bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Absolute B cell counts in blood predict long-term response in follicular lymphoma patients treated with rituximab without chemotherapy
Authors: Junlén Henna-Riikka , Lockmer Sandra , Kimby Eva , Wahlin Björn Engelbrekt
Published: August 2020

Rituximab monotherapy is widely used for follicular lymphoma. However, there are no established predictors for response or response duration. We analyzed the long-term prognostic relevance of pre-treatment absolute blood counts of lymphocytes with subsets and monocytes in 265 follicular lymphoma patients, uniformly treated with rituximab without chemotherapy, in two Nordic Lymphoma Group trials. There were 265 previously untreated, stage II–IV follicular lymphoma patients with a median follow-up of over 10 years. Absolute B cell counts ≥ median (0.09 × 109/L) were an independent predictor for shorter time to next treatment or death (multivariable analysis P = 0.010). In univariate analysis, absolute monocyte counts ≥ median (0.5 × 109/L) did not correlate with time to next treatment or death, but with inferior overall survival (P = 0.034). Absolute T cell or T cell subset counts were not predictive for outcome. High absolute B cell counts, possibly reflecting circulating lymphoma cells, have an unfavorable impact on time to next treatment or death in patients treated with rituximab without chemotherapy.
Robust post-disaster route restoration
Authors: Caunhye Aakil M. , Aydin Nazli Yonca , Duzgun H. Sebnem
Published: August 2020

Route restoration is considered to be a task of foremost priority in disaster relief. In this paper, we propose a robust optimization approach for post-disaster route restoration under uncertain restoration times. We present a novel decision rule based on restoration time ordering that yields optimal restoration sequencing and propose conditions for complexity reduction in the model and prove probability bounds on the satisfaction of these conditions. We implement our models in a realistic study of the 2015 Gorkha earthquake in Nepal.
A framework for facial age progression and regression using exemplar face templates
Authors: Elmahmudi Ali , Ugail Hassan
Published: August 2020

Techniques for facial age progression and regression have many applications and a myriad of challenges. As such, automatic aged or de-aged face generation has become an important subject of study in recent times. Over the past decade or so, researchers have been working on developing face processing mechanisms to tackle the challenge of generating realistic aged faces for applications related to smart systems. In this paper, we propose a novel approach to try and address this problem. We use template faces based on the formulation of an average face of a given ethnicity and for a given age. Thus, given a face image, the target aged image for that face is generated by applying it to the relevant template face image. The resulting image is controlled by two parameters corresponding to the texture and the shape of the face. To validate our approach, we compute the similarity between aged images and the corresponding ground truth via face recognition. To do this, we have utilised a pre-trained convolutional neural network based on the VGG-face model for feature extraction, and we then use well-known classifiers to compare the features. We have utilised two datasets, namely the FEI and the Morph II, to test, verify and validate our approach. Our experimental results do suggest that the proposed approach achieves accuracy, efficiency and possess flexibility when it comes to facial age progression or regression.
Die Einstellung von Patienten in geriatrischer Rehabilitation zu Pflegeheimen
Authors: Schwind Natalie , Jahn Georg
Published: August 2020

Hintergrund

Mit Erreichen des höheren Lebensalters nehmen unterstützende Wohnformen eine immer wichtigere Rolle ein. Eingeschränkte Selbstständigkeit kann dazu führen, dass ein Umzug in ein Pflegeheim unabdingbar ist. Die Einstellung zu Pflegeheimen ist von großer Bedeutung sowohl für die Vorbereitung auf diesen Fall als auch für die psychische Reaktion auf sein Eintreten, wurde allerdings bisher kaum näher beforscht.

Ziel der Arbeit (Fragestellung)

Das Ziel dieser Untersuchung ist herauszufinden, wie Pflegeheime von älteren Menschen je nach ihrem subjektiven Kontrollerleben, ihrem Informationsstand und ihren Erfahrungen bewertet werden.

Material und Methoden

Zu Einstellungen gegenüber Pflegeheimen wurden insgesamt 150 geriatrische Rehabilitationspatienten mit einer ersten Fragebogenversion (n = 64) oder einer revidierten Fassung (n = 86) befragt.

Ergebnisse

Mittels Polaritätsprofil konnte eine eher positive Einstellung zu Pflegeheimen beobachtet werden, jedoch wurden bei freiem Antwortformat überwiegend negative Assoziationen geäußert. Der Großteil der Probanden hat eine ängstliche Haltung zu einem Umzug in ein Pflegeheim. Stärkeres Kontrollerleben, ein besserer Informationsstand und positive Erfahrungen mit Pflegeheimen stehen mit einer positiven Haltung zum Umzug in ein Pflegeheim im Zusammenhang.

Diskussion

Mit Blick auf geäußerte Ängste, einen verbreitet geringen Informationsstand und die starke Abwehrhaltung einiger Befragter gilt es, die Betroffenen proaktiv zu informieren und stärker in die Entscheidungen für eine Wohnoption einzubinden. Neueste Entwicklungen zu aussagekräftigerer Qualitätsdarstellung der Pflegeheime können dabei unterstützen.
Combined low vitamin D and K status amplifies mortality risk: a prospective study
Authors: van Ballegooijen Adriana J. , Beulens Joline W. J. , Kieneker Lyanne M. , de Borst Martin H. , Gansevoort Ron T. , Kema Ido P. , Schurgers Leon J. , Vervloet Marc G. , Bakker Stephan J. L.
Published: August 2020

Objective

To explore the association of both plasma vitamin D and K concentrations with all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and cardiovascular events in the general population.

Methods

We studied 4742 participants of the Prevention of REnal and Vascular ENd-Stage Disease (PREVEND) Study. At baseline, vitamin D and K status was determined by measurement of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and dephosphorylated uncarboxylated matrix Gla protein (dp-ucMGP), respectively. Patients were categorized into: 25(OH)D < 50 or ≥ 50 nmol/L and dp-ucMGP < 361 or ≥ 361 pmol/L with 25(OH)D > 75 nmol/L and dp-ucMGP < 361 pmol/L as reference. Cause of death was coded according to International Classification of Diseases 9&10 codes from the 2001-2003 examination until date of death/event or censoring date (January 1st, 2017).

Results

Mean age was 52.6 ± 11.9 years and 2513 (53%) were female. During a median of 14.2 year follow-up, 620 participants died of which 142 were due to cardiovascular causes. Combined low vitamin D and K status was present in 970 participants (20%) and was associated with a greater risk of all-cause mortality compared to high vitamin D and high vitamin K status group (n = 1424) after adjusting for potential confounders: hazard ratio 1.46 (95% confidence intervals 1.12–1.90). We observed similar trends, albeit non-significant for cardiovascular mortality, and cardiovascular events: 1.42 (0.79–2.55), 1.28 (0.93–1.77), respectively.

Conclusions

Combined low vitamin D and K status are associated with increased all-cause mortality risk and possibly with cardiovascular mortality and cardiovascular events compared with adequate vitamin D and K status. Future studies should investigate the effect of combined vitamin D and K supplementation on clinical outcomes.
Investigation of phase II metabolism of 11-hydroxy-Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and metabolite verification by chemical synthesis of 11-hydroxy-Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol-glucuronide
Authors: Hassenberg Christoph , Clausen Florian , Hoffmann Grete , Studer Armido , Schürenkamp Jennifer
Published: August 2020

(−)-Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol ((−)-Δ-9-THC) is the main psychoactive constituent in cannabis. During phase I metabolism, it is metabolized to (−)-11-hydroxy-Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol ((−)-11-OH-Δ-9-THC), which is psychoactive, and to (−)-11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol ((−)-Δ-9-THC-COOH), which is psychoinactive. It is glucuronidated during phase II metabolism. The biotransformation of (−)-Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol-glucuronide ((−)-Δ-9-THC-Glc) and (−)-11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol-glucuronide ((−)-Δ-9-THC-COOH-Glc) is well understood, which is mainly due to the availability of commercial reference standards. Since such a standardized reference is not yet available for (−)-11-hydroxy-Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol-glucuronide ((−)-11-OH-Δ-9-THC-Glc), its biotransformation is harder to study and the nature of the glucuronide bonding—alcoholic and/or phenolic—remains unclear. Consequently, the aim of this study was to investigate the biotransformation of (−)-11-OH-Δ-9-THC-Glc in vitro as well as in vivo and to identify the glucuronide by chemically synthesis of a reference standard. For in vitro analysis, pooled human S9 liver fraction was incubated with (−)-Δ-9-THC. Resulting metabolites were detected by high-performance liquid chromatography system coupled to a high-resolution mass spectrometer (HPLC-HRMS) with heated electrospray ionization (HESI) in positive and negative full scan mode. Five different chromatographic peaks of OH-Δ-9-THC-Glc have been detected in HESI positive and negative mode, respectively. The experiment set up according to Wen et al. indicates the two main metabolites being an alcoholic and a phenolic glucuronide metabolite. In vivo analysis of urine (n = 10) and serum (n = 10) samples from cannabis users confirmed these two main metabolites. Thus, OH-Δ-9-THC is glucuronidated at either the phenolic or the alcoholic hydroxy group. A double glucuronidation was not observed. The alcoholic (−)-11-OH-Δ-9-THC-Glc was successfully chemically synthesized and identified the main alcoholic glucuronide in vitro and in vivo. (−)-11-OH-Δ-9-THC-Glc is the first reference standard for direct identification and quantification. This enables future research to answer the question whether phenolic or alcoholic glucuronidation forms the predominant way of metabolism.
Progression of sleep disturbances in Parkinson’s disease: a 5-year longitudinal study
Authors: Xu Zheyu , Anderson Kirstie N. , Saffari Seyed Ehsan , Lawson Rachael A. , Chaudhuri K. Ray , Brooks David , Pavese Nicola
Published: August 2020

Background

Sleep disorders can occur in early Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, the relationship between different sleep disturbances and their longitudinal evolution has not been fully explored.

Objective

To describe the frequency, coexistence, and longitudinal change in excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), insomnia, and probable REM sleep behavior disorder (pRBD) in early PD.

Methods

Data were obtained from the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI). EDS, insomnia, and pRBD were defined using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, MDS-UPDRS Part I sub-item 1.7, and RBD screening questionnaire.

Results

218 PD subjects and 102 controls completed 5 years of follow-up. At baseline, 69 (31.7%) PD subjects reported one type of sleep disturbance, 25 (11.5%) reported two types of sleep disturbances, and three (1.4%) reported all three types of sleep disturbances. At 5 years, the number of PD subjects reporting one, two, and three types of sleep disturbances was 85 (39.0%), 51 (23.4%), and 16 (7.3%), respectively. Only 41(18.8%) patients were taking sleep medications. The largest increase in frequency was seen in insomnia (44.5%), followed by EDS (32.1%) and pRBD (31.2%). Insomnia was the most common sleep problem at any time over the 5-year follow-up. The frequency of sleep disturbances in HCs remained stable.

Conclusions

There is a progressive increase in the frequency of sleep disturbances in PD, with the number of subjects reporting multiple sleep disturbances increasing over time. Relatively a few patients reported multiple sleep disturbances, suggesting that they can have different pathogenesis. A large number of patients were not treated for their sleep disturbances.
Management of patients with neuromuscular disorders at the time of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic
Authors: Costamagna Gianluca , Abati Elena , Bresolin Nereo , Comi Giacomo Pietro , Corti Stefania
Published: August 2020

The novel Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic has posed several challenges for neuromuscular disorder (NMD) patients. The risk of a severe course of SARS-CoV-2 infection is increased in all but the mildest forms of NMDs. High-risk conditions include reduced airway clearance due to oropharyngeal weakness and risk of worsening with fever, fasting or infection Isolation requirements may have an impact on treatment regimens administered in hospital settings, such as nusinersen, glucosidase alfa, intravenous immunoglobulin, and rituximab infusions. In addition, specific drugs for SARS-CoV2 infection under investigation impair neuromuscular function significantly; chloroquine and azithromycin are not recommended in myasthenia gravis without available ventilatory support and prolonged prone positioning may influence options for treatment. Other therapeutics may affect specific NMDs (metabolic, mitochondrial, myotonic diseases) and experimental approaches for Coronavirus disease 2019 may be offered “compassionately” only after consulting the patient’s NMD specialist. In parallel, the reorganization of hospital and outpatient services may change the management of non-infected NMD patients and their caregivers, favouring at-distance approaches. However, the literature on the validation of telehealth in this subgroup of patients is scant. Thus, as the first wave of the pandemic is progressing, clinicians and researchers should address these crucial open issues to ensure adequate caring for NMD patients. This manuscript summarizes available evidence so far and provides guidance for both general neurologists and NMD specialists dealing with NMD patients in the time of COVID-19.
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia—does the presence of a hernia sac improve outcome? A systematic review of published studies
Authors: Raitio Arimatias , Salim Adeline , Losty Paul D.
Published: August 2020

Early reports have suggested survival benefits associated with a hernia sac in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). However, these studies have included only small subsets of patients. This systematic review aimed to evaluate differences in outcomes of CDH newborns with and without a hernia sac. PubMed and Embase databases were searched using relevant key terms. Papers were independently reviewed by two authors with final selection approved by the senior author. Original search retrieved 537 papers; the final review included 8 studies (n = 837 patients). There were 168 CDH patients (20%) with a hernia sac with an overall survival of 93% vs 73% for CDH newborns without a sac (p < 0.001). Twenty-three percent of patients with a CDH sac required diaphragm patch repair vs 44% patients without a sac (p < 0.001). Pulmonary hypertension was manifested in 44% of CDH babies with a hernia sac vs 64% without a sac (p < 0.001). Three studies compared ECMO requirement: 15% with a hernia sac and 34% without sac, p < 0.001.

Conclusion: This study shows significant survival benefits in newborns associated with presence of a CDH sac. This may be likely related to these infants having more favourable physiology with less severe pulmonary hypertension and/or smaller anatomical defects requiring primary closure only.

What is Known:• Early reports have suggested survival benefits associated with a hernia sac in CDH.• Previous studies have included only a small number of patients.

What is New:• A systematic review of published studies clearly shows that CDH newborns with a hernia sac have better overall survival outcomes and less severe pulmonary hypertension.• ECMO utilization and patch repair were also less often required in newborns with a hernia sac.
Trophic position, elemental ratios and nitrogen transfer in a planktonic host–parasite–consumer food chain including a fungal parasite
Authors: Sánchez Barranco Virginia , Van der Meer Marcel T. J. , Kagami Maiko , Van den Wyngaert Silke , Van de Waal Dedmer B. , Van Donk Ellen , Gsell Alena S.
Published: August 2020

Parasitism is arguably the most commonly occurring consumer strategy. However, only a few food web studies assess how well stable isotopes reflect the trophic position of parasitic consumers and results are variable. Even fewer studies have measured the nutrient transfer by parasitic consumers, hindering an assessment of their role in nutrient transfer through food webs. Here we used a food chain consisting of a diatom as host, a chytrid as its parasitic consumer and a rotifer as the predatory consumer of the chytrid, to assess the trophic position of all three food-chain components using their natural 13C and 15N isotope signatures, and to measure the nitrogen transfer from the host via the chytrid to the rotifer by tracing 15N of a labelled host up the food chain. Additionally, we measured the carbon to nitrogen (C:N) ratios of all food-chain components. Natural isotope abundance results showed no clear 15N enrichment in the chytrid or rotifer relative to the primary producer. However, estimates of nitrogen transfer indicated that about 14% of host nitrogen was transferred per day from host to chytrid during infection epidemics and that some of this nitrogen was also transferred onward to the rotifer. Moreover, C:N ratios decreased with trophic level, suggesting that the chytrid provided a high-quality food source to the rotifer. In conclusion, our results support the “mycoloop”. The mycooloop proposes that chytrid infections allow the transfer of nutrients bound in large, inedible phytoplankton to zooplankton through the production of edible transmission spores, thereby rerouting nutrients back into the food web.
Application of a novel self-assembling peptide to prevent hemorrhage after EMR, a feasibility and safety study
Authors: Soons Elsa , Turan Ayla , van Geenen Erwin , Siersema Peter
Published: August 2020

Background

A novel self-assembling peptide (SAP) can be applied to the post-endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) defect to treat oozing bleedings. It has been suggested to stimulate early healing of damaged vessels. We hypothesized that SAP application could prevent delayed bleeding (DB) after EMR and performed a prospective cohort study to determine feasibility and safety.

Methods

A total of 48 consecutive patients who underwent EMR between June 2018 and August 2019 for large lesions in the esophagus, duodenum (> 1 cm) or colorectum (> 2 cm) were treated with adjuvant SAP application. Duration and ease of SAP application were measured, as well as DB outcome.

Results

The EMR defects of 48 patients were treated with SAP; 17 in the esophagus, 13 in the duodenum and 18 in the colorectum. SAP was easy to apply on the EMR defect with a median duration of 2.0 min. A dose of 3 cc was generally enough to cover a defect between 10 and 50 mm. An exploratory analysis of the prophylactic ability of SAP showed that 15.9% of patients (7/44) treated with SAP still had a DB, mostly in the duodenum (4/11). No adverse events related to gel exposure were reported.

Conclusions

SAP application after EMR was found to be feasible and safe, and did not delay the procedure; however, DB was still relatively common. Future comparative studies are needed to evaluate whether SAP is able to reduce DB after EMR, particularly for lesions with an increased bleeding risk, such as in the duodenum.
Kyphotic deformity of the lumbar spine due to a monostotic fibrous dysplasia of the second lumbar vertebra: a case report and its surgical management
Authors: Stocsits Anna , Lener Sara , Girod Pierre Pascal , Abramovič Anto , Thomé Claudius , Hartmann Sebastian
Published: August 2020

Monostotic fibrous dysplasia (MFD) of the lumbar spine represents an exceedingly rare lesion. A 26-year-old patient presented with a progressive osteolytic lesion of the vertebral body L2 and the diagnosis of MFD. A minimally invasive left-sided eXtreme Lateral Interbody Fusion (XLIF) approach with resection of the vertebral body L2 with placement of a mesh cage was performed. No complications were observed perioperatively and the symptoms rapidly improved. Minimally invasive piecemeal resection with a combined dorsolateral approach showed a favorable clinical and radiological outcome and seems to be a safe and reliable technique for MFD.
The Effect of Phantom Stimulation and Pseudomonophasic Pulse Shapes on Pitch Perception by Cochlear Implant Listeners
Authors: Lamping Wiebke , Deeks John M. , Marozeau Jeremy , Carlyon Robert P.
Published: August 2020

It has been suggested that a specialized high-temporal-acuity brainstem pathway can be activated by stimulating more apically in the cochlea than is achieved by cochlear implants (CIs) when programmed with contemporary clinical settings. We performed multiple experiments to test the effect on pitch perception of phantom stimulation and asymmetric current pulses, both supposedly stimulating beyond the most apical electrode of a CI. The two stimulus types were generated using a bipolar electrode pair, composed of the most apical electrode of the array and a neighboring, more basal electrode. Experiment 1 used a pitch-ranking procedure where neural excitation was shifted apically or basally using so-called phantom stimulation. No benefit of apical phantom stimulation was found on the highest rate up to which pitch ranks increased (upper limit), nor on the slopes of the pitch-ranking function above 300 pulses per second (pps). Experiment 2 used the same procedure to study the effects of apical pseudomonophasic pulses, where the locus of excitation was manipulated by changing stimulus polarity. A benefit of apical stimulation was obtained for the slopes above 300 pps. Experiment 3 used an adaptive rate discrimination procedure and found a small but significant benefit of both types of apical stimulation. Overall, the results show some benefit for apical stimulation on temporal pitch processing at high pulse rates but reveal that the effect is smaller and more variable across listeners than suggested by previous research. The results also provide some indication that the benefit of apical stimulation may decline over time since implantation.
Transitional justice and authoritarian backsliding
Authors: Nalepa Monika
Published: August 2020

Can a lack of transitional justice contribute to democratic backsliding? This paper uses the case of Poland to argue that selective enforcement of transitional justice can be linked to democratic erosion. In doing so, the paper adjudicates between two theories of democratic backsliding. The first, advanced by Milan Svolik, argues that elite polarization drives erosion: when political candidates are ideologically far apart, citizens who strongly prefer one over the other may turn a blind eye to antidemocratic transgressions by their preferred candidate to prevent the competing candidate from winning. The second theory, presented by Nalepa, Vanberg, and Ciopris (NVC), describes an equilibrium where voters are uncertain whether the candidate they are dealing with is a closet autocrat or an ideological incumbent, but reelect him into office regardless. This theory posits that a closet autocrat is reelected into office because his first period actions are identical to those of an ideological incumbent. I argue that judiciary reforms in Poland reflect exactly the kind of incumbent actions that are consistent both with the actions of an ideological incumbent and with the actions of a closet autocrat. Using survey data from Poland, I find evidence of elite polarization, offering support for the first theory, but also find ample evidence of polarization in the electorate and of a belief structure supportive of the equilibrium from NVC. I present Hungary’s experience with transitional justice and the rule of law as a shadow case to illustrate similar dynamics to those taking place in Poland.
Consumer decisions with artificially intelligent voice assistants
Authors: Dellaert Benedict G. C. , Shu Suzanne B. , Arentze Theo A. , Baker Tom , Diehl Kristin , Donkers Bas , Fast Nathanael J. , Häubl Gerald , Johnson Heidi , Karmarkar Uma R. , Oppewal Harmen , Schmitt Bernd H. , Schroeder Juliana , Spiller Stephen A. , Steffel Mary
Published: August 2020

Consumers are widely adopting Artificially Intelligent Voice Assistants (AIVAs). AIVAs now handle many different everyday tasks and are also increasingly assisting consumers with purchasing decisions, making AIVAs a rich topic for marketing researchers. We develop a series of propositions regarding how consumer decision-making processes may change when moved from traditional online purchase environments to AI-powered voice-based dialogs, in the hopes of encouraging further academic thinking and research in this rapidly developing, high impact area of consumer-firm interaction. We also provide suggestions for marketing managers and policymakers on points to pay attention to when they respond to the proposed effects of AIVAs on consumer decisions.
Magnesium isotope fractionation reflects plant response to magnesium deficiency in magnesium uptake and allocation: a greenhouse study with wheat
Authors: Wang Yi , Wu Bei , Berns Anne E. , Xing Ying , Kuhn Arnd J. , Amelung Wulf
Published: August 2020

Aims

Magnesium (Mg) deficiency is detrimental to plant growth. However, how plants respond to Mg deficiency via regulation of Mg uptake and allocation is yet not fully understood. In this study, we tested whether Mg isotope compositions (δ26Mg) associated with Mg mass balance of the plants could be used as an indicator to trace Mg uptake and subsequent translocation processes under sufficient and low-Mg supply conditions. We aimed at using stable isotope fractionation as a novel proxy for nutrient uptake and cycling in plants.

Methods

We grew wheat plants (Triticum aestivum) in a greenhouse under control (1 mM Mg) and low-Mg supply (0.05 mM Mg) conditions, respectively. The Mg concentrations and isotope compositions in roots, stems, leaves and spikes/grains at different growth stages were analyzed.

Results

Wheat plants were systematically enriched in heavy Mg isotopes relative to the nutrient solution regardless of Mg supply conditions. With crop growth, the δ26Mg of the whole plants, as well as each plant organ, gradually shifted towards higher values in the control. However, the δ26Mg value of the whole plants in the low-Mg supply did not vary significantly. In addition, the wheat stems and spikes showed continuous enrichment of lighter Mg isotopes in the low-Mg supply than those in the control.

Conclusions

As reflected from Mg isotope compositions, the Mg supply in the growth media could affect the Mg uptake and subsequent translocation processes in plants. Changes in δ26Mg indicated that wheat plants likely regulated their Mg uptake strategy by switching between active and passive pathways during their life cycle. When Mg supply was low, a more negative δ26Mg value of the spikes suggested a potentially enhanced remobilization of Mg from leaves to spikes. Our results showed that Mg stable isotopes can provide new insights into plants’ response to nutrient shortage.
Eco-functionality of organic matter in soils
Authors: Hoffland Ellis , Kuyper Thomas W. , Comans Rob N. J. , Creamer Rachel E.
Published: August 2020

Background

Soil organic matter (SOM) supports multiple soil ecosystem functions, underpinned by processes such as C sequestration, N mineralization, aggregation, promotion of plant health and compound retention. We know little about the relationship between these functions and SOM quality.

Scope

We aimed to develop “eco-functionality” as a framework to address questions on the relation between SOM properties and soil ecosystem functions.

Conclusions

Paradigm shifts in SOM research have not led to metrics for eco-functionality beyond decomposability and C:N ratio. Recalcitrant OM is under-researched despite its essential role in aggregation and C sequestration, especially in C-saturated soils. Most soil functions are dependent on SOM decomposition and require labile compounds. We conclude that eco-functionality is context-dependent and needs to take time scales into account. We plea for attempts to link operationally defined SOM fractions to functions in order to make SOM research more applicable.
The development of delinquency during adolescence: a comparison of missing data techniques revisited
Authors: Kleinke Kristian , Reinecke Jost , Weins Cornelia
Published: August 2020

Conclusions about the individual development of delinquent behaviours during the life-course are often made by repeatedly interviewing the same respondents (i.e. panel data). Missing data, especially unit nonresponse and panel attrition are often a problem for the analysis of panel data, as they pose a threat to the validity of statistical inferences. Multiple imputation (MI) is a standard state-of-the-art technique to address these problems. However, until very recently, MI methods to impute highly skewed, zero-inflated and repeatedly measured count data such as the count of delinquent behaviours per year, were not available. Solutions that were often applied included data transformations and rounding, so that available MI methods, usually based on the multivariate normal model, could be applied. This approach has also been used by Reinecke and Weins (Qual Quant 47(6):3319–3334, 2013), who analysed delinquency data from an adolescents’ four-wave panel. Recent missing data research, however, suggests that these “normalizing” practices could be problematic and that imputation models with implausible distributional assumptions should generally be avoided when the empirical data depart too heavily from these assumptions. In the present paper, we re-analyse the data from Reinecke and Weins (2013) using MI models, where parametric assumptions of the imputation model are compatible to the subsequent analysis model (a growth curve model for zero-inflated count data). Results show that the chance of reporting zero punishable offences decreases over time, with a turning point at around the age of 15. Likewise, the versatility of delinquent behaviours increases early on in adolescence, and decreases later (reflecting the typical age-crime curve). Boys and students from the bottom-level branch of the German educational system exhibit a higher versatility in delinquent activity. A comparison of present results with the original ones from Reinecke and Weins (2013) corroborates recommendations e.g. by Yu et al. (Stat Methods Med Res 16(3):243–258, 2007) to opt for missing data methods with fitting distributional assumptions.
Using ontologies to map between research data and policymakers’ presumptions: the experience of the KNOWMAK project
Authors: Maynard Diana , Lepori Benedetto , Petrak Johann , Song Xingyi , Laredo Philippe
Published: August 2020

Understanding knowledge co-creation in key emerging areas of European research is critical for policy makers wishing to analyze impact and make strategic decisions. However, purely data-driven methods for characterising policy topics have limitations relating to the broad nature of such topics and the differences in language and topic structure between the political language and scientific and technological outputs. In this paper, we discuss the use of ontologies and semantic technologies as a means to bridge the linguistic and conceptual gap between policy questions and data sources for characterising European knowledge production. Our experience suggests that the integration between advanced techniques for language processing and expert assessment at critical junctures in the process is key for the success of this endeavour.
An analysis of the disagreement about added value by regional climate models
Authors: Lloyd Elisabeth A. , Bukovsky Melissa , Mearns Linda O.
Published: August 2020

In this paper we consider some questions surrounding whether or not regional climate models “add value,” a controversial issue in climate science today. We highlight some objections frequently made about regional climate models both within and outside the community of modelers, including several claims that regional climate models do not “add value.” We show that there are a number of issues involved in the latter claims, the primary ones centering on the fact that different research questions are being pursued by the modelers making the complaints against regional climate models. Further issues focus on historical deficiencies of particular—but not generalizable—failures of individual regional models. We provide tools to sort out these different research questions and particular failures, and to improve communication and understanding surrounding added value in climate modeling and philosophy of climate science.
Evaluation of the Possibility to Obtain Nanostructured Bainite in High-Carbon and High-Silicon 9XC Bearing Steel
Authors: Baran Dominika , Królicka Aleksandra
Published: August 2020

The main aim of this research is the evaluation of the possibility of obtaining a nanostructured bainite after isothermal heat treatment of 9XC (according to GOST standard) bearing steel. It was found that the annealing at low temperature (250 °C) allows to obtain the microstructure of nanobainite consisting of nanometric-scale bainitic ferrite laths and austenite with a dominant film-like morphology. In the case of higher isothermal treatment temperature (300 °C), a microstructure was slightly coarser and the proportion of austenite with blocky morphology increased. The identification of a highly refined microstructure was performed using TEM and SAED methods. Besides, isothermal annealing temperature significantly affects hardness. The hardness difference between annealing at 250 °C (630.0 ± 4.4 HV1) and 300° C (517.3 ± 1.1 HV1) was over 100 HV. Such a substantial decrease in hardness was caused by the fraction and morphology of the occurred phases. Due to the high silicon content in the tested steel (1.54%), the carbide precipitation was delayed, but locally the cementite precipitates were confirmed. Based on the research, it was found that the commercial 9XC steel is appropriate for nanostructurization in the low ranges of bainitic transformation. Designing of further heat treatment should be focused on the lowest possible temperature of isothermal annealing (even below 250 °C).
Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Perception and Risk Indicators: a 5-Year Follow-up
Authors: Vornanen Marleena , Konttinen Hanna , Peltonen Markku , Haukkala Ari
Published: August 2020

Background

Perceived disease risk may reflect actual risk indicators and/or motivation to change lifestyle. Yet, few longitudinal studies have assessed how perceived risk relates to risk indicators among different disease risk groups. We examined in a 5-year follow-up, whether perceived risks of diabetes and cardiovascular disease predicted physical activity, body mass index (BMI kg/m2), and blood glucose level, or the reverse. We examined further whether perceived risk, self-efficacy, and outcome beliefs together predicted changes in these risk indicators.

Method

Participants were high diabetes risk participants (N = 432) and low/moderate-risk participants (N = 477) from the national FINRISK 2002 study who were followed up in 2007. Both study phases included questionnaires and health examinations with individual feedback letters. Data were analyzed using gender- and age-adjusted structural equation models.

Results

In cross-lagged autoregressive models, perceived risks were not found to predict 5-year changes in physical activity, BMI, or 2-h glucose. In contrast, higher BMI and 2-h glucose predicted 5-year increases in perceived risks (β-values 0.07–0.15, P-values < 0.001–0.138). These associations were similar among high- and low/moderate-risk samples. In further structural equation models, higher self-efficacy predicted increased physical activity among both samples (β-values 0.10–0.16, P-values 0.005–0.034). Higher outcome beliefs predicted lower BMI among the low/moderate-risk sample (β-values − 0.04 to − 0.05, P-values 0.008–0.011).

Conclusion

Perceived risk of chronic disease rather follows risk indicators than predicts long-term lifestyle changes. To promote sustained lifestyle changes, future intervention studies need to examine the best ways to combine risk feedback with efficient behavior change techniques.
Educational Reproduction in Germany: A Prospective Study Based on Retrospective Data
Authors: Skopek Jan , Leopold Thomas
Published: August 2020

This study examines educational reproduction of East and West German men and women born between 1930 and 1950. In a prospective design, we study the importance of mobility and fertility pathways of reproduction, considering not only the social reproduction of education as an attribute but also the demographic reproduction of individuals who carry this attribute. Using data from NEPS and SOEP, we introduce a method that estimates prospective models based on retrospective data commonly available in surveys. The analysis offers new estimates of the expected number of high- and low-educated children born to men and women of different levels of education. Findings show that the importance of the fertility pathway of educational reproduction was higher in West than in East Germany, higher for women than for men, and higher for earlier than for later cohorts. For West German women of earlier cohorts, the fertility pathway tempered educational reproduction among the high-educated and reinforced it among the low-educated. Population renewal models show that differential fertility slightly lowered educational attainment and slightly increased inequality in educational attainment in the offspring generation. Across cohorts, the fertility pathway declined in importance, a result of fertility convergence between education groups and educational expansion in postwar Germany. We conclude that prospective designs advance our understanding of educational reproduction. The method that we introduce substantially reduces the data requirements of prospective analysis, facilitating future prospective research on social stratification.
Tree potential growth varies more than competition among spontaneously established forest stands of pedunculate oak (Quercus robur)
Authors: Lamonica Dominique , Pagel Joern , Valdés-Correcher Elena , Bert Didier , Hampe Arndt , Schurr Frank M.
Published: August 2020

Key message

Analyses of dendrochronological data from 15 recently established tablished stands of pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) revealed that functions describing potential tree growth in the absence of neighbours varied more between stands than functions describing competitive effects of conspecific neighbours. This suggests that competition functions can more easily be transferred among stands than potential growth functions.

Context

The variability inherent in the natural establishment of tree stands raises the question whether one can find general models for potential growth and competition that hold across stands.

Aims

We investigated variation in potential growth and competition among recently established stands of Q. robur and tested whether this variation depends on stand structure. We also tested whether competition is symmetric or asymmetric and whether it is density-dependent or size-dependent. Lastly, we examined whether between-year growth variation is synchronous among stands.

Methods

Potential growth, competition and between-year growth variation were quantified with statistical neighbourhood models. Model parameters were estimated separately for each stand using exhaustive mapping and dendrochronology data.

Results

Competition was best described with an asymmetric size-dependent model. Functions describing potential growth varied more among forest stands than competition functions. Parameters determining these functions could not be explained by stand structure. Moreover, annual growth rates showed only moderate synchrony across stands.

Conclusion

The substantial between-stand variability in potential growth needs to be considered when assessing the functioning, ecosystem services and management of recently established Q. robur stands. In contrast, the relative constancy of competition functions should facilitate their extrapolation across stands.
You can have both: Coaching to promote clinical competency and professional identity formation
Authors: Parsons Andrew S. , Kon Rachel H. , Plews-Ogan Margaret , Gusic Maryellen E.
Published: August 2020

Coaching is a critical tool to guide student development of clinical competency and formation of professional identity in medicine, two inextricably linked concepts. Because progress toward clinical competence is linked to thinking, acting and feeling like a physician, a coach’s knowledge about a learner’s development of clinical skills is essential to promoting the learner’s professional identity formation. A longitudinal coaching program provides a foundation for the formation of coach-learner relationships built on trust. Trusting relationships can moderate the risk and vulnerability inherent in a hierarchical medical education system and allow coaching conversations to focus on the promotion of self-regulated learning and fostering skills for life-long learning. Herein, we describe a comprehensive, longitudinal clinical coaching program for medical students designed to support learners’ professional identify formation and effectively promote their emerging competence.
Serum Decorin, Biglycan, and Extracellular Matrix Component Expression in Preterm Birth
Authors: Mennella Jenna M. , Underhill Lori A. , Collis Sophia , Lambert-Messerlian Geralyn M. , Tucker Richard , Lechner Beatrice E.
Published: August 2020

Preterm birth is a leading cause of infant morbidity and mortality. Decorin and biglycan are proteoglycans that play key roles in maintaining the connective tissue matrix and tensile strength of human fetal membranes and have been previously linked to PPROM. Extracellular matrix proteins, such as matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), TIMP metallopeptidase inhibitor 1 (TIMP-1), TIMP metallopeptidase inhibitor 2 (TIMP-2), and collagen VI (COL-6), have also been linked to PPROM and may have utility in a serum-based screening model for this condition. To define the natural course of serum decorin and biglycan expression throughout the duration of healthy pregnancy, to explore patterns of serum decorin and biglycan expression in serum of asymptomatic women who go on to develop spontaneous preterm labor, and to investigate the potential role for matrix metalloproteinases, their inhibitors, and collagen VI in a serum-based screening model to predict PPROM. Serum decorin level decreases less than 1% per week, and serum biglycan decreases by 2.9% per week over the duration of healthy pregnancy. Serum decorin and biglycan concentrations do not differ in spontaneous preterm labor cases compared with those in controls. Mean concentrations of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, TIMP-2, and COL-6 do not differ in PPROM cases compared with those in controls. We have demonstrated that serum decorin and biglycan concentrations remain stable throughout the duration of normal pregnancy and are not early indicators of preterm labor, while common MMPs, TIMPs, and collagen VI are not early indicators of PPROM.
Double-shell welded motorcycle tank benefits from polyamide 6 material's lower fuel permeation and good welding properties
Authors: Atkinson Simon
Published: August 2020

BMW Motorrad – the motorcycle brand of German motor vehicle manufacturer BMW – is using a material from speciality chemicals company Lanxess to produce fuel tanks for two of its latest bike models. Developed for use in tank systems and pressure vessels, the polyamide 6 non-reinforced material has improved impact strength and is heat-ageing stabilised. It also possesses good welding properties, and has significantly lower fuel permeation compared with other polymers, enabling it to provide a powerful barrier effect against gasoline.
International Law as Hedging: Perspectives from Secondary Authoritarian States
Authors: Nguyen Trang (Mae)
Published: August 2020

Tom Ginsburg's important article comes at a critical time. The COVID-19 crisis has spurred heated debates about political regimes vis-à-vis countries’ bureaucratic capacity. Political regime type is the core independent variable in Ginsburg's conceptualization of authoritarian international law—a global projection of authoritarian states’ domestic politics. This essay echoes Ginsburg's insightful observation but complicates it by shifting the focus to the less-known perspectives of secondary authoritarian countries. I use a matrix case study of two smaller states, Vietnam and Cambodia, on two prominent issues, the South China Sea (SCS) and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), to demonstrate small states’ effort to use international law to “hedge” big powers. As the case studies show, small authoritarian states, not unlike other small states, prefer a pluralist vision of international law, even if they may at times embrace the alternative model offered by big authoritarian powers. These states thus have an important, perhaps unexpected, role to play in preserving the pluralist international legal order and mitigating the hegemonic tendencies of authoritarian international law.
International Organizations: Enablers or Impediments for Authoritarian International Law?
Authors: Emmons Cassandra V.
Published: August 2020

International organizations (IOs) provide space for the exchange of ideas. Particularly since the Cold War ended, many expected that this exchange would inevitably lead to more democratization and liberalization around the globe. Instead, some of the largest non-democratic actors on the global stage have functioned within these organizations for decades without liberalizing, while others joined as full or newly transitioned democracies just to see those qualities slowly erode. As Tom Ginsburg's recent article concludes, today's autocrats might instead use international law—including the legal apparatus of IOs—to further their own authoritarian agendas. This essay engages with Ginsburg's thoughtful piece by suggesting that IOs both enable and resist the emergence of “Authoritarian International Law” (AIL). Creating or joining IOs is a costly but attractive strategy for revisionist states since members equally influence IO evolution. Fortunately for democracy's advocates, IOs are usually status quo entities, and liberalism is deeply embedded in many existing today. Cross-temporal observations of changes in IO membership, members’ regime types, and IO features beyond the founding documents are needed to fully understand how organizations simultaneously perform these paradoxical functions.
Authoritarian International Law, the Use of Force, and Intervention
Authors: Weiner Allen S.
Published: August 2020

Tom Ginsburg's thought-provoking Authoritarian International Law? invites us to reflect on the potential changes to the international legal order that might flow from the global decline of liberal democracy and the corresponding rise of illiberal authoritarian regimes. Given that Ginsburg's cautionary tale is predicated on the central interest of authoritarians in the survival of their regimes and their concerns about internal security, it is not surprising that many of the implications he identifies— which involve the expansion of norms that facilitate internal repression, enable repressive regulation of online expression, and dilute international democracy promotion—concern international law's regulation of states’ internal affairs. If Ginsburg's predictions about expanding authoritarianism are correct, however, we should also consider the implications for the evolution of international law in the external security realm, and in particular, for the legal regime governing the use of force and intervention in the affairs of other states. In this essay, I suggest that the expansion of authoritarianism is likely to diminish legal accountability of outside states that support repression by such regimes; to entrench the legal status of existing authoritarian regimes confronting domestic political violence; and to weaken the legal basis for Security Council interventions rooted in the “responsibility to protect” principle. When authoritarian states do wage wars, particularly when they intervene in civil wars, we should expect that their compliance with international humanitarian law (IHL) will be weak.