bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autophagy contributes to resistance to the oxidative stress induced by pine reactive oxygen species metabolism, promoting infection by Bursaphelenchus xylophilus
Authors: Liu Hong‐Bin , Rui Lin , Feng Ya‐Qi , Wu Xiao‐Qin
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND

Autophagy plays an important role in eukaryotes. We investigated its role in the pine wood nematode (PWN), Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, the causative agent of pine wilt disease (PWD), to find promising control strategies against PWD.

RESULTS

We analysed the expression levels of PtRBOH1 and PtRBOH2, which regulate reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism, in Pinus thunbergii and the expression of three autophagy genes, BxATG5, BxATG9 and BxATG16, in PWN by quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR), and measured the content of H2O2, the main product of ROS metabolism, in pine stem. There was a correlation between the expression of autophagy genes in PWN and pine ROS metabolism during early infection. We also found that oxidative stress induces autophagy in PWN according to qRT‐PCR, transmission electron microscopy and Western blot analyses. Inhibition of autophagy by 3‐methyladenine or silencing of the autophagy genes BxATG9 and BxATG16 in PWN showed that autophagy is essential for feeding, fecundity, egg hatching and survival of PWN under oxidative stress, confirming the importance of autophagy in the antioxidant defences of PWN. Similarly, we demonstrated that autophagy contributes to the virulence of PWN. Moreover, PWN likely ameliorates oxidative damage by enhancing the activities of the peroxidase and catalase antioxidant pathways when autophagy is inhibited.

CONCLUSION

Autophagy contributes to resistance to the oxidative stress induced by pine ROS metabolism, thus promoting infection by PWN. Our findings clarify the defence mechanisms of PWN and the pathogenesis of PWD, and provide promising hints for control of PWD by blocking autophagy. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Critical appraisal of Bayesian dynamic borrowing from an imperfectly commensurate historical control
Authors: Harun Nusrat , Liu Chunyan , Kim Mi‐Ok
Published: March 2020

Bayesian dynamic borrowing designs facilitate borrowing information from historical studies. Historical data, when perfectly commensurate with current data, have been shown to reduce the trial duration and the sample size, while inflation in the type I error and reduction in the power have been reported, when imperfectly commensurate. These results, however, were obtained without considering that Bayesian designs are calibrated to meet regulatory requirements in practice and even no‐borrowing designs may use information from historical data in the calibration. The implicit borrowing of historical data suggests that imperfectly commensurate historical data may similarly impact no‐borrowing designs negatively. We will provide a fair appraiser of Bayesian dynamic borrowing and no‐borrowing designs. We used a published selective adaptive randomization design and real clinical trial setting and conducted simulation studies under varying degrees of imperfectly commensurate historical control scenarios. The type I error was inflated under the null scenario of no intervention effect, while larger inflation was noted with borrowing. The larger inflation in type I error under the null setting can be offset by the greater probability to stop early correctly under the alternative. Response rates were estimated more precisely and the average sample size was smaller with borrowing. The expected increase in bias with borrowing was noted, but was negligible. Using Bayesian dynamic borrowing designs may improve trial efficiency by stopping trials early correctly and reducing trial length at the small cost of inflated type I error.
Flexible regression approach to propensity score analysis and its relationship with matching and weighting
Authors: Mao Huzhang , Li Liang
Published: March 2020

In propensity score analysis, the frequently used regression adjustment involves regressing the outcome on the estimated propensity score and treatment indicator. This approach can be highly efficient when model assumptions are valid, but can lead to biased results when the assumptions are violated. We extend the simple regression adjustment to a varying coefficient regression model that allows for nonlinear association between outcome and propensity score. We discuss its connection with some propensity score matching and weighting methods, and show that the proposed analytical framework can shed light on the intrinsic connection among some mainstream propensity score approaches (stratification, regression, kernel matching, and inverse probability weighting) and handle commonly used causal estimands. We derive analytic point and variance estimators that properly take into account the sampling variability in the estimated propensity score. Extensive simulations show that the proposed approach possesses desired finite sample properties and demonstrates competitive performance in comparison with other methods estimating the same causal estimand. The proposed methodology is illustrated with a study on right heart catheterization.
Surface Ligands Management for Efficient CsPbBrI2 Perovskite Nanocrystal Solar Cells
Authors: Liu Chongming , Zeng Qingsen , Zhao Yue , Yu Yue , Yang Mingxi , Gao Hang , Wei Haotong , Yang Bai
Published: March 2020

CsPbX3 (X = Cl, Br, I) inorganic perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs) not only maintain the excellent optical and electronic properties of bulk material but also possess the features of nano‐materials, such as tunable bandgap and easily processable colloidal ink, and enable them to be suitable for incorporation into various electronic devices and compatible with printing techniques. In contrast to the traditional II‐VI and III‐V semiconductor nanocrystals, the unique defect‐tolerance effect makes the CsPbX3 PNCs promising materials for optoelectronic applications. The ligands around the PNCs play a critical role in the optoelectronic devices performance. Herein, through a facile hexane/ethyl acetate (MeOAc) solvent treatment method to control the ligand amount around CsPbBrI2 PNCs, the impact of ligand amount on the performance of solar cell is systematically demonstrated and the ligand amount is quantified precisely via the nuclear magnetic resonance internal standard method. Through controlling the ligand amount, the film quality, charge transfer, and transport properties are largely improved. In addition, a simple annealing process is applied to improve the interface properties by partial crystal fusion. As a consequence, the photovoltaic power conversion efficiency of 12.2% is achieved, which is the highest performance reported for mixed‐halide CsPbX3 PNCs solar cells.
The practice of responsible research and innovation in “climate engineering”
Authors: Low Sean , Buck Holly Jean
Published: March 2020

Sunlight reflection and carbon removal proposals for “climate engineering” (CE) confront governance challenges that many emerging technologies face: their futures are uncertain, and by the time one can discern their shape or impacts, vested interests may block regulation, and publics are often left out of decision‐making about them. In response to these challenges, “responsible research and innovation” (RRI) has emerged as a framework to critique and correct for technocratic governance of emerging technologies, and CE has emerged as a prime case of where it can be helpfully applied. However, a critical lens is rarely applied to RRI itself. In this review, we first survey how RRI thinking has already been applied to both carbon removal and sunlight reflection methods for climate intervention. We examine how RRI is employed in four types of activities: Assessment processes and reports, principles and protocols for research governance, critical mappings of research, and deliberative and futuring engagements. Drawing upon this review, we identify tensions in RRI practice, including whether RRI forms or informs choices, the positionalities of RRI practitioners, and ways in which RRI activities enable or disable particular climate interventions. Finally, we recommend that RRI should situate CE within the long arc of sociotechnical proposals for addressing climate change, more actively connect interrogations of the knowledge economy with reparative engagements, include local or actor‐specific contexts, design authoritative assessments grounded in RRI, and go beyond treating critique and engagement as “de facto” governance.

This article is categorized under:

Policy and Governance > Private Governance of Climate Change

Social Status of Climate Change Knowledge > Climate Science and Decision Making
Large‐eddy simulations of the evolution of imposed turbulence in forced boundary layers in a very long domain
Authors: Eriksson Ola , Nilsson Karl , Breton Simon‐Philippe , Ivanell Stefan
Published: March 2020

The technique of using imposed turbulence in combination with a forced boundary layer in order to model the atmospheric boundary layer is analyzed for a very long domain using large‐eddy simulations with different combinations of prescribed velocity profiles and pregenerated turbulence fields based on the Mann model. The ambient flow is first studied in the absence of wind turbines. The velocity profiles undergo a transition throughout the domain with a velocity increase of 10% to 15% close to the ground far downstream in the domain. The turbulence characteristics close to the turbulence plane are, as expected, similar to those of the added Mann turbulence. The turbulence will then undergo a transition throughout the domain to finally reach a balance with the shear profile at a certain downstream distance. This distance is found to depend on the turbulence level of the added Mann turbulence planes. A lower Mann turbulence level generally results in a shorter “balancing” distance. Secondly, a row of 10 turbines is imposed in the simulations at different distances from the plane of turbulence in order to determine how the distance affects wake conditions and power production levels. Our results show that a “balancing” distance is needed between the turbulence plane and the first turbine in the row in order to ensure nonchanging ambient conditions throughout the turbine row. This introduces an increase in the computational costs. The computational cost for the forced boundary technique is normally lower compared with using precursor simulations, for longer domains; however, this needs to be verified further.
The Role of Academic Disciplines in Leadership Education
Authors: Komives Susan R. , Sowcik Matthew
Published: March 2020

This chapter reviews the role of U.S. leadership education programs in higher education with a focus on leadership learning outcomes in institutional missions and considerations for academic disciplines in offering context‐specific leadership development.
The Status and Scope of Leadership Education in Higher Education
Authors: Komives Susan R. , Sowcik Matthew
Published: March 2020

This chapter reviews the status and scope of U.S. leadership education programs in higher education with a focus on the professionalization of leadership education programs and developing role of leadership educators. Findings from a national study of student leadership capacity and leadership efficacy by academic major are included.
Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources: Developing Future Agricultural Leaders
Authors: Weeks William G. , Weeks Penny Pennington
Published: March 2020

The agricultural leadership discipline is rooted in public speaking and parliamentary procedure instruction for the youth members of 4‐H and FFA. In the mid‐1960s, the focus shifted to include collegiate level academic programs serving future agricultural leaders and has grown to include programs at 26 land‐grant institutions.
Business Leadership Education: Beyond Position and Profit
Authors: Dust Scott B. , Gerhardt Megan W.
Published: March 2020

Over time, the study of business and management has become increasingly specialized, to the point where leadership is understood to be a process, not a position. To understand how to teach this “influence process” perspective of leadership, we outline three priorities—rigor, reality, and relevance—and begin a conversation on challenges and opportunities for business leadership educators.
Higher Education and Student Affairs: Applying Expertise in Student Leadership Development and the Collegiate Context
Authors: Barnes Amy C.
Published: March 2020

Higher education and student affairs are fields of study that focus on the institution and student experience in post‐secondary education at the graduate level. Located in colleges of education, these departments often offer academic leadership minors often taught by student affairs leadership educators.
Engineering: Moving Leadership From the Periphery to the Core of an Intensely Technical Curriculum
Authors: Klassen Mike , Reeve Doug , Evans Greg J. , Rottmann Cindy , Sheridan Patricia K. , Simpson Annie
Published: March 2020

Engineering is developing extensive leadership education, supporting future professional engineers to engage with others in solving complex sociotechnical problems. A contemporary challenge is to integrate leadership learning into foundational coursework requirements.
Army ROTC and Military Science: Developing Trusted Army Professionals
Authors: Mele Paul A.
Published: March 2020

This chapter focuses on the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) and how military science programs develop leaders for service in the military profession.
A Broad Perspective: Overviews of Additional Disciplines
Authors: Martinez Nicholas C. , Sowcik Matthew
Published: March 2020

This chapter presents an overview of six additional disciplines. Descriptions and resources for psychology, arts and music, women's studies, religious studies, parks and recreation, and interdisciplinary studies are included.
On scalar radiation
Authors: Fiol Bartomeu , Martínez-Montoya Jairo
Published: March 2020

Abstract

We discuss radiation in theories with scalar fields. Our key observation is that even in flat spacetime, the radiative fields depend qualitatively on the coupling of the scalar field to the Ricci scalar: for non-minimally coupled scalars, the radiative energy density is not positive definite, the radiated power is not Lorentz invariant and it depends on the derivative of the acceleration. We explore implications of this observation for radiation in conformal field theories. First, we find a relation between two coefficients that characterize radiation, that holds in all the conformal field theories we consider. Furthermore, we find evidence that for a 1/2-BPS probe coupled to $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 super Yang-Mills, and following an arbitrary trajectory, the spacetime dependence of the one-point function of the energy momentum tensor is independent of the Yang-Mills coupling.
Generalized Euler index, holonomy saddles, and wall-crossing
Authors: Ghim Dongwook , Hwang Chiung , Yi Piljin
Published: March 2020

Abstract

We formulate Witten index problems for theories with two supercharges in a Majorana doublet, as in d = 3 $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 theories and dimensional reduction thereof. Regardless of spacetime dimensions, the wall-crossing occurs generically, in the parameter space of the real superpotential W. With scalar multiplets only, the path integral reduces to a Gaussian one in terms of dW, with a winding number interpretation, and allows an in-depth study of the wall-crossing. After discussing the connection to well-known mathematical approaches such as the Morse theory, we move on to Abelian gauge theories. Even though the index theorem for the latter is a little more involved, we again reduce it to winding number countings of the neutral part of dW. The holonomy saddle plays key roles for both dimensions and also in relating indices across dimensions.
Häufigkeiten muskuloskelettaler Symptome und Erkrankungen in der bevölkerungsbezogenen NAKO Gesundheitsstudie
Authors: Schmidt Carsten Oliver , Günther Klaus-Peter , Goronzy Jens , Albrecht Katinka , Chenot Jean-François , Callhoff Johanna , Richter Adrian , Kasch Richard , Ahrens Wolfgang , Becher Heiko , Berger Klaus , Brenner Hermann , Fischer Beate , Franzke Claus-Werner , Hoffmann Wolfgang , Holleczek Bernd , Jaeschke Lina , Jenning Carsten , Jöckel Karl-Heinz , Kaaks Rudolf , Keil Thomas , Kluttig Alexander , Krause Gérard , Kuß Oliver , Leitzmann Michael , Lieb Wolfgang , Linseisen Jakob , Löffler Markus , Meinke-Franze Claudia , Meisinger Christa , Michels Karin B. , Mikolajczyk Rafael , Obi Nadia , Peters Annette , Pischon Tobias , Schikowski Tamara , Schipf Sabine , Specker Christof , Völzke Henry , Wirkner Kerstin , Zink Angela , Sander Oliver
Published: March 2020

Hintergrund

Muskuloskelettale Symptome und Erkrankungen sind in der Bevölkerung sehr weit verbreitet und verursachen hohe Kosten in Gesundheitswesen und Volkswirtschaft.

Ziel der Arbeit

Die Häufigkeit muskuloskelettaler Symptome und Erkrankungen aus den Bereichen Rückenschmerzen, Osteoporose, Arthrose und Arthritis wurde auf Basis von Daten der bevölkerungsbasierten NAKO Gesundheitsstudie beschrieben.

Material und Methoden

Die Daten wurden in der ersten Hälfte der NAKO-Basiserhebung von März 2014 bis März 2017 bei Erwachsenen im Alter von 20–75 Jahren erhoben. In die Analysen gingen Daten von 101.779 Interviewteilnehmenden sowie von 9370 Teilnehmenden aus zwei klinischen Untersuchungen ein. Mittels der klinischen Handuntersuchung wurden tastbar geschwollene Gelenke sowie auf Druck schmerzhafte Gelenke identifiziert. Die Winkelstuhluntersuchung lieferte Daten zu Ruheschmerzen am Knie- und Hüftgelenk. Häufigkeiten wurden auf die deutsche Standardbevölkerung 2011 gewichtet.

Ergebnisse

In den Selbstberichten der Teilnehmenden im Interview wurden am häufigsten jemals diagnostizierte andauernde Rückenschmerzen (22,5 %) und Arthrosen (20,6 %) angegeben, seltener Osteoporose (2,9 %) und rheumatoide Arthritis (1,9 %). In der Handuntersuchung wurden bei 6,0 % Schmerzen an mindestens einem Fingergelenk festgestellt. Laut Winkelstuhluntersuchung waren 8,2 % von einem Ruheschmerz in mindestens einem Knie betroffen sowie 5,1 % an der Hüfte. Frauen berichteten insgesamt häufiger muskuloskelettale Erkrankungen und Symptome als Männer, der Anteil Betroffener nahm mit dem Alter deutlich zu.

Diskussion

Die Ergebnisse belegen die große Verbreitung vieler muskuloskelettaler Erkrankungen. Die berichtete Beschwerdelast ist mit Ergebnissen aus früheren bevölkerungsbezogenen Erhebungen vergleichbar.
Time- and temperature-dependent postmortem concentration changes of the (synthetic) cannabinoids JWH-210, RCS-4, as well as ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol following pulmonary administration to pigs
Authors: Schaefer Nadine , Kröll Ann-Katrin , Körbel Christina , Laschke Matthias W. , Menger Michael D. , Maurer Hans H. , Meyer Markus R. , Schmidt Peter H.
Published: March 2020

In forensic toxicology, interpretation of postmortem (PM) drug concentrations might be complicated due to the lack of data concerning drug stability or PM redistribution (PMR). Regarding synthetic cannabinoids (SC), only sparse data are available, which derived from single case reports without any knowledge of dose and time of consumption. Thus, a controlled pig toxicokinetic study allowing for examination of PMR of SC was performed. Twelve pigs received a pulmonary dose of 200 µg/kg BW each of 4-ethylnaphthalene-1-yl-(1-pentylindole-3-yl)methanone (JWH-210), 2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1-(1-pentyl-indole-3-yl)methanone (RCS-4), and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol via an ultrasonic nebulizer. Eight hours after, the pigs were put to death with T61 and specimens of relevant tissues and body fluids were collected. Subsequently, the animals were stored at room temperature (n = 6) or 4 °C (n = 6) and further samples were collected after 24, 48, and 72 h each. Concentrations were determined following enzymatic cleavage and solid-phase extraction by liquid-chromatography tandem mass spectrometry applying the standard addition approach. High concentrations of the parent compounds were observed in lung, liver, kidney and bile fluid/duodenum content as well as brain. HO-RCS-4 was the most prevalent metabolite detected in PM specimens. In general, changes of PM concentrations were found in every tissue and body fluid depending on the PM interval as well as storage temperature.
Quantitative phosphoproteomics to unravel the cellular response to chemical stressors with different modes of action
Authors: Sampadi Bharath , Pines Alex , Munk Stephanie , Mišovic Branislav , de Groot Anton J. , van de Water Bob , Olsen Jesper V. , Mullenders Leon H. F. , Vrieling Harry
Published: March 2020

Damage to cellular macromolecules and organelles by chemical exposure evokes activation of various stress response pathways. To what extent different chemical stressors activate common and stressor-specific pathways is largely unknown. Here, we used quantitative phosphoproteomics to compare the signaling events induced by four stressors with different modes of action: the DNA damaging agent: cisplatin (CDDP), the topoisomerase II inhibitor: etoposide (ETO), the pro-oxidant: diethyl maleate (DEM) and the immunosuppressant: cyclosporine A (CsA) administered at an equitoxic dose to mouse embryonic stem cells. We observed major differences between the stressors in the number and identity of responsive phosphosites and the amplitude of phosphorylation. Kinase motif and pathway analyses indicated that the DNA damage response (DDR) activation by CDDP occurs predominantly through the replication-stress-related Atr kinase, whereas ETO triggers the DDR through Atr as well as the DNA double-strand-break-associated Atm kinase. CsA shares with ETO activation of CK2 kinase. Congruent with their known modes of action, CsA-mediated signaling is related to down-regulation of pathways that control hematopoietic differentiation and immunity, whereas oxidative stress is the most prominent initiator of DEM-modulated stress signaling. This study shows that even at equitoxic doses, different stressors induce distinctive and complex phosphorylation signaling cascades.
Beurteilung der Betreuung dementer Patienten im allgemeinärztlichen Hausbesuch
Authors: Lenz Fabian , Schübel Jeannine , Neumann Robert , Bergmann Antje , Voigt Karen
Published: March 2020

Hintergrund

Demenzpatienten (DP) sind eine besondere Herausforderung für das Gesundheitssystem. Auf sie entfallen 5 % der Gesamtausgaben im Gesundheitswesen. Die krankheitsbedingten Defizite und der damit verbundene Versorgungsbedarf führen dazu, dass viele Patienten nicht mehr in der eigenen Häuslichkeit leben können und auf die Versorgung in Pflegeheimen (PH) angewiesen sind.

Fragestellung

Wie wird die gesamtheitliche Betreuung von DP im Hausbesuch (HB) eingeschätzt?

Hat die regionale Lage Einfluss auf die Wohnsituation bei DP?

Material und Methoden

Im Rahmen von SESAM‑5 wurden von 303 sächsischen Hausarztpraxen in einem Zeitraum von einem Jahr 4286 HB mittels Fragebogen dokumentiert und sowohl inhaltliche als auch strukturelle Merkmale erfasst.

Ergebnisse

Die Prävalenz von Demenz bei HB-Patienten betrug 27,5 %. Von diesen bewohnten 72,6 % ein PH oder betreutes Wohnen. Das medizinische Personal schätzte die gesamtheitliche Betreuung von DP im PH signifikant besser ein als in der eigenen Häuslichkeit. Diese Diskrepanz fiel im Vergleich von ländlichen und städtischen Gebieten noch deutlicher aus, obwohl in städtischen Gebieten signifikant mehr Patienten in PH wohnten (27 % vs. 51 %).

Diskussion

Die Betreuung dementer HB-Patienten wird vom versorgenden Personal überwiegend als gut eingeschätzt, wobei diese bei DP im PH vergleichsweise besser bewertet wird als in der eigenen Häuslichkeit. Dies kann durch einen hohen Versorgungsbedarf der DP erklärt werden. Der Kontrast zwischen ruralen und städtischen Gebieten ist durch infrastrukturelle, aber auch durch organisatorische Unterschiede in ländlichen Bereichen erklärbar, wo signifikant häufiger eine Mitbetreuung durch Angehörige erfolgt. Da bei DP kognitive Defizite im Vordergrund stehen, könnten alternative Wohnformen zukünftig mehr in den Fokus rücken.
Postexercise hypotension and related hemodynamic responses to cycling under heat stress in untrained men with elevated blood pressure
Authors: Cunha Felipe A. , Farinatti Paulo , Jones Helen , Midgley Adrian W.
Published: March 2020

Purpose

To investigate the effect of heat stress on postexercise hypotension.

Methods

Seven untrained men, aged 21–33 years, performed two cycling bouts at 60% of oxygen uptake reserve expending 300 kcal in environmental temperatures of 21 °C (TEMP) and 35 °C (HOT) in a randomized, counter-balanced order. Physiological responses were monitored for 10-min before and 60-min after each exercise bout, and after a non-exercise control session (CON). Blood pressure (BP) also was measured during the subsequent 21-h recovery period.

Results

Compared to CON, systolic, and diastolic BPs were significantly reduced in HOT (Δ = − 8.3 ± 1.6 and − 9.7 ± 1.4 mmHg, P < 0.01) and TEMP (Δ = − 4.9 ± 2.1 and − 4.5 ± 0.9 mmHg, P < 0.05) during the first 60 min of postexercise recovery. Compared to TEMP, rectal temperature was 0.6 °C higher (P = 0.001), mean skin temperature was 1.8 °C higher (P = 0.013), and plasma volume (PV) was 2.6 percentage points lower (P = 0.005) in HOT. During the subsequent 21-h recovery period systolic BP was 4.2 mmHg lower in HOT compared to CON (P = 0.016) and 2.5 mmHg lower in HOT compared to TEMP (P = 0.039).

Conclusion

Exercise in the heat increases the hypotensive effects of exercise for at least 22 h in untrained men with elevated blood pressure. Our findings indicate that augmented core and skin temperatures and decreased PV are the main hemodynamic mechanisms underlying a reduction in BP after exercise performed under heat stress.
Improved survival in metastatic breast cancer: results from a 20-year study involving 1033 women treated at a single comprehensive cancer center
Authors: Welt Anja , Bogner Simon , Arendt Marina , Kossow Josef , Huffziger Antonia , Pohlkamp Christian , Steiniger Heike , Becker Ute , Alashkar Ferras , Kohl Marzena , Wiesweg Marcel , Richly Heike , Hense Jörg , Scheulen Max E. , Schuler Martin , Seeber Siegfried , Tewes Mitra
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer have changed profoundly over the past 25 years. The outcome improved dramatically and was well quantified for early stage breast cancer (EBC). However, progress in the treatment of metastatic disease has been less convincingly demonstrated. We have studied survival data of patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) from a large academic cancer center over a period of 20 years.

Methods

Data from 1033 consecutive MBC patients who were treated at the Department of Medical Oncology of the West German Cancer Center from January 1990 to December 2009 were retrospectively analyzed for overall survival (OS) and risk factors. Patients were grouped in 5-year cohorts, and survival parameters of each cohort were compared before and after adjustment for risk factors.

Results

Overall survival of patients with MBC treated at specialized center has significantly improved from 1990 to 2010 (hazard ratio 0.7, 95%CI 0.58–0.84). The increments in OS have become less profound over time (median OS 1990–1994: 24.2 months, 1995–1999: 29.6 months, 2000–2004: 36.5 months, 2005–2009: 37.8 months).

Conclusion

Survival of patients with MBC has improved between 1990 and 2004, but less from 2005 to 2009. Either this suggests an unnoticed shift in the patient population, or a lesser impact of therapeutic innovations introduced in the most recent period.
Vom Warum zum Wozu
Authors: Bozzaro Claudia , Koesling Dominik , Frede Ursula
Published: March 2020

Hintergrund

Menschen haben das Bedürfnis, für die Vorkommnisse in ihrem Leben eine Erklärung zu finden. Dies gilt insbesondere in Bezug auf Widerfahrnisse, die die gesamte Existenz beeinträchtigen, das Selbstwert- und Identitätserleben gefährden. Der chronische Schmerz ist eine solche Erfahrung. Die Suche nach dem Warum der Schmerzen ist v. a. durch die Erwartung motiviert, dass auf die Ursachenfindung eine Ursachenbehebung in Form einer den Schmerz auflösenden Therapie folgen möge. Diese Erwartung, die an die Medizin gerichtet wird, ist oftmals berechtigt. In den letzten Jahrzehnten ist es gelungen, grundlegende Mechanismen der Schmerzentstehung und -verarbeitung zu verstehen und auf diese einzuwirken. Trotz dieser Erfolge bleiben viele chronische Schmerzerfahrungen aber auch heute noch schwer erklärbar, vor allem schwer beherrschbar.

Ziel

Im vorliegenden Beitrag wollen die AutorInnen zeigen, dass es gerade bei chronisch schmerzkranken Menschen wichtig ist, eine Fixierung auf die Frage nach dem Warum zu vermeiden.

Methode

Zunächst wird beschrieben, auf welche Weise sich die Orientierung am Ursache-Wirkungs-Schema, bei aller prinzipiellen Berechtigung im medizinischen Kontext, auch negativ auswirken kann. Anschließend wird durch den Rückgriff auf zentrale Thesen des Existenzphilosophen Albert Camus die Bedeutung der Wozu-Perspektive aufgezeigt. An einem Fallbeispiel wird weiter veranschaulicht, wie dieser Perspektivwechsel im Rahmen einer therapeutischen Behandlung erfolgen kann.

Ergebnisse

Folgender Wechsel der Perspektive wird empfohlen: Die vergangenheitszentrierte Suche nach dem Warum sollte hinter die zukunftsorientierte Suche nach dem Wozu eines Weiterlebens mit chronischem Schmerz zurücktreten.
Effects of upscaling temporal resolution of groundwater flow and transport boundary conditions on the performance of nitrate-transport models at the regional management scale
Authors: Bastani Mehrdad , Harter Thomas
Published: March 2020

Managed aquifer recharge and changes in crop type or nutrient management on agricultural lands are promising approaches to address groundwater quality degradation by nitrate. Tools to assess nonpoint-source contaminant transport are needed to better understand the interaction between agricultural management practices and long-term nitrate dynamics in groundwater basins. This study investigates the impact of time-resolution upscaling of groundwater flow stresses (i.e., recharge, pumping, and evapotranspiration rates) on the long-term prediction of nitrate transport at the regional scale. A three-dimensional, monthly transient flow and nitrate-transport model using MODFLOW and MT3D is applied as the reference simulation. The reference model results are compared to temporally upscaled models with (1) upscaled annual-averaged flow and transport stresses and (2) steady-state flow stresses, across different management scenarios. Models with annual-averaged flow and nitrate-loading stresses were found to be the best alternative to the reference model. However, employing a steady-state flow field to parameterize transient transport models, using a time series of spatially variable annual total contaminant loading, provides a useful alternative to predict the trend and variability of nitrate-concentration breakthrough curves at wells across the regional scale and to differentiate the effects of various agricultural management scenarios, if the history of the source contaminant mass is known. The difference between concentrations resulting from steady-state-flow versus transient-flow models is less than 2 mgN/L for nearly 75% of shallow groundwater cells in the model. However, the steady-state-flow-model-based transport simulation does not capture short-term oscillations of nitrate concentrations in pumping wells at the local scale.
Misconceptions die hard: prevalence and reduction of wrong beliefs in topics from educational psychology among preservice teachers
Authors: Menz Cordelia , Spinath Birgit , Seifried Eva
Published: March 2020

Endorsement of educational psychological misconceptions among preservice teachers can be a threat for reaching educational goals. Therefore, it is of societal interest whether preservice teachers hold educational psychological misconceptions and, if they do, whether these misconceptions can be reduced through confrontation with empirical evidence. Prevalence and refutability of misconceptions were analyzed among N = 937 German preservice teachers who participated in an online survey. Results indicated a high prevalence of educational psychological misconceptions but also the possibility of a reduction through refutation-style texts. However, only few preservice teachers shifted their opinions from (rather) endorsing a misconception to (rather) not endorsing it after reading the text. We conclude that educational psychological misconceptions are common among German preservice teachers and that merely presenting empirical evidence is insufficient to effectively counteract misconceptions. Future research should deepen the understanding of why and wherefrom these misconceptions occur and develop efficient interventions to counteract misconceptions among preservice teachers.
Tolerant mechanisms to O2 deficiency under submergence conditions in plants
Authors: Nakamura Motoka , Noguchi Ko
Published: March 2020

Wetland plants can tolerate long-term strict hypoxia and anoxic conditions and the subsequent re-oxidative stress compared to terrestrial plants. During O2deficiency, both wetland and terrestrial plants use NAD(P)+and ATP that are produced during ethanol fermentation, sucrose degradation, and major amino acid metabolisms. The oxidation of NADH by non-phosphorylating pathways in the mitochondrial respiratory chain is common in both terrestrial and wetland plants. As the wetland plants enhance and combine these traits especially in their roots, they can survive under long-term hypoxic and anoxic stresses. Wetland plants show two contrasting strategies, low O2escape and low O2quiescence strategies (LOES and LOQS, respectively). Differences between two strategies are ascribed to the different signaling networks related to phytohormones. During O2deficiency, LOES-type plants show several unique traits such as shoot elongation, aerenchyma formation and leaf acclimation, whereas the LOQS-type plants cease their growth and save carbohydrate reserves. Many wetland plants utilize NH4+as the nitrogen (N) source without NH4+-dependent respiratory increase, leading to efficient respiratory O2consumption in roots. In contrast, some wetland plants with high O2supply system efficiently use NO3−from the soil where nitrification occurs. The differences in the N utilization strategies relate to the different systems of anaerobic ATP production, the NO2−-driven ATP production and fermentation. The different N utilization strategies are functionally related to the hypoxia or anoxia tolerance in the wetland plants.
A general-purpose distributed pattern mining system
Authors: Belhadi Asma , Djenouri Youcef , Lin Jerry Chun-Wei , Cano Alberto
Published: March 2020

This paper explores five pattern mining problems and proposes a new distributed framework called DT-DPM: Decomposition Transaction for Distributed Pattern Mining. DT-DPM addresses the limitations of the existing pattern mining problems by reducing the enumeration search space. Thus, it derives the relevant patterns by studying the different correlation among the transactions. It first decomposes the set of transactions into several clusters of different sizes, and then explores heterogeneous architectures, including MapReduce, single CPU, and multi CPU, based on the densities of each subset of transactions. To evaluate the DT-DPM framework, extensive experiments were carried out by solving five pattern mining problems (FIM: Frequent Itemset Mining, WIM: Weighted Itemset Mining, UIM: Uncertain Itemset Mining, HUIM: High Utility Itemset Mining, and SPM: Sequential Pattern Mining). Experimental results reveal that by using DT-DPM, the scalability of the pattern mining algorithms was improved on large databases. Results also reveal that DT-DPM outperforms the baseline parallel pattern mining algorithms on big databases.
Boundary conditions and vacuum fluctuations in $${\mathrm {AdS}}_4$$
Authors: Barroso Vitor S. , Pitelli J. P. M.
Published: March 2020

Initial conditions given on a spacelike, static slice of a non-globally hyperbolic spacetime may not define the fates of classical and quantum fields uniquely. Such lack of global hyperbolicity is a well-known property of the anti-de Sitter solution and led many authors to question how is it possible to develop a quantum field theory on this spacetime. Wald and Ishibashi took a step towards the healing of that causal issue when considering the propagation of scalar fields on AdS. They proposed a systematic procedure to obtain a physically consistent dynamical evolution. Their prescription relies on determining the self-adjoint extensions of the spatial component of the differential wave operator. Such a requirement leads to the imposition of a specific set of boundary conditions at infinity. We employ their scheme in the particular case of the four-dimensional AdS spacetime and compute the expectation values of the field squared and the energy-momentum tensor, which will then bear the effects of those boundary conditions. We are not aware of any laws of nature constraining us to prescribe the same boundary conditions to all modes of the wave equation. Thus, we formulate a physical setup in which one of those modes satisfy a Robin boundary condition, while all others satisfy the Dirichlet condition. Due to our unusual settings, the resulting contributions to the fluctuations of the expectation values will not respect AdS invariance. As a consequence, a back-reaction procedure would yield a non-maximally symmetric spacetime. Furthermore, we verify the violation of weak energy condition as a direct consequence of our prescription for dynamics.
Take the Right Turn: The Role of Social Signals and Action–Reaction Sequences in Enacting Turning Points in Negotiations
Authors: Griessmair Michele , Gettinger Johannes
Published: March 2020

Negotiations and conflicts do not evolve smoothly but are discontinuous involving transitions, break-, and turning points that change the flow of the negotiation. Given that these departures may be decisive in determining whether the involved parties come to a successful conclusion, several scholars have pointed out the importance of investigating whether impasse and settlement dyads exhibit different turning point profiles. To address this question, we extended Druckman’s (J Confl Resolut 45:519–544, 2001) turning point model by integrating interlocking action–reaction sequences that initiate and (dis)confirm the departure from zero-sum bargaining. Furthermore, we consider social signals as previously not addressed class of events triggering the turning point. We propose and show that social signals act as precipitants to substantive change at the offer level and that how negotiators enact the action–reaction sequences discriminates between successful and unsuccessful dyads.
Simulation studies of the laser ablation ion source at the SHIPTRAP setup
Authors: Anđelić Brankica , Block Michael , Chhetri Premaditya , Even Julia , Giacoppo Francesca , Kalantar-Nayestanaki Nasser , Kaleja Oliver , Murböck Tobias , Schneider Fabian , Raeder Sebastian
Published: March 2020

A gas-filled miniature Radio-Frequency Quadrupole (mini-RFQ) was recently implemented into the SHIPTRAP laser ablation ion source to thermalize the laser-ablated ions and thus improve production efficiency as well as sample preparation. This source provides reference ions of various elements for online experiments with the SHIPTRAP mass spectrometer. In addition, it can be used to provide long-lived rare and radioactive isotopes available only in small sample sizes for high-precision mass measurements or to study systematic uncertainties. The performance of the laser ablation ion source was simulated using the COMSOL Multiphysics modeling software package. These studies indicate that a revised mechanical geometry and an optimized RF field improve the performance significantly.
Elementary school pupils’ co-inventions: products and pupils’ reflections on processes
Authors: Sinervo Stiina , Sormunen Kati , Kangas Kaiju , Hakkarainen Kai , Lavonen Jari , Juuti Kalle , Korhonen Tiina , Seitamaa-Hakkarainen Pirita
Published: March 2020

The study focuses on examining elementary pupils’ (N = 42, 11–13 years old) reflections on collaborative design processes, team collaboration and their co-inventions. Digital and traditional fabrication technologies were used in a 2-year co-invention project containing approximately 16 sessions during year 1 and 11 sessions in year 2. Between the two project periods, the pupils were asked to write a structured essay about their co-invention and design process, and in year 2 they kept journal notes in each team’s design-folder. Each pupil’s structured essay was analyzed with qualitative content analysis that focused on three main aspects: (1) description of the co-invention, (2) progress of the co-invention process and (3) quality of collaboration. Based on the essay analysis, we constructed a “Co-invention Table” with five categories: user, conceptual design, technical design, appearance, and construction. The nature of the 13 pupil-teams’ co-inventions varied greatly, and these co-inventions were divided according to three main functions: (1) improving cleanliness, (2) providing reminders or (3) addressing well-being. The essays provided information on how creative ideas were generated and how critical thinking and evaluation of ideas were crucial in improving ideas for further development. The collaboration was dependent on everyone’s active and equal participation into work and the importance of an adequate division of the labor was highlighted.
Scaling of Early Social Cognitive Skills in Typically Developing Infants and Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Ellis Katherine , Lewington Philippa , Powis Laurie , Oliver Chris , Waite Jane , Heald Mary , Apperly Ian , Sandhu Priya , Crawford Hayley
Published: March 2020

We delineate the sequence that typically developing infants pass tasks that assess different early social cognitive skills considered precursors to theory-of-mind abilities. We compared this normative sequence to performance on these tasks in a group of autistic (AUT) children. 86 infants were administered seven tasks assessing intention reading and shared intentionality (Study 1). Infants responses followed a consistent developmental sequence, forming a four-stage scale. These tasks were administered to 21 AUT children (Study 2), who passed tasks in the same sequence. However, performance on tasks that required following others’ eye gaze and cooperating with others was delayed. Findings indicate that earlier-developing skills provide a foundation for later-developing skills, and difficulties in acquiring some early social cognitive skills in AUT children.
Metrology part 2: Procedures for the validation of major measurement quality criteria and measuring instrument properties
Authors: Squara Pierre , Scheeren Thomas W. L. , Aya Hollmann D. , Bakker Jan , Cecconi Maurizio , Einav Sharon , Malbrain Manu L. N. G. , Monnet Xavier , Reuter Daniel A. , van der Horst Iwan C. C. , Saugel Bernd
Published: March 2020

A measurement is always afflicted with some degree of uncertainty. A correct understanding of the different types of uncertainty, their naming, and their definition is of crucial importance for an appropriate use of the measuring instruments. However, in perioperative and intensive care medicine, the metrological requirements for measuring instruments are poorly defined and often used spuriously. The correct use of metrological terms is also of crucial importance in validation studies. The European Union published a new directive on medical devices, mentioning that in the case of devices with a measuring function, the notified body is involved in all aspects relating to the conformity of the device with the metrological requirements. It is therefore the task of scientific societies to establish the standards in their area of expertise. After adopting the same understandings and definitions (part 1), the different procedures for the validation of major quality criteria of measuring devices must be consensually established. In this metrologic review (part 2), we review the terms and definitions of validation, some basic processes leading to the display of an indication from a physiologic signal, and procedures for the validation of measuring instrument properties, with specific focus on perioperative and intensive care medicine including appropriate examples.
Parametric Amplification at Ka Band via Nonlinear Dynamics in Superconducting 3D Cavities
Authors: Banys D. , McCulloch M. A. , Azzoni S. , Cooper B. , May A. J. , Melhuish S. J. , Piccirillo L. , Wenninger J.
Published: March 2020

Modern parametric amplifiers are based on lithographically produced superconducting thin-film planar transmission line structures. These paramps rely on resonant structures with embedded nonlinear elements to stimulate intermodulation with a stronger pump tone that gives rise to signal gain when certain conditions are satisfied. Such paramps have not yet been realised in superconducting 3D waveguide resonators. Possible applications of these devices include detector systems that are based on 3D waveguide such as dark matter detectors and quantum computers. Reported here are the results of an investigation of a 30.64 GHz series circular waveguide resonance machined from bulk niobium showing parametric gain of up to 2 dB in the presence of a stronger pump tone 10 kHz above in frequency. The gain is largest on abrupt jumps of the transmission spectra of the resonance, which may be a result of weak-link formation on the superconducting surfaces.
Comparison of deconvoluted plasma DSC curves on patients with solid tumors
Authors: Lőrinczy Dénes , Ferencz Andrea
Published: March 2020

Today, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) has increasingly been an accepted method for diagnosing and monitoring different diseases. Moreover, as a highly sensitive technique it seems to be applicable in human cancer researches. Our workgroup in several previous researches has already demonstrated marked differences on DSC plasma profiles between healthy control and various tumorous patients and, in addition, at their different stages. The aim of this study was to compare deconvoluted plasma DSC curves on patients with solid tumors. Blood plasma DSC data were analyzed retrospectively from various patients, who has only local cancer diseases (malignant melanoma: n = 15, breast carcinoma: n = 10 and pancreas adenocarcinoma: n = 11) without any regional or distant metastases. The complex curves were deconvoluted in numerous individual transitions (five or seven melting points). In the examined patients with solid tumors, the thermodynamic parameters: heat flow and calorimetric enthalpy of the transitions corresponding to the most abundant plasma proteins, as well as the numbers of transitions were determined from the calorimetric profiles. Deconvoluted DSC curves from blood samples of patients showed differences and similarities at the same time in the thermal denaturation of plasma components in various carcinoma cases.
Linear and integrable nonlinear evolution of the qutrit
Authors: Kowalski Krzysztof
Published: March 2020

The nonlinear generalization of the von Neumann equation preserving convexity of the state space is studied in the nontrivial case of the qutrit. This equation can be cast into the integrable classical Riccati system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations. The solutions of such system are investigated in both the linear case corresponding to the standard von Neumann equation and the nonlinear one referring to the generalization of this equation. The analyzed dynamics of the qutrit is rich and includes quasiperiodic motion, multiple equilibria and limit cycles.