bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alterations of Lipidomes in Rat Photoreceptor Degeneration Induced by N‐Methyl‐N‐nitrosourea
Authors: Zhou Yunhua , Zhou Guomin
Published: June 2021

To investigate alterations of lipidomes in the progress of photoreceptor degeneration induced by N‐methyl‐N‐nitrosourea (MNU) in a rat model, retinal lipid molecular species in adult Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats at 1, 3, and 7 days after MNU administration and age‐matched controls were analyzed by the shotgun lipidomics technology. Moreover, total fatty acid levels in retinal, liver, and plasma samples of different groups were determined with gas chromatography. Generally, at day 1, the levels of ethanolamine plasmalogen species in retinas were markedly elevated after treatment with MNU, while the contents of other phospholipids and sphingolipids in the retina were not significantly changed than those of the control group. The compositions of almost all of unsaturated fatty acids in the retina increased significantly at day 1 after MNU administration. At day 7, the MNU treatment group has significant increases in lipid species in the retina. However, the majority of lipids containing docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n‐3) and docosapentaenoic acid (22:5n‐6) declined, especially di‐DHA phospholipids were dramatically reduced in the retina. In contrast, similar alterations did not occur in plasma or the liver after MNU treatment. These results suggested that at the early stage of photoreceptor degeneration, lipidome remodeling in the retina might involve protection of photoreceptor from apoptosis and continue their transduction of light. However, at the late stage of photoreceptor apoptosis, increases in comprehensive lipid species occurred, likely due to the myelination of the retina. Finally, the deficiency of DHA in photoreceptor degeneration could exacerbate the influence of myelination on retinal function. We further investigated the effects of unsaturated fatty acids on neuronal apoptosis. The preliminary experiments confirmed our observation from lipidomics analysis that unsaturated fatty acids can protect neurons from apoptosis. Collectively, our study suggests that increased levels of DHA should be protective from photoreceptor degeneration.
A wideband circularly polarized reflectarray using novel Pancharatnam‐Berry phase elements
Authors: Sun Luyang , Zhao Yongjiu , Chen Jiaqing , Xing Lei
Published: June 2021

A wideband circularly polarized reflectarray using novel single layer multi‐resonant Pancharatnam‐Berry (PB) phase elements is proposed. The unit cell consists of an I‐shaped structure and two parallel rectangular patches that generate and regulate three plasmonic resonances, which realizes broadband circular polarization (CP) maintaining reflection from 8.8 to 16 GHz. By gradually rotating the element structures, 360° phase shifts providing reflected phase in different units can be achieved due to the attractive characteristic of PB phase elements. To verify the performance of this design, a prototype of reflectarray with 41 × 41 elements is fabricated and measured. The experimental results indicate that the reflectarray has an excellent performance in terms of 66.9% 3‐dB axial ratio bandwidth, 30.5% 1‐dB gain bandwidth, 53.8% 3‐dB gain bandwidth and 52.1% peak aperture efficiency at 12.5 GHz. The design can be a promising candidate for satellite communication applications.
ICAbasedDoAestimation with minimum input data
Authors: Correia Filho Luis Alves , Fontgalland Glauco , Ferreira Paulo Ixtânio Leite
Published: June 2021

This paper presents a method for locating electromagnetic sources with an optimized number of measurements by using Independent Component Analysis method. This method can detect the Direction of Arrival (DoA) of sources in special cases such as application of equal number of sensors and sources and detection of sources placed one behind another (overlapped). Simulations and measurements were performed to evaluate the performance of the presented method as well as the comparison to MUSIC and ESPRIT classical algorithms. The ICA method does not only estimate the number of sources, but also has the capability to correlate the DoA of the estimated signal to its source. The advantages and disadvantages of the three methods show the high potential application of the ICA as DoA algorithm.
Development of attenuation correction methods using deep learning in brain‐perfusion single‐photon emission computed tomography
Authors: Murata Taisuke , Yokota Hajime , Yamato Ryuhei , Horikoshi Takuro , Tsuneda Masato , Kurosawa Ryuna , Hashimoto Takuma , Ota Joji , Sawada Koichi , Iimori Takashi , Masuda Yoshitada , Mori Yasukuni , Suyari Hiroki , Uno Takashi
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Computed tomography (CT)‐based attenuation correction (CTAC) in single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is highly accurate, but it requires hybrid SPECT/CT instruments and additional radiation exposure. To obtain attenuation correction (AC) without the need for additional CT images, a deep learning method was used to generate pseudo‐CT images has previously been reported, but it is limited because of cross‐modality transformation, resulting in misalignment and modality‐specific artifacts. This study aimed to develop a deep learning‐based approach using non‐attenuation‐corrected (NAC) images and CTAC‐based images for training to yield AC images in brain‐perfusion SPECT. This study also investigated whether the proposed approach is superior to conventional Chang’s AC (ChangAC).

Methods

In total, 236 patients who underwent brain‐perfusion SPECT were randomly divided into two groups: the training group (189 patients; 80%) and the test group (47 patients; 20%). Two models were constructed using Autoencoder (AutoencoderAC) and U‐Net (U‐NetAC), respectively. ChangAC, AutoencoderAC, and U‐NetAC approaches were compared with CTAC using qualitative analysis (visual evaluation) and quantitative analysis (normalized mean squared error [NMSE] and the percentage error in each brain region). Statistical analyses were performed using the Wilcoxon signed‐rank sum test and Bland‐Altman analysis.

Results

U‐NetAC had the highest visual evaluation score. The NMSE results for the U‐NetAC were the lowest, followed by AutoencoderAC and ChangAC (P < 0.001). Bland‐Altman analysis showed a fixed bias for ChangAC and AutoencoderAC and a proportional bias for ChangAC. ChangAC underestimated counts by 30–40% in all brain regions. AutoencoderAC and U‐NetAC produced mean errors of <1% and maximum errors of 3%, respectively.

Conclusion

New deep learning‐based AC methods for AutoencoderAC and U‐NetAC were developed. Their accuracy was higher than that obtained by ChangAC. U‐NetAC exhibited higher qualitative and quantitative accuracy than AutoencoderAC. We generated highly accurate AC images directly from NAC images without the need for intermediate pseudo‐CT images. To verify our models’ generalizability, external validation is required.
Evaluating the effectiveness of patient tailored treatment for patients with non‐specific low back pain: A systematic review
Authors: Chys M. , Cagnie B. , De Meulemeester K. , Bontinck J. , Meeus M. , Dewitte V.
Published: June 2021

Objective

This systematic review summarizes the relevant literature on the effectiveness of tailored interventions in non‐specific low back pain (NSLBP).

Methods

The search strategy has been executed in December 2019 in the electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science and Embase. Study selection, data extraction and quality assessment were done independently by two authors.

Results

A total six eligible studies were identified. Five out of six articles used a classification system to subgroup patients. All active patient tailored interventions had similar or better results than the non‐patient tailored interventions, most importantly on pain (short‐ and mid‐term, not for long term follow‐up). Two motor control interventions revealed sustained or increased effects at 12 months follow‐up for disability. For cost‐effectiveness, medication use and work absenteeism, results were inconclusive. Global rating of change evaluation confirmed significant between‐group results at 10 weeks to 4 months follow‐up, but results were not maintained at 12‐month evaluation.

Discussion & conclusion

Our findings support the preliminary evidence for the use of patient tailored treatment for reductions in pain and disability. However, our results are of very low to moderate quality evidence and the observed effects strongly depend on the subgroups and the chosen interventions. More high‐quality RCT's with homogenous designs and larger sample sizes are needed.
Der erstaunliche Klimafußabdruck von Recycling‐Gold
Authors: Fritz Benjamin , Schmidt Mario
Published: June 2021

Der römische Poet Albius Tibullus schrieb in einer seiner Elegien: „Unter Gold verbergen sich oft viele Übel.“ Heute, mehr als 20 Jahrhunderte später, scheint dies trotz der Konfliktmineralienverordnung der EU immer noch richtig zu sein. Aber es gibt Ausnahmen.
Mehr Analyten, kleinere Proben
Authors: Jaeger Carsten , Lisec Jan , Saatz Jessica , Traub Heike , Meermann Björn , von der Au Marcus
Published: June 2021

Umwelt‐ und Lebensmittelanalytik nutzen verstärkt massenspektrometrische Techniken aus den Lebenswissenschaften. Und mit Techniken aus Geologie und Werkstoffwissenschaften lassen sich auch medizinische Proben untersuchen – ein Überblick über die Entwicklungen in der Massenspektrometrie.
Reach‐Anmeldungen: Wundertüte Naturstoffmischung
Authors: Ehrensberger Christian
Published: June 2021

Es ist kaum möglich, ein Gemisch wie Weihrauch für den sicheren Handel nach der EU‐Chemikalienverordnung Reach zu testen – jedenfalls nicht mit vertretbaren Kosten. Unternehmen müssen mit den Behörden gemeinsam eine Lösung finden.
Die Roesslers von der Scheideanstalt
Authors: Offermanns Heribert , Hohmeyer Andrea
Published: June 2021

Vor 15 Jahren verschwand der Name eines großen deutschen Traditionsunternehmens: Degussa. An Industriegeschichte Interessierte wissen, wofür das Akronym stand: für die 1873 gegründete Aktiengesellschaft „Deutsche Gold‐ und Silber‐Scheideanstalt vormals Roessler“. Wer waren die Roesslers?
Im Hörsaal und vor dem Monitor
Authors: Huy Peter
Published: June 2021

Hybride Lehrformen kombinieren klassische Veranstaltungen mit der Online‐Übertragung von Lehrinhalten. Hybridlehre hat somit eine Schlüsselfunktion, um Studierenden wieder Unterricht in Präsenz zu ermöglichen. Die Umsetzung erfordert allerdings mehr technische Ausstattung, als in den meisten Hörsälen vorhanden ist. Ein Erfahrungsbericht.
Patente und Lizenzen: Geschützt in die Praxis
Authors: Cuypers Lars
Published: June 2021

Eine Technologietransfer‐Organisation hilft Max‐Planck‐Instituten dabei, Erfindungen mit Partnern aus der Industrie auf den Markt zu bringen. Beispiele sind luftstabile Ni0‐Stilben‐Katalysatoren oder Nanobänder aus Graphen.
Keine Kosten, viel Spaß
Authors: von Randow Clara Adele , Schmid Jonas Rachid
Published: June 2021

Moleküle in den Händen halten, und das fast ohne Hardware: Ein Projekt der Freien Universität Berlin macht Chemie erfassbar.
Bilanz 2020: Covestro
Authors: Bulmahn Maren
Published: June 2021

Im Jahr 2020 hat der Polymerwerkstoffhersteller Covestro weniger umgesetzt. Ein Zukauf soll mehr Umsatz bringen und die Ausrichtung auf eine nachhaltige Entwicklung für die Umwelt unterstützen.
Bilanz 2020: Lanxess
Authors: Bulmahn Maren
Published: June 2021

Der Spezialchemiekonzern Lanxess hat sich im Jahr 2020 umstrukturiert: Er hat keinen Chemieparkanteil mehr, dafür ein Segment mit Produkten, die näher an Verbrauchern als an der Industrie sind.
Bilanz 2020: Wacker
Authors: Bulmahn Maren
Published: June 2021

Das Münchner Unternehmen Wacker baut auf den weltweiten Photovoltaikmarkt und sinkende Rohstoffkosten. Ein Sparprogramm soll zu 1200 weniger Beschäftigten führen.
Nackte Elektronen mit Potenzial
Authors: von Randow Clara Adele , Thiele Günther
Published: June 2021

Elektridlösungen, also in einem Lösungsmittel solvatisierte Elektronen, sind seit mehr als 200 Jahren bekannt. Inzwischen lassen sie sich nicht nur gut isolieren und charakterisieren, sondern ihre Reaktivität lässt sich auch gezielt nutzen.
Nachruf: Siegfried Hünig (1921 – 2021)
Authors: Würthner Frank , Christl Manfred
Published: June 2021

Siegfried Hünig starb am 24. März 2021. Die Siegfried‐Hünig‐Vorlesungen in Würzburg werden die Erinnerungen an ihn lebendig halten.
Vorstandssitzung
Authors: Koch Wolfram
Published: June 2021

Bericht über die Sitzung des GDCh‐Vorstands am 15. März 2021
Nachruf: Volker Jäger (1942 – 2021)
Authors: Podlech Joachim , Pietruszka Jörg
Published: June 2021

Volker Jäger starb am 15. März 2021. Bis zuletzt war er wissenschaftlich tätig: Seine letzte
Efficacy and safety of mirabegron in children and adolescents with neurogenic detrusor overactivity: An open‐label, phase 3, dose‐titration study
Authors: Baka‐Ostrowska Małgorzata , Bolong David T. , Persu Cristian , Tøndel Camilla , Steup Achim , Lademacher Christopher , Martin Nancy
Published: June 2021

Aims

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of mirabegron in children and adolescents (aged 3 to <18 years) with neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) using clean intermittent catheterization.

Methods

In this open‐label, multicenter, baseline‐controlled, Phase III study (NCT02751931), participants received once‐daily mirabegron at an adult dose equivalent of 25 mg. Dose was increased to 50 mg equivalent unless there were safety/tolerability concerns. The primary efficacy endpoint was change from baseline to Week 24 in maximum cystometric capacity (MCC). Secondary urodynamic assessments, Pediatric Incontinence Questionnaire (PIN‐Q), Patient Global Impression of Severity (PGI‐S), Clinician Global Impression of Change (CGI‐C), and Acceptability questionnaires were included.

Results

Overall, 86 participants (55 aged 3 to <12 years, 31 aged 12 to <18 years) received treatment; 68 were included in efficacy assessments. A statistically significant increase in MCC from baseline to Week 24 was observed (87.20 ml, 95% confidence interval: 66.07, 108.33; p < .001); this increase was apparent from Week 4. Significant increases in bladder compliance, bladder volume until first detrusor contraction, average volume per catheterization, maximum daytime catheterized volume and number of dry days per week. Significant decreases in detrusor pressure and number of leakage episodes per day were also observed. Significant improvement in PGI‐S but not PIN‐Q was observed. Most participants reported their condition had either much or very much improved using the CGI‐C. Mirabegron was well tolerated in this population with a profile aligned with that in adults.

Conclusions

Mirabegron was effective and well‐tolerated in the treatment of pediatric patients with NDO.
Topology optimization of structures in transient impacts with Coulomb friction
Authors: Kristiansen Hansotto , Poulios Konstantinos , Aage Niels
Published: June 2021

This paper demonstrates gradient driven density‐based topology optimization of transient impact problems with friction. The sensitivities are obtained using the semi‐discrete adjoint approach in which the temporal components are obtained by the "differentiate then discretize" whereas the spatial part is determined discretely. In this work, the sensitivity analysis method is extended to a mixed formulation involving both displacements, velocities, accelerations, and contact forces. The proposed formulation allows to account for frictional impacts during the structural optimization process. A first simple example demonstrates the effects of including frictional impacts into the transient design problem. As a second example, a drop test is considered and a casing for protecting a falling object during a frictional impact, is designed. Solid‐void designs are obtained by application of the robust design formulation combined with a parameter continuation scheme.
Good Quality Care for Cancer Patients Dying in Hospitals, but Information Needs Unmet: Bereaved Relatives’ Survey within Seven Countries
Authors: Haugen Dagny Faksvåg , Hufthammer Karl Ove , Gerlach Christina , Sigurdardottir Katrin , Hansen Marit Irene Tuen , Ting Grace , Tripodoro Vilma Adriana , Goldraij Gabriel , Yanneo Eduardo Garcia , Leppert Wojciech , Wolszczak Katarzyna , Zambon Lair , Passarini Juliana Nalin , Saad Ivete Alonso Bredda , Weber Martin , Ellershaw John , Mayland Catriona Rachel ,   the ERANet-LAC CODE Project Group
Published: June 2021

Background

Recognized disparities in quality of end-of-life care exist. Our aim was to assess the quality of care for patients dying from cancer, as perceived by bereaved relatives, within hospitals in seven European and South American countries.

Materials and Methods

A postbereavement survey was conducted by post, interview, or via tablet in Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, U.K., Germany, Norway, and Poland. Next of kin to cancer patients were asked to complete the international version of the Care Of the Dying Evaluation (i-CODE) questionnaire 6–8 weeks postbereavement. Primary outcomes were (a) how frequently the deceased patient was treated with dignity and respect, and (b) how well the family member was supported in the patient's last days of life.

Results

Of 1,683 potential participants, 914 i-CODE questionnaires were completed (response rate, 54%). Approximately 94% reported the doctors treated their family member with dignity and respect “always” or “most of the time”; similar responses were given about nursing staff (94%). Additionally, 89% of participants reported they were adequately supported; this was more likely if the patient died on a specialist palliative care unit (odds ratio, 6.3; 95% confidence interval, 2.3–17.8). Although 87% of participants were told their relative was likely to die, only 63% were informed about what to expect during the dying phase.

Conclusion

This is the first study assessing quality of care for dying cancer patients from the bereaved relatives’ perspective across several countries on two continents. Our findings suggest many elements of good care were practiced but improvement in communication with relatives of imminently dying patients is needed. (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03566732).

Implications for Practice

Previous studies have shown that bereaved relatives’ views represent a valid way to assess care for dying patients in the last days of their life. The Care Of the Dying Evaluation questionnaire is a suitable tool for quality improvement work to help determine areas where care is perceived well and areas where care is perceived as lacking. Health care professionals need to sustain high quality communication into the last phase of the cancer trajectory. In particular, discussions about what to expect when someone is dying and the provision of hydration in the last days of life represent key areas for improvement.
Polyvinylсhloride‐based anion exchanger for efficient removal of chromium (VI) from aqueous solutions
Authors: Bekchanov Davron , Mukhamediev Mukhtar , Lieberzeit Peter , Babojonova Gulbakhor , Botirov Sunnat
Published: June 2021

Chemical modification of plasticized polyvinylchloride with polyethylenepolyamine leads to anion exchange resin (PPE‐1). Different characterization techniques, such as XRD, FTIR, and SEM of PPE‐1 anion exchanger revealed weak base amino groups as well as macroporous structure morphology. PPE‐1 turned out effective to remove hexavalent chromium ions from aqueous media. Corresponding adsorption kinetics best fit the pseudo‐second order model that followed a Freundlich isotherm. In the case of hexavalent chromium ions, the maximum adsorption capacity of PPE‐1 was 218.4 mg/g. Thermodynamic data revealed spontaneous endothermic processes and a chemisorption reaction. In addition, results show that the anion exchanger (PPE‐1) has 98% for removing hexavalent chromium ions containing from wastewater.
Prenatal prediction of fetal Rh C, c and E status by amplification of maternal cfDNA and deep sequencing
Authors: Rieneck Klaus , Clausen Frederik Banch , Bergholt Thomas , Nørgaard Lone Nikoline , Dziegiel Morten Hanefeld
Published: June 2021

Background

The Rh blood group system has considerable clinical importance. The C, c, and E antigens are targets of alloantibodies. Anti‐C, anti‐c or anti‐E alloreactive antibodies produced in pregnant women can cause anemia of a fetus carrying the corresponding antigens.

Aims

Based on NGS technology, we have developed a noninvasive diagnostic assay to predict the fetal blood group of C, c or E antigens by sequencing cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) during pregnancy.

Materials and methods

The SNVs underlying either the C, c or E antigens were PCR amplified and sequenced using NGS on a MiSeq instrument. The DNA sequences encoding the C, c or E antigen were counted, as were the number of total sequences. Based on the percentage of fetally derived target SNVs inherited from the father, the fetal blood group could be predicted.

Results

The results of 55 consecutive RHCE prenatal analyses with postnatal serological blood group determination of 30 newborns showed no discordant results. A threshold discerning positive from negative samples was set at 0.05% specific reads.

Discussion

Noninvasive, prenatal prediction of fetal blood groups by sequencing cfDNA for the detection of low‐level RHCE*C, RHCE*c and RHCE*E sequences was established as an accurate and robust assay applicable for use in clinical settings.
Updated sustainability status of crystalline silicon‐based photovoltaic systems: Life‐cycle energy and environmental impact reduction trends
Authors: Fthenakis Vasilis , Leccisi Enrica
Published: June 2021

This paper provides a comprehensive assessment of the current life‐cycle sustainability status of crystalline‐based photovoltaic (PV) systems. Specifically, single‐crystalline Si (sc‐Si) and multicrystalline Si (mc‐Si) PV systems are analyzed in terms of their environmental and energy performance, providing breakdown contributions and comparisons with estimates published 6 years ago. Results clearly show the significant environmental improvement in the sc‐Si PV system production—mainly at the wafer stage—for which the impacts have been reduced by up to 50% in terms of carbon emissions and 42% in terms of acid gas emissions. The life‐cycle cumulative energy demand is estimated to be approximately 48% lower (for sc‐Si) and 24% lower (for mc‐Si) than previously reported estimates. Energy payback times of currently installed systems range from 1.3 (for c‐Si PV) and 1.5 years (mc‐Si PV) for fixed‐tilt ground‐mounted installations at low irradiation (1000 kWh/m2/year), to 0.6 years at high irradiation (2300 kWh/m2/year). The resulting energy returns on investment—expressed in terms of primary energy—range from 22 (at low irradiation) to 52 (at high irradiation) for sc‐Si PV systems and from 21 to 47 for mc‐Si PV systems. Furthermore, we examine the effects of cleaner electricity grids and grid efficiency improvements on these environmental and energy indicators.
On the transition of reaction pathway during microwave plasma gas‐phase synthesis of graphene nanosheets: From amorphous to highly crystalline structure
Authors: Toman Jozef , Jašek Ondřej , Šnírer Miroslav , Pavliňák David , Navrátil Zdeněk , Jurmanová Jana , Chudják Stanislav , Krčma František , Kudrle Vít , Michalička Jan
Published: June 2021

Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy and proton‐transfer‐reaction–mass spectrometry are used in a complementary way to study gas‐phase processes during decomposition of ethanol in a microwave plasma torch. Decomposition products (C, C2 and simple hydrocarbons) reassemble into higher hydrocarbons and graphene nuclei and further grow into graphene nanosheets (GNS). Depending on microwave power, ethanol flow rate and molecular gas admixture, the material structure changes from amorphous to crystalline. The presence of C2n + 1H
y
species was found to be responsible for the formation of defects in the GNS structure. O2 and H2 admixtures change the gas temperature axial profile and consequently modify reaction pathways influencing growth and production rate of GNS. Determination of reaction pathway selectivity enables us to predict whether high‐quality or defective GNS are produced.
2D Perovskite Single Crystals for Photodetectors: From Macro‐ to Microscale
Authors: Xu Wenchao , Huang Wenjun , Wu Xiujia , Wei Xiangfeng , Meng Fancheng , Liu Jiehua
Published: June 2021

Lead‐halide‐based perovskite single crystals have attracted wide attention due to their excellent optical characteristics, photoelectric performance, and designable structures. 2D sheet‐like single‐crystal perovskite materials have several attractive characteristics, including larger exposed facets, adjustable thickness, good light absorption/transparency, and so on. However, single‐crystal perovskite sheets with a thinner thickness (<10 μm) are hard to obtain by conventional mechanical cutting due to the fragility of perovskite single crystals. Herein, the recent progress in research on 2D perovskite single crystals from macro‐ to microscale is reviewed. Crystal growth methods are classified into six strategies, including space‐limit method, surface‐tension method, top‐down method, spin‐coating method, solution‐phase method, and vapor‐phase method. Subsequently, the properties of 2D perovskite single crystals are further highlighted, such as optical properties, crystal defects, carrier transport properties, detection capability, and stability. Moreover, their applications in single‐crystal photodetectors are summarized. Finally, the summary and perspective on 2D perovskite single crystals are also briefly addressed.
Probing of Neural Networks as a Bridge from Ab Initio Relevant Characteristics to Differential Scanning Calorimetry Measurements of High‐Energy Compounds
Authors: Bondarev Nikolay V. , Katin Konstantin P. , Merinov Valeriy B. , Kochaev Alexey I. , Kaya Savas , Maslov Mikhail M.
Published: June 2021

The relationships between the theoretical values calculated using density functional theory and experimental data derived from the differential scanning calorimetry of high‐energy organic compounds are studied. The theoretical values are the number of atoms and bonds of different types and their lengths, minimum eigenfrequencies, atomization energies, ionization potentials, electron affinities, and frontier orbital energies. The experimental data are the amounts of releasing heat (the first peaks higher than 1 kJ g−1) and corresponding temperatures. Neural networks and regression, factor, discriminant, and cluster analysis are applied to find the dependencies between theoretical values and experimental data. It is found that the heat amount cannot be predicted in the general cases, whereas the corresponding temperature can be predicted with a neural network with an accuracy of ≈30 °C. Cluster and discriminant analysis provides the way for the classification of high‐energy compounds into three groups. Some of these groups require particular rules for the prediction of experimental data from the theoretical values.
Monoprotonated Dimethyl Sulfoxide, [HOSMe2]+: Synthesis, Crystal Structure, Spectroscopic and Theoretical Studies of [HOSMe2]2[OsCl6] ⋅ 2H2O
Authors: Rudnitskaya Olga V. , Tereshina Tatiana A. , Dobrokhotova Ekaterina V. , Kultyshkina Ekaterina K. , Novikov Alexander S. , Tskhovrebov Alexander G. , Zubavichus Yan V. , Khrustalev Victor N.
Published: June 2021

Complex [H(dmso)]2[OsIVCl6] ⋅ 2H2O (1) was synthesized by refluxing of [H(dmso)2]2[OsCl6] in concentrated HCl and characterized by the IR and UV/Vis spectroscopy and X‐ray powder and single‐crystal diffraction studies. In this complex, rare highly electrophilic [Me2S=O⋅⋅⋅H]+ cation is stabilized by multiple chalcogen bonds including bifurcated S⋅⋅⋅(Cl)3 and S⋅⋅⋅Cl non‐covalent interactions. DFT calculations and topological analysis of the electron density distribution within the formalism of Bader's theory (QTAIM method) support the presence of intermolecular non‐covalent interactions S⋅⋅⋅Cl and O⋅⋅⋅Cl in the solid state.
A Dicyanocarbazolylstilbene‐Derived Two‐Photon Fluorescence Probe for Lipid Raft with a Large Two‐Photon Action Cross Section
Authors: Huang Chibao , Kang Shuai , Pan Qi , Lv Guoling
Published: June 2021

Lipid raft is a microdomain which is rich in cholesterol and sphingolipid in the cytoplasmic membrane, and closely related to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and prion disease. Hence the study on the physiological mechanism of lipid raft is helpful to reveal its biological role and its correlations with diseases. Two‐photon fluorescence probe for lipid raft is a sharp tool to achieve this goal. A dicyanocarbazolylstilbene‐derived two‐photon fluorescence probe for lipid raft (DLR) with a large two‐photon action cross section (Φδ) was developed. DLR belongs to push‐pull electronic architecture (Donor‐Bridge‐Receptor, D‐π‐A), and its maximum emission wavelength increased with medium polarity while its fluorescence intensity (FI) augmented with viscosity, and FI in DPPC (dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine) was 20 times higher than that in DOPC (dioleoylphosphatidylcholine). Its fluorescence lifetime in DPPC was more than 2.2 times longer than that in DOPC. These indicates that DLR can distinguish DPPC from DOPC. Φδs of DLR in DPPC and DOPC were 1350 GM and 67 GM, respectively. DLR can image lipid raft distribution in cells and tissues.
Attending to the Interactional Histories Behind Multilingual Writers’ Texts: New Directions in TESOL Teacher Education
Authors: Kibler Amanda K. , Andrei Elena , Salerno April S.
Published: June 2021

Despite research attention to varied and nuanced social processes through which linguistically minoritized multilingual students create texts, writing instruction and assessment in schools continue to be dominated by a focus on students’ written products. Even formative assessment– arguably one of teachers’ most powerful tools in designing responsive instruction – tends to focus on careful analysis of students’ writing rather than the processes through which texts are created, or the rich histories of participation in previous literacy events that students bring to any such event. In this contribution, we answer Rose's (2019) call for a bidirectional flow between teachers and researchers by describing a multi‐layered inquiry we undertook, studying our teacher education practices as we asked in‐service teachers to undertake their own inquiry into students' writing. We describe our experiences adapting a methodological protocol for the observational study of multilingual writers for purposes of teacher education. Specifically, we reflect on our work engaging a set of in‐service teachers taking a graduate‐level TESOL course in conducting “interactional histories” analyses (Kibler, 2019). Through examples of in‐service teachers’ observations and their suggestions for future writing instruction, and our own reflections on the affordances and constraints of our approach, we explore the roles that interactional histories inquiry can play in teacher education. In particular, we describe its potential to help teachers build nuanced understandings of linguistically minoritized multilingual students’ development of writing expertise and identities, and teachers’ complex roles in this process.
The time is now for ubiquitous forensicmtMPSanalysis
Authors: Canale Lauren C. , Parson Walther , Holland Mitchell M.
Published: June 2021

Mitochondrial (mt) DNA sequence analysis is useful for assessing ancestral origin and migration, identifying human remains, and examining evidentiary material in forensic casework. Conventional Sanger‐type sequencing (STS) has been used for more than three decades to address these interests. This paper reviews the methodologies and merits of using a massively parallel sequencing (MPS) approach for mtDNA testing in forensic laboratories, asThe Time is Now for Ubiquitous Forensic mtMPS Analysis.

This article is categorized under:

Forensic Biology > Haploid Markers

Forensic Biology > Forensic DNA Technologies
Towards understanding the effect of humidity on the degradation of pyrotechnic compositions through spectroscopic data combined with chemometric methods
Authors: Bekhouche Slimane , Trache Djalal , Abdelaziz Amir , Chelouche Salim , Fouzi Tarchoun Ahmed , Boudjellal Ammar , Mezroua Abderrahmane
Published: June 2021

In the current study, two pyrotechnic compositions (tracer and igniter) containing magnesium and phenolic resin have been subjected to moisture‐induced aging at 85 % relative humidity to gain better understanding of environmental needs for their long‐storage. Non‐destructive analytical methods have been explored to investigate the effect of aging at a prolonged duration on pyrotechnics properties and their thermal behavior. The degradation of these pyrotechnic compositions during aging has been assessed using X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopies, and scanning electron microscopy. It is revealed that some physical changes such as the appearance of micro‐cracks on the particle surfaces and chemical modifications such as the formation of magnesium hydroxide and nitrite‐based compounds occurred during aging. These changes affect the thermal stability of these pyrotechnic compositions as found by thermogravimetric analyses, which may increase the risk of a misfire. Moreover, the FTIR and Raman spectroscopic data were coupled with two different qualitative multivariate analysis techniques, i. e., hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) for the classification and discrimination of the spectra of the aged specimens. The obtained results demonstrated the efficiency of the adopted methodologies to easily elucidate the structural and compositional modifications that may happen within the pyrotechnic compositions during moisture‐induced aging.
Mass and spin for classical strings in dS3
Authors: Parmentier Klaas
Published: June 2021

Abstract

We demonstrate that all rigidly rotating strings with center of mass at the origin of the dS3 static patch satisfy the Higuchi bound. This extends the observation of Noumi et al. for the open GKP-like string to all solutions of the Larsen-Sanchez class. We argue that strings violating the bound end up expanding towards the horizon and provide a numerical example. Adding point masses to the open string only increases the mass/spin ratio. For segmented strings, we write the conserved quantities, invariant under Gubser’s algebraic evolution equation, in terms of discrete lightcone coordinates describing kink collisions. Randomly generated strings are found to have a tendency to escape through the horizon that is mostly determined by their energy. For rapidly rotating segmented strings with mass/spin < 1, the kink collisions eventually become causally disconnected. Finally we consider the scenario of cosmic strings captured by a black hole in dS and find that horizon friction can make the strings longer.
Higher-order corrections for tW production at high-energy hadron colliders
Authors: Kidonakis Nikolaos , Yamanaka Nodoka
Published: June 2021

Abstract

We discuss cross sections for tW production in proton-proton collisions at the LHC and at higher-energy colliders with energies of up to 100 TeV. We find that, remarkably, the soft-gluon corrections are numerically dominant even at very high collider energies. We present results with soft-gluon corrections at approximate NNLO and approximate N3LO matched to complete NLO results. These higher-order corrections are large and need to be included for better theoretical accuracy and smaller scale dependence. Total cross sections as well as top-quark and W-boson transverse-momentum and rapidity distributions are presented using various recent sets of parton distribution functions.
Chiral gravitational effect in time-dependent backgrounds
Authors: Kamada Kohei , Kume Jun’ya , Yamada Yusuke
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Gravitational counterpart of the chiral magnetic effect, which is referred as the chiral gravitational effect, can also be of interest in a cosmological setup. In this study, we investigate this effect in the time-dependent chiral asymmetric fermion background and in the expanding spacetime by formulating the effective action of gravitational waves. We also analyze the anomaly equation to see how the backreaction from gravitational waves to thermal chiral plasma occurs. We find that the non-trivial time dependence of chiral chemical potential, which can be induced in some scenarios of baryogenesis, is the key ingredient of the chiral gravitational effect. It turns out that the “memory” of the effect is imprinted on the high frequency gravitational waves propagating in the plasma. Cosmological implications and potential effects on the gravitational wave observation are briefly discussed.
Perturbative linearization of super-Yang-Mills theories in general gauges
Authors: Malcha Hannes , Nicolai Hermann
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Supersymmetric Yang-Mills theories can be characterized by a non-local and non-linear transformation of the bosonic fields (Nicolai map) mapping the interacting functional measure to that of a free theory, such that the Jacobi determinant of the transformation equals the product of the fermionic determinants obtained by integrating out the gauginos and ghosts at least on the gauge hypersurface. While this transformation has been known so far only for the Landau gauge and to third order in the Yang-Mills coupling, we here extend the construction to a large class of (possibly non-linear and non-local) gauges, and exhibit the conditions for all statements to remain valid off the gauge hypersurface. Finally, we present explicit results to second order in the axial gauge and to fourth order in the Landau gauge.
Robotische Hernienchirurgie I
Authors: Ramser Michaela , Baur Johannes , Keller Nicola , Kukleta Jan F. , Dörfer Jörg , Wiegering Armin , Eisner Lukas , Dietz Ulrich A.
Published: June 2021

Die Versorgung von Leistenhernien mit offenen und minimal-invasiven Verfahren hat in den vergangenen 30 Jahren einen vom Ergebnis her gesehen hohen Standard erreicht. Allerdings besteht noch Bedarf an einer weiteren Reduktion der postoperativen Serome, chronischen Schmerzen und des Rezidivs. In diesem Videobeitrag wird die endoskopische Anatomie der Leiste im Hinblick auf die robotische transabdominelle präperitoneale Patchplastik (r‑TAPP) dargestellt und die Operationsschritte der r‑TAPP als Video illustriert. Es werden die Ergebnisse einer Kohortenstudie an 302 konsekutiven Hernien, die mittels r‑TAPP operiert wurden, vorgestellt und hinsichtlich des Mehrwerts der robotischen Technik – auch in der Weiterbildung – diskutiert. Die r‑TAPP ist die natürliche Weiterentwicklung der konventionellen TAPP und hat das Potenzial, bei zunehmender Geräteverfügbarkeit und Reduktion der Materialkosten zu einem neuen Standard zu werden. Künftige Studien werden den vielseitigen Mehrwert der r‑TAPP auch mit neuen Parametern verfeinern müssen.
A unified phase-field model of fracture in viscoelastic materials
Authors: Dammaß Franz , Ambati Marreddy , Kästner Markus
Published: June 2021

The phase-field approach has proven to be a powerful tool for the prediction of crack phenomena. When it is applied to inelastic materials, it is crucial to adequately account for the coupling between dissipative mechanisms present in the bulk and fracture. In this contribution, we propose a unified phase-field model for fracture of viscoelastic materials. The formulation is characterized by the pseudo-energy functional which consists of free energy and dissipation due to fracture. The free energy includes a contribution which is related to viscous dissipation that plays an essential role in coupling the phase-field and the viscous internal variables. The governing equations for the phase-field and the viscous internal variables are deduced in a consistent thermodynamic manner from the pseudo-energy functional. The resulting model establishes a two-way coupling between crack phase-field and relaxation mechanisms, i.e. viscous internal variables explicitly enter the evolution of phase-field and vice versa. Depending on the specific choice of the model parameters, it has flexibility in capturing the possible coupled responses, and the approaches of recently published formulations are obtained as limiting cases. By means of a numerical study of monotonically increasing load, creep and relaxation phenomena, rate-dependency of failure in viscoelastic materials is analysed and modelling assumptions of the present formulation are discussed.
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor in liver inflammation
Authors: Carambia Antonella , Schuran Fenja Amrei
Published: June 2021

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ubiquitously expressed ligand-activated transcription factor with multifaceted physiological functions. In the immune system, AHR has been unequivocally identified as a key regulatory factor that can integrate environmental, dietary, or microbial signals into innate and adaptive immune responses. Correspondingly, AHR activity seems to be most important at barrier organs, such as the gut, skin, and lung. The liver is likewise prominently exposed to gut-derived dietary or microbial AHR ligands and, moreover, generates plenty of AHR ligands itself. Yet, surprisingly little is known about the role of AHR in the regulation of hepatic immune responses, which are normally biased towards tolerance, preventing harmful inflammation in response to innocuous stimuli. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about the role of AHR in hepatic immune responses in the healthy liver as well as in inflammatory liver disease. Moreover, we discuss AHR as a potential therapeutic target in hepatic disorders, including autoimmune liver disease, liver fibrosis, and liver cancer.
Anwendungsmöglichkeiten der optischen Kohärenztomographie beim trockenen Auge
Authors: Schlatter Andreas , Hirn Cornelia , Palkovits Stefan , Werkmeister René M. , Findl Oliver , Garhöfer Gerhard , Schmidl Doreen
Published: June 2021

Durch die stetige Weiterentwicklung und Verbesserung der Technik hat die optische Kohärenztomographie (OCT) in den letzten Jahren neue Möglichkeiten zur Beurteilung der Strukturen des vorderen Augenabschnittes eröffnet. Aufgrund der Darstellung kleinster Strukturen, wie beispielsweise des Tränenfilms, nimmt die OCT in der Diagnostik und Verlaufsbeurteilung des trockenen Auges eine immer wichtigere Rolle ein. Der vorliegende Beitrag gibt einen Überblick über die derzeitigen Einsatzmöglichkeiten der OCT beim trockenen Auge.
Can transfer type and implant angulation affect impression accuracy? A 3D in vitro evaluation
Authors: Farronato Davide , Pasini Pietro Mario , Campana Veronica , Lops Diego , Azzi Lorenzo , Manfredini Mattia
Published: June 2021

Impression accuracy is fundamental to achieve a passive fit between implants and the superstructure. Three transfer types were tested to evaluate the differences in impression accuracy and their efficiency in case of different implant angles. A master model with four implant analogues placed at 0°, 15° and 35° was used. 27 impressions were taken with three different types of impression coping: closed tray technique coping (CT), open tray technique coping (COT) and telescopic open tray coping (TOT). The impressions were poured. Analogues were matched with scan bodies to be scanned and exported in STL. An implant bar was designed from each STL and another one from the master model. A comparison between these bars was obtained. Linear and angular measurements for every type of coping were calculated for different angulations. The collected data were analyzed with ANOVA test (95% of confidence). Student’s t test showed a significative discrepancy (p ≤ 0.001) on linear and angular measurements on Δx, Δy, Δz with different transfer types as well as diverse implant positioning angles (p ≤ 0.001). Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that the coping type and the implants divergence may be significant parameters influencing the impression accuracy.
ESG Disclosure and Idiosyncratic Risk in Initial Public Offerings
Authors: Reber Beat , Gold Agnes , Gold Stefan
Published: June 2021

Although legitimacy theory provides strong arguments that environmental, social and governance (ESG) disclosure and performance can help mitigate firm-specific (idiosyncratic) risks, this relationship has been repeatedly challenged by conceptual arguments, such as ‘transparency fallacy’ or ‘impression management’, and mixed empirical evidence. Therefore, we investigate this relationship in the revelatory case of initial public offerings (IPOs), which represent the first sale of common stock to the wider public. IPOs are characterised by strong information asymmetry between firm insiders and society, while at the same time suffering from uncertainty in firm legitimacy, culminating in amplified financial risks for both issuers and investors in aftermarket trading. Using data from the United States, we demonstrate that (1) voluntary ESG disclosure reduces idiosyncratic volatility and downside tail risk and (2) higher ESG ratings have lower associated firm-specific volatility and downside tail risk during the first year of trading in the aftermarket. We provide theoretical arguments for the relationships observed, suggesting that companies striving for ESG performance and communicating their efforts signal their compliance with sustainability-related norms, thus acquiring and upholding a societal license to operate. ESG performance and disclosure help companies build their reputation capital with investors after going public. We also report that ESG disclosure is a more consistent proxy for ex-ante uncertainty as an indicator of aftermarket risk, thereby replacing some of the more conventional measures, such as firm age, offered in the existing literature.
Regenerative medicine: characterization of human bone matrix gelatin (BMG) and folded platelet-rich fibrin (F-PRF) membranes alone and in combination (sticky bone)
Authors: Csönge Lajos , Bozsik Ágnes , Tóth-Bagi Zoltán , Gyuris Róbert , Kónya János
Published: June 2021

During the last two decades autologous platelet and leukocyte rich products (PRP; PRF), opened new perspectives in regenerative medicine. In particular regenerative dentistry played a pioneer role in the application of these products in bone regenerative cases. Many aspects of cytokines, such as, growth factor release, blood cell content and its characterization were reported, but some practical questions are still unanswered in the preparation of PRF membranes and sticky bones. A new folding technique was introduced that created a good quality, pliable, and strong F-PRF membrane with a dense fibrin network and more homogenous blood cell distribution. F-PRF produced a very promising sticky bone combined with human freeze-dried cortical bone matrix gelatin (BMG). There hasn’t been much focus on the quality and character of the applied bone and the optimal membrane/bone particle ratio has not been reported. A 0.125 g BMG/ml plasma (1 g/8 ml) seems like the ideal combination with maximal BMG adhesion capacity of the membrane. Particle distribution of BMG showed that 3/4 of the particles ranged between 300–1000 µ, the remnant 1/4 was smaller than 300 µ. The whole F-PRF membrane and its parts were compared with conventional A-PRF membrane concerning their resistance against proteolytic digestion. The F-PRF was superior to A-PRF, which dissolved within 4–5 days, while F-PRF was destroyed only after 11 days, so this provides a better chance for local bone morphogenesis. The F-PRF pieces had similar resistance to the whole intact one, so they can be ideal for surgical procedures without risk of fast disintegration.