bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of Conditions for Removal Phenolic Compounds from Water by a Graphene Oxide Aerogel
Authors: Hieu Nguyen Huu , Tu Tran Hoang , Huong Le Minh , Dat Nguyen Minh , Tinh Ninh Thi , Hai Nguyen Duy , Viet Nguyen Duc , Trinh Dinh Ngoc , Giang Nguyen Thi Huong , Phong Mai Thanh
Published: July 2022

In this study, graphene oxide (GO) was prepared from graphite by improved Hummers’ method. Graphene oxide aerogel (GOA) was synthesized via the ice segregation induced self‐assembly method. Various modern analytical methods were utilized to characterize GOA. The results revealed the aerogel structure with a pore size of 100–150 μm, a specific surface area of 515.21 m2/g, and a pore volume of 2.08–2.16 cm3/g. The synthesized GOA was applied as an adsorbent for the removal of phenol (PN) and bisphenol A (BPA) with a maximum adsorption capacity of 117.65 and 70.17 mg/g, respectively. Response surface methodology involving a rotating central composite design was applied to investigate simultaneously the effects of adsorption variables including adsorption time, pH, and initial concentration on the removal efficiency of GOA for PN or BPA. The results showed that the optimal adsorption efficiency for PN was 92.15 % with an adsorption time of 208.52 min, a pH of 6.08, and an initial PN concentration of 30 mg/L. Regarding BPA, the optimal adsorption efficiency was 95.27 % with an adsorption time of 352.79 min, a pH of 4.91, and an initial BPA concentration of 20 mg/L. The adsorption of both PN and BPA onto GOA was appropriate with the Langmuir model, in which the maximum adsorption capacity of GOA for PN and BPA was 117.65 and 70.175 mg/g, respectively. The results confirmed that the adsorption of PN and BPA onto GOA was monolayer adsorption on a homogeneous surface. The adsorption mechanism of GOA for PN or BPA depended mainly on the electrostatic interaction and hydrogen bonding between −OH of PN, BPA, and oxygen‐containing functional groups of GOA. Besides, π‐π interaction between carbon rings of GOA and PN or BPA also contributed to the enhancement of adsorption performance. The results showed that GOA exhibited potential application in the treatment of organic pollutants. Besides, the evaluation of the morphology of the GOA and the simultaneous effects of different factors can contribute to the advancement of graphene‐based materials and the improvement of wastewater treatment.
Characterizing Reaction Space in the Continuous‐Flow Esterification of Oleic Acid Using a Sulfonated Hydrothermal Carbon Catalyst
Authors: Fraley Norman , Wright Marcus , Lachgar Abdessadek
Published: July 2022

Continuous‐flow catalytic esterification of free fatty acids (FFA) with methanol in the presence of sulfonated hydrothermal carbon (SHTC) as catalyst was studied. Using a Box‐Behnken experimental design protocol, the effects of residence time, methanol:acid molar ratio, and water concentration on the conversion of oleic acid into methyl oleate were investigated. The optimum conditions for achieving esterification greater than 90 % at 100 °C were determined to be 11‐minute residence time, a MeOH:FFA molar ratio >14.6 and up to 14.9 % water. The SHTC was used continuously for 4.5 days without a significant decrease in catalytic performance. The results confirmed that SHTC is an effective solid acid catalyst in a continuous flow system for the esterification of FFA.
Efficient One Pot and Chemoselective Synthesis of Polysubstituted Dihydro‐6H‐chromeno[4,3‐d]pyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidin‐6‐ones via a Four‐Component Reaction
Authors: Alizadeh Abdolali , Rostampoor Azar
Published: July 2022

In this research, a simple and chemoselective synthesis of highly fluorescent polysubstituted dihydro‐6H‐chromeno[4,3‐d]pyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidin‐6‐ones containing one chiral stereocenter is presented by a sequential four‐component reaction of 4‐chloro‐3‐formylcoumarin, 1‐phenyl‐2‐(1,1,1‐triphenyl‐λ5‐phosphanylidene)ethan‐1‐ones (Wittig reagent), benzoylacetonitriles and hydrazine hydrate as readily available starting materials, which includes base‐mediated 1,4‐addition/aza‐Michael addition/formation of two C−N bonds. The desired products were obtained with short reaction times, easy purification (products can be purified by washing with EtOH), and medium to high yields (up to 92 %) under relatively mild reaction conditions. Molecular structures were determined by IR spectrophotometry, mass spectrometry, NMR spectroscopy, and single‐crystal X‐ray analysis.
Rationale Design, Synthesis, Pharmacological and In‐silico Investigation of Indole‐Functionalized Isoxazoles as Anti‐inflammatory Agents
Authors: Bhatia Rohit , Vyas Akshun , El‐Bahy Salah M. , Hessien Mahmoud M. , Mersal Gaber A. M. , Ibrahim Mohamed M. , Dogra Raghav , Kumar Bhupinder
Published: July 2022

The current anti‐inflammatory drugs are associated with various severe adverse or side effects which mark the question on long term clinical use of such medications. These factors necessitate the development of new heterocyclic molecules having anti‐inflammatory potential with minimal to no adverse effect or toxicity. In continuation to our work, in herein report design and synthesis of a series of 15 indole‐3‐subtituted isoxazoles having potential anti‐inflammatory as well as analgesic properties. Most of the compounds exhibited comparable in‐vivo anti‐inflammatory and analgesic activity in rats to the reference drugs. Compound 9 d, 9 f and 9 i were found to show most significant anti‐inflammatory activity and reduced the paw edema by 67.74 %, 61.29 %, and 77.42 % respectively which were comparable to reference drug indomethacin. The COX inhibition studies reveled that these compounds have 2–3 folds selectivity for COX‐2 with moderate inhibition activity. In final, molecular docking studies were performed to understand the mechanistic and binding modes at catalytic active sites of COX‐2. The results revealed good selectivity of compounds for COX‐2 preferably over other inflammatory targets. The compound 9 i is obtained as lead molecule from the current series as promising structural feature for further development of novel anti‐inflammatory agent.
Synthesis and Evaluation of 6‐Ethoxy‐2‐mercaptobenzothiazole Scaffolds as Potential α‐Glucosidase Inhibitors
Authors: Mojibade Balogun Modinat , Shamim Shahbaz , Mohammed Khan Khalid , Mahdavi Mohammad , Salar Uzma , Adebayo Oladosu Ibrahim , Mohammadi‐Khanaposhtani Maryam , Ali Faramarzi Mohammad , Olufunke Moronkola Dorcas , Taha Muhammad , Rahim Fazal , Perveen Shahnaz
Published: July 2022

6‐Ethoxy‐2‐mercapto benzothiazole derivatives 1–26 were synthesized by following two different reaction schemes. Products 1–18 were synthesized by treating 6‐ethoxy‐2‐mercaptobenzothiazole with different phenacyl bromides whereas compounds 19–26 were prepared by the reaction of 6‐ethoxy‐2‐mercaptobenzothiazole with benzyl bromide derivatives under basic conditions. Structural characterization of compounds was performed by mass spectrometric and NMR spectroscopic techniques. Spectroscopic data was well supported to confirm the structures of each analog. All synthetic compounds were subjected to check their potential to inhibit the α‐glucosidase enzyme. All scaffolds demonstrated potent inhibitory activity (IC50=60.1±3.6–319.7±7.5 μM) than standard acarbose (IC50=750.0±10.5 μM). Compounds 18 (IC50=60.1±3.6 μM) and 26 (IC50=77.0±4.4 μM) having another electron‐rich heterocyclic ring system were identified as the two top‐most potent compounds of the series. Kinetic studies ascertained the competitive type inhibition by the most potent analogs. Detailed binding interactions analyses with docking simulations were also carried out which revealed a distinct binding pattern of ligands (synthetic molecules) with the enzyme's active site.
Progress in Spinel‐Structured Cobaltite‐Based Positive Electrode Materials for Supercapacitors
Authors: Dhandapani Preethi , Maurya Dheeraj Kumar , Angaiah Subramania
Published: July 2022

In recent days, the family of spinel cobaltites with multiple oxidation states has received much attention as an electrode material for supercapacitors. Profiting from its superior electrochemical performance, these cobaltites play a significant role in energy storage and conversion devices. In this review, we provided an in‐depth description of spinel cobaltites. Further, we review several cobaltites and their composites, corresponding synthesis methods, and the application of these materials for supercapacitors. As a result of several extraordinary outputs, spinel cobaltites are likely to be widely studied in the future.
Synthesis of 2‐Methyl‐pyran‐4‐ones through Reaction of Acetylketene with Terminal Acetylenes in Presence of Gold (I)
Authors: Aslanoglu Furgan
Published: July 2022

In this study, 2,6‐trimethyl‐4H‐1,3‐dioxin‐4‐one compound, which is a source of Acetylketene, was reacted with terminal alkynes in presence of IPrAuCl (1,3‐Bis(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl‐imidazol‐2‐ylidene)gold(I) chloride) catalyst and a new synthesis method for 2‐methyl‐pyran‐4‐one compounds has been developed. It was observed that the yields were very low when this reaction was carried out without using a catalyst. However, 95 % yield was obtained when this reaction was performed in the presence of a IPrAuCl catalyst.
Synthesis of Dibenzo‐Fused 15‐Membered Dioxa‐ketone Macrocycles through Ring‐Closing Metathesis Reaction
Authors: Jahan Nasrin , Das Arijit , Ansary Inul
Published: July 2022

We have developed a simple method for cross‐aldol condensation reaction to provide (1E,4E)‐1‐(2‐(allyloxy)aryl)‐5‐(2‐(allyloxy)aryl)penta‐1,4‐dien‐3‐ones (7 a–j) and (E)‐1‐(2‐(allyloxy)aryl)‐5‐(2‐(allyloxy)aryl)pent‐1‐en‐3‐ones (8 a–e) in 67–88 % and 73–86 % yields, respectively. Subsequently a series of dibenzo‐fused 15‐membered dioxa‐ketone macrocycles 9 a–j (61‐95 %) and 10 a–e (70‐90 %) have been synthesized from 7 a–j and 8 a–e, respectively, through ring‐closing metathesis reaction employing Grubbs’ third generation catalyst. The cis/trans‐configurations of products (9 a–j) and (10 a–e) were established from their 1H‐NMR spectral data.
Mixed‐Ligand Mandelato‐Phosphine Copper(I) Complexes as Active Catalysts in Carbene Transfer Reactions
Authors: Cinco Anita , Colombo Gioele , Brenna Stefano , Therrien Bruno , Ardizzoia G. Attilio
Published: July 2022

Two mixed ligand copper(I) complexes, [Cu(PPh3)3(κ‐O‐mand)] (CuP3M) and [Cu(PPh3)2(κ2‐O,O’‐mand)] (CuP2M) (mand=dl‐mandelate) were synthesized and fully characterized. The different coordination modes of the α‐hydroxycarboxylate ligand in CuP2M and CuP3M are clearly demonstrated by infrared spectroscopy, with the asymmetric νC=O stretching being observed at 1626 (CuP3M) and 1593 (CuP2M) cm−1, respectively. Solution NMR studies (1H, 31P{1H}), elemental and X‐ray structure analyses confirmed the nature of the synthesized compounds. Complexes CuP2M and CuP3M were active in carbene transfer reactions towards unsaturated bonds, using ethyl diazoacetate (N2CHCOOEt, EDA) as carbene source. Indeed, they promoted the trans‐diastereoselective cyclopropanation of terminal and internal olefins under mild reaction conditions and low catalyst loading (1 % mol).
High‐Efficiency Infrared Sensing with Optically Excited Graphene‐Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Heterostructures
Authors: Kakkar Saloni , Majumdar Aniket , Ahmed Tanweer , Parappurath Aparna , Gill Navkiranjot Kaur , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Ghosh Arindam
Published: July 2022

Binary van der Waals heterostructures of graphene (Gr) and transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) have evolved as a promising candidate for photodetection with very high responsivity due to the separation of photo‐excited electron–hole pairs across the interface. The spectral range of optoelectronic response in such hybrids has so far been limited by the optical bandgap of the light absorbing TMDC layer. Here, the bidirectionality of interlayer charge transfer is utilized for detecting sub‐band gap photons in Gr‐TMDC heterostructures. A Gr/MoSe2 heterostructure sequentially driven by visible and near infra‐red (NIR) photons is employed, to demonstrate that NIR induced back transfer of charge allows fast and repeatable detection of the low energy photons (less than the optical band gap of the TMDC layer). This mechanism provides photoresponsivity as high as ≈3000 A W−1 close to the communication wavelength. The experiment provides a new strategy for achieving highly efficient photodetection over a broad range of energies beyond the spectral bandgap with the 2D semiconductor family.
Optimal Solvents for Interfacial Solution Engineering of Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Heo Do Yeon , Jang Won Jin , Jeong Min Ju , Noh Jun Hong , Kim Soo Young
Published: July 2022

Interfacial engineering is extensively used to reduce the interfacial loss caused by surface recombination, improve the crystallinity of the active absorption layer, and enhance the long‐term stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Solution processing techniques, such as spin coating and dip coating, are commonly used to deposit the interfacial layer because of their cost‐effectiveness and simplicity. Although determining suitable solutes for use in these processes is important, selecting appropriate solvents is also crucial. Herein, commonly used solvents are investigated to determine optimal solvents for solution processing by categorizing them into nonpolar and polar groups. The results suggest that the efficiency of the PSCs can be increased by simple solvent treatment. In particular, the efficiencies of systems subjected to hexane (nonpolar) and ethanol (polar) treatment are significantly improved (17.31% and 17.44%, respectively) compared with that of a control device (16.24%). Herein, the effects of pure solvents on the SnO2–perovskite interface are confirmed and an important direction for investigations that adopt solution processing to improve the efficiency of PSCs, such as research on interlayers and self‐assembled monolayers, is suggested.
Bayesian group sequential designs for cluster‐randomized trials
Authors: Shen Junwei , Golchi Shirin , Moodie Erica EM , Benrimoh David
Published: July 2022

Flexible approaches have been proposed for individually randomized trials to save time or reduce the sample size. However, flexible designs for cluster‐randomized trials in which groups of participants rather than individuals are randomized to treatment arms are less common. Motivated by a cluster‐randomized trial designed to assess the effectiveness of a machine‐learning based clinical decision support system for physicians treating patients with depression, two Bayesian group sequential designs for cluster‐randomized trials are proposed to allow for early stopping for efficacy at pre‐planned interim analyses. The difference between the two designs lies in the way that participants are sequentially recruited. Given a maximum number of clusters as well as the maximum cluster size allowed in the trial, one design sequentially recruits clusters with the given maximum cluster size, while the other recruits all clusters at the beginning of the trial but sequentially enrolls individual participants until the trial is stopped early for efficacy or the final analysis has been reached. The design operating characteristics are explored via simulations for a variety of scenarios and two outcome types for the two designs. We make recommendations for Bayesian group sequential designs of cluster‐randomized trials based on the simulation results.
Engineering Crystal Orientation of Cathode for Advanced Lithium‐Ion Batteries: A Minireview
Authors: Zhu Lin , Fu Liang , Zhou Kexin , Yang Lixuan , Tang Zhi , Sun Dan , Tang Yougen , Li Yixin , Wang Haiyan
Published: July 2022

Engineering crystal orientation has attracted widespread attention since it is related to the cyclability and rate performance of cathode materials for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). Regulating the crystal directional growth with optimal exposed crystal facets is an effective strategy to improve the performance of cathode materials, but still lacks sufficient attention in research field. Herein, we briefly introduce the characterization techniques and identification methods for crystal facets, then summarize and illuminate the major methods for regulating crystal orientation and their internal mechanism. Furthermore, the optimization strategies for layered‐, spinel‐, and olivine‐structure cathodes are discussed based on the characteristic of crystal structure, and the relationship between exposure of special crystal facets and lithium storage performance is deeply analyzed, which could guide the rational design of cathodes for LIBs.
Kenneth Percy Baker
Authors: Baker A. , Grimes T. D.
Published: July 2022

A talented veterinary dermatologist and educator who retained a fascination for the diversity of nature.
‘A placement at a dedicated poultry practice was a turning point for me’
Authors: Hannay Isabella Aimee
Published: July 2022

With a plan to become a farm animal vet, Isabella Aimee Hannay was surprised to find that an extramural studies placement took her career ambitions in a new direction.
Imaging findings and monitoring of a rare case of congenital intrahepatic bile duct ectasia (Caroli‐like disease) and a pancreatic cyst in a 2‐month‐old cat
Authors: Glăvan Cristi
Published: July 2022

The case report described ultrasonographic and CT findings of a rare congenital bile duct ectasia in a cat and follow‐up examinations for the assessment of the pathological process. Congenital intrahepatic bile ducts ectasia is a rare hereditary disorder of the biliary tree in dogs and cats, with a limited number of published reports documenting this pathology. Complete ultrasound examination may facilitate differentiation from other conditions and aids diagnosis, especially when cystic lesions are recorded in other abdominal organs (pancreas, kidneys). Clinical signs associated with the disease are represented by acute abdominal pain, lethargy, vomiting and diarrhoea, jaundice and abdominal distension in cases of hepatomegaly or ascites due to portal hypertension. Similarly, a delay in growth may be seen in some patients when systemic shunts or arteriovenous fistulisations coexist. Follow‐up ultrasound examinations proved beneficial in order to assess the changes and further medical planning.
Introduction: European Parliament’s Political Groups in Turbulent Times
Authors: Kantola Johanna , Elomäki Anna , Ahrens Petra
Published: July 2022

The turbulent times the European Union witnessed over the last years together with the increased competences for the European Parliament call for closer examination of political groups as core actors in this setting. In this introductory chapter, we engage with political groups as unique alliances of national party delegations and the context they operate in. We first discuss the core features of the political groups and then proceed to present new inroads into studying their functions, work and practices. By engaging with broader questions of democracy and what political groups research can contribute, we suggest that theorising the democratic functioning within the EP allows casting a critical eye on democratic practices and the growing salience of the political groups. The chapter closes by introducing the chapters of the volume which provide new insights into the practices of political groups, the dynamics and power relations between them and, thus, decision-making and policy-making in the European Parliament.
‘Ethno, Ethno, What?’: Using Ethnography to Explore the European Parliament’s Political Groups in Turbulent Times
Authors: Miller Cherry
Published: July 2022

Ethnography is still relatively unknown, not just to parliamentary interlocutors, but also to some political scientists. In this chapter, I ask: what does ethnography add to existing qualitative research on the political groups of the European Parliament, more specifically on the substantive themes of the book: democracy, party politics and turbulent times? Secondly, drawing on the chapter’s title, I offer a practical illustration of how ethnography might be conducted of the political groups and elucidate the practices and challenges that this entails. The chapter is based upon my ethnographic research conducted in the 8th and 9th European Parliaments. I introduce shadowing, meeting ethnography and ‘hanging out’ as three ethnographic practices and assess their helpfulness for studying different political group activities. Overall, I present parliamentary ethnography as not only affording practical benefits to researchers, but also how it provides unparalleled knowledge about entanglements and relationships between political group actors and institutions.
Negotiating Power and Democracy in Political Group Formation in the European Parliament
Authors: Ahrens Petra , Kantola Johanna
Published: July 2022

European Parliament’s political groups are unique conglomerates of national party delegations formed after elections every five years. In this chapter, we develop a novel framework of four layers of political group formation and show that pervasive informal practices and norms in addition to the formal rules of the European Parliament (EP) shape political group formation processes. The four intertwined layers are characterised by differing democratic practices and encompass: (1) formal political group formation after EP elections, (2) internal political group formation via core functions, (3) internal political group formation via consolidation through policies and distributing policy field responsibilities and (4) changes to political group composition during the term. We draw on a unique set of 132 interviews with MEPs, political group and parliamentary staff conducted in 2018–2020 in the 8th and 9th EP. The findings show that there are similarities but also clear differences between political groups in relation to each of the four layers, which enhances our understanding of variations in negotiating power and democracy in the different political groups.
Glucose-mediated insulin secretion is improved in FHL2-deficient mice and elevated FHL2 expression in humans is associated with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Habibe Jayron J. , Clemente-Olivo Maria P. , Scheithauer Torsten P. M. , Rampanelli Elena , Herrema Hilde , Vos Mariska , Mieremet Arnout , Nieuwdorp Max , van Raalte Daniel H. , Eringa Etto C. , de Vries Carlie J. M.
Published: July 2022

Aims/hypothesis

The general population is ageing, involving an enhanced incidence of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes. With ageing, DNA methylation of FHL2 increases, as well as expression of the four and a half LIM domains 2 (FHL2) protein in human pancreatic islets. We hypothesised that FHL2 is actively involved in glucose metabolism.

Methods

Publicly available microarray datasets from human pancreatic islets were analysed for FHL2 expression. In FHL2-deficient mice, we studied glucose clearance and insulin secretion. Gene expression analysis and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) were determined in isolated murine FHL2-deficient islets to evaluate insulin-secretory capacity. Moreover, knockdown and overexpression of FHL2 were accomplished in MIN6 cells to delineate the underlying mechanism of FHL2 function.

Results

Transcriptomics of human pancreatic islets revealed that individuals with elevated levels of HbA1c displayed increased FHL2 expression, which correlated negatively with insulin secretion pathways. In line with this observation, FHL2-deficient mice cleared glucose more efficiently than wild-type littermates through increased plasma insulin levels. Insulin sensitivity was comparable between these genotypes. Interestingly, pancreatic islets isolated from FHL2-deficient mice secreted more insulin in GSIS assays than wild-type mouse islets even though insulin content and islet size was similar. To support this observation, we demonstrated increased expression of the transcription factor crucial in insulin secretion, MAF BZIP transcription factor A (MafA), higher expression of GLUT2 and reduced expression of the adverse factor c-Jun in FHL2-deficient islets. The underlying mechanism of FHL2 was further delineated in MIN6 cells. FHL2-knockdown led to enhanced activation of forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) and its downstream genes such as Mafa and Pdx1 (encoding pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1), as well as increased glucose uptake. On the other hand, FHL2 overexpression in MIN6 cells blocked GSIS, increased the formation of reactive oxygen species and increased c-Jun activity.

Conclusions/interpretation

Our data demonstrate that FHL2 deficiency improves insulin secretion from beta cells and improves glucose tolerance in mice. Given that FHL2 expression in humans increases with age and that high expression levels of FHL2 are associated with beta cell dysfunction, we propose that enhanced FHL2 expression in elderly individuals contributes to glucose intolerance and the development of type 2 diabetes.

Data availability

The human islet microarray datasets used are publicly available and can be found on https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/.

Graphical abstract
The Complexity of the Distributed Constraint Satisfaction Problem
Authors: Butti Silvia , Dalmau Víctor
Published: July 2022

We study the complexity of the Distributed Constraint Satisfaction Problem (DCSP) on a synchronous, anonymous network from a theoretical standpoint. In this setting, variables and constraints are controlled by agents which communicate with each other by sending messages through fixed communication channels. Our results endorse the well-known fact from classical CSPs that the complexity of fixed-template computational problems depends on the template’s invariance under certain operations. Specifically, we show that DCSP(Γ) is polynomial-time tractable if and only if Γ is invariant under symmetric polymorphisms of all arities. Otherwise, there are no algorithms that solve DCSP(Γ) in finite time. We also show that the same condition holds for the search variant of DCSP. Collaterally, our results unveil a feature of the processes’ neighbourhood in a distributed network, its iterated degree, which plays a major role in the analysis. We explore this notion establishing a tight connection with the basic linear programming relaxation of a CSP.
Significant improvement after training in the assessment of lateral compartments and short-axis measurements of lateral lymph nodes in rectal cancer
Authors: Sluckin Tania C. , Hazen Sanne-Marije J. A. , Horsthuis Karin , Lambregts Doenja M. J. , Beets-Tan Regina G. H. , Tanis Pieter J. , Kusters Miranda ,   on behalf of the Dutch Lateral Node Imaging group
Published: July 2022

Objectives

In patients with rectal cancer, the size and location of lateral lymph nodes (LLNs) are correlated to increased lateral local recurrence rates. Sufficient knowledge and accuracy when measuring these features are therefore essential. The objective of this study was to evaluate the variation in measurements and anatomical classifications of LLNs before and after training.

Methods

Fifty-three Dutch radiologists examined three rectal MRI scans and completed a questionnaire. Presence, location, size, and suspiciousness of LLNs were reported. This assessment was repeated after a 2-hour online training by the same radiologists with the same three cases plus three additional cases. Three expert radiologists independently evaluated these 6 cases and served as the standard of reference.

Results

Correct identification of the anatomical location improved in case 1 (62 to 77% (p = .077)) and in case 2 (46 to 72% (p = .007)) but decreased in case 3 (92 to 74%, p = .453). Compared to the first three cases, cases 4, 5, and 6 all had a higher initial consensus of 73%, 79%, and 85%, respectively. The mean absolute deviation of the short-axis measurements in cases 1–3 were closer—though not significantly—to the expert reference value after training with reduced ranges and standard deviations. Subjective determination of malignancy had a high consensus rate between participants and experts.

Conclusion

Though finding a high consensus rate for determining malignancy of LLNs, variation in short-axis measurements and anatomical location classifications were present and improved after training. Adequate training would support the challenges involved in evaluating LLNs appropriately.

Key Points

• Variation was present in the assessment of the anatomical location and short-axis size of lateral lymph nodes.

• In certain cases, the accuracy of short-axis measurements and anatomical location, when compared to an expert reference value, improved after a training session.

• Consensus before and after training on whether an LLN was subjectively considered to be suspicious for malignancy was high.
Prevalence and extent of coral diseases in shallow and mesophotic reefs of the Southwestern Atlantic
Authors: Morais Juliano , Santos Bráulio A.
Published: July 2022

Coral reef ecology has advanced in many fields, but disease patterns across depth gradients remain unclear. By comparing the prevalence and extent of bleaching and diseases in 160 colonies ofSiderastrea stellatabetween shallow and mesophotic reefs, we observed that prevalence was high (75%) regardless of depth, but the extent was about two times greater in mesophotic than shallow reefs (14.4% vs. 6.6% of colony area, respectively). Across the shallow reefs, whereS. stellataco-occurred withMontastraea cavernosa,M. cavernosashowed lower prevalence (27% of 30 colonies) and extent (1.8% of colony area) compared toS. stellata. Besides bleaching, five coral diseases afflictedS. stellataand two affectedM. cavernosa. Because diseases are spread over the entire gradient of depth, any attempt of managing the diseases should consider both shallow and deep reefs to be effective.
Cononsolvency of the responsive polymer poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) in water/methanol mixtures: a dynamic light scattering study of the effect of pressure on the collective dynamics
Authors: Niebuur Bart-Jan , Deyerling André , Höfer Nicole , Schulte Alfons , Papadakis Christine M.
Published: July 2022

The collective dynamics of 25 wt% poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) solutions in water or an 80:20 v/v water/methanol mixture are investigated in the one-phase region in dependence on pressure and temperature using dynamic light scattering. Throughout, two dynamic modes are observed, the fast one corresponding to the relaxation of the chain segments within the polymer blobs and the slow one to the relaxation of the blobs. A pressure scan in the one-phase region on an aqueous solution at 34.0 °C, i.e., slightly below the maximum of the coexistence line, reveals that the dynamic correlation length of the fast mode increases when the left and the right branch of the coexistence line are approached. Thus, the chains are rather swollen far away from the coexistence line, but contracted near the phase transition. Temperature scans of solutions in neat H2O or in H2O/CD3OD at 0.1, 130, and 200 MPa reveal that the dynamic correlation length of the fast mode shows critical behavior. However, the critical exponents are significantly larger than the value predicted by mean-field theory for the static correlation length, ν = 0.5, and the exponent is significantly larger for the solution in the H2O/CD3OD mixture than in neat H2O.
Viscoelastoplastic classification of cementitious suspensions: transient and non-linear flow analysis in rotational and oscillatory shear flows
Authors: Thiedeitz Mareike , Kränkel Thomas , Gehlen Christoph
Published: July 2022

Rheological modeling of special concretes such as ultra-high performance concretes (UHPCs), self-compacting concretes (SCCs), or environmentally friendly concretes with low clinker contents but containing many fine particles increases model complexity because high amounts of colloidal and fine particles and complex chemistry result in strongly non-Newtonian rheological behavior. Straight-forward viscoplastic rheological models such as the well-known Bingham- or Herschel-Bulkley approach do not fit the flow behavior on a large scale at and lead to boundary value problems in numerical flow simulations. Increased viscoelastic properties due to chemical admixtures are not described by pure viscoplasticity analysis methods. To fill this gap, our research presents viscoplastic and viscoelastic linear and non-linear rheological characterization methods for common and strongly non-Newtonian cement pastes and combines the methods for a comprehensive viscoelastoplastic modeling of cementitious building materials. We illustrate and discuss the benefits and boundaries of each measurement technique in dependence of cementitious paste complexity. Three solid volume fractions from $$\phi$$
ϕ
= 0.45 to 0.55 and three different flowability ranges, adjusted through varying superplasticizer amounts, were investigated in respect of steady-state and transient yield stress, viscosity, and non-linear viscoelastic material properties. Our results reveal that with increasing solid volume fraction and polymer amount, viscoelastoplastic modeling describes rheological flow on a large flow scale more appropriately than common viscoplastic methods. The results show a new approach for a full quantitative and qualitative rheological classification of cementitious building materials and thus improve the understanding of densely packed colloidal cementitious suspensions. The findings serve as prospective guideline to model complex cementitious building materials both at low and high shear rates, and to find an appropriate rheological description at the boundaries of flow.

Graphical abstract
Anterior ethmoid and frontal sinus drainage pathways: five patterns formed and defined by their bony walls
Authors: Kikawada Toru , Araki Yasutomo , Okamoto Takuya
Published: July 2022

Purpose

To perform endoscopic sinus surgery safely and effectively, surgeons need to visualize the complex anatomy of the anterior ethmoid and frontal sinus region. Because this anatomy is so variable and individualized, the foundation of understanding lies in identifying, following, and visualizing the drainage pathway patterns and anticipating possible variations.

Methods

We studied 100 sides (50 cases: 22 male, 28 female, aged 12–86, average age 46.5 years, ± 19.5) using computed tomography (CT) and multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) to identify and classify the drainage pathways leading to the frontal sinus and anterior ethmoidal cells.

Results

Analysis revealed five patterns of drainage pathways defined by their bony walls: between the uncinate process and the lamina papyracea [UP–LP]; between the uncinate process and the middle turbinate [UP–MT]; between the uncinate process and the accessory uncinate process [UP–UPa]; between the uncinate process and the basal lamella of the ethmoidal bulla [UP–BLEB]; and between the basal lamella of the ethmoidal bulla and the basal lamella of the middle turbinate [BLEB–BLMT]. In most cases, BLEB formed the posterior wall of the drainage pathway of the frontal sinus, indicating BLEB could be one of the most important landmarks for approaching the frontal sinus.

Conclusions

As endoscopic sinus surgery depends on an understanding of this anatomy, this study may help surgeons to identify and follow the drainage pathways more accurately and safely through the anterior ethmoid to the frontal sinus.
Status epilepticus during the COVID-19 pandemic in Cologne, Germany: data from a retrospective, multicentre registry
Authors: Kohle Felix , Madlener Marie , Bruno Emanuel Francesco , Fink Gereon Rudolf , Limmroth Volker , Burghaus Lothar , Malter Michael Peter
Published: July 2022

Background

The “coronavirus disease 2019” (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the “severe-acute-respiratory-syndrome-coronavirus 2” (SARS-CoV-2), challenges healthcare systems worldwide and impacts not only COVID-19 patients but also other emergencies. To date, data are scarce on the extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic impacted status epilepticus (SE) and its treatment.

Objective

To assess the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence, management and outcome of SE patients.

Study design

This is a retrospective, multicentre trial, approved by the University of Cologne (21-1443-retro).

Methods

All SE patients from the urban area of Cologne transmitted to all acute neurological departments in Cologne between 03/2019 and 02/2021 were retrospectively analysed and assessed for patient characteristics, SE characteristics, management, and outcome in the first pandemic year compared to the last pre-pandemic year.

Results

157 pre-pandemic (03/2019–02/2020) and 171 pandemic (from 03/2020 to 02/2021) SE patients were included in the analyses. Acute SARS-CoV-2 infections were rarely detected. Patient characteristics, management, and outcome did not reveal significant groupwise differences. In contrast, regarding prehospital management, a prolonged patient transfer to the hospital and variations in SE aetiologies compared to the last pre-pandemic year were observed with less chronic vascular and more cryptogenic and anoxic SE cases. No infections with SARS-CoV-2 occurred during inpatient stays.

Conclusions

SARS-CoV-2 infections did not directly affect SE patients, but the transfer of SE patients to emergency departments was delayed. Interestingly, SE aetiology rates shifted, which warrants further exploration. Fears of contracting an in-hospital SARS-CoV-2-infection were unfounded due to consequent containment measures.
Volcanotectonics: the tectonics and physics of volcanoes and their eruption mechanics
Authors: Gudmundsson Agust , Drymoni Kyriaki , Browning John , Acocella Valerio , Amelung Falk , Bonali Fabio L. , Elshaafi Abdelsalam , Galindo Ines , Geshi Nobuo , Geyer Adelina , Heap Michael J. , Karaoğlu Özgür , Kusumoto Shigekazu , Marti Joan , Pinel Virginie , Tibaldi Alessandro , Thordarson Thorvaldur , Walter Thomas R.
Published: July 2022

The physical processes that operate within, and beneath, a volcano control the frequency, duration, location and size of volcanic eruptions. Volcanotectonics focuses on such processes, combining techniques, data, and ideas from structural geology, tectonics, volcano deformation, physical volcanology, seismology, petrology, rock and fracture mechanics and classical physics. A central aim of volcanotectonics is to provide sufficient understanding of the internal processes in volcanoes so that, when combined with monitoring data, reliable forecasting of eruptions, vertical (caldera) and lateral (landslide) collapses and related events becomes possible. To gain such an understanding requires knowledge of the material properties of the magma and the crustal rocks, as well as the associated stress fields, and their evolution. The local stress field depends on the properties of the layers that constitute the volcano and, in particular, the geometric development of its shallow magma chamber. During this decade an increasing use of data from InSAR, pixel offset and structure-from-motion, as well as dense, portable seismic networks will provide further details on the mechanisms of volcanic unrest, magma-chamber rupture, the propagation of magma-filled fractures (dikes, inclined sheets and sills) and lateral and vertical collapse. Additionally, more use will be made of accurate quantitative data from fossil and active volcanoes, combined with realistic numerical, analytical and machine-learning studies, so as to provide reliable models on volcano behaviour and eruption forecasting.
Low-frequency EPR of ferrimyoglobin fluoride and ferrimyoglobin cyanide: a case study on the applicability of broadband analysis to high-spin hemoproteins and to HALS hemoproteins
Authors: Hagen Wilfred R.
Published: July 2022

An EPR spectrometer has been developed that can be tuned to many frequencies in the range of ca 0.1–15 GHz. Applicability has been tested on ferrimyoglobin fluoride (MbF) and ferrimyoglobin cyanide (MbCN). MbF has a high-spin (S = 5/2) spectrum with 19F superhyperfine splitting that is only resolved in X-band along the heme normal. Low-frequency EPR also resolves the splitting in the heme plane. Measurement of linewidth as a function of frequency provides the basis for an analysis of inhomogeneous broadening in terms of g-strain, zero-field distribution, unresolved superhyperfine splittings and dipolar interaction. Rhombicity in the g tensor is found to be absent. MbCN (S = 1/2) has a highly anisotropic low spin (HALS) spectrum for which gx cannot be determined unequivocally in X-band. Low-frequency EPR allows for measurement of the complete spectrum and determination of the g-tensor.

Graphical abstract
Methodology for measuring the thermal conductivity of insulating samples with small dimensions by heat flow meter technique
Authors: Sánchez-Calderón Ismael , Merillas Beatriz , Bernardo Victoria , Rodríguez-Pérez Miguel Ángel
Published: July 2022

Nowadays, developing advanced, highly insulating materials for minimizing heat losses in buildings is of utmost relevance. Thus, there is a constant research activity focused on developing new and enhanced solutions for thermal insulation. However, characterizing the behavior of new thermal insulation materials, usually produced at lab-scale with small dimensions, by a steady-state approach is a challenge. The reason is that commercial heat flow meters require large samples (hundred on mm side) to provide accurate results of thermal conductivity because they are based on international standards. In this work, a new methodology to measure the thermal conductivity of small prototypes of thermal insulating materials (as low as 50 × 50 mm2) is developed by using an external heat flow sensor placed into a standard heat flow meter apparatus. Four different thermal insulators were used to validate the developed methodology by performing measurements in the heat flow meter with and without the external sensor. From these results, a calibration curve that relates both methods was calculated. Furthermore, the effect of the sample size was studied to explore the limits of the technique. Results show that the self-developed method is an accurate procedure to determine the thermal conductivity of samples with small dimensions via a steady-state condition.

Graphical abstract
Evidence for preserved insulin responsiveness in the aging rat brain
Authors: Engel Matthew G. , Smith Jeremy , Mao Kai , Quipildor Gabriela Farias , Cui Min-Hui , Gulinello Maria , Branch Craig A. , Gandy Samuel E. , Huffman Derek M.
Published: July 2022

Insulin appears to exert salutary effects in the central nervous system (CNS). Thus, brain insulin resistance has been proposed to play a role in brain aging and dementia but is conceptually complex and unlikely to fit classic definitions established in peripheral tissues. Thus, we sought to characterize brain insulin responsiveness in young (4–5 months) and old (24 months) FBN male rats using a diverse set of assays to determine the extent to which insulin effects in the CNS are impaired with age. When performing hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps in rats, intracerebroventricular (ICV) infusion of insulin in old animals improved peripheral insulin sensitivity by nearly two-fold over old controls and comparable to young rats, suggesting preservation of this insulin-triggered response in aging per se (p < 0.05). We next used an imaging-based approach by comparing ICV vehicle versus insulin and performed resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) to evaluate age- and insulin-related changes in network connectivity within the default mode network. In aging, lower connectivity between the mesial temporal (MT) region and other areas, as well as reduced MT signal complexity, was observed in old rats, which correlated with greater cognitive deficits in old. Despite these stark differences, ICV insulin failed to elicit any significant alteration to the BOLD signal in young rats, while a significant deviation of the BOLD signal was observed in older animals, characterized by augmentation in regions of the septal nucleus and hypothalamus, and reduction in thalamus and nucleus accumbens. In contrast, ex vivo stimulation of hippocampus with 10 nM insulin revealed increased Akt activation in young (p < 0.05), but not old rats. Despite similar circulating levels of insulin and IGF-1, cerebrospinal fluid concentrations of these ligands were reduced with age. Thus, these data highlight the complexity of capturing brain insulin action and demonstrate preserved or heightened brain responses to insulin with age, despite dampened canonical signaling, thereby suggesting impaired CNS input of these ligands may be a feature of reduced brain insulin action, providing further rationale for CNS replacement strategies.
Did Anselm Define God? Against the Definitionist Misrepresentation of Anselm’s Famous Description of God
Authors: Tapp Christian , Siegwart Geo
Published: July 2022

Anselm of Canterbury’s so-called ontological proofs in theProslogionhave puzzled philosophers for centuries. The famous description “something / that than which nothing greater can be conceived” is part and parcel of his argument. Most commentators have interpreted this description as a definition of God. We argue that this view, which we refer to as “definitionism”, is a misrepresentation. In addition to textual evidence, the key point of our argument is that taking the putative definition as what Anselm intended it to be – namely a description of a content of faith – allows getting a clear view of the discursive status and argumentative structure ofProslogion2–4, as well as making sense of an often neglected part of the argument.
Resources in translation: towards a conceptual and technical apparatus
Authors: Ruthven Kenneth
Published: July 2022

In mathematics education, translation of resources from one language to another occurs in a wide range of situations. This paper explores how conceptual and technical apparatus from contemporary translation studies may be of use in guiding and analysing such translation. Key concepts—including those of source, target and intermediate text, of paradigms of equivalence, purpose, uncertainty and localisation, and of semantic, syntactic and epistemological equivalence—are introduced and illustrated, primarily with reference to translation of a series of school mathematics workbooks. Significant types of tool to assist translation—translation protocols and machine translation—are examined. A more detailed case study illustrates techniques (and associated tools) for analysing translation shifts and terminological translatability, applying them to examine translation of documentation of a framework for researching teachers’ interaction with resources—the Documentational Approach to Didactics. Specific insights that emerge are how translation is shaped by attention not just to fidelity to the source text but to the audience for, and function of, the target text; and how challenging it can be to formulate terms translatable across languages in such a way as to consistently anchor meaning in existing wordforms.