bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Covid-19 on Iran startups at biotech, pharmaceutical, engineering and other innovative industries
Authors: Rezaeinejad Ismael , Chernikov Sergey U.
Published: July 2021

This research reviews Corona’s spread that caused many governments to take serious actions; limitations in many aspects of society and economic life as an exogenous shock for many economic actors, especially innovative ones. This review examines an entrepreneurial ecosystem to deal with the problem facing them during the crisis and how to use them to deal with that. As a response to Corona’s expansion, limitations threaten many innovative startups. Our research response first represents entrepreneurs’ challenges as a result of the situation. Second, we show how entrepreneurs support their investment by considering the crisis’s effects and what they do. Finally, we will provide measures that policymakers can use to help entrepreneurs who face a challenge. After reviewing the previous research on the crisis and entrepreneurship, this research investigates the main challenges of high-tech startups in a heavily sanctioned developing economy like Iran. The research shows that while the SMEs successfully use their available resources as the first response to the crisis, their growth and innovation potential are at risk. Therefore, policy measures can provide immediate help to innovation by reducing the pressures resulting from limited cash circulation and long-term actions taken by the more expanded entrepreneurship ecosystem and support it to ensure rapid recovery and growth.
Model of socio-economic factors in the spread of SARS-CoV-2 across Russian regions
Authors: Sinitsyn E.V. , Tolmachev A.V. , Laptev V.M.
Published: July 2021

The worldwide spread of a new infection SARS-CoV-2 makes relevant the analysis of the different factors that lead to the vulnerability of modern civilization to previously unknown diseases. In this regard, the development of mathematical models describing the evolution of epidemics like COVID-19 and the identification of socio-economic factors affecting the epidemiological situation in regions is an important research task. The paper proposes a probabilistic mathematical model for the spread of the COVID-19 epidemic, which allows to analyze the evolution of the main characteristics of the disease and to assess main factors influencing them. The study is based on the official statistical data on the spread of the COVID 19 presented on coronavirus sites in the Russian Federation and other countries, the Yandex Data Lens dataset service, as well as the data from the Federal State Statistics Service. In the research some data mining methods were used for evaluation the model’s parameters. The model equations allow to predict the evolution of the disease and estimate the confidence interval of such prognosis. We estimated the ratio of detected and hidden cases of the disease, the distribution of the disease’s duration probability and its average value for different regions. It has been mathematically proven that the vaccination is the necessary and sufficient condition of achievement a stationary stable state - the cessation of a pandemic. The regions of Russian Federation were clustered by the course of the disease COVID-19 on the base of k-means method. The analysis of the most important socio-economic factors affecting the epidemiological situation was provided separately for each cluster.
Modeling the activities of financial institutions in changing macroeconomic conditions as a stability factor of the economy
Authors: Ayurzanain Ayur , Darmaeva Oksana
Published: July 2021

This article is devoted to the study of the activity of financial market institutions in modern conditions, the main feature of which is the constant change in the conditions of the institutional environment and macroeconomic stability. Scientists have proved the increasing importance of financial institutions in ensuring the economic growth of the economies of States in the XXI century. The authors consider and systematize the approaches of different authors and representatives of different directions of institutionalism and economic science to the definition of the role and essence of financial institutions. Also, the main conclusions about the impact of the global financial and economic crisis of 2008-2009 and sanctions of Western countries on the activities of the institutions of the Russian financial market in 2018 are formulated, based on the collection of statistical data, calculations are made and a model is formed, as a result of which a number of conclusions are obtained. As a result of calculations of the mathematical model made in the MS Excel program on the basis of statistical data of the Central Bank of Russia characterizing a condition of the financial market in 2008, 2009 and 2018 it is revealed that in economy of Russia there were considerable changes. The proposed model of assessing the institutional impact of financial institutions on economic growth as a practical tool can use a larger number of statistical indicators for calculations and obtaining more accurate data to solve more complex scientific and practical problems.
The current state and potential of innovative developments in the service industry
Authors: Zharov Vasily
Published: July 2021

The article analysis the actual state and examine the probable development course of the service industry in the light of the innovative scheme of the economic development. This work reviews the hypothesis that the service industry existing in the modern-day Russian circumstances where the market is at the stage of saturation with both the household and industrial goods becomes that branch of the economy which focuses not only on providing the functioning of the durable goods and satisfying the people’s needs for various services but it is also one of the major economic sectors which is capable to adapt to the realities of the modern life while there is the transition to a new technological paradigm. The present work substantiates the necessity to work out the theoretical and methodological grounds and the recommendations for the management in the field of braches of the service industry in the face of development of the innovative digital economy in order to provide the formation of the new technological paradigm considering the current forecasts. The proposed methods for solving the tasks consider the evolutionary innovative processes in the service industry, the concept of serviceology, methods of the management study at various levels of the national economy as well as the researches results in the frame of the digital economy development while creating the new technological paradigm in the Russia Federation.
Unfallbedingte Notfälle bei Schwangerschaft – Fallbeispiel mit Beckenfraktur und Notsectio
Authors: Kilgus Sofia , Schäfer Frederik Maximilian , Stöckle Ulrich , Märdian Sven
Published: July 2021

Die Versorgung von unfallbedingten Notfällen in der Schwangerschaft gehört selbst in überregionalen Traumazentren nicht zur täglichen Routine. Wir präsentieren den Fall einer 27 Jahre alten, nicht vorerkrankten Polytraumapatientin in der 30. Schwangerschaftswoche. Die führende Verletzung war eine Beckenfraktur mit spinopelviner Dissoziation und kreislaufrelevanter, intrapelviner Blutung. Durch ein konsequentes Polytraumamanagement, notfallmäßige Sectio, Ligatur der Corona mortis, Packing und operative Frakturstabilisierung des Beckens konnte das Leben der Mutter und des Kindes gerettet werden.
Development of Hormonal Intravaginal Rings: Technology and Challenges
Authors: Rafiei Fojan , Tabesh Hadi , Farzad Shayan , Farzaneh Farah , Rezaei Maryam , Hosseinzade Fateme , Mottaghy Khosrow
Published: July 2021

Intravaginal rings (IVRs) are minimally invasive polymeric devices specifically designed to be used for the sustained and prolonged release of various type of drugs such as hormones. One of the benefits of using topical drug delivery systems (e.g., IVRs) is the fact that systemic drug delivery may cause drug resistance due to elevated drug levels. Topical drug delivery also provides higher concentrations of the drug to the target site and has fewer side effects. In addition, when a drug is administered vaginally, the hepatic first-pass effect is avoided, resulting in higher absorption. Contraception and treatments for specific diseases such as endometriosis and hormone deficiencies can be improved by the administration of hormones via an IVR. This article aims to classify and compare various designs of commercially available and non-commercial hormonal IVRs and to analyze their performance. Current challenges affecting the development of IVRs are investigated, and proposed solutions are discussed. A comprehensive search of publications in MEDLINE/PubMed and of commercial product data of IVRs was performed, and the materials, designs, performance, and applications (e.g., contraception, endometriosis, estrogen deficiency and urogenital atrophy) of hormonal IVRs were thoroughly evaluated. Most hormonal IVRs administer female sex hormones, i.e., estrogen and progestogens. In terms of material, IVRs are divided into 3 main groups: silicone, polyurethane, and polyethylene-co-vinyl acetate IVRs. As regards their design, there are 4 major designs for IVRs which strongly affect their performance and the timing and rate of hormone release. Important challenges include reducing the burst release and maintaining the bioavailability of hormones at their site of action over a prolonged period of administration as well as lowering production costs. Hormonal IVRs are a promising method which could be used to facilitate combination therapies by administering multiple drugs in a single IVR while eliminating the side effects of conventional drug administration methods. IVRs could considerably improve womenʼs quality of life all over the world within a short period of time.
Balanitis circumscripta plasmacellularis Zoon
Authors: Moll I.
Published: July 2021

Die Balanitis plasmacellularis Zoon (BPZ), zuerst beschrieben von J. J. Zoon, ist eine chronische entzündliche Dermatose, die histologisch definiert ist anhand eines subepithelialen, lymphohistiozytären Infiltrates mit vielen Plasmazellen. Dabei wurden ein Spektrum epithelialer Veränderungen und eine variable Zusammensetzung des Infiltrates beschrieben. Dadurch unterscheidet sie sich von der Erythroplasie Queyrat, obwohl beide klinisch sehr ähnlich sind. An der BPZ erkranken vorwiegend ältere, nicht zirkumzidierte, heterosexuelle Männer. Klinisch typisch sind scharf umschriebene, rötlich-glänzende Rundherde an der Dorsalseite der Glans mit Übergang auf den Sulcus und das innere Präputialblatt. Erosionen und flache Infiltrate können hinzukommen. Der Verlauf ist chronisch mit sehr geringen Beschwerden, etwas erhöhte Empfindlichkeit wird oft genannt. Die Pathogenese ist unklar. Barrierestörung und Infektionen, unterhalten durch Feuchtigkeit, Mangel an Hygiene, Traumata und Irritationen, werden diskutiert. Dafür spricht auch das spontane Abheilen nach Zirkumzision oder lokalen Therapien mit Mucipirocin oder Fusidinsäure. Lokale Steroide sind ebenfalls – wie in unserem Fall – effektiv. Eine proaktive Therapie mit Tacrolimus-Salbe scheint eine Option. Die plasmazelluläre Entzündung ist nicht auf das männliche Genitale beschränkt, auch eine Vulvitis plasmacellularis ist beschrieben sowie der Befall nahezu aller weiteren Schleimhäute.
The Athlete and Gut Microbiome: Short-chain Fatty Acids as Potential Ergogenic Aids for Exercise and Training
Authors: Bongiovanni Tindaro , Yin Marilyn Ong Li , Heaney Liam M.
Published: July 2021

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are metabolites produced in the gut via microbial fermentation of dietary fibers referred to as microbiota-accessible carbohydrates (MACs). Acetate, propionate, and butyrate have been observed to regulate host dietary nutrient metabolism, energy balance, and local and systemic immune functions. In vitro and in vivo experiments have shown links between the presence of bacteria-derived SCFAs and host health through the blunting of inflammatory processes, as well as purported protection from the development of illness associated with respiratory infections. This bank of evidence suggests that SCFAs could be beneficial to enhance the athlete’s immunity, as well as act to improve exercise recovery via anti-inflammatory activity and to provide additional energy substrates for exercise performance. However, the mechanistic basis and applied evidence for these relationships in humans have yet to be fully established. In this narrative review, we explore the existing knowledge of SCFA synthesis and the functional importance of the gut microbiome composition to induce SCFA production. Further, changes in gut microbiota associated with exercise and various dietary MACs are described. Finally, we provide suggestions for future research and practical applications, including how these metabolites could be manipulated through dietary fiber intake to optimize immunity and energy metabolism.
Patterns of Thromboembolism in Patients with Advanced Pancreatic Cancer Undergoing First-Line Chemotherapy with FOLFIRINOX or Gemcitabine/nab-Paclitaxel
Authors: Riedl Jakob M. , Schwarzenbacher Esther , Moik Florian , Horvath Lena , Gantschnigg Antonia , Renneberg Felix , Posch Florian , Barth Dominik A. , Stotz Michael , Pichler Martin , Hatzl Stefan , Fandler-Höfler Simon , Gressenberger Paul , Gary Thomas , Jost Philipp J. , Greil Richard , Ay Cihan , Djanani Angela , Gerger Armin , Schlick Konstantin
Published: July 2021

Introduction Recent advances in prophylactic anticoagulation and antineoplastic treatment for advanced pancreatic cancer (aPC) warrant an updated reassessment of thromboembolic risk in this population. This multicenter retrospective cohort study aims to comprehensively characterize incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of venous (VTE) and arterial thromboembolism (ATE) in homogenously treated patients with aPC.

Methods Four hundred and fifty-five patients with aPC undergoing palliative first-line chemotherapy (Gemcitabine/nab-Paclitaxel (GN) or FOLIRINOX) were included. Primary outcomes were objectively confirmed VTE and/or ATE.

Results Over a median follow-up of 26 months, 86 VTE (cumulative incidence: 20.0%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 16.3–24.0) and 11 ATE events (cumulative incidence: 2.8%; 95% CI: 1.5–4.9) were observed. VTE diagnosis was associated with increased mortality (transition hazard ratio [THR]: 1.59 [95% CI: 1.21–2.09]) and increased risk of cancer progression (THR: 1.47 [95% CI: 1.08–2.01]), while the impact of ATE on mortality was numerically but not statistically significant (THR: 1.85 [95% CI: 0.87–3.94]). The strongest predictor of increased VTE risk was history of cancer-associated VTE (subdistribution hazard ratio [SHR]: 3.29 [95% CI: 2.09–5.18]), while the Khorana score (SHR: 0.78 [0.57–1.06]) failed to predict VTE risk. A history of cerebrovascular disease was associated with markedly increased ATE risk (SHR: 22.05 [95% CI: 6.83–71.22], p < 0.001), especially ischemic stroke. Risk of VTE/ATE did not significantly differ according to type of first-line chemotherapy.

Conclusion Patients with aPC undergoing palliative first-line chemotherapy with FOLFIRINOX or GN face a high risk for VTE/ATE and its diagnosis is linked to worse clinical outcomes. VTE-risk prediction models have limited ability to sub-stratify thrombotic events in this high-risk scenario.
Nickel-Catalyzed Hydrodeoxygenation of Aryl Sulfamates with Alcohols as Mild Reducing Agents
Authors: Kuriyama Masami , Onomura Osamu , Matsuo Kasumi , Yamamoto Kosuke , Demizu Yosuke , Nishida Koyo
Published: July 2021

The nickel-catalyzed hydrodeoxygenation of aryl sulfamates has been developed with alcohols as mild reductants. A variety of functional groups and heterocycles were tolerated in this reaction system to give the desired products in high yields. In addition, the gram-scale process and stepwise cine-substitution were also achieved with high efficiency.
Antithrombin Resistance Rescues Clotting Defect of Homozygous Prothrombin-Y510N Dysprothrombinemia
Authors: Lu Yeling , Villoutreix Bruno O. , Biswas Indranil , Ding Qiulan , Wang Xuefeng , Rezaie Alireza R.
Published: July 2021

A patient with hematuria in our clinic was diagnosed with urolithiasis. Analysis of the patient's plasma clotting time indicated that both activated partial thromboplastin time (52.6 seconds) and prothrombin time (19.4 seconds) are prolonged and prothrombin activity is reduced to 12.4% of normal, though the patient exhibited no abnormal bleeding phenotype and a prothrombin antigen level of 87.9%. Genetic analysis revealed the patient is homozygous for prothrombin Y510N mutation. We expressed and characterized the prothrombin-Y510N variant in appropriate coagulation assays and found that the specificity constant for activation of the mutant zymogen by factor Xa is impaired approximately fivefold. Thrombin generation assay using patient's plasma and prothrombin-deficient plasma supplemented with either wild-type or prothrombin-Y510N revealed that both peak height and time to peak for the prothrombin mutant are decreased; however, the endogenous thrombin generation potential is increased. Further analysis indicated that the thrombin mutant exhibits resistance to antithrombin and is inhibited by the serpin with approximately 12-fold slower rate constant. Protein C activation by thrombin-Y510N was also decreased by approximately 10-fold; however, thrombomodulin overcame the catalytic defect. The Na+-concentration-dependence of the amidolytic activities revealed that the dissociation constant for the interaction of Na+ with the mutant has been elevated approximately 20-fold. These results suggest that Y510 (Y184a in chymotrypsin numbering) belongs to network of residues involved in binding Na+. A normal protein C activation by thrombin-Y510N suggests that thrombomodulin modulates the conformation of the Na+-binding loop of thrombin. The clotting defect of thrombin-Y510N appears to be compensated by its markedly lower reactivity with antithrombin, explaining patient's normal hemostatic phenotype.
Pharmacokinetics of Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Emergency Situations: Results of the Prospective Observational RADOA-Registry
Authors: Lindhoff-Last Edelgard , Birschmann Ingvild , Kuhn Joachim , Lindau Simone , Konstantinides Stavros , Grottke Oliver , Nowak-Göttl Ulrike , Lucks Jessica , Zydek Barbara , von Heymann Christian , Sümnig Ariane , Beyer-Westendorf Jan , Schellong Sebastian , Meybohm Patrick , Greinacher Andreas , Herrmann Eva ,   On behalf of the RADOA-Registry Investigators (Reversal Agent use in patients treated with Direct Oral Anticoagulants or vitamin K antagonists Registry)
Published: July 2021

Background Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are increasingly used worldwide. Little is known so far about their pharmacokinetics in emergency situations.

Methods A prospective, observational registry was performed to determine the clinical course in consecutive patients with major bleeding or urgent surgery treated with DOACs. In samples collected as part of routine care DOAC drug concentrations were measured using ultraperformance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Anticoagulant intensity at first presentation and drug half-life (t
1/2), tested in repeat samples, were evaluated.

Results A total of 140 patients were prospectively included. Pharmacokinetic data were available in 94% (132/140) of patients. Note that 67% (89/132) experienced life-threatening bleeding and 33% (43/132) needed an urgent surgery. For pharmacokinetic analysis a total of 605 blood samples was available. Median concentration on admission was 205 ng/mL for rivaroxaban and 108 ng/mL for apixaban. All treatment groups showed a high variation of drug concentrations at baseline. In rivaroxaban-treated patients t
½ was 17.3 hours (95% confidence interval [CI]: 15.4–19.7) without significant difference in both groups (major bleeding: t
½ 16.7 hours, 95% CI: 14.7–19.3; urgent surgery: t
½ 19.7 hours, 95% CI: 15.2–27.9; p = 0.292). In apixaban-treated patients t
½ was 25.0 hours (95% CI: 22.9–27.6) with a longer t
½ after urgent surgery (t
1/2: 30.8 hours; 95% CI: 26.9–36.4) compared with severe bleeding (t
1/2: 20.8 hours; 95% CI: 18.8–23.2; p < 0.001).

Conclusion Emergency patients under DOAC treatment show a high variation of anticoagulant concentrations at baseline. Compared with rivaroxaban, apixaban showed a lower median concentration on admission and a longer t
½.
Anorectal Malformation with Rectovestibular Fistula and Vaginal Agenesis: Usage of Rectovestibular Fistula as a Neovagina Followed by PSARP with Preservation of the Anal Sphincter
Authors: Dessanti Antonio , Louisma Osnel , Pierre Gabriel Steve , Liem Nguhien Thanh
Published: July 2021

Anorectal malformation with rectovestibular fistula associated with vaginal agenesis is rare. We report on a child in whom this combination was diagnosed at the age of 1 year. After creation of a divided descending colostomy, we chose to leave the rectum-rectovestibular fistula to function as a neovagina, while the sigmoid colon was relocated via modified posterior sagittal anorectoplasty. The colostomy was closed 6 months after the main surgery. After a follow-up of 3 years, the patient is continent for stool and urine. The introitus of the neovagina appears wide and easy to explore. We conclude that our surgical approach may be a good option for these children.
Fibrin Network Porosity and Endo-/Exogenous Thrombin Cross-talk
Authors: He Shu , Wallén Håkan , Thålin Charlotte , Svensson Jan , Blombäck Margareta
Published: July 2021

The earliest assessment of fibrin network porosity used a liquid permeation system and confocal 3D microscopy, which was later replaced by scanning electron microscopy. Although the methods have extensively been applied in studies of health or disease, there remains debate on the choice of a proper clotting trigger. In this review, we assess published data and convey our opinions with regard to several issues. First, when the coagulation process is initiated by recombinant tissue factor (rTF) and phospholipids, the fibrin network porosity is regulated by the endogenous thrombin based on enzymatic activations of multiple coagulants. If purified thrombin (1.0 IU/mL) is employed as the clotting trigger, fibrin network porosity may be affected by exogenous thrombin, which directly polymerizes fibrinogen in plasma, and additionally by endogenous thrombin stemming from a “positive feedback loop” action of the added thrombin. Second, with use of either endogenous or exogenous thrombin, the concentration and clotting property of available fibrinogen both influence the fibrin network porosity. Third, in the assay systems in vitro, exogenous thrombin but not rTF-induced endogenous thrombin seems to be functional enough to activate factor XIII, which then contributes to a decrease in the fibrin network porosity. Fourth, fibrin network porosity determines the transport of fibrinolytic components into/through the clots and therefore serves as an indicator of the fibrinolysis potential in plasma.
The Value of Duodenal Biopsies in the Evaluation of Megaloblastic Anemia
Authors: Nasrin Nisha N. , Shanmugasundaram Sakthisankari , Kartikayan R. K.
Published: July 2021

Introduction Megaloblastic anemia is one of the common causes of anemia in India. Duodenal biopsies are routinely performed in the investigation of megaloblastic anemia. The present study was undertaken to analyze the value of duodenal biopsy in megaloblastic anemia and to correlate endoscopic findings with biopsy. As a secondary aim, the study has also analyzed the hematological profile and vitamin B12 and folate status of these patients.

Materials and Methods All the cases of megaloblastic anemia with bone marrow studies diagnosed at PSG Institute of Medical Sciences and Research during the two year period from January 2016 to December 2017 were retrieved. Clinical and laboratory findings (serum vitamin B12 and folate levels) and endoscopic findings were retrieved from hospital records of the patients. Duodenal biopsies of these patients reported in the histopathology department were retrieved and reviewed. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software 20.0.

Results There were 93 cases of megaloblastic anemia diagnosed on bone marrow biopsies. Tropical sprue was diagnosed in 49.5% of cases, followed by intraepithelial lymphocytosis (17.2%), peptic duodenitis (17.2%), and no significant pathology in 16% of cases. Pancytopenia was present in 54.8% of cases. Isolated vitamin B12 deficiency including low levels was present in 48.38% and folate deficiency was seen in 4.3% cases; 34.48% cases had both vitamin B12 and folate deficiency.

Conclusion The incidence of tropical sprue in megaloblastic anemia is 49.5% in the study. Duodenal biopsy is valuable in the work up of megaloblastic anemia, irrespective of the endoscopic changes in identifying the etiology.
Modified Graner's Technique with\without Vascularized Capitate Lengthening for Kienböck Disease Stage IIIb—A Pilot Study
Authors: Atiyya Ahmed Naeem , Eldiasty Abdelrahman , Koriem Islam , Nabil Amr
Published: July 2021

Background Intercarpal fusions are used to treat stage IIIb Kienböck disease. They increase force transfer across the radioscaphoid articulation with predisposition to arthritis.

Description of Technique This technique is excision of lunate followed by proximal transfer of capitate, with scaphocapitate and triquetrocapitate fusion to increase area of load transfer mimicking wrist hemiarthroplasty. Our purpose is to evaluate mid-term results of this technique.

Patients and Methods A prospective case series study was conducted on 11 patients with stage IIIb and IIIc. In seven cases, transfer of the capitate was performed by osteotomizing the capitate just distal to its waist, proximal migration to replace the excised lunate then bone grafting. In four cases, proximal transfer of vascularized pedicled capitate was done. Clinical outcome measures included pain (visual analog scale), grip strength, range of motion, and functional evaluation by modified Mayo wrist score and scoring system of Evans. Radiological outcome measures included healing of fusion mass, progression of the disease, and occurrence of avascular necrosis to the capitate.

Results Follow-up period averaged 54 months. Scaphocapitate fusion healing averaged 11 weeks. Union of the lengthened capitate occurred in 10 patients only. There was postoperative improvement in pain scores, grip, Evans, and modified Mayo wrist score. There was postoperative decrease in wrist flexion and extension. One patient showed resorption of the capitate head with progressive radioscaphoid arthritis-necessitated wrist fusion.

Conclusion The mid-term results of this technique may be satisfactory due to low incidence of degenerative arthritis in the radioscaphoid joint. However, longer follow-up with recruiting larger number of patients is needed.
Childhood Stroke: Long-Term Outcomes and Health-Related Quality of Life with a Special Focus on the Development of Epilepsy
Authors: von Stülpnagel C. , Kutschker Sebastian , Sperl Wolfgang , Berweck Steffen , Staudt Martin , Berndt Markus , Kluger G.
Published: July 2021

Background Childhood stroke is rare and can predispose to post-stroke epilepsy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate long-term quality of life (QoL) in patients with childhood stroke, focusing on epileptic aspects.

Method This involves a retrospective study of 98 patients with childhood stroke (pre- and neonatal strokes excluded), who had been inpatients between 1986 and 2003 for early rehabilitation. Data were obtained via interviews using a standardized questionnaire: QoL evaluation with KINDL, functional outcome with Barthel Index, and motor handicaps-assessment with modified Rankin Score.

Results Forty-nine of 98 patients (31 males, mean follow-up 16 years, range 8–25 years) were included. Six patients passed away (three of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy). At least one epileptic seizure occurred in 27/49 patients (occurrence: 2 days–13 years.; mean 3.3 years.). Epilepsy manifested in 19/49 patients. No correlation was found between the development of epilepsy and the location or etiology of the stroke. The presence of functional independence was significantly higher in seizure-free patients and in patients without epilepsy. For the external assessment (filled in for the patient by the parent/caregiver), there was no significant difference in QoL in patients with and without epilepsy; however, in the in-person KINDL questionnaire a significantly lower QoL was noted in epilepsy patients compared with patients without epilepsy.

Conclusion One important finding in our study is that in the long-term course 39% of patients developed epilepsy after a childhood stroke. It occurred as late as 13 years after the acute episode and affected the QoL especially in cognitively less handicapped patients.
Prevalence of Macroprolactinemia in People Detected to Have Hyperprolactinemia
Authors: Sharma Lokesh Kumar , Dutta Deep , Sharma Neera , Kulshreshtha Bindu , Lal Sandhya , Sethi Ritika
Published: July 2021

Background Macroprolactinemia is an analytic laboma encountered as a part of prolactin assay. No data are available on the burden of macroprolactinemia in Indians. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of macroprolactinemia among people with hyperprolactinemia.

Methods Consecutive patients detected to have serum prolactin > 18 ng/mL as per the upper reference limit were further screened for macroprolactin by post-polyethylene-glycol (PEG)-precipitation test. Macroprolactinemia was defined as post-PEG recovery of prolactin < 40%.

Results The four most common underlying etiologies for the testing of hyperprolactinemia were polycystic ovary syndrome (n = 402; 32.71%), pituitary adenomas (n = 318; 25.87%), drug-induced hyperprolactinemia (n = 224; 18.23%), and infertility (n = 126; 10.25%). A total of 1,229 patients (male:female = 191:1038) having mean age 30.46 ± 10.14 years had hyperprolactinemia, of which 168 (13.7%) were diagnosed to have macroprolactinemia. Macroprolactinemia was significantly higher in females than males (15.03 vs. 6.28%; p < 0.001). Age quartile-based analysis revealed no difference in occurrence of macroprolactinemia. Only 34 patients (2.76%) with macroprolactinemia (< 40% recovery of prolactin post-PEG precipitation) had raised prolactin levels after recovery. These patients primarily had underlying pituitary pathology.

Conclusion Macroprolactinemia is not uncommon in people being tested for hyperprolactinemia. We should not hesitate to screen for macroprolactinemia in patients who have incidentally been detected to have hyperprolactinemia.
Insights into smallholder capacity for agricultural commercialisation: Evidence from four African contexts
Authors: Saha Amrita , Sabates-Wheeler Rachel , Thompson John
Published: July 2021

Over the last 15 years, the agricultural economics and development literature has amply highlighted success stories of smallholder farmers in developing countries, illustrating their increased engagement and integration with markets, in other words, higher rates of commercialisation. Yet, this seeming ‘success’ should not detract from the large proportion of farmers who, through engaging in high-value market chains, face high risks that often limit the extent of their engagement. This study, across four African contexts inGhana, Tanzania, NigeriaandZimbabwe, strives to better understand smallholder participation in agricultural commercialisation. Using new detailed cross-sectional household-level data, from theAgricultural Policy Research in Africa(APRA) consortium, collected over 2017–2018, we analyse assets as a determining factor for localised patterns smallholder commercialisation. Applying asset-based thresholds, we capture commercialisation ‘capacity’—an indicator of the household’s commercialisation potential and ability to respond to risks. Despite the possibility to increase commercialisation as well as institutional arrangements that may reduce risk, such as contract farming, benefits from linkages with medium-scale farmers or returns from specific crop types, we find that households may yet be constrained by lower capacity. Hence, the need for targeted support for those at the margins and with limited assets; with the most pronounced and significant constraints for lower capacity households in study areas in Tanzania. These results can better inform development policies for agriculture where it is important to be able to specifically target households rather than a one size fits all approach.
“It’s harder for the likes of us”: racially minoritised stem cell donation as ethico-racial imperative
Authors: Williams Ros
Published: July 2021

How best are we to understand appeals to participate in a biomedical project that are based both on invoking shared racial identity, and on framing engagement as the clear moral course of action? Stem cell donor recruitment, which often focuses on engaging racially minoritised communities, provides useful insight into this question. This article proposes that it is not an essential mutual racial identity between the person asking and the person asked at play. Rather, it is the creative ‘doing’ of relatedness between people at the scale of race as well as family that coalesces into powerful appeals to participate. Through analysis of ethnographic, documentary and social media data, the paper argues that this work relies at least partly on framing donation as a duty of being part of a racialised community, which I describe here as anethico-racial imperative, in which both race and responsibility become intertwined to compel participation in the biomedical project of donor registration.
Engineering transient hyperbolic metamaterials using InAsSb-based semiconductor
Authors: Haugan H. J. , Eyink K. G. , Urbas A. M. , Bas D. A.
Published: July 2021

The authors demonstrate the ability to create an ultrafast hyperbolic momentum state using metallic InAsSb alloys embedded within dielectric GaSb and explore the possibility of transient modification of metamaterials to control the optical properties of photon emission. Properly engineered quantum well structures were grown by molecular beam epitaxy and Si-doped in order to convert the InAsSb layers from dielectric to metallic at infrared frequencies. The carrier excitation scheme of the engineered hyperbolic stacks was investigated in a variety of excitation levels using pump–probe measurements. The photo-excited carriers in the structure with a metal fraction of ∼0.5 showed a polarization dependent reflectivity change, which indicates a transient hyperbolic metamaterial state in the heterostructure induced by the pump laser.
Research on spatial distribution principle of underwater Čerenkov light field outside the floating power plant’s reactor compartment shell in two types of marine condition based on Geant4 modeling
Authors: Huang Cheng , Zhang Tao , Han Zhihan , Lao Wanji , Shi Guang , Bai Xuejie , Yan Yihong , Hu Guang , Li Yanfei , Hu Huasi
Published: July 2021

Based on Geant4 modeling, we simulated the underwater Čerenkov light field in open seawater and coastal seawater, which was excited by different kinds of γ-rays. The γ-rays were originally released by fission products and activation products in the reactor coolant. The physical characteristics of the underwater Čerenkov light field were mathematically analyzed, including the spatial distribution principle, the correlation between the energy density and elevation angle, the energy density functions of Čerenkov photons, and the Čerenkov photon spectrum. Compared with other published research results, it was proved that the Čerenkov photons are in the range of 200–810 nm in both seawater types, but the peak wavelength in these seawater types is 420 nm (open seawater) and 570 nm (coastal seawater), and the strong absorption and scattering of suspended particles caused large attenuation in the ultraviolet range and infrared range. Čerenkov photons were symmetrically distributed along the emitting direction of γ-rays, and the maximum energy density of Čerenkov photons appeared at the center of the emission direction of γ-rays. The Čerenkov halo might only be observed in clear open seawater. The research results also show us that in the following field experiment, to collect the Čerenkov photons in water, deploying underwater photo-electric detection devices outside the reactor compartment of the floating nuclear power plants would be an effective way to locate the suspected coolant leakage position and leakage rate.
Droplet impact dynamics on an aluminum spinning disk
Authors: Moghtadernejad Sara , Jadidi Mehdi , Johnson Zachary , Stolpe Thomas , Hanson Jack
Published: July 2021

Droplet impact on a spinning surface has been observed in different industries and plays an important role in the performance of industrial systems. In the current study, the dynamics of water droplet impact on a hydrophilic spinning disk is investigated. An experimental setup is designed in a way that droplet diameter, impact velocity, disk rotational speed, and location of impact are precisely controlled. While the droplet diameter is fixed in the present study, other mentioned parameters are changed and their effects on the droplet behavior are discussed. High-speed imaging is used to record the droplet dynamics under various operating conditions. It is demonstrated that after impact, droplet spreads on the surface due to a high adhesion between water and the hydrophilic substrate. It is indicated that the wetted area is a function of time, impact velocity, disk rotational speed, and centrifugal acceleration. Furthermore, depending on the mentioned parameters, different phenomena such as rivulet formation, fingering, and detachment of secondary droplet(s) are observed. In the angular direction, in general, the wetted length increases as time passes. However, in the radial direction, the droplet first spreads on the surface and reaches a maximum value, and then recedes until a plateau is attained. At this instant, a bulk of liquid, which is called wave in this study, moves radially outward from the inner boundary of the droplet toward its outer boundary due to the effect of centrifugal force. Once the wave reaches the outer boundary, depending on its size and momentum, fingers or rivulets are formed, and small droplet(s) may detach. The process is analyzed comprehensively, and different empirical correlations for wetted lengths in radial and angular directions, secondary droplet formation, number of fingers, the onset of fingering, and wave velocity are developed.
Effects of diffused hydrogen atoms on thermomechanical properties and contact behavior of a diamond-like carbon film
Authors: Dankesreiter Benjamin , Song Jingan , Rahman Shahriar Mufid , Reza Shah Nayem Mohammed , Yeo Chang-Dong
Published: July 2021

Hydrogen atoms are doped to diamond-like carbon (DLC) to improve its thermomechanical properties and tribological performance as a surface protective coating. In this study, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are performed to investigate the impacts of diffused H atoms on the mechanical stiffness, surface energy, specific heat, and thermomechanical contact behavior of DLC. The hydrogenated DLC (a-C:H) is prepared by adding H atoms to a fixed amount of C atoms (method 1) and by replacing C atoms in DLC with H atoms (method 2). The atomic percentage of hydrogen (at. % H) in DLC is varied from 0 to 8.6%. From the systematic MD simulation results, it is observed that the DLC's mechanical stiffness increases with at. % H due to the increasing density with a higher sp3%, but it shows a decreasing trend for method 2 due to the decreasing density. During the sliding contact with a hemispherical diamond tip, the a-C:H samples show a lower coefficient of friction (COF) than the hydrogen-free DLC (ta-C) sample for method 1 but a higher COF for method 2, which can be attributed to the changes in density and surface energy with respect to hydrogen contents in DLC.
Analyzer-free, intensity-based, wide-field magneto-optical microscopy
Authors: Schäfer Rudolf , Oppeneer Peter M. , Ognev Alexey V. , Samardak Alexander S. , Soldatov Ivan V.
Published: July 2021

In conventional Kerr and Faraday microscopy, the sample is illuminated with plane-polarized light, and a magnetic domain contrast is generated by an analyzer making use of the Kerr or Faraday rotation. Here, we demonstrate possibilities of analyzer-free magneto-optical microscopy based on magnetization-dependent intensity modulations of the light. (i) The transverse Kerr effect can be applied for in-plane magnetized material, as demonstrated for an FeSi sheet. (ii) Illuminating that sample with circularly polarized light leads to a domain contrast with a different symmetry from the conventional Kerr contrast. (iii) Circular polarization can also be used for perpendicularly magnetized material, as demonstrated for garnet and ultrathin CoFeB films. (iv) Plane-polarized light at a specific angle can be employed for both in-plane and perpendicular media. (v) Perpendicular light incidence leads to a domain contrast on in-plane materials that is quadratic in the magnetization and to a domain boundary contrast. (vi) Domain contrast can even be obtained without a polarizer. In cases (ii) and (iii), the contrast is generated by magnetic circular dichroism (i.e., differential absorption of left- and right-circularly polarized light induced by magnetization components along the direction of light propagation), while magnetic linear dichroism (differential absorption of linearly polarized light induced by magnetization components transverse to propagation) is responsible for the contrast in case (v). The domain–boundary contrast is due to the magneto-optical gradient effect. A domain–boundary contrast can also arise by interference of phase-shifted magneto-optical amplitudes. An explanation of these contrast phenomena is provided in terms of Maxwell–Fresnel theory.
Shock wave structures in an isentropically unstable heat-releasing gas
Authors: Molevich Nonna , Riashchikov Dmitrii
Published: July 2021

In this work, we analytically and numerically investigate the types of stationary gasdynamic waves formed in a heat-releasing medium with isentropic (acoustic) instability. As the mathematical model, the system of one-dimensional gasdynamic equations is used, in which the heating and cooling processes are taken into account using the generalized heat-loss function. Our analysis reveals that the type of stationary structures depends on their velocity W and heating/cooling processes acting in the medium. In an isentropically unstable medium, it is shown that the type of structures depends on whether they propagate faster or slower than the critical velocity Wcr. If W>Wcr, a shock wave is formed, in which, after the shock-wave compression, the gas expands to a stationary value. The characteristic size of the expansion region depends on the characteristic heating time, which is determined by the specific type of the heat-loss function. If W<Wcr, the shock wave turns out to be unstable and decays into a sequence of autowave (self-sustaining) pulses. The amplitude and velocity (W=Wcr) of the autowave pulse, found analytically in the article, are also determined by the type of the heat-loss function. The comparison of analytical predictions of the developed method with the results of nonlinear equation previously obtained using the perturbation theory, as well as with the numerical simulations, confirms the high accuracy of the method.
Surface etching during epitaxial h-BN growth on graphene
Authors: Jin Shaoen , Zheng Hang , Zong Junyu , Xie Xuedong , Yu Fan , Chen Wang , Gao Libo , Wang Can , Zhang Yi
Published: July 2021

The vertically stacked hetero-structure is an important application of two-dimensional materials. In order to avoid contamination during sample transfer and stacking, and to achieve a scalable hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN)/graphene vertical heterostructure, direct growth of a h-BN film on graphene is desirable. However, the growth mechanism of h-BN on graphene is not yet fully understood. Here, we demonstrate the etching growth mechanism of a h-BN film on graphene. X-ray photoemission spectroscopy measurements show the element composition and chemical bonding formation of the pure phase h-BN. Angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy measurements show the energy dispersion of the h-BN and also reveal the formation of the new R0° graphene. Atomic force microscopy and scanning tunneling microscopy are applied to investigate the surface morphology of the samples. Our study provides a deeper understanding of the growth mechanism of the h-BN film on graphene and shows implication for the further research on h-BN/graphene heterojunctions.
Between droplets and fluid thread—the role of gravity in meso-scale flow
Authors: Koshy Alex , Ray Subhabrata , Das Gargi
Published: July 2021

How gravity affects immiscible liquid co-flow is best illustrated through experiments in inclined conduits. In the macro-domain, gravity leads to flow stratification while in the microscale, the phase distribution is practically insensitive to conduit tilt. The influence of flow orientation in the intermediate scale conventionally known as meso-domain or milli-channel, although noted, has not been discussed earlier. In the present study, flow morphology is experimentally investigated during up, down, and horizontal co-flow of a biphasic liquid mixture in a glass conduit of diameter 2.38 mm. In all orientations, the dispersed phase flows either as droplets/plugs or as a continuous thread. Gravity modulates the process of thread pinch off and regulates the domain of thread/droplet flow. Apart from flow orientation, we also note entry arrangement to influence droplet detachment in horizontal conduit. The experimental observations are explained from a simplified analysis based on momentum and energy considerations; the defining parameters are fluid properties and flow rates, conduit dimension, and flow orientation. The proposed analysis, albeit the approximations, has successfully predicted thread pinch off for the present experiments. Pinch off from the thread tip is noted to be cyclic and comprises several steps, of which inception of necking to its completion is only a part.
Fluid dynamics investigation of a large array
Authors: Ande Raghu , Gutschmidt Stefanie , Sellier Mathieu
Published: July 2021

The influence of surrounding fluid on a large array of oscillators is important to study for applications in fields such as medicine, biology, and atomic force microscopy. In the present study, we investigate a large array of cantilever beams oscillating in an unbounded fluid to better understand the fluid dynamic behavior. The two-dimensional boundary integral method is applied to analyze a large array of cantilever oscillators using an analytical solution approach for the unsteady Stokes and continuity equations. We analyze array sizes from 5 to 50 beams by comparing hydrodynamic transverse force and velocity profiles for two different velocity configurations. Including the interactions of neighbor and non-neighbor members leads to distinct array effects. With an increase in the number of oscillators in an array, the array effect influences the overall dynamics. Furthermore, to justify the influence of an array effect, the hydrodynamic loading is compared to the same and varying array surface area of different array sizes. Our analysis and new findings strengthen our hypothesis that the predictions of existing knowledge obtained from small-size arrays and coupled oscillators cannot readily inform dynamic predictions of large-size arrays. The underlying reason being the additional array effect(s) which are not present in a small-size array. The novelty of this paper is the ability to model such large arrays and investigate the array effect in an unbounded fluid.