bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chronic conditions in the community: Preventative principles and emerging practices among Māori health services providers
Authors: Gifford Heather , Cvitanovic Lynley , Boulton Amohia , Batten Lesley
Published: April 2020

Issue

The pressing chronic conditions prevention needs of Māori (the Indigenous peoples of Aotearoa New Zealand) are yet to be adequately addressed using mainstream approaches. This study investigated how Māori health service providers (MHSP) are positioning themselves to better meet the chronic conditions prevention needs of Māori.

Methods

Kaupapa Māori methodology underpinned a three‐phase research project that investigated three Māori health service provider‐based chronic conditions prevention cases, in different regions of Aotearoa New Zealand, using an instrumental case study design. Two small group interviews with seven participants and 44 individual key informant interviews were conducted. All participants were associated with one of the three MHSP. Document reviews and observations were also carried out. Following the identification of a prevention case study, within each provider, in‐depth investigation of prevention practices was undertaken.

Results

Achieving well‐being through health service delivery is challenging for the three providers which are largely reliant on state funding to support their work through defined contract outputs. The drivers of service delivery norms impacting providers include the dominant medical conditions focused discourse and addressing the high levels of acute need characteristic of provider communities. There are examples of shifts in organisational structure and delivery configurations that demonstrate challenging and reframing these norms. We identified emerging approaches to prevention that move beyond being “the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff” to “building a fence at the top.”

Conclusion

Consolidation of provider prevention approaches, increased resources and a broader health services systems level response that prioritises prevention are required.

So what?

MHSP are reframing services to better meet the well‐being needs of the communities they serve.
Renal failure due to encrusted cystitis and pyelitis
Authors: Ito Katsuhiro , Takahashi Toshifumi , Kanno Toru , Okada Takashi , Higashi Yoshihito , Yamada Hitoshi
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Encrusted cystitis and pyelitis are a rare urinary tract infection characterized by mold‐like calcification of collecting system. Here, we show a case of encrusted cystitis proceeding to pyelitis during a 1‐month delay in diagnosis.

Case presentation

A 73‐year‐old man developed hematuria and pain during micturition while he was being treated for granulomatosis with polyangiitis and lung abscess. Cystoscopy revealed calcification of the bladder wall, and an initial diagnosis of a bladder stone was made. While awaiting surgery, the bladder wall calcification extended to the renal pelvis on both sides, with renal failure. He underwent bilateral nephrostomy replacement and bladder irrigation with Solita T1 and was administered intravenous vancomycin. Calcification almost regressed after 4 weeks of treatment.

Conclusion

Encrusted cystitis and pyelitis should be suspected if the patient shows alkaline urine and urothelial mucosa calcification. Appropriate treatment includes antibiotics, urine drainage, and chemolysis by bladder irrigation.
Development for water, food and nutrition in a competitive environment — How NGOs and CSOs are reshaping traditional farmer irrigation advisory services*
Authors: Unver Olcay , Kay Melvyn , Chavva Konda , Amali Amali Abraham , Pek Eva , Salman Maher
Published: April 2020

In spite of the 30% increase in the food supply since 1961, significant changes are anticipated over the coming decades that will increase the challenges facing smallholders. Climate change, rapidly growing population and increasing pollution all add to the risks of water and food security. This is happening at a time when water resources management is shifting away from government planning and control to a more adaptive and flexible model involving more stakeholders, whereby farmers and smallholders are increasingly involved in decision‐making and governance of water resources. Many governments, however, continue to look to their smallholders to increase food production and to find ways to produce more with less. Farmers, thus, will need to find new ways of learning and rely more on their own resources, on the private sector and on support from civil society organizations and non‐governmental organizations.

This paper examines the changing nature of farmer support services, focusing on the role played by emerging non‐institutional actors. As water becomes the limiting resource for food production, it is crucial to understand how food markets are growing and can incentivize smallholders to produce more, and critically, how farmers are finding new ways of acquiring the knowledge and expertise they need.
A new protocol for improving efficiency of autologous peripheral blood stem cell collection in patients with high white blood cell counts
Authors: Boehlen Rahel , Fernandez Paula , Bargetzi Mario , Sigle Joerg‐Peter
Published: April 2020

Background

Collection efficiency (CE) of peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) collections is negatively affected by increasing white blood cell (WBC) counts of the patient. This study compared a new optimized mononuclear cell (MNC) collection protocol (OPP) to the standard MNC collection protocol recommended by the manufacturer (STP) for PBSC collection in patients with WBC counts >35 000/μL.

Study design and methods

Single‐center, retrospective, and observational study of 81 autologous PBSC collections on Fenwal Amicus cell separators in 70 adult patients.

Results

Median peripheral WBC count (×103/μL; 44.2 in OPP group vs 46.5 in STP group) and median CD34+ count (105/μL in OPP group vs 40/μL in STP group) at the beginning of PBSC collection did not differ significantly. Median CE2 (45% vs 31%; P < .001) as well as CD34+ yield of the apheresis product both with regards to median absolute CD34+ content (×106; 793 vs 188; P = .001) as well as median CD34+ content (×106)/kg body weight (8.93 vs 2.51; P = .002) were significantly higher for the OPP. Overall, 18/21 (86%) patients with the OPP obtained their target CD34+ amount with a single apheresis session, compared to 25/50 (50%) with the STP (P = .005). PBSC collections using OPP lasted significantly longer (median 377 minutes vs 260 minutes; P < .001) than with the STP.

Conclusions

The OPP significantly improves CE2 for PBSC collections on Fenwal Amicus cell separators in patients with pre‐apheresis WBC counts >35 000/μL and significantly reduces the necessity for multiple apheresis sessions. The OPP is therefore suited to reduce both patient burden and cost in autologous PBSC collection.
Arteriovenous malformation in pancreas mimicking hypervascular tumor
Authors: Ishigami Keisuke , Sakuma Tomoya , Saito Masato , Kawakami Yujiro , Masaki Yoshiharu , Murota Ayako , Motoya Masayo , Kimura Yasutoshi , Nakase Hiroshi
Published: April 2020

Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is defined as a disease that causes blood flow abnormality due to anastomoses of the arteries and veins. AVM can occur in any gastrointestinal tract, but pancreatic AVM (P‐AVM) is very rare. Previous reports demonstrated that contrast‐enhanced CT (CECT) typically showed abnormal vascular network in pancreas. We present a 58‐year old man with a history of acute pancreatitis. He was referred to our hospital for examination of pancreatic mass. CECT showed a round‐shaped hypervascular lesion with a diameter of 8 mm in the head of the pancreas. Selective angiography showed vascular network and early visualization of superior mesenteric vein. We finally diagnosed this case as P‐AVM. He underwent duodenum preserving pancreatic head resection. Histological findings confirmed the preoperative diagnosis of P‐AVM.
The relationship between atmospheric circulation patterns and extreme temperature events in North America
Authors: Adams Ryan E. , Lee Cameron C. , Smith Erik T. , Sheridan Scott C.
Published: April 2020

Extreme temperature events (ETEs) pose a significant risk to society, especially vulnerable populations with limited access to shelter and water and those with pre‐existing respiratory and cardiovascular ailments. This research examines the relationship of atmospheric circulation with a myriad of metrics related to ETEs to better understand which synoptic‐scale circulations are likely to have negative health/thermal comfort outcomes. Daily sea‐level pressure (SLP) and 500‐hPa geopotential height (z500) data from the North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR) were used to identify circulation patterns over North America. Self‐organizing maps were used to partition the variability in circulation patterns over five distinct domains covering North America for both variables. Daily 2‐m temperature, 2‐m dewpoint temperature, and 10‐m wind data from the NARR were used to derive five major categories of ETEs based on 95th percentiles: temperature events, apparent temperature events, dew point events, and excess heat and excess cold temperature events. The relationship of circulation pattern frequencies (SOM nodes) leading up to ETEs were assessed using point biserial correlations, accounting for spatial and temporal autocorrelation. The results show that z500 has a stronger association with ETEs than does SLP. A great deal of spatial variability exists in the strength of relationship for many ETE variables with circulation patterns likely due to the local geographical influence (e.g., leeside mountain adiabatic warming and low‐level maritime flow). Generally, high extremes are associated with broad ridging and anticyclonic flow and cold extremes are associated with high amplitude trough patterns with low‐level flow originating from the continental interior. The use of self‐organizing maps presents a unique way of examining the potential for human health risks related ETEs and may be an effective method for statistically downscaling climate model data to assess the potential for ETEs in the future.
Driving factors of community‐level plant functional traits and species distributions in the desert‐wetland ecosystem of the Shule River Basin, China
Authors: Chen Guanguang , Yue Dongxia , Zhou Yanyan , Wang Dong , Wang Hai , Hui Cang , Guo Jianjun
Published: April 2020

Groundwater, as the limiting resource in arid ecosystems, can have profound effects on the functional structure and distribution of plant communities. However, studies are too few to unveil the impacts of groundwater depth on plant functional traits in such communities. We collected data on vegetation, topography and soil properties from 180 quadrats (60 trees/shrubs and 120 herbaceous) in the desert‐wetland ecosystem of Shule River Basin in Northwest China. We measured 10 key community‐level functional traits, together with the resource topography (i.e., groundwater depth) and seven soil properties. We found that the increase of groundwater depth significantly reduced community‐level specific leaf area and maximum leaf photosynthesis rate, while boosted leaf dry mass content and leaf thickness. However, the leaf phosphorus content remained relatively stable. By contrast, with the increase of groundwater depth, soil carbon, soil nitrogen, soil phosphorus and total dissolved salts first increased but then declined, while soil pH and soil bulk density exhibited the opposite trend. The soil moisture content decreased drastically with the decline of groundwater. The change in groundwater depth, thus, was found the main driver of species distribution in the arid zone, contributing 21.16%, followed by soil K+ (9.94%) and soil total nitrogen content (4.9%), as well as a strong interaction of the three (41.7%). Changes in groundwater depth can thus alter the structure and nutrient enrichment of the soil, which in turn affects the distribution of vegetation through water–soil–plant interactions.
A new case of Greenberg dysplasia and literature review suggest that Greenberg dysplasia, dappled diaphyseal dysplasia, and Astley–Kendall dysplasia are allelic disorders
Authors: Gregersen Pernille A. , McKay Victoria , Walsh Maie , Brown Erica , McGillivray George , Savarirayan Ravi
Published: April 2020

Background

Greenberg dysplasia is a rare, autosomal recessive, prenatal lethal bone dysplasia caused by biallelic pathogenic variants in the lamin B receptor (LBR) gene. Pathogenic variants in LBR are also associated with Pelger–Huët anomaly, an autosomal dominant benign abnormality of the nuclear shape and chromatin organization of blood granulocytes, and Pelger–Huët anomaly with variable skeletal anomalies, a mild, regressing to moderate–severe autosomal recessive condition. Conditions with abnormal sterol metabolism and different genetic basis have clinical and radiographic features similar to Greenberg dysplasia, for example X‐linked dominant chondrodysplasia punctata, Conradi–Hünermann type, and CHILD syndrome, and other conditions with unknown genetic etiology display very similar features, for example, dappled diaphyseal dysplasia and Astley–Kendall dysplasia.

Methods

We present a fetus with typical clinical and radiographic features of Greenberg dysplasia, and review the literature.

Results

Genetic testing confirmed the diagnosis Greenberg dysplasia: homozygosity for a pathogenic variant in LBR.

Conclusion

Comparing the clinical and radiographic phenotypes of Greenberg dysplasia, dappled diaphyseal dysplasia, and Astley–Kendall dysplasia, we suggest that these are allelic disorders.
Technical Note: A custom‐designed flexible MR coil array for spine radiotherapy treatment planning
Authors: Tyagi Neelam , Zakian Kristen L. , Italiaander Michel , Almujayyaz Salam , Lis Eric , Yamada Josh , Topf Jill , Hunt Margie , Deasy Joseph O.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

To assess the performance and optimize the MR image quality when using a custom‐built flexible radiofrequency (RF) spine coil array fitted between the immobilization device and the patient for spine radiotherapy treatment planning.

Methods

A 32 channel flexible custom‐designed receive‐only coil array has been developed for spine radiotherapy simulation for a 3 T Philips MR scanner. Coil signal‐to‐noise performance and interactions with standard vendor hardware were assessed. In four volunteers, immobilization molds were created with a dummy version of the array within the mold, and subjects were scanned using the custom array in the mold. Phantoms and normal volunteers were scanned with both the custom spine coil array and the vendor’s FDA‐approved in‐table posterior coil array to compare performance.

Results

The superior–inferior field of view for the custom spine array was ~30 cm encompassing at least 10 vertebrae. A noise correlation matrix showed at least 25 dB isolation between all coil elements. Signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) calculated on a phantom scan at the depth of the spinal cord was a factor of 3 higher with the form‐fit spine array as compared to the vendor's posterior coil array. The body coil B1 transmit map was equivalent with and without the spine array in place demonstrating that the elements are decoupled from the body coil. Volunteer imaging showed improved SNR as compared to the vendor’s posterior coil array. The custom array permitted a high degree of acceleration making possible the acquisition of isotropic high‐resolution 1.1 × 1.1 × 1.1 mm3 three‐dimensional data set over a 30‐cm section of the spine in less than 5 min.

Conclusion

The custom‐designed form‐fitting flexible spine coil array provided enhanced SNR and increased acceleration compared to the vendor’s posterior array. Future studies will assess MR‐based spinal cord imaging with the custom coil in comparison to CT myelogram.
Controlling interfacial instabilities in PP/EVOH coextruded multilayer films through the surface density of interfacial copolymers
Authors: Vuong Stéphanie , Léger Liliane , Restagno Frédéric
Published: April 2020

Coextruded polypropylene/tie/ethylene vinyl alcohol/tie/polypropylene (PP/tie/EVOH/tie/PP) films often exhibit optical defects which appear as randomly distributed scattering objects, in the submillimeter range. These defects may strongly affect the film transparency and prevent their practical use in packaging. Based on an objective optical test aimed at quantifying the film transparency, and on a systematic analysis, through optical microscopy, of transverse cuts of films obtained in various coextrusion conditions, the nature of the defects could be identified as resulting from a modulation of the thickness of the inner ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) layer, with no variation in the overall thickness of the multilayer films. Thanks to a recently developed method to dose the surface density of interfacial copolymers, a clear correlation between the amplitude of the thickness modulation of the inner EVOH layer and the density of copolymer molecules formed in situ at the EVOH/tie layer interface during the coextrusion process was established. These results open the way to a better design of tie layers composition to avoid these kinds of defects.
Cover Image, Volume 69, Issue 5
Authors: Sun Haoyang , Li Tao , Lei Fan , Yang Meng , Li Dandan , Huang Xianhang , Sun Dazhi
Published: April 2020

The cover image is based on the Research Article Graphite fluoride and fluorographene as a new class of solid lubricant additives for high‐performance polyamide 66 composites with excellent mechanical and tribological properties by Haoyang Sun et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/pi.5975.

image
Strong and Weak 3D Topological Insulators Probed by Surface Science Methods
Authors: Morgenstern Markus , Pauly Christian , Kellner Jens , Liebmann Marcus , Pratzer Marco , Bihlmayer Gustav , Eschbach Markus , Plucinski Lukacz , Otto Sebastian , Rasche Bertold , Ruck Michael , Richter Manuel , Just Sven , Lüpke Felix , Voigtländer Bert
Published: April 2020

The contributions of surface science methods to discover and improve 3D topological insulator materials are reviewed herein, illustrated with examples from the authors’ own work. In particular, it is demonstrated that spin‐polarized angular‐resolved photoelectron spectroscopy is instrumental to evidence the spin‐helical surface Dirac cone, to tune its Dirac point energy toward the Fermi level, and to discover novel types of topological insulators such as dual ones or switchable ones in phase change materials. Moreover, procedures are introduced to spatially map potential fluctuations by scanning tunneling spectroscopy and to identify topological edge states in weak topological insulators.
Origin of Off‐State Current in Multilayered MoTe2 Field‐Effect Transistors: Gate‐Induced Drain Leakage and Poole–Frenkel Conduction
Authors: Seo Seung Gi , Park Young Ho , Jeong Jinheon , Kim Seung Yeob , Jin Sung Hun
Published: April 2020

Herein, as one of bias‐dependent channel leakage issues in p‐channel multilayered molybdenum ditelluride field‐effect transistors (m‐MoTe2 FETs), anomalous increase in off‐state current is reproducibly observed with increase in drain‐to‐gate voltage (VDG), even after hydrophobic, cyclic transparent optical polymer (CYTOP) encapsulation. For elucidation on the behind mechanism for the phenomena, drain‐ and gate‐bias dependent channel leakage currents are systematically analyzed in the range of temperature 100 to 380 K. Surprisingly, analysis on trap‐assisted indirect tunneling current substantiates that the off‐state current is mainly attributed to gate‐induced drain leakage (GIDL) current associated with band bending in m‐MoTe2 FETs. Moreover, linear slope (0.00163) of ln (IDS/F) versus F1/2 plot and its coincidence with theoretical value (0.00148) identify that thermal emission associated with Poole–Frenkel effect is strongly involved at low drain bias of −1.1 V (e.g., effective barrier height, ϕB ≈ 0.61 eV), whereas GIDL current becomes more predominant at high drain bias of −3.1 V (ϕB ≈ 0.51 eV). Thus, in‐depth understanding on the origin of anomalous leakage current and its systematic validation would be beneficial for the development of novel devices and circuits based on transition metal chalcogenides (TMDCs).
Numerical Simulation of Tracers Transport Process in Water Model of a Vacuum Refining Unit: Single Snorkel Refining Furnace
Authors: Zhang Yuxing , Chen Chao , Lin Wanming , Yu Yanchong , E Dianyu , Wang Shebin
Published: April 2020

The improvement of mixing conditions in vacuum refining unit plays an important role in enhancing the purity and decarburization of molten steel. A numerical simulation is established to calculate the transport and mixing process of tracers in a water model of Single‐Snorkel Refining Furnace. The results show that the transport process of tracer in water model consists of one main circulation stream (inside the ladle and the vacuum chamber) and two side circulation streams (inside the ladle). The injection of KCl tracer can enhance the downward stream velocity and the stream deviates to the axial center of the ladle. After a while (about 30 s), the downward stream gradually returns to the state when the tracer is not injected. The difference between the transport process of pure water tracer and KCl solution tracer is that the KCl solution tracer flows downward at a higher pace from the vacuum chamber to the bottom of the ladle and later disperses rapidly from the bottom to the nozzle‐located side wall of the ladle. The upward transport process of KCl tracer is slowed down due to the existence of “dead zone” at the bottom of the nozzle‐located side wall of the ladle.
Hydrogen Embrittlement Susceptibility of Gas Metal Arc Welded Joints from a High‐Strength Low‐Alloy Steel Grade S690QL
Authors: Christ Martin , Guo Xiaofei , Sharma Rahul , Li Tianyi , Bleck Wolfgang , Reisgen Uwe
Published: April 2020

Herein, the hydrogen embrittlement (HE) susceptibility of base material and gas metal arc welds from a high‐strength low‐alloy steel grade S690QL by slow strain rate test (SSRT) with in situ hydrogen charging is investigated. To investigate the influence of welding process parameters on the HE susceptibility of welded joints, gas metal arc welds in multilayer technique with two different heat inputs are conducted. The results reveal a considerable loss of fracture elongation for all hydrogen‐charged specimens when compared with the uncharged reference conditions. If the higher heat input is chosen, the required minimum yield strength in the weld metal (WM) is not achieved. It is remarkable that this WM also revealed increased HE susceptibility as measured by the relative elongation loss, despite its higher ductility associated with the lower strength level. In combination with hydrogen measurements and fracture surface analysis, the crack propagation mechanisms and related HE mechanisms are intensively discussed.
Refined three‐dimensional numerical model for segmental joint and its application
Authors: Zhang Li , Feng Kun , Xu Peikai , He Chuan , Zhang Haihua
Published: April 2020

Previous research of segmental joints are mainly based on experimental and theoretical methods; few studies have focused on refined numerical model. Therefore, a refined numerical model is established in which eight‐node solid element and three‐dimensional beam element are adopted to simulate joint structures and reinforcement, respectively, and bolt preload is considered. Then, the numerical model is verified with full‐scale tests and applied to analyze the influence of joint deformation and bolt preload. It is confirmed that (a) the numerical model can reproduce joint deformation process with good accuracy; (b) bolt stress are controlled by tensile action caused by joint opening and bending action caused by joint vertical displacement; (c) the changes of joint deformation with bending moment can be divided into three stages; bolt preload has no effect on the change of joint deformation with bending moment but has significant impact on the value of joint deformation in each stage.
Fabrication and characterization of titanium‐based lead dioxide electrode by electrochemical deposition with Ti4O7 particles
Authors: Guo Hua , Xu Zhicheng , Qiao Dan , Wang Liangtian , Xu Hao , Yan Wei
Published: April 2020

A novelly modified Ti/PbO2 electrode was synthesized with Ti4O7 particles through electrochemical deposition method (marked as PbO2‐Ti4O7). The properties of the as‐prepared electrodes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), hydroxyl radical concentration, accelerated life test, etc. Azophloxine was chosen as the model pollutant for electro‐catalytic oxidation to evaluate electrochemical activity of the electrode. The experimental results indicated that Ti4O7 modification could prominently improve the properties of the electrodes, especially, improve the surface morphology, enhance the current response, and reduce the impedance. However, the predominant phases of PbO2 electrodes were unchanged, which were completely pure β‐PbO2. During the electrochemical oxidation process, the PbO2‐Ti4O7(1.0) electrode showed the best performance on degradation of AR1 (i.e., the highest removal efficiency and the lowest energy consumption), which could be attributed to its high oxygen evolution potential (OEP) and strong capability of HO· generation. Moreover, the accelerated service lifetime of PbO2‐Ti4O7(1.0) electrode was 175 hr, 1.65 times longer than that of PbO2 electrode (105.5 hr).

Practitioner points

PbO2/Ti4O7 composite anode was fabricated through electrochemical co‐deposition.

Four concentration gradients of Ti4O7 particle were tested.

PbO2‐Ti4O7(1.0) showed optimal electrocatalytic ability due to its high OEP and HO· productivity.
Black hole entropy function for toric theories via Bethe Ansatz
Authors: Lanir Assaf , Nedelin Anton , Sela Orr
Published: April 2020

Abstract

We evaluate the large-N behavior of the superconformal indices of toric quiver gauge theories, and use it to find the entropy functions of the dual electrically charged rotating AdS5 black holes. To this end, we employ the recently proposed Bethe Ansatz method, and find a certain set of solutions to the Bethe Ansatz Equations of toric theories. This, in turn, allows us to compute the large-N behavior of the index for these theories, including the infinite families Y

pq
, X

pq
and L

pqr
of quiver gauge theories. Our results are in perfect agreement with the predictions made recently using the Cardy-like limit of the superconformal index. We also explore the index structure in the space of chemical potentials and describe the pattern of Stokes lines arising in the conifold theory case.
On the scaling of composite operators in asymptotic safety
Authors: Houthoff W. , Kurov A. , Saueressig F.
Published: April 2020

Abstract

The Asymptotic Safety hypothesis states that the high-energy completion of gravity is provided by an interacting renormalization group fixed point. This implies non-trivial quantum corrections to the scaling dimensions of operators and correlation functions which are characteristic for the corresponding universality class. We use the composite operator formalism for the effective average action to derive an analytic expression for the scaling dimension of an infinite family of geometric operators

$$ \int {d}^dx\sqrt{g}{R}^n $$

∫

d
d

x

g

R
n

. We demonstrate that the anomalous dimensions interpolate continuously between their fixed point value and zero when evaluated along renormalization group trajectories approximating classical general relativity at low energy. Thus classical geometry emerges when quantum fluctuations are integrated out. We also compare our results to the stability properties of the interacting renormalization group fixed point projected to f (R)-gravity, showing that the composite operator formalism in the single-operator approximation cannot be used to reliably determine the number of relevant parameters of the theory.
Black ripples, flowers and dumbbells at large D
Authors: Licht David , Luna Raimon , Suzuki Ryotaku
Published: April 2020

Abstract

We explore the rich phase space of singly spinning (both neutral and charged) black hole solutions in the large D limit. We find several ‘bumpy’ branches which are connected to multiple (concentric) black rings, and black Saturns. Additionally, we obtain stationary solutions without axisymmetry that are only stationary at D → ∞, but correspond to long-lived black hole solutions at finite D. These multipolar solutions can appear as intermediate configurations in the decay of ultra-spinning Myers-Perry black holes into stable black holes. Finally, we also construct stationary solutions corresponding to the instability of such a multipolar solution.
Higher-spin gravity and torsion on quantized space-time in matrix models
Authors: Steinacker Harold C.
Published: April 2020

Abstract

A geometric formalism is developed which allows to describe the non-linear regime of higher-spin gravity emerging on a cosmological quantum space-time in the IKKT matrix model. The vacuum solutions are Ricci-flat up to an effective vacuum energy- momentum tensor quadratic in the torsion, which arises from a Weitzenböck-type higher spin connection. Torsion is expected to be significant only at cosmic scales and around very massive objects, and could behave like dark matter. A non-linear equation for the torsion tensor is found, which encodes the Yang-Mills equations of the matrix model. The metric and torsion transform covariantly under a higher-spin generalization of volume-preserving diffeomorphisms, which arises from the gauge invariance of the matrix model.
AdS6/CFT5 with O7-planes
Authors: Uhlemann Christoph F.
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Type IIB AdS6 solutions with orientifold 7-planes are constructed. The geometry is a warped product of AdS6 and S2 over a Riemann surface Σ and the O7-planes correspond to a particular type of puncture on Σ. The solutions are identified as near- horizon limits of (p, q) 5-brane webs with O7-planes. The dual 5d SCFTs have relevant deformations to linear quiver gauge theories which have SO(·) or USp(·) nodes or SU(·) nodes with hypermultiplets in symmetric or antisymmetric representations, in addition to SU(·) nodes with fundamental hypermultiplets. The S5 free energies are obtained holographically and matched to field theory computations using supersymmetric localization to support the proposed dualities.
Characteristics and outcome of severe traumatic brain injuries based on occupational status
Authors: Plancikova Dominika , Leitgeb Johannes , Brazinova Alexandra , Melichova Juliana , Sivco Patrik , Nemcovska Eva , Pekarcikova Jarmila , Majdan Marek
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The association of TBI with socioeconomic characteristics of patients has not been studied extensively. The objective of this study was to analyse the differences in injury characteristics and outcome in TBI patients based on their occupational status.

Methods

Data on patients from 13 centres based in Austria, Croatia, Slovakia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Macedonia were included in the analysis. Demographic characteristics, injury characteristics, treatment and outcome at various post-injury stages were compared according to occupational status. Logistic regression was used to adjust for the effect of co-variates. ICU mortality, hospital mortality, 6 months mortality, and outcome at 6 months were used as dependent variables.

Results

Overall, 886 patients were analysed with a mean age of 45.5 years. High-level falls were most prevalent in the blue-collar group (19%), most low-level falls occurred in the retired group. Traffic accidents were most common in students. The injuries were most severe in the blue-collar group and students. Highest mortalities and unfavourable outcomes were in the retired, students and white-collar workers had the best outcomes. Compared to retired patients, all groups had higher odds of favourable outcome at 6 months after adjusting for co-variates—OR from 2.2 (95% CI 1.1–4.6) for entrepreneurs to 3.6 (95% CI 1.8–7.2) for the blue-collar group.

Conclusion

Our paper provides clues pertaining specifically to variations in patterns and outcomes of TBI according to occupational status which can inform prevention and planning of services and can serve to plan priorities for further research.
Consistent boundary conditions for PDE filter regularization in topology optimization
Authors: Wallin Mathias , Ivarsson Niklas , Amir Oded , Tortorelli Daniel
Published: April 2020

Design variables in density-based topology optimization are typically regularized using filtering techniques. In many cases, such as stress optimization, where details at the boundaries are crucially important, the filtering in the vicinity of the design domain boundary needs special attention. One well-known technique, often referred to as “padding,” is to extend the design domain with extra layers of elements to mitigate artificial boundary effects. We discuss an alternative to the padding procedure in the context of PDE filtering. To motivate this augmented PDE filter, we make use of the potential form of the PDE filter which allows us to add penalty terms with a clear physical interpretation. The major advantages of the proposed augmentation compared with the conventional padding is the simplicity of the implementation and the possibility to tune the boundary properties using a scalar parameter. Analytical results in 1D and numerical results in 2D and 3D confirm the suitability of this approach for large-scale topology optimization.
Influence of hydrostatic pressure on the behaviour of three ciliate species isolated from the deep-sea floor
Authors: Živaljić Suzana , Schoenle Alexandra , Scherwass Anja , Hohlfeld Manon , Nitsche Frank , Arndt Hartmut
Published: April 2020

Locomotion is considered to be the main form of expression of ciliate behaviour regarding their overall life activity. But how ciliates behave under deep-sea conditions is still unclear. Data on the occurrence of ciliates in the deep sea are scarce and mostly based on molecular studies. We isolated three different ciliates,Aristerostomasp.,Euplotes dominicanusandPseudocohnilembus persalinusfrom two stations located in abyssal depths of the North Atlantic Ocean (≥ 4000 m; 15° 55.89′ N, 68° 53.34′ W; 23° 33.23′ N, 48° 5.04′ W) during the deep-sea expedition with the research vessel R/V Meteor (Cruise M139, 08.07.–08.08.2017). We observed their behaviour directly under high hydrostatic pressures up to 500 bar. The three ciliate species behaved normally up to a pressure of 200 bar, but showed disturbances of the normal behaviour at higher pressures. For all three isolated deep-sea ciliates, additional long-term survival experiments were carried out for 6 days at 200, 350 and 430 bar. Several specimens showed an ability to survive the entire experimental time interval at the highest pressure and to recover from pressure release (returning to their normal movement) indicating their barotolerance. Our results suggest that ciliates are active in the deep sea even in regions deeper than 2000 m and might be an important part of the deep-sea microbial food web.
Radiosurgery for ventricular tachycardia: preclinical and clinical evidence and study design for a German multi-center multi-platform feasibility trial (RAVENTA)
Authors: Blanck Oliver , Buergy Daniel , Vens Maren , Eidinger Lina , Zaman Adrian , Krug David , Rudic Boris , Boda-Heggemann Judit , Giordano Frank A. , Boldt Leif-Hendrik , Mehrhof Felix , Budach Volker , Schweikard Achim , Olbrich Denise , König Inke R. , Siebert Frank-Andre , Vonthein Reinhard , Dunst Jürgen , Bonnemeier Hendrik
Published: April 2020

Background

Single-session high-dose stereotactic radiotherapy (radiosurgery) is a new treatment option for otherwise untreatable patients suffering from refractory ventricular tachycardia (VT). In the initial single-center case studies and feasibility trials, cardiac radiosurgery has led to significant reductions of VT burden with limited toxicities. However, the full safety profile remains largely unknown.

Methods/design

In this multi-center, multi-platform clinical feasibility trial which we plan is to assess the initial safety profile of radiosurgery for ventricular tachycardia (RAVENTA). High-precision image-guided single-session radiosurgery with 25 Gy will be delivered to the VT substrate determined by high-definition endocardial electrophysiological mapping. The primary endpoint is safety in terms of successful dose delivery without severe treatment-related side effects in the first 30 days after radiosurgery. Secondary endpoints are the assessment of VT burden, reduction of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) interventions [shock, anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP)], mid-term side effects and quality-of-life (QoL) in the first year after radiosurgery. The planned sample size is 20 patients with the goal of demonstrating safety and feasibility of cardiac radiosurgery in ≥ 70% of the patients. Quality assurance is provided by initial contouring and planning benchmark studies, joint multi-center treatment decisions, sequential patient safety evaluations, interim analyses, independent monitoring, and a dedicated data and safety monitoring board.

Discussion

RAVENTA will be the first study to provide the initial robust multi-center multi-platform prospective data on the therapeutic value of cardiac radiosurgery for ventricular tachycardia.

Trial registration number

NCT03867747 (clinicaltrials.gov). Registered March 8, 2019. The study was initiated on November 18th, 2019, and is currently recruiting patients.

Graphic abstract
COVID-19 in otolaryngologist practice: a review of current knowledge
Authors: Krajewska Joanna , Krajewski Wojciech , Zub Krzysztof , Zatoński Tomasz
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Otorhinolaryngological manifestations are common symptoms of COVID-19. This study provides a brief and precise review of the current knowledge regarding COVID-19, including disease transmission, clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and potential treatment. The article focused on COVID-19-related information useful in otolaryngologist practice.

Methods

The Medline and Web of Science databases were searched without a time limit using terms “COVID-19”, “SARS-CoV-2” in conjunction with “otorhinolaryngological manifestation”, “ENT”, and “olfaction”.

Results

The most common otolaryngological dysfunctions of COVID-19 were cough, sore throat, and dyspnea. Rhinorrhea, nasal congestion and dizziness were also present. COVID-19 could manifest as an isolated sudden hyposmia/anosmia. Upper respiratory tract (URT) symptoms were commonly observed in younger patients and usually appeared initially. They could be present even before the molecular confirmation of SARS-CoV-2. Otolaryngologists are of great risk of becoming infected with SARS-CoV-2 as they cope with URT. ENT surgeons could be easily infected by SARS-CoV-2 during performing surgery in COVID-19 patients.

Conclusion

Ear, nose and throat (ENT) symptoms may precede the development of severe COVID-19. During COVID-19 pandemic, patients with cough, sore throat, dyspnea, hyposmia/anosmia and a history of travel to the region with confirmed COVID-19 patients, should be considered as potential COVID-19 cases. An otolaryngologist should wear FFP3/N95 mask, glasses, disposable and fluid resistant gloves and gown while examining such individuals. Not urgent ENT surgeries should be postponed. Additional studies analyzing why some patients develop ENT symptoms during COVID-19 and others do not are needed. Further research is needed to determine the mechanism leading to anosmia.
Visually-induced dizziness is associated with sensitivity and avoidance across all senses
Authors: Powell Georgina , Derry-Sumner Hannah , Shelton Katherine , Rushton Simon , Hedge Craig , Rajenderkumar Deepak , Sumner Petroc
Published: April 2020

Background

Persistent postural perceptual dizziness (PPPD) is a common chronic condition presenting in neurology and neuro-otology clinics. Symptoms lie on a spectrum in the general population. The cause is unknown and thought to involve interactions between visual and vestibular systems, but symptoms also correlate with anxiety and migraine.

Objective

To test whether PDDD symptoms are associated with reported differences in other senses (touch, hearing, smell and taste); to investigate possible mediation via anxiety or migraine; to discover the proportion of variance accountable to these non-vestibular factors.

Methods

We measured self-report multisensory sensitivity, anxiety, visual difficulties, visual discomfort and migraine in patients with PPPD (N = 29) and a large general population cohort (N > 1100). We used structural equation modelling to examine relationships between the factors using a step-wise approach.

Results

We found increased self-reported over-sensitivity in sensory domains beyond vision and balance in both patients with PPPD and non-clinical participants with more PPPD symptoms. SEM analysis revealed that anxiety partly, but not wholly, mediated this relationship. Adding visual difficulties and visual discomfort to the model allowed it to explain 50% of PPPD symptom variance. Most of the path coefficients and mediation effects in our model were unchanged between participants with and without migraine.

Conclusions

Our findings support the idea that PPPD is a complex neurological condition that includes broad perceptual factors, and may suggest that some brains are predisposed to generalised cross-modal sensory-overload. This may give rise to vulnerability to severe PPPD should a vestibular insult occur.
Prospective PED-study of intravitreal aflibercept for refractory vascularized pigment epithelium detachment due to age-related macular degeneration: morphologic characteristics of non-responders in optical coherence tomography
Authors: Clemens C. R. , Alten F. , Termühlen J. , Mihailovic N. , Rosenberger F. , Heiduschka P. , Eter N.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the outcomes of a fixed intravitreal aflibercept regimen in patients with vascular pigment epithelium detachment (vPED) secondary to age-related macular degeneration with refractory subretinal fluid.

Methods

A prospective, interventional case series involved 20 eyes of 20 patients with refractory subretinal fluid and vPED treated with at least three injections of intravitreal anti-VEGF prior to study inclusion. After study inclusion, patients were treated with three injections of intravitreal aflibercept 2 mg/0.05 mL monthly followed by injections every 8 weeks. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) were evaluated at all visits. Fluorescein angiography and indocyanine green angiography were performed at baseline and quarterly. Primary outcomes were effectivity of a fixed treatment as measured in change in BCVA, PED greatest linear diameter (GLD), and PED height from baseline to month 12. In an additional post hoc analysis, vPED patients were differentiated into two groups: (1) vPED lesions that showed persistence of subretinal fluid throughout 1 year of treatment and (2) vPED lesions that showed complete resolution of subretinal fluid at least at one of the monthly performed OCT volume scans. Reflectivity values were determined in the subretinal pigment epithelium (RPE) compartment in OCT scans at baseline, month 6 and 12.

Results

A total of 18 patients completed the study protocol. The mean age was 74.8 ± 10.6 years, and six patients were female. The median BCVA of all patients was 72.0 ± 8.0 EDTRS letters at baseline and 72.5 ± 9.5 EDTRS letters at 12-month follow-up (p = 0.7420). The median PED height in all patients as measured in the OCT images significantly decreased from 372.0 ± 140.0 μm to 149.0 ± 142.0 μm after 12 months of treatment (p = 0.0020). Persistent subretinal fluid was present at every OCT control in six patients (group 1). Twelve patients showed resolution of subretinal fluid at least at one OCT control (group 2). Reflectivity values in the sub-RPE compartment in OCT scans were 41.48 ± 4.48 (group 1) and 42.62 ± 12.34 (group 2) at baseline (p = 0.854) and 65.88 ± 6.74 and 50.87 ± 14.11 at month 12 (p = 0.038).

Conclusions

Intravitreal aflibercept in refractory vPED leads to a significant reduction in PED height and disease activity as well as preservation of BCVA over 1 year. Persistent subretinal fluid was present in PED lesions with high values of reflectivity under the RPE, suggesting both a diffusion barrier and an increasing fibrovascular maturization of the choroidal neovascularization.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03370380
Disruption of carotene biosynthesis leads to abnormal plastids and variegated leaves in Brassica napus
Authors: Zhao Xiaobin , Hu Kaining , Yan Mengjiao , Yi Bin , Wen Jing , Ma Chaozhi , Shen Jinxiong , Fu Tingdong , Tu Jinxing
Published: April 2020

Leaf color is an important characteristic of normal chloroplast development. Variegated plants have green- and white-sectored leaves, which can be used to identify important pathways and molecular mechanisms of chloroplast development. We studied two Brassica napus variegation mutants from same one variegated ancestor, designated ZY-4 and ZY-8, which have different degrees of variegation. When grown in identical conditions, the ratio of white sectors in ZY-4 leaves is higher than in ZY-8. In both mutants, the cells in green sectors contain normal chloroplasts; while, the cells in white sectors contain abnormal plastids. Seedling chloroplasts ultrastructure of both mutants showed that the biogenesis of chloroplasts was blocked in early stages; delayed development and structual damage in ZY-4 were more serious than in ZY-8. Employing bulked segregant analysis(BSA), two bulks (BY142 and BY137) from BC2F1 lines derived from ZY-4 and ZS11, and one bulk (BY56) from BC2F1 lines derived from ZY-8 and ZS11, and screening by Brassica 60K SNP BeadChip Array, showed the candidate regions localized in chromosome A08 (BY142), C04 (BY137), and A08 (BY56), respectively. Transcriptome analysis of five seedling development stages of ZY-4, ZY-8, and ZS11 showed that photosynthesis, energy metabolism-related pathways and translation-related pathways were important for chloroplast biogenesis. The number of down- or up-regulated genes related to immune system process in ZY-4 was more than in ZY-8. The retrograde signaling pathway was mis-regulated in both mutants. DEG analysis indicated that both mutants showed photooxidative damages. By coupling transcriptome and BSA CHIP analyses, some candidate genes were identified. The gene expression pattern of carotene biosynthesis pathway was disrupted in both mutants. However, histochemical analysis of ROS revealed that there was no excessive accumulation of ROS in ZY-4 and ZY-8. Taken together, our data indicate that the disruption of carotene biosynthetic pathways leads to the variegation phenotypes of ZY-4 and ZY-8 and there are some functions that can compensate for the disruption of carotene biosynthesis in ZY-4 and ZY-8 to reduce ROS and prevent seedling mortality.