bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solar Rotational Oscillation and Its Subharmonics in Solar Wind Plasma Field, Geomagnetic, and Cosmic Ray Intensity Indicator in the Solar Cycle 24/25 Minimum
Authors: Singh Y. P.
Published: March 2020

To study synodic period and its subharmonics, we have utilized hourly average data of solar wind plasma field, geomagnetic index, and galactic cosmic ray intensity along with 5 min average data of selected solar wind field parameters during the recent minimum of Solar Cycle 24. Wavelet analyses of hourly average data reveal 28.1, 13.1, and 6.8 day of sigma in interplanetary magnetic field; 27.1, 13.1, and 9.0 day of plasma speed; 27.1, 13.6, 3.9, and 2.2 day of interplanetary electric field; 27.1, 13.6, 3.8, and 2.2 day of southward component of magnetic field; 26.2, 13.6, 8.6, and 3.0 day of geomagnetic Ap index; and 28.1, 11.0, 9.3, 7.0, and 1.6 day periods of galactic cosmic ray intensity. In addition to these prominent short‐term periods, we have significantly observed 6.6, 3.3, and 1.7 day periods of sigma in interplanetary magnetic field (σB); 5.6, 4.2, and 2.2 day of electric field (Ey) and 5.6, 3.3, and 2.4 day of southward component of magnetic field (Bz) in the 5 min average data. During the recent solar minimum, we have observed one solar rotational period and its second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth subharmonics. The observed subharmonics of solar rotational period make the current solar minimum very special and noteworthy to study.
Assessing Convective Organization in Tropical Radar Observations
Authors: Retsch M. H. , Jakob C. , Singh M. S.
Published: March 2020

The spatial organization of deep moist convection is known to be an important determinant of the impacts of severe weather, while future changes to convective organization have been linked to various radiative feedbacks under climate warming. Yet there is no unanimously agreed upon definition of convective organization and so there is also no obvious way to objectively define it. In this work, we set out to define a metric for convective organization based on the size and proximity of convectively active regions. The metric is developed based upon tropical radar observations and takes two‐dimensional convective objects, which are predefined in a horizontal plane, as input. We call the metric Radar Organization Metric (ROME). In addition to the proximity of different convective objects, which is used in other organization metrics, ROME is also sensitive to object size. As a result, ROME is also defined for the case of only one convective object. Thus, ROME provides a smoothly evolving measure of the degree of convective organization, which compares well to a visual assessment of the convective objects. ROME is found to be sensitive to different regimes of the North Australian monsoon, and its average diurnal cycle is coherent with the daily evolution of tropical rainfall. Through its dependence on area, ROME adds new capabilities that other metrics lack in measuring the degree of convective organization. In particular, ROME permits quantification of the individual contributions of the object size distribution and the spatial clustering of objects to the overall degree of convective organization.
Position‐Based Wireless Channel Characterization for the High‐Speed Vactrains in Vacuum Tube Scenarios Using Propagation Graph Modeling Theory
Authors: Han Botao , Zhang Jiachi , Liu Liu , Tao Cheng
Published: March 2020

Wireless channel modeling is regarded as a pivotal research topic, since the analysis and evaluation of the wireless communication system requires a reliable model of the channel impulse response (CIR). This paper presents a novel and practical study on the position‐based radio propagation channel for high‐speed vactrains in the vacuum tube scenarios using the propagation graph channel modeling theory. Based on the Lambertian scattering pattern, the propagation graph channel modeling method considers the diffusion effect of radio waves. A multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) wideband system channel is emulated for obtaining the virtual channel data. During the emulation process, the line‐of‐sight (LoS), single‐bounced and double‐bounced components are considered to yield the virtual CIR. Then, small‐scale fading properties such as K factor, time delay spread (DS), and Doppler frequency feature are parameterized particularly, which presents dynamic variances at different train locations. Moreover, the simulation performance analysis of the MIMO system focuses on the ergodic capacity and the singular value spread (SVS). The corresponding results indicate a MIMO capacity performance degradation in this scenario. The proposed model can facilitate the reliable simulation and evaluation of MIMO systems for the high‐speed vactrains in the vacuum tube scenarios.
Quantitative imaging of carbon in heterogeneous refining catalysts
Authors: Jolivet L. , Motto-Ros V. , Sorbier L. , Sozinho T. , Lienemann C.-P.
Published: March 2020

A laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy method, from sample preparation to data acquisition and processing, is proposed to quantitatively map carbon on heterogeneous catalyst supports.
Arsenic and antimony speciation analysis in copper electrolyte by liquid chromatography coupled to hydride generation atomic fluorescence spectrometry (HPLC-HG-AFS)
Authors: González de las Torres Ana Isabel , Moats Michael S. , Ríos Guillermo , Almansa Ana Rodríguez , Sánchez-Rodas Daniel
Published: March 2020

A novel method based on HPLC-HG-AFS is proposed for the determination of As and Sb redox couples in in copper electrolyte samples, which are characterized by extreme acidity and high metallic content (Cu and Ni in the g L−1 range).
Synthesis of chiral α-substituted α-amino acid and amine derivatives through Ni-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation
Authors: Liu Gongyi , Zhang Xianghe , Wang Heng , Cong Hengjiang , Zhang Xumu , Dong Xiu-Qin
Published: March 2020

Efficient Ni-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of cyclic N-sulfonyl ketimino esters and ketimines was successfully developed to prepare a series of chiral α-monosubstituted α-amino acid derivatives and amine derivatives with excellent results.
Acetate-catalyzed hydroboration of CO2 for the selective formation of methanol-equivalent products
Authors: Sokolovicz Yuri C. A. , Nieto Faza Olalla , Specklin David , Jacques Béatrice , López Carlos Silva , dos Santos João H. Z. , Schrekker Henri S. , Dagorne Samuel
Published: March 2020

The acetate anion is a highly robust and effective catalyst for the selective hydroboration of CO2 to methanol-equivalent products.
Donor and acceptor engineering for BINOL based AIEgens with enhanced fluorescence performance
Authors: Lu Pei-Long , Li Kun , Shi Lei , Liu Xin , Feng Mei-Lin , He Hui-Zi , Yang Hui , Yu Xiao-Qi
Published: March 2020

A D–π–A strategy enhances aggregation-induced emission performance with a large Stokes shift over 200 nm.
Design of a high performance electrode composed of porous nickel–cobalt layered double hydroxide nanosheets supported on vertical graphene fibers for flexible supercapacitors
Authors: Song Yanping , Zhang Jixiang , Li Nian , Han Shuai , Xu Shihao , Yin Jun , Qu WanLi , Liu Cui , Zhang Shudong , Wang Zhenyang
Published: March 2020

A flexible supercapacitor based on a NC-LDH/LIG composite with high electrochemical performance was prepared via a laser-induced technology.
Curved 2D WS2 nanostructures: nanocasting and silent phonon mode
Authors: Hao Rui , Zhang Lingling , Zhang Lei , You Hongjun , Fan Jie , Fang Jixiang
Published: March 2020

WS2 nanoparticles and supercrystals with curved features can make the silent phonon mode active.
Access to branched allylsilanes by nickel-catalyzed regioselective hydrosilylation of allenes
Authors: Zeng Jia-Hao , Chen Jun-Jia , Chen Li , Zhan Zhuang-Ping
Published: March 2020

A Ni(acac)2/Xantphos-catalyzed hydrosilylation of allenes has been developed.
Enhancement of the thermoelectric power factor by tuning the carrier concentration in Cu-rich and Ge-poor colusites Cu26+xNb2Ge6−xS32
Authors: Bouyrie Yohan , Chetty Raju , Suekuni Koichiro , Saitou Noriyuki , Jood Priyanka , Yoshizawa Noriko , Takabatake Toshiro , Ohta Michihiro
Published: March 2020

We demonstrate the high power factor (∼830 μW m−1 K−2) at 670 K for x = 0.5 in Cu26+xNb2Ge6−xS32.
Joint vehicle detection and distance prediction via monocular depth estimation
Authors: Shen Chao , Zhao Xiangmo , Liu Zhanwen , Gao Tao , Xu Jiang
Published: March 2020

Vehicle detection and distance estimation are critical components of driver assistance system and self‐driving system, and considerable different frameworks have been investigated such as radar, laser and camera‐based. Among them, camera‐based vehicle detection and distance estimation have an obvious advantage over other systems in that it needs lower cost. However, existing camera‐based methods are not robust enough under complex driving scenes. In this work, an end‐to‐end deep convolutional neural network framework is proposed to jointly detect vehicles and estimate vehicle distance efficiently. Specifically, a monocular depth estimation method is designed to transform the RGB appearance information into depth modality information. Then the vehicle detection module takes the RGB and depth image as inputs to improve the detection performance. Finally, the distance estimation module employs the detection results and the estimated depth information to predict the distance more precisely. The whole network can be trained in an end‐to‐end manner with the multi‐task loss function. The proposed framework is evaluated on the public vehicle detection benchmark KITTI to show the effectiveness of the proposed framework. Moreover, the performance of three proposed sub‐modules are also analysed separately to give a more comprehensive evaluation of the designed framework.
Analysis and compensation of the rotor position offset error and time delay in field‐oriented‐controlled PMSM drives
Authors: Lian Chuanqiang , Xiao Fei , Liu Jilong , Gao Shan
Published: March 2020

In high‐performance field‐oriented control of permanent magnet synchronous machines (PMSMs), an accurate rotor position is indispensable for the key roles in coordinate transformations. However, due to the rotor position offset error and the time delay in digital control systems, it is still challenging to obtain exact rotor position information. In this study, the influence of rotor position error on the control performance of a PMSM drive system is analysed first. Then, two novel compensation technologies, regulation and methods, are proposed to accurately compensate for the rotor position for both current and voltage coordinate transformations. The advantage of the proposed scheme is that even without any prior knowledge of the system delay, the rotor position offset and compensation time coefficients can also be precisely calculated. Parameter sensitivity analysis is carried out, and compensation criteria are also provided to improve the compensation accuracy. Experimental results on a 300 kW PMSM drive system demonstrate that compared to the results achieved with conventional methods, the compensation accuracies of the phase angles used for the current and voltage coordinate transformations are increased by and at 5000 r/min, respectively. Consequently, the control performance and stability margin of the system are efficiently improved.
Synchronous reference frame single‐phase phase‐locked loop (PLL) algorithm based on half‐cycle DFT
Authors: Xia Tao , Zhang Xu , Tan Guojun , Liu Yezhao
Published: March 2020

In single‐phase power and energy applications, sliding discrete Fourier transform (SDFT) filter based quadrature signal generation is a well‐known tool for designing advanced phase‐locked loops (PLLs), particularly for applications where high disturbance rejection ability is demanded. The SDFT‐based PLL, nevertheless, has a limited ability in achieving fast response (a response time more than one cycle of the nominal frequency). To deal with this problem, a synchronous reference frame PLL based on half‐cycle DFT (HCDFT) is proposed, enabling a fast and accurate synchronisation even in distorted grid. In this study, the fundamental voltage of the PLL input signal is obtained by a HCDFT filter. Then, phase, frequency and amplitude can be detected by the improved synchronous reference frame phase‐locked loop (SRF‐PLL). Besides, in order to solve the phase error when the frequency changes, a phase compensator is used. The HCDFT‐based SRF‐PLL method proposed in this study is compared, through experimental results, with a number of conventional methods, showing that the phase can be estimated under grid voltage disturbances accurately and quickly, which verifies the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed algorithm.
Family of single‐phase isolated high‐frequency transformer integrated improved magnetically coupled Z‐source ac–ac converters
Authors: Ahmed Hafiz Furqan , El Moursi Mohamed Shawky , Irshad Tooba , El‐Saadany Ehab , Al Hosani Khalifa
Published: March 2020

This study proposes single‐phase improved coupled‐inductor (CL) Z‐source (ZS) ac–ac converters with integrated high‐frequency transformer (HFT) isolation. They can provide wide range of buck–boost voltage with same/reversed phase angle, similar to the existing ZS ac–ac converters. Meanwhile, integrating a HFT with CL in proposed converters benefit in two‐fold: (i) the CL enhances the voltage gain, which in turn reduces the voltage stresses/ratings of active switches. Moreover, the turns ratio of CL add another degree of freedom to gain adjustment beside the duty ratio; (ii) the HFT (20 kHz) is integrated with CL by adding only one winding to the same magnetic core, which provides electrical isolation for applications such as dynamic voltage restore, saving extra bulky line frequency (60 Hz) transformer. In addition, the proposed converters provide both continuous input/output currents. The commutation strategy is also implemented to eliminate the switch voltage spikes. A proposed HFT isolated improved three‐winding Δ‐CL ZS (Δ‐ZS) ac–ac converter is introduced at first, and its operation, circuit analysis and component design/selection are discussed in detail along with comparisons with counterpart converters. Various different CL structures based proposed HFT isolated ZS ac–ac converters are presented afterwards. Experimental results on 200 W prototype converter are provided finally to verify their merits.
Detection of cimetidine in human plasma by surface‐enhanced Raman scattering
Authors: Zang Yingchao , Zhang Zhimin , Lu Hongmei
Published: March 2020

This study describes a sensitive and rapid method for the quantification of Cimetidine (Cim) based on surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), using silver nanoparticles as an SERS substrate. Ag nanoparticle was fabricated by hydrothermal method. The experiment includes the selection of solvent types and optimisation of volume radio. Results suggested that the intensity and logarithmic Cim concentration in the range from 1.0 × 10−8 to 1.0 × 10−4 M has a linear relationship with the coefficient of determination (R 2) of 0.989, the limit of detection (LOD) of 2.9 × 10−9 M, by targeting the characteristic peak at 2150 cm−1. The LOD of Cim in plasma using this method was as low as 1 ng/ml. This indicates that the method has a potential for detection of Cim in biological samples.
Normalized angular momentum deficit: a tool for comparing the violence of the dynamical histories of planetary systems
Authors: Turrini D. , Zinzi A. , Belinchon J. A.
Published: March 2020

Context. Population studies of the orbital characteristics of exoplanets in multi-planet systems have highlighted the existence of an anticorrelation between the average orbital eccentricity of planets and the number of planets of their host system, that is, its multiplicity. This effect was proposed to reflect the varying levels of violence in the dynamical evolution of planetary systems.

Aims. Previous work suggested that the relative violence of the dynamical evolution of planetary systems with similar orbital architectures can be compared through the computation of their angular momentum deficit (AMD). We investigated the possibility of using a more general metric to perform analogous comparisons between planetary systems with different orbital architectures.

Methods. We considered a modified version of the AMD, the normalized angular momentum deficit (NAMD), and used it to study a sample of 99 multi-planet systems containing both the currently best-characterized extrasolar systems and the solar system, that is, planetary systems with both compact and wide orbital architectures.

Results. We verified that the NAMD allows us to compare the violence of the dynamical histories of multi-planet systems with different orbital architectures. We identified an anticorrelation between the NAMD and the multiplicity of the planetary systems, of which the previously observed eccentricity–multiplicity anticorrelation is a reflection.

Conclusions. Our results seem to indicate that phases of dynamical instabilities and chaotic evolution are not uncommon among planetary systems. They also suggest that the efficiency of the planetary formation process in producing high-multiplicity systems is likely to be higher than that suggested by their currently known population.
180° rotations in the polarization angle for blazars
Authors: Cohen M. H. , Savolainen T.
Published: March 2020

Rotations of the electric vector position angle (EVPA) in blazars are often close to an integral multiple of 180°. There are many examples of this in the literature, and we strengthen the evidence by showing that, in the RoboPol monitoring program, nπ rotations occur more frequently than otherwise expected by chance. We explain this using a model consisting of two polarized emission components: a “jet” that is constant in time and a “burst” that is variable. The EVPA of the combination is EVPAjet at both the beginning and the end of the burst, so the net rotation across the burst must be nπ. Several examples of this model are analyzed on the Stokes plane, where the winding number for the Stokes vector of the combination gives the value of n. The main conclusion is that the EVPA rotation can be much larger than the physical rotation of the emission region around the axis of the jet, but this requires the EVPAs of the jet and the burst to be nearly orthogonal. Shock-in-jet calculations can provide a physical model for our toy model and in addition they automatically give the required orthogonality. The model is illustrated with data from the literature on OJ 287. We suggest that the large rapid EVPA rotation seen in OJ 287 might be a phase effect and not representative of a physical rotation.
Molecule formation in dust-poor irradiated jets
Authors: Tabone B. , Godard B. , Pineau des Forêts G. , Cabrit S. , van Dishoeck E. F.
Published: March 2020

Context. Recent ALMA observations suggest that the highest velocity part of molecular protostellar jets (≳80 km s−1) are launched from the dust-sublimation regions of the accretion disks (≲0.3 au). However, the formation and survival of molecules in inner protostellar disk winds, in the presence of a harsh far-ultraviolet radiation field and the absence of dust, remains unexplored.

Aims. We aim to determine if simple molecules, such as H2, CO, SiO, and H2O, can be synthesized and spared in fast and collimated dust-free disk winds or if a fraction of dust is necessary to explain the observed molecular abundances.

Methods. This work is based on a recent version of the Paris-Durham shock code designed to model irradiated environments. Fundamental properties of the dust-free chemistry are investigated from single point models. A laminar 1D disk wind model was then built using a parametric flow geometry. This model includes time-dependent chemistry and the attenuation of the radiation field by gas-phase photoprocesses. The influence of the mass-loss rate of the wind and of the fraction of dust on the synthesis of the molecules and on the attenuation of the radiation field is studied in detail.

Results. We show that a small fraction of H2 (≤10−2), which primarily formed through the H− route, can efficiently initiate molecule synthesis, such as CO and SiO above TK ~ 800 K. We also propose new gas-phase formation routes of H2 that can operate in strong visible radiation fields, involving CH+ for instance. The attenuation of the radiation field by atomic species (e.g., C, Si, and S) proceeds through continuum self-shielding. This process ensures the efficient formation of CO, OH, SiO, and H2O through neutral–neutral reactions and the survival of these molecules. Class 0 dust-free winds with high mass-loss rates (Ṁw ≥ 2 × 10−6 M⊙ yr−1) are predicted to be rich in molecules if warm (TK ≥ 800 K). Interestingly, we also predict a steep decrease in the SiO-to-CO abundance ratio with the decline of mass-loss rate, from Class 0 to Class I protostars. The molecular content of disk winds is very sensitive to the presence of dust, and a mass-fraction of surviving dust as small as 10−5 significantly increases the H2O and SiO abundances.

Conclusions. Chemistry of high velocity jets is a powerful tool to probe their content in dust and uncover their launching point. Models of internal shocks are required to fully exploit the current (sub)millimeter observations and prepare future JWST observations.
High-Frequency Transient Elastography Prototype to Assess Skin (Dermis) Fibrosis: A Diagnostic Study in Patients with Venous Insufficiency and Controls
Authors: Mofid Yassine , Faleweei Geoffroy , Chartier Caroline , Machet Laurent , Vierron Emilie , Gissot Valerie , Tauveront Valerie , Georgescou Gabriela , Dujardin Paul-Armand , Machet Marie-Christine , Kervarrec Thibault , Patat Frédéric , Ossant Frederic , Maruani Annabel
Published: March 2020

Purpose High-frequency transient elastography (HF-TE) is a noninvasive technique for assessing shear-wave speed and finally elasticity in thin tissue such as the skin. It has never been validated for monitoring fibrotic skin diseases. The purpose was to evaluate the potential of HF-TE to assess skin fibrosis in patients with chronic venous disorders (CVD).

Materials and Methods This clinical study enrolled 48 patients at various stages of CVD and 48 paired healthy volunteers. Subjects underwent a clinical examination with an evaluation of Rodnan’s fibrosis skin score. We studied the dermis thickness measured using ultrasound (US) and elasticity measurements using cutometer and HF-TE studied according to 3 cutaneous zones positioned on the leg. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was calculated to evaluate the diagnosis performance for a combined parameter (PRL) based on a logistic regression model using both elasticity and dermal thickness.

Results Patients with CVD had significantly higher values of skin elasticity than healthy subjects, 134.5 kPa and 132.1 kPa vs. 91.3 kPa, respectively. The dermis thickness also increased with escalation in CVD stage for all studied zones. The PRL parameter had an AUC value of 0.79 for all zones and stages of CVD clustered. The discriminating power of PRL increased with escalation of the CVD stage; with an AUC value of up to 0.89 for evolved stages, and a sensitivity and specificity of 0.79 and 0.89, respectively.

Conclusion HF-TE, coupled with a US measurement of dermis thickness, made it possible to propose a new biomarker, which proved to be a good diagnostic tool for skin fibrosis.
Erfolgreiche intraduktale Radiofrequenzablation residuellen Adenomgewebes nach endoskopischer Papillektomie
Authors: Gereitzig Nadine , Ziegan Ralf-Alexander , Tischendorf Jens J.W.
Published: March 2020

Die Behandlung von Adenomen der Papilla duodeni major stellt für den Endoskopiker oft eine Herausforderung dar. Wir berichten über zwei Patienten mit Papillenadenomen, die nach endoskopischer Papillektomie jeweils zentral im Bereich der Mündung des Ductus hepatocholedochus ein Restadenom aufwiesen. Bei fehlender Möglichkeit einer weiteren endoskopischen Resektion erfolgte eine intraduktale Radiofrequenzablation anstelle einer chirurgischen Sanierung. Im Rahmen der Nachsorge ergaben sich weder makroskopisch noch histologisch Rezidive, sodass die intraduktale Radiofrequenzablation als Therapiealternative zur chirurgischen Versorgung zur Diskussion gestellt wird.
Selbsterfahrung in einer Verreibestudie
Authors: Kirch Rocco
Published: March 2020

Unter der Annahme, dass bei der Verreibung einer Substanz zur Herstellung eines homöopathischen Mittels Symptome auftreten, die mit Symptomen korrespondieren, für die das Mittel – gemäß dem Simile-Prinzip – eingesetzt wird, müsste es möglich sein, unter Blindbedingungen eine verriebene Substanz von verriebenem Placebo zu unterscheiden. Während einer „Verreibungsstudie“ wurden von 11 Teilnehmern, die mit der Probe Natrium sulfuricum („Verum“) und von 13 Teilnehmern, die im gleichen Raum mit der Probe Saccharum lactis („Placebo“) beschäftigt waren, subjektiv auftretende Symptome beobachtet und protokolliert. Im quantitativen Vergleich fiel auf, dass die Verumgruppe mit 55 Symptomen weniger Items anführte (5,0 / TN) als die Placebogruppe mit 114 Symptomen (8,7 / TN). Das Verum Natrium sulfuricum konnte nicht identifiziert werden. Die deutlich größere Anzahl von Symptomen der Placebogruppe gegenüber der Verumgruppe, wie die Frage nach möglichen Kontextfaktoren könnten in weiteren Untersuchungen betrachtet werden.
Übereinstimmung pränatal erhobener homöopathischer Arzneimittelbilder mit der Erstanamnese des Kindes
Authors: Schmitt Sandra , Mosgöller Wilhelm , Christian Endler P
Published: March 2020

Nach Ansicht verschiedener homöopathischer Schulen können Beobachtungen während der Schwangerschaft die Sicherheit bei der späteren Arzneimittelverschreibung für das Kind erhöhen. In einer Vorstudie zeigte sich, dass bei Schwangeren neue, bisher unbekannte Symptome und daraus resultierende Arzneimittelbilder auftreten. Im aktuellen Projekt wurde untersucht, ob sich diese neu aufgetretenen Arzneimittelbilder in den geborenen Kindern wiederfinden. Gegebenenfalls werden durch die Anamnese der Schwangeren Hinweise für die homöopathischen Arzneiverordnungen von Säuglingen und Kleinkindern gesammelt. Als Basis wurde zu jedem Kind ein personalisierter Fragebogen mit körperlichen, mentalen und allgemeinen Symptom erstellt, der durch die Mutter bearbeitet wurde. Zusätzlich wurde eine praxisübliche homöopathische Erstanamnese des Kleinkindes durchgeführt. Auf diese Art wurden 13 Kinder von 13 Müttern untersucht. Die statistische Analyse betrachtete, ob sich das bei der Schwangeren pränatal durch eine homöopathische Anamnese festgestellte 1. Arzneimittel postnatal wiederfindet. Zusammenfassend zeigte sich, dass eine Anamnese bei Schwangeren als erste Orientierungshilfe für die spätere Wahl homöopathischer Arzneimittel für das Kind dienen kann.
Symbioselenkung bei homöopathisch behandelten Patienten mit komplexen Pathologien
Authors: Chammah Ina
Published: March 2020

Nach einer Einführung in einige Schlüsselfunktionen des Mikrobioms wird die heute mögliche Diagnostik und Therapie des Mikrobioms zusammenfassend beschrieben. Anhand von 3 Kasuistiken wird die sogenannte „Symbioselenkung“ dargestellt und wie sie während oder vor der homöopathischen Behandlung komplexer Krankheitsbilder den Therapieverlauf positiv beeinflussen kann. Dabei kann gezeigt werden, dass neben Darmbeschwerden auch auf psychische Veränderungen, Allergien, autoimmune Geschehen und Hauterkrankungen positiver Einfluss genommen werden kann.
Arbeitsbezogene Teilhabebeeinträchtigungen und Unterstützungsbedarf von Patienten in der (teil-)stationären psychiatrischen Versorgung
Authors: Jäckel Dorothea , Siebert Stefan , Baumgardt Johanna , Leopold Karolina , Bechdolf Andreas
Published: March 2020

Ziel Rund 80 % der Patienten in psychiatrischen Kliniken haben wesentliche arbeitsbezogene Teilhabebeeinträchtigungen und sind vom Arbeitsmarkt ausgeschlossen.

Methode Stichtagsbefragung von 176 Patienten in (teil-)stationärer Behandlung bzgl. ihrer arbeitsbezogenen Teilhabebeeinträchtigungen, ihres Unterstützungsbedarfs und konkret erhaltener Hilfe.

Ergebnisse Von 90 der 176 angefragten Patienten lagen Daten vor. 63 % der Patienten (n = 57) gaben Unterstützungsbedarf an; von diesen würden 84 % an einem Jobcoaching teilnehmen. 49 % der Patienten wurden auf das Thema Arbeit angesprochen. Unabhängig vom Unterstützungsbedarf erhielten nur 20 % der Patienten konkrete Hilfe. Starken Unterstützungsbedarf gaben junge Erwachsene (77 %) und Ersterkrankte (73 %) an.

Schlussfolgerungen Es gibt einen hohen, aber unzureichend gedeckten Unterstützungsbedarf. Die routinemäßige Bedarfsermittlung und die Implementierung evidenzbasierter Methoden könnten arbeitsbezogene Teilhabechancen wesentlich verbessern.
Auswirkungen der Etablierung des psychiatrischen Behandlungskonzepts „Weddinger Modell“ auf mechanische Zwangsmaßnahmen
Authors: Czernin Klara , Bermpohl Felix , Heinz Andreas , Wullschleger Alexandre , Mahler Lieselotte
Published: March 2020

Ziel Die Auswirkung des Recovery-orientierten psychiatrischen Behandlungskonzepts „Weddinger Modell“ wurde auf den Einsatz von mechanischen Zwangsmaßnahmen (ZM) untersucht.

Methodik Mittels einer retrospektiven Fallkontrollstudie wurden zwei Patientengruppen analysiert: Eine wurde nach dem Weddinger Modell behandelt (Interventionsgruppe; n = 122), die andere konventionell (Kontrollgruppe; n = 235).

Ergebnisse In der Interventionsgruppe zeigte sich eine signifikante Reduktion der maximalen Fixierungsanzahl und der Isolierungsdauer.

Schlussfolgerung Die Implementierung des Weddinger Modells kann einen positiven Beitrag zur Zwangsreduktion leisten.
The Impact of Assisted Reproductive Technology in Twin Pregnancies Complicated by Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy: a Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Çelik Samettin , Çalışkan Canan
Published: March 2020

Introduction Our study aims to evaluate the perinatal outcomes in twin pregnancies diagnosed with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) and to compare these with normal healthy twin pregnancies for perinatal outcomes. The second outcome of the study was to determine whether in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) affects the perinatal outcome in ICP patients.

Materials and Methods In this study, 59 ICP and 641 healthy twin pregnancies were compared for perinatal outcomes retrospectively. According to the mode of conception, the twin pregnancies with ICP were divided into 2 groups. The twin pregnancies with ICP who were conceived with IVF were referred to as the IVF-ET group. The twin pregnancies with ICP who were conceived spontaneously or by ovulation induction and intrauterine insemination (IUI) were referred to as the non-IVF-ET group.

Results Twin pregnancies with ICP give birth significantly earlier than normal twin pregnancies (p ˂ 0.001). The diagnosis of ICP occurred significantly earlier in the IVF-ET pregnancy with ICP than in the non-IVF-ET group. In twin pregnancies with IVF-ET, patients delivered significantly earlier than in the non-IVF-ET group (p=0.002). Twin pregnancies with ICP were found to have significantly higher rates of meconium-stained amniotic fluid, postnatal intubation, and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) than healthy twin pregnancies.

Conclusions ICP is a risk factor for preterm delivery in twin pregnancies. In addition, ICP develops earlier and more frequently in twin pregnancies from IVF-ET than in those from non-IVF twin pregnancies, and the disease may be more serious.
Cervical and Lower Uterine Parameter Ultrasound and Elastographic Parameters for the Prediction of a Successful Induction of Labor
Authors: Hamza Amr , Radosa Julia , Gerlinger Christoph , Solomayer Erich Franz , Ströder Russalina , Meyberg-Solomayer Gabriele
Published: March 2020

Purpose The prediction of successful induction of labor (IOL) has been the subject of a series of studies. The predictive role of cervical sonographic and elastographic parameters has been controversially discussed. Lower uterine segment (LUS) thickness and strain values have not been discussed yet in this regard.

Materials and Methods A prospective cohort study was performed to examine the predictive power of Bishop score parameters, sonographic cervical length (CL), cervical funneling, cervical strain values, LUS thickness and its strain values regarding successful IOL within 24 hours and intervals to onset of labor, ROM and delivery of the fetus. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results 135 patients were examined. A cervical length of 25 mm, the presence of cervical funneling and digital shorter cervix was significant for the prediction of successful induction of labor (IOL) within 24 hours. There was weak correlation between the functional CL and the onset of labor (r2 = 0.10) and ROM (r2 = 0.13). There was also a weak correlation between the cervical funnel width and the time interval to the onset of labor (r2 = 0.25), ROM (r2 = 0.23) and delivery of the fetus (r2 = 0.22). Cervical elastography, LUS thickness and strain values were not significant for the prediction of a successful IOL.

Conclusion We were able to show that cervical structural changes at the level of the internal os, i. e., shortening through funneling, may be the determining factor for successful IOL.
Thymoquinone Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Demonstrated Antidepressant-Like Activity in Rats via Indoleamine 2, 3- Dioxygenase Pathway
Authors: Alam Mahtab , Zameer Saima , Najmi Abul Kalam , Ahmad Farhan Jalees , Imam Syed Sarim , Akhtar Mohd
Published: March 2020

The World Health Organization (WHO) has ranked depression the 4th leading cause of disability worldwide. Thymoquinone (TQ), is an active constituent of Nigella sativa having various medicinal properties but has poor solubility and bioavailability. This problem was overcome by developing nanoformulation of TQ. Previously TQ reported good antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Recently TQ’s anti-depressant effect was demonstrated. However, the mechanisms underlying the antidepressant effect of TQ still needs evaluation. Activation of Indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), (an enzyme that participates in the tryptophan metabolism), leads to a decrease of serotonin (5-HT) levels. The expression of this enzyme is associated with immune system activation, which has been proposed as a common mechanism that links depression. The present study was performed in stressed animals where hippocampal levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF α levels), brain derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) and hippocampal kynurenine (KYN), tryptophan (TRP) and serotonin (5-HT) levels were estimated. Treatment with TQ solid lipid nanoparticles (TQSLN 20 mg/kg p.o) and TQ suspension (20 mg/kg p.o) demonstrated antidepressant-like activity in chronic forced-swim stress model. Further, it reduced the elevated hippocampal IL-6 & TNFα and reversed the increased activity of IDO as measured by ratio of hippocampal KYN/TRP and 5HT/TRP in stressed rats. The results of the present study confirm anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects of TQ which may be associated with 5-HT pathway. Thus, the present study offers a newer approach to reduce symptoms of depression using TQSLN. Our results are preliminary, further research is needed for more conclusive view.
Ligand-Free and Solvent-Free Synthesis of 1,3-Disubstituted Naphthalenes through Stille Coupling
Authors: Rohand Taoufik , Sbi Sanae , Mkpenie Victor , Tanemura Kiyoshi
Published: March 2020

A variety of 1,3-disubstituted naphthalenes have been prepared by palladium-catalyzed annulation of (o-ethynylphenyl)acetyl chloride with design of a new synthetic strategy by Stille coupling using functionalized organostannanes. The method affords excellent yields of the substituted naphthalenes and accommodates a wide variety of functional groups under mild conditions. Mechanistic studies show intramolecular cyclization as a major step following C–C bond coupling.
Pneumothorax and Pregnancy: A Systematic Review of the Current Literature and Proposal of Treatment Recommendations
Authors: Agrafiotis Apostolos C. , Assouad Jalal , Lardinois Inès , Markou Georges A.
Published: March 2020

Introduction Spontaneous pneumothorax occurs rarely during pregnancy with less than 100 cases reported in the English literature. There is no strong evidence concerning the treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax during pregnancy and labor. The aim of this study is to systematically review all the reported cases and to suggest recommendations for its diagnosis and treatment.

Methods A PubMed research was conducted. The following data were collected: maternal age, gestation age (weeks), presence of underlying lung pathology, initial management, definitive management, obstetric outcome, and the complications for the mother and the fetus.

Results Eighty-seven cases were identified. The mean maternal age was 27 years (standard deviation [SD] ± 6). The mean gestational age was 25 weeks (SD ± 11.4). In 37.9% of cases, there was no underlying lung disease. In the majority of cases (67.4%), the initial treatment was the placement of a chest tube. In 48% of cases, the pneumothorax was resolved with conservative treatment. Surgical therapy was performed either antepartum or postpartum. In 58.6% of cases, there was a vaginal delivery, spontaneous or instrumental. In three cases (3.4%), there were fetal complications.

Conclusion The analysis of the current literature provides low evidence, since there are only case reports and small case series. It is likely that the frequency of this condition is underestimated. However, this analysis permits to draw some conclusions concerning the timing of pneumothorax treatment, the operative strategy, and the mode of delivery to decrease the risk for the mother and the fetus.
Double Antithrombotic versus Triple Antithrombotic Therapy in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Dharma Surya
Published: March 2020

In atrial fibrillation (AF), oral anticoagulant (OAC) therapy with either vitamin K antagonist or non–vitamin K antagonist is used to prevent thromboembolic complications. In patients who presented with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and were treated by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with aspirin and a P2Y12 inhibitor reduces major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) and stent thrombosis. Consequently, in patients with AF who presented with ACS and were treated by PCI, the combination of OAC and DAPT, the so-called triple antithrombotic therapy (TAT) is needed to improve the outcome of the patients. However, the use of TAT increases the risk of bleeding. Several randomized clinical trials and a meta-analysis evaluated the use of TAT and double antithrombotic therapy (DAT) in this population, and DAT is defined as patients who receive combination of one antiplatelet and OAC. In general, the studies demonstrated a reduction in bleeding event in patients who received DAT as compared with TAT, with similar incidence of thromboembolic complications and MACE. To date, there is no established consensus or guideline for the most appropriate combination of antithrombotic agents in patients with AF and ACS who undergo PCI. Tailoring the treatment for each individual is likely the best approach to determine the balance of bleeding risk and ischemic events before starting antithrombotic therapy. Future trials with adequate sample size are needed to find the most appropriate combination of antiplatelet and OAC in patients with AF who presented with ACS and treated by PCI.
Giant Intramural Right Ventricular Hematoma after PCI in a Patient with Condition after CABG
Authors: Vondran Maximilian , Ghazy Tamer , Andrási Terezia Bogdana , Graff Jürgen , Rastan Ardawan Julian
Published: March 2020

Coronary artery perforation secondary to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a rare, but a potentially life-threatening complication. There is a misconception that cardiac tamponade rarely occurs in patients with prior coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). We first describe a giant right ventricular intramural hematoma following PCI via a saphenous vein graft to treat a distal stenosis of the right coronary artery, and its successful treatment with redo cardiac surgery. Complex elective PCIs on patients after CABG should be performed in specialized centers with a well-established heart team that has the expertise to treat any of the potential complications.
Customized versus Population Growth Standards for Morbidity and Mortality Risk Stratification Using Ultrasonographic Fetal Growth Assessment at 22 to 29 Weeks' Gestation
Authors: Blue Nathan R. , Grobman William A. , Larkin Jacob C. , Scifres Christina M. , Simhan Hyagriv N. , Chung Judith H. , Saade George R. , Haas David M. , Wapner Ronald , Reddy Uma M. , Mercer Brian , Parry Samuel I. , Silver Robert M.
Published: March 2020

Objective The aim of study is to compare the performance of ultrasonographic customized and population fetal growth standards for prediction adverse perinatal outcomes.

Study Design This was a secondary analysis of the Nulliparous Pregnancy Outcomes Study: Monitoring Mothers-to-Be, in which l data were collected at visits throughout pregnancy and after delivery. Percentiles were assigned to estimated fetal weights (EFWs) measured at 22 to 29 weeks using the Hadlock population standard and a customized standard (www.gestation.net). Areas under the curve were compared for the prediction of composite and severe composite perinatal morbidity using EFW percentile.

Results Among 8,701 eligible study participants, the population standard diagnosed more fetuses with fetal growth restriction (FGR) than the customized standard (5.5 vs. 3.5%, p < 0.001). Neither standard performed better than chance to predict composite perinatal morbidity. Although the customized performed better than the population standard to predict severe perinatal morbidity (areas under the curve: 0.56 vs. 0.54, p = 0.003), both were poor. Fetuses considered FGR by the population standard but normal by the customized standard had morbidity rates similar to fetuses considered normally grown by both standards.

The population standard diagnosed FGR among black women and Hispanic women at nearly double the rate it did among white women (p < 0.001 for both comparisons), even though morbidity was not different across racial/ethnic groups. The customized standard diagnosed FGR at similar rates across groups. Using the population standard, 77% of FGR cases were diagnosed among female fetuses even though morbidity among females was lower (p < 0.001). The customized model diagnosed FGR at similar rates in male and female fetuses.

Conclusion At 22 to 29 weeks' gestation, EFW percentile alone poorly predicts perinatal morbidity whether using customized or population fetal growth standards. The population standard diagnoses FGR at increased rates in subgroups not at increased risk of morbidity and at lower rates in subgroups at increased risk of morbidity, whereas the customized standard does not.
The Impact of Previous Obstetric History on the Risk of Spontaneous Preterm Birth in Women with a Sonographic Short Cervix
Authors: Dude Carolynn M. , Levine Lisa D. , Schwartz Nadav
Published: March 2020

Objective The natural history of women with a short cervix and a low-risk obstetric history remains poorly defined. In our study, we sought to better characterize the impact of previous obstetric history on the delivery outcomes in women diagnosed with a mid-trimester sonographic short cervix.

Study Design We performed a retrospective cohort study of women with singleton gestations who underwent transvaginal cervical length screening between 16 and 24 weeks at two urban hospitals in Philadelphia between January 2013 and March 2018 and were found to have a short cervix (defined as ≤2 cm). Women were excluded from the cohort if there were major fetal anomalies noted or if delivery outcome information was not available. The cohort was then divided into three groups based on obstetric history: nulliparous, history of full-term birth only, or history of spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB). The primary outcome was sPTB <37 weeks, while the secondary outcome was sPTB <34 weeks.

Results Our cohort included a total of 384 singleton pregnancies that were diagnosed with a sonographic short cervix: 165 women were nulliparous, 119 women had a history of full-term birth, and 100 women with a history of sPTB. We found that women with a short sonographic cervix had a sPTB rate of 39.6% with no differences found between the three groups. Only two-thirds of nulliparous women and women with a history of full-term birth received the recommended preventative treatment, compared with almost 100% of women with a history of sPTB.

Conclusion Women with and without a history of sPTB are at comparable risk of sPTB in the presence of a sonographically short cervix. Preventative therapies should be recommended to both nulliparous women and women with a history of full-term birth since uptake in this population are not as high.
Palladium-Catalyzed Decarboxylative Formal (4+2) Cycloaddition of Vinyl Benzoxazinanones with 3-Nitroindoles
Authors: Hyland Christopher J. T. , Bird Melissa J. , Wales Steven M. , Richardson Christopher
Published: March 2020

A diastereoselective palladium-catalyzed dearomative formal (4+2) cycloaddition between vinyl benzoxazinanones and 3-nitroindoles has been developed. This reaction provides a concise route to tetrahydro-5H-indolo[2,3-b]quinolines in excellent yield (up to 94%) and diastereoselectivity (up to >98:2), with versatile functional handles including vinyl, nitro, and free NH groups.
Effects of Single Loading Dose of Intravenous Caffeine on Cerebral Oxygenation in Preterm Infants
Authors: Ilhan Ozkan , Bor Meltem
Published: March 2020

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of caffeine on cerebral oxygenation in preterm infants.

Study Design This was a prospective study of infants with a gestational age (GA) of < 34 weeks who were treated intravenously with a loading dose of 20 mg/kg caffeine citrate within the first 48 hours of life. Regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2C) and cerebral fractional tissue oxygen extraction (cFTOE) were measured using near-infrared spectroscopy before administering caffeine (baseline), immediately after administering caffeine, and 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 12 hours after dose completion; postdose values were compared with the baseline values.

Results A total of 48 infants with a mean GA of 29.0 ± 1.9 weeks, birth weight of 1,286 ± 301 g, and postnatal age of 32.4 ± 11.3 hours were included in the study. rSO2C significantly decreased from 81.3 to 76.7% soon after administering caffeine, to 77.1% at 1 hour, and to 77.8% at 2 hours with recovery at 3 hours postdose. rSO2C was 80.2% at 12 hours postdose. cFTOE increased correspondingly. Although rSO2C values were lower and cFTOE values were higher compared with the baseline values at 3, 4, 6, and 12 hours after caffeine administration, this was not statistically significant.

Conclusion A loading dose of caffeine temporarily reduces cerebral oxygenation and increases cerebral tissue oxygen extraction in preterm infants. Most probably these changes reflect a physiological phenomenon without any clinical importance to the cerebral hemodynamics, as the reduction in cerebral oxygenation and increase in cerebral tissue oxygen extraction remain well within acceptable range.