bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Highly sensitive determination of methionine by solvent‐based de‐emulsification dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction using bio‐stabilized silver nanoparticles
Authors: Mansouri Sorour , Rastegarzadeh Saadat , Motamedi Hossein
Published: June 2021

In this study, a solvent‐based de‐emulsification dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction method coupled with surface plasmon resonance of silver nanoparticles was developed for determination of trace levels of methionine. The stable and dispersed silver nanoparticles were synthesized by applying ascorbic acid as reducer and Stenotrophomonas sp. bacterial suspension as bio‐stabilizer and then preconcentrated in organic phase according to a facile dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction procedure based on 1‐octanol as extraction solvent, methyltrioctylammonium chloride (aliquat 336) as disperser and acetone as de‐emulsifier. The presence of methionine influenced the intensity of plasmon resonance absorbance of silver nanoparticles, which was employed as a colorimetric probe for the determination of this amino acid. Under the optimal conditions, the linear analytical range of 5.6 to 234.5 nmol/L and a detection limit of 3.4 nmol/L were achieved for methionine. The relative standard deviation for seven replicate measurements of 33.5 and 107.2 nmol/L of methionine was 4.3 and 2.1%, respectively. The suggested method was successfully applied for the determination of methionine in biological samples.
New CUSUM and Shewhart‐CUSUM charts for monitoring the process mean
Authors: Haq Abdul , Munir Waqas
Published: June 2021

The CUmulative SUM (CUSUM) charts have sensitive nature against small and moderate shifts that occur in the process parameter(s). In this article, we propose the CUSUM and combined Shewhart‐CUSUM charts for monitoring the process mean using the best linear unbiased estimator of the location parameter based on ordered double‐ranked set sampling (RSS) scheme, where the CUSUM chart refers to the Crosier's CUSUM chart. The run‐length characteristics of the proposed CUSUM charts are computed with the Monte Carlo simulations. The run‐length profiles of the proposed CUSUM charts are compared with those of the CUSUM charts based on simple random sampling, RSS, and ordered RSS schemes. It is found that the proposed CUSUM charts uniformly outperform their existing counterparts when detecting all different kinds of shifts in the process mean. A real data set is also considered to explain the implementation of the proposed CUSUM charts.
Evaporation‐Induced Self‐Assembly Method Route to TiO2−SiO2 Catalysts with Hierarchical Pores and Their Oximation of Ketones and Aldehydes
Authors: Li Fanqing , Zhou Zhiwei , Qin Juan , Liu Chuanfa , Liu Yangyang , He Binbin , Xia Guangbo , Wu Wenliang
Published: June 2021

Hierarchical porous titanosilicates with titanium species as high as 6 wt.% were successfully prepared by evaporation‐induced self‐assembly method with the CTAB and TPAOH as two templates in this paper. The physical and chemical properties for the prepared materials were characterized by many techniques such as XRD, N2 sorption, SEM, TEM, ICP, XPS, DR‐UV and FT‐IR etc., and the catalytic performance in the oximation of different ketones and aldehydes was also investigated. Based on the characterization results, the CTAB template is essential to the formation of the ordered mesopores resulting that above 85 % of titanium species can be incorporated into the titanosilicates. The 0.15 C‐0.06TS catalyst with uniform titanium species distribution shows higher catalytic performance than classical TS‐1 zeolite in the ketones and aldehydes oximation, and it showed high catalytic stability in the cycloheptanone oximation even after reused for five times. The results provide a valuable reference for the potential industrial application in the oximation of ketone.
Synthesis and Molecular Docking Studies of Potent Urease Inhibitors Based on Benzoxazole Scaffold
Authors: Özil Musa , Tuzcuoğlu Özge , Baltaş Nimet , Emirik Mustafa
Published: June 2021

In this study, we report the synthesis, in silico molecular docking, and in vitro urease inhibition studies of a novel series of benzoxazole derivatives. The title compound in the series namely (2‐(benzo[d]oxazol‐2‐ylthio)‐1‐(4‐substitute‐phenyl)ethan‐1‐one oxime was synthesized by the reaction of 2‐aminophenol with different kinds of intermediates in several steps through both conventional and microwave techniques. All compounds were found to have an excellent degree of urease inhibitory potential ranging from 0.46±0.01 to 46.10±0.45 μM in compared with standard inhibitor acetohydroxamic acid with IC50 320.70±4.24 μM. Structure‐activity relationship was established in detail. In addition, we confirmed the binding interactions of compounds with enzymes using molecular docking.
Sulfonamide‐β‐lactam Hybrids Incorporating the Piperazine Moiety as Potential Antiinflammatory Agent with Promising Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Heiran Roghayeh , Jarrahpour Aliasghar , Riazimontazer Elham , Gholami Ahmad , Troudi Azza , Digiorgio Carole , Brunel Jean Michel , Turos Edward
Published: June 2021

Several monocyclic β‐lactams have been synthesized via a [2+2] ketene–imine cycloaddition reaction (Staudinger reaction) and evaluated for their biological activities. The structure of synthesized products was confirmed by spectral data and elemental analyses. β‐Lactams 4 b and 4 h exhibited 31 and 27 anti‐inflammatory ratios, respectively, which are as well as the well‐known dexamethasone corticosteroid with a 32 anti‐inflammatory ratio. The two most active compounds 4 b and 4 h showed IC50 values more than 200 μM against the HepG2 cell line, in comparison with doxorubicin (IC50<1 μM), indicated biocompatibility and nontoxic behavior. 4 d, 4 j, 4 k, and 4 l, were active against S. aureus and E. coli and had broad spectrum property. The tested compounds were subjected to in silico prediction of pharmacokinetics properties (ADMET) to assess the potential in vivo effectiveness. The molecular docking study confirmed that the active inhibitors 4 b and 4 h are well fitted in the iNOS active site. This data suggests that 4 b and 4 h could potentially serve as effective iNOS inhibitors, a represent promising lead compounds for treating inflammatory disorders.
Self‐Assembled Au/TiO2 Composite Photo‐Anode Film for Highly Efficient Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Xi Xiaoyan , Ma Xiangrong , Gong Ying , Bi Shiqing , Wang Hanying
Published: June 2021

We introduce a simple method of preparing high‐performance composite photo‐anode by in situ self‐assembly gold nanoparticle (Au NP) on Titanium dioxide (TiO2) electron transport layer for dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). By transmission electron microscope (TEM) test, the size of Au NP is about 5 nm. Energy disperse spectroscopy (EDS) shows that self‐assembly metal nanoparticles are evenly dispersed in the photo‐anode. Due to the localized surface plasmon resonance of Au NPs, the absorption of the composite photo‐anode in the visible light is enhanced. And the result of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) showed that the impedance of electron transmission is reduced and the electron life of solar cell is increased. As a result, the overall power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of Au/TiO2‐DSSCs significantly improved from 5.74 % to 7.05 % under optimal condition. What's more, the improvement in PCE does not affect its stability. We think that this work can improve the efficiency of solar cells by constructing Au/TiO2 composite photo‐anode, which is beneficial to its commercial application.
In Vitro and In Silico Anti‐plasmodial Evaluation of Newly Synthesized β‐Carboline Derivatives
Authors: Kumar Vipin , Sachdeva Cheryl , Waidha Kamran , Sharma Sunil , Ray Devalina , Kumar Kaushik Naveen , Saha Biswajit
Published: June 2021

Series of novel thiourea and guanidine conjugated β‐carbolines along with other analogues of this class were designed and synthesized for in vitro antimalarial activity against Plasmodium falciparum to overcome the threat of resistance to anti‐malarial drug. Among them, two guanidine conjugated β‐carbolines 7 a and 7 c showed promising activities against both sensitive and resistant strains Pf3D7 and PfINDO with the IC50 values ranging from 0.6–1.0 μM. The relative activities were further supported by in silico docking and binding studies of the synthesized scaffolds against specific targets, revealing that DHFR and FP3 may act as a potential target for 7 a and 7 c respectively.
Pet rat welfare in the United Kingdom: The good, the bad and the ugly
Authors: Neville Vikki , Mounty Jessica , Benato Livia , Hunter Kristina , Mendl Michael , Paul Elizabeth S
Published: June 2021

Background: To date, despite the substantial literature investigating how rats prefer to be kept in captivity, no research has been conducted to assess the housing, husbandry and health of pet rats.

Methods: To better understand the United Kingdom's pet rat population and the welfare issues they face, we conducted an online survey of pet rat owners. The survey included questions about the owner and their opinions about pet rats, and about their rats' health, husbandry and housing.

Results: The results, from 677 complete responses, highlighted areas of rat care that were “good”, “bad” and “ugly” (i.e. likely to be highly detrimental to welfare). The good was that many rats were provided with a social companion and enrichment; the bad was that we could not be certain whether rats had a sufficiently nutritious diet or sufficient opportunities to explore or adequate nesting substrate; and the ugly included cases of exposure of rats to predator species within the home and a generally high prevalence of disease.

Conclusions: We conclude that there is much cause for concern about the welfare of pet rats in the United Kingdom.
Suspected cases of puffinosis in Manx shearwaters (Puffinus puffinus) admitted to wildlife rescue centres in France in 2017 and 2018 late summers
Authors: Botman Julie , Gourlay Philippe
Published: June 2021

In the late summers of 2017 and 2018, five moribund Manx shearwaters (Puffinus puffinus) collected from the French Atlantic coast were admitted to local wildlife rehabilitation centres. All birds were in poor body condition and had foot web lesions (blisters or necrosis). They died or were euthanised within 3 weeks of capture. Apart from dry necrosis of the foot webs and/or foot web loss areas, no other significant gross lesions were observed at the post‐mortem examination. Histopathological analyses performed on dry foot web lesions revealed epidermal necrosis and cocci invasion. Because of the history of the event, the observed clinical signs and the results of the post‐mortem investigations, the disease “puffinosis” was strongly suspected. While this disease is well known to affect Manx shearwaters from Welsh breeding colonies, it was the first time such cases were reported in France.
The Higgs mechanism in nonlocal field theory
Authors: Modesto Leonardo
Published: June 2021

Abstract

We provide an example of nonlocal scalar electrodynamics that allows the same Higgs mechanism so successful in local field theory. The nonlocal action is structured in order to have the same exact solutions and the same equations of motion for perturbations of the local theory, at any perturbative order. Therefore, the perturbative degrees of freedom that propagate in the unstable vacuum are reshuffled when the stable vacuum is replaced in the EoM, but their number does not change at any perturbative order, and their properties are the same like in the usual local theory. Finally, the theory is superrenormalizable or finite at quantum level.
Magneto-vortical effect in strong magnetic field
Authors: Lin Shu , Yang Lixin
Published: June 2021

Abstract

We develop covariant chiral kinetic theory with Landau level basis. We use it to investigate a magnetized plasma with a transverse electric field and a steady vorticity as perturbations. After taking into account vacuum shift in the latter case, we find the resulting current and stress tensor in both cases can be matched consistently with constitutive equations of magnetohydrodynamics. We find the solution in the vorticity case contains both shifts in temperature and chemical potential as well as excitations of the lowest Landau level states. The solution gives rise to an vector charge density and axial current density. The vacuum parts coming from both shifts and excitations agree with previous studies and the medium parts coming entirely from excitations leads to a new contribution to vector charge and axial current density consistent with standard chiral vortical effect.
Stationary distributions via decomposition of stochastic reaction networks
Authors: Hoessly Linard
Published: June 2021

We examine reaction networks (CRNs) through their associated continuous-time Markov processes. Studying the dynamics of such networks is in general hard, both analytically and by simulation. In particular, stationary distributions of stochastic reaction networks are only known in some cases. We analyze class properties of the underlying continuous-time Markov chain of CRNs under the operation of join and examine conditions such that the form of the stationary distributions of a CRN is derived from the parts of the decomposed CRNs. The conditions can be easily checked in examples and allow recursive application. The theory developed enables sequential decomposition of the Markov processes and calculations of stationary distributions. Since the class of processes expressible through such networks is big and only few assumptions are made, the principle also applies to other stochastic models. We give examples of interest from CRN theory to highlight the decomposition.
Small extracellular vesicles obtained from hypoxic mesenchymal stromal cells have unique characteristics that promote cerebral angiogenesis, brain remodeling and neurological recovery after focal cerebral ischemia in mice
Authors: Gregorius Jonas , Wang Chen , Stambouli Oumaima , Hussner Tanja , Qi Yachao , Tertel Tobias , Börger Verena , Mohamud Yusuf Ayan , Hagemann Nina , Yin Dongpei , Dittrich Robin , Mouloud Yanis , Mairinger Fabian D. , Magraoui Fouzi El , Popa-Wagner Aurel , Kleinschnitz Christoph , Doeppner Thorsten R. , Gunzer Matthias , Meyer Helmut E. , Giebel Bernd , Hermann Dirk M.
Published: June 2021

Obtained from the right cell-type, mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC)-derived small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) promote stroke recovery. Within this process, microvascular remodeling plays a central role. Herein, we evaluated the effects of MSC-sEVs on the proliferation, migration, and tube formation of human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (hCMEC/D3) in vitro and on post-ischemic angiogenesis, brain remodeling and neurological recovery after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in mice. In vitro, sEVs obtained from hypoxic (1% O2), but not ‘normoxic’ (21% O2) MSCs dose-dependently promoted endothelial proliferation, migration, and tube formation and increased post-ischemic endothelial survival. sEVs from hypoxic MSCs regulated a distinct set of miRNAs in hCMEC/D3 cells previously linked to angiogenesis, three being upregulated (miR-126-3p, miR-140-5p, let-7c-5p) and three downregulated (miR-186-5p, miR-370-3p, miR-409-3p). LC/MS–MS revealed 52 proteins differentially abundant in sEVs from hypoxic and ‘normoxic’ MSCs. 19 proteins were enriched (among them proteins involved in extracellular matrix–receptor interaction, focal adhesion, leukocyte transendothelial migration, protein digestion, and absorption), and 33 proteins reduced (among them proteins associated with metabolic pathways, extracellular matrix–receptor interaction, focal adhesion, and actin cytoskeleton) in hypoxic MSC-sEVs. Post-MCAO, sEVs from hypoxic MSCs increased microvascular length and branching point density in previously ischemic tissue assessed by 3D light sheet microscopy over up to 56 days, reduced delayed neuronal degeneration and brain atrophy, and enhanced neurological recovery. sEV-induced angiogenesis in vivo depended on the presence of polymorphonuclear neutrophils. In neutrophil-depleted mice, MSC-sEVs did not influence microvascular remodeling. sEVs from hypoxic MSCs have distinct angiogenic properties. Hypoxic preconditioning enhances the restorative effects of MSC-sEVs.
Health-related quality of life in adults with profound postlingual hearing loss before and after cochlear implantation
Authors: Rostkowska Joanna , Skarzynski Piotr Henryk , Kobosko Joanna , Gos Elzbieta , Skarzynski Henryk
Published: June 2021

Purpose

In clinical trials and everyday medical practice, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measures are increasingly being used. That is, in addition to the usual biological health assessment, the impact of disease and treatment on the patient’s functioning in the physical, mental, and social areas is an important parameter. The aim of this study was to assess HRQoL before and after using a cochlear implant (CI) in adults with profound hearing loss.

Methods

There were 104 patients who qualified for the study. All gave informed and free consent. The study involved adults with bilateral hearing loss above 81 dB HL and rated according to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification scheme as having profound hearing loss (which includes deafness). In each participant, the hearing loss was postlingual, that is, it occurred after speech and language had developed. The assessment of quality of life (AQoL-8D) questionnaire was used to assess the health-related quality of life in the study participants.

Results

Quality of life significantly increased (p < 0.001) after cochlear implantation in almost all domains (except the pain dimension). The mean increase in overall quality of life was 0.16, the greatest improvement was found in the dimensions senses (mean change of 0.17) and self-worth (mean change of 0.16).

Conclusion

Cochlear implantation improves the health-related quality of life of the postlingually deaf.
Geochemistry of deep Tunguska Basin sills, Siberian Traps: correlations and potential implications for the end-Permian environmental crisis
Authors: Callegaro S. , Svensen H. H. , Neumann E. R. , Polozov A. G. , Jerram D. A. , Deegan F. M. , Planke S. , Shiganova O. V. , Ivanova N. A. , Melnikov N. V.
Published: June 2021

A vast portion of the plumbing system of the Siberian Traps Large Igneous Province (STLIP) is emplaced in the Tunguska Basin, where borehole data reveal ubiquitous and abundant sills with great lateral extension. These intrusions intersect Cambrian–Ordovician evaporite, carbonate and siliciclastic series, and locally coal-bearing Permian host rocks, with a high potential for thermogenic gas generation. Here we present new geochemical data from 71 magmatic and 4 sedimentary rock samples from the Tunguska Basin center and periphery, recovered from 15 deep sills intercepted by boreholes. The studied samples are all low-Ti basalt and basaltic andesites, confirming absence of high-Ti and alkaline STLIP magmatism in the Tunguska Basin. The sills derive from picritic parental melts produced by extensive melting of a mantle source with recycled crustal components below a thinned lithosphere (50–60 km), within the spinel stability field. The mantle source was dominantly peridotitic, with enriched pyroxenitic domains formed by recycled lower crust, in agreement with previous models for the main tholeiitic STLIP phase. Limited amounts (up to 5%) of highly radiogenic granitoids or moderately radiogenic metapelites were assimilated in upper crustal magma reservoirs. After emplacement, sills intruded in Cambrian evaporites assimilated marlstones and interacted with the evaporitic host rocks, probably via fluids and brines. This is the first time that such process is described in subvolcanic rocks from all across the volcanic basin. The sills are correlated geochemically with the established chemostratigraphy for the on-craton STLIP lava piles and intrusions (Norilsk region). Sills correlated with the Morongovsky–Mokulaevsky Fm. and the Norilsk-type intrusions are the most voluminous, present all across the central Tunguska Basin, and bear the strongest evidence of interaction with evaporites. Massive discharge of thermogenic volatiles is suggested by explosive pipes and hydrothermal vent structures throughout the Tunguska Basin. We propose that this voluminous pulse of magmatism is a good candidate for the hitherto unidentified early intrusive phase of the STLIP, and may link the deep Tunguska basin sills to the end-Permian environmental crisis.
Power-law bounds for critical long-range percolation below the upper-critical dimension
Authors: Hutchcroft Tom
Published: June 2021

We study long-range Bernoulli percolation on $${\mathbb {Z}}^d$$

Z

d

in which each two vertices x and y are connected by an edge with probability $$1-\exp (-\beta \Vert x-y\Vert ^{-d-\alpha })$$

1
-
exp
(
-
β
‖
x
-
y

‖

-
d
-
α

)

. It is a theorem of Noam Berger (Commun. Math. Phys., 2002) that if $$0<\alpha <d$$

0
<
α
<
d

then there is no infinite cluster at the critical parameter $$\beta _c$$

β
c

. We give a new, quantitative proof of this theorem establishing the power-law upper bound $$\begin{aligned} {\mathbf {P}}_{\beta _c}\bigl (|K|\ge n\bigr ) \le C n^{-(d-\alpha )/(2d+\alpha )} \end{aligned}$$

P

β
c

(

|
K
|

≥
n

)

≤
C

n

-
(
d
-
α
)
/
(
2
d
+
α
)

for every $$n\ge 1$$

n
≥
1

, where K is the cluster of the origin. We believe that this is the first rigorous power-law upper bound for a Bernoulli percolation model that is neither planar nor expected to exhibit mean-field critical behaviour. As part of the proof, we establish a universal inequality implying that the maximum size of a cluster in percolation on any finite graph is of the same order as its mean with high probability. We apply this inequality to derive a new rigorous hyperscaling inequality $$(2-\eta )(\delta +1)\le d(\delta -1)$$

(
2
-
η
)
(
δ
+
1
)
≤
d
(
δ
-
1
)

relating the cluster-volume exponent $$\delta $$
δ
and two-point function exponent $$\eta $$
η
.
Age-dependent neurological phenotypes in a mouse model of PRRT2-related diseases
Authors: AJ Fay , T McMahon , C Im , C Bair-Marshall , KJ Niesner , H Li , A Nelson , SM Voglmaier , Y-H Fu , LJ Ptáček
Published: June 2021

Paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia is an episodic movement disorder caused by dominant mutations in the proline-rich transmembrane protein PRRT2, with onset in childhood and typically with improvement or resolution by middle age. Mutations in the same gene may also cause benign infantile seizures, which begin in the first year of life and typically remit by the age of 2 years. Many details of PRRT2 function at the synapse, and the effects of mutations on neuronal excitability in the pathophysiology of epilepsy and dyskinesia, have emerged through the work of several groups over the last decade. However, the age dependence of the phenotypes has not been explored in detail in transgenic models. Here, we report our findings in heterozygous and homozygous Prrt2 knockout mice that recapitulate the age dependence of dyskinesia seen in the human disease. We show that Prrt2 deletion reduces the levels of synaptic proteins in a dose-dependent manner that is most pronounced at postnatal day 5 (P5), attenuates at P60, and disappears by P180. In a test for foot slippage while crossing a balance beam, transient loss of coordination was most pronounced at P60 and less prominent at age extremes. Slower traverse time was noted in homozygous knockout mice only, consistent with the ataxia seen in rare individuals with biallelic loss of function mutations in Prrt2. We thus identify three age-dependent phenotypic windows in the mouse model, which recapitulate the pattern seen in humans with PRRT2-related diseases.
MR-gestützte stereotaktische Laserthermoablation eines hypothalamischen Hamartoms bei einer jungen Epilepsiepatientin: klinischer Verlauf und Kostenanalyse
Authors: Kohlhase Konstantin , Strzelczyk Adam , Porto Luciana , Beißel Achim , Curry Daniel J. , Rosenow Felix , Schubert-Bast Susanne
Published: June 2021

Einleitung

Die stereotaktische Laserthermoablation (SLTA) stellt eine minimal-invasive Behandlung für therapierefraktäre Epilepsien auf dem Boden eines hypothalamischen Hamartoms (HH) dar. Durch die weitreichenden Folgen einer therapierefraktären Epilepsie können hohe direkte Kosten entstehen, die durch eine zu erzielende Anfallsfreiheit gesenkt werden können.

Methoden

Anhand einer Patientin mit einem HH sollen die Auswirkungen einer solchen Erkrankung beleuchtet und der Krankheitsverlauf nach erfolgter SLTA dargestellt werden. Zur Beurteilung der Kosteneffizienz der SLTA wurden die direkten Kosten, basierend auf den Krankenversicherungsdaten der Patientin, über die Versicherungsjahre 2017 bis 2020 analysiert.

Ergebnisse

Bei der Patientin bestand eine hochaktive, medikamentenrefraktäre Epilepsie mit erhöhtem Verletzungsrisiko und zunehmender Verschlechterung der schulischen Leistung und der psychischen Verfassung. Begleitend bestand durch das HH eine Pubertas praecox. Nach SLTA entwickelte die Patientin mit einem Follow-up von 26 Monaten eine vollständige Anfallsfreiheit sowie eine endokrinologische Stabilisierung, sodass die antikonvulsive als auch die hormonelle Medikation im Verlauf beendet werden konnten. Relevante persistierende Komplikationen wurden nicht beobachtet. Die direkten jährlichen Kosten (stationär [ausschließlich der SLTA selbst]/ambulant/Medikamente) reduzierten sich von € 6603 in 2017 und € 12.903 in 2018 auf € 3609 in 2019 und zuletzt € 617 in 2020, was einer Reduktion von bis zu 95 % (2018 gegenüber 2020) entsprach. Zusätzlich konnten die Kosten einer geplanten Integrationsassistenz von schätzungsweise € 18.000/Jahr eingespart werden.

Schlussfolgerung

Die SLTA stellt eine effektive und risikoarme Behandlung von HH dar und führt bereits nach 2 Jahren zu einer relevanten Einsparung der direkten Kosten, was bei der Kosten-Nutzen-Abwägung der SLTA einzubeziehen ist.
Correction to: Proinflammatory Extracellular Vesicle-Mediated Signaling Contributes to the Induction of Neuroinflammation in Animal Models of Endotoxemia and Peripheral Surgical Stress
Authors: Fricke F. , Gebert J. , Kopitz J. , Plaschke K.
Published: June 2021

The article “Proinflammatory Extracellular Vesicle-Mediated Signaling Contributes to the Induction of Neuroinflammation in Animal Models of Endotoxemia and Peripheral Surgical Stress”, written by F. Fricke, J. Gebert, J. Kopitz and K. Plaschke, was originally published electronically on the publisher’s internet portal on 18 June 2020 without open access. With the author(s)’ decision to opt for Open Choice the copyright of the article changed on 27 May 2021 to © The Author(s) 2020 and the article is forthwith distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons licence, and indicate if changes were made. The images or other third party material in this article are included in the article’s Creative Commons licence, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in the article’s Creative Commons licence and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder. To view a copy of this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0.
Assembling Amazon Fires through English Hashtags. Materializing Environmental Activism within Twitter Networks
Authors: Skill Karin , Passero Sergio , Francisco Marie
Published: June 2021

This paper is about the networks around the fires in the Brazilian Amazon forest during 2019 in tweets with the English hashtags #PrayForAmazonas, #ActForTheAmazon and #AmazonFire. We have studied 2517 tweets. Both the languages and the content of the tweets were taken into consideration to see who is assembled and what discursive elements are used in the framing. Our results indicate that the fires are framed as a global concern, beyond the Brazilian borders, especially as ‘the lungs of the world’. The framing of responsibility for the fires is focused on president Bolsonaro, who is assembled in many tweets, while animals and indigenous people are framed as victims. We conclude that the tweets in English tend to produce more relationships in terms of likes and retweets, in comparison to tweets in Portuguese and Spanish. In addition, the role of politicians and celebrities seems critical in getting traction around a hashtag and making it trending.
Variations in methyl bromide concentration with distance and time during quarantine fumigation
Authors: Park Min-Goo , Hong Young-Seoub , Park Chung Gyoo , Gu Dong-Chul , Mo Hyoung-ho
Published: June 2021

Methyl bromide (MB) is a highly toxic and ozone-depleting substance and should be replaced. Worker exposure to high MB concentrations during fumigation has been previously reported. However, variations in MB concentration as a function of distance from fumigated objects or of time after degassing have not been reported so far. In this study, air samples were collected at various distances from fumigated objects (oranges, wood in containers, and wood in tarpaulin) during injection and degassing and analyzed via gas chromatography according to the Occupational Safety and Health Agency method. In addition, MB concentrations were directly measured over time using a gas detector during degassing. Non-linear regression analysis of the logarithmically transformed data indicated a clear decrease in MB concentration with distance as well as time. Non-linear regression models were constructed to describe the decrease in MB concentration with distance from the objects and with time during degassing (P < 0.05 for all models). The results of this study could aid in establishing appropriate safety guidelines, and hence, in preventing risks related to MB exposure.
Product formation during discharge: a combined modelling and experimental study for Li–O$$_2$$ cathodes in LiTFSI/DMSO and LiTFSI/TEGDME electrolytes
Authors: Rauter Michael T. , Augustin Matthias , Spitthoff Lena , Svensson Ann Mari
Published: June 2021

Li–air or Li–$$\text{O}_2$$

O
2

batteries are a promising energy storage technology due to the potentially high energy density. However, significant challenges related to reversible charge/discharge of these cells need to be solved. The discharge reaction is generally agreed to proceed via two main routes, which may occur simultaneously. These are the surface mechanism, leading to $$\text{Li}_2\text{O}_2$$

Li
2

O
2

product formation as surface films, or the solution mechanism, with solid particles formed in the pore structure of the cathode. A detailed understanding of the reaction mechanisms and the dynamic performance of the electrodes is key to further improvements. Here, we present a mathematical model for the discharge process, based on porous electrode theory, including effects of reactant transport and kinetic limitations, as well as the continuous change of properties due to the formation of reaction products via the solution mechanism and the surface mechanism. The model describes the dynamic change in the ratio of the surface and solution mechanism as a function of growth of film thickness, in line with recent findings. The model is able to predict the differences in experimentally obtained discharge curves between dimethyl sulfoxide and tetra ethylene glycol dimethyl ether solvents with 1M LiTFSI, with a minimum of free parameters. The model parameters are based on physical characterization of the materials and the electrodes, or determined by fitting to impedance spectra recorded during the discharge. The developed model and the methodology will provide a powerful tool for optimization of such electrodes.

Graphic abstract
Social Exclusion Among Official Language Minority Older Adults: A Rapid Review of the Literature in Canada, Finland and Wales
Authors: Nyqvist Fredrica , Häkkinen Emilia , Renaud Alexandre , Bouchard Louise , Prys Cynog
Published: June 2021

It has been suggested that older adults from minority linguistic and ethnic communities face higher risks of being socially excluded. The aim of this review was, therefore, to explore and review social exclusion studies conducted among official language minority older adults in three countries, namely Canada, Finland and Wales. A rapid review approach was used to review scientific literature in line with six social exclusion domains. The literature searches were made in Finnish, Swedish, English, French and Welsh and were restricted to research published within the timeline of 2001 – September 2019 and yielded 42 articles. The included studies were categorized into three different domains: socioeconomic influences, social participation and societal conditions. Converging and diverging patterns of social exclusion in old age were identified between the linguistic minorities. Linguistic barriers regarding access to health care and receiving health information were common across the three linguistic contexts, whereas exclusion from social participation was noticed amongst the linguistic minorities in Canada and Wales. Some connections between belonging to a linguistic minority and being exposed to a lower socioeconomic status and higher poverty risk were made, however, these findings were not robust across all three countries. The findings indicated that experiences of exclusion could be considered fairly common among linguistic minority older adults. We conclude that the research evidence presented in the review sheds light on issues of social inequality in old age between linguistic majorities and minorities, thus identifying important aspects of social exclusion to guide future research as well as policy and practice.
Comparison in practical applications of crown ether sensor molecules containing an acridone or an acridine unit – a study on protonation and complex formation
Authors: Golcs Ádám , Vezse Panna , Ádám Bálint Árpád , Huszthy Péter , Tóth Tünde
Published: June 2021

Crown ethers containing an acridone or an acridine unit are successfully applied opto- and electrochemical cation sensors. The heteroaromatic unit of these macrocycles can be in different forms during the applications, which have a strong influence on the sensing behavior. Moreover, in the case of acridono-macrocycles a prototropic equilibrium takes place upon complexation, which is effected by the physicochemical characteristics. A Pb2+-selective acridono-18-crown-6 ether and its 9-phenylacridino-analogue were used as model compounds for comparing the different forms of the heterocyclic units of these sensor molecules. Since in most practical sensor applications of the fluorescent hosts a non-neutral aqueous medium is present, studies on complexation and signaling were carried out from the aspect of the relationship among protonation, coordinating ability, complex stability and tautomeric equilibrium. A strong interdependence among these factors was found and limitations of using unsubstituted acridino- and acridono-sensor molecules in comparison with their 9-substituted-acridino-analogues were discussed. This study will hopefully serve as a useful standpoint for future development of ionophore-based sensors containing an acridone or an acridine unit.
Reconsidering Empathy: An Interpersonal Approach and Participatory Arts in the Medical Humanities
Authors: Cao Erica L. , Blinderman Craig D. , Cross Ian
Published: June 2021

The decline of empathy among health professional students, highlighted in the literature on health education, is a concern for medical educators. The evidence suggests that empathy decline is likely to stem more from structural problems in the healthcare system rather than from individual deficits of empathy. In this paper, we argue that a focus on direct empathy development is not effective and possibly detrimental to justice-oriented aims. Drawing on critical and narrative theory, we propose an interpersonal approach to enhance empathic capacities that is centered on constructive and transformative interactions which integrates the participatory arts and involves both patients and health professional students. We describe and evaluate a program where patients and students create collaborative, original songs. Interviews and a focus group revealed interactional processes summarized in four themes: reciprocal relationships, interactions in the community, joint goal, and varied collaboration. There was a significant enhancement of positive attitudes about care post-program amongst health professional students. The interpersonal approach may be a preliminary framework for the medical humanities to shift away from a focus on direct empathy development and further towards participatory, co-creative, and justice-oriented approaches to enhance health and thereby empathic capabilities.
Publishing in Small Business Economics: An Entrepreneurship Journal
Authors: Audretsch David B. , Guenther Christina , Lederer Adam
Published: June 2021

Plain English Summary

Publishing entrepreneurship research is not just important but challenging. Longstanding experts in the field can provide helpful advice. As borders between academic fields blur, research fields are increasingly global in their perspective, knowledge, and findings, thus enabling robust participation in research fields at a scale previously unimaginable. Drawing on the experience, insights, and perspectives of three seasoned editors, we try to reconcile the seemingly incoherent and inherent frustration experienced by researchers, on the one hand, with the very purposeful and self-aware process of at least one scholarly journal, Small Business Economics: An Entrepreneurship Journal, on the other, to provide guidelines and insights to aspiring authors in what they should consider in crafting their research for submission with the goal of publication. In providing this sage council, the paper provides guidance to researchers on the process of publishing their results.
An AI-based auxiliary empirical antibiotic therapy model for children with bacterial pneumonia using low-dose chest CT images
Authors: Zhang Mudan , Yu Siwei , Yin Xuntao , Zeng Xianchun , Liu Xinfeng , Shen ZhiYan , Zhang Xiaoyong , Huang Chencui , Wang Rongpin
Published: June 2021

Purpose

To construct an auxiliary empirical antibiotic therapy (EAT) multi-class classification model for children with bacterial pneumonia using radiomics features based on artificial intelligence and low-dose chest CT images.

Materials and methods

Data were retrospectively collected from children with pathogen-confirmed bacterial pneumonia including Gram-positive bacterial pneumonia (122/389, 31%), Gram-negative bacterial pneumonia (159/389, 41%) and atypical bacterial pneumonia (108/389, 28%) from January 1 to June 30, 2019. Nine machine-learning models were separately evaluated based on radiomics features extracted from CT images; three optimal submodels were constructed and integrated to form a multi-class classification model.

Results

We selected five features to develop three radiomics submodels: a Gram-positive model, a Gram-negative model and an atypical model. The comprehensive radiomics model using support vector machine method yielded an average area under the curve (AUC) of 0.75 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.65–0.83] and accuracy (ACC) of 0.58 [sensitivity (SEN), 0.57; specificity (SPE), 0.78] in the training set, and an average AUC of 0.73 (95% CI 0.61–0.79) and ACC of 0.54 (SEN, 0.52; SPE, 0.75) in the test set.

Conclusion

This auxiliary EAT radiomics multi-class classification model was deserved to be researched in differential diagnosing bacterial pneumonias in children.
Transcatheter mitral valve repair in proportionate and disproportionate functional mitral regurgitation—insights from a small cohort study
Authors: Ooms J. F. , Geleijnse M. L. , Spitzer E. , Ren B. , Van Wiechen M. P. , Hokken T. W. , Daemen J. , de Jaegere P. P. T. , Van Mieghem N. M. D. A.
Published: June 2021

Background

Functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) can be subclassified based on its proportionality relative to left ventricular function and end-diastolic volume. FMR proportionality could help identify responders to transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair (MitraClip) in terms of residual FMR and/or clinical improvement.

Methods

This single-centre retrospective cohort study evaluated the feasibility of determining FMR proportionality in symptomatic heart failure patients with reduced left ventricular function who were treated with MitraClip for ≥ moderate-to-severe FMR. Baseline proportionate (pFMR) and disproportionate FMR (dFMR) were distinguished. Patient characteristics and MitraClip procedural outcomes were described.

Results

From an overall cohort of 81 eligible FMR patients, 23/81 (28%) had to be excluded due to missing transthoracic echocardiogram parameters, 22/81 were excluded based on FMR severity. The remaining cohort, of 36/81 patients (44%), could be classified into dFMR (n = 26) or pFMR (n = 10). Conduction disorders were numerically increased in dFMR. All cases requiring > 2 clips were in the dFMR group and absence of FMR reduction occurred more frequently with dFMR.

Point of view/Conclusion

Important limitations in terms of imaging acquisition affect the translation of the FMR proportionality concept to a real-world data set. We did observe different demographic and FMR response patterns in patients with proportionate and disproportionate FMR that warrant further investigation.
The Five Diamond Method for Explorative Business Process Management
Authors: Grisold Thomas , Groß Steven , Stelzl Katharina , vom Brocke Jan , Mendling Jan , Röglinger Maximilian , Rosemann Michael
Published: June 2021

Explorative business process management (BPM) is attracting increasing interest in the literature and professional practice. Organizations have recognized that a focus on operational efficiency is no longer sufficient when disruptive forces can make the value proposition of entire processes obsolete. So far, however, research on how to create entirely new processes has remained largely conceptual, leaving it open how explorative BPM can be put into practice. Following the design science research paradigm and situational method engineering, we address this research gap by proposing a method called the Five Diamond Method. This method guides explorative BPM activities by supporting organizations in identifying opportunities from business and technology trends and integrating them into business processes with novel value propositions. The method is evaluated against literature-backed design objectives and competing artifacts, qualitative data gathered from BPM practitioners, as well as a pilot study and two real-world applications. This research provides two contributions. First, the Five Diamond Method broadens the scope of BPM by integrating prescriptive knowledge from innovation management. Second, the method supports capturing emerging opportunities arising from changing customer needs and digital technologies.
Natural Killer Cells Are Present in Rag1−/− Mice and Promote Tissue Damage During the Acute Phase of Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Rolfes Leoni , Ruck Tobias , David Christina , Mencl Stine , Bock Stefanie , Schmidt Mariella , Strecker Jan-Kolja , Pfeuffer Steffen , Mecklenbeck Andreas-Schulte , Gross Catharina , Gliem Michael , Minnerup Jens , Schuhmann Michael K. , Kleinschnitz Christoph , Meuth Sven G.
Published: June 2021

Rag1−/− mice, lacking functional B and T cells, have been extensively used as an adoptive transfer model to evaluate neuroinflammation in stroke research. However, it remains unknown whether natural killer (NK) cell development and functions are altered in Rag1−/− mice as well. This connection has been rarely discussed in previous studies but might have important implications for data interpretation. In contrast, the NOD-Rag1nullIL2rgnull (NRG) mouse model is devoid of NK cells and might therefore eliminate this potential shortcoming. Here, we compare immune-cell frequencies as well as phenotype and effector functions of NK cells in Rag1−/− and wildtype (WT) mice using flow cytometry and functional in vitro assays. Further, we investigate the effect of Rag1−/− NK cells in the transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) model using antibody-mediated depletion of NK cells and adoptive transfer to NRG mice in vivo. NK cells in Rag1−/− were comparable in number and function to those in WT mice. Rag1−/− mice treated with an anti-NK1.1 antibody developed significantly smaller infarctions and improved behavioral scores. Correspondingly, NRG mice supplemented with NK cells were more susceptible to tMCAO, developing infarctions and neurological deficits similar to Rag1−/− controls. Our results indicate that NK cells from Rag1−/− mice are fully functional and should therefore be considered in the interpretation of immune-cell transfer models in experimental stroke. Fortunately, we identified the NRG mice, as a potentially better-suited transfer model to characterize individual cell subset-mediated neuroinflammation in stroke.
The Virtual Workplace
Authors: Seiner Joseph A.
Published: June 2021

The recent pandemic has clarified the overwhelming connection between the workplace and technology. With thousands of employees suddenly forced to work at home, a large segment of the workforce quickly received crash courses in videoconferencing and other technologies, and society as a whole took a step back to redefine what employment actually means. The virtual workplace is the blending of brick-and-mortar physical places of business with the advanced technologies that now make it possible for workers to perform their duties outside of the office. Trying to regulate in this area requires the application of decades old employment laws to a context never even contemplated by the legislatures that wrote those rules. This book explores the emerging issues of virtual work—defining employment, litigating claims, aggregating cases, unionizing workers, and preventing harassment—and provides clarity to these areas, synthesizing the current case law, statutory rules, and academic literature to provide guidance to workers and companies operating in the technology sector.
The Regulation of Informal Trade Credit (Ograyi) in Afghanistan
Authors: Choudhury Nafay
Published: June 2021

This article explores the creation, circulation, and regulation of informal trade credit or “ograyi” in Afghanistan. The practice ofograyiallows businesses to access short-term credit, from either their suppliers or third parties, to acquire specified goods. This paper provides an account of the non-legal practices that regulateograyitransactions.Ograyivitally depends on the development of trust between parties. Clientelism helps to maintain stable relationships that can offset market unpredictability. Widespread market norms and practices establish the general behaviour of participants. Parties also renegotiate the terms of the contract if circumstances make it impossible for the creditor to repay the loan in the agreed timeframe. Furthermore, bank credit remains largely unavailable or unappealing to many businesses, and the legal system provides limited recourse in the case of contractual breach. Thus, the non-legal practices regulatingograyiserve as a substitute for legal coercion.