bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Large‐Scale Fabrication of Surface Ion Traps on a 300 mm Glass Wafer
Authors: Tao Jing , Likforman Jean-Pierre , Zhao Peng , Li Hong Yu , Henner Theo , Lim Yu Dian , Seit Wen Wei , Guidoni Luca , Tan Chuan Seng
Published: May 2021

Herein, a large‐scale fabrication of radio frequency (RF) surface ion traps on a 300 mm glass wafer using a standard foundry process is reported. Established wafer‐level packaging process of electroplated Cu with Au finish is used to fabricate the surface electrodes directly on the glass wafer substrate. A trap is tested by loading it with laser‐cooled 88Sr+ ions. The trap shows a stable operation with RF amplitudes in the range of 100–250 V at 33 MHz frequency. The ion lifetime is on the order of 30 min with laser cooling with a vacuum chamber pressure of ≈5 × 10−11 mbar. These results demonstrate the potential of large‐size foundry glass substrates to realize scalable and integratable trapped ion‐based quantum devices.
Block iterative correction in strongly coupled data assimilation
Authors: Yaremchuk Max , Beattie Christopher , Frolov Sergey
Published: May 2021

The ongoing transition to coupled data assimilation (DA) systems encounters substantial technical difficulties associated with the need to merge together different elements of atmospheric and ocean DA systems that typically have had independent development paths for decades. In this study, we consider the incorporation of strong coupling in the observation space via successive corrections that involve the application of only uncoupled solvers to a sequence of innovation vectors. The coupled increment is then obtained by projecting a coupled innovation vector on the grid using coupled ensemble correlations. The proposed approach is motivated by the classic block Jacobi matrix iteration applied to the coupled system using the uncoupled solvers as a preconditioner. The method is tested via numerical experiments with the CERA ensemble in a simplified setting.
Short‐range correlation energy of the relativistic homogeneous electron gas
Authors: Paquier Julien , Toulouse Julien
Published: May 2021

We construct the complementary short‐range correlation relativistic local‐density‐approximation functional to be used in relativistic range‐separated density‐functional theory based on a Dirac‐Coulomb Hamiltonian in the no‐pair approximation. For this, we perform relativistic random‐phase‐approximation calculations of the correlation energy of the relativistic homogeneous electron gas with a modified electron–electron interaction, we study the high‐density behavior, and fit the results to a parametrized expression. The obtained functional should eventually be useful for electronic‐structure calculations of strongly correlated systems containing heavy elements.
3D Printing Temperature Tailors Electrical and Electrochemical Properties through Changing Inner Distribution of Graphite/Polymer
Authors: Iffelsberger Christian , Jellett Cameron W. , Pumera Martin
Published: May 2021

The rise of 3D printing technology, with fused deposition modeling as one of the simplest and most widely used techniques, has empowered an increasing interest for composite filaments, providing additional functionality to 3D‐printed components. For future applications, like electrochemical energy storage, energy conversion, and sensing, the tuning of the electrochemical properties of the filament and its characterization is of eminent importance to improve the performance of 3D‐printed devices. In this work, customized conductive graphite/poly(lactic acid) filament with a percentage of graphite filler close to the conductivity percolation limit is fabricated and 3D‐printed into electrochemical devices. Detailed scanning electrochemical microscopy investigations demonstrate that 3D‐printing temperature has a dramatic effect on the conductivity and electrochemical performance due to a changed conducive filler/polymer distribution. This may allow, e.g., 3D printing of active/inactive parts of the same structure from the same filament when changing the 3D printing nozzle temperature. These tailored properties can have profound influence on the application of these 3D‐printed composites, which can lead to a dramatically different functionality of the final electrical, electrochemical, and energy storage device.
Grafted Starch Foam Stabilizer ESt‐g‐NAA for High‐Temperature Resistant CGA Drilling Fluid via Inverse Emulsion Polymerization
Authors: Zhu Wenxi , Zheng Xiuhua , Shi Jingjing , Wang Yifan
Published: May 2021

Colloidal gas aphron (CGA) drilling fluid is an environmentally friendly near‐balanced drilling technology that has been successfully applied to depleted oil/gas reservoirs. To overcome the limitations of its application in high‐temperature drilling, acrylamide (AM), 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propane sulfonic acid (AMPS), and N‐vinylpyrrolidone (NVP) are grafted onto starch via inverse emulsion polymerization, and a foam stabilizer ESt‐g‐NAA with a temperature resistance of ≥150 °C is synthesized. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR) analysis suggest that all monomers are grafted onto starch efficiently. ESt‐g‐NAA has good solubility and thermal stability, as well as an excellent ability to stabilize foams at high temperatures. Based on microscopic observation, stable aphrons are generated successfully in the CGA drilling fluid prepared by ESt‐g‐NAA and surfactant after 150 °C aged. Results show that ESt‐g‐NAA based CGA drilling fluid aged at appointed temperatures (120–180 °C) is a high‐performance drilling fluid with shear‐thinning behavior, extremely high values of low shear rate viscosity (LSRV), and well‐building capabilities.
Disposal of unused antibiotics as household waste: A social driver of antimicrobial resistance
Authors: Sharma Manisha , Kumar Kapil , Dubey Kashyap Kumar
Published: May 2021

Globally, antibiotics’ consumption has been worrisome and immediate attention is required. Unused and expired antibiotics are continuously disposed of as household waste in sewage wastewater, which acts as social driver of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). A questionnaire‐based survey was conducted to identify the scale of consumption and methods of disposal used for unused/expired antibiotics. Two groups were selected based on the knowledge of usage and misuse of antibiotics, and the response was collected. Every respondent had taken at least one antibiotic, and many of them consumed without any cause that is, 72.3% in fever and 57.8% in cold. The antibiotic course completion percentage was very poor (23% and 40% for Groups 1 and 2, respectively) and ∼75% of respondents just throw the unused/expired antibiotics, while only 2–3% went for safe/other methods of disposal. Perhaps, this direct disposal of antibiotics in the environment may be one of the contributors to AMR. The present study suggests that public awareness regarding the use of prescribed antibiotics, completion of the course, and knowledge of the safe disposal of unused/expired antibiotics will be a good strategy to combat AMR.
Food security challenges for Pakistan during COVID‐19 pandemic: An overview of the response plan
Authors: Ubaid‐ur‐Rehman Hafiz , Asghar Waqas , Khalid Nauman
Published: May 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic has imparted a significant impact on the global economic conditions. The food security status in the developing and under‐developed countries is getting worse with the progression of the pandemic. According to the World Food Program (WFP), 271.8 million people were acutely food insecure due to the destructive impact of COVID‐19 pandemic across the world. Similarly, around 20%–30% population of Pakistan, that is, 40–62 million people, has been suffering from acute food insecurity due to the pandemic, and other socio‐economic and environmental/climatic issues. The highly vulnerable groups include daily wage class, refugees, and people living in drought‐affected areas, locust‐affected areas and areas with winterized emergency. The COVID‐19 response plan of Pakistan aimed at improving the food security situation and protecting the livelihood of the demographic groups highly vulnerable to the COVID‐19 pandemic through defining the implementing the policy for ensuring the uninterrupted food production and supply chain, integrating the food production system into the COVID‐19 relief packages, adopting innovative practices to enhance the functionality of food supply chain market, and treatment of acutely malnourished and groups affected by food insecurity. Accordingly, this opinion‐based article reports the food security challenges faced in Pakistan in the COVID‐19 era and explicates the government policies for stabilizing the functionality of agri‐food systems in Pakistan.
Phase transitions in GLSMs and defects
Authors: Brunner Ilka , Klos Fabian , Roggenkamp Daniel
Published: May 2021

Abstract

In this paper, we construct defects (domain walls) that connect different phases of two-dimensional gauged linear sigma models (GLSMs), as well as defects that embed those phases into the GLSMs. Via their action on boundary conditions these defects give rise to functors between the D-brane categories, which respectively describe the transport of D-branes between different phases, and embed the D-brane categories of the phases into the category of D-branes of the GLSMs.
Study of an Elliptic Partial Differential Equation Modeling the Ocean Flow in Arctic Gyres
Authors: Haziot Susanna V.
Published: May 2021

We study the ocean flow in Arctic gyres using a recent model for gyres derived in spherical coordinates on the rotating sphere. By projecting this model onto the plane using the Mercator projection, we obtain a semi-linear elliptic partial differential equation in an unbounded domain, difficulty which is then overcome by projecting the PDE onto the unit disk via a conformal map. We then study existence, regularity and uniqueness of solutions for constant and linear vorticity functions.
MULTIPLE FLAG IND-VARIETIES WITH FINITELY MANY ORBITS
Authors: FRESSE LUCAS , PENKOV IVAN
Published: May 2021

Let G be one of the ind-groups GL(∞), O(∞), Sp(∞), and let P1, ..., Pℓ be an arbitrary set of ℓ splitting parabolic subgroups of G. We determine all such sets with the property that G acts with finitely many orbits on the ind-variety X1 × × Xℓ where Xi = G/Pi. In the case of a finite-dimensional classical linear algebraic group G, the analogous problem has been solved in a sequence of papers of Littelmann, Magyar–Weyman–Zelevinsky and Matsuki. An essential difference from the finite-dimensional case is that already for ℓ = 2, the condition that G acts on X1 × X2 with finitely many orbits is a rather restrictive condition on the pair P1, P2. We describe this condition explicitly. Using the description we tackle the most interesting case where ℓ = 3, and present the answer in the form of a table. For ℓ ≥ 4 there always are infinitely many G-orbits on X1 × × Xℓ.
Reversible Pebble Games and the Relation Between Tree-Like and General Resolution Space
Authors: Torán Jacobo , Wörz Florian
Published: May 2021

We show a new connection between the clause space measure in tree-like resolution and the reversible pebble game on graphs.
Using this connection, we provide several formula classes for which there is a logarithmic factor separation between the clause space complexity measure in tree-like and general resolution.
We also provide upper bounds
for tree-like resolution clause space in terms of general resolution
clause and variable space. In particular, we show that for
any formula F, its tree-like resolution clause space is upper bounded
by space$$(\pi)$$

(
π
)

$$(\log({\rm time}(\pi))$$

(
log
(
time
(
π
)
)

, where $$\pi$$
π
is any general resolution refutation of F. This holds considering as space$$(\pi)$$

(
π
)

the clause space of the refutation as well as considering its variable space. For the concrete case of Tseitin formulas, we are able to improve this bound to the optimal bound space$$(\pi)\log n$$

(
π
)
log
n

, where n is the number of vertices of the corresponding graph
CAR-T-Zell-Therapie beim multiplen Myelom
Authors: Zhou X. , Einsele H. , Danhof S.
Published: May 2021

Die Behandlung mit CAR-T-Zellen (CAR chimärer Antigenrezeptor) ist eine neuartige Strategie der zellulären Immuntherapie, die das patienteneigene Immunsystem als „Waffe gegen Tumorzellen“ benutzt. Bei Patienten mit multiplem Myelom werden CAR-T-Zell-Therapien im Rahmen klinischer Studien getestet. Die aktuellen Studiendaten der gegen das „B-cell maturation antigen“ (BCMA) gerichteten CAR-T-Zell-Therapien zeigen eine beachtliche Wirksamkeit, die eine baldige Zulassung erwarten lässt. Allerdings erleiden weiterhin die meisten Patienten nach einer Behandlung mit CAR-T-Zellen ein Rezidiv. Hinzu kommt, dass CAR-T-Zell-Therapien zu schwerwiegenden Nebenwirkungen wie Zytokinfreisetzungssyndrom und Neurotoxizität mit teilweise auch letalem Ausgang führen können. Ein angemessenes Kosten-Nutzen-Verhältnis der CAR-T-Zell-Therapie stellt eine weitere Herausforderung dar. Trotz dieser Limitationen erscheint die CAR-T-Zell-Therapie eine attraktive Option für Patienten mit Myelom, sodass diese Therapie das Potenzial hat, in die Standardbehandlung integriert zu werden.
Deutlich erhöhte Sterberate bei Kindern von Eltern mit Konsum von illegalen, harten Drogen
Authors: Verjans E. , Fabry U. , Wagner N.
Published: May 2021

Hintergrund

In Deutschland leben mindestens 60.000 Kinder in drogenbelasteten Familien und damit im Milieu der Drogensubkultur, das oft mit Gewalt, Beschaffungskriminalität und Prostitution verbunden ist. Diese Kinder weisen eine höhere Wahrscheinlichkeit auf, Opfer oder Zeuge häuslicher Gewalt zu werden. In den letzten 30 Jahren sind jedoch keine systematischen Studien erfolgt, die kindliche Todesfälle bei elterlichem illegalen, harten Drogenabusus analysierten.

Ziel der Arbeit

Untersucht wurde, inwieweit der Gebrauch illegaler, harter Drogen durch die Eltern mit dem Tod oder schwerster Schädigung des Kindes assoziiert ist.

Material und Methoden

In der retrospektiven Kohortenstudie wurden vom 01.08.2013 bis zum 01.08.2019 alle Neuaufnahmen in der Klinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin des Uniklinikums Aachens analysiert. Patienten (Alter 0 bis 18 Jahre), bei denen mindestens ein Elternteil einen Drogenabusus (außer Alkohol und Medikamenten) aufwies und dieser vermutlich unmittelbar zur akuten Lebensbedrohung des Kindes geführt bzw. dessen Tod verursacht hatte, wurden identifiziert.

Ergebnisse

Unter 29.141 stationären Aufnahmen entsprachen 5 Fälle den Einschlusskriterien, hiervon 3 Fälle mit Todesfolge, ein Fall mit schwerer psychomotorischer Beeinträchtigung nach der Tat unter Drogeneinfluss und ein Fall, bei dem die akute Gefährdung abgewendet werden konnte. Die Sterbewahrscheinlichkeit für Kinder von Eltern, die illegale, harte Drogen konsumieren, war 10-fach höher als in der Kontrollgruppe.

Schlussfolgerung

Der Gebrauch illegaler, harter Drogen durch die Eltern stellt v. a. in der Altersklasse von 0 bis 5 Jahren einen relevanten Risikofaktor der Kindeswohlgefährdung mit schwersten Folgen bis zum Tod dar und führt zu einer deutlich erhöhten Todeswahrscheinlichkeit.
Standards bei der Anwendung der fiberendoskopischen Schluckuntersuchung in Deutschland
Authors: Wehner A. , Schumann-Werner B. , Fimm B. , Mall B. , Werner C. J.
Published: May 2021

Hintergrund

Die fiberendoskopische Schluckuntersuchung („fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing“, FEES) gilt als ein unverzichtbares instrumentelles Verfahren im Management schluckgestörter Patienten. Das eingeführte Ausbildungscurriculum hat das Ziel, die Qualitätsstandards zu erhöhen und zu einer Aufwertung des Verfahrens beizutragen.

Fragestellung

Die Studie untersucht, inwieweit eine standardisierte Durchführung, Auswertung und Dokumentation der FEES in Deutschland nach Einführung des Curriculums stattfindet.

Material und Methoden

Insgesamt 603 neurologische und geriatrische Kliniken in Deutschland wurden mithilfe eines Onlinefragebogens bezüglich struktureller Merkmale und deren Ablauf der Untersuchung befragt.

Ergebnisse

Insgesamt 190 Institutionen führten die Befragung vollständig durch. 43,31 % der Institutionen haben erst seit der Publikation des Curriculums die FEES implementiert. Die praktische Anwendung findet vermehrt durch Mediziner statt (59 %), das Schreiben des Befundes und die Kostempfehlung durch Logopäden (62 % und 83 %). Mit erhöhtem Ausbildungsgrad steigt die praktische Anwendung durch Logopäden. Die Durchführung weist trotz der Orientierung am Standardprotokoll nach Langmore besonders in Bezug auf die Durchführung der anatomisch-physiologischen Untersuchung, die verabreichten Konsistenzen und Nahrungsmittel und das Scoring schluckrelevanter Parameter Unterschiedlichkeiten auf.

Diskussion

Die Einführung des Curriculums hat zur Aufwertung der FEES und zu einer Stärkung der Logopädie als durchführende Berufsgruppe geführt. Zum jetzigen Stand liegt ein in wesentlichen Aspekten homogener Ablauf der Untersuchung vor, der jedoch Bedarf nach weiterer Vereinheitlichung zeigt. Das FEES-Curriculum könnte als Steuerungsinstrument zur weiteren Standardisierung verwendet werden.
Impact of a fermented soy beverage supplemented with acerola by-product on the gut microbiota from lean and obese subjects using an in vitro model of the human colon
Authors: Vieira Antonio Diogo Silva , de Souza Carlota Bussolo , Padilha Marina , Zoetendal Erwin Gerard , Smidt Hauke , Saad Susana Marta Isay , Venema Koen
Published: May 2021

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of soy-based beverages manufactured with water-soluble soy extract, containing probiotic strains (Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5 and Bifidobacterium longum BB-46) and/or acerola by-product (ABP) on pooled faecal microbiota obtained from lean and obese donors. Four fermented soy beverages (FSs) (“placebo” (FS-Pla), probiotic (FS-Pro), prebiotic (FS-Pre), and synbiotic (FS-Syn)) were subjected to in vitro digestion, followed by inoculation in the TIM-2 system, a dynamic in vitro model that mimics the conditions of the human colon. Short- and branched-chain fatty acids (SCFA and BCFA) and microbiota composition were determined. Upon colonic fermentation in the presence of the different FSs formulations, acetic and lactic acid production was higher than the control treatment for faecal microbiota from lean individuals (FMLI). Additionally, SCFA production by the FMLI was higher than for the faecal microbiota from obese individuals (FMOI). Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp. populations increased during simulated colonic fermentation in the presence of FS-Syn in the FMLI and FMOI. FS formulations also changed the composition of the FMOI, resulting in a profile more similar to the FMLI. The changes in the composition and the increase in SCFA production observed for the FMLI and FMOI during these in vitro fermentations suggest a potential modulation effect of these microbiotas by the consumption of functional FSs.

Graphical abstract

Key points

• Soy beverages increased Bifidobacterium abundance in microbiota from obese individuals.

• The synbiotic beverage increased Bifidobacterium abundance in microbiota from lean individuals.

• The synbiotic beverage changed the microbiota from obese individuals, approaching the lean profiles.
Factors that make Bariatric Surgery Technically Challenging: A Survey of 370 Bariatric Surgeons
Authors: Shahabi Shahab , Carbajo Miguel , Nimeri Abdelrahman , Kermansaravi Mohammad , Davarpanah Jazi Amir Hossein , Pazouki Abdolreza , Mahawar Kamal
Published: May 2021

Background

There is no published data on the factors bariatric surgeons think make bariatric surgery challenging. This study aimed to identify factors that bariatric surgeons feel and increase the technical complexity of bariatric surgery.

Methods

Bariatric surgeons from around the world were invited to participate in a questionnaire‐based survey on Survey Monkey®. An Average Weighted Score was calculated for each factor. A score of < 1.0 meant that the factor was perceived to make surgery technically easier.

Results

Three hundred seventy bariatric and metabolic surgeons from 59 countries completed the survey. The top 10 factors that our respondents felt were most important for determining the technical difficulty of a procedure were inappropriate trocar placement (AWS 3.44), BMI above 60 (AWS 3.41), open bariatric surgery (AWS 3.26), less experienced bariatric anesthetist (AWS 3.18), liver cirrhosis (AWS 3), large liver (AWS 2.99), less experienced bariatric assistant (AWS 2.97), lower surgeon total bariatric surgery volume (AWS 2.95), lower surgeon specific procedure volume (AWS 2.85) and previous laparotomy (AWS 2.83), respectively. Respondents also felt that the younger patients (AWS 0.78), dedicated operating team (AWS 0.67), BMI less than 35 (AWS 0.54), and French position (AWS 0.45) actually make the surgery easier.

Conclusion

This survey is the first attempt to understand the factors which make bariatric surgery more difficult. Knowing the factors made the operation more challenging, led to better scheduling the potentially difficult patients to reduce the complications.
Screening auf Frühgeborenenretinopathie – die wichtigsten Änderungen in der neuen deutschen Leitlinie 2020
Authors: Li Jeany Q. , Kellner Ulrich , Lorenz Birgit , Stahl Andreas , Krohne Tim U.
Published: May 2021

Hintergrund

Durch Verbesserungen in der neonatologischen Versorgung von Frühgeborenen und die Entwicklung neuer Behandlungsmöglichkeiten der Frühgeborenenretinopathie („retinopathy of prematurity“ [ROP]) haben sich die Anforderungen an das ROP-Screening seit der Veröffentlichung der letzten Fassung der deutschen Leitlinie zum ROP-Screening im Jahr 2008 verändert. Auf Grundlage aktueller Studiendaten wurde die Leitlinie in 2020 grundlegend überarbeitet und in einer aktualisierten Fassung veröffentlicht.

Ziel

Dieser Artikel fasst die wichtigsten Änderungen in der neuen Leitlinie zusammen.

Ergebnisse

Die Altersgrenze für einen Screeningeinschluss wurde für Kinder ohne zusätzliche Risikofaktoren auf ein Gestationsalter von unter 31 Wochen gesenkt. Die Mindestdauer für eine Sauerstoffsupplementation, die einen Einschluss in das Screening bei Frühgeborenen erforderlich macht, wurde auf über 5 Tage angehoben. Eine Behandlung bei ROP in Zone II kann nun schon bei jedem Stadium 3 mit Plus-Symptomatik unabhängig von der Anzahl der betroffenen Uhrzeiten erfolgen. Für die Nachkontrollen nach Anti-VEGF („vascular endothelial growth factor“)-Therapie wurden Kriterien zur Frequenz und Dauer definiert. Das verbindliche Dokument für diese und weitere neue Empfehlungen ist die Leitlinie selber.

Schlussfolgerungen

Die Empfehlungen der Leitlinie ermöglichen eine zuverlässige Identifikation von Kindern mit ROP-Risiko für den Einschluss in das Screening und eine rechtzeitige Erkennung fortgeschrittener Krankheitsstadien für die Therapieeinleitung, um so Erblindung durch ROP zu verhindern.
Sudden infant death syndrome: deletions of glutathione-S-transferase genes M1 and T1 and tobacco smoke exposure
Authors: Mawick Anthea , Pfeiffer Heidi , Vennemann Marielle
Published: May 2021

In developed countries, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the leading cause of death in infants in their first year of life. The risk of SIDS is increased if parents smoked during pregnancy and in presence of the child. Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) catalyse the conjugation of glutathione with electrophilic compounds and toxins, making them less reactive and easier to excrete. As a gene dose effect was observed forGSTM1andGSTT1, the aim of this study was to investigate whether there is a connection between homozygous or heterozygous gene deletions ofGSTM1orGSTT1and the occurrence of SIDS. We found that heterozygous deletion ofGSTM1occurred significantly more frequently in the SIDS case group compared to the control group. A homozygous deletion ofGSMT1was slightly more frequently in the control group. A homozygous gene deletion ofGSTT1showed no significant difference between the SIDS group and the control group. We also found that in the SIDS group, the number of victims that were exposed to cigarette smoke was significantly higher than the number of victims without cigarette smoke exposure and that the mean lifetime of children whose mothers smoked was shorter in comparison with non-smoking mothers. In SIDS cases with homozygous gene deletions ofGSTM1, the median life span of children with tobacco smoke exposure was 60 days shorter than without smoke exposure. In conclusion, the absence of these two genes is not the only trigger for SIDS but could be a critical aspect of SIDS aetiology, particularly in SIDS cases with smoking parents.
Environment rather than provenance explains levels of foliar phenolics in European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) seedlings
Authors: Steen Johanna S. , Asplund Johan , Lie Marit H. , Nybakken Line
Published: May 2021

With progressive climate change, the chemical defense in European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) is likely to change, which might impact its fitness and ability to establish beyond its current northern distribution limit. We studied the phenolic defense in six beech provenances grown in three common gardens in Norway the two first years after planting.

We analyzed low molecular weight phenolic compounds by HPLC and condensed tannins by the acid-butanol assay. Sampling year explained most of the variance in phenolic defense, followed by environment (growing location), while the genetic background (provenance) showed the least explanatory power. After the first year in the field, the northernmost growing location had about 70% higher concentration of low molecular weight phenolics than the southern growing locations. The concentrations of condensed tannins, however, were lowest in the north. The mean concentration of total low molecular weight phenolics was twice as high after the first year compared to the second year. After the second year, the differences between the growing locations in many cases disappeared. The differences between the growing locations are probably caused by differences in temperature and soil fertility, while we attribute the decrease in low molecular weight phenols from the first to the second year to decreased water and nutrient stress, as well as aging. Our results suggest that intraspecific variations in concentration and composition of phenolic compounds in beech are caused by differences in the environment to a greater extent than the genetic background, which may indicate fast changes in chemical defense with climate change.
Iterative learning-based path control for robot-assisted upper-limb rehabilitation
Authors: Maqsood Kamran , Luo Jing , Yang Chenguang , Ren Qingyuan , Li Yanan
Published: May 2021

In robot-assisted rehabilitation, the performance of robotic assistance is dependent on the human user’s dynamics, which are subject to uncertainties. In order to enhance the rehabilitation performance and in particular to provide a constant level of assistance, we separate the task space into two subspaces where a combined scheme of adaptive impedance control and trajectory learning is developed. Human movement speed can vary from person to person and it cannot be predefined for the robot. Therefore, in the direction of human movement, an iterative trajectory learning approach is developed to update the robot reference according to human movement and to achieve the desired interaction force between the robot and the human user. In the direction normal to the task trajectory, human’s unintentional force may deteriorate the trajectory tracking performance. Therefore, an impedance adaptation method is utilized to compensate for unknown human force and prevent the human user drifting away from the updated robot reference trajectory. The proposed scheme was tested in experiments that emulated three upper-limb rehabilitation modes: zero interaction force, assistive and resistive. Experimental results showed that the desired assistance level could be achieved, despite uncertain human dynamics.
Leucine-rich alpha-2 glycoprotein is a potential biomarker to monitor disease activity in inflammatory bowel disease receiving adalimumab: PLANET study
Authors: Shinzaki Shinichiro , Matsuoka Katsuyoshi , Tanaka Hiroki , Takeshima Fuminao , Kato Shingo , Torisu Takehiro , Ohta Yuki , Watanabe Kenji , Nakamura Shiro , Yoshimura Naoki , Kobayashi Taku , Shiotani Akiko , Hirai Fumihito , Hiraoka Sakiko , Watanabe Mamoru , Matsuura Minoru , Nishimoto Shohei , Mizuno Shinta , Iijima Hideki , Takehara Tetsuo , Naka Tetsuji , Kanai Takanori , Matsumoto Takayuki
Published: May 2021

Background

This multicenter prospective study (UMIN000019958) aimed to evaluate the usefulness of serum leucin-rich alpha-2 glycoprotein (LRG) levels in monitoring disease activity in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Methods

Patients with moderate-to-severe IBD initiated on adalimumab therapy were enrolled herein. Serum LRG, C-reactive protein (CRP), and fecal calprotectin (fCal) levels were measured at week 0, 12, 24, and 52. Colonoscopy was performed at week 0, 12, and 52 for ulcerative colitis (UC), and at week 0, 24, and 52 for Crohn’s disease (CD). Endoscopic activity was assessed using the Simple Endoscopic Score for Crohn’s Disease (SES-CD) for CD and the Mayo endoscopic subscore (MES) for UC.

Results

A total of 81 patients was enrolled. Serum LRG levels decreased along with improvements in clinical and endoscopic outcomes upon adalimumab treatment (27.4 ± 12.6 μg/ml at week 0, 15.5 ± 7.7 μg/ml at week 12, 15.7 ± 9.6 μg/ml at week 24, and 14.5 ± 6.8 μg/ml at week 52), being correlated with endoscopic activity at each time point (SES-CD: r = 0.391 at week 0, r = 0.563 at week 24, r = 0.697 at week 52; MES: r = 0.534 at week 0, r = 0.429 at week 12, r = 0.335 at week 52). Endoscopic activity better correlated with LRG compared to CRP and fCal on pooled analysis at all time points (SES-CD: LRG: r = 0.636, CRP: r = 0.402, fCal: r = 0.435; MES: LRG: r = 0.568, CRP: 0.389, fCal: r = 0.426).

Conclusions

Serum LRG is a useful biomarker of endoscopic activity both in CD and UC during the adalimumab treatment.
Breathing space: deoxygenation of aquatic environments can drive differential ecological impacts across biological invasion stages
Authors: Dickey James W. E. , Coughlan Neil E. , Dick Jaimie T. A. , Médoc Vincent , McCard Monica , Leavitt Peter R. , Lacroix Gérard , Fiorini Sarah , Millot Alexis , Cuthbert Ross N.
Published: May 2021

The influence of climate change on the ecological impacts of invasive alien species (IAS) remains understudied, with deoxygenation of aquatic environments often-overlooked as a consequence of climate change. Here, we therefore assessed how oxygen saturation affects the ecological impact of a predatory invasive fish, the Ponto-Caspian round goby (Neogobius melanostomus), relative to a co-occurring endangered European native analogue, the bullhead (Cottus gobio) experiencing decline in the presence of the IAS. In individual trials and mesocosms, we assessed the effect of high, medium and low (90%, 60% and 30%) oxygen saturation on: (1) functional responses (FRs) of the IAS and native, i.e. per capita feeding rates; (2) the impact on prey populations exerted; and (3) how combined impacts of both fishes change over invasion stages (Pre-invasion, Arrival, Replacement, Proliferation). Both species showed Type II potentially destabilising FRs, but at low oxygen saturation, the invader had a significantly higher feeding rate than the native. Relative Impact Potential, combining fish per capita effects and population abundances, revealed that low oxygen saturation exacerbates the high relative impact of the invader. The Relative Total Impact Potential (RTIP), modelling both consumer species’ impacts on prey populations in a system, was consistently higher at low oxygen saturation and especially high during invader Proliferation. In the mesocosm experiment, low oxygen lowered RTIP where both species were present, but again the IAS retained high relative impact during Replacement and Proliferation stages at low oxygen. We also found evidence of multiple predator effects, principally antagonism. We highlight the threat posed to native communities by IAS alongside climate-related stressors, but note that solutions may be available to remedy hypoxia and potentially mitigate impacts across invasion stages.
The European Arrest Warrant in Designer Drugs Cases. With or Without Verification of Double Criminality?
Authors: Zając Dominik
Published: May 2021

The cross-border character of the designer drugs crimes forced the UE countries to cooperate in criminal prosecution. At first sight, in European Union law, there are proper instruments to enforce such cooperation. The Framework Decision on the European Arrest Warrant introduces the model of cross-border prosecution and abandons the requirement of double criminality in case of the group of the 32 crimes, listed in the Article 2 (2) of the FD EAW. The question is whether such a simple variant of EAW (without checking double criminality) may be enforced in designer drug cases. The work presents an argumentation that the normative meaning of Article 2 (2) of the FD EAW has to be established under European and international law. As long as a particular new drug is not internationally recognized as ‘psychotropic substance’ or ‘narcotic drug’, its trafficking cannot be treated as one of the 32 crimes, mentioned above.
People’s perceptions on the use of human excreta for biogas generation in Ghana
Authors: Osei-Marfo M. , de Vries N. K. , Awuah E.
Published: May 2021

This paper explored people’s perceptions on the use of human excreta for biogas generation in Ghana using the theory of planned behaviour (TPB). It sought to assess the effect of attitude, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control on people’s behavioural intention to use human excreta (HEx) for biogas. Data collection was by questionnaire designed with the TPB constructs and other demographic information, and the analysis was done by structural equation modelling (SEM). The analysis produced two structural models: the standard TPB model and the adjusted model. Based on SEM, this study revealed that the adjusted model provides a useful and effective framework for analysing the interrelationships between socio-demographic variables and the standard TPB constructs than the standard TPB. Therefore, the results show that the effect of attitude, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control are all significant and positive. Though all the constructs were significant and positive, participants showed low perceived behavioural control or they perceive low ability of using HEx for biogas. Results revealed an adequate fit for people’s behavioural intentions to use HEx for biogas. The adjusted model, generated by the inclusion of gender and education into the TPB model, provided a useful and effective framework for the interrelationships between socio-demographic variables and the TPB constructs than the standard TPB. Attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control significantly influenced intentions to use HEx for biogas. Though perceived behavioural control showed low controllability, subjective norm was a major factor with religion being key on intentions to use HEx for biogas generation. Gender and education had no direct significant influence on intentions, but their effects were mediated through the TPB factors. It was further revealed that knowledge on the benefits of biogas as well as the perceived effect of using human excreta was strong and positive. Interventions aimed at promoting the use of HEx for biogas should address low controllability and that should include government subsidy and financial support as well as education to address stigma and HEx knowledge. The intervention should also bring on board important persons such as religious leaders and persons from relevant institutions to lead more open discussions on HEx use for biogas.
Gender Transition: Is There a Right to Be Forgotten?
Authors: Correia Mónica , Rêgo Guilhermina , Nunes Rui
Published: May 2021

The European Union (EU) faced high risks from personal data proliferation to individuals’ privacy. Legislation has emerged that seeks to articulate all interests at stake, balancing the need for data flow from EU countries with protecting personal data: the General Data Protection Regulation. One of the mechanisms established by this new law to strengthen the individual’s control over their data is the so-called “right to be forgotten”, the right to obtain from the controller the erasure of records. In gender transition, this right represents a powerful form of control over personal data, especially health data that may reveal a gender with which they do not identify and reject. Therefore, it is pertinent to discern whether the right to have personal data deleted—in particular, health data—is ethically acceptable in gender transition. Towards addressing the ethical dimensions of the right to be forgotten in this case, this study presents relevant concepts, briefly outlines history, ethics and law of records considering the evolution from paper to electronic format, the main aspects of identity construction and gender identity, and explores the relationship between privacy, data protection/information control and identity projection. Also, it discusses in gender transition the relation between “the right to self-determination”, “the right to delete”, and “the right to identity and individuality”. Conclusions on the ethical admissibility of the ‘right to be forgotten’ to control gender-affirming information are presented.
Territorial governance of managed retreat in Sweden: addressing challenges
Authors: Göransson Gunnel , Van Well Lisa , Bendz David , Danielsson Per , Hedfors Jim
Published: May 2021

Many climate adaptation options currently being discussed in Sweden to meet the challenge of surging seas and inland flooding advocate holding the line through various hard and soft measures to stabilize the shoreline, while managed retreat is neither considered as feasible option nor has it been explicitly researched in Sweden. However, failure to consider future flooding from climate change in municipal planning may have dangerous and costly consequences when the water does come. We suggest that managed retreat practices are challenging in Sweden, not only due to public opinions but also because of a deficit of uptake of territorial knowledge by decision-makers and difficulties in realizing flexible planning options of the shoreline. A territorial governance framework was used as a heuristic to explore the challenges to managed retreat in four urban case studies (three municipalities and one county) representing different territorial, hydrological and oceanographic environments. This was done through a series of participatory stakeholder workshops. The analysis using a territorial governance framework based on dimensions of coordination, integration, mobilization, adaptation and realization presents variations in how managed retreat barriers and opportunities are perceived among case study sites, mainly due to the differing territorial or place-based challenges. The results also indicate common challenges regardless of the case study site, including coordination challenges and unclear responsibility, the need for integrated means of addressing goal conflicts and being able to adapt flexibly to existing regulations and plans. Yet rethinking how managed retreat could boost community resilience and help to implement long-term visions was seen as a way to deal with some of the territorial challenges.
Multiperiod Optimal Allocation of Emergency Resources in Support of Cross-Regional Disaster Sustainable Rescue
Authors: Wang Yanyan
Published: May 2021

Cross-regional allocation is necessary for the rational utilization and optimal allocation of resources. It is also the key to effective and sustainable disaster relief. Existing research, however, generally centers on emergency resource allocation only within territories or regions. This article proposes a multiperiod allocation optimization model for emergency resources based on regional self-rescue and cross-regional collaborative rescue efforts. The model targets the shortest delivery time and lowest allocation costs as its efficiency goals and the maximum coverage rate of resource allocation in the disaster-affected locations as its equity goal. An objective weighting fuzzy algorithm based on two-dimensional Euclidean distance is designed to solve the proposed model. A case study based on the Wenchuan Earthquake of 12 May 2008 was conducted to validate the proposed model. The results indicate that our proposed model allows for optimal, multiperiod cross-regional resource allocation by combining interterritorial and nearby allocation principles. Cross-regional relief makes resource allocation more equitable, minimizes dissatisfaction, and prevents losses. Different decision preferences appear to significantly affect the choice of resource allocation scheme employed, which provides flexibility for decision making in different emergencies.
Superflexible and Lead-Free Piezoelectric Nanogenerator as a Highly Sensitive Self-Powered Sensor for Human Motion Monitoring
Authors: Yu Di , Zheng Zhipeng , Liu Jiadong , Xiao Hongyuan , Huangfu Geng , Guo Yiping
Published: May 2021

For traditional piezoelectric sensors based on poled ceramics, a low curie temperature (Tc) is a fatal flaw due to the depolarization phenomenon. However, in this study, we find the low Tc would be a benefit for flexible piezoelectric sensors because small alterations of force trigger large changes in polarization. BaTi0.88Sn0.12O3 (BTS) with high piezoelectric coefficient and low Tc close to human body temperature is taken as an example for materials of this kind. Continuous piezoelectric BTS films were deposited on the flexible glass fiber fabrics (GFF), self-powered sensors based on the ultra-thin, superflexible, and polarization-free BTS-GFF/PVDF composite piezoelectric films are used for human motion sensing. In the low force region (1–9 N), the sensors have the outstanding performance with voltage sensitivity of 1.23 V N−1 and current sensitivity of 41.0 nA N−1. The BTS-GFF/PVDF sensors can be used to detect the tiny forces of falling water drops, finger joint motion, tiny surface deformation, and fatigue driving with high sensitivity. This work provides a new paradigm for the preparation of superflexible, highly sensitive and wearable self-powered piezoelectric sensors, and this kind of sensors will have a broad application prospect in the fields of medical rehabilitation, human motion monitoring, and intelligent robot.
Predictions of formability parameters in tube hydroforming process
Authors: Marlapalle Bapurao G. , Hingole Rahulkumar S.
Published: May 2021

The objective of this study is to improve the bulging and minimize the thinning ratio to enhance manufacturing of components in Industries. Tube hydroforming is an advanced manufacturing technology used for making intricate and complex tubular parts which required less cycle time. This research focuses on hydroforming process, formability and process parameters design to replace the conventional tube bending, welding and cutting operations. The prediction of parameters is done by applying numerical and experimental approach. During experimentation the pressurized fluid is used to deform the tubes in a plastic deformation. In this study, two types of grade materials are used such as AISI304 and AISI409L of 57.15 mm external diameter with 1.5 mm thickness in the form of electric resistance welded tubes to measure stain path, thinning and bulge height. However, it is observed that the internal pressure and L/D ratio are effective parameters in both numerical analysis and experimentation. In axial feed condition, it is observed that 16.3% thinning in weld region and 44.6% thinning in base metal region, whereas, in fixed feed condition, it is observed that 7.7% thinning in weld region and 18.6%thinning in base metal region for L/D = 1 and L/D = 3 respectively. The numerical analysis with experimental results shows a very good match. It is seen that the axial feed leads to better formability with fixed feed condition because in axial feed condition material supplies towards the center of the bulge tube. The feasibility of the hydroforming process for manufacturing of AISI304 and AISI409L grade material as per the requirements of the industries is also checked. The maximum bulging is observed in L/D = 2 by comparing with the other ratios. This process can be effectively used for AISI304 grade material because the formability is better than AISI409L.

Article highlights

The strain path measured and predicted at necking point for ERW tube in both weld and base metal.

Thinning is measured during bulging of tube under the axial and fixed feed condition.

For L/D = 1 ratio observed strain distribution in unidirectional and L/D = 2, 3 observed in plane strain and bidirectional respectively.
A budget-constrained partial protection planning of a rail intermodal terminal network
Authors: Sarhadi Hassan , Chauhan Satyaveer S. , Verma Manish
Published: May 2021

Rail-truck intermodal transportation is an essential component of freight transportation in North America, and thus, its associated infrastructure is deemed crucial for the wellbeing of the society. In this paper, a budget-constrained partial protection planning model is proposed that addresses the fortification of a rail intermodal network such that the effects of an intentional disruption are minimized. Novel solution methodologies that make use of metaheuristic approaches and a decomposition approach are proposed to solve the challenging tri-level mixed-integer mathematical model. The proposed analytical approaches are then used to solve and analyze problem instances generated using the realistic infrastructure of a major railroad operator. Finally, the computational efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed approaches over the existing solution techniques in the literature are discussed and future research directions are outlined.

Article Highlights

The paper suggests partial protection of facilities together with two metaheuristic approaches to solve the model.

The proposed metaheuristic approaches are efficient in solving the model compared to the existing exact approach.

Having the option to partially protect facilities provides effective use of scarce defensive resources.