bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geheimnisvolle Farben im Fenster
Authors: Schlichting Hans Joachim
Published: May 2021

Bestimmte Kunststofffolien können zu intensiven Farberscheinungen führen, wenn durch sie hindurchtretendes polarisiertes Himmelslicht unter dem Brewster‐Winkel ins Auge des Betrachters reflektiert wird.
Pain burden in children with cerebral palsy (CPPain) survey: Study protocol
Authors: Andersen Randi Dovland , Genik Lara , Alriksson‐Schmidt Ann I. , Anderzen‐Carlsson Agneta , Burkitt Chantel , Bruflot Sindre K. , Chambers Christine T. , Jahnsen Reidun B. , Jeglinsky‐Kankainen Ira , Kildal Olav Aga , Ramstad Kjersti , Sheriko Jordan , Symons Frank J. , Wallin Lars , Andersen Guro L.
Published: May 2021

Pain is a significant health concern for children living with cerebral palsy (CP). There are no population‐level or large‐scale multi‐national datasets using common measures characterizing pain experience and interference (ie, pain burden) and management practices for children with CP. The aim of the CPPain survey is to generate a comprehensive understanding of pain burden and current management of pain to change clinical practice in CP. The CPPain survey is a comprehensive cross‐sectional study. Researchers plan to recruit approximately 1400 children with CP (primary participants) across several countries over 6‐12 months using multimodal recruitment strategies. Data will be collected from parents or guardians of children with CP (0‐17 years) and from children with CP (8‐17 years) who are able to self‐report. Siblings (12‐17 years) will be invited to participate as controls. The CPPain survey consists of previously validated and study‐specific questionnaires addressing demographic and diagnostic information, pain experience, pain management, pain interference, pain coping, activity and participation in everyday life, nutritional status, mental health, health‐related quality of life, and the effect of the COVID‐19 pandemic on pain and access to pain care. The survey will be distributed primarily online. Data will be analyzed using appropriate statistical methods for comparing groups. Stratification will be used to investigate subgroups, and analyses will be adjusted for appropriate sociodemographic variables. The Norwegian Regional Committee for Medical and Health Research Ethics and the Research Ethics Board at the University of Minnesota in USA have approved the study. Ethics approval in Canada, Sweden, and Finland is pending. In addition to dissemination through peer‐reviewed journals and conferences, findings will be communicated through the CPPain Web site (www.sthf.no/cppain), Web sites directed toward users or clinicians, social media, special interest groups, stakeholder engagement activities, articles in user organization journals, and presentations in public media.
Evidence for rice tolerance to Tibraca limbativentris (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)
Authors: de Sousa Almeida André C , de Jesus Flávio G , M Heng‐Moss Tiffany , Lanna Anna C , Barrigossi José AF
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

The rice stalk stink bug Tibraca limbativentris (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) is one of the most important rice pests in Brazil. The search for cultivars that tolerate insect injury is necessary to complement other less aggressive methods of pest suppression. The combination of integrated pest management tactics will reduce insecticide applications and improve the safety of food production. Here, we tested the tolerance response of Xingu, Canela de Ferro and Primavera rice genotypes in glasshouse experiments. In addition, we measured tolerance expressed in a variety of physiological responses, including gas exchange rates, leaf chlorophyll content and reactive oxygen species (ROS) detoxification.

RESULTS

The results showed that the tolerance of the Primavera genotype to rice stalk stink bug damage was higher, due to (a) a lower reduction of photosynthetic activity, (41% reduction only 96 h after infestation) compared to Xingu and Canela de Ferro (56 and 65% reduction at 24 and 48 h after infestation, respectively); (b) the capacity to maintain the chlorophyll content after infestation, while Xingu and Canela de Ferro reduced their chlorophyll content to 20% and 25% at 72 and 48 h after infestation, respectively; (c) the antioxidative defense system being activated in the first 12 h after infestation, in which superoxide dismutase (SOD) showed an increase of 61% in its activity, and (d) the maintenance of its grain yield, number of panicles per plant, number of filled grains, and spikelets sterility.

CONCLUSION

Rice genotypes tolerant to herbivory can be identified by measuring the effect of injury and the plant's physiological response by evaluating attributes such as grain yield and its components, gas exchange, chlorophyll content and ROS detoxification. Therefore, the use of rice genotypes tolerant to stalk stink bugs as a component of integrated pest management has the potential to reduce upland rice yield loss.
Current recommendations and novel strategies for sustainable management of soybean sudden death syndrome
Authors: Rodriguez Maria C , Sautua Francisco , Scandiani Mercedes , Carmona Marcelo , Asurmendi Sebastián
Published: May 2021

The increase in food production requires reduction of the damage caused by plant pathogens, minimizing the environmental impact of management practices. Soil‐borne pathogens are among the most relevant pathogens that affect soybean crop yield. Soybean sudden death syndrome (SDS), caused by several distinct species of Fusarium, produces significant yield losses in the leading soybean‐producing countries in North and South America. Current management strategies for SDS are scarce since there are no highly resistant cultivars and only a few fungicide seed treatments are available. Because of this, innovative approaches for SDS management need to be developed. Here, we summarize recently explored strategies based on plant nutrition, biological control, priming of plant defenses, host‐induced gene silencing, and the development of new SDS‐resistance cultivars using precision breeding techniques. Finally, sustainable management of SDS should also consider cultural control practices with minimal environmental impact. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Chronic haemothorax: an important cause of pleural effusion
Authors: Ching David K. Z. , Fysh Edward T. H.
Published: May 2021

We describe a case of chronic exudative pleural effusion in a patient initially referred with anorexia, weight loss, and past history of breast cancer, following multiple presentations with chest pain and dyspnoea. Detailed history included past blunt thoracic trauma with pleural effusion drainage and anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation (AF). This case highlights several learning points for physicians around the management of thoracic trauma, anticoagulation for AF, and chronic haemothorax as an uncommon but important cause of exudative pleural effusion.
Pervasiveness of intronless genes expressed in haploid germ cell differentiation
Authors: Tanaka Hiromitsu , Tsujimura Akira
Published: May 2021

Background

cDNA libraries derived from the brain and testis contain genes that encode almost all proteins. The brain is composed of various differentiated cells, and the testis also contains various differentiated cells, such as germ cells, and somatic cells that support germ cell differentiation, such as Sertoli and Leydig cells. Many genes appear to be expressed due to tissue complexity.

Methods

The Genome Project has sequenced the entire genomes of humans and mice. Recent research using new gene analysis technologies has found that many genes are expressed specifically in male germ cells.

Main findings (Results)

Functional intronless genes are significantly enriched in haploid germ cell‐specific genes.

Conclusion

Functional intronless genes associated with fertility are more likely to be inherited in haploid germ cells than in somatic cells.
Confronting inequality in the “new normal”: Hyper‐capitalism, proto‐socialism, and post‐pandemic recovery
Authors: Jackson Tim , Victor Peter A
Published: May 2021

Post‐pandemic recovery must address the systemic inequality that has been revealed by the coronavirus crisis. The roots of this inequality predate the pandemic and even the global financial crisis. They lie rather in the uneasy relationship between labor and capital under conditions of declining economic growth, such as those who have prevailed in advanced economies for almost half a century. This paper explores the dynamics of that relationship using a simple stock‐flow consistent (SFC) macroeconomic model of a closed economy. It examines in particular the role of two key factors—the savings rate and the substitutability (elasticity of substitution) between labor and capital—on the severity of systemic inequality under conditions of declining growth. The paper goes on to test the efficacy of three redistributive measures—a graduated income tax, a tax on capital and a universal basic income—under two distinct structural scenarios for an economy with a declining growth rate. We find that none of these measures is sufficient to control structural inequality when institutions aggressively favor capital over labor (hyper‐capitalism). Taken in combination, however, under conditions more favorable to wage labor (proto‐socialism), these same measures have the potential to eliminate inequality, almost entirely, even as the growth rate declines.
Class and climate‐change adaptation in rural India: Beyond community‐based adaptation models
Authors: Aslany Maryam , Brincat Shannon
Published: May 2021

This article explores the ways in which class structure in agrarian societies shape local adaptation responses to the impact of climate change, based on an empirical study of a village society in western Maharashtra, India. It draws on two types of fieldwork data, quantitative and qualitative, including a round of household socio‐economic survey questionnaire and qualitative semi‐structured interviews. We show that climate‐change adaptation is class specific and varies considerably amongst the different classes within the relations of production even in the same village. The local class structure shape ownership and access to natural resources, with implications for both individual adaptive capacities and attempts to organize adaptation practices at the community‐level. Specifically, adaptive practice is revealed as being largely contingent on the size of land owned and livelihood options that affects, in turn, households' adaptation capacities and their experiences of climate change. We find that whilst the village inhabitants have initiated various adaptation strategies privately, no community‐based adaptation practices could be identified. As such, we call for a more comprehensive understanding of the class nature of climate change for developing effective climate adaptation strategies at the village‐community level and especially for community‐based adaptation (CBA) models.
Design of phase III trials with long‐term survival outcomes based on short‐term binary results
Authors: Bofill Roig Marta , Shen Yu , Gómez Melis Guadalupe
Published: May 2021

Pathologic complete response (pCR) is a common primary endpoint for a phase II trial or even accelerated approval of neoadjuvant cancer therapy. If granted, a two‐arm confirmatory trial is often required to demonstrate the efficacy with a time‐to‐event outcome such as overall survival. However, the design of a subsequent phase III trial based on prior information on the pCR effect is not straightforward. Aiming at designing such phase III trials with overall survival as primary endpoint using pCR information from previous trials, we consider a mixture model that incorporates both the survival and the binary endpoints. We propose to base the comparison between arms on the difference of the restricted mean survival times, and show how the effect size and sample size for overall survival rely on the probability of the binary response and the survival distribution by response status, both for each treatment arm. Moreover, we provide the sample size calculation under different scenarios and accompany them with the R package survmixer where all the computations have been implemented. We evaluate our proposal with a simulation study, and illustrate its application through a neoadjuvant breast cancer trial.
Pyrolysis Degradation of Cellulose over Highly Effective ZnO and ZnO−CuO Nanocatalysts
Authors: Podrojková Natália , Patera Jan , Popescu Radian , Škoviera Ján , Oriňaková Renáta , Oriňak Andrej
Published: May 2021

Pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass with the use of appropriative catalysts can lead to the production of high yields of fuels ‐ bio‐oils. Here, zinc oxide ‐ copper oxide (ZnO−CuO) nanocatalysts were synthesized by solvothermal synthesis. High‐angle annular dark‐field imaging scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF‐STEM), high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDXS) results suggested that ZnO−CuO nanoparticles (D=23±5 nm) exhibit porous nanostructure. The pyrolytic degradation of cellulose using pyrolysis‐gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (Py‐GC/MS) unit has been studied over ZnO and ZnO−CuO nanocatalysts at the temperature range 400–800 °C. The activation energy of ZnO−CuO (67.21 and 70.04 kJ/mol) was lower by 30 kJ/mol from the activation energy of clean ZnO and the calculated rate constants showed that the cellulose pyrolytic reaction is faster using ZnO−CuO catalyst. Nanoporous ZnO−CuO shifted the products maximum towards lower temperatures (<500 °C), reduced the content of aldehydes at 400–500 °C and enhanced the overall product composition and bio‐oil yield. Porous structure of ZnO nanocatalysts had a significant effect on the product selectivity and reaction mechanism of cellulose pyrolysis.
High Surface Area of Polyhedral Chromia and Hexagonal Chromium Sulfide by the Thermolysis of Cyclohexylammonium Hexaisothiocyanatochromate(III) Sesquihydrate
Authors: Bagabas Abdulaziz A. , Alsawalha Murad , Taha Kamal K. , Albaid Abdelhamid , Sohail Manzar , Alqahtani Mahdi , Alrasheed Rasheed , Alqarn Abdulaziz , Ashamari Bandar , Parkin Ivan P.
Published: May 2021

A new organic‐inorganic hybrid salt of cyclohexylammonium hexaisothiocyanatochromate(III) sesquihydrate, (C6H11NH3)3[Cr(NCS)6] ⋅ 3/2H2O, was synthesized at room‐temperature by metathesis and ligand addition for the establishment of energy‐saving chemical synthesis approach. The formation of this new salt was confirmed by FT‐IR, UV‐Vis spectrophotometry, elemental microanalysis, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The TGA study showed low‐temperature thermal stability of this salt, where chromium oxide (Cr2O3) formed under air and chromium sulfide (Cr2S3) under argon, as PXRD confirmed their formation as nanocrystalline. The morphological studies by SEM and TEM revealed the formation of irregular polyhedron particles of Cr2O3 and of hexagonal packed layers of Cr2S3. The textural study by nitrogen physisorption disclosed the mesoporous nature and high specific surface area of Cr2O3 (∼132 m2 g−1) and Cr2S3 (∼241 m2 g−1). Cyclohexylammonium could act as an organic self‐template for the formation of mesopores and the high temperature of thermolysis assisted the formation of such pores.
Design, Synthesis, Activity Evaluation and Molecular Docking Study of Novel Janus kinase Inhibitors
Authors: Du Wenjun , Zhang Fuli , Yan Pei , Lai Qingfu , Li Junjian , Zhu Daqian , Ye Lianbao
Published: May 2021

Janus kinase (JAK) is a non receptor tyrosine protein kinase, which has attracted wide attention and JAK inhibitors are mainly used to screen therapeutic drugs for hematological diseases, tumors, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriasis. Filgotinib is an oral small molecule JAK inhibitor which is currently at the clinical stage to treat Crohn's disease (CD) and rheumatoid arthritis. In this study, we designed novel triazolopyridine derivatives A1–A4 using Filgotinib as the lead compound, then replaced cyclopropane with trifluoromethane and replaced triazolopyridine with imidazopyrazine to get B1–B4 by isosteric principle of bioelectronics. These compounds were prepared in this work, and the corresponding effects against JAK1, JAK2 and JAK3 were assessed. The results indicated that B2 had stronger inhibitory effect on JAK1 and JAK3. A1 and A2 showed a good inhibitory effect on JAK1. Molecular docking results showed that compounds A1, A2 and B2 bind well to protein binding sites. These compounds can supply leading compounds for developing rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's drugs.
The landscape of GPCR signaling in the regulation of epidermal stem cell fate and skin homeostasis
Authors: Pedro M. Pilar , Lund Katherine , Iglesias-Bartolome Ramiro
Published: May 2021

Continuous integration of signals from the micro- and macro-environment is necessary for somatic stem cells to adapt to changing conditions, maintain tissue homeostasis, and activate repair mechanisms. G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) facilitate this integration by binding to numerous hormones, metabolites, and inflammatory mediators, influencing a diverse network of pathways that regulate stem cell fate. This adaptive mechanism is particularly relevant for tissues that are exposed to environmental assault, like skin. The skin is maintained by a set of basal keratinocyte stem and progenitor cells located in the hair follicle and interfollicular epidermis, and several GPCRs and their signaling partners serve as makers and regulators of epidermal stem cell activity. GPCRs utilize heterotrimeric G protein dependent and independent pathways to translate extracellular signals into intracellular molecular cascades that dictate the activation of keratinocyte proliferative and differentiation networks, including Hedgehog GLI, Hippo YAP1 and WNT/β-catenin, ultimately regulating stem cell identity. Dysregulation of GPCR signaling underlines numerous skin inflammatory diseases and cancer, with smoothened-driven basal cell carcinoma being a main example of a GPCR-associated cancer. In this review, we discuss the impact of GPCRs and their signaling partners in skin keratinocyte biology, particularly in the regulation of the epidermal stem cell compartment.
To know about science is to love it? Unraveling cause–effect relationships between knowledge and attitudes toward science in citizen science on urban wildlife ecology
Authors: Bruckermann Till , Greving Hannah , Schumann Anke , Stillfried Milena , Börner Konstantin , Kimmig Sophia E. , Hagen Robert , Brandt Miriam , Harms Ute
Published: May 2021

Nowadays, citizens collaborate increasingly with scientists in citizen science (CS) projects on environmental issues. CS projects often have educational goals and aim to increase citizens' knowledge with the ultimate goal of fostering positive attitudes toward science. To date, little is known about the extent to which CS projects strengthen the positive interrelationship between knowledge and attitudes. Based on previous research, it has been suggested that the knowledge–attitude relationship could be further examined by focusing on different aspects: (1) different attitudinal domains, (2) topic‐specific knowledge, and (3) its direction. Our study contributes to the clarification of the interrelation between scientific knowledge and attitudes toward science within the specific domain of urban wildlife ecology using cross‐lagged panel analyses. We collected survey data on five attitudinal domains, topic‐specific knowledge, scientific reasoning abilities, and epistemological beliefs from N = 303 participants before and after they participated in a CS project on urban wildlife ecology. Participants collected and analyzed data on terrestrial mammals in a German metropolitan city. Our results provide evidence for the relationship between knowledge and attitudes due to the topic‐specificity of knowledge in CS projects (e.g., wildlife ecology). Our method provided a rigorous assessment of the direction of the knowledge–attitude relationship and showed that topic‐specific knowledge was a predictor of more positive attitudes toward science.
Tailoring nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery: From organ to subcellular level
Authors: Liang Tingxizi , Xing Zejing , Jiang Liping , Zhu Jun‐Jie
Published: May 2021

An effective dose at specific sites is of paramount importance for disease therapy. While therapeutic reagents such as small molecule drugs, nucleic acids, peptides, and proteins are suffered from degradation or clearance by physiological environment, nanomedicine has emerged to improve drug delivery efficiency due to their superior targeting ability. By tailoring the properties of nanoparticle, including size, shape, surface chemistry, site‐specific drug delivery in organ, cellular, and subcellular level could be achieved. This minireview highlights recent advances in the development of targeted drug delivery system for disease therapy.
Point‐of‐care detection of cytokines in cytokine storm management and beyond: Significance and challenges
Authors: Liu Guozhen , Jiang Cheng , Lin Xiaoting , Yang Yang
Published: May 2021

Cytokines are signaling molecules between cells in immune system. Cytokine storm, due to the sudden acute increase in levels of pro‐inflammatory circulating cytokines, can result in disease severity and major‐organ damage. Thus, there is urgent need to develop rapid, sensitive, and specific methods for monitoring of cytokines in biology and medicine. Undoubtedly, point‐of‐care testing (POCT) will provide clinical significance in disease early diagnosis, management, and prevention. This review aims to summarize and discuss the latest technologies for detection of cytokines with a focus on POCT. The overview of diseases resulting from imbalanced cytokine levels, such as COVID‐19, sepsis and other cytokine release syndromes are presented. The clinical cut‐off levels of cytokine as biomarkers for different diseases are summarized. The challenges and perspectives on the development of cytokine POCT devices are also proposed and discussed. Cytokine POCT devices are expected to be the ongoing spotlight of disease management and prevention during COVID‐19 pandemic and also the post COVID‐19 pandemic era.
Molecular and serological evaluation of zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis in dogs in a rural area of Fars province, southern Iran, as a source of Leishmania infantum infection
Authors: Najafi Laleh , Omidian Mostafa , Rezaei Zahra , Shahabi Saeed , Ghorbani Fariba , Arefkhah Nasir , Mohebali Mehdi , Zaraei Zabiolla , Sarkari Bahador
Published: May 2021

Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is endemic in the southern parts of Iran. The current study aimed at molecular and serological evaluation of zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis in dogs in Fars province, southern Iran. Blood samples were collected from 60 dogs in the three villages in Fars Province. Serum samples were tested for antibodies against L. infantum by direct agglutination test (DAT). DNA was extracted from each dog's buffy coat and tested by PCR, targeting the Leishmania ITS‐2 region. From a total of 60 studied dogs, 25 (41.7%) were female, and 35 (58.3%) were male. Dogs' age ranged from 1 to 7 years, with a mean age of 2.97 (±1.4) years. Anti‐Leishmania antibodies were detected in sera samples of 28 (46.7%) dogs, (titre ≥ 1:320). Out of 28 seropositive cases, 13 (46.4%) were female, and 15 (53.6%) were male. Association between seropositivity and dogs’ clinical signs was statistically significant (p < .05). Leishmania DNA was detected in the buffy coat of 3 of 60 studied dogs which were all seropositive by DAT. The PCR products were sequenced and molecular analysis showed that two of the isolates were Leishmania infantum, and one was L. tropica. The high proportion of seropositive dogs indicates the important role of these animals in the epidemiology of the disease in the region. Infected dogs with or without signs, especially those that are molecularly positive, can act as an active reservoir of the disease in the area.
Liquefaction
Authors: Wang Chi-Yuen , Manga Michael
Published: May 2021

Liquefaction of the ground during earthquakes has long been documented and has drawn much attention from earthquake engineers because of its devastation to engineered structures. In this chapter we review a few of the best studied field cases and summarize insights from extensive experimental data critical for understanding the interaction between earthquakes and liquefaction. Despite the progress made in the last few decades, several outstanding problems remain unanswered. One is the mechanism for liquefaction beyond the near field, which has been abundantly documented in the field. This is not well understood because, according to laboratory data, liquefaction should occur only in the near field where the seismic energy density is great enough to cause undrained consolidation leading up to liquefaction. Another outstanding question is the dependence of liquefaction on the frequency of the seismic waves, where the current results from the field and laboratory studies are in conflict. Finally, while in most cases the liquefied sediments are sand or silty sand, well-graded gravel has increasingly been witnessed to liquefy during earthquakes and is not simply the result of entrainment by liquified sand. It is challenging to explain how pore pressure could build up in gravely soils and be maintained at a level high enough to cause liquefaction.
Groundwater Flow and Transport
Authors: Wang Chi-Yuen , Manga Michael
Published: May 2021

We summarize the basic principles of, and governing equations for, groundwater flow and transport. Topics covered include the concepts of pressure and hydraulic head, Darcy’s law, permeability, and storage. We compare saturated and unsaturated flow. We provide an introduction to heat and solute transport.
Hydro-Mechanical Coupling
Authors: Wang Chi-Yuen , Manga Michael
Published: May 2021

We summarize the basic principles that couple rock deformation and fluid flow. Topics covered include linear poroelasticity, consolidation, liquefaction, rock friction, and frictional instability. Together, these are the processes that serve as a starting point for understanding how water and earthquakes influence each other.
Torus bundles, automorphisms and T-duality
Authors: Mahmood H. , Reid-Edwards R. A.
Published: May 2021

Abstract

We reconsider some older constructions of T-duality, based on automorphisms of the worldsheet operator algebra, in a modern context. It has been long known that at special points in the moduli space of torus compactifications, the target space gauge symmetry may be enhanced. Away from such points the symmetry is broken and T-duality may be understood as a residual discrete gauge symmetry that survives this breaking. Drawing on work on connections over the space of string backgrounds, we discuss how to generalise this framework for T-duality to geometric and non-geometric backgrounds that are not full solutions of string theory, but may play an important role in exact backgrounds. Along the way we find an interesting algebraic structure and discuss its relationship with doubled geometry. We comment on non-isometric T-duality in this context.
Instability of complex CFTs with operators in the principal series
Authors: Benedetti Dario
Published: May 2021

Abstract

We prove the instability of d-dimensional conformal field theories (CFTs) having in the operator-product expansion of two fundamental fields a primary operator of scaling dimension h = $$ \frac{d}{2} $$

d
2

+ i r, with non-vanishing r ∈ ℝ. From an AdS/CFT point of view, this corresponds to a well-known tachyonic instability, associated to a violation of the Breitenlohner-Freedman bound in AdSd+1; we derive it here directly for generic d-dimensional CFTs that can be obtained as limits of multiscalar quantum field theories, by applying the harmonic analysis for the Euclidean conformal group to perturbations of the conformal solution in the two-particle irreducible (2PI) effective action. Some explicit examples are discussed, such as melonic tensor models and the biscalar fishnet model.
Smooth braneworld in 6-dimensional asymptotically AdS spacetime
Authors: Wan Jun-Jie , Cui Zheng-Quan , Feng Wen-Bin , Liu Yu-Xiao
Published: May 2021

Abstract

In this paper, we investigate a six-dimensional smooth thick braneworld model which contains a compact extra dimension and an infinite large one. The braneworld is generated by a real scalar field with a ϕ6 potential and the bulk is an asymptotically AdS6 spacetime. The geometry achieves the localization of the free U(1) gauge field, which is a problem in five-dimensional Randall-Sundrum-like models. In addition, we analyze the stability of the braneworld system and the localization of the graviton.
Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair in patients with obesity: should we be scared of body mass index?
Authors: Maspero Marianna , Bertoglio Camillo Leonardo , Morini Lorenzo , Alampi Bruno , Mazzola Michele , Girardi Valerio , Zironda Andrea , Barone Gisella , Magistro Carmelo , Ferrari Giovanni
Published: May 2021

Background

Obesity is a risk factor for ventral hernia development and affects up to 60% of patients undergoing ventral hernia repair. It is also associated with a higher rate of surgical site occurrences and an increased risk of recurrence after ventral hernia repair, but data is lacking on the differences between obesity classes.

Methods

Between 2008 and 2018, 322 patients with obesity underwent laparoscopic ventral hernia repair in our department: class I n = 231 (72%), II n = 55 (17%), III n = 36 (11%). We compared short and long-term outcomes between the three classes.

Results

Patients with class III obesity had a longer median length of hospital stay compared to I and II (5 days versus 4 days in the other groups, p = 0.0006), but without differences in postoperative complications or surgical site occurrences. After a median follow up of 49 months, there were no significant differences in the incidence of seroma, recurrence, chronic pain, pseudorecurrence and port-site hernia. At multivariate analysis, risk factors for recurrence were presence of a lateral defect and previous hernia repair; risk factors for seroma were immunosuppression, defect > 15 cm and more than one previous hernia repair; the only risk factor for postoperative complications was chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Conclusion

Class III obesity is associated with longer length of hospital stay after laparoscopic ventral hernia repair, but without differences in postoperative complications and long-term outcomes compared with class I and class II obesity.
Whole-brain 3D MR fingerprinting brain imaging: clinical validation and feasibility to patients with meningioma
Authors: Mostardeiro Thomaz R. , Panda Ananya , Witte Robert J. , Campeau Norbert G. , McGee Kiaran P. , Sui Yi , Lu Aiming
Published: May 2021

Purpose

MR fingerprinting (MRF) is a MR technique that allows assessment of tissue relaxation times. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical application of this technique in patients with meningioma.

Materials and methods

A whole-brain 3D isotropic 1mm3 acquisition under a 3.0T field strength was used to obtain MRF T1 and T2-based relaxometry values in 4:38 s. The accuracy of values was quantified by scanning a quantitative MR relaxometry phantom. In vivo evaluation was performed by applying the sequence to 20 subjects with 25 meningiomas. Regions of interest included the meningioma, caudate head, centrum semiovale, contralateral white matter and thalamus. For both phantom and subjects, mean values of both T1 and T2 estimates were obtained. Statistical significance of differences in mean values between the meningioma and other brain structures was tested using a Friedman’s ANOVA test.

Results

MR fingerprinting phantom data demonstrated a linear relationship between measured and reference relaxometry estimates for both T1 (r2 = 0.99) and T2 (r2 = 0.97). MRF T1 relaxation times were longer in meningioma (mean ± SD 1429 ± 202 ms) compared to thalamus (mean ± SD 1054 ± 58 ms; p = 0.004), centrum semiovale (mean ± SD 825 ± 42 ms; p < 0.001) and contralateral white matter (mean ± SD 799 ± 40 ms; p < 0.001). MRF T2 relaxation times were longer for meningioma (mean ± SD 69 ± 27 ms) as compared to thalamus (mean ± SD 27 ± 3 ms; p < 0.001), caudate head (mean ± SD 39 ± 5 ms; p < 0.001) and contralateral white matter (mean ± SD 35 ± 4 ms; p < 0.001)

Conclusions

Phantom measurements indicate that the proposed 3D-MRF sequence relaxometry estimations are valid and reproducible. For in vivo, entire brain coverage was obtained in clinically feasible time and allows quantitative assessment of meningioma in clinical practice.
Young for old—old for young? Ethical perspectives on intergenerational solidarity and responsibility in public discourses on COVID-19
Authors: Ellerich-Groppe Niklas , Pfaller Larissa , Schweda Mark
Published: May 2021

In the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, intergenerational solidarity and responsibility have become central points of reference in public discourses. However, the use of these concepts is often unclear and ambivalent: On one hand, older people are described as a vulnerable group whose protection requires sacrifices on the part of younger generations, e.g., regarding individual freedom and economic welfare. On the other, they appear as dispensable individuals that should relinquish their claims for the sake of the young and their future prospects. Our contribution offers an analysis of intergenerational solidarity and responsibility in public discourses on COVID-19. The leading question is how both concepts are used and how the corresponding claims can be justified or criticized. We first give an overview of notions of intergenerational solidarity and responsibility in current debates. In the next step, we provide a moral philosophical clarification of both concepts and their normative presuppositions. We then conduct a descriptive ethical discourse analysis of pertinent cases from three areas of European discourse: politics, civil society, and mass media. The analysis focuses on politico-moral claims and their normative premises, ambiguities, and biases. We argue that the discourse involves assumptions about old age and generational relations that need further clarification and justification. An analysis of intergenerational solidarity and responsibility in times of COVID-19 can help understand the dynamics of social cohesion in late-modern societies.
Existence and Relaxation Results for Second Order Multivalued Systems
Authors: Papageorgiou Nikolaos S. , Vetro Calogero
Published: May 2021

We consider nonlinear systems driven by a general nonhomogeneous differential operator with various types of boundary conditions and with a reaction in which we have the combined effects of a maximal monotone term $A(x)$
A
(
x
)
and of a multivalued perturbation $F(t,x,y)$
F
(
t
,
x
,
y
)
which can be convex or nonconvex valued. We consider the cases where $D(A)\neq \mathbb{R}^{N}$
D
(
A
)
≠

R
N

and $D(A)= \mathbb{R}^{N}$
D
(
A
)
=

R
N

and prove existence and relaxation theorems. Applications to differential variational inequalities and control systems are discussed.
Usable and Useful Help in Literature Database Search? A Pedagogical Implementation and the Evaluation of an Interactive Screencast for Iraqi University Students
Authors: Steger Florian , Kizilhan Jan Ilhan
Published: May 2021

While university students in developing countries welcome digital learning tools, they frequently lack Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills which enable them to successfully carry out activities linked to information and communication technologies. This, in turn, means that they struggle to meet practical academic and professional requirements. This study pursues two goals. First, it suggests how this problem can be encountered, presenting the process of pedagogically developing and implementing an interactive screencast teaching ICT skills for literature search with thePubMeddatabase. Secondly, it evaluates the acceptance of the screencast among M.A. students in Iraq, focusing on the questions of how easily the screencast can be used (usability) and how helpful the screencast is for the students ‘ to meet academic requirements (usefulness). The evaluation design is based on the Technology Acceptance Model and LORI. An online-questionnaire using a Likert Scale was used to collect data. Data (n = 29) was analyzed through a quantitative approach and descriptive statistics. Overall, usefulness was rated higher than usability. Findings suggest that easiness of use is increased particularly through a clear overview of the topics covered in the screencast and through a targeted selection of the topics. With regards to the usefulness of the screencast, students appreciate the use of an authentic way of how skills can be acquired and practiced. Additionally, students experienced control over their learning process, refering to screencast features which allow them control over learning pace. Future studies should make use of inferential statistics and qualitative approaches to reveal details about the causality between different factors.
Accumulation of geranylgeranylated chlorophylls in the pigment-protein complexes of Arabidopsis thaliana acclimated to green light: effects on the organization of light-harvesting complex II and photosystem II functions
Authors: Karlický Václav , Kmecová Materová Zuzana , Kurasová Irena , Nezval Jakub , Štroch Michal , Garab Győző , Špunda Vladimír
Published: May 2021

Light quality significantly influences plant metabolism, growth and development. Recently, we have demonstrated that leaves of barley and other plant species grown under monochromatic green light (500–590 nm) accumulated a large pool of chlorophyll a (Chl a) intermediates with incomplete hydrogenation of their phytyl chains. In this work, we studied accumulation of these geranylgeranylated Chls a and b in pigment-protein complexes (PPCs) of Arabidopsis plants acclimated to green light and their structural–functional consequences on the photosynthetic apparatus. We found that geranylgeranylated Chls are present in all major PPCs, although their presence was more pronounced in light-harvesting complex II (LHCII) and less prominent in supercomplexes of photosystem II (PSII). Accumulation of geranylgeranylated Chls hampered the formation of PSII and PSI super- and megacomplexes in the thylakoid membranes as well as their assembly into chiral macrodomains; it also lowered the temperature stability of the PPCs, especially that of LHCII trimers, which led to their monomerization and an anomaly in the photoprotective mechanism of non-photochemical quenching. Role of geranylgeranylated Chls in adverse effects on photosynthetic apparatus of plants acclimated to green light is discussed.
Differentiation of pulmonary complications with extensive ground-glass attenuation on high-resolution CT in immunocompromised patients
Authors: Kunihiro Yoshie , Tanaka Nobuyuki , Kawano Reo , Matsumoto Tsuneo , Kobayashi Taiga , Yujiri Toshiaki , Kubo Makoto , Gondo Toshikazu , Ito Katsuyoshi
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to compare the high-resolution CT (HRCT) findings of pulmonary infectious and noninfectious complications with extensive ground-glass attenuation (GGA) in immunocompromised patients.

Materials and methods

One hundred fifty-two immunocompromised patients with pulmonary complications that showed extensive GGA (> 50% of the whole lung on HRCT) were included in this study. The diagnoses of the 152 patients were as follows: pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP), n = 82; drug-induced pneumonia, n = 38; bacterial pneumonia, n = 9; cytomegalovirus pneumonia, n = 6; idiopathic pneumonia syndrome, n = 6; diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH), n = 4; fungal infection, n = 3; tuberculosis, n = 2 and pulmonary edema, n = 2. Two chest radiologists retrospectively evaluated the CT criteria, which consisted of 12 findings.

Results

The nodule (p = 0.015), the bronchovascular bundle (BVB) thickening (p = 0.001), and the interlobular septum (ILS) thickening (p = 0.002) were significantly infrequent in PCP. The ILS thickening was significantly frequent in drug-induced pneumonia (p < 0.001) though it was also frequent in other noninfectious and infectious diseases. The BVB thickening was significantly frequent in bacterial pneumonia (p = 0.005). The nodule was significantly frequent in DAH (p = 0.049).

Conclusion

Nodules, BVB thickening, and ILS thickening could be useful HRCT findings for the differential diagnosis of pulmonary complications in immunocompromised patients with extensive GGA.
Immune-Regulatory and Molecular Effects of Antidepressants on the Inflamed Human Keratinocyte HaCaT Cell Line
Authors: K. Curzytek , M. Maes , M. Kubera
Published: May 2021

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a T cell-mediated type of skin inflammation resulting from contact hypersensitivity (CHS) to antigens. There is strong comorbidity between ACD and major depression. Keratinocytes release immunomodulatory mediators including pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, which modulate skin inflammation and are crucial cell type for the development of CHS. Our previous studies showed that fluoxetine and desipramine were effective in suppressing CHS in different mouse strains. However, the immune and molecular mechanisms underlying this effect remain to be explored. The aim of the current study was to determine the immune and molecular mechanisms of action of antidepressant drugs engaged in the inhibition of CHS response in the stimulated keratinocyte HaCaT cell line. The results show that LPS, TNF-α/IFN-γ, and DNFB stimulate HaCaT cells to produce large amounts of pro-inflammatory factors including IL-1β, IL-6, CCL2, and CXCL8. HaCaT stimulation was associated with increased expression of ICAM-1, a cell adhesion molecule, and decreased expression of E-cadherin. Imipramine, desipramine, and fluoxetine suppress the production of IL-1β, CCL2, as well as the expression of ICAM-1. LPS and TNF-α/IFN-γ activate p-38 kinase, but antidepressants do not regulate this pathway. LPS decreases E-cadherin protein expression and fluoxetine normalizes these effects. In summary, the antidepressant drugs examined in this study attenuate the stimulated secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and modulate adhesion molecule expression by the HaCaT cell line. Therefore, antidepressants may have some clinical efficacy in patients with ACD and patients with comorbid depression and contact allergy.
Training with an elastic, supportive bench press device is not superior to a conventional training approach in trained men
Authors: Gavanda Simon , Wever Martin , Isenmann Eduard , Geisler Stephan
Published: May 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of an 8‑week powerlifting-type bench press (BP) resistance training (RT) program, either without (RAW) or with using a supportive elastic bench press device (EBD) on one-repetition maximum (1-RM), body weight (BW), mid-upper arm and chest circumference, as well as visual analogue pain scale (VAS) of the shoulder, elbow, and wrist. For this purpose, a matched pair parallel design based on initial 1‑RM was used (BPD n = 16, age 24.4 ± 4 years, RT experience 3.75 ± 1.83 years; RAW n = 16, age 25 ± 2 years, RT experience 5.66 ± 3.00 years). Following two weeks of familiarization with the protocol , BP RT was carried out twice weekly. The EBD group completed more than half of their BP sets with elastic assistance and 10% higher training intensity than the RAW group. There was a significant time × group interaction in BW (p = 0.008). Post hoc analysis showed a significant loss of 0.92 kg in the EBD group (p = 0.049; effect size [ES] = −0.08; 95%CI [−1.80, 0.04]). A significant time effect for 1‑RM was observed (p < 0.001). In both groups there was a significant change in 1‑RM of 5.00 kg (p < 0.001; ES = 0.35; 95%CI [2.98, 7.02]). There was no significant change in any circumference or VAS measure. In conclusion, using an EBD leads to 1‑RM gains similar to conventional RAW BP training. However, more studies are required with highly trained individuals, in particular female athletes. Practitioners may implement EBD training for reasons of variation.
Just retreat—how different countries deal with it: examples from Austria and England
Authors: Thaler Thomas
Published: May 2021

Flood risk management has developed a large inventory of potential actions to climate-related hazards. Within this wide array of measures, managed retreat of communities at risk is usually only taken into account if other strategies are ineffective or unavailable. Communities who are affected by managed retreat are confronted with radical changes in their livelihood. However, managed retreat is highly contested. The use of managed retreat includes not only the relocation of house owners but also has the challenge that it discriminates between landowners as some gain and others lose. Therefore, managed retreat raises issues of social justice. To mitigate the impact on land, compensation plays a crucial role in flood risk management. The level and kind of compensation varies between countries across the globe. In this paper, we compare two different policy compensation frameworks in two European countries: Austria and England. The comparative study shows how different compensation schemes affect social justice, both in terms of substantive distributions but also in terms of procedural justice.
Taking it outside: A study of legal contexts and external whistleblowing in China and India
Authors: Oelrich Sebastian , Erlebach Kimberly
Published: May 2021

Whistleblowing is regularly identified as corporate control mechanism to prevent and uncover fraud. We review and compare the legal situation for whistleblowers in the People’s Republic of China and India. In a survey of 942 employees from private companies in both countries, we take a look at the status quo of whistleblowing system implementation, explore preference of channels to disclose fraud or corruption, and analyze under which conditions and what kind of employees prefer external over internal whistleblowing. We find that provisions for mandatory whistleblowing systems can be found in the law of both countries. In China in particular, protection is scattered across many different laws in the private sector. Indian companies seem to have systems in place more often, although this difference becomes smaller the larger the company. The general preference of internal over external channels is similar across countries. Our regression models suggest that external channels are preferred over internal ones when fear of retaliatory measures is higher, the company is smaller, and the whistleblower is female. In line with prior literature, the effect of fear of retaliation is moderated by gender: women are less influenced by retaliation. All in all, implementation of whistleblowing systems seems ubiquitous in both countries; legal protection and comprehensive measures to decrease retaliation are lacking. Additional implications of findings are discussed.