bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anesthetic Management for Awake Tubeless Suspension Microlaryngoscopy
Authors: Selim Jean , Maquet Charles , Djerada Zoubir , Besnier Emmanuel , Compère Vincent , Crampon Frédéric , Clavier Thomas , Marie Jean‐Paul
Published: April 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

Patients' eligibility for bilateral selective laryngeal reinnervation surgery is evaluated by suspension microlaryngoscopy (SML) examination with laryngeal electromyography (LEMG). Maintaining spontaneous ventilation, with remifentanil sedation/analgesia without endotracheal tube, to allow the patient to phonate with the surgeon during awake, LEMG is a major challenge for the anesthesiologist and the otorhinololaryngologist. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel anesthesia protocol to manage airway access during awake tubeless SML.

Study Design

Retrospective study.

Methods

Anesthesia records of patients undergoing awake SML with LEMG were retrospectively analyzed. Procedures were performed with remifentanil sedation/analgesia with targeted controlled infusion (TCI) in combination with local anesthesia. The main outcome was the failure rate of the anesthesia protocol during the procedure. Secondary outcomes were as follows: rate of apnea requiring ventilation, airway bleeding, regurgitation, hemodynamic data as well as vasopressor use, complications, and surgeon satisfaction with the procedure.

Results

Data were obtained for 39 patients between November 2017 and September 2019, the mean age was 52 years and 29 (74%) were female. All procedures were completed without complications (0% [0–9]). Three patients (8% [1.6–20.8]) had an intraoperative episode of hypoxemia requiring mask reventilation. There was no airway bleeding, no regurgitation, and no hypotensive episode. Three patients (8% [1.6–20.8]) had noninvasive ventilation for respiratory distress after the end of the procedure.

Conclusions

Our results show that awake tubeless SML allowing phonation during LEMG can be realized under sedation and local anesthesia. However, further data are needed concerning the intraoperative and postoperative safety of the procedure.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:E2669–E2675, 2021
Drivers of forest cover transitions in the Selva Maya, Mexico: Integrating regional and community scales for landscape assessment
Authors: Ellis Edward A. , Navarro‐Martínez Angélica , García‐Ortega Martha
Published: April 2021

Tropical forest disturbance contributes to global climate change from increased carbon emissions, and causes loss of biodiversity. Thus, identifying its direct causes and underlying drivers are necessary for effective land use, climate change control and conservation strategies. We integrated remote sensing forest cover data from 2000 to 2018 with georeferenced national socioeconomic and field‐collected household data to determine underlying drivers behind forest cover transitions (e.g., deforestation, degradation, and recovery) in the Selva Maya (‘Mayan Forest’) of southeast Mexico. Spatial and statistical models (multinomial logistic regression, log‐linear regression, and analysis of variance) and social science methods (household surveys and qualitative comparative analysis) were applied to evaluate and identify socioeconomic, institutional, and environmental drivers intervening at landscape and community scales. Forest cover transitions varied geographically, and associated drivers differed by scale of analysis. Using multiple methods improved the understanding of drivers. Population growth, poverty, and roads are major drivers influencing forest cover transitions (e.g., deforestation, degradation, and recovery) in the landscape. Community scale analysis identified more drivers and offered greater detail of causal relationships. Besides population and poverty, less off‐farm employment, agriculture and cattle production, immigrant population, and private property were related to deforestation and degradation. Indigenous populations, forest dependence, off‐farm employment, and common property were associated with forest conservation. Sustainable rural development should include poverty alleviation through diversification of economic activities and increased off‐farm employment opportunities. Conservation measures should pursue the enhancement of forest value for local subsistence and economic benefits by strengthening community forest management and enterprises.
MOVAS Cells: A Versatile Cell Line for Studying Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Cholesterol Metabolism
Authors: Esobi Ikechukwu Collins , Barksdale Christian , Heard‐Tate Caterra , Reigers Powell Rhonda , Bruce Terri F. , Stamatikos Alexis
Published: April 2021

Cholesterol metabolism is paramount to cells. Aberrations to cholesterol metabolism affects cholesterol homeostasis, which may impact the risk of several diseases. Recent evidence has suggested that vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) cholesterol metabolism may play a role in atherosclerosis. However, there is scant in vitro mechanistic data involving primary VSMC that directly tests how VSMC cholesterol metabolism may impact atherosclerosis. One reason for this lack of data is due to the impracticality of gene manipulation studies in primary VSMC, as cultured primary VSMC become senescent and lose their morphology rapidly. However, there are no immortalized VSMC lines known to be suitable for studying VSMC cholesterol metabolism. The purpose of this study was to determine whether MOVAS cells, a commercially available VSMC line, are suitable to use for studying VSMC cholesterol metabolism. Using immunoblotting and immunofluorescence, we showed that MOVAS cells express ABCA1, ABCG1, and SREBP‐2. We also determined that MOVAS cells efflux cholesterol to apoAI and HDL, which indicates functionality of ABCA1/ABCG1. In serum‐starved MOVAS cells, SREBP‐2 target gene expression was increased, confirming SREBP‐2 functionality. We detected miR‐33a expression in MOVAS cells and determined this microRNA can silence ABCA1 and ABCG1 via identifying conserved miR‐33a binding sites within ABCA1/ABCG1 3′UTR in MOVAS cells. We showed that cholesterol‐loading MOVAS cells results in this cell line to transdifferentiate into a macrophage‐like cell, which also occurs when VSMC accumulate cholesterol. Our characterization of MOVAS cells sufficiently demonstrates that they are suitable to use for studying VSMC cholesterol metabolism in the context of atherosclerosis.
Transfer of Lauric and Myristic Acid from Black Soldier Fly Larval Lipids to Egg Yolk Lipids of Hens Is Low
Authors: Heuel Maike , Kreuzer Michael , Sandrock Christoph , Leiber Florian , Mathys Alexander , Gold Moritz , Zurbrügg Christian , Gangnat Isabelle D. M. , Terranova Melissa
Published: April 2021

Implementing insects, such as the black soldier fly larvae (BSFL), as animal feed commonly includes the previous removal of substantial amounts of fat. This fat may represent an as yet underutilized energy source for livestock. However, transfer of lauric and myristic acid, prevalent in BSFL fat and undesired in human nutrition, into animal‐source foods like eggs may limit its implementation. To quantify this, a laying hen experiment was performed comprising five different diets (10 hens/diet). These were a control diet with soybean oil and meal and a second diet with soybean oil but with partially defatted BSFL meal as protein source. The other three diets were based on different combinations of partially defatted BSFL meal and fat obtained by two different production methods. Lauric acid made up half of the BSFL fat from both origins. Both BSFL fats also contained substantial amounts of myristic and palmitic acid. However, in the insect‐based diets, the net transfer from diet to egg yolk was less than 1% for lauric acid, whereas the net transfer for myristic and palmitic acid was about 30% and 100%, respectively. The net transfer did not vary between BSFL originating from production on different larval feeding substrates. The results illustrate that hens are able to metabolize or elongate very large proportions of ingested lauric acid and myristic acid, which are predominant in the BSFL lipids (together accounting for as much as 37 mol%), such that they collectively account for less than 3.5 mol% of egg yolk fatty acids.
Genetic Modifiers of Age at Onset for Parkinson's Disease in Asians: A Genome‐Wide Association Study
Authors: Li Chunyu , Ou Ruwei , Chen Yongping , Gu Xiaojing , Wei Qianqian , Cao Bei , Zhang Lingyu , Hou Yanbing , Liu Kuncheng , Chen Xueping , Song Wei , Zhao Bi , Wu Ying , Li Tao , Dong Xianjun , Shang Huifang
Published: April 2021

Background

Age at onset (AAO) is an essential feature of Parkinson's disease (PD) and can help predict disease progression and mortality. Identification of genetic variants influencing AAO of PD could lead to a better understanding of the disease's biological mechanism and provide clinical guidance. However, genetic determinants for AAO of PD remain mostly unknown, especially in the Asian population.

Objectives

To identify genetic determinants for AAO of PD in the Asian population.

Methods

We performed a genome‐wide association meta‐analysis on AAO of PD in 5166 Chinese patients with PD (Ndiscovery = 3628, Nreplication = 1538). We then conducted a further cross‐ethnic meta‐analysis using our results and summary statistics for the AAO of PD from the European population.

Results

The total heritability of AAO of PD was around 0.10 ~ 0.14, similar to that (~0.11) estimated in populations of European ancestry. One novel significant intergenic locus rs9783733 (NDN; PWRN4) was identified (P = 3.14E‐09, beta = 2.30, SE = 0.39). Remarkably, this variant could delay AAO of PD by ~2.43 years, with a more considerable effect on males (~3.18 years) than females (~1.45 years). The variant was suggestively significant in the cross‐ethnic meta‐analysis and suggested a positive selection in the East Asian population. Additionally, cross‐ethnic meta‐analysis identified a significant locus rs356203 in SNCA (P = 2.35E‐11, beta = −0.71, SE = 0.01).

Conclusions

These findings improve the current understanding of the genetic etiology of AAO of PD in different ethnic groups, and provide a new target for further research on PD pathogenesis and potential therapeutic options. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Total nasal reconstruction with pre‐laminated, super‐thin anterolateral thigh flap: A case report
Authors: Bali Zulfukar Ulas , Karatan Berrak , Parspancı Aziz , Tuluy Yavuz , Kececi Yavuz , Yoleri Levent
Published: April 2021

Many techniques for nasal reconstruction have been described to achieve aesthetically and functionally favorable results. Local tissues, specifically the forehead flap, provide the best tissue match with the nose. However, when local tissue donor sites are limited, alternative options such as free tissue transfers should be considered. Herein, we describe a case of a 72‐year‐old male patient who had a total nasal and left malar defect reconstructed with a two‐staged, pre‐laminated, super‐thin anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap. The patient's nasectomy was performed 15 years ago. The adjacent left malar defect was due to recent squamous cell carcinoma excision. Local tissues were unavailable for reconstruction due to previous tumor excisions. For the 8.5 × 5 cm defect, a 12.5 × 8 cm ALT flap was planned, with 7.5 × 8 cm for nasal reconstruction and 5 × 4 cm for malar reconstruction. During the first stage, a super‐thin fascial ALT flap was raised without dissecting the perforators, and the nasal skeleton was laminated between these two flaps. Costal cartilages were harvested for the nasal skeleton and positioned between the suprafascial and the fascial ALT flaps. During the second stage, two perforators were dissected to the pedicle on the pre‐laminated flap, and the flap was divided from the donor site. The nasal skeleton was fixed and anastomosis with the facial vessels was established. After both stages, no complications were observed. After one month, a revision surgery was performed to enhance the transition between the reconstructed nose and the cheek, and improve the nasal projection. Postoperatively, after one year, the patient had a stable nasal reconstruction with good breathing. Prelaminated, super‐thin ALT flaps provide the advantages of a wide and versatile donor site and an acceptable donor site scar. They may be an option for patients who are not amenable to traditional reconstruction methods.
Wavelet transforms associated with the index Whittaker transform
Authors: Prasad Akhilesh , Maan Jeetendrasingh , Verma Sandeep Kumar
Published: April 2021

The continuous wavelet transform (CWT) associated with the index Whittaker transform is defined and discussed using its convolution theory. Existence theorem and reconstruction formula for CWT are obtained. Moreover, composition of CWT is discussed, and its Plancherel's and Parseval's relations are also derived. Further, the discrete version of this wavelet transform and its reconstruction formula are given. Furthermore, certain properties of the discrete Whittaker wavelet transform are discussed.
A phase 1 study of prexasertib (LY2606368), a CHK1/2 inhibitor, in pediatric patients with recurrent or refractory solid tumors, including CNS tumors: A report from the Children's Oncology Group Pediatric Early Phase Clinical Trials Network (ADVL1515)
Authors: Cash Thomas , Fox Elizabeth , Liu Xiaowei , Minard Charles G. , Reid Joel M. , Scheck Adrienne C. , Weigel Brenda J. , Wetmore Cynthia
Published: April 2021

Background

Prexasertib (LY2606368) is a novel, second‐generation, selective dual inhibitor of checkpoint kinase proteins 1 (CHK1) and 2 (CHK2). We conducted a phase 1 trial of prexasertib to estimate the maximum‐tolerated dose (MTD) and/or recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D), to define and describe the toxicities, and to characterize the pharmacokinetics (PK) of prexasertib in pediatric patients with recurrent or refractory solid and central nervous system (CNS) tumors.

Methods

Prexasertib was administered intravenously (i.v.) on days 1 and 15 of a 28‐day cycle. Four dose levels, 80, 100, 125, and 150 mg/m2, were evaluated using a rolling‐six design. PK analysis was performed during cycle 1. Tumor tissue was examined for biomarkers (CHK1 and TP53) of prexasertib activity.

Results

Thirty patients were enrolled; 25 were evaluable. The median age was 9.5 years (range: 2‐20) and 21 (70%) were male. Twelve patients (40%) had solid tumors and 18 patients (60%) had CNS tumors. There were no cycle 1 or later dose‐limiting toxicities. Common cycle 1, drug‐related grade 3/4 toxicities (> 10% of patients) included neutropenia (100%), leukopenia (68%), thrombocytopenia (24%), lymphopenia (24%), and anemia (12%). There were no objective responses; best overall response was stable disease in three patients for five cycles (hepatocellular carcinoma), three cycles (ependymoma), and five cycles (undifferentiated sarcoma). The PK appeared dose proportional across the 80‐150 mg/m2 dose range.

Conclusions

Although the MTD of prexasertib was not defined by this study, 150 mg/m2 administered i.v. on days 1 and 15 of a 28‐day cycle was determined to be the RP2D.
Nonlocal heat conduction in single‐walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Pourasghar Amin , Yang Wenzhi , Pasini Domiano , Chen Zengtao
Published: April 2021

This paper explores how reinforcing the hyperbolic heat conduction by the nonlocality affects temperature distribution in nanostructures such as nanobeam and single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). The work dissects the nonlocal heat conduction by advocating a thoroughly new application of the differential quadrature method. The nanobeam is modeled like a SWCNT (cylindrical shell), and the boundaries on the inner and outer sides are considered under a temperature jump at the nanoscale. The effects of several parameters on the temperature distribution through the thickness of the nanobeam are highlighted, including time‐dependent boundary conditions, time lag, nonlocal parameter, length, and radius of the hollow beam.
Effect of fly ash and coupling agent on the structural, morphological, thermal, and mechanical properties of polyamide 6/acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styreneblend
Authors: Ez‐Zahraoui Siham , Kassab Zineb , Ablouh El‐houssaine , Sehaqui Houssine , Bouhfid Rachid , Alami Jones , El Achaby Mounir , Qaiss Abou El Kacem
Published: April 2021

In the present study, coal fly ash (FA) was used as a reinforcement in a thermoplastic matrix blend of polyamide 6/acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene (PA/ABS). In the first part of this work, the as‐received FA (raw FA) was sieved with a 25 μm sieve to obtain FA with particle size less than 25 μm (FA). Then, the physicochemical properties of the raw FA and the FA were determined. Afterwards, FA was used to prepare a masterbatch of 20 wt% FA and 80 wt% PA by twin‐screw extrusion. Using this masterbatch, composites with different FA contents (4.5, 9, 14, and 18.5 wt%), with and without styrene‐(ethylene‐butylene)‐styrene grafted with maleic anhydride (SEBS‐g‐MA) (S‐g‐M), were produced by extrusion, which was followed by injection molding. Subsequently, several characterization techniques were performed to investigate the effect of FA loading and the S‐g‐M coupling agent on the structural, morphological, thermal, and mechanical properties of the developed composites. The results showed that incorporating FA particles in the matrix blend improved the thermal stability and crystallinity, the Young's modulus, the tensile strength, and torsional properties of the composites. In contrast, the addition of S‐g‐M coupling agent to the polymer composites improved the interfacial adhesion between FA particles and the matrix blend. This further enhanced the structural, morphological, thermal, and mechanical properties of the polymer composites. Overall, the use of FA as an inorganic filler improves the thermal and mechanical properties of polymer composites and shows a potential for promising applications.
Penetration resistance and mechanical properties of graphene oxide/epoxy resin—A molecular dynamics investigation
Authors: Ren Sixi , Yang Qingsheng , Shang Junjun
Published: April 2021

The penetration of salt solution into graphene oxide/epoxy resin (GO/EP) will cause structural damage, decrease in mechanical properties, and reduce service life. In this study, molecular dynamics method was used to simulate the penetration of the 3.5% NaCl solution through the GO/EP. In order to understand the effect of GO surface functional groups on the barrier properties of the GO/EP, a pure graphene model and three kinds of GO models modified with oxygen‐containing functional groups (ether, hydroxyl, and carboxyl) were established, respectively. The penetration resistance of GO/EP was analyzed. The type of oxygen‐containing functional group affects the penetration rate of the salt solution and the GO/EP interface performance. The spatial distribution and kinetic behavior of the salt solution were studied. The results show that the salt solution molecules trapped in GO/EP were mainly concentrated at the interface between GO and EP, which is the main reason for the degradation of the GO/EP interface performance. Affected by GO, the penetration process of ions can be divided into multiple stages, and its motion state was different depending on the type of functional group.
Prescription of antibiotics in the medical care of newly arrived refugees and migrants
Authors: Kleinert Evelyn , Hillermann Nele , Jablonka Alexandra , Happle Christine , Müller Frank , Simmenroth Anne
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Unnecessary and inappropriate use of antibiotics is a widespread problem in primary care. However, current data on the care of refugees and migrants in initial reception centers is pending. This article provides data on prescription frequencies of various antibiotics and associated diagnoses.

Methods

In this retrospective observational study, patient data of 3255 patients with 6376 medical contacts in two initial reception centers in Germany were analyzed. Patient data, collected by chart review, included sociodemographic characteristics, diagnoses, and prescriptions. Antibiotic prescription behavior and corresponding physician‐coded diagnoses were analyzed.

Results

Nineteen percent of all patients in our study received systemic antibiotics during the observation period, with children below the age of 10 years receiving antibiotics most frequently (24%). The most commonly prescribed antibiotics were penicillins (65%), macrolides (12%), and cephalosporins (7%). The most frequent diagnoses associated with antibiotic prescription were acute tonsillitis (26%), bronchitis (21%), infections of the upper respiratory tract (14%), and urinary tract infections (10%). In case of acute bronchitis 74% of the antibiotic prescriptions were probably not indicated. In addition, we found a significant number of inappropriate prescriptions such as amoxicillin for tonsillitis (67%), and ciprofloxacin and cotrimoxazol for urinary tract infections (49%).

Conclusion

Regarding inappropriate prescription of antibiotics in refugee healthcare, this study shows a rate ranging from 8% for upper respiratory tract infections to 75% for acute bronchitis. Unnecessary use of antibiotics is a global problem contributing to gratuitous costs, side effects, and antimicrobial resistance. This research contributes to the development of stringent antibiotic stewardship regiments in the particularly vulnerable population of migrants and refugees.
Crystal structure and molecular dynamics of human POLDIP2, a multifaceted adaptor protein in metabolism and genome stability
Authors: Kulik Anastasija A. , Maruszczak Klaudia K. , Thomas Dana C. , Nabi‐Aldridge Naomi L. A. , Carr Martin , Bingham Richard J. , Cooper Christopher D. O.
Published: April 2021

Polymerase δ‐interacting protein 2 (POLDIP2, PDIP38) is a multifaceted, “moonlighting” protein, involved in binding protein partners from many different cellular processes, including mitochondrial metabolism and DNA replication and repair. How POLDIP2 interacts with many different proteins is unknown. Towards this goal, we present the crystal structure of POLDIP2 to 2.8 Å, which exhibited a compact two‐domain β‐strand‐rich globular structure, confirmed by circular dichroism and small angle X‐ray scattering approaches. POLDIP2 comprised canonical DUF525 and YccV domains, but with a conserved domain linker packed tightly, resulting in an “extended” YccV module. A central channel was observed, which we hypothesize could influence structural changes potentially mediated by redox conditions, following observation of a modified cysteine residue in the channel. Unstructured regions were rebuilt by ab initio modelling to generate a model of full‐length POLDIP2. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed a highly dynamic N‐terminal region tethered to the YccV‐domain by an extended linker, potentially facilitating interactions with distal binding partners. Models of POLDIP2 complexed with two of its partners, PrimPol and PCNA, indicated that dynamic flexibility of the POLDIP2 N‐terminus and loop regions likely mediate protein interactions.
Diagnosis and management of common viral skin infections
Authors: Thandi Charankumal Singh , Whittam Lindsay
Published: April 2021

Viral skin infections are common and can be difficult to diagnose, especially in children. This article provides an overview of some of the viral skin infections most frequently encountered in primary care and their management, including when specialist referral is necessary.
Antimicrobial stewardship in Northern Ireland during COVID‐19
Authors: Girvin Briegeen , Hsia Yingfen , Turner Wendy
Published: April 2021

This article provides an overview of the antimicrobial stewardship measures and prescribing trends in primary care in Northern Ireland (NI) over recent years. It discusses the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on antibacterial prescribing in primary care (including by dentists), and the measures being taken to improve antimicrobial stewardship and reduce antimicrobial resistance in the future.
Summary of the NICE guidance on perioperative care in adults
Authors: Chaplin Steve
Published: April 2021

NICE recently published a new guideline on perioperative care in adults (NG180), covering the care of patients undergoing elective or emergency surgery from the time of being booked in until discharge. This article provides a brief summary of the guidance.
Advanced multivariate cumulative sum control charts based on principal component method with application
Authors: Riaz Muhammad , Zaman Babar , Mehmood Rashid , Abbas Nasir , Abujiya Mu'azu
Published: April 2021

Existing multivariate cumulative sum (MCUSUM) control charts involve entire associated variables of a process to monitor variations in the mean vector. In this study, we have offered MCUSUM control charts with principal component method (PCM). The proposed MCUSUM control charts with PCM capture the whole process variations using fewer latent variables (principal components) while preserving as much data variability as possible. To show the significance of proposed MCUSUM control charts with PCM, various performance measures are considered including average run length, extra quadratic loss, relative average run length, and performance comparison index. Furthermore, performance measures are calculated through advanced Monte Carlo simulation method to explore the behavior of proposed MCUSUM control charts and to conduct comparative analysis with existing models. Results revealed that proposed MCUSUM control charts with PCM are efficient to detect variations timely by involving smaller number of principal components instead of considering entire associated variables. Also, proposed MCUSUM control charts have the ability to accommodate the features of existing control charts, which are illustrated as the special cases. Besides, to highlight the implementation mechanism and advantages of proposed MCUSUM control charts with PCM, a real‐life example from wind turbine process is included.
Tocilizumab in COVID‐19 pneumonia: Practical proposals based on a narrative review of randomised trials
Authors: Klopfenstein Timothée , Gendrin Vincent , Kadiane‐Oussou N'dri Juliette , Conrozier Thierry , Zayet Souheil ,   For the HNF Hospital Tocilizumab Multidisciplinary Team
Published: April 2021

In this article, we express our opinion about tocilizumab as an effective treatment in coronavirus disease 2019, based on a narrative review and a deep analysis of tocilizumab randomised trial results. Eight trials were included. No one was in favour for controlled arm about main endpoint of death or mechanical ventilation incidence at day 28–30. Five trials on heterogenous populations seem to not demonstrate tocilizumab efficacy, but showed encouraging results in subgroup analysis on severe/critical patients (in favour for tocilizumab). Trials on severe/critical COVID‐19 pneumonia as REMAP‐CAP and RECOVERY showed mortality benefit of tocilizumab administration; CORIMUNO, REMAP‐CAP and RECOVERY showed that tocilizumab decreased the incidence of mechanical ventilation. No safety signal about tocilizumab used was noticed in all trials. We concluded that tocilizumab reduces mortality and mechanical ventilation requirement if administered with the right timing in COVID‐19 pneumonia. The challenge now is to define the optimal group and timing for tocilizumab benefit and we suggest that: (i) tocilizumab has a place in treatment of severe/critical COVID‐19 pneumonia, with a high level of O2 flow or noninvasive ventilation or high flow nasal cannula; (ii) possibly early after intubation in patients on mechanical ventilation. Initiating tocilizumab in critically ill patients early before irreversible respiratory failure, especially in patients at an inflammatory stage could be the key to successful outcome.
Event‐triggered fault estimation for discrete time‐varying systems subject to sector‐bounded nonlinearity: A Krein space based approach
Authors: Li Yueyang , Liu Shuai , Zhao Dong , Shi Xiaorui , Cui Yigang
Published: April 2021

In this study, event‐triggered fault estimation (FE) problem for a class of discrete‐time dynamic systems subject to sector‐bounded nonlinearity and time‐varying coefficients is investigated. For a given event‐triggered measurement transmission scheme, the event‐induced output non‐persistence for the fault estimator is modeled by norm‐bounded observation uncertainty. After giving a suitable H∞ performance index and formulating the estimation problem for the concerned nonlinear system with event‐triggered measurements, an auxiliary model in a quasi‐linear form and an associated H∞ performance function are established. With the aid of this auxiliary model and performance function, the sector‐bounded nonlinearity condition and the induced observation uncertainty are packaged simultaneously, and the considered H∞ FE problem in Hilbert space is recast as an H2 deconvolution filtering issue in Krein space. Through designing Krein space based model with appropriate inner products, and using the orthogonally projection technique, fault estimator is derived in an analytical and recursive manner. The condition that ensures the existence of the estimator is also obtained. Two examples are adopted to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed method.
Bio‐Metabolism‐Driven Crystalline‐Engineering of CdS Quantum Dots for Highly Active Photocatalytic H2 Evolution
Authors: Xu Li‐Xia , Wang Yan‐Zhai , Zhou Dao , Chen Meng‐Yuan , Yang Xue‐Jin , Ye Xiao‐Mei , Yong Yang‐Chun
Published: April 2021

Biosynthesis was considered as a green and sustainable approach for nanomaterials fabrication. However, it is still quite challenging to fine tune the biosynthesis process for high‐quality photocatalytic nanomaterials. In this study, an aerobic approach for biosynthesis of photocatalytic CdS quantum dots (QDs) by Shewanella oneidensis MR‐1 was developed. Interestingly, it was found that by simply tuning the concentration of substrates, the crystalline structure of the CdS QDs was transformed between cubic phase and hexagonal phase. The hexagonal CdS QDs synthesized by simple substrate‐metabolism regulation exhibited high photocatalytic H2 evolution activity (21 mmol H2/g CdS/h), which was the highest record for CdS QDs. This finding demonstrated the possibility to well control the crystalline structure of biosynthesized QDs by simple bio‐metabolism regulation and provided a bio‐metabolism‐driven green route for crystalline engineering.
Did you get that thing I sent you? Mediating effects of strain and work‐family conflict on the telepressure and burnout relationship
Authors: Page Kyle J. , Nastasi Anna , Voyles Elora
Published: April 2021

Employees who feel the urge and preoccupation to respond to workplace asynchronous communication quickly may be suffering from workplace telepressure (WPT). Although information and communication technologies have many organizational benefits, it is imperative to understand the cost of blurring work and family roles. Using the Job Demands‐Resources model, the relationship between WPT and key outcomes, such as strain, work‐family conflict, family‐work conflict (FWC), and burnout was examined. In Study 1, a sample of 220 working students supported the mediation of strain in the WPT and work‐family and family‐work relationship. Additionally, Study 2 expanded this model using a sample of 269 working individuals. Specifically, the relationship between WPT and burnout was sequentially mediated by strain and either work‐family or FWC. Implications are discussed.
Hydrogels as Emerging Materials for Cornea Wound Healing
Authors: Khosravimelal Sadjad , Mobaraki Mohammadmahdi , Eftekhari Samane , Ahearne Mark , Seifalian Alexander Marcus , Gholipourmalekabadi Mazaher
Published: April 2021

Hydrogel biomaterials have many favorable characteristics including tuneable mechanical behavior, cytocompatibility, optical properties suitable for regeneration and restoration of the damaged cornea tissue. The cornea is a tissue susceptible to various injuries and traumas with a complicated healing cascade, in which conserving its transparency and integrity is critical. Accordingly, the hydrogels’ known properties along with the stimulation of nerve and cell regeneration make them ideal scaffold for corneal tissue engineering. Hydrogels have been used extensively in clinical applications for the repair and replacement of diseased organs. The development and optimizing of novel hydrogels to repair/replace corneal injuries have been the main focus of researches within the last decade. This research aims to critically review in vitro, preclinical, as well as clinical trial studies related to corneal wound healing using hydrogels in the past 10 years, as this is considered as an emerging technology for corneal treatment. Several unique modifications of hydrogels with smart behaviors have undergone early phase clinical trials and showed promising outcomes. Financially, this considers a multibillion dollars industry and with huge interest from medical devices as well as pharmaceutical industries with several products may emerge within the next five years.
CdTe‐Based Solar Cells with Variations in Mg Concentration in the MgZnO Emitter
Authors: Pandey Ramesh , Munshi Amit , Shimpi Tushar , Shah Akash , Bothwell Alexandra , Kuciauskas Darius , Sites James R.
Published: April 2021

The optimal fraction of Mg incorporation in sputter‐deposited MgXZn1−XO (MZO) emitters for thin‐film CdTe‐based solar cells is evaluated by varying it over a range of x from 0 to 0.35. This range allows a variation in the conduction band offset from −0.1 eV (cliff like) to +0.32 eV (spike like). A maximum efficiency of 18.5% for cells with the bilayer CdSeTe/CdTe absorber occurs at x = 0.15, which corresponds to a spike‐like band offset near 0.2 eV, as confirmed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In addition, good cell performance is seen over a fairly broad range of x extending from 0.1 to 0.25. The MZO optical bandgap increases with the Mg fraction, consistent with an increasing conduction band offset. Temperature‐dependent current−voltage measurements and time‐resolved photoluminescence show improvement in the emitter/absorber interface with the incorporation of Mg. Capacitance−voltage measurements show that the depletion region extends further into the absorber with more Mg, and X‐ray diffraction confirms a change from a hexagonal‐dominant crystal structure toward zinc blende at x = 0.35.
Enzymatic Preparation of Non‐Reducing Oligosaccharides from Maltodextrins and Nigerooligosaccharides
Authors: Huang Xia , Jiang Bo , Chen Jingjing , Zhang Tao , Zheng Luhua
Published: April 2021

Non‐reducing oligosaccharides with α‐1,1‐ linkages possess unique physicochemical properties, including emulsion stabilizing, moisturizing, pH, and thermal stability. Owing to their non‐reducing quality, they generate fewer colors and flavors when heated through participation in the Maillard reaction. In this study, an enzymatic preparation of non‐reducing maltooligosyl trehalose from maltodextrins, and 3‐O‐α‐d‐glucosyl trehalose from nigerooligosaccharides (NOS) is developed using maltooligosyltrehalose synthase (MTSase). The non‐reducing oligosaccharides are analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and the decrease in reducing sugar is determined by 3, 5‐dinitrosalicylic acid (DNS) method. The results showed that maltooligosyl trehalose is prepared from commercial maltodextrin, and the loading of 500 U g–1 maltodextrin of MTSase helps ensure that a large proportion of maltotriose is transformed into the glucosyl trehalose. In addition, the reducing power dropped between 61–78%, which indicates that MTSase has a high application potential in the preparation of maltooligosyl trehalose. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first report using MTSase to directly prepare maltooligosyl trehalose from commercial maltodextrin. However, 3‐O‐α‐d‐glucosyl trehalose is barely detected through HPLC. Therefore, the approach to obtain maltooligosyl trehalose from maltodextrins is achieved, while the attempt to obtain 3‐O‐α‐d‐glucosyl trehalose from NOS is not successful.
Greenhouse gas emissions associated with urban water infrastructure: What we have learnt from China's practice
Authors: Zhang Qian , Smith Kate , Zhao Xu , Jin Xinkai , Wang Shuya , Shen Junjie , Ren Zhiyong Jason
Published: April 2021

Municipal water and wastewater services have complicated sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and quantifying their roles is critical for tackling global environmental challenges. In this study we provide a systematic review of the state‐of‐the‐art on GHG emission characterizations of China's urban water infrastructure with the aim of shedding light on global implications for sustainable development. We started by synthesizing a framework on GHG emissions associated with water and wastewater infrastructure. Then we analyzed the different sources of GHG emissions in drinking water and wastewater treatment systems. In drinking water services, electricity consumption is the largest source of GHG emissions. A particular concern in China is the common use of secondary pumping for high‐rise buildings. Optimized pressure management with an efficient pumping system should be prioritized. In wastewater services, non‐CO2 emissions such as methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions are substantial, but vary greatly depending on regional and technological differences. Further research directions may include GHG inventory development for urban water systems at the plant level, quantifications of GHG emissions from sewer systems, emission reduction measures via water reclamation, renewable energy recovery, energy efficiency improvement, cost–benefit analyses, and characterizations of Scope 3 emissions.

This article is categorized under:

Engineering Water > Sustainable Engineering of Water

Science of Water > Water and Environmental Change

Engineering Water > Planning Water
Quark-sector Lorentz violation in Z-boson production
Authors: Lunghi Enrico , Sherrill Nathan , Szczepaniak Adam , Vieira Alexandre
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Quark-sector Lorentz violation is studied in the context of Drell-Yan dilepton production including effects from Z-boson exchange. We show the chiral nature of the weak interactions enables parity-violating and spin-dependent effects to be studied using unpolarized initial states. Constraints are placed on dimensionless and CPT-even coefficients for Lorentz violation for the first two generations of quarks using measurements from the Large Hadron Collider.
Natural Graph Wavelet Packet Dictionaries
Authors: Cloninger Alexander , Li Haotian , Saito Naoki
Published: April 2021

We introduce a set of novel multiscale basis transforms for signals on graphs that utilize their “dual” domains by incorporating the “natural” distances between graph Laplacian eigenvectors, rather than simply using the eigenvalue ordering. These basis dictionaries can be seen as generalizations of the classical Shannon wavelet packet dictionary to arbitrary graphs, and do not rely on the frequency interpretation of Laplacian eigenvalues. We describe the algorithms (involving either vector rotations or orthogonalizations) to construct these basis dictionaries, use them to efficiently approximate graph signals through the best basis search, and demonstrate the strengths of these basis dictionaries for graph signals measured on sunflower graphs and street networks.
Correction to: Misleading terminology in pathology: Lack of definitions hampers communication
Authors: Chow Zi Long , Indave Blanca Iciar , Lokuhetty Menaka Dilani Samarawickrema , Ochiai Atsushi , Cree Ian A. , White Valerie A.
Published: April 2021

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00428-021-03101-w
Einfluss der Coronapandemie auf Schmerzpatienten
Authors: Cegla Thomas H. , Magner Astrid
Published: April 2021

Hintergrund

Erkrankungen verursacht durch das neuartige Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) haben in einem sehr dynamischen Verlauf zu einer Pandemie geführt. Die epidemiologische Lage von nationaler Tragweite erforderte Infektionsschutzmaßnahmen mit dem Ziel, die Morbidität und Mortalität zu senken. Eine Überbelastung der Gesundheitssysteme sollte vermieden werden. Die Maßnahmen zur Bekämpfung der Pandemie hatten und haben Auswirkungen auf das öffentliche und private Leben. Chronisch schmerzkranke Patienten sind ebenfalls betroffen.

Fragestellung

Welche Auswirkungen der Pandemie auf ihre Versorgung nehmen Patienten mit chronischen Schmerzen wahr?

Methode

Siebzig Schmerzpatienten nach einer multimodal stationären Therapie wurden in einem standardisierten Interview telefonisch zu ihrem Befinden wie folgt befragt: Führten die Coronabedingungen zu einer Zunahme der Schmerzbelastung, verschlechterte sich die Stimmung und hatte die Pandemie einen nachteiligen Einfluss auf die schmerzmedizinische Versorgungssituation?

Ergebnisse

Die Veränderungen im biopsychosozialen Bereich sind für die Patienten erlebbar und wirken sich auf die Gesamtsituation aus. Chronisch schmerzkranke Patienten waren vom sogenannten Lockdown betroffen. Patienten bringen eine Verschlechterung von Stimmung und ihrer Schmerzsituation zu einem großen Anteil mit den coronabedingten Maßnahmen in Verbindung. Deutlich ist die Stimmungsverschlechterung (70 % der Befragten). Eine Schmerzzunahme wird bei 44 % der Befragten mit den durch die Pandemie verursachten Veränderungen in Zusammenhang gebracht. 39 % der Patienten geben eine Verschlechterung ihrer schmerzmedizinischen Versorgung an. Die Maßnahmen zur Bekämpfung der Pandemie hatten und haben Auswirkungen auf das Leben chronisch kranker Schmerzpatienten.

Diskussion

Die bestehenden, auch im Vergleich zur Situation ohne Pandemie begrenzten Möglichkeiten einer koordinierten Versorgung von Schmerzpatienten im Anschluss an einen multimodal stationären Aufenthalt auch in schwierigen Situationen beizubehalten, ist notwendig. Die negativen Auswirkungen einer Reduktion medizinischer Versorgung sind ein Argument für eine multimodal ambulante Weiterversorgung insbesondere nach erfolgter stationärer Behandlung.
Consensus-Statement der Österreichischen Gesellschaften für Pneumologie und Rheumatologie zur Definition, Evaluation und Therapie von progredient fibrosierenden interstitiellen Lungenerkrankungen (pfILD)
Authors: Lang David , Moazedi-Fürst Florentine , Sautner Judith , Prosch Helmut , Handzhiev Sabin , Hackner Klaus , Tancevski Ivan , Flick Holger , Koller Hubert , Kiener Hans Peter , Prior Christian , Lamprecht Bernd
Published: April 2021

Interstitielle Lungenerkrankungen (ILD) sind eine heterogene Gruppe von Pathologien, die zunehmend als relevanter Faktor pulmonaler Morbidität und Mortalität erkannt werden. Verschiedene ILD wie die idiopathische Lungenfibrose (IPF), aber auch durch Autoimmunprozesse oder durch exogene Noxen bedingte ILD können zu progredienter, meist irreversibler Lungenfibrose führen. Die antifibrotischen Substanzen Nintedanib und Pirfenidon können den Krankheitsverlauf bei IPF-Patienten günstig beeinflussen. Dagegen werden ILD, die auf entzündlichen Prozessen wie z. B. rheumatologischen Grunderkrankungen oder exogen-allergischer Alveolitis beruhen, bis dato klassischerweise immunsuppressiv therapiert. Immer wieder kommt es aber trotz einer solchen Behandlung zu progredienter Fibrosierung. Eine positive Wirkung antifibrotischer Medikation auf progredient fibrosierende (pf)ILD abseits der IPF konnte in rezenten Studien demonstriert werden, auch wenn der Stellenwert der Antifibrotika in solchen Situationen noch nicht vollständig geklärt ist. Dieses Consensus-Statement beruht auf einem virtuellen, multidisziplinären Expertenmeeting von Rheumatologen, Pneumologen und Radiologen und wurde durch die jeweiligen ILD-Arbeitskreise der Österreichischen Gesellschaften für Pneumologie sowie Rheumatologie (ÖGP und ÖGR) akkordiert. Ziel war es, den aktuellen Stand von klinischer Praxis und wissenschaftlicher Datenlage zu Definition, Evaluation und Therapie von pfILD darzustellen. Zusammenfassend sollen ILD-Patienten einer standardisierten Abklärung unterzogen, in einem multidisziplinären ILD-Board diskutiert und dementsprechend therapiert werden. Kern dieser Empfehlungen ist, auch Non-IPF-Patienten mit dokumentiert progredient fibrosierendem ILD-Verlauf antifibrotisch zu behandeln, insbesondere wenn Honigwabenzysten oder eine bereits ausgedehnte Erkrankung vorliegen. Patienten mit fibrotischer ILD, die auf Basis der ILD-Board-Empfehlung primär keiner oder ausschließlich einer immunsuppressiven Therapie unterzogen werden, sollten engmaschig hinsichtlich eines progredienten Verlaufes überwacht werden.
Auswirkung des COVID-19-Lockdowns auf Rettungseinsätze
Authors: Müller Frank , Hummers Eva , Jablonka Alexandra , Schmidt Tobias , Noack Eva Maria
Published: April 2021

Hintergrund

Zur Bekämpfung der SARS-CoV-2-Pandemie wurden in Deutschland Mitte März 2020 weitgehende Kontaktbeschränkungen erlassen (sog. Lockdown). Die vorliegende Arbeit soll klären, welche Auswirkungen diese Maßnahmen auf Rettungsdiensteinsätze hatten.

Material und Methoden

Retrospektive Auswertung von 6668 Einsatzprotokollen von vier Rettungswachen in Ostniedersachsen der beiden ersten Quartale 2020. Deskription und teststatistischer Vergleich der Einsätze sechs Wochen vor den Kontaktbeschränkungen mit einem gleich großen Zeitraum nach deren Erlass.

Ergebnisse

In den sechs Wochen im Lockdown gab es 17,7 % weniger Einsätze als in den Wochen vor dem Lockdown. Insbesondere zeigte sich eine Abnahme von Einsätzen wegen Atemwegserkrankungen um 40,6 % (91 Fälle), die insbesondere auf den Rückgang von Pneumonien und exazerbierten chronisch-obstruktiven Lungenerkrankungen (COPD) zurückgeht. Gleichzeitig zeigte sich ein Anstieg des durchschnittlichen Alters der Patienten mit einer Verringerung des Anteils der unter 65-Jährigen. Veränderungen bei psychiatrischen Erkrankungen, verstorbenen oder verletzten Patienten oder der Verweigerung von Behandlung und Transport wurden nicht beobachtet. Insgesamt wurden im Zeitraum 67 Patienten (1,0 %) mit Verdacht auf oder bestätigter COVID-19-Erkrankung behandelt.

Diskussion

Im Rettungsdienst zeigt sich eine Reduktion der Einsätze in Folge der Kontaktbeschränkungen, wobei diese nicht so stark ausfällt, wie für Notaufnahmen beschrieben wurde. Dieser Rückgang könnte auf eine Reduktion insbesondere weniger schwerer Erkrankungsfälle und jüngerer Patienten zurückzuführen sein. Auffällig ist die Reduktion von Pneumonien und exazerbierter COPD. Dies könnte einerseits bedeuten, dass Kontaktbeschränkungen das Infektionsgeschehen bei anderen Atemwegserkrankungen reduziert haben, aber ebenfalls, dass Patienten Krankenhausbehandlungen vermeiden wollten.
Correction to: Three-dimensional quantification of twisting in the Arabidopsis petiole
Authors: Otsuka Yuta , Tsukaya Hirokazu
Published: April 2021

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10265-021-01305-4
A space-time certified reduced basis method for quasilinear parabolic partial differential equations
Authors: Hinze Michael , Korolev Denis
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we propose a certified reduced basis (RB) method forquasilinearparabolic problems with strongly monotone spatial differential operator. We provide a residual-based a posteriori error estimate for a space-time formulation and the corresponding efficiently computable bound for thecertificationof the method. We introduce a Petrov-Galerkin finite element discretization of the continuous space-time problem and use it as our reference in a posteriori error control. The Petrov-Galerkin discretization is further approximated by the Crank-Nicolson time-marching problem. It allows to use a POD-Greedy approach to construct the reduced-basis spaces of small dimensions and to apply the Empirical Interpolation Method (EIM) to guarantee the efficientoffline-onlinecomputational procedure. In our approach, we compute the reduced basis solution in a time-marching framework while the RB approximation error in a space-time norm is controlled by our computable bound. Therefore, we combine a POD-Greedy approximation with a space-time Galerkin method.