bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carbon Dots Evoked Li Ion Dynamics for Solid State Battery
Authors: Xu Laiqiang , Li Jiayang , Li Lin , Luo Zheng , Xiang Yinger , Deng Weina , Zou Guoqiang , Hou Hongshuai , Ji Xiaobo
Published: August 2021

Solid composite electrolyte‐based Li battery is viewed as one of the most competitive system for the next generation batteries; however, it is still restricted by sluggish ion diffusion. Fast ion transport is a characteristic of the polyethylene oxide (PEO) amorphous phase, and the mobility of Li+ is restrained by the coordination interaction within PEO and Li+. Herein, the design of applying functionalized carbon dots (CDs) with abundant surface features as fillers is proposed. High ionic conductivity is achieved in the CD‐based composite electrolytes resulting from enhanced ion migration ability of polymer segments and mobility of Li+. Specially, the optimum effect with nitrogen and sulfur co‐doped carbon dots (NS‐CD) is a consequence of strong interaction between edge‐nitrogen/sulfur in NS‐CD and Li+. Solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance results confirm that more mobile Li+ is generated. Moreover, it is observed that lithium dendrite is suppressed compared to PEO electrolyte associated with reinforced mechanical properties and high transference number. The corresponding all‐solid‐state batteries, with the cathode of LiFePO4 or high voltage NCM523, exhibit long cycling life and excellent rate performances. It is a novel strategy to achieve high ionic conductivity composite electrolyte with uniform lithium deposition and provides a new direction to the mechanism of fast Li+ movement.
Integrating pattern matching and abstract interpretation for verifying cautions of microcontrollers
Authors: Nguyen Thuy , Tomita Takashi , Endo Junpei , Aoki Toshiaki
Published: August 2021

Handling hardware‐dependent properties at a low level is usually required in developing microcontroller‐based applications. One of these hardware‐dependent properties is cautions, which are described in microcontrollers hardware manuals. The process of verifying these cautions is performed manually, as there is currently no single tool that can directly handle this task. This research aims at automating the verification of these cautions. To obtain the typical cautions of microcontrollers, we investigate two sections which have a considerable number of required cautions in the hardware manual of a popular microcontroller. Subsequently, we analyse these cautions and categorize them into several groups. Based on this analysis, we propose a semi‐automatic approach for verifying the cautions which integrates two static programme analysis techniques (i.e., pattern matching and abstract interpretation). To evaluate our approach, we conducted experiments with generated source code, benchmark source code, and industrial source code. The generated source code, which was created automatically based on several aspects of the C programme, was used to evaluate the performance of the approach based on these aspects. The benchmark and the industrial source code, which were provided by Aisin Software Co., Ltd., were used to assess the feasibility and applicability of the approach. The results show that all expected violations in the benchmark source code were detected. Unexpected but real violations in the benchmark programme were also detected. For the industrial source code, the approach successfully handled and detected most of the expected violations. These results show that the approach is promising in verifying the cautions.
The relationship between two measures of L2 phonological vocabulary knowledge and L2 listening comprehension
Authors: Masrai Ahmed
Published: August 2021

Research addressing the relationship between vocabulary knowledge and second language (L2) listening comprehension has been conducted mostly using measures that tap orthographic vocabulary knowledge. The few studies that have used measures that tap phonological modality to delineate the relationship between vocabulary and L2 listening have focused on either the receptive or productive dimension of vocabulary knowledge, but not both. To advance knowledge on this matter, this study investigated the degree to which two measures of phonological vocabulary knowledge correlated with, and were able to predict, scores on L2 listening comprehension. The researcher administered word frequency–based vocabulary measures tapping receptive/phonological vocabulary knowledge (RPVK) and productive/phonological vocabulary knowledge (PPVK), as well as a test assessing L2 listening comprehension, to 100 university‐level native‐Arabic‐speaking learners of English as a foreign language. Results show that PPVK correlated most strongly with L2 listening (r = .74), followed by RPVK (r = .59). Hierarchical regression modelling indicated that PPVK predicted the largest variance in L2 listening (R2 = .54) and that RPVK contributed only marginally to the overall predictive power of the regression model (R2 = .013). Findings from the study address the varying significance of different dimensions of phonological vocabulary knowledge in L2 listening comprehension.
Assessment Selection for Multilingual Learners’ Reading Development
Authors: Mancilla‐Martinez Jeannette , Hwang Jin Kyoung , Oh Min Hyun
Published: August 2021

This study examined multilingual learners’ achievement and growth in their language and literacy skills. Fifty‐two multilingual students in Grades 2 and 4 with varying levels of English proficiency from Spanish‐speaking homes in the American South participated in this study. They were assessed on English reading comprehension (RC), English word reading, and English‐only, Spanish‐only, and Spanish‐English conceptually‐scored vocabulary knowledge across a school year. Descriptive and a series of ANOVA analyses revealed that English learners’ scores on all the measures were lower than those of their English‐proficient multilingual learner peers. Further, students evidenced low‐average English RC and English word reading, especially non‐word decoding. Most importantly, multilingual students’ performance on Spanish‐English conceptually‐scored vocabulary assessments revealed a positive pattern of achievement and growth, sharply contrasting with results based on typically‐used English‐only or Spanish‐only monolingual vocabulary assessments. Practical assessment and instructional implications are discussed.
Exploring the social lives of giraffes
Authors: Loeb Josh
Published: August 2021

Josh Loeb explains that giraffes show greater social sophistication than previously believed.
Body temperatures of Manis pentadactyla and Manis javanica
Authors: Yu Yishuang , Wu Shibao , Wang Wenhua , Mahmood Amna , Zhang Fuhua
Published: August 2021

Body temperature is an important parameter for assessing animal health and physiological function. An iButton thermometer was used to measure the body temperatures of three Chinese pangolins (Manis pentadacyla) and three Sunda pangolins (M. javanica). The body temperature of Chinese pangolins was 33.2 ± 0.95°C (30.6–34.2°C, n = 3) and that of Sunda pangolins was 32.8 ± 0.48°C (31.7–34.2°C, n = 3). The daily variation in body temperature was 1.0–2.9°C in three Chinese pangolins and 1.2–1.9°C in three Sunda pangolins. The body temperature of Sunda pangolins tended to rise at night, with the highest body temperatures occurring mostly at night. This study provides valuable body temperature data for Chinese and Sunda pangolins and lays the foundation for future research on their mechanisms of body temperature regulation.
Electrochemical oxidation of chloramphenicol with lead dioxide–surfactant composites
Authors: Shmychkova Olesia , Zahorulko Svitlana , Luk'yanenko Tatiana , Velichenko Alexander
Published: August 2021

The PbO2–2 wt.% sodium dodecyl sulfate composite formed from methanesulfonate electrolyte consists of 93.1% of α‐phase PbO2 in contrast to the similar one synthesized from nitrate electrolyte, which contains 73.3% of β phase. The electrocatalytic activity of the obtained composites in the oxygen evolution reaction and oxidation of chloramphenicol was investigated. It was found that the Tafel slope significantly exceeds the theoretical value, which indicates a decrease in the degree of filling of the electrode surface with oxygen‐containing particles. In the presence of organic compound and chloride ions in the solution, irreversible adsorption of the intermediate is observed, which leads to additional blocking of active centers on the oxide surface, which are involved in the oxidation of organic substance. It was established that the maximum rate of chloramphenicol conversion is 83.5% and 85% at 50 and 80 mA cm−2, respectively, under kinetic control. The heterogeneous oxidation rate constant of chloramphenicol is 0.0035 min−1. Oxidation of chloramphenicol occurs through the formation of 4‐(‐2‐amino‐1,3‐dihydroxy‐propanyl)‐nitrobenzene with cleavage of dichloroacetic acid. Next, the amino group is oxidized to the nitro group to form 4‐(2‐nitro‐1,3‐dihydroxy‐propanyl)‐nitrobenzene. Subsequent electrolysis produces nitrobenzoic acid, which is oxidized to benzoic acid, later hydroquinone, then benzoquinone and a set of aliphatic compounds.

Practitioner Points

The PbO2–2 wt.% SDS composite consists of 93.1% of α phase of PbO2 in contrast to those synthesized from nitrate electrolyte.

The Tafel slope indicates a decrease of surface filling with oxygen‐containing particles.

Irreversible adsorption of the intermediate is observed in the presence of chloride ions.
Towards another paradigm for forensic science?
Authors: Crispino Frank , Weyermann Céline , Delémont Olivier , Roux Claude , Ribaux Olivier
Published: August 2021

Daubert skews the contribution of forensic science because it only took into account its Galilean dimension (construction of general predictive models). However, forensic science should better be classified in the historical sciences (clinical approach to reconstruct a past event of presence or activity). We therefore need a complementary approach that integrates the necessarily “clinical” part in the resolution of forensic issues. Such an evolution involves semiotics. While recognizing that the Bayesian way of thinking is the only prescriptive available model for interpretation fitting well in the Galilean paradigm, the complexity of the reconstruction of a past‐uncontrolled singular case and the robustness of available relevant data to it, invites consideration of its implementation in a semiotic line of arguments. Indeed, Bayes makes it possible to remain in a single harmonized model integrating both the clinical and Galilean dimensions, but rapidly the complexity of the modeling and its mathematization come up against more qualitative natural and legal reasoning. Two different systems of reasoning at stake are inevitably creating a “bug” that could explain the current forensic crisis and miscarriages of justice. This anomaly is reflected in the issue of transparency (misunderstandings by and between interlocutors on the nature of the expertise, if not science). Peirce offers a path to address the tension between complementary reasoning systems.

This article is categorized under:

Crime Scene Investigation > Epistemology and Method

Crime Scene Investigation > From Traces to Intelligence and Evidence

Crime Scene Investigation > Education and Formation
Restoration in Nature: Beyond the Conventional Narrative
Authors: Hartig Terry
Published: August 2021

The restoration perspective on human adaptation offers a broad view of relations between environment and health; however, it remains underutilized as a source of insight for nature-and-health studies. In this chapter, I start from the restoration perspective in showing ways to extend theory and research concerned with the benefits of nature experience. I first set out the basic premises of the restoration perspective and consider how it has come to have particular relevance for understanding the salutary values now commonly assigned to nature experience. I then discuss the currently conventional theoretical narrative about restorative effects of nature experience and organize some of its components in a general framework for restorative environments theory. Extending the framework, I put forward two additional theories. These call attention to the restoration of resources as held within closer relationships and as held collectively by members of a population. In closing, I consider ways to work with the general framework and further develop the narrative about nature, restoration, and health. The extensions made here raise important considerations for nature preservation efforts, urban planning, health promotion strategies, and ways of thinking about human–nature relations.
Stability of BPS states and weak coupling limits
Authors: Palti Eran
Published: August 2021

Abstract

We study the stability and spectrum of BPS states in $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 supergravity. We find evidence, and prove for a large class of cases, that BPS stability exhibits a certain filtration which is partially independent of the value of the gauge couplings. Specifically, for any perturbative value of any gauge coupling g ≪ 1, a BPS state can only decay to some constituents if those constituents do not become infinitely heavier than it in the vanishing coupling limit g → 0. This stability filtration can be mathematically formulated in terms of the monodromy weight filtration of the limiting mixed Hodge structure associated to the vanishing coupling limit. We study various implications of the result for the Swampland program which aims to understand such weak-coupling limits, specifically regarding the nature and presence of an infinite tower of light charged BPS states.
Soft photon theorem in the small negative cosmological constant limit
Authors: Banerjee Nabamita , Fernandes Karan , Mitra Arpita
Published: August 2021

Abstract

We study the effect of electromagnetic interactions on the classical soft theorems on an asymptotically AdS background in 4 spacetime dimensions, in the limit of a small cosmological constant or equivalently a large AdS radius l. This identifies 1/l2 perturbative corrections to the known asymptotically flat spacetime leading and subleading soft factors. Our analysis is only valid to leading order in 1/l2. The leading soft factor can be expected to be universal and holds beyond tree level. This allows us to derive a 1/l2 corrected Ward identity, following the known equivalence between large gauge Ward identities and soft theorems in asymptotically flat spacetimes.
Intraoperative radiotherapy with low-energy x-rays after neurosurgical resection of brain metastases—an Augsburg University Medical Center experience
Authors: Kahl Klaus-Henning , Balagiannis Nikolaos , Höck Michael , Schill Sabine , Roushan Zoha , Shiban Ehab , Müller Heiko , Grossert Ute , Konietzko Ina , Sommer Björn , Maurer Christoph J. , Berlis Ansgar , Heidecke Volkmar , Janzen Tilman , Stüben Georg
Published: August 2021

Purpose

External-beam radiotherapy (EBRT) is the predominant method for localized brain radiotherapy (LBRT) after resection of brain metastases (BM). Intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) with 50-kV x‑rays is an alternative way to focally irradiate the resection cavity after BM surgery, with the option of shortening the overall treatment time and limiting normal tissue irradiation.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of all patients who underwent neurosurgical resection of BM and 50-kV x‑ray IORT between 2013 and 2020 at Augsburg University Medical Center.

Results

We identified 40 patients with 44 resected BM treated with 50-kV x‑ray IORT. Median diameter of the resected metastases was 2.8 cm (range 1.5–5.9 cm). Median applied dose was 20 Gy. All patients received standardized follow-up (FU) including 3‑monthly MRI of the brain. Mean FU was 14.4 months, with a median MRI FU for alive patients of 12.2 months. Median overall survival (OS) of all treated patients was 26.4 months (estimated 1‑year OS 61.6%). The observed local control (LC) rate of the resection cavity was 88.6% (estimated 1‑year LC 84.3%). Distant brain control (DC) was 47.5% (estimated 1‑year DC 33.5%). Only 25% of all patients needed WBI in the further course of disease. The observed radionecrosis rate was 2.5%.

Conclusion

IORT with 50-kV x‑rays is a safe and appealing way to apply LBRT after neurosurgical resection of BM, with low toxicity and excellent LC. Close MRI FU is paramount to detect distant brain failure (DBF) early.
Behandlung der Psoriasis mit Secukinumab
Authors: Körber Andreas , Augustin Matthias , Behrens Frank , Gerdes Sascha , von Kiedrowski Ralph , Schäkel Knut , Sticherling Michael , Wilsmann-Theis Dagmar , Wohlrab Johannes , Simon Jan-Christoph
Published: August 2021

Hintergrund

Die mittelschwere bis schwere Psoriasis vulgaris kann wirksam mit immunmodulierenden Biologika wie dem Interleukin-17A-Inhibitor Secukinumab behandelt werden. In der Praxis stellt sich jedoch oft die Frage nach dem Vorgehen in besonderen Situationen, beispielsweise bei Infektionen, Komorbidität, Schwangerschaft oder operativen Eingriffen.

Ziel der Arbeit

In diesem Konsensdokument deutscher Psoriasisexperten sollen in Ergänzung zu den aktuellen Leitlinien häufige Fragen aus dem Therapiealltag zur Behandlung der Psoriasis mit Secukinumab beantwortet werden.

Methoden

In einem virtuellen Expertentreffen im Mai 2020 wurden auf Grundlage von Erfahrungen der Teilnehmer und aktueller Literatur praxisrelevante Aspekte der Behandlung der Psoriasis erörtert. Darauf basierend wurde ein Konsensdokument verfasst.

Ergebnisse

Die vorliegende Arbeit bietet praktische Hinweise zur Anamnese einschließlich der Erfassung von Vortherapien, Schweregrad der Psoriasis und Begleiterkrankungen vor Beginn einer Therapie mit Secukinumab. Ferner wird auf das Vorgehen bei Impfungen, Infektionen, operativen Eingriffen, Sondermanifestationen der Psoriasis und Komorbiditäten einschließlich vorbestehenden Autoimmunerkrankungen und Tumorerkrankungen unter Therapie mit Secukinumab eingegangen. Auch Fragen zur Familienplanung und zu gesundheitspolitischen Regularien werden diskutiert.

Diskussion

Die in diesem Konsensdokument zusammengefassten unterstützenden Empfehlungen zur Behandlung der Psoriasis mit Secukinumab sollen dazu beitragen, für die Patienten eine optimale Therapie zu erreichen und ihre Lebensqualität zu verbessern.
Optimal transport maps on Alexandrov spaces revisited
Authors: Rajala Tapio , Schultz Timo
Published: August 2021

We give an alternative proof for the fact that inn-dimensional Alexandrov spaces with curvature bounded below there exists a unique optimal transport plan from any purely$$(n-1)$$(n-1)-unrectifiable starting measure, and that this plan is induced by an optimal map. Our proof does not rely on the full optimality of a given plan but rather on thec-monotonicity, thus we obtain the existence of transport maps for wider class of (possibly non-optimal) transport plans.
Identification of volatile compounds from bacteria by spectrometric methods in medicine diagnostic and other areas: current state and perspectives
Authors: Kunze-Szikszay Nils , Euler Maximilian , Perl Thorsten
Published: August 2021

Diagnosis of bacterial infections until today mostly relies on conventional microbiological methods. The resulting long turnaround times can lead to delayed initiation of adequate antibiotic therapy and prolonged periods of empiric antibiotic therapy (e.g., in intensive care medicine). Therewith, they contribute to the mortality of bacterial infections and the induction of multidrug resistances. The detection of species specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by bacteria has been proposed as a possible diagnostic approach with the potential to serve as an innovative point-of-care diagnostic tool with very short turnaround times. A range of spectrometric methods are available which allow the detection and quantification of bacterial VOCs down to a range of part per trillion. This narrative review introduces the application of spectrometric analytical methods for the purpose of detecting VOCs of bacterial origin and their clinical use for diagnosing different infectious conditions over the last decade.

Key Points

• Detection of VOCs enables bacterial differentiation in various medical conditions.

• Spectrometric methods may function as point-of-care diagnostics in near future.
Hemorrhagic Complication in Surgical Resection for Massive Plexiform Neurofibroma in Body Trunk: The Flow‐Void Sign as a Predictor and Preoperative Embolization as Prevention
Authors: Michimoto Kenkichi , Ashida Hirokazu , Higuchi Takahiro , Kano Rui , Hasumi Jun , Suzuki Takayuki , Ishida Katsuhiro , Hirayama Haruyuki , Ohta Arihito
Published: August 2021

Background

Plexiform neurofibromas (PNs) are highly vascularized and potentially malignant tumors. Surgical resection of a PN can be complicated by perioperative hemorrhagic events (PHE), including excessive intraoperative blood loss and postoperative hematoma at the surgical site. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive factors of PHE and the usefulness of preoperative embolization for PN.

Materials and methods

Consecutive surgical resections of 24 massive PNs in the body trunk with a maximum diameter > 5 cm in 22 patients between January 2015 and December 2020 were reviewed. Patient demographics, laboratory analyses, MRI findings, preoperative transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE), and pathological findings were evaluated between PNs with and without PHE, which consists of intraoperative blood loss over 15% of their estimated total blood volume and/or postoperative hematoma requiring surgical intervention or blood transfusion.

Results

PHE was observed in 7 out of 24 PNs (29.2%), with 5 events of excessive intraoperative bleeding and 2 postoperative hematomas. The PHE group (n = 7) showed a significantly higher flow‐void effect inside the tumor on preoperative MRI than the non‐PHE group (n = 17) (P = 0.0186). Preoperative TAE was not associated with PHE occurrence for the 24 PNs; however, it significantly reduced the PHE risk by 12 PNs with a flow‐void sign (P = 0.00126). Other characteristics showed no significant differences between groups.

Conclusion

The flow‐void sign on MRI can be the only predictive factor of PHE in surgical resection for massive PNs in the body trunk. Preoperative TAE can reduce the PHE risk for PNs with a flow‐void sign.
Mediastinal anatomical landmarks, their variants and tips for video-assisted thoracoscopic navigation during oesophageal extirpation
Authors: Dydykin Sergey , Paulsen Friedrich , Khorobykh Tatyana , Mishchenko Natalya , Kapitonova Marina , Gupalo Sergey , Bogoyavlenskaya Tatyana , Agadzhanov Vadim , Salikhov Pashad
Published: August 2021

Purpose

There is no systematic description of primary anatomical landmarks that allow a surgeon to reliably and safely navigate the superior and posterior mediastinum’s fat tissue spaces near large vessels and nerves during video-assisted endothoracoscopic interventions in the prone position of a patient. Our aim was to develop an algorithm of sequential visual navigation during thoracoscopic extirpation of the esophagus and determine the most permanent topographic and anatomical landmarks allowing safe thoracoscopic dissection of the esophagus in the prone position.

Methods

The anatomical study of the mediastinal structural features was carried out on 30 human cadavers before and after opening the right pleural cavity.

Results

For thoracoscopic extirpation of the esophagus in the prone position, anatomical landmarks are defined, their variants are assessed, and an algorithm for their selection is developed, allowing their direct visualization before and after opening the mediastinal pleura.

Conclusion

The proposed algorithm for topographic and anatomical navigation based on the key anatomical landmarks in the posterior mediastinum provides safe performance of the video-assisted thoracoscopic extirpation of the esophagus in the prone position.
Pankreastransplantation – Klinik, Technik und histologische Beurteilung
Authors: Büttner-Herold Maike , Amann Kerstin , Pfister Frederick , Tannapfel Andrea , Maslova Marina , Wunsch Andreas , Pillokeit Nina , Viebahn Richard , Schenker Peter
Published: August 2021

Hintergrund

Die Pankreastransplantation wird in Deutschland nur in wenigen ausgewählten Zentren durchgeführt, üblicherweise in Kombination mit einer Niere. Die Kenntnis von Indikationen und Techniken der Transplantation selbst als auch der histopathologischen Abstoßungsdiagnostik mittels Pankreas- oder selten Duodenalbiopsie ist nicht sehr weit verbreitet.

Ziel der Arbeit

Darstellung der Entwicklung und des aktuellen Stands der Pankreas-Nieren-Transplantation in Deutschland anhand der Erfahrungen des größten deutschen Zentrums und Analyse der Ergebnisse der zwischen 06/2017 und 12/2020 durchgeführten Abstoßungsbiopsien inklusive ausführlicher Darstellung und Bebilderung der verschiedenen Abstoßungskategorien

Material und Methode

Es wurde eine ausführliche Literaturrecherche zur Historie, Technik und Indikation der Pankreastransplantation durchgeführt und die technischen Besonderheiten und Erfahrungen am Bochumer Zentrum, insbesondere auch die Komplikationen, im internationalen Vergleich dargestellt. Desweiteren wurden alle im Zeitraum zwischen 06/2017 und 12/2020 durchgeführten Pankreas- oder Duodenalbiopsien, die zur Abstoßungsdiagnostik nach Erlangen gegangen waren und mittels der Banff-Klassifikation standardisiert bearbeitet wurden, anhand der vorliegenden Befunde ausgewertet und zusammenfassend dargestellt. Zum besseren Verständnis wurden die wichtigsten histologischen Entitäten bildhaft dargestellt und differenzialdiagnostische Aspekte diskutiert.

Ergebnisse

Insgesamt wurden 93 Pankreastransplantat- und 3 Duodenalbiopsien untersucht. In 32 Pankreasbiopsien, d.h. 34,4 %, war kein diagnostisch verwertbares Material enthalten. Bei den verbliebenen 61 Pankreasbiopsien fanden sich bei 24,6 % keine Abstoßungszeichen, 62,3 % eine akute T-Zell-vermittelte Abstoßungsreaktion (TCMR) und 8,2 % Hinweise auf eine aktive Antikörper-vermittelte Abstoßung (ABMR). Ein akuter Azinuszellschaden wurde in 59 % der Biopsien gesehen, eine Pankreatitis in 8,2 % und eine Allograft-Fibrose in immerhin 54,1 %. Die Calcineurin-Inhibitor (CNI) Toxizität war mit 4,9% eher selten.

Schlussfolgerung

Die Pankreas-Nieren-Transplantation inklusive der Biopsie des transplantierten Pankreas oder in seltenen Fällen auch des Spenderduodenums mit anschließender standardisierter Beurteilung entsprechend der aktuellen international gültigen Banff-Klassifikation der Pankreasabstoßung und der Empfehlungen zur Beurteilung von Duodenalbiopsien hat ihren festen Stellenwert in der Behandlung von Diabetikern.
Sulfakinins influence lipid composition and insulin-like peptides level in oenocytes of Zophobas atratus beetles
Authors: Szymczak-Cendlak M. , Gołębiowski M. , Chowański S. , Pacholska-Bogalska J. , Marciniak P. , Rosiński G. , Słocińska M.
Published: August 2021

Insect sulfakinins are pleiotropic neuropeptides with the homology to vertebrate gastrin/cholecystokinin peptide family. They have been identified in many insect species and affect different metabolic processes. They have a strong influence on feeding and digestion as well as on carbohydrate and lipid processing. Our study reveals that sulfakinins influence fatty acids composition in Zophobas atratus oenocytes and regulate insulin-like peptides (ILPs) level in these cells. Oenocytes are cells responsible for maintenance of the body homeostasis and have an important role in the regulation of intermediary metabolism, especially of lipids. To analyze the lipid composition in oenocytes after sulfakinins injections we used gas chromatography combined with mass spectrometry and for ILPs level determination an immunoenzymatic test was used. Because sulfakinin peptides and their receptors are the main components of sulfakinin signaling, we also analyzed the presence of sulfakinin receptor transcript (SKR2) in insect tissues. We have identified for the first time the sulfakinin receptor transcript (SKR2) in insect oenocytes and found its distribution more widespread in the peripheral tissues (gut, fat body and haemolymph) as well as in the nervous and neuro-endocrine systems (brain, ventral nerve cord, corpora cardiaca/corpora allata CC/CA) of Z. atratus larvae. The presence of sulfakinin receptor transcript (SKR2) in oenocytes suggests that observed effects on oenocytes lipid and ILPs content may result from direction action of these peptides on oenocytes.
Does prior administration of rtPA influence acute ischemic stroke clot composition? Findings from the analysis of clots retrieved with mechanical thrombectomy from the RESTORE registry
Authors: Rossi Rosanna , Molina Sara , Mereuta Oana Madalina , Douglas Andrew , Fitzgerald Seán , Tierney Ciara , Pandit Abhay , Brennan Paul , Power Sarah , O’Hare Alan , Gilvarry Michael , McCarthy Ray , Magoufis Georgios , Tsivgoulis Georgios , Nagy András , Vadász Ágnes , Jood Katarina , Redfors Petra , Nordanstig Annika , Ceder Erik , Dunker Dennis , Carlqvist Jeanette , Psychogios Klearchos , Szikora István , Tatlisumak Turgut , Rentzos Alexandros , Thornton John , Doyle Karen M.
Published: August 2021

Background and purpose

There is still much debate whether bridging-therapy [intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) prior to mechanical thrombectomy (MT)] might be beneficial compared to MT alone. We investigated the effect of IVT on size and histological composition of the clots retrieved from patients undergoing bridging-therapy or MT alone.

Methods

We collected mechanically extracted thrombi from 1000 acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients included in RESTORE registry. Patients were grouped according to the administration (or not) of IVT before thrombectomy. Gross photos of each clot were taken and Extracted Clot Area (ECA) was measured using ImageJ software. Martius Scarlett Blue stain was used to characterize the main histological clot components [red blood cells (RBCs), fibrin (FIB), platelets/other (PTL)] and Orbit Image Analysis was used for quantification. Additionally, we calculated the area of each main component by multiplying the component percent by ECA. Chi-squared and Kruskal–Wallis tests were used for statistical analysis.

Results

451 patients (45%) were treated with bridging-therapy while 549 (55%) underwent MT alone. When considering only percent histological composition, we did not find any difference in RBC% (P = 0.895), FIB% (P = 0.458) and PTL% (P = 0.905). However, bridging-therapy clots were significantly smaller than MT-alone clots [32.7 (14.8–64.9) versus 36.8 (20.1–79.8) mm2, N = 1000, H1 = 7.679, P = 0.006*]. A further analysis expressing components per clot area showed that clots retrieved from bridging-therapy cases contained less RBCs [13.25 (4.29–32.06) versus 14.97 (4.93–39.80) mm2, H1 = 3.637, P = 0.056] and significantly less fibrin [9.10 (4.62–17.98) versus 10.54 (5.57–22.48) mm2, H1 = 7.920, P = 0.005*] and platelets/other [5.04 (2.26–11.32) versus 6.54 (2.94–13.79) mm2, H1 = 9.380, P = 0.002*] than MT-alone clots.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that previous IVT administration significantly reduces thrombus size, proportionally releasing all the main histological components.
Threshold Phenomena for Random Cones
Authors: Hug Daniel , Schneider Rolf
Published: August 2021

We consider an even probability distribution on the d-dimensional Euclidean space with the property that it assigns measure zero to any hyperplane through the origin. Given N independent random vectors with this distribution, under the condition that they do not positively span the whole space, the positive hull of these vectors is a random polyhedral cone (and its intersection with the unit sphere is a random spherical polytope). It was first studied by Cover and Efron. We consider the expected face numbers of these random cones and describe a threshold phenomenon when the dimension d and the number N of random vectors tend to infinity. In a similar way we treat the solid angle, and more generally the Grassmann angles. We further consider the expected numbers of k-faces and of Grassmann angles of index $$d-k$$

d
-
k

when also k tends to infinity.
Genetic recombination as a generalised gradient flow
Authors: Alberti Frederic
Published: August 2021

It is well known that the classical recombination equation for two parent individuals is equivalent to the law of mass action of a strongly reversible chemical reaction network, and can thus be reformulated as a generalised gradient system. Here, this is generalised to the case of an arbitrary number of parents. Furthermore, the gradient structure of the backward-time partitioning process is investigated.
Microsurgical management of midbrain cavernous malformations: does lesion depth influence the outcome?
Authors: Huang Caiquan , Bertalanffy Helmut , Kar Souvik , Tsuji Yoshihito
Published: August 2021

Background

The purpose of this study was to clarify whether the intrinsic depth of midbrain cavernous malformations (MCMs) influenced the surgical outcome.

Methods

The authors conducted a retrospective study of 76 consecutive patients who underwent microsurgical resection of a MCM. The vascular lesions were categorized into 4 distinct groups based on how these lesions had altered the brainstem surface. Additionally, it was verified whether the actual aspect of the brainstem surface could be predicted only by evaluating the pertinent preoperative MRI slices. Clinical outcome was assessed by determining the modified Rankin Scale Score (mRS) before and after surgery.

Results

Twenty-three MCMs (30.3%) were located deeply within the midbrain. The overlying midbrain surface appeared to be normal (groupnl). In 33 patients (43.4%), the midbrain surface showed only a yellowish discoloration (groupyw). In another 14 individuals (18.4%), the midbrain surface was distorted by the underlying MCM and bulging out while the vascular lesion still remained covered by a thin parenchymal layer (groupbg). In the smallest group comprising 6 patients (7.9%), the exophytic MCM had disrupted the midbrain surface and was clearly visible at microsurgical exposure (groupex). The mean mRS decreased in the group nl from 1.43 preoperatively to 0.61 at follow-up.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates in a large patient population that a deep intrinsic MCM location is not necessarily associated with an unfavorable clinical outcome after microsurgical lesionectomy. Predicting the aspect of the midbrain surface by evaluating preoperative MR images alone was not sufficiently reliable.
Estimating the additional costs of living with a disability in the United Kingdom between 2013 and 2016
Authors: Schuelke Lukas , Munford Luke , Morciano Marcello
Published: August 2021

In the United Kingdom, more than 20% of the population live with a disability. Past evidence shows that being disabled is associated with functional limitations that often cause social exclusion and poverty. Therefore, it is necessary to analyse the connection between disability and poverty. This paper examines whether households with disabled members face extra costs of living to attain the same standard of living as their peers without disabled members. The modelling framework is based on the standard of living approach which estimates the extra income required to close the gap between households with and without disabled members. We apply an ordered logit regression to data from the Family Resources Survey between 2013 and 2016 to analyse the relationship between standard of living, income, and disability, conditional on other explanatory variables. We find that households with disabled members face considerable extra costs that go beyond the transfer payment of the government. The average household with disabled members saw their weekly extra costs continually increase from £293 in 2013 to £326 in 2016 [2020 prices]. Therefore, the government needs to adjust welfare policies to address the problem of extra costs faced by households with disabled members.
Sectoral effects of the Japan-EU Economic Partnership Agreement for the European Union countries
Authors: Górska Rumiana
Published: August 2021

This paper assesses the economic impact of the Japan-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (JEEPA) on all EU member states as well as Japan. The novelty of this study is that it refers to all EU countries and provides an overview of the expected output effects of JEEPA for all member states in a detailed sectoral breakdown. This impact is investigated using the Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) framework. Calculations revealed that economic returns from JEEPA vary among the EU countries. Some of the more highly developed EU countries will experience beneficial effects from tariff reductions to a greater extent than others, while some of the newer, less-developed EU members will experience losses, caused by the lower competitiveness of these countries. Beneficial effects in the EU countries are expected mainly in the primary sector industries like meat and animal products, leather, grains, and crops; while in Japan, economic gains are expected in the motor vehicle and transport equipment industries. Despite the overall optimism accompanying the signing of the JEEPA, it is worth paying attention to the sectors that are expected to shrink as a result.
Using flower strips to promote green lacewings to control cabbage insect pests
Authors: Alcalá Herrera Rafael , Cotes Belén , Agustí Nuria , Tasin Marco , Porcel Mario
Published: August 2021

Habitat management improves biological control by increasing the abundance and fitness of natural enemies through the provision of floral resources along field edges or between crops. Among the natural enemies reliant on flower resources, green lacewings often stand out due to their abundance, predation capacity and polyphagy. We evaluated the impact of tailored flower strips on the enhancement of natural enemies, especially green lacewings, in three organic cabbage (Brassica oleracea) farms in Southern Sweden. Insects were sampled from the flower strips, and cabbage pests and predators were visually recorded in the crop. In a laboratory assay, the pollen feeding preferences of Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens, 1836) were evaluated in a dual-choice test. The pollen consumed by the Chrysopidae was extracted from laboratory and field specimens, then quantified and identified. Flower strips were found to attract predators and parasitoids, whose abundance increased as flowers bloomed. Cabbage plants next to the flower strips showed lower pest infestation as compared to cabbage plant control, although no significant differences were observed in the number of predators. Chrysopidae used flower strips as feeding, reproduction and shelter sites and mainly consumed pollen from Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth. Under laboratory conditions, C. carnea showed a preference for P. tanacetifolia and Coriandrum sativum L. pollen over Borago officinalis L. and Fagopyrum esculentum Moench. We show that tailored flower strips could be an efficient tool for enhancing beneficial arthropods and should be considered in integrated pest management for cabbage crops.
The value of values-based supply chains: farmer perspective
Authors: Peterson Hikaru Hanawa , Feenstra Gail , Ostrom Marcia , Tanaka Keiko , Brekken Christy Anderson , Engelskirchen Gwenael
Published: August 2021

In the last few decades, the emergence of mid-scale, intermediated marketing channels that fall between commodity and direct markets has attracted growing interest from scholars for their potential to preserve small and mid-sized farms while scaling up alternative agrifood sourcing. When such mid-scale supply chains are formed among multiple business partners with shared ethics or values related to the qualities of the food and the business relationships along the supply chain, they may be termed “values-based supply chains (VBSCs).” Most of the research on VBSCs to date has relied primarily on a case study approach that investigates the performance of VBSCs from the perspective of VBSC founders or leaders. In contrast, this research seeks out the perspectives of farmers who participate in VBSCs. A nationwide farmer survey conducted in 2017 offers original insights on farmer motivations for participating in VBSCs and how they are being used by farmers relative to other marketing channels. We find that VBSCs serve farms of all sizes. Overall, smaller farms were more likely to market a higher percentage of overall sales through their VBSC and more likely to rank their VBSC as one of the top three marketing channels in their portfolio. But it was the larger farms that were more likely to perceive VBSC-specific benefits. Our findings confirm that while there is a limited volume of product that such regional supply chains can currently handle, farmers view VBSCs as a valuable marketing option that aligns with their own values and preserves their product’s identity.
Sinus node sparing novel hybrid approach for treatment of inappropriate sinus tachycardia/postural sinus tachycardia: multicenter experience
Authors: de Asmundis Carlo , Chierchia Gian-Battista , Lakkireddy Dhanunjaya , Romeya Ahmed , Okum Eric , Gandhi Gaurang , Sieira Juan , Vloka Margot , Jones Stephen D. , Shah Hemal , Winner Marshall , Patel Dilesh , Whalen S. Patrick , Beaty Elijah H. , Kincaid Edward Hal , Lee Anson , Brodt Chad , Taylor Benadict J. , Colombowala Ilyas , Romano Matthew , Morady Fred , Ströker Erwin , Overeinder Ingrid , Bala Gezim , Van Meeteren Justin , Krauthammer Yoaav , Koerber Scott , Shults Christian , Thomaides Athanasios , Badhwar Nitish , Gopinathannair Rakesh , Shah Alap , Tummala Rangarao , Bello David , Hoff Steve , Almorad Alexandre , Frazier Kenneth , Brugada Pedro , La Meir Mark
Published: August 2021

Background

The ideal treatment of inappropriate sinus tachycardia (IST) and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) still needs to be defined. Medical treatments yield suboptimal results. Endocardial catheter ablation of the sinus node (SN) may risk phrenic nerve damage and open-heart surgery may be accompanied by unjustified invasive risks.

Methods

We describe our first multicenter experience of 255 consecutive patients (235 females, 25.94 ± 3.84 years) having undergone a novel SN sparing hybrid thoracoscopic ablation for drug-resistant IST (n = 204, 80%) or POTS (n = 51, 20%). As previously described, the SN was identified with 3D mapping. Surgery was performed through three 5-mm ports from the right side. A minimally invasive approach with a bipolar radiofrequency clamp was used to ablate targeted areas while sparing the SN region. The targeted areas included isolation of the superior and the inferior caval veins, and a crista terminalis line was made. All lines were interconnected.

Results

Normal sinus rhythm (SR) was restored in all patients at the end of the procedure. All patients discontinued medication during the follow-up. After a blanking period of 6 months, all patients presented stable SR. At a mean of 4.07 ± 1.8 years, normal SN reduction and chronotropic response to exercise were present. In the 51 patients initially diagnosed with POTS, no syncope occurred. During follow-up, pericarditis was the most common complication (121 patients: 47%), with complete resolution in all cases. Pneumothorax was observed in 5 patients (1.9%), only 3 (1.1%) required surgical drainage. Five patients (1.9%) required a dual-chamber pacemaker due to sinus arrest > 5 s.

Conclusions

Preliminary results of this multicenter experience with a novel SN sparing hybrid ablation of IST/POTS, using surgical thoracoscopic video-assisted epicardial ablation combined with simultaneous endocardial 3D mapping may prove to be an efficient and safe therapeutic option in patients with symptomatic drug-resistant IST and POTS. Importantly, in our study, all patients had a complete resolution of the symptoms and restored normal SN activity.
Contradictions and their manifestations in professional learning communities in mathematics
Authors: Harvey Frida , Nilsson Per
Published: August 2021

Professional learning communities (PLC) have increasingly attracted attention in research on teachers’ professional development. The aim of this study is to identify contradictions that can occur and be manifested in PLCs in mathematics. Identifying contradictions in PLCs are important, as the identification and resolution of contradictions are crucial to developing PLCs. We have conceptualized PLCs and contradictions within the Cultural Historical Activity Theory. Our data consist of two iterations of interviews with four teacher leader coaches with extensive experience of coaching teacher leaders of PLCs in mathematics. The study distinguishes 26 manifestations of contradictions, taking the overall forms of dilemmas and conflicts. Our results can be used in designing PLCs in mathematics: they can be used to make visible and increase participants’ awareness of contradictions involved in PLCs and thereby increase the possibility that the contradictions serve as sources of support rather than obstacles in the development of PLCs in mathematics.
On nondegenerate M-stationary points for sparsity constrained nonlinear optimization
Authors: Lämmel S. , Shikhman V.
Published: August 2021

We study sparsity constrained nonlinear optimization (SCNO) from a topological point of view. Special focus will be on M-stationary points from Burdakov et al. (SIAM J Optim 26:397–425, 2016), also introduced as$$N^C$$NC-stationary points in Pan et al. (J Oper Res Soc China 3:421–439, 2015). We introduce nondegenerate M-stationary points and define their M-index. We show that all M-stationary points are generically nondegenerate. In particular, the sparsity constraint is active at all local minimizers of a generic SCNO. Some relations to other stationarity concepts, such as S-stationarity, basic feasibility, and CW-minimality, are discussed in detail. By doing so, the issues of instability and degeneracy of points due to different stationarity concepts are highlighted. The concept of M-stationarity allows to adequately describe the global structure of SCNO along the lines of Morse theory. For that, we study topological changes of lower level sets while passing an M-stationary point. As novelty for SCNO, multiple cells of dimension equal to the M-index are needed to be attached. This intriguing fact is in strong contrast with other optimization problems considered before, where just one cell suffices. As a consequence, we derive a Morse relation for SCNO, which relates the numbers of local minimizers and M-stationary points of M-index equal to one. The appearance of such saddle points cannot be thus neglected from the perspective of global optimization. Due to the multiplicity phenomenon in cell-attachment, a saddle point may lead to more than two different local minimizers. We conclude that the relatively involved structure of saddle points is the source of well-known difficulty if solving SCNO to global optimality.
Quantitative analysis of a subgradient-type method for equilibrium problems
Authors: Pischke Nicholas , Kohlenbach Ulrich
Published: August 2021

We use techniques originating from the subdiscipline of mathematical logic called ‘proof mining’ to provide rates of metastability and—under a metric regularity assumption—rates of convergence for a subgradient-type algorithm solving the equilibrium problem in convex optimization over fixed-point sets of firmly nonexpansive mappings. The algorithm is due to H. Iiduka and I. Yamada who in 2009 gave a noneffective proof of its convergence. This case study illustrates the applicability of the logic-based abstract quantitative analysis of general forms of Fejér monotonicity as given by the second author in previous papers.