bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Construction of amperometric biosensor modified with conducting polymer/carbon dots for the analysis of catechol
Authors: Yasa Mustafa , Deniz Aybuke , Forough Mehrdad , Yildirim Erol , Persil Cetinkol Ozgul , Udum Yasemin Arslan , Toppare Levent
Published: October 2020

Phenolic compounds used in food industries and pesticide industry, are environmentally toxic and pollute the rivers and ground water. For that reason, detection of phenolic compounds such as catechol by using simple, efficient and cost‐effective devices have been becoming increasingly popular. In this study, a suitable and a novel matrix was composed using a novel conjugated polymer, namely poly[1‐(5‐(4,8‐bis(5‐(2‐ethylhexyl)thiophen‐2‐yl)benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b']dithiophen‐2‐yl)furan‐2‐yl)‐5‐(2‐ethylhexyl)‐3‐(furan‐2‐yl)‐4H thieno[3,4‐c]pyrrole‐4,6(5H)‐dione] (PFTBDT) and carbon dots (CDs) to detect catechol. PFTBDT and CDs were synthesized and the optoelectronic properties of PFTBDT were investigated via electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical studies. Laccase enzyme was immobilized onto the constructed film matrix on the graphite electrode. The proposed biosensor was found to have a low detection limit (1.23 μM) and a high sensitivity (737.44 μA/mM.cm−2) with a linear range of 1.25–175 μM. Finally, the applicability of the proposed enzymatic biosensor was evaluated in a tap water sample and a satisfactory recovery (96–104%) was obtained for catechol determination.
Mental disorders and utilization of mental health services in newly diagnosed cancer patients: An analysis of German health insurance claims data
Authors: Salm Sandra , Blaschke Katja , Ihle Peter , Schubert Ingrid , Dresen Antje , Pfaff Holger , Scholten Nadine
Published: October 2020

Objective

People with cancer are often confronted not only with the burdens of medical treatment but also with psychological strain, which can lead to mental disorders (MD). To date, the prevalence of MD in newly diagnosed cancer patients and their utilization of mental health services (MHS) are mainly estimated through data of primary studies than considering healthcare‐related claims data.

Methods

Statutory health insurance claims data of the AOK/KV Hesse from 2011 to 2014 was analyzed. The number of incident cancer patients with MD and the utilization of MHS within the period of the quarter of incident cancer diagnosis and three subsequent quarters were determined. For incident cancer patients with an incident MD, the predictive values of sex, age group, and tumor entity on the documentation of MD diagnosis and utilization were investigated.

Results

The 12‐month prevalence of MD in incident cancer patients was 31.1% for depression, 11.2% for anxiety disorders, and 9.2% for post‐traumatic stress/adjustment disorder (PTSD/AD). Of these, 65.9% received outpatient psychotherapy and 43.0% at least one psychopharmacological drug prescription. Men had a significantly lower chance of receiving an MD diagnosis following cancer.

Conclusions

The prevalence of MD observed was higher for depression and lower for PTSD/AD compared to meta‐analyses of clinical trials. Male cancer patients had a lower chance of receiving an MD diagnosis than females, which coincides with existing results.
The Optoelectrical Properties of Li: TiO2/p‐Si Photodiodes for Various Li Doping
Authors: Ruzgar Serif
Published: October 2020

TiO2 has received intense attention for optoelectronic applications due to its excellent properties, such as non‐toxicity, low cost, and simple preparation. Herein, the influence of Li doping both on the structural and optical characteristics of TiO2 thin films and on optoelectronic properties of TiO2‐based photodiodes is investigated. The root‐mean‐square (RMS) roughness values obtained from the atomic force microscopy (AFM) results and the optical bandgap energies calculated from the Tauc method vary between 3.40 and 24.53 nm and between 3.58 and 3.75 eV depending on the increase in Li doping, respectively. The ideality factor (n) values of the diodes, which provided information about the performance of diodes, are calculated between 5.92 and 9.74. The lowest n value of 5.92 is obtained for 2% Li‐doped diode. All the fabricated diodes demonstrate a good photodiode behavior, and the maximum photoresponsivity value of 6.74 × 10−2 A W−1 is obtained for 10% Li:TiO2. In addition, the C–V, G–V, and Rs–V characteristics of diodes are examined for different frequencies. Li doping has improved the optoelectrical performance of the TiO2‐based photodiodes. Thus, the Li:TiO2‐based photodiode can be a candidate for optoelectronic applications.
Phytoperspective of Moringa oleifera for oral health care: An innovative ethnomedicinal approach
Authors: Mohanty Monalisa , Mohanty Samita , Bhuyan Sanat Kumar , Bhuyan Ruchi
Published: October 2020

The present era accentuate the use of alternative medicines as drugs extracted from several plant parts. These herbal medicines otherwise called ethnomedicines are now the source of many imperative drugs in this contemporary world. Furthermore with ever rising oral problems by luxurious lifestyle in this modern society, there is a soaring need for use of potent medicinal plants like horse radish (Moringa oleifera Lam.) against various oral ailments. Therefore, use of herbal medicines in reducing the adverse effects of various conventional allopathic medicines and harmful side effects of conventional antibiotics has emerged as an evolved technique in pharmaceutical science. The present review emphasizes the antipathogenic potentiality of M. oleifera along with their known therapeutic properties through biologically active compounds (phytoconstituents) and ethnomedicinal uses. Various ethno‐pharmacological studies of the plant parts with their nutritional value and multifarious medicinal uses including oral health care are being quoted in present review. This review will foster future research on phytoconstituent analysis, bioefficacy assessment for oral micro flora and ethno‐pharmaceutical importance of M. oleifera in the field of medical science with special reference to dentistry. Consequently, this innovative ethnomedicinal approach for oral health care may supplement the modern medicine through its potent phytoconstituents.
First‐principles study of the adsorption mechanism of SO2 and CF4 on the α‐Al2O3 (0001) surface
Authors: Yu Xinyan , Zhang Hongliang , Li Jie , Guo Hui , Wang Jingkun , Wang Jiacheng , Long Mengqiu
Published: October 2020

Due to greenhouse gas emission restrictions and environmental protection requirements, the treatment of SO2 and Perfluorinated compound gas has become a problem in the aluminum electrolysis industry. Based on the density functional theory, the adsorption mechanisms of SO2 and CF4 on the surface of clean α‐Al2O3 (0001) were studied. Using projected augmented wave/Perdew‐Burke‐Ernzerhof for calculation, it can be found that SO2 is adsorbed to form an AlO1SO2 structure, and the most stable adsorption energy is −1.52 eV. The adsorption of SO2 is mainly due to the action of π‐p orbitals and the partial contribution of sp2 hybrid orbitals and s orbitals. The most stable adsorption energy of CF4 is −0.38 eV, and it is difficult to transfer charge on the surface. Overall, SO2 is chemisorbed on the clean surface, while CF4 is physisorbed, and their coadsorption with H2O is disadvantageous to the adsorption reaction. These results are very important for understanding the adsorption mechanism of CF4 and SO2 on alumina.
From phase transitions to Modern Monetary Theory: A framework for analyzing the pandemic of 2020
Authors: Putnam Bluford H.
Published: October 2020

Analyzing the economic impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic of 2020 requires an appreciation that price signals were no longer primary determinants of supply and demand. Economic agents were acting out of health fears, government‐mandated shutdown rules, and dealing with financial distress. The economy had entered a state that was far from equilibrium. Orthodox tools, such as comparative equilibrium analysis, can tell one about state “A” and state “B,” but provide no guidance as to how to analyze the phase transition. We turn to the physics of phase transitions to help us understand what essentially was a network collapse. The analysis is extended to examine whether the initial policy responses were more likely to cushion the blow or to accelerate the eventual economic recovery, which is extended into an examination of Modern Monetary Theory. Finally, we study the behavioral changes induced by the pandemic that are likely to be long‐lasting and impact the pace of the recovery. And we note a variety of data anomalies that are sure to vex empirical researchers as they study the pandemic of 2020.
FAST.Farm development and validation of structural load prediction against large eddy simulations
Authors: Shaler Kelsey , Jonkman Jason
Published: October 2020

FAST.Farm is a mid‐fidelity engineering tool developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory targeted at accurately and efficiently predicting wind turbine power production and structural loading in wind farm settings, including wake interactions between turbines. FAST.Farm is based on several principles of the dynamic wake meandering (DWM) model, but also addresses limitations of previous DWM implementations. Previous FAST.Farm studies have shown the similarities and differences between FAST.Farm and large eddy simulations for rigid turbine cases. The objective of this work is to quantify the ability of FAST.Farm to accurately predict turbine structural response in a small wind farm. This is done by comparing FAST.Farm structural response to SOWFA‐OpenFAST results for three laterally‐aligned turbines. The purpose of this study is to characterize the similarities and differences between FAST.Farm and a higher fidelity model for predicting turbine structural response in a wind farm for differing atmospheric inflows. Strong statistical agreement was found between FAST.Farm and SOWFA‐OpenFAST structural response for the non‐waked upstream turbine, and good agreement was found for the downstream turbines for most structural quantities. Higher differences were seen for downstream turbines with low ambient turbulence intensity or yawed turbines, suggesting areas for FAST.Farm wake dynamics modeling improvements. For all cases and turbines, small statistical differences were seen between blade deflections and bending moments, with larger differences for tower‐top and tower‐base bending moments. Overall, the results establish confidence for applying FAST.Farm to wind farm power and loads analyses and identify areas where further model validations and model improvements should be targeted.
Sustainable Cryptography
Authors: Buchmann Johannes
Published: October 2020

Cryptography is a fundamental tool for cybersecurity and privacy which must be protected for long periods of time. However, the security of most cryptographic algorithms relies on complexity assumptions that may become invalid over time. In this talk I discuss how sustainable cybersecurity and privacy can be achieved in this situation.
A Data Concealing Technique with Random Noise Disturbance and a Restoring Technique for the Concealed Data by Stochastic Process Estimation
Authors: Fujii Tomohiro , Hirokawa Masao
Published: October 2020

We propose a technique to conceal data on a physical layer by disturbing them with some random noises, and moreover, a technique to restore the concealed data to the original ones by using the stochastic process estimation. Our concealing-restoring system manages the data on the physical layer from the data link layer. In addition to these proposals, we show the simulation result and some applications of our concealing-restoring technique.
Quantum Optics with Giant Atoms—the First Five Years
Authors: Frisk Kockum Anton
Published: October 2020

In quantum optics, it is common to assume that atoms can be approximated as point-like compared to the wavelength of the light they interact with. However, recent advances in experiments with artificial atoms built from superconducting circuits have shown that this assumption can be violated. Instead, these artificial atoms can couple to an electromagnetic field at multiple points, which are spaced wavelength distances apart. In this chapter, we present a survey of such systems, which we call giant atoms. The main novelty of giant atoms is that the multiple coupling points give rise to interference effects that are not present in quantum optics with ordinary, small atoms. We discuss both theoretical and experimental results for single and multiple giant atoms, and show how the interference effects can be used for interesting applications. We also give an outlook for this emerging field of quantum optics.
Ramanujan Graphs for Post-Quantum Cryptography
Authors: Jo Hyungrok , Sugiyama Shingo , Yamasaki Yoshinori
Published: October 2020

We introduce a cryptographic hash function based on expander graphs, suggested by Charles et al. ’09, as one prominent candidate in post-quantum cryptography. We propose a generalized version of explicit constructions of Ramanujan graphs, which are seen as an optimal structure of expander graphs in a spectral sense, from the previous works of Lubotzky, Phillips, Sarnak ’88 and Chiu ’92. We also describe the relationship between the security of Cayley hash functions and word problems for group theory. We also give a brief comparison of LPS-type graphs and Pizer’s graphs to draw attention to the underlying hard problems in cryptography.
Emerging Ultrastrong Coupling Between Light and Matter Observed in Circuit Quantum Electrodynamics
Authors: Semba Kouichi
Published: October 2020

The strength of the coupling between an atom and a single electromagnetic field mode is defined as the ratio of the vacuum Rabi frequency to the Larmor frequency, and is determined by a small dimensionless physical constant, the fine structure constant $$\alpha =Z_{vac} / 2R_{K}$$

α
=

Z

vac

/
2

R
K

. On the other hand, the quantum circuit including Josephson junctions behaving as artificial atoms and it can be coupled to the electromagnetic field with arbitrary strength (Devoret et al. 2007). Therefore, the circuit quantum electrodynamics (circuit QED) is extremely suitable for studying much stronger light-matter interaction.
A Review of Secret Key Distribution Based on Bounded Observability
Authors: Muramatsu Jun
Published: October 2020

Secret key distribution is a technique for a sender and a receiver to share a secret key, which is not known by any eavesdropper, when they share no common secret information in advance. By using this technique, the sender and the receiver can transmit a message securely in the sense that the message remains secret from any eavesdropper. We introduced a secret key distribution based on the Bounded Observability (Muramatsu et al. 2010, 2013, 2015), which provides a necessary and sufficient condition for the possibility of secret key distribution. This condition describes limits on the information obtained by observation of a random object, and models the practical difficulty of completely observing random physical phenomena.
Towards Constructing Fully Homomorphic Encryption without Ciphertext Noise from Group Theory
Authors: Nuida Koji
Published: October 2020

In CRYPTO 2008, 1 year earlier than Gentry’s pioneering “bootstrapping” technique for the first fully homomorphic encryption (FHE) scheme, Ostrovsky and Skeith III had suggested a completely different approach towards achieving FHE. They showed that the $$\mathsf {NAND}$$
NAND
operator can be realized in some non-commutative groups; consequently, homomorphically encrypting the elements of the group will yield an FHE scheme, without ciphertext noise to be bootstrapped. However, no observations on how to homomorphically encrypt the group elements were presented in their paper, and there have been no follow-up studies in the literature. The aim of this paper is to exhibit more clearly what is sufficient and what seems to be effective for constructing FHE schemes based on their approach. First, we prove that it is sufficient to find a surjective homomorphism $$\pi :\widetilde{G} \rightarrow G$$

π
:

G
~

→
G

between finite groups for which bit operators are realized in G and the elements of the kernel of $$\pi $$
π
are indistinguishable from the general elements of $$\widetilde{G}$$

G
~

. Secondly, we propose new methodologies to realize bit operators in some groups G. Thirdly, we give an observation that a naive approach using matrix groups would never yield secure FHE due to an attack utilizing the “linearity” of the construction. Then we propose an idea to avoid such “linearity” by using combinatorial group theory. Concretely realizing FHE schemes based on our proposed framework is left as a future research topic.
German monitoring 2012–2014: ergot of Claviceps purpurea and ergot alkaloids (EA) in feedingstuffs and their toxicological relevance for animal feeding
Authors: Schwake-Anduschus Christine , Lorenz Nicole , Lahrssen-Wiederholt Monika , Lauche Anke , Dänicke Sven
Published: October 2020

Feedingstuffs are frequently contaminated with sclerotia (ergot) of the phytopathogenic fungus Claviceps purpurea. Ergot contains ergot alkaloids (EA), but the amount and composition of these substances may be highly variable hampering the extrapolation of the amount of EA from the ergot content. 600 different feed samples from the harvest years 2011–2014 (rye, triticale, wheat, mixed cereal grains or compound feed), preferably those with visible ergot infestation, were analyzed for both parameters ergot and EA content in a German monitoring program. The analytical results were employed for statistical evaluation using the software JMP® 13. The data show that the correlation between the ergot and the EA content was rather poor, especially for rye, the grain most frequently contaminated with ergot and EA. Consequently, effects on animal health correlated much better with EA than with ergot content. Furthermore, it shows that the current European law for undesirable substances (Directive 2002/32/EC) restricting the ergot content in feed materials and compound feed containing unground cereals is not fully sufficient to protect animal health. Therefore, preliminary guidance values for species-specific critical values for total EA content in the diets are derived and suggested for practical use. Further research is needed to verify these preliminary guidance values and to improve risk evaluation in consideration of the significant variability in the species-specific sensitivity.
The Vaults of Umm al-Dabadib: Geometric Study
Authors: Rossi Corinna , Fiorillo Fausta
Published: October 2020

This article focuses on the shape of the vaults that cover the rooms of the Fort of Umm al-Dabadib (Kharga Oasis, Egypt’s Western Desert), dating to the Late Roman Period. This building is the central element of the contemporary Fortified Settlement, consisting of a dense, three-dimensional mosaic of domestic units, all covered by similar vaults, and belonging to a chain of similar installations. Two elements make Umm al-Dabadib an interesting case-study: the excellent preservation of its architectural remains, and the possibility to rely on an accurate photogrammetric survey of the entire built-up area. Thanks to this combination, it was possible to analyse the geometric shape of the vaults in connection to the ancient building techniques. The study determined that the vaults of the Fort are elliptical; this conclusion will impact on the study of all the similar settlements built in the Kharga Oasis, and possibly to other contemporary buildings elsewhere in Egypt.
The explosive trinitrotoluene (TNT) induces gene expression of carbonyl reductase in the blue mussel (Mytilus spp.): a new promising biomarker for sea dumped war relicts?
Authors: Strehse Jennifer S. , Brenner Matthias , Kisiela Michael , Maser Edmund
Published: October 2020

Millions of tons of all kind of munitions, including mines, bombs and torpedoes have been dumped after World War II in the marine environment and do now pose a new threat to the seas worldwide. Beside the acute risk of unwanted detonation, there is a chronic risk of contamination, because the metal vessels corrode and the toxic and carcinogenic explosives (trinitrotoluene (TNT) and metabolites) leak into the environment. While the mechanism of toxicity and carcinogenicity of TNT and its derivatives occurs through its capability of inducing oxidative stress in the target biota, we had the idea if TNT can induce the gene expression of carbonyl reductase in blue mussels. Carbonyl reductases are members of the short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase (SDR) superfamily. They metabolize xenobiotics bearing carbonyl functions, but also endogenous signal molecules such as steroid hormones, prostaglandins, biogenic amines, as well as sugar and lipid peroxidation derived reactive carbonyls, the latter providing a defence mechanism against oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Here, we identified and cloned the gene coding for carbonyl reductase from the blue mussel Mytilus spp. by a bioinformatics approach. In both laboratory and field studies, we could show that TNT induces a strong and concentration-dependent induction of gene expression of carbonyl reductase in the blue mussel. Carbonyl reductase may thus serve as a biomarker for TNT exposure on a molecular level which is useful to detect TNT contaminations in the environment and to perform a risk assessment both for the ecosphere and the human seafood consumer.
Aerial roots of orchids: the velamen radicum as a porous material for efficient imbibition of water
Authors: Hauber Frank , Konrad Wilfried , Roth-Nebelsick Anita
Published: October 2020

Aerial roots of orchids are able to absorb atmospheric water (e.g. rain, mist, dew) and to conduct it to the root interior. The water is absorbed by imbibition into a biological porous material, the velamen radicum, which envelops the aerial root and comprises one or two to several layers. The velamen radicum consists of walls of dead cells and shows an intricate structure. In this contribution, the imbibition process was studied in more detail using mathematical principles and by experimental observation of eight orchid species. The process of absorption can be subdivided into two stages. The initial stage is the attachment of a drop to the rough surface. The drop is then imbibed into the layers of the velamen radicum. During imbibition, the contact angle decreases, because the drop remains firmly pinned to the surface. Imbibition times vary widely, due to differences in the porous structure of the considered species. It could, however, be demonstrated that a detailed theoretical study of imbibition for this complex biological material is possible using structural parameters obtained from microscope images. A third aspect which was considered was evaporation out of the velamen radicum. Also here, observations were consistent with modeling results. The velamen radicum, and other tissues involved in water absorption by aerial roots of orchids, represents an intriguing biological material for studying imbibition and flow in porous materials and has probably a high potential for discovering technically interesting features.
The course of multiple sclerosis rewritten: a Norwegian population-based study on disease demographics and progression
Authors: Simonsen Cecilia Smith , Flemmen Heidi Øyen , Broch Line , Brunborg Cathrine , Berg-Hansen Pål , Moen Stine Marit , Celius Elisabeth Gulowsen
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Over the past few decades, there has been an improvement in the rate of disability progression in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, and most studies relate this evolvement to the introduction of disease-modifying therapies. However, several other factors have changed over this period, including access to MRI and newer diagnostic criteria. The aim of this study is to investigate changes in the natural course of MS over time in a near-complete and geographically well-defined population from the south-east of Norway.

Methods

We examined disease progression and demographics over two decades and assessed the effect of disease-modifying therapies using linear mixed-effect models.

Results

In a cohort of 2097 patients, we found a significant improvement in disability as measured by the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) stratified by age, and the improvement remained significant after adjusting for time on disease-modifying medications, gender and progressive MS at onset. The time from disease onset to EDSS 6 in the total cohort was 29.8 years (95% CI 28.5–31.1) and was significantly longer in patients diagnosed after 2006 compared to patients diagnosed before. There are significant differences between patient demographics, as well as time to EDSS 6, in the near-complete, geographically well-defined population compared to an additional cohort from the capital Oslo and its suburbs.

Conclusion

The natural course of MS is improving, but the improvement seen in disease progression has multifaceted explanations. Our study underlines the importance of completeness of data, relevant timeframes and demographics when comparing different MS populations. Studies on incomplete populations should be interpreted with caution.
Unraveling the contributions to the neuromelanin-MRI contrast
Authors: Priovoulos Nikos , van Boxel Stan C. J. , Jacobs Heidi I. L. , Poser Benedikt A. , Uludag Kamil , Verhey Frans R. J. , Ivanov Dimo
Published: October 2020

The Locus Coeruleus (LC) and the Substantia Nigra (SN) are small brainstem nuclei that change with aging and may be involved in the development of various neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases. Magnetization Transfer (MT) MRI has been shown to facilitate LC and the SN visualization, and the observed contrast is assumed to be related to neuromelanin accumulation. Imaging these nuclei may have predictive value for the progression of various diseases, but interpretation of previous studies is hindered by the fact that the precise biological source of the contrast remains unclear, though several hypotheses have been put forward. To inform clinical studies on the possible biological interpretation of the LC- and SN contrast, we examined an agar-based phantom containing samples of natural Sepia melanin and synthetic Cys-Dopa-Melanin and compared this to the in vivo human LC and SN. T1 and T2* maps, MT spectra and relaxation times of the phantom, the LC and the SN were measured, and a two-pool MT model was fitted. Additionally, Bloch simulations and a transient MT experiment were conducted to confirm the findings. Overall, our results indicate that Neuromelanin-MRI contrast in the LC likely results from a lower macromolecular fraction, thus facilitating interpretation of results in clinical populations. We further demonstrate that in older individuals T1 lengthening occurs in the LC.
Prevalence and risk factors of lactic acidosis in children with acute moderate and severe asthma, a prospective observational study
Authors: Ruman-Colombier Marta , Rochat Guignard Isabelle , Di Paolo Ermindo R. , Gehri Mario , Pauchard Jean-Yves
Published: October 2020

Lactic acidosis is a common complication of status asthmaticus in adults. However, data is sparse in children. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence and risk factors for lactic acidosis in children hospitalised for acute moderate or severe asthma. A total of 154 children 2–17 years of age were enrolled in a prospective observational study conducted in a tertiary hospital. All had capillary blood gas assessment 4 h after the first dose of salbutamol in hospital. The primary endpoint was the prevalence of lactic acidosis. Potential contributing factors such as age, sex, BMI, initial degree of asthma severity, type of salbutamol administration (nebuliser or inhaler), steroids, ipratropium bromide, and glucose-containing maintenance fluid represented secondary endpoints. All in all, 87% of patients had hyperlactatemia (lactate concentration > 2.2 mmol/l). Lactic acidosis (lactate concentration > 5 mmol/l and anion gap ≥ 16 mmol/l) was observed in 26%. In multivariate analysis, age more than 6 years (OR = 2.8, 95% CI 1.2–6.6), glycemia above 11 mmol/l (OR = 3.2 95% CI 1.4–7.4), and salbutamol administered by nebuliser (OR = 10, 95% CI 2.7–47) were identified as risk factors for lactic acidosis in children with moderate or severe asthma.

Conclusion: Lactic acidosis is a frequent and early complication of acute moderate or severe asthma in children.

What is Known:• Lactic acidosis during acute asthma is associated with b2-mimetics administration.• Salbutamol-related lactic acidosis is self-limited but important to recognise, as compensatory hyperventilation of lactic acidosis can be mistaken for respiratory worsening and lead to inappropriate supplemental bronchodilator administration.What is New:• Lactic acidosis is a frequent complication of acute asthma in the paediatric population.• Age older than 6 years, hyperglycaemia, and nebulised salbutamol are risk factors for lactic acidosis during asthma.
Democratizing Tech Giants! A roadmap
Authors: Gersbach Hans
Published: October 2020

How society should deal with the self-strengthening Tech Giants is a much-discussed issue. We suggest to democratize them by giving users a say in their decisions. With newly-developed collective decision rules and user councils, democratization of Tech Giants becomes feasible and complements, e.g., competition and basic data protection laws.
Characterization of anisotropic turbulence behavior in pulsatile blood flow
Authors: Andersson Magnus , Karlsson Matts
Published: October 2020

Turbulent-like hemodynamics with prominent cycle-to-cycle flow variations have received increased attention as a potential stimulus for cardiovascular diseases. These turbulent conditions are typically evaluated in a statistical sense from single scalars extracted from ensemble-averaged tensors (such as the Reynolds stress tensor), limiting the amount of information that can be used for physical interpretations and quality assessments of numerical models. In this study, barycentric anisotropy invariant mapping was used to demonstrate an efficient and comprehensive approach to characterize turbulence-related tensor fields in patient-specific cardiovascular flows, obtained from scale-resolving large eddy simulations. These techniques were also used to analyze some common modeling compromises as well as MRI turbulence measurements through an idealized constriction. The proposed method found explicit sites of elevated turbulence anisotropy, including a broad but time-varying spectrum of characteristics over the flow deceleration phase, which was different for both the steady inflow and Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes modeling assumptions. Qualitatively, the MRI results showed overall expected post-stenotic turbulence characteristics, however, also with apparent regions of unrealizable or conceivably physically unrealistic conditions, including the highest turbulence intensity ranges. These findings suggest that more detailed studies of MRI-measured turbulence fields are needed, which hopefully can be assisted by more comprehensive evaluation tools such as the once described herein.
Standardization of Propagation Models for Terrestrial Cellular Systems: A Historical Perspective
Authors: Tataria Harsh , Haneda Katsuyuki , Molisch Andreas F. , Shafi Mansoor , Tufvesson Fredrik
Published: October 2020

Propagation models constitute a fundamental building block of wireless communications research. Before we build and operate real systems, we must understand the science of radio propagation, and develop channel models that both reflect the important propagation processes and allow a fair comparison of different systems. In the past five decades, wireless systems have gone through five generations, from supporting voice applications to enhanced mobile broadband. To meet the ever increasing data rate demands of wireless systems, frequency bands covering a wide range from 800 MHz to 100 GHz have been allocated for use. The standardization of these systems started in the early/mid 1980s in Europe by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute with the advent of Global System for Mobile Communications. This motivated the development of the first standardized propagation model by the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) 207 working group. These standardization activities were continued and expanded for the third, fourth, and fifth generations of COST, as well as by the Third Generation Partnership Project, and the International Telecommnunication Union. This paper presents a historical overview of the standardized propagation models covering first to fifth-generation systems. In particular, we discuss the evolution and standardization of pathloss models, as well as large and small-scale fading parameters for single antenna and multiple antenna systems. Furthermore, we present insights into the progress of deterministic modelling across the five generations of systems, as well as discuss more advanced modelling components needed for the detailed simulations of millimeter-wave channels. A comprehensive bibliography at the end of the paper will aid the interested reader to dig deeper.
IVIVC for Extended Release Hydrophilic Matrix Tablets in Consideration of Biorelevant Mechanical Stress
Authors: Mohylyuk Valentyn , Goldoozian Seyedreza , Andrews Gavin P. , Dashevskiy Andriy
Published: October 2020

Purpose

When establishing IVIVC, a special problem arises by interpretation of averaged in vivo profiles insight of considerable individual variations in term of time and number of mechanical stress events in GI-tract. The objective of the study was to investigate and forecast the effect of mechanical stress on in vivo behavior in human of hydrophilic matrix tablets.

Methods

Dissolution profiles for the marketed products were obtained at different conditions (stirring speed, single- or repeatable mechanical stress applied) and convoluted into C-t profiles. Vice versa, published in vivo C-t profiles of the products were deconvoluted into absorption profiles and compared with dissolution profiles by similarity factor.

Results

Investigated hydrophilic matrix tablets varied in term of their resistance against hydrodynamic stress or single stress during the dissolution. Different scenarios, including repeatable mechanical stress, were investigated on mostly prone Seroquel® XR 50 mg. None of the particular scenarios fits to the published in vivo C-t profile of Seroquel® XR 50 mg representing, however, the average of individual profiles related to scenarios differing by number, frequency and time of contraction stress. When different scenarios were combined in different proportions, the profiles became closer to the original in vivo profile including a burst between 4 and 5 h, probably, due to stress-events in GI-tract.

Conclusion

For establishing IVIVC of oral dosage forms susceptible mechanical stress, a comparison of the deconvoluted individual in vivo profiles with in vitro profiles of different dissolution scenarios can be recommended.
Individual recovery of health-related quality of life during 18 months post-burn using a retrospective pre-burn measurement: an exploratory study
Authors: Boersma-van Dam Elise , van de Schoot Rens , Hofland Helma W. C. , Engelhard Iris M. , Van Loey Nancy E. E.
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This study explored the individual trajectories of health-related quality of life (HRQL) compared to recalled pre-burn level of HRQL and investigated whether burn severity and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms increase the risk of not returning to pre-burn level of HRQL.

Methods

Data were obtained from 309 adult patients with burns in a multicenter study. Patients completed the EQ-5D-3L questionnaire with a Cognition bolt-on shortly after hospital admission, which included a recalled pre-injury measure, and, again, at 3, 6, 12 and 18 months post-burn. Burn severity was indicated by the number of surgeries, and PTSD symptoms were assessed with the IES-R at three months post-burn. Pre- and post-injury HRQL were compared to norm populations.

Results

Recalled pre-injury HRQL was higher than population norms and HRQL at 18 months post-burn was comparable to population norms. Compared to the pre-injury level of functioning, four HRQL patterns of change over time were established: Stable, Recovery, Deterioration, and Growth. In each HRQL domain, a subset of patients did not return to their recalled pre-injury levels, especially with regard to Pain, Anxiety/Depression, and Cognition. Patients with more severe burns or PTSD symptoms were less likely to return to pre-injury level of functioning within 18 months post-burn.

Conclusion

This study identified four patterns of individual change. Patients with more severe injuries and PTSD symptoms were more at risk of not returning to their recalled pre-injury HRQL. This study supports the face validity of using a recalled pre-burn HRQL score as a reference point to monitor HRQL after burns.
Future Missions Related to the Determination of the Elemental and Isotopic Composition of Earth, Moon and the Terrestrial Planets
Authors: Dandouras Iannis , Blanc Michel , Fossati Luca , Gerasimov Mikhail , Guenther Eike W. , Kislyakova Kristina G. , Lammer Helmut , Lin Yangting , Marty Bernard , Mazelle Christian , Rugheimer Sarah , Scherf Manuel , Sotin Christophe , Sproß Laurenz , Tachibana Shogo , Wurz Peter , Yamauchi Masatoshi
Published: October 2020

In this chapter, we review the contribution of space missions to the determination of the elemental and isotopic composition of Earth, Moon and the terrestrial planets, with special emphasis on currently planned and future missions. We show how these missions are going to significantly contribute to, or sometimes revolutionise, our understanding of planetary evolution, from formation to the possible emergence of life. We start with the Earth, which is a unique habitable body with actual life, and that is strongly related to its atmosphere. The new wave of missions to the Moon is then reviewed, which are going to study its formation history, the structure and dynamics of its tenuous exosphere and the interaction of the Moon’s surface and exosphere with the different sources of plasma and radiation of its environment, including the solar wind and the escaping Earth’s upper atmosphere. Missions to study the noble gas atmospheres of the terrestrial planets, Venus and Mars, are then examined. These missions are expected to trace the evolutionary paths of these two noble gas atmospheres, with a special emphasis on understanding the effect of atmospheric escape on the fate of water. Future missions to these planets will be key to help us establishing a comparative view of the evolution of climates and habitability at Earth, Venus and Mars, one of the most important and challenging open questions of planetary science. Finally, as the detection and characterisation of exoplanets is currently revolutionising the scope of planetary science, we review the missions aiming to characterise the internal structure and the atmospheres of these exoplanets.
Confirmation bias without rhyme or reason
Authors: Michel Matthias , Peters Megan A. K.
Published: October 2020

Having a confirmation bias sometimes leads us to hold inaccurate beliefs. So, the puzzle goes: why do we have it? According to the influential argumentative theory of reasoning, confirmation bias emerges because the primary function of reason is not to form accurate beliefs, but to convince others that we’re right. A crucial prediction of the theory, then, is that confirmation bias should be found only in the reasoning domain. In this article, we argue that there is evidence that confirmation bias does exist outside the reasoning domain. This undermines the main evidential basis for the argumentative theory of reasoning. In presenting the relevant evidence, we explore why having such confirmation bias may not be maladaptive.
Assessment of Groundwater Quality Changes in the Rural Environment of the Hungarian Great Plain Based on Selected Water Quality Indicators
Authors: Mester Tamás , Balla Dániel , Szabó György
Published: October 2020

In the present study, changes in groundwater quality are assessed after the construction of the sewerage network, based on 3 water quality indices. Sampling took place before (2013) and after (2017, 2018, 2019) the establishment of a sewerage network in 2014. In the pre-sewerage period, strong pollution of the groundwater was detected. A total of 90% of the groundwater wells according to the water quality status by Brown, 70% of the wells according to the contamination index Cd by Rapant, and 80% of the wells according to the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environmental Water Quality Index were categorized in the “polluted” or “heavily polluted” categories. After the establishment of the sewerage, significant changes were observed. In 2017, the number of wells in category 5 indicating the most contaminated samples decreased significantly for all three indices, while the number of samples in categories “good” and “acceptable” increased. Discriminant analysis was performed to determine if pre- and post-sewerage samples could be separated. A total of 75.6% of the cross-validated values were successfully categorized into the appropriate category, which indicates a significant difference between pre- and post-sewerage. Based on point and interpolated maps, it was established that in 2013, all three indices showed the highest pollution in the inner and southern parts of the settlement, while the northern areas of the settlement were less polluted. Based on the indices, it was determined that the process of groundwater purification in the settlement has started, although it will continue for years to come.
First Case Report of Fulminant Hepatitis After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Associated with Concomitant Maximal Therapeutic Dose of Acetaminophen Use, Protein Calorie Malnutrition, and Vitamins A and D, Selenium, and Glutathione Deficiencies
Authors: Abusabeib Alyaa , El Ansari Walid , Alobaidan Jassim , Elhag Wahiba
Published: October 2020

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasingly being linked to obesity. Although laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is effective for weight loss that can ultimately resolve NAFLD, an initial transient deterioration of liver functions could be observed during the first few months post-operatively, after which a subsequent improvement of the liver functions might occur. Rapid weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, and protein malnutrition can all contribute to hepatic dysfunction and can affect the metabolism of medications such as acetaminophen leading to more insult to a compromised liver. We report acute liver failure after LSG associated with protein calorie malnutrition, multiple nutritional deficiencies in addition to concomitant use of therapeutic doses of acetaminophen. Treatment with N-acetylcysteine, and replacement of deficient multivitamins and trace elements resulted in significant improvement in liver functions.
Interaktionen schlafbezogener Atmungsstörungen mit Vorhofflimmern
Authors: Vaas Victoria , Fisser Christoph , Tafelmeier Maria , Linz Dominik , Arzt Michael
Published: October 2020

Hintergrund

Vorhofflimmern (VHF) ist die häufigste Herzrhythmusstörung. Sowohl die zentrale als auch die obstruktive Schlafapnoe interagieren mit dieser Erkrankung. Intermittierende Hypoxie, oxidativer Stress, wiederkehrende Aufwachreaktionen, intrathorakale Druckveränderungen und atriales Remodeling können im Rahmen einer schlafbezogenen Atmungsstörung (SBAS) zu VHF führen.

Ziel

Dieser Artikel stellt die komplexen Zusammenhänge und Erkenntnisse jüngster Forschungen bezüglich SBAS und VHF sowie die Therapiemöglichkeiten dar.

Material und Methoden

Es erfolgten eine Literaturrecherche von Original- und Übersichtsartikeln sowie Metaanalysen, die zwischen 1963 und 2020 in der PubMed-Datenbank veröffentlicht wurden.

Ergebnisse

Die Erkenntnisse der Studien weisen auf einen bidirektionalen kausalen Zusammenhang zwischen SBAS und VHF hin. Die pathophysiologischen Auswirkungen der obstruktiven und zentralen Schlafapnoe auf VHF sind unterschiedlich. Die Studien, die die Effekte einer Therapie der SBAS auf das Rezidivrisiko von VHF nach Intervention (Kardioversion oder Pulmonalvenenisolation) untersuchen, ergeben bisher kein eindeutiges Bild.

Diskussion

Bisherige Studien bestätigen multiple Interaktionen zwischen SBAS und VHF. Aufgrund widersprüchlicher Ergebnisse hinsichtlich der Effekte einer positiven Atemwegsdrucktherapie auf das Rezidivrisiko von VHF nach Interventionen sind weitere Studien nötig.
HDGlab: An Open-Source Implementation of the Hybridisable Discontinuous Galerkin Method in MATLAB
Authors: Giacomini Matteo , Sevilla Ruben , Huerta Antonio
Published: October 2020

This paper presents , an open source MATLAB implementation of the hybridisable discontinuous Galerkin (HDG) method. The main goal is to provide a detailed description of both the HDG method for elliptic problems and its implementation available in . Ultimately, this is expected to make this relatively new advanced discretisation method more accessible to the computational engineering community. presents some features not available in other implementations of the HDG method that can be found in the free domain. First, it implements high-order polynomial shape functions up to degree nine, with both equally-spaced and Fekete nodal distributions. Second, it supports curved isoparametric simplicial elements in two and three dimensions. Third, it supports non-uniform degree polynomial approximations and it provides a flexible structure to devise degree adaptivity strategies. Finally, an interface with the open-source high-order mesh generator is provided to facilitate its application to practical engineering problems.
Utility of serological biomarker’ panels for diagnostic accuracy of interstitial lung diseases
Authors: Bergantini Laura , d’Alessandro Miriana , Vietri Lucia , Rana Giuseppe Domenico , Cameli Paolo , Acerra Silvia , Sestini Piersante , Bargagli Elena
Published: October 2020

Interstitial lung diseases (ILD) are a heterogeneous group of illnesses of known and unknown aetiology. Differential diagnosis among the three disorders is often challenging. Specific biomarkers with good sensitivity and specificity are therefore needed to predict clinical outcome and guide clinical decisions. The aim of this study was to investigate inflammatory/fibrotic biomarkers, to determine whether single mediators or panels of mediators could be useful to stratify patients into three distinct domains: sarcoidosis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (cHP). A total of 163 ILD patients monitored at Siena Referral Centre for Sarcoidosis and other Interstitial Lung Diseases were enrolled in the study. Clinical data, pulmonary function tests and biochemical analytes were retrospectively collected. SAA levels were detected by ELISA kit and Krebs von den Lungen 6 (KL-6) were measured by CLEIA method, for sarcoidosis, cHP and IPF patients. Multiple comparison analysis showed significant differences in C reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell count (WBC) and creatinine levels between the three groups. In the logistic regression model, KL-6, CRP and WBC showed areas under curves (AUC) 0.86, for sarcoidosis diagnosis. The logistic regression model KL-6 and SAA showed the best performance with an AUC 0.81 for discriminating IPF than cHP and sarcoidosis. For differential diagnosis of IPF and cHP, KL-6 and SAA were considered in the logistic regression model, showed an AUC 0.79. The combination of serum biomarkers proposed here offers insights into the pathobiology of ILDs. These panels of bioindicators will improve diagnostic accuracy and will be useful in the clinical management of ILDs.