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Our aim was to compare the stroke outcomes of a direct transfer (DT) to a thrombectomy-capable center vs. initial care at two local stroke centers: a nearby hospital (NH, 36 km) and a distant hospital (DH, 113 km). Patients who underwent a mechanical thrombectomy were analyzed (February 2017–October 2021), and the outcome was considered favorable if the modified Rankin scale (mRS) score was ≤ 2 at three months. A total of 300 patients were included, 55 of which were transferred from the NH and 58 from the DH. There was a difference in the median (IQR) transfer time of 39 min between the hospitals (149 min for the NH vs. 188 min for the DH, p = 0.003). After adjusting for confounding variables, a secondary transfer from the DH, compared to a DT, was associated with a lower functional independence: mRS score ≤ 2 (OR = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.14–0.97, p = 0.043), without significant differences in the mortality between the groups. These differences were not observed in patients from the NH. Conclusions: A secondary transfer from a distant hospital was associated with a poorer functional outcome at 3 months. This unfavorable outcome was not observed among patients transferred from a nearby hospital. These findings highlight the importance of categorizing the suitability of one transfer model over another based on the proximity of hospitals to the thrombectomy center, but also in accordance with organizational and geographic characteristics that vary within each health region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Avaliou-se o desenvolvimento pós-descongelamento de embriões bovinos produzidos in vitro (PIV) criopreservados pela técnica de vitrificação e de congelamento lento em diferentes dias após a fertilização in vitro (FIV). Foram realizadas 9 réplicas de PIV. Nos dias 7; 7,5 e 8 após a FIV, foram selecionados embriões no estágio de blastocisto expandido de grau de qualidade 1 e 2 (de acordo com o manual IETS). Os embriões (n=472) foram divididos aleatoriamente para serem criopreservados por congelamento lento (n=257) ou vitrificação (n=215). Organizou-se os embriões em 6 grupos de acordo com a técnica de criopreservação e o dia: 1) Grupo DT7 (embriões submetidos ao congelamento lento no D7, n= 140); 2) Grupo DT7,5 (embriões submetidos ao congelamento lento 12 horas após o D7, no D7,5; n= 61); 3) Grupo DT8 (embriões submetidos ao congelamento lento no D8, n=56); 4) Grupo VIT7 (embriões vitrificados no D7, n= 127); 5) Grupo VIT7,5 (embriões vitrificados 12 horas após o D7, no D7,5; n= 49); 6) Grupo VIT8 (embriões vitrificados no D8, n= 39). Os dados foram transformados para arcoseno e analisados por Análise de Variância utilizando o procedimento GLIMMIX do SAS (SAS 9.2) com P0,05). Porém embriões de grau 1 re-expandiram mais rapidamente (às 24 h) que embriões grau 2. Embriões grau 1 apresentaram melhores resultados com a técnica de vitrificação do que com congelamento lento. Os grupos experimentais representaram a interação técnica*dia e não diferiram entre si quanto as taxas de re-expansão e eclosão (P>0,05).

A promising paradigm for drug administration that has garnered increasing attention in recent years is the direct transfer (DT) of nanoparticles for transcellular drug delivery. DT requires direct cell-cell contact and facilitates unidirectional and bidirectional matter exchange between neighboring cells. Consequently, DT enables fast and deep penetration of drugs into the targeted tissues. This comprehensive review discusses the direct transfer concept, which can be delineated into the following three distinct modalities: membrane contact-direct transfer, gap junction-mediated direct transfer (GJ-DT), and tunneling nanotubes-mediated direct transfer (TNTs-DT). Further, the intercellular structures for each modality of direct transfer and their respective merits and demerits are summarized. The review also discusses the recent progress on the drugs or drug delivery systems that could activate DT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractA promising paradigm for drug administration that has garnered increasing attention in recent years is the direct transfer (DT) of nanoparticles for transcellular drug delivery. DT requires direct cell-cell contact and facilitates unidirectional and bidirectional matter exchange between neighboring cells. Consequently, DT enables fast and deep penetration of drugs into the targeted tissues. This comprehensive review discusses the direct transfer concept, which can be delineated into the following three distinct modalities: membrane contact-direct transfer, gap junction-mediated direct transfer (GJ-DT), and tunneling nanotubes-mediated direct transfer (TNTs-DT). Further, the intercellular structures for each modality of direct transfer and their respective merits and demerits are summarized. The review also discusses the recent progress on the drugs or drug delivery systems that could activate DT.

In a judiciary setting, questions regarding the mechanisms of transfer, persistence, and recovery of DNA are increasingly more common. The forensic expert is now asked to evaluate the strength of DNA trace evidence at activity level, thus assessing if a trace, given its qualitative and quantitative features, could be the result of an alleged activity. The present study is the reproduction of a real-life casework scenario of illicit credit card use by a co-worker (POI) of its owner (O). After assessing the shedding propensity of the participants, differences in DNA traces' qualitative and quantitative characteristics, given scenarios of primary and secondary transfer of touch DNA on a credit card, a non-porous plastic support, were investigated. A case-specific Bayesian Network to aid statistical evaluation was created and discrete observations, meaning the presence/absence of POI as a major contributor in both traces from direct and secondary transfer, were used to inform the probabilities of disputed activity events. Likelihood Ratios at activity level (LRα) were calculated for each possible outcome resulting from the DNA analysis. In instances where only POI and POI plus an unknown individual are retrieved, the values obtained show moderate to low support in favour of the prosecution proposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Prehospital activation of the cardiac catheter laboratory is associated with significant improvements in ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) performance measures. However, there are equivocal data, particularly within Australia, regarding its influence on mortality. We assessed the association of prehospital activation on performance measures and mortality in patients with STEMI treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention from the Queensland Cardiac Outcomes Registry (QCOR). Methods and Results Consecutive ambulance‐transported patients with STEMI treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention were analyzed from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2020 from the QCOR. The total and direct effects of prehospital activation on the primary outcomes (30‐day and 1‐year cardiovascular mortality) were estimated using logistic regression analyses. Secondary outcomes were STEMI performance measures. Among 2498 patients (mean age: 62.2±12.4 years; 79.2% male), 73% underwent prehospital activation. Median door‐to‐balloon time (34 minutes [26–46] versus 86 minutes [68–113]; P

Pu Zhang1 *, Haibao Zhang2 *, Bin Zheng1 *, Heng Wang,1 Xiaolong Qi,1 Shuai Wang,1 Zhenghong Liu,1 Li Sun,1 Yang Liu,3 Xiaowen Qin,1 Weijiao Fan,1 Minghai Ma,2 Wing-Fu Lai,1 Dahong Zhang1 1Urology & Nephrology Center, Department of Urology, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang People’s Republic of China; 2Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China; 3Cancer Center, Department of Ultrasound Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Dahong Zhang; Wing-Fu Lai, No. 138 Shang Tang Road, Hangzhou, 310014, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-13705711671, Email zppurology@163.com; rori0610@graduate.hku.hkIntroduction: Bladder cancer (BCa) is among the most prevalent cancers worldwide. However, the effectiveness of intravesical therapy for BCa is limited due to the short dwell time and the presence of the permeation barrier.Methods: Nanocomplexes were self-assembled between DNA and hendeca-arginine peptide (R11). Stepwise intravesical instillation of R11 and the generated nanocomplexes significantly enhanced the targeting capacity and penetration efficiency in BCa therapy. The involved mechanism of cellular uptake and penetration of the nanocomplexes was determined. The therapeutic effect of the nanocomplexes was verified preclinically in murine orthotopic BCa models.Results: Nanocomplexes exhibited the best BCa targeting efficiency at a nitrogen-to-phosphate (NP) ratio of 5 but showed a lack of stability during cellular uptake. The method of stepwise intravesical instillation not only increased the stability and target specificity of the DNA component but also caused the delivered DNA to more effectively penetrate into the glycosaminoglycan layer and plasma membrane. The method promotes the accumulation of the delivered DNA in the clathrin-independent endocytosis pathway, directs the intracellular trafficking of the delivered DNA to nonlysosome-localized regions, and enables the intercellular transport of the delivered DNA via a direct transfer mechanism. In preclinical trials, our stepwise method was shown to remarkably enhance the targeting and penetration efficiency of DNA in murine orthotopic BCa models.Conclusion: With this method, a stepwise intravesical instillation of self-assembled nanocomplexes, which are generated from hendeca-arginine peptides, was achieved; thus, this method offers an effective strategy to deliver DNA to target and penetrate BCa cells during gene therapy and warrants further development for future intravesical gene therapy in the clinical context.Graphical Abstract: Keywords: bladder cancer, intravesical therapy, DNA delivery, direct transfer

Attracting new customers and gaining the attention and trust of the target audience is one of the key tasks for the development of businesses of any size and scope. Brand cannot be considered the object of one science because of its integrative nature, special social specificity and complex structure that can be interpreted in different scientific paradigms. Accordingly, brand research today is conducted in the context of various sciences: psychology, sociology, marketing, philosophy, culturology, law and, finally, linguistics. This article presents an attempt to consider brand communication from the linguistics point of view. The possibility of linguistic interpretation is explained by the fact that the communicative approach to brand and branding is distinguished in the works of specialists of other sciences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Pre-hospital activation and direct cardiac catheterisation laboratory (CCL) transfer of ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has previously been shown to improve door-to-balloon (DTB) times yet there is limited outcome data in the Australian context. We aimed to assess the impact of pre-hospital activation on STEMI performance measures and mortality.Methods: Prospective cohort study of consecutive ambulance transported STEMI patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) patients over a 10-year period (1 January 2008-31 December 2017) at The Prince Charles Hospital, a large quaternary referral centre in Brisbane, Queensland Australia. Comparisons were performed between patients who underwent pre-hospital CCL activation and patients who did not. STEMI performance measures, 30-day and 1-year mortality were examined.Results: Amongst 1,009 patients included (mean age: 62.8 yrs±12.6), pre-hospital activation increased over time (26.6% in 2008 to 75.0% in 2017, p<0.001). Median DTB time (35 mins vs 76 mins p<0.001) and percentage meeting targets (DTB<60 mins 92% vs 27%, p<0.001) improved significantly with pre-hospital activation. Pre-hospital activation was associated with significantly lower 30-day (1.0% vs 3.5%, p=0.007) and 1-year (1.2% vs 7.7%, p<0.001) mortality. After adjusting for confounders and mediators, we observed a strong total effect of pre-hospital activation on 1-year mortality (OR 5.3, 95%CI 2.2-12.4, p<0.001) compared to patients who did not have pre-hospital activation. False positive rates were 3.7% with pre-hospital activation.Conclusion: In patients who underwent primary PCI for STEMI, pre-hospital activation and direct CCL transfer is associated with low false positive rates, significantly reduced time to reperfusion and lower 30-day and 1-year mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Pre-hospital severity-based triaging using the Ambulance Clinical Triage For Acute Stroke Treatment (ACT-FAST) algorithm has been demonstrated to substantially reduce time to endovascular thrombectomy in Melbourne, Australia. We aimed to model the cost-effectiveness of an ACT-FAST bypass system from the healthcare system perspective. Methods: A simulation model was developed to estimate the long-term costs and health benefits associated with diagnostic accuracy of the ACT-FAST algorithm. Three-month post stroke functional outcome was projected to the lifetime horizon to estimate the long-term cost-effectiveness between two strategies (ACT-FAST vs. standard care pathways). For ACT-FAST screened true positives (i.e., screened positive and eligible for EVT), a 52 mins time saving was applied unanimously to the onset to arterial time for EVT, while 10 mins delay in thrombolysis was applied for false-positive (i.e., screened positive but was ineligible for EVT) thrombolysis-eligible infarction. Quality-adjusted life year (QALY) was employed as the outcome measure to calculate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) between the ACT-FAST algorithm and the current standard care pathway. Results: Over the lifetime, ACT-FAST was associated with lower costs (–$45) and greater QALY gains (0.006) compared to the current standard care pathway, resulting in it being the dominant strategy (less costly but more health benefits). Implementing ACT-FAST triaging led to higher proportion of patients received EVT procedure (30 more additional EVT performed per 10,000 patients). The total Net Monetary Benefit from ACT-FAST care estimated at A$0.76 million based on its implementation for a single year. Conclusions: An ACT-FAST severity-triaging strategy is associated with cost-saving and increased benefits when compared to standard care pathways. Implementing ACT-FAST triaging increased the proportion of patients who received EVT procedure due to more patients arriving at EVT-capable hospitals within the 6-h time window (when imaging selection is less rigorous). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose:Pre-hospital severity-based triaging using the Ambulance Clinical Triage For Acute Stroke Treatment (ACT-FAST) algorithm has been demonstrated to substantially reduce time to endovascular thrombectomy in Melbourne, Australia. We aimed to model the cost-effectiveness of an ACT-FAST bypass system from the healthcare system perspective.MethodsA simulation model was developed to estimate the long-term costs and health benefits associated with diagnostic accuracy of the ACT-FAST algorithm. Three-month post stroke functional outcome was projected to the lifetime horizon to estimate the long-term cost-effectiveness between two strategies (ACT-FAST vs. standard care pathways). For ACT-FAST screened true positives (i.e., screened positive and eligible for EVT), a 52 mins time saving was applied unanimously to the onset to arterial time for EVT, while 10 mins delay in thrombolysis was applied for false-positive (i.e., screened positive but was ineligible for EVT) thrombolysis-eligible infarction. Quality-adjusted life year (QALY) was employed as the outcome measure to calculate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) between the ACT-FAST algorithm and the current standard care pathway.ResultsOver the lifetime, ACT-FAST was associated with lower costs (–$45) and greater QALY gains (0.006) compared to the current standard care pathway, resulting in it being the dominant strategy (less costly but more health benefits). Implementing ACT-FAST triaging led to higher proportion of patients received EVT procedure (30 more additional EVT performed per 10,000 patients). The total Net Monetary Benefit from ACT-FAST care estimated at A$0.76 million based on its implementation for a single year.ConclusionsAn ACT-FAST severity-triaging strategy is associated with cost-saving and increased benefits when compared to standard care pathways. Implementing ACT-FAST triaging increased the proportion of patients who received EVT procedure due to more patients arriving at EVT-capable hospitals within the 6-h time window (when imaging selection is less rigorous).

Because of the importance of osmoregulation in success of the juvenile Caspian Roach (Rutilus caspicus) release, maintenance and their restoration, this study was performed with the aim of the evaluation of these fish (average weight of 1.4 g± 0.018 g) to the salinity tolerance of the Caspian Sea by abrupt and gradual transfer methods on two different occasions of short -term (24 hours) and long - term (21 days). For this reason, 360 juvenile roaches were distributed to 9 different experimental treatments (each of them with 3 replicates) with 1) increased abrupt salinity (direct transfer to the Caspian Sea water), 2) increased gradual salinity (3 ppt for every 24 hrs) and 3) the Control group (freshwater). In order to evaluate the ion regulation, osmolality, Na+, K+ and Cl - were measured in fish. Some immune responses related to the increased salinity (immunoglobulin and lysozyme) and stress indices (cortisol and glucose) were also measured. Based on the obtained results, the fish in both treatments of increased salinity showed high percentage of survival. All parameters related to ion regulation were decreased after a primary increase. Furthermore, the trend of cortisol and immunoglobulin changes were negatively correlated showing decreased stress response and increased immune system for both salinity transfer methods. Thus, the roach juveniles (1 -2 g) are able to be transferred into the Caspian Sea directly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Rapid and effective revascularization is the cornerstone of acute ischemic stroke treatment. Endovascular thrombectomy reperfusion has dramatically changed patients' outcomes with large vessel occlusions. Results of randomized controlled trials have shown that the benefit of this treatment is highly time-sensitive. The purpose of this review is to introduce a new approach to acute stroke treatment – direct angiographic intervention for selected patients. Methods & Results:We examined the issues related to the current guideline-based practice, emphasizing whether the benefit of using advanced multimodal imaging is worth the potential resultant disability generated by delayed reperfusion times. The published evidence supporting this novel concept was reviewed, its safety and feasibility discussed, and appropriate predictive tools for patient selection explored.Conclusion:This new approach may provide benefits for appropriately selected patients. Further prospective trials are needed to clarify the risk-versus-benefit of this approach. Abbreviations and Acronyms: AHA: American Heart AssociationAIS: acute ischemic strokeASA: American Stroke AssociationASPECTS: Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography ScoreCT: computed tomographyCTA: computed tomography angiographyCTP: computed tomography perfusionDMVO: distal, medium vessel occlusionDSA: digital subtraction angiographyED: Emergency DepartmentEVT: endovascular thrombectomyFD: flat detectorIA: intra-arterialIV: intravenousICH: intracerebral hemorrhageMR: magnetic resonanceMRA: magnetic resonance angiographyMSU: mobile stroke unitNIHSS: National Institutes of Health Stroke ScaleNCCT: non-contrast computed tomographyPLVO: proximal, large vessel occlusionPPV: positive predictive valuePWI: magnetic resonance perfusion-weighted imaging [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Embryo transfer entails many procedures and techniques, of which embryo freezing is an important component in bovine embryo transfer. Embryo freezing techniques have been developed over the last 40 years, allowing practical availability, and have become essential for cattle reproduction management under field conditions. The direct transfer methods of frozen-thawed, in vivo-derived, and in vitro-produced (IVF) bovine embryos using 1.5 M ethylene glycol (EG) with or without sucrose (SUC) are used widely under on-farm conditions, not only in Japan but also globally. The direct transfer method using 1.5 M glycerol (GLY) and 0.25 M SUC (GLY-SUC) is used mainly in Japan. The pregnancy rate with direct transfer of frozen-thawed bovine embryos in either EG or GLY-SUC has been found to not differ from conventional freezing with GLY and traditional dilution techniques. Pregnancy rates following direct transfer of frozen-thawed bovine embryos were affected by the developmental stage of the embryos and the parity of the recipients. The use of ultrasound-guided on-farm ovum pickup is ushering in a new revolution for the commercial application of IVF embryos. Globally, for the first time more IVF bovine embryos were transferred in 2017 than produced in vivo. More than 60% of IVF embryos were transferred fresh due to a low pregnancy rate of frozen-thawed IVF embryos. Many factors seemed to be involved in improving the survival rate of frozen-thawed IVF embryos. Therefore, further research is needed to improve the freezing tolerance of IVF embryos to develop efficient direct transfer methods analogous to those used for in vivo embryos.

Expedited conversion of O2 to H2O with minimal amounts of Pt is essential for wide applicability of PEM fuel cells (PEMFCs). Therefore, it is imperative to develop a process for catalyst management to circumvent unnecessary catalyst loss while improving the Pt utilization, catalytic activity, and durability. Here, the fabrication of a self‐standing nanofiber electrode is demonstrated by employing electrospinning. This film‐type catalyst simultaneously contains Pt–Co alloy nanoparticles and Co embedded in an N‐doped graphitized carbon (Co–Nx) support derived from the electrospun zeolitic imidazolate frameworks. Notably, the flexible electrode is directly transferrable for the membrane‐electrode assembly of high temperature PEMFC. In addition, the electrodes exhibit excellent performance, maybe owing to the synergistic interaction between the Pt–Co and Co–Nx as revealed by the computational modeling study. This method simplifies the fabrication and operation of cell device with negligible Pt loss, compared to ink‐based conventional catalyst coating methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Peru, there has been an introduction of new sheep breeds in order to reorient the production of this species, towards products of greater value and demand, which has taken on greater importance in the last 10 years. Thus, for the importation of these embryos it is required to comply with the strict sanitary regulations and quality control in the process. The objective of the study was to evaluate the embryonic survival of cryopreserved ovine embryos and transferred in one step to recipients located in two ecological environments. The ovine embryos (n = 190) cryopreserved were imported from Australia and used using the one-step freezing method for direct transfer. The number of embryos per breed were Dohne Merino (n = 70), East Friesian (n = 70) and Dorper (n = 50). The embryos were transferred surgically (ventral laparotomy with laparoscopic help) into the uterine horn ipsilateral to the ovary with the functional corpus luteum. Crossbred recipient ewes (East Friesian x Barbados Black Belly and Corriedale x Criollo) were synchronized in two ecological environments; Peruvian Coast (Trujillo, at sea level) and central Andean mountains (Ayacucho, 3 704 masl) respectively. The sheep embryos were distributed according to the number of recipients available in each ecological environments; Peruvian Coast (n = 150) and central Andean mountains (n = 40). Our criterion for determining embryonic survival was based on the birth of a live lamb. The results were analyzed by the Chi square test in the contingency table and subdivision of the contingency table. The overall rate of pregnant recipients was 43.15%. The survival rate of the embryos in the two ecological environments was statistically different (p

Vitrification is a superior method for cryopreservation of IVF embryos, but due to complicated warming protocols, it is not commonly used for commercial bovine embryos routine. To overcome the need of laboratory embryo preparation during warming, we developed an in-straw warming protocol compatible with most vitrification devices for embryo transfer without sucrose gradient steps and embryo evaluation. Surprisingly, one of the tested protocols improved embryo survival (95.0%* vs 83.1% expansion rate and 74.2%* vs 51.5% hatching rate) compared to conventional in-plate warming. Embryo quality was also increased, taken by the higher total cell numbers (160.7 ± 8.6* vs 99.0 ± 7.9) and lower apoptosis index (4.9 ± 0.6* vs 11.5 ± 2.4) 48 h after warming. Pregnancy rates were similar between vitrified-warmed embryos and fresh embryos (40% vs 43%). Based on our results, we suggest in-straw warming should always be used for vitrified embryos due to beneficial effects. Direct transfer can be safely performed using this protocol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study attempts to reveal whether there is unintentional reverse transfer L2→L1 (English-Spanish) in the oral L1 production of university learners in formal contexts. The languages used by learners influence each other, and this transfer may occur from the first to the second language (direct transfer), or from the second to the first (reverse transfer), the focus of this work. Thus, an exploratory study was implemented with two groups of participants with different L2 proficiency levels. They had to retell, using their L1, a soundless video. Their production was recorded, transcribed and examined. Consistent with other studies, results suggest unintentional reverse transfer occurs more frequently when there is a lower level of L2 competence, or, alternatively, its effects have a more evident negative outcome for these learners. Pedagogically speaking, being able to identify successful reverse transfer strategies with a positive outcome may have important implications for bilingual educational contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contents: Cryopreservation of in vitro‐derived bovine embryos is a crucial step for the widespread reproduction and conservation of valuable high‐merit animals. Given the current popularity of bovine in vitro embryo production (IVP), there is a demand for a highly efficient ultra‐low temperature storage method in order to maximize donor ovum pickup (OPU) turn‐over, recipient availability/utilization and domestic/overseas commercial trading opportunities. However, IVP bovine embryos are still very sensitive to chilling and cryopreservation, and despite recent progress, a convenient (simple and robust) protocol has not yet been developed. At the moment, there are two methods for bovine IVP embryo cryopreservation: slow programmable freezing and vitrification. Both of the aforementioned techniques have pros and cons. While controlled‐rate slow cooling can easily be adapted for direct transfer (DT), ice crystal formation remains an issue. On the other hand, vitrification solved this problem but the possibility of successful DT commercial incorporation remains to be determined. Moreover, simplification of the vitrification protocol (including warming) through the use of an in‐straw dilution without the use of a microscope is a prerequisite for its use under farm conditions. This review summarizes the bovine IVP embryo cryopreservation achievements, strengths and limitations of both freezing systems and prospective improvements to enhance cryosurvival, as well as perspectives on future directions of this assisted reproductive technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Production of an accurate dental cast framework that meets the implant objective of passive fit demands an understanding of potential processing errors. Working casts fabricated from impressions using two different transfer copings as provided by a leading implant manufacturer, were investigated for differences in accuracy. A five-implant mandibular model was used to produce seven casts by both the indirect and direct transfer coping techniques. Comparison was made by using a dental cast framework fitted to the master cast. Differences in distances measured between each group and the master cast were analyzed to establish differences between methods. For the model used, the direct technique produced more accurate working casts. A concern for potential impression distortion given the specific clinical situation underscores the method of choice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe two transfer approaches for building sentiment analysis systems without having gold labeled data in the target language. Unlike previous work that is focused on using only English as the source language and a small number of target languages, we use multiple source languages to learn a more robust sentiment transfer model for 16 languages from different language families. Our approaches explore the potential of using an annotation projection approach and a direct transfer approach using cross-lingual word representations and neural networks. Whereas most previous work relies on machine translation, we show that we can build cross-lingual sentiment analysis systems without machine translation or even high quality parallel data. We have conducted experiments assessing the availability of different resources such as in-domain parallel data, out-of-domain parallel data, and in-domain comparable data. Our experiments show that we can build a robust transfer system whose performance can in some cases approach that of a supervised system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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We prove that the solution of any linear mechanical system can be expressed as a linear combination of signal transmission paths. This is done in the framework of the Global Transfer Direct Transfer (GTDT) formulation for vibroacoustic problems. Transmission paths are expressed as powers of the transfer matrix. The key idea of the proof is to generalise the Neumann series of the transfer matrix – which is convergent only if its spectral radius is smaller than one – into a modified Neumann series that is convergent regardless of the eigenvalues of the transfer matrix. The modification consists in choosing the appropriate combination coefficients for the powers of the transfer matrix in the series. A recursive formula for the computation of these factors is derived. The theoretical results are illustrated by means of numerical examples. Finally, we show that the generalised Neumann series can be understood as an acceleration (i.e. convergence speedup) of the Jacobi iterative method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a flexible approach to transfer metallic photonic crystals (MPCs) onto end facets of optical fibers. The MPCs were initially fabricated on a glass substrate with a spacer layer of indium tin oxide (ITO), which was used as a buffer layer in the transferring process. The fiber ends were firstly welded on the top surface of the MPCs by a drop of polymer solution after the solvent evaporated. The ITO layer was then etched by hydrochloric acid (HCl), so that the MPCs got off the substrate and were transferred to the fiber ends. Alternatively, the MPCs may be also etched off the substrate first by immersing the sample in HCl. The ultra-thin MPC sheet consisting of gold nanolines interlaced with photoresist gratings was then transferred to cap the fiber ends. In the later approach, we can choose which side of the MPCs to be used as the contact with the fiber facet. Such methods enabled convenient nanostructuring on optical fiber tips and achieving miniaturized MPC devices with compact integration, extending significantly applications of MPCs. In particular, the fabrications presented in this manuscript enrich the lab-on-fiber engineering techniques and the resultant devices have potential applications in remote sensing and detection systems.

The global demand for in vitro –produced (IVP) embryos of determined sex has greatly increased over the last decade. Efficient protocols for the direct transfer of IVP embryos are lacking. This study aimed to compare the pregnancy rates for fresh, vitrified, or frozen/directly transferred IVP dairy cow embryos. Oocytes (n = 3171) recovered by ovum pickup (n = 112) from Girolando (Holstein–Gir) females (n = 36) were selected and submitted to IVM for 24 hours at 38.5 °C with 5% CO 2 in air with saturated humidity. In vitro fertilization was performed with the thawed, sexed semen from 5 Holstein bulls. After IVF, presumptive zygotes were denuded and cultured for 7 days under the same IVM and IVF conditions of temperature and humidity, except with 5% CO 2 and 5% O 2 . Grade I blastocysts were randomly assigned for either the transferred fresh, vitrified/thawing, or frozen/directly embryo transfer into previously synchronized recipient females. Conception rates were analyzed by binomial logistic regression, and a probability level of P < 0.05 was considered significant. The conception rates were 51.35 ± 1.87% (133/259) for the fresh embryos, 35.89 ± 3.87% (84/234) for the vitrified embryos, and 40.19 ± 4.65% (125/311) for the frozen directly transferred embryos. These data demonstrate that IVP embryos with sexed semen could be directly transferred into recipient cows with similar conception rates to vitrified embryos. The comparison found that the use of frozen embryos in direct transfer provides easier logistics and a more practical approach for the transfer of IVP embryos on dairy farms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrated the direct transfer of graphene using a modified mechano-electro-thermal method, which induces no defects, leaves no residue and does not fold the surface. We executed the atomic layer deposition (ALD) of Al 2 O 3 using an H 2 O-based precursor and compared the results of selective deposition onto direct-transfer graphene with the results of deposition onto graphene by a conventional wet transfer. After ALD, the intensity ratios of D–G peaks from the Raman spectra and the height profiles of wet-transferred graphene increased from 0.104 to 1.416 and from 0.980 nm to 1.804 nm, respectively. In addition, the electrical sheet resistance and water contact angle of wet-transferred graphene changed from 1.534 kΩ/□ and 85.8° to 2.247 kΩ /□ and 66.9°, respectively. However, direct-transfer graphene exhibit similar values even after ALD. These results indicate that Al 2 O 3 was deposited onto the active ALD nucleation sites of wet-transferred graphene, whereas direct-transfer graphene exhibited selective ALD growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the applications of Distant Retrograde Orbits (DROs) about the Moon in support of advanced concepts such as NASA's Asteroid Redirect Mission. It studies how to build a direct transfer from a low Earth orbit to a DRO, paying attention to the navigation challenges of each transfer option. The characteristics of planar DROs in the Earth-Moon system are examined. The paper focuses on a DRO that is in a 2:1 resonance with the lunar synodic period. Trade studies illustrate the relationships between the transfer trajectory duration, required launch energy, and DRO orbit insertion Δv cost. In addition, powered lunar flyby transfers are explored to determine potential cost savings in Δv. These investigations are conducted in both the Circular Restricted Three-Body system and in a high-fidelity model of the solar system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitrification is an alternative to slow-rate freezing for cryopreserving bovine embryos. However, this technology requires simplification if it is to be used under field conditions. The main objective of this work was to develop a new system for the direct transfer of vitrified embryos to be used under farm conditions. For this, three objectives were set: (1) to compare the effect of vitrification, using the cryologic vitrification method (CVM), and slow-rate freezing on bovine embryo development and quality; (2) to develop a one-step warming procedure for bovine in vitro –produced (IVP) vitrified (by CVM) embryos; and (3) to assess the effects on embryo survival of a new method for the direct transfer of vitrified IVP bovine blastocysts. In vitro –produced blastocysts were initially either vitrified by CVM or subjected to slow freezing to compare embryo survival and quality (experiment 1). No differences were detected between these cryopreservation techniques in terms of the survival and quality variables at 24 hours or in terms of the proteins expressed. However, at 48 hours the vitrified embryos showed higher hatching rates, greater total cell numbers, and lower apoptotic indices (P < 0.05). In experiment 2, CVM-vitrified IVP blastocysts were warmed by the conventional two-step or one-step warming procedure by incubating them at 41 °C in 0.25 M sucrose for 10 minutes, 0.15 M sucrose for 10 minutes, or 0.25 M sucrose for 5 minutes. In addition, embryo transfer (ET) was performed using vitrified embryos warmed by the one-step procedure in 0.25 M sucrose solution for 5 minutes. As a control group, IVP fresh embryos were transferred to recipient females. No differences were observed in embryo survival or total cell number between any of the warming procedures. Moreover, no significant differences for pregnancy at 60 days were found between the ET groups. In experiment 3, expanded IVP blastocysts were then either vitrified using a conventional or a modified fiber plug designed to allow direct ET after in-straw cryoprotectant (CP) dilution. They were warmed using the one-step process (0.25 M sucrose, 5 minutes) in a 0.25 mL French straw. Embryo recovery associated with the modified fibreplug system was less reliable than with the conventional system. However, no differences were seen between the systems in terms of in vitro embryo survival among those finally recovered. Finally, IVP blastocysts were vitrified using conventional fibreplugs to maintain a high embryo recovery rate, and then warmed using the one-step warming in-straw CP dilution procedure, but using an adapter with a wider opening coupled to the French straw and a heated metal chamber to protect and keep the straw at 41 °C (experiment 4). No differences were seen in embryo survival rates between the two groups. The CVM combined with this new one-step warming in-straw CP dilution procedure could be used for direct ET under field conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Multi-revolution Elliptic Halo (ME-Halo) orbit is a special kind of symmetric periodic orbits generated in the Elliptic Restricted Three-Body Problem (ERTBP). Its special properties, including a long period and a redundant stable direction, make it a promising nominal orbit in space mission design. In this paper, direct transfer to an ME-Halo orbit using its three-dimensional stable manifold is investigated in the Earth–Moon system. At first, perigee transfers along the main stable manifold are constructed, and different orbit injection points are surveyed. Then the manifold injection point is optimized locally. The impact of the redundant stable direction of the ME-Halo orbit is analyzed through a survey of apogee transfers using both of its two stable directions. This paper presents a first exploration of transferring to ME-Halo orbits, which is directly performed in the ERTBP. Results in this paper will enrich the preliminary space mission design by providing feasible strategies to reach ME-Halo orbits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on the fabrication of patterned flexible graphene devices via a facile direct transfer of bi-layer graphene grown on alumina (Al 2 O 3 ) substrate, and the use of Ag nanowire stickers as flexible electrodes. Patterned polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) stamps coated with vaporized dimethylformamide (DMF) are utilized to transfer as-grown graphene directly onto a flexible polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate. The facile direct transfer is attributed to the enhanced adhesion of the bi-layer graphene to PDMS, due to DMF-coating, as well as the weak adhesion between the bi-layer graphene and the Al 2 O 3 substrate. In this way, flexible patterned graphene devices have been fabricated with Ag nanowire stickers as electrodes. Stable electrical conduction characteristics were measured over repetitive bending with a bending radius down to 5 mm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the leading causes of death world-wide. Trauma system helps quick transfer of patients to trauma centers. Lack of organized trauma system leads to delay in transferring neurosurgical patients to neurosurgical centers. The main objective of this study was to determine the time lag in TBI patients transferred from trauma scene and those referred from other health facilities to neurosurgical center and the effects on outcome and hospital stay. Methods: It was a prospective study of TBI patients managed by our neurosurgical center from November 2010 to October 2013. Patients' data were collected in accident and emergency, wards and out-patient clinic using structured proforma that was component of our prospective data bank that was approved by Ethics Committee. The data was analyzed using Epi Info 7 Software. Results: Two hundred and twenty one patients were studied. There were 166 males. One hundred and one patients came direct from trauma scene. The median time to neurosurgical review was 5 hours for direct and 28 hours for referred patients. Mode of presentation did not affect the outcome and hospital stay significantly. Conclusion: Mode of presentation did not affect the outcome and hospital stay significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Effects of silk protein sericin (SPS) for serum-free freezing of bovine embryos were studied. [•] We assessed SPS effects on the survival of frozen-thawed embryos after in vitro culture and direct transfer to recipients. [•] Survival of SPS embryos and conventionally processed embryos were equal. [•] Embryos frozen with 0.5% SPS showed normal pregnancy and calving in recipients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to be obtained pregnancy after the transfer of in vivo cattle embryos frozen by direct transfer method with ethylene glycol. First of all, 56 in vitro produced cow embryos of good quality were frozen by direct transfer method with ethylene glycol. After thawing, embryos were transferred into TCM-199 + 0.1 mM β-mercaptoethanol + 10% foetal calf Serum (FCS) medium to check in vitro survival at 24-48 h. The re-expansion and hatching rate of blastocysts was 64.28% (36 blastocysts). At the second stage; 8 good quality embryos were collected from superovulated culture breed cows. Embryos were equilibrated for 15 min in room temperature in 1.8M ethylene glycol + 0.1M sucrose in dulbecco's phosphate buffered saline (D-PBS) supplemented with 20% newborn calf serum (CS). Embryos were then loaded individually into a 0.25 ml straw and placed directly into a cooling chamber of a programmable freezer with methyl alcohol precooled to -7°C. After 2 min, straw was seeded, maintained at -7°C for 8 min more, and then cooled to -30°C either at 0.3°C/min before being into liquid nitrogen. The frozen embryos were thawed by allowing the straw to stand in air for 5 to 6 sec and then immersing them in a 30°C water bath. Embryos frozen-thawed in the presence of EG were nonsurgically transferred into the uterine horn into the recipient without diluting the cryoprotectant. Synchronized recipient cows with prostaglandine F2a were received one embryo each in the horn ipsilateral to the corpus luteum (CL). Pregnancies were diagnosed by rectal palpation 60 days after embryo transfer. Eight frozen-thawed embryos were transferred directly to eight recipients and five recipients gave birth to five normal calves. The pregnancy rate was 62.5%. This result indicated that EG can be used effectively for cattle embryo freezing and transfer as a suitable cryoprotectant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While an extensive body of knowledge has accumulated on the structures of transcription factors, DNA and their complexes from both NMR and crystallography, much less is known at a molecular level regarding the mechanisms whereby transcription factors locate their specific DNA target site within an overwhelming sea of non-specific DNA sites. Indirect kinetic data suggested that three processes are involved in the search procedure: jumping by dissociation of the protein from the DNA followed by re-association at another site, direct transfer from one DNA molecule or segment to another, and one-dimensional sliding. In this brief perspective I summarize recent NMR developments from our laboratory that have permitted direct characterization of the species and molecular mechanisms involved in the target search process, including the detection of highly transient sparsely-populated states. The main tool in these studies involves the application of paramagnetic relaxation enhancement, supplemented by z-exchange spectroscopy, lineshape analysis and residual dipolar couplings. These studies led to the first direct demonstration of rotation-coupled sliding of a protein along the DNA and the direct transfer of a protein from one DNA molecule to another without dissociating into free solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to develop an in-straw dilution method suitable for direct transfer of vitrified bovine sexed embryos. Embryo sexing was performed by molecular diagnosis. Several sexed and vitrified-warmed embryos were transferred after evaluation of morphologically embryonic survival at warming and in-straw dilution (Evaluation group). The other embryos were immediately directly transferred to recipients without first being expelled from the straws after in-straw dilution (Non-evaluation group). The pregnancy rates of vitrified sexed embryos were 38.7% and 34.8% in the Evaluation group and Non-evaluation group, respectively, which were not significantly different. The viability of lower quality embryos before vitrification tended to be lower ( P = 0.087) than that of the higher quality embryos regardless of evaluating embryos after warming and in-straw dilution. The abortion rates were similar, and there was no difference between the two groups (13.9% and 12.5%, respectively). These results demonstrate that vitrified bovine sexed embryos can be vitrified and diluted by the in-straw method and that the vitrified and warmed sexed embryos can develop to term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comparative study has been carried out, comparing two different methods to estimate activity level likelihood ratios (L R a ) using Bayesian Networks. The first method uses the sub-source likelihood ratio (l o g 10 L R ϕ ) as a 'quality indicator'. However, this has been criticised as introducing potential bias from population differences in allelic proportions. An alternative method has been introduced that is based upon the total R F U of a DNA profile that is adjusted using the mixture proportion (M x) which is calculated from quantitative probabilistic genotyping software (EuroForMix). Bayesian logistic regressions of direct transfer data showed that the two methods were comparable. Differences were attributed to sampling error, and small sample sizes of secondary transfer data. The Bayesian approach facilitates comparative studies by taking account of sampling error; it can easily be extended to compare different methods. • Probabilities of direct and secondary transfer are modelled by logistic regression. • Two different methods (RFU vs sub-source LR) are compared. • A method to calibrate RFU against sub-source LR measurements is introduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Several lines of evidence have been reported previously to document the ability of the Vibrio harveyi NADPH-specific flavin reductase FRP to directly transfer reduced riboflavin-5′-phosphate to luciferase for bioluminescence. This study aimed at characterizing further the kinetic properties of FRP in such a direct channeling system and investigating whether the complete direct transfer of reduced flavin was the exclusive pathway in the FRP:luciferase coupled bioluminescence reaction. To these ends, a new kinetic approach of oxygen variation was employed. Results indicated that increases in oxygen concentration led to gradual decreases of the peak bioluminescence intensity, K m,FMN, and K m,NADPH of FRP in the coupled reaction. In comparison with theoretical schemes, these findings indicated that the FRP:luciferase coupled reaction can utilize reduced flavin by both free diffusion and direct transfer. The upper limits of the true K m,FMN and K m,NADPH of FRP in the direct transfer system were determined. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We developed a simple vitrification technique for bovine embryos that could permit direct transfer. Embryos were produced in-vitro by standard procedures. The base medium for cryopreservation was a chemically defined medium similar to SOF+25mM Hepes and 0.25% fatty acid free bovine serum albumin (FAF-BSA) (HCDM2). In experiment 1, embryos were first exposed to 3.5M ethylene glycol (V1) for 1, 2 or 3min at room temperature (20–24°C), and then moved to 7M ethylene glycol (V2) at 4 or 20–24°C and loaded in 0.25-mL straws. After 45s in 7M ethylene glycol, straws were placed in liquid nitrogen. Embryos that were loaded at 20–24°C had higher survival rates than those loaded at 4°C (P <0.05). Exposure for 1min was best for morulae, while 3min was best for blastocysts. In experiment 2, blastocysts were handled at 24°C and exposed to two concentrations of ethylene glycol in V1 (3.5 or 5M) followed by V2 as in experiment 1, two warming temperatures (20 or 37°C) and two post-warming holding times until culture (5 or 15min). Exposure to 5M ethylene glycol and warming at 37°C was the optimal combination of procedures, and embryos survived well after 15min in straws if warmed at 37°C. In experiment 3, ethylene glycol concentration (3, 4 or 5M) and exposure time (0.5 or 1min) during two-step addition of cryoprotectant were studied for bovine morulae. In experiment 4, morulae were exposed to V2 for 30 or 45s in HCDM2 or Vigro holding medium and then held in 22–24°C air or 37°C water post-warming. Experiment 5 was like experiment 4 except blastocysts were used. Overall survival rates of blastocysts in experiment 5 averaged 80% of non-vitrified controls after 48h culture. The survival rates with in vitro-produced morulae in experiments 1, 3 and 4 were unacceptable. Vitrification solutions based on Vigro tended to result in higher survival than HCDM2 for blastocysts, but not morulae. In experiment 6, the survival rate in vitro of in vivo-produced morulae and blastocysts after two-step vitrification was nearly 100%. Our vitrification technique was very effective for in vitro produced blastocysts, but not for in vitro-produced morulae. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In general Spanish, references to nonspecific third-person plurals are usually made by means of a verb occurring with the null form of the subject pronoun, as in llamaron del banco, rather than by means of a verb occurring with the overt form of the subject pronoun. In contrast to the position in this discussion, the literature presents null pronouns in these nonspecific 3pl contexts as resulting from a categorical syntactic rule, when in fact we consider that they are the result of a strong pragmatic constraint: overt ellos for nonspecific references are rare, not ungrammatical. That is, one occasionally does find in the Spanish of Latin America nonspecific 3pl NPs with overt subject pronouns, as in the disfavored but grammatical ellos llamaron del banco. This study, based on a large corpus of sociolinguistic interviews from the CUNY Project on the Spanish of New York, reveals that, among bilinguals in New York City whose exposure to English is intensive, such nonspecific ellos are even more frequent. Three degrees of nonspecificity are recognized in the literature on 3pl nonspecific NPs. Among both contact and non-contact speakers, the use of overt nonspecific ellos increases as nonspecificity decreases, though the absolute numbers are much larger in New York. In this way, the contact dialect is a quantitatively enhanced copy of the qualitatively identical pre-contact variety. Since, as the evidence presented here shows, examples of overt nonspecific ellos are found in Spanish in Latin America, their appearance in Spanish in New York does not represent a radical change in the syntax of contact Spanish; instead, these usages are an example of the familiar situation where contact varieties expand usages that were already incipient in the pre-contact community. Thus, the study would appear to indicate that the use of overt nonspecific ellos in New York represents a quantitative change in the strength of a pragmatic constraint that guides the use of subject pronouns, not a qualitative change in a syntactic rule that governs their use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Turbid water can be the source of important sanitary problems in karstic regions. It is the case of the Pays de Caux, in Haute Normandie, where the main resource in drinking water is provided by the chalk aquifer. In the case of the typical binary karst of the Pays de Caux, turbidity results from the input in sinkholes of turbid surface water induced by erosion on the plateaus. At some spring tappings, water may be very turbid in period of intense rainfall. The turbidity observed at a karstic spring is a complex signal which contains a part of direct transfer and a part of resuspension of the particles being transported. The aim of this study is turbidigraph separation, which would permit to distinguish the direct transfer and resuspension components of the turbidigraph. These two components are separated by comparing the elementary surface storm-derived water fluxes and elementary turbidity signals at the spring. The procedure takes place in three phases: (i) spring hydrograph separation by means of a two components mixing model (surface water and karstic groundwater) using specific electrical conductivity, (ii) decomposition of storm-derived water flux and turbidity thanks to the second-derivative method, (iii) comparison of the transfer times (&ap;modal times) of the elementary turbidity and surface water flux signals, respectively. The mass corresponding to direct transfer, computed after signal decomposition, is then used to re-calculate a particle recovery rate, which passes so from 51±4 to 37±3%. Relations between particle flux and hydrodynamics show that resuspension can be either the fact of the dynamics of the introduction system, or that of the chalk karstic aquifer in general (case of resuspension not associated to surface water flux). In this sense, evolution of particle flux (and consequently of turbidity) can be also a marker of the karst structure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The objective of these experiments was to assess putative embryotrophic effects of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) on bovine preimplantation development in chemically defined media. Recombinant human LIF was added to embryo culture media at a concentration of 100 ng/ml. When added for culture of morulae LIF had no positive effect on the proportion of embryos reaching the blastocyst stage. However, LIF significantly reduced development to the blastocyst stage when added for culture of 4-cell stage embryos (P<0.05). In contrast, a positive effect was found for progression of blastocyst development. In vitro blastocyst hatching rates were significantly improved in the presence of LIF (P<0.02). Number of total cells and of inner cell mass (ICM) cells were increased in LIF-treated blastocysts. In vitro survival of frozen-thawed blastocysts was not improved by adding LIF to morula stage embryos before cryopreservation. The pregnancy rate after direct transfer of cryopreserved LIF-treated embryos was not different from that for untreated control embryos. Data indicate that addition of LIF has no major beneficial effect on bovine embryos produced in these chemically defined conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The absence of a proper study of lithography and offset printing has rendered unreliable the print historian's capacity to chart our new technological landscape. Authors who have shaped our thinking in regard to printing have mostly formed their views by studying letterpress printing. They have largely ignored newer processes. Now, as 'lithographic' methods are in their turn becoming outmoded, George Sarton's assertion that the 'double invention' of printing made a significant impact on Western science may be useful in explaining the complicated nature of print. Adopting Sarton's idea, it is easy to see how this dual system of printing was successfully transformed by Senefelder's invention into an integrated method of information transfer. Lithography displaced engraving where it was quicker or more effective, and recent journal articles suggest that much scientific illustration of this kind remains unexamined. Other solid evidence published so far paints to the use of lithography in printing maps and official instruction manuals. The less formal nature of lithographic layout and composition also points to the development of modern newspaper illustration. Lithography's flexibility has implications for the study of graphic design and it may provide a fresh context to our understanding of the syntax of imagery in all new media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bayesian logistic regression is used to model the probability of DNA recovery following direct and secondary transfer and persistence over a 24 h period between deposition and sample collection. Sub-source level likelihood ratios provided the raw data for activity-level analysis. Probabilities of secondary transfer are typically low, and there are challenges with small data-sets with low numbers of positive observations. However, the persistence of DNA over time can be modelled by a single logistic regression for both direct and secondary transfer, except that the time since deposition must be compensated by an offset value for the latter. This simplifies the analysis. Probabilities are used to inform an activity-level Bayesian Network that takes account of alternative propositions e.g. time of assault and time of social activities. The model is extended in order to take account of multiple contacts between person of interest and 'victim'. Variables taken into account include probabilities of direct and secondary transfer, along with background DNA from unknown individuals. The logistic regression analysis is Bayesian — for each analysis, 4000 separate simulations were carried out. Quantile assignments enable calculation of a plausible range of probabilities and sensitivity analysis is used to describe the corresponding variation of L R s that occur when modelled by the Bayesian network. It is noted that there is need for consistent experimental design, and analysis, to facilitate inter-laboratory comparisons. Appropriate recommendations are made. The open-source program written in R-code ALTRaP (Activity Level, Transfer, Recovery and Persistence) enables analysis of complex multiple transfer propositions that are commonplace in cases-work e.g. between those who cohabit. A number of case examples are provided. ALTRaP can be used to replicate the results and can easily be modified to incorporate different sets of data and variables. • Bayesian logistic regression is used to model DNA recovery following transfer and persistence. • A Bayesian network is used to analyse activity level propositions. • Multiple secondary and direct transfer events can be modelled. • Sensitivity analysis is described. • A new program: Activity Level Transfer, Recovery and Persistence (ALTRaP) automates analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanofiber Electrodes: Self-Standing Nanofiber Electrodes with Pt-Co Derived from Electrospun Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework for High Temperature PEM Fuel Cells (Adv. Funct. Keywords: direct transfer; electrospinning; high temperature PEM fuel cell; oxygen reduction reaction; platinum-cobalt EN direct transfer electrospinning high temperature PEM fuel cell oxygen reduction reaction platinum-cobalt 1 1 1 02/12/21 20210210 NES 210210 In article number 2006771, Shao Jing, Wenjing Zhang, and co-workers develop a flexible self-standing nanofiber electrode doped with Pt-Co alloy nanocatalysts via electrospinning. Direct transfer, electrospinning, high temperature PEM fuel cell, oxygen reduction reaction, platinum-cobalt. [Extracted from the article]

From healthcare to environmental sensors, small operational devices are being developed to monitor and report in a host of new environments. These varied environments require widely varying material properties to meet operational challenges. Unfortunately, the tools used for device fabrication are not fully compatible with the breadth of substrates being utilized. The ability to transfer operational devices from a fabrication‐friendly substrate to any arbitrary substrate is essential to meet needs. Single layer hydrogenated graphene (HG) is an excellent candidate to support the transfer of operational devices. Hydrogenation of graphene weakens the film's van der Waals interaction with its substrate, allowing it to delaminate in water. The free‐floating HG layer can then be placed onto a new substrate. In this work, this property is exploited to transfer working field‐effect transistors (FETs) and gas‐sensing polymer films onto representative hard and flexible substrates. The transferred devices are operational in place and are spaced only one atomic layer away from their final substrate surface. The versatility of HG‐assisted device transfer is also demonstrated by transferring devices onto curved, irregular, and fragile surfaces that are otherwise not fabrication‐friendly, including an nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy tube, plastic water bottle, waxy plant leaf, and a culture of live neurons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]