bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of single‐polypropylene composites interleaved with MWCNT‐doped melt‐blown fine fiber mats
Authors: Kara Yahya , Molnár Kolos
Published: June 2022

In this article, we demonstrate fabricating polypropylene (PP)/multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) nanocomposite fiber veils and use them as interleaves in single‐polymer composites (SPCs) to enhance their thermal and mechanical properties. With this regard, we produced a hierarchical composite structure made of a film, a woven fabric and a fine fiber mat made of the same polymer. The nanocomposite fiber mats were generated by melt‐blowing. Results implied that incorporating MWCNT increased the viscosity of the melt blowing grade PP resin. Increasing MWCNT content increased the average fiber diameter and pore size by 2.1‐fold and 2.5‐fold, respectively. Incorporating MWCNT enhanced the melt‐blown (MB) fiber mat's specific strength by 78% and improved the thermal stability. We generated multiscale SPCs by film‐stacking, for which we applied a PP film as a matrix, a PP‐woven fabric as the primary reinforcement, and the MB fiber mats as interleaves. The SPC's tensile modulus was improved by 37% by the interleaving. Our findings implied that the MWCNT‐doped PP fiber mat interleaving provides a robust interfacial adhesion and higher damage tolerance under tensile load. Master curves were constructed from dynamic mechanical analysis frequency sweep tests based on the time–temperature superposition principle. The storage modulus increased by 33%, while the tanδ decreased around 10% with PP/MWCNT fiber mat interleaving. The developed multiscale SPC with MWCNT fiber mat interleaving veils may be easily integrated into engineering composite applications due to its cost‐efficiency, fair recycling, straightforward processing, enhanced stiffness, and interfacial adhesion.
Cutting glass with photons
Authors: Kahmann Max , Kaiser Myriam , Kleiner Jonas , Hesse Tim , Flamm Daniel
Published: June 2022

A comprehensive report is provided here about the state of the art and recent advances in cutting glass with ultrashort pulsed lasers. Several optical concepts are discussed that enable single‐pass, full thickness modification of transparent articles in the most diverse geometries, such as architectural glass or glass tubes. We also highlight the trend towards tailored glass edges for substrate protection with laser‐fabricated chamfers. A completely new beam‐shaping concept is used here, in which a large number of focus copies are distributed along any edge shape in order to combine cutting and chamfering within a single laser process.
Design of grating waveguide structures for pulsed laser systems
Authors: Rumpel Martin , Beirow Frieder , Graf Thomas , Abdou Ahmed Marwan
Published: June 2022

Grating waveguide structures (GWS) offer great variety in design for generating different states of polarization in laser resonators. The polarization‐selective properties are achieved by one or more dielectric layers in combination with sub‐wavelength microstructures. The resonant nature and resultant enhancement of the electromagnetic field in the dielectric layers used to limit the application of GWS in pulsed operation. However, thanks to robust design and fabrication methods, GWS can now be applied here without problems.
Review of technology specific degradation in crystalline silicon, cadmium telluride, copper indium gallium selenide, dye sensitised, organic and perovskite solar cells in photovoltaic modules: Understanding how reliability improvements in mature technologies can enhance emerging technologies
Authors: Kettle Jeff , Aghaei Mohammadreza , Ahmad Shahzada , Fairbrother Andrew , Irvine Stuart , Jacobsson Jesper J. , Kazim Samrana , Kazukauskas Vaidotas , Lamb Dan , Lobato Killian , Mousdis Georgios A. , Oreski Gernot , Reinders Angele , Schmitz Jurriaan , Yilmaz Pelin , Theelen Mirjam J.
Published: June 2022

A comprehensive understanding of failure modes of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules is key to extending their operational lifetime in the field. In this review, first, specific failure modes associated with mature PV technologies, such as crystalline silicon (c‐Si), copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) and cadmium telluride (CdTe), are framed by sources of specific failure modes, their development from the early‐developmental stages onwards and their impact upon long term performance of PV modules. These failure modes are sorted by both PV technology and location of occurrence in PV modules, such as substrate, encapsulant, front and rear electrode, absorber and interlayers. The second part of the review is focused on emerging PV technologies, such as perovskites solar cells, dye sensitised and organic PVs, where due to their low to medium technology readiness levels, specific long‐term degradation mechanisms have not fully emerged, and most mechanisms are only partially understood. However, an in‐depth summary of the known stability challenges associated with each emerging PV technology is presented. Finally, in this paper, lessons learned from mature PV technologies are reviewed, and considerations are given in to how these might be applied to the further development of emerging technologies. Namely, any emerging PV technology must eventually pass industry‐standard qualification tests, while warranties for the lifetime of modern c‐Si‐based modules might be extended beyond the existing warranted life of 25 years.
Life‐space mobility, balance, and self‐efficacy in Parkinson disease: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Dutra Ana Carolina Leonardi , Soares Nayron Medeiros , Artigas Nathalie Ribeiro , Pereira Gabriela Magalhães , Krimberg Julia Schneider , Ovando Angelica Cristiane , Schuh Artur Francisco Schumacher , de Mello Rieder Carlos Roberto
Published: June 2022

Background

Life‐space mobility (LSM) is a mobility measure that assesses the physical and social environments through which people move during their daily lives.

Objective

To characterize LSM among individuals with Parkinson disease and explore the relationship between LSM, self‐efficacy, and balance.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Settings

Movement disorder clinic at a teaching hospital.

Participants

Eighty‐eight participants with Parkinson disease.

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures

The dependent variable (LSM) was assessed using the Life‐Space Assessment (LSA) instrument. Balance evaluation and balance self‐efficacy were assessed using the Mini Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini‐BESTest) and the Activities‐Specific Balance Confidence Scale, respectively. Other variables, such as age, disease staging (Hoehn‐Yahr staging system), cognition (Montreal Cognitive Assessment), and depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory‐II), were also measured.

Results

The mean LSA score was 65.2 (SD: 22.8) and mean age was 63.2 years (SD: 10.5 years). Among the 88 patients, 32 (36.4%) were classified as restricted LSM. Age (p = .03), disease severity (p = .02), cognition (p = .02), and motor subtype (p = .006) were associated with more restricted LSM among participants. A multiple linear regression model demonstrated that LSM can be predicted by balance performance (R2 = 0.377; p < .001).

Conclusion

Age, disease severity, cognition, motor subtype, balance self‐efficacy, and balance performance are associated with LSM. Understanding and improving balance and self‐efficacy in people with Parkinson disease could facilitate community mobility and promote functional independence and health maintenance.
Effects of solvents on the excited‐state intramolecular proton transfer in 3‐HTC
Authors: Song Yao‐Dong , Wang Qian‐Ting , Gao Wei‐wei , He Zhixiong , Wu Yan
Published: June 2022

It has been demonstrated experimentally that proton transfer can occur in the excited state of 3‐hydroxy‐2‐mercapto‐4‐one (3‐HTC) molecule. However, the effect of solvent polarity on excited‐state intramolecular proton transfer of 3‐HTC has not been reported. In this paper, the molecular structures of ground and excited states in different solvents are optimized by density functional theory and time‐dependent density functional theory. Based on the optimized structure, infrared vibration frequency, electronic spectra, natural bond orbital (NBO) population, and potential energy curves were calculated and analyzed. By analyzing the bond lengths and the bond angles related to the hydrogen bond, it can be seen that the intramolecular hydrogen bond intensity of 3‐HTC molecule in the S1state is strengthened in different solvents. With the increase of the solvent polarity, the degree of hydrogen bond strength decreases. Through the analysis of the infrared vibration frequency, it could be found that intramolecular hydrogen bond of 3‐HTC is weakened as the solvent polarity increases. By analyzing the frontier molecular orbitals and the charge density difference (CDD) maps, it is proved that charge transfer occurs during photoexcitation, which promotes the excited‐state proton transfer process. Further, the analysis of potential energy curves of 3‐HTC in the ground state and S1state shows that proton transfer can be realized in the S1state of 3‐HTC in different solvents. With the increase of solvent polarity, the difficulty of intramolecular proton transfer is increasing.
Recent advances in sodium alginate‐based membranes for dehydration of aqueous ethanol through pervaporation
Authors: Ehsan Mehwish , Razzaq Humaira , Razzaque Shumaila , Bibi Aasma , Yaqub Azra
Published: June 2022

Sodium alginate (SA) is a progressive material for membrane fabrication. The technological development of SA‐based membranes has made a significant contribution to the separation techniques, especially in aqueous organic solutions. The outstanding performance of SA is attributed to its outstanding structural flexibility and hydrophilicity. In view of structural characteristics, SA membranes have immense utilization in the pervaporation separation of organics. Among various organics, dehydration of aqueous ethanol is employed as a standard to check the success of pervaporation (PV) membrane. Because ethanol and water have comparable molecular sizes, thus difficult to extract water from aqueous ethanol mixtures than it is for other organics. A literature survey shows that wide‐ranging data are available on the PV performance of SA and its modified membranes. In this context, the present review addresses the recent advances made in SA membranes for enhanced ethanol dehydration performance during the last decade. Available data since 2010 has been compiled for grafted, crosslinked, blend, mixed matrix, and composite hybrid sodium alginate membranes in terms of separation factor, permeation flux, and pervaporation separation index PSI. The data are assessed with reference to the effect of feed composition, membrane selectivity, flux, and swelling behavior.
Colupulone, colupone and novel deoxycohumulone geranyl analogues as larvicidal agents against Culex pipiens
Authors: Makri Apostolia , Papachristos Dimitrios P , Michaelakis Antonios , Vidali Veroniki P
Published: June 2022

BACKGROUND

As climate change proceeds, the management of the population of mosquitoes becomes more and more challenging. Insect adulticides and larvicides constitute significant control techniques, with the latter being considered the leading mosquito control method. However, the development of mosquito resistance development and the adverse side effects caused by the extensive use of synthetic insecticides have turned research towards the discovery of environmentally‐friendly solutions. Plants and bacteria have historically proven to be a good source of insecticidally active compounds, which may possess novel modes of action to overcome current resistance mechanisms and could also possess favorable human and environmental safety profiles. A previous study demonstrated that the naturally occurring prenylated acyl phloroglucinol deoxycohumulone is a potent larvicidal agent against Culex pipiens. Herein the structural characteristics that improve it are explored by evaluating colupulone and novel geranylated analogues.

RESULTS

Colupulone, a prenylated acyl phloroglucinol isolated from Humulus lupulus, colupone, and novel geranylated acyl phloroglucinol congeners, were synthesized and evaluated against Cx. pipiens larva. Results indicated that selected derivatives exhibited superior potency than deoxycohumulone (LC50 43.7 mg L−1). Thus, strong activity was observed for colupulone (LC50 19.7 mg L−1), and some novel geranyl analogues of deoxycohumulone reaching at LC50 17.1 mg L−1, while colupone and similar compounds were almost inactive.

CONCLUSION

The results determined the relationship between the target activity and the chemical structure of the tested compounds, and they revealed significantly improved larvicidal candidates. These results highlight the potential of the acyl phloroglucinol chemistry for further development of mosquito larvicides. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Evaluation of the phytotoxic and antifungal activity of C17‐sesquiterpenoids as potential biopesticides
Authors: Cárdenas David M. , Bajsa‐Hirschel Joanna , Cantrell Charles L. , Rial Carlos , Varela Rosa M. , Molinillo José M. G. , Macías Francisco A.
Published: June 2022

BACKGROUND

Natural products are a promising source for the development of new pesticides with alternative mechanisms of action. In this study, we evaluated the phytotoxic and antifungal activity of a novel family of natural C17‐sesquiterpenoids and performed a study of the effect caused by the elimination of the α‐methylene‐γ‐butyrolactone system and its importance to their biological activity.

RESULTS

Many tested compounds exhibited a strong phytotoxic activity. Lappalone and pertyolide B were the most potent molecules from the tested group. Lappalone displayed a strong inhibition profile against selected weed species, reaching a half‐maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 5.0 μm against Echinochloa crus‐galli L. shoot and 5.7 μm against the germination rate of Amaranthus viridis L., as well as a good stimulation of the germination of Phelipanche ramosa L. Pertyolide B demonstrated excellent inhibition against Amaranthus viridis L. (IC50: 56.7, 70.3 and 24.0 μm against the root and shoot growth, and germination rate, respectively) and Allium cepa L. (representative of the Liliaceae family, with IC50 values of 25.3 and 64.4 μm against root and shoot growth). Regarding the antifungal activity, pertyolide B presented significant activity against Colletotrichum fragareae and Fusarium oxysporum with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 6.6 μg μL−1.

CONCLUSION

The bioassays revealed that frequently the presence of the α‐methylene‐γ‐butyrolactone system is not essential for the bioactivities of sesquiterpene lactones, and suggest that C17‐sesquiterpenoids may function through a different mechanism of action not related to the widely assumed Michael addition. © 2022 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
CRISPR gene editing: a revolution in progress
Authors: Greener Mark
Published: June 2022

CRISPR is a gene editing technique that has revolutionised research and has the potential to transform the treatment of many diseases. This article discusses the principles of the technique, its therapeutic applications and potential safety issues.
Hepatitis C: epidemiology, transmission and presentation
Authors: Parsons Graham
Published: June 2022

Hepatitis C is an insidious disease of the liver caused by infection with the hepatitis C virus. Part 1 in this two‐part series on the management of hepatitis C focuses on its epidemiology, routes of transmission and clinical presentation.
Tralokinumab for the treatment of atopic dermatitis
Authors: Chaplin Steve
Published: June 2022

Tralokinumab (Adtralza) is a new anti‐IL‐13 monoclonal antibody for the treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. This article summarises its administration, clinical trial efficacy and adverse effects.
Confirmatory efficacy testing for individual dose–placebo comparisons using serial gatekeeping procedure in dose‐finding trials with multiple comparison procedures–modeling
Authors: Yamaguchi Yusuke , Sugitani Toshifumi , Yoshida Satoshi , Maruo Kazushi
Published: June 2022

Dose‐finding trials play a key role in the entire drug development process to determine optimal doses for regulatory approval. We address confirmatory efficacy testing for individual dose–placebo comparisons in the context of a dose‐finding trial designed with multiple comparison procedures–modeling (MCP–Mod). An extension of the MCP–Mod, called closed MCP–Mod, has been proposed to carry out the MCP–Mod in conjunction with pairwise dose‐placebo comparisons; however, an issue associated with the misspecification of candidate dose–response models remains. We consider another way to combine the MCP–Mod and the individual dose‐placebo comparisons using serial gatekeeping procedures with fixed sequence, Holm, Hochberg, and step‐down Dunnett procedure. The method controls the family‐wise error rate in the strong sense and is simple enough to be implemented by existing software. Simulation studies suggested that the serial gatekeeping procedure was comparable with the closed MCP–Mod in terms of statistical power to detect the efficacy of at least one dose, and both methods were capable of pursuing the efficacy claim rather than just establishing the dose–response signal with less than a 20% increase in sample size when assuming monotonic dose–response shapes. The serial gatekeeping procedure would have advantages in the simplicity of implementation and ease of interpretation. The dose‐finding trials aiming to declare the dose–response signal, as well as the efficacy of individual doses, would be worth considering as an option to accelerate the drug development program in certain situations.
Optimal risk sharing with ex post private information: Rules versus discretion
Authors: Dai Chifeng
Published: June 2022

We consider the optimal contract under cost uncertainty between a risk averse buyer and a risk averse supplier when the supplier can privately discover more cost information after contracting but before production. We show that the optimal contract is often characterized by distortions and rules which restrict the supplier from adjusting the production schedule to the cost realization. The supplier is often constrained by strict rules in high cost states, but enjoys more discretion to adjust the production schedule in low cost states. Moreover, the supplier is granted with more discretion when the buyer becomes more risk averse, but is restricted by more rules when the supplier becomes more risk averse or when the supplier's risk preference becomes private information.
Lead Leaching of Perovskite Solar Cells in Aqueous Environments: A Quantitative Investigation
Authors: Yan Dong , Lu Xingwen , Zhao Shiyi , Zhang Zuhong , Lu Mingxia , Feng Jiangtao , Zhang Jingchao , Spencer Kate , Watson Trystan , Li Meng , Hou Bo , Wang Fei , Li Zhe
Published: June 2022

Lead halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have emerged as a highly promising next‐generation photovoltaic (PV) technology that combines high device performance with ease of processing and low cost. However, the potential leaching of lead is recognized as a major environmental concern for their large‐scale commercialization, especially for application areas with significant overlap with human life. Herein, a quantitative kinetic analysis of the Pb leaching behavior of five types of benchmark PSCs, namely, MAPbI3, FA0.95MA0.05Pb(I0.95Br0.05)3, Cs0.05(FA0.85MA0.15)0.95Pb(I0.85Br0.15)3, CsPbI3, and CsPbI2Br, under laboratory rainfall conditions is reported. Strikingly, over 60% of the Pb contained in the unencapsulated perovskite devices is leached within the first 120 s under rainfall exposure, suggesting that very rapid leaching of Pb can occur when indoor and outdoor PV devices are subject to physical damage or failed encapsulation. The initial Pb leaching rate is found to be strongly dependent on the types of PSCs, pointing to a potential route toward Pb leaching reduction through further optimization of their materials design. The findings offer kinetic insights into the Pb leaching behavior of PSCs upon aqueous exposure, highlighting the urgency to develop robust mitigation methods to avoid a potentially catastrophic impact on the environment for their large‐scale deployment.
Detection of small‐ and large‐for‐gestational age using different combinations of prenatal and postnatal charts
Authors: Mathewlynn S. , Impey L. , Ioannou C.
Published: June 2022

Objective

To determine the extent to which the detection rate of small‐for‐gestational age (SGA) and large‐for‐gestational age (LGA) at birth is influenced by the use of different combinations of estimated‐fetal‐weight (EFW) and birth‐weight (BW) charts.

Methods

This was a cohort study of all pregnant women with a singleton term birth receiving care in a university hospital during a 3‐year period. All participants underwent a universal 36‐week ultrasound scan for EFW measurement and had BW recorded at delivery. Five different reference charts were used for EFW and BW centile calculation. Two‐by‐two contingency tables were constructed using EFW as the screening test variable and BW as the outcome variable in order to calculate sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value for all possible chart combinations.

Results

The cohort included 17 678 pregnancies. The sensitivity of EFW < 10th centile for the detection of BW < 10th centile ranged from 10.8% to 66.8% and the sensitivity of EFW < 3rd centile for the detection of BW < 3rd centile ranged from 4.1% to 66.8%, depending on the charts used. The sensitivity of EFW > 90th centile for BW > 90th centile ranged between 22.9% and 68.3%. When locally derived charts for EFW and BW were used, the sensitivity of detection of BW < 10th centile using EFW < 10th centile was 43.7% (PPV, 45.5%); for the detection of BW < 3rd centile using EFW < 3rd centile, the sensitivity was 25.6% (PPV, 26.7%) and, for the detection of BW > 90th centile using EFW > 90th centile, it was 49.6% (PPV, 49.0%).

Conclusions

Different combinations of EFW and BW charts can yield vastly different detection rates (sensitivity) in the same population cohort and time period. If SGA and LGA detection rates are to be used as a meaningful performance indicator, healthcare systems should follow a clear and predefined methodology that includes explicit definitions of common reference standards. © 2022 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Analyzing Public Policy Decisions
Authors: Loucks Daniel P.
Published: June 2022

An introduction to the contents of the book that focus on the art of building and using various optimization and simulation modeling methods for analyzing public systems planning and management issues. Emphasized is on the use of models for informing policy makers and for assisting in decision making processes.
Creating Models
Authors: Loucks Daniel P.
Published: June 2022

Introduces the approach to developing optimization models for identifying and evaluating alternative designs of some infrastructure. The chapter distinguishes between two general types of models, optimization and simulation, and continues the discussion of the advantages and possible pitfalls of modeling.
Models for Managing Money
Authors: Loucks Daniel P.
Published: June 2022

The chapter reviews ways of computing equivalent present, future, or equal annual values that can be used to compare different time series of costs and benefits. It defines both simple and compound interest modeling, and the impacts of within-year compounding, inflation, and income taxes.
Linear Optimization Modeling
Authors: Loucks Daniel P.
Published: June 2022

The chapter introduces linear programming, arguably the most used optimization method applicable when all the model terms are linear. Graphical solution approaches to solve two-variable linear models are used to illustrate how linear programming algorithms solve models containing many more variables as are typical of most real-world problems.
The Case of Norway and Digital Transformation over the Years
Authors: Parmiggiani Elena , Mikalef Patrick
Published: June 2022

Norway is generally characterized by a pervasive presence of digital services. It is currently undergoing a digital transformation across different domains, from daily life to public and private enterprises. In this introductory chapter, we first unpack the main drivers of digital transformation in Norway so far and its enabling conditions based on three illustrative examples: the development of Altinn, a digital platform supporting digital communication between citizens and public and private organizations; the evolution of BankID, Norway’s electronic identification system; and the current push for open data sharing leveraging experiences in the energy industry. We identify key common enabling conditions: a trust-based cooperation across social partners and across public and private sectors, the public sector’s driving role, cross-organization consolidations and consortia, and application-oriented initiatives. In the second part of the chapter, we summarize the content of the subsequent chapters in this book shedding light on different facets of digital transformation in Norway.
Digital Transformation in NAV IT 2016–2020: Key Factors for the Journey of Change
Authors: Bernhardt Hulda Brastad
Published: June 2022

The directorate of Labor and Welfare Administration in Norway (NAV) is responsible for one of the most complex system portfolios in Norway. Since the establishment of the directorate in 2006, NAV has had the ambition of modernizing IT systems, but the development has been slow. In the last 4 years, however, there have been major changes in the way NAV works with digital development and modernization. The purpose of the study is to describe the changes that have taken place in the NAV IT department in the period from 2016 to 2020. The survey identifies four key changes that have had a major effect on the IT department in NAV. These key factors are changed organizational design to support the creation of teams and product areas, changed sourcing strategy and insourcing of services, changed technological direction toward a modern application platform and a changeable application architect, as well as changes in working method from waterfall to agile product development. The IT department has moved from being a management-oriented, static organization structured by function to having a flat and dynamic organizational structure with dedicated areas of expertise. NAV replaced all supplier contracts on development and management with capacity agreements, regained ownership of its solutions, recruited programmers, and developed NAV’s internal competence. By developing its own application platform for deployment, NAV IT made it possible for teams to automatically deploy to production whenever they wanted. NAV IT has developed an increasingly agile organization where autonomous teams and empowered employees are a key factor.
Älterwerden in dieser Zeit
Authors: Müntefering Franz
Published: June 2022

Meine Damen und Herren, ich begrüße Sie alle ganz herzlich, die Alten, die Älteren und die demnächst Alten – sind alle dabei. Und diese Begrifflichkeit macht vielmehr deutlich, wir haben da noch was zu klären untereinander. Die 17-jährigen Jungs, die wollen unbedingt bei den Senioren Fußball spielen, weil Senioren sind die Vollwertigen.
„Dein Alter sei wie deine Jugend!“ Impulse eines Segenswortes
Authors: Welker Michael
Published: June 2022

„Dein Alter sei wie deine Jugend!“ So hat Martin Luther das Segenswort übersetzt, das Mose den Israeliten des Stammes Asser vor seinem Tod zugesprochen hat (Dtn 33,25). Johann Sebastian Bach hat diesen Ausspruch in einer Kantate wunderbar vertont (BWV 71 No. 3). „Dein Alter sei wie deine Jugend!“ Doch was genau kann damit gemeint sein? Klingt es nicht geradezu zynisch, wenn man jemandem in der Phase körperlichen und vielleicht auch geistigen Niedergangs wünscht, wie ein viel Kraft ausstrahlender junger Mensch zu sein? Darauf wird der erste Teil meiner Überlegungen eingehen.
Contribution of the Weinberg-type operator to atomic and nuclear electric dipole moments
Authors: Osamura Naohiro , Gubler Philipp , Yamanaka Nodoka
Published: June 2022

Abstract

The contribution of the CP violating three-gluon Weinberg operator, $$ \frac{1}{3!}w{f}^{abc}{\epsilon}^{\nu \rho \alpha \beta}{G}_{\mu \nu}^a{G}_{\alpha \beta}^b{G}_{\rho}^{c\mu} $$

1

3
!

w

f
abc

ϵ
νραβ

G
μν
a

G
αβ
b

G
ρ
cμ

, to the atomic and nuclear EDMs is estimated using QCD sum rules. After calculating the transition matrix element between the pion and the vacuum through the Weinberg operator, we obtain the long-range CP-odd nuclear force by determining the isovector CP-odd pion-nucleon vertex, using chiral perturbation theory at NLO. The EDMs of 199Hg, 129Xe, and 225Ra atoms, as well as those of 2H and 3He nuclei are finally given including comprehensive uncertainty analysis. While the leading contribution of the 199Hg EDM is given by the intrinsic nucleon EDM, that of 129Xe atom may be dominated by the one-pion exchange CP-odd nuclear force generated by the Weinberg operator. From current experimental data of the 199Hg atomic EDM, we obtain an upper limit on the Weinberg operator magnitude of |w| < 4 × 10−10GeV−2 if we assume that it is the only source of CP violation at the scale μ = 1 TeV.
E9 symmetry in the heterotic string on S1 and the weak gravity conjecture
Authors: Collazuol Veronica , Graña Mariana , Herráez Alvaro
Published: June 2022

Abstract

We show that compactifications of the heterotic string on a circle exhibit at the boundary of moduli space (R → 0, or equivalently the decompactification limit R → ∞) a tower of winding or momentum modes that enhance the E8×E8 or SO(32) gauge symmetry to the affine algebras (E9 ⊕ E9)/ ∼ (the identification means that the two copies of E9 share the same central extension) and $$ {\hat{D}}_{16} $$

D
̂

16

, respectively. We also prove that these towers of modes satisfy the lattice weak gravity and repulsive force conjectures.
A miR-125/Sirtuin-7 pathway drives the pro-calcific potential of myeloid cells in diabetic vascular disease
Authors: Vigili de Kreutzenberg Saula , Giannella Alessandra , Ceolotto Giulio , Faggin Elisabetta , Cappellari Roberta , Mazzucato Marta , Fraccaro Chiara , Tarantini Giuseppe , Avogaro Angelo , Fadini Gian Paolo
Published: June 2022

Aims/hypothesis

Ectopic calcification is a typical feature of diabetic vascular disease and resembles an accelerated ageing phenotype. We previously found an excess of myeloid calcifying cells in diabetic individuals. We herein examined molecular and cellular pathways linking atherosclerotic calcification with calcification by myeloid cells in the diabetic milieu.

Methods

We first examined the associations among coronary calcification, myeloid calcifying cell levels and mononuclear cell gene expression in a cross-sectional study of 87 participants with type 2 diabetes undergoing elective coronary angiography. Then, we undertook in vitro studies on mesenchymal stem cells and the THP-1 myeloid cell line to verify the causal relationships of the observed associations.

Results

Coronary calcification was associated with 2.8-times-higher myeloid calcifying cell levels (p=0.037) and 50% elevated expression of the osteogenic gene RUNX2 in mononuclear cells, whereas expression of Sirtuin-7 (SIRT7) was inversely correlated with calcification. In standard differentiation assays of mesenchymal stem cells, SIRT7 knockdown activated the osteogenic program and worsened calcification, especially in the presence of high (20 mmol/l) glucose. In the myeloid cell line THP-1, SIRT7 downregulation drove a pro-calcific phenotype, whereas SIRT7 overexpression prevented high-glucose-induced calcification. Through the Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway, high glucose induced miR-125b-5p, which in turn targeted SIRT7 in myeloid cells and was directly associated with coronary calcification.

Conclusions/interpretation

We describe a new pathway elicited by high glucose through the JAK/STAT cascade, involving regulation of SIRT7 by miR-125b-5p and driving calcification by myeloid cells. This pathway is associated with coronary calcification in diabetic individuals and may be a target against diabetic vascular disease.

Data availability

RNA sequencing data are deposited in GEO (accession number GSE193510; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/query/acc.cgi?acc=GSE193510).

Graphical abstract
Machine learning-based prediction of insufficient contrast enhancement in coronary computed tomography angiography
Authors: Lopes R. R. , van den Boogert T. P. W. , Lobe N. H. J. , Verwest T. A. , Henriques J. P. S. , Marquering H. A. , Planken R. N.
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Patient-tailored contrast delivery protocols strongly reduce the total iodine load and in general improve image quality in CT coronary angiography (CTCA). We aim to use machine learning to predict cases with insufficient contrast enhancement and to identify parameters with the highest predictive value.

Methods

Machine learning models were developed using data from 1,447 CTs. We included patient features, imaging settings, and test bolus features. The models were trained to predict CTCA images with a mean attenuation value in the ascending aorta below 400 HU. The accuracy was assessed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) and precision-recall curves (AUPRC). Shapley Additive exPlanations was used to assess the impact of features on the prediction of insufficient contrast enhancement.

Results

A total of 399 out of 1,447 scans revealed attenuation values in the ascending aorta below 400 HU. The best model trained using only patient features and CT settings achieved an AUROC of 0.78 (95% CI: 0.73–0.83) and AUPRC of 0.65 (95% CI: 0.58–0.71). With the inclusion of the test bolus features, it achieved an AUROC of 0.84 (95% CI: 0.81–0.87), an AUPRC of 0.71 (95% CI: 0.66–0.76), and a sensitivity of 0.66 and specificity of 0.88. The test bolus’ peak height was the feature that impacted low attenuation prediction most.

Conclusion

Prediction of insufficient contrast enhancement in CT coronary angiography scans can be achieved using machine learning models. Our experiments suggest that test bolus features are strongly predictive of low attenuation values and can be used to further improve patient-specific contrast delivery protocols.

Key Points

• Prediction of insufficient contrast enhancement in CT coronary angiography scans can be achieved using machine learning models.

• The peak height of the test bolus curve is the most impacting feature for the best performing model.
Efficient removal of Pb (II) from water solution using CaFe2−x−yGdxSmyO4 ferrite nanoparticles
Authors: Saeid Y. A. , Ateia Ebtesam E.
Published: June 2022

Rare-earth doped calcium nano ferrites (CaFe2−x−yGdxSmyO4; x = y = 0.0; x = 0.025, y = 0.05) are synthesized by citrate nitrate auto combustion method. The prepared samples are characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR), high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) analyses. After that, the samples were examined for Pb (II) ions removal from the water solution. The orthorhombic structure with space group Pnma is ratified from XRD. The average crystallite size of the synthesized powders is estimated from the broadening of the XRD lines in the range of 18–21 nm. FTIR confirms the molecular signature of the samples. The magnetic property is discussed based on super exchange interactions. The hysteresis loop shows two different magnetic behaviors of the investigated sample as well as increasing the coercivity from 14 to 240 G due to the doping. The electrical parameters are discussed in the basic hopping charge model, while the conduction mechanism of the samples will be discussed based on de-Boer and Verwey. The experimental results are subjected to kinetic and isotherm analyses. The Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms describe the adsorption of heavy metal ions as designated by the high correlation coefficient (R2). The use only 4 mg of the doped sample with low price ferrite nanoparticles has been utilized for 99.31% removal of Pb (II) from wastewater at a contact time of 10 min at room temperature.
Does health technology assessment compromise access to pharmaceuticals?
Authors: Büssgen Melanie , Stargardt Tom
Published: June 2022

In response to rapidly rising pharmaceutical costs, many countries have introduced health technology assessment (HTA) as a ‘fourth hurdle’. We evaluated the causal effect of HTA based regulation on access to pharmaceuticals by using the introduction of Germany’s HTA system (AMNOG) in 2011. We obtained launch data on pharmaceuticals for 30 European countries from the IQVIA (formerly IMS) database. Using difference-in-difference models, we estimated the effect of AMNOG on launch delay, the ranking order of launch delays, and the availability of pharmaceuticals. We then compared the results for Germany to Austria, Czechia, Italy, Portugal, and the UK. Across all six countries, launch delays decreased from the pre-AMNOG period (25.01 months) to the post-AMNOG period (14.34 months). However, the introduction of AMNOG consistently reduced the magnitude of the decrease in launch delay in Germany compared to the comparator countries (staggered DiD: + 4.31 months, p = 0.05). Our logit results indicate that the availability of pharmaceuticals in Germany increased as a result of AMNOG (staggered logit: + 5.78%, p = 0.009). We provide evidence on the trade-off between regulation and access. This can help policymakers make better-informed decisions to strike the right balance between cost savings achieved through HTA based regulation and access to pharmaceuticals.
The influence of trophic status and seasonal environmental variability on morpho-functional traits in tropical man-made shallow lakes
Authors: Vanderley Rayane F. , Becker Vanessa , Panosso Renata , Ger Kemal A. , Padisák Judit
Published: June 2022

In the tropics, seasons are delimitated by the extent of rainfall resulting in seasonal differences in water parameters shaping phytoplankton community dynamics. Dry periods can intensify eutrophication and often result in seasonal or even perennial cyanobacterial dominance. This study was developed to evaluate phytoplankton response to trophic state and seasonal differences of environmental filters (dry and rainy periods) using the morphology-based functional groups (MBFG) approach. We also aimed at identifying environmental thresholds of each MBFG dominance in six man-made lakes located in the tropical semiarid region of Brazil. Our results showed clear MBFG association with lakes’ trophic states. The dominant groups in mesotrophic conditions were members of MBFGs V (unicellular flagellates) and VI (non-flagellated with a siliceous exoskeleton), and in meso-eutrophic MBFG IV (medium size without specialized traits) dominated. Conversely, MBFG VII (with mucilage and aerotopes) and VIII (nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria) dominated mostly under eutrophic conditions, though linked to shallower euphotic zones. Light and phosphorous were the most important environmental thresholds associated with MBFG’s dominance. Overall, most of the lakes displayed seasonal differences in environmental filters. In contrast to what was expected, the rainy season was associated with higher nutrients, suspended solids, and reduced euphotic depth compared to the dry season. Our results, overall, show that the effects of seasonality varied across lakes and highlight eutrophication as the main environmental factor for MBFG selection suggesting reduced seasonality effects during dry years in the tropics.
In praise of triads
Authors: Scerri Eric R.
Published: June 2022

The article begins with a response to a recent contribution by Jensen, in which he has criticized several aspects of the use of triads of elements, including Döbereiner’s original introduction of the concept and the modern use of atomic number triads by some authors including myself. Such triads are groups of three elements, one of which has approximately the average atomic weight of the other two elements, as well as having intermediate chemical reactivity. I also examine Jensen’s attempted reconstruction Mendeleev’s use of triads in predicting the atomic weights of three hitherto unknown elements, that were subsequently named gallium, germanium and scandium. The present article then considers the use of atomic number triads, in conjunction with the phenomenon of first member anomaly, in order to offer support for Janet’s left-step periodic table, in which helium is relocated into group 2 of the table. Such a table features triads in which the 2nd and third elements of each group, without fail, fall into periods of equal length, a feature that is absent in the conventional 18-column or the conventional 32-column table. The dual sense of the term element, which is the source of much discussion in the philosophy of chemistry, is alluded to in further support of such a relocation of helium that may at first appear to contradict chemical intuition.
Phase transformation and incompatibility at grain boundaries in zirconia-based shape memory ceramics: a micromechanics-based simulation study
Authors: Wang Zhiyi , Lai Alan , Schuh Christopher A. , Radovitzky Raúl
Published: June 2022

Zirconia-based shape memory ceramics (SMCs) exhibit anisotropic mechanical response when undergoing elastic deformations as well as during austenite–martensite phase transformation. This behavior results in different types of strain incompatibility at grain boundaries, which we study here using a micromechanical model. A single-crystal model is implemented to provide a full mechanistic three-dimensional description of the anisotropic elastic as well as martensitic transformation stress–strain response, including non-Schmid behavior caused by the significant volume change during martensitic transformation. This model was calibrated to and validated against compression tests of single-crystal zirconia micro-pillars conducted previously, and then used to model bi-crystals. Upon the introduction of a grain boundary, the simulation provides detailed information on the nucleation and evolution of martensite variants and stress distribution at grain boundaries. We identify bi-crystal configurations which result in very large stress concentrations at very low deformations due to elastic incompatibility, as well as others where the elastic incompatibility is relatively low and stress concentrations only occur at large transformation strains. We also show how this approach can be used to explore the misorientation space for quantifying the level of elastic and transformation incompatibility at SMCs grain boundaries.

Graphical abstract

Micromechanics models provide insights on grain boundary elastic and phase transformation strain incompatibility in shape memory zirconia
Resource-Building Processes Across Life Domains: Father-Child Interactions as Starting Points for Resource Caravans
Authors: Klumb Petra L. , Lee Soomi , Siegler Sebastian , Piskernik Bernhard , Jensen Regina , Voelkle Manuel C.
Published: June 2022

In two studies, we examined preconditions of resource-building processes between family and work. Focusing on positive father-child interactions, we investigated positive mood states as links between the two life domains. Fathers employed in information technology (N1 = 59) and the retail sector (N2 = 75) participated in micro-longitudinal studies, both for eight consecutive workdays. Study 1 revealed that fathers with more positive interactions with a child also reported more positive mood states and fathers with more positive mood states perceived more social resources from their supervisor during the week. The indirect effect was small but significant. In Study 2, multilevel structural-equation models did not find indirect effects at the within-person level but did show that positive father-child interactions after work were related to fathers’ positive mood states before going to bed and positive mood in the morning predicted perceived social resources from supervisors (but not from coworkers) in the forenoon. There were also positive effects of perceived social resources from supervisors on positive mood states, after work. But these did not translate into an increase in positive father-child interactions, in the evening. Hence, only single elements were supported but not the overall resource caravan.
The Development of Maternal Psychological Control in Early Adolescence: Maternal, Youth, and Neighborhood Antecedents
Authors: Trang Duyen T. , Yates Tuppett M.
Published: June 2022

Despite abundant research documenting negative associations between parental psychological control and youth adjustment, little is known about precursors of parental psychological control. The current study evaluated maternal, youth, and neighborhood predictors of changes in maternal psychological control across the transition to adolescence. Mother-youth dyads (N = 211, 50.2% female children; 46.4% Latinx, 17.5% Black, 11.4% white, and 24.7% multiracial) reported on maternal psychological control at youth ages 10 and 12. Controlling for youth ethnicity and race, family income-to-needs, and prior levels of maternal psychological control at age 10, structural equation models showed that maternal problems (i.e., anxiety, alcohol dependence, caregiving helplessness) predicted increases and youth externalizing problems (e.g., attention problems, rule-breaking) predicted decreases in maternal reports of psychological control. Neighborhood risks (i.e., poverty, crime, single-parent households) predicted increases in youth reports of maternal psychological control. Exploratory analyses by gender indicated that neighborhood risks predicted decreases in maternal reports of psychological control for girls, but increases in maternal reports of psychological control for boys. This study identified specific antecedents of maternal psychological control that can be targeted in future intervention efforts to reduce negative parenting to promote positive youth development.
Potential of Group-Based Negotiation to Promote Learner-Based Reasoning and Weighting of Arguments on Socioscientific Issues
Authors: Jafari Maria , Meisert Anke
Published: June 2022

This study analyzes the potential of group-based negotiation processes based on changes in reasoning and argument weighting for a socioscientific issue (SSI) in biology classes. In the corresponding pre- and post-study, students were encouraged to reason and weight arguments about the conservation of local biodiversity before and after a group-based negotiation. For this purpose, the students employed a target-mat structuring tool for compensatory reasoning and weighting in both the individual pre- and post-phases and the group phase. To identify changes in reasoning after group-based negotiation, the use of argumentative resources, i.e., fact-based and normative resources, was assessed. When the students added confirming reasons for arguments, they were more likely to use fact-based resources. When refuting the initial reasoning, the students tended to add normative resources. Furthermore, individual changes in weightings and their relationship to the group weighting were calculated. This analysis revealed that the students changed their weightings toward the group weighting. The results are discussed in terms of the potential of negotiations to cause students to revise and rethink their reasoning and weighting in addressing SSIs and the particular potential of the target-mat instructional tool for structured decision-making.