bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation of Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Materials Based on Chitosan for Acetylene Hydrochlorination
Authors: Xu Dong , Lu YuSheng , Liu Li , Lu FangJie , Zhu Mingyuan
Published: March 2022

In this study, we used a simple strategy of directly calcinating chitosan to prepare nitrogen‐doped carbon catalysts for acetylene hydrochlorination. The total content of nitrogen in Chi800 catalyst is 5.88 %, including pyridinic nitrogen, pyrrolic nitrogen, and graphitic nitrogen. The acetylene conversion of Chi800 at 220 °C can reach 91 % due to the existence of the pyridinic nitrogen and pyrrolic nitrogen active sites. In order to improve the stability of catalysts prepared from chitosan, ZnCl2 is used to expand pores of chitosan to prepare Chi800‐E. The specific surface area of the catalyst Chi800‐E with expanded pores can reach 1299.08 m2 g−1. The Chi800‐E shows the acetylene conversion of 94 % and good stability up to 60 hours in a test at 220 °C.
Coumarin‐Chalcones Generated from 3‐Acetylcoumarin as a Promising Agent: Synthesis and Pharmacological Properties
Authors: Nasab Narges Hosseini , Azimian Fereshteh , Kruger Hendrik G. , Kim Song Ja
Published: March 2022

Developing novel chemical entitiesviadifferent reactions and mechanisms is one of the hottest topics in drug development. The coumarin moiety displays good cell permeability and has numerous medicinal and pharmaceutical applications. It is utilized in the preparation of a wide range of molecules. Herein, we have focused on the application of 3‐acetylcoumarin as a starting material for the systematic synthesis of various types of heterocyclic compositions including coumarin‐chalcone compounds, which exhibit a broad variety of bioactivities, including antituberculosis; enzyme‐inhibition; antioxidant; anti‐inflammatory etc. After introducing the synthesis of 3‐acetylcoumarin, the review proceeds with a comprehensive presentation of the synthesis of coumarin‐chalcones under various conditions. Last, the reactions of prepared coumarin‐chalcones through different mechanisms and the outcomes achieved through such reactions are discussed. It is envisaged that this review will prompt researchers to expand on the knowledge gained in this field the last twenty years.
Near‐infrared chemiluminescent carbon nanogels for oncology imaging and therapy
Authors: Shen Chenglong , Jiang Tianci , Lou Qing , Zhao Wenbo , Lv Chaofan , Zheng Guangsong , Liu Hangrui , Li Pengfei , Dai Lingling , Liu Kaikai , Zang Jinhao , Wang Feng , Dong Lin , Qu Songnan , Cheng Zhe , Shan Chongxin
Published: March 2022

Carbon nanogels (CNGs) with dual ability of reactive oxygen species (ROS) imaging and photodynamic therapy have been designed with self‐assembled chemiluminescent carbonized polymer dots (CPDs). With efficient deep‐red/near‐infrared chemiluminescence (CL) emission and distinctive photodynamic capacity, the H2O2‐driven chemiluminescent CNGs are further designed by assembling the polymeric conjugate and CL donors, enabling an in vitro and in vivo ROS bioimaging capability in animal inflammation models and a high‐performance therapy for xenograft tumors. Mechanistically, ROS generated in inflammatory sites or tumor microenvironment can trigger the chemically initiated electron exchange luminescence in the chemical reaction of peroxalate and H2O2, enabling in vivo CL imaging. Meanwhile, part of the excited‐state electrons will transfer to the ambient H2O or dissolved oxygen and in turn lead to the type I and type II photochemical ROS production of hydroxyl radicals or singlet oxygen, endowing the apoptosis of tumor cells and thus enabling cancer therapy. These results open up a new avenue for the design of multifunctional nanomaterials for bioimaging and antienoplastic agents.
Determination of compressive strength of lightweight aggregate concrete in service using gene expression programming based on semi‐direct ultrasonic pulse velocity testing
Authors: Jafari Saeed , Hadianfard Mohammad Ali , Mahini Seyed Saeed
Published: March 2022

Structural lightweight aggregate concrete (SLWAC) can increase the ability of buildings to resist earthquakes by significantly reducing the overall weight of structures. Determining a relationship for assessing the concrete compressive strength of these structures using non‐destructive methods can save both time and money. This study aims to estimate the compressive strength of SLWAC using a model of gene expression programming (GEP) and semi‐direct ultrasonic pulse velocity. A hundred specimens of lightweight concrete were made using clay and natural (mineral) pumice aggregates with the maximum nominal sizes of 12.7 mm (½ inch) and 19.2 mm (¾ inch), respectively. Semi‐direct ultrasonic testing of the specimens was then undertaken in the laboratory. The results show a high correlation coefficient for the equations derived from the GEP. Moreover, the equations obtained from GEP for three types of SLWAC, based on semi‐direct ultrasonic pulse velocity, are compatible with equations obtained from the direct ultrasonic velocity method. The simplicity of generated equations increases the practicality and convenience in the working environment and actual conditions. The R2(goodness of fit) values of proposed equations for LWA01, LWA02, and LWA03 specimens were 0.912, 0.962, and 0.985, respectively. It was concluded that based on the semi‐direct ultrasonic pulse velocity and derived formulas, the compressive strength of SLWAC can be confidently predicted using GEP.
A multi‐metric movement model for identifying elk parturition events
Authors: Mohr Adam S. , Ewanyk Jon , Hardy Owen , Windsor Justin , Zulliger Erin , Hilson Carrington , Gunther Micaela Szykman , Bean William T.
Published: March 2022

For wildlife managers, identifying the time and location of ungulate parturition events is necessary to protect parturition habitat and inform population models. Current methods for identifying parturition events include neonatal capture and monitoring and visual analysis of location data, which are resource intensive and subject to biases. Recently, movement‐based analyses using the spatial and temporal patterns contained in location data have shown promise for identifying parturition behavior; however, questions regarding efficacy and best practice have limited the adoption of such movement‐based parturition models into management programs. We used location data collected between 2017−2018 from a California population of female Roosevelt elk with known parturition status to build a set of movement‐based models. We compared each model's ability to accurately classify individual's parturition status and identify the timing of parturition. The top model showed that within 72 hours of a parturition event, elk made smaller movements, had smaller home ranges, and had longer visits to individual locations. Of the 16 individuals in our study with known parturition status, our approach to classifying an individual's status was 81% accurate in cross‐validation, which increased to 100% accuracy when the complete dataset was used to train the top model. We then used the top, global and single‐metric models to establish probability thresholds and identify parturition events for collared‐elk with unknown parturition status. Our results align with a growing number of studies that have shown movement‐based parturition models are a reliable method that could augment or replace field‐based techniques for identifying parturition events and quantifying parturition rates in ungulate populations.
Nonagermanide Zintl Clusters with Mg2+ Counter Ions
Authors: Wallach Christoph , Klein Wilhelm , Fässler Thomas F.
Published: March 2022

Ion exchange processes are rarely investigated with respect to tetrel element Zintl clusters. We now discovered that the addition of Mg complexes to nonagermanide anions comprising K+ counter cations results in an exchange of the alkali ions by alkaline earth cations. Upon stirring K[Ge9{Si(TMS)3}3] (TMS=trimethylsilyl) and Mg(NacNacMes)I (NacNacMes=N,N’‐bis(2,4,6‐trimethylphenyl)‐β‐diketiminate) in MeCN the product [Mg(NacNacMes)(MeCN)4][Ge9{Si(TMS)3}3]⋅ MeCN is formed. Reactions of Mg(NacNacMes)I with K4Ge9 in liquid ammonia as a solvent yielded [K[2.2.2]crypt]4[Mg(NacNacMes)(NH3)4]2[Ge9−Ge9] ⋅ 32.58 NH3 featuring a mixed alkali/alkaline earth metal cationic sphere and an oxidative coupling of the [Ge9]4− clusters. From comparable reactions of [Mg(NacNacMes)]2 with K4Ge9 or K12Ge17 in liquid ammonia crystals of [K[2.2.2]crypt][NacNacMes] ⋅ NH3 and [K(18‐crown‐6)][NacNacMes] ⋅ 3 NH3, respectively, were isolated. All compounds were characterized by means of single crystal structure determination.
Social introductions of multiple groups of dwarf mongooses (Helogaleparvula)
Authors: Richmond Stephanie , Mattingly Victoria , Carmean Mallory , Fieseler Carol , Pilgram‐Kloppe Katie
Published: March 2022

Protocols for managing dwarf mongooses (Helogaleparvula) in zoological institutions do not currently account for the introduction of separate social groups. The Association of Zoo and Aquarium Dwarf Mongoose Species Survival Program©and Saint Louis Zoo collaborated in the first documented introduction of multiple individuals spanning three separate social groups. Taking into consideration the social structure of this species, we developed a modified process for performing such an introduction. Neutral territories, olfactory introductions, visual introductions with limited physical contact (“howdy”), and keeper–animal relationship‐building proved to be strong components leading to successful introductions. The result was a cohesive social group of four male and six female dwarf mongooses. This successful introduction is described and presented to provide a foundation for other institutions seeking to conduct similar introductions in the future.
A Taste of Dissent: Experiences of Heretical Blessed Bread as a Dimension of Lived Religion in Thirteenth- and Early Fourteenth-century Languedoc
Authors: Pihko Saku
Published: March 2022

Pihko examines inquisition records from medieval Languedoc in order to investigate experiences related to the ritualized and allegedly heretical practice of blessing bread. The chapter provides an overview of the evidence regarding this often noted but insufficiently researched phenomenon. It highlights the materiality of lived religion and the active part played by lay people as participants in religious rituals, as well their role as consumers, interpreters, and distributors of blessed bread. The case study is inserted into wider discussions related to the history of medieval lived religion and the history of experiences. To illuminate their inner dynamics, the chapter proposes that historical experiences and lived religion can be understood as complex, emergent phenomena.
Constructing “Mad” Religious Experiences in Early Modern Sweden
Authors: Miettinen Riikka
Published: March 2022

This chapter discusses the process of constructing religious experiences as pathological and ‘mad’ in early modern Sweden, during an era of great religious plurality but also strict Lutheran orthodoxy. By using two case studies of envisioned angelic encounters from early 18th century as examples, it shows the participation of several actors and discursive authorities in shaping and negotiating personal spiritual experiences. Medicalization of deviant religious experiences was one way of controlling faith and upholding the discursive hegemony of the Swedish Lutheran state Church over religion. The focus is on the process-nature of experiencing and the power dynamics in play in invalidating norm-breaching experiences.
New $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 1 AdS4 solutions of type IIB supergravity
Authors: Berman David , Fischbacher Thomas , Inverso Gianluca
Published: March 2022

Abstract

We construct analytically a new family of supersymmetric AdS4 solutions of IIB supergravity, with the internal space provided by a deformed S5 × S1. The solutions preserve $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 supersymmetry and an SO(3) subgroup of isometries of S5, which is broken to U(1) along a flat direction. They are further parametrised by a winding number and a choice of SL(2) duality twist along the circle in an elliptic conjugacy class, thus including both globally geometric and S-fold configurations. We identify these solutions by first constructing a new family of vacua of D = 4, U(4) ⋉ ℝ12 gauged maximal supergravity and use exceptional field theory to perform the uplift to ten dimensions. We discuss the relevance of D = 5 Wilson loops associated to preserved and broken gauge symmetries in the construction of these classes of solutions.
Anhaltende Fatigue als Folge einer COVID-19-Infektion bei Beschäftigten im Gesundheitswesen: Risikofaktoren und Auswirkungen auf die Lebensqualität
Authors: Haller Julia , Kocalevent Rüya-Daniela , Nienhaus Albert , Peters Claudia , Bergelt Corinna , Koch-Gromus Uwe
Published: March 2022

Hintergrund und Ziel

Durch ihre Tätigkeit sind Menschen aus medizinisch-pflegerischen Berufen einem erhöhten Risiko für eine SARS-CoV-2-Infektion ausgesetzt und dadurch öfter von Krankheitsfolgen betroffen. In bisherigen Studien wurde als häufigste Krankheitsfolge die postvirale Fatigue (Erschöpfungssyndrom nach viraler Infektion) identifiziert. Das Ziel der Studie war die Untersuchung von Risikofaktoren für anhaltende Fatiguesymptome infolge einer COVID-19-Infektion und deren Auswirkungen bei Beschäftigten im Gesundheitswesen.

Methoden

Im Frühjahr 2021 wurden 4315 Versicherte der Berufsgenossenschaft für Gesundheitsdienst und Wohlfahrtspflege (BGW) für eine schriftliche Befragung zu ihrer COVID-19-Erkrankung im Jahr 2020 und den Krankheitsfolgen angeschrieben. Dabei wurden Symptome der Akutinfektion, Krankheitsfolgen, mögliche Risikofaktoren sowie der körperliche und psychische Gesundheitszustand nach der SARS-CoV-2-Infektion erhoben. Als Fatiguescreening wurde die Skala „Allgemeine Erschöpfung“ des Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI) eingesetzt. Zur Datenanalyse wurden Regressionsanalysen und multivariate Varianzanalysen berechnet.

Ergebnisse

10,7 % der Befragten wiesen schwere Fatiguewerte auf. Als Risikofaktoren für eine klinische Fatiguesymptomatik konnten u. a. Vorerkrankungen der Psyche und Atemwege sowie die Schwere der Akutinfektion identifiziert werden. Weiterhin war eine schwere Long‑/Post-COVID-Fatigue mit einer höheren psychischen Belastung, einer niedrigeren gesundheitsbezogenen Lebensqualität sowie mit einer häufigeren Arbeitsunfähigkeit assoziiert.

Diskussion

Von schwerer Long‑/Post-COVID-Fatigue geht ein hoher Leidensdruck aus, der spezifische Rehabilitationsansätze erfordert und Sozialversicherungsträger sowie Unfallversicherer vor die Herausforderung stellt, geeignete Rehabilitationskonzepte zu entwickeln.
Cough in the Elderly During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Kaulamo Johanna Tuulikki , Lätti Anne Marika , Koskela Heikki Olavi
Published: March 2022

Introduction

The prevalence of chronic cough increases with age. However, data on the prevalence and background disorders of cough subtypes in the elderly are scarce. The objective of this study was to identify the point prevalence and risk factors of acute, subacute, and chronic cough in an elderly community-based population.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional email survey amongst 26,205 members of the Finnish Pensioners’ Federation during the COVID-19 pandemic in spring 2021.

Results

The response rate was 23.6% (6189). 5983 subjects aged at least 64 years were included in the analyses (mean 72.6 years, 66.3% female). The point prevalence of daily acute, subacute, and chronic cough were 1.4%, 0.7%, and 9.6%, respectively. Only 0.4% of the subjects had a COVID-19 infection. In the multivariate analyses, chronic rhinosinusitis, and obstructive sleep apnoea were common risk factors for all cough subtypes. Chronic cough had several risk factors; Bronchiectasis (OR 5.79 (CI95% 2.70–12.41)), current asthma (2.67 (2.02–3.54)), chronic rhinosinusitis (2.51 (1.94–3.24)), somatic symptom score (1.13 per symptom (1.07–1.19)), family history of chronic cough (1.88 (1.54–2.30)), gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (1.86 (1.50–2.32)), advanced age (1.20 per decade (1.02–1.40)), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (1.74 (0.99–3.05)), dog ownership (1.42 (1.07–1.89)), and obstructive sleep apnoea (1.41 (1.16–1.73)).

Conclusion

Acute and subacute cough, as well as previous COVID-19 infection, were uncommon in this Finnish elderly population. The prevalence of chronic cough was higher than that previously found in younger adults. Chronic cough is a multifactorial disorder in the elderly.
Recurrent osteomyelitis with proliferative periostitis after segmental resection and reconstruction of the mandible: a case report
Authors: Maurer Michael , Gottsauner Josef Maximilian , Mamilos Andreas , Reichert Torsten E. , Ettl Tobias
Published: March 2022

A 50-year-old patient presented with a two-year history of chronic osteomyelitis of the left mandibular body. It was treated by wide segmental resection of the left hemimandible and reconstruction with a free vascularized fibular graft. Six months after surgery, the patient returned with pain, swelling, and moth-like lesions in the transplant in combination with appositional bone formation surrounding the ossified fibular bone. Radiographic and histological examination led to the diagnosis of a recurrent osteomyelitis with proliferative periostitis affecting the resected and reconstructed mandible. Application of ibandronate led to a significant symptom decrease.
Gang Phantasmagoria: How Racialized Gang Allegations Haunt Immigration Legal Work
Authors: Muñiz Ana
Published: March 2022

Through an analysis of interviews with Southern California attorneys, supplemented by archival materials, this article contributes to the literature on gangs, critical criminology, and Gothic tropes by examining how the ambiguous nature of gang profiling allows state actors to target racialized others in various legal and administrative venues with little evidence and few procedural protections. I conceptualize gang phantasmagoria as the constant, amorphous, unpredictable, and haunting threat of racialized gang allegations and argue that the dynamic shapes the work of legal practitioners and constitutes a state mechanism of racial terror. Specifically, first I argue that government officials deploy the specter of gangs to both portray asylum seekers as monstrous threats and justify restrictions in asylum eligibility. I then illustrate how the potential for gang phantasmagoria to upend asylum applications and trigger the deportation of their clients elicits constant low-grade anxiety for attorneys. Consequently, attorneys are forced to adopt more cautious approaches to legal work in a way that indirectly facilitates the social control of young Latinx immigrants.
The German Facebook case: the law and economics of the relationship between competition and data protection law
Authors: Kerber Wolfgang , Zolna Karsten K.
Published: March 2022

Can competition law consider effects on privacy, or should privacy concerns of data-collecting behaviour only be dealt with by data protection law? In this paper, we analyse the German Facebook case, in which the requirement of giving consent to the combination of personal data from different sources was prohibited as exploitative abuse by a dominant firm. We show, from an economic perspective, that due to the simultaneous existence of two market failures (market dominance, information and behavioural problems) and complex interaction effects between both market failures and both policies in digital markets, a new, much more complex relationship emerges. Since the traditional approach of a strict separation of both policies is no longer feasible, a more integrative and collaborative policy approach for competition law and data protection law might be necessary. With respect to the substantive issue in the Facebook case, i.e. protecting a minimum standard of choice for consumers regarding their personal data vis-a-vis dominant digital platform firms, the recent decision by the German Federal Court of Justice in this case and the proposed Digital Markets Act have led to new perspectives for dealing with privacy concerns in competition law and new forms of ex-ante regulation.
New Representations for the Curvature Tensor of a Surface with Application to Theories of Elastic Shells
Authors: Goldberg Nathaniel N. , O’Reilly Oliver M.
Published: March 2022

Consider two points $P$
P
and $Q$
Q
on a surface. Modulo rotations about the normal vector to the surface at $P$
P
and the normal vector to the surface at $Q$
Q
, a rotation can be defined that maps the unit normal vector to the surface at $Q$
Q
to the corresponding unit normal vector at $P$
P
. With the help of Weingarten’s formulae, new representations are established for the components of the curvature tensor of a surface and the associated mean and Gaussian curvatures in terms of components of a pair of vectors associated with the rotation. The formulae are shown to be helpful in demonstrating how different strain measures for Kirchhoff-Love shell theory are equivalent.
TCTracer: Establishing test-to-code traceability links using dynamic and static techniques
Authors: White Robert , Krinke Jens
Published: March 2022

Test-to-code traceability links model the relationships between test artefacts and code artefacts. When utilised during the development process, these links help developers to keep test code in sync with tested code, reducing the rate of test failures and missed faults. Test-to-code traceability links can also help developers to maintain an accurate mental model of the system, reducing the risk of architectural degradation when making changes. However, establishing and maintaining these links manually places an extra burden on developers and is error-prone. This paper presents TCTracer, an approach and implementation for the automatic establishment of test-to-code traceability links. Unlike existing work, TCTracer operates at both the method level and the class level, allowing us to establish links between tests and functions, as well as between test classes and tested classes. We improve over existing techniques by combining an ensemble of new and existing techniques that utilise both dynamic and static information and exploiting a synergistic flow of information between the method and class levels. An evaluation of TCTracer using five large, well-studied open source systems demonstrates that, on average, we can establish test-to-function links with a mean average precision (MAP) of 85% and test-class-to-class links with an MAP of 92%.
Effects of variability in models: a family of experiments
Authors: Mahmood Wardah , Strüber Daniel , Anjorin Anthony , Berger Thorsten
Published: March 2022

The ever-growing need for customization creates a need to maintain software systems in many different variants. To avoid having to maintain different copies of the same model, developers of modeling languages and tools have recently started to provide implementation techniques for such variant-rich systems, notably variability mechanisms, which support implementing the differences between model variants. Available mechanisms either follow the annotative or the compositional paradigm, each of which have dedicated benefits and drawbacks. Currently, language and tool designers select the used variability mechanism often solely based on intuition. A better empirical understanding of the comprehension of variability mechanisms would help them in improving support for effective modeling. In this article, we present an empirical assessment of annotative and compositional variability mechanisms for three popular types of models. We report and discuss findings from a family of three experiments with 164 participants in total, in which we studied the impact of different variability mechanisms during model comprehension tasks. We experimented with three model types commonly found in modeling languages: class diagrams, state machine diagrams, and activity diagrams. We find that, in two out of three experiments, annotative technique lead to better developer performance. Use of the compositional mechanism correlated with impaired performance. For all three considered tasks, the annotative mechanism was preferred over the compositional one in all experiments. We present actionable recommendations concerning support of flexible, tasks-specific solutions, and the transfer of established best practices from the code domain to models.
Family Functioning and Emotional Aspects of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Southern Brazil
Authors: Flenik Tatiana M. N. , Bara Tiago S. , Cordeiro Mara L.
Published: March 2022

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects children and their families. We investigated the family environment of children with ASD in Brazil. Twenty-one families participated. Outcome measures administered to parents included the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, Questionnaire on Resources and Stress—Short Form, and the Family Environment Scale. All families reported a number of difficulties, including social interactions and peer relationships, stress levels, and communication difficulties. Families also reported great concern for their child’s future. Brazil is a developing country, yet there are few national resources and studies related to ASD. The challenges continue from diagnosis through treatment. Our results emphasize the need to understand the family environment of children with autism and their parents’ apprehensions to develop effective coping programs.
A review of near-surface QS estimation methods using active and passive sources
Authors: Parolai Stefano , Lai Carlo G. , Dreossi Ilaria , Ktenidou Olga-Joan , Yong Alan
Published: March 2022

Seismic attenuation and the associated quality factor (Q) have long been studied in various sub-disciplines of seismology, ranging from observational and engineering seismology to near-surface geophysics and soil/rock dynamics with particular emphasis on geotechnical earthquake engineering and engineering seismology. Within the broader framework of seismic site characterization, various experimental techniques have been adopted over the years to measure the near-surface shear-wave quality factor (QS). Common methods include active- and passive-source recording techniques performed at the free surface of soil deposits and within boreholes, as well as laboratory tests. This paper intends to provide an in-depth review of whatQis and, in particular, howQSis estimated in the current practice. After motivating the importance of this parameter in seismology, we proceed by recalling various theoretical definitions ofQand its measurement through laboratory tests, considering various deformation modes, most notablyQPandQS. We next provide a review of the literature onQS estimation methods that use data from surface and borehole sensor recordings. We distinguish between active- and passive-source approaches, along with their pros and cons, as well as the state-of-the-practice and state-of-the-art. Finally, we summarize the phenomena associated with the high-frequency shear-wave attenuation factor (kappa) and its relation toQ, as well as other lesser-known attenuation parameters.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and their oxygenated derivatives in urban aerosol: levels, chemical profiles, and contribution to PM2.5 oxidative potential
Authors: Pietrogrande Maria Chiara , Bacco Dimitri , Demaria Giorgia , Russo Mara , Scotto Fabiana , Trentini Arianna
Published: March 2022

The concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and quinones, a subgroup of oxygenated PAHs (oxy-PAHs), were measured in PM2.5 samples collected during warm (May–June 2019) and cold (February–March 2020) seasons in the city of Bologna, Italy. Total PAHs concentration was nearly double in winter (6.58 ± 1.03 ng m−3) compared with spring (3.16 ± 0.53 ng m−3), following the trend of the PM2.5 mass concentration. Molecular diagnostic ratios suggested that, together with traffic, biomass burning was the dominant emission source contributing to the peaks of concentration of PM2.5 registered in the cold season. Quinone level was constant in both seasons, being 1.44 ± 0.24 ng m−3, that may be related to the increased secondary formation during warm season, as confirmed by the higher Σoxy-PAHs/ΣPAHs ratio in spring than in winter. The oxidative potential (OP) of the PM2.5 samples was assessed using acellular dithiothreitol (DTT) and ascorbic acid (AA) assays. The obtained responses showed a strong seasonality, with higher volume-normalized (OPV) values in winter than in spring, i.e., OPVDTT: 0.32 ± 0.15 nmol min−1 m−3 vs. 0.08 ± 0.03 nmol min−1 m−3 and OPVAA: 0.72 ± 0.36 nmol min−1 m−3 vs. 0.28 ± 0.21 nmol min−1 m−3. Both OPVDTT and OPVAA responses were significantly associated with total PAHs, as a general descriptor of redox-active PAH derivatives, associated with co-emission from burning sources or secondary atmospheric oxidation of parent PAHs. Otherwise, only winter OPVDTT responses showed a significant correlation with total Ʃoxy-PAHs concentration.
Heavy metals and metalloid levels in the tissues of yellow-legged gulls (Larus michahellis) from Spain: sex, age, and geographical location differences
Authors: Vizuete Jorge , Hernández-Moreno David , López-Beceiro Ana , Fidalgo Luis Eusebio , Soler Francisco , Pérez-López Marcos , Míguez-Santiyán María Prado
Published: March 2022

In the present study, mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), selenium (Se), and arsenic (As) were measured in liver, kidney, and feathers of adult, juvenile, and chick seagulls (Larus michahellis) collected from the northwest of Spain. Age, sex, and the geographical location of samples were considered variables that can influence metal bioaccumulation, for which concentrations were determined by means of ICP-MS. The mean concentrations (dry weight) found in seagulls were 7.01 ± 0.37 mg Hg/kg, 22.82 ± 2.83 mg Cd/kg, 7.36 ± 1.36 mg Pb/kg, 18.64 ± 0.63 mg Se/kg, and 10.64 ± 0.59 mg As/kg. Regarding the different factors analyzed, Hg was the only metal showing sex-related differences, being significantly higher (p < 0.05) the concentrations found in feathers of males (1.26 ± 0.12 mg/kg) than those in females (0.99 ± 0.11 mg/kg). A highly significant (p < 0.01) increase in levels of some metals was found in liver related to the increase of age: Hg (adults (A) 3.33 ± 0.22 mg/kg vs chicks (C) 1.76 ± 0.28 mg/kg), Cd (A 4.74 ± 0.62 mg/kg vs C 1.79 ± 0.2), Pb (A 0.65 ± 0.12 mg/kg vs juveniles 0.4 ± 0.11 mg/kg), and Se (A 7.56 ± 0.43 mg/kg vs C 5.24 ± 0.53 mg/kg). Positive correlations between Cd-Hg and Se–Hg were found in liver (p < 0.001), kidney (p < 0.001), and feathers (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively). The associations found may reflect antagonistic interactions between Se and Cd on Hg toxicity. The results suggest that L. michahellis can reveal local contamination around the foraging and breeding sites and can be a very useful monitoring instrument for assessing heavy metal contamination and sentinel species of environmental health.
Recent advances in statistical methodologies in evaluating program for high-dimensional data
Authors: Zhan Ming-feng , Cai Zong-wu , Fang Ying , Lin Ming
Published: March 2022

The era of big data brings opportunities and challenges to developing new statistical methods and models to evaluate social programs or economic policies or interventions. This paper provides a comprehensive review on some recent advances in statistical methodologies and models to evaluate programs with high-dimensional data. In particular, four kinds of methods for making valid statistical inferences for treatment effects in high dimensions are addressed. The first one is the so-called doubly robust type estimation, which models the outcome regression and propensity score functions simultaneously. The second one is the covariate balance method to construct the treatment effect estimators. The third one is the sufficient dimension reduction approach for causal inferences. The last one is the machine learning procedure directly or indirectly to make statistical inferences to treatment effect. In such a way, some of these methods and models are closely related to the de-biased Lasso type methods for the regression model with high dimensions in the statistical literature. Finally, some future research topics are also discussed.
Microwave Ablation, Radiofrequency Ablation, Irreversible Electroporation, and Stereotactic Ablative Body Radiotherapy for Intermediate Size (3–5 cm) Unresectable Colorectal Liver Metastases: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Nieuwenhuizen Sanne , Dijkstra Madelon , Puijk Robbert S. , Geboers Bart , Ruarus Alette H. , Schouten Evelien A. , Nielsen Karin , de Vries Jan J. J. , Bruynzeel Anna M. E. , Scheffer Hester J. , van den Tol M. Petrousjka , Haasbeek Cornelis J. A. , Meijerink Martijn R.
Published: March 2022

Purpose of Review

Based on good local control rates and an excellent safety profile, guidelines consider thermal ablation the gold standard to eliminate small unresectable colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). However, efficacy decreases exponentially with increasing tumour size. The preferred treatment for intermediate-size unresectable CRLM remains uncertain. This systematic review and meta-analysis compare safety and efficacy of local ablative treatments for unresectable intermediate-size CRLM (3–5 cm).

Recent Findings

We systematically searched for publications reporting treatment outcomes of unresectable intermediate-size CRLM treated with thermal ablation, irreversible electroporation (IRE) or stereotactic ablative body-radiotherapy (SABR). No comparative studies or randomized trials were found. Literature to assess effectiveness was limited and there was substantial heterogeneity in outcomes and study populations. Per-patient local control ranged 22–90% for all techniques; 22–89% (8 series) for thermal ablation, 44% (1 series) for IRE, and 67–90% (1 series) for SABR depending on radiation dose.

Focal ablative therapy is safe and can induce long-term disease control, even for intermediate-size CRLM. Although SABR and tumuor-bracketing techniques such as IRE are suggested to be less susceptible to size, evidence to support any claims of superiority of one technique over the other is unsubstantiated by the available evidence. Future prospective comparative studies should address local-tumour-progression-free-survival, local control rate, overall survival, adverse events, and quality-of-life.
Galloping Vibration Monitoring of Overhead Transmission Lines by Chirped FBG Array
Authors: Yan Qizhong , Zhou Ciming , Feng Xuebin , Deng Chi , Hu Wenyu , Xu Yimin
Published: March 2022

A distributed online fiber sensing system based on the phase-sensitive optical time domain reflectometer (Φ-OTDR) enhanced by the drawing tower fiber Bragg grating (FBG) array is presented and investigated experimentally for monitoring the galloping of overhead transmission lines. The chirped FBG array enhanced Φ-OTDR sensing system can be used to measure the galloping behavior of the overhead transmission lines (optical phase conductor or optical power ground wire), which are helpful for monitoring the frequency response characteristics of the ice-induced galloping, evaluating the motion tendencies of these cables, and avoiding the risk of flashover during galloping. The feasibility of the proposed online monitoring system is demonstrated through a series of experiments at the Special Optical Fiber Cable Laboratory of State Grid Corporation of China (Beijing, China). Results show that the proposed system is effective and reliable for the monitoring of galloping shape and characteristic frequency, which can predict the trend of destructive vibration behavior and avoid the occurrence of cable breaking and tower toppling accidents, and these features are essential for the safety operation in smart grids.
The evaluation of preventive and control measures on congenital syphilis in Guangdong Province, China: a time series modeling study
Authors: Tang XiJia , Chen Wen , Tang Shang Qing , Zhao Pei Zhen , Ling Li , Wang Cheng
Published: March 2022

Purpose

To evaluate the effectiveness of preventive and control measures for congenital syphilis (CS) implemented since 2012 in Guangdong Province, China, and assess the epidemic trend in the near future.

Methods

The interrupted time series analysis was conducted to compare changes in slope and level of CS notification rate from 2005 to 2020 in Guangdong Province and its three regions with different economic developmental levels. The ARIMA model was established to predict the new CS case number of Guangdong Province in 2021.

Results

A total of 12,687 CS cases were reported from 2005 to 2020. The CS notification rate of the province had been increasing until 2012 (128.55 cases per 100,000 live births) and then been decreasing constantly, hitting the lowest point in 2020 (5.76 cases per 100,000 live births). The severe epidemic cluster shifted from the developed region to underdeveloped ones over time. The effectiveness of the measures was proved by the significant change in the slope of the notification rate which was found in both of the provinces (− 18.18, 95% CI − 25.63 to − 10.75) and two less-developed regions (− 10.49, 95% CI − 13.13 to − 7.86 and − 32.89, 95% CI − 41.67 to − 24.10, respectively). In the developed region where the notification rate had already been decreasing in the pre-implementation period, implementing these measures also aided in hastening the rate of descent. The CS case number in 2021 was predicted to be 48, indicating a low-level epidemic.

Conclusions

The preventive and control measures have assisted Guangdong Province to control CS effectively, of which the supportive ones ensured a successful implementation. For resource-limited countries where CS is still endemic, especially guaranteeing the support in financial subsidy, professional training, supervision and so on might trigger the effectiveness of other measures and eventually make significant and sustainable progress.
Microwave synthesis of duplex α/β-SiAlON ceramic cutting inserts: Modifying m, n, z values, synthesis temperature, and excess Y2O3 synthesis additive
Authors: Hong Dongbo , Yin Zengbin , Guo Fuzhou , Yuan Juntang
Published: March 2022

Duplex α/β-SiAlON ceramic cutting inserts (30α:70β) were synthesized by microwave sintering. The effects of solid solution parameters (m, n, z), synthesis temperature, and amount of excess Y2O3 synthesis additive on phase assemblage, microstructure, mechanical properties, and cutting performance were systematically investigated. It was found that increasing m value could improve the formation of α phase while high z value over 1.0 resulted in the dissolution of α phase into β phase and intergranular phase. Increasing the amount of excess Y2O3 could promote densification and elongated β grain growth; however, the excess Y2O3 amount above 4 wt% resulted in substantial crystallization of M’SS phase, thus declining the mechanical properties and wear resistance. The microwave-synthesized α/β-SiAlON cutting insert with modified parameters (m = 1.7, n = 1.0, z = 0.7, and 3 wt% excess Y2O3) was obtained with optimal comprehensive properties, whose tool life was found to increase by approximately 75% in high-speed milling of Inconel 718 superalloy compared to the commercial α/β-SiAlON cutting insert.
Intermittent failure mechanism and stabilization of microscale electrical contact
Authors: Ma Tianbao , Yu Zhiwei , Song Aisheng , Zhao Jiahao , Zhang Haibo , Lu Hongliang , Han Dandan , Wang Xueyan , Wang Wenzhong
Published: March 2022

The stability and lifetime of electrical contact pose a major challenge to the performance of microelectro-mechanical systems (MEMS), such as MEMS switches. The microscopic failure mechanism of electrical contact still remains largely unclear. Here conductive atomic force microscopy with hot switching mode was adopted to simulate the asperity-level contact condition in a MEMS switch. Strong variation and fluctuation of current and adhesion force were observed during 10,000 repetitive cycles, exhibiting an “intermittent failure” characteristic. This fluctuation of electrical contact properties was attributed to insulative carbonaceous contaminants repetitively formed and removed at the contact spot, corresponding to degradation and reestablishment of electrical contact. When contaminant film was formed, the contact interface became “metal/carbonaceous adsorbates/metal” instead of direct metal/metal contact, leading to degradation of the electrical contact state. Furthermore, a system of iridium/graphene on ruthenium (Ir/GrRu) was proposed to avoid direct metal/metal contact, which stabilized the current fluctuation and decreased interfacial adhesion significantly. The existence of graphene enabled less adsorption of carbonaceous contaminants in ambient air and enhanced mechanical protection against the repetitive hot switching actions. This work opens an avenue for design and fabrication of microscale electrical contact system, especially by utilizing two-dimensional materials.
COVID-19 and Dental Education: the Experience of the Dental School from the University of Milan
Authors: Varoni Elena Maria , Sardella Andrea , Lodi Giovanni , Iriti Marcello , Carrassi Antonio
Published: March 2022

In late February 2020, Lombardy became one of the outbreak areas of the novel coronavirus pandemic, leading to the revolution of traditional teaching. Here, we describe our teaching experience at the Dental School of the University of Milan, with a focus on the management of distance learning and clinical training. Distance education was enhanced with streaming lectures and videos of clinical procedures. Students’ opinions on this “digital revolution” were very positive, despite few technical and organizational problems. For assuring the clinical training, we completely renovated the structural architecture from open spaces to closed spaces. The pandemic changed dental education with future repercussions.
On the Mordell–Weil lattice of $$y^2 = x^3 + b x + t^{3^n + 1}$$ in characteristic 3
Authors: Leterrier Gauthier
Published: March 2022

We study the elliptic curves given by $$y^2 = x^3 + b x +t^{3^n+1}$$

y
2

=

x
3

+
b
x
+

t

3
n

+
1

over global function fields of characteristic 3 ; in particular we perform an explicit computation of the L-function by relating it to the zeta function of a certain superelliptic curve $$u^3 + b u = v^{3^n + 1}$$

u
3

+
b
u
=

v

3
n

+
1

. In this way, using the Néron–Tate height on the Mordell–Weil group, we obtain lattices in dimension $$2 \cdot 3^n$$

2
·

3
n

for every $$n \ge 1$$

n
≥
1

, which improve on the currently best known sphere packing densities in dimensions 162 (case $$n=4$$

n
=
4

) and 486 (case $$n=5$$

n
=
5

). For $$n=3$$

n
=
3

, the construction has the same packing density as the best currently known sphere packing in dimension 54, and for $$n=1$$

n
=
1

it has the same density as the lattice $$E_6$$

E
6

in dimension 6.
Next generation of polyolefin plastics: improving sustainability with existing and novel feedstock base
Authors: Reznichenko Alexander , Harlin Ali
Published: March 2022

In this account, we present an overview of existing and emerging olefin production technologies, comparing them from the standpoint of carbon intensity, efficiency, feedstock type and availability. Olefins are indispensable feedstock for manufacture of polyolefin plastics and other base chemicals. Current methods of olefin production are associated with significant CO2 emissions and almost entirely rely of fossil feedstock. In order to assess potential alternatives, technical and economic maturity of six principal olefin production routes are compared in this paper. Coal (brown), oil and gas (grey), biomass (green), recycled plastic (pink) as well as carbon capture and storage (purple) and carbon capture and utilization (blue) technologies are considered. We conclude that broader adoption of biomass based “green” feedstock and introduction of recycled plastic based olefins may lead to reduced carbon footprint, however adoption of best available technologies and introduction of electrocracking to existing fossil-based “grey” olefin manufacture process can be the way to achieve highest impact most rapidly. Adoption of Power-to-X approaches to olefins starting from biogenic or atmospheric CO2 and renewable H2 can lead to ultimately carbon–neutral “blue” olefins in the long term, however substantial development and additional regulatory incentives are necessary to make the solution economically viable.

Article highlights

In this account, we introduce a color coding scheme to differentiate and compare carbon intensity and feedstock types for some of the main commercial and emerging olefin production routes.

Most viable short term improvements in CO2 emissions of olefin production will be achieved by discouraging “brown” coal based production and improving efficiency of “grey” oil and gas based processes.

Gradual incorporation of green and recycled feedstock to existing olefin production assets will allow to achieve substantial improvements in carbon efficiency in longer term.
Boron and Lithium Isotopic Signatures of Nanometer-Sized Smectite-Rich Mixed-Layers of Bentonite Beds From Campos Basin (Brazil)
Authors: Clauer Norbert , Williams Lynda B. , Uysal I. Tonguç
Published: March 2022

Boron and lithium were analyzed in three nanometer-sized (<20, 20-50 and 50-100 nm) separates of two Santonian (85.8-83.5 Ma) bentonite samples collected closely in the Campos Basin along the southeastern Atlantic coast (Brazil). The B and Li data give various trends that suggest varied crystallization conditions for separates that consist of overwhelming smectite with less than 9% illitic layers. The δ11B of the few illitic tetrahedral sites from one of the samples remains quite constant, while its contents are strictly correlated with those of K, which suggests that illitization proceeded by interaction with pore fluids of the host sediments that supplied the K. In the second sample, the δ11B of the illite layers from the two coarser fractions is indicative of an early volcanic origin, while the smaller size fraction also interacted with sedimentary fluids. Favored by octahedral substitutions of the smectite layers, the δ7Li is more strictly regulated by a volcanic link. In turn, the information of the B and Li isotopic compositions and contents from studied mixed-layers suggests a various origin for the few illite layers of the smectite-rich I-S that contain more B than the smectite layers that host more Li. The difference appears to be sample-site and crystal-size dependent, fueled by pore fluids of the hosting turbidites.
Gender in Southeast Asia
Authors: Roces Mina
Published: March 2022

This Element examines gender in Southeast Asia by focusing on two main themes. The first concerns hegemonic cultural constructions of gender and Southeast Asian subjects' responses to these dominant discourses. Roces introduces hegemonic discourses on ideal masculinities and ideal femininities, evaluates the impact of religion, analyses how authoritarian regimes fashion these ideals. Discussion then turns to the hegemonic ideals surrounding desire and sexualities and the way these are policed by society and the state. The second theme concerns the ways hegemonic ideals influence the gendering of power and politics. Roces argues that because many Southeast Asians see power as being held by kinship alliance groups, women are able to access political power through their ties with men-as wives, mothers, daughters, sisters and even mistresses. However, women's movements have challenged this androcentric division of power.