bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Post-Compression of 9.2-µm Terawatt Laser Pulses to Femtoseconds
Authors: Pogorelsky Igor V. , Polyanskiy Mikhail N. , Babzien Marcus , Palmer Mark A.
Published: November 2021

Contemporary CO2 laser systems are capable to delivering picosecond pulses of the multi-terawatt peak power. Further pulse compression to a few cycles is possible using a post-compression in bulk materials with negative group velocity dispersion (GVD). We have experimentally demonstrated the post-compression of a long-wave infrared (9.2 μm) 150-GW peak power pulse from 1.85 ps to less than 500 fs using a combination of two optical materials with significantly different ratios of the nonlinear refractive index to the GVD coefficient. Such combination allows for optimization of the compression mechanism and promises a viable path to scaling peak powers to multi-terawatt levels.
A comprehensive transmedia activity to commemorate the International Day of Light 2021 on social networks
Authors: Rodríguez-Fernández Carlos Damián , Carnero Bastián , Canabal Mónica , Ínsua Damián , Doval Alejandro , Muñoz Alicia , Sánchez Raúl , Liñares Rocío , González Xoán , Flores-Arias M.T.
Published: November 2021

Since the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, face-to-face outreach has been gradually replaced by dissemination through social networks. However, the use of social networks for outreaching is not easy since there is an important risk of biasing the communication by converting it into an exclusively one-way channel. In this contribution, we explain how a transmedia perspective can transform a regular activity, as a photo contest for the International Day of Light 2021, into an interactive, comprehensive and functional event in Twitter, Instagram and Twitch.
On polarization characteristics of highly focused fields concentrated along the axis
Authors: Martínez-Herrero Rosario , Carnicer Artur , Juvells Ignasi , Sanz Ángel S.
Published: November 2021

After having proven that an uncertainty relation holds for the on-axis power content of highlyfocused fields, in this Communication we explore and discuss the consequences of such a relation concerning the polarization state characterizing the fields that satisfy it.
Infrared nanospectroscopy study of the light-induced conformational changes of Channelrhodopsin
Authors: Temperini Maria Eleonora , Polito Raffaella , Intze Antonia , Schade Ulrich , Puskar Ljljana , Ritter Eglof , Baldassarre Leonetta , Ortolani Michele , Giliberti Valeria
Published: November 2021

The channelrhodopsin-ChR2 is a light-sensitive transmembrane protein that acts as a selective ion channel between the intra- and the extra-cellular environments. In the last decade, ChR2 has proven to be essential for optogenetics, because, if expressed in mammalian neural cells, it enables the control of neuronal activity in response to visible light. Mid-infrared difference spectroscopy can probe the functional conformational changes of light-sensitive proteins, however intrinsic limitations of standard IR spectroscopy in terms of diffraction, and therefore number of probed proteins, require that the mid-IR experiments be performed on huge numbers of lipid membrane patches with overexpressed proteins. In this work, we apply for the first time IR difference nanospectroscopy, based on the use of mid-IR lasers and an atomic force microscope (AFM), to single membrane patches containing ChR2, obtaining relevant spectroscopy results for optogenetic applications and, more generally, for future experimental studies of light-sensitive proteins at the nanoscale.
Optical multiplexed bioassays on photonic crystals for breast cancer biomarker detection
Authors: Pileri Tommaso , Sinibaldi Alberto , Occhicone Agostino , Giordani Elena , Allegretti Matteo , Munzert Peter , Sonntag Frank , Danz Norbert , Giacomini Patrizio , Michelotti Francesco
Published: November 2021

An optical biosensor for proteomic breast cancer biomarker detection in complex media is presented. Bloch Surface Waves (BSW) excited onto one dimensional photonic crystal (1DPC) were used to probe the interaction of HER2 with three antibody species and an inert protein (Bovine Serum Albumin - BSA). The optical system combines Label-Free readings to track the bioassay real-time development and Fluorescence emission quantification to evaluate the level of specific interaction between the antigen and the antibodies. The results confirm a distinguishable level of affinity between the antibodies and the analyte according to their specificity even at low antibody surface density (about 1173 pg/mm2).
Impressionen zur Depression
Authors: Koch Ulrich
Published: November 2021

Im Laufe des vergangenen Jahres ist der Druck in vielen Bereichen des öffentlichen Lebens immer weiter angestiegen. Der Druck stieg für unsere politischen Entscheidungsträger, angesichts einer nicht immer klaren und von der Entwicklung her eindeutigen pandemischen Situation die bestmöglichen Entscheidungen zu treffen, und sie haben ihn in bester Absicht schnell nach unten weitergereicht. Der Druck stieg für viele Kleinunternehmer, den Einzelhandel und die körpernahen Dienstleistungen, wirtschaftlich zu überleben, und nicht zuletzt steigt der Druck auf die Menschen, die angesichts einer nicht wirklich transparenten Informationslage und weiterhin nur vorläufig zugelassenen Impfstoffen zurückhaltend und abwartend abwägen wollen. Menschen, die vorsichtig, vielleicht sogar ängstlich sind und deshalb einfach nur kritisch ihr Recht auf Selbstbestimmung über die zunehmend repressive öffentliche Meinungsmache stellen, die schon lange nicht mehr in Gänze von unserem Grundgesetz gedeckt ist.
Pathophysiology of Antiphospholipid Syndrome
Authors: Green David
Published: November 2021

The antiphospholipid syndrome is characterized by antibodies directed against phospholipid-binding proteins and phospholipids attached to cell membrane receptors, mitochondria, oxidized lipoproteins, and activated complement components. When antibodies bind to these complex antigens, cells are activated and the coagulation and complement cascades are triggered, culminating in thrombotic events and pregnancy morbidity that further define the syndrome. The phospholipid-binding proteins most often involved are annexins II and V, β2-glycoprotein I, prothrombin, and cardiolipin. A distinguishing feature of the antiphospholipid syndrome is the “lupus anticoagulant.” This is not a single entity but rather a family of antibodies directed against complex antigens consisting of β2-glycoprotein I and/or prothrombin bound to an anionic phospholipid. Although these antibodies prolong in vitro clotting times by competing with clotting factors for phospholipid binding sites, they are not associated with clinical bleeding. Rather, they are thrombogenic because they augment thrombin production in vivo by concentrating prothrombin on phospholipid surfaces. Other antiphospholipid antibodies decrease the clot-inhibitory properties of the endothelium and enhance platelet adherence and aggregation. Some are atherogenic because they increase lipid peroxidation by reducing paraoxonase activity, and others impair fetal nutrition by diminishing placental antithrombotic and fibrinolytic activity. This plethora of destructive autoantibodies is currently managed with immunomodulatory agents, but new approaches to treatment might include vaccines against specific autoantigens, blocking the antibodies generated by exposure to cytoplasmic DNA, and selective targeting of aberrant B-cells to reduce or eliminate autoantibody production.
Synergistic Effect of a Prolonged Combination Course of Tranexamic Acid and Dexamethasone Involving High Initial Doses in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Xu Hong , Xie Jinwei , Yang Jingli , Huang Zeyu , Wang Duan , Pei Fuxing
Published: November 2021

The optimal regimes of tranexamic acid (TXA) and dexamethasone (DXM) in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are still uncertain. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of a prolonged course of intravenous TXA and DXM involving a high initial dose in TKA. Patients who underwent primary TKA at our center were randomized to receive one of four regimes: control (group A), prolonged course of TXA (B), prolonged course of DXM (C), or the combination of a prolonged course of TXA and DXM (D). The four groups were compared in primary outcomes (fibrinolytic and inflammatory markers, knee function, postoperative pain levels, and consumption of opioids) and secondary outcomes (blood loss, maximal drop in hemoglobin, coagulation, fasting blood glucose, and complications). A total of 162 patients were enrolled. On postoperative days 2 and 3, fibrinolytic markers were lower in groups B and D than in groups A and C; inflammatory markers were lower in groups C and D than in groups A and B. Inflammatory markers were lower in group B than in group A on postoperative day 3. Postoperative pain levels and oxycodone consumption were lower, and knee function was better in groups C and D. The four groups did not differ in any of the secondary outcomes. A prolonged course of intravenous TXA and DXM involving high initial doses can effectively inhibit postoperative fibrinolytic and inflammatory responses, reduce pain, and improve knee function after TKA.
Making sense of girls empowerment in Sierra Leone: a conversation
Authors: Ibrahim Aisha Fofana , James Alice , Kabba Mariatu , Kamara Aminata , Menzel Anne , Spencer-Coker Nicky
Published: November 2021

This Testify article features a conversation about the emancipatory potentials and pitfalls of girls empowerment as practiced, experienced, and judged by Sierra Leonean activists. We – two scholars and four activists – discussed views on and experiences of girls empowerment approaches that have been interpreted in critical scholarly literature as a form of neoliberal responsibilization. Also within this critical literature, there is often the notion that these approaches may yet create openings for emancipatory agency and counter-conduct. However, it remains unclear whether this happens and to what extent. Our conversation centres activists’ views on the academic critique of girls empowerment and raises a number of questions, including: Why do many feminist activists in Sierra Leone embrace girls empowerment approaches? What do they see in them? How do they interpret and practice them? Where do they see potentials and pitfalls? And what is the role of donors?
Recontextualising the style of naming in nomenclature
Authors: Rummy Paul , Rummy Jessica Thevamalar
Published: November 2021

In this paper, we brought compelling clarities as to why the current practices of binomial nomenclature should be revised and adjusted by the scientific governing bodies. We highlighted the current emphasis on Latinisation and Greek forms for scientific names has given fewer possibilities for the inclusion of cultural and native scientific names. With regard to zoological matters, we further pointed out that the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) has an obligation to rationalise the applicability and suitability of the existing Articles and Recommendations in the Code. The Code has been designed to assist scientists in naming an organism with its guidelines. However, the practicality of the Articles and Recommendations need to be further explained in order to reduce several misperceptions within the scientific community; which include the correct usage of Latinised and Greek language forms that can be quite confusing to those who are not well-versed in the structures. The discussion also underlined the novelty of having more localised and hybridised scientific names, and the necessity to avoid norms of abusive, offensive and colonising names since the Code did not emphasise enough on the level of integrity needed with the naming procedures. We further illustrated the magnitude of having a gender-neutral naming system in the world of nomenclature, as the current practices of Latinised and Greek forms are heavily navigated towards masculine naming styles. We also suggest that the non-compulsory Recommendation section of the Code to be made relevant, and perhaps mandatory in some cases, with an infinite approach to accentuate beyond inclusivity and diversity.
Swift evaluation of electron density profiles obtained by the alkali beam emission spectroscopy technique using linearized reconstruction
Authors: Vécsei M. , Anda G. , Asztalos O. , Dunai D. , Hegedűs S. , Nagy D. , Otte M. , Pokol G. I. , Zoletnik S. ,   W7-X Team
Published: November 2021

A method is presented for the swift reconstruction of electron density profiles measured by the alkali beam emission spectroscopy. It is based on the linearization of the governing rate equations and leads to a direct calculation for obtaining the profiles. The uncertainties of the measurement are incorporated into the problem through the utilization of Tikhonov regularization and the generalized least squares method. An approximation for the uncertainty of the reconstructed density data is calculated as well. The applicability of the method is tested against both simulated and real experimental results of the W7-X stellarator.
Importance of dislocations in ultrasound-assisted sintering of silver nanoparticles
Authors: Yasui Kyuichi , Hamamoto Koichi
Published: November 2021

For acoustic softening of solid materials, it has been suggested that the enhancement of dislocation motion by ultrasonic irradiation plays some role. In order to study the role of dislocations in ultrasound-assisted sintering of silver nanoparticles, numerical simulations are performed using a model developed from the solid-state sintering model by Kraft and Riedel coupled with the models of evolution of mobile and immobile dislocations and that of vacancies. It has been clarified that the most important effect of ultrasound is the reduction in the pore size, which results in the lager saturated density. In addition, the time-averaged densification rate increases by ultrasound irradiation because the increase in the magnitude of the plastic strain rate at the compression phase of ultrasound overwhelms the decrease at the rarefaction phase due to a much larger bulk viscosity at the rarefaction phase caused by the nonlinear effect. The relative density is saturated after about 3 min under ultrasound irradiation, which agrees with the experimental result. The total dislocation density does not increase by ultrasound irradiation under the present condition as the mobile dislocations are immediately immobilized due to the small initial grain size of 20 nm. For the increase in dislocation density, initial grain size should be larger than about 10 μm irrespective of the presence or absence of ultrasound.
KP15: Natural van der Waals material with ultra-low thermal conductivity and excellent thermoelectric performance
Authors: Cui Chunfeng , Liu Qingyi , Ouyang Tao , Li Jin , He Chaoyu , Zhang Chunxiao , Tang Chao , Zhong Jianxin
Published: November 2021

Recently, a natural van der Waals material KP15 has been successfully synthesized and reported to possess obvious anisotropy, high carrier mobility, and stable chemical properties. Herein, through combining Boltzmann transport equation and first-principles calculations, we systematically investigate the electronic and phononic transport properties and thermoelectric (TE) performance of KP15. Our calculations show that KP15 exhibits obvious anisotropic lattice thermal conductivity with extremely low intertube thermal conductivity of 1.49 W/mK at room temperature. Such low thermal conductivity is mainly originated from the intrinsic weak intertube interactions and beneficial for the TE performance. Meanwhile, KP15 also hosts evident anisotropic electronic transport properties and relatively high Seebeck coefficients over a wide range of carrier concentrations. Based on the electronic relaxation time obtained from the deformation potential theory, the TE conversion efficiency of KP15 is evaluated, and the thermoelectric figure of merit could approach as high as 1.40 at 700 K along the c-axis under n-type doping. The findings presented in this work indicate that KP15 has extremely low intertube thermal conductivity and excellent TE performance, which will stimulate further experimental exploration of similar alkali metal phosphating systems and more van der Waals materials.
Forestry control in the Brazilian Amazon: charcoal anatomy of tree species from protected areas
Authors: Braga Junior Marcelo Mendes , Matos Thayrine Silva , de Andrade Gabriele Melo , dos Santos Laise de Jesus , Vieira André Luis Macedo , Gonçalves Thaís Alves Pereira , Nisgoski Silvana , Pereira Motta Javan , Melo Luiz Eduardo de Lima
Published: November 2021

Protected areas in the Brazilian Amazon suffer from conflicting activities, such as the production of charcoal from illegal logging. Charcoal anatomy is an important tool that can be useful for forensic charcoal identification and to help the conservation of these areas. To assist in combating deforestation in protected areas, this study describes the charcoal anatomy of 14 tree species that occur in the Tapirapé–Aquiri National Forest, Pará, Brazil, and provides macrographs of transverse surfaces and scanning electron microscope (SEM) images to aid government agencies during surveillance. We adopted a carbonisation method that simulated real conditions. Anatomical features were well preserved in the charcoal. The axial parenchyma and vessel frequency are easily observed in both macrographs and SEM images, so they are important diagnostic features for initial screening of families and for checking the load according to the ‘document of forestry origin’ (DOF) by the surveillance agents. Uncommon and highly diagnostic features for distinguishing genera or even species, such as rays exclusively uniseriate, sheath cells, tile cells and storied structure, were observed only in SEM images. Our findings are suitable to provide a database on charcoal anatomy of native tree species of the Amazon, with practical application in government inspection activities in protected areas in Brazil and other countries with similar issues.
Online triage tool improves the efficiency of a sexual health service
Authors: Munro Thomas , Anderson-Smith Bronnie , Lu Heng , Worth Heather H. , Knight Vickie
Published: November 2021

Background Rising demand for sexual health services requires publicly funded service providers to ensure they are seeing members of priority populations. Sydney Sexual Health Centre in New South Wales, Australia developed an innovative online triage tool called ‘Am I OK?’ to support this goal. Methods This paper outlines the findings of a review that examined the use of the triage tool using retrospective cross-sectional analysis of 2017 data. Results The tool has achieved its purpose in ensuring that non-priority populations are referred to other services, consequently saving a significant amount (approximately 6 months equivalent) of phone triage nurse time. Conclusion More work may need to be done to ensure that the tool is not creating a barrier for priority populations wishing to access the service.
Cone photoreceptor dysfunction in retinitis pigmentosa revealed by optoretinography
Authors: Lassoued Ayoub , Zhang Furu , Kurokawa Kazuhiro , Liu Yan , Bernucci Marcel T. , Crowell James A. , Miller Donald T.
Published: November 2021

Significance

Many blinding diseases afflict photoreceptors, specialized cells in the retina that capture and transduce light to initiate vision. Biomarkers that are sensitive to photoreceptor health are crucial for early detection and effective treatment monitoring of these diseases yet remain elusive. Here, we develop an optical biomarker, based on optoretinographic photoreceptor responses to light stimulation, that reflects the degree of dysfunction of individual cone photoreceptors in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP), the most common inherited retinal degenerative disease. Our results show that this biomarker may be beneficial for assessing the functionality of remaining retinal cells in RP patients and for assessing efficacy of treatments such as gene therapy and stem cell transplantation for RP and other diseases afflicting photoreceptors.
Areal variation in Middle High German
Authors: Becker Carsten , Schallert Oliver
Published: November 2021

Using theCorpus der altdeutschen Originalurkunden‘Corpus of Old German Original Charters’ (Wilhelm et al. 1932–2004), we will show that charters offer valuable information on dialectological differences during the Middle High German period. This text genre is unsurpassed in terms of its geographical resolution even though it faces certain challenges due to its partially formulaic style. With two well-known phenomena, i.e. inflected forms of the infinitive (‘gerunds’) and so-called ‘contracted’ verbs likehaben/hân‘have’, we will show how these materials can be analysed and put into perspective with other sources like the newMittelhochdeutsche GrammatikbyKlein, Solms & Wegera (2018).
Globodera pallida
. [Distribution map].
Authors: CABI  , EPPO
Published: November 2021

A new distribution map is provided for
Globodera pallida
(Stone) Behrens. Chromadorea: Tylenchida: Heteroderidae. Hosts: Solanaceae, especially potato (
Solanum tuberosum
), tomato (
S. lycopersicum
) and aubergine (
S. melongena
). Information is given on the geographical distribution in Africa (Algeria, Kenya, Morocco, Tunisia), Asia (India, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Indonesia, Java, Japan, Hokkaido, Pakistan, Turkey), Europe (Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Crete, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Sicily, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Mainland, Madeira, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Balearic Islands, Canary Islands, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom, England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales), North America (Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador, Costa Rica, Panama, United States, Idaho), Oceania (New Zealand), South America (Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Falkland Islands, Peru, Venezuela).
Inkjet printed organic light-emitting diodes employing organometal-halide perovskite as hole transport layer
Authors: Liu Lei , Zhang Dongyu , Chu Tao , Jian Yihua , Yu Fan , Wang Yan , Gao Qiang , Yi Cong , Zhang Qin , Sun Litao , Cui Zheng
Published: November 2021

Due to their narrow spectrum and high photoluminescence quantum yield, organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite materials have become an important emitter for light-emitting diodes (LED). In addition to the perovskite emitters, other perovskite materials such as methyl lead ammonium chloride (MAPbCl3) with high charge mobility can potentially be used as excellent charge transport materials. In this work, phosphorescence LED devices in which MAPbCl3 was employed as hole transport layer (HTL) was designed and fabricated by inkjet printing (IJP) process. Ethanolamine was added to the poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly-(styrenesulfonate) hole injection layer (HIL) to control the crystallization process and to suppress the surface defects of MAPbCl3. In addition, polyethylene oxide was doped into MAPbCl3 to improve the printability and the quality of film formation. The ‘blurred interface’ concept was successively applied to enable for the first time the IJP of three layers (HIL, HTL and emitter layers) in the LEDs. The fabricated multilayer LEDs achieved the maximum external quantum efficiency of 8.9%, maximum current efficiency of 30.8 cd A−1, and maximum power efficiency of 10.7 lm W−1. A 40 × 40 mm2 OLED light emitting device was successfully fabricated by IJP technology.
Intra- and inter-fraction relative range verification in heavy-ion therapy using filtered interaction vertex imaging
Authors: Hymers Devin , Kasanda Eva , Bildstein Vinzenz , Easter Joelle , Richard Andrea , Spyrou Artemis , Höhr Cornelia , Mücher Dennis
Published: November 2021

Heavy-ion therapy, particularly using scanned (active) beam delivery, provides a precise and highly conformal dose distribution, with maximum dose deposition for each pencil beam at its endpoint (Bragg peak), and low entrance and exit dose. To take full advantage of this precision, robust range verification methods are required; these methods ensure that the Bragg peak is positioned correctly in the patient and the dose is delivered as prescribed. Relative range verification allows intra-fraction monitoring of Bragg peak spacing to ensure full coverage with each fraction, as well as inter-fraction monitoring to ensure all fractions are delivered consistently. To validate the proposed filtered interaction vertex imaging (IVI) method for relative range verification, a 16O beam was used to deliver 12 Bragg peak positions in a 40 mm poly-(methyl methacrylate) phantom. Secondary particles produced in the phantom were monitored using position-sensitive silicon detectors. Events recorded on these detectors, along with a measurement of the treatment beam axis, were used to reconstruct the sites of origin of these secondary particles in the phantom. The distal edge of the depth distribution of these reconstructed points was determined with logistic fits, and the translation in depth required to minimize the χ
2 statistic between these fits was used to compute the range shift between any two Bragg peak positions. In all cases, the range shift was determined with sub-millimeter precision, to a standard deviation of the mean of 220(10) μm. This result validates filtered IVI as a reliable relative range verification method, which should be capable of monitoring each energy step in each fraction of a scanned heavy-ion treatment plan.
Quantifying CO emission rates of industrial point sources from Tropospheric Monitoring Instrument observations
Authors: Tian Yuan , Sun Youwen , Borsdorff Tobias , Liu Cheng , Liu Ting , Zhu Yizhi , Yin Hao , Landgraf Jochen
Published: November 2021

This work demonstrates for the first time the capability of routine Tropospheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) operations to quantify CO emission rates down to industrial point sources. We have quantified the CO emission rates of four industrial point sources in Asia, namely Qianlishan Industrial Park (39.9° N, 106.9° E), Jiuyuan Industrial Park (40.7° N, 109.7° E) and Botian Industrial Park (42.2° N, 125.2° E) in China and the Jindal factory (15.2° N, 76.7° E) in India, with TROPOMI CO observations from 2017 to 2020. Qianlishan Industrial Park is a missing source in the emission inventory and we quantify it to be ∼14.0 kg s−1. Our estimates for the other three sources vary between 14.4 and 34.3 kg s−1, within 37%–69% of the inventory values. The plume inversion methods are presented in a manner that can be easily used with other fine-scale emission plumes observed from space. Although only a small number of CO plumes per year for any given industrial point source can be observed under conditions suitable for estimation of emission rates, there are many industrial point sources that can be captured by a good TROPOMI footprint. This work affirms that a constellation of future CO satellites could monitor individual CO point source emissions to support environmental policies.
Synthesis, characterization and effect of dopant on magnetic hyperthermic efficacy of Gd2O3 nanoparticles
Authors: Naresh Guguloth , Borah J P , Borgohain C , Paul N
Published: November 2021

Rare-earth oxides are paramagnetic materials and their high magnetic susceptibility in the bulk makes them potentially promising materials, but the magnetic properties of their nanoparticles remain incompletely characterized. We explore the effect of dopant (Tb3+ and Eu3+) in Gd2O3 host lattice as a heating agent for magnetic hyperthermia application. The structural, optical, and magnetic properties of the pristine, Gd2O3:Tb3+ and Gd2O3:Eu3+ nanocrystals were studied by XRD, HR-TEM, FTIR, and VSM. XRD analysis revealed the presence of mixed-phase (cubic and monoclinic) in pristine, and doped Gd2O3 nanoparticles. The morphological information has been observed with the help of HRTEM and the calculated inter-planar spacing is in well agreement with JCPDS data. Particles are nearly spherical and diameter ∼15 nm, estimated from HRTEM image. FTIR spectroscopic analysis confirms the presence of Gd-O-Gd stretching at 583cm−1. We confirmed the paramagnetic nature for all samples using VSM analysis. The self-heating capability of prepared samples are investigated by performing the induction heating experiment and it is assessed through calculated SAR and ILP values with help of Box-Lucas fitting model where 10% Tb3+ doped Gd2O3 has maximum values.
316L FFF binder development and debinding optimization
Authors: Kan Xinfeng , Yang Dengcui , Zhao Zhengzhi , Sun Jiquan
Published: November 2021

Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) technology is used to create metal parts in this paper. A binder formula is developed for 316L stainless steel powder, composed of polypropylene (PP), styrene ethylene butylene styrene (SEBS) and paraffin wax (PW). The binder is mixed with the 316L stainless steel powder to produce mixture which is then extruded into filament. The optimum binder formula, PP:SEBS:PW = 5:2:2, is obtained by orthogonal experiment. After optimization, mixture viscosity is reduced, filament tensile strength is guaranteed, rigidity is improved. The filament can be printed by a desktop FFF printer to obtain green parts. Binder within the green parts can be sufficiently removed by solvent and thermal debinding, and the shape of printed parts can be maintained well. After sintering, shrunken 316L stainless steel parts can be created, some pores distributed inside. With finer metal powder, the relative density of sintered part can be increased to 96%. The research ideas of this paper can provide effective methods for the development and optimization of binder.
Biocompatibility evaluation for the developed hydrogel wound dressing – ISO-10993-11 standards – in vitro and in vivo study
Authors: Thanusha A V , Koul Veena
Published: November 2021

Assessment of biocompatibility for the developed wound dressing plays a significant role in translational studies. In the present research work, a wound dressing has been developed using gelatin, hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate using EDC as crosslinker in a specific manner. The characterized hydrogel wound dressing was evaluated for its biocompatibility studies by means of ISO-10993-11 medical device rules and standards. Various parameters like skin sensitization test, acute systemic toxic test, implantation study, intracutaneous reactivity test, in vitro cytotoxicity test and bacterial reverse mutation test, were evaluated and the results demonstrated its safety for the pre-clinical investigation.
Antibacterial and physical characteristics of silver-loaded hydroxyapatite/alginate composites
Authors: Sukhodub L F , Pogrebnjak A D , Sukhodub L B , Sagidugumar A , Kistaubayeva A S , Savitskaya I S , Talipova A , Sadibekov A , Kantay N , Akatan K , Turlybekuly A
Published: November 2021

The influence of silver ions on the antibacterial properties and morphology of hydroxyapatite-silver (HA-Ag) and hydroxyapatite-alginate-silver (HA-Alg-Ag) nanocomposites was studied. The microstructure and phase composition of the obtained nanocomposites were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and the formation of the crystalline phase of Ag3PO4 was proved. According to the results, silver ions were incorporated into the HA structure, partially replacing calcium ions. Assessment of the antimicrobial activity was carried out on Gram-negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacterial test cultures by the co-incubation and modified agar diffusion methods. We demonstrated that the antimicrobial and adhesive properties of both Ag-HA and HA-Alg-Ag are strongly affected by the crystal lattice structure, controlled by the location of silver ions. The composite materials could be of great interest in the biomedical field, including in the design of coatings that prevent or slow the development of bacterial biofilms.
Sufficient conditions for Lorenz ordering with common finite support
Authors: Arnold Barry
Published: November 2021

Arnold and Gokhale (2017) provided a characterization of the Lorenz inequality order between distributions with common finite support. In the more general Lorenz order context, a variety of partial orders are often used to verify the existence of Lorenz ordering. In this paper we investigate whether parallel results can be identified within the common finite support context.
Explicit transient probabilities of various Markov models
Authors: Krinik Alan , von Bremen Hubertus , Ventura Ivan , Nguyen Uyen , Lin Jeremy , Lu Thuy , Luk Chon In , Yeh Jeffrey , Cervantes Luis , Lyche Samuel , Marian Brittney , Aljashamy Saif , Dela Mark , Oudich Ali , Ostadhassanpanjehali Pedram , Phey Lyheng , Perez David , Kath John , Demmin Malachi , Dawit Yoseph , Hoogendyk Christine , Kim Aaron , McDonough Matthew , Castillo Adam , Beecher David , Wong Weizhong , Ayeda Heba
Published: November 2021

In analyzing finite-state Markov chains knowing the exact eigenvalues of the transition probability matrix

P
P

is important information for predicting the explicit transient behavior of the system. Once the eigenvalues of

P
P

are known, linear algebra and duality theory are used to find

P

k

P^{k}

where

k
=
2
,
3
,
4
,
…

k= 2,3,4,\ldots

. This article is about finding explicit eigenvalue formulas, that scale up with the dimension of

P
P

for various Markov chains. Eigenvalue formulas and expressions of

P

k

P^{k}

are first presented when

P
P

is tridiagonal and Toeplitz. These results are generalized to tridiagonal matrices with alternating birth-death probabilities. More general eigenvalue formulas and expression of

P

k

P^{k}

are obtained for non-tridiagonal transition matrices

P
P

that have both catastrophe-like and birth-death transitions. Similar results for circulant matrices are also explored. Applications include finding probabilities of sample paths restricted to a strip and generalized ballot box problems. These results generalize to Markov processes with

P

k

P^{k}

being replaced by

e

Q
t

e^{Qt}

where

Q
Q

is a transition rate matrix.
Eulerian polynomials and Quasi-Birth-Death processes with time-varying-periodic rates
Authors: Margolius Barbara
Published: November 2021

A Quasi-Birth-Death (QBD) process is a stochastic process with a two dimensional state space, a level and a phase. An ergodic QBD with time-varying periodic transition rates will tend to an asymptotic periodic solution as time tends to infinity . Such QBDs are also asymptotically geometric. That is, as the level tends to infinity, the probability of the system being in state

(
k
,
j
)

(k,j)

at time

t
t

within the period tends to an expression of the form

f
j

(
t
)

α

−
k

Π
j

(
k
)

f_j(t)\alpha ^{-k}\Pi _j(k)

where

α
\alpha

is the smallest root of the determinant of a generating function related to the generating function for the unbounded (in the level) process,

Π
j

(
k
)

\Pi _j(k)

is a polynomial in

k
k

, the level, that may depend on

j
j

, the phase of the process, and

f
j

(
t
)

f_j(t)

is a periodic function of time within the period which may also depend on the phase. These solutions are analogous to steady state solutions for QBDs with constant transition rates. If the time within the period is considered to be part of the state of the process, then they are steady-state solutions. In this paper, we consider the example of a two-priority queueing process with finite buffer for class-2 customers. For this example, we provide explicit results up to an integral in terms of the idle probability of the queue. We also use this asymptotic approach to provide exact solutions (up to an integral equation involving the probability the system is in level zero) for some of the level probabilities.
Random measure algebras
Authors: Park Jason
Published: November 2021

In this article, we introduce algebras of random measures. Algebra is a vector space

V
V

over a field

F
F

with a multiplication satisfying the property: 1) distribution and 2)

c
(
x
⋅
y
)
=
(
c
x
)
⋅
y
=
x
⋅
(
c
y
)

c(x\cdot y) = (cx)\cdot y = x\cdot (cy)

for every

c
∈
F

c \in F

and

x
,
y
∈
V

x, y \in V

. The first operation is a trivial addition operation. For the second operation, we present three different methods 1) a convolution by covariance method, 2) O-dot product, 3) a convolution of bimeasures by Morse-Transue integral. With those operations, it is possible to build three different algebras of random measures.
Introducing the Treatment Hierarchy Question in Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Salanti Georgia , Nikolakopoulou Adriani , Efthimiou Orestis , Mavridis Dimitris , Egger Matthias , White Ian R
Published: November 2021

Comparative effectiveness research using network meta-analysis can present a hierarchy of competing treatments, from the most to the least preferable option. However, in published reviews, the research question associated with the hierarchy of multiple interventions is typically not clearly defined. Here we introduce the novel notion of a treatment hierarchy question that describes the criterion for choosing a specific treatment over one or more competing alternatives. For example, stakeholders might ask which treatment is most likely to improve mean survival by at least 2 years, or which treatment is associated with the longest mean survival. We discuss the most commonly used ranking metrics (quantities that compare the estimated treatment-specific effects), how the ranking metrics produce a treatment hierarchy, and the type of treatment hierarchy question that each ranking metric can answer. We show that the ranking metrics encompass the uncertainty in the estimation of the treatment effects in different ways, which results in different treatment hierarchies. When using network meta-analyses that aim to rank treatments, investigators should state the treatment hierarchy question they aim to address and employ the appropriate ranking metric to answer it. Following this new proposal will avoid some controversies that have arisen in comparative effectiveness research.
TIGER: technical variation elimination for metabolomics data using ensemble learning architecture
Authors: Han Siyu , Huang Jialing , Foppiano Francesco , Prehn Cornelia , Adamski Jerzy , Suhre Karsten , Li Ying , Matullo Giuseppe , Schliess Freimut , Gieger Christian , Peters Annette , Wang-Sattler Rui
Published: November 2021

Large metabolomics datasets inevitably contain unwanted technical variations which can obscure meaningful biological signals and affect how this information is applied to personalized healthcare. Many methods have been developed to handle unwanted variations. However, the underlying assumptions of many existing methods only hold for a few specific scenarios. Some tools remove technical variations with models trained on quality control (QC) samples which may not generalize well on subject samples. Additionally, almost none of the existing methods supports datasets with multiple types of QC samples, which greatly limits their performance and flexibility. To address these issues, a non-parametric method TIGER (Technical variation elImination with ensemble learninG architEctuRe) is developed in this study and released as an R package (https://CRAN.R-project.org/package=TIGERr). TIGER integrates the random forest algorithm into an adaptable ensemble learning architecture. Evaluation results show that TIGER outperforms four popular methods with respect to robustness and reliability on three human cohort datasets constructed with targeted or untargeted metabolomics data. Additionally, a case study aiming to identify age-associated metabolites is performed to illustrate how TIGER can be used for cross-kit adjustment in a longitudinal analysis with experimental data of three time-points generated by different analytical kits. A dynamic website is developed to help evaluate the performance of TIGER and examine the patterns revealed in our longitudinal analysis (https://han-siyu.github.io/TIGER_web/). Overall, TIGER is expected to be a powerful tool for metabolomics data analysis.
Morphological diversification of Mediterranean anurans: the roles of evolutionary history and climate
Authors: Martínez-Gil Helena , Martínez-Freiría Fernando , Perera Ana , Enriquez-Urzelai Urtzi , Martínez-Solano Íñigo , Velo-Antón Guillermo , Kaliontzopoulou Antigoni
Published: November 2021

Investigation of the ecological and evolutionary mechanisms governing the origin and diversification of species requires integrative approaches that often have to accommodate strong discordance among datasets. A common source of conflict is the combination of morphological and molecular characters with different evolutionary rates. Resolution of these discordances is crucial to assess the relative roles of different processes in generating and maintaining biodiversity. Anuran amphibians provide many examples of morphologically similar, genetically divergent lineages, posing questions about the relative roles of phylogeny and ecological factors in phenotypic evolution. We focused on three circum-Mediterranean anuran genera (Hyla, Alytes and Discoglossus), characterizing morphological and environmental disparity and comparing diversity patterns across biological levels of organization. Using a comparative phylogenetic framework, we tested how shared ancestry and climatic factors come together to shape phenotypic diversity. We found higher morphological differentiation within Hyla and Alytes than in Discoglossus. Body size and limb morphology contributed most to inter- and intraspecific morphological variation in Hyla and Alytes, but there was no strong phylogenetic signal, indicating that shared ancestry does not predict patterns of phenotypic divergence. In contrast, we uncovered a significant association between morphology and climatic descriptors, supporting the hypothesis that morphological disparity between species results from adaptive evolution.
Limitations of sperm transfer in the complex reproductive system of spiders
Authors: Dharmarathne Wijayamuni Dewage Sanjaya Chathuranga , Herberstein Mariella Elisabeth
Published: November 2021

In spiders, sperm transfer from the male to the female is indirect via secondary copulatory structures, the pedipalps. At the time of transfer the sperm are not mobile and the ejaculate needs to move through narrow male and female ducts to the female sperm storage organ. In addition, copulation duration can be very short, often limited to just a few seconds. Finally, sexual cannibalism and genital damage limits male life-time mating opportunities. These features of the reproductive biology in spiders are likely to result in sperm transfer constraints. Here we review the intrinsic and extrinsic sperm transfer limitations and conduct a meta-analysis on sperm transfer data from published data. Most of the information available relates to orb-web spiders, but our meta-analysis also includes non-orb-web spiders. Our review identifies some of the behavioural factors that have been shown to influence sperm transfer, and lists several morphological and physiological traits where we do not yet know how they might affect sperm transfer.
Application of the Clinical Frailty Score and body composition and upper arm strength in haemodialysis patients
Authors: Davenport Andrew
Published: November 2021

Background

To improve outcomes, simple screening tests are required to detect patients at increased risk of mortality. As patients with muscle weakness and wasting are at increased risk of death, we wished to review the use of the Clinical Frailty Score (CFS).

Patients and methods

Dialysis staff graded haemodialysis (HD) patients attending for routine outpatient sessions using the CFS, a functional scoring scale, for patients who require help with their instrumental activities of daily living, classified as clinically frail with scores >4, which were compared with contemporaneous Stoke–Davies comorbidity scores, post-HD body composition measured by bioimpedance, hand grip strength (HGS) and standard laboratory investigations.

Results

The results from 2089 patients (60.2% male) were reviewed, with 890 (42.6%) classified as frail. Frail patients were older [mean ± standard deviation (SD) 71.5 ± 15.6 versus 59.1 ± 15.6 years) and female (50.7% versus 37.3%) and had greater comorbidity {median 2 [interquartile range (IQR) 1–3] versus 1 [0–2]}, body mass index (BMI) (26.0 ± 6.7 versus 25.5 ± 5.4 kg/m2),  C-reactive protein (CRP) [8 (IQR 3–20) versus 5 (2–11) mg/L], lower serum albumin (37.6 ± 4.7 versus 40.1 ± 4.7 g/L),  lean BMI (8.9 ± 1.7 versus 9.7 ± 1.6 kg/m2) and HGS [13.4 (IQR 9.6–18.8) versus 20.9 (14.5–29) kg] (all P < 0.001). Frailty was independently associated in a multivariable logistic model with age {odds ratio [OR] 2.33 [95% confidence limit (CL) 2.01–2.7]}, body fat mass [OR 1.02 (CL 1.01–1.03)], log CRP [OR 1.63 (CL 1.28–2.07)] (all P < 0.001) and comorbidity [OR 1.45 (CL 1.17–1.8); P = 0.001] and negatively associated with albumin [OR 0.95 (CL 0.92–0.98) and HGS [OR 0.91 (CL 0.9–0.93)] (both P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Frail patients are at increased risk of mortality and, as such, simple reliable screening tools are required to rapidly detect patients at risk. The CFS is a useful screening tool that can be readily performed by dialysis staff to identify frail patients. Frailty in HD patients was associated with increasing age, comorbidity, fat weight and inflammation and reduced muscle strength and muscle mass. There is an overlap between frailty and both sarcopenia and protein energy wasting, which requires additional assessments, potentially including body composition, strength, dietary assessments and laboratory investigations. In addition, as the CFS offers a scale, patient trajectories can potentially be serially monitored over time, thus allowing patient-specific interventions or holistic care plans.
Association of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis and cardiovascular events: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Massicotte-Azarniouch David , Petrcich William , Walsh Michael , Canney Mark , Hundemer Gregory L , Milman Nataliya , Hladunewich Michelle A , Fairhead Todd , Sood Manish M
Published: November 2021

Background

Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) is implicated in elevating the risk for cardiovascular (CV) disease; whether the elevated risk applies to all types of CV diseases or specific types is unclear. This study examined the association of AAV and adverse CV outcomes compared with the non-AAV population.

Methods

We conducted a population-based, retrospective cohort study of adults (mean age 61 years, 51% female) with a new diagnosis of AAV in Ontario, Canada from 2007 to 2017. Weighted models were used to examine the association of AAV (n = 1520) and CV events in a matched (1:4) control cohort (n = 5834). The main outcomes were major adverse CV events (MACE), defined as myocardial infarction (MI), stroke or CV death, its components, atrial fibrillation (AF) and congestive heart failure (CHF).

Results

Over a mean follow-up of 3.8 years, AAV (compared with non-AAV) was associated with a higher risk of stroke: cumulative incidence 7.0% versus 5.2%, sub-distribution hazard ratio (sHR) 1.49 [(95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.10–2.02]; AF: cumulative incidence 16.4% versus 11.5%, sHR 1.51, 95% CI 1.30–1.75; and CHF: cumulative incidence 20.8% versus 13.3%, sHR 1.41, 95% CI 1.22–1.62; but not for MACE, MI or CV death. The risks for all CV events, except CV death, were significantly elevated in the early period after AAV diagnosis, in particular AF (365-day sHR 2.06, 95% CI 1.71–2.48; 90-day sHR 3.33, 95% CI 2.66–4.18) and CHF (365-day sHR 1.75, 95% CI 1.48–2.07; 90-day sHR 2.65, 95% CI 2.15–3.26).

Conclusion

AAV is associated with a high risk of certain types of CV events, particularly in the early period following diagnosis.