bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of tannic acid functional multi‐walled carbon nanotubes on the properties of nitrile rubber/ethylene propylene diene monomer composites
Authors: Song Kaiwen , Wang Jikui
Published: May 2022

Multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) were first non‐covalently functioned by tannic acid (TA), then blended with nitrile rubber (NBR) and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) with NBR:EPDM:TA‐MWCNT = 70:30:5. TA‐MWCNT and the composites had been characterized by various techniques, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), Raman analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), mechanical properties testing, thermal‐oxidative aging testing, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results indicated that TA molecules were successfully absorbed to the surface of MWCNT. And compared with NBR/EPDM/MWCNT composites, the compatibility between NBR and EPDM had been significantly improved. The NBR/EPDM/TA‐MWCNT exhibited excellent mechanical properties and thermal‐oxidative aging properties due to the phenolic hydroxyl groups on the surface of TA‐MWCNT, which had high chemical reactivity and physical adhesion. These phenolic hydroxyl groups gave TA‐MWCNT better dispersion in the rubber matrixes and can participate in the vulcanization process, creating the firm interface between the rubber matrixes and the surface of MWCNT.
Multi‐state modeling of G‐protein coupled receptors at experimental accuracy
Authors: Heo Lim , Feig Michael
Published: May 2022

The family of G‐protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) is one of the largest protein families in the human genome. GPCRs transduct chemical signals from extracellular to intracellular regions via a conformational switch between active and inactive states upon ligand binding. While experimental structures of GPCRs remain limited, high‐accuracy computational predictions are now possible with AlphaFold2. However, AlphaFold2 only predicts one state and is biased toward either the active or inactive conformation depending on the GPCR class. Here, a multi‐state prediction protocol is introduced that extends AlphaFold2 to predict either active or inactive states at very high accuracy using state‐annotated templated GPCR databases. The predicted models accurately capture the main structural changes upon activation of the GPCR at the atomic level. For most of the benchmarked GPCRs (10 out of 15), models in the active and inactive states were closer to their corresponding activation state structures. Median RMSDs of the transmembrane regions were 1.12 Å and 1.41 Å for the active and inactive state models, respectively. The models were more suitable for protein‐ligand docking than the original AlphaFold2 models and template‐based models. Finally, our prediction protocol predicted accurate GPCR structures and GPCR‐peptide complex structures in GPCR Dock 2021, a blind GPCR‐ligand complex modeling competition. We expect that high accuracy GPCR models in both activation states will promote understanding in GPCR activation mechanisms and drug discovery for GPCRs. At the time, the new protocol paves the way towards capturing the dynamics of proteins at high‐accuracy via machine‐learning methods.
Impact of COVID‐19 lockdown on exercise capacity in PAH patients
Authors: Baratto Claudia , Dewachter Céline , Caravita Sergio , Zambon Antonella , Bondue Antoine , Parati Gianfranco , Vachiéry Jean‐Luc
Published: May 2022

The outbreak of novel coronavirus‐19 disease (COVID‐19) was classified as a global pandemic thanks to the rapid viral spread, and restrictive policy measures of infection containment, including “lockdown” periods and self‐isolation, were first instituted in Belgium from March to June 2020. The consequent reduction in physical activity could have a negative impact on exercise capacity, especially in frail patients with pre‐existing chronic diseases, such as pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). With the aim to define the impact of COVID‐19 lockdown on functional status, we included in our observational analysis clinically stable PAH patients, who had performed at least four consecutive 6‐min walking tests (6MWT) during 2019–2020, to compare their exercise performance before and after the lockdown. In the 63 patients included, a comparison between the distance covered at 6MWT after the lockdown period and the pooled mean of the previous three 6MWTs showed a mean reduction of 14 m after the lockdown (p = 0.004). Moreover, the mean distance covered at 6MWT went from 447 m in March 2020 to 434 m in June 2020, with a significant average loss of 13 m (p = 0.024). Our results showed that PAH patients were less performing at 6MWT after 3 months of reduced physical activity, despite constant clinical stability and the absence of signs of disease progression, suggesting that this confounding factor should be kept in mind when evaluating changes in 6MWT during or after COVID‐19 pandemic.
How dynamic capabilities change ordinary capabilities: Reconnecting attention control and problem‐solving
Authors: Schulze Anja , Brusoni Stefano
Published: May 2022

Research Summary

Building on the attention‐based view of the firm, we elaborate the concept of dynamic capabilities and identify two constitutive elements: attention control and problem‐solving. We show empirically that the control element of dynamic capabilities regulates how organizations (dis‐)engage attention on operational versus change‐oriented tasks. On this basis, we develop a process model of how control and problem‐solving interact to reconfigure resources and thus modify ordinary capabilities. We study the adoption of lean management in the R&D unit of a large U.S. corporation. Our longitudinal case study identifies obstacles that organizations have to overcome to establish effective dynamic capabilities that enable their adaptation to changing environmental circumstances.

Managerial Summary

“The vast majority of all change initiatives fail”: We hear this statement a lot in our interactions with practitioners. In this article, we suggest an explanation of why achieving persistent, behavioral change is hard: attention to change processes is difficult to maintain over an extended period of time. Initiatives start, then fade away. By studying the interplay of control mechanisms (that keep organizational attention on the long‐term goals) and problem‐solving tools (that identify what and how to change in the short term), we provide a framework that can generate actionable implications for executives. In particular, we focus on the decisive and yet underestimated role played by key performance indicators in sustaining attention on change initiatives.
10.24% Efficiency of Flexible Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 Solar Cells by Pre‐Evaporation Selenization Technique
Authors: Xie Weihao , Sun Quanzhen , Yan Qiong , Wu Jionghua , Zhang Caixia , Zheng Qiao , Lai Yunfeng , Deng Hui , Cheng Shuying
Published: May 2022

Flexible Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTSSe) solar cells show great potential due to non‐toxicity and low cost. The quality of CZTSSe absorber suffering from the high‐temperature selenization process is the key to overcoming open‐circuit voltage (VOC) deficit and obtaining high efficiency. In this work, the authors develop a selenization technique to improve the quality of the CZTSSe layer by pre‐evaporation selenization. This method provides saturated selenium vapor at the beginning of the selenization process to promote the crystallization process. The oversaturated selenium source greatly shortens the annealing time at high temperatures. The prepared CZTSSe films have larger grains and fewer voids. The measurement of the space charge limited current shows that the defect density of the CZTSSe absorber is significantly reduced from 4.43 × 1013 cm−3 to 3.46 × 1013 cm−3. Electrical tests show that the devices have better charge separation at the interface, resulting in a charge recombination lifetime, increasing from 133 to 197 µs. The power conversion efficiency of the flexible CZTSSe solar cell reaches 10.24% with VOC and the fill factor enhances to 463 mV and 62%, respectively. The safe non‐toxicity and efficient selenization method is expected to provide a new strategy for high‐efficiency flexible CZTSSe solar cells.
Peer review audit (PRA) in ultrasound practice: A paper based on established UK sonography PRA models which are generalizable to other jurisdictions
Authors: Smith Shaunna Leanne
Published: May 2022

Peer review is an important and integral part of any healthcare career. This takes many formats, with a recently recognised format in ultrasound being peer review audit (PRA). PRA in sonography involves the assessment of sonographic examinations based on set criteria, in an open forum. PRA also involves sharing interesting or complicated ultrasound cases. The process is an opportunity to learn and maintain/improve patient safety. This paper outlines a suggested process for performing robust PRA, based on models used in the United Kingdom, as an introduction to sonographers unfamiliar with PRA.
Effects of EAF Operations on Water‐Cooling Panel Overheating
Authors: Luo Qingxuan , Chen Yuchao , Abraham Sunday , Wang Yufeng , Petty Randy , Silaen Armin K. , Zhou Chenn
Published: May 2022

An electric arc furnace (EAF) is a furnace that utilizes mainly electric energy to melt scraps into liquid. Above the liquid steel is called the freeboard, and combustion that happens here can significantly heat the furnace wall, resulting in overheating issues on water‐cooling panels. In this study, a comprehensive computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model is developed to predict the side wall temperature distribution of an EAF. The comprehensive CFD model is integrated into a coherent jet, a DC electric arc, and a slag foaming models.
Effect of CO2 Gasification on High‐Temperature Characteristics of Iron Coke: In Situ Compressive Strength
Authors: Lv Wei , Liu Zhuoliang , Chen Furong , Bao Jiwei , Liu Zhenggen , Chu Mansheng , Lv Xuewei
Published: May 2022

High‐temperature compressive strength of the ironmaking burden is crucial for evaluating its comprehensive performance. Iron coke is one of the novels and widely studied low‐carbon ironmaking charges. This study investigates the in situ high‐temperature compressive strength of iron coke after CO2 gasification. The mass loss, morphology, and micromorphology of the iron coke in the CO2 gasification roasting process are studied to clarify the high‐temperature compressive strength evolution mechanism. The results show that the reactivity of iron coke is inversely correlated to carbonization temperature. The high‐temperature compressive strength is mainly influenced by the coke matrix in the inner of the iron coke. Upon increasing the CO2 gasification roasting temperature, the density of the coke matrix in the iron coke decreases gradually, while the internal voids in the iron coke increase, resulting in decreased high‐temperature compressive strength. The initial compressive strength of iron coke with 40% iron ore content reaches >3800 N, while it decreases to <2000 N when roasted at 1150 °C for 30 min under a CO2 atmosphere. The high‐temperature compressive strength of iron coke with 40% iron ore content decreases around 40% when the CO2 gasification roasting period increases from 30 to 90 min at 1100 °C.
The development of a mobile app‐focused deduplication strategy for the Apple Heart Study that informs recommendations for future digital trials
Authors: Garcia Ariadna , Lee Justin , Balasubramanian Vidhya , Gardner Rebecca , Gummidipundi Santosh E. , Hung Grace , Ferris Todd , Cheung Lauren , Desai Sumbul , Granger Christopher B. , Hills Mellanie True , Kowey Peter , Nag Divya , Rumsfeld John S. , Russo Andrea M. , Stein Jeffrey W. , Talati Nisha , Tsay David , Mahaffey Kenneth W. , Perez Marco V. , Turakhia Mintu P. , Hedlin Haley , Desai Manisha ,   the Apple Heart Study Investigators
Published: May 2022

An app‐based clinical trial enrolment process can contribute to duplicated records, carrying data management implications. Our objective was to identify duplicated records in real time in the Apple Heart Study (AHS). We leveraged personal identifiable information (PII) to develop a dissimilarity score (DS) using the Damerau–Levenshtein distance. For computational efficiency, we focused on four types of records at the highest risk of duplication. We used the receiver operating curve (ROC) and resampling methods to derive and validate a decision rule to classify duplicated records. We identified 16,398 (4%) duplicated participants, resulting in 419,297 unique participants out of a total of 438,435 possible. Our decision rule yielded a high positive predictive value (96%) with negligible impact on the trial's original findings. Our findings provide principled solutions for future digital trials. When establishing deduplication procedures for digital trials, we recommend collecting device identifiers in addition to participant identifiers; collecting and ensuring secure access to PII; conducting a pilot study to identify reasons for duplicated records; establishing an initial deduplication algorithm that can be refined; creating a data quality plan that informs refinement; and embedding the initial deduplication algorithm in the enrolment platform to ensure unique enrolment and linkage to previous records.
Size and Distribution of Parr Produced from Natural‐ and Hatchery‐Origin Steelhead Spawning Naturally in a Small Pacific Northwest Coastal Stream
Authors: Kennedy Benjamen M. , Smith Matt J. , Holmes John S. A. , Root Roger P. , Smith Christian T. , Peterson Douglas P.
Published: May 2022

Recent studies suggest that steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss produced from local hatchery‐origin (HOR) adults have lower lifetime fitness than their natural‐origin (NOR) counterparts. To increase our understanding of this pattern, we compared age‐1 parr size and distribution produced by a local integrated population of HOR and NOR adults spawning naturally across a range of environmental conditions. Across 8 years, we used genetic parentage assignments and field measurements of parr in conjunction with creek temperature and flow data to find small, nonbiologically significant differences in size between parr of different parent origins. This suggests that parr produced by HOR adults are acquiring enough resources to grow at a rate similar to that of parr produced by NOR adults. In contrast to origin, we found strong positive associations between mean size of parr and annual mean water temperature and summer flow. Additionally, the distribution of parr was similar and HOR‐produced parr were not skewed relative to the location of the hatchery. Parr occupying the full extent of accessible and suitable habitat might be a positive outcome for hatchery programs seeking to supplement an existing population or replace an extirpated population. However, these results also imply that HOR fish could be competing with NOR fish for food and space, which might be less desirable if the goal of the hatchery program is harvest and not supplementation. Our results highlight the importance of clearly articulated goals for the hatchery program, as the observed pattern could be deemed a benefit or a risk depending on the hatchery's purpose. Lastly, projections for higher water temperatures and reduced summer flows, when considered in the context of the correlations we observed for size of parr, imply that coastal steelhead populations could start experiencing negative climate impacts with respect to steelhead parr growth metrics during the summer in the next few decades.
Recent Updates on Supramolecular‐Based Drug Delivery – Macrocycles and Supramolecular Gels
Authors: Saji Viswanathan S.
Published: May 2022

Supramolecules‐based drug delivery has attracted significant recent research attention as it could enhance drug solubility, retention time, targeting, and stimuli responsiveness. Among the different supramolecules and assemblies, the macrocycles and the supramolecular hydrogels are the two important categories investigated to a greater extent. Here, we provide the most recent advancements in these categories. Under macrocycles, reports on drug delivery by cyclodextrins, cucurbiturils, calixarenes/pillararenes, crown ethers and porphyrins are detailed. The second category discusses the supramolecular hydrogels of macrocycles/polymers and low molecular weight gelators. The updated information provided could be helpful to advance R & D in this vital area.
Startup strategies for mainstream anammox polishing in moving bed biofilm reactors
Authors: Schoepflin Sarah , Macmanus Justin , Long Chenghua , McCullough Kester , Klaus Stephanie , De Clippeleir Haydée , Wilson Chris , Parsons Mike , Chandran Kartik , Bott Charles
Published: May 2022

This study evaluated startup strategies for mainstream polishing anammox moving bed biofilm reactors (MBBRs) without anammox bacterial (AMX) biomass inoculation. Two types of startups were tested: anammox only (no external carbon addition) and partial denitrification/anammox (PdNA) with glycerol addition. Reactors were started with either virgin carriers or carriers with a preliminary biofilm from a mainstream aerobic integrated fixed‐film activated sludge (IFAS) process. Three pilot‐scale startups were completed under the following conditions: anammox‐only with preliminary biofilm carriers, PdNA with preliminary biofilm carriers, and PdNA with virgin carriers. AMX presence was confirmed via quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) after 57, 57, and 77 days, respectively. Prior to AMX detection, average influent concentrations of ammonia and nitrite ranged from 1.7–2.7 mg/L and 0.98–1.8 mg/L, respectively. This study demonstrated that AMX can be grown on carriers without AMX seeding under mainstream conditions (temperature 17–29°C, low ammonia and nitrite), regardless of whether nitrite came from upstream or partial denitrification within the reactor. This study also showed that using preliminary biofilm carriers can decrease startup time by approximately 1 month. These results address critical questions for moving mainstream anammox processes to full‐scale implementation, and suggest that PdNA MBBRs are feasible and sustainable for full‐scale ammonia, nitrate, and nitrite polishing to meet stringent total nitrogen requirements.

Practitioner Points

This research will help utilities develop methods for starting up mainstream anammox MBBRs without the barrier of anammox biomass seeding.

Preliminary biofilm carriers accelerated startup time in a PdNA MBBR, but a virgin carrier reactor started up in a similar timeframe, contrary to expectations.

Also, contrary to expectations, high concentrations of ammonia and nitrite are not necessary for startup of an anammox or PdNA MBBR.
Fort Ancient wild turkey harvesting strategies in northern Kentucky
Authors: Manzano Bruce L. , Pollack David , Henderson A. Gwynn , Erhardt Andrea , Munizzi Jordon
Published: May 2022

Fox Farm (1300–1650 CE) is a 16.2 ha Native American farming village in Mason County, Kentucky. The wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo)death assemblage documented for this site is suggestive of a harvesting strategy that differs from that of Fort Ancient villages occupied for shorter periods of time. Relative to those villages, the residents of Fox Farm killed twice as many male as female wild turkeys. By focusing on adult males, the residents of Fox Farm were able to maintain a sustainable wild turkey population in the vicinity of their village, which allowed them to live at this locality for more than 300 years.
Characteristics, attitudes, and motivations of hunting mentors in Florida
Authors: Bakner Nicholas W. , Tyler Pittman H. , Shields Roger D. , Wood Jeremy D. , Morales Nia A. , Rumble Joy N. , Leal Arthur
Published: May 2022

Across the United States, conservation leaders have been concerned about declines in hunting participation because hunting license sales and taxes on the sale of equipment used for hunting generate a significant portion of wildlife conservation funding. Natural resource agencies have begun focusing on recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) initiatives to reverse this decline. These initiatives, in part, seek to increase participation in hunting and shooting sports of currently nonhunting audiences. One of the primary techniques used by the R3 initiative is to develop mentoring programs that provide hunting opportunities for participants with an experienced hunter. Because of its unique and flexible tactics (e.g., calling, still hunting vs run and gun hunting), turkey hunting affords a natural opportunity for mentoring to take place. However, to make mentoring programs efficient and effective, R3 practitioners must have an understanding of the demographics of mentors and what challenges or incentives may exist to participating in a mentoring program. Therefore, we surveyed Florida turkey hunters to (1) understand the demographics of turkey hunters who mentor and (2) assess the challenges, benefits, and incentives to mentoring other turkey hunters in Florida. In 2015, we collected a random sample of 2,817 Florida hunters eligible to hunt turkeys from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission hunting license registry. A total of 710 respondents actively hunted turkeys in the state of Florida. Experienced turkey hunters who mentor perceived challenges (lack of time, interferes with their own hunting opportunity, unfamiliar with mentoring opportunities) less and viewed incentives less than novice and intermediate experienced mentoring hunters. Among wild turkey hunters in Florida, the propensity to mentor was greater among men and those who hunted private land and increased with level of turkey‐hunting experience. To recruit new mentors, agencies must increase awareness of formal mentor programs that focus a connection to public land access and provide recognition to the individuals attending.
Space‐use, movements, and survival of translocated eastern wild turkeys in east Texas
Authors: Sullivan Daniel J. , Cohen Bradley S. , Poteet Micah L. , Collier Bret A. , Chamberlain Michael J.
Published: May 2022

Translocation failures are driven by the inability of animals to adapt to abiotic and biotic factors occurring in the new landscape. Translocated animals typically prospect the local landscape post‐release, and the presence of conspecifics positively influences translocation success via reductions in post‐release movements. Extensive efforts to restore eastern wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) to east Texas have yielded mixed results, leading to a low‐density, fragmented population. Therefore, information on space use, movements, and survival of translocated turkeys may improve the success of future translocation efforts. We translocated 78 female and 23 male wild turkeys to Angelina National Forest, TX, USA, during 2016–2017. We monitored translocated turkeys using GPS telemetry and observed an apparent decline in space use and movements at approximately 20 days post‐release for turkeys translocated in 2016. Turkeys translocated in 2016 in the absence of conspecifics maintained larger mean daily core area and home range sizes and moved greater daily distances from the release site and between roosts during days 1–20 compared to days 21–80. Conversely, females translocated in the presence of conspecifics (during 2017) used smaller daily core areas and home range sizes than females in 2016 and moved shorter distances. We modelled survival using Cox proportional hazards models and determined survival declined with greater daily core area size and daily distance travelled during year 1, but the effect of daily distance travelled was not significant in year 2. Our results suggest that translocations to areas with wild turkeys present may be a strategy to minimize movements and improve survival, thereby increasing translocation success.
Remembrance Beyond Forgiveness
Authors: Satne Paula
Published: May 2022

I argue that political forgiveness is sometimes, but not always, compatible with public commemoration of politically motivated wrongdoing. I start by endorsing the claim that commemorating serious past wrongdoing has moral value and imposes moral demands on key actors within post-conflict societies. I am concerned withactivecommemoration, that is, the deliberate acts of bringing victims and the wrong done to them to public attention. The main issue is whether political forgiveness requires forgetting and conversely whether remembrance can be an impediment to political forgiveness. The notion of political forgiveness, its definition, very possibility and desirability are contentious issues in the contemporary literature. I develop a multidimensional account of political forgiveness with a core element. The core element of political forgiveness involves taking a non-adversarial stance towards perpetrators in the sense of committing to stop holding their wrongdoing against them. The core element of forgiveness is usually combined with other attitudes and practices, which are appropriate depending on the circumstances. This is due to the fact that there are different ways of holding a wrong against an offender. I argue that forgiving perpetrators is not compatible with continue to punishing them, refusing to reconcile with them, and/or reminding them of their misdeed if perpetrators refuse to accept punishment, deny the importance of commemorating the past or wish to reconcile against the victim’s desires. I show thatsomeforms of political forgiveness are not morally legitimate because they conflict with moral demands to punish perpetrators, commemorate atrocities and respect victims. This conclusion is less alarming than it might initially seem because the refusal to forgive politically motivated wrongdoing does not necessarily lead to the perpetuation of violence and conflict. I briefly draw on the example of Argentina in order to show how some forms of political un-forgiveness can be morally legitimate and effective ways for victims to uphold these demands.
Trends in Population and Socioeconomic Development in Southeast Asia
Authors: Yeung Wei-Jun Jean
Published: May 2022

Southeast Asia is composed of 631.7 million people (World Bank in Health nutrition and population statistics, 2015) spread across 11 countries that lie east of the Indian continent and south of China. Geographically, insular Southeast Asia includes Brunei, Timor-Leste (East Timor), Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Singapore while Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, and Vietnam comprise mainland Southeast Asia
Marriage
Authors: Yeung Wei-Jun Jean
Published: May 2022

The singulate mean age at marriage (SMAM) refers to the average length of a single life expressed in years among those who marry before 50 years old. Men and women have delayed getting marriage and there is an increasing proportion of people remaining single. Divorce rates are low but increasing.
Conclusion
Authors: Yeung Wei-Jun Jean
Published: May 2022

This book shows that the patterns in family, socioeconomic and demographic changes in Southeast are complex and heterogeneous. The size of the population ranges from one of the largest countries in the world—Indonesia that has about 260 million—to one of the smallest countries in the world—Brunei that has less than half a million people. Most countries have experienced growth that has doubled or tripled their population since 1960.
Rheumatism and wIRA Therapy
Authors: Vogler D. , Schmittat G. , Ohrndorf S.
Published: May 2022

Rheumatologic disorders comprise various conditions having different etiologies and pathogenesis, the leading clinical symptoms of which are chronic joint pain and musculoskeletal impairment. In the context of a multimodal therapy concept, the use of hyperthermia (HT) is a classical and developing adjuvant symptomatic treatment option. wIRA is an effective and well-established variant of thermal therapy in different rheumatologic disorders. This article summarizes the current state of research into locally applied wIRA in the field of rheumatism and rheumatological diseases.

Local and serially applied wIRA significantly relieves pain in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), osteoarthritis (OA) and fibromyalgia (FM), which, at least reduces the requirement for analgesics and has positive effects on well-being, functional status or disease activity. wIRA has been shown to reduce levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and proinflammatory cytokine tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα). Given its safety and tolerability, wIRA is highly amenable in combination with standard therapies.

Currently, wIRA effects are assessed in OA patients, non-inflammatory arthralgia and recent-onset arthritis of the hands. Preliminary data on effects on pain, global disease burden and functional status are promising. The potential value of wIRA, for e.g., Raynaud’s phenomena and sclerotic skin changes, need further evaluation.
From Sun to Therapeutic wIRA
Authors: Müller W. , Piazena H. , Vaupel Peter
Published: May 2022

Life on Earth is significantly influenced by the electromagnetic radiation of the sun. Its energy most probably stimulated physical/chemical processes and has been used by living organisms for further development during evolution. The radiation is generated by nuclear fusion in the core of the sun and emitted into space with a wide range of different wavelengths. The terrestrial spectrum of this radiation shows characteristic absorption bands caused by atmospheric gases, mainly by water vapor, carbon dioxide, and ozone. The water molecules are excited by the absorption of preferentially long-wavelength radiation, which leads to absorption bands in the spectral range of the IR-A and to the total elimination of IR-B and IR-C. The excitation causes vibrations and rotations of the water molecules, increasing their kinetic energy, i.e., heat. This effect is used in medicine for therapeutic heating of tissues. It is technically achieved by water-filtered IR-A (wIRA) radiatior. Its radiation is comparable to the IR-A part of the terrestrial solar spectrum, but its total irradiance in the IR-A is much higher than that of the sun and can be adapted to therapeutic needs.
Water-Filtered Infrared A Irradiation in Axial Spondyloarthritis: Heat for Lower Back Pain
Authors: Klemm P. , Aykara I. , Lange U.
Published: May 2022

The effect of serial locally applied wIRA (sl-wIRA) in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is described: time of onset and duration of pain reduction, changes in disease activity and functionality, and changes at the molecular level (cytokines).

Seventy-one patients with axSpA receiving an inpatient 7-day multimodal rheumatologic complex therapy (MRCT) were randomized into two groups: 35 patients with standardized MRCT (control group = CG) and 36 patients (intervention group = IG) with additive serial sl-wIRA (2 irradiations/day, total of 12 applications) of the back region.

In IG, a significant pain reduction compared to daily baseline values was observed on days 1, 2, and 6 and compared to CG. There was a significant improvement of the global health and functional parameters in IG, a significant reduction of disease activity, and a significant drop in TNF-α serum levels, also significantly different to CG. Levels of IL-1, -6, -10 remained unchanged.

sl-wIRA, as part of an MRCT in axSpA patients, caused a significant pain decrease on days 2 and 6, allowing an analgesics reduction. Improvement in the general state of health was noted. Decreasing serum levels of TNF-α may explain, at the molecular level, the subjective pain relief.
wIRA-Related Research and Medical Applications: Cornerstones and Further Reading of Interest
Authors: Gebbers Jan-Olaf , Vaupel Peter
Published: May 2022

This chapter intends to fuel the readers’ discussion on wIRA applications, inspires further research and draws the readers’ attention to (a) some highlights of therapies that have delivered proven beneficial effects, (b) interesting basic research, and (c) the extensive breadth of wIRA applications that have been studied in an increasingly active area of research, as well as the clinical trials in different fields of medicine. Nevertheless, basic research on the nature and possible implementations of wIRA must be considered and continued. Of course, given the large amount of information in this area, it has only been possible to highlight some that might be of particular interest, and which might address often raised questions.
Temperature Profiles and Oxygenation Status in Human Skin and Subcutis Upon Thermography-Controlled wIRA-Hyperthermia
Authors: Thomsen A. R. , Saalmann M. R. , Nicolay N. H. , Grosu A. L. , Vaupel Peter
Published: May 2022

Efficacy of wIRA immediately followed by hypofractionated radiation in the treatment of locally recurrent breast cancer and other superficial tumors is documented. A prerequisite for the additive and synergistic radiosensitizing properties of hyperthermia is the assessment of resulting temperatures of tumors and normal tissues. To assess the role of hyperthermia in reversing tumor hypoxia through its effects on local blood flow, oxygen profiles in skin, subcutis, and superficial tumors have been additionally assessed during mild hyperthermia (39–43 °C).

Upon wIRA-exposure, skin surface temperatures increased from 35 to 41.6 °C within 5–12 min. Maximum temperatures of 42 °C were found in subepidermal regions, with a steady decline in deeper layers reaching 40.1 °C at a depth of 20 mm. Heating was accompanied by increases in tissue oxygen tensions. Effective hyperthermia levels (≥ 39 °C) were established in depths up to 25 mm. Following wIRA exposure, tissue temperatures returned to pretreatment levels within a few minutes, with the decay time depending on tissue depths, while pO2 values remained on therapeutical levels for 30–60 min postheat, outlasting the period needed for subsequent radiotherapy. Monitoring in the upper dermis layer of skin and recurrent breast cancers confirmed the improved O2 status during wIRA exposure and outlasted the time needed for subsequent radiotherapy.
Thermography-Controlled, Contact-Free wIRA-Hyperthermia Combined with Hypofractionated Radiotherapy for Large-Sized Lesions of Unresectable, Locally Recurrent Breast Cancer
Authors: Notter M. , Thomsen A. R. , Grosu A. L. , Münch K. , Vaupel Peter
Published: May 2022

Unresectable locally recurrent breast cancers (LRBCs) lead to life-threatening situations and a tremendous loss of quality of life. Most patients have received radiotherapy (RT) during primary treatment and re-irradiation (re-RT) using standard doses might be denied due to the risk of unacceptable cumulative toxicity. Therefore, an effective tumor control is often abandoned.

Mild hyperthermia (39–43 °C), allows for significant reductions in re-RT dose and effective tumor responses with acceptable toxicity even after heavy pretreatment. More than 280 patients have been treated with superficial hyperthermia by water-filtered infrared A (wIRA-HT), which can cover even large lesions. Hyperthermia was immediately followed by hypofractionated re-RT of 5x4 Gy, once a week.

Evaluating 201 patients, overall response rate was 94%. 170 patients with macroscopic LRBC were stratified into 4 size classes (rClasses), and detailed response rates are presented. Accordingly, response rates of 31 patients with microscopic disease after resection of LRBC are communicated.

RT-related acute and late toxicity was limited to grades 1 and 2. Due to this low toxicity, re-recurrences after CR and new local progression after PR could be re-treated using the same treatment schedule. Real-time thermographic and visual controls have allowed to almost exclude the risk of thermal skin damage.
Weiterführende Optimierung
Authors: Wild Jochen
Published: May 2022

Im Forschungsvorhaben [FVA 467 II] wurden evolventisch basierte Zahnwellenverbindungen nach [DIN 5480] analysiert. Übergeordnetes Ziel hierbei war es, die zu diesem Zeitpunkt gegebenen Möglichkeiten zur Abschätzung der Kerbwirkung, vgl. unter anderem die [DIN 743] sowie die [DIN 5466], zu präzisieren und zu vervollständigen. Um dies zu erreichen, wurden am Institut für Maschinenwesen der Technischen Universität Clausthal experimentelle und am Institut für Maschinenelemente und Maschinenkonstruktion der Technischen Universität Dresden numerische Untersuchungen durchgeführt.
Asymmetry in flavour changing electromagnetic transitions of vector-like quarks
Authors: Balaji Shyam
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Vector-like quarks have been of interest for a plethora of experimentally motivated reasons and have come under increased investigation recently due to their inclusion to the Standard Model (SM) appreciably improving global fits to several flavour physics and precision electroweak measurements. The addition of vector-like quark singlets breaks the unitarity of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa (CKM) matrix and enables tree-level flavour changing neutral (FCN) vertices. The resulting radiative flavour changing decays of these particles through the electromagnetic transition dipole moment are a key means to study their properties and search for them at experiments like the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). Despite these radiative decays providing such a clean experimental signature, an explicit analytical study of the branching ratios and CP violation resulting from these loop level processes has thus far evaded attention. We provide the formulation for the decay rates and CP asymmetry resulting from a combination of the imaginary components of the loop integrals and complex phases in the quark mixing matrix. We then apply our analytical results to study phenomenology of these states for several global fits pertaining to vector-like isosinglets t′ and b′. We find that clean collider signatures and polarisation observables can be generated for both t′ and b′.
Fate of entanglement between two Unruh-DeWitt detectors due to their motion and background temperature
Authors: Chowdhury Pratyusha , Majhi Bibhas Ranjan
Published: May 2022

Abstract

We investigate the fate of initial entanglement between two accelerated detectors with respect to an observer attached to one of the detectors. Both (1 + 1) and (1 + 3) spacetime dimensions are being considered here, with the detectors interacting with real massless scalar fields through monopole terms. The investigation is being performed for both non-thermal as well as thermal fields. In general, irrespective of the detectors moving in the same Rindler wedge or opposite wedges, increase of the field temperature reduces the initial entanglement. In all situations, degradation of entanglement is high for high acceleration aA of our observer. Interestingly, the degradation depends on the measure of initial entanglement. For (1 + 1) dimensions, the degradation saturates for small values of aA, whereas the same fluctuates in (1 + 3) dimensions with the decrease of aA. For motions in opposite Rindler wedges, a noticeable feature we observe in (1 + 1) dimensions is that, depending on the strength of initial entanglement, there is a possibility of entanglement harvesting in the system for certain values of the observers’ acceleration. However the same is absent in (1 + 3) dimensions. The whole analysis is operationally different from earlier similar investigations. The thermal equilibrium is satisfied throughout the calculations here, by considering the Wightman functions with respect to the Rindler modes evaluated in the vacuum of Unruh modes, contrary to the use of Minkowski modes.
A genome on shaky ground: exploring the impact of mitochondrial DNA integrity on Parkinson’s disease by highlighting the use of cybrid models
Authors: Lang Martin , Grünewald Anne , Pramstaller Peter P. , Hicks Andrew A. , Pichler Irene
Published: May 2022

Mitochondria play important roles in the regulation of key cellular processes, including energy metabolism, oxidative stress response, and signaling towards cell death or survival, and are distinguished by carrying their own genome (mtDNA). Mitochondrial dysfunction has emerged as a prominent cellular mechanism involved in neurodegeneration, including Parkinson’s disease (PD), a neurodegenerative movement disorder, characterized by progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons and the occurrence of proteinaceous Lewy body inclusions. The contribution of mtDNA variants to PD pathogenesis has long been debated and is still not clearly answered. Cytoplasmic hybrid (cybrid) cell models provided evidence for a contribution of mtDNA variants to the PD phenotype. However, conclusive evidence of mtDNA mutations as genetic cause of PD is still lacking. Several models have shown a role of somatic, rather than inherited mtDNA variants in the impairment of mitochondrial function and neurodegeneration. Accordingly, several nuclear genes driving inherited forms of PD are linked to mtDNA quality control mechanisms, and idiopathic as well as familial PD tissues present increased mtDNA damage. In this review, we highlight the use of cybrids in this PD research field and summarize various aspects of how and to what extent mtDNA variants may contribute to the etiology of PD.
Change your Angle of View
Authors: Luecking Hannes , Hoelter Philip , Lang Stefan , Schmidt Manuel , Eisenhut Felix , Doerfler Arnd
Published: May 2022

Background

Artifacts from surrounding bony structures, especially from the petrous bones, regularly impair soft tissue computed tomography (CT) imaging of the middle and posterior fossa. This affects flat-panel CT in particular. Sinusoidal movement of the C‑arm during acquisition (i.e. craniocaudal tilting along with semicircular rotation) is supposed to reduce artifacts, thus enhancing soft tissue imaging quality.

Methods

In the work-up of ischemic stroke or subarachnoid hemorrhage 40 patients underwent multi-slice CT (MS-CT) and either plain circular (cFP-CT; n = 20) or sinusoidal (sFP-CT; n = 20) flat-panel CT within a short interval. Two independent readers analyzed MS-CT and FP-CT datasets for recognizability of eight different brain structures and three typical types of artifacts according to a predetermined score.

Results

Interrater reliability was moderate for cFP-CT (κ = 0.575) and good to very good for ratings of MS-CT and sFP-CT (κ = 0.651 to κ = 1). MS-CT was rated to be significantly better than cFP-CT and sFP-CT (p < 0.0001) in the overall score. Yet, sFP-CT was rated to be significantly superior to cFP-CT (overall p < 0.0001) regarding most anatomical regions and petrous bone artifacts.

Conclusion

Compared to a standard circular protocol, sinusoidal C‑arm movement in cranial FP-CT can significantly reduce artifacts in the posterior fossa and, moreover, can improve visualization of most supratentorial and infratentorial anatomical structures.
„Rebound pain“ – von der Definition bis zur Therapie
Authors: Streb Timo , Schneider Alexander , Wiesmann Thomas , Riecke Jenny , Schubert Ann-Kristin , Dinges Hanns-Christian , Volberg Christian
Published: May 2022

Hintergrund

Rebound pain als Nebenwirkung einer Regionalanästhesie ist ein übermäßiges Schmerzempfinden nach Abklingen der Wirkung der lokalen Betäubung, welches deutlich über den normalen Wundschmerz nach einer Operation hinausgeht. Dieses Phänomen rückt seit ca. 10 Jahren stärker in den Fokus der Forschung. Die konkreten Ursachen sind bisher unklar, und es existieren auch noch keine zielgerichteten Therapieempfehlungen.

Ziel der Arbeit

Dieser Übersichtsartikel soll der Leserschaft einen Überblick über den aktuellen Stand der Forschung geben. Es werden die Theorien zur Pathophysiologie vorgestellt und Prophylaxe- sowie Behandlungsstrategien erläutert.

Material und Methoden

Für diese Übersichtsarbeit wurden die von 2005 bis Mai 2021 auf PubMed erschienenen Publikationen zum Thema Rebound pain durchgesehen und die Definitionen der Autoren zu Rebound pain sowie die Annahmen zur Pathophysiologie und Therapieempfehlungen zusammengefasst.

Ergebnisse und Diskussion

Insgesamt wurden 22 Originalarbeiten im Hinblick auf die Definition von Rebound pain, die Annahme der Entstehung sowie Therapieoptionen ausgewertet. Dabei zeigt sich, dass keine einheitliche Definition existiert, die Pathophysiologie nicht eindeutig geklärt ist und zum aktuellen Zeitpunkt auch noch keine klaren Empfehlungen zu Prophylaxe sowie Therapie gegeben werden können.
Radiologische Assistentenfortbildung während der COVID-19-Pandemie
Authors: Thormann Maximilian , Lerach Teresa , Gottschling Sebastian , Omari Jazan , Pech Maciej , Surov Alexey
Published: May 2022

Kontaktbeschränkungen und Abstandsregeln haben die klinische Weiterbildung vor große Herausforderungen gestellt. Innovative und interaktive Konzepte sind notwendig, um die Weiterbildung auch in Zeiten von Corona aufrechtzuerhalten. In der aktuellen Literatur sind Lehrkonzepte für Ärztinnen und Ärzte in der Facharztweiterbildung jedoch unterrepräsentiert. In dieser Arbeit wird ein onlinebasiertes Fortbildungskonzept in der Radiologie vorgestellt, das die klassische Fallvorstellung in ein dreiphasiges, interaktives Lernmodell umgestaltet. Dieses besteht aus einer selbstständigen Fallbearbeitung mit Anknüpfung an bestehendes Wissen, gefolgt von einer Falldiskussion und gezielten Fragen sowie Feedback durch die teilnehmenden Oberärztinnen und Oberärzte. Nach 12 Monaten erfolgte eine fragebogenbasierte Evaluation durch die Weiterbildungsassistentinnen und -assistenten. Hierbei zeigte sich, dass eine deutliche Mehrheit der Teilnehmerinnen und Teilnehmer das Fortbildungskonzept positiv hinsichtlich seines Schweregrades, der Repräsentativität für die klinische Tätigkeit sowie der Relevanz für den Facharzt bewerteten. Ebenso ergaben sich Erkenntnisse hinsichtlich der zukünftigen Gestaltung des Konzepts in Bezug auf Dauer, Modalität der zu besprechenden Bildgebungsverfahren und Häufigkeit. Alle Befragten gaben an, vom Format profitiert zu haben. Onlinebasierte Fortbildungskonzepte können demnach einen relevanten Beitrag zur Weiterbildung von Assistenzärztinnen und -ärzten leisten und stellen eine adäquate Alternative bzw. Erweiterung analoger Fortbildungskonzepte dar.
Composite forecasting of vast-dimensional realized covariance matrices using factor state-space models
Authors: Hartkopf Jan Patrick
Published: May 2022

We propose a dynamic factor state-space model for the prediction of high-dimensional realized covariance matrices of asset returns. Using a block LDL decomposition of the joint covariance matrix of assets and factors, we express the realized covariance matrix of the individual assets similar to an approximate factor model. We model the individual parts, i.e., the factor and residual covariances as well as the factor loadings, independently via a tractable state-space approach. This results in closed-form Matrix-F predictive densities for the distinct covariance elements and Student’s t predictive densities for the factor loadings. In an out-of-sample forecasting and portfolio selection exercise we compare the performance of the proposed factor model under different specifications of the residual dynamics. These includes block diagonal residuals based on the GICS sector classifications and strict diagonality assumptions as well as combinations of both using linear shrinkage. We find that the proposed model performs very well in an empirical application to realized covariance matrices for 225 NYSE-traded stocks using the well-known Fama–French factors and sector-specific factors represented by exchange traded funds.