bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Newly Designed Water Soluble Uranyl‐Salophen Complex for Anion Recognition
Authors: Forte Gianpiero , Maglione Maria S. , Tulli Ludovico G. , Fantoni Alessia , Dalla Cort Antonella
Published: August 2021

A novel water‐soluble uranyl‐salophen (salophen=N,N‘‐disalicylidene‐o‐phenylenediaminate) complex was obtained. Solubility was achieved in aqueous methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin solutions, taking advantage of the host‐guest interactions established with the adamantyl moieties present on the ligand skeleton. Such an approach facilitates the synthesis of the receptor and the purification processes and, in perspective, can be definitely applicable to other molecular scaffolds. UV/Vis titration experiments demonstrate that the capacity of the uranyl‐salophen core to behave as a receptor for anions is retained in water and appears comparable with that previously reported for other water‐soluble uranyl‐salophen systems. Hence the presence of cyclodextrins does not interfere with molecular recognition processes.
Omega‐3 fatty acids for the prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease
Authors: Barry Arden R. , Dixon Dave L.
Published: August 2021

Marine‐derived omega‐3 fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), are a type of polyunsaturated fatty acids with many purported beneficial health effects including the prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) events. Omega‐3 fatty acid intake may be supplemented via dietary sources, as well as prescription or non‐prescription products. Omega‐3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce serum triglycerides, but there remains ongoing debate regarding the effect of omega‐3 fatty acids on major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with established, or at risk of, ASCVD. Recent evidence from randomized, placebo‐controlled trials has demonstrated that low‐dose (1 g daily or less) omega‐3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA) do not reduce cardiovascular events or death in patients with or without established ASCVD. Contrarily, the REDUCE‐IT trial demonstrated that a purified form of EPA ethyl esters (icosapent ethyl) at 4 g daily reduced cardiovascular events and death in patients with ASCVD (or diabetes and multiple cardiovascular risk factors) and elevated triglycerides on background statin therapy. However, 4 g daily of omega‐3 carboxylic acids (DHA and EPA) did not show a cardiovascular benefit in the STRENGTH trial, which enrolled a similar population. The explanation for this observed discrepancy remains a source of contention and discourse. For now, icosapent ethyl has the most compelling evidence to support a cardiovascular benefit and should be considered in select patients who meet the REDUCE‐IT criteria. Furthermore, alternative versions of omega‐3 fatty acids should not be considered equivalent to icosapent ethyl. Patients taking an omega‐3 fatty acid supplement should be monitored for potential adverse effects, including gastrointestinal disorders or bleeding, in addition to a possible increased risk of atrial fibrillation.
How rigid are conjugated non‐ladder and ladder polymers?
Authors: Cao Zhiqiang , Leng Mingwan , Cao Yirui , Gu Xiaodan , Fang Lei
Published: August 2021

Persistence length is commonly used to quantitatively describe the chain rigidity of macromolecules, which represents an important structural parameter governing many physical properties of polymers. Although the mathematical models and experimental measurements on the chain rigidity of conventional single stranded polymers have been well explored and documented, those of the more rigid yet highly intriguing multiple stranded polymers, especially conjugated ladder polymers, are yet not well established. This article introduces the fundamental concepts on macromolecular chain rigidity, as well as the corresponding experimental methods, models, and simulations. Subsequently, representative examples of works done on the chain rigidity of nonladder conjugated polymers and conjugated ladder polymers are reviewed. Last but not least, it provides outlooks on the challenges with respect to the less‐investigated chain rigidity of conjugated ladder polymers, including new models to describe and predict chain conformation, synthetic control on structural defects, and insights into the correlation of rigidity and applications.
Challenges experienced and resources identified by young to midlife couples 1–3 years post‐cancer diagnosis
Authors: Lyons Karen S. , Flatley Christine , Gorman Jessica R. , Hanan Diana M. , Hayes‐Lattin Brandon
Published: August 2021

Objective

The purpose of this study was to explore what young to midlife couples viewed as their strengths as a couple and the greatest challenges in their experience with cancer 1–3 years post‐diagnosis.

Methods

We used qualitative content analysis to extract common themes from open‐ended questions from 42 cancer survivors and their partners (aged 27–58). Patterns of themes by age and gender of the survivor were also explored.

Results

Couples described both positive and negative impacts of the cancer experience: (1) strengthened the relationship, bringing couples closer together; (2) brought emotional strain to many areas of life, especially for partners; (3) created positive changes in lifestyle and new priorities for the couple; (4) created strain in the couple's relationship and intimacy; and (5) altered the role of family in supporting the couple. Couples also described four key strengths in dealing with the cancer experience: (1) drawing strength from shared love and mutuality; (2) communicating openly, even about the difficult stuff; (3) working together as a team to support each other; and (4) drawing strength from shared values and goals. Couples reported unmet needs related to the emotional and relational strain of the cancer experience, managing longer term survivor symptoms, fertility and physical intimacy, and lack of support or attention to the partner who often assumed the role of care partner.

Conclusions

Themes are discussed in light of current dyadic concepts and importance of couple‐based interventions.
Crystal structure of aspartyl dipeptidase from Xenopus laevis revealed ligand binding induced loop ordering and catalytic triad assembly
Authors: Kumar Ashwani , Singh Rahul , Ghosh Biplab , Makde Ravindra D.
Published: August 2021

Gene encoding aspartyl dipeptidase from Xenopus levies (PepExl) is upregulated by thyroid hormone and is proposed to play a significant role in resorption of tadpole tail during metamorphosis. However, the importance of peptidase activity for the resorption of the tail remain elusive. Here we report the crystal structures of first eukaryotic S51 peptidase, PepExl, in its ligand‐free and Asp‐bound states at 1.4 and 1.8 Å resolutions, respectively. The active site is located at dimeric interface and the catalytic triad is found to be dissembled in ligand‐free and assembled in Asp‐bound state. Structural comparison and molecular dynamic simulations of ligand‐free and Asp‐bound states shows that distinct loop (loop‐A) plays an important role in active site shielding, substrate binding and enzyme activation. This study illuminates the Asp‐X dipeptide binding in PepExl is associated with ordering of the loop‐A and assembly of residues of catalytic triad in active conformation for enzymatic activity.
Time‐discretizations of differentiators: Design of implicit algorithms and comparative analysis
Authors: Mojallizadeh Mohammad Rasool , Brogliato Bernard , Acary Vincent
Published: August 2021

A complete review of the known differentiators and their time‐discretizations have been addressed in this study. To resolve the drawbacks of the explicit (forward Euler) discretization, which is commonly utilized in sliding‐mode‐based differentiators, implicit time discretization methods are proposed to handle the set‐valued functions. The proposed schemes are supported by some analytical results to show their crucial properties, for example, finite‐time convergence, exactness, invariant sliding‐surface, chattering elimination, insensitivity to the gains during the sliding‐phase, and the well‐posedness. The causal implementation of the proposed implicit schemes has been addressed clearly and supported by flowcharts. Semi‐implicit schemes are also presented to provide a compromise between the performance and the ease of implementation. Finally, an exhaustive comparison is made using numerical experiments among 25 different state‐of‐the‐art differentiators to evaluate the behaviors of the differentiators facing the noise and initial error. Realistic conditions are considered in the simulations to provide useful information based on practical conditions. General conclusions are that implicit discretizations can supersede explicit and semi‐implicit ones.
Improvement of Gas Sensing of Uniform Ag3PO4 Nanoparticles to NH3 under the Assistant of LED Lamp with Low Power Consumption at Room Temperature
Authors: Shao Xingyan , Wang Shuo , Hu Leqi , Liu Tingting , Wang Xiaomei , Yin Guangchao , Zhou Tong , Rajan Ramachandran , Jia Fuchao , Liu Bo
Published: August 2021

Light‐driven semiconductor gas sensors are attracting considerable research attention in the recent past. Among them, silver phosphate (Ag3PO4) material has excellent photocatalytic activities due to its high separation efficiency of electron‐hole pairs under visible light. Inspired by the above point of view, in this study, Ag3PO4 nanoparticles were successfully synthesized via simple precipitation method. The microstructure of Ag3PO4 nanoparticles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The crystalline phase and the composition of the elements and the chemical bonding states of the material were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), respectively. Then the gas sensing performance of Ag3PO4 to ammonia (NH3) was systematically explored at room temperature under the illumination of LED lamp and the same was compared with the dark condition as well. Interestingly, the response value to NH3 under LED lamp was 30 % higher than that of dark condition and the detection limit was found to be as low as 10 ppm at room temperature. This can be ascribed to the generation of more oxygen species under visible light, which benefitted for enhancing the gas sensing performance of the sensor. Surprisingly, Ag3PO4 sensor exhibited superior selectivity to NH3 under mixed target gases, which can be attributed to the lone pair electrons of NH3 that tend to coordinate the empty orbitals of silver atom.
Exploring the Corrosion Inhibition Properties of an Anionic Gemini Surfactant Based on an Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid Derivative on AZ31 Alloy
Authors: Acharya Gururaj M. , Shetty Nityananda A.
Published: August 2021

Novel sodium 2,2′‐(7,16‐dihexyl‐8,15‐dioxo‐7,10,13,16‐tetraazadocosane‐10,13‐diyl)diacetate was prepared by treating ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid dianhydride with N‐dihexylamine. The surfactant was used as a corrosion inhibitor on AZ31 alloy. FT‐IR spectroscopy, NMR spectroscopy and LC‐MS techniques were used to characterize the synthesized anionic inhibitor. The theoretical studies, performed by using the DFT simulations revealed in‐depth information on the frontier molecular orbitals and electronic properties of the inhibitor. Potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy methods were used to determine the corrosion inhibition ability of the synthesized surfactant. The adsorption of the surfactant on the surface of AZ31 Mg alloy obeyed Langmuir isotherm with predominantly physical adsorption and partial chemisorption. SEM‐EDX and XPS were used to understand the surface morphologies of the corroded AZ31 alloy. The quantum chemical simulations were used to get the correlation between their structural, molecular geometry, and experimental results.
Integrated Constructed Wetland‐Microbial Fuel Cell using Biochar as Wetland Matrix: Influence on Power Generation and Textile Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Sonu Kumar , Sogani Monika , Syed Zainab
Published: August 2021

The present study aims at integrating Constructed Wetland using biochar as matrix with Microbial Fuel Cell (CW‐MFC) and evaluating its effect on textile wastewater (TW) treatment in the form of removal of COD, Color and TDS along with Bioelectricity generation. Two vertical down flow systems of CW‐MFC were investigated for TW treatment and system reusability (with and without corn cob biochar) in batch mode with retention time of 10 days for 10 cycles. The performance of CW‐MFC with the corn cob biochar (CW‐MFC−A) was better than the CW‐MFC without corn cob biochar (CW‐MFC−B) in terms of parameters of TW treatment, bioelectricity generation and matrix reusability. The maximum power density, COD removal efficiency, decolorization efficiency and TDS reduction as obtained with CW‐MFC−A (102.08 mW/m2; 83 %; 90 %; 84 % respectively) were higher in comparison to the values obtained in CW‐MFC−B (78.24 mW/m2; 66 %; 65 %; 67 % respectively). Furthermore, the germination assessment studies using the treated effluent from CW‐MFC−A resulted in 100 % germination of Vigna radiata seeds indicating the usefulness of corn cob biochar as wetland matrix for treatment of wastewaters.
L. Lactis Subsp. Lactis of Cheese Origin Based Microbial Fuel Cell
Authors: Avci Okan , Büyüksünetçi Yudum T. , Güley Ziba , Anik Ülkü
Published: August 2021

In this work, Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis DLP27 (L .lactis) strain isolated from a traditional Turkish raw milk cheese, Divle Obruk Cheese, was used as a biocatalyst on the bioanode combined with a platinum cathode to fabricate a Nafion membrane based double compartment microbial fuel cell (MFC). Graphene‐gold‐platinum hybrid nanomaterial was used as modifier in L. lactis immobilized carbon felt based bioanode. Developed Nafion membrane based double compartment MFC characteristics were inspected by using optimized bioanode. In consequence, an open‐circuit voltage of 0.282 V, a maximum current density of 59.52 μA/cm2 and a maximum power density of 2.12 μW/cm2 were achieved with excellent lifetime of 49 days with developed MFC system.
Bi2S3–In2S3 Heterostructures for Efficient Photoreduction of Highly Toxic Cr6+ Enabled by Facet‐Coupling and Z‐Scheme Structure
Authors: Wang Linjuan , Karuturi Siva , Zan Ling
Published: August 2021

The construction of Z‐scheme photocatalyst materials mimicking the natural photosynthesis system provides many advantages, including increased light harvesting, spatially separated reductive and oxidative active sites and strong redox ability. Here, a novel Bi2S3 nanorod@In2S3 nanoparticle heterojunction photocatalyst synthesized through one‐pot hydrothermal method for Cr6+ reduction is reported. A systematic investigation of the microstructural and compositional characteristics of the heterojunction catalyst confirms an intimate facet coupling between (440) crystal facet of In2S3 and (060) crystal facet of Bi2S3, which provides a robust heterojunction interface for charge transfer. When tested under visible‐light irradiation, the Bi2S3–In2S3 heterojunction photocatalyst with 15% Bi2S3 loading content achieves the highest Cr6+ photoreduction efficiency of nearly 100% with excellent stability, which is among the best‐reported performances for Cr6+ removal. Further examination using optical, photoelectrochemical, impedance spectroscopy, and electron spin resonance spectroscopy characterizations reveal greatly improved photogenerated charge separation and transfer efficiency, and confirm Z‐scheme electronic structure of the photocatalyst. The Z‐scheme Bi2S3–In2S3 photocatalyst demonstrated here presents promise for the removal of highly toxic Cr6+, and could also be of interest in photocatalytic energy conversion.
Cobalt Selenide Hollow Polyhedron Encapsulated in Graphene for High‐Performance Lithium/Sodium Storage
Authors: Jiang Ying , Xie Man , Wu Feng , Ye Zhengqing , Zhang Yixin , Wang Ziheng , Zhou Yaozong , Li Li , Chen Renjie
Published: August 2021

Owing to the high specific capacities, high electrochemical activity, and various electronic properties, transition metal selenides are considered as promising anodes for lithium‐ and sodium‐ion storage. However, poor electronic conductivity and huge volume expansion during cycling are still responsible for their restricted electrochemical performance. Herein, CoSe hollow polyhedron anchoring onto graphene (CoSe/G) is synthesized by self‐assembly and subsequent selenization. In CoSe/G composites, the CoSe nanoparticles, obtained by in situ selenization of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) in high temperature, are distributed among graphene sheets, realizing N element doping, developing robust heterostructures with a chemical bond. The unique architecture ensures the cohesion of the structure and endorses the reaction kinetics for metal ions, identified by in situ and ex situ testing techniques, and kinetics analysis. Thus, the CoSe/G anodes achieve excellent cycling performance (1259 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 after 300 cycles for lithium storage; 214 mAh g−1 at 2 A g−1 after 600 cycles for sodium storage) and rate capability (732 mAh g−1 at 5 A g−1 for lithium storage; 290 mAh g−1 at 5 A g−1 for sodium storage). The improved electrochemical performance for alkali‐ion storage provides new insights for the construction of MOFs derivatives toward high‐performance storage devices.
Highly Sensitive Ultraviolet and Visible Wavelength Sensor Composed of Two Identical Perovskite Nanofilm Photodetectors
Authors: Liang Feng‐Xia , Fan Rong‐Yu , Li Jing‐Yue , Fu Can , Jiang Jing‐Jing , Fang Ting , Wu Di , Luo Lin‐Bao
Published: August 2021

This work reports the design of a wavelength sensor composed of two identical perovskite (FA0.85Cs0.15PbI3) photodetectors (PDs) that are capable of discriminating incident wavelength in a quantitative way. Due to strong wavelength‐dependent absorption coefficient, the penetration depth of the photons in the FA0.85Cs0.15PbI3 nanofilms increases with the increasing wavelength, leading to a gradual decrease of photo‐generated current for PD1, but an increase of photocurrent in PD2, according to the theoretical simulation of Technology Computer Aided Design. This special evolution of photo‐generated current as a function of wavelength facilitates the quantitative determination of the wavelength since the current ratio of both PDs monotonously decreases with the increase of wavelength from 265 to 810 nm. The average absolute error and the average relative error are estimated to be 7.6 nm and 1.68%, respectively, which are much better than other semiconductors materials‐based wavelength sensors previously reported. It is believed that the present perovskite film‐based wavelength sensor will have potential application in the future color/spectrum optoelectronic devices.
Real time flood disaster monitoring based on energy efficient ensemble clustering mechanism in wireless sensor network
Authors: Wilson Allan Jenose , Radhamani Aravindhan Sarojini
Published: August 2021

In this article, energy efficient ensemble clustering method (EECM) with black widow optimization (EECM‐BWO) algorithm is proposed for effective data transmission with the help of real time flood disaster monitoring wireless sensor network (WSN). Initially, unified scalable ensemble clustering algorithm based on ensemble generation and consensus function is proposed for selecting the optimal routing path among the node using BWO algorithm. Then, biologically inspired routing black widow spiders optimization algorithm is proposed to trade off the nodes energy level, self‐organization, and self‐configuration in the WSN. The simulation is performed using NS2 simulator for validating the performance of the proposed EECM‐BWO method. Here, in node, low delay achieves 24.07%, 72.58%, 51.36%, 81.75%, 77.74%, high packet delivery ratio achieves 70.83%, 53.93%, 90.23%, 43.58%, 24.58%, low packet drop attains 77.93%, 72.76%, 61.56%, 51.87%, 34.35%, low energy consumption attains 75.9%, 52.94%, 65.81%, 58%, 41.2% compared with existing energy‐efficient clustering approach consolidated game theory as well as dual‐cluster‐head mode for WSNs energy‐aware clustering by cuckoo optimization approach (EECM‐COA), energy‐aware clustering‐based routing using multi‐path reliable transmission with routing and control board (EECM‐RCB‐MRT), adaptive repair algorithm with temporally ordered routing algorithms for flood control strategy (EECM‐AR‐TORA‐FCS), passive multi‐hop clustering algorithm (EECM‐PMC), dynamic source routing protocol based on genetic algorithm‐bacterial foraging optimization (DSR‐GA‐BFO).
Puget Sound Chum Salmon Growth Linked to Competitor Abundance, Climate Indices, and Copepod Species Richness
Authors: Anderson Austin J. , Claiborne Andrew M. , Agha Mickey , Litz Marisa N. C.
Published: August 2021

An improved understanding of the mechanisms influencing productivity of fish populations is critical for accurately determining harvest rates and identifying years of conservation concern. Here we reconstruct yearly scale growth of three Puget Sound (PS) Chum Salmon Oncorhynchus keta stocks over 16 brood years (1997–2012) to better understand how variation in marine growth may be related to environmental factors, intra‐ and interspecific competition, and stock productivity. Generalized additive mixed models identified copepod species richness in the northern California Current and the abundance of PS Pink Salmon O. gorbuscha and Chum Salmon as strong predictors of first‐year growth, the latter indicative of density‐dependent effects as the abundance of local competitors (Pink and Chum salmon) increased. Second‐year growth was negatively related to the Aleutian Low–Beaufort Sea Anticyclone (ALBSA), a recently defined metric of the Aleutian Low, and showed a nonlinear positive to negative relationship with sea surface temperature in the Gulf of Alaska. Puget Sound Chum and Pink Salmon abundances were also significantly related to second‐year growth but did not suggest density‐dependent effects like those observed in ocean year 1. Third‐year growth was closely related to large‐scale climate indicators, demonstrating a nonlinear negative to positive relationship with the North Pacific Gyre Oscillation, a negative relationship with ALBSA, and a negative relationship with North Pacific Pink Salmon abundance when catch statistics indicated that abundance was high. Models indicated that PS Chum Salmon stock productivity (recruits per spawner) was positively correlated with back‐calculated first‐year growth and negatively correlated with second‐ and third‐year growth, suggesting that for brood years whose surviving adults experienced rapid early marine growth, there were cohort survival benefits. As new relationships between large‐scale indicators and Pacific salmon stocks are identified, incorporating these indicators into forecasting efforts is paramount for effective and sustainable management of fishery resources.
European guideline on indications, performance, and clinical impact of hydrogen and methane breath tests in adult and pediatric patients: European Association for Gastroenterology, Endoscopy and Nutrition, European Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility, and European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition consensus
Authors: Hammer Heinz F. , Fox Mark R. , Keller Jutta , Salvatore Silvia , Basilisco Guido , Hammer Johann , Lopetuso Loris , Benninga Marc , Borrelli Osvaldo , Dumitrascu Dan , Hauser Bruno , Herszenyi Laszlo , Nakov Radislav , Pohl Daniel , Thapar Nikhil , Sonyi Marc ,   European H‐CH‐breath test group
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Measurement of breath hydrogen (H2) and methane (CH4) excretion after ingestion of test‐carbohydrates is used for different diagnostic purposes. There is a lack of standardization among centers performing these tests and this, together with recent technical developments and evidence from clinical studies, highlight the need for a European guideline.

Methods

This consensus‐based clinical practice guideline defines the clinical indications, performance, and interpretation of H2‐CH4‐breath tests in adult and pediatric patients. A balance between scientific evidence and clinical experience was achieved by a Delphi consensus that involved 44 experts from 18 European countries. Eighty eight statements and recommendations were drafted based on a review of the literature. Consensus (≥80% agreement) was reached for 82. Quality of evidence was evaluated using validated criteria.

Results

The guideline incorporates new insights into the role of symptom assessment to diagnose carbohydrate (e.g., lactose) intolerances and recommends that breath tests for carbohydrate malabsorption require additional validated concurrent symptom evaluation to establish carbohydrate intolerance. Regarding the use of breath tests for the evaluation of oro‐cecal transit time and suspected small bowel bacterial overgrowth, this guideline highlights confounding factors associated with the interpretation of H2‐CH4‐breath tests in these indications and recommends approaches to mitigate these issues.

Conclusion

This clinical practice guideline should facilitate pan‐European harmonization of diagnostic approaches to symptoms and disorders, which are very common in specialist and primary care gastroenterology practice, both in adult and pediatric patients. In addition, it identifies areas of future research needs to clarify diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
Over‐the‐scope clip versus transcatheter arterial embolization for refractory peptic ulcer bleeding—A propensity score matched analysis
Authors: Kuellmer Armin , Mangold Tobias , Bettinger Dominik , Maruschke Lars , Wannhoff Andreas , Caca Karel , Wedi Edris , Hosseini Ali Seif Amir , Kleemann Tobias , Schulz Thomas , Jung Carlo , Thimme Robert , Schmidt Arthur
Published: August 2021

Background

Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) or surgery are standard treatment of peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB) refractory to endoscopic hemostasis. Over‐the‐scope clips (OTSC) have shown superiority to standard endoscopic treatment.

Objective

To compare OTSC treatment to TAE in refractory peptic ulcer bleeding.

Patients and Methods

In this retrospective, multicenter study, 128 patients treated with OTSC (n = 66) or TAE (n = 62) for refractory PUB between 2009 and 2019 in four academic centers were analyzed. Primary endpoint was clinical success (hemostasis + no rebleeding within 7 days). Secondary endpoints were adverse events, length of ICU stay, and mortality. Propensity score matching was performed to adjust for differences in baseline characteristics.

Results

Patients characteristics were similar in both groups but ulcers in the TAE group were larger, more often located in the duodenal bulb (85.5% vs. 65.2%; p = 0.014), and that the proportion of Forrest Ia bleedings was higher (38.7% vs. 19.7%; p = 0.018). Clinical success was comparable in both groups (74.2% vs. 59.7%; p = 0.092). Stay on the intensive care unit (ICU) was significantly longer in the TAE group (mean 8.0 vs. 4.7 days; p = 0.002). Serious adverse events after re‐therapy (12.9% vs. 1.5%; p = 0.042) and in‐hospital mortality were significantly higher in the TAE group (9.1 vs. 22.6%, OR 2.92 [95% CI 1.04–8.16]; p = 0.05). After propensity score matching, the differences found regarding ICU stay (4.9± 5.9 and 9.2 ± 11.2; p = 0.009) and in‐hospital mortality (5% vs. 22.5%; OR 5.52 [95% CI: 1.11–27.43]; p = 0.048) stayed significant.

Conclusions

OTSC treatment for refractory PUB was superior to TAE in terms of ICU stay and in‐hospital mortality.
Toxicity of fluoroquinolones on the cladoceran Daphnia magna
Authors: Eluk Dafna , Nagel Orlando , Gagneten Ana , Reno Ulises , Althaus Rafael
Published: August 2021

This study evaluates the acute and chronic toxicological effects of six fluoroquinolones on the mortality and growth of Daphnia magna. The NOECs calculated with the multivariate Probit regression model for the chronic study were 56 μg/L ciprofloxacin, 63 μg/L enrofloxacin, 78 μg/L levofloxacin, 85 μg/L marbofloxacin, 69 μg/L norfloxacin, and 141 μg/L ofloxacin. The risk quotients were determined using the measure environmental concentrations reported in water sources from different countries. The risks were low and moderate in water samples from rivers and lakes, although concentrations of ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, and ofloxacin reported in some countries can cause toxicological damage to D. magna. In addition, urban wastewater and hospital wastewater samples constitute a threat to D. magna (high and moderate risks), requiring the treatment of these wastewater.

Practitioner points

The NOECs calculated with the multivariate Probit model for the six fluoroquinolonas are between 56 μg/L ciprofloxacin and 141 μg/L ofloxacin.

The levels of ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, and ofloxacin in urban wastewater and hospital wastewater produce moderate and high risks for D. magna.

Water and river samples from some countries containing ciprofloxacin, norlfoxacin, and ofloxacin present high risks for D. magna.
Experiencing Market Dynamics with TraderEx: A Trading Decision-Making Simulation
Authors: Ozenbas Deniz , Pagano Michael S. , Schwartz Robert A. , Weber Bruce W.
Published: August 2021

Trading education is vital for success in the securities and investments industry. Are apprenticeships and time on an institutional trading desk the only way to learn how to trade? Do you need to work with real orders and have real money at risk to gain experience interacting with the dynamic process of price formation? The answers are no and no. Trading simulations that are well-designed can create experiences with price discovery and impose the challenges of illiquidity in ways that replicate the learning accomplished (and pressures felt) on a real trading desk. With TraderEx, you will appreciate the complexity of trading and understand it as a distinct profession within the financial industry, even if it is not always thought of as such in business school curriculum.
Dirichlet baths and the not-so-fine-grained Page curve
Authors: Ghosh Kausik , Krishnan Chethan
Published: August 2021

Abstract

We present a doubly holographic prescription for computing entanglement entropy on a gravitating brane. It involves a Ryu-Takayanagi surface with a Dirichlet anchoring condition. In braneworld cosmology, a related approach was used previously in arXiv:2007.06551. There, the prescription naturally computed a co-moving entanglement entropy, and was argued to resolve the information paradox for a black hole living in the cosmology. In this paper, we show that the Dirichlet prescription leads to reasonable results, when applied to a recently studied wedge holography set up with a gravitating bath. The nature of the information paradox and its resolution in our Dirichlet problem have a natural understanding in terms of the strength of gravity on the two branes and at the anchoring location. By sliding the anchor to the defect, we demonstrate that the limit where gravity decouples from the anchor is continuous — in other words, as far as island physics is considered, weak gravity on the anchor is identical to no gravity. The weak and (moderately) strong gravity regions on the brane are separated by a “Dirichlet wall”. We find an intricate interplay between various extremal surfaces, with an island coming to the rescue whenever there is an information paradox. This is despite the presence of massless gravitons in the spectrum. The overall physics is consistent with the slogan that gravity becomes “more holographic”, as it gets stronger. Our observations strengthen the case that the conventional Page curve is indeed of significance, when discussing the information paradox in flat space. We work in high enough dimensions so that the graviton is non-trivial, and our results are in line with the previous discussions on gravitating baths in arXiv:2005.02993 and arXiv:2007.06551.
S-matrix bootstrap in 3+1 dimensions: regularization and dual convex problem
Authors: He Yifei , Kruczenski Martin
Published: August 2021

Abstract

The S-matrix bootstrap maps out the space of S-matrices allowed by analyticity, crossing, unitarity, and other constraints. For the 2 → 2 scattering matrix S2→2 such space is an infinite dimensional convex space whose boundary can be determined by maximizing linear functionals. On the boundary interesting theories can be found, many times at vertices of the space. Here we consider 3 + 1 dimensional theories and focus on the equivalent dual convex minimization problem that provides strict upper bounds for the regularized primal problem and has interesting practical and physical advantages over the primal problem. Its variables are dual partial waves kℓ(s) that are free variables, namely they do not have to obey any crossing, unitarity or other constraints. Nevertheless they are directly related to the partial waves fℓ(s), for which all crossing, unitarity and symmetry properties result from the minimization. Numerically, it requires only a few dual partial waves, much as one wants to possibly match experimental results. We consider the case of scalar fields which is related to pion physics.
WDVV equations and invariant bi-Hamiltonian formalism
Authors: Vašíček J. , Vitolo R.
Published: August 2021

Abstract

The purpose of the paper is to show that, in low dimensions, the WDVV equations are bi-Hamiltonian. The invariance of the bi-Hamiltonian formalism is proved for N = 3. More examples in higher dimensions show that the result might hold in general. The invariance group of the bi-Hamiltonian pairs that we find for WDVV equations is the group of projective transformations. The significance of projective invariance of WDVV equations is discussed in detail. The computer algebra programs that were used for calculations throughout the paper are provided in a GitHub repository.
Prophylaktische Fasziotomie bei Tibia-Osteotomien: funktionelle Ergebnisse
Authors: Degen Nikolaus , Randeu Tobias , Wolf Florian , Fürmetz Julian , Euler Ekkehard , Böcker Wolfgang , Thaller Peter Helmut
Published: August 2021

Hintergrund

Bei Tibia-Osteotomien (TO) mit Marknagelfixierung kann eine minimal-invasive, prophylaktische Fasziotomie (PF) der Extensorenloge zur Prävention eines postoperativen akuten Kompartmentsyndroms (KS) erfolgen. Bislang sind keine Studien über die Effekte von TO oder PF auf spezifische Funktionen der Extensoren bekannt.

Ziel der Arbeit

Die Untersuchung der Funktion nach PF und TO an Patient*innen ohne präoperative funktionelle Einschränkung.

Material und Methoden

In 41 Fällen (28 Frauen, 13 Männer) erfolgte durchschnittlich 6,1 Jahre nach elektiver TO mit PF und Marknagelfixierung eine Befragung zur klinischen Funktion. In 23 Fällen wurden die isometrische Kraft und der „range of motion“ (ROM) der Dorsalextension (DE) des oberen Sprunggelenks (OSG) gemessen. Die Kraft wurde als Test auf klinische Relevanz mit der 10 %-Normperzentile verglichen, sowie zur Gegenseite.

Ergebnisse

In durchschnittlich 86 % der Fälle wurde von keinen oder geringen funktionellen Einschränkungen der Extensoren berichtetet. Die mittlere Kraft zeigte keine signifikante Abweichung von der geschlechterspezifischen 10 %-Normperzentile, aber war im Seitenvergleich auf der operierten Seite mit 16,0 ± 6,5 kgf signifikant geringer als auf der Gegenseite mit 17,5 ± 6,3 kgf (p < 0,01). Die subjektive Einschränkung der DE im OSG korrelierte deutlich negativ mit der ROM (rs = −0,46, p < 0,05).

Diskussion

Die Ergebnisse lassen auf eine geringe Häufigkeit subjektiv relevanter funktioneller Einschränkungen der Extensoren schließen. Die vorgefundene Kraftminderung war nicht klinisch relevant. Subjektive Einschränkungen scheinen vorrangig durch Abnahme des ROM verursacht zu sein.
Spatio-temporal variation in number and production of neustonic and planktonic bacteria inhabiting polluted estuarine harbour channel
Authors: Perliński Piotr , Mudryk Zbigniew J. , Zdanowicz Marta , Kubera Łukasz
Published: August 2021

The aim of this paper was to determine the abundance and secondary production by bacteria inhabiting the surface microlayer and subsurface water in a specific water basin, i.e., polluted estuarine harbour channel. In a 3-year seasonal cycle, the total number of bacteria and their biomass were higher in the surface microlayer (SML) 7.57 × 108cells dm−3 and 15.86 µg C dm−3 than in the subsurface water (SSW) 4.25 × 108cells dm−3 and 9.11 µg C dm−3 of the studied channel. The opposite relationship was noted in the level of the secondary production (SML—37.16 μg C dm−3 h−1, SSW—60.26 μg C dm−3 h−1) in this water basin. According to the analysed microbiological parameters, the total number of bacteria and secondary production varied along the horizontal profile in the water of the studied channel. The total number of bacteria and their secondary production showed the seasonal variation as well.
Random inscribed polytopes in projective geometries
Authors: Besau Florian , Rosen Daniel , Thäle Christoph
Published: August 2021

We establish central limit theorems for natural volumes of random inscribed polytopes in projective Riemannian or Finsler geometries. In addition, normal approximation of dual volumes and the mean width of random polyhedral sets are obtained. We deduce these results by proving a general central limit theorem for the weighted volume of the convex hull of random points chosen from the boundary of a smooth convex body according to a positive and continuous density in Euclidean space. In the background are geometric estimates for weighted surface bodies and a Berry–Esseen bound for functionals of independent random variables.
Metabolomics for personalized medicine: the input of analytical chemistry from biomarker discovery to point-of-care tests
Authors: Castelli Florence Anne , Rosati Giulio , Moguet Christian , Fuentes Celia , Marrugo-Ramírez Jose , Lefebvre Thibaud , Volland Hervé , Merkoçi Arben , Simon Stéphanie , Fenaille François , Junot Christophe
Published: August 2021

Metabolomics refers to the large-scale detection, quantification, and analysis of small molecules (metabolites) in biological media. Although metabolomics, alone or combined with other omics data, has already demonstrated its relevance for patient stratification in the frame of research projects and clinical studies, much remains to be done to move this approach to the clinical practice. This is especially true in the perspective of being applied to personalized/precision medicine, which aims at stratifying patients according to their risk of developing diseases, and tailoring medical treatments of patients according to individual characteristics in order to improve their efficacy and limit their toxicity. In this review article, we discuss the main challenges linked to analytical chemistry that need to be addressed to foster the implementation of metabolomics in the clinics and the use of the data produced by this approach in personalized medicine. First of all, there are already well-known issues related to untargeted metabolomics workflows at the levels of data production (lack of standardization), metabolite identification (small proportion of annotated features and identified metabolites), and data processing (from automatic detection of features to multi-omic data integration) that hamper the inter-operability and reusability of metabolomics data. Furthermore, the outputs of metabolomics workflows are complex molecular signatures of few tens of metabolites, often with small abundance variations, and obtained with expensive laboratory equipment. It is thus necessary to simplify these molecular signatures so that they can be produced and used in the field. This last point, which is still poorly addressed by the metabolomics community, may be crucial in a near future with the increased availability of molecular signatures of medical relevance and the increased societal demand for participatory medicine.

Graphical abstract
Effects of motor restrictions on preparatory brain activity
Authors: Sperl L. , Ruttloff J. M. , Ambrus G. G. , Kaufmann J. M. , Cañal-Bruland R. , Schweinberger S. R.
Published: August 2021

Modifying established motor skills is a challenging endeavor due to proactive interference from undesired old to desired new actions, calling for high levels of cognitive control. Motor restrictions may facilitate the modification of motor skills by rendering undesired responses physically impossible, thus reducing demands to response inhibition. Here we studied behavioral and EEG effects of rule changes to typing in skilled touch-typists. The respective rule change—typing without using the left index finger—was either implemented per instruction only or with an additional motor restriction. In both groups, the rule change elicited delays and more errors in typing, indicating the occurrence of proactive interference. While stimulus-locked ERPs did not exhibit prominent effects of rule change or group, response-locked ERPs revealed that the time courses of preparatory brain activity preceding typing responses depended on the presence of motor restriction. Although further research is necessary to corroborate our findings, they indicate a novel brain correlate that represents changes in inhibitory response preparation induced by short-term motor restrictions.
Current human brain applications and challenges of dynamic hyperpolarized carbon-13 labeled pyruvate MR metabolic imaging
Authors: Li Yan , Vigneron Daniel B. , Xu Duan
Published: August 2021

The ability of hyperpolarized carbon-13 MR metabolic imaging to acquire dynamic metabolic information in real time is crucial to gain mechanistic insights into metabolic pathways, which are complementary to anatomic and other functional imaging methods. This review presents the advantages of this emerging functional imaging technology, describes considerations in clinical translations, and summarizes current human brain applications. Despite rapid development in methodologies, significant technological and physiological related challenges continue to impede broader clinical translation.
Memristive devices based on mass printed organic resistive switching layers
Authors: Strutwolf Jörg , Chen Yong , Ullrich Johann , Dehnert Martin , Hübler Arved C.
Published: August 2021

Resistive random-access memory is a candidate for next-generation non-volatile memory architectures. In this study, we use flexographic roll-to-roll printing technology for deposition of the resistive layer, a printing method that allows fast and cost-effective fabrication to create non-volatile resistive memory devices. Metal-free organic polymers blends composed of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and a surplus of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) serve as the active layer. Microscopic studies of the roll-to-roll printed layers show circular domains of PMMA embedded in PVA. The influence of the PMMA content in the polymer blend is investigated with respect to the performance and reliability of the resistive memory cells. Electrical characterization reveals a retention time of at least eleven days, a Roff/Ron ratio of approx. two orders and write/erase voltages of + 1/−2 V.
Critical cluster composition from homogeneous nucleation data: application to water in carbon dioxide–nitrogen carrier gases
Authors: Campagna M. M. , Hrubý J. , van Dongen M. E. H. , Smeulders D. M. J.
Published: August 2021

Knowledge on critical cluster composition is important for improving the nucleation theory. Thus, homogeneous water nucleation experiments previously carried out in nitrogen and 0%, 5%, 15% and 25% of carbon dioxide ( Campagna et al. 2020a, 2021) are analyzed. The tests were conducted at 240 K and 0.1 MPa, 1 MPa and 2 MPa. The observed nucleation rates are strongly dependent on supersaturation, pressure, temperature and mixture composition. These experimentally found dependencies can be used to derive the composition of critical clusters by means of the nucleation theorem. In this way, a macroscopic quantity, nucleation rate, reveals properties of critical clusters consisting of a few tens of molecules. Two novel methods are presented for the detailed application of the nucleation theorem. The first method extends to mixtures of $$\,\,\,\,\,\,\,N>2\,\,\,\,\,\,$$

N
>
2

components the approach used in literature for two components. The second method not only applies to $$N>2$$

N
>
2

mixtures in a more straightforward manner, but it can also be used for unary as well as for binary and multi-component nucleation cases. To the best of our knowledge, for the first time the critical cluster composition is computed for high pressure nucleation data of a vapor (here water) in mixtures of two carrier gases (here carbon dioxide–nitrogen). After a proper parameterization of the nucleation rate data, both methods consistently lead to the same critical nuclei compositions within the experimental uncertainty. Increasing pressure and carbon dioxide molar fraction at fixed supersaturation leads to a decrease in the water content of the critical cluster, while the adsorbed number of nitrogen and carbon dioxide molecules increases. As a consequence, the surface tension decreases. This outcome explains the observed increase in the nucleation rate with increasing pressure and carbon dioxide molar fraction at constant supersaturation.

Graphic abstract
Reconstruction or replacement? A challenging question in surgical treatment of complex humeral head fractures in the elderly
Authors: Müller M. , Greve F. , Crönlein M. , Zyskowski M. , Pesch S. , Biberthaler P. , Kirchhoff C. , Beirer M.
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Surgical treatment of complex humeral head fractures in the elderly is challenging due to osteoporotic bone, comorbidities and reduced compliance. The treatment strategy (reconstruction versus replacement) should allow for a functional aftercare and result in a high patient satisfaction. Major complications leading to surgical revision are crucial and should be avoided. The purpose of this study was to analyse the major complication rate leading to surgical revision and the patient-based outcome in complex humeral head fractures of the elderly population treated either using locking plate fixation (LCP) or reversed total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA).

Materials and Methods

All patients older than 65 years surgically treated due to a four-part fracture of the proximal humerus between 2003 and 2015 were enrolled in our retrospective study. Major complications and revision rates were recorded and functional outcome was assessed using the Munich Shoulder Questionnaire (MSQ) allowing for qualitative self-assessment of the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), of the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score and of the Constant Score.

Results

A cohort of 103 patients with a mean age of 73.4 ± 6.2 years suffering from four-part fractures of the humeral head were enrolled. 63 patients were treated using the LCP fixation compared to 40 rTSAs. There were no significant differences in the patient-reported functional outcome. The revision rate was significantly higher in the LCP group (10/63; 15.9%) compared to the rTSA group (1/40; 2.5%). Reasons for revision were avascular head necrosis, cut-out of screws, secondary dislocation of the greater tuberosity and hypersensitivity to metal.

Conclusions

Reversed total shoulder arthroplasty and locking plate fixation are both established surgical procedures for the management of complex proximal humerus fractures in the elderly leading to similar functional results. However the revision rate in the rTSA group was significantly lower. Primary rTSA should, therefore, be favoured in multimorbid elderly patients with an increased complication risk to avoid repeated anaesthesia.