92, when Statius could still revise, amend and polish in the light of thePunica.
The Influence of Eusebius’ Chronicle on the Apologetic Treatises of Cyril of Alexandria and Augustine of Hippo
Authors: CRAWFORD MATTHEW R.
Published: June 2020

In the early fifth century, both Cyril of Alexandria and Augustine of Hippo used Eusebius of Caesarea'sChroniclein the writing of their respective apologetic treatises –Against Julianfor Cyril andThe city of Godfor Augustine. The present study compares the use that these two authors made of their predecessor and argues for two continuities between these acts of reception: the use of synchronisms between biblical and non-biblical history and the tracing of Mosaic monotheism through time. In both these respects, Cyril and Augustine were carrying forward themes of Christian apologetic that reached back to the second-century apologists.