bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Activation of Oxygen Reduction Reaction on Carbon Supported Ni‐Based Complexes
Authors: Kharwar Yashwant P. , Gurusamy Tamilselvi , Mandal Sudip , Ramanujam Kothandaraman
Published: September 2021

There are unremitting efforts towards developing an effective oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalyst as it is seminal for the commercially viable energy conversion and storage devices such as fuel cell and metal‐air batteries. In this study, three carbon‐supported Ni‐based coordination complexes; Ni‐phen/AC, Ni‐bpy/AC and Ni‐bimz/AC (where phen=1,10‐ phenanthroline, bpy=2, 2′‐bipyridine and bimz=benzimidazole) were explored for ORR. Among these, Ni‐bimz forms a 1D‐polymer chain via a succinate bridge, and these chains are stacked by the π‐π interactions and hydrogen bonding. The ORR potentials of these catalysts were studied using cyclic voltammetry technique with a rotating ring disk electrode system, and oxygen adsorption energies (Ead) onto these complexes were calculated using density functional theory (DFT) analysis. The highest onset potential of 0.89 V vs. RHE was observed for Ni‐bimz/AC, whereas 0.88 V and 0.86 V vs. RHE for Ni‐phen/AC and Ni‐bpy/AC catalysts, respectively. The Ead value for O2 via side‐on and end‐on mode over Ni‐phen, Ni‐bpy, and Ni‐bimz complexes, were calculated. The highest negative Ead value of −25.53 eV via side‐on mode was observed for Ni‐bimz complex.
Self Assemblies of Poly(ether ether ketone) Block Copolymers for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Kumar Avneesh
Published: September 2021

Oriented and ordered domains in an unusual engineering homopolymer known as poly ether ether ketone (PEEK) are stimulated by attaching a phosphonated ionic segment to its both ends. Such orientation of polymer chains leads to the formation of nanoparticles in solution. The ordered domains contain the stacks of rigid polymer chains that result into the crystalline regions appearing in rather unusual manner. Here, the molecular motions and reorganization are reinforced by hydrogen bonds, and not by annealing. On a silicone surface i. e. a substitute for titanium in implants, these copolymer attach via ionic groups and consequently the molecular self assemblies get disrupted. The corresponding copolymer films show submicrometer sized roughness, and hence can improve adhesion significantly. The self assemblies induced and generated simultaneously contain functional groups and can bind to a metallic surface for biomedical applications e. g. bone implants. These block copolymers as bone or dental implants can be superior to the ones based on modified PEEKs where the degree of modification can be problematic and can compromise the properties of PEEK. In addition, tri‐block copolymers described here can be better alternatives for bone implants due to their cell adhesion efficiency via ionic groups and thermal stability including reasonable biocompatibility.
Monolayer Iridium Nanoparticles Coated TiO2 Core‐Shell Architecture as Efficient Oxygen Evolution Reaction Electrocatalyst
Authors: Chen Jiaye , Jayabal Subramaniam , Geng Dongsheng , Hu Xun
Published: September 2021

Reducing the noble metal loading of oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalyst for polymer electrolyte membrane electrolyzers is a necessity for enabling their large‐scale deployment for hydrogen production. This work introduces a highly active and stable OER catalyst which is based on a core‐shell architecture by covering a monodispersed layer of iridium nanoparticles on the core of TiO2 using a one‐step polyol reduction method. The monolayer of iridium coating is substantiated by analyzing the accurate loading from inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) combined with morphology/size from transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and the theoretical model of the most‐dense arrangement of iridium nanoparticles on TiO2 surface. The conductive network constructed by interconnected iridium nanoparticles on the surface together with full participation of iridium atoms in the catalytic reaction benefitting from the less than 2 nm size and monolayer adsorption of iridium nanoparticles endow the catalyst with extremely high OER activity (486 A gIr−1 at 1.5 V vs RHE) and stability (100 h at 10 mA cm−2). This work shows a new way to prepare iridium‐based electrocatalysts with high mass activity.
A Fluorescent Probe for The Visible Colorimetric Detection of Tyrosinase
Authors: Li Yanan , Deng Bing , Yang Shaoxiang , Tian Hongyu , Liu Yongguo , Sun Baoguo
Published: September 2021

A fluorescent probe (Probe 1) for the visible colorimetric detection of tyrosinase (Tyr) was developed. The quantitative range of detection of Tyr activity detected was 0 to 800 u/mL with the detection limit (LOD) was 5.00 u/mL. The probe solution emitted increasing yellow‐green luminescence with increasing Tyr activity, which was observed under a 365 nm UV lamp. In addition, the green (G) and red (R) values of these photos had a linear relationship with the activity of Tyr. Probe 1 could be used for the quantitative and quantification detection of Tyr activity in real fruits samples using a smartphone. Colorimetry with catechol as the substrate was used to determine the accuracy of this method. This work shows that Probe 1 can be used for the quantitative detection of Tyr using just a smartphone.
Unprecedented Long‐Term Thermal Stability of 1D/2A Terpolymer‐Based Polymer Solar Cells Processed with Nonhalogenated Solvent
Authors: Jung Hyeonwoo , Yu Gyeonghwa , Kim Jongyoun , Bae Hyejeong , Kim Minkyoung , Kim Kwangmin , Kim BongSoo , Lee Youngu
Published: September 2021

Donor–acceptor (D–A) copolymer‐based polymer solar cells (PSCs) processed with nonhalogenated solvents exhibit relatively low power conversion efficiencies (PCE) due to undesirable morphological properties, including high aggregation and unfavorable orientation. Moreover, they show very poor long‐term stability owing to excessive molecular aggregation and unfavorable phase separation. Thus, novel p‐type polymers are required for high‐efficiency and long‐lived PSCs that can be processed in ecofriendly nonhalogenated solvents. Herein, a novel series of 1D/2A terpolymers (PBTPBD) composed of 4,8‐bis(5‐(2‐ethylhexyl)‐4‐fluorothiophen‐2‐yl)benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene (BDT‐F), 1,3‐bis(thiophen‐2‐yl)‐5,7‐bis(2‐ethylhexyl)benzo‐[1,2‐c:4,5‐c′]dithiophene‐4,8‐dione (BDD), and 1,3‐bis‐(4‐hexylthiophen‐2‐yl)‐5‐octyl‐4H‐thieno[3,4‐c]pyrrole‐4,6(5H)‐dione (HT‐TPD) is synthesized and characterized for high‐efficiency and long‐lived PSCs. A PBTPBD‐50:IT‐4F blended film exhibits a favorable face‐on orientation and superior hole and electron mobility. Therefore, the corresponding PBTPBD‐50:IT‐4F PSC, processed with a nonhalogenated solvent, exhibits a high PCE of 13.64%, which is 13% higher than that of the related nonhalogenated solvent‐processed PSCs. Furthermore, the PBTPBD‐50:IT‐4F PSC maintains 82% of the initial PCE even after 204 days at 85 °C, which is the highest thermal stability achieved among PSCs processed with nonhalogenated solvents. The high‐efficiency and superior long‐term thermal stability of the PBTPBD‐50:IT‐4F PSC are attributed to the excellent miscibility of PBTPBD‐50 and IT‐4F and the suppression of the morphological changes in the photoactive layer.
Multicultural individuals and their potential to become international entrepreneurs
Authors: Szymanski Mike , Valderrey Villar Francisco , Cervantes Zepeda Mauricio
Published: September 2021

In this study, we examine the potential of multicultural individuals (i.e., individuals who have experienced and internalized two or more cultures) to become international entrepreneurs. We focus on two characteristics of successful entrepreneurs: cognitive complexity and social network. Using a sample of 417 individuals aged 18–52, we found that multicultural individuals exhibited higher levels of cognitive complexity in internationalization‐related challenges and belonged to more geographically diverse social networks than their monocultural peers.
Mitral endocarditis secondary to Listeria monocytogenes in a dog
Authors: Giraud Léna , Fernandes Rodrigues Nina , Lekane Marine , Gommeren Kris , Merveille Anne‐Christine
Published: September 2021

A Beauceron was evaluated for a 3‐week history of unresponsive immune‐mediated polyarthritis and meningitis. Physical examination revealed a previously unreported grade III/VI left apical systolic heart murmur. Based on the echocardiographic examination and blood culture, a diagnosis of mitral valve infective endocarditis secondary to Listeria monocytogenes was made. Despite extensive workup, no definitive primary focus of infection was identified in this case. The endocarditis was suspected to have triggered secondary immune‐mediated polyarthritis and meningitis. The dog was treated with empirical antimicrobial combination therapy and immunosuppressives, and fully recovered from infection. No relapse was documented 5 months after discontinuation of treatment. Cardiomegaly secondary to persistent mitral regurgitation had developed. This is the first description of endocarditis secondary to L. monocytogenes in a dog.
Recurrent colic in a 1‐year‐old dromedary camel
Authors: Olivarez Jeff D. , Needleman Abigail , Doré Vincent
Published: September 2021

A 1‐year‐old male castrated dromedary camel presented with a 3‐week history of intermittent colic characterized by diarrhoea, inappetence and lethargy. The patient was originally diagnosed with intestinal parasites (Trichuris spp.) 2 weeks prior, for which he was dewormed and released from the hospital. However, the patient's clinical signs did not improve, so further workup was deemed necessary. Based on severe weight loss and hypoalbunaemia, with no further detection of common intestinal parasites, a suspicion of proliferative enteritis led to additional diagnostics. A faecal sample submitted for Lawsonia intracelluris PCR tested positive for the bacterium. The patient received four treatments of oxytetracycline, and clinical signs significantly improved. Another PCR was performed 4 weeks after treatment and was negative for L. intracellularis. While other causes of this camel's clinical signs are possible, this case suggests L. intracellularis may have contributed to signs of recurrent colic in a dromedary camel.
Atmospheric river, a term encompassing different meteorological patterns
Authors: Gimeno Luis , Algarra Iago , Eiras‐Barca Jorge , Ramos Alexandre M. , Nieto Raquel
Published: September 2021

The study of atmospheric rivers (ARs) and their impacts on extreme precipitation are currently of great research interest in view of their clear socioeconomical implications. However, studies of this type generally contain caveats. The first of these is of a meteorological nature, and is concerned with the diversity of the different meteorological patterns that can be associated in the phenomenological definition, in that there is no guarantee that all so‐called ARs follow the same one. The second concern involves the initial definition of an AR, which implicitly assumes the subtropical origin of the atmospheric moisture that feeds it. To date, it has been observed that in many cases of ARs, most of the moisture originates in regions at higher latitudes. The aim of this article is to open a debate on these two aspects by using well‐known examples of ARs which fit different meteorological patterns, and showing a climatology of the moisture sources that feed ARs.

This article is categorized under:

Science of Water > Hydrological Processes

Science of Water > Water Extremes
Quantification via X‐ray fluorescence analysis of oxygen in the surface layer of a Si‐sphere used as a new mass standard
Authors: Wu Yu‐Hsin , Tsao Lin , Chiu Jeng‐Yu , Chen Sheng‐Jui , Fliegauf Rolf , Müller Matthias , Beyer Edyta , Kolbe Michael
Published: September 2021

The distribution of oxygen present in the surface layer of the Si‐sphere used as new mass standard is measured and quantified using the combined X‐ray fluorescence (XRF)/X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) surface analysis system in the Center for Measurement Standards, Industrial Technology Research Institute (CMS/ITRI). A radiometric calibration of the X‐ray source is not possible because the spectral distribution of the X‐ray tube used is complex and not stable over the long term. Hence, the quantification of oxygen on the Si‐sphere is based on a calibration curve that establishes a correlation between the mass deposition of oxygen from the calibration samples qualified by PTB and the ratio of the oxygen fluorescence to silicon RRS (resonant Raman scattering) intensities in the in‐house system. This paper presents the methodology for and the results of an oxygen quantification performed using the combined XRF/XPS surface analysis system. With a relative uncertainty of less than 10%, the average mass deposition of oxygen on the Si‐sphere was 133 ± 12 ng/cm2. The oxygen quantified via XRF is treated as a reference for the quantification of other elements on the surface layer. The quantification of carbon mass deposition in the surface layer in relation to the oxygen mass deposition is also described in this paper. The surface analysis system is part of our contribution to the realization and dissemination of the unit of the kilogram (based on its new definition) via the XRCD method.
Balkanisation in European Homicide Research
Authors: Liem Marieke
Published: September 2021

The past decade has seen a substantial growth of scholarly work on European homicide, combined with initiatives to systematically gather homicide data on a pan-European level. In this contribution, I will reflect on these initiatives, in particular on the construction of the European Homicide Monitor (EHM) and how it relates to other initiatives, such as the Balkan Homicide Study (BHS) described in the book at hand. To put initiatives such as the EHM and the BHS into empirical perspective, this contribution also provides an outline of prior and current research on homicide in Europe. Finally, I will reflect on some of the unique challenges that surround the empirical assessment of homicide in the Balkans.
Einleitung
Authors: Galle Marco
Published: September 2021

Die didaktische Gestaltung und die organisationale Struktur von Unterricht in Volksschulen bildeten im letzten Jahrhundert überwiegend eine Monokultur: Eine Lehrperson unterrichtete eine altershomogene Lerngruppe zur selben Zeit im selben Raum in einem eng geführten Klassenunterricht. In den letzten Jahrzehnten war jedoch ein teils umfassender Gestaltwandel zu beobachten: Zum Beispiel setzen Lehrpersonen vielfältige Lehr- und Lernformen ein, passen ihr Unterstützungsverhalten adaptiv an und entwickeln ihre Aufgabenkultur weiter, sodass die Schülerinnen und Schüler kognitiv anregende, motivierende Lernaufgaben zumindest teilweise selbstständig bearbeiten können. Zudem lassen sich in einigen Schulen umfassende Veränderungen in den organisationalen Unterrichtsstrukturen beobachten.
A multi-component SIMP model with U(1)X → Z2 × Z3
Authors: Choi Soo-Min , Kim Jinsu , Ko Pyungwon , Li Jinmian
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Multi-component dark matter scenarios are studied in the model with U(1)X dark gauge symmetry that is broken into its product subgroup Z2 × Z3 á la Krauss-Wilczek mechanism. In this setup, there exist two types of dark matter fields, X and Y, distinguished by different Z2 × Z3 charges. The real and imaginary parts of the Z2-charged field, XR and XI, get different masses from the U(1)X symmetry breaking. The field Y, which is another dark matter candidate due to the unbroken Z3 symmetry, belongs to the Strongly Interacting Massive Particle (SIMP)-type dark matter. Both XI and XR may contribute to Y’s 3 → 2 annihilation processes, opening a new class of SIMP models with a local dark gauge symmetry. Depending on the mass difference between XI and XR, we have either two-component or three-component dark matter scenarios. In particular two- or three-component SIMP scenarios can be realised not only for small mass difference between X and Y, but also for large mass hierarchy between them, which is a new and unique feature of the present model. We consider both theoretical and experimental constraints, and present four case studies of the multi-component dark matter scenarios.
Heavy neutral leptons in effective field theory and the high-luminosity LHC
Authors: Cottin Giovanna , Helo Juan Carlos , Hirsch Martin , Titov Arsenii , Wang Zeren Simon
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Heavy neutral leptons (HNLs) with masses around the electroweak scale are expected to be rather long-lived particles, as a result of the observed smallness of the active neutrino masses. In this work, we study long-lived HNLs in NRSMEFT, a Standard Model (SM) extension with singlet fermions to which we add non-renormalizable operators up to dimension-6. Operators which contain two HNLs can lead to a sizable enhancement of the production cross sections, compared to the minimal case where HNLs are produced only via their mixing with the SM neutrinos. We calculate the expected sensitivities for the ATLAS detector and the future far-detector experiments: AL3X, ANUBIS, CODEX-b, FASER, MATHUSLA, and MoEDAL-MAPP in this setup. The sensitive ranges of the HNL mass and of the active-heavy mixing angle are much larger than those in the minimal case. We study both, Dirac and Majorana, HNLs and discuss how the two cases actually differ phenomenologically, for HNL masses above roughly 100 GeV.
Bulk private curves require large conditional mutual information
Authors: May Alex
Published: September 2021

Abstract

We prove a theorem showing that the existence of “private” curves in the bulk of AdS implies two regions of the dual CFT share strong correlations. A private curve is a causal curve which avoids the entanglement wedge of a specified boundary region$$ \mathcal{U} $$U. The implied correlation is measured by the conditional mutual information$$ I\left({\mathcal{V}}_1:\left.{\mathcal{V}}_2\right|\mathcal{U}\right) $$IV1:V2U, which isO(1/GN) when a private causal curve exists. The regions$$ {\mathcal{V}}_1 $$V1and$$ {\mathcal{V}}_2 $$V2are specified by the endpoints of the causal curve and the placement of the region$$ \mathcal{U} $$U. This gives a causal perspective on the conditional mutual information in AdS/CFT, analogous to the causal perspective on the mutual information given by earlier work on the connected wedge theorem. We give an information theoretic argument for our theorem, along with a bulk geometric proof. In the geometric perspective, the theorem follows from the maximin formula and entanglement wedge nesting. In the information theoretic approach, the theorem follows from resource requirements for sending private messages over a public quantum channel.
Complementary means with respect to a nonsymmetric invariant mean
Authors: Matkowski Janusz
Published: September 2021

It is known that if a bivariate meanKis symmetric, continuous and strictly increasing in each variable, then for every meanMthere is a unique mean$$N\,$$Nsuch thatKis invariant with respect to the mean-type mapping$$\left( M,N\right) ,$$M,N,which means that$$K\circ \left( M,N\right) =K$$K∘M,N=KandNis called aK-complementary mean forM(Matkowski in Aequ Math 57(1):87–107, 1999). This paper extends this result for a large class of nonsymmetric means. As an application, the limits of the sequences of iterates of the related mean-type mappings are determined, which allows us to find all continuous solutions of some functional equations.
Leveraging human genetic data to investigate the cardiometabolic effects of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide signalling
Authors: Karhunen Ville , Daghlas Iyas , Zuber Verena , Vujkovic Marijana , Olsen Anette K. , Knudsen Lotte Bjerre , Haynes William G. , Howson Joanna M. M. , Gill Dipender
Published: September 2021

Aims/hypothesis

The aim of this study was to leverage human genetic data to investigate the cardiometabolic effects of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) signalling.

Methods

Data were obtained from summary statistics of large-scale genome-wide association studies. We examined whether genetic associations for type 2 diabetes liability in the GIP and GIPR genes co-localised with genetic associations for 11 cardiometabolic outcomes. For those outcomes that showed evidence of co-localisation (posterior probability >0.8), we performed Mendelian randomisation analyses to estimate the association of genetically proxied GIP signalling with risk of cardiometabolic outcomes, and to test whether this exceeded the estimate observed when considering type 2 diabetes liability variants from other regions of the genome.

Results

Evidence of co-localisation with genetic associations of type 2 diabetes liability at both the GIP and GIPR genes was observed for five outcomes. Mendelian randomisation analyses provided evidence for associations of lower genetically proxied type 2 diabetes liability at the GIP and GIPR genes with lower BMI (estimate in SD units −0.16, 95% CI −0.30, −0.02), C-reactive protein (−0.13, 95% CI −0.19, −0.08) and triacylglycerol levels (−0.17, 95% CI −0.22, −0.12), and higher HDL-cholesterol levels (0.19, 95% CI 0.14, 0.25). For all of these outcomes, the estimates were greater in magnitude than those observed when considering type 2 diabetes liability variants from other regions of the genome.

Conclusions/interpretation

This study provides genetic evidence to support a beneficial role of sustained GIP signalling on cardiometabolic health greater than that expected from improved glycaemic control alone. Further clinical investigation is warranted.

Data availability

All data used in this study are publicly available. The scripts for the analysis are available at: https://github.com/vkarhune/GeneticallyProxiedGIP.

Graphical abstract
The model-specific Markov embedding problem for symmetric group-based models
Authors: Ardiyansyah Muhammad , Kosta Dimitra , Kubjas Kaie
Published: September 2021

We study model embeddability, which is a variation of the famous embedding problem in probability theory, when apart from the requirement that the Markov matrix is the matrix exponential of a rate matrix, we additionally ask that the rate matrix follows the model structure. We provide a characterisation of model embeddable Markov matrices corresponding to symmetric group-based phylogenetic models. In particular, we provide necessary and sufficient conditions in terms of the eigenvalues of symmetric group-based matrices. To showcase our main result on model embeddability, we provide an application to hachimoji models, which are eight-state models for synthetic DNA. Moreover, our main result on model embeddability enables us to compute the volume of the set of model embeddable Markov matrices relative to the volume of other relevant sets of Markov matrices within the model.
Effekt von Gangjustierhilfen auf die Stabilisierung und Symmetrisierung des Gehens
Authors: Anders Christoph , Dürrschnabel Isabelle , Dürrschnabel Lutz
Published: September 2021

Hintergrund

Der Mensch hat im Laufe der Evolution den bipedalen Gang, verbunden mit entsprechenden funktionellen und morphologischen Anpassungsprozessen, entwickelt. Eine dieser Entwicklungen ist die Vergrößerung des Calcaneus, der bei korrekter Positionierung zur Verbesserung der Statik des gesamten Fußes beiträgt und in der Folge zu einer Symmetrisierung des Gangbilds führen kann.

Methodik

Um die Hypothese des Einflusses einer ausgelösten Kipprotation auf die Gangstatik zu überprüfen, wurden 29 gesunde, männliche Probanden randomisiert der Kontroll- (K) bzw. Interventionsgruppe (I) zugeordnet und während des Gehens auf einer instrumentierten Gehstrecke untersucht. Beide Gruppen wurden mit baugleichen Schuhen ausgestattet, in die bei der Interventionsgruppe eine seitengleich positionierte Gangjustierhilfe im medialen Rückfußbereich zur Auslösung einer Kipprotation des unteren Sprunggelenks eingebracht wurde. Alle Probanden wurden zu zwei Zeitpunkten im Abstand von 14 Tagen vor (U1, U3) und nach ihrer Arbeitsschicht (Spätschicht; U2, U4) untersucht. Es wurden ausgewählte, bewährte ganganalytische Parameter und die muskuläre Aktivität eines antagonistischen Muskelpaars am Unterschenkel beidseitig erfasst. Die Analyse der Muskelaktivität erfolgte im Seitenvergleich mithilfe von Kokontraktions- und Symmetrieindizes während der mittleren Standphase des Gangzyklus.

Ergebnisse

Die Ganganalyseparameter wiesen für die laterale Verlagerung tendenziell geringere Werte in der Interventionsgruppe auf (U4 K: 4,4, I: 2,3). Für die analysierte Muskelaktivität (Elektromyographie) konnte eine signifikant geringere Seitendifferenz in der Interventionsgruppe nach der Arbeitsschicht identifiziert werden (U4 K: 26,2, I: 13,7, p = 0,02).

Schlussfolgerung

Es ergeben sich deutliche Hinweise darauf, dass die durch die verwendete Gangjustierhilfe erfolgte Beeinflussung des unteren Sprunggelenks zu einer Harmonisierung des Gangbilds beiträgt. Damit können die Stand- und Gangsicherheit verbessert werden.
Measurement of the retinal venous pressure with a new instrument in healthy subjects
Authors: Stodtmeister Richard , Wetzk Emilie , Herber Robert , Pillunat Karin R. , Pillunat Lutz E.
Published: September 2021

Background

The retinal venous pressure (RVP) is a determining factor for the blood supply of the retina as well as the optic nerve head and until recently has been measured by contact lens dynamometry (CLD). A new method has been developed, potentially offering better acceptance. The applicability and the results of both methods were compared.

Methods

The type of this study is cross sectional. The subjects were 36 healthy volunteers, age 26 ± 5 years (mean ± s). Tonometry: rebound tonometer (RT) (iCare). The measurements were performed during an increase in airway pressure of 20 mmHg (Valsalva manoeuvre). Principle of RVP measurement: the central retinal vein (CRV) is observed during an increase of intraocular pressure (IOP) and at the start of pulsation, which corresponds with the RVP. Two different instruments for the IOP enhancement where used: contact lens dynamometry and the new instrument, IOPstim. Principle: a deflated balloon of 8 mm diameter—placed on the sclera laterally of the cornea—is filled with air. As soon as a venous pulsation occurs, filling is stopped and the IOP is measured, equalling the RVP. Examination procedure: randomization of the sequence: CLD or IOPstim, IOP, mydriasis, IOP three single measurements (SM) of the IOP with RT or of the pressure increase with CLD at an airway pressure of 20 mmHg, 5 min break, IOP, and three SM using the second method at equal pressure (20 mmHg).

Results

Spontaneous pulsation of the CRV was present in all 36 subjects. Pressures are given in mmHg. IOP in mydriasis 15.6 ± 3.3 (m ± s). Median RVP (MRVP)) of the three SM: CLD/IOPstim, 37.7 ± 5.2/24.7 ± 4.8 (t test: p < 0.001). Range of SM: 3.2 ± 1.8/2.9 ± 1.3 (t test: p = 0.36). Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of SM: 0.88/0.83. ANOVA in SM: p = 0.48/0.08. MRVP CLD minus MRVP IOPstim: 13.0 ± 5.6. Ratio MRVP CLD/MRVP IOPstim: 1.56 ± 3.1. Cooperation and agreeability were slightly better with the IOPstim.

Conclusion

This first study with the IOPstim in humans was deliberately performed in healthy volunteers using Valsalva conditions. As demonstrated by ICC and ANOVA, reproducible SM can be obtained by both methods and the range of the SM does not differ greatly. The higher MRVP in CLD could be explained by the different directions of the force vectors.
Income and conversion handicaps: estimating the impact of child chronic illness/disability on family income and the extra cost of child chronic illness/child disability in Ireland using a standard of living approach
Authors: Roddy Áine
Published: September 2021

Child chronic illness/ disability can present significant challenges for children, families and society that require appropriate policy responses; yet little is known about the demands placed on families resources from an economics perspective in terms of its impact on household income and the extra income required to achieve the same standard of living as families who do not have a child with a chronic illness/disability. The paper uses data from theGrowing Up in Ireland National surveydataset for nine year olds. It is the first study to empirically investigate the impact of child chronic illness/disability on earnings, standard of living and the extra cost of disability together. It is also the first study to explicitly address endogeneity in the standard of living model by using a two-stage process where residuals were harvested to provide efficient estimates. The findings show that families experience significant disadvantage and economic hardship due to reduced household income and a lower standard of living due to the extra cost of disability that would require considerable income to compensate. Policy implications of these findings suggest that a tiered approach to disability support payments which encompass broader criteria for inclusion based on varying severity levels be introduced to alleviate the financial hardship and compromised economic wellbeing of families affected. In addition, more innovative policies are required to implement appropriate timely access to health and social care services and flexi parental employment, which in turn requires the provision of adequate access to high quality educational and care facilities.
Transcriptome analysis of North American sweet birch (Betula lenta) revealed a higher expression of genes involved in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites than European silver birch (B. pendula)
Authors: Singewar Kiran , Kersten Birgit , Moschner Christian R. , Hartung Eberhard , Fladung Matthias
Published: September 2021

The North American Betula lenta L. (sweet birch) has been used for medicinal reasons for centuries by native Americans. Although sophisticated technologies have rapidly been developed, a large information gap has been observed regarding genetic regulators of medicinally important compounds in sweet birch. Very little is known on the different genes involved in secondary metabolic biosynthesis in sweet birch. To gain a deeper insight into genetic factors, we performed a transcriptome analysis of each three biological samples from different independent trees of sweet and European silver birch (B. pendula Roth). This allowed us to precisely quantify the transcripts of about 24,000 expressed genes including 29 prominent candidate genes putatively involved in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites like terpenoids, and aromatic benzoic acids. A total number of 597 genes were differentially expressed between B. lenta and B. pendula, while 264 and 210 genes showed upregulation in the bark and leaf of B. lenta, respectively. Moreover, we identified 39 transcriptional regulatory elements, involved in secondary metabolite biosynthesis, upregulated in B. lenta. Our study demonstrated the potential of RNA sequencing to identify candidate genes interacting in secondary metabolite biosynthesis in sweet birch. The candidate genes identified in this study could be subjected to genetic engineering to functionally characterize them in sweet birch. This knowledge can be beneficial to the increase of therapeutically important compounds.
Resident vascular endothelial progenitor definition and function: the age of reckoning
Authors: Dight James , Zhao Jilai , Styke Cassandra , Khosrotehrani Kiarash , Patel Jatin
Published: September 2021

The cardiovascular system is composed around the central function of the endothelium that lines the inner surfaces of its vessels. In recent years, the existence of a progenitor population within the endothelium has been validated through the study of endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs) in human peripheral blood and certain vascular beds. However, our knowledge on endothelial populations in vivo that can give rise to ECFCs in culture has been limited. In this review we report and analyse recent attempts at describing progenitor populations in vivo from murine studies that reflect the self-renewal and stemness capacity observed in ECFCs. We pinpoint seminal discoveries within the field, which have phenotypically defined, and functionally scrutinised these endothelial progenitors. Furthermore, we review recent publications utilising single-cell sequencing technologies to better understand the endothelium in homeostasis and pathology.
A novel self-learning weighted fuzzy local information clustering algorithm integrating local and non-local spatial information for noise image segmentation
Authors: Song Qiuyu , Wu Chengmao , Tian Xiaoping , Song Yue , Guo Xiaokang
Published: September 2021

Fuzzy clustering algorithm (FCM) can be directly used to segment images, it takes no account of the neighborhood information of the current pixel and does not have a robust segmentation noise suppression. Fuzzy Local Information C-means Clustering (FLICM) is a widely used robust segmentation algorithm, which combines spatial information with the membership degree of adjacent pixels. In order to further improve the robustness of FLICM algorithm, non-local information is embedded into FLICM algorithm and a fuzzy C-means clustering algorithm has local and non-local information (FLICMLNLI) is obtained. When calculating distance from pixel to cluster center, FLICMLNLI algorithm considers two distances from current pixel and its neighborhood pixels to cluster center. However, the algorithm gives the same weight to two different distances, which incorrectly magnifies the importance of neighborhood information in calculating the distance, resulting in unsatisfactory image segmentation effects and loss of image details. In order to solve this problem, we raise an improved self-learning weighted fuzzy algorithm, which directly obtains different weights in distance calculation through continuous iterative self-learning, then the distance metric with the weights obtained from self-learning is embedded in the objective function of the fuzzy clustering algorithm in order to improve the segmentation performance and robustness of the algorithm. A large number of experiments on different types of images show that the algorithm can not only suppress the noise but also retain the details in the image, the effect of segmenting complex noise images is better, and it provides better image segmentation results than the existing latest fuzzy clustering algorithms.
Upwelling of Deep-seated Fluid in the Sikhote-Alin Region, Far East of the Eurasian Plate
Authors: Nakamura Hitomi , Iwamori Hikaru , Morikawa Noritoshi , Kharitonova Natalia , Chelnokov Georgy , Bragin Ivan , Chang Qing
Published: September 2021

Spring waters with high-pCO2 content are widely distributed in the Sikhote-Alin region in Russia. Mukhen spa is one such spring located in the northern Sikhote-Alin region. This spa has two types of upwelling spring waters and exhibits distinct chemical signatures. One of the springs originates from a shallow aquifer and features hydrogen and oxygen isotopic ratios of meteoric water with a high 3He/4He ratio, whereas the other originates from a deeper aquifer and features a distinctly negative δ18O with a lower 3He/4He ratio. To understand this apparent discrepancy and the water circulation dynamics beneath Mukhen springs, we utilized all published data concerning the major solute elements and isotopic ratios of Mukhen spring waters and compared them with the He isotopic compositions on several springs in the far eastern region, which are newly analyzed in this study. The results show that the shallow aquifer comprises meteoric water that interacts with the crust enhanced by the gas component welling up from deep underground, while the fluid in deep aquifer fingerprinted the hydration reaction of silicate and involves a mantle component possibly delivered by a deep-seated fluid and/or gas upwelling along the tectonic fault through the western margin of the Sikhote-Alin region.
Genomic profiling using the UltraSEEK panel identifies discordancy between paired primary and breast cancer brain metastases and an association with brain metastasis-free survival
Authors: Giannoudis Athina , Sartori Alexander , Eastoe Lee , Zakaria Rasheed , Charlton Christopher , Hickson Nicholas , Platt-Higgins Angela , Rudland Philip S. , Irwin Darryl , Jenkinson Michael D. , Palmieri Carlo
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Brain metastases (BM) are an increasing clinical problem. This study aimed to assess paired primary breast cancers (BC) and BM for aberrations within TP53, PIK3CA, ESR1, ERBB2 and AKT utilising the MassARRAY® UltraSEEK® technology (Agena Bioscience, San Diego, USA).

Methods

DNA isolated from 32 paired primary BCs and BMs was screened using the custom UltraSEEK® Breast Cancer Panel. Data acquisition and analysis was performed by the Agena Bioscience Typer software v4.0.26.74.

Results

Mutations were identified in 91% primary BCs and 88% BM cases. TP53, AKT1, ESR1, PIK3CA and ERBB2 genes were mutated in 68.8%, 37.5%, 31.3%, 28.1% and 3.1% respectively of primary BCs and in 59.4%, 37.5%, 28.1%, 28.1% and 3.1% respectively of BMs. Differences in the mutations within the 5 genes between BC and paired BM were identified in 62.5% of paired cases. In primary BCs, ER-positive/HER2-negative cases harboured the most mutations (70%), followed by ER-positive/HER2-positive (15%) and triple-negatives (13.4%), whereas in BMs, the highest number of mutations was observed in triple-negative (52.5%), followed by ER-positive/HER2-negative (35.6%) and ER-negative/HER2-positive (12%). There was a significant association between the number of mutations in the primary BC and breast-to-brain metastasis-free survival (p = 0.0001) but not with overall survival (p = 0.056).

Conclusion

These data demonstrate the discordancy between primary BC and BM, as well as the presence of clinically important, actionable mutations in BCBM. The UltraSEEK® Breast Cancer Panel provides a tool for BCBM that can be utilised to direct more tailored treatment decisions and for clinical studies investigating targeted agents.
Intergenerational continuity of crime among children of organized crime offenders in the Netherlands
Authors: van Dijk Meintje , Eichelsheim Veroni , Kleemans Edward , Soudijn Melvin , van de Weijer Steve
Published: September 2021

As existing literature on intergenerational continuity of criminal behavior is mainly based on data on ‘general’ offenders and their children, the current study aims to improve our knowledge by looking at intergenerational continuity of crime among a national sample of children of organized crime offenders. Judicial data on all (N= 478) offenders convicted of organized crime in the Netherlands (in the period 2008 - 2014) and their children were used to study offspring’s involvement in crime. In addition, a comparison group was selected from the entire population in the Netherlands to examine the relative risk of offending. Results show that almost half of the children of organized crime offenders have a criminal record. Sons are significantly more at risk of offending and this risk also increases strongly by age. Furthermore, the results show the strongest intergenerational relation for violent crimes. Gender of the convicted parent and timing of parental crime also seem to play a role in the continuity. With regard to the relative risk of offending, the results show that children of convicted organized crime offenders are three times more at risk of offending compared to children in the comparison group, even after controlling for the number of parental crimes. In sum, there is a substantial risk of intergenerational continuity of criminal behavior among children of organized crime offenders. Future research would benefit from focusing on how criminal behavior in these specific families is transmitted to future generations.
Advanced computational technique based on kriging and Polynomial Chaos Expansion for structural stability of mechanical systems with uncertainties
Authors: Denimal E. , Sinou J.-J.
Published: September 2021

In this paper, a numerical strategy based on the combination of the kriging approach and the Polynomial Chaos Expansion (PCE) is proposed for the prediction of buckling loads due to random geometric imperfections and fluctuations in material properties of a mechanical system. The original computational approach is applied on a beam simply supported at both ends by rigid supports and by one punctual spring whose location and stiffness vary. The beam is subjected to a deterministic axial compression load. The PCE-kriging meta-modelling approach is employed to efficiently perform a parametric analysis with random geometrical and material properties. The approach proved to be computationally efficient in terms of number of model evaluations and in terms of computational time to predict accurately the buckling loads of a beam system. It is demonstrated that the buckling loads are substantially impacted not only by both the location and the stiffness of the spring, but also by the random parameters.
A purposeful approach for measuring greenhouse gas emissions of material flow accounts for the accomplishment of territorial sustainable development and cultural economy goals on climate. The case of the Basque Country
Authors: Larrea Basterra Macarena , Alvaro-Hermana Roberto , Ceular-Villamandos Nuria , Muniz Noel M.
Published: September 2021

This study aims at developing a purposeful approach for estimating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and its possible use to recreate alternative scenarios that might potentially facilitate the attainment of the material productivity (MP) ratio needed for achieving territorial sustainable development (SDGs) and circular economy goals on climate. The propounded method associates these two key concepts (GHG-MP) with the domestic material consumption (DMC) and international trade of materials, including product life cycle emissions in the overarching GHG total estimation. Developed utilizing the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and diverse data, linked to the suggested scheme, from the Basque Country (Spain), this work also relies its scientific foundation upon leading literature in this field to align territorial models of production and consumption with a more localized measurement of GHG emissions. According to its results, the emissions estimated allow advising more contextualized scenarios for the potential achievement of local MP target indicator, when expressed as the amount of economic output―based on gross domestic product (GDP)—generated per unit of materials consumed and traded―in terms of DMC. From a theoretical perspective, this work contributes to the local strategic management of circular economy research and 2030 Agenda, particularly on the subject of measuring progress in the achievement of territorial climate and circular economy goals. From a utilitarian perspective, the findings comprise promising implications for both multilevel policy makers and public/private organizations that further sustainable development and actions against climate change.
To be or not to be a technical university: organisational categories as reference points in higher education
Authors: Geschwind Lars , Broström Anders
Published: September 2021

Classifications of higher education institutions into categories that are more or less clearly differentiated through prestige and status are legion in the world of higher education. The notion of parallel categories with comparable statuses, such as those of different types of universities, is however much less well understood. This paper investigates how universities navigate between such alternative categories. We examine boundary work and institutional change involving Swedish higher education institutions with significant activity in engineering sciences in order to analyse how actors relate to ideas regarding the category ‘technical university’ as an ideal potentially distinct from that of the broad, comprehensive university. Analysis of two cases in the second half of the twentieth century shows that for engineering faculty, a focused technical university was an attractive alternative to the institutional model of the broad university. In contrast, analysis of two twenty-first-century cases suggests that aspirations to be recognised as a technical university were largely driven by adaption to external stakeholders’ interests. We discuss these findings in light of the emergence of the global hegemonic category ‘research university’. We also suggest that the organisational identity of a HEI may be tied to ideas about an organisational category through imprinting and path dependency. Moreover, we propose that changes over time in how categories are perceived may serve as an impetus to organisational change.
From Someone Who May Cause Trouble to Someone You Can Play With: Stakeholders' Perspectives on Preschool Program Quality for Autistic Children
Authors: Bejnö Hampus , Bölte Sven , Linder Nina , Långh Ulrika , Odom Samuel L. , Roll-Pettersson Lise
Published: September 2021

In Sweden, young autistic children typically attend community-based preschool programs, which may not be adapted to their needs. In the current study, stakeholders to autistic children receiving Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention were interviewed following a quasi-randomized study (#NCT03634761) aimed at improving the preschool program quality using the Swedish version of the Autism Program Environment Rating Scale (APERS). Stakeholders provided their perceptions and experiences concerning key factors for high quality preschool programs as well as well as their experiences of the abovementioned APERS study. Applying thematic analysis, stakeholder groups differed in what they emphasized, but all highlighted staff’s competence, children’s inclusion and participation, collaboration, and the learning environment as key program areas that had been positively influenced by the APERS-based intervention.
Thorsmoerkia curvula gen. et spec. nov. (Trebouxiophyceae, Chlorophyta), a semi-terrestrial microalga from Iceland exhibits high levels of unsaturated fatty acids
Authors: Nicoletti Cecilia , Procházková Lenka , Nedbalová Linda , Mócsai Réka , Altmann Friedrich , Holzinger Andreas , Remias Daniel
Published: September 2021

A terrestrial green alga was isolated at Iceland, and the strain (SAG 2627) was described for its morphology and phylogenetic position and tested for biotechnological capabilities. Cells had a distinctly curved, crescent shape with conical poles and a single parietal chloroplast. Phylogenetic analyses of 18S rDNA andrbcL markers placed the strain into the Trebouxiophyceae (Chlorophyta). The alga turned out to belong to an independent lineage without an obvious sister group within the Trebouxiophyceae. Based on morphological and phylogenetic data, the strain was described as a new genus and species,Thorsmoerkia curvulagen. et sp. nov. Biomass was generated in column reactors and subsequently screened for promising metabolites. Growth was optimized by pH-regulated, episodic CO2supplement during the logarithmic growth-phase, and half of the biomass was thereafter exposed to nitrogen and phosphate depletion. The biomass yield reached up to 53.5 mg L−1 day−1. Fatty acid (FA) production peaked at 24 mg L−1 day−1and up to 83% of all FAs were unsaturated. At the end of the log phase, approximately 45% of dry mass were lipids, including eicosapentaenoic acid. Carotenoid production reached up to 2.94 mg L−1 day−1but it was halted during the stress phase. The N-linked glycans of glycoproteins were assessed to reveal chemotaxonomic patterns. The study demonstrated that new microalgae can be found at Iceland, potentially suitable for applied purposes. The advantage ofT. curvulais its robustness and that significant amounts of lipids are already accumulated during log phase, making a subsequent stress exposure dispensable.