bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interviews: Was hilft bei Prüfungsphobie?
Authors: Weiße Dagmar
Published: May 2020

Es ist normal, vor Herausforderungen Bedenken zu haben – niemand ist damit alleine. Diesem Leitspruch folgend beleuchten wir in diesem Artikel die Herausforderung vor einer Prüfung aus 2 unterschiedlichen Perspektiven. In Interviews mit einer Weiterbildungsteilnehmerin und einer Weiterbildungsleiterin haben wir aufschlussreiche Antworten erhalten, was bei der Vorbereitung von Prüfungen sinnvoll sein kann, um Ängste und Stress zu verringern.
„In den Müll?!“ – Ursachenforschung zur Nicht-Nutzung technischer Innovationen in der stationären Pflege
Authors: Sebastião Maria , Hechtel Nicole , Krückeberg Jörn
Published: May 2020

Trotz potenziell positiver Auswirkungen von neuen Technologien werden Innovationen von den Pflegekräften oft nicht gut angenommen. Ziel der Erhebung war es, Gründe für die Nicht-Nutzung eines verteilten Alarmsystems zu untersuchen und Handlungsempfehlungen für zukünftige Projekte abzuleiten. Mit 14 Pflegekräften einer Station wurden 3 Gruppendiskussionen durchgeführt und qualitativ-inhaltsanalytisch ausgewertet. Die Pflegekräfte sind bei der Auswahl und Einführung der Geräte nicht einbezogen worden. Die Nicht-Nutzung liegt dabei jedoch nicht an fehlender Kompetenz, fehlendem Wissen oder Interesse. Vielmehr unterbricht die Technologie Arbeitsabläufe, führt zu Mehraufwand und stellt eine Lärmbelastung für Mitarbeitende und Patienten dar. Technologien müssen sich nahtlos in den Alltag einfügen. Sie müssen aus der Praxis für die Praxis entwickelt werden. Idealerweise werden Pflegekräfte schon in deren Entwicklung, spätestens aber bei deren Einführung, einbezogen.
Quarantäne alleine oder in Kombination mit weiteren
Public-Health-Maßnahmen zur Eindämmung der COVID-19 Pandemie:
Ein Cochrane Rapid Review
Authors: Mayr Verena , Nußbaumer-Streit Barbara , Gartlehner Gerald
Published: May 2020

Hintergrund Die Coronavirus-Krankheit COVID-19 ist eine neue, sich
rasch ausbreitende zoonotische Infektionskrankheit, die der
Weltgesundheitsorganisation (WHO) erstmals am 31. Dezember 2019 gemeldet
wurde. Da zurzeit keine wirksamen Medikamente oder Impfstoffe zur Behandlung
oder Prävention von COVID-19 zur Verfügung stehen,
rücken nicht-pharmakologische Public-Health-Maßnahmen zur
Eindämmung der COVID-19 Pandemie stärker in den Fokus.

Studienziele Ziel dieses Rapid Reviews war es, den Effekt von
Quarantäne – alleine oder in Kombination mit weiteren
Public-Health-Maßnahmen – zur Eindämmung von
COVID-19 zu untersuchen.

Methodik Der vorliegende Rapid Review wurde von der WHO in Auftrag
gegeben. Um der Dringlichkeit der Anfrage gerecht zu werden, wurde die
Methodik eines systematischen Reviews punktuell abgeändert. Die
vorliegende Publikation umfasst die wichtigsten Aspekte des Rapid Reviews
und wurde vom WHO Collaborating Centre an der Donau Universität
Krems (Österreich) auf Deutsch übersetzt.

Ergebnisse Insgesamt wurden 29 Studien eingeschlossen. Zehn
Modellierungsstudien befassten sich direkt mit COVID-19, 15 weitere
Modellierungsstudien und 4 Beobachtungsstudien lieferten indirekte Evidenz
zu SARS und MERS. Die Studien zeichneten alle ein ähnliches Bild
– einen Vorteil von Quarantäne. Beispielsweise
schätzten Modellierungsstudien, dass durch Quarantäne von
Personen, die Kontakt mit Infizierten hatten 44–81% neuer
Fälle und 31–63% an Todesfällen verhindert
werden können, im Vergleich zu keinen Maßnahmen. Zwei
Studien zu SARS zeigten, dass Quarantäne effektiver war und weniger
kostete, je früher sie startete. Alleinige Quarantäne von
Personen, die Kontakt mit Infizierten hatten, würde aber
wahrscheinlich nicht ausreichen, um den Ausbruch von COVID-19
einzudämmen. Die Kombination mit anderen Maßnahmen wie
physische Distanzierung oder Schulschließungen zeigte
größere Effekte als Quarantäne alleine. Bei der
individuellen Quarantäne für Rückkehrende aus
Risikogebieten fand der Review vergleichsweise geringe Effekte.

Schlussfolgerung Die Vertrauenswürdigkeit der Evidenz ist
niedrig bzw. sehr niedrig, da die einzigen Studien zu COVID-19
Modellierungsstudien sind, die zwar aktuelle aber noch unsichere und
unterschiedliche Parameter zur Modellberechnung verwendeten. Die indirekte
Evidenz von SARS und MERS ist nur begrenzt auf COVID-19 übertragbar.
Trotz dieser Limitationen, kommen alle Studien zu dem Schluss, dass
Quarantäne eine wichtige Maßnahme ist, um die Pandemie
einzudämmen. Im Hinblick auf die kommenden Monate ist es wichtig,
das Infektionsgeschehen sowie die Auswirkungen der Maßnahmen genau
zu überwachen, um die bestmögliche Balance der
Maßnahmen zu finden.
Calcitriol Reduces Adverse Effects of Diclofenac on Mitochondrial
Function in Isolated Rat Heart Mitochondria
Authors: Khezri Saleh , Atashbar Saman , Azizian Sepideh , Shaikhgermchi Zahra , Kurdpour Peyman , Salimi Ahmad
Published: May 2020

The safety of diclofenac (DIC) use in clinical practice has been questioned
because of adverse cardiovascular effects. Previous studies have indicated
that DIC cause mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in heart
mitochondria. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect
of calcitriol against the mitochondrial toxicity potency of diclofenac in
heart rat mitochondria. For this purpose, rat heart mitochondria were
isolated with mechanical lysis and differential centrifugation. Then
isolated mitochondria were pretreated with 3 different concentrations of
calcitriol (2.5, 5 and 10 µM) for 5 min at
37°C, after which DIC (10 µg/ml) was added
to promote deleterious effects on mitochondria. During 1 hour of incubation,
using by flow cytometry and biochemical evaluations, the parameters of
mitochondrial toxicity were evaluated. Our results showed that DIC
(10 µg/ml) caused a significant decrease in
succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity, mitochondrial membrane potential
(MMP) collapse, and mitochondrial swelling, and a significant increase in
reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, lipid peroxidation (LP) and
oxidative stress. Also, our results revealed that co-administration of
calcitriol (5 and 10 µM) with diclofenac markedly
ameliorates the mitochondrial toxicity effects in rat hart mitochondria. In
this study, we showed that DIC impairs mitochondrial function and induces
mitochondrial toxicity in rat heart isolated mitochondria, which were
ameliorated by calcitriol. These findings suggest that calcitriol may be a
preventive/therapeutic strategy for cardiotoxicity complications
caused by DIC.
Radiologic Efficacy and Patient Satisfaction after Minimally Invasive Unilateral Laminotomy and Bilateral Decompression in Patients with Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Kim Seung-Kook , Ryu Sungmo , Kim Eun-Sang , Lee Sun-Ho , Lee Su-Chan
Published: May 2020

Background and Study Aims Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is the most common spinal disease in older adults. Although surgical modalities are recommended in patients who are unresponsive to conservative treatment, the most appropriate minimally invasive surgical procedure for patients with LSS remains controversial. Moreover, few previous studies have focused on patient-centered outcomes with radiologic correlation. In the present study, we aimed to investigate radiologic efficacy and patient satisfaction following bilateral decompression via unilateral laminotomy.

Materials and Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of radiologic efficacy and patient satisfaction in a series of surgical patients treated at our institution. We classified patients into two groups based on the primary pathology (i.e., central or lateral recess stenosis). Medical records were analyzed retrospectively for radiologic outcomes and clinical parameters including pain and changes in quality of life. Data related to outcomes were collected at 2 weeks, 3 months, and 12 months after surgery in the outpatient clinic.

Results Among the 122 patients enrolled in this study, 51 had central spinal stenosis; 71 had lateral recess stenosis. Radiologically, we observed significant improvements in the anteroposterior diameter and cross-sectional area of the dural sac (central stenosis) and the lateral width of the central canal and depth of the lateral recess (lateral recess stenosis). Two weeks and 12 months after the surgical procedure, we observed significant improvements in the extent of symptoms, patient satisfaction, and quality of life (including physical function).

Conclusion Our findings suggest that bilateral decompression via a unilateral approach shows improved radiologic outcomes, varying based on the type of stenosis. Furthermore, patient satisfaction significantly improved regardless of the type of disease.
Study of the Effect of Substituents of ortho-Phenylenediamines in the Opening of Lactones and Lactams for Access to Benzimidazol-2-yl Alkanols and Benzimidazol-2-yl Alkylamines
Authors: Goossens Laurence , Castillo-Aguilera Omar , Depreux Patrick , Ballée Alexia , Beaurain Florian , Arimondo Paola B.
Published: May 2020

Benzimidazoles represent common chemical moieties in bioactive compounds. The synthesis of this heterocycle often involves a condensation of an ortho-phenylenediamine with a carboxylic acid derivative. The observed dialkylation of the starting ortho-phenylenediamine is avoided by opening of lactones or lactams. This strategy can directly yield 1H-benzimidazoles substituted at the 2-position by a functionalized chain. We present herein a study of the effect of different electron-withdrawing or electron-donating groups at the 4-position of ortho-phenylenediamines on the opening of lactones or lactams to synthesize benzimidazol-2-yl alkanols and benzimidazol-2-yl alkylamines.
Current Research in Melanoma and Aggressive Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer
Authors: Wilken Reason , Criscito Maressa , Pavlick Anna C. , Stevenson Mary L. , Carucci John A.
Published: May 2020

There have been several significant advances in cancer treatment in the last decade that are applicable to the treatment of melanoma and advanced nonmelanoma skin cancers. Among these are the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting the programmed death protein-1 (PD-1)/programmed death legand-1 (PDL-1) axis, as well as targeted inhibitors of the BRAF/MEK signaling cascade in melanoma, and the hedgehog signaling pathway in basal cell carcinoma (BCC). These immune-based and targeted therapies have dramatically changed the treatment options for locally advanced and metastatic melanoma, Merkel's cell carcinoma, cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), and BCC. In this article, we will briefly review the currently approved targeted and immunotherapy-based treatments for locally advanced and metastatic melanoma, Merkel's cell carcinoma, and cSCC and discuss various combinations of approved therapies, as well as emerging therapeutic candidates that are currently in clinical trials, including novel checkpoint inhibitors in development, intratumoral oncolytic agents (viral and nonviral), and various immune-based therapies such as toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists, adoptive T-cell therapy, T-cell costimulation, and innate immune cell therapy. For advanced BCC, we will discuss trials investigating the currently approved smoothened (SMO) inhibitors for neoadjuvant use, emerging SMO inhibitors in development, topical SMO inhibitors, alternative targets in the hedgehog signaling pathway, and the use of anti-PD-1 agents for advanced BCC both alone and in combination with SMO inhibitors.
Quality of Life Studies in Skin Cancer Treatment and Reconstruction
Authors: Joseph Andrew William
Published: May 2020

Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is an important measure of patient experience before, during, and after treatment for skin cancers. Over the past 20 years, a variety of generic as well as disease-specific HRQOL instruments have been developed to assess clinical outcomes. Clinical trials have increasingly focused on using HRQOL instruments as outcome measures. Patients with both cutaneous melanoma and nonmelanotic skin cancers have been found to experience improvement in HRQOL following surgical treatment and reconstruction. Individual demographic variables may further predict experience within each of these groups. Increasing use of HRQOL instruments in future studies comparing skin cancer treatments will allow physicians to better understand and optimize patient experiences.
Management of Complicated Nasal Defects
Authors: Owusu James , Nesbitt Blaine , Boahene Kofi
Published: May 2020

The nose is the most common site for nonmelanoma skin cancer. Fortunately, most skin cancer lesions on the nose are discovered early and their timely diagnosis and excision result in superficial defects that can be reconstructed with minimal impact on the aesthetics and function. Reconstruction of full-thickness defects of the nose remains a challenging endeavor for reconstructive surgeons. An organized and systematic approach is necessary to streamline the analysis, planning, and reconstruction complex nasal defects to consistently achieve optimal results. This article reviews options for reconstructing full-thickness nasal defects and highlights current advances in established techniques.
Segmental Femoral Ostectomy for the Reconstruction of Femoropatellar Joint in Dogs with Grade IV Medial Patellar Luxation
Authors: Nagahiro Yukari , Murakami Sawako , Kamijo Keiji , Shimada Masakazu , Kanno Nobuo , Suzuki Shuji , Harada Yasuji , Hara Yasushi
Published: May 2020

Objective The aim of this study was to describe a new surgical method of segmental femoral ostectomy for the reconstruction of the femoropatellar joint (FPJ) in dogs with medial patellar luxation (MPL) grade IV.

Study Design The medical records of six dogs that underwent segmental femoral ostectomy to reconstruct the FPJ for MPL grade IV were retrospectively reviewed. The data included breed, age, body weight, comorbidities, history of orthopaedic abnormalities, pre- and postoperative radiographic findings, morphological indicators measured on three-dimensional computed tomographic multiplanar reconstruction images, surgical methods and postoperative complications.

Outcomes Eleven hindlimbs with MPL grade IV in six dogs underwent segmental femoral ostectomy to reconstruct the FPJ with the four basic surgical procedures. Six stifle joints with femoral varus deformity were treated by closing wedge ostectomy and segmental ostectomy, while five stifle joints were treated by segmental ostectomy alone. The mean resected femoral length was 11.7 mm. The mean resected femoral length relative to the preoperative femoral length was 14.3%. The stability and congruity of the FPJ was markedly improved, with an increased range of motion in all dogs compared with their preoperative status.

Conclusion Segmental femoral ostectomy was a useful treatment method for MPL grade IV with shortened quadriceps muscle length relative to the femoral length. Reconstruction of the FPJ is important for recovery of limb function.
Endoscopic Adipofascial Radial Forearm Free Flap Reconstruction of the Skull Base: A Technical Update
Authors: Pipkorn Patrik , Lee Jake J. , Zenga Joseph , Chicoine Michael R.
Published: May 2020

Objective While most defects after endoscopic endonasal resections can be closed with local or locoregional options, rare cases require free tissue transfer. In this setting, while minimally invasive techniques have been described, the essential procedural details are lacking. The objective of this report is to describe several key technical modifications to free flap harvest and endoscopic-assisted inset which decrease morbidity and improve reliability and efficiency.

Methods A retrospective chart review was performed of consecutive patients treated at Washington University in St. Louis with endoscopic free flap reconstruction through a Caldwell–Luc/transbuccal approach between January 2016 and September 2019.

Results A total of six patients underwent adipofascial radial forearm free flap with this technique, five for recalcitrant cerebrospinal fluid leak or pneumocephalus and one for osteoradionecrosis. All flaps survived and there were no flap-related complications. Five patients (83%) achieved successful healing and separation of the sinonasal cavity and intracranial space. One patient developed recurrent pneumocephalus. Three key technical modifications were identified that improve efficiency and reliability of flap delivery and inset: (1) use of an adipofascial radial forearm flap, without skin paddle; (2) wide resection of the anterior and lateral maxillary face to facilitate flap delivery; and (3) precise defect measurement and flap contouring prior to inset to prevent any need to debulk the flap in situ.

Conclusion Endoscopic adipofascial radial forearm free flap delivered to the skull base through a Caldwell–Luc/transbuccal corridor is a feasible option with a high success rate and low morbidity when other reconstructive attempts have failed.
Transvenous Onyx Embolization of Carotid-Cavernous Fistulas: Mid- and Long-Term Outcomes
Authors: Beer-Furlan André , Joshi Krishna C. , Brahimaj Bledi , Lopes Demetrius K.
Published: May 2020

Objective Endovascular treatment of carotid-cavernous fistulas (CCFs) has been consistently shown to give excellent results and is currently the mainstay of treatment of these complex vascular pathologies. Onyx is currently the most widely used agent, but there has been concern over high rates of cranial nerve (CN) deficits seen in patients with CCF treated with Onyx and paucity of data on long-term outcomes.

Methods This is a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent transvenous Onyx embolization between 2011 and 2018. The data collected included demographics, comorbidities, presenting symptoms, CCF morphology, degree of obliteration, procedure-related complications, clinical outcomes, and follow-up.

Results A total of seven patients (five females) were included. The median age was 66 years (range: 15–79 years). Median duration of symptoms before treatment was 4 weeks (range: 1–24 weeks). There were three direct and four indirect CCFs. Barrow classification is as follows: A-3; B-3; C-0; and D-1. Immediate complete occlusion was achieved in all cases. There was also one case of immediate postoperative change in CN function (new partial CN VI deficit) that resolved completely at 1-month follow-up. The mean length of stay was 3 days (±2). The preoperative extraocular movement CN deficits had the following outcomes: three resolved; two improved; and one persisted. Proptosis, chemosis, conjunctival injection, and tinnitus were resolved in all patients. The median follow-up was 34 months (range: 10–91 months).

Conclusion Transvenous Onyx embolization is a safe and effective treatment of CCFs when technical aspects to reduce complications are performed diligently. Our technique demonstrates safety of the Onyx as a stand-alone embolization for the treatment of CCF.
Enhanced photoelectrochemical hydrogen evolution by 2D nanoleaf structured CuO
Authors: Samal Pankaj Kumar , Sharma Lalita , Halder Aditi
Published: May 2020

Copper oxide (CuO) is a p-type semiconductor material having versatile use in a wide number of applications. In this work, a CuO nanoleaf structure has been synthesized without any traces of Cu2O by a one-step facile method under mild refluxing conditions. The phase purity of the sample is confirmed by x-ray diffraction, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and high resolution transmission electron microscopy. Photoelectrochemical performance has been evaluated by linear scan voltammetry, and transient photocurrent has been measured in the presence of a visible light source of 350 W. Transient photocurrent shows a high photocurrent density of −6.0 mA cm−2 [at −0.2 V vs reference hydrogen electrode (RHE)] in neutral pH. The enhancement of photocurrent density is due to the large space charge region potential, confirmed by a Mott–Schottky measurement. This large space charge region potential is responsible for the higher efficiency of electron–hole separation and a concurrent increase in the kinetics of the process.
A 80 kV gas switch triggered by a 17 μJ fiber-optic laser
Authors: Wang Zhiguo , Sun Fengju , Qiu Aici , Hu Long , Yin Jiahui , Cong Peitian , Jiang Xiaofeng , Wei Hao , Jiang Hongyu
Published: May 2020

A gas switch triggered by μJ laser pulses was developed. The switch employed a 10 mm-gap GaAs photoconductive semiconductor switch (PCSS) mounted in parallel with one of its two gaps. The dark current–voltage characteristic of the PCSS was obtained, and the gas switch characteristics at different bias voltages were experimentally investigated. The results indicate that the switch can be triggered reliably by using a 17 µJ laser pulse, and the jitter is less than 3 ns at the bias voltage of 80 kV and 60% of the self-breakdown voltage.
Enhanced relaxor behavior and thermal- and frequency-insensitive strain of (Na0.5Bi0.5)0.93Ba0.07Ti1 − x(Mn1/3Nb2/3)xO3 ceramics
Authors: Li Ling , Shen Meng , Wang Rui-Xue , Zheng Mupeng , Zhang Haibo , Zhang Shan-Tao , Hou Yudong , Zhu Mankang
Published: May 2020

(Na0.5Bi0.5)0.93Ba0.07Ti1 − x(Mn1/3Nb2/3)xO3 ceramics (x = 0–0.02) were prepared, and their structure and property were investigated systematically. (Mn1/3Nb2/3)4+ doping shifts ferroelectric–relaxor transition temperature (TF–R) toward low temperature. Thus, ferroelectric order is suppressed and relaxor behavior is enhanced monotonously, as further evidenced by composition-dependent electrical properties and domain evolution from labyrinthian to nanodomain. As a result, the x = 0.010 ceramic yields a large room temperature field-induced strain of 0.37%, especially the strain is temperature- and frequency-insensitive with a variety of 4.3% and 4.1% in the ranges of 25–125 °C and 0.5–10 Hz, respectively. This work suggests that the low content (Mn1/3Nb2/3)4+ complex cation doping is an alternative method to effectively tune the electrical properties of Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3-based ferroelectrics.
Conversion of CO2 by non- thermal inductively-coupled plasma catalysis
Authors: Devid Edwin , Ronda-Lloret Maria , Huang Qiang , Rothenberg Gadi , Shiju N. Raveendran , Kleyn Aart
Published: May 2020

CO2 decomposition is a very strongly endothermic reaction where very high temperatures are required to thermally dissociate CO2. Radio frequency inductively-coupled plasma enables to selectively activate and dissociate CO2 at room temperature. Tuning the flow rate and the frequency of the radio frequency inductively-coupled plasma gives high yields of CO under mild conditions. Finally the discovery of a plasma catalytic effect has been demonstrated for CO2 dissociation that shows a significant increase of the CO yield by metallic meshes. The metallic meshes become catalysts under exposure to plasma to activate the recombination reaction of atomic O to yield O2, thereby reducing the reaction to convert CO back to CO2. Inductively-coupled hybrid plasma catalysis allows access to study and to utilize high CO2 conversion in a non-thermal plasma regime. This advance offers opportunities to investigate the possibility to use radio frequency inductively-coupled plasma to store superfluous renewable electricity into high-valuable CO in time where the price of renewable electricity is plunging.
Influence of substrate misorientation on the optical properties of Mg-doped GaN
Authors: Liu Hanxiao , Su Po-Yi , Wu Zhihao , Liu Rong , Ponce Fernando A.
Published: May 2020

The GaN substrate miscut angle has a significant effect on the optical properties of Mg-doped GaN grown by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition. We have studied the optical properties of epilayers grown on c-plane GaN wafers with nominal miscut angles of 0.3° and 4° toward the [11¯00] direction. Periodic surface steps are observed in thin films grown on 0.3° miscut substrates. The step separation and height, as well as the surface roughness, increase with layer thickness, leading to a decrease in Mg doping efficiency. For films grown on 4° miscut substrates, step bunching causes the formation of visually observable wavy features on the film surface with strong spatial variations in cathodoluminescence characteristics, indicating a significant effect of surface morphology on the nature of Mg incorporation and p-type characteristics.
Ultimate fate of a dynamical bubble/droplet system following acoustic vaporization
Authors: Lacour Thomas , Valier-Brasier Tony , Coulouvrat François
Published: May 2020

The phase-change of a liquid droplet induced by a supply of acoustic energy is known as “Acoustic Droplet Vaporization,” and it represents a versatile tool for medical applications. In an attempt to understand the complex mechanisms that drive the vaporization threshold, a theoretical concentric three phase model (bubble of vapor dodecafluoropentane + layer of liquid dodecafluoropentane + water) is used to compute numerical simulations of the vapor bubble time evolution. The dynamics are sorted into different regimes depending on their shared characteristic and the system ultimate fate. Those regimes are then organized within a phase diagram that collects all the possible dynamics and that predicts whether the complete vaporization occurs or not.
Multigraded Dyson–Schwinger systems
Authors: Foissy Loïc
Published: May 2020

We study systems of combinatorial Dyson–Schwinger equations with an arbitrary number N of coupling constants. The considered Hopf algebra of Feynman graphs is NN-graded, and we wonder if the graded subalgebra generated by the solution is Hopf or not. We first introduce a family of pre-Lie algebras that we classify, dually providing systems generating a Hopf subalgebra; we also describe the associated groups as extensions of groups of formal diffeomorphisms on several variables. We then consider systems coming from Feynman graphs of a quantum field theory. We show that if the number N of independent coupling constants is the number of interactions of the considered quantum field theory, then the generated subalgebra is Hopf. For QED, φ3, and QCD, we also prove that this is the minimal value of N. All these examples are generalizations of the first family of Dyson–Schwinger systems in the one coupling constant case, called fundamental. We also give a generalization of the second family, called cyclic.
Faraday instabilities leading to electrochemomechanical generation of sub-μA AC upon application of DC voltage across freestanding oil–water interfaces
Authors: Kushagra Arindam , Pandey Akshaya , Giri Ayanava , Bazal Diyasa , Pradhan Anup Kumar , Rai Sristi Raj
Published: May 2020

In this article, we report the generation of alternating current by the application of constant and ramping DC voltages across oil–water interfaces. The work reported here can be broadly divided into two parts depending on the shapes of oil–water interfaces, i.e., flattened and curved. In the first part, an alternating current of ∼100 nA (amplitude) was generated by applying a constant DC voltage of −3 V and above across a freestanding and flattened oil–water interface. In another part, an alternating current of ∼150 nA (amplitude) was generated by applying a ramping up DC voltage starting from −5 V to 5 V, then again ramping back down to −5 V for the freestanding and curved interface. The suggested qualitative mechanism that engenders such a phenomenon includes the oil–water interface acting like a membrane. This membrane oscillates due to the electrophoretic movement of ions present in the aqueous phase by the application of a DC voltage across the interface. This electrophoretic movement of ions across oil–water interfaces causes Faraday instabilities leading to oscillations of the said interface. This method could also be used to study the stress levels in the interfacial films between two immiscible liquids. It explores the more-than-Moore’s paradigm by finding a substitute to a conventional alternator/inverter that generates alternating current upon applying a DC voltage input. This work would be of substantial interest to researchers exploring alternatives to conventional AC generators that can be used in liquid environments and in the design of novel integrated circuits that could be used for unconventional computing applications.
Maternal periconceptional and first trimester protein restriction in beef heifers: effects on maternal performance and early fetal growth
Authors: Copping Katrina J. , Hoare Andrew , McMillen I. Caroline , Rodgers Raymond J. , Wallace Charles R. , Perry Viv E. A.
Published: May 2020

This study evaluated the effect of protein restriction during the periconception (PERI) and first trimester (POST) periods on maternal performance, physiology and early fetal growth. Yearling nulliparous heifers (n=360) were individually fed a diet high or low in protein (HPeri and LPeri respectively) beginning 60 days before conception. From 24 to 98 days post-conception (dpc), half of each treatment group changed to the alternative post-conception high- or low-protein diet (HPost and LPost respectively), yielding four groups in a 2×2 factorial design with a common diet until parturition. Protein restriction was associated with lower bodyweight subsequent to reduced (but positive) average daily weight gain (ADG) during the PERI and POST periods. During the POST period, ADG was greater in LPeri than HPeri heifers and tended to be greater in LPost than HPost heifers during the second and third trimester. Bodyweight was similar at term. The pregnancy rate did not differ, but embryo loss between 23 and 36 dpc tended to be greater in LPeri than HPeri heifers. Overall, a greater proportion of male fetuses was detected (at 60 dpc 63.3% male vs 36.7% female). Protein restriction altered maternal plasma urea, non-esterified fatty acids, progesterone, leptin and insulin-like growth factor 1 at critical stages of fetal development. However, profiles varied depending on the sex of the conceptus.
Distinct activities of Scrib module proteins organize epithelial polarity
Authors: Khoury Mark J. , Bilder David
Published: May 2020

Significance

To enable their physiological functions, cells must polarize their plasma membrane. In many epithelia, polarity is regulated by balanced activity of the apical Par complex and basolateral Scribble module. While the former is understood in molecular detail, little is known about how the latter works. We identify distinct functions of the three Scribble module proteins, separating independent roles in a localization hierarchy from cooperative roles in apical polarity antagonism, and showing that they are not together sufficient to specify basolateral identity. This work establishes an essential basis for a mechanistic understanding of this core polarity machinery that controls processes ranging from stem cell divisions to organ morphogenesis across animal species.
l
-Arginine sensing regulates virulence gene expression and disease progression in enteric pathogens
Authors: Menezes-Garcia Zelia , Kumar Aman , Zhu Wenhan , Winter Sebastian E. , Sperandio Vanessa
Published: May 2020

Microbiota, host and dietary metabolites/signals compose the rich gut chemical environment, which profoundly impacts virulence of enteric pathogens. Enterohemorrhagic
Escherichia coli
(EHEC) engages a syringe-like machinery named type-III secretion system (T3SS) to inject effectors within host cells that lead to intestinal colonization and disease. We previously conducted a high-throughput screen to identify metabolic pathways that affect T3SS expression. Here we show that in the presence of arginine, the arginine sensor ArgR, identified through this screen, directly activates expression of the genes encoding the T3SS. Exogenously added arginine induces EHEC virulence gene expression in vitro. Congruently, a mutant deficient in arginine transport (Δ
artP
) had decreased virulence gene expression. ArgR also augments murine disease caused by
Citrobacter rodentium
, which is a murine pathogen extensively employed as a surrogate animal model for EHEC. The source of arginine sensed by
C. rodentium
is not dietary. At the peak of
C. rodentium
infection, increased arginine concentration in the colon correlated with down-regulation of the host SLC7A2 transporter. This increase in the concentration of colonic arginine promotes virulence gene expression in
C. rodentium
. Arginine is an important modulator of the host immune response to pathogens. Here we add that arginine also directly impacts bacterial virulence. These findings suggest that a delicate balance between host and pathogen responses to arginine occur during disease progression.
Knowledge transfer in the Soviet Union from the perspective of visual
culture
Authors: Hofeneder Philipp
Published: May 2020

In a broad definition, translation
encompasses the mediation of knowledge between (as well as within) different
systems. An important but hitherto largely neglected aspect in this respect are
illustrations. This chapter examines the role of illustrations in the transfer of
knowledge, taking as a case study Istoriia, an encyclopaedia
written in Ukrainian and translated into Russian. I argue that it is not only the
content of an illustration itself, but also its immediate surroundings, which play
a key role in the way we construct interpretative patterns.
The Leviathan and the woods
Authors: Avxentevskaya Maria
Published: May 2020

The formidable pace of reforms conducted by
Peter I of Russia (1672–1725) caused a genuine struggle to construct an
administrative language that would facilitate the sovereign power and collective
actions. Peter’s politics of neologisms shaped national and cultural identity, and
induced pedagogical and institutional discussions. My chapter examines how the
state-supported procedures of translation helped build the legal frameworks of early
Russian environmentalism. Translation is considered here as the process of
translating legislation about forestry matters from German into Russian, but also as
a transformation of practical knowledge about forestry according to foreign
patterns. I argue that both processes could be analysed as a complex multifarious
translation of texts and practices, and examine their role in administering the
environmental policies of the early Russian Empire.
What triggers 'imāla
Authors: Abo Mokh Noor , Davis Stuart
Published: May 2020

'imāla is a term used to describe the raising
of the low vowel /a/ to [e] or [i], a feature of several Arabic dialects, including
Levantine varieties where conditional raising occurs. This paper discusses various
issues related to final 'imāla focusing on a Palestinian dialect.
Final 'imāla typically affects the feminine marker suffix /-a/ in
nouns and adjectives (the equivalent of tā
marbūtˤa in Standard Arabic). Some of the issues to be
discussed concern consonants that block 'imāla and their
phonological features, the exceptional classes of colors and mental/physical
challenges, and the lack of 'imāla to loanwords. One important
observation is that short nouns whose consonantal roots start with a /w/, such as
[sʕif-a] ‘characteristic’ and [hib-a] ‘gift’, systematically fail to
undergo 'imāla. Phonological analyses will be given.
Consolidation of Prosecutor Offices
Authors: Detotto Claudio , McCannon Bryan C.
Published: May 2020

We investigate the impact of the consolidation of local agencies publicly providing services, focusing on the prosecution of crime. In many states in the United States, prosecution is a county office with a head prosecutor directing decisions. Other states merge counties into prosecutorial districts. We show that, along with the cost savings that arises, the evidence suggests that prosecutorial services benefit from increasing returns to scale. The efficiency of prosecutorial output is higher in consolidated districts. Further, we show that it is not owing to differing outcomes of the criminal justice system but to fewer inputs used.
TriB-RT: Simultaneous optimization of photon, electron and proton beams
Authors: Kueng R , Mueller S , Loebner H A , Frei D , Volken W , Aebersold D M , Stampanoni M F M , Fix M K , Manser P
Published: May 2020

Purpose. To develop a novel treatment planning process (TPP) with simultaneous optimization of modulated photon, electron and proton beams for improved treatment plan quality in radiotherapy. Methods. A framework for fluence map optimization of Monte Carlo (MC) calculated beamlet dose distributions is developed to generate treatment plans consisting of photon, electron and spot scanning proton fields. Initially, in-house intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) plans are compared to proton plans created by a commercial treatment planning system (TPS). A triple beam radiotherapy (TriB-RT) plan is generated for an exemplary academic case and the dose contributions of the three particle types are investigated. To investigate the dosimetric potential, a TriB-RT plan is compared to an in-house IMPT plan for two clinically motivated cases. Benefits of TriB-RT for a fixed proton beam line with a single proton field are investigated. Results. In-house optimized IMPT are of at least equal or better quality than TPS-generated proton plans, and MC-based optimization shows dosimetric advantages for inhomogeneous situations. Concerning TriB-RT, for the academic case, the resulting plan shows substantial contribution of all particle types. For the clinically motivated case, improved sparing of organs at risk close to the target volume is achieved compared to IMPT (e.g. myelon and brainstem

D

m
a
x

−37%) at cost of an increased low dose bath (healthy tissue V
10% +22%). In the scenario of a fixed proton beam line, TriB-RT plans are able to compensate the loss in degrees of freedom to substantially improve plan quality compared to a single field proton plan. Conclusion. A novel TPP which simultaneously optimizes photon, electron and proton beams was successfully developed. TriB-RT shows the potential for improved treatment plan quality and is especially promising for cost-effective single-room proton solutions with a fixed beamline in combination with a conventional linac delivering photon and electron fields.
The effect of persistent U-shaped patterns in RR night-time series on the heart rate variability complexity in healthy humans
Authors: Soliński Mateusz , Kuklik Paweł , Gierałtowski Jan , Baranowski Rafał , Graff Beata , Żebrowski Jan
Published: May 2020

Objective: U-shaped patterns, characteristic periods of time observed in tachograms, are a specific subgroup among very low frequency components characterized by relatively short periods of smooth accelerations followed by decelerations of heart rhythm. In this study, we characterize this phenomenon and its effect on heart rate variability (HRV) parameters. Approach: We calculated linear (the mean and standard deviation of RR intervals, RMSSD, pNN50 and the power of the frequency components) and nonlinear (V0, V1 and V2 Porta’s symbolic analysis, Shannon and Sample entropy, Guzik’s and Porta’s asymmetry indexes, the exponents α1 and α2 of detrended fluctuation analysis and the Hurst surface h(q,s) of multiscale multifractal analysis (MMA)) HRV parameters for 65 RR interval night-time series (39 females, 37.5(11.3) years old and 26 males, 41.7(16.5) years old; all without organic heart diseases). All parameters were calculated for original data and for the three kinds of test data in which the following parts of the time series were replaced by 1/f noise: (A) the U-shape patterns annotated in a given data set, (B) randomly chosen windows of similar size as the U-shaped patterns, (C) acceleration-deceleration events shorter than U-shaped patterns. Main results: We found that the U-shaped patterns, as the most persistent structures in RR night-time intervals series, affect the long-range correlation properties (measured by α2). We also found that the U-shaped patterns importantly strictly affect the shape of h(q,s) surface at different scales s. Removing the U-shaped patterns results in the shape of the h(q,s) surface losing the properties characteristic for healthy heart rhythm. The largest quantitative effect of U-shaped patterns was obtained for the power of the VLF component. The mean percentage difference of the VLF component between the original data and the A to C type test data were 19.4%, −4.3% and 5.3%, respectively. Significance: Although percentage contribution of U-shaped patterns is small compared to the whole night-time series (on the average 3.1%(1.7%) with a standard deviation of 1.7%), these patterns have a considerable impact on the HRV parameters describing the VLF, persistency, nonlinear correlations and multifractal properties.
Wetland Protection Strategy Based on “Source-Stream-Convergence” Theory-with Weishan Lake Ecological Tourism as An Example
Authors: Shi Feng , Pan Xue
Published: May 2020

Policies on the development of countryside, towns, ecological system, regional tourism and canals are frequently issued these days. Weishan Lake should seize this opportunity to develop itself by coordinating ecology, industry and tourism for the integrated development of its urban and rural areas. From 1984 to 2018, the east of Dushan Lake Basin was suffering from the shrinkage of water area, lake filling for fields and ponds, rapid expansion of urbanization, and pollution caused by the direct pouring of sewage and agricultural waste water into the lake. A number of factors lead to the mounting pressure over the environment of Dushan Lake, which requires scientific planning and land use layout based on elements such as natural limits, economic efficiency and ecological protection to carry out land adaptability analysis and provide a reference for scientific and reasonable project layout while building up an ecological protective barrier to ensure the safety of the water quality.
Effects of intercropping with post-grafting generation of Cosmos sulphureus on physiological and growth of grape seedling under cadmium stress
Authors: Wang Xun , Xu Xiangting , Xiao Yunying , Wei Xiaohan , Wang Yan , Liao Ming’an
Published: May 2020

A pot experiment was conducted to study the effects of intercropping with post-grafting generation of Cosmos sulphureus on physiological growth of grape seedlings under cadmium stress by determining the biomass, the chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll and carotenoid content, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) and the soluble protein and sugar content. All in all, these results illustrated that intercropping with post-grafting generation of C. sulphureus increased the biomass, photosynthetic pigment and osmotic substance content and also enhance the antioxidant enzyme activities compared to the grape seedlings monoculture, especially intercropping with post-grafting generation of C. sulphureus of self-rooted grafting by two different development stages of plant seedling. Thus, intercropping with post-grafting generation of C. sulphureus played an important role in grape seedlings restoration even under cadmium stress and also provided theoretical basis for other plant restoration.
Possible Measurement to Coral Bleaching from the Perspective of Climate Change——Taking South China Sea as an Example
Authors: Liu Junzhe
Published: May 2020

The overall objective of this paper is to discuss possible solutions to the global coral bleaching events induced by climate change. To make detailed demonstration, this paper take South China Sea(SCS) area as an instance. Graphs and information are acquired by using Matlab based on data from NOAA-CRW program. The conclusion of this paper is to raise three measurements,which are on-time heat stress watching with quick action in small rage, directional evolution by genetic modification, and transplant of the coral-based ecosystem to Refuge.
Effects of intercropping with reciprocal hybridization F1 generation of Solanum photeinocarpum on growth and physiology of Cyphomandra betacea seedlings
Authors: Xiao Yunying , Ao Qiaoman , Zhu Ying , Zhao Yan , Zhang Ran , Liao Ming’an
Published: May 2020

To study the effects of positive and negative hybridization F1 generation of two ecotypes (mining and farmland) of hyperaccumulator plants on the growth and the fruit quality safety of Cyphomandra betacea under cadmium stress. In this experiment, C. betacea seedlings were used as research materials, intercropping S. photeinocarpum of parents and positive and negative hybridization F1 generation with C. betacea seedlings, study the effects intercropping with S. photeinocarpum on growth and physiology of C. betacea seedlings. The biomass, photosynthetic pigments content, soluble protein content and antioxidant enzymes activity of intercropping treatments were all lower than monoculture, the above shows that in the physical growth and resistance of C. betacea seedlings intercropping with S. photeinocarpum were all showed the intercropping disadvantage, especially the worst growth C. betacea seedlings was intercropping with S. photeinocarpum positive hybridization F1 generation.
Effects of Garbage Enzyme on the Heavy Metal Contents and the Growth of Castor under Mine Tailing
Authors: Zhu Guangxu , Cheng Dandan , Liu Xixi , Nie Ping , Zuo Renhui , Zhang Hui , Wang Xingfeng
Published: May 2020

Pot experiment was performed to study the effect of garbage enzyme from the peel dregs of kiwifruit and Rosa roxburghii on the growth of castor and the contents of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb) in the aerial part. The results indicated that the addition of two kinds of garbage enzyme with different concentrations was beneficial to the growth of castor, and the biomass of castor could be increased by up to 80%. High-concentration of Rosa roxburghii enzyme inhibited the absorption of heavy metals by castor, low-concentration of Rosa roxburghii enzyme showed a promotion effect; while high-concentration of kiwifruit enzyme increased the content of heavy metals in the aerial part of castor, low-concentration of kiwifruit enzyme showed inhibition, with a maximum decrease of 21% ∼ 42%. The results showed that kiwifruit enzyme with 1:800 diluted concentration could promote the growth of castor, and had the best inhibition effect on heavy metal absorption of castor.
Research on Environmental Performance Responsibility and Governance Countermeasures of Chinese Enterprises
Authors: Guo Jianchao , Deng Zehong
Published: May 2020

In recent years, corporate environmental protection issues have become increasingly prominent. In order to study the performance of environmental protection responsibilities of Chinese enterprises, and analyze the existing problems, the author collected a large amount of corporate environmental protection data from the Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People’s Republic of China and the National Bureau of Statistics, and downloaded the 2018 annual social responsibility reports published by 200 enterprises for empirical research. The analysis shows that the overall development trend of environmental protection in Chinese enterprises is good, but there are still many problems, especially the urgent need to improve the ability of environmental governance, the unwillingness of enterprises to invest in environmental protection, the lack of transparency of environmental information, and the imperfection of internal environmental protection and Governance system. The author gives relevant suggestions from three aspects: strengthening the construction of laws and systems related to environmental protection of enterprises, improving the internal environmental protection governance system, and strengthening supervision of corporate environmental responsibility.