bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Homogeneously Emitting, Mechanically Stable, and Efficient fs‐Laser‐Machined Fiber Diffusers for Medical Applications
Authors: Ströbl Stephan , Wäger Felix , Domke Matthias , Rühm Adrian , Sroka Ronald
Published: December 2020

Background and Objectives

Light delivery is an essential part of therapy forms like photodynamic therapy (PDT), laser‐induced thermotherapy, and endovenous laser therapy. While there are approaches to the light application for all three therapies, there is no diffuser that can be used for all three approaches. This diffuser must meet the following criteria: Homogeneous radiation profile over a length of 40 mm, efficient light extraction in the diffuser area, mechanical breakage resistance as well as thermal stability when applying high power.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

An ultrashort pulse laser was used to inscribe inhomogeneities into the core of a fused‐silica fiber core while scanning the laser focus within a linear arrangement of cuboids centered around the fiber axis. The manufactured diffuser was optically and mechanically characterized and examined to determine the maximum power that can be applied in a tissue environment.

Results

Based on the analysis of all examined diffusers, the manufactured diffuser exhibits an emission efficiency ε = (81.5 ± 5.9)%, an intensity variability of (19 ± 5)% between distal and proximal diffuser end, and a minimum bending radius Rb = (15.4 ± 1.5) mm. It was taken advantage of the fact that the outer areas of the fiber core do not undergo any structural changes due to the machining and therefore do not suffer a major loss of stability. Tissue experiments revealed that a maximal power of 15 W was deliverable from the diffuser without harming the diffuser itself.

Conclusions

It could be shown that a diffuser manufactured by ultrafast‐laser processing can be used for low power applications as well as for high power applications. Further tests have to show whether the mechanical stability is still maintained after the application of high power in a tissue environment. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC
Mapping lung ventilation through stress maps derived from biomechanical models of the lung
Authors: Cazoulat Guillaume , Balter James M. , Matuszak Martha M. , Jolly Shruti , Owen Dawn , Brock Kristy K.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Most existing computed tomography (CT)‐ventilation imaging techniques are based on deformable image registration (DIR) of different respiratory phases of a four‐dimensonal CT (4DCT) scan of the lung, followed by the quantification of local breathing‐induced changes in Hounsfield Units (HU) or volume. To date, only moderate correlations have been reported between these CT‐ventilation metrics and standard ventilation imaging modalities for adaptive lung radiation therapy. This study evaluates the use of stress maps derived from biomechanical model‐based DIR as an alternative CT‐ventilation metric.

Materials and methods

Six patients treated for lung cancer with conventional radiation therapy were retrospectively analyzed. For each patient, a 4DCT scan and Tc‐99m SPECT‐V image acquired for treatment planning were collected. Biomechanical model‐based DIR was applied between the inhale and exhale phase of the 4DCT scans and stress maps were calculated. The voxel‐wise correlation between the reference SPECT‐V image and map of the maximum principal stress was measured with a Spearman correlation coefficient. The overlap between high (above the 75th percentile) and low (below the 25th percentile) functioning volumes extracted from the reference SPECT‐V and the stress maps was measured with Dice similarity coefficients (DSC). The results were compared to those obtained when using two classical CT‐ventilation metrics: the change in HU and Jacobian determinant.

Results

The mean Spearman correlation coefficients were: 0.37 ± 18 and 0.39 ± 13 and 0.59 ± 0.13 considering the changes in HU, Jacobian and maximum principal stress, respectively. The corresponding mean DSC coefficients were 0.38 ± 0.09, 0.37 ± 0.07 and 0.52 ± 0.07 for the high ventilation function volumes and 0.48 ± 0.13, 0.44 ± 0.09 and 0.52 ± 0.07 for the low ventilation function volumes.

Conclusion

For presenting a significantly stronger and more consistent correlation with standard SPECT‐V images than previously proposed CT‐ventilation metrics, stress maps derived with the proposed method appear to be a promising tool for incorporation into functional lung avoidance strategies.
A commentary on the leading information technology companies' approaches to corporate social responsibility
Authors: Jones Peter , Comfort Daphne
Published: December 2020

The emergence of digital technologies is seen to be vitally important in driving future economic development, but they may have damaging implications for society. This contradiction begs the question of how leading information technology companies, that play an important role in developing, disseminating, promoting, and facilitating the digital technologies, address social responsibility. The aim of this commentary paper is to shed some light on this question by reviewing how the leading information technology countries publicly approach corporate social responsibility. This article describes how the companies emphasised their commitment to corporate social responsibility and evidenced that commitment in a variety of ways, before offering some wider reflections on the role of corporate social responsibility within the economy and society.
Electronic and compositional properties of the rear‐side of stoichiometric CuInSe2 absorbers
Authors: Kameni Boumenou Christian , Elizabeth Amala , Babbe Finn , Debot Alice , Mönig Harry , Redinger Alex
Published: December 2020

In‐depth understanding and subsequent optimization of the contact layers in thin film solar cells are of high importance in order to reduce the amount of nonradiative recombination and thereby improve device performance. In this work, the buried MoSe2/CuInSe2 interface of stoichiometric absorbers is investigated with scanning tunneling spectroscopy and Kelvin probe force microscopy combined with compositional measurements acquired via photo‐electron spectroscopy after a mechanical lift‐off process. We find that the local density of states, as measured with scanning tunneling spectroscopy, is similar to the front‐side of ultra‐high vacuum annealed CISe absorbers. The grain boundaries exhibit a weak upward band bending, opposite to Cu‐poor CuGaSe2, and we measure an increased Cu accumulation at the rear CISe surface compared to the bulk composition and a non‐zero concentration of Cu on the Mo‐side. Grazing incidence X‐ray diffraction measurements corroborate that a small amount of a CuxSe secondary phase is present at the MoSe2/CuInSe2 interface in contrast to reports on Cu‐poor material. Our findings shed new light into the complex interface formation of CuInSe2‐based thin film solar cells grown under Cu‐rich conditions.
Ants reduce fruit damage caused by psyllids in Mediterranean pear orchards
Authors: Sanchez Juan Antonio , Carrasco‐Ortiz Aline , López‐Gallego Elena , Ramírez‐Soria Maria José , La Spina Michelangelo
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

Psyllids are principal pests of pear orchards. Pest control based on the intensive use of chemicals is facing difficulties and strategies with a low impact on natural enemies are considered as the most suitable for psyllid control. Ants have been reported as the main predators ofCacopsylla pyri(Hemiptera: Psyllidae) in the southern Mediterranean area. The aim of this work was to determine the contribution of ants to the reduction of the fruit damage caused by psyllids at different intensities of spraying. Five levels of spraying intensity and ant exclusion were tested in a pear orchard with three blocks of five plots each.

RESULTS

The incidence of russet on fruits increased with the abundance of psyllids and with ant exclusion. In the absence of ants, the impact of russet increased progressively from the highest to lowest intensity of spraying. By contrast, when ants were present no significant differences were found between the lowest (two application of paraffinic oil) and the highest (six applications of abamectin plus paraffinic oil) spraying levels. In the presence of ants, the incidence of russet in the plots with three applications of paraffinic oil was similar to those with three or six applications of paraffinic oil plus abamectin).

CONCLUSIONS

The importance of ants for the control of psyllids and the reduction of fruit damage is shown. Reduction in the frequency of spraying and the use of low toxic insecticides for natural enemies is presented as the most sustainable strategy for psyllid control in pear orchards. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
A Co3O4/C Composite for use as a High‐Performance Lithium‐Ion Battery Anode
Authors: Yang Zhixiong , Pan Guangxing , Hu Yuanyuan , Wu Wanbao , Cao Miaomiao , Zhang Xueting , Zhang Ling , Zhu Zhenye , Zhang Jiaheng
Published: December 2020

Due to advantages such as low environmental impact, low price, and high theoretical specific capacity, Co3O4 has been widely studied. However, its low conductivity and volume expansion during the charging and discharging processes caused pulverization and agglomeration ultimately leads to a rapid decline in battery capacity during the cycle. The creation of nano structured composite of carbon materials and Co3O4 can be used to form a highly conductive matrix that improves the electronic conductivity, and improves the dispersion of Co3O4 to reduce agglomeration and volume expansion. In this work, the rigid conjugated plane structure of 1,10‐phenanthroline was selected to coordinated with cobalt nitrate to form a precursor complex. After heating, the crystal core of Co3O4 becomes more uniform in size with a more regular geometry. Additionally, a calcining temperature of 350 °C was shown to result in an optimal amount of carbon residue that improved electronic conductivity of the whole composite while not excessively hindering lithium‐ion transport. As a result, these properties improved the electron conductivity and protect the crystals from damage caused by volume change during charge and discharge to a certain extent, thus contributing to improved electrochemical performance.
Synthesis and Application of ZIF‐8 MOF Incorporated in a TiO2@Chitosan Nanocomposite as a Strong Nanocarrier for the Drug Delivery of Acyclovir
Authors: Akbari Mahdiyeh , Ghasemzadeh Mohammad Ali , Fadaeian Manoochehr
Published: December 2020

Recently, metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) have been effectively established as potential nanocarriers for the drug delivery. In this study, we have examined a novel framework containing TiO2@Chitosan@ZIF‐8 for the delivery of acyclovir (ACV). The structure elucidation and physicochemical characterization of the prepared nanocarrier were investigated by various spectroscopic techniques such as Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy (UV‐Vis), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), brunauer‐emmett‐teller (BET), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The obtained results demonstrated that 90 % of the acyclovir was loaded on the TiO2@Chitosan@ZIF‐8 framework. The drug release study was performed in PBS (phosphate buffer saline, pH:7.4) and AB (acetate buffer, pH:5) solutions, which showed 78 % and 82 % release within 3 days.
Current Trends in Analytical Methods for the Determination of Hydroxychloroquine and Its Application as Treatment for COVID‐19
Authors: El Mhammedi Moulay Abderrahim , Saqrane Sanaa , Lahrich Sara , Laghrib Fathellah , El Bouabi Younes , Farahi Abdelfettah , Bakasse Mina
Published: December 2020

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is a drug indicated in rheumatology for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus for its anti‐inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. Many countries such as Morocco have recommended the use of HCQ for the treatment of COVID‐19 infection. This medication is responsible for severe acute poisoning. Therefore, Hospital laboratories have a fundamental role in affirming the diagnosis and assessing the severity of intoxication by measuring HCQ, carried out in the urine and preferably in whole blood. The analytical techniques used are essentially chromatographic. Unfortunately, these reference methods for forensic analyzes are difficult to adapt to emergency due to their delay in reporting results.
Selective Electrochemical Sensing of NADH and NAD+ Using Graphene/Tungstate Nanocomposite Modified Electrode
Authors: Nagarajan Ramila D , Murugan Preethika , Sundramoorthy Ashok K
Published: December 2020

Reduced form of β‐nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) and its oxidized form (NAD+) are the main cofactors involved in more than 300 dehydrogenase reactions. NAD+ is one of the important oxidizing agent for the oxidation of alcohol, aldehyde and ketones. Similarly, NADH has been used for the treatment of Alzheimer and Parkinson's diseases. Herein, we have reported synthesis of graphene flakes by electrochemical exfoliation of graphite in sodium tungstate solution. It was found that tungstate (WO42−) and hydroxyl (OH−) ions were intercalated into graphite layers and enabled the production of graphene flakes. As‐obtained graphene flakes were characterized by UV‐Visible (UV‐Vis), Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), Raman, Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), Energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) and High‐resolution transmission electron microscopies (HR‐TEM). FT‐IR, Raman and EDX analysis were confirmed that tungstate (WO42−) ions were present on the surface of graphene flakes. Moreover, graphene‐WO42− (Gr−W) dispersion was prepared by probe‐sonication to form a thin‐film on the surface of glassy carbon electrode (Gr−W/GCE). Interestingly, Gr‐W modified GCE reduced the overpotentials of NADH oxidation and NAD+ reduction. This new senor was also showed linear responses for NADH and NAD+ from 10–270 μM and 100–500 μM, respectively. Furthermore, the selectivity of the Gr−W/GCE was tested in the presence of L‐tyrosine, L‐isoleucine, L‐alanine, glutathione, dopamine (DA), ascorbic acid (AA), uric acid (UA), oxalic acid (OA), glucose, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), acetaminophen (PA), potassium chloride (KCl) and sodium chloride (NaCl). It was found that selective detection of both NADH and NAD+ could be achieved by using Gr−W/GCE. Finally, the real application of the sensor was demonstrated by accurately detecting spiked NADH concentrations in human blood serum. The recovery analysis was also confirmed that Gr−W/GCE could be useful to detect NADH in biological samples.
The Oxidation of S‐Acetyl by Nitrite: Mechanism and Application
Authors: Ge Jian‐Tao , Zhang Le‐Feng , Pu Liang , Zhang Ying , Pei Zhi‐Chao , Dong Hai
Published: December 2020

Straightforward S‐S bond formation via the oxidation of S‐acetyl group by nitrite was observed and the mechanism was explored in this study. The observed reaction was found to be initiated via a S‐nitrosylation followed by the S‐S bond formation that accompanies nitrite oxide (NO) release. The reaction approach was further analyzed by quantum chemical studies, surpporting a mechanism of first generating nitrous ester. Unlike S‐nitrosylation between thiols and nitrite proceeding at a strong alkaline condition due to the formation of hydroxyl anion, the S‐nitrosylation between S‐acetyl and nitrite proceed at a condition close to neutrality due to the formation of acetate instead. Using this reaction, per‐O‐acetylated glycosyl disulfides were obtained in high yields at mild condition. Furthermore, per‐O‐acetylated glycosyl 1‐thiols were also efficiently prepared starting from per‐acetylated 1‐thio‐glycoses in a one‐pot reaction including the oxidation of S‐acetyl group by nitrite and the reduction of disulfides.
Reliability analysis of the residual moment capacity of high‐strength concrete beams after elevated temperatures
Authors: Li Zhiwei , Xiao Jianzhuang , Xie Qinghai
Published: December 2020

A series of tests were conducted to study the variability of the residual compressive strength for high‐strength concrete (HSC) after elevated temperatures, and then a calculation process was developed to study the reliability of the residual moment capacity of HSC beams after a fire. The experimental results indicated that the mean values and the characteristic values of the residual compressive strength of HSC were reduced with the increasing elevated temperatures. The standard deviation of the residual compressive strength of HSC was increased when the temperature ranged from 20 to 400°C and decreased from 400 to 800°C. Regardless of the elevated temperatures, the residual compressive strength of HSC followed the normal distribution. The reliability index of the residual moment capacity of HSC beam was decreased with the increasing fire duration. The decrease rate of the reliability index became lower and kept constant when the section height–width ratio was beyond 2.75 and the longitudinal reinforcement ratio was higher than 1.43%. As the load effect ratio was increased, the decrease rate of the reliability index was reduced regardless of the section size, the height–width ratio, and the reinforcement ratio.
Alignment of Biological Sequences with Jalview
Authors: Procter James B. , Carstairs G. Mungo , Soares Ben , Mourão Kira , Ofoegbu T. Charles , Barton Daniel , Lui Lauren , Menard Anne , Sherstnev Natasha , Roldan-Martinez David , Duce Suzanne , Martin David M. A. , Barton Geoffrey J.
Published: December 2020

In this chapter, we introduce core functionality of the Jalview interactive platform for the creation, analysis, and publication of multiple sequence alignments. A workflow is described based on Jalview’s core functions: from data import to figure generation, including import of alignment reliability scores from T-Coffee and use of Jalview from the command line. The accompanying notes provide background information on the underlying methods and discuss additional options for working with Jalview to perform multiple sequence alignment, functional site analysis, and publication of alignments on the web.
Fazit
Authors: Reuter Britta
Published: December 2020

Das Fazit in Kapitel 11 setzt sich abschließend mit den Stärken, Schwächen, Chancen und Risiken der Öffnung des öffentlichen Einkaufs auseinander. Neben Optimierungsansätzen wie zum Beispiel der Reduktion von Schwächen zur Nutzung von Chancen oder Nutzung von Stärken zur Verwandlung von Risiken in Chancen, werden die Arbeitshypothesen und leitenden Forschungsfragen final bewertet. Unerwartete Forschungsergebnisse, eine Methodenkritik, das Aufzeigen wissenschaftlicher Lücken und Fragestellungen sowie der Ausblick der Verfasserin runden das Kapitel ab.
Internationale Best Practices als Vorbild für Deutschland
Authors: Reuter Britta
Published: December 2020

Im 9. Kapitel werden Best Practices vorgestellt, die Anregungen geben sollen, wie eine Öffnung des öffentlichen Einkaufs umgesetzt werden kann. Eine Einbettung in ein gesamthaftes Vorgehen bestehend aus mehreren Maßnahmen, wie Frankreich und die Slowakei eindrücklich zeigen, erscheint sinnvoll, wenn der öffentliche Einkauf insgesamt auf nationaler Ebene verändert werden soll. Einzelne Best Practices können ganzheitliche Maßnahmen vervollständigen und darüber hinaus gute Anregungen für eigene Geschäftsmodelle geben.
Repeated double cross-validation applied to the PCA-LDA classification of SERS spectra: a case study with serum samples from hepatocellular carcinoma patients
Authors: Gurian Elisa , Di Silvestre Alessia , Mitri Elisa , Pascut Devis , Tiribelli Claudio , Giuffrè Mauro , Crocè Lory Saveria , Sergo Valter , Bonifacio Alois
Published: December 2020

Intense label-free surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra of serum samples were rapidly obtained on Ag plasmonic paper substrates upon 785 nm excitation. Spectra from the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients showed consistent differences with respect to those of the control group. In particular, uric acid was found to be relatively more abundant in patients, while hypoxanthine, ergothioneine, and glutathione were found as relatively more abundant in the control group. A repeated double cross-validation (RDCV) strategy was applied to optimize and validate principal component analysis-linear discriminant analysis (PCA-LDA) models. An analysis of the RDCV results indicated that a PCA-LDA model using up to the first four principal components has a good classification performance (average accuracy was 81%). The analysis also allowed confidence intervals to be calculated for the figures of merit, and the principal components used by the LDA to be interpreted in terms of metabolites, confirming that bands of uric acid, hypoxanthine, ergothioneine, and glutathione were indeed used by the PCA-LDA algorithm to classify the spectra.
Tsunamis from prospected mass failure on the Marsili submarine volcano flanks and hints for tsunami hazard evaluation
Authors: Gallotti G. , Zaniboni F. , Pagnoni G. , Romagnoli C. , Gamberi F. , Marani M. , Tinti S.
Published: December 2020

The Marsili Seamount (Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy) is the largest submarine volcano in the Mediterranean Sea, located in the middle of the Marsili Basin, facing the Calabrian and Sicilian coasts on its eastern side, and the coasts of Sardinia on the opposite side. It has erupted in historical times, and its summit crest is affected by widespread hydrothermal activity. This study looks at mass failures taking place at different depths on the flanks of the volcano and estimates their associated tsunamigenic potential. Mass failure, tsunami generation, and propagation have been simulated by means of numerical models developed by the Tsunami Research Team of the University of Bologna. In all, we consider five cases. Of these, three scenarios, one regarding a very small detachment and two medium-sized ones (between 2 and 3 km3 failure volume), have been suggested as possible failure occurrences in the published literature on a morphological basis and involve the north-eastern and north-western sectors of the volcano. The two additional cases, one medium-sized and one extreme, intended as a possible worst-case scenario (volume 17.6 km3), affecting the eastern flank. Results indicate that small-volume failures are not able to produce significant tsunamis; medium-size failures can produce tsunamis which dangerously affect the coasts if their detachment occurs in shallow water, i.e., involves the volcano crest; and extreme volume failures have the potential to create disastrous tsunamis. In all the simulations, tsunami waves appear to reach the Aeolian Islands in around 10 min and the coasts of Calabria and Sicily in 20 min. This study highlights that there is a potential for dangerous tsunamis generation from collapses of the Marsili volcano and as a consequence a need to intensify research on its status and stability conditions. More broadly, this investigation should also be extended to the other volcanic seamounts of the Tyrrhenian Sea, since their eruptive style, evolution, and tsunamigenic potential are still poorly known.
Auf dem Weg zum digitalen homo vitruvianus? Medizinisches Selftracking und digitale Gesundheitsanwendungen (DiGA) zwischen Empowerment und Kontrollverlust
Authors: Funer Florian
Published: December 2020

Zunehmend gewinnen Health Apps an Bedeutung für eine präventive und eigenverantwortliche Ausrichtung des Gesundheitssystems. Die meisten dieser digitalen Gesundheitsanwendungen (DiGA) basieren derzeit auf sog. Selftracking-Technologien, mit deren Hilfe physiologische und psychische Daten sensorgestützt aufgezeichnet und diese zumeist um personalisierte Alltagsinformationen ergänzt werden. Die digitalen Entwicklungen dieser Art lösten in den letzten Jahren eine intensive und deutlich polarisierte Debatte über die Chancen und Gefahren von gesundheitlichem Selftracking aus. Ziel dieser Arbeit ist es, nach einem kurzen Überblick über das Feld des medizinischen Selftracking den polarisierten Diskurs zunächst anhand seiner entscheidenden individuellen und gesellschaftlichen Potenziale zu systematisieren und zu prüfen. Es stellt sich heraus, dass Selbstvermessungstechniken keineswegs ein neues Phänomen, sondern vielmehr seit langem fester Bestandteil medizinischen Wirkens in Diagnostik und Therapie sind. Als für die Implementierung von Health Apps in die medizinische Regelversorgung besonders bedeutend wird das Spannungsfeld zwischen individuellem Empowerment und potentiellem Kontrollverlust der Nutzenden herausgestellt. Abschließend werden mögliche Implikationen für die aktuelle Ausgestaltung des neuen Digitale-Versorgung-Gesetzes (DVG) aufgezeigt und auf einige bestehende „blinde Flecken“ hingewiesen.
Transient analysis of piecewise homogeneous Markov fluid models
Authors: Almousa Salah Al-Deen , Horváth Gábor , Telek Miklós
Published: December 2020

Piecewise homogeneous Markov fluid models are composed by homogeneous intervals where the model is governed by an interval dependent pair of generators and the model behaviour changes at the boundaries. The main difficulty of the transient analysis of piecewise homogeneous Markov fluid models is the appropriate description of the various boundary cases. The paper proposes an analytical approach to handle the wide variety of the possible boundary cases in a relatively simple to describe and implement manner.
How evaluation of hydrological models influences results of climate impact assessment—an editorial
Authors: Krysanova Valentina , Hattermann Fred F. , Kundzewicz Zbigniew W.
Published: December 2020

This paper introduces the Special Issue (SI) “How evaluation of hydrological models influences results of climate impact assessment.” The main objectives were as follows: (a) to test a comprehensive model calibration/validation procedure, consisting of five steps, for regional-scale hydrological models; (b) to evaluate performance of global-scale hydrological models; and (c) to reveal whether the calibration/validation methods and the model evaluation results influence climate impacts in terms of the magnitude of the change signal and the uncertainty range. Here, we shortly describe the river basins and large regions used as case studies; the hydrological models, data, and climate scenarios used in the studies; and the applied approaches for model evaluation and for analysis of projections for the future. After that, we summarize the main findings. The following general conclusions could be drawn. After successful comprehensive calibration and validation, the regional-scale models are more robust and their projections for the future differ from those of the model versions after the conventional calibration and validation. Therefore, climate impacts based on the former models are more trustworthy than those simulated by the latter models. Regarding the global-scale models, using only models with satisfactory or good performance on historical data and weighting them based on model evaluation results is a more reliable approach for impact assessment compared to the ensemble mean approach that is commonly used. The former method provides impact results with higher credibility and reduced spreads in comparison to the latter approach. The studies for this SI were performed in the framework of the Inter-Sectoral Impact Model Intercomparison Project (ISIMIP).
Learning actions indicating algebraic thinking in multilingual classrooms
Authors: Eriksson Helena , Eriksson Inger
Published: December 2020

This article discusses algebraic thinking regarding positive integers and rational numbers when students, 6 to 9 years old in multilingual classrooms, are engaged in an algebraic learning activity proposed by the El’konin and Davydov curriculum. The main results of this study indicate that young, newly arrived students, through tool-mediated joint reflective actions as suggested in the ED curriculum, succeeded in analysing arithmetical structures of positive integers and rational numbers. When the students participated in this type of learning activity, they were able to reflect on the general structures of numbers established as additive relationships (addition and subtraction) as well as multiplicative relationships (multiplication and division) and mixtures thereof, thus a core foundation of algebraic thinking. The students then used algebraic symbols, line segments, verbal, written, and gesture language to elaborate and construct models related to these relationships. This is in spite of the fact that most of the students were second language learners. Elaborated in common experiences staged in the lessons, the learning models appeared to bridge the lack of common verbal language as the models visualized aspects of the relationships among numbers in a public manner on the whiteboard. These learning actions created rich opportunities for bridging tensions in relation to language demands in the multilingual classroom.
Legislative production and public spending in France
Authors: Facchini François , Seghezza Elena
Published: December 2020

The aim of this article is to help explain the history of the public spending-to-GDP ratio in France by examining the production of laws and regulations. It empirically finds a positive and significant relationship between the number of pages in the Official Gazette of the French Republic and the development of the public expenditure-to-GDP ratio. We rely on the number of pages in the Official Gazette as a proxy for the cost of implementing laws and regulations. If unchecked, a proliferation of laws and regulations expands public spending. Over the period 1905–2015, a 10% increase in pages caused a 1.14% increase in the public expenditure-to-GDP ratio.
Sequential Data Assimilation of the Stochastic SEIR Epidemic Model for Regional COVID-19 Dynamics
Authors: Engbert Ralf , Rabe Maximilian M. , Kliegl Reinhold , Reich Sebastian
Published: December 2020

Newly emerging pandemics like COVID-19 call for predictive models to implement precisely tuned responses to limit their deep impact on society. Standard epidemic models provide a theoretically well-founded dynamical description of disease incidence. For COVID-19 with infectiousness peaking before and at symptom onset, the SEIR model explains the hidden build-up of exposed individuals which creates challenges for containment strategies. However, spatial heterogeneity raises questions about the adequacy of modeling epidemic outbreaks on the level of a whole country. Here, we show that by applying sequential data assimilation to the stochastic SEIR epidemic model, we can capture the dynamic behavior of outbreaks on a regional level. Regional modeling, with relatively low numbers of infected and demographic noise, accounts for both spatial heterogeneity and stochasticity. Based on adapted models, short-term predictions can be achieved. Thus, with the help of these sequential data assimilation methods, more realistic epidemic models are within reach.
Vitamin A levels reflect disease severity and portal hypertension in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Simbrunner Benedikt , Semmler Georg , Stadlmann Alexander , Scheiner Bernhard , Schwabl Philipp , Paternostro Rafael , Bucsics Theresa , Bauer David , Eigenbauer Ernst , Pinter Matthias , Stättermayer Albert-Friedrich , Quehenberger Peter , Marculescu Rodrig , Trauner Michael , Mandorfer Mattias , Reiberger Thomas
Published: December 2020

Background and Aims

The liver plays a key role in the storage, metabolism and homeostasis of fat-soluble vitamins. We investigated the relation of Vitamin(Vit)A/D/E serum levels with severity of liver disease and portal hypertension (PHT).

Methods

VitA/D/E serum levels were assessed in 234 patients with advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD, i.e. hepatic venous pressure gradient [HVPG] ≥ 6 mmHg). Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, pre-/post-hepatic PHT, TIPS or liver transplantation were excluded.

Results

Most patients were male (n = 153; 65%) with a median age of 57.6 (49.7–64.5) years. Thirty-two (14%) patients had HVPG 6–9 mmHg, 66 (28%) 10-15 mmHg, and 136 (58%) ≥ 16 mmHg, respectively. VitD deficiency (25-OH-vitamin-D <50 nmol/L) was found in 133 (57%) with higher prevalence in Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP)-C: 85% vs. B: 66% vs. A: 47% (p < 0.001). VitD levels displayed significant but weak correlations with hepatic dysfunction and PHT. VitE levels were normal in 227 (97%) patients and displayed no relevant association with hepatic dysfunction or PHT. Only 63 (27%) patients had normal (>1.05 µmol/L) VitA levels, while 58 (25%) had mild (0.70–1.04 µmol/L), 71 (30%) moderate (0.35–0.69 µmol/L), and 42(18%) severe(<0.35 µmol/L) VitA deficiency. VitA correlated with HVPG (Rho = −0.409), CTP score (Rho = −0.646), and serum bile acid levels (Rho = −0.531; all p < 0.001). The prevalence of decompensated ACLD (dACLD) continuously increased with severity of VitA deficiency (no: 40% vs. mild: 51% vs. moderate: 67% vs. severe: 91% had dACLD; p < 0.001). CTP score (per point; OR 2.46; 95%CI 1.80–3.37; p <0.001), age (per year; OR 0.95; 95%CI 0.92–0.98; p = 0.001) and elevated bile acid levels(>10 µmol/L; OR 3.62; 95%CI 1.61–8.14; p = 0.002) were independently associated with VitA deficiency.

Conclusion

VitA and VitD but not VitE deficiencies are highly prevalent in ACLD. VitA deficiency strongly correlates with hepatic dysfunction, PHT and bile acid levels and is associated with decompensated ACLD.

Trial registration number

NCT03267615.
Reading for Realness: Porn Literacies, Digital Media, and Young People
Authors: Byron Paul , McKee Alan , Watson Ash , Litsou Katerina , Ingham Roger
Published: December 2020

This paper adds to recent discussions of young people’s porn literacy and argues that researchers must address porn users’ engagements with, and understandings of, different porn genres and practices. As part of a larger interdisciplinary project which consisted of a series of systematic reviews of literature on the relationship between pornography use and healthy sexual development, we reviewed articles addressing the relationship between pornography use and literacy. We found few articles that present empirical data to discuss porn literacies, and those we found commonly frame young people’s porn literacy as their ability to critically read porn as negative and comprising ‘unrealistic’ portrayals of sex. This model of porn literacy tends to be heteronormative, where only conservative ideals of ‘good’, coupled, and vanilla sex are deemed ‘realistic’. Data from the literature we reviewed shows that young people make sophisticated distinctions between different kinds of pornography, some of which could be called ‘realistic’, as per do-it-yourself and amateur porn. We extend this discussion to young people’s understandings of ‘authenticity’ across their broader digital and social media practices. From this focus, we propose the need to incorporate young people’s existing porn literacies into future education and research approaches. This includes engaging with their understandings and experiences of porn genres, digital media practice, and representations of authenticity.
Appropriate Smart Factory for SMEs: Concept, Application and Perspective
Authors: Jung Woo-Kyun , Kim Dong-Ryul , Lee Hyunsu , Lee Tae-Hun , Yang Insoon , Youn Byeng D. , Zontar Daniel , Brockmann Matthias , Brecher Christian , Ahn Sung-Hoon
Published: December 2020

In the manufacturing industry, the smart factory is considered the final stage of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Manufacturing companies are pursuing breakthroughs by introducing various advanced technologies to ensure their competitiveness. However, it is difficult for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to adopt smart-factory technologies, owing to financial and technical burdens. This paper proposes a smart factory that can be applied technically and strategically to the introduction of a smart factory for SMEs. The concept of an ‘appropriate smart factory’ involves applying appropriate measures in terms of cost and scale with consideration of the situations faced by SMEs. The goal is to build a smart factory that has necessary functions (Essential) but can be easily operated (Simple) at a low cost (Affordable) and has compatibility (Interoperable). This paper presents technical application measures such as appropriate smart sensors, appropriate IoT (Internet of Things), and small data processing, along with the definition of an appropriate smart factory. In addition, a case study was examined where the quality inspection equipment for garment manufacturing SMEs was developed by applying the appropriate smart factory concept.
How will climate change alter the dynamics of airborne pollen and pollen load of allergenic plants?
Authors: Schinko Herwig A. E. , Lamprecht Bernd , Schmidt Roland
Published: December 2020

Background

Globally, climate change is being observed. Pollen allergies have been increasing since the middle of the last century. Outdoors, sensitization against pollen allergens is responsible for the highest prevalence of allergies of eyes and airways. Hence, the following two questions arose: (1) How does climate change become manifest locally–regionally, and do temperatures and precipitation have to be considered exceptional in 2018? (2) How do changing meteorological conditions impact on pollination and pollen load?

Methods

Pollen data of the main allergenic plants—collected at the pollen monitoring station Linz, Upper Austria—were analysed; 2018 was compared to the years 1993–2017. By means of statistical methods, the impact of meteorological parameters on pollen seasons and pollen load were examined.

Results

Climate change was confirmed for the region. The regional climate has shifted from moderate to warmer and drier (semi-arid) conditions. Preseasonal cumulated meteorological parameters determined flowering and pollen seasons (PS). Start and duration of the pollination of hazel, alder, birch, and grass followed other rules than the seasonal pollen production, termed seasonal pollen integral (SPIn). By its hybrid character, the model-year 2018 offered the unique chance to generate and explain different scenarios of pollen emission and transmission. For the start of flowering of hazel (Corylus), alder (Alnus) and birch (Betula), the coincidence of cumulated mean daily warmth (MDWcumul) and a distinct threshold for the highest temperature of a day (HTD) is necessary and species-specific. In 2018, the earliest begin of the pollen season (PSB) was observed. Frost delayed the PSB. Preseasonal frost as well as cool temperatures caused SPIn of alder and birch to rise, whereas SPIn of hazel were increased by warmer temperatures. Warm weather prolonged pollen seasons of early flowering plants. Heat combined with drought shortened PS of birch in 2018. Cumulated relative humidity (RHcumul) correlated highly significant with the PSB of grasses. Warm and dry conditions in 2018 caused the earliest PSB of grass since 1993. Over the years, SPI and major pollen peaks of grasses have decreased, primarily due to dryness.

Conclusion

The assumption that climate warming in Linz over 26 years should have increased pollen concentrations of allergenic plants was not confirmed. On the contrary, trend analyses showed that the pollen load has decreased. Hence, the increase in sensitization to pollen allergens and of the prevalence of pollen allergies ask for other explanations.
»letzte Politur«?
Authors: Christ Tobias
Published: December 2020

Hölderlin war wenig erfolgreich bei dem Versuch, sich mit seiner Lyrik gegen die zeitgenössischen Geschmacksanforderungen zu behaupten. Davon zeugt die Publikationsgeschichte seiner Elegie »Der Wanderer«. Erstmals 1797 bei Schiller für Die Horen eingereicht, erfuhr der Text in der Folge mehrfache Nachbearbeitungen: zunächst durch Hölderlin selbst, dann durch Schiller und schließlich durch Matthisson, der für den Abdruck in seiner Lyrischen Anthologie (1806) wiederum tiefgreifende Anpassungen vornahm. Die Überarbeitungen beider erfolgreichen Lyriker verbannen den ursprünglichen Reflexionsgehalt und glätten die formale und bildliche Dynamik zugunsten von Anschaulichkeit und Gefälligkeit. Dies gibt Aufschluss über die zeitgenössischen Geschmackskonventionen und damit über die Erfolgsvoraussetzungen für Lyrik um 1800, von denen sich Hölderlin mit der Herausbildung seines Individualstils zunehmend entfernte.
Surgical Management of Idiopathic Partial Thrombosis of the Corpus Cavernosum
Authors: Singh Danish , Larson Troy , Campbell Kevin , Dennis Michael , Yeung Lawrence
Published: December 2020

A 36-year-old African American man presented to the emergency department with 2 days of left-sided perineal pain after sexual activity. He was found to have induration in the left perineum overlying the proximal left corporal body. Clinical picture was suspicious for traumatic corporal rupture; however, advanced imaging showed a proximal segmental thrombosis of the left corpus cavernosum. The patient underwent perineal exploration with evacuation of an intracorporal penile hematoma. In spite of disrupting a fibrous membrane in the proximal corpora and drainage of the corpora, we observed repeat tumescence during the procedure because of an observed arterial high-flow state in the corpora cavernosum. This was resolved with administration of phenylephrine into the cavernosum. The patient had return of normal erectile function 2 days after the procedure with resolution of pain at the site.
Variability of Pornographic Content Consumed and Longest Session of Pornography Use Associated With Treatment Seeking and Problematic Sexual Behavior Symptoms
Authors: Lewczuk Karol , Lesniak Joanna , Lew-Starowicz Michal , Gola Mateusz
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Most of the previous studies on problematic pornography use and related behavior have focused on such descriptors of pornography use habits as frequency or time devoted to pornography use.

Aim

We argue that this constitutes a narrow view and indicators that characterize other aspects of explicit content consumption, namely (i) longest session of pornography viewing (which may be related to binge behavior), as well as (ii) variability of consumed pornographic content, can also be useful indicators.

Methods

An online study based on a sample of 132 heterosexual men seeking treatment for problematic pornography use, referred by therapists after their initial visit and 437 non-treatment seekers in the control group.

Main Outcome Measures

The main outcomes of this study are reported longest, non-stop session of viewing pornography, variability in consumed pornographic content (including paraphilic and violent pornography), actual treatment seeking for problematic pornography use and severity of symptoms, and average weekly time devoted to pornography use.

Results

Our analysis showed that longest session of viewing pornographic content as well as the variety of consumed pornography influenced the decision to seek treatment and the severity of symptoms even when the sheer amount of time devoted to pornography use was controlled.

Conclusion

This is one of the few studies examining the role of engagement in prolonged sessions of pornography use and the variability of consumed pornographic content in the clinical context of problematic sexual behavior. The study's main limitations are its relatively narrow method of operationalization of variability of pornographic content and longest session of pornography viewing, as well as its cross-sectional, online, and anonymous character. As the described factors have an important influence on treatment seeking and the severity of experienced symptoms, they should be considered in the process of assessing compulsive sexual behavior disorder and related symptoms.
Women Are Still Not Heard in the Climate Policy Conversation
Authors: Rodrigues Meghie
Published: December 2020

A case study in Brazil points to a deep gender gap that still has to be bridged in the policymaking debate.
Gravity Data Reveal Unexpected Antarctic Ice Variations
Authors: Melchor Stephanie
Published: December 2020

A new analysis of long-term satellite records shows the East Antarctic Ice Sheet is unexpectedly dependent on fluctuations in weather. This study may improve models of how much sea levels will rise.
Brain structural correlates of insomnia severity in 1053 individuals with major depressive disorder: results from the ENIGMA MDD Working Group
Authors: Leerssen Jeanne , Blanken Tessa F. , Pozzi Elena , Jahanshad Neda , Aftanas Lyubomir , Andreassen Ole A. , Baune Bernhard T. , Brack Ivan , Carballedo Angela , Ching Christopher R. K. , Dannlowski Udo , Dohm Katharina , Enneking Verena , Filimonova Elena , Fingas Stella M. , Frodl Thomas , Godlewska Beata R. , Goltermann Janik , Gotlib Ian H. , Grotegerd Dominik , Gruber Oliver , Harris Mathew A. , Hatton Sean N. , Hawkins Emma , Hickie Ian B. , Jaworska Natalia , Kircher Tilo , Krug Axel , Lagopoulos Jim , Lemke Hannah , Li Meng , MacMaster Frank P. , McIntosh Andrew M. , McLellan Quinn , Meinert Susanne , Mwangi Benson , Nenadić Igor , Osipov Evgeny , Portella Maria J. , Redlich Ronny , Repple Jonathan , Sacchet Matthew D. , Sämann Philipp G. , Simulionyte Egle , Soares Jair C. , Walter Martin , Watanabe Norio , Whalley Heather C. , Yüksel Dilara , Veltman Dick J. , Thompson Paul M. , Schmaal Lianne , Van Someren Eus J. W.
Published: December 2020

It has been difficult to find robust brain structural correlates of the overall severity of major depressive disorder (MDD). We hypothesized that specific symptoms may better reveal correlates and investigated this for the severity of insomnia, both a key symptom and a modifiable major risk factor of MDD. Cortical thickness, surface area and subcortical volumes were assessed from T1-weighted brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of 1053 MDD patients (age range 13-79 years) from 15 cohorts within the ENIGMA MDD Working Group. Insomnia severity was measured by summing the insomnia items of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS). Symptom specificity was evaluated with correlates of overall depression severity. Disease specificity was evaluated in two independent samples comprising 2108 healthy controls, and in 260 clinical controls with bipolar disorder. Results showed that MDD patients with more severe insomnia had a smaller cortical surface area, mostly driven by the right insula, left inferior frontal gyrus pars triangularis, left frontal pole, right superior parietal cortex, right medial orbitofrontal cortex, and right supramarginal gyrus. Associations were specific for insomnia severity, and were not found for overall depression severity. Associations were also specific to MDD; healthy controls and clinical controls showed differential insomnia severity association profiles. The findings indicate that MDD patients with more severe insomnia show smaller surfaces in several frontoparietal cortical areas. While explained variance remains small, symptom-specific associations could bring us closer to clues on underlying biological phenomena of MDD.
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy—a blueprint for the bridge between neurological and psychiatric disorders
Authors: Albayram Onder , Albayram Sait , Mannix Rebekkah
Published: December 2020

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a perplexing condition characterized by a broad and diverse range of neuropathology and psychopathology. While there are no agreed upon or validated clinical criteria for CTE, case series of CTE have described a wide range of neuropsychiatric symptoms that have been attributed to repetitive traumatic brain injuries (rTBI). However, the direct links between the psychopathology of psychiatric and neurological conditions from rTBI to CTE remains poorly understood. Prior studies suggest that repetitive cerebral injuries are associated with damage to neural circuitry involved in emotional and memory processes, but these studies do not offer longitudinal assessments that prove causation. More recent studies on novel targets, such as transmission of misfolded proteins, as well as newly advanced non-invasive imaging techniques may offer more direct evidence of the pathogenesis of CTE by tracing the progression of pathology and display of related behavioral impairments. Understanding this interface in the context of rTBI can play an important role in future approaches to the definition, assessment, prevention, and treatment of CTE and mental illnesses.