bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cascade Type‐II 2D/3D Perovskite Heterojunctions for Enhanced Stability and Photovoltaic Efficiency
Authors: Zhao Shenghe , Qin Minchao , Wang Han , Xie Jiangsheng , Xie Fangyan , Chen Jian , Lu Xinhui , Yan Keyou , Xu Jianbin
Published: July 2020

Heterojunction engineering is essential to reduce energy loss and enhance the stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, 1‐naphthylmethylammonium bromide (NMABr) is introduced to in situ generate an ultrathin p‐type 2D perovskite with wide bandgap between the 3D perovskite film and the hole transport layer (HTL). Cascade 2D/3D perovskites in situ form a type‐II heterojunction, which largely contributes to the improvement of photovoltaic performance. The type‐II heterojunction not only blocks the electron transfer and reduces the charge recombination on the surface and grain boundaries of the 3D perovskite film, but also promotes the hole extraction. The microphotoluminescence indicates the reduction of nonradiative recombination on the surface, consistent with the reduced trap density in Mott–Schottky plots and the increased recombination resistance in impedance spectra. The champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the NMABr‐passivated 2D/3D PSC reaches 21.09% under the AM1.5 illumination. In addition, the NMABr‐passivated 2D/3D PSC remains 80% of the initial PCE for 105 h at 85 °C in nitrogen and retains 80% of initial PCE for 350 h in 70–80% relative humidity in the air. This work provides a crucial in situ fabrication of type‐II 2D/3D heterojunction to improve the stability and efficiency of PSCs.
Pandemic in the Time of Trump: Digital Media Logic and Deadly Politics
Authors: Altheide David L.
Published: July 2020

This paper examines the power of a mediatized President to use reflexive propaganda—the rules and assumptions of digital media—to define a public health crisis. During the 2020 coronavirus pandemic, President Trump engaged in attention‐based politics, or the use of media to draw attention of the largest audience to himself, at the expense of an efficient response to a major public health crisis. The repetitive tweets, with a common form—vulgar and combative language, usually against journalists—converted Donald Trump into a digital meme and enabled the President to dwell on his distorted accomplishments and TV ratings, to downplay health risks, and initially define the lethal virus as a benign hoax.
Artificial bee colony algorithm with rotational invariance based on hypersphere
Authors: Kumagai Wataru , Xu Zheng , Tamura Kenichi , Yasuda Keiichiro
Published: July 2020

In this study, we show the lack of rotational invariance in the Artificial Bee Colony algorithm (ABC) through numerical experiments. After analysis from the viewpoint of rotational invariance, we develop an ABC with rotational invariance using a hypersphere. The performance of the proposed ABC with rotational invariance is verified through numerical experiments for typical separable benchmark functions without and with rotation. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Recent advances in theranostic agents based on natural products for photodynamic and sonodynamic therapy
Authors: Wu Jiasheng , Sha Jie , Zhang Chuangli , Liu Weimin , Zheng Xiuli , Wang Pengfei
Published: July 2020

The integration of diagnosis and therapy based on natural products has been receiving considerable attention in recent years because nature can contribute many fantastic functional molecules with good biocompatibility and low toxicity. Diagnostic and therapeutic agents combined with the technique of photodynamic therapy (PDT) and sonodynamic therapy (SDT) have been extensively developed thanks to the advantages of PDT and SDT, such as good selectivity, low toxicity, and noninvasive treatment for cancers and other diseases compared with traditional treatments. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in theranostic agents for natural products categorized as porphyrins, perylenequinone, curcumin, and others. Some representative examples of disease diagnosis in fluorescence/photoacoustic imaging and disease treatment in PDT/SDT were introduced. Potential limitations and future perspectives of these natural products for theranostic agents were also discussed.
Detection of heat shock protein 27, 70, 90 expressions in primary parenchymatous organs of goats after transport stress by real‐time PCR and ELISA
Authors: Hu Wei , Fang Manxin , Yang Yanzhen , Ye Tian , Liu Ben , Zheng Wenya
Published: July 2020

Transport stress causes a series of problems to goat production, such as tissue injury and immunity damage. As a pro‐survival pathway, the heat shock response protects healthy cells of goat from stressors. To evaluate the effects of transport stress on heat shock protein (HSPs) expression on goat primary parenchymatous organs, a total of three batches of goats were treated in this study. For each batch, 12 healthy adult male goats were randomly and averagely divided into three groups: Control group (non‐transported group), 2 hr transported group and 6 hr transported group. Real‐time PCR results indicated that the mRNA expression level of heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) in all examined organs of 2 hr transport‐treated goats were upregulated (p < .05) except lung, and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70; except spleen) and heat shock protein 90 (HSP90; except liver and lung) were also increased (p < .05). In 6 hr transported group, the transcription levels of HSP27 (except heart and kidney), HSP70 (except heart, liver and lymph nodes) and HSP90 (except heart and spleen) were all backed to the original levels or even reduced (p < .05). Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) results showed that the protein levels of HSP27 (except lymph nodes), HSP70 (except spleen) and HSP90 (except liver and lung) were all increased after 2 hr transport (p < .05). After 6 hr transport, HSP27 only in kidney and HSP70 only in heart and liver were upregulated (p < .05), while HSP90 in all the examined organs except liver and lung were also maintained in relatively high levels (p < .05). Taken together, these results suggested that the expression of HSPs in goat primary parenchymatous organs may be regulated by transport stress time. Moreover, this study also provides some new data to advocate reducing transport stress of goats and improving animal welfare.
Fire‐retardant synergy of tris(1‐methoxy‐2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐4‐piperidinyl)phosphite and aluminum hypophosphite/melamine hydrobromide in polypropylene
Authors: Liu Junhong , Wu Hongzhi , Sun Mingmei , Su Shuqian , Yan Bo , Tang Linsheng
Published: July 2020

Fire‐retardant synergy of tris(1‐methoxy‐2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐4‐piperidinyl) phosphite (NORPM) and aluminum hypophosphite (ALHP)/melamine hydrobromide (MHB) in polypropylene (PP) was researched by limiting oxygen index (LOI) measurement, vertical burning test, and cone calorimetric test (CCT). The results reveal that NORPM, together with ALHP/MHB, has an exceptional fire‐retardant synergy in PP. For the FR‐PP containing 1.0 wt% of ALHP and 1.5 wt% of MHB, combining NORPM in 0.20 wt% concentration can make its LOI value increases from 19.0% to 26.1%, the fire‐retardant efficiency (EFF) increases from 0.48 to 3.07, synergistic efficiency (SE) is as high as 2.18, the vertical combustion rating can be improved from none to UL 94 V‐2, fire performance index (FPI) increases from 58.7 to 84.9, and various heat release parameter values are reduced markedly. NORPM induces the synergy with ALHP/MHB primarily by the mechanisms as follows: active free radicals formed through the decomposition of NORPM, such as CH3, CH3O, nitro radicals and amino radicals, together with PH3 and HBr, trap active radicals (HO·) for combustion. Consequently, the reaction chain of combustion is terminated, which makes gaseous phase fire retardancy more efficient.
Influence of hydration on the mechanical, structural, thermal, and morphological properties of cement filled epoxy composites
Authors: Daniel A. , Islam M. R. , Sumdani M. G. , Firouzi A.
Published: July 2020

Different loading of Portland cement (PC) (10, 20, 30, and 40 wt%) was used to produce epoxy‐based polymer concrete. The optimum loading was used to prepare another sample using hydration in presence of air circulation. The polymer concretes were characterized in terms of mechanical, thermal, structural and morphological properties. The properties showed increasing trends after cement addition. Results showed that the tensile strength of the polymer concretes were improved by 37.2%, 115.5%, 165.9%, and 40.6% for loading of 10, 20, 30, and 40 wt% cement, respectively. In addition, the flexural strength of the polymer concretes was also enhanced and found maximum (175.3% higher) in 30 wt% concrete compared to neat epoxy. Other mechanical properties of the polymer concrete were also found increasing. Moreover, decomposition temperature was raised nearly 15°C for adding 30 wt% cement which was the maximum among the other polymer concretes. For the case of hydration in presence of air circulation, the prepared composite showed the highest tensile mechanical performance with improved surface topography. From the results, it was concluded that the addition of cement into the epoxy was very effective to produce polymer concretes.
Leading edge erosion of wind turbines: Effect of solid airborne particles and rain on operational wind farms
Authors: Law Hamish , Koutsos Vasileios
Published: July 2020

Leading edge erosion (LEE) affects almost all wind turbines, reducing their annual energy production and lifetime profitability. This study presents results of an investigation into 18 operational wind farms to assess the validity of the current literature consensus surrounding LEE. Much of the historical research focuses on rain erosion, implying that this is the predominant causal factor. However, this study showed that the impact of excessive airborne particles from seawater aerosols or from adverse local environments such as nearby quarries greatly increases the levels of LEE. Current testing of leading edge protection coatings or tapes is based on a rain erosion resistivity test, which does little to prove its ability to withstand solid particle erosion and may drive coating design in the wrong direction. Furthermore, it was shown that there is little correlation between test results and actual field performance. A method of monitoring the expected level of erosion on an operational wind turbine due to rain erosion is also presented. Finally, the energy losses associated with LEE on an operational wind farm are examined, with the average annual energy production dropping by 1.8% due to medium levels of erosion, with the worst affected turbine experiencing losses of 4.9%.
The web of swampland conjectures and the TCC bound
Authors: Andriot David , Cribiori Niccolò , Erkinger David
Published: July 2020

Abstract

We consider the swampland distance and de Sitter conjectures, of respective order one parameters λ and c. Inspired by the recent Trans-Planckian Censorship conjecture (TCC), we propose a generalization of the distance conjecture, which bounds λ to be a half of the TCC bound for c, i.e. $$ \lambda \ge \frac{1}{2}\sqrt{\frac{2}{3}} $$
λ
≥

1
2

2
3

in 4d. In addition, we propose a correspondence between the two conjectures, relating the tower mass m on the one side to the scalar 1 potential V on the other side schematically as $$ m\sim {\left|V\right|}^{\frac{1}{2}} $$
m
∼

V

1
2

, in the large distance limit. These proposals suggest a generalization of the scalar weak gravity conjecture, and are supported by a variety of examples. The lower bound on λ is verified explicitly in many cases in the literature. The TCC bound on c is checked as well on ten different no-go theorems, which are worked-out in detail, and V is analysed in the asymptotic limit. In particular, new results on 4d scalar potentials from type II compactifications are obtained.
A systematic study of hidden sector dark matter: application to the gamma-ray and antiproton excesses
Authors: Hooper Dan , Leane Rebecca K. , Tsai Yu-Dai , Wegsman Shalma , Witte Samuel J.
Published: July 2020

Abstract

In hidden sector models, dark matter does not directly couple to the particle content of the Standard Model, strongly suppressing rates at direct detection experiments, while still allowing for large signals from annihilation. In this paper, we conduct an extensive study of hidden sector dark matter, covering a wide range of dark matter spins, mediator spins, interaction diagrams, and annihilation final states, in each case determining whether the annihilations are s-wave (thus enabling efficient annihilation in the universe today). We then go on to consider a variety of portal interactions that allow the hidden sector annihilation products to decay into the Standard Model. We broadly classify constraints from relic density requirements and dwarf spheroidal galaxy observations. In the scenario that the hidden sector was in equilibrium with the Standard Model in the early universe, we place a lower bound on the portal coupling, as well as on the dark matter’s elastic scattering cross section with nuclei. We apply our hidden sector results to the observed Galactic Center gamma-ray excess and the cosmic-ray antiproton excess. We find that both of these excesses can be simultaneously explained by a variety of hidden sector models, without any tension with constraints from observations of dwarf spheroidal galaxies.
Type-I seesaw with eV-scale neutrinos
Authors: Branco G. C. , Penedo J. T. , Pereira Pedro M. F. , Rebelo M. N. , Silva-Marcos J. I.
Published: July 2020

Abstract

We consider seesaw type-I models including at least one (mostly-)sterile neutrino with mass at the eV scale. Three distinct situations are found, where the presence of light extra neutrinos is naturally justified by an approximately conserved lepton number symmetry. To analyse these scenarios consistently, it is crucial to employ an exact parametrisation of the full mixing matrix. We provide additional exact results, including generalised versions of the seesaw relation and of the Casas-Ibarra parametrisation, valid for every scale of seesaw. We find that the existence of a light sterile neutrino imposes an upper bound on the lightest neutrino mass. We further assess the impact of light sterile states on short- and long-baseline neutrino oscillation experiments, emphasise future detection prospects, and address CP Violation in this framework via the analysis of CP asymmetries and construction of weak basis invariants. The proposed models can accommodate enough active-sterile mixing to play a role in the explanation of short-baseline anomalies.
Gravitational couplings in $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 2 heterotic compactifications with Wilson lines
Authors: Chattopadhyaya Aradhita
Published: July 2020

Abstract

In this paper we compute the gravitational couplings of the heterotic string compactified on (K3 × T2)/ℤN and E8× E8 and predict the Gopakumar Vafa invariants of the dual Calabi Yau manifold in presence of Wilson lines. Here ℤN acts as an automorphism on K3 associated with the conjugacy classes of M23 and a shift of 1/N on one of the S1 of T2. We study in detail the cases N = 2, 3 for standard and several non-standard embeddings where K3 is realized as toroidal orbifolds T4/ℤ4 and T4/ℤ3. From these computations we extract the polynomial term in perturbative pre-potential for these orbifold models in presence of a single Wilson line. We also show for standard embeddings the integrality of the Gopakumar Vafa invariants depend on the integrality of Fourier coefficients of Fourier transform of the twisted elliptic genus of K3 in presence of n < 8 Wilson lines.
A one-loop test of the near-AdS2/near-CFT1 correspondence
Authors: Charles Anthony M. , Larsen Finn
Published: July 2020

Abstract

We analyze quantum fluctuations around black hole solutions to the Jackiw-Teitelboim model. We use harmonic analysis on Euclidean AdS2 to show that the logarithmic corrections to the partition function are determined entirely by quadratic holomorphic differentials, even when conformal symmetry is broken and harmonic modes are no longer true zero modes. Our quantum-corrected partition function agrees precisely with the SYK result. We argue that our effective quantum field theory methods and results generalize to other theories of two-dimensional dilaton gravity.
Existence of solutions to a diffusive shallow medium equation
Authors: Bögelein Verena , Dietrich Nicolas , Vestberg Matias
Published: July 2020

In this article, we establish the existence of weak solutions to the shallow medium equation. We proceed by an approximation argument. First, we truncate the coefficients of the equation from above and below. Then, we prove convergence of the solutions of the truncated problem to a solution to the original equation.
Intraarticular osteotomy of malunited tibial plateau fractures: an analysis of clinical results with a mean follow-up after 4 years
Authors: Alm Lena , Frings Jannik , Krause Matthias , Frosch Karl-Heinz
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Malunions are a common complication after tibial plateau fractures (TPF), leading to stiffness, pseudo-instability and posttraumatic osteoarthritis. The purpose of this study was to analyse the clinical outcome after intraarticular osteotomy of malunited TPF and to perform a failure analysis.

Methods

Between 2013 and 2018, 23 patients (11 males, 12 females; 43.8 ± 12.8 years) with intraarticular osteotomy after malunited TPF were included in the retrospective study. Clinical examination and postoperative scores were collected with a minimum follow-up of 24 months. Malunion was measured on pre- and postoperative CT scans and localized according to the 10-segment classification while the leg axis in the frontal plane was measured pre- and postoperatively on long leg standing radiographs.

Results

Excellent and good clinical outcome was achieved in 73.9% (n = 17) of the cases and patient related outcome improved significantly (Tegner 3.3 ± 1.6–5 ± 1.8, p < 0.001; clinical Rasmussen 14.6 ± 3.8–24.9 ± 4.4, p < 0.001). Radiological parameters also improved as an intraarticular step-off was reduced from 9 ± 3.8 to 0.6 ± 0.8 mm (p < 0.001) and a lower limb malalignment from 7.2 ± 4.8° to 1.5 ± 1.9° (p = 0.003). Failure analysis showed that an impaired clinical result correlated with a postoperative extension (n = 3, p < 0.001) and flexion deficit (n = 4, p = 0.035).

Conclusion

Intraarticular osteotomy of malunited TPF lead to good clinical results with significant clinical and radiological improvement in most cases while an impaired patient outcome correlated with a limited range of motion. This study is the first failure analysis of intraarticular osteotomy after malunited TPF published up to now.
Multiscale thermodynamics of charged mixtures
Authors: Vágner Petr , Pavelka Michal , Esen Oğul
Published: July 2020

A multiscale theory of interacting continuum mechanics and thermodynamics of mixtures of fluids, electrodynamics, polarization, and magnetization is proposed. The mechanical (reversible) part of the theory is constructed in a purely geometric way by means of semidirect products. This leads to a complex Hamiltonian system with a new Poisson bracket, which can be used in principle with any energy functional. The thermodynamic (irreversible) part is added as gradient dynamics, generated by derivatives of a dissipation potential, which makes the theory part of the GENERIC framework. Subsequently, Dynamic MaxEnt reductions are carried out, which lead to reduced GENERIC models for smaller sets of state variables. Eventually, standard engineering models are recovered as the low-level limits of the detailed theory. The theory is then compared to recent literature.
High patient satisfaction and good long-term functional outcome after endoscopic calcaneoplasty in patients with retrocalcaneal bursitis
Authors: Opdam Kim T. M. , Zwiers Ruben , Vroemen Joy , Sierevelt Inger N. , Wiegerinck Johannes I. , van Dijk C. Niek
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The primary objective of this study was to determine the degree of patient satisfaction at a minimum of 5 years of follow-up after endoscopic calcaneoplasty. The secondary objectives were to assess functional outcome measures, pain scores, analysis of bone removal, reformation of exostosis at follow-up and correlation of the size of the exostosis and recurrent or persisting complaints.

Methods

This study evaluated patients who underwent endoscopic calcaneoplasty, between January 1st 2000 and December 31st 2010, for the diagnosis of retrocalcaneal bursitis. The evaluation consisted of PROMs (patient-reported outcome measures), a questionnaire and a visit to the outpatient clinic for physical examination and a standard lateral weight-bearing radiograph of the ankle. Patient satisfaction, functional outcomes and pain scores were measured by use of a numeric rating scale (NRS). Size of the posterosuperior calcaneal exostosis was measured on a standard lateral weight-bearing radiograph using parallel pitch lines (PPL) and the Fowler–Philip angle (PFA).

Results

The response rate was 28 out of 55 (51%) and the median time to follow-up was 101(IQR 88.5–131.8) months. The median satisfaction score for treatment results was 8.5 out of 10 (IQR 6–10). FAOS symptoms 84.5 (IQR 58.0–96.4), FAOS pain 90.3 (IQR 45.1–100.0), FAOS ADL 94.9 (IQR 58.1–100.0), FAOS sport 90.0 (IQR 36.3–100.0) and FAOS QOL 71.9 (IQR 37.5–93.8) and median AOFAS was 100 (IQR 89–100). The median PLL difference between before operation and 2 weeks after the operation was − 4 mm (IQR-6 and -1) and the median PLL difference between 2 weeks after the operation and at follow-up was 1 mm (0–2). The median PFA was 65 (63–69) at baseline, 66.5 (60.8–70.3) 2 weeks after the operation and 64 (60.8–65.3) at follow-up.

Conclusion

Despite the limited response rate, this study shows high patient satisfaction and good long-term functional outcome in patients affected by retrocalcaneal bursitis who underwent endoscopic calcaneoplasty.

Level of evidence

Level IV.
Determination of the oenological properties of yeast strains isolated from spontaneously fermented grape musts obtained from cool climate grape varieties
Authors: Cioch-Skoneczny Monika , Satora Paweł , Skoneczny Szymon , Pater Aneta
Published: July 2020

The international competitiveness of the wine sector and consumer demands for the unique wine styles pose challenges in improving the fermentation process. The basis of proper alcoholic fermentation is knowledge about how individual yeast strains interact with the aroma, taste and color of wine, what results in possibility to select species used as starter cultures. To use the value of non-Saccharomycesyeast strains in wine production and to minimize the possibility of wine deterioration, it is necessary to precisely recognize the yeast cultures present on the fruit of the vine and in grape must, as well as their metabolic properties. The aim of the study was to determine the oenological properties of yeasts isolated from spontaneously fermented grape musts obtained from cool climate grapes. For this purpose, Zweigelt grape must was fermented with yeast monocultures. Alcohol, extract, sugars, glycerol, total acidity and free amine nitrogen were analyzed in the obtained wines. Poor fermentation properties of yeast strains results in obtaining wines with relatively large amounts of residual sugars and low alcohol. A decrease in overall acidity was noted in sets with the participation ofM. pulcherrimaMG971264, while in other tests the opposite trend was observed. Although some microorganisms have the ability to assimilate organic acids found in wine, they are not able to carry out fermentation or they do it inefficiently. Solution to this problem may, therefore, be use of mixed cultures of noble and non-Saccharomycesyeast, what effectively reduce the concentration of organic acids, while not adversely affecting the organoleptic characteristics of the drink.
Flucloxacillin decreases tacrolimus blood trough levels: a single-center retrospective cohort study
Authors: Veenhof Herman , Schouw Hugo M. , Besouw Martine T. P. , Touw Daan J. , Gracchi Valentina
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Tacrolimus and everolimus are widely used to prevent allograft rejection. Both are metabolized by the hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme CYP3A4 and are substrate for P-glycoprotein (P-gp). Drugs influencing the activity or expression of CYP enzymes and P-gp can cause clinically relevant changes in the metabolism of immunosuppressants. Several case reports have reported that flucloxacillin appeared to decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 and P-gp. The magnitude of this decrease has not been reported yet.

Methods

In this single-center retrospective cohort study, we compared the tacrolimus and everolimus blood trough levels (corrected for the dose) before, during, and after flucloxacillin treatment in eleven transplant patients (tacrolimus n = 11 patients, everolimus n = 1 patient, flucloxacillin n = 11 patients).

Results

The median tacrolimus blood trough level decreased by 37.5% (interquartile range, IQR 26.4–49.7%) during flucloxacillin treatment. After discontinuation of flucloxacillin, the tacrolimus blood trough levels increased by a median of 33.7% (IQR 22.5–51.4%). A Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed statistically significantly lower tacrolimus trough levels during treatment with flucloxacillin compared with before (p = 0.009) and after flucloxacillin treatment (p = 0.010). In the only available case with concomitant everolimus and flucloxacillin treatment, the same pattern was observed.

Conclusions

Flucloxacillin decreases tacrolimus trough levels, possibly through a CYP3A4 and/or P-gp-inducing effect. It is strongly recommended to closely monitor tacrolimus and everolimus trough levels during flucloxacillin treatment and up to 2 weeks after discontinuation of flucloxacillin.
Disease management of patients with immune thrombocytopenia—results of a representative retrospective survey in Germany
Authors: Kubasch Anne Sophie , Kisro Jens , Heßling Jörg , Schulz Holger , Hurtz Hans-Jürgen , Klausmann Martine , Ehrnsperger Achim , Willy Claudia , Platzbecker Uwe
Published: July 2020

Clinical research has resulted in an improvement of treatment options for patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) over the last years. However, only few data exist on the real-life management of patients with ITP. To expand the knowledge, a multicenter, national survey was undertaken in 26 hematology practices distributed all over Germany. All patients with a diagnosis of ITP were documented using questionnaires, irrespective of the diagnosis date over a period of 2 years. Overall, data of 1023 patients were evaluated with 56% of patients being older than 60 years. Seventy-nine percent of the patients had chronic (> 12 months), 16% persistent (> 3–12 months), and 5% newly diagnosed (0–3 months) ITP. In 61% of cases, the disease lasted 3 or more years before survey documentation started. Main strategies applied as first-line therapy consisted of steroids in 45% and a “watch and wait” approach in 41% of patients. During second- and third-line strategies, treatment with steroids decreased (36% and 28%, respectively), while treatment modalities such as TPO-RAs increased (19% and 26%, respectively). As expected, patients with a low platelet count and thus a higher risk for bleeding and mortality received treatment (esp. steroids) more frequently during first line than those with a higher platelet count. Up to a third of patients were treated with steroids for more than a year. Overall, our study provides a cross-section overview about the current therapeutic treatment landscape in German ITP patients. The results will help to improve therapeutic management of ITP patients.
Strategyproof auction mechanisms for network procurement
Authors: Bichler Martin , Hao Zhen , Littmann Richard , Waldherr Stefan
Published: July 2020

Deferred-acceptance auctions can be seen as heuristic algorithms to solve $${{\mathcal {N}}}{{\mathcal {P}}}$$

N
P

-hard allocation problems. Such auctions have been used in the context of the Incentive Auction by the US Federal Communications Commission in 2017, and they have remarkable incentive properties. Besides being strategyproof, they also prevent collusion among participants. Unfortunately, the worst-case approximation ratio of these algorithms is very low in general, but it was observed that they lead to near-optimal solutions in experiments on the specific allocation problem of the Incentive Auction. In this work, which is inspired by the telecommunications industry, we focus on a strategic version of the minimum Steiner tree problem, where the edges are owned by bidders with private costs. We design several deferred-acceptance auctions (DAAs) and compare their performance to the Vickrey–Clarke–Groves (VCG) mechanism as well as several other approximation mechanisms. We observe that, even for medium-sized inputs, the VCG mechanisms experiences impractical runtimes and that the DAAs match the approximation ratios of even the best strategy-proof mechanisms in the average case. We thus provide another example of an important practical mechanism design problem, where empirics suggest that carefully designed deferred-acceptance auctions with their superior incentive properties need not come at a cost in terms of allocative efficiency. Our experiments provide insights into the trade-off between solution quality and runtime and into the additional premium to be paid in DAAs to gain weak group-strategyproofness rather than just strategyproofness.
Compact mode-locked Er-doped fiber laser for broadband cavity-enhanced spectroscopy
Authors: Głuszek Aleksander , Senna Vieira Francisco , Hudzikowski Arkadiusz , Wąż Adam , Sotor Jarosław , Foltynowicz Aleksandra , Soboń Grzegorz
Published: July 2020

We report the design and characteristics of a simple and compact mode-locked Er-doped fiber laser and its application to broadband cavity-enhanced spectroscopy. The graphene mode-locked polarization maintaining oscillator consumes less than 5 W of power. It is thermally stabilized, enclosed in a 3D printed box, and equipped with three actuators that control the repetition rate: fast and slow fiber stretchers, and metal-coated fiber section. This allows wide tuning of the repetition rate and its stabilization to an external reference source. The applicability of the laser to molecular spectroscopy is demonstrated by detecting CO2 in air using continuous-filtering Vernier spectroscopy with absorption sensitivity of 5.5 × 10−8 cm−1 in 50 ms.
Timescales from magma mixing to eruption in alkaline volcanism in the Eifel volcanic fields, western Germany
Authors: Sundermeyer Caren , Gätjen Jochen , Weimann Lena , Wörner Gerhard
Published: July 2020

Diffusion profiles in olivine crystals from the final mafic eruption products of the compositionally zoned Laacher See tephra deposit were measured to identify recharge and eruption-triggering events prior to the eruption of the Laacher See volcano (12.9 kyr). These products represent the hybrids of mixing between phonolite and intruding basanite at the bottom of the reservoir, which is likely related to the eruption-triggering event. Additionally, olivine crystals from ten basanitic scoria cones and maar deposits (East Eifel) and two nephelinites (West Eifel) were analyzed to constrain histories of olivine in Quaternary basanite magmas. Olivine crystals from the Laacher See hybrids vary in core composition (Fo83–89) and show reversely zoned mantles with high Fo87.8–89 compared to olivine in East Eifel basanites erupted in nearby, older scoria cones. Towards the crystal margin, olivine in the hybrids develop a normally zoned overgrowth (Fo86.5–87.5). Olivine from East Eifel basanites show similar zonation and core compositions (Fo80–88) but have less forsteritic mantles (Fo83–88) indicating that these basanites are less primitive than those recharging the Laacher See reservoir (> Fo89). Olivine in the West Eifel nephelinites show mantles similar to those from Laacher See (Fo87.5–90), but have normal zoning and high-Fo cores (Fo88–92). This indicates that olivine in the Laacher See hybrids were entrained by a near-primary basanite from older cumulates just before hybridization of the basanite with the phonolite. Diffusion modeling indicates maximum timescales between entrainment and eruption of Laacher See of 30–400 days that are comparable to those calculated for olivine from basanitic scoria cones (10–400 days).
Toxicogenetic analysis of Δ9-THC-metabolizing enzymes
Authors: Gasse Angela , Vennemann Marielle , Köhler Helga , Schürenkamp Jennifer
Published: July 2020

While the impact of genetic polymorphisms on the metabolism of various pharmaceuticals is well known, more data are needed to better understand the specific influence of pharmacogenetics on the metabolism of delta 9-tetrahydocannabinol (Δ9-THC). Therefore, the aim of the study was to analyze the potential impact of variations in genes coding for phase I enzymes of the Δ9-THC metabolism. First, a multiplex assay for genotyping different variants of genes coding for phase I enzymes was developed and applied to 66 Δ9-THC-positive blood samples obtained in cases of driving under the influence of drugs (DUID). Genetic and demographic data as well as plasma concentrations of Δ9-THC, 11-hydroxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (11-OH-Δ9-THC), and 11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ9-THC (Δ9-THC-COOH) were combined and statistically investigated. For cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) variants, no differences in analyzed cannabinoid concentrations were found. There were also no differences in the concentrations of Δ9-THC and 11-OH-Δ9-THC for the different allelic CPY2C9 status. We recognized significantly lower Δ9-THC-COOH concentrations for CYP2C9*3 (p = 0.001) and a trend of lower Δ9-THC-COOH concentrations for CYP2C9*2 which did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.068). In addition, this study showed significantly higher values in the ratio of Δ9-THC/Δ9-THC-COOH for the carriers of the CYP2C9 variants CYP2C9*2 and CYP2C9*3 compared with the carriers of the corresponding wild-type alleles. Therefore, an impact of variations of the CYP2C9 gene on the interpretation of cannabinoid plasma concentrations in DUID cases should be considered.
Introducing the DizzyQuest: an app-based diary for vestibular disorders
Authors: Martin E. C. , Leue C. , Delespaul P. , Peeters F. , Janssen A. M. L. , Lousberg R. , Erdkamp A. , van de Weijer S. , Widdershoven J. , Blom H. , Bruintjes T. , Zwergal A. , Grill E. , Guinand N. , Perez-Fornos A. , van de Berg M. R. , Stultiens J. J. A. , Kingma H. , van de Berg R.
Published: July 2020

Background

Most questionnaires currently used for assessing symptomatology of vestibular disorders are retrospective, inducing recall bias and lowering ecological validity. An app-based diary, administered multiple times in daily life, could increase the accuracy and ecological validity of symptom measurement. The objective of this study was to introduce a new experience sampling method (ESM) based vestibular diary app (DizzyQuest), evaluate response rates, and to provide examples of DizzyQuest outcome measures which can be used in future research.

Methods

Sixty-three patients diagnosed with a vestibular disorder were included. The DizzyQuest consisted of four questionnaires. The morning- and evening-questionnaires were administered once each day, the within-day-questionnaire 10 times a day using a semi-random time schedule, and the attack questionnaire could be completed after the occurrence of a vertigo or dizziness attack. Data were collected for 4 weeks. Response rates and loss-to-follow-up were determined. Reported symptoms in the within-day-questionnaire were compared within and between patients and subgroups of patients with different vestibular disorders.

Results

Fifty-one patients completed the study period. Average response rates were significantly higher than the desired response rate of > 50% (p < 0.001). The attack-questionnaire was used 159 times. A variety of neuro-otological symptoms and different disease profiles were demonstrated between patients and subgroups of patients with different vestibular disorders.

Conclusion

The DizzyQuest is able to capture vestibular symptoms within their psychosocial context in daily life, with little recall bias and high ecological validity. The DizzyQuest reached the desired response rates and showed different disease profiles between subgroups of patients with different vestibular disorders. This is the first time ESM was used to assess daily symptoms and quality of life in vestibular disorders, showing that it might be a useful tool in this population.
Focal aggregates of normal or near normal uveal melanocytes (FANNUMs) in the choroid: a distinct clinical and histopathological entity?
Authors: Augsburger James J.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

To define, describe, and illustrate a previously unreported category of discrete melanotic choroidal melanocytic lesion.

Methods

Prospective ophthalmoscopic study of the ocular fundi of 79 light-skinned persons 50 years of age or older not referred for any evident fundus lesion, with detection of all evident discrete melanotic choroidal lesions > 0.3 mm in largest basal diameter.

Results

One or more discrete dark-brown to gray choroidal lesions > 0.3 mm in largest basal diameter were detected in 27 of the 79 evaluated subjects (34.2%). All but four of the detected lesions were “flat” by both ophthalmoscopy and ultrasonography. A single flat lesion was present in one eye of 14 subjects whose fellow eye was normal, 2 or more flat lesions were evident in one eye of 5 subjects whose other eye was normal, and one or more lesions were evident in both eyes of 6 subjects.

Conclusion

While some of the discrete small, flat melanocytic choroidal lesions detected in this study might have been choroidal nevi, the author hypothesizes that an indeterminate proportion of them may have been focal aggregates of normal or near normal uveal melanocytes (FANNUMs).
Transport properties in CFTR−/− knockout piglets suggest normal airway surface liquid pH and enhanced amiloride-sensitive Na+ absorption
Authors: Benedetto Roberta , Centeio Raquel , Ousingsawat Jiraporn , Schreiber Rainer , Janda Melanie , Kunzelmann Karl
Published: July 2020

Previous analysis of CFTR-knockout (CFTR−/−) in piglets has provided important insights into the pathology of cystic fibrosis. However, controversies exist as to the true contribution of CFTR to the pH balance in airways and intestine. We therefore compared ion transport properties in newborn wild-type (CFTR+/+) and CFTR-knockout (CFTR−/− piglets). Tracheas of CFTR−/− piglets demonstrated typical cartilage malformations and muscle cell bundles. CFTR−/− airway epithelial cells showed enhanced lipid peroxidation, suggesting inflammation early in life. CFTR was mainly expressed in airway submucosal glands and was absent in lungs of CFTR−/− piglets, while expression of TMEM16A was uncompromised. mRNA levels for TMEM16A, TMEM16F, and αβγENaC were unchanged in CFTR−/− airways, while mRNA for SLC26A9 appeared reduced. CFTR was undetectable in epithelial cells of CFTR−/− airways and intestine. Small intestinal epithelium of CFTR−/− piglets showed mucus accumulation. Secretion of both electrolytes and mucus was activated by stimulation with prostaglandin E2 and ATP in the intestine of CFTR+/+, but not of CFTR−/− animals. pH was measured inside small bronchi using a pH microelectrode and revealed no difference between CFTR+/+ and CFTR−/− piglets. Intracellular pH in porcine airway epithelial cells revealed only a small contribution of CFTR to bicarbonate secretion, which was absent in cells from CFTR−/− piglets. In contrast to earlier reports, our data suggest a minor impact of CFTR on ASL pH. In contrast, enhanced amiloride-sensitive Na+ absorption may contribute to lung pathology in CFTR−/− piglets, along with a compromised CFTR- and TMEM16A-dependent Cl− transport.
Combined effects of niclosamide and temozolomide against human glioblastoma tumorspheres
Authors: Oh Hyeong-Cheol , Shim Jin-Kyoung , Park Junseong , Lee Ji-Hyun , Choi Ran Joo , Kim Nam Hee , Kim Hyun Sil , Moon Ju Hyung , Kim Eui Hyun , Chang Jong Hee , Yook Jong In , Kang Seok-Gu
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive type of brain tumor and has poor survival outcomes, even after a combination of surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Temozolomide is the only agent that has been shown to be effective against GBM, suggesting that combination of temozolomide with other agents may be more effective. Niclosamide, an FDA approved anthelmintic agent, has shown anti-cancer effects against human colon, breast, prostate cancers as well as GBM. However, the efficacy of the combination of niclosamide with temozolomide against GBM tumorspheres (TSs) has not been determined. We hypothesized that the combined treatment could effectively suppress GBM TSs.

Methods

GBM TSs (TS15-88, GSC11) were treated with niclosamide and/or temozolomide. Combined effects of two drugs were evaluated by measuring viability, neurosphere formation, and 3D-invasion in collagen matrix. Transcriptional profiles of GBM TS were analyzed using RNA sequencing. In vivo anticancer efficacy of combined drugs was tested in a mouse orthotopic xenograft model.

Results

Combination treatment of niclosamide and temozolomide significantly inhibited the cell viability, stemness, and invasive properties of GBM TSs. This combined treatment significantly down-regulated the expression of epithelial mesenchymal transition-related markers, Zeb1, N-cadherin, and β-catenin. The combined treatment also significantly decreased tumor growth in orthotopic xenograft models.

Conclusion

The combination of niclosamide and temozolomide effectively decreased the stemness and invasive properties of GBM TSs, suggesting that this regimen may be therapeutically effective in treating patients with GBM.
Diversification of petal monoterpene profiles during floral development and senescence in wild roses: relationships among geraniol content, petal colour, and floral lifespan
Authors: Dani K. G. Srikanta , Fineschi Silvia , Michelozzi Marco , Trivellini Alice , Pollastri Susanna , Loreto Francesco
Published: July 2020

Wild roses store and emit a large array of fragrant monoterpenes from their petals. Maximisation of fragrance coincides with floral maturation in many angiosperms, which enhances pollination efficiency, reduces floral predation, and improves plant fitness. We hypothesized that petal monoterpenes serve additional lifelong functions such as limiting metabolic damage from reactive oxygen species (ROS), and altering isoprenoid hormonal abundance to increase floral lifespan. Petal monoterpenes were quantified at three floral life-stages (unopened bud, open mature, and senescent) in 57 rose species and 16 subspecies originating from Asia, America, and Europe, and relationships among monoterpene richness, petal colour, ROS, hormones, and floral lifespan were analysed within a phylogenetic context. Three distinct types of petal monoterpene profiles, revealing significant developmental and functional differences, were identified: Type A, species where monoterpene abundance peaked in open mature flowers depleting thereafter; Type B, where monoterpenes peaked in senescing flowers increasing from bud stage, and a rare Type C (8 species) where monoterpenes depleted from bud stage to senescence. Cyclic monoterpenes peaked during early floral development, whereas acyclic monoterpenes (dominated by geraniol and its derivatives, often 100-fold more abundant than other monoterpenes) peaked during floral maturation in Type A and B roses. Early-diverging roses were geraniol-poor (often Type C) and white-petalled. Lifetime changes in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) revealed a significant negative regression with the levels of petal geraniol at all floral life-stages. Geraniol-poor Type C roses also showed higher cytokinins (in buds) and abscisic acid (in mature petals), and significantly shorter floral lifespan compared with geraniol-rich Type A and B roses. We conclude that geraniol enrichment, intensification of petal colour, and lower potential for H2O2-related oxidative damage characterise and likely contribute to longer floral lifespan in monoterpene-rich wild roses.
Parameterized Dynamic Cluster Editing
Authors: Luo Junjie , Molter Hendrik , Nichterlein André , Niedermeier Rolf
Published: July 2020

We introduce a dynamic version of the -hard graph modification problemCluster Editing. The essential point here is to take into account dynamically evolving input graphs: having a cluster graph (that is, a disjoint union of cliques) constituting a solution for a first input graph, can we cost-efficiently transform it into a “similar” cluster graph that is a solution for a second (“subsequent”) input graph? This model is motivated by several application scenarios, including incremental clustering, the search for compromise clusterings, or also local search in graph-based data clustering. We thoroughly study six problem variants (three modification scenarios edge editing, edge deletion, edge insertion; each combined with two distance measures between cluster graphs). We obtain both fixed-parameter tractability as well as (parameterized) hardness results, thus (except for three open questions) providing a fairly complete picture of the parameterized computational complexity landscape under the two perhaps most natural parameterizations: the distances of the new “similar” cluster graph to (1) the second input graph and to (2) the input cluster graph.
Building a Nest by an Automaton
Authors: Czyzowicz Jurek , Dereniowski Dariusz , Pelc Andrzej
Published: July 2020

A robot modeled as a deterministic finite automaton has to build a structure from material available to it. The robot navigates in the infinite oriented grid $${\mathbb {Z}} \times {\mathbb {Z}}$$

Z
×
Z

. Some cells of the grid are full (contain a brick) and others are empty. The subgraph of the grid induced by full cells, called the shape, is initially connected. The (Manhattan) distance between the furthest cells of the shape is called its span. The robot starts at a full cell. It can carry at most one brick at a time. At each step it can pick a brick from a full cell, move to an adjacent cell and drop a brick at an empty cell. The aim of the robot is to construct the most compact possible structure composed of all bricks, i.e., a nest. That is, the robot has to move all bricks in such a way that the span of the resulting shape be the smallest. Our main result is the design of a deterministic finite automaton that accomplishes this task and subsequently stops, for every initially connected shape, in time $$O(sn)$$

O
(
s
n
)

, where s is the span of the initial shape and $$n$$
n
is the number of bricks. We show that this complexity is optimal.