bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The relationship between neonatal hypoglycaemia and cord blood C‐peptide levels in neonates of birthing individuals with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Aharon‐Hananel Genya , Dori‐Dayan Nimrod , Zemet Roni , Bakal Lihi , Jabarin Amna , Levi Keren , Hemi Rina , Barhod Ehud , Kordi‐Patimer Oshrit , Mazaki‐Tovi Shali , Cukierman‐Yaffe Tali , Yoeli‐Ullman Rakefet
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Neonates of individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) are at increased risk of neonatal hypoglycaemia. It is hypothesised that this is a result of birthing‐individual hyperglycaemia and subsequent foetal hyperinsulinemia.

Aims

To test for association between clinically significant neonatal hypoglycaemia (requiring intravenous glucose treatment) and cord‐blood c‐peptide (CBCP) concentrations in birthing‐individuals with T1D.

Materials and Methods

This is a prospective cohort study of individuals with T1D followed at a single tertiary centre. Clinical variables and glucose control during pregnancy were recorded. Cord‐blood was collected and CBCP concentrations determined. The correlation between clinically significant neonatal hypoglycaemia and CBCP concentrations was determined.

Results

Fifty‐four pregnant individuals and their newborns were included in the study. Individuals to neonates who experienced hypoglycaemia had longer diabetes duration (19 vs. 13 years, respectively, p = 0.023), higher HbA1c at conception (7.3 [6.3–8.8] vs. 6.5 [6.0–7.0], respectively, p = 0.042) and higher rates of caesarian section (73.3% vs. 28.2%, respectively, p = 0.005) than individuals to those who did not. CBCP levels were significantly higher in neonates with clinically significant neonatal hypoglycaemia as compared to those who did not experience hypoglycaemia (3.3 mcg/L vs. 1.9 mcg/L, respectively, p = 0.002). After adjustment for possible confounders, every 1 unit higher in CBCP level was associated with a 1.46 (1.02–2.09, p = 0.035)—fold greater risk for neonatal hypoglycaemia. No significant differences were observed in either birthing individual complications or glucose control indices during pregnancy between the two groups.

Conclusions

In neonates of individuals with T1D, higher CBCP levels are an independent risk factor for clinically significant neonatal hypoglycaemia.
No wonder, it is a hybrid. Natural hybridization between Jacobaea vulgaris and J. erucifolia revealed by molecular marker systems and its potential ecological impact
Authors: Gawrońska Barbara , Marszałek Małgorzata , Kosiński Piotr , Podsiedlik Marek , Bednorz Leszek , Zeyland Joanna
Published: August 2023

Progressive changes in the environment are related to modifications of the habitat. Introducing exotic species, and interbreeding between species can lead to processes that in the case of rare species or small populations threatens their integrity. Given the declining trends of many populations due to increased hybridization, early recognition of hybrids becomes important in conservation management. Natural hybridization is prevalent in Jacobaea. There are many naturally occurring interspecific hybrids in this genus, including those between Jacobaea vulgaris and its relatives. Although Jacobaea erucifolia and J. vulgaris often co‐occur and are considered closely related, apart from the few reports of German botanists on the existence of such hybrids, there is no information on research confirming hybridization between them. Morphologically intermediate individuals, found in the sympatric distributions of J. vulgaris and J. erucifolia, were hypothesized to be their hybrids. Two molecular marker systems (nuclear and chloroplast DNA markers) were employed to test this hypothesis and characterize putative hybrids. Nuclear and chloroplast DNA sequencing results and taxon‐specific amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) fragment distribution analysis confirmed the hybrid nature of all 25 putative hybrids. The AFLP patterns of most hybrids demonstrated a closer relationship to J. erucifolia, suggesting frequent backcrossing. Moreover, they showed that several individuals previously described as pure were probably also of hybrid origin, backcrosses to J. erucifolia and J. vulgaris. This study provides the first molecular confirmation that natural hybrids between J. vulgaris and J. erucifolia occur in Poland. Hybridization appeared to be bidirectional but asymmetrical with J. vulgaris as the usual maternal parent.
Evidence of differential phenotypic plasticity in a desert mustard
Authors: Alfaro Brian , Marshall Diane L.
Published: August 2023

Understanding the effect of the environment on trait variation is critical for ecologically and economically important plants. Here, we asked whether differences in soil moisture are a source of variation in Sahara mustard (Brassica tournefortii). We subjected common garden populations of plants derived from native, invasive, and landrace sources (ranges) to varying water addition treatments. Using principal component analysis, we generated composite variables of life history traits for ANCOVA tests and plotted norms of reaction. Planting time was included as a covariate because we observed differences in seedling emergence despite efforts to standardize germination. We also examined the population coefficient of variation of individual traits (plasticity) and the association of trait CVs with fitness. The amount of plasticity varied but was inconsistent among range sources for all composite traits. Planting time did not affect treatments, but plants from different ranges responded differently to variable planting times. With a surplus of water, plants derived from native and invasive populations plateaued in vegetative trait values but showed a continuous linear increase in reproductive trait values. Possibly as a result of domestication, moderate and high water treatments in landrace plants caused plateaus in composite trait values for flowering phenology, seed count, plant size, and branching. The ecological breadth shown by our plants is likely due to drought tolerance that evolved in Brassica tournefortii source populations.
Granting legitimacy from non‐state actor deliberation: An example of women's groups at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
Authors: Zhao Bi
Published: August 2023

Non‐state actors (NSAs) have been widely recognized as important participants in the global climate regime. Their participation is considered to have the potential to enhance the democratic legitimacy of global governance institutions such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What is the mechanism through which NSAs grant legitimacy to the institution? This study connects NSA legitimation with their deliberation at multilateral venues. I argue that, while NSAs do not have formal voting or decision‐making power, evaluating their participation in deliberation activities, such as the Side Events at the annual Conference of Parties, can shed light on our understanding of whether there is equality in their participation and who gets to contribute to the institutional legitimacy of the UNFCCC. Drawing on the example of women's groups at the UNFCCC, I demonstrate their increasing participation in deliberation. Quantitative analysis and interviews suggest that their participation is relatively inclusive with a diverse range of actors and viewpoints. Although Global Northern NSAs enjoy some advantages in participation, the effect is balanced by NSAs' social embeddedness, especially for the Southern groups, and the robust collaborations between the North and South. These features are likely to enhance the legitimacy of UNFCCC. Future research should consider how to understand and assess legitimacy in global governance regimes and who may be left out in the legitimation process.
Variable passing method for combining 3D MPM–FEM hybrid and 2D shallow water simulations of landslide‐induced tsunamis
Authors: Pan Shaoyuan , Nomura Reika , Ling Guoming , Takase Shinsuke , Moriguchi Shuji , Terada Kenjiro
Published: August 2023

With a view to simulating the entire process of a landslide‐triggered tsunami, ranging from tsunami generation to offshore wave propagation, with relatively low computational costs, we present a 2D–3D coupling strategy to bridge 3D MPM–FEM hybrid and 2D shallow water (SW) simulations. Specifically, considering the difference in basis functions between the 3D and 2D analysis methods, we devise a novel variable passing scheme in the domain overlapping method, in which a slightly overlapped domain enables the generated wave to pass through the connection boundaries with as little discrepancy as possible. For the tsunami generation stage in the 3D domain, the hybrid method combining the finite element method (FEM) and material point method (MPM) is adopted. In this method, the 3D governing equation of the solid phase is solved with the MPM, whereas the well‐established 3D stabilized FEM is applied to that of the fluid phase in an Eulerian frame. Additionally, the phase‐field method is employed to track the free surface of the 3D fluid domain. On the other hand, the SW equation that represents the offshore wave motion in the 2D domain is solved by the 2D stabilized FEM. Several numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the developed scheme in properly passing the data from 3D/2D to 2D/3D domains.
Should there be a definite place for grades in the next TNM staging system for (major) salivary gland malignancies?
Authors: Kantamani Teja , Thiagarajan Shivakumar
Published: August 2023

See page 2742–2743
Investigating the mediating influence of distress tolerance on the relationship between existential thinking, sense of coherence, and the severity of mourning among families who lost a loved one to COVID‐19: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Khalafi kasalani Soheila , Karami Mina , Dargahi Shahriar
Published: August 2023

Background and Aims

The objective of the current study was to examine how distress tolerance functions as a mediator in the relationship between existential thinking, sense of coherence, and the severity of mourning experienced by families who have lost a loved one to COVID‐19.

Methods

The present study employed a descriptive correlational research design, targeting family members of those who passed away due to COVID‐19 in the city of Mianeh in 2022. A sample of 160 individuals was selected for statistical analysis. The research instruments used in this study consisted of Flensberg's sense of coherence questionnaire (2006), Simmons and Gaher's emotional distress tolerance questionnaire (2005), Sugbart and Scott's grief experience questionnaire (1989), and Branton Scherer's existential thinking questionnaire (2006). The collected data were analyzed using path analysis, as well as SPSS and Amos software.

Results

The findings of the study revealed a significant correlation coefficient between existential thinking (r = 0.465), sense of coherence (r = 0.401), and distress tolerance (r = 0.521) with the severity of mourning experienced by families who lost a loved one to COVID‐19. Moreover, the results indicated a positive and significant relationship (p > 0.01) between distress tolerance and sense of coherence (r = 0.126), as well as between distress tolerance and existential thinking (r = 0.059) among the bereaved families. However, the bootstrap test results suggested that distress tolerance did not mediate the relationship between sense of coherence and the severity of mourning in the families of COVID‐19 victims.

Conclusion

Consistent with prior research, the current study's findings indicated that both existential thinking and sense of coherence had a direct impact on the severity of mourning experienced by families who lost a loved one to COVID‐19. Additionally, the results revealed that the influence of existential thinking on the severity of mourning was mediated indirectly by increasing distress tolerance.
How to tackle single target gene positive results of SARS‐CoV‐2 real‐time PCR: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Shafiei‐Jandaghi Nazanin‐Zahra , Tavakoli Forough , Yavarian Jila , Salimi Vahid , Sadeghi Kaveh , Zadheidar Sevrin , Nejati Ahmad , Shatizadeh Malekshahi Somayeh , Mokhtari‐Azad Talat
Published: August 2023

Background and Aims

Real‐time reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (real‐time RT‐PCR) is the gold standard test for diagnosis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). However, when the test result is near the detection limit of the assay the possibility of getting false positive or negative results is high. In addition, it might result in single target gene positive (STGP) results which should be interpreted with caution.

Methods

This study was performed on 29,962 nasal swabs from July 1 to August 31, 2020. Ct values less than 40 for each or both of N and RdRp genes were recommended to be selected as positive. Positive samples for one gene with the Cts more than 35 were rechecked by adding more templates.

Results

The results showed that 1016 (3.39%) samples were positive just for one gene with high Ct values. The results of the second reactions showed that 325 (31.99%) samples were positive for both N and RdRp which were reported positive, 301 (29.65%) were positive only for one gene which were considered as suspicious cases and resampling was suggested for them. Finally, 390 (38.385%) samples were negative for both genes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, tracking weak positive results of SARS‐CoV‐2 real‐time RT‐PCR revealed that most of the individuals who were STGP clean the infection completely in less than a week which showed they were in the convalescent phase of infection. However, some of them who were in the beginning of infection showed a decrease in Ct value during a week, so they could spread the virus in the society.
Understanding Interface Criticality in Large Infrastructure Projects
Authors: Welford John , Wallace Steve , Donovan James
Published: August 2023

Understanding and effectively managing interfaces has been recognised as key to mitigating the risk of project failure since the 1960's and is becoming more prominent in infrastructure as projects become more complex. This paper reviews how interfaces in infrastructure projects are traditionally identified, defined, owned, assessed, and managed. It provides recommendations on how to better align this traditional viewpoint with a whole‐of‐system approach to Interface Management through an assessment of interface criticality and shows the application of these through a case study on the redesign of two rail‐enabled ferry terminals.
The AGILE 4.0 Project: MBSE to Support Cyber‐Physical Collaborative Aircraft Development
Authors: Bussemaker Jasper , Boggero Luca , Nagel Björn
Published: August 2023

This paper presents the main output of the EU‐funded H2020 AGILE 4.0 project: the AGILE 4.0 MBSE‐MDAO Development Framework. The framework aims at connecting upstream Model‐Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) activities to downstream Multidisciplinary Design Analysis and Optimization (MDAO) activities, applied to the development of complex aeronautical systems. Upstream activities include the definition of stakeholders, needs, semantic requirements, and modeling the system architecture design space. Downstream activities include defining, implementing, and executing cross‐organizational and collaborative MDAO workflows to support system synthesis. The development framework is implemented in an Operational Collaborative Environment (OCE), a web‐based platform for project data and modeling tool access. A business jet family design application case demonstrates the use of the development framework and OCE.
Function‐Based Architecture Optimization: An Application to Hybrid‐Electric Propulsion Systems
Authors: Bussemaker Jasper , Sánchez Raúl García , Fouda Mahmoud , Boggero Luca , Nagel Björn
Published: August 2023

Decisions arising in architecting processes greatly impact the success of the final product, however are subject to high uncertainty and large combinatorial design spaces. Selecting the best architecture for the problem at hand can be supported by architecture optimization techniques. In this paper, we show how architecture optimization can used for designing complex aeronautical systems, with the design of hybrid‐electric aircraft propulsion systems as an application case. The function‐based architecture optimization problem is formulated using an Architecture Design Space Graph (ADSG) created with the ADORE tool. Automatically generated architecture alternatives are evaluated using a multidisciplinary analysis framework coupling an overall aircraft design tool to mission and propulsion system simulation code. The multidisciplinary analysis toolchain is rebuilt for each architecture, automatically including and coupling selecting components. Architectures are optimized for three objectives using a multi‐objective genetic algorithm. It is demonstrated that the large architecture design space can be effectively searched and a Pareto front can be obtained.
LEAP – A Process for Identifying Potential Technical Debt in Iterative System Development
Authors: Kleinwaks Howard , Batchelor Ann , Bradley Thomas , Rich Matthew , Turner J. F.
Published: August 2023

Systems engineering has seen a rise in the use of iterative methods to design and develop both hardware and software systems which allow for system refinement to be responsive to user needs. However, focusing on items with high value to the user can result in technical debt, where technical compromises made for short‐term gain impact the long‐term health of the system. Current methods for identifying technical debt focus on finding existing technical debt items within a system and not on proactive identification of technical debt during the iterative system planning process. This paper presents a novel technique to identify technologies that impact the ability of the system to satisfy the needs of its stakeholders. The method is used to evaluate different choices of technological implementations in both the temporal and the functional dimensions to reduce the risk of incurring technical debt which prevents the successful delivery of the system.
Developing Effective Space Systems with Earlier Integration, Verification, and Validation
Authors: Katz Tami , Wheatcraft Louis S.
Published: August 2023

Space systems are complex systems developed to address a defined problem or opportunity, with current trends seeking faster developments within competitively priced budgets. Methods are needed to provide early confidence in the ability of an organization to successfully develop a space system that meets stakeholders' expectations.

Addressing integration, verification, and validation earlier and continuously across the lifecycle is crucial towards assuring the space system is developed in a way that is feasible, conforms to requirements, meets the needs of the stakeholders, and ultimately can achieve the goals and objectives of the mission within budget, schedule and acceptable risk.

This paper suggests solutions to this development using the activities promoted by the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) through the INCOSE Needs and Requirements Manual (NRM) (INCOSE, 2022) by applying the concepts to an example space system. This example covers the activities of lifecycle concept and needs definition, requirements definition, and early system verification and validation during architectural and design definition using the FireSat II example from the Space Mission Engineering: The New SMAD (Wertz, et al, 2011), showing a familiar space mission example in a new light.

The outcome is a demonstration of space system development using a data‐centric approach, resulting in a comprehensive and well‐formed integrated set of needs and requirements with the ability to address integration, verification, and validation across the development lifecycle, supporting faster and more cost‐effective development of high quality, safe, and efficient space mission solutions.
Oversimplification of Systems Engineering Goals, Processes, and Criteria in NASA Space Life Support
Authors: Jones Harry W.
Published: August 2023

This paper investigates the oversimplification of the inherently complex systems engineering process in space life support. The standard systems engineering process steps are described. The International Space Station (ISS) life support system is explained with its goals and performance criteria. Although it is not usually emphasized, the essential function of developing a hierarchy of systems and subsystems is to simplify the design process. The System Complexity Metric (SCM) shows how this divide‐and‐conquer approach also reduces the system complexity. The complete systems engineering process has many detailed steps. It is often simplified because of the effort required and the human limitations on working memory and decision span. Systems analysis demands slow, logical, and focused thinking but is often bypassed in favor of quick, intuitive, subconscious “gut feel.” A study of 100 system designs found examples of 12 specific mental mistakes, such as ignoring stakeholder needs, and these mistakes are essentially oversimplifications of the systems engineering process. An analysis of space life support goals, options, criteria, and processes found 11 examples of oversimplifications in systems engineering, such as neglecting safety and cost. All these 11 oversimplifications could be traced to one or more of the 12 previously identified mental mistakes or other well‐known ones, such as ignoring sunk costs. Oversimplification of the systems engineering process is rarely noticed but is a common and harmful problem. A study of failures in 50 different space systems found that problems in systems engineering caused failures and often led to errors in design, development, and test that further contributed to failure. It seems that more diligent systems engineering could prevent many project problems and failures, but projects seem to be more guided by “gut feel” based on tradition, authority, and consensus than on the logical, rational systems engineering approach.
Constructing a Digital Thread to Support Mission Analysis & System of Systems Engineering
Authors: Swickline Chris , Payton Mark , Yazdani Taban
Published: August 2023

To keep pace with growing system complexity, Digital Engineering (DE) Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) capabilities must be expanded. A digital thread based approach is required to holistically evaluate measures of effectiveness/performance for missions. This paper describes the approach taken to connect requirements, SysML‐based architecture, and analytical Modeling and Simulation (M&S) yielding an interdisciplinary digital thread supporting mission analysis. The analysis was conducted in support of a multi‐domain (land, air, sea, and space) multi‐platform mission to detect, track, and engage the enemy. The approach used commercially available tools, strategically connected to establish an Authoritative Source of Truth (ASOT) for each piece of data, and gain insights about the System of Systems (SoS) beyond that which the component models could provide on their own. The results of these efforts produced a multipurpose SoS MBSE toolset enabling semi‐automated trade study analysis, while more importantly serving as a basis from which to expand systems engineering activities during subsequent phases of the systems' lifecycle. This paper concludes by identifying further opportunities for MBSE research and development to expand the developed capability.
Applying a System of Systems Perspective to Hyundai‐Kia's Virtual Tire Development
Authors: Yun Sunkil , Alai Shashank , Kim Yongdae , Kim Tae Kook , Jo Jaehun , Lee Dahyeon , Gorantla Lokesh , Baloh Michael
Published: August 2023

Systems engineering has become important in almost every complex product manufacturing industry, especially automotive. Emerging trends like vehicle electrification and autonomous driving now pose a System of Systems (SoS) engineering challenge to automotive OEMs. This paper presents a proof‐of‐concept (PoC) that applies a top‐down SoS perspective to Hyundai‐Kia Motor Corporation's (HKMC) virtual product development process to develop a performance‐critical component of the vehicle, the tire. The PoC demonstrates using the Arcadia MBSE method to develop a consistent, layered, vehicle architecture model starting from the SoS operational context down to the lowest level of system decomposition in the physical architecture thereby capturing top‐down knowledge traceability. Using the concept of functional chains, several vehicle performance views are captured that serve as the basis for architecture verification orchestration across engineering domains using a cross‐domain orchestration platform thereby validating key vehicle/tire performance metrics that influence the tire design parameters. Preliminary results of the study show that applying a method‐based modeling approach could provide several benefits to HKMC's current product development approach such as reduced time to model, SoS knowledge capture and reusability, parameter/requirement traceability, early performance verification, and effective systems engineering collaboration between the OEM, tire design supplier and tire manufacturers.
A Systems Engineering Approach to Reducing Mis‐pulls and Misplaced Trailers for Trucking Fleets
Authors: Bumgarner Sean , Span Martin “Trae” , Daily Jeremy
Published: August 2023

Heavy vehicle fleets can have more than three times the number of trailers than tractors, but tractors host most of the vehicle network and tracking systems. Tractor location is readily available through telematics systems, yet trucking operations may pull the wrong trailer during operations because of the lack of trailer location information. The lack of automated trailer location data can lead to lost or mis‐placed trailers, which compromises the service of the product being shipped. Adding dedicated telematics systems to individual trailers is cost prohibitive. Therefore, we propose leveraging the tractor's existing location data with unique identifiers from the trailer to geo‐reference trailers. The goal of the proposed system is to use existing truck and trailer hardware (i.e. the braking system controllers) to identify the trailer serial numbers to the truck‐tractor, which creates geo‐referenced tractor‐trailer combinations. This work follows a system engineering approach for a trailer tracking system design beginning with a thorough review of the problem and customer need, generating concise requirements, conducting a tradeoff study of potential solutions, and demonstrating the proposed solution on a test bench. A systems engineering approach following the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 15288 and International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) technical processes is used for this design and development effort. This work demonstrates a novel approach, delivering a trailer tracking capability fielded through minimal changes to existing hardware and software. This automated trailer location system would reduce mis‐pulled and temporarily misplaced trailers, thus saving time and money for fleet operations worldwide.
SysML Implementation of Property Based Requirements
Authors: Zimmer Rhett , Sliger John
Published: August 2023

Text based requirements are historically used for specifications in DoD acquisition and systems engineering, along with models of various levels of fidelity. Text based requirements do not enable the comprehensive traceability and analysis necessary to successfully maintain and develop a complex system. In addition, the reliance on varied requirement interpretations along the design process causes issues in the accurate transference of intention, especially with regards to redundancy with the associated descriptive models. To mitigate these issues, a comprehensive property‐based solution to the generation, linkage, analysis, and verification of requirements is proposed utilizing parametric execution within SysML. Additionally, this approach can enable a level of automation in the requirements verification process when applied with digital engineering practices. A case study shows the application of the solution with an example so that the approach can be further explained.
Descriptive Functions and the Role of Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Bajzek Matthias , Krems Daniel , Faustmann Clemens , Maletz Michael , Kollegger Stefan , Kranabitl Philipp , Hick Hannes
Published: August 2023

This paper describes concepts to support the application of descriptive functions using artificial intelligence technologies. Descriptive functions are typically used in the system design phase to describe and specify the system behavior. In a model‐based systems engineering approach the system functions, their dependencies, and the allocation to the technical solution are typically documented in system models. Descriptive functions have a fuzziness that is beneficial in the solution finding process but also challenging in terms of development efficiency. To support development teams in formulation and working with descriptive functions in system design, and verification and validation phase several concepts with the use of artificial intelligence technologies are discussed.
Self‐Healable, Self‐Adhesive Conductive Hydrogels Based on Integrated Multiple Interactions for Wearable Sensing
Authors: Lu Xinyi , Li Yunlong , Gu Xiaochun , Zhang Xinyue , Ma Ning
Published: August 2023

With the development of the medical and health industry, new health monitoring devices have attracted a lot of attention. By placing sensors in different organs, intelligent detection of human behavior and diagnosis of physical health can be achieved. Traditional electronic sensor devices have huge deficiencies in capturing tiny stimulus signals and comfort. Wearable sensors based on flexible conductive hydrogels are the most promising candidates for conventional sensors. However, the development of conductive hydrogels with good self‐healing and adhesion properties is still a challenge. Herein, a flexible polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel is prepared with good self‐healing properties, self‐adhesive and conductive properties based on polyvinyl alcohol, sodium phytate solution, and borax using a simple method. The abundant hydrogen bonding interactions, dynamically reversible borate ester bonds in the hydrogel network endowed the hydrogel with good self‐healing properties, self‐adhesion, and electrical conductivity. The fractured hydrogels showed almost disappearance of cracks after 30 min of self‐healing, and the efficiency of electrochemical repair within 0.1 s is close to 100%. The hydrogels can achieve good adhesion to different substrates and can be used as flexible writable circuits and smart wearable sensors, which have promising applications in the fields of flexible electronics, smart sensing, and health monitoring.
Parkinson's Disease Tremor Differentially Responds to Levodopa and Subthalamic Stimulation
Authors: Wirth Thomas , Ferreira Francisca , Vijiaratnam Nirosen , Girges Christine , Pakzad Ashkan , de Roquemaurel Alexis , Sinani Olga , Hyam Jonathan , Hariz Marwan , Zrinzo Ludvic , Akram Harith , Limousin Patricia , Foltynie Thomas
Published: August 2023

Background

Tremor in Parkinson's disease (PD) has an inconsistent response to levodopa and subthalamic deep brain stimulation (STN‐DBS).

Objectives

To identify predictive factors of PD tremor responsiveness to levodopa and STN‐DBS.

Material and Methods

PD patients with upper limb tremor who underwent STN‐DBS were included. The levodopa responsiveness of tremor (overall, postural, and rest sub‐components), was assessed using the relevant Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale‐III items performed during the preoperative assessment. Post‐surgical outcomes were similarly assessed ON and OFF stimulation. A score for the rest/postural tremor ratio was used to determine the influence of rest and postural tremor severity on STN‐DBS outcome. Factors predictive of tremor responsiveness were determined using multiple linear regression modeling. Volume of tissue activated measurement coupled to voxel‐based analysis was performed to identify anatomical clusters associated with motor symptoms improvement.

Results

One hundred and sixty five patients were included in this study. Male gender was negatively correlated with tremor responsiveness to levodopa, whereas the ratio of rest/postural tremor was positively correlated with both levodopa responsiveness and STN‐DBS tremor outcome. Clusters corresponding to improvement of tremor were in the subthalamic nucleus, the zona incerta and the thalamus, whereas clusters corresponding to improvement for akinesia and rigidity were located within the subthalamic nucleus.

Conclusion

More severe postural tremor and less severe rest tremor were associated with both poorer levodopa and STN‐DBS response. The different locations of clusters associated with best correction of tremor and other parkinsonian features suggest that STN‐DBS effect on PD symptoms is underpinned by the modulation of different networks.
On a linear operator between weighted‐type spaces of analytic functions
Authors: Stević Stevo , Ueki Sei‐ichiro
Published: August 2023

We characterize the boundedness, compactness, and estimate essential norm of the polynomial differentiation composition operator between weighted‐type spaces of analytic functions, in terms of the operator symbols and weights.
Der richtige Dreh: Helicene enantioselektiv synthetisieren
Authors: Imse Nils , Simeth Nadja A.
Published: August 2023

Helicene erzeugen starke asymmetrische Effekte – vorausgesetzt, man gewinnt sie enantiomerenrein. Forschungsgruppen haben nun Wege gefunden, um Helicene und Heterohelicene asymmetrisch herzustellen.
Renewable Material of the Year 2023: Ohne fossilen Kohlenstoff
Authors: Bulmahn Maren
Published: August 2023

Mit dem Preis „Renewable Material of the Year 2023“ haben das Nova‐Institut und Covestro drei Spezialitäten ausgezeichnet.
Energiewende: Was zu beachten und zu tun ist
Authors: von Heimburg Joachim , Roduner Emil , Franz Klaus‐Dieter , Huebinger Wolfgang , Osterland Thomas
Published: August 2023

Die Chemie als Industrie und Wissenschaft braucht Energie und Kohlenstoffquellen, stößt Treibhausgase aus und bietet gleichzeitig Innovationen, Emissionen zu reduzieren. Sektoren wie Stromerzeugung, Produktion, Verkehr und Wärme müssen interdisziplinär zusammenarbeiten und Maßnahmen priorisieren, um CO2‐Emissionen zu senken.
Chinas Exportkontrolle: Risiko für Halbleiterindustrie
Authors: Bulmahn Maren
Published: August 2023

Chinas Zollbehörde kontrolliert seit August, wohin das Land Gallium, Germanium und deren Verbindungen exportiert und wie viel davon.
Publizieren: Weniger Impact dem Faktor
Authors: Blicker Luca
Published: August 2023

Akademische Institutionen in Europa sehen Jungwissenschaftler durch Impact‐Faktor und h‐Index benachteiligt. Sie wollen Leistung anders bewerten.
Trendbericht Biochemie 2023 (1/3): Sequenzierung von epigenetischen DNA‐Basen
Authors: Becker Sidney , Ogel Eric
Published: August 2023

Fortschritte bei der Analyse epigenetischer Basen helfen unter anderem dabei, Krankheiten früher zu diagnostizieren. In Inneren von Encapsulinen, das sind proteinbasierte Nanocapside, laufen (bio)chemische Reaktionen geschützt ab, sie können daher für die Katalyse genutzt werden. Deuterierung von Fluoreszenzfarbstoffen erhöht deren Extinktion, Fluoreszenzlebensdauer und Helligkeit, sodass sich die deuterierten Farbstoffe besser für hochauflösende Mikroskopiemethoden eignen.
Inhoffen‐Vorlesung in Braunschweig
Authors: Schulz Stefan
Published: August 2023

In einer gemeinsamen Veranstaltung des Helmholtz‐Zentrums für Infektionsforschung (HZI) und der TU Braunschweig hielt Jörn Piel von der ETH Zürich am 8. Juni die Hans‐Herloff‐Inhoffen‐Vorlesung.
Subcellular proteomics insights into Alzheimer's disease development
Authors: Liang Zhiyuan , Zhuang Hongbin , Cao Xueshan , Ma Guanwei , Shen Liming
Published: August 2023

Alzheimer's disease (AD), one of the most common dementias, is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by cognitive impairment and decreased judgment function. The expected number of AD patient is increasing in the context of the world's advancing medical care and increasing human life expectancy. Since current molecular mechanism studies on AD pathogenesis are incomplete, there is no specific and effective therapeutic agent. Mass spectrometry (MS)‐based unbiased proteomics studies provide an effective and comprehensive approach. Many advances have been made in the study of the mechanism, diagnostic markers, and drug targets of AD using proteomics. This paper focus on subcellular level studies, reviews studies using proteomics to study AD‐associated mitochondrial dysfunction, synaptic, and myelin damage, the protein composition of amyloid plaques (APs) and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), changes in tissue extracellular vehicles (EVs) and exosome proteome, and the protein changes in ribosomes and lysosomes. The methods of sample separation and preparation and proteomic analysis as well as the main findings of these studies are involved. The results of these proteomics studies provide insights into the pathogenesis of AD and provide theoretical resource and direction for future research in AD, helping to identify new biomarkers and drugs targets for AD.
Multivalent Targeting of the Asialoglycoprotein Receptor by Virus‐Like Particles
Authors: Hincapie Robert , Bhattacharya Sonia , Baksh Michael M. , Sanhueza Carlos A. , Echeverri Elisa Schrader , Kim Hyejin , Paunovska Kalina , Podilapu Ananda R. , Xu Minghao , Dahlman James E. , Finn M. G.
Published: August 2023

The asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR) is expressed in high density on hepatocytes. Multivalent variants of galactosyl carbohydrates bind ASGPR with high affinity, enabling hepatic delivery of ligand‐bound cargo. Virus‐like particle (VLP) conjugates of a relatively high‐affinity ligand were efficiently endocytosed by ASGPR‐expressing cells in a manner strongly dependent on the nature and density of ligand display, with the best formulation using a nanomolar‐, but not a picomolar‐level, binder. Optimized particles were taken up by HepG2 cells with greater efficiency than competing small molecules or the natural multigalactosylated ligand, asialoorosomucoid. Upon systemic injection in mice, these VLPs were rapidly cleared to the liver and were found in association with sinusoidal endothelial cells, Kupffer cells, hepatocytes, dendritic cells, and other immune cells. Both ASGPR‐targeted and nontargeted particles were distributed similarly to endothelial and Kupffer cells, but targeted particles were distributed to a greater number and fraction of hepatocytes. Thus, selective cellular trafficking in the liver is difficult to achieve: even with the most potent ASGPR targeting available, barrier cells take up much of the injected particles and hepatocytes are accessed only approximately twice as efficiently in the best case.
Preferred Orientation Deposition via Multifunctional Gel Electrolyte with Molecular Anchor Enabling Highly Reversible Zn Anode
Authors: Xu Yu‐Ting , Dai Sheng‐Jia , Gong Ming‐Jun , Zhang Ji‐Zun , Xu Hai , Li Aijun , Sasaki Shin‐ichi , Zeng Xian‐Xiang , Wu Xiong‐Wei , Wang Xiao‐Feng
Published: August 2023

The high activity of water molecules results in a series of awful parasitic reaction, which seriously impede the development of aqueous zinc batteries. Herein, a new gel electrolyte with multiple molecular anchors is designed by employing natural biomaterials from chitosan and chlorophyll derivative. The gel electrolyte firmly anchors water molecules by ternary hydrogen bonding to reduce the activity of water molecules and inhibit hydrogen evolution reaction. Meanwhile, the multipolar charged functional groups realize the gradient induction and redistribution of Zn2+, which drives oriented Zn (002) plane deposition of Zn2+ and then achieves uniform Zn deposition and dendrite‐free anode. As a result, it endows the Zn||Zn cell with over 1700 h stripping/plating processes and a high efficiency of 99.4% for the Zn||Cu cell. In addition, the Zn||V2O5 full cells also exhibit capacity retention of 81.7% after 600 cycles at 0.5 A g−1 and excellent long‐term stability over 1600 cycles at 2 A g−1, and the flexible pouch cells can provide stable power for light‐emitting diodes even after repeated bending. The gel electrolyte strategy provides a reference for reversible zinc anode and flexible wearable devices.
The Enhancement Mechanism of Different Single‐Transition Metal Atomic Catalysts/Sulfur Cathode on High‐Performance of Li–S Batteries
Authors: Wu Chao , Wu Jinggao , Li Juan , Zou Zhuo , Yang Hong Bin , Wu Xiaoshuai , Zeng Qingxin , Dai Fangyin , Sun Wei , Li Chang Ming
Published: August 2023

Materials with various single‐transition metal atoms dispersed in nitrogenated carbons (M─N─C, M = Fe, Co, and Ni) are synthesized as cathodes to investigate the electrocatalytic behaviors focusing on their enhancement mechanism for performance of Li–S batteries. Results indicate that the order of both electrocatalytic activity and rate capacity for the M─N─C catalysts is Co > Ni > Fe, and the Co─N─C delivers the highest capacity of 1100 mAh g−1 at 1 C and longtime stability at a decay rate of 0.05% per cycle for 1000 cycles, demonstrating excellent battery performance. Theoretical calculations for the first time reveal that M─N─N─C catalysts enable direct conversion of Li2S6 to Li2S rather than Li2S4 to Li2S by stronger adsorption with Li2S6, which also has an order of Co > Ni > Fe. And Co─N─C has the strongest adsorption energy, not only rendering the highest electrocatalytic activity, but also depressing the polysulfides’ dissolution into electrolyte for the longest cycle life. This work offers an avenue to design the next generation of highly efficient sulfur cathodes for high‐performance Li–S batteries, while shedding light on the fundamental insight of single metal atomic catalytic effects on Li–S batteries.
Bridging Theory to Practice: Exploring the Role of an Educative Translingual Curriculum to Support Linguistically Diverse Classroom Practices
Authors: White Holland , Galloway Emily Phillips , Jiménez Robert T.
Published: August 2023

This study investigates how five teachers of multilingual learners (MLLs), working in an officially English‐centric school district, make sense of a reading curriculum based in translingual pedagogies, or instruction that builds on language and languaging practices (e.g., language brokering, translation, and codemeshing) familiar to multilingual youth. Participating teachers, describing themselves as mostly monolingual educators, utilized the curriculum during a support class for their MLLs. We show how this curriculum, containing what we classify as educative curriculum materials (Davis & Krajcik, 2005), operated to support, and extend linguistically supportive instructional practices occurring within participating teachers' classroom figured worlds (Holland et al., 1998). Using data from classroom observations and teacher interviews, we show how the curriculum operated as a mediating artifact to support teachers' development of more linguistically diverse practices within their classrooms. Findings indicate that curriculum materials bridged theory to practice by supporting teacher development of these practices, which, in turn, bolstered their beliefs in the importance of students' home languages, and led to a shift in how teachers understood, interpreted, and resisted English‐centric policies at their schools.
Political Remittances: The Post-war Transformation of the Tamil Swiss Diaspora
Authors: Alluri Rina Malagayo
Published: August 2023

This chapter explores how the practice of remittances has been used as a form of political activism. The case study looks at the role of remittances in the transnational Sri Lankan Tamil diaspora broadly and the Swiss-based second-generation diaspora specifically. It shows that while political remittances were used during the Sri Lankan civil war as a way to sustain and perpetuate the violence conflict between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), the role of remittances in the diaspora since the end of the war has changed and, in some ways, become depoliticized.
Receiving the Gift of the Master’s Voice: How White Western Academic Paradigms Shape Knowledge and Remittance Economies: A De-Colonial Perspective
Authors: Bönisch-Brednich Brigitte
Published: August 2023

This chapter explores the social, political, and cultural agents that drive the engines of gifting academic knowledge. It considers knowledge as a form of social remittance. Viewing knowledge transfers as remittance practices makes processes of (neo)colonial exchange flows visible. It also allows us to see such remittances as what they are: political and social scripts that determine legitimacy, value, and currency of knowledge in a world of economic and social inequalities. We can view knowledge according to Bourdieu as academic capital with skewed exchange rates. This chapter explores the question: How are the positions of sender and receiver linked to neo-colonial inequities? In a world system of university rankings, regionalized hubs of academic influence, money flows, and uneven power relationships, the exchange of knowledge and the definition of what constitutes knowledge is a fraught and fascinating topic when approaching it within a frame of remittance economy.
“You Can’t Have Your Pudding and Eat It”? Remittances and Development in Yugoslavia, 1918–1989
Authors: Miletić Aleksandar R.
Published: August 2023

This chapter explores the governmental remittance-related development strategies in monarchist and socialist Yugoslavia. It analyzes administrative practices and language regarding the actual or envisaged utilization of remittances. It stresses in particular the policymakers’ misconception regarding the nature of remittances as being private and not a disposable public resource as they assumed. This assumption facilitated grand yet impossible developmental designs based on an anticipated transformative impact of remittances. By establishing a comparative perspective with corresponding Turkish developments in the 1970s and 1980s, this chapter investigates whether the Yugoslav economic failure or Turkish relative success of the 1980s can be related to their previous histories of remittance management.
“We Do Solidarity, Not Charity”: The Collective Remittance Practices of Moldovan Migrants
Authors: Odermatt Eveline
Published: August 2023

This chapter provides an insight into how the discourse of migrants’ contributions to developmental transition is put into concrete practice in the case of Moldova. It highlights Moldovan migrants’ subjective motivations to engage in collective transnational aid efforts, understood as transnational practices, such as return visits and cross-border communication. It draws from 84 interviews with migrants and development actors as well as from ethnographic work conducted in transnational Moldovan migrant civil society and in the international aid and development sector across seven countries: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Moldova, Switzerland, and the UK. The main argument is that collective remittance practices emerge from both the migrants’ everyday lives, connecting multiple localities, and their past and current visions of their home country. Thereby, the chapter contributes to the broader theoretical discussion on linkages between the patterns of collective remitting by Eastern European migrants living in EU countries and the development transition in the Eastern European “neighborhood.”