bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Asian stock markets, a decade after global recession, coupled or decoupled?
Authors: T. G. Saji
Published: July 2021

This paper examines the dynamics of price integration among Asian financial markets during the postfinancial crisis period. We employ the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds test to analyze the long‐run relationships, and the nonlinear ARDL (NARDL) test to explore asymmetries in the stock price behavior. The cointegration results could not produce any conclusive evidence of long‐run relations between stock markets. The estimated NARDL model affirms the presence of asymmetries in the stock price behavior. Namely, in the long run, we find a significant relation among stock price decreases of some markets while the long‐run relations among price increases are almost absent. Furthermore, in the short run, only negative changes in the stock price exert significant influences on the price performance of peers. This study improves the previous research in the area by testing the asymmetric effects of stock price integration on portfolio optimizations for global investors.
Influence of the hydrophilicity of montmorillonite on structure and properties of thermoplastic wheat starch/montmorillonite bionanocomposites
Authors: Derungs Irene , Rico Maite , López Joaquín , Barral Luis , Montero Belén , Bouza Rebeca
Published: July 2021

The increasing environmental pollution with petroleum‐based plastics has advanced research on biodegradable polymers. Thermoplastic starch (TPS) is one promising candidate due to wide availability from various renewable sources, low cost and biodegradability. However, TPS has significant shortcomings, as high water sensitivity and low mechanical properties. An approach to overcome these drawbacks is adding nanofillers as reinforcement of the starch matrix. Among the nanofillers, montmorillonite clays have the advantages of a wide availability, low cost, versatility and environmental friendliness. Bionanocomposites based on wheat starch plasticized with glycerol and reinforced with three types of montmorillonite nanoclays, one natural (Cloisite Na+) and two organomodified (Cloisite 30B and Cloisite 10A), were prepared by melt processing. The effect of nanoclay type and amount on processing properties, thermal stability, dynamic mechanical properties and water absorption was widely investigated. The properties strongly depended on the dispersion state of the nanoclay in the TPS matrix. The dispersion improved with the hydrophilicity of the nanoclay. Cloisite Na+, the most hydrophilic nanoclay, was the most effective in reinforcing TPS, improving the thermal stability and the dynamic mechanical properties, and showing a greater resistance to water absorption in normal humidity environments. Bionanocomposites of TPS andCloisite Na+ can be a good alternative for use in packaging applications.
Synthesis and characterization of multiarm (Benzoin‐PS)m‐polyDVB star polymer as a polymeric photoinitiator for polymerization of acrylates and methacrylates
Authors: Esen Duygu Sevinc , Cakir Yigit Nese , Tunca Umit , Hizal Gurkan , Arsu Nergis
Published: July 2021

In this study, a new benzoin‐based multi‐arm star polymer was synthesized by using ATRP, and characterization was achieved by spectrophotometric and chromatographic methods. Obtained multiarm (Benzoin‐PS)m‐polyDVB star polymer was employed as a polymeric photoinitiator for polymerization of methacrylates and acrylates. Photophysical properties of this initiator were determined by fluorescence and phosphorescence measurements, the phosphorescence lifetime was calculated as 29 ms hence the lowest triplet state nature was n‐π* character, and laser flash photolysis technique was additionally used to get more information about triplet state and triplet lifetime which was calculated as 1.34 ms. Photokinetics of difunctional acrylate such as HDDA was studied with a multi‐arm (Benzoin‐PS)m‐polyDVB star polymeric initiator using Photo‐DSC.
Testicular disposition of clofarabine in rats is dependent on equilibrative nucleoside transporters
Authors: Miller Siennah R. , Jilek Joseph L. , McGrath Meghan E. , Hau Raymond K. , Jennings Erin Q. , Galligan James J. , Wright Stephen H. , Cherrington Nathan J.
Published: July 2021

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common cancer in children and adolescents. Although the 5‐year survival rate is high, some patients respond poorly to chemotherapy or have recurrence in locations such as the testis. The blood–testis barrier (BTB) can prevent complete eradication by limiting chemotherapeutic access and lead to testicular relapse unless a chemotherapeutic is a substrate of drug transporters present at this barrier. Equilibrative nucleoside transporter (ENT) 1 and ENT2 facilitate the movement of substrates across the BTB. Clofarabine is a nucleoside analog used to treat relapsed or refractory ALL. This study investigated the role of ENTs in the testicular disposition of clofarabine. Pharmacological inhibition of the ENTs by 6‐nitrobenzylthioinosine (NBMPR) was used to determine ENT contribution to clofarabine transport in primary rat Sertoli cells, in human Sertoli cells, and across the rat BTB. The presence of NBMPR decreased clofarabine uptake by 40% in primary rat Sertoli cells (p = .0329) and by 53% in a human Sertoli cell line (p = .0899). Rats treated with 10 mg/kg intraperitoneal (IP) injection of the NBMPR prodrug, 6‐nitrobenzylthioinosine 5′‐monophosphate (NBMPR‐P), or vehicle, followed by an intravenous (IV) bolus 10 mg/kg dose of clofarabine, showed a trend toward a lower testis concentration of clofarabine than vehicle (1.81 ± 0.59 vs. 2.65 ± 0.92 ng/mg tissue; p = .1160). This suggests that ENTs could be important for clofarabine disposition. Clofarabine may be capable of crossing the human BTB, and its potential use as a first‐line treatment to avoid testicular relapse should be considered.
Identifying the core concepts of pharmacology education
Authors: White Paul J. , Davis Elizabeth A. , Santiago Marina , Angelo Tom , Shield Alison , Babey Anna‐Marie , Kemp‐Harper Barbara , Maynard Gregg , Al‐Sallami Hesham S. , Musgrave Ian F. , Fernandes Lynette B. , Ngo Suong N. T. , Hinton Tina
Published: July 2021

Pharmacology education currently lacks an agreed knowledge curriculum. Evidence from physics and biology education indicates that core concepts are useful and effective structures around which such a curriculum can be designed to facilitate student learning. Building on previous work, we developed a novel, criterion‐based method to identify the core concepts of pharmacology education. Five novel criteria were developed, based on a literature search, to separate core concepts in pharmacology from topics and facts. Core concepts were agreed to be big ideas, enduring, difficult, applicable across contexts, and useful to solve problems. An exploratory survey of 33 pharmacology educators from Australia and New Zealand produced 109 terms, which were reduced to a working list of 26 concepts during an online workshop. Next, an expert group of 12 educators refined the working list to 19 concepts, by applying the five criteria and consolidating synonyms, and added three additional concepts that emerged during discussions. A confirmatory survey of a larger group resulted in 17 core concepts of pharmacology education. This list may be useful for educators to evaluate existing curricula, design new curricula, and to inform the development of a concept inventory to test attainment of the core concepts in pharmacology.
An External Quantum Efficiency Model of Organic Phototransistors Excluding Photocurrent Amplification Effect
Authors: Li Yao , Pan Miao , Wang Zaixing , Wu Rong , Zhang Caizhen , Liu Chunjuan
Published: July 2021

Organic phototransistors (OPTs) are expected to be excellent photodetectors. Currently, the commonly used external quantum efficiency (EQE) of OPTs is equal to the ratio of the number of the photogenerated electrons or holes contributing to photocurrent to that of incident photons. The EQE values calculated by this way are often larger than 100%, which cannot reflect the real photoelectric conversion (PEC) capability of OPTs. The reason for this is that both PEC and non‐PEC current components exist in the photocurrent of OPTs, and the PEC photocurrent component is amplified by the non‐PEC one (that is, a photocurrent amplification (PA) effect). Herein, a basic model for OPTs’ EQE* that excludes the PA effect is proposed based on the PEC process of OPTs. With it, the EQE* models for both single active layer and planar heterojunction OPTs are established, and the EQE* values of them are estimated.
Nonlinear Hall Effect with Time‐Reversal Symmetry: Theory and Material Realizations
Authors: Ortix Carmine
Published: July 2021

The appearance of a Hall conductance necessarily requires breaking of time‐reversal symmetry, either by an external magnetic field or by the internal magnetization of a material. As a second response, however, Hall dissipationless transverse currents can appear even in time‐reversal symmetric conditions provided the material is non‐centrosymmetric. This non‐linear Hall effect has a quantum origin: it is related to the geometric properties of the electronic wavefunctions and encoded in the dipole moment of the Berry curvature. Here, the general theory underpinning this effect is reviewed and various material platforms where non‐linear Hall transverse responses have been found are discussed. On the theoretical front, the link between the non‐linear Hall effect and the Berry curvature dipole is discussed using Boltzmann transport theory. On the material front, different platforms, including topological crystalline insulators, transition metal dichalcogenides, graphene, and Weyl semimetals are reviewed.
Monte Carlo simulations of pure tungsten and advanced “smart” tungsten alloys under helium bombardment for future fusion power plants
Authors: Laaziz Zahira , Guennoun Asmae , Fechtal Imad , Moultif Rachida , Salama Latifa , Dezairi Aouatif
Published: July 2021

Self‐passivating tungsten‐based alloys may provide a major safety advantage in comparison with pure tungsten, which is presently the main candidate material for the plasma‐facing protection of future fusion power reactors. Advanced “smart” tungsten‐based alloys adjust their properties to the environment: during the plasma operation, preferential sputtering will form almost pure tungsten surface facing the plasma. In case of an accident, the remaining alloying elements form a protective layer, preventing tungsten mobilization. The major challenge in such a scenario is to suppress the sublimation which is responsible for a release of radioactivity. Subsequent oxidation confirmed superior oxidation resistance that is to say resistance to sputtering of advanced “smart” tungsten‐based alloys compared with pure tungsten (W). In this work, we study an alloy containing tungsten (W), chromium (Cr), silicon (Si), titanium (Ti), and yttrium (Y). We have applied the Monte Carlo SRIM‐2013 simulation program to calculate the sputtering yields, number of vacancies, and backscattering yields of the first wall of pure tungsten (W) and advances “smart” tungsten‐based alloys (W‐Cr, W‐Si, W‐Cr‐Si, W‐Cr‐Ti, and W‐Cr‐Y) by helium ion bombardment. It is found that the sputtering yields of advanced “smart” tungsten alloys are very low than that of pure (W) at each incident energy and incidence angle. On the other hand, the sputtering yield depends on the properties of both the incident particle and the target.
Effect of the molecular weight on the depth profiling of PMMA thin films using low‐energy Cs+ sputtering
Authors: Ben Hadj Mabrouk Amal , Licitra Christophe , Chateauminois Antoine , Veillerot Marc
Published: July 2021

In this work, we investigate the influence of the molecular weight of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) thin films coated on silicon wafer on the time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS) sputtering mechanisms and kinetics during depth profiling using low‐energy monoatomic caesium ions. The sputtering yield volumes are determined as function of molecular weight, film thickness and beam energy. The results show that the sputtering yield volume decreases with increasing molecular weight Mw down to a threshold value below which it becomes nearly constant, as previously observed with argon cluster ions. The relevance of physical parameters such as the glass transition temperature Tg—determined here from ellipsometry measurements—and the entanglement of the polymer chains to account for this behaviour is discussed. The variation of the sputtering yield was also found to vary logarithmically with the primary beam energy. In addition, preliminary experiments carried out using a low molecular weight PMMA (4 kg/mol) evidenced a nanoconfinement effect similar to that observed with argon cluster sputtering but of lower magnitude.
Performance Limitations of Wide‐Gap (Ag,Cu)(In,Ga)Se2 Thin‐Film Solar Cells
Authors: Keller Jan , Pearson Patrick , Shariati Nilsson Nina , Stolt Olof , Stolt Lars , Edoff Marika
Published: July 2021

The effect of absorber stoichiometry in (Ag,Cu)(In,Ga)Se2 (ACIGS) solar cells with bandgaps (Eg) > 1.40 eV is studied on a large sample set. It is confirmed that moving away in composition from ternary AgGaSe2 by simultaneous reduction in Ga and Ag content widens the chalcopyrite single‐phase region and thereby reduces the amount of ordered vacancy compounds (OVCs). As a consequence, a distortion in current−voltage characteristics, ascribed to OVCs at the back contact, can be successfully avoided. A clear anticorrelation between open‐circuit voltage (VOC) and short‐circuit current density (JSC) is detected with varying absorber stoichiometry, showing decreasing VOC and increasing JSC values for [I]/[III] > 0.9. Capacitance profiling reveals that the absorber doping gradually decreases toward stoichiometric composition, eventually leading to complete depletion. It is observed that only such fully depleted samples exhibit perfect carrier collection, evidencing a very low diffusion length in wide‐gap ACIGS films. The results indicate that OVCs at the surface play a minor or passive role for device performance. Finally, a solar cell with VOC = 0.916 V at Eg = 1.46 eV is measured, which is, to the best of our knowledge, the highest value reported for this bandgap to date.
Biomedical Applicable Cellulose Fabric Modified with Zirconium‐Based Metal‐Organic Frameworks (Zr‐MOFs)
Authors: Rezaee Reihane , Montazer Majid , Mianehro Ali , Mahmoudirad Mahnaz
Published: July 2021

Zirconium‐based metal‐organic frameworks (Zr‐MOFs) have been synthesized onto diverse substrates however thermal and acidic conditions of synthesis processing impair or carbonize the polysaccharide based substrate. Also, MOF‐coated polysaccharides usually show poor mechanical properties and instability in aqueous conditions unsuitable for biomedical applications. There is no report on the synthesis of MOFs on cellulosic substrate to preserve intactness. Here, an optimized Zr‐MOFs synthesis method on cotton fabric is introduced to prepare a biomedically applicable Zr‐MOFs modified cellulosic fabric. The resultant fabric demonstrates an absolute wash durability with enhanced hydrophilicity and better mechanical properties with higher Zr‐MOFs content. The treated fabric shows 787% and 2105% improvement in absorption capacity for Salvia officinalis (SO) and Calendula officinalis (CO) extracts and the release kinetic model of diffusion mechanism. Cotton‐MOF‐SO and Cotton‐MOF‐CO confirm antibacterial activity of 99.2% and 37.4% against Escherichia coli and 19.9% and 35.3% against Staphylococcus aureus. Finally, the cotton‐MOF‐CO can be considered as a biocompatible material however cotton‐MOF‐SO exhibits high toxicity signifying its potentiality for inducing death to cancer cells.
Standard Model prediction of the Bc lifetime
Authors: Aebischer Jason , Grinstein Benjamín
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Applying an operator product expansion approach we update the Standard Model prediction of the Bc lifetime from over 20 years ago. The non-perturbative velocity expansion is carried out up to third order in the relative velocity of the heavy quarks. The scheme dependence is studied using three different mass schemes for the $$ \overline{b} $$

b
¯

and c quarks, resulting in three different values consistent with each other and with experiment. Special focus has been laid on renormalon cancellation in the computation. Uncertainties resulting from scale dependence, neglecting the strange quark mass, non-perturbative matrix elements and parametric uncertainties are discussed in detail. The resulting uncertainties are still rather large compared to the experimental ones, and therefore do not allow for clear-cut conclusions concerning New Physics effects in the Bc decay.
Infrared effects in the late stages of black hole evaporation
Authors: Flanagan Éanna É.
Published: July 2021

Abstract

As a black hole evaporates, each outgoing Hawking quantum carries away some of the black holes asymptotic charges associated with the extended Bondi-Metzner-Sachs group. These include the Poincaré charges of energy, linear momentum, intrinsic angular momentum, and orbital angular momentum or center-of-mass charge, as well as extensions of these quantities associated with supertranslations and super-Lorentz transformations, namely supermomentum, superspin and super center-of-mass charges (also known as soft hair). Since each emitted quantum has fluctuations that are of order unity, fluctuations in the black hole’s charges grow over the course of the evaporation. We estimate the scale of these fluctuations using a simple model. The results are, in Planck units: (i) The black hole position has a uncertainty of $$ \sim {M}_i^2 $$
∼

M
i
2

at late times, where Mi is the initial mass (previously found by Page). (ii) The black hole mass M has an uncertainty of order the mass M itself at the epoch when M ∼ $$ {M}_i^{2/3} $$

M
i

2
/
3

, well before the Planck scale is reached. Correspondingly, the time at which the evaporation ends has an uncertainty of order $$ \sim {M}_i^2 $$
∼

M
i
2

. (iii) The supermomentum and superspin charges are not independent but are determined from the Poincaré charges and the super center-of-mass charges. (iv) The supertranslation that characterizes the super center-of-mass charges has fluctuations at multipole orders l of order unity that are of order unity in Planck units. At large l, there is a power law spectrum of fluctuations that extends up to l ∼ $$ {M}_i^2/M $$

M
i
2

/
M
, beyond which the fluctuations fall off exponentially, with corresponding total rms shear tensor fluctuations ∼ MiM−3/2.
Salt tolerance in rice: seedling and reproductive stage QTL mapping come of age
Authors: Singh Rakesh Kumar , Kota Suneetha , Flowers Timothy J.
Published: July 2021

Key message

Reproductive stage salinity tolerance is most critical for rice as it determines the yield under stress. Few studies have been undertaken for this trait as phenotyping was cumbersome, but new methodology outlined in this review seeks to redress this deficiency. Sixty-three meta-QTLs, the most important genomic regions to target for enhancing salinity tolerance, are reported.

Although rice has been categorized as a salt-sensitive crop, it is not equally affected throughout its growth, being most sensitive at the seedling and reproductive stages. However, a very poor correlation exists between sensitivity at these two stages, which suggests that the effects of salt are determined by different mechanisms and sets of genes (QTLs) in seedlings and during flowering. Although tolerance at the reproductive stage is arguably the more important, as it translates directly into grain yield, more than 90% of publications on the effects of salinity on rice are limited to the seedling stage. Only a few studies have been conducted on tolerance at the reproductive stage, as phenotyping is cumbersome. In this review, we list the varieties of rice released for salinity tolerance traits, those being commercially cultivated in salt-affected soils and summarize phenotyping methodologies. Since further increases in tolerance are needed to maintain future productivity, we highlight work on phenotyping for salinity tolerance at the reproductive stage. We have constructed an exhaustive list of the 935 reported QTLs for salinity tolerance in rice at the seedling and reproductive stages. We illustrate the chromosome locations of 63 meta-QTLs (with 95% confidence interval) that indicate the most important genomic regions for salt tolerance in rice. Further study of these QTLs should enhance our understanding of salt tolerance in rice and, if targeted, will have the highest probability of success for marker-assisted selections.
Circulation adjustment in the Arctic and Atlantic in response to Greenland and Antarctic mass loss
Authors: Berk J. van den , Drijfhout S. S. , Hazeleger W.
Published: July 2021

Following a high-end projection for mass loss from the Greenland and Antarctic ice-sheets, a freshwater forcing was applied to the ocean surface in the coupled climate model EC-Earthv2.2 to study the response to meltwater release assuming an RCP8.5 emission scenario. The meltwater forcing results in an overall freshening of the Atlantic that is dominated by advective changes, strongly enhancing the freshening due to dilution by Greenland meltwater release. The strongest circulation change occurs in the western North Atlantic subpolar gyre and in the gyre in the Nordic Seas, leaving the North Atlantic subpolar gyre the region where most advective salt export occurs. Associated with counteracting changes in both gyre systems, the response of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation is rather weak over the 190 years of the experiment; it reduces with only 1 Sv ($$= 10^6$$

=

10
6

m $$^3$$

3

s $$^{-1}$$

-
1

), compared to changes in the subpolar gyre of 5 Sv. This relative insensitivity of the AMOC to the forcing is attributed to enhanced convection in the Nordic Seas and stronger overflows that compensate reduced convection in the Labrador and Irminger Seas, and lead to higher sea surface temperatures (SSTs) in the former and lower SSTs in the latter region. The weakened subpolar gyre in the west also shifts the North Atlantic Current and the subpolar-subtropical gyre boundary; with the subtropical gyre expanding, and the western subpolar gyre contracting. The SST changes are associated with obduction of Atlantic waters in the Nordic Seas that would otherwise obduct in the western subpolar gyre. The anomalous SSTs also induce a coupled ocean-atmosphere feedback that further strengthens the Nordic Seas circulation and weakens the western subpolar gyre. This occurs because the anomalous SST-gradient enhances the westerlies, especially between 65$$^{\circ }$$

∘

N and 70$$^{\circ }$$

∘

N; the associated increase in windstress curl consequently enhances the gyre in the Nordic Seas. This feedback is driven by the Greenland mass loss; Antarctic meltwater discharge causes a weaker, opposite response and more particularly affects the South Atlantic salinity budget through northward advection of low-salinity waters from the Southern Ocean. This effect, however, becomes visible only hundred years after the onset of Antarctic mass loss. We conclude that the response to freshwater forcing from both ice caps can lead to a complex response in the Atlantic circulation systems with opposing effects in different subbasins. The relative strength of the response is time-dependent and largely governed by internal feedbacks; the forcing acts mainly as a trigger and is decoupled from the response.
Differential metabolism of choline supplements in adult volunteers
Authors: Böckmann Katrin A. , Franz Axel R. , Minarski Michaela , Shunova Anna , Maiwald Christian A. , Schwarz Julian , Gross Maximilian , Poets Christian F. , Bernhard Wolfgang
Published: July 2021

Background

Adequate intake of choline is essential for growth and homeostasis, but its supply does often not meet requirements. Choline deficiency decreases phosphatidylcholine (PC) and betaine synthesis, resulting in organ pathology, especially of liver, lung, and brain. This is of particular clinical importance in preterm infants and cystic fibrosis patients. We compared four different choline supplements for their impact on plasma concentration and kinetics of choline, betaine as a methyl donor and trimethylamine oxide (TMAO) as a marker of bacterial degradation prior to absorption.

Methods

Prospective randomized cross-over study (1/2020–4/2020) in six healthy adult men. Participants received a single dose of 550 mg/d choline equivalent in the form of choline chloride, choline bitartrate, α-glycerophosphocholine (GPC), and egg-PC in randomized sequence at least 1 week apart. Blood was taken from t = − 0.1–6 h after supplement intake. Choline, betaine, TMAO, and total PC concentrations were analyzed by tandem mass spectrometry. Results are shown as medians and interquartile range.

Results

There was no difference in the AUC of choline plasma concentrations after intake of the different supplements. Individual plasma kinetics of choline and betaine differed and concentrations peaked latest for PC (at ≈3 h). All supplements similarly increased plasma betaine. All water-soluble supplements rapidly increased TMAO, whereas egg-PC did not.

Conclusion

All supplements tested rapidly increased choline and betaine levels to a similar extent, with egg-PC showing the latest peak. Assuming that TMAO may have undesirable effects, egg-PC might be best suited for choline supplementation in adults.

Study registration

This study was registered at “Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien” (DRKS) (German Register for Clinical Studies), 17.01.2020, DRKS00020454.
The effect of fertility-sparing surgery on sexuality and global quality of life in women with malignant ovarian germ cell and sex cord stromal tumors: an analysis of the CORSETT database of the AGO study group
Authors: Hasenburg Annette , Plett Hellmut , Krämer Bernhard , Braicu Elena , Czogalla Bastian , Bossart Michaela , Singer Susanne , Mayr Doris , Staebler Annette , du Bois Andreas , Kommoss Stefan , Link Theresa , Burges Alexander , Heitz Florian , Keul Jacqueline , Trillsch Fabian , Harter Philipp , Wimberger Pauline , Buderath Paul , Klar Maximilian
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Malignant ovarian germ cell (MOGCT) and sex cord stromal tumors (SCST) are ovarian neoplasms that affect disproportionally young women. Little is known about the impact of surgical and adjuvant management of these patient’s sexual life. This study investigated the effect of fertility-sparing surgery on sexual activity and global quality of life (gQoL) in women with MOGCT and SCST.

Methods

CORSETT was an observational, multicenter, mixed retrospective/prospective cohort study of the AGO study group. Women of any age who had been diagnosed with MOGCTs and SCSTs between 2001 and 2011 were asked to complete the Sexual Activity Questionnaire (SAQ) and the EORTC QLQ-C30.

Results

In total, 355 patients were included. Of these, 152 patients with confirmed histological diagnosis had completed the questionnaires. A total of 106 patients were diagnosed with SCST and 46 with MOGCT.

Totally, 83 women (55%) were sexually active. After fertility-sparing surgery, patients had a 2.6 fold higher probability for being sexually active than after non-fertility-conserving treatment (unadjusted odds ratio (OR) 2.6, p = 0.01). After adjustment for age, time since diagnosis, FIGO stage, histology and phase of disease, the OR dropped to 1.8 (p = 0.22).

Of the sexually active patients, 35 (42%) reported high levels of discomfort during intercourse; 38% after fertility-sparing; and 58% after non-fertility-sparing surgery (adjusted OR 2.8, p = 0.18).

Women with fertility-conserving treatment reported a significantly better global QoL (Fadj 2.1, 6.2 points difference, p = 0.03) but not more pleasure during intercourse than women without fertility-sparing surgery (Fadj 0.4, p = 0.52).

Conclusion

Fertility preserving approaches should be offered to every patient, when oncologically acceptable.
Association of preoperative cone biopsy with recurrences after radical hysterectomy
Authors: Klapdor Rüdiger , Hertel Hermann , Delebinski Laura , Hillemanns Peter
Published: July 2021

Objective

To evaluate association of preoperative cone biopsy with the probability of recurrent disease after radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer.

Methods

This is a retrospective single-center study. Patients with cervical cancer stage IA1 with LVSI to IIA2 and squamous, adenosquamous and adenocarcinoma subtype were included. Patients were analyzed for general characteristics and recurrence-free survival (RFS).

Results

In total, of 480 patients with cervical cancer, 183 patients met the inclusion criteria (117 with laparoscopic and 66 with open surgery). The median tumor diameter was 25.0 mm (range 4.6–70.0 mm) with 66 (36.2%) patients having tumors smaller than 2 cm. During median follow-up of 54.0 months (range 0–166.0 months), the RFS for the laparoscopic cohort was 93.2% and 87.5% at 3 and 4.5 years, and 79.3% for the open cohort after 3 and 4.5 years, respectively. In total, 17 (9.3%) patients developed recurrent disease, 9 (7.3%) after laparoscopic, and 8 (12.1%) after open surgery. No preoperative cone biopsy (OR 9.60, 95% CI 2.14–43.09) as well as tumor diameter > 2 cm (OR 5.39, 95% CI 1.20–24.25) were significantly associated with increased risk for recurrence. In multivariate analysis, only missing preoperative cone biopsy was significantly associated with increased risk for recurrence (OR 5.90, 95% CI 1.11–31.29)

Conclusion

There appears to be a subgroup of patients (preoperative cone biopsy, tumor diameter < 2 cm) with excellent survival and low risk for recurrence after radical hysterectomy which might benefit from the advantages of laparoscopic surgery.
Proposing a surgical algorithm for graduated orbital decompression in patients with Graves’ orbitopathy
Authors: Stähr Kerstin , Daser Anke , Oeverhaus Michael , Hussain Timon , Lang Stephan , Eckstein Anja , Mattheis Stefan
Published: July 2021

Purpose

To determine the outcome after orbital decompression using a graduated technique, adapting the surgical technique according to individual patients’ disease characteristics.

Methods

We retrospectively examined the postoperative outcome in patients treated with a graduated balanced orbital decompression regarding reduction of proptosis, new onset diplopia and improvement in visual function. 542 patients (1018 orbits) were treated between 2012 and 2020 and included in the study. Clinical examinations including visual acuity, exophthalmometry (Hertel) and orthoptic evaluation were performed preoperatively and at minimum 6 weeks postoperatively. Mean follow-up was 22.9 weeks.

Results

Mean proptosis values have significantly decreased after surgery (p < 0.01). In 83.3% of the patients Hertel measurement normalized (≤ 18 mm) after surgery, New onset diplopia within 20° of primary position occurred in 33.0% of patients, of whom 16.0% had preoperative double vision in secondary gaze. Patients suffering from dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON) had a significant increase in visual acuity (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

We demonstrated that individually adapted graduated orbital decompression successfully improves key disease parameters of Graves’ orbitopathy with low morbidity.
Electrochemical study on nickel aluminum layered double hydroxides as high-performance electrode material for lithium-ion batteries based on sodium alginate binder
Authors: Li Xinyue , Fortunato Marco , Cardinale Anna Maria , Sarapulova Angelina , Njel Christian , Dsoke Sonia
Published: July 2021

Nickel aluminum layered double hydroxide (NiAl LDH) with nitrate in its interlayer is investigated as a negative electrode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The effect of the potential range (i.e., 0.01–3.0 V and 0.4–3.0 V vs. Li+/Li) and of the binder on the performance of the material is investigated in 1 M LiPF6 in EC/DMC vs. Li. The NiAl LDH electrode based on sodium alginate (SA) binder shows a high initial discharge specific capacity of 2586 mAh g−1 at 0.05 A g−1 and good stability in the potential range of 0.01–3.0 V vs. Li+/Li, which is better than what obtained with a polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF)-based electrode. The NiAl LDH electrode with SA binder shows, after 400 cycles at 0.5 A g−1, a cycling retention of 42.2% with a capacity of 697 mAh g−1 and at a high current density of 1.0 A g−1 shows a retention of 27.6% with a capacity of 388 mAh g−1 over 1400 cycles. In the same conditions, the PVDF-based electrode retains only 15.6% with a capacity of 182 mAh g−1 and 8.5% with a capacity of 121 mAh g−1, respectively. Ex situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and ex situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) reveal a conversion reaction mechanism during Li+ insertion into the NiAl LDH material. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and XPS have been combined with the electrochemical study to understand the effect of different cutoff potentials on the Li-ion storage mechanism.

Graphical abstract

The as-prepared NiAl-NO3−-LDH with the rhombohedral R-3 m space group is investigated as a negative electrode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The effect of the potential range (i.e., 0.01–3.0 V and 0.4–3.0 V vs. Li+/Li) and of the binder on the material’s performance is investigated in 1 M LiPF6 in EC/DMC vs. Li. Ex situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and ex situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) reveal a conversion reaction mechanism during Li+ insertion into the NiAl LDH material. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and XPS have been combined with the electrochemical study to understand the effect of different cutoff potentials on the Li-ion storage mechanism. This work highlights the possibility of the direct application of NiAl LDH materials as negative electrodes for LIBs.
Unraveling the time-dependent relevance of input model uncertainties for a lumped hydrologic model of a pre-alpine karst system
Authors: Bittner Daniel , Richieri Beatrice , Chiogna Gabriele
Published: July 2021

Uncertainties in hydrologic model outputs can arise for many reasons such as structural, parametric and input uncertainty. Identification of the sources of uncertainties and the quantification of their impacts on model results are important to appropriately reproduce hydrodynamic processes in karst aquifers and to support decision-making. The present study investigates the time-dependent relevance of model input uncertainties, defined as the conceptual uncertainties affecting the representation and parameterization of processes relevant for groundwater recharge, i.e. interception, evapotranspiration and snow dynamic, on the lumped karst model LuKARS. A total of nine different models are applied, three to compute interception (DVWK, Gash and Liu), three to compute evapotranspiration (Thornthwaite, Hamon and Oudin) and three to compute snow processes (Martinec, Girons Lopez and Magnusson). All the input model combinations are tested for the case study of the Kerschbaum spring in Austria. The model parameters are kept constant for all combinations. While parametric uncertainties computed for the same model in previous studies do not show pronounced temporal variations, the results of the present work show that input uncertainties are seasonally varying. Moreover, the input uncertainties of evapotranspiration and snowmelt are higher than the interception uncertainties. The results show that the importance of a specific process for groundwater recharge can be estimated from the respective input uncertainties. These findings have practical implications as they can guide researchers to obtain relevant field data to improve the representation of different processes in lumped parameter models and to support model calibration.
Agroforestry trade-offs between biomass provision and aboveground carbon sequestration in the alpine Eisenwurzen region, Austria
Authors: Bertsch-Hoermann Bastian , Egger Claudine , Gaube Veronika , Gingrich Simone
Published: July 2021

Mountain agroecosystems deliver essential ecosystem services to society but are prone to climate change as well as socio-economic pressures, making multi-functional land systems increasingly central to sustainable mountain land use policy. Agroforestry, the combination of woody vegetation with crops and/or livestock, is expected to simultaneously increase provisioning and regulating ecosystem services, but knowledge gaps concerning trade-offs exist especially in temperate industrialized and alpine regions. Here, we quantify the aboveground carbon (C) dynamics of a hypothetical agroforestry implementation in the Austrian long-term socio-ecological research region Eisenwurzen from 2020 to 2050. We develop three land use scenarios to differentiate conventional agriculture from an immediate and a gradual agroforestry implementation, integrate data from three distinct models (Yield-SAFE, SECLAND, MIAMI), and advance the socio-ecological indicator framework Human Appropriation of Net Primary Production (HANPP) to assess trade-offs between biomass provision and carbon sequestration. Results indicate that agroforestry strongly decreases HANPP because of a reduction in biomass harvest by up to − 47% and a simultaneous increase in actual net primary production by up to 31%, with a large amount of carbon sequestered in perennial biomass by up to 3.4 t C ha-1 yr-1. This shows that a hypothetical transition to agroforestry in the Eisenwurzen relieves the agroecosystem from human-induced pressure but results in significant trade-offs between biomass provision and carbon sequestration. We thus conclude that while harvest losses inhibit large-scale implementation in intensively used agricultural regions, agroforestry constitutes a valuable addition to sustainable land use policy, in particular when affecting extensive pastures and meadows in alpine landscapes.
Phase I study of napabucasin in combination with FOLFIRI + bevacizumab in Japanese patients with metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Taniguchi Hiroya , Masuishi Toshiki , Kawazoe Akihito , Muro Kei , Kadowaki Shigenori , Bando Hideaki , Iino Shuichi , Kageyama Rie , Yoshino Takayuki
Published: July 2021

Background

Napabucasin is an oral NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 bioactivatable agent that generates reactive oxygen species, is hypothesised to affect multiple oncogenic cellular pathways, including STAT-3, and is expected to result in cancer cell death. This phase I study investigated the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of napabucasin co-administered with fluorouracil, l-leucovorin, and irinotecan (FOLFIRI) chemotherapy plus bevacizumab in Japanese patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods

Patients with histologically confirmed unresectable stage IV CRC received oral napabucasin 240 mg twice daily (BID). Intravenous FOLFIRI and bevacizumab therapy was initiated on day 3 at approved doses. Unacceptable toxicity was evaluated over the first 30 days of treatment, after which treatment continued in 14-day cycles until toxicity or disease progression. Endpoints included safety, pharmacokinetics, and tumour response based on RECIST v1.1.

Results

Four patients received treatment; three were evaluable during the unacceptable toxicity period. All four patients experienced diarrhoea and decreased appetite (considered napabucasin-related in four and two patients, respectively), and three patients experienced neutrophil count decreased. No unacceptable toxicity was reported during the 30-day evaluation period. No grade 4 events, deaths, or serious adverse events were reported. The addition of FOLFIRI and bevacizumab to napabucasin did not significantly change the pharmacokinetic profile of napabucasin; however, results were variable among patients. The best overall response was stable disease in two patients (50.0%).

Conclusions

Napabucasin 240 mg BID in combination with FOLFIRI and bevacizumab was tolerated, with a manageable safety profile in Japanese patients with metastatic CRC.
Singularities of solutions of time dependent Hamilton-Jacobi equations. Applications to Riemannian geometry
Authors: Cannarsa Piermarco , Cheng Wei , Fathi Albert
Published: July 2021

If $U:[0,+\infty [\times M$
U
:
[
0
,
+
∞
[
×
M
is a uniformly continuous viscosity solution of the evolution Hamilton-Jacobi equation $$ \partial _{t}U+ H(x,\partial _{x}U)=0, $$

∂
t

U
+
H
(
x
,

∂
x

U
)
=
0
,
where $M$
M
is a not necessarily compact manifold, and $H$
H
is a Tonelli Hamiltonian, we prove the set $\Sigma (U)$
Σ
(
U
)
, of points in $]0,+\infty [\times M$
]
0
,
+
∞
[
×
M
where $U$
U
is not differentiable, is locally contractible. Moreover, we study the homotopy type of $\Sigma (U)$
Σ
(
U
)
. We also give an application to the singularities of the distance function to a closed subset of a complete Riemannian manifold.
AMBITION – comet nucleus cryogenic sample return
Authors: Bockelée-Morvan D. , Filacchione Gianrico , Altwegg Kathrin , Bianchi Eleonora , Bizzarro Martin , Blum Jürgen , Bonal Lydie , Capaccioni Fabrizio , Choukroun Mathieu , Codella Claudio , Cottin Hervé , Davidsson Björn , De Sanctis Maria Cristina , Drozdovskaya Maria N. , Engrand Cécile , Galand Marina , Güttler Carsten , Henri Pierre , Herique Alain , Ivanovski Stavro , Kokotanekova Rosita , Levasseur-Regourd Anny-Chantal , Miller Kelly E. , Rotundi Alessandra , Schönbächler Maria , Snodgrass Colin , Thomas Nicolas , Tubiana Cecilia , Ulamec Stephan , Vincent Jean-Baptiste
Published: July 2021

We describe the AMBITION project, a mission to return the first-ever cryogenically-stored sample of a cometary nucleus, that has been proposed for the ESA Science Programme Voyage 2050. Comets are the leftover building blocks of giant planet cores and other planetary bodies, and fingerprints of Solar System’s formation processes. We summarise some of the most important questions still open in cometary science and Solar System formation after the successful Rosetta mission. We show that many of these scientific questions require sample analysis using techniques that are only possible in laboratories on Earth. We summarize measurements, instrumentation and mission scenarios that can address these questions. We emphasize the need for returning a sample collected at depth or, still more challenging, at cryogenic temperatures while preserving the stratigraphy of the comet nucleus surface layers. We provide requirements for the next generation of landers, for cryogenic sample acquisition and storage during the return to Earth. Rendezvous missions to the main belt comets and Centaurs, expanding our knowledge by exploring new classes of comets, are also discussed. The AMBITION project is discussed in the international context of comet and asteroid space exploration.
Is There a General Factor of Spiritual Intelligence? Factorial Validity of the Polish Adaptation of Spiritual Intelligence Self-Report Inventory
Authors: Atroszko Paweł A. , Skrzypińska Katarzyna , Balcerowska Julia M.
Published: July 2021

In recent years, spirituality and the meaning of life are becoming increasingly important variables in the study of well-being, health, and happiness. The concept of spiritual intelligence (SI) was suggested as a potentially significant construct expanding our understanding of psychological determinants of human functioning. The aim of this paper was to investigate the factorial validity of the Spiritual Intelligence Self-Report Inventory (SISRI; King, 2008) in the context of research on a general factor of spiritual intelligence as a psychological construct. The SISRI was administered to 833 adults in Poland. A four-factor solution with one second-order factor of spiritual intelligence provided an inadequate solution. A four-factor solution with correlated factors and a reduced number of items provided an adequate fit to the data. It is concluded that so far, no data are supporting a single factor of SI measured by SISRI-24, and previous studies, including the original study, show that the measurement with this scale is highly problematic. Without a strong theory and proper measurement, the development of this highly promising area of research may be hindered.
Bayesian inference of root architectural model parameters from synthetic field data
Authors: Morandage Shehan , Laloy Eric , Schnepf Andrea , Vereecken Harry , Vanderborght Jan
Published: July 2021

Background and aims

Characterizing root system architectures of field-grown crops is challenging as root systems are hidden in the soil. We investigate the possibility of estimating root architecture model parameters from soil core data in a Bayesian framework.

Methods

In a synthetic experiment, we simulated wheat root systems in a virtual field plot with the stochastic CRootBox model. We virtually sampled soil cores from this plot to create synthetic measurement data. We used the Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) DREAM(ZS) sampler to estimate the most sensitive root system architecture parameters. To deal with the CRootBox model stochasticity and limited computational resources, we essentially added a stochastic component to the likelihood function, thereby turning the MCMC sampling into a form of approximate Bayesian computation (ABC).

Results

A few zero-order root parameters: maximum length, elongation rate, insertion angles, and numbers of zero-order roots, with narrow posterior distributions centered around true parameter values were identifiable from soil core data. Yet other zero-order and higher-order root parameters were not identifiable showing a sizeable posterior uncertainty.

Conclusions

Bayesian inference of root architecture parameters from root density profiles is an effective method to extract information about sensitive parameters hidden in these profiles. Equally important, this method also identifies which information about root architecture is lost when root architecture is aggregated in root density profiles.
Non-metallic Inclusions in Different Ferroalloys and Their Effect on the Steel Quality: A Review
Authors: Wang Yong , Karasev Andrey , Park Joo Hyun , Jönsson Pär G.
Published: July 2021

Ferroalloys have become increasingly important due to their indispensable role in steelmaking. In addition, the demand for improved steel qualities has increased considerably, which in turn highlights the quality of ferroalloys. This is due to the fact that the impurities in ferroalloys directly and significantly influence the quality of steel products. To gain a better understanding of the main trace elements and inclusions in ferroalloys (such as FeSi, FeMn, SiMn, FeTi, FeCr, FeMo, FeNb, FeV, FeB, some complex ferroalloys) and their behaviours in steel melt after the additions of these ferroalloys, information from a large number of previous results on this topic was extensively reviewed in this work. The applications of different ferroalloys and their production trends were discussed. In addition, the effects of some trace element impurities from ferroalloys on the inclusion characteristics in steel were also discussed. The possible harmful inclusions in different ferroalloys were identified. Overall, the results showed that the inclusions present in ferroalloys had the following influence on the final steel cleanliness: (1) MnO, MnS and MnO–SiO2–MnS inclusions from FeMn and SiMn alloys have a temporary influence on the steel quality; (2) the effect of large size SiO2 inclusions (up to 200 μm) in FeSi and FeMo alloys on the steel cleanliness is not fully understood. The effect of Al, Ca contents should be considered before the addition of FeSi alloys. In addition, Al2O3 inclusions and relatively high Al content are commonly found in FeTi, FeNb and FeV alloys due to their production process. This information should be paid more attention to when these ferroalloys are added to steel; (3) except for the existing inclusions in these alloys, the Ti-rich, Nb-rich, V-rich carbides and nitrides, which have important effects on the steel properties also should be studied further; and (4) specific alloys containing REM oxides, Cr–C–N, Cr–Mn–O, Al2O3, Al–Ti–O, TiS and Ti(C, N) have not been studied enough to enable a judgement on their influence on the steel cleanliness. Finally, some suggestions were given for further studies for the development of ferroalloy productions.