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The high concentration of fine particles and gaseous pollutants makes polluted areas, such as the urban setting of North China Plain (NCP) of China, a different environment for new particle formation (NPF) compared to many clean regions. Such conditions also hold for other polluted environments in this region (for instance, the rural area of NCP), yet the underlying mechanisms for NPF remain less understood, owing to the limited observations of particles in the sub−3 nm range. Comprehensive measurements, particularly covering the particle number size distribution down to 1.3 nm, were conducted at a rural background site of Gucheng (GC) in the North China Plain (NCP) from 12 November to 24 December 2018. In total, five NPF events during the 39 effective days of measurements for the campaign were identified, with the mean particle nucleation rate (J1.3) and growth rate (GR1.3–2.4) being 22.0 cm−3 s−1 and 3.9 nm h−1, respectively. During these 5 d, NPF concurrently occurred at an urban site in Beijing. Sharing similar sources and transport paths of air masses arriving at our site to that of urban Beijing, we hypothesize that NPF events during these days in this region might be a regional phenomenon. The simultaneous occurrence of NPF in both places implies that H2SO4-amine nucleation, concluded for urban Beijing there, could probably be the dominating mechanism for NPF at our rural site. The higher concentration of sulfuric acid during many non-event days compared to that of event days indicates that the content of sulfuric acid may not necessarily lead to NPF events under current atmosphere. Only when the condensation sink or coagulation sink was significantly lowered, atmospheric NPF occurred, implying that condensation sinks (CSs) and coagulation sinks (CoagSs) are the dominating factors controlling the occurrence of NPF for the present rural environment of the NCP, which is quite similar to the feature seen in urban Beijing.

The bioeconomy strategy of the European Union aims to balance three distinct goals: food security, the sustainable use of renewable resources for industrial purposes, and environmental protection. This study uses an integrated computable general equilibrium model to simulate the impacts of selected elements of the EU bioeconomy strategy on German agriculture at national and regional level up to 2050. An improved productivity of the crop sector substantially increases production and export/import ratio of crop outputs and reduces crop prices, while only moderately expanding cropland. The improved crop productivity would help to reduce the competition for resources between non-food and food biomass use as well as between crop and livestock production. An increasing conversion efficiency of agricultural biomass for use in biorefineries alone is unlikely to have a significant impact on the German bioeconomy. Overall, the results suggest the need for further efforts to improve crop productivity and effective complementary measures supporting the development of transformative technologies and changes in consumer preferences to ensure a minimum level of biomass use in the chemical sector.

The use of a phase-retrieval technique for propagation-based phase-contrast neutron imaging with a polychromatic beam is demonstrated. This enables imaging of samples with low absorption contrast and/or improving the signal-to-noise ratio to facilitate e.g. time-resolved measurements. A metal sample, designed to be close to a phase pure object, and a bone sample with canals partially filled with D2O were used for demonstrating the technique. These samples were imaged with a polychromatic neutron beam followed by phase retrieval. For both samples the signal-to-noise ratios were significantly improved and, in the case of the bone sample, the phase retrieval allowed for separation of bone and D2O, which is important for example for in situ flow experiments. The use of deuteration contrast avoids the use of chemical contrast enhancement and makes neutron imaging an interesting complementary method to X-ray imaging of bone.

Introducción: el Apéndice Vermiforme (AV) es un órgano altamente variable, siendo un enigma para el cirujano en cuanto a su posición, tamaño y sintomatología. El diagnóstico rápido y preciso para el tratamiento adecuado de la apendicitis aguda no solo depende de los síntomas, sino también del conocimiento de las variaciones en su posición anatómica. Objetivo: determinar la ocurrencia de la posición anatómica del AV en cadáveres frescos, su relación con el mesoapéndice y la morfometría. Material y método: se examinaron los Apéndices Vermiformes (AV) de 50 cadáveres frescos, se estudiaron los aspectos morfológicos y la morfometría de los AV, tales como: posición, longitud y diámetro del apéndice, además de la longitud del mesoapéndice y si ocupaba toda la longitud del apéndice longitud del apéndice. Los datos morfométricos se realizaron con un pie de rey digital con una precisión de 0,01 mm. Resultado: de los 50 cadáveres autopsiados durante el estudio, 44 ​​(88%) eran del sexo masculino y seis (12%) del sexo femenino. La edad osciló entre 14 y 80 años, con una media de 36,8 años. En cuanto al biotipo, el 44% (22) eran atléticos, el 32% (16) leptosómicos y el 24% (12) pícnicos. El AV se ubicó en seis posiciones diferentes, siendo las posiciones pélvica y retrocecal las más prevalentes. El mesoapéndice ocupaba, en el 92% de los casos, toda la longitud de la AV. Conclusión: la posición más frecuente del AV fue el tipo pélvico. El conocimiento de la posición anatómica del apéndice y del mesoapéndice completo en la población puede contribuir significativamente a mejorar el diagnóstico clínico precoz de la apendicitis y, consecuentemente, a reducir la morbilidad.

Introdução: o Apêndice Vermiforme (AV) é um órgão altamente variável, sendo um enigma para o cirurgião quanto à sua posição, tamanho e sintomatologia. O diagnóstico rápido e preciso para o tratamento adequado da apendicite aguda, não apenas depende dos sintomas, mas também do conhecimento das variações de sua posição anatômica. Objetivo: determinar a ocorrência da posição anatômica do AV em cadáveres frescos, sua relação com o mesoapêndice e morfometria. Material e método: foram examinados os apêndices vermiformes (AVs) de 50 cadáveres frescos, estudados os aspectos morfológicos e a morfometria dos AVs, como: posição, comprimento e diâmetro do apêndice, além do comprimento do mesoapêndice e se este ocupava toda a extensão do comprimento do apêndice. Os dados morfométricos foram realizados com um paquímetro digital de precisão de 0,01 mm. Resultado: dos 50 cadáveres autopsiados durante o estudo, 44 (88%) eram do sexo masculino e seis (12%) do feminino. A idade variou de 14 a 80 anos, com média de 36,8 anos. Em relação ao biótipo, 44% (22) eram atléticos, 32% (16) leptossômicos e 24% (12) pícnicos. O AV estava localizado em seis posições diferentes, sendo as posições pélvica e retrocecal as mais prevalentes. O mesoapêndice ocupava, em 92% dos casos, toda a extensão do comprimento do AV. Conclusão: a posição mais frequente do AV foi a do tipo pélvico. O conhecimento a respeito da posição anatômica do apêndice e do mesoapêndice completo na população pode contribuir significativamente para melhorar o diagnóstico clínico precoce da apendicite e, consequentemente, reduzir a morbidade.

Introduction: the Vermiform Appendix (VA) is a highly variable organ, being an enigma for the surgeon regarding its position, size and symptomatology. Rapid and accurate diagnosis for adequate treatment of acute appendicitis not only depends on the symptoms, but also on the knowledge of variations in its anatomical position. Objective: to determine the occurrence of the anatomical position of the VA in fresh cadavers, its relationship with the mesoappendix and morphometry. Material and method: the Vermiform Appendages (VAs) of 50 fresh cadavers were examined, the morphological aspects and morphometry of the VAs were studied, such as: position, length and diameter of the appendix, in addition to the length of the mesoappendix and whether it occupied the entire length of the appendix length. Morphometric data were performed with a digital caliper with a precision of 0.01 mm. Result: of the 50 cadavers autopsied during the study, 44 (88%) were male and six (12%) were female. Age ranged from 14 to 80 years, with an average of 36.8 years. Regarding the biotype, 44% (22) were athletic, 32% (16) leptosomic and 24% (12) pycnic. The VA was located in six different positions, with the pelvic and retrocecal positions being the most prevalent. The mesoappendix occupied, in 92% of the cases, the entire length of the VA. Conclusion: the most frequent position of the VA was the pelvic type. Knowledge about the anatomical position of the appendix and the complete mesoappendix in the population can contribute significantly to improving the early clinical diagnosis of appendicitis and, consequently, reducing morbidity.

Da die Anzahl der digitalen Zwillinge in einer Fabrik stetig zunimmt, muss die Integration der ihnen zu Grunde liegenden Datenquellen skalierbar sein. Dafür gibt es bisher nur wenige „Best Practices“. Um diese Lücke zu schließen, beschreibt dieser Beitrag fünf Architektur-Blueprints, die auf den Erfahrungen der Autoren in verschiedenen Industrie-4.0-Projekten basieren. Diese Blueprints detaillieren verschiedene Integrationsszenarien, deren Anwendungsbereiche sich über Schlüsselattribute wie Frequenz der Datenabfrage und der Datenerzeugung unterscheiden. In den Architektur-Blueprints werden mit dem Updater und dem Delegator zwei Kernkomponenten beschrieben, die Eclipse BaSyx mit der Open-Source DataBridge für die Verwaltungsschale bereitstellt. Durch die Verwendung dieser Open-Source-Komponenten und der beschriebenen Architektur-Blueprints können Anwender schnell und unkompliziert eine skalierbare Industrie-4.0-Datenintegration implementieren.

O artigo objetiva investigar como unidades de medidas foram utilizadas no estudo de operações elementares, em um livro de Aritmética do século XX, editado pela Irmã Valesca Volkmer, para o público feminino. Possui abordagem qualitativa, com base na história cultural, para análise de um livro de Aritmética do 3º ano primário, editado por uma religiosa da Congregação das Irmãs Franciscanas, localizada no município de São Leopoldo, estado do Rio Grande do Sul. A obra contém operações com números naturais, frações ordinárias e decimais e noções de geometria. Utilizam-se unidades de medidas de comprimento, capacidade, massa, tempo além das monetárias no estudo de operações elementares com números naturais e frações ordinárias e decimais, de forma prática e utilitária para as alunas. Pondera-se que essa obra apresenta uma proposta que educava as gerações de alunas das instituições franciscanas para a solução de situações do cotidiano, a partir de um material didático para as aulas de Matemática produzido pelas próprias Irmãs Franciscanas.

5G-Campusnetze sind vielversprechende Umgebungen für industrielle Anwendungen in Produktion und Intralogistik. Diese erreichen jedoch bisher nicht die versprochenen Leistungen, um intralogistischen Anwendungen das volle Potenzial von 5G bieten zu können. Die im Rahmen des Projekts 5G4KMU erhobenen und in diesem Beitrag vorgestellten Leistungsmessungen dienen zur Evaluierung der derzeitigen Praxistauglichkeit von 5G-Campusnetzen.

Em 2018 foi implementada a 1ª Olimpíada Brasileira de Matemática das Escolas Públicas – Nível A, para estudantes de 4º e 5º anos do Ensino Fundamental, matriculados em escolas públicas brasileiras. O objetivo desta investigação é apresentar reflexões sobre os conhecimentos matemáticos de professoras dos anos iniciais, a partir dessa prova e da BNCC. Trata-se de uma pesquisa quanti-qualitativa, com aproximações de um estudo de caso. A amostra investigada é constituída por 28 professoras, estudantes de um curso de Especialização de uma instituição federal do Rio Grande do Sul. Os dados são oriundos da aplicação da prova da OBMEP 2018 Nível A, composta por 20 questões objetivas, para essas professoras, no primeiro semestre de 2019. Após computar as respostas que elas não acertaram, buscou-se verificar como o conhecimento matemático em cada questão errada está contemplado na BNCC. Foram identificadas quatro questões erradas por 25% ou mais das professoras, envolvendo objetos de conhecimento e habilidades relacionadas às unidades temáticas números e álgebra; o que faz refletir sobre a presença ou não de alguma fragilidade na formação das professoras que ensinam Matemática nos anos iniciais, visto que essa prova é direcionada para estudantes de 4º e 5º anos.

Purpose The human endometrium consists of different layers (basalis and functionalis) and undergoes different phases throughout the menstrual cycle. In a former paper, our research group was able to describe MSX1 as a positive prognosticator in endometrial carcinomas. The aim of this study was to examine the MSX1 expression in healthy endometrial tissue throughout the different phases to gain more insight on the mechanics of MSX-regulation in the female reproductive system. Materials and methods In this retrospective study, we investigated a total of 17 normal endometrial tissues (six during proliferative phase and five during early and six during late secretory phase). We used immunohistochemical staining and an immunoreactive score (IRS) to evaluate MSX1 expression. We also investigated correlations with other proteins, that have already been examined in our research group using the same patient collective. Results MSX1 is expressed in glandular cells during the proliferative phase and downregulated at early and late secretory phase (p = 0.011). Also, a positive correlation between MSX1 and the progesterone-receptor A (PR-A) (correlation coefficient (cc) = 0.0671; p = 0.024), and the progesterone receptor B (PR-B) (cc = 0.0691; p = 0.018) was found. A trend towards negative correlation was recognized between MSX1 and Inhibin Beta-C-expression in glandular cells (cc = − 0.583; p-value = 0.060). Conclusion MSX1 is known as a member of the muscle segment homeobox gene family. MSX1 is a p53-interacting protein and overexpression of homeobox MSX1 induced apoptosis of cancer cells. Here we show that MSX1 is expressed especially in the proliferative phase of glandular epithelial tissue of the normal endometrium. The found positive correlation between MSX1 and progesterone receptors A and B confirms the results of a previous study on cancer tissue by our research group. Because MSX1 is known to be downregulated by progesterone, the found correlation of MSX1 and both PR-A and -B may represent a direct regulation of the MSX1 gene by a PR-response element. Here further investigation would be of interest.

Despite routine supplementation of dairy cattle with vitamins with antioxidant functions, such as α-tocopherol, the high energy demand of the transition period creates a pro-oxidant state that can overcome antioxidant defenses and damage macromolecules. Known as oxidative stress, this condition impairs host immune defenses, predisposing cattle to disease and causing dysfunctional inflammation through a dysregulated production of lipid inflammatory mediators known as oxylipids. Non-α-tocopherol analogs of vitamin E have functions in other species that limit oxidative stress and dysfunctional inflammation but have largely remained unstudied in cattle. As non-α-tocopherol analogs of vitamin E have functions similar to α-tocopherol yet are more rapidly metabolized, they may provide further antioxidative functions with a reduced risk for adverse effects. Indeed, in vitro and in vivo evidence in cattle show a strong safety profile of most non-α-tocopherol analogs, and by several measures, non-α-tocopherol analogs present equally or more potent antioxidative activities than α-tocopherol alone. Further, vitamin E analogs are shown to compete with certain fatty acids for enzymatic metabolism, which may impact proinflammatory mediator production. Given that non-α-tocopherol analogs of vitamin E reduce the production of pro-inflammatory mediators and act as potent antioxidants, their safety and efficacy for these purposes should be further evaluated in cattle.

We aimed to discern clinico-demographic predictors of large (≥8) tracheostomy tube size placement, and, secondarily, to assess the effect of large tracheostomy tube size and other parameters on odds of decannulation before hospital discharge.Factors determining choice of tracheostomy tube size are not well-characterized in the current literature, despite evidence linking large tracheostomy tube size with posttracheotomy tracheal stenosis. The effect of tracheostomy tube size on timing of decannulation is also unknown, an important consideration given reported associations between endotracheal tube size and probability of failed extubation.We collected information pertaining to patients who underwent tracheotomy at 1 of 10 U.S. health care institutions between 2010 and 2019. Tracheostomy tube size was dichotomized (≥8 and8). Multivariable logistic regression models were fit to identify predictors of (1) large tracheostomy tube size, and (2) decannulation before hospital discharge.The study included 5307 patients, including 2797 (52.7%) in the large tracheostomy cohort. Patient height (OR = 1.060 per inch; 95% CI 1.041-1.070) and obesity (1.37; 95% CI 1.189-1.579) were associated with greater odds of large tracheostomy tube; otolaryngology performing the tracheotomy was associated with significantly lower odds of large tracheostomy tube (OR = 0.155; 95% CI 0.131-0.184). Large tracheostomy tube size (OR = 1.036; 95% CI 0.885-1.213) did not affect odds of decannulation.Obesity was linked with increased likelihood of large tracheostomy tube size, independent of patient height. Probability of decannulation before hospital discharge is influenced by multiple patient-centric factors, but not by size of tracheostomy tube.

Previous studies have identified bilingualism as a protective factor against dementia. Here we aimed to test whether being bilingual at different life stages impacts cognition and brain structure in older adulthood. We included 746 participants from the DZNE-Longitudinal Cognitive Impairment and Dementia Study (DELCODE). Assessment of bilingualism at 3 life stages (early: 13-30, middle: 30-65 and late: over 65 years old) was determined with the Lifetime of Experiences Questionnaire. Individuals reporting bilingualism (i.e., daily use of L2) in the early life stage outperformed monolinguals on learning & memory, working-memory, executive functions and language. Bilingualism in middle life stage showed a significant advantage on learning & memory, while no effect of bilingualism in old life stage was identified. Brain gray matter volume was not associated with L2 use and did not differ between groups. However, stronger correlations between brain gray matter volume in selected brain regions and cognitive performance were found in bilingual participants in the early and middle life stages. Our results indicate that bilingualism in early life might provide a long-lasting protective effect on cognition and shape the brain to sustain cognitive performance in older adulthood.

As a major socio-historical event affecting different aspects of life, the COVID-19 pandemic presents a unique opportunity to study how different population groups adapt. We investigate the impact of this crisis on the evolution of perceived stress in the short and medium term in Switzerland, using data of the Swiss Household Panel from 2016 to early 2021, which include annual measures of perceived stress and a study between waves, conducted in May and June 2020 at the end of the first semi-lockdown. Using the longitudinal structure of the data with pre-crisis measurements, we estimate pooled OLS, fixed effects and first difference models, which include socio-demographic variables, life events, socio-economic status, work-related variables, stress-reducing resources and restrictions in place. Results for the overall population show a continuous increase in stress levels between 2016 and 2019 and a stress reduction right after the first semi-lockdown followed by a return to pre-pandemic levels. Privileged groups with higher levels of stress before the pandemic were most likely to reduce perceived stress. Characteristics related to more favourable trajectories include stable or improved financial situations and high levels of education (short-term effects), and high-pressure jobs and working hours (short- and medium-term effects). Our analyses reveal the importance of resources, such as social relations and work–life balance, to individuals’ management of the effects of the pandemic. Our results show that the effects of the pandemic on perceived stress are context-specific. They underline the importance of longitudinal analyses to understand the complexity of vulnerability and adaptation processes.

O artigo apresenta reflexões sobre dificuldades de aprendizagem em Matemática de três turmas de 1º ano do Ensino Médio de uma escola estadual do Rio Grande do Sul. Trata-se de uma pesquisa quanti-qualitativa, com aproximações de um estudo de caso. A partir de um estudo bibliográfico sobre o ensino da Matemática e as dificuldades de aprendizagem, e de uma pesquisa de campo com 87 estudantes do 1º ano do Ensino Médio, procuram-se identificar causas das dificuldades de aprendizagem em Matemática. Verificou-se que as dificuldades estão relacionadas com o grau de dificuldade dos conteúdos trabalhados em sala de aula, a falta de interesse dos estudantes para aprender e a falta de conhecimentos básicos de conteúdos desenvolvidos no Ensino Fundamental. Diante do exposto, sugere-se reorganização curricular, valorizando a postura ativa do estudante e o desenvolvimento de habilidades e competências; dinamização de estratégias de ensino; inovação de materiais didáticos; e ressignificação do processo avaliativo.

Symptoms in the urogenital organs are common in multiple system atrophy (MSA), also in the years preceding the MSA diagnosis. It is unknown how MSA is triggered and these observations in prodromal MSA led us to hypothesize that synucleinopathy could be triggered by infection of the genitourinary tract causing ɑ-synuclein (ɑSyn) to aggregate in peripheral nerves innervating these organs. As a first proof that peripheral infections could act as a trigger in MSA, this study focused on lower urinary tract infections (UTIs), given the relevance and high frequency of UTIs in prodromal MSA, although other types of infection might also be important triggers of MSA. We performed an epidemiological nested-case control study in the Danish population showing that UTIs are associated with future diagnosis of MSA several years after infection and that it impacts risk in both men and women. Bacterial infection of the urinary bladder triggers synucleinopathy in mice and we propose a novel role of ɑSyn in the innate immune system response to bacteria. Urinary tract infection with uropathogenic E. coli results in the de novo aggregation of ɑSyn during neutrophil infiltration. During the infection, ɑSyn is released extracellularly from neutrophils as part of their extracellular traps. Injection of MSA aggregates into the urinary bladder leads to motor deficits and propagation of ɑSyn pathology to the central nervous system in mice overexpressing oligodendroglial ɑSyn. Repeated UTIs lead to progressive development of synucleinopathy with oligodendroglial involvement in vivo. Our results link bacterial infections with synucleinopathy and show that a host response to environmental triggers can result in ɑSyn pathology that bears semblance to MSA. ispartof: ACTA NEUROPATHOLOGICA vol:145 issue:5 pages:541-559 ispartof: location:Germany status: published

To provide insights into glacier-climate dynamics of the South Shetland Islands (SSI), NW Antarctic Peninsula, we present a new deglaciation and readvance model for the Bellingshausen Ice Cap (BIC) on Fildes Peninsula and for King George Island/Isla 25 de Mayo (KGI) ~62°S. Deglaciation on KGI began after c. 15 cal. ka BP and had progressed to within present-day limits on the Fildes Peninsula, its largest ice-free peninsula, by c. 6.6–5.3 cal. ka BP. Probability density phase analysis of chronological data constraining Holocene glacier advances on KGI revealed up to eight 95% probability ‘gaps’ during which readvances could have occurred. These are grouped into four stages – Stage 1: a readvance and marine transgression, well-constrained by field data, between c. 7.4 and 6.6 cal. ka BP; Stage 2: four probability ‘gaps’, less well-constrained by field data, between c. 5.3 and 2.2 cal. ka BP; Stage 3: a well-constrained but restricted ‘readvance’ between c. 1.7 and 1.5 cal. ka BP; Stage 4: two further minor ‘readvances’, one less well-constrained by field data between c. 1.3 and 0.7 cal. ka BP (68% probability), and a ‘final’ well-constrained ‘readvance’ after

Objetivo: avaliar a influência da equipe de saúde bucal (eSB) na qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde bucal (QVRSB) de adultos. Métodos: a amostra deste estudo transversal foi composta por adultos adscritos às Estratégias de Saúde da Família (ESFs) de Santa Maria, RS. Variáveis sociodemográficas, como idade, sexo, cor da pele, renda familiar e escolaridade, foram avaliadas através de questionário semiestruturado. Variáveis de serviço odontológico foram mensuradas através do motivo de procura ao serviço e da presença de eSB, avaliada a partir dos dados oficiais do município. Biofilme dental, sangramento gengival e cárie dental foram coletados através de exame clínico odontológico. O desfecho foi a QVRSB mensurada pelo questionário OHIP-14. Modelos foram construídos por meio de regressão de Poisson, para avaliar a associação entre presença de eSB e QVRSB. Resultados: ao total, 80 adultos adscritos a quatro ESF (duas com eSB) foram incluídos. A ausência da eSB influenciou negativamente a QVRSB de adultos (razão de média: 1,21; intervalo de confiança de 95%: 1,07-1,36). Além disso, idade, cor da pele não branca, menor renda familiar, menor escolaridade, procura ao serviço odontológico por dor dental e pior saúde bucal foram associados a uma pior QVRSB (P

Gullies and ravines affect human lives and the environment in many countries worldwide, however, few studies have assessed the impacts of the damage caused by these large linear erosions and clarified their influencing parameters. This work systematizes available information about the variables relevant to analyze the impacts of ravines and gullies on socioeconomic conditions and ecosystem services. Based on keyword searches performed in the Scopus, Web of Science and Dimensions databases, more than 120 articles from 27 countries were identified that addressed and valuated these different types of impacts. Although many studies discuss the impacts of ravines and gullies, few studies have performed valuations of these impacts. We compiled the impacts in urban and rural areas, considering the changes caused by ravines and gullies throughout a hydrographic basin. The results allowed for the elaboration of a theoretical model of the possible impacts of gullies and ravines and how they can be valued. The results demonstrate that the most significant impacts, according to the literature, are in South America, Africa, China and India, which are related to disordered land occupation. In some cases, the lack of capacity to respond to environmental and social problems aggravates the scenario and leads to significant losses. Implementing the evaluation is challenging due to the high number of different forms of possible impacts, in the short, medium and long term, related to environmental, economic and social changes.

N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis is the most common subtype of autoimmune encephalitis characterized by a complex neuropsychiatric syndrome usually including memory impairment. Patients develop an intrathecal immune response against NMDARs with antibodies that presumably bind to the amino-terminal domain of the GluN1 subunit. The therapeutic response to immunotherapy is often delayed. Therefore, new therapeutic approaches for fast neutralization of NMDAR antibodies are needed. Here, we developed fusion constructs consisting of the Fc part of immunoglobulin G and the amino-terminal domains of either GluN1 or combinations of GluN1 with GluN2A or GluN2B. Surprisingly, both GluN1 and GluN2 subunits were required to generate high-affinity epitopes. The construct with both subunits efficiently prevented NMDAR binding of patient-derived monoclonal antibodies and of patient CSF containing high-titre NMDAR antibodies. Furthermore, it inhibited the internalization of NMDARs in rodent dissociated neurons and human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons. Finally, the construct stabilized NMDAR currents recorded in rodent neurons and rescued memory defects in passive-transfer mouse models using intrahippocampal injections. Our results demonstrate that both GluN1 and GluN2B subunits contribute to the main immunogenic region of the NMDAR and provide a promising strategy for fast and specific treatment of NMDAR encephalitis, which could complement immunotherapy.

Abstract: To monitor students’ progress and adapt instruction to students’ needs, teachers increasingly use repeated assessments of equivalent tests. The present study investigates whether equivalent reading tests can be successfully developed via rule-based item design. Based on theoretical considerations, we identified 3-item features for reading comprehension at the word, sentence, and text levels, respectively, which should influence the difficulty and time intensity of reading processes. Using optimal design algorithms, a design matrix was calculated, and four equivalent test forms of the German reading test series for second graders (quop-L2) were developed. A total of N = 7,751 students completed the tests. We estimated item difficulty and time intensity parameters as well as person ability and speed parameters using bivariate item response theory (IRT) models, and we investigated the influence of item features on item parameters. Results indicate that all item properties significantly affected either item difficulty or response time. Moreover, as indicated by the IRT-based test information functions and analyses of variance, the four different test forms showed similar levels of difficulty and time-intensity at the word, sentence, and text levels (all η2 < .002). Results were successfully cross-validated using a sample of N = 5,654 students.

Monitoring the degradation of induction motors is an essential concern for industries, especially when there are high costs related to maintenance and their stops. Nowadays, there are many non-invasive ways to monitor the health status of induction motors, including sensors to measure temperature, magnetic field, vibration, current, and power. However, installing these sensors may not be a simple task since intrusive procedures such as engine disassembling, wire separation, and engine interruption are commonly observed. Thus, we propose MUCLA (Multiphase Clamp and Tracking - patent pending) as a new device and methodology for monitoring motor degradation by analyzing its stator current. MUCLA introduces a non-invasive current sensors array on a proposed clamp in the hardware perspective, while a spectral tracking methodology refers to our novelty in the software viewpoint. For end-users, the main MUCLA contribution relies on the combination of the simplicity of installation and the possibility of using the proposed device even when considering Variable-Frequency Drive powered engines. The results obtained with both simulation and practical tests show encouraging results over different input workloads and emulated degradation. Compared to the current initiatives, we can classify MUCLA as a better solution for industrial plants in terms of installation time, installation complexity, and cost.