bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Successful management of treatment resistant nail psoriasis with tildrakizumab
Authors: Simpson Kate , Low Zhi Mei , Howard Anne , Kern Johannes S
Published: June 2021

Nail psoriasis significantly impacts quality of life and is notoriously difficult to treat. Tildrakizumab, an IL‐23 inhibitor, has shown significant clinical improvement in the treatment of moderate‐to‐severe chronic plaque psoriasis. We report 2 cases of treatment resistant nail psoriasis which showed marked improvement with the use of off‐label tildrakizumab. The dosing regimen utilised was consistent with that used to treat chronic plaque psoriasis, with 100 mg subcutaneously at Day 0 and Week 4, and maintenance dosing of 100 mg every 12 weeks thereafter. Significant improvement at 6 and 12 months, as per the modified Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (mNAPSI) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), was seen. There have been no tildrakizumab related side effects observed to date. Tildrakizumab appears to be an effective option in managing treatment resistant nail psoriasis.
Advances in exosome therapies in ophthalmology–From bench to clinical trial
Authors: Sanghani Amisha , Andriesei Petru , Kafetzis Konstantinos N. , Tagalakis Aristides D. , Yu‐Wai‐Man Cynthia
Published: June 2021

During the last decade, the fields of advanced and personalized therapeutics have been constantly evolving, utilizing novel techniques such as gene editing and RNA therapeutic approaches. However, the method of delivery and tissue specificity remain the main hurdles of these approaches. Exosomes are natural carriers of functional small RNAs and proteins, representing an area of increasing interest in the field of drug delivery. It has been demonstrated that the exosome cargo, especially miRNAs, is at least partially responsible for the therapeutic effects of exosomes. Exosomes deliver their luminal content to the recipient cells and can be used as vesicles for the therapeutic delivery of RNAs and proteins. Synthetic therapeutic drugs can also be encapsulated into exosomes as they have a hydrophilic core, which makes them suitable to carry water‐soluble drugs. In addition, engineered exosomes can display a variety of surface molecules, such as peptides, to target specific cells in tissues. The exosome properties present an added advantage to the targeted delivery of therapeutics, leading to increased efficacy and minimizing the adverse side effects. Furthermore, exosomes are natural nanoparticles found in all cell types and as a result, they do not elicit an immune response when administered. Exosomes have also demonstrated decreased long‐term accumulation in tissues and organs and thus carry a low risk of systemic toxicity. This review aims to discuss all the advances in exosome therapies in ophthalmology and to give insight into the challenges that would need to be overcome before exosome therapies can be translated into clinical practice.
Video games, frustration, violence, and virtual reality: Two studies
Authors: Ferguson Christopher J. , Gryshyna Anastasiia , Kim Jung Soo , Knowles Emma , Nadeem Zainab , Cardozo Izabela , Esser Carolin , Trebbi Victoria , Willis Emily
Published: June 2021

The degree to which the content of video games influences aggression continues to be debated in the scholarly literature. The current article includes two studies, one of which replicates one study from Przybylski et al. (2014, J. Pers. Soc. Psychol., 106, 441) and the other which extends related concepts into virtual reality. In the first study, two versions of Tetris were examined, differing in levels of difficulty. In the second study, participants played virtual reality games which differed in regard to difficulty and violent content. Difficulty increased hostility in the second study but not the first. Violent content influenced neither hostility nor aggressive behaviour. Results partially supported the frustration theory of aggression, but not theories of violent content effects. Implications for the field are discussed.
Assessing conservation status with extensive but low‐resolution data: Application of frequentist and Bayesian models to endangered Athabasca River rainbow trout
Authors: Post John R. , Ward Hillary G. M. , Wilson Kyle L. , Sterling George L. , Cantin Ariane , Taylor Eric B.
Published: June 2021

Use of extensive but low‐resolution abundance data is common in the assessment of species at‐risk status based on quantitative decline criteria under International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and national endangered species legislation. Such data can be problematic for 3 reasons. First, statistical power to reject the null hypothesis of no change is often low because of small sample size and high sampling uncertainty leading to a high frequency of type II errors. Second, range‐wide assessments composed of multiple site‐specific observations do not effectively weight site‐specific trends into global trends. Third, uncertainty in site‐specific temporal trends and relative abundance are not propagated at the appropriate spatial scale. A common result is the propensity to underestimate the magnitude of declines and therefore fail to identify the appropriate at‐risk status for a species. We used 3 statistical approaches, from simple to more complex, to estimate temporal decline rates for a designatable unit (DU) of rainbow trout in the Athabasca River watershed in western Canada. This DU is considered a native species for purposes of listing because of its genetic composition characterized as >0.95 indigenous origin in the face of continuing introgressive hybridization with introduced populations in the watershed. Analysis of abundance trends from 57 time series with a fixed‐effects model identified 33 sites with negative trends, but only 2 were statistically significant. By contrast, a hierarchical linear mixed model weighted by site‐specific abundance provided a DU‐wide decline estimate of 16.4% per year and a 3‐generation decline of 93.2%. A hierarchical Bayesian mixed model yielded a similar 3‐generation decline trend of 91.3% and the posterior distribution showed that the estimate had a >99% probability of exceeding thresholds for an endangered listing. We conclude that the Bayesian approach was the most useful because it provided a probabilistic statement of threshold exceedance in support of an at‐risk status recommendation.
Combat, casualties, and compensation: Evidence from Iraq and Afghanistan
Authors: Armey Laura , Kniesner Thomas J. , Leeth John D. , Sullivan Ryan
Published: June 2021

Our research examines the effect of combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan on casualties and combat exposure compensation policy. We use restricted data from the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) and Social Security Administration (SSA) to construct a panel of all US Active Duty service members having served at some point during the years 2001–2012. Casualties disproportionately occur at higher rates among (i) young, white, males, (ii) enlisted personnel, (iii) less educated personnel, and (iv) those in combat job types. Our estimates indicate that overall US military personnel who deployed in an individual year to Iraq or Afghanistan had a 45 per 100,000 higher probability of death than non‐deployed military personnel who remained stateside. The increased fatal injury risk of deployed US military personnel is 15 times higher than the national average civilian workplace fatality rate, but roughly equal to the fatal injury risk faced in some of the most dangerous civilian occupations. Our estimates suggest a compensating wage differential equal to $861 per month would be appropriate in comparison to the current average of $1238 per month in danger pay provided to US military personnel deployed into combat zones. We recommend a revenue‐neutral approach in adjusting the pay structure for military members. For example, the military should consider increasing bonuses or base pay while simultaneously decreasing danger pay by an equivalent amount. Furthermore, it may be beneficial to adjust danger pay by service or job type to reflect fatality risk more accurately.
The bias of growth opportunity
Authors: Gong Cynthia M. , Li Xindan , Luo Di , Zhao Huainan
Published: June 2021

The bias of growth opportunity (BGO), measured as the difference between market and fundamental values of a firm's growth opportunity, has an ability to predict future stock returns. In the portfolio sort, downward‐biased BGO firms earn higher returns than upward‐biased ones, which is unexplained by the common asset pricing models. Cross‐sectional regression results also confirm BGO's power in predicting stock returns. To explain the anomaly, we show that the BGO premium is more pronounced when investor sentiment is high or when limits‐to‐arbitrage is severe, which suggests that the is more likely to capture behavioural biases than systematic risk.
Ubiquitin signaling in the control of centriole duplication
Authors: Badarudeen Binshad , Anand Ushma , Mukhopadhyay Swarnendu , Manna Tapas K.
Published: June 2021

The centrosome plays an essential role in maintaining genetic stability, ciliogenesis and cell polarisation. The core of the centrosome is made up of two centrioles that duplicate precisely once during every cell cycle to generate two centrosomes that are required for bipolar spindle assembly and chromosome segregation. Abundance of centriole proteins at optimal levels and their recruitment to the centrosome are tightly regulated in time and space in order to restrict aberrant duplication of centrioles, a phenomenon that is observed in many cancers. Recent advances have conclusively shown that dedicated ubiquitin ligase‐dependent protein degradation machineries are involved in governing centriole duplication. These studies revealed intricate mechanistic insights into how the ubiquitin ligases target different centriole proteins. In certain cases, a specific ubiquitin ligase targets a number of substrate proteins that co‐regulate centriole assembly, prompting the possibility that substrate‐targeting occurs during formation of the sub‐centriolar structures. There are also instances where a specific centriole duplication protein is targeted by several ubiquitin ligases at different stages of the cell cycle, suggesting synchronised actions. Recent evidence also indicated a direct association of E3 ubiquitin ligase with the centrioles, supporting the notion that substrate‐targeting occurs in the organelle itself. In this review, we highlight these advances by underlining the mechanisms of how different ubiquitin ligase machineries control centriole duplication and discuss our views on their coordination.
Artificial night light and anthropogenic noise interact to influence bird abundance over a continental scale
Authors: Wilson Ashley A. , Ditmer Mark A. , Barber Jesse R. , Carter Neil H. , Miller Eliot T. , Tyrrell Luke P. , Francis Clinton D.
Published: June 2021

The extent of artificial night light and anthropogenic noise (i.e., “light” and “noise”) impacts is global and has the capacity to threaten species across diverse ecosystems. Existing research involving impacts of light or noise has primarily focused on noise or light alone and single species; however, these stimuli often co‐occur and little is known about how co‐exposure influences wildlife and if and why species may vary in their responses. Here, we had three aims: (1) to investigate species‐specific responses to light, noise, and the interaction between the two using a spatially explicit approach to model changes in abundance of 140 prevalent bird species across North America, (2) to investigate responses to the interaction between light exposure and night length, and (3) to identify functional traits and habitat affiliations that explain variation in species‐specific responses to these sensory stimuli with phylogenetically informed models. We found species that responded to noise exposure generally decreased in abundance, and the additional presence of light interacted synergistically with noise to exacerbate its negative effects. Moreover, the interaction revealed negative emergent responses for several species that only reacted when light and noise co‐occurred. Additionally, an interaction between light and night length revealed 47 species increased in abundance with light exposure during longer nights. In addition to modifying behavior with optimal temperature and potential foraging opportunities, birds might be attracted to light, yet suffer inadvertent physiological consequences. The trait that most strongly related to avian response to light and noise was habitat affiliation. Specifically, species that occupy closed habitat were less tolerant of both sensory stressors compared to those that occupy open habitat. Further quantifying the contexts and intrinsic traits that explain how species respond to noise and light will be fundamental to understanding the ecological consequences of a world that is ever louder and brighter.
Physical, chemical, and biological investigations of composites for biomedical applications
Authors: Das Apurba , Bhardwaj Aman , Rabha Susmita , Pandey Lalit M. , Dobbidi Pamu
Published: June 2021

In this article, the interplay between structural, electrical, and surface properties in determining the collective behavior of(hydroxyapatite, HAP) and(strontium titanate, ST) composites was reported. The monoliths HAP and ST were synthesized using sol‐gel and solid‐state reaction, respectively, and were mixed in different atomic concentrations (20, 40, 60, and 80 at.%) to prepare a series of composites. The prepared composites were then subjected to x‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman analysis for probing the microstructural aspects. The analysis revealed no evidence of a phase that the reaction between the two monoliths might form. The crystallite sizes were in the range of 27.2–37.3 nm, and it increased with the content of ST in the composites. The Raman analysis revealed the presence of rutilethat was later found to be the link in the display of bone‐like apatite nucleation ability in the monolith ST and its composites. The FESEM analysis revealed that the grain sizes were 64–144 nm between the monoliths and were found to follow a similar trend to the crystallite size. The dielectric constantvaried with temperature ranging from 5 to 35 (1 MHz) at 310 K for all the specimens. The dependence ofon the grain size of the composites followed a nearly exponential relation. The bone‐like apatite forming ability of the composites was studied by incubating the specimens in simulated body fluid (SBF). Additionally, the cytocompatibility (MG63 cell lines) and protein adsorption (bovine serum albumin [BSA]) of the selected specimens were also studied to comprehensively understand the delicate relationship between the electrical and biological properties. The protein adsorption was primarily related to the surface charge, and its dependence was found to be linear. Additionally, theof the composites was ≤35, which compliments the protein adsorption behavior of the specimens. The amount of adsorbed protein for all the specimens considered in this study was in the range of 3–32μ g/ml. Furthermore, the specimens exhibited excellent cell viability of more than 90%. Based on the physical and biological investigations, 20H‐80S was established as the best specimen that blends the characteristic feature of both the monoliths. Finally, the TEM and STEM mapping of the best specimen, projecting the suitability of 20H‐80S in the design of electrically active scaffolds and possibly bioelectrets for biomedical applications, was also studied.
The implications of threat for blind and constructive patriots and immigration attitudes
Authors: Esqueda Cynthia Willis , Schlosser Madeline J.
Published: June 2021

Immigration attitudes are influenced by types of patriotism and the perceived threat that immigrants pose. Previous research indicated realistic and symbolic threat mediates the relationships between blind and constructive patriotism types and anti‐immigration attitudes in different ways. In two studies, the purpose was to replicate the mediating role of realistic and symbolic threat for the relationship between patriotism types and anti‐immigration attitudes, and to determine if inducing threat in constructive patriots would result in immigration attitudes like that of blind patriots. In both studies, hypotheses were confirmed. Blind patriotism predicts realistic threat, symbolic threat, and anti‐immigration attitudes. Realistic and symbolic threats provided moderated mediation between blind patriotism and anti‐immigration attitudes. Constructive patriotism negatively predicts anti‐immigration attitudes, but realistic and symbolic threats provide complete mediation for this relationship. The introduction of threatening information on future demographic changes had no impact on the relationship between blind patriotism, realistic and symbolic threats, and anti‐immigration attitude. However, the introduction of demographic threat modified the relationship for constructive patriots, leaving no predictive negative relationship with realistic threat, symbolic threat, or anti‐immigration attitude. The findings are important for understanding ethnic threat and the motivations to oppose immigrants in a changing United States.
Sleep improvement intervention and its effect on patients’ sleep on the ward
Authors: Ritmala‐Castren Marita , Salanterä Sanna , Holm Anu , Heino Minna , Lundgrén‐Laine Heljä , Koivunen Marita
Published: June 2021

Aim and objective

The aim of the study was to investigate how the sleep improvement interventions developed for the wards were associated with patients’ sleep. The objective was to promote patients’ sleep.

Background

The quality of sleep is vital for patients’ health and recovery from illness. However, patients generally sleep poorly during hospitalisation. Sleep‐disturbing factors are connected to the hospital environment, patients’ physical illness, emotional state and the activities of the staff. Many sleep‐disturbing factors can be influenced by appropriate nursing interventions.

Design

A two‐group intervention study including the development of nursing interventions aimed at supporting patients’ sleep. One group received a sleep promotion intervention and the other received standard care. Both groups evaluated their sleep in the morning.

Methods

A survey of participants’ sleep evaluations was collected with the five‐item Richards‐Campbell Sleep Questionnaire. The data were analysed statistically. The STROBE checklist was used to report the study.

Results

From the participants’ perspective, sleep was better in the intervention group, even though statistically significantly only among men. The pain intensity correlated with sleep quality. The number of patients in the room or whether participants had had an operation had no effect on their sleep evaluations.

Conclusions

Interventions targeted at supporting and promoting the sleep quality of hospital inpatients may be effective. They should be developed in collaboration with patients and nurses. Several nursing interventions can be proposed to promote better sleep among patients; however, more research is needed to confirm the results. Sleep promotion should include both standardised protocols and individualised sleep support.

Relevance to clinical practice

Investing in nursing interventions to promote patients’ sleep is important. Patients’ individual sleep‐related needs should be part of their care plan. Training programmes that support nurses’ knowledge and skills of patients’ sleep promotion should be part of nursing education in healthcare organisations.
The effect of vitamin E treatment on selected immune and oxidative parameters in Kivircik ewes suffering from transport stress
Authors: Danyer Erdem , Bilal Tanay , Altiner Ayşen , Aytekin İsmail , Atalay Hasan
Published: June 2021

The study aimed to investigate the effects of vitamin E injection for the prevention of transport stress on ewes. Kivircik ewes (2–3 years old, n = 24) were randomly separated into three groups; G1 (Control) and G2 treated with 14 ml. saline as the placebo, G3 treated with 2100 IU/ind. DL‐alpha‐tocopherol acetate prior to transport. G2 and G3 were transported at 80 km/h for 4 h on a truck. Serum samples were obtained before (T0) and after (T1) transport. Serum cortisol, catalase, IgG, ceruloplasmin, C‐reactive protein, complement component 4, interleukin‐1 beta, tumour necrosis factor‐alpha, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde analyses performed by ELISA, and serum alpha‐tocopherol concentrations were evaluated by HPLC‐UV. Wilcoxon and Kruskal–Wallis tests were used for statistical assessments (p < 0.05). Alpha‐tocopherol concentrations were founded 1.22 ± 0.82, 0.27 ± 0.14 and 0.14 ± 0.07 µmol/L, respectively, in G1, G2 and G3 at T1. Alpha‐tocopherol concentration decreased significantly in G2 between T0 and T1. GPx concentrations were increased twofold in G2 and G3 between T0 and T1 (p < 0.01). As a result, G2 alpha‐tocopherol concentrations decreased but, the stress and oxidative parameters tested in this study were not affected by treating 2100 IU/ind. DL‐alpha‐tocopherol acetate before transport.
Successful nutritional control of scratching and clinical signs associated with adverse food reaction: A randomized controlledCOSCAD'18 adherent clinical trial in dogs in the United Kingdom
Authors: Weemhoff James L. , MacLeay Jennifer M. , Brejda John , Schiefelbein Heidi , Wernimont Susan M. , Gross Kathy L.
Published: June 2021

Background

Adverse reactions to food are a common dermatological condition in dogs, requiring nutritional intervention using novel or hydrolysate protein‐based foods.

Objective

To evaluate a therapeutic food containing egg and phytonutrients in dogs with food allergies using an activity monitor and core outcome set for canine atopic dermatitis (COSCAD'18) in a controlled double‐masked, multicenter, prospective clinical trial.

Animals

Adult dogs with a history of adverse food reaction as diagnosed by a food elimination trial were recruited from general practices.

Methods

After a 21‐day baseline period, dogs were randomized to test or positive control (hydrolyzed protein) food for 21 days. Owner (pruritus visual analog score [PVAS], coat quality, food acceptance, and satisfaction) and veterinarian (canine atopic dermatitis lesion index [CADLI], physical examination) assessments were completed on days 0, 21, and 42. Dogs wore a collar‐mounted activity monitor to record sleep, scratching, and shaking behavior throughout the study. Statistical analysis included within‐group comparison to baseline and between‐group comparison at study end using a significance threshold of alpha = 0.05.

Results

At the end of the treatment period, all results were similar between groups for CADLI, PVAS, owner satisfaction, activity, and questionnaire data. Scores for hair dullness, brittleness, amount of dandruff, feces quality, and food acceptance were positive and were not statistically different between groups.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The therapeutic test food was well‐accepted and efficacious in managing signs of adverse reactions to food compared to baseline as well as compared to the positive control food.
Perturbation analysis of sub/super hedging problems
Authors: Badikov Sergey , Davis Mark H.A. , Jacquier Antoine
Published: June 2021

We investigate the links between various no‐arbitrage conditions and the existence of pricing functionals in general markets, and prove the Fundamental Theorem of Asset Pricing therein. No‐arbitrage conditions, either in this abstract setting or in the case of a market consisting of European Call options, give rise to duality properties of infinite‐dimensional sub‐ and super‐hedging problems. With a view towards applications, we show how duality is preserved when reducing these problems over finite‐dimensional bases. We also introduce a rigorous perturbation analysis of these linear programing problems, and highlight numerically the influence of smile extrapolation on the bounds of exotic options.
Almost sovereign: Kosovo's NEWBORN sculpture and the indeterminacy of the state
Authors: Boguslaw Alissa
Published: June 2021

In 2008, a giant yellow sculpture of the word ‘NEWBORN’ was built to celebrate Kosovo's independence. Every year, the designer repaints it to express a new theme, but his messaging is often challenged by anonymous pranks and other interventions. Creating uncertainty over NEWBORN's legitimacy and who has the right to repaint it, these contestations are significant because they echo the uncertainty over the Kosovo state, whose sovereignty is also in dispute. By analysing the relationship between the politics of the sculpture and the politics of the state, the article argues that the disruptions to NEWBORN not only reflect but also reconstitute Kosovo's sovereignty. Although it is generally viewed as the capacity of a state to self‐govern, by conceptualising sovereignty as recognition, authority and agency, the article demonstrates how citizens' agency transcends the state and the basis of its rule.
Phytohormones selectively affect plant parasitic nematodes associated with Arabidopsis roots
Authors: Sikder Md. Maniruzzaman , Vestergård Mette , Kyndt Tina , Kudjordjie Enoch Narh , Nicolaisen Mogens
Published: June 2021

Phytohormones may affect plant–nematode interactions directly as chemo‐attractants or ‐repellents, or indirectly through the root‐associated microbiome or through host defense mechanisms. However, the exact roles of phytohormones in these complex plant–soil–nematode interactions are not well understood.

We used Arabidopsis thaliana mutants impaired in phytohormone synthesis or sensitivity to elucidate their role in root–nematode interactions. As root‐associated microorganisms may modulate these interactions, we explored correlations between the relative abundances of root‐associated nematodes, and bacteria and fungi using amplicon sequencing.

We found distinct shifts in relative abundances of a range of nematode taxa in the A. thaliana phytohormone mutants. The root knot nematode Meloidogyne hapla, a sedentary endoparasitic species that is in intimate contact with the host, was highly enriched in JA‐, SA‐ and SL‐impaired lines, and in an ET‐insensitive line. Positive or negative correlations between specific microbial and nematode taxa were observed, but, as the inference of causal relationships between microbiome responses and effects on nematode communities is premature, this should be studied in detail in future studies.

In conclusion, genetic derailment of hormonal balances generally rendered plants vulnerable to endoparasitic nematode attack. Furthermore, preliminary data suggest that this effect may be partially modulated by the associated microbiome.
Freedom of expression
Authors: Bonotti Matteo , Seglow Jonathan
Published: June 2021

This article surveys the classic and contemporary literature on the nature and limits of freedom of expression (or free speech). It begins by surveying the main philosophical justifications for free speech, before moving to consider the two most discussed topics in the free speech literature: hate speech and pornography. The article offers some brief reflections on the large number of arguments which have been offered on these topics. Three newer battlegrounds for free speech are examined at the end: no platforming, fake news and online shaming.
Evaluating mental illness–substance abuse stigmatic perceptions through education: A library–nursing initiative
Authors: Driscoll Denise , Mathew Lilly , Engelhardt Debra , Moran‐Peters Judith , Eckardt Sarah
Published: June 2021

In this library–nursing initiative, the goal was to identify any changes in stigmatic perceptions among public library staff regarding mental health and substance abuse, post 3‐day educational sessions. A total of n = 37 library staff participated in this project and attended all three educational sessions and completed a pre‐ and postquestionnaire designed to address common mental health and substance abuse‐related stigmatic perceptions among public library staff. Upon analysis of the pre‐ and postresponses, we identified that there were statistically significant changes in two perceptions, namely; “embarrassed to disclose mental illness” and “commonality of substance abuse” (p ≤ .05). Therefore, it is essential that behavioral health nurses engage and collaborate with local public libraries to educate and build a safe environment for vulnerable populations like those affected with mental illness and substance abuse in the community settings.
Eulenspiegel als Sprachlehrer
Authors: Schwarz Alexander , Gavin Lionel , Thiemig Tilman
Published: June 2021

Wer im deutschen Sprachgebiet aufgewachsen ist, kennt Till Eulenspiegel. Deswegen ist es sinnvoll, wenn auch Deutschlernende ihm und einigen seiner Geschichten begegnet sind. Eine solche Begegnung hat zwei Seiten. Zum einen stammt der Text aus einer vergangenen Welt, der Frühzeit des Buchdruckes, und ist in einer alten Sprachform geschrieben, und viele grundlegende Fragen, etwa nach der Historizität der Titelfigur oder nach der Botschaft des Buches, sind bis heute ungeklärt. Zum anderen liefert die jahrhundertelange und bis heute anhaltende Rezeption in hunderten von Ausgaben gerade auch für Kinder und Jugendliche Texte, die keinen Rückgriff auf das Frühneuhochdeutsch der ältesten Fassungen erfordern, sondern umgekehrt zum Nacherzählen, Dramatisieren und Verfilmen einladen. Und auch die schwierigere Seite bietet den Vorteil, dass es nicht um richtig oder falsch geht, als vielmehr um das Anstoßen einer offenen Diskussion über Sprache, Kommunikation oder über Gut und Böse durch amüsante und in ihrem plot unmittelbar einleuchtende Erzählungen.

In diesem Beitrag werden Projekte aus dem Fremdsprachunterricht auf Sekundar‐ und Hochschulstufe sowie in Volkshochschulkursen für Erwachsene als Anregungen vorgestellt. Die meisten Beispiele stammen aus der Museumspädagogik. Diese stellt ein zu wenig bekanntes Feld dar, auf dem viele Früchte nur darauf warten, für den Schulunterricht gepflückt zu werden.
A Proof of Concept Study of the Mechanical Behavior of Lattice Structures Used to Design a Shoulder Hemi-Prosthesis
Authors: Peto Marinela , Aguilar-Rosas Oscar , Ramirez-Cedillo Erick , Jimenez Moises , Hernandez Adriana , Siller Hector R.
Published: June 2021

Lattice structures offer great benefits when employed in medical implants for cell attachment and growth (osseointegration), minimization of stress shielding phenomena, and weight reduction. This study is focused on a proof of concept for developing a generic shoulder hemi-prosthesis, from a patient-specific case of a 46-years-old male with a tumor on the upper part of his humerus. A personalized biomodel was designed and a lattice structure was integrated in its middle portion, to lighten weight without affecting humerus' mechanical response. To select the most appropriate lattice structure, three different configurations were initially tested: tetrahedral vertex centroid (TVC), hexagonal prism vertex centroid (HPVC), and cubic diamond (CD). They were fabricated in resin by digital light processing and its mechanical behavior was studied via compression testing and finite element modeling (FEM). The selected structure according to the results was the HPVC, which was integrated in a digital twin of the biomodel to validate its mechanical performance through FEM but substituting the bone material model with a biocompatible titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) suitable for prostheses fabrication. Results of the simulation showed acceptable levels of Von Mises stresses (325 MPa max.), below the elastic limit of the titanium alloys, and a better response (52 MPa max.) in a model with equivalent elastic properties, with stress performance in the same order of magnitude than the showed in bone's material model.
Defining Computational Emissivity Uncertainty Over Large Temperature Scales Due to Surface Evolution
Authors: Silva Humberto , Mills Brantley , Schroeder Benjamin , Keedy Ryan , Smith Kyle
Published: June 2021

There is a dearth in the literature on how to capture the uncertainty generated by material surface evolution in thermal modeling. This leads to inadequate or highly variable uncertainty representations for material properties, specifically emissivity when minimal information is available. Inaccurate understandings of prediction uncertainties may lead decision makers to incorrect conclusions, so best engineering practices should be developed for this domain. In order to mitigate the aforementioned issues, this study explores different strategies to better capture the thermal uncertainty response of engineered systems exposed to fire environments via defensible emissivity uncertainty characterizations that can be easily adapted to a variety of use cases. Two unique formulations (one physics-informed and one mathematically based) are presented. The formulations and methodologies presented herein are not exhaustive but more so are a starting point and give the reader a basis for how to customize their uncertainty definitions for differing fire scenarios and materials. Lastly, the impact of using this approach versus other commonly used strategies and the usefulness of adding rigor to material surface evolution uncertainty is demonstrated.
Back Matter
Authors: Shen Wei , Rouben Benjamin
Published: June 2021

This back matter contains the References and Bibliography.
Scope
Authors: Shen Wei , Rouben Benjamin
Published: June 2021

From the educational point of view, there are many textbooks on reactor physics used at various universities in the world. However, most of these textbooks focus either on application to Light Water Reactors (LWRs), or on the theory and mathematics, with a significant number of equations and computational schemes. Or else they were written more than 20, or even more than 60, years ago, and therefore they do not reflect the evolution of reactor concepts and engineering requirements since then. All those categories of books are either difficult to follow for non-physicists working in the nuclear industry, or else are of little value for those who are interested in special features of CANDU reactor physics.
Short.Term Reactivity & Power Control: Reactor Regulating System (RRS)
Authors: Shen Wei , Rouben Benjamin
Published: June 2021

For CANDU reactors, the control of the long-term reactivity and of the power is carried out by on-power refuelling, while the control of the short-term reactivity and of power is done by the RRS. The RRS is part of the overall plant-control system that maintains the reactor power at a specified level, or, when required, manoeuvres the reactor power between specified setpoints. The reactor power setpoint can be entered by the operator (in the reactor-leading mode) or it can be calculated automatically by the Steam Generator (SG) pressure-control program (in the turbine-leading mode). The RRS consists of the following main components:
Vitamin D deficiency exacerbates UV/endorphin and opioid addiction
Authors: Kemény Lajos V. , Robinson Kathleen C. , Hermann Andrea L. , Walker Deena M. , Regan Susan , Yew Yik Weng , Lai Yi Chun , Theodosakis Nicholas , Rivera Phillip D. , Ding Weihua , Yang Liuyue , Beyer Tobias , Loh Yong-Hwee E. , Lo Jennifer A. , van der Sande Anita A. J. , Sarnie William , Kotler David , Hsiao Jennifer J. , Su Mack Y. , Kato Shinichiro , Kotler Joseph , Bilbo Staci D. , Chopra Vanita , Salomon Matthew P. , Shen Shiqian , Hoon Dave S. B. , Asgari Maryam M. , Wakeman Sarah E. , Nestler Eric J. , Fisher David E.
Published: June 2021

Addiction to UV light and opioids is increased by VitD deficiency, suggesting that a feedback loop promotes its synthesis.
Hyaluronic acid conjugates for topical treatment of skin cancer lesions
Authors: Krishnan Vinu , Peng Kevin , Sarode Apoorva , Prakash Supriya , Zhao Zongmin , Filippov Sergey K. , Todorova Kristina , Sell Brittney R. , Lujano Omar , Bakre Shirin , Pusuluri Anusha , Vogus Douglas , Tsai Kenneth Y. , Mandinova Anna , Mitragotri Samir
Published: June 2021

Polymer-drug conjugates are developed for the topical ratiometric delivery of a synergistic drug pair to treat skin cancers.
Asymmetric mating behavior of isogamous budding yeast
Authors: Anders Alexander , Colin Remy , Banderas Alvaro , Sourjik Victor
Published: June 2021

Differences in mating behavior of gametes can emerge in an isogamous microorganism solely due to asymmetries in signaling.
Chromatin architectural proteins regulate flowering time by precluding gene looping
Authors: Zhao Bo , Xi Yanpeng , Kim Junghyun , Sung Sibum
Published: June 2021

Chromatin architectural regulators antagonize gene looping to control flowering time in
Arabidopsis
.
Effect of vancomycin on cytoplasmic peptidoglycan intermediates and
van
operon mRNA levels in VanA-type vancomycin resistant
Enterococcus faecium
Authors: Gargvanshi Shivani , Vemula Harika , Gutheil William G.
Published: June 2021

Resistance in VanA-type vancomycin resistant
Enterococcus faecium
(VREfm) is due to an inducible gene cassette encoding seven proteins (
vanRSHAXYZ
). This provides for an alternative peptidoglycan (PG) biosynthesis pathway whereby
d-
Alanyl-
d-
Alanine (
d
-Ala-
d
-Ala) is replaced with
d-
Alanyl-
d-
Lactate (
d
-Ala-
d
-Lac), to which vancomycin cannot bind effectively. This study aimed to quantify cytoplasmic levels of normal and alternative pathway PG intermediates in VanA-type VREfm by liquid chromatograph tandem mass spectrometry before and after vancomycin exposure, and to correlate these changes with changes in
vanA
operon mRNA levels measured by RT-qPCR. Normal pathway intermediates predominate in the absence of vancomycin, with low levels of alternative pathway intermediates. Extended (18 hr) vancomycin exposure resulted in a mix of the terminal normal (UDP-Penta) and alternative (UDP-Pentadepsi) pathway intermediates (2:3 ratio). Time courses reveal normal pathway intermediates responding rapidly (peaking in 3-10 minutes), and alternative pathway intermediates responding more slowly (peaking in 15-45 minutes). RT-qPCR demonstrated that
vanA
operon mRNA transcript levels increase rapidly after exposure, reaching maximal levels in 15 minutes. To resolve the effect of increased
van
operon protein expression on PG metabolite levels, linezolid was used to block protein biosynthesis. Surprisingly, linezolid dramatically reduced PG intermediate levels when used alone. When used in combination with vancomycin, linezolid only modestly reduced alternative UDP-linked PG intermediate levels, indicating substantial alternative pathway presence before vancomycin exposure. Comparison of PG intermediate levels between VREfm, vancomycin sensitive
Enterococcus faecium
(VSEfm), and methicillin resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) after vancomycin exposure demonstrate substantial differences between
S. aureus
and
E. faecium
PG biosynthesis pathways.

IMPORTANCE

VREfm is highly resistance to vancomycin due to the presence of a vancomycin resistance gene cassette. Exposure to vancomycin induces the expression of genes in this cassette, which encode for enzymes that provide for an alternative peptidoglycan (PG) biosynthesis pathway. In VanA-type resistance these alternative pathway enzymes replace the
d
-Ala-
d
-Ala terminus of normal PG intermediates with
d
-Ala-
d
-Lac terminated intermediates, to which vancomycin cannot bind. While the general features of this resistance mechanism are well known, the details of the choreography between vancomycin exposure, VanA gene induction, and changes in the normal and alternative pathway intermediate levels has not been described previously. This study comprehensively explores how VREfm responds to vancomycin exposure at the mRNA and PG intermediate levels.
STING Ligand-Mediated Priming of Functional CD8+T Cells Specific for HIV-1-Protective Epitopes from Naive T Cells
Authors: Kuse Nozomi , Akahoshi Tomohiro , Takiguchi Masafumi
Published: June 2021

The current “shock-and-kill” therapeutic strategy for HIV cure has been directed toward eliminating latent viral reservoirs by reactivation of latent reservoirs with latency-reversing agents followed by eradication of these cells by immune-mediated responses. Although HIV-1-specific T cells are expected to eradicate viral reservoirs, the function of these T cells is reduced in HIV-1-infected individuals with long-term cART.
Procaryotic genomic DNA inhibits mammalian cell transformation
Authors: Yoder J I , Ganesan A T
Published: June 2021

Ltk- mouse cells were transformed to thymidine kinase prototrophy in the presence of carrier DNAs isolated from different organisms. Procaryotic genomic and phage DNA was consistently less effective as a carrier than was eucaryotic DNA. Mixing experiments indicate that DNA of procaryotic origin inhibits mammalian cell transformation.
Draft Genome Sequences of Switchgrass Diazotrophs
Authors: Jones Lauren B. , Myoung-Hwan Chi , Lakshmanan Venkatacha , Torres-Jerez Ivone , Tang Yuhong , Sparks Maira , Shapiro Nicole R. , Craven Kelly D. , Udvardi Michael K.
Published: June 2021

We report the draft genome sequences of five native nitrogen-fixing bacteria associated with roots of switchgrass isolated from the Tallgrass Prairies of Oklahoma. Nitrogen-fixing genes, including the
nif
cluster, are conserved across the
Klebsiella
and
Kosakonia
strains.
Draft Genome Sequences of 40 Dermatophilus congolensis Isolates from Bovine Dermatophilosis Cases in St. Kitts and Nevis
Authors: Branford Ian , Johnson Shevaun , Zayas Samantha , Chapwanya Aspinas , Boyen Filip , Mielcarska Matylda B. , Szulc-Dąbrowska Lidia , Butaye Patrick , Toka Felix N.
Published: June 2021

Dermatophilus congolensis
causes dermatophilosis in cattle, mainly in tropical climates. Despite the economic losses caused by this bacterium, its pathogenic factors are less well understood. We report draft genomes of
D. congolensis
strains isolated during a dermatophilosis outbreak in cattle in St. Kitts and Nevis. Some isolates contain
tet
(Z), which is responsible for resistance to tetracyclines.
Genome Sequence of Paenibacillus polymyxa Strain HOB6, Isolated from Hemp Seed Oil
Authors: Mahmoud Mohannad , Jabaji Suha
Published: June 2021

Paenibacillus polymyxa
strain HOB6 was isolated from hemp seed oil. The strain displays antimicrobial activity against fungal pathogens and has potential for development as a biopesticide against cannabis diseases. Its genome was sequenced and annotated, uncovering the ability to encode the biosynthetic pathways for antimicrobial lanthipeptides and nonribosomal peptides.
Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species Enhance Alveolar Macrophage Activity against Aspergillus fumigatus but Are Dispensable for Host Protection
Authors: Shlezinger Neta , Hohl Tobias M.
Published: June 2021

Aspergillus fumigatus
is a fungal pathogen that causes invasive disease in humans with defects in immune function. Airborne conidia, the infectious propagules, are ubiquitous and inhaled on a daily basis.
Transcriptional Regulation of Plant Biomass Degradation and Carbohydrate Utilization Genes in the Extreme Thermophile
Caldicellulosiruptor bescii
Authors: Rodionov Dmitry A. , Rodionova Irina A. , Rodionov Vladimir A. , Arzamasov Aleksandr A. , Zhang Ke , Rubinstein Gabriel M. , Tanwee Tania N. N. , Bing Ryan G. , Crosby James R. , Nookaew Intawat , Basen Mirko , Brown Steven D. , Wilson Charlotte M. , Klingeman Dawn M. , Poole Farris L. , Zhang Ying , Kelly Robert M. , Adams Michael W. W.
Published: June 2021

To develop functional metabolic engineering platforms for nonmodel microorganisms, a comprehensive understanding of the physiological and metabolic characteristics is critical.
Caldicellulosiruptor bescii
and other species in this genus have untapped potential for conversion of unpretreated plant biomass into industrial fuels and chemicals. The highly interactive and complex machinery used by
C. bescii
to acquire and process complex carbohydrates contained in lignocellulose was elucidated here to complement related efforts to develop a metabolic engineering platform with this bacterium.
Impact Damage Detection in Laminate and Honeycomb CFRPs using Lamb Wave Ultrasonic Sensing
Authors: Burkov M. V. , Eremin A. V , Byakov A. V. , Lyubutin P. S. , Panin S. V.
Published: June 2021

The paper presents the results on application of Lamb waves based technique for impact damage detection and severity identification. The PZT network operates in the round-robin mode changing the actuator and sensor roles of the transducers in order to detect the response of the system in the presence of damage. The monitoring is performed via the analysis of three parameters: change of the amplitude (dA), change of the energy (dP) and cross-correlation (NCC) of the signals in baseline and damaged state. Testing of laminate CFRPs shows that the damage location is estimated with an error of 5–15 mm, while the computed Damage index is linearly dependent on the applied impact energy. For honeycomb CFRPs the NCC parameter do not provide accurate results, however, other parameters allow identification within the 5–20 mm error and reflect accurate data on the severity of the damage.
Rare diagnosis of Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome in a paediatric patient
Authors: Pavuluri Anuradha , Smith Stephanie , Narsinghani Umesh
Published: June 2021

Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome (MRS) is a rare neurocutaneous syndrome characterised by the triad of recurrent orofacial swelling, facial nerve palsy and fissured tongue. This diagnosis is particularly rare in children. We aim to increase awareness of the syndromic association of these clinical features since most patients present with a monosymptomatic form, reiterating the importance of detailed history and thorough physical examination, for the timely identification of these patients. Not only the recurring of symptoms, but also the association of MRS with other medical conditions, make ‘earlier’ diagnosis of the Syndrome beneficial. The average delay in diagnosis is 4–9 years. Although most cases resolve without treatment, when treated,steroids are most commonly used. Variable options have been tried for refractory and frequently recurrent cases. We present a case of MRS in a 12-year-old girl, diagnosed 3 years after onset of symptoms. We reviewed updated literature for MRS and associated clinical conditions as well as published treatment options.
Oesophageal rupture from a pneumatic blast injury: an unusual mechanism of blunt oesophageal trauma
Authors: Elsolh Basheer , Ko Michael , Cheung Victoria , Gomez David
Published: June 2021

Oesophageal perforation is a serious condition associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Clinical suspicion of oesophageal injury in patients sustaining neck or torso trauma is essential as early diagnosis and management are associated with better outcomes. Oesophageal perforation resulting from blunt trauma is uncommon, and traumatic oesophageal perforation following blast injury is exceedingly rare. We present two cases of patients developing oesophageal perforation from this rare mechanism, review basic principles of management, and key learning points.
Meningioangiomatosis: an uncommon cause of focal epilepsy with characteristic neuroimaging and neuropathology
Authors: Oyedokun Kunle , Agabna Maha ME , Israni Anil , du Plessis Daniel
Published: June 2021

A 3-year-old boy presented with acute onset of prolonged right sided focal seizures with secondary generalisation. The investigation findings were suggestive of a neoplastic process more than an inflammatory process. Decision to perform brain biopsy from the lesion to establish the precise nature of lesion was undertaken.