bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient Combination of G‐C3N4 and CDs for Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance: A Review of Synthesis, Strategies, and Applications
Authors: Ai Lin , Shi Run , Yang Jie , Zhang Kan , Zhang Tierui , Lu Siyu
Published: March 2021

Recently, heterogeneous photocatalysts have achieved much interest on account of their great potential applications in resolving many tough energy and environmental troubles around the world through an ecologically sustainable way. Heterogeneous nanocomposites composed of graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) and carbon dots (CDs) possess broad spectrum absorption, appropriate electronic band structures, rapid carrier mobility, abundant reserves, excellent chemical stability, and facile synthesis methods, which make them promising composite photocatalysts for suitable applications such as photocatalytic solar fuels production and contaminant decomposition. With the rapid development in photocatalysis by hybridization of g‐C3N4 and CDs, a systematic summary and prospection of performance improvement are urgent and meaningful. This review first focuses on various kinds of effectively synthetic methods of composites. Following, the strategies available for enhanced performance, including morphology optimization, spectral absorption improvement, ternary or quaternary composition hybrid, lateral or vertical heterostructures construction, heteroatom doping, and so forth, are fully discussed. Then, the applications mainly in efficient photocatalytic hydrogen generation, photocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction, and organic pollutants degradation are systematically demonstrated. Finally, the remaining issues and prospect of further development are proposed as some kind of guidance for powerful combination of g‐C3N4 and CDs with high efficiency to photocatalysis.
Storm Filomena 8 January 2021
Authors: Smart David
Published: March 2021

Storm Filomena at 1200 utc on 8 January 2021, showing a sub‐section of the WRF model domain. The model’s low centre was 998hPa at this time; schematic warm and cold surface fronts are shown conventionally. Wind speeds of over 40ms−1 at 300hPa are shaded pale red and those greater than 60ms−1 at 200hPa are shaded pale blue. The flow vectors depict the ageostrophic wind and the bold contour shows divergence equal to 4 × 10−5s−1, both at 300hPa. The axis of the cross‐section shown in Figure 2 is marked by the dashed line and the approximate location of Madrid by ‘M’.
Expansions in terms of Papkovich–Fadle eigenfunctions in the problem for a half‐strip with stiffeners
Authors: Kovalenko Mikhail D. , Menshova Irina V. , Kerzhaev Alexander P. , Yu Guangming
Published: March 2021

We have constructed an exact solution to the boundary value problem in the theory of elasticity for a half‐strip with identical stiffeners along its long sides and a load acting at its end (even‐symmetric deformation). The solution is represented as series in Papkovich–Fadle eigenfunctions whose coefficients are determined from closed formulas. The solution includes two easily variable parameters that characterize the relative tensile‐compressive and flexural rigidities of the stiffeners. The final formulas for the stresses and displacements in the plate as well as for the longitudinal and transverse forces and bending moment in the stiffeners are simple and can be easily used in engineering.
Supersymmetric minisuperspace models in self-dual loop quantum cosmology
Authors: Eder K. , Sahlmann H.
Published: March 2021

Abstract

In this paper, we study a class of symmetry reduced models of $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 super- gravity using self-dual variables. It is based on a particular Ansatz for the gravitino field as proposed by D’Eath et al. We show that the essential part of the constraint algebra in the classical theory closes. In particular, the (graded) Poisson bracket between the left and right supersymmetry constraint reproduces the Hamiltonian constraint.

For the quantum theory, we apply techniques from the manifestly supersymmetric approach to loop quantum supergravity, which yields a graded analog of the holonomy-flux algebra and a natural state space.

We implement the remaining constraints in the quantum theory. For a certain subclass of these models, we show explicitly that the (graded) commutator of the supersymmetry constraints exactly reproduces the classical Poisson relations. In particular, the trace of the commutator of left and right supersymmetry constraints reproduces the Hamilton constraint operator. Finally, we consider the dynamics of the theory and compare it to a quantization using standard variables and standard minisuperspace techniques.
Manifestly causal in-in perturbation theory about the interacting vacuum
Authors: Baumgart Matthew , Sundrum Raman
Published: March 2021

Abstract

In-In perturbation theory is a vital tool for cosmology and nonequilibrium physics. Here, we reconcile an apparent conflict between two of its important aspects with particular relevance to De Sitter/inflationary contexts: (i) the need to slightly deform unitary time evolution with an iϵ prescription that projects the free (“Bunch-Davies”) vacuum onto the interacting vacuum and renders vertex integrals well-defined, and (ii) Weinberg’s “nested commutator” reformulation of in-in perturbation theory which makes manifest the constraints of causality within expectation values of local operators, assuming exact unitarity. We show that a modified iϵ prescription maintains the exact unitarity on which the derivation of (ii) rests, while nontrivially agreeing with (i) to all orders of perturbation theory.
All Higher-Dimensional Majumdar–Papapetrou Black Holes
Authors: Lucietti James
Published: March 2021

We prove that the only asymptotically flat spacetimes with a suitably regular event horizon, in a generalised Majumdar–Papapetrou class of solutions to higher-dimensional Einstein–Maxwell theory, are the standard multi-black holes. The proof involves a careful analysis of the near-horizon geometry and an extension of the positive mass theorem to Riemannian manifolds with conical singularities. This completes the classification of asymptotically flat, static, extreme black hole solutions in this theory.
„In cabin rapid sequence induction“
Authors: Knapp Jürgen , Venetz Philipp , Pietsch Urs
Published: March 2021

Das Überleben von Schwerverletzten ist von der schnellen und effizienten prähospitalen Versorgung abhängig. Die Zeit vom Unfallereignis bis zum Eintreffen des Patienten im Schockraum konnte leider trotz aller Bemühungen der vergangenen Jahrzehnte und trotz des immer dichteren Netzes an Rettungshubschraubern (RTH), bislang nicht relevant verkürzt werden. Ein gewisser Anteil der Schwerverletzten benötigt bereits prähospital eine Narkoseeinleitung (typischerweise als „rapid sequence induction“, RSI). Durch die medizinischen und technischen Fortschritte der Videolaryngoskopie sowie der im deutschsprachigen Raum eingesetzten Luftrettungsmittel erscheint die Möglichkeit, unter bestimmten Bedingungen die Narkoseeinleitung und das Airway-Management in der Kabine des RTH – also während des Transports – durchzuführen, als mögliche Option, um die Prähospitalzeit zu verkürzen. Für die sichere Durchführung sind die im vorliegenden Beitrag behandelten Aspekte elementar. Beispielhaft wird ein Prozedere vorgestellt, das sich seit geraumer Zeit bewährt hat. Die „in cabin RSI“ sollte allerdings nur von zuvor trainierten Teams bei Vorliegen einer klaren „standard operating procedure“ durchgeführt werden.
Topology optimization of multi-scale structures: a review
Authors: Wu Jun , Sigmund Ole , Groen Jeroen P.
Published: March 2021

Multi-scale structures, as found in nature (e.g., bone and bamboo), hold the promise of achieving superior performance while being intrinsically lightweight, robust, and multi-functional. Recent years have seen a rapid development in topology optimization approaches for designing multi-scale structures, but the field actually dates back to the seminal paper by Bendsøe and Kikuchi from 1988 (Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering 71(2): pp. 197–224). In this review, we intend to categorize existing approaches, explain the principles of each category, analyze their strengths and applicabilities, and discuss open research questions. The review and associated analyses will hopefully form a basis for future research and development in this exciting field.
Anisotropic tubular neighborhoods of sets
Authors: Chambolle Antonin , Lussardi Luca , Villa Elena
Published: March 2021

Let$$E \subset {{\mathbb {R}}}^N$$E⊂RNbe a compact set and$$C\subset {{\mathbb {R}}}^N$$C⊂RNbe a convex body with$$0\in \mathrm{int}\,C$$0∈intC. We prove that the topological boundary of the anisotropic enlargement$$E+rC$$E+rCis contained in a finite union of Lipschitz surfaces. We also investigate the regularity of the volume function$$V_E(r):=|E+rC|$$VE(r):=|E+rC|proving a formula for the right and the left derivatives at any$$r>0$$r>0which implies that$$V_E$$VEis of class$$C^1$$C1up to a countable set completely characterized. Moreover, some properties on the second derivative of$$V_E$$VEare proved.
Early alkaline phosphatase dynamics as biomarker of survival in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer patients treated with radium-223
Authors: van der Doelen Maarten J. , Stockhaus Agnes , Ma Yuanjun , Mehra Niven , Yachnin Jeffrey , Gerritsen Winald R. , Nilsson Sten , van Oort Inge M. , Ullén Anders
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Radium-223 is a life-prolonging therapy for castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) patients with symptomatic bone metastases. However, validated biomarkers for response monitoring are lacking. The study aim was to investigate whether early alkaline phosphatase (ALP) dynamics after the first radium-223 injection can act as surrogate marker for overall survival (OS).

Methods

This retrospective multicenter study included consecutive CRPC patients treated with radium-223. Patients were divided into four subgroups based on baseline ALP level (normal/elevated) and early ALP response, defined as ≥10% ALP decrease after the first radium-223 injection. Primary endpoint was OS among the subgroups. Secondary endpoints included time to first skeletal-related event, time to ALP progression, and treatment completion rate.

Results

A total of 180 patients were included for analysis. Median OS was 13.5 months (95% confidence interval 11.5–15.5). Patients with elevated baseline ALP without ALP response after the first injection had significantly worse OS when compared to all other patients (median OS 7.9 months versus 15.7 months, hazard ratio 2.56, 95% confidence interval 1.73–3.80, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that elevated baseline ALP without ALP response after the first injection, the number of prior systemic therapies, baseline LDH level, and baseline ECOG performance status were prognostic factors of OS. Patients with elevated baseline ALP without ALP response after the first injection had significantly shorter times to ALP progression and first skeletal-related event, and more frequently discontinued radium-223 therapy when compared to other patients.

Conclusion

Early treatment–induced changes in ALP after one radium-223 injection were associated with OS in metastatic CRPC patients.
Splenic contraction is enhanced by exercise at simulated high altitude
Authors: Lodin-Sundström Angelica , Holmström Pontus , Ekstam Marcus , Söderberg Daniel , Schagatay Erika
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Splenic contraction increases circulating hemoglobin (Hb) with advantages during hypoxia. As both hypoxia and exercise have been shown to be important separate triggers of splenic contraction we aimed to investigate if the spleen response to simulated high altitude (HA) is enhanced by superimposing exercise.

Method

Fourteen healthy volunteers (seven females) performed the following protocol in a normobaric environment sitting on an ergometer cycle: 20 min rest in normoxia; 20 min rest while breathing hypoxic gas simulating an altitude of 3500 m; 10 min exercise at an individually set intensity while breathing the hypoxic gas; 20 min rest in hypoxia; and finally 20 min rest in normoxia. Spleen measurements were collected by ultrasonic imaging and venous Hb measured at the end of each intervention.

Result

Mean ± SD baseline spleen volume during normoxic rest was 280 ± 107 mL, the volume was reduced by 22% during rest in hypoxia to 217 ± 92 mL (p < 0.001) and by 33% during exercise in hypoxia (189 mL; p < 0.001). Hb was 140.7 ± 7.0 g/L during normoxic rest and 141.3 ± 7.4 g/L during hypoxic rest (NS), but increased by 5.3% during hypoxic exercise (148.6 ± 6.3 g/L; p < 0.001). Spleen volume and Hb were stepwise changed back to baseline at cessation of exercise and return to normoxia.

Conclusion

Splenic contraction is induced by hypoxia and further enhanced by superimposing exercise, and reduced when exercise ceases, in a step-wise manner, showing that the tonic but partial contraction observed in long-term field expeditions to HA may occur also in the short term. This “graded response” may be beneficial during acclimatization to HA, to cope with moderate chronic hypoxia during rest while allowing additional enhancement of oxygen carrying capacity to overcome short bouts of extreme hypoxia caused by exercise.
Histological interpretation of differentiated vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (dVIN) remains challenging—observations from a bi-national ring-study
Authors: Dasgupta Shatavisha , de Jonge Elf , Van Bockstal Mieke R. , Wong-Alcala Luthy S. M. , Wilhelmus Suzanne , Makkus Lex A. C. F. , Schelfout Katrien , Van de Vijver Koen K. , Smits Sander , Marbaix Etienne , Koljenović Senada , van Kemenade Folkert J. , Ewing-Graham Patricia C.
Published: March 2021

Differentiated vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (dVIN) is a premalignant lesion that is known to progress rapidly to invasive carcinoma. Accurate histological diagnosis is therefore crucial to allow appropriate treatment. To identify reliable diagnostic features, we evaluated the inter-observer agreement in the histological assessment of dVIN, among a bi-national, multi-institutional group of pathologists. Two investigators from Erasmus MC selected 36 hematoxylin-eosin-stained glass slides of dVIN and no-dysplasia, and prepared a list of 15 histological features of dVIN. Nine participating pathologists (i) diagnosed each slide as dVIN or no-dysplasia, (ii) indicated which features they used for the diagnosis, and (iii) rated these features in terms of their diagnostic usefulness. Diagnoses rendered by > 50% participants were taken as the consensus (gold standard). p53-immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed for all cases, and the expression patterns were correlated with the consensus diagnoses. Kappa (ĸ)-statistics were computed to measure inter-observer agreements, and concordance of the p53-IHC patterns with the consensus diagnoses. For the diagnosis of dVIN, overall agreement was moderate (ĸ= 0.42), and pair-wise agreements ranged from slight (ĸ= 0.10) to substantial (ĸ= 0.73). Based on the levels of agreement and ratings of usefulness, the most helpful diagnostic features were parakeratosis, cobblestone appearance, chromatin abnormality, angulated nuclei, atypia discernable under × 100, and altered cellular alignment. p53-IHC patterns showed substantial concordance (ĸ= 0.67) with the consensus diagnoses. Histological interpretation of dVIN remains challenging with suboptimal inter-observer agreement. We identified the histological features that may facilitate the diagnosis of dVIN. For cases with a histological suspicion of dVIN, consensus-based pathological evaluation may improve the reliability of the diagnosis.
Quality of life and surgical outcome of ABBA versus EndoCATS endoscopic thyroid surgery: a single center experience
Authors: Wirth Ulrich , von Ahnen Thomas , Hampel Josef , Schardey Josefine , Busch Peter , Schardey Hans Martin , Schopf Stefan
Published: March 2021

Background

Thyroid surgery is often performed, especially in young female patients. As patient satisfaction become more and more important, different extra-cervical “remote” approaches have evolved to avoid visible scars in the neck for better cosmetic outcome. The most common remote approaches are the transaxillary and retroauricular. Aim of this work is to compare Endoscopic Cephalic Access Thyroid Surgery (EndoCATS) and axillo-bilateral-breast approach (ABBA) to standard open procedures regarding perioperative outcome and in addition to control cohorts regarding quality of life (QoL) and patient satisfaction.

Methods

In a single center, 59 EndoCATS und 52 ABBA procedures were included out of a 2 years period and compared to 225 open procedures using propensity-score matching. For the endoscopic procedures, cosmetic outcome, patient satisfaction and QoL (SF-12 questionnaire) were examined in prospective follow-up. For QoL a German standard cohort and non-surgically patients with thyroid disease were used as controls.

Result

The overall perioperative outcome was similar for all endoscopic compared to open thyroid surgeries. Surgical time was longer for endoscopic procedures. There were no cases of permanent hypoparathyroidism and no significant differences regarding temporary or permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsies between open and ABBA or EndoCATS procedures (χ2; p = 0.893 and 0.840). For ABBA and EndoCATS, 89.6% and 94.2% of patients were satisfied with the surgical procedure. Regarding QoL, there was an overall significant difference in distribution for physical, but not for mental health between groups (p < 0.001 and 0.658). Both endoscopic groups performed slightly worse regarding physical health, but without significant difference between the individual groups in post hoc multiple comparison.

Conclusion

Endoscopic thyroid surgery is safe with comparable perioperative outcome in experienced high-volume centers. Patient satisfaction and cosmetic results are excellent; QoL is impaired in surgical patients, as they perform slightly worse compared to German standard cohort and non-surgical patients.
Comparative case studies on ring gear fault diagnosis of planetary gearboxes using vibrations and acoustic emissions
Authors: Leaman Félix , Baltes Ralph , Clausen Elisabeth
Published: March 2021

The analysis of vibrations and acoustic emissions (AE) are two recognized non-destructive techniques used for machine fault diagnosis. In recent years, the two techniques have been comparatively evaluated by different researchers with experimental tests. Several evaluations have shown that the AE analysis has a higher potential than the vibration analysis for fault diagnosis of mechanical components for certain cases. However, the distance between the AE sensor and the fault is an important factor that can considerably decrease the potential to detect damage and that has not been sufficiently investigated. Moreover, the comparisons have not yet addressed conditions of slow speed that for example are usual for wind turbine gearboxes. Therefore, in this paper we present two comparative case studies that address both topics. Both case studies consider planetary gearboxes with faults in their ring gears. The first case study corresponds to a small planetary gearbox in which the AE and vibration sensors were installed together at two different positions. The second case study corresponds to a full-size wind turbine gearbox in which three pairs of AE and vibration sensors were installed on the outside of the ring gear from a low-speed planetary stage. The results of the evaluations demonstrate the important influence of the distance between sensors and fault. Despite this, the good results from the AE analysis indicate that this technique should be considered as an important complement to the traditional vibration analysis. The main contribution of this paper is comparing AE and vibration analysis by using not only experimental data from a small planetary gearbox but also from a full-size wind turbine gearbox. The comparison addresses the topics of proximity of the sensor to the fault and low-speed conditions.
Rubber band ligation versus haemorrhoidectomy for the treatment of grade II–III haemorrhoids: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Dekker L. , Han-Geurts I. J. M. , Rørvik H. D. , van Dieren S. , Bemelman W. A.
Published: March 2021

Background

The aim of this study was to review clinical outcome of haemorrhoidectomy and rubber band ligation in grade II–III haemorrhoids.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted. Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, Clinicaltrials.gov, and the WHO International Trial Registry Platform were searched, from inception until May 2018, to identify randomised clinical trials comparing rubber band ligation with haemorrhoidectomy for grade II–III haemorrhoids. The primary outcome was control of symptoms. Secondary outcomes included postoperative pain, postoperative complications, anal continence, patient satisfaction, quality of life and healthcare costs were assessed. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed.

Results

Three hundred and twenty-four studies were identified. Eight trials met the inclusion criteria. All trials were of moderate methodological quality. Outcome measures were diverse and not clearly defined. Control of symptoms was better following haemorrhoidectomy. Patients had less pain after rubber band ligation. There were more complications (bleeding, urinary retention, anal incontinence/stenosis) in the haemorrhoidectomy group. Patient satisfaction was equal in both groups. There were no data on quality of life and healthcare costs except that in one study patients resumed work more early after rubber band ligation.

Conclusions

Haemorrhoidectomy seems to provide better symptom control but at the cost of more pain and complications. However, due to the poor quality of the studies analysed/it is not possible to determine which of the two procedures provides the best treatment for grade II–III haemorrhoids. Further studies focusing on clearly defined outcome measurements taking patients perspective and economic impact into consideration are required.
Efficacy of Body Armor in Protection Against Blast Injuries Using a Swine Model in a Confined Space with a Blast Tube
Authors: Sekine Yasumasa , Saitoh Daizoh , Yoshimura Yuya , Fujita Masanori , Araki Yoshiyuki , Kobayashi Yasushi , Kusumi Hitomi , Yamagishi Satomi , Suto Yuki , Tamaki Hiroshi , Ono Yosuke , Mizukaki Toshiharu , Nemoto Manabu
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this study was to clarify whether or not body armor would protect the body of a swine model using a blast tube built at National Defense Medical College, which is the first such blast tube in Japan. Seventeen pigs were divided into two groups: the body armor group and the non-body armor group. Under intravenous anesthesia, the pigs were tightly fixed in the left lateral position on a table and exposed from the back neck to the upper lumbar back to the blast wave and wind with or without body armor, with the driving pressure of the blast tube set to 3.0 MPa. When the surviving and dead pigs were compared, blood gas analyses revealed significant differences in PaO2, PaCO2, and pH in the super-early phase. All pigs injured by the blast wave and wind had lung hemorrhage. All 6 animals in the body armor group and 6 of the 11 animals in the control group survived for 3 hours after injury. Respiratory arrest immediately after exposure to the blast wave was considered to influence the mortality in our pig model. Body armor may have a beneficial effect in protecting against respiratory arrest immediately after an explosion.
Facile synthesis of Au/ZnO/Ag nanoparticles using Glechoma hederacea L. extract, and their activity against leukemia
Authors: Dobrucka Renata , Romaniuk-Drapała Aleksandra , Kaczmarek Mariusz
Published: March 2021

Metal combinations have been attracting the attention of scientists for some time. They usually exhibit new characteristics that are different from the ones possessed by their components. In this work, Au/ZnO/Ag nanoparticles were synthesized biologically using Glechoma hederacea L. extract. The synthesized Au/ZnO/Ag nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Vis, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). The microscopic methods confirmed the presence of spherical nanoparticles of 50–70 nm. The influence of biologically synthesized Au/ZnO/Ag nanoparticles on the vitality of human cells was evaluated in vitro with the use of established human Acute T Cell Leukemia cell line, Jurkat (ATCC® TIB-152™), as well as mononuclear cells isolated from peripheral blood (PBMC) of voluntary donors. Cell survival and the half-maximal inhibitory concentration index (IC50) were analyzed by the MTT test. The studies showed that the total loss of cell viability occurred at the Au/ZnO/Ag nanoparticle concentration range of 10 µmol–50 µmol. The use of Au/ZnO/Ag nanoparticles at the concentration of 100 µmol eliminated almost all living cells from the culture in 24h. The above observation confirms the result obtained during the MTT test.
The first multicentre study on coronary anomalies in the Netherlands: MuSCAT
Authors: Koppel C. J. , Driesen B. W. , de Winter R. J. , van den Bosch A. E. , van Kimmenade R. , Wagenaar L. J. , Jukema J. W. , Hazekamp M. G. , van der Kley F. , Jongbloed M. R. M. , Kiès P. , Egorova A. D. , Verheijen D. B. H. , Damman P. , Schoof P. H. , Wilschut J. , Stoel M. , Speekenbrink R. G. H. , Voskuil M. , Vliegen H. W.
Published: March 2021

Background

Current guidelines on coronary anomalies are primarily based on expert consensus and a limited number of trials. A gold standard for diagnosis and a consensus on the treatment strategy in this patient group are lacking, especially for patients with an anomalous origin of a coronary artery from the opposite sinus of Valsalva (ACAOS) with an interarterial course.

Aim

To provide evidence-substantiated recommendations for diagnostic work-up, treatment and follow-up of patients with anomalous coronary arteries.

Methods

A clinical care pathway for patients with ACAOS was established by six Dutch centres. Prospectively included patients undergo work-up according to protocol using computed tomography (CT) angiography, ischaemia detection, echocardiography and coronary angiography with intracoronary measurements to assess anatomical and physiological characteristics of the ACAOS. Surgical and functional follow-up results are evaluated by CT angiography, ischaemia detection and a quality-of-life questionnaire. Patient inclusion for the first multicentre study on coronary anomalies in the Netherlands started in 2020 and will continue for at least 3 years with a minimum of 2 years of follow-up. For patients with a right or left coronary artery originating from the pulmonary artery and coronary arteriovenous fistulas a registry is maintained.

Results

Primary outcomes are: (cardiac) death, myocardial ischaemia attributable to the ACAOS, re-intervention after surgery and intervention after initially conservative treatment. The influence of work-up examinations on treatment choice is also evaluated.

Conclusions

Structural evidence for the appropriate management of patients with coronary anomalies, especially (interarterial) ACAOS, is lacking. By means of a structured care pathway in a multicentre setting, we aim to provide an evidence-based strategy for the diagnostic evaluation and treatment of this patient group.
Electroreduction of Bi(III) ions in the aspect of expanding the “cap-pair” effect: the role of the nanosized active complexes
Authors: Nosal-Wiercińska Agnieszka , Martyna Marlena , Skrzypek Sławomira , Szabelska Anna , Wiśniewska Małgorzata
Published: March 2021

The paper discusses the electroreduction of Bi(III) ions in the aspect of expanding the “cap-pair” effect.

The “cap-pair” rule is associated with the acceleration of the electrode’s processes by organic substances. The interpretation of the “cap-pair” effect mechanism was expanded to include the effect of supporting electrolyte concentration on the acceleration process and the type of electrochemical active as well as used protonated organic substances. It has also been shown that the phenomena occurring at the electrode/solution interface can influence a change in the dynamics of the electrode’s process according to the “cap-pair” rule.
Presence of microorganisms in children with pharyngotonsillitis and healthy controls: a prospective study in primary healthcare
Authors: Pallon Jon , Sundqvist Martin , Rööst Mattias , Danielsson Patrik , Neumark Thomas , Skovbjerg Susann , Svedin Jonas , Hedin Katarina
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Most studies on paediatric pharyngotonsillitis focus on group A streptococci. This study, however, analyses a broad spectrum of bacteria and viruses related to paediatric pharyngotonsillitis and evaluates their associated clinical symptoms and courses.

Methods

This observational prospective study in primary healthcare includes 77 children aged < 15 with a sore throat and 34 asymptomatic children, all of whom were sampled from the tonsils with an E-swab®for analysis with culture and PCR for 14 bacteria and 15 viruses. Patients were evaluated clinically, and their symptoms recorded in diaries for 10 days. Participants were followed up for 3 months by reviewing medical records.

Results

A pathogen was detected in 86% of patients and in 71% of controls (P = 0.06). Bacteria were found in 69% of patients and 59% of controls (P = 0.3), and viruses in 36% and 26%, respectively (P = 0.3). Group A streptococci was the most common finding, with a prevalence of 49% and 32%, respectively (P = 0.1). Clinical signs were not useful for distinguishing pathogens. None of the controls and 16% of the patients reconsulted for a sore throat within 3 months.

Conclusion

Bacteria were more common than viruses in both study groups. The high rate of pathogens in asymptomatic children interferes with diagnoses based on aetiology.
Research on heavy metal level and co-occurrence network in typical ecological fragile area
Authors: Zhao Yiwei , Gao Liangmin , Zha Fugeng , Chen Xiaoqing , Zhou Xiaofang , Wang Xinfu , Chen Yang , Pan Xiangwei
Published: March 2021

Due to the special sensitivity of typical ecologically fragile areas, a series of human life, mining, and other activities have a greater impact on the environment. In this study, three coal mines in Ordos City on the Loess Plateau were selected as the study area, and the pollution levels of heavy metals in the area were studied by measuring As, Hg, Cr, Cd, Cu, Ni, and Pb in the soil of 131 sampling points. Combined with the concept of “co-occurrence network” in biology, the level of heavy metals in soil was studied using geostatistics and remote sensing databases. The results showed that the concentrations of Hg, Cr, Ni, Cu, and Pb in more than half of the sampling points were higher than the local environmental background value, but did not exceed the risk control value specified by China, indicating that human factors have a greater influence, while Cd and As elements are mainly affected Soil parent material and human factors influence. Heavy metal elements have nothing to do with clay and silt but have an obvious correlation with gravel. Cd, Pb, As and Ni, Cd, Cr are all positively correlated, and different heavy metals are in space The distribution also reflects the autocorrelation, mainly concentrated in the northeast of the TS mining area and the middle of the PS mining area.
Multiparametric prostate MRI and structured reporting: benefits and challenges in the PI-RADS era
Authors: Mir-Bashiri Sanas , Yaqubi Kaneschka , Woźnicki Piotr , Westhoff Niklas , von Hardenberg Jost , Huber Thomas , Froelich Matthias F. , Sommer Wieland H. , Reiser Maximilian F. , Schoenberg Stefan O. , Nörenberg Dominik
Published: March 2021

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most frequent cancer diagnosis in men and the sixth leading cause of cancer death worldwide with increasing numbers globally. Therefore, differentiated diagnostic imaging and risk-adapted therapeutic approaches are warranted. Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) of the prostate supports the diagnosis of PCa and is currently the leading imaging modality for PCa detection, characterization, local staging and image-based therapy planning. Due to the combination of different MRI sequences including functional MRI methods such as diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI), mpMRI enables a high sensitivity and specificity for the detection of PCa. The rising demand for individualized treatment strategies requires methods to ensure reproducibility, completeness, and quality of prostate MRI report data. The PI-RADS (Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System) 2.1 classification represents the classification system that is internationally recommended for MRI-based evaluation of clinically significant prostate cancer. PI-RADS facilitates clinical decision-making by providing clear reporting parameters based on clinical evidence and expert consensus. Combined with software-based solutions, structured radiology reports form the backbone to integrate results from radiomics analyses or AI-applications into radiological reports and vice versa. This review provides an overview of imaging methods for PCa detection and local staging while placing special emphasis on mpMRI of the prostate. Furthermore, the article highlights the benefits of software-based structured PCa reporting solutions implementing PI-RADS 2.1 for the integration of structured data into decision support systems, thereby paving the way for workflow automation in radiology.
Analysis of organochlorine pesticides residues in fish from Edko Lake (North of Egypt) using eco-friendly method and their health implications for humans
Authors: Abbassy Moustafa A. , Khalifa Moustafa A. , Nassar Atef M. K. , El-Deen Eman E. Nour , Salim Yehia M.
Published: March 2021

Levels of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) residues in tilapia fish and their health risk associated with the consumption of fish from Edko lake, Egypt were determined. The quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe method (QuEChERS) was used for extraction and clean-up of 18 OCPs residues from fish followed by GC-ECD and GC-ITD analytical tools were employed for identification of OPs. Out of the 18 OCPs, only heptachlorepoxide, p,p-DDE, dieldrin, p,p-DDD, and endrin ketone were detected in muscles of fish with concentrations of 0.1144, 0.2119, 0.4352, 0.1196, and 0.1323 µg/Kg bw, respectively. Results of the risk assessment calculations showed that dieldrin had a health risk index of more than one. This means that there was a health risk to adults associated with the consumption of fish. On the other hand, heptachlorepoxide, p,p-DDE, p,p-DDD, and endrin ketone did not show any direct health risk. Contamination of fish, collected from Edko lake in Egypt, with residues of OCPs might pose health implications if fish were consumed fresh.
A critique of financial neoliberalism: a perspective combining multidisciplinary methods and commodity markets
Authors: Vellucci Pierluigi
Published: March 2021

The era of financialization bas been marked by a huge increase in the size of the financial sector. The economic justifications for this expansion arise from the prevailing neo-liberal ideology; they are based on arguments like leading role of markets, economic efficiency, reallocation and spreading of risk. Given these reasons, financialization can be viewed as a form of neoliberalism and then we can use the term financial neoliberalism (Palley in Financialization: the economics of finance capital domination. Springer, 2016) to denote it. This commentary paper hopes to complement this view by highlighting the usefulness of recent “multidisciplinary” methods (i.e., methods which do not fall within the usual economic discipline). We focus first on the definition of financialization process, second on its implications on the commodity markets, and third and finally on the importance of the role of multidisciplinary methods, applied to these markets, capable of highlighting the contradictions of the neoliberalism framework, in such a way, we hope, to promote further research.
Nationality on Trial: International Private Law across the Mediterranean
Authors: Marglin Jessica M.
Published: March 2021

This article uses a single, transnational legal case that played out between Italy and Tunisia in the 1870s and 1880s to tell a truly global history of international law—that is, one that goes beyond the boundaries of the West. Samama v. Samama was a fabulously complicated case that dragged on in Italian courts for almost a decade. The crux of the legal arguments concerned the nationality of Nissim Samama, a Jew born in Tunis; Samama’s nationality, in turn, would determine which legal system regulated his estate. The Italian civil code enshrined respect for the national law of a foreigner, but such foreigners were presumed to be Western. A case involving the national law of Tunisia and the status of Jews called the very foundations of the international legal system into question. In putting Samama’s nationality on trial, the case opened up debate over fissures in the emerging theory of international law: How could non-Western states like Tunisia fit into an international legal order? How did Islamic law intersect with international law? What was the status of Jewish nationhood in a world increasingly based on exclusive nationalities? The Samama case offers access to the voices of European international lawyers debating the ambiguities of their field, as well as those of Maghrebis articulating their own vision of international law. The resulting arguments exposed tensions inherent to an international legal system uncomfortably balanced between universalism and Western particularism.
Competition and Collaboration in the Venetian Book World from 1469 to the Early Sixteenth Century
Authors: Kikuchi Catherine
Published: March 2021

The early history of printing in Europe is one of great economic and commercial success, but also of significant risks taken by those involved. The supply of paper, essential to the functioning of a press, could cause conflicts and required constantly available capital: the profitability of the book industry depended on the growth of the market. In Venice, anyone could set up as a printer, creating competition that was strongly criticized by printers and booksellers in the late fifteenth and early sixteenth century. This prompted them to formulate the economic risks they faced in supplica addressed to the Venetian authorities, and to conceptualize the realities of their situation, especially in terms of competition. This word, always used in a pejorative sense, is nevertheless rare in both theoretical and practical documents of the time. However competitive this economic milieu was, it was counterbalanced by the necessity of collaboration, a phenomenon that can be studied through social network analysis. Trust was restored through the constitution of dense collaborative networks, in which competitors became partners. Yet this also enabled some actors to establish strong consortia, leading to the kind of oligopolistic economy typical of industries without state regulation.
Employers’ Mutuals and Accident Insurance Scheme in Spain: From Rejection to Control and Collaboration (1966–1990)
Authors: VILAR-RODRÍGUEZ MARGARITA , PONS-PONS JERÒNIA
Published: March 2021

This article discusses the role of employers and their organizations in promoting or hindering social insurance schemes and, ultimately, the welfare state. Unlike most studies that center on countries in periods of democracy, this research focuses on the role of employers, and specifically employers’ mutuals, in the development of the industrial accident scheme during the Franco dictatorship in Spain. The institutional elimination of the class struggle, by repressing the working class and prohibiting class-based unions, led to an evolution of the industrial accident scheme and employers’ liabilities that revolved around the interrelationship between employers and the state. While employers tried to keep control of the management and low cost of the insurance, the state maintained significant bureaucratic intervention and increased auditing and control. The democratic period that began in 1977 prolonged the structure fostered during the Franco regime and enhanced the power of the mutuals in managing this insurance.
Combining Outcome-Based and Preference-Based Matching: A Constrained Priority Mechanism
Authors: Acharya Avidit , Bansak Kirk , Hainmueller Jens
Published: March 2021

We introduce a constrained priority mechanism that combines outcome-based matching from machine learning with preference-based allocation schemes common in market design. Using real-world data, we illustrate how our mechanism could be applied to the assignment of refugee families to host country locations, and kindergarteners to schools. Our mechanism allows a planner to first specify a threshold
$\bar g$
for the minimum acceptable average outcome score that should be achieved by the assignment. In the refugee matching context, this score corresponds to the probability of employment, whereas in the student assignment context, it corresponds to standardized test scores. The mechanism is a priority mechanism that considers both outcomes and preferences by assigning agents (refugee families and students) based on their preferences, but subject to meeting the planner’s specified threshold. The mechanism is both strategy-proof and constrained efficient in that it always generates a matching that is not Pareto dominated by any other matching that respects the planner’s threshold.
Drift kinetic theory of alpha transport by tokamak perturbations
Authors: Tolman Elizabeth A. , Catto Peter J.
Published: March 2021

Upcoming tokamak experiments fuelled with deuterium and tritium are expected to have large alpha particle populations. Such experiments motivate new attention to the theory of alpha particle confinement and transport. A key topic is the interaction of alpha particles with perturbations to the tokamak fields, including those from ripple and magnetohydrodynamic modes like Alfvén eigenmodes. These perturbations can transport alphas, leading to changed localization of alpha heating, loss of alpha power and damage to device walls. Alpha interaction with these perturbations is often studied with single-particle theory. In contrast, we derive a drift kinetic theory to calculate the alpha heat flux resulting from arbitrary perturbation frequency and periodicity (provided these can be studied drift kinetically). Novel features of the theory include the retention of a large effective collision frequency resulting from the resonant alpha collisional boundary layer, correlated interactions over many poloidal transits and finite orbit effects. Heat fluxes are considered for the example cases of ripple and the toroidal Alfvén eigenmode (TAE). The ripple heat flux is small. The TAE heat flux is significant and scales with the square of the perturbation amplitude, allowing the derivation of constraints on mode amplitude for avoidance of significant alpha depletion. A simple saturation condition suggests that TAEs in one upcoming experiment will not cause significant alpha transport via the mechanisms in this theory. However, saturation above the level suggested by the simple condition, but within numerical and experimental experience, which could be accompanied by the onset of stochasticity, could cause significant transport.
Evaluation of seed amino acid content and its correlation network analysis in wild soybean (Glycine soja) germplasm in Japan
Authors: Chotekajorn Awatsaya , Hashiguchi Takuyu , Hashiguchi Masatsugu , Tanaka Hidenori , Akashi Ryo
Published: March 2021

Wild soybean (Glycine soja) is a valuable genetic resource for soybean improvement. Seed composition profiles provide beneficial information for the effective conservation and utilization of wild soybeans. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the variation in free amino acid abundance in the seeds of wild soybean germplasm collected in Japan. The free amino acid content in the seeds from 316 accessions of wild soybean ranged from 0.965 to 5.987 mg/g seed dry weight (DW), representing a 6.2-fold difference. Three amino acids had the highest coefficient of variation (CV): asparagine (1.15), histidine (0.95) and glutamine (0.94). Arginine (0.775 mg/g DW) was the predominant amino acid in wild soybean seeds, whereas the least abundant seed amino acid was glutamine (0.008 mg/g DW). A correlation network revealed significant positive relationships among most amino acids. Wild soybean seeds from different regions of origin had significantly different levels of several amino acids. In addition, a significant correlation between latitude and longitude of the collection sites and the total free amino acid content of seeds was observed. Our study reports diverse phenotypic data on the free amino acid content in seeds of wild soybean resources collected from throughout Japan. This information will be useful in conservation programmes for Japanese wild soybean and for the selection of accessions with favourable characteristics in future legume crop improvement efforts.
Unaccompanied minors’ experiences of narrative exposure therapy
Authors: Said Glorianne , Alqadri Yaman , King Dorothy
Published: March 2021

Despite the understanding that unaccompanied minors’ (UAM) experience high rates of post-traumatic stress, the provision of evidence-based trauma-focused therapies is low for this population. Narrative exposure therapy (NET) is an effective short-term intervention for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after multiple traumatic experiences, such as those experienced by UAM. Within the existing literature, there is a lack of research investigating unaccompanied minors’ experiences of NET or any trauma-focused therapy. Participants were four UAM experiencing PTSD who formed part of a pilot delivery of NET within a dedicated child and adolescent mental health service for refugee children. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and transcripts were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). This project identified five themes that encapsulated unaccompanied minors’ experiences of receiving NET, including the process of preparing for this therapy, what it was like to receive it, and the differences they identified at the end of treatment. The significance of this taking place within a safe therapeutic relationship was explored within the context of the attachment losses experienced by UAM, and the impact this has on emotion regulation was considered. The potential of a reduction in PTSD symptoms facilitating a positive spiral in adolescence was reflected on within this paper.

Key learning aims

(1)

To understand the experience of unaccompanied asylum-seeking minors (UAM) receiving narrative exposure therapy (NET) for post-traumatic stress disorder.

(2)

To understand the key concerns and motivators for UAM when considering engaging in NET.

(3)

To understand how these experiences relate to theoretical frameworks and the existing literature relating to emotional difficulties in adolescence.