bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Being pregnant in the COVID‐19 pandemic: Effects on the placenta in all aspects
Authors: Seymen C. Merve
Published: February 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), which had spread to the world from Wuhan (China) in late December, was announced as a pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020. In addition to acute respiratory syndrome symptoms, this virus also affects nonrespiratory organs, according to existing data. ACE2 and TMPRSS2, which play a critical role in the entrance of SARS‐COV‐2 into the cell, are coexpressed in placental development stages, so the placenta also carries a risk for this virus. Many studies have shown that this virus causes some histopathological changes in the placenta. The vertical transmission of the virus is not yet clear, but available data have shown that the indirect effects of the virus can be seen on the fetus. This article focuses on revealing the effects of the virus on the placenta in all aspects.
Development of a gel permeation chromatography method for analysing cellulose nitrate in museums
Authors: Kavda Stefani , Micheluz Anna , Elsässer Christina , Pamplona Marisa
Published: February 2021

This article describes the development of a suitable Gel Permeation Chromatography method for cellulose nitrate plasticised with camphor (celluloid) found in cultural heritage. Current sample preparation and dissolution methods, apart from focusing on native, nonderivatised cellulose, require long preparation times, and often employ solvents that induce degradation. This study aims to develop a systematic method for sample preparation of cellulose nitrate that uses the least sample amount possible, is nondegrading, and can be applied on differently aged samples. This is investigated through identification of a suitable solvent system and a statistically designed experiment testing the critical variables affecting the analysis, namely sample condition, sample, and salt concentration (lithium chloride) in N,N‐dimethylacetamide. The use of 0.1% sample was inadequate for analysis because it did not fully dissolve in any salt concentration, while the 0.3% negatively impacted the analysis with its high molecular weight distributions. The 0.2% cellulose nitrate in a solution of 0.5% lithium chloride in N,N‐dimethylacetamide offered the most consistent and repeatable molecular weight data. This method miniaturised the sample as much as possible and is suitable for museum objects in various ageing conditions.
A 4‐year follow‐up study of hearing acuity in a large population‐based cohort of children and adolescents
Authors: Paping Danique E. , Vroegop Jantien L. , le Clercq Carlijn M. P. , Baatenburg de Jong Robert J. , van der Schroeff Marc P.
Published: February 2021

Objectives

To describe the prevalence of hearing loss among 13 year old adolescents, and to examine the change in prevalence between ages 9 and 13 years.

Methods

This study was embedded within Generation R, a population‐based prospective cohort study from fetal life onwards in the Netherlands. Pure‐tone thresholds were obtained at 0.5 to 8 kHz, and tympanometry was performed. Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) was defined as a low‐frequency and/or high‐frequency pure‐tone average of more than 15 dB HL in one of both ears. Audiometric signs suggestive of noise‐induced hearing loss (NIHL) included the presence of a notch and/or high‐frequency hearing loss. The study was conducted from April 2012 to October 2015, and April 2016 to September 2019.

Results

A total of 4572 adolescents with a mean age of 13 years and 7 months (SD, 5 months) were included, of whom 2334 (51.0%) were girls. Within the cohort, 6.4% (95% CI, 5.7%‐7.2%) were estimated to have SNHL, and 12.4% (95% CI, 11.5%‐13.4%) met the criteria of NIHL. In total, 3675 participants were included in the longitudinal analysis. The prevalence of SNHL decreased from 8.0% to 5.3% between ages 9 and 13 years (P < .001). The prevalence of NIHL increased from 9.8% to 11.7% (P = .004), due to an increase in number of participants with a notch.

Conclusions

The prevalence of SNHL significantly decreased by 2.7% (95% CI, 1.6%‐3.9%) between ages 9 and 13 years, probably due to a change in alertness during assessment at the age of 13 years. Other possible explanations include the presence of selection bias or a decline in prevalence of conductive hearing loss. The number of participants with audiometric signs suggestive of NIHL increased by 1.9% (95% CI, 0.5%‐3.3%).

Level of Evidence

Level 3.
Enhanced Uptake of Processed Bovine β‐Lactoglobulin by Antigen Presenting Cells: Identification of Receptors and Implications for Allergenicity
Authors: Teodorowicz Malgorzata , Zenker Hannah E. , Ewaz Arifa , Tsallis Theodoros , Mauser Andreas , Gensberger‐Reigl Sabrina , de Jong Nicolette W. , Hettinga Kasper A. , Wichers Harry J. , van Neerven R. J. Joost , Savelkoul Huub F. J.
Published: February 2021

Scope

β‐lactoglobulin (BLG) is a major cow milk allergen encountered by the immune system of infants fed with milk‐based formulas. To determine the effect of processing on immunogenicity of BLG, this article characterized how heated and glycated BLG are recognized and internalized by APCs. Also, the effect of heat‐induced structural changes as well as gastrointestinal digestion on immunogenicity of BLG is evaluated.

Methods and results

The binding and uptake of BLG from raw cow milk and heated either alone (BLG‐H) or with lactose/glucose (BLG‐Lac and BLG‐Glu) to the receptors present on APCs are analyzed by ELISA and cell‐binding assays. Heated and glycated BLG is internalized via galectin‐3 (Gal‐3)and scavenger receptors (CD36 and SR‐AI) while binding to the receptor for advanced glycation end products (R AGE) does not cause internalization. Receptor affinity of BLG is dependent on increased hydrophobicity, β‐sheet exposure and aggregation. Digested glycated BLG maintained binding to sRAGE and Gal‐3 but not to CD36 and SR‐AI, and is detected on the surface of APCs. This suggests a mechanism via which digested glycated BLG may trigger innate (via RAGE) and adaptive immunity (via Gal‐3).

Conclusions

This study defines structural characteristics of heated and glycated BLG determining its interaction with APCs via specific receptors thus revealing enhanced immunogenicity of glycated versus heated BLG.
Ultrashort pulse generation from binary temporal phase modulation
Authors: Sheveleva Anastasiia , Finot Christophe
Published: February 2021

We propose and numerically validate an all‐optical scheme to generate a train of optical pulses. Modulation of a continuous wave with a periodic binary temporal phase pattern followed by a spectral phase shaping enables us to obtain ultrashort pulse trains. An ideal step phase profile as well as a profile arisen from a bandwidth‐limited device is investigated. Analytical guidelines describing pulse train formation and their characteristics are provided. Pulses with a duration of a few picoseconds at a repetition rate of 10 GHz can be expected for realistic experimental conditions.
Piezoelectric energy harvesting for self‐powered wearable upper limb applications
Authors: Liu Yuchi , Khanbareh Hamideh , Halim Miah Abdul , Feeney Andrew , Zhang Xiaosheng , Heidari Hadi , Ghannam Rami
Published: February 2021

Wearable devices can be used for monitoring vital physical and physiological signs remotely, as well as for interacting with computers. Widespread adoption of wearables is somewhat hindered by the duration time they can be used without re‐recharging. To ensure uninterrupted operation, these devices need a constant and battery‐less energy supply. Scavenging energy from the wearable's surroundings is, therefore, an essential step towards achieving genuinely autonomous and self‐powered devices. While energy harvesting technologies may not completely eliminate the battery storage unit, they can ensure a maximum duration of use. Piezoelectric energy harvesting is a promising and efficient technique to generate electricity for powering wearable devices in response to body movements. Consequently, we systematically survey the range of technologies used for scavenging energy from the human body, with a particular focus on the upper‐limb area. According to our review and in comparison to other upper limb locations, highest power densities can be achieved from piezoelectric transducers located on the wrist. For short and fast battery charging needs, we therefore review the range of materials, architectures and devices used to scavenge energy from these upper‐limb areas. We provide comparisons as well as recommendations and possible future directions for harvesting energy using this promising technique.
Porous silicon derived from 130 nm Stöber silica as lithium‐ion battery anode
Authors: Zuo Xiuxia , Cheng Ya‐Jun , Zhu Jin , Gao Jie , Xia Yonggao
Published: February 2021

Micro‐sized porous silicon‐based anode materials gain much interest due to good cycling stability, high rate performance, reasonable tap density and low processing cost. Self‐templating process is developed to construct micro‐sized macro‐/mesoporous silicon through magnesiothermic reduction of Stöber silica. The size of the silica particles plays a vital role in the structure control of the porous silicon. In this work, silica particles with a diameter of 130 nm are used as templates to guide the synthesis of micro‐sized macro‐/mesoporous silicon. The magnesiothermic reduction temperature is varied in a systematic way to reveal the self‐templating mechanism comprehensively. It is found that the silica particles with small diameter of 130 nm still exercise the self‐templating effect during the magnesiothermic reduction process in the temperature range of 700 to 900°C. Based on the experimental results, the structure‐property correlation of the porous silicon anode is unveiled. Improved electrochemical performance is demonstrated by the porous silicon compared to the commercial nano‐sized silicon.
People, nature and large herbivores in a shared landscape: A mixed‐method study of the ecological and social outcomes from agriculture and conservation
Authors: Balfour Nicholas J. , Durrant Rachael , Ely Adrian , Sandom Christopher J.
Published: February 2021

In this exploratory study, we employ an interdisciplinary approach to explore potential synergies and trade‐offs between the needs of people and nature in the context of agroecological farming and nature conservation.

Ecological field studies and management surveys from six sites were combined with a participatory‐deliberative appraisal exercise using the Multi‐Criteria Mapping (MCM) method. All six study sites and all four land use options in the appraisal were characterised by the use of large herbivores for agricultural and/or conservation purposes, to varying degrees, and were located in South‐East England.

MCM participants identified habitat and species diversity, soil health, food production, provision of education and recreational access, as the principal benefits associated with successful management of such sites. Taken overall, their appraisals indicated that a combination of land uses may be best suited to delivering these diverse benefits, but with agroecological (While organic and biodynamic agriculture are subject to legal definition, agroecology offers a more flexible approach and can be viewed as ‘a development pathway from input‐intensive industrial systems through to highly sustainable, ecological systems’—see Laughton, R. (2017) ‘A Matter of Scale’, Land Workers Alliance and Centre for Agroecology, Coventry University) farming being perceived as a particularly effective multi‐purpose option.

Five of the six sites were used for recreational purposes, and in total we recorded five times more humans than wild mammals. Ecological data from the sites indicated that the most conservation‐oriented sites performed best in terms of species richness and activity (birds, mammals, bats and invertebrates) and number of species of conservation concern. However, beta diversity metrics indicated important variation in the species assemblages recorded within and between sites. Whereas both agroecological farms in our study produced the greatest weight of saleable meat per unit area, the site that produced the most meat also demonstrated consistently strong performance across many biodiversity metrics.

Overall, expert perspectives and the performance of our study sites suggests that combinations of diverse approaches to the management of large herbivores, within a ‘wildlife‐friendly’ envelope, are consistent with providing for the diverse needs of people and nature within shared landscapes.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Real‐world case series and summary of current literature of infants and toddlers with severe hemophilia A with inhibitor on prophylaxis with emicizumab
Authors: Garcia Jessica , Zia Ayesha
Published: February 2021

Emicizumab is a recombinant, humanized, and a bispecific monoclonal antibody that bridges activated factor (F) IX and FX in place of FVIII to restore hemostasis in persons with hemophilia A (PHA). Data on the efficacy and safety of emicizumab in young children is limited. Immunologic naivety, physiologically decreased production of vitamin K dependent proteins, specifically FIX, and enhanced clearance of emicizumab in infants may support decreased emicizumab effectiveness. We report on the facilitation of care rendered by using emicizumab in young PHA with inhibitors and extend data on the efficacy and safety in PHA < 3 years.
A comparison of decision and timing of safety related labeling changes for new drugs approved both in Japan and the United States
Authors: Hoshino Yuko , Narukawa Mamoru
Published: February 2021

Purpose

It is important to make the most up‐to‐date drug safety information available to the public in a timely manner so that health care professionals and patients can consider the information. The aim of the present study was to investigate the consistency and simultaneity of safety related updates in product labeling in Japan and the United States.

Methods

New safety label changes that were made for new drugs approved concurrently both in Japan and the United States in the recent 5 years were identified and reviewed for concordance and time lag analysis. Factors associated with the time lag were also investigated.

Results

Despite similar medical practices, population health and regulation in the countries, a low level of concordance (40/115, 34.8%) in the decision of labeling change was found in 31 new active substances. Only 3/40 (7.5%) of the concordant changes were made simultaneously. Labeling change orders issued by regulators and domestic postmarketing adverse event reports were associated with a significant difference in the timing of labeling change between the countries.

Conclusions

We found a low level of concordance between regulators in the decision of labeling changes and the timeliness of the changes. The low concordance and time lag highlighted the need for further international collaboration between regulators and industry and greater transparency in the decision‐making process for the label change.
Mouse model of Alzheimer's disease demonstrates differential effects of early disease pathology on various brain regions
Authors: Deng Liting , Gupta Vivek K. , Wu Yunqi , Pushpitha Kanishka , Chitranshi Nitin , Gupta Veer B. , Fitzhenry Matthew J. , Moghaddam Masoud Zabet , Karl Tim , Salekdeh Ghasem Hosseini , Graham Stuart L. , Haynes Paul A. , Mirzaei Mehdi
Published: February 2021

Different parts of the brain are affected distinctively in various stages of the Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis. Identifying the biochemical changes in specific brain regions is key to comprehend the neuropathological mechanisms in early pre‐symptomatic phases of AD. Quantitative proteomics profiling of four distinct areas of the brain of young APP/PS1 mouse model of AD was performed followed by biochemical pathway enrichment analysis. Findings revealed fundamental compositional and functional shifts even in the early stages of the disease. This novel study highlights unique proteome and biochemical pathway alterations in specific regions of the brain that underlie the early stages of AD pathology and will provide a framework for future longitudinal studies. The proteomics data were deposited into the ProteomeXchange Consortium via PRIDE with the identifier PXD019192.
Levels of physical activity in children and adolescents with asthma: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Vasconcello‐Castillo Luis , Torres‐Castro Rodrigo , Sepúlveda‐Cáceres Nicolás , Acosta‐Dighero Roberto , Miranda‐Aguilera Sebastián , Puppo Homero , Rodríguez‐Borges Jorge , Vilaró Jordi
Published: February 2021

Background

In children and adolescents with asthma, the disease may reduce the perceived capability to participate in physical activity (PA) contributing to an increase in the sedentary lifestyle. The literature is unclear as to whether children and adolescents with asthma differ their PA levels from their healthy peers.

Objective

Our objective was to describe the different methods and instruments used to measure PA and to compare the PA levels of children and adolescents with asthma with those of their healthy peers.

Study Design

We conducted a systematic review of five databases. We included studies that compared the PA measured by objective and subjective instruments in children and adolescents with asthma versus controls. Two independent reviewers analyzed the studies, extracted the data, and assessed the quality of evidence.

Results

Of the 5966 reports returned by the initial search, 28 articles reporting on 3184 patients were included in the data synthesis. A forest plot showed that both groups had similar values of moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA; mean difference, −0.05 h/day; 95% confidence interval [CI], −0.11–0.01; p = .13), sedentary time (mean difference 0.00 h/day; 95% CI, −0.22–0.23 h/day; p = .99) and steps/day (mean difference 354 steps/day; 95% CI, −563–1270 steps/day; p = .45).

Conclusion

Children and adolescents with asthma have similar MVPA, steps/day, and sedentary time compared to the controls. The main instruments used were questionnaires and accelerometers.
Bench‐to‐bedside translation of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells using a multiscale systems pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic model: A case study with anti‐BCMA CAR‐T
Authors: Singh Aman P. , Chen Wenbo , Zheng Xirong , Mody Hardik , Carpenter Thomas J. , Zong Alice , Heald Donald L.
Published: February 2021

Despite tremendous success of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy in clinical oncology, the dose‐exposure‐response relationship of CAR‐T cells in patients is poorly understood. Moreover, the key drug‐specific and system‐specific determinants leading to favorable clinical outcomes are also unknown. Here we have developed a multiscale mechanistic pharmacokinetic (PK)‐pharmacodynamic (PD) model for anti‐B‐cell maturation antigen (BCMA) CAR‐T cell therapy (bb2121) to characterize (i) in vitro target cell killing in multiple BCMA expressing tumor cell lines at varying effector to target cell ratios, (ii) preclinical in vivo tumor growth inhibition and blood CAR‐T cell expansion in xenograft mice, and (iii) clinical PK and PD biomarkers in patients with multiple myeloma. Our translational PK‐PD relationship was able to effectively describe the commonly observed multiphasic CAR‐T cell PK profile in the clinic, consisting of the rapid distribution, expansion, contraction, and persistent phases, and accounted for the categorical individual responses in multiple myeloma to effectively calculate progression‐free survival rates. Preclinical and clinical data analysis revealed comparable parameter estimates pertaining to CAR‐T cell functionality and suggested that patient baseline tumor burden could be more sensitive than dose levels toward overall extent of exposure after CAR‐T cell infusion. Virtual patient simulations also suggested a very steep dose‐exposure‐response relationship with CAR‐T cell therapy and indicated the presence of a “threshold” dose, beyond which a flat dose‐response curve could be observed. Our simulations were concordant with multiple clinical observations discussed in this article. Moving forward, this framework could be leveraged a priori to explore multiple infusions and support the preclinical/clinical development of future CAR‐T cell therapies.
Ferroelectric and Dielectric Properties of Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 Thin Film Near Morphotropic Phase Boundary
Authors: Kashir Alireza , Hwang Hyunsang
Published: February 2021

Recently, based on the phase‐field modeling, it is predicted that Hf1‐xZrxO2 (HZO) exhibits the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) in its compositional phase diagram. Herein, the effect of structural changes between tetragonal (t) and orthorhombic (o) phases on the ferroelectric (FE) and dielectric properties of HZO films is investigated to probe the existence of MPB region. The structural analysis shows that by adjusting the ozone dosage during the atomic layer deposition process and annealing conditions, different ratios of t‐ to o‐phases are achieved, which consequently affect the FE and dielectric properties of the samples. Polarization versus electric field measurements show a remarkable increase in FE characteristics (Pr and Ec) of the sample that contains the minimum t‐phase fraction . This sample shows the lowest compared with the other samples, which is due to the formation of FE o‐phase. The sample that contains the maximum demonstrates the highest dielectric response. By adjusting , a large of ≈55 is achieved. The study reveals a direct relation between and of HZO thin films, which can be understood by considering the density of MPB region.
A New High‐Entropy Alloy of Al–Fe–Co–Ni–Cu Possessing Single Face‐Centered Cubic Crystal Structure and Excellent Mechanical Properties at Room Temperature
Authors: Das Sujit , Nishad Saurabh Kumar , Robi P.S
Published: February 2021

A new powder combination of Al10(FeCoNiCu)90 is selected and verified for the potential to form solid solutions or else bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) in the alloy based on Guo et al.'s conditions and mismatch entropy criterion. The powder combination satisfies the above criteria to crystallize in solid‐solution phases and inhibits the formation of BMGs in the alloy. The alloy is fabricated by mechanical alloying of the powder mixture followed by sintering. A homogeneous powder mixture is obtained after ball milling for 80 h. The 80 h‐milled powder is crystallized in two face‐centered cubic (FCC) phases. The lattice parameters of the FCC1 and FCC2 phases are 3.60 Å and 5.21 Å, respectively. The microstructure of the alloy ingot reveals spinodal decomposition. The alloy ingot crystallizes in a single‐FCC structure. The lattice parameter of the corresponding FCC structure is determined as 3.66 Å. The compression test of the alloy ingot at room temperature reveals that the 0.2% offset yield stress of the high‐entropy alloy (HEA) is as high as 308 MPa. The compressive stress at 40% strain of the HEA is 1406 MPa. The overall Vickers hardness and density of the alloy ingot are 160 ± 14 HV0.5 and 7.7 g cm−3, respectively.
3D reconstruction and histopathological analyses on murine corporal body
Authors: Hashimoto Daiki , Kajimoto Mizuki , Ueda Yuko , Hyuga Taiju , Fujimoto Kota , Inoue Saaya , Suzuki Kentaro , Kataoka Tomoya , Kimura Kazunori , Yamada Gen
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the increasing diseases with aging society. The basis of ED derived from local penile abnormality is poorly understood because of the complex three‐dimensional (3D) distribution of sinusoids in corpus cavernosum (CC). Understanding the 3D histological structure of penis is thus necessary. Analyses on the status of regulatory signals for such abnormality are also performed.

Methods

To analyze the 3D structure of sinusoid, 3D reconstruction from serial sections of murine CC were performed. Histological analyses between young (2 months old) and aged (14 months old) CC were performed. As for chondrogenic signaling status of aged CC, SOX9 and RBPJK staining was examined.

Results

Sinusoids prominently developed in the outer regions of CC adjacent to tunica albuginea. Aged CC samples contained ectopic chondrocytes in such regions. Associating with the appearance of chondrocytes, the expression of SOX9, chondrogenic regulator, was upregulated. The expression of RBPJK, one of the Notch signal regulators, was downregulated in the aged CC.

Conclusions

Prominent sinusoids distribute in the outer region of CC which may possess important roles for erection. A possibility of ectopic chondrogenesis induced by alteration of SOX9/Notch signaling with aging is indicated.
Integrative sparse partial least squares
Authors: Liang Weijuan , Ma Shuangge , Zhang Qingzhao , Zhu Tingyu
Published: February 2021

Partial least squares, as a dimension reduction technique, has become increasingly important for its ability to deal with problems with a large number of variables. Since noisy variables may weaken estimation performance, the sparse partial least squares (SPLS) technique has been proposed to identify important variables and generate more interpretable results. However, the small sample size of a single dataset limits the performance of conventional methods. An effective solution comes from gathering information from multiple comparable studies. Integrative analysis has essential importance in multidatasets analysis. The main idea is to improve performance by assembling raw data from multiple independent datasets and analyzing them jointly. In this article, we develop an integrative SPLS (iSPLS) method using penalization based on the SPLS technique. The proposed approach consists of two penalties. The first penalty conducts variable selection under the context of integrative analysis. The second penalty, a contrasted penalty, is imposed to encourage the similarity of estimates across datasets and generate more sensible and accurate results. Computational algorithms are developed. Simulation experiments are conducted to compare iSPLS with alternative approaches. The practical utility of iSPLS is shown in the analysis of two TCGA gene expression data.
Dehalogenation of Aryl Bromides by CuO/ZrO2 in The Presence of Alcohols as Hydrogen Donors
Authors: Jiang Jie , Du Liyong , Ding Yuqiang
Published: February 2021

The in‐situ formed metallic Cu particles on the ZrO2 surface were prepared and applied to catalyze dehalogenation of a series of aryl bromides to produce corresponding products in 1‐octanol with a yield of >99 %. The mechanistic investigation suggests that the Cu(0) nanoparticles served as hydrogen transfer active sites for degrading alcohols and adsorbing aryl bromides at the reaction system. The results showed that the catalyst was efficient with high reusability. The alcohol not only served as a reducing agent for CuO but also a safe green hydrogen donor. This methodology could be used as a powerful, low‐cost, and safe technology for reducing halogenated aromatics.
A Green and Efficient Protocol for the Synthesis of Phenylhydrazone Derivatives Catalyzed by Nanostructured Diphosphate Na2CaP2O7 and Screening of Their Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Achagar Redouane , Elmakssoudi Abdelhakim , Dakir Mohamed , Elamrani Abdelaziz , Zouheir Yassine , Zahouily Mohamed , Jamaleddine Jamal
Published: February 2021

A new efficient strategy using diphosphate Na2CaP2O7 (DPH) for the synthesis of phenylhydrazone derivatives in solvent‐free media is described. The synthesis of eight variously substituted phenylhydrazone derivatives (3 a to 3 h) can be carried out with a small amount of the catalyst, which can be easily recovered and reused several times without significant loss in catalytic activity. This protocol developed in our study is considered simple, clean, and characterized by short reaction time and high conversion. The antibacterial activity was evaluated for the synthesized compounds against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative strains. A structure‐activity relationship (SAR) study and the connection between antibacterial activity of the compounds was discussed and showed that electron donating groups increase the antibacterial activity.
The Vibronic Absorption Spectrum and Electronic States of Nile Red in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Kostjukova Lyudmila O. , Leontieva Svetlana V. , Kostjukov Viktor V.
Published: February 2021

The TD‐DFT was applied to calculate the vibronic absorption spectrum of Nile red (NR) in an aqueous solution. Various hybrid functionals have been used. The O3LYP/6‐31G(d,p) theory level gave an excellent agreement with the experimental absorption spectrum both in the position of the maximum and in the shape. Extended basis sets with diffuse functions and showed the worst results compared to the compact 6‐31G(d,p) basis. The dipole moments and atomic charges of the ground and excited states of the NR molecule have been calculated. According to our calculations, the dipole moment of a molecule increases upon photoexcitation, which is consistent with the positive solvatochromism of NR. An insignificant photoinduced electron transfer from the aminodiethyl group to the center of the chromophore and carbonyl group was found. According to our calculations, vibronic coupling plays a significant role in the absorption spectrum of the NR.
Vaporization Thermodynamics of Morpholinium Based Ionic Liquids
Authors: Zaitsau Dzmitry H. , Verevkin Sergey P.
Published: February 2021

Ionic liquids (ILs) have gained increasing attention in a wide range of material synthesis related applications. For the first time, vapor pressures and vaporization enthalpies of four morpholinim based ILs with a common bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([NTf2]) anion were measured using Langmuir‐Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM). The enthalpies of vaporization measured at elevated temperatures have been adjusted to the reference temperature 298 K. The experimental vaporization enthalpies were compared with theoretical values available in the literature, as well as with empirical values derived from a gas‐chromatographic method based on activity coefficients at infinite dilution. New experimental vaporization enthalpies were tested for consistency with help of structure property‐relationships.
Diagnosis of the State of the Territory in Flanders. Reporting About New Maps and Indicators Differentiating Between Urban and Rural Areas Within Flanders
Authors: Pisman Ann , Vanacker Stijn
Published: February 2021

Within the several European analyses of spatial patterns, Belgium and Flanders take a specific position. The average ‘settlement area percentage’ (i.e., all land used beyond agriculture, semi-natural areas, forestry, and water bodies) for Europe is 4%, but 32% of the Flemish area is occupied with artificial land. Belgium has the highest score for urban-sprawl indicators, and within the European context, almost the entire area is considered urban. The aim of the research presented in this paper is to expand on the theme of indicators for spatial patterns by analyzing the Flemish area with detailed data across various scales. The results are collected in a report, the ‘Ruimterapport’— ‘RURA’, published in 2018. RURA is a bundling and compilation of research results from very diverse sources, amongst others studies from the Department of Environment and Spatial Development of Flanders and of Espon studies. This article presents the most important results from RURA and further positions them in international comparative literature. New maps and indicators are developed for the urban/peri-urban/rural dimensions of the human settlement area, urban sprawl, and settlement patterns by differentiating amongst others between urban centers, ribbon development, and scattered buildings. The paper gives a quantitative, methodological, and empirical contribution to the field of urban and regional development processes and contributes to conceptualizations of space. The case of Flanders, with its specific sprawl pattern, illustrates the difficulties spatial planning policy makers currently are facing, dealing with the complexity of space and society.
The Evolution of the Planning System in Poland from Sectoral to Integrated Strategic Planning
Authors: Wesołowska Judyta , Mirecka Małgorzata , Majda Tomasz
Published: February 2021

The paper focuses on the evolution of the planning system in Poland. Its purpose is to show the evolution from short-term planning, subordinated to the requirements of the country’s economic development, to a long-term planning system, integrating various aspects of development—spatial, natural, economic, and social, taking place over the last century. The process described in the paper was largely conditioned by historical events, and the poor economic situation of the country in the post-war period and the changes taking place in the political system. The need for rapid economic development of the country dominated the planning of the interwar period (1920s and 1930s) and post-war period (1950s to 1970s), although the economic, social, and natural conditions were taken into account in 1930s spatial planning. The most complete representation of spatial integration of various planning scopes is visible in the “National Spatial Development Concept 2030,” which was the main subject of the study, as the basic document concerning national spatial planning. The research demonstrates the novelty of this document in relation to previous ones. It is based on the vision of Polish space on, the development of functional areas, determined on the basis of socioeconomic and spatial features treated in a dynamic approach. The need for changes in applicable law that would allow the “National Spatial Development Concept 2030” to be implemented in planning practice is also pointed out. The material presented in the paper may form the basis for comparative studies of planning documents on a national level in various European countries.
Co-creation Pathway for Urban Nature-Based Solutions: Testing a Shared-Governance Approach in Three Cities and Nine Action Labs
Authors: Mahmoud Israa , Morello Eugenio
Published: February 2021

Nature-based solutions (NBS) implementation in urban contexts has proven outcoming multiple benefits to reverse the current trend of natural resources’ degradation adversely affecting biodiversity, human health, and wellbeing. Yet, the current urban-planning policy frameworks present a rigid structure to integrate NBS definitions, and their co-benefits to get mainstreamed and up scaled on a wider urban spatial dimension. In this research, we test a complete co-creation pathway that encourages decision-makers to embed citizen engagement methodologies as an approach to co-design and co-implement NBS in shared-governance processes aiming to increment the greening of urban spaces, towards more inclusive and climate resilient cities. On one hand, we assess a tendency to involve a multiplicity of stakeholders that collaborate to the establishment of an Urban Innovation Partnership (UIP) aiming at increasing the social awareness around NBS themes, and at the same time tackling both financial and governance aspects. On the other hand, the innovation embedded in NBS paves the way to combine a multi-scalar flexibility in implementation tools and place-based urban actions, hence resulting in widespread economic, environmental, and social impacts in place. The novelty in embedding the co-creation process in urban-planning practice lies in catalyzing resources towards the transposition of research into practice through policy and planning tools for local authorities and decision-makers. Three front-runner cities (Hamburg, London, and Milan) are under investigation as part of Clever Cities—a Horizon 2020 project—aiming at implementing NBS in diverse urban-regeneration processes, through nine up-running Urban Living Labs (ULLs). Grounded on a comparative analysis of these three cities, key characterization for NBS implementation framework could be categorized into: (1) current urban-planning greening strategies in each context, (2) specific environmental and societal challenges addressed, (3) different typologies and scales of NBS integration within urban morphologies, (4) specific governance process as response to co-design and co-implementation processes, and (5) availability of financial investment and main stakeholders. As research results, we emphasize using co-creation approach in urban planning to embed and upscale NBS in an inclusive shared-governance process, hence contributing to social awareness and acceptance. Meanwhile, spatial, and financial challenges could be majorly resolved using a multi-scalar approach to manage newly embedded urban-greening policies at the urban level. Lastly, the implementation scale of NBS with local communities requires a radical paradigmatic shift in societal, individual and administrative urban-planning practices.
Innovative Approaches to Energy Governance: Preliminary Quantitative Insights from the Literature
Authors: Tomasi Silvia , Gantioler Sonja
Published: February 2021

With a significantly changing global climate and related impacts on our societies becoming increasingly visible, the call for a significant change of the energy production and consumption system gets increasing attention. Defined as energy transition, such change involves at least two dimensions: one technological and one social. Especially the latter is gaining importance because it is argued that the impact of technological innovation could be limited, if not harmful, if the technological would not be matched with social innovation. This refers to the emergence of decentralized energy systems at the local scale, and the increased involvement of non-state actors in shaping the transition, like civil society, business, and local public authorities. It includes new forms of governance, ranging from energy communities to the design of urban living labs. This work aims to provide the first insights for the further development of a theoretical framework in relation to governance and social innovation in the context of energy transition. It builds on a bibliometric quantitative analysis to explore the extent to which changes in energy governance are reflected in the scientific literature. Results indicate that energy governance issues have quite settled in the scientific literature across the world, but that social innovation is only a recently emerging topic. A snapshot interpretive analysis is then performed to get a better understanding of what types of energy governance and social innovations are addressed. These mostly refer to energy communities and organization types related to the use of renewable energies (e.g., cooperatives and public–private partnerships), as well as obstacles and opportunities that drive their implementation. A keyword analysis is used to get the first indications on the direction of the discussion. Generally, this seems rather heterogeneous, though most often it is related to urban development and cities, as well as in relation to the planning practice. Future research should extend and carry out further in-depth analysis of the preliminary insights outlined in this work.
A Systematic Study of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Interactions in the Main Spanish Cities
Authors: García López Javier , Sisto Raffaele , Lumbreras Martín Julio , Mataix Aldeanueva Carlos
Published: February 2021

In October 2018, the Spanish SDSN Network, REDS, launched the SDG Spanish Cities Index report summarizing the progress of 100 Spanish cities toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). This study, developed in collaboration with the Technical University of Madrid, follows the methodology used by the Global SDG Index and Dashboards and the US Cities Index, which SDSN co-produces annually to assess SDG performance at both the national and international levels. This study, previously developed by the same researchers, identifies the most suitable indicators, metrics and urban data to measure the commitment and degree of compliance with SDG 17 for a selection of Spanish cities. It provides, through a set of 85 indicators, a unique vision of their sustainable development and allows monitoring the implementation of the SDGs at the local level in the Spanish context. In this paper, the analysis of their interactions using this dataset has been systematized. This is an innovative first step in defining the path toward urban sustainable development to make policies happen: dependencies among the goals in terms of potential interactions need to be evaluated in the Spanish context. Those results, improvements and applicability are presented and discussed in the following to identify action priorities and raise awareness of local governments and policymakers. It concludes that major efforts are required to increase sustainability and suggests an open framework that can be gradually improved as more data become available.
Bootstrapping ADE M-strings
Authors: Duan Zhihao , Nahmgoong June
Published: February 2021

Abstract

We study elliptic genera of ADE-type M-strings in 6d (2,0) SCFTs from their modularity and explore the relation to topological string partition functions. We find a novel kinematical constraint that elliptic genera should follow, which determines elliptic genera at low base degrees and helps us to conjecture a vanishing bound for the refined Gopakumar-Vafa invariants of related geometries. Using this, we can bootstrap the elliptic genera to arbitrary base degree, including D/E-type theories for which explicit formulas are only partially known. We utilize our results to obtain the 6d Cardy formulas and the superconformal indices for (2,0) theories.
Joint thrust and TMD resummation in electron-positron and electron-proton collisions
Authors: Makris Yiannis , Ringer Felix , Waalewijn Wouter J.
Published: February 2021

Abstract

We present the framework for obtaining precise predictions for the transverse momentum of hadrons with respect to the thrust axis in e+e− collisions. This will enable a precise extraction of transverse momentum dependent (TMD) fragmentation functions from a recent measurement by the Belle Collaboration. Our analysis takes into account, for the first time, the nontrivial interplay between the hadron transverse momentum and the cut on the thrust event shape. To this end, we identify three different kinematic regions, derive the corresponding factorization theorems within Soft Collinear Effective Theory, and present all ingredients needed for the joint resummation of the transverse momentum and thrust spectrum at NNLL accuracy. One kinematic region can give rise to non-global logarithms (NGLs), and we describe how to include the leading NGLs. We also discuss alternative measurements in e+e− collisions that can be used to access the TMD fragmentation function. Finally, by using crossing symmetry, we obtain a new way to constrain TMD parton distributions, by measuring the displacement of the thrust axis in ep collisions.
The scalar chemical potential in cosmological collider physics
Authors: Bodas Arushi , Kumar Soubhik , Sundrum Raman
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Non-analyticity in co-moving momenta within the non-Gaussian bispectrum is a distinctive sign of on-shell particle production during inflation, presenting a unique opportunity for the “direct detection” of particles with masses as large as the inflationary Hubble scale (H). However, the strength of such non-analyticity ordinarily drops exponentially by a Boltzmann-like factor as masses exceed H. In this paper, we study an exception provided by a dimension-5 derivative coupling of the inflaton to heavy-particle currents, applying it specifically to the case of two real scalars. The operator has a “chemical potential” form, which harnesses the large kinetic energy scale of the inflaton, $$ {\overset{\cdot }{\phi}}_0^{1/2}\approx 60H $$

ϕ
⋅

0

1
/
2

≈
60
H
, to act as an efficient source of scalar particle production. Derivative couplings of inflaton ensure radiative stability of the slow-roll potential, which in turn maintains (approximate) scale-invariance of the inflationary correlations. We show that a signal not suffering Boltzmann suppression can be obtained in the bispectrum with strength fNL ∼ $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(0.01–10) for an extended range of scalar masses $$ \lesssim {\overset{\cdot }{\phi}}_0^{1/2} $$
≲

ϕ
⋅

0

1
/
2

, potentially as high as 1015 GeV, within the sensitivity of upcoming LSS and more futuristic 21-cm experiments. The mechanism does not invoke any particular fine-tuning of parameters or breakdown of perturbation-theoretic control. The leading contribution appears at tree-level, which makes the calculation analytically tractable and removes the loop-suppression as compared to earlier chemical potential studies of non-zero spins. The steady particle production allows us to infer the effective mass of the heavy particles and the chemical potential from the variation in bispectrum oscillations as a function of co-moving momenta. Our analysis sets the stage for generalization to heavy bosons with non-zero spin.
COVID-19 in Sammelunterkünften für Geflüchtete: Analyse von Pandemiemaßnahmen und prioritäre Bedarfe aus behördlicher Sicht
Authors: Biddle Louise , Jahn Rosa , Perplies Clara , Gold Andreas W. , Rast Eilin , Spura Anke , Bozorgmehr Kayvan
Published: February 2021

Hintergrund

Die Eindämmung der COVID-19-Pandemie in Sammelunterkünften für Geflüchtete ist für die Wahrung deren körperlicher und psychischer Gesundheit enorm wichtig. Unklar ist, welche Maßnahmen in diesem Setting ergriffen werden, um das Infektionsrisiko zu senken, zusätzliche Stressoren in der Pandemie zu minimieren und über ergriffene Maßnahmen aufzuklären.

Ziel

Situationsanalyse der Maßnahmen, die zur Prävention und Eindämmung des SARS-CoV-2-Virus in Sammelunterkünften für Geflüchtete ergriffen wurden, sowie Identifizierung von Unterstützungsbedarfen der Aufnahmebehörden.

Methoden

Qualitative Interviewstudie mit 48 für die Unterbringung von Geflüchteten zuständigen Ansprechpartner*innen in den Aufnahmebehörden. Einzelinterviews wurden wörtlich transkribiert und mittels Framework-Analyse ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse

In Bezug auf Maßnahmen des Infektionsschutzes, gesundheitlicher Information und Aufklärung, sozialer und gesundheitlicher Angebote, Testung auf SARS-CoV‑2 und Quarantäne zeichnet sich ein heterogenes Bild ab. Zur Abstimmung und Durchführung der Maßnahmen erwies sich eine effektive intersektorale Kooperation als besonders wichtig. Unterstützungsbedarfe bestehen in der Verbesserung der Unterbringung, dem vermehrten Einsatz von Sprachmittler*innen sowie der lokalen Stärkung gesundheitlicher Fachexpertise.

Fazit

Aufgrund der hohen Anzahl an Akteur*innen und der Komplexität von Strukturen und Prozessen übernehmen Aufnahmebehörden ad hoc essenzielle Aufgaben des Infektionsschutzes, für die sie unzureichend aufgestellt sind. Für die Eindämmung der Pandemie sind eine settingspezifische Bündelung fachlicher Empfehlungen und Information auf Bundesebene sowie deren lokale Translation durch die proaktive Einbindung des öffentlichen Gesundheitsdienstes unabdingbar.