bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sensitive Chirality Measurements with Electrical Readout Utilizing the CISS Effect
Authors: Yochelis Shira , Paltiel Yossi
Published: December 2022

Chirality is a fundamental chemical property that can be found in almost all aspects of life. Generally, in nature chirality exists in only one of the possible enantiomeric forms. Bitter experience showed that chiral drugs having the same chemical composition but opposite chirality may have extremely different biological effects. It is therefore that detecting and quantifying chirality is important in multiple fields ranging from analytical and biological chemistry to pharmacology, biotechnology, and fundamental physics. To date, the most widely used analytical methods for chiral detection, remain the traditional approaches of measuring circular dichroism and optical rotation. However, these methods suffer from low signal‐to‐noise due to large time‐dependent backgrounds and require complicated optical setups. Recent works associate circular dichroism measurements with the Chiral Induced Spin Selectivity (CISS) spin current measurements. The CISS effect relates the probability of electron spin transmission through chiral molecules to chirality. Depending on the handedness of the molecule, electrons of a certain spin can traverse the molecule more easily in one direction than in the other. It is therefore that the CISS effect could be utilized to electronically measure chirality using spin currents and spin induced dipoles. The review summarizes the different approaches for utilizing the CISS effect for electrical measurements of chirality. Starting with a Hall device that can measure the chirality of the lowest energetic CD band of a monolayer in dry or wet systems. Presenting an enhancement of the effect as well as achieving a wider CD spectrum using electrical gating. Going down to 100 molecules limit with full spectrum response utilizing electro‐optical nano floret devices.
Comparative pulmonary and genotoxic responses to inhaled nickel subsulfide and nickel sulfate in F344 rats
Authors: Oller Adriana R. , Buxton Samuel , March Thomas H. , Benson Janet M.
Published: December 2022

Inhalation studies with nickel (Ni) subsulfide (Ni3S2) and Ni sulfate hexahydrate (NiSO4·6H2O) investigated differences in mode of action that could explain why the former induced lung tumors in rats and the latter did not. Male rats were exposed to ≤0.22 mg Ni/m3 NiSO4·6H2O or 0.44 mg Ni/m3 Ni3S2, 6 h/day, 5 days/week for 3 and 13 weeks; subsets of the rats exposed for 13 weeks were held for an additional 13 weeks. Analyses of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, isolated cells, and whole lung tissue were conducted to compare the extent and persistence of any induced lung effects. Histological findings were qualitatively identical for both compounds and consistent with lesions reported in earlier studies. After 13 weeks of exposure, the incidence and severity of pulmonary inflammation and epithelial cell hyperplasia were greater among Ni3S2‐exposed rats, whereas the reverse response was seen for apoptosis. Only Ni3S2 exposure significantly increased epithelial and non‐epithelial cell proliferation after 13 weeks of exposure. Both compounds induced DNA damage in isolated lung cells and DNA hypermethylation of whole lung tissue after 13 weeks of exposure at the highest exposure concentrations. Increases in cell proliferation, DNA damage, and tissue DNA hypermethylation did not persist during the 13‐week recovery period. In summary, the highest concentrations of each compound produced marked pulmonary toxicity, but the lowest concentrations produced minimal or no effects. Differences in the proliferative and apoptotic responses between the two compounds may help explain differences in carcinogenicity, whereas the identification of no observed adverse effect concentrations (NOAECs) contributes to the risk characterization for inhalation exposure to nickel compounds.
Synthesis and odor characteristics of N‐substituted pyrrolyl ketones derived from N‐substituted acetylpyrroles and alcohols
Authors: Zhao Mingqin , Hu Jingyi , Ji Xiaoming , Han Lu , Li Mengxiao , Lai Miao
Published: December 2022

A transition‐metal and ligand free base‐mediated a radical condensation reaction to form N‐substituted pyrrolyl ketones with water as the side product is developed. The transformation is performed with t‐BuOK, and a broad range of N‐substituted acetylpyrroles and alcohols are well tolerated under the optimized conditions. Preliminary studies indicate that the radical anion of the benzylic alcohol is proposed as the key intermediate, which undergoes coupling with the enolate of the acetylpyrrole to form the new CC bond. Subsequently, the corresponding pyrrolyl chalcones are obtained by elimination, and the enone intermediate is reduced to afford N‐substituted pyrrolyl ketones. The odor characteristics of the pyrrolyl ketones obtained were evaluated by gas‐chromatography–mass spectrometry–olfactometry (GC–MS–O). The pyrrolyl ketones present varied characteristic odors, which are usually distinct from those of the corresponding acetylpyrroles and alcohols. Among them, compounds of 3‐cyclopropyl‐1‐(1‐methyl‐1H‐pyrrol‐2‐yl) propan‐1‐one (3c′) and 5,9‐dimethyl‐1‐(1‐methyl‐1H‐pyrrol‐2‐yl) dec‐8‐en‐1‐one (3g′) were not decomposed under high temperature, according to the results of pyrolysis–GC/MS.
Bullous pemphigoid in a patient with psoriasis after mRNA COVID‐19 vaccination
Authors: Merilleno Arbie Sofia P. , Quizon Mae R. , Legaspi Kristine Natalee M.
Published: December 2022

Bullous pemphigoid and psoriasis are two well‐characterised chronic autoimmune diseases that may be triggered by drugs, infections or vaccines. The coexistence of the two is a rare event but is more extraordinary if incited by messenger RNA (mRNA) COVID‐19 vaccination. A 62‐year‐old Filipino male experiencing a flare‐up of his long‐standing psoriasis vulgaris presented with new onset tense blisters on the legs 2 days after his first booster dose of mRNA (Pfizer‐BioNTech) vaccination. The clinical, skin punch biopsy,  direct immunofluorescence and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay were consistent with bullous pemphigoid. Complete resolution of the vesicles and bullae with no new lesions and flattening of psoriasis plaques were observed after 1 month of treatment of systemic corticosteroids and corticosteroid‐sparing agents. An association may exist between bullous pemphigoid development and mRNA COVID‐19 vaccination.
A structural equation model of land capability and related drivers: Implications for land degradation forecasting in a tropical river basin
Authors: de Morais Fernandes Gabriel Henrique , do Valle Junior Renato Farias , de Melo Silva Maytê Maria Abreu Pires , Mendes Rafaella Gouveia , Fernandes Luís Filipe Sanches , Fernandes António Carlos Pinheiro , Pacheco Fernando António Leal , Pissarra Teresa Cristina Tarlé , de Melo Marília Carvalho , Valera Carlos Alberto
Published: December 2022

Land degradation is a worldwide problem with natural and anthropogenic causes. An important anthropogenic cause of land degradation is land uses that deviate from land capability, which is the “natural” use. Despite the conscience of scientists about this issue, studies are lacking that set up a quantitative nexus between land capability and related drivers. This nexus is essential because it allows anticipating changes in the drivers that promote or recede degradation. In this study, a partial least squares–path model (PLS–PM) was used to help closing this gap. The pilot study occurred in seven Paraopeba River sub‐basins located in the State of Minas Gerais (Brazil), where capability is dominated by mosaics of forests and pastures. Land capability was assessed by the ruggedness number, being inversely proportional to it. Among multiple potential drivers of land capability initially included in the model, collinearity and other consistency and performance analyses indicated the percentage of latosols and (re)forested areas, annual rainfall, and water‐related processes (e.g., weathering, nutrient leaching) as prominent in the studied region. The results linked increases of latosol and forest occupation to runoff reduction [runoff = latosol × (−0.640) + forest × (−0.156) + reforestation × (−0.379)], suggesting an attenuation of erosion by these parameters, namely gully erosion that impacts on the ruggedness number and land capability in the sequel. The weathering of carbonate rocks was also related to land capability changes because the PLS–PM model exposed a relationship between the ruggedness number and products of carbonate rock dissolution: ruggedness number = alkalinity × (−0.578) + total magnesium × (0.462) + dissolved oxygen × (−0.418). In addition to highlighting processes capable of changing land capability overtime, the model equations brought attention to measures that could improve it in the region thus preventing degradation. The measures included management practices capable to raise the soil's dissolved oxygen (e.g., through aeration) or preventing soil's magnesium deficiency (e.g., through foliar sprays). The network of cause‐and‐effect relationships set up by the PLS–PM model was finally used to elucidate about potential land use changes that would bring capability in the Paraopeba River basin towards a better status, such as conversions to pasture land. Future work is expected to further elucidate about the benefits for land capability of specific land use changes, through the testing of expected socioeconomic development scenarios.
A universal stress protein upregulated by hypoxia has a role in Burkholderia cenocepacia intramacrophage survival: Implications for chronic infection in cystic fibrosis
Authors: O'Connor Andrew , Jurado‐Martín Irene , Mysior Margaritha M. , Manzira Anotidaishe L. , Drabinska Joanna , Simpson Jeremy C. , Lucey Mary , Schaffer Kirsten , Berisio Rita , McClean Siobhán
Published: December 2022

Universal stress proteins (USPs) are ubiquitously expressed in bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes and play a lead role in adaptation to environmental conditions. They enable adaptation of bacterial pathogens to the conditions encountered in the human niche, including hypoxia, oxidative stress, osmotic stress, nutrient deficiency, or acid stress, thereby facilitating colonization. We previously reported that all six USP proteins encoded within a low‐oxygen activated (lxa) locus in Burkholderia cenocepacia showed increased abundance during chronic colonization of the cystic fibrosis (CF) lung. However, the role of USPs in chronic cystic fibrosis infection is not well understood. Structural modeling identified surface arginines on one lxa‐encoded USP, USP76, which suggested it mediated interactions with heparan sulfate. Using mutants derived from the B. cenocepacia strain, K56‐2, we show that USP76 is involved in host cell attachment. Pretreatment of lung epithelial cells with heparanase reduced the binding of the wild‐type and complement strains but not the Δusp76 mutant strain, indicating that USP76 is directly or indirectly involved in receptor recognition on the surface of epithelial cells. We also show that USP76 is required for growth and survival in many conditions associated with the CF lung, including acidic conditions and oxidative stress. Moreover, USP76 also has a role in survival in macrophages isolated from people with CF. Overall, while further elucidation of the exact mechanism(s) is required, we can conclude that USP76, which is upregulated during chronic infection, is involved in bacterial survival within CF macrophages, a hallmark of Burkholderia infection.
The cell cycle of Staphylococcus aureus: An updated review
Authors: Barbuti Maria D. , Myrbråten Ine S. , Morales Angeles Danae , Kjos Morten
Published: December 2022

As bacteria proliferate, DNA replication, chromosome segregation, cell wall synthesis, and cytokinesis occur concomitantly and need to be tightly regulated and coordinated. Although these cell cycle processes have been studied for decades, several mechanisms remain elusive, specifically in coccus‐shaped cells such as Staphylococcus aureus. In recent years, major progress has been made in our understanding of how staphylococci divide, including new, fundamental insights into the mechanisms of cell wall synthesis and division site selection. Furthermore, several novel proteins and mechanisms involved in the regulation of replication initiation or progression of the cell cycle have been identified and partially characterized. In this review, we will summarize our current understanding of the cell cycle processes in the spheroid model bacterium S. aureus, with a focus on recent advances in the understanding of how these processes are regulated.
Stability crossing curves and Hopf bifurcation in an environmental protection expenses model with two delays
Authors: He Jun , Yang Ping , Cao Jinde , Dai Yunxian
Published: December 2022

This study is devoted to considering dynamic properties of an environmental protection expenditures model for protected areas (PAs) with two delays. It presents an improved understanding of relationship among tourism, environment, and capital stock in PAs and provides a sustainable strategy to keep the balance between them. The model considers the interactions among environmental resource
, visitors
, and capital stock
in PAs. The tourism income is used partly to increase the capital stock and partly to protect the environment. In this paper, time delays
and
are introduced into the system. The technique of stability crossing curves for two delays is proposed to analyze the occurrence of Hopf bifurcation. Numerical simulations are performed for understanding the analytical results. The results show that under some parameter conditions, the share
of total revenue generated by tourism user fees for environmental protection is related to delays
and
. Moreover, the environment and the capital stock can be maintained persistently if time delay
is not too large.
Inspection of two sophisticated models for sand based on generalized plasticity: Monotonic loading and Monte Carlo analysis
Authors: Yeh Fu‐Hsuan , Tafili Merita , Prada‐Sarmiento Luis Felipe , Ge Louis , Wichtmann Torsten
Published: December 2022

The generalized plasticity theory has evolved in the last decades and attracts the attention of different research groups, because of characteristics like the absence of an explicit flow surface formulation. This paper presents a detailed inspection of two sophisticated constitutive models for granular soils under monotonic loading: the Pastor‐Zienkiewicz‐Chan (P‐Z‐C) model[1] and the Manzanal‐Merodo‐Pastor (M‐M‐P) model.[2] Even though they are similar in mathematical framework, the P‐Z‐C model requires only eight parameters compared to the M‐M‐P model which requires 18 parameters to describe the material behavior under monotonic loading. Parameters of both models were calibrated based on the extensive experimental database available for monotonic triaxial tests performed on Karlsruhe fine sand by Wichtmann et al.[3] An objective discussion addressing the strengths and weaknesses of each model is presented. Finally, a procedure to identify the most relevant parameters that control different elements in the model like the stiffness, the evolution of dilatancy or the hardening variables is introduced, using the Monte Carlo Toolbox (MCAT) for simulations. Some interesting inferences could be obtained, like the conclusion that the MCAT is a helpful tool for identifying material parameters and their interaction, but it cannot replace the human factor, the experience and objective judgement of the modeller for the calibration of constitutive models.
The effects of an 8‐week hypopressive exercise training program on urinary incontinence and pelvic floor muscle activation: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Molina‐Torres Guadalupe , Moreno‐Muñoz Mar , Rebullido Tamara R. , Castellote‐Caballero Yolanda , Bergamin Marco , Gobbo Stefano , Hita‐Contreras Fidel , Cruz‐Diaz David
Published: December 2022

Background

Pelvic floor dysfunction and urinary incontinence are two of the most frequent gynecological problems, and pelvic floor muscle training is recommended as a first‐line treatment, with new approaches such as hypopressive exercises. This study aimed to analyze the efficacy of an 8‐week supervised training program of hypopressive exercises on pelvic floor muscle strength and urinary incontinence symptomatology.

Design

Blinded randomized controlled trial.

Settings

Women with pelvic floor dysfunction and urinary incontinence symptoms, aged 18–60 years.

Participants

A total of 117 participants were randomly allocated to the hypopressive exercises group (n = 62) or a control group that received no intervention (n = 55) and completed the study.

Main Outcome Measures

Clinical and sociodemographic data were collected, as well as pelvic floor muscle strength (using the Modified Oxford Scale); the genital prolapse symptoms, colorectal symptoms, and urinary symptoms (with the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory [PFDI‐20]); the impact of pelvic floor disorders (PFD) on women's lives (with the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire [PFIQ‐7]); and the severity of urinary incontinence symptoms (using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire [ICIQ]).

Results

The results showed an improvement in the hypopressive group in the pelvic floor muscle strength F (1117) = 89.514, p < 0.001, a significantly lower score for the PFIQ7 total score, t (112) = 28.895, p < 0.001 and FPDI20 t (112) = 7.037, p < 0.001 as well as an improvement in ICIQ‐SF values after 8 weeks of intervention in comparison with the control group.

Conclusions

After performing an 8‐week of hipopressive exercises intervention, a decrease in pelvic floor disorders associated symptoms can be observed. In addition, pelvic floor muscle contractility is improved and a decrease in severity and symptoms associated with urinary incontinence has been reported.
What can osteometric analyses tell us about domestic dogs recovered from a multicomponent indigenous site in Vermont?
Authors: Carder Nanny , Crock John G. , Pinto Audra
Published: December 2022

Osteometric data from archaeological remains are fundamental in zooarchaeological analyses of domestic dogs. We apply recently developed methods to a small sample of dog remains recovered from the Ewing site, a multicomponent precontact Native American site in Vermont, northeastern North America. We measure dimensions of limb bone ends and pulp‐width ratios from dental radiographs to estimate dog body mass and age at death based on published regression equations. Our analysis estimates the body mass of the Ewing dogs and demonstrates adult size differences characterized dogs in the precontact Northeast. Their range in size is consistent with supporting hunting activities rather than regular load transport. The range of ages of dogs in the sample suggests that dogs did not die only of old age. All of the Ewing dogs were butchered for food and/or skins. The osteometric analysis of the Ewing dogs contributes much needed osteometric data on dogs in northeastern America. Our results highlight the potential of small samples, legacy collections, and the importance of building a quantitative, comparative, osteometric dataset for the region.
Improve Operations Through Self‐Assessment and Benchmarking
Authors: Ginley Jim , Roth Frank
Published: December 2022

AWWA's 2022 State of the Water Industry report shows that rural and small systems face significant challenges related to infrastructure, water supply availability, workforce, and financial issues, to name a few. Fortunately, effective resources are within easy reach for utilities to get help with evaluating and improving system operations and management.
Consider Retrofitting Electronic Water Meter Registers to Use Accuracy Data Leveling
Authors: White Matthew T.
Published: December 2022

Anyone who's ever tried to change out a water meter in a pit can tell you it's a tough job. Even servicing meters indoors often presents the challenges of gaining entry to the premises, finding the water meter, and trying not to get family heirlooms wet. These challenges alone may prompt municipalities to change out the meter register (the part that displays the local reading) rather than the entire meter as part of a technology upgrade.
Correlation between Photocatalysis and Antibacterial Responses of Cu‐Doped TiO2 Films: Influence of Doping Tuning into the Oxide Matrix
Authors: Velardi Luciano , Scrimieri Luigi , Serra Antonio , Manno Daniela , Quarta Gianluca , Calcagnile Lucio , Calcagnile Matteo , Tredici Salvatore Maurizio , Alifano Pietro , Francioso Luca , Signore Maria Assunta
Published: December 2022

Herein, a study on the photocatalysis and antibacterial performances of Cu‐doped titania films as a function of the dopant concentration is presented. The TiO2 films are produced by sol–gel spin‐coating technique, and the doping is performed by adding different quantities of copper in the form of salt (CuSO4) during the preparation of sol. The obtained films are characterized by Raman and X‐ray diffraction spectroscopies, atomic force microscopy, and Rutherford backscattering spectrometry, to investigate on the chemical–physical properties, the quality, the composition, and the thickness. The photocatalytic activity of the films is studied by measuring the degradation of methylene blue (MB) under UV light, while Staphylococcus aureus is chosen for microbiological testing. The results show a correlation between photocatalysis and antibactericity with a rise of these two activities with increasing dopant concentrations in the films up to a given point, beyond which structural defects are introduced, promoting electron–hole recombination.
Chaos arising from the hydrological behaviour of a floodplain river during the last century
Authors: Giri Federico , Devercelli Melina
Published: December 2022

The hydrological regime is the main factor governing the functioning of floodplain rivers. A full comprehension of its dynamic leads to a better understanding of the system's behaviour. We analysed the daily water level of the Paraná River during the last century at three gauge stations using linear and non‐linear tools to characterise the hydrological dynamic and to analyse to what extent chaotic behaviour prevails. The three water level time series were characterised as non‐linear and non‐stationary by power spectrum, autocorrelation function, and surrogate test analyses. A strange attractor was developed when the phase space was reconstructed, having a low dimensional chaos supported by correlation dimension, positive maximum Lyapunov exponents, and recurrence quantification analysis. The sample entropy analysis shows that the system resulted unpredictable beyond a temporal threshold, and with an intermediate hydrological complexity, while Hurst exponent characterised it as persistent and with sensitive dependence on initial conditions. In a general overview, all the evidence obtained indicates that the Paraná River's behaviour is at the edge of chaos. A latitudinal gradient of decreasing chaoticity was observed as the floodplain extent increased, whereas complexity was highest at the intermediate river station due to the inflow of tributaries with different hydrology. This paper attempts to offer some additional insights for understanding the hydrological behaviour of floodplain rivers and the most appropriate methods to understand their complexity.
3D printing of micropatterned stamps with tunable horizontal surface properties
Authors: Bail Robert , Lee Su Bin , Lee Dong Hyun
Published: December 2022

Resin three‐dimensional (3D) printing is potentially attractive for the rapid fabrication of micropatterning tools such as stamps, molds, masks, or substrates. Although the horizontal surface finish of a resin 3D printed part is generally considered to be very smooth, it is strongly influenced by the microscale interaction of the printer light source with the photopolymerizable resin. This study demonstrates how a glossy surface can be created on an elastic 3D printed component by extreme overexposure of the cap layer and how this can be analyzed. The average roughness (Ra) values of the surface in the X and Y directions could be reduced by a factor of 4.5 (X) to 5.0 (Y) from initially 0.182/0.343 to 0.041/0.069 μm (X/Y), and geometric accuracy was ensured by undersizing the features in the cap layer. The practical relevance of controlling the horizontal surface properties was demonstrated using a 3D printed stamp to transfer a micropattern of light‐emitting quantum dots. The insights gained will be useful in the fabrication of 3D‐printed tools for creating high‐resolution patterns from quantum dots, semiconductors, and organometallic materials.
A second‐generation capture panel for cost‐effective sequencing of genome regulatory regions in wheat and relatives
Authors: Zhang Junli , Debernardi Juan M. , Burguener Germán F. , Choulet Frédéric , Paux Etienne , O'Connor Lauren , Enk Jacob , Dubcovsky Jorge
Published: December 2022

As genome resources for wheat (Triticum L.) expand at a rapid pace, it is important to update targeted sequencing tools to incorporate improved sequence assemblies and regions of previously unknown significance. Here, we developed an updated regulatory region enrichment capture for wheat and other Triticeae species. The core target space includes sequences from 2‐Kbp upstream of each gene predicted in the Chinese Spring wheat genome (IWGSC RefSeq Annotation v1.0) and regions of open chromatin identified with an assay for transposase‐accessible chromatin using sequencing from wheat leaf and root samples. To improve specificity, we aggressively filtered candidate repetitive sequences using a combination of nucleotide basic local alignment search tool (BLASTN) searches to the Triticeae Repetitive Sequence Database (TREP), identification of regions with read over‐coverage from previous target enrichment experiments, and k‐mer frequency analyses. The final design comprises 216.5 Mbp of predicted hybridization space in hexaploid wheat and showed increased specificity and coverage of targeted sequences relative to previous protocols. Test captures on hexaploid and tetraploid wheat and other diploid cereals show that the assay has broad potential utility for cost‐effective promoter and open chromatin resequencing and general‐purpose genotyping of various Triticeae species.
Incorporating Trimethylaluminium into the Structures of Alkali Metal (Li, Na, K, Cs) dihydropyridines
Authors: Docherty Shay P. , Banerjee Sumanta , Clegg William , Palin Fiona J. , Kennedy Alan R. , Robertson Stuart D. , Mulvey Robert E.
Published: December 2022

Co‐complexation of equimolar amounts of 1‐alkali‐metal‐2‐tertbutyldihydropyridines with AlMe3 in the presence of a polydentate N‐donor ligand has delivered four crystallographically verified alkali‐metal aluminates [donor⋅AM(μ‐tBuDHP)AlMe3]n (1, AM=Li, donor=TMEDA, n=1; 2, AM=Na, donor=PMDETA, n=1; 3, AM=K, donor=PMDETA, n=2; 4, AM=Cs, donor=PMDETA, n=∞; TMEDA=N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethylethylenediamine; PMDETA=N,N,N′,N′′,N′′‐pentamethyldiethylenetriamine). While the monomeric complexes (1, 2) and the polymeric complex (4) are thermally stable, the dimeric complex (3) undergoes a disproportionation process yielding the known ion‐separated homoanionic complex [K ⋅ (PMDETA)2]+ [AlMe4]− (3 a). Utilizing TMEDA as the N‐donor resulted in the same disproportionation, but gave rise to two distinct solid‐state aggregated forms of aluminate [K ⋅ (TMEDA)2]+ [AlMe4]−, namely monomeric (3 b) and polymeric (3 b′) polymorphs, in which the anionic moiety acts as a bidentate chelator or monodentate bridge respectively to the potassium cationic moieties.
A 5d perspective on the compactifications of 6d SCFTs to 4d $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 1 SCFTs
Authors: Sabag Evyatar , Sacchi Matteo
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Compactifying 6d superconformal field theories (SCFTs) to 4d $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 theories on two-punctured spheres (tubes) and tori with flux is realized using duality domain walls in 5d $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 Kaluza-Klein (KK) theories, which are usually denoted by flux domain walls. We revisit this construction and study it in detail from the 5d perspective, specifically rephrasing it using the box graph description of the extended Coulomb branch phases of 5d theories. This perspective could be helpful in understanding how to equivalently realize the 4d $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 models from geometric engineering in M-theory. Along the way, we show how to recover various properties of the 4d theories from the 5d perspective, such as the flux associated to the domain wall configurations and the presence of a $$ \mathfrak{u} $$
u
(1) global symmetry in the 4d theory descending from the KK symmetry on the tube, which is broken to a discrete subgroup on a flux torus. We demonstrate all of these ideas using the rank 1 E-string theory.
Nanoscopy and an extended lateral approach can improve the management of latero-central segments in tibial plateau fractures: a cadaveric study
Authors: Behrendt Peter , Berninger M. T. , Thürig G. , Dehoust J. , Christensen J. , Frosch K.-H. , Krause M. , Hartel M. J.
Published: December 2022

Introduction

The objective of this investigation was to compare different techniques to improve visualization and reduction in tibial plateau fractures involving the central lateral segments.

Methods

Matched pairs of pre-fractured cadaveric tibial plateau fractures that include the central lateral segments were treated by either an anterolateral approach (supine) or PL approach (prone). Reduction was stepwise extended by additional fracturoscopy (FS), nanoscopy (NS) and lastly by epicondyle osteotomy (ECO). Reduction was analyzed by 3D scan and visualization of the lateral plateau was quantified.

Results

Ten specimens (3 pairs 41B3.1, 2 pairs 41C3.3) were analyzed. Fracture steps involving the antero-latero-central (ALC) segment were insufficiently reduced after fluoroscopy using both approaches (AL 2.2 ± 1.2 mm vs PL 2.2 ± 1.0 mm, p 0.95). Additional NS and ECO achieved optimized fracture reduction in the ALC segment (NS AL 1.6 ± 1.3 mm vs PL 0.8 ± 0.9 mm, p 0.32). NS provided visualization of the entire lateral plateau (PL 102.9% ± 7.4, AL 108.8 ± 19.2%), while fracturoscopy only allowed visualization of the ALL segment and partially of PLL and ALC segments (PL 22.0 ± 23.4%, AL 29.7 ± 18.3%).

Conclusion

Optimized reduction of tibial head fractures with involvement of latero-central segments requires additional video-assisted reduction or extended approaches. Nanoscopy helps visualizing of the entire lateral plateau, when compared to fracturoscopy and may become a valuable reduction aid.
A Clifford inequality for semistable curves
Authors: Christ Karl
Published: December 2022

Let X be a semistable curve and L a line bundle whose multidegree is uniform, i.e., in the range between those of the structure sheaf and the dualizing sheaf of X. We establish an upper bound for $$h^0(X,L)$$

h
0

(
X
,
L
)

, which generalizes the classic Clifford inequality for smooth curves. The bound depends on the total degree of L and connectivity properties of the dual graph of X. It is sharp, in the sense that on any semistable curve there exist line bundles with uniform multidegree that achieve the bound.
Only gold can pull this off: mechanical exfoliations of transition metal dichalcogenides beyond scotch tape
Authors: Heyl Max , List-Kratochvil Emil J. W.
Published: December 2022

Following in graphene’s wake, the scotch tape method became the key enabler for the preparation of 2D materials, providing easy access to high-quality materials mainly limited by low yield. At this time, transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDC) received tremendous attention as a promising class of two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors. The motivation to reach the 2D limit of TMDCs and many other layered materials has long been set, and with the rise of gold-mediated exfoliations towards the millimeter scale, the stacking of these 2D single-layer building blocks into artificial 3D lattices is more relevant than ever. On this note, this review presents the recent developments in gold-mediated exfoliations beyond scotch tape, accompanied by a methods walkthrough for such a process. These matured gold exfoliations unlock a whole palette of 2D building blocks, ready for the assembly of macroscopic van der Waals heterostructures, or twistronics. Ultimately, mechanical exfoliation as a key enabler for high-quality single layers, evolved from scotch tape to gold, and became an even more potent tool in the process.
Positive Erfahrungen von Fachassistent:innen und Ärzt:innen hinsichtlich des Delegations-Forschungsprojekts StärkeR
Authors: Mai Anna , Abrantes Diaz Sandra , Stein Michelle , Denz Robin , Klaaßen-Mielke Renate , Timmesfeld Nina , Krause Dietmar , Braun Jürgen
Published: December 2022

Einleitung

Die Delegation ärztlicher Leistungen an rheumatologische Fachassistent:innen (RFA) hat sich in der Evaluation des Forschungsprojektes „StärkeR“ als sicher und effektiv erwiesen. Im Nachgang wurden die Erfahrungen der beteiligten RFA und der Rheumatolog:innen mit der Delegation im Rahmen eines Meinungsforschungsprojekts erfragt und diskutiert.

Methoden

Zum Ende des Projekts wurden die teilnehmenden RFA (mittleres Alter 45 Jahre, 100 % weiblich, durchschnittlich 11 Jahre Berufserfahrung) und Rheumatolog:innen (mittleres Alter 54 Jahre, 32 % weiblich, durchschnittlich 21 Jahre Berufserfahrung), über einen Online-Fragebogen (quantitative Analyse) befragt (21 Fragen an die Ärzt:innen und 44 Fragen an die RFA). Zusätzlich fanden für die RFA Fokusgruppensitzungen statt, die von einer Moderatorin und einer Protokollführerin geleitet wurden. Die Ergebnisse der Fokusgruppensitzungen (qualitative Analysen) wurden gemäß der strukturierten Methode nach Kuckartz ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse

An den Online-Befragungen beteiligten sich alle im Projekt involvierten 31 RFA und 25 Rheumatolog:innen. An den beiden Fokusgruppen nahmen 9 RFA teil. In den Online-Befragungen der RFA und Ärzt:innen ergaben sich überwiegend gute bis sehr gute Bewertungen hinsichtlich RFA-Schulung, Durchführung der Delegation in den Praxen und Ambulanzen, in der Rolle der RFA und der Bewertung des Delegationskonzeptes insgesamt. In den Fokusgruppendiskussionen wurden viele mögliche Einschränkungen hinsichtlich Akzeptanz und Umsetzung des Delegationskonzeptes genannt.

Schlussfolgerungen

Die Delegation ärztlicher Aufgaben an RFA ist ein mehrheitlich von beiden Seiten, der Rheumatolog:innen und der RFA, positiv eingeschätztes Konzept mit hoher Akzeptanz. Im Vergleich zwischen den einzelnen Praxen und Klinikambulanzen besteht hinsichtlich der Bereitschaft und der logistischen Möglichkeiten in der Umsetzung des Delegationskonzeptes noch eine deutliche Heterogenität.
Systematic analysis of mistletoe prescriptions in clinical studies
Authors: Staupe Henrike , Buentzel Judith , Keinki Christian , Buentzel Jens , Huebner Jutta
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Mistletoe treatment is discussed controversial as a complementary treatment for cancer patients. Aim of this systematic analysis is to assess the concept of mistletoe treatment in the clinical studies with respect to indication, type of mistletoe preparation, treatment schedule, aim of treatment, and assessment of treatment results.

Methods

In the period from August to December 2020, the following databases were systematically searched: Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PsycINFO, CINAHL, and “Science Citation Index Expanded” (Web of Science). We assessed all studies for study types, methods, endpoints and mistletoe preparations including their ways of application, host trees and dosage schedules.

Results

The search concerning mistletoe therapy revealed 3296 hits. Of these, 102 publications and at total of 19.441 patients were included. We included several study types investigating the application of mistletoe in different groups of participants (cancer patients of any type of cancer were included as well as studies conducted with healthy volunteers and pediatric patients). The most common types of cancer were breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer and malignant melanoma. Randomized controlled studies, cohort studies and case reports make up most of the included studies. A huge variety was observed concerning type and composition of mistletoe extracts (differing pharmaceutical companies and host trees), ways of applications and dosage schedules. Administration varied e. g. between using mistletoe extract as sole treatment and as concomitant therapy to cancer treatment. As the analysis of all studies shows, there is no relationship between mistletoe preparation used, host tree and dosage, and cancer type.

Conclusions

Our research was not able to deviate transparent rules or guidelines with respect to mistletoe treatment in cancer care.
Deep variational models for collaborative filtering-based recommender systems
Authors: Bobadilla Jesús , Ortega Fernando , Gutiérrez Abraham , González-Prieto Ángel
Published: December 2022

Deep learning provides accurate collaborative filtering models to improve recommender system results. Deep matrix factorization and their related collaborative neural networks are the state of the art in the field; nevertheless, both models lack the necessary stochasticity to create the robust, continuous, and structured latent spaces that variational autoencoders exhibit. On the other hand, data augmentation through variational autoencoder does not provide accurate results in the collaborative filtering field due to the high sparsity of recommender systems. Our proposed models apply the variational concept to inject stochasticity in the latent space of the deep architecture, introducing the variational technique in the neural collaborative filtering field. This method does not depend on the particular model used to generate the latent representation. In this way, this approach can be applied as a plugin to any current and future specific models. The proposed models have been tested using four representative open datasets, three different quality measures, and state-of-the-art baselines. The results show the superiority of the proposed approach in scenarios where the variational enrichment exceeds the injected noise effect. Additionally, a framework is provided to enable the reproducibility of the conducted experiments.
„Mutig, bunt, aktiv leben mit Metastasen“
Authors: Mählmann S. , Kerek-Bodden H. , Weis J.
Published: December 2022

Hintergrund

Die Diagnose einer metastasierten Krebserkrankung ist für betroffene Frauen mit zahlreichen psychischen, körperlichen und sozialen Belastungen verbunden, die im Rahmen bestehender Selbsthilfeangebote häufig nicht ausreichend thematisiert werden können. Vor diesem Hintergrund hat die Frauenselbsthilfe Krebs e. V. ein innovatives Selbsthilfeangebot für Frauen mit einer metastasierten Krebserkrankung in Form von moderierten Onlineselbsthilfetreffen geschaffen.

Fragestellung

Die begleitende wissenschaftliche Evaluation fokussierte hierbei verschiedene Prozess- und Ergebnismerkmale dieses Angebots, um den Nutzen und mögliche Schwierigkeiten zu identifizieren.

Material und Methode

Im Rahmen der Begleitforschung wurden die Teilnehmerinnen (n = 97) mittels Onlinefragebögen zu dem Angebot befragt. Zu zwei Messzeitpunkten wurden die Erwartungen an das Angebot und Befürchtungen (T0 Baseline) sowie eingetretene Erfahrungen und Schwierigkeiten (T1 nach sechs Monaten) erhoben. Das Angebot wurde hinsichtlich des subjektiven Nutzens bewertet und Veränderungen des Gesundheitszustands (psychosoziale Belastung, Depressivität, Angstsymptomatik und gesundheitsbezogene Lebensqualität) bei den Teilnehmerinnen gemessen.

Ergebnisse

Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass das Angebot die Erwartungen der betroffenen Frauen überwiegend erfüllte und als hilfreich bewertet wurde. Befürchtungen und Schwierigkeiten traten kaum auf. Zum Zeitpunkt T1 konnte eine signifikante Verringerung der psychosozialen Belastung (t (43) = 3,41, p = 0,001) gemessen werden.

Schlussfolgerung

Eine Verstetigung des Angebots könnte eine wichtige Ergänzung im Versorgungssystem zur Verringerung psychosozialer Belastungen von betroffenen Frauen bieten.
Routine postoperative admission to the neurocritical intensive care unit after microvascular decompression: necessary or can it be abandoned?
Authors: Hatipoglu Majernik Gökce , Wolff Fernandes Filipe , Al-Afif Shadi , Heissler Hans E. , Palmaers Thomas , Atallah Oday , Scheinichen Dirk , Krauss Joachim K.
Published: December 2022

Postoperative neurocritical intensive care unit (NICU) admission of patients who underwent craniotomy for close observation is common practice. In this study, we performed a comparative analysis to determine if there is a real need for NICU admission after microvascular decompression (MVD) for cranial nerve disorders or whether it may be abandoned. The present study evaluates a consecutive series of 236 MVD surgeries performed for treatment of trigeminal neuralgia (213), hemifacial spasm (17), vagoglossopharyngeal neuralgia (2), paroxysmal vertigo (2), and pulsatile tinnitus (2). All patients were operated by the senior surgeon according to a standard protocol over a period of 12 years. Patients were admitted routinely to NICU during the first phase of the study (phase I), while in the second phase (phase II), only patients with specific indications would go to NICU. While 105 patients (44%) were admitted to NICU postoperatively (phase I), 131 patients (56%) returned to the ward after a short stay in a postanaesthesia care unit (PACU) (phase II). Specific indications for NICU admission in phase I were pneumothorax secondary to central venous catheter insertion (4 patients), AV block during surgery, low blood oxygen levels after extubation, and postoperative dysphagia and dysphonia (1 patient, respectively). There were no significant differences in the distribution of ASA scores or the presence of cardiac and pulmonary comorbidities like congestive heart failure, arterial hypertension, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease between groups. There were no secondary referrals from PACU to NICU. Our study shows that routine admission of patients after eventless MVD to NICU does not provide additional value. NICU admission can be restricted to patients with specific indications. When MVD surgery is performed in experienced hands according to a standard anaesthesia protocol, clinical observation on a neurosurgical ward is sufficient to monitor the postoperative course. Such a policy results in substantial savings of costs and human resources.
Introduction: Symposium Limitarianism: Extreme Wealth as a Moral Problem
Authors: Timmer Dick , Neuhäuser Christian
Published: December 2022

The growing concentration of wealth has acquired a new urgency in recent years. One particular view in this context is developed by Ingrid Robeyns in her ground-breaking work on limitarianism. According to this view, no one should have more than a certain amount of valuable goods, such as income and wealth. The contributors to this symposium, Brian Berkey, David Axelsen and Lasse Nielsen, Jessica Flanigan and Christopher Freiman, and Lena Halldenius, critically examine various aspects of limitarianism. In particular, they examine how limitarianism should be interpreted and developed as a principle of justice, on what reasons speak in favour and against limitarianism, and on how limitarianism relates to other principles of distributive justice. Our hope is that this symposium will contribute to the ongoing debate in political philosophy about the concentration of wealth and economic justice.
Enhanced dispersion reduction using apodized uniform fiber Bragg grating for optical MTDM transmission systems
Authors: Mustafa Fathy M. , Kholidy Hisham A. , Sayed Ahmed F. , Aly Moustafa H.
Published: December 2022

The aim of this work is to propose a model for enhancing chromatic dispersion compensation in standard single mode optical fibers (SSMFs). The proposed model consists of a single stage Apodized Uniform Fiber Bragg Gratings (AUFBG) in a post-compensation scheme. It is based on the Maximum Time Division Multiplexing (MTDM) technique. The performance of the proposed model is evaluated through the quality factor (Q-factor) and Bit Error Rate (BER) in four cases, in a comparative study. In case one, the system performance is evaluated without using UFBG. The other cases study the effect of the proposed model with using different connections schemes and the most common apodization functions. For simulation, the proposed model is connected in a 10 Gbps WDM 70 km link under ordinary operating parameters. The simulation and evaluation process is conducted by Optisystem 7.0. In the pre-compensation scheme, the best results are obtained as a maximum Q-factor of 9.2 and a minimum BER of 3.25 × 10–20, using a tanh apodization function. The proposed model realizes an improvement over the related work by at least ~ 68%.
Real-Time Investigations and Simulation on the Impact of Lighting Ambience on Circadian Stimulus
Authors: Mathew Veena , Kurian Ciji Pearl , Varghese Susan G. , Priyadarshini Kannika , Bhandary Siddanth S.
Published: December 2022

Indoor lighting, incorporated with visual and circadian needs, is the upcoming goal of lighting designers. In tropical and subtropical regions, where more daylight is available, daylight harvesting is a prime source of ambient lighting indoors. This paper aims to study various cases of lighting ambience to investigate the circadian lighting capability in terms of the circadian stimulus (CS) of the system under consideration. The instances considered are simulation studies in an open office plan and real-time experimentations in a test workbench and a faculty cabin. Daylight integration was undertaken through controlled venetian blinds, tunable sources and a commercially available human-centric lighting system. The result and analysis show the influence of spectrally tunable light sources on CS rather than fixed light sources. Due to the varying CCT of tunable LED luminaire, circadian stimulation for an occupant can be easily incorporated without crossing the limits of vertical and horizontal illuminance, which may lead to visual discomfort. The findings from this study reveal that daylight–artificial light integration scheme with controlled shading and spectrally tunable source provides the optimal solution for glare-free, energy-effective and circadian entrainment, i.e. human-centric lighting (HCL). With the help of simulations, pre-evaluation will aid the lighting engineers in making a better choice among the various lighting-controlled schemes to implement HCL in indoor office spaces.
Homogenized skew PBW extensions
Authors: Suárez Héctor , Reyes Armando , Suárez Yésica
Published: December 2022

In this paper, we provide a new and more general filtration to the family of noncommutative rings known as skew PBW extensions. We introduce the notion of $$\sigma $$
σ
-filtered skew PBW extension and study some homological properties of these algebras. We show that the homogenization of a $$\sigma $$
σ
-filtered skew PBW extension A over a ring R is a graded skew PBW extension over the homogenization of R. Using this fact, we prove that if the homogenization of R is Auslander-regular, then the homogenization of A is a domain Noetherian, Artin–Schelter regular, and A is Noetherian, Zariski and (ungraded) skew Calabi–Yau.