bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
$${\mathscr{PT}}$$ -symmetry from Lindblad dynamics in a linearized optomechanical system
Authors: Jaramillo Ávila B. , Ventura-Velázquez C. , León-Montiel R. de J. , Joglekar Yogesh N. , Rodríguez-Lara B. M. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractWe analyze a lossy linearized optomechanical system in the red-detuned regime under the rotating wave approximation. This so-called optomechanical state transfer protocol provides effective lossy frequency converter (quantum beam-splitter-like) dynamics where the strength of the coupling between the electromagnetic and mechanical modes is controlled by the optical steady-state amplitude. By restricting to a subspace with no losses, we argue that the transition from mode-hybridization in the strong coupling regime to the damped-dynamics in the weak coupling regime, is a signature of the passive parity-time ($${\mathscr{PT}}$$PT) symmetry breaking transition in the underlying non-Hermitian quantum dimer. We compare the dynamics generated by the quantum open system (Langevin or Lindblad) approach to that of the $${\mathscr{PT}}$$PT-symmetric Hamiltonian, to characterize the cases where the two are identical. Additionally, we numerically explore the evolution of separable and correlated number states at zero temperature as well as thermal initial state evolution at room temperature. Our results provide a pathway for realizing non-Hermitian Hamiltonians in optomechanical systems at a quantum level.
CO2 sorption and regeneration properties of fly ash zeolites synthesized with the use of differentiated methods
Authors: Czuma Natalia , Casanova Ignasi , Baran Paweł , Szczurowski Jakub , Zarębska Katarzyna 
Published: February 2020

AbstractProduction of fly ash zeolites may be an attractive method for the utilization of solid wastes from the energy sector. Different methods of synthesis often yield a variety of zeolite types, thereby affecting the properties of the resulting materials. The attention paid to carbon dioxide emission reduction technologies fully justifies the study of the sorption behaviours of fly ash zeolites synthesized by different methods. This work investigates the sorption properties of fly ash zeolites synthesized with different methods using CO2. Sorption capacity and adsorption isotherms were determined following the volumetric method and textural parameters were resolved according to the Dubinin-Astakhov (DA) method. The CO2 sorption capacity was in the range 0.24–4.16 mmol/g. The relationships between structure and sorption behaviour were studied for each synthesis method. Some strong similarities between commercial zeolites and fly ash zeolites were found. The mechanism for sorption was proved to be physisorption which is fully reversible under selected conditions. The observed trends were used to identify the best sorbent.
Streptomyces sp. VN1, a producer of diverse metabolites including non-natural furan-type anticancer compound
Authors: Nguyen Hue Thi , Pokhrel Anaya Raj , Nguyen Chung Thanh , Pham Van Thuy Thi , Dhakal Dipesh , Lim Haet Nim , Jung Hye Jin , Kim Tae-Su , Yamaguchi Tokutaro , Sohng Jae Kyung 
Published: February 2020

AbstractStreptomyces sp. VN1 was isolated from the coastal region of Phu Yen Province (central Viet Nam). Morphological, physiological, and whole genome phylogenetic analyses suggested that strain Streptomyces sp. VN1 belonged to genus Streptomyces. Whole genome sequencing analysis showed its genome was 8,341,703 base pairs in length with GC content of 72.5%. Diverse metabolites, including cinnamamide, spirotetronate antibiotic lobophorin A, diketopiperazines cyclo-L-proline-L-tyrosine, and a unique furan-type compound were isolated from Streptomyces sp. VN1. Structures of these compounds were studied by HR-Q-TOF ESI/MS/MS and 2D NMR analyses. Bioassay-guided purification yielded a furan-type compound which exhibited in vitro anticancer activity against AGS, HCT116, A375M, U87MG, and A549 cell lines with IC50 values of 40.5, 123.7, 84.67, 50, and 58.64 µM, respectively. In silico genome analysis of the isolated Streptomyces sp. VN1 contained 34 gene clusters responsible for the biosynthesis of known and/or novel secondary metabolites, including different types of terpene, T1PKS, T2PKS, T3PKS, NRPS, and hybrid PKS-NRPS. Genome mining with HR-Q-TOF ESI/MS/MS analysis of the crude extract confirmed the biosynthesis of lobophorin analogs. This study indicates that Streptomyces sp. VN1 is a promising strain for biosynthesis of novel natural products.
Effectiveness of hemostatic agents in thyroid surgery for the prevention of postoperative bleeding
Authors: Scaroni Martino , von Holzen Urs , Nebiker Christian A. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractPostoperative bleeding remains one of the most frequent, but rarely life-threatening complications in thyroid surgery. Although arterial bleeding is the main cause of postoperative hemorrhage, most often no actively bleeding vessel can be found during revision. Therefore, the coagulation technique for larger vessels may play a minor role, and hemostatic agents could be of higher importance. In this descriptive, retrospective study, data of 279 patients with thyroid surgery (total of 414 thyroid lobectomies) were collected. We reviewed the electronic medical record by analyzing the histological, operative, laboratory and discharge reports in regards to postoperative bleeding. Of the 414 operated thyroid lobes, 2.4% (n = 10) bled. 1.4% (n = 6) needed reoperation while the other 1.0% (n = 4) could be treated conservatively. Hemostatic patches were applied 286 (69.1%) times. Of the 128 (30.9%) patch-free operated sides, 4.7% (n = 6) suffered postoperative bleeding. Tachosil® alone was used 211 (51.0%) times and bleeding occurred in 1.4% (n = 3). Without statistical significance (p = 0.08) the use of Tachosil® seems to help preventing postoperative bleeding. The combination with other patches doesn’t appear to be more efficient.
Ferumoxytol-enhanced three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging of carotid atheroma- a feasibility and temporal dependence study
Authors: Usman Ammara , Patterson Andrew J. , Yuan Jianmin , Cluroe Alison , Patterson Ilse , Graves Martin J. , Gillard Jonathan H. , Sadat Umar 
Published: February 2020

AbstractFerumoxytol is an ultrasmall super paramagnetic particles of iron oxide (USPIO) agent recently used for magnetic resonance (MR) vascular imaging. Other USPIOs have been previously used for assessing inflammation within atheroma. We aim to assess feasibility of ferumoxytol in imaging carotid atheroma (with histological assessment); and the optimum MR imaging time to detect maximum quantitative signal change post-ferumoxytol infusion. Ten patients with carotid artery disease underwent high-resolution MR imaging of their carotid arteries on a 1.5 T MR system. MR imaging was performed before and at 24, 48, 72 and 96 hrs post ferumoxytol infusion. Optimal ferumoxytol uptake time was evaluated by quantitative relaxometry maps indicating the difference in T2* (ΔT2*) and T2 (ΔT2) between baseline and post-Ferumoxytol MR imaging using 3D DANTE MEFGRE qT2*w and iMSDE black-blood qT2w sequences respectively. 20 patients in total (10 symptomatic and 10 with asymptomatic carotid artery disease) had ferumoxytol-enhanced MR imaging at the optimal imaging window. 69 carotid MR imaging studies were completed. Ferumoxytol uptake (determined by a decrease in ΔT2* and ΔT2) was identified in all carotid plaques (symptomatic and asymptomatic). Maximum quantitative decrease in ΔT2* (10.4 [3.5–16.2] ms, p < 0.001) and ΔT2 (13.4 [6.2–18.9] ms; p = 0.001) was found on carotid MR imaging at 48 hrs following the ferumoxytol infusion. Ferumoxytol uptake by carotid plaques was assessed by histopathological analysis of excised atheroma. Ferumoxytol-enhanced MR imaging using quantitative 3D MR pulse sequences allows assessment of inflammation within carotid atheroma in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. The optimum MR imaging time for carotid atheroma is 48 hrs after its administration.
Circulating Undercarboxylated Osteocalcin as Estimator of Cardiovascular and Type 2 Diabetes Risk in Metabolic Syndrome Patients
Authors: Riquelme-Gallego Blanca , García-Molina Laura , Cano-Ibáñez Naomi , Sánchez-Delgado Guillermo , Andújar-Vera Francisco , García-Fontana Cristina , González-Salvatierra Sheila , García-Recio Enrique , Martínez-Ruiz Virginia , Bueno-Cavanillas Aurora , Muñoz-Torres Manuel , García-Fontana Beatriz 
Published: February 2020

AbstractUndercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC) could be a biomarker of glucose disturbances and cardiovascular risk. Our study aimed to determine the association between serum levels of ucOC and cardiovascular risk in metabolic syndrome (MetS) patients and to analyse its potential role as estimator of type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk in this population. This cross-sectional study included 235 patients with MetS, 53.2% women, aged 55–75 years. Circulating ucOC levels were measured by ELISA. Cardiovascular risk was determined as Z-score of the diagnostic criteria for MetS (CV-ZS). Linear regression model was performed to analyse the association between circulating ucOC and CV-ZS. A receiver operating curve (ROC) was performed to analyse the usefulness of ucOC as T2D risk estimator. Patients above the CV-ZS median showed significant lower ucOC levels. We found an inverse association between ucOC levels and CV-ZS in MetS patients without T2D. Patients with ucOC levels below the 25th percentile showed worse cardiometabolic profile and higher cardiovascular and T2D risk. The area under the curve performed better when ucOC levels were included along with the classic T2D risk factors. The measurement of circulating ucOC could be a useful tool to identify increased cardiovascular and T2D risk in MetS patients without T2D.
Elevated pCO2 affects behavioural patterns and mechano-sensation in predatory phantom midge larvae Chaoborus obscuripes
Authors: Kowalewska Adrianna A. , Krebs Nina , Tollrian Ralph , Weiss Linda C. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAquatic acidification is a major consequence of fossil fuel combustion. In marine ecosystems it was shown, that increasing pCO2 levels significantly affect behavioural and sensory capacities in a diversity of species. This can result in altered predator and prey interactions and thereby change community structures. Just recently also CO2 dependent acidification of freshwater habitats has been shown. Also here, increased levels of pCO2 change organisms’ behaviour and sensory capacities. For example, the freshwater crustacean Daphnia’s ability to detect predators and accurately develop morphological defences was significantly reduced, rendering Daphnia more susceptible to predation. It was speculated that this may have cascading effects on freshwater food webs. However, for a comprehensive understanding of how increased levels of CO2 affect trophic interactions, it is also important to study how CO2 affects predators. We tested this using the dipeteran phantom midge larva Chaoborus obscuripes, which is a world-wide abundant inhabitant of freshwater impoundments. We monitored activity parameters, predation parameters, and predation rate. Chaoborus larvae are affected by increased levels of pCO2 as we observed an increase in undirected movements and at the same time, reduced sensory abilities to detect prey items. This is likely to affect the larvae’s energy budgets. Chaoborus is a central component of many freshwater food-webs. Therefore, CO2 effects on predator and prey levels will likely have consequences for community structures.
Protein stability governed by its structural plasticity is inferred by physicochemical factors and salt bridges
Authors: Panja Anindya S. , Maiti Smarajit , Bandyopadhyay Bidyut 
Published: February 2020

AbstractSeveral organisms, specifically microorganisms survive in a wide range of harsh environments including extreme temperature, pH, and salt concentration. We analyzed systematically a large number of protein sequences with their structures to understand their stability and to discriminate extremophilic proteins from their non-extremophilic orthologs. Our results highlighted that the strategy for the packing of the protein core was influenced by the environmental stresses through substitutive structural events through better ionic interaction. Statistical analysis showed that a significant difference in number and composition of amino acid exist among them. The negative correlation of pairwise sequence alignments and structural alignments indicated that most of the extremophile and non-extremophile proteins didn’t contain any association for maintaining their functional stability. A significant numbers of salt bridges were noticed on the surface of the extremostable proteins. The Ramachandran plot data represented more occurrences of amino acids being present in helix and sheet regions of extremostable proteins. We also found that a significant number of small nonpolar amino acids and moderate number of charged amino acids like Arginine and Aspartic acid represented more nonplanar Omega angles in their peptide bond. Thus, extreme conditions may predispose amino acid composition including geometric variability for molecular adaptation of extremostable proteins against atmospheric variations and associated changes under natural selection pressure. The variation of amino acid composition and structural diversifications in proteins play a major role in evolutionary adaptation to mitigate climate change.
Electronic structure of AlFeN films exhibiting crystallographic orientation change from c- to a-axis with Fe concentrations and annealing effect
Authors: Tatemizo Nobuyuki , Imada Saki , Okahara Kizuna , Nishikawa Haruki , Tsuruta Kazuki , Ina Toshiaki , Miura Yoshio , Nishio Koji , Isshiki Toshiyuki 
Published: February 2020

AbstractWurtzite AlN film is a promising material for deep ultraviolet light-emitting diodes. However, some properties that attribute to its crystal orientation, i.e., c-axis orientation, are obstacles in realizing high efficiency devices. Constructing devices with non-c-axis oriented films is a solution to this problem; however, achieving it with conventional growth techniques is difficult. Recently, we succeeded in growing a-axis oriented wurtzite heavily Fe-doped AlN (AlFeN) films via sputtering. In this article, we report the electronic structures of AlFeN films investigated using soft X-ray spectroscopies. As-grown films were found to have conduction and valence band structures for a film with c-axis in film planes. Simultaneously, it was found that large gap states were formed via N-p and Fe-d hybridization. To remove the gap states, the films were annealed, thereby resulting in a drastic decrease of the gap states while maintaining a-axis orientation. We offer heavy Fe-doping and post annealing as a new technique to obtain non-polar AlN films.
Binary white dwarfs and decihertz gravitational wave observations: From the Hubble constant to supernova astrophysics
Authors: Maselli A. , Marassi S. , Branchesi M. 
Published: February 2020

Context. Coalescences of binary white dwarfs represent a copious source of information for gravitational wave interferometers operating in the decihertz band. Moreover, according to the double degenerate scenario, they have been suggested to be possible progenitors of supernovae (SNe) Type Ia events.
Aims. In this paper we discuss the detectability of gravitational waves emitted by the inspiral of double white dwarfs. We focus on the constraints that can be derived on the source’s luminosity distance, and on other binary’s parameters, such as the angular momentum orientation.
Methods. We explore the possibility of coincident detections of gravitational and electromagnetic signals; the latter comes from the observation of the supernova counterpart. Confirmation of the double degenerate scenario would allow one to use distances inferred in the gravitational wave channel to consistently calibrate SNe as standard candles.
Results. We find that decihertz gravitational wave interferometers can measure the luminosity distance with relative accuracy better than 1% for binaries at 100 Mpc. We show how multimessenger observations can put strong constraints on the Hubble constant, which are tighter than current bounds at low redshift, and how they can potentially shed new light on the differences with early-universe measurements.
Rheumatologische Autoimmundiagnostik
Authors: Dörner Thomas , Specker Christof 
Published: February 2020

Was ist neu?
Paradigmenwechsel in der Klassifikation des systemischen Lupus erythematodes Der Nachweis der antinukleären Antikörper oberhalb des Grenzwerts ist Eingangskriterium für die Klassifikation des SLE. Diese Klassifikation beinhaltet 10 unterschiedliche Domänen mit unterschiedlicher Wertigkeit, wobei 10 Punkte für die SLE-Klassifikation erforderlich sind.
Antiphospholipidsyndrom Aktuelle Empfehlungen zum Antiphospholipidsyndrom differenzieren serologisch ein Hochrisiko- (u. a. triple-positiv, Nachweis des Lupus-Antikoagulans) und Niedrigrisiko-Profil (isolierte Anti-Cardiolipin- oder -beta-2-Glykoprotein-I-Antikörper) und begründen damit z. T. Prophylaxe- und Therapieempfehlungen nach arteriellen und venösen Verschlüssen sowie geburtshilflichen APS-Komplikationen.
Präoperative PSA-Werte und PSA-Verlauf nach 180-Watt-XPS-Greenlight-Laserung der Prostata – wie ist die Realität im klinischen Alltag?
Authors: Wiedemann Andreas , Heese Melanie , Heppner Hans-Jürgen 
Published: February 2020

Zusammenfassung
Einleitung Präoperative PSA-Werte (prostata-spezifisches Antigen) und deren postoperativer Verlauf wurden bisher nur für die Elektroresektion der Prostata (transurethrale Elektroresektion TUR-P) 1 und die 120-Watt-Greenlight-Laserung 2 untersucht, nicht jedoch für die 180-Watt-XPS™-Greenlight-Laserung der Prostata. Dies sollte in der vorliegenden Untersuchung unter den Bedingungen des klinischen Alltags geschehen.
Methodik Die präop. PSA-Werte wurden bei 749 Patienten, die von 2012 – 2017 mit der 180-Watt-XPS-Greenlight-Laserung in Witten behandelt wurden, erfasst und dem Alter, der Prostata-Größe, einem evtl. vorhandenen Harnwegsinfekt oder einliegenden transurethralen oder suprapubischen Katheter und den Co-Morbiditäten gegenübergestellt. Retrospektiv erfolgte die Erhebung der postoperativen PSA-Werte durch eine Befragung der Patienten und ihrer weiterbehandelnden Ärzte.
Ergebnisse Das mittlere Alter der in Witten operierten Patienten lag bei 73,33 ± 9,26 Jahren, die präoperativ rektalsonografisch bestimmte Prostatagröße bei 42,42 ± 18,33 ml. Der mediane präoperative PSA-Wert konnte mit 2,59 ng/ml bestimmt werden. Bei 268 Patienten (35,8 %) lag der PSA-Wert über 4 ng/ml. Er wurde bei 106 Patienten (39,6 % derjenigen mit erhöhtem PSA) stanzbioptisch abgeklärt. Der PSA-Wert sank nach 6 Monaten (n = 86) auf 1,25 und stieg nach 12 Monaten (n = 126) mild auf 1,46 ng/ml an. Die logistische Regressionsanalyse zeigte für einen präoperativ erhöhten PSA-Wert eine Abhängigkeit von der Prostatagröße (p = 0,001) und dem Vorhandensein eines Dauerkatheters (p = 0,002), nicht jedoch für das Alter (p = 0,349), das Vorhandensein eines suprapubischen Katheters (p = 0,207), eines Harnwegsinfektes (p = 0,966) und die Anzahl der im Entlassbrief genannten Ko-Morbiditäten (p = 0,936).
Diskussion Es zeigte sich erwartungsgemäß durch das gewebsabladierende Verfahren des Greenlight-Lasers ein Abfall des postoperativen PSA-Wertes um mehr als die Hälfte nach 6 Monaten und ein erneuter diskreter Anstieg nach 6 Monaten. Ein präop. erhöhter PSA-Wert wurde auf dem Boden des klinischen Gesamtbildes der Patienten – obwohl zu 35,8 % vorliegend – nur bei 39,6 % dieser Patienten histologisch abgeklärt.
Gibt es eine systemische Muskelschwäche nach intravesikaler Botulinumtoxin-Behandlung? Eine Annäherung an ein uro-geriatrisches Problem
Authors: Wiedemann Andreas , Haider Shareef , Heppner Hans-Jürgen 
Published: February 2020

Zusammenfassung
Einleitung Eine Skelettmuskelschwäche nach Botulinumtoxin-Injektion in den Detrusor wird in Studien durch Patienten mit einer Häufigkeit von knapp 10 % angegeben. Dieses würde bei geriatrischen Patienten ggf. eine vorhandene Sturzneigung verschärfen. Ob sich tatsächlich eine Muskelschwäche nach urologischer Botulinumtoxin-Behandlung nachweisen lässt, soll erstmals mit einer geriatrischen Methodik (Handkraftmessung) objektiviert werden.
Material und Methode Messung der Handkraft (dominante Hand, Dokumentation des besten von 3 Messwerten, eine Schwäche wird bei einem Abfall von > 20 % angenommen) mit einem in der Geriatrie üblichen Ballon-Hand-Dynamometer in einem prospektiven Design vor und 3 Monate nach Gabe von Botulinumtoxin in einer Dosierung je nach Indikation von 100 – 200 MU. Es waren 100 konsekutive Patienten avisiert.
Ergebnisse Die Abnahme der Handkraft betrug nach einer Zwischenauswertung von 53 Patienten mit einem mittleren Alter von 65,25 ± 13,99 Jahren für alle Patienten +0,00 ± 0,06 kPa oder –0,13 ± 1,69 %. Sie betrug bei Patienten, die 100 MU Botulinumtoxin erhalten hatten +0,01 ± 0,06 kPa oder –0,29 ± 1,64 % und nach Injektion von 200 MU Botulinum –0,02 ± 0,06 kPa oder 0,720 ± 1,77 %. Die Veränderungen waren weder für das Gesamtkollektiv der Patienten noch für den Unterschied zwischen den beiden Dosisgruppen signifikant. Daraufhin wurde die Untersuchung vorzeitig beendet.
Schlussfolgerungen Die Resultate der erstmals durchgeführten Handkraftmessung nach intravesikaler Botulinumtoxin-Gabe zeigen, dass dosisunabhängig keine Handkraftschwäche als Indikator einer generalisierten Muskelschwäche entsteht. Dies lässt Botulinumtoxin bei der therapierefraktären oder neurogenen OAB im Hinblick auf eine Muskelschwäche bzw. Sturzgefährdung als sicher erscheinen.
Fallbericht der Notfallversorgung einer chemischen Augenverletzung unter Verwendung eines Augendauerspülsystems
Authors: Spor Leo Georg Alexander , Born Benedikt 
Published: February 2020

ZusammenfassungAugenverätzungen stellen in der Notfallmedizin ein seltenes Geschehen dar. Gerade aber die in der Prähospitalphase getroffenen und durchgeführten Maßnahmen sind für ein positives Outcome wichtig. Die Augenspülung ist hierbei unverzichtbar. Der nachfolgende Fallbericht schildert die Notfallversorgung einer chemischen Augenverätzung eines Industriearbeiters unter Verwendung eines bisher wenig bekannten Augenspülsystems, welches eine kontinuierliche Spülung des betroffenen Auges während der Transportphase ermöglichte.