bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of two‐dimensional sandwich structure supported Pt single‐atom catalysts in photocatalytic hydrogen evolution: A first‐principles study
Authors: Dong Shizhi , Li Yanshuai , Zhu Bingshuai , Li Ruichuan , Shang Wenlong , Chen Linghui , Zhang Jinyu , Zhao Zhilong , Guo Lin
Published: August 2021

Using photocatalysis to produce hydrogen is a promising research area in the immediate future. This article intends to design photocatalysts of crystalline (amorphous) TiO2/two‐dimensional MoS2 sandwich structure supporting singleatoms (SAs). After the effective mass, electrostatic potential, light absorption spectrum and other related properties were calculated, the analysis shows that catalysts with amorphous sandwich structure has excellent electron‐hole separation ability, and precious metal SAs can adsord onto the amorphous sandwich structure stably. Except for the Pt@Amorphousr‐TiO2/MoS2 sandwich structure single‐atom catalysts (SACs), which is only active towards oxygen evolution, all the other interlayer catalysts are active for both photocatalytic hydrogen evolution and oxygen evolution.
Automatic registration and precise tumour localization method for robot‐assisted puncture procedure under inconsistent breath‐holding conditions
Authors: Lei Long , Tang Huajie , Zhang Jiawei , Wu Yuqi , Zhao Baoliang , Hu Ying , Li Bing
Published: August 2021

Background

During percutaneous puncture procedure, breath holding is subjectively controlled by patients, and it is difficult to ensure consistent tumour position between the preoperative CT scanning phase and the intraoperative puncture phase. In addition, the manual registration process is time‐consuming and has low accuracy.

Methods

We have proposed an automatic registration method using optical markers and a tumour breath‐holding position estimation model based on the support vector regression algorithm. A robot system and a tumour respiratory motion simulation platform are built to perform puncture tests under different breath‐holding states.

Results

The experimental results show that automatic registration has higher accuracy than manual registration, and with the tumour breath‐holding position estimation model, the targeting accuracy of puncture under inconsistent breath‐holding conditions is greatly improved.

Conclusions

The proposed automatic registration and tumour breath‐holding position estimation model can improve the accuracy and efficiency of puncture under inconsistent breath‐holding conditions.
Hydropoetics: The rewor(l)ding of rivers
Authors: Ryan John Charles
Published: August 2021

Valued in utilitarian terms as channels for industry, agriculture, and urban development, rivers are among the most biodiverse yet degraded ecosystems globally. In addition to pragmatic conservation measures, the long‐term wellbeing of rivers requires new perspectives on human–water relations that call attention to—and nurture—the cultural, social, and spiritual significance of riverscapes. Drawing from current thinking in the interdisciplinary environmental humanities, this article proposes the idea ofhydropoeticsas an outlook on rivers based on the ancient idea ofpoiesis. On a planet undergoing rapid environmental change, three features—embodiment, relationality, and multiscalarity—are important to a hydropoetics attuned to the urgencies of the present. Asserting the capacities of rivers themselves, this framework is developed in reference to contemporary poetry narrating human interdependencies with rivers, including poems by Indonesian, Papua New Guinean, Australian, and British writers. Rather than presuming togive voice torivers, the framework developed in this article recognizes the inherent language of rivers and, in this way, presents a medium to hear their voice(s). Through the transformative capacity of language—new words, new worlds—hydropoetics inspires new visions of rivers inspiring openness to rivers as they exist as well as in their potential to emerge and transform.
Anticancer Potential of Albumin Bound Wnt/β‐Catenin Pathway Inhibitor Niclosamide in Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Ari Ferda , Erkisa Merve , Pekel Gonca , Erturk Elif , Buyukkoroglu Gulay , Ulukaya Engin
Published: August 2021

Albumin‐based nanoparticle transport systems (nab‐technology) are a new strategy in cancer treatment and we aimed to increase the effectiveness of Niclosamide using this technology. Niclosamide was bound with bovine serum albumin (BSA) by desolvation to yield nanoparticle albumin‐bound Niclosamide (nab‐Niclo). Nab‐Niclo anticancer activity was assessed by proliferation, apoptosis and DNA damage analyses on breast cancer cells. The results implied that nab‐Niclo was a more potent agent in the inhibition of cell viability than free Niclosamide and albumin. Flow cytometry analysis show that nab‐Niclo triggered apoptosis by caspase and mitochondria‐dependent pathways in cells and nab‐Niclo enhances apoptosis by induce DNA damage in cells. Overall results of this study showed that the nanoparticle form of Niclosamide is effective for breast cancer treatment, presenting a new treatment strategy that can be safe and effective for breast cancer patients.
Life course trajectories of chronic financial strain and acute stress reactivity: Steeling in response to recovery from strain
Authors: Klopack Eric T. , Wickrama Kandauda A. S. , Simons Ronald L.
Published: August 2021

The steeling hypothesis suggests experiencing moderate strain may improve an individual's ability to cope with future strain, whereas crisis theory suggests that experiencing temporary strain will reduce the effect of future strain. The current study improves on past research by utilizing data from two independent prospective panel studies (one of 553 white rural Midwesterner women and 451 men and one of 624 African American women) spanning 26 and 22 years, respectively. We utilize growth mixture modeling to identify latent groups based on trajectories of financial strain and test interactions between class membership and later acute stressful events on chronic illness and physical health using three subscales from the RAND SF‐12. We find being a group that experienced a period of temporary strain weakened the effect of later acute stressors on physical health for both samples and chronic illness for the African American sample. Results support crisis theory and highlight the importance of considering chronic strain as a life course process.
Making Space for Multilingualism: Using Translanguaging Pedagogies to Disrupt Monolingual Language Ideologies within a Culturally Responsive Kindergarten Curriculum
Authors: McClain Janna Brown , Schrodt Katie
Published: August 2021

Monolingual language ideologies marginalize the language resources of multilingual students in English‐dominant classrooms. A teacher shares her experience of learning to leverage kindergarten students’ full linguistic repertoires. Translanguaging pedagogies allowed children to demonstrate their linguistic knowledge, provide authentic accounts of their own personal experience, and connect with family and community resources.
Antimicrobial resistance profiles of bacteria associated with lower respiratory tract infections in cats and dogs in England
Authors: Mavrides Daphne E. , Morgan Alice L. , Na Jea G. , Graham Peter A. , McHugh Timothy D.
Published: August 2021

Background

Bacterial lower respiratory tract infections (bLRTIs) are common and potentially life threatening in cats and dogs. Antibiotic treatment is often initiated before the diagnosis of bLRTI; therefore improved knowledge of the aetiology and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of these infections is essential to inform empiric antibiotic choices.

Methods

A retrospective study of microbiological, cytological results and their drug susceptibilities from lower respiratory samples (n = 1989) processed in a UK commercial laboratory between 2002 and 2012 was carried out.

Results

Thirty‐nine per cent of feline samples and 50% of canine samples were positive for bacterial growth with most yielding a single organism (72 % and 69%, respectively).Bordetella bronchiseptica(20.2% from dogs and 2.3% from cats),Pasteurellaspp. (23.2%, 31.8%),E. coli(16.2%, 13.6%) andPseudomonasspp. (11.1%, 11.4%) were most frequently isolated from cytologically positive samples which contained intracellular bacteria (10%, 14%). Amoxycillin‐clavulanate, cephalothin, cefovecin, oxytetracycline and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole showed modestin vitroactivity againstE. colifrom dogs (approximately 70% susceptibility).Pseudomonasspp. were resistant to enrofloxacin (50%), ticarcillin (25%) and marbofloxacin (13%) but showed lower or zero resistance to aminoglycosides (approximately 7%) and ciprofloxacin (0%). Multi drug resistance (acquired resistance to three or more antimicrobial drug classes) was particularly common amongE. coliisolates, with 23% from feline samples and 43% from canine samples.

Conclusion

Resistance to certain first‐choice antibiotics was detected in bLRTIs highlighting the need for continued monitoring and sound evidence to inform decision‐making in the management of these infections.
The course of African swine fever in Romanian backyard holdings – A case report
Authors: Ardelean Felix , Globig Anja , Gârdan Năvălici Alin I. , Blome Sandra , Dietze Klaas , Depner Klaus , Zani Laura
Published: August 2021

African swine fever (ASF) was diagnosed for the first time in Romania in a backyard holding in Satu‐Mare County in July 2017. Since then, more than 3800 outbreaks occurred in the entire country. Disease control strategies in the backyard sector rely almost exclusively on reactive measures implemented upon appearance of clinical signs and laboratory confirmation of ASF. In our descriptive study, infection course and outbreak investigation data of 56 affected backyard holdings in Satu‐Mare County has been investigated. Early disease detection based on clinical signs appeared to be efficient. In the majority of outbreaks, ASF was detected within the first 2 weeks after the estimated virus introduction. A clinical phase of 2–8 days was observed before pigs either succumbed to the disease or control measures were implemented on affected farms. A moderate on‐farm transmissibility of ASF virus between pigs was observed. Four clusters of outbreaks were identified indicating virus perpetuation and transmission from farm to farm. To suspend infection chains, rapid intervention by isolating affected farms combined with effective biosecurity measures is required. However, due to the backyard peculiarities, quick and effective implementation of control measures has shown to be rather difficult.
On doing hydrology with dragons: Realizing the value of perceptual models and knowledge accumulation
Authors: Wagener Thorsten , Gleeson Tom , Coxon Gemma , Hartmann Andreas , Howden Nicholas , Pianosi Francesca , Rahman Mostaquimur , Rosolem Rafael , Stein Lina , Woods Ross
Published: August 2021

Our ability to fully and reliably observe and simulate the terrestrial hydrologic cycle is limited, and in‐depth experimental studies cover only a tiny fraction of our landscape. On medieval maps, unexplored regions were shown as images of dragons—displaying a fear of the unknown. With time, cartographers dared to leave such areas blank, thus inviting explorations of what lay beyond the edge of current knowledge. In hydrology, we are still in a phase where maps of variables more likely contain hydrologic dragons than blank areas, which would acknowledge a lack of knowledge. In which regions is our ability to extrapolate well developed, and where is it poor? Where are available data sets informative, and where are they just poor approximations of likely system properties? How do we best identify and acknowledge these gaps to better understand and reduce the uncertainty in characterizing hydrologic systems? The accumulation of knowledge has been postulated as a fundamental mark of scientific advancement. In hydrology, we lack an effective strategy for knowledge accumulation as a community, and insufficiently focus on highlighting knowledge gaps where they exist. We propose two strategies to rectify these deficiencies. Firstly, the use of open and shared perceptual models to develop, debate, and test hypotheses. Secondly, improved knowledge accumulation in hydrology through a stronger focus on knowledge extraction and integration from available peer‐reviewed articles. The latter should include metadata to tag journal articles complemented by a common hydro‐meteorological database that would enable searching, organizing and analyzing previous studies in a hydrologically meaningful manner.

This article is categorized under:

Engineering Water > Planning Water

Science of Water > Hydrological Processes

Science of Water > Methods
A review of graphene‐TiO2 and graphene‐ZnO nanocomposite photocatalysts for wastewater treatment
Authors: Thakre Kunal G. , Barai Divya P. , Bhanvase Bharat A.
Published: August 2021

Technologies for wastewater remediation have been growing ever since the environmental and health concern is realized. Development of nanomaterials has enabled mankind to have different methods to treat the various kinds of inorganic and organic pollutants present in wastewater from many resources. Among the many materials, semiconductor materials have found many environmental applications due to their outstanding photocatalytic activities. TiO2 and ZnO are more effectively used as photocatalyst or adsorbents in the withdrawal of inorganic as well as organic wastes from the wastewater. On the other hand, graphene is tremendously being investigated for applications in environmental remediation in view of the superior physical, optical, thermal, and electronic properties of graphene nanocomposites. In this work, graphene‐TiO2 and graphene‐ZnO nanocomposites have been reviewed for photocatalytic wastewater treatment. The various preparation techniques of these nanocomposites have been discussed. Also, different design strategies for graphene‐based photocatalyst have been revealed. These nanocomposites exhibit promising applications in most of the water purification processes which are reviewed in this work. Along with this, the development of these nanocomposites using biomass‐derived graphene has also been introduced.

Practitioner Points

Graphene‐TiO2 and graphene‐ZnO nanocomposites are effective for wastewater treatment through photocatalysis.

These nanocomposite photocatalysts have been used in the form of membrane as well as antibacterial agents.

Synthetic strategies and design considerations of graphene‐based photocatalyst play a major role.

Biomass‐derived graphene‐TiO2 and graphene‐ZnO nanocomposites have also found application in wastewater treatment.
Determining the helicity structure of the nucleon at the Electron Ion Collider in China
Authors: Anderle Daniele Paolo , Hou Tie-Jiun , Xing Hongxi , Yan Mengshi , Yuan C.-P. , Zhao Yuxiang
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Understanding how sea quarks behave inside a nucleon is one of the most important physics goals of the proposed Electron-Ion Collider in China (EicC), which is designed to have a 3.5 GeV polarized electron beam (80% polarization) colliding with a 20 GeV polarized proton beam (70% polarization) at instantaneous luminosity of 2 × 1033cm−2s−1. A specific topic at EicC is to understand the polarization of individual quarks inside a longitudinally polarized nucleon. The potential of various future EicC data, including the inclusive and semi-inclusive deep inelastic scattering data from both doubly polarized electron-proton and electron-3He collisions, to reduce the uncertainties of parton helicity distributions is explored at the next-to-leading order in QCD, using the Error PDF Updating Method Package (ePump) which is based on the Hessian profiling method. We show that the semi-inclusive data are well able to provide good separation between flavour distributions, and to constrain their uncertainties in the x > 0.005 region, especially when electron-3He collisions, acting as effective electron-neutron collisions, are taken into account. To enable this study, we have generated a Hessian representation of the DSSV14 set of PDF replicas, named DSSV14H PDFs.
Experimental and numerical investigations of oxide-related defects in Al alloy gravity die castings
Authors: Scampone Giulia , Pirovano Raul , Mascetti Stefano , Timelli Giulio
Published: August 2021

This research aimed to study the formation and distribution of oxide-related defects in the gravity die casting process of an AlSi7Cu0.5Mg alloy by using experimental and numerical investigations. Metallographic and image analysis techniques were conducted to map the distribution of oxide inclusions inside the casting at the microscopic level. Numerical simulations were used to analyse the filling and solidification stages, and to foresee the turbulence of the melt and the formation of the oxide defects. The results show that most of the defects were correlated with the oxide layers or bubbles entrained inside the liquid metal. The accuracy of the numerical code in simulating the metal fluid-dynamic behaviour and the heat transfer was verified, and the results were in agreement with the experimental findings. The numerical distribution of defects was consistent with the experimental results, proving that the model successfully predicted the formation of oxide-related defects.
Development of innovative automated solutions for the assembly of multifunctional thermoplastic composite fuselage
Authors: Omairey Sadik L. , Sampethai Sofia , Hans Luka , Worrall Chris , Lewis Stuart , Negro Daniele , Sattar Tariq , Ferrera Eduardo , Blanco Elena , Wighton John , Muijs Leo , Veldman Sebastiaan L. , Doldersum Marco , Tonnaer Rik , Jayasree Nithin , Kazilas Mihalis
Published: August 2021

In this study, the development of innovative tooling and end-effector systems for the assembly of a multifunctional thermoplastic fuselage is presented. The increasing demand for cleaner and new aircraft requires utilising novel materials and technologies. Advanced thermoplastic composites provide an excellent material option thanks to their weldability, low density, low overall production cost, improved fracture toughness and recyclability. However, to fully appreciate their potentials, new manufacturing approaches and techniques are needed. Hence, this project develops three end-effector solutions to demonstrate the feasibility of assembling a full-scale multifunctional-integrated thermoplastic lower fuselage shell, including the integration of a fully equipped floor and cargo structure. The developed assembly solution comprises three individual yet well-integrated tooling systems that allow housing the skin and assembly; picking, placing and welding of the assembly parts, i.e. clips and stringers; and welding of frames and floor beam sub-assemblies. The process of developing these systems including the end-user requirements, technical challenges, tooling and end-effectors design and manufacturing process are detailed in this paper.
Sensitive and quantitative determination of short-chain fatty acids in human serum using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry
Authors: Shafaei Armaghan , Vamathevan Veronica , Pandohee Jessica , Lawler Nathan G. , Broadhurst David , Boyce Mary C.
Published: August 2021

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are increasingly being monitored to elucidate the link between gut health and disease. These metabolites are routinely measured in faeces, but their determination in serum is more challenging due to their low concentrations. A method for the determination of eight SCFAs in serum is described here. High-resolution mass spectrometry and gas chromatography were used to identify the presence of isomeric interferences, which were then overcome through a combination of chromatographic separation and judicious choice of MS fragment ion. The SCFAs were derivatised to form 3-nitrophenylhydrazones before being separated on a reversed-phase column and then detected using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-QQQ-MS). The LODs and LOQs of SCFAs using this method were in the range 1 to 7 ng mL−1 and 3 to 19 ng mL−1, respectively. The recovery of the SCFAs in serum ranged from 94 to 114% over the three concentration ranges tested.
Towards multidomain and multilingual abusive language detection: a survey
Authors: Pamungkas Endang Wahyu , Basile Valerio , Patti Viviana
Published: August 2021

Abusive language is an important issue in online communication across different platforms and languages. Having a robust model to detect abusive instances automatically is a prominent challenge. Several studies have been proposed to deal with this vital issue by modeling this task in the cross-domain and cross-lingual setting. This paper outlines and describes the current state of this research direction, providing an overview of previous studies, including the available datasets and approaches employed in both cross-domain and cross-lingual settings. This study also outlines several challenges and open problems of this area, providing insights and a useful roadmap for future work.
Company valuation and the nonlinear state marginal price vector model under agency conflicts
Authors: Kintzel Olaf , Toll Christian
Published: August 2021

In the present contribution, the innovative nonlinear state marginal price vector model introduced in Toll and Kintzel (CEJOR 27(4):1079–1105, 2019) (plus Errata herein) is enriched to include budgeting problems under agency conflicts. Under asymmetric information, a company owner as principal can only rely on information transmitted to her from her managers as agents. In the related modeling, it is assumed that slack and capital rationing are optimal. The governing budgeting relations are integrated into a nonlinear framework furnished by a multi-period newsvendor approach and are solved numerically by means of a two-step valuation procedure based on two successive nonlinear convex optimizations. The capital market is assumed to be imperfect. As case study, the M&A-valuation case of a merger of two IT-service companies is considered subjected to optimal combined dimensioning of capacities and budgets under stochastic demand. On balance, by addressing agency conflicts within the well-established nonlinear framework, the practical application field of the valuation procedure is widened.
Empowering the configuration-IP: new PTAS results for scheduling with setup times
Authors: Jansen Klaus , Klein Kim-Manuel , Maack Marten , Rau Malin
Published: August 2021

Integer linear programs of configurations, or configuration IPs, are a classical tool in the design of algorithms for scheduling and packing problems where a set of items has to be placed in multiple target locations. Herein, a configuration describes a possible placement on one of the target locations, and the IP is used to choose suitable configurations covering the items. We give an augmented IP formulation, which we call the module configuration IP. It can be described within the framework of n-fold integer programming and, therefore, be solved efficiently. As an application, we consider scheduling problems with setup times in which a set of jobs has to be scheduled on a set of identical machines with the objective of minimizing the makespan. For instance, we investigate the case that jobs can be split and scheduled on multiple machines. However, before a part of a job can be processed, an uninterrupted setup depending on the job has to be paid. For both of the variants that jobs can be executed in parallel or not, we obtain an efficient polynomial time approximation scheme (EPTAS) of running time $$f(1/\varepsilon )\cdot \mathrm {poly}(|I|)$$

f
(
1
/
ε
)
·
poly
(
|
I
|
)

. Previously, only constant factor approximations of 5/3 and $$4/3 + \varepsilon $$

4
/
3
+
ε

, respectively, were known. Furthermore, we present an EPTAS for a problem where classes of (non-splittable) jobs are given, and a setup has to be paid for each class of jobs being executed on one machine.
BROCCOLI: overlapping and outlier-robust biclustering through proximal stochastic gradient descent
Authors: Hess Sibylle , Pio Gianvito , Hochstenbach Michiel , Ceci Michelangelo
Published: August 2021

Matrix tri-factorization subject to binary constraints is a versatile and powerful framework for the simultaneous clustering of observations and features, also known as biclustering. Applications for biclustering encompass the clustering of high-dimensional data and explorative data mining, where the selection of the most important features is relevant. Unfortunately, due to the lack of suitable methods for the optimization subject to binary constraints, the powerful framework of biclustering is typically constrained to clusterings which partition the set of observations or features. As a result, overlap between clusters cannot be modelled and every item, even outliers in the data, have to be assigned to exactly one cluster. In this paper we proposeBroccoli, an optimization scheme for matrix factorization subject to binary constraints, which is based on the theoretically well-founded optimization scheme of proximal stochastic gradient descent. Thereby, we do not impose any restrictions on the obtained clusters. Our experimental evaluation, performed on both synthetic and real-world data, and against 6 competitor algorithms, show reliable and competitive performance, even in presence of a high amount of noise in the data. Moreover, a qualitative analysis of the identified clusters shows thatBroccolimay provide meaningful and interpretable clustering structures.
Comparative Analysis of Deep Neural Networks for the Detection and Decoding of Data Matrix Landmarks in Cluttered Indoor Environments
Authors: Almeida Tiago , Santos Vitor , Mozos Oscar Martinez , Lourenço Bernardo
Published: August 2021

Data Matrix patterns imprinted as passive visual landmarks have shown to be a valid solution for the self-localization of Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) in shop floors. However, existing Data Matrix decoding applications take a long time to detect and segment the markers in the input image. Therefore, this paper proposes a pipeline where the detector is based on a real-time Deep Learning network and the decoder is a conventional method, i.e. the implementation in libdmtx. To do so, several types of Deep Neural Networks (DNNs) for object detection were studied, trained, compared, and assessed. The architectures range from region proposals (Faster R-CNN) to single-shot methods (SSD and YOLO). This study focused on performance and processing time to select the best Deep Learning (DL) model to carry out the detection of the visual markers. Additionally, a specific data set was created to evaluate those networks. This test set includes demanding situations, such as high illumination gradients in the same scene and Data Matrix markers positioned in skewed planes. The proposed approach outperformed the best known and most used Data Matrix decoder available in libraries like libdmtx.
Effects of cascade reservoir systems on the longitudinal distribution of sediment characteristics: a case study of the Heihe River Basin
Authors: Wang Yu , Li Bao-long , Liu Juan-juan , Feng Qi , Liu Wei , Wang Xu , He Yu-hua
Published: August 2021

Spatial variations in grain size parameters can reflect river sediment transport patterns and depositional dynamics. Therefore, 22 surficial sediment samples taken from the Heihe River and its cascade reservoirs were analyzed to better understand the impact of cascade reservoir construction on sediment transport patterns in inland rivers in China. The results showed that the longitudinal distribution of sediment grain size in the Heihe River was significantly affected by the influence of the cascade reservoirs. The retention rate in the cascade reservoir of the Heihe River reached 79% (193.53 Mt/year), which caused most of the fine sand to accumulate in the reservoir, and the sediment fining degree reached approximately 50%. However, the water discharged from the dam caused serious erosion of the riverbed and coarsening of the sediment, and the coarsening degree was approximately 500%. The backwater zone of the reservoir was influenced by both backwater and released water, and the coarsening degree of sediment was approximately 101%. Sedimentary environmental analysis revealed that the characteristics of the sediment grain size in an upstream tributary of the Heihe River were more influenced by source material than by hydrodynamic conditions, while the grain size characteristics of the mainstream sediments were controlled mainly by hydrodynamic conditions. The characteristics of sediment transport in different reaches of the Heihe River were studied, and the results may provide references for the operation of cascade reservoirs and the sediment control of reservoirs.
CEOs’ International Work Experience and Compensation
Authors: Schmid Stefan , Baldermann Sebastian
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we study the effect a CEO’s international work experience has on his or her compensation. By combining human capital theory with a resource dependence and a resource-based perspective, we argue that international work experience translates into higher pay. We also suggest that international work experience comprises several dimensions that affect CEO compensation: duration, timing and breadth of stays abroad. With data from Europe’s largest stock market firms, we provide evidence that the longer the international work experiences and the more numerous they are, the higher a CEO’s compensation. While, based on our theoretical arguments, we expect to find that later international work experiences pay off for CEOs, our empirical analysis shows that earlier international work experiences are particularly valuable in terms of compensation. In addition, our data support the argument that maturity allows a CEO to take advantage of the skills, knowledge and competencies obtained via international experience—and to receive a higher payoff. With our study, we improve the understanding of how different facets of a CEO’s background shape executive remuneration.
Microglia and Stem-Cell Mediated Neuroprotection after Neonatal Hypoxia-Ischemia
Authors: Brégère Catherine , Schwendele Bernd , Radanovic Boris , Guzman Raphael
Published: August 2021

Neonatal hypoxia-ischemia encephalopathy (HIE) refers to a brain injury in term infants that can lead to death or lifelong neurological deficits such as cerebral palsy (CP). The pathogenesis of this disease involves multiple cellular and molecular events, notably a neuroinflammatory response driven partly by microglia, the brain resident macrophages. Treatment options are currently very limited, but stem cell (SC) therapy holds promise, as beneficial outcomes are reported in animal studies and to a lesser degree in human trials. Among putative mechanisms of action, immunomodulation is considered a major contributor to SC associated benefits. The goal of this review is to examine whether microglia is a cellular target of SC-mediated immunomodulation and whether the recruitment of microglia is linked to brain repair. We will first provide an overview on microglial activation in the rodent model of neonatal HI, and highlight its sensitivity to developmental age. Two complementary questions are then addressed: (i) do immune-related treatments impact microglia and provide neuroprotection, (ii) does stem cell treatment modulates microglia? Finally, the immune-related findings in patients enrolled in SC based clinical trials are discussed. Our review points to an impact of SCs on the microglial phenotype, but heterogeneity in experimental designs and methodological limitations hamper our understanding of a potential contribution of microglia to SC associated benefits. Thorough analyses of the microglial phenotype are warranted to better address the relevance of the neuroimmune crosstalk in brain repair and improve or advance the development of SC protocols in humans.

Graphical abstract
In vitro dissolution testing models of ocular implants for posterior segment drug delivery
Authors: Adrianto Muhammad Faris , Annuryanti Febri , Wilson Clive G. , Sheshala Ravi , Thakur Raghu Raj Singh
Published: August 2021

The delivery of drugs to the posterior segment of the eye remains a tremendously difficult task. Prolonged treatment in conventional intravitreal therapy requires injections that are administered frequently due to the rapid clearance of the drug molecules. As an alternative, intraocular implants can offer drug release for long-term therapy. However, one of the several challenges in developing intraocular implants is selecting an appropriate in vitro dissolution testing model. In order to determine the efficacy of ocular implants in drug release, multiple in vitro test models were emerging. While these in vitro models may be used to analyse drug release profiles, the findings may not predict in vivo retinal drug exposure as this is influenced by metabolic and physiological factors. This review considers various types of in vitro test methods used to test drug release of ocular implants. Importantly, it discusses the challenges and factors that must be considered in the development and testing of the implants in an in vitro setup.

Graphical abstract
Esercizio fisico e doping: ricadute in medicina della sessualità
Authors: Sansone Andrea , Schiavo Anna , Romanelli Francesco , Jannini Emmanuele A.
Published: August 2021

Sommario

L’attività fisica rappresenta uno strumento essenziale per la prevenzione e la tutela della salute individuale. Ciononostante, solo una minoranza degli adulti raggiunge i livelli raccomandati di esercizio fisico. Nell’ambito della sessuologia medica, intervenire sulla sedentarietà può migliorare la salute sessuale e riproduttiva; tuttavia, è necessario che l’attività fisica sia adeguata, onde evitare lo sviluppo di quadri patologici come la triade dell’atleta o l’ipogonadismo indotto da esercizio fisico. Inoltre, l’eventuale uso di “sostanze atte a migliorare l’apparenza e la performance” ha trasceso i confini dello sport agonistico, trovando largo utilizzo fra gli atleti amatoriali al fine di massimizzare la resa dell’esercizio, sebbene siano noti gli effetti avversi sulla salute sessuale e riproduttiva in entrambi i sessi.
Comparing the analgesic efficacy of transversus abdominis plane block versus wound infiltration for post cesarean section pain management: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Alemu Wudie Mekonnen , Ashagrie Henos Enyew , Agegnehu Abatneh Feleke , Admass Biruk Adie
Published: August 2021

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Cesarean section is the most common surgery done in the world and it results moderate to severe pain. Untreated pain interrupts the mother to care her baby and may lead to the development of chronic pain. It may also have negative impacts on respiratory, cardiovascular and other systems. Land mark technique of transversus abdominis plane block and wound infiltration have been practiced to manage post-operative pain after cesarean section.

Objective:

Comparing the analgesic efficacy of transversus abdominis plane block versus wound infiltration for post cesarean section pain management.

Methods:

An institution based prospective cohort study was conducted on 82 parturients who delivered by cesarean section under spinal, North west Ethiopia, from March10 to June 2nd, 2020. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and 82 consecutive parturients were included in this study until the desired sample in each groups was achieved. Parametric data was compared by independent student t –test and non-parametric data was compared by Mann-Whitney U test and presented as mean ± standard deviation or median (interquartile range) as appropriate.

Result:

Post-operative numerical rating scale of pain after cesarean section at 2, 4 and 6 h were not significantly different, but there were significant differences at 8, 12 and 24 h between groups. Diclofenac consumption was not significantly different on 24 post-operative hour between the two groups (P = 0.246). Time to first analgesia requirement was prolonged in transversus abdominis plane block (p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

And recommendations: Transversus abdominis plane block had long lasting and more efficient analgesia, reduced tramadol consumption and prolonged time to first analgesia request for parturients delivered by cesarean section within 24 h as compared to skin infiltration. We recommend transversus abdominis plane block than skin infiltration for post-operative pain management after cesarean section.

Highlights
Meteorite Mineralogy
Authors: Rubin Alan , Ma Chi
Published: August 2021

Meteorites are fascinating cosmic visitors. Using accessible language, this book documents the history of mineralogy and meteorite research, summarizes the mineralogical characteristics of the myriad varieties of meteorites, and explains the mineralogical characteristics of Solar System bodies visited by spacecraft.  Some of these bodies contain minerals that do not occur naturally on Earth or in meteorites. The book explains how to recognize different phases under the microscope and in back-scattered electron images.  It summarizes the major ways in which meteoritic minerals form – from condensation in the expanding atmospheres of dying stars to crystallization in deep-seated magmas, from flash-melting in the solar nebula to weathering in the terrestrial environment. Containing spectacular back-scattered electron images, colour photographs of meteorite minerals, and with an accompanying online list of meteorite minerals, this book provides a useful resource for meteorite researchers, terrestrial mineralogists, cosmochemists and planetary scientists, as well as graduate students in these fields
Engineering Drawing
Authors: Singh Lakhwinder Pal , Singh Harwinder
Published: August 2021

This student friendly and self-explanatory textbook attempts to help readers, engineering students in India, grasp the basic concepts of engineering drawing clearly and easily. Care has been taken to include topics that mesh well with the syllabi of most universities, colleges and polytechnic institutes in India. Important topics, such as projection of solids, auxiliary projections, section of solids, isometric projections, orthographic projections and projection of planes, have been discussed comprehensively. Heavy emphasis has also been put on the actual figures described in the text, both from the first angle and third angle projection methods. A chapter on computer graphics further integrates these concepts with modern manual computer aided design. Finally, hundreds of solved examples, practice problems and objective-type questions with answers have been added to ensure the learning objectives of each chapter have been achieved.
Emergence of in-line swimming patterns in zebrafish pairs
Authors: Porfiri Maurizio , Karakaya Mert , Sattanapalle Raghu Ram , Peterson Sean D.
Published: August 2021

Graphical Abstract
Quasimaps to GIT fibre bundles and applications
Authors: Oh Jeongseok
Published: August 2021

In [4], Brown proved that the I-function of a toric fibration lies on the overruled Lagrangian cone of its

$g=0$

Gromov–Witten theory, introduced by Coates and Givental [8]. In this paper, we prove the theorem for partial flag-variety fibrations. To do so, we construct new moduli spaces generalising the idea of Ciocan-Fontanine, Kim and Maulik [7].
On the fractional Lazer-McKenna conjecture with critical growth
Authors: Li Qi , Peng Shuangjie
Published: August 2021

This paper deals with the following fractional elliptic equation with critical exponent
\[ \begin{cases} \displaystyle (-\Delta )^{s}u=u_{+}^{2_{s}^{*}-1}+\lambda u-\bar{\nu}\varphi_{1}, & \text{in}\ \Omega,\\ \displaystyle u=0, & \text{in}\ {{\mathfrak R}}^{N}\backslash \Omega, \end{cases}\]
where $\lambda$, $\bar {\nu }\in {{\mathfrak R}}$, $s\in (0,1)$, $2^{*}_{s}=({2N}/{N-2s})\,(N>2s)$, $(-\Delta )^{s}$ is the fractional Laplace operator, $\Omega \subset {{\mathfrak R}}^{N}$ is a bounded domain with smooth boundary and $\varphi _{1}$ is the first positive eigenfunction of the fractional Laplace under the condition $u=0$ in ${{\mathfrak R}}^{N}\setminus \Omega$. Under suitable conditions on $\lambda$ and $\bar {\nu }$ and using a Lyapunov-Schmidt reduction method, we prove the fractional version of the Lazer-McKenna conjecture which says that the equation above has infinitely many solutions as $|\bar \nu | \to \infty$ .
Use of parenteral nutrition in term and late preterm infants: an Australian and New Zealand survey
Authors: Moon Kwi , Rao Shripada , Patole Sanjay , Simmer Karen
Published: August 2021

There is limited information regarding the use of parenteral nutrition (PN) in term and late preterm infants. We conducted a survey to study the current clinical practices within Australia and New Zealand (ANZ). A fifteen-question online survey was distributed to 232 neonatologists and fifty-five paediatric intensivists across ANZ between September and November 2019. At least one neonatologist from twenty-seven out of thirty tertiary neonatal intensive care units responded (90 %). Responses were received from sixty-nine neonatologists (30 %) and seven paediatric intensivists (13 %). The overall response rate was 26 % (76/287). Thirty-three percent (25/76) commenced PN within 24 h of admission, 27 % (20/75) between 24 and 48 h, 24 % (18/75) between 48 and 72 h, 9 % (7/75) between 72 and 96 h and 4 % (3/75) between 96 h and 7 days. None of the respondents commenced PN after 7 d of admission. Sixty-one percent (46/75) aimed for 1·5–3 g/kg per d of parenteral amino acids, whereas 27 % (20/75) aimed for 2–3 g/kg per d. Renal failure (59 %; 38/64) and high plasma urea (44 %; 28/64) were the major indications for withholding/decreasing the amino acid intake. Eighty-three percent (63/76) aimed for a dose of 2·5g–3·5 g/kg per d of parenteral lipids; about 9 % (7/76) targeted a dose of 1–2·5 g/kg per d and 4 % (3/76) for > 3·5 g/kg per d. Thirty-two percent (24/74) reported that they would withhold/decrease the dose of parenteral lipids in infants with sepsis. The variations in clinicians’ practices with respect to the use of PN in term and late preterm infants highlight the need for high-quality research in this population.
Dimensional personality impairment is associated with disruptions in intrinsic intralimbic functional connectivity
Authors: Traynor Jenna M. , Wrege Johannes S. , Walter Marc , Ruocco Anthony C.
Published: August 2021

Background

Recently proposed alternative dimensional models of personality disorder (PD) place the severity of impairments in self and interpersonal functioning at the core of personality pathology. However, associations of these impairments with disturbances in social, cognitive, and affective brain networks remain uninvestigated.

Methods

The present study examined patterns of resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) in a sample of 74 age- and sex-matched participants (45 inpatients with PD and 29 healthy controls). At a minimum, PD patients carried a diagnosis of borderline PD, although the majority of the sample had one or more additional PDs. rsFC patterns in the following networks were compared between groups and in association with dimensional personality impairments: default mode network (DMN)/core mentalization, frontolimbic, salience, and central executive. Further, the extent to which variation in rsFC was explained by levels of personality impairment as compared to typology-specific borderline PD symptom severity was explored.

Results

Relative to controls, the PD group showed disruptions in rsFC within the DMN/core mentalization and frontolimbic networks. Among PD patients, greater severity of dimensional self-interpersonal impairment was associated with stronger intralimbic rsFC. In contrast, severity of borderline PD-specific typology was not associated with any rsFC patterns.

Conclusions

Disruptions in core mentalization and affective networks are present in PD. Higher intralimbic functional connectivity may underlie self-interpersonal personality impairment in PD regardless of diagnostic typology-specific PD symptoms, providing initial neurobiological evidence supporting alternative dimensional conceptualizations of personality pathology.
The bidirectional association of 24-h activity rhythms and sleep with depressive symptoms in middle-aged and elderly persons
Authors: de Feijter Maud , Kocevska Desana , Ikram M. Arfan , Luik Annemarie I.
Published: August 2021

Background

In older populations disturbed 24-h activity rhythms, poor sleep, and depressive symptoms are often lingering and co-morbid, making treatment difficult. To improve insights into these commonly co-occurring problems, we assessed the bidirectional association of sleep and 24-h activity rhythms with depressive symptoms in middle-aged and elderly persons.

Methods

In 1734 participants (mean age: 62.3 ± 9.3 years, 55% women) from the prospective Rotterdam Study, 24-h activity rhythms and sleep were estimated with actigraphy (mean duration: 146 ± 19.6 h), sleep quality with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and depressive symptoms with the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale. Repeated measures were available for 947 participants (54%) over a median follow-up of 6 years (interquartile range = 5.6–6.3). Linear-mixed models were used to assess temporal associations of 24-h activity rhythms and sleep with depressive symptoms in both directions.

Results

High 24-h activity rhythm fragmentation (IV) (B = 1.002, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.641–1.363), long time in bed (TIB) (B = 0.111, 95% CI = 0.053–0.169), low sleep efficiency (SE) (B = −0.015, 95% CI = −0.020 to −0.009), long sleep onset latency (SOL) (B = 0.009, 95% CI = 0.006–0.012), and low self-rated sleep quality (B = 0.112, 95% CI = 0.0992–0.124) at baseline were associated with increasing depressive symptoms over time. Conversely, more depressive symptoms at baseline were associated with an increasing 24-h activity rhythm fragmentation (B = 0.002, 95% CI = 0.001–0.003) and TIB (B = 0.009, 95% CI = 0.004–0.015), and a decreasing SE (B = −0.140, 95% CI = −0.196 to −0.084), SOL (B = 0.013, 95% CI = 0.008–0.018), and self-rated sleep quality (B = 0.193, 95% CI = 0.171–0.215) over time.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates a bidirectional association of 24-h activity rhythms, actigraphy-estimated sleep, and self-rated sleep quality with depressive symptoms over a time frame of multiple years in middle-aged and elderly persons.