bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Robust Electrocatalytic Li2S Redox of Li–S Batteries Facilitated by Rationally Fabricated Dual‐Defects
Authors: Cui Yingyue , Li Jin , Cai Yingjun , Zhang Haitao , Zhang Suojiang
Published: September 2022

The commercialization of lithium–sulfur batteries with ultra‐high theoretical energy density is restricted mainly by the notorious polysulfides “shuttle effect” and slow Li2S redox reaction kinetics. A sulfur host material with high catalytic activity and high conductivity is greatly desired to improve its electrochemical performance. Herein, a sulfur host material, etched cotton@petroleum asphalt carbon (eCPAC), with high specific surface area and excellent catalytic activity, is demonstrated based on a synergistic strategy of introducing intrinsic lattice defects and composite carbon structure. Benefiting from in situ coupling of amorphous and crystalline materials, eCPAC exhibits high conductivity and high sulfur adsorbability. Furthermore, eCPAC containing dual intrinsic defect sites can catalyze the bidirectional sulfur chemistry of Li2S and capture polysulfides, which is also demonstrated by systematic density functional theory calculations and the potential intermittent titration technique. S@eCPAC/Li cells exhibit excellent cycling stability and rate performance, with an average capacity decay rate of only 0.05% over 1000 cycles at 0.5 C and even 0.03% over 600 cycles at 5 C. Meanwhile, the practicality of eCPAC is proven in high‐load batteries and pouch batteries. eCPAC provides a reliable strategy for achieving a win–win situation of capturing polysulfides and accelerating Li2S redox kinetics.
Achieving Ultrahigh Efficiency Vacancy‐Ordered Double Perovskite Microcrystals via Ionic Liquids
Authors: Cao Mengyan , Li Zhilin , Zhao Xiujian , Gong Xiao
Published: September 2022

Lead‐free perovskites have gained much interest for photovoltaic and optoelectronic applications. But instability and low quantum efficiency significantly limit their prospects for future applications. Here, a general route is reported to synthesize highly stable lead‐free perovskites on a large scale with remarkably enhanced quantum efficiency. Two typical vacancy‐ordered double perovskites (Cs2ZrCl6and Cs2SnCl6) and their corresponding Bi3+or Sb3+doped samples are synthesized in ionic liquids (ILs) solutions via a simple solution method. These prepared perovskite samples all exhibit high‐quality crystalline structures and their photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs) all show an increase close to 200% compared to the samples prepared in the hydrochloric acid system. The PLQY of Sb‐doped Cs2ZrCl6with excellent thermal stability can reach up to 90.2%, which is the highest value reported for this system (Cs2ZrCl6:Sb). Density functional theory calculations reveal that the corresponding interaction between the ILs and the samples can effectively improve the crystal quality and reduce energy loss. The potential applications of the prepared samples for high‐performance white light‐emitting diodes and optical anti‐counterfeiting are also demonstrated. The findings provide a straightforward way to obtain ultrahigh quantum efficiency vacancy‐ordered double perovskites with good thermal stability and excellent optoelectronic properties.
Past, Present, and Future Outlook for Edge Isolation Processes in Highly Efficient Silicon Solar Cell Manufacturing
Authors: Dannenberg Tobias , Vollmer Jan , Passig Michael , Scheiwe Caroline , Brunner Damian , Pediaditakis Alexis , Jäger Ulrich , Wang Iron , Xie Weiwei , Xu Sufan , Wu Jim , Krieg Katrin , Teßmann Christopher , Zimmer Martin , Kühnlein Holger
Published: September 2022

This work highlights present research and mass production results of wet‐chemical solutions for industrial edge isolation of silicon solar cells, aiming for a reduction of nitric acid consumption and production costs as well as a simultaneous increase in efficiency. All processes are applied to either industrially passivated emitter and rear contact (PERC) or tunnel oxide‐passivated contact (TOPCon) solar cells. Herein, a review of different edge isolation techniques in the history of silicon solar cell processing is presented. Subsequently, novel wet‐chemical approaches are focused on, namely 1) HNO3‐reduced edge isolation (InOxSide Fusion), 2) HNO3‐free edge isolation (InOxSide Blue), and 3) batch cluster solution—a combination of an acidic inline and an alkaline batch tool for emitter edge isolation of PERC and TOPCon solar cells. For each of the approaches, cell results and total cost of ownership estimations are presented. Based on all findings, a comprehensive discussion between inline versus batch‐cluster processing is presented. All investigations are performed on industrial equipment, wafer sizes, and a solar cell efficiency level of above 23%.
Predeposited Multifunctional Carbon Nanotube:SnO2 on the PbI2 Film for Efficient and Stable Two‐Step‐Processed Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Mengxin , Jin Mengqi , Chen Chong , Li Fumin , Rong Yanjing , Liu Rong , Li Huilin , Feng Yan , Shen Zhitao
Published: September 2022

Compared with one‐step‐processed perovskite solar cells (PSCs), there are few reports on improving the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of two‐step‐processed PSCs by reducing the nonradiative recombination caused by defects through interface engineering. Herein, a new strategy is proposed, that is, by predepositing multifunctional inorganic SnO2 quantum dots‐modified single‐walled carbon nanotubes (CNT:SnO2) on PbI2 film to form perovskite/CNT:SnO2 heterojunction in the top region within two‐step‐processed perovskite films. The CNT:SnO2 not only promotes the crystallization of perovskite and improves the quality of perovskite films, but also passivates perovskite defects, and effectively suppresses nonradiative recombination. Meanwhile, CNT:SnO2 leads to the change of the Fermi energy level of the perovskite film, which optimizes the interface energy band arrangement and leads to an additional potential in the perovskite/CNT:SnO2 heterojunction region, which further accelerate the charge separation and transport. In addition, the CNT:SnO2 suppresses the migration of halogen anions in the perovskite film and improves the hydrophobicity of the perovskite film. Consequently, the PCE of CNT:SnO2‐based PSCs is significantly increased from 20.10% to 22.25%. They also exhibit improved stability; for instance, the unencapsulated cell maintains 75% of its original PCE even after 600 h of thermal aging at 85 °C.
Defect Passivation by a Donor–Acceptor–Donor‐Structured Small Molecule via Bidentate Anchoring for Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Sandhu Sanjay , Yadagiri Bommaramoni , Muthu Senthilkumar , Kaliamurthy Ashok Kumar , Park Jongdeok , Kang Hyeong Cheol , Ryu Junyeong , Lee Jae-Joon
Published: September 2022

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have exhibited a tremendous photovoltaic performance over the past few years. However, the ionic nature of perovskite and the solution‐processable fabrication methods lead to various defects (vacancies, interstitials, and antisites) at the perovskite surface. Incorporating interfacial or surface passivation layers has proved to be crucial in passivating these defects. Herein, a novel donor–acceptor–donor (D–A–D)‐based bidentate material, namely, BDTBT, consisting of benzothiadiazole (BDT) as the central acceptor unit and benzothiophene (BT) as a donor end cap unit, is synthesized. The various structural analyses reveal that N and S heteroatoms at BDTBT coordinate effectively to undercoordinated Pb2+in perovskite via Pb–N/S bidentate interactions. As a result, the BDTBT‐treated perovskite exhibits an improved power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 20.42% compared with the bare perovskite, having a PCE of 17.18%. The BDTBT incorporation provides favorable band alignment, increased hole transfer, and suppressed nonradiative recombination losses by reducing the surface defect states. In addition, there is significant increase in the device stability and moisture resistance owing to the hydrophobic nature of BDTBT. This study provides a simple and efficient route to obtain stable and highly efficient PSCs by incorporating small molecules as an additional interfacial layer.
Photocyclization‐Induced Emission Enhancement and Circularly Polarized Luminescence Inversion of Achiral Emitters in Co‐Assembled Gels
Authors: Liu Guofeng , Yao Longfei , Fu Kuo , Zheng Shuyuan , Yang Guangbao , Zhao Yanli
Published: September 2022

Precisely controlling the circularly polarized emission of achiral organic luminescent molecules in an aggregated state is a remaining challenge in this research field, since it should simultaneously overcome the ubiquitous issues of chirality transfer and aggregation‐caused quenching occurring in the aggregated systems. Herein, a facile and universal approach to achieving assembly‐accelerated photocyclization and photocyclization‐enhanced emission of tetraphenylethylene (TPE) derivative in the gel state is reported. This experimental data reveal that the co‐assembled gels exhibit high efficiency of photocyclization (≥100 times more efficient than the TPE‐based derivative in solution) via the hydrogen‐bonding‐driven helical assembly, displaying sharply enhanced emission (with the maximum enhancement of 105 times) after the photocyclization and oxidation under ultraviolet irradiation. Furthermore, inverted circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) is achieved after the photocyclization of TPE‐based gels. The strategy of assembly‐enhanced emission and photomodulated CPL inversion of fluorescent organic systems in the aggregated state can increase the abundance of chiral luminescent soft matters, leading to versatile applications in organic chiroptical optoelectronics and smart flexible displaying devices.
Mimicking the Natural World with Nanoarchitectonics for Self‐Assembled Superstructures
Authors: Jadhav Ratan W. , Nadimetla Dinesh N. , Gawade Vilas K. , Jones Lathe A. , Bhosale Sheshanath V.
Published: September 2022

Scientists are often inspired by nature, where naturally occurring morphologies, such as those that resemble animals and plants, can be created in the lab. In this review, we have provided an overview on complex superstructures of animals, plants and some similar shapes from the natural world. We begin this review with a discussion about the formation of various animal‐like shapes from small organic molecules and polymers, and then move onto plants and other selected shapes. Literature surveys reveal that most of the polymers studied tend to form micellar structures, with some exceptions. Nevertheless, small organic molecules tend to form not only micellar structures but also other animal shapes such as worms and caterpillars. These superstructures tend to have high surface areas and variable surface morphology, making them very useful material for applications in various field such as catalysis, solar cells, and biomedicine, amongst others.
‘Investing in people is key for our profession’
Authors: Morley Malcolm , Loeb Josh
Published: September 2022

As Malcolm Morley becomes BVA president for 2022/23, Josh Loeb chats to him about his love for horses and why the veterinary profession is actually a human‐centred business.
Brian Coles
Authors: Forbes Neil , Payne‐Johnson Catherine , Skerritt Geoff
Published: September 2022

Well known as an expert on avian medicine, his patients benefited from his interest and ingenuity, supported by meticulous recording of what worked and what didn't.
Building a supportive workplace
Authors: Read Claire
Published: September 2022

As veterinary practices up and down the country prepare to take part in Macmillan's Coffee Morning, Victoria Bowes tells Claire Read about her experience with cancer – and the importance of workplaces supporting those experiencing ill health.
Open, Distance, and Digital Education (ODDE) – An Equity View
Authors: Czerniewicz Laura , Carvalho Lucila
Published: September 2022

Understanding how equity manifests in open, distance, and digital education (ODDE) requires us to grapple with several coexisting trends, including the changing forms of teaching and learning provision, the advent of a post-digital society and education, the datafication of education, inequality in society at large, and digital inequities. Most of these trends are social in nature, yet they shape, and are shaped by, the educational sector. It is at the intersection of these coexisting trends that equity issues in ODDE are raised and become apparent, reinforced by the uneven distribution of technology in society, and with deep roots in economic and social inequities. Current scholarship foregrounds these nested relationships and entanglements, as well as their intersection with power relations and contestations which play out across ODDE at macro, meso, and micro levels.
Charged lepton flavor violating processes in the Grimus-Neufeld model
Authors: Dūdėnas Vytautas , Gajdosik Thomas , Khasianevich Uladzimir , Kotlarski Wojciech , Stöckinger Dominik
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Charged Lepton Flavour Violating (cLFV) decays constrain the relationship between the neutrino and the scalar sectors of the Grimus-Neufeld model (GNM), an appealing minimal model of neutrino masses. It turns out, that in the scenario, where the seesaw scale is lower than the electroweak one, cLFV is completely defined by the new Yukawa interactions between the additional single heavy Majorana neutrino, the second Higgs doublet and the lepton doublets. Therefore, we derive a useful parameterization for the Yukawa couplings which reproduces by construction the correct PMNS matrix and the correct neutrino masses for both Normal and Inverted ordering at one-loop level. We embed this scenario in the FlexibleSUSY spectrum-generator generator to perform parameter scans. Focusing on the tiny seesaw scale, we show that current μ → eγ limits provide significant constraints on the scalar sector, and we evaluate the impact of future cLFV τ-decay searches for the cases of discovery or non-discovery. The tiny seesaw scale makes the neutrino sector and the cLFV processes in the GNM similar to the scotogenic and the scoto-seesaw models, so we provide constraints for these models as well.
Black holes entangled by radiation
Authors: Liu Yuxuan , Xian Zhuo-Yu , Peng Cheng , Ling Yi
Published: September 2022

Abstract

We construct three models to describe the scenario where two eternal black holes are separated by a flat space, and can eventually be entangled by exchanging radiation. In the doubly holographic setup, we compute the entanglement entropy and mutual information among subsystems and obtain the dynamic phase structure of the entanglement. The formation of entanglement between these two black holes is delayed by the space which the radiation must travel through. If the black holes exchange sufficient Hawking modes, the final state is characterized by a connected entanglement wedge; otherwise, the final entanglement wedge contains two separate islands. In the former case, the entanglement wedge of the black holes forms at the time scale proportional to the size of the flat space between them. While in both cases, the unitarity of the evolution is preserved. When the sizes of the black holes are not equal, we observe a loss of entanglement between the smaller black hole and the radiation at late times. On the field theory side, we consider two Sachdev-Ye-Kitaev (SYK) clusters coupled to a Majorana chain, which resemble two black holes connected by a radiation region. We numerically compute the same entanglement measures and obtain similar phase structures as the bulk results. In general, a time delay of the entanglement between the SYK clusters is found in cases with a long Majorana chain. In particular, when the SYK clusters are different in size, similar entanglement loss between the smaller SYK cluster and the Majorana chain is observed. Finally, we investigate a chain model composed of EPR clusters with particles exchanging between neighboring clusters and reproduce the features of entanglement observed in the previous models.
The {β}-expansion for Adler function, Bjorken Sum Rule, and the Crewther-Broadhurst-Kataev relation at order O($$ {\alpha}_s^4 $$)
Authors: Baikov P. A. , Mikhailov S. V.
Published: September 2022

Abstract

We derive explicit expressions for the elements of the {β}-expansion for the nonsinglet Adler DA-function and Bjorken polarized sum rules SBjp in the N4LO using recent results by Chetyrkin for these quantities computed within extended QCD including any number of fermion representations. We discuss the properties of the {β}-expansion for DA and SBjp at higher orders which follow from the Crewther [1] and the Broadhurst-Kataev [2] relation.
Focal cavity radiotherapy after neurosurgical resection of brain metastases: sparing neurotoxicity without compromising locoregional control
Authors: Kahl Klaus-Henning , Shiban Ehab , Gutser Susanne , Maurer Christoph J. , Sommer Björn , Müller Heiko , Konietzko Ina , Grossert Ute , Berlis Ansgar , Janzen Tilman , Stüben Georg
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Does focal cavity radiotherapy after resection of brain metastasis “spare” whole-brain radiotherapy, which is associated with toxicity for patients, through the complete course of their disease without compromising long-term local control of the brain?

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed outcomes of patients who underwent adjuvant focal cavity radiotherapy between 2014 and 2021 at our center.

Results

A total of 83 patients with 86 resected brain metastases were analyzed. 64% had singular, 36% two to four brain metastases. In cases with multiple metastases, omitted lesions were treated with radiosurgery. Median follow-up was 7.3 months (range 0–71.2 months), 1‑year overall survival rate was 57.8% (95% CI 44.9–68.8%). Radiotherapy was administered with a median biologically effective dose (α/β 10) surrounding the planning target volume of 48 Gy (range 23.4–60 Gy). Estimated 1‑year local control rate was 82.7% (95% CI 67.7–91.2%), estimated 1‑year distant brain control rate was 55.7% (95% CI 40.5–68.4%), estimated 1‑year leptomeningeal disease rate was 16.0% (95% CI 7.3–32.9%). Eleven distant brain recurrences could be salvaged with radiosurgery. In the further course of disease, 14 patients (17%) developed disseminated metastatic disease in the brain. Estimated 1‑year free of whole-brain radiotherapy rate was 72.3% (95% CI 57.1–82.9%). All applied treatments led to an estimated 1‑year neuro-control rate of 79.1% (95% CI 65.0–88.0%), estimated 1‑year radionecrosis rate was 23% (95% CI 12.4–40.5%).

Conclusion

In our single-center study, focal cavity radiotherapy was associated with high local control. In three out of four patients, whole-brain radiotherapy could be avoided in the complete course of disease, using radiosurgery as salvage approach without compromising neuro-control.
Klonale Hämatopoese – Bedeutung für die Zelltherapie
Authors: Teipel Raphael , von Bonin Malte , Stölzel Friedrich , Schetelig Johannes , Thiede Christian , Bornhäuser Martin
Published: September 2022

Der Nachweis klonaler Hämatopoese (CH) bei Patient*innen mit hämatologischen Neoplasien, die mit einer zellulären Therapie behandelt werden, ist häufig. Zu den gängigen, in der klinischen Routine verwendeten zellulären Therapieverfahren zählen die autologe und allogene Stammzelltransplantation (SZT) und seit Kurzem die CAR-T-Zell-Therapie (CAR chimärer Antigenrezeptor). Alle drei Verfahren unterscheiden sich fundamental im Hinblick auf Gewinnung, Verarbeitung und Einsatz des jeweiligen Zellprodukts. Deshalb ist die Bedeutung der CH in Bezug auf das jeweilige Therapieverfahren grundsätzlich unterschiedlich zu bewerten und einzuordnen. Bei der autologen SZT trägt das Ausmaß der zytotoxischen Vortherapie maßgeblich zur hohen CH-Prävalenz bei. Der klinisch bedeutsamste Aspekt ist hier die Entwicklung von Sekundärneoplasien aus einer präexistenten CH sowie das potenziell erhöhte Risiko kardiovaskulärer Nebenwirkungen. Bei der allogenen SZT bestimmt die Auswahl der Spender*innen im Hinblick auf das Alter die Wahrscheinlichkeit für das Vorliegen einer CH. Die Entwicklung von Sekundärmalignomen spielt verglichen mit der autologen SZT nur eine untergeordnete Rolle. Vielmehr scheinen die Induktion eines Graft-versus-Host(GvH)- bzw. eines Graft-versus-Leukemia(GvL)-Effekts und deren Einfluss auf Rezidivfreiheit und Überleben von möglicher klinischer Relevanz. Die CAR-T-Zell-Therapie ist in ihrer Wirkungsweise und in Bezug auf das Nebenwirkungsprofil eng verknüpft mit Inflammationsreaktionen. Auch hier besteht ein potenzieller Zusammenhang zwischen CH sowie Wirkung und Nebenwirkung einer CAR-T-Zell-Therapie. Erste Daten berichten über eine hohe Prävalenz von CH bei Patient*innen vor CAR-T-Zell-Therapie und deuten auf eine erhöhte Rate an inflammatorischen Nebenwirkungen hin, wenngleich sich bisher kein negativer Effekt auf das Überleben zeigt.
The modular Weyl–Kac character formula
Authors: Bowman Chris , Hazi Amit , Norton Emily
Published: September 2022

We classify and explicitly construct the irreducible graded representations of anti-spherical Hecke categories which are concentrated one degree. Each of these homogeneous representations is one-dimensional and can be cohomologically constructed via a BGG resolution involving every (infinite dimensional) standard representation of the category. We hence determine the complete first row of the inverse parabolic p-Kazhdan–Lusztig matrix for an arbitrary Coxeter group and an arbitrary parabolic subgroup. This generalises the Weyl–Kac character formula to all Coxeter systems (and their parabolics) and proves that this generalised formula is rigid with respect to base change to fields of arbitrary characteristic.
A novel magnetic resonance imaging scoring system for active and chronic changes in children and adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis of the hip
Authors: Tanturri de Horatio Laura , Shelmerdine Susan C. , d’Angelo Paola , Di Paolo Pier Luigi , Magni-Manzoni Silvia , Malattia Clara , Damasio Maria Beatrice , Tomà Paolo , Avenarius Derk , Rosendahl Karen
Published: September 2022

Background

Hip involvement predicts severe disease in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and is accurately assessed by MRI. However, a child-specific hip MRI scoring system has not been validated.

Objective

To test the intra- and interobserver agreement of several MRI markers for active and chronic hip changes in children and young adults with JIA and to examine the precision of measurements commonly used for the assessment of growth abnormalities.

Materials and methods

Hip MRIs from 60 consecutive children, adolescents and young adults with JIA were scored independently by two sets of radiologists. One set scored the same MRIs twice. Features of active and chronic changes, growth abnormalities and secondary post-inflammatory changes were scored. We used kappa statistics to analyze inter- and intraobserver agreement for categorical variables and a Bland–Altman approach to test the precision of continuous variables.

Results

Among active changes, there was good intra- and interobserver agreement for grading overall inflammation (kappa 0.6–0.7). Synovial enhancement showed a good intraobserver agreement (kappa 0.7–0.8), while the interobserver agreement was moderate (kappa 0.4–0.5).

Regarding acetabular erosions on a 0–3 scale, the intraobserver agreement was 0.6 for the right hip and 0.7 for the left hip, while the interobserver agreement was 0.6 for both hips. Measurements of joint space width, caput–collum–diaphyseal angle, femoral neck–head length, femoral width and trochanteric distance were imprecise.

Conclusion

We identified a set of MRI markers for active and chronic changes in JIA and suggest that the more robust markers be included in future studies addressing clinical validity and long-term patient outcomes.
Visitation rate, but not foraging range, responds to brood size manipulation in an aerial insectivore
Authors: Madden Sage A. , McDermott Molly T. , Safran Rebecca J.
Published: September 2022

Life history theory predicts that increased investment in current offspring decreases future fecundity or survival. Avian parental investment decisions have been studied either via brood size manipulation or direct manipulation of parental energetic costs (also known as handicapping). However, we have limited experimental data on the potential interactive effects of these manipulations on parent behavior. Additionally, we know little about how these manipulations affect spatial foraging behavior away from the nest. We simultaneously manipulated brood size and parental costs (via added weight in the form of a GPS tag) in wild female barn swallows (Hirundo rustica). We measured multiple aspects of parent behavior at and away from the nest while controlling for measures of weather conditions. We found no significant interactive effects of manipulated brood size and parental costs. Both sexes increased their visitation rate with brood size, but nestlings in enlarged broods grew significantly less post-brood size manipulation than those in reduced broods. Foraging range area was highly variable among GPS-tagged females but was unaffected by brood size. As such, increased visitation rate in response to brood size may be more energetically costly for far-ranging females. GPS-tagged females did not alter their visitation rate relative to un-tagged birds, but their mates had higher visitation rates. This suggests that GPS tagging may affect some unmeasured aspect of female behavior, such as prey delivery. Our findings indicate that investigation of foraging tactics alongside visitation rate is critical to understanding parental investment and the benefits and costs of reproduction.

Significance statement

Avian parental investment decisions have been studied by either brood size manipulation or direct manipulation of parental costs, but rarely both simultaneously. We simultaneously manipulated brood size and parental costs (via addition of a GPS tag) in a wild avian system, allowing us to examine interactive effects of these manipulations. Additionally, studies of parental investment often examine behaviors at the nest, but measurements of parental care behavior away from the nest are rare. Our study is unique in that we measured multiple aspects of parental care, including spatial foraging behavior tracked with GPS tags. We found no interactive effects of manipulated brood size and parental costs on visitation rate or nestling growth, and spatial foraging behavior of females was individually variable. Documenting foraging tactics alongside visitation rate is critical to understanding parental investment because the same visitation rate might be more costly for far-ranging females.
Defining the care delivery value chain and mapping the patient journey in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Koster Fiona , Lopes Barreto Deirisa , Nair Sandhya C. , Kok Marc R. , Weel-Koenders Angelique E. A. M.
Published: September 2022

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease that impacts patients’ quality of life. Sophisticated organization of care delivery drives quality improvement. Therefore, the study objective was establishing a validated process map of the care cycle for RA patients. Hence, increasing transparency and optimizing care delivery and identifying areas of improvement. To map the RA care cycle, the care delivery value chain (CDVC) approach was used as framework to document activities and resources systematically. A mixed method study was conducted where quantitative data on activities were collected from health records and unstructured interviews with medical staff were held. Consequently, the process map was separately validated in a consensus meeting with a delegation of the medical staff and patient advisory board. At the start of the care cycle, the focus is predominantly on defining the treat-to-target strategy and examining disease activity. Towards the monitoring phase, tapering medication and managing the disease through patient-reported outcome measures are becoming increasingly important. Although patient’s functioning, quality of care and patient’s evaluation of received care are monitored, reflection of CDVC and engaging patients in the evaluation process resulted in improvement actions on outcome and process level. Mapping the RA care cycle following a systematic approach, provides insight and transparency in delivered activities, involved resources and the engagement of patients and caregivers at multiple levels, contributing to a system facilitating value-based care delivery. The CDVC framework and applied methodology is recommended in other conditions. Future research will focus at assigning outcomes and costs to activities and evaluating interventions to explore patient value.
Discrete approximations of continuous probability distributions obtained by minimizing Cramér-von Mises-type distances
Authors: Barbiero Alessandro , Hitaj Asmerilda
Published: September 2022

We consider the problem of approximating a continuous random variable, characterized by a cumulative distribution function (cdf) F(x), by means of k points, $$x_1<x_2<\dots < x_k$$

x
1

<

x
2

<
⋯
<

x
k

, with probabilities $$p_i$$

p
i

, $$i=1,\dots ,k$$

i
=
1
,
⋯
,
k

. For a given k, a criterion for determining the $$x_i$$

x
i

and $$p_i$$

p
i

of the approximating k-point discrete distribution can be the minimization of some distance to the original distribution. Here we consider the weighted Cramér-von Mises distance between the original cdf F(x) and the step-wise cdf $${\hat{F}}(x)$$

F
^

(
x
)

of the approximating discrete distribution, characterized by a non-negative weighting function w(x). This problem has been already solved analytically when w(x) corresponds to the probability density function of the continuous random variable, $$w(x)=F'(x)$$

w

(
x
)

=

F
′

(
x
)

, and when w(x) is a piece-wise constant function, through a numerical iterative procedure based on a homotopy continuation approach. In this paper, we propose and implement a solution to the problem for different choices of the weighting function w(x), highlighting how the results are affected by w(x) itself and by the number of approximating points k, in addition to F(x); although an analytic solution is not usually available, yet the problem can be numerically solved through an iterative method, which alternately updates the two sub-sets of k unknowns, the $$x_i$$

x
i

’s (or a transformation thereof) and the $$p_i$$

p
i

’s, till convergence. The main apparent advantage of these discrete approximations is their universality, since they can be applied to most continuous distributions, whether they possess or not the first moments. In order to shed some light on the proposed approaches, applications to several well-known continuous distributions (among them, the normal and the exponential) and to a practical problem where discretization is a useful tool are also illustrated.
Disease recurrence in patients with Crohn’s disease after biologic therapy or surgery: a meta-analysis
Authors: Kneißl Sarah , Stallhofer Johannes , Schlattmann Peter , Stallmach Andreas
Published: September 2022

Background

Relapse is a problem in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) after medical therapy (including biologics) and after surgery to treat acute inflammation. It is unclear whether the recurrence rate over time is higher after surgical therapy than after continuous drug treatment.

Aim

We sought to compare clinical relapse rates and the need for re-interventions (resection or therapeutic endoscopic intervention) in patients with CD.

Methods

A meta-analysis was performed according to PRISMA guidelines.

Results

The need for re-intervention with medication or surgery due to surgical or clinical recurrence increased over time. The recurrence rates in patients after ileocecal resection were lower than the rates under biologic therapy. The odds ratio for clinical recurrence under biologics versus after surgical treatment was 2.50 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.53–4.08, p-value < 0.001). The odds ratio for surgical recurrence under biologics versus after surgery was 3.60 (95% CI 1.06–12.3, p-value 0.041).

Conclusion

These findings support surgical resection as a treatment option in patients with CD with limited disease.
Influence of income on diet quality and daily iron and zinc intake: analysis of the National Diet and Nutrition Survey of British females aged 11–14 and 15–18 years
Authors: Thomas Michelle , Coneyworth Lisa , Welham Simon
Published: September 2022

Purpose

A negative socio-economic gradient exists for diet and health outcomes. Since cheaper diets are associated with increased energy and lower nutrient density, we investigated the influence of income on iron and zinc intakes and overall diet quality for adolescent (DQI-A) females aged 11–18 years.

Methods

National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS years 7 and 8) data for iron and zinc intake and overall diet quality was assessed by household income quintile across females aged 11–18 years.

Results

Equivalised household income positively correlated with Diet quality index for adolescents (DQI-A) (P < 0.001) Females aged 15–18 years in income quintiles (IQs) I and 2, had a greater proportion of respondents with low to intermediate DQI-A score compared to higher IQs (P = 0.002). NDNS data showed intake was negatively influenced by income amongst females aged 11–14 years for iron (P = 0.009) and zinc (P = 0.001) with those from the lowest incomes consistently consuming significantly less than those from the highest. DQI-A was positively correlated with iron intakes for 11–14 (P = 0.001) and 15–18 years (P < 0.001). Forty-one percent of 15–18-year-olds plasma ferritin stores were below the 15 µg L−1 and 21% had some form of anaemia. Cereal and cereal products were the greatest contributors to iron in all groups.

Conclusion

Females in the lowest income groups are at greater risk of lower overall diet quality and inadequate iron and zinc intakes. Amongst older adolescents, there is evidence of iron stores being depleted and an increased prevalence of anaemia.
The impact of progredient vessel and tissue stiffening for the development of metabolic syndrome
Authors: Loracher Clemens , Märkl Bruno , Loracher Alois
Published: September 2022

Established risk factors for the metabolic syndrome as diabetes and arterial hypertension are believed to be the cause of arteriosclerosis and subsequently following diseases like coronary heart disease, apoplexy, or chronic renal failure. Based on broad evidence from the already available experimental literature and clinical experience, an alternative hypothesis is presented that puts an increased vessel and organ stiffness to the beginning of the pathophysiological scenario. The stiffness itself is caused by a persistent activation of mechano-sensitive cation channels like the epithelial/endothelial sodium channel. A further enhancement takes place by proteins like JACD and RhoA coupled phospholipase C coupled G-protein receptors and integrins. A self-enhancing positive feedback loop by activation of YAP/TAZ signaling is a further central pillar of this theory. Further investigations are necessary to verify this hypothesis. If this hypothesis could be confirmed fundamental changes regarding the pharmacologic therapy of the diseases that are currently summarizes as metabolic syndrome would be the consequence.
Early embryonic development of Johnston’s organ in the antenna of the desert locust Schistocerca gregaria
Authors: Boyan George , Ehrhardt Erica
Published: September 2022

Johnston’s organ has been shown to act as an antennal auditory organ across a spectrum of insect species. In the hemimetabolous desert locust Schistocerca gregaria, Johnston’s organ must be functional on hatching and so develops in the pedicellar segment of the antenna during embryogenesis. Here, we employ the epithelial cell marker Lachesin to identify the pedicellar domain of the early embryonic antenna and then triple-label against Lachesin, the mitosis marker phosphohistone-3, and neuron-specific horseradish peroxidase to reveal the sense-organ precursors for Johnston’s organ and their lineages. Beginning with a single progenitor at approximately a third of embryogenesis, additional precursors subsequently appear in both the ventral and dorsal pedicellar domains, each generating a lineage or clone. Lineage locations are remarkably conserved across preparations and ages, consistent with the epithelium possessing an underlying topographic coordinate system that determines the cellular organization of Johnston’s organ. By mid-embryogenesis, twelve lineages are arranged circumferentially in the pedicel as in the adult structure. Each sense-organ precursor is associated with a smaller mitotically active cell from which the neuronal complement of each clone may derive. Neuron numbers within a clone increase in discrete steps with age and are invariant between clones and across preparations of a given age. At mid-embryogenesis, each clone comprises five cells consolidated into a tightly bound cartridge. A long scolopale extends apically from each cartridge to an insertion point in the epithelium, and bundled axons project basally toward the brain. Comparative data suggest mechanisms that might also regulate the developmental program of Johnston’s organ in the locust.
Toxoplasma gondii in raccoons (Procyon lotor) in Germany: a serosurvey based on meat juice
Authors: Engel Lydia , Hamedy Ahmad , Kornacka-Stackonis Aleksandra , Langner Torsten , Birka Stefan , Koethe Martin
Published: September 2022

Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence was determined in meat juice samples of 820 free-living raccoons from Germany. The animals were collected between December 2017 and April 2021. Using a commercial enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), the overall seroprevalence was found to be 48.5%. Statistical analysis revealed significant seroprevalence differences between seasons, sex, and weight of analysed raccoons. The prevalence in late winter/spring (57.7%) was significantly higher than in autumn (38.4%) (p < 0.0003). Male raccoons (50.5%) were more often seropositive than females (41.0%) (p = 0.028). Increasing animal weight had a significant impact on the relative probability of a positive serostatus (odds ratio: 1.783, p < 0.0001). Furthermore, we found regional differences in seroprevalence, but there was no statistically significant difference resulting from animal age, degree of habitat urbanization and hunting year. Meat juice is a suitable medium for serological surveys for T. gondii in meat producing animals, as sampling is even possible after slaughter or during meat inspection when blood is no longer available. The observed high seroprevalence indicates that T. gondii infection is widespread among the German raccoon population providing a potentially relevant source of T. gondii transmission to humans upon consumption or handling of animal products.
250-Year reconstruction of pollarding events reveals sharp management changes in Iberian ash woodlands
Authors: Candel-Pérez David , Hernández-Alonso Héctor , Castro Federico , Sangüesa-Barreda Gabriel , Mutke Sven , García-Hidalgo Miguel , Rozas Vicente , Olano José Miguel
Published: September 2022

Key message

Tree-ring growth of pollarded narrow-leaved ash trees in Central Spain reveals traditional management cessation in 1970 and property-specific management patterns.

Tree pollarding was a dominant management strategy of European forests for centuries creating open agroforestry landscapes with important cultural and environmental values. This traditional practice has been widely abandoned in last decades with a subsequent impact in terms of biodiversity and cultural loss. Central Spain hosts the largest and best-preserved area of pollarded narrow-leaved ash (Fraxinus angustifoliaVahl.) woodlands in Europe. The main aim of this research is to obtain rigorous historical records of pollarding frequency to get adequate information for traditional ash management. We used dendrochronological techniques to evaluate temporal changes of pollarding frequency and rotation length. We analysed the stand level synchrony and the effect of land property on pollarding activity from 322 trees growing in eight pollard stands in Central Spain. Pollarding events were unequivocally identified at tree level by a characteristic change in growth pattern. We identified 2426 tree-level pruning events with the first event dated in 1777. Historical pruning recurrence ranged between 5 and 10 years with higher pollarding frequency on private lands. Pruning events within each site were synchronous, suggesting the existence of a rotational schema within each stand. Pruning frequency decreased drastically in the 1970s matching with the depopulation of rural areas and the general abandonment of traditional practices. Pollarding practices have recovered in recent decades although with lower intensity and lacking the synchronic historical patterns. Providing technical and economic support to make this traditional activity profitably would have strong environmental revenue due the multiple ecosystem services provided by pollarded ashes.
Percutaneous thoraco-lumbar-sacral pedicle screw placement accuracy results from a multi-center, prospective clinical study using a skin marker-based optical navigation system
Authors: Scarone Pietro , Chatterjea Anindita , Jenniskens Inge , Klüter Tim , Weuster Matthias , Lippross Sebastian , Presilla Stefano , Distefano Daniela , Chianca Vito , Sedaghat Sam , Nelson Melissa , Lampe Finn , Seekamp Andreas
Published: September 2022

Study design

Prospective multi-center study.

Objective

The study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of pedicle screw placement using a skin marker-based optical surgical navigation system for minimal invasive thoraco-lumbar-sacral pedicle screw placement.

Methods

The study was performed in a hybrid Operating Room with a video camera-based navigation system integrated in the imaging hardware. The patient was tracked with non-invasive skin markers while the instrument tracking was via an on-shaft optical marker pattern. The screw placement accuracy assessment was performed by three independent reviewers, using the Gertzbein grading. The screw placement time as well as the staff and patient radiation doses was also measured.

Results

In total, 211 screws in 39 patients were analyzed for screw placement accuracy. Of these 32.7% were in the thoracic region, 59.7% were in the lumbar region, and 7.6% were in the sacral region. An overall accuracy of 98.1% was achieved. No screws were deemed severely misplaced (Gertzbein grading 3). The average time for screw placement was 6 min and 25 secs (± 3 min 33 secs). The average operator radiation dose per subject was 40.3 µSv. The mean patient effective dose (ED) was 11.94 mSv.

Conclusion

Skin marker-based ON can be used to achieve very accurate thoracolumbarsacral pedicle screw placements.
Herausforderungen und Chancen für die Lithiumgewinnung aus geothermalen Systemen in Deutschland – Teil 2: Potenziale und Produktionsszenarien in Deutschland
Authors: Goldberg Valentin , Nitschke Fabian , Kluge Tobias
Published: September 2022

Die hier vorgestellte Arbeit liefert Hintergrundinformationen, um das Potenzial einer künftigen Lithiumproduktion aus geothermalen Fluiden in Deutschland abzuschätzen. Aus der wachsenden Nachfrage und der bisherigen Abhängigkeit von schlecht diversifizierten Überseequellen lässt sich eine hohe strategische Bedeutung einer möglichen Binnenquelle ableiten. Hinzu kommen ökologische Aspekte, wie CO2-ärmere und flächenschonendere Lithiumgewinnungsmethoden.

Basierend auf dem Technologievergleich zur direkten Lithiumextraktion aus geothermalen Fluiden und dem heutigen Ausbauzustand der Geothermie in Deutschland und dem französischen Teil des Oberrheingrabens wurden unterschiedliche Szenarien für die extrahierbare Menge an Lithiumkarbonat berechnet. So lässt sich im optimistischsten Szenario unter Berücksichtigung aller zurzeit aktiven Bohrungen eine maximale Produktion von 7200 t/a Lithiumkarbonat-Äquivalent prognostizieren. Damit könnten 5–19 % des jährlichen Bedarfs der geplanten deutschen Batteriezellenproduktion gedeckt werden.

Schlüsselparameter für das Prozessdesign sind der nutzbare Volumenanteil des geothermalen Fluids und die Extraktionseffizienz. Die Unsicherheiten in der Ressourcenbewertung bezüglich Größe und Nachhaltigkeit ihrer Bewirtschaftung sind bislang noch beachtlich. Um die großen Potenziale dieser Technologie nutzen zu können, müssen diese zentralen Fragen geklärt werden.
Chronische mesenteriale Ischämie
Authors: Menges Anna-Leonie , Stoklasa Kerstin , Meuli Lorenz , Reutersberg Benedikt , Zimmermann Alexander
Published: September 2022

Die chronische mesenteriale Ischämie (CMI) ist definiert als eine insuffiziente Perfusion des Gastrointestinaltrakts, die länger als 3 Monate andauert. Die häufigste Ursache ist die Arteriosklerose. Typische Symptome sind postprandiale Schmerzen, Gewichtsverlust und Diarrhöen. Besteht eine CMI, besteht grundsätzlich die Indikation zur Revaskularisierung, wobei sowohl eine endovaskuläre (ER) als auch offen-operative Revaskularisierung (OR) zur Verfügung stehen und die A. mesenterica superior das primäre Zielgefäß sein sollte. Klarer Vorteil der ER ist die geringere Invasivität mit niedriger Morbidität und Verweildauer sowie dadurch bedingten geringeren Kosten. Nachteil ist die erhöhte Rezidiv- und Reinterventionsrate. OR bietet eine deutlich bessere Offenheitsrate mit jedoch initial erhöhter perioperativer Morbidität. Im Hinblick auf die Mortalität zeigte sich weder im kurz- noch längerfristigen Verlauf ein signifikanter Unterschied, wobei aussagekräftige prospektive randomisierte Studien mit vergleichbaren Langzeitdaten fehlen. Aktuell wird bei passender Anatomie prinzipiell ein primär endovaskuläres Vorgehen empfohlen. Nach Revaskularisierung sollten engmaschige Verlaufskontrollen zur frühzeitigen Erkennung möglicher Rezidivstenosen durchgeführt werden, um schwere Komplikationen wie die Entstehung einer lebensbedrohlichen akuten mesenterialen Ischämie zu verhindern.
Review of Environmental Monitoring by Means of Radio Waves in the Polar Regions: From Atmosphere to Geospace
Authors: Alfonsi Lucilla , Bergeot Nicolas , Cilliers Pierre J. , De Franceschi Giorgiana , Baddeley Lisa , Correia Emilia , Di Mauro Domenico , Enell Carl-Fredrik , Engebretson Mark , Ghoddousi-Fard Reza , Häggström Ingemar , Ham Young-bae , Heygster Georg , Jee Geonhwa , Kero Antti , Kosch Michael , Kwon Hyuck-Jin , Lee Changsup , Lotz Stefan , Macotela Liliana , Marcucci Maria Federica , Miloch Wojciech J. , Morton Y. Jade , Naoi Takahiro , Negusini Monia , Partamies Noora , Petkov Boyan H. , Pottiaux Eric , Prikryl Paul , Shreedevi P. R. , Slapak Rikard , Spogli Luca , Stephenson Judy , Triana-Gómez Arantxa M. , Troshichev Oleg A. , Van Malderen Roeland , Weygand James M. , Zou Shasha
Published: September 2022

The Antarctic and Arctic regions are Earth's open windows to outer space. They provide unique opportunities for investigating the troposphere–thermosphere–ionosphere–plasmasphere system at high latitudes, which is not as well understood as the mid- and low-latitude regions mainly due to the paucity of experimental observations. In addition, different neutral and ionised atmospheric layers at high latitudes are much more variable compared to lower latitudes, and their variability is due to mechanisms not yet fully understood. Fortunately, in this new millennium the observing infrastructure in Antarctica and the Arctic has been growing, thus providing scientists with new opportunities to advance our knowledge on the polar atmosphere and geospace. This review shows that it is of paramount importance to perform integrated, multi-disciplinary research, making use of long-term multi-instrument observations combined with ad hoc measurement campaigns to improve our capability of investigating atmospheric dynamics in the polar regions from the troposphere up to the plasmasphere, as well as the coupling between atmospheric layers. Starting from the state of the art of understanding the polar atmosphere, our survey outlines the roadmap for enhancing scientific investigation of its physical mechanisms and dynamics through the full exploitation of the available infrastructures for radio-based environmental monitoring.