bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Detonating Compositions from Ammonium Dinitramide
Authors: Comet Marc , Schwartz Cédric , Schnell Fabien , Oudot Franck , Lallemand Bastien , Spitzer Denis
Published: March 2021

This article reports on a new family of detonating compositions in which ammonium dinitramide (ADN) is used as an explosive oxidizer, and red phosphorus (Pr) or titanium hydride (TiH2) as fuels. At optimized ADN/fuel ratios, these compositions have typical explosion heats higher than 7 kJ/g, detonation velocities in 3 mm diameter tubes ranging from 1.2 to 2.0 km/s at ∼40 % of their theoretical maximum density, with a run to detonation distance between 20 and 40 mm. Both compositions are insensitive to electrostatic discharge, but are very sensitive to impact and friction, ADN/Pr mixtures being the most sensitive to these stress. The shockwave released by the reaction of these materials, efficiently initiates the detonation of high explosives such as pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) or hexogen (RDX). In view of these characteristics, ADN‐based detonating compositions must be considered as “green” substitutes for primary explosives containing heavy metals.
Endobronchial vasculitis in childhood granulomatosis with polyangiitis
Authors: Wong Matthew D. , Gauld Leanne M.
Published: March 2021

Key message

Laryngo‐tracheo‐bronchial disease in childhood granulomatosis with polyangiitis may acutely present with endobronchial small vessel vasculitis without airway stenosis. Treatment should not be delayed in the presence of haemoptysis as it may indicate acute pulmonary capillaritis which can lead to fatal respiratory failure from diffuse alveolar haemorrhage.
Anticancer, Antibacterial and Hyperthermia Studies of a Caffeine‐Based N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Silver Complex Anchored on Magnetic Nanoparticles
Authors: Gajare Shivanand P. , Bansode Prakash A. , Patil Pradnya V. , Patil Audumbar D. , Pore Dattaprasad M. , Sonawane Kailas D. , Dhanavade Maruti J. , Khot Vishwajeet M. , Rashinkar Gajanan S.
Published: March 2021

Caffeine based N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC)‐silver complex anchored on magnetic nanoparticles (MNP‐Caff‐NHC@Ag complex) has been prepared by covalent grafting of caffeine on the surface of chloro‐functionalized Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles followed by complexation with silver (I) acetate. The MNP‐Caff‐NHC@Ag complex has been characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) analysis. The MNP‐Caff‐NHC@Ag complex displayed significant in vitro anticancer activity against human hepatocarcinoma HepG2 cell line and antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (NCIM‐2832), Staphylococcus aureus (NCIM‐2654) and Bacillus cereus (NCIM‐2703). The hyperthermia studies revealed that MNP‐Caff‐NHC@Ag complex achieved good therapeutic temperature (47 °C) under physiological safe range of field and frequency thereby forecasting potential applications as heating mediators in magnetic hyperthermia for selectively killing of cancer cells.
Glyco‐Conjugate Design and Demonstration as Receptors for the Species of Biological, Ecological and Medical Importance: Support from Spectroscopy and Microscopy
Authors: Sivaiah Areti , Nag Rahul , Pulla Rao Chebrolu
Published: March 2021

This review article mainly provides a critical evaluation of the ion and molecular recognition aspects along with the biomedical applications of the conjugates of carbohydrates published in the literature during the past ten years. Thus, the article primarily deals with the derivatives of carbohydrates, wherein these were selective towards the species of biological and ecological relevance as well as their utility in the medical research. The recognition has been monitored by different spectral techniques, such as, fluorescence and absorption spectroscopy and in some cases even visual colour changes. These were further supported by 1H‐Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI MS) and microscopy data. Over the past one decade, there has been a surge in the development and applications of the conjugates of carbohydrates in the field of chemosensors. The accelerated interest is mainly due to their water solubility, biocompatibility and selective and sensitive interactions exhibited by these towards ions and molecules of the type of examples included in this article. Owing to the presence of protein‐carbohydrate interactions, the carbohydrate conjugates have been employed for different biomedical applications such as antimicrobial activity, cell imaging and specific targeting. Therefore, in this article, the sensing and medical applications of the carbohydrate conjugates have also been discussed. For clarity, the main features have been conveniently divided into four sections, sensing of guest species, viz., metal ion, anion or amino acid and bio‐medical applications. While discussing the biomedical applications, such as, the imaging, specific targeting and anti‐disease activity of these conjugates in solution as well when they are attached onto solid surfaces have been covered. Overall, this article deals with the analysis of more than three dozen glyco‐based receptors demonstrated for selective sening of ions and molecular species along with their applications towards disease diagnosis and or prevention. Enough efforts were put to place these on a common platform and to compare these accordingly.
Syntheses, Crystal Structures and Photophysical Properties of Dinuclear Copper(I) Complexes Bearing Diphenylphosphino‐Substituted Benzimidazole Ligands
Authors: Cao Mengmeng , Zhao Yi , Gu Mengsi , Liu Chunmei , Zhu Qianqian , Chen Yahui , Wei Bin , Du Chenxia , Zhang Bin
Published: March 2021

Three dinuclear copper(I) complexes (1, 2 and 3) of the form [(P N)Cu]2(μ2‐I)2 have been designed and synthesized with 4‐diphenylphosphino‐benzimidazole (P N) derivatives. X‐ray structural analysis shows that the complexes possess one rhombohedral Cu2I2 dimer that is coordinated with two P N ligands and exhibits a trans‐configuration. At 290 K, the copper complexes exhibit similar broad and featureless emission bands with peak maxima (λmax) at 585 nm, 565 nm and 586 nm, respectively. The temperature‐dependent photophysical behaviors accompanied with the theory calculations demonstrate that 1 represents a thermally activated delayed fluorescence behavior at ambient temperature, whereas luminescence of 2 and 3 is phosphorescence. Moreover, the complexes (1–3) achieve high photoluminescence quantum yields of 36.9 %, 43.0 % and 34.0 % with relatively short emission decay times of 5.85 μs, 7.99 μs and 5.99 μs, respectively. The solution‐processed organic light‐emitting diode based on 1 achieves a peak brightness of 3325 cd m−2 and an EQE of 2.99 %.
Quinoline: A Promising Scaffold in Recent Antiprotozoal Drug Discovery
Authors: Dorababu Atukuri
Published: March 2021

Protozoal infections malaria and leishmania have become most prevalent in recent times. A high death rate is reported world‐wide because of these diseases. Although there are only a few antiprotozoal drugs but could not be used anymore to cure protozoal diseases because of their toxic effects. Despite the non‐ceasing attempts to discover the drugs to cure malaria and leishmania, efficient drug‐design with low toxicity could not be achieved. A wide range of heterocyclic pharmacophores have been utilized to design efficient drugs. Amongst these heterocycles, quinoline bicycle is given a high priority, since a vast literature of quinoline derivatives relevant to potent pharmacological properties is available. The efficacy of the drugs lies upon the good bioavailability, favorable pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of the molecule. In view of these, the continual efforts are being put to bring about potent anti‐protozoal agents to clinical stage. In this review, the potential research done recently towards the anti‐protozoal drug‐design and discovery is compiled comprehensively. The importance of structural features attributed to remarkable activity is described taking consideration of structure‐activity relationship. Safety Index (SI), crucial for clinical efficiency of a drug is compared amongst a set of derivatives which involve inhibitory properties, in addition to the cytotoxic effects.
Degradation through Directional Self‐Doping and Homogeneous Density of Recombination Centers Hindered by 1,8‐Diiodooctane Additive in Non‐Fullerene Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Almora Osbel , Wiegand Julius , López-Varo Pilar , Matt Gebhard J. , Brabec Christoph J.
Published: March 2021

Non‐fullerene‐based organic solar cells (OSCs) have recently proven to perform with efficiencies above 18%. This is an important milestone for one of the most promising technologies in the fields of flexible and transparent/semitransparent photovoltaics. However, the stability of OSCs is still a challenging issue to meet the industry requirements. Herein, several devices with IT‐4F:PM6 as the active layer with and without 1,8‐Diiodooctane (DIO) additive are characterized before and after a 1400 h degradation test under 1 sun white light‐emitting diode (LED) illumination intensity. The optoelectronic study via impedance spectroscopy under illumination at quasi‐open‐circuit correlates the use of DIO as an additive with a retarded degradation behavior and an overall improved device performance. In dark conditions, the Mott–Schottky analysis suggests that samples without DIO develop self‐doping during degradation, changing the p‐i‐n doping profile into a p–n type, most likely related to the evolution of the blend demixing. These mechanisms are further confirmed by drift‐diffusion simulations. Space‐oriented redistribution of shallow trap levels (self‐doping) and homogeneous increase in deep‐trap levels (nonradiative recombination) are shown to be hindered by the use of the DIO additive.
Reusability affecting factors and software metrics for reusability: A systematic literature review
Authors: Mehboob Bilal , Chong Chun Yong , Lee Sai Peck , Lim Joanne Mun Yee
Published: March 2021

Measuring and estimating the reusability of software components is important towards finding reusable candidates. Researchers have shown that software metrics can be effectively used to assess software reusability. This work provides a systematic literature review to investigate the main factors that influence software reusability and how these identified factors can be quantified using software metrics. This paper also investigates tool availability of the identified software metrics. Based on the extensive study, we narrowed down 44 factors that could positively or negatively affect the reusability of software systems. In term of software metrics, we report our findings through five main families of metrics, namely coupling, cohesion, complexity, inheritance, and size. We found that most of the metrics examine reusability at the class‐level, and the availability of software tools is limited. Furthermore, not all reusability affecting factors are equally impactful to assess the reusability of software components. While existing studies often discussed the impact of complexity towards software reusability, we found that only a handful of complexity metrics were meant for assessing reusability. We have identified several open challenges and gaps in the area, in particular lack of quantifiable measurement for reusability, limited software tools, and limited metrics that directly measure reusability.
Retrospective study on the use of lumbosacral epidural analgesia during caesarean section surgery in 182 dogs: Impact on blood pressure, analgesic use and delays
Authors: Martin‐Flores Manuel , Moy‐Trigilio Karen E , Campoy Luis , Gleed Robin D
Published: March 2021

Background: We evaluated the use of lumbosacral epidural anaesthesia (LEA) in dogs undergoing caesarean section over 10 years.

Methods: Anaesthetic records were reviewed and divided into two treatment groups: LEA and control. Outcome variables identified a priori as potentially affected by LEA were compared between groups. Results are frequency or median (minimum–maximum).

Results: Ninety‐five dogs received LEA and 87 did not. LEA consisted of 0.2 (0.1–0.3) ml/kg containing bupivacaine (n= 63), ropivacaine (n= 15), or lidocaine (n= 12) at concentrations ranging between 0.06% and 2%. Morphine, fentanyl, or buprenorphine were used as part of LEA. Groups were similar for demographic variables (allp> 0.06). Intravenous opioids were used more often in control than in LEA (p< 0.0005). Incidence of hypotension (MAP < 60 mm Hg) was LEA 68% and control 56% (p= 0.12). Duration of hypotension was longer in LEA (p= 0.03). Use of crystalloids and vasoactive drugs did not differ (allp> 0.1). Time from induction to operating room was 30 (8–75) min for control and 35 (18–65) min for LEA (p= 0.003).

Discussion: LEA during caesarean section in dogs was associated with lower rates of opioid administration and did not exacerbate the incidence of hypotension.
The epidemiology of stifle joint disease in an insured Swedish dog population
Authors: Engdahl Karolina , Hanson Jeanette , Bergström Annika , Bonnett Brenda , Höglund Odd , Emanuelson Ulf
Published: March 2021

Background: Stifle joint diseases (SJD) are common in dogs and include a variety of diagnoses. The objective of the study was to provide an overview of the epidemiology of SJD in insured dogs.

Methods: An historical single cohort study of dogs insured in Agria Pet Insurance (2011–2016) in Sweden was performed. Incidence and relative risk (RR) of SJD was calculated for the whole dog population and for subgroups divided by breed, breed group and sex.

Results: The study population included almost 600,000 insured dogs (>1.7 million dog‐years). Ninety‐three different stifle joint diagnoses were reported in 9624 dogs, and the most common were cruciate ligament rupture and patellar luxation. The incidence of SJD was 55.4 cases per 10,000 dog‐years at risk. Bulldog and boerboel had the highest RR of SJD. The breeds that accounted for the highest proportion of all SJD claimed dogs were mixed breed and Labrador retriever. Female dogs had a slightly increased RR compared with male dogs (RR 1.06,p= 0.006). The incidence increased yearly during the observation period.

Conclusion: The study demonstrates breed‐specific differences in incidence of SJD in dogs, which may be of importance for breeders, dog owners and veterinarians.
Effect of gamified perceptual learning on visual detection and discrimination skills in equine gait assessment
Authors: Starke Sandra D. , Miles Gregory C. , Channon Sarah B. , May Stephen A.
Published: March 2021

Background:Visual assessment of equine lameness is an everyday veterinary task suffering from poor diagnostic accuracy. The aim of this study was to quantify the impact of the perceptual learning game ‘LamenessTrainer’ on skill development.

Methods:Thirty‐six undergraduate veterinary students engaged in four game modules teaching the assessment of fore‐ and hindlimb lameness. Computer animations of horses in this game displayed 0% (sound) to 70% (moderately lame) vertical movement asymmetry of head and pelvis. Performance, learning effects, diagnostic accuracy, detection thresholds and survey responses were analysed.

Results:Following staircase learning, more than 80% of students reliably classified horses with ≥20% asymmetry for forelimb lameness, ≥40% asymmetry for simplified hindlimb lameness and ≥50% asymmetry for realistic hindlimb lameness. During random presentation, on average 82% of sound and 65% of lame horses were assessed correctly during forelimb lameness evaluation, dropping to 39% of sound and 56% of lame horses for hindlimb lameness.

Conclusion:In less than two hours, systematic perceptual learning through deliberate practice can develop visual assessment skills to an accuracy level comparable to expert assessors scoring the same animations. Skills should be developed further to improve misclassifications of sound and mildly lame horses, especially for hindlimb lameness evaluation.
Brucellosis risk factors and milk hygiene handling practices in pastoral communities in Isiolo county, Kenya
Authors: Onyango Diana Lynette A. , Guitian Javier , Musallam Imadidden
Published: March 2021

The study was conducted from June to August 2014 in Isiolo Central division of Isiolo Sub‐County and Sericho division of Garbatulla Sub‐County and comprised two components: (i) a cross‐sectional study on the milk‐handling hygiene practices, where milk traders’ households were the study units and (ii) a case‐control study on the risk factors for Brucella spp. infection in humans. Results of the cross‐sectional study showed that 26.74% of the respondents never washed their hands before milking, 60.47% never washed the udder before milking and 54.65% never withhold consumption of milk from animals under treatment with antibiotics. The case–control study included household units with previous cases of brucellosis (53.33%) and those without (46.67%) over the previous 5 years and identified drinking of raw milk as the main risk factor for infection (OR = 26.44; 95% CI: 8.04–86.99). Pastoralists’ unhygienic handling of milk from production to market is suboptimal and this is due to poor knowledge on hygienic practices, poor knowledge on the risks associated with poor milk hygiene and lack of sufficient and potable water for cleaning of milk containers. Many pastoralists still consume milk raw and this is a major public health risk for milk‐borne diseases.
Frontal sinus squamous cell carcinoma with intracranial, extraaxial extension in a dog with chronic sinonasal aspergillosis
Authors: Strohmayer Carina , Hirt Reinhard A. , Gradner Gabriele M. , Högler Sandra , Kneissl Sibylle
Published: March 2021

A 10‐year‐old neutered male Golden Retriever with a history of chronic sinonasal aspergillosis was presented for unilateral nasal discharge, severe pain when opening the mouth, mildly reduced mentation and disorientation. CT revealed a mixed osteoproductive and osteolytic soft tissue mass that extended intracranially from the frontal sinus. Additionally, left‐sided nasal turbinate destruction was evident, consistent with chronic destructive rhinitis. The dog was euthanised, and the mass was diagnosed as frontal sinus squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with intracranial‐extradural extension. This case report correlates diagnostic imaging and necroscopic findings of an osteoproductive and osteolytic frontal sinus SCC in a dog.
New non-perturbative de Sitter vacua in α′-complete cosmology
Authors: Núñez Carmen A. , Rost Facundo Emanuel
Published: March 2021

Abstract

The α′-complete cosmology developed by Hohm and Zwiebach classifies the O(d, d; ℝ) invariant theories involving metric, b-field and dilaton that only depend on time, to all orders in α′. Some of these theories feature non-perturbative isotropic de Sitter vacua in the string frame, generated by the infinite number of higher-derivatives of O(d, d; ℝ) multiplets. Extending the isotropic ansatz, we construct stable and unstable non-perturbative de Sitter solutions in the string and Einstein frames. The generalized equations of motion admit new solutions, including anisotropic d + 1-dimensional metrics and non-vanishing b-field. In particular, we find dSn+1× Td−n geometries with constant dilaton, and also metrics with bounded scale factors in the spatial dimensions with non-trivial b-field. We discuss the stability and non-perturbative character of the solutions, as well as possible applications.
Adsorption for efficient low carbon hydrogen production: part 1—adsorption equilibrium and breakthrough studies for H2/CO2/CH4 on zeolite 13X
Authors: Streb Anne , Mazzotti Marco
Published: March 2021

Reforming of fossil fuels coupled with carbon capture and storage has the potential to produce low-carbon H2 at large scale and low cost. Adsorption is a potentially promising technology for two key separation tasks in this process: H2 purification and CO2 capture. In this work, we present equilibrium adsorption data of H2 and CH4 on zeolite 13X, in addition to the already established CO2 isotherms. Further, we carry out binary (CO2–CH4) and ternary (H2–CO2–CH4) breakthrough experiments at various pressures and temperatures to estimate transport parameters, assess the predictive capacity of our 1D column model, and compare different multi-component adsorption models. CO2 adsorbs strongly on zeolite 13X, CH4 adsorbs less, and H2 adsorbs very little. Thus, H2 breaks through first, CH4 second (first in the binary breakthrough experiments) and CO2 last. Linear driving force (LDF) mass transfer coefficients are estimated based on a single breakthrough experiment and mass transfer is found to be fast for H2, slower for CH4, and slowest for CO2. The LDF parameters can be used in a predictive manner for breakthrough experiments at varying pressures, temperatures, flows, and, though with lower accuracy, even compositions. Heat transfer inside the column is described well with a literature correlation, thus yielding an excellent agreement between simulated and measured column temperatures. Ideal and real adsorbed solution theories (IAST and RAST, respectively) both model the observed breakthrough composition profiles well, whereas extended isotherms are inferior for predicting the competitive behavior between CH4 and CO2 adsorption. This study provides the groundwork necessary for full cyclic experiments and their simulation.
Towards the updated Italian seismic risk assessment: exposure and vulnerability modelling
Authors: Masi Angelo , Lagomarsino Sergio , Dolce Mauro , Manfredi Vincenzo , Ottonelli Daria
Published: March 2021

Within the 2019–2021 research agreement between the Civil Protection Department (DPC) and the Network of University Laboratories for Earthquake Engineering (ReLUIS), the work package WP4 “Seismic Risk Maps—MARS” is specifically devoted to update the 2018 release of the Italian National Seismic Risk Assessment. To this end, the previously considered models of hazard, exposure and vulnerability will be critically reviewed and updated by taking advantage also from the results deriving from other WPs of the DPC-ReLUIS research project. In the present paper some of the most relevant aspects that are being introduced in the development of the new Italian risk maps have been described and shortly analysed. First, a significant upgrade of the vulnerability model implemented in the new version of the platform used for risk calculation (IRMA) is proposed, where reference to the six EMS-98 classes is made also considering regional vulnerability features. Further, empirical data from observed real damage are integrated with results from numerical simulations (mechanical approach), in particular for reinforced concrete buildings. Finally, some special construction types such as schools, churches and bridges are included in order to provide a more comprehensive view of the national risk.
Systemic criticality—a new assessment concept improving the evidence basis for CI protection
Authors: Kruse Philip M. , Schmitt Hanna C. , Greiving Stefan
Published: March 2021

With high certainty, extreme weather events will intensify in their impact within the next 10 years due to climate change-induced increases in hazard probability of occurrence and simultaneous increases in socio-economic vulnerability. Data from previous mega-disasters show that losses from disruptions of critical services surpass the value of direct damages in the exposed areas because critical infrastructures [CI] are increasingly (inter-) dependent. Local events may have global impacts. Systemic criticality, which describes the relevance of a critical infrastructure due to its positioning within the system, needs to be addressed to reduce the likelihood of cascading effects. This paper presents novel approaches to operationalise and assess systemic criticality. Firstly, the paper introduces systemic cascade potential as a measurement of systemic criticality. It takes the relevance of a sector and the relevance of its interdependencies into account to generate a relative value of systemic importance for a CI sector. Secondly, an exemplary sectoral assessment of the road network allows reflecting the spatial manifestation of the first level of cascading effects. It analyses the impact of traffic interruptions on the accessibility of critical facilities to point out the systemically most critical segments of the municipal road network. To further operationalise the spatial dimension of criticality, a normative assertion determining the worthiness of protection of system components is required. A nationwide spatial flood protection plan incorporates this aspect in Germany for the first time. Its formal approval process was initiated in February 2020.
Anisotropic Singular Neumann Equations with Unbalanced Growth
Authors: Papageorgiou Nikolaos S. , Rădulescu Vicenţiu D. , Repovš Dušan D.
Published: March 2021

We consider a nonlinear parametric Neumann problem driven by the anisotropic (p, q)-Laplacian and a reaction which exhibits the combined effects of a singular term and of a parametric superlinear perturbation. We are looking for positive solutions. Using a combination of topological and variational tools together with suitable truncation and comparison techniques, we prove a bifurcation-type result describing the set of positive solutions as the positive parameter λ varies. We also show the existence of minimal positive solutions $u_{\lambda }^{*}$

u

λ

∗

and determine the monotonicity and continuity properties of the map $\lambda \mapsto u_{\lambda }^{*}$
λ
↦

u

λ

∗

.
Endoscopic Negative Pressure Therapy (ENPT) Is Superior to Stent Therapy for Staple Line Leak After Sleeve Gastrectomy: a Single-Center Cohort Study
Authors: Archid Rami , Bazerbachi Fateh , Abu Dayyeh Barham K. , Hönes Felix , Ahmad Suhaib J. S. , Thiel Karolin , Nadiradze Giorgi , Königsrainer Alfred , Wichmann Dörte
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Staple line leak (SLL) is a serious complication after sleeve gastrectomy (SG). Common endoscopic treatment options include self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS), endoscopic internal drainage (EID), and endoscopic closure. The endoscopic negative pressure therapy (ENPT) is a promising treatment option combining temporary sealing of the defect with drainage of the inflammatory bed. In this study, we compare the outcome of ENPT and SEMS for the treatment of SLL following SG.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective cohort of 27 patients (21 females) treated at a single center for SLL after SG was included. ENPT was primary therapy for 14 patients and compared with 13 patients treated primarily using SEMS.

Results

ENPT was associated with a significant reduction of hospital stay (19 ± 15.1 vs. 56.69 ± 47.21 days, p = 0.027), reduced duration of endoscopic treatment (9.8 ± 8.6 vs. 44.92 ± 60.98 days, p = 0.009), and shorter transabdominal drain dwell time (15 (5–96) vs. 45 (12–162) days, p = 0.014) when compared to SEMS. Whereas endoscopic management was successful in 12/14 (85.7%) of patients from the ENPT group, SEMS was successful in only 5/13 (38.5%) of patients (p = 0.015). Furthermore, ENPT was associated with a significant reduction of endoscopic adverse events compared with SEMS (14.3% vs. 76.92% p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Compared with SEMS, ENPT is effective and safe in treating SLL after SG providing higher success rates, shorter treatment duration, and lower adverse events rates.
Monocarboxylate transporter 8 deficiency: update on clinical characteristics and treatment
Authors: van Geest Ferdy S. , Groeneweg Stefan , Visser W. Edward
Published: March 2021

Defective thyroid hormone transport due to deficiency in thyroid hormone transporter monocarboxylate transporter 8 (MCT8) results in severe neurodevelopmental delay due to cerebral hypothyroidism and in clinical negative sequelae following a chronic thyrotoxic state in peripheral tissues. The life expectancy of patients with MCT8 deficiency is severely impaired. Increased mortality is associated with lack of head control and being underweight at young age. Treatment options are available to alleviate the thyrotoxic state; particularly, treatment with the thyroid hormone analogue triiodothyroacetic acid seems a promising therapy. This review provides an overview of key clinical features and treatment options available and under development for this rare disorder.
Effects of surface roughness on CMAS corrosion behavior for thermal barrier coating applications
Authors: Guo Lei , Li Guang , Gan Zhilin
Published: March 2021

Calcium-magnesium-alumina-silicate (CMAS) corrosion is an important cause for thermal barrier coating (TBC) failure, which has attracted increased attentions. In this study, some thermal barrier coating (TBC) materials including YSZ (yttria partially stabilized zirconia), GdPO4, and LaPO4 were prepared into bulks, and the effects of their surface roughness on wettability and spreading characteristics of molten CMAS were investigated. As-fabricated and polished bulks with different surface roughness were exposed to CMAS corrosion at 1250 °C for 1 and 4 h, following by macro and micro observations. Results revealed that compared with the as-fabricated bulks, molten CMAS on the polished samples had lower wettability and a smaller spreading area, mainly attributable to the reduced capillary force to drive the melt spreading. Meanwhile, GdPO4 and LaPO4 bulks exhibited lower CMAS wettability than YSZ bulk. It is thus considered that reducing the surface roughness is beneficial to CMAS corrosion resistance of TBCs.
Experimental analysis and modelling of temperature- and humidity-controlled curing
Authors: Jennrich Rebecca , Aydogdu Ahmet Burak , Lion Alexander , Johlitz Michael , Glaser Sarah , Stammen Elisabeth , Dilger Klaus
Published: March 2021

There has been much discussion about modelling the reaction kinetics of a curing polymer. Typically, curing is described by the development of a variable called degree of curing as a function of temperature and time. The material considered in this paper exhibits two different curing mechanisms, namely temperature-activated and diffusion-based. To be able to describe the complex hardening process, the material is extensively analysed experimentally, and a thermodynamically consistent coupled reaction kinetics model is formulated based on experimental observations. This model enables the implementation of the thermal, caloric, and mechanical properties of the material into a finite element (FE) framework.
The Stupidity of War
Authors: Mueller John
Published: March 2021

It could be said that American foreign policy since 1945 has been one long miscue; most international threats - including during the Cold War - have been substantially exaggerated. The result has been agony and bloviation, unnecessary and costly military interventions that have mostly failed. A policy of complacency and appeasement likely would have worked better. In this highly readable book, John Mueller argues with wisdom and wit rather than ideology and hyperbole that aversion to international war has had considerable consequences. There has seldom been significant danger of major war. Nuclear weapons, international institutions, and America's super power role have been substantially irrelevant; post-Cold War policy has been animated more by vast proclamation and half-vast execution than by the appeals of liberal hegemony; and post-9/11 concerns about international terrorism and nuclear proliferation have been overwrought and often destructive. Meanwhile, threats from Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea, or from cyber technology are limited and manageable. Unlikely to charm Washington, Mueller explains how, when international war is in decline, complacency and appeasement become viable diplomatic devices and a large military is scarcely required.
Remarks by Guoyu Wang
Authors: Wang Guoyu
Published: March 2021

One of the keywords in recent space law literature is “new space activities.” Do you agree with the use of this term, and what is your understanding of it? Are we really talking about “new” activities or about a “new” space?
Introductory Remarks by Céline Lévesque
Authors: Lévesque Céline
Published: March 2021

Welcome to this panel on Using Old Tools in New Ways: The New Economic Word Order. My name is Céline Lévesque and I am honored to moderate this virtual panel from Ottawa.
The African Perspective: The Development of Investment Laws, the Pan-African Investment Code (PAIC), and the African Continental Free Trade Area in the “New Economic World Order”
Authors: Rameau Rose
Published: March 2021

Bilateral investment treaties (BITs) containing traditional clauses such as Most Favorite Nation (MFN), National Treatment (NT), and Free and Equitable Treatment (FET) have been used as old tools to protect Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) throughout the African continent. African states have formed different economic blocks in order to facilitate intra-Africa investment trades and FDI protection. However, investment laws in the continent remain very fragmented. In 2005, African states enacted the Pan-African Investment Code (PAIC), which did not include provisions for traditional Investor State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) but included exceptions to MFN and NT while omitting FET. The PAIC is a classic example of the African perspective in using old tools in new ways to promote more economic nationalism and sustainable development in Africa while maintaining a balance between investors’ protection and states’ sovereign right to regulate.
The parental home as labor market insurance for young Greeks during the Great Recession
Authors: Christopoulou Rebekka , Pantalidou Maria
Published: March 2021

Labor market conditions in Greece have severely deteriorated during the crisis, affecting youths the most. Using the Greek crisis as a case-study, this paper examines the role of the family as a social safety net for its young members. Specifically, we test the relationship between youth labor outcomes and parental co-residence, whether this relationship has become stronger during the crisis, and the degree to which the relationship is causal. Our results confirm that the parental home is a refuge both for jobless youth and for those in poorly paid, insecure jobs, and this role has intensified during the crisis. We find no reverse causality between co-residence and employment status for young men, and significant reverse causality for women. This finding implies that all youths live in the parental home when they are in need themselves, but it is young women not men who live with parents when parents are in need or for cultural reasons.
Preparation burning may not improve short-term seed survival in an Amazonian savanna
Authors: Rodriguez Chuma Victor J. U. R , Norris Darren , da Silva Taires P. , da Silva Jéssica A. , Cavalcante Keison S. , Sidônio Igor A. P. , de Souza Adriano F. , Valentim Daniel S. S. , Mochiutti Silas , Michalski Fernanda
Published: March 2021

The role of fire in the management of degraded areas remains strongly debated. Here we experimentally compare removal and infestation of popcorn kernels (Zea maysL. – Poaceae) and açaí fruits (Euterpe oleraceaMart. – Arecaceae) in one burned and two unburned savanna habitats in the eastern Brazilian Amazon. In each habitat, a total of ten experimental units (five per seed type) were installed, each with three treatments: (1) open access, (2) vertebrate access, and (3) invertebrate access. Generalized linear models showed significant differences in both seed removal (P < 0.0001) and infestation (P < 0.0001) among seed type, habitats and access treatments. Burned savanna had the highest overall seed infestation rate (24.3%) and invertebrate access increased açaí seed infestation levels to 100% in the burned savanna. Increased levels of invertebrate seed infestation in burned savanna suggest that preparation burning may be of limited use for the management and restoration of such habitats in tropical regions.
Outbreak of hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus infections associated with a cardiology clinic, West Virginia, 2012–2014
Authors: Tressler Stacy R. , del Rosario Maria C. , Kirby Michelle D. , Simmons Ashley N. , Scott Melissa A. , Ibrahim Sherif , Forbi Joseph C. , Thai Hong , Xia Guo-liang , Lyman Meghan , Collier Melissa G. , Patel Priti R. , Bixler Danae
Published: March 2021

Objective:

To stop transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections in association with myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) at a cardiology clinic.

Design:

Outbreak investigation and quasispecies analysis of HCV hypervariable region 1 genome.

Setting:

Outpatient cardiology clinic.

Patients:

Patients undergoing MPI.

Methods:

Case patients met definitions for HBV or HCV infection. Cases were identified through surveillance registry cross-matching against clinic records and serological screening. Observations of clinic practices were performed.

Results:

During 2012–2014, 7 cases of HCV and 4 cases of HBV occurred in 4 distinct clusters among patients at a cardiology clinic. Among 3 case patients with HCV infection who had MPI on June 25, 2014, 2 had 98.48% genetic identity of HCV RNA. Among 4 case patients with HCV infection who had MPI on March 13, 2014, 3 had 96.96%–99.24% molecular identity of HCV RNA. Also, 2 clusters of 2 patients each with HBV infection had MPI on March 7, 2012, and December 4, 2014. Clinic staff reused saline vials for >1 patient. No infection control breaches were identified at the compounding pharmacy that supplied the clinic. Patients seen in clinic through March 27, 2015, were encouraged to seek testing for HBV, HCV, and human immunodeficiency virus. The clinic switched to all single-dose medications and single-use intravenous flushes on March 27, 2015, and no further cases were identified.

Conclusions:

This prolonged healthcare-associated outbreak of HBV and HCV was most likely related to breaches in injection safety. Providers should follow injection safety guidelines in all practice settings.
Coalescence as autosegmental spreading and delinking
Authors: Zaleska Joanna
Published: March 2021

Phonological coalescence, understood as a type of synchronic alternation in which two phonological elements seem to fuse into one, presents aprima faciechallenge for versions of Optimality Theory that assume the principle of containment. If all underlying material has to be present in the output form, replacing two input elements with a single output element is not straightforward. I argue that, under the assumptions of Autosegmental Coloured Containment Theory, a distinct operation of coalescence is unnecessary, as all major types of coalescence patterns can be analysed in terms of (i) adding new association lines between some autosegmental nodes, and (ii) the underparsing of other nodes, leading to their phonetic non-realisation. The proposed analysis accurately reflects the heterogeneity of coalescence alternations, which are shown to fall into three different types.
Understanding rapid charge and discharge in nano-structured lithium iron phosphate cathodes
Authors: CASTLE M. , RICHARDSON G. , FOSTER J. M.
Published: March 2021

A Doyle–Fuller–Newman (DFN) model for the charge and discharge of nano-structured lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathodes is formulated on the basis that lithium transport within the nanoscale LFP electrode particles is much faster than cell discharge, and is therefore not rate limiting. We present some numerical solutions to the model and show that for relevant parameter values, and a variety of C-rates, it is possible for sharp discharge fronts to form and intrude into the electrode from its outer edge(s). These discharge fronts separate regions of fully utilised LFP electrode particles from those that are not. Motivated by this observation an asymptotic solution to the model is sought. The results of the asymptotic analysis of the DFN model lead to a reduced order model, which we term the reaction front model (or RFM). Favourable agreement is shown between solutions to the RFM and the full DFN model in appropriate parameter regimes. The RFM is significantly cheaper to solve than the DFN model, and therefore has the potential to be used in scenarios where computational costs are prohibitive, e.g. in optimisation and parameter estimation problems or in engineering control systems.
Meier, Reimarus and Kant on Animal Minds
Authors: Browning Jacob
Published: March 2021

Close attention to Kant’s comments on animal minds has resulted in radically different readings of key passages in Kant. A major disputed text for understanding Kant on animals is his criticism of G. F. Meier’s view in the 1762 ‘False Subtlety of the Four Syllogistic Figures’. In this article, I argue that Kant’s criticism of Meier should be read as an intervention into an ongoing debate between Meier and H. S. Reimarus on animal minds. Specifically, while broadly aligning himself with Reimarus, Kant distinguishes himself from both Meier and Reimarus on the role of judgement in human consciousness.
Effect of change in neck position on thyroid dose and volume in supraclavicular irradiation for breast cancer using conformal technique
Authors: Pulickal Sajeev George , Sebastian Nikhil , Bhaskaran Reshma , Aparna P
Published: March 2021

Background and aim:

Radiation exposure to the thyroid gland during breast irradiation can lead to hypothyroidism and this can impact on the quality of life. The aim of this study was to analyse if there is any difference in the radiation dose received by the thyroid gland during supraclavicular irradiation for breast cancer, with two different neck positions—straight or when the head is turned to the contralateral side to the breast being treated, when using a conformal technique.

Materials and methods:

All patients who received chest wall/breast and supraclavicular irradiation for breast cancer in 2019 in our department were divided into two groups based on the neck position as SN (neck positioned straight) and TN (neck tilted to contralateral side). The volume of thyroid gland, the radiation dose and volume parameters for Dmax, Dmean, and V5 to V40 of the thyroid were tabulated.

Results:

There were 72 patients included in the study with a mean age of 59 years, with 39 in the SN group and 33 in the TN group. There was no significant difference in thyroid volume between the two groups. Dmean, V15, V20, V25, V30 and V35 were significantly lower in tilted neck patients as compared to straight neck patients.

Conclusion:

Neck positioned to the contralateral side of the breast primary may be recommended for conformal CT-based radiation planning.
Motiviert begonnen, erfolgreich beendet?
Authors: Theurer Caroline , Bleck Victoria , Deistler Katharina , Lipowsky Frank
Published: March 2021

Zusammenfassung. Die Bedeutung der Studienwahlmotivation für den Studien- und Berufserfolg von Lehrkräften wird vielfach betont, wurde bislang jedoch nicht hinreichend untersucht. So ist zwar bekannt, dass die Studienwahlmotivation mit leistungsrelevanten Merkmalen wie der Nutzung von Lernstrategien in Verbindung steht, unklar ist jedoch, inwiefern die Studienwahlmotivation darüber hinaus auch Leistungsmaße beeinflusst. Im vorliegenden Beitrag wird die prognostische Validität der Studienwahlmotivation auf zwei Leistungsmaße geprüft: a) die selbstberichtete Abschlussnote und b) die kumulierten Noten im Studienverlauf. Dabei werden Wirkungen von Primärfaktoren ( Pädagogisches Interesse, Fachliches Interesse, Fähigkeitsüberzeugung, Soziale Einflüsse, Geringe Schwierigkeit des Studiums, Nützlichkeit) und Sekundärfaktoren ( intrinsische und extrinsische Motivation) der mit dem FEMOLA erfassten Studienwahlmotivation untersucht. Dafür wird eine Stichprobe von Lehramtsstudierenden der Universität Kassel herangezogen (Projekt STUVE; N = 464). Lineare Regressionsanalysen unter Kontrolle des Geschlechts, der studierten Schulstufe und der Abiturnote zeigen, dass sowohl die intrinsische als auch die extrinsische Studienwahlmotivation schwach mit der selbstberichteten Abschlussnote sowie den kumulierten Noten im Studienverlauf zusammenhängen. Je höher die intrinsische Studienwahlmotivation und je niedriger die extrinsische Studienwahlmotivation, desto besser fallen jeweils die Noten der Lehramtsstudierenden aus. Betrachtet man zusätzlich die Wirkungen der Primärfaktoren der Studienwahlmotivation, ergeben sich für die beiden abhängigen Variablen teils unterschiedliche Zusammenhangsmuster: Während die selbstberichtete Abschlussnote durch keinen der Primärfaktoren vorhergesagt werden kann, korrespondieren die kumulierten Noten im Studium mit den Faktoren Fähigkeitsüberzeugung und einer antizipierten Geringen Schwierigkeit des Studiums. Die Ergebnisse werden kritisch diskutiert und unter Berücksichtigung der Limitationen der Studie in ihrer Bedeutung für die Lehrerbildungsforschung interpretiert.
The impact of multisensory integration and perceptual load in virtual reality settings on performance, workload and presence
Authors: Marucci Matteo , Di Flumeri Gianluca , Borghini Gianluca , Sciaraffa Nicolina , Scandola Michele , Pavone Enea Francesco , Babiloni Fabio , Betti Viviana , Aricò Pietro
Published: March 2021

Real-world experience is typically multimodal. Evidence indicates that the facilitation in the detection of multisensory stimuli is modulated by the perceptual load, the amount of information involved in the processing of the stimuli. Here, we used a realistic virtual reality environment while concomitantly acquiring Electroencephalography (EEG) and Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) to investigate how multisensory signals impact target detection in two conditions, high and low perceptual load. Different multimodal stimuli (auditory and vibrotactile) were presented, alone or in combination with the visual target. Results showed that only in the high load condition, multisensory stimuli significantly improve performance, compared to visual stimulation alone. Multisensory stimulation also decreases the EEG-based workload. Instead, the perceived workload, according to the “NASA Task Load Index” questionnaire, was reduced only by the trimodal condition (i.e., visual, auditory, tactile). This trimodal stimulation was more effective in enhancing the sense of presence, that is the feeling of being in the virtual environment, compared to the bimodal or unimodal stimulation. Also, we show that in the high load task, the GSR components are higher compared to the low load condition. Finally, the multimodal stimulation (Visual-Audio-Tactile—VAT and Visual-Audio—VA) induced a significant decrease in latency, and a significant increase in the amplitude of the P300 potentials with respect to the unimodal (visual) and visual and tactile bimodal stimulation, suggesting a faster and more effective processing and detection of stimuli if auditory stimulation is included. Overall, these findings provide insights into the relationship between multisensory integration and human behavior and cognition.