bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Anionic Phospholipids of Bovine Pulmonary Surfactant
Authors: Markin Catherine J. , Hall Stephen B.
Published: September 2020

The only known compositional change in the phospholipids (PL) of pulmonary surfactant in response to a physiologic stimulus occurs around the time of birth. In most species, the predominant anionic PL changes from phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns) to phosphatidylglycerol (PtdGro). Because prior studies have shown that the change in the headgroup itself is functionally insignificant, we tested the hypothesis that the PtdIns and PtdGro contain different diacyl pairs. Experiments used electrospray‐ionization mass spectrometry to determine the molecular species in PtdIns, PtdGro, and phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho) in surfactant from newborn calves and cows. The profiles for the two anionic PL were distinct. The PtdIns contained long, unsaturated fatty acid chains and no disaturated species. The PtdGro more closely resembled the profile from PtdCho. For each headgroup, the molecular species for calf and cow were similar. The differences between the two anionic PL indicate that the switch from PtdIns to PtdGro during maturation involves more than simple substitution of the headgroup, and suggest that the functional significance of the shift may reflect the different pool of diacyl pairs.
Presenting an atlas of Hunner lesions in interstitial cystitis which can be identified with office cystoscopy
Authors: Ronstrom Carrie , Lai H. Henry
Published: September 2020

Aim

To assist clinicians in proper visual diagnosis of Hunner lesions by providing an atlas of representative images of the variability in Hunner lesion appearance.

Methods

Available cystoscopic images of Hunner lesions were reviewed from patients with interstitial cystitis or bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) treated by a single clinician between 2011 and 2020. For most patients, initial cystoscopy was performed in the office under local anesthesia. Images were categorized by variations in appearance. Data including Hunner lesion descriptions and patient demographics were retrospectively collected from the medical record. Only patients who had images available, received triamcinolone injection and/or fulguration of Hunner lesions, and reported improvement of their symptoms following treatment were included in the atlas.

Results

Thirty‐one IC/BPS patients with Hunner lesions had cystoscopic images available for review. We created an atlas of representative images. Variations in appearance include classic lesions with or without a central coagulum, inflamed lesions, non‐inflamed lesions, groupings of lesions, and lesions with a red waterfall bleeding appearance.

Conclusion

There is variation in cystoscopic appearance of Hunner lesions. Most Hunner lesions can be identified during office visits using flexible cystoscopy and local anesthesia without hydrodistention or general anesthesia. Proper visual diagnosis of Hunner lesions is of upmost importance as these patients with IC/BPS respond greatly to endoscopic intervention. This atlas will serve as a reference for clinicians and researchers, so they are able to better identify and manage these patients.
Syngenta's contribution to herbicide resistance research and management
Authors: Kaundun Shiv Shankhar
Published: September 2020

The evolution of weed resistance to herbicides is an ever‐increasing problem that affects crop yield and food production. In Syngenta, we believe that this difficult and complex issue can be most efficiently addressed through a deep understanding of the evolutionary dynamics and mechanism of resistance. A profound knowledge of resistance is key to developing the next generation of resistance‐breaking compounds with existing or novel herbicide sites of action. We use a multidisciplinary laboratory‐based, glasshouse and field biology approach to study herbicide resistance and provide strong science‐based solutions to delay the onset and manage resistance. We have developed and implemented simple early‐season resistance detection methods to allow farmers make an informed decision for effective weed control. We have built mechanistic, individual‐based computer models to design profitable, long‐term sustainable weed management programs. Our zero tolerance approaches employ herbicides with different sites of action, applied in mixtures and sequences, to minimise the risk of resistance evolution. Weeds are targeted at the right growth stage with optimal herbicide formulation and spray technology for maximising weed control and depleting the seed bank. We are promoting the use of competitive crop varieties and other nonchemical methods for an integrated weed management strategy. We have a global web of external collaborations for studying and managing herbicide resistance. We are committed to farmers' education and training on herbicide resistance, and regularly share our methods and findings via conferences and peer‐reviewed scientific publications for the benefit of the wider weed science community and field practitioners. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Hollow Mesoporous Carbon Sphere Loaded Ni–N4 Single‐Atom: Support Structure Study for CO2 Electrocatalytic Reduction Catalyst
Authors: Xiong Wanfeng , Li Hongfang , Wang Huimin , Yi Jundong , You Hanhui , Zhang Suyuan , Hou Ying , Cao Minna , Zhang Teng , Cao Rong
Published: September 2020

Single‐atom catalysts have become a hot spot because of the high atom utilization efficiency and excellent activity. However, the effect of the support structure in the single‐atom catalyst is often unnoticed in the catalytic process. Herein, a series of carbon spheres supported Ni–N4 single‐atom catalysts with different support structures are successfully synthesized by the fine adjustment of synthetic conditions. The hollow mesoporous carbon spheres supported Ni–N4 catalyst (Ni/HMCS‐3‐800) exhibits superior catalytic activity toward the electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR). The Faradaic efficiency toward CO is high to 95% at the potential range from −0.7 to −1.1 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode and the turnover frequency value is high up to 15 608 h−1. More importantly, the effect of the geometrical structures of carbon support on the CO2RR performance is studied intensively. The shell thickness and compactness of carbon spheres regulate the chemical environment of the doped‐N species in the carbon skeleton effectively and promote CO2 molecule activation. Additionally, the optimized mesopore size is beneficial to improve diffusion and overflow of the substance, which enhances the CO2 adsorption capacity greatly. This work provides a new consideration for promoting the catalytic performance of single‐atom catalysts.
Albumin displacement at the air–water interface by Tween (Polysorbate) surfactants
Authors: Rabe Martin , Kerth Andreas , Blume Alfred , Garidel Patrick
Published: September 2020

Tween (polysorbate) 20 and 80 are surfactants used for the development of parenteral protein drugs, due to their beneficial safety profile and stabilisation properties. To elucidate the mechanism by which Tween 20 and 80 stabilise proteins in aqueous solutions, either by a “direct” protein to surfactant interaction and/or by an interaction with the protein film at the air–water interface, we used spectroscopic (Infrared Reflection Absorption Spectroscopy, IRRAS) and microscopic techniques (Brewster Angle Microscopy, BAM) in combination with surface pressure measurements. To this end, the impact of both types of Tweens with regard to the displacement of the protein from the air–water interface was studied. As a model protein, human serum albumin (HSA) was used. The results for the displacement of the adsorbed HSA films by Tweens 20 and 80 can partially be understood on the basis of an orogenic displacement mechanism, which depends on the critical surface pressure of the adsorbed protein film. With increasing concentration of Tween in the sub-phase, BAM images showed the formation of different domain morphologies. IRRA-spectra supported the finding that at high protein concentration in the sub-phase, the protein film could not be completely displaced by the surfactants. Comparing the impact of both surfactants, we found that Tween 20 adsorbed faster to the protein film than Tween 80. The adsorption kinetics of both Tweens and the speed of protein displacement increased with rising surfactant concentration. Tween 80 reached significant lower surface pressures than Tween 20, which led to an incomplete displacement of the observed HSA film.
Molecular detection of Gram-positive bacteria in the human lung through an optical fiber–based endoscope
Authors: Mills Bethany , Megia-Fernandez Alicia , Norberg Dominic , Duncan Sheelagh , Marshall Adam , Akram Ahsan R. , Quinn Thomas , Young Irene , Bruce Annya M. , Scholefield Emma , Williams Gareth O. S. , Krstajić Nikola , Choudhary Tushar R. , Parker Helen E. , Tanner Michael G. , Harrington Kerrianne , Wood Harry A. C. , Birks Timothy A. , Knight Jonathan C. , Haslett Christopher , Dhaliwal Kevin , Bradley Mark , Ucuncu Muhammed , Stone James M.
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The relentless rise in antimicrobial resistance is a major societal challenge and requires, as part of its solution, a better understanding of bacterial colonization and infection. To facilitate this, we developed a highly efficient no-wash red optical molecular imaging agent that enables the rapid, selective, and specific visualization of Gram-positive bacteria through a bespoke optical fiber–based delivery/imaging endoscopic device.

Methods

We rationally designed a no-wash, red, Gram-positive-specific molecular imaging agent (Merocy-Van) based on vancomycin and an environmental merocyanine dye. We demonstrated the specificity and utility of the imaging agent in escalating in vitro and ex vivo whole human lung models (n = 3), utilizing a bespoke fiber–based delivery and imaging device, coupled to a wide-field, two-color endomicroscopy system.

Results

The imaging agent (Merocy-Van) was specific to Gram-positive bacteria and enabled no-wash imaging of S. aureus within the alveolar space of whole ex vivo human lungs within 60 s of delivery into the field-of-view, using the novel imaging/delivery endomicroscopy device.

Conclusion

This platform enables the rapid and specific detection of Gram-positive bacteria in the human lung.
Long-term outcomes of pelvic organ prolapse repair using a mesh-capturing device when comparing single- versus multicenter use
Authors: Falconer Christian , Altman Daniel , Poutakidis Georgios , Rahkola-Soisalo Päivi , Mikkola Tomi , Morcos Edward
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The aim of this study was to compare long-term effects of high-volume surgery at a single-center to multicenter use when using a mesh-capturing device for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) repair.

Methods

Five years after surgery 101 (88%) at the single center were compared with 164 (81.2%) in the multicenter trial. Outcome measurements included clinical examination, prolapse-specific symptom questionnaires [Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory 20 (PFDI-20), Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire—short form (PFIQ-7), Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12)] and pain estimation by VAS (0–10).

Results

Optimal apical segment outcome was 95% in the single- compared to 83.3% in the multicenter study (p < 0.001). POP recurrence in the anterior and posterior walls (POP-Q, Ba and Bp ≥ 0) was more common at the multicenter as compared to the single center [(19.8% vs 5.4%) and (26% vs 2.7%), (p < 0.001)]. Reoperations for POP and mesh-related complications were more frequent in the multicenter study [31/202 (15.3%) vs 7/116 (6.1%), p < 0.001]. Total PFDI-20, PFIQ-7 and PISQ-12 scores were comparable between the cohorts. There were no significant differences in overall pain scores in-between the cohorts during follow-up. At the single center, 1/81 patients (1.2%) had VAS 7/10, i.e. severe pain, as compared to 3/131 (2.3%) in the multicenter study (p = 0.277).

Conclusions

Despite the high objective and subjective long-term effectiveness of the procedure in both regular use, and at a high-volume center, centralizing the use of a standardized capturing-device guided transvaginal mesh for POP repair reduced secondary interventions by more than half.
Zebrafish as a model to study autophagy and its role in skeletal development and disease
Authors: Moss Joanna J. , Hammond Chrissy L. , Lane Jon D.
Published: September 2020

In the last twenty years, research using zebrafish as a model organism has increased immensely. With the many advantages that zebrafish offer such as high fecundity, optical transparency, ex vivo development, and genetic tractability, they are well suited to studying developmental processes and the effect of genetic mutations. More recently, zebrafish models have been used to study autophagy. This important protein degradation pathway is needed for cell and tissue homeostasis in a variety of contexts. Correspondingly, its dysregulation has been implicated in multiple diseases including skeletal disorders. In this review, we explore how zebrafish are being used to study autophagy in the context of skeletal development and disease, and the ways these areas are intersecting to help identify potential therapeutic targets for skeletal disorders.
Impact of ERAS compliance on the delay between surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy in hepatobiliary and pancreatic malignancies
Authors: St-Amour Pénélope , St-Amour Pascal , Joliat Gaëtan-Romain , Eckert Aude , Labgaa Ismail , Roulin Didier , Demartines Nicolas , Melloul Emmanuel
Published: September 2020

Background

Multidisciplinary approach with adjuvant chemotherapy is the key element to provide optimal outcomes in pancreas and liver malignancies. However, post-operative complications may increase the interval between surgery and chemotherapy with negative oncologic effects.

Hypothesis and study aim

The aim of the study was to analyse whether compliance to Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pathway was associated with decreased interval to adjuvant chemotherapy.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of all consecutive ERAS patients with surgery for hepatobiliary or pancreatic malignancies at the University Hospital of Lausanne between 2012 and 2016. Multivariate analysis was performed to assess the impact of ERAS compliance on time to chemotherapy.

Results

A total of 133 patients with adjuvant chemotherapy were included (n = 44 liver and n = 89 pancreatic cancer). Median compliance to ERAS was 61% (IQR 55–67) for the study population, and median delay to chemotherapy was 49 days (IQR 39-61). Overall, compliance ≥ 67% to ERAS induced a significant reduction in the interval between surgery and chemotherapy for young patients (< 65 years old) with or without severe comorbidities (reduction of 22 and 10 days, respectively). High compliance in young ASA3 patients with liver colorectal metastases was associated with an increase of 481 days of DFS.

Conclusions

ERAS compliance ≥ 67% tends to be associated with a reduction in the delay to adjuvant chemotherapy for young patients with hepatobiliary and pancreatic malignancies. More prospective studies with strict adhesion to the ERAS protocol are needed to confirm these results.
Ricci flow of warped Berger metrics on $${\mathbb {R}}^{4}$$
Authors: Di Giovanni Francesco
Published: September 2020

We study the Ricci flow on$${\mathbb {R}}^{4}$$R4starting at an SU(2)-cohomogeneity 1 metric$$g_{0}$$g0whose restriction to any hypersphere is a Berger metric. We prove that if$$g_{0}$$g0has no necks and is bounded by a cylinder, then the solution develops a global Type-II singularity and converges to the Bryant soliton when suitably dilated at the origin. This is the first example in dimension$$n > 3$$n>3of a non-rotationally symmetric Type-II flow converging to a rotationally symmetric singularity model. Next, we show that if instead$$g_{0}$$g0has no necks, its curvature decays and the Hopf fibres are not collapsed, then the solution is immortal. Finally, we prove that if the flow is Type-I, then there exist minimal 3-spheres for times close to the maximal time.
Differentiation of subglacial conditions on soft and hard bed settings and implications for ice sheet dynamics: a case study from north-central Poland
Authors: Sokołowski Robert J. , Wysota Wojciech
Published: September 2020

We reconstruct patterns of subglacial processes on a hard bedrock and a soft bed under the southern sector of Scandinavian Ice Sheet (SIS) occurring in the basal till of the Late Saalian Glaciation at the Wapienno, Barcin and Młodocin sites (north-central Poland). Based on detailed sedimentological studies, two phases of SIS transgression were recognised. In the initial phase of the transgression, the SIS advanced onto a frozen substrate (continuous permafrost). The low permeability of the substratum led to a high subglacial water pressure (SWP) and increased basal sliding. The local increase of SWP led to the development of different types of structures and sediments. On a hard bedrock, with low SWP, abrasion predominated and linear structures were developing, while in the case of high SWP, the ice was decoupled from the hard substrate, pressurised liquefied sediment flowed, and structures of the p-form and s-form type developed. On a soft bed, the ice-bed contact was of a mosaic type and the ice movement had an ice-stream character. The ice-stream developed towards the east in the marginal zone of the SIS and used a W-E oriented valley filled by the Wapienno Formation fluvial complex. During a later phase, the ice movement was slower and did not have a stream character. Its direction changed to SE. The deposition of the main part of the diamicton occurred mainly as a result of the lodgement process.
Perceptual Weighting of Binaural Lateralization Cues across Frequency Bands
Authors: Ahrens Axel , Joshi Suyash Narendra , Epp Bastian
Published: September 2020

The auditory system uses interaural time and level differences (ITD and ILD) as cues to localize and lateralize sounds. The availability of ITDs and ILDs in the auditory system is limited by neural phase-locking and by the head size, respectively. Although the frequency-specific limitations are well known, the relative contribution of ITDs and ILDs in individual frequency bands in broadband stimuli is unknown. To determine these relative contributions, or spectral weights, listeners were asked to lateralize stimuli consisting of eleven simultaneously presented 1-ERB-wide noise bands centered between 442 and 5544 Hz and separated by 1-ERB-wide gaps. Either ITDs or ILDs were varied independently across each noise band, while fixing the other interaural disparity to either 0 dB or 0 μs. The weights were obtained using a multiple linear regression analysis. In a second experiment, the effect of auditory enhancement on the spectral weights was investigated. The enhancement of single noise bands was realized by presenting ten of the noise bands as preceding and following sounds (pre- and post-cursors, respectively). Listeners were asked to lateralize the stimuli as in the first experiment. Results show that in the absence of pre- and post-cursors, only the lowest or highest frequency band received highest weight for ITD and ILD, respectively. Auditory enhancement led to significantly enhanced weights given to the band without the pre- and post-cursor. The weight enhancement could only be observed at low frequencies, when determined with ITD cues and for low and high frequencies for ILDs. Hence, the auditory system seems to be able to change the spectral weighting of binaural information depending on the information content.
Numerical simulations of patient-specific models with multiple plaques in human peripheral artery: a fluid-structure interaction analysis
Authors: Wang Danyang , Serracino-Inglott Ferdinand , Feng Jiling
Published: September 2020

Atherosclerotic plaque in the femoral is the leading cause of peripheral artery disease (PAD), the worse consequence of which may lead to ulceration and gangrene of the feet. Numerical studies on fluid-structure interactions (FSI) of atherosclerotic femoral arteries enable quantitative analysis of biomechanical features in arteries. This study aims to investigate the hemodynamic performance and its interaction with femoral arterial wall based on the patient-specific model with multiple plaques (calcified and lipid plaques). Three types of models, calcification-only, lipid-only and calcification-lipid models, are established. Hyperelastic material coefficients of the human femoral arteries obtained from experimental studies are employed for all simulations. Oscillation of WSS is observed in the healthy downstream region in the lipid-only model. The pressure around the plaques in the two-plaque model is lower than that in the corresponding one-plaque models due to the reduction of blood flow domain, which consequently diminishes the loading forces on both plaques. Therefore, we found that stress acting on the plaques in the two-plaque model is lower than that in the corresponding one-plaque models. This finding implies that the lipid plaque, accompanied by the calcified plaque around, might reduce its risk of rupture due to the reduced the stress acting on it.
A first observation of spermatogenesis in mature male scalloped hammerheads (Sphyrna lewini) from Zinkwazi, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Authors: Coetzee Helené J. , Naidoo Kristina , Wagenaar Ina
Published: September 2020

Sharks are not only threatened, but also have a low fecundity as they are being overfished. The shark family, Sphyrnidae, consists of nine species of which three are found in South African oceans. One of the three Sphyrnidae species, the scalloped hammerhead (Sphyrna lewini) are the most common, but their biology and mode of reproduction are not extensively studied in terms of their reproductive biology. The aim of this study was to describe the germ cell development in the testes of sexually mature male scalloped hammerheads. Three individual male S. lewini were caught at Zinkwazi, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The sharks and their reproductive organs were weighed and measured to collect the biometric data for the condition factor and the gonado-somatic index. Following standard necropsy, the testes were fixed in Bouin’s solution and processed for histological assessment. The histological assessment revealed that the testes of S. lewini consist of seminiferous tubules which form part of a larger lobular structure with germ cells in different stages of development, from spermatogonia to mature spermatozoa. Seven stages of development were identified during the process of spermatogenesis, similar to what has been described for elasmobranchs. In conclusion, this study provides evidence that the testes of S. lewini are diametrical and polyspermatocystic and conforms to the testes structure of elasmobranch males.
Evolution of individual preferences and persistence of family rules
Authors: Cigno Alessandro , Gioffré Alessandro , Luporini Annalisa
Published: September 2020

How does the distribution of individual preferences evolve as a result of marriage between individuals with different preferences? Could a family rule be self-enforcing given individual preferences, and remain such for several generations despite preference evolution? We show that it is in a couple’s common interest to obey a rule requiring them to give specified amounts of attention to their elderly parents if the couple’s preferences satisfy a certain condition, and the same condition is rationally expected to hold also where their children and respective spouses are concerned. Given uncertainty about who their children will marry, a couple’s expectations will reflect the probability distribution of preferences in the next generation. We show that, in any given generation, some couples may obey the rule in question and some may not. It is also possible that a couple will obey the rule, but their descendants will not for a number of generations, and then obey it again. In the long run, if matching is entirely random, either everybody obeys the same rule, or nobody obeys any. If matching is restricted to particular subpopulations identifiable by some visible trait, such as religion or color of the skin, different subpopulations may obey different rules. The policy implications are briefly discussed.
Safety procedures for exercise testing in the scenario of COVID-19: a position statement of the Società Italiana Scienze Motorie e Sportive
Authors: Venturelli Massimo , Cè Emiliano , Paneroni Mara , Guazzi Marco , Lippi Giuseppe , Paoli Antonio , Baldari Carlo , Schena Federico , Esposito Fabio
Published: September 2020

Recent data on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic showed that the virus is mostly conveyed by respiratory droplets that are produced at high intensity especially when an infected subject coughs or sneezes. Therefore, elevated volume ventilations, usually reached during physical efforts and exercise, are a potential source of contamination. On the other hand, the lockdown period which has lasted for nearly 2 months and is actually involving several countries worldwide, obliged a large part of human population to sedentary behaviors, drastically reducing their physical activity level, and reducing their cardiopulmonary fitness. Therefore, cardiopulmonary exercise testing could be beneficial, so that a safe and well-weighted return to pre-lockdown active lifestyle can be efficiently planned. However, specific guidelines on exercise testing safety procedures in the era of COVID-19 are unavailable so far. This article is aimed to provide an overview of safety procedures for exercise testing during and after COVID-19 worldwide pandemic.
UK COVID-19 lockdown: 100 days of air pollution reduction?
Authors: Higham J.E. , Ramírez C. Acosta , Green M.A. , Morse A. P.
Published: September 2020

On the 23 March 2020, a country-wide COVID-19 lockdown was imposed on the UK. The following 100 days saw anthropogenic movements quickly halt, before slowly easing back to a “new” normality. In this short communication, we use data from official UK air-quality sensors (DEFRA AURN) and the UK Met Office stations to show how lockdown measures affected air quality in the UK. We compare the 100 days post-lockdown (23 March to 30 June 2020) with the same period from the previous 7 years. We find, as shown in numerous studies of other countries, the nitrogen oxides levels across the country dropped substantially (∼ 50%). However, we also find the ozone levels increased (∼ 10%), and the levels of sulphur dioxide more than doubled across the country. These changes, driven by a complex balance in the air chemistry near the surface, may reflect the influence of low humidity as suggested by Met Office data, and potentially, the reduction of nitrogen oxides and their interactions with multiple pollutants.
Age determination of the adult blow fly Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae) through quantitative pteridine fluorescence analysis
Authors: Estévez Dimitrov Ronja , Amendt Jens , Rothweiler Florian , Zehner Richard
Published: September 2020

Determination of a minimal postmortem interval via age estimation of necrophagous diptera has been restricted to the juvenile stages and the time until emergence of the adult fly, i.e. up until 2–6 weeks depending on species and temperature. Age estimation of adult flies could extend this period by adding the age of the fly to the time needed for complete development. In this context pteridines are promising metabolites, as they accumulate in the eyes of flies with increasing age. We studied adults of the blow flyLucilia sericataat constant temperatures of 16 °C and 25 °C up to an age of 25 days and estimated their pteridine levels by fluorescence spectroscopy. Age was given in accumulated degree days (ADD) across temperatures. Additionally, a mock case was set up to test the applicability of the method. Pteridine increases logarithmically with increasing ADD, but after 70–80 ADD the increase slows down and the curve approaches a maximum. Sex had a significant impact (p < 4.09 × 10−6) on pteridine fluorescence level, while body-size and head-width did not. The mock case demonstrated that a slight overestimation of the real age (in ADD) only occurred in two out of 30 samples. Age determination ofL. sericataon the basis of pteridine levels seems to be limited to an age of about 70 ADD, but depending on the ambient temperature this could cover an extra amount of time of about 5–7 days after completion of the metamorphosis.
Unter ungleichen Voraussetzungen
Authors: Alisch Monika , May Michael
Published: September 2020

Für die gesellschaftlichen Gestaltungsaufgaben Sozialer Arbeit ist forschungsbasiertes theoretisches und methodisches Wissen wesentlich. Solche Forschung erfordert Kompetenzen, die nach dem Master durch aktives Erproben in der eigenen Promotionsforschung erlangt werden. Dafür werden derzeit Strukturen an den Hochschulen geschaffen, die es zu stärken gilt, wie am Beispiel des hessischen Promotionszentrums Soziale Arbeit gezeigt werden kann.
Perceived Importance and Enjoyment of Sexuality in Late Midlife: Cohort Differences in the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA)
Authors: Kolodziejczak Karolina , Drewelies Johanna , Deeg Dorly J. H. , Huisman Martijn , Gerstorf Denis
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Age-related declines in multiple facets of sexuality in later life are well documented. However, most studies have been cross-sectional with data collected at one point in time, leaving questions about cohort differences and interrelated historical changes in physical health and psychosocial functioning unanswered.

Methods

We examined cohort differences in perceived importance and enjoyment of sexuality in late midlife using data from the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA) obtained 20 years apart, 1992–1993 (N = 718) and 2012–2013 (N = 860), from two independent samples aged 55 to 65 years (both samples: Mage ≈ 60, 52–53% women).

Results

Later-born adults in late midlife reported attributing slightly higher importance to sexuality than their earlier-born peers and experiencing their sex life as slightly less pleasant. Effect sizes were small at the sample level (d < .15), but substantial for certain population segments. For example, historical increases in reported importance of sexuality were especially pronounced among women with no partner (d = .56). When controlling for socio-demographic, physical health, and psychosocial factors, cohort differences in perceived importance of sexuality remained significant, but those for enjoyment did not.

Conclusions

Late-midlife sexuality undergoes historical changes. Specifically, reported perceived importance of sexuality has increased over historical time, especially in particular population segments.

Policy implications

We discuss whether our findings represent historical changes in actual behavior, perception, or the willingness to report on one’s sex life.
First record of Miniopterus schreibersii (Chiroptera: Miniopteridae) in Poland—a possible range expansion?
Authors: Piksa Krzysztof , Gubała Wojciech J.
Published: September 2020

Schreiber’s bent-winged bat Miniopterus schreibersii is a typical Mediterranean species. To date, the northern limit of its distribution range ran along the northern ends of Slovakia. This paper describes the first record of this species in Poland, at a more northerly site for this part of Europe. On October 7, 2015, an adult female of M. schreibersii was caught in the underground part of the New Castle in Rożnów, southern Poland (49° 46′ 23.8″ N, 20° 41′ 43.1″ E; 339 m a.s.l.). Subsequent observations were made at the same site during the autumn of 2018 and 2019. The likely migration route and the causes for a widening of the species distribution range are discussed in this paper. Observations suggest that, like other Mediterranean species, it has expanded its range in northerly direction.
Identifying a polytope by its fibre polytopes
Authors: McMullen Peter
Published: September 2020

It is shown that a full-dimensional polytope P is uniquely determined by its r-dimensional fibre polytopes when $$r \ge 2$$

r
≥
2

. Further, if $$r \ge 4$$

r
≥
4

and the r-dimensional fibre polytopes are zonotopes, then P itself must be a zonotope.
Effect of Sb-site nonstoichiometry on the structure and microwave dielectric properties of Li3Mg2Sb1−xO6 ceramics
Authors: Pei Cuijin , Tan Jingjing , Li Yang , Yao Guoguang , Jia Yanmin , Ren Zhaoyu , Liu Peng , Zhang Huaiwu
Published: September 2020

The non-stoichiometric Li3Mg2Sb1−xO6(0.05 ⩽x⩽ 0.125) compounds have been prepared via the mixed oxide method. The influences of Sb nonstoichiometry on the sintering behavior, microstructure, phase composition along with microwave dielectric performances for Li3Mg2Sb1−xO6ceramics were studied. Combined with X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectra, it was confirmed that phase composition could not be affected by the Sb nonstoichiometry and almost pure phase Li3Mg2SbO6was formed in all compositions. Appropriate Sb-deficiency in Li3Mg2SbO6not only lowered its sintering temperature but also remarkably improved itsQ×fvalue. In particular, non-stoichiometric Li3Mg2Sb0.9O6ceramics sintered at 1250 °C/5 h owned seldom low dielectric constantεr= 10.8, near-zero resonant frequency temperature coefficientτf= −8.0 ppm/°C, and high quality factorQ×f= 86,300 GHz (at 10.4 GHz). This study provides an alternative approach to ameliorate its dielectric performances for Li3Mg2SbO6-based compounds through defect-engineering.
Critical transitions and tipping points in EMT
Authors: Wang Peng , Chen Luonan
Published: September 2020

Background

Phase transition and phase separation as well as their tipping points are penetrating phenomena in biology and are intrinsic properties of biological systems ranging from basic molecule complexes to cells and all way up to entire ecosystems.

Results

For example, phase separation has been established as a key mechanism for biological molecules such as protein or RNA to form membraneless organelles to perform complex biological functions. Phase transitions are commonly observed during cellular differentiation, and generally, there are the tipping points or critical states just before the phase transitions. And the stability of ecosystem and extinction of species are systematic manifestation of phase transitions. All phase transition and phase separation phenomena display switch‐like behavior and critical transitions.

Conclusion

Here we summarize the concepts regarding the epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) as a type of phase changes and the implication of critical transitions in EMT, and discuss open questions and challenges in this fast‐moving field.
An Emergency Switch to Distance Learning in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic: Experience from an Internationally Accredited Undergraduate Pharmacy Program at Qatar University
Authors: Hussain Farhat Naz , Al-Mannai Reem , Agouni Abdelali
Published: September 2020

The world is experiencing an unprecedented public health emergency owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. To control virus spread, many countries temporarily suspended classes. In this context, the availability of e-tools and distance learning platforms in higher education institutions has proven very useful to facilitate the emergency switch to distance learning to ensure continuity of the educational process. We discuss here the experience of the College of Pharmacy at Qatar University in responding to suspension of classes using available educational technologies. Furthermore, we provide some reflection points for optimal implementation of technology-enhanced learning into distance education for future academic years.
The digital transformation of the healthcare industry: exploring the rise of emerging platform ecosystems and their influence on the role of patients
Authors: Hermes Sebastian , Riasanow Tobias , Clemons Eric K. , Böhm Markus , Krcmar Helmut
Published: September 2020

While traditional organizations create value within the boundaries of their firm or supply chain, digital platforms leverage and orchestrate a platform-mediated ecosystem to create and co-create value with a much wider array of partners and actors. Although the change to two-sided markets and their generalization to platform ecosystems have been adopted among various industries, both academic research and industry adoption have lagged behind in the healthcare industry. To the best of our knowledge current Information Systems research has not yet incorporated an interorganizational perspective of the digital transformation of healthcare. This neglects a wide range of emerging changes, including changing segmentation of industry market participants, changing patient segments, changing patient roles as decision makers, and their interaction in patient care. This study therefore investigates the digital transformation of the healthcare industry by analyzing 1830 healthcare organizations found on Crunchbase. We derived a generic value ecosystem of the digital healthcare industry and validated our findings with industry experts from the traditional and the start-up healthcare domains. The results indicate 8 new roles within healthcare, namely: information platforms, data collection technology, market intermediaries, services for remote and on-demand healthcare, augmented and virtual reality provider, blockchain-based PHR, cloud service provider, and intelligent data analysis for healthcare provider. Our results further illustrate how these roles transform value proposition, value capture, and value delivery in the healthcare industry. We discuss competition between new entrants and incumbents and elaborate how digital health innovations contribute to the changing role of patients.
Peer-to-Peer-Based Social Networks: A Comprehensive Survey
Authors: Masinde Newton , Graffi Kalman
Published: September 2020

The use of online social networks, such as Facebook and Twitter, has grown at a phenomenal rate. These platforms offer services that support interactions via messaging, chatting or audio/video conferencing, and also sharing of content. Most, if not all, of these platforms use centralized computing systems; therefore, the control and management of the systems lies entirely in the hands of one provider, who must be trusted to treat the data and communication traces securely. As a zero-trust alternative, peer-to-peer (P2P) technologies promise to support end-to-end communication, uncompromising access control, anonymity and resilience against censorship and massive data leaks through misused trust. The goals of this survey are threefold. First, the survey elaborates the properties of P2P-based online social networks and defines the requirements for such (zero-trust) platforms. Second, it gives an exposition of the building blocks for P2P frameworks that allow the creation of such sophisticated and demanding applications, such as user/identity management, reliable data storage, secure communication, access control and general-purpose extensibility, which are not properly addressed in other P2P surveys. As a third point, it gives a comprehensive analysis of proposed P2P-based online social network applications, frameworks and architectures by exploring the technical details, inter-dependencies and maturity of these solutions.
Analyzing the prevalence of proctological diseases in HIV-positive and -negative patients
Authors: Manzione Thiago da Silveira , Morgado Luiza Mello Ayres , Nadal Sidney Roberto
Published: September 2020

Objective To compare proctological diseases in HIV-positive and -negative patients.

Method Prospective study conducted in the proctology outpatient clinic at Instituto de Infectologia Emílio Ribas from 2013 through 2019. All of them underwent anamnesis and proctological examination and were divided into two groups (HIV+ and HIV−). The groups were then compared with regard to age, sex, diagnosis, and whether or not there was any indication for surgery.

Results 485 HIV + patients (41.9%) (Group I) and 672 HIV− (58.1%) (Group II). The mean age in Group I was 42.8 years, and 404 (83.3%) of the patients were males. In Group II, the mean age was 48.3 years, and 396 (59%) patients were females. In comparing the groups, a statistically significant difference was found regarding sex, age, and diagnosis. The incidence of hemorrhoid and anal skin tags was higher in group II and that of condyloma acuminata was higher in in Group I (p < 0.001). In Group I, condyloma acuminata was more prevalent, but in those with CD4 levels above 500 cells/mm3, the diagnoses were more similar to those in the population without HIV.

Conclusions Proctological diseases were found to be similar but have different incidences. The incidences of diseases in HIV− and + patients tend to approach each other as CD4 level increases.
Robotic transanal ressection for rectal tumor: A description of the technique
Authors: Valadão Marcus , Câmara Eduardo Rodrigues Zarco , Linhares Eduardo , De Jesus José Paulo , Araújo Rodrigo
Published: September 2020

Introduction Robotic transanal surgery (RTS) is the analog of TAMIS and represents a new focus for the advancement of transanal platforms robotic transanal surgery is sometimes referred to as robotic TAMIS. Though limited to only a few centers world-wide, experience with robotic transanal surgery has been encouraging. Most research with robotic transanal surgery has concentrated on local excision of rectal neoplasia, although more complex procedures such as transanal proctectomy are possible using the robotic approach. This article reports the surgical technique of R-TAMIS performed in the Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA, Rio de Janeiro).

Methods 71-year-old, female with cardiologic disease (heart failure), with a 1.5 cm rectal neoplasm at 4 cm from the anal verge in the right anterolateral position. Biopsy revealed neuroendocrine tumor. A compete colonoscopy revealed no evidence of synchronous lesions. Work-up included 3D endorectal ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging, which demonstrated the lesion to be uT1uN0. The patient was counseled about surgical options − local excision versus low anterior resection. Due to the cardiologic condition, the patient was elected to proceed with local excision with robotic transanal surgery.

Conclusion Robotic TAMIS is a safe and effective operative procedure for high selected cases of rectal neoplasm. It enhances surgeon ergonomics and facilitates tumor removal and suture in the transanal approach.
Ostomy time and nutrition status were associated on quality of life in patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Silva Karine de Almeida , Duarte Arenamoline Xavier , Cruz Amanda Rodrigues , Cardoso Letícia Oliveira , Santos Thatty Christina Morais , Pena Geórgia das Graças
Published: September 2020

Introduction Colorectal cancer frequency increases each year and consequently the number of ostomies, a procedure that helps in the treatment of colorectal cancer but has an impact on quality of life. Studies evaluating the impact of ostomy time and nutritional status on the quality of life of colostomized patients with colorectal cancer are scarce in the literature. So, the aim of this study was to evaluate the association ostomy time and nutritional status on quality of life in colostomized colorectal cancer patients.

Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with 97 colostomized patients due to colorectal cancer from a reference service. Socioeconomic, demographic, clinical data were obtained. European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer questionnaires EORTC-QLQ30 and EORTC-QLQ-CR29 were used to analyse the quality of life. Statistical significance analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon’s non-parametric or Chi–Square test.

Results Of the 97 individuals, 50.5% were female, 64.9% were over 60 years old, 67.4% have ostomy for less than 1 year. Half of the patients had some nutritional status inadequacy: 24.2% were malnourished, 17.9% overweight and 8.4% obese. Shorter ostomy time was associated with role function, blood or mucus in stools, stoma care problems and men's sexual interest, while malnutrition was associated with concern about weight.

Conclusions Ostomy time and nutrition status were associated with quality of life in some domains, such as role function, insomnia, appetite loss, abdominal pain, buttock pain, bloating, hair loss, taste loss have an impact together with the nutritional status on the quality of life in patients colostomized colorectal cancer.
Making Mitigation Meaningful to Descendant Communities: An Example from Zuni
Authors: Dongoske Kurt E.
Published: September 2020

Mitigation of adverse impacts to archaeological resources within cultural resource management (CRM) is commonly achieved through a data recovery plan. Under this venue, the primary significance of a given site is its evaluation under NRHP Criterion D—its information potential. Rarely is consideration given to the emotional, psychological, and spiritual values descendant Native American communities attribute to these places in relation to their importance under other criteria. The associative relationships and integrity of traditional religious and cultural practices connected to sites are often overlooked because the identification of significance and values of archaeological sites is defined by Euro-American intellectual and value-laden frameworks. Even if one claims “scientific objectivity” as one's guiding principle, implementation of such practices without regard for Native American perspectives are clear violations of NHPA mandates. Balanced design of mitigation measures is seriously lacking from CRM practice, resulting in descendant communities being continually disenfranchised through the silencing of their voice in the management of their own heritage and inheritance. This article examines this issue from the perspective of the Pueblo of Zuni and how Zuni successfully worked with the Bureau of Reclamation to design a strategy for resolving adverse effects that is meaningful and beneficial to the Zuni.
Hospitalizations in School-Aged Children with Cerebral Palsy and Population-Based Controls
Authors: Fortin Olivier , Ng Pamela , Dorais Marc , Koclas Louise , Pigeon Nicole , Shevell Michael , Oskoui Maryam
Published: September 2020

Objective:

To compare hospitalizations among children with cerebral palsy (CP) and healthy controls and to identify factors associated with hospitalizations in children with CP.

Methods:

This retrospective cohort study linked data from a provincial CP Registry and administrative health databases. The CP cohort was comprised of children born from 1999 to 2002. Age, sex, and region-matched controls were identified from administrative health databases. Mean differences, relative risk (RR), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

Results:

A total of 301 children with CP were linked to administrative health data and matched to 6040 controls. Mean hospitalizations per child during the study period were higher in children with CP compared to controls (raw mean difference (RMD) 5.0 95% CI 4.7 to 5.2) with longer length of stay (RMD 2.8 95% CI 1.8 to 3.8) and number of diagnoses per hospitalization (RMD 1.6 95% CI 1.4 to 1.8). Increased risk of hospitalization was observed in non-ambulant children with CP (RR 1.12 95% CI 1.01 to 1.22) compared to ambulant children and among those with spastic tri/quadriplegic CP compared to other CP subtypes (RR 1.15, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.27). Feeding difficulties (RR 1.20 95% CI 1.13 to 1.27), cortical visual (RR 1.22 95% CI 1.13 to 1.32), cognitive (RR 1.16 95% CI 1.04 to 1.30), and communication impairment (RR 1.26 95% CI 1.10 to 1.44) were associated with increased hospitalizations.

Conclusions:

Children with CP face more frequent, longer hospital stays than peers, especially those with a more severe CP profile. Coordinated interdisciplinary care is needed in school-aged children with CP and medical complexity.