bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perinatal outcomes of twin pregnancies with preterm premature rupture of the membranes at 24–34 weeks’ gestation
Authors: Zhou Shuwei , Yang Yajun , Zhang XiaoYan , Mu Xiaoling , Quan Quan , Zhong Qimei , Mei Lingwei , Wang Lan
Published: December 2021

To describe the perinatal outcomes of twin pregnancies with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) before 34 weeks’ gestation and identify factors associated with discharge without severe or moderate-severe neonatal morbidity. This study was conducted as a retrospective analysis of twin pregnancies with PPROM occurring at 24 0/7 to 33 6/7 weeks’ gestation. Perinatal outcomes were assessed by gestational age (GA) at PPROM and compared between PPROM and non PPROM twins. Factors associated with discharge without severe or moderate-severe neonatal morbidity were identified using logistic regression analysis. Of the 180 pregnancies (360 foetuses), only 17 (9.4%) women remained pregnant 7 days after PPROM. There were 10 (2.8%) cases of prenatal or neonatal death; 303 (84.2%) and 177 (49.2%) neonates were discharged without severe or moderate-severe morbidity, respectively. As GA at PPROM increased, the adverse obstetric and neonatal outcomes decreased, especially after 32 weeks. There was no significant difference in general neonatal outcomes between PPROM and non PPROM twins. The GA at PPROM and latency period were both significantly associated with discharge without severe or moderate-severe neonatal morbidity. Pregnancy complications and 5-min Apgar score < 7 increased severe neonatal morbidity. As GA at PPROM increased, the risk of adverse perinatal outcomes decreased. GA at PPROM and latency period were significantly associated with discharge without severe or moderate-severe neonatal morbidity.
Determining and quantifying the historical traces of spatial land arrangements in rural landscapes of Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Prus Barbara , Dudzińska Małgorzata , Bacior Stanisław
Published: December 2021

The article attempts to define and determine the intangible components of cultural heritage related to the spatial structure of land in a comprehensive way using computational methods. The components were quantified and a method of empirical evaluation of landscape durability was proposed for agricultural areas of significant cultural and historical value with an evident mosaic structure of fields, baulks, ponds, meadows, and forests. This method allows us to identify places more resistant to political transformation and those with greater cultural potential. The paper proposed an integrated approach to the measuring of the degree of preservation of spatial arrangements in the landscape based on a set of objects that describe the spatial land structure. The article classifies areas by the degree of preservation of rural spatial arrangements of land. The spatial analysis employed facilitated a synthetic quantification of the multi-criteria process. Three groups of factors were used: spatial assessment of land-cover type persistence (u), agricultural land structure persistence (w), and persistence of settlement buildings (z). The final results pinpointed areas in need of strategic intervention to sufficiently protect the rural cultural heritage, properly consider them in zoning planning, and ensure their sustainable development. The proposed tool can be used to monitor the degree of changes in the landscape layout structure when multiple time points are analysed as well.
Manufacturing process of short carbon fiber reinforced Al matrix with preformless and their properties
Authors: Choi Yongbum , Meng Xuan , Xu Zhefeng
Published: December 2021

The conventional manufacturing process of fiber-reinforced metal matrix composites via liquid infiltration processes, preform manufacturing using inorganic binders is essential. However, the procedure involves binder sintering, which requires high energy and long operating times. A new fabrication process without preform manufacturing is proposed to fabricate short carbon fiber (SCF)-reinforced aluminum matrix composites using a low-pressure infiltration method. To improve the wettability between fiber and matrix, fibers were plated copper using an electroless plating process. The low-pressure infiltration method with preformless succeeded in manufacturing a composite with a volume fraction of about 30% of carbon fibers.The fiber orientation of the composite material manufactured without preform and the fiber orientation of the composite material manufactured using an inorganic binder was almost the same. The manufactured composites with preformless have high hardness and high thermal conductivity.
Clinical risk factors for mortality in an analysis of 1375 patients admitted for COVID treatment
Authors: Clouston Sean A. P. , Luft Benjamin J. , Sun Edward
Published: December 2021

The goal of the present work was to examine clinical risk factors for mortality in 1375 COVID + patients admitted to a hospital in Suffolk County, NY. Data were collated by the hospital epidemiological service for patients admitted from 3/7/2020 to 9/1/2020. Time until final discharge or death was the outcome. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate time until death among admitted patients. In total, all cases had resolved leading to 207 deaths. Length of stay was significantly longer in those who died as compared to those who did not (p = 0.007). Of patients who had been discharged, 54 were readmitted and nine subsequently died. Multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression revealed that in addition to older age, male sex, and a history of chronic heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and diabetes, that a history of premorbid depression was a risk factors for COVID-19 mortality (aHR = 2.42 [1.38–4.23] P = 0.002), and that this association remained after adjusting for age and for neuropsychiatric conditions as well as medical comorbidities including cardiovascular disease and pulmonary conditions. Sex-stratified analyses revealed that associations between mortality and depression was strongest in males (aHR = 4.45 [2.04–9.72], P < 0.001), and that the association between heart failure and mortality was strongest in participants aged < 65 years old (aHR = 30.50 [9.17–101.48], P < 0.001). While an increasing number of studies have identified several comorbid medical conditions including chronic heart failure and age of patient as risk factors for mortality in COVID + patients, this study confirmed several prior reports and also noted that a history of depression is an independent risk factor for COVID-19 mortality.
Integrated metabolic and microbial analysis reveals host–microbial interactions in IgE-mediated childhood asthma
Authors: Chiu Chih-Yung , Cheng Mei-Ling , Chiang Meng-Han , Wang Chia-Jung , Tsai Ming-Han , Lin Gigin
Published: December 2021

A metabolomics-based approach to address the molecular mechanism of childhood asthma with immunoglobulin E (IgE) or allergen sensitization related to microbiome in the airways remains lacking. Fifty-three children with lowly sensitized non-atopic asthma (n = 15), highly sensitized atopic asthma (n = 13), and healthy controls (n = 25) were enrolled. Blood metabolomic analysis with 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and airway microbiome composition analysis by bacterial 16S rRNA sequencing were performed. An integrative analysis of their associations with allergen-specific IgE levels for lowly and highly sensitized asthma was also assessed. Four metabolites including tyrosine, isovalerate, glycine, and histidine were uniquely associated with lowly sensitized asthma, whereas one metabolite, acetic acid, was strongly associated with highly sensitized asthma. Metabolites associated with highly sensitized asthma (valine, isobutyric acid, and acetic acid) and lowly sensitized asthma (isovalerate, tyrosine, and histidine) were strongly correlated each other (P < 0.01). Highly sensitized asthma associated metabolites were mainly enriched in pyruvate and acetyl-CoA metabolisms. Metabolites associated with highly sensitized atopic asthma were mostly correlated with microbiota in the airways. Acetic acid, a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA), was negatively correlated with the genus Atopobium (P < 0.01), but positively correlated with the genus Fusobacterium (P < 0.05). In conclusion, metabolomics reveals microbes-related metabolic pathways associated with IgE responses to house dust mite allergens in childhood asthma. A strong correlation of metabolites related to highly sensitized atopic asthma with airway microbiota provides linkages between the host–microbial interactions and asthma endotypes.
Prenatal administration of IL-1Ra attenuate the neurodevelopmental impacts following non-pathogenic inflammation during pregnancy
Authors: Brien Marie-Eve , Hughes Katia , Girard Sylvie
Published: December 2021

Prenatal inflammation negatively affects placental function, subsequently altering fetal development. Pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) are used to mimics infections in preclinical models but rarely detected during pregnancy. Our group previously developed an animal model of prenatal exposure to uric acid (endogenous mediator), leading to growth restriction alongside IL-1-driven placental inflammation (Brien et al. in J Immunol 198(1):443–451, 2017). Unlike PAMPs, the postnatal impact of prenatal non-pathogenic inflammation is still poorly understood. Therefore, we investigated the effects of prenatal uric acid exposure on postnatal neurodevelopment and the therapeutic potential of the IL-1 receptor antagonist; IL-1Ra. Uric acid induced growth restriction and placental inflammation, which IL-1Ra protected against. Postnatal evaluation of both structural and functional aspects of the brain revealed developmental changes. Both astrogliosis and microgliosis were observed in the hippocampus and white matter at postnatal day (PND)7 with IL-1Ra being protective. Decreased myelin density was observed at PND21, and reduced amount of neuronal precursor cells was observed in the Dentate Gyrus at PND35. Functionally, motor impairments were observed as evaluated with the increased time to fully turn upward (180 degrees) on the inclined plane and the pups were weaker on the grip strength test. Prenatal exposure to sterile inflammation, mimicking most clinical situation, induced growth restriction with negative impact on neurodevelopment. Targeted anti-inflammatory intervention prenatally could offer a strategy to protect brain development during pregnancy.
Rheological behavior of honey adulterated with agave, maple, corn, rice and inverted sugar syrups
Authors: Ciursa Paula , Oroian Mircea
Published: December 2021

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of different adulteration agents (agave, maple, corn, rice and inverted sugar) on honey rheology. There was studied the influence of different percentages of adulteration agent on steady state and dynamic state rheology but also on rheology in the negative temperature domain. The authentic honey and adulterated ones behaved as a Newtonian fluid with a liquid-like behavior (Gʺ>>Gʹ). Regarding the physicochemical parameters analyzed (moisture and sugar content), significant changes depending on the adulteration agent/degree used were observed. The viscoelastical parameters (η*—complex viscosity, Gʹ —elastic modulus and Gʺ—viscous modulus) and glass transition temperature (Tg) were predicted in function of the chemical composition (moisture content, glucose, fructose, sucrose, maltose, raffinose, trehalose, turanose, melesitose, and F/G ratio) using the PLS-R (partial least square regression). All parameters analyzed had a high regression coefficient for calibration (> 0.810) and validation (> 0.790), except for the elastic modulus.
Evidence of unidirectional gene flow in a fragmented population of Salmo trutta L.
Authors: Bernaś Rafał , Wąs-Barcz Anna , Árnyasi Mariann , Dębowski Piotr , Radtke Grzegorz , Poćwierz-Kotus Anita , Berrebi Patrick
Published: December 2021

Selection, genetic drift, and gene flow affect genetic variation within populations and genetic differences among populations. Both drift and selection tend to decrease variation within populations and increase differences among populations, whereas gene flow increases variation within populations but leads to populations being related. In brown trout (Salmo truttaL.), the most important factor in population fragmentation is disrupted river-segment connectivity. The main goal of the study was to use genetic analysis to estimate the level of gene flow among resident and migratory brown trout in potential hybridization areas located downstream of impassable barriers in one river basin in the southern Baltic Sea region. First, spawning redds were counted in the upper river basin downstream of impassable barriers. Next, samples were collected from juveniles in spawning areas located downstream of barriers and from adults downstream and upstream of barriers. Subsequently, genetic analysis was performed using a panel of 13 microsatellite loci and theSalmo trutta5 K SNP microarray. The genetic differentiation estimated between the resident form sampled upstream of the barriers and the anadromous specimens downstream of the barriers was high and significant. Analysis revealed that gene flow occurred between the two forms in the hybridization zone investigated and that isolated resident specimens shared spawning grounds with sea trout downstream of the barriers. The brown trout population from the river system investigated was slightly, internally diversified in the area accessible to migration. Simultaneously, the isolated part of the population was very different from that in the rest of the basin. The spawning areas of the anadromous form located downstream of the barriers were in a hybridization zone and gene flow was confirmed to be unidirectional. Although they constituted a small percentage, the genotypes typical upstream of the barriers were admixed downstream of them. The lack of genotypes noted upstream of the barriers among adult anadromous individuals might indicate that migrants of upstream origin and hybrids preferred residency.
Possible pair-graphene structures govern the thermodynamic properties of arbitrarily stacked few-layer graphene
Authors: Sun Yong , Kirimoto Kenta , Takase Tsuyoshi , Eto Daichi , Yoshimura Shohei , Tsuru Shota
Published: December 2021

The thermodynamic properties of few-layer graphene arbitrarily stacked on LiNbO3 crystal were characterized by measuring the parameters of a surface acoustic wave as it passed through the graphene/LiNbO3 interface. The parameters considered included the propagation velocity, frequency, and attenuation. Mono-, bi-, tri-, tetra-, and penta-layer graphene samples were prepared by transferring individual graphene layers onto LiNbO3 crystal surfaces at room temperature. Intra-layer lattice deformation was observed in all five samples. Further inter-layer lattice deformation was confirmed in samples with odd numbers of layers. The inter-layer lattice deformation caused stick–slip friction at the graphene/LiNbO3 interface near the temperature at which the layers were stacked. The thermal expansion coefficient of the deformed few-layer graphene transitioned from positive to negative as the number of layers increased. To explain the experimental results, we proposed a few-layer graphene even–odd layer number stacking order effect. A stable pair-graphene structure formed preferentially in the few-layer graphene. In even-layer graphene, the pair-graphene structure formed directly on the LiNbO3 substrate. Contrasting phenomena were noted with odd-layer graphene. Single-layer graphene was bound to the substrate after the stable pair-graphene structure was formed. The pair-graphene structure affected the stacking order and inter-layer lattice deformation of few-layer graphene substantially.
Bioaerosols and dust are the dominant sources of organic P in atmospheric particles
Authors: Violaki Kalliopi , Nenes Athanasios , Tsagkaraki Maria , Paglione Marco , Jacquet Stéphanie , Sempéré Richard , Panagiotopoulos Christos
Published: December 2021

Several studies assessed the impact of inorganic P in fertilizing oligotrophic areas, however, the importance of organic P in such fertilization processes received far less attention. In this study, the amount and origin of organic P delivered to the eastern Mediterranean Sea were characterized in atmospheric particles using the positive matrix factorization model (PMF). Phospholipids together with other chemical compounds (sugars, metals) were used as tracers in PMF. The model revealed that dominant sources of organic P are bioaerosols and dust. The amount of organic P from bioaerosols (~4 Gg P y−1) is similar to the amount of soluble inorganic P originating from dust aerosols; this is especially true during highly stratified periods when surface waters are strongly P-limited. The deposition of organic P from bioaerosols can constitute a considerable flux of bioavailable P—even during periods of dust episodes, implying that airborne biological particles can potentially fertilize marine ecosystems.
Inhibiting excessive molecular aggregation to achieve highly efficient and stabilized organic solar cells by introducing a star-shaped nitrogen heterocyclic-ring acceptor
Authors: Liao Xunfan , Xie Qian , Guo Yaxiao , He Qiannan , Chen Zeng , Yu Na , Zhu Peipei , Cui Yongjie , Ma Zaifei , Xu Xiaobao , Zhu Haiming , Chen Yiwang
Published: December 2021

A star-shaped nitrogen heterocyclic-ring acceptor TF1 featuring a unique 3D skeleton was successfully utilized to inhibit excessive molecular aggregation of Y6 to improve the stability and performance of organic solar cells.
Synthesis and depolymerization of self-immolative poly(disulfide)s with saturated aliphatic backbones
Authors: Hansen-Felby Magnus , Sommerfeldt Andreas , Henriksen Martin Lahn , Pedersen Steen Uttrup , Daasbjerg Kim
Published: December 2021

Self-immolative polymers (SIPs) are a class of degradable stimuli-responsive polymers, which, upon removal of labile end-caps, depolymerize selectively and stepwise to small molecules.
A porous organic polymer nanosphere-based fluorescent biosensing platform for simultaneous detection of multiplexed DNA via electrostatic attraction and π–π stacking interactions
Authors: Sun Yujie , Lu Zhenzhong , Ma Wenlin , Wang Rui , Zhang Chengwu , Liu Jinhua
Published: December 2021

This communication reports a simple and efficient fluorescent biosensing platform to simultaneously detect multiplexed DNA depending on porous organic polymer (POP) nanospheres by electrostatic attraction and π–π stacking interaction.
Orally administered bismuth drug together with N-acetyl cysteine as a broad-spectrum anti-coronavirus cocktail therapy
Authors: Wang Runming , Chan Jasper Fuk-Woo , Wang Suyu , Li Hongyan , Zhao Jiajia , Ip Tiffany Ka-Yan , Zuo Zhong , Yuen Kwok-Yung , Yuan Shuofeng , Sun Hongzhe
Published: December 2021

A cocktail therapy comprising bismuth drugs and N-acetyl-l-cysteine is reported to suppress the replication of SARS-CoV-2 via the oral route. The broad-spectrum inhibitory activities of the combination upon key viral cysteine enzymes are verified.
Spatially resolved and quantitatively revealed charge transfer between single atoms and catalyst supports
Authors: Di Bin , Peng Zhantao , Wu Zhongyi , Zhou Xiong , Wu Kai
Published: December 2021

The direction and spatial distribution of charge transfer between a single atom and its support are key factors for SAC performance.
Performance modulation through selective, homogenous surface doping of lanthanum strontium ferrite electrodes revealed by in situ PLD impedance measurements
Authors: Riedl Christoph , Siebenhofer Matthäus , Nenning Andreas , Friedbacher Gernot , Weiss Maximilian , Rameshan Christoph , Bernardi Johannes , Limbeck Andreas , Kubicek Markus , Opitz Alexander Karl , Fleig Juergen
Published: December 2021

The polarization resistance of lanthanum strontium ferrite thin film electrodes with and without additional Pt surface doping was compared directly after film growth by PLD employing in situ electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.
Porphyrins containing a tetraphenylethylene-substituted phenothiazine donor for fabricating efficient dye sensitized solar cells with high photovoltages
Authors: Zou Jiazhi , Tang Yunyu , Baryshnikov Glib , Yang Zhen , Mao Rui , Feng Weifang , Guan Jian , Li Chengjie , Xie Yongshu
Published: December 2021

Introduction of a dialkoxy-substituted tetraphenylethylene entity into porphyrin sensitizers improves the photovoltages and efficiencies of dye sensitized solar cells, affording a high power conversion efficiency of 12.3%.
Research on stock trend prediction method based on optimized random forest
Authors: Yin Lili , Li Benling , Li Peng , Zhang Rubo
Published: December 2021

As a complex hot problem in the financial field, stock trend forecasting uses a large amount of data and many related indicators; hence it is difficult to obtain sustainable and effective results only by relying on empirical analysis. Researchers in the field of machine learning have proved that random forest can form better judgements on this kind of problem, and it has an auxiliary role in the prediction of stock trend. This study uses historical trading data of four listed companies in the USA stock market, and the purpose of this study is to improve the performance of random forest model in medium‐ and long‐term stock trend prediction. This study applies the exponential smoothing method to process the initial data, calculates the relevant technical indicators as the characteristics to be selected, and proposes the D‐RF‐RS method to optimize random forest. As the random forest is an ensemble learning model and is closely related to decision tree, D‐RF‐RS method uses a decision tree to screen the importance of features, and obtains the effective strong feature set of the model as input. Then, the parameter combination of the model is optimized through random parameter search. The experimental results show that the average accuracy of random forest is increased by 0.17 after the above process optimization, which is 0.18 higher than the average accuracy of light gradient boosting machine model. Combined with the performance of the ROC curve and Precision–Recall curve, the stability of the model is also guaranteed, which further demonstrates the advantages of random forest in medium‐ and long‐term trend prediction of the stock market.
Low‐rank matrix fitting based channel estimation for full‐dimensional massive MIMO systems
Authors: Xu Yaning , Du Weimin , Fan Yining , Zhang Zhijiang
Published: December 2021

Full‐dimensional (FD) massive MIMO can overcome the limitation of the physical space at the base station (BS) and meet the increasing capacity requirement for future wireless communications. However, the pilot overhead for the acquisition of the channel state information (CSI) at the BS could be prohibitively high due to the large number of antennas. In this letter, exploiting the Kronecker property of the channel, we propose a low‐rank matrix fitting based channel estimation (LMFCE) scheme to reduce the pilot overhead in FD massive MIMO systems. The simulation results illustrate that the proposed LMFCE scheme can significantly reduce the pilot overhead for the channel estimation.
RAO‐UNet: a residual attention and octave UNet for road crack detection via balance loss
Authors: Fan Lili , Zhao Hongwei , Li Ying , Li Shen , Zhou Rui , Chu Wenbo
Published: December 2021

The acquisition and evaluation of road cracks are essential to ensure the availability of roads and necessary maintenance. However, the road cracks images have been obsessed with the problem of imbalance in the category and the number of categories. Among them, the category imbalance makes the network focus on the background and the detection result will be complete black. The imbalanced number of categories leads to the missed detection of thin cracks. In addition, a large number of images generated in real time put forward higher requirements on memory and calculations. The RAO‐UNet is built which is an efficient and effective network for crack detection in road images using encoder–decoder and residual attention module‐based image frequency relationship. Compared with otheTr methods, RAO‐UNet could learn multiple‐spatial‐frequency features, thus can enhance the differentiation of high‐frequency features while saving the computational cost. Regarding the space optimisation, a novel balance loss function is proposed, which not only solves the balance problem, but also ensures the stability and consistency in the optimisation process. We evaluated RAO‐UNet on public data sets. Compared with state‐of‐the‐art methods, it achieves better performance on processing speed and detection accuracy. Specifically, RAO‐UNet achieves 98.32% / 97.86% Precision, 97.84% / 95.89% Recall, 97.61% / 97.04% F1 score on CFD and AigleRN data sets, respectively.
Risk evaluation of onshore wind farms in relation to wild duck (Anatidae) movements in the Yangtze River Mouth, China
Authors: Zhao Shanshan , Xu Huan , Zhong Shurong , Song Ningning , Liu Ningning , Wang Zhenghuan , Li Ben , Wang Tianhou
Published: December 2021

Although wind power is a promising source of renewable energy, previous studies have focused on uncovering species and abundance decreases caused by wind farms. However, very few studies focus on collision risk of onshore wind farms in relation to birds’ movements which are the important indicators for balancing wind energy development and biodiversity conservation. Here, birds’ movement were recorded by combining 15 ducks’ satellite tracking and six field surveys to assess collision risks in Yangtze River Mouth, the wintering site for migratory waterbirds along the East Asian–Australasian Flyway. It is found that distances between ducks’ locations and nearest wind turbines in middle and later wintering periods were significantly higher than during early period. Besides, ducks inside wind farm tended to fly outside turbine rotor height range (45–135 m: between lowest and highest points the rotor tips) within 300 m from the dyke where the turbines were located, thus decreasing their collision risk. Ducks also tended to fly below the minimum rotor tip height (< 45 m) when the turbines were rotating. These results suggest that ducks adopt behavioural avoidance strategies in response to wind farms, and turning off turbines to reduce collision risks may be unnecessary.
First eROSITA study of nearby M dwarfs and the rotation-activity relation in combination with TESS
Authors: Magaudda E. , Stelzer B. , Raetz St. , Klutsch A. , Salvato M. , Wolf J.
Published: December 2021

We present the first results with the ROentgen Survey with an Imaging Telescope Array (eROSITA) on board the Russian Spektrum-Roentgen-Gamma mission, and we combine the new X-ray data with observations with the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS). We used theSUPERBLINKproper motion catalog of nearby M dwarfs as input sample to search for eROSITA and TESS data. We extractedGaiaDR2 data for the full M dwarf catalog, which comprises ~9000 stars, and we calculated the stellar parameters from empirical relations with optical/IR colors. Then we cross-matched this catalog with the eROSITA Final Equatorial Depth Survey (eFEDS) and the first eROSITA all-sky survey (eRASS1). After a meticulous source identification in which we associated the closestGaiasource with the eROSITA X-ray detections, our sample of M dwarfs is defined by 687 stars with SpT = K5..M7 (673 from eRASS1 and 14 from eFEDS). While for eRASSl we used the data from the source catalog provided by the eROSITA_DE consortium, for the much smaller eFEDS sample, we performed the data extraction, and we analyzed the X-ray spectra and light curves. This unprecedented data base for X-ray emitting M dwarfs allowed us to place a quantitative constraint on the mass dependence of the X-ray luminosity, and to determine the change in the activity level with respect to pre-main-sequence stars. TESS observations are available for 489 of 687 X-ray detected M dwarfs. By applying standard period search methods, we were able to determine the rotation period for 180 X-ray detected M dwarfs. This is about one-forth of the X-ray sample. With the joint eROSITA and TESS sample, and combining it with our compilation of historical X-ray and rotation data for M dwarfs, we examined the mass dependence of the saturated regime of the rotation-activity relation. A first comparison of eROSITA hardness ratios and spectra shows that 65% of the X-ray detected M dwarfs have coronal temperatures of ~0.5 keV. We performed a statistical investigation of the long-term X-ray variability of M dwarfs by comparing the eROSITA measurements to those obtained ~30 yr earlier during the ROSAT all-sky survey (RASS). Evidence for X-ray flares is found in various parts of our analysis: directly from an inspection of the eFEDS light curves, in the relation between RASS and eRASSl X-ray luminosities, and in a subset of stars that displays hotter X-ray emission than the bulk of the sample according to the hardness ratios. Finally, we point out the need to obtain X-ray spectroscopy for more M dwarfs to study the coronal temperature-luminosity relation, which is not well constrained by our eFEDS results.
Non-thermal nucleosynthesis by accelerated particles to account for the surface composition of P-rich stars
Authors: Goriely S.
Published: December 2021

Context. Fifteen abnormally phosphorus-rich stars were recently discovered. Their peculiar surface abundance distribution is challenging our present stellar nucleosynthesis theories, because none of the standard thermal nucleosynthesis models are found to explain the observed patterns.

Aims. This paper presents an exploration of the extent to which an irradiation process resulting from the interaction of some target material with energetic protons and/or α-particles can by itself be at the origin of the chemical pollution observed at the surface of P-rich stars.

Methods. In light of our lack of knowledge of the characteristics of the accelerated particles that could be held responsible for this nuclear process, a purely parametric site-independent approach is followed, with the proton and α-particle flux amplitude, energy distribution, and fluence taken as free parameters. The irradiated material is assumed to be made either of CNO elements in solar ratio or pure C.

Results. Such an irradiation process with energies of no more than a few MeV per nucleon is shown to give rise to rich nucleosynthesis, including significant production of P, as well as Z > 30 heavy elements in relative abundance similar to what the slow neutron-capture process traditionally produced.

Conclusions. The final composition obtained by mixing such a non-thermal nucleosynthesis by accelerated particles with nuclearly unaffected material is found to reproduce fairly well the global surface composition of P-rich stars, except for a few species like Al, Si, or Ba.
The impact of radiant heat on various types of plasterboard walls
Authors: Gašpercová Stanislava , Makovická Osvaldová Linda , Richnavský Erik
Published: December 2021

The future of the whole world focuses on reducing waste produced by people. As the construction sector is one of the biggest producers of waste, a great deal of effort has been made to introduce this trend in modern construction. The “green” building sector, therefore, draws attention to natural and recyclable building materials. These include natural thermal insulation such as cork, fiberboard, hemp insulation, and even sheep wool insulation. Almost all types of such insulation are made from waste materials which, were they not reused in the form of thermal insulation, would end up as municipal or biodegradable waste. At the same time, we should point out that almost all “green” construction materials are flammable. This feature is not very advantageous from the point of view of fire protection and it can significantly affect the fire safety of a construction. It is for this reason that the main objective of this research was to determine the impact of a radiant heat source on various types of thermal insulation used as plasterboard filling and to evaluate the possibilities of their use in sandwich constructions for fire protection purposes.
Overview of dynamic test methods for examining the glass window resistance
Authors: Jankura Richard , Mach Vlastimil
Published: December 2021

In recent years, glass, and glass facades are increasingly used as part of building structures. Due to its functions, glass is used in commercial, residential, or strategic buildings, such as airports, stations, or offices. However, window system is subject to several forms of the load. This can be an extreme load in the form of an explosion, an earthquake, or other types of loads, such as their wind load, or dynamic impact. In the article, we focused on an overview of several norms, standards, and research that address the issue of resilience of window systems. The aim of the article was to identify the parameters that are examined in various tests in the standards. The investigated parameters of windows in a manual attempt at burglary, impact test, and explosion were discussed in the article.
Post-impact flexural capacity of UHPFRC plates
Authors: Talone Candida , Sovják Radoslav , Mára Michal , Fornůsek Jindřich
Published: December 2021

This work aims to demonstrate the effective use of fibre reinforcement in thin plate elements made of UHPFRC under projectile impact loading. The use of fibre reinforcement is very efficient in case of ballistic loading, as fibres are evenly distributed over the entire volume of the material body and possible damage to the plate is thus suppressed in all points of the plate element equally. The aim of this study is therefore to provide data on the residual flexural capacity of plates that have been significantly damaged by the impact of the projectile and to demonstrate the benefits of using fibre reinforcement for localized impact loading.
Experiment procedure with semi-rigid timber connectors
Authors: Neusch Matúš , Sandanus Jaroslav
Published: December 2021

The paper deals with the preparation of an experiment of semi-rigid timber connections using modern timber connectors Rothoblaas Alumidi. The experiment consists of the loading of a timber bracket of structural wood. This bracket is attached to the glue laminated beam using Alumidi connector. There are a few specimens, which will be examined. Each specimen differs in the number of connectors and measurements of timber beams. The deformations of the connection itself, as well as the deformation of the timber bracket will be measured on the specimens. Subsequently, it will be possible to calculate the rotational stiffness of the connection from the measured deformations. The aim of the experiment is to verify the correctness of the numerical analysis of the connection and subsequently to prepare recommendations for engineering practice.
Paraseismic effects of the fundamental structure dynamic simulation
Authors: Valent Branislav , Ščotka Martin
Published: December 2021

The paraseismic effect due to civil structures construction may cause cracks in buildings around the source of the vibration. The vibrations velocities of the source transmitted to the surrounding buildings can be used as excitation to the numerical simulations. In the paper the case study of the assessment of the real civil structure dynamic simulation is presented. The response is evaluated and compared to the critical values in national standards.
Analysis of the seismic and paraseismic resistance of the VUJE X=70 technology base
Authors: Ščotka Martin , Valent Branislav
Published: December 2021

Vibration caused by natural seismicity and paraseismicity used in manufacturing facilities can affect the quality of production activity. The vibration velocity of concrete slabs which are impacted by seismic action can be determined by frequency response spectrum. The paper presents a case study of a real industrial assessment.
Evaluation of unprotected steel beam temperature during fire using CFD simulation
Authors: Magdolenová Paulína
Published: December 2021

Fire resistance of building construction is essential part of the design process. Thermal loading of loadbearing elements can be obtained by using simplified standard fire curve or advanced numerical fire model. The paper shows the process of numerical fire modelling in unprotected steel structure carpark using the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) method. In Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) software, three scenarios are created to represent open, semi-open and closed carpark building. The resultant HEB500 beam temperatures are compared with standard evaluated temperatures.
La gouvernance de la santé animale : entre biosécurité et bien public mondial
Authors: Figuié Muriel
Published: December 2021

L’article examine l’histoire, les définitions, les objectifs assignés aux politiques de santé animale. Ces politiques associent des objectifs nombreux et potentiellement contradictoires de santé publique, d’économie agricole, de commerce international, de bien-être animal, et plus récemment, d’en faire une composante du triptyque One Health. Ce dernier objectif est lié à la mobilisation de la communauté internationale (FAO, OMS et OIE [Organisation mondiale de la santé animale]) pour la santé globale. La santé animale devient simultanément un enjeu de biosécurité et un bien public mondial. Ce recadrage permet de mobiliser la communauté internationale sur le registre de la menace et de l’intérêt général. L’exemple de la grippe aviaire au Vietnam montre la nécessité de veiller à ce que ce recadrage ne marginalise pas les enjeux et les apprentissages locaux. Plus généralement, la santé animale est un objet politique qu’il faut dénaturaliser. Les sciences sociales permettent de comprendre les intérêts, les valeurs en concurrence dans le concept de santé animale et de nourrir le débat sur ce que nous voulons en faire pour construire un monde plus sûr mais aussi plus solidaire entre États ainsi qu’entre humains et animaux.
Oxidative damage of canine erythrocytes after treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Authors: Lieser Julia , Schwedes Claudia , Walter Maria , Langenstein Judith , Moritz Andreas , Bauer Natali
Published: December 2021

Objective To investigate oxidative erythrocyte damage in dogs treated with different non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Material and methods Case-controlled prospective observational study using blood obtained from dogs presenting for lameness examinations or standard surgical procedures to a private referral clinic. Sampling was performed from April 2018 to July 2019. Groups comprised dogs receiving either metamizole (dipyrone) (22 dogs), carprofen (20 dogs) or meloxicam (20 dogs) for a minimum of 10 days. Dogs with gastrointestinal hemorrhage were excluded from the study. A complete hematological, as well as a basic biochemical profile were performed in every dog. Pappenheim stained blood smears were evaluated for eccentrocytes and brilliant cresyl blue stained smears for Heinz bodies. EDTA blood was frozen at –80°C immediately after sampling for measurement of superoxide dismutase and gluthathione peroxidase activity at an external laboratory. Hemoglobin concentration, superoxide dismutase and gluthathione peroxidase activities, reticulocyte count, eccentrocyte and Heinz body numbers were determined prospectively as key parameters for further statistical assessment with Kruskal-Wallis test and Dunn’s multiple comparisons test.

Results Dogs receiving metamizole showed a significant increase in eccentrocyte (median 14.5/500 cells vs. 0/500 cells in the other groups, p < 0.0001) and reticulocyte number (median 191.4 × 109/l vs. 31.6–37.9 × 109/l, p < 0.0001) and a significant decrease in hemoglobin concentration (median 8.4 mmol/l vs. 10.1–10.5 mmol/l, p < 0.0003). No significant difference in superoxide dismutase and gluthathione peroxidase activities was observed between dogs receiving metamizole and the other groups. Heinz bodies were not found in any of the dogs.

Conclusion Treatment with metamizole for 10 or more days resulted in decreased hemoglobin concentration, eccentrocytosis and reticulocytosis in dogs in this study. This might be a sign of increased oxidative damage caused by this drug.

Clinical significance Prolonged metamizole therapy should be evaluated critically in patients already affected by severe illness or underlying anaemia.
COVID-19: Impflicht für Arbeitnehmer im medizinischen
Bereich?
Authors: Bothe Klara
Published: December 2021

Nachdem inzwischen die Mehrzahl des medizinischen Personals gegen COVID-19 geimpft
oder zumindest impfbereit ist, ist zu erörtern, ob Arbeitnehmer zu einer
Schutzimpfung verpflichtet werden können. Dürfen Arbeitgeber
Nachweise einer Impfung verlangen und drohen arbeitsrechtliche Konsequenzen aus
einer Impfverweigerung? Aktuell besteht keine allgemeine gesetzliche
COVID-19-Impfpflicht. Jede verpflichtende Impfung ist ein Eingriff in das Grundrecht
auf körperliche Unversehrtheit und auf informationelle Selbstbestimmung.
Dieser Grundrechtseingriff bedarf der Abwägung im konkreten Einzelfall.
Kolostrummanagement in Betrieben mit hohen Kälberverlusten in Niedersachsen
Authors: Korte Anika , Dreyer Johanna Sofie , Hoedemaker Martina
Published: December 2021

Gegenstand und Ziel Das Ziel der Studie war, in Milchkuhbetrieben mit erhöhten Kälberverlusten in Niedersachsen das bestandsspezifische Management der Kolostrumversorgung zu erfassen und Probleme aufzudecken. Es erfolgte eine zielgerichtete Beratung zum Management, um zu evaluieren, ob diese Änderungen des Kolostrummanagements bewirken und die Kolostrumversorgung der Kälber in den Betrieben (gemessen an der Gesamteiweißkonzentration im Blutserum und der Häufigkeit des Auftretens von Durchfallerkrankungen) verbessern kann.

Material und Methoden Die Untersuchungen fanden in 56 Milchkuhbetrieben in Niedersachsen statt, die im Jahr 2014 eine Kälberverlustrate von mindestens 20 % aufwiesen und mindestens 30 Milchkühe hielten. Untersucht wurden Kälber im Alter von 1–14 Lebenstagen. Jeder Betrieb wurde 2-mal im Abstand von 8–10 Monaten besucht, wobei zu beiden Zeitpunkten ein identischer Tagesablauf eingehalten wurde. Daten zu den Themen Kolostrummanagement und Kälbergesundheit wurden anhand eines Fragebogens erfasst, der Betrieb wurde besichtigt und alle Kälber in Einzelhaltung unterlagen einer klinischen Untersuchung. Bei Kälbern im Alter von 1–7 Lebenstagen wurde die Gesamteiweißkonzentration im Blutserum untersucht, um den Erfolg der Kolostrumversorgung zu bewerten.

Ergebnisse In den Datensätzen der beiden Durchgänge differierte das Antwortverhalten der Landwirte im Fragebogen nicht signifikant, sodass sich keine Rückschlüsse auf die Einflussnahme der Beratung auf das Kolostrummanagement ziehen ließen. Dennoch zeigte sich anhand der Daten, dass das Kolostrummanagement in einem Großteil der Betriebe in Bezug auf Zeitpunkt der Fütterung, angebotene Menge, Methode der Versorgung und Überprüfung des Erfolgs verbesserungswürdig war. Die anhand der Gesamteiweißkonzentration beurteilte Kolostrumversorgung wies ebenfalls darauf hin, dass zu beiden Besuchszeitpunkten nur in einem kleinen Anteil der Betriebe alle Kälber ausreichend mit Kolostrum versorgt wurden.

Schlussfolgerung Die große Bedeutung der Kolostrumversorgung bei neugeborenen Kälbern scheint vielen Landwirten noch immer nicht bewusst zu sein. In vielen der untersuchten Betriebe mit hohen Kälberverlusten war ein Verbesserungsbedarf im Bereich Kolostrummanagement zu verzeichnen.
Beurteilung der Haltungsbedingungen von Wellensittichen (Melopsittacus undulatus) und Nymphensittichen (Nymphicus hollandicus) in Deutschland
Authors: Wickermann Sarah , Krautwald-Junghanns Maria-Elisabeth
Published: December 2021

Gegenstand und Ziel Um Einsicht in die Haltungsbedingungen der in Deutschland am häufigsten gehaltenen Ziervogelspezies Wellensittich und Nymphensittich zu erhalten, wurde im Rahmen eines Teilgebiets der EXOPET-Studie eine deutschlandweite Online-Befragung unter nicht gewerbsmäßigen Vogelhaltern durchgeführt.

Material und Methoden Die eingegangenen 541 Fragebögen für Wellensittiche und 221 für Nymphensittiche unterlagen zunächst einer deskriptiven Auswertung. Anhand der im Zuge des EXOPET-Projekts von einem Expertengremium erarbeiteten Haltungsvorschläge wurden die Haltungsbedingungen hinsichtlich Vergesellschaftung, Gehegegröße, Einrichtung, Temperatur, UV-Licht sowie Freiflug beurteilt.

Ergebnisse Die größten Abweichungen von den Empfehlungen bestanden bei Nymphensittichen wie auch Wellensittichen beim Freiflug (Mängel in 89,3 % bzw. 85,5 % der beurteilten Haltungen). Im Zusammenhang mit einem daraus resultierenden Bewegungsmangel ist die mit 26,4 % von Wellensittichhaltern am häufigsten genannte gesundheitliche Beeinträchtigung Adipositas zu sehen. 82,8 % der Nymphensittiche und 52,2 % der Wellensittiche wurden zudem in zu kleinen Käfigen bzw. Volieren gehalten. Die Möglichkeit des täglichen Freiflugs für ihre Vögel gaben 73,1 % bzw. 73,3 % der Wellensittich- und Nymphensittichhalter an. So erhielten 48,3 % der Wellensittiche und 34,0 % der Nymphensittiche pro Tag mindestens 12 Stunden Freiflug. Weitere beträchtliche Mängel waren im Bereich der Einrichtung festzustellen: Abweichungen von den Empfehlungen zeigten sich bei 77,8 % der Wellensittich- und 69,0 % der Nymphensittichhaltungen.

Schlussfolgerung Um die mitunter besorgniserregenden Defizite in der Haltung von Wellensittichen und Nymphensittichen zu verbessern, bedarf es insbesondere einer Verbesserung der Halterkompetenz. Es erscheint zwingend notwendig, dem Tierhalter standardisierte Informationen zu der von ihm gehaltenen Spezies und zu deren individuellen Haltungsansprüchen an die Hand zu geben.
Sensitized Fluorescence Organic Light-Emitting Diodes with Reduced Efficiency Roll-Off
Authors: Li Zhiyi , Wang Ruifang , Zeng Yangyang , Dong Xiangyu , Liu Guanhao , Hu Xiaoxiao , Gao Teng , Gao Honglei , Qin Yuanyuan , Gu Xiuxian , Lee Chun-Sing , Liu Jiguang , Wang Pengfei , Wang Ying
Published: December 2021

Thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF)-sensitized fluorescence is a promising strategy to maintain the advantage of TADF materials and fluorescent materials. Nevertheless, the delayed lifetime of the TADF sensitizer is still relatively long, which causes heavy efficiency roll-off. Here we reported a valid tactic to construct fluorescent devices with low-efficiency roll-off by utilizing the TADF sensitizer with a reduced delayed lifetime. By the construction of the sensitization system, the energy transfer efficiency can reach up to 90%. The high-energy transfer efficiency and the TADFʼs short delayed lifetime result in high sensitization over 95% and the maximum external quantum efficiency of 16.2%. Meanwhile, the TADF-sensitized fluorescent devices exhibit reduced efficiency roll-off with an “onset” current density of 23 mA · cm−2. Our results provide an effective strategy to reduce the efficiency roll-off of the TADF sensitization system.
Cranial and Spinal Metastasis of a Nonfunctioning Pituitary Adenoma: Report of a Case
Authors: Spindler Kai , Mawrin Christian , Strauss Christian , Prell Julian
Published: December 2021

Pituitary carcinoma is a rare disease with surgical, radiotherapeutic, and chemotherapeutic treatment options. We present the case of a female patient diagnosed with a nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma who underwent several surgical procedures, radiations, and chemotherapeutic treatments with various substances. Sixteen years after the first diagnosis, a cranial and spinal metastatic spread of the tumor occurred. We opted for an individual therapy based on anecdotal evidence. Unfortunately, the recommended off-label treatment with a somatostatin analog substance was never given due to bureaucratic delays. This case report is about the challenging aspects of individual decision-making in rare neurosurgical diseases.