bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of fiber properties on the material coefficients of short fiber‐reinforced composites
Authors: Rauter Natalie , Lammering Rolf
Published: January 2021

Homogenization techniques lead to a deterministic description of a microstructure. However, the components of the microstructure for example of short fiber‐reinforced composites (SFRC) show probabilistic characteristics. In this study, a numerical approach is presented to analyze the influence of these probabilistic characteristics of the fiber length, diameter, orientation and fiber volume fraction on the elasticity tensor. The plausibility of the presented numerical approach is proven by the symmetry of the resulting elasticity tensor as well as the overall assumption of transversely‐isotropic material behavior for SFRC indicated by the elasticity tensor structure. The simulations based on PBT GF 30 reveal, that the elasticity coefficients are significantly influenced by the stochastic distribution of the fiber orientation. Besides this, except for C11, the stochastic properties of the fiber length, the fiber diameter and the fiber volume fraction only slightly influence the mean of the elasticity coefficients.
Phase Field Simulations of Wetting Based on Molecular Simulations
Authors: Diewald Felix , Heier Michaela , Lautenschläger Martin , Kuhn Charlotte , Langenbach Kai , Hasse Hans , Müller Ralf
Published: January 2021

Manufacturing techniques that can produce surfaces with a defined microstructure are in the focus of current research efforts. The ability to manufacture such surfaces gives rise to the need for numerical models that can predict the wetting properties of a given microstructure and can help to optimize these surfaces with respect to certain wetting properties. The present phase field (PF) model for wetting is linked to molecular dynamics (MD) simulations by the usage of the MD based perturbed Lennard‐Jones truncated and shifted (PeTS) equation of state as well as a MD based viscosity correlation. The lower computational effort of the PF simulations compared to MD simulations enables the model to simulate wetting scenarios on the microscale.
Computation of the Sharpest Bounds on Probabilities under the Influence of Polymorphic Uncertainties
Authors: Miska Niklas , Balzani Daniel
Published: January 2021

This contribution focuses on the combination of the Optimal Uncertainty Quantification framework with fuzzy numbers for a polymorphic uncertainty quantification. The combination allows an integrated approach for the investigation and comparison of different combinations of intervals, which are used as input quantity for the OUQ framework.
An anisotropic phase‐field model at finite strains for composite fracture
Authors: Yin Bo , Kaliske Michael
Published: January 2021

Phase‐field modeling has been intensively studied and demonstrated to appropriately capture complex fracture evolutions. Experimental evidence indicates that the fracture evolution is largely relying on the constitutive relations of the engineering materials, e.g. anisotropic properties. In general, anisotropic failure characteristics are governed by the mechanical response and the fracture evolution simultaneously. The work at hand introduces an anisotropic phase‐field modeling for composite material's fracture, which uses only one phase‐field variable to evaluate the fracture status of the matrix and the fiber materials simultaneously. As a result, an equivalent crack surface energy density function is established. Furthermore, the constitutive laws are consistently derived by a straightforward variational principle. Consequently, an interesting numerical example is shown to demonstrate the capabilities of this approach.
Lattice Boltzmann Simulation of Plane Strain Problems
Authors: Schlüter Alexander , Yan Sikang , Reinirkens Thomas , Kuhn Charlotte , Müller Ralf
Published: January 2021

The Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM), e.g. in [3] and [4], can be interpreted as an alternative method for the numerical solution of partial differential equations. The LBM is usually applied to solve fluid flows. However, the interpretation of the LBM as a general numerical tool, allows to extend the LBM to solid mechanics as well. In this spirit, the LBM has been studied in recent years. First publications [5], [6] present a LBM scheme for the numerical solution of the dynamic behavior of a linear elastic solid under simplified deformation assumptions. For so‐called anti‐plane shear deformation, the only non‐zero displacement component is governed by the two‐dimensional wave equation. In this work, the existing LBM for the two‐dimensional wave equation is extended to more general plane strain problems. The algorithm reduces the plane strain problem to the solution of two separate wave equations for the volume dilatation and the non‐zero component of the rotation vector, respectively.
Efficient multivariate inversion of the NFFT
Authors: Kircheis Melanie , Potts Daniel
Published: January 2021

Various applications such as MRI, solution of PDEs, etc. need to perform an inverse nonequispaced fast Fourier transform (iNFFT), i. e., compute Fourier coefficients from given nonequispaced data. In contrast to iterative solvers we introduce a direct method for this inversion in the overdetermined setting. For this purpose, we use the matrix representation of the NFFT. Modifying one of the matrix factors leads to an optimization problem, which can be solved in a precomputational step using normal equations. Therefore, we are able to compute an inverse NFFT up to a certain accuracy by means of a modified adjoint NFFT and therefore preserve its arithmetic complexity.
Correction of Wave Signals for PMMA Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar Setups
Authors: Bieler Sören , Weinberg Kerstin
Published: January 2021

The Split‐Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) is a common experimental setup to investigate the dynamic properties of materials. For soft materials the SHPB setup has to be customize using plastic bars. Because such bars show wave attenuation and dispersion, the measured wave signals have to be corrected. In this study a method of signal correction by means of a spectral analysis is presented.
A fully coupled two‐phase bone material model
Authors: Blaszczyk Mischa , Hackl Klaus
Published: January 2021

Simulation of wave propagation in bone has important applications, including improvements in sonography‐based early detection of medical conditions like osteoporosis as a fast, cheap and risk‐free diagnosis tool [1]. In modeling, the problem is often reduced to only mechanical effects. Recent research includes electrical and magnetic effects as well [2].

Here we present a fully coupled two‐phase approach for modeling bone considering mechanical, electrical and magnetic effects. The first phase describes cortical bone as a piezoelectric [3] and insulating solid. The second phase models bone marrow as a viscoelastic and conducting solid. Electrical and magnetic effects are coupled via the Maxwell equations. Based on energy methods in mechanics, a thermodynamically consistent material model is established and the weak and strong form of the boundary value problem are derived. A finite element approach is implemented and example calculations are shown.
Shape optimization of the X0‐specimen for biaxial experiments
Authors: Liedmann Jan , Gerke Steffen , Barthold Franz-Joseph , Brünig Michael
Published: January 2021

The mechanical damage and fracture behavior of ductile sheet metals strongly depend on the stress state and intensity. Thus, for adequate characterization of the material behavior, it is crucial to have specimens that cover different and preferably distinct stress states, especially in the inelastic domain. In this paper, the geometry of the X0‐specimen is optimized to achieve a distinct stress triaxiality distribution in the region of damage and fracture occurrence, depending on two different load cases in a biaxial testing environment. The shape optimization is gradient based and the gradients of the objective and constraint functions are computed analytically by means of variational principles. The resulting geometries show improvements in terms of the intensity of the stress state numerically as well as experimentally.
A macroscopic model for magneto‐active elastomers based on microscopic simulations
Authors: Kalina Karl A. , Metsch Philipp , Brummund Jörg , Kästner Markus
Published: January 2021

Herein, the development and calibration of a macroscopic model for magneto‐active elastomers based on data generated from computational homogenizations is presented. The advantage of this strategy is the possibility to adjust the model independent of any macroscopic sample geometry. Using the calibrated model, the magnetostrictive and magnetorheological effect of macroscopic samples are simulated within a wide range of magnetic fields.
Extension of an analytical solution of a unified formulation to the frequency response of composite plates with viscoelastic layers
Authors: Jackstadt Alexander , Kärger Luise
Published: January 2021

Resulting from their high stiffness and low weight, lightweight structures made from fiber reinforced polymers are usually prone to vibrations. The inclusion of viscoelastic interlayers can provide a viable mean to passively damp these structures due to constrained layer damping. For the modeling of such structures, a layerwise approach based on the Generalized Unified Formulation has previously been proven suitable for static load cases.

This contribution presents an analytical procedure to determine the frequency response and vibration characteristics of such heterogeneous laminates incorporating viscoelastic layers. Specifically, simply supported plates modeled by the Generalized Unified Formulation are considered and solved using Navier type solutions. The approach is validated by comparison with 3D finite element models. Particular focus is put on the order of expansion in thickness direction needed to accurately predict the frequency response of the laminate.
Optimal Sensor Placement for Thermo‐Elastic Coupled Machine Models
Authors: Naumann Andreas , Herzog Roland
Published: January 2021

Accuracy requirements for machine tools demand an accurate positioning of the tool center point. Due to the heat sources, for example the friction and heat loss of motors, a machine can undergo complicated deformations during operation. While the location of mounted sources are known in advance, there are also process dependent sources, like hot chips after chip off. Furthermore many material parameters and most coupling parameters are not known exactly, or have an unknown temperature dependency.

We consider a coupled thermo‐elastic finite element model of a simplified machine tool. We include uncertain heat sources and exchange parameters and present an optimal sensor placement approach to capture the sources.
Microstructure simulation using self‐consistent clustering analysis
Authors: Waimann Johanna , Gierden Christian , Schmidt Annika , Svendsen Bob , Reese Stefanie
Published: January 2021

To capture all the individual microstructural effects of complex and heterogeneous materials in structural finite element simulations, a two‐scale simulation approach is necessary. Since the computational effort of such two‐scale simulations is extremely high, different methods exist to overcome this problem. In terms of a FFT‐based microscale simulation, one possibility is to use a reduced set of frequencies leading to a reduced numerical solution of the Lippmann‐Schwinger equation [?]. In a post‐processing step, highly resolved microstructural fields may then be reconstructed by using the compressed sensing technique [?]. Since the stress evaluation of this method is in real space and therefore not reduced, it is most beneficial in terms of linear elastic material behavior. Another very recent method to reduce the computational effort of a microscale simulation is the self‐consistent clustering analysis [?,?]. Such a self‐consistent clustering analysis is split into an offline and an online stage. Within the offline stage, the material points of the high‐fidelity representation of the unit cell are grouped into clusters with similar material behavior. Thereafter, in the online stage, a self‐consistent clustering analysis is used to solve the boundary value problem by a clustered Lippmann‐Schwinger equation. Since the generation of clusters may be based on linear elastic simulations, we propose to use a reduced set of frequencies for these simulations to improve the efficiency of the total algorithm. Elastic and elasto‐plastic composites are investigated in a small strain setting as representative simulation examples.
A dynamical model for the calcineurin‐NFATc signaling pathway and muscle fiber shifting
Authors: Villota-Narvaez Yesid , Ramírez-Martínez Angélica , Garzón-Alvarado Diego , Röhrle Oliver
Published: January 2021

Training exercise produces skeletal muscle adaptation: at the organ scale, as anatomical changes; and at the myofiber scale, as mitochondrial and protein type content. The protein content of a myofiber is controlled by the calcineurin‐NFATc signaling pathway: exercise triggers the pathway, and its final product is the translocation of dephosphorylated NFATc to the nucleus. Once in the nucleus, NFATc controls the state of the gene program to encode the slow or the fast fiber type characteristics. In the long term, the adaptation of the fiber type characteristics produces a shift in muscle fiber type: an increase in the number of myofibers of the fast type (which means that myofibers of the slow type shift to fast type) is related to force production; and an increase in the number of myofibers of the slow type (myofibers of the fast type shift to slow type) is related to fatigue resistance. These macroscopic features, i.e. force production and fatigue resistance, are the main target of most training protocols; however, little attention is focused on the limitations imposed by the fiber distribution of muscles at the organ scale. Based on the calcineurin‐NFATc signaling pathway, we represented an exercise stimulus by a cytosolic calcium signal, and simulated the dynamics of NFATc in the nucleus. In this contribution, we present a dynamical model for the calcineurin‐NFATc signaling pathway to describe the time course of dephosphorilated NFATc in the nucleus. We used an experimental report of a continuous stimulation pattern for calibration, and an experimental report of a pulsed stimulation pattern for comparison; we obtained a good agreement between the simulations and the experimental measurements.
A Multiscale and Multiphase Model of Function‐Perfusion Growth Processes in the Human Liver
Authors: Lambers Lena , Suditsch Marlon , Wagner Arndt , Ricken Tim
Published: January 2021

Due to an ageing society and unhealthy living conditions, liver diseases like non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or liver cancer will account for an increasing proportion of deaths in the coming years. Using a mathematical model, the underlying function‐perfusion processes of both diseases are investigated. We developed a multiscale and multiphase model for the simulation of hepatic processes on the lobular and cell scale. The lobular scale is described with partial differential equations (PDEs) based on the Theory of Porous Media (TPM), whereas on the cellular scale the metabolic processes are calculated using ordinary differential equations (ODEs). Since NAFLD and the development of a liver tumor lead to tissue growth as well as changes in the blood perfusion, growth and remodelling processes in the human liver are evaluated.
Data‐driven diffusion with uncertainties
Authors: Korzeniowski Tim Fabian , Weinberg Kerstin
Published: January 2021

In a data‐driven finite element analysis the experimental data are directly employed as an input for computational analysis, thus evading any state of matter modeling. The essential physical principles, such as balance laws and continuity, remain unchanged, as do all the numerical schemes used in their discretization. In addition, uncertainties and fluctuations of the experimentally measured data directly enter the simulation.

Here the data‐driven finite element analysis is applied to diffusion which is a common problem with multiple applications like particle exchange, temperature evolution, disease spread or information distribution. The governing equations and the finite element system of the data‐driven method are derived and the numerical solution is illustrated by simple examples.
Deep learning‐based automatic detection of multitype defects in photovoltaic modules and application in real production line
Authors: Zhao Yang , Zhan Ke , Wang Zhen , Shen Wenzhong
Published: January 2021

Automatic defect detection in electroluminescence (EL) images of photovoltaic (PV) modules in production line remains as a challenge to replace time‐consuming and expensive human inspection and improve capacity. This paper presents a deep learning‐based automatic detection of multitype defects to fulfill inspection requirements of production line. At first, a database composed of 5983 labeled EL images of defective PV modules is built, and 19 types of identified defects are introduced. Next, a convolutional neural network is trained on top‐14 defects, and the best model is selected and tested, achieving 70.2% mAP50 (mean average precision with at least 50% localization accuracy). Then, through analyzing an object detection‐based confusion matrix, recognition bias and detection compensation in missed defects that restrain the best model's mAP50 are discovered to be harmless to normal/defective module classification in real production line. Finally, after setting specific screen criteria for different types of defects, normal/defective module classification is conducted on additionally collected 4791 EL images of PV modules on 3 days, and the best model achieves balanced scores of 95.1%, 96.0%, and 97.3%, respectively. As a result, this method surely has a highly promising potential to be adopted in real production line.
In silico screening and molecular dynamics simulation of deleterious PAH mutations responsible for phenylketonuria genetic disorder
Authors: Lopez Andrea , Havranek Brandon , Papadantonakis George A. , Islam Shahidul M.
Published: January 2021

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic disorder that if left untreated can lead to behavioral problems, epilepsy, and even mental retardation. PKU results from mutations within the phenylalanine‐4‐hydroxylase (PAH) gene that encodes for the PAH protein. The study of all PAH causing mutations is improbable using experimental techniques. In this study, a collection of in silico resources, sorting intolerant from tolerant, Polyphen‐2, PhD‐SNP, and MutPred were used to identify possible pathogenetic and deleterious PAH non‐synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (nsSNPs). We identified two variants of PAH, I65N and L311P, to be the most deleterious and disease causing nsSNPs. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were carried out to characterize these point mutations on the atomic level. MD simulations revealed increased flexibility and a decrease in the hydrogen bond network for both mutants compared to the native protein. Free energy calculations using the MM/GBSA approach found that BH4, a drug‐based therapy for PKU patients, had a higher binding affinity for I65N and L311P mutants compared to the wildtype protein. We also identify important residues in the BH4 binding pocket that may be of interest for the rational drug design of other PAH drug‐based therapies. Lastly, free energy calculations also determined that the I65N mutation may impair the dimerization of the N‐terminal regulatory domain of PAH.
Evaluation of flupyradifurone for the management of the Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri via dripping irrigation systems
Authors: Wen Yingjie , Meng Huayue , Zhao Chen , Lin Fei , Xu Hanhong
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

Chemical control is the most used and effective method to control Diaphorina citri, the vector of the phloem‐limited bacteria associated with citrus huanglongbing (HLB) disease. The objectives of this study were to determine the effectiveness of flupyradifurone applied via dripping irrigation systems on D. citri. Bioassays were conducted using leaves harvested on various dates post treatment, and insecticide residue in leaf tissue was quantified.

RESULTS

The drip application of flupyradifurone on citrus trees provided high‐level and long‐term control against D. citri adult, and the median lethal concentration (LC50) for ingestion of flupyradifurone in D. citri was 22.22 mg kg–1 (fresh leaf). Flupyradifurone residue was detected in leaf tissue within 3 days after treatment. The measured level of flupyradifurone peaked on day 40 day after application, and then showed a steady decline in subsequent days for all three applied dosages. The amounts of flupyradifurone in upper, middle, and lower leaves were similar, and trends in the change in concentration of flupyradifurone were consistent.

CONCLUSIONS

The results demonstrate that flupyradifurone can be a valuable new tool for D. citri management programs, and drip‐applied flupyradifurone provides an extended period of control efficacy. This paper could provide a reference to reduce the dependence on foliar‐applied insecticides, with associated benefits for non‐target exposure to workers and pollinators. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Characterization and comparison of the bacterial microbiota of Lysiphlebia japonica parasitioid wasps and their aphid host Aphis gosypii
Authors: Gao Xueke , Niu Ruichang , Zhu Xiangzhen , Wang Li , Ji Jichao , Niu Lin , Wu Changcai , Zhang Shuai , Luo Junyu , Cui Jinjie
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

Endosymbiotic bacteria have been reported to mediate interactions between parasitoids and their insect hosts. How parasitic wasps influence changes in host microbial communities and the relationship between them are of great importance to the study of host‐parasitoid co‐evolutionary and ecological interactions. However, these interactions remain largely unreported for interactions between Aphis gossypii and Lysiphlebia japonica.

RESULTS

In this study, we characterize the bacterial microbiota of L. japonica wasps at different developmental stages and monitor changes over time in the bacterial microbiota of their parasitized and nonparasitized aphid hosts, using metagenomic analysis of 16S rDNA sequencing data. Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria were the three most abundant bacterial phyla identified in L. japonica. We found that parasitism was associated with an increased abundance of Buchnera nutritional endosymbionts, but decreased abundance of Acinetobacter, Arsenophonus, Candidatus_Hamiltonella, and Pseudomonas facultative symbionts in aphid hosts. Functional analysis of enriched pathways of parasitized aphids showed significant differences in the ‘transport and metabolism of carbohydrates’ and ‘amino acid, lipid, and coenzyme biosynthesis’ pathways. Notably, the composition of symbiotic bacteria in wasp larvae was highly similar to that of their aphid hosts, especially the high abundance of Buchnera.

CONCLUSION

The results provide a conceptual framework for L. japonica interactions with A. gossypii in which the exchange of symbiotic microbes provides a means by which microbiota can potentially serve as evolutionary drivers of complex, multilevel interactions underlying the ecology and co‐evolution of these hosts and parasites.

© 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Spindle cell sarcoma: a rare cause of a spontaneous pneumothorax
Authors: Pedroso Ana , Beckert Lutz
Published: January 2021

Secondary spontaneous pneumothoraces are associated with a variety of lung disorders. Malignancy is a rare cause of a pneumothorax and rarely the presenting feature. Cavitating primary tumours are less frequent causes of pneumothoraces than secondary tumours. We present the case of an asymptomatic spontaneous pneumothorax in a 71‐year‐old never‐smoking woman. Her right apical pneumothorax was diagnosed by chance on a chest radiograph for a fall. Her final diagnosis was a primary spindle cell sarcoma of the pleura. This case demonstrates the need to explore the underlying causes of a non‐resolving pneumothorax. The early diagnosis of her sarcoma allowed curative treatment.
A performance region‐based approach to the leader‐following consensus of nonlinear multiagent systems
Authors: Wang Jingyao , Duan Zhisheng
Published: January 2021

The communication network is usually susceptible to effective communication channel capacity variation and transmission imperfections, which renders the connection among networked agents unstable. Motivated by this fact, we assume that the communication graphs are Markovian randomly switching, because the Markovian chain process is commonly employed to describe the network subject to Rayleigh fading channel. Under such a communication connection assumption, this article investigates the globally leader‐following consensus control problem for grouped agents with nonlinear dynamics. Different nonlinear dynamics, including Lur'e and Lorenz‐type chaotic systems, are considered. By using the tools from the robust control theory, the conditions guaranteeing the globally leader‐following consensus are derived. Under such conditions, consensus control protocols can be designed solely based on the relative state information transmitted over the communication network, by solving some linear matrix inequalities. Then, we characterize the robustness of the controlled systems against the variation of the communication graphs with the globally leader‐following consensus performance region. It is theoretically shown that the networked nonlinear systems under the proposed controller yield unbounded and connected robust performance regions. Finally, the theoretical results are verified by conducting numerical simulations on networks consisting of Chua's oscillators and Lü systems.
Halogen Bonds Stabilised by an Electronic Exchange Channel
Authors: Miranda Matias O. , Duarte Darío J. R.
Published: January 2021

The σ‐hole is an important concept which has been widely used lately to describe the halogen bond (XB) essentially as electrostatic in nature. However, this idea is not free of controversy. For the sake of this work, localised molecular orbital energy decomposition analysis (LMOEDA), interacting quantum atom (IQA) method and analysis of the electrostatic potential have been applied to O−Cl⋅⋅⋅B (B=CO, PH3, SH2, CS, NH3, OH−) complexes. The results show that in their equilibrium geometry the stabilizing effect that arises from the Pauli exclusion principle is larger in magnitude than the electrostatic interactions. Besides, it appears that an electronic exchange channel is established at a certain approach distance between the monomers.
pH‐Sensitive Polymeric Poly (ϵ‐caprolactone) Core‐ Chitosan/Alginate Shell Particle System for Oral Insulin Delivery
Authors: Kalaycioglu Gokce D. , Elamin Arwa A. , Kinali Hurmet , Aydogan Nihal
Published: January 2021

Oral administration of the drugs is considered as one of the most convenient and comfortable routes. However, an effective oral delivery of insulin still remains a challenging and elusive goal, due to bioavailability problem. The aim of our work is to develop a pH sensitive polymeric system for the oral delivery of insulin based on a poly (ϵ‐caprolactone) (PCL) core and shells of chitosan (CS) and alginate (ALG). The particles were prepared based on the double emulsion (water/oil/water) solvent evaporation method. The effect of blending Pluronic127 (F127) into the hydrophobic PCL matrix to improve its water permeability by increasing specific surface area. ALG have been chosen to provide the needed pH‐sensitivity to the system. However, to coat the PCL surface with this anionic ALG layer a cationic CS layer has been added. The influence of each of the CS and ALG layers on the nanoparticle's physiochemical properties as well as on the encapsulation efficiency and the drug release behavior of the nanoparticles was investigated. The results showed that CS and ALG shells increased the stability of the nanoparticles. The in vitro release studies using two different pH environments (1.2 and 6.8) to simulate the physiological conditions in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) showed that, the particles have pH‐responsive release patterns. The kinetics studies showed that, the insulin release from all the particles formulations obey the Korsmeyer‐ Peppas kinetic model.
Low‐Dimensional‐Networked Perovskites with A‐Site‐Cation Engineering for Optoelectronic Devices
Authors: Yao Disheng , Hoang Minh Tam , Wang Hongxia
Published: January 2021

Low‐dimensional‐networked (LDN) perovskites denote materials in which the molecular structure adopts 2D, 1D, or 0D arrangement. Compared to conventional 3D structured lead halide perovskite (chemical formula: ABX3 where A: monovalent cations, B: divalent cations, X: halides) that have been studied widely as light absorber and used in current state‐or‐the‐art solar cells, LDN perovskite have unique properties such as more flexible crystal structure, lower ion transport mobility, robust stability against environmental stress such as moisture, thermal, etc., making them attractive for applications in optoelectronic devices. Since 2014, reports on LDN perovskite materials used in perovskite solar cells, light emitting diodes (LEDs), luminescent solar concentrators (LSC), and photodetectors have been reported, aiming to overcome the obstacles of conventional 3DN perovskite materials in these optoelectronic devices. In this review, the variable ligands used to make LDN perovskite materials are summarized, their distinct properties compared to conventional 3D perovskite materials. The research progress of optoelectronic devices including solar cells, LEDs, LSCs, and photodetectors that used different LDNs perovskite, the roles and working mechanisms of the LDN perovskites in the devices are also demonstrated. Finally, key research challenges and outlook of LDN materials for various optoelectronic applications are discussed.
Anaesthetic management of a bovine for ventral midline coeliotomy approach to hysterotomy
Authors: Kadwa Abdur Rahmaan , Brown Geoffrey James , Buck Roxanne
Published: January 2021

An eight‐year‐old, multiparous Chianina cow presented for the removal of a term, emphysematous calf following a dystocia. Delivery of the calf trans‐vaginally intact or piecemeal by fetotomy was impossible due to the partially closed cervix. A midline coeliotomy approach to hysterotomy under general anaesthesia was elected in order to reduce peritoneal spillage of uterine content. This case report aims to discuss the peri‐anaesthetic management of the cow, specifically the ventilation strategy, approach to premedication and analgesic protocol.
Intramolecular Charge Transfer in Ruthenium Complexes [Ru(acac)2(ciq)] with Ambidentate Camphoriminoquinone (ciq) Ligands
Authors: Filippou Vasileios , Blickle Svenja , Bubrin Martina , Kaim Wolfgang
Published: January 2021

Reaction of [Ru(acac)2(MeCN)2], acac−=acetylacetonate, with N‐phenylcamphoriminoquinone (pciq) or the new N‐(2‐thiomethylphenyl)‐camphoriminoquinone (tciq) produces complexes [Ru(acac)2(pciq)] and [Ru(acac)2(tciq)] with N,O or N,S coordination and E or Z configuration at the C=N bond, respectively. Oxidation state assignments in comparison with classical iminoquinone ligands are based on structural data in connection with DFT calculations. Reversible oxidation yields complex ions [RuIII(acac)2(pciq)]+ and [RuIII(acac)2(tciq)]+ as characterized by EPR, IR and UV‐vis‐NIR spectroelectrochemistry.
Embedded System Hardware
Authors: Marwedel Peter
Published: January 2021

In this chapter, we will present the interface between the physical environment and information processing (the cyphy-interface) together with the hardware required for processing, storing, and communicating information. Due to considering CPS, covering the cyphy-interface is indispensable. The need to cover other hardware components as well is a consequence of their impact on the performance, timing characteristics, power consumption, safety, and security.
Temporal and spatial variation in adult and juvenile mobile fauna associated with natural and artificial coastal habitats
Authors: Hall Alice E. , Herbert Roger J. H. , Stafford Richard
Published: January 2021

Coastal habitats are important for commercially exploited and protected species of fish and larger mobile invertebrates. The addition of artificial structures within the marine environment has the potential to alter the connectivity between habitats and to affect metapopulations of a region. Baited remote underwater videos (BRUV) were used to investigate the spatial and seasonal variation in abundance of adult and juvenile mobile species associated with subtidal natural and artificial habitats within Poole Bay on the south coast of England in 2019. Metrics included the relative maximum abundance (MaxN), number of species seen (S), assemblage structure and size range of fish. Higher values of MaxN and S were recorded on artificial structures in the spring and early summer; however, this pattern was reversed by mid-summer and early autumn when more fish were recorded on the natural reefs. Yet overall differences in MaxN and S between habitats were not significant. Differences in assemblage composition between habitats varied monthly, but this was mostly driven by particular sites. Although most fish observed were juveniles, there were some seasonal differences in the size of fish using natural and artificial sites, especially bib (Trisopterus luscus), black bream (Spondyliosoma cantharus), bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and pollack (Pollachius pollachius). The artificial habitats in this region appeared to be important in certain months, so temporal studies of this type need to be incorporated within surveys, particularly those in proximity to protected areas.
Lenz microphthalmia syndrome in neurosurgical practice: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Monticelli Matteo , De Marco Raffaele , Garbossa Diego
Published: January 2021

Lenz microphthalmia syndrome (LMS) is an allelic X-linked syndrome correlated to a null mutation of B cell lymphoma (BCL-6) corepressor (BCOR) gene, which is essential in the early embryonic development. Phenotypically, this rare hereditary syndrome is characterized by microphthalmia/anophthalmia and other eye disorders; mental disability; dental, ear, and digital abnormalities; and variable malformations affecting the heart, skeleton (limbs and/or spine), and genitourinary tract. In this paper, a case of a young adult with LMS affected additionally by immuno-hematological disturbances was treated with decompressive craniectomy after domestic accidental fall. Case description and a brief review of the current literature about this rare condition are presented here.
Drohende Corona-Endemie in einer rheumatologischen Spezialklinik – relative Entwarnung durch konsequente Testung
Authors: Andreica I. , Guminski B. , Sokolar J. , Patru A. , Baraliakos X. , Braun J.
Published: January 2021

Die SARS-CoV-2-Pandemie hält die meisten Länder der Welt anhaltend in Atem. In Deutschland liegt die Prävalenz von SARS-CoV-2-Infektionen zwar noch unter 2 %, die Zahlen steigen aber seit Wochen auch in Deutschland wieder an. Die rheumatologische Versorgung wurde durch die 1. Welle der Pandemie vorübergehend beeinträchtigt. Wir berichten über die Infektionssituation in der größten deutschen Rheumaspezialklinik, dem Rheumazentrum Ruhrgebiet, weil es hier vor Kurzem während der 2. Welle erstmals zum Auftreten von mehreren SARS-CoV-2-Infektionen an einem Wochenende gekommen ist, was zu einer erheblichen Unruhe bei vielen Beteiligten führte. Die Situation konnte durch konsequentes Testen von Patienten und Mitarbeitern mit dem Antigenschnelltest aufgeklärt und die Lage beruhigt werden. Letztlich waren nur wenige Getestete positiv, und die Verläufe bei den Patienten blieben bis jetzt blande. Dies zeigt auch die Effektivität der seit April konsequent durchgeführten hygienischen Schutzmaßnahmen.
Cancer and occupational exposure to pesticides: an umbrella review
Authors: Burns Carol J. , Juberg Daland R.
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The aim was to identify the scope of the epidemiology literature reviewed regarding the risk of cancer as related to occupational exposure to pesticides and to compare regulatory toxicity results where feasible.

Methods

Review studies of breast, lung, prostate, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and colorectal cancer were identified from the published literature from 2010 to 2020 using a priori inclusion and exclusion criteria. Epidemiology observations were first assessed and then compared against carcinogenicity profiles derived from regulatory toxicology studies.

Results

Several active ingredients were associated with specific cancer but overall, there was neither strong nor consistent epidemiologic data supportive of a positive association between pesticide exposure in occupational settings and cancer. Authors noted common themes related to the heterogeneity of exposure, study design, control for confounders, and the challenge to collect these data reliably and validly with an adequate sample size. Toxicology studies in laboratory animals that assessed carcinogenic potential did not reveal cancer outcomes that were concordant with reported epidemiologic findings.

Conclusions

Farming and pesticides represent diverse exposures that are difficult to quantify in epidemiologic studies. Going forward, investigators will need creative and novel approaches for exposure assessment. Integration of epidemiologic and toxicological studies with attention to biological plausibility, mode of toxicological action and relevance to humans will increase the ability to better assess associations between pesticides and cancer.
Oxygen, secreted proteins and small RNAs: mobile elements that govern anther development
Authors: Dukowic-Schulze Stefanie , van der Linde Karina
Published: January 2021

Correct anther development is essential for male fertility and subsequently agricultural yield. Defects in anther development range from the early stage of stamen formation until the late stage of tapetum degeneration. In particular, the specification of the four distinct somatic layers and the inner sporogenous cells need perfect orchestration relying on precise cell–cell communication. Up to now, several signals, which coordinate the anther´s developmental program, have been identified. Among the known signals are phytohormones, environmental conditions sensed via glutaredoxins, several receptor-like kinases triggered by ligands like MAC1, and small RNAs such as miRNAs and the monocot-prevalent reproductive phasiRNAs. Rather than giving a full review on anther development, here we discuss anther development with an emphasis on mobile elements like ROS/oxygen, secreted proteins and small RNAs (only briefly touching on phytohormones), how they might act and interact, and what the future of this research area might reveal.
A comprehensive model including preoperative peripheral blood inflammatory markers for prediction of the prognosis of diffuse spinal cord astrocytoma following surgery
Authors: Pang Bo , Chai Rui-Chao , Zhang Yao-Wu , Chang Yu-Zhou , Liu Wei-Hao , Jia Wen-Qing , Wang Yong-Zhi
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Due to the rarity of diffuse spinal cord astrocytoma, an effective model is still lacking to stratify their prognosis. Here, we aimed to establish a prognostic model through comprehensively evaluating clinicopathological features and preoperative peripheral blood inflammatory markers in 89 cases.

Methods

We performed univariate and multivariate Cox regression to identify prognosis factors. The Kaplan–Meier curves and ROC curves were employed to compare the prognostic value of selected factors.

Results

In addition to clinicopathological factors, we revealed the preoperative peripheral blood leukocyte count, neutrophils-to-lymphocytes ratio (NLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were also significantly correlated with overall survival of spinal cord astrocytoma in univariate Cox regression, and NLR was still significant in multivariate Cox analysis. Further, we demonstrated that NLR ≤ 3.65 and preoperative McCormick score (MMS) ≤ 3 were independently correlated with better survival of WHO grade IV tumors. Meanwhile, Ki-67 < 10% and resection extent ≥ 90% were independent prognostic factors in WHO grade II/III tumors. Finally, we developed a prognostic model that had better predictive efficiencies than WHO grade and histological grade for 1-year (AUC = 76.6), 2- year (AUC = 80.9), and 3-year (AUC = 80.3) survival. This model could classify tumors into 4 classifications with increasingly poor prognosis: 1, WHO grade II/III, with Ki-67 < 10% and resection extent ≥ 90%; 2, WHO grade II/III, Ki-67 ≥ 10% or resection < 90%; 3, WHO grade IV, NLR ≤ 3.65 and MMS ≤ 3; 4, WHO grade IV, with NRL > 3.65 or MMS = 4.

Conclusion

We successfully constructed a comprehensive prognostic model including preoperative peripheral blood inflammatory markers, which can stratify diffuse spinal cord astrocytoma into 4 subgroups.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on quality of life and mental health in children and adolescents in Germany
Authors: Ravens-Sieberer Ulrike , Kaman Anne , Erhart Michael , Devine Janine , Schlack Robert , Otto Christiane
Published: January 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented changes in the lives of 1.6 billion children and adolescents. First non-representative studies from China, India, Brazil, the US, Spain, Italy, and Germany pointed to a negative mental health impact. The current study is the first nationwide representative study to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and mental health of children and adolescents in Germany from the perspective of children themselves. A representative online survey was conducted among n = 1586 families with 7- to 17-year-old children and adolescents between May 26 and June 10. The survey included internationally established and validated instruments for measuring HRQoL (KIDSCREEN-10), mental health problems (SDQ), anxiety (SCARED), and depression (CES-DC). Results were compared with data from the nationwide, longitudinal, representative BELLA cohort study (n = 1556) conducted in Germany before the pandemic. Two-thirds of the children and adolescents reported being highly burdened by the COVID-19 pandemic. They experienced significantly lower HRQoL (40.2% vs. 15.3%), more mental health problems (17.8% vs. 9.9%) and higher anxiety levels (24.1% vs. 14.9%) than before the pandemic. Children with low socioeconomic status, migration background and limited living space were affected significantly more. Health promotion and prevention strategies need to be implemented to maintain children’s and adolescents’ mental health, improve their HRQoL, and mitigate the burden caused by COVID-19, particularly for children who are most at risk.
Effects of post-interventional antiplatelet therapy on angiographic vasospasm, delayed cerebral ischemia, and clinical outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a single-center experience
Authors: Ditz Claudia , Machner Björn , Schacht Hannes , Neumann Alexander , Schramm Peter , Tronnier Volker M. , Küchler Jan
Published: January 2021

Platelet activation has been postulated to be involved in the pathogenesis of delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) and cerebral vasospasm (CVS) after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). The aim of this study was to investigate potentially beneficial effects of antiplatelet therapy (APT) on angiographic CVS, DCI-related infarction and functional outcome in endovascularly treated aSAH patients. Retrospective single-center analysis of aSAH patients treated by endovascular aneurysm obliteration. Based on the post-interventional medical regime, patients were assigned to either an APT group or a control group not receiving APT. A subgroup analysis separately investigated those APT patients with aspirin monotherapy (MAPT) and those receiving dual treatment (aspirin plus clopidogrel, DAPT). Clinical and radiological characteristics were compared between groups. Possible predictors for angiographic CVS, DCI-related infarction, and an unfavorable functional outcome (modified Rankin scale ≥ 3) were analyzed. Of 160 patients, 85 (53%) had received APT (n = 29 MAPT, n = 56 DAPT). APT was independently associated with a lower incidence of an unfavorable functional outcome (OR 0.40 [0.19–0.87], P = 0.021) after 3 months. APT did not reduce the incidence of angiographic CVS or DCI-related infarction. The pattern of angiographic CVS or DCI-related infarction as well as the rate of intracranial hemorrhage did not differ between groups. However, the lesion volume of DCI-related infarctions was significantly reduced in the DAPT subgroup (P = 0.011). Post-interventional APT in endovascularly treated aSAH patients is associated with better functional outcome at 3 months. The beneficial effect of APT might be mediated by reduction of the size of DCI-related infarctions.
Mortality among individuals exposed to atomic bomb radiation in utero: 1950–2012
Authors: Sugiyama Hiromi , Misumi Munechika , Sakata Ritsu , Brenner Alina V. , Utada Mai , Ozasa Kotaro
Published: January 2021

We examined the mortality risks among 2463 individuals who were exposed in utero to atomic bomb radiation in Hiroshima or Nagasaki in August 1945 and were followed from October 1950 through 2012. Individual estimates of mother’s weighted absorbed uterine dose (DS02R1) were used. Poisson regression method was used to estimate the radiation-associated excess relative risk per Gy (ERR/Gy) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for cause-specific mortality. Head size, birth weight, and parents’ survival status were evaluated as potential mediators of radiation effect. There were 339 deaths (216 males and 123 females) including deaths from solid cancer (n = 137), lymphohematopoietic cancer (n = 8), noncancer disease (n = 134), external cause (n = 56), and unknown cause (n = 4). Among males, the unadjusted ERR/Gy (95% CI) was increased for noncancer disease mortality (1.22, 0.10–3.14), but not for solid cancer mortality (− 0.18, < − 0.77–0.95); the unadjusted ERR/Gy for external cause mortality was not statistically significant (0.28, < − 0.60–2.36). Among females, the unadjusted ERRs/Gy were increased for solid cancer (2.24, 0.44–5.58), noncancer (2.86, 0.56–7.64), and external cause mortality (2.57, 0.20–9.19). The ERRs/Gy adjusted for potential mediators did not change appreciably for solid cancer mortality, but decreased notably for noncancer mortality (0.39, < − 0.43–1.91 for males; 1.48, − 0.046–4.55 for females) and external cause mortality (0.10, < − 0.57–1.96 for males; 1.38, < − 0.46–5.95 for females). In conclusion, antenatal radiation exposure is a consistent risk factor for increased solid cancer mortality among females, but not among males. The effect of exposure to atomic bomb radiation on noncancer disease and external cause mortality among individuals exposed in utero was mediated through small head size, low birth weight, and parental loss.