bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two-step staged resection of giant olfactory groove meningiomas
Authors: Marquardt Gerhard , Quick-Weller Johanna , Tritt Stephanie , Baumgarten Peter , Senft Christian , Seifert Volker
Published: August 2021

Background

The surgical treatment of giant olfactory groove meningiomas (OGMs) with marked perilesional brain oedema is still a surgical challenge. After tumour resection, increase of brain oedema may occur causing dramatic neurological deterioration and even death of the patient. The objective of this paper is to describe surgical features of a two-step staged resection of these tumours performed to counter increase of postoperative brain oedema.

Methods

This two-step staged resection procedure was carried out in a consecutive series of 19 patients harbouring giant OGMs. As first step, a bifrontal craniectomy was performed followed by a right-sided interhemispherical approach. About 80% of the tumour mass was resected leaving behind a shell-shaped tumour remnant. In the second step, carried out after the patients’ recovery from the first surgery and decline of oedema, the remaining part of the tumour was removed completely followed by duro- and cranioplasty.

Results

Ten patients recovered quickly from first surgery and the second operation was performed after a mean of 12.4 days. In eight patients, the second operation was carried out later between day 25 and 68 due to surgery-related complications, development of a trigeminal zoster, or to a persisting frontal brain oedema. Mean follow-up was 49.3 months and all but one patient had a good outcome regardless of surgery-related complications.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that a two-step staged resection of giant OGMs minimizes the increase of postoperative brain oedema as far as possible and translates into lower morbidity and mortality.
Ruthenium-based PACT agents based on bisquinoline chelates: synthesis, photochemistry, and cytotoxicity
Authors: Busemann Anja , Flaspohler Ingrid , Zhou Xue-Quan , Schmidt Claudia , Goetzfried Sina K. , van Rixel Vincent H. S. , Ott Ingo , Siegler Maxime A. , Bonnet Sylvestre
Published: August 2021

The known ruthenium complex [Ru(tpy)(bpy)(Hmte)](PF6)2 ([1](PF6)2, where tpy = 2,2’:6’,2″-terpyridine, bpy = 2,2’-bipyridine, Hmte = 2-(methylthio)ethanol) is photosubstitutionally active but non-toxic to cancer cells even upon light irradiation. In this work, the two analogs complexes [Ru(tpy)(NN)(Hmte)](PF6)2, where NN = 3,3'-biisoquinoline (i-biq, [2](PF6)2) and di(isoquinolin-3-yl)amine (i-Hdiqa, [3](PF6)2), were synthesized and their photochemistry and phototoxicity evaluated to assess their suitability as photoactivated chemotherapy (PACT) agents. The increase of the aromatic surface of [2](PF6)2 and [3](PF6)2, compared to [1](PF6)2, leads to higher lipophilicity and higher cellular uptake for the former complexes. Such improved uptake is directly correlated to the cytotoxicity of these compounds in the dark: while [2](PF6)2 and [3](PF6)2 showed low EC50 values in human cancer cells, [1](PF6)2 is not cytotoxic due to poor cellular uptake. While stable in the dark, all complexes substituted the protecting thioether ligand upon light irradiation (520 nm), with the highest photosubstitution quantum yield found for [3](PF6)2 (Φ[3] = 0.070). Compounds [2](PF6)2 and [3](PF6)2 were found both more cytotoxic after light activation than in the dark, with a photo index of 4. Considering the very low singlet oxygen quantum yields of these compounds, and the lack of cytotoxicity of the photoreleased Hmte thioether ligand, it can be concluded that the toxicity observed after light activation is due to the photoreleased aqua complexes [Ru(tpy)(NN)(OH2)]2+, and thus that [2](PF6)2 and [3](PF6)2 are promising PACT candidates.

Graphic abstract
Assessment of Extrapolation Relations of Displacement Speed for Detailed Chemistry Direct Numerical Simulation Database of Statistically Planar Turbulent Premixed Flames
Authors: Chakraborty Nilanjan , Herbert Alexander , Ahmed Umair , Im Hong G. , Klein Markus
Published: August 2021

A three-dimensional Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) database of statistically planar$$H_{2} -$$H2-air turbulent premixed flames with an equivalence ratio of 0.7 spanning a large range of Karlovitz number has been utilised to assess the performances of the extrapolation relations, which approximate the stretch rate and curvature dependences of density-weighted displacement speed$$S_{d}^{*}$$Sd∗. It has been found that the correlation between$$S_{d}^{*}$$Sd∗and curvature remains negative and a significantly non-linear interrelation between$$S_{d}^{*}$$Sd∗and stretch rate has been observed for all cases considered here. Thus, an extrapolation relation, which assumes a linear stretch rate dependence of density-weighted displacement speed has been found to be inadequate. However, an alternative extrapolation relation, which assumes a linear curvature dependence of$$S_{d}^{*}$$Sd∗but allows for a non-linear stretch rate dependence of$$S_{d}^{*}$$Sd∗, has been found to be more successful in capturing local behaviour of the density-weighted displacement speed. The extrapolation relations, which express$$S_{d}^{*}$$Sd∗as non-linear functions of either curvature or stretch rate, have been found to capture qualitatively the non-linear curvature and stretch rate dependences of$$S_{d}^{*}$$Sd∗more satisfactorily than the linear extrapolation relations. However, the improvement comes at the cost of additional tuning parameter. The Markstein lengthsLMfor all the extrapolation relations show dependence on the choice of reaction progress variable definition and for some extrapolation relationsLMalso varies with the value of reaction progress variable. The predictions of an extrapolation relation which involve solving a non-linear equation in terms of stretch rate have been found to be sensitive to the initial guess value, whereas a high order polynomial-based extrapolation relation may lead to overshoots and undershoots. Thus, a recently proposed extrapolation relation based on the analysis of simple chemistry DNS data, which explicitly accounts for the non-linear curvature dependence of the combined reaction and normal diffusion components of$$S_{d}^{*}$$Sd∗, has been shown to exhibit promising predictions of$$S_{d}^{*}$$Sd∗for all cases considered here.
Indigenous People, Organized Crime and Natural Resources: Borders, Incentives and Relations
Authors: van Uhm Daan P. , Grigore Ana G.
Published: August 2021

This article explores the relationship between theEmberá–WounaanandAkhaIndigenous people and organized crime groups vying for control over natural resources in the Darién Gap of East Panama and West Colombia and the Golden Triangle (the area where the borders of Laos, Myanmar (Burma), and Thailand meet), respectively. From a southern green criminological perspective, we consider how organized crime groups trading in natural resources value Indigenous knowledge. We also examine the continued victimization of Indigenous people in relation to environmental harm and the tension between Indigenous peoples’ ecocentric values and the economic incentives presented to them for exploiting nature. By looking at the history of the coloniality and the socioeconomic context of these Indigenous communities, this article generates a discussion about the social framing of the Indigenous people as both victims and offenders in the illegal trade in natural resources, particularly considering the types of relationships established with dominant criminal groups present in their ancestral lands.
Physics is Organized Around Transformations Connecting Contextures in a Polycontextural World
Authors: Falk Johannes , Eichler Edwin , Windt Katja , Hütt Marc-Thorsten
Published: August 2021

The rich body of physical theories defines the foundation of our understanding of the world. Its mathematical formulation is based on classical Aristotelian (binary) logic. In the philosophy of science the ambiguities, paradoxes, and the possibility of subjective interpretations of facts have challenged binary logic, leading, among other developments, to Gotthard Günther’s theory of polycontexturality (often also termed ’transclassical logic’). Günther’s theory explains how observers with subjective perception can become aware of their own subjectivity and provides means to describe contradicting or even paradox observations in a logically sound formalism. Here we summarize the formalism behind Günther’s theory and apply it to two well-known examples from physics where different observers operate in distinct and only locally valid logical systems. Using polycontextural logic we show how the emerging awareness of these limitations of logical systems entails the design of mathematical transformations, which then become an integral part of the theory. In our view, this approach offers a novel perspective on the structure of physical theories and, at the same time, emphasizes the relevance of the theory of polycontexturality in modern sciences.
Long-term effects and cost-benefit analysis of eight spawning gravel augmentations for Atlantic salmon and Brown trout in Norway
Authors: Pulg Ulrich , Lennox Robert J. , Stranzl Sebastian , Espedal Espen O. , Gabrielsen Sven Erik , Wiers Tore , Velle Gaute , Hauer Christoph , Dønnum Bjørn Otto , Barlaup Bjørn T.
Published: August 2021

River regulation alters flow and sediment regime, habitat availability, and ultimately the ecological functioning of rivers. Various restoration and mitigation measures have been developed to improve ecological function, and among them is the addition of gravel to enhance the reproduction of gravel bed spawning fishes. However, information on long-term efficiency, costs, and maintenance needs of gravel additions are scarce. Here, we study the functioning of gravel additions at eight sites in three rivers in western Norway for up to 18 years. Gravel was added between 2002 and 2010 to enhance spawning of Atlantic salmon and anadromous Brown trout. We monitored changes in the size of the gravel-covered areas, sediment composition, interstitial oxygen, egg survival, and juvenile fish densities. Additionally, we report monetary costs, identify potential maintenance needs, and calculate a cost-benefit ratio. Juvenile densities of Atlantic salmon and Brown trout increased significantly after the gravel augmentations. After 10–18 years, the median egg survival was still high (> 90%) and sediment conditions were still suitable for salmonid fish reproduction. The areas were, however, shrinking across time (median area reduction 26%), mostly caused by scouring of gravel in the steep, supply-limited, and partly regulated rivers. The average construction costs of spawning gravel augmentations were 11.2 NOK (1.12 €) m−2year−1. Compared to similar measures elsewhere, the measures have had a long life span (up to 18 years) at relatively low costs. Gravel augmentation was concluded to be a successful management measure that contributed to significantly increased Atlantic salmon and Brown trout reproduction.
Comparative study on the influence of surface characteristics on de-icing evaluation
Authors: Memon Halar , Mirshahidi Kiana , Zarasvand Kamran Alasvand , Golovin Kevin , De Focatiis Davide S. A. , Choi Kwing-So , Hou Xianghui
Published: August 2021

A comparative study of de-icing evaluation methods was conducted in this work, and their variations in response to surface characteristics were investigated. The mechanical de-icing measurements include centrifugal, push, and tensile methods. The centrifugal and the horizontal push (shear) methods suggested a linear relationship of ice adhesion strength with surface roughness, whereas the tensile (normal) method indicated an inverse curvilinear relationship with contact angle hysteresis. A partial correlation of contact angle hysteresis on the shear-based methods was also indicated over a specified range of surface roughness. Further attempts were also made on 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorooctyltriethoxysilane-coated surfaces, and the ice adhesion indicated a clear reduction in the normal de-icing method, whereas the shear-based methods did not show a considerable change in ice adhesion, highlighting their mechanical forces-centric response. Lastly, a further evaluation using a hybrid de-icing method was conducted, to verify the influence of surface characteristics on ice removal involving heating, which demonstrated a partial correlation of energy consumption with the ice adhesion strength over a specified range of surface roughness. The results obtained in this study provide crucial information on the influence of surface characteristics on ice adhesion and offer material-dependent correlations of the popular de-icing evaluation methods. The conclusions could be applied to define an appropriate testing method for the evaluation of icephobic surfaces and coatings.

Graphical abstract
Quercetin modified electrospun PHBV fibrous scaffold enhances cartilage regeneration
Authors: Chen Wei , Li Yongsheng , Huang Yuting , Dai Yao , Xi Tingfei , Zhou Zheng , Liu Hairong
Published: August 2021

It suggests that the poly (3-hydroxybutyric acid-co-3-hydroxyvaleric acid) (PHBV) scaffold can be used for cartilage tissue engineering, but PHBV is short of bioactivity that is required for cartilage regeneration. To fabricate a bioactive cartilage tissue engineering scaffold that promotes cartilage regeneration, quercetin (QUE) modified PHBV (PHBV-g-QUE) fibrous scaffolds were prepared by a two-step surface modification method. The PHBV-g-QUE fibrous scaffold facilitates the growth of chondrocytes and maintains chondrocytic phenotype resulting from the upregulation of SOX9, COL II, and ACAN. The PHBV-g-QUE fibrous scaffold inhibited apoptosis of chondrocyte and reduced oxidative stress of chondrocytes by regulating the transcription of related genes. Following PHBV-g-QUE fibrous scaffolds and PHBV fibrous scaffolds with adhered chondrocytes were implanted into nude mice for 4 weeks, it demonstrated that PHBV-g-QUE fibrous scaffolds significantly promoted cartilage regeneration compared with the PHBV fibrous scaffolds. Hence, it suggests that the PHBV-g-QUE fibrous scaffold can be potentially applied in the clinical treatment of cartilage defects in the future.
Mammary Development and Breast Cancer: a Notch Perspective
Authors: Chen Weizhen , Wei Wei , Yu Liya , Ye Zi , Huang Fujing , Zhang Liyan , Hu Shiqi , Cai Cheguo
Published: August 2021

Mammary gland development primarily occurs postnatally, and this unique process is complex and regulated by systemic hormones and local growth factors. The mammary gland is also a highly dynamic organ that undergoes profound changes at puberty and during the reproductive cycle. These changes are driven by mammary stem cells (MaSCs). Breast cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer-related death in women. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play prominent roles in tumor initiation, drug resistance, tumor recurrence, and metastasis. The highly conserved Notch signaling pathway functions as a key regulator of the niche mediating mammary organogenesis and breast neoplasia. In this review, we discuss mechanisms by which Notch contributes to breast carcinoma pathology and suggest potentials for therapeutic targeting of Notch in breast cancer. In summary, we provide a comprehensive overview of Notch functions in regulating MaSCs, mammary development, and breast cancer.
Qualitative properties and relations
Authors: Plate Jan
Published: August 2021

This paper is concerned with two concepts of qualitativeness that apply to intensional entities (i.e., properties, relations, and states of affairs). I propose an account ofpurequalitativeness that largely follows the traditional understanding established by Carnap, and try to shed light on its ontological presuppositions. On this account, an intensional entity is purely qualitative iff it does not ‘involve’ any particular (i.e., anything that is not an intensional entity). An alternative notion of qualitativeness—which I propose to refer to as a concept ofstrictqualitativeness—has recently been introduced by Chad Carmichael. However, Carmichael’s definition presupposes a highly fine-grained conception of properties and relations. To eliminate this presupposition, I tentatively suggest a different definition that rests on a concept ofperspicuous denotation. In the penultimate section, both concepts of qualitativeness are put to work in distinguishing between different ‘grades’ of qualitative discriminability.
Genealogical Solutions to the Problem of Critical Distance: Political Theory, Contextualism and the case of Punishment in Transitional Scenarios
Authors: Testini Francesco
Published: August 2021

In this paper, I argue that one approach to normative political theory, namely contextualism, can benefit from a specific kind of historical inquiry, namely genealogy, because the latter provides a solution to a deep-seated problem for the former. This problem consists in a lack of critical distance and originates from the justificatory role that contextualist approaches attribute to contextual facts. I compare two approaches to genealogical reconstruction, namely the historiographical method pioneered by Foucault and the hybrid method of pragmatic genealogy as practiced by Bernard Williams, arguing that they both ensure an increase in critical distance while preserving contextualism’s distinctiveness. I also show, however, that only the latter provides normative action-guidance and can thus assist the contextualist theorist in the crucial task of discerning how far certain contextual facts deserve their justificatory role. I prove this point by showing how a pragmatic genealogy of the practice of punishment can inform the contextualist’s reflection about the role this practice should play in a transitional scenario, i.e. in the set of circumstances societies go through in the aftermath of large-scale violence and human rights violations.
Bayesian inference for continuous-time hidden Markov models with an unknown number of states
Authors: Luo Yu , Stephens David A.
Published: August 2021

We consider the modeling of data generated by a latent continuous-time Markov jump process with a state space of finite but unknown dimensions. Typically in such models, the number of states has to be pre-specified, and Bayesian inference for a fixed number of states has not been studied until recently. In addition, although approaches to address the problem for discrete-time models have been developed, no method has been successfully implemented for the continuous-time case. We focus on reversible jump Markov chain Monte Carlo which allows the trans-dimensional move among different numbers of states in order to perform Bayesian inference for the unknown number of states. Specifically, we propose an efficient split-combine move which can facilitate the exploration of the parameter space, and demonstrate that it can be implemented effectively at scale. Subsequently, we extend this algorithm to the context of model-based clustering, allowing numbers of states and clusters both determined during the analysis. The model formulation, inference methodology, and associated algorithm are illustrated by simulation studies. Finally, we apply this method to real data from a Canadian healthcare system in Quebec.
Associations Between Industry Payments to Physicians for Antiplatelet Drugs and Utilization of Cardiac Procedures and Stents
Authors: Yanagisawa Mao , Blumenthal Daniel M. , Kato Hirotaka , Inoue Kosuke , Tsugawa Yusuke
Published: August 2021

Background

A study has shown that industry payments to physicians for drugs are associated not only with higher drug prescriptions but also with higher non-drug costs due to additional utilization of healthcare services. However, the association between industry payments to cardiologists for antiplatelet drugs and the costs and number of percutaneous coronary interventions they perform has not been investigated.

Objective

To examine the association between industry payments to cardiologists for antiplatelet drugs and the costs and number of percutaneous coronary interventions they perform.

Design

Using the 2016 Open Payments Database linked to the 2017 Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment Data, we examined the association between the value of industry payments related to the antiplatelet drugs prasugrel and ticagrelor and healthcare spending and volume for cardiovascular procedures, adjusted for potential cofounders.

Subjects

A total of 7456 cardiologists who performed diagnostic cardiac catheterizations on Medicare beneficiaries in 2017.

Main Measures

Primary outcomes included (1) healthcare spending on cardiac procedures, (2) diagnostic cardiac catheterization volumes, and (3) rates of coronary stenting. Secondary outcomes were total expenditures for all drugs and for antiplatelet drugs.

Key Results

Industry payments for antiplatelet drugs were associated with higher healthcare spending on cardiac procedures (adjusted difference, +$50.9 for additional $100 industry payments; 95% CI, +$25.5 to +$76.2; P < 0.001), diagnostic cardiac catheterizations (+0.1 procedures per cardiologist; 95% CI, +0.03 to +0.1; P=0.001), and stent use (+0.5 per 1000 diagnostic cardiac catheterizations per cardiologist; 95% CI, +0.2 to +0.9; P=0.002). Industry payments for antiplatelet drugs were associated with higher total costs for all drugs and antiplatelet drugs.

Conclusions

Industry payments to cardiologists for antiplatelet drugs were associated with both prescribing of antiplatelet drugs and the use of cardiac procedures and stents. Further research is warranted to understand whether the observed associations are causal or reflect a greater propensity for higher volume proceduralists to have relationships with industry.
Störungen als Ressource
Authors: Tschira Antje
Published: August 2021

Der folgende Beitrag der Zeitschrift Gruppe. Interaktion. Organisation (GIO) befasst sich mit dem Potenzial, das Störungen und Konflikte für das Überleben der Organisationen entfalten können und damit, warum es für ein gelingendes Change Management aus konstruktivistischer und gruppendynamischer Sicht geradezu ein Gebot ist, dieses zu heben. Eine Möglichkeit der methodischen Umsetzung wird exemplarisch an dem Format einer Dynamischen Soziogrammaufstellung veranschaulicht, welche das methodische Herzstück eines Veränderungsprozesses an einer Schule bildete.
‘The medical gaze’: Foucault, anthropology and contemporary psychiatry in Ireland
Authors: O’Callaghan Aoife K
Published: August 2021

Michel Foucault developed the concept of ‘the medical gaze’, describing how doctors fit a patient’s story into a ‘biomedical paradigm, filtering out what is deemed as irrelevant material’ (Misselbrook, 2013). Doctors are perceived within this model to focus on selecting the biomedical elements of patients’ problems only, filtering out all other elements of a person’s life story, but this paper argues that in the subspecialty of psychiatry, this is not the case, and such a filter is not so easily applied.
Stiffening in the carpus of Prosantorhinus germanicus (Perissodactyla, Rhinocerotidae) from Sandelzhausen (Germany)
Authors: Schellhorn Rico
Published: August 2021

Prosantorhinusgermanicusis a small, short-legged, teleoceratine rhino from the Miocene of Sandelzhausen (Bavaria, Germany).P.germanicusshows a high variation in some of its carpal bones. A unique modification of the articulation of Intermedium and Carpale 4 is described here. Special emphasis is given to additional articulation facets at the palmar processes of both bones. These additional contacts, working as stop facets, are unique among rhinos and restrict the flexion of the mid-carpal joint. Some individuals show these additional facets which prohibit the flexion within the wrist and therefore stiffen the carpus. Carpale 4 specimens without the additional facets show knob-like structures instead. These knobs are most likely precursory structures of those facets and the facets are fully developed in heavier males. A skeletal sexual dimorphism is not visible in the sample as all bones are in the same size range. The wrist stiffening in the mid-carpal joint supports a greater bodyweight and therefore could coincide withP.germanicusas a proposed dwarfed rhinoceros species. The stiffening can also be interpreted in favor of a semiaquatic mode of life. The stiffened carpus is more resistant against injuries while walking on muddy grounds in a wet environment.
The Use of Corticosteroids for Cardiopulmonary Bypass in Adults
Authors: Perchermeier Sophie , Tassani-Prell Peter
Published: August 2021

Purpose of Review

Cardiopulmonary bypass for on-pump cardiac surgery induces a systemic inflammation that may contribute to postoperative major complications. To reduce this inflammatory response in patients undergoing heart surgery, the perioperative use of anti-inflammatory corticosteroids has long been recommended to improve clinical outcomes. However, the efficacy and safety of steroids remain still unclear.

Recent Findings

We reviewed recent published literature, including the large clinical trials DECS and SIRS and the two meta-analysis by Dvirnik et al. (2018) and Ng et al. (2020), on mortality and major postoperative complications, such as myocardial complications, atrial fibrillation, stroke, pulmonary adverse events, length of ICU and hospital stay, renal failure, and infection.

The perioperative application of corticosteroids did not improve mortality rates beyond standard care or other secondary outcomes, such as myocardial infarction, stroke, renal failure, and infection. The observed increased risk of myocardial damage in patients receiving corticosteroids in the SIRS trial is mainly related to the author-defined CK-MB threshold as indicator for early myocardial injury. Interestingly, the use of steroids may have some beneficial effects on secondary outcomes: they significantly decreased the risk of respiratory failure and pneumonia and shortened the length of ICU and hospital stay, but the mechanism involved in pulmonary injury is multifactorial and it is difficult to evaluate this result. Patients receiving steroids did not have a decreased incidence of atrial fibrillation shown by the two large trials unlike some previous small sample size trials have demonstrated.
Inter-specific competition among trees in pythagorean fuzzy soft environment
Authors: Akram Muhammad , Nawaz Hafiza Saba
Published: August 2021

A Pythagorean fuzzy set is very effective mathematical framework to represent parameter-wise imprecision which is the property of linguistic communication. A Pythagorean fuzzy soft graph is more potent than the intuitionistic fuzzy soft as well as the fuzzy soft graph as it depicts the interactions among the objects of a system using Pythagorean membership grades with respect to different parameters. This article addresses the content of competition graphs as well as economic competition graphs like k-competition graphs, m-step competition graphs and p-competition graphs in Pythagorean fuzzy soft environment. All these concepts are illustrated with examples and fascinating results. Furthermore, an application which describes the competition among distinct forest trees, that grow together in the mixed conifer forests of California, for plant resources is elaborated graphically. An algorithm is also designed for the construction of Pythagorean fuzzy soft competition graphs. It is worthwhile to express the competing and non-competing interactions in various networks with the help of Pythagorean fuzzy soft competition graphs wherein a variation in competition relative to different attributes is visible.
Tip- and Laser-based 3D Nanofabrication in Extended Macroscopic Working Areas
Authors: Ortlepp Ingo , Fröhlich Thomas , Füßl Roland , Reger Johann , Schäffel Christoph , Sinzinger Stefan , Strehle Steffen , Theska René , Zentner Lena , Zöllner Jens-Peter , Rangelow Ivo W. , Reinhardt Carsten , Hausotte Tino , Cao Xinrui , Dannberg Oliver , Fern Florian , Fischer David , Gorges Stephan , Hofmann Martin , Kirchner Johannes , Meister Andreas , Sasiuk Taras , Schienbein Ralf , Supreeti Shraddha , Mohr-Weidenfeller Laura , Weise Christoph , Reuter Christoph , Stauffenberg Jaqueline , Manske Eberhard
Published: August 2021

The field of optical lithography is subject to intense research and has gained enormous improvement. However, the effort necessary for creating structures at the size of 20 nm and below is considerable using conventional technologies. This effort and the resulting financial requirements can only be tackled by few global companies and thus a paradigm change for the semiconductor industry is conceivable: custom design and solutions for specific applications will dominate future development (Fritze in: Panning EM, Liddle JA (eds) Novel patterning technologies. International society for optics and photonics. SPIE, Bellingham, 2021. 10.1117/12.2593229). For this reason, new aspects arise for future lithography, which is why enormous effort has been directed to the development of alternative fabrication technologies. Yet, the technologies emerging from this process, which are promising for coping with the current resolution and accuracy challenges, are only demonstrated as a proof-of-concept on a lab scale of several square micrometers. Such scale is not adequate for the requirements of modern lithography; therefore, there is the need for new and alternative cross-scale solutions to further advance the possibilities of unconventional nanotechnologies. Similar challenges arise because of the technical progress in various other fields, realizing new and unique functionalities based on nanoscale effects, e.g., in nanophotonics, quantum computing, energy harvesting, and life sciences. Experimental platforms for basic research in the field of scale-spanning nanomeasuring and nanofabrication are necessary for these tasks, which are available at the Technische Universität Ilmenau in the form of nanopositioning and nanomeasuring (NPM) machines. With this equipment, the limits of technical structurability are explored for high-performance tip-based and laser-based processes for enabling real 3D nanofabrication with the highest precision in an adequate working range of several thousand cubic millimeters.
An alternative approach to the tribological analysis of Si-doped DLC coatings deposited with different bias voltages using Raman spectroscopy mapping
Authors: Rodriguez Bruno J. , Navabpour Parnia , Proprentner Daniela , Walker Marc , Sun Hailin , Schiller Tara L.
Published: August 2021

A series of diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings were deposited with increasing bias voltage using magnetron sputtering techniques. Structural changes were observed in the sp2-configuration across the films which were accompanied by a slight increase in the sp3 fraction. With an increasing bias voltage, the thermal stability of the coatings increased from 300 to 450 °C. Oxygen diffusion was observed through the coating as a result of the high-temperature annealing and found to slow down with increasing bias voltage. Coefficients of friction (COF) remained stable with temperature for the individual coatings, with the softer films reporting the lowest COF. Our approach employed Raman spectroscopy to map the wear tracks at different temperatures, providing a deeper understanding of the coating performance and suggested maximum flash temperatures endured during testing.
Linking post‐stressor interpersonal processes in adolescent girls’ close friendships with acute HPA stress responses
Authors: Calhoun Casey D. , Patterson Megan W. , Bendezú Jason José , Helms Sarah W. , Owens Sarah A. , Rudolph Karen D. , Hastings Paul D. , Prinstein Mitchell J.
Published: August 2021

Introduction

For adolescent girls, close friendships may facilitate stress management and mitigate risk for internalizing psychopathology. However, little is known about how friendship processes may buffer (or potentially exacerbate) acute psychobiological responses to interpersonal stressors in ways that affect risk.

Methods

In a sample of 220 girls (ages 12–17 years) with a history of internalizing symptoms, this study investigated friendship dynamics following the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) to evaluate associations between post‐stressor friendship behaviors (expressions of vulnerability by the stressed teen; support offered by their close friend) and hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis stress responses.

Results

Multilevel regression modeling revealed that girls who displayed more pronounced cortisol reactivity expressed greater vulnerability to, and received greater support from, their close friend. Expressed vulnerability was associated with more efficient cortisol recovery. Close friend support was not significantly associated with cortisol recovery, nor did it influence the connection between expressed vulnerability and cortisol recovery.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that HPA reactivity may prompt expressions of vulnerability to girls' close friends, and in this context, promote more efficient HPA recovery. Findings highlight the role friendship dynamics may play in HPA‐related risk for internalizing symptoms and point to expressed vulnerability in adolescent girls’ close friendships as a potential consideration for interpersonally‐centered therapeutic approaches.
Advances in Nanoparticle Delivery System for Erectile Dysfunction: An Updated Review
Authors: Masuku Nelisiwe Prenate , Unuofin Jeremiah Oshiomame , Lebelo Sogolo Lucky
Published: August 2021

Introduction

The use of current available treatment for male erectile dysfunction (ED) has some limitations that are related to efficacy and adverse effects. Nanotechnology has been used as a new tool in medicine to improve these limitations and new medications potentially to alleviate and cure ED.

Aim

To review the currently literature on new nano medications for ED based on scientific and clinical studies, efficacy, safety, mechanisms of action, and to identify gaps for future research.

Methods

A comprehensive literature review was conducted via Google Scholar, Science Direct, and PubMed on English publications using different keywords such as “erectile dysfunction”, “emerging treatments”, “nanotechnology”, and “herbal medicine”. The retrieved papers were organized into groups according to the sections covered in this review paper.

Main Outcomes Measures

We reviewed novel ED treatments such as nanotechnological phosphodiesterase inhibitors, papaverine hydrochloride, sialorphin, adipose tissue-derived stem cells, sonic hedgehog, and herbal medicine.

Results

Numerous preclinical studies have addressed novel phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors nanoparticle, and their recent delivery systems. Nitric oxide, sialorphin, sonic hedgehog, and herbal medicine loaded nanoparticles and nano adipose tissue-derived stem cells as a potential new treatment for ED. In addition, papaverine-containing nanoparticles have been reported. A limited number of randomized clinical studies have determined the mechanism of these treatments.

Conclusion

A literature review on the application of nanotechnology in ED therapy was successfully conducted. New nano medications are promising to treat ED. However, further studies are warranted to further assess their efficacy and safety.
Von Willebrand factor and acute type a aortic dissection——VAD study
Authors: Zhu Jiade , Kuang Juntao , Li Chenxi , Wang Qiuji , Sun Tucheng , Wu Jinlin , Fan Ruixin
Published: August 2021

ABSTRACT

Acute Type A Aortic Dissection (ATAAD) is a kind of cardiovascular disease which seriously threatens human life and health. Surgical treatment is currently recognized as the standard treatment for ATAAD. It has the characteristics of rapid onset, long operation time, and worse post-operative prognosis than other routine cardiac surgeries. Preoperative biomarkers correlated with the outcome of ATAAD was rarely reported. Future research should be directed toward finding out some useful predictive biomarkers and assessing their potential treatment value, in the hope of improving the postoperative prognosis of ATAAD. Von Willebrand factor (vWF) is considered to be closely related to pathophysiological processes such as blood coagulation and vascular inflammation. Its deficiency or elevation may affect patients' blood coagulation condition and postoperative intravascular inflammation, thus affecting the occurrence of postoperative hemorrhagic complications. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of vWF on the early postoperative outcome of patients with ATAAD.

Method and analysis:

Patients with ATAAD who receive surgical treatment in our center from April 1, 2021 to April 1, 2022 will be prospectively included. According to the preoperative vWF measurement, enrolled patients will be divided into two groups: normal vWF (normal level of vWF: NL-vWF, reference value of 50–160%) group and abnormal vWF (Disrupted level of vWF: DL-vWF) group. The preoperative baseline data (including demographic characteristics, comobidities and malperfusion syndrome state, imaging examination, and laboratory examination), and surgical data will be documented. Primary and secondary endpoints events (described in part 2.4) will be assessed and recorded. We will use propensity score approach to account for baseline differences between DL-vWF group and NL-vWF group, and compare the early postoperative outcomes for a purpose of assessing the effect of vWF on the early postoperative outcomes of patients with ATAAD.

Highlights
Interaction between Apo A-II –265T > C polymorphism and dietary total antioxidant capacity on some oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Jafari Azad Banafsheh , Yaseri Mehdi , Daneshzad Elnaz , Koohdani Fariba
Published: August 2021

This work aims to examine the interaction between apo A2 (Apo A-II) –265T > C SNP and dietary total antioxidant capacity (DTAC) on inflammation and oxidative stress in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The present cross-sectional study included 180 patients (35–65 years) with identified Apo A-II genotype. Dietary intakes were assessed by a FFQ. DTAC was computed using the international databases. IL-18 (IL18), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), pentraxin (PTX3), serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and 8-isoprostaneF2α (PGF2α) markers were obtained according to standard protocols. General linear model was used to evaluate the interaction. The interaction of gene and DTAC (PFRAP = 0·039 and PORAC = 0·042) on PGF2α level was significant after adjusting for confounders. A significant interaction was observed on IL18 level (PORAC = 0·018 and PFRAP = 0·048) and SOD (PTEAC = 0·037) in obese patients. Among patients whose DTAC was higher than the median intake, the levels of hs-CRP and PGF2α were significantly higher only in individuals with CC genotype. Serum TAC (PFRAP = 0·030, PORAC = 0·049) and SOD were significantly lower in the CC genotype. There was a favourable relationship between the high-DTAC and SOD (obese: PTEAC = 0·034, non-obese: PFRAP = 0·001, PTRAP < 0·0001, PTEAC = 0·003 and PORAC = 0·001) and PGF2α (non-obese: PORAC = 0·024) in T-allele carriers. The rs5082 SNP interacts with DTAC to influence several cardiometabolic risk factors. Also, we found dietary recommendations for antioxidant-rich foods intake might be useful in the prevention of diabetes complications in the T carrier more effectively than the CC genotype. Future large studies are required to confirm these results.
Untargeted lipidomics of ovine milk to analyse the influence of different diet regimens
Authors: Manis Cristina , Addis Margherita , Sitzia Maria , Scano Paola , Garau Viviana , Cabiddu Andrea , Caredda Marco , Pirisi Antonio , Pulina Antonio , Roggero Pierpaolo , Caboni Pierluigi
Published: August 2021

In this work we report a lipidomics approach to study the effects of two diet systems on the composition of ovine milk. Milk from two groups of Sarda sheep grazing on 40% (P40) and 60% (P60) of pasture were analyzed by a UHPLC-QTOF-MS analytical platform and data submitted to multivariate statistical analysis. Pairwise partial least square discriminant analysis of the lipid profile of the data was carried out to classify samples and to find discriminant lipids. The two dietary groups were characterized by differences in triacylglycerols, phosphocholines and phosphatidylethanolamines levels. Discriminants of the P40 group were TG and PC containing in their backbone saturated medium chain FA thus suggesting greater de novo fatty synthesis in the mammary gland. On the other hand, the P60 group was characterized by TG and PC formed by unsaturated long chain FA originating from the diet or from lipid mobilization.
Sequential infection ofDaphnia magnaby a gut microsporidium followed by a haemolymph yeast decreases transmission of both parasites
Authors: Manzi Florent , Halle Snir , Seemann Louise , Ben-Ami Frida , Wolinska Justyna
Published: August 2021

Over the course of seasonal epidemics, populations of susceptible hosts may encounter a wide variety of parasites. Parasite phenology affects the order in which these species encounter their hosts, leading to sequential infections, with potentially strong effects on within-host growth and host population dynamics. Here, the cladoceranDaphnia magnawas exposed sequentially to a haemolymph-infecting yeast (Metschnikowia bicuspidata) and a gut microsporidium (Ordospora colligata), with experimental treatments reflecting two possible scenarios of parasite succession. The effects of single and co-exposure were compared on parasite infectivity, spore production and the overall virulence experienced by the host. We show that neither parasite benefited from coinfection; instead, when hosts encounteredOrdospora, followed byMetschnikowia, higher levels of host mortality contributed to an overall decrease in the transmission of both parasites. These results showcase an example of sequential infections generating unilateral priority effects, in which antagonistic interactions between parasites can alleviate the intensity of infection and coincide with maladaptive levels of damage inflicted on the host.
SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence survey among health care providers in a Belgian public multiple-site hospital
Authors: Naesens Reinout , Mertes Helena , Clukers Johan , Herzog Sereina , Brands Christiane , Vets Philippe , De laet Inneke , Bruynseels Peggy , De Schouwer Pieter , van der Maas Sanne , Bervoets Katrien , Hens Niel , Van Damme Pierre
Published: August 2021

Although the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic is lasting for more than 1 year, the exposition risks of health-care providers are still unclear. Available evidence is conflicting. We investigated the prevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in the staff of a large public hospital with multiple sites in the Antwerp region of Belgium. Risk factors for infection were identified by means of a questionnaire and human resource data. We performed hospital-wide serology tests in the weeks following the first epidemic wave (16 March to the end of May 2020) and combined the results with the answers from an individual questionnaire. Overall seroprevalence was 7.6%. We found higher seroprevalences in nurses [10.0%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 8.9–11.2] than in physicians 6.4% (95% CI 4.6–8.7), paramedical 6.0% (95% CI 4.3–8.0) and administrative staff (2.9%; 95% CI 1.8–4.5). Staff who indicated contact with a confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) colleague had a higher seroprevalence (12.0%; 95% CI 10.7–13.4) than staff who did not (4.2%; 95% CI 3.5–5.0). The same findings were present for contacts in the private setting. Working in general COVID-19 wards, but not in emergency departments or intensive care units, was also a significant risk factor. Since our analysis points in the direction of active SARS-CoV-2 transmission within hospitals, we argue for implementing a stringent hospital-wide testing and contact-tracing policy with special attention to the health care workers employed in general COVID-19 departments. Additional studies are needed to establish the transmission dynamics.
Delayed germination of Brassica parachinensis seeds by coumarin involves decreased GA4 production and a consequent reduction of ROS accumulation
Authors: Chen Bing-Xian , Peng Yuan-Xuan , Yang Xue-Qin , Liu Jun
Published: August 2021

The plant allelochemical coumarin effectively inhibits the germination of Brassica parachinensis (B. parachinensis) seeds. Quantification of endogenous phytohormones showed that contents of abscisic acid (ABA), ABA glucose ester, gibberellin A20 (GA20), GA3, GA15, GA24, GA9 and GA4 were higher in germinating seeds than in seedlings. Moreover, the presence of coumarin significantly reduced the content of bioactive GA4 which is thought to positively regulate seed germination. Histochemical staining and spectrophotometry of reactive oxygen species (ROS) revealed that exogenous GA3 and GA4+7 could effectively promote the production of endogenous ROS during germination and that the GA synthesis inhibitor paclobutrazol could effectively inhibit production of ROS. Coumarin significantly inhibited the accumulation of ROS, especially superoxide anion radical (${\rm O}_2^{{\cdot}{-}} $). This inhibitory effect could be restored by the addition of exogenous GA3 and GA4+7. Coumarin also inhibited the activity of the ROS-degrading enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and peroxidase as well as β-amylase in seeds and seedlings. Taken together, we propose a model for the regulation of seed germination in B. parachinensis by coumarin, Gas and ROS, in which coumarin may delay seed germination by reducing endogenous GA4, thus decreasing the accumulation of ROS.
Centrifugal forces in a hegemonic environment: the rise of small-state coalitions in the Economic and Monetary Union
Authors: Schoeller Magnus G.
Published: August 2021

A hegemonic power can guarantee thestatus quoin an international economic system. However, domestic or international changes may unsettle a hegemon’s priorities. In such phases, smaller states benefiting from the existing system may fear that the hegemon will fail to keep the system stable. How do they react if they lose trust in the hegemon’s ability or will to maintain thestatus quo? This article argues that in such cases, free riding becomes less rewarding. Therefore, smaller states build publicly visible coalitions to ‘voice’ their preferences. Applying this argument to the role of small ‘creditor states’ in the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), the article draws on original in-depth interviews to analyze the ‘New Hanseatic League’ as a strategy to defend the present euro regime and counterbalance the Franco–German tandem. By elaborating and tracing a fine-grained causal mechanism, the article thus explains the emergence of vocal small-state coalitions in a hegemonic environment.
Coronavirus: The Not‐So‐Trivial Loss of Well‐Being
Authors: Duan Hongbo , Huang Zhilin , Jiang Jie , Ming Xi , Zhang Dingxuan , Wang Shouyang
Published: August 2021

The COVID‐19 outbreak has been one of the world's most severe challenges since World War II, which not only reflected in the observable economic depression, but also in emotional damage that is scarcely underscored. This paper estimates the effect of the epidemic on happiness of Chinese residents by capturing the emotions conveyed through massive social media, combined with city‐level epidemic data. We confirm the significant negative impact of the outbreak on life satisfaction, with an extra 1% of cumulative death cases associated with a 0.54% decrease in expressed happiness. Meanwhile, we find that well‐being drops the most in regions with high‐level risk of COVID‐19, and happiness in regions with higher or lower income levels are more vulnerable to the effects of the epidemic, in comparison to the intermediate‐level income regions. Female sentiment exhibits more sensitivity to the epidemic situation than does male sentiment. Furthermore, the timing of major public events also plays a sizable role in determining self‐reported happiness, and our results suggest that pandemic alerts announced by the World Health Organization significantly increased the loss of well‐being, while announcements of city‐unlocking had the opposite impact. The interaction between the outbreak and real‐time expressed happiness provides an important opportunity for reflection on the future governance policies of epidemic containment.