bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The characteristics, types of intervention, and outcomes of postoperative patients who required rapid response system intervention: a nationwide database analysis
Authors:   In-Hospital Emergency Study Group, Sento Yoshiki , Arai Masayasu , Yamamori Yuji , Fujiwara Shinsuke , Tamashiro Masahiro , Kawamoto Eiji , Naito Takaki , Atagi Kazuaki , Fujitani Shigeki , Osaga Satoshi , Sobue Kazuya
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Improving the safety of general wards is a key to reducing serious adverse events in the postoperative period. We investigated the characteristics, treatment, and outcomes of postoperative patients managed by a rapid response system (RRS) in Japan to improve postoperative management.

Methods

This retrospective study analyzed cases requiring RRS intervention that were included in the In-Hospital Emergency Registry in Japan. We analyzed data reported by 34 Japanese hospitals between January 2014 and March 2018, mainly focusing on postoperative patients for whom the RRS was activated within 7 days of surgery. Non-postoperative patients, for whom the RRS was activated in all other settings, were used for comparison as necessary.

Results

There were 609 (12.7%) postoperative patients among the total patients in the registry. The major criteria were staff concerns (30.2%) and low oxygen saturation (29.7%). Hypotension, tachycardia, and inability to contact physicians were observed as triggers significantly more frequently in postoperative patients when compared with non-postoperative patients. Among RRS activations within 7 days of surgery, 68.9% of activations occurred within postoperative day 3. The ordering of tests (46.8%) and fluid bolus (34.6%) were major interventions that were performed significantly more frequently in postoperative patients when compared with non-postoperative patients. The rate of RRS activations resulting in ICU care was 32.8%. The mortality rate at 1 month was 16.2%.

Conclusion

Approximately, 70% of the RRS activations occurred within postoperative day 3. Circulatory problems were a more frequent cause of RRS activation in the postoperative group than in the non-postoperative group.
“Corporate Digital Responsibility”
Authors: Herden Christina J. , Alliu Ervin , Cakici André , Cormier Thibaut , Deguelle Catherine , Gambhir Sahil , Griffiths Caleb , Gupta Shrishti , Kamani Sahil R. , Kiratli Yonca-Selda , Kispataki Máté , Lange Greta , Moles de Matos Leandro , Tripero Moreno Laura , Betancourt Nunez Hector Alain , Pilla Venkata , Raj Bairesh , Roe James , Skoda Markus , Song Youye , Ummadi Praveen Kumar , Edinger-Schons Laura Marie
Published: February 2021

Digitalization is leading to profound changes in our private and work lives. New technologies are pervasive and create opportunities for new business models and lifestyles. Recently, the term “Corporate Digital Responsibility” has been coined to summarize the emerging responsibilities of corporations relating to their digitalization-related impacts, risks, challenges, and opportunities. The paper at hand reviews the topic of CDR using a multi-step approach. First, results from an opinion poll of 509 US-based respondents are reported which illustrate the perceived opportunities and threats associated with the topic of digitalization, underlining the need for a strategic approach to CDR implementation. Second, existing uses and definitions of the CDR terminology are summarized and a definition of CDR is derived. Third, twenty important topics related to CDR are identified, summarized and categorized into three categories using the ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) framework. Finally, results are discussed with regards to their theoretical and managerial contributions and a hands-on guide which companies can use to implement a suitable CDR strategy is presented.
Possible changes in spatial distribution of walnut (Juglans regia L.) in Europe under warming climate
Authors: Paź-Dyderska Sonia , Jagodziński Andrzej M. , Dyderski Marcin K.
Published: February 2021

Juglans regia L. is a species of great importance for environmental management due to attractive wood and nutritious fruits, but also high invasive potential. Thus, uncertainties connected with its range shift are essential for environmental management. We aimed to predict the future climatic optimum of J. regia in Europe under changing climate, to assess the most important climatic factors that determine its potential distribution, and to compare the results obtained among three different global circulation models (GCMs). We used distribution data from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility and completed it with data from the literature. Using the MaxEnt algorithm, we prepared a species distribution model for the years 2061–2080 using 19 bioclimatic variables. We applied three emission scenarios, expressed by representative concentration pathways (RCPs): RCP2.6, RCP4.5, and RCP8.5 and three GCMs: HadGEM2-ES, IPSL-CM5A-LR, and MPI-SM-LR. Our study predicted northward shift of the species, with simultaneous distribution loss at the southern edge of the current range, driven by increasing climate seasonality. Temperature seasonality and temperature annual range were the predictors of highest importance. General trends are common for the projections presented, but the variability of our projections among the GCMs or RCPs applied (predicted range will contract from 17.4 to 84.6% of the current distribution area) shows that caution should be maintained while managing J. regia populations. Adaptive measures should focus on maintaining genetic resources and assisted migration at the southern range edge, due to range contraction. Simultaneously, at the northern edge of the range, J. regia turns into an invasive species, which may need risk assessments and control of unintended spread.
Analyzing the effect of silvicultural management on the trade-off between stand structural heterogeneity and productivity over time
Authors: Zeller Laura , Caicoya Astor Toraño , Pretzsch Hans
Published: February 2021

This study combined an empirically based simulation with an analysis of the trade-off between structural heterogeneity and stand productivity depending on time, spatial scale, and silvicultural management, whereas volume growth and tree species diversity have been examined in detail, the role of forest structure and its interdependencies with stand productivity has only lately become a stronger research focus. We used the growth simulator SILVA to examine the development of stand structural heterogeneity and its trade-off with stand productivity in age-class versus uneven-aged pure and mixed spruce and beech stands at different spatial scales over 100 years. Those stands were based on typical forest types in Bavaria and were representative of forests in Central Europe. We examined how stand structure and its trade-off with productivity were modified by a multifunctional, a production-oriented, and a set-aside management scenario. The production-oriented management scenario applied to uneven-aged stands led to a reduction in structural heterogeneity per unit of productivity over time. In age-class stands, the production-oriented scenario was able to maintain the initial structural heterogeneity. The structural heterogeneity per unit of productivity increased more strongly with increasing spatial scale in age-class stands compared to uneven-aged stands. Combining forest stand simulation with scenario analyses is an exemplary method for testing the effect of silvicultural management alternatives on forest structure. This approach can later be connected to climate models considering long-term changes in growing conditions and support the planning of multifunctional forests.
Incorporating Polygenic Risk Scores in the ACE Twin Model to Estimate A–C Covariance
Authors: Dolan Conor V. , Huijskens Roel C. A. , Minică Camelia C. , Neale Michael C. , Boomsma Dorret I.
Published: February 2021

The assumption in the twin model that genotypic and environmental variables are uncorrelated is primarily made to ensure parameter identification, not because researchers necessarily think that these variables are uncorrelated. Although the biasing effects of such correlations are well understood, a method to estimate these parameters in the twin model would be useful. Here we explore the possibility of relaxing this assumption by adding polygenic scores to the (univariate) twin model. We demonstrate that this extension renders the additive genetic (A)—common environmental (C) covariance (σAC) identified. We study the statistical power to reject σAC = 0 in the ACE model and present the results of simulations.
Too Good To Be True: Influencing Credibility Perceptions with Signaling Reference Explicitness and Assurance Depth
Authors: Baier Carolin , Göttsche Max , Hellmann Andreas , Schiemann Frank
Published: February 2021

We investigate how the selection of assurance topics and the format of their communication influence the credibility perception of sustainability report readers. This is important because misleading communication may discredit ethical sustainability assurance practices. Based on signaling theory and using an experimental approach, we are the first to examine false credibility signals in the context of sustainability assurance. We find that two variables related to sustainability assurance, reference explicitness and assurance depth, jointly influence the assurance signal and the perceived credibility of a sustainability report. Our findings indicate that readers are not at risk of false signaling but can make incorrect interpretations of the assurance signal and might respond negatively to well-intentioned signals. The main implications of our findings are that firms should refrain from increasing reference explicitness and should select only the most material topics. Taken together, our results provide new insights on the unethical practice of false signaling and provide an example of an incorrect signal interpretation by readers.
An ultra-dispersive, nonprecious metal MOF–FeZn catalyst with good oxygen reduction activity and favorable stability in acid
Authors: Zhao Qing , Wang Cheng , Wang Haifeng , Wang Jianlong
Published: February 2021

Development of the more stable nonprecious oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalyst is of great significance nowadays. Herein, a high-performance iron-doped integral uniform macrocyclic organic framework (MOF–FeZn) catalyst is synthesized through a combined hydrothermal and pyrolysis process, showing favorable ORR activity and stability in acid. This as-synthesized MOF–FeZn catalyst displays high porous and graphitic structures with sufficient catalytic active dopants of pyridinic N, Fe–N, pyrrolic N, graphitic N, making it a promising ORR candidate catalyst with high electrochemical stability. The onset potential, half-wave potential and limited diffusion current density of MOF–FeZn are 0.93 V @ 0.1 mA cm−2, 0.768 V@ 2.757 mA cm−2 and 5.5 mA cm−2, respectively, which are comparable to the state-of-the-art nonprecious catalyst and commercial Pt/C. ORR catalysis on MOF–FeZn follows the nearly four-electron path. What is more, MOF–FeZn can sustain the 10,000 cycles electrochemical potential cycling process in acid with the half-wave potential changed only 21 mV, superior to the reduction of 149 mV for Pt/C. The well-developed integral uniform structures, homogeneously dispersed carbides and nitrides protected by the highly graphitic carbon layers and the better agglomeration suppression of nanoparticles by the confined graphitic carbon layers on catalyst can significantly enhance the catalytic activity and stability of MOF–FeZn.
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Resolves the Immune Deficit Associated with STAT3-Dominant-Negative Hyper-IgE Syndrome
Authors: Harrison Stephanie C. , Tsilifis Christo , Slatter Mary A. , Nademi Zohreh , Worth Austen , Veys Paul , Ponsford Mark J. , Jolles Stephen , Al-Herz Waleed , Flood Terence , Cant Andrew J. , Doffinger Rainer , Barcenas-Morales Gabriela , Carpenter Ben , Hough Rachael , Haraldsson Ásgeir , Heimall Jennifer , Grimbacher Bodo , Abinun Mario , Gennery Andrew R.
Published: February 2021

Autosomal dominant hyper-IgE syndrome caused by dominant-negative loss-of-function mutations in signal transducer and activator of transcription factor 3 (STAT3) (STAT3-HIES) is a rare primary immunodeficiency with multisystem pathology. The quality of life in patients with STAT3-HIES is determined by not only the progressive, life-limiting pulmonary disease, but also significant skin disease including recurrent infections and abscesses requiring surgery. Our early report indicated that hematopoietic stem cell transplantation might not be effective in patients with STAT3-HIES, although a few subsequent reports have reported successful outcomes. We update on progress of our patient now with over 18 years of follow-up and report on an additional seven cases, all of whom have survived despite demonstrating significant disease-related pathology prior to transplant. We conclude that effective cure of the immunological aspects of the disease and stabilization of even severe lung involvement may be achieved by allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Recurrent skin infections and abscesses may be abolished. Donor TH17 cells may produce comparable levels of IL17A to healthy controls. The future challenge will be to determine which patients should best be offered this treatment and at what point in their disease history.
Does it matter what your reasons are when deciding to disclose (or not disclose) a disability at work? The association of workers’ approach and avoidance goals with perceived positive and negative workplace outcomes
Authors: Gignac Monique A. M. , Jetha Arif , Ginis Kathleen A. Martin , Ibrahim Selahadin
Published: February 2021

Deciding whether to disclose a disability to others at work is complex. Many chronic mental and physical health conditions are associated with episodic disability and include times of relative wellness punctuated by intermittent periods of activity limitations. This research draws on the disclosure processes model to examine approach and avoidance disclosure and non-disclosure goals and their association with perceived positive and negative workplace outcomes. Participants were 896 employed individuals (57.7% women) living with a chronic physical or mental health/cognitive condition. They were recruited from an existing national panel and completed an online, cross-sectional survey. Participants were asked about disclosure decisions, reasons for disclosure/non-disclosure, demographic, work context and perceived positive and negative disclosure decision outcomes (e.g., support, stress, lost opportunities). About half the sample (51.2%) had disclosed a disability to their supervisor. Decisions included both approach and avoidance goals. Approach goals (e.g., desire support, want to build trust, maintain the status quo at work) were significantly associated with perceived positive work outcomes regardless of whether a participant disclosed or did not disclose a disability at work, while avoidance goals (e.g., concerns about losing one’s job, feeling forced to disclose because others notice a problem) were associated with perceived negative work outcomes. The findings highlight benefits and challenges that workers perceive arise when they choose to disclose or not disclose personal health information. By better understanding disclosure decisions, we can inform organizational health privacy and support gaps to help sustain the employment of people living with disabilities.
Using a landscape ecological perspective to analyze regime shifts in social–ecological systems: a case study on grassland degradation of the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Li Li , Fassnacht Fabian Ewald , Bürgi Matthias
Published: February 2021

Context

Landscape ecology thinking and social–ecological system (SES) thinking investigate human–environment relationships from the perspective of ‘space’ and ‘system’, respectively. To date, empirical landscape ecology studies attempting to understand SES complexities are rare.

Objectives

Using the Tibetan pastoral landscape as an empirical example, we conceptualize the black-soil formation as SES regime shifts. We seek to illustrate the spatial patterns of black-soil formation in the Tibetan SES, and to reveal their underlying ecological processes.

Methods

We conducted interdisciplinary research in a Tibetan pastoral village. We obtained quantitative data on historical land-use intensity (LUI) and the associated management narratives. Landsat-based NDVI time series were used to derive a grassland productivity proxy and to reconstruct the process leading to the up-scaling of the regime shift of degradation.

Results

Important SES features, such as LUI, productivity and degradation risk are heterogeneously distributed in space. Land-use intensification at farm-scales in the 1990s increased landscape-scale degradation risks. Eventually the regime shift of degradation scaled up from the plot level to the landscape level in the 2010s. The time lag was related to the gradual invasion of a native burrowing animal, the plateau pika, which inhabits low-vegetation height pastures.

Conclusions

Our study shows that landscape ecology thinking provides an important spatial perspective to understanding SES complexities. The finding that unfavorable SES regime shifts are strongly linked across spatial scales implies that an ‘entry point’ into an adaptive management circle should be initiated when local-scale regime shifts are perceived and interpreted as early warning signals.
Decision-making in Shiatsu bodywork: complementariness of embodied coupling and conceptual inference
Authors: Kimmel Michael , Irran Christine
Published: February 2021

“4E” cognitive science has demonstrated that embodied coupling offers powerful resources for reasoning. Despite a surge of studies, little empirical attention is paid to discussing the precise scope of these resources and their possible complementariness with traditional knowledge-based inference. We use decision-making in Shiatsu practice – a bodywork method that employs hands-on interaction with a client – to showcase how the two types of cognitive resources can mesh and offer alternative paths to a task: “Local” resources such as embodied presence, empathy, attunement, as well as skilled perception-action coupling are not only central for implementing a successful therapeutic intervention. The immediate coupling with a client also offers basic means of deciding about fitting and meaningful interventions. Yet, when comprehensive intervention strategies are at stake, Shiatsu decision making must be complemented through “non-local” resources, notably inferences rooted in anatomy/physiology knowledge, categories, heuristics, and mental models. To draw out implications for “4E” cognitive science, we argue that “local” embodied coupling and “non-local” conceptual inferences can functionally complement, inform, and scaffold each other in a dialectic process.
Small-Scale Dynamic Aurora
Authors: Kataoka Ryuho , Chaston Christopher C. , Knudsen David , Lynch Kristina A. , Lysak Robert L. , Song Yan , Rankin Robert , Murase Kiyoka , Sakanoi Takeshi , Semeter Joshua , Watanabe Tomo-Hiko , Whiter Daniel
Published: February 2021

Small-scale dynamic auroras have spatial scales of a few km or less, and temporal scales of a few seconds or less, which visualize the complex interplay among charged particles, Alfvén waves, and plasma instabilities working in the magnetosphere-ionosphere coupled regions. We summarize the observed properties of flickering auroras, vortex motions, and filamentary structures. We also summarize the development of fundamental theories, such as dispersive Alfvén waves (DAWs), plasma instabilities in the auroral acceleration region, ionospheric feedback instabilities (IFI), and the ionospheric Alfvén resonator (IAR).
Germination, root elongation, and photosynthetic performance of plants exposed to sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES): an emerging contaminant
Authors: Salvatori Elisabetta , Rauseo Jasmin , Patrolecco Luisa , Barra Caracciolo Anna , Spataro Francesca , Fusaro Lina , Manes Fausto
Published: February 2021

The anionic surfactant SLES (sodium lauryl ether sulfate) is an emerging contaminant, being the main component of foaming agents that are increasingly used by the tunnel construction industry. To fill the gap of knowledge about the potential SLES toxicity on plants, acute and chronic effects were assessed under controlled conditions. The acute ecotoxicological test was performed on Lepidum sativum L. (cress) and Zea mays L. (maize). Germination of both species was not affected by SLES in soil, even at concentrations (1200 mg kg−1) more than twice higher than the maximum realistic values found in contaminated debris, thus confirming the low acute SLES toxicity on terrestrial plants. The root elongation of the more sensitive species (cress) was instead reduced at the highest SLES concentration. In the chronic phytotoxicity experiment, photosynthesis of maize was downregulated, and the photosynthetic performance (PITOT) significantly reduced already under realistic exposures (360 mg kg−1), owing to the SLES ability to interfere with water and/or nutrients uptake by roots. However, such reduction was transient, likely due to the rapid biodegradation of the surfactant by the soil microbial community. Indeed, SLES amount decreased in soil more than 90% of the initial concentration in only 11 days. A significant reduction of the maximum photosynthetic capacity (Pnmax) was still evident at the end of the experiment, suggesting the persistence of negative SLES effects on plant growth and productivity. Overall results, although confirming the low phytotoxicity and high biodegradability of SLES in natural soils, highlight the importance of considering both acute and nonlethal stress effects to evaluate the environmental compatibility of soil containing SLES residues.
In vitro estrogenic, cytotoxic, and genotoxic profiles of the xenoestrogens 8-prenylnaringenine, genistein and tartrazine
Authors: Nasri Atefeh , Pohjanvirta Raimo
Published: February 2021

Phytoestrogens have been widely praised for their health-promoting effects, whereas synthetic environmental estrogens are considered a toxicological risk to human health. The aim of this study was therefore to compare in vitro the estrogenic, cytotoxic, and genotoxic profiles of three common estrogen-like endocrine-disrupting chemicals: the phytoestrogens 8-prenylnaringenine (8-PN) and genistein and the synthetic xenoestrogen tartrazine. As assessed by a yeast bioreporter assay and estrogen-dependent proliferative response in human mammary gland adenocarcinoma cell line (MCF-7), 8-PN showed the highest estrogen-like activity of the three compounds, followed by tartrazine and genistein. After 24-h incubation on MCF-7 cells, all three compounds exhibited low cytotoxicity in the lactate dehydrogenase assay and no genotoxicity in the micronucleus assay. These results demonstrate that 8-PN, genistein and tartrazine possess variable estrogenic activity but display little cellular toxicity in short-term tests in vitro. No difference between phytoestrogens and a synthetic xenoestrogen could be established.
Imaging of Response to Radiosurgery and Immunotherapy in Brain Metastases: Quo Vadis?
Authors: Galldiks Norbert , Werner Jan-Michael , Lohmann Philipp , Kocher Martin , Fink Gereon R. , Langen Karl-Josef
Published: February 2021

Purpose of Review

This review presents an overview of how advanced imaging techniques may help to overcome shortcomings of anatomical MRI for response assessment in patients with brain metastases who are undergoing stereotactic radiosurgery, immunotherapy, or combinations thereof.

Recent Findings

Study results suggest that parameters derived from amino acid PET, diffusion- and perfusion-weighted MRI, MR spectroscopy, and newer MRI methods are particularly helpful for the evaluation of the response to radiosurgery or checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy and provide valuable information for the differentiation of radiotherapy-induced changes such as radiation necrosis from brain metastases. The evaluation of these imaging modalities is also of great interest in the light of emerging high-throughput analysis methods such as radiomics, which allow the acquisition of additional data at a low cost.

Preliminary results are promising and should be further evaluated. Shortcomings are different levels of PET and MRI standardization, the number of patients enrolled in studies, and the monocentric and retrospective character of most studies.
Spatial links in the analysis of voter turnout in European Parliamentary elections
Authors: Fiorino Nadia , Pontarollo Nicola , Ricciuti Roberto
Published: February 2021

This paper investigates the turnout in European Parliamentary elections by analyzing the four EP elections from 1999 to 2014 in 155 regions in EU-12. We use a number of econometric techniques that account for spatial dependence, also dealing with heteroskedasticity and endogeneity. The results confirm the role of spatial spillovers and indicate a significant role for GDP per capita, unemployment, age, institutional and electoral variables in influencing turnout. Finally, we disentangle the direct and indirect effects of the regional variable in affecting turnout.
Impact of inter-particle collision on elbow erosion based on DSMC-CFD method
Authors: Sun Xiao-Yang , Cao Xue-Wen
Published: February 2021

In this work, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is used to study elbow erosion due to a gas–solid two-phase flow. In particular, the direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method is used to study the impact of inter-particle collision on the erosion behavior. The two-way coupled Euler–Lagrange method is used to solve the gas–solid flow, and the DSMC method is used to consider the collision behavior between particles. The effects of key factors, such as the particle concentration distribution and inter-particle collision, on the erosion ratio are evaluated and discussed. The effectiveness of the method is verified from experimental data. The results show that the inter-particle collision significantly influences the particle movement path and erosion ratio. When the inter-particle collision is considered, the maximum erosion position is offset. The erosion model proposed by Oka et al., who used the DSMC method, agrees best with the experimental data, and the average percentage error decreases from 39.2 to 27.4%.
Repeated historical earthquakes in Sousse, Monastir and El-Jem (Tunisia)—an archaeoseismological study
Authors: Kázmér Miklós
Published: February 2021

Tunisia is known of sparse and moderate earthquakes. However, there are seismically damaged historical buildings in the eastern Sahel region. The Roman amphitheatre of Thysdrus (modern El-Jem), various Islamic religious and secular buildings in Sousse and Monastir testify to seismic events with intensity up to IX (EMS98 scale). We raise the hypothesis that their destruction was caused by the nearby east-west Cherichira-Abaieh Fault and the north-south Monastir Fault. Simultaneity of the 859 AD Kairouan earthquake and extensive restoration works in Sousse 50 km to the east allow assessing magnitude up to 7.2 based on segment length. The city was hit both by the 859 AD and a post-1575 earthquake. Being nearby two active faults, seismic hazard in Sousse is higher than either in Kairouan or in Monastir.
Using Principal Paths to Walk Through Music and Visual Art Style Spaces Induced by Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Gardini E. , Ferrarotti M. J. , Cavalli A. , Decherchi S.
Published: February 2021

Computational intelligence, particularly deep learning, offers powerful tools for discriminating and generating samples such as images. Deep learning methods have been used in different artistic contexts for neural style transfer, artistic style recognition, and musical genre recognition. Using a constrained manifold analysis protocol, we discuss to what extent spaces induced by deep-learning convolutional neural networks can capture historical/stylistic progressions in music and visual art. We use a path-finding algorithm, called principal path, to move from one point to another. We apply it to the vector space induced by convolutional neural networks. We perform experiments with visual artworks and songs, considering a subset of classes. Within this simplified scenario, we recover a reasonable historical/stylistic progression in several cases. We use the principal path algorithm to conduct an evolutionary analysis of vector spaces induced by convolutional neural networks. We perform several experiments in the visual art and music spaces. The principal path algorithm finds reasonable connections between visual artworks and songs from different styles/genres with respect to the historical evolution when a subset of classes is considered. This approach could be used in many areas to extract evolutionary information from an arbitrary high-dimensional space and deliver interesting cognitive insights.
Physicochemical evolution and evaluation of groundwater quality in Mougheul area (Southwest of Algeria)
Authors: Mebarki Saliha , Kharroubi Benali , Kendouci Mohammed Amin
Published: February 2021

In arid areas, the pressure on water resources and in particular on groundwater resources is on the rise, mainly due to increasing demand and the deterioration of water quality. In this context, the present work aims to follow the annual evolution, between 2009 and 2019 of the physicochemical parameters, and to evaluate the quality of groundwater of the region of Mougheul, by determining the data of pH, TDS, conductivity and the concentrations of major ions ( Ca+2, Mg+2, Na+, K+, Cl−, HCO3−, SO4−2, NO3−) of 07 water points. The results revealed that all the levels of the physicochemical parameters do not exceed the WHO potability standards, except high values were observed at the level of well W6 which exceeds the limits recommended by the WHO (50 mg /l). The diagram of Schöeller and Berkaloff shows that the groundwater has the bicarbonate magnesium facies. The representation of the data on the Piper triangular diagram shows that W6 has the facies chlorinated and calcium sulfate and magnesium and the other water points have the facies bicarbonate calcium and magnesium. SAR values show that the groundwater of Mougheul is excellent for irrigation. The classification according to the Wilcox diagram shows that the groundwater of Mougheul in general is good quality, but the well of W6 water is suitable for irrigation and requires monitoring the evolution of salinity.
RepID-deficient cancer cells are sensitized to a drug targeting p97/VCP segregase
Authors: Jang Sang-Min , Redon Christophe E. , Fu Haiqing , Indig Fred E. , Aladjem Mirit I.
Published: February 2021

Background

The p97/valosin-containing protein (VCP) complex is a crucial factor for the segregation of ubiquitinated proteins in the DNA damage response and repair pathway.

Objective

We investigated whether blocking the p97/VCP function can inhibit the proliferation of RepID-deficient cancer cells using immunofluorescence, clonogenic survival assay, fluorescence-activated cell sorting, and immunoblotting.

Result

p97/VCP was recruited to chromatin and colocalized with DNA double-strand breaks in RepID-deficient cancer cells that undergo spontaneous DNA damage. Inhibition of p97/VCP induced death of RepID-depleted cancer cells. This study highlights the potential of targeting p97/VCP complex as an anticancer therapeutic approach.

Conclusion

Our results show that RepID is required to prevent excessive DNA damage at the endogenous levels. Localization of p97/VCP to DSB sites was induced based on spontaneous DNA damage in RepID-depleted cancer cells. Anticancer drugs targeting p97/VCP may be highly potent in RepID-deficient cells. Therefore, we suggest that p97/VCP inhibitors synergize with RepID depletion to kill cancer cells.
Collision Every Night: Treating Nightmares with Trauma-focused Methods: Case Report
Authors: Szabó József , Tóth Szilvia
Published: February 2021

Introduction

We would like to present the case of a young patient with acute stress disorder and recurrent nightmares following the psychological trauma caused by a severe road traffic accident. The comprehensive therapy carried out at the Department of Traumatology included medication, trauma processing and a psychological method whose aim is to cease the development of nightmares.

Case Presentation

Psychiatric assessment and treatment was asked for a polytraumatised female patient at the Intensive Care Unit after she had undergone a neurosurgical intervention. Her medicinal treatment was continued at the Department of Traumatology. Besides the antidepressant venlafaxine she was treated in accordance with the EMDR protocol for acute stress disorder, and we also applied imagery rescripting to prevent her from having recurrent (daily) nightmares. As a result of the therapy, her symptoms were fast relieved, the nightmares stopped almost instantly, her mood improved, rumination and anxiety decreased significantly.

Conclusions

In view of the fast and significant symptomatic improvement, we can expect that the EMDR therapy and its protocol for acute stress disorder have successfully reactivated information processing, and besides the subjective relief we have managed to prevent a mental crisis that could lead to a suicide risk as well as the development of post-traumatic stress disorder. We also hope that the improvement will be long-lasting.
Assessment of groundwater quality for drinking and irrigation purpose using hydrochemical studies in Dera Bassi town and its surrounding agricultural area of Dera Bassi Tehsil of Punjab, India
Authors: Sharma Nitish , Vaid Upma , Sharma Sanjay Kumar
Published: February 2021

Present research aims to assess the suitability of groundwater of Dera Bassi town (Punjab) and its surrounding agricultural area for drinking as well as irrigation purpose. Thirty groundwater samples were collected (in February 2020) and analyzed for various physicochemical parameters. Results of physicochemical analysis were compared with Indian (IS 10500:2012) as well as WHO (2006) standards to ascertain the suitability of the groundwater samples for drinking purpose, and it has been found that results for almost all the parameters except alkalinity (at few sites) are within the permissible limit. The pattern of ionic dominance was observed in the order of Ca2+ > Mg2+ > Na+ > K+ for cations and Cl− > NO3− > SO42− > F− for anions. Further, according to the observed Kelly’s ratio, sodium adsorption ratio, sodium percentage, corrosivity ratio and permeability index, the groundwater samples were found to be fit for irrigation purpose. However, the magnesium ratio and residual sodium carbonate revealed that groundwater of the area under study is not fit for irrigation purpose at some sites. The plot of SAR values versus EC values in the US Salinity Laboratory diagram revealed that the majority of the samples fall under water type C3-S1 (high salinity—low SAR) and 36.77% samples fall under water type C2-S1 (medium salinity—low SAR). Gibb’s diagram revealed that all samples fall under rock dominance category. The values of index of base exchange (CAI 1 and CAI 2) indicate that both direct ion and reverse ion exchange processes are taking place in the region.
From antibodies to living drugs: Quo vadis cancer immunotherapy?
Authors: Szöőr Árpád , Szöllősi János , Vereb György
Published: February 2021

In the last few decades, monoclonal antibodies targeting various receptors and ligands have shown significant advance in cancer therapy. However, still a great percentage of patients experiences tumor relapse despite persistent antigen expression. Immune cell therapy with adoptively transferred modified T cells that express chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) is an engaging option to improve disease outcome. Designer T cells have been applied with remarkable success in the treatment for acute B cell leukemias, yielding unprecedented antitumor activity and significantly improved overall survival. Relying on the success of CAR T cells in leukemias, solid tumors are now emerging potential targets; however, their complexity represents a significant challenge. In preclinical models, CAR T cells recognized and efficiently killed the wide spectrum of tumor xenografts; however, in human clinical trials, limited antitumor efficacy and serious side effects, including cytokine release syndrome, have emerged as potential limitations. The next decade will be an exciting time to further optimize this novel cellular therapeutics to improve effector functions and, at the same time, keep adverse events in check. Moreover, we need to establish whether gene-modified T cells which are yet exclusively used for cancer patients could also be successful in the treatment for other diseases. Here, we provide a concise overview about the transition from monoclonal antibodies to the generation of chimeric antigen receptor T cells. We summarize lessons learned from preclinical models, including our own HER2-positive tumor models, as well as from clinical trials worldwide. We also discuss the challenges we are facing today and outline future prospects.
Trans-chalcone suppresses tumor growth mediated at least in part by the induction of heme oxygenase-1 in breast cancer
Authors: Komoto Tatiana Takahasi , Lee Jaehak , Lertpatipanpong Pattawika , Ryu Junsun , Marins Mozart , Fachin Ana Lúcia , Baek Seung Joon
Published: February 2021

Despite intensive research efforts in recent decades, cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide. The chalcone family is a promising group of phytochemicals for therapeutic use against cancer development. Naturally-occurring chalcones, as well as synthetic chalcone analogues, have shown many beneficial biological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer activities. In this report, trans-chalcone (TChal) was found to increase cell death in breast cancer cells, assessed using high content screening. Subsequently, using antibody array analysis, TChal was found to increase heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression in TChal-treated breast cancer cells. Blocking of HO-1 by siRNA in breast cancer cells diminished the effect of TChal on cell growth inhibition. TChal-fed mice also showed less tumor growth compared to vehicle-fed mice. Overall, we found that TChal increases HO-1 expression in breast cancer cells, thereby enhancing anti-tumorigenesis. Our results suggest that HO-1 expression could be a potential new target of TChal for anti-tumorigenesis in breast cancer.
Mapping value sensitive design onto AI for social good principles
Authors: Umbrello Steven , van de Poel Ibo
Published: February 2021

Value sensitive design (VSD) is an established method for integrating values into technical design. It has been applied to different technologies and, more recently, to artificial intelligence (AI). We argue that AI poses a number of challenges specific to VSD that require a somewhat modified VSD approach. Machine learning (ML), in particular, poses two challenges. First, humans may not understand how an AI system learns certain things. This requires paying attention to values such as transparency, explicability, and accountability. Second, ML may lead to AI systems adapting in ways that ‘disembody’ the values embedded in them. To address this, we propose a threefold modified VSD approach: (1) integrating a known set of VSD principles (AI4SG) as design norms from which more specific design requirements can be derived; (2) distinguishing between values that are promoted and respected by the design to ensure outcomes that not only do no harm but also contribute to good, and (3) extending the VSD process to encompass the whole life cycle of an AI technology to monitor unintended value consequences and redesign as needed. We illustrate our VSD for AI approach with an example use case of a SARS-CoV-2 contact tracing app.
Targeting of proteins to the cell wall of the diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana
Authors: Fattorini Neri , Maier Uwe G.
Published: February 2021

Diatoms are unicellular phototrophic organisms with huge ecological impact. Characteristic for these organisms is their peculiar cell wall, which is composed of inorganic and organic components. Cell wall formation is a highly complex and orchestrated process, and in the last years has been studied intensively, also on the molecular level. Here, we review on the cell wall proteins of diatoms, with a focus on the species Thalassiosira pseudonana. We report on the expression patterns of these proteins in synchronized cultures, as well as their modifications and intracellular targeting.
The role of bed-penetrating Kelvin–Helmholtz vortices on local and instantaneous bedload sediment transport
Authors: Guan Liheng , Salinas J.S. , Zgheib N. , Balachandar S.
Published: February 2021

We present results from open-channel, Euler–Lagrange (EL) simulations of turbulent flow over an erodible particle bed at a shear Reynolds number of$Re_{\tau }=180$. Upon space and time averaging, our simulations correctly reproduce the Wong & Parker (ASCE J. Hydraul. Engng, vol. 132, issue 11, 2006, pp. 1159–1168) bedload transport relation (WP). However, local and instantaneous sediment flux shows orders of magnitude scatter around the WP prediction. Visualization of the vortical structures using swirling strength shows the existence of bed-penetrating Kelvin–Helmholtz (KH) vortex packets, which coupled with particle inertia are primarily responsible for the large scatter. The results also show that Euler–Euler (EE) simulations, where the individual sediment grains are not distinguished, are still able to reliably capture the turbulent shear stress variation, however, they do not capture the wide distribution of sediment flux indicative of saltating transport. The KH vortices induce non-zero streamwise and bed-normal velocities at the upper surface of the bed, which must be considered in EE simulations.
Thermal controls on ice stream shear margins
Authors: Hunter Pierce , Meyer Colin , Minchew Brent , Haseloff Marianne , Rempel Alan
Published: February 2021

Ice stream discharge responds to a balance between gravity, basal friction and lateral drag. Appreciable viscous heating occurs in shear margins between ice streams and adjacent slow-moving ice ridges, altering the temperature-dependent viscosity distribution that connects lateral drag to marginal strain rates and ice stream velocity. Warmer ice deforms more easily and accommodates faster flow, whereas cold ice supplied from ice ridges drives advective cooling that counteracts viscous heating. Here, we present a two-dimensional (three velocity component), steady-state model designed to explore the thermal controls on ice stream shear margins. We validate our treatment through comparison with observed velocities for Bindschadler Ice Stream and verify that calculated temperatures are consistent with results from previous studies. Sweeping through a parameter range that encompasses conditions representative of ice streams in Antarctica, we show that modeled steady-state velocity has a modest response to different choices in forcing up until temperate zones develop in the shear margins. When temperate zones are present, velocity is much more sensitive to changes in forcing. We identify key scalings for the emergence of temperate conditions in our idealized treatment that can be used to identify where thermo-mechanical feedbacks influence the evolution of the ice sheet.
MALTSEV CONDITIONS FOR GENERAL CONGRUENCE MEET-SEMIDISTRIBUTIVE ALGEBRAS
Authors: OLŠÁK MIROSLAV
Published: February 2021

Meet semidistributive varieties are in a sense the last of the most important classes in universal algebra for which it is unknown whether it can be characterized by a strong Maltsev condition. We present a new, relatively simple Maltsev condition characterizing the meet-semidistributive varieties, and provide a candidate for a strong Maltsev condition.
CHARACTERIZING EXISTENCE OF A MEASURABLE CARDINAL VIA MODAL LOGIC
Authors: BEZHANISHVILI GURAM , BEZHANISHVILI NICK , LUCERO-BRYAN JOEL , MILL JAN VAN
Published: February 2021

We prove that the existence of a measurable cardinal is equivalent to the existence of a normal space whose modal logic coincides with the modal logic of the Kripke frame isomorphic to the powerset of a two element set.
Quantitative assessment of the oxygen isotope composition of fish otoliths from Lake Mungo, Australia
Authors: Long Kelsie , Heslop David , Rohling Eelco J.
Published: February 2021

The Willandra Lakes region is a series of once interconnected and now-dry lake basins in the arid zone of southeastern Australia. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of cultural, archaeological, and geological significance, preserving records of Aboriginal occupation and environmental change stretching back to at least 50 ka. Linking the archaeology with the commensurate palaeoenvironmental information is complicated by the millennial time spans represented by the past hydrological record preserved in the sediment vs. the subdecadal evidence of each archaeological site. Oxygen isotope records across annual growth rings of fish otoliths (ear stones) can elucidate flooding and drying regimes on subannual scales. Otoliths from hearth sites (fireplaces) link lake hydrology with people eating fish on the lakeshore. Oxygen isotopic trends in hearth otoliths from the last glacial maximum (LGM) were previously interpreted in terms of high evaporation under dry conditions. However, this ignored hydrology-driven changes in water δ18O. Here, a mass balance model is constructed to test the effect lake desiccation has on water δ18O and how this compares with the LGM otolith records. Based on this modelling, we suggest that Lake Mungo otolith signatures are better explained by evaporation acting on full lakes rather than by lake drying.
SIMAETHA GOT IT RIGHT, AFTER ALL: THEOCRITUS, IDYLL 2, A COURTESAN'S PANTRY AND A LOST GREEK TRADITION OF HEXAMETRICAL CURSES
Authors: Faraone Christopher Athanasious
Published: February 2021

Theocritus divides his second Idyll into two roughly equal sections, each punctuated by ten refrains: in the first half, a courtesan named Simaetha describes an ongoing erotic spell that she and her servant are performing and at the same time she enacts it by reciting a series of short similia-similibus incantations; in the second half, she speaks to Selene in the night sky and tells her the story of her brief affair with and betrayal by a handsome young athlete named Delphis. Literary scholars have written much about this poem, but they are more often concerned with the second, confessional half, with its complicated narrative layers and its charmingly naïve and unreliable narrator. Historians of religion and magic, on the other hand, have focussed most of their energies on the first half of the poem, using as comparanda the much later evidence of Roman-era curse tablets (katadesmoi) and late antique magical papyri to make sense of what Simaetha does and says during her long ritual, an approach that was enshrined by Gow in the middle of the last century, when he argued that, because of the conservative nature of these later magical spells, there was little risk of serious anachronism in using them for comparison.