bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The in‐vitro biocompatibility of ureido‐pyrimidinone compounds and polymer degradation products
Authors: Besseling Paul J. , Mes Tristan , Bosman Anton W. , Peeters Joris W. , Janssen Henk M. , Bakker Maarten H. , Fledderus Joost O. , Teraa Martin , Verhaar Marianne C. , Gremmels Hendrik , Dankers Patricia Y. W.
Published: March 2021

Supramolecular biomaterials based on ureido‐pyrimidinone (UPy) moieties are versatile polymer materials as their function can be tailored to the application. These UPy‐materials can be designed into polymer coatings, self‐healing polymers, hydrogels and elastomers. The biocompatibility of UPy‐based materials and their degradation products is a long‐term success requirement for many regenerative medicine and biomedical applications. Earlier research has shown that UPy‐based materials and polymers display no immediate toxic effects, but in‐depth in‐vitro studies on potential UPy‐polymer degradation products have not been executed. Owing to their resemblance to naturally occurring purines and pyrimidines, UPy‐compounds and their degradation products could potentially initiate an immune response or be mutagenic. Accordingly, 11 selected UPy‐compounds were synthesized, and their effect on cell viability, wound healing, and their immunogenicity and potential mutagenic potential, were studied. We showed that low molecular weight degradation products of UPy‐based biomaterials do not affect cell viability, nor do these interfere with several aspects of endothelial function including proliferation, angiogenic sprouting and cellular migration even in levels exceeding plausibly attainable concentrations. Furthermore, the compounds are neither immunogenic nor mutagenic, showing that UPy‐biomaterials exhibit good biocompatibility in vitro, and could in principle be used in humans.
Does weekend commuting really pay off? A panel analysis with German data
Authors: Stawarz Nico , Rüger Heiko , Skora Thomas
Published: March 2021

Second homes and weekend commuting are frequently used strategies for covering large distances between the place of work and residence. The literature posits a positive association between work‐related spatial mobility, social mobility, and career achievement. However, so far, surprisingly little attention has been paid explicitly to the relationship between weekend commuting (i.e. work‐related residential multi‐locality) and social and career mobility. Therefore, we examine whether and how starting a weekend commuting episode is associated with wage changes. For the statistical framework, we apply fixed effects panel regressions to data of the German Socio‐Economic Panel (SOEP). Overall, the results show that weekend commuting is positively associated with wage gains. However, more detailed analysis that controls for selectivity on wage growth and differentiates by sex and geographical region reveals pronounced differences with regard to the size and timing of the effects.
Experimental Studies of Electron Affinity and Work Function from Aluminium on Oxidized Diamond (100) and (111) Surfaces
Authors: James Michael C. , Cattelan Mattia , Fox Neil A. , Silva Rui F. , Silva Ricardo M. , May Paul W.
Published: March 2021

Three different procedures are used to deposit aluminium onto O‐terminated (100) and (111) boron‐doped diamond, with the aim of producing a thermally stable surface with low work function and negative electron affinity. The methods are 1) deposition of a > 20 nm film of Al by high‐vacuum evaporation followed by HCl acid wash to remove excess metallic Al, 2) deposition of <3 Å of Al by atomic layer deposition, and 3) thin‐film deposition of Al by electron beam evaporation. The surface structure, work function, and electron affinity are investigated after annealing at temperatures of 300, 600, and 800 °C. Except for loss of excess O upon first heating, the Al + O surfaces remain stable up to 800 °C. The electron affinity values are generally between 0.0 and −1.0 eV, and the work function is generally 4.5 ± 0.5 eV, depending upon the deposition method, coverage, and annealing temperature. The values are in broad agreement with those predicted by computer simulations of Al + O (sub)monolayers on a diamond surface.
Progression‐free survival in oncological clinical studies: Assessment time bias and methods for its correction
Authors: Miltenberger Robert , Götte Heiko , Schüler Armin , Jahn‐Eimermacher Antje
Published: March 2021

Progression‐free survival (PFS) is a frequently used endpoint in oncological clinical studies. In case of PFS, potential events are progression and death. Progressions are usually observed delayed as they can be diagnosed not before the next study visit. For this reason potential bias of treatment effect estimates for progression‐free survival is a concern. In randomized trials and for relative treatment effects measures like hazard ratios, bias‐correcting methods are not necessarily required or have been proposed before. However, less is known on cross‐trial comparisons of absolute outcome measures like median survival times. This paper proposes a new method for correcting the assessment time bias of progression‐free survival estimates to allow a fair cross‐trial comparison of median PFS. Using median PFS for example, the presented method approximates the unknown posterior distribution by a Bayesian approach based on simulations. It is shown that the proposed method leads to a substantial reduction of bias as compared to estimates derived from maximum likelihood or Kaplan–Meier estimates. Bias could be reduced by more than 90% over a broad range of considered situations differing in assessment times and underlying distributions. By coverage probabilities of at least 94% based on the credibility interval of the posterior distribution the resulting parameters hold common confidence levels. In summary, the proposed approach is shown to be useful for a cross‐trial comparison of median PFS.
Na/Al Codoped Layered Cathode with Defects as Bifunctional Electrocatalyst for High‐Performance Li‐Ion Battery and Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Singh Aditya Narayan , Kim Min‐Ho , Meena Abhishek , Wi Tae‐Ung , Lee Hyun‐Wook , Kim Kwang S.
Published: March 2021

The rational design of bifunctional electrocatalyst through simple synthesis with high activity remains a challenging task. Herein, Na/Al codoped Li‐excess Li‐Ru‐Ni‐O layered electrodes are demonstrated with defects/dislocations as an efficient bifunctional electrocatalyst toward lithium‐ion battery (LIB) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Toward LIB cathode, specific capacity of 173 mAh g−1 (0.2C‐rate), cyclability (>95.0%), high Columbic efficiency (99.2%), and energy efficiency (90.7%) are achieved. The codoped electrocatalyst has exhibited OER activity at a low onset potential (270 mV@10 mA cm−2), with a Tafel slope 69.3 mV dec−1, and long‐term stability over 36 h superior to the undoped and many other OER electrocatalysts including the benchmark IrO2. The concurrent doping resides in the crystal lattice (where Na shows the pillaring effect to improve facile Li diffusion), Al improves the stabilization of the layered structure, and defective structures provide abundant active sites to accelerate OER reactions.
Halogen Functionalization in the 2D Material Flatland: Strategies, Properties, and Applications
Authors: Tang Xian , Fan Touwen , Wang Cong , Zhang Han
Published: March 2021

Given the electronegativity and bonding environment of halogen elements, halogenation (i.e., fluorination, chlorination, bromination, and iodination) serves as a versatile strategy for chemical modifications of materials. The combination of halogens and 2D materials has triggered extensive interests since the first report on graphene fluorination in 2008. Subsequently, scholars consistently conduct pre‐, in‐process, or posthalogenation modifications of emerging 2D materials to achieve desired properties and broad device applications. They also continuously explore the role of halogens in 2D material functionalization. The multiple advantages introduced by halogen decoration make 2D materials outstanding from each subclass. In this review, an overall retrospect is provided on the research advances in the area of 2D material halogenation, including experimental halogenation strategies, halogen‐triggered novel physics and properties, and advanced applications across the studied objects. Future research directions in this area are also proposed.
Biodegradable Anti‐Biofilm Fiber‐Membrane Ureteral Stent Constructed with a Robust Biomimetic Superhydrophilic Polycationic Hydration Surface Exhibiting Synergetic Antibacterial and Antiprotein Properties
Authors: Gao Liheng , Liu Xingxing , Xu Mingxi , Sun Gang , Xu Sijun , Zou Ting , Wang Litianmu , Wang Fujun , Da Jun , Wang Yiwei , Wang Lu
Published: March 2021

The biofouling of ureteral stents and subsequent urinary tract infections mainly come from the adsorption and adhesion of proteins and microorganisms and their ensuing proliferation. Although general polycationic surfaces in implants have good antibacterial activities, they suffer from limited durability due to severe protein and bacterial adsorption. Here, a biodegradable and anti‐biofilm fiber‐membrane structured ureteral stent (FMBUS) with synergetic contact‐killing antibacterial activity and antiprotein adsorption is described. The stent is prepared by generating hyperbranched poly(amide‐amine)‐grafted polydopamine microparticles (≈300 nm) on the surface of fibers by in situ polymerization and Schiff base reactions. The biomimetic surface endows the FMBUS with a positive charge (+21.36 mV) and superhydrophilicity (water contact angle: 0°). As a result, the stents fulfilled the following functions: i) reduced attachment of host protein due to superhydrophilicity (Lysozyme: 92.1%; human serum albumin: 39.4%); ii) high bactericidal activities against contact pathogenic bacteria (contact‐killing rate: 99.9999% for both E. coli and S. aureus; antiadhesion rate: 99.2% for E. coli and 99.9999% for S. aureus); iii) biocompatibility in vitro (relative growth rate of L929: >90% on day 3) and in vivo; and iv) gradient biodegradability to avoid a second surgery of stent extraction 1–2 weeks after implantation.
All‐Inorganic Quantum Dot Light‐Emitting Diodes with Suppressed Luminance Quenching Enabled by Chloride Passivated Tungsten Phosphate Hole Transport Layers
Authors: Cao Fan , Wu Qianqian , Sui Yizhen , Wang Sheng , Dou Yongjiang , Hua Weihong , Kong Lingmei , Wang Lin , Zhang Jianhua , Jiang Tian , Yang Xuyong
Published: March 2021

Although excellent performance such as high efficiency and stability have been achieved in quantum dot (QD)‐based light‐emitting diodes (QLEDs) possessing an organic/inorganic hybrid device structure, the highly expected all‐inorganic QLEDs remain at the bottleneck stage in recent years, resulting from the luminance quenching of QDs caused by inorganic hole transport layer (HTL) and unbalanced charge injection due to large energy barrier for injecting holes from HTL to QDs. Here, it is reported that the solution‐processed inorganic environmentally friendly chloride (Cl)‐passivated tungsten phosphate (Cl@TPA) films serve as HTL. The incorporation of Cl in TPA effectively passivates the oxygen vacancies, which not only avoids the luminescence quenching of QDs by reducing carrier concentration but also facilitates the hole injection from HTL to QDs with a favorable electronic band alignment, thus achieving the record external quantum efficiency of ≈9.27%, among all previous reports about all‐inorganic QLEDs. Most importantly, the resulting all‐inorganic QLEDs with Cl@TPA exhibit a substantial improvement in the operational lifetime (T50 > 105 h under an initial luminance of 100 cd m−2), which is almost 30‐fold higher than the devices with TPA HTL. This work furnishes a promising strategy for highly efficient and stable QLEDs based on inorganic device structure.
Indium Oxides and Related Indium‐based Photocatalysts for Water Treatment: Materials Studied, Photocatalytic Performance, and Special Highlights
Authors: Friedmann Donia , Caruso Rachel A.
Published: March 2021

In2O3 is an emerging material in the photocatalysis research area, with a surge in the number of studies examining indium‐based materials as photocatalysts in recent years. The materials of interest, herein, span the simple indium oxide in different polymorphs and morphologies, ternary, and even quaternary indium oxides, heterostructured systems, all in pure or doped forms. These indium‐based materials offer advantages as photocatalysts compared with the conventional titanium dioxide‐based photocatalysts. Highlights in the literature include reports of the ability of indium oxide to degrade difficult to decompose aqueous organic contaminants while also offering opportunities for visible light activation. These are exciting achievements in this field of research. The unique properties that these materials offer are uncovered, while giving insights as to how indium oxides and related indium‐based materials can be used, in what capacity and the compositional requirements when matched with other semiconductors to achieve high‐performing photocatalysts.
Response Surface Methodology for Optimizing Twin‐Screw Prepared Cistanche deserticola‐Potato Composite Rice
Authors: Zhang Qi , Zhang Liang , Li Xiang , He Zhuangzhuang , Chen Shanfeng , Zhang Dongliang
Published: March 2021

In order to find the best extrusion conditions which can not only satisfy the taste of the public, but also retain echinacoside to the greatest extent, response surface methodology is used to design the reported experiment. Broken rice, potato flakes, and Cistanche deserticola are used as main raw materials to prepare C. deserticola‐potato composite rice by twin‐screw extruder in this study. Hardness, springiness, content of echinacoside, and sensory score are determined for optimization. The optimum extrusion conditions are obtained as follows: the screw speed is 139 rpm, barrel temperature is 115 °C, and the moisture content is 29%. It is found that C. deserticola‐potato composite rice with 0.7% of C. deserticola has the most acceptable quality and there are 93.45 mg of echinacoside in every 100 g of rice. The development strategy of potato staple food can be realized better by using potato flakes instead of some rice flour (30%) to recombine rice grains. With the improvement of utilization rate of broken rice, sustainable development can be achieved.
Partial Discharge Detection of Multiple‐Narrow Band Antenna under the Radio Communication Noise
Authors: Bandi Tuvshinbayar , Ohtsuka Shinya
Published: March 2021

The ultra‐high frequency (UHF) method is attempted to diagnose the insulation condition of high voltage equipment as detecting partial discharge (PD) – emitted electromagnetic (EM) wave. Although the EM wave caused by PD has broadband, the UHF band includes many communication and broadcasting line spectral frequencies, which can affect PD detection as a noise. The authors have developed the multiple‐narrow band (MNB) antenna to detect discharge signals with high resistance against noisy line spectral frequencies. In this paper, the MNB antenna was applied to measure PD in SF6 gas and compared with a standard wide‐band Horn antenna to identify the PD detection ability. Furthermore, the MNB antenna was applied to measure PD signal in SF6 gas under the artificial and the real communication noise to estimate the noise elimination ability of MNB antenna. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
A Process Mining Approach to Statistical Analysis: Application to a Real-World Advanced Melanoma Dataset
Authors: Tavazzi Erica , Gerard Camille L. , Michielin Olivier , Wicky Alexandre , Gatta Roberto , Cuendet Michel A.
Published: March 2021

Thanks to its ability to offer a time-oriented perspective on the clinical events that define the patient’s path of care, Process Mining (PM) is assuming an emerging role in clinical data analytics. PM’s ability to exploit time-series data and to build processes without any a priori knowledge suggests interesting synergies with the most common statistical analyses in healthcare, in particular survival analysis. In this work we demonstrate contributions of our process-oriented approach in analyzing a real-world retrospective dataset of patients treated for advanced melanoma at the Lausanne University Hospital. Addressing the clinical questions raised by our oncologists, we integrated PM in almost all the steps of a common statistical analysis. We show: (1) how PM can be leveraged to improve the quality of the data (data cleaning/pre-processing), (2) how PM can provide efficient data visualizations that support and/or suggest clinical hypotheses, also allowing to check the consistency between real and expected processes (descriptive statistics), and (3) how PM can assist in querying or re-expressing the data in terms of pre-defined reference workflows for testing survival differences among sub-cohorts (statistical inference). We exploit a rich set of PM tools for querying the event logs, inspecting the processes using statistical hypothesis testing, and performing conformance checking analyses to identify patterns in patient clinical paths and study the effects of different treatment sequences in our cohort.
On de Sitter string vacua from anti-d3-branes in the large volume scenario
Authors: Crinò Chiara , Quevedo Fernando , Valandro Roberto
Published: March 2021

Abstract

We consider de Sitter vacua realised in concrete type IIB Calabi-Yau compactifications with an anti D3-brane at the tip of a warped throat of Klebanov-Strassler type. The Kähler moduli are stabilised together with the complex structure modulus of the warped throat. The volume is exponentially large as in the large volume scenario (LVS). We analyse the conditions on the parameters of the EFT such that they are in the region of validity of our approximations, there are no runaway problems and the vacua satisfy all consistency constraints, such as tadpole cancellation. We illustrate our results with an explicit Calabi-Yau orientifold with two Kähler moduli and one antibrane on top of an O3-plane in a warped throat, that has the goldstino as its only massless state. The moduli are stabilised with gs∼ 0.2 and volume $$ \mathcal{V} $$
V
∼ 104 in string units, justifying the approximation used to derive the corresponding EFT. Although the model lacks chiral matter, it is presented as a proof of concept, chosen to be the simplest realisation of antibrane uplift.
Holographic striped superconductor
Authors: Ling Yi , Wu Meng-He
Published: March 2021

Abstract

We construct a holographic model describing the striped superconductor (SSC), which is characterized by the presence of pair density waves (PDW). We explicitly demonstrate that the SSC phase is implemented as the intertwined phase of charge density waves (CDW) order and uniform superconducting (SC) order. The interplay of PDW order, CDW order as well as the uniform SC order in SSC phase is studied. It is found that the PDW order is prominent when both CDW order and uniform SC order are balanced. The critical temperature of CDW becomes higher in the presence of the uniform SC order, but its charge density amplitude is suppressed. On the other hand, the SC order is not sensitive to the presence of CDW order. We also demonstrate that among all the possible solutions, the black hole in SSC phase has the lowest free energy and thus is thermodynamically favored.
Defect CFT techniques in the 6d $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = (2, 0) theory
Authors: Drukker Nadav , Probst Malte , Trépanier Maxime
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Surface operators are among the most important observables of the 6d $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= (2, 0) theory. Here we apply the tools of defect CFT to study local operator insertions into the 1/2-BPS plane. We first relate the 2-point function of the displacement operator to the expectation value of the bulk stress tensor and translate this relation into a constraint on the anomaly coefficients associated with the defect. Secondly, we study the defect operator expansion of the stress tensor multiplet and identify several new operators of the defect CFT. Technical results derived along the way include the explicit supersymmetry tranformations of the stress tensor multiplet and the classification of unitary representations of the superconformal algebra preserved by the defect.
A double copy for asymptotic symmetries in the self-dual sector
Authors: Campiglia Miguel , Nagy Silvia
Published: March 2021

Abstract

We give a double copy construction for the symmetries of the self-dual sectors of Yang-Mills (YM) and gravity, in the light-cone formulation. We find an infinite set of double copy constructible symmetries. We focus on two families which correspond to the residual diffeomorphisms on the gravitational side. For the first one, we find novel non-perturbative double copy rules in the bulk. The second family has a more striking structure, as a non-perturbative gravitational symmetry is obtained from a perturbatively defined symmetry on the YM side.

At null infinity, we find the YM origin of the subset of extended Bondi-Metzner-Sachs (BMS) symmetries that preserve the self-duality condition. In particular, holomorphic large gauge YM symmetries are double copied to holomorphic supertranslations. We also identify the single copy of superrotations with certain non-gauge YM transformations that to our knowledge have not been previously presented in the literature.
Cosmological phase transitions: is effective field theory just a toy?
Authors: Postma Marieke , White Graham
Published: March 2021

Abstract

To obtain a first order phase transition requires large new physics corrections to the Standard Model (SM) Higgs potential. This implies that the scale of new physics is relatively low, raising the question whether an effective field theory (EFT) description can be used to analyse the phase transition in a (nearly) model-independent way. We show analytically and numerically that first order phase transitions in perturbative extensions of the SM cannot be described by the SM-EFT. The exception are Higgs-singlet extension with tree-level matching; but even in this case the SM-EFT can only capture part of the full parameter space, and if truncated at dim-6 operators, the description is at most qualitative. We also comment on the applicability of EFT techniques to dark sector phase transitions.
Completely dark photons from gravitational particle production during the inflationary era
Authors: Kolb Edward W. , Long Andrew J.
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Starting with the de Broglie-Proca Lagrangian for a massive vector field, we calculate the number density of particles resulting from gravitational particle production (GPP) during inflation, with detailed consideration to the evolution of the number density through the reheating. We find plausible scenarios for the production of dark-photon dark matter of mass in a wide range, as low as a micro-electron volt to 1014 GeV. Gravitational particle production does not depend on any coupling of the dark photon to standard-model particles.
Perturbations of the scattering resonances of an open cavity by small particles: Part II—the transverse electric polarization case
Authors: Ammari Habib , Dabrowski Alexander , Fitzpatrick Brian , Millien Pierre
Published: March 2021

This paper is concerned with the scattering resonances of open cavities. It is a follow-up of Ammari et al. (ZAMP 71:102, 2020), where the transverse magnetic polarization was assumed. In that case, using the method of matched asymptotic expansions, the leading-order term in the shifts of scattering resonances due to the presence of small particles of arbitrary shapes was derived and the effect of radiation on the perturbations of open cavity modes was characterized. The derivations were formal. In this paper, we consider the transverse electric polarization and prove a small-volume formula for the shifts in the scattering resonances of a radiating dielectric cavity perturbed by small particles. We show a strong enhancement in the frequency shift in the case of subwavelength particles with dipole resonances. We also consider exceptional scattering resonances and perform small-volume asymptotic analysis near them. A significant observation is the large-amplitude splitting of exceptional scattering resonances induced by small particles. Our method in this paper relies on pole-pencil decompositions of volume integral operators.
A review of challenges and benefits of integration of CHP plant into the grid: a case study in Serbia
Authors: Ciric Rade M. , Mandic Sasa N.
Published: March 2021

The Republic of Serbia must make significant efforts to promote and exploit renewable energy sources and increase energy efficiency in all energy sectors to ensure energy security and economic competitiveness, reduce the negative impact on the environment from energy production and use, and contribute to global efforts to reduce greenhouse gases. Within the paper several issues of integration of recently realized CHP plant are introduced and discussed. Firstly, the legal and energy policy issues in the Republic of Serbia regarding connecting CHP to the grid are presented. The challenges and technical solutions for CHP connection to the grid, as well as power quality issues and the role of the CHP plant during the restoration of power supply during the maintenance of the substation and unplanned loss of high voltage supply, are presented and discussed. Finally, the impact of prospective massive integration of CHP on the energy balance and CO2 emission reduction in the province of Vojvodina in Serbia is investigated and discussed. Since it is the first CHP plant realized in Serbia, it is crucial that experience be shared to all potential stakeholders in the future energy efficiency projects.
$$\hbox {Ag}_{m} \hbox {Rh}_n$$ clusters with $$m+n\le 55$$
Authors: Louis Nicolas , Kohaut Stephan , Springborg Michael
Published: March 2021

Using a combination of genetic algorithms for the unbiased structure optimization and a Gupta many-body potential for the calculation of the energetic properties of a given structure, we determine the putative total-energy minima for all $$\hbox {Ag}_{m} \hbox {Rh}_n$$

Ag
m

Rh
n

clusters with a total number of atoms $$m+n$$

m
+
n

up to 55. Subsequently, we use various descriptors to analyze the obtained structural and energetic properties. With the help of a similarity function, we show that the pure Ag and Rh clusters are structurally similar for sizes up to around 20 atoms. The same approach gives that the mixed clusters tend to possess a larger structural similarity with the pure Rh clusters than with the pure Ag clusters. However, for clusters with $$m\simeq n\ge 25$$

m
≃
n
≥
25

, other structures dominate. The effective coordination numbers for the Ag and Rh atoms as well as the radial distributions of those atoms indicate that there is a tendency towards segregation with Rh atoms forming an inner part and the Ag atoms forming a shell. Only few clusters, all with a fairly large total number of atoms, are found to be particularly stable.
Veränderungen sexueller Interessen und Erfahrungen während der COVID-19-Pandemie - Eine qualitative Inhaltsanalyse
Authors: Schröder Johanna , Bruns Emily , Schoon Wiebke , Briken Peer , Schöttle Daniel
Published: March 2021

Hintergrund

Die Kontaktbeschränkungen zur Eindämmung der durch die „coronavirus disease 2019“ (COVID-19) ausgelösten Pandemie beeinflussen das soziale Leben der Menschen auf vielen Ebenen, so auch die psychische und sexuelle Gesundheit.

Fragestellung

Ziel der Studie war es, Veränderungen sexueller Interessen und Erfahrungen in Deutschland lebender Personen während der ersten Kontaktbeschränkungen im Frühjahr 2020 zu erfassen.

Material und Methoden

In einer anonymen Online-Befragung wurde eine offene Frage nach Veränderungen der Sexualität durch die Kontaktbeschränkungen gestellt und mithilfe der qualitativen Inhaltsanalyse nach Mayring ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse

Veränderungen wurden von 248 der teilnehmenden Personen in den Bereichen „sexuelles Verlangen und Erregbarkeit“, „Partnerschaft“, „sexuelle Aktivitäten“, „sexuelle Interessen und Einstellungen“, „virtuelle sexuelle Aktivitäten“, „Dating“ und „sexuelle Probleme und Funktionsstörungen“ beschrieben.

Schlussfolgerung

Die Kontaktbeschränkungen im Rahmen der COVID-19-Pandemie führten zu sexuellen und partnerschaftlichen Veränderungen, die in Sexual- und Paartherapiesettings beachtet werden sollten.
Seasonal dynamics of meroplankton in a sub-Antarctic fjord (Southern Patagonia, Chile)
Authors: Pineda-Metz Santiago E. A. , Montiel Américo
Published: March 2021

Knowledge of seasonal dynamics and composition of meroplankton (larvae of benthic invertebrates) is rather limited for sub-Antarctic regions. We studied the seasonal dynamics of meroplankton in a sub-Antarctic proglacial basin (Gallegos Sound, Chile), by examining changes in the meroplankton community in relation to hydrographic variables along four sampling cruises between early winter 2010 and late winter 2011. The local meroplankton community was composed of 39 larval morphotypes distributed among 11 major taxa, being polychaetes the best represented (15 larvae morphotypes), and bivalve the most abundant. We found distinct seasonal differences in terms of meroplanktonic composition and abundance, with higher abundance and larval morphotype number during austral spring and late winter, and lower in summer and early winter. The pattern observed for meroplankton was directly related to seasonal variations of fluorescence of chlorophyll a and temperature. We found meroplankton abundances lower than those of other sub- and Polar environments. However, meroplanktonic temporal dynamics showed a common pattern for sub- and Polar fjords, suggesting a strong link between benthic spawning and the occurrence of phytoplankton blooms.
Microbial responses to herbivory-induced vegetation changes in a high-Arctic peatland
Authors: Bender Kathrin M. , Svenning Mette M. , Hu Yuntao , Richter Andreas , Schückel Julia , Jørgensen Bodil , Liebner Susanne , Tveit Alexander T.
Published: March 2021

Herbivory by barnacle geese (Branta leucopsis) alters the vegetation cover and reduces ecosystem productivity in high-Arctic peatlands, limiting the carbon sink strength of these ecosystems. Here we investigate how herbivory-induced vegetation changes affect the activities of peat soil microbiota using metagenomics, metatranscriptomics and targeted metabolomics in a comparison of fenced exclosures and nearby grazed sites. Our results show that a different vegetation with a high proportion of vascular plants developed due to reduced herbivory, resulting in a larger and more diverse input of polysaccharides to the soil at exclosed study sites. This coincided with higher sugar and amino acid concentrations in the soil at this site as well as the establishment of a more abundant and active microbiota, including saprotrophic fungi with broad substrate ranges, like Helotiales (Ascomycota) and Agaricales (Basidiomycota). A detailed description of fungal transcriptional profiles revealed higher gene expression for cellulose, hemicellulose, pectin, lignin and chitin degradation at herbivory-exclosed sites. Furthermore, we observed an increase in the number of genes and transcripts for predatory eukaryotes such as Entomobryomorpha (Arthropoda). We conclude that in the absence of herbivory, the development of a vascular vegetation alters the soil polysaccharide composition and supports larger and more active populations of fungi and predatory eukaryotes.
Effectiveness of tinnitus therapy using a mobile application
Authors: Kutyba Justyna , Gos Elżbieta , Jędrzejczak Wiesław Wiktor , Raj-Koziak Danuta , Karpiesz Lucyna , Niedziałek Iwona , Skarżyński Henryk , Skarżyński Piotr Henryk
Published: March 2021

Background

The World Health Organization reports that the number of tinnitus sufferers is increasing year on year. Given the common use of mobile devices and the availability of applications designed to support patients in tinnitus therapy and reduce tinnitus severity, patients seeking help are likely to try this form of support. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a mobile application in tinnitus sound therapy, in this case ReSound Tinnitus Relief™.

Methods

The study involved 52 patients hospitalized for tinnitus. All participants used the free ReSound Tinnitus Relief application for 6 months. The application is based on sound therapy. Patients were advised to use the application for at least 30 min per day, the sounds should not completely mask the tinnitus, and they should be listened to via a loudspeaker. The effects of the therapy were evaluated by means of standardized questionnaires for tinnitus severity: the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory and the Tinnitus Functional Index.

Results

The study showed a reduction in tinnitus severity as measured by both questionnaires. The general severity decreased after the first 3 months and again in the following 3 months of using the application. In both questionnaires the biggest changes were observed in the subscales of emotions.

Conclusions

Results obtained here from standardized questionnaires indicate that the tested application may contribute to tinnitus reduction. However, it is advisable to conduct further research on the applicability of such technology in medical practice.
Serial interaction of primitive magmas with felsic and mafic crust recorded by gabbroic dikes from the Antarctic extension of the Karoo large igneous province
Authors: Heinonen Jussi S. , Luttinen Arto V. , Spera Frank J. , Vuori Saku K. , Bohrson Wendy A.
Published: March 2021

Two subvertical gabbroic dikes with widths of ~ 350 m (East-Muren) and ≥ 500 m (West-Muren) crosscut continental flood basalts in the Antarctic extension of the ~ 180 Ma Karoo large igneous province (LIP) in Vestfjella, western Dronning Maud Land. The dikes exhibit unusual geochemical profiles; most significantly, initial (at 180 Ma) εNd values increase from the dike interiors towards the hornfelsed wallrock basalts (from − 15.3 to − 7.8 in East-Muren and more gradually from − 9.0 to − 5.5 in West-Muren). In this study, we utilize models of partial melting and energy-constrained assimilation‒fractional crystallization in deciphering the magmatic evolution of the dikes and their contact aureoles. The modeling indicates that both gabbroic dikes acquired the distinctly negative εNd values recorded by their central parts by varying degrees of assimilation of Archean crust at depth. This first phase of deep contamination was followed by a second event at or close to the emplacement level and is related to the interaction of the magmas with the wallrock basalts. These basalts belong to a distinct Karoo LIP magma type having initial εNd from − 2.1 to + 2.5, which provides a stark contrast to the εNd composition of the dike parental magmas (− 15.3 for East-Muren, − 9.0 for West-Muren) previously contaminated by Archean crust. For East-Muren, the distal hornfelses represent partially melted wallrock basalts and the proximal contact zones represent hybrids of such residues with differentiated melts from the intrusion; the magmas that were contaminated by the partial melts of the wallrock basalts were likely transported away from the currently exposed parts of the conduit before the magma–wallrock contact was sealed and further assimilation prevented. In contrast, for West-Muren, the assimilation of the wallrock basalt partial melts is recorded by the gradually increasing εNd of the presently exposed gabbroic rocks towards the roof contact with the basalts. Our study shows that primitive LIP magmas release enough sensible and latent heat to partially melt and potentially assimilate wallrocks in multiple stages. This type of multi-stage assimilation is difficult to detect in general, especially if the associated wallrocks show broad compositional similarity with the intruding magmas. Notably, trace element and isotopic heterogeneity in LIP magmas can be homogenized by such processes (basaltic cannibalism). If similar processes work at larger scales, they may affect the geochemical evolution of the crust and influence the generation of, for example, massif-type anorthosites and “ghost plagioclase” geochemical signature.
Light-incubation effects on lateralisation of single unit responses in the visual Wulst of domestic chicks
Authors: Costalunga Giacomo , Kobylkov Dmitry , Rosa-Salva Orsola , Vallortigara Giorgio , Mayer Uwe
Published: March 2021

Since the ground-breaking discovery that in-egg light exposure triggers the emergence of visual lateralisation, domestic chicks became a crucial model for research on the interaction of environmental and genetic influences for brain development. In domestic chick embryos, light exposure induces neuroanatomical asymmetries in the strength of visual projections from the thalamus to the visual Wulst. Consequently, the right visual Wulst receives more bilateral information from the two eyes than the left one. How this impacts visual Wulst’s physiology is still unknown. This paper investigates the visual response properties of neurons in the left and right Wulst of dark- and light-incubated chicks, studying the effect of light incubation on bilaterally responsive cells that integrate information from both eyes. We recorded from a large number of visually responsive units, providing the first direct evidence of lateralisation in the neural response properties of units of the visual Wulst. While we confirm that some forms of lateralisation are induced by embryonic light exposure, we found also many cases of light-independent asymmetries. Moreover, we found a strong effect of in-egg light exposure on the general development of the functional properties of units in the two hemispheres. This indicates that the effect of embryonic stimulation goes beyond its contribution to the emergence of some forms of lateralisation, with influences on the maturation of visual units in both hemispheres.
Nature-based cooling potential: a multi-type green infrastructure evaluation in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Authors: Anderson Vidya , Gough William A.
Published: March 2021

The application of green infrastructure presents an opportunity to mitigate rising temperatures using a multi-faceted ecosystems-based approach. A controlled field study in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, evaluates the impact of nature-based solutions on near surface air temperature regulation focusing on different applications of green infrastructure. A field campaign was undertaken over the course of two summers to measure the impact of green roofs, green walls, urban vegetation and forestry systems, and urban agriculture systems on near surface air temperature. This study demonstrates that multiple types of green infrastructure applications are beneficial in regulating near surface air temperature and are not limited to specific treatments. Widespread usage of green infrastructure could be a viable strategy to cool cities and improve urban climate.
Measuring quality of life in people living with and beyond cancer in the UK
Authors: Moschopoulou Elisavet , Deane Jennifer , Duncan Morvwen , Ismail Sharif A. , Moriarty Sophie , Sarker Shah-Jalal , White Peter , Korszun Ania ,   on behalf of the SURECAN Development Grant investigators, Bhui Kamaldeep , Bourke Liam , Chalder Trudie , Eldridge Sandra , Gribben John , Jones Louise , McCrone Paul , Morgan Adrienne , Ridge Damien , Roylance Rebecca , Taylor Steph , Thaha Mohamed
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The aim of this study was to identify the most appropriate measure of quality of life (QoL) for patients living with and beyond cancer.

Methods

One hundred eighty-two people attending cancer clinics in Central London at various stages post-treatment, completed a series of QoL measures: FACT-G, EORTC QLQ-C30 , IOCv2 (positive and negative subscales) and WEMWBS, a wellbeing measure. These measures were chosen as the commonest measures used in previous research. Correlation tests were used to assess the association between scales. Participants were also asked about pertinence and ease of completion.

Results

There was a significant positive correlation between the four domain scores of the two health-related QoL measures (.32 ≤ r ≤ .72, P < .001), and a significant large negative correlation between these and the negative IOCv2 subscale scores (− .39 ≤ r ≤ − .63, P < .001). There was a significant moderate positive correlation between positive IOCv2 subscale and WEMWBS scores (r = .35, P < .001). However, neither the FACT-G nor the EORTC showed any significant correlation with the positive IOCv2 subscale. Participants rated all measures similarly with regards to pertinence and ease of use.

Conclusion

There was little to choose between FACT-G, EORTC, and the negative IOC scales, any of which may be used to measure QoL. However, the two IOCv2 subscales capture unique aspects of QoL compared to the other measures. The IOCv2 can be used to identify those cancer survivors who would benefit from interventions to improve their QoL and to target specific needs thereby providing more holistic and personalised care beyond cancer treatment.
Appropriateness of the post-operative rehabilitation of low energy hip fractures in elderly in comparison with the AAOS appropriate use criteria at a level one trauma center
Authors: Adam Mohammed , Alkaramany Eslam , Alhamoud Abduljabbar , Derbas Jawad , Murshid Abdullah , Alhaneedi Ghalib Ahmed
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This study aimed to assess the appropriateness of the post-operative rehabilitation of low energy hip fractures in the elderly by comparing between the rehabilitations actually provided at level one trauma center and the AAOS Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC) recommendations.

Methods

A retrospective review of the medical charts of all patients who underwent surgery for hip fractures followed by post-operative rehabilitation between October 2016 and May 2018. The age, gender, fracture types, four AUC variables including; the surgical approach, pre-operative mobility/functional status, cognitive impairment, and post-operative delirium, and types of post-operative rehabilitation received were collected.

The four patient variables were entered into the AUC application to generate the recommended rehabilitation procedures. Afterward, the rate of appropriateness of the treatments and the agreement between the rehabilitations actually provided and the AUC recommendation were measured.

Results

Over the study period, a consecutive series of 101 patients were included. The mean age was 75 years. Most of the patients were males (51.5%). Seventeen scenarios were observed in our patients. The most common scenario were patients with low functional/physical demands (48%), intact cognitive function (91%), non-arthroplasty approach (76%), and no post-operative delirium(97%).

The overall appropriateness rate of the provided rehabilitation treatments for our patients in comparison with AUC recommendation was appropriate in 356 (48.7%) (P = .001), maybe appropriate in 19 (3%) (P < .001), rarely appropriate in 61 (8.3%) (P = .59), and 40% of rehabilitation procedures were not provided (P < .001).

The actual treatment was appropriate and in agreement with the AUC recommendations in (100%) of three procedures (Deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis, pain management, and Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility or Skilled Nursing Facility), in (72.2%) of osteoporosis assessment/management, in (63.8%) of outpatient occupational/physical therapy, in (10.2%) of delirium prevention, in (33.3%) of delirium management and in (25%) of home care therapy.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that there is a remarkable variation in the appropriateness of the various post-operative rehabilitation procedures for elderly hip fracture. Additionally, the AUC application was easy to use and simple for identifying post-operative rehabilitation protocols for elderly hip fractures, hence, we recommend to use it in the trauma clinical practice.

Level of evidence: IV
Integration of electromagnetic finite element models in a multibody simulation to evaluate vibrations in direct-drive generators
Authors: Duda Tobias , Mülder Christoph , Jacobs Georg , Hameyer Kay , Bosse Dennis , Cardaun Martin
Published: March 2021

This paper introduces a novel electromechanical model for calculating electromagnetic excited structural vibrations and structure borne acoustics for gearless wind turbines. Therefore, the wind turbine model structure is explained and a drivetrain model is derived to investigate the drivetrain decoupled from the aerodynamic excitations. The drivetrain model is fed with results from an electromagnetic finite element model of the generator considering air gap width changes and the wind turbine torque and speed characteristics. Furthermore, an exemplary ramp-up of the drivetrain is simulated. It can be seen, that generator structure oscillations are excited during certain rotational speeds, which may be relevant for the acoustic behavior of the turbine.
How to decrease pharmaceuticals in the environment? A review
Authors: Caban Magda , Stepnowski Piotr
Published: March 2021

The global problem of the presence of human and veterinary pharmaceuticals in the environment is under investigation. Despite the increase in the knowledge of its sources, fates and impacts, the assessment of risks and the derived prevention actions are limited to single cases. The predicted increasing trend in the usage of pharmaceuticals forces the various parties involved to think about comprehensive mitigation actions. There are many areas of daily human life and industrial operations where such actions should take place. Thereby, in the presented review, such actions were summarized and divided into the following groups: A. design, synthesis and production of pharmaceuticals, B. prescription, sales and waste handling, C. control of the sources with advanced technologies. As the total amount of proposed actions was found to be quite high, a ranking according to the term of effects was proposed using the pyramid of needs. The advantages of actions taken in the first steps of the pharmaceutical life cycle (acting on the upstream) over end-of-pipe actions and the application of advanced technologies (the downstream option) were discussed, with reference to expert opinions.
Correction to: Divergent controls on carbon concentration and persistence between forests and grasslands of the conterminous US
Authors: Heckman K. A. , Nave L. E. , Bowman M. , Gallo A. , Hatten J. A. , Matosziuk L. M. , Possinger A. R. , SanClements M. , Strahm B. D. , Weiglein T. L. , Rasmussen C. , Swanston C. W.
Published: March 2021

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10533-021-00785-9
Rising inequality and trends in leisure
Authors: Boppart Timo , Ngai L. Rachel
Published: March 2021

This paper develops a model that generates rising average leisure time and increasing leisure inequality along a path of balanced growth. Households derive utility from three sources: market goods, home goods and leisure. Home production and leisure are both activities that require time and capital. Households allocate time and capital to these non-market activities and supply labor. The dynamics are driven by activity-specific TFP growth and a spread in the distribution of household-specific labor market efficiencies. When the spread is set to replicate the increase in wage inequality across education groups, the model can account for the observed average time series and cross-sectional dynamics of leisure time in the U.S. over the last five decades.