bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Liquid‐to‐solid transitions in nanoparticle‐filled brush block copolymer composites
Authors: Yavitt Benjamin M. , Fei Hua‐Feng , Kopanati Gayathri N. , Winter H. Henning , Watkins James J.
Published: October 2020

The natural self‐assembly of densely grafted brush block copolymers (BBCP) is used to direct functional nanoparticles (NP) into well‐ordered structures with large lattice spacings and high NP content. Understanding the NP's impact on the phase behavior and viscoelastic properties is necessary for optimizing the processing windows for such materials. Thermo‐structural and thermo‐rheological properties are investigated in a model nanocomposite system composed of a di‐block bottlebrush (dbBB) poly(tert‐butyl acrylate)‐block‐poly(ethylene oxide) (PtBA‐b‐PEO), complexed with surface functionalized zirconium oxide (ZrO2) NPs. The NPs selectively sequester into the microphase separated PEO domains through coordinated hydrogen bonding. Loading up to φ = 30 wt% NP is achieved, and the lamellar morphologies are stable in the melt state according to temperature controlled small angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS). Systematic transitions in the linear viscoelasticity, determined by small amplitude oscillatory shear (SAOS) suggest that at slow timescales, the NP superstructure inhibits the highly mobile relaxation processes inherent to the dbBB architecture. Further analysis of the relaxation time spectrum H(τ) is used to describe the constraint of such relaxation mechanisms. The structure–property relationships realized by SAOS and SAXS enable future manipulation of mechanical properties and processing of BBCP/NP composites for both established and emergent applications.
Effects of mis‐specified time‐correlated model error in the (ensemble) Kalman Smoother
Authors: Ren Haonan , Amezcua Javier , van Leeuwen Peter Jan
Published: October 2020

Data assimilation is often performed under the perfect model assumption. Although there is an increasing amount of research accounting for model errors in data assimilation, the impact of an incorrect specification of the model errors on the data assimilation results has not been thoroughly assessed. We investigate the effect that an inaccurate time correlation in the model error description can have on data assimilation results, deriving analytical results using a Kalman Smoother for a one‐dimensional system. The analytical results are evaluated numerically to generate useful illustrations. For a higher‐dimensional system, we use an ensemble Kalman Smoother. Strong dependence on observation density is found. For a single observation at the end of the window, the posterior variance is a concave function of the guessed decorrelation time‐scale used in the data assimilation process. This is due to an increasing prior variance with that time‐scale, combined with a decreasing tendency from larger observation influence. With an increasing number of observations, the posterior variance decreases with increasing guessed decorrelation time‐scale because the prior variance effect becomes less important. On the other hand, the posterior mean‐square error has a convex shape as a function of the guessed time‐scale with a minimum where the guessed time‐scale is equal to the real decorrelation time‐scale. With more observations, the impact of the difference between two decorrelation time‐scales on the posterior mean‐square error reduces. Furthermore, we show that the correct model error decorrelation time‐scale can be estimated over several time windows using state augmentation in the ensemble Kalman Smoother. Since model errors are significant and significantly time correlated in real geophysical systems such as the atmosphere, this contribution opens up a next step in improving prediction of these systems.
A new holder/container with a porous cover for atomic layer deposition on particles, with transport analysis and detailed characterization of the resulting materials
Authors: Shah Dhruv , Patel Dhananjay I. , Major George H. , Argyle Morris D. , Linford Matthew R.
Published: October 2020

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is widely used in the semiconductor and materials industries for depositing thin films. Here, we describe a holder/container for performing ALD on particles that does not require agitation. This device contains a broad, shallow, circular recess that holds the particles. Two different frits and combinations of stacked meshes were explored as a cover to this holder to restrict the movement of the particles while still allowing good conductance of the ALD reagent gases. A mathematical discussion of the diffusion through the frits and stacked meshes is presented. As confirmed by spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) on planar witness silicon shards, consistent, high‐quality film growth took place inside and outside the holder. The performance of the holder was demonstrated with ~5‐μm zirconia particles that were coated with alumina from trimethylaluminum (TMA) and water, and with zinc oxide from diethylzinc (DEZ) and water. Deposition on different amounts of particles was investigated (50, 100, 200, and 500 mg). Parasitic chemical vapor deposition (CVD) appeared to be present when a greater number of particles or meshes were used. ALD coating on particles was also confirmed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS).
Evolution of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 surfaces under water immersion monitored by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Béchu Solène , Bouttemy Muriel , Vigneron Jackie , Lincot Daniel , Guillemoles Jean‐François , Etcheberry Arnaud
Published: October 2020

Cu(In,Ga)Se2 absorbers were immerged in deionized water for different times, and specific chemical evolutions were monitored thanks to X‐ray photoemission spectroscopy. Cu(In,Ga)Se2 related dissolution products were studied in water through induced coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. From those analyses, specific surface network disorganization was observed, with Cu migration towards the surface, leading to different kinetics of oxidation and dissolution for each element that could be quantified.
Revealing Dynamic Effects of Mobile Ions in Halide Perovskite Solar Cells Using Time‐Resolved Microspectroscopy
Authors: Chen Weijian , Gan Zhixing , Green Martin A. , Jia Baohua , Wen Xiaoming
Published: October 2020

Halide perovskites are promising candidate materials for the next generation high‐efficiency optoelectronic devices. Since perovskites are electronic‐ionic mixed conductors, ion dynamics have a critical impact on the performance and stability of perovskite‐based applications. However, comprehensively understanding ionic dynamics is challenging, particularly on nanoscale imaging of ionic dynamics in perovskites. In this review, mobile ion dynamics in halide perovskites investigated via luminescence spectroscopy combined with confocal microscopy are discussed, including mobile ion induced fluorescence quenching, phase segregation in mixed halide hybrid perovskite, and mobile ion accumulation at the interface in perovskite devices. Steady‐state and time‐resolved luminescence imaging techniques, combined with confocal microscopy, are unique tools for probing ionic dynamics in perovskites, providing invaluable insights on ionic dynamics in nanoscale resolution, along with a wide temporal range from picoseconds to hours. The works in this review are not only for understanding mobile ions to improve the design of perovskite‐based devices but also foster the development of microspectroscopic methodologies in a broader solid‐state physics context of investigating ionic transports in polycrystalline materials.
Rapid and simultaneous analysis of advanced glycation end products on silica hydride column: Comparison of ultraviolet, fluorescence, and mass spectrometry detectors
Authors: Naffa Rafea , Gaar Jakob , Zhang Wenkai , Maidment Catherine , Shehadi Ihsan , Etxabide Alaitz , Holmes Geoff , Kavianinia Iman , Brimble Margaret
Published: October 2020

Glycation of collagen produces advanced glycation end products including pentosidine, glyoxal‐lysine dimer, and methylglyoxal‐lysine dimer. These products are markers for aging and associated with the development of several diseases. In this study, a rapid and simultaneous analytical method for pentosidine, glyoxal‐lysine dimer, and methylglyoxal‐lysine dimer was developed. The separation of advanced glycation end products was carried out on a silica hydride column using either acetonitrile or methanol in water with 0.1% (v/v) formic acid. A total run time of <5.5 min was achieved using isocratic elution and 11 min using gradient conditions. The gradient elution also allowed the rapid and simultaneous of collagen crosslinks and advanced glycation end products in one run. The eluted peaks were detected by mass spectrometry then the fragmentation was measured by tandem mass spectrometry to confirm their identity. The method developed herein was successfully applied to high‐performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence and ultraviolet detection. Although the ultraviolet detection sensitivity of glyoxal‐lysine and methylglyoxal‐lysine dimers is low, it is useful for preparative work for the collection of intact advanced glycation end‐products. This method was applied to several biological sample products and used to monitor the formation of glycation product in gelatin treated with glucose.
Combining metabolomics with bioanalysis methods to investigate the potential toxicity of dihexyl phthalate
Authors: Song Dan , Xu Chao , Holck Askild L. , Liu Rong
Published: October 2020

Dihexyl phthalate (DHP) is one of the most commonly used phthalate esters in various plastic and consumer products. Human are inevitably exposed to DHPs. Although several animal and human experiments have revealed that DHP can cause multiple toxicities, few studies have previously assessed the effects of DHP exposure by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC‐MS) analysis combine with molecular biology methods on human cells. Therefore, the purpose of our study was to investigate the effect of DHP on human cell metabolism by systems biology methods. In this study, U2OS cancer cells were treated with 10 μM DHP for metabolomics analysis and apoptosis analysis at indicate time. Metabolomic study of the metabolic changes caused by DHP in U2OS cells was performed for the first time using integrative liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (LC‐Q‐TOF‐MS). To investigate the possible reason of fatty acids level altered by DHP, we measured some key fatty acid synthesis and oxidation‐related enzyme expression levels by quantitative real‐time PCR (Q‐PCR). Apoptotic cells were analyzed by flow cytometry and apoptosis‐related gene expressions were measured by Q‐PCR. 2′,7′‐Dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH‐DA) staining was used to evaluate ROS content. Partial least squares‐discriminate analysis (PLS‐DA) clearly showed that significant differences in metabolic profiles were observed in U2OS cells exposed to DHP compared with controls. A total of 58 putative metabolites in electrospray ionization source (ESI) + mode and 32 putative metabolites in ESI‐mode were detected, the majority of the differential metabolites being lipids and lipid‐like molecules. Among them, the altered fatty acids level corresponded to expression levels of genes encoding enzymes related to fatty acids synthesis and oxidation. Moreover, DHP induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, promoted cell apoptosis and inflammation, and resulted in a significant increase in apoptosis and inflammation‐related gene expression levels compared with controls. In summary, our results suggested that metabolomics combined with molecular bioanalysis methods could be an efficient tool to assess toxic effects, which contribute to explore the possible cytotoxicity mechanisms of DHP, and provide a basis for further research.
Rektale Endo-SPONGE®-Therapie bei retroperitonealem Hämatom nach komplexer Hämorrhoidektomie
Authors: Niemann Lea , Kahlke Volker , Reichert Benedikt , Becker Thomas , Pochhammer Julius
Published: October 2020

Die zirkuläre Hämorrhoidopexie ist eine häufig angewandte Operationstechnik bei fortgeschrittenem Hämorrhoidalleiden. Trotz der scheinbar technischen Einfachheit kann es in seltenen Fällen zu lebensbedrohlichen Komplikationen kommen. Es wird über den Fall einer Patientin berichtet, die durch eine Blutung aus der Klammernaht nach Hämorrhoidopexie ein retroperitoneales Hämatom mit konsekutiver Perforation der Klammernaht entwickelte. Eine solche Komplikation ist bislang kaum beschrieben worden. Entgegen ähnlicher Fälle konnte auf eine transabdominelle operative Sanierung verzichtet werden. Die perirektale Hämatomhöhle wurde erfolgreich durch die Einlage von rektalen Endo-SPONGEs® therapiert.
Herzinsuffizienzprotektion bei Patienten mit Diabetes mellitus Typ 2 durch SGLT2-Inhibitoren – Evidenzlage und mögliche Mechanismen
Authors: Rieth Andreas J. , Hamm Christian W. , Wanner Christoph , Mitrovic Veselin , Keller Till
Published: October 2020

Hintergrund

Hemmstoffe des renalen Natrium-Glukose-Kotransporters 2 („sodium glucose-linked transporter 2“; SGLT2i) scheinen außer der antidiabetischen auch eine kardioprotektive Wirkung zu besitzen; deren Mechanismus ist jedoch unklar.

Methoden

Selektive Literaturrecherche in PubMed (Fokus Herzinsuffizienz und Wirkmechanismen).

Ergebnisse

Unter Therapie mit 3 der untersuchten Substanzen kam es im Vergleich mit Placebo zu weniger herzinsuffizienzbedingten Krankenhausaufenthalten, allerdings mit einer relativ hohen Anzahl von Behandlungen pro verhindertes Ereignis (72–117). Außer einer stärkeren Gewichtsabnahme und Blutdrucksenkung unter dem Verum gegenüber Placebo fiel eine Zunahme des kardioprotektiven Effekts bei stärker eingeschränkter Nierenfunktion auf.

Schlussfolgerung

Ein moderater herzinsuffizienzpräventiver Effekt von Hemmstoffen des renalen SGLT2 kann bei Diabetikern als gesichert gelten. Ein wesentlicher Wirkmechanismus beruht wahrscheinlich auf einem nephroprotektiven Effekt mit Modulation der kardiorenalen Interaktion, was jedoch weiterer Abklärung bedarf.
Management of transmodiolar and transmacular cochleovestibular schwannomas with and without cochlear implantation
Authors: Plontke S. K. , Caye-Thomasen P. , Strauss C. , Kösling S. , Götze G. , Siebolts U. , Vordermark D. , Wagner L. , Fröhlich L. , Rahne T.
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Hearing rehabilitation with cochlear implants has attracted increasing interest also for patients with cochleovestibular schwannoma. The authors report their experience with the surgical management of tumors with rare transmodiolar or transmacular extension and outcomes after cochlear implantation (CI).

Methods

This retrospective case series included nine patients with either primary intralabyrinthine tumors or secondary invasion of the inner ear from the internal auditory canal. The primary endpoint with CI, performed in six patients, was word recognition score at 65 dB SPL (sound pressure level). Secondary endpoints were intra- and postoperative electrophysiological parameters, impedance measures, the presence of a wave V in the electrically evoked (via the CI) auditory brainstem responses, the specifics of postoperative CI programming, and adverse events.

Results

Hearing rehabilitation with CI in cases of transmodiolar tumor growth could be achieved only with incomplete tumor removal, whereas tumors with transmacular growth could be completely removed. All six patients with CI had good word recognition scores for numbers in quiet conditions (80–100% at 65 dB SPL, not later than 6 to 12 months post CI activation). Four of these six patients achieved good to very good results for monosyllabic words within 1–36 months (65–85% at 65 dB SPL). The two other patients, however, had low scores for monosyllables at 6 months (25 and 15% at 65 dB SPL, respectively) with worsening of results thereafter.

Conclusions

Cochleovestibular schwannomas with transmodiolar and transmacular extension represent a rare entity with specific management requirements. Hearing rehabilitation with CI is a principal option in these patients.
Identification and cross-validation of genetic loci conferring resistance to Septoria nodorum blotch using a German multi-founder winter wheat population
Authors: Lin Min , Stadlmeier Melanie , Mohler Volker , Tan Kar-Chun , Ficke Andrea , Cockram James , Lillemo Morten
Published: October 2020

Key message

We identified allelic variation at two major loci, QSnb.nmbu-2A.1 and QSnb.nmbu-5A.1, showing consistent and additive effects on SNB field resistance. Validation of QSnb.nmbu-2A.1 across genetic backgrounds further highlights its usefulness for marker-assisted selection.

Septoria nodorum blotch (SNB) is a disease of wheat (Triticum aestivum and T. durum) caused by the necrotrophic fungal pathogen Parastagonospora nodorum. SNB resistance is a typical quantitative trait, controlled by multiple quantitative trait loci (QTL) of minor effect. To achieve increased plant resistance, selection for resistance alleles and/or selection against susceptibility alleles must be undertaken. Here, we performed genetic analysis of SNB resistance using an eight-founder German Multiparent Advanced Generation Inter-Cross (MAGIC) population, termed BMWpop. Field trials and greenhouse testing were conducted over three seasons in Norway, with genetic analysis identifying ten SNB resistance QTL. Of these, two QTL were identified over two seasons: QSnb.nmbu-2A.1 on chromosome 2A and QSnb.nmbu-5A.1 on chromosome 5A. The chromosome 2A BMWpop QTL co-located with a robust SNB resistance QTL recently identified in an independent eight-founder MAGIC population constructed using varieties released in the United Kingdom (UK). The validation of this SNB resistance QTL in two independent multi-founder mapping populations, regardless of the differences in genetic background and agricultural environment, highlights the value of this locus in SNB resistance breeding. The second robust QTL identified in the BMWpop, QSnb.nmbu-5A.1, was not identified in the UK MAGIC population. Combining resistance alleles at both loci resulted in additive effects on SNB resistance. Therefore, using marker assisted selection to combine resistance alleles is a promising strategy for improving SNB resistance in wheat breeding. Indeed, the multi-locus haplotypes determined in this study provide markers for efficient tracking of these beneficial alleles in future wheat genetics and breeding activities.
Pediatric Primary Hyperparathyroidism: Experience in a Tertiary Care Referral Center in a Developing Country Over Three Decades
Authors: Sharanappa Vikram , Mishra Anjali , Bhatia Vijayalakshmi , Mayilvagnan Sabaretnam , Chand Gyan , Agarwal Gaurav , Agarwal Amit , Mishra Saroj Kanta
Published: October 2020

Background

There is limited experience in managing pediatric primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical presentation and outcome of surgery in children with PHPT managed at a tertiary referral center.

Methods

This retrospective study (September 1989–August 2019) consisted of 35 pediatric PHPT patients (< 18 years) who underwent parathyroidectomy. Clinico‐pathologic profile and outcome were noted.

Results

The mean age of cohort was 15.2±2.9 years and girls outnumbered boys (M:F = 1:1.9). Familial and symptomatic disease was noted in 8.5 and 94.3% cases, respectively. Skeletal manifestations (83%) were the commonest followed by renal (29%). Fifty‐four percent children had skeletal fractures, and 23% were bed‐ridden. Among rare manifestations, hypercalcemic crisis, recurrent pancreatitis and stigmata of rickets were observed in 2.8, 11.4 and 14.2% children, respectively. Mean calcium concentration was 12.1 ± 2.0 mg/dl and PTH 91.8 ± 66.5 pmol/L. The sensitivity of preoperative imaging in parathyroid localization was 91.4%. Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) was performed in 40% cases. Parathyroid adenoma was observed in 91.4% patients, whereas remaining had hyperplasia. Thirty‐four percent suffered from Hungry bone syndrome in postoperative period. The cure rate following primary surgery was 97%. One child with persistent PHPT had successful re‐operation. Median follow‐up was 5 (1–17) years, and no recurrence or familial disease was revealed during this period.

Conclusion

Majority of pediatric patients present with symptomatic PHPT. Despite relatively high incidence of familial disease select pediatric patients can undergo successful MIP.
Results after arthroscopic treatment of iliopsoas impingement after total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Zimmerer A. , Hauschild M. , Nietschke R. , Schneider M. M. , Wassilew G. , Sobau C. , Miehlke W.
Published: October 2020

Background

A cause of groin pain after total hip arthroplasty (THA) is mechanical irritation or impingement of the iliopsoas tendon. The incidence is about 4%. If conservative therapy fails, an arthroscopic release of the iliopsoas tendon can be performed. The aim of the study was to assess the mid-term clinical outcome after arthroscopic release. We hypothesize that good results can be achieved by a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure.

Methods

Using our in-house database, all patients who received an endoscopic release of the iliopsoas tendon due to mechanical irritation after THA were identified. Inclusion criteria were mechanical irritation of the iliopsoas tendon after cementless THA with minimal acetabular component prominence. Exclusion criteria were marked prominence of the acetabular component and groin pain after THA for any other reason. In these patients, the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), the pain level using the numerical analogue scale and the UCLA Activity Score were measured. The mean follow-up period was 7 ± 3.8 (2.6–11.7) years.

Results

25 patients were identified in whom an arthroscopic release of the iliopsoas tendon had been performed since 2007. The data of 20 patients were available at follow-up. The gender ratio was 1:1, the average age at the time of arthroscopy was 59 ± 27.7 (52–78) years. The average interval between THA and arthroscopy was 6.3 ± 4.0 (1.7–15) years. The mHHS showed a significant improvement from preoperative 31.2 ± 9.8 (17.6–47.3) to 82.0 ± 9.8 (46.2–100) points (p = 0.001). The pain level on the NAS decreased significantly from 8.5 ± 1.2 (7–10) to 2.5 ± 1.8 (0–6) points (p = 0.001). The activity level based on the UCLA Activity Score raised from 4.0 ± 2.7 (0–7) to 6.5 ± 1.8 (3–9) (p = 0.09).

Conclusion

Mechanical irritation and impingement of the iliopsoas tendon is an important diagnosis to be considered in persistent groin pain after total hip arthroplasty. In failure of non-operative treatment, good clinical results can be achieved with arthroscopic release and the pain level can be significantly reduced.

Level of evidence

IV.
Individualized blended care for patients with colorectal cancer: the patient’s view on informational support
Authors: Islind Anna Sigridur , Johansson Victoria , Vallo Hult Helena , Alsén Pia , Andreasson Emma , Angenete Eva , Gellerstedt Martin
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The number of colorectal cancer patient survivors is increasing. Information and support during and after treatment are requested by patients, but questions remain on what to provide. The aim of this study was to understand what informational needs colorectal cancer patients and survivors have, with a focus on the potential support given by patient peers and the use of blended care.

Methods

A qualitative study using focus groups was conducted with patients diagnosed at the same hospital at least one year prior to the initiation of the study. The focus group interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using deductive content analysis.

Results

The need for informational support varied over time and depended on individual patient characteristics. Timing was crucial and patients requested options of blended care and informational support after treatment cessation. The patients felt alone after treatment and requested assistance in communication with their next-of-kin. They also identified the value of peer support, especially to contextualize knowledge provided by healthcare.

Conclusion

This study showed a need for focus on individualized informational support. Blended care through integrating communication with peers online could be one way to support patients, both to enable shared decision-making as well as to provide person-centered care.
Comparative study of hyperpure chlorine dioxide with two other irrigants regarding the viability of periodontal ligament stem cells
Authors: Láng Orsolya , Nagy Krisztina S. , Láng Julia , Perczel-Kovách Katalin , Herczegh Anna , Lohinai Zsolt , Varga Gábor , Kőhidai László
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) have an underlined significance as their high proliferative capacity and multipotent differentiation provide an important therapeutic potential. The integrity of these cells is frequently disturbed by the routinely used irrigative compounds applied as periodontal or endodontic disinfectants (e.g., hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and chlorhexidine (CHX)). Our objectives were (i) to monitor the cytotoxic effect of a novel dental irrigative compound, chlorine dioxide (ClO2), compared to two traditional agents (H2O2, CHX) on PDLSCs and (ii) to test whether the aging factor of PDLSC cultures determines cellular responsiveness to the chemicals tested.

Methods

Impedimetry (concentration-response study), WST-1 assays (WST = water soluble tetrazolium salt), and morphology analysis were performed to measure changes in cell viability induced by the 3 disinfectants; immunocytochemistry of stem cell markers (STRO-1, CD90, and CD105) measured the induced mesenchymal characteristics.

Results

Cell viability experiments demonstrated that the application of ClO2 does not lead to a significant decrease in viability of PLDSCs in concentrations used to kill microbes. On the contrary, traditional irrigants, H2O2, and CHX are highly toxic on PDLSCs. Aging of PLDSC cultures (passages 3 vs. 7) has characteristic effects on their responsiveness to these agents as the increased expression of mesenchymal stem cell markers turns to decreased.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

While the active ingredients of mouthwash (H2O2, CHX) applied in endodontic or periodontitis management have a serious toxic effect on PDLSCs, the novel hyperpure ClO2 is less toxic providing an environment favoring dental structure regenerations during disinfectant interventions.
Accessibility to biologics and its impact on disease activity and quality of life in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in Kuwait
Authors: Al-Herz Adeeba , Saleh Khuloud , Al-Awadhi Adel , Al-Kandari Waleed , Hasan Eman , Ghanem Aqeel , Hussain Mohammed , Ali Yaser , Nahar Ebrahim , Alenizi Ahmad , Hayat Sawsan , Abutiban Fatemah , Aldei Ali , Alhajeri Hebah , Alhadhood Naser , Bahbahani Husain , Tarakmeh Hoda , Mokaddem Khaled , Khadrawy Ahmad , Fazal Ammad , Zaman Agaz , Mazloum Ghada , Bartella Youssef , Hamed Sally , Alsouk Ramia , Al-Saber Ahmed ,   Kuwait Registry for Rheumatic Diseases (KRRD)
Published: October 2020

Objective

Biologics are indicated in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in case of persistent high disease activity despite conventional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (cDMARDs) or patients with contraindications to cDMARDs or poor prognostic factors. The purpose of this study was to compare the prescription rates of biologics in Kuwaiti and non-Kuwaiti patients and to assess whether this had an impact on disease activity and quality of life in RA patients.

Methods

Data were extracted from the Kuwait Registry for Rheumatic Diseases. Adult patients who satisfied the ACR classification criteria for RA from four major hospitals in Kuwait were evaluated from February 2013 through May 2018. The treatment agents, disease activity, and quality of life of Kuwaiti patients were compared with non-Kuwaiti patients.

Results

A total of 1651 RA patients were included; 806 (48.8%) were Kuwaiti patients. Among Kuwaiti patients, 62.5% were on biologic drugs in comparison with 14% of non-Kuwaiti patients. In comparison with non-Kuwaiti patients, Kuwaiti patients had significantly lower numbers of swollen joints (p < 0.001) and disease activity score-28 scores (p = 0.02) and less steroid use (p < 0.001) yet a significantly higher health assessment questionnaire-disability index (p < 0.001). Regression analysis showed that DAS-28 scores were significantly associated with the treatment type (p < 0.001) and that nationality was significantly predictive of the treatment type (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

In the setting of easy accessibility to treatment for Kuwaiti patients, biologics were prescribed by rheumatologists at a higher rate than for non-Kuwaitis. This may explain the lower disease activity and the lower rate of steroid use in Kuwaiti patients than non-Kuwaitis.

Key points

• Significant discrepancies in the rates of prescribing biologic therapies between KP and NKP in Kuwait were observed.

• Several treatment outcomes were significantly better in the KP group than in the NKP group even after adjustment of confounding factors.

• The poor access to biologic therapies was suggested to limit the effectiveness of RA treatments in the NKP group.
Indeterminate pronouns in Old English: a compositional semantic analysis
Authors: Beck Sigrid
Published: October 2020

Indeterminate pronouns in Old English (expressions likehwa‘who/what’ andhwelc‘which’) permit several interpretations in addition to their use as interrogative pronouns, for example readings as universal or existential quantifiers. They combine with morphological prefixes (ge- ‘and, also’ anda- ‘always, ever’), which change the range of possible interpretations. Old English indeterminate pronouns are shown to contribute a crosslinguistically hitherto unattested pattern of available interpretations. In particular, bare indeterminate pronouns have a universal interpretation andge-indeterminate pronouns can be both universal and existential. This paper offers an alternative semantic analysis in the spirit of Hamblin (Found Lang 10:41–53, 1973) and Shimoyama (Nat Lang Semant 14:139–173, 2006). A compositional semantics is given for the pronouns and the prefixes, which derives the available readings. The paper ends with a proposal for compositional semantic change relating Old English indeterminate pronouns to their modern descendants.
Reducing the Toxicity of Long-Term Glucocorticoid Treatment in Large Vessel Vasculitis
Authors: Palmowski Andriko , Buttgereit Frank
Published: October 2020

Purpose

While glucocorticoids (GCs) are effective in large vessel vasculitis (LVV), they may cause serious adverse events (AEs), especially if taken for longer durations and at higher doses. Unfortunately, patients suffering from LVV often need long-term treatment with GCs; therefore, toxicity needs to be expected and countered.

Recent Findings

GCs remain the mainstay of therapy for both giant cell arteritis and Takayasu arteritis. In order to minimize their toxicity, the following strategies should be considered: GC tapering, administration of conventional synthetic (e.g., methotrexate) or biologic (e.g., tocilizumab) GC-sparing agents, as well as monitoring, prophylaxis, and treatment of GC-related AEs. Several drugs are currently under investigation to expand the armamentarium for the treatment of LVV.

GC treatment in LVV is effective but associated with toxicity. Strategies to minimize this toxicity should be applied when treating patients suffering from LVV.
Systems Engineering approach for the concept design of the Crystal Eye detector
Authors: Renno F. , Barbato F. , Barbarino G. , Marzullo D. , Guida R. , Papa S.
Published: October 2020

Main targets of this activity research are the making and the optimization of new detectors by means of the Systems Engineering methods. With the observation of the gravitational wave event of August 17th, 2017 and then with those of the extragalactic neutrino of September 22nd, the Multimessenger Astrophysics era began. It is a new way of exploring the Universe, powered by globally coordinated observations of several experiments. So, new X and gamma rays’ detectors solutions are needed in order to provide competitive results in the energy range 10 keV–10 meV. Here is briefly described how the Systems Engineering can improve the development of the proposal of a new technique: The Crystal Eye, a wide field of view detector with a good spatial resolution obtained thanks to a high pixelation.
Identification of an epigenetic signature in human induced pluripotent stem cells using a linear machine learning model
Authors: Nishino Koichiro , Takasawa Ken , Okamura Kohji , Arai Yoshikazu , Sekiya Asato , Akutsu Hidenori , Umezawa Akihiro
Published: October 2020

The use of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), used as an alternative to human embryonic stem cells (ESCs), is a potential solution to challenges, such as immune rejection, and does not involve the ethical issues concerning the use of ESCs in regenerative medicine, thereby enabling developments in biological research. However, comparative analyses from previous studies have not indicated any specific feature that distinguishes iPSCs from ESCs. Therefore, in this study, we established a linear classification-based learning model to distinguish among ESCs, iPSCs, embryonal carcinoma cells (ECCs), and somatic cells on the basis of their DNA methylation profiles. The highest accuracy achieved by the learned models in identifying the cell type was 94.23%. In addition, the epigenetic signature of iPSCs, which is distinct from that of ESCs, was identified by component analysis of the learned models. The iPSC-specific regions with methylation fluctuations were abundant on chromosomes 7, 8, 12, and 22. The method developed in this study can be utilized with comprehensive data and widely applied to many aspects of molecular biology research.
Burnout und psychosoziale Arbeitsbedingungen in Berufsgruppen mit hohen kognitiven Anforderungen
Authors: Kersten Norbert , Formazin Maren , Müller Grit
Published: October 2020

Hintergrund

Burnout ist ein psychologisches Syndrom, das aufgrund seiner Konsequenzen sowohl für die Betroffenen selbst als auch für die Betriebe und die Gesellschaft als Ganzes von hoher Relevanz ist.

Fragestellung

Die Ausprägung von Burnout und sein Zusammenhang mit psychosozialen Arbeitsbedingungen werden in drei Berufsgruppen mit hohen kognitiven Anforderungen – Softwareentwickler/innen, Werbefachleute, Publizist/innen – im Vergleich zur Beschäftigtenpopulation in Deutschland untersucht.

Material und Methoden

Es werden Daten aus zwei Querschnittsstudien zusammengefasst (n = 6553). Die psychosozialen Arbeitsbedingungen wurden mit dem Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ), Burnout mit dem Oldenburger Burnout-Inventar (OLBI) erfasst. Um die Beziehung zwischen Arbeitsbedingungen und Burnout zu ermitteln, wurden Regressionsmodelle unter Berücksichtigung von möglichen Confoundern angepasst und zusätzlich Interaktionen zwischen Berufen und Arbeitsbedingungen ermittelt.

Ergebnisse

Die Burnout-Scores sind in den drei Berufsgruppen nicht generell höher als in der Vergleichsgruppe. Werbefachfrauen und Publizistinnen weisen höhere, gegenüber den Softwareentwicklerinnen und der weiblichen Beschäftigtenpopulation, jedoch nicht statistisch signifikante unterschiedliche Burnout-Werte auf. Bei den Männern weisen Softwareentwickler signifikant niedrigere Burnout-Werte als Werbefachmänner auf. Die drei Berufsgruppen haben ein niedrigeres Maß an Führungsqualität und Rollenklarheit sowie ein höheres Maß an quantitativen Anforderungen, aber auch an Entscheidungsspielraum und sozialer Unterstützung als die Beschäftigtenpopulation. Bei Männern und Frauen sind insbesondere hohe quantitative Anforderungen positiv mit Burnout assoziiert. Arbeitsplatzressourcen, z. B. Führungsqualität, hängen negativ mit Burnout zusammen.

Diskussion

Über den Durchschnittseffekt der gesamten Stichprobe hinaus wirken sich insbesondere quantitative Anforderungen, aber auch Führungsqualität und soziale Unterstützung in den drei Berufsgruppen in stärkerem Maße auf das Burnout-Level aus. Die Spezifik der Effekte in den drei Berufsgruppen impliziert, dass Arbeitsgestaltungsmaßnahmen für die jeweiligen Berufsgruppen sowohl allgemeine als auch spezifische Aspekte berücksichtigen sollten.
Iran-US Claims Tribunal Reports
Authors: Caplan Lee M.
Published: October 2020

The Iran-US Claims Tribunal, concerned principally with the claims of US nationals against Iran, is the most important international claims tribunal to have sat in over half a century. Its jurisprudence is bound to make a uniquely important contribution to international law and, in particular, the law relating to aliens, treaty law, and international arbitral procedure. Volume 39 also contains the decisions of the Tribunal's appointing authority in four recent arbitrator challenges and, for the first time, includes the pleadings submitted by the parties and the challenged arbitrator. The series is the only complete and fully indexed report of the decisions of this unique Tribunal. These reports are essential for all practitioners in the field of international claims, academics in private and public international law and comparative lawyers, as well as all Governments and law libraries.
L’autorité de l’écrit pragmatique dans la société chrétienne éthiopienne (xve-xviiie siècle)
Authors: Wion Anaïs
Published: October 2020

Résumés

Le pouvoir royal chrétien éthiopien a produit, entre le xie et le milieu du xxe siècle, nombre de documents écrits témoignant de donations de terre et de transferts de privilèges accordés aux institutions religieuses et aux grands du royaume. Bien que seule émettrice d’actes écrits, l’autorité royale a manifesté peu d’intérêt pour le devenir de ces documents : elle ne les a pas conservés, ne les dotait d’aucune marque externe de validation et acceptait relativement facilement qu’ils soient modifiés. Ce paradoxe se résout après une étude approfondie des pratiques qui permirent la production, puis la conservation de cette documentation. Ainsi, le pouvoir royal mettait en place des comités ad hoc qui se déplaçaient dans les provinces afin d’y faire promulguer les actes, ou émettait ceux-ci depuis le camp royal pour les dépêcher ensuite vers les institutions concernées. La mise par écrit et l’archivage étaient délégués aux institutions religieuses, qu’elles soient bénéficiaires directes des actes ou qu’elles fonctionnent comme des centres administratifs régionaux. Il est encore difficile de percevoir des scansions chronologiques dans ces processus. Néanmoins, un changement radical s’opère à partir de la décennie 1720 : les personnes privées s’arrogent le droit de faire écrire en langue vernaculaire leurs transferts de droits. La stabilité de la société gondarienne et la professionnalisation des scribes dans les églises ont permis à ces derniers de devenir les notaires de leurs communautés tout en servant les intérêts de la petite noblesse. La bureaucratie éthiopienne échappe au monopole du pouvoir souverain pour servir la communauté des propriétaires fonciers.
L’historien entre aux archives: Comment l’historiographie russe d’avant 1917 a découvert l’État moscovite
Authors: Joukovskaia Anna , Akelev Evgenii
Published: October 2020

Résumés

L’article analyse les biais que l’archivage a introduits dans l’historiographie russe sur l’État de Moscou avant la révolution de 1917. Il commence par présenter les principales étapes de l’organisation des dépôts d’archives historiques depuis l’époque de Pierre le Grand. Pendant longtemps, la politique archivistique de l’État vis-à-vis des dépôts historiques se révèle à la fois passive et défiante : peu d’investissements sont faits dans la conservation et la description des fonds, qui demeurent d’un accès difficile pour les chercheurs. Marquée par les réformes libérales du règne d’Alexandre II, la seconde moitié du xixe siècle voit une nouvelle étape avec la création d’un important dépôt d’archives historiques, les archives du ministère de la Justice à Moscou (Mamju), et la naissance d’une république des lettres russe. C’est alors qu’émergent les hypothèses historiques fondamentales qui continuent, aujourd’hui encore, à façonner l’idée que nous nous faisons de l’État de Moscou des xvie-xviie siècles. Deux études de cas sont présentées : l’utilisation des cadastres anciens (piscovye knigi) en tant que source pour l’histoire économique et sociale, et la théorie des groupes sociaux (soslovija) de Vasilij Ključevskij. Ces exemples montrent comment la segmentation des fonds d’archives, l’état inégal de leur conservation, les ambitions de l’archivistique ainsi que la nature et le rythme de mise à disposition de nouveaux outils d’investigation produits par les archivistes influencent les programmes et les résultats de la recherche historique.
Dérogation générale et déclassification des archives contemporaines: Le cas d’Audin et des disparus de la Guerre d’indépendance algérienne
Authors: Thénault Sylvie
Published: October 2020

Résumés

Comme des milliers de militants de l’indépendance algérienne, Maurice Audin a disparu à Alger en 1957, après son arrestation par les parachutistes. En France, son nom est devenu l’emblème de la dénonciation de la torture pendant la Guerre d’Algérie. Très engagé dans cette cause, Pierre Vidal-Naquet est ainsi devenu le tout premier historien de la torture et du système répressif à l’œuvre en Algérie. Officiellement, Audin s’est évadé, mais sa femme, Josette Audin, n’a cessé de demander la vérité et la reconnaissance de la responsabilité de l’État dans la disparition du jeune mathématicien. Après un long combat, Emmanuel Macron a fini par la reconnaître, le 13 septembre 2018, et a annoncé la création d’une dérogation générale pour accéder aux archives non encore ouvertes concernant tous les disparus de cette guerre. Cet article revient sur l’histoire de cette annonce et ses enjeux, selon quatre points de vue : l’identification et la localisation des archives potentiellement concernées ; les évolutions de l’historiographie ; les attentes des familles ; la nécessaire déclassification des archives, à la suite d’une procédure récente et très critiquée qui bloque l’accès aux archives contemporaines. Deux questions émergent alors. D’une part, comment les militants et les historiens ont-ils répondu au déséquilibre qui marque la cause des « disparus », entre Algériens dits « musulmans » à l’époque et Audin, militant communiste, universitaire, Français de nationalité ? D’autre part, du point de vue de l’accès aux archives en général, quels problèmes soulève l’annonce de cette dérogation générale ?
Platelet ice, the Southern Ocean's hidden ice: a review
Authors: Hoppmann Mario , Richter Maren E. , Smith Inga J. , Jendersie Stefan , Langhorne Patricia J. , Thomas David N. , Dieckmann Gerhard S.
Published: October 2020

Basal melt of ice shelves is not only an important part of Antarctica's ice sheet mass budget, but it is also the origin of platelet ice, one of the most distinctive types of sea ice. In many coastal Antarctic regions, ice crystals form and grow in supercooled plumes of Ice Shelf Water. They usually rise towards the surface, becoming trapped under an ice shelf as marine ice or forming a semi-consolidated layer, known as the sub-ice platelet layer, below an overlying sea ice cover. In the latter, sea ice growth consolidates loose crystals to form incorporated platelet ice. These phenomena have numerous and profound impacts on the physical properties, biological processes and biogeochemical cycles associated with Antarctic fast ice: platelet ice contributes to sea ice mass balance and may indicate the extent of ice-shelf basal melting. It can also host a highly productive and uniquely adapted ecosystem. This paper clarifies the terminology and reviews platelet ice formation, observational methods as well as the geographical and seasonal occurrence of this ice type. The physical properties and ecological implications are presented in a way understandable for physicists and biologists alike, thereby providing the background for much needed interdisciplinary research on this topic.
Physician Workforce Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic at an Academic Medical Center
Authors: Jacobs Laurie G. , Korcak Jason A. , Zetkulic Marygrace
Published: October 2020

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to describe the planning, implementation, and outcome of an acute care physician supplemental workforce during the local coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) surge at a 771-bed academic medical center, from March 25 to May 5, 2020, in New Jersey, United States.

Methods:

The Department of Medicine sought participation by “independent” and redeployed “employed” physicians to provide acute hospital care, as well as assistance with occupational health and family communication. Plans addressed training, compensation, clinical privileges, malpractice, and collaboration with the existing hospitalist service.

Results:

Redeployed employed physicians (81% internists) selected either acute care (n = 68; median age, 52 y [range, 32-72 y]; 28% female) or non-face-to-face supportive roles (n = 69; median age, 52 y [range, 32-84 y]; 28% female). The redeployed physician group totaled 474 twelve-h daytime shifts typically caring for 10 patients per day. Six employed physicians refused redeployment, and only 3 independent physicians participated (all acute care). Of note, COVID-19 infection occurred in 10 hospitalists and intensivists, and in several redeployed physicians.

Conclusions:

Successful physician workforce staffing for medical disasters, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, requires consideration of personal risk, as well as medicolegal, financial, and clinical competency issues.
Actualist versus Naturalist and Conceptual Realist Interpretations of Hegel's Metaphysics
Authors: Redding Paul
Published: October 2020

The understanding of Hegel's metaphysics that is here argued for—that it is a metaphysics of the actual world—may sound trivial or empty. To counter this, in part one the actualist reading of Hegel's idealism is opposed to two other currently popular interpretations, those of the naturalist and the conceptual realist respectively. While actualism shares motivations with each of these positions, it is argued that it is better equipped to capture what both aim to bring out in Hegel's metaphysics, but also better able to resist criticisms of each of these opposed positions made from the viewpoint of the other.

Like the conceptual realist, the actualist wants to affirm the objectivity of concepts in the world—an idea that can seem antithetical to the naturalist. While the position of “liberal naturalism” makes concessions to such a position, this feature is more easily accommodated by the actualist. However, like the liberal naturalist, the actualist is also suspicious of an implicit “supernaturalist” dimension of conceptual realism and, by weakening the scope of realism to the actual world, is better able to avoid it.

The second and third parts of the paper attempt to show how the actualist position is reflected in Hegel's account of judgments and syllogisms in The Science of Logic. His account of judgments provides an irreducible place for judgments that are object-presupposing on the one hand and subject-locating on the other. Because such judgments are the components of syllogisms, these syllogisms have objectivity, but this is a type of objectivity within which we, as subjects, are by necessity located. The actual world has a conceptual structure because we conceptualizing beings belong to it.