bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the geo‐eco‐hydrological condition of anabranching reaches in the Source Zone of the Yellow River, western China
Authors: Han Meiqin , Brierley Gary
Published: March 2021

A geo‐eco‐hydrological approach is developed and applied to assess river condition for three anabranching reaches in the Source Zone of the Yellow River. Building on principles of the River Styles Framework, attributes used to assess river condition are tailored to measure key attributes of the character and behavior for the type of river under consideration. Hydrogeomorphic process linkages with riparian vegetation function are appraised using the Fluvial Biogeomorphic Succession Model for each reach. Reference conditions incorporate measures of river geo‐eco‐hydrological structural integrity and functional connectivity, relating the expected “best achievable” conditions to prevailing land use practices in these grazing adapted grassland ecosystems. Contemporary conditions closely approximate expected reference conditions in hydro‐geomorphic terms. While vegetation interactions function effectively in the active channel zone, they are subject to land use pressures in many floodplain areas. Minimizing impacts of direct anthropogenic disturbance, while promoting passive management practices that support self‐sustaining processes, are considered to offer the best prospect to maintain good river condition in these reaches. Major commitment to environmental protection in this area makes this a realistic possibility. The generic approach to analysis of geo‐eco‐hydrological condition is readily transferable to other situations.
Surfactant and Polymer Composite Modified Electrode for the Sensitive Determination of Vanillin in Food Sample
Authors: Tigari Girish , Manjunatha J. G. , D'Souza Edwin S. , Sreeharsha Nagaraja
Published: March 2021

In this work, the active poly (titan yellow) and octoxynol‐9 modified carbon nanotube paste electrode (PTOMCNPE) was prepared and characterized through a Field emission scanning electron microscope (FE‐SEM), Energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), and Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). PTOMCNPEpromotes the detection and quantification of vanillin (VA). The electrochemical parameters such as the number of electropolymerization cycles, effect of surfactant,pH, and scan rate were optimized to get an enhanced current signal for the targetmolecule. Under calibrated conditions, the concentration linearity for vanillin was obtained from 2.0‐40.0 μM using both cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The limitof detection(LOD) for VA was found to be 4.9×10−8 M and 9.31×10−8 M using DPV and CV, respectively. The stable and selective VA sensor was applied to food analysis with excellent recovery.
Toward more accurate developer recommendation via inference of development activities from interaction with bug repair process
Authors: Wang Siwen , Wang Linhui , Qu Yang , Chen Rong , Guo Shikai
Published: March 2021

Software projects usually receive a large number of submitted bug reports every day. Manually triaging the bug reports is often time‐consuming and error‐prone; thus, it is necessary to automatically assign the bug reports to the suitable developers for bug repair, with the help of bug tracking systems. Aiming to reducing the time consumption and mismatch of bug report assignments, we present a developer recommendation model for bug repair based on weighted recurrent neural network, namely, DTPM, which contains two parts: One obtains multisource semantic information of bug reports and fuses them into high‐dimensional semantic feature vectors, and the other combines a penalty matrix into a single hidden layer neural network to obtain more reasonable developer recommendations. We conduct experiments on five datasets of open bug repositories (NetBeans, OpenOffice, GCC, Mozilla, and Eclipse), and the experimental results show that DTPM can achieve better performance than state‐of‐the‐art models LDA_KL, LDA_KL, LDA_SVM, DERTOM, DREX, and DeepTriage.
Impact of Photoluminescence Reabsorption in Metal‐Halide Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Mingcong , Wang Kai , Gao Yajun , Khan Jafar I. , Yang Wenchao , De Wolf Stefaan , Laquai Frédéric
Published: March 2021

The precise quantification of the impact of photoluminescence reabsorption (PLr) in metal‐halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) remains challenging. Herein, the PLr effect is examined by combined time‐resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) spectroscopy and time‐resolved terahertz spectroscopy (TRTS) and a model is proposed that relates both, the PLr and nonradiative recombination rate (knr) to the quasi‐Fermi‐level splitting (QFLS). PLr is shown to be beneficial for QFLS when the nonradiative recombination rate (knr) is below a critical value of ≈7 × 105 s−1; at high knr PLr is detrimental to QFLS. By incorporating PLr into a two‐diode model that allows extraction of the effective knr, the series resistance (rs), and the shunt resistance (rsh) in PSCs, it is found that neglecting PLr overestimates the effective knr, although it does not affect the value of rs and rsh. The findings herein provide insight into the impact of the PLr effect on metal‐halide PSCs.
Developing Halogen‐Free Polymer Donors for Efficient Nonfullerene Organic Solar Cells by Addition of Highly Electron‐Deficient Diketopyrrolopyrrole Unit
Authors: Ji Jingjing , Xie Jiaqi , Tang Junhui , Zheng Kaibo , Liang Ziqi
Published: March 2021

High‐performance polymer donors when paired with nonfullerene acceptors are mainly limited to flanking halogenated benzodithiophene (BDT)‐based π‐conjugated copolymers, which however involve complex synthetic procedures. Herein, a series of halogen‐free polymer donors that link BDT moiety with two highly electron‐deficient benzodithiophene‐dione (BDD) and diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) units with various molar ratios is developed. Compared with the benchmark PBDB‐T donor containing BDD unit, additional incorporation of a stronger electron‐negative DPP unit markedly lowers frontier molecular orbital levels and extends optical absorption, potentially leading to simultaneously enhanced VOC and JSC in organic solar cells. A remarkable power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 10.28% is thus obtained in the optimal P75 (BDD : DPP = 3:1 mol%) and Y6 blend cells in comparison with the reference PBDB‐T:Y6 (9.20%). A slight addition of PC71BM into the blend is found to further generate finer phase‐separated domains and thus increase the best efficiency up to 12.20%. The subtly critical roles of PC71BM are determined by transient absorption measurements on both thin‐film and in situ devices to be the prolonged free charge carrier lifetime and the shallow charge transfer states, which enhance JSC and fill factor in the device, respectively.
A skew‐tquantile regression for censored and missing data
Authors: Galarza Morales Christian E. , Lachos Victor H. , Bourguignon Marcelo
Published: March 2021

Quantile regression has emerged as an important analytical alternative to the classical mean regression model. However, the analysis could be complicated by the presence of censored measurements due to a detection limit of equipment in combination with unavoidable missing values arising when, for instance, a researcher is simply unable to collect an observation. Another complication arises when measures depart significantly from normality, for instance, in the presence of skew heavy‐tailed observations. For such data structures, we propose a robust quantile regression for censored and/or missing responses based on the skew‐tdistribution. A computationally feasible EM‐based procedure is developed to carry out the maximum likelihood estimation within such a general framework. Moreover, the asymptotic standard errors of the model parameters are explicitly obtained via the information‐based method. We illustrate our methodology by using simulated data and two real data sets.
Correction to: Quality Management and Accreditation in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy
Authors: Aljurf Mahmoud , Snowden John A. , Hayden Patrick , Orchard Kim H. , McGrath Eoin
Published: March 2021

John A. Snowden: From “Department of Haematology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK”
AI Ecosystems for Human Flourishing: The Recommendations
Authors: Stahl Bernd Carsten
Published: March 2021

This chapter develops the conclusions that can be drawn from the application of the ecosystemmetaphor to AI. It highlights the challenges that arise for the ethical governance of AI ecosystems. These provide the basis for the definition of requirements that successful governance interventions have to fulfil. Three main requirements become apparent: the need for a clear delimitation of the boundaries of the ecosystem in question, the provision and maintenance of knowledge and capacities within the ecosystem, and the need for adaptable, flexible and careful governance structures that are capable of reacting to environmental changes. Based on these requirements, the chapter then spells out some recommendations for interventions that are likely to be able to shape AI ecosystems in ways that are conducive to human flourishing.
Quarter-BPS states, multi-symmetric functions and set partitions
Authors: Lewis-Brown Christopher , Ramgoolam Sanjaye
Published: March 2021

Abstract

We give a construction of general holomorphic quarter BPS operators in$$ \mathcal{N} $$N= 4 SYM at weak coupling with U(N) gauge group at finiteN. The construction employs the Möbius inversion formula for set partitions, applied to multi-symmetric functions, alongside computations in the group algebras of symmetric groups. We present a computational algorithm which produces an orthogonal basis for the physical inner product on the space of holomorphic operators. The basis is labelled by a U(2) Young diagram, a U(N) Young diagram and an additional plethystic multiplicity label. We describe precision counting results of quarter BPS states which are expected to be reproducible from dual computations with giant gravitons in the bulk, including a symmetry relating sphere and AdS giants within the quarter BPS sector. In the casen≤N(nbeing the dimension of the composite operator) the construction is analytic, using multi-symmetric functions and U(2) Clebsch-Gordan coefficients. Counting and correlators of the BPS operators can be encoded in a two-dimensional topological field theory based on permutation algebras and equipped with appropriate defects.
Dynamics of global and local vortices with orientational moduli
Authors: Eto Minoru , Peterson Adam , Schaposnik Massolo Fidel I. , Tallarita Gianni
Published: March 2021

Abstract

The dynamics of both global and local vortices with non-Abelian orientational moduli is investigated in detail. Head-on collisions of these vortices are numerically simulated for parallel, anti-parallel and orthogonal internal orientations where we find interesting dynamics of the orientational moduli. A detailed study of the inter-vortex force is provided and a phase diagram separating Abelian and non-Abelian vortex types is constructed. Some results on scatterings with non-zero impact parameter and multi-vortex collisions are included.
BCFT entanglement entropy at large central charge and the black hole interior
Authors: Sully James , Van Raamsdonk Mark , Wakeham David
Published: March 2021

Abstract

In this note, we consider entanglement and Renyi entropies for spatial subsystems of a boundary conformal field theory (BCFT) or of a CFT in a state constructed using a Euclidean BCFT path integral. Holographic calculations suggest that these entropies undergo phase transitions as a function of time or parameters describing the subsystem; these arise from a change in topology of the RT surface. In recent applications to black hole physics, such transitions have been seen to govern whether or not the bulk entanglement wedge of a (B)CFT region includes a portion of the black hole interior and have played a crucial role in understanding the semiclassical origin of the Page curve for evaporating black holes.

In this paper, we reproduce these holographic results via direct (B)CFT calculations. Using the replica method, the entropies are related to correlation functions of twist operators in a Euclidean BCFT. These correlations functions can be expanded in various channels involving intermediate bulk or boundary operators. Under certain sparseness conditions on the spectrum and OPE coefficients of bulk and boundary operators, we show that the twist correlators are dominated by the vacuum block in a single channel, with the relevant channel depending on the position of the twists. These transitions between channels lead to the holographically observed phase transitions in entropies.
Equilibrium density matrices for the 2D black hole sigma models from an integrable spin chain
Authors: Bazhanov Vladimir V. , Kotousov Gleb A. , Lukyanov Sergei L.
Published: March 2021

Abstract

This work concerns the quantum Lorentzian and Euclidean black hole non-linear sigma models. For the Euclidean black hole sigma model an equilibrium density matrix is proposed, which reproduces the modular invariant partition function from the 2001 paper of Maldacena, Ooguri and Son. For the Lorentzian black hole sigma model, using its formulation as a gauged SL(2, ℝ) WZW model, we describe the linear and Hermitian structure of its space of states and also propose an expression for the equilibrium density matrix. Our analysis is guided by the results of the study of a certain critical, integrable spin chain. In the scaling limit, the latter exhibits the key features of the Lorentzian black hole sigma model including the same global symmetries, the same algebra of extended conformal symmetry and a continuous spectrum of conformal dimensions.
Heavy neutrino-antineutrino oscillations in quantum field theory
Authors: Antusch Stefan , Rosskopp Johannes
Published: March 2021

Abstract

It has been proposed that the coherent propagation of long-lived heavy neutrino mass eigenstates can lead to an oscillating rate of lepton number conserving (LNC) and violating (LNV) events, as a function of the distance between the production and displaced decay vertices. We discuss this phenomenon, which we refer to as heavy neutrino-antineutrino oscillations, in the framework of quantum field theory (QFT), using the formalism of external wave packets. General formulae for the oscillation probabilities and the number of expected events are derived and the coherence and localisation conditions that have to be satisfied in order for neutrino-antineutrino oscillations to be observable are discussed. The formulae are then applied to a low scale seesaw scenario, which features two nearly mass degenerate heavy neutrinos that can be sufficiently long lived to produce a displaced vertex when their masses are below the W boson mass. The leading and next-to-leading order oscillation formulae for this scenario are derived. For an example parameter point used in previous studies, the kinematics of the considered LNC/LNV processes are simulated, to check that the coherence and localisation conditions are satisfied. Our results show that the phenomenon of heavy neutrino-antineutrino oscillations can indeed occur in low scale seesaw scenarios and that the previously used leading order formulae, derived with a plane wave approach, provide a good approximation for the considered example parameter point.
On the Explicit Solutions of Separation of Variables Type for the Incompressible 2D Euler Equations
Authors: Saleva Tomi , Tuomela Jukka
Published: March 2021

We study explicit solutions to the 2 dimensional Euler equations in the Lagrangian framework. All known solutions have been of the separation of variables type, where time and space dependence are treated separately. The first such solutions were known already in the 19th century. We show that all the solutions known previously belong to two families of solutions and introduce three new families of solutions. It seems likely that these are all the solutions that are of the separation of variables type.
Sharp Interface Limit of a Stokes/Cahn–Hilliard System, Part II: Approximate Solutions
Authors: Abels Helmut , Marquardt Andreas
Published: March 2021

We construct rigorously suitable approximate solutions to the Stokes/Cahn–Hilliard system by using the method of matched asymptotics expansions. This is a main step in the proof of convergence given in the first part of this contribution, [3], where the rigorous sharp interface limit of a coupled Stokes/Cahn–Hilliard system in a two dimensional, bounded and smooth domain is shown. As a novelty compared to earlier works, we introduce fractional order terms, which are of significant importance, but share the problematic feature that they may not be uniformly estimated in $$\epsilon $$
ϵ
in arbitrarily strong norms. As a consequence, gaining necessary estimates for the error, which occurs when considering the approximations in the Stokes/Cahn–Hilliard system, is rather involved.
The Navier–Stokes–Vlasov–Fokker–Planck System as a Scaling Limit of Particles in a Fluid
Authors: Flandoli Franco , Leocata Marta , Ricci Cristiano
Published: March 2021

Convergence of a system of particles, interacting with a fluid, to Navier–Stokes–Vlasov–Fokker–Planck system is studied. The interaction between particles and fluid is described by Stokes drag force. The empirical measure of particles is proved to converge to the Vlasov–Fokker–Planck component of the system and the velocity of the fluid coupled with the particles converges in the uniform topology to the the Navier–Stokes component. A new uniqueness result for the PDE system is added.
Digitale Versorgungsformen zur Personalisierung der stationsäquivalenten Behandlung
Authors: Rauschenberg Christian , Hirjak Dusan , Ganslandt Thomas , Schulte-Strathaus Julia C. C. , Schick Anita , Meyer-Lindenberg Andreas , Reininghaus Ulrich
Published: March 2021

Hintergrund

Die stationsäquivalente psychiatrische Behandlung (StäB) wurde 2018 als Krankenhausleistung für Menschen eingeführt, die die Kriterien einer stationären Behandlung erfüllen. Die rasanten Fortschritte im Bereich der Informations- und Kommunikationstechnologie bieten neue Chancen für innovative digitale Versorgungsangebote wie telemedizinische, eHealth- oder mHealth-Verfahren.

Ziel der Arbeit

Diese Übersichtsarbeit soll einen umfassenden Überblick über neue digitale Versorgungsformen geben, die zur Personalisierung der StäB bei schweren psychischen Erkrankungen beitragen und somit klinische und soziale Outcomes verbessern sowie direkte und indirekte Kosten reduzieren könnten.

Methode

Diese Arbeit basiert auf einer selektiven Literaturrecherche (Narratives Review).

Ergebnisse

Es wurden vier primäre digitale Versorgungsformen identifiziert, die in der StäB gewinnbringend genutzt werden könnten: (1) Kommunikation, Behandlungskontinuität und -flexibilität durch Online-Chat und Videotelefonie, (2) Monitoring von Symptomen und Verhaltensweisen in Echtzeit durch Anwendung des ambulatorischen Assessments („ecological momentary assessment“ [EMA]), (3) Nutzung multimodaler EMA-Daten für die Generierung von personalisiertem Feedback über subjektives Erleben und Verhaltensmuster sowie (4) auf Person, Moment und Kontext zugeschnittene, adaptive ambulatorische Interventionen („ecological momentary interventions“ [EMIs]).

Diskussion

Digitale Versorgungsformen haben erhebliches Potenzial die Effektivität und Kosteneffektivität der StäB zu steigern. Ein wichtiger nächster Schritt besteht darin, die Anwendung dieser Versorgungsformen im Bereich der StäB zu modellieren und deren Qualität aus Sicht der Patient*innen, Sicherheit und initiale Prozess- und Ergebnisqualität sowie Implementierungsbedingungen sorgfältig zu untersuchen.
Using wild relatives and related species to build climate resilience in Brassica crops
Authors: Quezada-Martinez Daniela , Addo Nyarko Charles P. , Schiessl Sarah V. , Mason Annaliese S.
Published: March 2021

Climate change will have major impacts on crop production: not just increasing drought and heat stress, but also increasing insect and disease loads and the chance of extreme weather events and further adverse conditions. Often, wild relatives show increased tolerances to biotic and abiotic stresses, due to reduced stringency of selection for yield and yield-related traits under optimum conditions. One possible strategy to improve resilience in our modern-day crop cultivars is to utilize wild relative germplasm in breeding, and attempt to introgress genetic factors contributing to greater environmental tolerances from these wild relatives into elite crop types. However, this approach can be difficult, as it relies on factors such as ease of hybridization and genetic distance between the source and target, crossover frequencies and distributions in the hybrid, and ability to select for desirable introgressions while minimizing linkage drag. In this review, we outline the possible effects that climate change may have on crop production, introduce theBrassicacrop species and their wild relatives, and provide an index of useful traits that are known to be present in each of these species that may be exploitable through interspecific hybridization-based approaches. Subsequently, we outline how introgression breeding works, what factors affect the success of this approach, and how this approach can be optimized so as to increase the chance of recovering the desired introgression lines. Our review provides a working guide to the use of wild relatives and related crop germplasm to improve biotic and abiotic resistances inBrassicacrop species.
Cold-induced dishabituation in rodents exposed to recurrent hypoglycaemia
Authors: Vickneson Keeran , Blackburn Jessica , Gallagher Jennifer R. , Evans Mark L. , de Galan Bastiaan E. , Pedersen-Bjergaard Ulrik , Thorens Bernard , McNeilly Alison D. , McCrimmon Rory J.
Published: March 2021

Aims/hypothesis

Recurrent hypoglycaemia in people with diabetes leads to progressive suppression of counterregulatory hormonal responses to subsequent hypoglycaemia. Recently it has been proposed that the mechanism underpinning this is a form of adaptive memory referred to as habituation. To test this hypothesis, we use two different durations of cold exposure to examine whether rodents exposed to recurrent hypoglycaemia exhibit two characteristic features of habituation, namely stimulus generalisation and dishabituation.

Methods

In the first study (stimulus generalisation study), hyperinsulinaemic–hypoglycaemic (2.8 mmol/l) glucose clamps were performed in non-diabetic rodents exposed to prior moderate-duration cold (4°C for 3 h) or control conditions. In the second study (dishabituation study), rodents exposed to prior recurrent hypoglycaemia or saline (154 mmol/l NaCl) injections over 4 weeks underwent a longer-duration cold (4°C for 4.5 h) exposure followed 24 h later by a hyperinsulinaemic–hypoglycaemic (2.8 mmol/l) glucose clamp. Output measures were counterregulatory hormone responses during experimental hypoglycaemia.

Results

Moderate-duration cold exposure blunted the adrenaline (epinephrine) response (15,266 ± 1920 vs 7981 ± 1258 pmol/l, Control vs Cold; p < 0.05) to next day hypoglycaemia in healthy non-diabetic rodents. In contrast, the suppressed adrenaline response (Control 5912 ± 1417 vs recurrent hypoglycaemia 1836 ± 736 pmol/l; p < 0.05) that is associated with recurrent hypoglycaemia was restored following longer-duration cold exposure (recurrent hypoglycaemia + Cold 4756 ± 826 pmol/l; not significant vs Control).

Conclusions/interpretation

Non-diabetic rodents exhibit two cardinal features of habituation, namely stimulus generalisation and dishabituation. These findings provide further support for the hypothesis that suppressed counterregulatory responses following exposure to recurrent hypoglycaemia in diabetes result from habituation.

Graphical abstract
Solitäre lokoregionäre Metastase eines undifferenzierten pleomorphen Sarkoms im M. quadratus femoris
Authors: Bdeir Mohamad , Vassos Nikolaos , Darwich Ali , Weis Cleo-Aron , Gravius Sascha , Renker Eva
Published: March 2021

Das undifferenzierte pleomorphe Sarkom („undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma“ [UPS]) gehört zur Gruppe der Weichteilsarkome und macht fast 10 % aller Weichteilsarkome aus. Der Fall eines 49-jährigen Patienten wird vorgestellt, bei dem die kompartmentorientierte Resektion eines primären UPS im linken Musculus gluteus maximus mit adjuvanter Radiotherapie (60 Gy) durchgeführt wurde. Im Rahmen der Tumornachsorge (3 Jahre später) wurde eine lokoregionäre Metastase an einer ungewöhnlichen Lokalisation im M. quadratus femoris festgestellt, welche mittels einer In-toto-Resektion mit intraoperativer Radiotherapie (10 Gy) behandelt wurde. Der intra- und postoperative Verlauf gestalten sich komplikationslos ohne neurologische Defizite. Im Rahmen der Nachtuntersuchung 6 Monate postoperativ war der Patient tumor- und beschwerdefrei.
Internal face finishing for a cooling channel using a fluid containing free abrasive grains
Authors: Yamaguchi Mitsugu , Furumoto Tatsuaki , Inagaki Shuuji , Tsuji Masao , Ochiai Yoshiki , Hashimoto Yohei , Koyano Tomohiro , Hosokawa Akira
Published: March 2021

In die-casting and injection molding, a conformal cooling channel is applied inside the dies and molds to reduce the cycle time. When the internal face of the channel is rough, both cooling performance and tool life are negatively affected. Many methods for finishing the internal face of such channels have been proposed. However, the effects of the channel diameter on the flow of a low-viscosity finishing media and its finishing characteristics for H13 steel have not yet been reported in the literature. This study addresses these deficiencies through the following: the fluid flow in a channel was computationally simulated; the flow behavior of abrasive grains was observed using a high-speed camera; and the internal face of the channel was finished using the flow of a fluid containing abrasive grains. The flow velocity of the fluid with the abrasive grains increases as the channel diameter decreases, and the velocity gradient is low throughout the channel. This enables reduction in the surface roughness for a short period and ensures uniform finishing in the central region of the channel; however, over polishing occurs owing to the centrifugal force generated in the entrance region, which causes the form accuracy of the channel to partially deteriorate. The outcomes of this study demonstrate that the observational finding for the finishing process is consistent with the flow simulation results. The flow simulation can be instrumental in designing channel diameters and internal pressures to ensure efficient and uniform finishing for such channels.
Tracing the origin of paracetamol tablets by near-infrared, mid-infrared, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy using principal component analysis and linear discriminant analysis
Authors: Becht Alexander , Schollmayer Curd , Monakhova Yulia , Holzgrabe Ulrike
Published: March 2021

Most drugs are no longer produced in their own countries by the pharmaceutical companies, but by contract manufacturers or at manufacturing sites in countries that can produce more cheaply. This not only makes it difficult to trace them back but also leaves room for criminal organizations to fake them unnoticed. For these reasons, it is becoming increasingly difficult to determine the exact origin of drugs. The goal of this work was to investigate how exactly this is possible by using different spectroscopic methods like nuclear magnetic resonance and near- and mid-infrared spectroscopy in combination with multivariate data analysis. As an example, 56 out of 64 different paracetamol preparations, collected from 19 countries around the world, were chosen to investigate whether it is possible to determine the pharmaceutical company, manufacturing site, or country of origin. By means of suitable pre-processing of the spectra and the different information contained in each method, principal component analysis was able to evaluate manufacturing relationships between individual companies and to differentiate between production sites or formulations. Linear discriminant analysis showed different results depending on the spectral method and purpose. For all spectroscopic methods, it was found that the classification of the preparations to their manufacturer achieves better results than the classification to their pharmaceutical company. The best results were obtained with nuclear magnetic resonance and near-infrared data, with 94.6%/99.6% and 98.7/100% of the spectra of the preparations correctly assigned to their pharmaceutical company or manufacturer.

Graphical abstract
Conventional MRI findings in hereditary degenerative ataxias: a pictorial review
Authors: Cocozza Sirio , Pontillo Giuseppe , De Michele Giovanna , Di Stasi Martina , Guerriero Elvira , Perillo Teresa , Pane Chiara , De Rosa Anna , Ugga Lorenzo , Brunetti Arturo
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Cerebellar ataxias are a large and heterogeneous group of disorders. The evaluation of brain parenchyma via MRI plays a central role in the diagnostic assessment of these conditions, being mandatory to exclude the presence of other underlying causes in determining the clinical phenotype. Once these possible causes are ruled out, the diagnosis is usually researched in the wide range of hereditary or sporadic ataxias.

Methods

We here propose a review of the main clinical and conventional imaging findings of the most common hereditary degenerative ataxias, to help neuroradiologists in the evaluation of these patients.

Results

Hereditary degenerative ataxias are all usually characterized from a neuroimaging standpoint by the presence, in almost all cases, of cerebellar atrophy. Nevertheless, a proper assessment of imaging data, extending beyond the mere evaluation of cerebellar atrophy, evaluating also the pattern of volume loss as well as concomitant MRI signs, is crucial to achieve a proper diagnosis.

Conclusion

The integration of typical neuroradiological characteristics, along with patient’s clinical history and laboratory data, could allow the neuroradiologist to identify some conditions and exclude others, addressing the neurologist to the more appropriate genetic testing.
Biophysical characterization of melanoma cell phenotype markers during metastatic progression
Authors: Sobiepanek Anna , Paone Alessio , Cutruzzolà Francesca , Kobiela Tomasz
Published: March 2021

Melanoma is the most fatal form of skin cancer, with increasing prevalence worldwide. The most common melanoma genetic driver is mutation of the proto-oncogene serine/threonine kinase BRAF; thus, the inhibition of its MAP kinase pathway by specific inhibitors is a commonly applied therapy. However, many patients are resistant, or develop resistance to this type of monotherapy, and therefore combined therapies which target other signaling pathways through various molecular mechanisms are required. A possible strategy may involve targeting cellular energy metabolism, which has been recognized as crucial for cancer development and progression and which connects through glycolysis to cell surface glycan biosynthetic pathways. Protein glycosylation is a hallmark of more than 50% of the human proteome and it has been recognized that altered glycosylation occurs during the metastatic progression of melanoma cells which, in turn facilitates their migration. This review provides a description of recent advances in the search for factors able to remodel cell metabolism between glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation, and of changes in specific markers and in the biophysical properties of cells during melanoma development from a nevus to metastasis. This development is accompanied by changes in the expression of surface glycans, with corresponding changes in ligand-receptor affinity, giving rise to structural features and viscoelastic parameters particularly well suited to study by label-free biophysical methods.
Impact of Bypass Flow Assessment on Long‐Term Outcomes in Patients with Chronic Limb‐Threatening Ischemia
Authors: Cinara Ilijas , Zlatanovic Petar , Sladojevic Milos , Tomic Ivan , Mutavdzic Perica , Ducic Stefan , Vujcic Aleksandra , Davidovic Lazar
Published: March 2021

Background

Transit time flow meter (TTFM) allows quick and accurate intraoperative graft assessment. The main study goal is to evaluate the influence of graft flow measurements on long‐term clinical outcomes in patients with chronic limb‐threatening ischemia (CLTI) undergoing bellow the knee (BTK) vein bypass surgery.

Methods

Between January 1st, 1999 and January 1st, 2006, 976 CLTI consecutive patients underwent lower extremity bypass surgery. When applying the exclusion criteria, 249 patients were included in the final analysis. Control measurements were performed at the end of the procedure. Patients were divided according to the mean (more/less than 100 ml/min) and diastolic graft flow (more/less than 40 ml/min) values in four groups. The primary endpoints were a major adverse limb event (male) and primary graft patency.

Results

After the median follow‐up of 68 months, a group with the mean graft flow below 100 ml/min and the diastolic graft flow below 40 ml/min had the highest rates of male (χ2 = 36.60, DF = 1, P < 0.01, log‐rank test) and the worst primary graft patency (χ2 = 53.05, DF = 1, P < 0.01, log‐rank test).

Conclusion

In patients with CLTI undergoing BTK vein bypass surgery, TTFM parameters, especially combined impact of mean graft flow less than 100 ml/min and diastolic graft flow less than 40 ml/min, were associated with an increased risk of poor long‐term male and primary graft patency.
Risk Factors for Anastomotic Leakage in Patients with Rectal Tumors Undergoing Anterior Resection within an ERAS Protocol: Results from the Swedish ERAS Database
Authors: Asklid Daniel , Ljungqvist Olle , Xu Yin , Gustafsson Ulf O.
Published: March 2021

Background

Research on risk factors for anastomotic leakage (AL) alone within an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol has not yet been conducted. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for AL and study short‐term outcome after AL in patients operated with anterior resection (AR).

Methods

All prospectively and consecutively recorded patients operated with AR in the Swedish part of the international ERAS® Interactive Audit System (EIAS) between January 2010 and February 2020 were included. The cohort was evaluated regarding risk factors for AL and short‐term outcomes, including uni‐ and multivariate analysis. Pre‐, intra‐ and postoperative compliance to ERAS®Society guidelines was calculated and evaluated.

Results

Altogether 1900 patients were included, 155 (8.2%) with AL and 1745 without AL. Male gender, obesity, peritoneal contamination, year of surgery 2016–2020, duration of primary surgery and age remained significant predictors for AL in multivariate analysis. There was no significant difference in overall pre‐ and intraoperative compliance to ERAS®Society guidelines between groups. Only preadmission patient education remained as a significant ERAS variable associated with less AL. AL was associated with longer length of stay (LOS), higher morbidity rate and higher rate of reoperations.

Conclusion

Male gender, obesity, peritoneal contamination, duration of surgery, surgery later in study period, age and preadmission patient education were associated with AL in patients operated on with AR. Overall pre‐ and intraoperative compliance to the ERAS protocol was high in both groups and not associated with AL.
Patient perspectives on how to improve education on medication side effects: cross-sectional observational study at a rheumatology clinic in The Netherlands
Authors: Hegeman Mirjam C. , Schoemaker-Delsing Jolanda A. , Luttikholt Jacqueline T. M. , Vonkeman Harald E.
Published: March 2021

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients often report lacking information on medication side effects. The aims of this study were to observe how rheumatology healthcare providers deliver medication information and to determine in which specific domains information is missing. First, 12 single-blinded structured observations were performed during regular RA patient consultations. The observers noted whether and how medication and medication side effects were discussed. Second, 100 RA patients were asked to fill out an adaptation of the Satisfaction with Information about Medicines Scale (SIMS). Medication was discussed during all observed consultations. With new medication, its purpose and mode of action were explained in all cases, but possible side effects in only 33%. Overall, medication side effects were discussed in 58% of consultations. Most information delivery was verbal (92%). Response rate to the questionnaire was 61%. Overall satisfaction with medication education was mean 7.3 (± 1.9) (NRS 0–10) with a comparable high SIMS total satisfaction sum score of mean 12.3 (± 4.4). At subscale score levels, 89% were satisfied with the amount of information on the action and usage of medication, but only 47% with the information on the potential problems of medication. RA patients express overall high satisfaction with their medication education but there is still an unmet need for information on potential risks and side effects. Using the SIMS questionnaire in daily clinical practice may help focus medication education to the needs of the individual patient.
Effects of two consecutive mixed meals high in palmitic acid or stearic acid on 8-h postprandial lipemia and glycemia in healthy-weight and overweight men and postmenopausal women: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: van Rooijen Merel A. , Plat Jogchum , Zock Peter L. , Blom Wendy A. M. , Mensink Ronald P.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Palmitic and stearic acids have different effects on fasting serum lipoproteins. However, the effects on postprandial lipemia and glycemia are less clear. Also, the effects of a second meal may differ from those of the first meal. Therefore, we studied the effects of two consecutive mixed meals high in palmitic acid- or stearic acid-rich fat blends on postprandial lipemia and glycemia.

Methods

In a randomized, crossover study, 32 participants followed 4-week diets rich in palmitic or stearic acids, At the end of each dietary period, participants consumed two consecutive meals each containing ± 50 g of the corresponding fat blend.

Results

Postprandial concentrations of triacylglycerol (diet-effect: − 0.18 mmol/L; p = 0.001) and apolipoprotein B48 (diet-effect: − 0.68 mg/L; p = 0.002) were lower after stearic-acid than after palmitic-acid intake. Consequently, total (iAUC0–8 h) and first meal (iAUC0–4 h) responses were lower after stearic-acid intake (p ≤ 0.01). Second meal responses (iAUC4–8 h) were not different. Postprandial changes between the diets in non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and C-peptide differed significantly over time (p < 0.001 and p = 0.020 for diet*time effects, respectively), while those for glucose and insulin did not. The dAUC0–8 h, dAUC0–4 h, and dAUC4–8 h for NEFA were larger after stearic-acid intake (p ≤ 0.05). No differences were observed in the iAUCs of C-peptide, glucose, and insulin. However, second meal responses for glucose and insulin (iAUC4–8 h) tended to be lower after stearic-acid intake (p < 0.10).

Conclusion

Consumption of the stearic acid-rich meals lowered postprandial lipemia as compared with palmitic acid. After the second stearic acid-rich meal, concentrations of C-peptide peaked earlier and those of NEFA decreased more.

Clinical trial registry This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02835651 on July 18, 2016.
Assessing the links between childhood trauma, C-reactive protein and response to antidepressant treatment in patients with affective disorders
Authors: Fischer Kai F. , Simon Maria S. , Elsner Julie , Dobmeier Johanna , Dorr Johannes , Blei Leonie , Zill Peter , Obermeier Michael , Musil Richard
Published: March 2021

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) are a well-known risk-factor for depression. Additionally, (high-sensitive) C-reactive Protein (hsCRP) is elevated in subgroups of depressed patients and high following ACE. In this context the literature considers hsCRP and ACE to be associated with treatment resistant depression. With the data being heterogenous, this study aimed to explore the associations of ACE, hsCRP levels and response to antidepressant treatment in uni- and bipolar depression. N = 76 patients diagnosed with uni- or bipolar depression and N = 53 healthy controls were included. Treatment was over 6 weeks in an inpatient psychiatric setting within an observatory study design. Depressive symptoms were assessed by the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), ACE were assessed by the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ); the body-mass-index (BMI) and hsCRP were measured. HsCRP levels did not differ between the study population and the healthy controls. While the depressive symptoms decreased, the hsCRP levels increased. Sexual abuse was associated with significant higher and emotional abuse with lower levels of hsCRP after 6 weeks. The baseline hsCRP levels and the ACE subgroups did not show significant associations with the treatment response in unipolar depressed patients. The long-lasting effects of specific forms of ACE may have relevant impact on inflammation, supporting hsCRP to be a suitable biomarker. With ACE and hsCRP not showing any significant associations with treatment response in the unipolar depressed subgroup, a more differentiate research concerning biomarkers and treatment regimens is needed when talking about treatment response.
Georg Schmorl Prize of the German Spine Society (DWG) 2020: new biomechanical in vitro test method to determine subsidence risk of vertebral body replacements
Authors: Zengerle Laura , Fleege Christoph , Di Pauli von Treuheim Theodor , Vogele Daniel , Rauschmann Michael , Wilke Hans-Joachim
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Prevention of implant subsidence in osteoporotic (thoraco)lumbar spines is still a major challenge in spinal surgery. In this study, a new biomechanical in vitro test method was developed to simulate patient activities in order to determine the subsidence risk of vertebral body replacements during physiologic loading conditions.

Methods

The study included 12 (thoraco)lumbar (T11-L1, L2-L4) human specimens. After dorsal stabilisation and corpectomy, vertebral body replacements (VBR) with (a) round centrally located and (b) lateral end pieces with apophyseal support were implanted, equally distributed regarding segment, sex, mean BMD ((a) 64.2 mgCaHA/cm3, (b) 66.7 mgCaHA/cm3) and age ((a) 78 years, (b) 73.5 years). The specimens were then subjected to everyday activities (climbing stairs, tying shoes, lifting 20 kg) simulated by a custom-made dynamic loading simulator combining corresponding axial loads with flexion–extension and lateral bending movements. They were applied in oscillating waves at 0.5 Hz and raised every 100 cycles phase-shifted to each other by 50 N or 0.25°, respectively. The range of motion (ROM) of the specimens was determined in all three motion planes under pure moments of 3.75 Nm prior to and after implantation as well as subsequently following activities. Simultaneously, subsidence depth was quantified from fluoroscope films. A mixed model (significance level: 0.05) was established to relate subsidence risk to implant geometries and patients’ activities.

Results

With this new test method, simulating everyday activities provoked clinically relevant subsidence schemes. Generally, severe everyday activities caused deeper subsidence which resulted in increased ROM. Subsidence of lateral end pieces was remarkably less pronounced which was accompanied by a smaller ROM in flexion–extension and higher motion possibilities in axial rotation (p = 0.05).

Conclusion

In this study, a new biomechanical test method was developed that simulates physiologic activities to examine implant subsidence. It appears that the highest risk of subsidence occurs most when lifting heavy weights, and into the ventral part of the caudal vertebra. The results indicate that lateral end pieces may better prevent from implant subsidence because of the additional cortical support. Generally, patients that are treated with a VBR should avoid activities that create high loading on the spine.
Contralateral non-simultaneous proximal femoral fractures in patients over 65 years old
Authors: Bosco Francesco , Vittori Jacopo , Grosso Elena , Tarello Mariapaola , Artiaco Stefano , Massè Alessandro
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Epidemiological and clinical parameters according to the Parker-Palmer Index (PPI) have not been specifically studied as predictors of re-fracture time in patients over 65 years old with contralateral hip fracture. The main purpose of this study was to assess whether these parameters could represent a prognostic factor in this population.

Methods

This retrospective study included all consecutive patients older than 65 years that suffered from a proximal femoral fracture, 31 according to Association for Osteosynthesis/Orthopaedic Trauma Association classification, treated at our unit between Feb 1st 2019 and Feb 1st 2020.

Results

This study enrolled 387 patients. Thirty-seven of them had already incurred a contralateral hip fracture: seven males and 30 females. The median time between the first and second hip fractures was 3.5 years. This study revealed that increasing age (p = 0.003), male sex (p = 0.029) and a PPI value ≥ 5 between the first and second hip fracture (p = 0.015) are risk factors associated with a contralateral hip fracture in the first three years after the first episode. There were no statistically significant differences regarding anti-osteoporotic therapy and the anatomic site of the first hip fracture episode.

Conclusion

The results of the present study suggest that several risk factors have a crucial role in hip re-fracture time in patients over 65 years old.
Landscape-Scale Forest Reorganization Following Insect Invasion and Harvest Under Future Climate Change Scenarios
Authors: Olson Stacey K. , Smithwick Erica A. H. , Lucash Melissa S. , Scheller Robert M. , Nicholas Robert E. , Ruckert Kelsey L. , Caldwell Christopher M.
Published: March 2021

Emerald ash borer (EAB; Agrilus planipennis Farimaire) has been found in 35 US states and five Canadian provinces. This invasive beetle is causing widespread mortality to ash trees (Fraxinus spp.), which are an important timber product and ornamental tree, as well as a cultural resource for some Tribes. The damage will likely continue despite efforts to impede its spread. Further, widespread and rapid ash mortality as a result of EAB is expected to alter forest composition and structure, especially when coupled with the regional effects of climate change in post-ash forests. Thus, we forecasted the long-term effects of EAB-induced ash mortality and preemptive ash harvest (a forest management mitigation strategy) on forested land across a 2-million-hectare region in northern Wisconsin. We used a spatially explicit and spatially interactive forest simulation model, LANDIS-II, to estimate future species dominance and biodiversity assuming continued widespread ash mortality. We ran forest disturbance and succession simulations under historic climate conditions and three downscaled CMIP5 climate change projections representing the upper bound of expected changes in precipitation and temperature. Our results suggest that although ash loss from EAB or harvest resulted in altered biodiversity patterns in some stands, climate change will be the major driver of changes in biodiversity by the end of century, causing increases in the dominance of southern species and homogenization of species composition across the landscape.