bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bridging the Interfacial Contact for Improved Stability and Efficiency of Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Huang Yulan , Liu Tanghao , Li Dongyang , Lian Qing , Wang Yun , Wang Guoliang , Mi Guojun , Zhou Yuanyuan , Amini Abbas , Xu Baomin , Tang Zikang , Cheng Chun , Xing Guichuan
Published: May 2022

Inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have received widespread attention due to their facile fabrication and wide applications. However, their power conversion efficiency (PCE) is reported lower than that of regular PSCs because of the undesirable interfacial contact between perovskite and the hydrophobic hole transport layer (HTL). Here, an interface regulation strategy is proposed to overcome this limitation. A small molecule ([2‐(9H‐carbazol‐9‐yl) ethyl] phosphonic acid, abbreviated as 2P), composed of carbazole and phosphonic acid groups, is inserted between perovskite and HTL. Morphological characterization and theoretical calculation reveal that perovskite bonds stronger on 2P‐modified HTL than on pristine HTL. The improved interfacial contact facilitates hole extraction and retards degradation. Upon the incorporation of 2P, inverted PSCs deliver a high PCE of over 22% with superior stability, keeping 84.6% of initial efficiency after 7200 h storage under an ambient atmosphere with a relative humidity of ≈30–40%. This strategy provides a simple and efficient way to boost the performance of inverted PSCs.
The strain limit state criterion for hollow section joints
Authors: Kožich Matyáš , Wald František , Bu Xiao Ding , Packer Jeffrey A.
Published: May 2022

This paper focuses on discussions about establishing the design resistance of hollow section joints, which have now been ongoing for 30 years. The question arose once physical experiments could be replaced by numerical tests and was temporarily solved by agreement on a displacement limit within the IIW. With the advent of design using finite element (FE) solutions and the use of high‐strength steels, this question is being raised once more.

Many design guides and standards with considerable international consensus are now available for the design of welded hollow section joints in onshore and offshore construction. However, they typically cover relatively standardized joint types, geometries and loading cases. In the event of unusual joints it is now common for finite element modelling to be performed, but specific guidance needs to be provided on acceptable FE modelling procedures and the interpretation of the output in order to determine a suitable joint design resistance. With this objective in mind, this paper describes appropriate FE modelling and ultimate limit states that can be used; in particular, a 5 % ultimate strain limit state. Application of these ultimate limit states is demonstrated using validated FE models for RHS‐to‐RHS (rectangular hollow section) X‐joints, with braces in axial compression and tension, and brace plate‐to‐CHS (circular hollow section) joints with braces loaded in axial compression.
The behaviour of anchored extended blind bolts in concrete‐filled tubes
Authors: Tizani Walid , Cabrera Manuela , Mahmood Mohammed , Ninic Jelena , Wang Fangying
Published: May 2022

Extended Hollo‐Bolts (EHBs) are blind bolts that have an extended bolt shank ending in an anchor nut. When used with concrete‐filled tubes, the extension and the anchor in the concrete serve to enhance significantly the performance of both connection components: bolts in tension and tube face in bending. The enhancements are a result of confining the concrete, preventing local buckling of the steel tube and allowing the blind bolt to achieve a tensile strength equal to that of standard bolt+nut fasteners. Overall, the use of the EHB results in a moment‐resisting bolted connection to hollow sections which can achieve rigid behaviour under certain configurations. This paper summarizes research work done to date on such connections at the University of Nottingham. This includes experimental, numerical and analytical modelling. The aim of the work is to provide a fundamental understanding of the behaviour of anchored blind bolt connections to concrete‐filled columns, leading to the specification of appropriate design rules that allow the use of such bolted moment‐resisting connections in practice. The work has proposed analytical models for: connection stiffness, column face‐bending strength considering both single and group behaviour of bolt rows, anchored bolts in tension and anchored bolts under combined tension and shear.
New shear transfer system for concrete‐filled steel tube (CFST) columns
Authors: Soltanalipour Milad , Ferrer‐Ballester Miquel , Marimon Carvajal Frederic , Albareda Valls Albert , Casafont Ribera Miquel , Iglesias Toquero Gorka
Published: May 2022

Concrete‐filled steel tube (CFST) columns are frequently used in construction due to their high ductility and improved loadbearing capacities. At beam‐to‐CFST column joints, gusset plates are welded to the outer face of the steel tube, and specific elements should ensure the shear transfer between the inner face of the steel tube and the concrete core. The current shear transfer systems are shear studs, internal rings, angles, steel plates, steel bars, tab stiffeners, etc. Although good, these systems also have disadvantages, such as slowing down the construction process, complexity of execution, greater material consumption and restricting the flow when pumping the concrete into the tube. UPCCFST is a new connection system that enhances the shear bond strength of CFST columns and consists of punching the steel tube inwards to produce crown‐shaped protrusions that act as shear connectors. This system also speeds up the construction process, simplifies connections, does not restrict the flow when casting the concrete and has economic and environmental advantages. Push‐out tests were performed to evaluate the shear bond strength. The shear strength improvement using UPCCFST has been compared with the reference conventional CFST columns. The new system increased the shear bond strength by up to 6.67 times for the SHS 200x4 specimens and 2.89 times for the SHS 110x2 specimens. This paper explains the UPCCFST system, the prototyping process, the testing and the most important results and observations.
Hybrid connection technologies for hollow sections in steel construction
Authors: Ummenhofer Thomas , Boretzki Jakob , Albiez Matthias
Published: May 2022

Circular hollow sections (CHS) offer a variety of constructional and architectural advantages. Up to now, hollow section structures have usually been connected by welding, and more rarely by bolting. However, these established connection methods have disadvantages. Despite its great success in the mobility sector, adhesive bonding is not yet used for joining hollow steel sections in steel construction. Adhesive bonding, however, has significant advantages, especially if combined with classical joining processes. To highlight these advantages, this article presents excerpts from the results obtained in two recently completed research projects. First, a hybrid brace connection for hollow section framework structures is presented which combines welding, bolting and adhesive bonding methods. In addition, the loadbearing behaviour of a novel hybrid grouted connection, which advantageously combines adhesive and grout materials, is analysed and discussed in this paper.
Robust design for reducing drum brake noise
Authors: Wang Wenzhu , Li Jie , Liu Gang , Wei Jun
Published: May 2022

A limited number of studies have explored drum brake noise with uncertainty. Therefore, a new method for the robust design of drum brakes is presented herein on the basis of complex modal analysis and Taguchi's robust design. Based on the finite element method, complex modal analysis is used to predict drum brake noise. Taguchi's robust design is adopted to reduce drum brake noise and improve system robustness. In this method, the Young's moduli of the brake drum, brake shoes, and friction lining are considered as control factors, the friction coefficient and brake pressure are taken as noise factors, and the weighted instability tendency coefficient is regarded as the objective function. When the proposed method is applied to drum brake design, drum brake noise is significantly reduced and system robustness is increased. Specifically, the signal‐to‐noise ratio increases by 62.94%, and the average value of the weighted instability tendency coefficient decreases by 91.7%. © 2022 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Theorie und Methodik
Authors: Geursen Elisabeth
Published: May 2022

Im zweiten Kapitel erfolgt eine theoretische Erklärung der für das Forschungsvorhaben relevanten Methodik und Termini. Darin werden diskurslinguistische Ansätze einschließlich der Darstellung der linguistischen Diskursanalyse nach Konerding und deren Abgrenzung zu anderen Formen der Diskursanalyse aufgeführt. Außerdem wird die Erweiterung des diskurslinguistischen und korpusbasierten Verfahrens durch eine linguistisch-operationalisierte Anwendung des Frame-Begriffs für die vorliegende Arbeit aufgezeigt. Dabei sind Konerdings Ausführungen zum Diskursthema zentral und werden für die Abbildung der thematischen Korpora berücksichtigt. Dem übergeordneten Diskursthema „Nachhaltigkeit im Personalmanagement“, verstanden als spezifikationsbedürftiger Konzeptframe einer nominalisierten Makroposition, wird ein allgemeiner sortal bestimmter Matrixframe – Zustand – zugeordnet (Konerding 1993, 2005, 2007). Der Matrixframe Zustand wird angewandt, da nachhaltiges Personalmanagement, ausgehend vom Ist-Zustand eines traditionellen Personalmanagements, durch die Umsetzung der Forderungen und Handlungen der am Diskurs beteiligten Akteure als spezifischer Zielzustand einer entsprechend gesteuerten Entwicklung erreicht werden soll. Auf dieser Grundlage werden Unternehmenstexte sowie diskurskonstituierende Medientexte recherchiert und analysiert.
Nachhaltigkeit im Personalmanagement
Authors: Geursen Elisabeth
Published: May 2022

Ausgehend von einer Charakterisierung des Nachhaltigkeitsbegriffs werden in Kapitel 3 Aspekte grundlegender Nachhaltigkeitsforschung umrissen und diese auf das Personalmanagement angewandt. Es wird ein Nachhaltigkeitsbegriff entwickelt, der als Referenzobjekt für das Forschungsvorhaben einer linguistischen Untersuchung dient. Außerdem wird der Nachhaltigkeitsbegriff im Personalmanagement unter geschichtstheoretischen und wirtschaftspolitischen Aspekten beleuchtet sowie die für die Untersuchung relevanten Konzepte vorgestellt. Vor dem Hintergrund der praktischen Umsetzung der Nachhaltigkeitsidee in Unternehmen und den damit zusammenhängenden Fragen nach der Vereinbarkeit von nachhaltigem Handeln und unternehmerischer Gewinnmaximierung erforscht die Arbeit das Thema des Diskursstrangs „Nachhaltigkeit im Personalmanagement“ auf mehreren Ebenen: in der Wissenschaft, in Unternehmen und in der Öffentlichkeit.
Confinement/deconfinement transition in the D0-brane matrix model — A signature of M-theory?
Authors:   Monte Carlo String/M-theory collaboration (MCSMC), Bergner Georg , Bodendorfer Norbert , Hanada Masanori , Pateloudis Stratos , Rinaldi Enrico , Schäfer Andreas , Vranas Pavlos , Watanabe Hiromasa
Published: May 2022

Abstract

We study the confinement/deconfinement transition in the D0-brane matrix model (often called the BFSS matrix model) and its one-parameter deformation (the BMN matrix model) numerically by lattice Monte Carlo simulations. Our results confirm general expectations from the dual string/M-theory picture for strong coupling. In particular, we observe the confined phase in the BFSS matrix model, which is a nontrivial consequence of the M-theory picture. We suggest that these models provide us with an ideal framework to study the Schwarzschild black hole, M-theory, and furthermore, the parameter region of the phase transition between type IIA superstring theory and M-theory. A detailed study of M-theory via lattice Monte Carlo simulations of the D0-brane matrix model might be doable with much smaller computational resources than previously expected.
TBA-like equations for non-planar scattering amplitude/Wilson lines duality at strong coupling
Authors: Ouyang Hao , Shu Hongfei
Published: May 2022

Abstract

We compute the minimal area of a string worldsheet ending on two infinite periodic light-like Wilson lines in the AdS3 boundary, which is dual to the first non-planar correction to the gluon scattering amplitude in $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 SYM at the strong coupling. Using the connection between the Hitchin system and the thermodynamic Bethe ansatz (TBA) equations, we present an analytic method to compute the minimal area surface and express the non-trivial part of the minimal area in terms of the free energy of the TBA-like equations. Given the cross ratios as inputs, the area computed from the TBA-like equations matches that calculated using the numerical integration.
Divisor topologies of CICY 3-folds and their applications to phenomenology
Authors: Carta Federico , Mininno Alessandro , Shukla Pramod
Published: May 2022

Abstract

In this article, we present a classification for the divisor topologies of the projective complete intersection Calabi-Yau (pCICY) 3-folds realized as hypersurfaces in the product of complex projective spaces. There are 7890 such pCICYs of which 7820 are favorable, and can be subsequently useful for phenomenological purposes. To our surprise we find that the whole pCICY database results in only 11 (so-called coordinate) divisors (D) of distinct topology and we classify those surfaces with their possible deformations inside the pCICY 3-fold, which turn out to be satisfying 1 ≤ h2,0(D) ≤ 7. We also present a classification of the so-called ample divisors for all the favorable pCICYs which can be useful for fixing all the (saxionic) Kähler moduli through a single non-perturbative term in the superpotential. We argue that this relatively unexplored pCICY dataset equipped with the necessary model building ingredients, can be used for a systematic search of physical vacua. To illustrate this for model building in the context of type IIB CY orientifold compactifications, we present moduli stabilization with some preliminary analysis of searching possible vacua in simple models, as a template to be adopted for analyzing models with a larger number of Kähler moduli.
Tensor renormalization group study of (3+1)-dimensional ℤ2 gauge-Higgs model at finite density
Authors: Akiyama Shinichiro , Kuramashi Yoshinobu
Published: May 2022

Abstract

We investigate the critical endpoints of the (3+1)-dimensional ℤ2 gauge-Higgs model at finite density together with the (2+1)-dimensional one at zero density as a benchmark using the tensor renormalization group method. We focus on the phase transition between the Higgs phase and the confinement phase at finite chemical potential along the critical end line. In the (2+1)-dimensional model, the resulting endpoint is consistent with a recent numerical estimate by the Monte Carlo simulation. In the (3+1)-dimensional case, however, the location of the critical endpoint shows disagreement with the known estimates by the mean-field approximation and the Monte Carlo studies. This is the first application of the tensor renormalization group method to a four-dimensional lattice gauge theory and a key stepping stone toward the future investigation of the phase structure of the finite density QCD.
The time-dependent Hartree–Fock–Bogoliubov equations for Bosons
Authors: Bach Volker , Breteaux Sebastien , Chen Thomas , Fröhlich Jürg , Sigal Israel Michael
Published: May 2022

We introduce the map of dynamics of quantum Bose gases into dynamics of quasifree states, which we call the “nonlinear quasifree approximation”. We use this map to derive the time-dependent Hartree–Fock–Bogoliubov (HFB) equations describing the dynamics of quantum fluctuations around a Bose–Einstein condensate. We prove global well-posedness of the HFB equations for pair potentials satisfying suitable regularity conditions, and we establish important conservation laws. We show that the space of solutions of the HFB equations has a symplectic structure reminiscent of a Hamiltonian system. This is then used to relate the HFB equations to the HFB eigenvalue equations discussed in the physics literature. We also construct Gibbs equilibrium states at positive temperature associated with the HFB equations, and we establish criteria for the appearance of Bose–Einstein condensation.
The wastewater micropollutant carbamazepine in insectivorous birds—an exposure estimate
Authors: Wicht Anna-Jorina , Heye Katharina , Schmidt Anja , Oehlmann Jörg , Huhn Carolin
Published: May 2022

Insects with aquatic life stages can transfer sediment and water pollutants to terrestrial ecosystems, which has been described for metals, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, and polychlorinated chemicals. However, knowledge of the transfer of aquatic micropollutants released by wastewater treatment plants is scarce despite some preliminary studies on their occurrence in riparian spiders. In our study, we address a major analytical gap focusing on the transfer of the micropollutant carbamazepine from the larvae to the adult midges of Chironomus riparius using an optimized QuEChERS extraction method and HPLC–MS/MS applicable to both life stages down to the level of about three individuals. We show that the uptake of carbamazepine by larvae is concentration-dependent and reduces the emergence rate. Importantly, the body burden remained constant in adult midges. Using this information, we estimated the daily exposure of insectivorous tree swallows as terrestrial predators to carbamazepine using the energy demand of the predator and the energy content of the prey. Assuming environmentally relevant water concentrations of about 1 μg/L, the daily dose per kilogram of body weight for tree swallows was estimated to be 0.5 μg/kg/day. At places of high water contamination of 10 μg/L, the exposure may reach 5 μg/kg/day for this micropollutant of medium polarity. Considering body burden changes upon metamorphosis, this study fills the missing link between aquatic contamination and exposure in terrestrial habitats showing that wastewater pollutants can impact birds’ life. Clearly, further analytical methods for biota analysis in both habitats are urgently required to improve risk assessment.

Graphical abstract
Differentiation of juice of mandarin-like hybrids based on physicochemical characteristics, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant capacity
Authors: Anticona Mayra , Fayos Maria-Carmen , Esteve Maria-Jose , Frigola Ana , Blesa Jesus , Lopez-Malo Daniel
Published: May 2022

In this study, samples of mandarin-like hybrids (Clemenvilla, Nadorcott and Ortanique) from two harvesting seasons (2017−2018 and 2018−2019) were analyzed, to evaluate its differences in physicochemical characteristics and nutritional properties and establish the parameters that allow classify these citrus cultivars. Results showed that Clemenvilla juice had the highest concentration of total phenolic and ascorbic acid and are strongly correlated to its higher antioxidant capacity. Flavonoids were higher in Nadorcott samples. Large differences of total carotenoids were observed in juice analyzed. Varieties and harvesting seasons significantly influenced (p < 0.05) the physicochemical properties, bioactive compounds content and antioxidant capacity of samples. The pH, flavonoids, ascorbic acid, DPPH and TEAC values were determined as predictor parameters to classify the groups according to the varieties, concluding that Nadorcott samples were clearly different. The data presented in this research will currently provide information about the physicochemical evaluation of mandarin-like hybrid varieties and their potential as source of bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity.
Primary fibular grafting combined with double plating in distal femur fractures in elderly patients
Authors: Ibrahim Fady M. , Ghazawy Ahmed K. El , Hussien Mohammed A.
Published: May 2022

Purpose

To report functional and radiological outcomes of using primary fibular graft together with double plating in distal femoral fractures in the elderly.

Methods

A retrospective study on 30 elderly patients with comminuted distal femoral fractures managed by primary fibular grafting and double plating through an anterior midline approach has been conducted. Only isolated distal femoral fractures type 33-A3, 33-C2, and 33-C3 were included. The patient’s mean age was 75.3 years. Evaluation included operative time, blood loss, time to union, knee range of motion, Sanders scoring, and presence of complications.

Results

The average follow-up period was 26.6 months. Mean intraoperative blood loss was 401 ml, and mean operative time was 216 min. All patients had a knee range of motion (90–120°) during follow-up. Time for union ranged from 16 to 23 weeks with a mean of 18.4 weeks, with no cases of non-union. A total of 22 patients (73.3%) showed excellent functional outcomes, and the remaining eight (26.7%) showed good functional outcomes according to the Sanders scoring system. Only two cases (6.6%) had superficial wound infections managed conservatively. No post-operative deformity, loss of reduction, or implant failure was observed until the end of follow-up period.

Conclusion

Primary fibular grafting combined with double plating of comminuted distal femur fractures in patients above 70 years is an effective technique with higher rates of union and lower re-operation rates compared to other fixation modalities.
Identifiability analysis for models of the translation kinetics after mRNA transfection
Authors: Pieschner Susanne , Hasenauer Jan , Fuchs Christiane
Published: May 2022

Mechanistic models are a powerful tool to gain insights into biological processes. The parameters of such models, e.g. kinetic rate constants, usually cannot be measured directly but need to be inferred from experimental data. In this article, we study dynamical models of the translation kinetics after mRNA transfection and analyze their parameter identifiability. That is, whether parameters can be uniquely determined from perfect or realistic data in theory and practice. Previous studies have considered ordinary differential equation (ODE) models of the process, and here we formulate a stochastic differential equation (SDE) model. For both model types, we consider structural identifiability based on the model equations and practical identifiability based on simulated as well as experimental data and find that the SDE model provides better parameter identifiability than the ODE model. Moreover, our analysis shows that even for those parameters of the ODE model that are considered to be identifiable, the obtained estimates are sometimes unreliable. Overall, our study clearly demonstrates the relevance of considering different modeling approaches and that stochastic models can provide more reliable and informative results.
Effektive Kommunikation in Scrum und der agilen Softwareentwicklung
Authors: Ellmann Mathias
Published: May 2022

In Scrum und der agilen Softwareentwicklung muss effektiv verbal als auch nonverbal kommuniziert werden, um in ein‑ bis vierwöchigen Arbeitszyklen Sprints Software mit wenig Konflikten zu entwickeln. Bei ineffektiver Kommunikation können Ressourcen wie Energie, Zeit und Beziehungen sowie Schlaf als Konsequenz riskiert werden, was den Sprint-Erfolg gefährdet und eine agile Softwareentwicklung erschwert. Wir gehen auf Kommunikationsschwierigkeiten ein, die durch Frustration und mangelnde Befriedigung von Wünschen, User Stories und Anforderungen des:der Scrum Masters:in, Product Owners:in, Developers:innen und Stakeholders:innen in der agilen Softwareentwicklung entstehen können. In diesem Artikel behandeln wir effektive Formen der verbalen und nonverbalen Kommunikation, welche zu mehr Erfolg mit Scrum und in der agilen Softwareentwicklung führen können.
Need, equity, and accountability
Authors: Bauer Alexander Max , Meyer Frauke , Romann Jan , Siebel Mark , Traub Stefan
Published: May 2022

We report the results of a vignette study with an online sample of the German adult population in which we analyze the interplay between need, equity, and accountability in third-party distribution decisions. We asked participants to divide firewood between two hypothetical persons who either differ in their need for heat or in their productivity in terms of their ability to chop wood. The study systematically varies the persons’ accountability for their neediness as well as for their productivity. We find that participants distribute significantly fewer logs of wood to persons who are held accountable for their disadvantage. Independently of being held accountable or not, the needier person is partially compensated with a share of logs that exceeds her contribution, while the person who contributes less is given a share of logs smaller than her need share. Moreover, there is a domain effect in terms of participants being more sensitive to lower contributions than to greater need.
Clinical and humanistic burden among pediatric patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 and plexiform neurofibroma in the USA
Authors: Yang Xiaoqin , Yoo Hyun Kyoo , Amin Suvina , Cheng Wendy Y. , Sundaresan Sanjana , Zhang Lujia , Duh Mei Sheng
Published: May 2022

Purpose

To assess clinical and humanistic burden among pediatric patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and plexiform neurofibroma (PN) in the USA.

Methods

NF1-PN patients aged 8–18 years (treatment-naïve or ≤ 1 month of selumetinib treatment) and their caregivers and caregivers of similar patients aged 2–7 years were recruited through the Children’s Tumor Foundation to participate in an online cross-sectional survey (December 2020–January 2021). Caregivers provided data on patients’ demographic and clinical characteristics and burden of debulking surgeries. Patients and caregivers provided self-reported or proxy responses to health-related quality of life (HRQoL) questions using validated instruments.

Results

Sixty-one patients and 82 caregivers responded to the survey. Median (range) age of patients was 11.5 (3–18) years, and 53.7% were female. Most were treatment-naïve (97.6%), with NF1-PN diagnosis for > 5 years (68.3%). Most patients (59.8%) had > 1 PN and 11.0% reporting > 5 PNs. Common NF1-PN symptoms included pain (64.6%), disfigurement (32.9%), and motor dysfunction (28.0%). Patients and caregiver proxies reported low overall HRQoL and reduced physical, emotional, social, and school functioning. Patients also reported considerable pain severity, interference, daily activity impairments, and movement difficulty. Few patients had received complete resections of their tumors (12.2%). 39.0% reported ≥ 1 debulking surgery, among whom, 15.6% had complications, and debulking surgery-related hospitalizations were common (53.1%).

Conclusions

The clinical and humanistic burden among pediatric NF1-PN patients is substantial. While debulking surgeries are used for symptom management, they are associated with considerable clinical sequelae. Results highlight a need for improved disease management strategies.
Innate immune cells in the pathophysiology of calcific aortic valve disease: lessons to be learned from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease?
Authors: Broeders Wieteke , Bekkering Siroon , El Messaoudi Saloua , Joosten Leo A. B. , van Royen Niels , Riksen Niels P.
Published: May 2022

Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is the most common valvular disease in the developed world with currently no effective pharmacological treatment available. CAVD results from a complex, multifactorial process, in which valvular inflammation and fibro-calcific remodelling lead to valve thickening and cardiac outflow obstruction. The exact underlying pathophysiology of CAVD is still not fully understood, yet the development of CAVD shows many similarities with the pathophysiology of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), such as coronary artery disease. Innate immune cells play a crucial role in ASCVD and might also play a pivotal role in the development of CAVD. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the role of innate immune cells, both in the circulation and in the aortic valve, in the development of CAVD and the similarities and differences with ASCVD. Trained immunity and clonal haematopoiesis of indeterminate potential are proposed as novel immunological mechanisms that possibly contribute to the pathophysiology of CAVD and new possible treatment targets are discussed.
Evidence of traumatic brain injury in headbutting bovids
Authors: Ackermans Nicole L. , Varghese Merina , Williams Terrie M. , Grimaldi Nicholas , Selmanovic Enna , Alipour Akbar , Balchandani Priti , Reidenberg Joy S. , Hof Patrick R.
Published: May 2022

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of neurologic impairment and death that remains poorly understood. Rodent models have yet to produce clinical therapies, and the exploration of larger and more diverse models remains relatively scarce. We investigated the potential for brain injury after headbutting in two combative bovid species by assessing neuromorphology and neuropathology through immunohistochemistry and stereological quantification. Postmortem brains of muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus,n = 3) and bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis,n = 4) were analyzed by high-resolution MRI and processed histologically for evidence of TBI. Exploratory histological protocols investigated potential abnormalities in neurons, microglia, and astrocytes in the prefrontal and parietal cortex. Phosphorylated tau protein, a TBI biomarker found in the cerebrospinal fluid and in neurodegenerative lesions, was used to detect possible cellular consequences of chronic or acute TBI. MRI revealed no abnormal neuropathological changes; however, high amounts of tau-immunoreactive neuritic thread clusters, neurites, and neurons were concentrated in the superficial layers of the neocortex, preferentially at the bottom of the sulci in the muskoxen and occasionally around blood vessels. Tau-immunoreactive lesions were rare in the bighorn sheep. Additionally, microglia and astrocytes showed no grouping around tau-immunoreactive cells in either species. Our preliminary findings indicate that muskoxen and possibly other headbutting bovids suffer from chronic or acute brain trauma and that the males’ thicker skulls may protect them to a certain extent.
Alzheimer disease neuropathology in a patient previously treated with aducanumab
Authors: Plowey Edward D. , Bussiere Thierry , Rajagovindan Raj , Sebalusky Jennifer , Hamann Stefan , von Hehn Christian , Castrillo-Viguera Carmen , Sandrock Alfred , Budd Haeberlein Samantha , van Dyck Christopher H. , Huttner Anita
Published: May 2022

Amyloid beta (Aβ) plaque is a defining pathologic feature of Alzheimer disease (AD). Aducanumab, a monoclonal IgG1 that selectively binds aggregated species of Aβ, has been shown by amyloid positron emission tomography (Amyloid PET) to reduce Aβ plaques in patients with prodromal and mild AD. This is the first autopsy report of the AD neuropathology in a patient previously treated with aducanumab. The patient was an 84-year-old woman who was randomized to the placebo arm of the PRIME Phase 1b study (221AD103). The patient progressed to moderate dementia (MMSE = 14/30), beyond the targeted early AD treatment stage, before receiving aducanumab in the long-term extension (LTE). The patient then received 32 monthly doses of aducanumab, titrated up to 6 mg/kg, for a cumulative dose of 186 mg/kg. In the LTE, Amyloid PET scans demonstrated robust Aβ plaque reduction, from a composite standard uptake value ratio (SUVR) of 1.5 at screening to < 1.1 at 56 weeks post-aducanumab dosing. MRI examinations were negative for amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA). She passed away in hospice care 4 months after her last dose of aducanumab. The postmortem neuropathologic examination confirmed AD neuropathologic changes. Aβ and IBA1 immunohistochemistry assays demonstrated sparse residual Aβ plaque engaged by amoeboid reactive microglia. Phospho-Tau (pTau) immunohistochemistry demonstrated neocortical neurofibrillary degeneration (Braak stage V, NIA/AA Stage B3). However, the density of pTau neuropathology, including neuritic plaque pTau (NP-Tau), appeared lower in the PRIME LTE Patient compared to a reference cohort of untreated Braak stage V–VI, NIA/AA Stage B3 AD cases. Taken together, this case report is the first to provide Amyloid PET and neuropathologic evidence substantiating the impact of aducanumab to reduce Aβ plaque neuropathology in a patient with AD. Furthermore, this report underscores the critical importance of autopsy neuropathology studies to augment our understanding of aducanumab’s mechanism of action and impact on AD biomarkers.
The interplay between genetic variation and gene expression of the glucocorticoid receptor gene NR3C1 and blood cortisol levels on verbal memory and hippocampal volumes
Authors: Van der Auwera Sandra , Klinger-König Johanna , Wittfeld Katharina , Terock Jan , Hannemann Anke , Bülow Robin , Nauck Matthias , Völker Uwe , Völzke Henry , Grabe Hans Jörgen
Published: May 2022

The hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal axis is the main physiological stress response system and regulating the release of cortisol. The two corticoid receptors encoded by the genes NR3C1 and NR3C2 are the main players in regulating the physiological response to cortisol. This biological system has been linked to neurocognitive processes and memory, yet the mechanisms remain largely unclear. In two independent general population studies (SHIP, total sample size > 5500), we aim to diseantangle the effects of genetic variation, gene expression and cortisol on verbal memory and memory associated brain volume. Especially for NR3C1 results exhibited a consistent pattern of direct an interactive effects. All three biological layers, genetic variation (rs56149945), gene expression for NR3C1 and cortisol levels, were directly associated with verbal memory. Interactions between these components showed significant effects on verbal memory as well as hippocampal volume. For NR3C2 such a complex association pattern could not be observed. Our analyses revealed that different components of the stress response system are acting together on different aspects of cognition. Complex phenotypes, such as cognition and memory function are regulated by a complex interplay between different genetic and epigenetic features. We promote the glucocorticoid receptor NR3C1 as a main target to focus in the context of verbal memory and provided a mechanistic concept of the interaction between various biological layers spanning NR3C1 function and its effects on memory. Especially the NR3C1 transcript seemed to be a key element in this complex system.
Electrodeposition of Ni nanoparticles from deep eutectic solvent and aqueous solution promoting high stability electrocatalyst for hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions
Authors: Elsharkawya Safya , Hammad Sherin , El-hallaga Ibrahim
Published: May 2022

Nanostructured Ni films were synthesized from two distinct baths and were assessed as electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in 1 M KOH. Herein, Ni was electrodeposited from two separate solvents, the aqueous acetate buffer and ethaline solvent as a kind of deep eutectic solvents (DESs), and both the deposited films were investigated as electrocatalysts for HER and OER. The electrodeposition parameters such as pH and deposition potential were studied. The electrodeposition process was performed using chronoamperometry technique and Ni deposits were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Fabricated Ni@PGE deposit from ethaline only requires an overpotential of − 154 mV and 350 mV to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm−2 for HER and OER, respectively. While, Ni@PGE from acetate requires an overpotential of − 164 mV and 400 mV to produce the current density of 10 mA cm−2 for HER and OER.

Graphical abstract
A three-dimensional numerical groundwater flow model to assess the feasibility of managed aquifer recharge in the Tamne River basin of Ghana
Authors: Okofo Louis Boansi , Martienssen Marion
Published: May 2022

Increasing population growth and global climatic changes threaten water security in semiarid regions such as Northern Ghana. The Tamnean Plutonic Suite aquifer is the main source of water supply for the inhabitants of the Tamne River basin, which is a transboundary subbasin of the White Volta Basin, Ghana. The basin is a flood-prone area where flooding occurs every rainy season, but there is water scarcity during the dry season, mainly due to poor groundwater resources planning. It is expected that the population will increase in the next 10 years, implying a greater water demand. A steady-state and transient groundwater flow model has been developed to understand the hydrogeological conditions and assess the feasibility of managed aquifer recharge (MAR) in the area. A single granitic aquifer formation was delineated from the three-dimensional lithology modelling. The calibrated aquifer recharge through precipitation is very low due to high evapotranspiration and low rainfall. A MAR injection scenario was tested using the available treated floodwater that is registered during the rainy season in the area. The results show the total volume of water injected at the end of the 4-month study period is 11,000 m3/day (approximately 1.3 × 106 m3), which significantly increases aquifer storage and groundwater levels. The volume of water recovered at the end of 8 months (1.4 × 106 m3) is enough for domestic and irrigation purposes during the dry season. In general, MAR is feasible in augmenting the water levels in the area when combined with controllable irrigation and domestic withdrawals.
Seller experimentation and trade
Authors: Wagner Peter
Published: May 2022

This paper studies the effect of trade opportunities on a seller’s incentive to acquire information through experimentation. I characterize the unique equilibrium outcome and discuss the effects of variations in the information structure on the probability of trade. The main result is that more accurate information for the buyer can reduce social welfare. Efficiency requires that the buyer offers a price that the seller always accepts and that the seller experiments when it is socially optimal to do so. When the buyer receives very informative signals about positive experimentation outcomes, the absence of such a signal can induce the buyer to purchase the good only with low but known quality at a low price. If the buyer receives an informative signal about negative experimentation outcomes, the seller might prefer to not experiment so as to avoid the risk of generating a negative outcome that could trigger the buyer to reduce her offer.
Elevated troponin I levels on admission predict long-term mortality in patients with acute cerebral infarction following thrombolysis
Authors: Huang Yuehong , Shao Yanqi , Wang Yiqi , Shi Tianming
Published: May 2022

Background/objective

Cardiac diseases are frequently accompanied by elevated levels of biomarkers, among which, troponin is commonly investigated. The levels of plasma cardiac troponin I (cTnI), which has been shown to predict short-term mortality, are elevated in patients with acute cerebral infarction (ACI). However, few studies have assessed the association between cTnI concentration and long-term mortality in patients with ACI following thrombolysis.

Methods

Patients with ACI admitted between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2016, were registered. Data on demographics and outcomes with elevated cTnI levels were also collected.

Results

A total of 145 patients with ACI were recruited; 97 (66%), 30 (20%), and 18 (12%) patients had cTnI concentrations < 0.030 (group 1), 0.030–0.10 (group 2), and > 0.10 μg/L (group 3), respectively. cTnI elevation was associated with older age, atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure, renal insufficiency, coronary artery disease, stroke severity (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score), and prior smoking history at admission. After adjusting for comorbidities and severity at 3 months after ACI, cTnI elevation on admission was significantly associated with ascending 5-year mortality (hazard ratio, 1.80; 95% confidence interval, 1.22–2.65).

Conclusions

Even after adjusting for several possible confounders, cTnI elevation in patients with ACI treated with rt-PA was associated with a 1.80-fold increased risk of 5-year mortality.
Ultra-high-field MR in Prostate cancer: Feasibility and Potential
Authors: Tenbergen Carlijn J. A. , Metzger Gregory J. , Scheenen Tom W. J.
Published: May 2022

Multiparametric MRI of the prostate at clinical magnetic field strengths (1.5/3 Tesla) has emerged as a reliable noninvasive imaging modality for identifying clinically significant cancer, enabling selective sampling of high-risk regions with MRI-targeted biopsies, and enabling minimally invasive focal treatment options. With increased sensitivity and spectral resolution, ultra-high-field (UHF) MRI (≥ 7 Tesla) holds the promise of imaging and spectroscopy of the prostate with unprecedented detail. However, exploiting the advantages of ultra-high magnetic field is challenging due to inhomogeneity of the radiofrequency field and high local specific absorption rates, raising local heating in the body as a safety concern. In this work, we review various coil designs and acquisition strategies to overcome these challenges and demonstrate the potential of UHF MRI in anatomical, functional and metabolic imaging of the prostate and pelvic lymph nodes. When difficulties with power deposition of many refocusing pulses are overcome and the full potential of metabolic spectroscopic imaging is used, UHF MR(S)I may aid in a better understanding of the development and progression of local prostate cancer. Together with large field-of-view and low-flip-angle anatomical 3D imaging, 7 T MRI can be used in its full strength to characterize different tumor stages and help explain the onset and spatial distribution of metastatic spread.
Additive arithmetic functions meet the inclusion–exclusion principle: Asymptotic formulas concerning the GCD and LCM of several integers
Authors: Bordellès Olivier , Tóth László
Published: May 2022

We obtain asymptotic formulas for the sums $$ {\sum}_{n_1,\dots, {n}_k\leqslant x} $$

∑

n
1

,
…
,

n
k

⩽
x

f((n1, . . . , nk)) and $$ {\sum}_{n_1,\dots, {n}_k\leqslant x} $$

∑

n
1

,
…
,

n
k

⩽
x

f([n1, . . . , nk]), involving the GCD and LCM of the integers n1, . . . , nk, where f belongs to certain classes of additive arithmetic functions. In particular, we consider the generalized omega function Ωℓ(n) = $$ {\sum}_{p^{\nu}\Big\Vert {n}^{v^{\ell }}}\mathrm{investigated} $$

∑

p
ν

‖

n

v
ℓ

investigated

by Duncan (1962) and Hassani (2018), and the functions A(n) = $$ {\sum}_{p^{\nu}\Big\Vert n} vp, $$

∑

p
ν

‖
n

vp
,
A∗(n) = ∑p ∣ np, B(n) = A(n) − A∗(n) studied by Alladi and Erdős (1977). As a key auxiliary result, we use an inclusion–exclusion-type identity.
Deep computer vision system for cocoa classification
Authors: Lopes Jessica Fernandes , da Costa Victor G. Turrisi , Barbin Douglas F. , Cruz-Tirado Luis Jam Pier , Baeten Vincent , Barbon Junior Sylvio
Published: May 2022

Cocoa hybridisation generates new varieties which are resistant to several plant diseases, but has individual chemical characteristics that affect chocolate production. Image analysis is a useful method for visual discrimination of cocoa beans, while deep learning (DL) has emerged as thede factotechnique for image processing . However, these algorithms require a large amount of data and careful tuning of hyperparameters. Since it is necessary to acquire a large number of images to encompass the wide range of agricultural products, in this paper, we compare a Deep Computer Vision System (DCVS) and a traditional Computer Vision System (CVS) to classify cocoa beans into different varieties. For DCVS, we used a Resnet18 and Resnet50 as backbone, while for CVS, we experimented traditional machine learning algorithms, Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Random Forest (RF). All the algorithms were selected since they provide good classification performance and their potential application for food classification A dataset with 1,239 samples was used to evaluate both systems. The best accuracy was 96.82% for DCVS (ResNet 18), compared to 85.71% obtained by the CVS using SVM. The essential handcrafted features were reported and discussed regarding their influence on cocoa bean classification. Class Activation Maps was applied to DCVS’s predictions, providing a meaningful visualisation of the most important regions of the images in the model.
Krisenthemen in Familien zu Beginn der COVID-19-Pandemie
Authors: Andresen Sabine , Wilmes Johanna
Published: May 2022

Während der COVID-19-Pandemie in Deutschland standen besonders Familien mit Kindern vor großen Herausforderungen. Der erste Lockdown erscheint im Zeitverlauf markant, da sich das ausdifferenzierte Familienleben fast ausschließlich auf die häusliche Umgebung konzentrierte und Bildungs- und Betreuungsstätten geschlossen waren. Das Wegbrechen der öffentlichen Infrastruktur definieren wir hier als zentrales Krisenphänomen für Familien.

Im Fokus dieses Beitrags steht eine Auswertung von 5075 Kommentaren aus dem Online-Fragebogen der Studie „KiCo – Kinder, Eltern und ihre Erfahrungen während der Corona-Pandemie“, an der im April/Mai 2020 über 25.000 Eltern mit Kindern unter 15 Jahren teilnahmen. Hauptsächlich stammen die Kommentare von Müttern zwischen 30 und 50 Jahren, die zum Zeitpunkt der Befragung größtenteils im Homeoffice arbeiteten und ein bis zwei Kinder unter 15 Jahren hatten.

Anhand der Kommentare können wir nachzeichnen, wie das Krisenerleben verhandelt wurde bzw. wie auf das Narrativ der Krise in den ersten zwei Monaten der Pandemie in Deutschland Bezug genommen wurde. Folgende Kategorien konnten identifiziert werden: Die Dauer der Krise (Zeit), Krise als Chance für gesellschaftlichen Wandel, die Krise der Demokratie, Krise als Chance für die Familie, Leidtragende der Krise.