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Context. Recent studies of the optical depth comparing [12C II] and [13C II] line profiles in Galactic star-forming regions have revealed strong self-absorption in [12C II] by low excitation foreground material. This implies a high column density for C+, corresponding to equivalent AV values of a few (up to about 10) mag. Aims. As the nature and origin of such a great column of cold C+ foreground gas are difficult to determine, it is essential to constrain the physical conditions of this material. Methods. We conducted high-resolution observations of [O I] 63 μm and [O I] 145 μm lines in M17 SW and Mon R2. The [O I] 145 μm transition traces warm PDR-material, while the [O I] 63 μm line traces the foreground material, as manifested by the absorption dips. Results. A comparison of both [O I] line profiles with [C II] isotopic lines confirm warm PDR-origin background emission and a significant column of cold foreground material, causing the self-absorption to be visible in the [12C II] and [O I] 63 μm profiles. In M17 SW, the C+ and O0 column densities are comparable for both layers. Mon R2 exhibits larger O0 columns compared to C+, indicating additional material where the carbon is neutral or in molecular form. Small-scale spatial variations in the foreground absorption profiles and the large column density (~1018 cm−2) of the foreground material suggest the emission is coming from high-density regions associated with the cloud complex – and not a uniform diffuse foreground cloud. Conclusions. The analysis confirms that the previously detected intense [C II] foreground absorption is attributable to a large column of low-excitation dense atomic material, where carbon is ionized and oxygen is in a neutral atomic form. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Obesity is an increasing problem, even in young women of reproductive age. Obesity has a negative impact on conception, the course of pregnancy, and neonatal outcomes. Caring for obese pregnant women has becoming an important aspect of standard prenatal care. The Guideline "Obesity and Pregnancy" of the German Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics aims to create evidence-based recommendations which can be used to improve the care of obese pregnant women. As obesity is a worldwide problem, many societies for obstetrics and gynecology have created national guidelines. Methods: We reviewed the following guidelines for obesity and pregnancy: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) 2021, Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (RCOG) 2018; AND Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada (SOGC) 2019. These guidelines were compared to the German guideline. Results: There are some variations between the guidelines, though no major contradictions exist. Disparities were found regarding the recommendations for substitution of high folic acid and Vitamin D. Furthermore, the recommended time for screening for gestational diabetes and the methods to control fetal growth differ between the guidelines. Regarding place of birth, RCOG allows delivery in midwifery-led units in the absence of other high-risk circumstances, while others request facility of care by neonatologists and medical staff trained in care of obese women. Induction of labor at term due to increased risk of intrauterine demise is mostly limited to women with a body mass index of 40 kg/m2. Only one guideline considers induction of all obese women. For intrapartum management, the majority allows tolerating of longer labor times to delivery if fetal monitoring is sufficient and fetal stress is excluded. Special encouragement of breastfeeding and healthy lifestyle is commonly recommended; only in the Canadian guideline, postpartum depression evaluation is requested due to the overall high prevalence of depression and anxiety in obese women. Conclusion: All guidelines consider pregnancies in obese women as high-risk pregnancies and emphasize the need for preconception counseling. There are special needs in pregnancy care and in the intrapartum and postpartum management to be observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a home-built chirped-pulse Fourier transform millimeter wave (CP-FTMMW) spectrometer. The setup is devoted to the sensitive recording of high-resolution molecular spectroscopy in the W band between 75 and 110 GHz. We describe the experimental setup in detail, including a characterization of the chirp excitation source, the optical beam path, and the receiver. The receiver is a further development of our 100 GHz emission spectrometer. The spectrometer is equipped with a pulsed jet expansion and a DC discharge. Spectra of methyl cyanide as well as hydrogen cyanide (HCN) and hydrogen isocyanide (HNC) products from the DC discharge of this molecule are recorded to characterize the performance of the CP-FTMMW instrument. The formation of the HCN isomer is favored by a factor of 63 with respect to HNC. Hot/cold calibration measurements enable a direct comparison of the signal and noise levels of the CP-FTMMW spectra to those of the emission spectrometer. For the CP-FTMMW instrument, we find many orders of magnitude of signal enhancement and a much stronger noise reduction due to the coherent detection scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the last two decades, the Institute of Microtechnology (IMT) has contributed in two important fields to future thin-film silicon solar cell processing and design: (1) In 1987, IMT introduced the so-called 'very high frequency glow discharge (VHF-GD)' technique, a method that leads to a considerable enhancement in the deposition rate of amorphous and microcrystalline silicon layers. As a direct consequence of reduced plasma impedances at higher plasma excitation frequencies, silane dissociation is enhanced and the maximum energy of ions bombarding the growing surface is reduced. Due to softer ion bombardment on the growing surface, the VHF process also favours the formation of microcrystalline silicon. Based on these beneficial properties of VHF plasmas, for the growth of thin silicon films, plasma excitation frequencies [f.sub.exc] in the range 30-300MHz, i.e. clearly higher than the standard 13.56 MHz, are indeed scheduled to play an important role in future production equipment. (2) In 1994, IMT pioneered a novel thin-film solar cell, the microcrystalline silicon solar cell. This new type of thin-film absorber material--a form of crystalline silicon--opens up the way for a new concept, the so-called 'micromorph' tandem solar cell concept. This term stands for the combination of a microcrystalline silicon bottom cell and an amorphous silicon top cell. Thanks to the lower band gap and to the stability of microcrystalline silicon solar cells, a better use of the full solar spectrum is possible, leading, thereby, to higher efficiencies than those obtained with solar cells based solely on amorphous silicon. Both the VHF-GD deposition technique and the 'micromorph' tandem solar cell concept are considered to be essential for future thin-film PV modules, as they bear the potential for combining high-efficiency devices with low-cost manufacturing processes. Keywords: Amorphous silicon; Microcrystalline silicon; Thin film silicon solar cells; Light-trapping; IP-CVD ZnO; VHF-PECVD

Aim: Poor glucose control is associated with adverse outcomes in pregnancies with pre‐existing diabetes. However, strict glucose control increases the risk of severe hypoglycaemia, particularly in the first trimester. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether less tight glucose control in the first trimester determines adverse outcomes or can be compensated for by good control in late pregnancy. Methods: Retrospective data were collected from 517 singleton pregnancies complicated by pre‐existing diabetes delivering between 2010 and 2017. Three hundred and thirty‐six pregnancies fulfilled the inclusion criteria of having available HbA1c values either pre‐conception or in the first trimester (65% type 1 diabetes, 35% type 2 diabetes). Results: Higher HbA1c values in the first trimester were associated with increasing rates of large for gestational age (LGA) neonates, preterm delivery or neonatal intensive care unit admissions. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated third trimester HbA1c, type 1 diabetes, multiparity and excess weight gain, but not first trimester HbA1c, to be independently predictive for LGA. Pre‐eclampsia and third trimester HbA1c increased the risk for preterm delivery. If HbA1c was ≤ 42 mmol/mol (6.0%) in the third trimester, rates of adverse outcomes were not significantly higher even if HbA1c targets of ≤ 48 mmol/mol (6.5%) had not been met in the first trimester. Good first trimester glucose control did not modify the rates of adverse outcomes if HbA1c was > 42 mmol/mol (6.0%) in the third trimester. Conclusions: Less tight glycaemic control, for example due to high frequency of severe hypoglycaemia in the first trimester, does not lead to increased adverse neonatal events if followed by tight control in the third trimester. Besides glycaemic control, excess weight gain is a modifiable predictor of adverse outcome. What's new?: Poor glucose control in the third trimester is known to be associated with adverse outcomes in pregnancies with pre‐existing diabetes, but the contribution of early pregnancy glycaemia remains controversial.Higher first trimester HbA1c is associated with increasing rates of large for gestational age neonates, preterm delivery and transfer to neonatal intensive care units.First trimester HbA1c ≥ 48 mmol/mol (6.5%) does not result in significant increased rates of adverse outcomes if HbA1c is ≤ 42 mmol/mol (6.0%) in the third trimester.Even if severe hypoglycaemia in the first trimester prompts less tight glycaemic control, good neonatal outcomes can still be achieved with satisfactory glucose control in the third trimester. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To compare glycaemic control, maternal and neonatal outcomes in pregnancies with Type 1 diabetes, managed either by continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion, multiple daily insulin injection or switch from multiple daily insulin injection (MDI) to continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) in early pregnancy. Research design and methods: Data from 339 singleton pregnancies were retrospectively reviewed. HbA1c values were measured preconception and in each trimester. In a secondary analysis, use of CSII pre‐pregnancy was compared with initiation of CSII during pregnancy. Results: MDI was used in 140 pregnancies (41.3%) and CSII was used in 199 (58.7%), including 34 pregnancies (10.0%) during which the women switched to CSII. In pregnancies during which CSII was used duration of diabetes [median (interquartile range) 16.0 (8.0–23.0) years vs 11.0 (5.5–17.5) years; P<0.001] was longer, and the Institute of Medicine recommendations for appropriate weight gain were exceeded more often (64.8% vs. 50.8%; P=0.01). CSII use and pre‐pregnancy BMI were independent predictors of excess weight gain. There was no difference in glucose control, but CSII was associated with higher birth weight [median (interquartile range) 3720 (3365–4100) g vs 3360 (3365–4100) g; P<0.001] and higher large‐for‐gestational‐age (LGA) rate (44.7% vs. 33.6%; P=0.04) than MDI. HbA1c concentration in the third trimester and excess weight gain were predictive of LGA infants [odds ratio 2.33 (95% CI 1.54–3.51); P<0.001 and 1.89 (95% CI 1.02–3.51); P=0.04]. In pregnancies where CSII therapy was initiated in the first trimester and in those with pre‐pregnancy use, similar glucose control and outcome was achieved. Conclusions: There was no advantage of CSII with respect to glycaemic control and neonatal outcomes. The rate of LGA neonates was higher in the CSII group, possibly mediated by excess maternal weight gain, which was more frequent than in women treated with MDI. What's new?: The use of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) in pregnancies complicated by Type 1 diabetes is increasing but the benefits remain controversial.Our study of 339 pregnancies demonstrated no advantage of CSII with regard to achievement of good glucose control and neonatal outcomes. Rates of large‐for‐gestational‐age neonates were higher with CSII use, potentially mediated by excess weight gain.The high rates of excess weight gain in women using insulin pumps in pregnancy highlight the importance of intensified weight gain counselling.When planning pregnancy, data do not support a switch to CSII in women who have adequate control with multiple daily insulin injections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Massive stars inject mechanical and radiative energy into the surrounding environment, which stirs it up, heats the gas, produces cloud and intercloud phases in the interstellar medium, and disrupts molecular clouds (the birth sites of new stars1,2). Stellar winds, supernova explosions and ionization by ultraviolet photons control the lifetimes of molecular clouds3-7. Theoretical studies predict that momentum injection by radiation should dominate that by stellar winds8, but this has been difficult to assess observationally. Velocity-resolved large-scale images in the fine-structure line of ionized carbon ([C II]) provide an observational diagnostic for the radiative energy input and the dynamics of the interstellar medium around massive stars. Here we report observations of a one-square-degree region (about 7 parsecs in diameter) of Orion molecular core 1—the region nearest to Earth that exhibits massive-star formation—at a resolution of 16 arcseconds (0.03 parsecs) in the [C II] line at 1.9 terahertz (158 micrometres). The results reveal that the stellar wind originating from the massive star θ1 Orionis C has swept up the surrounding material to create a 'bubble' roughly four parsecs in diameter with a 2,600-solar-mass shell, which is expanding at 13 kilometres per second. This finding demonstrates that the mechanical energy from the stellar wind is converted very efficiently into kinetic energy of the shell and causes more disruption of the Orion molecular core 1 than do photo-ionization and evaporation or future supernova explosions. Wind from the most massive star in the Trapezium cluster in Orion has carved out a large and expanding cavity around the cluster, bounded by a thin, 2,600-solar-mass shell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present first results on a newly built broadband emission spectrometer for the laboratory making use of a double sideband (DSB) heterodyne receiver. The new spectrometer is perfectly suited for high-resolution emission spectroscopy of molecules of astrophysical importance. The current SIS receiver operates at RF frequencies between 270 and 390 GHz, coincident with Band 7 of the ALMA telescope. The instantaneous bandwidth is 5 GHz (DSB). In this work the full spectrometer and its components are described. Its performance, in particular its sensitivity, stability, reproducibility and systematic errors, is characterized in detail. For this purpose very broad band emission spectra of methyl cyanide have been recorded and compared to theoretical spectra. Isotopic variants are found in natural abundance and features attributed to vibrationally excited species are all recorded in the same spectrum. The performance of the new spectrometer is compared extensively to that of a traditional FM-absorption spectrometer and to recent versions of chirped-pulse spectrometers operated in the mm-wave regime. Further applications and future advancements of the current instrument are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pregnancy is a complex period of human growth, development, and imprinting. Nutrition and metabolism play a crucial role for the health and well-being of both mother and fetus, as well as for the long-term health of the offspring. Nevertheless, several biological and physiological mechanisms related to nutritive requirements together with their transfer and utilization across the placenta are still poorly understood. In February 2009, the Child Health Foundation invited leading experts of this field to a workshop to critically review and discuss current knowledge, with the aim to highlight priorities for future research. This paper summarizes our main conclusions with regards to maternal preconceptional body mass index, gestational weight gain, placental and fetal requirements in relation to adverse pregnancy and long-term outcomes of the fetus (nutritional programming). We conclude that there is an urgent need to develop further human investigations aimed at better understanding of the basis of biochemical mechanisms and pathophysiological events related to maternal-fetal nutrition and offspring health. An improved knowledge would help to optimize nutritional recommendations for pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The high-resolution far-infrared spectrometer GREAT is now routinely operated onboard the NASA/DLR airborne observatory SOFIA. The instrument runs simultaneously two receivers in scienceselected frequency windows between 1.25 and 4.7 THz. Because the instrument has seen major upgrades during the last years we will briefly review the present instrument configurations and performances. The extension of GREAT to mid-size heterodyne arrays is under way. The commissioning of our low-frequency array, operating 2 ? 7 HEB mixers at 1.9 THz in two polarizations in a hexagonal configuration, was successfully concluded in 2015, and will be available for community projects during SOFIA's cycle 4. A second (high-frequency) array with 7 pixels aiming at the frequency of the [OI] fine-structure line at 4.7 THz is under construction, with commissioning planned for late 2016. In more than 60 successful science flights, most of them performing community projects, a wide variety of astrophysical questions has been addressed, with particular interest in velocity-resolved spectroscopy of the most important ISM cooling lines accessible to GREAT, namely the [CII] and [OI] atomic fine-structure and the mid-J CO rotational transitions. On the example of a few selected science cases the performance of the instrument will be illustrated, and the science opportunities with the instrument in its current and near-future configurations will be addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have observed five sulphur-bearing molecules in foreground diffuse molecular clouds lying along the sight-lines to five bright continuum sources. We have used the GREAT instrument on SOFIA to observe the SH 1383 GHz 2Π3/2 ← = 5/2 = 3/2 lambda doublet toward the star-forming regions W31C, G29.96-0.02, G34.3+0.1, W49N and W51, detecting foreground absorption towards all five sources; and the EMIR receivers on the IRAM 30 m telescope at Pico Veleta to detect the H2S 110-101 (169 GHz), CS J = 2-1 (98 GHz) and SO 32-21 (99 GHz) transitions. Upper limits on the H3S+ 10-00 (293 GHz) transition were also obtained at the IRAM 30 m. In nine foreground absorption components detected towards these sources, the inferred column densities of the four detected molecules showed relatively constant ratios, with N(SH)/N(H2S) in the range 1.1-3.0, N(CS)/N(H2S) in the range 0.32-0.61, and N(SO)/N(H2S) in the range 0.08-0.30. The column densities of the sulphur-bearing molecules are very well correlated amongst themselves, moderately well correlated with CH (a surrogate tracer for H2), and poorly correlated with atomic hydrogen. The observed SH/H2 ratios - in the range 5 to 26 × 10-9 - indicate that SH (and other sulphur-bearing molecules) account for «1% of the gas-phase sulphur nuclei. The observed abundances of sulphur-bearing molecules, however, greatly exceed those predicted by standard models of cold diffuse molecular clouds, providing further evidence for the enhancement of endothermic reaction rates by elevated temperatures or ion-neutral drift. We have considered the observed abundance ratios in the context of shock and turbulent dissipation region (TDR) models. Using the TDR model, we find that the turbulent energy available at large scale in the diffuse ISM is sufficient to explain the observed column densities of SH and CS. Standard shock and TDR models, however, fail to reproduce the column densities of H2S and SO by a factor of about 10; more elaborate shock models - in which account is taken of the velocity drift, relative to H2, of SH molecules produced by the dissociative recombination of H3S+ - reduce this discrepancy to a factor ~3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers clinical practice guidelines for diagnosis, therapy, and follow-up care of gestational diabetes mellitus. A definition of gestational diabetes mellitus is provided, along with pathophysiology, epidemiology, and acute and long-term consequences for the mother. Topics include recurrence risk for gestational diabetes, acute and long-term consequences for the child, and screening and diagnosis.

Context. We analyze the NGC 2024 Ho region and molecular cloud interface using [12CII] and [13 CII] observations. Alma. We attempt to gain insight into the physical structure of the interface layer between the molecular cloud and the HII region. Methods. Observations of [`12CII] and [13Co] emission at 158 μm with high spatial and spectral resolution allow us to study the detailed structure of the ionization front and estimate the column densities and temperatures of the ionized carbon layer in the photon- dominated region. Results. The [12CII] emission closely follows the distribution of the 8 μm continuum. Across most of the source, the spectral lines have two velocity peaks similar to lines of rare CO isotopes. The [13;CII] emission is detected near the edge-on ionization front. It has only a single velocity component, which implies that the [°Cti] line shape is caused by self-absorption. An anomalous hyperfine line-intensity ratio observed in [13 CII] cannot yet be explained. Conclusions. Our analysis of the two isotopes results in a total column density of N(H) 1 .6 x 1023 cm-2 in the gas emitting the [CII] line. A large fraction of this gas has to beat a temperature of several hundred K. The self-absorption is caused by a cooler (T ≤ 100 K) foreground component containing a column density of N(H) ≈ 1022 cm-2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]