bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ascorbic Acid in the Acute Care Setting
Authors: Kressin Christian , Pandya Komal , Woodward Barbara Magnuson , Donaldson Chris , Flannery Alexander H.
Published: March 2021

Ascorbic acid (AA) is an essential nutrient with many physiologic roles not limited to the prevention of scurvy. Beyond its role as a supplement, it has gained popularity in the acute care setting as an inexpensive medication for a variety of conditions. Because of limitations with absorption of oral formulations and reduced serum concentrations observed in acute illness, intravenous (IV) administration, and higher doses, may be needed to produce the desired serum concentrations for a particular indication. Following a PubMed search, we reviewed published studies relevant to AA in the acute care setting and summarized the results in a narrative review. In the acute care setting, AA may be used for improved wound healing, improved organ function in sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome, faster resolution of vasoplegic shock after cardiac surgery, reduction of resuscitative fluids in severe burn injury, and as an adjunctive analgesic, among other uses. Each indication differs in its level of evidence supporting exogenous administration of AA, but overall, AA was not commonly associated with adverse effects in the identified studies. Use of AA remains an active area of clinical investigation for various indications in the acute care patient population.
Analytical manner for abundant stochastic wave solutions of extended KdV equation with conformable differential operators
Authors: Hyder Abd‐Allah , Soliman Ahmed H.
Published: March 2021

This work investigates the Wick‐type stochastic and extended Korteweg‐de Vries (EKdV) equation under conformable differential operators. Novel wave solutions with soliton and periodic types are produced to the deterministic EKdV under conformable differential operators. Abundant stochastic wave solutions are explored for the Wick‐type stochastic EKdV equation by using conformable differential operators and the inverse Hermite transform. The stochastic soliton and periodic solutions are denoted as functional solutions with Brownian motion environment. For the acquired solutions, comparisons and graphical representations with three‐dimensional graphs are shown for peculiar values of the existing parameters. According to the existing literature, utilization of the conformable differential operators is a novel contribution for solving the stochastic EKDV and other stochastic nonlinear problems.
Utility of transoral motion‐mode ultrasonography to detect tongue fasciculation in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Hagiwara Yuta , Shimizu Takahiro , Yanagisawa Toshiyuki , Akasu Yukari , Kaburagi Kei , Kikuchi Takayuki , Shibata Soichiro , Matsumoto Hirofumi , Soga Kaima , Tsuchihashi Yoko , Nagasaka Misako , Sasaki Naoshi , Maki Futaba , Shiraishi Makoto , Akiyama Hisanao , Hasegawa Yasuhiro , Yamano Yoshihisa
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Increasing evidence suggests the utility of the submandibular approach for ultrasonography to detect tongue fasciculation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We hypothesized that transoral motion‐mode ultrasonography (TOMU) would be useful to detect tongue fasciculation in patients with ALS.

Methods

Patients with sporadic ALS showing clinically definite tongue fasciculation were enrolled, and the ultrasonography findings of patients' tongues on TOMU and ultrasonography by the conventional submandibular approach were analyzed.

Results

Six patients with clinically definite ALS were enrolled in this study. Although small, irregular muscle movements of 5 to 10 mm in amplitude and 0.1 to 0.2 second in duration were detected in all patients by TOMU, similar muscle movements were detected in only two of the six patients by the submandibular approach.

Discussion

TOMU appeared to be useful for detecting tongue fasciculation in ALS patients. Further study is needed to better determine its role as a diagnostic tool for ALS.
Robustifying humanitarian relief systems against travel time uncertainty
Authors: Zhang Jianghua , Liu Yang , Yu Guodong , Shen Zuo‐Jun (Max)
Published: March 2021

We consider a class of last mile distribution problems with multicenters and multiareas in disaster management, where the travel time for every pair of center‐area is uncertain. We propose a chance‐constrained model to handle this problem, which simultaneously determines the selection of emergency logistics centers (ELCs), the amount of relief transported to these ELCs, the allocation and routing of vehicles, and the equitable distribution of emergency materials from the ELCs to the disaster areas. We develop a distributionally robust optimization (DRO) model to reformulate the chance‐constraint model as a second‐order cone programming, which the proposed algorithm can solve efficiently. We present a case study of the Yushu earthquake in the Qinghai Province of the People's Republic of China to demonstrate the performance of our proposed model and method. The results reveal that (1) the DRO method outperforms the scenario‐based model in reducing cost and improving reliability, (2) deploying a large number of vehicles in the emergency centers near disaster areas can reduce cost, and (3) our proposed model evenly distributes vehicles on paths to curtail the rescue time.
External auditory exostoses, repetitive aquatic activity and increasing social complexity in Chalcolithic Cyprus: Specialists of the sea?
Authors: Lorentz Kirsi O. , Casa Bianca
Published: March 2021

External auditory exostoses (EAEs) are dense osseous hyperostoses that protrude into the external auditory canal and are associated with repetitive aquatic activity. Clinically, the aetiology of EAEs is attributed to prolonged exposure to cold water through activities including swimming, surfing, diving, kayaking and sailing. The prevalence and distribution of EAEs within a particular archaeological context informs on human–environment interactions, activity and behavioural differences between the sexes, habitual aquatic activity (e.g., fishing, diving, swimming, bathing, seafaring, littoral zone resource procurement), marine and aquatic resource exploitation and subsistence patterns. This study aims to assess the prevalence of EAEs within a prominent Chalcolithic skeletal assemblage from Souskiou‐Laona, in southwestern Cyprus. Sixty‐five auditory canals were examined macroscopically and microscopically to confirm the presence or absence of EAEs. Five adult individuals present EAEs (right auditory canals; left ear canals not sufficiently preserved) with a prevalence of 15.1% of all sufficiently preserved right ear canals (33). EAE prevalence is 25% in males and 14.2% in females. Earlier burials on the site, represented by bonestack (commingled) crania, display EAEs at 14.8% prevalence, whereas the last burials (articulated skeletons) show a prevalence of 16.7%. Malacological evidence from Souskiou‐Laona cemetery attests marine resource procurement, including activity at the littoral zone. The EAEs at Souskiou‐Laona likely reflect the diachronic exploitation of marine resources at the south coast of Cyprus from the foundation of the cemetery to the latest burials before abandonment of the site. Both males and females participated in these repetitive aquatic activities. The differential expression of EAEs in the population as a whole, and the different prevalences between males and females, may be interpreted in the context of increasing specialisation and social complexity during the Chalcolithic, consistent with the development of other specialised, standardised and gender‐differential activities during this time period.
Neutrophil-to-Apolipoprotein A1 Ratio Predicted Overall Survival in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Receiving Transarterial Chemoembolization
Authors: Chen Jie , Chen Yong-Jian , Jiang Nan , Xu Jian-Liang , Liang Zi-Ming , Bai Ming-Jun , Xing Yan-Fang , Liu Zhuo , Wu Xiang-Yuan , Li Xing
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the predictive capability of neutrophil-to-apolipoprotein A1 ratio (NAR) for predicting overall survival (OS) among patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) receiving transarterial chemoembolization (TACE).

Patients and Methods

We investigated the clinical features of 554 patients with HCC receiving TACE and assessed NAR's predictive value for OS with 222 patients (the discovery cohort) and 332 patients (the validation cohort). The association of NAR with circulation lectin-type oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1–positive (LOX-1+) polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells (PMN-MDSCs) was illustrated.

Results

Multivariate Cox regression revealed that lymphocyte count; Tumor, Node, Metastasis (TNM) stage; and NAR were independent prognostic factors in the discovery cohort. The validation cohort confirmed the independent prognostic value of TNM stage and NAR. Patients with low NAR (<2.7) displayed significantly increased OS in the discovery cohort (59.8 months vs. 21 months), the validation group (38.0 months vs. 23.6 months), and the total cohort (44.1 months vs. 22.0 months). A Cox proportional hazards model was used to combine Cancer of the Liver Italian Program (CLIP) score with discretized NAR. C-index illustrated that NAR-integrated CLIP score was the best model compared with NAR and CLIP score. Furthermore, NAR-CLIP presented superior predictive capacity for 10-, 20-, 30-, 40-, 50-, and 60-month survival compared with CLIP score by survival receiver-operator characteristic analysis in the discovery cohort, validation cohort, and total cohort. NAR was significantly associated with LOX-1+ PMN-MDSCs by linear regression.

Conclusion

This study identified NAR as an independent predictor for OS among patients with HCC receiving TACE. NAR reflected circulation LOX-1+ PMN-MDSC level.

Implications for Practice

The present study identified neutrophil-to-apolipoprotein A1 ratio (NAR) as an independent predictor for overall survival among patients with hepatocellular carcinoma receiving transarterial chemoembolization. NAR reflected circulation level of lectin-type oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1–positive polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells.
Impact of cellulose nanocrystals reinforcement on molecular dynamics and dielectric properties of PCL‐based polyurethane
Authors: Ouled Ltaief Anwar , Ghorbel Nouha , Benhamou Karima , Arous Mourad , Kaddami Hamid , Kallel Ali
Published: March 2021

The thermal and dielectric properties of polymer nanocomposites based on polycaprolactone diol‐based PU matrix filled with various weight fractions of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) (from 0 to 10 wt%) extracted from the rachis of date palm tree were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and broadband dielectric spectroscopy. The emphasis was on clarifying the impact of the addition of CNC nanofillers on the molecular mobility of the PU matrix. Different dielectric relaxations have been found and the corresponding activation energies have been calculated, by means of the Havriliak–Negami model after fitting the dielectric data. The outcomes were explored in terms of molecular dynamics and interfacial processes. With 2.5 wt% of CNC, the strongest adhesion between matrix and reinforcement was acquired. This research was supported by the use of DSC for thermal properties.
Exploring the structure and dynamics of proteins in soil organic matter
Authors: Gotsmy Mathias , Escalona Yerko , Oostenbrink Chris , Petrov Drazen
Published: March 2021

Alongside inorganic materials, water, and air, soil organic matter (SOM) is one of the major components of soil and has tremendous influence on the environment given its vital role in the carbon cycle. Many soil dwelling organisms like plants, fungi and bacteria excrete proteins, whose interaction with SOM is poorly understood on an atomistic level. In this study, molecular dynamics simulations were used to investigate selected proteins in soil models of different complexity from simple co‐solvent molecules to Leonardite humic acids (LHA). We analyzed the proteins in terms of their structural stability, the nature and strength of the interactions with their surroundings, as well as their aggregation behavior. Upon insertion of proteins in complex SOM models, their structural stability decreased, although no unfolding or disruption of secondary structure was observed. The interactions of proteins and SOM were primarily governed by electrostatic forces, often in form of hydrogen bonds. However, also weaker van der Waals forces made a significant contribution to the total interaction energies. Moreover, we showed that even though the molecular structure and size of SOM molecules varied, the functional groups of SOM ordered around the protein in a similar pattern. Finally, the number of aggregates formed by proteins and SOM molecules was shown to be primarily proportional to the size of the latter. Strikingly, for varying protein net charges no changes in the formation of aggregates with the strongly negatively charged LHA were observed.
High Thermal Effusivity Nanocarbon Materials for Resonant Thermal Energy Harvesting
Authors: Zhang Ge , Koman Volodymyr B. , Shikdar Tafsia , Oliver Ronald J. , Perez‐Lodeiro Natalia , Strano Michael S.
Published: March 2021

Carbon nanomaterials have extraordinary thermal properties, such as high conductivity and stability. Nanocarbon combined with phase change materials (PCMs) can yield exceptionally high thermal effusivity composites optimal for thermal energy harvesting. The progress in synthesis and processing of high effusivity materials, and their application in resonant energy harvesting from temperature variations is reviewed.
Functional recovery after macula involving retinal detachment and its correlation with preoperative biomarkers in optical coherence tomography
Authors: Klaas Julian E. , Rechl Philip , Feucht Nikolaus , Siedlecki Jakob , Friedrich Julia , Lohmann Chris P. , Maier Mathias
Published: March 2021

To introduce an ETDRS grid-based classification for macula involving retinal detachment (MIRD) with or without center (foveal) involvement and to identify biomarkers in preoperative optical coherence tomography (OCT) associated with a favorable postoperative functional outcome in eyes with center involving retinal detachment (CIRD). One hundred and two eyes of 102 consecutive patients (f/m: 35/67) with primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, preoperative evidence of MIRD (perifoveal involvement of ≤ 6.0 mm), and successful retinal surgery were included in this retrospective cohort study. Eyes were assigned to 5 grades of MIRD (G1–G5), based on the extent of detachment in the ETDRS grid. Eyes with a detached foveal status (CIRD) were assigned to G4 or G5. In CIRD, the following OCT biomarkers were quantified and correlated with mean BCVA (logMAR) at 3 months postsurgery, using univariate and multivariable regression models: grade of detachment, extent of intraretinal edema, height of foveal detachment, subretinal folds, and epiretinal membrane. Forty-one of 102 eyes (40.2%) presented with an attached foveal status, defined as either outer (G1: 11.8%) or inner (G2: 18.6%) macular involvement or fovea-threatening MIRD (G3: 9.8%). Sixty-one eyes (59.8%) showed CIRD (G4 or G5). Eyes with CIRD had significantly worse postoperative BCVA than eyes without foveal involvement (0.355 logMAR vs. 0.138 logMAR, p<0.001). If CIRD was limited to three outer ETDRS quadrants (G4), mean BCVA was better compared to CIRD involving all four ETDRS quadrants (G5) (0.254 logMAR vs. 0.522 logMAR, p<0.001). Reading ability (BCVA ≤ 0.4 logMAR) was restored in 97.6% of eyes with G1–G3 compared to 86.9% of eyes with G4 (p=0.072) and 52.4% of eyes with G5 (p<0.001). In multivariable regression analysis of eyes with CIRD, a lower grade of detachment (G4 vs. G5: p<0.05) and lower extent of cystoid edema (focal/none vs. wide: p<0.001) were both associated with better postoperative function. The functional outcome after MIRD may be worse in the presence of foveal involvement (CIRD), but a lower grade of detachment and the absence of intraretinal edema can predict a good recovery in spite of CIRD.
Long-term comparative analysis of no evidence of disease activity (NEDA-3) status between multiple sclerosis patients treated with natalizumab and fingolimod for up to 4 years
Authors: Guerra Tommaso , Caputo Francesca , Orlando Bianca , Paolicelli Damiano , Trojano Maria , Iaffaldano Pietro
Published: March 2021

Background

Comparative effectiveness of natalizumab and fingolimod over a follow-up longer than 2 years has been not addressed yet.

Objectives

To compare the effect on no evidence of disease activity (NEDA-3) in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients treated with natalizumab or fingolimod for at least 4 years.

Methods

We included RRMS patients switched from first-line agents to natalizumab or fingolimod. Patients were propensity score (PS)-matched on a 1-to-1 basis. Percentages of patients reaching NEDA-3 status at 2 and 4 years of follow-up were compared using the chi-square test. The risk of not achieving NEDA-3 at 4 years was explored in matched samples by Cox regression models.

Results

We evaluated 174 PS-matched patients. Patients receiving natalizumab reached a NEDA-3 status at 2 and 4 years more frequently than those exposed to fingolimod (63% vs 44%, p=0.037; 45.7% vs 25.8%, p=0.015, respectively). Patients receiving natalizumab were at a significant lower risk of not achieving the NEDA-3 status at 4 years compared to those exposed to fingolimod (hazard ratio (95% confidence interval): 0.54 (0.36–0.80), p=0.002).

Conclusions

Although both medications were effective in patients non-responding to first-line agents, natalizumab seems to be superior to fingolimod in RRMS in obtaining NEDA-3 status at 4 years.
Assessing the practical implementation of the EU’s values in EU–China dialogues
Authors: Taylor Max Roger
Published: March 2021

Literature debating the role of the EU’s values in its external relations has neglected to adequately define and empirically explore the practical promotion or mainstreaming of these aspects in diplomatic dialogues with third countries, at the micro-level. Departing from an often abstract focus by scholars on policy outcomes at the macro-level, a concentration on micro-level processes enables an explanation of how value mainstreaming is actually taking place and the elements informing this. It encompasses the role of individual EU officials, the mechanisms guiding their activities, and the impact of interlocutors from third countries. Addressing this gap, this paper defines EU value mainstreaming and conducts a discourse analysis of a comprehensive sample of interviews with EU officials operationalising EU–China dialogues, arguably the hardest test case. It is found that value mainstreaming is rarely taking place in practice due to a nuanced combination of factors. These include EU officials’ perceived lack of responsibility for undertaking such activities, anticipated obstruction by Chinese interlocutors, and counterproductive mainstreaming approaches.
LncRNA TRHDE-AS1 inhibit the scar fibroblasts proliferation via miR-181a-5p/PTEN axis
Authors: Wei Yanping , Wang Tingting , Zhang Ningning , Ma Yunyun , Shi Siji , Zhang Ruxing , Zheng Xianzhao , Zhao Lindong
Published: March 2021

Hypertrophic scar (HS), a fibroproliferative disorder caused by abnormal wound healing after skin injury, which is characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix and invasive growth of fibroblasts. Recent studies have shown that some non-coding RNA implicated the formation of HS, but the mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we found that lncRNA TRHDE-AS1 was downregulated in HS tissues and HSFs, and the level of lncRNA TRHDE-AS1 negatively correlated with the level of miR-181a-5p in HS tissue and HSFs. Overexpressed lncRNA TRHDE-AS1 significantly suppressed miR-181a-5p level, while promoted HSFs apoptosis and inhibited HSFs proliferation. Further study shown that PTEN was a direct target of miR-181a-5p, and lncRNA TRHDE-AS1 served as a molecular sponge for miR-181a-5p to regulate the expression of PTEN. Overexpression of PTEN could eliminate lncRNA TRHDE-AS1-mediated proliferation suppression of HSFs. In conclusion, our study suggested that lncRNA TRHDE-AS1/miR-181a-5p/PTEN axis plays an important role in promoting hypertrophic scar formation, which may be effectively used as a therapeutic target for hypertrophic scar treatment.
The Messiness of Ethics in Education
Authors: Cliffe Johanna , Solvason Carla
Published: March 2021

This article considers the multifaceted concept of ethics and how, despite being a familiar notion within education, it is still much contested within literature and professional practice. Drawing on postmodern, feminist and political literature, the authors explore (re)conceptualisations of ethics and ethicality in relation to ethical identity, professionalism and practice. Applying philosophical and metaphorical tools, such as the rhizome and nomad (Deleuze and Guattari, 1987), the authors suggest there is the potential to accommodate the multiple and often divergent facets of ethics, thereby engaging with different ethical possibilities. It is argued that the propensity for reducing ethics to merely procedural protocols and guidelines marginalises the richness of ethics and, all too frequently, leaves practitioners ill-equipped to navigate the reality of day-to-day ethics.

The article is positioned within the field of early years (EY) practice and training EY practitioners. This reflects the authors’ own specialism but also celebrates the propensity of the EY practitioner to reflect upon, question and challenge their own practice and ethical identities. This does not reduce the applicability of the subject matter which is relevant to educators of children of any age. The term ‘practitioner’ is used throughout to refer to any adult working with children in an educative role, this includes, but is not limited to nursery nurses, teachers or teaching assistants.
Psychological Analysis of Religiosity and Spirituality: Construction of the Scale of Abandonment by God (SAG)
Authors: Głaz Stanisław
Published: March 2021

The issue of religiosity and spirituality and their measurement are quite well developed fields in the psychology of religion. However, the literature shows a lack of research tools to measure the religious experience of the feeling of abandonment by God among followers of the Catholic religion. The purpose of this article is to fulfill this gap through the presentation of the notion of ‘God abandonment’, and its operationalization, by constructing the Scale of Abandonment by God: SAG (Skala Opuszczenia Przez Boga—SOPB). The psychometric value of the tool was evaluated, that is the reliability and validity. In order to achieve this goal, three stages of instrument development (item generation, scale development, and instrument testing) were undertaken in three studies. Stage 1: The pilot study concerned the development of positive statements about the concept of the Catholic experience of God (i.e., the subjective feeling of the experience of God's abandonment in the life of a contemporary person, as well as showing to what extent this belief can affect some aspects of his/her life). Stage 2: Was designed to perform exploratory factor analysis and test–retest reliability to assess stability of the SAG in a three-week time range. Stage 3: Validation of the SAG by Confirmatory Factor Analysis was performed. Result: The SAG can be recognized as a one-factor measure of the feeling of abandonment by God. Because the content of the SAG items indicate the positive aspects of the abandonment of God, this can assist people living in Catholic societies.
The Free Energy of a Quantum Sherrington–Kirkpatrick Spin-Glass Model for Weak Disorder
Authors: Leschke Hajo , Rothlauf Sebastian , Ruder Rainer , Spitzer Wolfgang
Published: March 2021

We extend two rigorous results of Aizenman, Lebowitz, and Ruelle in their pioneering paper of 1987 on the Sherrington–Kirkpatrick spin-glass model without external magnetic field to the quantum case with a “transverse field” of strength $$\mathsf {b}$$
b
. More precisely, if the Gaussian disorder is weak in the sense that its standard deviation $$\mathsf {v}>0$$

v
>
0

is smaller than the temperature $$1/\beta $$

1
/
β

, then the (random) free energy almost surely equals the annealed free energy in the macroscopic limit and there is no spin-glass phase for any $$\mathsf {b}/\mathsf {v}\ge 0$$

b
/
v
≥
0

. The macroscopic annealed free energy turns out to be non-trivial and given, for any $$\beta \mathsf {v}>0$$

β
v
>
0

, by the global minimum of a certain functional of square-integrable functions on the unit square according to a Varadhan large-deviation principle. For $$\beta \mathsf {v}<1$$

β
v
<
1

we determine this minimum up to the order $$(\beta \mathsf {v})^{4}$$

(
β
v
)

4

with the Taylor coefficients explicitly given as functions of $$\beta \mathsf {b}$$

β
b

and with a remainder not exceeding $$(\beta \mathsf {v})^{6}/16$$

(
β
v
)

6

/
16

. As a by-product we prove that the so-called static approximation to the minimization problem yields the wrong $$\beta \mathsf {b}$$

β
b

-dependence even to lowest order. Our main tool for dealing with the non-commutativity of the spin-operator components is a probabilistic representation of the Boltzmann–Gibbs operator by a Feynman–Kac (path-integral) formula based on an independent collection of Poisson processes in the positive half-line with common rate $$\beta \mathsf {b}$$

β
b

. Its essence dates back to Kac in 1956, but the formula was published only in 1989 by Gaveau and Schulman.
Distribution and bioavailability of mercury in the surface sediments of the Baltic Sea
Authors: Kwasigroch Urszula , Bełdowska Magdalena , Jędruch Agnieszka , Łukawska-Matuszewska Katarzyna
Published: March 2021

The study aimed to determine the level of mercury (Hg) and its labile and stable forms in the surface sediments of the Baltic Sea. The work considers the impact of current and historical sources of Hg on sediment pollution, together with the influence of different environmental parameters, including water inflows from the North Sea. Surface sediments (top 5 cm) were collected in 2016–2017 at 91 stations located in different areas of the Baltic Sea, including Belt Sea, Arkona Basin, Bornholm Basin, Gdańsk Basin, West Gotland Basin, East Gotland Basin, and the Bothnian Sea. Besides, the particulate matter suspended in the surface and near-bottom water was also collected. The analysis of total Hg concentration and individual Hg forms in collected samples was carried out using a 5-step thermodesorption method. This method allows for the identification of three labile and thus biologically available, fractions of Hg, which are mercury halides, organic Hg, mercury oxide and sulphate. Two stable fractions, mercury sulphide and residual Hg, were also determined. The highest Hg concentrations, reaching 341 ng g−1, were measured in the highly industrialised Kiel Bay, which was additionally a munition dumping site during and after World War II. High Hg level, ranging from 228 to 255 ng g−1, was also recorded in the surface sediments of the Arkona Basin, which was a result of the cumulative effect of several factors, such as deposition of Hg-rich riverine matter, favourable hydrodynamic conditions and military activities in the past. The relatively elevated Hg concentrations, varying from 60 to 264 ng g−1, were found in the Gdańsk Basin, a region under strong anthropopressure and dominated by soft sediments. The sum of labile Hg in sediments was high and averaged 67% (with the domination of organic Hg compounds), which means that a large part of Hg can be released to the water column. It was found that the water inflows from the North Sea intensify the remobilisation of Hg and its transformation into bioavailable labile forms. As a consequence, the load of Hg introduced into the trophic chain can increase. Despite the significant reduction of Hg emission into the Baltic in the last decades, surface sediments can be an important secondary Hg source in the marine ecosystem. This is especially dangerous in the case of the western Baltic Sea.
Investigation of potential safety hazards during medical waste disposal in SARS-CoV-2 testing laboratory
Authors: Lv Jun , Yang Jin , Xue Juan , Zhu Ping , Liu Lanfang , Li Shan
Published: March 2021

This study aims to investigate the potential safety hazards and provide reference for improving the medical waste disposal procedure in SARS-CoV-2 testing laboratory. Our SARS-CoV-2 testing group detected the RNA residue on the surface of medical waste with Droplet Digital PCR, and held a meeting to discuss the risks in the laboratory medical waste disposal process. After effective autoclaving, SARS-CoV-2 contaminated on the surface of medical waste bags was killed, but the average concentration of viral RNA residues was still 0.85 copies/cm2. It would not pose a health risk, but might contaminate the laboratory and affect the test results. When the sterilized medical waste bags were transferred directly by the operators without hand disinfection, re-contamination would happen, which might cause the virus to leak out of the laboratory. Furthermore, we found that sterilization effect monitoring and cooperation among operators were also very important. In summary, we investigated and analyzed the potential safety hazards during the medical waste disposal process in SARS-CoV-2 testing laboratory, and provided reasonable suggestions to ensure the safety of medical waste disposal.
Correction to: The acrid raphides in tuberous root of Pinellia ternata have lipophilic character and are specifically denatured by ginger extract
Authors: Fueki Tsukasa , Tanaka Koichiro , Obara Kunihiko , Kawahara Ryudo , Namiki Takao , Makino Toshiaki
Published: March 2021

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11418-021-01501-5
Correction to: The role of renewables in the Japanese power sector: implications from the EMF35 JMIP
Authors: Shiraki Hiroto , Sugiyama Masahiro , Matsuo Yuhji , Komiyama Ryoichi , Fujimori Shinichiro , Kato Etsushi , Oshiro Ken , Silva Diego Herran
Published: March 2021

In the original publication of the article, the incorrect file was published as supplementary material.
The Interface Zone of Explosively Welded Titanium/Steel after Short-Term Heat Treatment
Authors: Szmul Marcin , Stan-Glowinska Katarzyna , Janusz-Skuza Marta , Bigos Agnieszka , Chudzio Andrzej , Szulc Zygmunt , Wojewoda-Budka Joanna
Published: March 2021

This work presents a detailed description of a bonding zone of explosively welded Ti/steel clads subjected to stress relief annealing, applied in order to improve the plasticity of the final product. The typical joint formed by the welding process possesses a characteristic wavy interface with melted regions observed mainly at the crest regions of waves. The interface of Ti/steel clads before and after annealing was previously investigated mostly in respect to the melted regions. Here, a sharp interface between the waves was analyzed in detail. The obtained results indicate that the microstructure of a transition zone of that area is different along the width. After the heat treatment at 600 °C for 1.5 hours, titanium carbide (TiC) together with α-Fe phase forms at the interface in local areas of relatively wide interlayer (~ 1 µm), while for most of the sharp interface, a much thinner zone up to about 400 nm, formed by four sublayers containing intermetallic phase and carbides, is present. This confirms that carbon diffusion induced by applied heat treatment significantly influences the final microstructure of the Ti/steel interface zone. Side bending tests confirmed high plasticity of welds after applied heat treatment; however, the microhardness measurements indicated that the strengthening of the steel in the vicinity of the interface had not been removed completely.
Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy with Omentopexy: Is It Really a Promising Method?—A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis
Authors: Zarzycki Piotr , Kulawik Jan , Małczak Piotr , Rubinkiewicz Mateusz , Wierdak Mateusz , Major Piotr
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is one of the most commonly performed bariatric procedure worldwide. Omentopexy during LSG is a novel variation of this well-established technique. There are no clear conclusions on indications for this procedure, safeness, and effects of such a method. We aimed to compare the outcomes of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) with omentopexy (OP) and without omentopexy.

Materials and Methods

We searched the Medline, EMBASE, and Scopus databases up-to June 2020. Full-text articles and conference abstracts were included for further analysis. This review follows the PRISMA guidelines.

Results

Of initial 66 records, only 4 studies (N = 1396 patients) were included in the meta-analysis. Our findings showed that LSG with omentopexy had significantly lowered overall morbidity compared to LSG without omentopexy (RR = 0.38; 95% CI [0.15, 0.94]; p=0.04). Gastric leakage rate (RR = 0.17; 95% CI [0.04, 0.76]; p = 0.02) was also significantly lower in LSG with omentopexy. There were no significant differences between groups in length of hospital stay.

Conclusions

Our meta-analysis showed that LSG with omentopexy may be a feasible procedure for decreasing morbidity and gastric leak rate. However, despite promising results, the procedure needs to be researched more in randomized controlled studies to draw solid conclusions.
Fragments, Immersivity, and Reception: Punchdrunk on Aeschylus’ Kabeiroi
Authors: Cole Emma
Published: March 2021

A preoccupation with fragmentation has defined many recent responses to antiquity. Within scholarship this focus takes the form of poststructuralist-informed readings, which highlight how any text can be perceived as fragmentary due to the epistemologies that we use to frame our readings. Within artistic practice there is a corresponding privileging of fragmentation through the dismembering of text. Yet one does not need to deconstruct a text, or to point to the gaps in meaning that persist in any textual encounter, to think through fragmentation.

In this essay, I propose that utilising actual fragments within contemporary theatre is not simply an extension in scale of wider practice but represents a qualitatively different endeavour which holds unique benefits. I suggest that fragmentary texts represent fertile material for contemporary immersive performance, as the sense of lack contained within their form provides a productive impetus for an audience's creation of the unified imaginary world necessary for a ‘deep' form of immersion. Fragments and immersive theatre make for a unique partnership as the fragmentary source text holds synergy with the form of immersive performance, where a complete or ideal experience remains an ever-elusive ambition. I make my argument through an analysis of Punchdrunk's 2017 Kabeiroi, which turned the surviving fragments of Aeschylus' Kabeiroi into a four-to-six-hour immersive experience. I argue that a sense of yearning and incompletion is inevitable in the reception of ancient fragments, but that within immersive experiences this becomes a genuinely productive force. Punchdrunk's approach, I conclude, should be considered a useful method for other artists and represents a new possible direction for classical performance reception.
Computational aspects of infeasibility analysis in mixed integer programming
Authors: Witzig Jakob , Berthold Timo , Heinz Stefan
Published: March 2021

The analysis of infeasible subproblems plays an important role in solving mixed integer programs (MIPs) and is implemented in most major MIP solvers. There are two fundamentally different concepts to generate valid global constraints from infeasible subproblems: conflict graph analysis and dual proof analysis. While conflict graph analysis detects sets of contradicting variable bounds in an implication graph, dual proof analysis derives valid linear constraints from the proof of the dual LP’s unboundedness. The main contribution of this paper is twofold. Firstly, we present three enhancements of dual proof analysis: presolving via variable cancellation, strengthening by applying mixed integer rounding functions, and a filtering mechanism. Further, we provide a comprehensive computational study evaluating the impact of every presented component regarding dual proof analysis. Secondly, this paper presents the first combined approach that uses both conflict graph and dual proof analysis simultaneously within a single MIP solution process. All experiments are carried out on general MIP instances from the standard public test set Miplib  2017; the presented algorithms have been implemented within the non-commercial MIP solver and the commercial MIP solver .
Designing a mesoporous hybrid organo-silica thin film prepared from an organic catalyst
Authors: Sumardi Anna , Elma Muthia , Rampun Erdina Lulu Atika , Lestari Aptar Eka , Assyaifi Zaini Lambri , Darmawan Adi , Yanto Dede Heri Yuli , Syauqiah Isna , Mawaddah Yanti , Wati Linda Suci
Published: March 2021

Silica material has limited hydrostability when it is produced as a thin film. In order to mitigate this restriction a modification strategy is needed. This article provides details of mesoporous hybrid organo-silica thin films that were successfully fabricated from a combination of a dual silicate precursor of tetraethyl orthosilicate/triethoxy vinyl silane, using organic catalysts. The research investigated the effect of calcination temperatures (350°C and 600°C) on the materials, and compared the application of single (citric acid) and dual catalysts (citric acid and ammonia) during fabrication of the thin film.
Sr‐Enriched Glassy Picrites From the Karoo Large Igneous Province are Evolved, not Primitive Magmatic Rocks
Authors: Ashwal Lewis D. , Ziegler Alexander , Glynn Sarah , Truebody Tristan , Bolhar Robert
Published: March 2021

Magmatic products of the Karoo Large Igneous Province can be divided into a volumetrically dominant, compositionally uniform low‐Ti tholeiitic suite, and a subordinate, geographically restricted, compositionally diverse, incompatible‐rich high‐Ti suite. High‐Ti picrites contain up to 2,400 ppm Sr, 1,900 ppm Ba, and 550 ppm Zr, which seems unusual for olivine‐enriched rocks. We studied six Karoo picrites to determine the phase(s) in which Sr resides. Samples consist of 10–30% olivine phenocrysts in a groundmass of brown glass, augite, feldspar, ilmenite, and apatite. Glass compositions vary, but are generally evolved, ranging from basaltic trachyandesite to dacite. X‐ray intensity maps demonstrate that most of the Sr resides in the glasses, and to a lesser extent, in feldspars, if present. Some samples contain two texturally and compositionally distinct glasses, best modeled in terms of magma hybridization: variably accumulated olivine phenocrysts surrounded by evolved Sr‐rich (to 9,470 ppm) Type 2 melts formed by extensive olivine fractionation were infiltrated by chemically distinct Type 1 melts. Upon eruption, Type 2 melt quenched to minor glass around olivine phenocrysts, and the dominant Type 1 glass acquired its evolved composition by quench crystallization of groundmass mineral phases. Both glasses are rich in H2O (up to 3.8 wt. %) but are nearly devoid of CO2. Calculated parental melts have much higher K2O and incompatible trace elements (e.g., Sr or Ba >1,200 ppm) relative to low‐Ti tholeiites. The unusual parental melt compositions imply derivation by small degrees of partial melting from SCLM mantle sources enriched in Sr and other incompatibles.
Crustal Structure of the UAE‐Oman Mountain Range and Arabian Rifted Passive Margin: New Constraints From Active and Passive Seismic Methods
Authors: Pilia S. , Ali M. Y. , Searle M. P. , Watts A. B. , Lü C. , Thompson D. A.
Published: March 2021

The Semail ophiolite, a thick thrust sheet of Late Cretaceous oceanic crust and upper mantle, was obducted onto the previously rifted Arabian continental margin in the Late Cretaceous, and now forms part of the United Arab Emirates (UAE)‐Oman mountain belt. A deep foreland basin along the west and SW margin of the mountains developed during the obduction process, as a result of flexure due to loading of the ophiolite and underlying thrust sheets. The nature of the crust beneath the deep sedimentary basins that flank the mountain belt, and the extent to which the Arabian continental crust has thickened due to the obduction process are outstanding questions. We use a combination of active‐ and passive‐source seismic data to constrain the stratigraphy, velocity structure and crustal thickness beneath the UAE‐Oman mountains and its bounding basins. Depth‐migrated multichannel seismic reflection profile data are integrated in the modeling of traveltimes from long offset reflections and refractions, which are used to resolve the crustal thickness and velocity structure along two E‐W onshore/offshore transects in the UAE. Additionally, we apply the virtual deep seismic sounding method to distant earthquake data recorded along the two transects to image crustal thickness variations. Active seismic methods define the Semail ophiolite as a high‐velocity body dipping to the east at 40°–45°. The new crustal thickness model presented in this work provides evidence that a crustal root is present beneath the Semail ophiolite, suggesting that folding and thrusting during the obduction process may have thickened the pre‐existing crust by 16 km.
Hemispheric and Seasonal Contrast in Cloud Thermodynamic Phase From A‐Train Spaceborne Instruments
Authors: Villanueva Diego , Senf Fabian , Tegen Ina
Published: March 2021

Aerosol‐cloud interactions are an important source of uncertainty in current climate models. To understand and quantify the influence of ice‐nucleating particles in cloud glaciation, it is crucial to have a reliable estimation of the hemispheric and seasonal contrast in cloud top phase, which is believed to result from the higher dust aerosol loading in boreal spring. For this reason, we locate and quantify these contrasts by combining three different A‐Train cloud‐phase products for the period 2007–2010. These products rely on a spaceborne lidar, a lidar‐radar synergy, and a radiometer‐polarimeter synergy. We show that the cloud‐phase from the product combination is more reliable and that the estimation of the hemispheric and seasonal contrast has a lower error compared to the individual products. To quantify the contrast in cloud‐phase, we use the hemispheric difference in ice cloud frequency normalized by the liquid cloud frequency in the southern hemisphere between −42 °C and 0 °C. In the midlatitudes, from −15 to −30 °C, the hemispheric contrasts increase with decreasing temperature. At −30 °C, the hemispheric contrast varies from 29% to 39% for the individual cloud‐phase products and from 52% to 73% for the product combination. Similarly, in the northern hemisphere, we assess the seasonal contrast between spring and fall normalized by the liquid cloud frequency during fall. At −30 °C, the seasonal contrast ranges from 21% to 39% for the individual cloud‐phase products and from 54% to 75% for the product combination.
Spring Temperature and Snow Cover Climatology Drive the Advanced Springtime Phenology (1991–2014) in the European Alps
Authors: Xie Jing , Hüsler Fabia , de Jong Rogier , Chimani Barbara , Asam Sarah , Sun Yeran , Schaepman Michael E. , Kneubühler Mathias
Published: March 2021

Shifts in phenology are important traces of climate change affecting mountainous ecosystems. We present an analysis of changes in spring phenology using a suite of Earth observation based parameters, that is, start of season (SOS), snow cover extent and meteorological variables from 1991 up to 2012/2014 for the European Alps. Our results show that SOS tends to occur earlier throughout the Alps during this period and spring temperatures have increased in the Eastern Alps. Spring temperatures presented a predominant influence on SOS for both, grasslands and forests across elevations between 500 and 2,200 m asl, while this effect is particularly pronounced in the northeastern Alps. Snow cover duration and snow cover melting days showed secondary impact on SOS. Our research provides a comprehensive observation of spatiotemporal changes in alpine spring vegetation phenology and its driving factors. They improve our understanding of the sensitivity of the European Alps ecosystems to a changing climate.
Dynamic blood single-cell immune responses in patients with COVID-19
Authors: Huang Lulin , Shi Yi , Gong Bo , Jiang Li , Zhang Zhixin , Liu Xiaoqi , Yang Jialiang , He Yongquan , Jiang Zhilin , Zhong Ling , Tang Juan , You Chunfang , Jiang Qi , Long Bo , Zeng Tao , Luo Mei , Zeng Fanwei , Zeng Fanxin , Wang Shuqiang , Yang Xingxiang , Yang Zhenglin
Published: March 2021

The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus is an ongoing global health emergency. However, the virus’ pathogenesis remains unclear, and there is no cure for the disease. We investigated the dynamic changes of blood immune response in patients with COVID-19 at different stages by using 5’ gene expression, T cell receptor (TCR), and B cell receptors (BCR) V(D)J transcriptome analysis at a single-cell resolution. We obtained single-cell mRNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data of 341,420 peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and 185,430 clonotypic T cells and 28,802 clonotypic B cells from 25 samples of 16 patients with COVID-19 for dynamic studies. In addition, we used three control samples. We found expansion of dendritic cells (DCs), CD14+ monocytes, and megakaryocytes progenitor cells (MP)/platelets and a reduction of naïve CD4+ T lymphocytes in patients with COVID-19, along with a significant decrease of CD8+ T lymphocytes, and natural killer cells (NKs) in patients in critical condition. The type I interferon (IFN-I), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and ferroptosis pathways were activated while the disease was active, and recovered gradually after patient conditions improved. Consistent with this finding, the mRNA level of IFN-I signal-induced gene IFI27 was significantly increased in patients with COVID-19 compared with that of the controls in a validation cohort that included 38 patients and 35 controls. The concentration of interferon-α (IFN-α) in the serum of patients with COVID-19 increased significantly compared with that of the controls in an additional cohort of 215 patients with COVID-19 and 106 controls, further suggesting the important role of the IFN-I pathway in the immune response of COVID-19. TCR and BCR sequences analyses indicated that patients with COVID-19 developed specific immune responses against SARS-CoV-2 antigens. Our study reveals a dynamic landscape of human blood immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection, providing clues for therapeutic potentials in treating COVID-19.
Microfluidic spinning-induced heterotypic bead-on-string fibers for dual-cargo release and wound healing
Authors: Huang Qiu , He Fukun , Yu Jiafei , Zhang Jing , Du Xiangyun , Li Qing , Wang Gefei , Yu Ziyi , Chen Su
Published: March 2021

Heterotypic bead-on-string microfibers are constructed by a microfluidic spinning method. These fibers have been used for incorporating antibacterial and anti-inflammatory cargos and woven as a new type of skin scaffold to promote wound healing.
Sequential macrophage transition facilitates endogenous bone regeneration induced by Zn-doped porous microcrystalline bioactive glass
Authors: Bai Xuan , Liu Wenjuan , Xu Laijun , Ye Qing , Zhou Huasi , Berg Camilla , Yuan He , Li Jiyao , Xia Wei
Published: March 2021

Zinc-doped microcrystalline bioactive glass (Zn-MCBG) facilitates osteogenic differentiation and endogenous bone regeneration via orchestrating sequential M1-to-M2 macrophage phenotypic transition.
Evaluation of the in vivo behavior of antibacterial gold nanoparticles for potential biomedical applications
Authors: Wang Le , Li Sixiang , Zhong Leni , Li Qizhen , Liu Shaoqin , Zheng Wenfu , Jiang Xingyu
Published: March 2021

We report that aminophenylboronic acid and mercaptophenylboronic acid-co-modified gold nanoparticles (A/M-Au NPs), which have potent and tunable antibacterial activity, show an appropriate profile of the pharmacokinetics as an ideal nano-antibiotic.