bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation of a polydopamine/β‐cyclodextrin coated open tubular capillary electrochromatography column and application for enantioseparation of five proton pump inhibitors
Authors: Sui Xiuyu , Guan Jin , Li Xiaoyu , Gu Lei , Yan Feng , Shi Shuang , Zhang Dongxiang
Published: June 2021

An open tubular capillary electrochromatography column was prepared by immobilizing β‐cyclodextrin on the inner wall of pretreated capillary via noncovalent adsorption of polydopamine. The resulting coating layer on the capillary was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Electroosmotic flow was studied to evaluate the variation of the immobilized columns. The prepared columns showed good chiral separation performance toward five proton pump inhibitors including lansoprazole, pantoprazole, tenatoprazole, rabeprazole, and omeprazole. The influences of β‐cyclodextrin concentration, coating time, buffer pH, buffer concentration, and applied voltage on separation were investigated. In the optimum conditions, the enantiomers of five analytes were fully resolved within 15 min with high resolutions of 4.57 to 8.13. The method was extensively validated in terms of accuracy, precision, and linearity and proved to be robust. The relative standard deviation values for migration times and peak areas of the analytes representing intraday and interday were less than 1.9 and 3.6%, respectively. Further, the polydopamine/β‐cyclodextrin coated capillary column could be successively used over 100 runs without showing significant decrease in the separation efficiency.
Low physical activity in patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer
Authors: Karczewska‐Lindinger Magdalena , Tuomi Lisa , Fridolfsson Jonatan , Arvidsson Daniel , Börjesson Mats , Finizia Caterina
Published: June 2021

Background

This pilot study aimed to describe physical activity (PA) and self‐perceived function, health and quality of life (QoL) prior to oncological treatment in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC).

Methods

In a prospective study including 49 patients, self‐perceived PA (Saltin‐Grimby scale) and health‐related QoL (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life questionnaire Core 30 and EQ‐5D) were assessed. Further, PA was also measured by an accelerometer attached to the thigh for eight consecutive days. The accelerometer PA was compared to the PA of a reference population assessed with the same method. Results presented are from data collected before start of oncological treatment.

Results

The patients (44‐79 years, 65% males) spent most of their time in sedentary behavior: a median of 555 minutes/day in bed (39% of total) and 606 minutes/day sitting (41%). Only 129 minutes/day were spent moving/walking. Patients with higher education, reduced physical function and higher fatigue were less physically active (P ≤ .01). Further, the different PA measures demonstrated a pattern of being less physically active compared to the reference population.

Conclusions

Patients diagnosed for HNC may have low PA level. Assessment of PA from accelerometer data may be an important component of oncological treatment to identify patients in need for PA intervention that may enhance treatment outcome.
Infrared Camouflage Utilizing Ultrathin Flexible Large‐Scale High‐Temperature‐Tolerant Lambertian Surfaces
Authors: Huang Yun , Ma Binze , Pattanayak Arnab , Kaur Sandeep , Qiu Min , Li Qiang
Published: June 2021

The development of ultrathin, flexible, large‐scale, high‐temperature‐tolerant infrared camouflage devices, which are immune to the external environment, has emerged as an important unsolved challenge. This paper proposes an infrared camouflage device based on the Lambertian surface. The proposed device simultaneously exhibits low emissivity (≈0.1), low specular reflectance (≈0.05), and high temperature (290 °C) tolerance over a broad infrared range (0.75–25 µm). Furthermore, the proposed device is ultrathin (≈50 µm), highly flexible, scalable, and can be fabricated at a low cost. The experimental results show that while camouflaging a target (at 65 °C), the proposed Lambertian surface can reduce the peak value of the target‐background contrast by 68.4% (indoor case) and 76.0% (outdoor case) compared to the conventional low‐e (low‐emissivity) smooth surface. The calculated detection range of the proposed low‐e Lambertian surface is 60% less than that of both the low‐e smooth surface and the blackbody. This work proposes a novel method to simultaneously control the radiation and the reflection, thereby introducing a new design paradigm for modern camouflage technology and energy harvesting applications.
Changes in Circulating Metabolites During Weight Loss are Associated with Adiposity Improvement, and Body Weight and Adiposity Regain During Weight Loss Maintenance: The SATIN Study
Authors: Papandreou Christopher , García‐Gavilán Jesús , Camacho‐Barcia Lucía , Toft Hansen Thea , Harrold Joanne A. , Sjödin Anders , Halford Jason C. G. , Bulló Mònica
Published: June 2021

Scope

To examine the relationship between changes in circulating metabolites during diet‐induced weight loss and changes of adiposity. This study also investigates changes in these metabolites in relation to body weight and adiposity regain during a weight loss maintenance period.

Methods and Results

This cohort study is nested within the Satiety Innovation (SATIN) study. Participants (n = 162) achieving ≥8% weight loss during an initial 8‐week low‐calorie formula diet (LCD) are included in a 12‐week weight loss maintenance period. A targeted metabolite profiling (123 metabolites) approach is applied using three different platforms (proton nuclear magnetic resonance, liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, gas chromatography mass spectrometry). Changes in several lipid species and citric acid are significantly associated with greater reduction of body weight, total fat, and abdominal adiposity distribution during the LCD. Decreases in the concentrations of lysophosphatidylcholines (LPCs) 14:0, LPC 20:3, phosphatidylcholine (PC) 32:2, PC 38:3, sphingomyelin (SM) 32:2, and increases in citric acid concentrations during the LCD are associated with adiposity regain and loss, respectively, during the weight loss maintenance period.

Conclusions

The results show that weight loss is associated with changes in lipid species and citric acid. These changes are related to subsequent weight and adiposity regain identifying the adipose lipid metabolism as an important factor for the maintenance of lost weight and adiposity.
Prenatal phenotype of Kabuki syndrome: A case series and literature review
Authors: So Po Lam , Luk Ho Ming , Cheung Ka Wang , Hui Winnie , Chung Man Yan , Mak Annisa S. L. , Lok Wing Yi , Yu Kris Pui Tak , Cheng Shirley S. W. , Hau Edgar W. L. , Ho Stephanie , Lam Stephen T. S. , Lo Ivan F. M.
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Kabuki syndrome (KS) is a genetic disorder characterized by intellectual disability, facial dysmorphism and congenital anomalies. We aim to investigate the prenatal features of fetuses with KS and to provide a comprehensive review of the literature on prenatal sonographic abnormalities associated with KS.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the prenatal ultrasound findings of all mothers of children with molecularly confirmed KS in Hong Kong, between 1991 and 2019. We also performed systematic review of the literature to identify studies on the prenatal findings in KS.

Results

We identified 11 cases with KS with detectable fetal ultrasound findings ranging from no detectable abnormalities to a variety of non‐specific findings including increased nuchal translucency, pleural effusion, cardiac anomalies, renal anomalies, intrauterine growth restriction, polyhydramnios, oligohydramnios and single umbilical artery. In combining our cases with the 77 cases published, 42 (50.6%) of them had more than one abnormal antenatal ultrasound finding. The most frequent ultrasound features observed were cardiac anomalies (49.4%), followed by polyhydramnios (28.9%), genitourinary anomalies (26.5%), single umbilical artery (15.7%), intrauterine growth restriction (14.5%) and hydrops fetalis/pleural effusion/ascites (12.0%).

Conclusions

These cases demonstrate the prenatal phenotypic heterogeneity associated with KS. Although the ultrasound abnormalities are non‐specific, KS should be considered in the differential diagnosis when these fetal findings following normal microarray analysis/karyotyping.
Multifunctional hydrogels for sustainable energy and environment
Authors: Guo Youhong , Fang Zhiwei , Yu Guihua
Published: June 2021

This review gives an overview of the research presented in the lecture by Professor Guihua Yu for the 2020 Polymer International‐IUPAC Award for Creativity in Polymer Science. Hydrogels with intriguing physicochemical properties emerge as an attractive materials platform for sustainable energy storage and conversion as well as clean water production. Here we describe some highlights of key building blocks and synthetic approaches of hydrogel‐based materials in a tunable manner from bulk to the molecular scale. Various strategies for improving electronic/ionic conductivity, controlling swelling/deswelling behaviors and integrating multiple functionalities are discussed. Specific examples of recent achievements of hydrogels for applications in batteries, supercapacitors, electrocatalysis, solar evaporators and moisture harvesters are presented. These multifunctional hydrogels with highly tailorable architectures and physicochemical properties will become useful in next‐generation sustainable energy and water technologies. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Distribution of airborne respiratory pathogens in pediatric emergency department waiting room
Authors: Cabral Catiane Zanin , Guaragna Juliana Beirão de Almeida , Amantéa Fernanda Chaves , Lopes Paulo Guilherme Markus , Pasqualotto Alessandro Cumaru , Rhoden Claudia Ramos , Amantéa Sérgio Luís
Published: June 2021

Objective

To determine the presence of genetic material from potentially infectious airborne respiratory virus pathogens in a pediatric emergency department (PED) waiting room.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study in the waiting room area of PED at Santo Antonio Children's Hospital, Porto Alegre, in southern Brazil. The room air samples were collected with a portable cyclone sampler (Coriolis®), twice a day (8 a.m. and 8 p.m.), during 5 consecutive weekdays, during two seasons, fall and spring (20 samples), in 2016. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to detect influenza A, influenza B, parainfluenza 2, parainfluenza 3, human metapneumovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, human adenovirus, human bocavirus, and Bordetella pertussis. The PED provides care to an average of 6000 patients per month and the age of patients ranges from 1 month to 17 years old. It is waiting area has 645 ft square.

Results

Genetic material from pathogens was detected in 12 out of 20 samples (60%). In 5 samples, more than one pathogen of respiratory virus was identified. Human adenovirus was the most frequent pathogen (n = 9/52%), followed by Bordetella pertussis (n = 4/24%), respiratory syncytial virus (n = 2/12%) and human bocavirus (n = 2/12%). Season and number of people in the waiting room were not associated with the presence of genetic material from pathogens.

Conclusions

Genetic material from pathogens potentially associated with severe respiratory diseases was found in the room air of a pediatric ED waiting room.
In‐Memory Stateful Logic Computing Using Memristors: Gate, Calculation, and Application
Authors: Xu Nuo , Park Taegyun , Yoon Kyung Jean , Hwang Cheol Seong
Published: June 2021

Combining Boolean logic and nonvolatile memory functions, memristor‐based stateful logic circuits can minimize data movement during the computing process to achieve futuristic in‐memory computing. This may solve the problem of the von Neumann bottleneck in the current computing architecture. Herein, the recent developments in memristor‐based stateful logic computation are discussed from several perspectives, including the device, circuit, operational principles, and applications. Stateful logic gates correspond to in‐memory logic gates, with the inputs and outputs having identical physical entities, such as resistance. The developments in stateful logic primitive gates reported in the past decade are summarized. The influential factors in their actual implementation for stateful logic computation are also discussed. Then, methods for allocating the logic gates into the crossbar array are explained, which are for implementing the complex computing instances in the crossbar array. Finally, several data‐intensive applications achieved using the in‐memory computing method are discussed for the practical application of stateful logic in future computing systems.
The propensity to save: The effect of Sarbanes–Oxley act
Authors: James Hui Liang , Lirely Roger
Published: June 2021

The Sarbanes–Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX) serves to increase transparency and improves the governance quality of publicly traded U.S. firms. Increased transparency reduces external financing costs, thereby decreasing the reliance on internal funds for investment. Improved governance quality mitigates managers’ opportunistic cash savings. Both of these effects are predicted to affect a firm's cash policy. Employing the cumulant estimators (closed‐form minimum distance estimators) in Erickson et al. (2014, Journal of Econometrics, 183, 211) to control the errors‐in‐variables bias in the cash–cash flow sensitivity model, we find that SOX reduces firms’ propensity to save, and the effect is stronger for negative cash flow firms than positive cash flow firms. Further analysis reveals that the cash–cash flow sensitivity is conditional on a firm's financial constraint status and its existing governance quality.
Propagation, delays, and stability (robust versus fragile)
Authors: Răsvan Vladimir
Published: June 2021

Throughout the paper there are considered engineering applications leading to neutral functional differential equations having marginally stable difference operator. This aspect makes asymptotic stability questionable or at least fragile with respect to delay uncertainties. In the case of synchronizing mechanical oscillators, the marginally stable (in critical case) difference operator can be a possible explanation for the so‐called complex behavior. Some hints for improving the stability of the difference operator are given.
Stability analysis of Persidskii time‐delay systems with synchronous and asynchronous switching
Authors: Aleksandrov Alexander , Andriyanova Natalya , Efimov Denis
Published: June 2021

In this article, the stability of switched time‐delay Persidskii systems is studied. Both cases of synchronous and asynchronous commutation are considered. A comparison of stability conditions obtained with the aid of Lyapunov–Razumikhin and Lyapunov–Krasovskii approaches is provided. The developed theory is applied to the stability analysis of mechanical systems with linear velocity forces and switched nonlinear positional ones.
Estimating optimal dynamic treatment strategies under resource constraints using dynamic marginal structural models
Authors: Caniglia Ellen C. , Murray Eleanor J. , Hernán Miguel A. , Shahn Zach
Published: June 2021

Methods for estimating optimal treatment strategies typically assume unlimited access to resources. However, when a health system has resource constraints, such as limited funds, access to medication, or monitoring capabilities, medical decisions must account for competition between individuals in resource usage. The problem of incorporating resource constraints into optimal treatment strategies has been solved for point exposures (1), that is, treatment strategies entailing a decision at just one time point. However, attempts to directly generalize the point exposure solution to dynamic time‐varying treatment strategies run into complications. We sidestep these complications by targeting the optimal strategy within a clinically defined subclass. Our approach is to employ dynamic marginal structural models to estimate (counterfactual) resource usage under the class of candidate treatment strategies and solve a constrained optimization problem to choose the optimal strategy for which expected resource usage is within acceptable limits. We apply this method to determine the optimal dynamic monitoring strategy for people living with HIV when resource limits on monitoring exist using observational data from the HIV‐CAUSAL Collaboration.
Enhanced Electrochemical NO2−Oxidation Reactions on Biomolecule Functionalised Graphene Oxide
Authors: Chavan Parag P. , Sapner Vijay S. , Sathe Bhaskar R.
Published: June 2021

Herein, electrochemical oxidation of nitrite (NO2−) is demonstrated using metal‐free, electrochemically highly stable, and selective biomolecule i. e. tyramine functionalized graphene oxide (GT) electrocatalyst for nitrite oxidation in phosphate buffer at pH‐7. The successful functionalization of a biomolecule on graphene is carried out by a simple chemical method. The surface features of biomolecule functionalized graphene oxide were studied by using both spectroscopic and microscopic techniques including scanning electron microscope (SEM) which shows wrinkled and folded structures having a thickness of ∼20 nm corresponding to a few layer of graphene. Moreover, their structural analysis was carried out using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy nitrogen band at peak position of ∼400 eV reveals biomolecule functionalization, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) reveals significant peak at 1580 cm−1 corresponding to amine functionalization, Raman Spectroscopy reveals enhanced ID/IG ratio as compared to GO. The electrochemical surface area (ECSA) found tobe 3.60 cm2. The as‐synthesized electrocatalyst is found to be more active towards electro‐oxidation of nitrite (NO2−) at a low onset potential of 0.6 V vs saturated calomel electrode (SCE) from linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements. Moreover, its current stability at a given potential is also tested by chronoamperometric (i‐t) measurements within a concentration range of 0 μM to 7 μM and is having long term good electrochemical stability at an onset potential of 0.6 V vs SCE. The onset potential of GT was 0.6 V vs SCE, the limit of detection (LOD) 0.933 μM and high current density 21 mA cm−2 as compared to GO 8.7 mA cm−2. Considering above perspectives, our findings emphasizes the importance of biomolecule functionalised GO is the best electrocatalyst for electro‐oxidation of nitrites, which is one of the important species for environmental remediation.
Enhanced Visible‐Light Photocatalytic Activity by the Comprehensive Effects of Mesoporous and N‐Doping at the Meso‐N‐TiO2 Nanocatalysts
Authors: Ma Xiuqiang , Hao Kun , Dai Yalu , Song Liang , Yu Qing , Yin Xunqian , Wang Zhongwei
Published: June 2021

Meso‐N‐TiO2 nanocatalysts (Nx‐MT) were successfully synthesized through evaporation‐induced self‐assembly (EISA) method by using urea as the nitrogen source and Pluronic F127 as the templating agent. Through a series of characterizations and degradation of rhodamine B under simulated sunlight, the roles of mesoporous and N‐doping in the Nx‐MT nanocatalyst were evaluated. The Nx‐MT exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity due to the comprehensive effect of mesopores and N‐doping. The effects of calcination temperature and N concentration on the performance of the catalyst were studied. Besides, the relationship between the pore volume of Nx‐MT and the catalytic reaction rate was clarified. Moreover, the turn‐over number (TON) was used to evaluate the effect of the amount of nitrogen doping on the catalytic activity per active site.
Concerted Ion Migration and Diffusion‐Induced Degradation in Lead‐Free Ag3BiI6 Rudorffite Solar Cells under Ambient Conditions
Authors: Kulkarni Ashish , Ünlü Feray , Pant Namrata , Kaur Jagjit , Bohr Christoph , Jena Ajay Kumar , Öz Senol , Yanagida Masatoshi , Shirai Yasuhiro , Ikegami Masashi , Miyano Kenjiro , Tachibana Yasuhiro , Chakraborty Sudip , Mathur Sanjay , Miyasaka Tsutomu
Published: June 2021

Silver bismuth iodide (SBI) materials have recently gained attention as nontoxic alternatives to lead perovskites. Although most of the studies have been focusing on photovoltaic performance, the inherent ionic nature of SBI materials, their diffusive behavior, and influence on material/device stability is underexplored. Herein, AgBi2I7, Ag2BiI5, and Ag3BiI6 thin films are developed in controlled ambient humidity conditions with a decent efficiency up to 2.32%. While exploring the device stability, it is found that Ag3BiI6 exhibits a unique ion‐migration behavior where Ag+, Bi3+, and I− ions migrate and diffuse through the dopant‐free hole transport layer (HTL) leading to degradation. Interestingly, this ion‐migration behavior is relatively fast for the case of antisolvent‐processed Ag3BiI6 thin‐film‐based devices contrasting the case of without antisolvent and is not observed for other SBI material‐based devices. Theoretical calculations suggest that low decomposition enthalpy favors the decomposition of Ag3BiI6 to AgI and BiI3 causing migration of ions to the electrode which is protected by using a thick HTL . The new mechanism reported herein underlines the importance of SBI material composition and fundamental mechanism understanding on the stability of Ag3BiI6 material for better solar cell design and also in extending the applications of unique ion‐migration behavior in various optoelectronics.
Tuning of Precursor Composition and Formation Pathway of Kesterite Absorbers Using an In‐Process Composition Shift: A Path toward Higher Efficiencies?
Authors: Nowak David , Taskesen Teoman , Pareek Devendra , Pfeiffelmann Timo , Mikolajczak Ulf , Gütay Levent
Published: June 2021

This work reports a growth process for tuning the formation pathway and final composition of kesterite Cu2ZnSnSe4 (CZTSe) thin film absorbers. By adjusting the as‐grown composition of the precursor, the kesterite formation can be started in a Cu‐rich, stoichiometric, or Cu‐poor environment. During the high‐temperature stage of the annealing process, incorporation or loss of SnSe2–x
vapor at the layer is used to achieve an in‐process composition shift during further kesterite growth (e.g., Cu‐rich to Cu‐poor/Cu‐poor toward Cu‐rich). This approach partially decouples the composition of the as‐grown precursor and the final absorber, which, thus, can be tuned independently. The film growth, specifically the composition shift during the process, is tracked by interruption experiments. The influence of the starting composition of the precursor and the resulting absorber composition on the optoelectronic properties and device performance of the final solar cells is discussed. The results show a refined composition region for reduced Urbach tailing and lower V
OC deficit. The best solar cells show efficiencies > 11% and a V
OC deficit < 320 mV (relative to the Shockley–Queisser limit).
Anticipating White Futures: The Ends‐Based Orientation of White Thinking
Authors: Mueller Jennifer C. , Washington DyAnna K.
Published: June 2021

Recent scholarship demonstrates that whites' racist action requires creativity as much as habit. Racial cognition is implicated in this behavior, as white people use ignorance and apathy to overcome epistemic challenges that threaten white power, privilege, and wealth. Using Mueller's Theory of Racial Ignorance, we show how these cognitive processes abide by anends‐based orientation—one whereby white people coordinate “anticipated futures” to maintain the literal and psychic spoils of racism. Analyzing papers produced by white undergraduates following a project investigating systemic racism and family wealth transmission, we reveal how students' practical takeaways betray this ends‐based orientation, which remains resilient amidst critical learning.
System zur Untersuchung der Sedimentation von Mikroplastik (10–300 μm)
Authors: Dittmar S. , Pries J. , Ruhl A. S. , Jekel M.
Published: June 2021

Im Vergleich zu gelösten Stoffen unterliegen partikuläre Substanzen wie Mikroplastik (MP) in aquatischen Systemen anderen Dynamiken. Die wirksamen Transportmechanismen wie Deposition und Resuspendierung sowie Flotation und Sedimentation sind dabei nicht nur von Charakteristiken des betrachteten Gewässers, sondern in höherem Maß auch von Eigenschaften der Partikel selbst abhängig. Da gängige Polymere sowohl geringere (zum Beispiel PE, PP) als auch höhere Dichten (zum Beispiel PS, PET, PVC) als Wasser aufweisen, flotieren einige MP‐Partikel, wohingegen andere sedimentieren. Partikeldichte, ‐größe und ‐form können potenziell wiederum durch Agglomeration, Fragmentierung sowie biologischen Bewuchs verändert werden [1].
Portable, antikörperbasierte Analysenverfahren für die Schadstofferfassung im Wasserkreislauf
Authors: Schneider R. J.
Published: June 2021

Die Wasseranalytik wird bestimmt von zwei Hauptbedarfen, einerseits der Erfassung der Gewässergüte und Grundwassergüte als Basis für die Bereitstellung einwandfreien Trinkwassers und zum anderen des Monitorings der Wasserqualität in den Prozessen der Wasseraufbereitung und der Abwasserreinigung. Für beide Anwendungsbereiche ist eine laborbasierte Analytik eher hinderlich, werden die Analysenergebnisse doch eigentlich vor Ort benötigt, um etwa Beprobungskampagnen rasch anpassen zu können. Des Weiteren werden die Daten auch schnell benötigt, um zeitnah in die technischen Prozesse einzugreifen. Organische Kontaminanten werden meist über chromatographische Verfahren, häufig gekoppelt mit einer massenspektrometrischen Detektion, in instrumentellen Labormethoden erfasst, und die hochauflösende Massenspektrometrie und die Non‐target‐Analytik haben viel zum Wissen über das Vorkommen, insbesondere von sogenannten „Emerging Contaminants“, beigetragen, sowie zum Verständnis der beteiligten Eintragspfade und Abbauwege. Moderne, portable Analysenmethoden und insbesondere Sensoren werden zukünftig aber ihren Platz in der Schadstofferfassung im Wasserkreislauf einnehmen. Dies gilt insbesondere für antikörperbasierte Analysenverfahren, da erst diese oft die nötige Selektivität und Sensitivität in die Detektionsmethoden einbringen.
Schnelle Anreicherung und kulturunabhängige Detektion von Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Trinkwasser
Authors: Klüpfel J. , Göpfert L. , Elsner M. , Seidel M.
Published: June 2021

Immer wieder kommt es zu bakteriellen Verunreinigungen in Trinkwasserleitungen. Diese können eine Gesundheitsgefahr darstellen und führen sowohl zu großer Besorgnis in der Öffentlichkeit als auch zu wirtschaftlichen Problemen, wenn die Ursache nicht zeitnah beseitigt wird. Während Escherichia coli und Enterococcus faecalis primär durch fäkale Verunreinigungen in Trinkwassersysteme gelangen können, kann Pseudomonas aeruginosa als Boden‐ und Wasserkeim in Leitungs‐, Mineral‐, Tafel‐ oder Schwimmbadwasser vorkommen [1]. P. aeruginosa kann sich auf nahezu allen feuchten Oberflächen ansiedeln, überlebt auch unter extremen Bedingungen (40°C, Trinkwasser mit sehr geringer Nährstoffdichte, niedrige pH‐Werte), bildet Biofilme und ist als nosokomialer Keim für viele krankenhausassoziierte Infektionen verantwortlich. Als sogenannter opportunistischer pathogener Keim ist P. aeruginosa besonders für immungeschwächte Personen gefährlich. Da P. aeruginosa intrinsisch bereits gegen eine Vielzahl an Antibiotika resistent ist und per horizontalem Gentransfer weitere Resistenzen erwerben kann, wird die Behandlung einer P. aeruginosa‐Infektion zunehmend herausfordernder. Dementsprechend sollten Verunreinigungen von Trinkwasserleitungen mit P. aeruginosa möglichst frühzeitig erkannt und bekämpft werden.
Österreichs Mineral‐ und Heilwässer
Authors: Elster D. , Fischer L. , Hann S. , Goldbrunner J. , Schubert G. , Berka R. , Hobiger G. , Legerer P. , Philippitsch R.
Published: June 2021

Natürliche Mineral‐ und Heilwässer sind Grundwässer mit besonderen chemisch‐ physikalischen Eigenschaften, die sich positiv auf den Organismus auswirken und bereits seit Jahrtausenden bekannt sind. Solche Wässer finden sowohl als wohltuende Getränke als auch in medizinischen Therapien breite Anwendung. Die besonderen Inhaltsstoffe sind von der Wechselwirkung des Wassers mit dem durchflossenen Gestein abhängig. Daraus ergeben sich einerseits die für die Balneologie erforderlichen Wirkungen und andererseits der spezielle Geschmack des Wassers.
Natürliche Schwebstoffe in Flüssen: Zusammensetzung, Schlüsselkomponenten und Dynamiken
Authors: Walch H. , von der Kammer F. , Hofmann T.
Published: June 2021

Flüsse transportieren ein Kontinuum an Feststoffen in gelöster, kolloidaler, partikulär‐suspendierter Form, bis hin zu Geschiebe und Sediment. Die suspendierte partikuläre Fraktion (kurz: Schwebstoff) wird zwar operational von der kolloidalen (Filtration < 0,45 oder 0,22 μm) und der gelösten (< 1 kDa) unterschieden, stellt aber eine strukturell‐funktional dynamische Übergangsphase dar, die in kontinuierlichem Austausch mit allen anderen Fraktionen steht. 109–1013 Tonnen Schwebstoff werden jährlich von Flüssen in die Ozeane transportiert [1–3], die in komplexen, flockenartigen Gebilden biologische, mineralische und organische Bestandteile von alloch‐ oder autochthoner Herkunft vereinen und eine zentrale Rolle in vielen Prozessen spielen, zum Beispiel als Nährstoffträger und Substrat für Mikroorganismen, als Mikro‐Bioreaktoren in Nährstoffzyklen, als Nahrung für Filtrierer oder als Sorbenzien und Transportvehikel für Schadstoffe. Schwebstoffe sind somit für viele Forschungsfragen in der Wasserchemie von Interesse, weshalb wir in diesem Beitrag den Forschungsstand zu Schwebstoffen in Flüssen als Literaturauswertung darstellen. Wir beleuchten die typische quantitative und qualitative Zusammensetzung sowie saisonale und physiko‐chemische Dynamiken und identifizieren strukturell‐funktionale Schlüsselkomponenten und ihre physikochemischen Rollen in der Bildung von Schwebstoffen (Bild 1).
The use of systemic mycophenolate in canine immune‐mediated ophthalmic disease
Authors: Li Puma Margaret C. , Diehl Kathryn A.
Published: June 2021

The present study aimed to describe the use of systemic mycophenolate as a steroid‐sparing therapy for immune‐mediated ophthalmic disease. Records for canine patients with suspected or confirmed immune‐mediated ophthalmic disease were retrospectively reviewed for patient signalment, diagnoses, mycophenolate dose, concurrent medications, reported side effects, and long‐term outcome while receiving systemic mycophenolate. Patient diagnoses included: anterior uveitis, panuveitis, presumed immune‐mediated retinopathy, retinal detachment, chorioretinitis, optic neuritis, and/or uveodermatologic syndrome. Overall, 18 of 23 (78%) patients had either a complete or partial response to therapy. Only six of 18 (33%) patients with a complete or partial response to therapy continued to require adjunct systemic immunosuppressive/anti‐inflammatory therapy. Gastrointestinal side effects were reported in five of 23 (22%) patients; one of these cases resolved with a 50% mycophenolate dose decrease while maintaining good control of intraocular inflammation. In conclusion, systemic mycophenolate may be considered as an adjunct or sole therapy for medical management of canine immune‐mediated ophthalmic disease.
A rare case of multicentric eosinophilic granulocytic sarcoma as cause of hindlimb weakness and non‐regenerative anaemia in a minipig
Authors: Weyrich Angelika , Becker Sabrina , Vienenkötter Julia , Reiner Gerald , Herden Christiane
Published: June 2021

A 6‐year‐old male, neutered minipig developed progressive hindlimb weakness and finally became recumbent. Clinical and laboratory examination revealed restricted hindlimb mobility and weight bearing with unimpaired reflexes and proprioception as well as marked non‐regenerative macrocytic anaemia, neutropenia and lymphocytopenia. Underlying bone marrow disease and haematopoietic neoplasia were assumed after exclusion of spinal disc herniation and infectious causes for anaemia. Despite stabilising therapy, the animal died 7 days later. Postmortem examination revealed multiple beige‐coloured nodules affecting many organs including the bone marrow and consisting of neoplastic round cells with intracytoplasmic eosinophilic granules. Using various histopathological stains and immunohistochemistry, the neoplastic cells were determined to be of eosinophil granulocyte origin. Granulocytic sarcoma is a rare form of myeloid neoplasia with only two published porcine cases. With the increasing popularity of minipigs as companion animals, extensive awareness and information concerning illnesses in these animals should be available to practitioners.
Ketofol: A ketamine‐propofol admixture for induction of anaesthesia in two foals
Authors: Sun Tsim Christopher , Bellei Maria , Robinson Alexandra , Martinez‐Taboada Fernando
Published: June 2021

Two foals undergoing surgery for angular limb deformities were anaesthetised using ketamine:propofol admixture (ketofol). Ketamine was used at 2 and 1 mg/kg, and propofol at 2 and 1.5 mg/kg in cases 1 and 2, respectively. Induction of general anaesthesia was smooth and occurred within 30 seconds after ketofol administration. No apnoea, nystagmus and paddling were noted. In case 1, anaesthesia was maintained with additional boluses of propofol (0.4 mg/kg) and flow‐by oxygen delivered via face mask, and in case 2 with isoflurane delivered in oxygen. The anaesthetic time was 20 and 55 minutes in cases 1 and 2, respectively. Before recovery, xylazine (0.2 mg/kg) was administered IV in case 2. Both foals stood at the first attempt approximately 10 minutes later with mild ataxia. Ketofol could be an alternative for induction of anaesthesia in foals. Further studies are warranted to understand the effects of ketofol especially in comparison to ketamine‐benzodiazepine combinations.
Correction to: Modeling Urban Futures: Data-Driven Scenarios of Climate Change and Vulnerability in Cities
Authors: Ortiz L. , Mustafa A. , Rosenzweig B. , Carrero Rocio , McPhearson Timon
Published: June 2021

In the original version of the book, the chapter authors of Chapter 9 had missed to include their co-author Dr. Rocio Carrero to the author group unfortunately. The chapter has been updated now with Dr. Rocio Carrero's name and affiliation.
On 1D, $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 4 supersymmetric SYK-type models. Part I
Authors: Gates S. James , Hu Yangrui , Mak S.-N. Hazel
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Proposals are made to describe 1D,$$ \mathcal{N} $$N= 4 supersymmetrical systems that ex- tend SYK models by compactifying from 4D,$$ \mathcal{N} $$N= 1 supersymmetric Lagrangians involving chiral, vector, and tensor supermultiplets. Quartic fermionic vertices are generated via in- tegrals over the whole superspace, while 2(q −1)-point fermionic vertices are generated via superpotentials. The coupling constants in the superfield Lagrangians are arbitrary, and can be chosen to be Gaussian random. In that case, these 1D,$$ \mathcal{N} $$N= 4 supersymmetric SYK models would exhibit Wishart-Laguerre randomness, which share the same feature among other 1D supersymmetric SYK models in literature. One difference with 1D,$$ \mathcal{N} $$N= 1 and$$ \mathcal{N} $$N= 2 models though, is our models contain dynamical bosons, but this is consistent with other 1D,$$ \mathcal{N} $$N= 4 and 2D,$$ \mathcal{N} $$N= 2 models in literature. Added conjectures on duality and possible mirror symmetry realizations in these models is noted.
Two-loop leading colour QCD helicity amplitudes for top quark pair production in the gluon fusion channel
Authors: Badger Simon , Chaubey Ekta , Hartanto Heribertus Bayu , Marzucca Robin
Published: June 2021

Abstract

We present a complete set of analytic helicity amplitudes for top quark pair production via gluon fusion at two-loops in QCD. For the first time, we include corrections due to massive fermion loops which give rise to integrals over elliptic curves. We present the results of the missing master integrals needed to compute the amplitude and obtain an analytic form for the finite remainders in terms of iterated integrals using rationalised kinematics and finite field sampling. We also study the numerical evaluation of the iterated integrals.
Revisiting higher-spin gyromagnetic couplings
Authors: Marotta Raffaele , Taronna Massimo , Verma Mritunjay
Published: June 2021

Abstract

We analyze Bosonic, Heterotic, and Type II string theories compactified on a generic torus having constant moduli. By computing the hamiltonian giving the interaction between massive string excitations and U(1) gauge fields arising from the graviton and Kalb-Ramond field upon compactification, we derive a general formula for such couplings that turns out to be universal in all these theories. We also confirm our result by explicitly evaluating the relevant string three-point amplitudes. From this expression, we determine the gyromagnetic ratio g of massive string states coupled to both gauge-fields. For a generic mixed symmetry state, there is one gyromagnetic coupling associated with each row of the corresponding Young Tableau diagram. For all the states having zero Kaluza Klein or Winding charges, the value of g turns out to be 1. We also explicitly consider totally symmetric and mixed symmetry states (having two rows in the Young diagram) associated with the first Regge-trajectory and obtain their corresponding g value.
Satisfactory long-term clinical outcomes after bone marrow stimulation of osteochondral lesions of the talus
Authors: Rikken Quinten G. H. , Dahmen Jari , Stufkens Sjoerd A. S. , Kerkhoffs Gino M. M. J.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of arthroscopic bone marrow stimulation (BMS) for the treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs) at long-term follow-up.

Methods

A literature search was conducted from the earliest record until March 2021 to identify studies published using the PubMed, EMBASE (Ovid), and Cochrane Library databases. Clinical studies reporting on arthroscopic BMS for OLTs at a minimum of 8-year follow-up were included. The review was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. Two authors independently conducted the article selection and conducted the quality assessment using the Methodological index for Non-randomized Studies (MINORS). The primary outcome was defined as clinical outcomes consisting of pain scores and patient-reported outcome measures. Secondary outcomes concerned the return to sport rate, reoperation rate, complication rate, and the rate of progression of degenerative changes within the tibiotalar joint as a measure of ankle osteoarthritis. Associated 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated based on the primary and secondary outcome measures.

Results

Six studies with a total of 323 ankles (310 patients) were included at a mean pooled follow-up of 13.0 (9.5–13.9) years. The mean MINORS score of the included studies was 7.7 out of 16 points (range 6–9), indicating a low to moderate quality. The mean postoperative pooled American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was 83.8 (95% CI 83.6–84.1). 78% (95% CI 69.5–86.8) participated in sports (at any level) at final follow-up. Return to preinjury level of sports was not reported. Reoperations were performed in 6.9% (95% CI 4.1–9.7) of ankles and complications related to the BMS procedure were observed in 2% (95% CI 0.4–3.0) of ankles. Progression of degenerative changes was observed in 28% (95% CI 22.3–33.2) of ankles.

Conclusion

Long-term clinical outcomes following arthroscopic BMS can be considered satisfactory even though one in three patients show progression of degenerative changes from a radiological perspective. These findings indicate that OLTs treated with BMS may be at risk of progressing towards end-stage ankle osteoarthritis over time in light of the incremental cartilage damage cascade. The findings of this study can aid clinicians and patients with the shared decision-making process when considering the long-term outcomes of BMS.

Level of evidence

Level IV.
Calibrating receiver-type-dependent wide-lane uncalibrated phase delay biases for PPP integer ambiguity resolution
Authors: Cui Bobin , Li Pan , Wang Jungang , Ge Maorong , Schuh Harald
Published: June 2021

Wide-lane (WL) uncalibrated phase delay (UPD) is usually derived from Melbourne–Wübbena (MW) linear combination and is a prerequisite in Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) precise point positioning (PPP) ambiguity resolution (AR). MW is a linear combination of pseudorange and phase, and the accuracy is limited by the larger pseudorange noise which is about one hundred times of the carrier phase noise. However, there exist inconsistent pseudorange biases which may have detrimental effect on the WL UPD estimation, and further degrade user-side ambiguity fixing. Currently, only the large part of pseudorange biases, e.g., the differential code bias (DCB), are available and corrected in PPP-AR, while the receiver-type-dependent biases have not yet been considered. Ignoring such kind of bias, which could be up to 20 cm, will cause the ambiguity fixing failure, or even worse, the incorrect ambiguity fixing. In this study, we demonstrate the receiver-type-dependent WL UPD biases and investigate their temporal and spatial stability, and further propose the method to precisely estimate these biases and apply the corrections to improve the user-side PPP-AR. Using a large data set of 1560 GNSS stations during a 30-day period, we demonstrate that the WL UPD deviations among different types of receivers can reach ± 0.3 cycles. It is also shown that such kind of deviations can be calibrated with a precision of about 0.03 cycles for all Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites. On the user side, ignoring the receiver-dependent UPD deviation can cause significant positioning error up to 10 cm. By correcting the deviations, the positioning performance can be improved by up to 50%, and the fixing rate can also be improved by 10%. This study demonstrates that for the precise and reliable PPP-AR, the receiver-dependent UPD deviations cannot be ignored and have to be handled.
Quantification of bacteria by in vivo bioluminescence imaging in comparison with standard spread plate method and reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR)
Authors: Briestenská Katarína , Mikušová Miriam , Tomčíková Karolína , Kostolanský František , Varečková Eva
Published: June 2021

In vivo bioluminescence imaging (BLI) offers a unique opportunity to analyze ongoing bacterial infections qualitatively and quantitatively in intact animals over time, leading to a reduction in the number of animals needed for a study. Since accurate determination of the bacterial burden plays an essential role in microbiological research, the present study aimed to evaluate the ability to quantify bacteria by non-invasive BLI technique in comparison to standard spread plate method and reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). For this purpose, BALB/c mice were intranasally infected with 1 × 105 CFU of bioluminescent Streptococcus pneumoniae A66.1. At day 1 post-infection, the presence of S. pneumoniae in lungs was demonstrated by spread plate method and RT-qPCR, but not by in vivo BLI. However, on the second day p.i., the bioluminescent signal was already detectable, and the photon flux values positively correlated with CFU counts and RT-qPCR data within days 2–6. Though in vivo BLI is valuable research tool allowing the continuous monitoring and quantification of pneumococcal infection in living mice, it should be kept in mind that early in the infection, depending on the infective dose, the bioluminescent signal may be below the detection limit.
Radiologic predictors for failure of non-operative management of complicated diverticulitis: a single-centre cohort study
Authors: Reischl Stefan , Roehl Kai Dominik , Ziegelmayer Sebastian , Friess Helmut , Makowski Marcus Richard , Wilhelm Dirk , Novotny Alexander Rudolf , Gaa Jochen , Neumann Philipp-Alexander
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Modern non-operative management of diverticulitis consists of a complex therapeutic regimen and is successful in most cases even of complicated diverticulitis. Still, a certain proportion of patients requires urgent surgery due to failure of the conservative approach. This study aims to identify predictors for failure of conservative treatment of complicated diverticulitis with the need for subsequent urgent resection during the acute episode.

Methods

A single-centre retrospective cohort study was performed at our tertiary centre including cases of acute complicated diverticulitis (characterized by localized abscess formation and/or pericolic air) between 2007 and 2019 that were treated guideline-conform by multimodal conservative treatment. Radiologic characteristics of disease in CT scans upon admission were analysed by uni- and multivariable logistic regression to determine predictors for resection within 30 days after onset of the conservative therapy approach.

Results

A total of 669 cases of acute diverticulitis were identified, of which 141 patients met the inclusion criteria. Overall, 13% (n = 19) of patients were operated within 30 days despite initial conservative management. Multivariable logistic regression identified length of inflamed bowel greater than 7 cm (p < 0.011) and abscess formations >1 cm (p < 0.001) as significant risk factors for failure of conservative treatment.

Conclusion

Patients with length of inflamed bowel >7 cm or abscess formation >1 cm have increased risk for failure of conservative treatment of acute episodes of diverticulitis with contained perforations with subsequent need for urgent surgery. Therefore, conservative treatment of those patients should be monitored with special caution.
Inhibitors of PD-1/PD-L1 and ERK1/2 impede the proliferation of receptor positive and triple-negative breast cancer cell lines
Authors: Bräutigam Karen , Kabore-Wolff Elodie , Hussain Ahmad Fawzi , Polack Stephan , Rody Achim , Hanker Lars , Köster Frank
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by an unfavorable prognosis and missing systemic therapeutic approaches beside chemotherapy. Targeting the immune checkpoint PD-1/PD-L1 showed promising results in breast cancer and especially in TNBC. The extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) is an important driver of carcinogenesis. Here, the effect of combined PD-1/PD-L1 and ERK1/2 inhibitor treatment is investigated of cell growth and intracellular impact of breast cancer cell lines.

Methods

The IC50 values of each inhibitor and the effect of combined treatment were determined in three TNBC cell lines of different subtypes and one non-TNBC cell line. Phospho-specific antibodies were used in western blot analyses to investigate an effect on ERK1/2 activation. Expressions of immune modulatory and cell cycle-associated genes were examined by quantitative reverse transcription PCR.

Results

Both inhibitors PD-1/PD-L1 and ERK1/2 impeded the proliferation of TNBC to a higher extent than of non-TNBC. By combined treatment, cell lines were inhibited either synergistically or additively. ERK1/2 and S6 phosphorylation were reduced and expressions of c-Fos and FosL were diminished after ERK1/2 inhibitor as single and combined treatment. Between genes involved in immune modulation, IL-8 was upregulated in TNBC cells after combined treatment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, combination of PD-1/PD-L1 and ERK1/2 inhibitors showed favorable effects for a new therapy strategy, with better results in TNBC cell lines than in non-TNBC cells. The effects have to be validated in models that can reflect the interaction between immune and tumor cells like the situation in the tumor micro-environment.