bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
N-doped reduced graphene oxide for room-temperature NO gas sensors
Authors: Chang Yu-Sung , Chen Feng-Kuan , Tsai Du-Cheng , Kuo Bing-Hau , Shieu Fuh-Sheng
Published: October 2021

In this study, we use nitrogen-doped to improving the gas-sensing properties of reduced graphene oxide. Graphene oxide was prepared according to a modified Hummers’ method and then nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide (N-rGO) was synthesized by a hydrothermal method using graphene oxide and NH4OH as precursors. The rGO is flat and smooth with a sheet-like morphology while the N-rGO exhibits folded morphology. This type of folding of the surface morphology can increase the gas sensitivity. The N-rGO and the rGO sensors showed n-type and p-type semiconducting behaviors in ambient conditions, respectively, and were responsive to low concentrations of NO gases (< 1000 ppb) at room temperature. The gas-sensing results showed that the N-rGO sensors could detect NO gas at concentrations as low as 400 ppb. The sensitivity of the N-rGO sensor to 1000 ppb NO (1.7) is much better than that of the rGO sensor (0.012). Compared with pure rGO, N-rGO exhibited a higher sensitivity and excellent reproducibility.
Evaluation of table-top lasers for routine infrared ion spectroscopy in the analytical laboratory
Authors: van Outersterp Rianne E. , Martens Jonathan , Peremans André , Lamard Laurent , Cuyckens Filip , Oomens Jos , Berden Giel
Published: October 2021

Evaluation of four table-top IR lasers for ion spectroscopy in ion trap mass spectrometers shows high rep-rate lasers offer better photodissociation efficiency and are more cost-effective and practical compared to low rep-rate or cw alternatives.
Correction: A line-broadening free real-time 31P pure shift NMR method for phosphometabolomic analysis
Authors: Kaup Karl Kristjan , Toom Lauri , Truu Laura , Miller Sten , Puurand Marju , Tepp Kersti , Käämbre Tuuli , Reile Indrek
Published: October 2021

Correction for ‘A line-broadening free real-time 31P pure shift NMR method for phosphometabolomic analysis’ by Karl Kristjan Kaup et al., Analyst, 2021, 146, 5502–5507, DOI: 10.1039/D1AN01198G.
Freezing efficiency of feldspars is affected by their history of previous freeze–thaw events
Authors: Pach Elzbieta , Verdaguer Albert
Published: October 2021

Among the different aerosol mineral particles that contribute to induce ice nucleation (IN) in the troposphere, feldspars have been identified as the most active.
Pressure-induced order–disorder transitions in β-In2S3: an experimental and theoretical study of structural and vibrational properties
Authors: Gallego-Parra Samuel , Gomis Óscar , Vilaplana Rosario , Cuenca-Gotor Vanesa Paula , Martínez-García Domingo , Rodríguez-Hernández Plácida , Muñoz Alfonso , Romero Aldo , Majumdar Arnab , Ahuja Rajeev , Popescu Catalin , Manjón Francisco Javier
Published: October 2021

This joint experimental and theoretical study of the structural and vibrational properties of β-In2S3upon compression shows that this tetragonal defect spinel undergoes two reversible pressure-induced order–disorder transitions up to 20 GPa.
Single-molecule studies reveal the distinction of strong and weak polyelectrolytes in aqueous solutions
Authors: Yu Miao , Guo Xin , Zhao Wu , Zhang Kai
Published: October 2021

Single molecule results show that the distinction of strong and weak polyelectrolytes in aqueous solutions is the binding water content of their backbone, providing a data basis for the design of new materials at the single molecular level.
K3Na(TaF7)(SiF6): a mixed-anion pentanary fluoride with zero-dimensional anions exhibiting a large band gap
Authors: Tang Ru-Ling , Lian Xin , Yao Wen-Dong , Liu Wenlong , Guo Sheng-Ping
Published: October 2021

A pentanary fluoride K3Na(TaF7)(SiF6) having a zero-dimensional anionic framework representing a new type of chemical composition and structure exhibits a large band gap and larger birefringence compared to the commercial birefringent crystal MgF2.
An iron(iii)-catalyzed dehydrogenative cross-coupling reaction of indoles with benzylamines to prepare 3-aminoindole derivatives
Authors: Chen Wei-Li , Li Kun , Liao Wei-Cong , Liang Wang-Fu , Qiu Pei-Wen , Liang Cui , Su Gui-Fa , Mo Dong-Liang
Published: October 2021

An iron(iii)-catalyzed dehydrogenative cross-coupling reaction of indoles and benzylamines was developed to prepare various substituted 3-aminoindole derivatives in good to excellent yields.
Recent advances in biomimetic surfaces inspired by creatures for fog harvesting
Authors: Xiao Yisu , Guo Zhiguang
Published: October 2021

In this review, the recent advances in artificial surfaces for fog harvesting are introduced with emphasis on the surfaces and their mechanisms used to enhance water capture and transportation, providing prospects for coping with water shortages.
C5H2N14O6: achieving azido-based materials with zero oxygen balance and good energetic performance
Authors: Lang Qing , Wang Qian , Lin Qiuhan , Xu Yuangang , Lu Ming
Published: October 2021

Through introducing nitro groups, a high-nitrogen–oxygen compound (4) was prepared. The OBco of compound 4 was improved to the value of zero, and it also exhibits good detonation performance (9018 m s−1 and 34.5 GPa).
Proteomic analysis of dietary restriction in yeast reveals a role for Hsp26 in replicative lifespan extension
Authors: Campion Richard , Bloxam Leanne , Burrow Kimberley , Brownridge Philip J. , Pentland Daniel R. , Thomas Patricia , Gourlay Campbell W. , Eyers Claire E. , Barclay Jeff W. , Morgan Alan
Published: October 2021

Dietary restriction (DR) has been shown to increase lifespan in organisms ranging from yeast to mammals. This suggests that the underlying mechanisms may be evolutionarily conserved. Indeed, upstream signalling pathways, such as TOR, are strongly linked to DR-induced longevity in various organisms. However, the downstream effector proteins that ultimately mediate lifespan extension are less clear. To shed light on this, we used a proteomic approach on budding yeast. Our reasoning was that analysis of proteome-wide changes in response to DR might enable the identification of proteins that mediate its physiological effects, including replicative lifespan extension. Of over 2500 proteins we identified by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, 183 were significantly altered in expression by at least 3-fold in response to DR. Most of these proteins were mitochondrial and/or had clear links to respiration and metabolism. Indeed, direct analysis of oxygen consumption confirmed that mitochondrial respiration was increased several-fold in response to DR. In addition, several key proteins involved in mating, including Ste2 and Ste6, were down-regulated by DR. Consistent with this, shmoo formation in response to α-factor pheromone was reduced by DR, thus confirming the inhibitory effect of DR on yeast mating. Finally, we found that Hsp26, a member of the conserved small heat shock protein (sHSP) family, was up-regulated by DR and that overexpression of Hsp26 extended yeast replicative lifespan. As overexpression of sHSPs in Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila has previously been shown to extend lifespan, our data on yeast Hsp26 suggest that sHSPs may be universally conserved effectors of longevity.
Identifying key regulators of the intestinal stem cell niche
Authors: Duckworth Carrie A.
Published: October 2021

The intestinal tract is lined by a single layer of epithelium that is one of the fastest regenerating tissues in the body and which therefore requires a very active and exquisitely controlled stem cell population. Rapid renewal of the epithelium is necessary to provide a continuous physical barrier from the intestinal luminal microenvironment that contains abundant microorganisms, whilst also ensuring an efficient surface for the absorption of dietary components. Specialised epithelial cell populations are important for the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis and are derived from adult intestinal stem cells (ISCs). Actively cycling ISCs divide by a neutral drift mechanism yielding either ISCs or transit-amplifying epithelial cells, the latter of which differentiate to become either absorptive lineages or to produce secretory factors that contribute further to intestinal barrier maintenance or signal to other cellular compartments. The mechanisms controlling ISC abundance, longevity and activity are regulated by several different cell populations and signalling pathways in the intestinal lamina propria which together form the ISC niche. However, the complexity of the ISC niche and communication mechanisms between its different components are only now starting to be unravelled with the assistance of intestinal organoid/enteroid/colonoid and single-cell imaging and sequencing technologies. This review explores the interaction between well-established and emerging ISC niche components, their impact on the intestinal epithelium in health and in the context of intestinal injury and highlights future directions and implications for this rapidly developing field.
Blockchain‐based indoor location paging and answering service with truncated‐geo‐indistinguishability
Authors: Yang Changxin , Ju Xuan , Liu Erwu , Geng Yuanzhe , Wang Rui
Published: October 2021

Indoor location‐based services have numerous applications built on indoor navigation. Over the years, researchers have proposed various indoor navigation methods to find a certain point of interest. This paper proposes location paging and answering service (LPAS) for finding out someone in an indoor environment . However, it may face serious problems of privacy disclosure of the clients' indoor location data . To ensure security, privacy and convenience, the authors leverage blockchain to model the indoor environment, and build blockchain‐based indoor LPAS (BILPAS) on blockchain by embedding our three‐way‐handshake Diffie–Hellman Key Agreement procedures. Our BILPAS can automatically establish a secure and privacy communication tunnel between any two users, thus greatly liberating participants from unnecessary self‐determining interactions . On the premise that the certain person can also be found, the authors introduce Truncated‐Geo‐Indistinguishability (TGeoI) to perturb the actual location within a limited, valid, user‐defined distance, thereby allowing users to obtain reasonable location privacy. The authors have put a strong emphasis in the formal treatment of the reasonable privacy guarantees, giving a rigorous definition of TGeoI and providing a comparison with Geo‐Indistinguishability that the authors' method satisfies such property. Then, the authors present the BILPAS prototype and implement it on Hyperledger Fabric. Finally, the authors conduct the security and privacy analysis and evaluate the time performance. The experiment results validate the reasonable privacy, high security and convenience of the authors' framework.
Joint design of the discrete phase transmit sequence and receive filter in radar systems
Authors: Pishrow Mohammad Mehdi , Abouei Jamshid
Published: October 2021

In this study, the joint design of discrete phase transmit sequences and receive filters with the low peak sidelobe level and integrated sidelobe level in radar systems is considered. The problem is formulated as a minimisation of the peak (integrated) sidelobe level, forcing a unimodular discrete phase constraint at the design stage. To deal with the resulting non‐convex and in general the NP‐hard optimisation problem, an iterative method based on the alternate optimisation approach is proposed. Each iteration of the proposed method involves a non‐convex min–max problem to be solved. In addition, a sequential rank‐one constraint relaxation framework is proposed to initialise the procedure, each iteration of which requires the solution of a convex problem. Simulation results show that using the proposed framework for jointly finding transmit sequences and receive filters leads to a better peak sidelobe ratio and integrated sidelobe ratio for discrete phase sequences than the optimal mismatched filters design approach.
Multiscale views of an Alfvénic slow solar wind: 3D velocity distribution functions observed by the Proton-Alpha Sensor of Solar Orbiter
Authors: Louarn P. , Fedorov A. , Prech L. , Owen C. J. , Bruno R. , Livi S. , Lavraud B. , Rouillard A. P. , Génot V. , André N. , Fruit G. , Réville V. , Kieokaew R. , Plotnikov I. , Penou E. , Barthe A. , Khataria D. , Berthomier M. , D’Amicis R. , Sorriso-Valvo L. , Allegrini F. , Raines J. , Verscharen D. , Fortunato V. , Mele G. , Horbury T. S. , O’brien H. , Evans V. , Angelini V. , Maksimovic M. , Kasper J. C. , Bale S. D.
Published: October 2021

Context.The Alfvénic slow solar wind is of particular interest, as it is often characterized by intense magnetic turbulence, complex proton 3D velocity distribution functions (VDF), and an ensuing richness of kinetic and dynamic processes.

Aims.We take advantage of the fast time cadence of measurements taken by the Proton-Alpha Sensor (PAS) on board Solar Orbiter to analyze the kinetic properties of the proton population, the variability of their VDFs, and the possible link with propagating magnetic structures. We also study the magnetic (B) and velocity (V) correlation that characterizes this type of wind down to the ion gyroperiod.

Methods.We analyzed the VDFs measured by PAS, a novelty that take advantages of the capability of 3D measurements at a 4 Hz cadence. In addition, we considered MAG observations.

Results.We first show that there is a remarkable correlation between theBandVcomponents observed down to timescales approaching the ion gyrofrequency. This concerns a wide variety of fluctuations, such as waves, isolated peaks, and discontinuities. The great variability of the proton VDFs is also documented. The juxtaposition of a core and a field-aligned beam is the norm but the relative density of the beam, drift speed, and temperatures can considerably change on scales as short as as a few seconds. The characteristics of the core are comparatively more stable. These variations in the beam characteristics mostly explain the variations in the total parallel temperature and, therefore, in the total anisotropy of the proton VDFs. Two magnetic structures that are associated with significant changes in the shape of VDFs, one corresponding to relaxation of total anisotropy and the other to its strong increase, are analyzed here. Our statistical analysis shows a clear link between total anisotropy (and, thus, beam characteristics) and the direction ofBwith respect to the Parker spiral. In the present case, flux tubes aligned with Parker spiral contain an average proton VDF with a much more developed beam (thus, with larger total anisotropy) than those that are inclined, perpendicular, or even reverse with regard to the outward direction.

Conclusions.These observations document the variability of the proton VDF shape in relation to the propagation of magnetic structures. This is a key area of interest for understanding of the effect of turbulence on solar wind dynamics.
Impfen – ja oder nein? Wodurch wird die Impfentscheidung von Hundehaltern beeinflusst?
Authors: Schwedinger Elke , Kuhne Franziska , Moritz Andreas
Published: October 2021

Gegenstand und Ziel Hunde sind im Leben vieler Menschen wichtige Partner. Diese hohe Priorität führt zu differenzierten Überlegungen hinsichtlich der Gesundheitsvorsorge des Tieres auch im Hinblick auf Impfungen. In dieser Studie wurden Gründe für die Impfentscheidung von Besitzern privat gehaltener Hunde und Züchtern sowie mögliche Einflussfaktoren analysiert und mit den Angaben der teilnehmenden Tierärzte verglichen.

Material und Methoden Insgesamt nahmen 1480 Besitzer privat gehaltener Hunde, 349 Züchter und 365 Tierärzte an dieser mit der Umfragesoftware LimeSurvey ausschließlich online durchgeführten Befragung teil. Absolute und prozentuale Häufigkeiten, Mittelwerte und Standardabweichungen wurden anhand der Angaben der Hundehalter und Tierärzte analysiert. Der Vergleich der Änderung des Impfverhaltens zwischen Besitzern privat gehaltener Hunde und Züchtern erfolgte mit einem Mann-Whitney-Test.

Ergebnisse Insgesamt 98 % der Studienteilnehmer stuften ihren Hund als Familienmitglied ein. Die Auswertung der angegebenen Impfgründe ergab, dass Ängste und Verantwortungsgefühle für Hundehalter eine größere Rolle spielen als äußere Umstände. Aus Sicht der teilnehmenden Tierärzte haben jedoch finanzielle Aspekte und Vorgaben durch Dritte wie Hundeschulen oder -pensionen einen stärkeren Einfluss auf die Impfentscheidung, als es die Hundehalter angaben.

Schlussfolgerung und klinische Relevanz Die Auswertung der Impfmotive von Hundehaltern ist den Angaben elterlicher Impfentscheidungen sehr ähnlich. Der Vergleich zwischen Aussagen der befragten Tierärzte und Angaben der Hundehalter zeigt einen deutlichen Kommunikations- und Aufklärungsbedarf für Impfungen in der tierärztlichen Praxis. Bereits etablierte Strategien aus der Humanmedizin können für diesen Zweck auch in der tierärztlichen Praxis zur Anwendung kommen und sollten zukünftig für die Veterinärmedizin entwickelt werden.
Return to Sport nach Handgelenkverletzungen
Authors: Oberhofer Ralf
Published: October 2021

Nach einer Sportverletzung am Handgelenk ist ein frühzeitiges und
gezieltes therapeutisches Handeln gefragt. Propriozeptive und
sportspezifische Trainingsformen unterstützen den
Rehabilitationsverlauf. Das Ziel ist eine erfolgreiche Rückkehr zum
Sport bis hin zur Wettkampfbelastung. Erfahren Sie, wie ein progressiver
Belastungsaufbau bei leichten und mittelschweren Verletzungen des
Handgelenks aussehen kann.
Der Einsatz der immunonkologischen Therapie beim hepatozellulären Karzinom im Kontext der Lebertransplantation
Eine interdisziplinäre Risiko-Nutzen-Abwägung
Authors: Vogel Arndt , Sterneck Martina , Vondran Florian , Waidmann Oliver , Klein Ingo , Lindig Udo , Nadalin Silvio , Settmacher Utz , Tacke Frank , Schlitt Hans Jürgen , Wege Henning
Published: October 2021

Hintergrund Für das fortgeschrittene hepatozelluläre Karzinom steht uns seit Kurzem ein deutlich erweitertes Spektrum an systemischen Therapieoptionen zur Verfügung. Insbesondere mit den immunonkologischen Kombinationstherapien können mittlerweile beeindruckende Ansprechraten und ein deutlich verlängertes Überleben bei insgesamt guter Verträglichkeit erreicht werden. Dabei werden diese Immun-Onkologie (IO)-basierten Kombinationen nicht nur zur Therapie des fortgeschrittenen HCC geprüft, sondern zunehmend auch in früheren Stadien im Sinne von periinterventionellen Therapiekonzepten und auch zum down-sizing zu lokalen Therapien. Im Kontext der Lebertransplantation (LTx) muss allerdings eine besonders kritische Nutzen-Risiko-Abwägung vor Einsatz von Immuntherapeutika im Rahmen multimodaler Konzepte erfolgen, da durch die Immuntherapie das Risiko einer potenziell letalen Abstoßung signifikant gesteigert werden kann.

Methode Diese Übersichtsarbeit basiert auf einer selektiven Literaturrecherche, die zwischen Dezember 2020 und April 2021 in den Datenbanken PubMed und Cochrane Library durchgeführt wurde. Leitlinien, Expertenmeinungen und Empfehlungen von Fachgesellschaften wurden besonders berücksichtigt.

Ergebnisse Fast jede fünfte LTx in Deutschland erfolgt aufgrund eines HCC (DSO Jahresbericht 2019). Die LTx ist dabei eine kurative Therapieoption nicht nur für die zugrunde liegende Lebererkrankung, sondern auch für den malignen Tumor. Einzelfallbeschreibungen weisen darauf hin, dass auch eine IO-Therapie vor einer LTx das Risiko einer Abstoßung bzw. eines Leberversagens bei einer nachfolgenden LTx erhöhen kann. Seit ca. 2015 werden Immuntherapeutika vielfach auch zur Tumortherapie bei Patienten nach einer LTx eingesetzt. In kleinen Fallserien wurden dabei Abstoßungsraten von 36%, die mit einer abstoßungsbedingten Mortalität von 20% der behandelten Patienten einhergingen, beschrieben. Eine ähnliche Inzidenz von Abstoßungsreaktionen wurde auch nach dem Einsatz von Immuntherapeutika bei Patienten nach anderen Organtransplantationen beschrieben.

Schlussfolgerung Im Zusammenhang mit einer Organtransplantation besteht durch eine IO-Therapie das Risiko einer Transplantatabstoßung, welches zum Verlust des Transplantates und auch zum Tod des Patienten führen kann. Unter Abwägung der oben dargelegten Überlegungen kann aber nach unserer sorgfältigen Nutzen-Risiko-Abwägung aus heutiger Sicht ein Einsatz einer IO-basierten Therapie im Kontext der Organtransplantation erfolgen.
The Risk of Perinatal Mortality in Nulliparous Women Compared to Primiparous Women at Term
Authors: Devabhaktuni Anuradha , Pilliod Rachel A. , Caughey Aaron B. , Valent Amy M.
Published: October 2021

Objective The aim of this study was to determine the rate of perinatal mortality among nulliparous women compared with primiparous women at term and further characterize the risk of stillbirth by each week of gestation.

Study Design This is a retrospective cohort study of all term, singleton, nonanomalous births comparing perinatal mortality (stillbirth and neonatal death [NND]) between primiparous (parity = 1, with no history of abortion) and nulliparous (parity = 0) women who delivered in California between 2007 and 2011. Chi-squared tests and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the frequencies and strength of association of perinatal mortality with parity, adjusting for maternal age, race, body mass index, pregestational diabetes, chronic hypertension, fetal sex, smoking status, and socioeconomic status. The risk of stillbirth at each gestational age at term was calculated using a pregnancies-at-risk life table method. A p-value less than 0.05 was used to indicate statistical significance.

Results Of 1,317,761 total deliveries, 765,995 (58.1%) were to nulliparous women and 551,766 (41.9%) were to primiparous women with one prior birth. Nulliparous women had increased odds of stillbirth (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.30; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.93–3.72) and NND (aOR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.19–1.98) compared with primiparous women. The risk of stillbirth in nulliparous women was greater at every gestational age between 370/7 and 410/7 weeks compared with primiparous women. Nulliparous women also had increased odds of small for gestational age infants at less than 10% birth weight (aOR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.72–1.79), less than 5% birth weight (aOR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.86–1.98), and less than 3% birth weight (aOR, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.93–2.11).

Conclusion Perinatal mortality is significantly greater in nulliparous women compared with primiparous women with term deliveries. These findings suggest that low-risk nulliparous women may require increased surveillance. There may be a role in improving maternal health by maximizing physiologic adaptation in nulliparous women.

Key Points
Ampicillin Pharmacokinetics in Peripartum and Laboring Women
Authors: Judy Amy E. , Frymoyer Adam , Ansari Jessica , Drover David R. , Carvalho Brendan
Published: October 2021

Objective Ampicillin is used for multiple peripartum indications including prevention of neonatal group B streptococcus (GBS) and treatment of chorioamnionitis. Despite its widespread use in obstetrics, existing pharmacokinetic data for ampicillin do not address contemporary indications or dosing paradigms for this population. We sought to characterize the pharmacokinetic profile of ampicillin administered to laboring women.

Study Design Using whole blood dried blood spot sampling technique, maternal blood samples were collected at specified times from 31 women receiving intravenous (IV) ampicillin for peripartum indications. Women received either a 2-g loading dose with 1-g administered every 4 hours (GBS) or 2-g every 6 hours (chorioamnionitis). Pharmacokinetics were analyzed via a population approach with nonlinear mixed-effect modeling.

Results The data were best described by a two-compartment model with first-order elimination, with the following whole blood parameters: central volume of distribution (V1), 75.2 L (95% confidence interval [CI]: 56.3–93.6); clearance (CL), 82.4 L/h (95% CI: 59.7–95.7); intercompartmental clearance (Q), 20.9 L/h (95% CI: 16.2–38.2); and peripheral volume of distribution (V2), 61.1 L (95% CI: 26.1–310.5). Interpatient variation in CL and V1 was large (42.0 and 56.7%, respectively). Simulations of standard dosing strategies demonstrated over 98% of women are predicted to achieve an estimated free plasma concentration above mean inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.5 μg/mL for more than 50% of the dosing interval.

Conclusion Although large variation in the pharmacokinetics of ampicillin in pregnant women exists, as predicted by our model, current standard dosing strategies achieve adequate exposure for GBS in nearly all patients.

Key Points
Triazole-Extended Anthracenes as Optical Force Probes
Authors: Göstl Robert , Baumann Christoph
Published: October 2021

Optical force probes (OFPs) are force-responsive molecules that report on mechanically induced transformations by the alteration of their optical properties. Yet, their modular design and incorporation into polymer architectures at desired positions is challenging. Here we report triazole-extended anthracene OFPs that combine two modular ‘click’ reactions in their synthesis potentially allowing their incorporation at desirable positions in complex polymer materials. Importantly, these retain the excellent optical properties of their parent 9-π-extended anthracene OFP counterparts.
Generalizability of Homeopathic Prognostic Factor Research Outcome in COVID-19 Treatment: Comparison of Data
Authors: Rutten Lex , Miglani Anjali , Gold Peter , Manchanda Raj Kumar , Chakraborty Moumita , Meena Baljeet Singh , Sharma Kavita , Gupta Meeta , Sharma Brender , Sharma Ashok , Rani Purnima , Singh Rahul Kumar
Published: October 2021

Background/Objective During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, several homeopathic prognostic factor research (PFR) projects have been undertaken. We found two projects with comparable outcomes to assess consistency and possible flaws.

Methods Two comparisons were made. (1) Outcome of a PFR data collection from the Liga Medicorum Homoeopathica Internationalis (LMHI) by about 100 doctors with 541 cases was compared with a previous analysis of 161 cases in the same database. (2) The updated LMHI database was also compared with a data collection carried out in India by four doctors with a total of 1,445 cases. Differences that resulted in conflicting outcomes (indication in one, contraindication in the other) were examined for possible causes.

Results There was only a single outcome in the updated LMHI database that conflicted with the previous dataset, and this could have been due to statistical variation. The Indian data contained many cases, from few doctors, while the LMHI database had few cases per doctor, but many doctors. The overlap between the projects (individual cases entered in both) was between zero and 22%. In 72 comparisons we found six (8.3%) conflicting outcomes. Possible causes were statistical error due to small numbers of cases and/or observers, confirmation bias, and keynote prescribing if this resulted in symptoms being inadequately checked.

Conclusion There was little conflict between the outcomes of the two versions of one project and between the two different PFR projects. Differences could mostly be explained by causes that can be managed. This consistency should primarily be interpreted as showing a strong overall consensus between homeopathic practitioners worldwide, but with variation of consensus between small groups of practitioners.
Exposed Implant after Immediate Breast Reconstruction – Presentation and Analysis of a Clinical Management Protocol
Authors: Hassan Rafael Amin Menezes , Urban Cícero de Andrade , Dória Maíra Teixeira , Spautz Cleverton Cesar , Rabinovich Iris , Anselmi Karina Furlan , Schunemann Jr Eduardo , Kuroda Flávia , Sobreiro Bernardo Passos , Lima Rubens Silveira de
Published: October 2021

Objective Infection and exposure of the implant are some of the most common and concerning complications after implant-based breast reconstruction. Currently, there is no consensus on the management of these complications. The aim of the present study was to review our cases and to present a clinical protocol.

Methods We conducted a retrospective review of consecutive patients submitted to implant-based breast reconstruction between 2014 and 2016. All patients were managed according to a specific and structured protocol.

Results Implant exposure occurred in 33 out of 277 (11.9%) implant-based reconstructions. Among these, two patients had history of radiotherapy and had their implant removed; Delayed reconstruction with a myocutaneous flap was performed in both cases. Signs of severe local infection were observed in 12 patients, and another 5 presented with extensive tissue necrosis, and they were all submitted to implant removal; of them, 8 underwent reconstruction with a tissue expander, and 2, with a myocutaneous flap. The remaining 14 patients had no signs of severe infection, previous irradiation or extensive tissue necrosis, and were submitted to primary suture as an attempt to salvage the implant. Of these, 8 cases (57.1%) managed to keep the original implant.

Conclusion Our clinical protocol is based on three key points: history of radiotherapy, severe infection, and extensive tissue necrosis. It is a practical and potentially-reproducible method of managing one of the most common complications of implant-based breast reconstruction.
Compensatory Changes in Ground Reaction Forces in Small and Large Breed Dogs with Unilateral Hindlimb Lameness in Comparison to Healthy Dogs
Authors: Wagmeister Patrick , Steigmeier-Raith Stephanie , Reese Sven , Meyer-Lindenberg Andrea
Published: October 2021

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate whether small- to medium-sized dogs with a naturally occurring unilateral hindlimb lameness show the same compensatory changes in ground reaction forces as large-breed dogs and how the changes are displayed compared with healthy small- to medium-sized dogs.

Study Design Small- to medium-sized dogs (n = 15) and large-breed dogs (n = 16) with unilateral rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament were examined. The kinetic parameters peak vertical force and vertical impulse of the two groups were compared with each other and compared with healthy Beagles (n = 15) and with healthy Labrador Retrievers (n = 17), respectively.

Results The healthy Beagle group showed a significantly higher weight loading on the forelimbs compared with the healthy Labrador group. The affected groups in comparison with the corresponding healthy groups showed a higher load on the non-affected body half and a significant lower weight bearing on the affected limb. Comparing the two affected groups, no significant difference could be found.

Conclusion Despite a substantially different initial situation regarding weight distribution of the examined small- to medium-sized dogs and large dogs, a unilateral hindlimb lameness leads to the same compensatory changes (cranial and lateral shift of the body mass centre).
Association between Endogenous Sex Hormones and Coronary Artery Disease in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Khanna Roopali , Bansal Avinash , Kumar Sudeep , Garg Naveen , Tewari Satyendra , Kapoor Aditya , Goel Pravin K.
Published: October 2021

Background Incidence of coronary artery disease (CAD) increases significantly in postmenopausal women, which is assumed to be an imbalance between serum androgen and estrogen levels. However, studies assessing serum sex hormones and CAD are few and have shown conflicting results.

Objective To compare serum sex hormone levels and traditional risk factors among postmenopausal women with angiographically proven CAD and without CAD.

Method The study included consecutive postmenopausal women undergoing coronary angiography in our institute from May 2016 to June 2017. The clinical and coronary angiographic data and traditional risk factors were assessed. Fasting serum levels of estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), and insulin were measured.

Results A total of 121 postmenopausal women were included in the study; 69 were CAD and 52 without CAD. Single-vessel disease was most common (55.1%), followed by double-vessel disease (24.6%) and triple-vessel disease (20.3%). Women with CAD had significantly lower estradiol/testosterone (E2/T) ratio (3.7 ± 2.6 vs. 5.4 ± 4.2,p = 0.008) compared with non-CAD group. SHBG, DHEA-S, and insulin levels were similar in CAD and non-CAD groups. The serum level of estradiol predicted the E2/T ratio (r = 0.316,p < 0.001) and positively associated with DHEA (r = 0.181,p = 0.047). Testosterone was negatively associated with E2/T ratio (r = – 0.682,p < 0.001). There was no significant correlation of estrogen, testosterone, or E2/T ratio to lipid profile (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL) in women with CAD.

Conclusion E2/T ratio was significantly lowered in postmenopausal women with CAD. E2/T ratio may be a used a predictor of CAD in postmenopausal women
Implementing an Application Programming Interface for PROMIS Measures at Three Medical Centers
Authors: Bass Michael , Oncken Christian , McIntyre Allison W. , Dasilva Chris , Spuhl Joshua , Rothrock Nan E.
Published: October 2021

Background There is an increasing body of literature advocating for the collection of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in clinical care. Unfortunately, there are many barriers to integrating PRO measures, particularly computer adaptive tests (CATs), within electronic health records (EHRs), thereby limiting access to advances in PRO measures in clinical care settings.

Objective To address this obstacle, we created and evaluated a software integration of an Application Programming Interface (API) service for administering and scoring Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) measures with the EHR system.

Methods We created a RESTful API and evaluated the technical feasibility and impact on clinical workflow at three academic medical centers.

Results Collaborative teams (i.e., clinical, information technology [IT] and administrative staff) performed these integration efforts addressing issues such as software integration as well as impact on clinical workflow. All centers considered their implementation successful based on the high rate of completed PROMIS assessments (between January 2016 and January 2021) and minimal workflow disruptions.

Conclusion These case studies demonstrate not only the feasibility but also the pathway for the integration of PROMIS CATs into the EHR and routine clinical care. All sites utilized diverse teams with support and commitment from institutional leadership, initial implementation in a single clinic, a process for monitoring and optimization, and use of custom software to minimize staff burden and error.
Accelerated interfacial charge transfer in Br-gradient MAPbI3-xBrx perovskite thin films
Authors: Xiao Ye-jun , Liu Jun-xue , Leng Jing , Wu Bo-ning , Jin Shengye
Published: October 2021

Mixed halide perovskites (MHPs) are a class of semiconductor materials with great promise for many optoelectronic applications due to their outstanding photophysical properties. Understanding and tailoring the photogenerated carrier dynamics is essential for further improvement of perovskite performance. Herein, we report a study about the carrier transport and interfacial charge transfer dynamics in Br-gradient MAPbI3-xBrx perovskite thin films prepared by surface ion-exchange method. Driven by the bandgap gradient in MAPbI3-xBrx films, the accelerated internal hole transport and enhanced interfacial extraction efficiency were both observed. Meanwhile, the interfacial electron transfer was also found to be evidently facilitated due to the surface modification during post-treatment. Our findings suggest the possibility of simultaneous acceleration of interfacial electron and hole transfer processes in halide perovskite films via surface post-treatment technique, which is of great importance in further improving the power conversion efficiency of perovskite solar cells.
Inhomogeneous coupled non-linear Schrödinger systems
Authors: Saanouni Tarek , Ghanmi Radhia
Published: October 2021

This work studies an inhomogeneous Schrödinger coupled system in the mass-super-critical and energy-sub-critical regimes. In the focusing sign, a sharp dichotomy of global existence and scattering vs finite time blow-up of solutions is obtained using some variational methods, a sharp Gagliardo–Nirenberg-type inequality, and a new approach of Dodson and Murphy [Proc. Am. Math. Soc. 145(11), 4859–4867 (2017)]. In the defocusing sign, using a classical Morawetz estimate, the scattering of global solutions in the energy space is proved.
Experimental observation of transverse spin of plasmon polaritons in a single crystalline silver nanowire
Authors: Taneja Chetna , Paul Diptabrata , Pavan Kumar G. V.
Published: October 2021

We report an experimental observation of the transverse spin and associated spin-momentum locking of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) excited in a plasmonic single crystalline silver nanowire (AgNW). In contrast to the SPPs excited in metal films, the electromagnetic field components of the evanescent SPP mode propagating along the long axis (x axis) of the NW can decay along two longitudinal planes (x–y and x–z planes), resulting in two orthogonal transverse spin components (sz and sy). Analysis of the opposite circular polarization components of the decaying SPP mode signal in the longitudinal plane (x–y) reveals spin dependent biasing of the signal and, hence, the existence of transverse spin component (sz). The corresponding transverse spin density (s3) in the Fourier plane reveals spin-momentum locking, where the helicity of the spin is dictated by the wave-vector components of the SPP evanescent wave. Furthermore, the results are corroborated with three-dimensional numerical calculations. The presented results showcase that how a chemically prepared plasmonic AgNW can be harnessed to study optical spins in evanescent waves and can be extrapolated to explore sub-wavelength effects, including directional spin coupling and optical nano-manipulation.
Experimental implementation of tunable hybrid Tamm-microcavity modes
Authors: Pankin P. S. , Sutormin V. S. , Gunyakov V. A. , Zelenov F. V. , Tambasov I. A. , Masyugin A. N. , Volochaev M. N. , Baron F. A. , Chen K. P. , Zyryanov V. Ya. , Vetrov S. Ya. , Timofeev I. V.
Published: October 2021

Mode hybridization is a unique way to manipulate the mode inside a fixed cavity or at interface. For example, Tamm plasmon-polariton at solid interface can be spectrally shifted without tuning the interface. Experimental implementation of tunable hybrid Tamm-microcavity modes is reported. The hybrid modes are excited in a one-dimensional photonic crystal bounded with a gold layer by attaching a nematic liquid crystal microcavity. Coupling between Tamm plasmon-polariton and microcavity modes leads to repulsion of their dispersion curves controlled by the refractive index of a liquid crystal and the polarization of incident light. Effective tuning of hybrid modes through heating or applying an external electric field to the liquid crystal layer is demonstrated. The experimentally measured strength coupling value between Tamm and microcavity modes was 20.7 meV.
Delineating genetic management units of sambar deer (
Authors: Davies Christopher , Wright Wendy , Wedrowicz Faye , Pacioni Carlo , Hogan Fiona E.
Published: October 2021

Abstract Context Invasive species are major drivers of biodiversity loss, requiring management to reduce their ecological impacts. Population genetics can be applied to delineate management units, providing information that can help plan and improve control strategies. Aim The present study aims to use a genetic approach to test the existence of three previously proposed sambar deer populations in south-eastern Australia. In doing so, the study aims to delineate management units of sambar deer in south-eastern Australia. Methods Sambar deer DNA was sourced opportunistically from tissue samples and targeted scat collection. Samples were collected from three areas in Victoria, south-eastern Australia: Mt Cole (MC), French Island (FI) and eastern Victoria (EV). Contemporary population structure was assessed using a suite of 11 polymorphic microsatellite markers. The number of maternal sambar deer lineages in south-eastern Australia was investigated through sequencing of the mitochondrial (mt)DNA control region. Key results Three distinct genetic clusters were identified. Differentiation among inferred clusters was found to be high, with FST ranging from 0.24 between EV and FI clusters and 0.48 between MC and FI clusters. Two mtDNA haplotypes were identified; R.u1 was found throughout EV and FI, and R.u2 was unique to MC. DNA isolated from scats provided reliable data and proved critical for sampling areas where hunting and culling of deer are not generally undertaken. Conclusions Three genetically distinct sambar deer management units in south-eastern Australia are defined – MC, FI and EV. Sambar deer control strategies should be applied to each management unit independently. This may be difficult or infeasible for the EV management unit, which is large and geographically complex. Further research may help identify additional fine-scale genetic structure in EV, allowing smaller, more practicable management units to be identified. Implications Genetic data can be used to identify management units for invasive species, which will be critical for the development of future management strategies and improving control operations. The approach outlined here could also be applied to improve the management of other introduced deer species in south-eastern Australia.
Auditory manifestations in HIV-infected children at a state hospital in South Africa
Authors: Phanguphangu Mukovhe , Ross Andrew John
Published: October 2021

Objective

To determine the prevalence and risk factors for developing ear disease and hearing loss (HL) in children living with HIV/AIDS (CLWHA).

Methods

This was a cross-sectional survey where participants underwent an otoscopic examination and an otoacoustic emissions screening (<6-years-old) or smartphone-based pure tone audiometry (>6-years-old) test. Prevalence data were analyzed using descriptive statistics while multivariate logistic regression identified the risk factors for developing ear disease/HL.

Results

Forty-one participants aged 3–12-years-old (22 males and 19 females) took part in this study. Twenty participants (48.7%) presented with ear disease including otitis media (n = 9, 22%), cerumen impaction (n = 10, 23%), and tympanic membrane perforation (n = 1, 2.4%). HL was observed in 13 participants (32%). Lower CD4 count, longer duration of HIV infection, shorter duration on ART treatment, and concomitant tuberculosis (TB) infection were (p < .05) all associated with ear diseases.

Conclusion

A high prevalence of ear disease and HL was found in CLWHA, which indicated the need for ear and hearing screening to be incorporated into 3-monthly consultations with CLWHA; to enable early detection and intervention and prevent the associated negative impacts. A multidisciplinary team approach to the management of CLWHA, specifically the inclusion of audiologists, and the use of mHealth in resource-constrained settings is highly recommended.
The staying power of hematopoietic stem cells
Authors: Dustin Michael L.
Published: October 2021

Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) use specialized adhesive structures referred to as magnupodium to stay in hematopoietic niches. Bessey et al. (2021. J. Cell Biol.https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.202005085) define new characteristics of the magnupodium, including centriole polarization and the necessary and sufficient role of CXCR4 signaling.
The Potsdam Open Source Radio Interferometry Tool (PORT)
Authors: Schuh H. , Heinkelmann R. , Beyerle G. , Anderson J. M. , Balidakis K. , Belda S. , Dhar S. , Glaser S. , Jenie O. S. , Karbon M. , Kitpracha C. , Küreç Nehbit P. , Liu L. , Lunz S. , Mammadaliyev N. , Modiri S. , Nilsson T. J. , Raut S. , Soja B. , Wang J. , Xu M. H.
Published: October 2021

The Potsdam Open Source Radio Interferometry Tool (PORT) is the very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) analysis software developed and maintained at the GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences. Chiefly, PORT is tasked with the timely processing of VLBI sessions and post-processing activities supporting the generation of celestial and terrestrial reference frames. In addition, it serves as a framework for research and development within the GFZ’s VLBI working group and is part of the tool set employed in educating young researchers. Starting out from VLBI group delays, PORT estimates station and radio sources positions, as well as Earth orientation parameters, tropospheric parameters, and station clock offsets and drifts. The estimation procedures take into account all the necessary data analysis models that were agreed on for contributing to the ITRF2020 processing activities. The PORT code base is implemented in the MATLAB
® and Python programming languages. It is licensed under the terms of the GNU General Public License and available for download at GFZ’s Git server https://git.gfz-potsdam.de/vlbi-data-analysis/port.
Design of novel functionalized collagen-chitosan-MBG scaffolds for enhancing osteoblast differentiation in BMSCs
Authors: Gao Kai , Wang Xiaoyan , Wang Zhonghua , He Lijiao , Lin Jiayu , Bai Zhenzu , Jiang Kai , Huang Shan , Zheng Weijia , Liu Long
Published: October 2021

Collagen and chitosan are two different kinds of natural biodegradable polymers commonly used in the regeneration of bone defects. Mesoporous bioactive glass (MBG) is a type of favorable bone filler which can effectively constitute an enlarged microenvironment to facilitate an exchange of important factors between the cells and scaffolds. Here we prepared a collagen-chitosan-MBG (C-C-MBG) scaffold which displayed significantly increased proliferation, differentiation and mineralization in bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Additionally, we found that the scaffold can stimulate extra-cellular signal regulated kinase 1/2 (Erk1/2) activated Runx2 pathway, which is the predominant signaling pathway involved in osteoblast differentiation. Consistently, we observed that the scaffold can markedly enhance the expression of Type I collagen, Osteopontin (Opn), and Runx2, which are important osteoblastic marker genes implicated in the process of osteoblast differentiation. Therefore, we conclude that the composite scaffold can significantly promote the differentiation of BMSCs into osteoblasts by activating Erk1/2-Runx2 pathway. Our finding thereby implies that the C-C-MBG scaffold can possibly act as a potential biomaterial in the bone regeneration.