bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, Characterization, and Properties of Spinel Zinc Ferrite Nanoparticles by Chemical Coprecipitation Technique
Authors: Basavanagoudra Hanumantagouda , Tanakanti Rajeshwari , Patil Mallikarjun K. , Inamdar Sanjeev R. , Goudar Kotresh M.
Published: December 2021

In the present work, zinc‐ferrite [ZnFe2O4] nanoparticles (NPs) are synthesized by the chemical coprecipitation method. The x‐ray diffraction pattern affirms the arrangement of the cubic spinel structure. SEM micrographs reveal the polyhedral crystal‐like shape. FTIR spectrum confirm the characteristic functional groups present in the spinel zinc ferrite NPs. The UV‐visible absorption and fluorescence spectra confirm that zinc ferrite NPs are optically active and hence can possess potential applications in light‐harvesting and photocatalytic activity.
Discussion of Research Priorities for Gait Disorders in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Bohnen Nicolaas I. , Costa Rui M. , Dauer William T. , Factor Stewart A. , Giladi Nir , Hallett Mark , Lewis Simon J.G. , Nieuwboer Alice , Nutt John G. , Takakusaki Kaoru , Kang Un Jung , Przedborski Serge , Papa Stella M. ,   The MDS‐Scientific Issues Committee
Published: December 2021

Gait and balance abnormalities develop commonly in Parkinson's disease and are among the motor symptoms most disabling and refractory to dopaminergic or other treatments, including deep brain stimulation. Efforts to develop effective therapies are challenged by limited understanding of these complex disorders. There is a major need for novel and appropriately targeted research to expedite progress in this area. The Scientific Issues Committee of the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society has charged a panel of experts in the field to consider the current knowledge gaps and determine the research routes with highest potential to generate groundbreaking data. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Thromboelastography profiles in critically ill children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome
Authors: Morparia Kavita , Spinella Philip C. , McQueen Derrick , Kalyanaraman Meena , Bergel Maria , Lin John , Narang Shalu , Saini Arun
Published: December 2021

Objectives

To describe critically ill children's coagulation profile with the multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS‐C) related to coronavirus.

Study design

Single‐center, observational study at a tertiary, pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) in children aged 1 month to 18 years.

Measurements and main results

Sixteen children, with a median age of 5.4 years (interquartile range [IQR] 2.1, 11.75), 56% female, admission Pediatric Logistic Organ Dysfunction‐2 (PELOD‐2) score of 3.5 (IQR 2, 5), and median PICU length of stay 3 days (IQR 1.5, 4), met criteria of MIS‐C. All patients received acetylsalicylic acid (80–100 mg/kg) and none received anticoagulation. Sixty‐three percent (10/16) of children had out‐of‐normal range values on thromboelastography (TEG) (44% [7/16] with hypercoagulability and 19% [3/16] with hypocoagulability). Of those with hypercoagulability, 19% (3/16) had rapid clot formation, and 25% (4/16) had increased clot strength. In 69% (11/16) of children, there was impaired fibrinolysis (0% lysis at 30 minutes) on TEG. Seventy‐five percent (12/16) of children had out‐of‐normal range value on standard coagulation assays (37.5% [6/16] with hypocoagulability and 37.5% [6/16] with hypercoagulability). TEG‐G (clot strength as measured by TEG) value (ρ −.553, p = .033) and platelet count (ρ −.840, p < .0001) were correlated with admission PELOD‐2 score. TEG‐G value (ρ −.506, p = .04) and platelet count (ρ −.539, p = .03) were correlated with the duration of intensive care unit stay.

Conclusions

Coagulation abnormalities are frequent in children with MIS‐C. TEG parameter and platelet count are correlated with the severity of multiorgan dysfunction and the duration of intensive care stay. Multicenter studies are needed to confirm the clinical implications of these coagulation abnormalities.
Highly loaded silver nanoparticle‐modified monodispersed polystyrene composite microspheres (PS/Ag) for rapid catalytic reduction of methylene blue
Authors: Liu Yang , Liu Tingting , Liu Xiangchi , Liu Baijun , Zhang MingYao
Published: December 2021

In this research, monodispersed polystyrene (PS) microspheres were prepared by dispersion polymerization. PS microspheres decorated with silver nanoparticles (PS/Ag composite microspheres) were synthesized by a modified chemical plating method with water as the synthesis medium. The microspheres at each stage were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), UV–visible spectroscopy (UV–vis), field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and energy‐dispersive spectrometer (EDS). The reduction of methylene blue (MB) was carried out with PS/Ag composite microspheres as a catalyst and NaBH4 as a reducing agent. The results showed that the MB dye was reduced to colorless within 180 s. The reduction of the MB dye followed pseudo‐first‐order kinetics with an apparent rate constant (Kapp) value of 0.01425 s−1. Control experiments were also carried out by adding microspheres from each chemical plating pretreatment stage to the MB, without PS/Ag composite microspheres. The catalytic activity of the PS/Ag composite microspheres was high after five consecutive cycles of recovery, showing promising reusability. The catalytic activity of the prepared PS/Ag catalysts was superior to other catalysts for the reduction of MB.
Muscle wasting in cancer: opportunities and challenges for exercise in clinical cancer trials
Authors: Fairman Ciaran M. , Lønbro Simon , Cardaci Thomas D. , VanderVeen Brandon N. , Nilsen Tormod S. , Murphy Angela E.
Published: December 2021

Background

Low muscle in cancer is associated with an increase in treatment‐related toxicities and is a predictor of cancer‐related and all‐cause mortality. The mechanisms of cancer‐related muscle loss are multifactorial, including anorexia, hypogonadism, anaemia, inflammation, malnutrition, and aberrations in skeletal muscle protein turnover and metabolism.

Methods

In this narrative review, we summarise relevant literature to (i) review the factors influencing skeletal muscle mass regulation, (ii) provide an overview of how cancer/treatments negatively impact these, (iii) review factors beyond muscle signalling that can impact the ability to participate in and respond to an exercise intervention to counteract muscle loss in cancer, and (iv) provide perspectives on critical areas of future research.

Results

Despite the well‐known benefits of exercise, there remains a paucity of clinical evidence supporting the impact of exercise in cancer‐related muscle loss. There are numerous challenges to reversing muscle loss with exercise in clinical cancer settings, ranging from the impact of cancer/treatments on the molecular regulation of muscle mass, to clinical challenges in responsiveness to an exercise intervention. For example, tumour‐related/treatment‐related factors (e.g. nausea, pain, anaemia, and neutropenia), presence of comorbidities (e.g. diabetes, arthritis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), injuries, disease progression and bone metastases, concomitant medications (e.g., metformin), can negatively affect an individual's ability to exercise safely and limit subsequent adaptation.

Conclusions

This review identifies numerous gaps and oppportunities in the area of low muscle and muscle loss in cancer. Collaborative efforts between preclinical and clinical researchers are imperative to both understanding the mechanisms of atrophy, and develop appropriate therapeutic interventions.
Passivity‐based adaptive fault‐tolerant control for continuous‐time Markov jump PWA systems with actuator faults
Authors: Xu Nuo , Zhu Yanzheng , Chen Xinkai , Su Chun‐Yi
Published: December 2021

In this article, the issue of passivity‐based adaptive fault‐tolerant piecewise linear (FT‐PWL) control is investigated for a class of continuous‐time Markov jump nonlinear systems with actuator faults. The nonlinear space is divided into a series of subspaces and approximated by piecewise‐affine (PWA) regions, such that the corresponding systems are transformed into a class of continuous‐time Markov jump PWA systems. First, the switching paths between different PWA subsystems or different PWA regions within certain subsystem are optimized via a new optimal region switching paths (ORSPs) algorithm. This algorithm optimizes the loop way of searching the switching path and also reduces the number of redundant loops. Second, based on the proposed ORSPs algorithm, a novel adaptive FT‐PWL controller is designed to ensure the stochastic stability and passivity of the corresponding closed‐loop system. The unknown variations of actuator fault parameters are compensated via an adaptive FT mechanism. Finally, one numerical example is illustrated to show the validity and effectiveness of both developed ORSPs algorithm and proposed adaptive FT‐PWL control mechanism.
Sensitive Multi‐Detection of Escherichia coli by Quartz Crystal Microbalance with a Novel Surface Controllable Sensing Method in Liquid Organic Fertilizer Produced by Sewage Sludge
Authors: Soylu Mehmet Çağrı , Azgin Sukru Taner
Published: December 2021

The potential health hazards of pathogens, such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), have recently received extensive attention. However, the concentration change of E. coli in sewage sludge during the vermicomposting process is still relatively unexplored. In this study, sewage sludge, a byproduct of wastewater treatment, was used as bed materials with cow dung to produce valuable liquid organic fertilizer (vermicompost tea). A unique quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) detection system with a novel surface functionalization procedure, which allows selectively captured analytes to be removed from the surface in a controlled manner for possible extra genetic and serological detections, was also developed for low level detection of E. coli in vermicompost tea (VT) medium. The results indicate that sewage sludge became a valuable liquid organic fertilizer, which has total nitrogen and phosphorus content 22 % and 11 % higher than their initial levels, respectively. The QCM‐based biosensing showed good detection sensitivity and stability at near 102 CFU mL−1 level in VT samples. The developed QCM based method with a novel surface controllable biosensing mechanism provides a reliable and selective detection approach allowing other post analyses if needed for sensitive measurement of E. coli in vermicompost tea or different aqueous solutions. After the determination of pathogenic levels in vermicompost tea could be used as liquid organic fertilizer for a sustainable organic farming system.
Metal Organic Frameworks: Desulfurization Process by Engineered Novel Adsorbents
Authors: Saeedirad Raheleh , Rami Mina Rezghi , Daraee Maryam , Ghasemy Ebrahim
Published: December 2021

Removal of sulfur‐containing compounds from liquid and gas steams originated from various processes of chemical industries would be essential, since these compounds can be the principal sources of deterioration and environmental degradation, and pollution even at low threshold concentration levels. The metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) compromise a wide‐ranging of chemical structure designs with adjustable pore size and high promising surface area for the desulfurization process. In this review study, the current published studies and researches about sulfur removal in liquid and gas purification processes using MOFs as highly effective adsorbents and catalysts are systematically gathered and compared. According to the broad contextual information for sulfur removal using different MOFs in this study, it is called for new insight windows opened for the advance progresses in this area and the project of new and more effective MOF‐based sorbents.
Numerical Estimation of Acetonitrile Adsorption into Simple Artificial Cell Membranes
Authors: Yoshida Kazunari , Fujiwara Naofumi
Published: December 2021

The dynamic behaviour of lipid vesicles in response to the incorporation of toxic acetonitrile is investigated. Shape data from previous observations are used to estimate the incorporation of acetonitrile into a 1,2‐dioleoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine (DOPC) vesicle. A bilayer‐couple model is used to quantify the disparity in incorporation between the outer and inner leaflets. The model assumes that the prolate spheroid corresponds to a reduced volume
, when equal numbers of molecules incorporated into outer and inner leaflets. It further assumes a reduced area difference
. These disparities suggest that the difference in acetonitrile molecules incorporated into the outer and inner leaflets is
. The value indicates that the outer leaflet has more acetonitrile molecules than the inner leaflet because of the polarity of acetonitrile. These findings are the first step to clarifying the mechanism for acetonitrile to invade living cells.
TPAOH‐Assisted Preparation of Hexagonal Ni(OH)2 Nanoplates for Supercapacitors**
Authors: Tian Jinjun , Xue Yan , Wu Keliang , Guo Meng , Zeng Xiancai
Published: December 2021

Hexagonal nanoplates of Ni(OH)2 were provided using Tetrapropylammonium hydroxide (TPAOH) as a surfactant and an alkali wherein the particle dimensions and morphological attributes were controlled by TPAOH. The nanoplates of Ni(OH)2 were hexagonal with an average diameter of 62 nm and a 4.4 nm thickness. At a current density of about 0.5 A g−1, the hexagonal nanoplates of Ni(OH)2 were detected to exhibit a beneficial specific capacitive performance of 1462 F g−1. The Ni(OH)2 nanoplate//activate carbon (AC) asymmetrical supercapacitor (ASC) presented excellent energy density 30.0 W h kg−1 at a power density of 250 W kg−1. ASC manifested tremendous cycling stability, preserving 72.73 % of its primary capacitance following 7500 cycles.
Structural Rationale towards Designing Coordination Polymer Based Metallogels Displaying Anti‐Cancer and Anti‐Bacterial Properties
Authors: Sarkar Koushik , Datta Hemanta Kumar , Ahmed Sabir , Dastidar Parthasarathi
Published: December 2021

A new series of organic‐inorganic‐hybrid‐systems (OIHS) was synthesized with the aim of developing metallogels that might display ‘drug‐like’ function. Reaction of two dicarboxylate ligands namely 3‐carboxycinnamic acid (3‐cca) and 4‐carboxycinnamic acid (4‐cca) with various bivalent metal ions (Cu(II), Zn(II), Co(II), Cd(II), Mn(II)) produced a new series of OIHS which were crystallographically characterized; five of which were coordination polymers (CP1‐CP5) and one metal‐organic polyhedra (MOP‐1). Reaction of 3‐cca with various metal ions in presence of DMSO/water produced five metallogels (MG1‐MG5) of which the Zn(II)‐metallogel namely MG1 was evaluated for both anti‐cancer and anti‐bacterial properties against murine tumor  cell line B16‐F10 (human skin cancer model) and gram positive bacterium S. aureus. While MTT and cell migration assays established the anti‐cancer activity of MG1 against B16‐F10, flow cytometry and laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) images under various staining conditions supported apoptotic pathway of cancer cell death. Anti‐bacterial ability of MG1 was also established against S. aureus by zone inhibition, and flow cytometry and LSCM studies under various staining conditions. MG1 was also demonstrated to be effective in killing the intracellular bacterial cells when B16‐F10 cells were infected with S. aureus thereby suggesting its potential in treating post‐operative cancer surgery model system.
An Efficient Synthesis of Heterogeneous and Hard Bound TiIV‐MCM‐41 Catalyzed Mannich Bases and π‐Conjugated Imines
Authors: Muthumanickam Shenbagapushpam , Thennila Muthukumar , Yuvaraj Paneerselvam , Lingam Kanthapalam Arun Prasath , Selvakumar Kodirajan
Published: December 2021

A heterogeneous and hard bound TiIV anchored MCM‐41 material has been successfully evaluated for catalytic applications in the one pot synthesis of highly functionalized β‐amino ketones and quinoline appended π‐conjugated imines via Mannich reaction and condensation reaction, respectively. The synthetic transformation was successfully catalyzed via the dual Bronsted and Lewis acetic nature of the Ti‐MCM‐41 material that provided excellent yields of the desired products. The heterogeneous catalyst shows good catalytic performance, facile separation from the reaction mixture and can be reused in more than five catalytic cycles without any significant loss in the yield.
Insight into the Effect of Moisture and Thermal Aging on the Degradation of a Pyrotechnic Igniter Composition through Thermogravimetric Kinetics Coupled with Deconvolution Approach
Authors: Bekhouche Slimane , Trache Djalal , Abdelaziz Amir , Fouzi Tarchoun Ahmed , Chelouche Salim , Benchaa Widad , Belgacemi Raouf
Published: December 2021

In the present study, the effect of moisture and thermal aging on the degradation of a pyrotechnic igniter composition (PIC) composed of magnesium (Mg) as fuel and dual‐oxidizer of barium nitrate (Ba(NO3)2) and barium peroxide (BaO2) has been investigated to well understand the main compositional and structural changes that may occur. The unaged and aged samples were examined through non‐destructive techniques, namely, Raman and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopies, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The thermal decomposition behavior and the kinetic parameters of the different Mg‐PIC samples were determined using thermogravimetry (TGA) analysis coupled with a deconvolution approach. The obtained results revealed that the aging processes performed at 65 °C and 85 % relative humidity (RH), respectively, affected the chemical structure of the samples, and the degradation became more pronounced with the increase of the aging time. These changes are attributed to the partial decomposition of barium nitrate, barium peroxide, and the oxidation of magnesium, which generated Ba(NO2)2, MgO, and Mg(OH)2 as degradation products. On the other hand, based on the TGA data, the kinetic modelling was carried out through the deconvolution approach combined with isoconversional kinetic analysis to determine the multiple‐step kinetic behaviors of the different PIC samples. The results revealed that the aging processes may engender various degradation reactions with different activation energies compared to the fresh sample, what can lead to severe changes in stability and untrustworthy performance of the pyrotechnic compositions.
Enantioselective Enzymatic Synthesis of (R)‐Phenyl Alkyl Esters and Their Analogue Amides using Fatty Acids as Green Acyl Donors.
Authors: Benamara Nour ElHouda , Merabet‐Khelassi Mounia , Lakoud Samia Guezane , Aribi‐Zouioueche Louisa , Riant Olivier
Published: December 2021

An efficient enantioselective synthesis of a set of (R)‐phenylalkylesters and their analogues amides via enzymatic acylation of 1‐phenylethanol (rac‐1) and 1‐phenylethanamine (rac‐2) using carboxylic acids with different chain‐lengths as green acyl donor is reported. Three lipases are used: Candida antarctica B immobilized on acrylic resin (CAL‐B) and two free lipases: Pseudomonas cepacia (PCL) and Candida rugosa (CRL). The CAL‐B shows an excellent selectivity during the acylation of rac‐1 without restriction due to the acyl carbon chain‐length, the (R)‐ esters (1 a–1 f) were obtained enantiopures (ee up to 99 %). For the first time, the PCL catalyzed O‐acylation allows smoothly to (R)‐(1 d–1 f) with high selectivity (E⋙200) is described. The conversions increase with the length of the carbon‐chain of the acyl donor (28.7 %≤C≤40 %). The CRL shows less selective and provided the (R) (1 b–1 e) with 77 %≤eep≤86.4 %. Due to its high thermostability, the CAL‐B is used for the N‐acylation of rac‐2 and provides access to enantioenriched (R)‐fatty amides (2 d–2 f) (60.7 %≤eep≤74.4 %) and the remained (S)‐2 with ees>91 %.
Synthesis of Cobalt‐Doped TiO2‐RPNS as a Controlled Charge Transfer Photocatalyst: The Role of Scavengers and Oxygen as a Promoter**
Authors: Khandekar Deepa C. , Bhattacharyya Arup R. , Bandyopadhyaya Rajdip
Published: December 2021

Low band gap photocatalysts are desirable for efficient performance. We report synthesis of cobalt‐doped TiO2 photocatalysts, inside radial pores of nano‐spherical silica (RPNS) particles, having different weight percentages of dopant (0.1 to 4 wt.% Co‐TiO2‐RPNS). Doping decreases both optical band gap and electron‐hole charge separation, with maximum decrease in charge transfer resistance, for 1 wt.% Co‐TiO2‐RPNS (0.74 kΩ.cm−2), compared to TiO2‐RPNS (1.18 kΩ.cm−2). However, it shows only partial degradation of rhodamine B dye. Hence, the 1 wt.% Co‐TiO2‐RPNS catalyst was further investigated with respect to different e−/h+ recombination processes, in presence of any one of the scavengers ‐ e− (K2S2O8) or OH* (butanol) or h+ (EDTA). An e− scavenger shows a higher dye degradation (rate constant 1.24 h−1), while h+ scavenger shows a lower rate (0.38 h−1), in contrast to no scavenger (0.91 h−1). Oxygen purging as a reaction promoter inhibited e−/h+ recombination, doubling overall rate (4.66 h−1). So, scavenger and oxygen purging together can further enhance a low band gap photocatalyst's activity.
Dual Roles of Co2(CO)8 Enable Carbonylative Ring Expansion of Thietane under Ambient CO Pressure
Authors: Zheng Junwei , Zhang Linli , Shen Chaoren , Dong Kaiwu
Published: December 2021

Cobalt‐catalyzed carbonylative ring expansion of thietane under ambient CO pressure was developed, affording a variety of thioacetones in moderate to high yields. dual roles of Co2(CO)8 as the precursor of both carbonylation catalyst and Lewis acid was revealed by control experiments and spectroscopic characterization. The carbonylative ring expansion under CO gas‐free conditions was demonstrated by using Co2(CO)8 as both CO surrogate and pre‐catalyst.
Synthesis of Various α‐Substituted Alkenyl Sulfoxides from Alkynes and β‐Sulfinyl Esters
Authors: Kalyanakrishnan A. V. , Joshy Arun , Arya Abhay Kumar , Kaliyamoorthy Alagiri
Published: December 2021

Methods to synthesize α‐substituted alkenyl sulfoxides are highly useful as they are widely used to construct diverse molecules of high synthetic importance. We have described a synthetic route for expedient access to the numerous α‐substituted alkenyl sulfoxides from alkynes and β‐sulfinyl esters. This protocol exhibits a vast substrate scope, readily accommodates a wide range of functional groups, and is scalable in a gram‐scale. Besides, we demonstrated a direct synthesis of alkenyl sulfoxides from thiols via the in situ generation of the requisite β‐sulfinyl ester. The ensuing α‐substituted alkenyl sulfoxide product was readily transformed into benzofuran and sulfonyl derivatives. Mechanistic investigations were done to comprehend the reaction mechanism.
Monitoring der Theodor‐Heuss‐Brücke – Teil 1 – Veranlassung, Monitoringkonzept und Erkenntnisse zum Tragverhalten
Authors: Sanio David , Klinge Jan , Schartner Maria , Reeh Florian , Schmitz Andreas
Published: December 2021

Die Theodor‐Heuss‐Brücke in Düsseldorf ist die älteste Schrägseilbrücke Deutschlands und die weltweit erste mit harfenförmig angeordneten Seilen. Seit ihrer Fertigstellung 1957 ist die Verkehrsbelastung stetig gestiegen. Wie bei vielen anderen älteren Brücken mit orthotropen Fahrbahnplatten führte dies mit der Zeit zu Schäden – u. a. in Form von Rissen. Eine Nachrechnung des Bauwerks zeigt deutliche Defizite – insbesondere hinsichtlich der Ermüdung in der orthotropen Fahrbahnplatte. Daher wurde 2019 ein Monitoringsystem aus über 80 Sensoren am Bauwerk installiert und über ein Jahr betrieben. Der Beitrag zeigt die Entwicklung des Monitoringkonzepts, seine Umsetzung und Auswertung. Aus den Messdaten werden Erkenntnisse zum Tragverhalten abgeleitet. So zeigt sich ein signifikanter Zusammenhang zwischen den ermüdungswirksamen Beanspruchungen und der Temperatur. Einerseits wirkt die steife Asphaltschicht beim Lastabtrag mit, andererseits bewirkt sie eine größere Lastverteilung. Auch zeigt das Monitoring, dass der Einfluss von Radlasten dominiert und eine Ablastung über das zulässige Fahrzeuggesamtgewicht nur geringen Nutzen hat. Vielmehr sind die Radlasten zu begrenzen, um die Bauteile der Fahrbahnplatte zu entlasten.
Assessment of patients' understanding of inflammatory bowel diseases: Development and validation of a questionnaire
Authors: Ostromohov Gaiana , Fibelman Morin , Hirsch Ayal , Ron Yulia , Cohen Nathaniel Aviv , Kariv Revital , Deutsch Liat , Kornblum Jasmine , Anbar Ronit , Maharshak Nitsan , Fliss‐Isakov Naomi
Published: December 2021

Background

Educating patients regarding thier inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is important for their empowerment and disease management. We aimed to develop a questionnaire to evaluate patient understanding and knowledge of IBD.

Methods

We have developed the Understanding IBD Questionnaires (U‐IBDQ), consisting of multiple‐choice questions in two versions [for Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC)]. The questionnaires were tested for content and face validity, readability, responsiveness and reliability. Convergent validity was assessed by correlating the U‐IBDQ score with physician's subjective assessment scores. Discriminant validity was assessed by comparison to healthy controls (HC), patients with chronic gastrointestinal (GI) conditions other than IBD, and to GI nurses. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine factors associated with a high level of disease understanding.

Results

The study population consisted of IBD patients (n = 106), HC (n = 35), chronic GI disease patients (n = 38) and GI nurses (n = 19). Mean U‐IBDQ score among IBD patients was 56.5 ± 21.9, similar for CD and UC patients (P = 0.941), but significantly higher than that of HC and chronic GI disease patients and lower than that of GI nurses (P < 0.001), supporting its discriminant validity. The U‐IBDQ score correlated with physician's subjective score (r = 0.747, P < 0.001) and was found to be reliable (intra‐class correlation coefficient = 0.867 P < 0.001). Independent factors associated with high U‐IBDQ scores included academic education (OR = 1.21, 95% CI 1.10–1.33, P < 0.001), biologic therapy experience (OR = 1.24, 95% CI 1.01–1.53, P = 0.046), and IBD diagnosis at <21 years of age (OR = 2.97, 95% CI 1.05–8.87, P = 0.050).

Conclusions

The U‐IBDQ is a validated, reliable and short, self‐reported questionnaire that can be used for assessing understanding of disease pathophysiology and treatment by IBD patients.
Marked, persistent basophilia in a potbellied pig
Authors: Towns Taylor Jordan , Tomlinson Julie , Chamorro Manuel F. , Lindley Stephanie E. S. , Graff Emily C.
Published: December 2021

A 5‐year‐old intact female potbellied pig presented for a 2‐week history of anorexia, lethargy, and intermittent fever. Over 2 months, serial complete blood count evaluations revealed a persistent, progressive, marked basophilia and differential diagnoses included parasitism, hypersensitivity reaction, paraneoplastic response, or basophilic leukaemia. The patient was diagnosed with basophilic leukaemia based on the persistent, marked basophilia and exclusion of other differentials. Due to possible inconsistencies in basophil identification by automated haematology analysers, blood smear examination must be performed to quantify circulating basophils. Diagnosis of basophilic leukaemia is based on light microscopic examination of blood and/or bone marrow and exclusion of other differentials. While basophilic leukaemia is rare in veterinary medicine, it should be considered a differential for a marked, persistent basophilia in any species. This case highlights some of the challenges associated with diagnosing and treating this disorder.
Comments on wormholes, ensembles, and cosmology
Authors: Van Raamsdonk Mark
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Certain closed-universe big-bang/big-crunch cosmological spacetimes may be obtained by analytic continuation from asymptotically AdS Euclidean wormholes, as emphasized by Maldacena and Maoz. We investigate how these Euclidean wormhole spacetimes and their associated cosmological physics might be described within the context of AdS/CFT. We point out that a holographic model for cosmology proposed recently in arXiv:1810.10601 can be understood as a specific example of this picture. Based on this example, we suggest key features that should be present in more general examples of this approach to cosmology. The basic picture is that we start with two non-interacting copies of a Euclidean holographic CFT associated with the asymptotic regions of the Euclidean wormhole and couple these to auxiliary degrees of freedom such that the original theories interact strongly in the IR but softly in the UV. The partition function for the full theory with the auxiliary degrees of freedom can be viewed as a product of partition functions for the original theories averaged over an ensemble of possible sources. The Lorentzian cosmological spacetime is encoded in a wavefunction of the universe that lives in the Hilbert space of the auxiliary degrees of freedom.
The colour matrix at next-to-leading-colour accuracy for tree-level multi-parton processes
Authors: Frederix Rikkert , Vitos Timea
Published: December 2021

Abstract

We investigate the next-to-leading-colour (NLC) contributions to the colour matrix in the fundamental and the colour-flow decompositions for tree-level processes with all gluons, one quark pair and two quark pairs. By analytical examination of the colour factors, we find the non-zero elements in the colour matrix at NLC. At this colour order, together with the symmetry of the phase-space, it is reduced from factorial to polynomial the scaling of the contributing dual amplitudes as the number of partons participating in the scattering process is increased. This opens a path to an accurate tree-level matrix element generator of which all factorial complexity is removed, without resulting to Monte Carlo sampling over colour.
Decomposition of d = 9 short-range 0νββ decay operators at one-loop level
Authors: Chen Ping-Tao , Ding Gui-Jun , Yao Chang-Yuan
Published: December 2021

Abstract

We perform a systematical study of the dimension-9 short-range 0νββ decay operators at one-loop level. There are only six genuine topologies which generate eight diagrams, and the recipe to identify the possible one-loop realizations of the 0νββ decay operators is sketched. Certain hypercharge assignments are excluded by the absence of tree-level diagrams in a genuine one-loop model. The mediators of each decomposition can generate Majorana neutrino masses which are discussed up to two-loop level. We present an example of 0νββ decay model in which the neutrino masses are generated at two-loop level, and the short-range contribution can be comparable with the mass mechanism in some region of parameter space.
High prevalence of long-term olfactory dysfunction confirmed by olfactory testing after a community COVID-19 outbreak
Authors: Gudziol Hilmar , Kirschstein Timo , Pletz Mathias W. , Weis Sebastian , Guntinas-Lichius Orlando , Bitter Thomas ,   the CoNAN study group, Hotz Thomas , Enders Petra , Koch Renate , Mai Steffen , Ullrich Matthias , Richert Cora , Eibner Cornelius , Meinung Bettina , Stötzer Kay , Köhler Julia , Cipowicz Hans , Pinkwart Christine , Bauer Michael , Dickmann Petra , Licht Annika , Scholz Juliane , Wetzker Wibke , Hartung Anita , Weiss Daniel , Thieme Lara , Hanf Gabi , Schnizer Clara , Müller Jasmin , Kosenkow Jennifer , Röstel Franziska , Andreas Nico , Marquardt Raphaela , Deinhardt-Emmer Stefanie , Kuhn Sebastian
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The prevalence of long-term olfactory and gustatory dysfunction in participants suffering from sudden chemosensory loss due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is unknown. Furthermore, evaluations of the reliability of participants’ self-reporting of olfactory function (SOF) and gustatory function (SGF) using extended objective psychophysical testing are missing.

Methods

In this population-based cohort study in a PCR-tested community in Thuringia, Germany, olfactory function was extensively examined 4 months after a COVID-19 outbreak using the “Sniffin Sticks” test battery to determine the TDIa score, i.e., the sum of results obtained for threshold, discrimination, and identification scores averaged for both nasal sides. Gustatory function was assessed using the three-drop test resulting in the gustatory composite score (CSg). The data were compared with SOF and SGF.

Results

Of 43 adult convalescents (median age: 68 years; 58% female) after SARS-CoV‑2 infection, 18 participants (42%) had olfactory complaints due to SOF, one participant (2%) complained of taste disturbance due to SGF. The TDIa was 22.0 ± 5.9. Normosmia, hyposmia, and anosmia were seen in 17, 18, and eight participants, respectively. TDIa correlated with SOF (rs = −0.434, p = 0.004); CSg was 23.5 ± 2.7. Normogeusia and hypogeusia were objectified in 39 and four participants, respectively. The prevalence of long-term olfactory dysfunction and gustatory dysfunction in the study group was 60.5 and 9.3%, respectively.

Conclusion

The SOF was reliable, especially for participants who felt a sudden chemosensory dysfunction during the outbreak. At 4 months after SARS-CoV‑2 infection, a high proportion of participants were dysosmic, whereas nearly all of them had normal taste function.
Arzneimittelnebenwirkungen und Medikationsfehler bei Kindern
Authors: Leitzen S. , Kayser C. , Weißmann K. , Sachs B.
Published: December 2021

Hintergrund

Kinder sind einem höheren Risiko für Nebenwirkungen (NW) und Medikationsfehler (MF) als Erwachsene ausgesetzt, auch weil es häufig an geeigneten Dosierungsempfehlungen, Arzneiformen und adäquaten Applikationsformen mangelt.

Material und Methode

Kurze Literaturübersicht und Auswertung von Spontanberichten aus der Datenbank EudraVigilance bezüglich NW zu Kindern zwischen 2000 und 2019 sowie einer Datensammlung zu MF bei Kindern zwischen 2014 und 2020 in Deutschland.

Ergebnisse

MPH als zentral wirksames Sympathomimetikum wird zur Behandlung der Aufmerksamkeitsdefizit‑/Hyperaktivitätsstörung (ADHS) eingesetzt.

Im Bewertungszeitraum 2014–2020 wurden dem Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte 151 MF direkt gemeldet. Häufig gemeldet wurden nicht korrekt durchgeführte Zubereitungen von Arzneimitteln, wie z. B. bei antibiotischen Trockensäften, die zu fehlerhaften Dosierungen führten.

Schlussfolgerung

Zudem sollten andere Informationsquellen (z. B. Dosierungsdatenbanken) intensiv genutzt werden, zum einen, um bereits vorhandene Informationen im klinischen und im ambulanten Setting besser umzusetzen, zum anderen, um die Kenntnisse zu Anwendungsrisiken bei Kindern zu verbessern. Diesbezüglich sollte die Meldebereitschaft der Ärzte- und Apothekerschaft zu NW und MF weiter erhöht werden.
Sobolev-to-Lipschitz property on $${\mathsf {QCD}}$$-spaces and applications
Authors: Dello Schiavo Lorenzo , Suzuki Kohei
Published: December 2021

We prove the Sobolev-to-Lipschitz property for metric measure spaces satisfying the quasi curvature-dimension condition recently introduced in Milman (Commun Pure Appl Math, to appear). We provide several applications to properties of the corresponding heat semigroup. In particular, under the additional assumption of infinitesimal Hilbertianity, we show the Varadhan short-time asymptotics for the heat semigroup with respect to the distance, and prove the irreducibility of the heat semigroup. These results apply in particular to large classes of (ideal) sub-Riemannian manifolds.
Dynamic-stall measurements using time-resolved pressure-sensitive paint on double-swept rotor blades
Authors: Weiss Armin , Geisler Reinhard , Müller Martin M. , Klein Christian , Henne Ulrich , Braukmann Johannes N. , Letzgus Johannes
Published: December 2021

The study presents an optimized pressure-sensitive paint (PSP) measurement system that was applied to investigate unsteady surface pressures on recently developed double-swept rotor blades in the rotor test facility at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Göttingen. The measurement system featured an improved version of a double-shutter camera that was designed to reduce image blur in PSP measurements on fast rotating blades. It also comprised DLR’s PSP sensor, developed to capture transient flow phenomena (iPSP). Unsteady surface pressures were acquired across the outer 65% of the rotor blade with iPSP and at several radial blade sections by fast-response pressure transducers at blade-tip Mach and Reynolds numbers of $$\mathrm {M}_\mathrm{tip} = 0.282-0.285$$

M
tip

=
0.282
-
0.285

and $$\mathrm {Re}_\mathrm{tip}= 5.84-5.95 \times 10^5$$

Re
tip

=
5.84
-
5.95
×

10
5

. The unique experimental setup allowed for scanning surface pressures across the entire pitch cycle at a phase resolution of $${0.225}\,{\mathrm{deg}}$$

0.225

deg

azimuth for different collective and cyclic-pitch settings. Experimental results of both investigated cyclic-pitch settings are compared in detail to a delayed detached eddy simulation using the flow solver FLOWer and to flow visualizations from unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS) computations with DLR’s TAU code. The findings reveal a detailed and yet unseen insight into the pressure footprint of double-swept rotor blades undergoing dynamic stall and allow for deducing “stall maps”, where confined areas of stalled flow on the blade are identifiable as a function of the pitch phase.

Graphical abstract
Craniofacial characteristics and cosmetic satisfaction of patients with sagittal and metopic synostosis: a case–control study using 3D photogrammetric imaging
Authors: Svalina Anja , Vuollo Ville , Serlo Willy , Sinikumpu Juha-Jaakko , Silvola Anna-Sofia , Salokorpi Niina
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the craniofacial and aesthetic characteristics of adult metopic and sagittal craniosynostosis patients operated on in early childhood compared to controls. The goal was to find objective measurements that would correlate with the patient’s subjective self-evaluation of their own cosmetic appearance.

Methods

The study population consisted of 49 patients from whom 41 had premature fusion of the sagittal and in 8 of metopic suture. There were 65 age and gender matching controls from The Finish National Register. The 3D photogrammetric models were created from all patients and controls. The images were analysed using Rapidform 2006. Facial landmarks were set by the standard Farkas points. Facial symmetry parameters were calculated by using the landmarks and the mirror shell of the face. Aesthetic evaluation was done from standard photographs using panels. Subjective satisfaction with one’s own appearance was evaluated using questionnaires.

Results

Patients had the greatest asymmetry in the forehead area when compared to controls (symmetry percentage 59% versus 66%, p = 0.013). In the control group, the gap between the eyes was smaller than in the case group, resulting in an absolute 2 mm difference (p = 0.003). The area of the chin and the landmarks were more located on the left side in the patient group, resulting in up to a 1.1 mm difference between the groups (p = 0.003). Only a weak association was found between craniofacial symmetry and appearance evaluations.

Conclusion

Patients operated on because of sagittal and metopic synostoses were found to have facial asymmetry at long follow-up. However, the differences were < 3 mm and not clinically important. The long-term aesthetical outcome of the surgery performed because of sagittal or metopic craniosynostosis based on the 3D image evaluation was good.
Cross-lingual citations in English papers: a large-scale analysis of prevalence, usage, and impact
Authors: Saier Tarek , Färber Michael , Tsereteli Tornike
Published: December 2021

Citation information in scholarly data is an important source of insight into the reception of publications and the scholarly discourse. Outcomes of citation analyses and the applicability of citation-based machine learning approaches heavily depend on the completeness of such data. One particular shortcoming of scholarly data nowadays is that non-English publications are often not included in data sets, or that language metadata is not available. Because of this, citations between publications of differing languages (cross-lingual citations) have only been studied to a very limited degree. In this paper, we present an analysis of cross-lingual citations based on over one million English papers, spanning three scientific disciplines and a time span of three decades. Our investigation covers differences between cited languages and disciplines, trends over time, and the usage characteristics as well as impact of cross-lingual citations. Among our findings are an increasing rate of citations to publications written in Chinese, citations being primarily to local non-English languages, and consistency in citation intent between cross- and monolingual citations. To facilitate further research, we make our collected data and source code publicly available.
Emergency department physicians’ distribution of time in the fast paced-workflow-a novel time-motion study of drug-related activities
Authors: Nymoen Lisbeth D. , Tran Therese , Walter Scott R. , Lehnbom Elin C. , Tunestveit Ingrid K. , Øie Erik , Viktil Kirsten K.
Published: December 2021

Background In the emergency department physicians are forced to distribute their time to ensure that all admitted patients receive appropriate emergency care. Previous studies have raised concerns about medication discrepancies in patient’s drug lists at admission to the emergency department. Thus, it is important to study how emergency department physicians distribute their time, to highlight where workflow redesign can be needed.

Aim to quantify how emergency department physicians distribute their time between various task categories, with particular focus on drug-related tasks.

Method Direct observation, time-motion study of emergency department physicians at Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway. Physicians’ activities were categorized in discrete categories and data were collected with the validated method of Work Observation Method By Activity Timing between October 2018 to January 2019. Bootstrap analysis determined 95% confidence intervals for proportions and interruption rates.

Results During the observation time of 91.4 h, 31 emergency department physicians were observed. In total, physicians spent majority of their time gathering information (36.5%), communicating (26.3%), and documenting (24.2%). Further, physicians spent 17.8% (95% CI 16.8%, 19.3%) of their time on drug-related tasks. On average, physicians spent 7.8 min (95% CI 7.2, 8.6) per hour to obtain and document patients’ drug lists.

Conclusion Emergency department physicians are required to conduct numerous essential tasks and distributes a minor proportion of their time on drug-related tasks. More efficient information flow regarding drugs should be facilitated at transitions of care. The presence of healthcare personnel dedicated to obtaining drug lists in the emergency department should be considered.
Accuracy, probabilism, and the insufficiency of the alethic
Authors: Dethier Corey
Published: December 2021

The best and most popular argument for probabilism is the accuracy-dominance argument, which purports to show that alethic considerations alone support the view that an agent’s degrees of belief should always obey the axioms of probability. I argue that extant versions of the accuracy-dominance argument face a problem. In order for the mathematics of the argument to function as advertised, we must assume that every omniscient credence function is classically consistent; there can be no worlds in the set of dominance-relevant worlds that obey some other logic. This restriction cannot be motivated on alethic grounds unless we’re also willing to accept that rationality requires belief in every metaphysical necessity, as the distinction between a priori logical necessities and a posteriori metaphysical ones is not an alethic distinction. To justify the restriction to classically consistent worlds, non-alethic motivation is required. And thus, if there is a version of the accuracy-dominance argument in support of probabilism, it isn’t one that is grounded in alethic considerations alone.
Resource allocation procedures for unknown sales response functions with additive disturbances
Authors: Gahler Daniel , Hruschka Harald
Published: December 2021

We develop a modified exploration–exploitation algorithm which allocates a fixed resource (e.g., a fixed budget) to several units with the objective to attain maximum sales. This algorithm does not require knowledge of the form and the parameters of sales response functions and is able to cope with additive random disturbances. Note that additive random disturbances, as a rule, are a component of sales response functions estimated by econometric methods. We compare the developed algorithm to three rules of thumb which in practice are often used to solve this allocation problem. The comparison is based on a Monte Carlo simulation for 384 experimental constellations, which are obtained from four function types, four procedures (including our algorithm), similar/varied elasticities, similar/varied saturations, high/low budgets, and three disturbance levels. A statistical analysis of the simulation results shows that across a multi-period planning horizon the algorithm performs better than the rules of thumb considered with respect to two sales-related criteria.
Market-based measures and their impact on green shipping technologies
Authors: Metzger Daniel
Published: December 2021

In the strategy on the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), market-based measures (MBMs) are considered feasible mid-term measures. Thus, the relevance of MBMs for the shipping industry can be expected to grow in the future and, consequently, carbon and other GHG emissions will impact the investment appraisal for greening technologies. This paper illustrates the impact of carbon pricing on the valuation of greening technologies (especially wind-assisted propulsion technologies) and on the relevant decision-making. In this regard, the straightforward approach of a direct acquisition and installation of the respective technology is considered and compared against innovative financing models, such as shared savings. Hence, the Fuzzy Pay-Off Method (FPOM) is applied in order to visualize the risks and chances linked to MBMs. Due to the economic life of greening technologies, the results are already relevant for today’s investment appraisals, even though carbon pricing has not been enforced so far.
The Relevance of School Coexistence Free of Peer Violence in Relation to Children’s Subjective Well-Being: An Essay Article
Authors: Corominas Mari
Published: December 2021

Peer violence within school coexistence exposes children and adolescents to risk and vulnerability, therefore scholar bullying is also a relevant issue on childhood well-being. In that sense, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child constitutes a framework for promoting children’s well-being in schooling and education: in relation to protection rights from all forms of violence, schools should protect children from physical, mental or any other danger. The negative influence of scholar peer violence on children’s subjective well-being can be explored through the analysis of the responses given by a probabilistic sample of primary school children from Barcelona in 2017 (mean age = 10.7, analysed sample = 3,962) to the Barcelona Survey of Children’s Subjective Well-Being, an adapted version of the third wave of the International Survey of Children’s Well-Being from the Children’s Worlds international research project. It is noteworthy the negative influence of the scholar peer violence on the children’s subjective well-being, and that there are children without the personal and social support for deal with this type of adversity. Finally, some children’s interpretations and their proposals are shared to ‘taking decidedly action against bullying and preventing it’.