bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A General Strategy toward Metal Sulfide Nanoparticles Confined in a Sulfur‐Doped Ti3C2Tx MXene 3D Porous Aerogel for Efficient Ambient N2 Electroreduction
Authors: Li Qinglin , Song Tao , Wang Zhaozhan , Wang Xiaoxue , Zhou Xin , Wang Qi , Yang Yong
Published: October 2021

Three‐dimensional (3D) porous MXene‐based aerogel architectures have attracted great interest for many applications, despite limits in renewable energy conversion owing to the lack of multifunctionality in their components. Herein, a simple and general strategy for constructing a novel functional 3D MXene‐based composite heterojunction aerogel (MS@S‐MAs) is presented via divalent metal‐ion assembly and subsequent thermal sulfidation, and its application in electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) is studied. The as‐prepared MS@S‐MAs comprises metal sulfide nanoparticles uniformly confined in 3D interconnected conductive S‐doped MXene sheets with intimate interfacial interaction. Benefiting from the unique properties and an interfacial interaction, MS@S‐MAs exhibit significantly improved NRR catalytic performance and excellent stability because of the higher exposure of electrochemically active sites coupled with easier accessibility, faster mass diffusion, and quicker carrier transport at the interface. Remarkably, CoS@S‐MAs show an NH3 yield rate and a Faradaic efficiency of 12.4 µg h−1 mg−1cat and 27.05% at the lower potential of −0.15 V versus a reversible hydrogen electrode in 0.1 m Na2SO4 solution under ambient conditions, which rivals or exceeds most of the previously reported MXene‐based and Co‐based catalysts. This work will open avenues to construct 3D MXene‐based materials with rich functionalities for energy storage and conversion, catalysis, and other applications.
Construction of Low‐Cost Z‐Scheme Heterostructure Cu2O/PCN for Highly Selective CO2 Photoreduction to Methanol with Water Oxidation
Authors: Tian Zhi‐Yuan , Kong Li‐Hui , Wang Ye , Wang Hong‐Juan , Wang Yu‐Jie , Yao Shuang , Lu Tong‐Bu , Zhang Zhi‐Ming
Published: October 2021

Solar‐driven CO2 reaction with water oxidation into alcohols represents a promising approach to achieve real artificial photosynthesis. However, rapid recombination of photogenerated carriers seriously restricts the development of artificial photosynthesis. Herein, a facile method is explored to construct low‐cost Z‐Scheme heterostructure Cu2O/polymeric carbon nitride (PCN) by in situ growth of Cu2O hollow nanocrystal on PCN. The protective PCN layer and Z‐schematic charge flow can make robust Cu2O/PCN photocatalysts, and the spatial separation of electrons and holes with high redox potentials of ECB (−1.15 eV) and EVB (1.65 eV) versus NHE can efficiently drive CO2 photoreduction to methanol in pure water, which is further confirmed by DFT calculation. The Z‐scheme heterostructure Cu2O/PCN exhibits a high methanol yield of 276 µmol g−1 in 8 h with ca. 100% selectivity, much superior to that of isolated Cu2O and PCN, and all the reported Cu2O‐based heterostructures. This work provides a unique strategy to efficiently and selectively promote the conversion of CO2 and H2O into high‐value chemicals by constructing a low‐cost Z‐scheme heterostructure.
Enhanced Emission from Interlayer Excitons Coupled to Plasmonic Gap Cavities
Authors: Tran Thinh N. , Kim Sejeong , White Simon J. U. , Nguyen Minh Anh Phan , Xiao Licheng , Strauf Stefan , Yang Tieshan , Aharonovich Igor , Xu Zai‐Quan
Published: October 2021

The emergence of interlayer excitons (IEs) from atomic layered transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) heterostructures has drawn tremendous attention due to their unique and exotic optoelectronic properties. Coupling the IEs into optical cavities provides distinctive electromagnetic environments which plays an important role in controlling multiple optical processes such as optical nonlinear generation or photoluminescence enhancement. Here, the integration of IEs in TMDCs into plasmonic nanocavities based on a nanocube on a metallic mirror is reported. Spectroscopic studies reveal an order of magnitude enhancement of the IE at room temperature and a 5‐time enhancement in fluorescence at cryogenic temperatures. Cavity modeling reveals that the enhancement of the emission is attributed to both increased excitation efficiency and Purcell effect from the cavity. The results show a novel method to control the excitonic processes in TMDC heterostructures to build high performance photonics and optoelectronics devices.
Enhancing the Intrinsic Activity and Stability of Perovskite Cobaltite at Elevated Temperature Through Surface Stress
Authors: Zhou Mengzhen , Liu Jiapeng , Ye Yongjian , Sun Xiang , Chen Huijun , Zhou Deng , Yin Yimei , Zhang Nian , Ling Yihan , Ciucci Francesco , Chen Yan
Published: October 2021

Perovskite‐based oxides attract great attention as catalysts for energy and environmental devices. Nanostructure engineering is demonstrated as an effective approach for improving the catalytic activity of the materials. The mechanism for the enhancement, nevertheless, is still not fully understood. In this study, it is demonstrated that compressive strain can be introduced into freestanding perovskite cobaltite La0.8Sr0.2CoO3−δ (LSC) nanofibers with sufficient small size. Crystal structure analysis suggests that the LSC fiber is characterized by compressive strain along the ab plane and less distorted CoO6 octahedron compared to the bulk powder sample. Accompanied by such structural changes, the nanofiber shows significantly higher oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity and better stability at elevated temperature, which is attributed to the higher oxygen vacancy concentration and suppressed Sr segregation in the LSC nanofibers. First‐principle calculations further suggest that the compressive strain in LSC nanofibers effectively shortens the distance between the Co 3d and O 2p band center and lowers the oxygen vacancy formation energy. The results clarify the critical role of surface stress in determining the intrinsic activity of perovskite oxide nanomaterials. The results of this work can help guide the design of highly active and durable perovskite catalysts via nanostructure engineering.
Investigation of direct waste‐activated sludge dewatering benefits and costs in a water resource recovery facility
Authors: Mentzer Casey , Drinkwater Michael , Pagilla Krishna R.
Published: October 2021

Dewatering of anaerobic digested (AD) sludge containing waste‐activated sludge (WAS) from enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) poses numerous challenges including poor dewaterability, struvite scale formation, and recycling of high N and P levels in the sludge liquor to the treatment process. A full‐scale water reclamation facility was investigated to mitigate these problems by experimenting with direct dewatering of EBPR WAS, bypassing the AD step. The investigations experimented with various blends of AD primary sludge with undigested thickened WAS to achieve dewatering performance improvements and overall operational cost savings. Direct thickened WAS dewatering has had many positive impacts including enhanced sludge cake solids concentration, reduced chemical use for facility operations, reduced struvite scaling, reduced biogas conditioning media servicing, eliminated need for centrate treatment, recovered capacity of existing unit operations including anaerobic digesters, and eliminated several proposed capital improvement projects that were previously deemed necessary. Although bypassing of WAS to AD reduced total biogas production, the specific gas yield increased to meet all of the facility's biogas demands and minimized excess gas flaring. The overall biosolids production mass increased causing increased transportation costs for disposal and caused notable odors, both of which are being currently investigated.

Practitioner Points

Direct WAS dewatering bypassing anaerobic digestion yields operational and process benefits in an EBPR water resource recovery facility

Dewatered cake solids were increased compared with combined primary and WAS anaerobic digestion and dewatering

Nutrient loads in sludge processing returns streams and operational costs are reduced by direct WAS dewatering
King Abdulaziz University Approach to Develop Financial Resources
Authors: AI-Youbi Abdulrahman Obaid , Zahed Adnan Hamza Mohammad
Published: October 2021

Saudi universities have benefited a lot from the budgets provided by the government to universities in order to encourage education and spread it among the various groups of Saudi society. The public universities in Saudi Arabia, since their establishment, provide education to their students free. Based on the Saudi Vision 2030, and the new Saudi universities by-law 2020, universities can now establish their own endowments and companies, and to get revenues from the cost of the study programs, diplomas, courses, and services provided.
Share the Mission: Philanthropy and Engagement for Universities
Authors: Tsui Bernadette
Published: October 2021

Universities represent hope and change, aspiration and inspiration. Apart from the core missions of teaching, research, and innovation, universities nurture leaders, tackle grand challenges, promote shared goals and values, and are fundamental to the culture and spirit of a place. They garner support from alumni who feel a natural bond and from benefactors who seek to invest in progress, thus building their own social capital. Educational philanthropy ensures growth of the university and shapes its community’s social, economic, and technological development. This chapter explores the principles, ideas and metheodologies as universities in Asia engage their community and stakeholders. This is both an art and science that involves branding, outreach, networking and, ultimately, a philosophy of giving.
An Alternative Model of University Endowment
Authors: Atalar Abdullah
Published: October 2021

A university endowment is typically composed of assets, stocks and bonds to generate money for supporting the university’s mission. Most university endowments in the Western hemisphere are developed by donations and gifts. In the developing countries, where the donation culture does not exist, one needs to resort to alternative methods of generating an endowment. The paper presents an alternative model of university endowment, which could be adopted to develop an endowment for a university.
Designing Analytic Serious Games: An Expert Affordance View on Privacy Decision-Making
Authors: Jost Patrick , Divitini Monica
Published: October 2021

With advancing digitalisation and the associated ubiquitous data processing, people face frequent privacy decisions. As personal data is often collected and processed in non-transparent ways, decision-making is tedious and regularly results in unthoughtful choices that resign privacy to comfort. Serious Games (SG) could be instrumentalised to raise awareness about privacy concerns and investigate how better privacy decisions can be encouraged. However, creating a SG that can research and promote better privacy choices while providing exciting gameplay requires carefully balanced game design. In this study, we interviewed 20 international experts in privacy, psychology, education, game studies, and interaction design to elicit design suggestions for analytic Serious Games that can be applied to research and improve privacy decision-making. With a mixed-method approach, we conducted a qualitative affordance analysis and quantified the findings to determine each expert groups’ perceptions of how to investigate and educate privacy decision-making with games while keeping an engaging experience for players. The findings suggest that privacy decision-making is best analysed by storytelling that extends to a real-world context and engages the player with curiosity. Decision-making investigation is suggested to either apply unobtrusive in-game monitoring with story-aligned character interrogation, switching to a meta-context or include personal data and devices from daily routines. Conclusively, design implications for analytic SG targeting privacy are synthesised from the experts’ suggestions.
Nachhaltige Entwicklung als Strategie der Völkergemeinschaft zur Überwindung der „Grenzen des Wachstums“. Ein kritisch-historischer Abriss
Authors: Blättel-Mink Birgit
Published: October 2021

Nachhaltige Entwicklung ist ein politisches Leitbild, auf welches sich die Völkergemeinschaft in den 1980er Jahren verständigt hat, um der von vielen Wissenschaftler*innen konstatierten ökologischen Krise sozial und ökonomisch verträgliche Lösungen entgegenzusetzen. Das Leitbild basiert auf der freiwilligen Selbstverpflichtung der Länder und so wundert es nicht, dass die Erfolge in Richtung gerechte Verteilung inter- und intragenerationaler Lebensbedingungen bis dato eher bescheiden ausfallen. In einem historischen Abriss werden die politischen und wissenschaftlichen Facetten des Leitbildes ausbuchstabiert und einer kritischen Analyse unterzogen.
Transdisziplinäre Nachhaltigkeitsforschung – Methoden, Kriterien, gesellschaftliche Relevanz
Authors: Jahn Thomas
Published: October 2021

Transdisziplinäre Forschung gewinnt immer stärker an Bedeutung, insbesondere in der Nachhaltigkeitsforschung. Hier geht es darum, komplexe gesellschaftliche Probleme wissenschaftlich fundiert zu gestalten und dabei die unterschiedlichen Interessen, Erwartungen und Wissensbestände der verschiedenen gesellschaftlichen Akteure systematisch in den Forschungsprozess zu integrieren. In diesem Beitrag wird dargelegt, was die Charakteristika der Nachhaltigkeitsforschung sind, welchen Anforderungen sie sich stellen muss, warum Transdisziplinarität der geeignete Forschungsmodus dafür ist und was ein gutes, d. h. kritisch geprüftes transdisziplinäres Forschungsdesign ausmacht. Letzteres ist von besonderer Bedeutung, da Qualitätsstandards für transdisziplinäre Forschung noch nicht abschließend innerwissenschaftlich ausgehandelt sind. Der Beitrag gibt eine Antwort auf die Frage, wie sich in einer solchen, kritisch angelegten transdisziplinären Nachhaltigkeitsforschung wissenschaftliche Exzellenz mit gesellschaftlicher Relevanz verbinden lässt und welche Kriterien für die Qualität des Forschungsproblems, des Forschungsprozesses und der Forschungsergebnisse gelten sollten.
Two-loop $$ \mathcal{O} $$((αt + αλ + ακ)2) corrections to the Higgs boson masses in the CP-violating NMSSM
Authors: Dao Thi Nhung , Gabelmann Martin , Mühlleitner Margarete , Rzehak Heidi
Published: October 2021

Abstract

We present our computation of the $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
((αt + αλ + ακ)2) two-loop corrections to the Higgs boson masses of the CP-violating Next-to-Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model (NMSSM) using the Feynman-diagrammatic approach in the gaugeless limit at vanishing external momentum. We choose a mixed $$ \overline{\mathrm{DR}} $$

DR
¯

-on-shell (OS) renormalisation scheme for the Higgs sector and apply both $$ \overline{\mathrm{DR}} $$

DR
¯

and OS renormalisation in the top/stop sector. For the treatment of the infrared divergences we apply and compare three different regularisation methods: the introduction of a regulator mass, the application of a small momentum expansion, and the inclusion of the full momentum dependence. Our new corrections have been implemented in the Fortran code NMSSMCALC that computes the Higgs mass spectrum of the CP-conserving and CP-violating NMSSM as well as the Higgs boson decays including the state-of-the-art higher-order corrections. Our numerical analysis shows that the newly computed corrections increase with rising λ and κ, remaining overall below about 3% compared to our previously computed $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(αt(αt + αs)) corrections, in the region compatible with perturbativity below the GUT scale. The renormalisation scheme and scale dependence is of typical two-loop order. The impact of the CP-violating phases in the new corrections is small. We furthermore show that the Goldstone Boson Catastrophe due to the infrared divergences can be treated in a numerically efficient way by introducing a regulator mass that approximates the momentum-dependent results best for squared mass values in the permille range of the squared renormalisation scale. Our results mark another step forward in the program of increasing the precision in the NMSSM Higgs boson observables.
The EFT stringy viewpoint on large distances
Authors: Lanza Stefano , Marchesano Fernando , Martucci Luca , Valenzuela Irene
Published: October 2021

Abstract

We observe a direct relation between the existence of fundamental axionic strings, dubbed EFT strings, and infinite distance limits in 4d$$ \mathcal{N} $$N= 1 EFTs coupled to gravity. The backreaction of EFT strings can be interpreted as RG flow of their couplings, and allows one to probe different regimes within the field space of the theory. We propose that any 4d EFT infinite distance limit can be realised as an EFT string flow. We show that along such limits the EFT string becomes asymptotically tensionless, and so the EFT eventually breaks down. This provides an upper bound for the maximal field range of an EFT with a finite cut-off, and reproduces the Swampland Distance Conjecture from a bottom-up perspective. Even if there are typically other towers of particles becoming light, we propose that the mass of the leading tower scales asm2∼$$ \mathcal{T} $$Twin Planck units, with$$ \mathcal{T} $$Tthe EFT string tension andwa positive integer. Our results hold even in the presence of a non-trivial potential, as long as its energy scale remains well below the cut-off. We check both proposals for large classes of 4d$$ \mathcal{N} $$N= 1 string compactifications, finding that only the valuesw= 1,2,3 are realised.
Jets and photons spectroscopy of Higgs-ALP interactions
Authors: Alves Alexandre , Dias A. G. , Lopes D. D.
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Axion-like particles (ALPs) and Higgs bosons can interact in scalar sectors beyond the Standard Model, leading the Higgs boson to decay into pairs of gluons and photons through the ALP interaction and giving rise to resonances in the decay products of the process h → aa → gg + γγ, resembling a spectral-line analysis. We explore this signature to constrain an ALP effective field theory formulation. Our analyses show that the forthcoming runs of the LHC will be capable of probing the ALP-Higgs interaction in the ALP mass range from 0.5 to 60 GeV using an automatized search strategy that adapts to different ALP masses in inclusive jets plus photons final states. Such interaction can also be tested in mass regions where the two and four-photon search channels are currently ineffective.
On community structure validation in real networks
Authors: Signorelli Mirko , Cutillo Luisa
Published: October 2021

Community structure is a commonly observed feature of real networks. The term refers to the presence in a network of groups of nodes (communities) that feature high internal connectivity, but are poorly connected between each other. Whereas the issue of community detection has been addressed in several works, the problem of validating a partition of nodes as a good community structure for a real network has received considerably less attention and remains an open issue. We propose a set of indices for community structure validation of network partitions that are based on an hypothesis testing procedure that assesses the distribution of links between and within communities. Using both simulations and real data, we illustrate how the proposed indices can be employed to compare the adequacy of different partitions of nodes as community structures in a given network, to assess whether two networks share the same or similar community structures, and to evaluate the performance of different network clustering algorithms.
Attentional bias in individuals with depression and adverse childhood experiences: influence of the noradrenergic system?
Authors: Kuehl Linn K. , Deuter Christian E. , Nowacki Jan , Ueberrueck Lisa , Wingenfeld Katja , Otte Christian
Published: October 2021

Rationale

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a severe mental disorder with affective, cognitive, and somatic symptoms. Mood congruent cognitive biases, including a negative attentional bias, are important for development, maintenance, and recurrence of depressive symptoms. MDD is associated with maladaptive changes in the biological stress systems such as dysregulations of central noradrenergic alpha2-receptors in the locus coeruleus-noradrenergic system, which can affect cognitive processes including attention. Patients with adverse childhood experiences (ACE), representing severe stress experiences in early life, might be particularly affected.

Objectives

With an experimental design, we aimed to gain further knowledge about the role of noradrenergic activity for attentional bias in MDD patients with and without ACE.

Methods

We tested the effect of increased noradrenergic activity induced by the alpha2-receptor blocker yohimbine on attentional bias in a placebo-controlled repeated measures design. Four groups were included as follows: MDD patients with and without ACE, and healthy participants with and without ACE (total N = 128, all without antidepressant medication).

Results

A significant effect of MDD on attentional bias scores of sad face pictures (p = .037) indicated a facilitated attentional processing of sad face pictures in MDD patients (compared to non-MDD individuals). However, we found no such effect of ACE. For attentional bias of happy face pictures, we found no significant effects of MDD and ACE. Even though a higher increase of blood pressure and salivary alpha-amylase following yohimbine compared to placebo indicated successful noradrenergic stimulation, we found no significant effects of yohimbine on attentional bias of happy or sad face pictures.

Conclusions

Our results are consistent with the hypothesis of a negative attentional bias in MDD patients. However, as we found no effect of ACE or yohimbine, further research is needed to understand the mechanisms by which ACE increases the risk of MDD and to understand the biological basis of the MDD-related negative attentional bias.
Standardisierte strukturierte Befundberichte gastrointestinaler Tumoren
Authors: Hewer Ekkehard , Rump Anna , Langer Rupert
Published: October 2021

Synoptische oder strukturierte Berichte in der Medizin, speziell in der Pathologie, sind im Gegensatz zu traditionellen narrativen Berichten gekennzeichnet durch ein listen- bzw. laborwertartiges Format und die Verwendung standardisierter Checklisten. Sie tragen zur Vollständigkeit und Verständlichkeit der Berichte und damit letztlich zu einer verbesserten Patientenversorgung bei. Für die Verwendung in der Pathologie publizieren aktuell 2 größere Institutionen Vorlagen für synoptische Berichte, das College of American Pathologists (CAP) und die International Collaboration for Cancer Reporting (ICCR). Synoptische Berichtsvorlagen sind für alle häufigeren Tumortypen verfügbar. Sie bieten nicht nur eine standardisierte Nomenklatur und Checklisten für vollständige Berichte, sondern unterstützen auch eine einheitliche Anwendung diagnostischer Kriterien. Außerdem beinhalten die Protokolle sowohl von CAP als auch von ICCR umfangreiche und aktuelle Referenzen und sind damit eine wertvolle Quelle von Zusatzinformationen, selbst wenn kein synoptisches Berichtsformat verwendet wird. Nutzen und Herausforderungen bei der Implementation von synoptischen Berichten werden diskutiert, insbesondere im Hinblick auf die deutschsprachige Pathologie.
Summer activity patterns for a moss and lichen in the maritime Antarctic with respect to altitude
Authors: Schroeter Burkhard , Green T. G. Allan , Pintado Ana , Türk Roman , Sancho Leopoldo G.
Published: October 2021

There is considerable scientific interest as to how terrestrial biodiversity in Antarctica might respond, or be expected to respond, to climate change. The two species of vascular plant confined to the Antarctic Peninsula have shown clear gains in density and range extension. However, little information exists for the dominant components of the flora, lichens and bryophytes. One approach has been to look at change in biodiversity using altitude as a proxy for temperature change and previous results for Livingston Island suggested that temperature was the controlling factor. We have extended this study at the same site by using chlorophyll fluorometers to monitor activity and microclimate of the lichen, Usnea aurantiaco-atra, and the moss, Hymenoloma crispulum. We confirmed the same lapse rate in temperature but show that changes in water relations with altitude is probably the main driver. There were differences in water source with U. aurantiaco-atra benefitting from water droplet harvesting and the species performed substantially better at the summit. In contrast, activity duration, chlorophyll fluorescence and photosynthetic modelling all show desiccation to have a large negative impact on the species at the lowest site. We conclude that water relations are the main drivers of biodiversity change along the altitudinal gradient with nutrients, not measured here, as another possible contributor.
Turbulent jet through porous obstructions under Coriolis effect: an experimental investigation
Authors: De Serio Francesca , H. Goldshmid Roni , Liberzon Dan , Mossa Michele , Negretti M. Eletta , Pisaturo Giuseppe R. , Righetti Maurizio , Sommeria Joel , Termini Donatella , Valran Thomas , Viboud Samuel
Published: October 2021

The present study has the main purpose to experimentally investigate a turbulent momentum jet issued in a basin affected by rotation and in presence of porous obstructions. The experiments were carried out at the Coriolis Platform at LEGI Grenoble (FR). A large and unique set of velocity data was obtained by means of a Particle Image Velocimetry measurement technique while varying the rotation rate of the tank and the density of the canopy. The main differences in jet behavior in various flow configurations were assessed in terms of mean flow, turbulent kinetic energy and jet spreading. The jet trajectory was also detected. The results prove that obstructions with increasing density and increased rotation rates induce a more rapid abatement of both jet velocity and turbulent kinetic energy. The jet trajectories can be scaled by a characteristic length, which is found to be a function of the jet initial momentum, the rotation rate, and the drag exerted by the obstacles. An empirical expression for the latter is also proposed and validated.

Graphic abstract
How to determine the statistical significance of trends in seasonal records: application to Antarctic temperatures
Authors: Bunde Armin , Ludescher Josef , Schellnhuber Hans Joachim
Published: October 2021

We consider trends in the m seasonal subrecords of a record. To determine the statistical significance of the m trends, one usually determines the p value of each season either numerically or analytically and compares it with a significance level $${{\tilde{\alpha }}}$$

α
~

. We show in great detail for short- and long-term persistent records that this procedure, which is standard in climate science, is inadequate since it produces too many false positives (false discoveries). We specify, on the basis of the family wise error rate and by adapting ideas from multiple testing correction approaches, how the procedure must be changed to obtain more suitable significance criteria for the m trends. Our analysis is valid for data with all kinds of persistence. Specifically for long-term persistent data, we derive simple analytical expressions for the quantities of interest, which allow to determine easily the statistical significance of a trend in a seasonal record. As an application, we focus on 17 Antarctic station data. We show that only four trends in the seasonal temperature data are outside the bounds of natural variability, in marked contrast to earlier conclusions.
Frontal white matter lesions in Alzheimer’s disease are associated with both small vessel disease and AD-associated cortical pathology
Authors: McAleese Kirsty E. , Miah Mohi , Graham Sophie , Hadfield Georgina M. , Walker Lauren , Johnson Mary , Colloby Sean J. , Thomas Alan J. , DeCarli Charles , Koss David , Attems Johannes
Published: October 2021

Cerebral white matter lesions (WML) encompass axonal loss and demyelination and are assumed to be associated with small vessel disease (SVD)-related ischaemia. However, our previous study in the parietal lobe white matter revealed that WML in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are linked with degenerative axonal loss secondary to the deposition of cortical AD pathology. Furthermore, neuroimaging data suggest that pathomechanisms for the development of WML differ between anterior and posterior lobes with AD-associated degenerative mechanism driving posterior white matter disruption, and both AD-associated degenerative and vascular mechanisms contributed to anterior matter disruption. In this pilot study, we used humanpost-mortem brain tissue to investigate the composition and aetiology of frontal WML from AD and non-demented controls to determine if frontal WML are SVD-associated and to reveal any regional differences in the pathogenesis of WML. Frontal WML tissue sections from 40 humanpost-mortembrains (AD,n = 19; controls,n = 21) were quantitatively assessed for demyelination, axonal loss, cortical hyperphosphorylated tau (HPτ) and amyloid-beta (Aβ) burden, and arteriolosclerosis as a measure of SVD. Biochemical assessment included Wallerian degeneration-associated protease calpain and the myelin-associated glycoprotein to proteolipid protein ratio as a measure ofante-mortemischaemia. Arteriolosclerosis severity was found to be associated with and a significant predictor of frontal WML severity in both AD and non-demented controls. Interesting, frontal axonal loss was also associated with HPτ and calpain levels were associated with increasing Aβ burden in the AD group, suggestive of an additional degenerative influence. To conclude, this pilot data suggest that frontal WML in AD may result from both increased arteriolosclerosis and AD-associated degenerative changes. These preliminary findings in combination with previously published data tentatively indicate regional differences in the aetiology of WML in AD, which should be considered in the clinical diagnosis of dementia subtypes: posterior WML maybe associated with degenerative mechanisms secondary to AD pathology, while anterior WML could be associated with both SVD-associated and degenerative mechanisms.
Case report: cerebral sinus vein thrombosis in two patients with AstraZeneca SARS-CoV-2 vaccination
Authors: Fousse Mathias , Schub David , Merzou Fatma , Fassbender Klaus , Sester Martina , Kettner Michael , Lochner Piergiorgio , Schmidt Tina , Goi Júnior João Reinoldo
Published: October 2021

SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with an increased rate of thromboembolic events and mortality. Different vaccines are globally used to limit the pandemic. In this report, we present the case of two young female patients with newly diagnosed cerebral sinus vein thrombosis occurring after injection of the vector-based ChAdOx1 vaccine. Both patients presented with unusual headache only. The two of them used an estrogen-containing contraception, had had a history of deep venous thrombosis, and both had MTHFR mutations. Both patients developed SARS-CoV-2 specific humoral and cellular immunity including both CD4 and CD8 T cells. This rare, but serious complication needs to be considered after vaccination of young females, even if there is no evidence of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.
Long-term kidney function in children with Wilms tumour and constitutional WT1 pathogenic variant
Authors: Falcone Maria Pia , Pritchard-Jones Kathryn , Brok Jesper , Mifsud William , Williams Richard D. , Nakata Kayo , Tugnait Suzanne , Al-Saadi Reem , Side Lucy , Anderson John , Duncan Catriona , Marks Stephen D. , Bockenhauer Detlef , Chowdhury Tanzina
Published: October 2021

Background

Wilms tumour (WT) survivors, especially patients with associated syndromes or genitourinary anomalies due to constitutional WT1 pathogenic variant, have increased risk of kidney failure. We describe the long-term kidney function in children with WT and WT1 pathogenic variant to inform the surgical strategy and oncological management of such complex children.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of patients with WT and constitutional WT1 pathogenic variant treated at a single centre between 1993 and 2016, reviewing genotype, phenotype, tumour histology, laterality, treatment, patient survival, and kidney outcome.

Results

We identified 25 patients (60% male, median age at diagnosis 14 months, range 4–74 months) with WT1 deletion (4), missense (2), nonsense (8), frameshift (7), or splice site (4) pathogenic variant. Thirteen (52%) had bilateral disease, 3 (12%) had WT-aniridia, 1 had incomplete Denys-Drash syndrome, 11 (44%) had genitourinary malformation, and 10 (40%) had no phenotypic anomalies.

Patient survival was 100% and 3 patients were in remission after relapse at median follow-up of 9 years. Seven patients (28%) commenced chronic dialysis of which 3 were after bilateral nephrectomies. The overall kidney survival for this cohort as mean time to start of dialysis was 13.38 years (95% CI: 10.3–16.4), where 7 patients experienced kidney failure at a median of 5.6 years. All of these 7 patients were subsequently transplanted. In addition, 2 patients have stage III and stage IV chronic kidney disease and 12 patients have albuminuria and/or treatment with ACE inhibitors. Four patients (3 frameshift; 1 WT1 deletion) had normal blood pressure and kidney function without proteinuria at follow-up from 1.5 to 12 years.

Conclusions

Despite the known high risk of kidney disease in patients with WT and constitutional WT1 pathogenic variant, nearly two-thirds of patients had sustained native kidney function, suggesting that nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) should be attempted when possible without compromising oncological risk. Larger international studies are needed for accurate assessment of WT1genotype-kidney function phenotype correlation.
Entwicklung und Evaluierung eines Algorithmus zur automatisierten Rekonfiguration von Niederspannungsnetzen
Authors: Herbst Daniel , Schürhuber Robert , Henein Sawsan , Zehetbauer Paul , Fellner David , Einfalt Alfred , Schmautzer Ernst , Fickert Lothar
Published: October 2021

Aktuelle Trends, wie die zunehmende Verbreitung von Ladestationen für Elektrofahrzeuge (EVCSs) mit und ohne Batteriespeicher in Kombination mit Wärmepumpen (WP) und Klimaanlagen, stellen Niederspannungsnetze (NS-Netze) bzw. deren Betrieb vor neuartige Herausforderungen. Diese können beispielsweise in Form von nennenswerten Lastfluss- sowie Kurzschlussproblemen in deren traditionellen, meist radialen Strukturen bzw. Topologien auftreten. Ein wesentliches Beispiel dafür ist die Überlastung von Leitungssegmenten durch Lasten mit erheblicher Gleichzeitigkeit (EVCSs, WPs, Klimaanlagen etc.). Darüber hinaus können hohe lokale Einspeisungen durch dezentrale Stromerzeuger (z. B. Photovoltaikanlagen, Kleinwasserkraftwerke, Batterie-Energiespeichersysteme) zu Problemen der Spannungsqualität (bspw. Verletzung der Spannungsgrenzen, Spannungsabfall, schnelle Spannungsänderungen) führen. Das Projekt ,,Power System Cognification“ (PoSyCo) entwickelt Lösungsansätze, um diese eben genannten Herausforderungen zu bewältigen. Es zielt darauf ab, ein ,,SOFTprotection“-System zu implementieren, das zur Vermeidung von systemkritischen Zuständen des Niederspannungsnetzes bzw. von Fehlern beiträgt und als Ergänzung zur herkömmlichen ,,HARDprotection“ (u. a. Sicherungen, Leistungsschalter) dienen soll. Im Zuge dieses Beitrags wird einer der dafür entwickelten Methoden in Form eines Algorithmus zur automatisierten Netzrekonfiguration auf Ebene der Niederspannung (NS) näher beschrieben.
Discussion on “Experimental Deformation of Opalinus Clay at Elevated Temperature and Pressure Conditions: Mechanical Properties and the Influence of Rock Fabric” of Schuster, V., Rybacki, E., Bonnelye, A., Herrmann, J., Schleicher, A.M., Dresen, G.
Authors: Crisci Eleonora , Ferrari Alessio , Laloui Lyesse
Published: October 2021

The testing procedure and results on saturated samples of Opalinus Clay in the work of Schuster et al. (Rock Mech Rock Eng https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-021-02474-3, 2021) were conducted and presented using strain rates two to four orders of magnitudes higher than the rates needed to allow pore pressure equilibrium in the material, both in drained and undrained conditions. This leads to an erroneous estimation of the mechanical properties in saturated conditions. We discuss this aspect in the context of shale testing. We also discuss the effect of drying-induced fissuring on the mechanical properties of geomaterials tested in dry conditions.
Normal width of the linea alba, prevalence, and risk factors for diastasis recti abdominis in adults, a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kaufmann R. L. , Reiner C. S. , Dietz U. A. , Clavien P. A. , Vonlanthen R. , Käser S. A.
Published: October 2021

Aim

The prevalence and definition of diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) is under debate. This retrospective cross-sectional study evaluated the interrectal distance and the prevalence of DRA in computed tomography (CT) in an asymptomatic population.

Materials and methods

Patients undergoing CT scans for suspected appendicitis or kidney stones from 01/2016 to 12/2018 were screened retrospectively to participate. A study population with equal distribution according to gender and age (18–90 years) was generated (n = 329 patients) and the interrectal distance was measured at six reference points.

Results

DRA (defined as > 2 cm at 3 cm above the umbilicus) was present in 57% of the population. The 80th percentile of the interrectal distance was 10 mm at the xiphoid (median 3 mm, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0–19 mm), 27 mm halfway from xiphoid to umbilicus (median 17 mm, 95% CI 0–39 mm), 34 mm at 3 cm above the umbilicus (median 22 mm, 95% CI 0–50 mm), 32 mm at the umbilicus (median 25 mm, 95% CI 0–45 mm), 25 mm at 2 cm below the umbilicus (median 14 mm, 95% CI 0–39 mm), and 4 mm halfway from umbilicus to pubic symphysis (median 0 mm, 95% CI 0–19 mm). In the multivariate analysis, higher age (p = 0.001), increased body mass index (p < 0.001), and parity (p < 0.037) were independent risk factors for DRA, while split xiphoid, tobacco abuse, and umbilical hernia were not.

Conclusion

The prevalence of DRA is much higher than commonly estimated (57%). The IRD 3 cm above the umbilicus may be considered normal up to 34 mm. To avoid over-treatment, the definition of DRA should be revised.
Q-S laser micro-drilling and multipass full-beam Q-S laser for tattoo removal — a case series
Authors: Marini Leonardo , Marini Susanna , Cutlan James , Hreljac Irena
Published: October 2021

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a new combined method of Q-S laser-assisted tattoo removal. Ten patients with 13 professional, mostly mono-chromatic black tattoos were recruited. All tattoos received the same Q-S laser treatment sequence. An objective evaluation of tattoo clearing was assessed by careful analysis of a standardized collection of digital images taken from each tattoo, 2 months after each laser session, with the help of a custom-made pigment-fading percentage photographic ruler. The percentages of pigment clearance and side effects were evaluated by 4 independent dermatologists. Patient satisfaction and perceived discomfort during and post-procedure were evaluated according to specific scales. Clinical evaluators confirmed an average photographic pigment clearance of 97% after a median 4.85 treatment sessions. The Frac-Tat® method required 40% fewer sessions compared to those calculated by Kirby-Desai estimates. Photographic assessment of laser-exposed skin quality performed 2 months after tattoo clearing was considered almost comparable with untreated peripheral skin, confirming a very low side effect score. The Frac-Tat QS laser-assisted tattoo removal sequence used in our study showed a high degree of safety and efficiency, clearing exogenous pigments in a relatively few number of sessions. Preliminary ablative photo-acoustic fractional 1064-nm Q-S laser micro-drilling was considered an essential step in optimizing tattoo removal, increasing wavelength-independent micro-columnar clearing of deeper dermal exogenous pigments. Our preliminary observations also confirmed a significant improvement of tattoo procedure-induced micro-textural changes thanks to a tissue remodeling effect induced by the 1064-nm Q-S fractional laser photo-acoustic ablation.
On the asymptotic enumeration of Cayley graphs
Authors: Morris Joy , Moscatiello Mariapia , Spiga Pablo
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we are interested in the asymptotic enumeration of Cayley graphs. It has previously been shown that almost every Cayley digraph has the smallest possible automorphism group: that is, it is a digraphical regular representation (DRR). In this paper, we approach the corresponding question for undirected Cayley graphs. The situation is complicated by the fact that there are two infinite families of groups that do not admit any graphical regular representation (GRR). The strategy for digraphs involved analysing separately the cases where the regular groupRhas a nontrivial proper normal subgroupNwith the property that the automorphism group of the digraph fixes eachN-coset setwise, and the cases where it does not. In this paper, we deal with undirected graphs in the case where the regular group has such a nontrivial proper normal subgroup.
An Interest Stabilisation Mechanism to Unburden the ECB
Authors: Arnold Ivo
Published: October 2021

Following the twin crises of sovereign debt and COVID-19, the ECB risks being stuck in a situation of fiscal dominance, in which monetary policy is subordinated to the needs of finance ministers. A strong post-COVID-19 recovery may increase inflationary pressures, requiring a shift towards a less accommodative monetary policy stance. A tightening of monetary policy may, however, lead to a widening of interest rate spreads and new bond market tensions in the euro area. This article argues that the credibility of the ECB is undermined if it is perceived as aiming to close interest spreads. Interest spreads between euro countries arising from fiscal concerns should be a matter of fiscal policy, not monetary policy. The establishment of an interest stabilisation mechanism would allow the ECB to restore monetary dominance and to focus on maintaining price stability.
The Green Tax Revolution
Authors: László Csaba
Published: October 2021

Climate crisis is becoming higher on the agenda of the decision makers of the world. A huge amount of resources have been dedicated to green projects, however far less emphasis has been put on tax policy opportunities. Carbon pricing can increase the burden of CO2 producers, but this does not appear to be enough. We need a Green Tax Reform which focuses on the Pigouvian approach and can correct the distortions of different climate hurting activities. Through tax policy tools, the price structure should be drastically changed and serious incentives should be provided to change the behaviours of the consumers and producers to achieve green policy goals.
Some Effects of EU Sugar Reforms on Development in Africa
Authors: Paha Johannes , Sautter Timon , Schumacher Reinhard
Published: October 2021

The sugar industry is a major provider of jobs and income for sugar-exporting countries in Africa. The lower sugar prices that were caused by the recent liberalisation of the EU sugar market may not only jeopardise economic development in those countries, but the reforms also create difficulties for sugar-importing countries in Africa that seek to develop their sugar industries. The article analyses the effects of EU sugar market reforms on three African countries — Nigeria, South Africa and Mozambique — and provides insights into the balancing of the EU sugar policy’s intended effects against their adverse effects on European trade and development policy.
Evaluation of failure of slopes with shaking-induced cracks in response to rainfall
Authors: Xu Jiawei , Ueda Kyohei , Uzuoka Ryosuke
Published: October 2021

Centrifuge model tests on slopes subject to shaking and rainfall have been performed to examine the response of slopes with shaking-induced cracks to subsequent rainfall and evaluate the corresponding landslide-triggering mechanisms. The failure pattern of the slope subject to shaking and then rainfall was found different from that of the slope subject to only rainfall. When shaking caused cracks on the slope shoulder and rupture line below, the mobilized soil slid along the slip surface that extended to the rupture line, the main crack became the crown of the undisturbed ground once the slope was subject to a subsequent rain event, and the progression of the landslide was related to the rainfall intensity. During the landslide caused by light rainfall, the main scarp kept exposing itself in the vertically downward direction while the ground behind the main crack in the crack-containing slope remained undisturbed. The detrimental effect of cracks on soil displacement was more evident when the slope was exposed to heavy post-shaking rainfall, resulting in a rapid and massive landslide. Additionally, the volume of displaced material of the landslide, the main scarp area on the upper edge, and the zone of accumulation were larger in the crack-containing slope subject to heavy rainfall, in comparison with those in the crack-free slope. The deformation pattern of slopes with shaking-induced cracks during rainfall was closely related to rainfall intensity and the factor of safety provided a preliminary estimation of slope stability during rainfall. Moreover, even when subjected to the same rainfall, the slopes with antecedent shaking-induced cracks displayed different levels of deformation. The slope that experienced larger shaking had greater deformation under the following rainfall, and the shaking-induced slope deformation also controlled the slip surface location. Finally, the velocity of rainfall-induced landslide could be greatly influenced by the prior shaking event alone. Despite being under light rainfall, the slope that has encountered intense previous shaking exhibited an instant landslide.
Topographical features of rainfall-triggered landslides in Mon State, Myanmar, August 2019: spatial distribution heterogeneity and uncommon large relative heights
Authors: Panday Suman , Dong Jia-Jyun
Published: October 2021

Continuous 5-day (August 4–9, 2019) torrential rainfall in the monsoon season triggered more than 90 landslides on northwest-southeast extended mountain range of Mon State, Myanmar. In this study, remote sensing images, DEM, and limited fieldworks were used to create the landslide inventory. The topography features of these landslides are analyzed via ArcGIS. The largest one occurred on 9 August 2019 and caused 75 deaths and 27 buildings were damaged. This landslide occurred on gentle topography (slope angle, 23°) with long run-out, in which the angle of reach was relatively low (10°). The volume was 111,878 m3 was mainly composed of weathered granite and red soil and the sliding depth was approximately 7.5 m. Topographic characteristics including the relative slope height, angle of reach, and slope angle of source area of 35 landslides with areas > 4000 m2 were analyzed. The spatial distribution characteristics and topographic features of the 35 landslides below are distinguished: (1) the concentration of most of landslides on southwest-facing slopes showing the heterogeneous spatial distribution of landslide; (2) an uncommon landslide distribution in which more than half of landslide originates from upper slope; (3) the range of the angle of the source area (17°–38°) compatible with the internal friction angle of soils in tropical regions (17°–33°); and (4) the tangent of the angle of reach is generally smaller than 0.5 (angle of reach < 27°) shows a relative high mobility and the relation between landslide mobility and the slope angle of the landslide source area is similar to the one of earthquake-triggered landslides, even though the triggering mechanism, landslide type, and landslide volume are dramatically different.