bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hypothesis: Febrile infection‐related epilepsy syndrome is a microglial NLRP3 inflammasome/IL‐1 axis‐driven autoinflammatory syndrome
Authors: Lin Wei‐Sheng , Hsu Ting‐Rong
Published: June 2021

FIRES (febrile infection‐related epilepsy syndrome) is a protracted neuroinflammatory condition of obscure cause. It mainly afflicts school‐age children and often leads to permanent neurological sequelae. Most treatments to date have been of limited efficacy, while ketogenic diet and anti‐interleukin‐1 therapy appear beneficial for some patients. Research into this clinical entity is hampered by its rarity and complexity. Nonetheless, accumulating evidence derived from basic investigations and clinical observations converges to implicate the autoinflammatory nature of this syndrome. A closer analysis of current literature suggests that microglia and the NLRP3 inflammasome might be the pivotal cellular and molecular players in FIRES pathogenesis, respectively. Through evidence synthesis, herein we formulate the working hypothesis of overactivation of microglial NLRP3 inflammasome/interleukin‐1 axis as the driving event in FIRES by creating a proinflammatory and proconvulsive milieu. The reverberation between neuroinflammation and seizure forms a vicious cycle. The unique properties of microglia might also contribute to unopposed IL‐1 signalling and incessant sterile neuroinflammation in this context. The potential therapeutic relevance of the proposed conceptual framework is discussed.
Advancing estuarine ecological forecasts: seasonal hypoxia in Chesapeake Bay
Authors: Scavia Donald , Bertani Isabella , Testa Jeremy M. , Bever Aaron J. , Blomquist Joel D. , Friedrichs Marjorie A. M. , Linker Lewis C. , Michael Bruce D. , Murphy Rebecca R. , Shenk Gary W.
Published: June 2021

Ecological forecasts are quantitative tools that can guide ecosystem management. The coemergence of extensive environmental monitoring and quantitative frameworks allows for widespread development and continued improvement of ecological forecasting systems. We use a relatively simple estuarine hypoxia model to demonstrate advances in addressing some of the most critical challenges and opportunities of contemporary ecological forecasting, including predictive accuracy, uncertainty characterization, and management relevance. We explore the impacts of different combinations of forecast metrics, drivers, and driver time windows on predictive performance. We also incorporate multiple sets of state‐variable observations from different sources and separately quantify model prediction error and measurement uncertainty through a flexible Bayesian hierarchical framework. Results illustrate the benefits of (1) adopting forecast metrics and drivers that strike an optimal balance between predictability and relevance to management, (2) incorporating multiple data sources in the calibration data set to separate and propagate different sources of uncertainty, and (3) using the model in scenario mode to probabilistically evaluate the effects of alternative management decisions on future ecosystem state. In the Chesapeake Bay, the subject of this case study, we find that average summer or total annual hypoxia metrics are more predictable than monthly metrics and that measurement error represents an important source of uncertainty. Application of the model in scenario mode suggests that absent watershed management actions over the past decades, long‐term average hypoxia would have increased by 7% compared to 1985. Conversely, the model projects that if management goals currently in place to restore the Bay are met, long‐term average hypoxia would eventually decrease by 32% with respect to the mid‐1980s.
EST‐SSR‐based landscape genetics ofPseudotaxus chienii, a tertiary relict conifer endemic to China
Authors: Li Shufeng , Wang Zhen , Su Yingjuan , Wang Ting
Published: June 2021

Pseudotaxus chienii, belonging to the monotypic genusPseudotaxus(Taxaceae), is a relict conifer endemic to China. Its populations are usually small and patchily distributed, having a low capacity of natural regeneration. To gain a clearer understanding of how landscape variables affect the local adaptation ofP.chienii, we applied EST‐SSR markers in conjunction with landscape genetics methods: (a) to examine the population genetic pattern and spatial genetic structure; (b) to perform genome scan and selection scan to identify outlier loci and the associated landscape variables; and (c) to model the ecological niche under climate change. As a result,P.chieniiwas found to have a moderate level of genetic variation and a high level of genetic differentiation. Its populations displayed a significant positive relationship between the genetic and geographical distance (i.e., “isolation by distance” pattern) and a strong fine‐scale spatial genetic structure within 2 km. A putatively adaptive locus EMS6 (functionally annotated to cellulose synthase A catalytic subunit 7) was identified, which was found significantly associated with soil Cu, K, and Pb content and the combined effects of temperature and precipitation. Moreover,P.chieniiwas predicted to experience significant range contractions in future climate change scenarios. Our results highlight the potential of specific soil metal content and climate variables as the driving force of adaptive genetic differentiation inP.chienii. The data would also be useful to develop a conservation action plan forP.chienii.
Recent advances in hierarchical anode designs of TiO2‐B nanostructures for lithium‐ion batteries
Authors: Pham Tuyet Nhung , Bui Vu Khac Hoang , Lee Young‐Chul
Published: June 2021

The state‐of‐the‐art development progress of the fabrication, design, modification, and applications of TiO2‐B‐based hierarchical nanostructures with a well‐controlled size and morphology in lithium‐ion battery (LIB) applications has been summarized and discussed. Based on studying on lithiation/delithiation on mechanisms of a typical metal oxide nanomaterials, along with doping with foreign atoms (metal or non‐metal), using electronically conductive additives (graphene/graphene derivatives), as well as designing and using hierarchical anode‐material nanostructures (hybrids/composites) containing two or more constituents in LIB applications, these strategies have provided many great opportunities to take maximum advantage of both the high capacity and rate capacity while avoiding significant capacity loss after charge/discharge cycling. In this review, the advances in TiO2‐B‐based anode structures at the nanoscale for LIBs have been discussed in two major sections, including (a) hierarchical heterostructures based on TiO2‐B and metal, non‐metal, transition metal oxides (TMOs), and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs); and (b) hybrid designs/nanocomposites between TiO2‐B and graphene/graphene derivatives. The in‐depth understanding of structure‐property relationships as well as detailed suggestions on the mechanism, reason, and origin of the excellent enhancement in electrochemical performance in the above strategies, has been presented and highlighted.
Serial step sections at narrow intervals with immunohistochemistry are required for accurate histological assessment of sentinel lymph node biopsy in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: King Claire , Elsherif Nusaybah , Kirwan Ruaidhrí , Schilling Clare , Hall Gillian , Morgan Peter , Collins Lisette , Sandison Ann , Odell Edward , Thavaraj Selvam
Published: June 2021

Background

Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is an accurate staging modality in early oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), but its accuracy relies on labor‐intensive histopathology protocols. We sought to determine whether serial step sections with immunohistochemistry (SSSIHC) at narrow intervals of the entire SLN are required to accurately exclude metastasis.

Methods

Consecutive SLN biopsies over a 13‐year period were retrospectively evaluated. If the index section was negative for carcinoma, the entire SLN was subjected to SSSIHC at 150 μm intervals. The first section level and total number of section levels to contain carcinoma were recorded.

Results

One hundred and eighteen SLN+ from 90 patients were included. SSSIHC upstaged the nodal status in 19.5% of patients. Metastasis was identified in 16.7% and 10.2% beyond section levels 4 and 6, respectively. Among SLNs requiring SSSIHC, 47.5% contained carcinoma in a single section level.

Conclusion

SSSIHC of the entire SLN at 150 μm intervals are required to identify occult metastasis in OSCC.
Computational Chemistry: The Exciting Opportunities and the Boring Details
Authors: Jensen Frank
Published: June 2021

Computational chemistry has emerged as a sub‐field in science over the last five decades, not at least due to the amazing increase in computational resources. Equally important, however, is the continuing developments of theoretical methods and in software technology. The refinement of theoretical models moves forward at a steady pace, but at times takes a radical turn in new directions. Computational chemistry methods are now integrated elements in many research fields and are routine tools for non‐experts. The plethora of different models, however, forms a bewildering jungle of choices, often resulting in practitioners defaulting to the tried and true. The present contribution contains some personal reflections on the development of computational chemistry methods over the last four decades, with special focus on the development of basis sets and density functional methods.
A molecular dynamics study of a fully zwitterionic copolymer/ionic liquid‐based electrolyte: Li+ transport mechanisms and ionic interactions
Authors: C. Lourenço Tuanan , Ebadi Mahsa , J. Panzer Matthew , Brandell Daniel , T. Costa Luciano
Published: June 2021

The development of polymer electrolytes (PEs) is crucial for advancing safe, high‐energy density batteries, such as lithium‐metal and other beyond lithium‐ion chemistries. However, reaching the optimum balance between mechanical stiffness and ionic conductivity is not a straightforward task. Zwitterionic (ZI) gel electrolytes comprising lithium salt and ionic liquid (IL) solutions within a fully ZI polymer network can, in this context, provide useful properties. Although such materials have shown compatibility with lithium metal in batteries, several fundamental structure‐dynamic relationships regarding ionic transport and the Li+ coordination environment remain unclear. To better resolve such issues, molecular dynamics simulations were carried out for two IL‐based electrolyte systems, N‐butyl‐N‐methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([BMP][TFSI]) with 1 M LiTFSI salt and a ZI gel electrolyte containing the IL and a ZI copolymer: poly(2‐methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine‐co‐sulfobetaine vinylimidazole), poly(MPC‐co‐SBVI). The addition of ZI polymer decreases the [TFSI]−–[Li]+ interactions and increases the IL ion diffusivities, and consequently, the overall ZI gel ionic conductivity. The structural analyses showed a large preference for lithium‐ion interactions with the polymer phosphonate groups, while the [TFSI]− anions interact directly with the sulfonate group and the [BMP]+ cations only display secondary interactions with the polymer. In contrast to previous experimental data on the same system, the simulated transference numbers showed smaller [Li]+ contributions to the overall ionic conductivities, mainly due to negatively charged lithium aggregates and the strong lithium‐ion interactions in the systems.
An improved biogeography‐based optimization approach for beam pattern optimizations of linear and circular antenna arrays
Authors: Liu Lingling , Wang Aimin , Sun Geng , Zheng Tingting , Yu Chaoyu
Published: June 2021

Antenna array makes an increasingly valuable contribution to various fields of communications. The beam pattern synthesis is one of the significant properties of antenna array. In this article, suppressing the maximum sidelobe levels (SLLs) of different antenna arrays is our main objective. Specifically, we first formulate the beam pattern optimization problems of the linear antenna array (LAA) and circular antenna array (CAA), respectively, and propose an improved biogeography‐based optimization (IBBO) approach to tackle the issue. IBBO introduces the hybrid migration and hybrid mutation operators by adopting several improved factors to strengthen the effect of conventional biogeography‐based optimization (BBO) algorithm. Emulate experiments are built to evaluate the performance of the IBBO for dealing with the formulated antenna array beam pattern optimization problems comprehensively.
Computing low‐rank approximations of the Fréchet derivative of a matrix function using Krylov subspace methods
Authors: Kandolf Peter , Koskela Antti , Relton Samuel D. , Schweitzer Marcel
Published: June 2021

The Fréchet derivative of the matrix function plays an important role in many different applications, including condition number estimation and network analysis. We present several different Krylov subspace methods for computing low‐rank approximations of when the direction term is of rank one (which can easily be extended to general low rank). We analyze the convergence of the resulting methods both in the Hermitian and non‐Hermitian case. In a number of numerical tests, both including matrices from benchmark collections and from real‐world applications, we demonstrate and compare the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed methods.
Natural resources and economic growth: Does political regime matter for Tunisia?
Authors: Kwakwa Paul Adjei , Adzawla William , Alhassan Hamdiyah , Achaamah Abigail
Published: June 2021

The discussion on the effect of natural resources on economic growth remains a contentious issue of scientific research. An emerging issue to this discussion is the role of political regime in determining the nature of the growth and natural resource nexus. Consequently, this study examines the effect of natural resources on the economic growth of Tunisia and how the country's political regime moderates this relationship using annual time series data over the 1970–2017 period. Regression analysis established that in the long‐run natural resources generally have positive effects on the country's economic growth, while political regime has mixed effects on economic growth. The interaction between political regime and resources indicates democracy enhances the positive gains from natural resources on economic growth although in the short run, the outcome is mixed. The effects of specific natural resource (oil, mineral, and forest rents) on sectoral growth are positive. Political regime interacts with oil, mineral, and forest rents to propel growth in the agricultural sector. The study concludes that democratic regime is crucial for the effective utilization of resources for long‐run economic growth in the country. Beyond natural resource abundance examined in this study, there is a further need to analyze the extent to which the economy relies on these natural resources and its effect on the economy in future studies. This would elucidate the “natural resource blessings” estimated in this study. The role of other measures of institutional quality on the subject matter can be explored in Tunisia and other countries in future studies.
Tack measurement of bindered rovings for the dry fiber winding process
Authors: Neunkirchen Stefan , Schledjewski Ralf
Published: June 2021

For the winding of dry (e.g., not impregnated) fibers on convex structures, an adhesive force between surface and roving has to be established. Providing friction is necessary to prevent the roving from slipping. Usually, rovings impregnated or coated with (epoxy‐) binder material are used. The investigation of the tack performance of these rovings differs from established studies on pressure‐sensitive adhesives and prepregs. It was found that the common probe test is not suitable for bindered rovings. Instead, shear tests were performed on a heated, flat plate with a robotic winding setup. The horizontal force to pull the roving from the plate was measured. Variation of temperature was in focus. Compaction force, pulling speed, and twisting of the roving were also investigated. It could be seen that compaction and thorough heating are the key factors. Due to the small surface, twisting had no significant effect on the tack behavior.
The immunomodulatory effects of opioids and implications for intensive care unit populations
Authors: Mefford Breanne , Donaldson J. Chris , Bissell Brittany D.
Published: June 2021

Analgesia within the intensive care unit (ICU) is often achieved via the utilization of opioids in alignment with current guidelines. Recent evidence has not only demonstrated the potential impact of opioids in suppression of immune function, but also the potential harm of immunosuppression of patients within the ICU. Despite the potential immunosuppression seen with opioids in this at‐risk population, their use remains frequent. In this review, we highlight the potential immunomodulatory impact of opioids within the critically ill and considerations for their use.
Prickle morphogenesis in rose is coupled with secondary metabolite accumulation and governed by canonical MBW transcriptional complex
Authors: Swarnkar Mohit Kumar , Kumar Pawan , Dogra Vivek , Kumar Sanjay
Published: June 2021

Rose is an economically important flowering plant that holds an essential place in cut flower, medicinal, and aromatic industries. The presence of prickles, epidermal outgrowths resembling trichomes, on rose is highly undesirable as these make harvesting and transportation difficult. Attempts were made for generating rose varieties lacking prickles via breeding and natural selections; however, these approaches obtained only chimeric and genetically unstable prickle‐less mutants. The alternative way to get rid of prickles is via genetic manipulations, but the molecular mechanisms of prickle initiation and development in rose are almost unexplored. Therefore, the present study was carried out to understand the morphological, molecular, and correlated metabolic changes underlining prickle morphogenesis in a prickle‐bearing Rosa hybrida L. cv. “First Red (FR)”. The histological and metabolomic analyses at three distinct stages of the prickle morphogenesis, namely, emerging tiny initiating prickles, partially greenish soft prickles, and brownish hard prickles, demonstrated a gradually increasing deposition of phenolic compounds and lignification with development. Corresponding RNAseq analysis revealed an upregulation of the genes involved in secondary metabolism, especially in the phenylpropanoid biosynthetic pathway. A set of genes encoding a transcriptional network similar to the one regulating epidermal cell differentiation leading to phenylpropanoid accumulation and trichome development, was also upregulated. Differential expression of this transcriptional network in prickle‐less R. hybrida L. cv. “Himalayan Wonder” compared to prickly FR plants substantiated its involvement in prickle morphogenesis. The results collectively supported the proposition that prickles are evolved from trichomes and provided molecular clues towards engineering prickle‐less roses.

Significance statement

Prickles, the vasculature less epidermal outgrowths resembling trichomes, are defense organs protecting plants against herbivory. Despite biological significance, the mechanism of prickle morphogenesis remains obscure. Here, we show that like trichomes, prickles accumulate secondary metabolites, especially lignin and flavonoids, during morphogenesis. Cognate transcriptome analysis demonstrated that upregulation of a hormone‐regulated transcriptional activation–inhibition network, known to govern trichome morphogenesis, likely triggers the differentiation of epidermal cells to outgrow into prickle.
Overall survival in metastatic melanoma correlates with pembrolizumab exposure and T cell exhaustion markers
Authors: Navani Vishal , Graves Moira C. , Marchett Giovana Celli , Mandaliya Hiren , Bowden Nikola A. , van der Westhuizen Andre
Published: June 2021

Trial data support an absence of an exposure–survival relationship for pembrolizumab. As these relationships remain unexamined in a real‐world setting, we determined them in metastatic melanoma prospectively in an observational study. Translational objectives included identifying biomarkers of progressive disease (PD). Checkpoint blockade naïve patients receiving 2 mg/kg Q3W pembrolizumab had pharmacokinetic and clinical outcome data collected. Trough, a valid surrogate for drug exposure, was assessed using ELISA. T‐cell exhaustion and chemokine markers were determined using flow cytometry. Geometric means of exposures and biomarkers were tested against objective response groups using one‐way ANOVA. The cohort was split by the median into high versus low pembrolizumab exposure groups. Kaplan–Meier progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) curves were estimated for high versus low exposure, compared using the log rank test. The high pembrolizumab exposure group (n = 14) experienced substantially longer median OS (not reached vs. 48 months, p = .014), than the low exposure group (n = 14). A similar positive exposure PFS relationship was found (median not reached vs. 48 months, p = .045). The frequency of TIM‐3 expression on CD4+ T cells was significantly higher in PD (mean 27.8%) than complete response (CR) (13.38%, p = .01) and partial response (12.4%, p = .05). There was a near doubling of CXCR6 and TIM‐3 co‐expression on CD4+ T cells in PD (mean 23.3%) versus CR (mean 11.4, p = .003) and partial response (9.8%, p = .0001). We describe positive exposure‐PFS and exposure‐OS relationships for pembrolizumab in metastatic melanoma. TIM‐3, alongside co‐expression of CXCR6 and TIM‐3 on circulating CD4+ T cells are potential bio markers of treatment failure.
Evolutionary Computation for Adaptive Quantum Device Design
Authors: Mortimer Luke , Estarellas Marta P. , Spiller Timothy P. , D'Amico Irene
Published: June 2021

As noisy intermediate‐scale quantum (NISQ) devices grow in number of qubits, determining good or even adequate parameter configurations for a given application, or for device calibration, becomes a cumbersome task. An evolutionary algorithm is presented here which allows for the automatic tuning of the parameters of any arrangement of coupled qubits, to perform a given task with high fidelity. The algorithm's use is exemplified with the generation of schemes for the distribution of quantum states and the design of multi‐qubit gates. The algorithm is demonstrated to converge very rapidly, yielding unforeseeable designs of quantum devices that perform their required tasks with excellent fidelities. Given these promising results, practical scalability, and application versatility, the approach has the potential to become a powerful technique to aid the design and calibration of NISQ devices.
Model‐free adaptive consensus tracking control for unknown nonlinear multi‐agent systems with sensor saturation
Authors: Zhao Huarong , Peng Li , Yu Hongnian
Published: June 2021

This article proposes a distributed model‐free adaptive consensus tracking control (DMFACTC) approach for a class of unknown heterogeneous nonlinear discrete‐time multi‐agent systems (MASs) with sensor saturation and measurement disturbance to perform consensus tracking tasks. Meanwhile, both fixed and switching topologies are considered, where only a subset of agents can acquire the desired trajectory information in each topology. A time‐varying linear data model for each agent is first established by utilizing the dynamic linearization method to formulate this algorithm. Merely, the input data and the saturated output data with measurement disturbance of each agent are applied to construct the DMFACTC algorithm without employing any dynamics model information of MASs. The convergence of the designed scheme is strictly proved. It illustrates that the output saturation and switching topologies do not affect the stability of MASs. Moreover, even if the sensor saturation, measurement disturbance, and switching topologies happen simultaneously, the DMFACTC also guarantees that the tracking errors of MASs converge to a small range around the origin. Furthermore, two numerical simulations and a realistic filling system simulation further verify the correctness and effectiveness of the theoretical results.
Polymer surface modification using He/O2 RF remote low‐pressure plasma
Authors: Saloum Saker , Abou Shaker Samer , Alwazzeh Moneer , Hussin Rokayya
Published: June 2021

In this study, He/O2 plasma mixture, induced in a radio frequency (RF) low‐pressure remote plasma system, has been characterized and employed for polymer surface modification. Actinometry optical emission spectroscopy (AOES) and Langmuir probe techniques were used to evaluate the plasma active species contributing to polymer surface modification. These active species involve the atomic oxygen [O] and the electrons (ne). Five different polymers (poly(methyl methacrylate) [PMMA], polytetrafluoroethylene [PTFE], polyethylene [PE], polyvinyl chloride [PVC], and polystyrene [PS]) were plasma treated and subsequently characterized for etching rate, surface morphology using atomic force microscopy (AFM) technique, and chemical elemental composition using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) technique.
Laser Therapy for Genital Lichen Sclerosus: A Systematic Review of the Current Evidence Base
Authors: Tasker F. , Kirby L. , Grindlay D. J. C. , Lewis F. , Simpson R. C.
Published: June 2021

Background

Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic, inflammatory dermatosis. Initial treatment with superpotent topical corticosteroids is the accepted and evidence-based first-line therapy. For those who do not respond after exclusion of other potentiating factors, the best second-line therapy is unclear. Laser therapy is an emerging treatment for genital LS and despite uncertain efficacy its use is gaining popularity in the private sector.

Objectives

We aimed to review the effectiveness of laser therapy for genital LS in men, women and children.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of all primary studies reporting the use of laser in genital LS. Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, Ovid Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, Web of Science, CINAHL and PsycINFO were searched from inception to February 2021. The quality of the studies was assessed using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials, ROBINS-I tool for non-randomized trials and Joanna Briggs Institute checklist for case studies.

Results

A total of 24 studies, involving 616 adults, met inclusion criteria. These were six randomized controlled trials (RCTs), one non-randomized trial, nine single arm trials and eight case series. Where assessed, most studies suggest that laser therapy in patients with LS may improve symptoms, clinical signs, quality of life and sexual function. However, results were highly heterogeneous and methodological quality was very low, therefore meta-analysis was not possible.

Conclusions

There is poor evidence to support the use of laser therapy for genital LS at present. Effectiveness of laser needs to be robustly investigated in well-conducted RCTs.
A Burgess Shale mandibulate arthropod with a pygidium: a case of convergent evolution
Authors: Izquierdo‐López Alejandro , Caron Jean‐Bernard
Published: June 2021

Cambrian bivalved arthropods are a polyphyletic group of carapace‐bearing arthropods that includes stem euarthropods, stem mandibulates and crustaceans. Here, we describe Pakucaris apatis gen. et sp. nov., a new stem mandibulate bivalved arthropod from the middle Cambrian (Wuliuan Stage) Burgess Shale (Marble Canyon, Kootenay National Park, British Columbia, Canada). Two morphotypes of this small arthropod (11.6–26.6 mm long) are recognized, which differ mainly in their size and number of segments, possibly reflecting sexual dimorphism or different anamorphic stages. The carapace presents a dorsal crest extending anteriorly into a small recurved rostrum and two anterolateral processes. Around 20% of the posteriormost body segments and limbs are covered by a large spine‐bearing shield. The head bears a pair of eyes, a possible pair of unsegmented appendicular projections and two pairs of segmented appendages. The thorax is multisegmented, homonomous, with weakly sclerotized segments bearing biramous limbs, composed of a stenopodous endopod with c. 20 podomeres and a paddle‐shaped exopod. Pakucaris is interpreted as a nektobenthic suspension feeder. Bayesian phylogenetic analysis implies a position within Hymenocarina as stem mandibulates. The posterior shield is regarded as a pygidium, and represents a case of morphofunctional convergent evolution between mandibulates, artiopodans and mollisoniids. Furthermore, Pakucaris adds to a growing number of pygidium‐bearing arthropods, potentially hinting at a common developmental pattern across early arthropod evolution. This study not only increases our understanding of the early evolution of mandibulates, but also illustrates a unique case of early evolutionary convergence during the Cambrian Explosion.
Estimation of the kinetic parameters of chlorinated polyvinyl chloride waste pyrolysis by particle swarm optimization
Authors: Li Ang , Zhang Wenlong , Huang Biqing , Zhou Ru , Zhang Juan , Ding Yanming
Published: June 2021

Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) is a widely‐used material in various fields with excellent properties. However, CPVC waste is one of the most intractable solids to dispose of. With the development of pyrolysis technology, some advantages have been exhibited, for example, it is flexible to convert solid waste into clean products by pyrolysis, which can be used as energy. Therefore, pyrolysis is considered as an effective method to dispose of solid waste. Especially, kinetic parameters are significant for pyrolysis, which contributes to reactor design and waste management. To better apply the kinetic parameters of CPVC to dispose of waste, thermogravimetric experiments were conducted to obtain the kinetic parameters and establish the reaction mechanism. The Tang, distributed activation energy model, and Advanced Vyazovkin methods were used to calculate the activation energy, and the reaction order was obtained by the Coats‐Redfern method. The results showed that the reaction consisted of two stages, and the average activation energy of the corresponding stage was 153.27 and 290.55 kJ/mol, respectively. However, the abovementioned parameters by traditional methods were not enough to characterize the whole pyrolysis behaviors, then the obtained kinetic parameters were further optimized and extra parameters were computed by the Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm.
The measurement of trace elements in human nails and nail clippings using portable X‐ray fluorescence: A review
Authors: Fleming David E. B.
Published: June 2021

A variety of biomarkers are available for the assessment of human exposure to, and absorption of, trace elements. The measurement of trace elements in nail or nail clippings offers some benefits relative to other body sites. Typically, concentrations of elements are assessed in clippings, using high precision methods such as inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry or instrumental neutron activation analysis. Over the last decade, portable X‐ray fluorescence (pXRF) has emerged as a novel method with potential advantages for the measurement of trace elements in nail and nail clippings. This review paper examines early developments and recent work in the use of pXRF to measure elements such as As, Se, Mn, Zn, Cr, Pb, and Hg in nails and nail clippings. While initial pXRF studies were limited to the use of nail phantoms and nail clipping phantoms, more recent work has applied the pXRF method with real nail clippings and nails. Results have been promising, but a number of issues have emerged requiring additional attention. These relate to the analysis of X‐ray spectra, selection of X‐ray beam for excitation, method validation and normalization, and practical aspects of study design. With consideration of these issues, pXRF offers significant potential to provide a straightforward, economical, and rapid measurement approach to help improve our understanding of trace element exposure and related health outcomes.
Vanishing‐viscosity solutions to a rate‐independent two‐field gradient damage model
Authors: Betz Livia
Published: June 2021

A rate‐independent damage model which features two damage variables coupled through a penalty term in the stored energy is considered. Since the energy functional is nonconvex, solutions may be discontinuous in time. This calls for suitable notions of (weak) solutions which allow for jumps. We resort to a vanishing‐viscosity approach based on an arclength parametrization, where parametrized solutions arise as a limit of the (reparametrized) graphs of the viscous solutions in the extended state space. This enables us to prove that vanishing‐viscosity solutions exist and belong to the class of parametrized solutions. We show that the latter can be characterized in various different ways. These alternative formulations highlight the influence of the viscous effects at the jump points, while at the continuity points, the evolution displays a rate‐independent behavior. As it turns out, the behavior of the system at each jump point is described by an ordinary differential equation in Banach space during which the physical time is constant.
Unsteady MHD flow due to eccentric rotations of a porous disk and an oscillating fluid at infinity
Authors: Hussain Zahid
Published: June 2021

An exact solution of time dependent Navier‐Stokes equations is constructed by taking the flow due to eccentric rotations of a porous disk and an oscillating fluid at infinity into account under the influence of a uniform magnetic field. Laplace transform technique is utilized to obtain the shear stress components in the fluid and on the disk and analytical solution of the proposed problem. Three cases when the angular velocity is greater than, smaller than or equal to the frequency of oscillation are studied. The impacts of the involved parameters of interest on the velocity profiles are highlighted and discussed through many graphs. Existing results are recovered as the limiting case of the present work.
Introduction
Authors: Oude Groote Beverborg Arnoud , Feldhoff Tobias , Maag Merki Katharina , Radisch Falk
Published: June 2021

Schools are continuously confronted with various forms of change, including changes in students’ demographics, large-scale educational reforms, and accountability policies aimed at improving the quality of education. On the part of the schools, this requires sustained adaptation to, and co-development with, such changes to maintain or improve educational quality. As schools are multilevel, complex, and dynamic organizations, many conditions, factors, actors, and practices, as well as the (loosely coupled) interplay between them, can be involved therein (e.g. professional learning communities, accountability systems, leadership, instruction, stakeholders, etc.). School improvement can thus be understood through theories that are based on knowledge of systematic mechanisms that lead to effective schooling in combination with knowledge of context and path dependencies in individual school improvement journeys. Moreover, because theory-building, measuring, and analysing co-develop, fully understanding the school improvement process requires basic knowledge of the latest methodological and analytical developments and corresponding conceptualizations, as well as a continuous discourse on the link between theory and methodology. The complexity places high demands on the designs and methodologies from those who are tasked with empirically assessing and fostering improvements (e.g. educational researchers, quality care departments, and educational inspectorates).
Concept and Design Developments in School Improvement Research: General Discussion and Outlook for Further Research
Authors: Feldhoff Tobias , Maag Merki Katharina , Oude Groote Beverborg Arnoud , Radisch Falk
Published: June 2021

This book aimed to present innovative designs, measurement instruments, and analysis methods by way of illustrative studies. Through these methodology and design developments, the complexity of school improvement in the context of new governance and accountability measures can be better depicted in future research projects. In this concluding chapter, we discuss what strengths the presented methodologies and designs have and to what extent they do better justice to the multilevel, complex, and dynamic nature of school improvement than previous approaches. In addition, we outline some needs for future research in order to gain new perspectives for future studies.
Introduction: Corruption, Empire and Colonialism in the Modern Era: Towards a Global Perspective
Authors: Kroeze Ronald , Dalmau Pol , Monier Frédéric
Published: June 2021

Scandal, corruption, exploitation and abuse of power have been linked to the history of modern empire-building. Colonial territories often became promised lands where individuals sought to make quick fortunes, sometimes in collaboration with the local population but more often at the expense of them. On some occasions, these shady dealings resulted in scandals that reached back to the metropolis, questioning civilising discourses in parliaments and the press, and leading to reforms in colonial administrations. This book is a first attempt to discuss the topic of corruption, empire and colonialism in a systematic manner and from a global comparative perspective. It does so through a set of original studies that examines the multi-layered nature of corruption in four different empires (Great Britain, Spain, the Netherlands and France) and their possessions in Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America and Africa.
Corrupt and Rapacious: Colonial Spanish-American Past Through the Eyes of Early Nineteenth-Century Contemporaries. A Contribution from the History of Emotions
Authors: Prieto Moisés
Published: June 2021

Around 1800, merchants, scientists and adventurers travelled to Latin America with different purposes. Their multifaceted interests in a world region, experiencing a threshold of independence from Spanish colonial rule, inspired new historical and political works about the continent’s recent past. The Enlightenment provided not only the philosophical armamentarium against corruption, but it also paved the way to a new expression of sentiments and to the loss of fear when addressing injustice. Some examples of these are Hipólito Villaroel’s list of grievances and Humboldt’s Political essay. These two authors provide some thoughts on the political landscape of New Spain (now Mexico), while the two Swiss physicians Rengger and Longchamp describe the ruthless and odd dictator Francia of independent Paraguay as a champion of anti-corruption. Finally, Argentine dictator Rosas—and his robberies as described by Rivera Indarte, Sarmiento and other anonymous authors—represent the embodiment of corruption through pure larceny, for whose crimes the Spanish colonial past apparently no longer served as a comparison.
Colonial Normativity? Corruption in the Dutch–Indonesian Relationship in the Nineteenth and Early Twentieth Centuries
Authors: Kroeze Ronald
Published: June 2021

Kroeze takes the Dutch–Indonesian histories of colonial state formation as a common base to test several hypotheses that are informed by debates in the historiography of corruption and (post-)colonialism. One is that corruption is never a neutral objective term, and that when it is used in a colonial context it serves to set or challenge norms that underly colonial power structures. By invoking scandals and asking for reform, elites challenged existing norms in order to maintain exclusive power structures of (late) colonial state formation and economic exploitation. Kroeze also argues that cases of colonial corruption show how the metropole and colony were interlinked and influenced each other. Political changes in the metropole, such as the growing influence of more morally outspoken Protestant and Liberal politicians, as well as experiences of misuse in the colony, together caused the emergence of the Dutch equivalent of the civilising mission: the so-called “Ethical Policy”.
A multi-temperature universe can allow a sub-MeV dark photon dark matter
Authors: Aboubrahim Amin , Feng Wan-Zhe , Nath Pran , Wang Zhu-Yao
Published: June 2021

Abstract

An analysis of sub-MeV dark photon as dark matter is given which is achieved with two hidden sectors, one of which interacts directly with the visible sector while the second has only indirect coupling with the visible sector. The formalism for the evolution of three bath temperatures for the visible sector and the two hidden sectors is developed and utilized in solution of Boltzmann equations coupling the three sectors. We present exclusion plots where the sub-MeV dark photon can be dark matter. The analysis can be extended to a multi-temperature universe with multiple hidden sectors and multiple heat baths.
β-Adrenergic blockade in patients with dementia and hip fracture is associated with decreased postoperative mortality
Authors: Ioannidis Ioannis , Mohammad Ismail Ahmad , Forssten Maximilian Peter , Cao Yang , Bass Gary Alan , Borg Tomas , Mohseni Shahin
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Dementia, present in 20% of hip fracture patients, is associated with an almost threefold increase in postoperative mortality risk. These patients have a substantially higher incidence of cardiovascular, respiratory, and cerebrovascular mortality after hip fracture surgery compared to patients without dementia. This study aimed to investigate the association between beta-blocker therapy and postoperative mortality in patients with dementia undergoing hip fracture surgery.

Methods

This nationwide study included all patients in Sweden with the diagnosis of dementia who underwent emergency surgery for a hip fracture between January 2008 and December 2017. Cases where the hip fracture was pathological or conservatively managed were not included. Poisson regression analysis with robust standard errors was performed while controlling for confounders to determine the relationship between beta-blocker therapy and all-cause, as well as cause-specific, postoperative mortality.

Results

A total of 26,549 patients met the study inclusion criteria, of whom 8258 (31%) had ongoing beta-blocker therapy at time of admission. After adjusting for clinically relevant variables, the incidence of postoperative mortality in patients receiving beta-blocker therapy was decreased by 50% at 30 days [adj. IRR (95% CI) 0.50 (0.45–0.54), p < 0.001] and 34% at 90 days [adj. IRR (95% CI) 0.66 (0.62–0.70), p < 0.001]. Cause-specific mortality analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in the incidence of postoperative cardiovascular, respiratory, and cerebrovascular death within 30 and 90 days postoperatively.

Conclusion

Beta-blocker therapy is associated with decreased postoperative mortality in hip fracture patients with dementia up to 90 days after surgery. This finding warrants further investigation.
Scoring systems for early prediction of tibial fracture non-union: an update
Authors: Chloros George D. , Kanakaris Nikolaos K. , Vun James S. H. , Howard Anthony , Giannoudis Peter V.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

To evaluate the available tibial fracture non-union prediction scores and to analyse their strengths, weaknesses, and limitations.

Methods

The first part consisted of a systematic method of locating the currently available clinico-radiological non-union prediction scores. The second part of the investigation consisted of comparing the validity of the non-union prediction scores in 15 patients with tibial shaft fractures randomly selected from a Level I trauma centre prospectively collected database who were treated with intramedullary nailing.

Results

Four scoring systems identified: The Leeds-Genoa Non-Union Index (LEG-NUI), the Non-Union Determination Score (NURD), the FRACTING score, and the Tibial Fracture Healing Score (TFHS). Patients demographics: Non-union group: five male patients, mean age 36.4 years (18–50); Union group: ten patients (8 males) with mean age 39.8 years (20–66). The following score thresholds were used to calculate positive and negative predictive values for non-union: FRACTING score ≥ 7 at the immediate post-operative period, LEG-NUI score ≥ 5 within 12 weeks, NURD score ≥ 9 at the immediate post-operative period, and TFHS < 3 at 12 weeks. For the FRACTING, LEG-NUI and NURD scores, the positive predictive values for the development of non-union were 80, 100, 40% respectively, whereas the negative predictive values were 60, 90 and 90%. The TFHS could not be retrospectively calculated for robust accuracy.

Conclusion

The LEG-NUI had the best combination of positive and negative predictive values for early identification of non-union. Based on this study, all currently available scores have inherent strengths and limitations. Several recommendations to improve future score designs are outlined herein to better tackle this devastating, and yet, unsolved problem.
Correction to: Association of dynamic susceptibility magnetic resonance imaging at initial tumor diagnosis with the prognosis of different molecular glioma subtypes
Authors: Brendle Cornelia , Klose Uwe , Hempel Johann-Martin , Schittenhelm Jens , Skardelly Marco , Tabatabai Ghazaleh , Ernemann Ulrike , Bender Benjamin
Published: June 2021

A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-021-05352-6
Implementation of tele visit healthcare services triggered by the COVID-19 emergency: the Trentino Province experience
Authors: Testa Sara , Mayora-Ibarra Oscar , Piras Enrico Maria , Balagna Olivia , Micocci Stefano , Zanutto Alberto , Forti Stefano , Conforti Diego , Nicolini Andrea , Malfatti Giulia , Moz Monica , Gios Lorenzo , Benetollo Pier Paolo , Turra Ettore , Orrasch Massimo , Zambotti Francesca , Del Greco Maurizio , Maines Massimiliano , Filippi Lorena , Ghezzi Monica , Romanelli Federica , Racano Elisabetta , Marin Mauro , Betta Marta , Bertagnolli Elisabetta
Published: June 2021

Aim

In response to the SARS-CoV-2 emergency, the Competence Centre on digital health ‘TrentinoSalute4.0’ has developed TreC_Televisita, a tele visit solution that meets the needs of the Trentino healthcare system and maintains high-quality patient–doctor interactions while respecting social distancing. This paper highlights how ‘TreC_Televisita’ was integrated into the Trentino healthcare system and its potential to become a structural and durable solution for the future local healthcare service provisioning.

Subject and methods

This paper presents the multifactorial context that TreC_Televisita has faced for its implementation and the strategies adopted for its structural integration into the healthcare system. The analysis focuses on the main issues faced for the integration of the tele visits (e.g. privacy, payments) and how the context of TrentinoSalute4.0 permitted responding quickly to its implementation during the pandemic. It also describes how TreC_Televisita fits into the healthcare continuum from the organisational and technological standpoint, the end-user perspective and the barriers that could hamper the solution scalability.

Results

TreC_Televisita has demonstrated to be a technological solution that can be contextualised for different clinical domains beyond SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, it has shown its potential to scale up the solution beyond the COVID-19 emergency to the whole healthcare provisioning system in the long term.

Conclusion

Being a positive experience in the first months of its implementation, the long-term goal is to transform TreC_Televisita into a structural pillar of the Trentino healthcare system, setting the bases for a sustainable, win–win situation for all the stakeholders involved in healthcare service provisioning.