bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Release behaviors and kinetics of coated bead‐on‐string nanofibrous multilayer membranes loaded with drug particles
Authors: Li Tingxiao , Huang Yifan , Wang Lei , Xin Binjie
Published: March 2021

A bead‐on‐string structure with special beads at the microscale level could act as an effective carrier for solid drug particles as well as giving a continuous and sustained release profile. Tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH), used as solid model drug particles, was ground to obtain nanoscale and well‐distributed size. Electrospun poly[lactic‐co‐(glycolic acid)] (PLGA) bead‐on‐string nanofibers loaded with TCH of different particle sizes were fabricated for controlled drug delivery. The morphology of TCH particles and bead‐on‐string nanofibers were observed using a particle sizer and scanning electron microscopy. The effects of drug particle size on the release behaviors of nanofibers were further investigated and analyzed using UV–visible spectrophotometry. In vitro release results suggested that bead‐on‐string nanofibers encapsulating ground TCH particles had higher total drug release quantity compared with unground particle‐loaded nanofibers. Coating of the surface of PLGA/TCH nanofibers was investigated for controlled‐release effects and the release mechanism to understand the drug–polymer carrier interaction. The results indicated that coating on both sides of nanofibrous membranes could effectively decrease the initial burst release. Bead‐on‐string nanofibers proved to be promising mats for drug delivery applications. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Engaged or excluded: LGBTQ youth's participation in school sports and their relationship to psychological well‐being
Authors: Clark Caitlin M. , Kosciw Joseph G.
Published: March 2021

Sports participation has been shown to positively affect youth well‐being. However, research has also shown that sports environments can be unsafe for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) youth. Using data from a large study on school‐related experiences of LGBTQ secondary students who reported on their extracurricular activities in school, (N = 15,813), this study examined LGBTQ youth's participation in school sports, the effects of participation on well‐being and school belonging, and whether any such benefits of participation varied by transgender status and gender binary identity. Over a quarter of LGBTQ respondents in our study had participated in school sports, and being transgender and being nonbinary were related to a lower likelihood of sports participation. Transgender males and transgender nonbinary youth had the lowest likelihood of sports participation. In general, LGBTQ youth who participated in sports had increased well‐being and greater school belonging. However, in regard to self‐esteem, transgender nonbinary youth appeared to have greater benefit from participating in sports than did their transgender male and transgender female peers. Considering these results, schools have a responsibility to ensure that school sports are safe and welcoming for LGBTQ youth.
Math homework purpose scale: Confirming the factor structure with high school students
Authors: Xu Jianzhong
Published: March 2021

The present investigation aims to test the validity of scores on the math homework purpose scale (MHPS) for high school students. Factorial results found that the MHPS contained three subscales: academic purpose, self‐regulatory purpose, and approval‐seeking purpose. Furthermore, the MHPS had a sufficient level of measurement and latent factor mean invariance across gender and grade level. Additionally, the MHPS had adequate coefficient alpha and omega coefficients. Regarding its validity evidence, consistent with theoretical predictions, the MHPS was associated positively with homework effort and completion. In summary, our investigation presents strong evidence showing that the MHPS is a valid tool for use with high school students.
Disparities in cystic fibrosis survival in Mexico: Impact of socioeconomic status
Authors: Bustamante Adriana E. , Fernández Lucía T. , Rivas Lissette C. , Mercado‐Longoria Roberto
Published: March 2021

Background

Median survival age in cystic fibrosis (CF) has increased in developed countries. Scarce literature exists about survival in Latin America, especially in Mexico. The aim of our study was to assess the median age of survival in CF patients and the impact of risk factors in Mexico over a 20‐year period.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study with all patients registered and followed in the CF Center in Monterrey, Mexico from 2000 to 2020. Median survival age was the primary outcome, assessed with Kaplan–Meier analysis. The influence of clinical, biological, and demographic factors on survival was analyzed with Cox regression model.

Results

Two‐hundred five patients were included. Median survival for the cohort was 21.37 years (95% confidence interval [CI], 17.20–25.55). In the multivariate Cox regression model, low socioeconomic status (hazard ratio [HR], 4.21; 95% CI, 2.43–7.27), chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection at 6 years (HR, 10.45; 95% CI, 5.66–19.28), and pancreatic insufficiency (HR, 3.13; 1.38–7.13) were independent risk factors for mortality.

Conclusion

Median survival in Mexican patients with CF is lower than in high‐income countries, and socioeconomic status plays a conspicuous role in the disparity. To increase patient survival for those residing in low‐middle income countries, public health authorities must design policies that fully cover diagnosis and treatment strategies for the CF population.
Point of care diaphragm ultrasound: An objective tool to predict the severity of pneumonia and outcomes in children
Authors: Şık Nihan , Çitlenbik Hale , Öztürk Ali , Yılmaz Durgül , Duman Murat
Published: March 2021

Background

Pneumonia is one of the most common serious infections in children. Scoring systems have been adopted to quantify the severity of the disease, but they were based on clinical findings that can vary according to the subjective assessment of the clinician. We hypothesized that diaphragm ultrasound (DUS) parameters may be a new useful tool to objectively score the severity of the disease and predict outcomes in children with pneumonia.

Methods

Children diagnosed with pneumonia, aged between 1 month and 18 years, were prospectively evaluated in the pediatric emergency department. The Pediatric Respiratory Severity Score was used to indicate the severity of the disease and DUS was performed. Diaphragm thickness at the end of inspiration and expiration, thickening fraction (TF), diaphragm excursion, inspiratory slope (IS), expiratory slope (ES), and total duration time of the respiratory cycle were calculated.

Results

There were 96 patients enrolled in the study. Inspiratory slope and ES measurements had positive correlations with respiratory rate and length of stay in the hospital and negative correlations with oxygen saturation levels. Furthermore, TF values were negatively correlated with respiratory rate and length of stay in the emergency department. Patients with higher clinical scores had increased IS and ES and decreased TF values.

Conclusion

DUS can be a promising and useful tool to assess diaphragmatic dysfunction in patients diagnosed with pneumonia. Diaphragm parameters, especially TF, IS, and ES, may provide objective and reliable information to predict the severity of the illness, the need for respiratory support, and outcomes.
Atmospheric oxidation of 4‐(2‐methoxyethyl) phenol initiated by OH radical in the presence of O2 and NOx: A mechanistic and kinetic study
Authors: Yao Junfang , Sun Yanan , Tang Yizhen , Zhang Yunju , Wu Wenzhong , Sun Jingyu
Published: March 2021

4‐(2‐Methoxyethyl) phenol (MEP) plays an important role in the formation of secondary organic aerosols (SOA). The gas‐phase mechanism and kinetics of MEP with OH reaction are studied by the density functional theory (DFT). The initial reactions of MEP with OH radical produce two different channels: OH addition and H abstraction. Subsequent reaction schemes of the main intermediates are investigated by using M06‐2X/6‐311++G(3df,2p)//M06‐2X/6‐311+G(d,p) level. Ketene, diketones and nitrophenol compounds are demonstrated to be the dominant oxidation products in the presence of high O2 and NOx. The total and individual rate constants are calculated by using the traditional transition state theory (TST) at 298K and 1atm. The calculated value of 5.62×10−11 cm3 molecule−1 s−1 is close to experimental data of similar systems. The lifetime of MEP is estimated to be 4.94 hours. These results provide a comprehensive explanation for atmospheric oxidation pathways of MEP.
Application of a simultaneous screening method for the detection of new psychoactive substances in various matrix samples using liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography/quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Kim Nam Sook , Lim Na Young , Choi Hwan Seong , Lee Ji Hyun , Kim Hyungil , Baek Sun Young
Published: March 2021

Rationale

Recently, new psychoactive substances (NPS) have emerged as a public health risk. Particularly, their chemical structures are modified to avoid detection. Synthetic NPS with effects similar to those of illegal drugs have been recently detected and synthesized worldwide, including MDMB‐FUBINACA and APINAC, making it essential to rapidly and accurately detect NPS.

Methods

Fourteen NPS with similar structures were selected and their structures identified using 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. Additionally, we proposed the fragmentation pattern of each compound using liquid chromatography/quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (LC/QTOF‐MS). A simultaneous analytical method using liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC/ESI‐MS/MS) was also developed and applied to real samples to detect the 14 NPS. The method was validated based on the specificity, linearity, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), precision, accuracy, matrix effect, and stability according to international validation guidelines.

Results

The established method was used to screen 65 different matrix samples using LC/ESI‐MS/MS. By comparing the calculated product ion ratios with those of standards, 2C‐B in one of the real samples and 5F‐MDMB‐PICA in 20 samples were identified. For re‐confirmation of detected compounds, the fragmentation pattern of each compound was compared with that of each standard using LC/QTOF‐MS.

Conclusions

In this study, LC/QTOF‐MS data were used to elucidate the structures and fragmentation patterns of 14 NPS. A simultaneous method was developed using LC/ESI‐MS/MS, which was applied to 65 real samples. The presented method and results can assist in ensuring the safety of public health from illegal adulteration.
Trauma and belief systems; an operational code analysis of Dutch Prime Minister Rutte and the downing of flight MH17
Authors: Willigen Niels van , Bakker Femke E.
Published: March 2021

What is the impact of a crisis on the belief systems of leaders? We know from a substantial body of research that the beliefs of leaders impact their decision making processes. These beliefs are generally assumed to be stable, which makes them a reliable tool for explaining decision making behavior. There is, however, some limited evidence that suggests that when crises are experienced by leaders as a traumatic event, their beliefs can be affected. This article studies the potential impact of crisis‐induced trauma on leaders' belief systems by measuring the operational codes of Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte before and after the shooting down of flight MH17 in 2014 in Ukraine. We use quantitative content analysis of written texts such as the speeches by Rutte. Our aim is to contribute to the crisis management literature that focuses on individual leadership and crises by finding out whether Rutte's operational code changed significantly after the downing of flight MH17. We conclude that there were two significant changes in Rutte's belief system, but these cannot be attributed to the effects of the traumatic event only. Therefore we offer an alternative explanation that combines the traumatic event hypothesis with the crisis‐learning hypothesis.
When the weak are mighty: A two‐sided matching approach to alliance performance
Authors: Fudge Kamal Darcy K. , Honoré Florence , Nistor Cristina
Published: March 2021

Abstracts

Research Summary

Network centrality is an important determinant of alliance performance. However, estimating how each alliance member's centrality affects alliance performance is challenging because the end market might value each partner's contribution differently. We solve this empirical question with a two‐sided matching model that accounts for the partners' endogenous selection and estimates the effect of each side's centrality and input quality on performance. We implement the method in the novel context of the Thoroughbred horse industry, in foal‐sharing alliances between buyers and suppliers. We find that buyer centrality has a larger marginal effect on the alliance performance than the supplier centrality because buyers, who on average are less central in our context, are more likely to diffuse valuable information to the end market.

Managerial Summary

Alliance partners often struggle with identifying what their contributions and their partner's contribution are to the alliance performance. We use a new method to identify each side's contribution to their alliance. Our findings offer a few recommendations to firms forming similar alliances. First, we find that the less central partner in the business network has greater impact on the alliance performance due to their ability to diffuse more valuable information to the market. Second, our results suggest that product input quality that is relatively unknown impacts alliance performance more than low and average quality. Alliance partners may benefit more from experimenting with unknown inputs. Third, more central actors may reduce spending on mass communications if valuable information comes to the market through their less central partners.
A Novel Carbon Support: Few‐Layered Graphdiyne‐Decorated Carbon Nanotubes Capture Metal Clusters as Effective Metal‐Supported Catalysts
Authors: Lv Yan , Wu Xueyan , Lin He , Li Jiaxin , Zhang Hongbo , Guo Jixi , Jia Dianzeng , Zhang Hongmei
Published: March 2021

Carbon‐supported metal nanocatalysts have received substantial attention for heterogeneous catalysis in industry. Hunting for suitable and impactful carbon supports that have strong interactions with metal nanocatalyst is a matter of great urgency. Herein, a well‐designed graphdiyne layer decorated on the carbon nanotubes sidewalls (CNT@GDY) serves as a novel carbon support. This unique hybrid structure effectively traps platinum and palladium atomic clusters (Pt/Pd‐ACs) with dimensions of 0.65 nm and 1.05 nm uniformly and firmly, forming novel carbon‐supported metal nanocatalysts (Pt(Pd)‐ACs/CNT @ GDY) for efficient hydrogen generation and aromatic nitroreduction, respectively. The Pt‐ACs/CNT@GDY can deliver an HER current density of 10 mA cm−2 with a small overpotential of 23 mV in 0.5 M H2SO4, showing a greatly enhanced mass activity, intrinsic activity than the commercial Pt/C catalyst. The Pd‐ACs/CNT@GDY also exhibits excellent catalytic activity and a high turnover frequency of 38.0 min−1 for aromatic nitroreduction. The carbon support turns out to possess excellent conductivity, abundant and uniform reactive sites, low redox potential, more negative surface and large specific surface area as well as a strong interaction with ACs, as anticipated in ideal supports, which can be applied in other metal‐supported catalysts.
2D Silicon‐Based Semiconductor Si2Te3 toward Broadband Photodetection
Authors: Chen Jiawang , Tan Chaoyang , Li Gang , Chen Lijie , Zhang Hanlin , Yin Shiqi , Li Ming , Li Liang , Li Guanghai
Published: March 2021

Silicon‐based semiconductor materials dominate modern technology for more than half a century with extraordinary electrical‐optical performance and mutual processing compatibility. Now, 2D materials have rapidly established themselves as prospective candidates for the next‐generation semiconductor industry because of their novel properties. Considering chemical and processing compatibility, silicon‐based 2D materials possess significant advantages in integrating with silicon. Here, a systematic study is reported on the structural, electrical, and optical performance of silicon telluride (Si2Te3) 2D material, a IV−VI silicon‐based semiconductor with a layered structure. The ultrawide photoluminescence (PL) spectra in the range of 550–1050 nm reveals the intrinsic defects in Si2Te3. The Si2Te3‐based field‐effect transistors (FETs) and photodetectors show a typical p‐type behavior and a remarkable broadband spectral response in the range of 405–1064 nm. Notably, the photoresponsivity and detectivity of the photodetector device with 13.5 nm in thickness and upon 405 nm illumination can reach up to 65 A W−1 and 2.81 × 1012 Jones, respectively, outperforming many traditional broadband photodetectors. It is believed this work will excite interests in further exploring the practical application of 2D silicon‐based materials in the field of optoelectronics.
Preparation of Multifunctional Drug‐loaded Microcapsules with Core‐shell Three‐dimensional Network Structure and their Application in Colon Targeted Release
Authors: Fang Qiujie , Chen Na , Hu Shan , Hu Sheng , Ye Jianfeng , Ye Xiaozhou , Wang Yun
Published: March 2021

Some special oral drugs may cause adverse reactions and degrade in the stomach; therefore, it is necessary to develop a new generation of multifunctional drug delivery carries to deal with such issues. Herein, by polyelectrolyte composite method using KGM and CS as raw material, CKGM/CS/TPP/5‐ASA microcapsules are prepared using 5‐ASA as model drug, and then coated with an acid‐resistant polyacrylic acid polymer layer. The size of CKGM/CS/TPP/5‐ASA microcapsules is relatively uniform, with average particle size 1.78 ± 0.02 mm. The inner part of microcapsules has a core‐shell three‐dimensional network structure, and the 5‐ASA embedded in the network is in its crystal form. The microcapsules exhibited good encapsulate properties, with 495.5 µg mg−1 drug loading amount and 82.3% encapsulation efficiency under optimized conditions. The in vitro release properties of microcapsules are also studied, and results showed that the drug is released little in Simulated Gastric Fluid solution (pH 1.2) but fully released in Simulated Colonic Fluid or Phosphate Buffered Solution (pH 7.0), and the release rate is higher in SCF solution, indicating that β‐mannanase could facilitate release. All these results indicated that CKGM/CS/TPP microcapsules have good pH‐controlled release, enzymatic release, and sustained release properties, hence they are promising multifunctional colon‐targeted release carriers.
CRISPR editing of the GLI1 first intron abrogates GLI1 expression and differentially alters lineage commitment
Authors: Galat Yekaterina , Gu Haigang , Perepitchka Mariana , Taylor Robert , Yoon Joon Won , Glukhova Xenia A. , Li Xiao-Nan , Beletsky Igor P. , Walterhouse David O. , Galat Vasiliy , Iannaccone Philip M.
Published: March 2021

GLI1 is one of three GLI family transcription factors that mediate Sonic Hedgehog signaling, which plays a role in development and cell differentiation. GLI1 forms a positive feedback loop with GLI2 and likely with itself. To determine the impact of GLI1 and its intronic regulatory locus on this transcriptional loop and human stem cell differentiation, we deleted the region containing six GLI binding sites in the human GLI1 intron using CRISPR/Cas9 editing to produce H1 human embryonic stem cell (hESC) GLI1-edited clones. Editing out this intronic region, without removing the entire GLI1 gene, allowed us to study the effects of this highly complex region, which binds transcription factors in a variety of cells. The roles of GLI1 in human ESC differentiation were investigated by comparing RNA sequencing, quantitative-real time PCR (q-rtPCR), and functional assays. Editing this region resulted in GLI1 transcriptional knockdown, delayed neural commitment, and inhibition of endodermal and mesodermal differentiation during spontaneous and directed differentiation experiments. We found a delay in the onset of early osteogenic markers, a reduction in the hematopoietic potential to form granulocyte units, and a decrease in cancer-related gene expression. Furthermore, inhibition of GLI1 via antagonist GANT-61 had similar in vitro effects. These results indicate that the GLI1 intronic region is critical for the feedback loop and that GLI1 has lineage-specific effects on hESC differentiation. Our work is the first study to document the extent of GLI1 abrogation on early stages of human development and to show that GLI1 transcription can be altered in a therapeutically useful way.
Light‐Mediated Seleno‐Functionalization of Organic Molecules: Recent Advances
Authors: Rafique Jamal , Rampon Daniel S. , Azeredo Juliano B. , Coelho Felipe L. , Schneider Paulo H. , Braga Antonio L.
Published: March 2021

Organoselenium compounds constitute an important class of substances with applications in the biological, medicinal and material sciences as well as in modern organic synthesis, attracting considerable attention from the scientific community. Therefore, the construction of the C−Se bond via facile, efficient and sustainable strategies to access complex scaffolds from simple substrates are an appealing and hot topic. Visible light can be regarded as an alternative source of energy and is associated with environmentally‐friendly processes. Recently, the use of visible‐light mediated seleno‐functionalization has emerged as an ideal and powerful route to obtain high‐value selenylated products, with diminished cost and waste. This approach, involving photo‐excited substrates/catalyst and single‐electron transfer (SET) between substrates in the presence of visible light has been successfully used in the versatile and direct insertion of organoselenium moieties in activated and unactivated C(sp3)−H, C(sp2)−H, C(sp)−H bonds as well as C−heteroatom bonds. In most cases, ease of operation and accessibility of the light source (LEDs or commercial CFL bulbs) makes this approach more attractive and sustainable than the traditional strategies.
Shono‐Type Oxidation for Functionalization of N‐Heterocycles
Authors: Yamamoto Kosuke , Kuriyama Masami , Onomura Osamu
Published: March 2021

The development of facile synthetic methods for stereodefined aliphatic cyclic amines is an important research field in synthetic organic chemistry since such scaffolds constitute a variety of natural products and biologically active compounds. N‐Acyl cyclic N,O‐acetals which prepared by electrochemical oxidation of the corresponding cyclic amines have proven to be useful and versatile precursors for the synthesis of such skeletons. In this Personal Account, we introduce our efforts toward the development of synthetic strategies for the diastereo‐ and/or enantioselective synthesis of cyclic amines by using electrochemically prepared cyclic N,O‐acetals. In addition, the investigation of the “memory of chirality” in the electrooxidative methoxylation of N‐acyl amino acid derivatives, the strategy for the synthesis of chiral azabicyclic compounds by utilizing electrochemical oxidation, and halogen cation‐mediated synthesis of nitrogen‐containing heterocycles are also described.
Video feedback intervention for cognitively impaired older drivers: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Ott Brian R. , Papandonatos George D. , Burke Erin M. , Erdman Donna , Carr David B. , Davis Jennifer D.
Published: March 2021

Introduction

This clinical trial aimed to determine whether in‐car video feedback about unsafe driving events (UDE) to cognitively impaired older drivers and family members leads to a reduction in such driving behaviors.

Methods

We randomized 51 cognitively impaired older drivers to receive either (1) a weekly progress report with recommendations and access to their videos, or (2) video monitoring alone without feedback over 3 months.

Results

UDE frequency/1000 miles was reduced by 12% in feedback (rate ratio [RR] = 0.88, 95% confidence interval [CI] = .58–1.34), while remaining constant with only monitoring (RR = 1.01, 95% CI = .68–1.51). UDE severity/1000 miles was reduced by 37% in feedback (RR = 0.63, 95% CI = .31–1.27), but increased by 40% in monitoring (RR = 1.40, 95% CI = .68–2.90). Cognitive impairment moderated intervention effects (P = .03) on UDE frequency.

Discussion

Results suggest the potential to improve driving safety among mild cognitively impaired older drivers using a behavior modification approach aimed at problem behaviors detected in their natural driving environment.
Ammonia recovery from simulated anaerobic digestate using a two‐stage direct contact membrane distillation process
Authors: Xu Bing , He Zhen
Published: March 2021

Ammonia is a key inorganic contaminant in wastewater and an important nutrient element for agriculture. Herein, a two‐stage direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) system was developed and investigated for ammonia recovery from a synthetic anaerobic digestate. In the 1st stage DCMD (DCMD‐1), both ammonia and water moved across MD membrane to realize ammonia separation, while in the 2nd stage (DCMD‐2), only water migrated and as a result ammonia was concentrated. It was found that increasing the initial feed solution pH could enhance ammonia removal in the DCMD‐1 from 16.0 ± 2.0% (no pH adjustment) to 84.2 ± 1.9% (pH 12). A higher feed solution temperature increased both ammonia flux and water flux. The optimal condition was determined as an initial feed pH of 12, a feed temperature of 60°C, and the 0.6 M H2SO4 adsorption solution. With the addition of the DCMD‐2, the ammonia concentration was improved from 3 g L−1 to 7.8 ± 0.2 g L−1, which was further enhanced to 26.3 ± 3.0 g L−1 after five batches of operation. These results have demonstrated the feasibility of a two‐stage DCMD system for ammonia recovery from anaerobic digestate and warrant further investigation of several key issues that may advance this technology.

Practitioner points

A two‐stage membrane distillation system is developed to remove and recover ammonia from anaerobic digester effluents.

The system uses ammonia/ammonium equilibrium to separate ammonia in the 1st stage and then concentrate it in the 2nd stage.

A high initial pH of the feed solution plays a key role in achieving high ammonia removal.

Minimizing the volume of permeate solution can increase the ammonia concentration.
Determination of impurities in copper metal using total reflection X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry after matrix separation: Method validation and uncertainty assessment
Authors: Ghosh Madhusudan , Chavan Trupti Arvind , Sahoo Srikant , P. S. Remya Devi , Satpati Ashis Kumar , Swain Kallola Kumar
Published: March 2021

TXRF spectrometry has been utilized for the determination of impurities in copper metal. Multielement standard solution has been used for the calibration of TXRF spectrometer. To avoid the matrix effects, Cu was separated by electrochemical separation method under optimized condition followed by determination of impurities using TXRF. K, Ca, Fe, Ni, and Zn are the impurities found to be present in copper metal. Bottom up approach was employed to get the measure of the combined uncertainty in the results. The uncertainty associated with the recovery of electrochemical separation process is the highest. The TXRF results were validated by analyzing the same sample using ICP‐OES. Student's t‐test was performed to establish the statistical indistinguishability of the results obtained from TXRF and ICP‐OES.
National Courts as Actors in Investment Arbitration
Authors: Rajput Aniruddha
Published: March 2021

National courts are actors in investment arbitration since they influence the functioning of investment arbitration and are themselves in turn influenced by investment arbitration. The influence of national courts on investment arbitration is larger than the influence of other international courts and tribunals, since national law is part of the applicable law in investment arbitration and national courts are authorised to interpret and apply national law. National courts influence investment arbitration by competing for jurisdiction through the exhaustion of local remedies, umbrella clauses, and the fork-in-the-road rule. National courts facilitate investment arbitration by enforcing awards and at the same time disrupt it when rejecting enforcement or issuing anti-arbitration injunctions. Investment tribunals can restrain national courts by issuing anti-suit injunctions. Above all, they can review the decisions of national courts on grounds of denial of justice, fair and equitable treatment, the effective means test, and indirect expropriation. The the relationship between national courts and investment tribunals is such that the later have the last word, although the role of national courts as actors is certainly noteworthy.
The Role of Sub-Regional Systems in Shaping International Investment Law-Making: The Case of the Visegrád Group
Authors: Cristani Federica
Published: March 2021

The present chapter focuses on the role of the Visegrád group (or V4, comprising Slovakia, Hungary, Poland and the Czech Republic) in international investment law-making. The chapter starts with a brief overview of the V4 group as a sub-regional system in Europe, including its modus operandi and main achievements in the field of economic cooperation. Subsequently, it turns to the regulation of foreign direct investment (FDI), both at the level of each V4 state and at EU level—with particular regard to the implication of the EU’s exclusive competence on FDI. Special attention is paid to the approach of the V4 countries towards the question of termination of intra-EU bilateral investment treaties (BITs)—including an overview of the related objections to jurisdiction that the four countries have raised over the years in investor-state arbitrations based on intra-EU BITs—and to the relationship of the V4 group with non-EU countries—especially with (selected) East Asian countries. The main question is whether—and to what extent—the V4 group as a sub-regional system has a role to play in international investment law-making. The chapter highlights the proactive and advocacy role that the V4 group has traditionally played in manifold subject-matters, including the promotion and protection of FDI, and supports the positive “soft power” the V4 may exercise in this respect.
Generalized cutting force model for peripheral milling of wood, based on the effect of density, uncut chip cross section, grain orientation and tool helix angle
Authors: Curti R. , Marcon B. , Denaud L. , Togni M. , Furferi R. , Goli G.
Published: March 2021

The influence of the grain angle on the cutting force when milling wood is not yet detailed, apart from particular cases (end-grain, parallel to the grain, or in some rare cases 45°-cut). Thus, setting-up wood machining operations with complex paths still relies mainly on the experience of the operators because of the lack of scientific knowledge easily transferable to the industry. The aim of the present work is to propose an empirical model based on specific cutting coefficients for the assessment of cutting force when peripheral milling of wood based on the following input: uncut chip thickness and width, grain angle (angle between the tool velocity vector and the grain direction of the wood), density and tool helix angle. The specific cutting coefficients were determined by peripheral milling with different depths of cut wood disks issued from different wood species on a dynamometric platform to record the forces. Milling a sample into a round shape (a disk) allows to measure the cutting forces toward every grain angle into a sole basic diameter reduction operation. Force signals are then post-processed to carefully clean the natural vibrations of the system without impacting their magnitudes. The experiment is repeated on five species with a large range of densities, machining two disks per species for five depths of cut in up- and down milling conditions for three different tool helix angles. Finally, a simple cutting force model, based on the previously cited parameters, is proposed, and its robustness analysed.
Effect of orange-fleshed sweet potato flour particle size and degree of wheat flour substitution on physical, nutritional, textural and sensory properties of cookies
Authors: Korese Joseph Kudadam , Chikpah Solomon Kofi , Hensel Oliver , Pawelzik Elke , Sturm Barbara
Published: March 2021

Orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) flour is rich in health-promoting compounds that can improve the nutritional benefits of baked products when blended with wheat flour. However, the flour particle size and blend proportion may affect the quality properties and consumer acceptability of bakery products. This study investigated the effect of flour particle sizes and blend proportions on the physical, nutritional, textural and sensory properties of peeled and unpeeled OFSP composite flour cookies. Peeled and unpeeled OFSP flours (≤ 250 μm and ≤ 500 μm particle size) were produced, and each was used to replace soft wheat flour at the rate of 0 to 100% for cookies formulation. The results obtained showed that substitution of wheat flour with OFSP flours significantly (p < 0.05) decreased cookies baking loss, thickness, volume, crust lightness (L*) but increased diameter, spread ratio, crust redness, yellowness, contents of ß-carotene, vitamin A, ascorbic acid, total phenolics and flavonoids, and the antioxidant capacity. The hardness and fracturability of the OFSP-based cookies ranged between 1.389 and 10.142 kg and 0.873 and 9.431 kg, respectively, whereas the values of the control cookies were 1.281 ± 0.003 kg and 1.274 ± 0.003 kg, respectively. The effect of flour particle size on the physical and nutritional properties of cookies was insignificant (p > 0.05). However, the ≤ 250 μm particle size flour cookies had higher overall acceptability than the ≤ 500 μm particle size flour cookies. The unpeeled OFSP composite cookies had higher bioactive compounds concentrations except for ascorbic acid but had lower overall acceptability than the peeled OFSP cookies. Generally, the 30% peeled OFSP composite flour cookies had the highest consumer acceptability.
Prostatic Artery Embolization: Influence of Cone-Beam Computed Tomography on Radiation Exposure, Procedure Time, and Contrast Media Use
Authors: Bürckenmeyer F. , Diamantis I. , Kriechenbauer T. , Lehmann T. , Franiel T. , Malouhi A. , Grimm M. O. , Teichgräber U. , Aschenbach R.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) on radiation exposure, procedure time, and contrast media (CM) use in prostatic artery embolization (PAE).

Materials and Methods

Seventy-eight patients were enrolled in this retrospective, single-center study. All patients received PAE without (group A; n = 39) or with (group B; n = 39) CBCT. Total dose-area product (DAPtotal; Gycm2), total entrance skin dose (ESDtotal; mGy), and total effective dose (EDtotal; mSv) were primary outcomes. Number of digital subtraction angiography (DSA) series, CM use, fluoroscopy time, and procedure time were secondary outcomes. PAE in group A was performed by a single radiologist with 15 years experience, PAE in group B was conducted by four radiologists with 4 to 6 years experience.

Results

For groups A vs. B, respectively, median (IQR): DAPtotal 236.94 (186.7) vs. 281.20 (214.47) Gycm2(p = 0.345); EDtotal 25.82 (20.35) vs. 39.84 (23.75) mSv (p =  < 0.001); ESDtotal 2833 (2278) vs. 2563 (3040) mGy(p = 0.818); number of DSA series 25 (15) vs. 23 (10)(p = 0.164); CM use 65 (30) vs. 114 (40) mL(p =  < 0.001); fluoroscopy time 23 (20) vs. 28 (25) min(p = 0.265), and procedure time 70 (40) vs.120 (40) min(p =  < 0.001). Bilateral PAE was achieved in 33/39 (84.6%) group A and 32/39 (82.05%) group B(p = 0.761), all other patients received unilateral PAE. There were no significant differences between clinical parameters and origins of the prostatic arteries (PA) (p = 0.206–1.00).

Conclusion

Operators with extensive expertise on PAE may not benefit from addition of CBCT to DSA runs, whereas for operators with less expertise, CBCT when used alongside with DSA runs increased the overall radiation exposure.
Socio-Gerontechnology – ein Forschungsprogramm zu Technik und Alter(n) an der Schnittstelle von Gerontologie und Science-and-Technology Studies
Authors: Wanka Anna , Gallistl Vera
Published: March 2021

Hintergrund

In der Gerontologie beschäftigt sich Forschung intensiv mit der Frage, wie und wieso ältere Menschen neue Technologien nutzen oder nicht. Diese Forschung basiert mehrheitlich auf einem differenzierten Alter(n)sverständnis, verwendet jedoch einen verengten Technikbegriff, der Technologien auf manifeste Artefakte reduziert. Zur Erweiterung ihres Technikbegriffs kann die Gerontologie von den Science-and-Technology Studies (STS) lernen. Deren Ansätze und Perspektiven auf Technik und Alter(n) werden im Beitrag diskutiert, und es wird der Frage nachgegangen, wie anschlussfähig solche an aktuelle gerontologische Debatten und Befunde sind.

Material und Methode

Auf Basis aktueller Literatur wird in diesem Beitrag 2 Fragen nachgegangen: Welche Aspekte werden aus einer STS-Perspektive im Themenbereich Alter(n) und Technik thematisiert? Welche konzeptionellen Positionen zeichnen eine Forschungsperspektive der STS auf Technik und Alter(n) aus?

Ergebnisse

Im Themenbereich Alter(n) und Technik beschäftigen sich STS-Studien einerseits mit Entwicklungs- und Designprozessen neuer Technologien für ältere Menschen und andererseits mit den alltagsweltlichen Interaktionen zwischen Technologien und älteren Menschen.

Schlussfolgerungen

Auf Basis der Ergebnisse skizziert der Beitrag das Feld der Socio-Gerontechnology als Forschungsprogramm an der Schnittstelle zwischen STS und Gerontologie anhand von 3 Themen: (1) Materialitäten des Alter(n)s, die über innovative Technologien hinausgehen, (2) das Verhältnis von Alter(n)s- und technologischen Innovationsdiskursen und (3) die technologische Handlungsmächtigkeit von älteren Menschen.
Tracheostomy complications in otorhinolaryngology are rare despite the critical airway
Authors: Ruohoalho Johanna , Xin Guanyu , Bäck Leif , Aro Katri , Tapiovaara Laura
Published: March 2021

Purpose

To identify complications of surgical tracheostomies in otorhinolaryngologic patients and adjust our processes to be properly prepared in the future.

Methods

We reviewed retrospectively all surgical tracheostomies (n = 255) performed by otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons at Helsinki University Hospital between Jan 2014 and Feb 2017. Patient demographics, surgical details, surgical and medical complications, and tracheostomy-related mortality were recorded from the hospital charts. Risk factors for complications were assessed.

Results

Altogether, 55 (22%) complications were identified in 39 (15%) patients, with pneumonia, accidental decannulation, and bleeding being the most common. No patient or surgery-related factor reached significance in overall complication risk factor analysis. Medical complications were more common after elective tracheostomies compared to emergency procedures (10.6% vs. 3.5%, p < 0.05). Majority of complications (78%) were classified as mild or moderate according to Clavien–Dindo. Only 2 (0.8%) tracheostomy-related deaths were recorded.

Conclusion

In otorhinolaryngologists service, severe complications and tracheostomy-related deaths are very rare. Reducing their prevalence even further with careful planning is possible.
Fracture Properties of Nash Point Limestone and Implications for Fracturing of Layered Carbonate Sequences
Authors: Forbes Inskip Nathaniel D. , Meredith Philip G.
Published: March 2021

Carbonate reservoirs accommodate a significant proportion of global hydrocarbon reserves. However they are often tight and permeability is therefore usually dependent on either flow through existing fractures or through those produced by hydraulic stimulation. Hence, understanding how fracture networks develop in carbonate reservoir rocks is key to efficient and effective production. However, despite their prevalence as reservoir rocks, there is a paucity of data on key fracture properties of carbonate rocks, particularly in more than one orientation. Here, therefore we report measurements of both the tensile strength and fracture toughness of Nash Point limestone in the three principal fracture orientations to determine what effect any mechanical anisotropy might have on fracture propagation. We find Nash Point limestone to be essentially isotropic in terms of both its microstructure and its fracture properties. When comparing the fracture toughness of Nash Point limestone with that of others limestones, we find that fracture toughness decreases with increasing porosity, although this dependency is not as strong as found in other porous rocks. Finally, as many so-called carbonate reservoirs actually comprise layered sequences, we extend our analysis to consider the layered sequence of limestones and shales at Nash Point. We find that the fracture toughness of Nash Point limestone is higher than Nash Point shale but that the fracture energy is lower. We therefore discuss how the implications of fracturing through multi-layered sequences could be explored in future work.
Children’s use of psychosocial care in a population-based longitudinal study: less likely for girls, children with a non-Western background and children with a high quality of life
Authors: Eijgermans D. G. M. , Raat H. , Jansen P. W. , van de Looij-Jansen P. M. , Hillegers M. H. J. , Jansen W.
Published: March 2021

Knowledge on determinants of children’s psychosocial care use is important to improve their access to care. This study examined the independent contributions of need and predisposing factors to psychosocial care use in 9-year-old children, guided by the Gateway Provider Model. Data of the Generation R Study, a prospective cohort of children born in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, were analysed using multivariable logistic regression (n = 4714). Need (quality of life, presence and type of emotional/behavioural problems) and predisposing factors (sex, ethnic background and maternal educational level) were measured using parent questionnaires at multiple time points between ages 1.5 and 9 years. Psychosocial care use was parent-reported at 9 years old (9.6% among children with Western background, 7.3% among children with non-Western background). Having emotional/behavioural problems at 5 and 9 years old was associated with more care use, while having a higher quality of life, being a girl and having a Moroccan/Turkish or other non-Western background were associated with less care use. Externalising and internalising problems, as well as several types of problems, at 5 and 9 years old were associated with psychosocial care use. Stratified analyses revealed that, in children with non-Western backgrounds, only a poorer psychosocial quality of life was associated with psychosocial care use. To conclude, girls with a Western background and children with a non-Western background were less likely to receive care compared to their peers. Children with parent-reported emotional/behavioural problems at 5 and 9 years old and decreased quality of life at 5 years old were more likely to receive psychosocial care use at 9 years old. Our findings hold relevance for preventive policies.
White-Sand Savannas Expand at the Core of the Amazon After Forest Wildfires
Authors: Flores Bernardo M. , Holmgren Milena
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Across the tropics, climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of wildfires, exposing tropical forests to the risk of shifting into an open vegetation state. A recent satellite analysis of the Amazon basin suggests this might happen first in floodplains where forests are particularly fragile. We studied floodplain landscapes of the middle Rio Negro, covering ~ 4100 km2 at the Central Amazon region, where forest ecosystems are dominant. We used Landsat images to map 40 years of wildfire history and test the hypothesis that repeatedly burnt forests fail to regenerate and can be replaced by white-sand savanna ecosystems. In the field, using a chronosequence of ‘time after the first fire’, we assessed changes in tree species composition, herbaceous cover and topsoil properties. Here we show that when these forests are repeatedly disturbed by wildfires, their soil gradually loses clay and nutrients and becomes increasingly sandy. In synchrony, native herbaceous cover expands, forest tree species disappear and white-sand savanna tree species become dominant. This drastic ecosystem shift happened within 40 years, likely accelerated by topsoil erosion. When recurrent fires maintain floodplain forests in an open vegetation state, topsoil erosion intensifies, transforming clay-rich soils into white-sand soils that may favour savanna tree species. Our findings reveal that white-sand savannas may expand through seasonally flooded ecosystems at the core of the Amazon, facilitated by wildfires.
iPSC technology-based regenerative medicine for kidney diseases
Authors: Osafune Kenji
Published: March 2021

With few curative treatments for kidney diseases, increasing attention has been paid to regenerative medicine as a new therapeutic option. Recent progress in kidney regeneration using human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) is noteworthy. Based on the knowledge of kidney development, the directed differentiation of hiPSCs into two embryonic kidney progenitors, nephron progenitor cells (NPCs) and ureteric bud (UB), has been established, enabling the generation of nephron and collecting duct organoids. Furthermore, human kidney tissues can be generated from these hiPSC-derived progenitors, in which NPC-derived glomeruli and renal tubules and UB-derived collecting ducts are interconnected. The induced kidney tissues are further vascularized when transplanted into immunodeficient mice. In addition to the kidney reconstruction for use in transplantation, it has been demonstrated that cell therapy using hiPSC-derived NPCs ameliorates acute kidney injury (AKI) in mice. Disease modeling and drug discovery research using disease-specific hiPSCs has also been vigorously conducted for intractable kidney disorders, such as autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). In an attempt to address the complications associated with kidney diseases, hiPSC-derived erythropoietin (EPO)-producing cells were successfully generated to discover drugs and develop cell therapy for renal anemia. This review summarizes the current status and future perspectives of developmental biology of kidney and iPSC technology-based regenerative medicine for kidney diseases.