bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mixed‐Phase Clouds and Precipitation in Southern Ocean Cyclones and Cloud Systems Observed Poleward of 64°S by Ship‐Based Cloud Radar and Lidar
Authors: Alexander S. P. , McFarquhar G. M. , Marchand R. , Protat A. , Vignon É. , Mace G. G. , Klekociuk A. R.
Published: February 2021

Mixed‐phase clouds (MPCs), composed of both liquid and ice, are prevalent in Southern Ocean cyclones. A characterization of these clouds on fine vertical scales is required in order to understand the microphysical processes within these clouds, and for model and satellite evaluations over this region. We investigated three examples of cloud systems collected by ship‐mounted remote‐sensing instruments adjacent to East Antarctica at latitudes between 64°S and 69°S. These cases allow us to examine the properties of midlevel MPCs, with cloud tops between 2 and 6 km. Midlevel MPCs contain multiple layers of supercooled liquid water (SLW) embedded within ice during the passage of cyclones. SLW layers are capped by strong temperature inversions and are observed at temperatures as low as −31°C. Convective generating cells (GCs) are present inside supercooled liquid‐topped midlevel MPCs. The horizontal extent, vertical extent, and maximum upward Doppler velocity of these GCs were 0.6–3.6 km, 0.7–1.0 km, and 0.5–1.0 m s−1, respectively, and are consistent with observations from previous lower‐latitude studies. Ice precipitation is nearly ubiquitous, except in the thinnest clouds at the trailing end of the observed systems. Seeding of lower SLW layers from above leads to periods with either larger ice particles or greater ice precipitation rates. Periods of supercooled drizzle lasting up to 2 h were observed toward the end of two of the three cyclone systems. This supercooled drizzle turns into predominantly ice precipitation as the result of seeding by ice clouds located above the precipitating SLW layer.
Leak Detection in a Real Transmission Main Through Transient Tests: Deeds and Misdeeds
Authors: Meniconi S. , Capponi C. , Frisinghelli M. , Brunone B.
Published: February 2021

This paper concerns the use of Transient Test‐Based Techniques (TTBTs) for fault detection in a long transmission main. It reports the results of two series of transient tests executed in a real and operating pipe system. Because of the complexity of the investigated pipeline that includes several stubs, different pressure wave generators were used at both the end sections. Precisely, transients were caused by a pump shut‐down and the Portable Pressure Wave Maker device. The analysis of the results shows that, according to the characteristics of the transient tests and the investigated system, only a part of the system can be explored properly from a given generation point. The proposed test procedure allows overcoming the negative effect of a change in the initial and boundary conditions. In fact, contrary to laboratory, in a real system, it is quite impossible to repeat tests in the same flow conditions. The success of the survey—with two leaks detected with a good precision—confirms the potential of the TTBTs for fault detection in real systems.
The impact of particulate electron paramagnetic resonance oxygen sensors on fluorodeoxyglucose imaging characteristics detected via positron emission tomography
Authors: Schaner Philip E. , Tran Ly-Binh-An , Zaki Bassem I. , Swartz Harold M. , Demidenko Eugene , Williams Benjamin B. , Siegel Alan , Kuppusamy Periannan , Flood Ann Barry , Gallez Bernard
Published: February 2021

During a first-in-humans clinical trial investigating electron paramagnetic resonance tumor oximetry, a patient injected with the particulate oxygen sensor Printex ink was found to have unexpected fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake in a dermal nodule via positron emission tomography (PET). This nodule co-localized with the Printex ink injection; biopsy of the area, due to concern for malignancy, revealed findings consistent with ink and an associated inflammatory reaction. Investigations were subsequently performed to assess the impact of oxygen sensors on FDG-PET/CT imaging. A retrospective analysis of three clinical tumor oximetry trials involving two oxygen sensors (charcoal particulates and LiNc-BuO microcrystals) in 22 patients was performed to evaluate FDG imaging characteristics. The impact of clinically used oxygen sensors (carbon black, charcoal particulates, LiNc-BuO microcrystals) on FDG-PET/CT imaging after implantation in rat muscle (n = 12) was investigated. The retrospective review revealed no other patients with FDG avidity associated with particulate sensors. The preclinical investigation found no injected oxygen sensor whose mean standard uptake values differed significantly from sham injections. The risk of a false-positive FDG-PET/CT scan due to oxygen sensors appears low. However, in the right clinical context the potential exists that an associated inflammatory reaction may confound interpretation.
Aortic root movement correlation with the function of the left ventricle
Authors: Karwat Piotr , Klimonda Ziemowit , Styczyński Grzegorz , Szmigielski Cezary , Litniewski Jerzy
Published: February 2021

Echocardiographic assessment of systolic and diastolic function of the heart is often limited by image quality. However, the aortic root is well visualized in most patients. We hypothesize that the aortic root motion may correlate with the systolic and diastolic function of the left ventricle of the heart. Data obtained from 101 healthy volunteers (mean age 46.6 ± 12.4) was used in the study. The data contained sequences of standard two-dimensional (2D) echocardiographic B-mode (brightness mode, classical ultrasound grayscale presentation) images corresponding to single cardiac cycles. They also included sets of standard echocardiographic Doppler parameters of the left ventricular systolic and diastolic function. For each B-mode image sequence, the aortic root was tracked with use of a correlation tracking algorithm and systolic and diastolic values of traveled distances and velocities were determined. The aortic root motion parameters were correlated with the standard Doppler parameters used for the assessment of LV function. The aortic root diastolic distance (ARDD) mean value was 1.66 ± 0.26 cm and showed significant, moderate correlation (r up to 0.59, p < 0.0001) with selected left ventricular diastolic Doppler parameters. The aortic root maximal diastolic velocity (ARDV) was 10.8 ± 2.4 cm/s and also correlated (r up to 0.51, p < 0.0001) with some left ventricular diastolic Doppler parameters. The aortic root systolic distance (ARSD) was 1.63 ± 0.19 cm and showed no significant moderate correlation (all r values < 0.40). The aortic root maximal systolic velocity (ARSV) was 9.2 ± 1.6 cm/s and correlated in moderate range only with peak systolic velocity of medial mitral annulus (r = 0.44, p < 0.0001). Based on these results, we conclude, that in healthy subjects, aortic root motion parameters correlate significantly with established measurements of left ventricular function. Aortic root motion parameters can be especially useful in patients with low ultrasound image quality precluding usage of typical LV function parameters.
Development of an integrated peri-urban wetland degradation assessment approach for the Chatra Wetland in eastern India
Authors: Basu Tirthankar , Das Arijit , Pham Quoc Bao , Al-Ansari Nadhir , Linh Nguyen Thi Thuy , Lagerwall Gareth
Published: February 2021

The loss of peri-urban wetlands is a major side effect of urbanization in India in recent days. Timely and proper assessment of wetland area change is essential for the conservation of wetlands. This study follows the integrated way of the peri-urban wetland degradation assessment in the case of medium and small-size urban agglomerations with a special focus on Chatra Wetland. Analysis of land-use and land cover (LULC) maps of the past 28 years shows a decrease of 60% area of the wetland including marshy land. This has reduced the ecosystem services value by about 71.90% over the period 1991–2018. From this end, The Land Change Modeler of IDRISI TerrSet using the combination of MLPNN and Markov Chain has been used to predict the LULC map of this region. The scenario-based modeling following the LULC conversion and nine explanatory variables suggests the complete loss of this wetland by 2045. However, the authors have also tried to present a future LULC pattern of this region based on an environmental perspective. This proposed map suggests possible areas for built-up expansion on the western side of the city without significantly affecting the environment.
Direct and indirect effects of cathodal cerebellar TDCS on visuomotor adaptation of hand and arm movements
Authors: Weightman Matthew , Brittain John-Stuart , Miall R. Chris , Jenkinson Ned
Published: February 2021

Adaptation of movements involving the proximal and distal upper-limb can be differentially facilitated by anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (TDCS) over the cerebellum and primary motor cortex (M1). Here, we build on this evidence by demonstrating that cathodal TDCS impairs motor adaptation with a differentiation of the proximal and distal upper-limbs, relative to the site of stimulation. Healthy young adults received M1 or cerebellar cathodal TDCS while making fast ‘shooting’ movements towards targets under 60° rotated visual feedback conditions, using either whole-arm reaching or fine hand and finger movements. As predicted, we found that cathodal cerebellar TDCS resulted in impairment of adaptation of movements with the whole arm compared to M1 and sham groups, which proved significantly different during late adaptation. However, cathodal cerebellar TDCS also significantly enhanced adaptation of hand movements, which may reflect changes in the excitability of the pathway between the cerebellum and M1. We found no evidence for change of adaptation rates using arm or finger movements following cathodal TDCS directly over M1. These results are further evidence to support movement specific effects of TDCS, and highlight how the connectivity and functional organisation of the cerebellum and M1 must be considered when designing TDCS-based therapies.
Prediction of drug–target binding affinity using similarity-based convolutional neural network
Authors: Shim Jooyong , Hong Zhen-Yu , Sohn Insuk , Hwang Changha
Published: February 2021

Identifying novel drug–target interactions (DTIs) plays an important role in drug discovery. Most of the computational methods developed for predicting DTIs use binary classification, whose goal is to determine whether or not a drug–target (DT) pair interacts. However, it is more meaningful but also more challenging to predict the binding affinity that describes the strength of the interaction between a DT pair. If the binding affinity is not sufficiently large, such drug may not be useful. Therefore, the methods for predicting DT binding affinities are very valuable. The increase in novel public affinity data available in the DT-related databases enables advanced deep learning techniques to be used to predict binding affinities. In this paper, we propose a similarity-based model that applies 2-dimensional (2D) convolutional neural network (CNN) to the outer products between column vectors of two similarity matrices for the drugs and targets to predict DT binding affinities. To our best knowledge, this is the first application of 2D CNN in similarity-based DT binding affinity prediction. The validation results on multiple public datasets show that the proposed model is an effective approach for DT binding affinity prediction and can be quite helpful in drug development process.
Investigation of printed slot antennas based on Euclidean geometries
Authors: Mezaal Yaqeen S.
Published: February 2021

Euclidean and fractal terms are mathematically and physically important terms in antenna design, but rarely reported studies had discussed these terms together in antenna design in their texts. This paper first gives an overview of Euclidean and fractal antennas with useful and satisfactory facts. Four printed slot antennas are then studied using Euclidean slot shapes printed in the ground plane with and without Euclidean patches using FR4 substrate. These antennas are employed to investigate their suitability as simple alternatives to complicated fractal geometries and their specific formulas. Parametric analyses with feedline lengths and patch scaling aspects are adopted to generate single, dual, and multiband responses. These parametric studies provide different outcomes and choices for antenna electrical specifications suitable for various wireless applications. It is clear that inserting Euclidean patches to the printed slot in the ground plane influence inducing multiple operating bands as similar as multiband fractal antenna, but without using specific formulas or complicated outlines. All proposed antennas have low-profile topologies, good compactness, and more competitive electrical specifications than many reported fractal antennas. The simulations of the proposed printed slot antennas are in good compatibility with the measurements.
Liver resection versus transarterial chemoembolization for huge hepatocellular carcinoma: a propensity score matched analysis
Authors: Bogdanovic A. , Bulajic P. , Masulovic D. , Bidzic N. , Zivanovic M. , Galun D.
Published: February 2021

To date, it is unclear which treatment modality, liver resection (LR) or transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the more appropriate for patients with huge (≥ 10 cm) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The study aim was to compare, using propensity score matching, short- and long-term outcomes of patients with huge HCC who underwent potentially curative LR or TACE. Patients with huge HCC who had been managed at the Clinical Center by curative-intent LR or by palliative TACE between November 2001 and December 2018 were retrospectively identified. The morbidity and mortality rates and overall survival were compared between the groups before and after the propensity score matching. Independent predictors of long-term survival were determined by multivariate analysis. A total of 103 patients with huge HCC were included; 68 were assigned to the LR group and 35 to the TACE group. The overall morbidity rate was higher in the LR group than in the TACE group before matching (64.7% vs. 37.1%, p = 0.012), while there was no difference after matching (60% vs. 30%, p = 0.055). The major morbidity and 30-days mortality were similar between the groups before and after matching. The LR group was associated with longer overall survival than the TACE group before matching (p = 0.032) and after matching (p = 0.023). Total bilirubin and TACE treatment were independent prognostic factors associated with long-term survival. In patients with huge HCC, liver resection provides better long-term survival than TACE and should be considered as the initial treatment whenever possible.
Economic evaluation of variable rate nitrogen management of canola for zones based on historical yield maps and soil test recommendations
Authors: Khakbazan Mohammad , Moulin Alan , Huang Jianzhong
Published: February 2021

Canola (Brassica napus L.) is a highly valuable crop for Canada’s economy, making the efficient management of canola a priority. A field-scale study was conducted at ten sites between 2014 and 2016 to evaluate the viability of site specific nitrogen (N) management zones (MZ) based on analysis of historical yield maps and soil test recommendations to improve canola productivity and profitability in western Canada. Treatments included factorial combinations of three canola yield zones (low, average, high) by four N rates, replicated four times at each site. The canola yield function had a quadratic form in each field but the effects of MZ varied between fields with positive effects in only a few fields. When ten site-years data were combined, MZ had positive effects on canola performance. On average, MZ of N fertilizer over ten fields generated between $28 to $65 ha−1 more net revenue (NR) relative to average yield management. Site-years, which reflect farm management and other farm characteristics had significant effects on yield and NR ranging from − $91 to $352 ha−1 compared to a baseline. Nitrogen application under MZs was only reduced by 8% compared to uniform rates. The potential for MZ does exist; however, its effectiveness is highly variable.
The environmental and ecological determinants of elevated Ross River Virus exposure in koalas residing in urban coastal landscapes
Authors: Johnson Brian J. , Robbins Amy , Gyawali Narayan , Ong Oselyne , Loader Joanne , Murphy Amanda K. , Hanger Jon , Devine Gregor J.
Published: February 2021

Koala populations in many areas of Australia have declined sharply in response to habitat loss, disease and the effects of climate change. Koalas may face further morbidity from endemic mosquito-borne viruses, but the impact of such viruses is currently unknown. Few seroprevalence studies in the wild exist and little is known of the determinants of exposure. Here, we exploited a large, spatially and temporally explicit koala survey to define the intensity of Ross River Virus (RRV) exposure in koalas residing in urban coastal environments in southeast Queensland, Australia. We demonstrate that RRV exposure in koalas is much higher (> 80%) than reported in other sero-surveys and that exposure is uniform across the urban coastal landscape. Uniformity in exposure is related to the presence of the major RRV mosquito vector,Culex annulirostris, and similarities in animal movement, tree use, and age-dependent increases in exposure risk. Elevated exposure ultimately appears to result from the confinement of remaining coastal koala habitat to the edges of permanent wetlands unsuitable for urban development and which produce large numbers of competent mosquito vectors. The results further illustrate that koalas and other RRV-susceptible vertebrates may serve as useful sentinels of human urban exposure in endemic areas.
A new in vitro model applied 90Y microspheres to study the effects of low dose beta radiation on colorectal cancer cell line in various oxygenation conditions
Authors: Piasecki Piotr , Majewska Aleksandra , Narloch Jerzy , Maciak Maciej , Brodaczewska Klaudia , Kuc Michal , Was Halina , Wierzbicki Marek , Brzozowski Krzysztof , Ziecina Piotr , Mazurek Andrzej , Dziuk Miroslaw , Iller Edward , Kieda Claudine
Published: February 2021

We propose a new in vitro model to assess the impact of 90Y-microspheres derived low-dose beta radiation on colorectal cancer cell line under various oxygenation conditions that mimic the tumor environment. Cancer cells (HCT116) proliferation was assessed using Alamar Blue (AB) assay after 48, 72, and 96 h. FLUKA code assessed changes in cancer cell populations relative to the absorbed dose. In normoxia, mitochondrial activity measured by Alamar Blue after 48–72 h was significantly correlated with the number of microspheres (48 h: r = 0.87 and 72 h: r = 0.89, p < 0.05) and absorbed dose (48 h: r = 0.87 and 72 h: r = 0.7, p < 0.05). In hypoxia, the coefficients were r = 0.43 for both the number of spheres and absorbed dose and r = 0.45, r = 0.47, respectively. Impediment of cancer cell proliferation depended on the absorbed dose. Doses below 70 Gy could reduce colorectal cancer cell proliferation in vitro. Hypoxia induced a higher resistance to radiation than that observed under normoxic conditions. Hypoxia and radiation induced senescence in cultured cells. The new in vitro model is useful for the assessment of 90Y radioembolization effects at the micro-scale.
Long-term outcomes after endoscopic retrograde pancreatic drainage for symptomatic pancreaticojejunal anastomotic stenosis
Authors: Kida Akihiko , Shirota Yukihiro , Kawane Taro , Omura Hitoshi , Kumai Tatsuo , Yano Masaaki , Arihara Fumitaka , Hodo Yuji , Matsuda Koichiro , Ogawa Kohei , Matsuda Mitsuru , Sakai Akito , Terada Mitsuhiro , Wakabayashi Tokio
Published: February 2021

There is limited evidence supporting the usefulness of endoscopic retrograde pancreatic drainage (ERPD) for symptomatic pancreaticojejunal anastomotic stenosis (sPJS). We examined the usefulness of ERPD for sPJS. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 10 benign sPJS patients. A forward-viewing endoscope was used in all sessions. Following items were evaluated: technical success, adverse events, and clinical outcome of ERPD. The technical success rate was 100% (10/10) in initial ERPD; 9 patients had a pancreatic stent (no-internal-flap: n = 4, internal-flap: n = 5). The median follow-up was 920 days. Four patients developed recurrence. Among them, 3 had a stent with no-internal-flap in initial ERPD, the stent migrated in 3 at recurrence, and a stent was not placed in 1 patient in initial ERPD. Four follow-up interventions were performed. No recurrence was observed in 6 patients. None of the stents migrated (no-internal-flap: n = 1, internal-flap: n = 5) and no stents were replaced due to stent failure. Stenting with no-internal-flap was associated with recurrence (p = 0.042). Mild adverse events developed in 14.3% (2/14). In conclusions, ERPD was performed safely with high technical success. Recurrence was common after stenting with no-internal-flap. Long-term stenting did not result in stent failure.

Clinical trial register and their clinical registration number: Nos. 58-115 and R2-9.
Tuning metal–metal interactions for cooperative small molecule activation
Authors: Wang Qiuran , Brooks Sam H. , Liu Tianchang , Tomson Neil C.
Published: February 2021

This Feature Article describes recent advances in the design of multinucleating ligands that support small molecule activation chemistry.
Significant second-harmonic generation and bulk photovoltaic effect in trigonal selenium and tellurium chains
Authors: Cheng Meijuan , Shi Xiaohong , Wu Shunqing , Zhu Zi-Zhong
Published: February 2021

One-dimensional selenium and tellurium under intense optical fields generate significant second-harmonic generation and bulk photovoltaic effect.
Quantum calculations of the photoelectron spectra of the OH−·NH3 anion: implications for OH + NH3 → H2O + NH2 reaction dynamics
Authors: Saito Kohei , Sugiura Yutaro , Miyazaki Takaaki , Takahashi Yukinobu , Takayanagi Toshiyuki
Published: February 2021

Quantum dynamics calculations were performed to analyze the experimentally measured photoelectron spectrum of the OH−·NH3 anion complex.
Stimuli-responsive metal–organic framework nanoparticles for controlled drug delivery and medical applications
Authors: Zhou Zhixin , Vázquez-González Margarita , Willner Itamar
Published: February 2021

Different chemical, physical, and biomarker triggers to unlock the metal–organic framework nanoparticles and release the drugs loaded in the particles will be addressed.
Design, synthesis, and photophysics of bi- and tricyclic fused pyrazolines
Authors: Popova Alexandra V. , Kanaa Ali , Vavilova Vladislava S. , Mironova Maria A. , Slepukhin Pavel A. , Benassi Enrico , Belskaya Nataliya P.
Published: February 2021

A three series of bi-cyclic and tri-cyclic functionalised pyrazoline fluorophores with high quantum yields and positive solvato(fluoro)chromism were designed and synthesised by improved method.
Three Mn(ii) metal–organic frameworks with the same chemical composition, but different topological structures and properties
Authors: Ma Zhi Long , Wang Meng Chen , Shi Jian Yun , Tian Li
Published: February 2021

Solvothermal reactions of a novel multidentate ligand, 2,5-bis-(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)-terephthalic acid (H2TTPA), with MnCl2 afforded three structurally distinct coordination polymers with the same formula, [Mn(TTPA)·H2O]n (Mn-(1–3)).
Hydrogen versus tetrel bonds in complexes of 3-oxetanone with water and formaldehyde
Authors: Chen Junhua , Wang Hao , Kisiel Zbigniew , Gou Qian , Caminati Walther
Published: February 2021

The ability and preference of 3-oxetanone to form hydrogen or tetrel bonds have been investigated in its complexes with water and formaldehyde by using Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy complemented with quantum chemical calculations.
Design, synthesis, crystal structure, and herbicidal activity of novel pyrrolidine-2,4-dione derivatives incorporating an alkyl ether pharmacophore with natural tetramic acids as lead compounds
Authors: Chen Min , Geng Chun-Wen , Han Ling , Liu Yu , Yu Yong-Kai , Lu Ai-Min , Yang Chun-Long , Li Guo-Hua
Published: February 2021

A series of pyrrolidine-2,4-dione derivatives incorporating a chainlike alkoxyalkyl moiety or substituted phenoxyethyl moiety were designed and synthesized based on natural tetramic acids. Some target compounds showed obvious herbicidal activities.
Correction: An anionic and cationic surfactant-assisted hydrothermal synthesis of cobalt oxide nanoparticles as the active electrode material for supercapacitors
Authors: Samal R. R. , Samantara Aneeya K. , Mahalik S. , Behera J. N. , Dash B. , Sanjay K.
Published: February 2021

Correction for ‘An anionic and cationic surfactant-assisted hydrothermal synthesis of cobalt oxide nanoparticles as the active electrode material for supercapacitors’ by R. R. Samal et al., New J. Chem., 2021, 45, 2795–2803; DOI: 10.1039/D0NJ05088A.
The role of mitochondria in cocaine addiction
Authors: Thornton Claire , Grad Etty , Yaka Rami
Published: February 2021

The incidence of cocaine abuse is increasing especially in the U.K. where the rates are among the highest in Europe. In addition to its role as a psychostimulant, cocaine has profound effect on brain metabolism, impacting glycolysis and impairing oxidative phosphorylation. Cocaine exposure alters metabolic gene expression and protein networks in brain regions including the prefrontal cortex, the ventral tegmental area and the nucleus accumbens, the principal nuclei of the brain reward system. Here, we focus on how cocaine impacts mitochondrial function, in particular through alterations in electron transport chain function, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and oxidative stress (OS), mitochondrial dynamics and mitophagy. Finally, we describe the impact of cocaine on brain energy metabolism in the developing brain following prenatal exposure. The plethora of mitochondrial functions altered following cocaine exposure suggest that therapies maintaining mitochondrial functional integrity may hold promise in mitigating cocaine pathology and addiction.
SE–RWNN: an synergistic evolution and randomly wired neural network‐based model for adaptive underwater image enhancement
Authors: Li Yang , Chen Rong
Published: February 2021

Under water images are likely to suffer from severe degradation such as colour distortion, low contrast, and fuzz content, caused by the absorption and scattering effects of the water. To improve the visual appearance of the image, the authors present an adaptive algorithm for effective underwater image enhancement using a randomly wired neural network (RWNN) and synergistic evolution (SE). In doing so, they sequentially conduct colours adjustment, contrast improvement and luminance enhancement while enhancing details by an edge‐preserving technique. To set up the system, they develop a multi‐strategy cooperating evolution algorithm to figure out the optimal parameter values. Extensive experimental results show that the proposed model improves both subjectively and quantitatively the quality of underwater images.
Gas phase Elemental abundances in Molecular cloudS (GEMS)
Authors: Rodríguez-Baras M. , Fuente A. , Riviére-Marichalar P. , Navarro-Almaida D. , Caselli P. , Gerin M. , Kramer C. , Roueff E. , Wakelam V. , Esplugues G. , García-Burillo S. , Le Gal R. , Spezzano S. , Alonso-Albi T. , Bachiller R. , Cazaux S. , Commercon B. , Goicoechea J. R. , Loison J. C. , Treviño-Morales S. P. , Roncero O. , Jiménez-Serra I. , Laas J. , Hacar A. , Kirk J. , Lattanzi V. , Martín-Doménech R. , Muñoz-Caro G. , Pineda J. E. , Tercero B. , Ward-Thompson D. , Tafalla M. , Marcelino N. , Malinen J. , Friesen R. , Giuliano B. M.
Published: February 2021

Gas phase Elemental abundances in Molecular CloudS (GEMS) is an IRAM 30 m Large Program designed to provide estimates of the S, C, N, and O depletions and gas ionization degree, X(e−), in a selected set of star-forming filaments of Taurus, Perseus, and Orion. Our immediate goal is to build up a complete and large database of molecular abundances that can serve as an observational basis for estimating X(e−) and the C, O, N, and S depletions through chemical modeling. We observed and derived the abundances of 14 species (13CO, C18O, HCO+, H13CO+, HC18O+, HCN, H13CN, HNC, HCS+, CS, SO,34SO, H2S, and OCS) in 244 positions, covering theAV~3 to ~100 mag,n(H2) ~ a few 103to 106cm−3, andTk~10 to ~30 K ranges in these clouds, and avoiding protostars, HII regions, and bipolar outflows. A statistical analysis is carried out in order to identify general trends between different species and with physical parameters. Relations between molecules reveal strong linear correlations which define three different families of species: (1)13CO and C18O isotopologs; (2) H13CO+, HC18O+, H13CN, and HNC; and (3) the S-bearing molecules. The abundances of the CO isotopologs increase with the gas kinetic temperature untilTK~ 15 K. For higher temperatures, the abundance remains constant with a scatter of a factor of ~3. The abundances of H13CO+, HC18O+, H13CN, and HNC are well correlated with each other, and all of them decrease with molecular hydrogen density, following the law ∝n(H2)−0.8 ± 0.2. The abundances of S-bearing species also decrease with molecular hydrogen density at a rate of (S-bearing/H)gas∝n(H2)−0.6 ± 0.1. The abundances of molecules belonging to groups 2 and 3 do not present any clear trend with gas temperature. At scales of molecular clouds, the C18O abundance is the quantity that better correlates with the cloud mass. We discuss the utility of the13CO/C18O, HCO+/H13CO+, and H13CO+/H13CN abundance ratios as chemical diagnostics of star formation in external galaxies.
A comparison of the dynamical and model-derived parameters of the pulsating eclipsing binary KIC 9850387
Authors: Sekaran S. , Tkachenko A. , Johnston C. , Aerts C.
Published: February 2021

Context. One-dimensional stellar evolutionary models incorporate interior mixing profiles as a simplification of multi-dimensional physical processes that have a significant impact on the evolution and lifetime of stars. As such, the proper calibration of interior mixing profiles is required for the reconciliation of observational parameters and theoretical predictions. The modelling and analysis of pulsating stars in eclipsing binary systems that display gravity-mode (g-mode) oscillations allows for the precise constraints on the interior mixing profiles through the combination of spectroscopic, binary and asteroseismic obervables.

Aims. We aim to unravel the interior mixing profile of the pulsating eclipsing binary KIC 9850387 by comparing its dynamical parameters and the parameters derived through a combination of evolutionary and asteroseismic modelling.

Methods. We created a grid of stellar evolutionary models using the stellar evolutionary code MESA and performed an isochrone-cloud (isocloud) based evolutionary modelling of the system. We then generated a grid of pulsational models using the stellar pulsation code GYRE based on the age constraints from the evolutionary modelling. Finally, we performed asteroseismic modelling of the observed ℓ = 1 and ℓ = 2 period-spacing patterns, utilising different combinations of observational constraints, merit functions, and asteroseismic observables to obtain strong constraints on the interior properties of the primary star.

Results. Through a combination of asteroseismic modelling and dynamical constraints, we found that the system comprises two main-sequence components at an age of 1.2 ± 0.1 Gyr. We also observed that asteroseismic modelling provided stronger constraints on the interior properties than evolutionary modelling. Overall, we found high levels of interior mixing, when compared to similar studies, for the primary star. We posited that this is a result of intrinsic non-tidal mixing mechanisms due to a similar observed behaviour in single stars. We investigated the high-frequency regime of KIC 9850387 and found evidence of the surface effect due to the systematic frequency offset of the theoretical modes from the nearest observed modes. We also found evidence of rotational splitting in the form of a prograde-retrograde dipole g1 mode doublet with a missing zonal mode, implying an envelope rotational frequency that is three times higher than the core rotational frequency and about 20 times slower than the orbital frequency, but we note that this result is based completely on the rotational splitting of a single dipole mode.

Conclusions. We find that the dynamical parameters and the parameters extracted from the asteroseismic modelling of period-spacing patterns are only barely compliant, reinforcing the need for homogeneous analyses of samples of pulsating eclipsing binaries that aim to calibrating interior mixing profiles.
Development of thin-gauge low iron loss non-oriented silicon steel
Authors: Qiao Jia-Long , Guo Fei-Hu , Hu Jin-Wen , Liu Chuan-Xing , Qiu Sheng-Tao
Published: February 2021

Microstructure, texture, inclusions and precipitates in Fe-2.97wt%Si non-oriented silicon steel during manufacture were investigated using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Organic Solvent Electrolysis and Electron Backscattered Diffraction(EBSD)techniques. The P10/400, P15/50 and B50 of thin-gauge non-oriented silicon steel with 0.3 mm in thickness were 13.85 W/kg, 2.38 W/kg and 1.66 T, respectively. Due to annealing of hot rolled band, the size of precipitates increased. The precipitates are mostly located at the grain boundaries in the annealed sheet, the main and average size of the grain-boundary precipitates were in the range of 30 ∼ 500 nm and 63.2 nm, respectively. The pinning force caused by 100 ∼ 300 nm particles at the grain boundaries was the largest, 70 ∼ 100 nm was second. During annealing of hot rolled band, the α*-fiber texture significantly developed and γ-fiber dropped dramatically. The γ-fiber texture and α*-fiber texture composed the main textures of annealed sheet. The texture randomization would give rise to better magnetic properties compared to the γ-fiber.
Anatomische Rekonstruktion der Regio clitoridis nach weiblicher Genitalbeschneidung und anderen Verletzungen
Authors: O’Dey Dan mon
Published: February 2021

Die weibliche Genitalbeschneidung (FGM / C) und andere Verletzungen der Klitoris führen zu vulvo-vaginalen und uro-genitalen Form- und Funktionsstörungen, die betroffene Frauen körperlich und psychisch stark beeinträchtigen. Die operative anatomische Rekonstruktion der Regio clitoridis verfolgt das Ziel, deren Form und Funktion wiederherzustellen. Hintergrundwissen über den Eingriff hilft bei der Nachbetreuung – einer interdisziplinären Aufgabenstellung.
Bleeding Risk Assessment in Patients with Venous Thromboembolism
Authors: Nopp Stephan , Ay Cihan
Published: February 2021

The recommended treatment for patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE) is anticoagulation for at least 3 months. However, anticoagulant treatment increases the risk of bleeding, and patients at high risk for major bleeding might benefit from treatment discontinuation. In this review, we discuss strategies for assessing bleeding risk and compare different bleeding risk tools. Bleeding risk assessment is best viewed as a continuous approach with varying challenges throughout the acute and chronic phase. At diagnosis, bleeding risk factors must be identified and reversible risk factors treated or modified. After initial treatment, repeated bleeding risk assessment is crucial for the decision on extended/long-term anticoagulation. Current clinical prediction models (e.g., HAS-BLED, RIETE, or VTE-BLEED scores) are externally validated tools with relevant differences in specificity and sensitivity, which can aid in clinical decision-making. Unfortunately, none of the current bleeding risk assessment tools has been investigated in clinical trials and provides evidence to withhold anticoagulation treatment based on the score. Nevertheless, the HAS-BLED or RIETE score can be used to identify patients at high risk for major bleeding during the initial treatment phase, while the VTE-BLEED score might be used to identify patients at low risk for bleeding and, therefore, to safely administer extended/long-term anticoagulation for secondary thromboprophylaxis. As clinical prediction scores still lack predictive value, future research should focus on developing biomarker-based risk assessment models.
COVID-19-Pandemie und Versorgung schwer psychisch erkrankter Menschen – Inwieweit wurden die Interessen psychisch erkrankter Menschen in den Schutzverordnungen des Bundes und der Länder berücksichtigt?
Authors: Schomerus Georg , Stengler Katarina , Fasshauer Jonathan Mathias
Published: February 2021

Ziel der Studie Verordnungen während des ersten COVID-19-„Lockdowns“ in Deutschland wurden analysiert bezüglich ihrer Auswirkungen auf psychisch erkrankte Menschen.

Methodik In die Auswertung wurden im Zeitraum 1. März 2020 bis 30. Juni 2020 gültige Verordnungen mit Gesundheitsaspekten einbezogen.

Ergebnisse In insgesamt 344 identifizierbaren Verordnungen wurden psychiatrische Versorgungsstrukturen insgesamt deutlich eingeschränkt, wobei Menschen mit psychischen Krankheiten selten dezidiert erwähnt wurden. Ausmaß und zeitliche Dauer der Einschränkungen unterschieden sich zwischen den Bundesländern.

Schlussfolgerung Die Belange von Menschen mit psychischen Krankheiten sollten zukünftig stärker Berücksichtigung finden.
Ambulatory Use of Handheld Point-of-Care Ultrasound (HH-POCUS) in Rural Brandenburg – A Pilot Study
Authors: Lo Hendra , Frauendorf Vilmar , Wischke Sandra , Schimmath-Deutrich Christin , Kersten Markus , Nuernberg Maria , Nuernberg Dieter , Jenssen Christian
Published: February 2021

Purpose This study aims to evaluate the use of handheld ultrasound devices (HHUS) for point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) to improve outpatient care in rural Brandenburg.

Materials and Methods A group of general practitioners (n = 9), palliative care physicians (n = 6), emergency physicians (n = 4), and nurses from palliative care services (n = 5) participated in this study. Following a 3-hour workshop and 2 weeks of individual training, participants performed POCUS using HHUS (HH-POCUS). Indications, examination results, and resulting treatment changes (e. g., acute interventions, new medication) were documented in a standardized data entry form.

Results 19 physicians with different ultrasound experience and 5 palliative care nurses attended the workshop program and took part in the study. Three of the participating physicians were out of training in ultrasound and received prolonged supervision. Among 427 HH-POCUS examinations, the FAST scan and kidney scan were performed most often. Pain and dyspnea were the most common indications for HH-POCUS. Among the examinations performed by physicians (n = 311), ascites was the most common pathology (27 % of cases). Using a simplified examination protocol, palliative care nurses diagnosed fluid collections, hydronephrosis and transurethral catheter position or urinary retention. In 80.4 % of physician-performed cases, HH-POCUS made a valuable impact on patient management. HH-POCUS contributed to treatment decisions in 49.5 % of cases, including a change of medication in 29.6 % and performance of therapeutic interventions in 19.9 %. Hospital admission or referral to an ambulatory specialist was initiated due to HH-POCUS findings in 17.7 % of patients.

Conclusion HH-POCUS helped doctors in rural areas to optimize patient care through rapid on-site collection of therapeutically relevant findings. In addition, it was shown that specialized and motivated nurses can independently detect simple ultrasound findings and thus provide clinically relevant information to doctors.
An Effective Route to Dithieno[3,2-b:2′,3′-d]thiophene-Based Hexaheteroacenes
Authors: Irgashev Roman A. , Demina Nadezhda S. , Bayankina Polina E. , Kazin Nikita A. , Rusinov Gennady L.
Published: February 2021

A series of 12H-[1]benzo[4′′,5′′]thieno[2′′,3′′:4′,5′]thieno[2′,3′:4,5]thieno[3,2-b]indoles were efficiently prepared in three steps starting from available benzo[b]thieno[2,3-d]thiophen-3(2H)-ones. These fused ketones were treated with the Vilsmeier reagent and hydroxylamine hydrochloride to give the corresponding 3-chlorobenzo[b]thieno[2,3-d]thiophene-2-carbonitriles, which then reacted with methyl sulfanylacetate to form methyl 3-aminobenzo[4′,5′]thieno[2′,3′:4,5]thieno[3,2-b]thiophene-2-carboxylates, in accordance with the Fiesselmann thiophene synthesis protocol. Finally, the desired N,S-heterohexacenes were obtained by conversion of these fused 3-aminothiophene-2-carboxylates into the corresponding 3-aminothiophene intermediates, which acted as synthetic equivalents of thiophen-3(2H)-ones, followed by their acid-promoted reaction with arylhydrazines, in accordance with the Fischer indolization procedure.
Individual risk calculator to predict lymph node metastases in patients with submucosal (T1b) esophageal adenocarcinoma: a multicenter cohort study
Authors: Gotink Annieke W. , van de Ven Steffi E. M. , ten Kate Fiebo J. C. , Nieboer Daan , Suzuki Lucia , Weusten Bas L. A. M. , Brosens Lodewijk A. A. , van Hillegersberg Richard , Alvarez Herrero Lorenza , Seldenrijk Cees A. , Alkhalaf Alaa , Moll Freek C. P. , Schoon Erik J. , van Lijnschoten Ineke , Tang Thjon J. , van der Valk Hans , Nagengast Wouter B. , Kats-Ugurlu Gursah , Plukker John T. M. , Houben Martin H. M. G. , van der Laan Jaap S. , Pouw Roos E. , Bergman Jacques J. G. H. M. , Meijer Sybren L. , van Berge Henegouwen Mark I. , Wijnhoven Bas P. L , de Jonge Pieter Jan F. , Doukas Michael , Bruno Marco J. , Biermann Katharina , Koch Arjun D.
Published: February 2021

Background Lymph node metastasis (LNM) is possible after endoscopic resection of early esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). This study aimed to develop and internally validate a prediction model that estimates the individual risk of metastases in patients with pT1b EAC.

Methods A nationwide, retrospective, multicenter cohort study was conducted in patients with pT1b EAC treated with endoscopic resection and/or surgery between 1989 and 2016. The primary end point was presence of LNM in surgical resection specimens or detection of metastases during follow-up. All resection specimens were histologically reassessed by specialist gastrointestinal pathologists. Subdistribution hazard regression analysis was used to develop the prediction model. The discriminative ability of this model was assessed using the c-statistic.

Results 248 patients with pT1b EAC were included. Metastases were seen in 78 patients, and the 5-year cumulative incidence was 30.9 % (95 % confidence interval [CI] 25.1 %–36.8 %). The risk of metastases increased with submucosal invasion depth (subdistribution hazard ratio [SHR] 1.08, 95 %CI 1.02–1.14, for every increase of 500 μm), lymphovascular invasion (SHR 2.95, 95 %CI 1.95–4.45), and for larger tumors (SHR 1.23, 95 %CI 1.10–1.37, for every increase of 10 mm). The model demonstrated good discriminative ability (c-statistic 0.81, 95 %CI 0.75–0.86).

Conclusions A third of patients with pT1b EAC experienced metastases within 5 years. The probability of developing post-resection metastases was estimated with a personalized predicted risk score incorporating tumor invasion depth, tumor size, and lymphovascular invasion. This model requires external validation before implementation into clinical practice.
Nasal Septal Perforation Repair with an Inferior Turbinate Flap and Acellular Dermal Matrix
Authors: Mirzai Saeid , Lee Andrew H. , Chi John J.
Published: February 2021

Nasal septal perforation is an uncommon disorder that can cause disturbance of nasal physiology. The perforations can vary widely in size, location, and symptomatology. Many different closure techniques have been described in the literature; however, no gold standard has been recognized. The choice of surgical technique usually depends on the characteristics of the perforation and surgeon experience. Due to the goal of perforation repair being restoration of normal nasal physiology, techniques with the best outcomes have been those resurfacing the septum with nasal respiratory mucosa. Here we present our novel surgical method for large (> 2 cm) septal perforation closure using a modification of the inferior turbinate flap repair using a polydioxanone plate and the acellular dermal matrix allograft (Alloderm, Allergan Inc.).
Laparoscopic Lavage in the Management of Hinchey III/IV Diverticulitis
Authors: Kiely Maria X. , Yao Mengdi , Chen Lilian
Published: February 2021

Diverticulitis manifestations may cover a spectrum of mild local inflammation to diffuse feculent peritonitis. Up to 35% of patients presenting with diverticulitis will have purulent (Hinchey grade III) or feculent (Hinchey grade IV) contamination of the abdomen, with a high-associated morbidity and mortality. Surgical management may involve segmental resection with or without restoration of bowel continuity. However, emergency resection for diverticulitis can be associated with high mortality rates, as well as low stoma reversal rates at 1 year. Therefore, laparoscopic peritoneal lavage has been proposed for use in selected patients with purulent peritonitis. The topic of laparoscopic peritoneal lavage for the treatment of perforated diverticulitis in the literature has been controversial. Our review of the recent data show that laparoscopic lavage may be safe and feasible in select patients with similar rates of mortality and major morbidity. There is, however, a concern regarding an associated higher rate of postoperative abscess and early reintervention risk.
Epidemiology and Treatment Outcomes of Head Injury in Bangladesh: Perspective from the Largest Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Das Sukriti , Chaurasia Bipin , Ghosh Dipankar , Sarker Asit Chandra
Published: February 2021

Background Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity. Economic impact is much worse in developing countries like Bangladesh, as victims are frequently male, productive, and breadwinners of the families.

Objectives The objective of our study was to highlight the etiological pattern and distribution of varieties of head injuries in Bangladesh and give recommendations regarding how this problem can be solved or reduce to some extent at least.

Methods From January 2017 to December 2019, a total of 14,552 patients presenting with head injury at emergency got admitted in Neurosurgery department of Dhaka Medical College and Hospital and were included in this study.

Results The most common age group was 21 to 30 years (36%: 5,239) with a male-to-female ratio of 2.6:1. Injury was mostly caused by road traffic accident (RTA [58.3%: 8,484]), followed by fall (25%: 3,638) and history of assault (15.3%: 2,226). The common varieties of head injury were: acute extradural hematoma (AEDH [42.30%: 1,987]), skull fracture either linear or depressed (28.86%: 1,347), acute subdural hematoma (ASDH [12.30%: 574]), brain contusion (10.2%: 476), and others (6.04%: 282).

Conclusion RTA is the commonest cause of TBI, and among them motor bike accident is the severe most form of TBI. AEDH is the commonest variety of head injuries. Proper steps taken by the Government, vehicle owners, and drivers, and proper referral system and prompt management in the hospital can reduce the mortality and morbidity from TBI in Bangladesh.