bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The 2021 Display Industry Awards
Authors: Wilson Lori A. , Saunders Nicole
Published: May 2021

This year's winners include a mix of important new products that are leading the marketplace, ranging from a state‐of‐the‐art VR display, to ultrathin durable glass, a high‐performance touchscreen controller, leading‐edge TV products, and an innovative laptop/tablet.
The deformation and failure of strip footings on anisotropic cohesionless sloping grounds
Authors: Gao Zhiwei , Zhao Jidong , Li Xin
Published: May 2021

Footing foundations are sometimes built on sloping grounds of natural sand which is highly anisotropic. The anisotropic mechanical behaviour of sand can significantly influence the bearing capacity of a foundation and the failure mechanism of its supporting slope. Neglecting sand anisotropy may lead to overestimated bearing capacity and under‐design of foundations. A numerical investigation on the response of a supporting slope under a strip footing is presented, placing a special focus on the effect of sand anisotropy. A critical state sand model accounting for fabric evolution is used. The nonlocal method has been used to regularize the mesh‐dependency of the numerical solutions. Predictions of the anisotropic model on the bearing capacity of strip footings on slopes are validated by centrifuge test data on Toyoura sand. Compared to the centrifuge test data, an isotropic model may overpredict the bearing capacity of the footing by up to 100% when the model parameters are determined based on test data on a horizontal bedding plane case. When the isotropic model parameters are determined based on test data where the bedding plane is vertical, the predictions of bearing capacity can be improved for some cases but the settlement at failure may be significantly overestimated. The soil body tends to move along the bedding plane upon the footing loading due to the non‐coaxial strain increment caused by fabric anisotropy. The slip surface appears to be deeper with lower bearing capacity when the preferred soil movement direction caused by bedding plane is towards the slope.
All‐at‐once solution of linear wave equations
Authors: Danieli Federico , Wathen Andrew J.
Published: May 2021

Efficient parallel‐in‐time methods for hyperbolic partial differential equation problems remain scarce. Here we investigate an approach based on circulant preconditioned generalised minimal residual (GMRES) for the monolithic block Toeplitz equations which arise from constant time‐step discretizations. We present theoretical results which guarantee convergence in a number of iterations independent of the number of time‐steps and demonstrate the potential utility of the approach with numerical results employing several different finite difference schemes of varying orders of accuracy.
Leveraging Nature‐based Solutions for transformation: Reconnecting people and nature
Authors: Welden E. A. , Chausson Alexandre , Melanidis Marina S.
Published: May 2021

Nature‐based Solutions (NbS) have rapidly been gaining traction across the research, policy and practice spheres, advocated as transformative actions to jointly address biodiversity loss and climate change. However, there are multiple, alternative ways to conceptualize NbS across those three spheres.

To inform the NbS discourses in research, policy and practice, we critically reflect on the prevailing framing of NbS. Although the concept links environmental health to human well‐being, we argue that its current dominant framing reinforces a dichotomy between people and nature by highlighting one, external nature working for the benefit of society. For the NbS concept to support transformation, we believe it must embody a reframing of human–nature relationships towards regenerative relationships between humans and nature.

To support the transformative aspirations of NbS, we propose a novelcore framingof NbS making explicit the co‐dependence of people and nature, which underpins human well‐being and environmental health. We highlight how such a framing can support a transformation through influencing beliefs and normative values, and second, through the communication and application of the NbS concept in research, policy and practice.

We then elaborate on how such a framing is key to support inclusivity and collaboration between diverse research perspectives, policy objectives across scales and implementation practices to deliver just and successful NbS.

A freePlain Language Summarycan be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Preparation of bioactive aerogel material based on sodium alginate and chitosan for controlled release of levomycetin
Authors: Gorshkova Natalia , Brovko Olga , Palamarchuk Irina , Bogolitsyn Konstantin , Ivakhnov Artem
Published: May 2021

This work was aimed at obtaining new highly porous two‐component alginate‐chitosan aerogels for use as a controlled‐release drug delivery system. Aerogel materials were prepared on the basis of the sodium alginate–chitosan interpolymer complex using sol–gel and supercritical fluid technologies. The effect of the ratio of sodium alginate and chitosan on the textural characteristics of aerogels and their water uptake capacity was studied. The obtained materials are characterized by a developed mesoporous structure and a specific surface area of up to 260 m2g−1. It was established that 1 g of alginate‐chitosan aerogel retains up to 35 g of water. The polyelectrolyte nature of the aerogel material, shape stability, high specific surface area, developed mesoporous structure, open cylindrical pore shape, and high water absorption make the alginate/chitosan aerogel material attractive for the purposes of sorption and application therapy. The aerogels can be used as drug delivery system demonstrating prolonged levomycetin release kinetics. The content of released levomycetin from the aerogel matrix within 4 h was up to 95%.
Using 13C‐NMR dereplication to aid in the identification of xanthones present in the stem bark extract of Calophyllum brasiliense
Authors: Silva‐Castro Lina Fernanda , Derbré Séverine , Le Ray Anne Marie , Richomme Pascal , García‐Sosa Karlina , Peña‐Rodriguez Luis Manuel
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Xanthones are metabolites with a variety of biological properties. The Clusiaceae family, which until recently included the genus Calophyllum, is recognised for its production of monohydroxylated and polyhydroxylated xanthones. Presently, C. brasiliense is the only Calophyllum spp. known to occur in the Yucatan peninsula.

Objective

To use a combination of traditional phytochemical methods and carbon‐13 nuclear magnetic resonance (13C‐NMR) dereplication analysis to identify xanthones in the stem bark of C. brasiliense.

Material and methods

Initial fractionation and purification of the stem bark extract of C. brasiliense produced macluraxanthone (1). Additional xanthones, together with chromanones and terpenoids, were identified using 13C‐NMR dereplication analysis in different semipurified fractions obtained from the low and medium polarity fractions of the stem bark extract of C. brasiliense.

Results

Initial identification of macluraxanthone (1) was confirmed by 13C‐NMR dereplication analysis; additionally, 13C‐NMR dereplication analysis allowed the identification of a number of monohydroxylated and polyhydroxylated xanthones, together with chromanones and terpenoids.

Conclusion

This study confirms C. brasiliense as a rich source of xanthones and the 13C‐NMR dereplication analysis as a suitable method to quickly identify the presence of different families of secondary metabolites in semipurified fractions.
Neuro‐oncological patients' and caregivers' psychosocial burden during the COVID‐19 pandemic—A prospective study with qualitative content analysis
Authors: Binswanger Julia , Kohl Carolin , Behling Felix , Noell Susan , Hirsch Sophie , Hickmann Anne‐Katrin , Tatagiba Marcos Soares , Tabatabai Ghazaleh , Hippler Melina , Renovanz Mirjam
Published: May 2021

Objective

The COVID‐19 pandemic may reinforce psychosocial distress of neuro‐oncological patients. We aimed to (1) differentiate the burden caused by the pandemic versus the tumor and (2) establish topics relevant for brain tumor patients (BTPs) and caregivers.

Methods

Patients and caregivers were prospectively assessed from April 2020–July 2020 by a 10‐item comprising interview over the phone, including qualitative and quantitative questions. They were quantitatively evaluated i.a. by the distress thermometer (DT, score 1–10). The qualitative questions were analyzed using structured content analysis: The interview questions defined the main categories. Subcategories were derived by an inductive approach assessing the frequency of patients' and caregivers' answers.

Results

A total of 69 patients and 20 caregivers were interviewed; n = 36 were female (49%), mean age was 53 years (range 32–81). Patients' disease‐related DT scores were higher than the COVID‐19‐related DT scores: the median of the disease‐related DT score was 7 (range 2–10) versus median of COVID‐19‐related distress: 5.0 (range 2–7). Caregivers perceived a higher burden due to the disease (DT median disease: 8; range 2–10 vs. DT pandemic: 3, range 0–10). A total of five main and 21 subcategories were elaborated, most frequently mentioned were “restrictions in public and private affairs” (28%), “changes in the psychological well‐being” (23%), “limited social interaction by contact restriction” (25%). Subcategories relevant for caregivers were similar to those of BTPs.

Conclusion

A considerable proportion of patients and caregivers still perceived the brain tumor disease as more burdensome than the pandemic. We established main and subcategories of interview items possibly of great relevance to patients during these difficult times, which could be implemented in the content‐related adaption of the psychosocial assessment.
Chronic wet cough in Australian children: Societal costs and quality of life
Authors: Prime Samantha J. , Carter Hannah E. , McPhail Steven M. , Petsky Helen L. , Chang Anne B. , Graves Nicholas , Marchant Julie M.
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Children with chronic wet cough regularly use the health system, experience considerable variability in care, have reduced quality of life (QoL), and, left untreated, poorer health outcomes. Despite this, little is known about the associated economic burden. This study aimed to quantify the cost of chronic wet cough among Australian children from the perspectives of families and the health system.

Methods

A cost of illness study was conducted at the Queensland Children's Hospital, Brisbane, using data on 91 children newly referred to a respiratory specialist between July 2015 and January 2017 with a history of chronic wet cough (>4 weeks) of unknown etiology. Administrative and parent‐reported data were used to estimate costs (reported in 2019 Australian Dollars [AUD]) for up to 12 months before and following initial pulmonology consultation. QoL was assessed for the same periods.

Results

Mean cost per child‐month during the average 9.8 months of observation preceding pulmonology consultation was AUD689 (95% confidence interval [CI] 534–844) increasing to AUD1339 (95% CI 1051–1628) during the average 11.9 months following pulmonology consultation. This translated to a total of AUD1.9 million across the study period, with families bearing 26.4% of costs. Aspiration and bronchiectasis were associated with higher total costs. For all etiologies, cough‐specific QoL improved following pulmonology consultation, while direct medical costs declined.

Conclusion

Childhood chronic wet cough is associated with substantial societal costs. The observed cost decrease after specialist diagnosis suggests that early referral to a respiratory specialist may have economic benefits, in addition to the known health benefits.
A meta‐analysis and cost‐minimization analysis of bivalirudin versus heparin in high‐risk patients for percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Sun Ke‐Xin , Cui Bin , Cao Shan‐Shan , Wang Wen‐Jun , Yu Feng , Wang Jing‐Wen , Ding Yi
Published: May 2021

This meta‐analysis was performed to compare the safety, efficacy, and pharmacoeconomic of bivalirudin versus heparin in high‐risk patients for percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). Earlier meta‐analysis comparing bivalirudin and heparin during PCI demonstrated that bivalirudin caused less bleeding with more stent thrombosis. However, little data were available on the safety of bivalirudin versus heparin in high‐risk patients for PCI. Thus, we performed a meta‐analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety in the “high‐risk” patients. A systematic search of electronic databases was conducted up to July 30, 2020. The Cochrane Risk of Bias assessment tool was used to assess the quality of included studies. The primary outcomes were all‐cause death and major adverse cardiac events (MACE); secondary outcomes were major and minor bleeding, followed by a cost‐minimization analysis comparing bivalirudin and heparin using a local drug and medical costs reported in China. Subgroup analysis was based on the type of disease of the high‐risk population. Finally, a total of 10 randomized controlled trials involved 42,699 patients were collected. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool was employed to appraise the research quality. No significant difference was noted between bivalirudin and heparin regarding all‐cause death and MACE. However, subgroup analysis showed that bivalirudin caused less major bleeding in female (OR:0.65, 95% CI:0.53–0.79), diabetes (OR:0.55, 95%CI:0.42–0.73), and CKD (OR:0.59, 95%CI:0.63–1.65). The scatterers of the included literature were approximately symmetrical, and no research was outside the funnel plot. Additionally, cost‐minimization analysis showed that heparin was likely to represent a cost‐effective option compared with bivalirudin in China, with potential savings of 2129.53 Chinese Yuan (CNY) per patient for one PCI. Overall, the meta‐analysis showed that although bivalirudin appeared to have a lower risk of major bleeding rate, the overall effectiveness and safety between the two groups showed no significant difference in high‐risk patients for PCI. But the results of the cost‐minimization analysis showed that heparin could be a potential cost‐saving drug than bivalirudin in patients for PCI in China.
Oxide‐Based Optoelectronics
Authors: Demkov Alexander A. , Ortmann J. Elliott , Reynaud Marc , Hamze Ali K. , Ponath Patrick , Li Wente
Published: May 2021

Integrated Si photonics has the potential to revolutionize the processing of information between different integrated chips, as well as within a single chip itself. By performing at least a part of the task with photons rather than electrons, new opportunities for broad‐band low‐power communication and computing are created. Herein, the theoretical description of the linear electro‐optic (EO), or Pockels, effect and a newly elucidated design rule for materials evaluation is summarized. Possible applications of Si‐integrated optical elements based on perovskite oxides and their heterostructures are also discussed. In particular, the Pockels effect in BaTiO3 films grown on Si and intersubband transitions in Si‐integrated perovskite quantum wells (QWs) is described.
Modeling Photodetection at the Graphene/Ag2S Interface
Authors: Spirito Davide , Martín-García Beatriz , Mišeikis Vaidotas , Coletti Camilla , Bonaccorso Francesco , Krahne Roman
Published: May 2021

Mixed‐dimensional systems host interesting phenomena that involve electron and ion transport along or across the interface, with promising applications in optoelectronic and electrochemical devices. Herein, a heterosystem consisting of a graphene monolayer with a colloidal Ag2S nanocrystal film atop, in which both ions and electrons are involved in photoelectrical effects, is studied. An investigation of the transport at the interface in different configurations by using a phototransistor configuration with graphene as a charge‐transport layer and semiconductor nanocrystals as a light‐sensitive layer is performed. The key feature of charge transfer is investigated as a function of gate voltage, frequency, and incident light power. A simple analytical model of the photoresponse is developed, to gain information on the device operation, revealing that the nanocrystals transfer electrons to graphene in the dark, but the opposite process occurs upon illumination. A frequency‐dependence analysis suggests a fractal interface between the two materials. This interface can be modified using solid‐state electrochemical reactions, leading to the formation of metallic Ag particles, which affect the graphene properties by additional doping, while keeping the photoresponse. Overall, these results provide analytical tools and guidelines for the evaluation of coupled electron/ion transport in hybrid systems.
Ultrasmall CsPbBr3 Quantum Dots with Bright and Wide Blue Emissions
Authors: Kong Xiaobo , Wu Yangqing , Xu Fan , Yang Shikuan , Cao Bingqiang
Published: May 2021

Low‐dimensional metal halide perovskites have been widely regarded due to their unique crystal structure and photophysical properties. Herein, blue‐emission CsPbBr3 quantum dots (QDs) or nanocrystals (NCs) with extremely small crystal size (1–2 nm) but high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY, 72.4%) are synthesized with a new surface ligand, single (6‐amino‐6‐deoxy) beta cyclodextrin (6A‐βCD), which also acts as the confined‐growth template for such small QDs. Detailed photoluminescence spectrum and femtosecond transient absorption spectrum study proves that the blue emission with multiple peaks originates from both band‐edge radiation and exciton recombination. Furthermore, as a result of the small size, exciton localization in the form of self‐trapped excitons (STEs) and significant quantum size confinement effect are both important reasons for the efficient and wide blue emissions of these QDs. This work provides a new strategy not only to synthesize ultrasmall perovskite QDs but also to develop blue perovskite‐QD light‐emitting devices.
Study of Spin Pumping through α‐Sn Thin Films
Authors: Gladczuk Łukasz , Gladczuk Leszek , Dluzewski Piotr , van der Laan Gerrit , Hesjedal Thorsten
Published: May 2021

Elemental tin in the α‐phase is an intriguing member of the family of topological quantum materials. In thin films, with decreasing thickness, α‐Sn transforms from a 3D topological Dirac semimetal (TDS) to a 2D topological insulator (TI). Getting access to and making use of its topological surface states is challenging and requires interfacing to a magnetically ordered material. Herein, the successful epitaxial growth of α‐Sn thin films on Co, forming the core of a spin‐valve structure, is reported. Time‐ and element‐selective ferromagnetic resonance experiments are conducted to investigate the presence of spin pumping through the spin‐valve structure. A rigorous statistical analysis of the experimental data using a model based on the Landau–Lifshitz–Gilbert–Slonczewski equation is applied. A strong exchange coupling contribution is found, however no unambiguous proof for spin pumping. Nevertheless, the incorporation of α‐Sn into a spin valve remains a promising approach given its simplicity as an elemental TI and its room‐temperature application potential.
Nutritional assessment tool for predicting sarcopenia in chronic liver disease
Authors: Hanai Tatsunori , Shiraki Makoto , Nishimura Kayoko , Ogiso Yui , Imai Kenji , Suetsugu Atsushi , Takai Koji , Shimizu Masahito
Published: May 2021

Background

Subjective global assessment (SGA) and Royal Free Hospital‐global assessment (RFH‐GA) are clinically useful for assessing malnutrition. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between sarcopenia, which predicts poor clinical outcomes in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD), and these two methods.

Methods

This retrospective study included 240 consecutive patients admitted to our hospital between October 2011 and January 2014. Sarcopenia and RFH‐GA were evaluated using anthropometric measurements and computed tomography‐based skeletal muscle area. The primary outcome was whether nutritional assessment methods could predict sarcopenia. In addition, factors associated with sarcopenia and mortality were evaluated.

Results

The median age was 70 years, 67% were men, and 17% had sarcopenia. Malnourished patients assessed by SGA (P = 0.02) and RFH‐GA (P < 0.001) had a significantly higher prevalence of sarcopenia than did well‐nourished patients. After adjustment for age, sex, aetiology, and albumin, multivariate analysis revealed that RFH‐GA, but not SGA, was a significant predictor of sarcopenia [odds ratio, 2.47; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.15–5.33]. During a median follow‐up of 2.7 years, 113 patients died. The overall survival rates were significantly lower in malnourished patients assessed by SGA (P < 0.001) and RFH‐GA (P < 0.001) than in well‐nourished patients. Multivariate analysis revealed that RFH‐GA [hazard ratio (HR), 1.51; 95% CI, 1.02–2.23] and SGA (HR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.19–3.32) were independently associated with mortality.

Conclusions

Royal Free Hospital‐global assessment is a simple bedside screening tool for identifying sarcopenia and predicting mortality in patients with CLD.
Quantized fault‐tolerant consensus for multiple Lagrangian systems subject to switching networks
Authors: Yao Xiang‐Yu , Park Ju H. , Ding Hua‐Feng , Ge Ming‐Feng
Published: May 2021

This article is concerned with the quantized fault‐tolerant control (FTC) for consensus of multiple Lagrangian systems subject to stochastically switching networks, actuator and sensor faults. First of all, a reliable quantized FTC algorithm is developed under Markov jump networks (MJNs), where the communication signal is first quantized before transmitted to develop controllers, and the communication networks are stochastically switching with the sojourn time belonging to an exponential distribution. Then, to handle the FTC problem in the presence of unknown control directions, the Nussbaum function is introduced to further improve the control reliability. Furthermore, the FTC case involving semi‐Markov jump networks (S‐MJNs) and time‐varying communication delays is considered, where the negative constraints of time delays can be effectively attenuated with the sojourn time following a Weibull distribution. Meanwhile, several sufficient criteria on the consensus analysis and algorithms synthesis are established by means of the Lyapunov–Krasovskii stability method. Finally, numerous illustrative examples are elaborated on for demonstrating the feasibility of the derived results.
Do soil carbon sequestration and soil fertility increase by including a gramineous cover crop in continuous soybean?
Authors: Beltrán Marcelo , Galantini Juan Alberto , Salvagiotti Fernando , Tognetti Pedro , Bacigaluppo Silvina , Sainz Rozas Hernán Rene , Barraco Miriam , Barbieri Pablo Andres
Published: May 2021

Cover cropping is a farming practice that may improve C sequestration and soil fertility, but these effects can vary under different edaphoclimatic conditions. The effects of including a winter gramineous cover crop (CC) in continuous soybeans were evaluated in three long‐term experiments (8 yr) on one coarse‐textured soil and two fine‐textured soils in the Pampas region of Argentina. The impacts of CC on soil C sequestration, soil nutrient availability, soil organic C (SOC), and N contents of soil particle size fractions were also determined. The inclusion of CC only increased SOC stock by 3.1 Mg ha‐1in the coarse‐textured soil (CTS). The labile C fraction in the 0–5‐cm depth increased in both the CTS and the fine‐textured soils (FTS) by 263% and 93%, respectively. Soil N also increased in the labile fraction by 119% and 112% when a CC was used in the CTS and FTS soils, respectively. Moreover, the inclusion of a CC decreased soil P availability in one experiment (4.9 kg ha‐1) and increased soil manganese in two experiments (11 kg ha‐1on average). The inclusion of a gramineous CC in a soybean monoculture increased the C balance, particularly in coarse‐textured soils. Considering that soil N was similarly affected, the C/N ratio was not impacted.
Agricultural peatlands conservation: How does the addition of plant biomass and copper affect soil fertility?
Authors: Bourdon Karolane , Fortin Josée , Dessureault‐Rompré Jacynthe , Caron Jean
Published: May 2021

Subsidence, erosion, and degradation in agricultural peatlands are leading to the disappearance of highly fertile farmland. This study investigated two strategies aimed at extending the lifespan of cultivated peat soils: the application of straw and wood chips to compensate for soil losses and the application of copper (Cu) to slow peat decomposition, based on previous recommendations. Peat soil samples (270 g) were amended with 11 t ha–1 of biomass materials (14.8 g kg–1) and 235.6 mg Cu kg–1 and incubated in glass jars at constant temperature and water content. Thirty chemical parameters were then monitored over a 56‐d period through repeated soil sampling. Discriminant analysis showed that the addition of biomass had the greatest affect on nitrogen (N) availability, immobilizing 7.8 to 12.1 kg of inorganic N per metric ton of incorporated biomass. Considering that peat soils may require from 4 to 40 t biomass ha–1 yr–1 to reach carbon equilibrium, the tested biomass materials could immobilize from 34 to 500 kg ha–1 of N if confirmed at the field scale. This may help capture excess N but may also limit crop growth. Alternatively, slowing decomposition could reduce both biomass requirements and N immobilization. However, the results show that Cu had little effect on parameters linked to organic matter decomposition. Indeed, dissolved organic carbon was decreased by 11% in Cu‐treated soils. A longer‐term study should be conducted to confirm these observations at the field scale, thus helping to develop conservation strategies suitable for agricultural production.
Building information modeling and artificial intelligence: Advanced technologies for the digitalisation of seismic damage in existing buildings
Authors: Musella Christian , Serra Milena , Menna Costantino , Asprone Domenico
Published: May 2021

This research, which is based on the digital technologies building information modeling (BIM) and artificial intelligence, describes achievements in the field of detecting, assessing, and digitalising damage in existing buildings. The purpose of the study is to highlight the potential and current benefits of combining structural‐assessment methods with the automatic digitisation of hazard‐induced damage in affected buildings. To this end, the aforementioned technologies are employed in the form of an image‐based recognition‐BIM classification technique applied to on‐site visual‐damage data. By extending the methodology to existing masonry and concrete buildings, the results obtained open up new opportunities for speeding up the process of assessing, designing, and managing seismic repair/retrofit interventions using image data acquired in the manner described.
Experimental investigation on in‐plane lateral stiffness and degree of ductility of composite PVC reinforced concrete walls
Authors: Far Harry , Nejadi Shami , Aghayarzadeh Mehdi
Published: May 2021

This study investigates the in‐plane lateral stiffness and ductility of composite PVC encased concrete walls subject to the lateral loads using pushover tests to determine lateral strength and ductility characteristics of composite PVC encased walls filled with plain concrete, macro‐synthetic fiber reinforced concrete (RC), and steel RC. Eighteen concrete wall specimens were cast and subjected to pushover test to determine the load‐deflection curves. Based on the capacity curves resulting from the pushover tests, the yield and maximum displacements and subsequently structural ductility and performance factors according to Australian Standard for seismic design of buildings have been determined. The determined parameters as well as the initial and effective lateral stiffness values measured from the load‐deflection curves for all three cases were compared and the final findings have been discussed. Based on the outcomes of this study, it has become apparent that the tested composite PVC encased macro‐synthetic fiber RC walls can exhibit superior performance in terms of ductility when compared to the unreinforced concrete specimens. In addition, the results indicated that the initial in‐plane lateral stiffness values of the tested composite PVC encased macro‐synthetic fiber RC walls increased by 25% compared to the tested walls filled with plain concrete. In order to enable structural designers to design composite PVC encased concrete walls, ductility factors for this type of walls have been extracted from the test results for the three mentioned cases and proposed for practical applications. It has been concluded that all the PVC encased concrete walls evaluated in this study can be categorized as fully ductile structures.
Zootherapy as traditional therapeutic strategy in the Cholistan desert of Bahawalpur‐Pakistan
Authors: Ahmad Saeed , Akram Muhammad , Riaz Muhammad , Munir Naveed , Mahmood Tahir Imtiaz , Anwar Hina , Zahid Rabia , Daniyal Muhammad , Jabeen Faiza , Ashraf Ejaz , Sarwar Ghulam , Rasool Ghulam , Ali Shah Syed Muhammad
Published: May 2021

The use of traditional medicines has tremendously increased over the past few decades. Approximately 80% of the world's population relies on traditional medicines for their primary healthcare needs because of their cost effectiveness and efficiency with no or minimal side effects. Zootherapy refers to the use of medicines that are prepared or derived from animals or from their products. The current study documented the folk knowledge related to the practice of various animal‐derived products and ethnozoological based drugs used as medicines by the residents of the Cholistan desert of Bahawalpur (Pakistan). In this regard 46 knowledgeable and reliable elderly people, hakims and spiritual healers ranging from 35–60 years of age having knowledge related to zootherapy were included in the current study. A field survey from February 2006 to November 2007 was conducted by interviewing the selected respondents through a structured questionnaire. They provided knowledge regarding the use of animals and their derived products in traditional medicine. The zootherapeutic knowledge was based on both domestic animals as well as wild animals. A total of 20 animal species were included in the study, among which nine animals were domestic while 11 were wild animals. Among selected animals, nine were mammals, four birds, four reptiles and three insects. It was reported that camel was the most commonly used (n = 32 respondents) among mammals while Pigeon (n = 39 respondents), Spiny‐tailed lizard (n = 41 respondents) and Indian honey bee (n = 27 respondents) among birds, reptiles and insects, respectively, have significant use for the treatment of different diseases. Based on this communication we could recommend that this type of abandoned knowledge should be considered for the management and conservation of faunistic resources. However, the advantageous role of animals and their products was reported but more extensive research is required to explore the bioactive constituents in the raw material of these animals responsible for their beneficial effects.
Transabdominal ultrasonographic measurement of caudal vena cava to aorta derived ratios in clinically healthy neonatal foals
Authors: Del Prete Chiara , Freccero Francesca , Lanci Aliai , Hallowell Gayle D. , Bullone Chiara , Castagnetti Carolina , Pasolini Maria Pia
Published: May 2021

Background

Ultrasonographic measurement of the vena cava and aorta (Ao) diameters and their ratios have been suggested to be a reliable way of quantifying hypovolemia.

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility and reliability of an ultrasonographic technique for measurement of Ao and caudal vena cava (CVC) and derived ratios using three different acoustic windows in a population of healthy neonatal foals. Correlation between Ao and CVC measurements and ratios and foals' age or bodyweight were also investigated.

Methods

In 14 healthy foals aged less than 7 days, the diameters of the Ao and of the CVC in long and short axis were measured by two observers from images obtained using three different ultrasonographic imaging planes (left dorsal, left ventral and right views). The Ao and CVC cross‐sectional area and the CVC/Ao diameter and area ratios were calculated. Image quality was subjectively assessed. Intraobserver and interobserver reliabilities for image quality scores and measurements were evaluated between the two observers. Simple linear regression models were used to identify correlations between the CVC/Ao measurements and ratios and the age and bodyweight of the foals.

Results

The left ventral view showed the highest reliability. A correlation between bodyweight and the short axis measurement of the CVC was found (R2 = 0.385; p = 0.018). Age was positively correlated with the long axis of measurement of the CVC (R2 = 0.426; p = 0.011) and CVC/Ao diameter ratio (R2 = 0.625; p = 0.001).

Conclusions

The left ventral view allows the Ao and CVC cross sections to be easily visualized and measured in neonatal foals in right lateral recumbency.
Exploring paths of chemical transformations in molecular and periodic systems: An approach utilizing force
Authors: Maeda Satoshi , Harabuchi Yu
Published: May 2021

This article provides an overview on an automated reaction path search method called artificial force induced reaction (AFIR). The AFIR method induces various chemical transformations by applying force between pairs of fragments in a system. By pushing fragments from their various mutual orientations or by applying force between various fragment pairs using the AFIR method, many reaction paths can be explored systematically. In this article, the basic ideas and several different implementations are introduced first. Then, its thoroughness in the automated reaction path search is discussed with its applications to two small molecules. In the later part, its versatility is shown with discussing some previous application examples to organic reaction, organometallic catalysis, photoreaction, surface reaction, phase transition, and enzyme reaction. In addition, an attempt of predicting an idea of new synthesis method from scratch on the basis of the concept quantum chemistry‐aided retrosynthetic analysis (QCaRA) is presented, where the AFIR method was used as a reaction path search engine in QCaRA. Finally, future outlook and a comment on the GRRM program in which the AFIR method is available are given.

This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Reaction Mechanisms and Catalysis

Theoretical and Physical Chemistry > Reaction Dynamics and Kinetics
Topological defects formation with momentum dissipation
Authors: Li Zhi-Hong , Zeng Hua-Bi , Zhang Hai-Qing
Published: May 2021

Abstract

We employ holographic techniques to explore the effects of momentum dissipation on the formation of topological defects during the critical dynamics of a strongly coupled superconductor after a linear quench of temperature. The gravity dual is the dRGT massive gravity in which the conservation of momentum in the boundary field theory is broken by the presence of a bulk graviton mass. From the scaling relations of defects number and “freeze-out” time to the quench rate for various graviton masses, we demonstrate that the momentum dissipation induced by graviton mass has little effect on the scaling laws compared to the Kibble-Zurek mechanism. Inspired from Pippard’s formula in condensed matter, we propose an analytic relation between the coherence length and the graviton mass, which agrees well with the numerical results from the quasi-normal modes analysis. As a result, the coherence length decreases with respect to the graviton mass, which indicates that the momentum dissipation will augment the number of topological defects.
Locally-finite quantities in sYM
Authors: Bourjaily Jacob L. , Langer Cameron , Patatoukos Kokkimidis
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Alocally-finitequantity is one for which there is no region of divergence anywhere in the space of real loop momenta; it can therefore be computed (in principle) without regularization. In this work, we prove thatalltwo-loop ratio functions in planar, maximally supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory are locally-finite.
Defect conformal blocks from Appell functions
Authors: Burić Ilija , Schomerus Volker
Published: May 2021

Abstract

We develop a group theoretical formalism to study correlation functions in defect conformal field theory, with multiple insertions of bulk and defect fields. This formalism is applied to construct the defect conformal blocks for three-point functions of scalar fields. Starting from a configuration with one bulk and one defect field, for which the correlation function is determined by conformal symmetry, we explore two possibilities, adding either one additional defect or bulk field. In both cases it is possible to express the blocks in terms of classical hypergeometric functions, though the case of two bulk and one defect field requires Appell’s function F4.
Stochastic model reduction: convergence and applications to climate equations
Authors: Assing Sigurd , Flandoli Franco , Pappalettera Umberto
Published: May 2021

We study stochastic model reduction for evolution equations in infinite-dimensional Hilbert spaces and show the convergence to the reduced equations via abstract results of Wong–Zakai type for stochastic equations driven by a scaled Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process. Both weak and strong convergence are investigated, depending on the presence of quadratic interactions between reduced variables and driving noise. Finally, we are able to apply our results to a class of equations used in climate modeling.
Conventional 3D conformal radiotherapy and volumetric modulated arc therapy for cervical cancer: Comparison of clinical results with special consideration of the influence of patient- and treatment-related parameters
Authors: Dröge Leif Hendrik , von Sivers Franziska-Felicitas , Schirmer Markus Anton , Wolff Hendrik Andreas
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for cervical cancer yields favorable results in terms of oncological outcomes, acute toxicity, and late toxicity. Limited data are available on clinical results with volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT). This study’s purpose is to compare outcome and toxicity with VMAT to conventional 3D conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT), giving special consideration to the influence of patient- and treatment-related parameters on side effects.

Materials and methods

Patients with cervical cancer stage I–IVA underwent radiotherapy alone or chemoradiotherapy using 3DCRT (n = 75) or VMAT (n = 30). Survival endpoints were overall survival, progression-free survival, and locoregional control. The National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events and the Late Effects of Normal Tissues criteria were used for toxicity assessment. Toxicity and patient- and treatment-related parameters were included in a multivariable model.

Results

There were no differences in survival rates between treatment groups. VMAT significantly reduced late small bowel toxicity (OR = 0.10, p = 0.03). Additionally, VMAT was associated with an increased risk of acute urinary toxicity (OR = 2.94, p = 0.01). A low body mass index (BMI; OR = 2.46, p = 0.03) and overall acute toxicity ≥grade 2 (OR = 4.17, p < 0.01) were associated with increased overall late toxicity.

Conclusion

We demonstrated significant reduction of late small bowel toxicity with VMAT treatment, an improvement in long-term morbidity is conceivable. VMAT-treated patients experienced acute urinary toxicity more frequently. Further analysis of patient- and treatment-related parameters indicates that the close monitoring of patients with low BMI and of patients who experienced relevant acute toxicity during follow-up care could improve late toxicity profiles.
Intraoperative radiotherapy boost as part of breast-conservation therapy for breast cancer: a single-institution retrospective analysis
Authors: Stoian Raluca , Erbes Thalia , Zamboglou Constantinos , Scholber Jutta , Gainey Mark , Sachpazidis Ilias , Haehl Erik , Spohn Simon K. B. , Verma Vivek , Krug David , Rühle Alexander , Juhasz-Böss Ingolf , Grosu Anca-Ligia , Nicolay Nils H. , Sprave Tanja
Published: May 2021

Background

There are currently no data from randomized controlled trials on the use of intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) as a tumor bed boost as part of a breast-conservation approach for breast cancer. This study retrospectively reviewed the safety and efficacy of IORT as a boost treatment at a tertiary cancer center.

Methods

From 2015 to 2019, patients underwent breast-conserving surgery with axillary lymph node staging and a single dose of 20 Gy IORT with 50-kV photons, followed by whole-breast irradiation (WBI) and adjuvant systemic therapy (if applicable). Patients were followed for assessment of acute and late toxicities (using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5.0) at 3–6-month intervals. Outcomes included ipsilateral (IBTR) and contralateral breast progression-free survival (CBE), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), and overall survival (OS).

Results

Median follow-up for the 214 patients was 28 (range 2–59) months. Most patients had T1 disease (n = 124) and were clinically node negative. Only few patients had high-grade and/or triple-negative disease. The vast majority of patients underwent sentinel node biopsy, and 32 (15%) required re-resection for initially positive margins. Finally, all tumor bed margins were clear. Nine (4.2%) and 48 (22.4%) patients underwent neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy, respectively. WBI was predominantly performed as conventionally fractionated WBI (n = 187, 87.4%), and the median time from BCS to WBI was 54.5 days. IORT was delivered with a single dose of 20 Gy. The median WBI dose was 50 Gy (range 29.4–50.4 Gy). No patients experienced grade 4 events; acute grade 3 toxicities were limited to 17 (8%) cases of radiation dermatitis. Postoperative toxicities were mild. After WBI only one case of late grade ≥ 2 events was reported. There were two recurrences in the tumor bed and one contralateral breast event.

Conclusion

This investigation provides additional preliminary data supporting the using of IORT in the boost setting and corroborates the existing literature. These encouraging results should be prospectively validated by the eventual publication of randomized studies such as TARGIT‑B.
„Palliative care“ bei Patienten mit Linksherzunterstützungssystem: systematische Übersichtsarbeit
Authors: Tenge T. , Schlieper D. , Schallenburger M. , Meier S. , Schwartz J. , Neukirchen M.
Published: May 2021

Hintergrund

Bei terminal herzinsuffizienten Patienten gewinnt die Implantation von Linksherzunterstützungssystemen (LVAD) als Therapieoption zunehmend an Bedeutung. Diese Systeme werden als Überbrückung bis zu einer Herztransplantation (BTT) oder als definitive Therapie (DT) eingesetzt. Sie können die Lebensqualität verbessern und die Lebenszeit verlängern. Trotzdem bleibt die Prognose besonders bei DT oder bei Wechsel von BTT zu DT mit Blick auf die Lebenszeit und auftretende Komplikationen ungünstig. Bisher ist ungeklärt, ob eine LVAD-Implantation eine Indikation für eine frühzeitige Integration von Palliativmedizin darstellt.

Ziel der Arbeit

Erfassung der aktuellen Studienlage über den Einfluss einer palliativmedizinischen Behandlung bei LVAD-Patienten.

Material und Methoden

Im Mai 2020 wurde eine systematische Literaturrecherche in 6 verschiedenen Datenbanken durchgeführt.

Ergebnisse

Von den 491 Treffern der Literaturrecherche wurden 21 Arbeiten in diese Übersichtsarbeit eingeschlossen. Durch die frühzeitige Integration der Palliativmedizin vor LVAD-Implantation erhöhte sich die Anzahl der Patienten mit vorausschauender Versorgungsplanung und Vorsorgeinstrumenten. Außerdem zeigte sich ein positiver Einfluss auf das familiäre Umfeld, das Symptommanagement und die Umstände des Versterbens. Es gibt verschiedene Formate für die Integration palliativmedizinischer Konzepte in die LVAD-Therapie.

Diskussion

Die frühzeitige und kontinuierliche Einbindung der Palliativmedizin im Verlauf einer LVAD-Therapie kann die Behandlungsqualität verbessern. Die Ausarbeitung von spezifischen Handlungsempfehlungen ist in Abhängigkeit vom Therapieziel (BTT oder DT) sinnvoll. Empfohlen werden Schulungen für Palliativmediziner und LVAD-Spezialisten.
Die induzierbare laryngeale Obstruktion (ILO) – Ursachen, klinische Präsentation, Diagnostik und Therapie
Authors: Dillenhöfer S. , Hinrichs B. , Kohl A. , Kuhnigk M. , Maas R. , Pfeiffer-Kascha D. , Rutt T. , Schlegtendal A. , Seidenberg J. , Spindler T. , Suerbaum C. , Wilmsmeyer B. , Zeidler S. , Koerner-Rettberg C.
Published: May 2021

Wiederholt episodenhaft auftretende Atemnot ist im Kindes- und Jugendalter ein häufiges Symptom. Neben anstrengungsinduzierter Bronchialobstruktion im Rahmen eines Asthma bronchiale ist eine funktionelle Genese eine sehr häufige Differenzialdiagnose. Dennoch wird diese Diagnose häufig nicht oder mit langer Latenz gestellt. Unter dem Oberbegriff „ILO“ („inducible laryngeal obstruction“) werden sowohl funktionelle supraglottische Obstruktionen durch Kollaps der Knorpelstrukturen als auch Dysfunktionen auf Glottisebene wie „vocal cord dysfunction“ (VCD) subsumiert. Körperliche Anstrengung ist ein häufiger Auslöser; es werden jedoch auch Beschwerdebilder ohne Anstrengungsbezug beobachtet. Es wird der Erkenntnisstand zur Pathophysiologie referiert und die klinische Präsentation beschrieben. Ein wesentlicher Fokus des Artikels liegt im Folgenden auf der Darstellung eines sinnvollen und Ressourcen-orientierten diagnostischen Vorgehens. Der CLE-Test („continuous laryngoscopy exercise test“) als Provokationsmethode unter Wach-Videolaryngoskopie ist der Goldstandard, jedoch wird diese Diagnostik im deutschsprachigen Raum nicht flächendeckend vorgehalten. Dieses Positionspapier stellt daher die diagnostische Wertigkeit verschiedener anderer Diagnostik-Algorithmen und anamnestischer Informationen heraus. Ein weiterer Schwerpunkt des Papiers besteht in der detaillierten Vorstellung geeigneter atemphysiotherapeutischer Interventionen.
The effect of local Suicide Prevention Action Networks (SUPRANET) on stigma, taboo and attitudes towards professional help-seeking: an exposure–response analysis
Authors: van der Burgt Margot C. A. , Beekman Aartjan T. F. , Hoogendoorn Adriaan W. , Berkelmans Guus , Franx Gerdien , Gilissen Renske
Published: May 2021

Purpose

In 2017, the European Alliance against Depression (EAAD) programme was introduced in the Netherlands through the creation of six local Suicide Prevention Action Networks (SUPRANET Community). This programme consists of interventions on four levels: (1) a public awareness campaign, (2) training local gatekeepers, (3) targeting high-risk persons in the community and (4) training of primary care professionals. This study aims to gain insight into the effectiveness of the SUPRANET programme on attitudinal changes in the general public by studying the exposure–response relationship.

Methods

A repeated cross-sectional design, using general population surveys to measure key variables over time. The surveys were conducted in the six intervention regions (N = 2586) and in the Netherlands as a whole as a control region (N = 4187) and include questions on socio-demographic variables, brand awareness of the Dutch helpline, perceived taboo on suicide, attitudes towards depression and help-seeking. To examine the exposure–response relationship, regions were differentiated into 3 groups: low, medium and high exposure of the SUPRANET programme.

Results

The results revealed that respondents in the intervention regions considered professional help to be more valuable and were more likely to be familiar with the Dutch helpline than respondents in the control region. In the exposure–response analyses, the grading of effects was too small to reach statistical significance.

Conclusion

Our study provides the first evidence for the effectiveness of the SUPRANET Community programme on creating attitudinal change in the general public.