bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bidirectional regulation of desmosome hyperadhesion by keratin isotypes and desmosomal components
Authors: Büchau Fanny , Vielmuth Franziska , Waschke Jens , Magin Thomas M. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractDesmosomes are intercellular junctions which mediate cohesion and communication in tissues exposed to mechanical strain by tethering the intermediate filament cytoskeleton to the plasma membrane. While mature desmosomes are characterized by a hyperadhesive, Ca2+-independent state, they transiently loose this state during wound healing, pathogenesis and tissue regeneration. The mechanisms controlling the hyperadhesive state remain incompletely understood. Here, we show that upon Ca2+-induced keratinocyte differentiation, expression of keratin 17 (K17) prevents the formation of stable and hyperadhesive desmosomes, accompanied by a significant reduction of desmoplakin (DP), plakophilin-1 (PKP1), desmoglein-1 (Dsg1) and -3 (Dsg3) at intercellular cell borders. Atomic force microscopy revealed that both increased binding strength of desmoglein-3 molecules and amount of desmoglein-3 oligomers, known hallmarks of hyperadhesion, were reduced in K17- compared to K14-expressing cells. Importantly, overexpression of Dsg3 or DPII enhanced their localization at intercellular cell borders and increased the formation of Dsg3 oligomers, resulting in stable, hyperadhesive desmosomes despite the presence of K17. Notably, PKP1 was enriched in these desmosomes. Quantitative image analysis revealed that DPII overexpression contributed to desmosome hyperadhesion by increasing the abundance of K5/K17-positive keratin filaments in the proximity of desmosomes enriched in desmoglein-3. Thus, our data show that hyperadhesion can result from recruitment of keratin isotypes K5/K17 to desmosomes or from enhanced expression of DP and Dsg3 irrespective of keratin composition. The notion that hyperadhesive desmosomes failed to form in the absence of keratins underscores the essential role of keratins and suggest bidirectional control mechanisms at several levels.
On the divergence theorem for submanifolds of Euclidean vector spaces within the theory of second-gradient continua
Authors: Capobianco Giuseppe , Eugster Simon R. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIn the theory of second-gradient continua, the internal virtual work functional can be considered as a second-order distribution in which the virtual displacements take the role of test functions. In its easiest representation, the internal virtual work functional is represented as a volume integral over a subset of the three-dimensional Euclidean vector space and involves first and second derivatives of the virtual displacements. In this paper, we show by an iterative integration by parts procedure how an alternative representation of such a functional can be obtained when the integration domain is a subset that contains also edges and wedges. Since this procedure strongly relies on the divergence theorem for submanifolds of a Euclidean vector space, it is a main goal to derive this divergence theorem for submanifolds starting from Stokes’ theorem for manifolds. To that end, results from Riemannian geometry are gathered and applied to the submanifold case.
Coordination of glucose monitoring, self-care behaviour and mental health: achieving precision monitoring in diabetes
Authors: Hermanns Norbert , Ehrmann Dominic , Shapira Amit , Kulzer Bernhard , Schmitt Andreas , Laffel Lori 
Published: April 2022

AbstractMonitoring of glucose plays an essential role in the management of diabetes. However, to fully understand and meaningfully interpret glucose levels, additional information on context is necessary. Important contextual factors include data on behaviours such as eating, exercise, medication-taking and sleep, as well as data on mental health aspects such as stress, affect, diabetes distress and depressive symptoms. This narrative review provides an overview of the current state and future directions of precision monitoring in diabetes. Precision monitoring of glucose has made great progress over the last 5 years with the emergence of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), automated analysis of new glucose variables and visualisation of CGM data via the ambulatory glucose profile. Interestingly, there has been little progress in the identification of subgroups of people with diabetes based on their glycaemic profile. The integration of behavioural and mental health data could enrich such identification of subgroups to stimulate precision medicine. There are a handful of studies that have used innovative methodology such as ecological momentary assessment to monitor behaviour and mental health in people’s everyday life. These studies indicate the importance of the interplay between behaviour, mental health and glucose. However, automated integration and intelligent interpretation of these data sources are currently not available. Automated integration of behaviour, mental health and glucose could lead to the identification of certain subgroups that, for example, show a strong association between mental health and glucose in contrast to subgroups that show independence of mental health and glucose. This could inform precision diagnostics and precision therapeutics. We identified just-in-time adaptive interventions as a potential means by which precision monitoring could lead to precision therapeutics. Just-in-time adaptive interventions consist of micro-interventions that are triggered in people’s everyday lives when a certain problem is identified using monitored behaviour, mental health and glucose variables. Thus, these micro-interventions are responsive to real-life circumstances and are adaptive to the specific needs of an individual with diabetes. We conclude that, with current developments in big data analysis, there is a huge potential for precision monitoring in diabetes.
Graphical abstract
In employees we Trust: Employee fraud in small businesses
Authors: Othman Radiah , Ameer Rashid 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThis paper examines how and why employees used online computer access to commit fraud in New Zealand small businesses. Drawing on data from 18 court documents between 2006 and 2020, we use document analysis to examine the pressure, opportunity, rationalization, and capability elements using the fraud diamond framework. We provide three major findings. First, the employee frauds were motivated by vice and family circumstances. The combination of opportunity and capability had a devastating effect on the length of the fraud and the amount of financial loss. Second, the frauds were mostly perpetrated by middle-aged women in both managerial and nonmanagerial positions who displayed unusual behaviour but had no prior convictions. Third, small businesses are vulnerable to fraud in their billing, accounts payable, and payroll systems; thus, relevant prevention strategies are recommended. Overall, we conclude that the tendency for fraud is heightened in small businesses where trusted employees: have multiple responsibilities; have an occupational position that provides them with opportunity; are capable of manipulating online access; and have external pressures of addictions or adverse family circumstances. Our multiple cases approach facilitates a better understanding of the employee fraud contexts, including the motivation and the methods employed to commit such fraud in New Zealand.
A square function involving the center of mass and rectifiability
Authors: Villa Michele 
Published: April 2022

AbstractFor a Radon measure $$\mu $$
μ
on $$\mathbb {R}^d$$

R

d

, define $$C^n_\mu (x, t)= \left( \frac{1}{t^n} \left| \int _{B(x,t)} \frac{x-y}{t} \, d\mu (y)\right| \right) $$

C
μ
n

(
x
,
t
)

=

1

t
n

∫

B
(
x
,
t
)

x
-
y

t

d
μ

(
y
)

. This coefficient quantifies how symmetric the measure $$\mu $$
μ
is by comparing the center of mass at a given scale and location to the actual center of the ball. We show that if $$\mu $$
μ
is n-rectifiable, then $$\begin{aligned} \int _0^\infty |C^n_\mu (x,t)|^2 \frac{dt}{t}< \infty \mu \text{-almost } \text{ everywhere }. \end{aligned}$$

∫
0
∞

|

C
μ
n

(
x
,
t
)

|

2

dt

t

<
∞
μ
-almost

everywhere

.

Together with a previous result of Mayboroda and Volberg, where they showed that the converse holds true, this gives a new characterisation of n-rectifiability. To prove our main result, we also show that for an n-uniformly rectifiable measure, $$|C_\mu ^n(x,t)|^2 \frac{dt}{t}d\mu $$

|

C
μ
n

(
x
,
t
)

|

2

dt

t

d
μ

is a Carleson measure on $$\mathrm {spt}(\mu ) \times (0,\infty )$$

spt
(
μ
)
×
(
0
,
∞
)

. We also show that, whenever a measure $$\mu $$
μ
is 1-rectifiable in the plane, then the same Dini condition as above holds for more general kernels. We also give a characterisation of uniform 1-rectifiability in the plane in terms of a Carleson measure condition. This uses a classification of $$\Omega $$
Ω
-symmetric measures from Villa (Rev Mat Iberoam, 2019).
NMR measurement of biomolecular translational and rotational motion for evaluating changes of protein oligomeric state in solution
Authors: Yao Shenggen , Keizer David W. , Babon Jeffrey J. , Separovic Frances 
Published: April 2022

AbstractDefining protein oligomeric state and/or its changes in solution is of significant interest for many biophysical studies carried out in vitro, especially when the nature of the oligomeric state is crucial in the subsequent interpretation of experimental results and their biological relevance. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is a well-established methodology for the characterization of protein structure, dynamics, and interactions at the atomic level. As a spectroscopic method, NMR also provides a compelling means for probing both molecular translational and rotational motion, two predominant measures of effective molecular size in solution, under identical conditions as employed for structural, dynamic and interaction studies. Protein translational diffusion is readily measurable by pulse gradient spin echo (PGSE) NMR, whereas its rotational correlation time, or rotational diffusion tensor when its 3D structure is known, can also be quantified from NMR relaxation parameters, such as 15N relaxation parameters of backbone amides which are frequently employed for probing residue-specific protein backbone dynamics. In this article, we present an introductory overview to the NMR measurement of bimolecular translational and rotational motion for assessing changes of protein oligomeric state in aqueous solution, via translational diffusion coefficients measured by PGSE NMR and rotational correlation times derived from composite 15N relaxation parameters of backbone amides, without need for the protein structure being available.
Graphical abstract
Erstellung einer kollaborativen Arbeitsumgebung für die pandemiebedingte Online-Lehre — ein Praxisbericht
Authors: Tefke Tobias , Petri Elias , Staudemeyer Ralf C. , Kucza Timo 
Published: April 2022

ZusammenfassungDurch die pandemische Lage sind viele Lehrangebote nicht in ihrer ursprünglichen Form durchführbar. Im hier vorgestellten Fall soll das Programmieren einer Hardware-Entwicklungsplattform für das Internet der Dinge (IoT) erlernt werden. Die Studierenden arbeiten in Arbeitsgruppen mit bis zu fünf Teilnehmern. In der dezentralen Lehre ist dies nur schwer umsetzbar. Im vorliegenden Fall hätten dann drei Geräte pro Teilnehmer ausgegeben werden müssen. Ein Austausch innerhalb der Projektgruppen war zunächst nur eingeschränkt per Videokonferenz möglich. Das fragliche IoT-Labor wurde deshalb in eine virtuelle Umgebung integriert, so dass dort in Gruppen programmiert werden kann, während die IoT-Hardware mittels Video in Echtzeit beobachtet wird. Die geschaffene Lehrumgebung vereint die Durchführung von Vorlesungen, Übungen, Tutorien und Arbeitsgruppentreffen. Die Möglichkeiten zur Interaktion erleichtern es den Studierenden unter anderem, während der Vorlesung in Kontakt miteinander zu treten.
Synthesis of smooth amorphous thin films of silicon carbide with controlled properties through pulsed laser deposition
Authors: Oujja Mohamed , Tabakkouht Karima , Sanz Mikel , Rebollar Esther , Sánchez-Arenillas María , Marco José F. , Castillejo Marta , de Nalda Rebeca 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThin films of silicon carbide (SiC) on Si (100) and SrTiO3 (100) substrates have been grown by nanosecond pulsed laser deposition (PLD) with a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser operating at the wavelengths of 1064, 532 and 266 nm. The deposits obtained consisted of smooth and uniform layers of amorphous SiC, free of holes and cracks, with thicknesses in the range of 30–100 nm and average roughness substantially lower than 1 nm. The role of laser wavelength and of substrate temperature (300 K vs. 1025 K) on morphology, crystallinity and composition of the deposits was assessed. The films were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, micro-Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In addition, optical emission spectroscopy was employed to evaluate the characteristics of the ablation plasma and its correlation with the film growth.
Beyond the pedicle screw–a patent review
Authors: de Kater Esther P. , Sakes Aimée , Edström Erik , Elmi-Terander Adrian , Kraan Gerald , Breedveld Paul 
Published: April 2022

AbstractPurposeThis review provides an overview of the patent literature on posteriorly placed intrapedicular bone anchors. Conventional pedicle screws are the gold standard to create a fixation in the vertebra for spinal fusion surgery but may lack fixation strength, especially in osteoporotic bone. The ageing population demands new bone anchors that have an increased fixation strength, that can be placed safely, and, if necessary, can be removed without damaging the surrounding tissue.MethodsThe patent search was conducted using a classification search in the Espacenet patent database. Only patents with a Cooperative Patent Classification of A61B17/70 or A61B17/7001 concerning spinal positioners and stabilizers were eligible for inclusion. The search query resulted in the identification of 731 patents. Based on preset inclusion criteria, a total of 56 unique patents on different anchoring methods were included, reviewed and categorized in this study.ResultsFive unique fixation methods were identified; (1) anchors that use threading, (2) anchors that utilize a curved path through the vertebra, (3) anchors that (partly) expand, (4) anchors that use cement and (5) anchors that are designed to initiate bone ingrowth. Of the anchor designs included in this study, eight had a corresponding commercial product, six of which were evaluated in clinical trials.ConclusionThis review provides insights into worldwide patented intrapedicular bone anchors that aim to increase the fixation strength compared to the conventional pedicle screw. The identified anchoring methods and their working principles can be used for clinical decision-making and as a source of inspiration when designing novel bone anchors.
Use of prophylactic stoma mesh is a risk factor for developing rectus abdominis muscle atrophy
Authors: Täckström S. , Chabok A. , Smedh K. , Nikberg M. 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible risk factors for developing a parastomal hernia (PSH) in a cohort of rectal cancer patients with and without the application of a retro-muscular prophylactic mesh. The evaluated risk factors included the position of the stoma in the rectus abdominis muscle (RAM), RAM atrophy and shift of abdominal wall midline structures.

Methods
Rectal cancer patients treated with an abdominoperineal excision or Hartmann’s procedure between 2002 and 2015 at Västmanland Hospital, Sweden was included. Postoperative CT examinations were retrospectively reviewed regarding the presence of PSH and RAM atrophy and for measurements such as position of the stoma in the RAM.

Results
116 patients were included, with a median age of 71 years. 70 patients received a prophylactic stoma mesh. 55 patients (47%) had a parastomal hernia at three-year follow-up. Rectus abdominis muscle atrophy was significantly higher in the mesh group compared with the non-mesh group (37% vs 2%; P = 0.04). RAM atrophy was a significant independent protective factor for developing a PSH (P = 0.007; OR 0.15; 95% CI 0.03–0.55).

Conclusion
Placement of a prophylactic retro-muscular stoma mesh resulted in a high frequency of RAM atrophy distal to the stomal aperture and patients with such atrophy had a lower risk of developing a PSH.
A novel probe for point injections in groundwater monitoring wells
Authors: Fahrmeier Nikolai , Goeppert Nadine , Goldscheider Nico 
Published: April 2022

AbstractGroundwater monitoring wells or boreholes often show complex flow behaviors that are essential to understand for the characterization of aquifer systems. In karst or fractured aquifers, where complex conduit and/or fracture networks with differing hydraulic heads can be intersected by a well or borehole, vertical flow is highly probable. Single-borehole dilution tests (SBDT) with uniform injections are, in general, a good method to gain knowledge about a specific well or borehole, but tend to deliver ambiguous results regarding vertical flow, while SBDTs with point injections are an effective method to identify vertical flow. This technical note introduces a newly developed probe for point injections in groundwater without disturbing the natural flow field. In order to evaluate this probe, several tests were conducted in the laboratory and in groundwater monitoring wells that show vertical flow. During repeated tests in the laboratory, the new point injection probe showed a good reproducibility regarding the shape and extent of the tracer cloud after an injection. The opening mechanism was found to be well-functioning and reliable. Field tests lead to significant results for all tested wells and showed that the probe can easily be operated by a single person. Due to the flexibility regarding tracer, aquifer and injection depth, combined with the easy handling, it is a useful device, suitable for the investigation of boreholes and groundwater monitoring wells, and a good alternative to existing methods.
Habitat selection and density of common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) in Northern Italy: effects of land use cover and landscape configuration
Authors: Chiatante Gianpasquale , Meriggi Alberto 
Published: April 2022

AbstractKnowing the ecology of game species is important to define sustainable hunting pressure and to plan management actions aimed to maintain viable populations. Common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) is one of the main gamebird species in Europe and North America, despite its native range extending from the Caucasus to Eastern China. This research aimed to define the environmental variables shaping the spatial distribution of male pheasants and to estimate their breeding density in an agroecosystem of northern Italy. During the breeding season, 2015, we carried out 372 point counts with unlimited distances, randomly placed following a stratified sampling survey design. The habitat requirements of the pheasant were evaluated following a presence vs. availability approach, using environmental variables related to land use cover and landscape configuration. We built generalized linear models with a binary distribution, selecting variables following an information-theoretic approach. Densities were estimated through both conventional and multiple-covariate distance sampling. We estimated a density of 1.45 males/km2, with 4.26 males/km2 in suitable areas and 0.91 males/km2 in unsuitable ones. We found pheasants in areas with meadows and tree plantations, which were used to find food and refuges from predators and bad weather conditions. Similarly, woodlands have a positive effect on species occurrence, whereas arable lands were avoided, specifically maize and paddy fields. We found little evidence that landscape configuration affects pheasant occurrence. We found pheasants to be negatively affected by the length of edges between woodlands and arable lands, whereas edges between woodlands and grasslands seem to be beneficial for the species. These findings could help landscape and wildlife managers to plan habitat improvement actions useful to maintain self-sustaining populations of this species, by increasing cover of woodlands, meadows, and tree plantations.
Recent innovations in the LaRiMiT risk mitigation tool: implementing a novel methodology for expert scoring and extending the database to include nature-based solutions
Authors: Capobianco Vittoria , Uzielli Marco , Kalsnes Bjørn , Choi Jung Chan , Strout James Michael , von der Tann Loretta , Steinholt Ingar Haug , Solheim Anders , Nadim Farrokh , Lacasse Suzanne 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThis paper presents recent innovations implemented in the LaRiMiT (Landslide Risk Mitigation Toolbox) webtool. These include an innovative methodology for utilising experts’ scoring of landslide risk mitigation measures directly within the decision support tool, and updating of the tool’s database over structural measures to include many nature-based solutions (NBS) for mitigating landslide risk. Landslides are a common and treacherous natural hazard, and due to the effect of climate change on the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, climate-driven landslides are expected to become more frequent. This negative trend is a driving factor for developing decision-support solutions for risk mitigation, and the LaRiMiT toolbox and the expert scoring methodology presented in this article contribute to meeting these needs. Selecting suitable structural measures is complicated due to factors such as site-specific conditions, local knowledge and resources, socio-economic constraints, and environmental considerations. LaRiMiT uses user-input attributes of site-specific slope movements combined with expert scoring of the suitability of various mitigation solutions to identify and select appropriate mitigation measures from an extensive database of structural solutions. While the LaRiMiT database initially included only conventional (grey) solutions relying on traditional methods, it has been recently expanded to include nature-based solutions (NBS), which are sustainable techniques for managing erosion and mitigating shallow landslides using vegetation and the use of natural materials. NBS and conventional solutions can also be combined to provide hybrid solutions. The proposed methodology for implementing expert scoring is dynamic and iterative, consisting of statistical pooling of experts’ scores collected via online surveys, and consolidating these into an expert scoring utility embedded in the LaRiMiT web portal engine. An initial application of this methodology has been tested by surveying a set of landslides experts, mostly in Europe, and applying it to the structural measures database in the LaRiMiT tool. Although the number of experts in this initial application is limited, dynamic updating of the scoring allows the tool to continuously improve as additional experts contribute.