bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The United Nations Basel Convention’s Global Plastic Waste Partnership: History, Evolution and Progress
Authors: Wingfield Susan , Lim Melisa 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe pollution of our marine and terrestrial environment by plastic waste is one of the most pressing global environmental challenges faced today. Developing a circular plastic economy and limiting plastic pollution requires multilevel actions from different stakeholders including oil and petrochemical producers, plastic manufacturers, consumer goods companies, retailers, consumers, waste managers, waste management authorities, plastic recyclers and others. As well as cleaning up the enormous quantities of plastic waste already in our oceans and lakes, there is an urgent need to strengthen countries’ capacities to prevent, minimize and properly manage this waste. The Basel Convention, the most comprehensive global environmental treaty dealing with hazardous and other wastes, offers an important part of the solution. In addition to its provisions aimed at controlling the exports and imports of hazardous wastes and other wastes generated from households and ensuring their environmentally sound management, the Convention also seeks to tackle the problem at its source through prevention and minimization. With the addition of an amendment to the Convention specifically tackling plastic waste, and the establishment of a Plastic Waste Partnership, the Convention is positioned at the forefront in the fight against plastic pollution.
Microplastics in Terrestrial and Freshwater Environments
Authors: Kallenbach Emilie M. F. , Rødland Elisabeth S. , Buenaventura Nina T. , Hurley Rachel 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIn recent years, the focus of microplastic research has begun to observe a shift from the marine towards terrestrial and freshwater environments. This is in response to a greater awareness of the predominance of land-based sources in marine microplastic contamination. In this regard, terrestrial and freshwater environments are often perceived as conduits for microplastic particles to the oceans, but this overlooks substantial and important complexities associated with these systems, as well as the need to protect these ecosystems in their own right. This chapter focuses on several critical sources and pathways deemed to be highly important for the release of microplastics to the environment. These include road-associated microplastic particles (RAMP) and emissions related to agriculture that are, thus far, under-researched. Transfers and accumulations of particles within terrestrial and freshwater systems are also reviewed, including the state of knowledge on the occurrence of microplastics in different environmental compartments (air, water, sediments, biota). Methodological constraints are addressed, with particular focus on the need for greater harmonisation along all stages of sampling, analysis, and data handling. Finally, the chapter discusses the ultimate fate of particles released to terrestrial and freshwater environments and highlights critical research gaps that should be addressed to evolve our understanding of microplastic contamination in complex and dynamic environmental systems.
Weight of Evidence for the Microplastic Vector Effect in the Context of Chemical Risk Assessment
Authors: Koelmans Albert A. , Diepens Noël J. , Mohamed Nor Nur Hazimah 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe concern that in nature, ingestion of microplastic (MP) increases exposure of organisms to plastic-associated chemicals (the ‘MP vector effect’) plays an important role in the current picture of the risks of microplastic for the environment and human health. An increasing number of studies on this topic have been conducted using a wide variety of approaches and techniques. At present, the MP vector effect is usually framed as ‘complex’, ‘under debate’ or ‘controversial’. Studies that critically discuss the approaches and techniques used to study the MP vector effect, and that provide suggestions for the harmonization needed to advance this debate, are scarce. Furthermore, only a few studies have strived at interpreting study outcomes in the light of environmentally relevant conditions. This constitutes a major research gap, because these are the conditions that are most relevant when informing risk assessment and management decisions. Based on a review of 61 publications, we propose evaluation criteria and guidance for MP vector studies and discuss current study designs using these criteria. The criteria are designed such that studies, which fulfil them, will be relevant to inform risk assessment. By critically reviewing the existing literature in the light of these criteria, a weight of evidence assessment is provided. We demonstrate that several studies did not meet the standards for their conclusions on the MP vector effect to stand, whereas others provided overwhelming evidence that the vector effect is unlikely to affect chemical risks under present natural conditions.
The Microplastic-Antibiotic Resistance Connection
Authors: Marathe Nachiket P. , Bank Michael S. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractMicroplastic pollution is a big and rapidly growing environmental problem. Although the direct effects of microplastic pollution are increasingly studied, the indirect effects are hardly investigated, especially in the context of spreading of disease and antibiotic resistance genes, posing an apparent hazard for human health. Microplastic particles provide a hydrophobic surface that provides substrate for attachment of microorganisms and readily supports formation of microbial biofilms. Pathogenic bacteria such as fish pathogens Aeromonas spp., Vibrio spp., and opportunistic human pathogens like Escherichia coli are present in these biofilms. Moreover, some of these pathogens are shown to be multidrug resistant. The presence of microplastics is known to enhance horizontal gene transfer in bacteria and thus, may contribute to dissemination of antibiotic resistance. Microplastics can also adsorb toxic chemicals like antibiotics and heavy metals, which are known to select for antibiotic resistance. Microplastics may, thus, serve as vectors for transport of pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes in the aquatic environment. In this book chapter, we provide background information on microplastic biofouling (“plastisphere concept”), discuss the relationship between microplastic and antibiotic resistance, and identify knowledge gaps and directions for future research.
An Operator Product Expansion for Form Factors II. Born level
Authors: Sever Amit , Tumanov Alexander G. , Wilhelm Matthias 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Form factors in planar $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 Super-Yang-Mills theory admit a type of non-perturbative operator product expansion (OPE), as we have recently shown in [1]. This expansion is based on a decomposition of the dual periodic Wilson loop into elementary building blocks: the known pentagon transitions and a new object that we call form factor transition, which encodes the information about the local operator. In this paper, we compute the two-particle form factor transitions for the chiral part of the stress-tensor supermultiplet at Born level; they yield the leading contribution to the OPE. To achieve this, we explicitly construct the Gubser-Klebanov-Polyakov two-particle singlet states. The resulting transitions are then used to test the OPE against known perturbative data and to make higher-loop predictions.
Backreaction of Schwinger pair creation in massive QED2
Authors: Gold Gregory , McGady David A. , Patil Subodh P. , Vardanyan Valeri 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Particle-antiparticle pairs can be produced by background electric fields via the Schwinger mechanism provided they are unconfined. If, as in QED in (3+1)-d these particles are massive, the particle production rate is exponentially suppressed below a threshold field strength. Above this threshold, the energy for pair creation must come from the electric field itself which ought to eventually relax to the threshold strength. Calculating this relaxation in a self-consistent manner, however, is difficult. Chu and Vachaspati addressed this problem in the context of capacitor discharge in massless QED2 [1] by utilizing bosonization in two-dimensions. When the bare fermions are massless, the dual bosonized theory is free and capacitor discharge can be analyzed exactly [1], however, special care is required in its interpretation given that the theory exhibits confinement. In this paper we reinterpret the findings of [1], where the capacitors Schwinger-discharge via electrically neutral dipolar meson-production, and generalize this to the case where the fermions have bare masses. Crucially, we note that when the initial charge of the capacitor is large compared to the charge of the fermions, Q » e, the classical equation of motion for the bosonized model accurately characterizes the dynamics of discharge. For massless QED2, we find that the discharge is suppressed below a critical plate separation that is commensurate with the length scale associated with the meson dipole moment. For massive QED2, we find in addition, a mass threshold familiar from (3+1)-d, and show the electric field relaxes to a final steady state with a magnitude proportional to the initial charge. We discuss the wider implications of our findings and identify challenges in extending this treatment to higher dimensions.
The molecular identity of the TLQP-21 peptide receptor
Authors: Sahu Bhavani S. , Nguyen Megin E. , Rodriguez Pedro , Pallais Jean Pierre , Ghosh Vinayak , Razzoli Maria , Sham Yuk Y. , Salton Stephen R. , Bartolomucci Alessandro 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe TLQP-21 neuropeptide has been implicated in functions as diverse as lipolysis, neurodegeneration and metabolism, thus suggesting an important role in several human diseases. Three binding targets have been proposed for TLQP-21: C3aR1, gC1qR and HSPA8. The aim of this review is to critically evaluate the molecular identity of the TLQP-21 receptor and the proposed multi-receptor mechanism of action. Several studies confirm a critical role for C3aR1 in TLQP-21 biological activity and a largely conserved mode of binding, receptor activation and signaling with C3a, its first-identified endogenous ligand. Conversely, data supporting a role of gC1qR and HSPA8 in TLQP-21 activity remain limited, with no signal transduction pathways being described. Overall, C3aR1 is the only receptor for which a necessary and sufficient role in TLQP-21 activity has been confirmed thus far. This conclusion calls into question the validity of a multi-receptor mechanism of action for TLQP-21 and should inform future studies.
Autologous chondrocyte implantation combined with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: similar short-term results in comparison with isolated cartilage repair in ligament intact joints
Authors: Mehl Julian , Feucht Matthias , Achtnich Andrea , Imhoff Andreas B. , Niemeyer Philipp , Angele Peter , Zinser Wolfgang , Spahn Gunter , Loer Ingo , Kniffler Heino , Schauf Gunnar , Schmitt Andreas 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Purpose
Both acute ruptures of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) as well as chronic ACL insufficiency show a high association with focal cartilage defects of the knee. However, the results after combined ACL reconstruction and cartilage repair are not well investigated. The aim of the present study was to investigate the short-term outcomes after autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) in combination with ACL reconstruction and to compare the results with patients who underwent isolated ACI in ligament intact knees.

Methods
All patients who were registered in the German Cartilage Registry with ACI for focal cartilage defects in the knee joint in combination with ACL reconstruction and who completed the 24 month follow-up were included in the study group. A matched-pair procedure according to gender, defect location, defect size, and age was used to create a control group of patients with isolated ACI in ACL intact joints. The Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and the numeric analog scale for pain (NAS) were used to assess the preoperative state as well as the clinical outcomes 12 and 24 months after surgery.

Results
A total of 34 patients were included in both the study group (age mean 33.3 ± SD 8.8 years) and the control group (33.6 ± 8.4 years) with a median defect size of 466 (25%-75% IQR 375–600) mm2 and 425 (IQR 375–600) mm2, respectively. In comparison with the preoperative state (median 67, IQR 52–75), the study group showed a significant increase of the total KOOS after 12 months (78, IQR 70–86; p = 0.014) and after 24 months (81, IQR 70–84; p = 0.001). The NAS for pain did not change significantly in the postoperative course. In comparison with the control group there was no significant difference for the total KOOS neither preoperative (control group median 67, IQR 52–73) nor at any postoperative time point (12 months: 82, IQR 67–93; 24 months: 81, IQR 71–91).

Conclusion
The clinical short-term outcomes after ACI at the knee joint in combination with ACL reconstruction are good and similar to the results after isolated ACI in ligament intact knees.

Level of evidence
III.
Facilitating sustainability control in SMEs through the implementation of an environmental management system
Authors: Johnstone Leanne 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThis paper explores the characteristic type and use of sustainability control in small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) through the implementation of an environmental management system, formally certified to ISO 14001. Through a qualitative study of 18 SMEs and seven auditors operating in Northern Europe, the paper draws on the theoretical framework of sustainability control as an analytical tool to explore the interplay between the formal design of control instruments and the operational use of these in practice for the studied SMEs. The study finds that both the formalised control instrument design and operational use of these controls by employees are characteristically formal and procedure based for ISO 14001 certification. Nevertheless, environmental management in daily tasks is also achieved by engaging non-managerial employees through their passionate interests and intrinsic motivations. In extension to previous sustainability control research, the findings emphasise that local level operator knowledge is not only the product of formalised control system design, and that external factors are also important for guiding employee behaviour in situ. This proposes that daily working tasks are achieved through a combination of organisational and extra-organisational individual values and beliefs about sustainability. Particularly, engaging non-managerial employees in SMEs through a combination of extrinsic and intrinsic rewards appears valuable for sustainable futures. Therefore, in addition to compliance-driven controls, SME owner-managers should ensure supportive structures where employees are given the autonomy to be creative and innovative.
Combination of terbium-161 with somatostatin receptor antagonists—a potential paradigm shift for the treatment of neuroendocrine neoplasms
Authors: Borgna Francesca , Haller Stephanie , Rodriguez Josep M. Monné , Ginj Mihaela , Grundler Pascal V. , Zeevaart Jan Rijn , Köster Ulli , Schibli Roger , van der Meulen Nicholas P. , Müller Cristina 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Purpose
The β¯-emitting terbium-161 also emits conversion and Auger electrons, which are believed to be effective in killing single cancer cells. Terbium-161 was applied with somatostatin receptor (SSTR) agonists that localize in the cytoplasm (DOTATOC) and cellular nucleus (DOTATOC-NLS) or with a SSTR antagonist that localizes at the cell membrane (DOTA-LM3). The aim was to identify the most favorable peptide/terbium-161 combination for the treatment of neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs).

Methods
The capability of the 161Tb- and 177Lu-labeled somatostatin (SST) analogues to reduce viability and survival of SSTR-positive AR42J tumor cells was investigated in vitro. The radiopeptides’ tissue distribution profiles were assessed in tumor-bearing mice. The efficacy of terbium-161 compared to lutetium-177 was investigated in therapy studies in mice using DOTATOC or DOTA-LM3, respectively.

Results
In vitro, [161Tb]Tb-DOTA-LM3 was 102-fold more potent than [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-LM3; however, 161Tb-labeled DOTATOC and DOTATOC-NLS were only 4- to fivefold more effective inhibiting tumor cell viability than their 177Lu-labeled counterparts. This result was confirmed in vivo and demonstrated that [161Tb]Tb-DOTA-LM3 was significantly more effective in delaying tumor growth than [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-LM3, thereby, prolonging survival of the mice. A therapeutic advantage of terbium-161 over lutetium-177 was also manifest when applied with DOTATOC. Since the nuclear localizing sequence (NLS) compromised the in vivo tissue distribution of DOTATOC-NLS, it was not used for therapy.

Conclusion
The use of membrane-localizing DOTA-LM3 was beneficial and profited from the short-ranged electrons emitted by terbium-161. Based on these preclinical data, [161Tb]Tb-DOTA-LM3 may outperform the clinically employed [177Lu]Lu-DOTATOC for the treatment of patients with NENs.
Interclavicularis anticus digastricus muscle in a female body donor: a case report
Authors: Roesler M. K. , Schmeisser M. J. , Schumann S. 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background and objectives
Muscular variations of the ventral thoracic wall are generally common and of great clinical interest.

Materials and methods
An unusual muscular variation of the ventral thoracic wall was observed and dissected in a West-European female body donor.

Results
An interclavicularis anticus digastricus muscle was observed and studied. It originated from the manubrium sterni and inserted bilaterally to the clavicles. Both muscle bellies were interconnected by a tendon on the ventral surface of the manubrium sterni. The muscle was innervated by branches of the lateral pectoral nerve.

Conclusions
The interclavicularis anticus digastricus muscle is a muscular variation of the ventral thoracic wall of unknown prevalence. This variation might be of clinical interest in orthopaedics and thoracic surgery. It is also a vulnerable structure during infraclavicular insertion of a subclavian vein catheter or fractures of the clavicle.
Participative development and evaluation of a communication skills–training program for oncologists—patient perspectives on training content and teaching methods
Authors: Ernstmann Nicole , Nakata Hannah , Meurer Lena , Weiß Johanna , Geiser Franziska , Vitinius Frank , Petermann-Meyer Andrea , Burgmer Markus , Sonntag Bernd , Teufel Martin , Karger André 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
Using the 6-step approach to curriculum development for medical education, we developed a communication skills training (CST) curriculum for oncology and evaluated this curriculum from the perspective of cancer patients.

Methods
We conducted a qualitative interview study with cancer patients, collecting data using semi-structured face-to-face or telephone interviews with a short standardized survey. We fully transcribed the audiotaped interviews and conducted the content analysis using MAXQDA 2020. We analyzed the quantitative sociodemographic data descriptively.

Results
A total of 22 cancer patients participated, having a mean age of 60.6 (SD, 13.2) years and being predominantly female (55%). The patients believed that the CST curriculum addressed important aspects of patient-centered communication in cancer care. They emphasized the importance of physicians acquiring communication skills to establish a trusting relationship between doctor and patient, show empathy, inform patients, and involve them in treatment decisions. The patients had some doubts concerning the usefulness of strict protocols or checklists (e.g., they feared that protocol adherence might disturb the conversation flow).

Discussion
Although it was a challenge for some participants to take the perspective of a trainer and comment on the CST content and teaching methods, the patients provided a valuable perspective that can help overcome blind spots in CST concepts.
Tectonics and fluvial dynamism affecting the Tiber River in Prehistoric Rome
Authors: Marra F. , Brock A. L. , Florindo F. , Macrì P. , Motta L. , Nicosia C. , Terrenato N. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractGeomorphological investigations in Rome’s river valley are revealing the dynamism of the prehistoric landscape. It is becoming increasingly apparent that paleogeographic conditions that defined Rome in the historical era are the product of changes since the Bronze Age, which may be the result of local fault activity in addition to fluvial dynamism. Through a dedicated borehole chronostratigraphic study, integrated by14C and archaeological dates, and paleomagnetic investigations, we offer here new evidence for fault displacement since ca. 4500 years/BP. We present the failure of the sedimentary fabric of a clay horizon caused by liquefaction processes commonly linked with seismic shaking, interpreting an (ca. 4 m) offset to signify the existence of a fault line located at the foot of the Capitoline Hill. In addition, we show evidence for another (ca. 1 m) offset affecting a stratigraphic horizon in the river channel, occurring along another hypothesized fault line crossing through the Tiber Valley. Movement along this fault may have contributed to a documented phase of fast overflooding dated to the sixth century BCE which eventually led to the birth of the Tiber Island. The most plausible scenario implies progressive deformation, with an average tectonic rate of 2 mm/year, along these inferred fault lines. This process was likely punctuated with moderate earthquakes, but no large event necessarily occurred. Together, the available evidence suggests that during the early centuries of sedentary habitation at the site of Rome, active fault lines contributed to significant changes to the Tiber River valley, capable of challenging lowland activities.