bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How green is blue hydrogen?
Authors: Howarth Robert W. , Jacobson Mark Z.
Published: August 2021

Hydrogen is often viewed as an important energy carrier in a future decarbonized world. Currently, most hydrogen is produced by steam reforming of methane in natural gas (“gray hydrogen”), with high carbon dioxide emissions. Increasingly, many propose using carbon capture and storage to reduce these emissions, producing so‐called “blue hydrogen,” frequently promoted as low emissions. We undertake the first effort in a peer‐reviewed paper to examine the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions of blue hydrogen accounting for emissions of both carbon dioxide and unburned fugitive methane. Far from being low carbon, greenhouse gas emissions from the production of blue hydrogen are quite high, particularly due to the release of fugitive methane. For our default assumptions (3.5% emission rate of methane from natural gas and a 20‐year global warming potential), total carbon dioxide equivalent emissions for blue hydrogen are only 9%‐12% less than for gray hydrogen. While carbon dioxide emissions are lower, fugitive methane emissions for blue hydrogen are higher than for gray hydrogen because of an increased use of natural gas to power the carbon capture. Perhaps surprisingly, the greenhouse gas footprint of blue hydrogen is more than 20% greater than burning natural gas or coal for heat and some 60% greater than burning diesel oil for heat, again with our default assumptions. In a sensitivity analysis in which the methane emission rate from natural gas is reduced to a low value of 1.54%, greenhouse gas emissions from blue hydrogen are still greater than from simply burning natural gas, and are only 18%‐25% less than for gray hydrogen. Our analysis assumes that captured carbon dioxide can be stored indefinitely, an optimistic and unproven assumption. Even if true though, the use of blue hydrogen appears difficult to justify on climate grounds.
Using a deep neural network to predict the motion of underresolved triangular rigid bodies in an incompressible flow
Authors: von Wahl Henry , Richter Thomas
Published: August 2021

We consider nonspherical rigid body particles in an incompressible fluid in the regime where the particles are too large to assume that they are simply transported with the fluid without back‐coupling and where the particles are also too small to make fully resolved direct numerical simulations feasible. Unfitted finite element methods with ghost‐penalty stabilization are well suited to fluid‐structure‐interaction problems as posed by this setting, due to the flexible and accurate geometry handling and for allowing topology changes in the geometry. In the computationally underresolved setting posed here, accurate computations of the forces by their boundary integral formulation are not viable. Furthermore, analytical laws are not available due to the shape of the particles. However, accurate values of the forces are essential for realistic motion of the particles. To obtain these forces accurately, we train an artificial deep neural network using data from prototypical resolved simulations. This network is then able to predict the force values based on information which can be obtained accurately in an underresolved setting. As a result, we obtain forces on very coarse and underresolved meshes which are on average an order of magnitude more accurate compared with the direct boundary‐integral computation from the Navier–Stokes solution, leading to solid motion comparable to that obtained on highly resolved meshes that would substantially increase the simulation costs.
Choosing event‐driven and daily HIV pre‐exposure prophylaxis – data from two European PrEP demonstration projects among men who have sex with men
Authors: Jongen Vita W , Reyniers Thijs , Ypma Zorah MH , Schim van der Loeff Maarten F , Davidovich Udi , Zimmermann Hanne ML , Coyer Liza , van den Elshout Mark AM , de Vries Henry JC , Wouters Kristien , Smekens Tom , Vuylsteke Bea , Prins Maria , Laga Marie , Hoornenborg Elske
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Daily and event‐driven PrEP are both efficacious in reducing the risk for HIV infection. However, the practice of event‐driven PrEP (edPrEP) is less well studied, in particular when provided as an alternative to daily PrEP. We studied regimen preferences and switches, and sexually transmitted infection (STI) incidence.

Methods

We analysed pooled data from two prospective cohort studies among MSM: Be‐PrEP‐ared, Belgium and AMPrEP, the Netherlands. In both projects, participants could choose between daily and edPrEP at three‐monthly study visits, when they were also screened for sexually transmitted infections including hepatitis C (HCV). We assessed the proportion choosing each regimen, and the determinants of choosing edPrEP at baseline. Additionally, we compared the incidence rates (IRs) of HCV, syphilis and chlamydia or gonorrhoea between regimens using Poisson regression. The study period was from 3 August 2015 until 24 September 2018.

Results and discussion

We included 571 MSM, of whom 148 (25.9%) chose edPrEP at baseline. 31.7% of participants switched regimen at least once. After 28 months, 23.5% used edPrEP. Older participants (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.38 per 10 years, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.15 to 1.64) and those unemployed (aOR = 1.68, 95% CI = 1.03 to 1.75) were more likely to initially choose edPrEP. IR of HCV and syphilis did not differ between regimens, but the IR of chlamydia/gonorrhoea was higher among daily users (adjusted incidence rate ratio = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.35 to 1.94).

Conclusions

A quarter of participants chose edPrEP at baseline and at 28 months this proportion was similar. Although the IR of HCV and syphilis were similar in the two regimens, the lower incidence of chlamydia and gonorrhoea among edPrEP users may suggest that less frequent STI testing of this group could be considered.
Evaluation of regional climate models and future wind characteristics in the Black Sea
Authors: Islek Fulya , Yuksel Yalcin , Sahin Cihan
Published: August 2021

The main objective of the present study is to provide a comprehensive image of the expected wind patterns along the 21st century in the Black Sea using the wind fields simulated by Regional Climate Model (RCM), namely Rossby Centre regional atmospheric model (version RCA4). Long‐term averages, long‐term variability, and long‐term trends in wind characteristics over the Black Sea are evaluated in two future time slices (near future 2021–2060 and middle future 2061–2100) under the two climate scenarios (RCP4.5 and 8.5). Detailed analysis of wind (annual mean and 99th percentile wind speeds) and storm characteristics (number and duration of storms) are conducted for three different locations selected on the same meridional section to assess the variability on the wind characteristics from west to east. Spatiotemporal variability on the wind characteristics indicates that the eastern Black Sea will be characterized by lower mean wind speed, stronger 99th percentile wind speed, and higher variability. Considering the global indicators of climate change (e.g., increasing frequency and intensity of extreme events), the eastern Black Sea, characterized by complex atmospheric circulation due to surrounding mountains, is more likely to be subjected to the impacts of climate change as the occurrence of extreme wind speeds in future periods is more prominent in this region. In the future periods, the 100‐year return period wind speeds increase approximately 7% and 27% in the western and eastern Black Sea, respectively, compared to the historical period. The strong and relatively stable winds with low variability in the western Black Sea indicate a reliable, persistent, and sustainable wind energy potential in this region in the future.
The Value of Thyroid Ultrasound Computer‐Aided Diagnosis System in the Evaluation of Thyroid Nodules With Concurrent Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Authors: Hu Minxia , Zong Suting , Xu Ning , Li Jinzhen , Xia Chunxia , Yu Fengxia , Zhu Qiang , Zhao Hanxue
Published: August 2021

Objective

To investigate the value of computer‐aided diagnosis (CAD) system in assessing thyroid nodules concurrent with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT).

Methods

Totally 148 patients with 193 thyroid nodules were enrolled. A radiologist assessed the nodules using a thyroid ultrasound CAD system. Additionally, the nodules were evaluated by one experienced radiologist alone, and one training radiologist without and with CAD assistance. The diagnostic performance was compared between the CAD system and the experienced radiologist, and the training radiologist without and with CAD assistance.

Results

The CAD system demonstrated a similar sensitivity to that of the experienced radiologist in diagnosing thyroid cancers (89.8% versus 92.4%, P > .05). The specificity and accuracy of the CAD system were lower than that of the experienced radiologist in assessing the nodules with diffusedly altered glands (specificity, 60.0% versus 81.7%, P = .007; accuracy, 77.5% versus 88.1%, P = .011). With CAD assistance, the training radiologist had improved sensitivity and accuracy that increased to 87.9% and 86.8% in classifying nodules with sonographically evident HT (both P = .012).

Conclusion

The CAD system has comparable sensitivity, but lower specificity compared with the experienced radiologist in diagnosing thyroid malignancies concurrent with HT. For a radiologist with less experience, the CAD system can help improve the diagnostic performance by increasing sensitivity and accuracy in assessing thyroid nodules with diffusely altered parenchyma.
On new abundant solutions of the complex nonlinear Fokas–Lenells equation in optical fiber
Authors: Wang Kang‐Jia , Zou Bo‐Rong
Published: August 2021

Variational method is important since it can reduce the order of the differential equation to make the equation simpler and obtain the optimal solution by the stationary condition. In this paper, we mainly study the complex nonlinear Fokas–Lenells equation (CNFLE), which is used to describe the propagation of short pulses in optical fibers. The traveling wave transformation is used to convert the CNFLE into the ODE, and the variational principle of the solution is obtained by the semi‐inverse method. Based on the variational principle, the extended He′s variational method, which is based on the Ritz‐like method, is employed to investigate the bright soliton, bright‐like soliton, bright–dark soliton, and periodic wave solution. The absolute, real, and imaginary parts of the novel computational solutions are plotted through one example in the form of 3‐D and 2‐D contours. In addition, the physical explanation of the solutions is elaborated in detail. The results reveal that the variational method is straightforward, simple, and effective, which is expected to bring a light to the study of the traveling wave theory.
Hypoxic Threshold for Yellow Perch Embryonic Development
Authors: Alam Mohammad Ashraful , Miller Mackenzie , Dabrowski Konrad
Published: August 2021

The effects of hypoxia on the embryonic development and larval survival of Yellow Perch were examined at three different dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations: hypoxia (H) 3–4 mg/L, moderate-hypoxia (MH) 5 mg/L, and normoxia (N) 7–8 mg/L. Each DO concentration was tested in replicates of four within twelve 38-L aquaria, at temperatures of 16.8 ± 0.4°C. To examine the effects of DO on the incubation of Yellow Perch embryos, samples of fertilized eggs (1.58 ± 0.1 g, 631 eggs/g) were placed in twelve 38-L aquaria. The embryos were observed until hatching, or mortality. Significant differences were observed in embryonic survival and hatching among the three DO treatments. At 43 h after fertilization (haf, optic-cup stage), embryonic development in H-treatment groups was completely arrested, while the embryos of MH and N groups developed normally, possessing a distinct body trunk shape and optic caps at 43 haf. At 168 haf, all embryos were either developmentally arrested or dead in H treatment groups, while average percentage of live embryos in MH and N treatment groups was 12 ± 9.8% and 99 ± 0.4%, respectively. Heartbeat appeared at 72 haf in the N treatment groups, and about 96 haf in MH treatment groups. Heartbeat rate differed significantly (P < 0.05) between the N and MH groups (143 ± 10/min and 117 ± 17/min, respectively). Hatching rate in N groups (78.3 ± 8.6%) was significantly higher than that of MH groups (20.0 ± 8.7%), and there was no hatching observed in H groups. In the second experiment, 300 freshly hatched (72haf) larvae were stocked to each of the 12 aquaria to observe the effect of different oxygen concentrations (H, MH, and N) on survival for 5 d. We did not observe an effect on survival of the larvae. Overall, results indicate that hypoxic conditions below 3.5 mg/L (39% saturation at 16°C) have a profound negative effect on the development and survival of Yellow Perch embryos, while Yellow Perch larvae are capable of surviving this low-DO environment.
Molecular insights into α‐synuclein interaction with individual human core histones, linker histone, and dsDNA
Authors: Jos Sneha , Gogoi Hemanga , Prasad Thazhe Kootteri , Hurakadli Manjunath A. , Kamariah Neelagandan , Padmanabhan Balasundaram , Padavattan Sivaraman
Published: August 2021

α‐Synuclein (αS) plays a key role in Parkinson's disease (PD). The αS nuclear role, its binding affinity and specificity to histones and dsDNA remains unknown. Here, we have measured the binding affinity () between αS wild‐type (wt) and PD‐specific αS S129‐phosphorylation mimicking (S129E) mutant with full‐length and flexible tail truncated individual core histones (H2a, H2b, H3, and H4), linker histone (H1), and carried out αS‐dsDNA interaction studies. This study revealed that αS(wt) interacts specifically with N‐terminal flexible tails of histone H3, H4, and flexible tails of H1. The αS(S129E) mutant recognizes histones similar to αS(wt) but binds with higher affinity. Intriguingly, αS(S129E) showed a binding affinity for control proteins (bovine serum albumin and lysozyme), while no interaction was seen for αS(wt). Based on our above observation, we contemplate that the physio‐chemical properties of αS with S129‐phosphorylation has changed compared to αS(wt), resulting in interaction for other proteins, which is the basis for Lewy body formation. Besides, this study showed αS binding to dsDNA is weak and nonspecific. Overall, αS specificity for histone binding suggests that its nuclear role is possibly driven through histone interaction.
Periodic compensation of continuous‐time linear systems with norm‐bounded parametric uncertainties
Authors: Deshmukh Ankit , Ghosh Arun
Published: August 2021

This article employs a recently proposed high frequency, continuous‐time periodic controller to compensate single‐input‐single‐output linear plants with norm‐bounded time‐varying uncertainties. To this end, the design of periodic controller is converted into designing a linear time‐invariant (LTI) controller for a single‐input‐two‐output equivalent uncertain system, following averaging technique. To represent this equivalent uncertain system into a standard form of linear uncertain systems, where uncertainties appear in system matrix A and input matrix B, the observer canonical form description of the original uncertain plant is exploited. Using the relationship between quadratic stability and ‐norm minimization result available in literature, it is proved that the presence of virtual output with the periodic feedback introduces a feedforward action on the disturbance input of the generalized plant, unlike an LTI one. By virtue of this, the proposed periodic controller can tolerate more uncertainty bound in the input matrix B than its LTI counterpart, while keeping the bound on system matrix A the same. Finally, a linear matrix inequality‐based method is used to design the periodic controller to achieve quadratic stability along with robust linear quadratic performance. Suitable examples are considered to show the superiority of the periodic control as compared to LTI ones.
NIR‐II Organic Nanotheranostics for Precision Oncotherapy
Authors: Dai Hanming , Wang Xiaorui , Shao Jinjun , Wang Wenjun , Mou Xiaozhou , Dong Xiaochen
Published: August 2021

Precision oncotherapy can remove tumors without causing any apparent iatrogenic damage or irreversible side effects to normal tissues. Second near‐infrared (NIR‐II) nanotheranostics can simultaneously perform diagnostic and therapeutic modalities in a single nanoplatform, which exhibits prominent perspectives in tumor precision treatment. Among all NIR‐II nanotheranostics, NIR‐II organic nanotheranostics have shown an exceptional promise for translation in clinical tumor treatment than NIR‐II inorganic nanotheranostics in virtue of their good biocompatibility, excellent reproducibility, desirable excretion, and high biosafety. In this review, recent progress of NIR‐II organic nanotheranostics with the integration of tumor diagnosis and therapy is systematically summarized, focusing on the theranostic modes and performances. Furthermore, the current status quo, problems, and challenges are discussed, aiming to provide a certain guiding significance for the future development of NIR‐II organic nanotheranostics for precision oncotherapy.
Cover Image
Authors: Li Hongjie
Published: August 2021

The cover image is based on the Advanced Review Single‐cell RNA sequencing in Drosophila: Technologies and applications by Hongjie Li., https://doi.org/10.1002/wdev.396.

image
Pedogenic Features
Authors: Verrecchia Eric P. , Trombino Luca
Published: August 2021

From a historical point of view, soil micromorphology was first used in order to decipher the expressions of pedogenic processes at the microscale (Kubiëna 1938). In the preceding chapters, the Atlas listed a series of descriptive tools to help with the identification of objects. This chapter deals with specific pedofeatures encountered in a large diversity of soils and directly related to pedogenic processes. Pedological features (Brewer 1964) or pedofeatures (Bullock et al. 1985) are “discrete fabric units present in soil materials that are recognizable from an adjacent material by a difference in concentration in one or more components or by a difference in internal fabric” (Stoops 2003, 2021). In Stoops (2003, 2021), pedofeatures are subdivided into two categories: matrix pedofeatures and intrusive pedofeatures. Matrix pedofeatures can be subdivided according to their relationship with the groundmass (depletion, impregnative, and fabric pedofeatures) and to their morphology (hypocoatings, quasicoatings, matrix infilling, intercalation, and matrix nodules). Regarding the intrusive pedofeatures, they include coatings, infillings, crystals and crystal intergrowth, intercalations, and finally nodules. The proposed nomenclature of this chapter is based on the nature and morphology of the pedofeatures, simplified from Bullock et al. (1985).
Lessons Learned from Research on Student Evaluation of Teaching in Higher Education
Authors: Uttl Bob
Published: August 2021

In higher education, anonymous student evaluation of teaching (SET) ratings are used to measure faculty’s teaching effectiveness and to make high-stakes decisions about hiring, firing, promotion, merit pay, and teaching awards. SET have many desirable properties: SET are quick and cheap to collect, SET means and standard deviations give aura of precision and scientific validity, and SET provide tangible seemingly objective numbers for both high-stake decisions and public accountability purposes. Unfortunately, SET as a measure of teaching effectiveness are fatally flawed. First, experts cannot agree what effective teaching is. They only agree that effective teaching ought to result in learning. Second, SET do not measure faculty’s teaching effectiveness as students do not learn more from more highly rated professors. Third, SET depend on many teaching effectiveness irrelevant factors (TEIFs) not attributable to the professor (e.g., students’ intelligence, students’ prior knowledge, class size, subject). Fourth, SET are influenced by student preference factors (SPFs) whose consideration violates human rights legislation (e.g., ethnicity, accent). Fifth, SET are easily manipulated by chocolates, course easiness, and other incentives. However, student ratings of professors can be used for very limited purposes such as formative feedback and raising alarm about ineffective teaching practices.
The Quality of Student Perception Questionnaires: A Systematic Review
Authors: Bijlsma Hannah
Published: August 2021

Student perceptions of teaching are promising for measuring the quality of teaching in primary and secondary education. However, generating valid and reliable measurements when using a student perception questionnaire (SPQ) is not self-evident. Many authors have pointed to issues that need to be taken into account when developing, selecting, and using an SPQ in order to generate valid and reliable scores. In this study, 22 SPQs that met the inclusion criteria used in the literature search were systematically evaluated by two reviewers. The reviewers were most positive about the theoretical basis of the SPQs and about the quality of the SPQ materials. According to their evaluation, most SPQs also had acceptable reliability and construct validity. However, norm information about the quality rating measures was often lacking and few sampling specifications were provided. Information about the features of the SPQs, if available, was also often not presented in an accessible way by the instrument developers (e.g., in a user manual), making it difficult for potential SPQ users to obtain an overview of the qualities of available SPQs in order to decide which SPQs best fit their own context and intended use. It is suggested to create an international database of SPQs and to develop a standardized evaluation framework to evaluate the SPQ qualities in order to provide potential users with the information they need to make a well-informed choice of an SPQ.
Understanding (Dis)Agreement in Student Ratings of Teaching and the Quality of the Learning Environment
Authors: Schweig Jonathan D. , Martínez José Felipe
Published: August 2021

Student surveys are increasingly being used to collect information about important aspects of learning environments. Research shows that aggregate indicators from these surveys (e.g., school or classroom averages) are reliable and correlate with important climate indicators and with student outcomes. However, we know less about whether within-classroom or within-school variation in student survey responses may contain additional information about the learning environment beyond that conveyed by average indicators. This question is important in light of mounting evidence that the educational experiences of different students and student groups can vary, even within the same school or classroom, in terms of opportunities for participation, teacher expectations, or the quantity and quality of teacher–student interactions, among others. In this chapter, we offer an overview of literature from different fields examining consensus for constructing average indicators, and consider it alongside the key assumptions and consequences of measurement models and analytic methods commonly used to summarize student survey reports of instruction and learning environments. We also consider recent empirical evidence that variation in student survey responses within classrooms can reflect systematically different experiences related to features of the school or classroom, instructional practices, student background, or a combination of these, and that these differences can predict variation in important academic and social-emotional outcomes. In the final section, we discuss the implications for evaluation, policy, equity, and instructional improvement.
Student Ratings of Teaching Quality Dimensions: Empirical Findings and Future Directions
Authors: Göllner Richard , Fauth Benjamin , Wagner Wolfgang
Published: August 2021

This chapter discusses current issues in research on the validity of student ratings of teaching quality. We first discuss the advantages and limitations of student ratings of teaching quality based on theoretical considerations regarding the teaching quality concept. Research reveals that the validity of student ratings differs depending on the aspect of teaching quality being rated (i.e., classroom management, cognitive activation, or student support). Extending this research, we propose that future studies on the validity of student ratings should take into account students’ cognitive processing while responding to survey items. We discuss three areas that seem promising for future research: the complexity and comprehensibility of survey items, the referent and addressee of items, and finally, the idiosyncratic nature of student ratings.
Functions and Success Conditions of Student Feedback in the Development of Teaching and Teachers
Authors: Wisniewski Benedikt , Zierer Klaus
Published: August 2021

The term “student feedback” is often used synonymously with evaluation, assessment, or ratings of teaching, but can be conceptually delimitated from these concepts, distinguishing formative and summative aspects. Obtaining feedback is a core component of teachers’ professional development. It is the basis for critical self-reflection, a prerequisite of reducing discrepancies between one’s performance and set goals, a tool to identify blind spots, and a means of correcting false self-assessments. Student feedback opens up opportunities for teachers to improve on their teaching by comparing students’ perspectives on instructional quality to their own perspectives. Feedback can also help teachers to implement democratic principles, and experience self-efficacy. Conditions are discussed that need to be fulfilled for student feedback to be successful.
Annual movement strategy predicts within-season space use by moose
Authors: Borowik Tomasz , Kowalczyk Rafał , Maślanko Weronika , Duda Norbert , Ratkiewicz Mirosław
Published: August 2021

The heterogeneity of resource availability shapes animal movements at different spatio-temporal scales. Given that movements at various scales are assumed to be linked, the space use of temperate ungulates within seasonal ranges (winter, summer) should be related to their movement patterns at the annual scale. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the level of stationarity of moose (Alces alces) within their seasonal ranges and to link annual movement patterns to within-season space use. We analysed the ranging behaviour of 32 moose fitted with GPS collars from two study areas in Eastern Poland, where at the annual scale a fraction of individuals migrate between summer and winter ranges (partial migration). Our results revealed that moose stationarity within seasonal home ranges expressed remarkable variation. The probability of moose stationarity within seasonal ranges was significantly higher (by 23%), and the mean home range size tended to be lower (9.7 km2) among individuals that seasonally migrated than among non-migratory moose (14.3 km2). In addition, we found that (i) in summer, moose were significantly more stationary (by 19%) and exhibited a smaller mean home range size than in winter (9.0 and 15.9 km2, respectively) and (ii) the mean seasonal home range size of males (19.6 km2) was remarkably greater than that of females (9.6 km2). Given the significant link between annual and seasonal scales of animal movements, any environmental change (e.g. climate warming) affecting an animal’s annual movement strategy could alter within-season animal space use and presumably individual fitness.

Significance statement

To maximize their fitness, animals adjust their movements to deal with variations in resource distribution in the landscape. The scale of spatio-temporal variation causes different types of migratory behaviours, ranging from year-round stationarity to migration, when individuals establish spatially separated seasonal ranges. Studies on ungulates suggest that the stability and the size of seasonal home ranges can be linked to annual movement behaviour. Using the locations of GPS-tracked moose, we demonstrate in this study that migratory individuals were more prone to establishing stable seasonal home ranges (especially in summer) than moose that occupied the same area throughout the year. Moreover, stable seasonal home ranges were remarkably smaller in summer than in winter, which may suggest a season-specific spatial distribution and a renewability of moose forage. Our results show a clear link between different temporal scales of animal movements.
Autonomic dysfunction in post-COVID patients with and witfhout neurological symptoms: a prospective multidomain observational study
Authors: Buoite Stella Alex , Furlanis Giovanni , Frezza Nicolò Arjuna , Valentinotti Romina , Ajcevic Milos , Manganotti Paolo
Published: August 2021

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) can be affected by COVID-19, and dysautonomia may be a possible complication in post-COVID individuals. Orthostatic hypotension (OH) and postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) have been suggested to be common after SARS-CoV-2 infection, but other components of ANS function may be also impaired. The Composite Autonomic Symptom Scale 31 (COMPASS-31) questionnaire is a simple and validated tool to assess dysautonomic symptoms. The aim of the present study was to administer the COMPASS-31 questionnaire to a sample of post-COVID patients with and without neurological complaints. Participants were recruited among the post-COVID ambulatory services for follow-up evaluation between 4 weeks and 9 months from COVID-19 symptoms onset. Participants were asked to complete the COMPASS-31 questionnaire referring to the period after COVID-19 disease. Heart rate and blood pressure were manually taken during an active stand test for OH and POTS diagnosis. One-hundred and eighty participants were included in the analysis (70.6% females, 51 ± 13 years), and OH was found in 13.8% of the subjects. Median COMPASS-31 score was 17.6 (6.9–31.4), with the most affected domains being orthostatic intolerance, sudomotor, gastrointestinal and pupillomotor dysfunction. A higher COMPASS-31 score was found in those with neurological symptoms (p < 0.01), due to more severe orthostatic intolerance symptoms (p < 0.01), although gastrointestinal (p < 0.01), urinary (p < 0.01), and pupillomotor (p < 0.01) domains were more represented in the non-neurological symptoms group. This study confirms the importance of monitoring ANS symptoms as a possible complication of COVID-19 disease that may persist in the post-acute period.
Pupillometry as a measure of cognitive load in mental rotation tasks with abstract and embodied figures
Authors: Bauer Robert , Jost Leonardo , Günther Bianca , Jansen Petra
Published: August 2021

We investigated sex differences in behavioral performance and cognitive load in chronometric mental rotation tasks with abstract and embodied figures. Eighty participants (44 females and 36 males) completed 126 items, which included cube figures, body postures, and human figures, which were all comparable in shape and color. Reaction time, accuracy, and cognitive load, measured by changes in pupil dilation, were analyzed. As a function of angular disparity, participants showed shorter reaction times and higher accuracy rates for embodied stimuli than cube figures. Changes in pupil dilation showed a similar pattern, indicating that mental rotation of embodied figures caused less cognitive load to solve the task. No sex differences appeared in any of the measurements.
Experimental Study of Coal Sample Damage in Acidic Water Environments
Authors: Yao Qiangling , Tang Chuanjin , Xia Ze , Xu Qiang , Wang Weinan , Wang Xuanhui , Chong Zhaohui
Published: August 2021

We investigated the effects of acidic and circumneutral water on coal samples by uniaxial compression, acoustic emission, and a series of physical tests. In acidic water, the coal samples were damaged, and their ultrasonic velocities decreased, as minerals such as kaolinite and calcite underwent dissolution. When the pH was < 7, the uniaxial compressive strength and elastic modulus decreased, while the duration of the residual strength stage tended to increase. The reactions were stronger at higher H+concentrations and the number of large pores increased; there was a significant increase in the accumulated acoustic emission counts and maximum average energy near the unstable crack growth stage. The post-peak stage of the coal samples was characterized in the different acidic waters and the failure modes were identified by spectrum analysis. Acidic water damaged the weak areas of coal samples by complex physical and chemical reactions, which made direct tensile failure more likely when the coal samples were loaded.
Recommended Values of the Viscosity in the Limit of Zero Density for R134a and Six Vapors of Aromatic Hydrocarbons as Well as of the Initial Density Dependence of Viscosity for R134a. Revisited from Experiment Between 297 K and 631 K
Authors: Vogel Eckhard , Bich Eckard
Published: August 2021

Previously published experimental viscosity data at low density, originally obtained using all-quartz oscillating-disk viscometers for R134a and six vapors of aromatic hydrocarbons in the temperature range between 297 K and 631 K at most, were re-evaluated after an improved re-calibration. The relative combined expanded ($$k=2$$

k
=
2

) uncertainty of the re-evaluated data are 0.2 % near room temperature and increases to 0.3 % at higher temperatures. The re-evaluated data for R134a as well as for the vapors of mesitylene, durene, diphenyl, fluorobenzene, chlorobenzene, and p-dichlorobenzene were arranged in approximately isothermal groups and converted into quasi-isothermal viscosity data using a first-order Taylor series in temperature. Then, the data for R134a were evaluated by means of a series expansion truncated at first order to obtain the zero density and initial density viscosity coefficients, $$\eta ^{(0)}$$

η

(
0
)

and $$\eta ^{(1)}$$

η

(
1
)

. For the six aromatic vapors, the Rainwater–Friend theory for the initial density dependence of the viscosity was used to derive $$\eta ^{(0)}$$

η

(
0
)

values. Finally, reliable $$\eta ^{(0)}$$

η

(
0
)

and also $$\eta ^{(1)}$$

η

(
1
)

values for R134a were selected as reference values in the measured temperature range to be applied when generating a new viscosity formulation.
A Nitronaphthalimide Probe for Fluorescence Imaging of Hypoxia in Cancer Cells
Authors: Kumari Rashmi , R Vasumathy , Sunil Dhanya , Ningthoujam Raghumani Singh , Pandey Badri Narain , Kulkarni Suresh D. , Varadavenkatesan Thivaharan , Venkatachalam Ganesh , V Anil Kumar N.
Published: August 2021

The bioreductive enzymes typically upregulated in hypoxic tumor cells can be targeted for developing diagnostic and drug delivery applications. In this study, a new fluorescent probe 4−(6−nitro−1,3−dioxo−1H−benzo[de]isoquinolin−2(3H)−yl)benzaldehyde (NIB) based on a nitronaphthalimide skeleton that could respond to nitroreductase (NTR) overexpressed in hypoxic tumors is designed and its application in imaging tumor hypoxia is demonstrated. The docking studies revealed favourable interactions of NIB with the binding pocket of NTR-Escherichia coli. NIB, which is synthesized through a simple and single step imidation of 4−nitro−1,8−naphthalic anhydride displayed excellent reducible capacity under hypoxic conditions as evidenced from cyclic voltammetry investigations. The fluorescence measurements confirmed the formation of identical products (NIB-red) during chemical as well as NTR−aided enzymatic reduction in the presence of NADH. The potential fluorescence imaging of hypoxia based on NTR-mediated reduction of NIB is confirmed using in-vitro cell culture experiments using human breast cancer (MCF−7) cells, which displayed a significant change in the fluorescence colour and intensity at low NIB concentration within a short incubation period in hypoxic conditions.

Graphical abstract
Abelian p-groups with minimal full inertia
Authors: Goldsmith Brendan , Salce Luigi
Published: August 2021

The class of abelian p-groups with minimal full inertia, that is, satisfying the property that fully inert subgroups are commensurable with fully invariant subgroups is investigated, as well as the class of groups not satisfying this property; it is known that both the class of direct sums of cyclic groups and that of torsion-complete groups are of the first type. It is proved that groups with “small" endomorphism ring do not satisfy the property and concrete examples of them are provided via Corner’s realization theorems. Closure properties with respect to direct sums of the two classes of groups are also studied. A topological condition of the socle and a structural condition of the Jacobson radical of the endomorphism ring of a p-group G, both of which are satisfied by direct sums of cyclic groups and by torsion-complete groups, are shown to be independent of the property of having minimal full inertia. The new examples of fully inert subgroups, which are proved not to be commensurable with fully invariant subgroups, are shown not to be uniformly fully inert.
The Price Effects of Competition from Parallel Imports and Therapeutic Alternatives: Using Dynamic Models to Estimate the Causal Effect on the Extensive and Intensive Margins
Authors: Granlund David
Published: August 2021

This paper studies responses to competition with the use of dynamic models that distinguish between short- and long-term price effects. The dynamic models also allow lagged numbers of competitors to become valid and strong instruments for the current numbers, which enables studying the causal effects using flexible specifications. A first parallel trader is found to decrease prices of exchangeable products by 7% in the long term. On the other hand, prices do not respond to the first competitor that sells therapeutic alternatives; but competition from four or more competitors that sell on-patent therapeutic alternatives decreases prices by about 10% in the long term.
Relationship lending and the use of trade credit: the role of relational capital and private information
Authors: Murro Pierluigi , Peruzzi Valentina
Published: August 2021

Using a unique sample of Italian manufacturing firms, we investigate the impact of relationship lending on firms’ use of trade credit. We find that firms maintaining close and long-lasting relationships with their main banks are associated with higher amounts of trade credit extended by suppliers. This result is robust to alternative measures of trade credit and relationship lending, and to different estimation techniques. We also analyze the mechanisms driving the association between relationship lending and the use of trade credit. Regression results suggest that the positive link between accounts payable and relationship lending is especially significant for firms that use to provide soft information to their lenders and for companies with greater relational abilities.

Plain English Summary The existence of close and long lasting lending relationships positively affects the amount of trade credit manufacturing firms receive from their suppliers. By relying on the Survey on Italian Manufacturing Firms, we show that the positive link between relationship lending and the use of trade credit is driven by two channels: private information and relational capital. In a policy perspective, our findings reveal a need for banking regulation and supervision to encompass banking business models in evaluating banks. The current approach might not be suitable for local banks investing in soft information acquisition and could weaken SMEs’ chances to receive both bank financing and trade credit from suppliers. Moreover, from a managerial point of view, our results uncover the relevance of firms’ ability to create strong relationships with banks, suppliers, and other companies that may help alleviating financial constraints.
Effect of environmental enrichment and isolation on behavioral and histological indices following focal ischemia in old rats
Authors: Gresita Andrei , Mihai Ruscu , Hermann Dirk M. , Amandei Flavia Semida , Capitanescu Bogdan , Popa-Wagner Aurel
Published: August 2021

Stroke is a disease of aging. In stroke patients, the enriched group that received stimulating physical, eating, socializing, and group activities resulted in higher activity levels including spending more time on upper limb, communal socializing, listening and iPad activities. While environmental enrichment has been shown to improve the behavioral outcome of stroke in young animals, the effect of an enriched environment on behavioral recuperation and histological markers of cellular proliferation, neuroinflammation, and neurogenesis in old subjects is not known. We used behavioral testing and immunohistochemistry to assess the effect of environment on post-stroke recovery of young and aged rats kept either in isolation or stimulating social, motor, and sensory environment (( +)Env). We provide evidence that post-stroke animals environmental enrichment ( +)Env had a significant positive effect on recovery on the rotating pole, the inclined plane, and the labyrinth test. Old age exerted a small but significant effect on lesion size, which was independent of the environment. Further, a smaller infarct volume positively correlated with better recovery of spatial learning based on positive reinforcement, working and reference memory of young, and to a lesser extent, old animals kept in ( +)Env. Histologically, isolation/impoverishment was associated with an increased number of proliferating inflammatory cells expressing ED1 cells in the peri-infarcted area of old but not young rats. Further, ( +)Env and young age were associated with an increased number of neuroepithelial cells expressing nestin/BrdU as well as beta III tubulin cells in the damaged brain area which correlated with an increased performance on the inclined plane and rotating pole. Finally, ( +)Env and an increased number of neurons expressing doublecortin/BrdU cells exerted a significant effect on performance for working memory and performance on the rotating pole in both age groups. A stimulating social, motor and sensory environment had a limited beneficial effect on behavioral recovery (working memory and rotating pole) after stroke in old rats by reducing neuroinflammation and increasing the number of neuronal precursors expressing doublecortin. Old age however, exerted a small but significant effect on lesion size, which was independent of the environment.
Überzeugungen und Selbstwirksamkeitserwartungen zum inklusiven Unterricht bei (angehenden) Lehrkräften: der Einfluss von Lerngelegenheiten
Authors: Menge Claudia , Euler Thorsten , Schaeper Hildegard
Published: August 2021

Dieser Beitrag untersucht den Einfluss von Lerngelegenheiten und Unterrichtserfahrungen auf die inklusionsbezogenen Überzeugungen und Selbstwirksamkeitserwartungen von (angehenden) Lehrkräften. Die Daten stammen aus einer Onlinebefragung der Studierendenkohorte des Nationalen Bildungspanels (NEPS) im Herbst 2016. Das Analysesample umfasst Studierende, Referendarinnen und Referendare sowie erwerbstätige Lehrkräfte (N = 1862). Ein Strukturgleichungsmodell ergab, dass inklusionsbezogene Lerninhalte im Rahmen von Lehramtsstudium und Referendariat förderlich für die inklusionsbezogene Selbstwirksamkeitserwartung sind, während die Überzeugungen zu inklusivem Unterricht weitgehend unbeeinflusst bleiben. Ein Schulformvergleich zeigte, dass (angehende) Sonder‑/Förder- und Grundschullehrkräfte dem Unterrichten von inklusiven Schulklassen positiver und zuversichtlicher gegenüberstehen als (angehende) Lehrkräfte der Sekundarstufe I, Gymnasien und beruflichen Schulen. Zudem wurde festgestellt, dass erwerbstätige Lehrkräfte trotz häufigerer Lerngelegenheiten eine kritischere und weniger zuversichtliche Haltung zu Inklusion einnehmen als Studierende oder Referendarinnen und Referendare.
A Comparative Study of Mechanical Properties, Thermal Conductivity, Residual Stresses, and Wear Resistance of Aluminum-Alumina Composites Obtained by Squeeze Casting and Powder Metallurgy
Authors: Maj Justyna , Węglewski Witold , Bochenek Kamil , Rogal Łukasz , Woźniacka Stefania , Basista Michał
Published: August 2021

Squeeze casting and powder metallurgy techniques were employed to fabricate AlSi12/Al2O3 composites, which are lightweight structural materials with potential applications in the automotive industry. The impact of the processing route on the material properties was studied. Comparative analyses were conducted for the Vickers hardness, flexural strength, fracture toughness, thermal conductivity, thermal residual stresses, and frictional wear. Our results show that the squeeze cast composite exhibits superior properties to those obtained using powder metallurgy.
Incidence of Pitting Corrosion Wastage on the Hull Girder Ultimate Strength
Authors: Piscopo V. , Scamardella A.
Published: August 2021

The paper focuses on the assessment of the hull girder ultimate strength, combined with random pitting corrosion wastage, by the incremental-iterative method. After a brief review about the state of art, the local ultimate strength of pitted platings under uniaxial compression is preliminarily outlined and subsequently a closed-form design formula is endorsed in the Rule incremental-iterative method, to account for pitting corrosion wastage in the hull girder ultimate strength check. The ISSC bulk carrier is assumed as reference ship in a benchmark study, devoted to test the effectiveness of the incremental-iterative method, by a comparative analysis with a set of FE simulations, performed by Ansys Mechanical APDL. Four reference cases, with different locations of pitting corrosion wastage, are investigated focusing on nine combinations of pitting and corrosion intensity degrees. Finally, a comparative analysis between the hull girder ultimate strength, combined with pitting corrosion wastage, and the relevant values, complying with the Rule net scantling approach, is performed. Based on current results, the modified incremental-iterative method allows efficiently assessing the hull girder ultimate strength, combined with pitting corrosion wastage, so revealing useful both in the design process of new vessels and in the structural health monitoring of aged ships.
Complications Following MitraClip Implantation
Authors: Schnitzler Katharina , Hell Michaela , Geyer Martin , Kreidel Felix , Münzel Thomas , von Bardeleben Ralph Stephan
Published: August 2021

Purpose of Review

To provide a detailed overview of complications associated with MitraClip therapy and its development over time with the aim to alert physicians for early recognition of complications and to offer treatment strategies for each complication, if possible.

Recent Findings

The MitraClip system (MC) is the leading transcatheter technique to treat mitral regurgitation (MR) and has been established as a safe procedure with very low adverse event rates compared to mitral surgery at intermediate to high risk or in secondary MR. Lately, the fourth MC generation has been launched with novel technical features to facilitate device handling, decrease complication rates, and allow the treatment of even complex lesions.

Although the complication rate is low, adverse events are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The most common complications are bleeding, acute kidney failure, procedure-induced mitral stenosis, and an iatrogenic atrial septal defect with unknown clinical impact.