bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid decomposition of geological samples by ammonium bifluoride (NH4HF2) for combined Hf‐Nd‐Sr isotope analyses
Authors: Újvári Gábor , Klötzli Urs , Horschinegg Monika , Wegner Wencke , Hippler Dorothee , Kiss Gabriella Ilona , Palcsu László
Published: March 2021

Rationale

Complete decomposition of silicate rock matrices is crucial in determining their isotopic compositions, but acid dissolution in a high‐pressure steel‐jacketed bomb, which has been the only powerful, effective technique thus far, is time‐consuming and expensive. Rock dissolution using ammonium bifluoride (ABF), as described here, is a viable alternative.

Methods

Geological reference materials (GRMs) were digested using ABF in closed Teflon beakers at temperatures of 220/230°C in a convection oven and subsequently treated with HNO3. Hf‐Sr‐Nd were separated and purified using ion‐exchange chemistry columns calibrated for 50–2 mg samples. The isotopic compositions of Sr‐Nd were measured by Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometry, while that of Hf by Multi‐Collector Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, both with normal 1011 Ω and gain calibrated 1013 Ω amplifiers.

Results

Total procedural blanks of our protocol are 0.5 ng for Sr, 0.2 ng for Nd and <25 pg for Hf. Test runs with GRMs, ranging in composition from basic to felsic and dissolved in ABF, yield accurate 87Sr/86Sr, 143Nd/144Nd and 176Hf/177Hf isotope ratios as compared with those obtained with the bomb dissolution technique. Reproducibilities were comparable, on the order of 10–20 ppm. Our technique allows combined Hf‐Sr‐Nd isotope analyses of low‐mass (50–2 mg) samples.

Conclusions

The ABF digestion is an alternative technique to high‐pressure bomb dissolution in matrix decomposition for accurate and reproducible Hf‐Nd‐Sr isotope analyses of geological samples within a reasonable time (3–4 days), with high sample throughput and low costs in geochemistry and environmental sciences.
Application of PFAS‐mobile lab to support adaptive characterization and flux‐based conceptual site models at AFFF releases
Authors: Quinnan Joseph , Rossi Michael , Curry Patrick , Lupo Mark , Miller Margaret , Korb Helmer , Orth Cameron , Hasbrouck Kristen
Published: March 2021

This article presents two aspects of an Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP) demonstration conducted at Camp Grayling Army Airfield in Grayling, Michigan: verification of an accelerated per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) screening method using liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectroscopy and its application to develop a flux‐based conceptual model. The ESTCP project information can be found here: https://serdp‐estcp.org/Program‐Areas/Environmental‐Restoration/Contaminated‐Groundwater/Emerging‐Issues/ER19‐5203. The objective is to demonstrate the value of adaptive high‐resolution PFAS site characterization using a quantitative screening method that is selective for PFAS compounds and sensitive across the range of concentrations between screening levels at 40 nanograms per liter and source impacts within the milligram per liter range. The reliability of the method is demonstrated using three metrics: sample pair comparability statistics with an Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program‐certified lab, visual interpretation of characterization and relative flux, and comparison of contaminant mass discharge calculated at flux transects. In addition, the study measured vadose zone source strength using three methods: soil to groundwater concentration ratios, lysimeter porewater sample analysis, and synthetic precipitation leaching procedure testing. The overall results demonstrate that application of the mobile lab and the stratigraphic flux approach can distinguish individual PFAS sources, visually map perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctane sulfonate and migration pathways, and provide an efficient means of ranking source contributions to plumes.
Antivirals against human polyomaviruses: Leaving no stone unturned
Authors: Wu Zongsong , Graf Fabrice E , Hirsch Hans H
Published: March 2021

Human polyomaviruses (HPyVs) encompass more than 10 species infecting 30%–90% of the human population without significant illness. Proven HPyV diseases with documented histopathology affect primarily immunocompromised hosts with manifestations in brain, skin and renourinary tract such as polyomavirus‐associated nephropathy (PyVAN), polyomavirus‐associated haemorrhagic cystitis (PyVHC), polyomavirus‐associated urothelial cancer (PyVUC), progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC),Trichodysplasia spinulosa(TS) and pruritic hyperproliferative keratinopathy. Although virus‐specific immune control is the eventual goal of therapy and lasting cure, antiviral treatments are urgently needed in order to reduce or prevent HPyV diseases and thereby bridging the time needed to establish virus‐specific immunity. However, the small dsDNA genome of only 5 kb of the non‐enveloped HPyVs only encodes 5–7 viral proteins. Thus, HPyV replication relies heavily on host cell factors, thereby limiting both, number and type of specific virus‐encoded antiviral targets. Lack of cost‐effective high‐throughput screening systems and relevant small animal models complicates the preclinical development. Current clinical studies are limited by small case numbers, poorly efficacious compounds and absence of proper randomized trial design. Here, we review preclinical and clinical studies that evaluated small molecules with presumed antiviral activity against HPyVs and provide an outlook regarding potential new antiviral strategies.
Recent Advances in Catalytic Confinement Effect within Micro/Meso‐Porous Crystalline Materials
Authors: Dai Jingjing , Zhang Hongbo
Published: March 2021

Micro/meso‐porous crystalline materials with a well‐defined pore structure, such as zeolites, carbon nanotubes, and metal–organic frameworks, are of great significance in the development of catalytic systems for scientific and industrial demands. The confinement effect aroused by pore features of porous crystalline materials has triggered great interest in heterogeneous catalysis. Catalytic reactions in confined spaces exhibit unique behaviors compared to those observed on bulk materials. More interestingly, chemical reactivity can be modulated in different ways by the confinement effect, despite the fact that the mechanism on how the confinement effect changes the reaction remains unclear. In this review, a systematic discussion and fundamental understanding is provided concerning the concept of confinement effect, highlighting the impact of confinement effects on diffusion, adsorption/desorption, and catalytic reaction in typical micro/meso‐porous crystalline materials, including zeolites, carbon nanotubes, and metal–organic frameworks. Relevant studies demonstrate that confinement effect affords not only shape selectivity against reactants/products, but also modulates surface electron distribution of active species confined within porous environments, thereby successively affecting the catalytic reactivity, selectivity, and stability. This review provides a useful guide for researchers attempting to design excellent porous crystalline catalysts based on the concept of confinement effect in heterogeneous catalysis.
Recent Advances in Perovskite Photodetectors for Image Sensing
Authors: Li Ludong , Ye Shuai , Qu Junle , Zhou Feifan , Song Jun , Shen Guozhen
Published: March 2021

In recent years, metal halide perovskites have been widely investigated to fabricate photodetectors for image sensing due to the excellent photoelectric performance, tunable bandgap, and low‐cost solution preparation process. In this review, a comprehensive overview of the recent advances in perovskite photodetectors for image sensing is provided. First, the key performance parameters and the basic device types of photodetectors are briefly introduced. Then, the recent developments of image sensors on the basis of different dimensional perovskite materials, including 0D, 1D, 2D, and 3D perovskite materials, are highlighted. Besides the device structures and photoelectric properties of perovskite image sensors, the preparation methods of perovskite photodetector arrays are also analyzed. Subsequently, the single‐pixel imaging of perovskite photodetectors and the strategies to fabricate narrowband perovskite photodetectors for color discrimination are discussed. Finally, the potential challenges and possible solutions for the future development of perovskite image sensors are presented.
Dilation‐Responsive Microshape Programing Prevents Vascular Graft Stenosis
Authors: Yi Se Won , Shin Young Min , Lee Jung Bok , Park Ju Young , Kim Dae‐Hyun , Baek Wooyeol , Yoon Jeong‐Kee , Kim Deok Gie , Shin In Sik , Kim Chang‐Soo , Kang Mi‐Lan , Yang Jae Won , Sung Hak‐Joon
Published: March 2021

Shape memory materials have been successfully applied to minimally invasive implantation of medical devices. However, organ‐movement‐specific shape programing at a microscale level has never been demonstrated despite significant unmet needs. As vein‐to‐artery grafting induces vein dilation and stenosis, a polymeric self‐enclosable external support (SES) is designed to wrap the vascular out‐wall. Its micropores are programmed to increase sizes and interconnections upon dilation. Vessel dilation promotes venous maturation, but overdilation induces stenosis by disturbed blood flow. Therefore, the unique elastic shape‐fixity of SES provides a foundation to enable a stable microscale shape transition by maintaining the vein dilation. The shape transition of micropore architecture upon dilation induces beneficial inflammation, thereby regenerating vasa vasorum and directing smooth muscle cell migration toward adventitia with the consequent muscle reinforcement of veins. This game‐changer approach prevents the stenosis of vein‐to‐artery grafting by rescuing ischemic disorders and promoting arterial properties of veins.
Safe and secure cyber‐physical systems
Authors: Biró Miklós , Mashkoor Atif , Sametinger Johannes
Published: March 2021

Cyber‐Physical Systems (CPSs) differ from traditional Information Technology (IT) systems in such a way that they interact with the physical environment, i.e., they can monitor and manipulate real objects and processes. For this special issue, the authors of the best papers of IWCFS 2019 were invited to submit extended versions of their workshop papers. Additionally, we received eight submissions from around the globe as a result of an open call. After thorough and stringent reviews, we selected six articles that provide relevant contributions to the field of safety and security for CPSs.
Balancing between Right to Be Forgotten and Right to Freedom of Expression in Spent Criminal Convictions
Authors: Faisal Kamrul
Published: March 2021

Being two distinct fundamental rights, the coexisting state of the right to be forgotten and freedom of expression has already been confirmed by the competent authorities through balancing in situations when they collide. The paper focuses the balancing apprehensions concerning spent criminal conviction data while considering Google Spain ruling and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) primarily for analysis. From the Google Spain ruling till the development of the GDPR, the balancing apprehension has already seen another generation resolving conflicting issues derived both from statutes and case laws. Though lawful authorities stepped into easing the tension between different elements of the two rights, it has been seen that the outcome of balancing intellection depends on the application of diverse norms and principles. The contemporary principles in balancing the rights of spent criminal conviction datum have been identified in this paper which needs to be enhanced carefully in the future towards a more privacy‐friendly atmosphere to envisage the need of data‐driven Europe and to upheld the right to be forgotten of spent criminal convicts.
Changing Practice in University English Language Teaching: The Influence of the Chronotope on Teachers’ Action
Authors: Liddicoat Anthony J. , Murray Neil , Zhen Fengchao , Mosavian Penny
Published: March 2021

This study aims to investigate how time is coordinated with the professional space of the universities in western China. It examines how the situatedness of English language teachers in institutional spaces influences their understandings of and the value attributed to time and how these impact on how they make changes to their practice following participation in a professional development workshop. Using a combination of observations and interviews, this study identified a preference for adopting teaching techniques that were implemented in less integrated ways and teachers’ discussion of change frequently invoked time pressures as a limiting factor in developing their teaching. The study draws on Bakhtin’s idea of the chronotope to examine how time is constructed within the space of the university and the ways that such constructions give value to time and how it works as a constraint on teachers changing their practice. It argues that culturally constructed understandings of the status of time in academic work limit what teachers feel able to do in changing their practice and constrain possibilities for change.
Association of CSF Alzheimer's disease biomarkers with postoperative delirium in older adults
Authors: Fong Tamara G. , Vasunilashorn Sarinnapha M. , Gou Yun , Libermann Towia A. , Dillon Simon , Schmitt Eva , Arnold Steven E. , Kivisäkk Pia , Carlyle Becky , Oh Esther S. , Vlassakov Kamen , Kunze Lisa , Hshieh Tammy , Jones Richard N. , Marcantonio Edward R. , Inouye Sharon K. ,   For the RISE Study Group
Published: March 2021

Introduction

The interaction between delirium and dementia is complex. We examined if Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarkers in patients without clinical dementia are associated with increased risk of postoperative delirium, and whether AD biomarkers demonstrate a graded association with delirium severity.

Methods

Participants (n = 59) were free of clinical dementia, age 70 years, and scheduled for elective total knee or hip arthroplasties. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was collected at the time of induction for spinal anesthesia. CSF AD biomarkers were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (ADX/Euroimmun); cut points for amyloid, tau, and neurodegeneration (ATN) biomarker status were A = amyloid beta (Aβ)42 <175 pg/mL or Aβ42/40 ratio <0.07; T = p‐tau >80 pg/mL; and N = t‐tau >700 pg/mL. Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) and CAM‐Severity (CAM‐S) were rated daily post‐operatively for delirium and delirium severity, respectively.

Results

Aβ42, tau, and p‐tau mean pg/mL (SD) were 361.5 (326.1), 618.3 (237.1), and 97.1 (66.1), respectively, for those with delirium, and 550.4 (291.6), 518.3 (213.5), and 54.6 (34.5), respectively, for those without delirium. Thirteen participants (22%) were ATN positive. Delirium severity by peak CAM‐S [mean difference (95% confidence interval)] was 1.48 points higher (0.29‐2.67), P = 0.02 among the ATN positive. Delirium in the ATN‐positive group trended toward but did not reach statistical significance (23% vs. 7%, p = 0.10). Peak CAM‐S [mean (SD)] in the delirium group was 7 (2.8) compared to no delirium group 2.5 (1.3), but when groups were further classified by ATN status, an incremental effect on delirium severity was observed, such that patients who were both ATN and delirium negative had the lowest mean (SD) peak CAM‐S scores of 2.5 (1.3) points, whereas those who were ATN and delirium positive had CAM‐S scores of 8.7 (2.3) points; other groups (either ATN or delirium positive) had intermediate CAM‐S scores.

Discussion

The presence of AD biomarkers adds important information in predicting delirium severity. Future studies are needed to confirm this relationship and to better understand the role of AD biomarkers, even in pre‐clinical phase, in delirium.
Correction to: Treatment of Immature Scars: Manual Massages
Authors: Frasson Docteur N. , Valange Marie , Almeras Isabelle , Izquierdo Mathieu , Ster Gwenola
Published: March 2021

Owing to an oversight on the part of the production, this chapter was initially published with incorrect authorship. The chapter was published with first author name alone, co-authors were inadvertently missed.
The Slippery Slope Syndrome
Authors: Vermeer Eric
Published: March 2021

For more than 20 years I have practiced nursing, first in oncology services, then in palliative care. As a teacher and psychotherapist for the past 10 years, I have had the opportunity to continue working with nursing students in palliative care and psychiatric services, as well as to supervise nursing teams. An ethicist by training, I belong to an ethics committee in a neuropsychiatric hospital. Wearing these different hats gives me the great privilege of encountering patients at the end of life or who suffer from mental illnesses as well as nurses and students who face difficult situations, and to review in the ethics committee clinical situations involving great suffering.

The question of euthanasia comes up very regularly and occasions numerous discussions that are both emotional and engaging.
Surrendering to or Inducing Death: Artificial Feeding as Paradigm
Authors: Frings Marie
Published: March 2021

The subject of tube feeding may seem highly specific and a selective study; it actually reveals itself as a paradigm of all “end-of-life” ethical questions: therapeutic obstinacy, (i.e. unreasonable and coercive therapies), euthanasia, assisted suicide, abandonment of the sick, informed consent, difficulties with the loss of autonomy, advanced directives, and/or designation of a legal proxy (living wills), quality of life concepts, chemical or physical restraining methods, the subtlety of the act leading to double effect, with unintended consequences.

The very question at the core of this debate is: what is the cause of death? Did we want to induce it or did we surrender to it as ineluctable? How can we distinguish between “surrendering to death,” i.e., accepting it as part of our human condition with its limits, and “inducing the dying process.”
Resisting
Authors: Blanchard Julie
Published: March 2021

Trained in France, I have been practising in Belgium since 2015. As general practitioner, I also hold a diploma in palliative care, a degree requiring 2 years of training and placements. Before coming to Belgium, I practised in France in a mobile hospital and community palliative care team, and in a palliative care unit.

Early significant dealings with practises in Belgium happened during my studies when a physician in a Belgian community palliative care team came to give a lecture in Lille, where he told us about his practise of euthanasia. We were confounded by this ‘medical capacity to take away a life’!
Behind the Scenes of Euthanasia
Authors: Trufin François
Published: March 2021

Euthanasia is on everybody’s lips, the media, politicians, public services, and various organisations…. However, the debate is often biased or ill-informed, and it is my wish to contribute to this volume by describing the (harsh) reality surrounding the practise of euthanasia as accurately as possible.

Life in our hospitals no longer runs smoothly and gently; it is exceedingly busy and often near breaking point. As a member of the healthcare staff, I notice how difficult it can be for us nurses, doctors, psychologists, and social workers, to keep our heads above water when it comes to ‘ethics’.
Tourism, Immigrants and Lifestyle Entrepreneurship: The (In)coming of People as a Key Factor for Sustainability of Low-Density Territories—A Case Study in Portugal
Authors: Dinis Anabela
Published: March 2021

Using the lens of the new patterns of mobility and lifestyle entrepreneurship in the context of counterurbanization movements, this chapter explores the relationship between tourism and immigration, beyond the traditional approach of immigrants as tourism entrepreneurs. The study focusses on a Portuguese rural county, Penamacor, which, for several decades, has suffered a continuous exodus of population and the consequent aging of the remaining population but where, recently, there was a spontaneous phenomenon of foreign people arriving and settling in the area. Thus, through the case of Penamacor, this study aims to answer the following questions: Who are these migrants, and what are their motivations for mobility and to settle in the territory? Are they all the same? How do they make a living in Penamacor? In particular, it seeks to understand whether entrepreneurship (in tourism or other sectors) is a possibility of income generation for these immigrants. Furthermore, it intends to understand what the impact of these immigrants in the territory is, concerning the creation of wealth and well-being in the community. Do they act as community entrepreneurs? Does their presence in the territory generate other mobility flows, through the attraction of other (family and friends) tourists or immigrants?
Introduction
Authors: Stahl Bernd Carsten
Published: March 2021

The introductory chapter describes the motivation behind this book and provides a brief outline of the main argument. The book offers a novel categorisation of artificial intelligence that lends itself to a classification of ethical and human rights issues raised by AI technologies. It offers an ethical approach based on the concept of human flourishing. Following a review of currently discussed ways of addressing and mitigating ethical issues, the book analyses the metaphor of AI ecosystems. Taking the ecosystems metaphor seriously allows the identification of requirements that mitigation measures need to fulfil. On the basis of these requirements the book offers a set of recommendations that allow AI ecosystems to be shaped in ways that promote human flourishing.
Ethical Issues of AI
Authors: Stahl Bernd Carsten
Published: March 2021

This chapter discusses the ethical issues that are raised by the development, deployment and use of AI. It starts with a review of the (ethical) benefits of AI and then presents the findings of the SHERPA project, which used case studies and a Delphi study to identify what people perceived to be ethical issues. These are discussed using the categorisation of AI technologies introduced earlier. Detailed accounts are given of ethical issues arising from machine learning, from artificial general intelligence and from broader socio-technical systems that incorporate AI.
Topological defects as relics of spontaneous symmetry breaking from black hole physics
Authors: Zeng Hua-Bi , Xia Chuan-Yin , Zhang Hai-Qing
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Formation and evolution of topological defects in course of non-equilibrium symmetry breaking phase transitions is of wide interest in many areas of physics, from cosmology through condensed matter to low temperature physics. Its study in strongly coupled systems, in absence of quasiparticles, is especially challenging. We investigate breaking of U(1) symmetry and the resulting spontaneous formation of vortices in a (2 + 1)-dimensional holographic superconductor employing gauge/gravity duality, a ‘first-principles’ approach to study strongly coupled systems. Magnetic fluxons with quantized fluxes are seen emerging in the post-transition superconducting phase. As expected in type II superconductors, they are trapped in the cores of the order parameter vortices. The dependence of the density of these topological defects on the quench time, the dispersion of the typical winding numbers, and the vortex-vortex correlations are consistent with predictions of the Kibble-Zurek mechanism.
Arithmetic of decay walls through continued fractions: a new exact dyon counting solution in $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 4 CHL models
Authors: Cardoso Gabriel Lopes , Nampuri Suresh , Rosselló Martí
Published: March 2021

Abstract

We use continued fractions to perform a systematic and explicit characterization of the decays of two-centred dyonic black holes in 4D$$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 heterotic ℤN CHL models. Thereby we give a new exact solution for the problem of counting decadent dyons in these models.
Gravitational Constraints on a Lightlike Boundary
Authors: Canepa G. , Cattaneo A. S. , Tecchiolli M.
Published: March 2021

We analyse the boundary structure of general relativity in the coframe formalism in the case of a lightlike boundary, i.e. when the restriction of the induced Lorentzian metric to the boundary is degenerate. We describe the associated reduced phase space in terms of constraints on the symplectic space of boundary fields. We explicitly compute the Poisson brackets of the constraints and identify the first- and second-class ones. In particular, in the 3+1-dimensional case, we show that the reduced phase space has two local degrees of freedom, instead of the usual four in the non-degenerate case.
Superoscillations and Analytic Extension in Schur Analysis
Authors: Alpay Daniel , Colombo Fabrizio , Sabadini Irene
Published: March 2021

We give applications of the theory of superoscillations to various questions, namely extension of positive definite functions, interpolation of polynomials and also of R-functions; we also discuss possible applications to signal theory and prediction theory of stationary stochastic processes. In all cases, we give a constructive procedure, by way of a limiting process, to get the required results.
Untersuchung von SARS-CoV-2-Ausbrüchen in Deutschland durch Feldteams des Robert Koch-Instituts, Februar–Oktober 2020
Authors:   RKI Feldteam, Alpers Katharina , Haller Sebastian , Buchholz Udo
Published: March 2021

Das Robert Koch-Institut (RKI) bietet den Gesundheitsämtern in Deutschland bei Ausbrüchen von Infektionserkrankungen Beratung und praktische Unterstützung vor Ort an. Die Feldeinsätze werden von speziell geschultem Personal durchgeführt. Auch im Rahmen der COVID-19-Pandemie leistet das RKI regelmäßig diese Form der Amtshilfe in unterschiedlichen Settings. Dabei handelt es sich beispielsweise um Ausbrüche in Wohngebäuden, Arztpraxen, Alten- und Pflegeheimen, Kliniken, Erstaufnahmeeinrichtungen für Asylsuchende, aber auch in einem Nachtclub oder auf einem Kreuzfahrtschiff.

Der vorliegende Beitrag berichtet exemplarisch von Feldeinsätzen, die im Zeitraum Februar bis Oktober 2020 im Rahmen der COVID-19-Pandemie stattgefunden haben. Die daraus gewonnenen Erkenntnisse tragen dazu bei, das Wissen zu SARS-CoV‑2 zu erweitern, z. B. zur Übertragung und Ausbreitung des Erregers, RKI-Empfehlungen zu formulieren oder zu untermauern und das Management komplexer Situationen zu unterstützen. Die Praxisbeispiele zeigen, wie vielfältig die RKI-Teams nicht nur vor Ort unterstützen, sondern auch die epidemiologische Evidenzbasis bereichern.

Im September 2020 wurde im RKI die „Kontaktstelle für den öffentlichen Gesundheitsdienst (ÖGD)“ eingerichtet, die unter anderem die Amtshilfe durch Feldeinsätze koordiniert und erweiterte Beratungsmöglichkeiten bietet. Damit der ÖGD langfristig noch besser auf Ausbrüche von Infektionserregern reagieren kann, soll das interdisziplinäre Trainingsangebot intensiviert werden.
Mathematical model of the energy consumption calculation during the pine sawn wood (Pinus sylvestris L.) drying process
Authors: Konopka Aleksandra , Barański Jacek , Orłowski Kazimierz A. , Mikielewicz Dariusz , Dzurenda Ladislav
Published: March 2021

The article presents a modification of the existing mathematical model to calculate energy consumption during conventional drying process. Apart from energy consumption, the model permits to estimate the time of high-temperature drying process. The drying medium is air and superheated steam mixture. The obtained calculation results were compared with conducted experimental tests of drying square-edged sawn sapwood timber (Pinus sylvestrisL.). The pine sawn wood samples were dried according to three different drying modes, namely mild, normal and intense. The experiments were performed in a semi-industrial scale drying chamber. On the basis of the experimental research available, existing mathematical models of drying wood have been improved. The developed model included the following changes: a different drying time for each mode and type of drying medium (moisturized air or air and superheated steam mixture). The use of an intensive drying mode significantly reduced the drying process time. The developed mathematical model revealed that the energy consumption of the drying process increases with the intensity of the mode used.
Climate Change Policy Coherence across Policies, Plans, and Strategies in Pakistan—Implications for the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor Plan
Authors: Waheed Abdul , Bernward Fischer Thomas , Khan Muhammad Irfan
Published: March 2021

Climate Change (CC) adaptation and mitigation policy coherence (PC) across sectors is essential to effectively address CC challenges and support synergies. Pakistan is highly vulnerable to CC. In this paper, the extent to which Pakistan’s national and provincial water, agriculture, and energy sector policies, development plans and strategies are aligned in a CC policy coherent manner is established. In this context, a qualitative content document analysis with associated scoring is used to assess government documents. Furthermore, implications of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor Initiative (CPEC; 2017–2030), the biggest infrastructure investment program ever in Pakistan, are discussed. An important result is that sectoral policies are found to have different degrees of PC. Better coherence is found at federal than at provincial levels. Furthermore, CC policies are found to be more coherently addressed in water and agriculture policies than in energy policies. It is suggested that to achieve higher levels of CC PC, federal and provincial governments should establish mechanisms of intergovernmental consultation for policy-making and cross-sectoral planning, especially in the energy sector. Our findings can help the Government of Pakistan to transform CPEC into a model green Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in the region. In this context, there are important implications with regards to e.g., reducing coal-based energy projects and environmentally damaging infrastructure activities in sensitive ecosystems. With this paper, the authors want to raise awareness of the key importance of CC PC, particular in context of the BRI. Many countries participating in the initiative have carbon reduction targets in place.
Outcomes Following Immediate Vertical Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous (VRAM) Flap‐Based Perineal Reconstruction Following Resectional Surgery For Pelvic Malignancies
Authors: Harries Rhiannon L. , Radwan Rami W. , Dewi Madlen , Cubitt Jonathan , Warbrick‐Smith James , Sadiq Omair , Beynon John , Evans Martyn D. , Drew Peter ,   Swansea Pelvic Oncology Collaborators, Ather S. , Bose P. , Chandrasekaran T. V. , Das N. , Davies M. , Featherstone J. , Harris D. A. , Kanda Swamy G. V. , Khot U. , Lucas M. , Lutchman‐Singh K. , Taylor G.
Published: March 2021

Background

Increasingly radical surgery combined with neo‐adjuvant radiotherapy present a challenge for the reconstructive surgeon. The study objective was to review outcomes of Vertical Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous (VRAM) flap‐based perineal reconstruction following resectional surgery for pelvic malignancies.

Methods

Single‐centre retrospective analysis of patients undergoing immediate VRAM flap reconstruction of a perineal/pelvic defect for pelvic malignancy between July 2009 and November 2017. Primary outcome was perineal morbidity (surgical site infection (SSI), flap loss or dehiscence and perineal hernia). Secondary outcomes were length of stay and donor site morbidity (SSI, full‐thickness dehiscence and incisional hernia).

Results

A total of 178 patients (96 females) were included. Median age was 67 years (range 28–88). The majority were performed for locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma (n = 122; 68.5%) and 136 (76.4%) patients had received neoadjuvant radiotherapy. Four patients had complete flap loss (2.3%), and 40 had perineal dehiscence (22.5%); however, only, 18 patients required a return to theatre during the admission for perineal‐related complications (10.1%). Abdominal dehiscence occurred in six patients (3.4%). Median length of post‐operative stay was 15 days (6–131). Sixty‐day mortality rate was 1.1%. SSI at the midline and perineum occurred in 34 (19.1%) and 38 patients (21.3%), respectively. At 90‐day post‐operatively, 75.6% of perineal wounds were healed. During a median follow‐up of 44.5 months, twelve, eleven and 39 patients were diagnosed with perineal, midline and parastomal hernias, respectively (6.9%, 6.2% and 21.9%).

Conclusions

It is important to have accurate knowledge of perineal and donor‐site morbidity rates to allow an informed consent process.
The history of settlement and agrarian land use in a boreal forest in Värmland, Sweden, new evidence from pollen analysis
Authors: Eddudóttir Sigrún Dögg , Svensson Eva , Nilsson Stefan , Ekblom Anneli , Lindholm Karl-Johan , Johansson Annie
Published: March 2021

Shielings are the historically known form of transhumance in Scandinavia, where livestock were moved from the farmstead to sites in the outlands for summer grazing. Pollen analysis has provided a valuable insight into the history of shielings. This paper presents a vegetation reconstruction and archaeological survey from the shieling Kårebolssätern in northern Värmland, western Sweden, a renovated shieling that is still operating today. The first evidence of human activities in the area near Kårebolssätern are Hordeum- and Cannabis-type pollen grains occurring from ca. 100 bc. Further signs of human impact are charcoal and sporadic occurrences of apophyte pollen from ca. ad 250 and pollen indicating opening of the canopy ca. ad 570, probably a result of modification of the forest for grazing. A decrease in land use is seen between ad 1000 and 1250, possibly in response to a shift in emphasis towards large scale commodity production in the outlands. Emphasis on bloomery iron production and pitfall hunting may have caused a shift from agrarian shieling activity. The clearest changes in the pollen assemblage indicating grazing and cultivation occur from the mid-thirteenth century, coinciding with wetter climate at the beginning of the Little Ice Age. The earliest occurrences of anthropochores in the record predate those of other shieling sites in Sweden. The pollen analysis reveals evidence of land use that predates the results of the archaeological survey. The study highlights how pollen analysis can reveal vegetation changes where early archaeological remains are obscure.
Single-shot two-dimensional multi-angle light scattering (2D-MALS) technique for nanoparticle aggregate sizing
Authors: Martins Fabio J. W. A. , Kronenburg Andreas , Beyrau Frank
Published: March 2021

The two-dimensional multi-angle light scattering (2D-MALS) technique has been extended for single-shot size measurements of soot aggregates in flames. Six cameras are used for instantaneous acquisition of the elastic scattering from the aggregates at different directions between 10 to 90$$^\circ$$

∘

of a laser light sheet. Two diluted ethylene (50 and 60% by volume of $$\hbox {C}_2\hbox {H}_4$$

C
2

H
4

fuel diluted with inert $$\hbox {N}_2$$

N
2

) coflow laminar diffusion flames with little flickering are used as proof of concept. Results of instantaneous, average and fluctuating 2D fields of the effective radii of gyration, which are expected to characterize the size of the aggregates, compare well with the literature, demonstrating the applicability of the proposed sizing method to weakly unsteady combustion processes.
Change of drift in one-dimensional diffusions
Authors: Desmettre Sascha , Leobacher Gunther , Rogers L. C. G.
Published: March 2021

It is generally understood that a given one-dimensional diffusion may be transformed by a Cameron–Martin–Girsanov measure change into another one-dimensional diffusion with the same volatility but a different drift. But to achieve this, we have to know that the change-of-measure local martingale that we write down is a true martingale. We provide a complete characterisation of when this happens. This enables us to discuss the absence of arbitrage in a generalised Heston model including the case where the Feller condition for the volatility process is violated.
Transcriptomic profiles of human livers undergoing rewarming machine perfusion before transplantation—first insights
Authors: Hoyer Dieter Paul , Swoboda Sandra , Treckmann Juergen Walter , Benkö Tamas , Paul Andreas , Brocke-Ahmadinejad Nahal
Published: March 2021

Machine perfusion by controlled oxygenated rewarming (COR) is feasible and safe in clinical application and result in a promising outcome. This study utilizes next-generation sequencing (NGS) to investigate the transcriptome of human liver tissue undergoing COR before liver transplantation. Cold-stored livers were subjected to machine-assisted slow COR for ~120 min before transplantation. Biopsies were taken before (preCOR) and after COR (postCOR) and 1 h after reperfusion (postRep). The samples were sequenced, using RNA-seq to analyze differential transcriptional changes between the different stages and treatments of the grafts. Comparison of differential gene expression preCOR and postCOR demonstrated 10 upregulated genes. postRep 97 and 178 genes were upregulated and 7 and 13 downregulated compared to preCOR and postCOR, respectively. A shift of gene expressions by machine perfusion to the TGF-beta pathway was observed. The present study demonstrates distinct transcriptome profiles associated with machine perfusion by COR and transplantation of human livers. Such data provide a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms of machine perfusion technology in human liver transplantation.
Cross-listings of blockchain-based tokens issued through initial coin offerings: Do liquidity and specific cryptocurrency exchanges matter?
Authors: Ante Lennart , Meyer André
Published: March 2021

Initial coin offerings (ICOs) represent a novel funding mechanism where digital tokens are issued on the blockchain and sold to investors. One major reason for the success of this financing model is the fact that the issued tokens can immediately be traded on secondary markets. This event study analyzes 250 exchange cross-listings of 135 different tokens issued through ICOs on 22 cryptocurrency exchanges. We find significant abnormal returns of 6.51% on the listing day and 9.97% over a seven-day window around the event. Further analysis shows that the results clearly differ for individual cryptocurrency exchanges, as listings on individual exchanges yield returns of up to 34% on the event day, while others are negligible. An investigation of liquidity-related metrics shows that lower prior trading volume and asset market capitalization have positive effect on listing returns. Investors use phases of high market liquidity to sell off positions around the period of cross-listing events. The results on the cross-listing effects of ICOs may be of relevance to investors/traders, ICO projects, cryptocurrency exchanges and regulators.
Kreislaufführung von Werkstoffen, Komponenten und Produkten: eine ökonomische Herausforderung
Authors: Blum Ulrich
Published: March 2021

Angesichts einer begrenzten Deponiekapazität der Erde und einer zunehmenden Kritikalität von Ressourcen und Lieferketten gewinnt die Kreislaufführung der Stoffflüsse zentrale Bedeutung. Der Abfall wird zum Wertstoff. Kenntnisse über seine stoffliche Zusammensetzung werden zum zentralen Ansatzpunkt der Steuerung umweltökonomisch effizienter Wertschöpfungskreisläufe. Durch die digitale Spiegelung der realen Prozesse wird dies möglich. Das Konzept des Total Design Management ermöglicht das simultane Optimieren von Werkstoff-, Produkt- und Recycling-Design. Nachhaltigkeit wird stringent in Bezug auf die durch den digitalen Raum gegebenen Systemgrenzen definiert. Aus volkwirtschaftlicher Sicht entsteht eine transaktionsökonomisch begründbare Abwägung zwischen internationaler Arbeitsteilung und Technologiesouveränität. Wie diese ausfällt, hängt stark von der Regulierung der Märkte und den Lieferkettenrisiken ab.
Development of the Experiences of Sex Work Stigma Scale Using Item Response Theory: Implications for Research on the Social Determinants of HIV
Authors: Kerrigan Deanna , Karver Tahilin S. , Barrington Clare , Davis Wendy , Donastorg Yeycy , Perez Martha , Gomez Hoisex , Mbwambo Jessie , Likindikoki Samuel , Shembilu Catherine , Mantsios Andrea , Beckham S. Wilson , Galai Noya , Chan Kitty S.
Published: March 2021

While HIV stigma has received significant attention, limited work has been conducted on the measurement of intersecting stigmas. We developed the Experiences of Sex Work Stigma (ESWS) scale in the Dominican Republic (DR) and Tanzania. We conducted in-depth interviews with 20 female sex workers (FSW) per country to identify scale domains followed by cognitive debriefing interviews to assess content validity. Items were administered in a survey to FSW in DR (n = 211) and Tanzania (n = 205). Factor analysis established four sex work stigma domains including: shame (internalized), dignity (resisted), silence (anticipated) and treatment (enacted). Reliability across domains ranged from 0.81 to 0.93. Using item response theory (IRT) we created context-specific domain scores accounting for differential item functioning between countries. ESWS domains were associated with internalized HIV stigma, depression, anxiety, sexual partner violence and social cohesion across contexts. The ESWS is the first reliable and valid scale to assess multiple domains of sex work stigma and can be used to examine the effects of this form of intersectional stigma on HIV-related outcomes across settings.
Obesity in the absence of comorbidities is not related to clinically meaningful left ventricular hypertrophy
Authors: Lewis Andrew J. M. , Rayner Jennifer J. , Abdesselam Ines , Neubauer Stefan , Rider Oliver J.
Published: March 2021

Obesity is associated with the development of left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy. Whether obesity in in the absence of comorbidities can cause LV hypertrophy to an extent which could create diagnostic uncertainty with pathological states (such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) is unknown. We used cine cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging to precisely measure LV wall thickness in the septum and lateral wall in 764 people with body mass indices ranging from 18.5 kg/m2 to 59.2 kg/m2 in the absence of major comorbidities. Obesity was related to LV wall thickness across the cohort (basal septum r 0.30, P < 0.001 and basal lateral wall r 0.18, P < 0.001). Although no participant had hypertension, these associations remained highly significant after controlling for systolic blood pressure (all P < 0.01). Each 10 kg/m2 increase in BMI was associated with an increase in basal septal wall thickness of 1.0 mm males and 0.8 mm in females, with no statistically significant difference between genders (P = 0.1). Even in class 3 obesity (BMI > 40 kg/m2), no LV wall thickness > 13.4 mm in males or > 12.7 mm in females was observed in this cohort. We confirm that obesity in the absence of comorbidities is associated with LV hypertrophy, and establish that the magnitude of this change is modest even in severe obesity. LV hypertrophy > 14 mm cannot safely be attributed to obesity alone and alternative diagnoses should be considered.
Severe Fatigue Is Common Among Pediatric Patients with Primary Immunodeficiency and Is Not Related to Disease Activity
Authors: Nijhof Linde N. , van Brussel Marco , Pots Esther M. , van Litsenburg Raphaële R. L. , van de Putte Elise M. , van Montfrans Joris M. , Nijhof Sanne L.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Fatigue is a distressing symptom commonly reported among pediatric patients with primary immunodeficiency (PID). However, the relationship between fatigue and disease activity is currently unknown.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, we examined the prevalence of severe fatigue, the effect of fatigue on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and the effects of disease activity and comorbidity on fatigue severity among pediatric patients 2–18 years of age with PID. Fatigue and HRQoL were assessed using the pediatric quality of life inventory multidimensional fatigue scale (PedsQL MFS) and generic core scales (PedsQL GCS), respectively. Linear regression analyses and an analysis of covariance were used to compare the fatigue scores with the scores obtained from a healthy control group. Data were adjusted for age and sex.

Results

Of the 91 eligible patients, 79 were assessed (87% participation rate), with a mean age of 10.4 ± 4.4 years. Pediatric patients with PID reported significantly higher fatigue levels compared to healthy peers, with an 18.9% prevalence of severe fatigue. Moreover, higher fatigue levels were inversely associated with HRQoL in all domains and directly associated with school absences. We found that severe fatigue was comparable between common variable immunodeficiency (CVID), combined immunodeficiency (CID), and selective immunoglobulin A deficiency (SIgAD) patients, but was not reported in the X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) patients studied. Finally, fatigue severity was not significantly associated with disease activity or comorbidity.

Conclusions

Nearly 20% of pediatric patients with PID reported experiencing severe fatigue, and fatigue was reported among a wide range of PID subcategories. In addition, severe fatigue negatively affected the patient’s quality of life and daily functioning, but was not associated with disease activity or comorbidity. Thus, targeting severe fatigue might be a promising strategy for improving the overall well-being and quality of life of pediatric patients with PID.
Characteristics of strong ground motion attenuation in the 2019 Mw 5.8 Changning earthquake, Sichuan, China
Authors: Hu J. J. , Zhang H. , Zhu J. B. , Liu G. H.
Published: March 2021

A moderate magnitude earthquake withMw5.8 occurred on June 17, 2019, in Changning County, Sichuan Province, China, causing 13 deaths, 226 injuries, and serious engineering damage. This earthquake induced heavier damage than earthquakes of similar magnitude. To explain this phenomenon in terms of ground motion characteristics, based on 58 sets of strong ground motions in this earthquake, the peak ground acceleration (PGA), peak ground velocity (PGV), acceleration response spectra (Sa), duration, and Arias intensity are analyzed. The results show that the PGA, PGV, and Sa are larger than the predicted values from some global ground motion models. The between-event residuals reveal that the source effects on the intermediate-period and long-period ground motions are stronger than those on short-period ground motions. Comparison of Arias intensity attenuation with the global models indicates that the energy of ground motions of the Changning earthquake is larger than those of earthquakes with the same magnitude.