bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
[Let’s start again with Hydrogeology. The recovery of events in attendance organized and sponsored by IAH]
Authors: Ducci Daniela , Rusi Sergio
Published: June 2021

Not available
Functional business valuation – The theoretical foundation of argumentation value and its underlying function
Authors: Matschke Manfred Jürgen , Brösel Gerrit , Thielmann Patrick
Published: June 2021

Functional business valuation is the prevailing doctrine in the theoretically well-founded German-language literature, because the value of a company is primarily dependent on the purpose (function) of the valuation. This paper deals with one of the three main functions of business valuation: the argumentation function. This is where the argumentation value of the business is determined. The argumentation function is the function that has been the least theoretically developed and accepted to date, but is probably the most commonly used one in the real world. This article shows for the first time in the English-language literature the core ideas of the theoretical foundation of this function.
Epidermólisis ampollosa con atresia pilórica: reporte de dos casos en hermanos consecutivos
Authors: Márquez Katherine , Rodríguez Diego Andrés , Pérez Luis Alfonso , Duarte Mauricio , Zárate Luis Augusto
Published: June 2021

La atresia pilórica es una malformación digestiva poco frecuente y representa alrededor del 1 % de las atresias intestinales. En el 55 % de los casos, se asocia con alguna otra alteración genética o anatómica, especialmente la epidermólisis ampollosa, que se presenta en el 20 % de ellos, en una asociación que se describe como un síndrome de mal pronóstico.Se presentan dos casos de hermanos consecutivos con esta condición, ambos con un desenlace fatal. Se hizo, además, una revisión de la literatura y se expusieron los puntos más importantes.
Reconociendo el virus del chikunguña
Authors: Calvo Eliana Patricia , Archila Edwin Darío , López Lady , Castellanos Jaime Eduardo
Published: June 2021

El virus de chikunguña (CHIKV) es un Alfavirus perteneciente al grupo denominado del Viejo Mundo; estos son virus artritogénicos que causan una enfermedad febril caracterizada por artralgias y mialgias. Aunque la muerte por CHIKV es poco frecuente, la enfermedad puede llegar a ser incapacitante y generar un amplio espectro de manifestaciones atípicas, como complicaciones cardiovasculares, respiratorias, oculares, renales y dérmicas, entre otras. Cuando el dolor articular persiste por tres o más meses, da lugar a la forma crónica de la enfermedad denominada reumatismo inflamatorio crónico poschikunguña, el cual es la principal secuela de la enfermedad. Se considera que este virus no es neurotrópico, sin embargo, puede afectar el sistema nervioso central y generar secuelas graves y permanentes, principalmente, en niños y ancianos.En África, Asia y Europa se habían reportado anteriormente brotes epidémicos por CHIKV, pero solo hasta finales del 2013 se documentó la introducción del virus a las Américas; desde entonces, el virus se ha propagado a 45 países o territorios del continente y el número de casos acumulados ascendió a cerca de dos millones en dos años.Esta revisión describe de manera general la biología molecular del virus, sus manifestaciones clínicas, su patogénesis y las principales complicaciones posteriores a la infección. Además, reúne la información de la epidemia en Colombia y el continente americano publicada entre el 2014 y el 2020.
Bond strength properties of confined and unconfined coconut shell aggregate concrete by beam splice test.
Authors: Mathew Senthil P , Sujatha A , Nadir Yashida
Published: June 2021

This study investigates the bond strength properties of a green concrete produced by replacing the coarse aggregate by an agricultural by product, coconut shell (CS). The bond between steel reinforcement and coconut shell aggregate concrete was studied by using 60 numbers of beam splice specimens. Confined and unconfined beam splice specimens were used. The effects of rebar diameter of lap splice and types of aggregate were investigated. It was observed that the percentage reduction in bond stress for 16 mm rebar unconfined beam splice specimens for various percentage replacements of CS from 25% to 100%, lies in the range of 6-8% compared to 12 mm rebar specimens. Whereas, for confined beam splice specimens the range of percentage reduction is 6-10%. For unconfined and confined beam splice specimens, percentage reduction in bond stress for 25% to 100% replacement by CS for each 25% increment was approximately in the range of 2-3%, 20-23%, 31-34% and 47-48% respectively with respect to normal concretefor both 12mm and 16mm rebar specimens. The percentage increase in bond stress by confining the specimens for various percentage replacements of CS and different size rebar lies in the range of 52-58%.
Study onsafety performance factors and sustainability in pipeline sleeper construction.
Authors: Athira Anil , Vidya Jose
Published: June 2021

Construction industry is an important growth indicator because it generates investment opportunities across multiple related sectors. The construction task or work environment is very risky and hazardous and its susceptibility to accident. The major cause of the accident is the employees' poor safety performance in construction sites. These root causes of accidents and factors influencing them need to be studied in order to improve safety results. In pipeline sleeper construction, safety is a dynamic decision issue close to normal construction cases. The study identifies the critical risk factors affecting the safety performance and ways to achievesustainability in pipeline sleeper construction to counteract the risk of accident occurrence. Based on the evaluation of the questionnaire survey, the study explains twelve most important factors and sub factors, which were rated to have more than a moderate effect on safety performance. The six keys to sustainable success for integrating worker protection in the assessment of sustainable construction is also discussed.
A review on effect of soil stabilization using alkali activated geopolymer.
Authors: Karthikeyan Keerthy R , George Elba Helen
Published: June 2021

In order to confront the issues related to clay for construction, some adequate ground improvement technique is important.To enhance the properties of clay, alkaline solutions such assodium hydroxide and sodium silicate are used along with Class F fly ash, Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS) and metakaolin as additives. Flyashgreatly modifies the strength properties of soft soils and it contain silica and aluminium materials (pozzolans) also as a particular amount of lime, which chemically binds to soft soil and forms cement compounds. Metakaolin is a highly reactive pozzolanaformed by the calcinations of kaolinite (China clay).In many civil engineering constructions, soft and weak soils are often stabilized with Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and lime. The production processes of traditional stabilizers are energy intensive and emit an outsized quantity of CO2. Geopolymer offer a better alternative to OPC, with its high strength, low cost, low energy consumption and CO2emissions during synthesis. Due to the major environmental impacts involved in the manufacturing of OPC, theuse of industrial by-products has been encouraged. The reason for the increase in compressive strength due to GGBS can be caused by the high GGBS calcium content. These polymers are economicand, compared to many chemical alternatives, are more effective and significantly less damaging to the environment. The combined impact of fly ash,GGBSand metakaolinwill boost the soil's engineering efficiency.The alkali activation of waste materials has become an important area of research in many laboratories because it is possible to use these materials to synthesize inexpensive andecologically sound cement like construction materials.The activator solution is also very influential in the polymerization process and it's also one of the factors that determine the compressive strength.
Microplastics as contaminants in marine environment.
Authors: Mohan Aravind K , Paul Patric , Dev Geethika , Sunil Kumar PG
Published: June 2021

Since the mass production of plastics began in the 1940s, microplastic contamination of the marine environment has been a growing problem. Here, a review of the literature has been conducted with the following objectives: To summarise what are microplastics; To discuss the routes by which microplastics enter the marine environment; To assess spatial and temporal trends of microplastic abundance; to discuss the environmental impact of microplastics; and remedial measures; Microplastics are both abundant and widespread within the marine environment, found in their highest concentrations along coastlines and within mid-ocean gyres. Ingestion of microplastics has been demonstrated in a range of marine organisms, a process which may facilitate the transfer of chemical additives or hydrophobic waterborne pollutants to biota. A case study has also been done about the ingestion of microplastics by zooplankton groups in Kenya’s marine environment. We conclude by highlighting key future research areas for scientists and policymakers.
Emergency floating hut.
Authors: Shabid Zaman H , Anshad S , Jenvit E T , Anusha P
Published: June 2021

In the run-up to the observance of the repeating flooding situation in Kerala, it is an urgent need to take adequate measure for this havoc. This project intends a well planned solution for this and named as “Emergency Floating Hut”. Kerala is a place where floods occurs only during the monsoon season. That means, the flood is caused by rain. The hut is going to be constructed almost near the basement portion by separately providing beams or space in a creative way. The main feature of this design model is,there have spaces for keeping adequate food and medicines. The dimensional data for the hut are: diameter 3.5m and depth 1.2m for the prototype design. The materials used are weight less, low density, durable and with enough stability. The roof covering will be transparent fibre glass.
Potential & challenges of national waterway 3.
Authors: Varghese Jibin Joy , Shallen S V
Published: June 2021

Kerala has a rich source of inland waterways, which can be used for the betterment of the state and country. One side of Kerala has a stretch of coastal line of the Arabian Sea and when it comes to the inland areas, the National Waterway 3 lies parallel to the Arabian Sea from Kollam to Kozhikode. This study deals with the actual potential of National waterway 3 which plays a prominent role in the commutation of goods and people. The inland waterways are the healthiest option in contrast to roads and railways, however it’s actual potential remains invisible for most people. The possibility of national waterway 3 is much higher if we deal with it in a better way. This study deals with the facilities, potential, relevance and challenges faced by the national waterway 3 and is presented from the information based on secondary data and information has been sourced from various books, trade journals, government publications newspapers and observations.
Macroeconomicindicators as potential predictors of construction material prices.
Authors: Diya Dilip K , Jesna N M
Published: June 2021

The rate of construction materials is subjected to constant changes. The unexpected price changes affect the carrying-out rates of projects and even challenges the competence to finish the projects. The rapid and vast changes that occur all over the world in construction materials prices impacts the individual construction market value of each country. To avoid this problem, the contractor should have a tool or method that is capable to predict the future material prices. It is essential to predict the material prices variations during the implementation of the project as well as for preparing the tenders. Prediction of material price is an important function for effectively handling projects in terms of more exactly estimating, pursuing and monitoring projects. There are many tools that can help the construction contractors by its ability to accurately predict the future material price. Some of the methods normally used for prediction of materials prices are Artificial Neural Network, Fuzzy Logic, Statistical Method (includes regression analysis, MONTE CARLO method, ANOVA), and Trend Analysis. The type of predictors to these tools can be any factors that tend to have an impact on the prices of material. Macroeconomic indicators are one such factor that influences the prices of material as it reflects a country’s economic status. This is a pilot study conducted in India to determine the possible macroeconomic indicators that influence the building material prices namely Portland cement and steel.
Folding house
Authors: Aarif A. , Hussain Sadik , Juby K.S. , Karthika C. , Anupama S.
Published: June 2021

Nowadays there is massive use of concrete in construction industry. To overcome this, new construction techniques and material is adopted for good living standard. Folding house is a technique that considered all the factors like sufficient space for living, economy, environmental issues and living standard. . The tendency for the cost effective and quicker construction pushed the folded structures made in reinforced concrete, and led to the construction realized in wood, steel and other modern materials that eventually experienced expansion .In this project we are introducing a cost effective folding house.

Keywords—folding house,cost effective and quicker construction
Effect of wind on performance of double slope solar desalination still for fresh water production.
Authors: Robinson Y. , Sivakumar C.K.
Published: June 2021

This study aimed at investigating the effect of wind for double slope solar desalination still. Two double slope solar stills were designed, constructed and experimentally tested their performance depending up on the wind. One experiment carried out with a wind speed of 4m/s and other 3m/s. The results show that the variation in wind affects the fresh water production. Double slope solar desalination still with wind speed 4m/s gives 17.8% higher productivity compare to 3m/s.

Keywords: wind, freshwater production, desalination.
Researching of properties of expanded clay concrete on cement-ash binder.
Authors: Popov Oleg , Chystiakiv A.
Published: June 2021

Ukraine is a state with a powerful industrial base,the waste of which is ash. The use of ash as a binder for the production of expanded clay concrete solves the problem of its disposal. Studies of expanded clay concrete on carbonates and and cement-ash binder were carried out.The research results showed that it is possible to manufacture building structures from this material, including load-bearing ones. Experiments have confirmed the effectiveness of using a cement-ash binder [Vilkov, 1984]. The article provides recommendations on the technology of production of expanded clay concrete mixture and determination of optimal composition. Were made and tested samples of expanded clay concrete on a cement-ash binder with varying degrees of reinforcement with dimensions of 100x150x1200mm. The bearing capacity, crack resistance and deformability of expanded clay concrete were determined by testing on hydraulic press. The compressive strength of the studied expanded clay concrete was tested by loading samples with dimensions of 10x10x10cm and 10x10x40cm. The perspectives of using expanded clay concrete on a cement- ash binder are analyzed.

Keywords: expanded clay concrete, industrial waste, binding material, ash, carbonate send, strength, deflection, deformation, building construction.
Indigenous People and Changing Socio-Cultural Behavior: A Case Study of Toto Tribes, Totopara
Authors: Jamal Sahid , Upadhyay Aakash , Dua Rachna
Published: June 2021

As the saying goes “culture doesn't make people, it is the people who make culture”. The are several tribes living in India and are trying to preserve their rich cultural heritage. Toto is an aboriginal Indo-Bhutanese tribe found in some parts of Alipurduar district in North Bengal. Unique to their culture is the idea of having only single wife and strongly advocate anti-dowry system unlike neighbouring tribal practices. As per the reports they are recognized as the smallest tribe on the Earth and are on the verge of complete extinction. Various cultural transformation and other developmental activities around the region is leading to declining Toto’s population, which is further aggravated by Thalassemia virus, which is one of the silent killers of the tribe. It is alarming that an average lifespan of Toto's has suddenly declined to 35 years over the years. The basic objective of the study is to identify reasons beneath transformations of traditional livelihood and sudden decline of Toto tribe. Based on different research, global understandings and valuable readings, what instrumental steps can be taken to preserve and protect them. Primary survey and secondary data sources have been used for the data collection. A household survey was executed with the help of snowball sampling in December 2018 at Totopara in Madarihaat block of Alipurduar district, West Bengal. Remedial and descriptive methods and qualitative techniques have been used for analysis of data. After the analysis, it was concluded that increasing the education and awareness level through workshops, documentaries, camps, public meetings, discussions, discourse, rallies, seminars and cultural programs would play an instrumental role to put a cap on the declining population of the locals and would lead to their sustainable growth and development.  Keywords Culture-Aboriginal- Extinction- Thalassemia-Sustainable Growth
Study of Purchase-sell of Livestock and Availing of Subsidy Benefits among Commercial Dairy Farmers of Gujarat
Authors: Rathva A. L. , Sorathiya L. M. , Gadhvi D. N.
Published: June 2021

A field survey was conducted in Navsari district by selecting 40 commercial dairy farmers randomly from Navsari and adjoining areas. The commercial farm that possessed 20 Adult Unit of either cattle or buffalo was considered for the study. The desired information pertaining to livestock purchase-selling practices with criteria was collected with the help of pre-designed and pre-tested questionnaire. The data regarding problems found in purchased animals were collected by using 5 point Likert agreement scale. Analyzed data revealed that overall total herd strength was 52.07±5.24. It included 16.48±2.44 milch buffalo, 4.82±0.82 dry buffaloes, 5.90±0.76 milch cows and 2.12±0.33 cows. The herd strength across both regions was nonsignificant. Many livestock keepers were availing subsidies for construction of shed, purchase of chaff cutter, milking machine, rubber mats and livestock. Subsidy for purchase of chaff cutter was enjoyed by 20% respondents, whereas 12.5% respondents were benefited by subsidy for construction of shed and purchase of livestock. However, about 47% of them were not taken any kind of subsidy for their farm. The reasons for not availing subsidy showing that 17.5% respondents were not knowing/not tried to avail subsidy benefits. The analyzed data on livestock prizing showed that buffaloes were costlier than cows. The average purchase price was Rs. 72161±2195 and 58291±5233 for buffaloes and cows, respectively. Average selling price was quite lower than purchased price for cows and buffaloes. It was Rs. 28463±625 and 27083±2083 for buffalo and cow, respectively. Further, the livestock buyer was not much satisfied with purchased animals as they were having many problems like mastitis, repeat breeding, less milk production etc.
Changes in the Population of Schizosaccharomyces japonicus in Carissa edulis Vahl (Simple-spined Carissa) Juice Treated with Extracts of Citrus aurantifolia Christm. (lime) and Citrus limon Burm F. (lemon) Peels as Natural Preservatives during Storage
Authors: Ifeanyi Ugwu Eugene , A. Nyam Mary , I. Ogbonna Abigail
Published: June 2021

Aim: This study was aimed at evaluating the changes in the population of Schizosaccharomyces japonicus in locally produced simple-spine Carissa juice and the effects of lemon peel, lime peel and combination of lime and lemon peels extract as preservatives on the juice samples.

Methodology: Fruit juice produced was treated with different concentrations of citrus peels extracts (lemon, lime and lime+lemon) and their shelf lives were determined at room temperature for 30 days. The effects of the different preservatives on the pH of the juices were assessed and the Yeast count of the juice samples treated with the various concentrations of the citrus peels and the untreated samples were assessed using standard microbiological methods. The sugar fermentation and assimilation test of the isolate was also determined.

Results: Yeast population increased in the juice samples that were without treatments (control) from 5.6×103±200 to 1.52×104±200 cfuml-1 indicating significant increase (p≥0.05). Treated juice samples showed significant decrease (p≤0.05) in yeast population in the order of 300>200>100 mg/ml of the natural preservatives. Juice samples treated with highest concentration (300 mg/ml) of combined lime+lemon peels recorded the least colony forming units of 2.0×103±100 ml-1 during the storage period. This showed that the highest concentration (300 mg/ml) of combined lime+lemon peels had more effects on yeast load reduction in the Carissa juice. The results of the preservative properties of the citrus peels revealed the combined preservative (lime+lemon) as the best among the individual preservatives of lime and lemon. The sugar fermentation and assimilation tests showed that Schizosaccharomyces japonicus is a good fermenter of most sugars and can also assimilate sugars for its growth. The pH (3.40±0.01 and 4.09±0.01) of the treated fruit juices were within the acidic ranges that support the growth of yeast cells in culture.

Conclusion: From the findings, organic extracts of citrus peels can be used to extend the shelf-life of Carissa juice for up to three weeks.
The pigmentation sparing sign: A diagnostic marker of adenoma on melanosis coli
Authors: Chan Yi‐Hsueh , Hung Chien‐Yuan , Shieh Tze‐Yu , Chen Chih‐Jen , Chen Ming‐Jen
Published: June 2021

The appearance of melanosis coli during colonoscopy is largely due to pigment deposition in the colonic mucosa. The pigmentation sparing sign on detected polyps has been defined as a lesion that looks pale compared to the surrounding brownish colonic mucosa. Our previous observation suggested that the pigmentation sparing sign could be a diagnostic marker of adenoma on melanosis coli. The aim of this study wants to prove this previous concept with a correlation between endoscopic and histological features from a case series. A consecutive series of patients scheduled for colonoscopy for cancer screening and diagnosed with melanosis coli and polyps during 2014 were retrospectively evaluated. We collected data including sex, age, and the size and location of polyps. For patients with multiple polyps, all polyps were evaluated histologically. During the study period, 35 polyps in 16 patients (5 males and 11 females; mean age 59.1 years [range, 32‐91]) who were diagnosed with colonic polyps on melanosis coli were enrolled. These included 21 polyps with pathologically confirmed adenoma and 14 hyperplastic polyps. The adenomas had an average diameter of 3.9 mm (range, 2‐15 mm) and the hyperplastic polyps had a mean diameter of 2.9 mm (range, 2‐8 mm). The use of the pigmentation sparing sign for predicting adenoma had a sensitivity of 95.2%, a specificity of 78.6%, a positive predictive value of 87.0%, and a negative predictive value of 91.7%. The overall accuracy for predicting melanosis coli with the pigmentation sparing sign was 88.6%. This study suggests the pigmentation sparing sign could be a good diagnostic marker of adenoma on melanosis coli. Furthermore, upon detection of such a lesion, the excision and further histopathologic analysis of these polyps may be facilitated.
Sulfinic Acids in Organic Synthesis: A Review of Recent Studies
Authors: Bao Ruwei , Feng Yanping , Deng Danfeng , Huang Dayun , Sun Xiangyu
Published: June 2021

Decade advances of sulfinic acids (2010‐2021) were summarized via four categories by mechanisms: (1) sulfonyl radicals (2) RS radicals; (3) electrophilic intermediates; (4) nucleophilic S‐reagents. Their reactions with alkenes, alkynes, propiolic acids, cinnamic acids, allenes, ynones, azides, enynals, aldehydes, ketones, o‐aryl isocyanides, arenes, quinoline N‐oxides, disulfides, diselenides, thiophenol, P(O)‐H compounds, nitriles, alcohols, nitroso benzenes and dizo compounds will be discussed.
Hydrophobic and hydrophilic modifications of polyethylenimine towards gene delivery applications
Authors: Linsha Mali A. , Priya S. S. , Rekha M. R.
Published: June 2021

Non‐viral gene delivery has emerged as a promising approach for therapy in cancer treatment. Polyethylenimine (PEI) is a prominent transfecting agent, but due to toxicity and poor hemocompatibility, its usage for in vivo applications is limited. However, modification of PEI with different chemical groups can lead to conjugates with good transfection efficiency and better cytocompatibility. In this study, the efficiency of PEI derivatives, namely, PEI succinate (PEIS), PEI lauryl succinate (PEILS), PEI laurate (PEIL) was analyzed for gene delivery applications. Apart from biophysical characterization such as size, zeta potential, nanoplex stability and buffering capacity, cellular internalization, polymer trafficking and p53 transgene expression in C6 cell lines were also investigated. The results indicate that PEI conjugated with lauryl succinate act as better transfecting agent with high efficiency compared to other derivatives, and such balanced hydrophilic‐hydrophobic modification of PEI can render it to be a cytocompatible and effective nucleic acid delivery system.
Ag Nanoparticles Anchored on Nanoporous Ge Skeleton as High‐Performance Anode for Lithium‐ion Batteries
Authors: Zhou Ji , Huang Peng , Hao Qin , Zhang Lina , Liu Hong , Xu Caixia , Yu Jinghua
Published: June 2021

Main observation and conclusion

Nanoporous (NP) Ge/Ag composite is controllably fabricated via one simple dealloying method under mild conditions. After corroding the well‐designed Ge9Ag1Al90 source alloy, the resulting Ge/Ag consists of the three dimensional (3D) interconnected Ge network skeleton with Ag nanoparticles uniformly dispersed onto the surface. Benefitting from unique 3D porous nanostructure and introduction of high‐conductive Ag, the NP Ge/Ag composite exhibits much enhanced lithium storage performances by comparison with pure Ge material, including higher reversible capacitance, optimized rate capability as well as superior cycling performances. Besides, the NP Ge/Ag holds high cycling stability with large reversible capacity of 500 mA·h·g–1 remained under high current rate of 3200 mA·g–1 for an extended period of 300 loops. The Ge/Ag composite presents great potential in applications as an advanced anode candidate for lithium ion batteries in virtue of its excellent performances and green fabrication.
Innate lymphoid cells and cancer: Role in tumor progression and inhibition
Authors: Yuan Xiaodong , Rasul Faiz , Nashan Björn , Sun Cheng
Published: June 2021

Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), a critical component of the immune system, have recently been nominated as emerging players associated with tumor progression and inhibition. ILCs are classified into five groups: natural killer (NK) cells, ILC1s, ILC2s, ILC3s, and lymphoid tissue inducer (LTis) cells. NK cells and ILC1s are mainly involved in antitumor activities due to their cytotoxic and cytokine production capabilities, respectively. The current understanding of the heterogeneous behavior of ILC2s and ILC3s in tumors is limited and incomplete. Mostly, their dual roles are modulated by their resident tissues, released cytokines, cancer types, and plasticity. Based on overlap RORγt and cytokine expression, the LTi cells were previously considered part of the ILC3s ontogeny, which are essential for the formation of the secondary lymphoid organs during embryogenesis. Indeed, these facts highlight the urgency in understanding the respective mechanisms that shape the phenotypes and responses of ILCs, either on the repressive or proliferative side in the tumor microenvironment (TME). This review aims to provide an updated view of ILCs biology with respect to tumorigenesis, including a description of ILC plasticity, their interaction with other immune cells and communication with components of the TME. Taken together, targeting ILCs for cancer immunotherapy could be a promising approach against tumors that needs to be further study.
Metastatic mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma of the kidney responding to nivolumab plus ipilimumab
Authors: Fuchizawa Hirotaka , Kijima Toshiki , Takada‐Owada Atsuko , Nagashima Yoji , Okazaki Akihito , Yokoyama Megumi , Nishihara Daisaku , Ishida Kazuyuki , Kamai Takao
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma is a rare subtype of renal cell carcinoma. Little is known regarding the efficacy of systemic therapy on its metastatic form because of its rarity.

Case presentation

We present the case of a patient with metastatic mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma who achieved durable complete remission of multiple osseous metastases after undergoing cytoreductive nephrectomy followed by combination immunotherapy (ipilimumab plus nivolumab). Immunohistochemical analyses of the primary tumor revealed the presence of the tumor‐infiltrating immune cells, including activated CD8+ T cells and PD‐L1 expression, suggesting an immunologically hot tumor.

Conclusion

Combination immunotherapy was a viable treatment option for this disease. Immunohistochemical analyses of the tumor‐infiltrating immune cells predicted the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors against rare renal cancers.
Mapping smallholder forest plantations in Andhra Pradesh, India using multitemporal harmonized landsat sentinel‐2 S10 data
Authors: Williams Paige T. , Wynne Randolph H. , Thomas Valerie A. , DeFries Ruth
Published: June 2021

This study's objective was to develop a method by which smallholder forest plantations can be mapped accurately in Andhra Pradesh, India, using multitemporal visible and near‐infrared (VNIR) bands from the sentinel‐2 multispectral instruments (MSIs). Conversion to cropland, coupled with secondary dependencies on and scarcity of wood products, has driven the deforestation and degradation of natural forests in Southeast Asia. Concomitantly, forest plantations have been established both within and outside of forests, with the latter (as contiguous blocks) and are the focus of this study. Accurately mapping smallholder forest plantations in South and Southeast Asia is difficult using remotely sensed data due to the plantations' small size (average of 2 hectares), short rotation ages (4–7 years for timber species), and spectral similarities to croplands and natural forests. Cloud‐free Harmonized landsat sentinel‐2 (HLS) S10 data were acquired over six dates, from different seasons, over four years (2015–2018). Available in situ data on forest plantations was supplemented with additional training data resulting in 2230 high‐quality samples aggregated into three land cover classes: nonforest, natural forest, and forest plantations. Image classification used random forests on a thirty‐band stack consisting of the VNIR bands and NDVI images for all six dates. The median classification accuracy from the 5‐fold cross‐validation was 94.3%. Our results, predicated on high‐quality training data, demonstrate that (mostly smallholder) forest plantations can be separated from natural forests even using only the sentinel‐2 VNIR bands when multitemporal data (across both years and seasons) are used.
Proton MRS on sub‐microliter volume in rat brain using implantable NMR microcoils
Authors: Deborne Justine , Pinaud Noël , Crémillieux Yannick
Published: June 2021

The use of miniaturized NMR receiver coils is an effective approach for improving detection sensitivity in studies using MRS and MRI. By optimizing the filling factor (the fraction of the coil occupied by the sample), and by increasing the RF magnetic field produced per unit current, the sensitivity gain offered by NMR microcoils is particularly interesting when small volumes or regions of interest are investigated. For in vivo studies, millimetric or sub‐millimetric microcoils can be deployed in tissues to access regions of interest located at a certain depth. In this study, the implementation and application of a tissue‐implantable NMR microcoil with a detection volume of 850 nL is described. The RF magnetic field generated by the microcoil was evaluated using a finite element method simulation and experimentally determined by high spatial resolution MRI acquisitions. The performance of the microcoil in terms of spectral resolution and limit of detection was measured at 7 T in vitro and in vivo in rodent brains. These performances were compared with those of a conventional external detection coil. Proton MR spectra were acquired in the cortex of rat brain. The concentrations of main metabolites were quantified and compared with reference values from the literature. In vitro and in vivo results obtained with the implantable microcoil showed a gain in sensitivity greater than 50 compared with detection using an external coil. In vivo proton spectra of diagnostic value were obtained from brain regions of a few hundred nanoliters. The similarities between spectra obtained with the implanted microcoil and those obtained with the external NMR coil highlight the minimally invasive nature of the coil implantation procedure. These implantable microcoils represent new tools for probing tissue metabolism in very small healthy or diseased regions using MRS.
Hypoprolactinemia and hyperprolactinemia in male schizophrenia patients treated with aripiprazole and risperidone and their relationships with testosterone levels
Authors: Tasaki Minami , Yasui‐Furukori Norio , Yokoyama Saaya , Shinozaki Masataka , Sugawara Norio , Shimoda Kazutaka
Published: June 2021

Aim

Several reports have shown that risperidone increases prolactin concentrations, while aripiprazole decreases prolactin concentrations. The frequency of abnormal prolactin concentrations in patients with schizophrenia receiving these drugs is still unknown. Furthermore, although hyperprolactinemia leads to sexual dysfunction, the relationship between hyperprolactinemia and testosterone, which may be directly related to male sexual function, is not well understood.

Methods

The subjects were 94 male schizophrenia outpatients receiving risperidone or paliperidone (risperidone group) and 83 male schizophrenia outpatients receiving aripiprazole. We measured the serum prolactin and total and free testosterone concentrations. We compared the prolactin and testosterone levels in patients receiving risperidone or paliperidone and patients receiving aripiprazole.

Results

The average serum prolactin concentration was 27.5 ± 13.1 ng/mL for the risperidone group and 3.9 ± 3.5 ng/mL for the aripiprazole group, and the concentrations were significantly different (P < .001). Hypoprolactinemia was observed in 75% of the aripiprazole group and hyperprolactinemia in 65% of the risperidone group. A positive correlation between prolactin levels and the risperidone daily dose was found, whereas a negative correlation between prolactin levels and the aripiprazole daily dose was observed. In the risperidone group, total testosterone concentrations were correlated with age, while free testosterone concentrations were inversely correlated with age and prolactin levels.

Conclusion

We found very common hyperprolactinemia and hypoprolactinemia in the risperidone or paliperidone group and aripiprazole group, respectively. Testosterone concentrations were associated with elevated prolactin levels in patients receiving risperidone or paliperidone. Further studies are needed to determine the clinical relevance of abnormal prolactin concentrations in male and female patients with schizophrenia.
Toward a Strategic Engagement with the Question of the Corporation
Authors: Bader Michael
Published: June 2021

Corporations, in their quest for the highest profit margin, have violated human rights, labour rights and environmental standards for decades, with little to no accountability. In recent years, the fight for corporate accountability under the banner of “Business and Human Rights” has come to dominate civil society’s engagement with the “question of the corporation.” This chapter aims to critically examine the political objectives underpinning the broad-church project of Business and Human Rights in its world-making aspirations, taking the Legally Binding Instrument currently under discussion at the UN Human Rights Council as a case study. Using a historical narrative approach, this article first situates the evolution of Business and Human Rights within neoliberal globalisation and, against this backdrop, attempts to think through the “dark side” of this particular strand of human rights activism. By bringing critical legal scholarship on the corporation and human rights into closer conversation with Business and Human Rights, the article aims to excavate the latter’s structural flaws, namely that it leaves the asymmetries in the global economy and the imperial corporate form unchallenged. By problematising Business and Human Rights’ presupposition of business as fact and its uncritical embrace of rights as positive change-makers, the article presents an invitation to rethink strategic political objectives vis-à-vis corporate rights abuses.
Correction to: Assessment of Climate Change over the Indian Region
Authors: Krishnan R. , Sanjay J. , Gnanaseelan Chellappan , Mujumdar Milind , Kulkarni Ashwini , Chakraborty Supriyo
Published: June 2021

In the original version of the book, belated corrections as listed below are incorporated: Chapter 1: The caption of figure 1.5 has been changed as follows: Spatial patterns of change in the June–to-September seasonal precipitation (mm day −1) over the globe in the left-hand column, and over India in the right-hand column. In the top row are plotted the observed changes for the period (1951-2014) relative to (1900-1930) over the globe based on the CRU dataset, and over India based on the IMD dataset. Plots in the middle row are from the IITM-ESM simulations for the historical period, and the plots in the last row are from the IITM-ESM projections following the SSP5-8.5 scenario. The IITM-ESM simulated changes in the historical period (first and middle rows) are plotted as difference for the period (1951-2014) relative to (1850–1900). Changes under the SSP5-8.5 scenario (last row) are plotted as difference between the far-future (2070–2099) relative to (1850–1900). Chapter 2: On page 40, line 5 the word “business-as-usual” has been changed to “twenty-first century under this high emission scenario”. Chapter 4: On page 88, the last sentence “The business as usual scenario will continue to increase atmospheric CO2 and CH4 loading for next several decades.” has been changed to “Without rapid mitigation policies, atmospheric CO2 and CH4 loading will continue to increase for the next several decades.” The erratum chapters and book have been updated with the changes.
Dipole radiation and beyond from axion stars in electromagnetic fields
Authors: Amin Mustafa A. , Long Andrew J. , Mou Zong-Gang , Saffin Paul M.
Published: June 2021

Abstract

We investigate the production of photons from coherently oscillating, spatially localized clumps of axionic fields (oscillons and axion stars) in the presence of external electromagnetic fields. We delineate different qualitative behaviour of the photon luminosity in terms of an effective dimensionless coupling parameter constructed out of the axion-photon coupling, and field amplitude, oscillation frequency and radius of the axion star. For small values of this dimensionless coupling, we provide a general analytic formula for the dipole radiation field and the photon luminosity per solid angle, including a strong dependence on the radius of the configuration. For moderate to large coupling, we report on a non-monotonic behavior of the luminosity with the coupling strength in the presence of external magnetic fields. After an initial rise in luminosity with the coupling strength, we see a suppression (by an order of magnitude or more compared to the dipole radiation approximation) at moderately large coupling. At sufficiently large coupling, we find a transition to a regime of exponential growth of the luminosity due to parametric resonance. We carry out 3+1 dimensional lattice simulations of axion electrodynamics, at small and large coupling, including non-perturbative effects of parametric resonance as well as backreaction effects when necessary. We also discuss medium (plasma) effects that lead to resonant axion to photon conversion, relevance of the coherence of the soliton, and implications of our results in astrophysical and cosmological settings.
Gravity as an ensemble and the moment problem
Authors: Janssen Oliver , Mirbabayi Mehrdad , Zograf Peter
Published: June 2021

Abstract

If a bulk gravitational path integral can be identified with an average of partition functions over an ensemble of boundary quantum theories, then a corresponding moment problem can be solved. We review existence and uniqueness criteria for the Stieltjes moment problem, which include an infinite set of positivity conditions. The existence criteria are useful to rule out an ensemble interpretation of a theory of gravity, or to indicate incompleteness of the gravitational data. We illustrate this in a particular class of 2D gravities including variants of the CGHS model and JT supergravity. The uniqueness criterion is relevant for an unambiguous determination of quantities such as $$ \overline{\log Z\left(\beta \right)} $$

log
Z

β

¯

or the quenched free energy. We prove in JT gravity that perturbation theory, both in the coupling which suppresses higher-genus surfaces and in the temperature, fails when the number of boundaries is taken to infinity. Since this asymptotic data is necessary for the uniqueness problem, the question cannot be settled without a nonperturbative completion of the theory.
Aktueller Stand der Durchführung von Nierenersatztherapien auf deutschen Intensivstationen
Authors: Willam Carsten , Meersch Melanie , Herbst Larissa , Heering Peter , Schmitz Michael , Oppert Michael , John Stefan , Jörres Achim , Zarbock Alexander , Janssens Uwe , Kindgen-Milles Detlef
Published: June 2021

Eine akute Nierenschädigung (AKI) tritt heute bei 50 % aller kritisch kranken Patienten auf und etwa 15 % müssen mit einer Nierenersatztherapie (NET) behandelt werden. Obwohl eine NET ein häufiges und essenzielles Organersatzverfahren in der deutschen Intensivmedizin darstellt, ist es ist nicht bekannt, in welchem Umfang Nierenersatzverfahren zur Verfügung stehen, wer mit welcher Qualifikation eine NET durchführt, welche Formen der Antikoagulation verwendet werden und wie die Dosis der NET verschrieben wird. Die Deutsche Interdisziplinäre Vereinigung für Intensiv- und Notfallmedizin (DIVI) hat deshalb Ende 2019 unter ihren Mitgliedern eine Umfrage zu den strukturellen Gegebenheiten der NET in ihrem Arbeitsumfeld durchgeführt. Es konnten 897 Datensätze erfasst werden (31,1 % der Befragten), anhand derer die aktuellen strukturellen und prozeduralen Gegebenheiten bei der Durchführung der NET auf deutschen Intensivstationen beschrieben werden können. Es waren Krankenhäuser aller Versorgungsstufen vertreten, allerdings waren Krankenhäuser mit einer Bettenzahl von > 400 Betten (69,1 %) und Krankenhäuser der Schwerpunkt- und Maximalversorgung und Unikliniken (74,5 %) verstärkt vertreten. Kontinuierliche Nierenersatzverfahren stehen auf 93,3 % und intermittierende Verfahren auf 75,8 % der Intensivstationen in Deutschland zur Verfügung. Die Indikation zur NET wird in 91,9 % durch eine/n Facharzt/Fachärztin oder einen Facharzt/Fachärztin mit Zusatzweiterbildung Intensivmedizin und/oder Nephrologie gestellt. In Fragen der Therapiedurchführung sind jedoch Aspekte der Dialysedosis besser zu implementieren und dokumentieren.
Obesity in short stem total hip arthroplasty using a minimally invasive supine anterolateral approach—a risk factor for short-term complications?
Authors: Luger Matthias , Hochgatterer Rainer , Schopper Clemens , Pisecky Lorenz , Allerstorfer Jakob , Klasan Antonio , Gotterbarm Tobias , Schauer Bernhard
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Obesity is associated with increased risk for surgical complications in total hip arthroplasty (THA). The impact of obesity on short-term complication in minimally invasive (MIS) anterolateral approach is not well known. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the early complications within the first 90 days after THA using a MIS anterolateral approach with a short-curved stem stratified by Body Mass Index (BMI).

Patients and methods

A single centre consecutive series of 1052 hips in 982 patients (index surgery 2014–2019) with a short-curved stem and press fit cup implanted using a MIS anterolateral approach in supine position were screened for inclusion. Inclusion criteria were defined as end-stage primary osteoarthritis of the hip. Eventually, 878 implantations in 808 patients were included and stratified by body mass index (BMI). Peri-operative complications, within the first 90 days after surgery, were retrospectively evaluated.

Results

Severely obese patients (BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2) and morbidly obese patients (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2) demonstrated a significantly increased operation time (p < 0.001) and a higher risk for general surgical complications (p = 0.015) (odds ratio (OR) = 4.365; OR = 4.985), periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) (p = 0.001) (OR = 21.687; OR = 57.653), and revision (OR = 8.793; OR = 20.708).

Conclusion

The risk for early PJI and overall surgical complications in MIS anterolateral approach is significantly increased in severely and morbidly obese patients. This leads to a significantly higher risk for revision surgery after index surgery within the first 90 days. A BMI above 35 kg/m2 is the clear threshold for increased risk of PJI in MIS anterolateral THA with a short curved stem. As the surgical complications are comparable to other approaches, MIS anterolateral short stem THA is also feasible with increasing BMI.