bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BF2‐Chelates of N‐Acylhydrazones as Versatile Coupling Partners in Photoredox Promoted Reactions
Authors: Rubanov Zakhar M. , Supranovich Vyacheslav I. , Levin Vitalij V. , Dilman Alexander D.
Published: May 2023

Five‐membered difluoroboryl chelate complexes are competent substrates for radical reactions with various radical precursors including potassium trifluoroborates, bis(catecholato)siliconates, 4‐alkyl‐substituted Hantzsch esters, dihydroquinazolinones, esters of N‐hydroxyphthalimide, Katritzky salts, alkyl iodides and thiols. Using these reagents, primary, secondary, and tertiary radicals can be generated under oxidative or reductive conditions and add at the C=N bond of the difluoroboryl chelates leading to hydrazide products.
Mental disorder prevalence in chronic pain patients using opioid versus non‐opioid analgesics: A registry‐linkage study
Authors: Gjerde L. C. , Skurtveit S. , Handal M. , Nesvåg R. , Clausen T. , Lid T. G. , Hamina A. , Borchgrevink P. C. , Odsbu I.
Published: May 2023

Background

Chronic pain and mental disorders are leading causes of disability worldwide. Individuals with chronic pain are more likely to experience mental disorders compared to individuals without chronic pain, but large‐scale estimates are lacking. We aimed to calculate overall prevalence of mental health diagnoses from primary and secondary care among individuals treated for chronic pain in 2019 and to compare prevalence among chronic pain patients receiving opioid versus non‐opioid analgesics, according to age and gender.

Methods

It is a population‐based cohort study. Linked data from nationwide health registers on dispensed drugs and diagnoses from primary (ICPC‐2) and secondary (ICD‐10) health care. Chronic pain patients were identified as all patients over 18 years of age filling at least one prescription of an analgesic reimbursed for non‐malignant chronic pain in both 2018 and 2019 (N = 139,434, 69.3% women).

Results

Prevalence of any mental health diagnosis was 35.6% (95% confidence interval: 35.4%–35.9%) when sleep diagnoses were included and 29.0% (28.8%–29.3%) when excluded. The most prevalent diagnostic categories were sleep disorders (14% [13.8%–14.2%]), depressive and related disorders (10.1% [9.9%–10.2%]) and phobia and other anxiety disorders (5.7% [5.5%–5.8%]). Prevalence of most diagnostic categories was higher in the group using opioids compared to non‐opioids. The group with the highest overall prevalence was young women (18–44 years) using opioids (50.1% [47.2%–53.0%]).

Conclusions

Mental health diagnoses are common in chronic pain patients receiving analgesics, particularly among young individuals and opioid users. The combination of opioid use and high psychiatric comorbidity suggests that prescribers should attend to mental health in addition to somatic pain.

Significance

This large‐scale study with nation‐wide registry data supports previous findings of high psychiatric burden in chronic pain patients. Opioid users had significantly higher prevalence of mental health diagnoses, regardless of age and gender compared to users of non‐opioid analgesics. Opioid users with chronic pain therefore stand out as a particularly vulnerable group and should be followed up closely by their physician to ensure they receive sufficient care for both their mental and somatic symptoms.
Preparation and Characterization of N,N′‐Dialkyl‐1,3‐propanedialdiminium Chlorides, N,N′‐Dialkyl‐1,3‐propanedialdimines, and Lithium N,N′‐Dialkyl‐1,3‐propanedialdiminates
Authors: Schmit Claire E. , Girolami Gregory S.
Published: May 2023

We describe convenient preparations of N,N′‐dialkyl‐1,3‐propanedialdiminium chlorides, N,N′‐dialkyl‐1,3‐propanedialdimines, and lithium N,N′‐dialkyl‐1,3‐propanedialdiminates in which the alkyl groups are methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, or tert‐butyl. For the dialdiminium salts, the N2C3 backbone is always in the trans‐s‐trans configuration. Three isomers are present in solution except for the tert‐butyl compound, for which only two isomers are present; increasing the steric bulk of the N‐alkyl substituents shifts the equilibrium away from the (Z,Z) isomer in favor of the (E,Z), and (E,E) isomers. For the neutral dialdimines, crystal structures show that the methyl and isopropyl compounds adopt the (E,Z) form, whereas the tert‐butyl compound is in the (E,E) form. In aprotic solvents all four dialdimines (as well as the lithium dialdiminate salts) adopt cis‐s‐cis conformations in which there presumably is either an intramolecular hydrogen bond (or a lithium cation) between the two nitrogen atoms.
Herd immunity in older adults from a middle‐income country: A time‐series trend analysis of community‐acquired pneumonia mortality 2003–2017
Authors: Sanchez Carlos A. , Rivera‐Lozada Oriana , Lozada‐Urbano Michelle , Best‐Bandenay Pablo
Published: May 2023

Background and Aims

Community‐acquired pneumonia is responsible for substantial mortality, and pneumococcus is commonly accepted as a major cause of pneumonia, regardless of laboratory confirmation. Child immunization programs have reported success in decreasing pneumonia mortality: directly in young children and indirectly (herd immunity) in unvaccinated adult populations in some countries. We assess changes in mortality trends for all‐cause pneumonia in older adults associated with the introduction of pneumococcal vaccination for children in Peru.

Methods

This is a secondary analysis on administrative data collected periodically by the Peruvian Ministry of Health. An observational retrospective time series analysis was conducted using longitudinal population‐based data from death certificates in Peru between 2003 and 2017. The time series includes 6 years before and 9 years after the introduction of the pneumococcal‐conjugated vaccines in the national child immunization program in 2009. Monthly frequencies and annual rates for all‐cause pneumonia deaths in children under 5 years of age and adults over 65 years of age are presented. Linear and quadratic trends are analyzed.

Results

Deaths among older adults accounted for 75.6% of all‐cause pneumonia mortality in Peru, with 94.4% of these reporting “pneumonia due to unspecified organism” as the underlying cause of death. Comparing pre‐ and post‐child immunization program periods, annual average mortality rates from unspecified pneumonia decreased by 22.7% in young children but increased by 19.6% in older adults. A linear trend model supports this overall tendency, but a quadratic curve explains the data better.

Conclusion

Pneumococcal‐conjugated vaccines are developed using serotypes prevalent in selected countries from less common (invasive) pneumococcal disease and expected to prevent mortality worldwide from widespread (noninvasive) pneumonia. Our results do not support the presence of herd immunity from pneumococcal vaccination of children for community‐acquired pneumonia in the increasingly ageing population of Peru. This should direct future research and could influence public health policy.
Research on natal and neonatal teeth in Africa: A systematic scoping review of empirical evidence
Authors: Amzat Jimoh , Kanmodi Kehinde K. , Aminu Kafayat , Egbedina Eyinade A.
Published: May 2023

Background and Aims

In Africa, natal and neonatal teeth is a culture‐bound phenomenon which is associated with several sociocultural connotations which might affect child survival. Different empirical studies have been conducted in Africa on natal and neonatal teeth; however, no known scoping review has been conducted to map the empirical evidence. This systematic scoping review (SSR) aims to document the available empirical evidence, research gaps, and hotspots on neonatal and natal teeth in Africa.

Methods

The methodology of this SSR was informed by the Joanna Brigg's Institute guidelines for SSRs, and it was reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. Eleven research databases were systematically searched to scooped out all literatures relevant to the scoping review question, after which they were screened for eligibility based on the review's selection criteria. Only the eligible literatures were included in the review. Data were extracted from the included literatures, after which the extracted data were collated, summarized, and presented as results.

Results

This review included only three journal articles. All the reviewed articles revealed knowledge gaps about natal/neonatal teeth. These articles also found misconceptions around natal/neonatal teeth; for example, nurses' and traditional birth attendants' beliefs about these teeth are contrary to scientifically known facts. Multiple myths associated with natal/neonatal teeth, as indicated in the reviewed studies, point to a poor understanding of the condition.

Conclusion

Neonates and infants are highly vulnerable persons; they require care and safeguarding from dental myths that could threaten their survival. Educative information concerning natal/neonatal teeth should be included in public health education programs to address the observed knowledge gaps among African populations and correct wrong beliefs on neonatal and natal teeth.
Performance of discrete wavelet transform‐based method in the detection of influenza outbreaks in Iran: An ecological study
Authors: Minaeian Sara , Alimohamadi Yousef , Eshrati Babak , Esmaeilzadeh Firooz
Published: May 2023

Background and Aim

Timely detection of outbreaks is one of the main purposes of the health surveillance system. The presence of appropriate methods in the detection of outbreaks can have an important role in the timely detection of outbreaks. Because of the importance of this issue, this study aimed to assess the performance of discrete wavelet transform (DWT) based methods in detecting influenza outbreaks in Iran from January 2010 to January 2020.

Methods

All registered influenza‐positive virus cases in Iran from January 2010 to January 2010 were obtained from the FluNet web base tool, the World Health Organization website. The combination method that includes DWT and Shewhart control chart was used in this study. All analyses were performed using MATLAB software version 2018a Stata software version 15.

Results

The Mean ± SD and median of reported influenza cases from January 2010 to January 2020 was 36 ± 108 and four cases per week. The combination of the DWT and Shewhart control chart with K = 0.25 had the most sensitivity. The most specificity in the detection of nonoutbreak days was seen in the combination of DWT and Shewhart control chart with K = 1.5, K = 1.75, and K = 2, respectively. The combination of DWT and Shewhart control chart with K = 0.5 had the best performance in the detection of outbreaks (sensitivity = 0.64, specificity: 0.90, Youden index: 0.54, and area under the curve [AUC]: 0.77).

Conclusion

The DWT‐based method in detecting influenza outbreaks has acceptable performance, but it is recommended that this method's performance be assessed in detecting outbreaks of other infectious diseases.
QCBO‐WSVM: Quantum chaos butterfly optimization‐based weighted support vector machine for neuropathic pain detection from EEG signal
Authors: Sofia Bobby J. , Suresh Chander Kapali B. , Kumar Ushus S. , Femina M. A.
Published: May 2023

Chronic pain is a common problem among stroke patients, resulting from neurological damage to the central nervous system. This discomfort is primarily caused by the improper use of unaffected limbs or musculoskeletal issues. It can be challenging to differentiate neuropathic pain resulting from central nervous system damage. To address these challenges, researchers have developed a cutting‐edge technology called a Brain‐Computer Interface (BCI) based on electroencephalogram (EEG) data. In this paper, a novel BCI classifier has been developed using the Weighted Incremental‐Decremental Support Vector Machine (WIDSVM) classification method. The classifier has been trained using EEG‐based motor images from patients with central nervous system damage. The Quantum Chaos Butterfly Optimization Algorithm (QCBOA) has been used to enhance the performance of the WIDSVM classifier by creating a new dataset. The efficiency of the proposed model has been evaluated by comparing the results obtained from normal participants and those who developed chronic pain. The classification accuracy has been calculated for different regions, including the left hand, right hand, and feet, among the different participant groups. A total of 28 participants have been separated into three groups with pain in different regions, such as the lower abdomen and legs. The classifier has been tested using both 3‐channel bipolar montages and Common Spatial Patterns (CSPs). The results have shown that the proposed model offers higher classification accuracy and statistical significance in identifying the patient's risk of developing central neuropathic pain. However, it is important to note that further studies with larger sample sizes and different types of chronic pain are needed to validate the efficacy of the proposed model.
Polyaniline‐coated V2O5 as a high‐performance cathode material for Zn‐ion batteries
Authors: Fan Fengxia , Zeng Ting , Xu Haoyang , Wen Xiaojuan , Liu Sheng , Wang Xinxiang , Tian Guilei , Shu Chaozhu
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Due to the advantages of environmental compatibility, low cost, and safety, aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs) have stood out as the emerging energy storage devices among metal‐ion batteries. However, most cathode materials suffer from slow Zn2+ diffusion rates, resulting in poor charge–discharge rates and cycle life of state‐of‐the‐art ZIBs.

Objective and Method

In this work, a polyaniline (PANI) coating method is proposed to improve the Zn2+ diffusion kinetics and stability of the V2O5 cathode. The coating of PANI can maintain the structural stability of V2O5. Moreover, PANI is conducive to improving the electronic conductivity and increasing the intercalation/deintercalation capacity of V2O5 by promoting the diffusion process of Zn2+ ions, thereby increasing the charge–discharge capacity of ZIBs.

Results

Eventually, the electrochemical performance of the PANI‐coated V2O5 electrode is significantly improved, delivering a high discharge specific capacity of 0.374 mAh cm−2 at the current density of 2 mA cm−2 and improved capacity retention of 83% after 500 cycles. This work demonstrates the positive effect of the PANI‐coating strategy on improving the electrochemical performance of V2O5 electrodes.
SH3 domain‐binding kinase 1 promotes proliferation and inhibits apoptosis of cervical cancer via activating the Wnt/β‐catenin and Raf/ERK1/2 signaling pathways
Authors: Chen Xin , Sun Zhengwei , Zhou Shengjie , Jiang Wenxiao , Li Jieyi , Song Gendi , Zhu Xueqiong
Published: May 2023

SH3 domain‐binding kinase 1 (SBK1), is a member of the serine/threonine protein kinases family, and was confirmed to be upregulated in cervical cancer in our previous study. Nonetheless, the role of SBK1 in regulating cancer occurrence and development is unclear. In this study, the stable SBK1‐knockdown and ‐overexpressed cell models were constructed by plasmid transfection technology. Cell viability and growth were assessed through CCK‐8, colony formation, and BrdU methods. Cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry. The JC‐1 staining assay was used to explore mitochondrial membrane potential. The scratch and Transwell assays were used to evaluate the cell metastatic ability. The nude mice models were utilized to explore the SBK1 expression affecting tumor growth in vivo. Our research indicated a high expression of SBK1 both in tissues and cells of cervical cancer. The proliferative, migratory, as well as invasive capacities of cervical cancer cells, were suppressed, and apoptosis was enhanced after SBK1 silence, whereas SBK1 upregulation led to opposite results. In addition, Wnt/β‐catenin and Raf/ERK1/2 pathways were activated by SBK1 upregulation. Furthermore, downregulation of c‐Raf or β‐catenin, reversed the proliferation promotion and apoptosis inhibition effects in SBK1‐overexpressed cells. The same results were observed with the use of the specific Raf inhibitor. SBK1 overexpression also contributed to tumor growth in vivo. Overall, SBK1 played a vital role in cervical tumorigenesis via activating the Wnt/β‐catenin and Raf/ERK1/2 pathways.
Nonrelativistic limit of the Euler‐HMPN approximation models arising in radiation hydrodynamics
Authors: Ma Zhiting , Yong Wen‐An
Published: May 2023

In this paper, we are concerned with the nonrelativistic limit of a class of computable approximation models for radiation hydrodynamics. The models consist of the compressible Euler equations coupled with moment closure approximations to the radiative transfer equation. They are first‐order partial differential equations with source terms. As hyperbolic relaxation systems, they are showed to satisfy the structural stability condition proposed by the second author. Based on this, we verify the nonrelativistic limit by combining an energy method with a formal asymptotic analysis.
Drawdown‐induced consolidation of aquifer systems considering water‐table decline
Authors: Xu Jin , Liu Lei , Zhang Hao
Published: May 2023

Boundary condition is an important factor in estimating land subsidence induced by groundwater withdrawal. In previous analytical studies, the upper boundaries are commonly assumed to be constant‐head, which could fail to reflect the declines in groundwater table during groundwater pumping. A one‐dimensional (1‐D) consolidation model of aquifer systems due to groundwater drawdown is considered in this study, in which the water‐table decline is taken into account. A mathematical model, which incorporates Neuman's model of unconfined flow into Terzaghi's theory of consolidation, is first presented. The analytical solutions for both hydraulic head drawdown and subsidence are developed in the Laplace domain. A more explicit solution to the elastic, single‐layered model is also derived. The validation of the presented solutions is verified by comparing with existing solutions in degenerated cases. The results show that the presented hydraulic drawdown solutions can be used to describe the water table decline. Moreover, the subsidence solutions are notably different from solutions based on the commonly‐used constant‐head boundary, and these previous models could severely underestimate the subsidence. The influences of specific yield, compressibility of the pore water, hydraulic conductivity, and viscosity of soil skeleton on the water table decline and long‐term deformation are also investigated using the presented solutions.
Expanded role of nurses in Swiss nursing homes and their engagement in quality improvement: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Favez Lauriane , Simon Michael , Serdaly Christine , Zúñiga Franziska
Published: May 2023

Aims

To report on the engagement of Swiss nursing homes and of nurses in expanded roles in quality improvement.

Design

A cross‐sectional study (2018–2019).

Methods

Survey data from a sample of 115 Swiss nursing homes and 104 nurses in expanded roles. Descriptive statistics were used.

Results

Most participating nursing homes reported carrying several quality improvement activities (median of eight out of 10 activities surveyed) but some were only engaged in five activities or less. Nursing homes working with nurses in expanded roles (n = 83) showed greater engagement in quality improvement than those working with none. Nurses with more advanced qualifications (Bachelor's or Master's degree) engaged more in quality improvement than nurses with standard training. Specifically, higher educated nurses were more involved in data‐focused activities. Using nurses in expanded roles can be a way forward for nursing homes seeking to actively carry out quality improvement in their facilities.

Conclusion

Although a large proportion of nurses in expanded roles surveyed were implementing quality activities, their level of engagement depended on their educational level. Our findings support the principle that higher level competencies are a key aspect of data‐based quality improvement in nursing homes. However, as Advance Practice Registered Nurses will remain difficult to recruit in nursing homes, using nurses in expanded roles might contribute to quality improvement.
Percentage of maximum weight lost as an optimal parameter of weight regain after bariatric surgery in Chinese patients with diabetes
Authors: Si Yiming , Zhang Hongwei , Han Xiaodong , Liu Weijie , Tu Yinfang , Han Junfeng , Ma Xiaojing , Bao Yuqian , Yu Haoyong
Published: May 2023

Objective

The goal of this study was to compare measures of weight regain (WR) and their association with the glucose metabolism deterioration within 3 years following bariatric surgery among Chinese patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

Among a retrospective cohort of 249 patients with obesity and T2DM who underwent bariatric surgery and were followed up to 3 years, WR was assessed by weight changes, BMI changes, percentage of presurgery weight, percentage of nadir weight, and percentage of maximum weight lost (%MWL). Glucose metabolism deterioration was defined as a change from an absence of antidiabetic medication use to use, or absence of insulin use to use, or an increase in glycated hemoglobin by at least 0.5% to 5.7% or greater.

Results

A comparison of C‐index of glucose metabolism deterioration indicated %MWL had better discriminatory ability versus weight change, BMI change, percentage of presurgery weight, or percentage of nadir weight (all p < 0.01). The %MWL also had the highest prediction accuracy. The optimal %MWL cutoff point was 20%.

Conclusions

Among Chinese patients with obesity and T2DM who underwent bariatric surgery, WR quantified as %MWL predicted 3‐year postoperative glucose metabolism deterioration better than the alternatives; 20% MWL was the optimal cutoff point.
Complex catalyzed synthesis and prediction of properties of poly(acrylonitrile‐co‐acrylamide)/crab shell powder composites by using artificial neural network
Authors: Sahoo Deepti Rekha , Biswal Trinath
Published: May 2023

In a nitrogen atmosphere, a novel composite, Poly(Acrylonitrile‐co‐Acrylamide)/crab shell powder, was synthesized by combining two monomers, acrylonitrile (AN) and acrylamide (Aam), with varying weight percentages of crab shell powder (CSP) as bio‐filler. The synthesized composite Poly (AN‐co‐Aam)/CSP, copolymer Poly (AN‐co‐Aam), and CSP were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric (TGA) analysis, derivative thermogravimetric (DTG) analysis, and a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The mechanical properties, like tensile, flexural, and impact strengths, were studied. The hardness, biodegradability, and water absorbency properties have been studied using appropriate methodologies. The SEM images and FTIR data confirm the appropriate synthesis of the composite material and the uniform distribution of CSP. The mechanical strength increases with the rise in concentration of CSP up to 20 wt. % and then gradually decreases. The thermal analysis reveals that the composite exhibits adequate thermal stability. The artificial neural network (ANN) model is used for the prediction of mechanical properties, which shows adequate results with the experimental results. The training and test datasets use a correlation factor associated with this analysis that is higher than 0.9, which confirms that the expected values of the mechanical performance are an excellent comparison to the experimental value.
Bicarbonate as a predictor of successful insulin transition in critically ill patients with diabetic ketoacidosis: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Price Erin C. , Wolfe Brianne M. , Pan Raymond J. , Gebhart Benjamin C. , Aberegg Scott K.
Published: May 2023

Background

Treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis with intravenous insulin is effective but resource intensive. Treatment guidelines recommend transitioning to subcutaneous insulin when the anion gap closes, but transition failures due to recrudescent ketoacidosis are common despite adherence to treatment protocols following such guidance.

Study Objective

The primary objective of our study was to evaluate the ability of serum bicarbonate levels of ≤16 mEq/L to predict intravenous to subcutaneous transition failures among those with a normal anion gap at the time of transition.

Design and Setting

This retrospective cohort study evaluated critically ill adult patients with a primary diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis. Historical patient data were obtained by manual chart review. The primary outcome was transition failure, defined as the re‐initiation of intravenous insulin within 24 h of transitioning to subcutaneous insulin. Odds ratios were calculated using generalized estimating equations with a logit link and weighted by standardized inverse probability weights to assess the predictive value of serum bicarbonate levels.

Main Results

The primary analysis included 93 patients with a total of 118 distinct transitions. In the adjusted analysis, patients whose anion gap had normalized but had a serum bicarbonate of ≤16 mEq/L were significantly more likely to experience a transition failure (odds ratio = 4.74, 95% confidence interval: 1.24–18.1, p = 0.02). The results of the unadjusted analysis were similar.

Conclusions

In patients with a normal anion gap at the time of insulin transition, serum bicarbonate levels of ≤16 mEq/L were associated with significantly increased odds of transition failure.
Recent progress in intermetallic nanocrystals for electrocatalysis: From binary to ternary to high‐entropy intermetallics
Authors: Liu Jiawei , Lee Carmen , Hu Yue , Liang Zhishan , Ji Rong , Soo Xiang Yun Debbie , Zhu Qiang , Yan Qingyu
Published: May 2023

Developing sustainable and clean energy‐conversion techniques is one of the strategies to simultaneously meet the global energy demand, save fossil fuels and protect the environment, in which nanocatalysts with high activity, selectivity and durability are of great importance. Intermetallic nanocrystals, featuring their ordered atomic arrangements and predictable electronic structures, have been recognized as a type of active and durable catalysts in energy‐related applications. In this minireview, the very recent progress in the syntheses and electrocatalytic applications of noble metal‐based intermetallic nanocrystals is summarized. Various synthetic strategies, including the conventional thermal annealing approach and its diverse modifications, as well as the wet‐chemical synthesis, for the construction of binary, ternary and high‐entropy intermetallic nanocrystals have been discussed with representative examples, highlighting their strengths and limitations. Then, their electrocatalytic applications toward oxygen reduction reaction, small molecule oxidation reactions, hydrogen evolution reaction, CO2/CO reduction reactions, and nitrogen reduction reaction are discussed, with the emphasis on how the ordered intermetallic structures contribute to the enhanced performance. We conclude the minireview by addressing the current challenges and opportunities of intermetallic nanocrystals in terms of syntheses and electrocatalytic applications.
Super‐Resolved FRET Imaging by Confocal Fluorescence‐Lifetime Single‐Molecule Localization Microscopy
Authors: Zaza Cecilia , Chiarelli Germán , Zweifel Ludovit P. , Pilo‐Pais Mauricio , Sisamakis Evangelos , Barachati Fabio , Stefani Fernando D. , Acuna Guillermo P.
Published: May 2023

Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET)‐based approaches are unique tools for sensing the immediate surroundings and interactions of (bio)molecules. FRET imaging and Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM) enable the visualization of the spatial distribution of molecular interactions and functional states. However, conventional FLIM and FRET imaging provide average information over an ensemble of molecules within a diffraction‐limited volume, which limits the spatial information, accuracy, and dynamic range of the observed signals. Here, an approach to obtain super‐resolved FRET imaging based on single‐molecule localization microscopy using an early prototype of a commercial time‐resolved confocal microscope is demonstrated. DNA Points Accumulation for Imaging in Nanoscale Topography with fluorogenic probes provides a suitable combination of background reduction and binding kinetics compatible with the scanning speed of usual confocal microscopes. A single laser is used to excite the donor, a broad detection band is employed to retrieve both donor and acceptor emission, and FRET events are detected from lifetime information.
Human Rights in Central Asia: Challenges and Perspectives
Authors: Sayapin Sergey
Published: May 2023

Ever since the disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991, “human rights” has been a contentious term in the states of post-Soviet Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan). Whereas all Central Asian states are parties to the major multilateral human rights instruments, significant human rights problems persist. Issues such as the rule of law, gender inequality, domestic violence, freedom of the press, and electoral rights are particularly acute. Progress was made in overcoming the Soviet legacy of the human rights nihilism in a few areas, but the Central Asian states still have a way to go to improve their human rights records. National human rights institutions should be accorded real powers. The quality of dialogue between governments and civil society should be improved. Ultimately, societal attitudes toward human rights should shift from perceiving the concept as “Western” and “alien to local cultures” to more constructive paradigms.
Human Rights as a Concept of Public Law: Challenges for Central Asian Higher Education Systems
Authors: Atadjanov Rustam
Published: May 2023

This chapter first explains human rights as a concept of public law and briefly analyzes its legal nature. Second, the chapter outlines the particular challenges this concept presents for the Central Asian countries and their formal education sectors. Treating the concept as a predominantly legal phenomenon, it considers how human rights play into key ideas such as the Rechtsstaat and its crucial elements: rule of law and civil society. Further, it scrutinizes the role of human rights education (HRE) and knowledge dissemination in raising legal awareness and promoting legal culture among the population, a particularly relevant problem for the Central Asian countries. The chapter then proceeds to address issues of disseminating knowledge on human rights, primarily in the formal education sectors and hence public (but also private) higher education institutions that impart legal knowledge in the four main Central Asian countries. Challenges to providing effective formal education in human rights are reviewed, along with local contextual factors in the region (cultural, social, historical, economic, and political) contributing to those challenges. Understanding such factors facilitates the development of potentially useful suggestions and solutions to address these challenges. The latest overview of the current human rights education programs in Central Asia is a crucial basis for this brief analysis. Lastly, the chapter argues in favor of applying a systemic, principled, as well as contextualized approach to improving human rights education efforts in the region.
Redesigning the Law Curriculum in Uzbekistan
Authors: Ismatov Aziz , Kudratov Manuchehr
Published: May 2023

What dangers entail legal education reform in a region or country undergoing a transition from one legal system to another? Why designing a law curriculum with a well-balanced approach between theory and practice, and most importantly, with critical feedback on the transition challenges is vital for training lawyers capable of creating solutions for emerging legal dilemmas? On the example of Uzbekistan, which has been struggling for several decades to shift from socialist toward nonsocialist law smoothly, the present chapter explains the specifics of local legal education reforms and their specific impact on the education process and legal profession. The authors discover that in the post-1990 period, a newly designed law curriculum in Uzbekistan continued state-centric inertia with the government as the sole actor managing education. Simultaneously, local legal education gradually shifted from theoretical to practice-oriented. Also, the law curriculum was enriched by new teaching methods and techniques borrowed from outside. This chapter, by utilizing field trip data, including interviews and lecture analysis, involves a critical discussion around the utilization of comparative method, case study, and active learning. The authors conclude with critical feedback on the local legal education and point to its dangers in educating future jurists and the legal profession.
Evaluation: Added Value of Research-Based Interventions
Authors: Whitehouse Marlies
Published: May 2023

This chapter evaluates the research-based interventions from a practice perspective. The value that the chosen and applied measures add to the communication practice of financial analysts is discussed for the levels of the organisation, the domain, and society at large.
Fun with replicas: tripartitions in tensor networks and gravity
Authors: Penington Geoff , Walter Michael , Witteveen Freek
Published: May 2023

Abstract

We analyse a simple correlation measure for tripartite pure states that we call G(A : B : C). The quantity is symmetric with respect to the subsystems A, B, C, invariant under local unitaries, and is bounded from above by log dAdB. For random tensor network states, we prove that G(A : B : C) is equal to the size of the minimal tripartition of the tensor network, i.e., the logarithmic bond dimension of the smallest cut that partitions the network into three components with A, B, and C. We argue that for holographic states with a fixed spatial geometry, G(A : B : C) is similarly computed by the minimal area tripartition. For general holographic states, G(A : B : C) is determined by the minimal area tripartition in a backreacted geometry, but a smoothed version is equal to the minimal tripartition in an unbackreacted geometry at leading order. We briefly discuss a natural family of quantities Gn(A : B : C) for integer n ≥ 2 that generalize G = G2. In holography, the computation of Gn(A : B : C) for n > 2 spontaneously breaks part of a ℤn × ℤn replica symmetry. This prevents any naive application of the Lewkowycz-Maldacena trick in a hypothetical analytic continuation to n = 1.
Non-maximal chaos in some Sachdev-Ye-Kitaev-like models
Authors: Ma Chen , Tian Chushun
Published: May 2023

Abstract

We study the chaos exponent of some variants of the Sachdev-Ye-Kitaev (SYK) model, namely, the $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 supersymmetry (SUSY)-SYK model and its sibling, the (N|M)-SYK model which is not supersymmetric, for arbitrary interaction strength. We find that for large q the chaos exponent of these variants, as well as the SYK and the $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 SUSY-SYK model, all follow a single-parameter scaling law. By quantitative arguments we further make a conjecture, i.e. that the found scaling law might hold for general one-dimensional (1D) SYK-like models with large q. This points out a universal route from maximal chaos towards completely regular or integrable motion in the SYK model and its 1D variants.
Strahleninduzierter Katarakt – ein okkultes Berufsrisiko für Urologen
Authors: Wendler J. J. , Schittko J. , Lux A. , Liehr U.-B. , Pech M. , Schostak M. , Porsch M.
Published: May 2023

Hintergrund

Der Strahlenkatarakt stellt ein relevantes Risiko für beruflich strahlenexponierte Personen dar. Die Jahresgrenzdosis für die Augenlinse wurde auf 20 mSv pro Jahr per Gesetzgebung (Strahlenschutzgesetz StrlSchG 2017; 2013/59/Euratom) nach Empfehlung der Internationalen Strahlenschutzkommission (2011 ICRP) zur Vermeidung eines strahleninduzierten Katarakts gesenkt.

Fragestellung

Besteht die Gefahr der Überschreitung der Jahresgrenzdosis für die Augenlinse in der urologischen Routine ohne spezielle Strahlenschutzmaßnahmen für den Kopf?

Methodik

Im Rahmen einer prospektiven, monozentrischen Dosimetriestudie von 542 verschiedenen urologischen, fluoroskopisch geführten Interventionen erfolgte die Bestimmung der Augenlinsendosis per Stirndosimeter (Thermolumineszenz-Dosimeter TLD, Chipstrate) über einen Zeitraum von 5 Monaten.

Ergebnisse

Es zeigte sich eine durchschnittliche Kopfdosis von 0,05 mSv pro Intervention (maximal 0,29 mSv) bei einem durchschnittlichen Dosisflächenprodukt (DFP) von 485,33 (21,7–3731,2) Gy/cm2. Signifikante Einflussfaktoren auf eine höhere Dosis waren ein höherer BMI des Patienten, eine längere Operationsdauer und ein höheres DFP. Das Erfahrungslevel des Operateurs zeigte keinen signifikanten Einfluss.

Diskussion

Mit 400 Eingriffen pro Jahr oder durchschnittlich 2 Eingriffen pro Arbeitstag wäre damit der kritische Jahresgrenzwert für die Augenlinsen bzw. für das Risiko eines Strahlenkatarakts ohne spezielle Schutzmaßnahmen überschritten.

Schlussfolgerung

Ein konsequenter effektiver Strahlenschutz der Augenlinse ist essentiell für die tägliche Arbeit bei uroradiologischen Interventionen. Hierfür sind ggf. technische Weiterentwicklungen erforderlich.
Predictors of alcohol and substance use among people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): findings from the NESARC-III study
Authors: Dell’Aquila Adriana , Berle David
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The self-medication hypothesis suggests people may develop Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) or Non-Alcohol Substance Use Disorder (NA-SUD) following PTSD as a maladaptive way of coping with PTSD symptoms. Given that an accumulation of trauma experiences and interpersonal trauma increase the likelihood and severity of PTSD, we sought to determine whether the number and type of traumas additionally predict AUD and NA-SUD following PTSD.

Methods

We analysed data from 36,309 adult participants in the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions-III (NESARC-III) study (M = 45.63 years, SD = 17.53, 56.3% female) who were administered semi-structured diagnostic interviews of trauma exposure and PTSD, AUD and NA-SUD symptoms.

Results

Individuals with PTSD were more likely to have an AUD or NA-SUD than those without PTSD. Endorsement of a greater number of traumas was associated with greater odds of having PTSD, AUD, or NA-SUD. Experience of interpersonal trauma was related to greater odds of having PTSD and subsequent AUD or NA-SUD than not experiencing interpersonal trauma. Multiple experiences of interpersonal trauma compared to one interpersonal trauma exposure also increased the odds of having PTSD followed by AUD or NA-SUD.

Conclusions

Interpersonal trauma and multiple experiences of interpersonal trauma may result in individuals turning to alcohol and substances as a way to alleviate intolerable PTSD symptomology, aligning with the self-medication hypothesis. Our findings highlight the importance of ensuring services and support for interpersonal trauma survivors and for those who have experienced multiple traumas given their increased for unfavourable outcomes.
A Priori Bounds for the $$\Phi ^4$$ Equation in the Full Sub-critical Regime
Authors: Chandra Ajay , Moinat Augustin , Weber Hendrik
Published: May 2023

We derive a priori bounds for the $$\Phi ^4$$

Φ
4

equation in the full sub-critical regime using Hairer’s theory of regularity structures. The equation is formally given by "Equation missing"where the term $$+\infty \phi $$

+
∞
ϕ

represents infinite terms that have to be removed in a renormalisation procedure. We emulate fractional dimensions $$d<4$$

d
<
4

by adjusting the regularity of the noise term $$\xi $$
ξ
, choosing $$\xi \in C^{-3+\delta }$$

ξ
∈

C

-
3
+
δ

. Our main result states that if $$\phi $$
ϕ
satisfies this equation on a space–time cylinder $$D= (0,1) \times \{ |x| \leqslant 1 \}$$

D
=
(
0
,
1
)
×
{
|
x
|
⩽
1
}

, then away from the boundary $$\partial D$$

∂
D

the solution $$\phi $$
ϕ
can be bounded in terms of a finite number of explicit polynomial expressions in $$\xi $$
ξ
. The bound holds uniformly over all possible choices of boundary data for $$\phi $$
ϕ
and thus relies crucially on the super-linear damping effect of the non-linear term $$-\phi ^3$$

-

ϕ
3

. A key part of our analysis consists of an appropriate re-formulation of the theory of regularity structures in the specific context of (*), which allows us to couple the small scale control one obtains from this theory with a suitable large scale argument. Along the way we make several new observations and simplifications: we reduce the number of objects required with respect to Hairer’s work. Instead of a model $$(\Pi _x)_x$$

(

Π
x

)

x

and the family of translation operators $$(\Gamma _{x,y})_{x,y}$$

(

Γ

x
,
y

)

x
,
y

we work with just a single object $$(\mathbb {X}_{x, y})$$

(

X

x
,
y

)

which acts on itself for translations, very much in the spirit of Gubinelli’s theory of branched rough paths. Furthermore, we show that in the specific context of (*) the hierarchy of continuity conditions which constitute Hairer’s definition of a modelled distribution can be reduced to the single continuity condition on the “coefficient on the constant level”.
Hydrodynamic characterization of a vesicular stomatitis virus-based oncolytic virus using analytical ultracentrifugation
Authors: Wawra Simon , Kessler Sophia , Egel Arina , Solzin Johannes , Burkert Oliver , Hochdorfer Daniel
Published: May 2023

Determination of the size, density, and mass of viral particles can provide valuable information to support process and formulation studies in clinical development. Analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC), as a first principal method, has been shown to be a beneficial tool for the characterization of the non-enveloped adeno associated virus (AAV). Here, we demonstrate the suitability of AUC for the challenging characterization of a representative for enveloped viruses, which usually are expected to exhibit higher dispersity than non-enveloped viruses. Specifically, the vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV)-based oncolytic virus VSV-GP was used to evaluate potential occurrence of non-ideal sedimentation by testing different rotor speeds and loading concentrations. The partial specific volume was determined via density gradients and density contrast experiments. Additionally, nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) was used to determine the hydrodynamic diameter of VSV-GP particles to calculate their molecular weight via the Svedberg equation. Overall, this study demonstrates the applicability of AUC and NTA for the characterization of size, density, and molar mass of an enveloped virus, namely VSV-GP.
Vom stadträumlichen Pionier zur Kulturstätte inmitten der Pandemie. Musikclubs als (sozial-)räumliche Akteure urbaner Musikökosysteme
Authors: Kuchar Robin
Published: May 2023

Musikclubs gelten als bedeutende Experimentierräume der populären Musik, als Ort des informellen Austauschs lokaler Musikszenen und als Knotenpunkte szenebasierter Wertschöpfungsprozesse urbaner Popkultur. Ihre (sozial-)räumlichen Strategien und Ausprägungen zeigen dabei eher in Richtung eines auf Kultur orientierten Selbstverständnisses sowie auf alternative, gelebte und mit ihrem Standort verwurzelte Räume lokaler Nachtökonomien. Dieser Artikel betrachtet (sozial-)räumliche Austauschprozesse von Musikclubs, lokaler Musikszene, Stadt und Music Industries und geht der Frage nach, welche stadträumlichen und kulturellen Implikationen mit den Auswirkungen der Covid-19-Pandemie für diese im Kontext des städtischen Musikökosystems verbunden sind. Während die ökonomischen Folgen auf der Hand zu liegen scheinen, interessieren hier im Besonderen die Zuschreibungen von Musikclubs für die Stadt, der räumliche Wert von Livemusik und kulturellem Erbe sowie die Frage nach der bau- und planungsrechtlichen Aufwertung von Clubs und Livespielstätten während des Lockdowns im Frühjahr 2021.
A Hydro-mechanical Approach to Model Swelling Tests of Clay-Sulfate Rocks
Authors: Taherdangkoo Reza , Barsch Markus , Ataallah Ahmad , Meng Tao , Liu Quan , Butscher Christoph
Published: May 2023

We developed a coupled hydro-mechanical (HM) model based on a semi-logarithmic swelling law to reproduce the outcomes of swelling tests of a clay-sulfate rock specimen collected from the Freudenstein tunnel, which was constructed in Triassic Grabfeld Formation (formerly Gipskeuper = “Gypsum Keuper”) in Southwest Germany in the period of 1987–1991. The swelling tests were conducted using an oedometer apparatus under constrained (no strain) or constant load conditions. We used the strain–time data obtained from the laboratory testing to calibrate the HM model. We then ran a sensitivity analysis to reveal the importance of influential parameters, namely the maximum swelling pressure $${\sigma }_{max}^{sw}$$

σ

max

sw

, swelling parameter $$k$$
k
, and diffusion coefficient $$D$$
D
on the long-term swelling behaviour of clay-sulfate rocks under the oedometer conditions. The HM model is capable of predicting long-term swelling deformations, i.e., model results were found to agree reasonably well with the experimental data. The results also show that using only 12 months experimental strain–time data to calibrate the HM model leads to an underestimation of swelling strains at the equilibrium condition. The findings show that at least 24 months experimental data is required for the model calibration.
Consensus recommendations for the assessment and treatment of perinatal obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD): A Delphi study
Authors: Mulcahy Melissa , Long Christian , Morrow Teagan , Galbally Megan , Rees Clare , Anderson Rebecca
Published: May 2023

The perinatal period is one of increased vulnerability to parents experiencing the onset of, or an increase of existing, obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms. Existing OCD and perinatal mental health best practice guidelines do not detail specific considerations relevant to OCD in the perinatal period (‘Perinatal OCD’). Perinatal OCD risks being undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, and subsequently untreated or mistreated, with potential negative impacts for individuals and families experiencing this problem, highlighting the importance of specific guidance. This study employed a modified Delphi survey methodology to establish recommended best practice for the assessment and treatment of perinatal OCD. A literature review identified 103 initial best practice recommendations, and participants suggested 18 further recommendations. These recommendations were rated for importance over three survey rounds by two expert panels, comprising of 15 professionals with clinical or research expertise in perinatal OCD and 14 consumers with lived experience of perinatal OCD. One-hundred and two statements were endorsed for inclusion in the final set of recommendations for clinical best practice with perinatal OCD. These recommendations inform practice across eight themes; psychoeducation, screening, assessment, differential diagnosis, case care considerations, treatment, partners & families, and culture & diversity. This novel study is the first to collate and outline a set of clinical best practice recommendations, developed using the consensus perspectives of both individuals with lived experience and professionals with relevant expertise, for supporting individuals with perinatal OCD and their families. Differences between panel perspectives, and directions for future research are also discussed.