bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kinetics of the oxidation of iodide by dicyanobis(phenanthroline)iron(III) in a binary solvent system
Authors: Khattak Rozina , Khan Muhammad Sufaid , Summer Shazia , Ullah Rizwan , Afridi Humaira , Rehman Zainab , Masood Summyia , Noreen Hamsa , Qazi Raina Aman , Begum Bushra
Published: October 2020

Oxidation of the iodide ion is an important facet of the solar cells such as perovskite solar cells and dye‐sensitized solar cells. The rate of reaction undoubtedly depends upon several factors. Such parameters include reaction media, electrolyte, and the nature of solvents, and electrolyte. If these factors are optimized then the rate of the reaction can be controlled and could be used to get the maximum benefit out of it such as economically and industrially cost‐effective uses of the reaction and globally environmentally benign. We studied the kinetics of the oxidation of the iodide ion in the binary solvent system that consisted of 10% (v/v) tertiary butyl alcohol and water. The transition metal complex such as dicyanobis(phenanthroline)iron(III) oxidizes the iodide ion spontaneously without any external triggering with a fast rate at 293 ± 1 K. The reaction was probed under the pseudo–first‐order condition with an excess concentration of the iodide ion over dicyanobis(phenanthroline)iron(III) at 0.06 M ionic strength. The reaction was observed independent of the concentration of dicyanobis(phenanthroline)iron(III), that is, the zero order and third order with respect to the iodide ion in the selected solvent system. An overall third‐order was observed for the redox reaction. The value of the multiplication product of the molar absorptivity (ɛ), path length of the cuvette (b), and overall rate constant (k) was deduced to be 1.59 × 106 M−3 s−1. The observed zero‐order rate constant of the reaction was increased by the fractional (1.5) power of the concentration of protons in the excess concentration of acid 1 mM to 0.1 M. The multiplication product of ɛ⋅b to the fractional order rate constant (k′) was found 0.773 M−1.5 s−1 that confirms protonation of triiodide in acidic‐10% (v/v) tertiary butyl alcohol‐water. The effect of ionic strength showed a similar impact in different compositions of solvents such as 5, 10, and 20% (v/v) tertiary butyl alcohol‐water. The observed zero‐order rate constant was decreased upon increasing the ionic strength in each medium consisting of the binary solvent system.
A non‐iterative transformation method for an extended Blasius problem
Authors: Fazio Riccardo
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we define a non‐iterative transformation method for an extended Blasius problem. The original non‐iterative transformation method, which is based on scaling invariance properties, was defined for the classical Blasius problem by Töpfer in 1912. This method allows us to solve numerically a boundary value problem by solving a related initial value problem and then rescaling the obtained numerical solution. In recent years, we have seen applications of the non‐iterative transformation method to several problems of interest. The obtained numerical results are improved by both a mesh refinement strategy and Richardson's extrapolation technique. In this way, we can be confident that the computed first six decimal places are correct.
Kinder und Jugendliche für die Chemie begeistern
Authors: Schmitz Karin J.
Published: October 2020

Die Öffentlichkeit über Chemie zu informieren ist eine satzungsgemäße Aufgabe der GDCh. Schülerinnen und Schüler sind eine besonders wichtige Zielgruppe.
Acquired MET D1228N Mutations Mediate Crizotinib Resistance in Lung Adenocarcinoma with ROS1 Fusion: A Case Report
Authors: Wang Yu , Chen Zheng , Han Xiao , Li Jiamei , Guo Honglin , Shi Junping
Published: October 2020

Patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) containing ROS1 fusions can have a marked response to the ROS1-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), such as crizotinib. Common resistance mechanisms of ROS1-fusion targeted therapy are acquired mutations in ROS1. Along with the use of next-generation sequencing in the clinical management of patients with NSCLC during sequential targeted therapy, many mechanisms of acquired resistance have been discovered in patients with activated tyrosine kinase receptors. Besides acquired resistance mutations, bypass mechanisms of resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-TKI treatment are common in patients with EGFR mutations. Here we describe a patient with metastatic lung adenocarcinoma with CD74-ROS1 fusion who initially responded to crizotinib and then developed resistance by the acquired mutation of D1228N in the MET kinase domain, which showed short-term disease control for cabozantinib.

Key Points

The D1228N point mutation of MET is an acquired mutation for crizotinib resistance. The patient obtained short-term clinical benefit from cabozantinib therapy after resistance to crizotinib. The clinical use of next-generation sequencing could maximize the benefits of precision medicine in patients with cancer.
Meso research on the fiber orientation distribution of aramid fiber‐reinforced rubber composite
Authors: Gao Jianhong , Jiao Fuxing , Zhang Hongjian , Lin Xiaoshan , Huang Lihong , Guo Jinquan , Yang Xiaoxiang
Published: October 2020

Aramid fiber‐reinforced rubber composites (AFRCs) have attracted considerable attention due to their excellent mechanical properties. These mechanical properties provide the composites with a certain degree of anisotropy due to the fiber orientation distribution (FOD) in the AFRCs, thereby allowing them to flexibly meet requirements based on different scenarios. However, the quantitative determination of FOD in AFRCs continues to be a challenge. In this study, the triple ion‐beam cutting technique was proposed to obtain high‐quality polished cross‐sections of the AFRCs. An image processing technique was used to separate the rubber matrix and the fiber in the optical micrograph. The fiber orientation information was extracted based on the shape of the fiber section. The FODs of the AFRCs were described using the probability function. Finally, the mechanical property was evaluated using a 2D finite element analysis. The agreement between the experimental and numerical results validated the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Ondansetron use in early pregnancy and the risk of miscarriage
Authors: Suarez Elizabeth A. , Boggess Kim , Engel Stephanie M. , Stürmer Til , Lund Jennifer L. , Jonsson Funk Michele
Published: October 2020

Background

Ondansetron is commonly used to treat nausea and vomiting in pregnancy despite inconclusive evidence of its safety. Previous studies have reported no increase in risk of miscarriage but relied on methods that failed to account for gestational weeks at risk and non‐user comparators, which may increase the potential for unmeasured confounding. Our objective was to estimate the risk of miscarriage among women prescribed ondansetron vs alternative antiemetics during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Methods

A pregnancy cohort was created using electronic health record data from a health care system in North Carolina. Women were classified as exposed to either ondansetron or comparator antiemetics (metoclopramide or promethazine) based on the first antiemetic prescription received in the first 20 weeks of gestation. Cumulative incidence of miscarriage at 20 weeks was estimated in each antiemetic group. Hazard ratios (HR) were estimated with 95% confidence intervals and measured confounding was controlled using inverse probability of treatment weights. Sensitivity analyses assessed the potential impact of exposure misclassification, latency period, and selection bias.

Results

We identified 2620 eligible pregnancies with antiemetic orders; 65% had a first ondansetron order and 35% had a first comparator antiemetic order. In total, 95 women had a miscarriage. After adjustment, there was no difference in risk of miscarriage (HR 1.21, 95% CI 0.77, 1.90). Results from the per‐protocol and other sensitivity analyses were similar to the main analysis.

Conclusions

We did not observe an increase in the risk of miscarriage for pregnancies exposed to ondansetron vs comparator antiemetics.
Synergy among humimycins against methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Tancer Robert J. , Baynes Kazim , Wiedman Gregory R.
Published: October 2020

Drug resistant and multidrug resistant microorganisms are an increasing problem for public health. In this work, we investigate the ability of lipopeptides to act synergistically as a potential treatment for methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections. We present results on a specific class of lipopeptides: humimycins. We explored various changes to their structure including altering their hydrophobicity and enantiomeric amino acid substitutions. Of specific note, the “dehydroxy” analogue, synthesized with myristic anhydride, has a 4‐fold improved activity against MRSA (USA300) as determined in minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays. When used together, the original humimycins and dehydroxy analogue have and MIC against MRSA lower than 20 μg/mL. We also report that humimycins form nanoparticle micelles of less than 250 nm in diameter. These particles could be used as formulations to delivery multiple humimycin drugs as effective treatments for MRSA infections.
GameTag: A New Sequence Tag Generation Algorithm Based on Cooperative Game Theory
Authors: Fei Zhengcong , Wang Kaifei , Chi Hao
Published: October 2020

Sequence tag‐based peptide search is a critical technology in proteomics for the characterization of proteins from tandem mass spectrometry data. However, the main reason for hindering the full application of such an approach lies that accurately extracting sequence tags responsible for each experimental spectrum. Toward that end, GameTag, a novel cooperative game framework for sequence tag generation is proposed, which includes a tag generator and a tag discriminator to collaboratively generate sequence tags. Specifically, the tag generator works to extract as many correct tag candidates as possible and the tag discriminator serves to determine the correctness of tag candidates and reduce the total number of output tags simultaneously. Through the dynamic two‐player game, the number of extracted tags is decreased while the number of correct tags gets boosted. The performance of the proposed method is also investigated under various hyperparameter and structure settings. Extensive experiments on a wide variety of data sets from different species demonstrate that GameTag outperforms previous state‐of‐the‐art methods, InsPecT, PepNovo+, DirecTag, and the existing tag‐extraction method in Open‐pFind, increasing by at least 10% the number of spectra extracted more than one correct tag.
Wolbachia influence on the fitness of Anagyrus vladimiri (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), a bio‐control agent of mealybugs
Authors: Izraeli Yehuda , Lalzar Maya , Mozes‐Daube Netta , Steinberg Shimon , Chiel Elad , Zchori‐Fein Einat
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

Like numerous other animals, biocontrol agents (BCAs) of arthropod pests carry various microorganisms that may have diverse effects on the biology of their eukaryote hosts. We postulated that it is possible to improve the efficacy of BCAs by manipulating the composition of their associated microbiota. The parasitoid wasp Anagyrus vladimiri (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) from a mass‐rearing facility was chosen for testing this hypothesis.

RESULTS

High‐throughput sequencing analysis indicated that fungal abundance in A. vladimiri was low and variable, whereas the bacterial community was dominated by the endosymbiont Wolbachia. Wolbachia was fixed in the mass‐rearing population, whereas in field‐collected A. vladimiri Wolbachia's prevalence was only approximately 20%. Identification of Wolbachia strains from the two populations by Multi Locus Sequence Typing, revealed two closely related but unique strains. A series of bioassays with the mass‐rearing Wolbachia‐fixed (W+) and a derived antibiotic‐treated Wolbachia‐free (W–) lines revealed that: (i) Wolbachia does not induce reproductive manipulations; (ii) W– females have higher fecundity when reared individually, but not when reared with conspecifics; (iii) W+ females outcompete W– when they share hosts for oviposition; (iv) longevity and developmental time were similar in both lines.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that W+ A. vladimiri have no clear fitness benefit under mass‐rearing conditions and may be disadvantageous under lab‐controlled conditions. In a broader view, the results suggest that augmentative biological control can benefit from manipulation of the microbiome of natural enemies.
Transmission Geometry Laser Lighting with a Compact Emitter
Authors: Reilly Caroline E. , Lheureux Guillaume , Cozzan Clayton , Zeitz Emet , Margalith Tal , Nakamura Shuji , Seshadri Ram , Weisbuch Claude , DenBaars Steven P.
Published: October 2020

Laser lighting systems can take many form factors for applications, such as spotlighting, general illumination, or decorative lighting. The use of lasers in conjunction with phosphors for white lighting leads to questions about incorporating the various package elements. Some practical considerations of a transmission geometry system implementing a blue laser and a yellow Ce:YAG single crystal phosphor are discussed, with specific focus on color tuning and the optical efficiency of the single crystal. A compact emitter is demonstrated with examples of modifications to increase the system performance and complexity. Moving from a cool white system to a warm white system is done through the addition of a red light such as a red laser or red phosphor. The single crystal phosphor component needs to allow light to be coupled in from the laser and has high extraction efficiency. A wavelength‐selective reflective coating is implemented to address these concerns, which increases the luminous efficacy of the system. Engineering the phosphor element using this concept may allow for single crystal phosphors to be viable options for future laser lighting systems.
Metal‐ion‐assisted structural and anomeric analysis of Amadori compounds by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Bai Yunpeng , Liang Yuqiang , Li Guode , Wu Shuixing , Wang Guangwen , Li Yingbang , Liu Yanling , Chen Chunbo
Published: October 2020

Rationale

The Maillard reaction plays an important role in food, physiology and traditional Chinese medicine, and its primary reaction products are formed through Amadori rearrangement by reducing sugars and amino acids. The analysis of the characteristic fragmentation and of the glycosidic bond configuration of Amadori compounds will promote their fast discovery and identification by mass spectrometry.

Methods

Four Amadori compounds that reduce disaccharides and proline/tryptophan were used to investigate the fragmentation mechanisms via tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) with different alkali metal ion adducts. Cu2+ could be used to distinguish glycosidic bond configurations of the reducing disaccharides in the full‐scan mass spectra. Quantum calculations were also conducted for a single Amadori compound with Cu2+ for analysis of the most optimized configurations and binding energies of metal complexes.

Results

MS/MS analysis of Amadori–alkali metal complexes revealed that the radius of the alkali metal ions had profound effects on the degree of fragmentation of such compounds, among which lithium‐cationized ions produced the most extensive fragmentation. Amadori compounds with different glycosidic bonds formed differently proportioned metal complexes with Cu2+, and the complexity of the copper complexes containing tryptophan moieties was higher than that of those containing proline moieties in the mass spectra. Quantum calculations showed that Amadori compounds with β‐configurations can form more binding sites with Cu2+ than those with α‐configurations, thus making the metal complex with a single ligand more stable. In addition, the chelation of tryptophan with copper ions increased the coordination binding energy, which showed that α‐configured Amadori compounds were readily able to form multi‐ligand copper complexes.

Conclusions

Metal‐ion‐assisted analysis provides crucial information for structural and anomeric analysis of Amadori compounds by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Elucidation of binding sites and binding energies by quantum calculations has significantly improved the knowledge of metal complexes in the gas phase and provides background information for determining the glycosidic configuration of Amadori isomers.
Structural Features and Functional Properties of Y2O3 Reinforced Nickel Matrix Nanocomposites
Authors: Chaudhari Alok Kumar , Singh Vijai Bahadur , Singh Bachcha
Published: October 2020

Metal matrix composites with yttria as reinforcement are mostly produced because of it's improved mechanical properties while thermal stability, electrochemical and magnetic properties of the yttria based composites are rarely considered. In the present study, the feasibility of incorporating yttria nanoparticles into nickel matrix from ethylene glycol bath by electro‐codeposition method is demonstrated. The particle content of the coatings was strongly influenced by current density i. e. the rate of metal deposition. Particle content, surface morphology and microstructural changes of the deposits were investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with energy dispersed X‐ray analyzer (EDAX). A dense, compact and smoother composite surface with lower particle content was obtained at higher current densities. Crystallographic structure, texture and lattice strain have been evaluated using X‐ray diffraction (XRD). Incorporation of yttria particles inhibits the grain growth and causes grain refinement of the nickel matrix. Annealed nanocomposite deposits revealed thermal stability up to 700 °C. The comparative electrochemical corrosion behavior of the electrodeposited coatings in 3.5 % NaCl solution and their deposition potential were evaluated. Magnetic studies showed nearly complete absence of hysteresis i. e. soft magnetic nature of the coatings.
Visible‐Light Cercosporin Catalyzed Sulfenylation of Electron‐Rich Compounds with Thiols under Transition‐Metal‐Free Conditions
Authors: Hazarika Sukanya , Barman Pranjit
Published: October 2020

In the present study, an efficient visible‐light and cercosporin catalyzed direct sulfenylation of electron rich aromatic compounds such as indoles, active methylenes, and phenols with thiols through a photoredox catalyzed process has been reported through the cleavage of a C−H/S−H bond at room temperature under transition‐metal‐free conditions. The reported methodology gives a direct way in the formation of C−S bonds with broad functional group compatibility, which produces 3‐sulfenylated indoles, α‐sulfenylated carbonyl compounds and diaryl sulfides in moderate to good yields. The advantage of the reaction is that it meets the criteria of green and sustainable synthetic chemistry and can be used widely in the fields of organic synthesis and pharmaceutical chemistry.
Design of Perovskite Thermally Co‐Evaporated Highly Efficient Mini‐Modules with High Geometrical Fill Factors
Authors: Li Jia , Dewi Herlina Arianita , Wang Hao , Lew Jia Haur , Mathews Nripan , Mhaisalkar Subodh , Bruno Annalisa
Published: October 2020

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have emerged as a promising technology for next‐generation photovoltaics thanks to their high power‐conversion‐efficiency (PCE). Scaling up PSCs using industrially compatible processes is a key requirement to make them suitable for a variety of applications. Herein, large‐area PSCs and perovskite solar modules (PSMs) are developed based on co‐evaporated MAPbI3 using optimized structures and active area designs to enhance PCEs and geometrical fill factors (GFFs). Small‐area co‐evaporated PSCs (0.16 cm2) achieve PCE over 19%. When the PSCs are scaled‐up, the thin films high quality allows them to maintain consistent Voc and Jsc, while their fill factors (FF), which depend on the substrate sheet resistance, are substantially compromised. However, PSCs with active areas from 1.4 to 7 cm2 show a substantially improved FF when rectangular designs with optimized length to width ratios are used. Reasoning these results in the PSM design with optimal subcell size and for specific dead areas, a 6.4 cm2 PSM is demonstrated with a record 18.4% PCE and a GFF of ≈91%. Combining the high uniformity of the co‐evaporation deposition with active areas design, it is possible to scale up 40 times the PSCs with PCE losses smaller than 0.7% (absolute value).
Recent Progress of Quantum Dot‐Based Photonic Devices and Systems: A Comprehensive Review of Materials, Devices, and Applications
Authors: Kim Jaehyun , Song Seungho , Kim Yong-Hoon , Park Sung Kyu
Published: October 2020

Recently, photonic technologies have attracted lots of interests in the demand of high‐performance sensor devices. In particular, multifunctional photodetectors based on low‐dimensional nanomaterials have enabled to address complex environmental conditions and data processing for wide range of emerging applications, such as soft robotics, biomedical devices, and neuromorphic computing hardware, translating into mechanically flexible platforms that can offer reliable information. Semiconducting quantum dots (QDs) are one of the promising candidates for such photonic applications due to their excellent optical absorption coefficient, wide bandgap tunability, and structural stability as well as high‐throughput production capabilities, such as low‐cost, large‐area, and complementary metal–oxide–semiconductors (CMOS) compatible solution processability. Herein, essential investigations of the emerging photonic devices and systems are presented, focusing on materials, devices, and applications. In addition, diverse hybrid device architectures, which integrate the QD materials with various semiconductors, are fully examined to introduce the newly developed high‐performance wearable photodetectors and neuromorphic applications. Finally, research challenges and opportunities of the QD‐based photonic devices are also discussed, keeping forward‐looking perspective and system points of view.
Tension versus flexure: Reasons to modify the formulation of MC 2010 for cracking
Authors: Pérez Caldentey Alejandro , García Roberto , Gribniak Viktor , Rimkus Arvydas
Published: October 2020

This paper critically evaluates the cracking model of MC 2010 with a view to the drafting of MC 2020. It emphasizes that there are differences in cracking behavior in tension and bending, which are not adequately recognized in the current model. Based on the analysis of experimental evidence, it shows that the current model has a significant skew in prediction performance when tension and flexure tests are considered separately. Based on these observations, modifications are proposed to account for the variation of tensile stresses within the effective area of concrete, for the effect of the casting position of the tensile reinforcement and the effect of curvature on crack width. Modifications to the definition of the effective area and the model calibration are also introduced.
Testing a New Passive Acoustic Recording Unit to Monitor Wolves
Authors: Barber‐Meyer Shannon M. , Palacios Vicente , Marti‐Domken Barbara , Schmidt Lori J.
Published: October 2020

As part of a broader trial of noninvasive methods to research wild wolves (Canis lupus) in Minnesota, USA, we explored whether wolves could be remotely monitored using a new, inexpensive, remotely deployable, noninvasive, passive acoustic recording device, the AudioMoth. We tested the efficacy of AudioMoths in detecting wolf howls and factors influencing detection by placing them at set distances from a captive wolf pack and compared those recordings with real‐time, on‐site howling data between 22 May and 17 June 2019. We identified 1,531 vocalizations grouped into 428 vocal events (236 solo howl series and 192 chorus howls). The on‐site AudioMoth correctly recorded 100% of chorus and solo howls that were also documented in real‐time. The remote array detected 49.5% of chorus and 11.9% of solo howls (≥1 unit detected the event). The closest remote AudioMoth (0.54 km, 0.33 mi) detected 37% of choruses and 8.9% of solo howls. Chorus howls (9.4%) were detected at the farthest unit (3.2 km, 2.0 mi). Favorable wind (carrying source howls to the remote units) and calm (no wind) conditions increased detectability and detection distance of chorus howls. Temperature was inversely related to detection. Given the detection distances we observed, AudioMoths are probably useful in studying specific sites during periods when wolves move less frequently (e.g., during late spring and summer at homesites or potentially during winter at kill sites of very large prey). AudioMoths would also be useful in a passive sampling array (e.g., occupancy studies), especially when used in concert with other methods such as camera‐trapping. Additional research should be conducted in areas with different environmental variables (e.g., wind, temperature, habitat, topography) to determine performance under varying conditions and also when fitted with a parabolic dish. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
Geometrically distinct solutions of nonlinear elliptic systems with periodic potentials
Authors: Yang Zhipeng , Yu Yuanyang
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we study the following nonlinear elliptic systems: $$\begin{aligned} {\left\{ \begin{array}{ll} -\Delta u_1+V_1(x)u_1=\partial _{u_1}F(x,u)&{}\quad x\in {\mathbb {R}}^N,\\ -\Delta u_2+V_2(x)u_2=\partial _{u_2}F(x,u)&{}\quad x\in {\mathbb {R}}^N, \end{array}\right. } \end{aligned}$$

-
Δ

u
1

+

V
1

(
x
)

u
1

=

∂

u
1

F

(
x
,
u
)

x
∈

R

N

,

-
Δ

u
2

+

V
2

(
x
)

u
2

=

∂

u
2

F

(
x
,
u
)

x
∈

R

N

,

where $$u=(u_1,u_2):{\mathbb {R}}^N\rightarrow {\mathbb {R}}^2$$

u
=

(

u
1

,

u
2

)

:

R

N

→

R

2

, F and $$V_i$$

V
i

are periodic in $$x_1,\ldots ,x_N$$

x
1

,
…
,

x
N

and $$0\notin \sigma (-\,\Delta +V_i)$$

0
∉
σ
(
-

Δ
+

V
i

)

for $$i=1,2$$

i
=
1
,
2

, where $$\sigma (-\,\Delta +V_i)$$

σ
(
-

Δ
+

V
i

)

stands for the spectrum of the Schrödinger operator $$-\,\Delta +V_i$$

-

Δ
+

V
i

. Under some suitable assumptions on F and $$V_i$$

V
i

, we obtain the existence of infinitely many geometrically distinct solutions. The result presented in this paper generalizes the result in Szulkin and Weth (J Funct Anal 257(12):3802–3822, 2009).
High-temperature study of basic ferric sulfate, FeOHSO4
Authors: Ventruti Gennaro , Della Ventura Giancarlo , Gomez Mario Alberto , Capitani Giancarlo , Sbroscia Marco , Sodo Armida
Published: October 2020

We report in this paper a new crystal-chemical study of synthetic basic ferric sulfate FeOHSO4. The structure solution performed by the Endeavour program, from new X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) data, indicated that the correct space group of the monoclinic polytype of FeOHSO4 is C2/c. Selected Area Electron Diffraction (SAED) patterns are also consistent with this structure solution. The arrangement of Fe and S atoms, based on linear chains of Fe3+ octahedra cross-linked by SO4 tetrahedra, corresponds to that of the order/disorder (OD) family. The positions of the hydrogen atoms were located based on DFT calculations. IR and Raman spectra are presented and discussed according to this new structure model. The decomposition of FeOHSO4 during heating was further investigated by means of variable temperature XRPD, thermogravimetry, and differential thermal analysis as well as IR and Raman spectroscopies.
Limit theorems for locally stationary processes
Authors: Kawka Rafael
Published: October 2020

We present limit theorems for locally stationary processes that have a one sided time-varying moving average representation. In particular, we prove a central limit theorem (CLT), a weak and a strong law of large numbers (WLLN, SLLN) and a law of the iterated logarithm (LIL) under mild assumptions using a time-varying Beveridge–Nelson decomposition.
Correction to: Swiss consensus recommendations on urinary tract infections in children
Authors: Buettcher Michael , Trueck Johannes , Niederer-Loher Anita , Heininger Ulrich , Agyeman Philipp , Asner Sandra , Berger Christoph , Bielicki Julia , Kahlert Christian , Kottanattu Lisa , Meyer Sauteur Patrick M. , Paioni Paolo , Posfay-Barbe Klara , Relly Christa , Ritz Nicole , Zimmermann Petra , Zucol Franziska , Gobet Rita , Shavit Sandra , Rudin Christoph , Laube Guido , von Vigier Rodo , Neuhaus Thomas J.
Published: October 2020

The article “Swiss consensus recommendations on urinary tract infections in children”
Short-term outcomes of robotic-assisted laparoscopic versus laparoscopic lateral lymph node dissection for advanced lower rectal cancer
Authors: Morohashi Hajime , Sakamoto Yoshiyuki , Miura Takuya , Kagiya Takuji , Ogasawara Kenta , Takahashi Yoshiya , Sato Kentaro , Hara Yutaro , Ogasawara Hirokazu , Hakamada Kenichi
Published: October 2020

Background

Therapeutic strategies to suppress local recurrence, including lateral lymph node metastasis, are important to improve the curability of rectal cancer. The aim of the present study was to clarify the advantages of robotic-assisted laparoscopic lateral lymph node dissection (RALLD), comparing its short-term outcomes with those of laparoscopic lateral lymph node dissection (LLLD). There are some retrospective reports comparing RALLD or LLLD and open lateral lymph node dissection (OLLD), but few reports comparing RALLD and LLND to each other.

Methods

From November 2014 to August 2020, we compared the short-term outcomes in 40 patients who underwent RALLD and 55 patients who underwent LLLD.

Results

The total operative time was significantly longer in the RALLD group than in the LLLD group (p < 0.001). However, lateral dissection time was not significantly different between the groups (p = 0.661). The postoperative hospital time was shorter in the RALLD group than in the LLLD group (p < 0.048). No significant differences were identified in the rates of postoperative bleeding, incisional surgical site infection (SSI), organ/space SSI, urinary disfunction, urinary infection, or small bowel obstruction between the groups. However, anastomotic leakage was significantly lower in the RALLD group than in the LLLD group (p = 0.031).

Conclusions

The short-term outcomes of RALLD indicate it is feasible, and RALLD may be a useful modality for lower rectal cancer.
Sharing Economy in der Elektrizitätswirtschaft: Treiber und Hemmnisse
Authors: Szichta Pia , Tietze Ingela
Published: October 2020

Im Rahmen der Energiewende in Deutschland erfolgt eine schrittweise Dezentralisierung der Energieerzeugung und damit einhergehend nehmen Sharing-Angebote zu. Verglichen mit anderen Branchen ist das Sharing-Angebot in der Elektrizitätswirtschaft gering. In diesem Beitrag werden deshalb anhand einer Literaturrecherche und darauf basierenden Experteninterviews Treiber und Hemmnisse für Sharing-Angebote in der Elektrizitätswirtschaft identifiziert. Darüber hinaus werden begünstigende Rahmenbedingungen und Umweltwirkungen aus Expertensicht erhoben. In einer multiplen Fallanalyse werden aufbauend die Fallbeispiele Brooklyn Microgrid, Power Peers und die sonnenCommunity analysiert. Die Ergebnisse dieser Fallanalyse zeigen Heterogenitäten im Aufbau und in der praktischen Umsetzung, weshalb Verallgemeinerungen zu Treibern und Hemmnissen nur beschränkt möglich sind. Der in dem Beitrag beschriebene Systematisierungsansatz bietet allerdings die Möglichkeit, verschiedene Fallbeispiele inhaltlich differenziert zu untersuchen und miteinander zu vergleichen. Auf dieser Grundlage werden erste Handlungsempfehlungen für Anbieter und Politik abgeleitet, die eine Umsetzung von Sharing-Ansätzen in der Energiewirtschaft begünstigen.
Chemotherapy resistance and stromal targets in breast cancer treatment: a review
Authors: van der Spek Y. M. , Kroep J. R. , Tollenaar R. A. E. M. , Mesker Wilma E.
Published: October 2020

Therapy resistance is a known problem in breast cancer and is associated with a variety of mechanisms. The role of the tumor microenvironment in cancer development and resistance mechanisms is becoming increasingly understood. Tumor–stroma is the main component of the tumor microenvironment. Stromal cells like cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are believed to contribute to chemotherapy resistance via the production of several secreted factors like cytokines and chemokines. CAFs are found to influence disease progression; patients with primary tumors with a high amount of tumor–stroma have a significantly worse outcome. Therefore the role of CAFs resistance mechanisms makes them a promising target in anti-cancer therapy. An overview of recent advances in strategies to target breast cancer stroma is given and the current literature regarding these stromal targets is discussed. CAF-specific proteins as well as secreted molecules involved in tumor–stroma interactions provide possibilities for stroma-specific therapy. The development of stroma-specific therapy is still in its infancy and the available literature is limited. Within the scope of personalized treatment, biomarkers based on the tumor–stroma have future potential for the improvement of treatment via image-guided surgery (IGS) and PET scanning.
Decoherence dynamics estimation for superconducting gate-model quantum computers
Authors: Gyongyosi Laszlo
Published: October 2020

Superconducting gate-model quantum computer architectures provide an implementable model for practical quantum computations in the NISQ (noisy intermediate scale quantum) technology era. Due to hardware restrictions and decoherence, generating the physical layout of the quantum circuits of a gate-model quantum computer is a challenge. Here, we define a method for layout generation with a decoherence dynamics estimation in superconducting gate-model quantum computers. We propose an algorithm for the optimal placement of the quantum computational blocks of gate-model quantum circuits. We study the effects of capacitance interference on the distribution of the Gaussian noise in the Josephson energy.
Cross-border DCF valuation: discounting cash flows in foreign currency
Authors: Schüler Andreas
Published: October 2020

The paper seeks to develop a comprehensive framework to cross-border discounted cash flow valuation. Although the literature on company valuation and on international financial management is vast, such a framework has not yet been proposed. We build upon well-known fundamentals and relevant contributions, e.g. on the derivation of the risk-adjusted rate of return. Relevant risks are exchange rate risk, business risk, financial risk, the risk of the tax effects induced by debt financing, and the risk of default. Additional tax effects beyond the well-known tax shield on interest expenses must be considered. Risk discounts from cash flows and risk premia to be added to risk-free interest rates are derived according to the global capital asset pricing model. A conceptual choice occurs not only between the foreign currency and the home currency approach, but also regarding the estimation of future exchange rates. The paper shows how a valuation can be implemented with or without consideration of covariances between cash flows and rate of returns with exchange rates. It also derives the discount rates if forward exchange rates are applied. We discuss the consequences of assuming the uncovered interest parity to hold. We assume deterministic debt and apply the adjusted present value approach. In addition, we derive the RADR to be used in the flow to equity and weighted average cost of capital approach. The paper addresses not only the valuation of a foreign company, but also the valuation of a domestic company that generates cash flows in foreign currency and/or uses debt in foreign currency.
Climate Feedback: Wissenschaft kommentiert Journalismus und entwickelt Mehrsystemkompetenz
Authors: Walter Stefanie , Görlach Janne , Brüggemann Michael
Published: October 2020

Wissenschaft und Journalismus beruhen auf unterschiedlichen Logiken. Aus Sicht der Systemtheorie überrascht es also nicht, wenn WissenschaftlerInnen Wissenschaftsjournalismus kritisieren. Gleichzeitig wird aber auch eine Medialisierung von Wissenschaft postuliert. Demnach würde sich Wissenschaft zunehmend an Medienlogiken orientieren. Diese Studie prüft explorativ, welche Kriterien WissenschaftlerInnen bei der Beurteilung journalistischer Artikel heranziehen und welche Aspekte sie loben und kritisieren. Dazu werten wir die Kommentare auf dem Blog „Climate Feedback“ qualitativ inhaltsanalytisch aus. Induktiv werden zunächst die angelegten Evaluationskriterien der WissenschaftlerInnen kategorisiert und dann den Überkategorien „journalistische Vermittlungsleistung“ oder „wissenschaftliche Informationsleistung“ zugeordnet. Unsere Ergebnisse, basierend auf 82 Blogeinträgen und den Kommentaren von 184 WissenschaftlerInnen im Zeitraum von 2015 bis 2017, zeigen, dass sich die WissenschaftlerInnen intensiv und sogar häufiger mit Aspekten der journalistischen als der wissenschaftlichen Leistung beschäftigen. Sie sehen die journalistischen Kriterien eher als erfüllt an, während sie das Fehlen wissenschaftlicher Standards kritisieren. Die beteiligten WissenschaftlerInnen kombinieren die Kommunikationsnormen beider Systeme. Für den Ansatz der Medialisierung von Wissenschaft ergibt sich der Befund, dass die Diffusion von Medienlogiken keineswegs zur Aufgabe von Logiken der Wissenschaft führen muss, sondern dass kompetente Akteure an der Schnittstelle zwischen Journalismus und Wissenschaft Mehrsystemkompetenz erwerben und anwenden können.
Correction to: Interactive mapping of language and memory with the GE2REC protocol
Authors: Banjac Sonja , Roger Elise , Cousin Emilie , Perrone-Bertolotti Marcela , Haldin Célise , Pichat Cédric , Lamalle Laurent , Minotti Lorella , Kahane Philippe , Baciu Monica
Published: October 2020

The article Interactive mapping of language and memory with the GE2REC protocol, written by Sonja Banjac, Elise Roger, Emilie Cousin, Marcela Perrone-Bertolotti, Célise Haldin, Cédric Pichat, Laurent Lamalle, Lorella Minotti, Philippe Kahane, and Monica Baciu was originally published electronically on the publisher’s internet portal on August 06, 2020 without open access.
Aronia melanocarpa Ameliorates Adrenal Cytoarchitecture Against the Hexavalent Chromium-Induced Injury
Authors: Savici Jelena , Cristina Romeo Teodor , Brezovan Diana , Radulov Isidora , Balta Cornel , Boldura Oana Maria , Muselin Florin
Published: October 2020

Hexavalent chromium is a toxin that penetrates the cell, triggering reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Aronia melanocarpa, due to its proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins, and phenolic acid contents, is a valuable antioxidant. The aim was to observe the influence of hexavalent chromium Cr(VI) on the adrenal gland, and if this impact can be recovered by the administration of A. melanocarpa. Accordingly, 36 rats were divided into six groups: control; Aronia; Cr receiving Cr(VI) in distilled water for 3 months; CrA receiving a mix of Cr(VI) and A. melanocarpa at 2.5% aqueous extract for 3 months; Cr2 receiving, for 3 months, Cr(VI) in distilled water, and next, for 1 month, only distilled water; and respectively, CrA2 receiving, for 3 months, Cr(VI) in distilled water, followed by 1 month of Aronia at 2.5% extract administration. The adrenal gland samples were examined toward histological and molecular assessment, and results were statistically analyzed (ANOVA). Hexavalent chromium induced changes in the adrenal cortex expressed by focal or diffuse hypertrophies, cytoplasmic vacuolization (due to lipidic accumulation), and cells’ shape and size alteration, including necrosis. These structural alterations were carried by Bax and Bcl2 gene expression: the Bax gene expression levels, increased significantly (p < 0.001) in all experimental groups, except the Aronia group, compared with control. In the Cr2, CrA, and CrA2 groups, notable reduction of Bax gene expression (p < 0.001) was reported compared with the Cr group. Regarding the Bcl2 gene expression (p < 0.001), a significant increase was observed in the experimental groups, compared with the control. The Bcl2 expression level had a similar pattern to Bax gene, consequently trying to compensate its overexpression. Aronia administered concomitantly, or after Cr(VI), diminished structural changes and expression of the studied genes, thus reducing the Bax/Bcl2 ratio and suggesting that the active ingredients from Aronia are capable of blocking apoptotic cascade induced by the pathway of Bax and Bcl2 proteins.
Trustworthy artificial intelligence
Authors: Thiebes Scott , Lins Sebastian , Sunyaev Ali
Published: October 2020

Artificial intelligence (AI) brings forth many opportunities to contribute to the wellbeing of individuals and the advancement of economies and societies, but also a variety of novel ethical, legal, social, and technological challenges. Trustworthy AI (TAI) bases on the idea that trust builds the foundation of societies, economies, and sustainable development, and that individuals, organizations, and societies will therefore only ever be able to realize the full potential of AI, if trust can be established in its development, deployment, and use. With this article we aim to introduce the concept of TAI and its five foundational principles (1) beneficence, (2) non-maleficence, (3) autonomy, (4) justice, and (5) explicability. We further draw on these five principles to develop a data-driven research framework for TAI and demonstrate its utility by delineating fruitful avenues for future research, particularly with regard to the distributed ledger technology-based realization of TAI.
Guest Editors’ Introduction to the Special Issue on “Recent Advances in Design and Analysis of Experiments and Observational Studies in Agriculture”
Authors: Piepho Hans-Peter , Tempelman Robert J. , Williams Emlyn R.
Published: October 2020

The Journal of Agricultural, Biological and Environment Statistics (JABES) special issue on Recent Advances in Design and Analysis of Experiments and Observational Studies in Agriculture covers a select set of topics currently of primary importance in the field. Efficient use of resources in agricultural research, as well as valid statistical inference, requires good designs, and this special issue boasts seven papers providing both review and cutting-edge methodology for the purpose. A broad range of methods for analysis of data arising in different branches agricultural research is covered in another five exciting papers. This special issue highlights the importance of and opportunities for applied statistics in agriculture.
Two oat genotypes with different field resistance to Fusarium head blight respond similarly to the infection at spikelet level
Authors: Hautsalo Juho , Latvala Satu , Manninen Outi , Haapalainen Minna , Hannukkala Asko , Jalli Marja
Published: October 2020

Cultivar resistance is essential for the management of Fusarium head blight (FHB) disease in oat production. However, the breeders lack methods suitable for phenotyping disease resistance and resistance sources. In this paper we compared two oat genotypes, a rejected variety BOR31 and a landrace VIR7766, with four different traits that could reflect resistance to FHB in a greenhouse environment. Spray and point inoculations were used to inoculate Fusarium graminearum into flowering oat plants. When spray-inoculated, VIR7766 was significantly more resistant against the initial infection than BOR31, measured by the number of Fusarium-infected kernels and by DON accumulation. In the point-inoculated oats, the loss of fresh weight in the inoculated spikelet correlated well with the increasing F. graminearum biomass in the spikelet, measured six days after inoculation. However, no difference in the growth of the fungus was observed between the tested oat genotypes by point inoculation. We speculate that once the infection is established, the ability of the oat plant to resist the spread of the infection within a spikelet is low in the genotypes studied, although oat, in general, due to its panicle structure, is considered to have a high resistance against Fusarium infection.
Lung Ultrasound Findings in Patients with COVID-19
Authors: Marggrander Daniel T. , Borgans Frauke , Jacobi Volkmar , Neb Holger , Wolf Timo
Published: October 2020

The current SARS-CoV-2 outbreak leads to a growing need of point-of-care thoracic imaging that is compatible with isolation settings and infection prevention precautions. We retrospectively reviewed 17 COVID-19 patients who received point-of-care lung ultrasound imaging in our isolation unit. Lung ultrasound was able to detect interstitial lung disease effectively; severe cases showed bilaterally distributed B-Lines with or without consolidations; one case showed bilateral pleural plaques. Corresponding to CT scans, interstitial involvement is accurately depicted as B-Lines on lung ultrasound. Lung ultrasound might be suitable for detecting interstitial involvement in a bedside setting under high security isolation precautions.
The Mortal Coil of Covid-19, Fake News, and Negative Epistemic Postdigital Inculcation
Authors: Rose Jennifer
Published: October 2020

The Covid-19 pandemic has engendered turmoil around our globe, rendering an urgent need for accurate, truthful information as a life-saving resource for humanity. However, coinciding with this global, deadly pandemic is the proliferation of fake news. While pandemics and fake news are not new phenomena, an unprecedented time in history is presently unfolding when considered with the postdigital era. Digital media enables the prolific repetitious spread of fake news during crises when accurate and truthful information is necessary. Consequently, the ability of humans to discern between fact and fiction diminishes. It has resulted in some people making life-ending decisions based on their exposure to fake news. In this article, I define a primarily ignored and invisible epistemological process at work: negative epistemic postdigital inculcation, that, while has been at work with the rise of modern digital media, has primarily become visible because of the interrelationships between implicit learning, Covid-19, fake news, and digital media. While the inculcation outlined in this paper occurs mostly outside of our awareness, I discuss a role for education in helping reduce the ensuing mortal coil of fake news.