bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utilizing a Cornu depolarizer in the generation of spatially unpolarized light
Authors: Kroh Florian , Rosskopf Markus , Elsässer Wolfgang
Published: May 2021

In this paper, we investigate depolarization properties of a quartz double-wedge Cornu depolarizer with respect to the generation of spatially unpolarized light in terms of on-average randomly occupied states on the Poincaré sphere. Spatially resolved Stokes parameter measurements yield transformed polarization states and polarization-dispersed characteristic fringes for the Stokes parameters. Their spatial symmetry, the degree of polarization, and spatially integrated Stokes parameters as a function of the aperture-determined input diameter together with a Mueller matrix calculus model confirm the successful generation of equator states incorporating the ensemble of all purely linearly polarized states, thus on spatial average representing unpolarized light.
Patterns of selection against centrosome amplification in human cell lines
Authors: Dias Louro Marco António , Bettencourt-Dias Mónica , Bank Claudia
Published: May 2021

The presence of extra centrioles, termed centrosome amplification, is a hallmark of cancer. The distribution of centriole numbers within a cancer cell population appears to be at an equilibrium maintained by centriole overproduction and selection, reminiscent of mutation-selection balance. It is unknown to date if the interaction between centriole overproduction and selection can quantitatively explain the intra- and inter-population heterogeneity in centriole numbers. Here, we define mutation-selection-like models and employ a model selection approach to infer patterns of centriole overproduction and selection in a diverse panel of human cell lines. Surprisingly, we infer strong and uniform selection against any number of extra centrioles in most cell lines. Finally we assess the accuracy and precision of our inference method and find that it increases non-linearly as a function of the number of sampled cells. We discuss the biological implications of our results and how our methodology can inform future experiments.
Neonatal and infant mortality associated with spina bifida: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ho Peter , Quigley Maria A. , Tatwavedi Dharamveer , Britto Carl , Kurinczuk Jennifer J.
Published: May 2021

Objectives

A systematic review was conducted in high-income country settings to analyse: (i) spina bifida neonatal and IMRs over time, and (ii) clinical and socio-demographic factors associated with mortality in the first year after birth in infants affected by spina bifida.

Data sources

PubMed, Embase, Ovid, Web of Science, CINAHL, Scopus and the Cochrane Library were searched from 1stJanuary, 1990 to 31stAugust, 2020 to review evidence.

Study selection

Population-based studies that provided data for spina bifida infant mortality and case fatality according to clinical and socio-demographical characteristics were included. Studies were excluded if they were conducted solely in tertiary centres. Spina bifida occulta or syndromal spina bifida were excluded where possible.

Data extraction and synthesis

Independent reviewers extracted data and assessed their quality using MOOSE guideline. Pooled mortality estimates were calculated using random-effects (+/- fixed effects) models meta-analyses. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed using the Cochrane Q test and I2statistics. Meta-regression was performed to examine the impact of year of birth cohort on spina bifida infant mortality.

Results

Twenty studies met the full inclusion criteria with a total study population of over 30 million liveborn infants and approximately 12,000 spina bifida-affected infants. Significant declines in spina bifida associated infant and neonatal mortality rates (e.g. 4.76% decrease in IMR per 100, 000 live births per year) and case fatality (e.g. 2.70% decrease in infant case fatality per year) were consistently observed over time. Preterm birth (RR 4.45; 2.30–8.60) and low birthweight (RR 4.77; 2.67–8.55) are the strongest risk factors associated with increased spina bifida infant case fatality.

Significance

Significant declines in spina bifida associated infant/neonatal mortality and case fatality were consistently observed, advances in treatment and mandatory folic acid food fortification both likely play an important role. Particular attention is warranted from clinicians caring for preterm and low birthweight babies affected by spina bifida.
Infertility management according to the Endometriosis Fertility Index in patients operated for endometriosis: What is the optimal time frame?
Authors: Bailleul Alexandre , Niro Julien , Du Cheyron Joseph , Panel Pierre , Fauconnier Arnaud
Published: May 2021

Introduction

The Endometriosis Fertility Index (EFI) is a validated score for predicting the postoperative spontaneous pregnancy rate in patients undergoing endometriosis surgery. However, the practical use of the EFI to advise patients about postoperative fertility management is unclear.

Materials and methods

All patients participating in the ENDOQUAL study–a prospective observational bi-center cohort study conducted between 01/2012 and 06/2018–who underwent surgery for infertility were asked to complete a questionnaire collecting time and mode of conception. Statistical analysis was performed with the Fine and Gray model of competing risks and analysis of fertility according to the EFI.

Results

Of the 234 patients analyzed, 104 (44.4%) conceived postoperatively including 58 (55.8%) spontaneous pregnancies. An EFI of 0–4 for spontaneous pregnancies was associated with a lower cumulative pregnancy incidence compared to an EFI of 5–10 (52 versus 34 pregnancies respectively, Subdistribution Hazard Ratio (SHR) = 0.47; 95% CI [0.2; 1.1]; p = 0.08). An EFI of 0–4 was associated with a higher cumulative pregnancy rate for pregnancies obtained by artificial reproduction technology (ART), compared to an EFI of 5–10 (12 versus 6 pregnancies respectively, SHR = 1.9; CI95% [0.96; 3.8]; p = 0.06). Fecundability decreased from 12 months for EFI 0–4 and from 24 months for EFI 5–10.

Conclusion

Our analysis suggests that patients with an unfavorable EFI (≤4) have more ART pregnancies than patients with a favorable EFI (≥5) and should be referred for ART shortly after surgery. Patients with a favorable EFI may attempt spontaneous pregnancy for 24 months before referral.
Establishment of a Sandwich-ELISA for simultaneous quantification of bovine pregnancy-associated glycoprotein in serum and milk
Authors: Krebs Tony , Kilic Isabel , Mütze Katja , Kleinhans Sonja , Lücking Daniel , Hennies Mark , Tetens Jens
Published: May 2021

Bovine pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (boPAG) are expressed by trophoblast cells in the bovine placenta. The multigene family of boPAG belongs to the group of aspartic proteases. The accumulation and circulation in maternal blood and milk has made boPAG very useful and important for pregnancy diagnosis in cattle. The goal of the present study was to develop and validate a new Sandwich-ELISA which allows the detection of boPAG in maternal serum and whole milk. Therefore, 984 serum and 928 milk samples were collected monthly from 231 Holstein Friesian cows (Bos Taurus) from one week after insemination (p.i.) until six weeks postpartum. The ELISA is able to identify a cow as being pregnant at day 30 p.i. in serum and at day 40 p.i in milk with threshold values of 1.0 ng/ml in serum and 0.0165 ng/ml in milk. The postpartum half-life of boPAG was estimated to be 6.4 days in serum and 7.1 days in milk. The boPAG profile established during pregnancy in serum and milk showed a typical pattern. The amount of boPAG found in milk was 1.5 % of the amount of boPAG present in serum. In conclusion, a Sandwich-ELISA has been developed to quantify boPAG in serum and in whole milk simultaneously with the same test procedure. This is time saving for farmers and more efficient for laboratories.
Entrevista a Vincenzo Ferrari
Authors: Ladavac Nicoletta
Published: May 2021

Entrevista a Vincenzo Ferrari
Gastric Mucosal Immune Profiling and Dysregulation in Idiopathic Gastroparesis
Authors: Gottfried-Blackmore Andres , Namkoong Hong , Adler Emerald , Martin Brock , Gubatan John , Fernandez-Becker Nielsen , Clarke John O. , Idoyaga Juliana , Nguyen Linda , Habtezion Aida
Published: May 2021

INTRODUCTION:

It is unclear how immune perturbations may influence the pathogenesis of idiopathic gastroparesis, a prevalent functional disorder of the stomach which lacks animal models. Several studies have noted altered immune characteristics in the deep gastric muscle layer associated with gastroparesis, but data are lacking for the mucosal layer, which is endoscopically accessible. We hypothesized that immune dysregulation is present in the gastroduodenal mucosa in idiopathic gastroparesis and that specific immune profiles are associated with gastroparesis clinical parameters.

METHODS:

In this cross-sectional prospective case-control study, routine endoscopic biopsies were used for comprehensive immune profiling by flow cytometry, multicytokine array, and gene expression in 3 segments of the stomach and the duodenal bulb. Associations of immune endpoints with clinical parameters of gastroparesis were also explored.

RESULTS:

The gastric mucosa displayed large regional variation of distinct immune profiles. Furthermore, several-fold increases in innate and adaptive immune cells were found in gastroparesis. Various immune cell types showed positive correlations with duration of disease, proton pump inhibitor dosing, and delayed gastric emptying.

DISCUSSION:

This initial observational study showed immune compartmentalization of the human stomach mucosa and significant immune dysregulation at the level of leukocyte infiltration in idiopathic gastroparesis patients that extends to the duodenum. Select immune cells, such as macrophages, may correlate with clinicopathological traits of gastroparesis. This work supports further mucosal studies to advance our understanding of gastroparesis pathophysiology.

JOURNAL/cltg/04.03/01720094-202105000-00012/inline-graphic1/v/2023-10-30T172658Z/r/image-tiff
Caso clínico: Herpes Zoster diseminado en paciente adulta mayor inmunocompetente
Authors: Enríquez Cruz Johanna Cecilia , Araujo Yánez Adriana Elizabeth , Zaputt Cabrera Sayonara del Rocío
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND: Disseminated cutaneous Herpes Zoster is defined as the presence of more than 20 vesicles outside the area and adjacencies of the primarily affected dermatome, the involvement of more than 2 contiguous dermatomes or the presence of systemic disease. Its prevalence among immunodepressed patients is 10- 40%, but between immunocompetent patients only isolated cases are reported. We present a case of an elderly immunocompetent patient, with no pathological history, that developed HZCD. CASE REPORT: An 89 year old woman, with no medical background, presented with 10 day evolution itchy, painful blistering lesions on the inner right thigh and the proximal third of the ipsilateral leg. Days after the lesions disseminated and the patient received topical treatment, she couldn’t specify the treatment; after 3 days her general condition worsened, and she was brought to the Emergency Room. EVOlUTION: Patient was diagnosed with Disseminated Herpes Zoster. She had a good outcome, after completing the intravenous antiviral treatment and she was discharged with no complications, after 10 days of being hospitalized. CONClUSION: Diagnosis of disseminated herpes zoster should be considered in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients. The outcome strongly depends on the promptness of the specific therapy instauration. KEYWORDS: HERPES ZOSTER, SKIN DISEASES, VESICULOBULLOUS, ANTIVIRAL AGENTS
The sharp quantitative isocapacitary inequality (the case of p-capacity)
Authors: Mukoseeva Ekaterina
Published: May 2021

We prove a sharp quantitative form of isocapacitary inequality
in the case of a general p. This work is a generalization
of the author’s paper with Guido De Philippis and Michele Marini,
where we treated the case of 2-capacity.
Within- and between-subject biological variation data for tumor markers based on the European Biological Variation Study
Authors: Coşkun Abdurrahman , Aarsand Aasne K. , Sandberg Sverre , Guerra Elena , Locatelli Massimo , Díaz-Garzón Jorge , Fernandez-Calle Pilar , Ceriotti Ferruccio , Jonker Niels , Bartlett William A. , Carobene Anna
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Reliable biological variation (BV) data are required for the clinical use of tumor markers in the diagnosis and monitoring of treatment effects in cancer. The European Biological Variation Study (EuBIVAS) was established by the EFLM Biological Variation Working Group to deliver BV data for clinically important measurands. In this study, EuBIVAS-based BV estimates are provided for cancer antigen (CA) 125, CA 15-3, CA 19-9, carcinoembryonic antigen, cytokeratin-19 fragment, alpha‐fetoprotein and human epididymis protein 4.

Methods

Subjects from five European countries were enrolled in the study, and weekly samples were collected from 91 healthy individuals (53 females and 38 males; 21–69 years old) for 10 consecutive weeks. All samples were analyzed in duplicate within a single run. After excluding outliers and homogeneity analysis, the BVs of tumor markers were determined by CV-ANOVA on trend-corrected data, when relevant (Røraas method).

Results

Marked individuality was found for all tumor markers. CYFRA 21-1 was the measurand with the highest index of individuality (II) at 0.67, whereas CA 19-9 had the lowest II at 0.07. The CV
I
s of HE4, CYFRA 21-1, CA 19-9, CA 125 and CA 15-3 of pre- and postmenopausal females were significantly different from each other.

Conclusions

This study provides updated BV estimates for several tumor markers, and the findings indicate that marked individuality is characteristic. The use of reference change values should be considered when monitoring treatment of patients by means of tumor markers.
Local existence and uniqueness of skew mean curvature flow
Authors: Song Chong
Published: May 2021

The Skew Mean Curvature Flow (SMCF) is a Schrödinger-type geometric flow canonically defined on a co-dimension two submanifold, which generalizes the famous vortex filament equation in fluid dynamics. In this paper, we prove the local existence and uniqueness of general-dimensional SMCF in Euclidean spaces.
Fetal MRI assessment of head & neck vascular malformation in predicting outcome of EXIT-to-airway procedure
Authors: Baseri Huddin Azzam , Abu Hassan Hasyma , Mohd Jamil Amilia Afzan , Mohd Nor Khadijah , Velayudham Vairavan@Ramesh
Published: May 2021

Objectives

The objective of this clinical case report is to highlight the MRI features and staging system which may guide clinicians in determining further management.

Case presentation

Three different cases with fetal head and neck vascular malformation diagnosed during prenatal screening were presented. MRI demonstrates large cystic neck masses which may compromise fetal airway during delivery. Thus, this required multidisciplinary team management among obstetricians, otolaryngologists, pediatricians, anesthesiologists, and radiologists. A decision for complex birth delivery through the cesarean section aided with EXIT-to-airway procedure was made. Each of these procedures demonstrates the different challenges and outcomes of the neonates which correlated with the characterization and staging based on prenatal MRI.

Conclusions

EXIT-to-airway procedure in head and neck malformation may be beneficial in transiting complicated and potentially catastrophic delivery situations to a more controlled environment. However, it also needs to align with prenatal MRI evaluation, which provides a more objective assessment guide for the clinicians.
Apelin-13 protects human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells against amyloid-beta induced neurotoxicity: Involvement of anti oxidant and anti apoptotic properties
Authors: Samandari-Bahraseman Mohammad Rasoul , Elyasi Leila
Published: May 2021

Objectives

We investigated the effect of apelin-13 on the cellular model of AD, amyloid-β (Aβ) treated SH-SY5Y cells in rats.

Methods

The SH-SY5Y cells were pretreated with different doses of apelin-13 (1, 2.5, 5, and 10 μg/mL), half an hour before adding 50% Aβ treatment. After 24 h, cells were evaluated for survival, oxidative stress, mitochondrial calcium release, caspase-3, and cytochrome c levels, compared to control group (beta-actin). Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS 16.

Results

Apelin-13 at the dose of 2.5 μg/mL protected against IC50 Aβ (p<0.001). Apelin-13 at doses of 1, 2.5, and 5 μg/mL showed protective effects against the reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by Aβ (p<0.001). Apelin-13 at doses of 2.5 and 5 μg/mL reduced calcium release, caspase-3, and cytochrome c (all p<0.001).

Conclusions

Apelin-13 prevented apoptosis, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial toxicity and can be a suitable option for treatment of AD. The appropriate treatment strategy for humans has to be investigated in future studies.
Ameliorating activity of polyphenolic-rich extracts of Basella rubra L. leaves on pancreatic β-cell dysfunction in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
Authors: Ajiboye Basiru Olaitan , Diayi Amaka , Agunbiade Shedrach Oludare , Akinyemi Ayodele Jacob , Adewale Olusola Bolaji , Ojo Oluwafemi Adeleke
Published: May 2021

Objectives

To assess the ameliorative activity of polyphenolic-rich extracts of Basella rubra leaves on β-cell dysfunction in type-II diabetes (T2DM).

Methods

Total phenolic and flavonoid contents; α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory actions and qualitative analysis of the bioactive compounds of the polyphenolic-rich extract of B. rubra leaves were investigated using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). Diabetes mellitus (DM) was induced by single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg body weight) and the rats were orally given bound phenolic (BPE) and free phenolic extracts (FPE) of B. rubra (B.R) leaves at 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w once daily for 14 days. Biochemical analyses were executed for evaluation of serum insulin, serum lipid profile concentrations, liver enzymes activities.

Results

The extracts demonstrated antioxidant potentials and enzymes inhibitory activities in dose dependent manner; and several bioactive compounds as revealed by GC-MS. BPE and FPE considerably (p<0.05) reduced hyperglycemia, improved serum insulin levels, ameliorated the concentration of serum lipid profiles and improved liver antioxidant activities. Additionally, BPE and FPE expressively decreased alanine aminotransferases (ALT), aspartate aminotransferases (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activities along with levels of bilirubin and urea when compare to diabetic control rats.

Conclusions

Data acquired exhibited the ability of BPE and FPE to improve pancreatic beta-cell in streptozotocin-induced rats.
Profinite genus of the fundamental groups of compact flat manifolds with holonomy group of prime order
Authors: Nery Genildo de Jesus
Published: May 2021

In this article, we calculate the profinite genus of the fundamental group of an 𝑛-dimensional compact flat manifold 𝑋 with holonomy group of prime order.
As consequence, we prove that if

n
⩽
21

n\leqslant 21

, then 𝑋 is determined among all 𝑛-dimensional compact flat manifolds by the profinite completion of its fundamental group.
Furthermore, we characterize the isomorphism class of the profinite completion of the fundamental group of 𝑋 in terms of the representation genus of its holonomy group.
Performance of a free space optical link employing DCO-OFDM modulated Gaussian-beam
Authors: Ratnam Jayashree , Mali Sabita
Published: May 2021

The paper studies the performance of a free space optical communication link, which consists of a Gaussian Laser beam employing direct-current-biased optical frequency division multiplexing (DCO-OFDM) modulation, to carry information. While optical multi-carrier modulation is capable of alleviating multi-path fading, higher transmit power by virtue of dc-bias, helps the optical beam in partially off-setting signal intensity loss due to beam divergence in free space channel. In order to reduce the overall transmitted power apart from avoiding nonlinearities due to high peak-to-average-power-ratio (PAPR), we utilize a PAPR-dependent dc-bias, to generate a DCO OFDM light beam from a pre-clipped electrical baseband OFDM signal. The radiated optical beam encounters turbulence-induced impairments like beam-spreading, beam-wander, etc., which affect the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the received data symbols. Further signal pre-clipping and optical source linearity generate clipping noise components resulting in compromised receiver performance or reduction of span length, to achieve target bit rate error (BER). In this paper, we derive an analytical model for evaluating the performance of the free-space optical (FSO) link, by modeling various impairments as noise variances and characterizing atmospheric turbulence by refractive index structure parameter under weak- and strong-turbulent conditions. Numerical results are obtained by varying system design parameters in the model, which graphically provide useful insight on the power penalties and various trade-offs involved in operating the link on a longer span, at a higher data rate, and with reduced transmitted power through pre-clipping while ensuring desired signal BER.
Space- and time-resolved second harmonic spectroscopy of coupled plasmonic nanocavities
Authors: Salomon Adi , Kollmann Heiko , Mascheck Manfred , Schmidt Slawa , Prior Yehiam , Lienau Christoph , Silies Martin
Published: May 2021

Localized surface plasmon resonances of individual sub-wavelength cavities milled in metallic films can couple to each other to form a collective behavior. This coupling leads to a delocalization of the plasmon field at the film surface and drastically alters both the linear and nonlinear optical properties of the sample. In periodic arrays of nanocavities, the coupling results in the formation of propagating surface plasmon polaritons (SPP), eigenmodes extending across the array. When artificially introducing dislocations, defects and imperfections, multiple scattering of these SPP modes can lead to hot-spot formation, intense and spatially confined fluctuations of the local plasmonic field within the array. Here, we study the underlying coupling effects by probing plasmonic modes in well-defined individual triangular dimer cavities and in arrays of triangular cavities with and without artificial defects. Nonlinear confocal spectro-microscopy is employed to map the second harmonic (SH) radiation from these systems. Pronounced spatial localization of the SPP field and significant enhancements of the SH intensity in certain, randomly distributed hot spots by more than an order of magnitude are observed from the triangular arrays as compared to a bare silver film by introducing a finite degree of disorder into the array structure. Hot-spot formation and the resulting enhancement of the nonlinear efficiency are correlated with an increase in the lifetime of the localized SPP modes. By using interferometric SH autocorrelation measurements, we reveal lifetimes of hot-spot resonances in disordered arrays that are much longer than the few-femtosecond lifetimes of the localized surface plasmon resonances of individual nanocavity dimers. This suggests that hot spot lifetime engineering provides a path for manipulating the linear and nonlinear optical properties of nanosystems by jointly exploiting coherent couplings and tailored disorder.
Two Types of Constructionalization Processes in Spanish and Portuguese Cleftedwh-interrogatives
Authors: Rosemeyer Malte
Published: May 2021

The present paper analyzes and compares the use of cleftedwh-interrogatives in spoken Madrid Spanish, Puerto Rican Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese. In a first step, a typology of the discourse functions of cleftedwh-interrogatives is established. This typology is partially governed by the strength of the presupposition of the proposition of thewh-interrogative. The results suggest the existence of two distinct constructionalization processes 1 March 2021. First, in the Spanish dialects, cleftedwh-interrogatives with copula deletion are specialized in the expression of interactional challenges. Second, both Puerto Rican Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese evidence a change in the use of information-seeking cleftedwh-interrogatives towards contexts in which the proposition of the interrogative is not activated. Consequently, in these dialects cleftedwh-interrogatives can be used to establish questions not related to the current Question Under Discussion. However, this semantic change can be characterized as a constructionalization process only in Brazilian Portuguese.
Madrileños on theejque: Perceptions of Velarized /s/
Authors: Wright Robyn
Published: May 2021

This paper explores the identities that Madrileños ascribe to speakers using velarized coda /s/. The language attitudes of 59 participants from Madrid were assessed by means of a matched guise survey in which they heard native Madrileños using either sibilant coda /s/ or velarized coda /s/. Results show that while Madrileños do perceive the velarized variant as a marker of a Madrid origin, this effect is mainly observed for female voices. In addition, speakers that used velarized /s/ were associated with more negative qualities and viewed as less desirable as friends and storytellers, although for certain traits, the strength of this effect depended on the gender of the listener. Furthermore, velarized /s/ is associated with low-prestige occupations while more prestigious professions are assigned to guises with sibilant /s/. The results presented in this paper suggest that, although the characteristicejqueis associated with Madrid, the velarized variant is in fact quite stigmatized in the Spanish capital.
Maternal haemodynamics during labour epidural analgesia with and without adrenaline
Authors: Haidl Felix , Tronstad Christian , Rosseland Leiv Arne , Dahl Vegard
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Labour is one of the most painful experiences in a woman’s life. Epidural analgesia using low-concentration local anaesthetics and lipophilic opioids is the gold standard for pain relief during labour. Pregnancy in general, particularly labour, is associated with changes in maternal haemodynamic variables, such as cardiac output and heart rate, which increase and peak during uterine contractions. Adrenaline is added to labour epidural solutions to enhance efficacy by stimulating the α2-adrenoreceptor. The minimal effective concentration of adrenaline was found to be 2 μg mL−1 for postoperative analgesia. The addition of adrenaline may also produce vasoconstriction, limiting the absorption of fentanyl into the systemic circulation, thereby reducing foetal exposure. However, adrenaline may influence the haemodynamic fluctuations, possibly adding to the strain on the circulatory system. The aim of this study was to compare the haemodynamic changes after application of labour epidural analgesia with or without adrenaline 2 μg mL−1.

Methods

This was a secondary analysis of a single-centre, randomised double-blind trial. Forty-one nulliparous women in labour requesting epidural analgesia were randomised to receive epidural solution of bupivacaine 1 mg mL−1, fentanyl 2 μg mL−1 with or without adrenaline 2 μg mL−1. The participants were monitored using a Nexfin CC continuous non-invasive blood pressure and cardiac output monitor. The primary outcomes were changes in peak systolic blood pressure and cardiac output during uterine contraction within 30 min after epidural activation. The effect of adrenaline was tested statistically using a linear mixed-effects model of the outcome variables’ dependency on time, adrenaline, and their interaction.

Results

After excluding three patients due to poor data quality and two due to a malfunctioning epidural catheter, 36 patients (18 in each group) were analysed. The addition of adrenaline to the solution had no significant effect on the temporal changes in peak systolic blood pressure (p=0.26), peak cardiac output (0.84), or heart rate (p=0.91). Furthermore, no significant temporal changes in maternal haemodynamics (peak systolic blood pressure, p=0.54, peak cardiac output, p=0.59, or heart rate p=0.55) were associated with epidural analgesia during 30 min after epidural activation in both groups despite good analgesia.

Conclusions

The addition of 2 μg mL−1 adrenaline to the epidural solution is not likely to change maternal haemodynamics during labour.
Interaction of Bis-Guanidinium Acetates Surfactants with Bovine Serum Albumin Evaluated by Spectroscopy
Authors: Song Yongbo , Niu Yulan , Zheng Hongyan , Yao Ying
Published: May 2021

The interactions between cocopropane bis-guanidinium acetates, tallowpropane bis-guanidinium acetates with bovine serum albumin (BSA) in an aqueous solution were studied by fluorescence and circular dichroic spectroscopy measurements. The aim of the study was to elucidate the influence of the hydrophilic group and the length of the hydrophobic chain of these surfactants on the mechanism of binding to BSA. The results revealed that for both surfactants, at low concentrations, the Stern–Volmer plots had an upward curvature and at high concentrations, the quenching efficiency was decreased with increase in surfactant concentration. Different thermodynamics parameters demonstrated the existence of hydrogen bond and van der Waals force which acting as binding forces. Static quenching was observed among the protein and surfactant. The conformation of BSA was changed at higher surfactant concentrations as shown by synchronous fluorescence and CD spectroscopy. This work reveals the mechanism and binding characteristics between guanidine surfactants and protein, and provided the basis for further applications of surfactants.
Alkylating agent rechallenge in metastatic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: De Rycke Ophélie , Walter Thomas , Perrier Marine , Hentic Olivia , Lombard-Bohas Catherine , Coriat Romain , Cadiot Guillaume , Couvelard Anne , Ruszniewski Philippe , Cros Jérôme , de Mestier Louis
Published: May 2021

A rechallenge is common after the initial efficacy of alkylating-based chemotherapy (ALK) in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNET). High MGMT expression seems associated with a lower response to ALK. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of ALK rechallenge in PanNET, and to assess the evolution of MGMT expression under ALK. All consecutive patients with advanced PanNETs who received initial ALK (achieving tumor control) followed by a pause of > 3 months, then an ALK rechallenge (ALK2) upon progression were retrospectively studied (cohort A). The primary endpoint was progression-free survival under ALK2 (PFS2). The MGMT expression was retrospectively assessed by immunohistochemistry (H-score) in consecutive PanNET surgically resected following ALK (cohort B). We found that Cohort A included 62 patients (median Ki67 8%), for whom ALK1 followed by a pause achieved an objective response rate of 55% and a PFS1 of 23.7 months (95% IC, 19.8–27.6). ALK2 achieved no objective response and stability in 62% of patients. The median PFS2 was 9.2 months (IC 95% 7.1–11.3). At multivariable analysis, a hormonal syndrome (P = 0.032) and a pause longer than 12 months (P = 0.041) were associated with a longer PFS2. In cohort B (17 patients), the median MGMT H-score increased from 45 (IQR 18–105) before ALK to 100 (IQR 56–180) after ALK (P = 0.003). We conclude that after the initial efficacy of ALK treatment, a pause followed by ALK rechallenge might be appropriate to prolong tumor control, improve quality of life and limit long-term adverse events. Increased MGMT expression under ALK might explain the low efficacy of ALK rechallenge.
Co-combustion interactions between teak sawdust and sewage sludge with additives
Authors: Peng Haobin , Li Yuesheng , Chen Guohua , Li Yunquan
Published: May 2021

The thermal characteristics and kinetics of teak sawdust (TS), sewage sludge (SS), and their blends were evaluated during combustion by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The samples were prepared as pure fuel, TS and SS; blends, where TS was mixed with SS at the ratios of 75:25, 50:50, and 25:75; and as fuels with additives, where the fuels above were mixed with activated carbon (AC), CaO, MgO, and ZnO individually at a proportion of 5 wt%. Some characteristic values of combustion were evaluated, such as Ti, Tb, and Mf, and the combustion behaviors of the fuels were compared. The difference between measurement and weighted calculation of the weight left proportion (∆M), weight loss rate (∆DTG), and activation energy (∆E) were introduced for analysis. Blending with teak sawdust improved the combustion performance of sewage sludge. As the content of the sewage sludge increased, the pre-exponential factor varied from 1.76 x 105 s-1(100T) to 1.01 x 101 s-1(100S), while the global activation energy decreased from 74 kJ/mol (100T) to 38 kJ/mol (100S). Sewage sludge burned more completely when blended with teak sawdust at ratios of greater than 50 wt%. All four additives inhibited the oxidation of the blends around the ignition point.
Enhancement of colloidal particle and lignin removal from pre-hydrolysis liquor by pectinase pre-treatment – Study on model substances
Authors: Li Zongquan , Liu Qin , Chen Jiansong , Fu Yingjuan
Published: May 2021

Removal of colloidal particle and lignin from pre-hydrolysis liquor (PHL) is important for the subsequent processing and utilization of the saccharides in the PHL. Cationic polymers treatment is a common method for the purpose, and pectinase pre-treatment of PHL can improve the efficiency of the treatment with cationic polymers. To investigate the mechanism of pectinase pre-treatment for improvement of the cationic polymer efficiency, polygalacturonic acid (PGA) was added in the colloidal lignin and dissolved lignin model substances systems, respectively, and the effects of polygalacturonic acid (PGA) and its pectinase pre-treatment on the removal of colloidal and dissolved lignin in the following cationic polymer treatment process were studied. The results showed that the presence of PGA caused the increase of negative charge density of the colloidal lignin and dissolved lignin systems, which lowered the efficiency of the cationic polymers and negatively affected the removal of both the colloidal lignin and the dissolved lignin. After pectinase treatment, the PGA present in the colloidal and dissolved lignin system was degraded and the negative effects on the cationic polymers were eliminated, and the efficiency of the cationic polymers was improved. Compared to the colloidal lignin and dissolved lignin systems with PGA, less cationic polymers were needed for the same systems with pectinase treatment to obtain the similar lignin removal level.
Effect of pre-treatments and additives on the improvement of cement wood composite: A review
Authors: Brahmia Fatima Z. , Horváth Péter György , Alpár Tibor L.
Published: May 2021

Cement wood composites (CWC) are a popular construction material. Lightweight or panel-wise wood-based buildings have a growing market in central Europe. Requirements and regulations on both the global and national level are forcing continuous developments. This paper summarizes the research achievements in improving the hygroscopic and mechanical properties and shortening the manufacturing time of CWC via pre-treatments and additives. In addition, new perspectives on enhancing its fire resistance properties by using fire retardant pre-treatments are discussed. CWC without any pre-treatment is a material within the B-s1, d0 category of fire resistance. Using fire retardants could upgrade it to the category A1 but the fire retardants should not affect the primary properties of CWC. There are a number of potential fire retardants of wood that may be used, such as phosphorus, boron, and magnesium compounds.
Ionization Balance in Low-Temperature Plasmas with Nanosized Dust
Authors: Vishnyakov V.I.
Published: May 2021

Ionization mechanisms in the low-temperature thermal plasma, which contains alkali metal atoms as ionizable component and nanosized dust grains, are studied. In such a plasma, electrons are captured by dust grains, because the work function of grains depends on their sizes, and the electron adsorption rate is more than the thermionic emission rate for nanosized grains. Accordingly, an increase of the dust grain number leads to a decrease in the volume ionization and recombination rates, because they depend on the number density of electrons. At the same time, the role of surface processes in the plasma ionization balance is increased, because the total grain surface is increased. The approximate calculation techniques for low and high grain number densities are proposed. The criterions for approximate calculations are specified.
Análisis de la calidad de aguas de vertido en el Distrito de Riego Arenal-Tempisque (DRAT)
Authors: Wong Monge Anayansi , Rojas González Alejandra María
Published: May 2021

El Distrito de Riego Arenal-Tempisque (DRAT) es la dependencia gubernamental que regula la distribución del agua de riego en las fincas agrícolas de la provincia de Guanacaste.  El DRAT monitorea semestralmente la calidad del agua de vertido utilizada en irrigación, a través de reportes operacionales.  Sin embargo, no es una práctica común en distritos de riego realizar estudios donde se analice el comportamiento de los parámetros medidos en el tiempo.
Este estudio desarrolló una evaluación multivariada y geoestadística a partir de la caracterización de dos variables microbiológicas y veinte parámetros físico-químicos de la calidad del agua con respecto a componentes espaciales como: localización, área y distancia. Además, se realizó un análisis de estadística descriptiva para doce puntos de muestreo evaluados en un período de diez años (2008-2018). Se aplicó un análisis de componentes principales (ACP), donde los autovectores no mostraron diferencias apreciables para visualizar el peso de las variables de forma independiente. No obstante, el análisis permitió agrupar los parámetros que explican el comportamiento dentro del sistema estudiado como: la concentración de sales (CP1); las sustancias activas al azul de metileno y el contenido de nitratos totales (CP2); y la dinámica biológica (CP3); que se pueden relacionar con prácticas agrícolas.
Adicionalmente, se llevó a cabo un análisis de conglomerados jerárquicos para los lugares en estudio y una regresión de mínimos cuadrados parciales (PLS2) con respecto a las variables geoestadísticas, obteniéndose que para ambas pruebas los resultados fueron concordantes con el ACP.
RESULTS OF VIBRATION MONITORING OF VIBRO-DRIVING AND VIBRO-EXTRACTION OF SHEET PILES
Authors: Lobov I. K , Penkov D. V , Polunin V. M
Published: May 2021

The geology of St. Petersburg is represented with a heavy layer of weak structurally unstable soils. Using of vibro-extraction and vibro-driving of sheet piles in such conditions requires a particularly responsible approach in order to predict the emerging dynamic effects and the zones of their influence on the surrounding buildings and structures. Therefore, the task of looking for possible patterns describing these processes is highly relevant. For this purpose, the authors have updated the map of engineering-geological zoning according to Zavarzin with use of more than 50 reports of engineering-geological surveys. On this map the sensitive to the high-frequency vibrations soil layers are identified. Also, more than 70 reports on vibration monitoring of vibration driving and vibration extraction of sheet piles in St. Petersburg have been analyzed. The influence on the value of vibration acceleration of the following factors has been investigated: the geological features of the site, the distance to the source of vibrations, the characteristics of the vibrating hammer (operating frequency, driving force) and sheet pile (length, cross section), the location of measurements (on the ground or on a structural element of the building). The result of the work is the diagrams that clearly show the presence or absence of a relationship between the studied parameters. The absence of dependencies for some of the investigated parameters may be caused by the factors which influence cannot be predicted. These factors are the occurrence of large friction forces in the joints of sheet piles; the presence of lenses of dense soils or boulders during sheet piles driving; violations of the technological process. The zone of the influence of high-frequency dynamic impact was identified as 25 meters, which is in good agreement with the results of in-situ monitoring.
Effects of return periods on flood hazard mapping: an analysis of the UFSC Campus Basin, Florianópolis city, Brazil
Authors: Monteiro Leonardo Romero , Santos Camyla Innocente dos , Kobiyama Masato , Corseuil Cláudia Weber , Chaffe Pedro Luiz Borges
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACT The development of urban areas exacerbates flood risk by increasing both runoff and the exposure of population and infrastructure. In this study, we highlight the importance of return period choice on flood hazard degree and flood hydraulics characteristics. We use the UFSC campus basin as a test bed and combine a hydrological and a hydrodynamic model to define the flood hazard intensity and flood hazard degree. Six hazard intensity maps were elaborated using different return periods (2, 10, 25, 50, 100 and 500-years) that characterize low and high recurrence scenarios. The low recurrence hazard map can be ideal to verify hazard effects on buildings, while the high recurrence hazard map helps to identify people security. All variables related to the rainfall effect and its consequences (e.g. rainfall intensity, flood mean velocity, and total flood area) follow a logarithmic relationship, with a small variation for higher return periods. We highlight how different return periods can influence flood hydraulics and flood hazard and should therefore be considered in flood hazard mapping.
Roll waves and their generation criteria
Authors: de Oliveira Ferreira Fabiana , Maciel Geraldo de Freitas , Pereira João Batista
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACT Pulsating waves (also known as roll waves) might occur on the free surface of extreme events like mud and debris flows, among others, usually intensifying the caused damage. This technical note aims to inform about the roll wave phenomenon developing in a free-surface laminar flow, and analyze its generation criteria, centered on the concepts of Froude number and disturbance frequency. The complete linear stability analysis of the new depth-averaged model was proven a useful theoretical tool in determining new generation criteria for roll waves developing in non-Newtonian fluids. The results showed that the roll wave generation depends on two criteria: the first is associated to the minimum Froude number, and the second is related to the cut-off frequency. In addition, we have confirmed that the new generation criteria can be verified via numerical simulation based on a second model with full equations (Fluent software). Globally, the emergence of roll waves is favored by the non-Newtonian properties of the flowing fluid and the fact that the cut-off frequency decreases along with the minimum Froude number. Lastly, both generation criteria were tested in order to examine a case study involving the occurrence of roll waves in a watershed.
Fish eDNA: water sampling and filtrationthrough Sterivex filter unit v1
Authors: Vautier Marine , Chardon Cécile , Domaizon Isabelle
Published: May 2021

The objective of this protocol is the sampling and the filtration of water samples through 0.45 µm Sterivex™ filter units, and their buffer preservation prior to DNA extraction. This protocol is used upstream to molecular biology analysis (e.g. qPCR, metabarcoding, ddPCR) to specifically target fish eDNA. The use of preservation buffer allows sample preservation for up to several hours at room temperature, several days at 4°C and several months at -20°C, and thus the possibility to filter samples on site. This protocol allows to filter approximately between 0.7 L and 5 L through a Sterivex™ filter unit depending on the water sample characteristics and the chosen filtration method (syringe or vacuum pump).
Purification of the CARD8-DPP9 Complex from Expi293F Cells v1
Authors: R R Hollingsworth Louis
Published: May 2021

Protocol associated with "DPP9 sequesters the NLRP1 C-terminus to repress inflammasome activation" by Sharif*, Hollingsworth*, Griswold*, et al., Bachovchin, and Wu. Please address any questions to Bobby Hollingsworth (bobbyh11@vt.edu). General Expi293F expression protocol adapted from Dr. Andrew Kruse's protocols. Protocol is largely the same as, "Purification of the NLRP1-DPP9 Complex from Expi293F Cells", except for no ADP present in buffers.
Akzeptanzsteigerung bei MRK
Authors: Miro Michael , Wannöffel Manfred , Schäfer Marvin , Kuhlenkötter Bernd
Published: May 2021

Der Beitrag befasst sich mit den soziotechnischen Implikationen der Einführung von MRK-Anwendungen für die Beschäftigten und die betrieblichen Interessenvertreter. Im Rahmen des vom BMBF geförderten Projektes KoMPI wurden hierzu Workshops mit Beschäftigten und Betriebsräten durchgeführt, die Aufschluss über die mit der Technologie verknüpften Herausforderungen aus Sicht dieser Zielgruppen geben. Als relevante Themenstellungen für die betriebliche Interessenvertretung sind in diesem Kontext insbesondere die Punkte Qualifizierung und Substitution von Arbeitsinhalten identifiziert worden.
Estonya ile Türkiye Sosyal Bilgiler Öğretim Programlarının Karşılaştırılması
Authors: ALTAY Nalan
Published: May 2021

Sosyal Bilgiler dersi, oldukça geniş bir çalışma
alanıdır. Bir ülkenin ekonomik, sosyal, kültürel ve politik durumunu ortaya
koyarken, aynı zamanda Sosyal Bilimlerin alt disiplinlerinin bir program
dahilinde ortaokullarda okutulduğu bir derstir. 
Sosyal Bilgiler dersinin bir diğer işlevi ise gelecek kuşakların iyi bir
vatandaş olarak yetişmesinde oldukça etkili bir ders olmasıdır. Ülkemizde
mevcut sosyal bilgiler öğretim programının temelinde etkili yurttaş yetiştirmek
yer alır. Bu nedenle ülkemiz için Avrupa Birliği üyesi ülkelerin Sosyal
Bilgiler dersi öğretim programı önem taşımaktadır. Bu çalışmada Avrupa Birliği
üyesi olan Estonya ile ülkemizdeki Sosyal Bilgiler Öğretim Programı amaç,
yeterlilikler, ölçme ve değerlendirme ve içerik boyutuyla karşılaştırılmıştır.
Araştırmada nitel araştırma modellerinden doküman incelemesi yöntemi
kullanılmıştır. Her iki ülkeye ait Sosyal Bilgiler dersi öğretim programları bu
ülkelerin Eğitim Bakanlıklarına ait internet sitelerinden elde edilerek,
incelenmiş ve her iki ülkenin sosyal bilgiler programlarının benzer yönleri
bulunmakla beraber aralarında önemli farklılıkların da olduğu tespit
edilmiştir.