bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exact density matrix elements for a driven dissipative system described by a quadratic Hamiltonian
Authors: Saedi Sh. , Kheirandish F.
Published: August 2021

For a prototype quadratic Hamiltonian describing a driven, dissipative system, exact matrix elements of the reduced density matrix are obtained from a generating function in terms of the normal characteristic functions. The approach is based on the Heisenberg equations of motion and operator calculus. The special and limiting cases are discussed.
Nicotine self-administration with menthol and audiovisual cue facilitates differential packaging of CYP2A6 and cytokines/chemokines in rat plasma extracellular vesicles
Authors: Kumar Asit , Sinha Namita , Haque Sanjana , Kodidela Sunitha , Wang Tengfei , Martinez Angel G. , Chen Hao , Kumar Santosh
Published: August 2021

In this study, we investigated whether intravenously self-administered nicotine with menthol and audiovisual cue modulates nicotine-metabolizing CYP2A6, oxidative stress modulators, and cytokines/chemokines in plasma extracellular vesicles (EVs) in rats. We assigned rats to self-administered nicotine with: (a) audiovisual cue (AV), (b) menthol, and (c) menthol and AV cue. We found increased levels of CD9 in plasma EVs after self-administered nicotine with menthol and AV cue. Moreover, expression of CYP2A6 in plasma EVs was significantly increased after self-administered nicotine in response to menthol and AV cue. However, despite an upward trend on SOD1 and catalase, increase was not found to be statistically significant, while total antioxidant capacity was found to be significantly increased in plasma and plasma EVs obtained after self-administered nicotine with menthol and AV cue. Among cytokine and chemokine profiling, we found a significant increase in the levels of MCP-1 after self-administered nicotine with menthol and AV cue and complete packaging of IL-1β in EVs. Taken together, the study provides evidence that nicotine in response to menthol and AV cues can package altered levels of CYP2A6, and cytokines/chemokines in plasma EVs that may contribute to cell–cell communication, nicotine metabolism, and inflammation upon cigarette smoking.
Differences in synaptic vesicle pool behavior between male and female hippocampal cultured neurons
Authors: Sertel Sinem M. , Blumenstein Wiebke , Mandad Sunit , Shomroni Orr , Salinas Gabriela , Rizzoli Silvio O.
Published: August 2021

A strong focus on sex-related differences has arisen recently in neurobiology, but most investigations focus on brain function in vivo, ignoring common experimental models like cultured neurons. A few studies have addressed morphological differences between male and female neurons in culture, but very few works focused on functional aspects, and especially on presynaptic function. To fill this gap, we studied here functional parameters of synaptic vesicle recycling in hippocampal cultures from male and female rats, which are a standard model system for many laboratories. We found that, although the total vesicle pools are similar, the recycling pool of male synapses was larger, and was more frequently used. This was in line with the observation that the male synapses engaged in stronger local translation. Nevertheless, the general network activity of the neurons was similar, and only small differences could be found when stimulating the cultures. We also found only limited differences in several other assays. We conclude that, albeit these cultures are similar in behavior, future studies of synapse behavior in culture should take the sex of the animals into account.
Detection of Borrelia burgdorferi antigens in tissues and plasma during early infection in a mouse model
Authors: Dolange Victoria , Simon Stéphanie , Morel Nathalie
Published: August 2021

Borrelia burgdorferi is the causative agent of Lyme borreliosis, which is the most common tick-borne human disease in Europe and North America. Currently, the diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis is based on serological tests allowing indirect detection of anti-Borrelia antibodies produced by patients. Their main drawback is a lack of sensitivity in the early phase of disease and an incapacity to prove an active infection. Direct diagnostic tests are clearly needed. The objectives of this study were to produce tools allowing sensitive detection of potential circulating Borrelia antigens and to evaluate them in a mouse model. We focused on two potential early bacterial makers, the highly variable OspC protein and the conserved protein FlaB. High-affinity monoclonal antibodies were produced and used to establish various immunoassays and western blot detection. A very good limit of detection for OspC as low as 17 pg/mL of sample was achieved with SPIE-IA. In infected mice, we were able to measure OspC in plasma with a mean value of 10 ng/mL at 7 days post-inoculation. This result suggests that OspC could be a good blood marker for diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis and that the tools developed during this study could be very useful.
Risk factors and mortality of acute kidney injury within 1 month after lung transplantation
Authors: Kim Nam Eun , Kim Chi Young , Kim Song Yee , Kim Ha Eun , Lee Jin Gu , Paik Hyo Chae , Park Moo Suk
Published: August 2021

After lung transplantation (LT), some patients are at risk of acute kidney injury (AKI), which is associated with worse outcomes and increased mortality. Previous studies focused on AKI development from 72 h to 1 week within LT, and reported main risk factors for AKI such as intraoperative hypotension, need of ECMO support, ischemia time or longer time on waiting list. However, this period interval rarely reflects medical risk factors probably happen in longer post-operative period. So, in this study we aimed to describe the incidence and risk factor of AKI within post-operative 1 month, which is longer follow up duration. Among 161 patients who underwent LT at Severance hospital in Seoul, Korea from October 2012 to September 2017, 148 patients were retrospectively enrolled. Multivariable logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard models were utilized. Among 148 patients, 59 (39.8%) developed AKI within 1-month after LT. Stage I or II, and stage III AKI were recorded in 26 (17.5%) and 33 (22.2%), respectively. We also classified AKI according to occurrence time, within 1 week as early AKI, from 1 week within 1 month was defined as late AKI. AKI III usually occurred within 7 days after transplantation (early vs. late AKI III, 72.5% vs 21.1%). Risk factor for AKI development was pre-operative anemia, higher units of red blood cells transfused during surgery, colistin intravenous infusion for treating multi drug resistant pathogens were independent risk factors for AKI development. Post-operative bleeding, grade 3 PGD within 72 h, and sepsis were more common complication in the AKI group. Patients with AKI III ([24/33] 72.7%) had significantly higher 1-year mortality than the no-AKI ([18/89] 20.2%), and AKI I or II group ([9/26] 34.6%), log-rank test, P < 0.001). AKI was associated with worse post-operative outcome, 3-month, and 1-year mortality after LT. Severity of AKI was usually determined in early post op period (ex. within 7 days) after LT, so optimal post-operative management as well as recipients selection should be considered.
A humanized orthotopic tumor microenvironment alters the bone metastatic tropism of prostate cancer cells
Authors: McGovern Jacqui A. , Bock Nathalie , Shafiee Abbas , Martine Laure C. , Wagner Ferdinand , Baldwin Jeremy G. , Landgraf Marietta , Lahr Christoph A. , Meinert Christoph , Williams Elizabeth D. , Pollock Pamela M. , Denham Jim , Russell Pamela J. , Risbridger Gail P. , Clements Judith A. , Loessner Daniela , Holzapfel Boris M. , Hutmacher Dietmar W.
Published: August 2021

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in men, and bone is the most frequent site of metastasis. The tumor microenvironment (TME) impacts tumor growth and metastasis, yet the role of the TME in PCa metastasis to bone is not fully understood. We used a tissue-engineered xenograft approach in NOD-scid IL2Rγnull (NSG) mice to incorporate two levels of humanization; the primary tumor and TME, and the secondary metastatic bone organ. Bioluminescent imaging, histology, and immunohistochemistry were used to study metastasis of human PC-3 and LNCaP PCa cells from the prostate to tissue-engineered bone. Here we show pre-seeding scaffolds with human osteoblasts increases the human cellular and extracellular matrix content of bone constructs, compared to unseeded scaffolds. The humanized prostate TME showed a trend to decrease metastasis of PC-3 PCa cells to the tissue-engineered bone, but did not affect the metastatic potential of PCa cells to the endogenous murine bones or organs. On the other hand, the humanized TME enhanced LNCaP tumor growth and metastasis to humanized and murine bone. Together this demonstrates the importance of the TME in PCa bone tropism, although further investigations are needed to delineate specific roles of the TME components in this context.
Connectivity of EEG synchronization networks increases for Parkinson’s disease patients with freezing of gait
Authors: Asher Eitan E. , Plotnik Meir , Günther Moritz , Moshel Shay , Levy Orr , Havlin Shlomo , Kantelhardt Jan W. , Bartsch Ronny P.
Published: August 2021

Freezing of gait (FoG), a paroxysmal gait disturbance commonly experienced by patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD), is characterized by sudden episodes of inability to generate effective forward stepping. Recent studies have shown an increase in beta frequency of local-field potentials in the basal-ganglia during FoG, however, comprehensive research on the synchronization between different brain locations and frequency bands in PD patients is scarce. Here, by developing tools based on network science and non-linear dynamics, we analyze synchronization networks of electroencephalography (EEG) brain waves of three PD patient groups with different FoG severity. We find higher EEG amplitude synchronization (stronger network links) between different brain locations as PD and FoG severity increase. These results are consistent across frequency bands (theta, alpha, beta, gamma) and independent of the specific motor task (walking, still standing, hand tapping) suggesting that an increase in severity of PD and FoG is associated with stronger EEG networks over a broad range of brain frequencies. This observation of a direct relationship of PD/FoG severity with overall EEG synchronization together with our proposed EEG synchronization network approach may be used for evaluating FoG propensity and help to gain further insight into PD and the pathophysiology leading to FoG.
Campylobacter jejuni genotypes are associated with post-infection irritable bowel syndrome in humans
Authors: Peters Stephanie , Pascoe Ben , Wu Zuowei , Bayliss Sion C. , Zeng Ximin , Edwinson Adam , Veerabadhran-Gurunathan Sakteesh , Jawahir Selina , Calland Jessica K. , Mourkas Evangelos , Patel Robin , Wiens Terra , Decuir Marijke , Boxrud David , Smith Kirk , Parker Craig T. , Farrugia Gianrico , Zhang Qijing , Sheppard Samuel K. , Grover Madhusudan
Published: August 2021

Campylobacter enterocolitis may lead to post-infection irritable bowel syndrome (PI-IBS) and while some C. jejuni strains are more likely than others to cause human disease, genomic and virulence characteristics promoting PI-IBS development remain uncharacterized. We combined pangenome-wide association studies and phenotypic assays to compare C. jejuni isolates from patients who developed PI-IBS with those who did not. We show that variation in bacterial stress response (Cj0145_phoX), adhesion protein (Cj0628_CapA), and core biosynthetic pathway genes (biotin: Cj0308_bioD; purine: Cj0514_purQ; isoprenoid: Cj0894c_ispH) were associated with PI-IBS development. In vitro assays demonstrated greater adhesion, invasion, IL-8 and TNFα secretion on colonocytes with PI-IBS compared to PI-no-IBS strains. A risk-score for PI-IBS development was generated using 22 genomic markers, four of which were from Cj1631c, a putative heme oxidase gene linked to virulence. Our finding that specific Campylobacter genotypes confer greater in vitro virulence and increased risk of PI-IBS has potential to improve understanding of the complex host-pathogen interactions underlying this condition.
Virtual experimentations by deep learning on tangible materials
Authors: Honda Takashi , Muroga Shun , Nakajima Hideaki , Shimizu Taiyo , Kobashi Kazufumi , Morita Hiroshi , Okazaki Toshiya , Hata Kenji
Published: August 2021

Artificial intelligence relying on structure-property databases is an emerging powerful tool to discover new materials with targeted properties. However, this approach cannot be easily applied to tangible structures, such as plastic composites and fabrics, because of their high structural complexity. Here, we propose a deep learning computational framework that can implement virtual experiments on tangible structures. Structural representations of complex carbon nanotube films were conducted by multiple generative adversarial networks of scanning electron microscope images at four levels of magnifications, enabling a deep learning prediction of multiple properties such as electrical conductivity and surface area. 1716 virtual experiments were completed within an hour, a task that would take years for real experiments. The data can be used as a versatile database for material science, in analogy to databases of molecules and solids used in cheminformatics. Useful examples are the investigation of correlations between electrical conductivity, specific surface area, wall number phase diagrams, economic performance, and inversely designed supercapacitors.
Metal–organic frameworks constructed from an [MS4Cux]x−2 (M = W, Mo) unit: isomerization of the cluster unit induced by temperature
Authors: Meng Mei-Mei , Xi Ji-Ming , Wang Li-Fei , Zhu Rui , Zhang Rui , Lu Zhen-Zhong , Zheng He-Gen , Huang Wei
Published: August 2021

Two MOFs based on [WS4Cu4]2+ or unprecedented [WS4Cu6]4+·I−·[WS4Cu6]4+, and a MOF based on [MoS4Cu4]2+ with 9,10-di(pyridin-4-yl)anthracene were obtained. Temperature was important for the isomerization of [WS4Cux]x−2 in the formation of two MOFs based on [WS4Cux]x−2.
Optimization of axial ligands to promote the photoactivation of BODIPY-conjugated platinum(iv) anticancer prodrugs
Authors: Yao Houzong , Gunawan Yuliana F. , Liu Gongyuan , Tse Man-Kit , Zhu Guangyu
Published: August 2021

Herein, we report a series of photoactivable carboplatin-based platinum(iv) prodrugs with different lengths of BODIPY axial ligands. The acetylated prodrug AC3C with an appropriate length of the BODIPY ligand is photoactivated the most efficiently.
Gut dysbiosis correction contributes to the hepatoprotective effects ofThymus quinquecostatusCelak extract against alcohol through the gut–liver axis
Authors: Yan Xin , Wang Yu , Ren Xue-Yang , Liu Xiao-Yun , Ma Jia-Mu , Song Ruo-Lan , Wang Xiu-Huan , Dong Ying , Yu A-Xiang , Fan Qi-Qi , Wei Jing , She Gai-Mei
Published: August 2021

Gut microbiota dysbiosis correction contributes to the hepatoprotective effects of Thymus quinquecostatus Celak extract (TQE) against alcoholic liver injury through gut–liver axis modulation.
A first-principles study of the relationship between modulus and ideal strength of single-layer, transition metal dichalcogenides
Authors: Sun Hao , Agrawal Pratyaksh , Singh Chandra Veer
Published: August 2021

The concentration of bond strain on a few stretched bonds during the deformation of TMD.
Optical chemosensors for the gas phase detection of aldehydes: mechanism, material design, and application
Authors: Liao Chenglong , Shi Jiangfan , Zhang Miao , Dalapati Rana , Tian Qingyun , Chen Shuai , Wang Chuanyi , Zang Ling
Published: August 2021

An overview of recent development of optical chemosensors for detecting volatile aldehydes, covering the sensing mechanisms based on colorimetric, fluorometric, etc., or dual modes, in correlation with the materials design and structure optimization.
High heat resistance and good melt spinnability of a polyamide 66 containing benzene structure
Authors: Ma Yuanyuan , Zhang Jingnan , Cao Xinyu , Wu Pengfei , Ye Gang , Fu Yang , Zhuang Yafang , Zhang Aiqing , Zheng Kun , Ma Yongmei
Published: August 2021

A polymer based bag filter with high temperature resistance plays a key role in dust and acid gas treatment in the power industry.
Enriching surface oxygen vacancies of spinel Co3O4 to boost H2O adsorption for HER in alkaline media
Authors: Zhu Ting , Pan Jun , Xiao Ying , Pan Anqiang , Liang Shuquan
Published: August 2021

Partial sulfurization of spinel Co3O4 is employed to derive CoO0.88S0.11 with enriched surface oxygen vacancies (Vso) for enhanced HER in an alkaline electrolyte.
Variation in solvato-, AIE- and mechano-fluorochromic behavior for furanyl and thiophenyl-substituted anthranyl π-conjugates: the role of tiny flanking donor groups
Authors: Chakraborty Madhuparna , Chakravarty Manab
Published: August 2021

Thiophene-linked π-conjugate shows better solvatochromic redshift and AIE-features than furan-analog. Yet, furan-linked π-conjugate is a better solid-state emitter with reversible mechanofluorochromic features. Variations in crystal packing play a crucial role in this disparity.
Fabrication of self-assembled nanostructures for intracellular drug delivery from diphenylalanine analogues with rigid or flexible chemical linkers
Authors: Arul Amutha , Rana Priya , Das Kiran , Pan Ieshita , Mandal Debasish , Stewart Adele , Maity Biswanath , Ghosh Soumyajit , Das Priyadip
Published: August 2021

Three newly synthesized building blocks, in which two FF dipeptide were connected through three different linkers, self-assemble into different super-structures with morphological individualities, considered as potential candidates for drug delivery.
Anisotropic growth of ZnO nanoparticles driven by the structure of amine surfactants: the role of surface dynamics in nanocrystal growth
Authors: Wang Yinping , Coppel Yannick , Lepetit Christine , Marty Jean-Daniel , Mingotaud Christophe , Kahn Myrtil L.
Published: August 2021

Amine behavior is strongly related to its structure (tertiary, secondary and primary) and appears to be responsible for the morphology control of nanocrystals.
Poly(tannic acid) nanocoating based surface modification for construction of multifunctional composite CeO2NZs to enhance cell proliferation and antioxidative viability of preosteoblasts
Authors: Yang Shuoshuo , Ji Jiale , Luo Mengwei , Li Hailing , Gao Zhonghong
Published: August 2021

To meet the requirements for anti-OS bone repair, multifunctional composite ceria nanozymes (CeO2NZs) were constructed by PTA coating modification on the CeO2NZ surface with pH regulation.
Hydrogenation reactions catalyzed by HN(CH2CH2PR2)2-ligated copper complexes
Authors: Ekanayake Dewmi A. , Chakraborty Arundhoti , Krause Jeanette A. , Guan Hairong
Published: August 2021

Hydrogenation of aldehydes and ketones can be catalyzed by a PNP-ligated copper hydride that is accessible from the copper borohydride or bromide complex or the copper hydride cluster.
An easily available lysosomal-targeted ratiometric fluorescent probe with aggregation induced emission characteristics for hydrogen polysulfide visualization in acute ulcerative colitis
Authors: Xiang Chunbai , Li Chunbin , Xiang Jingjing , Luo Yuan , Peng Jiaofeng , Deng Guanjun , Wang Jianguo , Kolemen Safacan , Li Hongchun , Zhang Pengfei , Gong Ping , Cai Lintao
Published: August 2021

Hydrogen polysulfide (H2Sn, n >1), as a direct oxidizing form of hydrogen sulfide, is closely associated with intestinal diseases such as ulcerative colitis (UC).
Towards multistate multimode landscapes in singlet fission of pentacene: the dual role of charge-transfer states
Authors: Walia Rajat , Deng Zexiang , Yang Jun
Published: August 2021

Singlet fission in pentacene necessitates the vibronic progression of weak and strong charge-transfer states with correlated triplet pairs.
Activation by oxidation and ligand exchange in a molecular manganese vanadium oxide water oxidation catalyst
Authors: Cárdenas Gustavo , Trentin Ivan , Schwiedrzik Ludwig , Hernández-Castillo David , Lowe Grace A. , Kund Julian , Kranz Christine , Klingler Sarah , Stach Robert , Mizaikoff Boris , Marquetand Philipp , Nogueira Juan J. , Streb Carsten , González Leticia
Published: August 2021

Combined theoretical and experimental studies shed light on the initial steps of redox-activation of a molecular manganese vanadium oxide water oxidation catalyst.
Selective functionalization of the 1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazole scaffold. A new potential non-classical isostere of indole and a precursor of push–pull dyes
Authors: Schwärzer Kuno , Rout Saroj K. , Bessinger Derya , Lima Fabio , Brocklehurst Cara E. , Karaghiosoff Konstantin , Bein Thomas , Knochel Paul
Published: August 2021

A methodology for the selective functionalization of the 1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazole scaffold has been developed and used in the synthesis of novel push–pull dyes and a non-classical isostere of the indolyl drug pruvanserin.
Synthesis, structure and bonding nature of heavy dipnictene radical anions
Authors: Weinert Hanns M. , Wölper Christoph , Haak Julia , Cutsail George E. , Schulz Stephan
Published: August 2021

Dipnictene radical anions [K(DME)(B-18-C-6)][{L(R2N)GaE}2] (E = Sb, Bi) were characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, EPR spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations.
Exploring AIE luminogens as stickers to construct self-healing ionomers and as probes to detect the microscopic healing dynamics
Authors: Gu Shiyu , Wang Hao , Zhang Hao , Peng Yan , Zhang Linjun , Zhang Junqi , Zheng Jing , Wu Jinrong
Published: August 2021

A universal method to study the self-healing kinetics and its underlying sticker-reorganization mechanism for ionomers containing AIEgens as sticky groups.
Revealing the photo-degradation mechanism of PM6:Y6 based high-efficiency organic solar cells
Authors: Zhao Yunsen , Wu Zinan , Liu Xin , Zhong Ziping , Zhu Rihong , Yu Jiangsheng
Published: August 2021

The photo-degradation mechanism of OSCs based on PM6:Y6 or its derivatives is studied. Ultraviolet photons cause more severe photo-degradation in OSCs than others, and the photo-degradation of PM6 can dominate the photo-degradation in devices.
PSP/IS⊙IS observations of the 29 November 2020 solar energetic particle event
Authors: Cohen C. M. S. , Christian E. R. , Cummings A. C. , Davis A. J. , Desai M. I. , de Nolfo G. A. , Giacalone J. , Hill M. E. , Joyce C. J. , Labrador A. W. , Leske R. A. , Matthaeus W. H. , McComas D. J. , McNutt R. L. , Mewaldt R. A. , Mitchell D. G. , Mitchell J. G. , Rankin J. S. , Roelof E. C. , Schwadron N. A. , Stone E. C. , Szalay J. R. , Wiedenbeck M. E. , Vourlidas A. , Bale S. D. , Pulupa M. , MacDowall R. J.
Published: August 2021

Aims.On 29 November 2020, at 12:34 UT, active region 12790 erupted with an M4.4 class flare and a 1700 km s−1coronal mass ejection. Parker Solar Probe (PSP) was completing its seventh orbit around the Sun and was located at 0.8 au when the Integrated Science Investigation of the Sun (IS⊙IS) measured the ensuing mid-sized solar energetic particle (SEP) event. Not only was this the first SEP event with heavy ions above 10 MeV nuc−1to be measured by IS⊙IS, it was also measured by several spacecraft positioned around the Sun, making it the first circumsolar event of solar cycle 25. Here we describe an overview of the SEP event characteristics at PSP.

Methods.Fluence spectra for electrons, H, He, O, and Fe were calculated for the decay portion of the event. For the entire time period of the event, it was possible to calculate fluence spectra for electrons, O, and Fe only due to instrumental mode changes in one of the IS⊙IS telescopes, affecting H and He during the period of peak intensities. Using higher time resolution data, we also studied the onset of the event and temporal variations in the particle intensities at the shock and during the magnetic cloud passage.

Results.During the decay, the ion spectra are consistent with power laws at low energies with an exponential rollover at a few MeV nuc−1, while the electron spectrum is consistent with a power law of index −5.3. Based on fits to the spectra, Fe/O and He/H abundance ratios as a function of energy are calculated and found to be nominal for large SEP events at hundreds of keV/nuc, but decrease strongly with increasing energy. The full-event spectra for O and Fe have similar shapes to those of the decay, but with higher roll-over energies. The electron spectrum for the full event is harder with an index of −3.4 and there is some evidence of higher energy components near ∼2 MeV and above ∼4 MeV. Despite the spacecraft being tilted 45° with respect to the nominal orientation of the spacecraft’s long axis pointed towards the Sun, there is some anisotropy apparent in MeV protons during the onset of the event. Velocity dispersion is also evident, consistent with a solar release time of 13:15 UT and pathlength of 1.3 au. The arrival of the related magnetic cloud resulted in the suppression of SEP intensities, although a brief increase in particle intensities suggests PSP moved out of the cloud for ∼30 min. This appears to be the first medium-sized event in the rise of cycle 25 activity, with additional large events likely to occur. Additional details of the event beyond this overview can be found in several related papers.
The metal-poor end of the Spite plateau
Authors: Matas Pinto A. M. , Spite M. , Caffau E. , Bonifacio P. , Sbordone L. , Sivarani T. , Steffen M. , Spite F. , François P. , Di Matteo P.
Published: August 2021

Context. The study of old, metal-poor stars deepens our knowledge on the early stages of the universe. In particular, the study of these stars gives us a valuable insight into the masses of the first massive stars and their emission of ionising photons.

Aims. We present a detailed chemical analysis and determination of the kinematic and orbital properties of a sample of 11 dwarf stars. These are metal-poor stars, and a few of them present a low lithium content. We inspected whether the other elements also present anomalies.

Methods. We analysed the high-resolution UVES spectra of a few metal-poor stars using the Turbospectrum code to synthesise spectral lines profiles. This allowed us to derive a detailed chemical analysis of Fe, C, Li, Na, Mg, Al, Si, CaI, CaII, ScII, TiII, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Sr, and Ba.

Results. We find excellent coherence with the reference metal-poor First Stars sample. The lithium-poor stars do not present any anomaly of the abundance of the elements other than lithium. Among the Li-poor stars, we show that CS 22882-027 is very probably a blue-straggler. The star CS 30302-145, which has a Li abundance compatible with the plateau, has a very low Si abundance and a high Mn abundance. In many aspects, it is similar to the α-poor star HE 1424-0241, but it is less extreme. It could have been formed in a satellite galaxy and later been accreted by our Galaxy. This hypothesis is also supported by its kinematics.
Electron conduction opacities at the transition between moderate and strong degeneracy: Uncertainties and impacts on stellar models
Authors: Cassisi Santi , Potekhin Alexander Y. , Salaris Maurizio , Pietrinferni Adriano
Published: August 2021

Electron conduction opacities are one of the main physics inputs for the calculation of low- and intermediate-mass stellar models. A critical question considers how to devise a bridge when calculating both moderate and strong degeneracy, which are necessarily performed adopting different methods. The density-temperature regime at the boundary between moderate and strong degeneracy is, in fact, crucial for modelling the helium cores of red giant branch stars and the hydrogen-helium envelopes of white dwarfs. Prompted by newly published, improved calculations of electron thermal conductivities and opacities for moderate degeneracy, we study different, physically motivated prescriptions to bridge these new computations with well-established results in the regime of strong degeneracy. We find that these varied prescriptions have a sizable impact on the predicted He-core masses at the He-flash (up to 0.01M⊙for initial total masses far from the transition to non-degenerate He-cores and up to ∼0.04 M⊙for masses around the transition), the tip of the red giant branch (up to ∼0.1 mag), and the zero-age horizontal branch luminosities (up to 0.03 dex for masses far from the transition and up to ∼0.2 dex around the transition), and white dwarf cooling times (up to 40–45% at high luminosities, and up to ∼25% at low luminosities). Current empirical constraints on the tip of the red giant branch and the zero age horizontal branch absolute magnitudes do not yet allow for the definitive exclusion of any of these alternative options for the conductive opacities. Tests against observations of slowly-cooling faint WDs in old stellar populations will need to be performed to see whether they are capable of setting some more stringent constraints on bridging calculations of conductive opacities for moderate and strong degeneracy.
Multi-time state mean-variance model in continuous time
Authors: Yang Shuzhen
Published: August 2021

The objective of the continuous time mean-variance model is to minimize the variance (risk) of an investment portfolio with a given mean at the terminal time. However, the investor can stop the investment plan at any time before the terminal time. To solve this problem, we consider to minimize the variances of the investment portfolio in the multi-time state. The advantage of this multi-time state mean-variance model is the minimization of the risk of the investment portfolio within the investment period. To obtain the optimal strategy of the model, we introduce a sequence of Riccati equations, which are connected by jump boundary conditions. In addition, we establish the relationships between the means and variances in the multi-time state mean-variance model. Furthermore, we use an example to verify that the variances of the multi-time state can affect the average of Maximum-Drawdown of the investment portfolio.
Economic and environmental assessment of an unreliable supply chain management
Authors: Guchhait Rekha , Sarkar Biswajit
Published: August 2021

The retailers within a supply chain management are the most important player as it has direct contact with the customers. Customers are the source of the money and information for the entire supply chain management. The equilibrium condition of the forward and backward supply chain is tight until it is reliable. But sometimes the retailers hide information from the manufacturer and this unreliability starts to propagate to the entire supply chain management. Blockchain technology is one of the secure decentralized systems to prevent unreliability. This study eliminates the unreliability of the system. A mathematical model is derived where the vendor-managed inventory policy is used by the single manufacturer to deal with multiple unreliable retailers. The entire process of manufacturing emits carbon. The carbon emission is controlled by the cap and trade policy and by paying the carbon tax. The results are found by the classical optimization technique and the numerical studies open up a way to the blockchain to deal with unreliable retailers. The decentralized system is a probable choice to prevent unreliability and thus the blockchain.
A novel extension of TOPSIS with interval type-2 trapezoidal neutrosophic numbers using (α, β, γ)-cuts
Authors: Touqeer Muhammad , Umer Rimsha , Ahmadian Ali , Salahshour Soheil
Published: August 2021

Multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) is concerned with structuring and solving decision problems involving multiple criteria for decision-makers in vague and inadequate environment. The “Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution’’ (TOPSIS) is one of the mainly used tactic to deal with MCDM setbacks. In this article, we put forward an extension of TOPSIS with interval type-2 trapezoidal neutrosophic numbers (IT2TrNNs) using the concept of (α, β, γ)-cut. First, we present a novel approach to compute the distance between two IT2TrNNs using ordered weighted averaging (OWA) operator and (α, β, γ)-cut. Subsequently, we broaden the TOPSIS method in the context of IT2TrNNs and implemented it on a MCDM problem. Lastly, a constructive demonstration and several contrasts with the other prevailing techniques are employed to articulate the practicability of the proposed technique. The presented strategy yields a flexible solution for MCDM problems by considering the attitudes and perspectives of the decision-makers.
Eine seltene kutane Manifestation eines systemischen B-Zell-Lymphoms unter dem klinischen Bild einer seltenen Infektionserkrankung – Fulminante Verläufe führen zur richtigen Einordnung der Dignität
Authors: Konschake Wolfgang , Arnold A. , Daeschlein G. , Jünger M. , Lutze S.
Published: August 2021

Dargestellt wird der seltene Fall eines diffus großzelligen B-Zell-Lymphoms unter dem klinischen Verdacht einer kutanen Anthrax-Infektion. Bei Aufnahme präsentierte der 82-jährige Patient an der Stirn rechtsseitig oberhalb der Augenbraue eine ca. 3,5 cm messende ulzerierte Plaque mit zentral festhaftender schwarzer Nekrose und erhabenem livid-erythematösen Randwall.Wir sahen im Verlauf des stationären Aufenthaltes eine fulminante AZ-Verschlechterung des Patienten mit rezidivierenden Fieberschüben bis 40,0 °C und plötzlich disseminierter Aussaat neuer kutaner Herde ähnlich der Morphe der primären Läsion. In der CT zeigten sich multiple pulmonale und hepatische Rundherde sowie einzelne in den Nieren sowie in der rechten Nebenniere. In der Biopsie eines Leberrundherdes und in einer Hautbiopsie wurde die Diagnose eines diffus großzelligen B-Zell-Lymphoms vom ABC-Subtyp gesichert. Bei rezidivierenden Fieberschüben über 39 °C unter eskalierter Antibiose sowie persistierender nicht invasiver Beatmung wurde der Patient im Verlauf auf eine Intensivstation verlegt und verstarb nach 6-wöchiger Krankheitsdauer. Die Autoren schlussfolgern, dass bei sich extrem fulminant darstellenden Krankheitsverläufen, die klinisch einer dermatologischen Infektionserkrankung entsprechen können, jedoch unkontrollierbar unter antimikrobieller Therapie verlaufen, immer an die kutane Manifestation eines systemischen Lymphoms gedacht werden sollte. Hier können auch die primär der Infektionserkrankung zugeordnete B-Symptomatik und die elevierten Akute-Phase-Proteine auftreten. Lymphom-Manifestationen erscheinen an der Haut häufig unspezifisch mit ekzematöser, lichenoider oder pruriginös-nodulärer Morphe. Der Verlauf machte die Einordnung der Dignität der Erkrankung in unserem Fall dann möglich.
Surgical Treatment Strategies for Pyogenic Spondylodiscitis of the Thoracolumbar Spine
Authors: Scheyerer Max J. , Herren Christian , Kühne Christian , Neufang Jörg , Pieroh Philipp , von der Höh Nicolas H.
Published: August 2021

Background Despite advances, the morbidity and mortality rates of patients with spondylodiscitis remains high, with an increasing incidence worldwide. Although conservative therapy
has progressed, several cases require surgical intervention. However, the indication and opportunities for surgical treatment are still disputable.

Methods In a joint consensus, the members of the ‘Spondylodiscitis’ working group of the Spine Section of the German Society for Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery considered current
literature, particularly the newly published S2k guideline of the AWMF, and examined the surgical indications and treatment strategies for thoracolumbar spondylodiscitis.

Results Surgical intervention for spondylodiscitis is only required in a small percentage of patients. In studies comparing conservative and surgical therapies, most patients
benefitted from surgery, regardless of the surgical technique selected. Presently, the standard procedure is a combined dorsoventral approach, in which a monolateral attempt should always be
made. The choice of material (PEEK, titanium) for ventral support does not influence the clinical result.
Neuraltherapie: Körperhaltung und Gesundheit verbessern
Authors: Günter Uwe
Published: August 2021

Die aufrechte Haltung des Menschen ist das Resultat seiner evolutionären Entwicklung. Dabei nehmen die Augachse, die Kopfgelenke und der Biss bzw. die dafür notwendige Muskulatur eine besondere Rolle ein. Physiologische Haltung wird definiert durch einen erhobenen, ausbalancierten Kopf mit zurückgezogenem Kinn, einen leicht vorgeschobenen Brustkorb mit angehobenem Brustbein, zurückgezogene Schultern im Lot der Ohren, angespannte Bauch- und Gesäßmuskeln mit aufgerichtetem Becken sowie minimal gebeugte und nicht durchgestreckte Knie. Sie ist ein individueller Kompromiss gegen das Erdgravitationsfeld. Als ideale Statik ist die auf die Vertikale bezogene Lage des Körpers anzusehen, die mit der geringsten eben noch erforderlichen Muskelkraft aufrechterhalten werden kann.

Es entwickelten sich aufgrund des technischen Fortschritts diverse Messmethoden zur Objektivierung dieser physiologischen bzw. idealen Haltung.

Von dieser anatomischen Normalstellung werden funktionelle und pathologische Veränderungen in der Sagittalebene, in der Frontalebene sowie in der Sagittal-, Frontal- und Horizontalebene unterschieden.

Dass Haltung auch Ausdruck der Psyche des Menschen ist, fasst mittlerweile die Kognitionswissenschaft unter dem Begriff „Embodiment“ zusammen. Die Neuraltherapie sieht den Stressreiz unter Beteiligung der Supersysteme Immun-, Hormon- und Nervensystem im Mittelpunkt. Haltungspathologien sind Folge multifaktorieller Störungen. Im Vordergrund stehen latente Entzündungen durch sogenannte Störfelder. Es kommt zu Veränderungen in den Myotomen der betroffenen Segmente mit unterschiedlicher Verkettung dieser Muskeldysfunktionen.

Jede Haltungsdiagnostik sollte alle posturologischen Tests mit einem modifizierten Vorgehen nach Meersseman abschließen, um den entscheidendsten Einfluss des Kiefergelenkes bei Dysgnathie auf die Haltung zu erkennen und zu behandeln. Parallel zum Training einer „gerechten“ Haltung bzw. Statik, welche zur Gesundung beiträgt, kann die diagnostische Neuraltherapie Reize mindern bzw. „löschen“ und somit Muskeldysbalancen ausgleichen. Hier ergänzen sich Manuelle Medizin, Akupunktur der Triggerpunkte sowie andere Verfahren der Naturheilkunde, welche bei sekundären geriatrischen Formen symptomatisch hilfreich sind.
Cluster Preface: Modern Nickel-Catalyzed Reactions
Authors: Martin Ruben , Molander Gary A.
Published: August 2021

Ruben Martin is a professor at the Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ), Tarragona, Spain. He received his Ph.D. in 2003 from the University of Barcelona under the guidance of Prof. Antoni Riera. In 2004, he moved to the Max-Planck Institut für Kohlenforschung as a Humboldt postdoctoral fellow with Prof. Alois Fürstner. In 2005, he undertook further postdoctoral studies at MIT with Prof. Stephen L. Buchwald as a MEC-Fulbright fellow. In 2008, he began his independent career as an assistant professor at the ICIQ (Tarragona). In 2013, he was promoted to associate professor and shortly after to ICREA Research Professor. Ruben Martin has focused his career on designing synthetically useful Ni-catalyzed methodologies for streamlining the preparation of added-value chemicals from simple precursors without losing sight of mechanistic considerations, when appropriate.

Gary A. Molander is a professor at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States. He completed his undergraduate studies in chemistry at Iowa State University under the tutelage of Prof. Richard C. Larock. He earned his Ph.D. at Purdue University under the direction of Prof. Herbert Brown and undertook postdoctoral training with Prof. Barry Trost at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. He began his academic career at the University of Colorado, Boulder, moving to the University of Pennsylvania in 1999, where he is currently Professor of Chemistry. His research interests have focused on the utilization of organolanthanides, Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions with trifluoro­borate salts, and the merger of photoredox catalysis and Ni catalysis for tackling a priori uphill transformations under visible-light irradiation for accessing valuable scaffolds in both academic and pharmaceutical laboratories.
Síndrome da artéria mesentérica superior – Uma complicação incomum após correções cirúrgicas de deformidades da coluna
Authors: Araujo Alex Oliveira de , Oliveira Rafael Garcia de , Arraes Amanda Jordão de Castro , Mamare Eduardo Magalhães , Rocha Ivan Dias , Gomes Cicero Ricardo
Published: August 2021

A compressão vascular da terceira parte do duodeno pela artéria mesentérica superior resulta no desenvolvimento de uma condição incomum de oclusão do trânsito duodenal conhecida como síndrome da artéria mesentérica superior. Este fenômeno pode acontecer após cirurgias de correção de deformidades da coluna, e sua taxa de ocorrência é de ∼ 0,5 a 4,7% dos casos. Isso ocorre em virtude da alteração do posicionamento do ponto de emergência da artéria, decorrente da mudança do comprimento do tronco após a cirurgia, e está associado a fatores de risco, como baixo índice de massa corpórea e perda ponderal. Os pacientes costumam se apresentar com um quadro de oclusão intestinal, com dor abdominal, náusea, vômito bilioso e saciedade precoce. O reconhecimento desta condição é importante para instituir o tratamento adequado, que varia do tratamento clínico, com sondagem e descompressão gástrica associados a suporte nutricional; à necessidade de abordagem cirúrgica. Complicações secundárias relacionadas à síndrome da artéria mesentérica superior incluem: recuperação cirúrgica e nutricional retardadas, problemas com a cicatrização e hospitalização prolongada. O objetivo do presente estudo é relatar um caso de síndrome da artéria mesentérica superior, ocorrido em um paciente com escoliose neuromuscular secundária a sequela de mielite transversa, submetido ao tratamento cirúrgico da deformidade da coluna.
Alinhamento do plano sagital e resultados funcionais após cirurgia para a cifose de Scheuermann
Authors: Vital Luísa , Nunes Bernardo , Santos Sara Almeida , Veludo Vitorino , Serdoura Francisco , Pinho André
Published: August 2021

Objetivo Avaliar e correlacionar os parâmetros pélvicos, o equilíbrio sagital (SB), e o resultado funcional dos pacientes submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico da hipercifose de Scheuermann (SK).

Métodos Foram incluídos pacientes submetidos à cirurgia entre janeiro de 2005 e dezembro de 2016. Foram obtidas as seguintes medidas radiográficas: cifose torácica (TK); lordose lombar (LL); SB; incidência pélvica (PI); inclinação pélvica (PT); e inclinação sacral (SS). Complicações foram registradas durante o período de seguimento.

Resultados Foram incluídos 19 pacientes (16 homens): a cifose pré-operatória média foi de 83°, e, após a cirurgia, de 57°. A LL média pré-operatória foi de 66°, com uma correção espontânea pós-operatória de 47°. Quanto aos parâmetros pélvicos pré-operatórios, as médias de PI, PT e SS foram de 48°, 10° e 39°, respectivamente. No pós-operatório, esses valores foram de 50°, 16° e 35°, respectivamente. O SB pré-operatório foi neutro e mantido após correção cirúrgica. Quanto às complicações durante o período de seguimento, foram observadas três cifoses juncionais – duas necessitando de cirurgia de revisão, uma má consolidação, e uma deiscência de sutura. Em relação aos resultados funcionais, a pontuação média no questionário de 22 itens da Scoliosis Research Society (SRS-22) foi de 4,04, e verificou-se que o SB no pós-operatório não teve influência no desfecho funcional (p = 0,125), nem na LL pós-operatória (p = 0,851).

Conclusão Verificamos uma melhora espontânea da hiperlordose lombar em níveis não incluídos na fusão após a correção da TK. Embora os resultados funcionais pós-operatórios tenham sido globalmente elevados, não encontramos nenhuma relação estatisticamente significativa com a TK nem com a LL. A PI elevada está associada a maior complicação da cifose juncional proximal (PJK), e esses parâmetros pélvicos devem ser considerados no momento do tratamento cirúrgico da cifose de Scheuermann.
Accuracy of Transvaginal Ultrasound in the Diagnosis of Intrauterine Lesions
Authors: Pereira Adriana Elisa de Miranda Murta , Franco Junia , Machado Fernanda Silveira , Geber Selmo
Published: August 2021

Objective To evaluate the accuracy of transvaginal ultrasound in the diagnosis of intrauterine lesions, using hysteroscopy as the gold standard.

Methods This was a prospective observational study with 307 patients. All patients underwent hysteroscopy after a previous transvaginal ultrasound to compare the results. The hysteroscopy was performed by experienced examiners, and transvaginal ultrasounds were performed in various public and private services, which is reflective of routine healthcare practices in obstetrics and gynecology. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the transvaginal ultrasound were calculated using hysteroscopy as the gold standard. The level of agreement between the two exams was calculated using the Kappa test.

Results The mean age was 56.55 ± 12.3 years. For endometrial polyps, we observed a sensitivity of 39.8%, specificity of 72.7%, accuracy of 52.8%, and Kappa index of 0.11 (p = 0.025). For fibroids, the sensitivity was 46.7%, specificity was 95.0%, accuracy was 87.9%, and Kappa index was 0.46 (p < 0.001). For endometrial thickening, the sensitivity was 68.7%, specificity was 41.7%, accuracy was 47.6%, and Kappa index was 0.06 (p = 0.126). For endometrial atrophy, we found a sensitivity of 6.7%, specificity of 99.3%, accuracy of 90.2%, and Kappa index of 0.10 (p = 0.006). For the other findings, the sensitivity was 15.6%, specificity was 99.6%, accuracy was 87.3%, and Kappa index was 0.23 (P < 0.001).

Conclusion Our study demonstrated a low level of accuracy of transvaginal ultrasound for the diagnosis of endometrial lesions, when performed by a non-experienced professional. Thus, it is important to consider the use of hysteroscopy to avoid unnecessary and inappropriate treatments.
Reliability of Contralateral Suppression in Evoked Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions
Authors: Santos Ana Carolina dos , Labanca Ludimila , Assumpção Larissa Resende , Mancini Patricia Cotta , Carvalho Sirley Alves da Silva , Resende Luciana Macedo de
Published: August 2021

Introduction Distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) and their suppression may be considered useful in monitoring cochlear function and the efferent auditory pathway inhibitory effect. Nonetheless, the establishment of reliable parameters of response variations is of great importance.

Objectives To verify the replicability of test and retest in the research of the inhibitory effect of the efferent pathway using contralateral suppressing stimulus during DPOAE recording for clinical applicability.

Methods Cross-sectional study with 48 volunteers, aged 18 to 30 years, with normal audiometric thresholds. The procedures included were audiometric and immittance measures to overrule any conductive or sensorineural conditions and DPOAE recordings without and with contralateral suppression with a 60 dBHL white noise. Distortion product otoacoustic emissions amplitudes were analyzed and compared in both conditions with Wilcoxon test, and the Spearman correlation test was used to assess test-retest reliability.

Results The comparative analysis showed differences between amplitudes in test and retest conditions only in 1,500 Hz for DPOAE measures with all other tested frequencies showing no differences, and no difference was observed in all recorded frequencies in the test and retest comparison for DPOAE suppression. The degree of correlation between test and retest of DPOAE amplitude was good at 6,000 Hz and strong (r > 0.880) at the other frequencies. For DPOAE with suppression, all frequencies presented strong correlation between test and retest: 1,500 Hz (r = 0.880), 2,000 Hz (r = 0.882), 3,000 Hz (r = 0.940), and 6,000 Hz (r = 0.957).

Conclusions The study found good replicability in contralateral suppression of DPOAE with potential clinical applicability, and we recommend conducting the test from 2000Hz to higher frequencies for more reliable results.