bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Kinetics of Light‐Induced Enhancement Effect in Silicon Heterojunction Solar Cells
Authors: Yang Lifei , Li Xingbing , Zhang Wenbin , Yang Qingsong , Wang Qi
Published: December 2022

Silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells are one of the promising technologies for next‐generation high‐efficiency crystalline silicon solar cells in photovoltaic industry. Recently, an interesting light‐induced performance enhancement (LIE) effect has been observed in SHJ solar cells. Herein, the kinetics and stability of the LIE effect during repeated cycles of light soaking and subsequent dark annealing at 150 °C are investigated. It is found that VOC of SHJ solar cells increases with light soaking time following stretched exponential, but can be reverted by subsequent dark annealing. This means that LIE effect in SHJ solar cells is not stable. The underlying mechanism of this phenomenon should be attributed to the hydrogen motion in a‐Si:H layers. It is also demonstrated that increasing illumination intensity leads to faster (shorter time constant) and stronger (higher saturation level of ΔVOC) LIE effect.
Parametric and nonparametric methods for confidence intervals and sample size planning for win probability in parallel‐group randomized trials with Likert item and Likert scale data
Authors: Zou Guangyong , Zou Lily , Qiu Shi‐fang
Published: December 2022

Data on the Likert scale are ubiquitous in medical research, including randomized trials. Statistical analysis of such data may be conducted using the means of raw scores or the rank information of the scores. In the context of parallel‐group randomized trials, we quantify treatment effects by the probability that a subject in the treatment group has a better score than (or a win over) a subject in the control group. Asymptotic parametric and nonparametric confidence intervals for this win probability and associated sample size formulas are derived for studies with only follow‐up scores, and those with both baseline and follow‐up measurements. We assessed the performance of both the parametric and nonparametric approaches using simulation studies based on real studies with Likert item and Likert scale data. The simulation results demonstrate that even without baseline adjustment, the parametric methods did not perform well, in terms of bias, interval coverage percentage, balance of tail error, and assurance of achieving a pre‐specified precision. In contrast, the nonparametric approach performed very well for both the unadjusted and adjusted win probability. We illustrate the methods with two examples: one using Likert item data and the other using Like scale data. We conclude that non‐parametric methods are preferable for two‐group randomization trials with Likert data. Illustrative SAS code for the nonparametric approach using existing procedures is provided.
Synthesis of Quinoline‐Pyrene Derivatives and Theoretical Investigation of Their Fluorescence and Electronic Properties
Authors: Gümüş Ayşegül , Gümüş Selçuk
Published: December 2022

Synthesis of novel fluorescent quinoline‐pyrene conjugates is described. The key intermediates 2‐substituted 8‐propynyloxy quinoline and azidomethyl pyrene were connected with triazole bridge by 1,3‐dipolar alkyne‐azide cycloaddition reaction. Density functional theory methodology with B3LYP/6‐311++G(d,p) basis set was applied computationally to gather information about the structural and electronic properties of the quinoline‐pyrene compounds. In addition, the metal coordination properties of the triazole bridged molecules were investigated through interactions with several cations. The effect of metal coordination on the stability of the complexes have also been discussed through computations on chelatoaromaticity.
Photoswitching Properties of 5‐Methoxy‐2‐ (2‐phenyldiazenyl) Pyridine
Authors: Foy Justin T. , Ta Nicholas , Hoyt Johnathon , Staples Richard J. , Ehm Christian
Published: December 2022

Heteroaryl azobenzene molecular switches often have superior performance compared to their parent azobenzene derivatives. Herein, we report the efficient photoswitching of phenylazopyridine 5‐methoxy‐2‐(2‐phenyldiazenyl)pyridine using 1H NMR and UV/vis spectroscopy demonstrating >92 % Z at the photostationary state and a thermal half‐life of 6.3 days at room temperature. Kinetic studies are in good agreement with the DFT predicted isomerization barrier.
Exposure to potentially morally injurious events, disruption in assumptive world, moral injury symptoms, and psychological distress among Israeli female veterans
Authors: Zerach Gadi , Levi‐Belz Yossi
Published: December 2022

Exposure to potentially morally injurious events (PMIEs) during military service is associated with mental health problems. However, knowledge about these associations and possible mechanisms of effect among female combat veterans is sparse. This study examines associations between PMIEs, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), complex PTSD, depression and anxiety symptoms among female veterans, as well as the mediating role of disruption in assumptive world and moral injury (MI) symptoms. A volunteer sample of Israeli female combat veterans (n = 885) and non‐combat veterans (n = 728) responded to self‐report questionnaires in a cross‐sectional design study. Results show that combat veterans reported higher levels of PMIEs, PTSD and MI symptoms, but not CPTSD, depression and anxiety symptoms, as compared to non‐combat veterans. Importantly, PMIEs was indirectly associated with PTSD, complex PTSD, depression and anxiety symptoms through serial mediators of disruption in assumptive world and MI symptoms. This study emphasized the exposure to PMIEs and its posttraumatic sequelae among female combat veterans as compared to non‐combat veterans. Our findings also suggest that future longitudinal studies should examine the mediating role of disruption in assumptive world and MI symptoms for the deleterious effects of exposure to PMIEs during military service.
Coupling Reversible Clustering of DNA‐Coated Gold Nanoparticles with Chemothermal Cycloaddition Reaction
Authors: Kruse Joscha , Sanromán‐Iglesias Maria , Marauri Aimar , Rivilla Ivan , Grzelczak Marek
Published: December 2022

Stimuli‐responsive, optically‐active colloidal systems are convenient signal transducers capable of monitoring environmental changes at the nanoscale. We report on the coupling of chemo‐thermal cycloaddition reaction with temperature‐sensitive, DNA‐coated gold nanoparticles. We found that the concentration of chemical fuel, dictating the temperature of the mixture, is a primary ingredient in controlling the extent of the reversible clustering of gold nanoparticles. Our results show that rational coupling of chemical and colloidal systems can open up new possibilities in tracking the change of local temperature using aggregation/redispersion of nanoparticles.
Limits to adaptation: Building an integrated research agenda
Authors: Berkhout Frans , Dow Kirstin
Published: December 2022

The IPCC's Sixth Assessment Report Working Group II report of (2022) has brought greater attention to the issue of limits to the capacity to adapt to climate change. But the report also showed that research in the field continues to be fragmented and under‐developed, and that the problem of limits is not widely considered in policy. In this paper, we argue for a more coherent, interdisciplinary approach to research on adaptation limits, linked to the concept of transformative adaptation. A risk‐based approach to adaptation limits offers a framework to deepen, broaden and connect research which responds to the needs of policymakers. We set out four promising directions for future research on: the dimensions of limits; the dynamics of limits; formalization of research on limits; and ethics and justice challenges underpinning adaptation limits.

This article is categorized under:

Climate Economics > Economics and Climate Change

Vulnerability and Adaptation to Climate Change > Learning from Cases and Analogies

Climate, Nature, and Ethics > Climate Change and Global Justice
The Sequence Makes the Difference: On the Reaction of Phosphorus‐centered Biradical [⋅P(μ‐N‐tBuPh3C)2P⋅] with Tolan
Authors: Berthold Sebastian , Wustrack Ronald , Villinger Alexander , Schulz Axel
Published: December 2022

The biradical [⋅P(μ‐N‐tBuPh3C)2P⋅] (6T) can be generated by reduction of a cyclic dichlorophosphane, [ClP(μ‐N‐tBuPh3C)2PCl], utilizing magnesium. If this biradical is treated with alkynes, e. g. tolan, Ph−C≡C−Ph, the addition product, a [2.1.1.] bicyclic species, [P(μ‐N‐tBuPh3C)2P(Ph−C=C−Ph)] (7), is obtained. However, if the reduction process with magnesium is carried out in the presence of tolan the reaction mixture finds a different reaction channel, ultimately yielding a magnesium(II) double salt, including a [Mg(THF)2]2+ cation with a [tBuPh3C−N−P−N−CtBuPh3]− and a novel tolan‐stabilized [(PhC=CPh)P−N−P(PhC=CPh)]− anion as counterions. This novel anion can also be conceived as anionic [2.2.1] bicycle with a [N]− ion trans‐annular bridging a 1,4‐diphosphabenzene.
Speciesism, Science, and Society
Authors: Swartz Brian , Mishler Brent D.
Published: December 2022

Speciesism is to species as racism is to race. The tenets of both are baseless on all grounds. Although our consciousness is currently raised toward the latter, the former remains persistent and infectious. Speciesism begins with how we view ourselves in relation to the natural world, and leads to behavior that challenges our future on this planet. Our naïve exceptionalism has repercussions for ecology, ethics, conservation, law, culture, and the energy and resource base that powers human society. We are merely a part of the natural world, though we have behaved for centuries through a myopia of perceived dominion. By our actions, we are now pushing against a significant number of planetary boundaries, such as threats to natural resources, climate, biodiversity, and the ecological networks that keep humanity afloat. With each passing day, the distinction blurs between the anthroposphere and the ecosphere, between humanity and the earth-system. As transformers of this planet’s environment, we are one of the greatest ecosystem engineers the earth has ever seen. Yet we remain dependent upon nature, and how we behave over the next few decades will determine our prosperity on this planet and beyond.
Race and Human Genomic Variation
Authors: Winther Rasmus Grønfeldt
Published: December 2022

How much do different groups of humans differ genetically? Starting from a thought experiment, this chapter shows that we differ less than we might think—and that, in a sense,we are all Africans. I draw on several key findings: that compared to many other species,Homo sapienshas relatively little genomic variation; that of all continental regions, African genomic variation is the richest and most encompassing; that population-level genetic variation decreases with distance from Africa; and that most genomic variation is found within local human populations (with only about 7% or so found across continental groups). This is not to deny that there are—small but somewhat systematic—group-level differences, but it is also important to recognize that these should not matter ethically or politically.
Science Without Species: Doing Science with Tree-Thinking
Authors: Matzke Nicholas J.
Published: December 2022

The focus of this volume is speciesism. While the concepts of species and speciation remain the focus of a great deal of research, it is worth exploring how in recent decades evolutionary biology has, in several ways, moved away from species as the key unit of analysis of biological questions. I begin by outlining how phylogenetic comparative methods have become essential methodological tools in statistical analyses of relationships between traits. Species are not statistically independent observations, because the reality is that they are related, genetically and statistically, on a phylogenetic tree. Phylogeny also plays a key role in modern analyses of spatial patterns in biodiversity, and in fact relying on phylogenetic biodiversity measures can avoid a number of problems created by attempting to impose a uniform species rank across different continents and clades. Similarly, a major challenge in modern studies of diversification and extinction concerns the units of analysis and how they are defined and recognized. Both “genus” and “species” are human-defined ranks imposed on the phylogenetic tree. The phylogenetic tree is the more fundamental reality that is produced by the macroevolutionary process, and it could include every level of gradation of genetic and morphological divergence. Once ranks are imposed upon it, a variety of methodological problems are created as scientists attempt to make these ranks standardized and comparable across different datasets and timescales. I outline how phylogenetic thinking might help provide a solution. I conclude with other examples where cutting-edge science is done with phylogenies without much need of the “species” rank—for example, in the battle against Covid-19.
‘Detritus of a Coming World’: The Colonization of Islands as Microcosms for Human Impacts on an Interplanetary Scale
Authors: Fitzpatrick Scott M.
Published: December 2022

The ability of humans to colonize islands in the ancient past required centuries of innovation in boat construction and the development of increasingly sophisticated seafaring technologies and wayfinding strategies. Nowhere is this more evident than in the vast expanse of the Pacific, where around 3000 years ago, Micronesian and Polynesian voyagers colonized what were arguably the most remote and difficult places to reach on Earth. Because the biota on these islands evolved for thousands, or even millions of years, high rates of endemism in these environments also made them ecologically fragile. The first arrival of Homo sapiens—the ultimate adaptive omnivore—caused a wide variety of impacts that were amplified by an order of magnitude with Euro-American incursion. In this sense, as aquatically bounded places, islands serve as model systems and microcosms for how humans have affected the earth’s biosphere in the modern age. In this chapter, I document how the first island colonizers caused certain levels of ecological destruction, using Hawaiian and New Zealand birds as primary case studies. However, I take this concept further, suggesting that the processes involved in the prehistoric colonization and settlement of islands is also a corollary for how we can view the earth and future efforts to colonize other planets. Humanity is at a global tipping point, with unsustainably high human population impacts, habitat destruction, climate change, and recent pandemics. As the possibility of extraplanetary migration becomes an increasing reality—perhaps a necessity to ensure our survival—what lessons can be learned from the anthropological and archaeological study of islands as we seek new lives beyond terra firma? What are the possible consequences for our lineage and extraterrestrial life on this planet and beyond?
Symbols and How We Came to Be Human
Authors: Moffett Mark W.
Published: December 2022

A longstanding belief commonly mentioned in support of human exceptionalism is that our species is distinct from others in using symbols (a word I use here, as it is in the social sciences, to describe anything with a socially shared meaning that isn’t obvious). Countering the assumption that symbols are a distinct category that's unique to humans, I propose that they be properly recognized as operating in concert with an impressive number and diversity of less widely meaningful, or outright meaningless, social markers. This chapter critiques the views on symbolism in our species often expressed by sociologists, psychologists, anthropologists, archaeologists, and biologists. I consider how symbolism could have evolved from behaviors of non-human animals, some of which live in societies bound together by more superficial “markers” of identity that do not convey any more profound significance. Such markers, considered broadly, can be essential in holding societies together.
Law and Nature: Human, Non-human, and Ecosystem Rights
Authors: Steiner Gary , Lucht Marc
Published: December 2022

The major exponents of the Western philosophical tradition have long maintained a conception of rights according to which only human beings can be possessors of rights. On this view, it makes little or no sense to attribute rights to sentient non-human beings, and it makes no sense whatsoever to attribute rights to non-sentient nature. A reflection on the basic commitments motivating this conception of rights reveals that it is based not on robust rational considerations but rather on the unargued anthropocentric prejudice that specifically human forms of rationality are required for full moral status. The tradition's focus on logos leads many exponents of the tradition to exclude non-human animals from the sphere of justice altogether. Recent work in philosophy and ethology, however, has shed light on the intelligence and emotional lives of many non-human animals, and has made it necessary to rethink the moral status of non-human animals. Even more radically, environmental philosophers argue that rejecting anthropocentrism opens the door to the recognition that some even non-sentient and non-living natural phenomena deserve moral consideration and bear rights that ought to be respected. The substantial conceptual differences between ecocentrism and the animal rights approach focus attention on fundamental questions about the very conditions for moral worth and highlight our need for a more satisfactory theory of the world and the proper place of humanity within it.
A Phylogenetic Approach to Conservation: Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning for a Changing Globe
Authors: Allen Michael F. , Mishler Brent D.
Published: December 2022

As late as the sixteenth century, the world was a matrix of primarily wildlands. But due to technology development and population growth, humans increasingly altered natural habitats and modified other organisms to suit our needs. The world became “all about people”—the rest of the natural world became enslaved to us. By the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, calls emerged for conservation and the new field of ecology developed, resulting in legislation to form national parks and save endangered species (e.g., the Endangered Species Act in the US). This “one species at a time” approach can be credited with saving a number of individual taxa, but is insufficient to deal with the modern global biodiversity crisis given the urgent pressures on remaining natural lands. We argue that considerable expansion is needed in conservation biology, moving from the single species approach to an area based approach incorporating all species and a broad phylogenetic definition of biodiversity. Biodiversity should not be considered as just the arbitrary level at which species are named—instead it is the whole tree of life. We discuss newly developed approaches to multiple species habitat conservation plans and new spatial phylogenetic methods that take into account all levels in the tree of life when making conservation decisions. To protect biodiversity, we must use all the tools we have to identify and protect landscapes that allow for future dynamics, while considering the conditions of the past and present.
Introduction to Marine Litter in Africa
Authors: Preston-Whyte Fiona , Maes Thomas
Published: December 2022

What to expect from the African Marine Litter Outlook? The African Marine Litter Outlook provides an overview of marine litter from the African perspective. The Outlook covers: Marine Litter Sources and Distribution Pathways (Chap.2), Impacts and Threats of Marine Litter in African Seas (Chap. 3), Legal and Policy Frameworks to address Marine Litter through Improved Livelihoods (Chap. 4), and The Way Forward, Building up from on-the-Ground Innovation (Chap. 5). This chapter provides the context for marine litter in Africa from a global and regional standpoint. This chapter introduces the concept of marine litter, the importance of the ocean, and the value of the Blue Economy in Africa. The uncertainties created by COVID-19 and its effects on future projections of marine litter are also summarised in this chapter.
The Way Forward, Building Up from On-The-Ground Innovation
Authors: Maes Thomas , Preston-Whyte Fiona
Published: December 2022

This chapter of the African Marine Litter Outlook summarises the previous chapters, their findings, suggestions, and identified barriers to tackling marine litter in Africa. The importance of innovative ground-up solutions tackling waste management across Africa are highlighted in this chapter. The forward approach is then outlined through recommendations. The recommendations are covered in 10 points: 9 of which focus on local sources, with a 10th outlining the global need to tackle transboundary marine plastic litter, originating from sources outside of Africa’s control.
Meaning and Interpretation of the Frame-Independent Polarization
Authors: Faccioli Pietro , Lourenço Carlos
Published: December 2022

This chapter discusses the importance of the invariant polarization observable $$\mathcal{F}$$ (or $$\tilde{\lambda}$$) in certain physics scenarios, where none of the adoptable polarization frames would provide a particularly simple picture in terms of $$\lambda_\vartheta$$, $$\lambda_\varphi$$ and $$\lambda_{\vartheta\varphi}$$. One such case is the production of Drell--Yan dileptons, where the polarization parameters, calculated including perturbative QCD corrections, satisfy the Lam--Tung identity, a frame-independent relation maintaining its seemingly surprising simplicity even when the polar and azimuthal anisotropies have strong dependences on the particle momentum. The notion of invariant polarization allows us to reinterpret this relation in a geometrical way, explaining it as a mere consequence of helicity conservation and rotational invariance.
Two-Body Decay Distributions Beyond the Dilepton Case
Authors: Faccioli Pietro , Lourenço Carlos
Published: December 2022

This chapter illustrates the general method to calculate the shape of the angular distribution for any considered two-body decay, and surveys examples for different kinds of initial particles, with integer or halfintegerJ. We describe the dependences of the angular distribution shapes onJ,Jzand the identity of the decay products, as well as the physical domains of the observable parameters. We also discuss how the measurement of the decay angular distribution can lead to the determination ofJfor an unidentified decaying particle.
Noncommutativity and nonassociativity of type II superstring with coordinate dependent RR field — the general case
Authors: Obrić D. , Nikolić B.
Published: December 2022

Abstract

In this paper we consider non-commutativity that arises from T-duality of bosonic coordinates of type II superstring in presence of coordinate dependent Ramond-Ramond field. Action with such choice of the background fields is not translational invariant. Consequently, we will employ generalization of Buscher procedure that can be applied to cases that have coordinate dependent fields and that do not possess translational isometry. Bosonic part of newly obtained T-dual theory is non-local and defined in non-geometric double space spanned by Lagrange multipliers yμ and double coordinate ∆Vμ. We will apply Buscher procedure once more on T-dual theory to check if original theory can be salvaged. Finally, we will use T-dual transformation laws along with Poisson brackets of original theory to derive Poisson bracket structure of T-dual theory.
An Effective Field Theory for large oscillons
Authors: Levkov D. G. , Maslov V. E. , Nugaev E. Ya , Panin A. G.
Published: December 2022

Abstract

We consider oscillons — localized, quasiperiodic, and extremely long-living classical solutions in models with real scalar fields. We develop their effective description in the limit of large size at finite field strength. Namely, we note that nonlinear long-range field configurations can be described by an effective complex field ψ(t,x) which is related to the original fields by a canonical transformation. The action for ψ has the form of a systematic gradient expansion. At every order of the expansion, such an effective theory has a global U(1) symmetry and hence a family of stationary nontopological solitons — oscillons. The decay of the latter objects is a nonperturbative process from the viewpoint of the effective theory. Our approach gives an intuitive understanding of oscillons in full nonlinearity and explains their longevity. Importantly, it also provides reliable selection criteria for models with long-lived oscillons. This technique is more precise in the nonrelativistic limit, in the notable cases of nonlinear, extremely long-lived, and large objects, and also in lower spatial dimensions. We test the effective theory by performing explicit numerical simulations of a (d + 1)-dimensional scalar field with a plateau potential.
Traumatologie – eine interdisziplinäre Aufgabe: nur in der Lehre?
Authors: Offergeld C. , Hofauer B. , Poxleitner P. , Lagrèze W. , Schnell O. , Petersen N. , Lang F. , Burkhardt V. , Pfeiffer J. , Albrecht T.
Published: December 2022

Hintergrund

Die Traumatologie des Kopf-Hals-Bereichs stellt nicht nur einen Teilbereich des HNO-Fachgebiets dar, sondern bildet mit ihren Krankheitsbildern zudem eine große Schnittmenge mit Nachbardisziplinen der Kopf-Hals-Region. In Freiburg wurde im Wintersemester 2021/2022 eine interdisziplinäre Vorlesung zu „HNO-Notfällen“ implementiert. Ziel war ein realistischerer Bezug zur interdisziplinären Patientenversorgung und die Kenntlichmachung von Schnittmengenbereichen von 4 der wesentlichen Kopfdisziplinen (HNO-Heilkunde, Neurochirurgie, Augenheilkunde, Mund-Kiefer-Gesichts[MKG]-Chirurgie).

Material und Methoden

Im Rahmen der regulären, semesterbegleitenden Online-Vorlesungsreihe wurde eine neue, spezielle Vorlesung in der HNO-Lehre implementiert. Mit Bezug auf die klinische Versorgung von HNO-Notfällen wurden mögliche Überschneidungen mit Nachbardisziplinen ausgewiesen und von den jeweiligen Fachvertretern erläutert bzw. vor und mit dem Auditorium diskutiert. Zum Semesterende wurde diese Lehrveranstaltung mittels des Befragungstools „EvaSys“ (Fa. EvaSys GmbH, Lüneburg, Deutschland) für alle partizipierenden Studierenden (n = 173) freigegeben. Es beteiligten sich 78 Studierende an der Evaluation.

Ergebnisse

Das neue Vorlesungskonzept wurde außerordentlich gut akzeptiert und auf Anhieb auf die Top-Position der interdisziplinären Veranstaltungen aus der HNO-Vorlesungsserie gewählt. Auch die anschauliche Vermittlung des Begriffs „Interdisziplinarität“ im Sinne einer sich ergänzenden klinischen Fächerkooperation gelang sehr erfolgreich und wurde von den Studierenden entsprechend bei der Evaluation gewürdigt.

Schlussfolgerung

Die HNO-Lehre erlaubt die pragmatische Darstellung einer idealen klinischen Patientenversorgung mithilfe eines interdisziplinären Ansatzes. Diese realistische Darstellung, jenseits jeglicher fachlicher und/oder berufspolitischer Differenzen, ist für die Studierenden von großem Interesse und wird als klinisch relevant eingestuft. Damit bietet die Lehre eine wertvolle Möglichkeit, die wesentlichen Werte einer klinischen interdisziplinären Versorgung im Sinne der bestmöglichen Patientenversorgung zu vermitteln.
Extent of posterolateral tibial plateau impaction fracture correlates with anterolateral complex injury and has an impact on functional outcome after ACL reconstruction
Authors: Flury Andreas , Hodel Sandro , Andronic Octavian , Kaiser Dominik , Fritz Benjamin , Imhoff Florian B. , Fucentese Sandro F.
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The impact of posterolateral tibial plateau impaction fractures (TPIF) on posttraumatic knee stability in the setting of primary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear is unknown. The main objective was to determine whether increased bone loss of the posterolateral tibial plateau is associated with residual rotational instability and impaired functional outcome after ACL reconstruction.

Methods

A cohort was identified in a prospective enrolled study of patients suffering acute ACL injury who underwent preoperative standard radiographic diagnostics and clinical evaluation. Patients were included when scheduled for isolated single-bundle hamstring autograft ACL reconstruction. Exclusion criteria were concurrent anterolateral complex (ALC) reconstruction (anterolateral tenodesis), previous surgery or symptoms in the affected knee, partial ACL tear, multi-ligament injury with an indication for additional surgical intervention, and extensive cartilage wear. On MRI, bony (TPIF, tibial plateau, and femoral condyle morphology) and ligament status (ALC, concomitant collateral ligament, and meniscus injuries) were assessed by a musculoskeletal radiologist. Clinical evaluation consisted of KT-1000, pivot-shift, and Lachman testing, as well as Tegner activity and IKDC scores.

Results

Fifty-eight patients were included with a minimum follow-up of 12 months. TPIF was identified in 85% of ACL injuries (n = 49). The ALC was found to be injured in 31 of 58 (53.4%) cases. Pearson analysis showed a positive correlation between TPIF and the degree of concomitant ALC injury (p < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis revealed an increased association of high-grade TPIF with increased lateral tibial convexity (p = 0.010). The high-grade TPIF group showed worse postoperative Tegner scores 12 months postoperatively (p = 0.035).

Conclusion

Higher degrees of TPIFs are suggestive of a combined ACL/ALC injury. Moreover, patients with increased posterolateral tibial plateau bone loss showed lower Tegner activity scores 12 months after ACL reconstruction.

Level of evidence

III.
Thalamus sends information about arousal but not valence to the amygdala
Authors: Leppla Chris A. , Keyes Laurel R. , Glober Gordon , Matthews Gillian A. , Batra Kanha , Jay Maya , Feng Yu , Chen Hannah S. , Mills Fergil , Delahanty Jeremy , Olson Jacob M. , Nieh Edward H. , Namburi Praneeth , Wildes Craig , Wichmann Romy , Beyeler Anna , Kimchi Eyal Y. , Tye Kay M.
Published: December 2022

Rationale

The basolateral amygdala (BLA) and medial geniculate nucleus of the thalamus (MGN) have both been shown to be necessary for the formation of associative learning. While the role that the BLA plays in this process has long been emphasized, the MGN has been less well-studied and surrounded by debate regarding whether the relay of sensory information is active or passive.

Objectives

We seek to understand the role the MGN has within the thalamoamgydala circuit in the formation of associative learning.

Methods

Here, we use optogenetics and in vivo electrophysiological recordings to dissect the MGN-BLA circuit and explore the specific subpopulations for evidence of learning and synthesis of information that could impact downstream BLA encoding. We employ various machine learning techniques to investigate function within neural subpopulations. We introduce a novel method to investigate tonic changes across trial-by-trial structure, which offers an alternative approach to traditional trial-averaging techniques.

Results

We find that the MGN appears to encode arousal but not valence, unlike the BLA which encodes for both. We find that the MGN and the BLA appear to react differently to expected and unexpected outcomes; the BLA biased responses toward reward prediction error and the MGN focused on anticipated punishment. We uncover evidence of tonic changes by visualizing changes across trials during inter-trial intervals (baseline epochs) for a subset of cells.

Conclusion

We conclude that the MGN-BLA projector population acts as both filter and transferer of information by relaying information about the salience of cues to the amygdala, but these signals are not valence-specified.
Linear woodcutting of European beech: experiments and computations
Authors: Kubík Petr , Šebek František , Krejčí Petr , Brabec Martin , Tippner Jan , Dvořáček Ondřej , Lechowicz Daniel , Frybort Stephan
Published: December 2022

Hardwood species are becoming increasingly important with the growing need for a diversity of forests that have recently been facing global temperature changes or conifer pests. This further leads to the growth of its potential as a building material that may originate from sustainable production. As hardwoods need to be properly processed, the article deals with the disintegration of European beech. The influence of wood grain direction, uncut chip thickness and cutting speed on the cutting force magnitudes was experimentally investigated using the device with a rotating arm of approximately 4 m in diameter. Then, the disintegration process was modelled using the finite element method in Abaqus/Explicit. The developed material model consisting of orthotropic elasticity and plasticity with rate-independent and rate-dependent tensile–compressive failure asymmetry was implemented through the user subroutine, while the crack initiation and propagation were realized using the element deletion technique. The computationally predicted average values of cutting forces and chip shapes were, except for a few tests, in good agreement with the experiments. It means that the model may be used for further investigation, such as the influence of tool wear.
Frequency of Diarrhea, Stool Specimen Collection and Testing, and Detection of Clostridioides Difficile Infection Among Hospitalized Adults in the Muenster/Coesfeld Area, Germany
Authors: Effelsberg Natalie , Buchholz Meike , Kampmeier Stefanie , Lücke Andrea , Schwierzeck Vera , Angulo Frederick J. , Brestrich Gordon , Martin Catherine , Moïsi Jennifer C. , von Eiff Christof , Mellmann Alexander , von Müller Lutz
Published: December 2022

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) often manifests as diarrhea, particularly in adults of older age or with underlying comorbidities. However, only severe cases are notifiable in Germany. Moreover, failure to collect a stool specimen from inpatients with diarrhea or incomplete testing may lead to underdiagnosis and underreporting of CDI. We assessed the frequency of diarrhea, stool specimen collection, and CDI testing to estimate CDI underdiagnosis and underreporting among hospitalized adults. In a ten-day point-prevalence study (2019–2021) of nine hospitals in a defined area (Muenster/Coesfeld, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany), all diarrhea cases (≥ 3 loose stools in 24 h) among adult inpatients were captured via medical record screening and nurse interviews. Patient characteristics, symptom onset, putative origin, antibiotic consumption, and diagnostic stool sampling were collected in a case report form (CRF). Diagnostic results were retrieved from the respective hospital laboratories. Among 6998 patients screened, 476 (7%) diarrhea patients were identified, yielding a hospital-based incidence of 201 cases per 10,000 patient-days. Of the diarrheal patients, 186 (39%) had a stool sample collected, of which 160 (86%) were tested for CDI, meaning that the overall CDI testing rate among diarrhea patients was 34%. Toxigenic C. difficile was detected in 18 (11%) of the tested samples. The frequency of stool specimen collection and CDI testing among hospitalized diarrhea patients was suboptimal. Thus, CDI incidence in Germany is likely underestimated. To assess the complete burden of CDI in German hospitals, further investigations are needed.
Prostaglandin E2 mediates the late phase of ischemic preconditioning in the heart via its receptor subtype EP4
Authors: Kanno Takayasu , Nakagawa Naoki , Aonuma Tatsuya , Kawabe Jun-ichi , Yuhki Koh-ichi , Takehara Naofumi , Hasebe Naoyuki , Ushikubi Fumitaka
Published: December 2022

Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) describes a phenomenon wherein brief ischemia of the heart induces a potent cardioprotective mechanism against succeeding ischemic insult. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), a rate-limiting enzyme in prostanoid biosynthesis, is upregulated in the ischemic heart and contributes to IPC. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) protects the heart from ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury via its receptor subtype EP4. We sought to clarify the role of the PGE2/EP4 system in the late phase of IPC. Mice were subjected to four IPC treatment cycles, consisting of 5 min of occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD). We found that COX-2 mRNA was significantly upregulated in wild-type hearts at 6 h after IPC treatment. Cardiac PGE2 levels at 24 h after IPC treatment were significantly increased in both wild-type mice and mice lacking EP4 (EP4–/–). At 24 h after IPC treatment, I/R injury was induced by 30 min of LAD occlusion followed by 2 h of reperfusion and the cardiac infarct size was determined. The infarct size was significantly reduced by IPC treatment in wild-type mice; a reduction was not observed in EP4–/– mice. AE1-329, an EP4 agonist, significantly reduced infarct size and significantly ameliorated deterioration of cardiac function in wild-type mice subjected to I/R without IPC treatment. Furthermore, AE1-329 significantly enhanced the I/R-induced activation of Akt, a pro-survival kinase. We demonstrated that the PGE2/EP4 system in the heart plays a critical role in the late phase of IPC, partly by augmenting Akt-mediated signaling. These findings clarify the mechanism of IPC and may contribute to the development of therapeutic strategies for ischemic heart disease.
Low-dose clomiphene citrate does not reduce implantation and live birth rates in otherwise unstimulated modified natural cycle IVF—retrospective cohort study
Authors: Grädel Flavia , von Wolff Michael , Kohl Schwartz Alexandra Sabrina , Mitter Vera Ruth
Published: December 2022

Research question

Does antioestrogen effect of clomiphene citrate (CC) on the endometrium reduce implantation and thereby decrease pregnancy and live birth rate per transferred embryo?

Methods

In this cohort, unstimulated IVF cycles modified with clomiphene citrate (CC-NC-IVF) and unstimulated, natural IVF cycles (NC-IVF) conducted between 2011 and 2016 were included. CC was applied in a dosage of 25mcg per day, starting on cycle day 7 until ovulation trigger day. Primary outcomes were clinical pregnancy rate, defined as amniotic sac visible in ultrasound, and live birth rate per transferred embryo. Miscarriage rate calculated as amniotic sac not ending in a live birth was secondary outcome. A modified mixed-effect Poisson regression model was applied, and adjustments were made for female age, parity, type and cause of infertility. Additionally, stratification by parity and age was performed.

Results

Four hundred and ninety-nine couples underwent a total of 1042 IVF cycles, 453 being NC-IVF and 589 being CC-NC-IVF cycles. Baseline characteristics of both groups did not differ. Addition of CC did neither decrease clinical pregnancy rate (aRR 0.86; 95% CI 0.67–1.12) nor live birth rate per transferred embryo (aRR 0.84; 95% CI 0.62–1.13) in comparison with NC-IVF. Miscarriage rate did not differ between CC-NC-IVF and NC-IVF (aRR 0.95; 95% CI 0.57–1.57).

Conclusion

Low-dose CC does not reduce pregnancy or live birth rate per transferred embryo. It can be used in infertility treatment without negatively affecting the endometrium and implantation.
The impact of physical fitness, social life, and cognitive functions on work ability in middle-aged and older adults
Authors: Rieker Jennifer A. , Gajewski Patrick D. , Reales José Manuel , Ballesteros Soledad , Golka Klaus , Hengstler Jan G. , Wascher Edmund , Getzmann Stephan
Published: December 2022

Objective

Demographic changes encompass societies to maintain the work ability (WA) of aging workforces. The present study explored the relationship between modifiable lifestyle factors, cognitive functions, and their influence on WA, using a multi-group structural equation approach.

Method

Cross-sectional data from 247 middle-aged and 236 older employees from the Dortmund Vital Study were included in this analysis. We proposed a model with three exogenous variables (Physical Fitness, Cognitive Functions, and Social Life), and with WA as the endogenous variable. WA was measured with the Work Ability Index (WAI), which considers job demands and individual physical and mental resources. Multi-group analyses were based on the principles of invariance testing and conducted using robust estimation methods.

Results

Results revealed that Social Life outside work had significant positive effects on WA in both, middle-aged and older adults. Physical Fitness had a significant effect on WA only in middle-aged adult, and Cognitive Functions had no significant influence on WA in either group. In older adults, Physical Fitness correlated with Cognitive Functions, whereas in middle-aged adults, Cognitive Functions marginally correlated with Social Life.

Conclusions

Our results underline the importance of an active social life outside the workplace for WA, regardless of the employees’ age. The influence of Physical Fitness on WA changes with increasing age, indicating the necessity to have a differentiated view of age effects and interacting influencing factors. Our research contributes to the knowledge of how WA could be most effectively promoted in different age groups.

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT05155397; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05155397.
Peripheral perfusion index in well newborns at 6 to 72 h of life at different altitudes: a multi-center study in China
Authors: Hua Wei , Niu Conway , Xuan Yan , Zhao Qu-ming , Ren Yan , Hu Xue , Wang Zhi-xiu , Sun Jin-qiao , Yangjin Gesang , Dou Yalan , Yan Wei-li , Hu Xiao-jing , Huang Guo-ying
Published: December 2022

The purpose of this study is to obtain the reference range of peripheral perfusion index (PPI) of asymptomatic well newborns at 6 to 72 h of life at different altitudes. A population-based prospective cohort study was conducted in cities at different altitudes in China. Asymptomatic well newborns were enrolled consecutively from six hospitals with an altitude of 4 to 4200 m between February 1, 2020, and April 15, 2021. PPI was measured at 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h after birth on the right hand (pre-ductal) and either foot (post-ductal) using a Masimo SET Radical-7 oximeter. Fiftieth percentile reference curves of the pre- and post-ductal PPI values at 6–72 h after birth were generated using the Lambda Mu Sigma method. Linear mixed-effects regression was performed to determine the influence of different altitude levels on PPI values over different measurement time points. A total of 4257 asymptomatic well newborns were recruited for analysis. The median and quartile pre- and post-ductal PPI values at 6–72 h of life at different altitudes were 1.70 (1.20, 2.60) and 1.70 (1.10, 2.70) for all infants, 1.30 (1.10, 1.90) and 1.10 (0.88, 1.80) for infants at low altitude, 1.40 (1.00, 2.00) and 1.30 (0.99, 2.00) at mild altitudes, 1.90 (1.30, 2.50) and 1.80 (1.20, 2.70) at moderate altitudes, 1.80 (1.40, 3.50) and 2.20 (1.60, 4.30) for high altitudes, 3.20 (2.70, 3.70), and 3.10 (2.10, 3.30) for higher altitudes, respectively. Overall, both pre- and post-ductal PPI increased with altitude. The 50th percentile curves of pre- and post-ductal PPI values in well newborns at mild, low, moderate, and high altitudes were relatively similar, while the difference between the PPI curves of infants at higher altitudes and other altitudes was significantly different.

  Conclusions: With the increase of altitude, pre- and post-ductal PPI of newborns increases. Our study obtained the PPI reference values of asymptomatic well newborns at 6 to 72 h after birth at different altitudes from 4 to ≥ 4000 m.

What is Known:• Monitoring hemodynamics is very important to neonates. As an accurate and reliable hemodynamic monitoring index, PPI can detect irreversible damage caused by insufficient tissue perfusion and oxygenation early, directly, noninvasively, and continuously.

What is New:• Our study obtained the PPI reference values of asymptomatic well newborns at 6 to 72 h after birth at different altitudes from 4 to ≥ 4000 m. With the increase of altitude, pre- and post-ductal PPI of newborns increase with statistical significance. Therefore, the values and disease thresholds of PPI for asymptomatic neonates should be modified according to altitudes.
CPNE1 regulates myogenesis through the PERK-eIF2α pathway mediated by endoplasmic reticulum stress
Authors: Chen Lin , Pan Ling , Zeng Yuexi , Zhu Xiaonan , You Li
Published: December 2022

Sarcopenia is characterized by a progressive reduction in muscle mass or muscle physiological function associated with aging, but the relevant molecular mechanisms are not clear. Here, we identify the role of the myogenesis modifier CPNE1 in sarcopenia. CPNE1 is upregulated in aged skeletal muscles and young skeletal muscle satellite cells with palmitate-induced atrophy. The overexpression of CPNE1 hinders proliferation and differentiation and increases muscle atrophy characteristics in young skeletal muscle-derived satellite cells. In addition, CPNE1 overexpression disrupts the balance of mitochondrial fusion and division and causes endoplasmic reticulum stress. We found that the effects of CPNE1 on mitochondrial function are dependent on the PERK/eIF2α/ATF4 pathway. The overexpression of CPNE1 in young muscles alters membrane lipid composition, reduces skeletal muscle fibrosis regeneration, and exercise capacity in mice. These effects were reversed by PERK inhibitor GSK2606414. Moreover, immunoprecipitation indicates that CPNE1 overexpression greatly increased the acetylation of PERK. Therefore, CPNE1 is an important modifier that drives mitochondrial homeostasis to regulate myogenic cell proliferation and differentiation via the PERK-eIF2α pathway, which could be a valuable target for age-related sarcopenia.
Fascia training in patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation—a pilot study
Authors: Weigmann-Faßbender Sandra , Ulbricht Hanna , de Schultz Marianne , Pawandenat Christine , Kunadt Desiree , Wolff Michaela , Giesemann Nadine , Prate Katja , Schetelig Johannes , Bornhäuser Martin , Stölzel Friedrich , Knauthe Nadja , Stölzel Friederike
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT) spend many weeks of treatment in an isolated environment with little room for exercise. Feasibility of a daily-performed, unassisted fascia-training program and its effects on back and foot pain, back flexibility, and quality of life were investigated.

Methods

Eighteen patients receiving alloHCT were randomized to an intervention (IG: n = 9; 60.7 ± 9.2 years) or control group (CG: n = 9; 54.0 ± 15.5 years) and assessed from 1 week before to 3 weeks after transplantation (t0–t3). CG received standard care physical therapy, IG performed additionally fascia training for the back and feet twice daily. Back and foot pain, back flexibility, muscle tone, and quality of life were assessed for both IG and CG at baseline and three timepoints after alloHCT.

Results

Fascia-training program was well accepted. No increase in hematoma formation was observed. IG reported a trend towards reduction in back pain from pre- to post-intervention (p = .074), whereas CG showed a slight increase in back pain at t3 (p = .257). IG also improved back flexibility (− 1.79 ± 5.5 cm; p = .397) while CG declined (+ 2.71 ± 5.6 cm; p = .167). No differences between groups were found for muscle tone and no significant improvements in quality of life were reported at t3.

Conclusion

Unassisted fascia training is feasible and safe for patients undergoing alloHCT. This pilot study suggests that fascia training has the potential to improve back flexibility and reduce back pain, and might be a valuable component for physical therapy in patients receiving alloHCT.