bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemical and physical properties of tribofilms formed by the interaction of ashless dithiophosphate anti‐wear additives
Authors: Vyavhare Kimaya , Bagi Sujay , Pichumani Pradip Sairam , Sharma Vibhu , Aswath Pranesh B.
Published: February 2021

Physiochemical properties of tribofilms generated from octadecylthioperoxydiphosphate (SSC18) and octadecylphosphorofluoridothioate (PFC18) were compared with zinc dialkyl dithiophosphates (ZDDP) in this study. PFC18 and SSC18 were chemically synthesised and mixed in mineral base oil to prepare test oil formulations. Additionally, PFC18 and SSC18 were mixed at different concentrations and evaluated for their compatibility and tribological performance using high frequency reciprocating rig (HFRR) tribometer. All lubricant formulations with ashless additives exhibited superior anti‐wear characteristics compared to ZDDP. Comprehensive surface analysis of tribofilms was conducted using scanning electron microscopy, nano‐indentation and X‐ray absorption near edge spectroscopy. Formulations containing only SSC18 and PFC18 exhibited a uniform and continuous tribofilm formation, while formulations with a combination of SSC18 and PFC18 had a stable pad‐like structure. X‐ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) results indicate ashless PFC18 and SSC18 by themselves and in combination form iron phosphate enriched tribofilms with a mixture of iron sulfides and/or sulfates.
Tribological properties of superhydrophobic aluminium surfaces with extremely high and very low water adhesion
Authors: Guo Yonggang , Zhu Yachao , Li Chongchong , Luo Bingpeng , Lv Zhi , Li Kemin
Published: February 2021

The water adhesion of a superhydrophobic surface depends on its surface microstructure and chemical composition, which in turn affects its tribological properties. In this paper, a simple and environmentally friendly method was employed to fabricate superhydrophobic aluminium surfaces with different water adhesion. The results confirmed that the superhydrophobic aluminium surfaces with different water adhesion had different tribological properties under dry friction and water lubrication conditions. The sticky superhydrophobic sample with high adhesion had better wear resistance and lower friction coefficient than the slippery superhydrophobic one with very low adhesion. In addition, the related tribological properties were analyzed. This study is helpful to understand the tribological properties of superhydrophobic surfaces with different water adhesion more clearly, which is of great significance for their practical application.
Living Donor Liver Transplantation in the United States: Evolution of Frequency, Outcomes, Center Volumes, and Factors Associated With Outcomes
Authors: Cotter Thomas G. , Minhem Mohamad , Wang Jennifer , Peeraphatdit Thoetchai , Ayoub Fares , Pillai Anjana , Hernandez‐Alejandro Roberto , di Sabato Diego , Charlton Michael
Published: February 2021

Recent modifications in organ allocation policies and increases in chronic liver diseases may have resulted in important changes in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) in the United States. We examined the trends, outcomes, and factors associated with outcomes in adult LDLT. United Network for Organ Sharing data on 2566 adult LDLT recipients who received transplants from January 1, 2010, through December 31, 2019, were analyzed. LDLT graft and patient survival rates were compared with propensity score–matched deceased donor liver transplantation recipients by the Kaplan‐Meier curve estimator. The association between preceding LDLT frequency and subsequent outcomes were assessed by Cox proportional hazards mixed effects modeling. After a stable annual frequency of LDLTs from 2010 to 2014 (~200 per year), the number of LDLTs doubled to 440 in 2019. The 1‐year and 5‐year graft survival rates for LDLT recipients were 88.4% and 78.1%, respectively, compared with 92.5% and 80.7% in the propensity score–matched donation after brain death recipients (P = 0.005), respectively. Older donor age and recipient diabetes mellitus and life support requirement were significantly associated with graft failure among LDLT recipients (P values <0.05). Average preceding LDLT frequencies of <3 per year, 3 to 20 per year, and >20 per year resulted in 1‐year graft survival rates of 82%, 88% to 89%, and 93%, respectively (P values <0.05). There were 3 living donor deaths (0.12%). The frequency of LDLTs has doubled during the past decade, with good outcomes and acceptable donor safety profiles. However, there appear to be varying threshold transplant frequencies (volume/unit time) associated with acceptable (88%‐89%) and aspirational (93%) 1‐year graft survival rates. These data should be reassuring and encourage LDLT practice as efforts continue to expand the donor pool.
Bactericidal Action of Smooth and Plasma Micro‐Nanotextured Polymeric Surfaces with Varying Wettability, Enhanced by Incorporation of a Biocidal Agent
Authors: Dimitrakellis Panagiotis , Ellinas Kosmas , Kaprou Georgia D. , Mastellos Dimitrios C. , Tserepi Angeliki , Gogolides Evangelos
Published: February 2021

The use of antibacterial surfaces is an effective way to reduce exposure to pathogens and therefore infections. Several methods to fabricate antibacterial surfaces using surface modification methods as well as a bactericidal agent incorporation inside materials have been reported. However, in most cases the factors affecting the antibacterial behavior of a surface are not discussed in detail. Here, a comparative study on the antibacterial properties of surfaces with different characteristics against Gram‐negative bacteria (Escherichia coli) under dynamic conditions is presented, aiming to unravel the interplay among the most important factors when realizing an antibacterial surface, that is, surface morphology, wetting properties, and the use of a bactericidal agent. Significant bactericidal efficacy for the micro‐nanotextured, superhydrophilic surfaces is demonstrated, possibly due to a mechanical killing induced by the interaction of bacteria with the micro‐nanotopography. On the other hand, superhydrophobic surfaces without any bactericidal agent exhibit low interaction with the bacteria containing medium and therefore lower bactericidal action, whereas superhydrophobic surfaces with a bactericidal agent exhibit extreme non‐wetting properties and rapid bactericidal effect through release of Cu particles. Finally, the role of the hydrophobic coating as barrier against uncontrolled release of the bactericidal agent when deposited as top layer is also showcased.
Observer‐based control approach for fractional‐order delay systems of neutral type with saturating actuator
Authors: Aghayan Zahra Sadat , Alfi Alireza , Tenreiro Machado Jose Antonio
Published: February 2021

In practice the states of a system are not directly available that are difficult to measure by sensors. This article proposes an observer‐based controller for fractional‐order neutral‐type delay systems with actuator saturation. A feedback algorithm is constructed by applying the Lyapunov direct method. Moreover, based on the observer, the gains of controller and observer are determined by solving a set of nonlinear matrix inequalities. Therefore, an iterative algorithm including the convex optimization is also proposed to solve the inequalities. An example is given to illustrate the theoretical results.
Technical Note: A standardized automation framework for monitoring institutional radiotherapy protocol compliance
Authors: Quirk Sarah , Lovis Jordan , Stenhouse Kailyn , Van Dyke Lukas , Roumeliotis Michael , Thind Kundan
Published: February 2021

Purpose

To establish a framework for the standardization of monitoring radiotherapy protocol compliance.

Methods

An automated protocol compliance tool was developed using best practice in software design and a flexible framework to easily adapt to changing institutional standards. The Eclipse scripting environment was used to develop the application with the scripting application programing interface (API) and direct data extraction from ARIA. For each institutional protocol, external validation was specified in a JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) file that stores protocol specific constraints and evaluates compliance of the data from Eclipse and Aria. This tool was applied prospectively to a cohort of prostate cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy with a prescription regimen of 60 Gy in 20 fractions.

Results

The prospective evaluation was performed on 58 prostate cancer patients. For this cohort, the mean (standard deviation) pass rate is 92.3% (6.1%). The overall fail rate is 6.0% (5.8%); the percentage of these failures is in 2.6% in Patient Assessment, 0% in Simulation, and 97.4% in Treatment Planning.

Conclusions

A protocol compliance application is developed and implemented in a standard radiotherapy information system. The application functionality is demonstrated on a cohort of 58 patients undergoing prostate radiotherapy, which highlights the utility of assessing adherence to institutional protocols. A unified method must be available for the community to ensure consistency in compliance reporting.
A thematic analysis of care provider experiences of using self‐harm abstinence agreements in psychiatric inpatient care
Authors: Bjärehed Jonas , Ingelsson Lindell Evelina , Westling Sofie
Published: February 2021

Aim

Traditional methods used when managing self‐harm in a psychiatric inpatient setting tend to infringe on the autonomy of the individuals receiving treatment and are often experienced as practically and emotionally challenging by care providers. Therefore, we examined care providers’ experiences of an alternative method negotiating self‐harm abstinence agreements, which can be viewed as a form of positive risk taking.

Design

A qualitative approach using semi‐structured interviews with twelve mental health professionals.

Methods

Thematic analysis of the interviews.

Results

Five themes emerged; “No‐harm agreements versus constant observation and coercion,” “No‐harm agreements to promote independence and collaboration,” “No‐harm agreements’ effect on ward safety,” “Ambiguity surrounding the no‐harm agreements” and “Ethical complexities of the no‐harm agreements.” These indicated perceived positive effects on the therapeutic relationship, the individuals’ autonomous functioning and the ward environment, but also practical and ethical difficulties.
Assertiveness in the patients with thalassaemia major: A qualitative study
Authors: Valizadeh Leila , Zamanzadeh Vahid , Ghahramanian Akram , Hasani Narenjbaghi Soghra
Published: February 2021

Aim

To explore the concept of assertiveness in the patients with thalassaemia major.

Design

It was a qualitative study with a conventional content analysis design.

Method

Data were collected using a semi‐structured interview. The research sample included 16 patients with thalassaemia major who were selected using purposeful sampling method from among such patients at educational and therapeutic centres. Then, they were analysed using MAXQDA10 software.

Results

During the analysis of data for the concept of assertiveness, three sub‐concepts of "courage to self‐presentation," "demonstrating the abilities" and "attendance in groups" were developed.
The effect of polyaniline electrode doped with transition metal ions for supercapacitors
Authors: Wu Kezhong , Fu Pengyuan , Wang Zejin , Zhao Qiongwei , Guo Jianing , Ruan Bei , Wu Mingxing
Published: February 2021

Doping transition metal ions into polyaniline (PANI) as an attractive electrode material have been regarded as one of the crucial factors to improve the capacitive performance and the cycle stability of supercapacitors due to their excellent metal properties and good conductivity. Herein, PANI has been prepared via in situ facile and low‐cost electro‐polymerization method. At a current density of 0.2 A g−1, the supercapacitor using PANI electrode shows the specific capacitances of 203.0 F g−1 in 1 M H2SO4 electrolyte. To further improve the electrochemical activity of PANI electrode, the transition metal ions M2+ (M2+ = Ni2+, Co2+, Mn2+, and Cu2+) have been doped into PANI electrode via the same electro‐polymerization method. And the supercapacitor with the different doped‐PANI electrode generates the specific capacitances of 364.3, 326.1, 258.5, and 250.6 F g−1 respectively from PANI‐Ni2+, PANI‐Co2+, PANI‐Mn2+, and PANI‐Cu2+, which were superior to 79.5%, 60.6%,27.3%, and 23.4% of the pristine PANI based counterpart under the same test conditions and method. The favorable performances make the different doped‐PANI act as a new resource of the high performance electrode materials of supercapacitor.
Androgen receptor enhancer amplification in matched patient‐derived xenografts of primary and castrate‐resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Porter Laura H , Bakshi Andrew , Pook David , Clark Ashlee , Clouston David , Kourambas John ,   MURAL Investigators, Goode David L , Risbridger Gail P , Taylor Renea A , Lawrence Mitchell G
Published: February 2021

Amplifications of the androgen receptor (AR) occur in up to 80% of men with castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Recent studies highlighted that these amplifications not only span the AR gene but usually encompass a distal enhancer. This represents a newly recognised, non‐coding mechanism of resistance to AR‐directed therapies, including enzalutamide. To study disease progression before and after AR amplification, we used tumour samples from a castrate‐sensitive primary tumour and castrate‐resistant metastasis of the same patient. For subsequent functional and genomic studies, we established serially transplantable patient‐derived xenografts (PDXs). Whole genome sequencing showed that alterations associated with poor prognosis, such as TP53 and PTEN loss, existed before androgen deprivation therapy, followed by co‐amplification of the AR gene and enhancer after the development of metastatic CRPC. The PDX of the primary tumour, without the AR amplification, was sensitive to AR‐directed treatments, including castration, enzalutamide, and apalutamide. The PDX of the metastasis, with the AR amplification, had higher AR and AR‐V7 expression in castrate conditions, and was resistant to castration, apalutamide, and enzalutamide in vivo. Treatment with a BET inhibitor outperformed the AR‐directed therapies for the metastasis, resulting in tumour regression for some, but not all, grafts. Therefore, this study provides novel matched PDXs to test potential treatments that target the overabundance of AR in tumours with AR enhancer amplifications. © 2021 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predictors of home oxygen duration in chronic neonatal lung disease
Authors: Wong Matthew D. , Neylan Melissa , Williams Gordon , Zahir Syeda F. , Chawla Jasneek
Published: February 2021

Aims

In infants with chronic neonatal lung disease (CNLD), we aimed to identify predictors of home oxygen duration, predictors of discharge oxygen flow rates, and the association of oxygen flow rates with respiratory outcomes.

Methods

Infants with CNLD requiring home oxygen in 2016 and 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Hazard ratios (HR) were estimated from Cox proportional hazards regression models in the cohort. A multinomial logistic regression model examined the effects of maternal and infant variables on discharge oxygen flow rates. Kruskal–Wallis test with univariate linear regression and Fisher's exact test with binomial univariate logistic regression were used to examine associations between oxygen flow groups and post‐discharge clinical variables.

Results

One hundred and forty‐nine infants were included. Median corrected gestational age (CGA) at oxygen cessation was 6.8 months (interquartile range, 4.4) with 87.2% of infants weaned by 12 months CGA. Shorter initial neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) stay predicted faster oxygen weaning at 9 months (HR, 0.99; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.98–1.00, p = .02) and 12 months (HR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.98–1.00, p = .02). Infants with hypercarbia at discharge or discharged from NICU at higher CGA had higher odds of requiring ≥ 200 ml/min relative to ≤ 125 ml/min oxygen. Infants discharged with > 250 ml/min oxygen were more likely to have a respiratory‐related admission before 2 years chronological age.

Conclusion

Shorter initial NICU stay was the best predictor of earlier home oxygen cessation. At NICU discharge, infants with hypercarbia or a higher CGA may require more home oxygen and experience more respiratory‐related hospital admission in the first 2 years of chronological age.
Functional analysis ofABCGandABCHtransporters from the red flour beetle,Tribolium castaneum
Authors: Rösner Janin , Tietmeyer Johanne , Merzendorfer Hans
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

ATP‐binding cassette transporter (ABC transporter) subfamilies ABCA–C and ABCG–H have been implicated in insecticide detoxification, mostly based on findings of elevated gene expression in response to insecticide treatment. We previously characterizedTcABCA–Cgenes from the model beetle and pestTribolium castaneumand demonstrated thatTcABCAandTcABCCgenes are involved in the elimination of diflubenzuron, because RNA interference (RNAi)‐mediated gene silencing increased susceptibility. In this study, we focused on the potential functions ofTcABCG and TcABCHgenes in insecticide detoxification.

RESULTS

When we silenced the expression ofTcABCG–Hgenes using RNAi, we noticed a previously unreported developmental RNAi phenotype forTcABCG‐4F, which is characterized by 50% mortality and ecdysial arrest during adult moult. When we knocked down theDrosophila brownorthologueTcABCG‐XC, we did not obtain apparent eye colour phenotypes but did observe a loss of riboflavin uptake by Malpighian tubules. Next, we determined the expression profiles of allTcABCG–Hgenes in different tissues and developmental stages and analysed transcript levels in response to treatment with four chemically unrelated insecticides. We found that some genes were specifically upregulated after insecticide treatment. However, when we determined insecticide‐induced mortalities in larvae that were treated by double‐stranded RNA injection to silence thoseTcABCG–Hgenes that were upregulated, we did not observe a significant increase in susceptibility to insecticides.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that the observed insecticide‐dependent induction ofTcABCG–Hgene expression reflects an unspecific stress response, and hence underlines the significance of functional studies on insecticide detoxification.

© 2021 The Authors.Pest Management Sciencepublished by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Optimising the trade‐off between type I andIIerror rates in the Bayesian context
Authors: Walley Rosalind J. , Grieve Andrew P.
Published: February 2021

For any decision‐making study, there are two sorts of errors that can be made, declaring a positive result when the truth is negative, and declaring a negative result when the truth is positive. Traditionally, the primary analysis of a study is a two‐sided hypothesis test, the type I error rate will be set to 5% and the study is designed to give suitably low type II error – typically 10 or 20% – to detect a given effect size. These values are standard, arbitrary and, other than the choice between 10 and 20%, do not reflect the context of the study, such as the relative costs of making type I and II errors and the prior belief the drug will be placebo‐like. Several authors have challenged this paradigm, typically for the scenario where the planned analysis is frequentist. When resource is limited, there will always be a trade‐off between the type I and II error rates, and this article explores optimising this trade‐off for a study with a planned Bayesian statistical analysis. This work provides a scientific basis for a discussion between stakeholders as to what type I and II error rates may be appropriate and some algebraic results for normally distributed data.
Robust stability and stabilization of multi‐order fractional‐order systems with interval uncertainties: An LMI approach
Authors: Lu Jun‐Guo , Zhu Zhen , Ma Ying‐Dong
Published: February 2021

This paper concentrates on the robust stability and stabilization problems of multi‐order fractional‐order systems (MOFOSs) with interval uncertainties. Firstly, the new sufficient conditions for the stability of the nominal systems are given, which are suitable for robust analysis and controller design. Then, based on the above stability conditions, the robust stability conditions for the uncertain systems are proposed. Secondly, in order to stabilize the nominal systems and uncertain systems, the state feedback controllers are designed. All the results are in the form of linear matrix inequalities and can be applied in incommensurate cases. Finally, some numerical examples are provided to verify the effectiveness of our results.
Relatively maximal perturbation bounds for global robustness of max‐plus linear systems
Authors: Yin Yingxuan , Tao Yuegang , Wang Cailu
Published: February 2021

The perturbation bounds for the global robustness of max‐plus linear systems are constructed, which guarantee that parameter perturbations within such bounds do not affect the original states and outputs. The eigenelement of a max‐plus matrix is introduced to characterize the variable elements and to determine the maximal number of variable elements. The relatively maximal perturbation bound is proposed to describe the maximal variation range of system parameters. A polynomial algorithm is developed to find a relatively maximal perturbation bounds. The globally robust approach presented is applied in scheduling of container quay cranes to delimit the maximal traveling time delay.
Injectable GelMA Cryogel Microspheres for Modularized Cell Delivery and Potential Vascularized Bone Regeneration
Authors: Yuan Zuoying , Yuan Xiaojing , Zhao Yuming , Cai Qing , Wang Yue , Luo Ruochen , Yu Shi , Wang Yuanyuan , Han Jianmin , Ge Lihong , Huang Jianyong , Xiong Chunyang
Published: February 2021

Cell therapeutics hold tremendous regenerative potential and the therapeutic effect depends on the effective delivery of cells. However, current cell delivery carriers with unsuitable cytocompatibility and topological structure demonstrate poor cell viability during injection. Therefore, porous shape‐memory cryogel microspheres (CMS) are prepared from methacrylated gelatin (GelMA) by combining an emulsion technique with gradient‐cooling cryogelation. Pore sizes of the CMS are adjusted via the gradient‐cooling procedure, with the optimized pore size (15.5 ± 6.0 µm) being achieved on the 30‐min gradient‐cooled variant (CMS‐30). Unlike hydrogel microspheres (HMS), CMS promotes human bone marrow stromal cell (hBMSC) and human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) adhesion, proliferated with high levels of stemness for 7 d, and protects cells during the injection process using a 26G syringe needle. Moreover, CMS‐30 enhances the osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs in osteoinductive media. CMS can serve as building blocks for delivering multiple cell types. Here, hBMSC‐loaded and HUVEC‐loaded CMS‐30, mixed at a 1:1 ratio, are injected subcutaneously into nude mice for 2 months. Results show the development of vascularized bone‐like tissue with high levels of OCN and CD31. These findings indicate that GelMA CMS of a certain pore size can effectively deliver multiple cells to achieve functional tissue regeneration.
In Situ Vapor‐Phase Halide Exchange of Patterned Perovskite Thin Films
Authors: Kim Geemin , An Sol , Hyeong Seok‐Ki , Lee Seoung‐Ki , Kim Myungwoong , Shin Naechul
Published: February 2021

Metal halide perovskites (MHPs) exhibit optoelectronic properties that are dependent on their ionic composition, and the feasible exploitation of these properties for device applications requires the ability to control the ionic composition integrated with the patterning process. Herein, the halide exchange process of MHP thin films directly combined with the patterning process via a vapor transport method is demonstrated. Specifically, the patterned arrays of CH3NH3PbBr3 (MAPbBr3) are obtained by stepwise conversion from polymer‐templated PbI2 thin films to CH3NH3PbI3 (MAPbI3), followed by halide exchange via precursor switching from CH3NH3I to CH3NH3Br. It is confirmed that the phase transformation from MAPbI3 patterns to MAPbBr3 shows time‐ and position‐dependences on the substrate during halide exchange following the solid‐solution model with Avrami kinetics. The photodetectors fabricated from the completely exchanged MAPbBr3 patterns display exceptional air stability and reversible detectivity from “apparent death” upon removing the adsorbed impurities, thereby suggesting the superior structural stability of perovskite patterns prepared through vapor‐phase halide exchange. The results demonstrate the potential of chemical vapor deposition patterning of MHP materials in multicomponent optoelectronic device systems.
Gastric Acid Powered Nanomotors Release Antibiotics for In Vivo Treatment of Helicobacter pylori Infection
Authors: Wu Yang , Song Zhiyong , Deng Guiyun , Jiang Kai , Wang Huajuan , Zhang Xueji , Han Heyou
Published: February 2021

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection has ≈75% probability of causing gastric cancer, so it is considered to be the strongest single risk factor for gastric malignancies. However, the harsh gastric acid environment has created obstacles to medical treatment. This work reports a nanomotor with a bottle‐shaped container that can be loaded with small molecules of clarithromycin, nano calcium peroxide (CaO2), and Pt nanoparticles (Pt NPs) by ultrasound. Nanomotors can quickly consume gastric acid through the chemical reaction of CaO2 to temporarily neutralize gastric acid. The product hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is catalytically decomposed into a large amount of oxygen (O2) by Pt NPs. The local concentration gradient of O2 bubbles causes it to be expelled from the nanobottles through a narrow opening, and then push the nanobottles forward to provide maximum release and prodrug efficacy. Experiments in animal models show that 15 mg nanomotors can safely and quickly neutralize gastric acid in the stomach and simultaneously release prodrugs to achieve good therapeutic effects without causing acute toxicity. H. pylori burden in mice was 2.6 orders of magnitude lower than that in the control group. The stomach returns to normal pH within 1 d after administration.
Bright NIR‐II Photoluminescence in Rod‐Shaped Icosahedral Gold Nanoclusters
Authors: Li Qi , Zeman Charles J. , Ma Zhuoran , Schatz George C. , Gu X. Wendy
Published: February 2021

Fluorophores with high quantum yields, extended maximum emission wavelengths, and long photoluminescence (PL) lifetimes are still lacking for sensing and imaging applications in the second near‐infrared window (NIR‐II). In this work, a series of rod‐shaped icosahedral nanoclusters with bright NIR‐II PL, quantum yields up to ≈8%, and a peak emission wavelength of 1520 nm are reported. It is found that the bright NIR‐II emission arises from a previously ignored state with near‐zero oscillator strength in the ground‐state geometry and the central Au atom in the nanoclusters suppresses the non‐radiative transitions and enhances the overall PL efficiency. In addition, a framework is developed to analyze and relate the underlying transitions for the absorptions and the NIR‐II emissions in the Au nanoclusters based on the experimentally defined absorption coefficient. Overall, this work not only shows good performance of the rod‐shaped icosahedral series of Au nanoclusters as NIR‐II fluorophores, but also unravels the fundamental electronic transitions and atomic‐level structure‐property relations for the enhancement of the NIR‐II PL in gold nanoclusters. The framework developed here also provides a simple method to analyze the underlying electronic transitions in metal nanoclusters.
Future Energy Demand Developments and Demand Side Flexibility in a Decarbonized Centralized Energy System
Authors: Herbst Andrea , Klingler Anna-Lena , Heitel Stephanie , Manz Pia , Fleiter Tobias , Rehfeldt Matthias , Fermi Francesca , Fiorello Davide , Martino Angelo , Reiter Ulrich
Published: February 2021

European final energy consumption mainly stems from five sectors: transport, households, industry, residential, and agriculture using fossil fuels as dominant energy carriers. In order to achieve the climate targets, emissions in the demand sectors must be drastically reduced. Due to different characteristics and challenges each sector needs its own strategy how to achieve such decarbonization until 2050. In the following chapter, the impacts of an ambitious mitigation scenario on future energy demand and CO2emissions for transport, industry, residential, and tertiary are analyzed discussing sector specific decarbonization strategies and mitigation options. Implications of such strategies for demand-side flexibility and its future need are analyzed.
What is the Flexibility Potential in the Tertiary Sector?
Authors: Reiter Ulrich , Jakob Martin
Published: February 2021

Demand side management (DSM) is seen as a promising, cost-effective measure to cope with high shares of intermittent renewable energy in the electricity grid system. As the regulatory framework in Europe is changing in favor of opening up new market opportunities for DSM, the question is answered, which potentials are effectively available in the tertiary sector today and in the future. Results in this study are based on empirical data gathered from services companies. The collected data is of high quality and rich in detail and is of utmost importance for relevant model-based analyses. Additionally, the discussed acceptance rates of new technology or behavioral trends have a high impact on the results of the model analyses.
A Techno-Economic Comparison of Demand Side Management with Other Flexibility Options
Authors: Ladwig Theresa
Published: February 2021

This chapter assesses the techno-economic characteristics of demand side management (DSM) in comparison with other flexibility options (e.g., energy storages) in order to estimate its flexibility and benefit for the system integration of renewable energy sources (RES). The results show that load shedding and load shifting are less flexible than other flexibility options and can therefore only balance short-term fluctuations. In contrast, load increase is more flexible and can integrate excess feed-in from RES also over longer periods. Analysis about the impact of DSM on other flexibility options show, that DSM lowers utilization and contribution margin of peak load plants and energy storages, while it increases both for baseload power plants. More electricity is consumed nationally due to DSM as it decreases imports and exports.
Population Biology and Comparative Genomics of Campylobacter Species
Authors: Epping Lennard , Antão Esther-Maria , Semmler Torsten
Published: February 2021

The zoonotic pathogen Campylobacter is the leading cause for bacterial foodborne infections in humans. Campylobacters are most commonly transmitted via the consumption of undercooked poultry meat or raw milk products. The decreasing costs of whole genome sequencing enabled large genome-based analyses of the evolution and population structure of this pathogen, as well as the development of novel high-throughput molecular typing methods. Here, we review the evolutionary development and the population diversity of the two most clinically relevant Campylobacter species; C. jejuni and C. coli. The state-of-the-art phylogenetic studies showed clustering of C. jejuni lineages into host specialists and generalists with coexisting lifestyles in chicken and livestock-associated hosts, as well as the separation of C. coli isolates of riparian origin (waterfowl, water) from C. coli isolated from clinical and farm-related samples. We will give an overview of recombination between both species and the potential impact of horizontal gene transfer on host adaptation in Campylobacter. Additionally, this review briefly places the current knowledge of the population structure of other Campylobacter species such as C. lari, C. concisus and C. upsaliensis into perspective. We also provide an overview of how molecular typing methods such as multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and whole genome MLST have been used to detect and trace Campylobacter outbreaks along the food chain.
Experiential Sociometry Practice and Safety Structures with Groups
Authors: Giacomucci Scott
Published: February 2021

This chapter is devoted to the description and depiction of action sociometry processes and safety structures in group settings, especially in group therapy. Each of these is presented with considerations to theory, safety, and multiple examples of structured prompts for their application in diverse social work group settings. Experiential sociometry processes outlined include the use of small groups, spectrograms, locograms, floor checks, step-in sociometry, hand-on-shoulder soicograms, and the circle of strength safety structure. These action-based processes can be modified for use in any group setting to enliven the group experience.
Sociometric Assessment and Written Psychodramatic Interventions in Individual Social Work Practice
Authors: Giacomucci Scott
Published: February 2021

The application of sociometry assessments and written psychodrama interventions within one-to-one social work settings is the focus of this chapter. Interventions covered include the social atom, the role atom, modified role atoms, clinical timelines, psychodramatic journaling, and psychodramatic letter writing. Step-by-step instructions are provided for clinicians new to these techniques. Practice examples and clinical processing are offered with depictions of the social atom and role atoms. These tools are presented individually with supporting theory but are often employed together or as a warm-up for a psychodrama enactment. Novice psychodramatists or those less experienced in action methods will find these approaches as a good starting point for beginning to integration sociometry and psychodramatic interventions into their clinical practice with individuals. Though these tools will be presented for individual work, they are also applicable tools for group work and community settings.
Sociodrama, Activism, and Role Training to Empower Communities
Authors: Giacomucci Scott
Published: February 2021

This chapter will highlight the use of role-playing, especially sociodramaand role trainingin community empowerment and social activist movements. Historical context will be provided for the traditions of using drama, theater, and role-play in social work and social activismincluding Jacob Moreno’s vision of the theater as a modality for societal change. The sociodramatic approach will be outlined with focus on its utility in community settings as an experiential and communal experience of social action. Multiple examples of sociodrama or role training in communities are depicted with an emphasis on its adaptability for different settings and its effectiveness at empowering people. Examples include its application with youth, law enforcement, intergenerational dialogues, domestic violence response teams, undocumented immigrant communities, social work students, and to empower advocacy with employers, insurance providers, funders, or policy makers.
Sociometry, Psychodrama, and Experiential Teaching in Social Work Education and Supervision
Authors: Giacomucci Scott
Published: February 2021

This chapter is devoted to the use of Moreno’s methods within education and supervision contexts to prepare the next generation of competent social work practitioners. The history and current state of Moreno’s methods in US and international academia is outlined, along with limitations to embedding psychodrama within university settings. Social work education’s history of experiential education is described with its relevance to sociometry and psychodrama as experiential teaching tools. Research on the effectiveness of experiential teaching and role-play in the classroom is offered and the importance of supervision in social work and psychodrama is highlighted. Examples and structured prompts are provided with a focus on using experiential sociometry processes (spectrograms, locograms, floor checks, step-in sociometry, hands-on-shoulder sociograms, and the circle of strengths) to enhance the learning experience of social work students, interns, and supervisees in various settings. Vignettes are also included which depict the use of written sociometric processes and psychodramatic role-plays within supervision or mentorship contexts.
Conclusion—A Future Vision of Social Work with Moreno’s Methods
Authors: Giacomucci Scott
Published: February 2021

This brief conclusion offers a new vision for the integration of Moreno’s methods into the social work field. Moreno’s triadic system, sociometry, psychodrama, and group psychotherapy, provides social workers with group work skills lacking in most social work curriculums but are essential for competent practice. This chapter is largely written in the form of a psychodramatic process which includes role reversing with a social work leader in the year 2074 at the 100th year anniversary of Jacob Moreno’s death. This role reversal into an idealized future provides a reflection on how the social work field could benefit from the full integration of sociometry and psychodrama into its repertoire.
Strengths-Based and Mutual Aid Approaches in Social Work and Psychodrama
Authors: Giacomucci Scott
Published: February 2021

Social work and psychodrama are both inherently strengths-based approaches with person-centered philosophies that affirm the inherent goodness of individuals. The chapter outlines social work’s strengths-based perspective while connecting it to mutual aid, positive psychology, humanistic psychology, and Morenean philosophy. Social group work’s emphasis on mutual aid and group-as-a-whole processes is outlined with similarities to the theory and practice of psychodrama. The importance of a strengths-based approach in trauma work is affirmed and depicted through resilience theory and post-traumatic growth. Modern adaptations of classical psychodrama which emphasize strengths work are depicted, including positive psychodrama, the Therapeutic Spiral Model, and Souldrama.
Demographic consequences of mitigating strategies in planktonic invertebrates facing global browning of freshwater ecosystem
Authors: Adamczuk Małgorzata
Published: February 2021

Recently, it has been reported that freshwater browning has less effect on planktonic invertebrate abundances than would be expected from current knowledge regarding of the biochemical activity of dissolved organic matter. It may be that the weak responses of whole communities to browning are masked because the individual mitigating strategies of community components have disparate demographic consequences. To examine the above hypothesis, individual-, population- and community-level responses of freshwater invertebrates to varying concentrations of terrestrial dissolved organic matter (tDOM) were investigated. Common cladocerans of the Chydoridae family, Chydorus sphaericus and Acroperus harpae, were used in the experiment which revealed that species employed different strategies to cope with tDOM. C. sphaericus maintained high production of asexual offspring at the cost of individual body growth, so any decreases in the population sizes were not observed. A. harpae, conversely, invested mainly in the production of resting eggs and increased survivability, which resulted in smaller populations. Invertebrate communities showed similar resilience and temporal stability across tDOM concentrations. Therefore, the influence of tDOM was apparently negligible at community level, since the effects of the mitigating strategies of the two species complemented one another. This experiment showed that symptoms of freshwater browning might be difficult to observe at population and community level due to effective mitigating strategies performed at the level of individuals. The effects of browning on freshwater invertebrates might be better considered in the context of alterations in the demographic rates together constituting life-cycle strategies to maintain species survival.
Erkenntnisse aus 31 Stunden Stromausfall in Berlin Köpenick – medizinische Schwerpunkte und Herausforderungen
Authors: Breuer Florian , Brettschneider Paul , Kleist Per , Poloczek Stefan , Pommerenke Christopher , Dahmen Janosch
Published: February 2021

Am 19.02.2019 kam es nach Durchtrennung eines 110-kV-Kabels zu einem großflächigen Stromausfall im Berliner Bezirk Treptow-Köpenick. Nachfolgend waren ca. 30.000 Haushalte ohne Strom; betroffen waren ca. 70.000 Menschen. Der Stromausfall dauerte mehr als 24 h an und stellte alle Beteiligten vor eine Vielzahl von Herausforderungen. Es wurde der Führungsstab (operativ-taktisch) einberufen, in dem auch medizinische Schwerpunkte fortlaufend identifiziert und reevaluiert werden mussten. Hierbei handelte es sich mitunter um die Identifikation von besonders gefährdeten Patienten wie beispielsweise heimbeatmeten Patienten oder Patienten mit Kunstherz. Weiterhin mussten einzelne Pflegeheime evakuiert werden. Im Verlauf war es notwendig, aufgrund des Ausfalls der Stromversorgung im Schadensgebiet, eine Intensivstation bzw. „Intermediate-care“-Station mit 23 Patienten zu evakuieren. Krankenhäuser müssen sich im Rahmen von Vorplanungen auf derartige Szenarien einstellen. Weiterhin müssen seitens der zuständigen Behörden Vorplanungen erfolgen, die die besonderen Bedürfnisse von vulnerablen Gruppen beinhalten.
Nuclear magnetic resonance parameters in Zn2, Cd2 and Hg2 dimers: relativistic calculations
Authors: Jakubowska Katarzyna , Pecul Magdalena
Published: February 2021

The potential energy curves and the NMR properties: nuclear spin–spin coupling constants and nuclear shielding constants have been calculated for Zn2, Cd2 and Hg2 dimers using density functional theory. The calculations have been carried out using the relativistic four-component Dirac–Coulomb Hamiltonian, and, in the case of energy curves, also relativistic effective core potentials. In case of NMR parameters, the relativistic effects turned out to be critically important even for the lightest dimer, Zn2. The importance of the spin–orbit coupling depends on the internuclear distance: these effects tend to be significant for short internuclear distances.
Impact of computerised physician order entry (CPOE) on the incidence of chemotherapy-related medication errors: a systematic review
Authors: Srinivasamurthy Suresh Kumar , Ashokkumar Ramkumar , Kodidela Sunitha , Howard Scott C. , Samer Caroline Flora , Chakradhara Rao Uppugunduri Satyanarayana
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Computerised prescriber (or physician) order entry (CPOE) implementation is one of the strategies to reduce medication errors. The extent to which CPOE influences the incidence of chemotherapy-related medication errors (CMEs) was not previously collated and systematically reviewed. Hence, this study was designed to collect, collate, and systematically review studies to evaluate the effect of CPOE on the incidence of CMEs.

Methods

A search was performed of four databases from 1 January 1995 until 1 August 2019. English-language studies evaluating the effect of CPOE on CMEs were selected as per inclusion and exclusion criteria. The total CMEs normalised to total prescriptions pre- and post-CPOE were extracted and collated to perform a meta-analysis using the ‘meta’ package in R. The systematic review was registered with PROSPERO CRD42018104220.

Results

The database search identified 1621 studies. After screening, 19 studies were selected for full-text review, of which 11 studies fulfilled the selection criteria. The meta-analysis of eight studies with a random effects model showed a risk ratio of 0.19 (95% confidence interval: 0.08–0.44) favouring CPOE (I2 = 99%).

Conclusion

The studies have shown consistent reduction in CMEs after CPOE implementation, except one study that showed an increase in CMEs. The random effects model in the meta-analysis of eight studies showed that CPOE implementation reduced CMEs by 81%.
RADTHYR: an open-label, single-arm, prospective multicenter phase II trial of Radium-223 for the treatment of bone metastases from radioactive iodine refractory differentiated thyroid cancer
Authors: Deandreis Désirée , Maillard Aline , Zerdoud Slimane , Bournaud Claire , Vija Lavinia , Sajous Christophe , Terroir Marie , Leenhardt Laurence , Schlumberger Martin , Borget Isabelle , Leboulleux Sophie
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This is the first prospective trial evaluating the efficacy of alpha emitter Radium-223 in patients with bone metastases from radioactive iodine (RAI) refractory (RAIR) differentiated thyroid cancer.

Methods

RADTHYR is a multicenter, single-arm prospective Simon two-stage phase II trial (NCT02390934). The primary objective was to establish the efficacy of three administrations of 55 kBq/kg of Radium-223 by18F-FDG PET/CT according to PERCIST criteria. Secondary objectives were to establish the efficacy of six administrations of Radium-223 by18F-FDG PET/CT,99mTc-HMDP bone scan and18FNa PET/CT, clinical benefits, changes in serum bone markers, thyroglobulin levels, and safety.

Results

Ten patients were enrolled between July 2015 and December 2017 (4 M; median age 74 years). Prior to Radium-223 administration, patients received a median RAI cumulative activity of 15 GBq (7.4–35.6), external radiation therapy (n = 9), bone surgery (n = 8), cimentoplasty (n = 5), and cryoablation (n = 2).18F-FDG PET/CT showed stable disease (SD) in 4/10 and progressive disease (PD) in 6/10 cases after three administrations and SD in 4/10, PD in 5/10 cases, and 1/10 non-evaluable (NE) case after six administrations. After six injections,99mTc-HMDP bone scan showed SD in 9 cases and was NE in 1 case;18FNa PET/CT showed SD in 8 cases, partial response (PR) in 1 case, and was NE in 1 case. No significant clinical benefits were reported during the study. A skeletal event occurred in 6 patients (median time without skeletal event of 12.1 months). Seventy-seven adverse events were reported during treatment (7 of grade 3–4). Three patients developed an acute myeloid, a promyelocytic, and a chronic myeloid leukemia after the last Radium-223 administration considered as drug-related.

Conclusion

The trial was stopped after interim analysis for lack of response of bone metastases from RAIR thyroid cancer to Radium-223. Severe hematological toxicity was observed in patients heavily pretreated with RAI and external radiation.

Trial registration number

NCT02390934. Registration date 18.03.2015.