bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum neurofilament light chain: a novel biomarker for early diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy
Authors: Maalmi Haifa , Strom Alexander , Petrera Agnese , Hauck Stefanie M. , Strassburger Klaus , Kuss Oliver , Zaharia Oana-Patricia , Bönhof Gidon J. , Rathmann Wolfgang , Trenkamp Sandra , Burkart Volker , Szendroedi Julia , Ziegler Dan , Roden Michael , Herder Christian ,   the GDS Group
Published: December 2022

Aims/hypothesis

No established blood-based biomarker exists to monitor diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy (DSPN) and evaluate treatment response. The neurofilament light chain (NFL), a blood biomarker of neuroaxonal damage in several neurodegenerative diseases, represents a potential biomarker for DSPN. We hypothesised that higher serum NFL levels are associated with prevalent DSPN and nerve dysfunction in individuals recently diagnosed with diabetes.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 423 adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes and known diabetes duration of less than 1 year from the prospective observational German Diabetes Study cohort. NFL was measured in serum samples of fasting participants in a multiplex approach using proximity extension assay technology. DSPN was assessed by neurological examination, nerve conduction studies and quantitative sensory testing. Associations of serum NFL with DSPN (defined according to the Toronto Consensus criteria) were estimated using Poisson regression, while multivariable linear and quantile regression models were used to assess associations with nerve function measures. In exploratory analyses, other biomarkers in the multiplex panel were also analysed similarly to NFL.

Results

DSPN was found in 16% of the study sample. Serum NFL levels increased with age. After adjustment for age, sex, waist circumference, height, HbA1c, known diabetes duration, diabetes type, cholesterol, eGFR, hypertension, CVD, use of lipid-lowering drugs and use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, higher serum NFL levels were associated with DSPN (RR [95% CI] per 1-normalised protein expression increase, 1.92 [1.50, 2.45], p<0.0001), slower motor (all p<0.0001) and sensory (all p≤0.03) nerve conduction velocities, lower sural sensory nerve action potential (p=0.0004) and higher thermal detection threshold to warm stimuli (p=0.023 and p=0.004 for hand and foot, respectively). There was no evidence for associations between other neurological biomarkers and DSPN or nerve function measures.

Conclusions/interpretation

Our findings in individuals recently diagnosed with diabetes provide new evidence associating higher serum NFL levels with DSPN and peripheral nerve dysfunction. The present study advocates NFL as a potential biomarker for DSPN.

Graphical abstract
Heat-assisted incremental sheet forming for high-strength materials — a review
Authors: Li Weining , Attallah Moataz M. , Essa Khamis
Published: December 2022

Single-point incremental forming (SPIF) is a sheet forming technique that deforms sheet materials incrementally to a designated shape. The process has shown high ability to deform low-strength materials for good geometrical accuracy and formability at room temperature. Deforming high-temperature alloys, such as high-strength steels and Ti-6AI-4 V, requires integrated heat sources to increase the ductility of the metal sheets for deformation. However, the integration of heating results in unpredictable thermal behaviours and impacts the formability, geometric accuracy, thickness distribution and surface quality. Considerable research efforts have invented different heating methods and designed novel tools and analytical modelling to resolve the limitations. The current challenge remains improving the localised and stable heating, functional tool design to reduce the thermal expansion and friction at the tool-surface contact area and the analysis of relationship between thermal and mechanical effects. This study aims to review the heating-assisted SPIF systems for high-strength alloy sheets to solve the current limitations. The method includes analysis of heating systems, tool, tool path design, lubricants and macro- and micro-numerical analyses. Additionally, the study aims to correlate the microstructural properties to the mechanical behaviours and subsequent effects on forming force, strain, springback, geometrical accuracy and surface quality.
The dynamics of Pareto distributed wealth in a small open economy
Authors: Birkner Matthias , Scheuer Niklas , Wälde Klaus
Published: December 2022

We study a small open economy with labor, capital accumulation, random death, taxation and a government budget balanced in the long run. We offer methods that provide ordinary differential equations for means and analytical expressions for densities. The latter is achieved by solving stochastic differential equations analytically and deriving the density from this solution. Starting from any distribution, the aggregate distribution converges, both on a transition path towards a steady state and on a transition path towards balanced growth, to a Pareto-distribution. We provide an intuitive economic interpretation for a stationary long-run density with an infinite mean in an economy on a balanced growth path. We also show how government tax policy can lead to non-monotonic links between the equilibrium growth rate of the economy and risk aversion of households.
Definition of the symbiovar viciae in the species Rhizobium azibense and biogeographic implications
Authors: Shamseldin Abdelaal , Peix Alvaro , Velázquez Encarna
Published: December 2022

Vicia faba L. (faba bean) is a legume cultivated worldwide which commonly establishes effective symbiosis with the symbiovar viciae of species from the Rhizobium leguminosarum phylogenetic group. However, on the basis of the rrs, recA, and atpD gene phylogenies, in this work we identified a strain named EFBRI 42 nodulating V. faba as Rhizobium azibense. This is the first report on the nodulation of Vicia by R. azibense which commonly nodulates P. vulgaris and to date encompasses strains harboring the nodC genes typical of the symbiovars gallicum and phaseoli. However, the strain EFBRI 42 carries a nodC gene typical of the symbiovar viciae for which we report here by the first time this symbiovar in R. azibense. This finding showed the existence of symbiotic genes horizontal transfer events during the coevolution of R. azibense with P. vulgaris and V. faba in their respective distribution centers of Mesoamerica and the Middle East.
Bounds on the Rate of Enhanced Dissipation
Authors: Seis Christian
Published: December 2022

We are concerned with flow enhanced mixing of passive scalars in the presence of diffusion. Under the assumption that the velocity gradient is suitably integrable, we provide upper bounds on the exponential rates of enhanced dissipation. Recent constructions indicate the optimality of our results.
Short-and long-latency afferent inhibition of the human leg motor cortex by H-reflex subthreshold electrical stimulation at the popliteal fossa
Authors: Kato Tatsuya , Sasaki Atsushi , Nakazawa Kimitaka
Published: December 2022

In humans, peripheral sensory stimulation inhibits subsequent motor evoked potentials (MEPs) induced by transcranial magnetic stimulation; this process is referred to as short- or long-latency afferent inhibition (SAI or LAI, respectively), depending on the inter-stimulus interval (ISI) length. Although upper limb SAI and LAI have been well studied, lower limb SAI and LAI remain under-investigated. Here, we examined the time course of the soleus (SOL) muscle MEP following electrical tibial nerve (TN) stimulation at the popliteal fossa at ISIs of 20–220 ms. When the conditioning stimulus intensity was three-fold the perceptual threshold, MEP amplitudes were inhibited at an ISI of 220 ms, but not at shorter ISIs. TN stimulation just below the Hoffman (H)-reflex threshold intensity inhibited MEP amplitudes at ISIs of 30, 35, 100, 180 and 200 ms. However, the relationship between MEP inhibition and the P30 latency of somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) did not show corresponding ISIs at the SEP P30 latency that maximizes MEP inhibition. To clarify whether the site of afferent-induced MEP inhibition occurs at the cortical or spinal level, we examined the time course of SOL H-reflex following TN stimulation. H-reflex amplitudes were not significantly inhibited at ISIs where MEP inhibition occurred but at an ISI of 120 ms. Our findings indicate that stronger peripheral sensory stimulation is required for lower limb than for upper limb SAI and LAI and that lower limb SAI and LAI are of cortical origin. Moreover, the direct pathway from the periphery to the primary motor cortex may contribute to lower limb SAI.
Impact of age on the prognosis of patients with ventricular tachyarrhythmias and aborted cardiac arrest
Authors: Weidner Kathrin , Schupp Tobias , Rusnak Jonas , El-Battrawy Ibrahim , Ansari Uzair , Hoppner Jorge , Mueller Julian , Kittel Maximilian , Taton Gabriel , Reiser Linda , Bollow Armin , Reichelt Thomas , Ellguth Dominik , Engelke Niko , Große Meininghaus Dirk , Akin Muharrem , Bertsch Thomas , Akin Ibrahim , Behnes Michael
Published: December 2022

Background

This study evaluated the prognostic impact of age on patients presenting with ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VTA) and aborted cardiac arrest.

Material and methods

The present registry-based, monocentric cohort study included all consecutive patients presenting at the University Medical Center Mannheim (UMM) between 2002 and 2016 with ventricular tachycardia (VT), ventricular fibrillation (VF) and aborted cardiac arrest. Middle-aged (40–60 years old) were compared to older patients (> 60 years old). Furthermore, age was analyzed as a continuous variable. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality at 2.5 years. The secondary endpoints were cardiac death at 24 h, all-cause mortality at index hospitalization, all-cause mortality after index hospitalization and the composite endpoint at 2.5 years of cardiac death at 24 h, recurrent VTA, and appropriate implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) treatment.

Results

A total of 2259 consecutive patients were included (28% middle-aged, 72% older). Older patients were more often associated with all-cause mortality at 2.5 years (27% vs. 50%; hazard ratio, HR = 2.137; 95% confidence interval, CI 1.809–2.523, p = 0.001) and the secondary endpoints. Even patient age as a continuous variable was independently associated with mortality at 2.5 years in all types of VTA. Adverse prognosis in older patients was demonstrated by multivariate Cox regression analyses and propensity score matching. Chronic kidney disease (CKD), systolic left ventricular dysfunction (LVEF) < 35%, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and cardiogenic shock worsened the prognosis for both age groups, whereas acute myocardial infarction (STEMI/NSTEMI) and the presence of an ICD improved prognosis.

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that increasing age is associated with increased mortality in VTA patients. Compared to the middle-aged, older patients were associated with higher all-cause mortality at 2.5 years and the secondary endpoints.
Resonanter Hochspannungsgenerator für beschleunigte Lebensdauer- und Teilentladungs-Untersuchungen an Isolationsfolien
Authors: Aspalter Paul , Vogelsberger Markus , Ertl Hans
Published: December 2022

Die nun verfügbaren Wide-Bandgap-Halbleiter sind durch ihre hohen Schaltgeschwindigkeiten Schlüsselbauelemente zukünftiger leistungselektronischer Konverter. Ihre Anwendung setzt allerdings auch induktive Bauelemente wie Glättungsinduktivitäten und Trafo- bzw. Motorwicklungen voraus, die wesentlich höheren du/dt-Werten längerfristig standhalten. Im Rahmen des vorliegenden Beitrags wird deshalb ein einfaches und kostengünstiges Konzept eines Prüfspannungsgenerators für Lebensdauertests bei Isolationsfolien vorgestellt, mit welchem Prüfspannungen im Bereich von typ. 8 kVss im Frequenzbereich bis ca. 1 MHz aufwandsminimal erzeugt werden können. Der Generator basiert auf einem selbstschwingenden Resonanzkreis angeregt von einer Niederspannungs-MOSFET-Halbbrücke und benötigt auch keine Hochspannungs-Versorgung. Der Beitrag beinhaltet die Dimensionierung und das Design des Prototyps, präsentiert Messergebnisse, demonstriert die mögliche Erhöhung der Betriebsfrequenz durch den Übergang von Si-MOSFETs zu GaN-Bauelementen und zeigt Schaltungs- bzw. Steuerungsvarianten zur weiteren Steigerung der Betriebsfrequenz und/oder des Wirkungsgrades mittels Soft Switching.
Synthesis of coumarin-containing poly(2-oxazoline)s and light-induced crosslinking for hydrogel formation
Authors: Haslinger Carola , Zahoranová Anna , Baudis Stefan
Published: December 2022

Herein, we present a new route to synthesize poly(2-oxazoline)s (POx) with coumarin moieties as pendant groups that can be crosslinked by irradiation to form hydrogels. The synthesis of a novel coumarin-containing 2-oxazoline monomer, 2-[(4-methyl-7-coumarinyloxy)methyl]oxazoline is described in four steps and further its subsequent homo- and copolymerization with 2-ethyl-2-oxazoline (EtOx) via cationic ring-opening polymerization (CROP). The received polymers with different coumarin content (8, 4 and 2 mol%) were compared with a known copolymer synthesized via postpolymerization modification of partially hydrolyzed poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) (PEtOx) with a coumarin derivative. The thermoresponsive behavior of the POx in aqueous solutions was investigated, showing a clear difference in the cloud point temperature (Tcp) between the polymers synthesized via different strategies. The hydrogel formation was achieved by irradiation with UV light by the following two methods: on the one hand with the pure coumarin-containing POx and on the other hand mixed with poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA). The obtained hydrogels were compared regarding their swelling degree and their gel content, whereas the swelling degree in water of prepared hydrogels can be tuned by using POx by varying the coumarin content.

Graphical abstract
Foaming of oxidized nanocellulose for the preparation of high-flux water filters
Authors: Fortea-Verdejo Marta , Jiang Qixiang , Bismarck Alexander , Mautner Andreas
Published: December 2022

Treatment of polluted water is an important task to secure access to clean water also for future generations. Filters are an efficient means to reject various pollutants on a wide range of size scales either by size-exclusion or electrostatic interaction, respectively. Commonly, filters and membranes from various synthetic materials are employed for these applications. Recently, filters based on renewable (nano) cellulose papers and coatings emerged as sustainable alternative to synthetic materials usually utilized. However, fabrication of such paper network structures from aqueous suspension by filtration processes is a time-consuming process caused by the high water holding capacity of highly hydrophilic and negatively charged nanocellulose fibrils. To optimize the preparation of nanocellulose coated filters, substitution of water by air and thus generating nanocellulose foams that are collapsed onto a substrate would be an appealing approach. Here we present the development of foams from negatively charged TEMPO-oxidized nanocellulose by screening various surfactants and concentrations to generate a foam stable enough to be transferred onto a viscose substrate. Foams were collapsed by oven consolidation, positive pressure filtration, or hot-pressing, respectively. Consolidated filters were tested for their water permeance and rejection of heavy metal ions using copper ions as model system. Very high permeances competitive to commercial filters based on synthetic polymers were achieved. Furthermore, adsorption capacities for copper of up to 70 mg/g were found. This is close to adsorption capacities reported for negatively charged TEMPO-oxidized nanocellulose in conventional batch-wise static adsorption. However, in the current process adsorption takes place during filtration of water through filters in a continuous process which constitutes a tremendous advantage.

Graphical Abstract
Testing cognitive models of decision-making: selected studies with starlings
Authors: Kacelnik Alex , Vasconcelos Marco , Monteiro Tiago
Published: December 2022

The behavioural sciences are home to controversies that have survived for centuries, notably about the relation between observable behaviour and theoretical constructs addressing out-of-sight processes in the agents’ brains. There is no shared definition for cognition, but the very existence of a thriving journal called Animal Cognition proves that such controversies are still live and help to (a) promote research on the complexity of processes leading to action, and (b) nudge scholars to restrict their cognitive models to those that can be falsified experimentally. Here, we illustrate some of these issues in a limited arena, focusing on the construction and expression of subjective value and choice. Using mainly work from our own laboratory, we show that valuation of alternatives is sensitive to options’ properties, to subject’s state, and to background alternatives. These factors exert their influence at the time the subject learns about individual options, rather than at choice time. We also show that valuation can be experimentally dissociated from the cognitive representation of options’ metrics and argue that experimental animals process options independently at the time of choice, without elaborated comparisons along different dimensions. The findings we report are not consistent with the hypothesis that preference is constructed at the time of choice, a prevalent view in human decision-making research. We argue that animal cognition, viewed as a research program at the crossroads of different behavioural sciences rather than as a debate about properties of mental life, is inspiring and solid, and a progressive and progressing paradigm.
Urban scale risk assessment including SSI and site amplification
Authors: Amendola Chiara , Pitilakis Dimitris
Published: December 2022

Large-scale risk analysis is typically performed considering existing fragility curves, calculated in most cases without adequately accounting for local site amplification (SAmp) and soil-structure interaction (SSI) effects. Nevertheless, foundation flexibility and local site effects may lead to a substantial difference in the fragility or loss estimates. Including these effects on the city-scale vulnerability analysis is challenging due to the complexity of defining the whole interacting urban system. We propose a novel framework for the fragility assessment of structures considering the influence of SSI and local site amplification effects, suitable for large-scale applications. The applicability of the proposed approach is based on globally available data regarding the soil, the foundation, and the building portfolio. Site amplification is considered directly in the resulting fragility curves using site response analyses. An improved taxonomy is adopted to make the approach implementable in the OpenQuake software, introducing VS,30 and H/B within the structural features as proxies for the site and SSI effects. Finally, following the performance-based earthquake engineering framework, the outcomes of the methodological framework are adopted to estimate the nominal probability of failure for selected building classes belonging to the majority of structural types of the city of Thessaloniki, Northern Greece. The main findings demonstrate that the conventional way of calculating fragility curves may lead to a different seismic risk evaluation, especially in soft soil formations.
Response of a high-speed train travelling over a long and high-pier viaduct during moderate earthquakes
Authors: Olmos José M. , Astiz Miguel Á.
Published: December 2022

This contribution presents the results of numerical simulations in which a high-pier viaduct under lateral and vertical non-stationary spatially variable seismic ground motions is crossed by an articulated high-speed train at several speeds. The spectral representation method is employed to generate the required number of acceleration time-history series at each support location of the railway viaduct studied. Wave passage, local soil conditions and loss of coherency effects have been accounted for in the simulated ground-motion time histories, with several peak ground accelerations. Train and bridge responses have been obtained by means of a non-linear dynamic interaction multibody and finite element model. An analysis of train running safety indices has been carried out. The properties of earthquakes and train speeds which may cause problems to traffic safety are detailed, as is the train derailment probability. The numerical simulation outcomes show that it is not safe for the train to travel over the studied viaduct in earthquakes with peak ground acceleration equal to 0.03 g and for train speeds above 280 km/h.
Recombinant endo-inulinases: determination the activation and deactivation energies and optimum temperatures in inulin hydrolysis
Authors: Miłek Justyna
Published: December 2022

The aim of paper was to determine the activation, deactivation energies and optimum temperatures for recombinant endo-inulinases of various origins, including also recombinant endo-inulinases from Aspergillus niger, Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Yarrowia lipolytica. The activity recombinant endo-inulinases of various origins vs. temperature curves were analyzed. A mathematical model describing the effect of temperature on recombinant endo-inulinase activity was used. Based on the analysis, values of the activation energies E were in the range from $${22.08 \pm 13.94}$$

22.08
±
13.94

kJ mol$$^{-1}$$

-
1

to $${62.62 \pm 17.24}$$

62.62
±
17.24

kJ mol$$^{-1}$$

-
1

and in the range from $${29.80 \pm 8.83}$$

29.80
±
8.83

kJ mol$$^{-1}$$

-
1

to $${92.69 \pm 15.31}$$

92.69
±
15.31

kJ mol$$^{-1}$$

-
1

for recombinant endo-inulinase A. niger and various origins, respectively. The deactivation energies $${E_{\mathrm{D}}}$$

E
D

were from the range from $${146.80 \pm 20.31}$$

146.80
±
20.31

kJ mol$$^{-1}$$

-
1

to $${301.95 \pm 95.81}$$

301.95
±
95.81

kJ mol$$^{-1}$$

-
1

and in the range from $${159.96 \pm 14.80}$$

159.96
±
14.80

kJ mol$$^{-1}$$

-
1

to $${289.43 \pm 21.18}$$

289.43
±
21.18

kJ mol$$^{-1}$$

-
1

for recombinant endo-inulinase A. niger and various origins, respectively. The optimum temperatures $${T_{\mathrm{opt}}}$$

T
opt

were obtained in the range from $${328.67 \pm 1.32}$$

328.67
±
1.32

K to $${335.94 \pm 1.22}$$

335.94
±
1.22

K and in the range from $${319.41 \pm 0.85}$$

319.41
±
0.85

K to $${338.53 \pm 0.45}$$

338.53
±
0.45

K for recombinant endo-inulinase A. niger and various origins, respectively.
Collision Integrals for Nitrogen and Hydrogen Ionized Gas: The Exact Values and Assessment of Approximations
Authors: Buchowiecki Marcin , Szabó Péter
Published: December 2022

Collision integrals are calculated for the H–N$$^{+}$$+, N–H$$^{+}$$+, N$$^{2+}$$2+–H, and N$$^{+}$$+–H$$^{+}$$+interactions in the temperature range of 1000–60,000 K. The resulting collision integrals were fitted to simple functional forms. The applicability of commonly used approximations for calculation of the collision integrals is verified. Those approximations are simplification of exact potentials (especially the repulsive ones), use of polarizability potential for atom–ion interaction, and use of Coulomb screened potential for ion–ion interaction. The reported collision integrals are based on the ab initio calculated points of the potential energy curves, so that the error of fitting the points with analytical potential energy function is not present.
Nexus between stock markets, economic strength, R&D and environmental deterioration: new evidence from EU-27 using PNARDL approach
Authors: Mushafiq Muhammad , Prusak Błażej
Published: December 2022

This research investigates the impact of stock market indices, economic strength, and research and development expenditures on environmental deterioration in the EU-27 countries for the period 2000–2020. This study utilized linear and non-linear panel ARDL to estimate the short- and long-run effect. According to the results, the stock market indices have negative effect on environmental deterioration in the symmetric form. However, the asymmetric evidence shows that in the long run the positive shocks of stock market indices contribute positively to the environmental deterioration and negative shocks decrease the environmental deterioration. This effect is reversed in the short run. Linear effect of economic strength on environmental deterioration is positive. For non-linear effect, the long-run shocks show no difference. However, the negative shock of economic strength in the short run causes an increase in the environmental deterioration. Symmetric evidence for research and development increases environmental deterioration. However, asymmetric results show weak evidence. The study has policy implications in context of achieving sustainable development goals.
Shoot organogenesis and plant regeneration from leaf and petiole explants of Corydalis saxicola Bunting
Authors: Pang Jinhui , Xiong Yuping , Zeng Yujie , Chen Xiaohong , Zhang Xinhua , Li Yuan , Wu Kunlin , Zeng Songjun , Teixeira da Silva Jaime A. , Ma Guohua
Published: December 2022

Corydalissaxicola Bunting, a medicinal herb known for alkaloids, grows mainly in Guizhou province and northwest Guangxi province of China. In this study, for the first time for this plant, an efficient adventitious shoot proliferation and regeneration system via shoot organogenesis from leaf and petiole explants was established. Cytokinins, including 6-benzyladenine (BA) and thidiazuron (TDZ), induced callus and then shoot organogenesis. Most adventitious shoots were induced from leaf explants on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium (pH 6.5) supplemented with 2.0 µM BA and 0.5 µM α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). This medium was also optimal for shoot proliferation. The rooting ½MS medium was supplemented with 1.0 µM indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and 0.2 µM NAA; 95.7% of shoots induced roots within 30 d and 91% of plantlets survived on a peat:vermiculite (1:1, v:v) substrate after 90 d.
Distribution and ecology of Wolffia arrhiza (L.) Horkel ex Wimm. In the lowland part of Lower Silesia (Poland)
Authors: Pietryka Mirosława , Richter Dorota , Podlaska Magda
Published: December 2022

Genus Wolfia Horkel ex Schleiden (Araceae, former Lemnaceae) includes 11 species that are the smallest of known flowering plants. The genus is widespread in the world. In Europe, the only native species is Wolffia arrhiza. In Poland, it is considered to be relatively rare and until the end of the 20th century it was known from small number of populations dispersed throughout the country Poland. Our research focused on Lower Silesia population of Wolffia arrhiza. The study included the verification of historical sites of this species known from the literature and an inventory of the contemporary occurrence. It also aimed to explain the pattern of W. arrhiza occurrence in selected habitats and determine the ecological conditions and phytocoenoses of the reservoirs it inhabits. The research of the species showed extinction of historical sites and the current presence in 12 water reservoirs of different origin, size, depth and management method. The share of W. arrhiza in phytocoenosis patches in the individual reservoirs is very diverse and ranges from 15 to 80%. Presented data supplement the information on the occurrence of W. arrhiza in western Poland as well as provide new information on its biology and ecology.
Improving Stability and Performance of Cesium Mixed Lead Halides for Photovoltaic Applications
Authors: Doumbia Youssouf , Bouich Amal , Soro Donafologo , Bernabé Marí Soucase
Published: December 2022

We have focused on mixed halide perovskite thin films of the formula CsPbX3 where (X3 = Br3, Cl3, I3, Br2Cl, Br2I, and I2Cl) prepared by spin-coating in order to study the effects of partial and total Br substitution. For this purpose, we performed a series of characterizations, including x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and UV–visible spectroscopy. All the films except CsPbI2Br showed two characteristic peaks at 2θ angles of 26.80° and 51.80° corresponding to the (111) and (220) crystallographic planes. In the case of CsPbI2Br, we have the same peaks, but the main ones are located at 15° and 30° for the (100) and (200) planes, respectively. SEM examined the surface morphology of the different mixed lead halide films; the best surface was that of the CsPbBr2I sample, which is well-coated, dense, with no pinholes and no cracks, and has the largest grain size. In addition, all the mixed halide films showed good absorbance, especially between 600 nm and 900 nm, with band gap values between 1.94 and 2.92 eV.
Use of Thyroid Hormones in Hypothyroid and Euthyroid Patients: A THESIS questionnaire survey of members of the Irish Endocrine Society
Authors: Mustafa Mohamad , Ali Elsheikh , McGowan Anne , McCabe Laura , Hegedüs Laszlo , Attanasio Roberto , Nagy Endre V. , Papini Enrico , Perros Petros , Moran Carla
Published: December 2022

Background

Replacement of thyroid hormones (TH) with Levothyroxine (LT4) is the treatment of choice for hypothyroidism, however, there are aspects of treatment where uncertainties exist and practice varies. Factors influencing initiation and choice of TH replacement may impact patient satisfaction, safety, and health care costs.

Methods

The aim of the study was to examine the attitudes of Irish endocrinologists regarding the treatment of hypothyroid and euthyroid patients with TH. Members of the Irish Endocrine Society (IES) were invited to participate in an online survey.

Results

Forty-eight invitations were sent, and 39 (81.3%) participants responded. All respondents favoured LT4 tablet therapy for treatment of hypothyroidism, but 20.5% prescribed combination therapy (LT4 and liothyronine), and 13% regularly used desiccated thyroid extract. A significant proportion (51%) might prescribe TH in euthyroid patients; 41% for thyroid auto-antibody positive women seeking pregnancy, 18% for goitre and 5% for unexplained fatigue. Many (38%) consider combination therapy in patients with persistent symptoms. Respondents reported seeing LT4 treated patients with persistent symptomatology more frequently and perceive psychosocial factors and comorbidities to be the most common reasons for such symptoms.

Conclusion

LT4 tablets are the treatment of choice for hypothyroidism in Ireland. Approximately a third of Irish endocrinologists either regularly use, or would consider, liothyronine for hypothyroid patients. A significant proportion would give TH to euthyroid individuals in specific circumstances. The prescription of TH amongst Irish endocrinologists was generally in keeping with recommended practice, and areas where practice deviated from guidance were typically where evidence was conflicting or insufficient.
GSK3 inhibitor suppresses cell growth and metabolic process in FLT3-ITD leukemia cells
Authors: Xia Jing , Feng Shuxian , Zhou Jian , Zhang Lin , Shi Dingfang , Wang Mengjie , Zhu Yi , Bu Chaozhi , Xu Daming , Li Tianyu
Published: December 2022

Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3 (GSK-3) was recently implicated in the dysregulated biology of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Low concentrations of GSK-3 inhibitors, SB216763 and BIO, suppressed the proliferation of AML cells with FLT3-ITD as early as 24 h after treatment. BIO was used in subsequent assays since it exhibited higher inhibitory effects than SB216763. BIO-induced G1 cell cycle arrest by regulating the expression of cyclin D2 and p21 in MV4-11 cells, and promoted apoptosis by regulating the cleaved-caspase3 signaling pathways. In vivo assays demonstrated that BIO suppressed tumor growth, while metabolomics assay showed that BIO reduced the levels of ATP and pyruvate in MV4-11 cells suggesting that it inhibited glycolysis. BIO markedly suppressed cell growth and induced apoptosis of AML cells with FLT3-ITD by partially inhibiting glycolysis, suggesting that BIO may be a promising therapeutic candidate for AML.
Sexual Debut Ages in Heterosexual Norwegians Across Six Birth Cohorts
Authors: Fischer Nantje , Træen Bente , Samuelsen Sven Ove
Published: December 2022

This study aims to estimate six different sexual debut ages in heterosexual Norwegians in six birth cohorts of the general population in Norway. The results are based on a 2020 national web panel survey of 18–89-year-olds in Norway (n = 4160). There was a general decline in the median debut age from those aged 70+ to those 18–29 (born 1991–2002). Oral sex with a female partner has become increasingly common among men at an earlier age across generations. The same pattern was found in women as well with regard to oral sex with a male partner and receptive anal sex. There was a slight increase in median debut age in 18–29-year-olds for receptive vaginal sex (born 1991–2002). The median debut age for vaginal sex was fairly stable for generations of men and women born after 1950.
Predictors of UK postgraduate researcher attendance behaviours and mental health-related attrition intention
Authors: Berry Clio , Niven Jeremy E. , Hazell Cassie M.
Published: December 2022

High rates of postgraduate researchers (PGRs) terminate their studies early. This attrition can have detrimental personal consequences, and results in a loss of productivity, and research and innovation for the higher education sector and society as a whole. PGRs are vulnerable to the experience of mental health problems; a factor that appears to be increasing attrition amongst students in the UK. However, investigation of the determinants of problems with PGRs’ attendance and influencing intention to discontinue their studies is rare. Here, we consider the relative predictive validity of a set of putative predictors (mental health symptoms, demographic, occupational, psychological, social, and relational) of attendance behaviours (absenteeism, presenteeism, mental health-related intermission) and early attrition intention amongst UK PGRs. Depression, anxiety, and suicidality predicted attendance behaviours and greater attrition intention. Individual demographic and occupational factors predicted all outcomes. Psychological, social and relational factors had less predictive validity, although individual variables in these conceptual clusters did significantly predict some outcomes. Our results suggest that interventions to reduce high rates of mental health problems are likely to improve attendance behaviours, and reduce the extent to which PGRs intermit or consider ending their PhD studies for mental health-related reasons. Initiatives designed to improve supervisory relationships and reduce loneliness may also reduce absenteeism, intermission and attrition intention.
Biased information processing and anxiety coping: differences in attentional and approach patterns towards positive cues in repressors
Authors: Exner Anna , Machulska Alla , Stalder Tobias , Klucken Tim
Published: December 2022

Individual differences in emotional coping styles are likely to affect information processing on different stages. Repressive coping is assumed to be related to an attentional bias away from threatening information. Possible links to biases in later stages of information processing have not been investigated to date. In the current study, 82 participants completed the visual dot-probe task as a measure of attentional bias and the Approach-Avoidance Task (AAT) as a measure of approach/avoidance bias and classified into coping groups via the Mainz Coping Inventory (MCI). Prevalence of attention bias and approach/avoidance bias were compared between groups. Main results revealed a strong approach tendency toward positive stimuli for repressors and a strong avoidance tendency for sensitizers. No group differences were found for approach bias to negative stimuli or for attention bias. The present findings of strong preferential processing of positive stimuli in repressors may be part of broader information processing alterations, which may also be linked to alterations in emotion processing.
Rhabdotosperma saudiarabicum (Scrophulariaceae), a new species from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alzahrani Ali Mohammed , Brehm Joana Magos , Ghazanfar Shahina A. , Maxted Nigel
Published: December 2022

A new species of Rhabdotosperma (Scrophulariaceae) is described from southwestern Saudi Arabia. For 75 years, the species was confused with R. bottae and Verbascum melhanense. The new species is illustrated with information on identification, distribution, specimens examined, habitat, conservation status, phenology, etymology, and taxonomic notes.
Dividend signaling or dividend smoothing? New empirical evidence from the italian insurance industry after the global financial crisis
Authors: Basse Tobias , Reddemann Sebastian , Rodriguez Gonzalez Miguel
Published: December 2022

This empirical study examines the dividend policy of insurance companies in Italy after the Global Financial Crisis. There is clear evidence for dividend signaling in this period of time. Moreover, the relationship between stock prices and dividend payments is analyzed in more detail. Additionally, the paper also discusses macroeconomic and regulatory issues that could be of relevance for the dividend policy of the Italian insurance industry. In this context the study exemplarily discusses the possible role of inflation and of regulatory restrictions on dividend payouts in the financial services industry.
The effects of building position on surface and fatigue of DED-arc steel components
Authors: Hensel Jonas , Müller Johanna , Scharf-Wildenhain Ronny , Uhlenberg Lorenz , Hälsig André
Published: December 2022

Recently, additive manufacturing (AM) of structural metallic components is analyzed regarding its potential use by industry and research. Next to the development of manufacturing processes, the mechanical properties are under investigation today. One of the quality measures of metallic components is the surface topography. DED-arc processes (direct energy deposition) result in relatively coarse surfaces, characterized by a distinct waviness with wave amplitudes in the mm-range. This is enhanced when applying horizontal building position in comparison to vertical position. Next to increased waviness, the load-bearing net cross sections are reduced as well. The surface topography determines the fatigue life properties of metallic components. While stress raising surface effects are generally well understood and fatigue (Structures 31: 576–589, 2021) of welded metals is established well, the fatigue behaviour of additively manufactured components is less investigated yet. In order to define surface quality levels for DED-arc components, the effects of surface topography on mechanical performance need to be understood. This article presents the manufacturing of high strength steel test coupons by the DED-arc process. The process parameters were varied with regard to the building position and different levels of surface quality were generated. The surfaces of different specimens were characterized and fatigue tests were conducted. The results were used to derive the surface influence on both, the effective load-bearing wall thickness and notch effects induced by the layer-by-layer building approach. A correlation between building position, surface waviness and fatigue strength was proven. In general, higher waviness resulted in reduced effective wall thickness and lowered fatigue strength. A difference in fatigue strength at 2 million load cycles of 20 to 30% was proven when printing in different building positions. The surface effect can be captured in the design concept when applying the effective notch stress approach with an averaging length of of ρ* = 0.4 mm. The fatigue strength is describable by a design S–N curve FAT160 and a k-value of 4.
Development of 5G Cyber-Physical Production System
Authors: Huang Hsuan-Chao , Tsai Chun-Hsien , Lin Hsiung-Cheng
Published: December 2022

The cyber-physical production system (CPPS) was developed for the interconnection between operational technology (OT) and information and communication technology (ICT) among the machines and decentralized production control. However, OT and ICT are now getting more complex in the modern industry. To enhance industrial management and production process, the CPPS based on the 5G architecture under production environments can provide a more comprehensive solution in the context of Industry 4.0. For this purpose, a 5G CPPS model to improve the interoperability of CPPS in ICT and OT is proposed to build a virtualized Industry 4.0 asset management shell system. First, real-time task artifacts and 5G communication modules are bound in a certain form of virtualization. Second, task artifacts are released to the production line in a real-time scheduling. Third, an order is placed on a production line and split into multiple tasks for production process. Single-machine single-workpiece and multi-machine and multi-workpiece processing cases are used for testing in the production line. Experimental results show that the proposed 5G CPPS can efficiently achieve multi-machine work piece processing.
Visible and Dark Matter in the Universe
Authors: Bertin Giuseppe
Published: December 2022

This is a concise introduction to modern astrophysics for physicists, with a focus on galaxy dynamics and the discovery of dark matter halos in galaxies. Part I summarizes important discoveries in observational astronomy and astrophysics, in a manner accessible to those who are new to the topic. Building on this foundation, Part II describes the study of dark matter and provides more detail on galactic dynamics. Important physical concepts that form the basis of key astrophysical phenomena are explained, avoiding unnecessary technicalities and complex derivations. The approach is semi-empirical and emphasizes the importance of key measurements and observations in formulating fundamental theoretical questions and developing their solutions. Students are encouraged to develop a deep understanding of major discoveries and contemporary research topics, beyond the simple application of practical models and formulae, as a bridge to more advanced study in astrophysics.
Prosthetics and Assistive Technology in Ancient Greece and Rome
Authors: Draycott Jane
Published: December 2022

This is the first comprehensive study of prosthetics and assistive technology in classical antiquity, integrating literary, documentary, archaeological, and bioarchaeological evidence to provide as full a picture as possible of their importance for the lived experience of people with disabilities in classical antiquity. The volume is not only a work of disability history, but also one of medical, scientific, and technological history, and so will be of interest to members of multiple academic disciplines across multiple historical periods. The chapters cover extremity prostheses, facial prostheses, prosthetic hair, the design, commission and manufacture of prostheses and assistive technology, and the role of care-givers in the lives of ancient people with impairments and disabilities. Lavishly illustrated, the study further contains informative tables that collate the aforementioned different types of evidence in an easily accessible way.
Public Administration and Democracy
Authors: Bertelli Anthony M. , Schwartz Lindsey J.
Published: December 2022

This Element argues for a complementarity principle – governance values should complement political values – as a guide for designing the structures and procedures of public administration. It argues that the value-congruity inherent in the complementarity principle is indispensable to administrative responsibility. It identifies several core democratic values and critically assesses systems of collaborative governance, representative bureaucracy, and participatory policymaking in light of those values. It shows that the complementarity principle, applied to these different designs, facilitates administrative responsibility by making the structures themselves more consistent with democratic principles without compromising their aims. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.
The Year That Shaped the Victorian Age
Authors: Wheeler Michael
Published: December 2022

What was special about 1845 and why does it deserve particular scrutiny? In his much-anticipated new book, one of the leading authorities on the Victorian age argues that this was the critical year in a decade which witnessed revolution on continental Europe, the threat of mass insurrection at home and radical developments in railway transport, communications, religion, literature and the arts. The effects of the new poor law now became visible in the workhouses; a potato blight started in Ireland, heralding the Great Famine; and the Church of England was rocked to its foundations by John Henry Newman's conversion to Roman Catholicism. What Victorian England became was moulded, says Michael Wheeler, in the crucible of 1845. Exploring pivotal correspondence, together with pamphlets, articles and cartoons, the author tells the riveting story of a seismic epoch through the lives, loves and letters of leading contemporaneous figures.
The Justice of Humans
Authors: Campbell Kirsten
Published: December 2022

Justice for conflict-related sexual violence remains a critical problem for global society today. This ground-breaking book addresses pressing questions for 'international justice': what do existing approaches to international justice offer to victims of war and societies in conflict? And what possibilities do they provide for feminist social transformation? The Justice of Humans develops a new feminist approach to 'international justice'. Adopting a socio-legal perspective, it studies two major contemporary examples of legal and feminist approaches to justice, the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia and the Women's Court (former Yugoslavia), focusing on their treatment of sexual violence as a gender-based crime. Drawing on feminist social theory, legal analysis, and empirical research, the book offers an innovative feminist framework for understanding 'international justice' and offers new theoretical and practical strategies for building feminist justice.
Wittgenstein on Criteria and Practices
Authors: Hertzberg Lars
Published: December 2022

In the interpretive literature from the 1950's through the 1970's the term 'criterion' was thought to be a central key to the understanding of Wittgenstein's later philosophy. Later on, it was relegated from this place of honour to being one of a variety of expressions used by Wittgenstein in dealing with philosophical questions. This Element tries to account for the shifting fate of this concept. It discusses the various occurrences of the word “criteria” in the Philosophical Investigations, argues that the post-Wittgensteinian debate about criteria was put on the wrong track by a problematic passage in Wittgenstein's early Blue Book, and finally gives an overview of the main contributions to this debate, trying to achieve a reconciliation between the rival conceptions.