bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiscaling analysis of a slowly varying anaerobic digestion model
Authors: Alsharidi Abdulaziz K. , Khan Ashfaq A. , Shepherd John J. , Stacey Andrew  J.
Published: March 2020

We construct the slowly varying limiting state solutions to a nonlinear dynamical system for anaerobic digestion with Monod‐based kinetics involving slowly varying model parameters arising from slow environmental variation. The advantage of these approximate solutions over numerical solutions is their applicability to a wide range of parameter values. We use these limiting state solutions to develop analytic approximations to the full nonlinear system by applying a multiscaling technique. The approximate solutions are shown to compare favorably with numerical solutions.
ASPEN Consensus Recommendations for Refeeding Syndrome
Authors: da Silva Joshua S. V. , Seres David S. , Sabino Kim , Adams Stephen C. , Berdahl Gideon J. , Citty Sandra Wolfe , Cober M. Petrea , Evans David C. , Greaves June R. , Gura Kathleen M. , Michalski Austin , Plogsted Stephen , Sacks Gordon S. , Tucker Anne M. , Worthington Patricia , Walker Renee N. , Ayers Phil ,   Parenteral Nutrition Safety and Clinical Practice Committees, American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition
Published: March 2020

Introduction

In the spring of 2017, the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) Parenteral Nutrition Safety Committee and the Clinical Practice Committee convened an interprofessional task force to develop consensus recommendations for identifying patients with or at risk for refeeding syndrome (RS) and for avoiding and managing the condition. This report provides narrative review and consensus recommendations in hospitalized adult and pediatric populations.

Methods

Because of the variation in definitions and methods reported in the literature, a consensus process was developed. Subgroups of authors investigated specific issues through literature review. Summaries were presented to the entire group for discussion via email and teleconferences. Each section was then compiled into a master document, several revisions of which were reviewed by the committee.

Findings/Recommendations

This group proposes a new clinical definition, and criteria for stratifying risk with treatment and screening strategies. The authors propose that RS diagnostic criteria be stratified as follows: a decrease in any 1, 2, or 3 of serum phosphorus, potassium, and/or magnesium levels by 10%–20% (mild), 20%–30% (moderate), or >30% and/or organ dysfunction resulting from a decrease in any of these and/or due to thiamin deficiency (severe), occurring within 5 days of reintroduction of calories.

Conclusions

These consensus recommendations are intended to provide guidance regarding recognizing risk and identifying, stratifying, avoiding and managing RS. This consensus definition is additionally intended to be used as a basis for further research into the incidence, consequences, pathophysiology, avoidance, and treatment of RS.
Turkish delight a public affairs study on family business: The influence of owners in the entrepreneurship orientation of family‐owned businesses
Authors: Harris Phil , Ozdemir Ozlem
Published: March 2020

Family‐owned businesses (FOBs) are as unique as the families that own and control them. As reported by Miller, Steier, and Le Breton‐Miller (2003, p.513), the founders of many of these businesses try to continue their legacy and ensure continued family control via intergenerational succession, as when they hand over leadership to their children. The initial statistics suggest only approximately one third of FOBs survive into the second generation, with just 12% remaining “viable” by the third, and only about 3% operating into the fourth generation or beyond. Thus, one of the central problems for FOBs is this inability to ensure competent cross‐generational family leadership through successful transfer of ownership and management to the next family generation. This is a core issue for the modern public affairs practitioner and policy maker, nationally and internationally, and the Turkish case is a good example of the multicomplex issues evident in succession planning and leadership for business founders and leaders in these organisations.

A firm's strategic orientation is an indicator of the processes developed to integrate new information, to coordinate decisions, to examine the evolution of environmental factors, and to assess new projects (Escriba‐Esteve, Sanchez‐Peinado & Sanchez‐Peinado, 2009). However, few studies have provided a framework that jointly analyses the FOB owner characteristics, the mediating processes and attitudes by which owners shape the direction of their family firms, and the effect of these postures on firm performance.

This paper addresses the influence of family business owner, over the behaviour of FOBs. By treating FOB owners' characteristics as predictors of a firm's strategic orientation, we seek to provide a deeper understanding of how the characteristics of FOB owners shape decision making process and FOBs' behaviours in order to successfully survive in generations. This study introduced the concept of FOB's entrepreneurship orientation (EO) as a variable that mediates between FOB owners' characteristics and business performance. The objective of this paper is twofold: (a) to identify the demographic predictors FOBs' EO and (b) to analyse the role of EO as a mediator of the relationship between FOB owners' characteristics and FOBs' performance.
Die Eismonde von Uranus, Neptun und Pluto
Authors: Wagner Roland
Published: March 2020

Die Eismonde von Uranus, Neptun und Pluto wurden bislang nur von zwei Raumsonden erforscht: Voyager 2 und New Horizons. Ihre Aufnahmen zeigen eine große Vielfalt an Oberflächenformationen. Diese Eismonde weisen Ähnlichkeiten mit denen von Jupiter und Saturn auf. So gibt es offensichtlich auch im äußersten Bereich des Sonnensystems Kryovulkanismus. Auch Dehnungsstrukturen und mögliche Auswirkungen von planetaren Kollisionen sind erkennbar. Mehr als 50 Jahre nach Voyager 2 gibt es Pläne für eine neue Mission ins Uranus‐ und Neptunsystem. Noch weitgehend unerforscht sind die Zwergplaneten und kleineren Körper im Kuiper‐Gürtel. Der Vorbeiflug an Pluto und Charon im Juli 2015 war ein erster Blick in diese noch sehr fremde Welt. Entwürfe für weitere Missionen in den Kuiper‐Gürtel, zumindest seitens der NASA, existieren bereits auf dem Reißbrett für die Zeit nach 2040.
Stromstärken mit dem Handy messen
Authors: Holz Christoph , Pusch Alexander , Wilhelm Thomas , Kuhn Jochen
Published: March 2020

Der Magnetfeldsensor im Smartphone in Kombination mit einer geeigneten App ermöglicht es, elektrische Stromstärken zu messen. Ein Spulenclip zum Beispiel aus dem 3D‐Drucker erhöht die Praktikabilität und Genauigkeit.
Highly cross‐linked UV‐cured siloxane copolymer networks as icephobic coatings
Authors: Coady Matthew J. , Getangama Nuwansiri N. K. , Khalili Aria , Wood Michael , Nielsen Kent E. , de Bruyn John R. , Hutter Jeffrey L. , Klassen Robert J. , Kietzig Anne‐Marie , Ragogna Paul J.
Published: March 2020

Preventing ice growth on infrastructure, vehicles, and appliances remains a significant engineering challenge. Damage caused by ice growth on these installations can be expensive to repair, and their failure can be dangerous. Materials such as cross‐linked polymer networks make effective anti‐ice coatings and can prevent ice growth: reducing the cost of infrastructure repairs and limiting downtime. A link between cross‐link density and ice adhesion has been demonstrated, such that lower cross‐link density materials tend toward lower ice adhesion. Here we describe a method of lowering cross‐link density by incorporating the covalently bound comonomers methyl methacrylate, lauryl methacrylate, and styrene into UV‐cured PDMS‐based polymer networks. Cross‐link density, hardness, surface roughness, and ice adhesion on these materials are tested, showing the influence of comonomer proportions on their properties. Durability is found to increase with the addition of 5, 10, and 25 wt% comonomer, with little to no effect on ice adhesion until 25 wt%, where increases in ice adhesion are observed. Coatings show promisingly low ice adhesion of ~50 kPa, maintaining this low adhesion for up to 50 deicing cycles.
Combination of several matching adjusted indirect comparisons (MAICs) with an application in psoriasis
Authors: Saure Daniel , Schacht Alexander , Kadziola Zbigniew , Brnabic Alan J. M.
Published: March 2020

In health technology assessment (HTA), beside network meta‐analysis (NMA), indirect comparisons (IC) have become an important tool used to provide evidence between two treatments when no head‐to‐head data are available. Researchers may use the adjusted indirect comparison based on the Bucher method (AIC) or the matching‐adjusted indirect comparison (MAIC). While the Bucher method may provide biased results when included trials differ in baseline characteristics that influence the treatment outcome (treatment effect modifier), this issue may be addressed by applying the MAIC method if individual patient data (IPD) for at least one part of the AIC is available. Here, IPD is reweighted to match baseline characteristics and/or treatment effect modifiers of published data. However, the MAIC method does not provide a solution for situations when several common comparators are available. In these situations, assuming that the indirect comparison via the different common comparators is homogeneous, we propose merging these results by using meta‐analysis methodology to provide a single, potentially more precise, treatment effect estimate. This paper introduces the method to combine several MAIC networks using classic meta‐analysis techniques, it discusses the advantages and limitations of this approach, as well as demonstrates a practical application to combine several (M)AIC networks using data from Phase III psoriasis randomized control trials (RCT).
Quantum Monte Carlo study of ground and first excited state of C, N, O, F, and Ne atoms using Slater‐Jastrow‐Backflow wave function
Authors: Nasiri Saeed , Zahedi Mansour
Published: March 2020

All‐electron fixed‐node diffusion quantum Monte Carlo energies of the two lowest‐lying states of C, N, O, F, and Ne atoms are reported. The Slater‐Jastrow form is used as the trial wave function. We will use single‐ and multideterminant wave functions as the Slater part. The single‐determinant wave function has been computed by the Hartree‐Fock method and the multideterminant wave functions have been computed by the complete active space self‐consistent field, configuration interaction with single and double excitation, configuration interaction with single, double, triple, and quadruple excitation and second‐order configuration interaction. For the ground‐ and first excited states, the multideterminant wave functions have computed more than 99% of the correlation energy. Significant improvements have been achieved using the backflow transformations and up to 99.8% of the correlation energy has been recovered. A very good agreement with the experimental data has been obtained for the excitation energies.
On performance recovery of robust dynamic surface control
Authors: Pan Yongping , Joo Young‐Hoon , Yu Haoyong
Published: March 2020

Robust dynamic surface control (RDSC) is effective in alleviating the implementation difficulty of backstepping‐based multiple‐surface sliding control (MSSC) for a class of strict‐feedback nonlinear systems with mismatched uncertainties. However, the synthesis and analysis of the classical RDSC are conservative, which not only may lead to an impractical control law but also cannot fully reveal the technical nature of RDSC. This article provides a comprehensive study of a preferred RDSC law with an approximation of the signum function based on the singular perturbation theory. By formulating the control problem into a singular perturbation form, it is proven that the preferred RDSC recovers the performance of MSSC as the decrease of a filter parameter. The attractive features of the preferred RDSC revealed during the proposed synthesis and analysis include: (a) the control gain can be significantly reduced resulting in a sharp decrease of control energy and (b) the closed‐loop stability can be guaranteed by only decreasing the filter parameter. Simulation results have been shown to be consistent with the theoretical findings.
Has a non‐native cichlid of the genus Amatitlania (Actinopterygii, Cichlidae) adapted to the headwaters in Brazilian semi‐arid?
Authors: Gurgel‐Lourenço Ronaldo C. , Pinto Leonardo M. , Bezerra Luis A. V. , Sánchez‐Botero Jorge I.
Published: March 2020

Several fish species from Central America and other regions have been introduced into Brazil. In this study, we evaluated the bioecological aspects of a non‐native cichlid of the genus Amatitlania (convict cichlid) and its possible establishment in high‐altitude forest enclaves of semi‐arid Northeastern Brazil. Specimens of Amatitlania nigrofasciata (Günther, 1867) were captured in a local stream displaying abiotic conditions like those of its natural range of distribution. The individuals collected were predominantly adult, insectivorous and displayed normal length–weight relationships, although we observed some phenotypical plasticity (variation in body depth, and a morphologically abnormal dorsal fin in three cases). Our results indicate that A. nigrofasciata has successfully colonized an Atlantic forest enclave in the Brazilian semi‐arid region, making it necessary to adopt measures to prevent the species from spreading to other water bodies in the surroundings.
The Co2+ Complex of [7‐Hydroxy‐4‐methyl‐8‐coumarinyl]glycine as a Nanocatalyst for the Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of New Mannich Bases of Benzimidazoles and Benzothiazoles
Authors: Sharghi Hashem , Razavi Seyyede Faeze , Aberi Mahdi , Tavakoli Fatemeh , Shekouhy Mohsen
Published: March 2020

In this paper, a series of novel Mannich bases of benzimidazoles and benzothiazoles were synthesized via a one‐pot two steps reaction of 1,2‐phenylenediamines or 2‐aminothiophenols with several in situ synthesized Mannich bases of aldehydes in the presence of nanostructured Co2+ complex of [7‐hydroxy‐4‐methyl‐8‐coumarinyl]glycine ([Co(MCG)(H2O)3] as a reusable and bioactive catalyst. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first report on the application of nanostructured coumarin‐based metal complexes [M(MCG)(H2O)3] for the synthesis of organic compounds. The nanostructured coumarin‐based cobalt complex as a catalyst could be reused up to six times without a decrease in its catalytic activity. The cytotoxic activities of synthesized benzimidazoles were investigated against the colon cancer cell line (HT‐29) and fibroblasts cell lines (HFF) as a non‐cancerous cell line, at 24 and 72 hours after incubation using 3‐(4, 5‐Dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2, 5‐diphenyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay.
Mixed discrete‐continuous regression—A novel approach based on weight functions
Authors: Michaelis Patrick , Klein Nadja , Kneib Thomas
Published: March 2020

In a wide range of applications, standard regression techniques are hard to apply because the responses may consist of a continuous part but augmented with a discrete number of additional response categories with probability greater than zero. Previous methods often assume that the process of both parts can be treated structurally independent given covariates which facilitates estimation considerably. However, this simplifying assumption is often too restrictive and questionable for the data situation at hand. To address this, we propose a novel approach for modelling mixed discrete‐continuous responses where the probabilities of the boundary cases are based on integrated weighted densities of the continuous part. The weight functions themselves may depend on covariates as well as unknown parameters. We discuss different types of mixed discrete‐continuous distributions and consider inferential methods in a Bayesian and maximum likelihood framework. We evaluate parameter estimation carefully in simulation studies before applying them to the analysis of income distributions using a specific instance of the novel zero‐adjusted‐type model.
Admixture tuning for high‐performance concrete for the production of novel precast pre‐stressed long‐span girders for highway overpasses
Authors: Fernandes Paulo , Pala Helena , Cavaco Eduardo , Tiago Paulo , Júlio Eduardo
Published: March 2020

The improvements observed in concrete technology in the last decades, namely the production of Portland cement CEM I 52.5 R, the development of third generation super‐plasticizers, and the commercialization of additions with high pozzolanic properties, turned possible the development of new concrete products using high performance concrete (HPC). Nevertheless, their implementation in the production process of the conservative precast concrete industry is not yet a reality. In this paper, the development and characterization of a HPC exhibiting high workability in the fresh state and high compressive strength in hardened state is presented. This HPC aims at producing, on a competitive basis, precast pre‐stressed long‐span girders for highway overpasses. For this reason, the main goal was to maximize the abovementioned properties but using the constituents available at the concrete precast company supporting the research. A set of different commercial admixtures was gathered and their influence on both compressive strength and workability of concrete was experimentally investigated. Results show that the compatibility between the admixture and the cementitious material is of paramount importance. By selecting the best type of the considered super‐plasticizers and by optimizing its dosage, it was possible to increase the workability from class S1 to S5 and, simultaneously, increase the compressive strength in circa 50%, up to 120 MPa, at 28 days of age.
Response surface‐based finite‐element model updating of a historic masonry minaret for operational modal analysis
Authors: Alpaslan Emre , Hacıefendioğlu Kemal , Demir Gökhan , Birinci Fahri
Published: March 2020

This study aimed to use the response surface (RS) method for finite element (FE) model updating, using operational modal analysis (OMA). The RS method was utilized to achieve better agreement between the numerical and field‐measured structure response. The OMA technique for the field study was utilized to obtain modal parameters of the selected historic masonry minaret. The natural frequencies and mode shapes were experimentally determined by the enhanced frequency domain decomposition (EFDD) method. The optimum results between the experimental and numerical analyses were found by using the optimization method. The central composite design was used to construct the design of experiments, and the genetic aggregation approach was performed to generate the RS models. After obtaining the RS models, an attempt was made to converge the natural frequency values corresponding to the five‐mode shapes with the frequency values identified by the experimental analysis. ANSYS software was used to perform 3D finite element (FE) modeling of the historic masonry minaret and to numerically identify the natural frequencies and mode shapes of the minaret. The results of the experimental, initial, and updated FE model were compared with each other. Significant differences can be seen when comparing the experimental and analytical results with the initial conditions.
Distribution and source assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons levels from Lake IJssel (the Netherlands) and their responses to hydrology
Authors: Niu Lixia , van Gelder Pieter.H.A.J.M.
Published: March 2020

Based on field efforts in Lake IJssel (the Netherlands) from 2000 to 2010, dynamics of 15 priority PAHs in suspended particulate matter (SPM) and in seawater were determined. This study examined time‐varying changes in PAH concentration and composition, apportioned potential anthropogenic sources, and quantified their linkages to hydrological factors. The sum of individual PAHs (defined as ∑15PAHs) varied widely throughout the study period in Lake IJssel, ranging from 0.76 to 9.66 mg/kg in SPM and from 0.014 to 0.136 μg/L in seawater. High molecular weight PAHs were the most abundant PAH compounds, responsible for 73%–97%. Seasonal variation in ∑15PAHs level was distinguished, peaked in late winter and early spring, and reached a minimum in summer. Over site, the heavy contamination was found at the river mouth (e.g., Genemuiden). The driving factors of SPM and water temperature controlled the fate of PAHs. Principal component analysis and diagnostic ratios suggested that PAHs may have been derived from different input sources through various transport pathways, for example, coal combustion source and petroleum source. The findings are useful for filling the knowledge gap of PAH dynamics in Lake IJssel and Wadden Sea, which exerts significant influences on lake's environment.

Practitioner points

HMW PAHs (4–6 rings) were the most abundant PAH compounds.

Heavy contamination was found in the mouth of IJssel River.

Time‐varying change in PAHs level was significantly correlated with riverine input.

PAHs sources were apportioned via principal component analysis and diagnostic ratios.
Inflammatory dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Maisch Bernhard , Pankuweit Sabine
Published: March 2020

Inflammatory dilated cardiomyopathy (DCMi) is a syndrome, not an etiological disease entity. The infective etiology and the immunopathology can be best determined through endomyocardial biopsy with a complete work-up by light microscopy, immunohistology, and polymerase chain reaction for microbial agents. This review focuses on the methodological advances in diagnosis in the past few years and exemplifies the importance of an etiology-orientated treatment in different case scenarios. In fulminant nonviral myocarditis, immunosuppressive treatment together with hemodynamic stabilization of the patient via mechanical circulatory support (e.g., microaxial pumps, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, left ventricular assist device) can be life-saving. For viral inflammatory cardiomyopathy, intravenous immunoglobulin treatment can resolve inflammation and often eradicate the virus.
Endovenous (minimally invasive) procedures for treatment of varicose veins
Authors: Hartmann Karsten
Published: March 2020

Thermal ablation of saphenous vein varicosis has developed into a standard procedure for treatment of varicose veins. The clinical success of the endovenous thermal procedure is comparable to high ligation and stripping operations and a significant difference between these groups could not be detected in long-term analyses. The only difference is in the genesis of saphenofemoral recurrence detected by duplex ultrasound: neoangiogenesis occurs after high ligation and stripping operation and after endovenous ablation of the great saphenous vein a recurrence occurs predominantly via a residual anterior accessory saphenous vein (AASV). Reduction of costs by an increase in endovenous procedures carried out in an outpatient setting in comparison to stripping operations, which are still frequently carried out in Germany (in comparison to other countries) as an inpatient procedure, have meanwhile been confirmed. An endovenous crossectomy (i.e., high ligation) should be strived for. Nonthermal endoluminal catheter procedures are predominantly reserved for treatment of the short saphenous vein.
Impact of liver tumour burden, alkaline phosphatase elevation, and target lesion size on treatment outcomes with 177Lu-Dotatate: an analysis of the NETTER-1 study
Authors:   on behalf of the NETTER-1 study group, Strosberg Jonathan , Kunz Pamela L. , Hendifar Andrew , Yao James , Bushnell David , Kulke Matthew H. , Baum Richard P. , Caplin Martyn , Ruszniewski Philippe , Delpassand Ebrahim , Hobday Timothy , Verslype Chris , Benson Al , Srirajaskanthan Rajaventhan , Pavel Marianne , Mora Jaume , Berlin Jordan , Grande Enrique , Reed Nicholas , Seregni Ettore , Paganelli Giovanni , Severi Stefano , Morse Michael , Metz David C. , Ansquer Catherine , Courbon Frédéric , Al-Nahhas Adil , Baudin Eric , Giammarile Francesco , Taïeb David , Mittra Erik , Wolin Edward , O’Dorisio Thomas M. , Lebtahi Rachida , Deroose Christophe M. , Grana Chiara M. , Bodei Lisa , Öberg Kjell , Polack Berna Degirmenci , He Beilei , Mariani Maurizio F. , Gericke Germo , Santoro Paola , Erion Jack L. , Ravasi Laura , Krenning Eric
Published: March 2020

Purpose

To assess the impact of baseline liver tumour burden, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) elevation, and target lesion size on treatment outcomes with 177Lu-Dotatate.

Methods

In the phase 3 NETTER-1 trial, patients with advanced, progressive midgut neuroendocrine tumours (NET) were randomised to 177Lu-Dotatate (every 8 weeks, four cycles) plus octreotide long-acting release (LAR) or to octreotide LAR 60 mg. Primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Analyses of PFS by baseline factors, including liver tumour burden, ALP elevation, and target lesion size, were performed using Kaplan-Meier estimates; hazard ratios (HRs) with corresponding 95% CIs were estimated using Cox regression.

Results

Significantly prolonged median PFS occurred with 177Lu-Dotatate versus octreotide LAR 60 mg in patients with low (< 25%), moderate (25–50%), and high (> 50%) liver tumour burden (HR 0.187, 0.216, 0.145), and normal or elevated ALP (HR 0.153, 0.177), and in the presence or absence of a large target lesion (diameter > 30 mm; HR, 0.213, 0.063). Within the 177Lu-Dotatate arm, no significant difference in PFS was observed amongst patients with low/moderate/high liver tumour burden (P = 0.7225) or with normal/elevated baseline ALP (P = 0.3532), but absence of a large target lesion was associated with improved PFS (P = 0.0222). Grade 3 and 4 liver function abnormalities were rare and did not appear to be associated with high baseline liver tumour burden.

Conclusions

177Lu-Dotatate demonstrated significant prolongation in PFS versus high-dose octreotide LAR in patients with advanced, progressive midgut NET, regardless of baseline liver tumour burden, elevated ALP, or the presence of a large target lesion.

Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01578239, EudraCT: 2011-005049-11
UV absorption cross sections of vaporized 1-methylnaphthalene at elevated temperatures
Authors: Retzer Ulrich , Ulrich Hannah , Bauer Florian J. , Will Stefan , Zigan Lars
Published: March 2020

In this work, the UV absorption cross sections of the fluorescence tracer 1-methylnaphthalene are determined in the range of 230–330 nm. The experiments are performed in a continuously scavenged gas flow cell, which allows for defined homogeneous conditions regarding temperature, pressure, and tracer/fuel composition. A LSDS (laser driven light source) is used for irradiation, which enables high spectral emission intensities in the UV range studied. For detection, a spectrograph in combination with an intensified camera is applied. Absorption cross sections at temperatures up to 850 K are determined and compared to sparsely available published data. Possible uncertainties caused by the optical setup and the flow cell, respectively, are considered.
Influences of ENSO on boreal summer intraseasonal oscillation over the western Pacific in decaying summer
Authors: Chen Xiong , Li Chongyin , Li Xin
Published: March 2020

Characteristics of boreal summer intraseasonal oscillation (BSISO) over the western Pacific in ENSO decaying summer are revealed in this study. BSISO activity over the western Pacific is significantly weakened (strengthened) in El Niño (La Niña) decaying summer. Coherent and robust northward propagation (NP) of BSISO can be observed from the equator to the north of 25° N in La Niña decaying summer, while the intensity of BSISO NP is rapidly weakened to the north of 15° N in El Niño decaying summer. ENSO modulates BSISO activity by regulating circulation and moisture anomalies. Large-scale atmospheric circulation undergoes radical changes between El Niño and La Niña decaying summer. In El Niño (La Niña) decaying summer, anomalous anticyclonic (cyclonic) circulation and descending (ascending) motion are observed over the western Pacific, which provides an unfavorable (favorable) background state for the activity of BSISO. Low-level moistening north of BSISO convection center is crucial to its activity and NP, and the stronger low-level moistening in La Niña decaying summer induces the stronger NP. Differences in moisture variations between El Niño and La Niña decaying summer mainly stem from the meridional moisture advection, especially the meridional advection of intraseasonal moisture caused by low-frequency background state meridional wind. The stronger air-sea interaction over 15°–25° N in La Niña decaying summer could also promote the stronger NP of BSISO via surface heat fluxes exchanges. Zonal and meridional vertical wind shears can also influence the boundary convergence to the north of BSISO convection center and promote the NP of BSISO via vertical wind shear and vorticity advection mechanisms, but they are not the dominant reasons for the differences in the NP of BSISO between El Niño and La Niña decaying summer.
The influence of wintertime SST variability in the Western North Pacific on ENSO diversity
Authors: Fosu Boniface , He Jie , Wang S.-Y. Simon
Published: March 2020

Sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTa) in the Western North Pacific (WNP) have been linked to the development of El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events a full year in advance. However, the contribution of the WNP precursor to the temporal evolution and spatial complexity of ENSO remains unclear. Using the preindustrial experiment of the Community Earth System Model as the control climate, a partially coupled experiment is conducted in which WNP SSTa are restored to the model climatology. By comparing the perturbed experiment to the control, we are able to clearly characterize ENSO’s response to WNP SST variability. We find that the WNP is predominantly linked to eastern Pacific (EP) ENSO events. Without SST variability in the WNP, central Pacific (CP) ENSO events are more likely to develop. This variation in ENSO flavor is controlled by how the WNP projects onto wind stress anomalies in the western equatorial Pacific, which in turn impacts the discharge and recharge of ocean heat during the ENSO cycle. Specifically, the removal of SSTa in the WNP weakens the buildup of ocean heat in the western equatorial Pacific, which then hinders the development of EP-type events.
Accuracy of tibial positioning in the frontal plane: a prospective study comparing conventional and innovative techniques in total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Zahn R. K. , Graef F. , Conrad J. L. , Renner L. , Perka C. , Hommel H.
Published: March 2020

Background

Coronal alignment of the tibial component determines functional outcome and survival in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Innovative techniques for tibial instrumentation have been developed to improve accuracy and reduce the rate of outliers.

Methods

In a prospective study, 300 patients were allocated to four different groups using a randomization process (two innovative and two conventional) techniques of tibial instrumentation (conventional: extramedullary, intramedullary; innovative: navigation and patient-specific instrumentation (PSI);n = 75 for each group). The aims were to reconstruct the medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) to 90° and the mechanical tibio-femoral axis (mTFA) to 0°. Both angles were evaluated and compared between all groups three months after the surgery. Patients who presented with a postoperative mTFA > 3° were classified as outliers.

Results

The navigation and intramedullary technique both demonstrated that they were significantly more precise in reconstructing a neutral mTFA and MPTA compared to the other two techniques. The odd’s ratio (OR) for producing outliers was highest for the PSI method (PSI OR = 5.5,p < 0.05; extramedullary positioning OR = 3.7,p > 0.05; intramedullary positioning OR = 1.7,p > 0.05; navigation OR = 0.04,p < 0.05). We could only observe significant differences between pre- and postoperative MPTA in the navigation and intramedullary group. The MPTA showed a significant negative correlation with the mTFA in all groups preoperatively and in the extramedullary, intramedullary and PSI postoperatively.

Conclusion

The navigation and intramedullary instrumentation provided the precise positioning of the tibial component. Outliers were most common within the PSI and extramedullary technique. Optimal alignment is dependent on the technique of tibial instrumentation and tibial component positioning determines the accuracy in TKA since mTFA correlated with MPTA pre- and postoperatively.
The Liouville-type theorem for problems with nonstandard growth derived by Caccioppoli-type estimate
Authors: Dudek Sylwia
Published: March 2020

Let u be a nonnegative solution to the PDI $$-\,\mathrm{div} \mathcal {A}(x, u, \nabla u)\geqslant \mathcal {B}(x,u, \nabla u)$$-divA(x,u,∇u)⩾B(x,u,∇u) in $$\Omega $$Ω, where $$\mathcal {A}$$A and $$\mathcal {B}$$B are differential operators with p(x)-type growth. As a consequence of the Caccioppoli-type inequality for the solution u, we obtain the Liouville-type theorem under some integral condition. We simplify the assumptions on functions $$ \mathcal {A}$$A and $$ \mathcal {B}$$B, and we do not restrict the range of p(x) by the dimension n, therefore we can cover quite general family of problems.
X-ray tomography of cryopreserved human prostate cancer cells: mitochondrial targeting by an organoiridium photosensitiser
Authors: Bolitho Elizabeth M. , Sanchez-Cano Carlos , Huang Huaiyi , Hands-Portman Ian , Spink Matthew , Quinn Paul D. , Harkiolaki Maria , Sadler Peter J.
Published: March 2020

The organoiridium complex Ir[(C,N)2(O,O)] (1) where C, N = 1-phenylisoquinoline and O,O = 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedionate is a promising photosensitiser for Photo-Dynamic Therapy (PDT). 1 is not toxic to cells in the dark. However, irradiation of the compound with one-photon blue or two-photon red light generates high levels of singlet oxygen (1O2) (in Zhang et al. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 56 (47):14898-14902 10.1002/anie.201709082,2017), both within cell monolayers and in tumour models. Moreover, photo-excited 1 oxidises key proteins, causing metabolic alterations in cancer cells with potent antiproliferative activity. Here, the tomograms obtained by cryo-Soft X-ray Tomography (cryo-SXT) of human PC3 prostate cancer cells treated with 1, irradiated with blue light, and cryopreserved to maintain them in their native state, reveal that irradiation causes extensive and specific alterations to mitochondria, but not other cellular components. Such new insights into the effect of 1O2 generation during PDT using iridium photosensitisers on cells contribute to a detailed understanding of their cellular mode of action.

Graphic abstract
CXCL1, CCL2, and CCL5 modulation by microbial and biomechanical signals in periodontal cells and tissues—in vitro and in vivo studies
Authors: Rath-Deschner Birgit , Memmert Svenja , Damanaki Anna , Nokhbehsaim Marjan , Eick Sigrun , Cirelli Joni A. , Götz Werner , Deschner James , Jäger Andreas , Nogueira Andressa V. B.
Published: March 2020

Objectives

This study was established to investigate whether the chemokines CXCL1, CCL2, and CCL5 are produced in periodontal cells and tissues and, if so, whether their levels are regulated by microbial and/or mechanical signals.

Materials and methods

The chemokine expression and protein levels in gingival biopsies from patients with and without periodontitis were analyzed by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. The chemokines were also analyzed in gingival biopsies from rats subjected to experimental periodontitis and/or orthodontic tooth movement. Additionally, chemokine levels were determined in periodontal fibroblasts exposed to the periodontopathogen Fusobacterium nucleatum and mechanical forces by RT-PCR and ELISA.

Results

Higher CXCL1, CCL2, and CCL5 levels were found in human and rat gingiva from sites of periodontitis as compared with periodontally healthy sites. In the rat experimental periodontitis model, the bacteria-induced upregulation of these chemokines was significantly counteracted by orthodontic forces. In vitro, F. nucleatum caused a significant upregulation of all chemokines at 1 day. When the cells were subjected simultaneously to F. nucleatum and mechanical forces, the upregulation of chemokines was significantly inhibited. The transcriptional findings were paralleled at protein level.

Conclusions

This study provides original evidence in vitro and in vivo that the chemokines CXCL1, CCL2, and CCL5 are regulated by both microbial and mechanical signals in periodontal cells and tissues. Furthermore, our study revealed that biomechanical forces can counteract the stimulatory actions of F. nucleatum on these chemokines.

Clinical relevance

Mechanical loading might aggravate periodontal infection by compromising the recruitment of immunoinflammatory cells.
Premium auctions in the field
Authors: Onderstal Sander
Published: March 2020

In a field experiment, we study the revenue-generating properties of premium auctions. In a premium auction, the runner-up obtains a premium for driving up the price paid by the winner. Previous research, both theoretical and in the lab, has shown that the relative performance of premium auctions compared to standard auction formats is context-specific. In the experiment, we compare two types of premium auctions with the standard Vickrey auction selling high-quality, limited-edition posters in an online auction. We observe that neither premium auction raises higher revenue than the Vickrey auction. Revenue dispersion in the Amsterdam auction, one of the premium auctions, is lower than that in the other two auctions.
Breast cancer outcome in relation to bone mineral density and bisphosphonate use: a sub-study of the DATA trial
Authors:   the Dutch Breast Cancer Research Group (BOOG), van Hellemond Irene E. G. , Smorenburg Carolien H. , Peer Petronella G. M. , Swinkels Astrid C. P. , Seynaeve Caroline M. , van der Sangen Maurice J. C. , Kroep Judith R. , de Graaf Hiltje , Honkoop Aafke H. , Erdkamp Frans L. G. , van den Berkmortel Franchette W. P. J. , de Roos Wilfred K. , Linn Sabine C. , Imholz Alexander L. T. , de Boer Maaike , Tjan-Heijnen Vivianne C. G.
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The phase III DATA study compared 6 and 3 years of adjuvant anastrozole following 2–3 years of tamoxifen in postmenopausal breast cancer patients. This pre-planned side-study assessed the relationship between a reduced bone mineral density (BMD) and distant recurrence-free survival (DRFS), and evaluated the effect of bisphosphonates on DRFS.

Methods

We selected all patients with a BMD measurement within 3 years after randomisation (landmark) without any DRFS events. Kaplan–Meier methods and Cox proportional hazards models were used for analyses.

Results

Of 1860 eligible patients, 1142 had a DEXA scan before the landmark. The BMD was normal in 436 (38.2%) and showed osteopenia in 565 (49.5%) and osteoporosis in 141 (12.3%) patients. After a median follow-up of 5.0 years from the landmark, neither osteopenia nor osteoporosis (compared with normal BMD) were associated with DRFS in both the 6-year [osteopenia HR 0.82 (95% CI 0.45–1.49), osteoporosis HR 1.10 (95% CI 0.26–4.67)] and the 3-year arm [osteopenia HR 0.75 (95% CI 0.40–1.42), osteoporosis HR 1.86 (95% CI 0.43–8.01)]. Moreover, bisphosphonate use did not impact DRFS.

Conclusion

No association was observed between a reduced BMD and DRFS. Neither did we observe an impact of bisphosphonates on DRFS.
The Ethics of Entrepreneurial Philanthropy
Authors: Harvey Charles , Gordon Jillian , Maclean Mairi
Published: March 2020

A salient if under researched feature of the new age of global inequalities is the rise to prominence of entrepreneurial philanthropy, the pursuit of transformational social goals through philanthropic investment in projects animated by entrepreneurial principles. Super-wealthy entrepreneurs in this way extend their suzerainty from the domain of the economic to the domains of the social and political. We explore the ethics and ethical implications ofentrepreneurialphilanthropythrough systematic comparison with what we callcustomaryphilanthropy, which preferences support for established institutions and social practices. We analyse the ethical statements made at interview by 24 elite UK philanthropists, 12 customary and 12 entrepreneurial, to reveal the co-existence of two ethically charged narratives of elite philanthropic motivations, each instrumental in maintaining the established socio-economic order. We conclude that entrepreneurial philanthropy, as an ostensibly efficacious instrument of social justice, is ethically flawed by its unremitting impulse toward ideological purity.
Synthesis and Characterization of Palladium Supported Amino Functionalized Magnetic-MOF-MIL-101 as an Efficient and Recoverable Catalyst for Mizoroki–Heck Cross-Coupling
Authors: Nuri Ayat , Vucetic Nemanja , Smått Jan-Henrik , Mansoori Yaghoub , Mikkola Jyri-Pekka , Murzin Dmitry Yu.
Published: March 2020

Magnetic particles were prepared by a hydrothermal method and then successively covered by Metal–Organic-Frameworks MIL-101-NH2 with a high surface area. This was followed by deposition of Pd(OAc)2 on Fe3O4–NH2@MIL-101-NH2 particles. The final catalyst was characterized with FT-IR, nitrogen physisorption, thermogravimetry (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), wide-angle X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The prepared magnetic catalyst was effectively used in the Heck coupling reaction in the presence of an inorganic base. The reaction parameters such as the base type, amounts of catalyst and solvents, temperature, and substrates ratios were optimized. The catalyst was then magnetically separated, washed, and reused 7 times without losing significantly catalytic activity.

Graphic Abstract
Mechanical Properties of cellulose fibers measured by Brillouin spectroscopy
Authors: Elsayad Kareem , Urstöger Georg , Czibula Caterina , Teichert Christian , Gumulec Jaromir , Balvan Jan , Pohlt Michael , Hirn Ulrich
Published: March 2020

We investigate the potential of Brillouin Light Scattering (BLS) Microspectroscopy for fast non-invasive all-optical assessment of the mechanical properties of viscose fibers and bleached softwood pulp. Using an optimized Brillouin spectrometer, we demonstrate fast spatial mapping of the complex longitudinal modulus over extended areas (> 100 µm). Our results reveal that while the softwood pulp has a relatively uniform moduli, the viscous fibers have significant spatial heterogeneous in the moduli. Specifically, the viscose fibers exhibited a regular pattern of increasing and decreasing modulus normal to the fiber axis. The potential influence of a locally changing refractive index is investigated by holographic phase microscopy and ruled out. We discuss our results in light of the anisotropic mechanical properties of the fibers and are able to estimate the relative difference between the modulus along the fiber axis and that perpendicular to it. Results are presented alongside reference measurements of the quasi-static mechanical properties transverse to the fiber axes obtained using AFM-nanoindentation which reveal a similar trend, hinting at the potential usefulness of BLS for mechanical characterization applications. However, more detailed investigations are called for to uncover all the factors influencing the measured high-frequency BLS modulus and its significance in relation to physical properties of the fiber that may be of practical interest.
Management of moderate-to-severe dry eye disease using chitosan-N-acetylcysteine (Lacrimera®) eye drops: a retrospective case series
Authors: Nepp Johannes , Knoetzl Wolfgang , Prinz Anna , Hoeller Sonja , Prinz Martin
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Dry eye disease is a highly prevalent condition that causes tear film instability, ocular discomfort, and visual disturbance. Lacrimera eye drops are approved for the short-term treatment of dry eye disease. We aimed to evaluate the clinical outcome of patients with moderate-to-severe dry eye disease treated with Lacrimera up to 1 month during routine clinical practice.

Methods

We retrospectively collected data from 25 patients with dry eye disease from the start of Lacrimera treatment up to 1 month of follow-up period. We analyzed standard clinical parameters to follow the course of the patients’ dry eye signs and symptoms.

Results

Based on corneal staining data, we found that the percentage of patients with intact corneas raised from 12 to 64% after 1 month of Lacrimera treatment. During this period, we also observed an increase in both tear breakup time (p < 0.05) and Schirmer’s score (p  < 0.001), with lower values indicating severer signs. Lacrimera eye drops were judged by 29% of the patients to be effective at relieving eye symptoms.

Conclusions

Lacrimera appears to be safe and effective in the treatment of dry eye disease, as assessed by corneal staining, tear breakup time, and Schirmer’s analyses. Our data suggest that the regenerative effect of Lacrimera eye drops peaks at 2 weeks and is sustained for at least 1 month when administered for a longer period of time.
Global drivers of cryptocurrency infrastructure adoption
Authors: Saiedi Ed , Broström Anders , Ruiz Felipe
Published: March 2020

A vast digital ecosystem of entrepreneurship and exchange has sprung up with Bitcoin’s digital infrastructure at its core. We explore the worldwide spread of infrastructure necessary to maintain and grow Bitcoin as a system (Bitcoin nodes) and infrastructure enabling the use of bitcoins for everyday economic transactions (Bitcoin merchants). Specifically, we investigate the role of legal, criminal, financial, and social determinants of the adoption of Bitcoin infrastructure. We offer some support for the view that the adoption of cryptocurrency infrastructure is driven by perceived failings of traditional financial systems, in that the spread of Bitcoin infrastructure is associated with low trust in banks and the financial system among inhabitants of a region, and with the occurrence of country-level inflation crises. On the other hand, our findings also suggest that active support for Bitcoin is higher in locations with well-developed banking services. Finally, we find support for the view that bitcoin adoption is also partly driven by cryptocurrencies’ usefulness in engaging in illicit trade.
Formal models of source reliability
Authors: Merdes Christoph , von Sydow Momme , Hahn Ulrike
Published: March 2020

The paper introduces, compares and contrasts formal models of source reliability proposed in the epistemology literature, in particular the prominent models of Bovens and Hartmann (Bayesian epistemology, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2003) and Olsson (Episteme 8(02):127–143, 2011). All are Bayesian models seeking to provide normative guidance, yet they differ subtly in assumptions and resulting behavior. Models are evaluated both on conceptual grounds and through simulations, and the relationship between models is clarified. The simulations both show surprising similarities and highlight relevant differences between these models. Most importantly, however, our evaluations reveal that important normative concerns arguably remain unresolved. The philosophical implications of this for testimony are discussed.