bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermally activated delayed fluorescence materials for nondoped organic light‐emitting diodes with nearly 100% exciton harvest
Authors: Fan Xiao‐Chun , Wang Kai , Shi Yi‐Zhong , Sun Dian‐Ming , Chen Jia‐Xiong , Huang Feng , Wang Hui , Yu Jia , Lee Chun‐Sing , Zhang Xiao‐Hong
Published: May 2022

High‐performance nondoped organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) are promising technologies for future commercial applications. Herein, we synthesized two new thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters that enable us, for the first time, to combine three effective approaches for enhancing the efficiency of nondoped OLEDs. First, the two emitters are designed to have high steric hindrances such that their emitting cores will be suitably isolated from those of their neighbors to minimize concentration quenching. On the other hand, each of the two emitters has two stable conformations in solid films. In their neat films, molecules with the minority conformation behave effectively as dopants in the matrix composing of the majority conformation. One hundred percent exciton harvesting is thus theoretically feasible in this unique architecture of “self‐doped” neat films. Furthermore, both emitters have relatively high aspect ratios in terms of their molecular shapes. This leads to films with preferred molecular orientations enabling high populations of horizontal dipoles beneficial for optical out‐coupling. With these three factors, OLEDs with nondoped emitting layers of the respective emitters both achieve nearly 100% exciton utilization and deliver over 30% external quantum efficiencies and ultralow efficiency roll‐off at high brightness, which have not been observed in reported nondoped OLEDs.
Molecular and serological evaluation of visceral leishmaniasis in domestic dogs and cats in Maragheh County, north‐west of Iran, 2018–2021
Authors: Soleimani Ali , Mohebali Mehdi , Gholizadeh Saber , Bozorgomid Arezoo , Shafiei Reza , Raeghi Saber
Published: May 2022

Objective

Zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is caused by Leishmania infantum, of which dogs are the main reservoir. VL is endemic in the Middle East, also in some parts of Iran. Following reports of new cases of VL in children in Maragheh County, the non‐endemic area of the disease, we encouraged to conduct a preliminary study on domestic dogs and cats to identify their potential role as reservoirs for the disease.

Materials and Methods

This study was conducted during a period of 3 years from 2018 to 2021. Two hundred ownership dogs and 25 cats from Maragheh County, north‐west of Iran, were randomly screened. Blood samples were collected. A direct agglutination test (DAT) was used for the detection of anti‐L. infantum antibodies. Furthermore, buffy coat samples from the L. infantum seropositive animals were examined to detect parasite presence using polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Out of the total of 200 ownership dogs evaluated, 170 (85%) were male and 30 (15%) were female with a mean age of 4.3 years. Anti‐L. infantum antibodies (IgG cut‐off ≥ 1:320) were observed in 3.5% of dogs (7/200) by the DAT test. All seropositive dogs were identified in the first year of examination. Regarding molecular approaches in seropositive dogs, two samples were positive for a 565 bp kDNA minicircle gene specific for L. infantum. During the study period, no seropositive case was detected in the cats examined.

Conclusions

This study shows that the domestic cycle of L. infantum has been established in the studied region. It is necessary to increase the awareness and monitoring of the disease with the study of wild reservoirs periodically.
Single Crystal X‐Ray Structure Analyses of Binary and Ternary Compounds A49Tl108+x (A=K, Rb, Cs; x=0–1.76) Related to the K49Tl108 Type Structure
Authors: Schwinghammer Vanessa F. , Janesch Melissa , Kleemiss Florian , Gärtner Stefanie
Published: May 2022

The structural chemistry of alkali metal thallides shows a broad range of type structures. At an alkali metal : thallium proportion A : Tl 1 : 2 the perceived dependency on the alkali metal involved is conspicuous. Two main structure types are reported with A15Tl27 (A=K, Rb, Cs) and K49Tl108. The compound K49K108 with a 3‐dimensional Tl‐substructure has been known since 1993 from Cordier and Müller but so far only with potassium. We here present single crystal X‐Ray structure analyses of the compounds K49‐yRbyTl108, and K49‐yCsyTl108 (
belonging to the K49Tl108 type structure. Additionally, structures of Rb49Tl109.67, Cs3.35Rb45.65Tl109.71 and Cs7.49Rb41.51Tl109.76 are introduced, which prove the possibility of Tl incorporation in the Tl12 icosahedra in K49Tl108 type structures. The effects of the change in alkali metals on the thallium substructure are discussed as well as the preferred Wyckoff sites of the different alkali metals.
Geothermal Power Generation
Authors: Nardini Isabella
Published: May 2022

Geothermal energy is emerging as one of the most reliable sources of renewable energy and gaining relevance over conventional and non-renewable sources of energy because of its constant availability and sustainable nature. Furthermore, the deployment of geothermal energy helps reduce a country’s dependence on fossil fuels. Besides being a clean and renewable energy source with a low levelized cost of electricity, geothermal reservoirs have huge potential for power generation and may become the pillar of local grid systems, meeting the baseload demand. However, the active contribution from policy makers is necessary to design and develop economic and financial instruments and a favourable regulatory framework to decrease the risk of investment and the capital cost for private investors.
Power Generation from Tides and Waves
Authors: Bhatnagar Dhruv , Preziuso Danielle , O’Neil Rebecca
Published: May 2022

Marine renewable energy generated from ocean tides and waves has not yet reached wide spread deployment or full commercial availability on par with comparable sources. This handbook chapter describes the global development of marine renewable energy technology and the most promising commercialization pathways, including “blue economy” marine applications, competitiveness in new electric grid paradigms, and emerging economic models for renewable energy development.
Economics of Electricity Battery Storage
Authors: Noussan Michel
Published: May 2022

This chapter deals with the challenges and opportunities of energy storage, with a specific focus on the economics of batteries for storing electricity in the framework of the current energy transition. Storage technologies include a variety of solutions that have been used for different grid services, including frequency control, load following, and uninterrupted power supply. A recent interest is being triggered by the increasing grid balance requirements to integrate variable renewable sources and distributed generation. In parallel, lithium-ion batteries are experiencing a strong market expansion driven by an uptake of electric vehicles worldwide, which is leading to a strong decrease of production costs, making Li-ion batteries an attractive solution also for stationary storage applications.
Economics of Sector Coupling
Authors: Noussan Michel
Published: May 2022

This chapter presents an introduction on the main characteristics of sector coupling, which is often referred to with P2X, where “X” may stand for various applications, such as gas (G), heat (H), vehicles (V) or others. The common feature of these technologies is to provide additional flexibility to the power grid by the integration with other energy networks or sectors, converting electricity into other energy carriers. Sector coupling is still an emerging concept, with its first applications being deployed to exploit the electricity excess from variable renewable sources in specific contexts, but with difficulties in achieving competitive returns due to the limited annual capacity factors. However, decreasing investment costs and increasing needs of long-term electricity storage solutions may trigger an interest in sector coupling technologies.
The Integration of Non-dispatchable Renewables
Authors: Baroni Marco
Published: May 2022

Most governments around the world have put in place policies to support the deployment of wind and solar technologies, as they are going to play a key role in the decarbonisation of energy systems and to achieve United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. At low levels of deployment, these technologies typically do not raise significant issues, but to reach high shares of power generation, integration measures will be needed. These include enabling the maximum use of flexibility from existing and new plants, changing the way transmission and distribution grids are operated and expanded, increasing the deployment and availability of storage and demand-side mechanisms. Adequate policies are needed to enable the deployment of these measures while minimising the overall power systems costs, ultimately ensuring their affordability.
Financing of Energy Investment
Authors: Halbout Jérôme , Riboud-Seydoux Marie-Noëlle
Published: May 2022

Halbout and Riboud-Seydoux offer a concise yet insightful guide to financing an Energy investment from the perspective of Energy investors and professionals. In the context of the substantial investments required to sustain the development of world’s economies, this chapter reviews the key steps in the financing of an Energy project, from the project viability analysis to the choice of financing instruments and structures. The authors highlight how the source of Energy and other characteristics of a specific project impact and shape its financing, using case studies from renewable Energy and conventional Energy alike and conclude by drawing attention to the innovations taking place across all Energy segments.
The Trading and Price Discovery for Crude Oils
Authors: Imsirovic Adi
Published: May 2022

What is the price of oil? Most oil in the world is never traded. Value of exchanged oil is set by key ‘benchmarks’ grades or baskets of crude oil that are commonly traded, both as physical and ‘paper’ barrels, in volumes many times greater than the world production. It is the derivative trades in these benchmarks such as Brent, WTI, Dubai and Oman that set the global price of oil and they are the most interesting feature of the oil market. Markets in these benchmarks are the stage on which two distinct categories of players are differentiated: the price makers and the price takers. How and why these benchmarks came to exist, how they work, interact and change over time is the subject of this chapter.
The Trading and Price Discovery for Natural Gas
Authors: Hafner Manfred , Luciani Giacomo
Published: May 2022

This chapter argues that pricing mechanisms are a key element of gas trade, as they concur to determine price levels and define commercial strategies. It explains why gas suppliers traditionally defended long-term oil-indexed contracts and analyses the main features of historical contracts. The old consensus on oil indexation, which had been a pillar of international gas trade for a decade, has been eroded in several regions. The chapter discusses how more impersonal market exchange now prevails. Beyond Europe and North America, Asia is also gradually moving towards a larger share of hub indexation, although it is still lagging behind in the process of establishing its own hubs. The chapter concludes that gas prices remain regional even if additional convergence is materialising thanks to the globalising effect of flexible LNG.
The Trading of Carbon
Authors: Marcu Andrei , Cecchetti Federico
Published: May 2022

This chapter explores the concept of carbon pricing, with a specific focus on the trading of carbon via emissions trading systems (ETSs). The analysis starts with an overview of the main design options for a cap-and-trade system, presenting the experience of the European Union (EU) ETS as a real-world example of how such systems work. The history of the EU ETS is thoroughly examined, explaining what the main challenges and benefits of the system are, and what lessons can be learnt from the world’s biggest ETS. Using the European experience as a benchmark, other major ETS markets are also analysed, highlighting the potential for interconnection of different systems as well as the prospects for international cooperation mechanisms under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
Macroeconomics of the Energy Transition
Authors: Luciani Giacomo
Published: May 2022

This chapter attempts at disentangling the multiple contrasting interactions between economic conditions and energy transitions. It goes without saying that the net effect, resulting from the balance of such multiple contrasting interactions, is extremely difficult, or even impossible to predict. It very much depends on the specific characteristics of the economy facing the need to decarbonize, notably its current energy system, rate of growth of energy demand, available energy resources, and opportunities for decarbonization. All of these parameters are extremely variable country by country. It also greatly depends on the specific transition path pursued, and especially the intended speed of the transformation. This chapter lays special emphasis on the need to shift resources from consumption to investment and the consequent increase in the capital-output ratio, which has also consequences for the distribution of income.
The Impact of Digitalization
Authors: Woodhouse Stephen , Brown Mostyn
Published: May 2022

Previous energy transformations have been driven by the exploitation of a new energy resource. In contrast, although the digitalization of energy is delivering cost reductions in the supply and transportation of energy; digitalization is truly transformational because it brings the demand side into play, facilitating the move to a more integrated, highly flexible and customer-centric energy system which will ultimately unlock deep decarbonization of our societies. This fertile new energy landscape will be dominated by data-rich organizations able to establish direct relationships with consumers, resulting in the provision of new services which enable the integration of energy consumption with weather-dependent renewable production. Much of the focus is on the intelligent management of demand and supply from connected buildings and electric vehicles, leading to a proliferation of new business models. This increased connectivity comes with risks: increased danger of cybersecurity attacks and disruption of existing business relationships, staffing and organizational structures and a re-positioning of the role of the customer at the heart of the system. This commercial disruption is inherent to the digital transformation of the energy sector: an essential step in the transition to a carbon-neutral global economy.
Energy and the Economy in Russia
Authors: Mitrova Tatiana
Published: May 2022

This chapter provides an overview of the Russian energy sector and its role in the Russian economy, also in the context of energy transition. Russia, ranking fourth in the world in primary energy consumption and in carbon dioxide emissions, adheres to the strategy of “business as usual” and relies on fossil fuels. Decarbonization of the energy sector is not yet on the agenda; a skeptical attitude to the problem of global climate change prevails among stakeholders. GDP energy intensity remains high, supported by relatively low energy prices and high cost of capital. The share of solar and wind energy in the energy balance is insignificant and is not expected to exceed 1% by 2035. The challenge for Russia in the coming years is to develop a new strategy for the development of its energy sector, which enters the zone of high turbulence—even in the absence of the influence of the climate change agenda—due to COVID-19, increasing global competition, growing technological isolation and financial constraints.
Energy and the Economy in North America
Authors: Chow Edward C. , Rincon-Romero Jorge-Andres
Published: May 2022

Chow and Rincon review the energy sector of North America, which plays a critical role in the economy of the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The American shale oil and gas revolution, which drove production to historical peaks, will have diminished but still significant impact, including globally. High energy consumption rates in the U.S. and Canada challenge reaching climate policy goals, under heightened public pressure, and the search for alternatives to fossil fuels. Mexico will be more focused on economic development and energy access. The U.S. will continue to emphasize energy innovation, driven by public investment in research and development and private capital in commercial applications.
Power Generation from Coal, Oil, Gas, and Biofuels
Authors: Farnoosh Arash
Published: May 2022

This chapter provides an introduction to the economics of electricity generation based on four different energy sources: coal, oil, natural gas, and biofuel. It covers the various technologies of power production and their key economics characteristics including CAPEX, OPEX, dispatchability, flexibility, location, and expected service life. The formula and calculations are provided for further analysis of power generation projects in view of optimizing the choice of technology. Some conclusions are drawn from comparative analysis of coal-, oil-, gas-, and biofuel-fired power generation units.
Power Generation from Nuclear Energy
Authors: Faudon Valerie
Published: May 2022

This chapter discusses the economics of nuclear. It starts with the fundamentals of nuclear economics, with first the cost of nuclear operations and then the revenue side, in both regulated and deregulated markets. Then the chapter goes in depth into analyzing the economics of two specific cases: long-term operations of existing nuclear plants and nuclear new build-covering potential for cost reductions and the case of Small Modular Reactors. The chapter concludes with a review of new research to understand the value of nuclear in future decarbonized electricity systems.
Solar Power Generation
Authors: Eicke Laima , Eicke Anselm , Hafner Manfred
Published: May 2022

Solar energy supplies increasing shares of global energy demand. As a renewable source of energy, it will play a major role in decarbonizing electricity supply. This chapter provides an overview on the solar sector from an economic perspective. It describes the technical characteristics of photovoltaic and concentrated solar power and explains how these affect the economic competitiveness of solar energy. The authors highlight trends in the solar sector and elaborate on how this intermittent source of energy can be integrated into a power system. They conclude with a discussion on how renewable energy support schemes can be designed to foster the deployment of solar power by accounting for the specific characteristics of solar power.
In vivo impact of JAK3 A573V mutation revealed using zebrafish
Authors: Basheer Faiza , Bulleeraz Vilasha , Ngo Viet Q. T. , Liongue Clifford , Ward Alister C.
Published: May 2022

Background

Janus kinase 3 (JAK3) acts downstream of the interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor family to play a pivotal role in the regulation of lymphoid cell development. Activating JAK3 mutations are associated with a number of lymphoid and other malignancies, with mutations within the regulatory pseudokinase domain common.

Methods

The pseudokinase domain mutations A572V and A573V were separately introduced into the highly conserved zebrafish Jak3 and transiently expressed in cell lines and zebrafish embryos to examine their activity and impact on early T cells. Genome editing was subsequently used to introduce the A573V mutation into the zebrafish genome to study the effects of JAK3 activation on lymphoid cells in a physiologically relevant context throughout the life-course.

Results

Zebrafish Jak3 A573V produced the strongest activation of downstream STAT5 in vitro and elicited a significant increase in T cells in zebrafish embryos. Zebrafish carrying just a single copy of the Jak3 A573V allele displayed elevated embryonic T cells, which continued into adulthood. Hematopoietic precursors and NK cells were also increased, but not B cells. The lymphoproliferative effects of Jak3 A573V in embryos was shown to be dependent on zebrafish IL-2Rγc, JAK1 and STAT5B equivalents, and could be suppressed with the JAK3 inhibitor Tofacitinib.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that a single JAK3 A573V allele expressed from the endogenous locus was able to enhance lymphopoiesis throughout the life-course, which was mediated via an IL-2Rγc/JAK1/JAK3/STAT5 signaling pathway and was sensitive to Tofacitinib. This extends our understanding of oncogenic JAK3 mutations and creates a novel model to underpin further translational investigations.
ON THE SATAKE ISOMORPHISM
Authors: LUSZTIG G.
Published: May 2022

In a 1983 paper, the author has established a (decategorified) Satake equivalence for affine Hecke algebras. In this paper, we give new proofs for some results of that paper, one based on the theory ofJ-rings and one based on the known character formula for rational representations of a reductive group in positive, large characteristic. We also give an extension of that formula to disconnected groups.
Achievements, prospects and challenges in precision care for monogenic insulin-deficient and insulin-resistant diabetes
Authors: Bonnefond Amélie , Semple Robert K.
Published: May 2022

Integration of genomic and other data has begun to stratify type 2 diabetes in prognostically meaningful ways, but this has yet to impact on mainstream diabetes practice. The subgroup of diabetes caused by single gene defects thus provides the best example to date of the vision of ‘precision diabetes’. Monogenic diabetes may be divided into primary pancreatic beta cell failure, and primary insulin resistance. In both groups, clear examples of genotype-selective responses to therapy have been advanced. The benign trajectory of diabetes due to pathogenic GCK mutations, and the sulfonylurea-hyperresponsiveness conferred by activating KCNJ11 or ABCC8 mutations, or loss-of-function HNF1A or HNF4A mutations, often decisively guide clinical management. In monogenic insulin-resistant diabetes, subcutaneous leptin therapy is beneficial in some severe lipodystrophy. Increasing evidence also supports use of ‘obesity therapies’ in lipodystrophic people even without obesity. In beta cell diabetes the main challenge is now implementation of the precision diabetes vision at scale. In monogenic insulin-resistant diabetes genotype-specific benefits are proven in far fewer patients to date, although further genotype-targeted therapies are being evaluated. The conceptual paradigm established by the insulin-resistant subgroup with ‘adipose failure’ may have a wider influence on precision therapy for common type 2 diabetes, however. For all forms of monogenic diabetes, population-wide genome sequencing is currently forcing reappraisal of the importance assigned to pathogenic mutations when gene sequencing is uncoupled from prior suspicion of monogenic diabetes.

Graphical abstract
Hybrid model for the design of a deep-lane multisatellite AVS/RS
Authors: Battarra Ilaria , Accorsi Riccardo , Manzini Riccardo , Rubini Sara
Published: May 2022

The autonomous vehicle storage and retrieval system (AVS/RS) significantly improves the responsiveness and throughput of the traditional automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) in regard to handling unit loads. The AVS/RS consists of multiple tiers connected to an elevator system and is equipped with at least two autonomous vehicles, that is, a shuttle and satellite. Other necessary equipment are the lifts and input/output buffer areas. This paper aims to present and apply an original hybrid analytical-simulative model for the design of a deep-lane and multisatellite AVS-RS by evaluating and controlling the system performance. This AVS-RS is equipped with multiple free and non-free satellites for each tier. As an original contribution, this study reviews the literature on AVS/RS according to the introduction of multiple features categorized into five homogeneous groups: (1) rack configuration, (2) vehicle kinematics and configuration, (3) dispatching rules, (4) modeling approach, and (5) validation. Two of the most critical issues in existing research studies are the random arrival time of storage and retrieval transactions and the random storage policy. The proposed modeling approach is data-driven and based on realistic assumptions, filling the gap between the literature and real applications. This hybrid model is applied to a case study of the beverage industry according to a what-if comparative and competitive multiscenario analysis. This data-driven assessment supports the decision-making process on the number of satellites for each tier, while simultaneously controlling the service and waiting times, system throughput, and vehicle utilization. The analysis based on the maximum system throughput estimation demonstrates that introducing more than two satellites does not increase the productivity of the system.
Should we support prophylactic intervention for asymptomatic kidney stones? A retrospective cohort study with long-term follow-up
Authors: Wu Tao , Liu Zhiwei , Ma Shanjin , Xue Wei , Jiang Xiaoye , Ma Jianjun
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcomes of patients undergoing prophylactic intervention or active surveillance for asymptomatic kidney stones and identify factors influencing the outcomes. In this retrospective cohort study, we reviewed the medical records of patients with asymptomatic kidney stones in two institutes between November 2014 and November 2019. Standardized questions were asked via phone calls to supplement the outcomes. Pain, hydronephrosis, stone growth, serious infection, gross hematuria, and spontaneous passage were defined as stone-related events. Future intervention was also recorded to evaluate management. A total of 101 patients with 120 kidney units were enrolled in this study. The median follow-up time was 63 months. The patients were classified into the control group (79 cases) or exposure group (41 cases) according to whether they underwent prophylactic intervention before any stone-related events. Generally, the rates of stone-related events and future intervention were significantly different between the two groups (57.0 vs. 12.2%, p < 0.001; and 31.6 vs. 4.9%, p = 0.002, respectively). After applying stabilized inverse probability of treatment weighted, Cox regression suggested that patients who underwent prophylactic intervention were less likely to experience stone-related events and future intervention (HR = 0.175, and HR = 0.028, respectively). In conclusion, patients who underwent prophylactic intervention had a lower risk of stone-related events and future intervention, although they had some slight complications.
Extract from Cucurbita pepo improves BPH symptoms without affecting sexual function: a 24-month noninterventional study
Authors: Theil Gerit , Richter Michael , Schulze Matthias , Köttig Tilo , Patz Brigitte , Heim Stefan , Krauß Yvonne , Markov Miroslav , Fornara Paolo
Published: May 2022

Purpose

To assess the symptoms, quality of life and sexual well-being in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia LUTS/BPH treated with pumpkin seed soft extract (PSE) in routine practice.

Methods

This noninterventional study included 130 men treated for up to 24 months. The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and related quality of life, Aging Males’ Symptoms Scale (AMS), and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) were recorded. Descriptive statistical methods were applied. The mean with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated for the primary end point (change in IPSS after 12-month treatment).

Results

Analysis at 12 months included 83 patients [mean (SD) age 65.2 (8.7) years and IPSS (15.6 (3.4), IPSS-QoL 3.4 (0.9)]. AMS and IIEF-5 indicated mild or mild to moderate disorder regarding sexual well-being and erectile dysfunction, respectively. After 12 months, the mean IPSS change from baseline was − 4.7 (95% CI − 5.4 to − 3.9), with 83% (95% CI 65.3 to 84.1) and 53% (95% CI 42.3 to 63.7) of the patients achieving reductions by at least 3 and 5 points, respectively. The proportion of patients with IPSS-QoL below 3 points (mostly satisfied) was 11% (9/83) at baseline and rose to 62% (51/83) and 73% (40/55) at 12 and 24 months, respectively. AMS and IIEF-5 scores did not indicate a negative impact on sexual function during treatment.

Conclusion

In men with a moderate LUTS suggestive of BPH, a low progression risk and an active sex life, treatment with pumpkin seed soft extract provided symptomatic relief, improved IPSS-QoL, and maintained sexual well-being.

Trial registration

DRKS00010729, June 22, 2016.
Comparing compliance with the WHO surgical safety checklist and complication rates in gynecologic surgery between day and night shifts
Authors: Christine Bekos , Barbara Bodner-Adler , Zehetmayer Sonja , Wolfgang Umek
Published: May 2022

Purpose

At least half of surgical complications can be avoided by using surgical checklists. However, universal implementation and compliance have been reported as being variable. Patients undergoing urgent surgical intervention are at increased risk for complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the checklist compliance together with the complication rate during day and night shifts in a European University hospital.

Methods

51 and 52 consecutive patients who had surgery during day and night shifts were included. The primary outcome measures were compliance and completeness of the WHO safety checklist. The occurrence of postoperative complications was investigated.

Results

The analysis included 103 surgical procedures. The mean compliance rate of use was 93% and the mean completeness rate was 22%. After operations were broken down by day or night shift, we found that checklists were less often available in night shifts compared to day shifts. The completeness of the checklist and the occurrence of postoperative complications did not differ between day and night shifts.

Conclusion

This study reports worse checklists availability in night shifts when compared to day shifts, but complication rates did not increase. Further studies are warranted to investigate postoperative complication rates together with checklist compliance in day versus night shifts.
Visual and optical quality of enhanced intermediate monofocal versus standard monofocal intraocular lens
Authors: Garzón Nuria , Poyales Francisco , Albarrán-Diego César , Rico-del-Viejo Laura , Pérez-Sanz Lidia , García-Montero María
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Intraocular lens designs are constantly evolving, trying to obtain more spectacle independence after cataract surgery. This advantage can be linked to some disadvantages, such as optical quality decrease. For that reason, it is important to assess, not only the amount of vision provided but also the quality of vision once they are implanted. The purpose of the present work was to compare the visual performance between two monofocal intraocular models: a standard model and a monofocal with enhanced intermediate vision lens.

Methods

Prospective, randomized, comparative study. Sixty adult subjects scheduled to undergo bilateral cataract surgery and IOL implantation were randomized to receive one of the two IOLs in both eyes at Miranza IOA, Madrid, Spain (group A: monofocal with enhanced intermediate vision lens and group B: standard monofocal lens). Monocular outcomes (right eyes) determined 1 and 3 months postoperatively were photopic corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), perceived halo, corrected intermediate-distance contrast sensitivity, and higher-order aberrations. The impact of the new IOL in the postoperative management with autorefraction devices was also evaluated.

Results

No differences were found in CDVA between the two groups. Significant differences were detected between the two lenses evaluated in both total HOA (p = 0.028) and internal HOA (p = 0.037). Contrast sensitivity and halometry results obtained at 1 month were similar across the two IOL groups.

Conclusion

In patients undergoing cataract surgery, monofocal with enhanced intermediate vision IOL offered similar distance performance and contrast sensitivity along with perceived HOA and halos compared with the standard monofocal IOLs tested.
Quantitative phosphoproteomics reveals diverse stimuli activate distinct signaling pathways during neutrophil activation
Authors: Thimmappa Pooja Yedehalli , Nair Aswathy S. , Najar Mohd. Altaf , Mohanty Varshasnatha , Shastry Shamee , Prasad Thottethodi Subrahmanya Keshava , Joshi Manjunath B.
Published: May 2022

Neutrophils display functional heterogeneity upon responding diversely to physiological and pathological stimulations. During type 2 diabetes (T2D), hyperglycemia constitutively activates neutrophils, leading to reduced response to infections and on the other hand, elevated metabolic intermediates such as homocysteine induce bidirectional activation of platelets and neutrophils leading to thrombosis. Hence, in the context of T2D-associated complications, we examined the influence of high glucose, homocysteine, and LPS representing effector molecules of hyperglycemia, thrombosis, and infection, respectively, on human neutrophil activation to identify distinct signaling pathways by quantitative phosphoproteomics approach. High glucose activated C-Jun-N-Terminal Kinase, NTRK1, SYK, and PRKACA kinases associated with Rho GTPase signaling and phagocytosis, whereas LPS induced AKT1, SRPK2, CSNK2A1, and TTN kinases involved in cytokine signaling and inflammatory response. Homocysteine treatment led to activatation of  LRRK2, FGR, MAPK3, and PRKCD kinases which are associated with neutrophil degranulation and cytoskeletal remodeling. Diverse inducers differentially modulated phosphorylation of proteins associated with neutrophil functions such as oxidative burst, degranulation, extracellular traps, and phagocytosis. Further validation of phosphoproteomics data on selected kinases revealed neutrophils pre-cultured under high glucose showed impeded response to LPS to phosphorylate p-ERK1/2Thr202/Tyr204, p-AKTSer473, and C-Jun-N-Terminal KinaseSer63 kinases. Our study provides novel phosphoproteome signatures that may be explored to understand neutrophil biology in T2D-associated complications.
Quotient maps and configuration spaces of hard disks
Authors: Ericok Ozan B. , Mason Jeremy K.
Published: May 2022

Hard disks systems are often considered as prototypes for simple fluids. In a statistical mechanics context, the hard disk configuration space is generally quotiented by the action of various symmetry groups. The changes in the topological and geometric properties of the configuration spaces effected by such quotient maps are studied for small numbers of disks on a square and hexagonal torus. A metric is defined on the configuration space and the various quotient spaces that respects the desired symmetries. This is used to construct explicit triangulations of the configuration spaces as $$\alpha$$
α
-complexes. Critical points of the hard disk potential on a configuration space are associated with changes in the topology of the accessible part of the configuration space as a function of disk radius, are conjectured to be related to the configurational entropy of glassy systems, and could reveal the origins of phase transitions in other systems. The number of critical points and their topological and geometric properties are found to depend on the symmetries by which the configuration space is quotiented.

Graphic abstract
Exposing the chameleon-like nature of racism: a multidisciplinary look at critical race theory in higher education
Authors: Lin Judith C. P.
Published: May 2022

In higher education institutions, critical race theory (CRT) is known to be associated with fields that study racial disparities or systemic oppression such as law, education, and ethnic studies. The impression that CRT is unrelated to fields like business or computer science may have led scholars and practitioners from these disciplines to put their focus on elsewhere than on racial inequality and its implication in their research and practice, despite apparent need. To counter such fallacy, this review article—focusing primarily on the US context—discusses CRT literature in fields where its presence is less known which are nevertheless among the major domains of higher education institutions: health sciences, computer science and information technology, sports, business, and religion. By discussing example research of how scholars have utilized CRT in different fields to challenge the race-neutral thinking that often obscures structural racism, this paper exposes racism’s ability to alter manifestations and to appear through various shapes and forms within the higher education context. Initial recommendations on how educators may engage in further discussions or actions will also be considered. This paper concludes that racist ideologies are often hidden behind discipline-specific vocabulary or technical language, and it is by tackling the ideologies at work underneath the technicalities can we address the chameleon-like nature of racism more effectively.
Towards autonomous analysis of chemical exchange saturation transfer experiments using deep neural networks
Authors: Karunanithy Gogulan , Yuwen Tairan , Kay Lewis E. , Hansen D. Flemming
Published: May 2022

Macromolecules often exchange between functional states on timescales that can be accessed with NMR spectroscopy and many NMR tools have been developed to characterise the kinetics and thermodynamics of the exchange processes, as well as the structure of the conformers that are involved. However, analysis of the NMR data that report on exchanging macromolecules often hinges on complex least-squares fitting procedures as well as human experience and intuition, which, in some cases, limits the widespread use of the methods. The applications of deep neural networks (DNNs) and artificial intelligence have increased significantly in the sciences, and recently, specifically, within the field of biomolecular NMR, where DNNs are now available for tasks such as the reconstruction of sparsely sampled spectra, peak picking, and virtual decoupling. Here we present a DNN for the analysis of chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) data reporting on two- or three-site chemical exchange involving sparse state lifetimes of between approximately 3–60 ms, the range most frequently observed via experiment. The work presented here focuses on the 1H CEST class of methods that are further complicated, in relation to applications to other nuclei, by anti-phase features. The developed DNNs accurately predict the chemical shifts of nuclei in the exchanging species directly from anti-phase 1HN CEST profiles, along with an uncertainty associated with the predictions. The performance of the DNN was quantitatively assessed using both synthetic and experimental anti-phase CEST profiles. The assessments show that the DNN accurately determines chemical shifts and their associated uncertainties. The DNNs developed here do not contain any parameters for the end-user to adjust and the method therefore allows for autonomous analysis of complex NMR data that report on conformational exchange.
Environment–attitude relationships: girls in inquiry-based mathematics classrooms in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Robinson Jennifer M. , Aldridge Jill M.
Published: May 2022

Girls’ attitudes towards mathematics can impact their achievement and career choices in STEM fields. Can the introduction of inquiry-based learning (IBL) in mathematics classes generate positive associations between girls’ perceptions of the learning environment and their attitudes towards mathematics? Based in the United Arab Emirates, this study provided important information about the relationships between learning environment factors central to an inquiry method and student engagement. Data collection involved administering two surveys to female mathematics students (N = 291) in four schools: one to assess students’ perceptions of the learning environment and another to assess students’ attitudes towards mathematics. Positive and statistically-significant (p < .01) associations emerged between learning environment factors important to an inquiry approach and students’ attitudes. These findings provide important information about how IBL might improve girls’ attitudes towards mathematics classes and whether IBL environments are related to their attitudes.
The association between paternal depression and adolescent internalising problems: A test of parenting style as a mediating pathway
Authors: Maciver Lorna , Girard Lisa-Christine
Published: May 2022

Whilst there is a large evidence base demonstrating the impact of maternal depression on the development of adolescent internalising problems, less is known about the association between paternal depression and adolescent internalising problems, and the mechanisms through which risk is conferred. This study examined the association between paternal depression and adolescent internalising problems, investigating parenting style as a pathway through which this association may be mediated. Participants included 4048 families taking part in the Growing Up in Ireland child cohort study. Self-report measures of paternal depression were completed when the study child was aged 9. Adolescents assessed paternal demandingness, responsiveness and autonomy granting at the age of 13. Adolescent internalising symptoms were measured at the age of 17/18 by the primary caregiver. A parallel multiple mediator model was used to test the total and specific indirect effects of the three parenting styles, whilst controlling for covariates and other mediators in the model. A direct effect of paternal depression on adolescent internalising problems was found (B = .051, 95% CI: 0.020, 0.083). However, no support for mediation via any of the paternal parenting styles (i.e., responsiveness, demandingness, or autonomy-granting) were found. These findings build on an emerging evidence-base demonstrating a specific direct association between paternal depression and adolescent internalising problems, and suggest that interventions ought to also target fathers suffering from depression to help reduce the risk of adolescent internalising problems.
The p-Weil–Petersson Teichmüller Space and the Quasiconformal Extension of Curves
Authors: Wei Huaying , Matsuzaki Katsuhiko
Published: May 2022

We consider the correspondence between the space ofp-Weil–Petersson curves$$\gamma $$γon the plane and thep-Besov space of$$u=\log \gamma '$$u=logγ′on the real line for$$p > 1$$p>1. We prove that the variant of the Beurling–Ahlfors extension defined by using the heat kernel yields a holomorphic map foruon a domain of thep-Besov space to the space ofp-integrable Beltrami coefficients. This in particular gives a global real-analytic section for the Teichmüller projection from the space ofp-integrable Beltrami coefficients to thep-Weil–Petersson Teichmüller space.
Exposure to Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Later Life
Authors: Lin Jian-Yan , Yin Rui-Xing
Published: May 2022

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), one of the most common chronic metabolic diseases, involves a complex interaction among genetic, epigenetic, and environmental risk factors. The incidence and prevalence of T2DM are rapidly increasing globally. In recent years, increasing body of evidences from both human and animal studies have displayed an association between exposure to early unfavorable life factors such as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and the prevalence of T2DM in later life. The exogenous EDCs can lead to disadvantageous metabolic consequences because they interfere with the synthesis, secretion, transport, binding, action, and metabolism of endogenous hormones. EDCs also have long-term adverse effects on newborns, children, and adolescents by causing increased susceptibility to T2DM in adults. This review summarizes the most recent advances in this field, including diabetes-related EDCs (bisphenol A, phthalates, chlordane compounds, parabens, pesticides, and other diabetes-related EDCs), EDC exposure and gestational diabetes mellitus, prenatal and perinatal EDC exposures and T2DM, adult EDC exposure and T2DM, transgenerational effects of EDCs on T2DM as well as the possible diabetogenic mechanisms.
Novel Self-assembly Pd(II)-Schiff Base Complex Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode for Electrochemical Detection of Paracetamol
Authors: Hefnawy Mahmoud A. , Medany Shymaa S. , Fadlallah Sahar A. , El-Sherif Rabab M. , Hassan Safaa S.
Published: May 2022

A self-assembly Pd-Schiff base complex was synthesized and used as an electrochemical sensor in phosphate buffer solution, where it enhanced the electrocatalytic activity toward the paracetamol detection. The Schiff base {(HL) = (4-(((Z)-3-(hydroxyimino) butan-2-ylidene) amino)-1,5-dimethyl-2-phenyl-1,2-dihydro-3H-pyrazol-3-one)} was selected to prepare Pd-based complexes due to its high antimicrobial activity. A linear calibration curve was constructed using GC/Pd-SB in paracetamol concentration range of 1–50 μM and its detection limit was calculated as 0.067 μM. The modified electrode, GC/Pd-SB, could successfully determine the paracetamol concentration in human blood serum and commercial drug tablets with high sensitivity. The prepared metal complex was characterized using techniques, namely, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). In addition, electrochemical studies were performed using different electrochemical techniques like cyclic voltammetry (CV), linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), chronoamperometry (CA), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). DFT calculations were used to estimate the equilibrium geometry, molecular orbital, ground-state properties, and interaction energy between paracetamol and palladium.

Graphical Abstract
Analyzing micromachining errors in EDM of Inconel 600 using various biodegradable dielectrics
Authors: Ishfaq Kashif , Maqsood Muhammad Asad , Anwar Saqib , Alfaify Abdullah , Zia Abdul Wasy
Published: May 2022

Inconel 600 is a Ni-based superalloy having exclusive properties like high strength and stability in harsh conditions. However, its accurate machining is challenging via conventional cutting methodologies. As a result, the use of electric discharge machining is common in cutting Inconel 600 precisely. But the intrinsic issue of overcut associated with traditional EDM limits its appreciation in cutting Ni-based alloy. Moreover, conventional dielectric oil used in EDM releases hazardous fumes and gases that put the operator’s health at risk. Therefore, in this study, six different biodegradable dielectrics have been investigated for their potential in controlling the dimensional overcut, which have yet to be evaluated thoroughly. The performance of biodegradable dielectrics (canola, amla, olive, sunflower, coconut, and mustard oil) against four types of electrode materials has been evaluated using full factorial design in the EDM of Inconel 600. Experimental findings are analyzed with statistical tests and optical/scanning electron microscopic evidence. The experimental results indicated that canola dielectric yield the smallest dimensional overcut. However, combination of sunflower oil and copper electrode proved as second premier case to reduce the overcut. Compared to the conventionally used kerosene oil, the biodegradable dielectrics (canola and sunflower) display a 63% and 1.2-folds reduction in overcut.