bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Untargeted GC/TOFMS unravel metabolic profiles in cerebrospinal fluid of Chinese people living with HIV
Authors: Keram Alim , Pei Ning , Qi Tangkai , Xun Jingna , Gu Yutong , Li Wenwei
Published: January 2021

Background

Metabolic syndrome becomes a focus of clinical cares to people living with HIV (PLHIV) globally. This study aimed to explore the metabolic profiles in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of Chinese people living with HIV (PLHIV).

Methods

Cerebrospinal fluid samples from PLHIV and healthy controls were collected from our hospital. Then, the metabolic profiles of CSFs were analyzed PLHIV with healthy individual as the normal controls using the untargeted GC/TOFMS. Following this, kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes annotation and pathway analysis were performed to further explore the underlying mechanism of these metabolic alterations in cognitive impairment of PLHIV.

Results

Both PCA analysis and OPLS‐DA had presented that most samples were localized in 95% CI and the gap between control and HIV could significantly separate from each other. Upon this quality control, a total of 82 known metabolites were identified in CSF between PLHIV and healthy controls. Clustering of these metabolites presented that these differentially expressed metabolites could markedly distinguish HIV from healthy controls. Further pathway analyses showed that TCA cycle (citric acid, fumaric acid, lactate, et al.), amino acid (arginine, proline, alanine, aspartate, glutamine, et al.), lipid (cholesterol, butyrate, et al.) metabolisms were significantly changed in CSF of PLHIV, which might affect the cognitive status of PLHIV via affecting neuron energy support, signaling transduction, and neuroinflammation.

Conclusion

Metabolic profiles were significantly altered in CSF and might play key roles in the etiology of cognitive impairment of PHLIV. Further explore the exact mechanism for these metabolic changes might be useful for cognitive impairment management of PHLIV.
Dental students’ perception on Disability Equality Training as part of the special care dentistry curriculum
Authors: Mohamed Rohani Maryani , Mohd Nor Nor Azlida
Published: January 2021

Introduction

The Special Care Dentistry (SCD) undergraduate program increasingly aims to address student attitudes toward people with disabilities (PWD). One of the efforts made by the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya (FODUM), is to introduce Disability Equality Training (DET) as part of the learning activity in the SCD curriculum. This study aimed to explore students’ perception about the DET program.

Methods

This was a qualitative research project exploring students’ perception toward DET in 2 cohorts of third‐year dental students from FODUM (n = 100). The reflection notes were analyzed using Luborsky's method of thematic analysis. Identification of themes was based on statements that were most frequently reported by students.

Results

The majority of the students gave positive feedback for the training, which includes enhanced knowledge, attitudes, and skills about treating PWD. They also reflected that the DET improved their understanding of social and professional responsibility. In terms of learning experience, many reported that the training was useful and enjoyable. Students’ suggestions for improvement included learning "sign language", visiting special needs centers, and providing simulation exercises involving real PWD.

Conclusion

Students’ comments on the DET were positive and they enjoyed the learning experience. The findings support the continuation of DET as part of the undergraduate dental curriculum. Dental institutions seeking to implement or refine the SCD curriculum are encouraged to include DET based on its potential benefits for undergraduate students.
Self‐organizing map classification of the boundary layer profile: A refinement of Eastern Mediterranean winter synoptic regimes
Authors: Berkovic Sigalit , Mendelsohn Oz Yosef , Ilotoviz Eyal , Raveh‐Rubin Shira
Published: January 2021

The boundary layer (BL) profile over the coastal plain of Israel, Eastern Mediterranean (EM), varies considerably during winter. Although in the context of air pollution, the characteristics of the BL height (BLH) was intensively investigated, a quantitative classification of the BL profile regimes has not been performed. Here, we seek to reveal the dominant, recurring regimes of the BL profiles, their quantitative characteristics and links to regional synoptic‐scale patterns. An objective unsupervised classification of winter BL radiosonde profiles is performed for the first time by multi‐parameter self‐organizing map (SOM) analysis. The analysis uses high‐resolution, 12:00‐UTC data of wind, temperature, humidity and pressure measurements during December to February 2007–2018, and yields 30 distinct profile regimes. Composite analysis using ERA5 reanalysis suggests strong association between the profile regimes and synoptic weather systems and highlights four groups: (a) Deep winter cyclones with strong westerly wind and precipitation; (b) Strong surface anticyclones and Red Sea troughs (RST) with a mid‐tropospheric ridge, moderate dry easterly wind and extreme temperatures. (c) Moderate pressure gradients under shallow cyclones, anticyclone to the west and RST to the east of Israel. (d) Active RSTs, accompanied by upper‐tropospheric trough/cutoff low and heavy precipitation. For the first time, general objective classification observes the active RST without requiring specific criteria. Consistent with previous knowledge, the new classification exhibits distinct categories of thermal stability, BLH and turbulence. Importantly, we show that the automatic objective classification of profile data from a single station can be a sensitive discriminator of winter synoptic regimes in the EM, and therefore explains the variability of the BL profile. It facilitates the study of the interaction between the BL and the free troposphere and may improve the prediction of air pollution or future BL profile regimes based on long time series from historical data or climate models.
Ignition delay and chemical–kinetic modeling of undiluted mixtures in a high‐pressure shock tube: Nonideal effects and comparative uncertainty analysis
Authors: Zander Lisa , Vinkeloe Johann , Djordjevic Neda
Published: January 2021

High‐pressure shock tube ignition delay data are essential for fuel characterization and for the validation and optimization of chemical–kinetic models. Therefore, it is crucial that realistic measurement conditions are considered in modeling. Furthermore, an accurate uncertainty quantification for experimental data is the basis for evaluation of the predictive reliability of chemical–kinetic models. Several measurement aspects are investigated to improve the interpretation of measurement results: (1) A new approach for integrating the nonideal pressure rise into chemical–kinetic modeling based on a correlation to measurement data is introduced, which enables the determination at each condition and fuel–air mixture individually with minimal effort. (2) A semiempirical model for available test times of reactive mixtures is introduced, which is based on measurement data of nonreactive mixtures. It allows for a priori prediction of test times and provides experimental limits to support the measurement. (3) A literature review shows that different uncertainty sources are considered in ignition delay time uncertainty analysis. A comparative analysis is conducted to investigate the significance of different uncertainty sources for test temperature and ignition delay time. The analysis of ignition delay time uncertainty indicates that for fuels with negative temperature coefficient behavior a comprehensive uncertainty analysis has to be conducted to accurately estimate measurement uncertainty in the intermediate temperature range. Additionally, ignition delay times of dimethyl ether–air mixtures are measured at pressures of 8, 12, and 35 bar and at equivalence ratios of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0. Furthermore, the data on first‐stage ignition delay are rather scarce and have therefore been recorded additionally. The new approach of integrating the nonideal pressure rise into modeling and the comprehensive uncertainty analysis supports the interpretation of measurement data, such that the prediction capabilities of chemical–kinetic models can be evaluated thoroughly.
High resolution small‐scale inorganic scintillator detector: HDR brachytherapy application
Authors: Debnath Sree Bash Chandra , Ferre Marjorie , Tonneau Didier , Fauquet Carole , Tallet Agnes , Goncalves Anthony , Darreon Julien
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Brachytherapy (BT) deals with high gradient internal dose irradiation made up of a complex system where the source is placed nearby the tumor to destroy cancerous cells. A primary concern of clinical safety in BT is quality assurance to ensure the best matches between the delivered and prescribed doses targeting small volume tumors and sparing surrounding healthy tissues. Hence, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the performance of a point size inorganic scintillator detector (ISD) in terms of high dose rate brachytherapy (HDR‐BT) treatment.

Methods

A prototype of the dose verification system has been developed based on scintillating dosimetry to measure a high dose rate while using an 192Ir BT source. The associated dose rate is measured in photons/s employing a highly sensitive photon counter (design data: 20 photons/s). Dose measurement was performed as a function of source‐to‐detector distance according to TG43U1 recommendations. Overall measurements were carried out inside water phantoms keeping the ISD along the BT needle; a minimum of 0.1 cm distance was maintained between each measurement point. The planned dwell times were measured accurately from the difference of two adjacent times of transit. The ISD system performances were also evaluated in terms of dose linearity, energy dependency, scintillation stability, signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), and signal‐to‐background ratio (SBR). Finally, a comparison was presented between the ISD measurements and results obtained from TG43 reference dataset.

Results

The detection efficiency of the ISD was verified by measuring the planned dwell times at different dwell positions. Measurements demonstrated that the ISD has a perfectly linear behavior with dose rate (R2 = 1) and shows high SNR (>35) and SBR (>36) values even at the lowest dose rate investigated at around 10 cm from the source. Standard deviation (1σ) remains within 0.03% of signal magnitude, and less than 0.01% STEM signal was monitored at 0.1 cm source‐to‐detector distance. Stability of 0.54% is achieved, and afterglow stays less than 1% of the total signal in all the irradiations. Excellent symmetrical behavior of the dose rate regarding source position was observed at different radiation planes. Finally, a comparison with TG‐43 reference dataset shows that corrected measurements agreed with simulation data within 1.2% and 1.3%, and valid for the source‐to‐detector distance greater than 0.25 cm.

Conclusion

The proposed ISD in this study anticipated that the system could be promoted to validate with further clinical investigations. It allows an appropriate dose verification with dwell time estimation during source tracking and suitable dose measurement with a high spatial resolution both nearby (high dose gradient) and far (low dose gradient) from the source position.
Dyadic coping and social support: Various types of support in hematooncological patients and their spouses—Associations with psychological distress
Authors: Bodschwinna Daniela , Ernst Jochen , Mehnert‐Theuerkauf Anja , Gündel Harald , Weissflog Gregor , Hönig Klaus
Published: January 2021

Objective

Patients and spouses use various support strategies to deal with cancer and its associated burden. Support can be perceived within the dyad [perceived dyadic coping (PDC)] or from others [perceived social support (PSS)]. The present study investigates the association of PDC and PSS with depression and anxiety symptoms experienced by hematooncological dyads.

Methods

A total of 330 hematooncological dyads participated in the study. Dyadic Coping Inventory (DCI) including perceived stress communication and four PDC strategies (supportive, negative, delegated, common), ENRICHED Social Support Instrument (ESSI) and Patient Health Questionnaire‐4 (PHQ‐4) are used for assessment. To take nonindependence of patient's and spouse's variables into account, data are analyzed with the Actor‐partner‐interdependence model (APIM).

Results

Hematological cancer patients and their spouses reported a similar level of depression and anxiety symptoms. Perceived negative dyadic coping (DC) was adversely related with both patient's and spouse's outcomes (all p < 0.01) and perceived positive DC was adversely related with depression symptoms in both and anxiety symptoms in spouses (all p < 0.05). More PSS was associated with less depression and anxiety symptoms in both (all p < 0.05), and spouse's PSS (b = −0.04, p < 0.05) was significantly associated with patient's depression symptoms.

Conclusions

This study highlights the association between perceived negative DC, perceived positive DC and PSS with depression and anxiety symptoms. Focus should be on enhancement of PSS especially in spouses, as they experience a comparable amount of psychosocial distress and have considerable impact on the patient's wellbeing.
Identification of key neutral species in atmospheric‐pressure plasma for promoting proliferation of fibroblast cells
Authors: Hori Yuki , Iwata Naoyuki , Gamaleev Vladislav , Oh Jun‐Seok , Murata Tomiyasu , Hori Masaru , Ito Masafumi
Published: January 2021

To identify the key neutral species from atmospheric‐pressure plasma for promoting the proliferation of fibroblast cells, an atmospheric‐pressure radical generator was employed. A cell viability assay showed that the proliferation of fibroblasts was significantly promoted through radical treatment, resulting in the highest promotion ratio of 24%. The densities of the neutral radicals supplied by the radical generator were measured via mass spectrometry at atmospheric pressure. To determine an effective factor for the promotion, the dose dependencies of these radicals on the promotion ratio were investigated. The promotion ratio exhibited a strong correlation only with the NO• dose. These results confirmed that NO• is a direct trigger of plasma‐enhanced cell proliferation.
Supporting professional self‐care for PCN pharmacists
Authors: Barnett Nina , Jubraj Barry , White Dan
Published: January 2021

As pharmacists become established in their roles within Primary Care Network (PCN) multidisciplinary teams, it is important that their wellbeing and self‐care needs are supported. Here, the authors describe how the process of ‘restorative clinical supervision’, which they reframe as ‘professional self‐care’, brings pharmacists together to help them manage the complex professional and personal challenges they are now faced with.
Brexit, acculturative stress and mental health among EU citizens in Scotland
Authors: Teodorowski Piotr , Woods Ruth , Czarnecka Magda , Kennedy Catriona
Published: January 2021

The ‘Brexit’ referendum represents a hostile shift in the United Kingdom's acculturative context. With its remain majority and pro‐migration political discourse, Scotland appears less hostile than the rest of the United Kingdom. We explored whether and how Brexit affected the mental health of European Union citizens living in Scotland. Thirty EU citizens took part in seven focus groups. Participants reported three main sources of acculturative stress: uncertainty, feelings of rejection and experiences of loss. These were associated with a range of negative emotional and mental states including anxiety, anger, shock and sadness. A minority reported severe difficulties including trauma, panic attacks and deterioration of existing physical and mental health conditions. Participants mobilised contrasts between Scotland and other parts of the United Kingdom to partially mitigate feelings of rejection. These findings indicate that the United Kingdom's hostile acculturative context has had important, enduring effects on the mental health of EU citizens in Scotland.
Interfacial Electronic Properties and Adjustable Schottky Barrier at Graphene/CsPbI3 van der Waals Heterostructures
Authors: Qin Helin , Wang Jun , Guo Donghui , Zhong Dingyong
Published: January 2021

2D materials have attracted much attention for applications in halide perovskite optoelectronic devices due to their high carrier mobility and adjustable work function. Heterogeneous stacking of halide perovskites with 2D materials to form heterostructures is an effective way to improve the performance of perovskite photovoltaic and optoelectronic devices. Herein, the investigation of the interfacial interactions and electronic properties of graphene/CsPbI3 heterostructures with two types of exposed surfaces of CsPbI3 by first‐principles calculations is reported. The calculated results show that the intrinsic electronic properties of isolated graphene and the CsPbI3 slabs are well preserved in the heterostructures, and the interaction between the heterostructures is a weak van der Waals (vdW) interaction. The Schottky barriers are built in the vdW heterostructures with the optimized layer‐to‐layer distance. The barrier height can be tuned by doping graphene with boron and nitrogen atoms and by applying an external electric field. This work provides useful information for designing next‐generation electronic devices based on graphene/CsPbI3 vdW heterostructures.
A novel equivalence probability weighted power prior for using historical control data in an adaptive clinical trial design: A comparison to standard methods
Authors: Bennett Maxine , White Simon , Best Nicky , Mander Adrian
Published: January 2021

A standard two‐arm randomised controlled trial usually compares an intervention to a control treatment with equal numbers of patients randomised to each treatment arm and only data from within the current trial are used to assess the treatment effect. Historical data are used when designing new trials and have recently been considered for use in the analysis when the required number of patients under a standard trial design cannot be achieved. Incorporating historical control data could lead to more efficient trials, reducing the number of controls required in the current study when the historical and current control data agree. However, when the data are inconsistent, there is potential for biased treatment effect estimates, inflated type I error and reduced power. We introduce two novel approaches for binary data which discount historical data based on the agreement with the current trial controls, an equivalence approach and an approach based on tail area probabilities. An adaptive design is used where the allocation ratio is adapted at the interim analysis, randomising fewer patients to control when there is agreement. The historical data are down‐weighted in the analysis using the power prior approach with a fixed power. We compare operating characteristics of the proposed design to historical data methods in the literature: the modified power prior; commensurate prior; and robust mixture prior. The equivalence probability weight approach is intuitive and the operating characteristics can be calculated exactly. Furthermore, the equivalence bounds can be chosen to control the maximum possible inflation in type I error.
Loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP): An effective molecular point‐of‐care technique for the rapid diagnosis of coronavirus SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Chaouch Melek
Published: January 2021

The novel coronavirus disease‐2019 (Covid‐19) public health emergency has caused enormous loss around the world. This pandemic is a concrete example of the existing gap between availability of advanced diagnostics and current need for cost‐effective methodology. The advent of the loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay provided an innovative tool for establishing a rapid diagnostic technique based on the molecular amplification of pathogen RNA or DNA. In this review, we explore the applications, diagnostic effectiveness of LAMP test for molecular diagnosis and surveillance of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Our results show that LAMP can be considered as an effective point‐of‐care test for the diagnosis of Covid‐19 in endemic areas, especially for low‐ and middle‐income countries.
The widespread alteration of rivers in the Romanian Carpathians and the undisturbed Râul Alb
Authors: Dejeu Călin , Carpa Rahela , Remizovschi Alexei , Bond James
Published: January 2021

Physical alterations across the Romanian Carpathians have resulted in an ecocide in the form of the hydromophological disruption of n early every river. The primary cause has been two historical waves of hydropower development. Collectively, these projects were undertaken without consideration for their cumulative impact. Only one, small, ecologically complete and undisturbed river, Râul Alb, has survived. This river flows through a national park, a geopark, and three Natura 2000 sites. All of these, coupled with its spectacular heterogeneous water course, confirm Râul Alb as one of the top sites of natural heritage in Romania. However, Râul Alb was the proposed site for a hydropower project, consisting of two hydropower plants, one in the mountains and one in the depression downstream. Initially, an environmental permit was granted for this project. This was followed by a grassroots campaign and legal injunction that sought to halt the project. The campaign centred on a petition that reached over 116,000 signatures. The legal plaintiff argued that county and national laws were potentially breached by this project. Ultimately, the Alba Iulia Court of Appeal found in favour of the plaintiff and blocked the construction of the hydropower plants on administrative grounds (invoking one of the laws considered). Yet pressure to develop the untouched river remains.
Enhancement of the molecular orientation of TPBi in coevaporated films of UGH‐2 host molecules
Authors: Gunawardana Hewa Dewage Chandima Niroshan , Osada Kohei , Koswattage Kaveenga Rasika , Noguchi Yutaka
Published: January 2021

In this study, we investigated the spontaneous orientation polarization (SOP) in coevaporated films of polar and nonpolar molecules. SOP has been commonly observed in the evaporated films of organic light‐emitting diode materials, and it influences the device performances. However, the mechanism of the SOP formation is yet to be clarified. Herein, we characterized the molecular orientation of polar molecules of 1,3,5‐tris (1phenyl‐1H‐benzimidazol‐2‐yl) benzene (TPBi) in coevaporated films with nonpolar molecules of 1,4‐bis‐(triphenylsilyl) benzene (UGH‐2) or 4,4′‐bis (N‐carbazolyl)‐1,1′‐biphenyl (CBP). We measured the surface potential characteristics of the coevaporated films. We found that the molecular orientation of TPBi in both UGH‐2 and CBP hosts was enhanced, though the apparent enhancement factor was small in the UGH‐2 host. The enhancement of the molecular orientation is attributed to the reduction of the electrostatic interaction between polar molecules (TPBi), which deteriorates SOP as previously reported. In addition, our results suggest that the SOP of TPBi is robust even in the UGH‐2 host, in contrast to the random orientation of Ir complexes in the UGH‐2 host. Considering a polyhedral shape of Ir complexes, the robust SOP of TPBi in the host molecules with a weak van der Waals interaction, such as UGH‐2, is possibly due to its disk‐like molecular shape.
A Supported Ni Catalyst Produced from Ni‐Al Hydrotalcite‐Like Precursor for Reduction of Furfuryl Alcohol to Tetrahydrofurfuryl Alcohol by NaBH4 in Water
Authors: Ren Dezhang , Wang Jingyi , Jiang Xuelei , Song Zhiyuan , Norinaga Koyo , Huo Zhibao
Published: January 2021

Tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol (THFA) is a kind of high value‐added compound in industry, which can be obtained from biomass chemical engineering. However, Synthesis of THFA under mild condition with green hydrogen donors remains a big challenge. In this article, a supported Ni catalyst derived from Ni−Al hydrotalcite‐like compounds (HTs) as precursors for the reduction of furfuryl alcohol (FA) into THFA with NaBH4 as reducing agent in water was first reported. As a result, Ni/Al2O3−HT exhibited high catalytic activity for the transformation, and THFA was achieved in 100 % yield at 60 °C for 60 min. Moreover, Ni/Al2O3−HT could be recycled at least seven times without the loss of its activity. Under optimized conditions, the reduction reaction of several furan and ketone compounds was investigated. A possible mechanism for the reduction of FA to afford THFA was also proposed.
Tobacco‐Stem‐Derived Nitrogen‐Enriched Hierarchical Porous Carbon for High‐Energy Supercapacitor
Authors: Wang Hefang , Yang Lijia , Liu Guanghui , Li Manhua
Published: January 2021

Nitrogen enriched hierarchical porous carbons with high specific surface (SSA) area and well‐connected pore structure are highly desirable for supercapacitor electrode materials. Herein, nitrogen enriched hierarchical porous carbon (NHPC) was prepared by pre‐carbonization of tobacco stems and activation by KHCO3. The as‐prepared NHPC‐800 exhibits high SSA (2691 m2 g−1) and high proportion of mesopore (76.5 %). NHPC‐800 also shows high nitrogen content of 1.4 %. Benefited from improved pore structure and chemical composition, the obtained NHPC‐800 delivered a high capacitance of 252.9 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 and 189.1 F g−1 at 20 A g−1 in 6 M KOH. Additionally, the symmetric supercapacitor exhibits a high energy density of 7.8 W h kg−1 and good cycle stability with 92.6 % capacitance retention after 6000 charge/discharge cycles in 1 M Na2SO4 electrolyte. The good electrochemical performance makes NHPC‐800 a potential electrode material for supercapacitor.
Design, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Nobiletin Derivatives as Multifunctional Agents for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Zhou Licheng , Shi Ximeng , Yin Huanhuan , Huang Yi , Wang Rui , Ma Lei
Published: January 2021

The complex pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) has become a major obstacle in its therapy. One hopeful approach is to develop multifuntional ligands. Here, a total of 23 compounds based on nobiletin structure were designed and synthesized. The neuroprotective activities were evaluated for their antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory and anti‐Aβ42 (Amyloid β‐protein 42) neurotoxicity properties by MTT assays. The results demonstrated compound A12 was the most promising derivative against inflammatory (14.6±0.6 %) and cell damages induced by hydrogen peroxide (47.2±1.1 %), oxygen glucose deprivation (36.2±1.1 %) and Aβ42 (40.7±2.1 %). Molecular docking study revealed A12 formed a greater area of interactions with Aβ42 to prevent it from acquiring a beta sheet conformation for aggregation. Structure‐activity relationships revealed the introduction of hydroxyl on ring B and aurone skeleton with a five‐membered ring C could be benefit to increase their neuroprotective activities. In summary, A12 might represent a promising multifunctional neuroprotective agent against AD.
An Easy Access to Pyrogallol Derivatives Using a Practical Auxiliary
Authors: Wu Xing , Yi Songjian , Huang Yifeng , Lin Ling , Tang Yu , Feng Pengju
Published: January 2021

This paper describes a facile approach topyrogallol derivativesviaa palladium‐catalyzed bis‐C−H acetoxylation strategy with 5‐nitropyrimidine as a directing group (DG). The directing group can be easily pre‐installed and readily removed under mild condition after the coupling. In addition, the transformation is operationally simple, has high functional group tolerance, and is amenable to gram‐scale. Moreover, the 5‐nitropyrimidine is successfully used as a practical directing group that three‐step installation of directing group, ortho‐acetoxylation and removalof the directing group sequence were successfullycombined in one pot.
Code‐level model checking in the software development workflow at Amazon Web Services
Authors: Chong Nathan , Cook Byron , Eidelman Jonathan , Kallas Konstantinos , Khazem Kareem , Monteiro Felipe R. , Schwartz‐Narbonne Daniel , Tasiran Serdar , Tautschnig Michael , Tuttle Mark R.
Published: January 2021

This article describes a style of applying symbolic model checking developed over the course of four years at Amazon Web Services (AWS). Lessons learned are drawn from proving properties of numerous C‐based systems, for example, custom hypervisors, encryption code, boot loaders, and an IoT operating system. Using our methodology, we find that we can prove the correctness of industrial low‐level C‐based systems with reasonable effort and predictability. Furthermore, AWS developers are increasingly writing their own formal specifications. As part of this effort, we have developed a CI system that allows integration of the proofs into standard development workflows and extended the proof tools to provide better feedback to users. All proofs discussed in this article are publicly available on GitHub.
Die Digitalisierung der Zustandsüberwachung von Windenergieanlagen und Brücken im Vergleich
Authors: Kühne Jens , Gündel Max , Ebert Carsten , Colomer Carles
Published: January 2021

Bisher hat die Digitalisierung im Bauwesen überwiegend im Hinblick auf die Planungsprozesse stattgefunden. In den übrigen Phasen des Lebenszyklus eines Bauwerks wie Erstellung, Betrieb und Rückbau ist die Digitalisierung hingegen nur punktuell oder noch gar nicht erfolgt. Dabei sind gerade für die Betriebsphase digitale Technologien wie Drohnenbefliegungen mit verschiedenen optischen Sensoren und Monitoringsysteme verfügbar, mit denen ein effizienteres Wartungs‐ und Instandhaltungsmanagement erreicht werden kann. Im Bauwesen werden diese Möglichkeiten bisher nur wenig genutzt. Ganz anders sieht es in der Windbranche aus: Hier ist der Einsatz intelligenter Überwachungssysteme fester Bestandteil der Erhaltungsstrategien und Drohnenbefliegungen werden verstärkt in Inspektionskonzepte einbezogen. In diesem Beitrag werden diese digitalen Technologien an sechs Aspekten bez. ihrer Einsatzmöglichkeiten für Windenergieanlagen und Brücken diskutiert sowie Chancen und Risiken beim Technologietransfer aufgezeigt.
Evaluation of Pexion® (imepitoin) for treatment of storm anxiety in dogs: A randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Perdew Irina , Emke Carrie , Johnson Brianna , Dixit Vaidehi , Song Yukun , Griffith Emily H. , Watson Philip , Gruen Margaret E.
Published: January 2021

Background: While often grouped with other noise aversions, fearful behaviour during storms is considered more complex than noise aversion alone. The objective here was to assess the effect of imepitoin for the treatment of storm anxiety in dogs.

Methods: In this double‐blind, placebo‐controlled randomised study, eligible dogs completed a baseline then were randomised to receive either imepitoin (n = 30; 30 mg/kg BID) or placebo (n = 15) for 28 days. During storms, owners rated their dog's intensity for 16 behaviours using a Likert scale. Weekly, owners rated intensity and frequency of these behaviours. Summary scores were compared to baseline and between groups.

Results and Conclusions: Imepitoin was significantly superior to placebo in storm logs and weekly surveys for weeks 2 and 4, and in the end‐of‐study survey. Mild/moderate adverse events were reported in 26 patients (24 active: two placebo); the most frequent adverse event was ataxia. Owners of dogs in the imepitoin group, compared to placebo, were significantly more likely to report that treatment reduced their dogs fear and anxiety during storms (p < 0.001) and other noise events (p < 0.001). Twice daily administration of imepitoin decreased anxiety scores in dogs with storm anxiety. Future work may evaluate optimal dosage regimens.
Uranyl Complexes with Selenium or Tellurium Containing Chelate Ligands
Authors: Karaghiosoff Konstantin , Klapötke Thomas M. , Kunz Thomas , Mayer Peter , Beck Wolfgang
Published: January 2021

The syntheses and characterization of uranyl complexes containing the OP(Se)(OEt)2− or OP(Te)(OEt)2− ligands are described. The U(VI) complexes UO2(OP(Se)(OEt)2)2(OP(NMe2)3)2 (1) and UO2(OP(Te)(OEt)2)2(OP(NMe2)3)2 (4) were prepared by the reaction of UO2(NO3)2(OP(NMe2)3)2 with the corresponding NaOP(E)(OEt)2 salt in THF (E=Se, Te). The complexes UO2(OP(Se)(OEt)2)2(OPPh3)2 (2) and UO2(OP(Se)(OEt)2)2((OAsPh3)(HOMe) (3) were prepared by the reaction of [UO2Cl2(THF)2]2 with NaOP(Se)(OEt)2 in THF solution in the presence of OPPh3 (2) or OAsPh3 (3) and recrystallised from THF (2) and HOMe (3) respectively. Although the OP(E)(OEt)2− (E=Se, Te) ligands may be able to act as bidentate chelate ligands, evidence for the weak coordination of the Se atom to the uranium(VI) centre was only observed in complexes 2 and 3. No coordination of the Te atom to the U(VI) centre in complex 4 was observed. Complexes 2–3 were characterized using vibrational (IR, Raman) spectroscopy. In addition, the structures of compounds 1–4 were determined using single crystal X‐ray diffraction techniques: Compounds 2 and 3 are examples of structurally characterized compounds containing significant U(VI)−Se interactions.
Linear and nonlinear vibrations of variable cross‐section beams using shear deformation theory
Authors: Sohani Fatemeh , Eipakchi Hamidreza
Published: January 2021

In the present paper, the governing equations of a vibratory beam with moderately large deflection and arbitrary cross‐section are derived by using the first‐order shear deformation theory. The beam is homogenous, isotropic and it is subjected to the axial loads. The kinematic of the problem is according to the von‐Kármán strain‐displacement relations and the Hooke law is used as the constitutive equations. The partial differential governing equations describing the axial and transverse vibrations of homogeneous beams contain four coupled nonlinear equations with variable coefficients which are derived employing Hamilton's principle. The Galerkin method in conjunction with the perturbation technique is applied to obtain the linear natural frequencies. A parametric study is performed and the effects of different thickness functions such as linear, polynomial and trigonometric on the results are investigated. The non‐linear frequencies which contain the corrections on the linear frequencies are calculated. The corrected parts of the non‐linear frequencies are functions of the axial as well as the transverse amplitudes of the vibrations. The influences of the axial load and aspect ratio on the linear and non‐linear frequencies are studied too. To confirm the reliability of the vibration analysis carried out in the present paper, the analytical results are checked with the corresponding numerical results obtained from the finite element analysis. The numerical and analytical results are in a good agreement.
MRI Mapping of the Blood Oxygenation Sensitive Parameter T2* in the Kidney: Basic Concept
Authors: Li Lu-Ping , Hack Bradley , Seeliger Erdmann , Prasad Pottumarthi V.
Published: January 2021

The role of hypoxia in renal disease and injury has long been suggested but much work still remains, especially as it relates to human translation. Invasive pO2 probes are feasible in animal models but not for human use. In addition, they only provide localized measurements. Histological methods can identify hypoxic tissue and provide a spatial distribution, but are invasive and allow only one-time point. Blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) MRI is a noninvasive method that can monitor relative oxygen availability across the kidney. It is based on the inherent differences in magnetic properties of oxygenated vs. deoxygenated hemoglobin. Presence of deoxyhemoglobin enhances the spin–spin relaxation rate measured using a gradient echo sequence, known as R2* (= 1/T2*). While the key interest of BOLD MRI is in the application to humans, use in preclinical models is necessary primarily to validate the measurement against invasive methods, to better understand physiology and pathophysiology, and to evaluate novel interventions. Application of MRI acquisitions in preclinical settings involves several challenges both in terms of logistics and data acquisition. This section will introduce the concept of BOLD MRI and provide some illustrative applications. The following sections will discuss the technical issues associated with data acquisition and analysis.

This chapter is based upon work from the COST Action PARENCHIMA, a community-driven network funded by the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) program of the European Union, which aims to improve the reproducibility and standardization of renal MRI biomarkers. This introduction chapter is complemented by two separate chapters describing the experimental procedure and data analysis.
Hyperpolarized Carbon (13C) MRI of the Kidneys: Basic Concept
Authors: von Morze Cornelius , Reed Galen D. , Wang Zhen J. , Ohliger Michael A. , Laustsen Christoffer
Published: January 2021

Existing clinical markers for renal disease are limited. Hyperpolarized (HP) 13C MRI is based on the technology of dissolution dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) and provides new avenues for imaging kidney structure, function, and most notably, renal metabolism, addressing some of these prior limitations. Changes in kidney structure and function associated with kidney disease can be evaluated using [13C]urea, a metabolically inert tracer. Metabolic changes can be assessed using [1-13C]pyruvate and a range of other rapidly metabolized small molecules, which mainly probe central carbon metabolism. Results from numerous preclinical studies using a variety of these probes demonstrated that this approach holds great potential for monitoring renal disease, although more work is needed to bridge intelligently into clinical studies. Here we introduce the general concept of HP 13C MRI and review the most relevant probes and applications to renal disease, including kidney cancer, diabetic nephropathy and ischemic kidney injury.

This chapter is based upon work from the PARENCHIMA COST Action, a community-driven network funded by the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) program of the European Union, which aims to improve the reproducibility and standardization of renal MRI biomarkers. This introduction chapter is complemented by two separate chapters describing the experimental procedure and data analysis.
MR Elastography of the Abdomen: Basic Concepts
Authors: Serai Suraj D. , Yin Meng
Published: January 2021

Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) is an emerging imaging modality that maps the elastic properties of tissue such as the shear modulus. It allows for noninvasive assessment of stiffness, which is a surrogate for fibrosis. MRE has been shown to accurately distinguish absent or low stage fibrosis from high stage fibrosis, primarily in the liver. Like other elasticity imaging modalities, it follows the general steps of elastography: (1) apply a known cyclic mechanical vibration to the tissue; (2) measure the internal tissue displacements caused by the mechanical wave using magnetic resonance phase encoding method; and (3) infer the mechanical properties from the measured mechanical response (displacement), by generating a simplified displacement map. The generated map is called an elastogram.

While the key interest of MRE has traditionally been in its application to liver, where in humans it is FDA approved and commercially available for clinical use to noninvasively assess degree of fibrosis, this is an area of active research and there are novel upcoming applications in brain, kidney, pancreas, spleen, heart, lungs, and so on. A detailed review of all the efforts is beyond the scope of this chapter, but a few specific examples are provided. Recent application of MRE for noninvasive evaluation of renal fibrosis has great potential for noninvasive assessment in patients with chronic kidney diseases. Development and applications of MRE in preclinical models is necessary primarily to validate the measurement against “gold-standard” invasive methods, to better understand physiology and pathophysiology, and to evaluate novel interventions. Application of MRE acquisitions in preclinical settings involves challenges in terms of available hardware, logistics, and data acquisition. This chapter will introduce the concepts of MRE and provide some illustrative applications.

This publication is based upon work from the COST Action PARENCHIMA, a community-driven network funded by the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) program of the European Union, which aims to improve the reproducibility and standardization of renal MRI biomarkers. This introduction chapter is complemented by another separate chapter describing the experimental protocol and data analysis.
Monitoring Renal Hemodynamics and Oxygenation by Invasive Probes: Experimental Protocol
Authors: Cantow Kathleen , Ladwig-Wiegard Mechthild , Flemming Bert , Pohlmann Andreas , Niendorf Thoralf , Seeliger Erdmann
Published: January 2021

Renal tissue hypoperfusion and hypoxia are early key elements in the pathophysiology of acute kidney injury of various origins, and may also promote progression from acute injury to chronic kidney disease. Here we describe methods to study control of renal hemodynamics and tissue oxygenation by means of invasive probes in anesthetized rats. Step-by-step protocols are provided for two setups, one for experiments in laboratories for integrative physiology and the other for experiments within small-animal magnetic resonance scanners.

This publication is based upon work from the COST Action PARENCHIMA, a community-driven network funded by the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) program of the European Union, which aims to improve the reproducibility and standardization of renal MRI biomarkers. This experimental protocol chapter is complemented by a separate chapter describing the basic concepts of quantitatively assessing renal perfusion and oxygenation with invasive probes.
Essential Practical Steps for MRI of the Kidney in Experimental Research
Authors: Pohlmann Andreas , Periquito João S. , Niendorf Thoralf
Published: January 2021

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an emerging method to obtain valuable functional and structural information about the kidney noninvasively. Before performing specialized MR measurements for probing tissue structure and function, some essential practical steps are needed, which are common for most applications. Here we describe in a step-by-step manner how to (1) achieve the double-oblique slice orientation coronal-to-the-kidney, (2) adapt the scan protocol for avoiding aortic flow artifacts and covering both kidneys, (3) perform localized shimming on the kidney, and (4) check perfusion in the large renal blood vessels using time-of-flight (TOF) angiography. The procedures are tailored to preclinical MRI but conceptionally are also applicable to human MRI.

This chapter is based upon work from the COST Action PARENCHIMA, a community-driven network funded by the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) program of the European Union, which aims to improve the reproducibility and standardization of renal MRI biomarkers. This experimental protocol chapter explains the initial and essential MRI steps that precede specific functional and structural MR imaging techniques (T1- and T2*-mapping, DWI, ASL, etc.), which are described in separate chapters.
Experimental Protocol for MRI Mapping of the Blood Oxygenation-Sensitive Parameters T2* and T2 in the Kidney
Authors: Pohlmann Andreas , Zhao Kaixuan , Fain Sean B. , Prasad Pottumarthi V. , Niendorf Thoralf
Published: January 2021

Renal hypoxia is generally accepted as a key pathophysiologic event in acute kidney injury of various origins, and has also been suggested to play a role in the development of chronic kidney disease. Here we describe a step-by-step experimental protocol for indirect monitoring of renal blood oxygenation in rodents via the deoxyhemoglobin sensitive MR parameters T2* and T2—a contrast mechanism known as the blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) effect. Since an absolute quantification of renal oxygenation from T2*/T2 remains challenging, the effects of controlled and standardized variations in the fraction of inspired oxygen are used for bench marking. This MRI method may be useful for investigating renal blood oxygenation of small rodents in vivo under various experimental (patho)physiological conditions.

This chapter is based upon work from the COST Action PARENCHIMA, a community-driven network funded by the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) program of the European Union, which aims to improve the reproducibility and standardization of renal MRI biomarkers. This experimental protocol chapter is complemented by two separate chapters describing the basic concept and data analysis.
Renal MRI Diffusion: Experimental Protocol
Authors: Periquito João S. , Meier Martin , Niendorf Thoralf , Pohlmann Andreas , Jerome Neil Peter
Published: January 2021

Renal diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) can be used to obtain information on the microstructure of kidney tissue, and has the potential to provide MR-biomarkers for functional renal imaging. Here we describe in a step-by-step experimental protocol the MRI method for measuring renal diffusion coefficients in rodents using ADC or IVIM models. Both methods provide quantification of renal diffusion coefficients; however, IVIM, a more complex model, allows for the calculation of the pseudodiffusion and fraction introduced by tissue vascular and tubular components. DWI provides information of renal microstructure contributing to the understanding of the physiology and the underlying processes that precede the beginning of pathologies.

This chapter is based upon work from the COST Action PARENCHIMA, a community-driven network funded by the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) program of the European Union, which aims to improve the reproducibility and standardization of renal MRI biomarkers. This experimental protocol chapter is complemented by two separate chapters describing the basic concept and data analysis.
Renal pH Mapping Using Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (CEST) MRI: Experimental Protocol
Authors: Pavuluri Kowsalya Devi , Consolino Lorena , Longo Dario Livio , Irrera Pietro , Sun Phillip Zhe , McMahon Michael T.
Published: January 2021

Chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) is recognized as one of the premier methods for measuring pH with this environmental variable expected to be an excellent biomarker for kidney diseases. Here we describe step-by-step CEST MRI experimental protocols for producing pH and perfusion maps for monitoring kidney pH homeostasis in rodents after administering iopamidol as contrast agent. Several CEST techniques, acquisition protocols and ratiometric approaches are described. The impact of length of acquisition time on the quality of the maps is detailed. These methods may be useful for investigating progression in kidney disease in vivo for rodent models.

This chapter is based upon work from the COST Action PARENCHIMA, a community-driven network funded by the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) program of the European Union, which aims to improve the reproducibility and standardization of renal MRI biomarkers. This experimental protocol is complemented by two separate chapters describing the basic concepts and data analysis.