bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Surface Polarity on Optoelectronic Properties of PEDOT:PSS/ZnO Hybrid Heterojunctions
Authors: Yatskiv Roman , Grym Jan , Tiagulskyi Stanislav , Bašinová Nikola
Published: December 2020

The influence of polar and nonpolar crystallographic orientations of ZnO substrates on the current transport mechanism in poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) poly(4‐styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS)/ZnO heterojunctions is investigated by DC and AC electrical measurements. It is shown that PEDOT:PSS forms high‐quality rectifying junctions on nonpolar planes of n‐type ZnO substrates, whereas on polar c‐planes, the quality of the junction is affected by the surface polarity, with lower‐quality junctions formed on the O‐polar c‐plane. The lower quality of the junction is attributed to partial degradation of the O‐polar surface caused by the acidic nature of PEDOT:PSS. By the analysis of current–voltage characteristics, it is demonstrated that the recombination‐tunneling mechanism dominates charge transport in the forward direction. An equivalent circuit is proposed to interpret the data obtained by impedance spectroscopy and the parameters of the equivalent circuit are extracted.
Luminescence Properties of Rare Earth–Doped Cubic Double Perovskite Tungstate Ba2(1−x)(Na,RE)xZnWO6 (RE = Ce3+, Eu3+ and Dy3+) Phosphors
Authors: Dabre Kamlesh Vasantrao , Wani Javaid Ahmad , Dhoble Sanjay Janrao , Lochab Satya Pal , Nakhate Abhivilas Shiodas
Published: December 2020

Herein, the photoluminescence (PL) and thermoluminescence (TL) properties of rare earth doped cubic double perovskite tungstate Ba2(1−x)(Na,RE)xZnWO6 (RE = Ce3+, Eu3+ and Dy3+) phosphors synthesized by the solid‐state reaction method are presented. The self‐luminescence of pure Ba2ZnWO6 material in the blue‐green region is enhanced by Ce3+ doping with its most effective concentration of 3 mol%. The dominant emission in orange (of Eu3+ at 597 nm) and blue (of Dy3+ at 485 nm) region in the emission spectra of Ba2(1−x)(Na,Eu)xZnWO6 and Ba2(1−x)(Na,Dy)xZnWO6 phosphor, respectively, shows highest intensity for 3 mol% of Eu3+ and 2 mol% of Dy3+ ion in the host lattice. The broad excitation band of Ce3+ and Dy3+ doped phosphor in the near UV region claims its candidature for solid‐state lighting. TL studies are also performed using γ‐radiation. Pure host material shows a simple glow curve while the rare earth ion doped phosphor shows a complex glow curve with enhanced intensity. Phosphor shows the fairly linear response up to 1 kGy radiation. Glow curves are deconvoluted and the trap parameters are calculated by Chen's peak shape method.
Structural elucidation of bisphenol E and bisphenol S photoinduced by‐products by high‐resolution electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry and tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Coha Marco , Dal Bello Federica , Fabbri Debora , Calza Paola , Medana Claudio
Published: December 2020

Rationale

Bisphenol E (BPE) and bisphenol S (BPS) have recently replaced bisphenol A as monomers for producing polycarbonates. However, BPE and BPS can pose hazards as they are known to be endocrine disruptors. Despite the huge increase in their use, there is a lack of data regarding the toxicity and effects of BPE and BPS.

Methods

We investigated the photoinduced transformation of BPE and BPS when subjected to sun‐simulated radiation and using TiO2 as a photocatalyst. Analyses of BPE, BPS and their by‐products were performed by high‐performance liquid chromatography/high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HPLC/HRMS) using an orbitrap mass analyzer in negative electrospray ionisation (ESI) mode. The chromatographic separations were achieved by employing a C18 reversed‐phase column, and the transformation products (TPs) were elucidated structurally using HRMS and multistage MS experiments performed in collision‐induced dissociation (CID) mode.

Results

The transformation of bisphenol S involved the formation of twelve by‐products, while ten TPs were detected following BPE degradation. For bisphenol S, the cleavage of the molecule is a very important transformation route, together with the hydroxylation of the substrate to provide mono‐ and poly‐hydroxylated TPs. For bisphenol E, the two main routes were hydroxylation and ring opening. Acute toxicity for BPS, BPE and their TPs was assessed using the Vibrio fischeri assay, highlighting that their initial transformation involved the formation of TPs that were more toxic than the parent compound.

Conclusions

The HPLC/HRMS method developed was useful for characterising and identifying newly formed TPs from bisphenol E and bisphenol S. This study aimed to examine the structure of twenty by‐products identified during TiO2‐mediated photolysis and to evaluate acute toxicity over time.
ICG‐NIR‐guided lymph node dissection during robotic subtotal gastrectomy for gastric cancer. A single‐centre experience
Authors: Romanzi Andrea , Mancini Raffaello , Ioni Luigi , Picconi Tullio , Pernazza Graziano
Published: December 2020

Background

Near‐infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging with indocyanine green (ICG) allows intraoperative visualisation of the lymph nodes (LNs) draining the tumour.

Methods

We included in our study 20 patients who underwent robotic subtotal gastrectomy + D2 lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer. In 10 cases, intraoperative ICG‐guided lymphography has been used (Group A). We compared the number of LNs retrieved with the use of NIR imaging and the number of LNs retrieved without the use of this technique (Group B, historical group).

Results

No complications related to ICG injection or near‐infrared imaging were observed. The mean number of overall LNs retrieved was significantly greater in Group A than in group B (40 vs. 24). No statistically significant difference in operative time was observed.

Conclusions

ICG‐guided fluorescent lymphography can help in performing a more accurate locoregional lymphadenectomy during robotic subtotal gastrectomy for gastric cancer. This technique represents a precious contribution to gastric cancer surgery.
Theoretical and experimental studies of sol–gel electrodeposition on magnesium alloy
Authors: Qiu Zhaozhong , Yin Bo , Wang Jianyong , Sun Jia , Tong Yunxiang , Li Li , Wang Rui
Published: December 2020

In this study, the superhydrophobic surface with SiO2 nanoparticles and corrosion‐resisting property was prepared on magnesium alloy substrate by a simple one‐step sol–gel electrodeposition. The influence of electrodeposition time on hydrophobicity and morphology of the magnesium alloy surface was discussed. The molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to provide an insight into the interactions between the C16H33Si(OH)3 molecules and the magnesium surface. The results of frontier molecular orbital and Fukui function distributions indicated that the silicon hydroxyl of C16H33Si(OH)3 was the probable reactive site via sharing electrons with metal atoms for the adsorption on the magnesium surface. Quantum chemical calculations indicated that the coordinate bonds could be formed between C16H33Si(OH)3 molecule and unoccupied orbital of metal atom, which led to the active adsorption on the magnesium surface and generate the superhydrophobic surface. The results showed that the superhydrophobic surface could significantly improve the corrosion resistance compared with the pristine magnesium alloy in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution.
Physicochemical Properties of Modified Starches Obtained by Anti‐Solvent Precipitation Containing Anthocyanins from Jambolan (Syzygium cumini) Fruit
Authors: dos Santos Lima Kennya Thayres , Garcez Jussara , dos Santos Alves Maria Jaízia , Monteiro Alcilene Rodrigues , Valencia Germán Ayala
Published: December 2020

This study aims to develop and characterize modified starch particles containing anthocyanins (ACNs) from jambolan (Syzygium cumini) fruit, produced by an anti‐solvent precipitation method. Trapping efficiency, particle size distribution, surface charge, crystalline structure, chemical bonds, thermal properties, moisture content, water activity, color, and desorption experiments are carried out in modified cassava starch (MCS) and modified potato starch (MPS), both containing ACNs. Physicochemical properties of MCS and MPS both containing ACN (MCS‐ACN and MPS‐ACN) are compared using native cassava and potato starches, as well as modified cassava and potato starches without ACNs. ACNs are trapped into the modified starches and the trapping efficiency value oscillates between 9.89% and 12.37%. The resulting MCS‐ACN and MPS‐ACN‐ powders display bimodal distributions with particle size lower than 900 nm and amorphous structure. Furthermore, the MCS‐ACN and MPS‐ACN powders show red color typical of ACNs and they are completely soluble in water and acidified water solutions at room temperature. This research reports for the first‐time, information regarding the stabilization of ACNs using modified starch particles.
Recent progress on carbon and metal based electrocatalysts for vanadium redox flow battery
Authors: Singh Manoj K. , Kapoor Manshu , Verma Anil
Published: December 2020

Attractive features of vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) such as long durability, easy scalability, and low levelized cost of energy have influenced its prominence in the sectors where renewable energy is to be stored at a large scale. However, viability of VRFB to be used for a wide‐range of applications such as household electrification, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and so on has been limited by its low power density. In principle, the power density of VRFB is dependent upon rate of electrochemical reaction on the electrode. The electrochemical properties of the electrode can be improved either by pretreatment of the electrode or by depositing electrocatalyst on the electrode. The use of electrocatalyst helps to lower overpotential losses and reduces the charge‐transfer resistance, which results the VRFB to operate at higher current densities. This review discusses the development and progress of carbon and metal‐based electrocatalyst that have been used for VRFB applications.

This article is categorized under:

Fuel Cells and Hydrogen > Science and Materials

Energy Efficiency > Science and Materials

Energy and Development > Science and Materials
Einleitung und Ausgangslage
Authors: Reber geb. Wiesenauer Simone
Published: December 2020

Das Ziel der Dissertation ist es ein Modell zur internationalen Zielmarktauswahl und zum Aufbau und der Entwicklung von Vertriebsstrukturen in ausländischen Märkten zu entwickeln und mit ersten empirischen Ergebnissen zu testen und zu belegen. Das Modell soll es möglich machen unterschiedliche Internationalisierungsmuster von Unternehmen zu beschreiben und gleichzeitig einen allgemeingültigen Internationalisierungsprozess für alle Unternehmen aufzuzeigen.
Non-supersymmetric string models from anti-D3-/D7-branes in strongly warped throats
Authors: Parameswaran Susha , Tonioni Flavio
Published: December 2020

Abstract

This article discusses model-building scenarios including anti-D3-/D7-branes, in which supersymmetry is broken spontaneously, despite having no scale at which sparticles appear and standard supersymmetry is restored. If the branes are placed on singularities at the tip of warped throats in Calabi-Yau orientifold flux compactifications, they may give rise to realistic particle spectra, closed- and open-string moduli stabilisation with a Minkowski/de Sitter uplift, and a geometrical origin for the scale hierarchies. The paper derives the low-energy effective field theory description for such scenarios, i.e. a non-linear supergravity theory for standard and constrained supermultiplets, including soft supersymmetry-breaking matter couplings. The effect of closed-string moduli stabilisation on the open-string matter sector is worked out, incorporating non-perturbative and perturbative effects, and the mass and coupling hierarchies are computed with a view towards phenomenology.
Sicherheit und Monitoring der patientenkontrollierten intravenösen Analgesie
Authors: Emons M. I. , Maring M. , Stamer U. M. , Pogatzki-Zahn E. , Petzke F. , Erlenwein J.
Published: December 2020

Hintergrund

Die patientenkontrollierte intravenöse Analgesie („patient controlled intravenous analgesia“, PCIA) ist als Verfahren in der Akutschmerztherapie etabliert. Ziel dieser Untersuchung war es, Anwendungspraxis, Überwachung, unerwünschte Vorkommnisse und Komplikationen unter einer PCIA-Therapie an deutschen Krankenhäusern zu erfassen.

Methoden

Alle 995 bei der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Anästhesie und Intensivmedizin e. V. registrierten Chefärzte wurden zur Teilnahme an der elektronischen Umfrage eingeladen.

Ergenisse

Aus 244 Kliniken wurden Antworten zurückgesandt. In 193 (79 %) dieser Kliniken kam die PCIA zum Einsatz. Alle folgenden Angaben beziehen sich auf diese Krankenhäuser. Das am häufigsten genutzte Opioid war Piritramid. Bei Patienten mit PCIA setzten 94 % der Kliniken zusätzlich Nichtopioidanalgetika ein, 38 % retardierte orale Opioide sowie 4 % parenterale Opioide. Bei Anwendung der PCIA auf Normalstation lag lediglich in 31 % der Kliniken ein standardisiertes Überwachungskonzept vor, das über die Routineversorgung der Stationen hinausging.
Insgesamt 82 % der befragten Kliniken berichteten von unerwünschten Vorkommnissen im Zusammenhang mit der PCIA. In 39 % der Kliniken war in den vorangegangenen 6 Monaten mindestens eine potenziell vital bedrohliche Komplikation aufgetreten, insgesamt wurden 335 Einzelfälle berichtet (bei ca. 50.000 durchgeführten PCIAs). Kliniken, die über Komplikationen berichteten, hatten einen höheren Überwachungsstandard als Kliniken, die über keine Komplikationen berichteten.

Schlussfolgerungen

Die PCIA ist ein verbreitetes, aber durchaus mit Risiken verbundenes Analgesieverfahren. Anwendungs- und Überwachungspraxis sind heterogen. Konsentierte, aktuelle Empfehlungen hinsichtlich Behandlungs- und Überwachungsstandards sowie der systematischen Erfassung von Komplikationen bei Anwendung der PCIA stehen aus.
Wirkungen in der partizipativen Gesundheitsforschung: Eine Einordnung in die Diskurse zum Forschungsimpact
Authors: Allweiss Theresa , Cook Tina , Wright Michael T.
Published: December 2020

Seit einigen Jahren beschäftigt sich die akademische Welt verstärkt damit, welcher gesellschaftliche Nutzen von Forschung ausgeht und wie er erhoben und dargestellt werden kann. Zu der Wirkung von Forschung, dem sogenannten Forschungsimpact, werden verschiedene Diskussionen geführt – kontrovers besonders in Ländern, in denen Impact mittlerweile ein Faktor bei der Verteilung von Fördergeldern geworden ist. Partizipative Gesundheitsforschung ist ein Forschungsansatz, der diejenige in die Forschung einbindet, deren Arbeit oder Leben im Forschungsinteresse stehen. Mit diesem Ansatz soll auch außerhalb der akademischen Welt Wirkung erzielt werden, um Veränderungen zum gesundheitlichen Wohlergehen anzustoßen und die gesundheitliche Chancengleichheit in der Gesellschaft zu erhöhen.

Der Beitrag geht den Fragen nach, wie Forschungsimpact verstanden und erhoben werden kann und welchen Beitrag die Wirkungen der partizipativen Gesundheitsforschung zu gesundheitlicher Chancengleichheit leisten können. Er geht exemplarisch auf Aspekte von Impactdiskussionen im Vereinigten Königreich und in Deutschland ein und bildet dann den aktuellen Stand der fachlichen Auseinandersetzung mit dem Themenbereich ab. Schließlich beschreibt er die Wirkfaktoren der partizipativen Gesundheitsforschung, die zu einer Stärkung gesundheitlicher Chancengleichheit führen können.

Nicht nur im Bereich der partizipativen Gesundheitsforschung ermöglicht es die Diskussion über Forschungsimpact, die Nachhaltigkeit und den Wert von Forschung zu bewerten und zu stärken. Da die vielseitigen Wirkungen der partizipativen Gesundheitsforschung jedoch das Potenzial haben, gesundheitliche Ungleichheiten zu verringern, sollten sie entsprechend wahrgenommen und anerkannt werden.
Extreme Adipositas durch Leptinrezeptordefekt
Authors: Zorn S. , v. Schnurbein J. , Kohlsdorf K. , Denzer C. , Wabitsch M.
Published: December 2020

Seltene Genvarianten im Leptin-Melanokortin-Signalweg können die Hunger- und Sättigungsregulation stören und eine extreme Adipositas im frühen Kindesalter verursachen. Um Stigmatisierung und frustrane Therapieversuche zu vermeiden, ist eine frühe genetische Diagnostik notwendig. Zukünftig sind für einige Formen der genetischen Adipositas pharmakologische Therapiemöglichkeiten verfügbar. Der Fallbericht handelt von einem Mädchen mit extremer Adipositas infolge eines compound-heterozygoten Leptinrezeptordefekts und ihrem langwierigen Prozess bis zur Diagnosefindung und zum Beginn einer pharmakologischen Therapie.
A review on micro-milling: recent advances and future trends
Authors: Balázs Barnabás Zoltán , Geier Norbert , Takács Márton , Davim J. Paulo
Published: December 2020

Recently, mechanical micro-milling is one of the most promising micro-manufacturing processes for productive and accurate complex-feature generation in various materials including metals, ceramics, polymers and composites. The micro-milling technology is widely adapted already in many high-tech industrial sectors; however, its reliability and predictability require further developments. In this paper, micro-milling related recent results and developments are reviewed and discussed including micro-chip removal and micro-burr formation mechanisms, cutting forces, cutting temperature, vibrations, surface roughness, cutting fluids, workpiece materials, process monitoring, micro-tools and coatings, and process-modelling. Finally, possible future trends and research directions are highlighted in the micro-milling and micro-machining areas.
Impact of the number of conditioning pulses on motor cortex excitability: a transcranial magnetic stimulation study
Authors: Nikolov Petyo , Zimmermann Johanna V. , Hassan Shady S. , Albrecht Philipp , Schnitzler Alfons , Groiss Stefan J.
Published: December 2020

Conditioning transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) with subthreshold conditioning stimulus followed by supra-threshold test stimulus at inter-stimulus intervals (ISI) of 1–5 ms results in inhibition (SICI), while ISI at 10–15 ms results in facilitation (ICF). One concerning issue, applying ICF/SICI protocols on patients is the substantial protocol variability. Here, we hypothesized that increasing the number of CS could result in more robust ICF/SICI protocols. Twenty healthy subjects participated in the study. Motor-evoked potentials (MEP) were obtained from conditioning TMS with a varying number of conditioning stimuli in 3, 4, 10, and 15 ms ISI over the primary motor cortex. MEP amplitudes were then compared to examine excitability. TMS with 3, 5, and 7 conditioning stimuli but not with one conditioning stimulus induced ICF. Moreover, 10 ms ISI produced stronger ICF than 15 ms ISI. Significant SICI was only induced with one conditioning stimulus. Besides, 3 ms ISI resulted in stronger SICI than 4 ms ISI. Only a train of conditioning stimuli induced stable ICF and may be more advantageous than the classical paired pulse ICF paradigm.
Psychometrische Eigenschaften des Life Attitude Profile – Revised
Authors: Valdés-Stauber Juan , Kämmerle Helen , Bachthaler Susanne
Published: December 2020

Hintergrund

Die allgemeine Frage nach dem „Sinn des Lebens“ wird empirisch in Form von allgemeinen und personalen Lebensbedeutungen formuliert. In der Medizin erhalten Lebensbedeutungen eine relevante Tragweite bei einem Verlust von Sinn, der als krankheitsfördernd angesehen wird, v. a. aus psychosomatischer Perspektive.

Fragestellung

Die vorliegende Studie untersucht die psychometrischen Eigenschaften der deutschsprachigen revidierten Version des Life Attitude Profile (LAP-R) von Reker für eine Stichprobe stationär-psychosomatischer Patienten sowie mögliche Assoziationen mit klinischen Outcome-Variablen.

Material und Methoden

Die Stichprobe (n = 138) von elektiv stationär-psychosomatisch behandelten Patienten wird zu den Zeitpunkten Aufnahme und Entlassung untersucht. Reliabilität im Sinne von interner Konsistenz wird mit Cronbachs α ausgewertet; Konstruktvalidität wird mit konfirmatorischer Faktorenanalyse und konvergente Validität anhand von Korrelationsmatrizen mit validierten klinischen Skalen erfasst.

Ergebnisse

Die interne Konsistenz des LAP‑R für die einzelnen Dimensionen zeigt Cronbachs-α-Werte zwischen 0,69 und 0,85, für den Gesamttest beträgt Cronbachsα 0,92. Die konfirmatorische Faktorenanalyse zeigt einen guten Daten-Fit („root mean square error of approximation“ [RMSEA], χ2/Freiheitsgrade [df]), aber einen zu geringen Modell-Fit („Tucker-Lewis index“ [TLI], „comparative fit index“ [CFI]). Die Korrelationen zwischen den Dimensionen des LAP‑R sind meist moderat. Die Korrelation zwischen dem Ausmaß der klinischen Besserung und der Zunahme der Lebensbedeutungen ist mäßig, aber mit der rückblickenden therapeutischen Beziehung hoch.

Schlussfolgerung

Die deutsche Version des LAP‑R zeigt für die Stichprobe stationär-psychosomatisch behandelter Patienten gute interne Konsistenz, gute konvergente Validität, jedoch uneinheitliche Konstruktvalidität. Die übergeordneten Indizes („personal meaning index“ [PMI], „existential transcendence“ [ET]) korrelieren signifikanter mit klinischen Variablen als die einzelnen Dimensionen.
Clinical outcome after lumbar spinal fusion surgery in degenerative spondylolisthesis: a 3-year follow-up
Authors: Lenz Maximilian , Oikonomidis S. , Hartwig R. , Gramse R. , Meyer C. , Scheyerer M. J. , Hofstetter C. , Eysel P. , Bredow J.
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Lumbar spinal fusion surgery is a widely accepted surgical treatment in degenerative causes of lumbar spondylolisthesis. The benefit of reduction of anterior displacement and restoration of sagittal parameters is still controversially debated. Purpose of the underlying publication was to analyze the influence of radiographic sagittal parameters of the spine in aspects of changes in postoperative clinical outcome.

Materials and methods

By prospective analysis, we included patients with low-grade degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (Meyerding grades I and II) with mono- or bisegmental fusion surgery with a minimum follow-up data of 3 years. For clinical outcome measures, COMI, ODI and EQ-5D were used. Spinopelvic parameters (sacral inclination, pelvic tilt, sacral slope and pelvic incidence, lumbar lordosis and lumbar index as well as anterior displacement and sagittal rotation) were measured on plain radiographs.

Results

We could observe a significant benefit in clinical outcome after lumbar fusion surgery in low-grade spondylolisthesis in our mid-term follow-up data including 32 patients. By surgical reduction, we could see significant restoration of anterior displacement and sagittal rotation. Interestingly, a significant correlation between restoration of both sagittal rotation and sacral inclination and clinical outcome score was observed in the 3-year follow-up.

Conclusion

In low-grade spondylolisthesis, spinal fusion surgery is a well-established surgical procedure; however, the impact of sagittal parameters and reduction of anterior displacement remains controversial. Within our findings, restoration of sagittal parameters showed significant correlation to improvement in clinical outcome in our mid-term follow-up data.
Endovascular stroke treatment in orally anticoagulated patients: an analysis from the German Stroke Registry-Endovascular Treatment
Authors:   for the GSR investigators, Küpper Clemens , Feil Katharina , Wollenweber Frank Arne , Tiedt Steffen , Herzberg Moriz , Dorn Franziska , Liebig Thomas , Dieterich Marianne , Kellert Lars
Published: December 2020

Background

Endovascular treatment (ET) in orally anticoagulated (OAC) patients has not been evaluated in randomized clinical trials and data regarding this issue are sparse.

Methods

We analyzed data from the German Stroke Registry-Endovascular Treatment (GSR-ET; NCT03356392, date of registration: 22 Nov 2017). The primary outcomes were successful reperfusion defined as modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (mTICI 2b-3), good outcome at 3 months (modified Rankin scale [mRS] 0–2 or back to baseline), and intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) on follow-up imaging at 24 h analyzed by unadjusted univariate and adjusted binary logistic regression analysis. Additionally, we analyzed mortality at 3 months with adjusted binary logistic regression analysis.

Results

Out of 6173 patients, there were 1306 (21.2%) OAC patients, 479 (7.8%) with vitamin K antagonists (VKA) and 827 (13.4%) with non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulation (NOAC). The control group consisted of 4867 (78.8%) non-OAC patients. ET efficacy with the rates of mTICI 2b-3 was similar among the three groups (85.6%, 85.3% vs 84.3%, p = 0.93 and 1). On day 90, good outcome was less frequent in OAC patients (27.8%, 27.9% vs 39.5%, p < 0.005 and < 0.005). OAC status was not associated with ICH at 24 h (NOAC: odd’s ratio [OR] 0.89, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.67–1.20; VKA: OR 1.04, CI 0.75–1.46).

Binary logistic regression analysis revealed no influence of OAC status on good outcome at 3 months (NOAC: OR 1.25, CI 0.99–1.59; VKA: OR 1.18, CI 0.89–1.56) and mortality at 3 months (NOAC: OR 1.03, CI 0.81–1.30; VKA: OR 1.04, CI 0.78–1.1.37).

Conclusions

ET can be performed safely and successfully in LVO stroke patients treated with OAC.

Clinical trial registration-URL

http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT03356392.
Six weeks of dynamic apnoeic training stimulates erythropoiesis but does not increase splenic volume
Authors: Elia Antonis , Barlow Matthew J. , Wilson Oliver J. , O’Hara John P.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This study examined the influence of dynamic apnoea training on splenic volume and haematological responses in non-breath-hold divers (BHD).

Methods

Eight non-BHD performed ten maximal dynamic apnoeas, four times a week for  six weeks. Splenic volumes were assessed ultrasonically, and blood samples were drawn for full blood count analysis, erythropoietin, iron, ferritin, albumin, protein and osmolality at baseline, 24 h post the completion of each week’s training sessions and seven days post the completion of the training programme. Additionally, blood samples were drawn for haematology at 30, 90, and 180 min post session one, twelve and twenty-four.

Results

Erythropoietin was only higher than baseline (6.62 ± 3.03 mlU/mL) post session one, at 90 (9.20 ± 1.88 mlU/mL, p = 0.048) and 180 min (9.04 ± 2.35 mlU/mL, p = 0.046). Iron increased from baseline (18 ± 3 µmol/L) post week five (23 ± 2 µmol/L, p = 0.033) and six (21 ± 6 µmol/L; p = 0.041), whereas ferritin was observed to be lower than baseline (111 ± 82 µg/L) post week five (95 ± 75 µg/L; p = 0.016), six (84 ± 74 µg/L; p = 0.012) and one week post-training (81 ± 63 µg/L; p = 0.008). Reticulocytes increased from baseline (57 ± 12 × 109/L) post week one (72 ± 17 × 109/L, p = 0.037) and six (71 ± 17 × 109/L, p = 0.021) while no changes were recorded in erythrocytes (p = 0.336), haemoglobin (p = 0.124) and splenic volumes (p = 0.357).

Conclusions

Six weeks of dynamic apnoeic training increase reticulocytes without altering mature erythrocyte concentration and splenic volume.
The selective sequestration of glucosinolates by the cabbage aphid severely impacts a predatory lacewing
Authors: Sun Ruo , Jiang Xingcong , Reichelt Michael , Gershenzon Jonathan , Vassão Daniel Giddings
Published: December 2020

The cabbage aphidBrevicoryne brassicaeis a notorious agricultural pest that specializes on plants of the Brassicaceae family, which are chemically defended by glucosinolates. By sequestering glucosinolates from its host plants and producing its own activating enzyme (myrosinase), this aphid employs a self-defense system against enemies paralleling that in plants. However, we know little about the metabolic fate of individual glucosinolates during aphid sequestration and activation and about the biochemical effects of this defense on aphid enemies. Here, we probed these questions focusing onB. brassicaeand a predatory lacewing,Chrysoperla carnea. We found that distinct glucosinolates were accumulated byB. brassicaeat different rates, with aliphatic glucosinolates being taken up more quickly than indolic ones.B. brassicaemyrosinase enzymatic activities toward different glucosinolates were strongly correlated to their rates of accumulation in vivo. Surprisingly, after simulated predation, the production of toxic isothiocyanate products (ITCs) was quantitatively outweighed by less toxic products such as nitriles and ITC-conjugates. Nevertheless, the defensive cocktails significantly impairedC. carneadevelopment.Tissue-specific quantification of glucosinolate metabolites revealed that the lacewings employ both conjugation and mobilization to reduce the toxicity of aliphatic ITCs, but these strategies were only partially effective. These results clarify the metabolic fates of glucosinolates after sequestration by an aphid herbivore and further in a higher trophic level, as well as the consequences for predator survival and development, and might be instructive for integrative pest management approaches targeting the cabbage aphid.
A Benchmark and Evaluation of Non-Rigid Structure from Motion
Authors: Jensen Sebastian Hoppe Nesgaard , Doest Mads Emil Brix , Aanæs Henrik , Del Bue Alessio
Published: December 2020

Non-rigid structure from motion (nrsfm), is a long standing and central problem in computer vision and its solution is necessary for obtaining 3D information from multiple images when the scene is dynamic. A main issue regarding the further development of this important computer vision topic, is the lack of high quality data sets. We here address this issue by presenting a data set created for this purpose, which is made publicly available, and considerably larger than the previous state of the art. To validate the applicability of this data set, and provide an investigation into the state of the art of nrsfm, including potential directions forward, we here present a benchmark and a scrupulous evaluation using this data set. This benchmark evaluates 18 different methods with available code that reasonably spans the state of the art in sparse nrsfm. This new public data set and evaluation protocol will provide benchmark tools for further development in this challenging field.
Monitoring metabolism of synthetic cannabinoid 4F-MDMB-BINACA via high-resolution mass spectrometry assessed in cultured hepatoma cell line, fungus, liver microsomes and confirmed using urine samples
Authors: Leong Huey Sze , Watanabe Shimpei , Kuzhiumparambil Unnikrishnan , Fong Ching Yee , Moy Hooi Yan , Yao Yi Ju , Witting Paul K. , Fu Shanlin
Published: December 2020

Purpose

A tert-leucinate derivative synthetic cannabinoid, methyl (2S)-2-([1-(4-fluorobutyl)-1H-indazole-3-carbonyl]amino)-3,3-dimethylbutanoate (4F-MDMB-BINACA, 4F-MDMB-BUTINACA or 4F-ADB) is known to adversely impact health. This study aimed to evaluate the suitability of three different modes of monitoring metabolism: HepG2 liver cells, fungus Cunninghamella elegans (C. elegans) and pooled human liver microsomes (HLM) for comparison with human in-vivo metabolism in identifying suitable urinary marker(s) for 4F-MDMB-BINACA intake.

Methods

Tentative structure elucidation of in-vitro metabolites was performed on HepG2, C. elegans and HLM using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and high-resolution mass spectrometry analysis. In-vivo metabolites obtained from twenty authentic human urine samples were analysed using liquid chromatography–Orbitrap mass spectrometry.

Results

Incubation with HepG2, C. elegans and HLM yielded nine, twenty-three and seventeen metabolites of 4F-MDMB-BINACA, respectively, formed via ester hydrolysis, hydroxylation, carboxylation, dehydrogenation, oxidative defluorination, carbonylation or reaction combinations. Phase II metabolites of glucosidation and sulfation were also exclusively identified using C. elegans model. Eight in-vivo metabolites tentatively identified were mainly products of ester hydrolysis with or without additional dehydrogenation, N-dealkylation, monohydroxylation and oxidative defluorination with further oxidation to butanoic acid. Metabolites with intact terminal methyl ester moiety, i.e., oxidative defluorination with further oxidation to butanoic acid, were also tentatively identified.

Conclusions

The in-vitro models presented proved useful in the exhaustive metabolism studies. Despite limitations, HepG2 identified the major 4F-MDMB-BINACA ester hydrolysis metabolite, and C. elegans demonstrated the capacity to produce a wide variety of metabolites. Both C. elegans and HLM produced all the in-vivo metabolites. Ester hydrolysis and ester hydrolysis plus dehydrogenation 4F-MDMB-BINACA metabolites were recommended as urinary markers for 4F-MDMB-BINACA intake.
Aerosol transmission, an indispensable route of COVID-19 spread: case study of a department-store cluster
Authors: Jiang Guanyu , Wang Can , Song Lu , Wang Xing , Zhou Yangyang , Fei Chunnan , Liu He
Published: December 2020

Patients with COVID-19 have revealed a massive outbreak around the world, leading to widespread concerns in global scope. Figuring out the transmission route of COVID-19 is necessary to control further spread. We analyzed the data of 43 patients in Baodi Department Store (China) to supplement the transmission route and epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 in a cluster outbreak. Incubation median was estimated to endure 5.95 days (2–13 days). Almost 76.3% of patients sought medical attention immediately uponillness onset. The median period ofillness onsetto hospitalization and confirmation were 3.96 days (0–14) and 5.58 days (1–21), respectively. Patients with different cluster case could demonstrate unique epidemiological characteristics due to the particularity of outbreak sites. SRAS-CoV-2 can be released into the surrounding air through patient’s respiratory tract activities, and can exist for a long time for long-distance transportation. SRAS-CoV-2 RNA can be detected in aerosol in different sites, including isolation ward, general ward, outdoor, toilet, hallway, and crowded public area. Environmental factors influencing were analyzed and indicated that the SARS-CoV-2 transportation in aerosol was dependent on temperature, air humidity, ventilation rate and inactivating chemicals (ozone) content. As for the infection route of case numbers 2 to 6, 10, 13, 16, 17, 18, 20 and 23, we believe that aerosol transmission played a significant role in analyzing their exposure history and environmental conditions in Baodi Department Store. Aerosol transmission could occur in some cluster cases when the environmental factors are suitable, and it is an indispensable route of COVID-19 spread.
Local organization for promoting energy efficiency—reform of local energy advice service in Sweden
Authors: Eriksson Linnea , Kjeang Are
Published: December 2020

Homeowners are identified as a group in society that could change their energy behaviour towards greater energy efficiency and use of non-fossil fuels. External local energy advisors, who provide knowledge, motivation and service, can influence their decisions and thereby increase energy efficiency and dissemination of non-fossil fuels. In Sweden, the energy advice system has recently been reformed and this paper investigates this reform and analyses its early effects. The aim is to analyse how energy advisors manage the reform and how they work as middle actors to increase energy efficiency and non-fossil fuel use among homeowners. We use the theoretical framework of middle actors in the middle-out perspective together with the theory of institutional logics to analyse the case of the energy advisor reform. This qualitative analysis contributes to the discussion of energy advisors by focusing on the relevance of organizational structures and logics for their possibilities to influence homeowners’ energy practices. The reform has introduced a governance and New Public Management logic that runs parallel with the former energy advice logic, guiding the advisors’ work practice. The results show that the reform potentially has increased the energy advisors’ ability to act as middle actors. However, there are organizational practices following the reform, which greatly constrain the advisors’ abilities as middle actors. One conclusion is that the advisors are in need of more guidance from the Energy Agency to be able to perform more successful work.
Does Preparing Citizens Matter? Examining the Value of Civic Mindedness in Pre-Service Teachers
Authors: Patterson Timothy , Torsney Benjamin
Published: December 2020

This exploratory mixed-methods study considers what motivates pre-service social studies teachers to pursue a career in teaching, and the extent to which those motivations are connected to a desire to promote democratic citizenship. We seek to put pre-service social studies teachers’ motivations into a broader context by comparing them to those of pre-service teachers in other certification areas. Using surveys and open-ended responses, we analyzed the motivational factors of 218 pre-service teachers using the FIT-Choice Scale and Westheimer and Kahne's categories of citizen-types. Our findings suggest that being civically motivated is not a phenomenon unique to social studies teachers. However, participants’ responses to the open-ended prompts suggest a greater likelihood of pre-service social studies teachers articulating a more nuanced vision of “good” citizenship than their peers in other certification areas. Our findings offer implications that extend beyond social studies teacher education to the structure of teacher education programs more generally.
Biwater shows robust business growth despite pandemic and also receives investment to support current and future plans
Authors: Atkinson Simon
Published: December 2020

Biwater reports that despite the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, its US operations have continued to experience robust business growth. In addition to projects that are currently ongoing, Biwater Inc has shipped or commissioned numerous membrane-based systems during the first half of 2020. This news focus provides a summary of this activity and reveals that the UK-based water treatment company has also received an investment to support rapid growth plans.
Statutory Interpretation
Authors: Walton Douglas , Macagno Fabrizio , Sartor Giovanni
Published: December 2020

Statutory interpretation involves the reconstruction of the meaning of a legal statement when it cannot be considered as accepted or granted. This phenomenon needs to be considered not only from the legal and linguistic perspective, but also from the argumentative one - which focuses on the strategies for defending a controversial or doubtful viewpoint. This book draws upon linguistics, legal theory, computing, and dialectics to present an argumentation-based approach to statutory interpretation. By translating and summarizing the existing legal interpretative canons into eleven patterns of natural arguments - called argumentation schemes - the authors offer a system of argumentation strategies for developing, defending, assessing, and attacking an interpretation. Illustrated through major cases from both common and civil law, this methodology is summarized in diagrams and maps for application to computer sciences. These visuals help make the structures, strategies, and vulnerabilities of legal reasoning accessible to both legal professionals and laypeople.
EU Health Union and State Aid Policy: With Great(er) Power Comes Great Responsibility
Authors: BIONDI Andrea , ȘTEFAN Oana
Published: December 2020

This contribution evaluates whether European Union State aid policy could play a role in achieving deeper and more solidary integration in the area of public health. According to Article 107 TFEU, the powers of Member States to grant aid to help their economies are seriously limited. Exceptions to the general prohibition to grant State aid are authorised by the European Commission, which enjoys wide discretion in weighing national objectives against European integration goals. The area of public health has been shielded from the application of these rules, with activities such as the provision of health insurance failing to be considered of economic nature (see most recently the Dôvera judgment). The COVID-19 experience shows that, in cases of major health crises, State aid provisions are practically suspended, with interventions allowed in the name of the fight against the pandemic. The eventual creation of a Health Union will require the re-evaluation of the application of the State aid rules to healthcare. This paper questions whether these rules should evolve as a reflective function of strengthened competences in healthcare or whether existing regulatory powers are enough to determine the interaction between national spending policies, a solidary European Health Union and fair competition.
Invariant densities for random systems of the interval
Authors: KALLE CHARLENE , MAGGIONI MARTA
Published: December 2020

For random piecewise linear systemsTof the interval that are expanding on average we construct explicitly the density functions of absolutely continuousT-invariant measures. If the random system uses only expanding maps our procedure produces all invariant densities of the system. Examples include random tent maps, randomW-shaped maps, random$\beta $-transformations and random Lüroth maps with a hole.
Effect of horizontal divergence on estimates of firn-air content
Authors: Horlings Annika N. , Christianson Knut , Holschuh Nicholas , Stevens C. Max , Waddington Edwin D.
Published: December 2020

Ice-sheet mass-balance estimates derived from repeat satellite-altimetry observations require accurate calculation of spatiotemporal variability in firn-air content (FAC). However, firn-compaction models remain a large source of uncertainty within mass-balance estimates. In this study, we investigate one process that is neglected in FAC estimates derived from firn-compaction models: enhanced layer thinning due to horizontal divergence. We incorporate a layer-thinning scheme into the Community Firn Model. At every time step, firn layers first densify according to a firn-compaction model and then thin further due to an imposed horizontal divergence rate without additional density changes. We find that horizontal divergence on Thwaites (THW) and Pine Island Glaciers can reduce local FAC by up to 41% and 18%, respectively. We also assess the impact of temporal variability of horizontal divergence on FAC. We find a 15% decrease in FAC between 2007 and 2016 due to horizontal divergence at a location that is characteristic of lower THW. This decrease accounts for 16% of the observed surface lowering, whereas climate variability alone causes negligible changes in FAC at this location. Omitting transient horizontal divergence in estimates of FAC leads to an overestimation of ice loss via satellite-altimetry methods in regions of dynamic ice flow.
The Arabic dialect of Gaza City
Authors: Cotter William M.
Published: December 2020

Gaza City, with a population of over half a million residents, is the largest urban center and de-facto capital of the Gaza Strip, which itself has a total population of over 1.8 million. As of 2018, it is estimated that at least 1.3 million of the residents of the Gaza Strip are Palestinian refugees from other areas in historic Palestine, having fled to Gaza after the creation of the State of Israel in 1948. These refugee communities originally come from the many historic rural areas that surrounded the Gaza Strip, smaller towns and cities along the Mediterranean coast, as well as areas further afield such as Jaffa, 69 km north of Gaza on the coast, and Bir il-Sab‘, the largest city in the Nagab desert region (see Figure 1). Linguistically, many of these refugee communities are of Palestinian Arabic dialect backgrounds, although varieties of Arabic spoken in the Nagab are classified as originating in the Hijaz area of what is today Saudi Arabia (see Shahin 2007 on Palestinian Arabic and Henkin 2010 on Nagab Arabic).
Morphometry of the shell in Scaphopoda (Mollusca): a tool for the discrimination of taxa
Authors: Souza Leonardo Santos de , Caetano Carlos Henrique Soares
Published: December 2020

The alpha taxonomy of scaphopods is based mainly on the shell morphology, as it is for most molluscs. In the last three decades, the employment of morphometric variables of the shell in combination with statistics has considerably increased to aid species discrimination, but this has not been used above species level. In this study, a traditional morphometric approach was used to distinguish congeners, genera and families within the orders Dentallida and Gadilida. We studied 28 species of scaphopods from Brazil, belonging to 12 genera and five families. Twelve morphometric variables were measured, and a correlation test was done to select a set of variables without correlation as input data to perform a discriminant analysis. In the analysis of congeners, the discrimination power was high in both orders. Among the genera studied, the robustness of the analysis was drastically reduced in Dentaliida, while Gadilida maintained a high percentage of correct classifications. At the family level, both orders presented high percentages of correct classification, but the imbalance of cases for each taxon masks an inconsistent result. Based on our results, the morphometric approach was a useful tool to discriminate congeneric species of both orders and to discriminate the genera of Gadilida.
The genesis of the groupoid model
Authors: Streicher Thomas
Published: December 2020

I recall how Martin Hofmann and I found the groupoid model of type theory in the early 1990s.
Aiding and Abetting Suicide: The Current Debate in Italy
Authors: TUROLDO FABRIZIO
Published: December 2020

The article analyzes the recent ruling of the Italian Constitutional Court amending article 580 of the Italian Criminal Code, relating to aid and incitement to suicide. According to the first Assize Court of Milan, article 580, conceived in 1930, reflects the fascist culture of its author. The problem of the Constitutional Court was therefore to establish whether a democratic state can still place limits on aid for suicide and in what terms it can do so.
Bioethical Issues in Antarctica
Authors: ISERSON KENNETH V.
Published: December 2020

This paper describes the Antarctic environment, the mission and work setting at the U.S. research stations, the general population and living conditions, and the healthcare situation. It also dispels some common misconceptions that persist about this environment and about the scope and quality of medicine practiced there. The paper then describes specific ethical issues that arise in this environment, incorporating examples drawn from both the author’s experiences and those of his colleagues. The ethics of providing healthcare in resource-poor environments implies two related questions. The first is: What can we do with the available resources? This suggests that clinicians must not only know how to use all available equipment and supplies in the standard manner, but also that they must be willing and able to go beyond standard procedures and improvise, when necessary. The second question is: Of all the things we can do, which ones should we do? This paper addresses both questions in relation to Antarctic medical care. It describes the wide range of activities required of healthcare providers and some specific ethical issues that arise. Finally, it suggests some remedies to ameliorate some of those issues.