bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrochemical Behavior Promotion of Polysulfides by Cobalt Selenide/Carbon Cloth Interlayer in Lithium−Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Ren Zhaowei , Zhao Zhenxin , Zhang Kun , Wang Xiaomin , Wang Yongzhen
Published: April 2021

Lithium−sulfur batteries have been regarded as the next generation of competitive batteries because of their high theoretical capacity and energy density. However, the commercial development of lithium−sulfur batteries is restricted by the shuttle action of polysulfides and volumetric expansion of sulfur. Herein, we developed cobalt selenide/carbon cloth composites (CoSe2/CC) as the interlayer. CoSe2 can not only limit the shuttling of polysulfides by Co−S bonds and accelerate the catalytic conversion kinetics of sulfur chemistry, but also increases the electrical conductivity of materials, leading to an excellent cycle stability. As a result, the cell with CoSe2/CC interlayer has a high initial capacity of 1420 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C and keeps high‐capacity retention of 596 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles at 1 C rate (70 %). Subsequent electrochemical tests show that CoSe2/CC enhance the electrochemical behavior of the polysulfides. Therefore, the hierarchical CoSe2/CC composites have promising application potential in lithium−sulfur batteries.
Facile synthesis of N doped ZnO Coral bundles for enhanced photocatalytic and antimicrobial activity
Authors: Suganya Josephine Gali Anthoni , Arumugam Sivasamy
Published: April 2021

An efficient single‐step facile synthesis of coral bundle‐like nanocrystalline N‐doped ZnO was developed using (NH4)2CO3 as a source of nitrogen. The method of zinc nitrate addition and concentration of ammonium carbonate (3.5 mol/L) played a pivotal role in the formation of coral bundle‐like morphology along with nitrogen doping and change in color of the prepared nanomaterial. XPS, Raman, and the peak broadening in XRD confirmed the presence of nitrogen in the crystal lattice. An enhanced absorbance in the UV‐visible DRS spectrum predicts the visible light‐ and UV light‐induced photocatalytic activities for the degradation of organics via a radical mediated mechanism as evidenced by EPR analysis. The results evidence the particle size (9‐12 nm), morphology (coral bundle like), surface roughness (33.87 nm), and surface area (44.028 m2/g) of the prepared coral bundle‐shaped nitrogen‐doped zinc oxide (CBSNZ) photocatalyst. CBSNZ showed a twofold increase in visible light photocatalytic activity when compared to ZnO and excellent antimicrobial properties when compared to the standard streptomycin and ketoconazole. The MIC for CBSNZ was very less when compared to the standards for “Salmonella typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter aerogenes.” This provides a wider application of CBSNZ as an environmentally benign nanomaterial.
Confinement inside a Crystalline Sponge Induces Pyrrole To Form N−H⋅⋅⋅π Bonded Tetramers
Authors: Wu Mengling , Zhang Junle , Yuan Liangqian , Rissanen Kari , Pan Fangfang
Published: April 2021

Based on the DFT‐level‐calculated molecular volume (Vmol) of pyrrole and its liquid density, pyrrole manifests the highest liquid density coefficient LDc (defined as [Vmol×density ×0.6023]/FW) value of 0.7. Normal liquids have LDc <0.63. This very high LDc is due to the strong N−H⋅⋅⋅π interactions in solution, and hence pyrrole can be considered to be a pseudo‐crystalline liquid. When trapped inside the confined space of a crystalline sponge, a reorientation of the N−H⋅⋅⋅π interaction is observed leading to specific cyclic N−H⋅⋅⋅π tetramers and N−H⋅⋅⋅π dimers, as verified by single‐crystal X‐ray crystallographic and computational methods. These tetramers are of the same size as four pyrrole molecules in the solid‐state of pyrrole, yet the cyclic N−H⋅⋅⋅π intermolecular interactions are circularly oriented instead of being in the linear zigzag structure found in the X‐ray structure of a solid pyrrole. The confinement thus acts as an external driving force for tetramer formation.
Towards Heteroleptic Dicoordinate CuII Complexes
Authors: Kaiser Michelle , Göttlicher Jörg , Vitova Tonya , Hinz Alexander
Published: April 2021

In this work we detail our efforts to systematically generate stable dicoordinate CuII complexes. Initial experiments via metathesis reactions of a bulky potassium carbazolide (RK) with copper(II) salts indeed yielded a stable product, RCuOTf (1). However, subsequent attempts to grasp systematic synthetic access to complexes of the type RCuX (X=monoanionic ligand) proved difficult as many of the complexes rapidly decomposed in solution. By using triflate‐related ligands such as ethyl sulfate and bistriflimide, the additional dicoordinate copper complexes RCuOSO3Et (2), [RCu(THF)][Cu(NTf2)2] (3) and RCuNTf2 (4) could be isolated. Spectroscopic indications corroborate more CuI than CuII character in all RCuX derivatives.
Elucidating Halogen‐Assisted Self‐Assembly Enhanced Mechanochromic Aggregation‐Induced Emission
Authors: Miao Xinrui , Cai Zhengkai , Li Jinxing , Liu Liqian , Wu Juntian , Li Bang , Ying Lei , Silly Fabien , Deng Wenli , Cao Yong
Published: April 2021

We present a successful strategy to obtain a self‐assembled material stabilized by halogen bonding with enhanced mechanochromic aggregation‐induced emission (AIE). The meta‐bromophenyl‐substituted tetraphenylethene fluorophore (m‐BrTBE) exhibits an emission which is more red‐shifted compared to the phenyl‐ring‐substituted tetraphenylethene fluorophore (TBE) in film. Remarkably, m‐BrTBE molecules self‐assemble into uniform ball‐like aggregates with high photoluminescence quantum yield up to 85.3 %, which indicates that the molecular conformation and intermolecular interactions are different from those in the crystalline state. Based on single‐crystal analysis, scanning tunneling microscopic observations, and theoretical calculations, the unusual self‐assembly enhanced AIE behavior is attributed to the important effect of meta‐bromide substituents which not only form intermolecular Br⋅⋅⋅π halogen bonding and H⋅⋅⋅Br hydrogen bonding interactions to block nonradiative relaxation pathways effectively but also promote radiative processes.
Avidity optimization of a MAGE‐A1‐specific TCR with somatic hypermutation
Authors: Bassan David , Gozlan Yosi Meir , Sharbi‐Yunger Adi , Tzehoval Esther , Greenstein Erez , Bitan Lidor , Friedman Nir , Eisenbach Lea
Published: April 2021

A T‐cell receptor (TCR) with optimal avidity to a tumor antigen can be used to redirect T cells to eradicate cancer cells via adoptive cell transfer. Cancer testis antigens (CTAs) are attractive targets because they are expressed in the testis, which is immune‐privileged, and in the tumor. However, CTAs are self‐antigens and natural TCRs to CTAs have low affinity/avidity due to central tolerance. We previously described a method of directed evolution of TCR avidity using somatic hypermutation. In this study, we made several improvements to this method and enhanced the avidity of the hT27 TCR, which is specific for the cancer testis antigen HLA‐A2‐MAGE‐A1278‐286. We identified eight point mutations with varying degrees of improved avidity. Human T cells transduced with TCRs containing these mutations displayed enhanced tetramer binding, IFN‐γ and IL2 production, and cytotoxicity. Most of the mutations have retained specificity, except for one mutant with extremely high avidity. We demonstrate that somatic hypermutation is capable of optimizing avidity of clinically relevant TCRs for immunotherapy.
Advantages of Covalent Immobilization of Metal‐Salophen on Amino‐Functionalized Mesoporous Silica in Terms of Recycling and Catalytic Activity for CO2 Cycloaddition onto Epoxides
Authors: Balas Matthieu , Beaudoin Sébastien , Proust Anna , Launay Franck , Villanneau Richard
Published: April 2021

NiII and MnIII Schiff base complexes (Salophen‐Ni and Salophen‐MnCl) bearing a pending carboxylic group were prepared and characterized. Both complexes were grafted onto a mesoporous amino‐functionalized SBA‐15 silica, by formation of an amide function between the propylamine groups of the support and the carboxylic acid functions of the salophen ligand (corresponding respective to 1.30 wt.% of Ni and 1.06 wt.% of Mn). The co‐catalytic behaviour of the free and grafted complexes was then evaluated in the CO2 cycloaddition reaction onto styrene oxide, using tetra‐butylammonium bromide (n−Bu4NBr) as the main catalyst. In homogeneous conditions, the MnIII Schiff base complex and the NiII one, to a lesser extent, behave as efficient co‐catalysts for this reaction (styrene conversion of 100 % and 65 % respectively after 3 h at 120 °C, under 15 bars of CO2). Upon immobilization at the surface of the amino‐functionalized SBA‐15, we showed that the co‐catalytic activity of the less efficient one, i. e. Ni2+ salophen complex, could be enhanced (reaching a full conversion after 7 h), hence highlighting a potential synergistic effect between the unused amine functions of the support and the Ni2+ salophen co‐catalyst. Both salophen complexes were successfully re‐used in homogeneous conditions or after their immobilization without any appreciable loss of activity. This work is only a first step towards a completely heterogeneous catalytic system, in which the tetraalkylammonium halide catalyst and the metal‐salophen co‐catalyst will both be covalently anchored on the same support.
Sensitive Electrochemical Determination of NADH Using an Electrode Fabricated by Intercalation of Tetrabutylammonium Ions Into Graphite Electrode
Authors: Gorduk Ozge
Published: April 2021

In this study, we present a strategy for the specific electrochemical detection of NADH in human blood serums using modified electrode fabricated by intercalation of tetrabutylammonium ions (TBA+) into pencil graphite electrode (TBA+/PGE). In order to implement this protocol, a modification process in the potential range (−0.2) to (−2.75) V was performed in DMSO containing 0.1 M TBAP by CV method. The characterization processes of the prepared sensor were carried out using CV, EIS, FT‐IR, XPS, and SEM methods. The electrode fabricated by intercalation of TBA+ was found to be able to analyze NADH at +0.32 V applied potential by the amperometric method. The LOD was detected as 0.46 μM. The analysis results of human blood serums which are taken from healthy individuals show that TBA+/PGE can be used for real samples. The results indicated that TBA+/PGE can be easily fabricated by one‐step and one‐pot electrochemical method and TBA+/PGE can be used as a potential sensor for the NADH determination.
Effects of Vapothermal Pretreatment on Anaerobic Degradability of Common Reed
Authors: Scherzinger Marvin , Kaltschmitt Martin , Thoma Mario
Published: April 2021

Residual materials from currently unused plant matter are available locally in abundance and serve as a valuable substrate for biogas production via anaerobic digestion. However, in most cases, a pretreatment is necessary to overcome their recalcitrant behavior. Against this background, earlier ground biomass from Phragmites australis, better known as common reed, is pretreated in a vapothermal atmosphere at temperatures between 122 and 178 °C and residence times between 18 and 102 min. Herein, the influence of such a pretreatment on the specific biogas and methane yield is aimed to be evaluated. In addition, the main causes for changes in degradability are identified by means of accompanying analytics. It is found that vapothermal pretreatment is able to significantly enhance degradation velocity during anaerobic digestion. However, under severe conditions, the biogas and methane yields decrease, which is traced back to an increase in cellulose crystallinity, inaccessibility of pores due to precipitated reaction products, as well as the formation of inhibiting substances and proportional increase in nondegradable lignin.
Effects of several tea extracts on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in mice fed with a high‐fat diet
Authors: Mao Qian‐Qian , Li Bang‐Yan , Meng Jin‐Ming , Gan Ren‐You , Xu Xiao‐Yu , Gu Ying‐Ying , Wang Xiao‐Hui , Li Hua‐Bin
Published: April 2021

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered as a severe threat to human health. It has been reported that tea has abundant bioactive compounds and beneficial effects. In our study, the effects of 12 tea extracts on NAFLD were assessed and compared at the dose of 200 mg/kg body weight in mice fed with a high‐fat diet (HFD) for 15 weeks. Enshi Yulu Tea, Fenghuang Narcissus Tea, and Yihong Tea showed strong effects in suppressing the accumulation of epididymal and perirenal adipose tissue as well as the increases of body weight and liver weight. The histopathological analysis revealed that hepatic steatosis and adipocyte hypertrophy induced by a HFD could be ameliorated by tea supplementation. In addition, Enshi Yulu Tea and Qing Brick Tea exerted more remarkable functions on decreasing the level of serum triglyceride and preventing hepatic fat accumulation, respectively. Furthermore, Fenghuang Narcissus Tea, Enshi Yulu Tea, and Qing Brick Tea could reverse the abnormal change in the levels of glutathione and superoxide dismutase. Moreover, 13 phytoconstituents were detected and quantified in these teas with high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. The correlation analysis demonstrated that gallic acid might decrease MDA level, and the reduction of liver weight might be attributed to ellagic acid. However, it should be paid attention to some teas that showed hepatotoxicity with elevated levels of aspartate transaminase and alanine aminotransferase. Several teas showed strong effects in the prevention of NAFLD, which could be developed into functional foods against NAFLD.
Sicherheitsbetrachtungen für einen durch eine Massenbewegung beeinträchtigten Speicher
Authors: Marte Roman , Ausweger Georg , Schweiger Helmut F. , Seiwald Stephan , Kainz Florian , Breymann Helfried
Published: April 2021

On the basis of a case history of a pumping storage which is endangered by a slow moving landslide, the interaction of the reservoir operation and the deformation behaviour of the landslide will be discussed in this paper. Comprehensive measurements as well as theoretical investigations, which had been performed to understand the determining factors for the deformation behaviour of the landslide, will be discussed. Based on these investigation results a warn and alarm plan as part of the safety concept for the storage had been developed.
Effect of selectively knocking down key metabolic genes in Müller glia on photoreceptor health
Authors: Shen Weiyong , Lee So‐Ra , Mathai Ashish Easow , Zhang Rui , Du Jianhai , Yam Michelle X. , Pye Victoria , Barnett Nigel L. , Rayner Cassie L. , Zhu Ling , Hurley James B. , Seth Pankaj , Hirabayashi Yoshio , Furuya Shigeki , Gillies Mark C.
Published: April 2021

The importance of Müller glia for retinal homeostasis suggests that they may have vulnerabilities that lead to retinal disease. Here, we studied the effect of selectively knocking down key metabolic genes in Müller glia on photoreceptor health. Immunostaining indicated that murine Müller glia expressed insulin receptor (IR), hexokinase 2 (HK2) and phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH) but very little pyruvate dehydrogenase E1 alpha 1 (PDH‐E1α) and lactate dehydrogenase A (LDH‐A). We crossed Müller glial cell‐CreER (MC‐CreER) mice with transgenic mice carrying a floxed IR, HK2, PDH‐E1α, LDH‐A, or PHGDH gene to study the effect of selectively knocking down key metabolic genes in Müller glia cells on retinal health. Selectively knocking down IR, HK2, or PHGDH led to photoreceptor degeneration and reduced electroretinographic responses. Supplementing exogenous l‐serine prevented photoreceptor degeneration and improved retinal function in MC‐PHGDH knockdown mice. We unexpectedly found that the levels of retinal serine and glycine were not reduced but, on the contrary, highly increased in MC‐PHGDH knockdown mice. Moreover, dietary serine supplementation, while rescuing the retinal phenotypes caused by genetic deletion of PHGDH in Müller glial cells, restored retinal serine and glycine homeostasis probably through regulation of serine transport. No retinal abnormalities were observed in MC‐CreER mice crossed with PDH‐E1α‐ or LDH‐A‐floxed mice despite Cre expression. Our findings suggest that Müller glia do not complete glycolysis but use glucose to produce serine to support photoreceptors. Supplementation with exogenous serine is effective in preventing photoreceptor degeneration caused by PHGDH deficiency in Müller glia.
How do head coaches brief their athletes? Exploring transformational leadership behaviors in elite team sports
Authors: Macquet Anne‐Claire , Stanton Neville A.
Published: April 2021

In sports, coaches and athletes consider the briefing function to be particularly important in promoting teamwork, achieving high performance and increasing expertize. Little is known about leadership briefing behaviors by Head Coaches (HCs) in elite sports in the fields of Human Factors and Ergonomics (HFE) and Sports Science. Although both domains play a role in understanding and optimizing performance of athletes and staff, there is a lack of cross‐disciplinary interaction. The present study aimed to facilitate cross‐disciplinary interaction between HFE and Sports Science as well as investigate the briefing process. It explores the behaviors of HCs when briefing a team of players during top‐level competitions (e.g., world championships). Semistructured interviews were held with nine national team sport HCs. Interview data were used to identify briefing behaviors using the taxonomy of the Differentiated Transformational Leadership Inventory. The results elicited briefing behaviors related to six transformational leadership behaviors: (a) individual consideration, (b) inspirational motivation, (c) intellectual stimulation, (d) fostering acceptance of group goals, (e) high‐performance expectations, and (f) appropriate role modeling. Fostering acceptance of group goals was the most frequently exhibited behavior. The data highlighted the multifaceted nature of briefing in elite sports. HCs were shown to be transformational leaders who use various behaviors to promote teamwork and task‐work to achieve team success. This study demonstrates that although traditional teamwork studies are useful and continue to be used, exploring transformational leadership behaviors can also provide insights into ways to improve team performance.
Tail end of the brachycephalic problem: diagnostic and treatment options for spinal malformations
Authors: Gutierrez‐Quintana Rodrigo , De Decker Steven
Published: April 2021

Background: Vertebral malformations are very common in small brachycephalic breeds, such as French bulldogs, English bulldogs, Boston terriers and pugs. In many cases they are considered incidental findings, but in others they can be associated with progressive neurological deficits. Therefore, it is important to identify which cases will need further investigations, as well as how to interpret the results.

Aim of the article: This article reviews the diagnostic approach and treatment options of spinal malformations that affect small brachycephalic breeds.
Minimal important differences and self‐identifying treatment response in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
Authors: Rajabally Yusuf A. , Afzal Saadia , Ghasemi Majid
Published: April 2021

Introduction/Aim

The use of outcome measures is recommended for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). Implications of minimal important differences (MID) to ascertain responder status are unknown. The reliability of patient‐reported treatment‐response in relation to clinically relevant change is also unknown.

Methods

We retrospectively studied 72 subjects with “definite” or “probable” CIDP evaluated at pre‐specified time‐intervals pre‐ and post‐treatment. We derived MID and the minimum detectable change with 95% confidence intervals (MDC95) for four scales. Scale sensitivities were determined with applicable MID‐defined cutoffs (aMIDc), to detect subjects with self‐identifying treatment response through a single question.

Results

The use of MID was not valid for the Medical Research Council Sum Score, as MDC95 > MID. The aMIDc for the Overall Neuropathy Limitation Score (ONLS) was 1 (sensitivity: 84.7%). The aMIDc for the centile Inflammatory Rasch‐built Overall Disability Scale (cI‐RODS) was 8 (sensitivity: 62.3%). The aMIDc for grip strength was 4 kg (sensitivity: 79.1%). MID‐defined amelioration of any one scale among ONLS, cI‐RODS, or grip strength, significantly improved sensitivity to detect treatment‐responders compared with the ONLS alone (McNemar test: P = .008, odds ratio: 3.36 [95% confidence interval: 1.44–7.86]). Patient‐reported improvement was highly reliable in relation to MID‐defined amelioration on any one scale.

Discussion

In subjects with CIDP, MID‐defined amelioration of any one of three commonly used outcome measures offers optimum relevance and sensitivity to detect self‐identifying treatment‐responders. Patient reliability to single‐question ascertainment of response is high in relation to MID‐defined clinical relevance. These findings support use of multiple outcome measures in CIDP monitoring and justify enhanced patient involvement in the process.
Variables associated with distress amongst informal caregivers of people with lung cancer: A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Cochrane Andy , Reid Olivia , Woods Siobhan , Gallagher Pamela , Dunne Simon
Published: April 2021

Objective

Informal caregivers of people with lung cancer often experience a substantial care burden and associated negative consequences due to the often‐contracted course of the disease. The objective of this review was to systematically examine the evidence on the factors associated with lung cancer caregiver distress.

Methods

Five databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsychINFO and Web of Science) were searched for studies investigating factors associated with distress amongst caregivers of people with lung cancer. Empirical studies published up to July 2020 were included if they measured distress using a valid and reliable measure and examined its association with at least one other factor, with a sample of 50 or more caregivers.

Results

Thirty publications describing 27 studies (16 cross‐sectional; 6 prospective; 8 intervention) involving 3744 caregivers (primarily spouse or adult child) were included. A narrative synthesis of the findings is presented due to heterogeneity in study design, variables measured and analyses conducted. Patient variables associated with greater distress included: stage of cancer and quality of spousal relationship. Caregiver variables associated with higher distress included: social support, coping strategies and self‐efficacy.

Conclusions

Several variables were associated with distress amongst lung cancer caregivers. Understanding these variables could inform the development of interventions that will enable caregivers to care effectively while maintaining their own well‐being. Screening for distress among caregivers may identify those caregivers who would benefit from early intervention.
Investigation of NH4NO3 formation by air plasma and wasted ammonia
Authors: Zhu Yu , Xiong Zilan , Li Mengqi , Chen Xingyu , Lu Chen , Zou Zhenping
Published: April 2021

This study investigated NH4NO3 formation by air plasma and NH3 in three different reaction modes for nitrogen fixation and environmental protection. A DC‐driven needle–needle discharge was used. We found that NH4NO3 could be effectively formed by directly mixing NO
x
(generated by air discharge) and NH3 in Mode 1. In Mode 3, when discharging in the air/NH3 mixture, no NH4NO3 was detected. However, in Mode 2, when discharging in the NO
x
/air/NH3 mixture, NH4NO3 was first formed and then subsequently decreased as the discharging time increased. NH4NO3 was identified by white smoke observation and gas/aqueous‐phase Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. Stable NH4NO3 formation may be affected by self‐thermal decomposition and NH3 decomposition through discharge.
Comparative Investigation on Upconversion Luminescence Properties of Lu2O3:Er/Yb and Lu2O2S:Er/Yb Phosphors
Authors: Shen Hanchen , Feng Kai , Lu Guangzhe , Sakka Yoshio , Lu Bin
Published: April 2021

A series of (Lu0.99−xEr0.01Ybx)2O3 and (Lu0.99−xEr0.01Ybx)2O2S (x = 0—0.1) phosphor particles are prepared to investigate their upconversion luminescence properties. Under 980 nm pumping laser, the two phosphors both exhibit strong green emission at ≈520—573 nm and weak red emission at ≈648—688 nm arising from 4S3/2/2H11/2→4I15/2 and 4F9/2→4I15/2 transitions of Er3+, respectively. The optimum concentrations of Yb3+ sensitizers are found to be 1.0 at% in oxide and 0.5 at% in oxysulfide, and their corresponding CIE chromaticity coordinates are (0.29, 0.69) and (0.33, 0.65). The Lu2O2S:Er/Yb phosphor exhibits ≈42 times higher luminescence intensity than the Lu2O3:Er/Yb contrast. More Yb3+ addition further increases the proportion of red emission by the cross‐relaxation between adjacent Yb3+ and Er3+ and the multiphonon relaxation. The luminescence intensities of the two phosphors gradually increase as the laser output power increases and the upconversion mechanisms are both identified to be two‐phonon processes. The Lu2O2S:Er/Yb phosphor has a shorter lifetime than the Lu2O3:Er/Yb counterpart, whereas the lifetime for the red emission is longer than that for the green emission in each case.
The total solar eclipse of December 14, 2020 in southern South America and its effects on atmospheric variables
Authors: Piscitelli Franco M. , Saurral Ramiro I.
Published: April 2021

A total solar eclipse affected southern South America on December 14, 2020. Its occurrence close to the summer solstice in the Southern Hemisphere and around noon brought almost ideal conditions to study the effects of the sudden reduction in incoming solar radiation on different atmospheric variables. Interestingly, the astronomical phenomenon moved over a region that at that time was being affected by a cold front accompanied by significant cloudiness and cold air advection to the area. Therefore, the actual drop in surface temperature over the umbra region resulted from a combination of the radiative effect (i.e., the reduction in solar radiation due to the eclipse itself) and a circulation effect related to the injection of colder air. A quantification of both effects on the full temperature variation is provided, along with a discussion on the underlying mechanisms and the related effects on surface winds derived from the cooling. Results show that temperature drops associated with total solar eclipses in areas far away from the umbra can be as high as (or even higher than) those within the umbra, depending on the prevailing weather conditions.
Recent Advances in Paired Electrosynthesis
Authors: Marken Frank , Cresswell Alexander J. , Bull Steven D.
Published: April 2021

Progress in electroorganic synthesis is linked to innovation of new synthetic reactions with impact on medicinal chemistry and drug discovery and to the desire to minimise waste and to provide energy‐efficient chemical transformations for future industrial processes. Paired electrosynthetic processes that combine the use of both anode and cathode (convergent or divergent) with minimal (or without) intentionally added electrolyte or need for additional reagents are of growing interest. In this overview, recent progress in developing paired electrolytic reactions is surveyed. The discussion focuses on electrosynthesis technology with proven synthetic value for the preparation of small molecules. Reactor types are contrasted and the concept of translating light‐energy driven photoredox reactions into paired electrolytic reactions is highlighted as a newly emerging trend.
Electricity‐Driven Post‐Functionalization of Conducting Polymers
Authors: Kurioka Tomoyuki , Inagi Shinsuke
Published: April 2021

Electrochemical doping of conducting polymers (CPs) generates polarons (radical ionic species) and bipolarons (ionic species) in their backbone via multi‐electron transfer between an electrode and the CP. In the electrochemical polymer reaction (ePR), these generated ionic species are regarded as reactive intermediates for further transformation of the chemical structures of CPs. This electrochemical post‐functionalization can easily be used to control the degree of reactions by turning a power supply on/off, as well as tuning the applied electrode potential, which leads to fine‐tuning of the various properties of the CPs, such as the HOMO/LUMO level and PL properties. This Account summarizes recent developments in the electrochemical post‐functionalization of CPs. In particular, we focus on reaction design for the ePR, with respect to the preparation and structure of the precursor polymers, applicable functional groups, efficient reaction conditions, and electrolytic methodologies.
Solving the Structural Puzzles of Amipurimycin and Miharamycins Enabled by Stereodivergent Total Synthesis
Authors: Yu Biao , Wang Shengyang
Published: April 2021

The efforts toward the synthesis of amipurimycin and miharamycin A/B, two peptidyl nucleoside antibiotics bearing a unique nine carbon C3‐branched pyranosyl amino acid core, are accounted. Highlighted is our stereodivergent total synthesis of all the possible diastereoisomers of amipurimycin, which has enabled us to solve the structural puzzles of amipurimycin and miharamycin A/B after ∼50 years of their discovery.
Application of Ketoreductase in Asymmetric Synthesis of Pharmaceuticals and Bioactive Molecules: An Update (2018–2020)
Authors: Li Zhining , Yang Haidi , Liu Jinyao , Huang Zedu , Chen Fener
Published: April 2021

With the rapid development of genomic DNA sequencing, recombinant DNA expression, and protein engineering, biocatalysis has been increasingly and widely adopted in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, bioactive molecules, fine chemicals, and agrochemicals. In this review, we have summarized the most recent advances achieved (2018–2020) in the research area of ketoreductase (KRED)‐catalyzed asymmetric synthesis of chiral secondary alcohol intermediates to pharmaceuticals and bioactive molecules. In the first part, synthesis of chiral alcohols with one stereocenter through the bioreduction of four different ketone classes, namely acyclic aliphatic ketones, benzyl or phenylethyl ketones, cyclic aliphatic ketones, and aryl ketones, is discussed. In the second part, KRED‐catalyzed dynamic reductive kinetic resolution and reductive desymmetrization are presented for the synthesis of chiral alcohols with two contiguous stereocenters.
Aspiration of a portion of endotracheal tube following patient bite upon recovery from general anaesthesia in a dog
Authors: Bennell Alison , Hughes Jodie , Bruniges Natalie
Published: April 2021

A Labrador Retriever underwent elective general anaesthesia for pinnectomy. The anaesthetic was uneventful until the recovery period where the dog rapidly regained consciousness and bit through the endotracheal tube, aspirating the distal portion. The dog was re‐anaesthetised and the tracheal foreign body was successfully removed with endoscopic guidance. The dog made a full and unremarkable recovery from anaesthesia.
Profiling of RNA Structure at Single-Nucleotide Resolution Using nextPARS
Authors: Chorostecki Uciel , Willis Jesse R. , Saus Ester , Gabaldon Toni
Published: April 2021

RNA molecules play important roles in almost every cellular process, and their functions are mediated by their sequence and structure. Determining the secondary structure of RNAs is central to understanding RNA function and evolution. RNA structure probing techniques coupled to high-throughput sequencing allow determining structural features of RNA molecules at transcriptome-wide scales. Our group recently developed a novel Illumina-based implementation of in vitro parallel probing of RNA structures called nextPARS.

Here, we describe a protocol for the computation of the nextPARS scores and their use to obtain the structural profile (single- or double-stranded state) of an RNA sequence at single-nucleotide resolution.
Integration des Radverkehrs in zukünftige urbane Verkehrsstrukturen mit automatisierten und vernetzten Fahrzeugen
Authors: Eichholz Lutz , Kurth Detlef
Published: April 2021

Eine der größten Herausforderungen für die Entwicklung von automatisierten und vernetzten Fahrzeugen (avF) ist es zur Zeit, Bewegungen von anderen Verkehrsteilnehmenden vorauszusehen (Kahn 2018, Mingels 2019). Der ehemalige CEO von Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi, Carlos Ghosn, wird in Bezug auf Radverkehr und die fortschreitende Automatisierung von Kraftfahrzeugen (Kfz) mit den Worten zitiert: „One of the biggest problems is people with bicycles […], [they] don’t respect any rules usually […] from time-to-time they behave like pedestrians and from time-to-time they behave like cars“ (Reid 2018). Diese Aussage verdeutlicht die Konflikte, die durch ein Aufeinandertreffen zweier sowohl im Antrieb als auch in der Fahrweise stark abweichender Verkehrsmittel entstehen können.
Chancen vergangener Fehler: Flächenpotentiale am Weg zu einem automatisierten Mobilitätssystem
Authors: Mitteregger Mathias , Soteropoulos Aggelos
Published: April 2021

Die technologische Entwicklung automatisierter und vernetzter Fahrzeuge wird in jüngerer Zeit deutlich zurückhaltender bewertet als in den frühen Jahren des Hypes. Ein revolutionäres Szenario, in dem es einem Marktakteur aus der IT-Industrie gelingt, abrupt ein automatisiertes Fahrsystem zu lancieren, das in allen Fahrsituationen besteht, die auch menschliche FahrerInnen meistern (Beiker 2015), wird mittelfristig weitestgehend ausgeschlossen. Anstelle der angenommenen Revolution steht heute die Herausforderung einer Jahrzehnte dauernden Übergangszeit, des „Langen Level 4“, währenddessen nur Teile des Straßennetzes automatisiert befahren werden können (Mitteregger et al. 2020, Soteropoulos et al. 2020).
Neue Governance-Konzepte für die Digitalisierung: Herausforderungen und Potentiale
Authors: Hamedinger Alexander
Published: April 2021

Unter dem Begriff „Governance“ versteht man grundsätzlich die Steuerung und Koordination von Handeln und umfasst im weiten Verständnis verschiedene Formen und deren Prozesse (vgl. Gailing/Hamedinger 2019). Diese reichen von hoheitlicher, d. h. staatlicher Top-down-Steuerung und -Koordination bis zu Formen der Selbststeuerung ohne staatliche AkteurInnen (Mayntz/Scharpf 1995, Blatter 2007). Dieses sozialtheoretisch fundierte Verständnis von Governance unterscheidet sich von einem engeren Verständnis, das den Wandel von staatlichen Steuerungs- und Koordinationsformen hervorhebt. Der Wandel, so die Argumentation, steht im Kontext der Veränderung von Akkumulationsregimen zunehmender Flexibilisierung. Der Staat als Teil der Regulationsweise wird modernisiert („Verwaltungsmodernisierung“) und unternehmerischer (Harvey 1989).
Wie steuern automatisierte Fahrzeuge die Raumentwicklung in der Schweiz?
Authors: Perret Fabienne , Abegg Christof
Published: April 2021

Die Automatisierung im Verkehr wird unsere Mobilität schrittweise verändern. In dieser Hinsicht ist auch die Schweiz keine Insel in Europa. Forschung, Politik und Praxis setzen sich seit einigen Jahren mit zunehmender Intensität mit dem automatisierten Fahren auseinander.
Data-driven urbanism, digital platforms, and the planning of MaaS in times of deep uncertainty: What does it mean for CAVs?
Authors: Banerjee Ian , Jittrapirom Peraphan , Dangschat Jens S.
Published: April 2021

This paper offers a critical review of three coevolving socio-technical paradigms: (a) “data-driven urbanism,” (b) digital platforms, and (c) “Mobility-as-a-Service” (MaaS). It explores the complex relationship unfolding between data-driven cities and digital platforms, while drawing on MaaS as a case to discuss the challenges of implementing mobility services via digital platforms. Inferences are drawn from the ongoing debate accompanying these three paradigms to identify potential criteria for the design of socially accountable governance models for the deployment of connected and automated vehicles (CAVs).
Selbstfahrende Wende oder automobile Kontinuität? Überlegungen zu Technologie, Innovation und sozialem Wandel
Authors: Manderscheid Katharina
Published: April 2021

Das Automobil gehört zu den zentralen Kennzeichen moderner industrialisierter Gesellschaften und symbolisiert gesellschaftlichen Fortschritt und individuellen Wohlstand. In den Ländern der westlichen Welt nehmen die Anzahl privater Autos bezogen auf die EinwohnerInnen sowie die täglich mit dem Auto zurückgelegten Distanzen immer noch zu. Im Jahr 2018 gab es in Deutschland 568 Personenkraftfahrzeuge pro 1 000 EinwohnerInnen (Umweltbundesamt 2019b) und im Durchschnitt legte vor der Corona-Pandemie1 jede Person 29 von täglich 39 Kilometern mit dem Auto als FahrerIn oder BeifahrerIn zurück (Nobis/Kuhnimhof 2018: 46).
Automated Drivability und straßenräumliche Verträglichkeit im Stadt-Land-Kontinuum am Beispiel der Stadtregion Wien
Authors: Soteropoulos Aggelos
Published: April 2021

Automatisierte Fahrzeuge werden unsere Mobilität und die Möglichkeit des Vorankommens stark verändern. Bereits in den nächsten Jahren sind hierdurch im Mobilitätsbereich hochdynamische Entwicklungen mit grundlegenden Veränderungen und Umbrüchen zu erwarten, die sowohl Chancen als auch Risiken mit sich bringen werden. Aus Sicht der Verkehrs-, Infrastruktur- und Stadtplanung braucht es daher Strategien, wo und wie automatisierte Fahrzeuge bestmöglich eingesetzt werden.
Steuerung und Gestaltung von räumlichen Schnittstellen der Mobilität
Authors: Bruck Emilia M. , Scheuvens Rudolf , Berger Martin
Published: April 2021

Der vorliegende Beitrag widmet sich den Veränderungen im öffentlichen Raum, die mit der digitalin Vernetzung und Automatisierung im Mobilitätswesen einhergehen. Hierzu werden speziell räumliche Schnittstellen der Mobilität in den Fokus gerückt. Gemeint sind dabei Räume der Interaktion, der Verknüpfung unterschiedlicher Modi und des Übergangs im öffentlichen Raum. Aufgrund der zunehmenden Vielfalt an Mobilitätsangeboten und neuen Nutzungsanforderungen gewinnt schon heute die Gestaltung von räumlichen Schnittstellen an planerischer Bedeutung.
Transformations of European Public Spaces with AVs
Authors: Martin Robert , Bruck Emilia M. , Soteropoulos Aggelos
Published: April 2021

Connected and automated driving is one of several emerging mobility trends that will fundamentally impact the use and design of public spaces in the coming decades. The uptake of transportation network companies (TNCs), such as Uber, has shown that a greater use of shared modes adds more vehicles to the road and shifts pickup and drop-off locations onto the street, i.e., increasing activity at the curb (Larco 2018: 50; Erhardt et al. 2019). Similar effects were caused by recent waves of dockless micromobility options, such as free-floating bikes or e-scooters, which temporarily led to congested sidewalks and increased spatial demands in public space (Polis 2019).
The low-energy effective theory of axions and ALPs
Authors: Bauer Martin , Neubert Matthias , Renner Sophie , Schnubel Marvin , Thamm Andrea
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Axions and axion-like particles (ALPs) are well-motivated low-energy relics of high-energy extensions of the Standard Model, which interact with the known particles through higher-dimensional operators suppressed by the mass scale Λ of the new-physics sector. Starting from the most general dimension-5 interactions, we discuss in detail the evolution of the ALP couplings from the new-physics scale to energies at and below the scale of electroweak symmetry breaking. We derive the relevant anomalous dimensions at two-loop order in gauge couplings and one-loop order in Yukawa interactions, carefully considering the treatment of a redundant operator involving an ALP coupling to the Higgs current. We account for one-loop (and partially two-loop) matching contributions at the weak scale, including in particular flavor-changing effects. The relations between different equivalent forms of the effective Lagrangian are discussed in detail. We also construct the effective chiral Lagrangian for an ALP interacting with photons and light pseudoscalar mesons, pointing out important differences with the corresponding Lagrangian for the QCD axion.
Wissenstranslation am Beispiel Bewegungsförderung von älteren Menschen: Wie gelangen wissenschaftliche Erkenntnisse in die kommunale Praxis?
Authors: Bußkamp Annalena , Vonstein Claudia , Tillmann Judith , Roßmann Christin , De Bock Freia
Published: April 2021

Hintergrund

Wissenschaftliche Ergebnisse können eine Wissensquelle für kommunale Akteurinnen und Akteure der Bewegungsförderung sein, finden jedoch aufgrund von vielfältigen Barrieren selten Anwendung. Wissenstranslation kann diesen Prozess vereinfachen, setzt aber das Erfassen der bisher kaum erforschten Bedürfnisse der Akteurinnen und Akteure voraus.

Ziel der Arbeit

Ziel der qualitativen Studie ist es, die Zugangswege der Akteurinnen und Akteure zu Informationen und wissenschaftlichen Erkenntnissen zu erfassen, mögliche Barrieren zu identifizieren sowie die Bedürfnisse der praktisch Anwendenden bezüglich der Darstellung und Aufbereitung herauszustellen.

Material und Methoden

Es wurden leitfadengestützte Interviews mit 12 Kommunal- und Landesakteurinnen und -akteuren der Bewegungsförderung aus Nordrhein-Westfalen, Sachsen-Anhalt und Thüringen geführt. Die Auswahl der Interviewten fand durch Purposive Sampling (gezielte Auswahl der Personen) statt. Die Interviews wurden mittels qualitativer Inhaltsanalyse ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse

Der Nutzen wissenschaftlicher Erkenntnisse wird von den Interviewten betont, jedoch erschweren Ressourcenmangel in Kombination mit Informationsflut, hoher Komplexität und Fachsprache die Anwendung. Es besteht Bedarf an passgenauer Aufbereitung in Form von Zusammenfassungen, Filterfunktionen, Herausarbeiten von praxisrelevanten Elementen und Wegen der Bereitstellung.

Diskussion

Für eine erfolgreiche Wissenstranslation sind die Zusammenarbeit und der interaktive Austausch zwischen Wissenschaft, Politik und Praxis sowie die bedarfsgerechte Aufbereitung von wissenschaftlichen Erkenntnissen zentral. Das Vernetzen sowie Bündeln von Wissen auf einer Plattform sind wichtige Aufgaben für die Zukunft.
Employment effects of language training for unemployed immigrants
Authors: Lang Julia
Published: April 2021

Proficiency in the host country’s language is an important factor for the successful labor market integration of immigrants. In this study, I analyze the effects of a language training program for professional purposes on the employment opportunities of participants in Germany. I apply an instrumental variable approach and exploit differences in lagged local training intensities. Bivariate probit estimates show that 2 years after the program started, the employment probability of immigrants who were unemployed in 2014 and participated in the program had increased by more than nine percentage points as a result of language training.
Satisfactory clinical results and low failure rate of medial collagen meniscus implant (CMI) at a minimum 20 years of follow-up
Authors: Lucidi Gian Andrea , Grassi Alberto , Al-zu’bi Belal Bashar Hamdan , Macchiarola Luca , Agostinone Piero , Marcacci Maurilio , Zaffagnini Stefano
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The aim of the study was to evaluate the long-term clinical results, reoperations, surgical failure and complications at a minimum of 20 year of follow-up of the first 8 medial CMI scaffolds implanted by a single surgeon during a pilot European Prospective study.

Methods

Seven (88%) out of 8 patients were contacted. The Cincinnati Score, VAS, and Lysholm score were collected. Moreover, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed on 4 patients at the last follow-up. Complications, reoperations and failures were also investigated.

Results

The average follow-up was 21.5 ± 0.5 years. One patient underwent TKA after 13 years from CMI implantation; a second patient underwent valgus high tibial osteotomy 8 years after the index surgery and another patient underwent anterior cruciate ligament hardware removal at 21 years of follow-up. At the final follow-up, 3 patients were rated as “Excellent”, 1 as “Good” and 2 as “Fair” according to the Lysholm score. The Cincinnati score and the VAS were substantially stable over time. The MRI showed a mild osteoarthritis progression in 3 out of 4 patients according to the Yulish score, and the CMI signal was similar to the mid-term follow-up revealing 3 cases of myxoid degeneration and 1 case of normal signal with reduced scaffold size.

Conclusion

The medial CMI is a safe procedure: satisfactory clinical results and a low failure rate could be expected even at a long-term follow-up. For this purpose, the correct indication as well as correcting axial malalignment and addressing knee instability at the time of the index surgery is mandatory. On the other hand, a mild osteoarthritis progression could be expected even after meniscus replacement.

Level of evidence

IV.
Laparoscopic lateral suspension for anterior and apical prolapse: a prospective cohort with standardized technique
Authors: Chatziioannidou Kyriaki , Veit-Rubin Nikolaus , Dällenbach Patrick
Published: April 2021

Introduction and hypothesis

Laparoscopic lateral suspension (LLS) for anterior and apical pelvic organ prolapse (POP) repair is a recent approach. Previous studies used various meshes or sutures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes of a standardized LLS technique.

Methods

From January 2010 until December 2014, we performed POP repair by LLS with mesh on 88 women with anterior and apical POP ≥ stage 2. We used a polypropylene titanized mesh fixed to the vesico-vaginal fascia with absorbable sutures and treated posterior compartment defect by vaginal approach with native tissue repair if required. Between July 2013 and December 2018, all women were assessed by gynecological examination including the pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q) system. Subjective outcome was evaluated by the patient global impression of improvement (PGI-I) questionnaire.

Results

Seventy-nine women (89.8%) were available for follow-up. The mean duration of follow-up was 3.4 years (SD 1.6). Mean age was 59.6 (SD 11.1) years and mean BMI 25.8 (SD 4.0) kg/m2. Ten patients (12.7%) had previous POP surgery. Fifty-two women (65.8%) required posterior colporraphy for associated posterior defect and 21 (26.6%) had associated urinary incontinence (UI) surgery. There were no perioperative complications. The objective cure rate (no prolapse beyond the hymen and no reoperation for POP recurrence) was 87.3%. The reoperation rate for recurrence was 5.1%. The subjective success rate (PGI ≤ 2) was 96.2%. There were no mesh exposures or extrusions.

Conclusions

This standardized LLS is safe and effective with no mesh complications after 3-year follow-up.
Characterising scoring rules by their solution in iteratively undominated strategies
Authors: Basteck Christian
Published: April 2021

We characterize voting procedures according to the social choice correspondence they implement when voters cast ballots strategically, applying iteratively undominated strategies. In elections with three candidates, the Borda Rule is the unique positional scoring rule that satisfies unanimity (U) (i.e., elects a candidate whenever it is unanimously preferred) and is majoritarian after eliminating a worst candidate (MEW)(i.e., if there is a unanimously disliked candidate, the majority-preferred among the other two is elected). In a larger class of rules, Approval Voting is characterized by a single axiom that implies both U and MEW but is weaker than Condorcet-consistency (CON)—it is the only direct mechanism scoring rule that is majoritarian after eliminating a Pareto-dominated candidate (MEPD)(i.e., if there is a Pareto-dominated candidate, the majority-preferred among the other two is elected); among all finite scoring rules that satisfy MEPD, Approval Voting is the most decisive. However, it fails a desirable monotonicity property: a candidate that is elected for some preference profile, may lose the election once she gains further in popularity. In contrast, the Borda Rule is the unique direct mechanism scoring rule that satisfies U, MEW and monotonicity (MON). There exists no direct mechanism scoring rule that satisfies both MEPD and MON and no finite scoring rule satisfying CON.