bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In situ electrical stimulation for enhanced bone growth: A mini‐review
Authors: Khatua Chandra , Bhattacharya Dipten , Balla Vamsi Krishna
Published: May 2020

The role of electrical stimuli in directing cellular activities during natural tissue healing and regeneration process has been well recognized. This observation has prompted the development and use of exogenous electrical stimulations in the treatment of delayed unions and non‐unions of bone fracture in different parts of the human skeletal system. Considerable amount of clinical evidences has also been generated on the benefits of exogenous bone growth stimulators. However, the clinical efficacy and safety of these exogenous electrical stimulating methods are being argued to be inconsistent and inconclusive, due to lack of sufficient number of well‐controlled, randomized clinical studies. As a result, there has been significant interest in the development of smart biomaterials, which can generate in situ electrical stimuli, for accelerated bone repair, healing and regeneration. These smart biomaterials are essentially either composite biomaterials containing electrically active materials or biomaterials that can be polarized. The primary objective of this mini review was to provide an overview of different exogenous electrical stimulation methods and biocomposites for in situ stimulation, which can be used for bone growth and healing. The first part is focused on exogenous stimulation methods, and the second part discusses the use of biocomposites containing electrically active materials such as piezoelectric materials and multiferroic materials for accelerated repair and regeneration of bone.
Protein Assays on Organic Electronics: Rational Device and Material Designs for Organic Transistor‐Based Sensors
Authors: Minamiki Tsukuru , Kubota Riku , Sasaki Yui , Asano Koichiro , Minami Tsuyoshi
Published: May 2020

Artificial receptor‐based protein assays have various attractive features such as a long‐term stability, a low‐cost production process, and the ease of tuning the target specificity. However, such protein sensors are still immature compared with conventional immunoassays. To enhance the application potential of synthetic sensing materials, organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs) are some of the suitable platforms for protein assays because of their solution processability, durability, and compact integration. Importantly, OFETs enable the electrical readout of the protein recognition phenomena of artificial receptors on sensing electrodes. Thus, we believe that OFETs functionalized with artificial protein receptors will be a powerful tool for the on‐site analyses of target proteins. In this Minireview, we summarize the recent progress of the OFET‐based protein assays including the rational design strategies for devices and sensing materials.
Management of monochorionic twins discordant for structural fetal anomalies
Authors: Corroenne Romain , Al Ibrahim Abdullah , Stirnemann Julien , Zayed Louay Hassan , Essaoui Mohamed , Russell Noirin E. , Chalouhi Gihad E. , Salomon Laurent J. , Ville Yves
Published: May 2020

Objective

To review the perinatal management and outcomes of monochorionic twin pregnancies (MC) discordant for congenital anomalies (DCA).

Methods

Retrospective, study of all MC DCA cases referred to our tertiary referral center from 1997 to 2018. We excluded cases complicated with twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome, twin anemia‐polycythemia sequence, twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence or selective intra‐uterine growth restriction. Patients were counseled about the possibility of expectant (EM) or interventional management (selective feticide [SF] or termination of the entire pregnancy [TOP]).

Results

One hundred eight of 4157 (2.6%) MC pregnancies were discordant for anomaly. Fifty two of 108 n(48.1%) underwent SF at a mean gestational age of 31.4 ± 5.9 weeks while 52/108(48.1%) opted for EM. Livebirth rate of the healthy co‐twin was similar between the two groups (SF: 88.5% vs EM: 82.7%, P = .87). In the SF group, six healthy co‐twins (6/52, 11.5%) died 5.3 ± 3.1 days after SF of the abnormal co‐twin. In the EM group, in‐utero demise of the abnormal twin occurred in 9 of 52 (17.3%) of the cases and was followed by the spontaneous demise of the healthy co‐twin in 4 of 9 (44.4%) of these cases.

Conclusion

Selective feticide does not seem to significantly alter survival of the healthy co‐twin compared to EM.
Quality of reporting of drug exposure in pharmacoepidemiological studies
Authors: Hempenius Mirjam , Luijken Kim , de Boer Anthonius , Klungel Olaf , Groenwold Rolf , Gardarsdottir Helga
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Exposure definitions vary across pharmacoepidemiological studies. Therefore, transparent reporting of exposure definitions is important for interpretation of published study results. We aimed to assess the quality of reporting of exposure to identify where improvement may be needed.

Method

We systematically reviewed observational pharmacoepidemiological studies that used routinely collected health data, published in 2017 in six pharmacoepidemiological journals. Reporting of exposure was scored using 11 items of the ISPE‐ISPOR guideline on reporting of pharmacoepidemiological studies.

Results

Of the 91 studies included, all studies reported the type of exposure (100%), while most reported the exposure risk window (85%) and the exposure assessment window (98%). Operationalization of the exposure window was described infrequently: 16% (14/90) of the studies explicitly reported the presence or absence of an induction period if applicable, 11% (5/47), and 35% (17/49) reported how stockpiling and gaps between exposure episodes were handled, respectively, and 35% (17/49) explicitly mentioned the exposure extension. Switching/add‐on was reported in 62% (50/81). How switching between drugs was dealt with and specific drug codes were reported in 52 (57%) and 24 (26%) studies, respectively.

Conclusion

Publications of pharmacoepidemiological studies frequently reported the type of exposure, the exposure risk window, and the exposure assessment window. However, more details on exposure assessment are needed, especially when it concerns the operationalization of the exposure risk window (eg, the presence or absence of an induction period or exposure extension, handling of stockpiling and gaps, and specific codes), to allow for correct interpretation, reproducibility, and assessment of validity.
The prevalence of hypercapnia during acute infection in children on chronic noninvasive ventilation: A retrospective study
Authors: Beyltjens Tessi , de Leede Sophie R. , van Eekelen Ine , van Ginneken Fleur F. W. , Wyckmans Evelyn , Installe Sophie , Van Hoorenbeeck Kim , Verhulst Stijn
Published: May 2020

Background/Aim

Children on chronic noninvasive ventilation are at risk for nonelective hospitalizations, mainly for acute infections. This study examined the prevalence of hypercapnia in children on chronic ventilatory support during an acute admission.

Methods

This retrospective study included children aged 0 to 18 years who regularly used bilevel positive airway pressure or continuous positive airway pressure at home, and who were diagnosed with an acute infection, and were hospitalized at the pediatrics department or pediatric intensive care unit. Capillary blood gas analysis and parameters of the built‐in software of the home ventilator were recorded.

Results

Among the 43 cases included, hypercapnia was prevalent in 23% with a mean partial pressure of carbon dioxide of 51.7 ± 6.4 mm  Hg. These children also had lower oxygen saturation levels. The respiratory rate 48 hours before admission was significantly higher in the hypercapnic group and the volume guarantee mode was less frequently used in the hypercapnic group.

Conclusion

Approximately, a quarter of the cases of chronic home ventilation experience hypercapnia during an acute infection. Our data warrant a prospective study on the monitoring of respiratory rate in patients with chronic respiratory insufficiency as an indicator for hospitalizations with hypercapnia; we also recommend the use of volume guarantee mode of ventilation to prevent hypercapnia.
Generation of sodium halide endohedral metallofullerenes in the gas phase
Authors: Fan Xingting , Wang Yiyun , Kong Xianglei
Published: May 2020

Rationale

Recent theoretical calculations show that ionic bond encapsulated endohedral metallofullerenes (EMFs) have great potential in the application of molecular electronic components. However, experimental study of these species is very limited, due to the difficulty in their generation. Thus, it is important to study the possibility and optimized conditions of these species generated in the gas phase.

Methods

Mixtures of graphene and metal halides (MX), where M = Na, K; and X = Cl, Br, I, were used as the precursors for the experiments. Mass spectra were obtained in positive ion mode by laser irradiation of these mixtures of graphene and metal halides using a 7.0 T Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) mass spectrometer equipped with a 355 nm YAG laser.

Results

EMF ions of NaCl@C+ 2n (2n = 120–244), NaBr@C+ 2n (2n = 110–240), and NaI@C+ 2n (2n = 116–198) were observed in the laser ablation mass spectra. However, the encapsulated ion could not be replaced by Li or K in these experiments, indicating that the effects of the metal cation on the EMFs are larger than those of halide anions.

Conclusions

Ionic bond encapsulated EMF ions of NaX@C+ 2n (X = Cl, Br and I, 110 ≤ 2n ≤ 244) were generated by laser ablation of the mixture of graphene and sodium halides, but no species containing lithium or potassium were observed. This work opens the possibilities of using laser ablation for the synthesis of large‐sized salt‐encaged EMFs. Further study of the mechanism for these processes is important for the generation of the missing species.
Epoxy Resin Enables Facile Scalable Synthesis of CuO/C Nanohybrid Lithium‐Ion Battery Anode with Enhanced Electrochemical Performance
Authors: Ma Liujia , Meng Jian‐Qiang , Cheng Ya‐Jun , Gao Jie , Wang Xiaoyan , Ji Qing , Wang Meimei , Zuo Xiuxia , Zhu Jin , Xia Yonggao
Published: May 2020

CuO based anodes hold a promise alternative to the commercial graphite due to their high reversible capacities, low cost, and environmental friendliness. However, drastic volume change, partial irreversibility, and poor electron conductivity yields compromised the electrochemical performance including reversible capacities, cyclic stability and rate performance. A facile scalable method is developed to synthesize CuO/C nanohybrid lithium‐ion battery anode. Copper nanoparticles are synthesized in situ using the amine based curing agent as both coordination ligand and reducing agent. The copper nanoparticles/amine based curing agent further reacts with the epoxy resin monomers, where the copper nanoparticles are incorporated into the thermosetting polymer network. Due to thermosetting nature of the epoxy polymer, agglomeration of the copper nanoparticles is effectively suppressed during the carbonization process, which are further converted to the CuO nanoparticles within the carbon matrix through heat treatment in air. Systematic structure and electrochemical performance characterizations are carefully studied. The results show that both the reversible capacities are effectively improved in comparision with the bare carbon sample. Moreover, excellent cyclic stability and high rate capability are also demonstrated by the CuO/C nanohybrid.
Tetrazole and Azido Derivatives of Pyrimidine: Synthesis, Mechanism, Thermal Behaviour & Steering of Azido–Tetrazole Equilibrium
Authors: Manzoor Saira , Yang Jun‐Qing , Tariq Qamar‐un‐nisa , Mei Hao‐Zheng , Yang Zhen‐Li , Hu Yong , Cao Wen‐Li , Sinditskii Valery P. , Zhang Jian‐Guo
Published: May 2020

A new family of pyrimidine modified tetrazole & azido derivatives (1‐16) was developed using the conventional and nucleophilic substitution methods. The 1H‐tetrazol‐1‐yl)pyrimidine (1‐10) compounds were prepared via traditional cycloaddition and condensation method. The compounds tetrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidine (11 a,12 a, and 13 a), azido‐(1H‐tetrazol‐1‐yl)pyrimidine (14 a and 15 a) and tetrazolo[1,5‐c]pyrimidine (16 a) were synthesized by simultaneously introducing conventional and nucleophilic substitution approaches. The latter technique was easy to process and reduce the synthesis time. The factors (solvent, temperature, steric effect, electron‐donating groups, and electron‐withdrawing groups) were found responsible for steering the azido‐tetrazole equilibrium in the compounds 11 a, 12 a, 13 a, and 16 a. All the prepared compounds were well characterized including single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction structures of 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11 a, 12 a, 13 a, 14 a, 15 a, and 16 a. Thermal behaviour was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The current work is significant to the development of a new class of pyrimidine modified tetrazole and azido derivatives in sense of easy reaction approach, good to excellent yields, safe process, and simple work‐ups.
The incidence of Australian private practice sonographers moving patients unassisted and their level of training: A pilot study
Authors: Newton Kate , Quinton Ann , Childs Jessie
Published: May 2020

Studies to date do not ascertain the incidence of sonographers moving patients unassisted. There is further conflicting research as to what level of manual assistance of patients is within a sonographer's scope of practice and what training they have or require in order to do so. The aim of this study was to ascertain the incidence of Australian private practice sonographers moving patients unassisted and determine what training these sonographers have in order to appropriately perform these procedures. This research is a pilot study with the results obtained through an online questionnaire. The survey results returned a sample size of n = 35, showing that 94.29% (n = 33) of Australian sonographers are moving patients unassisted for ultrasound examinations. It further portrays the need for change through education as 71.43% (n = 25) of sonographers state to have received no manual handling training throughout their career. There is also a lack of clear guidelines for sonographers regarding patient moves. This research exposes the need for guidelines similar to other health professionals, particularly nurses, who have such guidelines in place to avoid injury and work‐related musculoskeletal disorders.
Nutzung erneuerbarer Energien durch thermische Aktivierung von Komponenten aus Stahl
Authors: Reger Vitali , Kuhnhenne Markus , Ebbert Thiemo , Hachul Helmut , Blanke Tobias , Döring Bernd
Published: May 2020

Die Versorgung von Neubauten soll möglichst weitgehend unabhängig von fossilen Energieträgern erfolgen. Erneuerbare Energien spielen dafür eine gewichtige Rolle. Eine gute Möglichkeit, erneuerbare Energien ohne viel zusätzlichen Aufwand nutzbar zu machen, ist, bereits vorhandenen Komponenten im Gebäude zusätzliche Funktionen zu geben. Hier kann bspw. die Fassade oder das Dach solarthermisch aktiviert oder durch Fotovoltaikmodule ergänzt werden. Auch Tiefgründungen können neben der statischen Funktion noch eine geothermische Funktion zur Aufnahme oder Abgabe von Wärme erhalten. Neben der Erzeugung bietet sich auch für die Verteilung der Wärme oder Kälte im Gebäude die Integration in Bauteile an. Hier kann bspw. der Boden durch eine Fußbodenheizung oder die Decke durch Deckenstrahlplatten aktiviert werden.

Im Rahmen der Veröffentlichung wird auf die thermische Aktivierung von Stahlkomponenten eingegangen. Es wird eine Lösung vorgestellt, die vorgehängte hinterlüftete Stahlfassade (VHF) solarthermisch zu aktivieren. Außerdem werden zwei Möglichkeiten zur geothermischen Aktivierung von Tiefgründungen mittels Stahlpfählen gezeigt. Zuletzt wird ein System zur thermischen Aktivierung von Stahltrapezprofilen an der Decke erläutert, welches Wärme zuführen oder bei Bedarf abführen kann.
Humanize the experience, be flexible when it comes to remote working arrangements
Authors: Pavlik Amelia
Published: May 2020

Thanks to COVID‐19, in a matter of days, Registrar's Office teams around the country were forced to adopt remote work arrangements that had never been tried before.
Communities of practice at the center of circular water solutions
Authors: Fulgenzi Andrea , Brouwer Stijn , Baker Kate , Frijns Jos
Published: May 2020

The circular economy (CE) is an emerging system that moves away from the traditional linear view of “make, use, and dispose” to one that is restorative and regenerative to keep resources, such as water, at its highest value and utility at all times. Water is essential to the CE due to its importance for human life and because of the energy and material it contains. However, the move toward more circular water solutions is accompanied by both technological and social challenges for which, this article argues, stakeholder participation and social learning are essential. Enabling diverse stakeholders to engage and share different perspectives, interests, and needs, and ultimately to co‐produce knowledge, communities of practice (CoPs) are seen as a suitable approach to discuss CE water technologies in their institutional context. Although CoPs are being used widely in many sectors and disciplines, there is insufficient focus and a lack of consensus on how to evaluate the CoPs to understand whether and how the co‐production of knowledge is effective and efficient. This article gives an overview of the importance of water in the CE, explores the rationale for knowledge co‐production and CoPs, and proposes a CoP evaluation framework to draw together a consensus on the methods used for evaluating water knowledge co‐production and social learning processes in the transition toward the CE.

This article is categorized under:

Human Water > Water as Imagined and Represented

Engineering Water > Planning Water

Water and Life > Conservation, Management, and Awareness
A novel Polysulfone/Iron‐Nickel oxide nanocomposite membrane for removal of heavy metal and protein from water
Authors: Raviya Mayur R. , Gauswami Maulik V. , Raval Hiren D.
Published: May 2020

Making a nanocomposite membrane is an effective way of producing membranes with desired functionality, better permeance. In this work, virgin polysulfone ultrafiltration (UF) membrane and nanocomposite membranes with different concentrations ranging from 100 to 2,000 mg/L iron–nickel oxide in polysulfone matrix were prepared by phase inversion method. The performances of prepared membranes were evaluated by pure water permeance testing, protein rejection, and lead rejection. Up to 99.66% removal of lead was achieved by nanocomposite membrane. The structure and property of membranes were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), powder X‐ray diffractometer (XRD), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) and zeta potential analysis. The nanocomposite membranes showed higher water permeance as compared to virgin ultrafiltration membrane. The membrane with 750 mg/L concentration of iron–nickel oxide nanoparticle demonstrated the increase in water flux by 117.85% as compared to the virgin ultrafiltration membrane. Higher albumin rejection and lead rejection were achieved by nanocomposite membrane as compared to polysulfone membrane. Leaching study of nanomaterial in water was undertaken, and it was found the leaching of nanomaterial was minimal. Increase in surface roughness, increase in number of pores with decrease in pore size, led to improvement in ultrafiltration performance by increased selectivity and permeance of the membrane. © 2020 Water Environment Federation

Practitioner points

The nanocomposite ultrafiltration membrane with iron–nickel oxide nanomaterial.

Upto 117.85% increase in pure water permeance as compared to virgin membrane.

Upto 99.66% lead rejection and upto 96.8% albumin rejection from aqueous solution.

Little or no leaching of nanomaterials in water.

Increased selectivity and productivity of membrane.
NIR light‐triggered nanomaterials‐based prodrug activation towards cancer therapy
Authors: Zhang Fengrong , Wu Qingyuan , Liu Huiyu
Published: May 2020

Nanomaterials‐based prodrug activation systems have been widely explored in cancer therapy, aiming at overcoming limited dosage formulation, systemic toxicity, and insufficient pharmacokinetic performance of parent drugs. For better delivery control, various stimuli systems, especially nanomaterials‐based ones, have come to the forefront. Among them, near‐infrared (NIR) light takes advantage of on‐demand/site‐specific regulation and non‐invasiveness. In this review, we will address the developments of nanomaterials‐based prodrug over the last decade, the activation mechanisms, and bioapplications under NIR light triggering. The advantages and limitations of NIR‐triggered prodrug activation strategies and the perspectives of the next‐generation prodrug nanomedicine will also be summarized.

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies
Association of preceding psychosis risk states and non‐psychotic mental disorders with incidence of clinical psychosis in the general population: a prospective study in the NEMESIS‐2 cohort
Authors: Guloksuz Sinan , Pries Lotta‐Katrin , ten Have Margreet , de Graaf Ron , van Dorsselaer Saskia , Klingenberg Boris , Bak Maarten , Lin Bochao D. , van Eijk Kristel R. , Delespaul Philippe , van Amelsvoort Therese , Luykx Jurjen J. , Rutten Bart P.F. , van Os Jim
Published: May 2020

The validity and clinical utility of the concept of “clinical high risk” (CHR) for psychosis have so far been investigated only in risk‐enriched samples in clinical settings. In this population‐based prospective study, we aimed – for the first time – to assess the incidence rate of clinical psychosis and es­timate the population attributable fraction (PAF) of that incidence for preceding psychosis risk states and DSM‐IV diagnoses of non‐psychotic mental disorders (mood disorders, anxiety disorders, alcohol use disorders, and drug use disorders). All analyses were adjusted for age, gender and education. The incidence rate of clinical psychosis was 63.0 per 100,000 person‐years. The mutually‐adjusted Cox proportional hazards model indicated that preceding diagnoses of mood disorders (hazard ratio, HR=10.67, 95% CI: 3.12‐36.49), psychosis high‐risk state (HR=7.86, 95% CI: 2.76‐22.42) and drug use disorders (HR=5.33, 95% CI: 1.61‐17.64) were associated with an increased risk for clinical psychosis incidence. Of the clinical psychosis incidence in the population, 85.5% (95% CI: 64.6‐94.1) was attributable to prior psychopathology, with mood disorders (PAF=66.2, 95% CI: 33.4‐82.9), psychosis high‐risk state (PAF=36.9, 95% CI: 11.3‐55.1), and drug use disorders (PAF=18.7, 95% CI: –0.9 to 34.6) as the most important factors. Although the psychosis high‐risk state displayed a high relative risk for clinical psychosis outcome even after adjusting for other psychopathology, the PAF was comparatively low, given the low prevalence of psychosis high‐risk states in the population. These findings provide empirical evidence for the “prevention paradox” of targeted CHR early intervention. A comprehensive prevention strategy with a focus on broader psychopathology may be more effective than the current psychosis‐focused approach for achieving population‐based improvements in prevention of psychotic disorders.
The Intermetallic Type‐I Clathrate Na8Zn4Ge42
Authors: Stegmaier Saskia , Hlukhyy Viktor , Fässler Thomas F.
Published: May 2020

The new intermetallic type‐I clathrate Na8Zn4Ge42 was obtained by direct reaction of the elements, and its crystal structure was determined by means of single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction methods. The structure is described in space group Pm3n (no. 223) with a = 10.6982(1) Å. A mixed Zn/Ge occupancy is found for one of the network sites (6c). Na8Zn4Ge42 represents an air‐stable electron‐precise Zintl phase with exclusively Na cations located in the cavities of a polyanionic host network of four‐connected Zn and Ge atoms.
Silver(I) Complexes of Two Flexible Bis‐phospholane Ligands: Metallamacrocycles, Polymeric Chains, and Metallacryptands
Authors: Boar Paul , Lönnecke Peter , Hey‐Hawkins Evamarie
Published: May 2020

In a 2:2 reaction with silver(I) chloride or bromide, 1,5‐bis(1‐phospholano)pentane (1a) afforded frame‐like macrocyclic structures, with intra‐ (2, Cl) or intermolecular (3, Br) halido bridges. In contrast, 1,7‐bis(1‐phospholano)heptane (1b) formed coordination polymers 4a (Cl) and 4b (Br) with bridging bis‐phospholane and halido ligands. A unique paddle wheel‐type metallacryptand structure 5 was obtained from 1a and silver(I) bromide in a 2:3 reaction (M:L). All complexes were fully characterized by NMR, IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and X‐ray crystallography.
Helical Coordination Polymers Based on Keggin‐type POMs and N‐donor Ligand
Authors: Li Xu , Chi Xiao‐Lin , Xiao Dong‐Rong , Shen Jun
Published: May 2020

Two new 1D helical coordination polymers based on polyoxometalate were synthesized by self‐assembly of Keggin‐type POMs and copper salts in the presence of triangular N‐heterocyclic derivatives or long‐chain N‐containing carboxylate ligand, that are, (H3O)[{Cu(H2tpim)2}{SiMo12O40}]·0.5H2O [Htpim = 2,4,5‐tri(4‐pyridyl)‐imidazole] (1) and [Cu2(Hcpp)3(cpp)(H2O)][PMo12O40]·2H2O [Hcpp = 1‐(4‐cyanobenzyl)‐3–2‐yl)pyrazole] (2). Their structures were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and further characterized by elemental analyses and TG analyses. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibit (1D→2D) interdigitated architectures assembled from 1D helical chains. In compound 1, the achiral 2D interdigitated nets containing left‐ and right‐handed helixes are further interdigitated with each other to form a 3D supramolecular framework. In compound 2, adjacent 2D interdigitated layers with opposite chirality are further extended by supramolecular interactions into a 3D supramolecular network, in which non‐coordinating Keggin‐type POMs as guests are encapsulated.
Genomic Strategies Toward Identification of Novel Therapeutic Targets
Authors: Kessler Thorsten , Schunkert Heribert
Published: May 2020

Coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, and secondary damages of the myocardium in the form of ischemic heart disease remain major causes of death in Western countries. Beyond traditional risk factors such as smoking, hypertension, dyslipidemia, or diabetes, a positive family history is known to increase risk. The genetic factors underlying this observation remained unknown for decades until genetic studies were able to identify multiple genomic loci contributing to the heritability of the trait. Knowledge of the affected genes and the resulting molecular and cellular mechanisms leads to improved understanding of the pathophysiology leading to coronary atherosclerosis. Major goals are also to improve prevention and therapy of coronary artery disease and its sequelae via improved risk prediction tools and pharmacological targets. In this chapter, we recapitulate recent major findings. We focus on established novel targets and discuss possible further targets which are currently explored in translational studies.
On the elliptic Calabi-Yau fourfold with maximal h1,1
Authors: Wang Yi-Nan
Published: May 2020

Abstract

In this paper, we explicitly construct the smooth compact base threefold for the elliptic Calabi-Yau fourfold with the largest known h
1,1 = 303 148. It is generated by blowing up a smooth toric “seed” base threefold with (E
8
, E
8
, E
8) collisions. The 4d F-theory compactification model over it has the largest geometric gauge group,

$$ {E}_8^{2561}\times {F}_4^{7576}\times {G}_2^{20168}\times \mathrm{SU}{(2)}^{30200}, $$

E
8
2561

×

F
4
7576

×

G
2
20168

×
SU

2

30200

,

and the largest number of axions, 181 820, in the known 4d

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 1 supergravity landscape. We also prove that there are at least 110015 048
≈ 7.5 × 1045 766 different flip and flop phases of this base threefold. Moreover, we find that many other base threefolds with large h
1,1 in the 4d F-theory landscape can be constructed in a similar way as well.
MUonE sensitivity to new physics explanations of the muon anomalous magnetic moment
Authors: Dev P.S. Bhupal , Rodejohann Werner , Xu Xun-Jie , Zhang Yongchao
Published: May 2020

Abstract

The MUonE experiment aims at a precision measurement of the hadronic vacuum polarization contribution to the muon g − 2, via elastic muon-electron scattering. Since the current muon g − 2 anomaly hints at the potential existence of new physics (NP) related to the muon, the question then arises as to whether the measurement of hadronic vacuum polarization in MUonE could be affected by the same NP as well. In this work, we address this question by investigating a variety of NP explanations of the muon g − 2 anomaly via either vector or scalar mediators with either flavor-universal, non-universal or even flavor-violating couplings to electrons and muons. We derive the corresponding MUonE sensitivity in each case and find that the measurement of hadronic vacuum polarization at the MUonE is not vulnerable to any of these NP scenarios.
C P violation from τ , t and b dimension-6 Yukawa couplings — interplay of baryogenesis, EDM and Higgs physics
Authors: Fuchs Elina , Losada Marta , Nir Yosef , Viernik Yehonatan
Published: May 2020

Abstract

We explore the implications of the Standard Model effective field theory (SMEFT) with dimension-six terms involving the Higgs boson and third-generation fermion fields on the rate of Higgs boson production and decay into fermions, on the electric dipole moments (EDMs) of the electron, and on the baryon asymmetry of the Universe. We study the consequences of allowing these additional terms for each flavor separately and for combinations of two flavors. We find that a complex τ Yukawa coupling can account for the observed baryon asymmetry

$$ {Y}_B^{\mathrm{obs}} $$

Y
B
obs

within current LHC and EDM bounds. A complex b (t) Yukawa coupling can account for 4% (2%) of

$$ {Y}_B^{\mathrm{obs}} $$

Y
B
obs

, whereas a combination of the two can reach 12%. Combining τ with either t or b enlarges the viable parameter space owing to cancellations in the EDM and in either Higgs production times decay or the total Higgs width, respectively. Interestingly, in such a scenario there exists a region in parameter space where the SMEFT contributions to the electron EDM cancel and collider signal strengths are precisely SM-like, while producing sufficient baryon asymmetry. Measuring C P violation in Higgs decays to τ leptons is the smoking gun for this scenario.
Pandemie- und Seuchengeschichte als Pflegegeschichte?
Authors: Nolte Karen
Published: May 2020

Dieser Beitrag ist Teil des Forums COVID-19: Perspektiven in den Geistes- und Sozialwissenschaften. In der aktuellen COVID-19-Pandemie wird die Bedeutung von professioneller Krankenpflege weithin anerkannt. In der deutschsprachigen und internationalen Forschung ist die Geschichte der Krankenpflege bei Pandemien und Epidemien weitgehend ungeschrieben. Der vorliegende Beitrag gibt einen Überblick über Fragen und Ergebnisse in diesem Forschungsbereich und diskutiert das Potenzial einer pandemischen Krankenpflegegeschichte.
Melanism, body size, and sex ratio in snakes—new data on the grass snake (Natrix natrix) and synthesis
Authors: Bury Stanisław , Mazgajski Tomasz D. , Najbar Bartłomiej , Zając Bartłomiej , Kurek Katarzyna
Published: May 2020

It is postulated that melanism in ectotherms is adaptive by enhancing thermoregulation, subsequent resource acquisition, and growth. Such effects may differ between the sexes as a result of the differential costs of self-maintenance and reproduction, but empirical support for the sex-specific consequences of melanism remains inconsistent. We studied the effects of melanism on body size and sex ratio in a population of the European grass snake (Natrix natrix) in SE Poland and also carried out a systematic review of the literature on the consequences of melanism in terrestrial snakes. Melanistic grass snakes of both sexes appeared to be smaller than the typical phenotype, which indicates higher predation pressure and minimal thermal benefits for black individuals. A female-biased sex ratio was observed in the typical phenotype, but not in melanistic snakes, suggesting that the costs for females and/or benefits for males are higher in melanistic individuals. In conjunction with earlier studies, our data indicate that the consequences of melanism may be related to the reproductive mode of species. In viviparous species, melanism tends to improve growth and/or body size and is more frequent in females, whereas the opposite holds for oviparous snakes. Further studies on melanism should examine a wider array of species with different reproductive strategies and traits beyond the usual thermal benefits.
Speed breeding short-day crops by LED-controlled light schemes
Authors: Jähne Felix , Hahn Volker , Würschum Tobias , Leiser Willmar L.
Published: May 2020

Key message

A simple and rapid speed breeding system was developed for short-day crops that enables up to five generations per year using LED lighting systems that allow very specific adjustments regarding light intensity and quality.

Plant breeding is a key element for future agricultural production that needs to cope with a growing human population and climate change. However, the process of developing suitable cultivars is time-consuming, not least because of the long generation times of crops. Recently, speed breeding has been introduced for long-day crops, but a similar protocol for short-day crops is lacking to date. In this study, we present a speed breeding protocol based on light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that allow to modify light quality, and exemplarily demonstrate its effectiveness for the short-day crops soybean (Glycine max), rice (Oryza sativa) and amaranth (Amaranthus spp.). Adjusting the photoperiod to 10 h and using a blue-light enriched, far-red-deprived light spectrum facilitated the growth of short and sturdy soybean plants that flowered ~ 23 days after sowing and matured within 77 days, thus allowing up to five generations per year. In rice and amaranth, flowering was achieved ~ 60 and ~ 35 days after sowing, respectively. Interestingly, the use of far-red light advanced flowering by 10 and 20 days in some amaranth and rice genotypes, respectively, but had no impact on flowering in soybeans, highlighting the importance of light quality for speed breeding protocols. Taken together, our short-day crops’ speed breeding protocol enables several generations per year using crop-specific LED-based lighting regimes, without the need of tissue culture tools such as embryo rescue. Moreover, this approach can be readily applied to a multi-storey 96-cell tray-based system to integrate speed breeding with genomics, toward a higher improvement rate in breeding.
Inverse design of microchannel fluid flow networks using Turing pattern dehomogenization
Authors: Dede Ercan M. , Zhou Yuqing , Nomura Tsuyoshi
Published: May 2020

Microchannel reactors are critical in biological plus energy-related applications and require meticulous design of hundreds-to-thousands of fluid flow channels. Such systems commonly comprise intricate space-filling microstructures to control the fluid flow distribution for the reaction process. Traditional flow channel design schemes are intuition-based or utilize analytical rule-based optimization strategies that are oversimplified for large-scale domains of arbitrary geometry. Here, a gradient-based optimization method is proposed, where effective porous media and fluid velocity vector design information is exploited and linked to explicit microchannel parameterizations. Reaction-diffusion equations are then utilized to generate space-filling Turing pattern microchannel flow structures from the porous media field. With this computationally efficient and broadly applicable technique, precise control of fluid flow distribution is demonstrated across large numbers (on the order of hundreds) of microchannels.
The effects of tumor resection and adjuvant therapy on the peripheral blood immune cell profile in patients with colon carcinoma
Authors: Krijgsman Daniëlle , De Vries Natasja L. , Andersen Morten N. , Skovbo Anni , Tollenaar Rob A. E. M. , Bastiaannet Esther , Kuppen Peter J. K. , Hokland Marianne
Published: May 2020

Objective

The subset distribution and immunophenotype of circulating immune cells (“peripheral blood immune cell profile”) may reflect tumor development and response to cancer treatment. In order to use the peripheral blood immune cell profile as biomarker to monitor patients over time, it is crucial to know how immune cell subsets respond to therapeutic interventions. In this study, we investigated the effects of tumor resection and adjuvant therapy on the peripheral blood immune cell profile in patients with colon carcinoma (CC).

Methods

The subset distribution and immunophenotype of T cells (CD3+CD56−), CD56dimNK cells (CD3−CD56dim), CD56brightNK cells (CD3−CD56bright) and NKT-like cells (CD3+CD56+) were studied in preoperative and postoperative peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples of 24 patients with CC by multiparameter flow cytometry. Changes in immunophenotype of circulating immune cells after tumor resection were studied in patients treated with and without (capecitabine-based) adjuvant therapy.

Results

The NKT-like cell (% of total PBMCs) and CD8+T cell (% of total T cells) populations expanded in the peripheral blood of non-adjuvant-treated CC patients after surgery. NK- and NKT-like cells showed upregulation of activating receptors and downregulation of inhibitory receptors in non-adjuvant-treated CC patients after surgery. These changes were not observed in the peripheral blood of adjuvant-treated CC patients.

Conclusions

Our results suggest tumor-induced suppression of NK- and NKT-like cells in CC patients, an effect that could not be detected after tumor resection. In contrast, adjuvant therapy maintained tumor-induced immunosuppression of NK- and NKT-like cells in CC patients.
Informatikpionierleistungen aus dem deutschsprachigen Raum – Eine Schatzsuche!
Authors: Lehmann Axel , Lockemann Peter C. , Nehmer Jürgen
Published: May 2020

Die Gesellschaft für Informatik ist 50 Jahre alt geworden – nur wenig jünger als die Informatikentwicklung in Deutschland. Sie hat daher diese Entwicklung in Lehre, Forschung und Praxis begleiten können. Und die konnte durchaus auch im Weltmaßstab mithalten, sie hat, auch wenn dies vielen nicht mehr bewusst ist, eigene bahnbrechende Leistungen hervorgebracht. Der Beitrag soll einige dieser Pionierleistungen ins Gedächtnis zurückrufen. Die Beispiele decken ein breites Spektrum ab: Entwicklung kompletter Rechensysteme mit Hardware und Software, Programmiertechniken, Theorie- und Methodenentwicklung, Informatikanwendungen. Letztlich soll der Beitrag dazu anregen, einer Suche nach weiteren derartigen „Schätzen“ nachzugehen. Dies ist eine Aufgabe, der sich derzeit auch die GI-Fellows widmen.
Imaging assessment of children presenting with suspected or known juvenile idiopathic arthritis: ESSR-ESPR points to consider
Authors: Hemke Robert , Herregods Nele , Jaremko Jacob L. , Åström Gunnar , Avenarius Derk , Becce Fabio , Bielecki Dennis K. , Boesen Mikael , Dalili Danoob , Giraudo Chiara , Hermann Kay-Geert , Humphries Paul , Isaac Amanda , Jurik Anne Grethe , Klauser Andrea S. , Kvist Ola , Laloo Frederiek , Maas Mario , Mester Adam , Oei Edwin , Offiah Amaka C. , Omoumi Patrick , Papakonstantinou Olympia , Plagou Athena , Shelmerdine Susan , Simoni Paolo , Sudoł-Szopińska Iwona , Tanturri de Horatio Laura , Teh James , Jans Lennart , Rosendahl Karen
Published: May 2020

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common paediatric rheumatic disease. It represents a group of heterogenous inflammatory disorders with unknown origin and is a diagnosis of exclusion in which imaging plays an important role. JIA is defined as arthritis of one or more joints that begins before the age of 16 years, persists for more than 6 weeks and is of unknown aetiology and pathophysiology. The clinical goal is early suppression of inflammation to prevent irreversible joint damage which has shifted the emphasis from detecting established joint damage to proactively detecting inflammatory change. This drives the need for imaging techniques that are more sensitive than conventional radiography in the evaluation of inflammatory processes as well as early osteochondral change. Physical examination has limited reliability, even if performed by an experienced clinician, emphasising the importance of imaging to aid in clinical decision-making. On behalf of the European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology (ESSR) arthritis subcommittee and the European Society of Paediatric Radiology (ESPR) musculoskeletal imaging taskforce, based on literature review and/or expert opinion, we discuss paediatric-specific imaging characteristics of the most commonly involved, in literature best documented and clinically important joints in JIA, namely the temporomandibular joints (TMJs), spine, sacroiliac (SI) joints, wrists, hips and knees, followed by a clinically applicable point to consider for each joint. We will also touch upon controversies in the current literature that remain to be resolved with ongoing research.

Key Points

• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common chronic paediatric rheumatic disease and, in JIA imaging, is increasingly important to aid in clinical decision-making.

• Conventional radiographs have a lower sensitivity and specificity for detection of disease activity and early destructive change, as compared to MRI or ultrasound. Nonetheless, radiography remains important, particularly in narrowing the differential diagnosis and evaluating growth disturbances.

• Mainly in peripheral joints, ultrasound can be helpful for assessment of inflammation and guiding joint injections. In JIA, MRI is the most validated technique. MRI should be considered as the modality of choice to assess the axial skeleton or where the clinical presentation overlaps with JIA.
Clinical and genetic characterization of patients with Pierre Robin sequence and spinal disease: review of the literature and novel terminal 10q deletion
Authors: Yekula Anudeep , Grant Connor , Gupta Mihir , Santiago-Dieppa David R. , Duddleston Pate J. , Gonda David , Levy Michael
Published: May 2020

Introduction

The Pierre-Robin sequence (PRS) is a pattern of congenital facial abnormalities comprising micrognathia, glossoptosis, and airway obstruction. Associated spinal pathologies have rarely been reported with PRS.

Methods

We explore the molecular genetic basis of this association through a systematic review of spinal disease in patients with PRS. We also present an illustrative case of a PRS patient with tethered cord in the setting of chromosome 10q terminal deletion.

Results

Our systematic literature review of spinal disease in patients with PRS revealed several patterns in the underlying genetic syndromes causing these conditions to co-occur. These principles are illustrated in the case of a 6-month-old female with PRS and a 14.34-Mb terminal deletion of chromosome 10q, who was found to have a sacral dimple during a routine outpatient checkup. Magnetic resonance imaging of the spine revealed a lumbar syrinx associated with tethered spinal cord. Surgical de-tethering was undertaken, with subsequent improvement in motor function and decrease in the size of the syrinx. The deletion of chromosome 10q in our patient had not previously been described in association with tethered cord or PRS.

Conclusion

Spinal pathologies are understudied contributors to disease burden in patients with PRS. The range of predisposing syndromes and mutations in patients with both PRS and spinal disorders remains poorly characterized but may be more defined than previously conceived. Clinical screening is most critical during neonatal and adolescent developmental periods with continued neurological assessment. This study emphasizes the need for early genetic testing and counseling in this patient population, in parallel with research efforts to develop molecular classifications to guide clinical management.
Changes in gene expression patterns in postmortem human myocardial infarction
Authors: Wilmes Verena , Lux Constantin , Niess Constanze , Gradhand Elise , Verhoff Marcel A. , Kauferstein Silke
Published: May 2020

In murine models, the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in myocardial infarction (MI) has been reported to be the result of tissue injury and inflammation. In the present study, mRNA expression of iNOS, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was investigated in postmortem human infarction hearts. Since HIF-1α is the inducible subunit of the transcription factor HIF-1, which regulates transcription of iNOS and VEGF, the interrelation between the three genes was observed, to examine the molecular processes during the emergence of MI. iNOS and VEGF mRNAs were found to be significantly upregulated in the affected regions of MI hearts in comparison to healthy controls. Upregulation of HIF-1α was also present but not significant. Correlation analysis of the three genes indicated a stronger and significant correlation between HIF-1α and iNOS mRNAs than between HIF-1α and VEGF. The results of the study revealed differences in the expression patterns of HIF-1 downstream targets. The stronger transcription of iNOS by HIF-1 in the affected regions of MI hearts may represent a pathological process, since no correlation of iNOS and HIF-1α mRNA was found in non-affected areas of MI hearts. Oxidative stress is considered to cause molecular changes in MI, leading to increased iNOS expression. Therefore, it may also represent a forensic marker for detection of early changes in heart tissue.
Realitätsnahe Bestimmung der Eisenverluste einer elektrischen Maschine mit Einzelzähnen
Authors: Rollbühler Christoph , Breining Patrick , Kolb Johannes , Doppelbauer Martin
Published: May 2020

An elektrische Maschinen in elektrifizierten Automobilantrieben werden hohe technische Anforderungen gestellt. Zum einen werden Produktionsmethoden benötigt, welche die Herstellung großer Stückzahlen unter Einhaltung niedriger Kosten ermöglichen. Zum anderen wird eine hohe elektrische Reichweite gefordert, was einen elektrischen Antriebsstrang mit hoher Effizienz und gleichzeitig hoher Leistungsdichte voraussetzt. Grundlegend für die Entwicklung elektrischer Maschinen mit den genannten Eigenschaften sind detaillierte Verlustmodelle. Insbesondere die Modellierung der Ummagnetisierungsverluste, kurz Eisenverluste, im Stator und Rotor der Maschine ist dabei herausfordernd. Neben der Materialwahl und der Maschinengeometrie haben die Fertigungsprozesse einen nicht zu vernachlässigenden Einfluss auf die Verlustcharakteristik der Maschine. In diesem Beitrag wird ein neuer Ansatz zur Bestimmung der Eisenverluste eines einzelnen Statorzahns einer elektrischen Maschine unter Berücksichtigung realitätsnaher Flussbedingungen vorgestellt. Mit dem gezeigten Verfahren können Fertigungseinflüsse auf die Eisenverluste untersucht werden, wobei anwendungsspezifische Geometrie sowie magnetische Ausnutzung des Zahns beibehalten bleiben. Zunächst werden die magnetischen Zustände einer elektrischen Maschine mit Einzelzahnwicklung beschrieben. Nachfolgend wird der Einzelzahn-Prüfstand eingeführt und die Übertragung der relevanten magnetischen Größen der Maschine auf den Prüfstand vorgestellt. Die Bestimmung der Zahnverluste anhand von Messdaten wird gezeigt. Abschließend wird ein Vergleich von Simulation und Messung vorgenommen. Das vorgestellte Verfahren bietet die Möglichkeit, Eisenverlustmodelle an die zusätzlich auftretenden fertigungsbedingten Verluste anzupassen und die Unsicherheiten bei der Verlustmodellierung im Allgemeinen zu verringern.