bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of prostatectomy and body position on location and displacement of pelvic landmarks with pelvic floor muscle contraction
Authors: Cowley David , Stafford Ryan E. , Hodges Paul W.
Published: September 2021

Aims

To compare pelvic floor muscle (PFM) anatomy and function (i) between pre‐ and post‐prostatectomy in standing, and (ii) between sitting and standing postprostatectomy.

Methods

Thirty‐two men scheduled to undergo a prostatectomy volunteered to participate. Transperineal ultrasound imaging was used to visualize five anatomical pelvic landmarks that have been validated to reflex anatomy and activity of PFMs (pubic symphysis, anorectal junction [ARJ], mid‐urethra [MU], bulb of penis [BP], and urethrovesical junction [UVJ]). Both before and after prostatectomy, participants performed three submaximal PFM contractions in sitting and/or standing positions while ultrasound data were recorded.

Results

Postprostatectomy the UVJ location was more caudal and dorsal, the ARJ (puborectalis) vector was longer, the BP was more ventral than preprostatectomy, and these landmarks moved less ventrally with contraction. After prostatectomy, the MU, BP, and ARJ were more ventral in standing than sitting. The UVJ was more caudal and elevated more with contraction in standing than sitting after prostatectomy.

Conclusion

These data demonstrate differences in the anatomy and mechanics of PFMs post‐ versus pre‐prostatectomy, and between sitting and standing positions postprostatectomy. Findings are consistent with surgical changes to the bladder and urethral anatomy. Reduced passive support for the urethra and bladder are likely to may contribute to differences between standing and sitting postprostatectomy.
Investigation of friction performance and surface integrity of aramid fiber‐reinforced polymer matrix composite
Authors: Altin Karataş Meltem
Published: September 2021

Because of its superior properties, aramid fiber‐reinforced polymer (AFRP) composite material is used in many sectors including the aerospace, automotive, and defense industries and maintains a stable and reliable coefficient of friction under the various conditions required by these industries. In this study, the friction coefficient of AFRP composites was determined by tests carried out using a ball‐on‐disc friction tester under 8 and 12 N loads at 300, 450, and 550 rpm. The wear traces were investigated and according to the results, the high friction forces negatively affected the wear and led to more prominent wear traces. It was concluded that oxidation, fatigue (thermal), and delamination wear were effective because the increase in the load increased the forces on the samples. In sample A1, the value obtained under the 8 N load was 287.5% lower than that measured under the 12 N load.
Investigations of the improved performances of silicone rubber in the presence of black titanium
Authors: Zhang Ning , Jiang Wenjun
Published: September 2021

Silicone rubber (SR)/black titanium (BT) composites with high‐temperature resistance and thermal conduction were prepared via an efficient and convenient blending method. The thermal stability and conductivity of these materials, as well as their properties were systematically investigated to determine the effects of BT. As tensile testing showed, the elongation retention rate of SR‐10 described good antioxidation behavior with a value of 30% after aging at 250 °C for 360 h. Additionally, thermal stability was improved with the introduction of BT. The initial decomposition temperature and maximum degradation rate temperature increased by 200 and 23 °C, respectively, in air atmosphere. As is known, it is difficult for inorganic particles to be well dispersed in a polymeric matrix. However, as observed using scanning electron microscopy, BT displayed a good compatibility and dispersion in the SR matrix without any obvious agglomeration. Moreover, it was found that the addition of BT can further enhance the thermal conductivity of SR to 0.48 W m−1 K−1. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Curcumin, a potential initiator of apoptosis via direct interactions with Bcl‐xL and Bid
Authors: Singh Suraj , Barnes C. Ashley , D'Souza Jacinta S. , Hosur Ramakrishna V. , Mishra Pushpa
Published: September 2021

Apoptosis is a naturally occurring process during the growth and development of multicellular organisms and is increasingly active during times of cellular stress such as in response to intracellular DNA damage when removal of the host cell is paramount to prevent cancer. Unfortunately, once formed, cancer cells become impervious to apoptosis, creating a desperate need to identify an approach to induce apoptosis in these cells. An attractive option is to focus efforts on developing and locating compounds which activate apoptosis using natural compounds. Curcumin is a natural component in turmeric and is well‐known for its pharmacological effects in preventing and combating many ailments and has been shown to decrease the rapid proliferation of a wide variety of tumor cells. However, to date, the apoptotic intermediates and interactions through which curcumin exerts its cytotoxic effects are unknown. Motivated by reports linking the intracellular modulation of the concentrations of Bid and Bcl‐xL, following curcumin administration to cancer cells, we set out to probe for potential intermolecular interactions of these proteins with curcumin. Using several biophysical techniques, most notably, fluorescence, circular dichroism and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, we reveal binding interactions of curcumin with both Bcl‐xLΔC and full‐length Bid (Bid‐FL) and prove that this binding is hydrophobically driven and localized to well‐known functional regions of each protein. Specifically, our NMR studies show that while Bid‐FL interacts with curcumin through its hydrophobic and pore forming helices (α6‐α7), Bcl‐xLΔC interacts with curcumin via its BH3 binding pocket (α2‐α3‐α4‐α5), a critical region for mediating apoptosis.
The asymptotic distribution of cluster sizes for supercritical percolation on random split trees
Authors: Berzunza Gabriel , Holmgren Cecilia
Published: September 2021

We consider the model of random trees introduced by Devroye, the so‐called random split trees. The model encompasses many important randomized algorithms and data structures. We then perform supercritical Bernoulli bond‐percolation on those trees and obtain a precise weak limit theorem for the sizes of the largest clusters. We also show that the approach developed in this work may be useful for studying percolation on other classes of trees with logarithmic height, for instance, we also study the case of d‐regular trees.
HowFIFAWorld Cup2022™can meet the carbon neutral commitments and the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development?: Reflections from the tree nursery project in Qatar
Authors: Spanos Ioannis , Kucukvar Murat , Bell Timothy C. , Elnimah Aza , Hamdan Hanin , Al Meer Bodour , Prakash Shashi , Lundberg Orjan , Kutty Adeeb A. , AlKhereibi Aya H. A.
Published: September 2021

With sustainability at the heart of Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup 2022™, Qatar has set a track to achieve carbon neutrality, committing to deliver the first‐ever carbon neutral mega event in the world. Achieving these goals require offsetting carbon emissions through quality projects within and outside the state. Tree nurseries with stress‐tolerant variants play a significant role in cutting the excess emissions from Qatar 2022, thereby supporting long‐term sustainable development. This research presents a novel approach to offset carbon emissions utilizing the carbon sequestration potential of trees planted in a tree nursery project in Qatar. The i‐Tree assessment tool and a well‐established US database are used in this regard to undertake a correlation climatic condition analysis between Doha and five locations in the United States with similar demographics as the State of Qatar. The tree nursery data along with water consumption, fertilizer use, and power consumption, were fed as the inputs to the assessment tool. The assessments were carried out considering different irrigation methods for trees and shrubs, treated sewage water with a significant amount of organic fertilizer, and desalinated water. The analysis showed a net‐carbon‐emission reduction equal to 23.482 t CO2‐eqv/year using the treated sewage water. The tree nursery project has a carbon reduction potential of 21.902% compared to the maximum carbon sequestration potential of 30.39 kg/CO2‐eqv/tree/year, when using treated sewage water and a mix of the specific fertilizer. However, the use of desalinated water holds a negative impact on the carbon balance to such a level that the introduction of trees in Middle Eastern may not positively affect climate change mitigation. It was also found that the amount of carbon footprint reduction after the FIFA World Cup 2022 is expected to increase steadily during the average life expectancy of the trees assessed, which were evaluated to be circa 135 years. The results presented support urban planners in proposing integrated sustainability planning strategies and policies. These strategies can initiate projects such as nurseries, parks, and open space areas to reduce carbon footprints, improve the city's social and economic aspects, and preserve the post‐event legacy of mega‐sporting events like the World Cup and Olympic Sports.
Incorporating baseline covariates to validate surrogate endpoints with a constant biomarker under control arm
Authors: Roberts Emily K. , Elliott Michael R. , Taylor Jeremy M. G.
Published: September 2021

A surrogate endpoint S in a clinical trial is an outcome that may be measured earlier or more easily than the true outcome of interest T. In this work, we extend causal inference approaches to validate such a surrogate using potential outcomes. The causal association paradigm assesses the relationship of the treatment effect on the surrogate with the treatment effect on the true endpoint. Using the principal surrogacy criteria, we utilize the joint conditional distribution of the potential outcomes T, given the potential outcomes S. In particular, our setting of interest allows us to assume the surrogate under the placebo, , is zero‐valued, and we incorporate baseline covariates in the setting of normally distributed endpoints. We develop Bayesian methods to incorporate conditional independence and other modeling assumptions and explore their impact on the assessment of surrogacy. We demonstrate our approach via simulation and data that mimics an ongoing study of a muscular dystrophy gene therapy.
A formal framework for the RBV: Resource dynamics as a Markov process
Authors: Wibbens Phebo D.
Published: September 2021

Research Summary

This article introduces a formal framework for long‐term resource dynamics under uncertainty. Firms' resource positions are identified with states in a stochastic Markov process. Two stylized examples implementing the framework illustrate how it can yield new strategic insights. One such insight is the attractiveness paradox. Shorter‐lived resources might seem less attractive for the simple reason that they will yield returns for a shorter time period. However, the model in this article shows that when accounting for the full competitive dynamics such seemingly less attractive resources can sometimes yield a more attractive investment opportunity. The ultimate goal of introducing the Markov framework is to provide new directions for resource‐based view research based on formal and simulation models, while retaining the verbal theory's richness and intuitive appeal.

Managerial Summary

A firm's resources (the assets and capabilities it has access to) vis‐à‐vis its competitors are the equivalent of the positions of pieces on a chessboard. They represent the “state” of the game, and each player tries to optimize this state in its favor. What sets apart the game of business from the game of chess is uncertainty: while in chess making a move leads to a certain outcome on the board, making an investment usually does not carry such guarantees, especially if it is in an intangible resource such as technology. This article introduces the mathematical tools to study strategic investments in the game of business, inherently incorporating uncertainty and long‐term competitive dynamics.
NIR‐II Excitation Phototheranostic Nanomedicine for Fluorescence/Photoacoustic Tumor Imaging and Targeted Photothermal‐Photonic Thermodynamic Therapy
Authors: Dai Yeneng , Zhao Honghai , He Kun , Du Wenyu , Kong Yingjie , Wang Zhen , Li Meixing , Shen Qingming , Sun Pengfei , Fan Quli
Published: September 2021

The success of phototheranostics is hampered by some intrinsic defects, such as limited light penetration depth, heat resistance of tumor cells to photothermal therapy (PTT) induced by heat shock protein (HSP) and stress resistance against photodynamic therapy (PDT) caused by hypoxia microenvironment of tumor. Herein, a second near infrared (NIR‐II) light excitation phototheranostic nanomedicine has been fabricated by integrating the semiconducting polymer, azo compound, and HSP inhibitor into a thermosensitive liposome, followed by modification with targeting aptamer, forming Lip(PTQ/GA/AIPH) for multimodal phototheranostics of triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC). The phototheranostic nanomedicine provides tumor targeting NIR‐II fluorescence and photoacoustic dual‐modal imaging, as well as NIR‐II PTT. The released HSP inhibitor can effectively inhibit the activity of HSP for enhanced NIR‐II PTT. Moreover, azo compound can be decomposed by the NIR‐II photothermal activation, generating cytotoxic free radicals and realizing oxygen‐irrelevant photonic thermodynamic therapy (PTDT) effects. Under the NIR‐II laser irradiation, NIR‐II fluorescence/photoacoustic dual‐modal imaging guided enhanced NIR‐II PTT and PTDT by Lip(PTQ/GA/AIPH), can achieve precise diagnosis and effective suppression of deep‐seated TNBC with negligible side effects. This work develops a promising NIR‐II excitation phototheranostic nanomedicine for spatiotemporally specific diagnosis and combination therapy of TNBC.
Reconfigurable 2D WSe2‐Based Memtransistor for Mimicking Homosynaptic and Heterosynaptic Plasticity
Authors: Ding Guanglong , Yang Baidong , Chen Ruo‐Si , Mo Wen‐Ai , Zhou Kui , Liu Yang , Shang Gang , Zhai Yongbiao , Han Su‐Ting , Zhou Ye
Published: September 2021

The mimicking of both homosynaptic and heterosynaptic plasticity using a high‐performance synaptic device is important for developing human‐brain–like neuromorphic computing systems to overcome the ever‐increasing challenges caused by the conventional von Neumann architecture. However, the commonly used synaptic devices (e.g., memristors and transistors) require an extra modulate terminal to mimic heterosynaptic plasticity, and their capability of synaptic plasticity simulation is limited by the low weight adjustability. In this study, a WSe2‐based memtransistor for mimicking both homosynaptic and heterosynaptic plasticity is fabricated. By applying spikes on either the drain or gate terminal, the memtransistor can mimic common homosynaptic plasticity, including spiking rate dependent plasticity, paired pulse facilitation/depression, synaptic potentiation/depression, and filtering. Benefitting from the multi‐terminal input and high adjustability, the resistance state number and linearity of the memtransistor can be improved by optimizing the conditions of the two inputs. Moreover, the device can successfully mimic heterosynaptic plasticity without introducing an extra terminal and can simultaneously offer versatile reconfigurability of excitatory and inhibitory plasticity. These highly adjustable and reconfigurable characteristics offer memtransistors more freedom of choice for tuning synaptic weight, optimizing circuit design, and building artificial neuromorphic computing systems.
Vascular Bursts Act as a Versatile Tumor Vessel Permeation Route for Blood‐Borne Particles and Cells
Authors: Igarashi Kazunori , Cabral Horacio , Hong Taehun , Anraku Yasutaka , Mpekris Fotios , Stylianopoulos Triantafyllos , Khan Thahomina , Matsumoto Akira , Kataoka Kazunori , Matsumoto Yu , Yamasoba Tatsuya
Published: September 2021

Dynamic bursting in tumor vasculature has recently sparked interest as a novel particle transportation route for drug delivery. These bursts facilitate the transport of sub‐100 nm nanoparticles into tumors, though their contribution on the access of other blood‐borne particles remains unknown. To evaluate the versatility of this phenomenon, the in vivo kinetics of a variety of intravenously injected particles and their penetration in tumor xenografts and allografts are compared. Dextran, polymeric micelles, liposomes, and polymeric vesicles with diameters ranging from 32 to 302 nm are found to colocalize in virtually all vascular bursts. By mathematical modeling, the burst vent size is estimated to be 625 nm or larger, indicating the dynamic and stochastic formation of large permeation routes in tumor vasculature. Furthermore, some burst vents are found to be µm‐sized, allowing the transport of 1 µm microspheres. Moreover, antibody drugs and platelets are capable of utilizing vascular burst transportation, demonstrating the application of this phenomenon to other types of therapeutics and cellular components. These findings indicate the vast potential of vascular bursts, extending the biological and therapeutic significance of this phenomenon to a wide range of blood‐borne particles and cells.
Maternal cardiovascular potential and kinetic energy indices in pre‐eclamptic and small‐for‐gestational‐age pregnancies
Authors: Gutierrez Henares J. , Gutierrez Henares R. , Perry H. , Khalil A. , Thilaganathan B.
Published: September 2021

Objective

Non‐invasive assessment of maternal cardiovascular potential and kinetic energy can be used to derive potential‐to‐kinetic‐energy ratio (PKR) and Smith–Madigan inotropic index (SMII), which reflect the balance between blood pressure and blood flow. The aim of this study was to evaluate PKR and SMII in pregnancies complicated by hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) and/or small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) birth.

Methods

This was a prospective study that enrolled women with a singleton pregnancy between 5 and 41 weeks' gestation. Women who developed HDP and/or SGA underwent cardiovascular profiling from 20 weeks. To establish reference ranges for PKR and SMII, women without any pre‐existing medical problems at the time of booking who did not develop HDP, SGA or other complications during pregnancy were also recruited for cardiovascular profiling. Measurements of cardiovascular parameters were obtained using a non‐imaging ultrasound cardiac output monitor.

Results

A total of 688 women completed the study, including 626 controls, 21 cases with HDP, 19 cases with SGA and 22 cases with HDP and SGA. PKR was significantly elevated in pregnancies with placental dysfunction compared with controls (HDP only, 29.81 ± 9.5; HDP and SGA, 44.33 ± 24.27; SGA only, 31.05 ± 13.14; vs controls, 22.30 ± 7.93; all P < 0.05). SMII values were significantly lower only in cases affected by SGA alone when compared with controls (1.47 ± 0.23 W/m2 vs 1.75 ± 0.40 W/m2; P < 0.005). These differences remained statistically significant when the analysis was undertaken using multiples of the median values corrected for gestational age.

Conclusions

The findings of this study suggest that point‐of‐care non‐invasive cardiovascular profiling using PKR and SMII may help distinguish between pregnancies affected by specific placental disorders and those exhibiting healthy cardiovascular adaptation to pregnancy. Women with HDP and/or SGA appear to have distinctive PKR and SMII profiles that reflect low kinetic energy in pregnancies with SGA and high potential energy in pregnancies affected by HDP. Finally, non‐invasive assessment of potential and kinetic cardiovascular energy demonstrates physiological high‐flow and low‐resistance adaptation in uncomplicated pregnancies. © 2022 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Comparison of the performance of decision tree (DT) algorithms and extreme learning machine (ELM) model in the prediction of water quality of the Upper Green River watershed
Authors: Anmala Jagadeesh , Turuganti Venkateswarlu
Published: September 2021

Stream waters play a crucial role in catering to the world's needs with the required quality of water. Due to the discharges of wastewater from the various point and nonpoint sources, most of the watersheds are contaminated easily. The Upper Green River watershed in Kentucky, USA, is one such watershed that is contaminated over the years due to the runoff from rural areas and agricultural lands and combined sewer overflows (CSOs) from urban areas. Monitoring and characterizing the water quality status of streams in such watersheds has become of great importance, with multivariate statistical techniques such as regression, factor analysis, cluster analysis, and artificial intelligence methods such as artificial neural networks (ANNs). The water quality parameters, namely, fecal coliform (FC), turbidity, pH, and conductivity have been predicted quantitatively using ANNs to understand the water quality status of streams in the Upper Green River watershed elsewhere. In this study, a novel attempt has been made to predict the status of the quality of the Green River water with the predictive capabilities of a few decision tree (DT) algorithms such as classification and regression tree (CART) model, multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS) model, random forest (RF) model, and extreme learning machine (ELM) model. The RF model's performance is better in predicting FC, turbidity, and pH than CART models in training and testing phases. Relatively, MARS and ELM models did better in testing though the performance is poorer in training. For example, we obtain the RMSE values of 2206, 2532, 1533, and 1969 using RF, CART, MARS, and ELM for FC in testing. A good correlation has been observed between conductivity and temperature, precipitation, and land‐use factors for the MARS model. Overall, DT models are helpful in understanding, interpreting the outcomes, and visualizing the results compared with the other models.

Practitioner points

The prediction of stream water quality parameters using decision trees is explored.

The climate and land use parameters are used as input parameters to the modeling.

The DT models of CART, MARS, RF, and ANNs such as ELM are explored to predict stream water quality.

The RF model shows stable results compared with CART, MARS, and ELM for the data explored.

Apart from the R2 value, RMSE and MAE indicate the effectiveness of DTs in prediction.
Orexin, serotonin, and energy balance
Authors: Mavanji Vijayakumar , Pomonis Brianna , Kotz Catherine M.
Published: September 2021

The lateral hypothalamus is critical for the control of ingestive behavior and spontaneous physical activity (SPA), as lesion or stimulation of this region alters these behaviors. Evidence points to lateral hypothalamic orexin neurons as modulators of feeding and SPA. These neurons affect a broad range of systems, and project to multiple brain regions such as the dorsal raphe nucleus, which contains serotoninergic neurons (DRN) important to energy homeostasis. Physical activity is comprised of intentional exercise and SPA. These are opposite ends of a continuum of physical activity intensity and structure. Non‐goal‐oriented behaviors, such as fidgeting, standing, and ambulating, constitute SPA in humans, and reflect a propensity for activity separate from intentional activity, such as high‐intensity voluntary exercise. In animals, SPA is activity not influenced by rewards such as food or a running wheel. Spontaneous physical activity in humans and animals burns calories and could theoretically be manipulated pharmacologically to expend calories and protect against obesity. The DRN neurons receive orexin inputs, and project heavily onto cortical and subcortical areas involved in movement, feeding and energy expenditure (EE). This review discusses the function of hypothalamic orexin in energy‐homeostasis, the interaction with DRN serotonin neurons, and the role of this orexin‐serotonin axis in regulating food intake, SPA, and EE. In addition, we discuss possible brain areas involved in orexin–serotonin cross‐talk; the role of serotonin receptors, transporters and uptake‐inhibitors in the pathogenesis and treatment of obesity; animal models of obesity with impaired serotonin‐function; single‐nucleotide polymorphisms in the serotonin system and obesity; and future directions in the orexin–serotonin field.

This article is categorized under:

Metabolic Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology
Polifactory. Transforming Playful Movement into Sound: Co-create a Smart System for Children with Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Sedini Carla , Cipriani Laura , Gelsomini Mirko , Maffei Stefano , Bianchini Massimo
Published: September 2021

This chapter explores the potential of co-creation and user innovation, investigating the physical-motor needs of children diagnosed with cerebral palsy with specific attention to the translation of movement in sound stimuli. It describes the co-design and development of BODYSOUND, a smart system that exploits a playful activity to encourage movements and transform them into sound.
Truth Tables Without Truth Values: On 4.27 and 4.42 of Wittgenstein’s Tractatus
Authors: Rohr Tabea
Published: September 2021

In 4.27 and 4.42 of his Tractatus Wittgenstein introduces quite complicated formulas, which are equivalent to $$2^n$$

2
n

and $$2^{2^{n}}$$

2

2
n

. This paper shows, however, that the formulas Wittgenstein presents fit particularly well with the way he thinks about truth values, logical connectives, tautologies, and contradictions. Furthermore, it will be shown how Wittgenstein could have avoided truth values even more radically. In this way it is demonstrated that the reference to truth values can indeed be substituted by talking of existing and non-existing facts.
‚Konstruktion‘ von Wissen in der Automobilindustrie
Authors: Säugling Carolin
Published: September 2021

Kapitel 6 fasst weitere und zugleich abschließende Ergebnisse der empirischen Untersuchung zusammen. Dies geschieht in zwei deutenden Schritten, wobei beide mit einem Zwischenfazit enden. Im Vergleich zu dem vorhergehenden Kapitel überwiegt hier der Anteil an interpretativen Resultaten gegenüber deskriptiven Ergebnissen. Zu Beginn enthält das Kapitel einen Exkurs in das Praktikerwissen und den Inkrementalismus als zusätzliche im Zusammenhang mit den Ergebnissen dieser Forschungsarbeit relevante theoretische Konzeptionen. Es folgen zwei weitere Schritte, die jeweils in mehreren Etappen die beiden Typen der Wissensverwendung, die anhand des erhobenen Datenmaterials herausgearbeitet werden konnten, sowie die anhand des Untersuchungsmaterials rekonstruierte Bedeutung von Wissen und die spezifische Art der Wissensgenese vorstellen.
Schlussbetrachtung und Ausblick
Authors: Säugling Carolin
Published: September 2021

Kapitel 7 fasst den Verlauf sowie auch den Befund der Studie zusammen und bezieht Letzteren auf den sie durchweg umgebenden wesentlichen Theorierahmen des Sozialkonstruktivismus. Ein Ausblick auf potentielle Fragestellungen, denen im Anschluss an die in dieser Arbeit beschriebene Untersuchung nachgegangen werden könnte, rundet die Darstellung ab.
Die Entstehung von Johann Michael Moscheroschs Insomnis Cura Parentum (1643)
Authors: Derer Sofia
Published: September 2021

The paper explores the multi-stage process of translation that enabled German writer Johann Michael Moscherosch to refer to the perusal of Elizabeth Jocelyn’s conduct book The Mothers Legacy to her Vnborn Childe as one of the main factors in his decision to write his own devotional book, Insomnis Cura Parentum (1643). It is argued that Moscherosch himself did not translate The Mothers Legacy from the French, but rather read it in an already existing German translation based on a French version. In addition to tracing back the ways in which The Mothers Legacy, as a result of small changes in both translations, became more compatible with the Strasbourg-specific rendition of Lutheranism that largely shaped Moscherosch’s religious views and therefore his parenting, the paper aims to show how aspects of religious confession, regional politics, and the book trade were crucial in the reception of seventeeth-century devotional writing.
Übersetzungen in Enzyklopädien
Authors: Lüsebrink Hans-Jürgen
Published: September 2021

This paper addresses the questions posed in the SPP project “Translational Dimensions of French Encyclopaedism in the Age of Enlightenment, 1680–1800” (directors: Susanne Greilich/Regensburg, Hans-Jürgen Lüsebrink/Saarbrücken). The paper distinguishes two fundamental research perspectives in the analysis of encyclopaedic works in a translation context: first, the translation of encyclopaedic works into other languages, which often involved intercultural adaptation; and second, the use and function of translations, together with reflections on and criticism thereof, in encyclopaedic works. This second line of investigation will be pursued with reference to the articles on “Translation” in the Encyclopédie (1751–1772) and its Supplement (1777–1778) by Diderot and D'Alembert and the Encyclopédie Méthodique (1782–1832) as well as to the volumes of the Encyclopédie Méthodique on Philosophie moderne, edited and partly written by J.-A. Naigeon, especially the article on Hume.
Datasets for Combat Aircraft
Authors: Saitova Alsu , Beeres Robert
Published: September 2021

As part of an empirical investigation into factors contributing to the world-wide demand and supply of fixed-wing combat aircraft, the authors have conducted a search for data sources providing insight in the characteristics, types and qualities of aircraft designed for combat purposes, the total volume on the market (entries, movements and exits), as well as the financial equivalents of each in a specific period of time. This chapter discusses both the various pathways embarked on to this end, as well as the research results.
Superspace first order formalism, trivial symmetries and electromagnetic interactions of linearized supergravity
Authors: Buchbinder I. L. , Gates S. James , Koutrolikos K.
Published: September 2021

Abstract

We introduce a first order description of linearized non-minimal (n = −1) supergravity in superspace, using the unconstrained prepotential superfield instead of the conventionally constrained super one forms. In this description, after integrating out the connection-like auxiliary superfield of first-order formalism, the superspace action is expressed in terms of a single superfield which combines the prepotential and compensator superfields. We use this description to construct the supersymmetric cubic interaction vertex 3/2 − 3/2 − 1/2 which describes the electromagnetic interaction between two non-minimal supergravity multiplets (superspin Y = 3/2 which contains a spin 2 and a spin 3/2 particles) and a vector multiplet (superspin Y = 1/2 contains a spin 1 and a spin 1/2 particles). Exploring the trivial symmetries emerging between the two Y = 3/2 supermultiplets, we show that this cubic vertex must depend on the vector multiplet superfield strength. This result generalize previous results for non-supersymmetric electromagnetic interactions of spin 2 particles. The constructed cubic interaction generates non-trivial deformations of the gauge transformations.
The use of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in radiocarpal fractures: a diagnostic test accuracy meta-analysis
Authors: Fitzpatrick Emma , Sharma Vivek , Rojoa Djamila , Raheman Firas , Singh Harvinder
Published: September 2021

Objective

Occult radiocarpal fractures often present a diagnostic challenge to the emergency department. Accurate diagnosis of these injuries is crucial as a missed fracture can lead to significant morbidity. Cone-beam CT (CBCT) scan is a novel imaging modality, with minimal radiation exposure and comparatively fast acquisition time. Our aim was to evaluate its use in the diagnosis of cortical fractures in the upper limb extremity.

Materials and methods

We conducted a systematic review of literature and included all studies that evaluated the use of CBCT in the diagnosis of radiocarpal fractures. We used a mixed-effects logistic regression bivariate model to estimate the summary sensitivity and specificity and constructed hierarchical summary receiver operative characteristic curves (HSROC).

Results

We identified 5 studies, with 439 patients, and observed CBCT to be 87.7% (95% CI 77.6–93.6) sensitive and 99.2% (95% CI 92.6–99.9) specific for scaphoid fractures. For carpal fractures, CBCT was observed to have a pooled sensitivity and specificity of 90.6% (95% CI 72.7–97.2) and 100% (95% CI 99–100) respectively. For distal radius fractures, CBCT sensitivity was 90% (95% CI 67–98) and specificity was 100% (95% CI 10–100). The overall inter-rater agreement effect was shown to be 0.89 (95% CI 0.82–0.96), which is deemed to be almost perfect.

Conclusion

CBCT is an accurate diagnostic tool for occult radiocarpal cortical fractures, which could replace or supplement radiographs. We believe CBCT has a promising role in the acute radiocarpal fracture diagnostic algorithm in both emergency and trauma departments.
Die Aktivitäten des Resources Innovation Center im Spannungsfeld Brain Drain – Brain Circulation
Authors: Meyer Anna , Murphy Mariaelena
Published: September 2021

Das Resources Innovation Center Leoben an der Montanuniversität Leoben veranstaltet seit 2014 eine Konferenzserie mit dem Titel East and South East Europe Dialogue Conferences. Ende 2020 wurde die online Version der Konferenz genutzt um verschiedene Stakeholder des Rohstoffsektors, sowie auch Experten zum Thema Brain Drain zu Wort kommen zu lassen. Der Artikel umreißt das Spannungsfeld von Brain Drain und Brain Circulation und zeigt Möglichkeiten und zukünftige Schritte auf mit welchen man Kooperationen mit Ost- und Südosteuropa anstoßen und so zur Brain Circulation, dem multidirektionalen Fluss von Arbeitskräften und Wissen, beitragen kann.
EURECA-PRO: The European University on Responsible Consumption and Production
Authors: Pichler Lisa , Egger Jasmin , Feiel Susanne , Kircher Volkmar , Kosciuszko Agnieszka
Published: September 2021

The European Commission (EC) called for proposals to form European University Alliances (EUA) in 2019 and 2020 to promote Europe’s universities competitiveness in the world and strengthen the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) and European Research Area (ERA). With the objective to create a global educational core hub on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12 “responsible consumption and production”, a consortium of seven universities, led by Montanuniversität Leoben, received a three-year funding in 2020 for the development of a European University on REsponsible Consumption And PROduction (EURECA-PRO).
A numerical study of the additive Schwarz preconditioned exact Newton method (ASPEN) as a nonlinear preconditioner for immiscible and compositional porous media flow
Authors: Klemetsdal Øystein , Moncorgé Arthur , Møyner Olav , Lie Knut-Andreas
Published: September 2021

Domain decomposition methods are widely used as preconditioners for Krylov subspace linear solvers. In the simulation of porous media flow there has recently been a growing interest in nonlinear preconditioning methods for Newton’s method. In this work, we perform a numerical study of a spatial additive Schwarz preconditioned exact Newton (ASPEN) method as a nonlinear preconditioner for Newton’s method applied to both fully implicit or sequential implicit schemes for simulating immiscible and compositional multiphase flow. We first review the ASPEN method and discuss how the resulting linearized global equations can be recast so that one can use standard preconditioners developed for the underlying model equations. We observe that the local fully implicit or sequential implicit updates efficiently handle the local nonlinearities, whereas long-range interactions are resolved by the global ASPEN update. The combination of the two updates leads to a very competitive algorithm. We illustrate the behavior of the algorithm for conceptual one and two-dimensional cases, as well as realistic three dimensional models. A complexity analysis demonstrates that Newton’s method with a fully implicit scheme preconditioned by ASPEN is a very robust and scalable alternative to the well-established Newton’s method for fully implicit schemes.
School students’ confidence when answering diagnostic questions online
Authors: Foster Colin , Woodhead Simon , Barton Craig , Clark-Wilson Alison
Published: September 2021

In this paper, we analyse a large, opportunistic dataset of responses (N = 219,826) to online, diagnostic multiple-choice mathematics questions, provided by 6–16-year-old UK school mathematics students (N = 7302). For each response, students were invited to indicate on a 5-point Likert-type scale how confident they were that their response was correct. Using demographic data available from the online platform, we examine the relationships between confidence and facility (the proportion of questions correct), as well as gender, age and socioeconomic disadvantage. We found a positive correlation between student confidence and mean facility, higher confidence for boys than for girls and lower confidence for students classified as socioeconomically disadvantaged, even after accounting for facility. We found that confidence was lower for older students, and this was particularly marked across the primary to secondary school transition. An important feature of the online platform used is that, when students answer a question incorrectly, they are presented with an analogous question about 3 weeks later. We exploited this feature to obtain the first evidence in an authentic school mathematics context for the hypercorrection effect (Butterfield & Metcalfe J EXP PSYCHOL 27:1491–1494, 2001), which is the observation that errors made with higher confidence are more likely to be corrected. These findings have implications for classroom practices that have the potential to support more effective and efficient learning of mathematics.
Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds from Tempered and Incubated Grain Mediate Attraction by a Primary but Not Secondary Stored Product Insect Pest in Wheat
Authors: Van Winkle Taylor , Ponce Marco , Quellhorst Hannah , Bruce Alexander , Albin Chloe E. , Kim Tania N. , Zhu Kun Yan , Morrison William R.
Published: September 2021

There has been a dearth of research elucidating the behavioral effect of microbially-produced volatile organic compounds on insects in postharvest agriculture. Demonstrating attraction to MVOC’s by stored product insects would provide an additional source of unique behaviorally-relevant stimuli to protect postharvest commodities at food facilities. Here, we assessed the behavioral response of a primary (Rhyzopertha dominica) and secondary (Tribolium castaneum) grain pest to bouquets of volatiles produced by whole wheat that were untempered, or tempered to 12%, 15%, or 19% grain moisture and incubated for 9, 18, or 27 days. We hypothesized that MVOC’s may be more important for the secondary feeder because they signal that otherwise unusable, intact grains have become susceptible by weakening of the bran. However, contrary to our expectations, we found that the primary feeder, R. dominica, but not T. castaneum was attracted to MVOC’s in a wind tunnel experiment, and in a release-recapture assay using commercial traps baited with grain treatments. Increasing grain moisture resulted in elevated grain damage detected by near-infrared spectroscopy and resulted in small but significant differences in the blend of volatiles emitted by treatments detected by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC–MS). In sequencing the microbial community on the grain, we found a diversity of fungi, suggesting that an assemblage was responsible for emissions. We conclude that R. dominica is attracted to a broader suite of MVOC’s than T. castaneum, and that our work highlights the importance of understanding insect-microbe interactions in the postharvest agricultural supply chain.
Early platelet dysfunction in patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is associated with mortality
Authors: Siegel Patrick Malcolm , Chalupsky Julia , Olivier Christoph B. , Bojti István , Pooth Jan-Steffen , Trummer Georg , Bode Christoph , Diehl Philipp
Published: September 2021

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is used for patients with cardiopulmonary failure and is associated with severe bleeding and poor outcome. Platelet dysfunction may be a contributing factor. The aim of this prospective observational study was to characterize platelet dysfunction and its relation to outcome in ECMO patients. Blood was sampled from thirty ECMO patients at three timepoints. Expression of CD62P, CD63, activated GPIIb/IIIa, GPVI, GPIbα and formation platelet-leukocyte aggregates (PLA) were analyzed at rest and in response to stimulation. Delta granule storage-pool deficiency and secretion defects were also investigated. Fifteen healthy volunteers and ten patients with coronary artery disease served as controls. Results were also compared between survivors and non-survivors. Compared to controls, expression of platelet surface markers, delta granule secretion and formation of PLA was reduced, particularly in response to stimulation. Baseline CD63 expression was higher and activated GPIIb/IIIa expression in response to stimulation was lower in non-survivors on day 1 of ECMO. Logistic regression analysis revealed that these markers were associated with mortality. In conclusion, platelets from ECMO patients are severely dysfunctional predisposing patients to bleeding complications and poor outcome. Platelet dysfunction on day 1 of ECMO detected by the platelet surface markers CD63 and activated GPIIb/IIIa is associated with mortality. CD63 and activated GPIIb/IIIa may therefore serve as novel prognostic biomarkers, but future studies are required to determine their true potential.
Development and Validation of a PET/SPECT Radiopharmaceutical in Oncology
Authors: Pisaneschi Federica , Viola Nerissa T.
Published: September 2021

In oncology, biomarker research aimed to provide insights on cancer biology via positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission tomography (SPECT) imaging has seen an incredible growth in the past two decades. Despite the increased number of publications on PET/SPECT radiopharmaceuticals, the field lacked standardization of in vitro and in vivo parameters necessary for the characterization of any radiotracer. Through the efforts of the World Molecular Imaging Society Education Committee, this white paper lays down validation studies that are essential to chemically and biologically characterize new radiopharmaceuticals derived from small molecules, peptides or proteins. Finally, a brief overview of the steps toward translation is also presented.

Herein, we discuss the following:

Chemistry and radiochemistry metrics to establish the identity of the imaging agent.

In vitro and in vivo studies to examine the radiotracer’s mechanism of action, which includes target specificity, pharmacokinetics and in vivo metabolism.
Ab Initio Study of the Influence of Alloying Elements on Stability and Mechanical Properties of Selected TixAly Intermetallic Compounds and Their TixAly/Al, TixAly/Ti Interfaces in Explosively Welded Metal–Metal Composites
Authors: Kwasniak P. , Garbacz H.
Published: September 2021

The overall performance of joints fabricated using the explosive welding method depends directly on the brittleness of created intermetallic phases and their cohesion with metallic substrates. In this article, we used first principles calculations to show that Sn, V, Cu, and Mg alloying elements present in Ti- and Al-based alloys have a significant influence on the elastic properties and plastic deformation ability ofγ-TiAl and Ti3Al. Selected solutes exhibit diversified preferential site occupancy in bulk phases and ordered phase/metallic substrate interface regions. The largest positive effect on ductility and cleavage energy was found for Cu addition (25 pct increase in theB/Gratio), while Sn largely deteriorates cleavage resistance (up to 8 pct). The presented results reveal that further development in the explosive welding field can be reached through the design/application of new alloys composed of elements that improve the properties of the ordered phases present in the joints.
Genome Mining of Three Plant Growth-Promoting Bacillus Species from Maize Rhizosphere
Authors: Olanrewaju Oluwaseyi Samuel , Ayilara Modupe Stella , Ayangbenro Ayansina Segun , Babalola Olubukola Oluranti
Published: September 2021

Bacillusspecies genomes are rich in plant growth-promoting genetic elements.Bacillus subtilisandBacillus velezensisare important plant growth promoters; hence, to further improve their abilities, the genetic elements responsible for these traits were characterized and reported. Genetic elements reported include those of auxin, nitrogen fixation, siderophore production, iron acquisition, volatile organic compounds, and antibiotics. Furthermore, the presence of phages and antibiotic-resistant genes in the genomes are reported. Pan-genome analysis was conducted using tenBacillusspecies. From the analysis, pan-genome ofBacillus subtilisandBacillus velezensisare still open. Ultimately, this study brings an insight into the genetic components of the plant growth-promoting abilities of these strains and shows their potential biotechnological applications in agriculture and other relevant sectors.
Unterrichtsentwicklung durch Unterrichtsfeedback – Erste Entwicklungsschritte eines Beobachtungsbogens für Schulleitungen
Authors: Gärtner Holger , Thiel Felicitas , Nachbauer Max , Kellermann Christopher
Published: September 2021

Im vorliegenden Beitrag werden erste Entwicklungsschritte eines Beobachtungsbogen zur Erfassung von Unterrichtsqualität vorgestellt, der bei Unterrichtsevaluationen durch Schulleitungen eingesetzt werden soll, die mit dem Ziel eines entwicklungsbezogenen Feedbacks an Lehrpersonen erfolgen. Im ersten Teil wird die theoretische Grundlage des Beobachtungsbogens beschrieben. Unter Rückgriff auf lehr-lernpsychologische Theorien der Informationsverarbeitung, der Motivation und Theorien der sozialen Interaktion im Klassenzimmer wurden drei übergeordnete Anforderungsbereiche des Unterrichtens (Unterstützung des Wissenserwerbs, Motivierung und Klassenmanagement) identifiziert und Unterrichtsmerkmale aus den entsprechenden Bezugstheorien hergeleitet. Zusätzlich wurde Individualisierung als vierte, querliegende Anforderung berücksichtigt. Im zweiten Teil erfolgt im Rahmen einer explorativen Studie eine erste empirische Überprüfung zentraler psychometrischer Eigenschaften des Beobachtungsbogens. Das Ergebnis einer explorativen Faktorenanalyse zeigt eine weitestgehend theoriekonforme Faktorenstruktur. Die Unterrichtsmerkmale weisen moderate bis hohe Korrelationen, zufriedenstellende interne Konsistenzen und Stabilitäten auf. Die Ergebnisse sprechen dafür, dass das theoretische Modell empirisch abgebildet werden kann. Weitere Entwicklungsschritte des Beobachtungsbogens werden skizziert.