Square Function Estimates and Functional Calculi

In this paper the notion of an abstract square function (estimate) is introduced as an operator X to gamma (H; Y), where X, Y are Banach spaces, H is a Hilbert space, and gamma(H; Y) is the space of gamma-radonifying operators. By the seminal work of Kalton and Weis, this definition is a coherent generalisation of the classical notion of square function appearing in the theory of singular integrals. Given an abstract functional calculus (E, F, Phi) on a Banach space X, where F (O) is an algebra of scalar-valued functions on a set O, we define a square function Phi_gamma(f) for certain H-valued functions f on O. The assignment f to Phi_gamma(f) then becomes a vectorial functional calculus, and a "square function estimate" for f simply means the boundedness of Phi_gamma(f). In this view, all results linking square function estimates with the boundedness of a certain (usually the H-infinity) functional calculus simply assert that certain square function estimates imply other square function estimates. In the present paper several results of this type are proved in an abstract setting, based on the principles of subordination, integral representation, and a new boundedness concept for subsets of Hilbert spaces, the so-called ell-1 -frame-boundedness. These abstract results are then applied to the H-infinity calculus for sectorial and strip type operators. For example, it is proved that any strip type operator with bounded scalar H-infinity calculus on a strip over a Banach space with finite cotype has a bounded vectorial H-infinity calculus on every larger strip.Comment: 49

Electron Symmetry Breaking during Attosecond Charge Migration Induced by Laser Pulses: Point Group Analyses for Quantum Dynamics

Quantum simulations of the electron dynamics of oriented benzene and Mg-porphyrin driven by short (<10 fs) laser pulses yield electron symmetry breaking during attosecond charge migration. Nuclear motions are negligible on this time domain, i.e., the point group symmetries G = D6h and D4h of the nuclear scaffolds are conserved. At the same time, the symmetries of the one-electron densities are broken, however, to specific subgroups of G for the excited superposition states. These subgroups depend on the polarization and on the electric fields of the laser pulses. They can be determined either by inspection of the symmetry elements of the one-electron density which represents charge migration after the laser pulse, or by a new and more efficient group-theoretical approach. The results agree perfectly with each other. They suggest laser control of symmetry breaking. The choice of the target subgroup is restricted, however, by a new theorem, i.e., it must contain the symmetry group of the time-dependent electronic Hamiltonian of the oriented molecule interacting with the laser pulse(s). This theorem can also be applied to confirm or to falsify complementary suggestions of electron symmetry breaking by laser pulses

Analysis of Na+-D-glucose cotransporter and other renal brush border proteins in human urine

Analysis of Na+-D-glucose cotransporter and other renal brush border proteins in human urine. A sensitive quantitative radioimmunoassay is described by which different antigens in the urine can be assayed simultaneously. Urinary excretion of three proteins from proximal tubules was compared: 1) the Na+-D-glucose cotransporter from brush border membranes and subapical vesicles; 2) a kidney-specific hydrophobic Mr 400,000 polypeptide from intermicroviUar invaginations and subapical vesicles; and 3) villin from microvilli cores. In the normal urine about 50% of the excreted Na+-D-glucose cotransporter and villin, and about 25% of the Mr 400,000 polypeptide was associated with brush border membrane vesicles, whereas trie remaining fractions of the three proteins formed small sedimentable aggregates which contained some cholesterol and fatty acids but no phospholipids. The normal urinary excretion of the Na+-D-glucose cotransporter was correlated with that of villin and the Mr 400,000 polypeptide. The data show that membrane proteins from the proximal tubule are excreted by the shedding of different brush border membrane areas. They suggest that some microvilli are released in total, and that a large fraction of the brush border membrane proteins is excreted without being associated with a phospholipid bilayer. In an attempt to define protein excretion patterns during kidney malfunctions, the excretion of brush border membrane proteins was analyzed after one intravenous injection of the X-ray contrast medium, iopamidol. No change in villin excretion was observed, but a reversible increase in the excretion of brush border membrane proteins was found in patients without diabetes. With diabetes a more pronounced iopamidol effect on the excretion of brush border membrane proteins and a significant increase in the excretion of villin was observed

Urine hepcidin has additive value in ruling out cardiopulmonary bypass-associated acute kidney injury: an observational cohort study

This study was supported by grants from the German Heart Foundation (Deutsche Stiftung für Herzforschung) and from the Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung, Germany

Feather Corticosterone Measurements and Behavioral Observations in the Great White Pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus) Living under Different Flight Restraint Conditions in German Zoos

The welfare of zoo birds kept under flight restraint is a frequently discussed topic. Therefore, this study was conducted with one of the most regularly kept types of deflighted birds in German zoos, the great white pelican, to find scientific data regarding welfare assessments of deflighted birds. The detection of corticosterone in feathers (CORTf) as a stress indicator for birds is an almost completely noninvasive form of measurement meant to evaluate the effects of deflighting birds in zoos. Three groups of animals were compared: irreversibly deflighted pelicans that were pinioned or extirpated, reversibly deflighted individuals that were feather-clipped, and airworthy pelicans that were able to fly. Combining two independent research methods, behavioral observation and the measurement of CORTf levels of great white pelicans, we aimed to obtain an objective overview of whether deflighted birds showed differences in CORTf or behavior compared to airworthy birds. As a result of the analysis, we found no significant differences in CORTf between flight-restricted and airworthy birds. However, reversibly deflighted pelicans had higher CORTf values than irreversibly deflighted and airworthy pelicans. In addition, pelicans living in groups consisting of more than 10 individuals showed lower CORTf values than pelicans in groups of less than 10 individuals. "Fluttering" behavior was significantly associated with higher CORTf values. In conclusion, the flight restriction of great white pelicans does not seem to impact the welfare indicators assessed in this study, adrenal activity, or behavior. The data show that the living conditions of pelicans (such as group size) may influence the welfare of these birds. To confirm this, further studies on other ground- and water-based birds are needed to provide more scientific data on animal welfare and living conditions in zoos. The pinioning of birds was previously one of the most-accepted forms of mutilation in zoos. Despite a lack of knowledge on the effects of deflighting procedures with regard to the well-being of deflighted birds, pelicans are often reversibly deflighted by feather-clipping to keep them in open enclosures, including those with ponds without netting. In the present study, we focused on the welfare implications of flight restraint on one of the most commonly kept types of birds in German zoos, the great white pelican. A combination of behavioral observations and feather corticosterone concentrations (CORTf) of pelicans with different deflighting statuses (i.e., irreversibly deflighted, reversibly deflighted, and airworthy) was used to evaluate the effects of deflighting status on pelican welfare. We observed 215 individuals in 21 different German zoos. The pelicans lived in differently designed exhibits. An ethogram for these species was developed and their behavior was evaluated by scan sampling. Feather samples from 182 individuals were collected to determine if different deflighting conditions influenced the CORTf and therefore stress levels. The hypothesis was that the CORTf values of airworthy pelicans differ from those of deflighted pelicans. Tendencies with regard to the flight status groups were found. Conversely, reversibly deflighted pelicans had higher CORTf levels than irreversible deflighted and airworthy pelicans. Tendencies with regard to CORTf values and the group size of the kept pelicans were observed. The CORTf values were lower in groups consisting of more than 10 animals. In addition, the frequency of fluttering behavior was positively associated with CORTf values. Pelicans that frequently showed fluttering had higher CORTf values. Therefore, fluttering behavior might be considered a sign of stress levels in pelicans. This study is one of the first important steps in assessing the impact of deflighting procedures on the welfare of great white pelicans kept in zoos

Feather corticosterone measurements of greater flamingos living under different forms of flight restraint

This research was supported by the German Association of Zoological Gardens (Verband der Zoologischen Gärten e.V, VdZ) with 20,000 €.Deflighting zoo birds is a practice that receives increasing criticism due to its presumed incompatibility with animal welfare. To our knowledge, this is the first approach to address this problem in a scientific way. To do this, we compared feather corticosterone (CORTf) from Greater Flamingos (Phoenicopterus roseus, n = 151) of different flight status (i.e., pinioned, feather clipped, airworthy) from twelve different zoological institutions. To complement the hormone measurements, behavioral observations (scan samplings) were conducted prior to feather sampling within the presumed time frame of feather growth. We hypothesized that CORTf of the deflighted flamingos would differ from CORTf of their airworthy conspecifics. No significant difference in CORTf was found between the three groups, and our hypothesis was rejected. However, the impact of the institution itself (i.e., the housing conditions) proved to be the most dominant variable (variance between the institutions = 53.82%). Due to high variability, the behavioral observations were evaluated descriptively but did not give rise to doubt the findings in CORTf. Therefore, we assume that the method of flight restraint of Greater Flamingos does not have a measurable effect on CORTf. We consider this model for evaluating animal welfare of zoo birds a useful tool and provide ideas for further adjustments for consecutive studies

Demonstration of Feeding Vehicle-Integrated Photovoltaic-Converted Energy into the High-Voltage On-Board Network of Practical Light Commercial Vehicles for Range Extension

The setting up of a practical electrically driven light commercial demonstration vehicle with integrated photovoltaics (PV) is reported. The demonstrator vehicle is equipped with 15 modules based on the crystalline Si/amorphous Si heterojunction technology. The nominal total peak power under standard testing conditions is 2180 Wp. Specifically, the PV-converted energy is fed into the high-voltage (HV; 400 V) board-net for a utilization of the large capacity of the HV battery and thus for direct range extension. The demonstrator vehicle is equipped with irradiation, wind, temperature, magnetic, and global positioning system sensors. Irradiation and temperature as well as the energy flows from modules, maximum power point trackers (MPPTs), low-voltage buffer battery to HV battery via DC/DC, and from the HV battery to the loads during an exemplarily test drive day (May 31, 2021) are monitored. The range extension obtained at this day on our test route (51° 59′ N, 9° 31′ E) was 36 km, the corresponding CO2 savings account for ≈2.3 kg. The chain efficiency of the electronic components from the input side of the MPPTs to the HV output side of the DC/DC was 68.6%, whereas the DC/DC itself has an average efficiency of 90%. © 2021 The Authors. Solar RRL published by Wiley-VCH Gmb

Effects of articaine on [3H]noradrenaline release from cortical and spinal cord slices prepared from normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and compared to lidocaine.

Since a significant proportion of diabetic patients have clinical or subclinical neuropathy, there may be concerns about the use of local anaesthetics. The present study was designed to determine and compare the effects of articaine, a widely used anaesthetic in dental practice, and lidocaine on the resting and axonal stimulation-evoked release of [3H]noradrenaline ([3H]NA) in prefrontal cortex slices and the release of [3H]NA in spinal cord slices prepared from non-diabetic and streptozocin (STZ)-induced diabetic (glucose level=22.03+/-2.31mmol/l) rats. The peak of allodynia was achieved 9 weeks after STZ-treatment. Articaine and lidocaine inhibited the stimulation-evoked release in a concentration-dependent manner and increased the resting release by two to six times. These effects indicate an inhibitory action of these anaesthetics on Na+- and K+-channels. There was no difference in clinically important nerve conduction between non-diabetic and diabetic rats, as measured by the release of transmitter in response to axonal stimulation. The uptake and resting release of NA was significantly higher in the brain slices prepared from diabetic rats, but there were no differences in the spinal cord. For the adverse effects, the effects of articaine on K+ channels (resting release) are more pronounced compared to lidocaine. In this respect, articaine has a thiophene ring with high lipid solubility, which may present potential risks for some patients

Across-arc geochemical variations in the Southern Volcanic Zone, Chile (34.5- 38.0°S): Constraints on Mantle Wedge and Input Compositions

Crustal assimilation (e.g. Hildreth and Moorbath, 1988) and/or subduction erosion (e.g. Stern, 1991; Kay et al., 2005) are believed to control the geochemical variations along the northern portion of the Chilean Southern Volcanic Zone. In order to evaluate these hypotheses, we present a comprehensive geochemical data set (major and trace elements and O-Sr-Nd-Hf-Pb isotopes) from Holocene primarily olivine-bearing volcanic rocks across the arc between 34.5-38.0°S, including volcanic front centers from Tinguiririca to Callaqui, the rear arc centers of Infernillo Volcanic Field, Laguna del Maule and Copahue, and extending 300 km into the backarc. We also present an equivalent data set for Chile Trench sediments outboard of this profile. The volcanic arc (including volcanic front and rear arc) samples primarily range from basalt to andesite/trachyandesite, whereas the backarc rocks are low-silica alkali basalts and trachybasalts. All samples show some characteristic subduction zone trace element enrichments and depletions, but the backarc samples show the least. Backarc basalts have higher Ce/Pb, Nb/U, Nb/Zr, and Ta/Hf, and lower Ba/Nb and Ba/La, consistent with less of a slab-derived component in the backarc and, consequently, lower degrees of mantle melting. The mantle-like δ18O in olivine and plagioclase phenocrysts (volcanic arc = 4.9-5.6 and backarc = 5.0-5.4 per mil) and lack of correlation between δ18O and indices of differentiation and other isotope ratios, argue against significant crustal assimilation. Volcanic arc and backarc samples almost completely overlap in Sr and Nd isotopic composition. High precision (double-spike) Pb isotope ratios are tightly correlated, precluding significant assimilation of older sialic crust but indicating mixing between a South Atlantic Mid Ocean-Ridge Basalt (MORB) source and a slab component derived from subducted sediments and altered oceanic crust. Hf-Nd isotope ratios define separate linear arrays for the volcanic arc and backarc, neither of which trend toward subducting sediment, possibly reflecting a primarily asthenospheric mantle array for the volcanic arc and involvement of enriched Proterozoic lithospheric mantle in the backarc. We propose a quantitative mixing model between a mixed-source, slab-derived melt and a heterogeneous mantle beneath the volcanic arc. The model is consistent with local geodynamic parameters, assuming water-saturated conditions within the slab

El benestar de les aus amb vol restringit

El benestar de les aus de zoològic amb el vol restringit ha estat objecte d'un estudi realitzat per investigadors de la UAB i de la Universitat de Freie en pelicans de diversos recintes d'Alemanya. Els científics han avaluat el benestar d'aquestes aus a través de l'estudi del seu comportament i dels nivells de l'hormona de l'estrès corticosterona. Els resultats mostren que la restricció de vol no influeix en els criteris de benestar avaluats, tot i que sí que ho fan les condicions de l'entorn. Per confirmar-los, però, calen més dades científiques sobre l'impacte en el benestar d'altres espècies d'aus.El bienestar de las aves de zoológico con el vuelo restringido ha sido objeto de un estudio realizado por investigadores de la UAB y la Universidad de Freie en pelícanos de diversos recintos de Alemania. Los científicos han evaluado el bienestar de estas aves a través del estudio de su comportamiento y de los niveles de la hormona del estrés corticosterona. Los resultados muestran que la restricción de vuelo no influye en los criterios de bienestar avaluados, aunque sí que lo hacen las condiciones del entorno. Para confirmarlos, no obstante, son necesarios más datos científicos sobre otras especies de aves.The welfare of zoo birds kept under flight restraint has been studied by researchers of the UAB and the University of Freie with great white pelicans from German zoos. The scientists have evaluated the well-being of the animals through the ethological study and the levels of stress hormone corticosterone. The results show that the flight restriction does not influence the assessed welfare criteria, although the environmental conditions do. To confirm this, further studies are needed to provide more scientific data on other bird animals in captivity