bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fraise mowing can improve herbicidal control of bermudagrass
Authors: Richardson Michael D. , Brosnan James T. , McCalla John H. , Breeden Gregory K.
Published: August 2020

Herbicide control options for bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers or C. dactylon x C. transvaalensis Burtt‐Davy] include non‐selective herbicides such as glyphosate (N‐[phosphonomethyl] glycine), as well as selective graminicides such as fenoxaprop (Fenoxaprop‐P‐ethy) and fluazifop (Fluazifop‐P‐butyl). Regardless of the herbicide used, effective bermudagrass control can only be achieved with repeated applications. Fraise mowing has been recently introduced into the turfgrass industry and these machines can remove thatch and growing points down to a depth of 5.0 cm. Our hypothesis was that if a high percentage of the growing points of a bermudagrass stand were physically removed with fraise mowing, the remaining growing points would be more easily controlled with various herbicides. Six trials were conducted over two seasons to determine if fraise mowing and herbicides could be used in combination to improve bermudagrass control. Treatments included various combinations and timings of glyphosate (2.74 kg a.i. ha−1) and fluazifop (0.42 kg a.i. ha−1), applied to plots that were fraise mowed to a depth of 3.75 cm or not fraise mowed. Fraise mowing alone physically removed a significant amount of the bermudagrass growing points and provided partial bermudagrass control. A combination of fraise mowing and herbicide generally improved bermudagrass control over the herbicides alone. Herbicides applied after fraise mowing generally provided better bermudagrass control in comparison to applying herbicides prior to fraise mowing. Aggressive fraise mowing appears to be a tool that can improve bermudagrass control and could shorten the overall time window needed to remove existing bermudagrass from a site.
Proof‐of‐Principle Experiment of the Pseudorandom Multiplexing of White‐Pump Light for Spectral Photothermal Microscopy
Authors: Seto Keisuke , Yamada Hiromu , Kobayashi Takayoshi , Tokunaga Eiji
Published: August 2020

Absorption spectroscopy, coupled with photothermal super‐resolution microscopy, is enabled by the frequency division multiplexing of the pump‐light (Pu) wavelength whose spectral component is discriminated by the modulation frequency. This demonstrates a great advantage in availing multicolor image information. However, the response gain of the thermal lens signal to the spectral components is not uniform because of the limited relaxation rate of the thermal lens, i.e., the gains of the components assigned to the high‐frequency modulations are diminished, thus resulting in a distorted absorption spectrum. In this study, white‐pump light (Pu) is multiplexed by pseudonoise sequences (PNSs) to avoid the distortion. The frequency bandwidth of the PNSs is equalized, and the gains of the thermal lens generation to the respective wavelength components are balanced. The obtained results indicate that the modulation‐waveform deformation due to the slow responses of the sample can also distort spectra. To mitigate the problem, the countermeasures required to compensate for this distortion are also discussed.
Long noncoding RNA HCG11 inhibited growth and invasion in cervical cancer by sponging miR‐942‐5p and targeting GFI1
Authors: Zhang Yan , Zhang Jun , Mao Lin , Li Xing
Published: August 2020

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) act as essential regulators in cancer tumorigenesis. Our study aimed to explore the underlying mechanism of lncRNA human leukocyte antigen complex group 11 (HCG11) in cervical cancer (CC) progression. Long noncoding RNA HCG11 was downregulated in CC. Functional assays demonstrated that lncRNA HCG11 inhibited CC cell proliferation and invasion. Then, we confirmed that lncRNA HCG11 could directly bind to miR‐942‐5p. Moreover, inhibition of miR‐942‐5p suppressed the growth and invasion of CC cells, and growth factor‐independent transcription repressor 1 (GFI1) gene was the target gene of miR‐942‐5p. Long noncoding RNA HCG11 increased the expression of GFI1 and suppressed cell proliferation and invasion by acting as a miR‐942‐5p sponge. Finally, the overexpression of lncRNA HCG11 suppressed the proliferation and metastasis of CC cells in vivo.
How interruptions influence our thinking and the role of psychological distance
Authors: Amaral Nelson B.
Published: August 2020

Despite the growing attention given to the effects of brief interruptions on consumers' judgments and choices, the cognitive processes that underlie for its effects are not yet fully understood. The lack of a unifying mechanism that accounts for previous findings limits the strategic response to interruptions by managers and consumers. This research addresses this gap through a series of studies which reveal that brief interruptions increase the psychological distance that decision makers feel from the task at hand, which impacts the judgments and choices they make. Four experiments investigate the effects of brief interruptions through the use of different interruptions, different participant pools, and different focal tasks. Together, the findings make contributions to the growing literature in interruptions and Construal Level Theory. They also provide managers and decision‐makers with a better understanding of how common, brief interruptions can impact preferences, product choices and consumers' willingness to engage in prosocial behavior.
An unusual case of secondary syphilis misdiagnosed as allergic dermatitis for 2 years
Authors: Wang Hong‐wei , Chen Ren‐he , Zhang Ru‐zhi
Published: August 2020

Dermatologists should be aware that the clinical manifestations of syphilis are very complex and changeable. Unilaterally distributed skin lesions and painless lip ulcers may also be the clinical manifestations of secondary syphilis.
Interactions of mono spermine porphyrin derivative with DNAs
Authors: Gaeta Massimiliano , Farini Salvatore , Gangemi Chiara M.A. , Purrello Roberto , D'Urso Alessandro
Published: August 2020

In this work, we have characterized the interactions of monospermine porphyrin derivative with calf thymus DNA (ct‐DNA) and poly (dG‐dC)2 in both B and Z conformation. By several spectroscopic techniques (UV–vis, electronic circular dichroism and resonance light scattering), the binding modes of monospermine porphyrin derivative with different DNA sequences have been elucidated. In the presence of ct‐DNA, the porphyrin binds along the external double helix as well as in the presence of B conformation of poly (dG‐dC)2. Whilst when the Z form of the poly (dG‐dC)2 is induced, a slight intercalation of the porphyrin between the basis has been detected.
Widespread involvement of purpura related to gastrointestinal involvements in adults with immunoglobulin A vasculitis
Authors: Kubota Noriko , Inoue Sae , Saito Akimasa , Tanaka Ryota , Nakamura Yoshiyuki , Ishitsuka Yosuke , Furuta Jun‐ichi , Fujisawa Yasuhiro , Okiyama Naoko
Published: August 2020

Immunoglobulin A vasculitis (IgAV) is a type of vasculitis affecting small vessels with deposition of immune complexes consisting of IgA and complement component 3. IgAV involves the skin, gastrointestinal (GI) tract, joints, and kidneys. Adult patients have higher risks of gastrointestinal tract involvement than children. To investigate the risk factors of the GI tract involvements in adult IgAV patients, we enrolled 29 adult (aged ≥ 20 years) Japanese patients recently (from 2013 to 2019) histopathologically diagnosed with IgAV and classified them into the GI lesion (+) group and the GI lesion (−) group. All patients presented with purpura on the lower extremities; moreover, GI lesion (+) patients presented significantly more with extensive purpura on the upper extremities, and low levels of factor XIII activity (≤70%) than gastrointestinal lesion (−) patients (87.5% vs 28.6% [P = .004]; odds ratio [OR], 17.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.4 to 366], and 57.1% vs 14.3% [P = .04]; OR, 8; 95% CI, 1.06 to 83.9, respectively). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the populations with extensive purpura on the trunk, arthralgia, hematuria, proteinuria, or elevated serum levels of C‐reactive protein or IgA. Widespread purpura on the upper extremities accompanied by a low factor XIII activity is a suggestive factor for severe GI lesions in adult IgAV patients.
Production and Use of Sustainable C2‐C4 Alcohols – An Industrial Perspective
Authors: Gehrmann Stefan , Tenhumberg Nils
Published: August 2020

In the recent past, society has become increasingly aware of the environmental impact of political and corporate action. Hence, several industrial sectors are currently undergoing a transition to more sustainable products and processes. Sustainable production processes for C2‐C4 alcohols can help to decrease the environmental impacts of large downstream markets such as fuels and polymers. However, a reliable and consistent framework is needed for companies to further develop and commercialize these processes. Furthermore, standardized procedures for determining the sustainability of a process are essential in evaluating the environmental benefits.
Within and between associations of nonverbal synchrony in relation to Grawe's general mechanisms of change
Authors: Prinz Jessica , Boyle Kaitlyn , Ramseyer Fabian , Kabus Wolf , Bar‐Kalifa Eran , Lutz Wolfgang
Published: August 2020

The examination of nonverbal synchrony has become a promising line of psychotherapy research. Although several studies have found between‐dyad associations between nonverbal synchrony and multidimensional outcomes, the findings remain heterogeneous, and within‐dyad effects remain to be investigated. The present study examines within and between effects of nonverbal synchrony on mastery, resource activation, problem actuation, and motivational clarification (Grawe's general mechanisms of change). Four‐hundred and twenty‐three videotaped sessions of 175 patients were analysed using motion energy analysis (MEA), providing values to quantify nonverbal synchrony in the patient–therapist dyad. Grawe's general mechanisms of change in psychotherapy were rated using the Inventory of Therapeutic Interventions and Skills (ITIS). On average, patient–therapist nonverbal synchrony was greater than chance. Hierarchical linear modelling revealed that nonverbal synchrony was significantly associated with higher mastery and less resource activation on the within‐dyad level. Nonverbal synchrony was not associated with problem actuation or motivational clarification, and in general, no associations were found on the between‐dyad level. The results demonstrate the importance of disentangling within and between effects of nonverbal synchrony and provide initial evidence that nonverbal synchrony is tied to the specific therapeutic strategies observed in psychotherapy sessions.
Pain‐autonomic interaction: A surrogate marker of central sensitization
Authors: Scheuren Paulina S. , Rosner Jan , Curt Armin , Hubli Michèle
Published: August 2020

Background

Central sensitization represents a key pathophysiological mechanism underlying the development of neuropathic pain, often manifested clinically as mechanical allodynia and hyperalgesia. Adopting a mechanism‐based treatment approach relies highly on the ability to assess the presence of central sensitization. The aim of the study was to investigate potential pain‐autonomic readouts to operationalize experimentally induced central sensitization in the area of secondary hyperalgesia.

Methods

Pinprick evoked potentials (PEPs) and sympathetic skin responses (SSRs) were recorded in 20 healthy individuals. Three blocks of PEP and SSR recordings were performed before and after heat‐induced secondary hyperalgesia. All measurements were also performed before and after a control condition. Multivariate analyses were performed using linear mixed‐effect regression models to examine the effect of experimentally induced central sensitization on PEP and SSR parameters (i.e. amplitudes, latencies and habituation) and on pinprick pain ratings.

Results

The noxious heat stimulation induced robust mechanical hyperalgesia with a significant increase in PEP and SSR amplitudes (p < 0.001) in the area of secondary hyperalgesia. Furthermore, PEP and SSR habituation were reduced (p < 0.001) after experimentally induced central sensitization.

Conclusions

The findings demonstrate that combined recordings of PEPs and SSRs are sensitive to objectify experimentally induced central sensitization and may have a great potential to reveal its presence in clinical pain conditions. Corroborating current pain phenotyping with pain‐autonomic markers has the potential to unravel central sensitization along the nociceptive neuraxis and might provide a framework for mechanistically founded therapies.

Significance

Our findings provide evidence that combined recordings of sympathetic skin responses (SSRs) and pinprick evoked potentials (PEPs) might be able to unmask central sensitization induced through a well‐established experimental pain model in healthy individuals. As such, these novel readouts of central sensitization might attain new insights towards complementing clinical pain phenotyping.
The interrelation between interpretation biases, threat expectancies and pain‐related attentional processing
Authors: Chan Frederick H. F. , Jackson Todd , Hsiao Janet H. , Chan Antoni B. , Barry Tom J.
Published: August 2020

Background

Few studies examining the effect of pain‐related threat on eye movements have incorporated a measure of interpretation bias. However, theories suggest that interpretation biases also play an important role in the anticipation of harm in situations where pain could be imminent. The current study investigates the association between interpretation biases and pain‐related threat expectancies and their associations with eye movements to pain‐related imagery.

Methods

Healthy adults’ (N = 91) fear of pain, emotional functioning and interpretation biases were assessed prior to a threat manipulation where they were given either threatening or reassuring information about an upcoming cold pressor task. Participants were then asked to freely view scene images that were either pain‐related or neutral.

Results

We used a data‐driven machine learning method to analyse eye movements. We identified an explorative (i.e. greater dispersal of eye fixations) and a focused eye movement pattern subgroup (i.e. mainly focusing on foreground information) for scene viewing in the sample. Participants with more negative interpretation biases expected that the cold pressor task would be more harmful, and those with higher levels of anticipated harm used a more explorative strategy when viewing injury scene images. Subsequent analysis confirmed an indirect effect of interpretation biases on eye movements through expected bodily harm. No difference in eye movements was found between participants given threatening and reassuring information.

Conclusions

Interpretation biases may play a prominent role in threat‐related attentional processing. By adopting a novel eye movement analysis approach, our results revealed interesting associations among interpretations, threat expectancies and eye movements.

Significance

Negative interpretation biases may be associated with greater threat expectancies for an upcoming experimental pain task. Anticipation of bodily harm may induce a stimulus non‐specific hypervigilant style of scanning of pain‐related scenes.
Sediment budgeting of short‐term backfilling processes: The erosional collapse of a Carolingian canal construction
Authors: Schmidt Johannes , Werther Lukas , Rabiger‐Völlmer Johannes , Herzig Franz , Schneider Birgit , Werban Ulrike , Dietrich Peter , Berg Stefanie , Linzen Sven , Ettel Peter , Zielhofer Christoph
Published: August 2020

Sediment budgeting concepts serve as quantification tools to decipher the erosion and accumulation processes within a catchment and help to understand these relocation processes through time. While sediment budgets are widely used in geomorphological catchment‐based studies, such quantification approaches are rarely applied in geoarchaeological studies. The case of Charlemagne's summit canal (also known as Fossa Carolina) and its erosional collapse provides an example for which we can use this geomorphological concept and understand the abandonment of the Carolingian construction site. The Fossa Carolina is one of the largest hydro‐engineering projects in Medieval Europe. It is situated in Southern Franconia (48.9876°N, 10.9267°E; Bavaria, southern Germany) between the Altmühl and Swabian Rezat rivers. It should have bridged the Central European watershed and connected the Rhine–Main and Danube river systems. According to our dendrochronological analyses and historical sources, the excavation and construction of the Carolingian canal took place in AD 792 and 793. Contemporary written sources describe an intense backfill of excavated sediment in autumn AD 793. This short‐term erosion event has been proposed as the principal reason for the collapse and abandonment of the hydro‐engineering project. We use subsurface data (drillings, archaeological excavations, and direct‐push sensing) and geospatial data (a LiDAR digital terrain model (DTM), a pre‐modern DTM, and a 3D model of the Fossa Carolina] for the identification and sediment budgeting of the backfills. Dendrochronological findings and radiocarbon ages of macro remains within the backfills give clear evidence for the erosional collapse of the canal project during or directly after the construction period. Moreover, our quantification approach allows the detection of the major sedimentary collapse zone. The exceedance of the manpower tipping point may have caused the abandonment of the entire construction site. The spatial distribution of the dendrochronological results indicates a north–south direction of the early medieval construction progress. © 2020 The Authors. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Evaluation of the modified Pittsburgh classification for predicting the disease‐free survival outcome of squamous cell carcinoma of the external auditory canal
Authors: Nabuurs Cindy H. , Kievit Wietske , Labbé Nilou , Leemans C. René , Smit Conrad F. G. M. , van den Brekel Michiel W. M. , Pauw Robert J. , van der Laan Bernard F. A. M. , Jansen Jeroen C. , Lacko Martin , Braunius Weibel W. , Morita Shinya , Wierzbicka Małgorzata , Matoba Takuma , Hanai Nobuhiro , Takes Robert P. , Kunst Henricus P. M.
Published: August 2020

Background

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the external auditory canal (EAC) is a rare disease, which is commonly classified with the modified Pittsburgh classification. Our aim was to evaluate the predictive performance of this classification in relation to disease‐free survival (DFS).

Methods

We examined retrospective data from a nationwide Dutch cohort study including patients with primary EAC SCC. These data were combined with individual patient data from the literature. Using the combined data, the predictive performances were calculated using the c‐index.

Results

A total of 381 patients were included, 294 for clinical and 281 for the pathological classification analyses. The c‐indices of the clinical and the pathological modified Pittsburgh classification predicting DFS were 0.725 (0.668‐0.782) and 0.729 (0.672‐0.786), respectively.

Conclusion

The predictive performance of the modified Pittsburgh classification system as such appears to be acceptable to predict the DFS of EAC SCC. Other factors need to be added to a future model to improve the predicted performance.
Do the Renminbi and Hong Kong dollar bubbles interact?
Authors: Su Xiaojian , Peng Cheng , Lv Zhike , Deng Chao
Published: August 2020

This paper applies the Generalized Supremum Augmented Dickey–Fuller (GSADF) approach to highlight the multiple exchange rate bubbles, and detect the interaction between Renminbi (RMB) and Hong Kong dollar (HKD) by logistic regression. The results illustrate that (I) there exists multiple bubbles in the RMB and HKD, and both shows the short‐term period bubbles in the nominal exchange rates whereas performing the long‐term period bubbles in the real exchange rates; (II) the exchange rate bubbles mainly existed during the financial crisis. The RMB bubbles occurred more in domestic financial crisis, while the HKD bubbles occurred in both domestic and international financial crisis; (III) there are interactions between bubbles in the RMB and HKD. Specifically, the bubbles in the nominal exchange rates of the RMB and HKD are reinforcing each other while the bubbles in the real exchange rates markets are mutually hedging; the nominal and real exchange rate market are mutually reinforcing regardless of the RMB or HKD. Furthermore, the strength of interactions between the RMB and HKD shows that the price of the HKD is more stable than that of the RMB.
Green colonialism in the Nordic context: Exploring Southern Saami representations of wind energy development
Authors: Normann Susanne
Published: August 2020

This paper explores social representations of wind energy development within reindeer herding lands among the Indigenous Southern Saami living within Norwegian borders. For this matter, the paper combines Social Representations Theory (SRT) with the analytical framework of “circuits of dispossession and privilege” and decolonial approaches within community psychology. Data consisted of seven individual semi‐structured open‐ended interviews, three collective interviews, and observation in three lawsuits, public meetings, protest actions, and reindeer herding activities. The findings suggest that for the subjects in this study, the onset of wind power represents the renewal of historical processes of dispossession through accumulation and colonialism, enabled by harmful knowledge gaps in Norwegian society and institutions, contrasting Southern Saami's values of responsibility and ecological practices. The implication of these findings suggests an urgent need of rethinking renewable energy and including indigenous knowledge in climate change agendas.
Boundaries of Constructive Choice: On the Accessibility of Maximize Accuracy and Minimize Effort Goals
Authors: Affonso Felipe M. , Janiszewski Chris , Bettman James R.
Published: August 2020

The impact of decision difficulty on search behavior depends on the relative accessibility of maximize accuracy and minimize effort goals in memory. The default assumption, derived from constructive choice theory, is that maximize accuracy and minimize effort goals are both accessible. Thus, the two goals compete to influence a decision process. When this is the case, an increase in decision difficulty discourages search and the opportunity to make an accurate decision suffers. The alternative assumption, derived from goal systems theory, is that maximize accuracy and minimize effort goals can be differentially accessible. When one of these goals is more accessible, decision difficulty signals poor goal progress and reduces goal pursuit. That is, when a maximize accuracy (minimize effort) goal is more accessible, decision difficulty reduces (increases) search. Six studies show that goal systems theory holds when a maximize accuracy or minimize effort goal is more accessible, that is, is deliberately pursued. The results have implications for how decision difficulty influences information search, satisficing, and choice quality.
Synthesis of benzo[h]quinolone and benzo[c]acridinone derivatives by Fe3O4@PS‐Arginine[HSO4] as an efficient magnetic nanocatalyst
Authors: Karkhah Maryam Kargar , Kefayati Hassan , Shariati Shahab
Published: August 2020

Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles were synthesized and functionalized by propylsilan and after that arginine. The synthesized Fe3O4@PS‐Arginine magnetic nanoparticles were modified to obtain Fe3O4@PS‐Arg[HSO4]. These nanoparticles were used as environmental friendly solidacid magnetic nanocatalyst for the synthesis of 2‐amino‐4‐arylbenzo[h]quinoline‐3‐carbonitrile and 10,10‐dimethyl‐7‐aryl‐9,10,11,12‐tetrahydrobenzo[c]acridin‐8(7H)‐one derivatives via the one‐pot reaction of α‐naphthilamine and aromatic aldehydes with malononitrile or dimedone. Simple operation, high reaction yields, reusability of catalyst for several times, short reaction time and easy separation from reaction mixture are the key advantages of using this catalyst.
Low Muscle Mass Is a Predictor of Malnutrition and Prolonged Hospital Stay in Patients With Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Teixeira Paula Portal , Kowalski Veronnike Hossa , Valduga Kamila , de Araújo Bruna Espíndola , Silva Flávia Moraes
Published: August 2020

Background

Malnutrition in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients is more prevalent during times of exacerbation. Fat‐free mass index (FFMI), calf circumference (CC), and adductor muscle pollicis thickness (AMPT) can be used to identify reduced muscle mass and have been found to be good predictors of clinical outcomes in other conditions, but they have not been investigated in COPD. Therefore, this study evaluated low muscle mass as predictor of malnutrition, prolonged length of stay (LOS), and in‐hospital death in COPD patients.

Methods

This prospective cohort study was carried out in hospitalized patients with COPD exacerbation. Malnutrition diagnosis was performed by Subjective Global Assessment, and muscle mass was assessed by FFMI, calculated using fat‐free mass from bioelectrical impedance, CC, and AMPT. Clinical outcomes (LOS and in‐hospital death) were collected from records.

Results

One hundred seventy‐six patients were included (68.2 ± 10.4 years old, 56.2% women); 74.2% were classified as Global Initiative of Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease 2 or 3 and 58.2% as malnourished. The median LOS was 11 (7–19) days, and the incidence of death was 9.1%. Low FFMI and CC predicted malnutrition (low CC: odds ratio [OR], 4.6; 95% CI, 2.2–9.7 and low FFMI: OR, 8.8; 95% CI, 3.7–20.8) and were associated with prolonged LOS (low CC: OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.1–4.6 and low FFMI: OR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.3–4.8).

Conclusion

Simple, inexpensive, and noninvasive parameters of muscle mass—FFMI and CC—are good predictors of malnutrition and prolonged LOS in COPD patients experiencing exacerbation.
COVID‐19 Viral Load in the Severity of and Recovery From Olfactory and Gustatory Dysfunction
Authors: Cho Ryan H. W. , To Zion W. H. , Yeung Zenon W.C. , Tso Eugene Y. K. , Fung Kitty S. C. , Chau Sandy K. Y. , Leung Erica Y. L. , Hui Thomas S. C. , Tsang Steven W. C. , Kung K. N. , Chow Eudora Y. D. , Abdullah Victor , van Hasselt Andrew , Tong Michael C. F. , Ku Peter K. M.
Published: August 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

This study investigated olfactory and gustatory dysfunction in the 2020 novel coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) patients, and their correlations with viral load evaluation.

Study Design

Prospective cross‐sectional cohort study.

Methods

One hundred forty‐three symptomatic patients being screened for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) were invited to participate. The clinical data of 83 confirmed COVID‐19 subjects were collected, with 60 patients who were symptomatic but negative for COVID‐19 recruited as controls. The prevalence and severity of and recovery time for olfactory and gustatory dysfunction, and cycle threshold (Ct) values from a SARS‐CoV‐2 polymerase chain reaction assay of nasopharyngeal and deep throat swabs were collected. Their correlations with Ct values were reported.

Results

Thirty‐nine (47.0%) and 36 (43.4%) COVID‐19 patients reported olfactory and gustatory dysfunction, respectively. The results of one‐way analysis of variance did not show statistically significant relationships between the Ct values and severity of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction (P = .780 and P = .121, respectively). Among the COVID‐19 patients who reported smell and taste loss, 28/39 (71.8%) and 30/36 (83.3%) experienced complete recovery, respectively. The mean recovery time was 10.3 ± 8.1 days for olfactory dysfunction and 9.5 ± 6.8 days for gustatory dysfunction. The recovery time was not correlated with the Ct values (Pearson correlation coefficient, smell: −0.008, P = .968; taste: −0.015, P = .940).

Conclusions

There is a high prevalence of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction in COVID‐19. However, the severity of and recovery from these symptoms have no correlations with the viral load of SARS‐CoV‐2.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 130:2680–2685, 2020
Effects of perennial aromatic grass species richness and microbial consortium on soil properties of marginal lands and on biomass production
Authors: Maddhesiya Pawan K. , Singh Kripal , Singh Rana P.
Published: August 2020

This study investigates the effects of perennial grass species richness levels and consortium of three bacteria on properties of a slightly alkaline soil and on biomass production of grasses. Four species of perennial aromatic grasses namely: vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides), lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), palmarosa (Cymbopogon martinii), and citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus) were planted in all possible combinations at one, two, three, and four species richness levels in a randomized block design with three replications and two treatments, these were PGPR+ (with plant growth promoting rhizobacteria) and without (PGPR−). Species and richness level specific changes in soil physicochemical properties: electrical conductivity (EC); bulk density (BD); total soil organic carbon (TOC); available nitrogen (Nav), microbial colony forming unit (CFU); microbial biomass carbon (MBC), and enzymatic alkaline phosphatase (ALKP) and dehydrogenase activity (DHA) were observed. The highest reduction in soil pH and EC and increase in soil TOC, CFU, Nav, MBC, and enzymes activities were found at two species richness levels of vetiver and lemongrass in both PGPR+ and PGPR− plots followed by monoculture of vetiver. The highest annual total dry biomass 22.8 and 27.5 Mg ha−1 was produced by monoculture of vetiver in PGPR− and PGPR+ plots, respectively, with similar values at two species richness levels of vetiver and lemongrass in PGPR− and PGPR+ plots. The highest plant carbon was found in vetiver monoculture and two species richness levels of vetiver and lemongrass. The soil carbon sequestration potential was highest at two species mixtures of vetiver–lemongrass and lemongrass–palmarosa as well.
Polystyrene‐Based 2‐Oxoacetates for the Light‐Induced Release of Fragrances Under Realistic Application Conditions
Authors: Lamboley Serge , Trachsel Alain , Herrmann Andreas
Published: August 2020

Light‐sensitive 2‐oxoacetate‐derived polystyrene copolymers are investigated for the controlled release of fragrances. The stimuli‐responsive delivery systems are efficiently prepared in a two‐step reaction sequence. Simultaneous Friedel–Crafts acylation and cationic polymerization of styrene give access to 2‐oxoacetate‐derived polystyrenes in one step; the fragrance to be released is then introduced by organotin‐catalyzed transesterification in a second step. The performance of the copolymer conjugates releasing either individual fragrance raw materials or a fragrance mixture is evaluated by dynamic headspace analysis in the presence of surfactants on different substrates and compared with their non‐polymeric analogues. Direct and indirect deposition of the delivery systems onto cotton in a fabric softening application show that differences in performance are correlated with the amount of surface deposition. In the present study, the copolymer that releases a fragrance mixture performs better than the copolymers that release the corresponding fragrances individually and better than the respective non‐polymeric profragrances.
Limiting curves in an axially symmetric galaxy
Authors: Navarro Juan F.
Published: August 2020

The aim of this article is to reveal the geometry of the windows through which stars escape from a potential modeling the central part of a galaxy with axial symmetry and presenting one exit channel. This study has been performed by analyzing the ingoing and outgoing asymptotic orbits to the Lyapunov orbit located at the opening of the potential in a suitable surface of section.
Assessing the robustness of multidecadal variability in Northern Hemisphere wintertime seasonal forecast skill
Authors: O'Reilly Christopher H. , Weisheimer Antje , MacLeod David , Befort Daniel J. , Palmer Tim
Published: August 2020

Recent studies have found evidence of multidecadal variability in Northern Hemisphere wintertime seasonal forecast skill. Here we assess the robustness of this finding by extending the analysis to a diverse set of ensemble atmospheric model simulations. These simulations differ in either the numerical model or type of initialisation and include atmospheric model experiments initialised with reanalysis data and free‐running atmospheric model ensembles. All ensembles are forced with observed sea‐surface temperatures (SSTs) and sea‐ice boundary conditions. Analysis of large‐scale Northern Hemisphere circulation indices over the Northern Hemisphere (namely the North Atlantic Oscillation, the Pacific/North American pattern and the Arctic Oscillation) reveals that in all ensembles there is larger correlation skill in late‐century periods than in mid‐century periods. Similar multidecadal variability in skill is found in a measure of total skill integrated over the whole extratropical region. Most of the differences in large‐scale circulation skill between the skilful late period (as well as the early period) and the less skilful mid‐century period seem to be due to a reduction in skill over the North Pacific and a disappearance of skill over North America and the North Atlantic. The results are robust across different models and different types of initialisation, indicating that the multidecadal variability in Northern Hemisphere winter skill is a robust feature of twentieth‐century climate variability. Multidecadal variability in skill therefore arises from the evolution of the observed SSTs, likely related to a weakened influence of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation on the predictable extratropical circulation signal during the middle of the twentieth century, and is evident in the signal‐to‐noise ratio of the different ensembles, particularly the larger ensembles.
A highly intuitive and ergonomic redundant joint master device for four‐degrees of freedom flexible endoscopic surgery robot
Authors: Ahn Jeongdo , Kim Joonhwan , Lee Hyunyoung , Hwang Minho , Kwon Dong‐Soo
Published: August 2020

Background

Studies have been conducted on slave‐specific master devices with a similar kinematic structure to the slave to enhance intuitiveness. However, for the four‐degrees of freedom (DOFs) slave of a flexible endoscopic surgery robot, only four DOFs in the master device causes low ergonomic performance.

Methods

To enhance ergonomic performance, a second yaw joint was added as a redundant joint after considering the range of wrist motion and the workspace shape. Three experiments were performed to compare the intuitiveness and ergonomic performance of the proposed device with four‐DOFs slave‐specific and six‐DOFs general‐purpose master devices.

Results

Significant differences were observed in terms of intuitiveness performance between the slave‐specific and the general‐purposed master device. On the other hand, there was no significant difference in ergonomic performance between the master devices with redundant joint.

Conclusions

Compared with a general‐purpose master device, the proposed one exhibited noticeably improved intuitiveness performance and comparable ergonomic performance.
Biofilm mediated degradation of commercially available LDPE films by bacterial strains isolated from partially degraded plastic
Authors: Gupta Kartikey K. , Devi Deepa
Published: August 2020

Biodegradation is an attractive approach for the elimination of synthetic polymers, pervasively accumulated in natural environments and generating ecological problems. The present work investigated the degradation of low‐density polyethylene (PE) by three Bacillus sp., that is, ISJ36, ISJ38, and ISJ40. The degree of biodegradation was assessed by measuring hydrophobicity, viability, and total protein content of bacterial biofilm attached to the PE surface. Although all three bacterial strains were able to establish an active biofilm community on the PE surface, ISJ40 showed better affinity toward PE degradation than the other two. Bacterial colonization and physical changes on the PE surface were visualized by scanning electron microscopy. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis revealed alteration in the intensities of functional groups along with an increase in the carbonyl bond indexes. The study results suggest that the Bacillus strain ISJ40 can be used as a potential degrader for the eco‐friendly treatment of PE waste.
„Rohleder gehört zu den ersten, welche die Bedeutung der Sexualwissenschaft in ihrem vollen Umfange erkannt haben.“
Authors: Moll F. H. , Halling T. , Krischel M.
Published: August 2020

Der Leipziger Arzt Hermann Rohleder wurde bereits von seinen Zeitgenossen als Pionier der Sexualmedizin angesehen. Sein Werdegang führte ihn von der Behandlung von Geschlechtskrankheiten über die Urologie zur medizinischen Sexualwissenschaft. Er setzte sich für die Institutionalisierung der Sexualwissenschaft ein, seine Versuche der Etablierung einer Professur an der Universität Leipzig scheiterten jedoch mehrfach. Das Leben und Wirken Rohleders zeigen, wie eng die Disziplinenentwicklung der Urologie und Sexualwissenschaft zu Beginn des 20. Jahrhunderts verknüpft waren.
Derivation of dual-horizon state-based peridynamics formulation based on Euler–Lagrange equation
Authors: Wang Bingquan , Oterkus Selda , Oterkus Erkan
Published: August 2020

The numerical solution of peridynamics equations is usually done by using uniform spatial discretisation. Although implementation of uniform discretisation is straightforward, it can increase computational time significantly for certain problems. Instead, non-uniform discretisation can be utilised and different discretisation sizes can be used at different parts of the solution domain. Moreover, the peridynamic length scale parameter, horizon, can also vary throughout the solution domain. Such a scenario requires extra attention since conservation laws must be satisfied. To deal with these issues, dual-horizon peridynamics was introduced so that both non-uniform discretisation and variable horizon sizes can be utilised. In this study, dual-horizon peridynamics formulation is derived by using Euler–Lagrange equation for state-based peridynamics. Moreover, application of boundary conditions and determination of surface correction factors are also explained. Finally, the current formulation is verified by considering two benchmark problems including plate under tension and vibration of a plate.
Amplification of radially polarized ultra-short pulsed radiation to average output powers exceeding 250 W in a compact single-stage Yb:YAG single-crystal fiber amplifier
Authors: Beirow Frieder , Eckerle Michael , Graf Thomas , Ahmed Marwan Abdou
Published: August 2020

A simple and compact single-stage Yb:YAG single-crystal fiber amplifier was setup to amplify 784 fs long seed pulses to an output energy of 6$$\upmu$$μJ and an average output power of 290 W. The experimental results are verified by numerical models to estimate the limitations of the SCF technology with regards to beam quality and average output power.
Echocardiographic characteristics of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Stöbe Stephan , Richter Sarah , Seige Markus , Stehr Sebastian , Laufs Ulrich , Hagendorff Andreas
Published: August 2020

Background

Myocardial involvement induced by SARS-CoV-2 infection might be important for long-term prognosis. The aim of this observational study was to characterize the myocardial effects during SARS-CoV-2 infections by echocardiography.

Results and methods

An extended echocardiographic image acquisition protocol was performed in 18 patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection assessing LV longitudinal, radial, and circumferential deformation including rotation, twist, and untwisting. Furthermore, LV deformation was analyzed in an age-matched control group of healthy individuals (n = 20). The most prevalent finding was a reduced longitudinal strain observed predominantly in more than one basal LV segment (n = 10/14 patients, 71%). This pattern reminded of a “reverse tako-tsubo” morphology that is not typical for other viral myocarditis. Additional findings included a biphasic pattern with maximum post-systolic or negative regional radial strain predominantly basal (n = 5/14 patients, 36%); the absence or dispersion of basal LV rotation (n = 6/14 patients, 43%); a reduced or positive regional circumferential strain in more than one segment (n = 7/14 patients, 50%); a net rotation showing late post-systolic twist or biphasic pattern (n = 8/14 patients, 57%); a net rotation showing polyphasic pattern and/or higher maximum net values during diastole (n = 8/14 patients, 57%).

Conclusion

Myocardial involvement due to SARS-CoV-2-infection was highly prevalent in the present cohort—even in patients with mild symptoms. It appears to be characterized by specific speckle tracking deformation abnormalities in the basal LV segments. These data set the stage to prospectively test whether these parameters are helpful for risk stratification and for the long-term follow-up of these patients.
Monomial Gorenstein algebras and the stably Calabi–Yau property
Authors: Elsener Ana Garcia
Published: August 2020

A celebrated result by Keller–Reiten says that 2-Calabi–Yau tilted algebras are Gorenstein and stably 3-Calabi–Yau. This note shows that the converse holds in the monomial case: a 1-Gorenstein monomial algebra and stably 3-Calabi–Yau is 2-Calabi–Yau tilted, moreover is Jacobian. We study the case of other stably Calabi–Yau Gorenstein monomial algebras.
A Wall-Adapted Anisotropic Heat Flux Model for Large Eddy Simulations of Complex Turbulent Thermal Flows
Authors: Ries Florian , Li Yongxiang , Nishad Kaushal , Dressler Louis , Ziefuss Matthias , Mehdizadeh Amirfarhang , Hasse Christian , Sadiki Amsini
Published: August 2020

In this paper, a wall-adapted anisotropic heat flux model for large eddy simulations of complex engineering applications is proposed. First, the accuracy and physical consistency of the novel heat flux model are testified for turbulent heated channel flows with different fluid properties by comparing with conventional isotropic models. Then, the performance of the model is evaluated in case of more complex heat and fluid flow situations that are in particular relevant for internal combustion engines and engine exhaust systems. For this purpose large eddy simulations of a strongly heated pipe flow, a turbulent inclined jet impinging on a heated solid surface and a backward-facing step flow with heated walls were carried out. It turned out that the proposed heat flux model has the following advantages over existing model formulations: (1) it accounts for variable fluid properties and anisotropic effects in the unresolved temperature scales, (2) no ad-hoc treatments or dynamic procedure are required to obtain the correct near-wall behavior, (3) the formulation is consistent with the second law of thermodynamics, and (4) the model has a similar prediction accuracy and computational effort than conventional isotropic models. In particular, it is shown that the proposed heat flux model is the only model under consideration that is able to predict the direction of subgrid-scale heat fluxes correctly, also under realistic heat and fluid flow conditions in complex engineering applications.
Just Look at the Numbers: A Case Study on Quantification in Corporate Environmental Disclosures
Authors: T. Järvinen Janne , Laine Matias , Hyvönen Timo , Kantola Hannele
Published: August 2020

This paper sheds further light on the role of quantification in corporate environmental disclosures. Quantification is an inherently social practice, which has attracted a fair amount of academic interest in recent years. At the same time, in the field of social and environmental accounting there is a paucity of research on quantification or the role it plays for organisations, for organisational communication and in societies more broadly. Accordingly, in this paper, we will draw on a qualitative case study to discuss the potential implications that might arise from the use of quantified information in corporate environmental disclosures. Our case study illustrates the diverse effects of quantification suggested in the prior literature by placing them in the context of corporate environmental disclosures. We discuss how quantification implies fake precisionism and promotes commensuration of incomparables, thereby limiting the discussion to themes and questions preferred by company management. We maintain that quantification, while appearing to produce neutral and value-free information, has a substantive ethical dimension through how it implicates accountability relationships as well as the respective power relations between diverse stakeholders in societies.
The immorality of computer games: Defending the endorsement view against Young’s objections
Authors: Ostritsch Sebastian , Ulbricht Samuel
Published: August 2020

Garry Young has made three objections against Sebastian Ostritsch’s endorsement view on the immorality of computer games. In this paper, we want to defend the endorsement view against all three of them.
Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy in women: frequency, characteristics, and diagnostic challenges
Authors: Bruno Marianna , Castaño Adam , Burton Arianna , Grodin Justin L.
Published: August 2020

Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) is a progressive, life-threatening disease characterized by deposition of insoluble amyloid fibrils in the myocardium, resulting in cardiac structural and functional abnormalities and ultimately heart failure. Disease frequency is reportedly lower in women than men, but sex-related differences have not been well established. We conducted a systematic literature review (SLR), based on PRISMA-P guidelines and registered with PROSPERO, to assess whether the epidemiology and clinical presentation of ATTR-CM differ between women and men. MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases and selected conference proceedings were searched (August 16, 2019) to identify observational and clinical studies reporting sex-specific data for patients with wild-type or hereditary ATTR-CM. Of 193 publications satisfying final eligibility criteria, 69 studies were included in our pooled analysis. Among the 4669 patients with ATTR-CM analyzed, 791 (17%) were women, including 174 (9%), 366 (29%), and 251 (18%) in studies of wild-type, hereditary, and undefined ATTR-CM, respectively. Data available on disease characteristics were limited and very heterogeneous, but trends suggested some cardiac structural/functional differences, i.e., lower interventricular septal and posterior wall thickness and left ventricular (LV) end diastolic diameter, and higher LV ejection fractions, in women versus men across ATTR-CM subtypes. Because LV wall thickness > 12 mm is generally the suggested threshold for ATTR-CM diagnosis in both sexes, smaller cardiac anatomy in women with the disease may lead to underdiagnosis. Additional research and studies are needed to elucidate potential disparities between sexes in ATTR-CM frequency, clinical characteristics, and underlying biological mechanisms. This study was registered within the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) database of the University of York (CRD42019146995).