bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RASopathies: A significant cause of polyhydramnios?
Authors: Mangels Rachel , Blumenfeld Yair J. , Homeyer Margaret , Mrazek‐Pugh Barbora , Hintz Susan R. , Hudgins Louanne
Published: November 2020

Objective

The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence of RASopathies in a polyhydramnios cohort selected by postnatal medical genetics evaluation.

Methods

In this retrospective study, we reviewed 622 pregnancies with polyhydramnios seen at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital between 2008 and 2017. The findings from 131 cases evaluated by Medical Genetics were included in our final analysis. Genetic testing information was extracted to determine the rate of chromosomal or single gene conditions focusing on the RASopathies. Additional variables collected were: maternal characteristics, ultrasound findings, and the severity and timing of diagnosis of polyhydramnios.

Results

Postnatal genetic testing or clinical examination identified a genetic disorder in 63 (48.1%) cases, more than half (n = 33) of which had a single gene condition. Postnatal testing revealed an underlying RASopathy in 15 (11.5%) cases. An underlying RASopathy was significantly associated with the severity and timing of polyhydramnios (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Focusing on a selected cohort postnatally evaluated by Medical Genetics, our study identified a chromosomal or genetic disorder in almost half of pregnancies complicated by polyhydramnios. Specifically, an underlying RASopathy was found in 11.5% of cases with 13/15 of these cases having additional ultrasound findings.
Investigating the Relationships between Mobility Behaviours and Indicators of Subjective Well–Being Using Smartphone–Based Experience Sampling and GPS Tracking
Authors: Müller Sandrine R. , Peters Heinrich , Matz Sandra C. , Wang Weichen , Harari Gabriella M.
Published: November 2020

People interact with their physical environments every day by visiting different places and moving between them. Such mobility behaviours likely influence and are influenced by people's subjective well–being. However, past research examining the links between mobility behaviours and well–being has been inconclusive. Here, we provide a comprehensive investigation of these relationships by examining individual differences in two types of mobility behaviours (movement patterns and places visited) and their relationship to six indicators of subjective well–being (depression, loneliness, anxiety, stress, affect, and energy) at two different temporal levels of analysis (two–week tendencies and daily level). Using data from a large smartphone–based longitudinal study ( N = 1765), we show that (i) movement patterns assessed via GPS data (distance travelled, entropy, and irregularity) and (ii) places visited assessed via experience sampling reports (home, work, and social places) are associated with subjective well–being at the between and within person levels. Our findings suggest that distance travelled is related to anxiety, affect, and stress, irregularity is related to depression and loneliness, and spending time in social places is negatively associated with loneliness. We discuss the implications of our work and highlight directions for future research on the generalizability to other populations as well as the characteristics of places. © 2020 European Association of Personality Psychology
Effects of epoxy resin crosslinking networks on stereocomplexation of poly(l‐lactic acid)/poly(d‐lactic acid) racemic blends
Authors: Li Zhaolei , Ye Xinxin , Meng Chunfeng , Zhou Haijun , Guo Weijie , Chen Shangtao , Zhang Jianming , Yan Chao , Dufresne Alain
Published: November 2020

In contrast to existing methods that add specific substances to poly(l‐lactic acid)/poly(d‐lactic acid) racemic blends to enhance stereocomplexation, in this study, a crosslinkable epoxy resin (EP) was introduced into a racemic blend. The results showed that, when the mass ratio of EP to racemic blend was 0.2:1 (EP:racemic blend = 0.2), regardless of the amount of diethylenetriamine (DETA) curing agent, homo‐crystals in the racemic blend were essentially inhibited. With a fixed EP content, a 0.05:1 DETA to EP mass ratio resulted in a homogeneous poly(l‐lactic acid)/poly(d‐lactic acid)/EP/DETA mixture. Uniformly dispersed EP network promoted the stereocomplexation of the racemic blend from the melt, but delayed the lamellar thickening of the stereocomplex crystals during heating. Thus, the constrained chain diffusion caused by the uniformly dispersed EP network was likely responsible for these contradictory results. Introducing uniformly dispersed network into poly(l‐lactic acid)/poly(d‐lactic acid) racemic blends is presumably a promising approach for gaining more insight into poly(lactic acid) stereocomplexation. © 2020 Society of Industrial Chemistry
Preparation, spectroscopic study of Schiff base derived from dopamine and metal Ni(II), Pd(II), and Pt(IV) complexes, and activity determination as antioxidants
Authors: Kareem May J. , Al‐Hamdani Abbas Ali Salih , Jirjees Vian Yamin , Khan Mohammad Ehtisham , Allaf Abdul Wahab , Al Zoubi Wail
Published: November 2020

A new Schiff base (HL2) ligand (4‐{2‐[(2‐hydroxy‐benzylidene)‐amino]‐ethyl}‐benzene‐1,2‐diol) has been synthesized by condensing of 4‐(2‐amino‐ethyl)‐benzene‐1,2‐diol and 2‐hydroxy‐benzaldehyde. In turn, its transition metal complexes were prepared, having the following general formulas: Ni(L2)2, Pd(L2)2, and Pt(L2)22Cl. The prepared ligand and its metal complexes Ni(II), Pd(II), and Pt(IV) have been characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR) elemental analysis, metal content, chloride content, molar conductance, ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectra, magnetic susceptibility, mass spectrometry (MS) spectra, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The consequences proposed that Schiff base acts like a bidentate ligand for all the prepared complexes. The antioxidant performance of as‐prepared compounds was inspected using the DPPH radical scavenging method. The compounds showed antioxidant activities of scavenging free radicals.
Homemade valved holding chambers for children with airway hyperresponsiveness: A randomized crossover trial
Authors: Chaicoming Kesanee , Preutthipan Aroonwan , Adirekkittikun Anusorn , Nugboon Malinee
Published: November 2020

Background

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, a metered‐dose inhaler (MDI) with a valved holding chamber (VHC) is a preferred route of bronchodilator delivery. We have developed a new homemade VHC, made of a paper coffee cup, and a drinking water bottle. This study was conducted to compare the bronchodilator response in children with airway hyperresponsiveness after the use of our homemade VHC and that of a standard commercial one.

Methods

In a randomized, two‐period, two‐sequence crossover trial, we recruited 20 children, aged 6‐15 years, who had a greater than 12% increase in FEV1 after inhaled salbutamol. They were randomized into Group A and B. Group A used our VHC on the first day and Aerochamber® on the second day. Group B used the same VHCs but in alternate sequence. Spirometries were performed before and after 400 µg of salbutamol, MDI was administered via those VHCs.

Results

Baseline demographic data and spirometric values did not have statistically significant differences between group A and B and between the first and second day (p > .05). After giving salbutamol MDI, both VHCs produced significant increases in FVC, FEV1, and FEF25‐75% (p < .005). The improvement in FEV1 did not significantly differ between our homemade VHC and Aerochamber® (p > .05).

Conclusion

Our homemade VHC is effective for an MDI bronchodilator delivery. Since it is very cheap and easy to make, it may be used as a disposable device to minimize airborne transmission especially when commercial VHC is not available.
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion during Ratchet Growth of TATB Compactions
Authors: Graff Thompson Darla , Woznick Caitlin S. , DeLuca Racci , Scott Sidney J.
Published: November 2020

Triamino trinitrobenzene (TATB) is an insensitive high explosive, meaning that it is quite immune from accidental detonation and only performs in appropriately engineered configurations. While this is advantageous for applications, the TATB crystal is graphitic and possesses significant thermal and mechanical anisotropy. Compactions of TATB crystals, with or without binder, have been shown to have oriented TATB crystals that relate to the pressing geometry and process, and this TATB texture necessarily imparts microscale and macroscale anisotropy to the compaction. By a mechanism not fully understood, thermal cycling results in irreversible volume expansion (also called ratchet growth) of the compaction likely by creating stress points on the microscale. Changes in density caused by thermal cycling can certainly effect the explosive performance. Our past characterization of the ratchet growth phenomenon has focused on the magnitude of the irreversible strain as measured before and after a thermal cycle. In the work presented here, we analyze the evolving thermal expansion behavior during the ascending and descending temperature ramps, providing further insight into the material changes taking place during the ratchet growth phenomenon.
Active resilient control for two‐dimensional systems under denial‐of‐service attacks
Authors: Ma Renjie , Shi Peng , Wu Ligang
Published: November 2020

As the backbone of Industrial 4.0, cyber‐physical systems (CPSs) are widely applicable in industrial processes. In this paper, a resilient control is designed for a class of two‐dimensional (2D) CPSs with the occurrence of Denial‐of‐Service (DoS) attacks. Firstly, we model the physical layer of CPSs as a 2D Fornasini‐Marchesini plant and set up the stability issue as preliminaries. Next, for CPSs suffering from DoS attacks, under which the controller operating in the fog layer is attacked by adversaries, sufficient conditions are established to guarantee the exponential stability of the underlying systems, and the corresponding switched control is designed to make a prescribed system performance is satisfied. Finally, an example is given to illustrate the effectiveness and potential of the proposed design methods.
Stochastic modeling and scalable predictive control for automated demand response
Authors: Kobayashi Koichi , Hiraishi Kunihiko
Published: November 2020

Automated demand response (ADR) is a utility program that is designed to achieve electricity conservation. An ADR program is regarded as the problem of controlling the power consumption of a set of consumers. In this article, we propose a control‐theoretic approach for an ADR program. First, a mathematical model of the power consumption is proposed. This model can express complex behavior by switching a Markov chain. Its effectiveness is illustrated by modeling the power consumption of an air‐conditioner. Next, a new method of model predictive control for a set of consumers is developed using the proposed model. The control strategy at each time is chosen from a given finite set by solving a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) problem. The advantage of the proposed method is that the MILP problem is scalable with respect to the number of consumers. To show its effectiveness, we present a numerical example.
Effect of metal ions doping on structural, optical properties and photocatalytic activity of anatase TiO2 thin films
Authors: Durgam Komaraiah , Eppa Radha , M.V. Ramana Reddy , J Sivakumar , R Sayanna
Published: November 2020

The metal ion‐doped (Fe3+, Co2+, Ni2+ and Ag+) TiO2 nanocrystalline thin films were spin‐coated on glass substrates. The grazing incidence X‐ray diffractometer (GIXRD), SEM, energy‐dispersive X‐ray Spectroscopy (EDX), Raman, UV–VIS and a fluorescence spectrometer were employed to study the structural, compositional and optical properties of metal‐doped TiO2 films. As revealed by GIXRD, all the metal‐doped TiO2 thin films were found to anatase tetragonal crystal structure. The deposited films were optimized using annealing temperature (550°C) to get high‐quality crystalline films with the anatase phase. The thin films with the specific surface area of Fe‐, Co‐, Ni‐ and Ag‐doped anatase TiO2 nanocrystals are 152.18, 88.25 96.68 and 178.38 m2/g, respectively, which has been calculated by GIXRD results. Optical transmittance spectra were used to determine the thickness, band gap energy and refractive index of metal‐doped TiO2 thin films. The characteristic vibrational Raman modes also revealed that the films were found to be anatase phase. The intensity of luminescence emission decreases with the doping of metal ions. Metal‐doped TiO2 films exhibit strong photocatalytic performance than undoped TiO2 films. The degradation efficiencies typically increase with the different dopants for the visible‐light degradation of methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO). Moreover, the photocatalytic activity (PCA) of silver ion‐doped titania thin film is found to be better than that of Fe3+‐, Co2+‐, and Ni2+‐doped TiO2 films.
Sodium Benzenesulfonate Modified Poly (3,4‐Ethylenedioxythiophene):Polystyrene Sulfonate with Improved Wettability and Work Function for Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Li Wei , Wang Huaxin , Hu Xiaofei , Cai Wensi , Zhang Cong , Wang Ming , Zang Zhigang
Published: November 2020

The p‐type conducting polymer poly (3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) is widely utilized as the hole transport layer (HTL) for solution‐processed planar perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with a p‐i‐n structure. However, the inverted PSCs based on PEDOT:PSS HTL suffer from deficient open‐circuit voltage (VOC) and poor stability issues, because of the high electron affinity and acid nature of PEDOT:PSS. Herein, sodium benzenesulfonate (C6H5SO3Na) (SBS) is applied to modify the PEDOT:PSS (SBS–PEDOT:PSS) layer to form a smoother surface and better energy‐level alignment with the perovskite layer. In addition, the SBS–PEDOT:PSS layer with improved hole extraction capacity and suppressed charge recombination, significantly increases the grain size and crystallinity of the MA0.8FA0.2PbI3‐xClx perovskite film. Consequently, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) and VOC of the inverted PSCs are improved from 18.07% and 1.04 V to 19.41% and 1.08 V, respectively, after SBS modification. Moreover, the efficiency of the unencapsulated PSCs based on SBS–PEDOT:PSS remains above 90% after storing in ambient condition for 20 days. This research provides an accessible route to surmount the intrinsic imperfection of PEDOT:PSS and ameliorate the performance of PSCs.
Improving Moisture/Thermal Stability and Efficiency of CH3NH3PbI3‐Based Perovskite Solar Cells via Gentle Butyl Acrylate Additive Strategy
Authors: Chen Yonghui , Yang Xiaoqing , Liu Pengyun , Wang Wei , Ran Ran , Zhou Wei , Shao Zongping
Published: November 2020

Organic–inorganic halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are a new class of photovoltaic devices, which have attracted increasing interests due to high efficiency, low cost, and simple fabrication process. Although a remarkable enhancement in power conversion efficiency (PCE) has been achieved in the last decade, the stability issue, including high water/heat sensitivity and UV light‐induced degradation, has become one of the main obstacles for practical applications of PSCs. Herein, hydrophobic butyl acrylate with CO and CC groups is reported as a new additive to enhance the PCE and moisture/thermal stability of CH3NH3PbI3‐based PSCs, which improves the quality of the perovskite film by promoting defect passivation, constructing a suitable energy‐level alignment, and increasing the charge carrier lifetime in PSCs. Such an additive is easily introduced into PSCs without the need for thermal treatment, which is typically required by other additives, causing a negative effect on the efficiency. The CH3NH3PbI3‐based PSC with butyl acrylate additive shows a superior PCE of 20.0%, 19% higher than that of the unmodified device (16.8%), as well as much improved moisture/thermal stability. Herein, a facile way is provided to enhance the PCE and stability of CH3NH3PbI3‐based PSCs simultaneously, which facilitates the commercialization of PSCs.
The Role of Professional Networks in Supporting and Developing Real World Learning
Authors: Brindley Joanne , Sims Stuart
Published: November 2020

The chapter provides insight into how professional learning networks can be effectively implemented to encourage the sharing of good practice and developed to support a real world learning context within higher education. Observations will be provided into the potential use and effectiveness of professional learning networks, including setting out a framework which maps how this type of learning activity can be effectively developed and administered within higher education settings.

This section provides a forward narrative for the case studies from the University of Portsmouth, which acts as a vehicle for contextualising the effectiveness and prerequisites required for effective learning networks to be established. The chapter will culminate by providing the reader with a proposed approach for the implementation of an effective learning network.
Designing and Supporting Extraordinary Work Experience
Authors: Morley Dawn A. , Marchbank Paul , Steyger Tony , Taylor Lesley , Diaz Anita , Calleja Pauline
Published: November 2020

“There is a big difference between a lesson that is about the practice and takes place outside of it, and explanations and stories that are part of the practice and take place within it” (Wenger,Communities of practice. Learning, meaning and identity. Cambridge University Press, New York, 1998, p. 100).

The real world learning experienced by students on placement is highly significant (Morley,Enhancing employability in higher education through work based learning. Palgrave Macmillan, 2018). This chapter focuses on how these experiences can be accelerated from being part of courses to a pivotal event towards students’ future development.

The chapter explores emerging areas of practice pedagogy and how innovative design can bridge the theory-practice divide and support structures between university and work. The chapter is contextualised in the higher education landscape where students ‘work readiness’ is gaining greater traction and how attributes for employability are developed during university.
Making Projects Real in a Higher Education Context
Authors: Hanney Roy
Published: November 2020

Challenging educators to rethink projects and see them as a practice rather than as a model of management the authors explore the possibilities for using live projects to enhance real world learning in higher education. Drawing on the work of the ‘critical projects movement’ the chapter outlines a theoretical underpinning for reconceptualising projects as a practice and proposes a new pedagogic model that of ‘agile learning’. Framing the use of live projects is a mode of real world learning that generates encounters with industry professionals and provides real-value outputs for clients. The chapter explores the challenges that face educators who wish to foreground ‘social learning’ and engagement with communities of practice as a means of easing the transition for students from education to the world of work.
Soziale Ungleichheit im Bildungssystem
Authors: Rutter Sabrina
Published: November 2020

In den folgenden Unterkapiteln werden zunächst empirische Schlaglichter auf aktuelle Befunde zu sozialer Ungleichheit im deutschen Bildungssystem geworfen. Anschließend erfolgt eine kritische Auseinandersetzung mit der Frage nach der Herstellung und Überwindung sozialer Ungleichheit in der Schule. Hierbei werden die Theorie der rationalen Entscheidung von Raymond Boudon sowie der gesellschaftskritische Erklärungsansatz von Pierre Bourdieu ausgeführt und entsprechende empirische Untersuchungen präsentiert.
Habituelle Dispositionen von Lehrkräften zur Unterstützung sozial benachteiligter Schüler*innen: Ergebnisse der Einzelfallanalysen
Authors: Rutter Sabrina
Published: November 2020

In diesem Kapitel wird zunächst der Auswahlprozess von vier Einzelfällen aus dem Gesamtsample und die Darstellungsweise der empirischen Ergebnisse beschrieben, um anschließend zu dem Hauptteil dieser Arbeit zu gelangen: In detaillierter Weise werden die unterschiedlichen Perspektiven vorgestellt, die die befragten Lehrkräfte auf ihre Schüler*innen- und Elternschaft einnehmen. Dieses Kapitel zielt auf die Entschlüsselung handlungsleitender Orientierungen hinsichtlich der Unterstützung sozial benachteiligter Schüler*innen. Hierbei wird der Einzelfall entlang der zuvor umrissenen modifizierten Analysedimensionen betrachtet.
Bone metabolism is a key factor for clinical outcome of tibial plateau fractures
Authors:   The “Fracture committee” of the German Knee Society, Krause Matthias , Alm Lena , Berninger Markus , Domnick Christoph , Fehske Kai , Frosch Karl-Heinz , Herbst Elmar , Korthaus Alexander , Raschke Michael , Hoffmann Reinhard
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Given that tibial plateau fractures (TPF) are rare, they may pose a challenge to the treating surgeon due to their variety of complex fracture patterns. Numerous studies have identified potential fracture-specific, surgery-related, and patient-related risk factors for impaired patient outcomes. However, reports on the influence of bone metabolism on functional outcomes are missing.

Methods

In a retrospective multicenter cohort study, 122 TPF of 121 patients were analyzed with respect to radiological and clinical outcomes (Rasmussen) with a mean follow-up of 35.7 ± 24.9 months. The risk factor assessment included bone metabolism-affecting comorbidities and medication.

Results

The findings showed that 95.9% of the patients reported a good-to-excellent clinical outcome, and 97.4% reported a good-to-excellent radiological outcome. Logistic regression revealed that potentially impaired bone metabolism (IBM) was an independent risk factor for the clinical (p = 0.016) but not the radiological outcome (Table 4). Patients with 41-type B fractures and a potential IBM had a seven times higher risk to present a fair-to-poor clinical outcome [OR 7.45, 95 CI (4.30, 12.92)]. The most common objective impairment was a limited range of motion in 16.4% of the patients, especially in 41-type C fractures (p = 0.06). The individual failure analysis additionally identified surgery-related options for improvement.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that potential IBM was an independent risk factor for a poor-to-fair clinical outcome.
Assessing the extent of local crust assimilation within the Flatreef, northern limb of the Bushveld Igneous Complex, using sulfur isotopes and trace element geochemistry
Authors: Keir-Sage Evan , Leybourne Matthew I. , Jugo Pedro J. , Grobler Danie F. , Mayer Cédric C.
Published: November 2020

The proximity to metasedimentary footwall rocks relative to platinum group element (PGE) mineralized intrusive rocks in the northern limb of the Bushveld Igneous Complex (BIC) has resulted in complex local contamination in the intrusions. To assess the extent of incorporation of non-magmatic material and its effects on PGE mineralization, major element, trace element, and S isotopic data were collected from drill core UMT094 on the Turfspruit farm, where core logging has shown that the mineralized Platreef, forming the Flatreef deposit, is located stratigraphically well above local sedimentary footwall rocks. The S isotopic data combined with whole rock geochemistry data (including CaO/Al2O3, (V/Ti)PM, (Ni/Cr)PM, S/Se, loss on ignition) were used to assess incorporation of a range of local footwall material. The δ34S data show a steady decrease from the footwall assimilation zone (δ34S typically + 8 to + 9‰, maximum 12‰) to near constant δ34S values (δ34S < + 4‰) below the main PGE reef. Similar values have been documented for the Merensky Reef in the eastern and western limbs of the BIC (δ34S ~ 0 to + 3.5‰). Other geochemical parameters, such as S/Se and CaO/Al2O3, also match the ranges documented for the Merensky Reef elsewhere in the BIC. In addition, parameters such as whole rock V/Ti, normalized to primitive mantle (V/Ti)PM, are shown to be useful indicators of contamination and the type of contaminant with 1 < (V/Ti)PM < 2 for uncontaminated magmatic units; [V/Ti]pm > 2 for shale assimilation; and [V/Ti]pm < 1 for carbonate assimilation. The results suggest that the main PGE mineralization in the Flatreef deposit formed without significant in situ contamination and that the primary mechanism of PGE mineralization in the Platreef at Turfspruit was no different than the mechanism that generated the Merensky Reef in the eastern and western limbs of the BIC.
Examining Perioperative Risk Associated with Simultaneous Resection of Primary Neuroendocrine Tumors and Synchronous Hepatic Metastases
Authors: Heidenreich Bethany M. , Kemp Bohan Phillip M. , Flor Remigio J. , Bader Julia O. , Vreeland Timothy J. , O'Connor Victoria V. , Nelson Daniel W.
Published: November 2020

Background

Surgical debulking of primary neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) and hepatic resection of metastatic NET disease may each independently improve overall survival. However, evidence for combined primary site debulking and metastasectomy on survival and impact on short‐term perioperative outcomes is limited.

Methods

The 2014–2016 ACS‐NSQIP targeted hepatectomy database was queried for all patients undergoing liver resection for metastatic NET. Secondary procedure codes were evaluated for major concurrent operations. Multivariable analysis was performed to determine risk factors for 30‐day morbidity and mortality.

Results

A total of 472 patients were identified, of whom 153 (32.4%) underwent ≥1 additional concurrent major operation. The most common concurrent procedures were small bowel resection (14.6%), partial colectomy (8.9%), and radical lymphadenectomy (7.4%). Among all patients, overall 30‐day mortality and morbidity were 1.5% and 25.6%, respectively. Modifiable and treatment‐related factors associated with increased major postoperative morbidity risk included >10% weight loss within six months of surgery (p = 0.05), increasing number of hepatic lesions treated (p = 0.05), and biliary reconstruction (p = 0.001). No major concurrent procedure was associated with increased 30‐day morbidity (all p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Approximately one‐third of patients with stage IV NET underwent combined hepatic and multi‐organ resection. Although modifiable and treatment‐related factors predictive of perioperative morbidity were identified, performance of concurrent major procedures did not increase perioperative morbidity. These results support consideration of multi‐organ resection in carefully selected patients with metastatic NET.
Damage Control Surgery may be a Safe Option for Severe Non‐Trauma Peritonitis Management: Proposal of a New Decision‐Making Algorithm
Authors: Ordoñez Carlos A. , Parra Michael , García Alberto , Rodríguez Fernando , Caicedo Yaset , Serna José Julián , Salcedo Alexander , Franco Josefa , Toro Luis Eduardo , Ordoñez Juliana , Pino Luis Fernando , Guzmán Mónica , Orlas Claudia , Herrera Juan Pablo , Aristizábal Gonzalo , Pata Francesco , Di Saverio Salomone
Published: November 2020

Background

Damage control surgery (DCS) has emerged as a new option in the management of non‐traumatic peritonitis patients to increase survival in critically ill patients. The purpose of this study was to compare DCS with conventional strategy (anastomosis/ostomies in the index laparotomy) for severe non‐traumatic peritonitis regarding postoperative complications, ostomy rate, and mortality and to propose a useful algorithm in the clinical practice.

Methods

Patients who underwent an urgent laparotomy for non‐trauma peritonitis at a single level I trauma center in Colombia between January 2003 and December 2018, were retrospectively included. We compared patients who had DCS management versus definitive initial surgical management (DISM) group. We evaluated clinical outcomes and morbidities among groups.

Results

290 patients were included; 81 patients were treated with DCS and 209 patients underwent DISM. Patients treated with DCS had a worse critical status before surgery with higher SOFA score [median, DCS group: 5 (IQR: 3–8) vs. DISM group: 3 (IQR: 1–6), p < 0.001]. The length of hospital stay and overall mortality rate of DCS group were not significant statistical differences with DISM group. Complications rate related to primary anastomosis or primary ostomy was similar. There is not difference in ostomy rate among groups. At multivariate analysis, SOFA > 6 points and APACHE‐II > 20 points correlated with a higher probability of DCS.

Conclusion

DCS in severe non‐trauma peritonitis patients is feasible and safe as surgical strategy management without increasing mortality, length hospital of stay, or complications. DCS principles might be applied in the non‐trauma scenarios without increase the stoma rate.
9-Anthraldehyde oxime: a synthetic tool for variable applications
Authors: Ahmed Sarbast M. , Hussain Faiq H. S. , Quadrelli Paolo
Published: November 2020

Oximes are one of the most important and prolific functional groups in organic chemistry; among them, 9-anthraldehyde oxime represents a valuable example both from the preparative side and the synthetic applications. There are many strategies to prepare 9-anthraldehyde oxime from different functional groups that were summarized in the present review, focusing on the most recent and innovative. The main synthetic applications of 9-anthraldehyde oxime are presented and thoroughly discussed, focusing on the most recent and innovative synthetic strategies.

Graphic abstract
Scandium-rich ternary coloring variants of the cubic Ag7+xMg26–x type
Authors: Gulay Nataliya L. , Kalychak Yaroslav M. , Reimann Maximilian K. , Paulsen Christian , Kösters Jutta , Pöttgen Rainer
Published: November 2020

The scandium-rich intermetallic compounds Sc50T13In3(T = Ni, Ru, Pd) were synthesized from the elements in sealed tantalum crucibles in an induction furnace. The samples were studied through Guinier powder patterns and their structures were refined from single-crystal X-ray diffractometer data. The Sc50T13In3phases are site occupancy (coloring) variants of the aristotype Ag7+xMg26–x(Fm$$ \bar{3} $$3¯,cF264). Refinements of the occupancy parameters indicated one mixed occupied site for each crystal, leading to the refined compositions Sc50Ni13.16(1)In2.84(1), Sc49.59(1)Ru13In3.41(1), and Sc50Pd13.65(2)In2.35(2). The complex structures can be explained by a condensation of cubes (CN 8), sphenocorona (CN 10), and icosahedra (CN 12). The samples with nickel and palladium are Pauli paramagnets.

Graphic abstract
Die Spezialambulanz für Borderline-Störungen an der Universitätsklinik für Psychoanalyse und Psychotherapie
Authors: Fischer-Kern Melitta , Alexopoulos Johanna
Published: November 2020

In dem Beitrag wird einleitend die Geschichte der Entstehung der Spezialambulanz für Borderline-Störungen an der Universitätsklinik für Psychoanalyse und Psychotherapie der Medizinischen Universität kurz umrissen. Die erstvorstelligen PatientInnen der letzten 35 Jahre werden im Hinblick auf die Häufigkeit von Persönlichkeitsstörungen sowie alters- und geschlechtsspezifischer Unterschiede beschrieben. Im Besonderen werden soziodemografische Charakteristika, Unterschiede im Zuweisungsmodus und der Therapieplanung bei PatientInnen mit einer Borderline-Störung herausgearbeitet.

Im Hauptteil des Beitrags werden die Arbeitsschwerpunkte der Klinik (1) psychoanalytische Erstdiagnostik und Therapieplanung und (2) Durchführung von hochfrequenten psychoanalytischen Behandlungen beschrieben. In der Diagnostik von Persönlichkeitsstörungen orientieren wir uns an den von Otto Kernberg und MitarbeiterInnen entwickelten Instrumenten – das strukturelle Interview und das Strukturierte Interview zur Persönlichkeitsorganisation (STIPO). In der Behandlung von Borderline-Störungen haben wir neben der klassischen Psychoanalyse und der psychoanalytischen Psychotherapie eine Expertise in Übertragungsfokussierter Psychotherapie (TFP) erworben.

Abschließend werden die Ziele und Erfolge der TFP in der psychotherapeutischen Behandlung von PateintInnen mit Borderline-Persönlichkeitsstörung anhand einer an der Klinik durchgeführten multizentrischen RCT-Studie beschrieben. Dabei werden neben der Symptomverbesserung die Veränderungen in der Mentalisierungsfähigkeit, der Persönlichkeitsorganisation und der Bindungssicherheit dargestellt und anhand einer Fallvignette erläutert.
A case of septic arthritis of the temporomandibular joint with necrotic peri-articular infection and Lemierre’s syndrome: an unusual presentation
Authors: Døving Mats , Christensen Erik Egeland , Huse Lars Peder , Vengen Øystein
Published: November 2020

Background

Septic arthritis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is rare. It usually causes isolated, locoregional symptoms related to the infected intra-articular space but may also cause fever and malaise.

Case report

We present a case of a 72-year-old male with septic arthritis of the TMJ complicated by extensive peri-articular necrosis, septic shock, cerebral abscess, Lemierre’s syndrome, and a pathological fracture of the mandibular condyle.

Conclusion

Case reports describing such a severe course of the disease are few. Moreover, this is the first report of septic arthritis of the TMJ to cause Lemierre’s syndrome.
Management of perforated diverticulitis with generalized peritonitis. A multidisciplinary review and position paper
Authors: Nascimbeni R. , Amato A. , Cirocchi R. , Serventi A. , Laghi A. , Bellini M. , Tellan G. , Zago M. , Scarpignato C. , Binda G. A.
Published: November 2020

Perforated diverticulitis is an emergent clinical condition and its management is challenging and still debated. The aim of this position paper was to critically review the available evidence on the management of perforated diverticulitis and generalized peritonitis in order to provide evidence-based suggestions for a management strategy. Four Italian scientific societies (SICCR, SICUT, SIRM, AIGO), selected experts who identified 5 clinically relevant topics in the management of perforated diverticulitis with generalized peritonitis that would benefit from a multidisciplinary review. The following 5 issues were tackled: 1) Criteria to decide between conservative and surgical treatment in case of perforated diverticulitis with peritonitis; 2) Criteria or scoring system to choose the most appropriate surgical option when diffuse peritonitis is confirmed 3); The appropriate surgical procedure in hemodynamically stable or stabilized patients with diffuse peritonitis; 4) The appropriate surgical procedure for patients with generalized peritonitis and septic shock and 5) Optimal medical therapy in patients with generalized peritonitis from diverticular perforation before and after surgery. In perforated diverticulitis surgery is indicated in case of diffuse peritonitis or failure of conservative management and the decision to operate is not based on the presence of extraluminal air. If diffuse peritonitis is confirmed the choice of surgical technique is based on intraoperative findings and the presence or risk of severe septic shock. Further prognostic factors to consider are physiological derangement, age, comorbidities, and immune status. In hemodynamically stable patients, emergency laparoscopy has benefits over open surgery. Options include resection and anastomosis, Hartmann’s procedure or laparoscopic lavage. In generalized peritonitis with septic shock, an open surgical approach is preferred. Non-restorative resection and/or damage control surgery appear to be the only viable options, depending on the severity of hemodynamic instability. Multidisciplinary medical management should be applied with the main aims of controlling infection, relieving postoperative pain and preventing and/or treating postoperative ileus. In conclusion, the complexity and diversity of patients with diverticular perforation and diffuse peritonitis requires a personalized strategy, involving a thorough classification of physiological derangement, staging of intra-abdominal infection and choice of the most appropriate surgical procedure.
Acoustic Trauma Increases Ribbon Number and Size in Outer Hair Cells of the Mouse Cochlea
Authors: Wood Megan B , Nowak Nathaniel , Mull Keira , Goldring Adam , Lehar Mohamed , Fuchs Paul Albert
Published: November 2020

Outer hair cells (OHCs) in the mouse cochlea are contacted by up to three type II afferent boutons. On average, only half of these are postsynaptic to presynaptic ribbons. Mice of both sexes were subjected to acoustic trauma that produced a threshold shift of 44.2 ± 9.1 dB 7 days after exposure. Ribbon synapses of OHCs were quantified in post-trauma and littermate controls using immunolabeling of CtBP2. Visualization with virtual reality was used to determine 3-D cytoplasmic localization of CtBP2 puncta to the synaptic pole of OHCs. Acoustic trauma was associated with a statistically significant increase in the number of synaptic ribbons per OHC. Serial section TEM was carried out on similarly treated mice. This also showed a significant increase in the number of ribbons in post-trauma OHCs, as well as a significant increase in ribbon volume compared to ribbons in control OHCs. An increase in OHC ribbon synapses after acoustic trauma is a novel observation that has implications for OHC:type II afferent signaling. A mathematical model showed that the observed increase in OHC ribbons considered alone could produce a significant increase in action potentials among type II afferent neurons during strong acoustic stimulation.
Post-colonial trade between Russia and former Soviet republics: back to big brother?
Authors: Mazhikeyev Arman , Edwards T. Huw
Published: November 2020

We examine the developments in trade patterns between the former Soviet republics in the years following the initial breakup shock. After a huge fall following the Soviet breakup of the early 1990s, Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) trade with Russia began improving, and there have been recent formal efforts at Eurasian Economic Integration. This might be taken, a priori, as contrary to the hypothesis of gradual decline in Head, Mayer and Ries (HMR in J Int Econ 81(1):1–14, 2010)—or perhaps as evidence of the power of restored trade agreements, such as the incipient Eurasian Economic Union. We decompose the region’s trade into theory-consistent ‘gravity’ components, in order to analyze dynamic changes in the components since the Soviet era. Despite the sharp falls after 1991, trade in 1995 still shows strong ties, consistent with high dyadic (country pair) components linked to trade specialization. By contrast, in the second decade, the ties (dyads) began to weaken significantly and calibrated trade costs tend to rise, despite attempts at renewed integration. Rather, the sharp improvement in trade volumes was mainly due to the sharp recoveries in GDP levels for both Russia and many of the Central Asian Countries, associated with improvements in the global economy and economic ties with the World (especially with EU and China). We would therefore conclude that the recovery in trade between Russia and Central Asia reflects monadic factors (i.e., the regional economic recovery) and does not contradict the HMR (2010) hypothesis. Nevertheless, further, dynamic analysis shows that there are strong long-run ties within the CIS and Russia, which are not declining, and that sticky post-colonial adjustment does not appear set to eliminate the current bias of trade between these republics.
Mathematics, ethics and purism: an application of MacIntyre’s virtue theory
Authors: Ernest Paul
Published: November 2020

A traditional problem of ethics in mathematics is the denial of social responsibility. Pure mathematics is viewed as neutral and value free, and therefore free of ethical responsibility. Applications of mathematics are seen as employing a neutral set of tools which, of themselves, are free from social responsibility. However, mathematicians are convinced they know what constitutes good mathematics. Furthermore many pure mathematicians are committed to purism, the ideology that values purity above applications in mathematics, and some historical reasons for this are discussed. MacIntyre’s virtue ethics accommodates both the good mathematician (and good pure mathematics) and the ethics of the social practice of mathematics. It demonstrates that purism is compatible with acknowledging the social responsibility of mathematics. Four aspects of this responsibility are mentioned, two concerning the impact of mathematics via education, and two concerning explicit and implicit applications of mathematics. The last of these opens up the performativity of mathematical and measurement applications in society, which change the very processes they are supposed to measure. Although these applications are not explored in detail, they illustrate the importance of considering the ethics and social responsibility of mathematics in society. MacIntyre’s virtue theory opens a broad approach to the controversial topic of the ethics of mathematics encompassing purism, and absolutist and social constructivist philosophies of mathematics, but still enabling ethical critiques of the impact of mathematics on society.
Serotonin: a platelet hormone modulating cardiovascular disease
Authors: Rieder Marina , Gauchel Nadine , Bode Christoph , Duerschmied Daniel
Published: November 2020

Cardiovascular diseases and depression are significant health burdens and increasing evidence suggests a causal relationship between them. The incidence of depression among patients suffering from cardiovascular disease is markedly elevated, and depression itself is an established cardiovascular risk factor. Serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamin (5-HT), a biogenic amine acting as a neurotransmitter and a peripheral hormone, is involved in the pathogenesis of both, cardiovascular disease and depression. Novel cardiovascular functions of 5-HT have recently been described and will be summarized in this review. 5-HT has a broad spectrum of functions in the cardiovascular system, yet the clinical or experimental data are partly conflicting. There is further research needed to characterize the clinical effects of 5-HT in particular tissues to enable targeted pharmacological therapies.
Seasonal dynamics modifies fate of oxygen, nitrate, and organic micropollutants during bank filtration — temperature-dependent reactive transport modeling of field data
Authors: Barkow Isolde S. , Oswald Sascha E. , Lensing Hermann-Josef , Munz Matthias
Published: November 2020

Bank filtration is considered to improve water quality through microbially mediated degradation of pollutants and is suitable for waterworks to increase their production. In particular, aquifer temperatures and oxygen supply have a great impact on many microbial processes. To investigate the temporal and spatial behavior of selected organic micropollutants during bank filtration in dependence of relevant biogeochemical conditions, we have set up a 2D reactive transport model using MODFLOW and PHT3D under the user interface ORTI3D. The considered 160-m-long transect ranges from the surface water to a groundwater extraction well of the adjacent waterworks. For this purpose, water levels, temperatures, and chemical parameters were regularly measured in the surface water and groundwater observation wells over one and a half years. To simulate the effect of seasonal temperature variations on microbial mediated degradation, we applied an empirical temperature factor, which yields a strong reduction of the degradation rate at groundwater temperatures below 11 °C. Except for acesulfame, the considered organic micropollutants are substantially degraded along their subsurface flow paths with maximum degradation rates in the range of 10−6 mol L−1 s−1. Preferential biodegradation of phenazone, diclofenac, and valsartan was found under oxic conditions, whereas carbamazepine and sulfamethoxazole were degraded under anoxic conditions. This study highlights the influence of seasonal variations in oxygen supply and temperature on the fate of organic micropollutants in surface water infiltrating into an aquifer.
On the significance of borders: the emergence of endogenous dynamics
Authors: Kubin Ingrid , Gardini Laura
Published: November 2020

We propose a prototype model of market dynamics in which all functional relationships are linear. We take into account three borders, defined by linear functions, that are intrinsic to the economic reasoning: non-negativity of prices; downward rigidity of capacity (depreciation); and a capacity constraint for the production decision. Given the linear specification, the borders are the only source for the emerging of cyclical and more complex dynamics. In particular, we discuss centre bifurcations, border collision bifurcations and degenerate flip bifurcations—dynamic phenomena the occurrence of which are intimately related to the existence of borders.
Below the surface: The application of implicit morpho-graphic regularities to novel word spelling
Authors: Heyer Vera
Published: November 2020

Previous corpus studies have shown that the English spelling system is ‘morpho-graphic’ (Berg and Aronoff 2017) in that affixes are spelt in a consistent way (e.g., ‹ous› in famous) that distinguishes them from homophonous word endings without grammatical function (e.g., ‹us› in bonus). The present paper investigates if English spellers apply these regularities to the spelling of novel words implicitly and whether the application of those regularities is modulated by experience with the English writing system.

Participants with varying degrees of expertise in the English writing system were asked to spell novel words ending in /əs/, which were presented orally in either an adjective context (i.e., biasing towards the affix spelling ‹ous›) or a noun context (i.e., biasing towards an alternative spelling such as ‹us›). The results showed that the adjective context elicited significantly more ‹ous› spellings than the noun context, indicating that participants applied morpho-graphic spelling regularities to novel words to mark the appropriate lexical category. Additionally, there was a modulation by spelling ability: The higher participants’ expertise in the English spelling system was, the more novel words they spelt according to morpho-graphic spelling regularities.

In conclusion, English spellers are aware of the morpho-graphic spelling regularities without explicit instruction and apply these to novel words. They gradually induce the regularities from the input, which results in more robust rule application with increased experience and expertise in the English writing system.