bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An innovative sampling approach combined with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry for the analysis of emerging pollutants in drinking water
Authors: Di Carro Marina , Lluveras‐Tenorio Anna , Benedetti Barbara , Magi Emanuele
Published: July 2020

In this work, an innovative sampling and preconcentration method followed by analysis with liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization (LC‐ESI‐MS/MS) was developed for the determination of different emerging pollutants (five anti‐inflammatory drugs and one antibacterial agent) in water matrices.

Thin‐film microextraction blades, consisting of stainless steel blades with a coating made of divinylbenzene, have been employed. The blades, fixed onto a stainless steel support, were mounted on a laboratory stirrer with adjustable speed, immersed in water samples and eluted with methanol. The analytical procedure was developed, carefully optimizing stirring speed and extraction time. A good reproducibility among the blades was observed; quantitation limits at the ng L−1 level were achieved. Calibration curves were constructed by applying the whole procedure to tap water samples, free from analytes, spiked with standards in the concentration range 0.01–2 μg L−1; good linearity was obtained, with R2 between 0.9984 and 0.9991. The optimized method was applied to tap and surface waters; two anti‐inflammatory drugs were detected at the ng L−1 level in surface water. In one sample, diclofenac and naproxen were measured at 26 ± 5 and 15 ± 1 ng L−1, respectively; only diclofenac was quantified in the other sample at 14 ± 3 ng L−1.
Viral metagenomics analysis of kidney donors and recipients: Torque teno virus genotyping and prevalence
Authors: Kulifaj Dorian , Tilloy Valentin , Scaon Erwan , Guerin Emilie , Essig Marie , Pichon Nicolas , Hantz Sébastien , De Bernardi Alexandra , Joannes Martine , Barranger Côme , Alain Sophie
Published: July 2020

The viral load of the ubiquitous and nonpathogenic torque teno virus (TTV) is associated with the grade of immunosuppression of its host. The development of next‐generation sequencing (NGS) allowed to describe the human virome of the blood compartment in transplanted patients, and showed that TTV is the most important part of the virome. This study is a descriptive retrospective pilot study of sequencing plasma samples from 15 matched donors and recipients. After sample processing, nucleic acids were amplified by rolling circle amplification and submitted to NGS by ion proton sequencing technology. Results were analyzed after mapping of reads on the 29 TTV reference genomes and de novo assembling of the reads with MIRA software. The number of TTV species present in donors and recipients was, on average, 12 in donors and 33 in recipients. TTV species predominantly present in donors were TTV‐13 and TTV‐18; and in recipients were TTV‐P15‐2, TTV‐27, TTV‐HD14a, and TTV‐22. We highlighted a significant variability in abundance and composition in sequential samples from recipients. Temporal evolution of TTV populations was clearly observed in recipients, but no preferential transmission of a species from donor to recipient was evidenced. Diversity and population expansion were observed in kidney recipients. Further study of TTV species could help assess the potential impact of each species of this virus.
Palaeogeographical changes in response to glacial–interglacial cycles, as recorded in Middle and Late Pleistocene seismic stratigraphy, southern North Sea
Authors: Eaton Stephen J. , Hodgson David M. , Barlow Natasha L. M. , Mortimer Estelle E. J. , Mellett Claire L.
Published: July 2020

Offshore stratigraphic records from the North Sea contain information to reconstruct palaeo‐ice‐sheet extent and understand sedimentary processes and landscape response to Pleistocene glacial–interglacial cycles. We document three major Middle to Late Pleistocene stratigraphic packages over a 401‐km2 area (Norfolk Vanguard/Boreas Offshore Wind Farm), offshore East Anglia, UK, through the integration of 2D seismic, borehole and cone penetration test data. The lowermost unit is predominantly fluviatile [Yarmouth Roads Formation, Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 19–13], including three northward‐draining valleys. The middle unit (Swarte Bank Formation) records the southernmost extent of tunnel valley‐fills in this area of the North Sea, providing evidence for subglacial conditions most likely during the Anglian stage (MIS 12) glaciation. The Yarmouth Roads and Swarte Bank deposits are truncated and overlain by low‐energy estuarine silts and clays (Brown Bank Formation; MIS 5d–4). Smaller scale features, including dune‐scale bedforms, and abrupt changes in cone penetration test parameters, provide evidence for episodic changes in relative sea level within MIS 5. The landscape evolution recorded in deposits of ~MIS 19–5 are strongly related to glacial–interglacial cycles, although a distinctive aspect of this low‐relief ice‐marginal setting are opposing sediment transport directions under contrasting sedimentary process regimes.
Impact of Implementing Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasound for Antegrade Nephrostogram After Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy
Authors: Fetzer David T. , Flanagan Jennifer , Nabhan Ali , Pongsatianwong Kim , Antonelli Jodi , Pearle Margaret , Vijay Kanupriya , Watumull Lori
Published: July 2020

Objectives

To report results from a quality improvement (QI) project evaluating diagnostic performance, hospital resource use, and patient response data for postoperative contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) antegrade nephrostogram after percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

Methods

For this Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act–compliant, Institutional Review Board–approved study, QI data were deidentified and analyzed. On the first postoperative day after percutaneous nephrolithotomy, patients underwent both CEUS and fluoroscopic antegrade nephrostogram. For CEUS, 1.0 mL of Lumason (sulfur hexafluoride lipid type A microspheres; Bracco Diagnostics, Inc, Monroe Township, NJ) was injected via an indwelling nephrostomy tube, with ureteral patency confirmed by identifying intravesical ultrasound (US) contrast. Diagnostic performance for ureteral patency and contrast extravasation was calculated (with fluoroscopy as the reference standard). The examination time, room time, physician time, hospital costs, and patient response data were compared. The mean, standard deviation, 95% confidence interval, differences in mean, and 95% confidence interval of differences were calculated.

Results

Eighty‐one examinations were performed in 73 patients during the QI period. The sensitivity and specificity of CEUS for ureteral patency were 96% and 57%, respectively. There was no significant difference in time metrics between modalities, and the cost analysis showed lower direct and indirect costs for CEUS. Patient responses revealed lower levels of comfort for CEUS relative to fluoroscopy, without significant differences in reported pain or effort levels.

Conclusions

Contrast‐enhanced US showed very high sensitivity for ureteral patency; the relatively low specificity may have resulted from false‐negative results in fluoroscopy. The hospital costs and resource use of CEUS compared favorably to fluoroscopy. Contrast‐enhanced US also offers inherent advantages, including portability and lack of ionizing radiation.
Technical Note: Dosimetric feasibility of lattice radiotherapy for breast cancer using GammaPod
Authors: Kopchick Benjamin , Xu Huijun , Niu Ying , Becker Stewart , Qiu Xiangyun , Yu Cedric
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Studies on Lattice radiotherapy (LRT) for breast cancer have been largely lacking. This study investigates the dosimetric feasibility of using Gamma Pod, a stereotactic radiotherapy apparatus originally designed for breast SBRT, to deliver LRT to large, bulky breast tumor as a noninvasive treatment option.

Methods

The GammaPod‐based LRT was simulated using Geant4 Gate Monte Carlo software. The simulated GammaPod was equipped with 5 mm diameter non‐coplanar circular beams that span 28° latitudinally from 18° to 43° off the horizontal plane. Two degrees longitudinal intervals were used to simulate rotating sources. To simulate the treatments to different breast sizes, three water‐equivalent hemisphere volumes with diameters of 10, 15, and 20 cm were analyzed. The lattice was planned by spacing focal points 2 cm apart in the transverse and sagittal planes and 2.5 cm in the coronal plane. This resulted in 22‐172 shots for full breast treatment. The maximum dose for each individual shot was 20 Gy. The peak‐to‐valley dose differences and skin dose were analyzed. To verify the feasibility of delivering LRT, a test plan was created and delivered to a commercial diode array dose verification device using a clinical GammaPod system with 15 mm collimators.

Results

The dose profiles showed the average peak‐to‐valley dose percent differences of 94.10% in the 10 cm hemispherical volume, 88.95% in the 15 cm hemispherical volume, and 83.60% in the 20 cm hemispherical volume. Average skin dose was 1.27, 1.72, and 2.13 Gy for the 10, 15, and 20 cm irradiation volumes, respectively. The LRT plan delivered using a clinical GammaPod system with larger collimators verified the feasibility of LRT plan delivery.

Conclusion

GammaPod‐based lattice radiotherapy is a viable treatment option and its application can be extended to treating large bulky breast tumors.
A multi‐objective radiomics model for the prediction of locoregional recurrence in head and neck squamous cell cancer
Authors: Wang Kai , Zhou Zhiguo , Wang Rongfang , Chen Liyuan , Zhang Qiongwen , Sher David , Wang Jing
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Locoregional recurrence (LRR) is the predominant pattern of relapse after nonsurgical treatment of head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC). Therefore, accurately identifying patients with HNSCC who are at high risk for LRR is important for optimizing personalized treatment plans. In this work, we developed a multi‐classifier, multi‐objective, and multi‐modality (mCOM) radiomics‐based outcome prediction model for HNSCC LRR.

Methods

In mCOM, we considered sensitivity and specificity simultaneously as the objectives to guide the model optimization. We used multiple classifiers, comprising support vector machine (SVM), discriminant analysis (DA), and logistic regression (LR), to build the model. We used features from multiple modalities as model inputs, comprising clinical parameters and radiomics feature extracted from X‐ray computed tomography (CT) images and positron emission tomography (PET) images. We proposed a multi‐task multi‐objective immune algorithm (mTO) to train the mCOM model and used an evidential reasoning (ER)‐based method to fuse the output probabilities from different classifiers and modalities in mCOM. We evaluated the effectiveness of the developed method using a retrospective public pretreatment HNSCC dataset downloaded from The Cancer Imaging Archive (TCIA). The input for our model included radiomics features extracted from pretreatment PET and CT using an open source radiomics software and clinical characteristics such as sex, age, stage, primary disease site, human papillomavirus (HPV) status, and treatment paradigm. In our experiment, 190 patients from two institutions were used for model training while the remaining 87 patients from the other two institutions were used for testing.

Results

When we built the predictive model using features from single modality, the multi‐classifier (MC) models achieved better performance over the models built with the three base‐classifiers individually. When we built the model using features from multiple modalities, the proposed method achieved area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) values of 0.76 for the radiomics‐only model, and 0.77 for the model built with radiomics and clinical features, which is significantly higher than the AUCs of models built with single‐modality features. The statistical analysis was performed using MATLAB software.

Conclusions

Comparisons with other methods demonstrated the efficiency of the mTO algorithm and the superior performance of the proposed mCOM model for predicting HNSCC LRR.
Pancreaticoduodenectomy for the treatment of pancreatic neoplasms in children: A Pediatric Surgical Oncology Research Collaborative study
Authors: Vasudevan Sanjeev A. , Ha Tu‐Anh N. , Zhu Huirong , Heaton Todd E. , LaQuaglia Michael P. , Murphy Joseph T. , Barry Wesley E. , Goodhue Catherine , Kim Eugene S. , Aldrink Jennifer H. , Polites Stephanie F. , Leraas Harold J. , Rice Henry E. , Tracy Elisabeth T. , Lautz Timothy B. , Superina Riccardo A. , Davidoff Andrew M. , Langham Max R. , Murphy Andrew J. , Bütter Andreana , Davidson Jacob , Glick Richard D. , Grijalva James , Gow Kenneth W. , Ehrlich Peter F. , Newman Erika A. , Lal Dave R. , Malek Marcus M. , Le‐Nguyen Annie , Piché Nelson , Rothstein David H. , Short Scott S. , Meyers Rebecka , Dasgupta Roshni
Published: July 2020

Background

To better characterize short‐term and long‐term outcomes in children with pancreatic tumors treated with pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD).

Methods

Patients 21 years of age or younger who underwent PD at Pediatric Surgical Oncology Collaborative (PSORC) hospitals between 1990 and 2017 were identified. Demographic, clinical information, and outcomes (operative complications, long‐term pancreatic function, recurrence, and survival) were collected.

Results

Sixty‐five patients from 18 institutions with a median age of 13 years (4 months‐22 years) and a median (IQR) follow‐up of 2.8 (4.3) years were analyzed. Solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas (SPN) was the most common histology. Postoperative complications included pancreatic leak in 14% (n = 9), delayed gastric emptying in 9% (n = 6), marginal ulcer in one patient, and perioperative (30‐day) death due to hepatic failure in one patient. Pancreatic insufficiency was observed in 32% (n = 21) of patients, with 23%, 3%, and 6% with exocrine, or endocrine insufficiencies, or both, respectively. Children with SPN and benign neoplasms all survived. Overall, there were 14 (22%) recurrences and 11 deaths (17%). Univariate analysis revealed non‐SPN malignant tumor diagnosis, preoperative vascular involvement, intraoperative transfusion requirement, pathologic vascular invasion, positive margins, and need for neoadjuvant chemotherapy as risk factors for recurrence and poor survival. Multivariate analysis only revealed pathologic vascular invasion as a risk factor for recurrence and poor survival.

Conclusion

This is the largest series of pediatric PD patients. PD is curative for SPN and benign neoplasms. Pancreatic insufficiency is the most common postoperative complication. Outcome is primarily associated with histology.
Role of cobalt nanowire and graphene nanoplatelet on microwave shielding behavior of natural rubber composite in high frequency bands
Authors: Amutha Jeevakumari S. A. , Indhumathi K. , Arun Prakash V. R
Published: July 2020

Highly flexible microwave shielding E (2‐3 GHz), F (3‐4 GHz), I (8‐12 GHz) and J (12‐16 GHz) natural rubber composites for antenna application were prepared and characterized. The main objective of this current research is to develop a flexible microwave shielding material to reduce electromagnetic inference (EMI) effect. Graphene nanoplatelet and cobalt nanowire was selected for improving electric and magnetic losses. The flexible rubber composite was prepared using two‐roll mill process and cured at an temperature of 150οC. The mechanical, dielectric, magnetic, and microwave shielding properties were tested in accordance to ASTM standards. Highest tensile strength of 30 MPa was obtained for composite made of 6phr (parts per hundred rubber) of graphene nanoplatelet and cobalt nanowire (NR4). Dielectric results show that the composite consists of graphene nanoplatelet and cobalt nanowire of 6phr gives highest dielectric constant of 7.2. The hysteresis analysis shows a highest magnetization of 940 emu, remanence of 610 emu and coercivity of 2750G for NR4 composite. Similarly, the maximum microwave attenuation of 38.1 dB at 18 GHz (J band) was achieved in NR4 composite. This high microwave shielding flexible composite material could be used as EMI filter and electromagnetic absorber in antennae applications where EMI need to be lesser.
Screening and semi‐quantitative determination of pentacyclic triterpenoids in plants by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry in precursor ion scan mode
Authors: Falev Danil I. , Ul'yanovskii Nikolay V. , Ovchinnikov Denis V. , Faleva Anna V. , Kosyakov Dmitry S.
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Pentacyclic triterpenoids (PCTs) are secondary plant metabolites. They are of exceptional interest as biologically active substances and raw materials for a wide range of medications. Thus, the development of a methodology for rapid screening of PCTs in plant biomass is an important task.

Objective

The goal of this work was to develop an approach for simultaneous screening and semi‐quantitative determination of PCTs in plant tissues by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry with a precursor ion scan (PrecIS).

Materials and methods

Pressurised liquid extraction (PLE) with methanol was used for the isolation of PCTs from plant biomass. Screening and semi‐quantitative determination of PCTs in the obtained extracts were carried out by reversed phase high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry in a PrecIS mode.

Results

The product ion at m/z 95 with collision energy of 40 V was used as a diagnostic ion to identify PCTs by the PrecIS mode. In plant materials, 26 PCTs and their derivatives, such as PCTs esters and glycosides, were detected and identified. Calculation of the relative response factor for nine available PCTs showed that using a betulin calibration curve allows us to estimate the semi‐quantitative content of PCTs and their derivatives in plant PLE extracts.

Conclusion

The developed approach can be applied for simultaneous untargeted screening and semi‐quantitative determination of PCTs and their derivatives in various plants at sub‐parts per million levels.
The mediating role of teacher self‐efficacy in the relation between teacher–child race mismatch and conflict
Authors: Kunemund Rachel L. , Nemer McCullough Shannon , Williams Chelsea D. , Miller Chantelle C. , Sutherland Kevin S. , Conroy Maureen A. , Granger Kristen
Published: July 2020

The far‐reaching impacts of the teacher–child relationship, including academic achievement and social/behavioral adjustment, have been well‐documented. At the same time, literature also suggests that teacher perceptions of teacher–child relationships are impacted by the race/ethnicity match or mismatch between teacher and child, with matching related to more positive teacher perceptions. However, limited work has focused on children who are at‐risk for emotional and behavioral disorders (EBDs) or tested the mechanisms that mediate the relation between a mismatch in the race and teacher‐perceived conflict. Thus, the current study used multilevel structural equation modeling to test whether a higher proportion of race mismatch between children in the classroom with problem behavior and teachers was related to teachers' classroom management self‐efficacy and, in turn, teacher‐perceived conflict with children among 148 teachers and 354 preschool‐aged children. Results indicated that among students most at‐risk for EBDs, a higher proportion of race mismatch between teachers and children significantly predicted less teacher classroom management self‐efficacy and, in turn, significantly predicted teachers' greater perceived conflict with children. Furthermore, this mediation pathway was significant. Findings highlight the importance of teacher training and support that focused on increasing self‐efficacy to improve relationships between teachers and children.
A deeper computational look at Mumm rearrangement: Evaluation of substituent, solvent, and temperature effects
Authors: Rouhani Morteza
Published: July 2020

The effect of substitution, solvent, and temperature on Mumm rearrangement has been investigated using density functional theory (DFT). A potential energy surface (PES) profiles of transition state (TS) is demonstrated to illustrate the alteration of ΔG‡ of Mumm rearrangements for various substitutions. The possible reasons have been studied for the impressive conditions needed for Mumm rearrangement.
Risk and associated factors of depression and anxiety in men with prostate cancer: Results from a German multicenter study
Authors: Esser Peter , Mehnert‐Theuerkauf Anja , Friedrich Michael , Johansen Christoffer , Brähler Elmar , Faller Hermann , Härter Martin , Koch Uwe , Schulz Holger , Wegscheider Karl , Weis Joachim , Kuba Katharina , Hinz Andreas , Hartung Tim
Published: July 2020

Objective

In order to optimize psycho‐oncological care, studies that quantify the extent of distress and identify certain risk groups are needed. Among patients with prostate cancer (PCa), findings on depression and anxiety are limited.

Methods

We analyzed data of PCa patients selected from a German multi‐center study. Depression and anxiety were assessed with the PHQ‐9 and the GAD‐7 (cut‐off ≥7). We provided physical symptom burden, calculated absolute and relative risk (AR and RR) of depression and anxiety across patient subsets and between patients and the general population (GP) and tested age as a moderator within the relationship of disease‐specific symptoms with depression and anxiety.

Results

Among 636 participants, the majority reported disease‐specific problems (sexuality: 60%; urination: 52%). AR for depression and anxiety was 23% and 22%, respectively. Significant RR were small, with higher risks of distress in patients who are younger (eg, RRdepression = 1.15; 95%‐CI: 1.06‐1.26), treated with chemotherapy (RRdepression = 1.46; 95%‐CI: 1.09‐1.96) or having metastases (RRdepression = 1.30; 95%‐CI: 1.02‐1.65). Risk of distress was slightly elevated compared to GP (eg, RRdepression = 1.13; 95%‐CI: 1.07‐1.19). Age moderated the relationship between symptoms and anxiety (Burination = −0.10, P = .02; Bsexuality = −0.11, P = .01).

Conclusions

Younger patients, those with metastases or treatment with chemotherapy seem to be at elevated risk for distress and should be closely monitored. Many patients suffer from disease‐specific symptom burden, by which younger patients seem to be particularly distressed. Support of coping mechanisms associated with disease‐specific symptom burden seems warranted.
Differential impact of paired patient‐derived BPH and normal adjacent stromal cells on benign prostatic epithelial cell growth in 3D culture
Authors: Chen Wei , Pascal Laura E. , Wang Ke , Dhir Rajiv , Sims Alexa M. , Campbell Robert , Gasper Gwenyth , DeFranco Donald B. , Yoshimura Naoki , Wang Zhou
Published: July 2020

Background

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is an age‐related disease characterized by nonmalignant abnormal growth of the prostate, which is also frequently associated with lower urinary tract symptoms. The prostate with BPH exhibits enhanced growth not only in the epithelium but also in the stroma, and stromal‐epithelial interactions are thought to play an important role in BPH pathogenesis. However, our understanding of the mechanisms of stromal‐epithelial interactions in the development and progression of BPH is very limited.

Methods

Matched pairs of glandular BPH and normal adjacent prostate specimens were obtained from BPH patients undergoing simple prostatectomy for symptomatic BPH. Tissues were divided further into fresh specimens for culture of primary prostatic stromal cells, and specimens were embedded in paraffin for immunohistochemical analyses. Proliferation assays, immunohistochemistry, and immunoblotting were used to characterize the primary prostate stromal cells and tissue sections. Coculture of the primary stromal cells with benign human prostate epithelial cell lines BHPrE1 or BPH‐1 was performed in three‐dimensional (3D) Matrigel to determine the impact of primary stromal cells derived from BPH on epithelial proliferation. The effect of stromal‐conditioned medium (CM) on BHPrE1 and BPH‐1 cell growth was tested in 3D Matrigel as well.

Results

BPH stromal cells expressed less smooth muscle actin and calponin and increased vimentin, exhibiting a more fibroblast and myofibroblast phenotype compared with normal adjacent stromal cells both in culture and in corresponding paraffin sections. Epithelial spheroids formed in 3D cocultures with primary BPH stromal cells were larger than those formed in coculture with primary normal stromal cells. Furthermore, CM from BPH stromal cells stimulated epithelial cell growth while CM from normal primary stromal cells did not in 3D culture.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that the stromal cells in BPH tissues are different from normal adjacent stromal cells and could promote epithelial cell proliferation, potentially contributing to the development and progression of BPH.
Three point‐mutations in cytochrome b confer resistance to trifloxystrobin in Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Miao Jianqiang , Zhao Guosen , Wang Bin , Du Yixin , Li Zhiwen , Gao Xuheng , Zhang Can , Liu Xili
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

Rice blast, caused by Magnaporthe oryzae, is the most devastating disease in rice. Recently, trifloxystrobin was registered for the control of M. oryzae in China. The resistance profile and mechanism of M. oryzae to trifloxystrobin were investigated in the present study, providing important data for the recommended use of trifloxystrobin.

RESULTS

The baseline sensitivity was established at a half maximal effective concentration (EC50) of 0.024 μg mL−1. Nine stable trifloxystrobin‐resistant mutants were generated with EC50 values ranging from 12.75 to 171.49 μg mL−1. The mutants exhibited strong adaptive traits in sporulation, conidial germination, and pathogenicity. Positive cross‐resistance was only observed between trifloxystrobin and azoxystrobin, but not between trifloxystrobin and carbendazim, isoprothiolane, prochloraz, or chlorothalonil. The point mutation G143S in cytochrome b (cyt b) protein was found in eight high‐resistance mutants with resistant factor ranging from 2295.16 to 13 200.00; and the double mutation G137R/M296V only occurred in Mg117‐1 with resistance factor ≈ 900. The G143S mutation weakened hydrogen bond interactions, and G137R/M296V changed the conformation of trifloxystrobin in the cyt b binding pocket. A molecular detection method was established for the rapid detection of G143S mutants in M. oryzae.

CONCLUSION

The resistance risk of M. oryzae to trifloxystrobin could be moderate to high. Two genotypes with three point‐mutations G143S, G137R, and M296V conferred resistance to trifloxystrobin in M. oryzae. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Robustness analysis of nonlinear observers for the slow variables of singularly perturbed systems
Authors: Cuevas Luis , Nešić Dragan , Manzie Chris
Published: July 2020

Estimation of unmeasured variables is a crucial objective in a broad range of applications. However, the estimation process turns into a challenging problem when the underlying model is nonlinear and even more so when additionally it exhibits multiple time scales. The existing results on estimation for systems with two time scales apply to a limited class of nonlinear plants and observers. We focus on analyzing nonlinear observers designed for the slow state variables of nonlinear singularly perturbed systems. Moreover, we consider the presence of bounded measurement noise in the system. We generalize current results by considering broader classes of plants and estimators to cover reduced‐order, full‐order, and higher‐order observers. First, we show that the singularly perturbed system has bounded solutions under an appropriate set of assumptions on the corresponding boundary layer and reduced systems. We then exploit this property to prove that, under reasonable assumptions, the error dynamics of the observer designed for the reduced system are semiglobally input‐to‐state practically stable when the observer is implemented on the original plant. We also conclude stability results when the measurement noise belongs to . In the absence of measurement noise, we state results on semiglobal practical asymptotical stability for the error dynamics. We illustrate the generality of our main results through three classes of systems with corresponding observers and one numerical example.
Unveiling Pseudocapacitive Charge Storage Behavior in FeWO4 Electrode Material by Operando X‐Ray Absorption Spectroscopy
Authors: Goubard‐Bretesché Nicolas , Crosnier Olivier , Douard Camille , Iadecola Antonella , Retoux Richard , Payen Christophe , Doublet Marie‐Liesse , Kisu Kazuaki , Iwama Etsuro , Naoi Katsuhiko , Favier Frédéric , Brousse Thierry
Published: July 2020

In nanosized FeWO4 electrode material, both Fe and W metal cations are suspected to be involved in the fast and reversible Faradaic surface reactions giving rise to its pseudocapacitive signature. In order to fully understand the charge storage mechanism, a deeper insight into the involvement of the electroactive cations still has to be provided. The present paper illustrates how operando X‐ray absorption spectroscopy is successfully used to collect data of unprecedented quality allowing to elucidate the complex electrochemical behavior of this multicationic pseudocapacitive material. Moreover, these in‐depth experiments are obtained in real time upon cycling the electrode, which allows investigating the reactions occurring in the material within a realistic timescale, which is compatible with electrochemical capacitors practical operation. Both Fe K‐edge and W L3‐edge measurements point out the involvement of the Fe3+/Fe2+ redox couple in the charge storage while W6+ acts as a spectator cation. The result of this study enables to unambiguously discriminate between the Faradaic and capacitive behavior of FeWO4. Beside these valuable insights toward the full description of the charge storage mechanism in FeWO4, this paper demonstrates the potential of operando X‐ray absorption spectroscopy to enable a better material engineering for new high capacitance pseudocapacitive materials.
Overview of Ionogels in Flexible Electronics
Authors: Zhang Lu , Jiang Dawei , Dong Tianhe , Das Rajib , Pan Duo , Sun Caiying , Wu Zijian , Zhang Qingbo , Liu Chuntai , Guo Zhanhu
Published: July 2020

Ionogels have aroused wide interests in the field of flexible electronics. The combination of solid‐state networks and ionic liquids opens up thousands of possibilities for ionogels. The unique structures of ionogels endow them excellent mechanical properties, conductivity and thermal stability to approach the challenge of flexible electronic. A large number of new ionogels have been developed by different methods including the exchange of solution, polymeric ionic liquid and in‐situ reactions in ionic liquids (gelation of low molecular weight gelators, self‐assembly of block polymers, formation of double‐network structure, ionogel nanocomposites and direct polymerization of polymerizable monomers). The aim of this review is to discuss different preparation methods of ionogels and the comparison of their advantages.
Water and mental health
Authors: Wutich Amber , Brewis Alexandra , Tsai Alexander
Published: July 2020

There is a well‐established connection among water quality, sanitation, and physical health. The potentially important relationship between water and mental health is considerably less studied. Reviewing evidence from ethnography, geography, folklore, indigenous studies, rural medicine, drought research, and large‐n statistical studies, we argue there is now good theoretical rationale and growing evidence of water insecurity as a possible driver of mental ill‐health. Furthermore, some nascent evidence suggests that emotionally meaningful interactions with water might improve mental health outcomes. Leveraging these literatures, we address the many ways in which mental health outcomes are conceptualized and operationalized in water research, including as emotional distress, perceived stress, depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, somatic symptoms, and quality of life. We outline arguments supporting seven possible (and likely interlocking) mechanisms that could explain such a relationship: (a) material deprivation and related uncertainty, (b) shame of social failure, (c) worry about health threats, (d) loss of connections to people and places, (e) frustration around opportunity losses and restricted autonomy, (f) interpersonal conflict and intimate partner violence, and (g) institutional injustice or unfairness. However, we explain that as most existing studies are ethnographic, qualitative, or cross‐sectional, a causal relationship between water and mental ill‐health is yet to be confirmed empirically. More research on this topic is needed, particularly given that poorly understood connections may create barriers to achieving Sustainable Development Goals 3 (health) and 6 (water). We further suggest that tracking mental health indicators may provide unique and as‐yet underappreciated insights into the efficacy of water projects and other development interventions.

This article is categorized under:

Engineering Water > Water, Health, and Sanitation

Human Water > Water as Imagined and Represented
Understanding the Social Care Crisis in England Through Older People’s Lived Experiences
Authors: Ward Lizzie , Ray Mo , Tanner Denise
Published: July 2020

How is knowledge about care produced? The ‘epistemological dimension’ of care is recognised in the concept of ‘responsiveness’ in which attention to the care-receiver’s experience informs the care process at the micro level. What counts as ‘knowledge’ about care in political processes is also highly significant yet a further dimension of exclusion from participation operates here. Most knowledge about care is produced without the inclusion of care-receivers and without regard to their lived experiences of care. This chapter explores this using empirical research that was co-produced with older people about lived experiences of care within the English social care system. Within the current neoliberal context, measurement-based knowledge is more highly valued and recognised. The lived experiences of care under neoliberalism directly challenge the assumptions underpinning the consumer choice rationale of the marketisation of care. The authors argue that building knowledge based on the lived experiences of care with those who have direct experience is necessary for ‘caring democracy’. The chapter is available open access under a CC BY 4.0 license.
Contour integrals and the modular $$ \mathcal{S} $$-matrix
Authors: Mukhi Sunil , Poddar Rahul , Singh Palash
Published: July 2020

Abstract

We investigate a conjecture to describe the characters of large families of RCFT’s in terms of contour integrals of Feigin-Fuchs type. We provide a simple algorithm to determine the modular $$ \mathcal{S} $$
S
-matrix for arbitrary numbers of characters as a sum over paths. Thereafter we focus on the case of 2, 3 and 4 characters, where agreement between the critical exponents of the integrals and the characters implies that the conjecture is true. In these cases, we compute the modular S-matrix explicitly, verify that it agrees with expectations for known theories, and use it to compute degeneracies and multiplicities of primaries. We verify that our algorithm reproduces the correct $$ \mathcal{S} $$
S
-matrix for SU (2)k for all k ≤ 18 which provides additional evidence for the original conjecture. On the way we note that the Verlinde formula provides interesting constraints on the critical exponents of RCFT in this context.
On the interplay between astrophysical and laboratory probes of MeV-scale axion-like particles
Authors: Ertas Fatih , Kahlhoefer Felix
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Studies of axion-like particles (ALPs) commonly focus on a single type of interaction, for example couplings only to photons. Most ALP models however predict correlations between different couplings, which change the phenomenology in important ways. For example, an MeV-scale ALP coupled to Standard Model gauge bosons at high energies will in general interact with photons, W± and Z bosons as well as mesons and nucleons at low energies. We study the implications of such scenarios and point out that astrophysical constraints, in particular from SN1987A, may be substantially relaxed, open- ing up new regions of parameter space that may be explored with laboratory experiments such as NA62.
Asymptotic growth of the 4d $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 4 index and partially deconfined phases
Authors: Ardehali Arash Arabi , Hong Junho , Liu James T.
Published: July 2020

Abstract

We study the Cardy-like asymptotics of the 4d $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 index and demonstrate the existence of partially deconfined phases where the asymptotic growth of the index is not as rapid as in the fully deconfined case. We then take the large-N limit after the Cardy-like limit and make a conjecture for the leading asymptotics of the index. While the Cardy-like behavior is derived using the integral representation of the index, we demonstrate how the same results can be obtained using the Bethe ansatz type approach as well. In doing so, we discover new non-standard solutions to the elliptic Bethe ansatz equations including continuous families of solutions for SU(N ) theory with N ≥ 3. We argue that the existence of both standard and continuous non-standard solutions has a natural interpretation in terms of vacua of $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1∗ theory on ℝ3× S1.
Variety in founder experience and the performance of knowledge-intensive innovative firms
Authors: Gifford Ethan , Buenstorf Guido , Ljungberg Daniel , McKelvey Maureen , Zaring Olof
Published: July 2020

This article contributes with an analysis of the specific linkages between knowledge, innovation and entrepreneurship for industrial dynamics, within the emerging literature upon knowledge-intensive innovative entrepreneurial (KIE) firms. We find a distinct variety in the usefulness of different types of founder experience (single or teams) in the performance of entrepreneurial firms. This variety affects selection in the economy, as measured by the performance of firms in a two-stage process – namely first by analyzing survival over time and then of high growth rates. We do so in order to consider averages/probabilities in the population using Cox regression as well as of the outliers, using quantile regression. We find that on one hand, founders having previously started firms or worked in the same industry are more likely to survive. On the other hand, very high-growth firms have founders who previously started firms or worked in universities. Combining different types of founder experience in KIE firms has a consistently positive relationship with performance both in terms of survival and of growth. Our interpretation is that the variety of founder experience affect selection processes and opportunity recognition in KIE firms and thereby fundamentally affect whether, and to what extent, entrepreneurial actions lead to industrial transformation.
TatS: a novel in vitro tattooed human skin model for improved pigment toxicology research
Authors: Hering Henrik , Zoschke Christian , Kühn Markus , Gadicherla Ashish K. , Weindl Günther , Luch Andreas , Schreiver Ines
Published: July 2020

Reports of tattoo-associated risks boosted the interest in tattoo pigment toxicity over the last decades. Nonetheless, the influence of tattoo pigments on skin homeostasis remains largely unknown. In vitro systems are not available to investigate the interactions between pigments and skin. Here, we established TatS, a reconstructed human full-thickness skin model with tattoo pigments incorporated into the dermis. We mixed the most frequently used tattoo pigments carbon black (0.02 mg/ml) and titanium dioxide (TiO2, 0.4 mg/ml) as well as the organic diazo compound Pigment Orange 13 (0.2 mg/ml) into the dermis. Tissue viability, morphology as well as cytokine release were used to characterize TatS. Effects of tattoo pigments were compared to monolayer cultures of human fibroblasts. The tissue architecture of TatS was comparable to native human skin. The epidermal layer was fully differentiated and the keratinocytes expressed occludin, filaggrin and e-cadherin. Staining of collagen IV confirmed the formation of the basement membrane. Tenascin C was expressed in the dermal layer of fibroblasts. Although transmission electron microscopy revealed the uptake of the tattoo pigments into fibroblasts, neither viability nor cytokine secretion was altered in TatS. In contrast, TiO2 significantly decreased cell viability and increased interleukin-8 release in fibroblast monolayers. In conclusion, TatS emulates healed tattooed human skin and underlines the advantages of 3D systems over traditional 2D cell culture in tattoo pigment research. TatS is the first skin model that enables to test the effects of pigments in the dermis upon tattooing.
Feasibility study about the use of element profiles determined by ED-XRF as screening method to authenticate coconut sugar commercially available
Authors: Zdiniakova Tereza , de la Calle María Beatriz
Published: July 2020

Financial gain is a main driver for committing food fraud and replacement of ingredients with cheaper alternatives is an easy way to do it. Coconut sugar is becoming popular as an alternative to beetroot or cane sugar due to its high mineral content and lower glycaemic index. As its market price is about twice as high as that of conventional sugar, coconut sugar may become target to fraudulent manipulation. The present work explores the feasibility of using energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence as a screening tool to verify its authenticity. Mass fractions of P, Cl, S, K, Ca, Fe, Cu, Br, Rb, and Sr determined in eleven coconut, ten cane, and one beetroot sugar samples, purchased in Belgian, Spanish, Polish, and Italian supermarkets were used for discriminating the different sugars. On average, the mass fractions of all the mentioned elements were higher in coconut than in cane and beetroot sugars. Multivariate analysis of the elemental fingerprint by Soft Independent Modelling of Class Analogies was used for authentication purposes. Models constructed were characterised by zero false positives; three coconut sugars (27%) could not be classified as such, neither as cane sugars.
The Effect of Prone Positioning as Postoperative Physiotherapy to Prevent Atelectasis After Hepatectomy
Authors: Toshida Katsuya , Minagawa Ryosuke , Kayashima Hiroto , Yoshiya Shohei , Koga Tadashi , Kajiyama Kiyoshi , Yoshizumi Tomoharu , Mori Masaki
Published: July 2020

Background

The incidences of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) such as atelectasis, pneumonia and pleural effusion after major surgery range from <1 to 23%. Atelectasis after abdominal surgery increases the duration of hospitalization and short‐term mortality rate, but there are few reports about atelectasis after hepatectomy. The effectiveness of prone position drainage as physiotherapy has been reported, but it remains unclarified whether prone positioning prevents atelectasis after hepatectomy. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the prone position on the incidence of atelectasis after hepatectomy.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the incidence of PPCs after hepatectomy at a single center. Patients were divided into two cohorts. The earlier cohort (n = 165) underwent hepatectomy between January 2016 and March 2018 and was analyzed to identify the risk factors for atelectasis and short‐term outcomes; the later cohort (n = 51) underwent hepatectomy between April 2018 and March 2019 and underwent prone position drainage in addition to regular mobilization postoperatively. The incidences of PPCs were compared between the two cohorts.

Results

Independent risk factors for atelectasis were anesthetic duration (P = 0.016), operation time (P = 0.046) and open surgery (P = 0.011). The incidence of atelectasis was significantly lower in the later cohort (9.8%) than the earlier cohort (34.5%, P < 0.001). Moreover, the later cohort had a significantly shorter duration of oxygen support (P < 0.001) and postoperative hospitalization (P < 0.001). After propensity score‐matching, the incidence of atelectasis remained significantly lower in the later cohort (P = 0.027).

Conclusion

Prone position drainage may decrease the incidence of atelectasis after hepatectomy and improve the short‐term outcomes.
Atlantoaxial rotatory fixation in childhood: a staged management strategy incorporating manipulation under anaesthesia
Authors: Hill Ciaran Scott , Borg Anouk , Tahir Muhammad Zubair , Thompson Dominic Nolan Paul
Published: July 2020

Aims

The aims were to evaluate the safety of manipulation under anaesthesia (MUA) for atlantoaxial rotatory fixation (AARF) and the relative efficacy of rigid collar vs halo-body orthosis (HBO) in avoiding relapse and the need for open surgery.

Methods

Cases of CT-verified AARF treated by MUA were identified from a neurosurgical operative database. Demographic details, time to presentation and aetiology of AARF were ascertained through case note review. Cases were divided according to method of immobilisation after successful reduction, either rigid collar (group 1) or HBO (group 2). The primary outcome measure was relapse requiring open surgical arthrodesis.

Results

Thirty-three patients (2.2–12.7 years) satisfied inclusion criteria. Time to presentation varied from 1 day to 18 months. There were 19 patients in group 1 and 14 in group 2. There were no adverse events associated with MUA. 9/19 (47%) patients in group 1 resolved without need for further treatment compared with 10/14 (71%) in group 2 (p = 0.15). Of the 10 patients who failed group 1 treatment, four resolved after HBO. A total of ten patients (30%) failed treatment and required open surgery.

Conclusions

MUA is a safe procedure for AARF where initial conservative measures have failed. MUA followed by immobilisation avoids the need for open surgery in over two thirds of cases. Immobilisation by cervical collar appears equally effective to HBO as an initial management, and so a step-wise approach may be reasonable. Delayed presentation may be a risk factor for relapse and need for open surgery.
P53 staining index and zonal staining patterns in actinic keratoses
Authors: Javor Sanja , Gasparini Giulia , Biatta Chiara Maria , Cozzani Emanuele , Cabiddu Francesco , Ravetti Jean Louis , Vellone Valerio Gaetano , Parodi Aurora
Published: July 2020

Actinic keratoses (AKs) are common dysplastic lesions resulting from chronic excessive ultraviolet exposure. Neither the clinical grade of thickness nor the histological grade of dysplasia seems valid predictors of aggressive potential of AKs. Instead, the mutational status in AKs appears to predict well the clinical course. TP53 gene mutations result in a non-functional protein resistant to degradation, thus immunohistochemical staining for p53 can suggest mutation status. Increased p53 was associated with progression from AK to squamous cell carcinoma. To investigate how the intensity of p53 staining (p53 staining index) varies according to body site, histological subtype and grade dysplasia of AKs. Secondly, we sought to investigate the distribution in the epidermal layers of non-functional p53 (zonal staining patterns). p53 staining index was greater than 50% in 90.7% of AKs. p53 staining index was significantly higher in older age (p < 0.0093) and in facial AKs compared to other body areas (p = 0.03). A significant correlation between p53 staining index and grade of dysplasia was observed (p = 0.006) and between p53 staining index and zonal p53 staining pattern (p = 0.003). No significant differences in p53 staining index among the various histological AK types were observed. No correlation between clinical and histological grade. All AKs, independently from their clinical appearance, should be treated but special attention is required for AKs on severely photodamaged skin on the face and in older patients.