bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extended EDTA Bola‐Amphiphile: Putrescine‐Based 2G Dendron Functionalized with Perylene Diimide
Authors: Singh Prabhpreet , Hirsch Andreas
Published: December 2021

We have synthesized and characterized putrescine based 2G dendron bearing oligocarboxylic acid as hydrophilic groups (protected as tert‐butyl group) at peripheral positions. The multi‐step synthesis of 2G dendron has been carried out through orthogonal protection‐deprotection strategy. This putrescine based 2G dendron is further utilized for N‐Imide functionalization of perylene dianhydride through imidization reaction to obtained tert‐butyl‐protected PDI 2 followed by acidic deprotection to furnish highly water‐soluble bola‐amphiphile PDI 1. The newly synthesized compounds were characterized by NMR‐spectroscopy, Mass spectrometry, IR as well as by elemental analysis. The PDI 1 showed increased water solubility in acidic and basic mediums.
Design and Synthesis of Multipurpose Derivatives for N‐Hydroxyimide and NHPI‐based Catalysis Applications**
Authors: Caruso Manfredi , Petroselli Manuel , Cametti Massimo
Published: December 2021

Bi‐ and tricyclic derivatives 1 a and 2 a (Scheme 2) combining the catalytic N‐hydroxyimide NO−H unit with the imidazole moiety were designed as multipurpose derivatives and proposed as chemical tools for achieving improved homogeneous and heterogeneous aerobic oxidation catalysis. BDE tunability, formation of a ZIF and of imidazolium ionic‐liquid‐like materials were obtained for N‐hydroxyphthalimide (NHPI)‐based 2 a and here described.
Recent Advances on the Application of Langlois’ Reagent in Organic Transformations
Authors: Kaboudin Babak , Ghashghaee Mojtaba , Bigdeli Akram , Farkhondeh Amir , Eskandari Mahboobe , Esfandiari Hesam
Published: December 2021

Langlois’ reagent (trifluoromethanesulfinate salt) has been proven to be a valuable reagent for the synthesis of various classes of molecules, mainly trifluoromethylated compounds, in academic, biological and industrial research. Synthetic uses of Langlois’ reagent in organic transformations of aromatic and heteroaromatic compounds, alkenes, alkynes, boronic acids, carboxylic acids, and etc are discussed.This review aims to demonstrate the ongoing utility of Langlois’ reagent in the preparation of various classes of organic compounds. Furthermore, to address the recent collective papers, the current review summarizes and comprehensively describes manuscripts on synthetic applications of Langlois’ reagent since 2015 until today.
Visualizing Assembly Dynamics of All‐Liquid 3D Architectures
Authors: Gu Pei‐Yang , Kim Paul Y. , Chai Yu , Ashby Paul D. , Xu Qing‐Feng , Liu Feng , Chen Qun , Lu Jian‐Mei , Russell Thomas P.
Published: December 2021

To better exploit all‐liquid 3D architectures, it is essential to understand dynamic processes that occur during printing one liquid in a second immiscible liquid. Here, the interfacial assembly and transition of 5,10,15,20‐tetrakis(4‐sulfonatophenyl) porphyrin (H6TPPS) over time provides an opportunity to monitor the interfacial behavior of nanoparticle surfactants (NPSs) during all‐liquid printing. The formation of J‐aggregates of H4TPPS2− at the interface and the interfacial conversion of the J‐aggregates of H4TPPS2− to H‐aggregates of H2TPPS4− is demonstrated by interfacial rheology and in situ atomic force microscopy. Equally important are the chromogenic changes that are characteristic of the state of aggregation, where J‐aggregates are green in color and H‐aggregates are red in color. In all‐liquid 3D printed structures, the conversion in the aggregate state with time is reflected in a spatially varying change in the color, providing a simple, direct means of assessing the aggregation state of the molecules and the mechanical properties of the assemblies, linking a macroscopic observable (color) to mechanical properties.
Eliminating Edge Electronic and Phonon States of Phosphorene Nanoribbon by Unique Edge Reconstruction
Authors: LI Shi‐Qi , Liu Xiangjun , Wang Xujun , Liu Hongsheng , Zhang Gang , Zhao Jijun , Gao Junfeng
Published: December 2021

Edge termination plays a vital role in determining the properties of 2D materials. By performing compelling ab initio simulations, a lowest‐energy U‐edge [ZZ(U)] reconstruction is revealed in the bilayer phosphorene. Such reconstruction reduces 60% edge energy compared with the pristine one and occurs almost without an energy barrier, implying it should be the dominating edge in reality. The electronic band structure of phosphorene nanoribbon with such reconstruction resembles that of an intrinsic 2D layer, exhibiting nearly edgeless band characteristics. Although ZZ(U) changes the topology of phosphorene nanoribbons, simulated transmission electron microscope, scanning transmission electron microscope and scanning tunneling microscope images indicate it is very hard to be identified. One possible identified method is infrared/Raman analyses because the ZZ(U) edge alters vibrational modes dramatically. In addition, it also increases the thermal conductivity of PNR 1.4 and 2.3 times than the pristine and Klein edges.
Charge Transfer Properties of Heterostructures Formed by Bi2O2Se and Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Monolayers
Authors: Liu Shuangyan , He Dawei , Tan Congwei , Fu Shaohua , Han Xiuxiu , Huang Mohan , Miao Qing , Zhang Xiaoxian , Wang Yongsheng , Peng Hailin , Zhao Hui
Published: December 2021

Atomically thin bismuth oxyselenide (Bi2O2Se) exhibits attractive properties for electronic and optoelectronic applications, such as high charge‐carrier mobility and good air stability. Recently, the development of Bi2O2Se‐based heterostructures have attracted enormous interests with promising prospects for diverse device applications. Although the electrical properties of Bi2O2Se‐based heterostructures have been widely studied, the interlayer charge transfer in these heterostructures remains elusive, despite its importance in harnessing their emergent functionalities. Here, a comprehensive experimental investigation on the interlayer charge transfer properties of two heterostructures formed by Bi2O2Se and representative transition metal dichalcogenides (namely, WS2/Bi2O2Se and MoS2/Bi2O2Se) is reported. Kelvin probe force microscopy is used to measure the work functions of the samples, which are further employed to establish type‐II band alignment of both heterostructures. Photoluminescence quenching is observed in each heterostructure, suggesting high charge transfer efficiency. Time‐resolved and layer‐selective pump–probe measurements further prove the ultrafast interlayer charge transfer processes and formation of long‐lived interlayer excitons. These results establish the feasibility of integrating 2D Bi2O2Se with other 2D semiconductors to fabricate heterostructures with novel charge transfer properties and provide insight for understanding the performance of optoelectronic devices based on such 2D heterostructures.
Structure of Cardamine hupingshanensis No. 3 Polysaccharide (CHP‐3) and its Effect on Human Lung Cancer A549 Cells
Authors: Li Meidong , Zhang ZiMu , Luo Ying , Huang Xiufang , Luo Kai
Published: December 2021

Four new water‐soluble polysaccharides has previously been isolated from Cardamine hupingshanensis. In this experiment, the structure of C. hupingshanensis polysaccharide NO. 3 (CHP‐3) is analyzed and its in vitro anti‐tumor activity is assessed. Through structural analysis, CHP‐3 is found to have a molecular weight of 80.64 kDa, and be mainly composed of glucose, galactose, and L‐arabinose; The backbone of CHP‐3 is mainly composed of →5)‐α‐L‐Araf‐(1→ and →4)‐α‐D‐Glc(p)‐(1→), respectively. By studying its anti‐tumor activity in vitro, it can be concluded that treatment with different concentrations of CHP‐3 exerted diverse effects on A549 cells, with an obvious dose‐dependent relationship. Moreover, after treatment with 12.8 mg mL−1 CHP‐3, significant inhibitory effects are observed on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of A549 cells, indicating that it can be used as an anti‐tumor agent for continued in‐depth research.
Composition and Quality of Low‐Fat Halloumi Cheese Made Using Modified Starch as a Fat Replacer
Authors: Basiony Monira , Hassabo Ramadan
Published: December 2021

The use of modified maize starch as a fat replacer in low‐fat Halloumi cheese is investigated. Halloumi cheese is made from cow milk (3.5% fat) or from partially skimmed cow milk (1% fat) with 1%, 2%, and 3% modified starch. The addition of modified starch to cow's milk decreased rennet coagulation time and curd syneresis but increased curd tension. The modified starch addition also increased yield and total nitrogen but decreased pH, total solids, fat, ash, and total volatile fatty acids. Total bacterial count and lipolytic bacteria decreased, but proteolytic bacteria and moulds and yeast increased with the added modified starch. The hardness and gumminess values increased, but the elasticity and cohesiveness values of Halloumi cheese decreased. The sensory properties are improved by the addition of modified starch.
Synthesis of Pyrrolidine‐ and γ‐Lactam‐Containing Natural Products and Related Compounds from Pyrrole Scaffolds
Authors: Olivier Wesley J. , Smith Jason A. , Bissember Alex C.
Published: December 2021

Polycyclic alkaloid natural products featuring pyrrolidine and pyrrolidinone motifs remain enduring targets of total synthesis endeavors. Pyrrole and its derivatives have been exploited to access many such frameworks, including alkaloids belonging to the Aspidosperma, Stemona, and batzelladine families. In this article, a selection of exemplars that highlight the utility of pyrrole‐based approaches to facilitate total syntheses of pyrrolidine‐ and pyrrolidinone‐containing alkaloids and related molecules are showcased.
Synthesis, Crystal Growth, Electronic Properties and Optical Properties of Y6IV2.5S14 (IV=Si, Ge)
Authors: Ye Zhengyang , Bardelli Stefano , Wu Kui , Sarkar Arka , Swindle Andrew , Wang Jian
Published: December 2021

Two isostructural ternary acentric sulfides, Y6Si2.5S14 (1) and Y6Ge2.5S14 (2) were re‐investigated to understand the origin of the chemical flexibility of RE6BxCyCh14(RE=Y, La−Lu; B=Si, Ge, Sn, Al, Ga; C=monovalent M+ (Ag, Na, Li, etc.), divalent M2+ (Mg, Cr, Ni, Zn, etc.), trivalent M3+ (Al, In, Ga, etc.), tetravalent M4+ (Si, Ge, Sn) and pentavalent M5+ (Sb), Ch=S, Se), which consists of ∼444 isostructural compounds. Y6IV2.5S14 (IV=Si, Ge) were synthesized by a high‐temperature salt flux method. The crystal structures of Y6IV2.5S14 (IV=Si, Ge) are constructed by [YS8] polyhedra, [Si1S6] octahedra, and [Si2S4] tetrahedra. The Si1 atom displaces from the center of [Si1S6] octahedra with partial occupancy, which can be replaced by various metals, and mainly accounts for the chemical flexibility of the RE6BxCyCh14 family. The bonding pictures of Y6Si2.5S14 were studied by electron localization function (ELF) and crystal orbital Hamilton population (COHP) calculations. Y6Si2.5S14 is evaluated as an indirect semiconductor with a bandgap of 2.4(1) eV measured by UV‐Vis. The indirect bandgap of Y6Ge2.5S14 is 1.7(1) eV. Y6IV2.5S14 (IV=Si, Ge) are not type‐I phase‐matchable materials. For samples of 47 μm particle size, Y6Si2.5S14 and Y6Ge2.5S14 own good second harmonic generation (SHG) responses of ∼3.0×AGS and ∼2.8×AGS respectively. Y6Si2.5S14 and Y6Ge2.5S14 possess high laser damage threshold (LDT) of ∼5.5×AGS and ∼5.2×AGS respectively.
Remembering Desirable Futures? Civil Defence Memories and Everyday Life in Sweden and the UK
Authors: Cronqvist Marie , Grant Matthew
Published: December 2021

This chapter explores how the concept of sociotechnical imaginaries can be used to examine civil defence as remembered. In focus stand oral histories testifying to the entanglement of civil defence in everyday life. The chapter employs a historical ethnography approach, using interviews and questionnaires collected between 2006 and 2012 in Sweden and the UK. The analysis, which departs from the three themes of localities, temporalities and mediations, illustrates the value of a more ‘bottom-up’ approach and discusses how we may refine the sociotechnical imaginaries framework to incorporate at least some elements of the ‘fuzziness’ of everyday life. It shows how elements of everyday culture relate to processes of embedding, resistance and extension of civil defence in Sweden, the UK and beyond.
String correlators in AdS3 from FZZ duality
Authors: Giribet Gaston
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Motivated by recent works in which the FZZ duality plays an important role, we revisit the computation of correlation functions in the sine-Liouville field theory. We present a direct computation of the three-point function, the simplest to the best of our knowledge, and give expressions for the N-point functions in terms of integrated Liouville theory correlators. This leads us to discuss the relation to the $$ {H}_3^{+} $$

H
3
+

WZW-Liouville correspondence, especially in the case in which spectral flow is taken into account. We explain how these results can be used to study scattering amplitudes of winding string states in AdS3.
Evolution of magnetic properties during tempering
Authors: Akujärvi Ville , Cedell Tord , Gutnichenko Oleksandr , Jaskari Matias , Andersson Mats
Published: December 2021

Quality control in heat treatment of steel is often conducted after the treatment. Failure to confine within the specified range of mechanical properties may lead to wasted energy and production resources. Performing quality control in-line in the heat treatment process allows for early detection and possibility to react to changes in the process. The prospects of utilizing the change in the electromagnetic (EM) properties of steel, as means for quality control, are investigated in this paper. The focus is on the tempering process of hardened SS2244 (42CrMoS4) steel. The tempering takes the hardness of the steel from approximately 600 HV down to around 400 HV. The EM signature of the steel is recorded during the tempering process. This is later compared with results from more traditional means of material characterization, such as laser scanning microscopy, X-ray diffractometry and Vickers microhardness measurement. This initial study shows clear indications of precise detection of the hardness through EM properties during the tempering process of selected material.
Hemophagocytosis, hyper-inflammatory responses, and multiple organ damages in COVID-19-associated hyperferritinemia
Authors: Dong Guiying , Yu Jianbo , Gao Weibo , Guo Wei , Zhu Jihong , Wang Tianbing
Published: December 2021

Hyperferritinemia comes to light frequently in general practice. However, the characteristics of COVID-19-associated hyperferritinemia and the relationship with the prognosis were not well described. The retrospective study included 268 documented COVID-19 patients. They were divided into the hyperferritinemia group (≥ 500 µg/L) and the non-hyperferritinemia group (< 500 µg/L). The prevalence of fever and thrombocytopenia and the proportion of patients with mechanical ventilator support and in-hospital death were much higher in the hyperferritinemia group (P < 0.001). The hyperferritinemia patients showed higher median IL-6, D-dimer, and hsCRP (P < 0.001) and lowered FIB level (P = 0.036). The hyperferritinemia group had a higher proportion of patients with AKI, ARDS, and CSAC (P < 0.001). According to the multivariate analysis, age, chronic pulmonary disease, and hyperferritinemia were found to be significant independent predictors for in-hospital mortality [HR 1.041 (95% CI 1.015–1.068), P = 0.002; HR 0.427 (95% CI 0.206–0.882), P = 0.022; HR 6.176 (95% CI 2.447–15.587), P < 0.001, respectively]. The AUROC curve was 0.88, with a cut-off value of ≥ 971 µg/L. COVID-19 patients with hyperferritinemia had a high proportion of organ dysfunction, were more likely to show hyper-inflammation, progressed to hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, and indicated a higher proportion of death.
The outcome of patients with inflammatory bowel disease–associated colorectal cancer is not worse than that of patients with sporadic colorectal cancer–a matched-pair analysis of survival
Authors: Vitali Francesco , Wein Axel , Rath Timo , Eckstein Markus , Neufert Clemens , Siebler Jürgen , Atreya Raja , Hartmann Arndt , Hohenberger Werner , Weber Klaus , Neurath Markus Friedrich , Grützmann Robert , Merkel Susanne
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have an increased risk for colorectal cancer (CRC). In IBD patients, cancer is often diagnosed in advanced stages and conflicting data on survival compared to sporadic CRC have been reported. The aim of this study was to directly compare clinical characteristics and prognosis of patients with IBD-CRC and sporadic CRC.

Methods

The clinical and pathological data of 63 patients with IBD-CRC and 3710 patients with sporadic CRC treated at the University Hospital of Erlangen between 1995 and 2015 were compared. Forty-seven M0 patients with IBD were matched with sporadic CRC patients after curative resection (R0) according to tumor localization, stage, sex, and year of treatment. Overall and disease-free survival were compared.

Results

Sixty-three patients presented IBD-CRC. Fifty were affected with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 13 with Crohn’s disease (CD). CRC was diagnosed within 1.45 years since last endoscopic surveillance. Twelve patients (19%) had a diagnosis of primary sclerosing cholangitis. In matched analysis, IBD patients were diagnosed with CRC at younger age compared to sporadic CRC and were more likely to have right-sided CRC (40% versus 23.3%) and rare histological subtypes (19% versus 9.2%). No differences in 5-year overall (78.7 versus 80.9 months) and 5-year disease-free survival (74.5 versus 70.2 months) were noted.

Conclusion

IBD-CRC patients were younger and more frequently had right-sided carcinomas compared to sporadic CRC. CRC in IBD patients did not show survival difference compared to matched-pair sporadic CRC patients without distant metastases after curative resection. Surveillance might be important for early detection of CRC in IBD patients.
Improving morphological outcome in lamellar macular hole surgery by using highly concentrated autologous platelet-rich plasma
Authors: Hagenau Felix , Luft Nikolaus , Nobl Matthias , Vogt Denise , Klaas Julian E. , Schworm Benedikt , Siedlecki Jakob , Kreutzer Thomas C. , Priglinger Siegfried G.
Published: December 2021

Purpose

To evaluate the use of highly concentrated autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in lamellar macular hole (LMH) surgery with regard to function and morphology.

Methods

We included 12 eyes of 12 patients with progressive LMH in this interventional case series. After 23/25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy, 0.1ml highly concentrated autologous platelet-rich plasma was applied under air tamponade. Induction of posterior vitreous detachment and peeling of tractive epiretinal membranes were performed whenever present. Phacovitrectomy was undertaken in cases of phakic lens status. Postoperatively, all patients were instructed to rest in a supine position for the first two postoperative hours. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) testing, microperimetry, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), and fundus photography were carried out preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively.

Results

Foveal configuration was restored in 10 of 12 patients (83.3%) at 6 months postoperatively. Two patients who had not undergone ILM peeling showed a recurring defect at 6-month follow-up. Best-corrected visual acuity improved significantly from 0.29 ± 0.08 to 0.14 ± 0.13 logMAR (Wilcoxon: p=0.028). Microperimetry remained unchanged (23.38 ± 2.53 preoperatively; 23.0 ± 2.49 dB postoperatively; p=0.67). No patient experienced vision loss after surgery, and no significant intra- or postoperative complications occurred.

Conclusion

The application of PRP in the surgical therapy of LMH results in good morphological and functional outcomes. Additional peeling of the ILM seems to be mandatory when using PRP to prevent the recurrence of LMH. Strict postoperative supine positioning for 2 h avoids PRP dislocation. Larger sample sizes are needed to confirm the results.
Graft survival of Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) in corneal endothelial decompensation after glaucoma surgery
Authors: Schrittenlocher Silvia , Grass C. , Dietlein T. , Lappas A. , Matthaei M. , Cursiefen C. , Bachmann B.
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This study aims to assess the results, rebubbling rate, and graft survival after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) with regard to the number and type of previous glaucoma surgeries.

Methods

This is a clinical retrospective review of 1845 consecutive DMEK surgeries between 07/2011 and 08/2017 at the Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne. Sixty-six eyes were included: group 1 (eyes with previous glaucoma drainage devices (GDD); n = 27) and group 2 (eyes with previous trabeculectomy (TE); n = 39). Endothelial cell loss (ECL), central corneal thickness, graft failure, rebubbling rate, and best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) up to 3 years after DMEK were compared between subgroups of patients with different numbers of and the two most common types of glaucoma surgeries either GDD or TE or both.

Results

Re-DMEK rate due to secondary graft failure was 55.6% (15/27) in group 1 and 35.9% in group 2. The mean graft survival time in group 1 was 25 ± 11 months and 31.3 ± 8.6 months in group 2 (p = 0.009).

ECL in surviving grafts in group 1 was 35% (n = 13) at 6 months, 36% at 12 months (n = 8), and 27% (n = 4) at 2 years postoperatively. In group 2, ECL in surviving grafts was 41% (n = 10) at 6 months, 36% (n = 9) at 12 months, and 38% (n = 8) at 2 years postoperatively. Rebubbling rate in group 1 was 18.5% (5/27) and 35.9% (14/39) in group 2 (p = 0.079).

Conclusion

Eyes with previous GDD had no higher risk for an increased rebubbling rate but a higher risk for a re-DMEK due to secondary graft failure with a mean transplant survival time of about 2 years. Compared to eyes with preexisting glaucoma drainage device, eyes after trabeculectomy had less secondary graft failures and a longer mean graft survival rate.
Standardized single-incision plus one-port laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy: a safe alternative to the conventional procedure
Authors: Katagiri Hirokatsu , Nitta Hiroyuki , Takahara Takeshi , Hasegawa Yasushi , Kanno Syoji , Umemura Akira , Takeda Daiki , Makabe Kenji , Kikuchi Koji , Kimura Taku , Yanari Shingo , Sasaki Akira
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy (LLLS) is a feasible and safe procedure with a relatively smooth learning curve. However, single-incision LLLS requires extensive surgical experience and advanced techniques. The aim of this study is to report the standardized single-incision plus one-port LLLS (reduced port LLLS, RPLLLS) technique and evaluate its safety, feasibility, and effectiveness for junior surgeons.

Methods

Between January 2008 and November 2020, the clinical records of 49 patients who underwent LLLS, divided into the conventional LLLS (n = 37) and the RPLLLS group (n = 12), were retrospectively reviewed. The patient characteristics, pathologic results, and operative outcomes were evaluated.

Results

A history of previous abdominal surgery in the RPLLLS group was significantly high (56.8% vs. 91.7%, p = 0.552). Notably, junior surgeons performed 62.2% of the conventional LLLSs and 58.4% of the standardized RPLLLSs. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of median operative time (121.0 vs. 113.5, p = 0.387), median blood loss (13.0 vs. 8.5, p = 0.518), median length of hospital stays (7.0 vs. 7.0, p = 0.408), and morbidity rate (2.7% vs. 0%, p = 0.565), respectively.

Conclusion

This standardized RPLLLS is a feasible and safe alternative to conventional LLLS and may become the ideal training procedure for both junior surgeons and surgeons aiming to learn more complex procedures.
What makes a good prediction? Feature importance and beginning to open the black box of machine learning in genetics
Authors: Musolf Anthony M. , Holzinger Emily R. , Malley James D. , Bailey-Wilson Joan E.
Published: December 2021

Genetic data have become increasingly complex within the past decade, leading researchers to pursue increasingly complex questions, such as those involving epistatic interactions and protein prediction. Traditional methods are ill-suited to answer these questions, but machine learning (ML) techniques offer an alternative solution. ML algorithms are commonly used in genetics to predict or classify subjects, but some methods evaluate which features (variables) are responsible for creating a good prediction; this is called feature importance. This is critical in genetics, as researchers are often interested in which features (e.g., SNP genotype or environmental exposure) are responsible for a good prediction. This allows for the deeper analysis beyond simple prediction, including the determination of risk factors associated with a given phenotype. Feature importance further permits the researcher to peer inside the black box of many ML algorithms to see how they work and which features are critical in informing a good prediction. This review focuses on ML methods that provide feature importance metrics for the analysis of genetic data. Five major categories of ML algorithms: k nearest neighbors, artificial neural networks, deep learning, support vector machines, and random forests are described. The review ends with a discussion of how to choose the best machine for a data set. This review will be particularly useful for genetic researchers looking to use ML methods to answer questions beyond basic prediction and classification.
Quenched local central limit theorem for random walks in a time-dependent balanced random environment
Authors: Deuschel Jean-Dominique , Guo Xiaoqin
Published: December 2021

We prove a quenched local central limit theorem for continuous-time random walks in $${\mathbb {Z}}^d, d\ge 2$$

Z

d

,
d
≥
2

, in a uniformly-elliptic time-dependent balanced random environment which is ergodic under space-time shifts. We also obtain Gaussian upper and lower bounds for quenched and (positive and negative) moment estimates of the transition probabilities and asymptotics of the discrete Green’s function.
How can surgical skills in laparoscopic colon surgery be objectively assessed?—a scoping review
Authors: Haug Tora Rydtun , Ørntoft Mai-Britt Worm , Miskovic Danilo , Iversen Lene Hjerrild , Johnsen Søren Paaske , Madsen Anders Husted
Published: December 2021

Background

In laparoscopic colorectal surgery, higher technical skills have been associated with improved patient outcome. With the growing interest in laparoscopic techniques, pressure on surgeons and certifying bodies is mounting to ensure that operative procedures are performed safely and efficiently. The aim of the present review was to comprehensively identify tools for skill assessment in laparoscopic colon surgery and to assess their validity as reported in the literature.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted in EMBASE and PubMed/MEDLINE in May 2021 to identify studies examining technical skills assessment tools in laparoscopic colon surgery. Available information on validity evidence (content, response process, internal structure, relation to other variables, and consequences) was evaluated for all included tools.

Results

Fourteen assessment tools were identified, of which most were procedure-specific and video-based. Most tools reported moderate validity evidence. Commonly not reported were rater training, assessment correlation with variables other than training level, and validity reproducibility and reliability in external educational settings.

Conclusion

The results of this review show that several tools are available for evaluation of laparoscopic colon cancer surgery, but few authors present substantial validity for tool development and use. As we move towards the implementation of new techniques in laparoscopic colon surgery, it is imperative to establish validity before surgical skill assessment tools can be applied to new procedures and settings. Therefore, future studies ought to examine different aspects of tool validity, especially correlation with other variables, such as patient morbidity and pathological reports, which impact patient survival.
Amplified parallel antigen rapid test for point-of-care salivary detection of SARS-CoV-2 with improved sensitivity
Authors: Tng Danny Jian Hang , Yin Bryan Chu Yang , Cao Jing , Ko Kwan Ki Karrie , Goh Kenneth Choon Meng , Chua Delia Xue Wen , Zhang Yong , Chua Melvin Lee Kiang , Low Jenny Guek Hong , Ooi Eng Eong , Soo Khee Chee
Published: December 2021

In
the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, simple, rapid, point-of-care tests not requiring trained personnel for primary care testing are essential. Saliva-based antigen rapid tests (ARTs) can fulfil this need, but these tests require overnight-fasted samples; without which independent studies have demonstrated sensitivities of only 11.7 to 23.1%. Herein, we report an Amplified Parallel ART (AP-ART) with sensitivity above 90%, even with non-fasted samples. The virus was captured multimodally, using both anti-spike protein antibodies and Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) protein. It also featured two parallel flow channels. The first contained spike protein binding gold nanoparticles which produced a visible red line upon encountering the virus. The second contained signal amplifying nanoparticles that complex with the former and amplify the signal without any linker. Compared to existing dual gold amplification techniques, a limit of detection of one order of magnitude lower was achieved (0.0064 ng·mL–1). AP-ART performance in detecting SARS-CoV-2 in saliva of COVID-19 patients was investigated using a case–control study (139 participants enrolled and 162 saliva samples tested). Unlike commercially available ARTs, the sensitivity of AP-ART was maintained even when non-fasting saliva was used. Compared to the gold standard reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction testing on nasopharyngeal samples, non-fasting saliva tested on AP-ART showed a sensitivity of 97.0% (95% CI: 84.7–99.8); without amplification, the sensitivity was 72.7% (95% CI: 83.7–94.8). Thus, AP-ART has the potential to be developed for point-of-care testing, which may be particularly important in resource-limited settings, and for early diagnosis to initiate newly approved therapies to reduce COVID-19 severity.

Graphical abstract
Adapting k-means for graph clustering
Authors: Sieranoja Sami , Fränti Pasi
Published: December 2021

We propose two new algorithms for clustering graphs and networks. The first, called K‑algorithm, is derived directly from the k-means algorithm. It applies similar iterative local optimization but without the need to calculate the means. It inherits the properties of k-means clustering in terms of both good local optimization capability and the tendency to get stuck at a local optimum. The second algorithm, called the M-algorithm, gradually improves on the results of the K-algorithm to find new and potentially better local optima. It repeatedly merges and splits random clusters and tunes the results with the K-algorithm. Both algorithms are general in the sense that they can be used with different cost functions. We consider the conductance cost function and also introduce two new cost functions, called inverse internal weight and mean internal weight. According to our experiments, the M-algorithm outperforms eight other state-of-the-art methods. We also perform a case study by analyzing clustering results of a disease co-occurrence network, which demonstrate the usefulness of the algorithms in an important real-life application.
Developing a pragmatic evaluation of ICTs for older adults with cognitive impairment at scale: the IN LIFE experience
Authors: Astell A. J. , Panou M. , Touliou K. , Karavidopoulou Y. , Cabrera-Umpiérrez M. F. , Aldaz E. , Bizjak J. , Black B. , Buchholz M. , Mata J. Chamorro , Cossu-Ergecer F. , Debring S. , van-Weering M. Dekker , Ekström A. , Gams M. , Soler A. Garcia , Gradišek A. , Goljuf K. , Kaimakamis E. , Kaklanis N. , Kilintzis V. , Laakso K. , Maglaveras N. , Colomer J. B. Montalvá , Papageorgiou V. , Potter S. , Samuelsson C. , Smith S. K. , Tabak M.
Published: December 2021

Implementing information and communications technology (ICT) at scale requires evaluation processes to capture the impact on users as well as the infrastructure into which it is being introduced. For older adults living with cognitive impairment, this requires evaluation that can accommodate different levels of cognitive impairment, alongside input from family and formal caregivers, plus stakeholder organisations. The European Horizon 2020 project INdependent LIving support Functions for the Elderly (IN LIFE) set out to integrate 17 technologies into a single digital platform for older people living with cognitive impairment plus their families, care providers and stakeholders. The IN LIFE evaluation took place across six national pilot sites to examine a number of variables including impact on the users, user acceptance of the individual services and the overall platform, plus the economic case for the IN LIFE platform. The results confirmed the interest and need among older adults, family caregivers, formal caregivers and stakeholders, for information and communications technology (ICT). Relative to the baseline, quality of life improved and cognition stabilised; however, there was an overall reluctance to pay for the platform. The findings provide insights into existing barriers and challenges for adoption of ICT for older people living with cognitive impairment.
How preferences shape the welfare and employment effects of trade
Authors: Egger Hartmut , Habermeyer Simone
Published: December 2021

We set up a trade model with two countries, two sectors, and one production factor, which features a home-market effect due to the existence of trade costs. We consider search frictions and firm-level wage bargaining in the sector producing differentiated goods and a perfectly competitive labor market in the sector producing a homogeneous good. Consumers have price-independent generalized-linear preferences over the two types of goods, covering homothetic and quasi-homothetic preferences as two limiting cases. Due to the specific functional forms of indirect utility, homothetic preferences lead to risk aversion, while quasi-homothetic preferences lead to risk neutrality in our model. We show that trade between two countries that differ in their population size leads to an expansion of the differentiated goods sector and a contraction of the homogeneous good sector in the larger economy. This induces the larger country to net-export differentiated goods at the cost of a higher economy-wide rate of unemployment in the open economy (with the effects reversed for the smaller country). The welfare effects of trade depend on the preference structure. Looking at the two limiting cases, we show that the larger country is likely to benefit from trade if preferences are homothetic, whereas losses from trade are possible if preferences are quasi-homothetic. The opposite is true in the smaller country. This reveals an important role of preferences for the welfare effects of trade in the presence of labor market imperfection, a result we further elaborate on by considering more general preferences as well as differences of countries in their per-capita income levels.
Assessment of regularization techniques in GNSS tropospheric tomography based on single- and dual-frequency observations
Authors: Adavi Zohreh , Weber Robert , Glaner Marcus Franz
Published: December 2021

Water vapor is one of the most variable components in the earth's atmosphere and has a significant role in forming clouds, rain and snow, air pollution, and acid rain. Therefore, increasing the accuracy of estimated water vapor can lead to more accurate predictions of severe weather, upcoming storms, and natural hazards. In recent years, GNSS has turned out to be a valuable tool for remotely sensing the atmosphere. In this context, GNSS tomography evolved to an extremely promising technique to reconstruct the spatiotemporal structure of the troposphere. However, locating dual-frequency (DF) receivers with a spatial resolution of a few tens of kilometers sufficient for GNSS tomography is not economically feasible. Therefore, in this research, the feasibility of using single-frequency (SF) observations in GNSS tomography as an alternative approach has been investigated. The algebraic reconstruction technique (ART) and the total variation (TV) method are examined to reconstruct a regularized solution. The accuracy of the reconstructed water vapor distribution model using low-cost receivers is verified by radiosonde measurements in the area of the EPOSA (Echtzeit Positionierung Austria) GNSS network, which is mostly located in the east part of Austria for the period DoY 232–245, 2019. The results indicate that irrespective of the investigated ART and TV techniques, the quality of the reconstructed wet refractivity field is comparable for both SF and DF schemes. However, in the SF scheme the MAE with respect to the radiosonde measurements for ART + NWM and ART + TV can reach up to 10 ppm during noontime. Despite that, all statistical results demonstrate the degradation of the retrieved wet refractivity field of only 10–40% when applying the SF scheme in the presence of the initial guess.
Financing climate justice in the European Union and China: common mechanisms, different perspectives
Authors: Minas Stephen
Published: December 2021

Climate justice is a concept with many different and competing interpretations. It has salience at intra-country, inter-country and intergenerational levels of climate politics. While inter-country climate justice has long been on the agenda of United Nations climate negotiations, the intra-country and intergenerational aspects of climate justice have assumed new prominence in many countries in recent years, as the economic consequences of mitigation became felt and transnational activism highlighted youth concerns. The diverse elements of and approaches to climate justice have this in common: realising them requires massive financial interventions and reforms. This article examines the still emerging frameworks to finance climate justice in two of the jurisdictions most important to the global response to climate change: the European Union and the People’s Republic of China. The EU and China have in common that they are both on the front line of financial innovation to respond to climate change. They are utilising similar tools of systemic financial intervention in order to transition financing to climate-friendly investment, in the first case domestically, but with clear implications for global financial markets. However, the EU and China are utilising climate financing mechanisms in the context of very different prevailing perspectives on climate justice. This article interrogates the relationship between these different perspectives on climate justice and the distribution, scale and pace of climate finance. The article also observes that while the EU incorporated climate justice considerations in its economic responses to the COVID-19 pandemic with a recovery package prioritising climate action, China did not take the opportunity to foster a ‘green recovery’.
Antecedents for blockchain technology-enabled sustainable agriculture supply chain
Authors: Nayal Kirti , Raut Rakesh D. , Narkhede Balkrishna E. , Priyadarshinee Pragati , Panchal Gajanan B. , Gedam Vidyadhar V.
Published: December 2021

Blockchain can solve the problems that the agriculture supply chain (ASC) is facing to achieve sustainable growth. In a nation like India, blockchain application in the supply chain is still new; therefore, supply chain players need a better understanding and awareness of blockchain through valuable insights. This article aims to study the mediating role of blockchain technology adoption (BLCT) for sustainable supply chain performance (SSCP). This study investigates the influence of numerous factors such as green and lean practices, supply chain integration, supply chain risk, performance expectancy, top management support, cost, internal and external environmental conditions, regulatory support, and innovation capability on BLCT adoption. A sample of 316 respondents from Indian ASC industries was collected, and structural equation modeling (SEM) was used. This study's outcomes show that green and lean practices, supply chain integration, supply chain risks, internal and external conditions, regulatory support, innovation capability, and cost positively influence BLCT adoption. Moreover, BLCT positively influences sustainable agriculture supply chain performance. This article is valuable for policymakers, managers, service providers, researchers, and academicians to understand the role of factors in influencing BLCT and BLCT's role in improving sustainable supply chain performance (SSCP).
Characterization of steel billet scales generated during the continuous casting process in SIDERPERU steel plant
Authors: Borja-Castro L. E. , Bustamante Dominguez A. , Valerio-Cuadros M. I. , Valencia-Bedregal R. A. , Cabrera-Tinoco H. A. , Espinoza Suarez S. M. , Kargin J. , Moreno N. O. , Barnes C. H. W. , Valladares L. De Los Santos
Published: December 2021

Tons of waste is produced during iron steel’s industrial production, creating environmental pollution. This work aims to characterize the steel scale formed on the billet surface during the last step of steel production in the SIDERPERU steel plant. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) shows stacked layers one above the other on steel billets scales surface. Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) reveal the high content of Fe and O, with Ca, Si, Mn, and Cr as minority elemental compounds. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) shows FeO, α-Fe2O3 and Fe3O4 as crystallographic phases. Magnetometry reveals Verwey transition and paramagnetic signals that screen the Morin transition. Mössbauer Spectroscopy at room temperature displays magnetic and non-magnetic parts. The non-magnetic part has the hyperfine parameters corresponding to predominant nonstoichiometric wustite. Octahedral (Fe+2/Fe3+) and tetrahedral Fe+3 hyperfine fields of 46.0 and 49.4 T values respectively are associated to nonstoichiometric magnetite and another sextet with a hyperfine field of 52.0 T is related to hematite.
Oviposition behaviour and emergence through time of the small blue butterfly (Cupido minimus) in a nature reserve in Bedfordshire, UK
Authors: Ashe-Jepson Esme , Bladon Andrew J. , Herbert Greg , Hitchcock Gwen E. , Knock Richard , Lucas Colin B. H. , Luke Sarah H. , Turner Edgar C.
Published: December 2021

Climate change affects butterflies in many ways, influencing the timing of emergence and reproduction, habitat preferences, and behaviour. The small blue (Cupido minimusFuessley, 1775) is highly specialised in its host plant requirements, feeding on the seeds of a single species, kidney vetch (Anthyllis vulneraria), on which the larvae occur singly to avoid cannibalism. The butterfly is likely to be vulnerable to temperature-related changes in oviposition, adult emergence, and host plant flowering times, and is, therefore, a good model species for investigating climate change-related impacts. Using 26 years of data from the national UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme (1993–2019) from one nature reserve, and 4 years of targeted egg searches (2006, 2007, 2008, 2020) from three reserves in Bedfordshire, UK, we investigated the effects of local temperature on small blue emergence date and total abundance, whether flowerhead or local environmental characteristics predicted small blue oviposition behaviour, and whether this changed between years. Small blue adults emerged on earlier dates over time, and earlier in years with higher maximum February temperatures. Total adult abundance was not predicted by monthly temperatures or total abundance in the previous year. Oviposition behaviour was broadly consistent across years, with egg presence more likely and egg abundance higher on kidney vetch flowerheads that were taller than the surrounding vegetation, and surrounded by taller vegetation and fewer mature flowerheads. The effect of solar radiation differed between years, with a negative effect on the probability of egg presence in 2007 and 2008, but a positive effect in 2020. Egg abundance per flowerhead was highly variable between years, with 2006 having four times more eggs per flowerhead than other years. This was likely driven by high adult abundance in 2006, which could have increased competition for flowerheads.

Implications for insect conservation

Our results indicate that management for greater availability of taller kidney vetch amongst taller vegetation would encourage small blue oviposition on a greater number of flowerheads, providing a possible means of reducing competition and increasing larval survival, and that this would be effective despite variation in adult abundance between years. The high level of competition we observed in the year with the highest adult abundance indicates that higher numbers of host plants should be encouraged to reduce competition and larval cannibalism in peak years, increasing the likelihood of long-term population persistence and growth.
Phenomena-centered Text Analysis (PTA): a new approach to foster the qualitative paradigm in text analysis
Authors: Krikser Thomas , Jahnke Benedikt
Published: December 2021

Content or text analysis is one of the most common evaluation methods employed in qualitative research. Despite its wide application, however, a clear structure of how such evaluation should be conducted is often lacking due to the complexity of qualitative data. As a consequence, highly differentiated category systems with small-step subdivisions of categories and sub-categories are often used, leading to a loss of context both among categories and for the content as a whole. The aim of this paper is to describe the Phenomena-centered Text Analysis (PTA) as a novel form of qualitative text analysis, which takes these shortcomings into account by focusing on text-inherent phenomena. These phenomena are identified in two preceding quantitative analysis steps that identifying overlapping coding for subsequently qualitative analysis. We explain the structured code- and context-based approach of this new method and demonstrate its application with an empirical example. The PTA contributes to an increasing demand of qualitative methods especially for small-scale projects that need a structured kind of qualitative data analysis.
Finite-sample properties of estimators for first and second order autoregressive processes
Authors: Sørbye Sigrunn H. , Nicolau Pedro G. , Rue Håvard
Published: December 2021

The class of autoregressive (AR) processes is extensively used to model temporal dependence in observed time series. Such models are easily available and routinely fitted using freely available statistical software like . A potential problem is that commonly applied estimators for the coefficients of AR processes are severely biased when the time series are short. This paper studies the finite-sample properties of well-known estimators for the coefficients of stationary AR(1) and AR(2) processes and provides bias-corrected versions of these estimators which are quick and easy to apply. The new estimators are constructed by modeling the relationship between the true and originally estimated AR coefficients using weighted orthogonal polynomial regression, taking the sampling distribution of the original estimators into account. The finite-sample distributions of the new bias-corrected estimators are approximated using transformations of skew-normal densities, combined with a Gaussian copula approximation in the AR(2) case. The properties of the new estimators are demonstrated by simulations and in the analysis of a real ecological data set. The estimators are easily available in our accompanying -package for AR(1) and AR(2) processes of length 10–50, both giving bias-corrected coefficient estimates and corresponding confidence intervals.