bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complete reducibility: variations on a theme of Serre
Authors: Gruchot Maike , Litterick Alastair , Röhrle Gerhard
Published: June 2021

In this note, we unify and extend various concepts in the area of G-complete reducibility, where G is a reductive algebraic group. By results of Serre and Bate–Martin–Röhrle, the usual notion of G-complete reducibility can be re-framed as a property of an action of a group on the spherical building of the identity component of G. We show that other variations of this notion, such as relative complete reducibility and $$\sigma $$
σ
-complete reducibility, can also be viewed as special cases of this building-theoretic definition, and hence a number of results from these areas are special cases of more general properties.
A broadly cross-reactive monoclonal antibody against hepatitis E virus capsid antigen
Authors: Kubickova Barbara , Schenk Jörg A. , Ramm Franziska , Markuškienė Kornelija , Reetz Jochen , Dremsek Paul , Tamosiunas Paulius Lukas , Cepulyte Laima , Trinh Hoai Anh , Scholz Johannes , Memczak Henry , Hovestädt Marc , Ryll René , Petraityte-Burneikiene Rasa , Corman Victor M. , Andersson Anika , Becher Dietmar , Groschup Martin H. , Kubick Stefan , Sellrie Frank , Johne Reimar , Ulrich Rainer G.
Published: June 2021

To generate a hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotype 3 (HEV-3)–specific monoclonal antibody (mAb), the Escherichia coli–expressed carboxy-terminal part of its capsid protein was used to immunise BALB/c mice. The immunisation resulted in the induction of HEV-specific antibodies of high titre. The mAb G117-AA4 of IgG1 isotype was obtained showing a strong reactivity with the homologous E. coli, but also yeast-expressed capsid protein of HEV-3. The mAb strongly cross-reacted with ratHEV capsid protein derivatives produced in both expression systems and weaker with an E. coli–expressed batHEV capsid protein fragment. In addition, the mAb reacted with capsid protein derivatives of genotypes HEV-2 and HEV-4 and common vole hepatitis E virus (cvHEV), produced by the cell-free synthesis in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) and Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf21) cell lysates. Western blot and line blot reactivity of the mAb with capsid protein derivatives of HEV-1 to HEV-4, cvHEV, ratHEV and batHEV suggested a linear epitope. Use of truncated derivatives of ratHEV capsid protein in ELISA, Western blot, and a Pepscan analysis allowed to map the epitope within a partially surface-exposed region with the amino acid sequence LYTSV. The mAb was also shown to bind to human patient–derived HEV-3 from infected cell culture and to hare HEV-3 and camel HEV-7 capsid proteins from transfected cells by immunofluorescence assay. The novel mAb may serve as a useful tool for further investigations on the pathogenesis of HEV infections and might be used for diagnostic purposes.

Key points

• The antibody showed cross-reactivity with capsid proteins of different hepeviruses.

• The linear epitope of the antibody was mapped in a partially surface-exposed region.

• The antibody detected native HEV-3 antigen in infected mammalian cells.
Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analyses of CONSTANS-Like Family Genes in Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)
Authors: Tian Zhen , Qin Xiaodong , Wang Hui , Li Ji , Chen Jinfeng
Published: June 2021

The CONSTANS-like (COL) gene family is one of the plant-specific transcription factor families that play important roles in plant growth and development. However, the knowledge of COLs related in cucumber is limited, and their biological functions, especially in the photoperiod-dependent flowering process, are still unclear. In this study, twelve CsaCOL genes were identified in the cucumber genome. Phylogenetic and conserved motif analyses provided insights into the evolutionary relationship between the CsaCOLs. Further, the comparative genome analysis revealed that COL genes are conserved in different plant species, especially collinearity gene pairs related to CsaCOL5. Ten kinds of cis-acting elements were vividly detected in CsaCOLs promoter regions, including five light-responsive elements, which echo the diurnal rhythm expression patterns of seven CsaCOL genes under SD and LD photoperiod regimes. Combined with the expression data of developmental stage, three CsaCOL genes are involved in the flowering network and play pivotal roles for the floral induction process. Our results provide useful information for further elucidating the structural characteristics, expression patterns, and biological functions of COL family genes in many plants
The composition of subduction zone fluids and the origin of the trace element enrichment in arc magmas
Authors: Rustioni Greta , Audetat Andreas , Keppler Hans
Published: June 2021

The partitioning of major and trace elements between eclogite and aqueous fluids with variable salinity was studied at 700–800 °C and 4–6 GPa in piston cylinder and multi anvil experiments. Fluid compositions were determined using the diamond trap technique combined with laser ablation ICP-MS measurements in the frozen state. In addition to NaCl, SiO2 is the main solute in the fluids. The fluid/eclogite partition coefficients of the large ion lithophile elements (LILE), such as Rb, Cs, Sr, and Ba as well as those of the light rare earths (LREE), of Pb, and of U increase by up to three orders of magnitude with salinity. These elements will therefore be efficiently transported by saline fluids. On the other hand, typical high field strength elements, such as Ti, Nb, and Ta, are not mobilized even at high salinities. Increasing temperature and pressure gradually increases the partitioning into the fluid. In particular, Th is mobilized by silica-rich fluids at 6 GPa already at low salinities. We show that we can fully reproduce the trace element enrichment pattern of primitive arc basalts by adding a few percent of saline fluid (with 5–10 wt% Cl) released from the basaltic slab to the zone of melting in the mantle wedge. Assuming 2 wt% of rutile in the eclogite equilibrated with the saline fluid produces a negative Nb Ta anomaly that is larger than in most primitive arc basalts. Therefore, we conclude that the rutile fraction in the subducted eclogite below most arcs is likely < 1 wt%. In fact, saline fluids would even produce a noticeable negative Nb Ta anomaly without any rutile in the eclogite residue. Metasomatism by sediment melts alone, on the other hand, is unable to produce the enrichment pattern seen in arc basalts. We, therefore, conclude that at least for primitive arc basalts, the release of hydrous fluids from the basaltic part of the subducted slab is the trigger for melting and the main agent of trace element enrichment. The contribution of sediment melts to the petrogenesis of these magmas is likely negligible. In the supplementary material, we provide a “Subduction Calculator” in Excel format, which allows the calculation of the trace element abundance pattern in primitive arc basalts as function of fluid salinity, the amount of fluid released from the basaltic part of the subducted slab, the fluid fraction added to the source, and the degree of melting.
Planned surgery in the COVID-19 pandemic: a prospective cohort study from Nottingham
Authors: Catton J , Banerjea A , Gregory S , Hall C , Crooks CJ , Lewis-Lloyd CA , Marshall A , Humes DJ
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Globally planned surgical procedures have been deferred during the current COVID-19 pandemic. The study aimed to report the outcomes of planned urgent and cancer cases during the current pandemic using a multi-disciplinary prioritisation group.

Methods

A prospective cohort study of patients having urgent or cancer surgery at a NHS Trust from 1st March to 30th April 2020 who had been prioritised by a multi-disciplinary COVID Surgery group. Rates of post-operative PCR positive and suspected COVID-19 infections within 30 days, 30-day mortality and any death related to COVID-19 are reported.

Results

Overall 597 patients underwent surgery with a median age of 65 years (interquartile range (IQR) 54–74 years). Of these, 86.1% (514/597) had a current cancer diagnosis. During the period, 60.8% (363/597) of patients had surgery at the NHS Trust whilst 39.2% (234/597) had surgery at Independent Sector hospitals. The incidence of COVID-19 in the East Midlands was 193.7 per 100,000 population during the study period. In the 30 days following surgery, 1.3% (8/597) of patients tested positive for COVID-19 with all cases at the NHS site. Overall 30-day mortality was 0.7% (4/597). Following a PCR positive COVID-19 diagnosis, mortality was 25.0% (2/8). Including both PCR positive and suspected cases, 3.0% (18/597) developed COVID-19 infection with 1.3% at the independent site compared to 4.1% at the NHS Trust (p=0.047).

Conclusions

Rates of COVID-19 infection in the post-operative period were low especially in the Independent Sector site. Mortality following a post-operative diagnosis of COVID-19 was high.
PuraStat in gastrointestinal bleeding: results of a prospective multicentre observational pilot study
Authors: Branchi Federica , Klingenberg-Noftz Rolf , Friedrich Kristina , Bürgel Nataly , Daum Severin , Buchkremer Juliane , Sonnenberg Elena , Schumann Michael , Treese Christoph , Tröger Hanno , Lissner Donata , Epple Hans-Jörg , Siegmund Britta , Stroux Andrea , Adler Andreas , Veltzke-Schlieker Winfried , Autenrieth Daniel , Leonhardt Silke , Fischer Andreas , Jürgensen Christian , Pape Ulrich-Frank , Wiedenmann Bertram , Möschler Oliver , Schreiner Maximilian , Strowski Mathias Z. , Hempel Volkmar , Huber Yvonne , Neumann Helmut , Bojarski Christian
Published: June 2021

Background

A recently developed haemostatic peptide gel for endoscopic application has been introduced to improve the management of gastrointestinal bleeding. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility, safety, efficacy and indication profiles of PuraStat in a clinical setting.

Methods

In this prospective observational multicentre pilot study, patients with acute non-variceal gastrointestinal bleeding (upper and lower) were included. Primary and secondary application of PuraStat was evaluated. Haemoglobin, prothrombin time, platelets and transfusion behaviour were documented before and after haemostasis. The efficacy of PuraStat was assessed during the procedure, at 3 days and 1 week after application.

Results

111 patients with acute gastrointestinal bleeding were recruited into the study. 70 percent (78/111) of the patients had upper gastrointestinal bleeding and 30% (33/111) had lower gastrointestinal bleeding. After primary application of PuraStat, initial haemostatic success was achieved in 94% of patients (74/79, 95% CI 88–99%), and in 75% of the patients when used as a secondary haemostatic product, following failure of established techniques (24/32, 95% CI 59–91%). The therapeutic success rates (absence of rebleeding) after 3 and 7 days were 91% and 87% after primary use, and 87% and 81% in all study patients. Overall rebleeding rate at 30 day follow-up was 16% (18/111). In the 5 patients who finally required surgery (4.5%), PuraStat allowed temporary haemostasis and stabilisation.

Conclusions

PuraStat expanded the therapeutic toolbox available for an effective treatment of gastrointestinal bleeding sources. It could be safely applied and administered without complications as a primary or secondary therapy. PuraStat may additionally serve as a bridge to surgery in order to achieve temporary haemostasis in case of refractory severe bleeding, possibly playing a role in preventing immediate emergency surgery.
A PCA-based clustering algorithm for the identification of stratiform and convective precipitation at the event scale: an application to the sub-hourly precipitation of Sicily, Italy
Authors: Sottile Gianluca , Francipane Antonio , Adelfio Giada , Noto Leonardo V.
Published: June 2021

Understanding the structure of precipitation and its separation into stratiform and convective components is still today one of the important and interesting challenges for the scientific community. Despite this interest and the advances made in this field, the classification of rainfall into convective and stratiform components is still today not trivial. This study applies a novel criterion based on a clustering approach to analyze a high temporal resolution precipitation dataset collected for the period 2002–2018 over the Sicily (Italy). Starting from the rainfall events obtained from this dataset, the developed methodology makes it possible to classify the rainfall events into four different classes, which can be related to the convective and stratiform components of the events on the basis of their hyetograph shapes and average intensities. The results show that the occurrence of stratiform events is always much higher than the convective ones, especially in the winter and spring seasons, while from the summer to the mid-autumn the rainfall depth due to convective events results to be higher than that due to the stratiform events. Moreover, the comparison with a more widely accepted separation methodology demonstrates the physical consistency of the proposed methodology.
Machine learning for computationally efficient electrical loads estimation in consumer washing machines
Authors: Casagrande Vittorio , Fenu Gianfranco , Pellegrino Felice Andrea , Pin Gilberto , Salvato Erica , Zorzenon Davide
Published: June 2021

Estimating the wear of the single electrical parts of a home appliance without resorting to a large number of sensors is desirable for ensuring a proper level of maintenance by the manufacturers. Deep learning techniques can be effective tools for such estimation from relatively poor measurements, but their computational demands must be carefully considered, for the actual deployment. In this work, we employ one-dimensional Convolutional Neural Networks and Long Short-Term Memory networks to infer the status of some electrical components of different models of washing machines, from the electrical signals measured at the plug. These tools are trained and tested on a large dataset (502 washing cycles $$\approx$$
≈
1000 h) collected from four different washing machines and are carefully designed in order to comply with the memory constraints imposed by available hardware selected for a real implementation. The approach is end-to-end; i.e., it does not require any feature extraction, except the harmonic decomposition of the electrical signals, and thus it can be easily generalized to other appliances.
Measurement of S-glutathionylated proteins by HPLC
Authors: Giustarini Daniela , Milzani Aldo , Dalle-Donne Isabella , Rossi Ranieri
Published: June 2021

S-glutathionylated proteins (GSSP), i.e., protein-mixed disulfides with glutathione (GSH), are considered a suitable biomarker of oxidative stress. In fact, they occur within cells at low level and their concentration increases markedly under pro-oxidant conditions. Plasma is something different, since it is physiologically rich in S-thiolated proteins (RSSP), i.e., protein-mixed disulfides with various types of low molecular mass thiols (LMM-SH). However, albumin, which is largely the most abundant plasma protein, possesses a cysteine residue at position 34 that is mostly reduced (about 60%) under physiological conditions, but easily involved in the formation of additional RSSP in the presence of oxidants. The quantification of GSSP requires special attention to sample handling, since their level can be overestimated as a result of artefactual oxidation of GSH. We have developed the present protocol to avoid this methodological problem. Samples should be treated as soon as possible after their collection with the alkylating agent N-ethylmaleimide that masks –SH groups and prevents their oxidation. The GSH released from mixed disulfides by reduction with dithiothreitol is then labeled with the fluorescent probe monobromobimane and quantified by HPLC. The method can be applied to many different biological samples, comprising blood components, red blood cell plasma membrane, cultured cells, and solid organs from animal models.
Correction to: Preparation and properties of fly ash‑based geopolymer concrete with alkaline waste water obtained from foundry sand regeneration process
Authors: Moni S. M. Fuad Kabir , Ikeora O. , Pritzel C. , Görtz B. , Trettin R.
Published: June 2021

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10163-021-01257-w
Defining business model key performance indicators using intentional linguistic summaries
Authors: Gilsing Rick , Wilbik Anna , Grefen Paul , Turetken Oktay , Ozkan Baris , Adali Onat Ege , Berkers Frank
Published: June 2021

To sustain competitiveness in contemporary, fast-paced markets, organizations increasingly focus on innovating their business models to enhance current value propositions or to explore novel sources of value creation. However, business model innovation is a complex task, characterized by shifting characteristics in terms of uncertainty, data availability and its impact on decision making. To cope with such challenges, business model evaluation is advocated to make sense of novel business models and to support decision making. Key performance indicators (KPIs) are frequently used in business model evaluation to structure the performance assessment of these models and to evaluate their strategic implications, in turn aiding business model decision making. However, given the shifting characteristics of the innovation process, the application and effectiveness of KPIs depend significantly on how such KPIs are defined. The techniques proposed in the existing literature typically generate or use quantitatively oriented KPIs, which are not well-suited for the early phases of the business model innovation process. Therefore, following a design science research methodology, we have developed a novel method for defining business model KPIs, taking into account the characteristics of the innovation process, offering holistic support toward decision making. Building on theory on linguistic summarization, we use a set of structured templates to define qualitative KPIs that are suitable to support early-phase decision making. In addition, we show how these KPIs can be gradually quantified to support later phases of the innovation process. We have evaluated our method by applying it in two real-life business cases, interviewing 13 industry experts to assess its utility.
A technique for evaluating and improving the semantic transparency of modeling language notations
Authors: Bork Dominik , Roelens Ben
Published: June 2021

The notation of a modeling language is of paramount importance for its efficient use and the correct comprehension of created models. A graphical notation, especially for domain-specific modeling languages, should therefore be aligned to the knowledge, beliefs, and expectations of the targeted model users. One quality attributed to notations is their semantic transparency, indicating the extent to which a notation intuitively suggests its meaning to untrained users. Method engineers should thus aim at semantic transparency for realizing intuitively understandable notations. However, notation design is often treated poorly—if at all—in method engineering methodologies. This paper proposes a technique that, based on iterative evaluation and improvement tasks, steers the notation toward semantic transparency. The approach can be efficiently applied to arbitrary modeling languages and allows easy integration into existing modeling language engineering methodologies. We show the feasibility of the technique by reporting on two cycles of Action Design Research including the evaluation and improvement of the semantic transparency of the Process-Goal Alignment modeling language notation. An empirical evaluation comparing the new notation against the initial one shows the effectiveness of the technique.
Predicting approximate seismic responses in multistory buildings from real-time earthquake source information, for earthquake early warning applications
Authors: Cremen Gemma , Velazquez Omar , Orihuela Benazir , Galasso Carmine
Published: June 2021

Regional earthquake early warning (EEW) alerts and related risk-mitigation actions are often triggered when the expected value of a ground-motion intensity measure (IM), computed from real-time magnitude and source location estimates, exceeds a predefined critical IM threshold. However, the shaking experienced in mid- to high-rise buildings may be significantly different from that on the ground, which could lead to sub-optimal decision-making (i.e., increased occurrences of false and missed EEW alarms) with the aforementioned strategy. This study facilitates an important advancement in EEW decision-support, by developing empirical models that directly relate earthquake source parameters to resulting approximate responses in multistory buildings. The proposed models can leverage real-time earthquake information provided by a regional EEW system, to provide rapid predictions of structure-specific engineering demand parameters that can be used to more accurately determine whether or not an alert is triggered. We use a simplified continuum building model consisting of a flexural/shear beam combination and vary its parameters to capture a wide range of deformation modes in different building types. We analyse the approximate responses for the building model variations, using Italian accelerometric data and corresponding source parameter information from 54 earthquakes. The resulting empirical prediction equations are incorporated in a real-time Bayesian framework that can be used for building-specific EEW applications, such as (1) early warning of floor-shaking sensed by occupants; and (2) elevator control. Finally, we demonstrate the improvement in EEW alert accuracy that can be achieved using the proposed models.
Anisotropy of Unstably Stratified Near-Surface Turbulence
Authors: Stiperski Ivana , Chamecki Marcelo , Calaf Marc
Published: June 2021

Classic Monin–Obukov similarity scaling states that in a stationary, horizontally homogeneous flow, in the absence of subsidence, turbulence is dictated by the balance between shear production and buoyancy production/destruction, whose ratio is characterized by a single universal scaling parameter. An evident breakdown in scaling is observed though, through large scatter in traditional scaling relations for the horizontal velocity variances under unstable stratification, or more generally in complex flow conditions. This breakdown suggests the existence of processes other than local shear and buoyancy that modulate near-surface turbulence. Recent studies on the role of anisotropy in similarity scaling have shown that anisotropy, even if calculated locally, may encode the information about these missing processes. We therefore examine the possible processes that govern the degree of anisotropy in convective conditions. We first use the reduced turbulence-kinetic-energy budget to show that anisotropy in convective conditions cannot be uniquely described by a balance of buoyancy and shear production and dissipation, but that other terms in the budget play an important role. Subsequently, we identify a ratio of local time scales that acts as a proxy for the anisotropic state of convective turbulence. This ratio can be used to formulate a new non-dimensional group. Results show that building on this approach the role of anisotropy in scaling relations over complex terrain can be placed into a more generalized framework.
Topography of Movement-Related Delta and Theta Brain Oscillations
Authors: Körmendi János , Ferentzi Eszter , Weiss Béla , Nagy Zoltán
Published: June 2021

The aim of this study was to analyse the high density EEG during movement execution guided by visual attention to reveal the detailed topographic distributions of delta and theta oscillations. Twenty right-handed young subjects performed a finger tapping task, paced by a continuously transited repeating visual stimuli. Baseline corrected power of scalp current density transformed EEG was statistically assessed with cluster-based permutation testing. Delta and theta activities revealed differences in their spatial properties at the time of finger tapping execution. Theta synchronization showed a contralateral double activation in the parietal and fronto-central regions, while delta activity appeared in the central contralateral channels. Differences in the spatiotemporal topography between delta and theta activity in the course of movement execution were identified on high density EEG.
Matching Local Knowledge and Environmental Change with Policy Changes in Rangeland Tenure
Authors: Peng-Peng Bai , Mancini Mattia , Du Juan , Mace Ruth
Published: June 2021

Hardin’s Tragedy of the Commons has often been cited as the rationale for the privatization of pastures throughout the world, yet rangeland degradation is still widespread. A significant body of ecological research has demonstrated negative impacts from limiting herd movement through fencing. The privatization of pastures has often followed heterogeneous patterns. We use a natural experiment in common grazing areas on the eastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau where land use was privatized beginning in 1999 following different land use division patterns. We measure the relationship between land use privatization paths and grassland quality using satellite data from 1989 to 2011 in five different villages, and compare how well herder environmental perceptions match satellite data. We find that rangeland degradation has significantly increased following privatization of land use, and that grassland in small individually managed fenced plots is deteriorating more significantly than in larger fenced areas with group herding. We further find that herders’ had accurate perceptions of the state of their pastures that closely match remotely sensed data.
Inductive learning of answer set programs for autonomous surgical task planning
Authors: Meli Daniele , Sridharan Mohan , Fiorini Paolo
Published: June 2021

The quality of robot-assisted surgery can be improved and the use of hospital resources can be optimized by enhancing autonomy and reliability in the robot’s operation. Logic programming is a good choice for task planning in robot-assisted surgery because it supports reliable reasoning with domain knowledge and increases transparency in the decision making. However, prior knowledge of the task and the domain is typically incomplete, and it often needs to be refined from executions of the surgical task(s) under consideration to avoid sub-optimal performance. In this paper, we investigate the applicability of inductive logic programming for learning previously unknown axioms governing domain dynamics. We do so under answer set semantics for a benchmark surgical training task, the ring transfer. We extend our previous work on learning the immediate preconditions of actions and constraints, to also learn axioms encoding arbitrary temporal delays between atoms that are effects of actions under the event calculus formalism. We propose a systematic approach for learning the specifications of a generic robotic task under the answer set semantics, allowing easy knowledge refinement with iterative learning. In the context of 1000 simulated scenarios, we demonstrate the significant improvement in performance obtained with the learned axioms compared with the hand-written ones; specifically, the learned axioms address some critical issues related to the plan computation time, which is promising for reliable real-time performance during surgery.
Towards a reliable implementation of least-squares collocation for higher index differential-algebraic equations—Part 1: basics and ansatz function choices
Authors: Hanke Michael , März Roswitha
Published: June 2021

In the two parts of the present note we discuss several questions concerning the implementation of overdetermined least-squares collocation methods for higher index differential-algebraic equations (DAEs). Since higher index DAEs lead to ill-posed problems in natural settings, the discrete counterparts are expected to be very sensitive, which attaches particular importance to their implementation. In the present Part 1, we provide a robust selection of basis functions and collocation points to design the discrete problem. We substantiate a procedure for its numerical solution later in Part 2. Additionally, in Part 1, a number of new error estimates are proven that support some of the design decisions.
Comparison of patient- and clinician-reported outcome measures in lower back rehabilitation: introducing a new integrated performance measure (t2D)
Authors: Zdravkovic Andrej , Grote Vincent , Pirchl Michael , Stockinger Martin , Crevenna Richard , Fischer Michael J.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Patient- and clinician-reported outcome measures (PROMs, CROMs) are used in rehabilitation to evaluate and track the patient’s health status and recovery. However, controversy still exists regarding their relevance and validity when assessing a change in health status.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the changes in a CROM (Fingertip-To-Floor Test – FTF) and PROMs (ODI, HAQ-DI, NPRS, EQ5D) and the associations between these outcomes in 395 patients with lower back pain (57.2 ± 11.8 years, 49.1% female). We introduced a new way to measure and classify outcome performance using a distribution-based approach (t2D). Outcome measures were assessed at baseline and after 21 days of inpatient rehabilitation.

Results

Overall, the rehabilitation (Cohens d = 0.94) resulted in a large effect size outcome. Medium effect sizes were observed for FTF (d = 0.70) and PROMs (d > 0.50). Best performance rating was observed for pain (NPRS). We found that 13.9% of patients exhibited a deterioration in the PROMs, but only 2.3%, in the FTF. The correlation between the PROMs and FTF were low to moderate, with the highest identified for HAQ-DI (rho = 0.30–0.36); no significant correlations could be shown for changes. High consistency levels were observed among the performance scores (t2D) in 68.9% of the patients.

Conclusions

Different and complementary assessment modalities of PROMs and CROMs can be used as valuable tools in the clinical setting. Results from both types of measurements and individual performance assessments in patients provide a valid basis for the meaningful interpretation of the patients’ health outcomes.

Trial registration. This clinical study was entered retrospectively on August 14, 2020 into the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS, registration number: DRKS00022854).
Financial misconduct and employee mistreatment: Evidence from wage theft
Authors: Raghunandan Aneesh
Published: June 2021

I examine the relation between firms’ financial conduct and wage theft. Wage theft represents the single largest form of theft committed in the United States and primarily affects firms’ most vulnerable employees. I show that wage theft is more prevalent (i) when firms just meet or beat earnings targets and (ii) when executives’ personal liability for wage theft decreases. Wage theft precedes financial misconduct while the theft is undetected, but once firms are caught engaging in wage theft they are more likely to shift to engaging in financial misconduct. My findings highlight an economically meaningful yet previously undocumented way in which firms’ financial incentives relate to employee treatment.
The most reactive iron and manganese complexes with N-pentadentate ligands for dioxygen activation—synthesis, characteristics, applications
Authors: Rydel-Ciszek Katarzyna
Published: June 2021

The iron and manganese complexes that activate oxygen atom play multiple role in technologically relevant reactions as well as in biological transformations, in which exist in different redox states. Among them, high-valent oxo intermediate seems to be the most important one. Iron, and/or manganese-based processes have found application in many areas, starting from catalysis and sustainable technologies, through DNA oxidative cleavage, to new substances useful in chemotherapeutic drugs. This review is not only the latest detailed list of uses of homogeneous N-pentadentate iron and manganese catalysts for syntheses of valuable molecules with huge applications in green technologies, but also a kind of "a cookbook", collecting "recipes" for the discussed complexes, in which the sources necessary to obtain a full characterization of the compounds are presented. Following the catalytic activity of metalloenzymes, and taking into account the ubiquity of iron and manganese salts, which in combination with properly designed ligands may show similarity to natural systems, the discussed complexes can find application as new anti-cancer drugs. Also, owing to ability of oxygen atom to exchange in reaction with H2O, they can be successfully applied in photodriven reactions of water oxidation, as well as in chemically regenerated fuel cells as a redox catalyst.

Graphical abstract
Cognitive financial constraints and firm growth
Authors: Du Jun , Nguyen Bach
Published: June 2021

This study distinguishes entrepreneurs’ cognitive financial constraints from financial supply constraints and assesses their relative importance to small business growth. Drawing from the literature on cognitive styles and institutional theory, we argue that small businesses’ financial constraints derive not only from financial market failures but also from the cognitive factors of entrepreneurs. Analysing a comprehensive dataset of more than 200,000 small businesses in Vietnam, we show that both financial supply and cognitive financial constraints impede firm growth. Given this significantly deleterious effect, the cognitive financial constraints originating from the demand side of firm financing deserve more attention.
R-Regularity of Set-Valued Mappings Under the Relaxed Constant Positive Linear Dependence Constraint Qualification with Applications to Parametric and Bilevel Optimization
Authors: Mehlitz Patrick , Minchenko Leonid I.
Published: June 2021

The presence of Lipschitzian properties for solution mappings associated with nonlinear parametric optimization problems is desirable in the context of, e.g., stability analysis or bilevel optimization. An example of such a Lipschitzian property for set-valued mappings, whose graph is the solution set of a system of nonlinear inequalities and equations, is R-regularity. Based on the so-called relaxed constant positive linear dependence constraint qualification, we provide a criterion ensuring the presence of the R-regularity property. In this regard, our analysis generalizes earlier results of that type which exploited the stronger Mangasarian–Fromovitz or constant rank constraint qualification. Afterwards, we apply our findings in order to derive new sufficient conditions which guarantee the presence of R-regularity for solution mappings in parametric optimization. Finally, our results are used to derive an existence criterion for solutions in pessimistic bilevel optimization and a sufficient condition for the presence of the so-called partial calmness property in optimistic bilevel optimization.
Who aspires to be a scientist/who is allowed in science? Science identity as a lens to exploring the political dimension of the nature of science
Authors: Avraamidou Lucy , Schwartz Renee
Published: June 2021

Our purpose in this paper is to put forward an argument about both the need and the value for understanding how the constructs of science identity and the nature of science (NOS) might intersect and intertwine and offer useful insights about science participation in times of crises. Based on our knowledge and understanding of these two research areas, we maintain that science identity research has not been fully engaged in understanding how perspectives on NOS might be intersecting with the questions of who can be (or not) a scientist and who is allowed (or not) in science. In this paper, we argue that the formation of a disrupting science identity that challenges existing constructed systems of power in science, requires robust understandings of NOS that place emphasis on the socially-produced narratives about science and scientists. In doing so, we engage with the following questions: (a) How have understandings of NOS contributed to conceptualizations of who can be a scientist and who is recognized as a scientist? (b) How have these conceptualizations contributed to producing exclusionary narratives and perpetuating inequalities in science? and, (c) How might an exploration of NOS through the lens of science identity be used to promote goals related to equity and social justice?
Narrative recognition and identification: a qualitative pilot study into reading literary texts with advanced cancer patients
Authors: Kamp Albert , Bood Zarah , Scherer-Rath Michael , Weeseman Yvonne , Christophe Nirav , Dörr Henny , Sanders José , Sprangers Mirjam , Helmich Esther , Timmermans Liesbeth , van Wolde Ellen , van Laarhoven Hanneke W. M.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Patients with advanced cancer can experience their disease as a contingent life event. The sudden interruption of their life stories can obscure life goals and disrupt meaning making. In the context of the research project “In search of stories,” we aim to investigate the reading and discussion of selected stories which present ways of dealing with a contingent life event. In addition, we examine the use of a newly developed guide for reading these exemplary texts together with advanced cancer patients.

Methods

This qualitative study describes the experiences of five patients with advanced cancer who participated in a guided reading and discussion about selected literary texts. The intervention consisted of reading a selected story, after which each patient was interviewed, using the reading guide as a conversation template. The interviews were then thematically analyzed for their conceptual content using a template analysis.

Results

All five conversations showed some form of recognition in reaction to the chosen text, which led to personal identification of experiences of contingency, such as loss of life goals, impending death, or feelings of uncertainty. Besides the important role of identification, revealed by the responses to the questions in the reading guide, the discussion of the text helped them articulate their own experience and sources of meaning. Diverse worldviews came to the fore and concepts of meaning such as fate, life goals, quality of life, and death.

Conclusions

First experiences with our newly developed reading guide designed to support a structured reading of stories containing experiences of contingency suggest that it may help patients to express their own experiences of contingency and to reflect on these experiences.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

The intervention tested in this study may contribute to supportive care for survivors with advanced cancer, but further research is needed to evaluate its effect on quality of life.
Paternalismus und Citizenship
Authors: Ziegler Holger
Published: June 2021

Der Beitrag argumentiert, dass das Paternalismusproblem ein Kernproblem professioneller Urteilsbildung als Grundlage einer angemessenen Praxis darstellt. Dieses Problem wird durch eine (normative) Ausrichtung des wohlfahrtsstaatlichen Arrangements gerahmt, das sich in Richtung eines sozialinvestionsstaatlichen Begründungsrahmens verschiebt. Dabei erfahren sozialpädagogische Wohlfahrtsleistungen eine veränderte Relevanz, die offenbar nicht dem vergleichsweise steuerungsresistenten professionellen Ermessen und Urteilen unterstellt werden soll.
When company decisions harm or help the environment: the influence of social context and affective state on moral and causal responsibility attributions
Authors: Roth Kiara , Kaspar Kai
Published: June 2021

Holding companies accountable for their decisions’ environmental side effects becomes increasingly important in the light of current debates on the climate crisis. The present study investigated a young sample’s (n = 925) causal and moral responsibility attributions to a company’s manager and their subordinate employee, who were either young or middle-aged. The agents jointly made a profit-oriented decision which either harmed or helped the environment. Results were analyzed with respect to the valence of the side effect, the agents’ social role, the agents’ age group, and participants’ affective state. We successfully replicated findings from prior studies, showing that more intention and moral responsibility is ascribed to the manager in case of a negative side effect than in case of a positive side effect, and that the manager deserves more blame for negative side effects than the employee, whereas the employee deserves more praise for positive side effects. Additionally, responsibility attributions varied with the agents’ age group, participants’ positive and negative affective state, and participants’ gender. By incorporating these hitherto neglected factors, the study complements existing theories of responsibility attribution and intergroup perception. The findings further highlight the contribution of affective mechanisms as driving factors of responsibility attributions. Combining moral responsibility research, intergroup research, and affective measures promises to foster the understanding of how and to whom people ascribe blame, praise, and causal responsibility for environmental consequences.
Covert-overt prejudices towards the intellectual disabilities at school: A study on teachers and non-teachers of southern Italy
Authors: Marcone Roberto , Caputo Antonietta
Published: June 2021

Intellectual Disabilities (ID) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with considerable individual variability in type and severity. Due to overt and covert prejudices around ID, however, society tends to generalize this condition. Also, in schools, teachers’ attitudes toward students with IDs often differ from those toward regular students. The purpose of this study is to examine the levels of overt and covert prejudices toward ID of curricular and support teachers and non-teachers, in a sample of Southern Italian citizens, by evaluating age, gender and socioeconomic differences, as well as the associations of prejudice with education about and contact with ID. Six hundred and sixty-four participants (484 F; 38% teachers), 18–70 years old (M = 38.72; SD = 14.79) participated in the study. The Modern and Classical Prejudices Scale was administered in paper and online forms. Sociodemographic measures, as well as measures around ID education and contact with people with ID were collected. The results show that teachers had higher levels of classical prejudices compared to non-teacher participants. Teachers of primary schools showed higher levels of classical and modern prejudices. No gender and socioeconomic status (SES) differences were found in the whole sample. The entry of children with Intellectual Disabilities into primary school can be strongly influenced by teachers’ prejudices. Therefore, the need for teachers’ information and training on Intellectual Disabilities is evident.
Psychological wellbeing, memories, and future thoughts during the Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Niziurski Julie A. , Schaper Marie Luisa
Published: June 2021

The Covid-19 pandemic led countries to place restrictions on the general public in order to protect their safety. These restrictions, however, may have negative psychological consequences as people are restricted in their social and leisure activities and facing daily life stressors. Investigating the relationship between how people are remembering pandemic events and thinking about their futures is important in order to begin to examine the psychological consequences – cognitive and emotional – of the Covid-19 pandemic. The present study examined how characteristics of past and future thinking relate to psychological wellbeing during the Covid-19 pandemic. In an online questionnaire study, 904 participants in Germany and the USA recalled and predicted negative and positive events related to the pandemic. Participants completed a series of questionnaires measuring cognitions and psychological symptoms. Participants’ current psychological wellbeing related to how they remembered events and thought of their future. Participants reported a greater sense of reliving for past compared to future events. However, future events were more rehearsed than past events. Additionally, the emotional impact of positive and negative events differed for the past and the future. Participants seem to be strongly future oriented during the Covid-19 pandemic, but have a negative view of future events.
Mathematical Model Predicts that Acceleration of Diabetic Wound Healing is Dependent on Spatial Distribution of VEGF-A mRNA (AZD8601)
Authors: Rikard S. Michaela , Myers Paul J. , Almquist Joachim , Gennemark Peter , Bruce Anthony C. , Wågberg Maria , Fritsche-Danielson Regina , Hansson Kenny M. , Lazzara Matthew J. , Peirce Shayn M.
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Pharmacologic approaches for promoting angiogenesis have been utilized to accelerate healing of chronic wounds in diabetic patients with varying degrees of success. We hypothesize that the distribution of proangiogenic drugs in the wound area critically impacts the rate of closure of diabetic wounds. To evaluate this hypothesis, we developed a mathematical model that predicts how spatial distribution of VEGF-A produced by delivery of a modified mRNA (AZD8601) accelerates diabetic wound healing.

Methods

We modified a previously published model of cutaneous wound healing based on coupled partial differential equations that describe the density of sprouting capillary tips, chemoattractant concentration, and density of blood vessels in a circular wound. Key model parameters identified by a sensitivity analysis were fit to data obtained from anin vivowound healing study performed in the dorsum of diabetic mice, and a pharmacokinetic model was used to simulate mRNA and VEGF-A distribution following injections with AZD8601. Due to the limited availability of data regarding the spatial distribution of AZD8601 in the wound bed, we performed simulations with perturbations to the location of injections and diffusion coefficient of mRNA to understand the impact of these spatial parameters on wound healing.

Results

When simulating injections delivered at the wound border, the model predicted that injections delivered on day 0 were more effective in accelerating wound healing than injections delivered at later time points. When the location of the injection was varied throughout the wound space, the model predicted that healing could be accelerated by delivering injections a distance of 1–2 mm inside the wound bed when compared to injections delivered on the same day at the wound border. Perturbations to the diffusivity of mRNA predicted that restricting diffusion of mRNA delayed wound healing by creating an accumulation of VEGF-A at the wound border. Alternatively, a high mRNA diffusivity had no effect on wound healing compared to a simulation with vehicle injection due to the rapid loss of mRNA at the wound border to surrounding tissue.

Conclusions

These findings highlight the critical need to consider the location of drug delivery and diffusivity of the drug, parameters not typically explored in pre-clinical experiments, when designing and testing drugs for treating diabetic wounds.