bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The indispensable role of pharmacy services and medication therapy management in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Grant Jonathan J. , McDade Erin J. , Zobell Jeffery T. , Young David C.
Published: August 2021

Care for people with cystic fibrosis (PWCF) is highly complex and requires a multidisciplinary approach where the pharmacist plays a vital role. The purpose of this manuscript is to serve as a guideline for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians who provide care for PWCF by providing background and current recommendations for the use of cystic fibrosis (CF)‐specific medications in both the acute and ambulatory care settings. The article explores current literature surrounding the role of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, proven pharmacy models to emulate, and pharmacokinetic idiosyncrasies unique to the CF population while also identifying areas of future research. Clinical recommendations for the use of CF‐specific medications are broken down by organ system including mechanism of action, adverse events, dosages, and monitoring parameters. The article also includes quick reference tables essential to the acute and chronic medication therapy management of PWCF.
Development of H2O2 Based Mixed Hybrid Rocket
Authors: Marothiya Gaurav , Ramakrishna P. A. , Saravanan N. , Kumar Solasa Praveen
Published: August 2021

As a green oxidizer, hydrogen peroxide is an earth‐storable, non‐toxic liquid oxidizer. This study shows a possible combination of wax‐based aluminized fuel with hydrogen peroxide as an oxidizer, which can be used to improve the specific impulse and density specific impulse of the hybrid rockets. In this study, various methods have been tried to ignite the hybrid rocket and measure the regression rates and ballistic performance. This research presents sustainable combustion of hydrogen peroxide with aluminized wax‐based fuel without the need for any catalyst bed. This combination of hybrid propellant demonstrates superiority over other fuels with hydrogen peroxide and shows promises in terms of an option as the future green propellant. The theoretical specific impulse of about 315 s at 100 bar with a nozzle exit area ratio of 50 is shown by this fuel and oxidizer combination. Another benefit of this combination of hybrid propellant is that the peak specific impulse is obtained at an O/F ratio of almost unity which makes the system more compact.
Assimilating atmospheric infrasound data to constrain atmospheric winds in a two‐dimensional grid
Authors: Amezcua Javier , Barton Zak
Published: August 2021

Infrasound waves travelling through atmospheric channels are affected by the conditions they encounter along their path. The shift in the back azimuth angle of a wavefront detected at the reception site depends on the cross‐winds it encountered. Estimating the original field from this integrated measurement is an (ill‐posed) inverse problem. By using a prior, this can be converted into a Bayesian estimation problem. In this work, we use the (ensemble) Kalman filter (EnKF) to tackle this problem. In particular, we provide an illustration of the setup and solution of the problem in a two‐dimensional grid, depending on both across‐track distance and height, which has not been done in previous works. We use a synthetic setup to discuss the details of the method. We show that one of the effects of along‐track averaging (done in previous studies to simplify the problem) is to overestimate the magnitude of the analysed values, and propose that this will be a source of model error. We also illustrate the process with real data corresponding to nine controlled ammunition explosions that took place in the summer of 2018. In these cases, the real infrasound waves we study seldom reach higher than  km in height. However, the use of covariance‐based methods (e.g., the EnKF) allows for updates in higher regions where the wave did not travel and where traditional observations are sparse. In fact, the larger impacts from observations in these cases are in the region of 40–60 km, in agreement with previous works. This study contributes to paving the way towards the ultimate goal of assimilating information derived from infrasound waves into operational numerical weather forecasting. More studies in quality control of the observations and proper validation of the results are urgently needed.
Circulation conservation in the outflow of warm conveyor belts and consequences for Rossby wave evolution
Authors: Saffin Leo , Methven John , Bland Jake , Harvey Ben , Sanchez Claudio
Published: August 2021

Rossby waves on the jet stream are associated with meridional motions, displacing air and the strong potential vorticity (PV) gradient on isentropic surfaces. Poleward motion along sloping isentropic surfaces typically results in ascent and a ridge of air with low PV values. Latent heating in the ascending warm conveyor belt (WCB) enables air to cross isentropic surfaces so that the WCB outflow into a ridge occurs in a higher isentropic layer than the inflow. However, the PV impermeability theorem states that there can be no PV flux across isentropic surfaces, so how can heating alter the PV pattern of a Rossby wave? Here, the ways in which heating in WCBs can influence Rossby wave evolution at tropopause level are explained in the context of the PV impermeability theorem. First, a WCB outflow volume is defined by the upper tropospheric air in a ridge that has experienced net heating over the last few days, using a tracer within short global model forecasts. Second, the boundary of this outflow volume is tracked backwards using isentropic trajectories allowing quantification of the degree to which circulation is conserved, as predicted by theory, even though the WCB transports mass into the volume from lower isentropic layers. This diabatic flux of mass into the outflow volume results in an increase in density and expansion in the outflow area, the partition being determined approximately by PV inversion. The area expansion, combined with conservation of circulation, implies stronger anticyclonic vorticity. The relative vorticity change from divergent outflow can be as large as the decrease relative to the background planetary vorticity associated with poleward displacement of the circuit. The additional anticyclonic relative motion results in enhanced anticyclonic overturning of PV contours on the eastern flank of the ridge, altering qualitatively the nonlinear evolution of the Rossby wave.
Examination of all‐sky infrared radiance simulation of Himawari‐8 for global data assimilation and model verification
Authors: Okamoto Kozo , Hayashi Masahiro , Hashino Tempei , Nakagawa Masayuki , Okuyama Arata
Published: August 2021

The systematic difference between observations and simulation from weather forecast model hampers effective data assimilation and model improvement. The purpose of this study is to identify the characteristics and cause of the systematic difference or observation‐minus‐background (O − B) bias for all‐sky infrared radiances of the Himawari‐8 satellite, and propose data assimilation preprocessings and model verification. The O − B bias in cloudy scenes showed substantial negative values because of the shortage of high‐altitude clouds generated in the forecast model. Additionally, a positive bias appeared for thin ice clouds because of the excessive absorption of radiative transfer models (RTMs). These biases were traced based on a bottom‐up approach investigating individual uncertainty of RTMs, observation calibration, and the forecast model using two RTMs, reference hyperspectral sounders and synergetic measurements of CloudSat and CALIPSO. Based on these findings, data assimilation preprocessing such as quality‐control procedures excluding samples that models poorly reproduced was developed. Although the quality controls reduced the number of biased samples, non‐negligible O − B biases remained. Possible problems and treatments for the biases were discussed, including bias correction, observation error inflation, and correction of the cloud effect parameter. The O–B statistics also suggested insufficient representation of the diurnal variation in the cloud fraction in the tropics. Modified physical processes in the forecast model to increase ice clouds were tested to help improve the model bias and develop data assimilation. This trial indicated the difficulty in improving both O − B bias and variance and the necessity of adjusting the cloud effect parameters in data assimilation.
Influence on structural, electronic and optical properties of Fe doped ZnS quantum dot: A density functional theory based study
Authors: Momin Md. Abdul , Islam Md. Aminul , Majumdar Abhijit
Published: August 2021

In this paper, the tunability of the fluorescence capacity of ZnS quantum dot (QD) after the effective doping of transition metal iron (Fe) have been studied. The structural, electronic, and optical properties have been optimized for pure and Fe doped ZnS QDs by using local density approximation in density functional theory framework. The optimized lattice volumes show a reasonable agreement with previously obtained experimental and theoretical data for both the doped and un‐doped system. As Fe is doped to ZnS, the crystal system transforms from cubic to tetragonal structure with an increased lattice volume compared to the pure system and exhibits a narrow band gap with a negative value. Moreover, the absorption peak is broadened in the ultraviolet to the blue (visible) region and it shows a low intense peak in the infrared region. These results indicate the increase of fluorescence capacity that may be expected to apply for rapid detection of virus‐like as SARS CoV‐2.
Macroinvertebrate drift patterns in the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers: Implications for Scaphirhynchus sturgeon conservation efforts
Authors: Cogar Madison C. , Kim Hae H. , Haupt Kevin J. , Phelps Quinton E. , Henry Donovan B.
Published: August 2021

Macroinvertebrates are important prey to various fishes at all life stages and in particular, Scaphirhynchus sturgeon species. Specifically, shovelnose sturgeon and pallid sturgeon survival and growth may be influenced by macroinvertebrate availability. We examined macroinvertebrate catch rates longitudinally (i.e., upstream to downstream), laterally (i.e., across the width of the river), and vertically (i.e., in the water column) to assess spatiotemporal drift patterns. A total of 3,414 samples were collected from April 15 to June 14 in 2018. Overall, 362,000 m3 of Missouri and Mississippi River water was filtered during sampling, and 72,216 macroinvertebrates were captured. Trichoptera comprised 75% of the total macroinvertebrate drift sampled, while Diptera (9%), Ephemeroptera (13%), and Plecoptera (2%), comprised a much smaller portion. The average number per day of drifting invertebrates (i.e., Diptera, Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera) ranged from 6.8 million/d to 36.4 million/d. We found that catch rates of drifting macroinvertebrates differed among site, dates, and position in the water column. Furthermore, of the five a priori models that we developed, the interaction of spatial variables coupled with the temporal variable best describes variability in macroinvertebrate catch rates throughout our study. Efforts to increase macroinvertebrate habitat may provide additional prey resources for Scaphirhynchus sturgeon. Previous studies have demonstrated greater macroinvertebrate diversity and density in unchannelized rivers. The section of river from the Missouri River confluence downstream to the Mosenthein Island complex is unchannelized and may be a good candidate for habitat restoration. Increasing macroinvertebrate abundance and diversity may positively influence Scaphirhynchus sturgeon.
Start with “Why,” but only if you have to: The strategic framing of novel ideas across different audiences
Authors: Falchetti Denise , Cattani Gino , Ferriani Simone
Published: August 2021

Research Summary

Building on social psychology research and entrepreneurship work on linguistic framing, we argue that the appreciation of novel ideas varies with the mental construal that members of different audiences use to evaluate them. Specifically, we theorize that the congruency between idea framing and audiences' mental construals depends on audiences' level of expertise in evaluating novel ideas. In four experiments, we found that innovators benefit from deploying framing strategies congruent with audiences' mental construals: novices (e.g., lay people, crowdfunders) appreciate more novel ideas framed in abstract why terms, while experts (e.g., professional investors, innovation managers) novel ideas framed in concrete how terms. Integrating the strategic framing of novel ideas with construal level theory and audience heterogeneity contributes to research on entrepreneurship, innovation, and impression management.

Managerial Summary

One of the critical challenges that innovators (e.g., entrepreneurs) face is to persuade relevant audiences (e.g., users, crowdfunders, professional investors, and innovation managers) to support their novel ideas. This article integrates various literatures concerned with the evaluation of novelty to examine the impact of different framing strategies on the reception of novel ideas by different audiences. By demonstrating that the framing of a novel business idea affects audience members' evaluation, and that the effectiveness of different frames (why vs. how) varies with the target audiences (novices vs. experts), we offer actionable insights into how innovators can strategically use linguistic framing to increase the likelihood of eliciting favorable evaluations and resource commitment for their ideas.
Recent advances on electrochemical methods in fabricating two‐dimensional organic‐ligand‐containing frameworks
Authors: Wang Xiang , She Pengfei , Zhang Qichun
Published: August 2021

Organic‐ligand‐containing frameworks have drawn considerable attention due to their multifunctional properties as well as tunable structures for broad applications. Among numerous synthesis methods developed in the past two decades, electrochemical processing has been demonstrated as one of the most efficient, safe, and facile ways to realize the large‐scale and highly controllable production of organic‐ligand‐containing frameworks. In this review, the progress of electrochemically induced crystallization and thin film fabrication of organic‐ligand‐containing frameworks is summarized in a well‐rounded way. Besides, the mechanism and processing parameters are also discussed. Moreover, the main challenges are also expounded for providing some guidance on the future development of organic‐ligand‐containing frameworks, especially for covalent‐organic frameworks and hydrogen‐bonded organic frameworks.
Top‐Down Approach to Study Chemical and Electronic Properties of Perovskite Solar Cells: Sputtered Depth Profiling Versus Tapered Cross‐Sectional Photoelectron Spectroscopies
Authors: Das Chittaranjan , Zia Waqas , Mortan Claudiu , Hussain Navid , Saliba Michael , Ingo Flege Jan , Kot Małgorzata
Published: August 2021

A study of the chemical and electronic properties of various layers across perovskite solar cell (PSC) stacks is challenging. Depth‐profiling photoemission spectroscopy can be used to study the surface, interface, and bulk properties of different layers in PSCs, which influence the overall performance of these devices. Herein, sputter depth profiling (SDP) and tapered cross‐sectional (TCS) photoelectron spectroscopies (PESs) are used to study highly efficient mixed halide PSCs. It is found that the most used SDP‐PES technique degrades the organic and deforms the inorganic materials during sputtering of the PSCs while the TCS‐PES method is less destructive and can determine the chemical and electronic properties of all layers precisely. The SDP‐PES dissociates the chemical bonding in the spiro‐MeOTAD and perovskite layer and reduces the TiO2, which causes the chemical analysis to be unreliable. The TCS‐PES revealed a band bending only at the spiro‐MeOTAD/perovskite interface of about 0.7 eV. Both the TCS and SDP‐PES show that the perovskite layer is inhomogeneous and has a higher amount of bromine at the perovskite/TiO2 interface.
Realizing Stable High‐Performance and Low‐Energy‐Loss Ternary Photovoltaics through Judicious Selection of the Third Component
Authors: Jiang Bing-Huang , Wang Yi-Peng , Su Yu-Wei , Chang Jia-Fu , Chueh Chu-Chen , Shen Ming-Huei , Shieh Tien-Shou , Jeng Ru-Jong , Chen Chih-Ping
Published: August 2021

The ternary strategy can be used to optimize the light harvesting (i.e., complementary absorption), energy level alignment, and blend morphology of organic photovoltaics (OPVs). Herein, ZY‐4Cl is chosen as the third component in a PM6:Y6‐based OPV. ZY‐4Cl has a small highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy level offset with Y6 (0.02 eV) and a small lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy level offset with PM6 (0.06 eV), and provided low energy loss of 0.538 eV for the resulting ternary OPV. Furthermore, the system displayed complementary absorption and a suitable value of χPM6–ZY‐4Cl, and the similar chemical structures of ZY‐4Cl and Y6 assured their great miscibility. The embedding of ZY‐4Cl improved the light harvesting, blend morphology, exciton dissociation, bimolecular/trap‐assisted recombination, and long‐term stability when comparing the ternary OPV with the PM6:Y6‐based binary OPV. Consequently, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) increased from 15.5 ± 0.22% for the binary OPV to 17.1 ± 0.23% for the ternary OPV, with the best PCE reaching 17.6%. The unencapsulated ternary OPV exhibited excellent air stability, maintaining 94% of its initial PCE for over 1390 h (25 °C, 40% humidity). This study provides a useful strategy for selecting the third component to improve the OPV performance.
Effect of Thermal Annealing on the Charge Carrier Selectivity of Ultra‐Thin Organic Interface Dipoles in Silicon Organic Heterojunction Solar Cells
Authors: Reichel Christian , Würfel Uli , Hack James H. , Winkler Kristina , Messmer Christoph A. , Schleiermacher Hans-Frieder , Kohlstädt Markus , Hermle Martin , Glunz Stefan W.
Published: August 2021

Interfacial layers consisting of organic molecules with a permanent dipole moment exhibit enhanced charge carrier selectivity when applied as electron‐selective contacts in crystalline silicon (c‐Si) heterojunction solar cells. It is found that thermal annealing has a detrimental effect on the charge carrier selectivity of dipole materials based on the amino acid l‐histidine mixed with a fluorosurfactant. Although, the implied open‐circuit voltage (iVoc) increases with annealing, the Voc decreases significantly which is accompanied by a decrease in the built‐in voltage (Vbi) and increase in the specific contact resistivity (ρc). Based on numerical device simulations, it is concluded that the tunneling of electrons through the dipole layer becomes less effective with increasing annealing temperature due to the decomposition of the dipole materials. The decomposition leads to a more “resistive” interfacial layer and to a gradient in the electron quasi‐Fermi potential and, thus, a decrease in Voc. Furthermore, storage under ambient air at room temperature degraded the electron‐selective contacts substantially, limiting the potential of the dipole material for the application in silicon organic heterojunction solar cells.
Erweiterung der Ermüdungsbemessung von K‐Knoten aus Hohlprofilen
Authors: Hrabowski Jennifer , Herion Stefan , Ummenhofer Thomas , Ladendorf Philipp , Pijpers Richard
Published: August 2021

Im Hohlprofilfachwerkbau ist der K‐Knoten mit Spalt die bevorzugte Knotenkonfiguration. Zunehmend werden auch ermüdungsbeanspruchte Fachwerke aus hochfesten Stahlgüten und mit größeren Wanddicken gebaut. Die Ermüdungsbemessung von Hohlprofil‐K‐Knoten nach dem Nennspannungskonzept berücksichtigt die Wanddicke der Bauteile, die in der aktuellen Normung auf max. 8 mm begrenzt ist. Die Bemessungsregeln auf Basis von Strukturspannungen beruhen auf numerischen Studien oder auf Versuchen an normalfesten Stählen und dünnwandigen Profilen. Zur leichteren Anwendung und Bemessung von K‐Knoten aus Hohlprofilen mit größerer Wanddicke und aus höherfesten Stahlgüten werden Empfehlungen ausgesprochen, um die bestehenden Bemessungsregeln anzupassen und zu erweitern.
Data‐Driven Controller Tuning with Closed‐Loop Response Estimation
Authors: Sakatoku Taiga , Yubai Kazuhiro , Yashiro Daisuke , Komada Satoshi
Published: August 2021

In data‐driven controller tuning methods based on a model matching problem, we sometimes suffer from appropriately selecting a reference model. In order to avoid this difficulty, the estimated‐response‐based controller tuning methods are recently studied. This paper proposes a new estimation method of the closed‐loop response and a controller tuning method using the estimated closed‐loop response. The proposed estimation method is applicable even to unstable systems and deals with the transient input/output data unlike conventional response estimation methods. Moreover, the proposed estimation method estimates the closed‐loop response with a non‐minimum phase or an unstable controller by introducing two fictitious signals. For improvement of estimation accuracy, the proposed method considers to reduce influences by noise and a certain type of disturbance. The controller tuning problem is formulated without any reference model and any information on the plant while imposing time‐domain constraints, overshoot, rise time, settling time, and input limitation. The effectiveness of the proposed method is confirmed by numerical and experiment examples. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Calibration Scheme of Impulse‐High‐Voltage Measuring System Traceable to National Standards of Japan
Authors: Miyazaki Satoru , Goshima Hisashi , Shimoyama Akihiko , Tadokoro Takuya , Wakimoto Takayuki , Ishii Masaru
Published: August 2021

It is recommended in IEC 60060‐2:2010 that measuring systems employed in high‐voltage impulse tests of electric apparatuses are calibrated directly or indirectly through comparison with a national standard. Japan High‐voltage Impulse testing Laboratory Liaison has attempted to establish a calibration scheme of impulse‐high‐voltage measuring system traceable to national standards in cooperation with Japan Electric Meters Inspection Corporation. In this paper, the calibration of the working‐standard measuring systems employed in the established calibration scheme are introduced. Nextly, uncertainties of the calibration by the established scheme are explained. Finally, the traceability system of the established calibration scheme is presented. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Collaboration with EAP teachers in English‐medium instruction contexts in higher education: Content lecturer perspectives
Authors: Alhassan Awad , Bora Simona Floare , Abdalla Yousif Abdelbagi
Published: August 2021

English‐medium instruction (EMI) has been increasingly used in higher education institutions worldwide, and therefore the collaboration between English for academic purposes (EAP) teachers and subject teachers is highly needed for the successful alignment of the EAP and subject content courses in EMI contexts. This article explores the views and perceptions of business subject teachers on collaboration between them and the EAP teachers in an English as a foreign language English‐medium business programme. Ten participants took part in this study, which adopted an interview‐based qualitative methodology. Results reveal a lack of collaboration between subject and EAP teachers, whilst the participants stressed the importance of and the need for collaboration. In addition, several ways for effective collaboration were suggested. The objective of this article is to emphasise the importance of collaboration and call for the establishment of a constructive and professional relationship between the two parties. The implications for EAP and EMI are presented and discussed.
$$ t\overline{t}b\overline{b} $$ at the LHC: on the size of corrections and b-jet definitions
Authors: Bevilacqua Giuseppe , Bi Huan-Yu , Hartanto Heribertus Bayu , Kraus Manfred , Lupattelli Michele , Worek Malgorzata
Published: August 2021

Abstract

We report on the calculation of the next-to-leading order QCD corrections to the production of a $$ t\overline{t} $$
t

t
¯

pair in association with two heavy-flavour jets. We concentrate on the di-lepton $$ t\overline{t} $$
t

t
¯

decay channel at the LHC with $$ \sqrt{s} $$

s

= 13 TeV. The computation is based on pp → e+νeμ−$$ \overline{\nu} $$

ν
¯

μ$$ b\overline{b}b\overline{b} $$
b

b
¯

b

b
¯

matrix elements and includes all resonant and non-resonant diagrams, interferences and off-shell effects of the top quark and the W gauge boson. As it is customary for such studies, results are presented in the form of inclusive and differential fiducial cross sections. We extensively investigate the dependence of our results upon variation of renormalisation and factorisation scales and parton distribution functions in the quest for an accurate estimate of the theoretical uncertainties. We additionally study the impact of the contributions induced by the bottom-quark parton density. Results presented here are particularly relevant for measurements of $$ t\overline{t}H $$
t

t
¯

H
(H → $$ b\overline{b} $$
b

b
¯

) and the determination of the Higgs coupling to the top quark. In addition, they might be used for precise measurements of the top-quark fiducial cross sections and to investigate top-quark decay modelling at the LHC.
Conformal manifolds and 3d mirrors of Argyres-Douglas theories
Authors: Carta Federico , Giacomelli Simone , Mekareeya Noppadol , Mininno Alessandro
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Argyres-Douglas theories constitute an important class of superconformal field theories in 4d. The main focus of this paper is on two infinite families of such theories, known as $$ {D}_p^b $$

D
p
b

(SO(2N)) and (Am, Dn). We analyze in depth their conformal manifolds. In doing so we encounter several theories of class 𝒮 of twisted Aodd, twisted Aeven and twisted D types associated with a sphere with one twisted irregular puncture and one twisted regular puncture. These models include Dp(G) theories, with G non-simply-laced algebras. A number of new properties of such theories are discussed in detail, along with new SCFTs that arise from partially closing the twisted regular puncture. Moreover, we systematically present the 3d mirror theories, also known as the magnetic quivers, for the $$ {D}_p^b $$

D
p
b

(SO(2N)) theories, with p ≥ b, and the (Am, Dn) theories, with arbitrary m and n. We also discuss the 3d reduction and mirror theories of certain $$ {D}_p^b $$

D
p
b

(SO(2N)) theories, with p < b, where the former arises from gauging topological symmetries of some $$ {T}_p^{\sigma } $$

T
p
σ

[SO(2M)] theories that are not manifest in the Lagrangian description of the latter.
Multiple iliopsoas tendons: a cadaveric study and treatment implications for internal snapping hip syndrome
Authors: Lin Benjamin , Bartlett Jonathan , Lloyd Thomas D. , Challoumas Dimitris , Brassett Cecilia , Khanduja Vikas
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This cadaveric study aimed at describing the anatomical variations of the iliopsoas complex.

Methods

The iliopsoas complex was dissected unilaterally in 28 formalin-embalmed cadavers—13 males and 15 females with a mean age of 85.6 years. The number, courses and widths of the iliacus and psoas major tendons were determined. Patients with previous hip surgery were excluded. The following measurements were taken from the mid-inguinal point: the distance to the point of union of the psoas major and iliacus tendon; and the distance to the most distal insertion of iliopsoas.

Results

The presence of single, double and triple tendon insertions of iliopsoas were found in 12, 12 and 4 of the 28 specimens, respectively. When present, double and triple tendons inserted separately onto the lesser trochanter. The average length of the iliopsoas tendon from the mid-inguinal point to the most distal attachment at the lesser trochanter was 122.3 ± 13.0 mm. The iliacus muscle bulk merged with psoas major at an average distance of 24.9 ± 17.9 mm proximal to the mid-inguinal point. In all cases, the lateral-most fibres of iliacus yielded a non-tendinous, muscular insertion on to the anterior surface of the lesser trochanter and the femoral shaft, rather than joining onto the main iliopsoas tendon(s). The average total width of the psoas major tendon decreased with an increasing number of tendons: 14.6 ± 2.2 mm (single tendon), 8.2 ± 3.0 mm (2 tendons present) and 5.9 ± 1.1 mm (3 tendons present) (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that multiple tendinous insertions of iliopsoas are present as an anatomical variant in more than 50% of the population. The non-tendinous muscular insertion of the iliopsoas on to the anterior surface of the lesser trochanter and femoral shaft found represents a novel anatomical variant not previously described.

Level of evidence

Level V
Prevalence and predictors of bowel dysfunction in a large multiple sclerosis outpatient population: an Italian multicenter study
Authors: Alvino Bisecco , Arianna Fornasiero , Assunta Bianco , Antonio Cortese , Emanuele d’Amico , Giorgia Mataluni , Leonardo Sinisi , Daniele Spitaleri , Renato Docimo , Buscarinu Maria Chiara , Massimiliano Mirabella , Crisafulli Sebastiano Giuseppe , Aurora Zanghì , Gabri Nicoletti Carolina , Marco Salvetti , Viola Baione , Francesco Patti , Marfia Alessandra Girolama , Grazia Sibilia , Valentina Scarano , Davide Orlando , Giovanni Stabile , Gioacchino Tedeschi , Gallo Antonio
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Bowel dysfunction (BD) is reported as a common and disabling symptom in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. To date, no studies have explored the prevalence of these symptoms in a large multicenter outpatient setting. The aims of the present study are to assess: (i) the prevalence of BD in a large multicenter Italian MS population, and (ii) the correlation between clinico-demographic variables and the severity of BD.

Methods

Each of the nine participating center screened MS patients prospectively: 1100 subjects were enrolled. All patients underwent the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and completed the Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction score (NBDs). Multivariable linear and logistic regression models were used to assess the association between NBDs and several clinico-demographic variables.

Results

Fourteen percent of MS patients showed a moderate/severe BD (NBDs > 10); this percentage increased in patients with high disability, ranging from 26 to 32%. Moderate/severe BD was more frequent in MS patients with: progressive phenotypes, higher disability, older age, and longer disease duration. NBDs severity was predicted by female sex, ambulation impairment and bladder symptoms.

Conclusion

This study confirms the relatively high prevalence of moderate/severe BD in a large, multicenter, unselected, outpatient MS population. BD appears to be mainly associated to female sex and MS-related disability.
The connections of neocortical pyramidal cells can implement the learning of new categories, attractor memory, and top–down recall and attention
Authors: Rolls Edmund T.
Published: August 2021

Neocortical pyramidal cells have three key classes of excitatory input: forward inputs from the previous cortical area (or thalamus); recurrent collateral synapses from nearby pyramidal cells; and backprojection inputs from the following cortical area. The neocortex performs three major types of computation: (1) unsupervised learning of new categories, by allocating neurons to respond to combinations of inputs from the preceding cortical stage, which can be performed using competitive learning; (2) short-term memory, which can be performed by an attractor network using the recurrent collaterals; and (3) recall of what has been learned by top–down backprojections from the following cortical area. There is only one type of excitatory neuron involved, pyramidal cells, with these three types of input. It is proposed, and tested by simulations of a neuronal network model, that pyramidal cells can implement all three types of learning simultaneously, and can subsequently usefully categorise the forward inputs; keep them active in short-term memory; and later recall the representations using the backprojection input. This provides a new approach to understanding how one type of excitatory neuron in the neocortex can implement these three major types of computation, and provides a conceptual advance in understanding how the cerebral neocortex may work.
Human primary visual cortex shows larger population receptive fields for binocular disparity-defined stimuli
Authors: Alvarez Ivan , Hurley Samuel A. , Parker Andrew J. , Bridge Holly
Published: August 2021

The visual perception of 3D depth is underpinned by the brain’s ability to combine signals from the left and right eyes to produce a neural representation of binocular disparity for perception and behaviour. Electrophysiological studies of binocular disparity over the past 2 decades have investigated the computational role of neurons in area V1 for binocular combination, while more recent neuroimaging investigations have focused on identifying specific roles for different extrastriate visual areas in depth perception. Here we investigate the population receptive field properties of neural responses to binocular information in striate and extrastriate cortical visual areas using ultra-high field fMRI. We measured BOLD fMRI responses while participants viewed retinotopic mapping stimuli defined by different visual properties: contrast, luminance, motion, correlated and anti-correlated stereoscopic disparity. By fitting each condition with a population receptive field model, we compared quantitatively the size of the population receptive field for disparity-specific stimulation. We found larger population receptive fields for disparity compared with contrast and luminance in area V1, the first stage of binocular combination, which likely reflects the binocular integration zone, an interpretation supported by modelling of the binocular energy model. A similar pattern was found in region LOC, where it may reflect the role of disparity as a cue for 3D shape. These findings provide insight into the binocular receptive field properties underlying processing for human stereoscopic vision.
Wie klingt die Maschine am Umrichter? Schnelle Berechnung und Auralisierung des Körperschalls
Authors: Hanke Martin , Wibbeler Jürgen
Published: August 2021

Die Vibrationen des Motorgehäuses als Quellen für den Körperschall elektrischer Maschinen sind zu großen Teilen bestimmt durch die Art der Ansteuerung im Umrichter, Frequenz und Tastverhältnis der PWM oder der Regelung. Im etablierten Workflow der Berechnung werden eine Periode der Maschine mittels FEM analysiert, die Anregungskräfte extrahiert und in der strukturmechanischen FEM-Analyse deren Fourier-Transformierte im Frequenzbereich zur Berechnung des Körperschalls verwendet. Für transiente Vorgänge wie schnelle Drehzahl- oder Pulsmusterwechsel ist das Verfahren ungeeignet. Mit größer werdender PWM-Frequenz wird auch das periodische Intervall so viele Zeitschritte erfordern, dass die FEM-basierte Feldberechnung zu lange dauert.

Wir stellen ein Verfahren vor, welches die Maschine ausgehend vom FEM-Modell in ein reduziertes Modell überführt. Dieses enthält Terminals für Wicklungsströme und Rotordrehung als elektromechanische Größen und liefert weiterhin die momentanen Koeffizienten der Luftspaltkraftwellen als Ausgabegrößen. Das strukturmechanische Modell des Gehäuses wird mittels modaler Projektion auf ein Zustandsraummodell reduziert, dessen Terminals einerseits die Luftspaltkraftwellen aufnehmen und andererseits die Vibrationsmoden repräsentieren.

Die Verhaltensmodelle werden in der Systemsimulation verknüpft. Aus den Resultaten für die Vibrationsmoden an der Oberfläche wird der zeitabhängige Schalldruck berechnet. Dieser wird als akustisches Signal hörbar gemacht. Statt Rechenzeiten im Stundenbereich für eine elektrische Periode zu benötigen, sind transiente Vorgänge mittels Systemsimulation in sehr kurzer Zeit hörbar und als Wasserfalldiagramm sichtbar zu machen.

Eine geeignete Kombination von Reduktionsmethoden erlaubt die Reduktion des Antriebes auf eine Reihe von Verhaltensmodellen. Damit gestattet die schnelle Systemsimulation die Auralisierung von transienten Einflüssen der Ansteuerung der Maschine.
Das Präsentationsdiagramm „Massenanfall“ des Manchester-Triage-Systems
Authors: Kogej Monika , Kern Melina , Tralls Patric , Berger Moritz , Gräff Ingo
Published: August 2021

Hintergrund und Ziel der Arbeit

Für die klinische Sichtung in der Zentralen Notaufnahme (ZNA) existiert bisher für den Massenanfall von Verletzten kein standardisierter Sichtungsalgorithmus. Mit dem Erscheinen der vierten überarbeiteten und erweiterten Auflage des Manchester-Triage-Systems (MTS) wird dem Nutzer ein spezielles Präsentationsdiagramm („Massenanfall“) angeboten. In der vorliegenden Studie wurde erstmalig das Präsentationsdiagramm „Massenanfall“ des MTS im klinischen Setting hinsichtlich seiner Güte untersucht.

Methodik

In der vorliegenden monozentrischen, prospektiven Studie wurden 215 traumatologische und 235 nichttraumatologische Patienten unter Verwendung des Präsentationsdiagramms „Massenanfall“ gesichtet und in eine der drei Sichtungskategorien (SK I–III) eingruppiert.

Ergebnisse

Das MTS-Diagramm stufte die traumatologische Kohorte in 80 % der Fälle korrekt ein. In 15,35 % erfolgte eine Über- und in 4,65 % eine Untertriage. Hierbei wurde eine Sensitivität/Spezifität von 84/99 % für die SK I, 87/78 % für SK II sowie 76/94 % für SK III erreicht. Die nichttraumatologischen Patienten wurden in 59,57 % korrekt kategorisiert sowie in 15,75 % über- und in 24,68 % untertriagiert. Die Sensitivität/Spezifität für SK I lag bei 50/95 %, für SK II bei 49/71 % und für SK III bei 73/65 %.

Diskussion

Zusammenfassend war der Algorithmus leicht und schnell anzuwenden und identifizierte traumatologische Patienten mit lebensbedrohlichen Verletzungen treffsicher. Es wurde aber auch deutlich, dass die Diskriminante „Gehfähigkeit“ zu Beginn der Sichtung bzw. rein physiologische Entscheidungskriterien mit einer schlechten Testgüte einhergingen. Nichttraumatologische Krankheitsbilder wurden qualitativ ungenügend kategorisiert.
Shape fidelity and sterility assessment of 3D printed polycaprolactone and hydroxyapatite scaffolds
Authors: Scocozza Franca , Sakaj Mirena , Auricchio Ferdinando , Marconi Stefania , Riello Pietro , Ferrari Cinzia , Cansolino Laura , Catenacci Laura , Sorrenti Milena , Scatto Marco , Conti Michele
Published: August 2021

Polycaprolactone (PCL) and hydroxyapatite (HA) composite are widely used in tissue engineering (TE). They are fit to being processed with three-dimensional (3D) printing technique to create scaffolds with verifiable porosity. The current challenge is to guarantee the reliability and reproducibility of 3D printed scaffolds and to create sterile scaffolds which can be used for in vitro cell cultures. In this context it is important for successful cell culture, to have a protocol in order to evaluate the sterility of the printed scaffolds. We proposed a systematic approach to sterilise 90%PCL-10%HA pellets using a 3D bioprinter before starting the printing process. We evaluated the printability of PCL-HA composite and the shape fidelity of scaffolds printed with and without sterilised pellets varying infill pattern, and the sterility of 3D printed scaffolds following the method established by the United States Pharmacopoeia. Finally, the thermal analyses supported by the Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy were useful to verify the stability of the sterilisation process in the PCL solid state with and without HA. The results show that the use of the 3D printer, according to the proposed protocol, allows to obtain sterile 3D PCL-HA scaffolds suitable for TE applications such as bone or cartilage repair.
Distribution of ETBE-degrading microorganisms and functional capability in groundwater, and implications for characterising aquifer ETBE biodegradation potential
Authors: Nicholls Henry C. G. , Rolfe Stephen A. , Mallinson Helen E. H. , Hjort Markus , Spence Michael J. , Bonte Matthijs , Thornton Steven F.
Published: August 2021

Microbes in aquifers are present suspended in groundwater or attached to the aquifer sediment. Groundwater is often sampled at gasoline ether oxygenate (GEO)-impacted sites to assess the potential biodegradation of organic constituents. However, the distribution of GEO-degrading microorganisms between the groundwater and aquifer sediment must be understood to interpret this potential. In this study, the distribution of ethyl tert-butyl ether (ETBE)-degrading organisms and ETBE biodegradation potential was investigated in laboratory microcosm studies and mixed groundwater-aquifer sediment samples obtained from pumped monitoring wells at ETBE-impacted sites. ETBE biodegradation potential (as determined by quantification of the ethB gene) was detected predominantly in the attached microbial communities and was below detection limit in the groundwater communities. The copy number of ethB genes varied with borehole purge volume at the field sites. Members of the Comamonadaceae and Gammaproteobacteria families were identified as responders for ETBE biodegradation. However, the detection of the ethB gene is a more appropriate function-based indicator of ETBE biodegradation potential than taxonomic analysis of the microbial community. The study shows that a mixed groundwater-aquifer sediment (slurry) sample collected from monitoring wells after minimal purging can be used to assess the aquifer ETBE biodegradation potential at ETBE-release sites using this function-based concept.
Multiannual soil mulching in agriculture: analysis of biogeochemical soil processes under plastic and straw mulches in a 3-year field study in strawberry cultivation
Authors: Meyer Maximilian , Diehl Dörte , Schaumann Gabriele Ellen , Muñoz Katherine
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The application of plastic mulching differs globally as well as climate, soils, crops, and agricultural practices, making it difficult to generalize the reported impacts on soil. Because literature is scarce about the influence of plastic mulching on soil under temperate, humid climate, the objective of this study was to understand how multiannual plastic mulching influences central soil parameters and processes under Central European cultivation conditions to evaluate its impact on soil quality in the long term.

Materials and methods

Central soil parameters and processes like leaching, aggregation, soil organic matter (SOM), and microbial biomass were investigated in a strawberry cultivation in Southwestern Germany. The field experiment compared a plastic-covered ridge–furrow system with subsurface drip irrigation (PC) to the same system with straw coverage (SC) in three soil layers (0–10, 10–30, and 30–60 cm) at seven dates within a 3-year period. Soil analyses comprised soil temperature and moisture, pH, bulk density, water-stable aggregates, soil organic carbon, dissolved organic carbon, and microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen.

Results

Rainfall infiltration impeded by PC reduces soil moisture but neither reduces leaching nor promotes (macro-)aggregate formation or stability; however, it maintains a loose and friable soil structure in surface soil (0–5 cm), compared to SC. PC promotes SOM accumulation and shifted SOM composition to a more hardly degradable SOM, especially below the topsoil (10–60 cm). Furthermore, PC revealed no indications of an increased microbial biomass or activity accompanied with an enhanced SOM decomposition due to the shifted microclimate. The seasonal, time- and depth-dependent effects, observed in some parameters, emphasize the importance to include them in future studies for a more holistic process understanding.

Conclusion

Our study showed no indications that multiannual plastic mulching influences soil quality within the 3 years of this study. Further research is advisable to support our findings on a larger scale and longer time periods and across various soil and crop types.
Influence of Microstructure and Defects on Mechanical Properties of AISI H13 Manufactured by Electron Beam Powder Bed Fusion
Authors: Kahlert Moritz , Brenne Florian , Vollmer Malte , Niendorf Thomas
Published: August 2021

Electron beam powder bed fusion (E-PBF) is a well-known additive manufacturing process. Components are realized based on layer-by-layer melting of metal powder. Due to the high degree of design freedom, additive manufacturing came into focus of tooling industry, especially for tools with sophisticated internal cooling channels. The present work focuses on the relationships between processing, microstructure evolution, chemical composition and mechanical properties of a high alloyed tool steel AISI H13 (1.2344, X40CrMoV5-1) processed by E-PBF. The specimens are free of cracks, however, lack of fusion defects are found upon use of non-optimized parameters finally affecting the mechanical properties detrimentally. Specimens built based on suitable parameters show a relatively fine grained bainitic/martensitic microstructure, finally resulting in a high ultimate strength and an even slightly higher failure strain compared to conventionally processed and heat treated AISI H13.
Correction to: reduced order modeling of selective laser melting: from calibration to parametric part distortion
Authors: Ghnatios Chady , El Rai Khalil , Hascoet Nicolas , Pires Pierre-Adrien , Duval Jean-Louis , Lambarri Jon , Hascoet Jean-Yves , Chinesta Francisco
Published: August 2021

A Correction to this paper has been published: 10.1007/s12289-021-01638-4
Endothelin-1 axes in the framework of predictive, preventive and personalised (3P) medicine
Authors: Torres Crigna Adriana , Link Barbara , Samec Marek , Giordano Frank A. , Kubatka Peter , Golubnitschaja Olga
Published: August 2021

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is involved in the regulation of a myriad of processes highly relevant for physical and mental well-being; female and male health; in the modulation of senses, pain, stress reactions and drug sensitivity as well as healing processes, amongst others. Shifted ET-1 homeostasis may influence and predict the development and progression of suboptimal health conditions, metabolic impairments with cascading complications, ageing and related pathologies, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative pathologies, aggressive malignancies, modulating, therefore, individual outcomes of both non-communicable and infectious diseases such as COVID-19. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the involvement of ET-1 and related regulatory pathways in physiological and pathophysiological processes and estimates its capacity as

a predictor of ageing and related pathologies,

a sensor of lifestyle quality and progression of suboptimal health conditions to diseases for their targeted prevention

and as a potent target for cost-effective treatments tailored to the person.