bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CO2 Capture in Ionic Liquids Based on Amino Acid Anions With Protic Side Chains: a Computational Assessment of Kinetically Efficient Reaction Mechanisms
Authors: Onofri Stefano , Adenusi Henry , Le Donne Andrea , Bodo Enrico
Published: November 2020

Absorption and capture of CO2 directly from sources represents one of the major tools to reduce its emission in the troposphere. One of the possibilities is to incorporate CO2 inside a liquid exploiting its propensity to react with amino groups to yield carbamic acid or carbamates. A particular class of ionic liquids, based on amino acids, appear to represent a possible efficient medium for CO2 capture because, at difference with current industrial setups, they have the appeal of a biocompatible and environmentally benign solution. We have investigated, by means of highly accurate computations, the feasibility of the reaction that incorporates CO2 in an amino acid anion with a protic side chain and ultimately transforms it into a carbamate derivative. Through an extensive exploration of the possible reaction mechanisms, we have found that different prototypes of amino acid anions present barrierless reaction mechanisms toward CO2 absorption.
Tensile failure prediction of a short fiber or particle composite
Authors: Huang Hong‐Bo , Huang Zheng‐Ming
Published: November 2020

As any failure of a short fiber reinforced composite (SFRC) is caused by a matrix failure, an accurate prediction of the latter is fundamentally important. This is achievable only when the matrix homogenized stresses are converted into true values. The conversion is made by multiplying the homogenized stresses with matrix stress concentration factors (SCFs) in the composite. Only a longitudinal SCF of the matrix in the SFRC needs to be determined, because all of the other directional SCFs are the same as those in a continuous fiber composite already available. In this paper, the longitudinal tensile SCF of the matrix is obtained in terms of the matrix stress field calculated through a finite element approach. The thus obtained SCF is valid for any fiber aspect ratio. The predicted strengths of several uniaxial short fiber composites and (0/±60)s laminate subjected to longitudinal tension agree well with the available experiments.
Excess semiannual variation in historical temperature records
Authors: Song Yunxiang , Lawlor Kyle B. , Witten Thomas A.
Published: November 2020

The annual temperature cycle of the Earth closely follows the annual cycle of solar flux. At temperate latitudes, both driving and response cycles are well described by a strong annual sinusoidal component and a nonvanishing semiannual component. A new analysis of historical weather station records from the United States determines persistent annual and semiannual variation with high precision. Historical annual temperature ranges are consistent with prior studies. Semiannual temperature cycles are much stronger than expected based on the semiannual solar driving. Instead, these cycles were consistent with multiplicative effects of two annual cycles. Our methods provide a quantitative window into the climate's nonlinear response to solar driving, which is of potential value in testing climate models.
The influence of the coastal plain on the downstream material fluxes from a small coastal mountainous river basin
Authors: Molisani Mauricio Mussi , Machado Anandra , de Farias Roberto Nascimento , de Souza Michael Douglas Peçanha , Isacksson Paula Sigilião , de Assis Esteves Francisco
Published: November 2020

Small mountainous coastal basins display steeper gradients, suggesting intensified river transport. However, there is little information about downstream trends in rivers with low discharge and material fluxes across coastal plains and its influence on land‐sea material transport. This study examined 2 years of river discharge, suspended sediment and nutrient concentrations, fluxes and yields from upstream to the upper estuary of a typical South‐east Atlantic Basin. This study provides data about the material retention capacity of the coastal plain. The results indicated that the coastal plain did not affect nutrient concentrations, but reduced turbidity, inducing chlorophyll a and consequently primary productivity in the lower river basin and upper estuary. The coastal plain attenuated the increasing downstream material fluxes, but also curbed suspended sediment and TN fluxes, across the lower river/upper estuary. In contrast, TP and PO43− fluxes increased sharply across the coastal plain. This was influenced by natural and anthropogenic P inputs from soils and run‐off to the river channel. These exceeded the retention capacity of the coastal plain and result in a high export efficiency of this nutrient to the sea.
An improved time support estimation method for overlapping automatic dependent surveillance‐broadcast signals in low signal‐to‐noise ratio region
Authors: Ren Peng , Wang Jianxin , Zhang Peixin , Tian Da
Published: November 2020

In the satellite‐based application, due to the low signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) of received signals, it is highly difficult to estimate the time support of overlapping automatic dependent surveillance‐broadcast (ADS‐B) signals, resulting in the failure of many separation algorithms. Besides, it is troublesome to determine the detection threshold for unknown noise variance. In this paper, we first present three estimation methods of noise variance based on eigenvalue decomposition, which are suitable for constant and slowly varying noise variance, respectively. The proposed time support estimation is therefore of constant false alarm rate property. Moreover, according to the characteristic of ADS‐B signals, we design a matched filter and propose two estimation schemes of direct form and indirect form, which significantly improves the estimation accuracy and detection probability. Finally, in combination of the well‐known projection algorithm (PA), it is concluded that with the proposed estimation method, PA exhibits a satisfactory separation performance at low SNRs.
Microstructure and biological activity of silicon‐doped composite coatings fabricated by micro‐arc oxidation on magnesium alloy
Authors: Jiao Yang , Ni Xiao‐hui , Zou Guo‐you , Ren Liu‐bao , Yi Lei , Zhao Quan‐ming
Published: November 2020

Among biomaterials, the mechanical properties of magnesium and its alloys are closest to those of human bone tissue, making these ideal materials for bone tissue repair and replacement. In order to further improve the biocompatibility and biological activity of the magnesium alloy AZ91D, micro‐arc oxidation with a constant‐current power supply mode was employed in this study in a silicate electrolyte solution. The resultant coating surface had a porous structure, and silicon was evenly distributed in it. Further, the results of in vitro experimental studies showed that the silicon‐doped magnesium coating on the surface of the magnesium alloys has no obvious cytotoxicity, and it can induce the proliferation of osteoblasts and promote actin stretching. In addition, it has good biological activity and biocompatibility. Thus, the novel method developed in this study improves the potential for clinical applications of magnesium alloys.
Ni17W3–W Interconnected Hybrid Prepared by Atmosphere‐ and Thermal‐Induced Phase Separation for Efficient Electrocatalysis of Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Li Yong‐Ke , Zhang Geng , Huang He , Lu Wang‐Ting , Cao Fei‐Fei , Shao Zhi‐Gang
Published: November 2020

The development of efficient and stable noble‐metal‐free electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline media is still a challenge. Herein, a hybrid material formed by the interconnection of Ni17W3 intermetallic compound with metallic W is demonstrated for HER. The Ni17W3–W hybrid is prepared by the atmosphere‐ and thermal‐induced phase‐separation strategy from a single‐phase precursor (NiWO4), which gives Ni17W3–W hybrid abundant and tight interfaces. The theoretical calculation manifests that Ni17W3 shows more optimized energetics for adsorbed H atom, while W has lower energy barrier for water dissociation, and the synergistic effect between them is believed to facilitate the HER kinetics. Moreover, Ni17W3 presents a proper adsorption strength for both adsorbed OH and H, and thus Ni17W3 may also act as a high HER catalyst by itself. As a result, the Ni17W3–W hybrid demonstrates high activity and durability for HER in liquid alkaline electrolyte; the electrolyzer assembled by Ni17W3–W hybrid and Ni–Fe‐layered double hydroxide (LDH) as, respectively, the cathode and anode electrocatalysts presents superior performance to Pt/C–IrO2 benchmark. In addition, the Ni17W3–W hybrid also works well in the water electrolyzer based on solid hydroxide exchange membrane. The present work provides a promising pathway to the design of high‐performance electrocatalysts.
Anisotropic Assembly of Nanocrystal/Molecular Hierarchical Superlattices Decoding from Tris‐Amide Triarylamines Supramolecular Networks
Authors: Zhang Fenghua , Yang Fei , Gong Yanjun , Wei Yanze , Yang Yanzhao , Wei Jingjing , Yang Zhijie , Pileni Marie‐Paule
Published: November 2020

Directed assembly of nanocrystals from conventional templates suffers from poor control over the periodicity of the nanocrystal assembly, which is largely due to the fact that the template exists prior to the assembly and is not generally adaptive. Herein, small organic molecules (tris‐amide triarylamines, TATA) are demonstrated as conceptual templates from self‐assembly through noncovalent interactions. The as‐formed supramolecular structures with terminated alkyl chains, resembling the structure of as‐synthesized nanocrystals capped with alkyl chains, are able to interact with nanocrystals through van der Waals attractive forces, thereby enabling directed assembly of nanocrystals into ordered superlattices. Specifically, it is found that, as determined by the substituted alkyl chains of TATA, either H or J‐aggregates of TATA can be achieved, which eventually produce several distinct supramolecular structures, from rods to spindles, to rings, and to spheres, serving as on‐pathway intermediate that directs the assembly of nanocrystals into diverse nanocrystal superlattices. The approach described can be applicable to produce ordered nanocrystal assemblies of a wide range of nanocrystals, independent of size and shape and without ligand exchange process. Strikingly, a helical TATA stacking can direct assembly of binary nanocrystal mixtures into NaZn13 binary superhelix.
Identification and fine‐mapping of RppCML496, a major QTL for resistance to Puccinia polysora in maize
Authors: Lv Meng , Deng Ce , Li Xueying , Zhao Xiaodi , Li Huimin , Li Zhimin , Tian Zhiqiang , Leonard April , Jaqueth Jennifer , Li Bailin , Hao Junjie , Chang Yuxiao , Ding Junqiang
Published: November 2020

Southern corn rust (SCR), which is caused by the fungal pathogen Puccinia polysora Underw, is a prevalent foliar disease in maize. Breeding for resistant cultivars is a desirable way for the efficient control of this disease. To identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) for conferring resistance to SCR, a recombinant inbred population including 138 lines (RILs) derived from the SCR‐resistant line CML496 and susceptible line Lx9801 was evaluated for phenotypic reaction to SCR in three trials in two locations over 2 years. The population was genotyped with the maize 9.4K SNP Genotyping Array marker platform. A total of 3 QTL were mapped on chromosomes 6, 9 and 10, respectively. One major QTL on chromosome 10 (bin 10.00/10.01), RppCML496, was consistently detected across environments, which explained 43–78% of the total phenotypic variation. Using a fine mapping strategy, we delimited RppCML496 to an interval of 128 Kb. Genome mining of this region suggests two candidate genes, and a NBS‐LRR gene is the promising one for RppCML496 against SCR. The tightly linked molecular markers developed in this study can be used for molecular breeding of resistance to SCR in maize.
Spectrometer configuration and measurement uncertainty in X‐ray spectroscopy
Authors: Redus Robert , Huber Alan , Dubay Robert
Published: November 2020

How should one select the best detector and the best spectrometer configuration for a particular measurement in X‐ray spectroscopy? The end user is typically interested in obtaining the best precision, accuracy, and detection limit but these are indirectly related to the typical spectrometer specifications, such as energy resolution measured with 55Fe, maximum count rate, or detector area. In this article, we will quantify how the measurement uncertainty (precision, accuracy, and detection limit) are related to spectrometer parameters. We will derive the relationships for common measurement cases, will show data validating these relationships, and will indicate how this information can be used to select the optimum detector and spectrometer configuration for specific applications.
Solution‐processed Nonstoichiometry NiOx Nanocrystal Aggregations for Supercapacitor Electrodes
Authors: Sun Yan , Liu Jiahui , Chu Liang , Li Xing'ao
Published: November 2020

Nickel oxide (NiOx) has been considered as one of the most promising electrode materials for electrochemical supercapacitors because of its exceptional redox and charge storage characteristic. Here, the nonstoichiometry NiOx nanocrystals were synthesized by a room‐temperature chemical precipitation method with the following annealing process. The stoichiometric ratio and morphology of the NiOx nanocrystals were controlled by annealing Ni(OH)2 nanoparticles under different temperatures. At 270 ○C annealing process, the NiOx nanocrystals get together to aggregations, which not only have large specific surface area, but also have relatively long charge transfer channels. Meanwhile, with increasing temperature beyond 270 ○C, Ni2+ active sites in the nonstoichiometry NiOx decrease. Furtherly, the NiOx nanocrystal aggregations show the superior electrochemical performance with a specific capacitance of 332 F·g–1 at a current density of 1 A·g–1. In addition, the stability of Coulombic efficiency can still retain 91.3 % after 500 cycle.
Synthesis of Nordstrandite and Nordstrandite‐Derived Layered Double Hydroxides of Li and Al: A Comparative Study with the Bayerite Counterpart
Authors: Venkataraman Kavitha , Pachayappan Latha
Published: November 2020

The layered double hydroxides (LDHs) of Li and Al can be synthesized from the four polymorphs of Al(OH)3, namely gibbsite, bayerite, nordstrandite, and doyleite. The crystal structure of this class of compounds depends on the type of the precursor used due to their topotactic reaction mechanism. While the LDHs derived from gibbsite and bayerite yield different crystal structures, the incorporation of Li into nordstrandite was expected to yield new LDH structures different from those derived from gibbsite and bayerite. The structure of nordstrandite derived LDHs were however identical to that derived from the bayerite counterpart. The absence of symmetry in the interlayer of nordstrandite (C1) makes it unsuitable to accommodate the intercalating anions with different molecular symmetries. To make the interlayer gallery suitable for the anions, the metal hydroxide layers of the nordstrandite translate, transforming nordstrandite to bayerite. The bayerite with site symmetries Oh and C2 stabilizes the anions in the interlayer by hydrogen bonding. The transformation of nordstrandite to bayerite, when soaked in lithium salt solution is, therefore, a manifestation of the intercalating anions.
Tourism as (Un)sustainable Production and Consumption
Authors: Lerpold Lin , Sjöberg Örjan
Published: November 2020

This chapter reviews the literature on sustainable production and consumption of tourism to map both sides of the coin. As such it focuses on the shifts (and at times trade-offs) between different classes of sustainability concerns, and the variegated emphasis on the local versus the global. It concludes that the global significance of some local circumstances (indeed disorders) is yet to receive the attention it deserves.
Light- and strange-quark mass dependence of the ρ(770) meson revisited
Authors: Molina R. , de Elvira J. Ruiz
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Recent lattice data on ππ-scattering phase shifts in the vector-isovector channel, pseudoscalar meson masses and decay constants for strange-quark masses smaller or equal to the physical value allow us to study the strangeness dependence of these observables for the first time. We perform a global analysis on two kind of lattice trajectories depending on whether the sum of quark masses or the strange-quark mass is kept fixed to the physical point. The quark mass dependence of these observables is extracted from unitarized coupled-channel one-loop Chiral Perturbation Theory. This analysis guides new predictions on the ρ(770) meson properties over trajectories where the strange-quark mass is lighter than the physical mass, as well as on the SU(3) symmetric line. As a result, the light- and strange-quark mass dependence of the ρ(770) meson parameters are discussed and precise values of the Low Energy Constants present in unitarized one-loop Chiral Perturbation Theory are given. Finally, the current discrepancy between two- and three-flavor lattice results for the ρ(770) meson is studied.
Sigma models with local couplings: a new integrability-RG flow connection
Authors: Hoare Ben , Levine Nat , Tseytlin Arkady A.
Published: November 2020

Abstract

We consider several classes of σ-models (on groups and symmetric spaces, η-models, ⋋-models) with local couplings that may depend on the 2d coordinates, e.g. on time τ . We observe that (i) starting with a classically integrable 2d σ-model, (ii) formally promoting its couplings hα to functions hα(τ ) of 2d time, and (iii) demanding that the resulting time-dependent model also admits a Lax connection implies that hα(τ ) must solve the 1-loop RG equations of the original theory with τ interpreted as RG time. This provides a novel example of an ‘integrability-RG flow’ connection. The existence of a Lax connection suggests that these time-dependent σ-models may themselves be understood as integrable. We investigate this question by studying the possibility of constructing non-local and local conserved charges. Such σ-models with D-dimensional target space and time-dependent couplings subject to the RG flow naturally appear in string theory upon fixing the light-cone gauge in a (D + 2)-dimensional conformal σ-model with a metric admitting a covariantly constant null Killing vector and a dilaton linear in the null coordinate.
Probing electroweak baryogenesis induced by extra bottom Yukawa coupling via EDMs and collider signatures
Authors: Modak Tanmoy , Senaha Eibun
Published: November 2020

Abstract

We study the prospect of probing electroweak baryogenesis driven by an extra bottom Yukawa coupling ρbb in a general two Higgs doublet model via electric dipole moment (EDM) measurements and at the collider experiments. The parameter space receives meaningful constraints from 125 GeV Higgs h boson signal strength measurements as well as several heavy Higgs boson searches at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). In addition, we show that the asymmetry of the CP asymmetry of inclusive B → Xsγ decay would provide complementary probe. A discovery is possible at the LHC via bg → bA → bZh process if |ρbb| ∼ 0.15 and 250 GeV≲ mA ≲ 350 GeV, where A is CP odd scalar. For mA> 2mt threshold, where mt is the top quark mass, one may also discover bg → bA →$$ bt\overline{t} $$
bt

t
¯

at the high luminosity LHC run if an extra top Yukawa coupling |ρtt| ∼ 0.5, though it may suffer from systematic uncertainties. For completeness we study gg →$$ t\overline{t}A $$
t

t
¯

A
→$$ t\overline{t}b\overline{b} $$
t

t
¯

b

b
¯

but find it not promising.
Quiver Yangian from crystal melting
Authors: Li Wei , Yamazaki Masahito
Published: November 2020

Abstract

We find a new infinite class of infinite-dimensional algebras acting on BPS states for non-compact toric Calabi-Yau threefolds. In Type IIA superstring compactification on a toric Calabi-Yau threefold, the D-branes wrapping holomorphic cycles represent the BPS states, and the fixed points of the moduli spaces of BPS states are described by statistical configurations of crystal melting. Our algebras are “bootstrapped” from the molten crystal configurations, hence they act on the BPS states. We discuss the truncation of the algebra and its relation with D4-branes. We illustrate our results in many examples, with and without compact 4-cycles.
Nonrelativistic spinning strings
Authors: Roychowdhury Dibakar
Published: November 2020

Abstract

We construct nonrelativistic spinning string solutions corresponding to SU(1, 2|3) Spin-Matrix theory (SMT) limit of strings in AdS5× S5. Considering various nonrelativistic spinning string configurations both in AdS5 as well as S5 we obtain corresponding dispersion relations in the strong coupling regime of SMT where the strong coupling ($$ \sim \sqrt{\mathfrak{g}} $$
∼

g

) corrections near the BPS bound have been estimated in the slow spinning limit of strings in AdS5. We generalize our results explicitly by constructing three spin folded string configurations that has two of its spins along AdS5 and one along S5. Our analysis reveals that the correction to the spectrum depends non trivially on the length of the NR string in AdS5. The rest of the paper essentially unfolds the underlying connection between SU(1, 2|3) Spin-Matrix theory (SMT) limit of strings in AdS5× S5 and the nonrelativistic Neumann-Rosochatius like integrable models in 1D. Taking two specific examples of NR spinning strings in R × S3 as well as in certain sub-sector of AdS5 we show that similar reduction is indeed possible where one can estimate the spectrum of the theory using 1D model.
If I tweet will you cite later? Follow-up on the effect of social media exposure on article downloads and citations
Authors: Tonia Thomy , Van Oyen Herman , Berger Anke , Schindler Christian , Künzli Nino
Published: November 2020

Objectives

We previously reported that random assignment of scientific articles to a social media exposure intervention did not have an effect on article downloads and citations. In this paper, we investigate whether longer observation time after exposure to a social media intervention has altered the previously reported results.

Methods

For articles published in the International Journal of Public Health between December 2012 and December 2014, we updated article download and citation data for a minimum of 24-month follow-up. We re-analysed the effect of social media exposure on article downloads and citations.

Results

There was no difference between intervention and control group in terms of downloads (p = 0.72) and citations (p= 0.30) for all papers and when we stratified by open access status.

Conclusions

Longer observation time did not increase the relative differences in the numbers of downloads and citations between papers in the social media intervention group and papers in the control group. Traditional impact metrics based on citations, such as impact factor, may not capture the added value of social media for scientific publications.
Diabetisches Fußsyndrom – Teil 1
Authors:   Kommission PAVK und Diabetisches Fußsyndrom der DGG e. V., Rümenapf G. , Morbach S. , Rother U. , Uhl C. , Görtz H. , Böckler D. , Behrendt C.‑A. , Hochlenert D. , Engels G. , Sigl M.
Published: November 2020

In Deutschland leben ca. 8 Mio. Menschen mit Diabetes mellitus. Eine Spätfolge dieser Erkrankung ist das diabetische Fußsyndrom (DFS), dessen Prävalenz stark ansteigt. Es umfasst alle Veränderungen am Fuß als Folge der diabetischen Polyneuropathie sowie mikro- und makroangiopathischer (periphere arterielle Verschlusskrankheit, PAVK) Veränderungen. Jährlich entstehen ca. 250.000 neue diabetische Fußulzera. Diese werden oft zu chronischen Wunden. Trotz intensiver Bemühungen um Prävention, frühzeitige Diagnostik und stadiengerechte Wundbehandlung werden in Deutschland jährlich ca. 13.000 Majoramputationen bei Diabetikern durchgeführt. Bei konsequenter Therapie des DFS in interdisziplinären Zentren mit Ausschöpfung aller Möglichkeiten der Wundbehandlung, der Druckentlastung sowie einer arteriellen Revaskularisation kann die Majoramputationsrate um bis zu 80 % gesenkt werden. Durch eine geeignete Präventionsstrategie wäre die große Gefahr der Rezidivulzera geringer.
Novel testing strategy for prediction of rat biliary excretion of intravenously administered estradiol-17β glucuronide
Authors: Noorlander Annelies , Fabian Eric , van Ravenzwaay Bennard , Rietjens Ivonne M. C. M.
Published: November 2020

The aim of the present study was to develop a generic rat physiologically based kinetic (PBK) model that includes a novel testing strategy where active biliary excretion is incorporated using estradiol-17β glucuronide (E217βG) as the model substance. A major challenge was the definition of the scaling factor for the in vitro to in vivo conversion of the PBK-model parameter Vmax. In vitro values for the Vmax and Km for transport of E217βG were found in the literature in four different studies based on experiments with primary rat hepatocytes. The required scaling factor was defined based on fitting the PBK model-based predicted values to reported experimental data on E217βG blood levels and cumulative biliary E217βG excretion. This resulted in a scaling factor of 129 mg protein/g liver. With this scaling factor the PBK model predicted the in vivo data for blood and cumulative biliary E217βG levels with on average of less than 1.8-fold deviation. The study provides a proof of principle on how biliary excretion can be included in a generic PBK model using primary hepatocytes to define the kinetic parameters that describe the biliary excretion.
Acute, reproductive, and developmental toxicity of essential oils assessed with alternative in vitro and in vivo systems
Authors: Lanzerstorfer Peter , Sandner Georg , Pitsch Johannes , Mascher Bianca , Aumiller Tobias , Weghuber Julian
Published: November 2020

Essential oils (EOs) have attracted increased interest for different applications such as food preservatives, feed additives and ingredients in cosmetics. Due to their reported variable composition of components, they might be acutely toxic to humans and animals in small amounts. Despite the necessity, rigorous toxicity testing in terms of safety evaluation has not been reported so far, especially using alternatives to animal models. Here, we provide a strategy by use of alternative in vitro (cell cultures) and in vivo (Caenorhabditis elegans, hen’s egg test) approaches for detailed investigation of the impact of commonly used rosemary, citrus and eucalyptus essential oil on acute, developmental and reproductive toxicity as well as on mucous membrane irritation. In general, all EOs under study exhibited a comparable impact on measured parameters, with a slightly increased toxic potential of rosemary oil. In vitro cell culture results indicated a concentration-dependent decrease of cell viability for all EOs, with mean IC50 values ranging from 0.08 to 0.17% [v/v]. Similar results were obtained for the C. elegans model when using a sensitized bus-5 mutant strain, with a mean LC50 value of 0.42% [v/v]. In wild-type nematodes, approximately tenfold higher LC50 values were detected. C. elegans development and reproduction was already significantly inhibited at concentrations of 0.5% (wild-type) and 0.1% (bus-5) [v/v] of EO, respectively. Gene expression analysis revealed a significant upregulation of xenobiotic and oxidative stress genes such as cyp-14a3, gst-4, gpx-6 and sod-3. Furthermore, all three EOs under study showed an increased short-time mucous membrane irritation potential, already at 0.5% [v/v] of EO. Finally, GC–MS analysis was performed to quantitate the relative concentration of the most prominent EO compounds. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that EOs can exhibit severe toxic properties, already at low concentrations. Therefore, a detailed toxicological assessment is highly recommended for each EO and single intended application.
Diagnostic value of cardiovascular magnetic resonance in comparison to endomyocardial biopsy in cardiac amyloidosis: a multi-centre study
Authors: Chatzantonis Grigorios , Bietenbeck Michael , Elsanhoury Ahmed , Tschöpe Carsten , Pieske Burkert , Tauscher Gloria , Vietheer Julia , Shomanova Zornitsa , Mahrholdt Heiko , Rolf Andreas , Kelle Sebastian , Yilmaz Ali
Published: November 2020

Background

Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is an infiltrative disease characterised by accumulation of amyloid deposits in the extracellular space of the myocardium—comprising transthyretin (ATTR) and light chain (AL) amyloidosis as the most frequent subtypes. Histopathological proof of amyloid deposits by endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) is the gold standard for diagnosis of CA. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) allows non-invasive workup of suspected CA. We conducted a multi-centre study to assess the diagnostic value of CMR in comparison to EMB for the diagnosis of CA.

Methods

We studied N = 160 patients characterised by symptoms of heart failure and presence of left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy of unknown origin who presented to specialised cardiomyopathy centres in Germany and underwent further diagnostic workup by both CMR and EMB. If CA was diagnosed, additional subtyping based on EMB specimens and monoclonal protein studies in serum was performed. The CMR protocol comprised cine- and late-gadolinium-enhancement (LGE)-imaging as well as native and post-contrast T1-mapping (in a subgroup)—allowing to measure extracellular volume fraction (ECV) of the myocardium.

Results

An EMB-based diagnosis of CA was made in N = 120 patients (CA group) whereas N = 40 patients demonstrated other diagnoses (CONTROL group). In the CA group, N = 114 (95%) patients showed a characteristic pattern of LGE indicative of CA. In the CONTROL group, only 1/40 (2%) patient showed a “false-positive” LGE pattern suggestive of CA. In the CA group, there was no patient with elevated T1-/ECV-values without a characteristic pattern of LGE indicative of CA. LGE-CMR showed a sensitivity of 95% and a specificity of 98% for the diagnosis of CA. The combination of a characteristic LGE pattern indicating CA with unremarkable monoclonal protein studies resulted in the diagnosis of ATTR-CA (confirmed by EMB) with a specificity of 98% [95%-confidence interval (CI) 92–100%] and a positive predictive value (PPV) of 99% (95%-CI 92–100%), respectively. The EMB-associated risk of complications was 3.13% in this study—without any detrimental or persistent complications.

Conclusion

Non-invasive CMR shows an excellent diagnostic accuracy and yield regarding CA. When combined with monoclonal protein studies, CMR can differentiate ATTR from AL with high accuracy and predictive value. However, invasive EMB remains a safe invasive gold-standard and allows to differentiate CA from other cardiomyopathies that can also cause LV hypertrophy.
Reproductive risks in 35-year-old adults born very preterm and/or with very low birth weight: an observational study
Authors: van der Pal Sylvia M. , van der Meulen Sanne A. , Welters Sophie M. , Bakker Leonhard A. , de Groot Christianne J. M. , van Kaam Anton H. , Verrips Erik (G.H.W.)
Published: November 2020

Evidence suggests that increased survival over the last decades of very preterm (VPT; gestational age < 32 weeks)– and very low birth weight (VLBW; birth weight < 1500 g)–born infants is not matched by improved outcomes. The objective of our study was to evaluate the reproductive rate, fertility, and pregnancy complications in 35-year-old VPT/VLBW subjects. All Dutch VPT/VLBW infants born alive in 1983 and surviving until age 35 (n = 955) were eligible for a POPS-35 study. A total of 370 (39%) subjects completed a survey on reproductive rate, fertility problems, pregnancy complications, and perinatal outcomes of their offspring. We tested differences in these parameters between the VPT/VLBW subjects and their peers from Dutch national registries. POPS-35 participants had less children than their peers in the CBS registry. They reported more problems in conception and pregnancy complications, including a three times increased risk of hypertension during pregnancy.

Conclusion: Reproduction is more problematic in 35-year olds born VPT/VLBW than in the general population, possibly mediated by an increased risk for hypertension, but their offspring have no elevated risk for preterm birth.

What is known:At age 28, the Dutch national POPS cohort, born very preterm or with a very low birth in 1983, had lower reproductive rates than the general Dutch population (female 23% versus 32% and male 7% versus 22%).What is new:At age 35, the Dutch POPS cohort still had fewer children than the general Dutch population (female 56% versus 74% and male 40% versus 56%). Females in the POPS cohort had a higher risk of fertility problems and pregnancy complications than their peers in the Dutch national registries, but their offspring had no elevated risk for preterm birth.
Immunolocalization of leptin and leptin receptor in colorectal mucosa of ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease and control subjects with no inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Merigo Flavia , Brandolese Alessandro , Facchin Sonia , Boschi Federico , Di Chio Marzia , Savarino Edoardo , D’Incà Renata , Sturniolo Giacomo Carlo , Sbarbati Andrea
Published: November 2020

The expression of leptin and leptin receptor (Ob-R) has been partially elucidated in colon of patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), even though leptin is involved in angiogenesis and inflammation. We previously reported overexpression of GLUT5 fructose transporter, in aberrant clusters of lymphatic vessels inlamina propriaof IBD and controls. Here, we examine leptin and Ob-R expression in the same biopsies. Specimens were obtained from patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), Crohn’s disease (CD) and controls who underwent screening for colorectal cancer, follow-up after polypectomy or with a history of lower gastrointestinal symptoms. Immunohistochemistry revealed leptin in apical and basolateral membranes of short epithelial portions, Ob-R on the apical pole of epithelial cells. Leptin and Ob-R were also identified in structures and cells scattered in thelamina propria. In UC, a significant correlation between leptin and Ob-R in thelamina propriawas found in all inflamed samples, beyond non-inflamed samples of the proximal tract, while in CD, it was found in inflamed distal samples. Most of the leptin and Ob-R positive areas in thelamina propriawere also GLUT5 immunoreactive in inflamed and non-inflamed mucosa. A significant correlation of leptin or Ob-R expression with GLUT5 was observed in the inflamed distal samples from UC. Our findings suggest that there are different sites of leptin and Ob-R expression in large intestine and those inlamina propriado not reflect thestatusof mucosal inflammation. The co-localization of leptin and/or Ob-R with GLUT5 may indicate concomitance effects in colorectallamina propriaareas.
Expectations and perception of cancer treatment goals in previously untreated patients. The EXPECT trial
Authors: Minichsdorfer Christoph , Zeller O. , Kirschbaum M. , Berghoff A. S. , Bartsch R.
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Misconceptions regarding activity and toxicity of therapeutic interventions are common among cancer patients. There is little knowledge about the factors that contribute to a more realistic perception by patients.

Methods

This pilot study was designed as a prospective questionnaire survey and included 101 therapy-naïve patients treated at the Division of Oncology, Medical University of Vienna. After obtaining written informed consent, patients’ expectations about treatment aims, side effects and the satisfaction with their oncologic consultation were interrogated before the first treatment cycle by questionnaires.

Results

Of 101 patients, 53 (53%) were female and 67/101 (66%) were treated with curative attempt in an adjuvant or neo-adjuvant setting. The most common diagnoses were lung cancer (31%) and breast cancer (30%). Although 92% of patients were satisfied with the information given by their oncologist, palliative patients were more likely to declare that not everything was explained in an intelligible manner (p = 0.01). Patients with a first language other than German stated more often that their physician did not listen carefully enough (p = 0.02). Of 30 patients, 26 (87%) receiving chemotherapy with palliative intent believed that their disease was curable. Concerning adverse events, female patients anticipated more frequently hair loss (p = 0.003) and changes in taste (p = 0.001) compared to men. Patients under curative treatment were more likely to expect weight loss (p = 0.02) and lack of appetite (p = 0.01) compared to patients with palliative treatment intent.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cancer patients were satisfied with the patient-doctor communication. This prospective study aggregated patients’ concerns on side effects and the perception of therapeutic goals in therapy-naïve patients. Of note, the majority of patients treated in the palliative setting expected their treatment to cure the disease.
Sleep problems among adolescents within child and adolescent mental health services. An epidemiological study with registry linkage
Authors: Hysing Mari , Heradstveit Ove , Harvey Allison G. , Nilsen Sondre Aasen , Bøe Tormod , Sivertsen Børge
Published: November 2020

Sleep problems are prevalent among adolescents, especially among those diagnosed with mental health disorders. There is insufficient knowledge about sleep among adolescents within child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) in comparison to the general population. The data are drawn from the youth@hordaland study, a large population-based study conducted in 2012, linked to the Norwegian Patient Registry (NPR) (n = 9077). Psychiatric disorders were based on clinical diagnoses from the NPR, while insomnia, delayed sleep–wake-phase disorder (DSWPD), and other sleep problems/patterns were assessed by self-report questionnaires from youth@hordaland. The prevalence of diagnosed sleep disorders among adolescents seeking mental health services was 0.6%, yielding an estimated prevalence of 0.07% of the population. However, questionnaire-based measurement of insomnia from the youth@hordaland study indicated that insomnia was highly prevalent across disorders in comparison to a reference group of adolescents who were not within mental health care. Insomnia ranged from 29% among adolescents diagnosed with ADHD (PR = 1.79; 95% CI 1.41–2.29) to 48% among adolescents diagnosed with depression (PR = 2.53, 95% CI 2.19–2.92). All diagnostic groups had a mean sleep efficiency below (85%), indicating poor sleep quality. Insomnia, delayed sleep-phase wake disorder, and poor sleep efficiency were confirmed as transdiagnostic sleep problems across psychiatric disorders. In addition, some disorder-specific patterns emerged, such as a higher prevalence of insomnia among adolescents with depression, and DSWPS among adolescents with conduct disorder. This underscores the need for treating sleep problems in CAMHS, and transdiagnostic treatment approaches are warranted.
Whole-exome sequencing in patients with protein aggregate myopathies reveals causative mutations associated with novel atypical phenotypes
Authors: Machnicki Marcin M. , Guglielmi Valeria , Pancheri Elia , Gualandi Francesca , Verriello Lorenzo , Pruszczyk Katarzyna , Kosinska Joanna , Sangalli Antonella , Rydzanicz Malgorzata , Romanelli Maria Grazia , Neri Marcella , Ploski Rafal , Tonin Paola , Tomelleri Giuliano , Stoklosa Tomasz , Vattemi Gaetano
Published: November 2020

Background

Myofibrillar myopathies (MFM) are a subgroup of protein aggregate myopathies (PAM) characterized by a common histological picture of myofibrillar dissolution, Z-disk disintegration, and accumulation of degradation products into inclusions. Mutations in genes encoding components of the Z-disk or Z-disk-associated proteins occur in some patients whereas in most of the cases, the causative gene defect is still unknown. We aimed to search for pathogenic mutations in genes not previously associated with MFM phenotype.

Methods

We performed whole-exome sequencing in four patients from three unrelated families who were diagnosed with PAM without aberrations in causative genes for MFM.

Results

In the first patient and her affected daughter, we identified a heterozygous p.(Arg89Cys) missense mutation in LMNA gene which has not been linked with PAM pathology before. In the second patient, a heterozygous p.(Asn4807Phe) mutation in RYR1 not previously described in PAM represents a novel, candidate gene with a possible causative role in the disease. Finally, in the third patient and his symptomatic daughter, we found a previously reported heterozygous p.(Cys30071Arg) mutation in TTN gene that was clinically associated with cardiac involvement.

Conclusions

Our study identifies a new genetic background in PAM pathology and expands the clinical phenotype of known pathogenic mutations.
Prophylactic negative-pressure wound therapy after ileostomy reversal for the prevention of wound healing complications in colorectal cancer patients: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wierdak M. , Pisarska-Adamczyk M. , Wysocki M. , Major P. , Kołodziejska K. , Nowakowski M. , Vongsurbchart T. , Pędziwiatr M.
Published: November 2020

Background

The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of protective negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in the reduction of wound healing complications (WHC) and surgical site infections (SSI) after diverting ileostomy closure in patients who underwent surgery for colorectal cancer.

Methods

In this prospective randomized clinical trial in a tertiary academic surgical center, patients who had colorectal cancer surgery with protective loop ileostomy and were scheduled to undergo ileostomy closure with primary wound closure from January 2016 to December 2018 were randomized to be treated with or without NPWT. The primary endpoint was the incidence of WHC. Secondary endpoints were incidence of SSI, length of postoperative hospital stay (LOS), and length of complete wound healing (CWH) time.

Results

We enrolled 35 patients NPWT (24 males [68.6%]; mean age 61.6 ± 11.3 years), with NPWT and 36 patients (20 males [55.6%]; mean age 62.4 ± 11.3 years) with only primary wound closure (control group). WHC was observed in 11 patients (30.6%) in the control group and 3 (8.57%) in the NPWT group (p = 0.020). Patients in the NPWT group had a significantly lower incidence of SSI (2 [5.71%] vs. 8 [22.2%] in the control group; p = 0.046) as well as significantly shorter median CWH (7 [7–7] days vs. 7 [7–15.5] days, p = 0.030). There was no difference in median LOS between groups (3 [2.5–5] days in the control group vs. 4 [2–4] days in the NPWT group; p = 0.072).

Conclusions

Prophylactic postoperative NPWT after diverting ileostomy closure in colorectal cancer patients reduces the incidence of WRC and SSI.

Clinical trial registration

clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04088162).
Communicating the hidden: toward a framework for drought risk communication in maritime climates
Authors: Weitkamp Emma , McEwen Lindsey , Ramirez Patty
Published: November 2020

This paper explores stakeholder perspectives on the drought discourse in the UK, where climate change is predicted to increase drought risk. This study took a co-productive, mixed-methods approach to investigate drought risk communication issues through repeated engagements with local advisory groups in seven catchments across Britain and a national stakeholder competency group. These data were enriched by in-depth interviews with 17 statutory and non-statutory stakeholders working in a variety of capacities from water supply to habitat management. Codes were divided into contextual factors (cultural or drought specific factors) and individual factors (individual attributes relating to the person receiving the communication or factors within the control of communicators). The paper considers the implications of these contextual and personal factors for approaches to, and the framing of, drought risk communication (DRC). We conclude by proposing a framework for thinking about DRC in maritime climates where drought risk may not be readily perceived by some publics. This framework explores the role of heuristics in risk perception, and proposes a way of conceptualising publics that may more readily engage with DRC. In proposing the framework, we seek to stimulate new ways of thinking about DRC.
Publisher Correction: In vitro investigation of chemical properties and biocompatibility of neurovascular braided implants
Authors: Cattaneo Giorgio , Bräuner Chris , Siekmeyer Gerd , Ding Andreas , Bauer Sabina , Wohlschlögel Markus , Lang Lisa , Hierlemann Teresa , Akimov Maria , Schlensak Christian , Schüßler Andreas , Wendel Hans-Peter , Krajewski Stefanie
Published: November 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Modelling Joint Behaviour of Asset Prices Using Stochastic Correlation
Authors: Márkus László , Kumar Ashish
Published: November 2020

Association or interdependence of two stock prices is analyzed, and selection criteria for a suitable model developed in the present paper. The association is generated by stochastic correlation, given by a stochastic differential equation (SDE), creating interdependent Wiener processes. These, in turn, drive the SDEs in the Heston model for stock prices. To choose from possible stochastic correlation models, two goodness-of-fit procedures are proposed based on the copula of Wiener increments. One uses the confidence domain for the centered Kendall function, and the other relies on strong and weak tail dependence. The constant correlation model and two different stochastic correlation models, given by Jacobi and hyperbolic tangent transformation of Ornstein-Uhlenbeck (HtanOU) processes, are compared by analyzing daily close prices for Apple and Microsoft stocks. The constant correlation, i.e., the Gaussian copula model, is unanimously rejected by the methods, but all other two are acceptable at a 95% confidence level. The analysis also reveals that even for Wiener processes, stochastic correlation can create tail dependence, unlike constant correlation, which results in multivariate normal distributions and hence zero tail dependence. Hence models with stochastic correlation are suitable to describe more dangerous situations in terms of correlation risk.
Probability functions, belief functions and infinite regresses
Authors: Atkinson David , Peijnenburg Jeanne
Published: November 2020

In a recent paper Ronald Meester and Timber Kerkvliet argue by example that infinite epistemic regresses have different solutions depending on whether they are analyzed with probability functions or with belief functions. Meester and Kerkvliet give two examples, each of which aims to show that an analysis based on belief functions yields a different numerical outcome for the agent’s degree of rational belief than one based on probability functions. In the present paper we however show that the outcomes are the same. The only way in which probability functions and belief functions can yield different solutions for the agent’s degree of belief is if they are applied to different examples, i.e. to different situations in which the agent finds himself.