bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cytokine and Epigenetic Regulation of Programmed Death-Ligand 1 in Stem Cell Differentiation and Cancer Cell Plasticity
Authors: Kuo Ming-Han , Chen Pei-Yu , Yang Yi-Ping , Zheng Ming-Yi , Miao Chia-Cheng , Wen Kuo-Chang , Chang Kuo-Ming , Chou Shih-Jie , Wang Mong-Lien , Chiou Shih-Hwa , Chou Yu-Ting
Published: November 2021

Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), an immune checkpoint ligand, is recognized as a potential target for cancer immunotherapy as well as for the induction of transplantation tolerance. However, how the crosstalk between stem cell programming and cytokine signaling regulates PD-L1 expression during stem cell differentiation and cancer cell plasticity remains unclear. Herein, we reported that PD-L1 expression was regulated by SOX2 during embryonic stem cell (ESC) differentiation and lung cancer cell plasticity. PD-L1 was induced during ESC differentiation to fibroblasts and was downregulated during SOX2-mediated reprogramming of fibroblasts to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Furthermore, SOX2 activation affected cancer cell plasticity and inhibited PD-L1 expression in lung cancer cells. We discovered that the H3K27ac signal at the PD-L1 locus was enhanced during ESC differentiation to fibroblasts as well as during cancer plasticity of SOX2-positive lung cancer cells to SOX2-negative counterparts. Romidepsin, an epigenetic modifier, induced PD-L1 expression in lung cancer cells, whereas TGF-β stimulation downregulated SOX2 but upregulated PD-L1 expression in lung cancer cells. Furthermore, in addition to PD-L1, the expressions of EGFR and its ligand HBEGF were downregulated by activation of endogenous SOX2 expression during lung cancer cell plasticity and iPSC reprogramming, and the activation of EGFR signaling by HBEGF upregulated PD-L1 expression in lung cancer cells. Together, our results reveal the crosstalk between SOX2 programming and cytokine stimulation influences PD-L1 expression, and these findings may provide insights into PD-L1-mediated therapeutics.
Prostacyclin is an Endosteal Bone Marrow Niche Component and its Clinical Analog Iloprost Protects Hematopoietic Stem Cell Potential During Stress
Authors: Tay Joshua , Barbier Valerie , Helwani Falak M. , Price Gareth R. , Levesque Jean-Pierre , Winkler Ingrid G.
Published: November 2021

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) with superior reconstitution potential are reported to be enriched in the endosteal compared to central bone marrow (BM) region. To investigate whether specific factors at the endosteum may contribute to HSC potency, we screened for candidate HSC niche factors enriched in the endosteal compared to central BM regions. Together with key known HSC supporting factors Kitl and Cxcl12, we report that prostacyclin/prostaglandin I2 (PGI2) synthase (Ptgis) was one of the most highly enriched mRNAs (>10-fold) in endosteal compared to central BM. As PGI2 signals through receptors distinct from prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), we investigated functional roles for PGI2 at the endosteal niche using therapeutic PGI2 analogs, iloprost, and cicaprost. We found PGI2 analogs strongly reduced HSC differentiation in vitro. Ex vivo iloprost pulse treatment also significantly boosted long-term competitive repopulation (LT-CR) potential of HSCs upon transplantation. This was associated with increased tyrosine-phosphorylation of transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3) signaling in HSCs but not altered cell cycling. In vivo, iloprost administration protected BM HSC potential from radiation or granulocyte colony-stimulating factor-induced exhaustion, and restored HSC homing potential with increased Kitl and Cxcl12 transcription in the BM. In conclusion, we propose that PGI2 is a novel HSC regulator enriched in the endosteum that promotes HSC regenerative potential following stress.
Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Controls Skin Homeostasis, Regeneration, and Hair Follicle Cycling by Adjusting Epidermal Stem Cell Function
Authors: Rico-Leo Eva María , Lorenzo-Martín Luis Francisco , Román Ángel Carlos , Bustelo Xosé Ramón , Merino Jaime María , Fernández-Salguero Pedro María
Published: November 2021

Skin integrity requires constant maintenance of a quiescent, yet responsive, population of stem cells. While interfollicular epidermal progenitors control normal homeostasis, hair follicle stem cells residing within the bulge provide regenerative potential during hair cycle and in response to wounding. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) modulates cell plasticity and differentiation and its overactivation results in severe skin lesions in humans. However, its physiological role in skin homeostasis and hair growth is unknown. Reconstitution assays grafting primary keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts into nude mice and 3-D epidermal equivalents revealed a positive role for AhR in skin regeneration, epidermal differentiation, and stem cell maintenance. Furthermore, lack of receptor expression in AhR−/− mice delayed morphogenesis and impaired hair regrowth with a phenotype closely correlating with a reduction in suprabasal bulge stem cells (α6lowCD34+). Moreover, RNA-microarray and RT-qPCR analyses of fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS)-isolated bulge stem cells revealed that AhR depletion impaired transcriptional signatures typical of both epidermal progenitors and bulge stem cells but upregulated differentiation markers likely compromising their undifferentiated phenotype. Altogether, our findings support that AhR controls skin regeneration and homeostasis by ensuring epidermal stem cell identity and highlights this receptor as potential target for the treatment of cutaneous pathologies.
Increased Lipogenesis is Critical for Self-Renewal and Growth of Breast Cancer Stem Cells: Impact of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Authors: Luo Haiqing , Chen Chih-Yu , Li Xiangyong , Zhang Xin , Su Chien-Wen , Liu Yinghua , Cao Tinglan , Hao Lei , Wang Meng , Kang Jing X.
Published: November 2021

Aberrant lipid metabolism has recently been recognized as a new hallmark of malignancy, but the characteristics of fatty acid metabolism in breast cancer stem cells (BCSC) and potential interventions targeting this pathway remain to be addressed. Here, by using the in vitro BCSC models, mammosphere-derived MCF-7 cells and HMLE-Twist-ER cells, we found that the cells with stem cell-like properties exhibited a very distinct profile of fatty acid metabolism compared with that of their parental cancer cells, characterized by increased lipogenesis, especially the activity of stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) responsible for the production of monounsaturated fatty acids, and augmented synthesis and utilization of the omega-6 arachidonic acid (AA). Suppression of SCD1 activity by either enzyme inhibitors or small interfering RNA (siRNA) knockdown strikingly limited self-renewal and growth of the BCSC, suggesting a key role for SCD1 in BCSC proliferation. Furthermore, elevated levels of SCD1 and other lipogenic enzymes were observed in human breast cancer tissues relative to the noncancer tissues from the same patients and correlated with the pathological grades. Interestingly, treatment of BCSC with omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, effectively downregulated the expression of the lipogenic enzymes and markedly suppressed BCSC self-renewal and growth. Dietary supplementation of nude mice bearing BCSC-derived tumors with omega-3 fatty acids also significantly reduced their tumor load. These findings have demonstrated that increased lipogenesis is critical for self-renewal and growth of BCSC, and that omega-3 fatty acids are effective in targeting this pathway to exert their anticancer effect.
Bilateral ectopic ureteroceles complicated by a large calculus within the left ureterocele in a dog
Authors: Agut Amalia , Sánchez‐Porlan Sandra , Soler Marta , Laredo Francisco G. , Carrillo Juana D.
Published: November 2021

A 4‐year‐old, entire female Siberian husky was presented with a history of urinary incontinence since she was a puppy and intermittent haematuria. A diagnosis of bilateral ectopic ureteroceles, calculus in the left ureterocele and bilateral pyelectasia was made by ultrasonography and CT excretory urography. The ureters were visualized communicating with opacified oblong structures, both located in the bladder neck, and the left one extended into the urethra. Resection of ureteroceles, neoureterostomy and calculus removal was performed. The dog made an uneventful recovery and was discharged from the hospital after 36 hours. A 2‐week course of antibiotic treatment was followed (marbofloxacin). Chemical analysis of the calculus revealed that it was composed of struvite. Treatment is mandatory at the time of diagnosis to prevent chronic kidney injury and urolithiasis secondary to obstructive uropathy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first description of bilateral ectopic ureteroceles associated with calculus in a dog.
The anti‐inflammatory effects of equine bone marrow stem cell‐derived extracellular vesicles on autologous chondrocytes
Authors: Hotham William Edward , Thompson Charlotte , Szu‐Ting Lin , Henson Frances Margaret Daphne
Published: November 2021

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) in the horse is an economic and welfare issue and there are no current disease modifying drugs available. Stem cells have been suggested as a therapeutic intervention for OA, originally on the basis of their regenerative capacity. However, it is hypothesised that mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) exert their effects via paracrine factors including the production of extracellular vesicles that can themselves recapitulate the MSC effects in the joint.

Objectives

To isolate extracellular vesicles from bone marrow MSC and investigate their anti‐inflammatory effects on chondrocytes.

Study design

An in vitro assessment of the effect of direct culturing extracellular vesicles on artificially inflamed chondrocytes.

Methods

Extracellular vesicles were isolated from bone marrow MSC using differential sequential ultracentrifugation. Vesicles were characterised using electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracing analysis and protein analysis. Vesicle internalisation was carried out via vesicles being pre‐stained and co‐cultured with equine chondrocytes before analysis using confocal microscopy. The effects of vesicles on artificially inflamed chondrocytes was examined using quantitative PCR.

Results

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to isolate and characterise extracellular vesicles from equine bone MSC. Vesicles were taken up by autologous chondrocytes and had anti‐inflammatory effects on gene expression following chondrocyte exposure to tumour necrosis factor α and Interleukin 1β.

Main limitations

Only three independent biological repeats were performed and the work was done in vitro.

Conclusion

Extracellular vesicles can be isolated from equine bone marrow MSC; they may be taken up by chondrocytes and have an anti‐inflammatory action.
Chapter 1: Russia’s Foreign Food Trade: An Historical Survey
Authors: Wegren Stephen K.
Published: November 2021

The chapter utilises four variables to examine Russia’s food trade from the 1970s to the present. The four variables include: frequency of entrance into the global food market; degree of food trade protectionism; degree of integration with Western global trading institutions; and degree of involvement in the global food market. For the period since 2014, the chapter concludes that thefrequencyof Russia’s entrance into the global food market is likely to remain high as an annual importer and exporter. Agriculturalprotectionismis likely to remain selectively high. The degree ofintegrationwith Western trade institutions is likely to remain low. Russia’s degree ofinvolvementwith the global food market is likely to remain high.
Salvage of too slow gravitinos
Authors: Antoniadis I. , Benakli K. , Ke W.
Published: November 2021

Abstract

Gravitinos can inherit a non-relativistic dispersion relation while propagating in a background breaking both supersymmetry and Lorentz symmetry spontaneously. This is because the longitudinal mode velocity is controlled by the sound speed in the background. It was pointed out recently by Kolb, Long and McDonough that the production of gravitinos might diverge when this sound speed vanishes. We argue that in the framework of cosmological models with linearly spontaneously broken realised supersymmetry, where the physical fermions are combinations of the vacuum goldstino and the inflatino, the gravitino longitudinal mode has a relativistic dispersion relation and therefore avoids the catastrophic production. We illustrate this in some explicit examples.
Non-perturbative heterotic duals of M-theory on G2 orbifolds
Authors: Acharya Bobby Samir , Kinsella Alex , Morrison David R.
Published: November 2021

Abstract

By fibering the duality between the E8 × E8 heterotic string on T3 and M-theory on K3, we study heterotic duals of M-theory compactified on G2 orbifolds of the form T7/$$ {\mathbb{Z}}_2^3 $$

ℤ
2
3

. While the heterotic compactification space is straightforward, the description of the gauge bundle is subtle, involving the physics of point-like instantons on orbifold singularities. By comparing the gauge groups of the dual theories, we deduce behavior of a “half-G2” limit, which is the M-theory analog of the stable degeneration limit of F-theory. The heterotic backgrounds exhibit point-like instantons that are localized on pairs of orbifold loci, similar to the “gauge-locking” phenomenon seen in Hořava-Witten compactifications. In this way, the geometry of the G2 orbifold is translated to bundle data in the heterotic background. While the instanton configuration looks surprising from the perspective of the E8 × E8 heterotic string, it may be understood as T-dual Spin(32)/ℤ2 instantons along with winding shifts originating in a dual Type I compactification.
Islands in the stream of Hawking radiation
Authors: Hollowood Timothy J. , Kumar S. Prem , Legramandi Andrea , Talwar Neil
Published: November 2021

Abstract

We consider the island formula for the entropy of subsets of the Hawking radiation in the adiabatic limit where the black hole evaporation is very slow. We find a simple concrete ‘on-shell’ formula for the generalized entropy which involves the image of the island out in the stream of radiation, the ‘island in the stream’. The resulting recipe for the entropy allows us to calculate the quantum information properties of the radiation and verify various constraints including the Araki-Lieb inequality and strong subadditivity.
Correlated gravitational wave and microlensing signals of macroscopic dark matter
Authors: Marfatia Danny , Tseng Po-Yan
Published: November 2021

Abstract

Fermion dark matter particles can aggregate to form extended dark matter structures via a first-order phase transition in which the particles get trapped in the false vacuum. We study Fermi balls created in a phase transition induced by a generic quartic thermal effective potential. We show that for Fermi balls of mass, 3 × 10−12M⊙ ≲ MFB ≲ 10−5M⊙, correlated observations of gravitational waves produced during the phase transition (at SKA/THEIA/μAres), and gravitational microlensing caused by Fermi balls (at Subaru-HSC), can be made.
Scattering amplitudes for all masses and spins
Authors: Arkani-Hamed Nima , Huang Tzu-Chen , Huang Yu-tin
Published: November 2021

Abstract

We introduce a formalism for describing four-dimensional scattering amplitudes for particles of any mass and spin. This naturally extends the familiar spinor-helicity formalism for massless particles to one where these variables carry an extra SU(2) little group index for massive particles, with the amplitudes for spin S particles transforming as symmetric rank 2S tensors. We systematically characterise all possible three particle amplitudes compatible with Poincare symmetry. Unitarity, in the form of consistent factorization, imposes algebraic conditions that can be used to construct all possible four-particle tree amplitudes. This also gives us a convenient basis in which to expand all possible four-particle amplitudes in terms of what can be called “spinning polynomials”. Many general results of quantum field theory follow the analysis of four-particle scattering, ranging from the set of all possible consistent theories for massless particles, to spin-statistics, and the Weinberg-Witten theorem. We also find a transparent understanding for why massive particles of sufficiently high spin cannot be “elementary”. The Higgs and Super-Higgs mechanisms are naturally discovered as an infrared unification of many disparate helicity amplitudes into a smaller number of massive amplitudes, with a simple understanding for why this can’t be extended to Higgsing for gravitons. We illustrate a number of applications of the formalism at one-loop, giving few-line computations of the electron (g − 2) as well as the beta function and rational terms in QCD. “Off-shell” observables like correlation functions and form-factors can be thought of as scattering amplitudes with external “probe” particles of general mass and spin, so all these objects — amplitudes, form factors and correlators, can be studied from a common on-shell perspective.
Celestial diamonds: conformal multiplets in celestial CFT
Authors: Pasterski Sabrina , Puhm Andrea , Trevisani Emilio
Published: November 2021

Abstract

We examine the structure of global conformal multiplets in 2D celestial CFT. For a 4D bulk theory containing massless particles of spin s = $$ \left\{0,\frac{1}{2},1,\frac{3}{2},2\right\} $$

0

1
2

1

3
2

2

we classify and construct all SL(2,ℂ) primary descendants which are organized into ‘celestial diamonds’. This explicit construction is achieved using a wavefunction-based approach that allows us to map 4D scattering amplitudes to celestial CFT correlators of operators with SL(2,ℂ) conformal dimension ∆ and spin J. Radiative conformal primary wavefunctions have J = ±s and give rise to conformally soft theorems for special values of ∆ ∈ $$ \frac{1}{2}\mathbb{Z} $$

1
2

ℤ
. They are located either at the top of celestial diamonds, where they descend to trivial null primaries, or at the left and right corners, where they descend both to and from generalized conformal primary wavefunctions which have |J| ≤ s. Celestial diamonds naturally incorporate degeneracies of opposite helicity particles via the 2D shadow transform relating radiative primaries and account for the global and asymptotic symmetries in gauge theory and gravity.
5-HT2C receptor perturbation has bidirectional influence over instrumental vigour and restraint
Authors: Härmson Oliver , Grima Laura L. , Panayi Marios C. , Husain Masud , Walton Mark E.
Published: November 2021

The serotonin (5-HT) system, particularly the 5-HT2C receptor, has consistently been implicated in behavioural control. However, while some studies have focused on the role 5-HT2C receptors play in regulating motivation to work for reward, others have highlighted its importance in response restraint. To date, it is unclear how 5-HT transmission at this receptor regulates the balance of response invigoration and restraint in anticipation of future reward. In addition, it remains to be established how 5-HT2C receptors gate the influence of internal versus cue-driven processes over reward-guided actions. To elucidate these issues, we investigated the effects of administering the 5-HT2C receptor antagonist SB242084, both systemically and directly into the nucleus accumbens core (NAcC), in rats performing a Go/No-Go task for small or large rewards. The results were compared to the administration of d-amphetamine into the NAcC, which has previously been shown to promote behavioural activation. Systemic perturbation of 5-HT2C receptors—but crucially not intra-NAcC infusions—consistently boosted rats’ performance and instrumental vigour on Go trials when they were required to act. Concomitantly, systemic administration also reduced their ability to withhold responding for rewards on No-Go trials, particularly late in the holding period. Notably, these effects were often apparent only when the reward on offer was small. By contrast, inducing a hyperdopaminergic state in the NAcC with d-amphetamine strongly impaired response restraint on No-Go trials both early and late in the holding period, as well as speeding action initiation. Together, these findings suggest that 5-HT2C receptor transmission, outside the NAcC, shapes the vigour of ongoing goal-directed action as well as the likelihood of responding as a function of expected reward.
Floer Theory of Higher Rank Quiver 3-folds
Authors: Smith Ivan
Published: November 2021

We study threefolds Y fibred by $$A_m$$

A
m

-surfaces over a curve S of positive genus. An ideal triangulation of S defines, for each rank m, a quiver $$Q(\Delta _m)$$

Q
(

Δ
m

)

, hence a $$CY_3$$

C

Y
3

-category $$\mathcal {C}(W)$$

C
(
W
)

for any potential W on $$Q(\Delta _m)$$

Q
(

Δ
m

)

. We show that for $$\omega $$
ω
in an open subset of the Kähler cone, a subcategory of a sign-twisted Fukaya category of $$(Y,\omega )$$

(
Y
,
ω
)

is quasi-isomorphic to $$(\mathcal {C},W_{[\omega ]})$$

(
C
,

W

[
ω
]

)

for a certain generic potential $$W_{[\omega ]}$$

W

[
ω
]

. This partially establishes a conjecture of Goncharov (in: Algebra, geometry, and physics in the 21st century, Birkhäuser/Springer, Cham, 2017) concerning ‘categorifications’ of cluster varieties of framed $${\mathbb {P}}GL_{m+1}$$

P
G

L

m
+
1

-local systems on S, and gives a symplectic geometric viewpoint on results of Gaiotto et al. (Ann Henri Poincaré 15(1):61–141, 2014) on ‘theories of class $${\mathcal {S}}$$
S
’.
Einfluss des Demenzgrades auf die motorischen Fähigkeiten von Senioren
Authors: Schumacher Anneke , Prinz Alexander , Witte Kerstin
Published: November 2021

Hintergrund

Der progrediente Verlauf einer Demenzerkrankung äußert sich sowohl in den zunehmenden Beeinträchtigungen der kognitiven Funktionen als auch in den motorischen Fähigkeiten der Betroffenen und wirkt damit auf die Mobilität und Selbstständigkeit im Alltag aus. Die vorliegende Studie untersucht, ob und inwiefern der Schweregrad der Demenz ausgewählte motorische Leistungsfähigkeiten beeinflusst.

Methodik

In die Studie wurden 32 SeniorenInnen mit einer leichten Demenz (Gruppe A; Altersdurchschnitt: 84,3 ± 6,1 Jahre) und 27 SeniorInnen mit einer mittelschweren Demenz (Gruppe B; Altersdurchschnitt: 85,6 ± 5,5 Jahre) eingeschlossen, deren Einstufung anhand des Mini-Mental-Status-Tests (MMST) erfolgte. Zum Einsatz kamen folgende motorische Testverfahren: Handdynamometer (Gesamtkraftfähigkeit), Fall-Stab-Test (motorische Reaktionsfähigkeit), Frailty and Injuries: Cooperative Studies of Intervention Techniques (FICSIT‑4; Gleichgewichtsfähigkeit), Timed-up-and-go-Test (TUG) und der modifizierte Chair-Rising-Test (CRT; beide analysieren die Mobilität und Transferleistung im Alltag).

Ergebnisse

Gruppe A weist im Gegensatz zur Gruppe B eine signifikant bessere motorische Leistungsfähigkeit in allen motorischen Tests, außer dem Fall-Stab-Test, auf. Die größten Unterschiede liegen bei CRT (p = 0,000) und TUG (p = 0,011).

Schlussfolgerung

Bezüglich der Handkraft, der Gleichgewichtsfähigkeit und der Mobilität weisen Menschen mit einem höheren Demenzgrad eine geringere Leistungsfähigkeit auf. In nachfolgenden Studien zur Auswirkung der Demenzerkrankung auf unterschiedliche Fähigkeiten und Fertigkeiten sollte deshalb stets eine Einteilung der Demenzgrade erfolgen. Zudem ist zu empfehlen, dass sich Interventionsprogramme auf die allgemeine Kraft- sowie Gleichgewichtsfähigkeit fokussieren sollten.
Modelling concrete and abstract concepts using brain-constrained deep neural networks
Authors: Henningsen-Schomers Malte R. , Pulvermüller Friedemann
Published: November 2021

A neurobiologically constrained deep neural network mimicking cortical area function relevant for sensorimotor, linguistic and conceptual processing was used to investigate the putative biological mechanisms underlying conceptual category formation and semantic feature extraction. Networks were trained to learn neural patterns representing specific objects and actions relevant to semantically ‘ground’ concrete and abstract concepts. Grounding sets consisted of three grounding patterns with neurons representing specific perceptual or action-related features; neurons were either unique to one pattern or shared between patterns of the same set. Concrete categories were modelled as pattern triplets overlapping in their ‘shared neurons’, thus implementing semantic feature sharing of all instances of a category. In contrast, abstract concepts had partially shared feature neurons common to only pairs of category instances, thus, exhibiting family resemblance, but lacking full feature overlap. Stimulation with concrete and abstract conceptual patterns and biologically realistic unsupervised learning caused formation of strongly connected cell assemblies (CAs) specific to individual grounding patterns, whose neurons were spread out across all areas of the deep network. After learning, the shared neurons of the instances of concrete concepts were more prominent in central areas when compared with peripheral sensorimotor ones, whereas for abstract concepts the converse pattern of results was observed, with central areas exhibiting relatively fewer neurons shared between pairs of category members. We interpret these results in light of the current knowledge about the relative difficulty children show when learning abstract words. Implications for future neurocomputational modelling experiments as well as neurobiological theories of semantic representation are discussed.
A monolithic approach toward coupled electrodynamic–thermomechanical problems with regard to weak formulations
Authors: Ricoeur A. , Wingen M.
Published: November 2021

Weak formulations of boundary value problems are the basis of various numerical discretization schemes. They are classically derived applying the method of weighted residuals or a variational principle. For electrodynamical and caloric problems, variational approaches are not straightforwardly obtained from physical principles like in mechanics. Weak formulations of Maxwell’s equations and of energy or charge balances thus are frequently derived from the method of weighted residuals or tailored variational approaches. Related formulations of multiphysical problems, combining mechanical balance equations and the axioms of electrodynamics with those of heat conduction, however, raise the additional issue of lacking consistency of physical units, since fluxes of charge and heat intrinsically involve time rates and temperature is only included in the heat balance. In this paper, an energy-based approach toward combined electrodynamic–thermomechanical problems is presented within a classical framework, merging Hamilton’s and Jourdain’s variational principles, originally established in analytical mechanics, to obtain an appropriate basis for a multiphysical formulation. Complementing the Lagrange function by additional potentials of heat flux and electric current and appropriately defining generalized virtual powers of external fields including dissipative processes, a consistent formulation is obtained for the four-field problem and compared to a weighted residuals approach.
Current and future state of groundwater salinization of the northern Elbe-Weser region
Authors: González Eva , Deus Nico , Elbracht Jörg , Azizur Rahman M. , Wiederhold Helga
Published: November 2021

Salinization of the upper aquifer of the northern Elbe-Weser region almost extends to the surface. Chloride content exceeds 250 mg/l and the groundwater is therefore, according to the German Drinking Water Ordinance, not suitable as drinking water. The chloride content in the aquifer originates from early flooding with seawater which occurred during the Holocene sea level rise. Depth and extent of the salinization were mapped by airborne electromagnetic surveys and validated by groundwater analyses. In the transition zone between the marshlands and geest areas, the fresh-saline groundwater interface falls to a depth of > −175 m NHN. Due to the extensive drainage of the marshlands, seepage of fresh groundwater is impeded. Instead, an upconing of the fresh-saline groundwater interface appears due to an upwardly directed hydraulic gradient. Due to climate change, chloride concentrations will increase along the coastlines. Further inland, a decrease of chloride content in near-surface groundwater will occur.
Good Scientific Practice and Academic Reviews
Authors: Hörnle Tatjana
Published: November 2021

Academic reviews (hereinafter “reviews”) are an integral part of legal journals. While their purpose and usefulness are at times disputed, all sub-disciplines of legal studies nevertheless argue in equal measure that a lack of substantial academic exchange by way of reviews would result in the impoverishment of scientific discourse. In German criminal law scholarship, two recent cases have sparked debate about whether certain rules should govern the publication of such reviews. The following remarks are intended to provide a thought-provoking impulse on the matter.
Identification of Components of the Aggregation Pheromone of the Guam Strain of Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle, Oryctes rhinoceros, and Determination of Stereochemistry
Authors: Hall David R. , Harte Steven J. , Farman Dudley I. , Ero Mark , Pokana Alfred
Published: November 2021

The coconut rhinoceros beetle, Oryctes rhinoceros (Linnaeus 1758) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae) (CRB), is endemic to tropical Asia where it damages both coconut and oil palm. A new invasion by CRB occurred on Guam in 2007 and eradication attempts failed using commonly applied Oryctes rhinoceros nudivirus (OrNV) isolates. This and subsequent invasive outbreaks were found to have been caused by a previously unrecognized haplotype, CRB-G, which appeared to be tolerant to OrNV. The male-produced aggregation pheromone of the endemic, susceptible strain of O. rhinoceros (CRB-S) was previously identified as ethyl 4-methyloctanoate. Following reports from growers that commercial lures containing this compound were not attractive to CRB-G, the aim of this work was to identify the pheromone of CRB-G. Initial collections of volatiles from virgin male and female CRB-G adults from the Solomon Islands failed to show any male- or female-specific compounds as candidate pheromone components. Only after five months were significant quantities of ethyl 4-methyloctanoate and 4-methyloctanoic acid produced by males but not by females. No other male-specific compounds could be detected, in particular methyl 4-methyloctanoate, 4-methyl-1-octanol, or 4-methyl-1-octyl acetate, compounds identified in volatiles from some other species of Oryctes. Ethyl 4-methyloctanoate elicited a strong electroantennogram response from both male and female CRB-G, but these other compounds, including 4-methyloctanoic acid, did not. The enantiomers of ethyl 4-methyloctanoate and 4-methyloctanoic acid were conveniently prepared by enzymatic resolution of the commercially-available acid, and the enantiomers of the acid, but not the ester, could be separated by gas chromatography on an enantioselective cyclodextrin phase. Using this approach, both ethyl 4-methyloctanoate and 4-methyloctanoic acid produced by male CRB-G were shown to be exclusively the (R)-enantiomers whereas previous reports had suggested male O. rhinoceros produced the (S)-enantiomers. However, re-examination of the ester and acid produced by male CRB-S from Papua New Guinea showed that these were also the (R)-enantiomers. In field trapping experiments carried out in the Solomon Islands, both racemic and ethyl (R)-4-methyloctanoate were highly attractive to both male and female CRB-G beetles. The (S)-enantiomer and the corresponding acids were only weakly attractive. The addition of racemic 4-methyloctanoic acid to ethyl 4-methyloctanoate did significantly increase attractiveness, but the addition of (R)- or (S)-4-methyloctanoic acid to the corresponding ethyl esters did not. Possible reasons for the difference in assignment of configuration of the components of the CRB pheromone are discussed along with the practical implications of these results.
Cohort and Trajectory Analysis in Multi-Agent Support Systems for Cancer Survivors
Authors: Manzo Gaetano , Calvaresi Davide , Jimenez-del-Toro Oscar , Calbimonte Jean-Paul , Schumacher Michael
Published: November 2021

In the past decades, the incidence rate of cancer has steadily risen. Although advances in early and accurate detection have increased cancer survival chances, these patients must cope with physical and psychological sequelae. The lack of personalized support and assistance after discharge may lead to a rapid diminution of their physical abilities, cognitive impairment, and reduced quality of life. This paper proposes a personalized support system for cancer survivors based on a cohort and trajectory analysis (CTA) module integrated within an agent-based personalized chatbot named EREBOTS. The CTA module relies on survival estimation models, machine learning, and deep learning techniques. It provides clinicians with supporting evidence for choosing a personalized treatment, while allowing patients to benefit from tailored suggestions adapted to their conditions and trajectories. The development of the CTA within the EREBOTS framework enables to effectively evaluate the significance of prognostic variables, detect patient’s high-risk markers, and support treatment decisions.
Corporate social responsibility and bank risk
Authors: Neitzert Florian , Petras Matthias
Published: November 2021

The concept of sustainable banking has developed significantly in recent years. Previous research found that corporate social responsibility reduces firm risk, yet this empirical evidence refers almost exclusively to non-financial companies and it remains unclear whether the risk-mitigating effect stems from the environmental, social, or governance pillar. The paper aims to analyse the impact of corporate social responsibility activities on bank risk and to explore its determinants. Using a sample of 582 banks worldwide over the period from 2002 to 2018, we confirm a risk-reducing effect of the corporate social responsibility activity on an aggregated level. The decomposition of this effect suggests that environmental activities determine this risk mitigation. In contrast, social and governance activities do not show similarly unambiguous results. In this way, our analysis highlights the great importance of environmental aspects in banks’ risk management.
Tragedy, Modernity and Political Life
Authors: Osborne Thomas
Published: November 2021

What are the links between tragedy, politics and modernity? Diverse currents in social and critical theory have tackled this question; some arguing that modernity has itself a tragic structure insofar as its promises are undermined by their own realisation, others that the diversity of worldviews (the ‘warring Gods’ referred to by Max Weber) has tragic—because un-reconcilable—form. After briefly reviewing some of these issues, the paper looks more specifically at tragic structure in relation to (European) modernity and political reason. The French Terror has unique significance in this context, signalling as it does the failure of any kind of political rationality that seeks to take unmediated, universal form. The consequences of this failure are also, in a way, tragic in so far as they involve contradictions and irresolvable dilemmas of ongoing, everyday political existence. As a result—and perhaps this should itself be seen as much in terms of tragedy as triumphalism—our modernity condemns us to liberalism.
A revision of the genus Ruagea (Meliaceae: Melioideae)
Authors: Pennington Terence D. , Barker Amy , Rojas-Andres Blanca M.
Published: November 2021

The neotropical genusRuageaH.Karst. is revised. Fifteen species are recognised, including threeR. obovataT.D.Penn.,R. beckiiT.D.Penn. andR. parvifructaT.D.Penn. which are described as new to science. A key to the species is presented, along with information on the morphology, distribution, ecology, conservation assessments, local names, uses and field characters. All species are mapped and illustrated with line drawings and all specimens seen are cited in a list of exsiccatae.
Gemeinschaft selbst bauen
Authors: Hilti Nicola , Lingg Eva
Published: November 2021

Das hier vorgestellte angewandte Forschungs- und Entwicklungsprojekt „‚Wohnen im Rohbau‘, ‚Hallenwohnen‘ und ‚Selbstausbauloft‘ – neue Wohnkonzepte zwischen Gemeinschaft und Selbstbau“ ist am Institut für Soziale Arbeit und Räume der OST – Ostschweizer Fachhochschule (Standort St. Gallen) angesiedelt und befasst sich mit drei Wohnkonzepten, die derzeit in der Schweiz als neuste und vielleicht auch radikalste gelten können: dem „Wohnen im Rohbau“, dem „Hallenwohnen“ und dem „Selbstausbauloft“, allesamt von Wohnbaugenossenschaften getragen. Diese drei genannten Konzepte werden mittels verschiedener qualitativer Methoden untersucht. Ziel der Studie ist es, praxisrelevante Erkenntnisse über Herausforderungen und Gelingensbedingungen bezogen auf 1) die Projektentwicklung und -planung, 2) die Projektumsetzung sowie 3) die Aneignung durch die Bewohnerinnen und Bewohner im Wohnen und deren Zusammenleben zu gewinnen und für künftige ähnliche Projekte nutzbar zu machen. Übergeordnet gilt es, einen Beitrag zur Diversifizierung und Bedürfnisorientierung des schweizerischen Wohnungsmarktes zu leisten. Denn dieser zeichnet sich nach wie vor durch eine relativ hohe Standardisierung aus – bei gleichzeitig zunehmender Pluralisierung und Ausdifferenzierung von Wohnbedürfnissen und Haushaltsformen.
Convergence analysis of a Galerkin boundary element method for electromagnetic resonance problems
Authors: Unger Gerhard
Published: November 2021

In this paper a convergence analysis of a Galerkin boundary element method for resonance problems arising from the time harmonic Maxwell’s equations is presented. The cavity resonance problem with perfect conducting boundary conditions and the scattering resonance problem for impenetrable and penetrable scatterers are treated. The considered boundary integral formulations of the resonance problems are eigenvalue problems for holomorphic Fredholm operator-valued functions, where the occurring operators satisfy a so-called generalized Gårding’s inequality. The convergence of a conforming Galerkin approximation of this kind of eigenvalue problems is in general only guaranteed if the approximation spaces fulfill special requirements. We use recent abstract results for the convergence of the Galerkin approximation of this kind of eigenvalue problems in order to show that two classical boundary element spaces for Maxwell’s equations, the Raviart–Thomas and the Brezzi–Douglas–Marini boundary element spaces, satisfy these requirements. Numerical examples are presented, which confirm the theoretical results.
A game-theoretic approach to dynamic boundary problems for level-set curvature flow equations and applications
Authors: Hamamuki Nao , Liu Qing
Published: November 2021

This paper is devoted to a game-theoretic approach to the level-set curvature flow equation with nonlinear dynamic boundary conditions. Under the comparison principle for the dynamic boundary problem, we construct a family of deterministic discrete games, whose value functions approximate the unique viscosity solution. We also apply the game approximation to study the convexity preserving properties and the fattening phenomenon for this geometric dynamic boundary problem.
A note on 2D Navier–Stokes equations
Authors: Fan Jishan , Ozawa Tohru
Published: November 2021

In this note, we prove a new $$L^4$$

L
4

-estimate of the velocity by the technique of Hardy space $${\mathcal {H}}^1$$

H

1

and BMO.
Atlas of Meteorites
Authors: Grady Monica M. , Pratesi Giovanni , Moggi Cecchi Vanni
Published: November 2021

A complete visual reference for meteorite classification, this atlas combines high resolution optical microscope images with detailed descriptions. It provides a systematic account of meteorites and their most important classification parameters, making it an essential resource for meteorite researchers. Each chapter starts with a description of the meteorite class, with a summary of the mineralogical, chemical and isotopic characteristics of the group. The full-color images are taken in plane- and cross-polarized light and reflected light, and arranged to highlight textural variations in meteorites. Specimens are grouped to show the effects of increasing thermal alteration and shock, as well as variations in chondrule size and type. Chapters on iron meteorites, pallasites and mesosiderites are included, photographed as mounts in reflected light, to show the range of textural variations that accompany these meteorites. Images from the book can be downloaded from www.cambridge.org/9780521840354.
Process-based Fundamental Rights Review
Authors: Huijbers Leonie
Published: November 2021

Courts often rely on process-based fundamental rights review. This means that they examine the diligence, fairness, and quality of legislative, administrative, and judicial procedures to determine whether fundamental rights have been violated. This book offers an in-depth and nuanced understanding of process-based fundamental rights review which will support courts in developing well-balanced procedural approaches, and will assist scholars in studying procedural reasoning more systematically.
Culture in the State Reporting Procedure of the UN Human Rights Treaty Bodies
Authors: Vleugel Vincent Willem
Published: November 2021

Ever since the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 there has been a debate on the issue of universality and cultural diversity. The UN human rights treaty bodies have an important role to play in ensuring a proper balance between safeguarding the universality of the rights, while at the same time leaving room for cultural particularities. This book examines how the UN treaty bodies, in particular the Human Rights Committee, the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, fulfil this role.
“There’s not much we can do…” researcher-level barriers to the inclusion of underrepresented participants in translational research
Authors: Passmore Susan Racine , Kisicki Abby , Gilmore-Bykovskyi Andrea , Green-Harris Gina , Edwards Dorothy Farrar
Published: November 2021

Introduction:

The lack of diversity in health research participation has serious consequences for science as well as ethics. While there is growing interest in solving the problem, much of the work to date focuses on attitudes of distrust among members of underrepresented communities. However, there is also a pressing need to understand existing barriers within the cultural and structural context of researchers and research staff.

Methods:

This study adopted a sequential exploratory mixed-methods design to allow for a focused examination of barriers to inclusive research recruitment among researchers and staff. Barriers first identified from an initial quantitative investigation (web-based survey; n = 279) were further explored through qualitative methods (key informant interviews; n = 26). Participants were investigators and research team members in both phases of the study.

Results:

The survey revealed a paradoxical disconnect between participants’ reported belief in the abstract value of diversity in research participation (87.1% important/extremely important) and belief in it as an important goal in their own specific research (38.3% important/extremely important). Interviews reveal that researchers and staff perceive many barriers to the recruitment of members of underrepresented groups and hold a general view of diversity in research as an impractical, even unattainable, goal.

Conclusions:

It is crucial that principal investigators not only understand the consequences of the continued exclusion of marginalized groups from research but also implement strategies to reverse this trend and communicate with research staff on the issue. While individual bias does play a role (ex: a priori assumptions about the willingness or ability of members of underrepresented groups to participate), these behaviors are part of a larger context of systemic racism.
Scaling up public mental health care in Sub-Saharan Africa: insights from infectious disease
Authors: Meffert Susan M. , Lawhorn Collene , Ongeri Linnet , Bukusi Elizabeth , Campbell Holly R. , Goosby Eric , Bertozzi Stefano M. , Kahonge Simon Njuguna
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Models estimate that the disability burden from mental disorders in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) will more than double in the next 40 years. Similar to HIV, mental disorders are stigmatized in many SSA settings and addressing them requires community engagement and long-term treatment. Yet, in contrast to HIV, the public mental healthcare cascade has not been sustained, despite robust data on scalable strategies. We draw on findings from our International AIDS Society (IAS) 2020 virtual workshop and make recommendations for next steps in the scale up of the SSA public mental healthcare continuum.

Discussion

Early HIV surveillance and care cascade targets are discussed as important strategies for HIV response in SSA that should be adopted for mental health. Advocacy, including engagement with civil society, and targeted economic arguments to policymakers, are reviewed in the context of HIV success in SSA. Parallel opportunities for mental disorders are identified. Learning from HIV, communication of strategies that advance mental health care needs in SSA must be prioritized for broad global audiences.

Conclusions

The COVID-19 pandemic is setting off a colossal escalation of global mental health care needs, well-publicized across scientific, media, policymaker, and civil society domains. The pandemic highlights disparities in healthcare access and reinvigorates the push for universal coverage. Learning from HIV strategies, we must seize this historical moment to improve the public mental health care cascade in SSA and capitalize on the powerful alliances ready to be forged. As noted by Ambassador Goosby in our AIDS 2020 workshop, ‘The time is now’.
The Queerness of Black Matriarchal Praxis
Authors: Hice-Fromille Theresa
Published: November 2021

I met Kyla at a small conference on a rainy weekend in February 2018. I wandered into the workshop shortly after it had started, and the room was filled with Black women designing vision boards. Kyla didn't stop what she was doing as she replied to the question the presenter posed to the room. Her hands continued moving, cutting glossy paper or pasting shiny gems onto her board: “When I tell people that my organization raises money to take girls abroad, so many of them say, ‘Well why wouldn't you raise money for them to buy clothes or eat. They need food and education before they need to travel.’ But I always say, ‘But what about Black joy?’”