bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Working Principle of an Ionic Liquid Interlayer During Pressureless Lithium Stripping on Li6.25Al0.25La3Zr2O12 (LLZO) Garnet‐Type Solid Electrolyte
Authors: Fuchs Till , Mogwitz Boris , Otto Svenja‐Katharina , Passerini Stefano , Richter Felix H. , Janek Jürgen
Published: March 2021

Solid‐state‐batteries employing lithium metal anodes promise high theoretical energy and power densities. However, morphological instability occurring at the lithium/solid–electrolyte interface when stripping and plating lithium during cell cycling needs to be mitigated. Vacancy diffusion in lithium metal is not sufficiently fast to prevent pore formation at the interface above a certain current density during stripping. Applied pressure of several MPa can prevent pore formation, but this is not conducive to practical application. This work investigates the concept of ionic liquids as “self‐adjusting” interlayers to compensate morphological changes of the lithium anode while avoiding the use of external pressure. A clear improvement of the lithium dissolution process is observed as it is possible to continuously strip more than 70 μm lithium (i. e., 15 mAh cm−2 charge) without the need for external pressure during assembly and electrochemical testing of the system. The impedance of the investigated electrodes is analyzed in detail, and contributions of the different interfaces are evaluated. The conclusions are corroborated with morphology studies using cryo‐FIB‐SEM and chemical analysis using XPS. This improves the understanding of the impedance response and lithium stripping in electrodes employing liquid interlayers, acting as a stepping‐stone for future optimization.
Sulfur Transfer Melt Infiltration for High‐Power Carbon Nanotube Sheets in Lithium‐Sulfur Pouch Cells
Authors: Boenke Tom , Härtel Paul , Dörfler Susanne , Abendroth Thomas , Schwotzer Friedrich , Althues Holger , Kaskel Stefan
Published: March 2021

Among next‐generation battery systems, the lithium‐sulfur (Li−S) technology is attracting increasing attention driven by the low active material costs, high theoretical specific energy, and promising progress made in terms of its technology readiness level (TRL) in the recent years. However, the power density, especially in prototype cells, is an often neglected parameter being crucial for future application sectors. In this work, the cathode is redesigned by introducing a scalable, non‐toxic, and homogeneous sulfur impregnation process for free‐standing carbon scaffolds and tailorable sulfur areal loading. This novel sulfur transfer melt infiltration is exemplarily applied to process carbon nanotube (CNT)‐based Li−S cathode structures, but as a generic and scalable methodology is highly versatile. We demonstrate the development for CNT Buckypaper (BP) and CNT powder‐based dry transfer electrodes (DryFilm) as cathode host structures with the highly polysulfide (PS) solvating electrolyte system DME/DOL. In order to evaluate the practicability for high power application, the redesigned CNT BP cathode system with varying sulfur contents is employed in multi‐layered pouch cell format with 4 μL mgS−1 for reduced electrolyte conditions. Additionally, first pouch cells with circular perforated aluminum current collector enable 80 % weight savings of passive cathode material without compromising cell performance for free‐standing thin‐film cathodes. This study is an important step towards the development of lightweight Li−S cells for high power applications, such as drones or high altitude satellites.
The University of Wisconsin Flexible Option is an effective model to prepare students for a recovering economy
Authors: Specht‐Boardman Ryan , Chalasani Suresh , Kostka Kim , Kite Laura , Brower Aaron
Published: March 2021

COVID‐19 has accelerated changes that were already underway in the American economy, such as the increasing displacement of workers by automation, the exponential evolution of industries due to technical advancements (the Fourth Industrial Revolution), and a widening skills gap and attainment deficit in the American workforce. As a result, adult workers and their employers will increasingly demand efficient, reputable, and customizable pathways to quickly reskill and upskill. This paper will use the UW Flexible Option as a case study for how traditional universities can build competency‐based programs to help adults rapidly meet changing workforce needs. The UW Flexible Option's design is an exemplar of wrap‐around support services; a flexible academic calendar; integrated and efficient curriculum design; effective assessment of competence against articulated learning outcomes; project‐based learning tied to workplace competencies; and tuition policies and financial aid delivery tailored to adult learners. The design will be explored through a case study of one of our programs, the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Massive economic change will soon displace workers on a scale not yet seen, and higher education has a responsibility to ensure those individuals get back into the workforce with the appropriate skills. Institutions of higher education will need to innovate to rise to the occasion, and competency‐based education is one such pathway.
The best option to treat transplant recipients with severe aortic stenosis
Authors: Postalian Alexander , Krajcer Zvonimir
Published: March 2021

Key Points

Solid‐organ transplant recipients have a unique surgical risk profile. The elevated risk of perioperative complications in these patients makes TAVR a particularly attractive option when aortic stenosis treatment is needed.

The authors report that TAVR is associated with fewer complications in transplant patients, including lower mortality, than open surgery.

These data are welcome, as they assist our collective effort in choosing safe and effective therapeutic options in special patient groups.
“PROGRESS is our most important product”: Adventures in CTO intervention
Authors: Patel Nachiket J. , Heuser Richard R.
Published: March 2021

Key Points

Antegrade wire escalation remains the most common chronic total occlusions (CTO) crossing strategy.

Polymer‐jacketed guidewires and torquable microcatheters are most commonly used for CTO‐percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Use of guidewires and microcatheters are evolving with improvements in technology.
Pre‐transfer/PCI with ticagrelor and heparin administration in STEMI patients may be beneficial but should we do more?
Authors: Smalling Richard W.
Published: March 2021

Key Points

Ticagrelor and heparin administration to STEMI patients 80 min prior to PCI center arrival resulted in an improved incidence of TIMI 2–3 flow in the infarct related artery (IRA) compared with patients treated just prior to PCI.

In the patients treated with pre‐PCI center ticagrelor and heparin, there was a lower incidence of definite stent thrombosis without an apparent bleeding penalty.

Despite improved IRA T2–3 flow pre‐PCI in the pre‐hospital patients, there was no improvement in in‐hospital mortality (3.5 vs. 3.1%) or post‐PCI ST segment resolution.
An unusual case of chronic lymphocytic leukemia with trisomy 12 presenting with prolymphocytic transformation and t(8;21)(q22;q22)
Authors: Bhushan Mishi , Kumar Kirthi R.
Published: March 2021

First report of t(8;21)(q22;q22) in a patient with CLL. RUNX1‐RUNX1T1 fusion gene resulting from the translocation may have played a role in the prolymphocytic transformation.
Anemia‐induced liver injury: A rare case revealing glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency
Authors: Zaimi Yosra , Ayari Myriam , Mensi Asma , Chelbi Emna , Ayadi Shema , Said Yosra , Mouelhi Leila , Debbeche Radhouane
Published: March 2021

Hypoxic hepatitis may occur due to hemodynamic mechanisms of hypoxia secondary to anemia without any context of reduced blood flow, respiratory failure, or shock state. Etiology of anemia should be investigated in order to avoid recurrence.
Evidence for disseminated tumor cells in lymphatic vessels afferent to sentinel lymph nodes in patients diagnosed with cervical cancer
Authors: Younes Shadi , Kaufmann Andreas M. , Häfner Norman , Beer Katrin , Jansen Lars , Sanft Juliane , Mall Gita , Koops Susan , Dürst Matthias , Schneider Achim
Published: March 2021

Background

In patients diagnosed with cervical cancer, the purpose of lymphadenectomy is the removal of lymph nodes for diagnosis and potential treatment of metastasized tumor cells. It is unclear if afferent lymphatic vessels harbor tumor cells and, thus, may pose additional risk for recurrence or progression if not removed.

Aim

In this feasibility study, we analyzed the lymphatic vessels afferent to sentinel lymph node (SLN) using a highly sensitive and specific molecular marker for cervical cancer cells.

Methods and Results

Twenty patients diagnosed with cervical cancer of FIGO stage IA1 to IIB2 underwent laparoscopic SLN removal. Labeling was done using patent blue and the afferent lymphatic vessels were harvested from the parametric tissue and frozen at −80°C. HPV DNA type was evaluated in the primary tumor. Lymphatic vessels afferent to the sentinel lymph nodes were analyzed for the presence of viral oncogene transcripts of the respective HPV type. In one of 18 patients, all with tumor stage ≤IBI and pN0 by conventional histopathology, HPV mRNA could be detected in two of four lymphatic vessels, whereas at least one of the lymphatic vessel biopsies of both patients with tumors ˃4 cm and pN1 status was HPV mRNA positive. No clinical correlation with recurrence after a median follow‐up of 9 years was noticed.

Conclusion

HPV mRNA indicative of disseminated tumor cells could be detected in lymphatic vessels. The relevance of harvesting lymphatic vessels afferent to SLN in order to increase oncologic safety will have to be investigated in a future prospective study.
Outage analysis of cognitive non‐orthogonal multiple access downlink system with secondary source selection in Nakagami‐m fading environment
Authors: M Sashiganth , S.J Thiruvengadam , D Sriram Kumar
Published: March 2021

Cognitive inspired non‐orthogonal multiple access (Cognitive‐NOMA) technique allows multiple primary and secondary users to utilize the same time and frequency resources to explore the reliability and spectral efficient requirements of 5G communication networks. In this paper Cognitive‐NOMA downlink system with multiple secondary source (SS) nodes is proposed. An optimal SS node is selected based on the signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR) requirements of both near and far primary users and the secondary user node. Each optimal SS node incorporates simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT) and full‐duplex technique to harvest energy and transceiver operation. Analytical outage probability expressions of the proposed system are derived over Nakagami‐m fading environment with the assumption that SS transmission links are correlated. Numerical results infer that the outage performance of the proposed system depends on the number of SS nodes, self‐interference at the SS node, and the SINR constraint for the selection of optimal SS node.
While shoot herbivores reduce, root herbivores increase nutrient enrichment’s impact on diversity in a grassland model
Authors: Crawford Michael S. , Schlägel Ulrike E. , May Felix , Wurst Susanne , Grimm Volker , Jeltsch Florian
Published: March 2021

Nutrient enrichment is widespread throughout grassland systems and expected to increase during the Anthropocene. Trophic interactions, like aboveground herbivory, have been shown to mitigate its effect on plant diversity. Belowground herbivory may also impact these habitats’ response to nutrient enrichment, but its influence is much less understood, and likely to depend on factors such as the herbivores’ preference for dominant species and the symmetry of belowground competition. If preferential toward the dominant, fastest growing species, root herbivores may reduce these species’ relative fitness and support diversity during nutrient enrichment. However, as plant competition belowground is commonly considered to be symmetric, root herbivores may be less impactful than shoot herbivores because they do not reduce any competitive asymmetry between the dominant and subordinate plants. To better understand this system, we used an established, two‐layer, grassland community model to run a full‐factorially designed simulation experiment, crossing the complete removal of aboveground herbivores and belowground herbivores with nutrient enrichment. After 100 yr of simulation, we analyzed communities' diversity, competition on the individual level, as well as their resistance and recovery. The model reproduced both observed general effects of nutrient enrichment in grasslands and the short‐term trends of specific experiments. We found that belowground herbivores exacerbate the negative influence of nutrient enrichment on Shannon diversity within our model grasslands, while aboveground herbivores mitigate its effect. Indeed, data on individuals’ above‐ and belowground resource uptake reveals that root herbivory reduces resource limitation belowground. As with nutrient enrichment, this shifts competition aboveground. Since shoot competition is asymmetric, with larger, taller individuals gathering disproportionate resources compared to their smaller, shorter counterparts, this shift promotes the exclusion of the smallest species. While increasing the root herbivores’ preferences toward dominant species lessens their negative impact, at best they are only mildly advantageous, and they do very little reduce the negative consequences of nutrient enrichment. Because our model’s belowground competition is symmetric, we hypothesize that root herbivores may be beneficial when root competition is asymmetric. Future research into belowground herbivory should account for the nature of competition belowground to better understand the herbivores’ true influence.
A review of methods for determining structural fire severity—Part I: A historical perspective
Authors: MacIntyre Jonathon D. , Abu Anthony K. , Moss Peter J. , Nilsson Daniel , Wade Colleen A.
Published: March 2021

Summary

There is a risk of a building suffering unsustainable structural damage in the event of a large fire. Therefore, it is necessary to design buildings to withstand expected fires. A widely used simplified calculation method is the so‐called ‘time‐equivalence’ method. There are significant concerns about the suitability of this method. This paper is Part I of a twofold study examining the state of the art of time‐equivalence methods. The purpose of this paper is to provide a detailed background of the development of time‐equivalence methods since its first introduction in 1928 and to provide an initial high‐level assessment of the accuracy of these methods. A simple scoring system is used to assess the methods based on the accuracy of the analysis techniques used in their derivation. The study revealed that most methods do not account well for structural system response to fire exposure. While some time‐equivalence methods do yield accurate results, further analysis is required to fully assess their suitability.
The association of fat preference with eating behavior and sex: Turkish version of the Fat Preference Questionnaire©
Authors: Okan Bakır Binnur , Kaya Cebioğlu İrem , Günalan Elif , Dumlu Bilgin Gözde
Published: March 2021

The fat content of food may play a role in food preferences. Increased fat intake has a role in elevated body weight. Firstly, we aimed to establish the Turkish version of the Fat Preference Questionnaire© and secondly to evaluate the relevant factors with dietary fat preference including body mass index (BMI); sex; and subscales of the Three‐Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ). The study was conducted with 261 participants among the academic staff of Yeditepe University. The Fat Preference Questionnaire© and TFEQ were applied. After the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Fat Preference Questionnaire©, Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated to reveal the relationship between the scores of the Fat Preference Questionnaire©, BMI, and the four subscales of TFEQ. Weakly or moderately correlated variables were selected to perform two sets of hierarchical regression analyses. Turkish version of the Fat Preference Questionnaire© had statistically acceptable validity and reliability. Fat preference did not correlate with BMI (p > .05). Women showed a lower preference for high‐fat foods and a higher dietary fat restriction (p < .05). The two subscales of TFEQ, the Disinhibition of Eating Control and the Susceptibility to Hunger, contributed to explain the variances in fat preference and dietary fat restriction (ΔR2 = .04, p < .05). Fat preference correlates with Disinhibition of Eating Control and Susceptibility to Hunger, while fat restriction correlates only with Disinhibition of Eating Control although none correlates with BMI. Turkish version of the Fat Preference Questionnaire© is a valid instrument for further studies.
Rethinking Low Impact Hydropower and Renewable Energy Certificates
Authors: Russo Thomas N.
Published: March 2021

Wind and solar projects along with their related renewable energy certificates (RECs) are on the minds of energy generators, consumers and policy makers. This begs the question as to why hydropower and specifically low impact hydropower are not eligible to receive the same attention. A closer look at the issue reveals both the states and consumers have much to say about the technologies that qualify for RECs. In fact, low impact hydropower projects may qualify for RECs under some individual State Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) or the US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Green Power Partnership but not all.
Population Pharmacokinetic Analysis of Recombinant Factor VIII Fc Fusion Protein in Subjects With Severe Hemophilia A: Expanded to Include Pediatric Subjects
Authors: Katragadda Suresh , Neelakantan Srividya , Diao Lei , Wong Nancy
Published: March 2021

Recombinant factor VIII Fc fusion protein (rFVIIIFc) has been indicated for adults and children with hemophilia A. The objective of this article was to build a population pharmacokinetic (PK) model using adult and pediatric data sets and explore relevant dosing scenarios across all ages. The activity‐time profiles of rFVIIIFc from 3 clinical studies (all trials registered at https://www.clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01027377, NCT01181128, and NCT01458106) were characterized, and covariates that determine variability of rFVIIIFc PK in children and adults were identified and implemented. Data sets were pooled to estimate population PK parameters. Simulations were conducted to generate activity‐time profiles at steady state (SS). The proportion of subjects maintaining SS trough >1 and >3 IU/dL and time >10 IU/dL were estimated. The rFVIIIFc model was a two‐compartment model that identified weight and von Willebrand factor as significant covariates. Model‐predicted SS peaks and troughs of rFVIIIFc activity‐time profiles confirmed the necessity of modifying dosing in pediatric subjects. The model also predicted that the average subject in the adult and adolescent group dosed with 40 IU/kg every 2 days maintained factor VIII activity >10 IU/dL for the entire duration. Children aged <6 years and aged 6 to <12 years receiving this dose maintained factor VIII activity of >10 IU/dL for nearly two‐thirds and three‐quarters of their time, respectively. In conclusion, these population PK analyses characterize activity‐time profiles for rFVIIIFc among pediatric and adult subjects. The model was used for simulation of clinically relevant dosing scenarios, which can provide better protection and better clinical outcomes.
Computational modeling of malignant ascites reveals CCL5–SDC4 interaction in the immune microenvironment of ovarian cancer
Authors: Kim Soochi , Han Youngjin , Kim Se Ik , Lee Juwon , Jo HyunA , Wang Wenyu , Cho Untack , Park Woong‐Yang , Rando Thomas A. , Dhanasekaran Danny N. , Song Yong Sang
Published: March 2021

Fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity is commonly found in advanced‐stage ovarian cancer patients, which creates a specialized tumor microenvironment for cancer progression. Using single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) of ascites cells from five patients with ovarian cancer, we identified seven cell types, including heterogeneous macrophages and ovarian cancer cells. We resolved a distinct polarization state of macrophages by MacSpectrum analysis and observed subtype‐specific enrichment of pathways associated with their functions. The communication between immune and cancer cells was predicted through a putative ligand–receptor pair analysis using NicheNet. We found that CCL5, a chemotactic ligand, is enriched in immune cells (T cells and NK cells) and mediates ovarian cancer cell survival in the ascites, possibly through SDC4. Moreover, SDC4 expression correlated with poor overall survival in ovarian cancer patients. Our study highlights the potential role of T cells and NK cells in long‐term survival patients with ovarian cancer, indicating SDC4 as a potential prognostic marker in ovarian cancer patients.
WHO'S IN AND WHO'S OUT UNDER WORKPLACE COVID SYMPTOM SCREENING?
Authors: Ruffini Krista , Sojourner Aaron , Wozniak Abigail
Published: March 2021

COVID symptom screening, a new workplace practice, is already affecting many millions of American workers. As of this writing, 34 states already require, and federal guidance recommends, frequent screening of at least some employees for fever or other symptoms. This paper provides the first empirical work identifying major features of symptom screening in a broad population and exploring the trade‐offs employers face in using daily symptom screening. First, we find that common symptom checkers could screen out up to 7 percent of workers each day, depending on the measure used. Second, we find that the measures used will matter for three reasons: Many respondents report any given symptom, survey design affects responses, and demographic groups report symptoms at different rates, even absent fluctuations in likely COVID exposure. This last pattern can potentially lead to disparate impacts and is important from an equity standpoint.
Drug penetration in pediatric brain tumors: Challenges and opportunities
Authors: Patel Jenny P. , Spiller Susan E. , Barker Elizabeth D.
Published: March 2021

Larger clinical trial enrollments and a greater understanding of biological heterogeneity have led to improved survival rates for children diagnosed with brain tumors in the last 50 years. However, reducing long‐term morbidities and improving survival rates of high‐risk tumors remain major challenges. Chemotherapy can reduce tumor burden, but effective drug penetration at the tumor site is limited by barriers in the route of drug administration and within the tumor microenvironment. Bioavailability of drugs is impeded by the blood‐brain barrier, plasma protein binding, and structural components by the tumor including the matrix and vasculature contributing to increased interstitial fluid pressure, hypoxia, and acidity. Designing drug delivery systems to circumvent these barriers could lead to improved drug penetration at the tumor site and reduce adverse systemic side effects. In this review, we expand on how systemic and local barriers limit drug penetration and present potential methods to enhance drug penetration in pediatric brain tumors.
FE fracture analysis, using the integral J and tearing energy T parameters, of a natural rubber NR
Authors: Hamdi Adel , Boulenouar Abdelkader , Baccouch Zaineb
Published: March 2021

Fracture of rubber‐like materials under quasi‐static loadings is of a great interest since the use of such materials has been widespread in many industrial applications. Thus, the aim of this work is to study the fracture behavior of a carbon‐black filled natural rubber using the finite elements method. In the first step, we have identified a hyperelastic potential of the virgin material, using equibiaxial and pure shear tests, for the Finite Element (FE) calculations. In the second step, two numerical models with pre‐cracked specimens, using Ansys software, are developed. The investigated parameters, based upon energy concepts, are carried out on Single Edge Notched in Tension and Pure Shear specimens. Finally, the evolution and the comparison of obtained results will be examined as a function of the integral J, of Rice, and the tearing energy T, of Rivlin and Thomas.
Photo‐controlled alignment and helical organization in main‐chain liquid crystalline alternating polymers
Authors: Sakaino Hirotoshi , Lamers Brigitte A. G. , Meskers Stefan C. J. , Meijer E. W. , Vantomme Ghislaine
Published: March 2021

Materials with highly ordered nanoscale structures can translate molecular processes to macroscopic function. Here we report on the photo‐controlled organization of achiral alternating copolymers composed of discrete length blocks showing well‐defined sub‐10 nm morphologies. These alternating copolymers consist of main‐chain azobenzene building blocks alternating with discrete oDMS blocks of various precise lengths. Remarkably, we demonstrate the imprinting of a stable helical molecular arrangement in spin‐casted thin films by irradiation with circularly polarized light, without chiral dopant or plasticizer required. By following the out‐of‐equilibrium photo‐switching process over irradiation time, the mechanism of molecular reorganization is unraveled and rationalized with the nature of the morphology. Linear photo‐organization is preferentially reached with flexible and symmetric cylindrical structures while helical photo‐organization is most easily obtained with robust but rotatable lamella structures. These findings suggest that precision in the synthesis and assembly of alternating copolymers can lead to complete control over molecular organization and main‐chain motion.
Densely Packed and Highly Ordered Carbon Flower Particles for High Volumetric Performance
Authors: Gong Huaxin , Chen Shucheng , Ning Rui , Chang Ting-Hsiang , Tok Jeffrey B.-H. , Bao Zhenan
Published: March 2021

Carbon materials with high specific surface areas are ideal support materials for many applications. However, high specific surface area and large pore volume usually render them with low bulk density, which is undesirable for applications aiming at high volumetric performance. Low bulk density stems from large interparticle‐free volume caused by inefficient random packing within the materials. Herein, a simple synthesis and assembly method is reported to afford dense carbon pellets with both high specific surface area and high bulk density, obtained from the ordered packing of low polydispersity carbon flower particles. The densely packed carbon flower particles exhibit similar specific surface area to their pressed powder analogs, while exhibiting a 66–84% increase in bulk density (0.815 g cm−3), and an ultrahigh volumetric surface area (1081 m2 cm−3). The advantages of our materials are demonstrated by supercapacitors, which achieve a high volumetric capacitance of up to 153 F cm−3. The results reinforce the importance of controlling particle size and shape for porous materials to reduce their bulk volume. The developed materials possessing high volumetric surface area will be useful for many applications, such as gas storage, supercapacitors, and batteries.
Chemically Fueled Block Copolymer Self‐Assembly into Transient Nanoreactors**
Authors: Würbser Michaela A. , Schwarz Patrick S. , Heckel Jonas , Bergmann Alexander M. , Walther Andreas , Boekhoven Job
Published: March 2021

In chemically fueled supramolecular materials, molecular self‐assembly is coupled to a fuel‐driven chemical reaction cycle. The fuel‐dependence makes the material dynamic and endows it with exciting properties like adaptivity and autonomy. In contrast to the large work on the self‐assembly of small molecules, we herein designed a diblock copolymer, which self‐assembles into transient micelles when coupled to a fuel‐driven chemical reaction cycle. Moreover, we used these transient block copolymer micelles to locally increase the concentration of hydrophobic reagents and thereby function as a transient nanoreactor.
$$ T\overline{T} $$-deformed 2D Yang-Mills at large N: collective field theory and phase transitions
Authors: Gorsky A. , Pavshinkin D. , Tyutyakina A.
Published: March 2021

Abstract

We consider the $$ T\overline{T} $$
T

T
¯

deformation of 2d large N YM theory on a cylinder, sphere and disk. The collective field theory Hamiltonian for the deformed theory is derived and the particular solutions to the equations of motion of the collective theory are found for the sphere. The account of the non-perturbative branch of the solution amounts to the first-order phase transition at the (A, τ) plane. We analyze the third-order phase transition in the deformed theory on the disk and derive the critical area as a function of the boundary holonomy. A kind of Hagedorn behavior in the spectral density is discussed.
Prevalence of intra-abdominal hypertension and markers for associated complications among severe burn patients: a multicenter prospective cohort study (BURNIAH study)
Authors: Strang Steven G. , Breederveld Roelf S. , Cleffken Berry I. , Verhofstad Michael H. J. , Van Waes Oscar J. F. , Van Lieshout Esther M. M.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Severely burned patients are at risk for intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and associated complications such as organ failure, abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS), and death. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of IAH among severely burned patients. The secondary aim was to determine the value of urinary intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP) as early marker for IAH-associated complications.

Methods

A prospective observational study was performed in two burn centers in the Netherlands. Fifty-eight patients with burn injuries ≥ 15% of total body surface area (TBSA) were included. Intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) and urinary I-FABP, measured every 6 h during 72 h. Prevalence of IAH, new organ failure and ACS, and the value of urinary intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP) as early marker for IAH-associated complications were determined.

Results

Thirty-one (53%) patients developed IAH, 17 (29%) patients developed new organ failure, but no patients developed ACS. Patients had burns of 29% (P25–P75 19–42%) TBSA. Ln-transformed levels of urinary I-FABP and IAP were inversely correlated with an estimate of − 0.06 (95% CI − 0.10 to − 0.02; p = 0.002). Maximal urinary I-FABP levels had a fair discriminatory ability for patients with IAH with an area under the ROC curve of 74% (p = 0.001). Urinary I-FABP levels had no predictive value for IAH or new organ failure in severe burn patients.

Conclusions

The prevalence of IAH among patients with ≥ 15% TBSA burned was 53%. None of the patients developed ACS. A relevant diagnostic or predictive value of I-FABP levels in identifying patients at risk for IAH-related complications, could not be demonstrated.

Level of evidence

Level III, epidemiologic and diagnostic prospective observational study.
Dental Trauma on whole Body Trauma CT—An underreported finding
Authors: Meyer Hans-Jonas , Schramm Dominik , Bach Andreas Gunter , Eckert Alexander , Surov Alexey
Published: March 2021

Background

The prevalence of dental injuries (DI) in polytrauma patients is unknown. The purpose of our study was to identify the frequency of dental injuries on whole body CTs acquired in a trauma setting and to estimate how often they are correctly reported by the radiologist.

Methods

In the time period between 2006 and 2018 the radiological database of one university hospital was screened for whole-body trauma CTs. A total of 994 CTs were identified and re-evaluated.

Results

Dental injuries were identified in 127 patients (12.8% of patients). There were 27 women (21.3%) and 100 men (78.7%) with a mean age of 51.0 ± 18.9 years (range 10–96 years). Regarding localization, most findings involved the molars (n = 107, 37.4%), followed by the incisors (n = 81, 28.3%), premolars (n = 59, 20.6%) and canines (n = 39, 13.7%). Most common findings were as follows: luxations (n = 49, 45.8%), followed by crown fractures (n = 46, 43%), root fractures (n = 10, 9.3%), extrusions (n = 1, 0.9%), and intrusions (n = 1, 0.9%). Only 15 findings (11.8% of all patients with dental injuries) were described in the original radiological reports.

Conclusion

DI had a high occurrence in polytrauma patients. A high frequency of underreported dental trauma findings was identified. Radiologists reporting whole-body trauma CT should be aware of possible dental trauma to report the findings adequately.
Patients with complex proximal tibial fractures overestimate the prognosis of their injury
Authors: Keppler Lena , Keppler Alexander Martin , Ihle Christoph , Minzlaff Philipp , Fürmetz Julian , Beck Markus , Saier Tim
Published: March 2021

Purpose

To investigate, if patients with complex proximal tibial fracture have realistic expectations on open reduction and internal fixation.

Methods

114 patients (mean 49 years, SD ± 13) with closed AO-type B and C proximal tibial fracture were grouped (group B, respectively C). Prior to surgery expectations concerning knee function, pain, return to work/sports, and the risk for osteoarthritis was assessed with the Hospital for Special Surgery-Knee Surgery Expectations Survey (HFSS-KSE) and a non-validated ten-item survey.

Results

92% of patients expected at least an almost natural knee postoperatively. All items regarding restoring knee function were ranked to be at least important in both groups. 65% in group B and 47% in group C expected at most occasional pain. 83% in group B and 67% in group C expected full return to work without any limitations. Patients with low physical work intensity expected significantly shorter incapacity to work in both groups (7.8, respectively 8.9 weeks). 71% in group B and 60% in group C expected to return to sports with at most small limitations. 33% in group B and 22% in group C assumed risk for osteoarthritis will be prevented by surgery.

Conclusion

Expectations on surgery for complex proximal tibial fracture are high regardless of fracture type. The prognosis of many health and lifestyle domains was overestimated. The risk for osteoarthritis was underestimated. This study should sensitize surgeons to discuss realistic expectations. This may help to improve patient comprehension what leads to sensible expectations, resulting in improved patients´ satisfaction.

Level of evidence

IV.

Trial registration number

14104, Date of registration: 06/2015.
Geological and groundwater flow model of a submarine groundwater discharge site at Hanko (Finland), northern Baltic Sea
Authors: Luoma Samrit , Majaniemi Juha , Pullinen Arto , Mursu Juha , Virtasalo Joonas J.
Published: March 2021

Three-dimensional geological and groundwater flow models of a submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) site at Hanko (Finland), in the northern Baltic Sea, have been developed to provide a geological framework and a tool for the estimation of SGD rates into the coastal sea. The dataset used consists of gravimetric, ground-penetrating radar and shallow seismic surveys, drill logs, groundwater level monitoring data, field observations, and a LiDAR digital elevation model. The geological model is constrained by the local geometry of late Pleistocene and Holocene deposits, including till, glacial coarse-grained and fine-grained sediments, post-glacial mud, and coarse-grained littoral and aeolian deposits. The coarse-grained aquifer sediments form a shallow shore platform that extends approximately 100–250 m offshore, where the unit slopes steeply seawards and becomes covered by glacial and post-glacial muds. Groundwater flow preferentially takes place in channel-fill outwash coarse-grained sediments and sand and gravel interbeds that provide conduits of higher hydraulic conductivity, and have led to the formation of pockmarks on the seafloor in areas of thin or absent mud cover. The groundwater flow model estimated the average SGD rate per square meter of the seafloor at 0.22 cm day−1 in autumn 2017. The average SGD rate increased to 0.28 cm day−1 as a response to an approximately 30% increase in recharge in spring 2020. Sensitivity analysis shows that recharge has a larger influence on SGD rate compared with aquifer hydraulic conductivity and the seafloor conductance. An increase in recharge in this region will cause more SGD into the Baltic Sea.
Intelligent environments for all: a path towards technology-enhanced human well-being
Authors: Burzagli Laura , Emiliani Pier Luigi , Antona Margherita , Stephanidis Constantine
Published: March 2021

Emerging intelligent environments are considered to offer significant opportunities to positively impact human life, both at an individual and at a societal level, and in particular to provide useful means to support people in their daily life activities and thus improve well-being for everybody, especially for older people and for people with limitations of activities. In this context, accessibility and usability, although necessary, are not sufficient to ensure that applications and services are appropriately designed to satisfy human needs and overcome potential functional limitations in the execution of everyday activities fundamental for well-being. This position paper puts forward the claim that, in order to achieve the above objective, it is necessary that: (i) the design of Assistive Intelligent Environments is centered around the well-being of people, roughly intended as the possibility of executing the (everyday) human activities necessary for living (independently), thus emphasizing usefulness in addition to usability; (ii) the technological environment is orchestrated around such activities and contains knowledge about how they are performed and how people need to be supported to perform them; (iii) the environment makes use of monitoring and reasoning capabilities in order to adapt, fine-tune and evolve over time the type and level of support provided, and this process takes place considering ethical values; (iv) the applications must also support the possibility of contact with other people, who in many cases may be the only effective help. Moving forward from the Design for All paradigm, this paper discusses how the latter can be revisited under the perspective of technology’s usefulness and contribution to human well-being. Subsequently, it introduces a practical notion of well-being based on the ICF classification of human functions and activities and discusses how such notion can constitute the starting point and the focus of design approaches targeted to assist people in their everyday life mainly (but not exclusively) in the home environment. As a subsequent step, the need for integrating Artificial Intelligence capabilities in assistive intelligent environments is discussed, based on the complexity of the human problems to be addressed and the diversity of the types of support needed. The proposed approach is exemplified and illustrated through the experience acquired in the development of four applications, addressing vital aspects of human life, namely nutrition, stress management, sleep management and counteracting loneliness. Finally, based on the acquired experience, the need to take into account ethical values in the development of assistive intelligent environments is discussed.
Dimethyl sulfoxide stimulates the AhR-Jdp2 axis to control ROS accumulation in mouse embryonic fibroblasts
Authors: Wuputra Kenly , Tsai Ming-Ho , Kato Kohsuke , Yang Ya-han , Pan Jia-Bin , Ku Chia-Chen , Noguchi Michiya , Kishikawa Shotaro , Nakade Koji , Chen Hua-Ling , Liu Chung-Jung , Nakamura Yukio , Kuo Kung-Kai , Lin Ying-Chu , Chan Te-Fu , Wu Deng-Chyang , Hou Ming-Feng , Huang Shau-Ku , Lin Chang-Shen , Yokoyama Kazunari K.
Published: March 2021

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-binding protein that responds to environmental aromatic hydrocarbons and stimulates the transcription of downstream phase I enzyme–related genes by binding the cis element of dioxin-responsive elements (DREs)/xenobiotic-responsive elements. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a well-known organic solvent that is often used to dissolve phase I reagents in toxicology and oxidative stress research experiments. In the current study, we discovered that 0.1% DMSO significantly induced the activation of the AhR promoter via DREs and produced reactive oxygen species, which induced apoptosis in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). Moreover, Jun dimerization protein 2 (Jdp2) was found to be required for activation of the AhR promoter in response to DMSO. Coimmunoprecipitation and chromatin immunoprecipitation studies demonstrated that the phase I–dependent transcription factors, AhR and the AhR nuclear translocator, and phase II–dependent transcription factors such as nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)–like 2 (Nrf2) integrated into DRE sites together with Jdp2 to form an activation complex to increase AhR promoter activity in response to DMSO in MEFs. Our findings provide evidence for the functional role of Jdp2 in controlling the AhR gene via Nrf2 and provide insights into how Jdp2 contributes to the regulation of ROS production and the cell spreading and apoptosis produced by the ligand DMSO in MEFs.

Graphical abstract
The DNA methylation inhibitor RG108 protects against noise-induced hearing loss
Authors: Zheng Zhiwei , Zeng Shan , Liu Chang , Li Wen , Zhao Liping , Cai Chengfu , Nie Guohui , He Yingzi
Published: March 2021

Background

Noise-induced hearing loss represents a commonly diagnosed type of hearing disability, severely impacting the quality of life of individuals. The current work is aimed at assessing the effects of DNA methylation on noise-induced hearing loss.

Methods

Blocking DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) activity with a selective inhibitor RG108 or silencing DNMT1 with siRNA was used in this study. Auditory brainstem responses were measured at baseline and 2 days after trauma in mice to assess auditory functions. Whole-mount immunofluorescent staining and confocal microcopy of mouse inner ear specimens were performed to analyze noise-induced damage in cochleae and the auditory nerve at 2 days after noise exposure.

Results

The results showed that noise exposure caused threshold elevation of auditory brainstem responses and cochlear hair cell loss. Whole-mount cochlea staining revealed a reduction in the density of auditory ribbon synapses between inner hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons. Inhibition of DNA methyltransferase activity via a non-nucleoside specific pharmacological inhibitor, RG108, or silencing of DNA methyltransferase-1 with siRNA significantly attenuated ABR threshold elevation, hair cell damage, and the loss of auditory synapses.

Conclusions

This study suggests that inhibition of DNMT1 ameliorates noise-induced hearing loss and indicates that DNMT1 may be a promising therapeutic target.

Graphical abstract
Historical floods of the Douro River in Porto, Portugal (1727–1799)
Authors: Alcoforado Maria João , Silva Luís Pedro , Amorim Inês , Fragoso Marcelo , Garcia João Carlos
Published: March 2021

Extreme meteorological events have had devastating consequences all over the world throughout the ages. In this study, we look into the floods at the mouth of the Douro River (Porto, Portugal) in the eighteenth century to expand the data series of floods in Northern Portugal. Information was gathered mostly from documentary narrative sources, either individual or institutional (administrative and ecclesiastic), some of which include reports of Pro Serenitate ceremonies. A study by the priest Rebelo Costa (1789) and the memories of the merchant Ignacio Henckell from 1717 to 1800 stand out among the individual sources. We concluded that there was great interannual variability in the occurrence of the 54 recorded floods, the highest number of which occurred in the 1780s. The “catastrophic” floods were recorded in 1727, 1739, 1769, 1774, 1777, 1788 and 1798, four of which are studied in detail in this paper. The greatest number of flood events took place in winter and autumn, and most of them lasted between 1 and 3 days. An analysis of the description of the floods, their impacts and the associated meteorological causes was carried out. In most cases, the frontal activity associated with Atlantic cyclonic systems was the cause of positive precipitation anomalies in NW Iberia. The great variability in heavy precipitation was confirmed by the new data. However, hardly any temporal simultaneity was found with other case studies in Southern Europe, except for Spain, especially several localities of Galicia and the mid Douro Valley (Zamora).
Speciesism and Speciescentrism
Authors: Albersmeier Frauke
Published: March 2021

The term ‘speciesism’ was once coined to name discrimination against nonhuman animals (Ryder 1975) as well as the bias that such discrimination expresses (Singer 2009 [1975]). It has sparked a debate on criteria for being morally considerable and the relative significance of human and nonhuman animals’ interests. Many defenses of the preferential consideration of humans have come with a denial of the normative meaning of the term ‘speciesism’ itself (e.g., Cohen 1986, Kagan 2016). In fact, defenders of the moral relevance of species membership and their critics alike have often used ‘speciesism’ as a merely descriptive technical term for classifying positions in normative ethics. This paper argues that this terminological choice severely impoverishes our ethical vocabulary and moral conceptual scheme. It obscures the considerable common ground among theorists with differing views on the relevance of various properties for moral consideration. It is often overlooked that even most defenders of the preferential treatment of one’s fellow species members have good reason to hold on to the normative notion that ‘speciesism’ was originally meant to be. Two distinct types of concepts are involved when differential treatment along species lines is addressed in a normative and a descriptive way, respectively. The term ‘speciesism’ should be reserved for the normative concept and kept apart from the descriptive term ‘speciescentrism.’ Attempts to redefine speciesism as something that is not wrong by definition are shown to be epistemically and morally harmful for the same reasons attempts to redefine racism and sexism in this way are.
Nitrification inhibitors reduce N2O emissions induced by application of biogas digestate to oilseed rape
Authors: Kesenheimer Katharina , Augustin Jürgen , Hegewald Hannes , Köbke Sarah , Dittert Klaus , Räbiger Thomas , Quiñones Teresa Suárez , Prochnow Annette , Hartung Jens , Fuß Roland , Stichnothe Heinz , Flessa Heinz , Ruser Reiner
Published: March 2021

Winter oilseed rape (WOSR) is the major oil crop cultivated in Europe and the most important feedstock for biodiesel. Up to 90% of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from biodiesel production can occur during oilseed rape cultivation. Therefore, mitigation strategies are required and need to focus on direct nitrous oxide (N2O) emission as one of the largest GHG contributors in biodiesel production. Earlier studies show that nitrification inhibitors (NIs) can reduce N2O emissions derived from N-fertilization. Since information on the effect of biogas digestates with or without NIs on N2O emissions from WOSR fields is scarce, the aim of this study was to evaluate their effects on N2O emissions, mineral N dynamics, and oil yield in WOSR production fertilized with digestate. The study was conducted at five sites across Germany over three years resulting in 15 full site-years data sets. Across all sites and years, N2O emission from WOSR fertilized with biogas digestate (180 kg NH4+-N ha−1yr−1) ranged between 0.2 and 3.5 kg N2O–N ha−1 yr−1. Due to the reduction of the nitrate concentrations following digestate application, application of NI significantly reduced annual N2O emission by 36%. Our results demonstrate that NI can be an effective measure for reducing N2O emissions from digestate application, but its effectiveness depends on soil and weather conditions, and ultimately on the site-specific potential for N2O production and release. There was no effect of NI application on grain and oil yield.