bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nontoxic and Less Toxic Hybrid Perovskites: a Synergistic Strategy for Sustainable Photovoltaic Devices
Authors: Attique Sanam , Ali Nasir , Rauf Sajid , Ali Shahid , Khesro Amir , Khatoon Rabia , Khan Ehsan Ullah , Akram Fazli , Yang Shikuan , Wu Huizhen
Published: May 2021

A research hotspot for the last decade, organometal‐halide perovskites are now showing their promise in numerous optoelectronic devices. With power conversion efficiency (PCE) greater than 25%, perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are approaching the status of popular monocrystalline silicon–based solar cells (SCs). However, the presence of a bioaccumulative lead (Pb) in these perovskite compounds hinders their scalability and commercialization. The endeavor on nontoxic alternatives has triggered a new field of perovskites where Pb has been successfully eliminated. Preliminary studies of photovoltaic (PV) devices based on Pb‐free perovskites have shown some promise; however, they failed to exhibit comparable performance and compositional stability. Therefore, to exploit together the advantages of high efficiency and lesser toxicity, combinations of Pb alternatives with each other as well as with conventional Pb are required in the perovskite framework to fabricate hybrid perovskites (HPVKs). The first part of this Review briefly discusses all possible Pb substitutes and their limitations in PV devices. Based on the Pb contents, the second part elaborates on the two different types of HPVKs (i.e., nontoxic and less toxic) and their progress in photovoltaics. The Review concludes with an outlook discussing current challenges in the way of HPVKs and prospective opportunities to assess their future progress.
Unusual Compatibility of N‐Reacetylated Oligochitosan with Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate in Aqueous Solution with a Wide Range of the Solution pH
Authors: Bezrodnykh Evgeniya A. , Berezin Boris B. , Kulikov Sergey N. , Zelenikhin Pavel V. , Vyshivannaya Oxana V. , Blagodatskikh Inesa V. , Tikhonov Vladimir E.
Published: May 2021

N‐reacetylated oligochitosan (RA‐oligoCHI) with molecular weight ≤ 12 kDa and a random‐type distribution of acetyl groups can form soluble RA‐CHI/SDS (SDS; sodium dodecyl sulfate) complexes and transparent solutions both in acidic, where RA‐oligoCHI is soluble, and alkaline aqueous media, where RA‐oligoCHI is soluble too, at SDS concentration above its critical micellar concentration. AN antibacterial activity test shows that RA‐CHIs preserve a high bacteriostatic activity toward S. aureus and E. coli in the presence of SDS both in acidic and alkaline aqueous solutions. The discovered compatibility and preservation of antibacterial activity can make promising the application of RA‐CHIs as artificial biocides for the preparation of microbiologically stable pharmaceutical hydrocolloids and cosmetic compositions containing strong anionic surfactants designed for topical applications.
Characterization of Amylose Lipid Complexes and Their Effect on the Dry Grind Ethanol Process
Authors: Bhatia Gitanshu , Juneja Ankita , Johnston David , Rausch Kent , Tumbleson M. E. , Singh Vijay
Published: May 2021

Amylose lipid complexes (AMLs) are likely to form during liquefaction of ground corn in the dry grind process. AML will form under high temperature (≥ 85 °C) and excess water conditions, due to interaction of gelatinized starch with corn lipids. AMLs are resistant to α‐amylase action, resulting in a decrease in starch available for enzymatic hydrolysis. This affects sugar available for fermentation and the final ethanol yield. In this study, the effects of liquefaction temperature, corn particle size, slurry solids content, and different commercial α‐amylases on AML formation are evaluated.

AML content in post liquefaction solids (liquefact) is found to decrease from 3.46 to 1.00% as corn grind size is increased from 0.5 to 2.5 mm. Across all slurry solids contents tested (25, 32, and 34%), the mean difference in AML content for all three solids contents is 0.61% when liquefaction temperature is increased to 105 from 85 °C. At 85 °C, liquefact from all three α‐amylases used, had similar AML content. However, when liquefaction temperature is increased to 105 °C, enzyme AA2 had lower AML production compared to other amylases.

Overall, increasing liquefaction temperature to above 100 °C had the most predominant effect on reducing AML formation. Optimizing liquefaction parameters can help reduce AML formation and may improve profitability of the dry grind ethanol process.
3‐D base force element method on meso‐damage analysis for recycled concrete
Authors: Ying Liping , Peng Yijiang , Kamel Mahmoud M. A.
Published: May 2021

The 3‐D base force element method (BFEM) for damage problems is proposed, which is applied to analyze the damage mechanism of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC). A piecewise curve damage constitutive model is given to simulate the constitutive relationships of RAC phases. A spatial random aggregate model of RAC is proposed. 3‐D numerical simulations of RAC under uniaxial mechanical stress are carried out. The macroscopic stress–strain relationship and failure process of RAC under uniaxial stress based on the 3‐D BFEM are obtained. The numerical results show a good consistency with the experimental results. This illustrates that the numerical simulation can reflect the nonlinearity deformation, stress redistribution, and crack propagation process of RAC. In addition, the influence of recycled aggregate replacement percentage on strength and elastic modulus is investigated. The results show that the content proportion of recycled aggregate has a great effect on RAC, which have to be considered in the analysis and the application of RAC.
Change in cognition and body mass index in relation to preclinical dementia
Authors: Karlsson Ida K. , Zhan Yiqiang , Gatz Margaret , Reynolds Chandra A. , Dahl Aslan Anna K.
Published: May 2021

Introduction

To study if declining cognition drives weight loss in preclinical dementia, we examined the longitudinal association between body mass index (BMI) and cognitive abilities in individuals who did or did not later develop dementia.

Methods

Using data from individuals spanning age 50 to 89, we applied dual change score models separately in individuals who remained cognitively intact (n = 1498) and those who were diagnosed with dementia within 5 years of last assessment (n = 459).

Results

Among the cognitively intact, there was a bidirectional association: Stable BMI predicted stable cognition and vice versa. Among individuals who were subsequently diagnosed with dementia, the association was unidirectional: Higher BMI predicted declining cognition but cognition did not predict change in BMI.

Discussion

Although BMI and cognition stabilized each other when cognitive functioning was intact, this buffering effect was missing in the preclinical dementia phase. This finding indicates that weight loss in preclinical dementia is not driven by declining cognition.
Invisible neutrino decay: first vs second oscillation maximum
Authors: Chakraborty Kaustav , Dutta Debajyoti , Goswami Srubabati , Pramanik Dipyaman
Published: May 2021

Abstract

We study the physics potential of the long-baseline experiments T2HK, T2HKK and ESSνSB in the context of invisible neutrino decay. We consider normal mass ordering and assume the state ν3 as unstable, decaying into sterile states during the flight and obtain constraints on the neutrino decay lifetime (τ3). We find that T2HK, T2HKK and ESSνSB are sensitive to the decay-rate of ν3 for τ3/m3 ≤ 2.72 × 10−11s/eV, τ3/m3 ≤ 4.36 × 10−11s/eV and τ3/m3 ≤ 2.43 × 10−11s/eV respectively at 3σ C.L. We compare and contrast the sensitivities of the three experiments and specially investigate the role played by the mixing angle θ23. It is seen that for experiments with flux peak near the second oscillation maxima, the poorer sensitivity to θ23 results in weaker constraints on the decay lifetime. Although, T2HKK has one detector close to the second oscillation maxima, having another detector at the first oscillation maxima results in superior sensitivity to decay. In addition, we find a synergy between the two baselines of the T2HKK experiment which helps in giving a better sensitivity to decay for θ23 in the higher octant. We discuss the octant sensitivity in presence of decay and show that there is an enhancement in sensitivity which occurs due to the contribution from the survival probability Pμμ is more pronounced for the experiments at the second oscillation maxima. We also obtain the combined sensitivity of T2HK+ESSνSB and T2HKK+ESSνSB as τ3/m3 ≤ 4.36 × 10−11s/eV and τ3/m3 ≤ 5.53 × 10−11s/eV respectively at 3σ C.L.
Spheres to jets tuning event shapes with 5d simplified models
Authors: Cesarotti Cari , Reece Matthew , Strassler Matthew J.
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Hidden sectors could give rise to a wide variety of events at the LHC. Confining hidden sectors are known to engender events with a small number of jets when they are weakly-coupled at high energies, and quasi-spherical soft unclustered energy patterns (SUEPs) when they are very strongly-coupled (large ‘t Hooft coupling) at high energies. The intermediate regime is murky, and could give rise to signals hiding from existing search strategies. While the intermediate coupling regime is not calculable, it is possible to pursue a phenomenological approach in which one creates signals that are intermediate between spherical and jetty. We propose a strategy for generating events of this type using simplified models in extra dimensions. The degree to which the event looks spherical is related to the number of decays produced near kinematic threshold. We provide an analytic understanding of how this is determined by parameters of the model. To quantify the shape of events produced with this model, we use a recently proposed observable — event isotropy — which is a better probe of the spherical regime than earlier event shape observables.
Dispersion formulas in QFTs, CFTs and holography
Authors: Meltzer David
Published: May 2021

Abstract

We study momentum space dispersion formulas in general QFTs and their applications for CFT correlation functions. We show, using two independent methods, that QFT dispersion formulas can be written in terms of causal commutators. The first derivation uses analyticity properties of retarded correlators in momentum space. The second derivation uses the largest time equation and the defining properties of the time-ordered product. At four points we show that the momentum space QFT dispersion formula depends on the same causal double-commutators as the CFT dispersion formula. At n-points, the QFT dispersion formula depends on a sum of nested advanced commutators. For CFT four-point functions, we show that the momentum space dispersion formula is equivalent to the CFT dispersion formula, up to possible semi-local terms. We also show that the Polyakov-Regge expansions associated to the momentum space and CFT dispersion formulas are related by a Fourier transform. In the process, we prove that the momentum space conformal blocks of the causal double-commutator are equal to cut Witten diagrams. Finally, by combining the momentum space dispersion formulas with the AdS Cutkosky rules, we find a complete, bulk unitarity method for AdS/CFT correlators in momentum space.
The first law and Wald entropy formula of heterotic stringy black holes at first order in α′
Authors: Elgood Zachary , Ortín Tomás , Pereñíguez David
Published: May 2021

Abstract

We derive the first law of black hole mechanics in the context of the Heterotic Superstring effective action to first order in α′ using Wald’s formalism. We carefully take into account all the symmetries of the theory and, as a result, we obtain a manifestly gauge- and Lorentz-invariant entropy formula in which all the terms can be computed explicitly. An entropy formula with these properties allows unambiguous calculations of macroscopic black-hole entropies to first order in α′ that can be reliably used in a comparison with the microscopic ones. Such a formula was still lacking in the literature.

In the proof we use momentum maps to define covariant variations and Lie derivatives and restricted generalized zeroth laws which state the closedness of certain differential forms on the bifurcation sphere and imply the constancy of the associated potentials on it.

We study the relation between our entropy formula and other formulae that have been used in the literature.
Well-posedness analysis of multicomponent incompressible flow models
Authors: Bothe Dieter , Druet Pierre-Etienne
Published: May 2021

In this paper, we extend our study of mass transport in multicomponent isothermal fluids to the incompressible case. For a mixture, incompressibility is defined as the independence of average volume on pressure, and a weighted sum of the partial mass densities stays constant. In this type of models, the velocity field in the Navier–Stokes equations is not solenoidal and, due to different specific volumes of the species, the pressure remains connected to the densities by algebraic formula. By means of a change of variables in the transport problem, we equivalently reformulate the PDE system as to eliminate positivity and incompressibility constraints affecting the density, and prove two type of results: the local-in-time well-posedness in classes of strong solutions, and the global-in-time existence of solutions for initial data sufficiently close to a smooth equilibrium solution.
Simulation of the ductile machining mode of silicon
Authors: Klippel Hagen , Süssmaier Stefan , Röthlin Matthias , Afrasiabi Mohamadreza , Pala Uygar , Wegener Konrad
Published: May 2021

Diamond wire sawing has been developed to reduce the cutting loss when cutting silicon wafers from ingots. The surface of silicon solar cells must be flawless in order to achieve the highest possible efficiency. However, the surface is damaged during sawing. The extent of the damage depends primarily on the material removal mode. Under certain conditions, the generally brittle material can be machined in ductile mode, whereby considerably fewer cracks occur in the surface than with brittle material removal. In the presented paper, a numerical model is developed in order to support the optimisation of the machining process regarding the transition between ductile and brittle material removal. The simulations are performed with an GPU-accelerated in-house developed code using mesh-free methods which easily handle large deformations while classic methods like FEM would require intensive remeshing. The Johnson-Cook flow stress model is implemented and used to evaluate the applicability of a model for ductile material behaviour in the transition zone between ductile and brittle removal mode. The simulation results are compared with results obtained from single grain scratch experiments using a real, non-idealised grain geometry as present in the diamond wire sawing process.
Automated, flow-based chemiluminescence microarray immunoassay for the rapid multiplex detection of IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in human serum and plasma (CoVRapid CL-MIA)
Authors: Klüpfel Julia , Koros Rosa Carolina , Dehne Kerstin , Ungerer Martin , Würstle Silvia , Mautner Josef , Feuerherd Martin , Protzer Ulrike , Hayden Oliver , Elsner Martin , Seidel Michael
Published: May 2021

In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for rapid serological tests that allow multiplexing emerged, as antibody seropositivity can instruct about individual immunity after an infection with SARS-CoV-2 or after vaccination. As many commercial antibody tests are either time-consuming or tend to produce false negative or false positive results when only one antigen is considered, we developed an automated, flow-based chemiluminescence microarray immunoassay (CL-MIA) that allows for the detection of IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD), spike protein (S1 fragment), and nucleocapsid protein (N) in human serum and plasma in less than 8 min. The CoVRapid CL-MIA was tested with a set of 65 SARS-CoV-2 serology positive or negative samples, resulting in 100% diagnostic specificity and 100% diagnostic sensitivity, thus even outcompeting commercial tests run on the same sample set. Additionally, the prospect of future quantitative assessments (i.e., quantifying the level of antibodies) was demonstrated. Due to the fully automated process, the test can easily be operated in hospitals, medical practices, or vaccination centers, offering a valuable tool for COVID-19 serosurveillance.
Acoustic radiation force impulse imaging: normal values of spleen stiffness in healthy children
Authors: Hanquinet Sylviane , Habre Céline , Laurent Méryle , Anooshiravani Mehrak , Toso Seema
Published: May 2021

Background

Acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) imaging is a noninvasive ultrasound elastography technique for evaluating tissue stiffness. The association of liver and spleen stiffness provides additional information in the assessment of portal hypertension. The technique and normal values of spleen stiffness by point shear wave elastography (p-SWE) in pediatrics have not been well documented.

Objective

Our aim is to describe the feasibility and normal ARFI elastography values in the spleen for healthy children and to compare measurements in two different probe positions (the axial and sagittal planes).

Materials and methods

Spleen p-SWE using ARFI values were measured with a 6C1 probe in 102 healthy children (age range: 8 weeks to 17 years) divided into four age groups. An average of nine (standard deviation: two) spleen stiffness measurements were taken during free breathing in each plane (axial and sagittal). The impact of age and measurement plane in the spleen was analyzed using multivariate models.

Results

There was no significant difference in spleen stiffness values taken at different ages, with an average of the medians of 2.43±0.31 m/s. There was no significant difference based on probe orientation: sagittal plane (median: 2.46±0.29 m/s) and axial plane (median: 2.43±0.32 m/s) with Student’s t-test P=0.18. The mean depth of measurement varied between 2.3 cm and 3.7 cm, according to age.

Conclusion

Normal spleen stiffness values using ARFI imaging in children do not vary with age and correspond to a median of 2.43 m/s. No significant difference was found when using different probe positions.
Increasing coral calcification in Orbicella faveolata and Pseudodiploria strigosa at Flower Garden Banks, Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Manzello Derek P. , Kolodziej Graham , Kirkland Amanda , Besemer Nicole , Enochs Ian C.
Published: May 2021

Coral reefs are globally in decline and western Atlantic reefs have experienced the greatest losses in live coral cover of any region. The Flower Garden Banks (FGB) in the Gulf of Mexico are high-latitude, remote reefs that are an outlier to this trend, as they have maintained coral cover ≥ 50% since at least 1989. Quantifying the long-term trends in coral growth of key reef-building coral species, and the underlying environmental drivers, leads to a better understanding of local sensitivities to past changes that will ultimately allow us to better predict the future of reef growth at FGB. We obtained coral cores and constructed growth records for two of the most abundant hermatypic coral species at FGB, Pseudodiploria strigosa and Orbicella faveolata. Our records cover 57 yrs of growth for P. strigosa (1957–2013) and 45 yrs for O. faveolata (1970–2014). Linear extension and calcification rates of both species have increased significantly, but skeletal density did not change over the respective time periods. Extension and calcification data of both species combined were negatively correlated with the discharge from the Atchafalaya River, but positively correlated with maximum sea surface temperatures (SST). These data provide evidence that runoff from the Atchafalaya River impacts FGB corals and is a major control on coral growth at FGB. The increase in growth at FGB can be attributed to the significant warming trend in maximum monthly SSTs. Given the warming trend and recent increase in severity of bleaching at FGB, the prognosis is that bleaching events will become more deleterious with time, which will lead to a breakdown in the positive relationship between coral growth and maximum SST. This study provides further evidence that some high-latitude, cooler reef sites have experienced a stimulation in coral growth with ocean warming.
A multivariate intersection over union of SiamRPN network for visual tracking
Authors: Huang Zhihui , Zhao Huimin , Zhan Jin , Li Huakang
Published: May 2021

SiamPRN algorithm performs well in visual tracking, but it is easy to drift under occlusion and fast motion scenes because it uses $$\ell _1$$

ℓ
1

-smooth loss function to measure the regression location of bounding box. In this paper, we propose a multivariate intersection over union (MIOU) loss in SiamRPN tracking framework. Firstly, MIOU loss includes three geometric factors in regression: the overlap area ratio, the center distance ratio, and the aspect ratio, which can better reflect the coincidence degree of target box and prediction box. Secondly, we improve the definition of aspect ratio loss to avoid gradient explosion, improve the optimization performance of prediction box. Finally, based on SiamPRN tracker, we compared the tracking performance of $$\ell _1$$

ℓ
1

-smooth loss, IOU loss, GIOU loss, DIOU loss, and MIOU loss. Experimental results show that the MIOU loss has better target location regression than other loss functions on the OTB2015 and VOT2016 benchmark, especially for the challenges of occlusion, illumination change and fast motion.
Timely and individualized heart failure management: need for implementation into the new guidelines
Authors: Abdin Amr , Bauersachs Johann , Frey Norbert , Kindermann Ingrid , Link Andreas , Marx Nikolaus , Lainscak Mitja , Slawik Jonathan , Werner Christian , Wintrich Jan , Böhm Michael
Published: May 2021

Due to remarkable improvements in heart failure (HF) management over the last 30 years, a significant reduction in mortality and hospitalization rates in HF patients with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) has been observed. Currently, the optimization of guideline-directed chronic HF therapy remains the mainstay to further improve outcomes for patients with HFrEF to reduce mortality and HF hospitalization. This includes established device therapies, such as implantable defibrillators and cardiac resynchronization therapies, which improved patients' symptoms and prognosis. Over the last 10 years, new HF drugs have merged targeting various pathways, such as those that simultaneously suppress the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system and the breakdown of endogenous natriuretic peptides (e.g., sacubitril/valsartan), and those that inhibit theIfchannel and, thus, reduce heart rate (e.g., ivabradine). Furthermore, the treatment of patient comorbidities (e.g., iron deficiency) has shown to improve functional capacity and to reduce hospitalization rates, when added to standard therapy. More recently, other potential treatment mechanisms have been explored, such as the sodium/glucose co-transporter inhibitors, the guanylate cyclase stimulators and the cardiac myosin activators. In this review, we summarize the novel developments in HFrEF pharmacological and device therapy and discuss their implementation strategies into practice to further improve outcomes.
Retronasal olfactory testing in early diagnosed and suspected COVID-19 patients: a 7-week follow-up study
Authors: Prem Bernhard , Liu David Tianxiang , Besser Gerold , Renner Bertold , Mueller Christian Albert
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Olfactory dysfunction (OD) constitutes a major symptom in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Yet, most data on smell loss rely on the evaluation of orthonasal olfactory performance. Therefore, we aimed to assess retronasal olfactory function (ROF) over a period of several weeks in proven and suspected COVID-19 patients.

Methods

One hundred and one subjects with suspected or laboratory-proven COVID-19 participated in this study. In patients with OD no longer than 4 weeks after initial symptom onset, ROF was measured with the 7-item Candy Smell Test ten times over 7 weeks.

Results

Olfactory function was decreased in the investigated patients and remained decreased over the course of 7 weeks. One-way repeated-measures ANOVA revealed no significant difference of ROF between different measurement time points. However, self-assessment of smell and flavour improved significantly (p = 0.013 and p = 0.043), but did not show complete recovery.

Conclusion

The current investigation revealed significant improvements in subjective smell and flavour perception over the course of 7 weeks in proven and suspected COVID-19 patients suffering from acute OD. However, objectively measured ROF based on a screening test revealed no improvements within the same time period.
Fear conditioning and stimulus generalization in association with age in children and adolescents
Authors: Reinhard Julia , Slyschak Anna , Schiele Miriam A. , Andreatta Marta , Kneer Katharina , Reif Andreas , Domschke Katharina , Gamer Matthias , Pauli Paul , Deckert Jürgen , Romanos Marcel
Published: May 2021

The aim of the study was to investigate age-related differences in fear learning and generalization in healthy children and adolescents (n = 133), aged 8–17 years, using an aversive discriminative fear conditioning and generalization paradigm adapted from Lau et al. (2008). In the current task, participants underwent 24 trials of discriminative conditioning of two female faces with neutral facial expressions, with (CS+) or without (CS−) a 95-dB loud female scream, presented simultaneously with a fearful facial expression (US). The discriminative conditioning was followed by 72 generalization trials (12 CS+, 12 GS1, 12 GS2, 12 GS3, 12 GS4, and 12 CS−): four generalization stimuli depicting gradual morphs from CS+ to CS− in 20%-steps were created for the generalization phases. We hypothesized that generalization in children and adolescents is negatively correlated with age. The subjective ratings of valence, arousal, and US expectancy (the probability of an aversive noise following each stimulus), as well as skin conductance responses (SCRs) were measured. Repeated-measures ANOVAs on ratings and SCR amplitudes were calculated with the within-subject factors stimulus type (CS+, CS−, GS1-4) and phase (Pre-Acquisition, Acquisition 1, Acquisition 2, Generalization 1, Generalization 2). To analyze the modulatory role of age, we additionally calculated ANCOVAs considering age as covariate. Results indicated that (1) subjective and physiological responses were generally lower with increasing age irrespective to the stimulus quality, and (2) stimulus discrimination improved with increasing age paralleled by reduced overgeneralization in older individuals. Longitudinal follow-up studies are required to analyze fear generalization with regard to brain maturational aspects and clarify whether overgeneralization of conditioned fear promotes the development of anxiety disorders or vice versa.
Radical scavenger competition of alizarin and curcumin: a mechanistic DFT study on antioxidant activity
Authors: Sadatsharifi Malek , Purgel Mihály
Published: May 2021

In vivo hydroxyl, peroxyl, and superoxide free radicals caused by oxidative stress can be toxic to molecules that are essential for the human body. However, there are natural compounds that can decrease the amount of these harmful species. In this work, we are focusing on two well-known compounds, alizarin (red) and curcumin, to study their interactions with these small radicals for a comparison between a rigid and a flexible structure. We made a mechanistic study and found the major and minor degradation products of curcumin as well as the autoxidation products of it based on a wide range of literature. We found several more favored pathways than those that were previously proposed. On the contrary, for degradation/oxidation of alizarin, only a few proposed mechanisms can be found which were performed in specific conditions. Our calculations predicted some favored rearrangements for the alizarin by peroxyl and superoxide radicals.

Graphical abstract
Common patterns in the molecular phylogeography of western palearctic birds: a comprehensive review
Authors: Pârâu Liviu G. , Wink Michael
Published: May 2021

A plethora of studies have offered crucial insights in the phylogeographic status of Western Palearctic bird species. However, an overview integrating all this information and analyzing the combined results is still missing. In this study, we compiled all published peer-reviewed and grey literature available on the phylogeography of Western Palearctic bird species. Our literature review indicates a total number of 198 studies, with the overwhelming majority published as journal articles (n = 186). In total, these literature items offer information on 145 bird species. 85 of these species are characterized by low genetic differentiation, 46 species indicate genetic variation but no geographic structuring i.e. panmixia, while 14 species show geographically distinct lineages and haplotypes. Majority of bird species inhabiting the Western Palearctic display genetic admixture. The glaciation cycles in the past few million years were pivotal factors in shaping this situation: during warm periods many species expanded their distribution range to the north over wide areas of Eurasia; whereas, during ice ages most areas were no longer suitable and species retreated to refugia, where lineages mixed.
Symbiosis with artificial intelligence via the prism of law, robots, and society
Authors: Karnouskos Stamatis
Published: May 2021

The rapid advances in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics will have a profound impact on society as they will interfere with the people and their interactions. Intelligent autonomous robots, independent if they are humanoid/anthropomorphic or not, will have a physical presence, make autonomous decisions, and interact with all stakeholders in the society, in yet unforeseen manners. The symbiosis with such sophisticated robots may lead to a fundamental civilizational shift, with far-reaching effects as philosophical, legal, and societal questions on consciousness, citizenship, rights, and legal entity of robots are raised. The aim of this work is to understand the broad scope of potential issues pertaining to law and society through the investigation of the interplay of law, robots, and society via different angles such as law, social, economic, gender, and ethical perspectives. The results make it evident that in an era of symbiosis with intelligent autonomous robots, the law systems, as well as society, are not prepared for their prevalence. Therefore, it is now the time to start a multi-disciplinary stakeholder discussion and derive the necessary policies, frameworks, and roadmaps for the most eminent issues.
Developing pre-service primary teachers’ understanding of engineering through engineering habits of mind and engagement with engineers
Authors: Hanson Janet R. , Hardman Sally , Luke Sue , Lucas Bill
Published: May 2021

This paper explores how primary teachers might be prepared through their pre-service training to feel more confident to include engineering in their teaching. Prompted by concerns about young people’s lack of interest in STEM subjects and careers, engineering is gradually gaining visibility in the primary curriculum in several forms, particularly through integrated STEM programmes. However, the status of engineering relative to science, technology and mathematics remains contested in schools and engineering has low visibility in pre-service preparation programmes for primary teachers. Therefore, this case-study investigated how two strategies might give students learning to be primary technology, computing and science teachers greater confidence to introduce the concept of engineering into their teaching. By reframing engineering as engineering habits of mind and by giving students experience of engaging with practising engineers, the study found that it was possible to enhance primary trainee teachers’ understanding of the world of engineering and increase their confidence to introduce engineering habits of mind in lessons with primary children. The paper concludes with some implications for practice of this approach.
Congenital Athymia: Genetic Etiologies, Clinical Manifestations, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Authors: Collins Cathleen , Sharpe Emily , Silber Abigail , Kulke Sarah , Hsieh Elena W. Y.
Published: May 2021

Congenital athymia is an ultra-rare disease characterized by the absence of a functioning thymus. It is associated with several genetic and syndromic disorders including FOXN1 deficiency, 22q11.2 deletion, CHARGE Syndrome (Coloboma, Heart defects, Atresia of the nasal choanae, Retardation of growth and development, Genitourinary anomalies, and Ear anomalies), and Complete DiGeorge Syndrome. Congenital athymia can result from defects in genes that impact thymic organ development such asFOXN1andPAX1or from genes that are involved in development of the entire midline region, such asTBX1within the 22q11.2 region,CHD7, andFOXI3. Patients with congenital athymia have profound immunodeficiency, increased susceptibility to infections, and frequently, autologous graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Athymic patients often present with absent T cells but normal numbers of B cells and Natural Killer cells (T−B+NK+), similar to a phenotype of severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID); these patients may require additional steps to confirm the diagnosis if no known genetic cause of athymia is identified. However, distinguishing athymia from SCID is crucial, as treatments differ for these conditions. Cultured thymus tissue is being investigated as a treatment for congenital athymia. Here, we review what is known about the epidemiology, underlying etiologies, clinical manifestations, and treatments for congenital athymia.
When Methods Meet Motives: methodological pluralism in Social Work research
Authors: Ganzevles Martine , Andriessen Daan , Van Regenmortel Tine , van Weeghel Jaap
Published: May 2021

In Social Work research there is a strong debate on the distinctiveness and methodological quality, and how to address the dilemma of rigour and practice relevance. Given the nature of Social Work the field has developed a characteristic research culture that puts emphasis on giving voice to service users and disseminating research knowledge in practice, especially in a stream of so called practice-based research. However, there is no consensus on how to best contribute to the practice of Social Work through research and at the same time producing rigourous scientific outcomes, resulting in methodological pluralism. Studying the perceptions of Social Work researchers on their role, the aims and values of Social Work research and their research approach, provides insight into the methodological pluralism of Social Work research. Thirty-four professors specialising in practice-based Social Work research participated in a Q methodology study. Q methodology combines qualitative and quantitative methods. It helped reveal and describe divergent views as well as consensus. The analysis led to the identification of three differing viewpoints on Social Work research, which have been given the following denominators: The Substantiator, The Change Agent and The Enlightener. The viewpoints provide researchers in the field of Social Work with a framework in which they can position themselves in the methodological pluralism. Researchers state that the viewpoints are helpful in clarifying perspectives on good research, facilitate the discourse on methodological choices to further develop and strengthen Social Work research as a scientific discipline.
Super Resolution Digital Image Correlation (SR-DIC): an Alternative to Image Stitching at High Magnifications
Authors: Hansen R. S. , Waldram D. W. , Thai T. Q. , Berke R. B.
Published: May 2021

Background

High-resolution Digital Image Correlation (DIC) measurements have previously been produced by stitching of neighboring images, which often requires short working distances. Separately, the image processing community has developed super resolution (SR) imaging techniques, which improve resolution by combining multiple overlapping images.

Objective

This work investigates the novel pairing of super resolution with digital image correlation, as an alternative method to produce high-resolution full-field strain measurements.

Methods

First, an image reconstruction test is performed, comparing the ability of three previously published SR algorithms to replicate a high-resolution image. Second, an applied translation is compared against DIC measurement using both low- and super-resolution images. Third, a ring sample is mechanically deformed and DIC strain measurements from low- and super-resolution images are compared.

Results

SR measurements show improvements compared to low-resolution images, although they do not perfectly replicate the high-resolution image. SR-DIC demonstrates reduced error and improved confidence in measuring rigid body translation when compared to low resolution alternatives, and it also shows improvement in spatial resolution for strain measurements of ring deformation.

Conclusions

Super resolution imaging can be effectively paired with Digital Image Correlation, offering improved spatial resolution, reduced error, and increased measurement confidence.
Maternal stress programs a demasculinization of glutamatergic transmission in stress-related brain regions of aged rats
Authors: Verhaeghe Remy , Gao Vance , Morley-Fletcher Sara , Bouwalerh Hammou , Van Camp Gilles , Cisani Francesca , Nicoletti Ferdinando , Maccari Stefania
Published: May 2021

Brain aging may be programmed by early-life stress. Aging affects males and females differently, but how perinatal stress (PRS) affects brain aging between sexes is unknown. We showed behavioral and neurobiological sex differences in non-stressed control rats that were strongly reduced or inverted in PRS rats. In particular, PRS decreased risk-taking behavior, spatial memory, exploratory behavior, and fine motor behavior in male aged rats. In contrast, female aged PRS rats displayed only increased risk-taking behavior and reduced exploratory behavior. PRS induced large reductions in the expression of glutamate receptors in the ventral and dorsal hippocampus and prefrontal cortex only in male rats. PRS also reduced the expression of synaptic vesicle-associated proteins, glucocorticoid receptors (GR), and mineralocorticoid receptors (MR) in the ventral hippocampus of aged male rats. In contrast, in female aged rats, PRS enhanced the expression of MRs and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the ventral hippocampus and the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and BDNF in the prefrontal cortex. A common PRS effect in both sexes was a reduction in exploratory behavior and metabotropic glutamate (mGlu2/3) receptors in the ventral hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. A multidimensional analysis revealed that PRS induced a demasculinization profile in glutamate-related proteins in the ventral and dorsal hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, as well as a demasculinization profile of stress markers only in the dorsal hippocampus. In contrast, defeminization was observed only in the ventral hippocampus. Measurements of testosterone and 17-β-estradiol in the plasma and aromatase in the dorsal hippocampus were consistent with a demasculinizing action of PRS. These findings confirm that the brains of males and females differentially respond to PRS and aging suggesting that females might be more protected against early stress and age-related inflammation and neurodegeneration. Taken together, these results may contribute to understanding how early environmental factors shape vulnerability to brain aging in both sexes and may lay the groundwork for future studies aimed at identifying new treatment strategies to improve the quality of life of older individuals, which is of particular interest given that there is a high growth of aging in populations around the world.
The association of proBNPage with manifestations of age-related cardiovascular, physical, and psychological impairment in community-dwelling older adults
Authors: Muscari Antonio , Bianchi Giampaolo , Forti Paola , Magalotti Donatella , Pandolfi Paolo , Zoli Marco ,   the Pianoro Study Group
Published: May 2021

NT-proB-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) serum concentration can be transformed by simple formulas into proBNPage, a surrogate of biological age strongly associated with chronological age, all-cause mortality, and disease count. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess whether proBNPage is also associated with other manifestations of the aging process in comparison with other variables. The study included 1117 noninstitutionalized older adults (73.1 ± 5.6 years, 537 men). Baseline measurements of serum NT-proBNP, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, hemoglobin, lymphocytes, and creatinine, which have previously been shown to be highly associated with both age and all-cause mortality, were performed. These variables were compared between subjects with and without manifestations of cardiovascular impairment (myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, peripheral artery disease (PAD), arterial revascularizations (AR)), physical impairment (long step test duration (LSTD), walking problems, falls, deficit in one or more activities of daily living), and psychological impairment (poor self-rating of health (PSRH), anxiety/depression, Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) score < 24). ProBNPage (years) was independently associated (OR, 95% CI) with MI (1.08, 1.07–1.10), stroke (1.02, 1.00–1.05), PAD (1.04, 1.01–1.06), AR (1.06, 1.04–1.08), LSTD (1.03, 1.02–1.04), walking problems (1.02, 1.01–1.03), and PSRH (1.02, 1.01–1.02). For 5 of these 7 associations, the relationship was stronger than that of chronological age. In addition, proBNPage was univariately associated with MMSE score < 24, anxiety/depression, and falls. None of the other variables provided comparable performances. Thus, in addition to the known associations with mortality and disease count, proBNPage is also associated with cardiovascular manifestations as well as noncardiovascular manifestations of the aging process.
Maternal Hypertensive Pregnancy Disorders and Mental and Behavioral Disorders in the Offspring: a Review
Authors: Robinson Rachel , Lähdepuro Anna , Tuovinen Soile , Girchenko Polina , Rantalainen Ville , Heinonen Kati , Lahti Jari , Räikkönen Katri , Lahti-Pulkkinen Marius
Published: May 2021

Purpose of Review

We review here recent original research and meta-analytic evidence on the associations of maternal hypertensive pregnancy disorders and mental and behavioral disorders in the offspring.

Recent Findings

Seven meta-analyses and 11 of 16 original research studies published since 2015 showed significant associations between maternal hypertensive pregnancy disorders and offspring mental and behavioral disorders. Evidence was most consistent in meta-analyses and high-quality cohort studies. The associations, independent of familial confounding, were observed on different mental and behavioral disorders in childhood and schizophrenia in adulthood. Preterm birth and small-for-gestational age birth emerged as possible moderators and mediators of the associations. Cross-sectional and case-control studies yielded inconsistent findings, but had lower methodological quality.

Accumulating evidence from methodologically sound studies shows that maternal hypertensive pregnancy disorders are associated with an increased risk of mental and behavioral disorders in the offspring in childhood. More studies on adult mental disorders are needed.
L’acromegalia nell’anziano
Authors: Gagliardi Irene , Chiloiro Sabrina , Giampietro Antonella , Bianchi Antonio , Zatelli Maria Chiara , Ambrosio Maria Rosaria
Published: May 2021

Sommario

Un aumento del numero di pazienti acromegalici anziani è atteso nei prossimi anni grazie ai miglioramenti apportati in campo diagnostico e terapeutico. La diagnosi di acromegalia nell’anziano può risultare insidiosa a causa di quadri clinici sfumati che possono sovrapporsi alle manifestazioni tipiche dell’invecchiamento. Non esistono criteri diagnostici specifici per l’anziano. La chirurgia si è dimostrata efficace e relativamente sicura anche nel paziente anziano che, tuttavia, presenta una buona risposta agli analoghi della somatostatina.
Towards open-source LOD2 modelling using convolutional neural networks
Authors: Muftah H. , Rowan T. S. L. , Butler A. P.
Published: May 2021

The aim of this paper is to classify and segment roofs using vertical aerial imagery to generate three-dimensional (3D) models. Such models can be used, for example, to evaluate the rainfall runoff from properties for rainwater harvesting and in assessing solar energy and roof insulation options. Aerial orthophotos and building footprints are used to extract individual roofs and bounding boxes, which are then fed into one neural network for classification and then another for segmentation. The approach initially implements transfer learning on a pre-trained VGG16 model. The first step achieves an accuracy of 95.39% as well as aF1score of 95%. The classified images are segmented using a fully convolutional network semantic segmentation model. The mask of the segmented roof planes is used to extract the coordinates of the roof edges and the nexus points using the Harris corner detector algorithm. The coordinates of the corners are then used to plot a 3D Level of Detail 2 (LOD2) representation of the building and the roof height is determined by calculating the maximum and minimum height of a Digital Surface Model LiDAR point cloud and known building height data. Subsequently the wireframe plot can be used to compute the roof area. This model achieved an accuracy of 80.2%, 96.1%, 96.0%, 85.1% and 91.1% for flat, hip, gable, cross-hip and mansard roofs, respectively.
Explaining New Patterns in Family Leave Policies in Latin America: Competing Visions and Facilitating Institutions
Authors: Hawley Marisa , Carnes Matthew E.
Published: May 2021

Recent years have seen the rapid passage and modification of family leave policies in Latin America, a surprising trend, given the region’s historically conservative gender norms. This article argues that the rise of new paternity leave policies—as well as the modifications to longer-standing maternity leave policies—reflects contending visions of gender and the family, mediated by the institutions and actors that populate the region’s political landscape. Using an original dataset of family policy measures, this article finds that the factors facilitating the adoption of new, vanguard policies, such as paternity leave, function in ways different from those that shape the expansion of longer-standing policies, including maternity leave.