bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Demography of Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) reared on elicitor‐treated tomato plants with an innovative comparison of projected population sizes and application of the multinomial theorem for population survival
Authors: Gharekhani Gholamhossein , Salekebrahimi Hamideh , Chi Hsin
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

Because of the considerable damage caused by tomato leafminer in tomato crops, the use of integrated methods is recommended. In this study, the effect of three different elicitors, methyl jasmonate, salicylic acid and ascorbic acid, on the life table parameters of Tuta absoluta was evaluated. A paired bootstrap test and different bootstrap percentiles were used to compare projected population sizes on specific dates. Survival probabilities were calculated by innovatively linking life tables and multinomial theorem.

RESULTS

Preadult duration and mortality significantly increased, and the net reproductive rate (R0), intrinsic rate of increase (r), and finite rate of increase (λ) significantly decreased in all elicitor treatments. The lowest fecundity (F = 71.89 eggs/female) was observed in the salicylic acid treatment, with an R0 value of 13.48 offspring/individual, r of 0.0932 d−1, and λ of 1.0977 d−1. The population projection revealed the stage structure of T. absoluta during population growth, which was significantly reduced by the elicitor treatments. The survival probability of bootstrap samples was significantly lowered, whereas the extinction probabilities increased in elicitor treatments compared with control when the survival criterion was set to two fertile pairs.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrated that the application of elicitors could reduce the risk of T. absoluta damage. Furthermore, population projection based on life tables is applicable to obtain the frequency distribution of the population size at different times. Combined application of life tables and multinomial theorem can be used to calculate the risk of pest emergence. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
SARS‐CoV‐2 viral dynamic modeling to inform model selection and timing and efficacy of antiviral therapy
Authors: Zhang Shengyuan , Agyeman Akosua A. , Hadjichrysanthou Christoforos , Standing Joseph F.
Published: August 2023

Mathematical models of viral dynamics have been reported to describe adequately the dynamic changes of severe acute respiratory syndrome‐coronavirus 2 viral load within an individual host. In this study, eight published viral dynamic models were assessed, and model selection was performed. Viral load data were collected from a community surveillance study, including 2155 measurements from 162 patients (124 household and 38 non‐household contacts). An extended version of the target‐cell limited model that includes an eclipse phase and an immune response component that enhances viral clearance described best the data. In general, the parameter estimates showed good precision (relative standard error <10), apart from the death rate of infected cells. The parameter estimates were used to simulate the outcomes of a clinical trial of the antiviral tixagevimab‐cilgavimab, a monoclonal antibody combination which blocks infection of the target cells by neutralizing the virus. The simulated outcome of the effectiveness of the antiviral therapy in controlling viral replication was in a good agreement with the clinical trial data. Early treatment with high antiviral efficacy is important for desired therapeutic outcome.
Application of a porous graphitic carbon column to carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis of underivatized individual amino acids using high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with elemental analyzer/isotope ratio mass spectrometry
Authors: Sun Yuchen , Ogawa Nanako O. , Ishikawa Naoto F. , Blattmann Thomas M. , Takano Yoshinori , Ohkouchi Naohiko
Published: August 2023

Rationale

Isolation of underivatized amino acids (AAs) using high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is becoming a popular method for carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen isotope (δ15N) analyses of AAs because of the high analytical precision and for performing dual‐isotope analysis. However, some AAs in natural samples, especially small, hydrophilic AAs, are not suitably separated using reversed‐phase columns (e.g., C18) and ion‐exchange columns (e.g., Primesep A).

Methods

We developed a new method for HPLC using a porous graphitic carbon column for the separation of nine hydrophilic AAs. After purification, δ13C and δ15N values of AAs were determined using elemental analyzer/isotope ratio mass spectrometry (EA/IRMS). We demonstrated the application of this method by determining δ13C and δ15N values of individual hydrophilic AAs in a biological sample, the muscle of blue mackerel (Scomber australasicus).

Results

Chromatographically, the baseline separation of hydrophilic AAs was achieved in both the standard mixture and the biological sample. We confirmed that δ13C and δ15N values of AA standards remained unchanged during the whole experimental procedure. The δ13C values of AAs in mackerel muscle are also in good agreement with the values obtained using another verified method for δ13C analysis.

Conclusions

The good separation performance of hydrophilic AAs and the reliability of δ13C and δ15N analyses of individual AAs using the porous graphite column offer a significant advantage over conventional settings. We suggest that, in the future, the HPLC × EA/IRMS method can be used for reliable δ13C and δ15N analyses of AAs in natural samples.
‘Teacher data literacies practice’ meets ‘pedagogical documentation’: A scoping review
Authors: Kim Mi Song , Yu Fengcaho
Published: August 2023

In teacher education, there is a growing need for teachers to become data literate by collecting a variety of data on student learning to assess student progress and inform instruction. Research on pedagogical documentation in education, in particular early childhood education, has been undertaken to make students' learning visible by documenting multiple forms of student data. Although the notion of pedagogical documentation could be broadened in teacher data literacies practice, little is known about teacher data literacies practice in implementing pedagogical documentation. To fill this research gap, we performed a scoping review of the studies to investigate the landscape of teacher data literacies practice with pedagogical documentation published from 2000 to 2020. Our scoping review employed Arksey and O'Malley's methodological framework and identified 62 studies in our review. Our analysis provided an overview of the existing studies on teacher data literacies practice with pedagogical documentation. The implications of its findings were discussed.

Context and implications

Rationale for this study

Despite the increased demand for teachers to make data‐driven and evidence‐based decisions in teaching, to our knowledge this is the first review of teacher data literacies in implementing pedagogical documentation.

Why the new findings matter

Our scoping review identifies knowledge gaps in teachers' pedagogical documentation in diverse K‐12 settings, particularly in developing countries.

Implications for educational researchers and policy makers

It also calls for more classroom‐based research on teacher data literacies practice in implementing pedagogical documentation and the need to further understand the relationship between teacher data literacies and pedagogical documentation. These implications are relevant for both educational researchers and teachers.
16.3: A Method to Improve The Reliability of T/G IGZO AMOLED Flex Panel
Authors: Zheng Shuai , Hsu YuanJun , He Yi , Liu Zhaosong , Zhenguo Lin , Yunxi Liu , Cao Weiran , Wu Yuan-chun , Zhang Xin
Published: August 2023

For large OLEDs, the amorphous InGaZnO (a‐IGZO) thin film
transistor is considered as the next generation of flexible
backplane technology due to its high mobility, good uniformity,
low off‐state current and low process temperature. However, the
reliability of a‐IGZO TFT with OLED flexible encapsulation
material is inferior at high temperature, which is speculated that
the downward diffusion of H in flexible encapsulation materials
leads to the threshold voltage drifting to negative. We successfully
prepared a self‐aligned top‐gate IGZO thin film transistor
backplane for flexible AMOLED display with a layer of metal
oxide (MOX) that can effectively block H. The backplane has
excellent electrical performance and reliability, which can meet
the requirements of flexible display devices.
47.1: Green Technology of Photoalignment Layer Coating from H2O solution for Achromatic Polymerizable Liquid Crystal Retarder
Authors: Muravsky Alexander A. , Murauski Anatoli A. , Yakovleva Alina S.
Published: August 2023

Combination of several films from polymerizable liquid crystal (PLC) into single device system with complex properties faces a fabrication issue due to chemical compatibility and mutual alignment effect of the neighbouring layers. Eco-friendly green technology of high anchoring azo-dye photoalignment layer coating from water solvent provides efficient solution to hinder interlayer interaction of bottom PLC layer avoiding its chemical damage and providing unique photoalignment pattern for top PLC retarder. The advanced possibilities of green technology of photoalignment layers coated from H2O solution are demonstrated through fabrication of achromatic quarter-wave retarder system comprising formation of polimerizable liquid crystal layers on top of one another with arbitrary azimuthal photoalignment direction. The merge of photoaligned PLC retarders into single multi-layer anisotropic structure opens new approach to fabrication of thin-film phase devices with complex optical properties.
P‐17.1: Research on Halo Effect in Mini LED Backlight
Authors: Li Lingyan , Wang Shufen , Liu Chunfeng , Li Ronghua , Li Xiongping
Published: August 2023

In recent years, with the improvement of consumers' pursuit of display quality, in the field of LCD display, the direct‐light backlight technology is increasingly used in TV, MNT, NB, VR, Pad and even automotive display fields. Using this technology to zone the backlight can achieve local dimming technology, that is, adjust the brightness of the single backlight zone according to the image. Thus, high contrast ratio and high color gamut can be achieved while reducing power consumption. However, compared with the traditional edge‐light display, the halo effect of the direct‐light backlight display greatly affects the visual effect. At present, backlight design tends to be highly zoned, which will affect the halo effect and contrast ratio. And as customers pursue further improvement in optical property, the 3D reflector design to enhance the luminance of the single zone will also affect contrast ratio and halo effect. In this paper, we explored the influence of zone size and 3D reflector design on halo effect and contrast ratio, so as to guide the subsequent products to carry out appropriate zone size design.
Influence of Clay on Structure, Thermal Properties and Mechanics of Poly(vinyl acetate)/Maghnite Nanocomposites.
Authors: Mrah Lahouari , Khiati Zoulikha
Published: August 2023

Poly (vinyl acetate) (PVAC) based on Algerian clay maghnite was synthesized by an emulsion polymerization process in the present study. The prepared nanocomposites were analyzed by means of FTIR, UV‐visible, XRD, AFM, SEM, TGA and optical microscopy. The results obtained showed a semi‐crystalline structure of the composite system revealed by the XRD scheme. The addition of maghnite to the fillers up to 5 wt % has been shown to reduce the optical band gap energy, while the refractive index is greatly increased. The presence of maghnite in PVAC leads to an increase in surface roughness as measured by AFM analysis. The thermal stability of PVAC was significantly improved by the presence of maghnite in the polymer matrix. The mechanical test results indicate that the tensile strength of the polymer composites was improved by the increase in the concentration of clay platelets. The electrical property data show that as the frequency increases, the dielectric constant decreases and the electrical conductivity increases. The loading content of composites also influences their electrical and mechanical properties. This widens the range of applications for these materials in flexible electronics and in conductive coatings.
Removal of Cationic Crystal Violet dye using Zeolite‐ Embedded Carboxymethyl Tamarind Kernel Gum (CMTKG) based Hydrogel Adsorbents
Authors: Rani Indu , Warkar Sudhir G. , Kumar Anil
Published: August 2023

In this research paper, various formulations of zeolite‐loaded carboxymethyl tamarind kernel gum (CMTKG) based hydrogels were synthesized and utilized as a potential adsorbent for the removal of crystal violet (CV) dye. The swelling capacity of all the synthesized hydrogels was investigated and the composition of hydrogel which exhibited maximum swelling was used for the characterization and dye removal experiment. The CV dye was chosen as a model dye for the dye removal experiment. The structure of zeolite and zeolite embedded hydrogel was elucidated by XRD, FTIR, FE‐SEM, EDX and elemental papping techniques. The adsorption experiment was investigated by varying the CV concentration, amount of hydrogel adsorbent, temperature, pH of the dye solution, adsorption time, and ionic strength. The Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were used to fit the adsorption data and it was observed that the data fitted well with the Langmuir model. Moreover, hydrogel‘s maximum dye adsorption efficiency was found at 123.60 mg g−1. The adsorption kinetic studies were followed by pseudo‐ first‐order and intraparticle diffusion kinetic models. In addition, regeneration studies were performed for the best adsorbent hydrogel using ethanol solvent and the result concluded the desorption efficiency of hydrogel (82 %) over four desorption cycles.
Antimicrobial, Photocatalytic, and Non‐Enzymatic Glucose Sensors Applications of Nanoplate‐Structured CuO:rGO Nanocomposites**
Authors: Preethi Thangavel , Pachamuthu Muthusamy Poomalai , Senthil Karuppanan , Bellucci Stefano
Published: August 2023

In the current work, reduced graphene oxide (rGO) layers (20, 40, 60, and 80 mg) are decorated over the surface of copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles using a simple and in‐situ hydrothermal reduction method. The notable variation in the XRD peak intensity of CuO:rGO samples indicates the formation of nanocomposite. HRTEM and FESEM analysis reveal a nanoplate‐like morphology with uniform particle distribution. Further, the nanocomposites are characterized using FTIR, DRS UV Visible, and XPS techniques. Here, multi‐functional applications of the synthesized nanocomposites are investigated through photocatalytic dye degradation, antimicrobial, and electrochemical sensing analyses. The photocatalytic activity of synthesized CuO:rGO nanocomposites with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) showed higher efficiency (98 %) than pure CuO. The effects of pH, various scavengers, and different dyes on the degradation efficiencies of CuO:rGO nanocomposites are also investigated. Using the agar well diffusion method, these nanocomposites exhibited a zone of inhibition value of 32 mm against both gram positive (Bacillus subtilis) and gram negative (Escherichia coli) bacterial strains when compared to pure rGO and CuO nanoparticles. Also, nanocomposites are found to be suitable for non‐enzymatic glucose sensing with a detection limit in the range from 0.05 to 4 mM, as evidenced from the cyclic voltammetry (CV) analysis.
Selective Synthesis of 3‐Chalcogenylindoles via Silver‐Catalyzed Direct Chalcogenation of Indoles with Dichalcogenides
Authors: Benchawan Thewika , Maneewong Jesada , Saeeng Rungnapha
Published: August 2023

An efficient and convenient strategy for selective synthesis of 3‐selenyl and 3‐sulfenyl indoles was developed using silver(I)nitrate as catalyst under aerobic and mild reaction conditions. This approach is scalable, economical and eco‐friendly furnishing the corresponding indoles in good to high yields in a short reaction time.
Frontal Polymerization for Decomposable Lignin‐Loaded Polymer Materials towards Water Purification
Authors: Qu Xiao‐Wei , Li Qing , Yu Shuzhen , Shen Haixia , Chen Su
Published: August 2023

Rapid population growth and water contamination have led to a shortage of freshwater, making it crucial to find sustainable methods for water purification. Solar‐powered evaporation is an eco‐friendly approach that uses solar energy to facilitate water evaporation and separate it from contaminants. Recent studies have focused on the development of solar absorber systems that incorporate photo‐thermal materials into a porous structure to enhance the efficiency of solar‐to‐thermal conversion and elevate water evaporation capacities. However, there is a lack of studies on simple and quick fabrication methods for solar absorber materials that minimize storage constraints in real‐world applications. Frontal polymerization (FP) technology is a promising solution that offers straightforward operation, minimal energy consumption, and rapid reaction for porous polymers. In this study, a decomposable and photo‐thermal composite polymer(LI/(P(DCPD‐co‐DTD))) is synthesized using FMORP, incorporating lignin fillers to improve the light absorption capacity and photothermal performance beneficial for water purification. The water evaporation rate can reach as high as 1.63 kg m−2 h−1. This composite polymer is expected to promote solar‐driven water purification in practical applications.
Aqueous Phase Organocatalytic Multicomponent Green Synthesis of 2‐Amino‐4H‐Chromenes
Authors: Thangalipalli Swathi , Bandalla Siddarama Goud , Gavinolla Vijayalaxmi , Panduga Ramaraju , Neella Chandra Kiran
Published: August 2023

An efficient and green method for the synthesis of 4H‐chromenes via an organocatalytic three‐component one‐pot reaction between active methylene compound, aromatic aldehydes and resorcinol with high yields (upto 98 %) in water is reported. To the best of our knowledge, ours is the first report of study of MCR on resacetophenone for the synthesis of 2‐amino‐4H‐chromenes. The organo catalyst DMAP was recovered and reused for 6 times without substantial decrease in the yields, and the products were purified just by recrystallization from ethanol which avoids purification through column. This easy to handle method reduces the use of many hazardous catalysts and adverse reaction conditions and utilizes simple, readily accessible and recyclable catalyst. Single crystal X‐ray clearly confirms the structures of synthesized chromenes.
Dinaphthalimide‐Glycol‐Based Fluorescent Powder for Imaging of Latent fingerprints: Case Studies in Fingerprinting
Authors: Kumar Sanjeev , Singh Prabhpreet
Published: August 2023

The DNPG, which consists of naphthalimides at terminal positions of pentaethylene glycol chain, was non covalently doped on nanoporous silica (SiO2) and has been used as fluorescent powder for imaging of latent fingerprints (LFPs) on porous and non‐porous surfaces. We have successfully demonstrated the application of DNPG@SiO2 fluorescent powder for visualization of level 1 (indexing), level 2 (minutiae points) and level 3 (sweat pores). We also attempted to establish the identity of the subject (person) in case studies on 12 subjects. The CIE‐1931 coordinates (x,y) of 0.2, 0.3 of DNPG showed green colour with 49.4 % purity and it possessed low cytotoxicity (IC50=139.5 uM).
Effect of hybrid fibers on the flexural performance of high‐strength recycled aggregate concrete beams
Authors: Niu Haicheng , Li Bohan , Gao Jinlong , Xie Shu
Published: August 2023

Fibers are mixed within reinforced high‐strength recycled aggregate concrete (RHRAC) beams to improve their flexural performance. This study experimentally and analytically investigates the effect of using RAC combined with polyvinyl alcohol fiber (PVAF) and steel fiber (SF) on the flexural performance of RHRAC beams. A total of 11 RHRAC beams (150 × 300 × 2600 mm3) are manufactured and subject to four‐point flexural testing. The parameters of the concrete are investigated, including the volume content of the PVAF and SF. The experimental results show that SF increases the flexural strength of RHRAC beams more than PVAF does. Conversely, the effect of PVAF on deformability is more significant than that of SF. In addition, the positive influences of hybrid fiber (PVAF and SF) on the crack load, flexural capacity, and deformation capacity are superior to those of single‐mixed PVAF or SF. Three different specifications are used to calculate the flexural capacity of the test beams, among which, JGJ/T465‐2019 is the most reliable.
Structural and life cycle assessments of recycled aggregate concrete beams incorporating industrial hemp fibers
Authors: Ghosn Samer , Hamad Bilal , Awwad Elie
Published: August 2023

As a sustainable concrete material, hemp and recycled aggregate concrete (HRAC) is produced by partial replacement of natural coarse aggregates (NCA) with recycled concrete coarse aggregates (RCA) and industrial hemp fibers. The objective of the reported research was to investigate the structural performance of reinforced concrete beams prepared with HRAC and designed to fail in flexure, shear, or bond splitting modes of failure, and to compare that performance with companion control beams cast with conventional concrete. The significance stems for the fact that no previous research is reported on mixtures using such a combination of hemp fibers and RCA. Test results indicated that HRAC beams with 0.75% volumetric percentage hemp fibers and 50% RCA replacement had comparable peak load capacities to the control beams with no RCA and no fibers, with ±4% difference for all tested modes of failure. Additionally, the fracture energy of the HRAC beam was higher than the control beam by 3.6%, 17.9%, and 14.4% for the flexure, shear, and bond modes of failure, respectively. Moreover, a life cycle analysis (LCA) was considered to compare HRAC mix with conventional concrete mix in terms of the environmental aspects. LCA results indicated that HRAC is a sustainable concrete, specifically with respect to structural performance and lower environmental impact.
Sensitive and prolonged intracellular electrophysiological recording by three‐dimensional nanodensity regulation
Authors: Liu Xingxing , Xu Dongxin , Fang Jiaru , Liao Yuheng , Zhang Mingyue , Li Hongbo , Yang Wenjian , Wu Yue , Xu Zhongyuan , Hu Ning , Zhang Diming
Published: August 2023

With the advancement of micro/nanotechnologies, multielectrodes arrays (MEAs) with different three‐dimensional (3D) micro/nanostructures have been developed to achieve intracellular action potential recording of cardiomyocytes. However, the effect of the 3D micro/nanostructures density on the intracellular recording has not been fully investigated. In this work, 3D tunable nanodensity electrode arrays (TNDEA) are fabricated by hydrothermal synthesis and standard microfabrication to explore the effect of nanodensity regulation on intracellular biosensing. By low‐voltage electroporation, the signal quality of intracellular potentials recorded by the low‐nanodensity TNDEA showed was significantly improved compared to those recorded by the high‐nanodensity TNDEA. The low‐nanodensity TNDEA improved the amplitude (up to 7.7 mV), signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) (up to 69.46 dB), recording duration (up to 83 min), and recording yield (∼100%). The 3D nanodensity regulating strategy has achieved sensitive and prolonged intracellular biosensing of action potentials and is expected to be a powerful electrophysiological research tool in the biomedical field.
Comparison of trigeminal lateralization with differing stimulants
Authors: Chen Tiffany , Poupore Nicolas S. , Shih Michael C. , Edwards Thomas S. , Nguyen Shaun A. , Soler Zachary M. , Schlosser Rodney J.
Published: August 2023

Trigeminal‐specific stimulants have been shown to activate different receptors preferentially and this likely accounts for variation in sensory perception. It is unclear whether trigeminal sensitivity is similar across different transient receptor potential (TRP) receptors or if dysfunction of different receptors results in differing patient symptoms. Therefore, a prospective cohort study was conducted, consisting of trigeminal lateralization testing with three different stimulants (eucalyptol, isothiocyanate, acetic acid), olfaction testing with Sniffin' Sticks, and measurement of various patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs). A total of 50 participants were enrolled across the olfactory spectrum. Mean TDI score was 27.1 ± 8.3 (range 7.0–39.5) with 38% normosmic and 62% dysosmic. Mean trigeminal lateralization scores out of 20 in the overall cohort were 16.18 (2.78) for eucalyptol, 14.94 (3.49) for mustard oil, and 15.28 (3.68) for vinegar. Eucalyptol showed a significant correlation with threshold scores of Sniffin' Sticks. A significant correlation was found between acetic acid and various PROMs. None of the lateralization scores of the trigeminal stimulants correlated to each other significantly and there was no correlation to age. The lack of correlation suggests that the measured sensitivity of one type of TRP receptor may not translate to similar sensitivity of the other receptors. Additional investigations with TRPV1 and TRPA1 agonists are needed to corroborate our findings.
PDF Evaluation of Elliptically Contoured GNSS Integer Ambiguity Residuals
Authors: Teunissen Peter J. G. , Verhagen Sandra
Published: August 2023

In this contribution we will present and evaluate the joint probability density function (PDF) of the multivariate integer GNSS carrier phase ambiguity residuals, thereby assuming that the GNSS data belong to the very general class of elliptically contoured (EC) distributions. Examples of distributions belonging to this class are the multivariate normal distribution, the t-distribution and the contaminated normal distribution. Since the residuals and their properties depend on the integer estimation principle used, we will present the PDF of the ambiguity residuals for the whole class of admissible integer estimators. This includes the estimation principles of integer rounding, integer bootstrapping, and integer least squares. The probabilistic properties of these estimators vary with the distributions from the EC-class. In order to get a better understanding of the various features of the joint PDF of the ambiguity residuals we will use a step-by-step construction aided by graphical means.
Recommender Systems and Discrimination
Authors: Gössl Susanne Lilian
Published: August 2023

The following article deals with the topic of discrimination “by” a recommender system. Several reasons can create discriminating recommendations, especially the lack of diversity in training data, bias in training data or errors in the underlying modelling algorithm. The legal frame is still not sufficient to nudge developers or users to effectively avoid those discriminations, especially data protection law as enshrined in the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is not feasible to fight discrimination. The same applies for the EU Unfair Competition Law, that at least contains first considerations to allow an autonomous decision of the subjects involved to know about possible forms of discrimination. Furthermore, with the Digital Service Act (DSA) and the AI Act (AIA) there are first steps into a direction that can inter alia tackle the problem. Most effectively seems a combination of regular monitoring and audit obligations and the development of an information model, supported by information by legal design, that allows an autonomous decision of all individuals using a recommender system.
Integrated Diagnostics and Theragnostics of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma and Related Syndromes
Authors: Fargette Christelle , Imperiale Alessio , Giovanella Luca , Taïeb David
Published: August 2023

Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is a rare neoplasm derived from calcitonin-secreting cells of the thyroid (C cells) for which surgery is the only curative treatment. Successful management of MTC depends on the patient’s condition, tumor stage, genetic background, and the medical team’s experience. This chapter provides an overview of clinical manifestations, diagnosis of MTC and Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2 (MEN2) and also presents applications of the most up-to-date imaging modalities to MTC with special emphasis on 18F-FDOPA PET/CT. It aims to guide physicians toward a rationale for the use of imaging prior to prophylactic thyroidectomy, reoperations for persistent/recurrent disease and prior to initial surgery. This chapter also concludes that, in the near future, it is expected that these patients will indeed benefit from newly developed diagnostic and theragnostic approaches.
“Exotic Sensation” or “Völkisch Art”? Press Reviews of the Indisches Ballett Menaka (Menaka Indian Ballet) on Tour Through Germany, 1936–1938
Authors: Schwaderer Isabella
Published: August 2023

The tour of the Indian Ballet Menaka through hundreds of German cities between 1936 and 1938 left a large footprint in the form of theatre reviews. This article focuses on the role of these performances in actualizing a specific knowledge about India that was, firstly, based on the assumption of the consanguinity of Indo-German peoples and, secondly, on a vision of history as a realization of the utopian ideal of cultural regeneration through art. This article thus hopes to articulate the ways in which the unique experience of this Indian theatre event served as an instrument for consolidating a völkisch/racialized perception of art in general, and of music in particular.
Ergebnisqualität und Kosten der allgemeinen und spezialisierten Palliativversorgung in Deutschland im regionalen Vergleich: eine GKV-Routinedatenstudie
Authors: Freytag Antje , Meissner Franziska , Krause Markus , Lehmann Thomas , Jansky Maximiliane Katharina , Marschall Ursula , Schmid Andreas , Schneider Nils , Vollmar Horst Christian , Wedding Ulrich , Ditscheid Bianka
Published: August 2023

Hintergrund

Wesentliche Rahmenbedingungen für Palliativversorgung (PV) werden auf regionaler Ebene gesetzt. Der Umfang zum Einsatz kommender Versorgungsformen (ambulant, stationär, allgemein, spezialisiert) variiert regional stark. Welche Ergebnisqualität zu welchen Kosten wird mit der in einer KV-Region (Kassenärztliche Vereinigung) angebotenen PV erreicht?

Methoden

Retrospektive Beobachtungsstudie mit BARMER-Routinedaten von 145.372 im Zeitraum 2016–2019 Verstorbenen mit PV im letzten Lebensjahr. Vergleich der KV-Regionen hinsichtlich folgender Outcomes: Anteil palliativ versorgter Menschen, die im Krankenhaus verstarben, potenziell belastende Versorgung in den letzten 30 Lebenstagen (Rettungsdiensteinsätze, [intensivmedizinische] Krankenhausaufenthalte, Chemotherapien, Anlage/Wechsel einer PEG-Sonde, parenterale Ernährung), Gesamtversorgungskosten der letzten 3 Lebensmonate, Kosten der PV(‑Formen) des letzten Lebensjahres, Kosten-Effektivitäts-Relationen sowie Patienten‑/Wohnkreismerkmals-adjustierte Kennzahlen.

Ergebnisse

Die KV-Regionen variierten hinsichtlich der Outcomes (auch adjustiert) der PV deutlich. Über alle Outcomes aggregiert wies Westfalen-Lippe bessere Ergebnisse auf. Die PV-Kosten variierten ebenfalls stark, am stärksten bei spezialisierter ambulanter PV (SAPV). Die günstigste Kosten-Effektivitäts-Relation von Gesamtversorgungskosten zur Sterberate in der Häuslichkeit wies Westfalen-Lippe auf.

Fazit

Regionen mit besserer Ergebnisqualität und günstigerer Kosten-Effektivität können Orientierung für andere Regionen bieten. Es sollte überprüft werden, inwieweit der neue SAPV-Bundesrahmenvertrag die empirischen Erkenntnisse aufgreifen kann. Patientenrelevanten Outcomes sollte stärkeres Gewicht gegeben werden als Parametern, die auf Versorgungsstrukturen abzielen.
Selective targeting of lectins and their macropinocytosis in urothelial tumours: translation from in vitro to ex vivo
Authors: Resnik Nataša , Višnjar Tanja , Smrkolj Tomaž , Kreft Mateja Erdani , Romih Rok , Zupančič Daša
Published: August 2023

Urinary bladder cancer can be treated by intravesical application of therapeutic agents, but the specific targeting of cancer urothelial cells and the endocytotic pathways of the agents are not known. During carcinogenesis, the superficial urothelial cells exhibit changes in sugar residues on the apical plasma membranes. This can be exploited for selective targeting from the luminal side of the bladder. Here we show that the plant lectins Jacalin (from Artocarpus integrifolia), ACA (from Amaranthus caudatus) and DSA (from Datura stramonium) selectively bind to the apical plasma membrane of low- (RT4) and high-grade (T24) cancer urothelial cells in vitro and urothelial tumours ex vivo. The amount of lectin binding was significantly different between RT4 and T24 cells. Endocytosis of lectins was observed only in cancer urothelial cells and not in normal urothelial cells. Transmission electron microscopy analysis showed macropinosomes, endosome-like vesicles and multivesicular bodies filled with lectins in RT4 and T24 cells and also in cells of urothelial tumours ex vivo. Endocytosis of Jacalin and ACA in cancer cells was decreased in vitro after addition of inhibitor of macropinocytosis 5-(N-ethyl-N-isopropyl) amiloride (EIPA) and increased after stimulation of macropinocytosis with epidermal growth factor (EGF). Clathrin, caveolin and flotillin did not colocalise with lectins. These results confirm that the predominant mechanism of lectin endocytosis in cancer urothelial cells is macropinocytosis. Therefore, we propose that lectins in combination with conjugated therapeutic agents are promising tools for improved intravesical therapy by targeting cancer cells.
Hypothalamus volumes in adolescent Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS): impact of self-reported fatigue and illness duration
Authors: Byrne Hollie , Josev Elisha K. , Knight Sarah J. , Scheinberg Adam , Rowe Katherine , Lubitz Lionel , Seal Marc L.
Published: August 2023

Adolescent Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex illness of unknown aetiology. Emerging theories suggest ME/CFS may reflect a progressive, aberrant state of homeostasis caused by disturbances within the hypothalamus, yet few studies have investigated this using magnetic resonance imaging in adolescents with ME/CFS. We conducted a volumetric analysis to investigate whether whole and regional hypothalamus volumes in adolescents with ME/CFS differed compared to healthy controls, and whether these volumes were associated with fatigue severity and illness duration. 48 adolescents (25 ME/CFS, 23 controls) were recruited. Lateralised whole and regional hypothalamus volumes, including the anterior–superior, superior tubular, posterior, anterior-inferior and inferior tubular subregions, were calculated from T1-weighted images. When controlling for age, sex and intracranial volume, Bayesian linear regression models revealed no evidence for differences in hypothalamus volumes between groups. However, in the ME/CFS group, a weak linear relationship between increased right anterior–superior volumes and fatigue severity was identified, which was absent in controls. In addition, Bayesian quantile regression revealed a likely-positive association between illness duration and right superior tubular volumes in the ME/CFS group. While these findings suggest overall comparability in regional and whole hypothalamus volumes between adolescents with ME/CFS and controls, preliminary evidence was identified to suggest greater fatigue severity and longer illness duration were associated with greater right anterior–superior and superior-tubular volumes, respectively. These regions contain the anterior and superior divisions of the paraventricular nucleus, involved in the neuroendocrine response to stress, suggesting involvement in ME/CFS pathophysiology. However, replication in a larger, longitudinal cohort is required.
Reproduction of transport-induced vibration of paintings based on a multi-channel FxLMS controller
Authors: Gao Yulong , Ziegler Pascal , Hartlieb Eva , Heinemann Carolin , Eberhard Peter
Published: August 2023

Monitoring the vibration of the painting canvas during transport is of great significance to protect paintings from damage. However, limited to the narrow structure of the transport crate, the lack of an inertial reference, and the limitations to attach sensors to the canvas, this is a difficult task. For this reason, based on vibration data measured on the strainer that is easily obtained during transport, this contribution proposes to reproduce these with high accuracy in the laboratory. There, the resulting vibration of the canvas can be conveniently observed in a controlled environment with respect to an inertial reference. A real-time simulation platform based on the multi-channel Filtered-x Least Mean Square (FxLMS) algorithm controls four actuators simultaneously and reproduces the vibration of the strainer obtained from a real transport experiment. The vibration of the canvas is then measured by a laser Doppler vibrometer without contact. The experimental results show that the vibration reproduction system has sufficient reproduction accuracy for the vibration response. Even though some overshoot in the reproduced acceleration can be observed in some cases, the overall reproduction is very good. A long-term reproduction experiment verifies its stable reproducibility. Therefore, the designed vibration reproduction system provides a reference for the unknown canvas response during transport, and further helps art conservators to evaluate the transport process of the painting.
Subject-Specific Automatic Reconstruction of White Matter Tracts
Authors: Meesters Stephan , Landers Maud , Rutten Geert-Jan , Florack Luc
Published: August 2023

MRI-based tractography is still underexploited and unsuited for routine use in brain tumor surgery due to heterogeneity of methods and functional–anatomical definitions and above all, the lack of a turn-key system. Standardization of methods is therefore desirable, whereby an objective and reliable approach is a prerequisite before the results of any automated procedure can subsequently be validated and used in neurosurgical practice. In this work, we evaluated these preliminary but necessary steps in healthy volunteers. Specifically, we evaluated the robustness and reliability (i.e., test–retest reproducibility) of tractography results of six clinically relevant white matter tracts by using healthy volunteer data (N = 136) from the Human Connectome Project consortium. A deep learning convolutional network-based approach was used for individualized segmentation of regions of interest, combined with an evidence-based tractography protocol and appropriate post-tractography filtering. Robustness was evaluated by estimating the consistency of tractography probability maps, i.e., averaged tractograms in normalized space, through the use of a hold-out cross-validation approach. No major outliers were found, indicating a high robustness of the tractography results. Reliability was evaluated at the individual level. First by examining the overlap of tractograms that resulted from repeatedly processed identical MRI scans (N = 10, 10 iterations) to establish an upper limit of reliability of the pipeline. Second, by examining the overlap for subjects that were scanned twice at different time points (N = 40). Both analyses indicated high reliability, with the second analysis showing a reliability near the upper limit. The robust and reliable subject-specific generation of white matter tracts in healthy subjects holds promise for future validation of our pipeline in a clinical population and subsequent implementation in brain tumor surgery.
Akuter epileptischer Anfall – Handlungspläne für Laien (HEAL) und Therapeuten (HEAT)
Authors: Klotz Kerstin Alexandra , Bast Thomas , Strzelczyk Adam , Schubert-Bast Susanne
Published: August 2023

Eine barrierefreie Teilnahme am alltäglichen Leben stellt für Menschen mit aktiver Epilepsie häufig eine Herausforderung dar. Epileptische Anfälle können in Kindergarten, Schule und am Arbeitsplatz sowie im häuslichen Umfeld Unsicherheit und Überforderung hervorrufen. Individuell erstellte Pläne für Betreuende, Angehörige, Aufsichtspersonen und den Rettungsdienst sollen im Falle eines akuten Anfalls geeignete Handlungsanweisungen geben. Bisher gibt es hierfür im deutschsprachigen Raum keine standardisierten Vorlagen. Mit den Handlungsplänen bei epileptischen Anfällen für Laien (HEAL) bzw. Therapeuten (HEAT) werden hier 2 Formulare vorgestellt, die zum einen eine standardisierte Grundlage bieten und andererseits leicht auf den individuellen Bedarf angepasst werden können.
Assessing the joint prevalence of dementia and hearing loss in Scotland: a growth model for public health planning
Authors: Koesters Nils Bernd , McMenemy Andrena , Johnson Christine
Published: August 2023

Aim

Data in Public Health studies often comes in mismatched age groups. This study investigated how mathematical modelling techniques could be used to estimate the number of individuals with dementia and hearing loss in Scotland given heterogeneous age group data.

Subject and Methods

Using established criteria for modelling hearing loss, current population level estimates from the Scottish National Records office were employed to calculate general estimates of the number of individuals with hearing loss in Scotland. Additionally, age group models developed by the European Collaboration on Dementia were used to generate estimates of the number of people with dementia in Scotland. To estimate the number of individuals with both conditions, the two models were combined in a single formula. Parameter optimization was performed on various growth models to determine the best fit to the data.

Results

The Stannard growth model was found to be the best fit to the data.

Conclusion

The prevalence of hearing loss, dementia and their co-occurrence exhibit a sigmoidal pattern, which is well-captured by the Stannard growth model, a logistic, sigmoidal type model. This study demonstrates the potential of mathematical modelling to provide nuanced and robust estimates of the prevalence of hearing loss, dementia and their co-occurrence given heterogeneous data sources. A lookup table is provided.
Monitoring of a microbial community during bioaugmentation with hydrogenotrophic methanogens to improve methane yield of an anaerobic digestion process
Authors: Gállego-Bravo Aixa Kari , García-Mena Jaime , Piña-Escobedo Alberto , López-Jiménez Gloria , Gutiérrez-Castillo María Eugenia , Tovar-Gálvez Luis Raúl
Published: August 2023

Methane production by microbial fermentation of municipal waste is a challenge for better yield processes. This work describes the characterization of a hydrogenotrophic methanogen microbial community used in a bioaugmentation procedure to improve the methane yield in a thermophilic anaerobic process, digesting the organic fraction of municipal solid waste. The performance of the bioaugmentation was assessed in terms of methane production and changes in the microbial community structure. The results showed that bioaugmentation slightly improved the cumulative methane yield (+ 4%) in comparison to the control, and its use led to an acceleration of the methanogenesis stage. We observed associated significant changes in the relative abundance of taxa and their interactions, using high throughput DNA sequencing of V3-16S rRNA gene libraries, where the abundance of the archaeal hydrogenotrophic genus Methanoculleus (class Methanomicrobia, phylum Euryarchaeota) and the bacterial order MBA08 (class Clostridia, phylum Firmicutes) were dominant. The relevant predicted metabolic pathways agreed with substrate degradation and the anaerobic methanogenic process. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of hydrogenotrophic methanogens in the generation of methane, while treating organic waste through anaerobic digestion.
So You Want Me to Believe You’re Happy or Angry? How Negotiators Perceive and Respond to Emotion Deception
Authors: Ye Zi , Lelieveld Gert-Jan , Noordewier Marret K. , van Dijk Eric
Published: August 2023

Past work suggests that emotion deception in negotiations – communicating a different emotion than experienced – is perceived negatively. We, however, argue that this depends on the type of emotion deception. We compared two emotion deception types – communicating anger while actually being happy, and communicating happiness while being angry – to genuine communications of happiness and anger. In three preregistered experiments (N = 500), participants played the role of employee or supervisor and negotiated with an opponent about salary raises. After their initial offer, participants learned their opponent’s experienced (happiness vs. anger) and communicated emotion (happiness vs. anger). Then, participants made their final demand and reported perceptions of their opponent’s limits and sacrifice. Results showed that participants perceived opponents who communicated genuine anger as having stricter limits and conceded more to them than to opponents using the other emotion communication types. Moreover, opponents who communicated happiness but experienced anger were perceived as making more of a sacrifice than opponents who communicated anger but experienced happiness. In Experiment 3, we also examined effects of emotion deception on non-negotiated outcomes, by assessing the likelihood to hand the opponent a year-end bonus. Participants were most likely to allocate the bonus to opponents that truthfully communicated happiness. Moreover, participants were more likely to allocate the bonus to opponents who communicated happiness but experienced anger than to opponents who communicated anger but experienced happiness. These findings extend social functional accounts of emotion communication, by showing that effects of emotion deception depend on the type of experienced and/or communicated emotions.
Transgenerational expression profiles of a sex related and an epigenetic control gene in the rotifer Brachionus plicatilis in relation to environmental predictability
Authors: Colinas Noemi , Montero-Pau Javier , Carmona María José , Sabatino Raffaella , Di Cesare Andrea , Eckert Ester Maria , García-Roger Eduardo M.
Published: August 2023

A non-genetic transgenerational inhibitory effect on sexual reproduction has been demonstrated in Brachionus plicatilis in relation to environmental predictability. Indeed, clones of this species from more predictable environments do not respond to sex-inducing cues during several generations after leaving diapause. Notwithstanding, the molecular basis of this effect is still unknown. In this work, the expression level of genes related to the synthesis of sex hormones and to a potential epigenetic signalling mechanism were tracked along successive generations from diapausing eggs in clones of B. plicatilis populations inhabiting ponds with different level of environmental predictability. The selected genes were (1) the 17-β-dehydrogenase gene (edh), involved in the synthesis of 17-β-estradiol hormone in rotifers, and (2) the DNMT2 gene (meth), as a candidate epigenetic mechanism of control. According to expectations, results showed an increasing expression of edh across generations in clones from those the more predictable ponds. This finding provides a putative role of estradiol in the transgenerational effect. However, no differences were found in the meth gene neither across generations nor regarding the environmental predictability. Despite this, we point out alternatives for future research on the inherited gene regulation mechanism behind the transgenerational effect.