bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pyrolysis of Deep Eutectic Solvents for the Preparation of Supported Copper Electrocatalysts
Authors: Iwanow Melanie , Vieira Luciana , Rud Igor , Seidler Johannes , Kaiser Manuela , Van Opdenbosch Daniel , Zollfrank Cordt , Richter Michael , Gärtner Tobias , König Burkhard , Sieber Volker
Published: October 2020

Electrochemical CO2 reduction on Cu‐based catalysts can form a variety of products including hydrocarbons, alcohols and formate, besides carbon monoxide and hydrogen. Compared to other electroactive metals, copper has a rather low cost and low toxicity.

We have developed a novel method for catalyst preparation using deep eutectic solvents (DES), where the pyrolysis of a metal‐containing DES leads to a material consisting of a metal embedded in a carbon support rich in oxygen and nitrogen functional groups (CNO). We focus on the preparation of copper‐based materials as catalysts for the electrochemical CO2 reduction. Depending on the nature of DES, the properties of the carbon support can be changed. The electrochemical activity of the materials was correlated with the preparation parameters such as variation of DESs, copper precursor and/or pyrolysis temperature. These Cu/CNO copper catalysts showed formate formation rates up to 85.5 μmol h−1 cm−2 at 1.5 V vs. Ag/AgCl.
High‐Capacity, Dendrite‐Free, and Ultrahigh‐Rate Lithium‐Metal Anodes Based on Monodisperse N‐Doped Hollow Carbon Nanospheres
Authors: Liu Yuping , Zhen Yanzhong , Li Taoran , Bettels Frederik , He Tao , Peng Manhua , Liang Yucang , Ding Fei , Zhang Lin
Published: October 2020

To unlock the great potential of lithium metal anodes for high‐performance batteries, a number of critical challenges must be addressed. The uncontrolled dendrite growth and volume changes during cycling (especially, at high rates) will lead to short lifespan, low Coulombic efficiency (CE), and security risks of the batteries. Here it is reported that Li metal anodes, employing the monodisperse, lithiophilic, robust, and large‐cavity N‐doped hollow carbon nanospheres (NHCNSs) as the host, show remarkable performances—high areal capacity (10 mAh cm−2), high CE (up to 99.25% over 500 cycles), complete suppression of dendrite growth, dense packing of Li anode, and an extremely smooth electrode surface during repeated Li plating/stripping. In symmetric cells, a highly stable voltage hysteresis over a long cycling life >1200 h is achieved, and a low and stable voltage hysteresis can be realized even at an ultrahigh current density of 64 mA cm−2. Furthermore, the NHCNSs‐based anodes, when paired with a LiFePO4 (LFP) cathode in full cells, give rise to highly improved rate capability (104 mAh g−1 at 10 C) and cycling stability (91.4% capacity retention for 200 cycles), enabling a promising candidate for the next‐generation high energy/power density batteries.
Vertical 0D‐Perovskite/2D‐MoS2 van der Waals Heterojunction Phototransistor for Emulating Photoelectric‐Synergistically Classical Pavlovian Conditioning and Neural Coding Dynamics
Authors: Cheng Yongchao , Li Huangjinwei , Liu Biao , Jiang Leyong , Liu Min , Huang Han , Yang Junliang , He Jun , Jiang Jie
Published: October 2020

Optoelectronic‐neuromorphic transistors are vital for next‐generation nanoscale brain‐like computational systems. However, the hardware implementation of optoelectronic‐neuromorphic devices, which are based on conventional transistor architecture, faces serious challenges with respect to the synchronous processing of photoelectric information. This is because mono‐semiconductor material cannot absorb adequate light to ensure efficient light–matter interactions. In this work, a novel neuromorphic‐photoelectric device of vertical van der Waals heterojunction phototransistors based on a colloidal 0D‐CsPbBr3‐quantum‐dots/2D‐MoS2 heterojunction channel is proposed using a polymer ion gel electrolyte as the gate dielectric. A highly efficient photocarrier transport interface is established by introducing colloidal perovskite quantum dots with excellent light absorption capabilities on the 2D‐layered MoS2 semiconductor with strong carrier transport abilities. The device exhibits not only high photoresponsivity but also fundamental synaptic characteristics, such as excitatory postsynaptic current, paired‐pulse facilitation, dynamic temporal filter, and light‐tunable synaptic plasticity. More importantly, efficiency‐adjustable photoelectronic Pavlovian conditioning and photoelectronic hybrid neuronal coding behaviors can be successfully implemented using the optical and electrical synergy approach. The results suggest that the proposed device has potential for applications associated with next‐generation brain‐like photoelectronic human–computer interactions and cognitive systems.
Two‐Dimentional Nanostructured Metal Oxide/Sulfide–Based Photoanode for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting
Authors: Xu Weiwei , Tian Wei , Li Liang
Published: October 2020

The utilization of solar energy plays a vital role in relieving energy crisis and associated environmental problems. Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting, which can directly transform solar energy into clean hydrogen energy, is one of the most promising strategies to utilize solar energy. 2D nanostructured metal oxides/sulfides have been widely applied as photoanodes in PEC cells due to their unique configuration and features, which can efficiently improve light absorption, enlarge electrode/electrolyte contacting interfaces, and promote carrier transfer and injection. This article begins with the introduction of performance parameters, carrier dynamics measurement, and mechanism exploration techniques for photoanodes, which is followed by an overview of research progress in using 2D nanostructure metal oxides/sulfides to fabricate efficient photoanodes for PEC water splitting. Subsequently, the recent representative strategies to optimize the PEC performance of 2D metal oxides/sulfides photoanodes, including structure engineering, defect engineering, element doping, heterojunction construction, and surface modification, are summarized. Finally, the exciting advances and future research directions for designing highly efficient 2D photoanodes are provided.
Advances of nanomaterial applications in oral and maxillofacial tissue regeneration and disease treatment
Authors: Ding Qinfeng , Cui Jinjie , Shen Hangqi , He Chuanglong , Wang Xudong , Shen Steve G. F. , Lin Kaili
Published: October 2020

Using bioactive nanomaterials in clinical treatment has been widely aroused. Nanomaterials provide substantial improvements in the prevention and treatment of oral and maxillofacial diseases. This review aims to discuss new progresses in nanomaterials applied to oral and maxillofacial tissue regeneration and disease treatment, focusing on the use of nanomaterials in improving the quality of oral and maxillofacial healthcare, and discuss the perspectives of research in this arena. Details are provided on the tissue regeneration, wound healing, angiogenesis, remineralization, antitumor, and antibacterial regulation properties of nanomaterials including polymers, micelles, dendrimers, liposomes, nanocapsules, nanoparticles and nanostructured scaffolds, etc. Clinical applications of nanomaterials as nanocomposites, dental implants, mouthwashes, biomimetic dental materials, and factors that may interact with nanomaterials behaviors and bioactivities in oral cavity are addressed as well. In the last section, the clinical safety concerns of their usage as dental materials are updated, and the key knowledge gaps for future research with some recommendation are discussed.

This article is categorized under:

Implantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanomaterials and Implants

Implantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanotechnology in Tissue Repair and Replacement
Piezoaeroelastic system on the basis of a double aerodynamic pendulum
Authors: Selyutskiy Yury D. , Holub Andrei P. , Lin Ching‐Huei
Published: October 2020

During last decades, possibilities to use piezoelectric generators to harvest energy from the flow‐induced vibrations of different structures are intensively studied. In particular, various wind power harvesters based on fluttering oscillations of wing sections are proposed. In this work, an electromechanical system is considered that consists of a double aerodynamic pendulum connected with a piezoelectric element in such a way that rotation of the first link of the pendulum results in deformation of the piezoelement. The element is connected to a load resistance. Stability of the trivial equilibrium is analyzed, and conditions for stability loss are discussed. It is shown, in particular, that it is possible to choose parameters of the system in such a way that the trivial equilibrium (where both links of the pendulum are oriented along the incoming flow) is unstable when the wind speed belongs to a certain finite range of values, and asymptotically stable outside this range. Periodic solutions of the system are studied numerically depending on the wind speed and the moment of inertia of the second pendulum link. The effect of disappearance of limit cycles in the range of large wind speeds is demonstrated.
Cell signaling pathways in autosomal-dominant leukodystrophy (ADLD): the intriguing role of the astrocytes
Authors: Ratti Stefano , Rusciano Isabella , Mongiorgi Sara , Owusu Obeng Eric , Cappellini Alessandra , Teti Gabriella , Falconi Mirella , Talozzi Lia , Capellari Sabina , Bartoletti-Stella Anna , Guaraldi Pietro , Cortelli Pietro , Suh Pann-Ghill , Cocco Lucio , Manzoli Lucia , Ramazzotti Giulia
Published: October 2020

Autosomal-dominant leukodystrophy (ADLD) is a rare fatal neurodegenerative disorder with overexpression of the nuclear lamina component, Lamin B1 due to LMNB1 gene duplication or deletions upstream of the gene. The molecular mechanisms responsible for driving the onset and development of this pathology are not clear yet. Vacuolar demyelination seems to be one of the most significant histopathological observations of ADLD. Considering the role of oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF)-activated signaling pathways in the myelination processes, this work aims to analyze the specific alterations in different cell populations from patients with LMNB1 duplications and engineered cellular models overexpressing Lamin B1 protein. Our results point out, for the first time, that astrocytes may be pivotal in the evolution of the disease. Indeed, cells from ADLD patients and astrocytes overexpressing LMNB1 show severe ultrastructural nuclear alterations, not present in oligodendrocytes overexpressing LMNB1. Moreover, the accumulation of Lamin B1 in astrocytes induces a reduction in LIF and in LIF-Receptor (LIF-R) levels with a consequential decrease in LIF secretion. Therefore, in both our cellular models, Jak/Stat3 and PI3K/Akt axes, downstream of LIF/LIF-R, are downregulated. Significantly, the administration of exogenous LIF can partially reverse the toxic effects induced by Lamin B1 accumulation with differences between astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, highlighting that LMNB1 overexpression drastically affects astrocytic function reducing their fundamental support to oligodendrocytes in the myelination process. In addition, inflammation has also been investigated, showing an increased activation in ADLD patients’ cells.
Monoklonale Antikörper zur antiinfektiven Therapie
Authors: Klug Bettina , Schnierle Barbara , Trebesch Isabel
Published: October 2020

Ein Jahrhundert lang wurde die Serumtherapie von Seren tierischen Ursprungs und Hyperimmunglobulinen dominiert. Obwohl seit Ende der Achtzigerjahre des letzten Jahrhunderts zahlreiche monoklonale Antikörper (MAB) insbesondere zur Behandlung von immunologischen und onkologischen Erkrankungen entwickelt wurden, sollte es noch 20 Jahre bis zur Zulassung des ersten antiinfektiven MAB in der Europäischen Union dauern. In den folgenden 2 Dekaden kamen nur 2 weitere antiinfektive MAB hinzu. Interessanterweise werden zurzeit zur Bekämpfung der COVID-19-Pandemie zahlreiche MAB, die insbesondere in immunologischer Indikation zugelassen sind, zur Behandlung der Folgen der SARS-CoV-2-Infektion, wie Pneumonie oder Hyperimmunreaktion, eingesetzt.

Im Folgenden werden die zugelassenen monoklonalen Antikörper zur Behandlung von Infektionskrankheiten vorgestellt. Darüber hinaus wird eine Übersicht über die aktuellen Entwicklungen, insbesondere bei der Therapie der SARS-CoV-2-Infektion, gegeben.
Wie oft braucht es eine Thoraxdrainageneinlage beim Thoraxtrauma des schwerer Verletzten – und wann mehr?
Authors: Walkner Stephanie , Amsler Felix , Gross Thomas
Published: October 2020

Hintergrund und Fragestellung

Im Hinblick auf den Ressourcen- und Ausbildungsbedarf eines Schweizer Traumazentrums wollten wir wissen, wie häufig in der Schwerverletztenversorgung relevante Thoraxverletzungen auftreten und wie oft eine thoraxchirurgische Spezialversorgung notwendig ist.

Material und Methoden

Retrospektive Analyse aller von 2010 bis 2017 notfallmäßig mit einem Mindesttrauma-NISS (New Injury Severity Score) ≥8 betreuten Patienten bez. relevanter Thoraxverletzung (Abbreviated Injury Scale [AIS] Thorax [ohne Brustwirbelverletzungen] ≥2).

Ergebnisse

In der 7‑jährigen Beobachtungsperiode wurden 2839 Verletzte mit einem NISS ≥8 notfallmäßig behandelt. Davon erlitten 791 Patienten (27,9 %) eine relevante Thoraxverletzung. Von diesen bedurften 27,1 % (n = 215) eines Thoraxeingriffes, der in 86,5 % (n = 186) allein einer Thoraxdrainage und in 13,5 % (n = 29) einem weitergehenden Eingriff entsprach. Bei 19 der Thoraxverletzten musste darüber hinaus ein Thoraxchirurg gerufen werden, davon 4‑mal sofort und 4‑mal innerhalb von 24 h. Die in unserem Haus im Mittel 30 notfallmäßigen Thoraxdrainageneinlagen pro Jahr ermöglichten 1 bis 2 Eingriffe pro in Ausbildung stehendem Chirurg.

Diskussion

Im Beobachtungszeitraum benötigten nur 1 % aller relevant Thoraxverletzten eine über eine Pleuradrainage hinausgehende, notfallmäßige thoraxchirurgische Versorgung. Aufgrund dieser geringen Rate erscheint aus Effizienz- wie Kostengründen ein thoraxchirurgischer Präsenzdienst an einem derartigen Traumazentrum nicht angezeigt. Die Fähigkeit der Thoraxdrainageneinlage muss allerdings in der chirurgischen Ausbildung entsprechend vermittelt werden. Die gemäß Facharztausbildungskatalogen notwendigen Mindesteingriffszahlen sollten angesichts der erhobenen Fallzahlen gut erfüllbar sein.
Quantification of liver function using gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI
Authors: Poetter-Lang Sarah , Bastati Nina , Messner Alina , Kristic Antonia , Herold Alexander , Hodge Jacqueline C. , Ba-Ssalamah Ahmed
Published: October 2020

The introduction of hepatobiliary contrast agents, most notably gadoxetic acid (GA), has expanded the role of MRI, allowing not only a morphologic but also a functional evaluation of the hepatobiliary system. The mechanism of uptake and excretion of gadoxetic acid via transporters, such as organic anion transporting polypeptides (OATP1,3), multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (MRP2) and MRP3, has been elucidated in the literature. Furthermore, GA uptake can be estimated on either static images or on dynamic imaging, for example, the hepatic extraction fraction (HEF) and liver perfusion. GA-enhanced MRI has achieved an important role in evaluating morphology and function in chronic liver diseases (CLD), allowing to distinguish between the two subgroups of nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD), simple steatosis and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and help to stage fibrosis and cirrhosis, predict liver transplant graft survival, and preoperatively evaluate the risk of liver failure if major resection is planned. Finally, because of its noninvasive nature, GA-enhanced MRI can be used for long-term follow-up and post-treatment monitoring. This review article aims to describe the current role of GA-enhanced MRI in quantifying liver function in a variety of hepatobiliary disorders.
Geometry of Sleeve Gastrectomy Measured by 3D CT Versus Weight Loss: Preliminary Analysis
Authors: Yamaguchi Tsuyoshi , Yamamoto Hiroshi , Tomozawa Yuki , Ugi Satoshi , Kaida Sachiko , Miyake Toru , Morino Katsutaro , Watanabe Yoshiyuki , Maegawa Hiroshi , Tani Masaji
Published: October 2020

Background

The size of the remnant stomach with respect to weight loss failure after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) remains controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the actual size and volume of the remnant stomach, as measured by three‐dimensional computed tomography (3D‐CT) volumetry, on weight loss after LSG.

Methods

The clinical outcomes of 52 patients who underwent LSG between October 2008 and February 2019 were assessed. Weight metrics were recorded at 1, 3, and 6 months and 1 year postoperatively. 3D‐CT volumetry was performed 1 year postoperatively, and the total remnant stomach volume (TSV), proximal stomach volume (PSV), antral stomach volume (ASV), and the distance between the pylorus and the distal edge of staple line (DPS) were measured. The relationship between the weight metrics and aforementioned factors was analyzed.

Results

Of the 52 patients who underwent LSG, 40 patients participated in this study. The average body mass index preoperatively was 38.3 ± 5.1 kg/m2, and the average percentage of total weight loss (%TWL) 1 year after LSG was 26.6 ± 9.3%. The average TSV, PSV, ASV, and DPS were 123.2 ± 60.3 ml, 73.4 ± 37.2 ml, 49.8 ± 30.3 ml, and 59.9 ± 18.5 mm, respectively. The DPS (r = − 0.394, p = 0.012) and ASV (r = − 0.356, p = 0.024) were correlated with %TWL 1 year postoperatively.

Conclusions

The actual DPS and ASV measured by 3D‐CT affected weight loss after LSG. 3D‐CT may be useful for the immediate identification of factors affecting insufficient weight loss in patients; this may, in turn, aid in the implementation of early intervention treatments.
Improving effectiveness of spare parts supply by additive manufacturing as dual sourcing option
Authors: Knofius N. , van der Heijden M. C. , Sleptchenko A. , Zijm W. H. M.
Published: October 2020

The low-volume spare parts business is often identified as a potential beneficiary of additive manufacturing (AM) technologies. Currently, high AM unit costs or low AM part reliabilities deem the application of AM economical inferior to conventional manufacturing (CM) methods in most cases. In this paper, we investigate the potential to overcome these deficiencies by combining AM and CM methods. For that purpose, we develop an approach that is tailored toward the unique characteristics of dual sourcing with two production methods. Opposed to the traditional dual sourcing literature, we consider the different failure behavior of parts produced by AM and CM methods. Using numerical experiments and a case study in the aviation industry, we explore under which conditions dual sourcing with AM performs best. Single sourcing with AM methods typically leads to higher purchasing and maintenance costs while single sourcing with CM methods increases backorder and holding costs. Savings of more than 30% compared to the best single sourcing option are possible even if the reliability or unit costs of a part sourced with AM are three times worse than for a CM part. In conclusion, dual sourcing methods may play an important role to exploit the benefits of AM methods while avoiding its drawbacks in the low-volume spare parts business.
Association between per capita sugar consumption and diabetes prevalence mediated by the body mass index: results of a global mediation analysis
Authors: Lang Alexander , Kuss Oliver , Filla Tim , Schlesinger Sabrina
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The aim of this study was to examine the mediation of body mass index (BMI) on the association between per capita sugar consumption and diabetes prevalence using country-related data.

Research design and methods

In this ecological study, based on 192 countries, data on per capita sugar consumption were obtained from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), on BMI from the World Health Organization and on diabetes prevalence from the International Diabetes Federation. Data on demography and economic factors were obtained from the Central Intelligence Agency, the United Nations and the FAO. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to investigate the association between per capita sugar consumption and diabetes prevalence, and mediation analysis to detect the mediated percentage of BMI on this association.

Results

Each increase of 100 kcal/day per capita sugar consumption was associated with a 1.62% higher diabetes prevalence [adjusted β-estimator (95% CI): 1.62 (0.71, 2.53)]. Mediation analysis using BMI as the mediator demonstrated an adjusted direct association of 0.55 (95% CI: − 0.22, 1.32) and an adjusted indirect association of 1.07 (95% CI: 0.54, 1.68). Accordingly, the BMI explained 66% (95% CI: 34%, 100%) of the association between per capita sugar consumption on diabetes prevalence.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that the association between dietary sugar intake and the occurrence of diabetes is mediated by BMI to a large proportion. However, it seems that other mechanisms may explain the association between sugar consumption and development of type 2 diabetes.
The expression of miRNA encoded by C19MC and miR-371-3 strongly varies among individual placentas but does not differ between spontaneous and induced abortions
Authors: Gottlieb Andrea , Flor Inga , Nimzyk Rolf , Burchardt Lars , Helmke Burkhard , Langenbuch Marc , Spiekermann Meike , Feidicker Susanne , Bullerdiek Jörn
Published: October 2020

miRNAs of the largest human miRNA gene cluster at all, i.e., C19MC, are almost exclusively expressed in the placenta. Nevertheless, only little is known about the interindividual variation of their expression and even about possible influence of gestational age, conflicting data is reported as well as for miRNAs of the much smaller miR-371-3 cluster. Our present study aims at the analyses of the expression of miRNAs from both clusters at different times of pregnancy, possible differences between placenta samples obtained from spontaneous or induced abortions in the first trimester, and the possible variation of miRNA expression at different sites within same placentas. miR-371a-3p, miR-372-3p, miR-373-3p, miR-517a-3p, and miR-520c-3p were quantified in 85 samples and miR-371a-3p was quantified in maternal serum samples taken immediately before delivery. While for miRNA-517a-3p and miR-520c-3p the expression increased with increasing gestational age, the present study revealed strong interindividual differences in the expression of miR-371-3 in full-term placental tissue as well as for miRNAs of the C19MC cluster, where the levels differed to a much lesser extent than for the former microRNAs. Also, strong interindividual differences were noted between the serum samples but differences related to the site of the placenta where the sample has been taken from were excluded. For neither of the data from placental tissue, the study revealed differences between the spontaneous and induced abortion group. Thus, the differences do not in general seem to be related to first trimester abortion. It remains to be elucidated whether or not they affect other prenatal processes.
Effect of delayed entry on performance of the BACT/ALERT FAN PLUS bottles in the BACT/ALERT VIRTUO blood culture system
Authors: Adamik Mary , Hutchins Anne , Mangilit Jasmin , Katzin Betsy , Totty Heather , Deol Parampal
Published: October 2020

Delayed entry of patient blood culture samples into a microbial detection system is unavoidable at times, due to off-shift staffing or transporting samples to centralized laboratories. Pre-incubation time and temperature of blood culture bottles are the most critical factors impacting recovery and detection of microorganisms. A total of 1377 BACT/ALERT® (BTA) Fastidious Antimicrobial Neutralization (FAN® PLUS) bottles (FA PLUS, FN PLUS, and PF PLUS) were tested after delayed entry times of 24 and 36 h at 20–25 °C (room temperature, RT) prior to loading into the BACT/ALERT® VIRTUO® microbial detection system (VIRTUO). Clinically relevant organisms were inoculated into bottles with 5–84 colony forming units (CFU) per bottle, and human blood (0 to 10 mL), and then loaded into the VIRTUO. When bottles were loaded without delay, a mean time to detection (TTD) of 9.6 h was observed. For delayed bottles, the TTD reported by the VIRTUO was added to the 24-h and 36-h delay times and resulted in average time to results of 32.5 h and 42.5 h, respectively. The FAN PLUS bottles in conjunction with the VIRTUO produced acceptable results when delays up to 24 h at 20–25 °C occur in loading.
Impact of combination MMRV vaccine on first-dose coverage for measles and varicella: a population-based study
Authors: MacDonald Shannon E. , Tough Suzanne , Guo Xiaoyan , Kellner James D.
Published: October 2020

Aim

Combination vaccines decrease the number of needles required, addressing a common concern of parents. However, some parents are hesitant about combination vaccines and/or want to opt out of certain vaccine components. This study assessed whether introduction of the combination MMRV vaccine influenced coverage levels for measles- and varicella-containing vaccines.

Study and methods

This was a population-based study of children born in Alberta, Canada between 2006 and 2012. We utilized administrative health data to evaluate coverage for the first dose of measles- and varicella-containing vaccines at the age of 24 months (i.e. between 2008 and 2014) before and after introduction of the combination MMRV vaccine in 2010. Among those who were vaccinated, we assessed whether any children continued to receive separate vaccines after the combination vaccine was introduced.

Results

Of 308,212 children, 272,345 (88.36%) were vaccinated with measles- and/or varicella-containing vaccines at the age of 24 months. Although coverage for measles-containing vaccines did not change overall between 2008 and 2014, coverage for varicella vaccine increased in the years following the introduction of MMRV. After the combination vaccine introduction, 96.55% of vaccinated children (n = 121,131) received MMRV vaccine.

Conclusion

Vaccine coverage for varicella increased after the introduction of the combination MMRV vaccine, and there was a narrowing in the gap between MMR and varicella coverage. Very few children received separate vaccines after the introduction of the combination MMRV vaccine. These findings suggest that combination vaccines are acceptable to most parents and increase coverage for varicella in our setting.
Softwood kraft pulp fines: application and impact on specific refining energy and strength properties
Authors: Mandlez Daniel , Zangl-Jagiello Lukas , Eckhart Rene , Bauer Wolfgang
Published: October 2020

Along with the emergence of micro and nanofibrillated celluloses and their application in papermaking, the influence of the so called fines fraction of pulps on both process and product properties has received increasing research interest in recent years. Several researchers have experimented with primary and/or secondary pulp fines to assess their effects on paper properties with not always consistent results. Our work focuses on the targeted application of the primary fines fraction of an unbleached softwood kraft pulp. The primary fines are separated from the pulp to be subsequently added to achieve blends of$$5\%, 9\%$$5%,9%and$$12\%$$12%primary fines content. These blends were then refined in a PFI mill to evaluate the effect of the primary fines on refining as well as on paper properties of hand sheets prepared from these pulps. It is shown that the addition of primary fines enhances tensile strength in the unrefined and slightly refined state, while the maximum tensile strength of the highly refined reference pulp is not increased. A slightly increased dewatering resistance (Schopper Riegler) at comparable air permeability (Gurley) for a given tensile strength was also observed. The linear relationship between tensile index and apparent sheet density seems to be affected in the unrefined and slightly refined state where the breaking length of the fines enriched samples is higher for a given apparent density.
Global and cross-country analysis of exposure of vulnerable populations to heatwaves from 1980 to 2018
Authors: Chambers Jonathan
Published: October 2020

Heatwaves have become more frequent and intense due to anthropogenic global warming and have serious and potentially life-threatening impacts on human health, particularly for people over 65 years old. While a range of studies examine heatwave exposures, few cover the whole globe and very few cover key areas in Africa, South America, and East Asia. By using global gridded climate reanalysis, population, and demographic data, this work analyses trends in change in exposure of vulnerable populations to heatwaves, providing global and per-country aggregate statistics. The difference between the global mean of heatwave indexes and the mean weighted by vulnerable population found that these populations are experiencing up to five times the number of heatwave days relative to the global average. The total exposures, measured in person-days of heatwave, highlight the combined effect of increased heatwaves and aging populations. In China and India, heatwave exposure increased by an average of 508 million person-days per year in the last decade. Mapping of changes per country highlighted significant exposure increases, particularly in the Middle East and in South East Asia. Major disparities were found between the heatwave exposures, country income group, and country health system capacity, thus highlighting the significant inequalities in global warming impacts and response capacities with respect to health across countries. It is therefore of prime importance that health development and response are coordinated with climate change mitigation and adaptation work.
Thermodynamic analysis and isothermal bainitic transformation kinetics in lean medium-Mn steels
Authors: Morawiec M. , Ruiz-Jimenez V. , Garcia-Mateo C. , Grajcar A.
Published: October 2020

The work presents the results of thermodynamic analysis of two medium manganese steels with different Mn contents. The steels containing 3.1 and 3.6% of manganese were subjected to theoretical thermodynamic calculations using MUCG83 software and dilatometric experiments. The steels were heat-treated in two different isothermal holding temperatures of 400 and 350 °C for 15 min. The bainite transformation kinetics at different temperatures for different manganese contents was investigated. In the steel including 3.1% Mn, a complete transformation was obtained. The results indicated a strong influence of the holding temperature on the kinetics of bainitic transformation. It was related to the driving force of this process. When the manganese content was increased by 0.5%, an incomplete bainite transformation occurred. The microstructure investigations after heat treatment were performed using light and scanning electron microscopy. The XRD analysis to determine retained austenite amount and its carbon enrichment was performed. The microstructure of 3MnNb steel consisted of bainite and retained austenite with filmlike and blocky morphologies. The steel with the higher Mn content contained also fresh martensite for both isothermal holding temperatures.
The ethics of emergencies
Authors: Sterri Aksel Braanen , Moen Ole Martin
Published: October 2020

Do we have stronger duties to assist in emergencies than in nonemergencies? According to Peter Singer and Peter Unger, we do not. Emergency situations, they suggest, merely serve to make more salient the very extensive duties to assist that we always have. This view, while theoretically simple, appears to imply that we must radically revise common-sense emergency norms. Resisting that implication, theorists like Frances Kamm, Jeremy Waldron, and Larry Temkin suggest that emergencies are indeed normatively exceptional. While their approach is more in line with common-sense, however, it is theoretically less simple, and it is has proven difficult to justify the exception. In this paper we propose a model of emergencies that we call the Informal-Insurance Model, and explain how this can be used to combine theoretical simplicity with common-sense emergency norms.
Using life cycle assessment to quantify the environmental benefit of upcycling vine shoots as fillers in biocomposite packaging materials
Authors: David Grégoire , Croxatto Vega Giovanna , Sohn Joshua , Nilsson Anna Ekman , Hélias Arnaud , Gontard Nathalie , Angellier-Coussy Hélène
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The objective of the present study was to better understand the potential environmental benefit of using vine shoots (ViShs), an agricultural residue, as filler in composite materials. For that purpose, a comparative life cycle assessment (LCA) of a rigid tray made of virgin poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) PHBV, polylactic acid (PLA) or polypropylene (PP), and increasing content of ViSh particles was performed. The contribution of each processing step in the life cycle on the different environmental impacts was identified and discussed. Furthermore, the balance between the environmental and the economic benefits of composite trays was discussed.

Methods

This work presents a cradle-to-grave LCA of composite rigid trays. Once collected in vineyards, ViShs were dried and ground using dry fractionation processes, then mixed with a polymer matrix by melt extrusion to produce compounds that were finally injected to obtain rigid trays for food packaging. The density of each component was taken into account in order to compare trays with the same volume. The maximum filler content was set to 30 vol% according to recommendations from literature and industrial data. The ReCiPe 2016 Midpoint Hierarchist (H) methodology was used for the assessment using the cutoff system model.

Results and discussion

This study showed that bioplastics are currently less eco-friendly than PP. This is in part due to the fact that LCA does not account for, in existing tools, effects of microplastic accumulation and that bioplastic technologies are still under development with low tonnage. This study also demonstrated the environmental interest of the development of biocomposites by the incorporation of ViSh particles. The minimal filler content of interest depended on the matrices and the impact categories. Concerning global warming, composite trays had less impact than virgin plastic trays from 5 vol% for PHBV or PLA and from 20 vol% for PP. Concerning PHBV, the only biodegradable polymer in natural conditions in this study, the price and the impact on global warming are reduced by 25% and 20% respectively when 30 vol% of ViSh are added.

Conclusion

The benefit of using vine shoots in composite materials from an environmental and economical point of view was demonstrated. As a recommendation, the polymer production step, which constitutes the most important impact, should be optimized and the maximum filler content in composite materials should be increased.
Studieren mit Pflegeverantwortung?
Authors: Mindermann Nele , Schattschneider Ralf , Busch Susanne
Published: October 2020

Hintergrund

Studierende als junge Erwachsene mit Pflegeverantwortung für eine nahestehende Person finden in der deutschsprachigen Forschungslandschaft bisher kaum Berücksichtigung, obwohl davon auszugehen ist, dass sie mit einer Mehrfachbelastung konfrontiert sind, die langfristig einen negativen Einfluss nicht nur auf den Studienverlauf haben kann. Vor dem Hintergrund gesundheitsförderlicher und präventiver Aspekte sind Erkenntnisse zur Zielgruppe daher insbesondere für Hochschulen von großer Relevanz.

Ziel der Arbeit

Zielsetzung der vorliegenden Studie ist die Erfassung der Pflege- und Unterstützungssituation von betroffenen Studierenden, die Darstellung der Nutzung von Unterstützungsangeboten und die Identifizierung von Ansätzen zur zielgruppengerechten Entlastung.

Material und Methoden

Zur Erreichung der Ziele wurde im Januar 2017 ein standardisierter Onlinesurvey an immatrikulierte Studierende (N = 16.964) der Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften Hamburg versandt. Die Datenauswertung fand mithilfe deskriptiver Methoden und ausgewählter inferenzstatistischer Testverfahren statt.

Ergebnisse und Diskussion

Die Ergebnisse verdeutlichen, dass ca. 15 % (n = 126) der Befragten regelmäßig in Pflege oder Unterstützung einer angehörigen Person eingebunden sind, wobei Art und Umfang der Unterstützung variieren. Studierende mit Pflegeverantwortung kümmern sich nicht nur um eine nahestehende Person, sie arbeiten zur Finanzierung des Studiums, bereiten sich auf Prüfungsleistungen vor und besuchen Seminare. Trotz z. T. hoher (Mehrfach‑)Belastung nutzen Studierende das Unterstützungsangebot der Hochschule nicht. Flexiblere (curriculare) Rahmenbedingungen werden als ein Ansatz identifiziert, um Studierenden die Vereinbarkeit von Studium, Privatleben und Pflege zu erleichtern.
Asymptotic stability estimates for some evolution problems with singular convection field
Authors: Farroni Fernando
Published: October 2020

We establish asymptotic stability estimates for solutions to evolution problems with singular convection term. Such quantitative estimates provide a measure with respect to the time variable of the distance between the solution to a parabolic problem from the one of the its elliptic stationary counterpart.
Combined forest and soil management after a catastrophic event
Authors: Zanella Augusto , Ponge Jean-François , Andreetta Anna , Aubert Michael , Bernier Nicolas , Bonifacio Eleonora , Bonneval Karine , Bolzonella Cristian , Chertov Oleg , Costantini Edoardo A. C. , De Nobili Maria , Fusaro Silvia , Giannini Raffaello , Junod Pascal , Katzensteiner Klaus , Kwiatkowsk-Malina Jolantha , Menardi Roberto , Mo Lingzi , Mohammad Safwan , Schnitzler Annik , Sofo Adriano , Tatti Dylan , Hager Herbert
Published: October 2020

At the end of October 2018, a storm of unprecedented strength severely damaged the forests of the eastern sector of the Italian Alps. The affected forest area covers 42,500 ha. The president of one of the damaged regions asked for help from the University of Padua. After eight months of discussion, the authors of this article wrote a consensus text. The sometimes asper debate brought to light some crucial aspects: 1) even experienced specialists may have various opinions based on scientific knowledge that lead to conflicting proposals for action. For some of them there is evidence that to restore a destroyed natural environment it is more judicious to do nothing; 2) the soil corresponds to a living structure and every ecosystem’s management should be based on it; 3) faced with a catastrophe, people and politicians find themselves unarmed, also because they rarely have the scientific background to understand natural processes. Yet politicians are the only persons who make the key decisions that drive the economy in play and therefore determine the near future of our planet. This article is an attempt to respond directly to a governor with a degree in animal production science, who formally and prudently asked a university department called “Land, Environment, Agriculture and Forestry” for help before taking decisions; 4) the authors also propose an artistic interpretation of facts (uncontrolled storm) and conclusions (listen to the soil). Briefly, the authors identify the soil as an indispensable source for the renewal of the destroyed forest, give indications on how to prepare a map of the soils of the damaged region, and suggest to anchor on this soil map a series of silvicultural and soil management actions that will promote the soil conservation and the faster recovery of the natural dynamic stability and resilience.
Conditions of spatiotemporal variability of the thickness of the ice cover on lakes in the Tatra Mountains
Authors: Solarski Maksymilian , Szumny Mirosław
Published: October 2020

This research aimed to identify the impact of local climatic and topographic conditions on the formation and development of the ice cover in high-mountain lakes and the representativeness assessment of periodic point measurements of the ice cover thickness by taking into consideration the role of the avalanches on the icing of the lakes. Field works included measurement of the ice and snow cover thickness of seven lakes situated in the Tatra Mountains (UNESCO biosphere reserve) at the beginning and the end of the 2017/2018 winter season. In addition, morphometric, topographic and daily meteorological data of lakes from local IMGW (Polish Institute of Meteorology and Water Management) stations and satellite images were used. The obtained results enabled us to quantify the impact of the winter eolian snow accumulation on the variation in ice thickness. This variation was ranging from several centimetres up to about 2 meters and had a tendency to increase during the winter season. The thickest ice covers occurred in the most shaded places in the direct vicinity of rock walls. The obtained results confirm a dominating role of the snow cover in the variation of the ice thickness within individual lakes.
The Future of Paediatric Heart Interventions: Where Will We Be in 2030?
Authors: Kogure Tomohito , Qureshi Shakeel A.
Published: October 2020

Purpose of Review

Cardiac catheterization therapies to treat or palliate infants, children and adults with congenital heart disease have developed rapidly worldwide in both technical innovation and device development in the previous three decades. By reviewing of current status of novel or development of devices and techniques, we will discuss what is likely to happen in paediatric heart intervention in the next decade.

Recent Findings

Recently, biodegradable stents and devices, transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation for the native right ventricle outflow tract and MRI-guided interventions have been progressing rapidly with good immediate to early results. These are expected to be introduced and spread in the next decade although there are still challenges to overcome.

The future of paediatric heart intervention is very promising with rapid development of technological progress.
Define and exploit guidelines for interactive redesign of products’ User eXperience
Authors: Filippi Stefano , Motyl Barbara
Published: October 2020

Nowadays, User eXperience (UX) is one of the main concerns in developing innovative products. This research develops the way to define and exploit guidelines for interactive redesign of the UX of products. Because of their origin, these guidelines will encompass all UX characteristics reputed as meaningful like usefulness, subjective feelings, motivational aspects, emotions, etc.; moreover, the redesign suggestions offered by these guidelines, as well as the procedures to collect and analyse the data to define other guidelines and suggest the best ways to implement them, push different competencies (engineers, UX experts, psychologists, etc.) to work in synergy, just like an interactive design context requires.
The influence of iron on selected properties of synthetic pheomelanin
Authors: Zadlo Andrzej , Mokrzyński Krystian , Ito Shosuke , Wakamatsu Kazumasa , Sarna Tadeusz
Published: October 2020

It is believed that while eumelanin plays photoprotective and antioxidant role in pigmented tissues, pheomelanin being more photoreactive could behave as a phototoxic agent. Although the metal ion-sequestering ability of melanin might be protective, transition metal ions present in natural melanins could affect their physicochemical properties. The aim of this research was to study iron binding by pheomelanin and analyze how such a binding affects selected properties of the melanin. Synthetic pheomelanin (CDM), prepared by enzymatic oxidation of DOPA in the presence of cysteine was analyzed by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, spectrophotometry, chemical analysis, and time-resolved measurements of singlet oxygen phosphorescence. Iron broadened EPR signal of melanin and increased its optical absorption. Iron bound to melanin exhibited EPR signal at g = 4.3, typical for high-spin iron (III). Iron bound to melanin significantly altered the kinetics of melanin photodegradation, which in turn modified the accessibility and stability of the melanin–iron complexes as indicated by the release of iron from melanin induced by diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid and KCN. Although bound to melanin iron little affects initial stages of photodegradation of CDM, the effect of iron becomes more pronounced at later stages of melanin photolysis.
Lipids Composition in Plant Membranes
Authors: Reszczyńska Emilia , Hanaka Agnieszka
Published: October 2020

The paper focuses on the selected plant lipid issues. Classification, nomenclature, and abundance of fatty acids was discussed. Then, classification, composition, role, and organization of lipids were displayed. The involvement of lipids in xantophyll cycle and glycerolipids synthesis (as the most abundant of all lipid classes) were also discussed. Moreover, in order to better understand the biomembranes remodeling, the model (artificial) membranes, mimicking the naturally occurring membranes are employed and the survey on their composition and application in different kind of research was performed. High level of lipids remodeling in the plant membranes under different environmental conditions, e.g., nutrient deficiency, temperature stress, salinity or drought was proved. The key advantage of lipid research was the conclusion that lipids could serve as the markers of plant physiological condition and the detailed knowledge on lipids chemistry will allow to modify their composition for industrial needs.
UHPLC-MS/MS Method for the Analysis of 2,6 Toluene Diisocyanate and 2,4 Toluene Diisocyanate Released from Microa-gglomerated Corks in Wine
Authors: Corrias Francesco , Cossu Eleonora , Cardu Paolo , Angioni Alberto
Published: October 2020

Micro-agglomerate corks, made by agglutination of cork granulate through the addition of different adhesives, represent an important slice of the market of cork stoppers. Binder glues which are polyurethane- or butadiene-based have been used since they have strong agglomerating effect. Unfortunately, polyurethane-based glues can have isocyanide end group compounds which can migrate into the wine. 2,4-toluene diisocyanate (2,4-TDI) and 2,6 toluene diisocyanate (2,6-TDI), can be found in adhesive and could migrate into wine. A simple ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) method for the determination of these active ingredients (a.is.) in wine has been developed. The method has been validated under Eurachem CITAC guidelines (Cooperation on International Traceability in Analytical Chemistry). Instrument limit of detection (LOD) and to a limit of quantification (LOQ) for 2,6 TDI and 2,4 TDI were 0.42 and 0.39 μg/L, and 1.72 and 1.57 μg/L, respectively. Four different solvents applied for recoveries showed quite different rates ranging for 2,6 TDI and 2,4 TDI from 17.96 to 88.53 %, and 40.08 to 99.18 %, respectively. Real sample analysis showed low residue levels, especially of 2,6 TDI, with values always below the LOQ. The data reported on real samples allowed to establish that from a risk management purpose, no toxicology risk can be accomplished.