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The spectral properties of a non‐Hermitian quasi‐1D lattice in two of the possible dimerization configurations are investigated. Specifically, it focuses on a non‐Hermitian diamond chain that presents a zero‐energy flat band. The flat band originates from wave interference and results in eigenstates with a finite contribution only on two sites of the unit cell. To achieve the non‐Hermitian characteristics, the system under study presents non‐reciprocal hopping terms in the chain. This leads to the accumulation of eigenstates on the boundary of the system, known as the non‐Hermitian skin effect. Despite this accumulation of eigenstates, for one of the two considered configurations, it is possible to characterize the presence of non‐trivial edge states at zero energy by a real‐space topological invariant known as the biorthogonal polarization. This work shows that this invariant, evaluated using the destructive interference method, characterizes the non‐trivial phase of the non‐Hermitian diamond chain. For the second non‐Hermitian configuration, there is a finite quantum metric associated with the flat band. Additionally, the system presents the skin effect despite the system having a purely real or imaginary spectrum. The two non‐Hermitian diamond chains can be mapped into two models of the Su‐Schrieffer‐Heeger chains, either non‐Hermitian, and Hermitian, both in the presence of a flat band. This mapping allows to draw valuable insights into the behavior and properties of these systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the aim of reducing mortality and morbidity from skin cancer, the national skin cancer screening (SCS) programme was introduced in Germany in 2008. General practitioners (GPs) substantially contribute to SCS. Therefore, we performed a prospective, cross-sectional questionnaire study that included GPs with permission to perform SCS in Bavaria and Saxony (Germany) between August and September 2021. [Extracted from the article]

The article in Advanced Quantum Technologies discusses the introduction of non-reciprocal hopping parameters in a Hermitian diamond chain, resulting in two configurations with interesting spectral and topological features. The first system is characterized by topological edge-states, which overcome bulk state accumulation at the boundary using a real-space topological invariant called the biorthogonal polarization. The second configuration displays a finite quantum metric linked to a flat band, and despite lacking an effective area in the complex energy plane, it accumulates bulk states. Both systems provide insights into the behavior and properties of Su-Schrieffer-Heeger chains. [Extracted from the article]

Monolayer graphene exhibits many spectacular electronic properties, with superconductivity being arguably the most notable exception. It was theoretically proposed that superconductivity might be induced by enhancing the electron-phonon coupling through the decoration of graphene with an alkali adatom superlattice [Profeta G, Calandra M, Mauri F (2012) Nat Phys 8(2):131-134]. Although experiments have shown an adatom-induced enhancement of the electron-phonon coupling, superconductivity has never been observed. Using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES), we show that lithium deposited on graphene at low temperature strongly modifies the phonon density of states, leading to an enhancement of the electron-phonon coupling of up to λ ≃ 0.58. On part of the graphene-derived π*-band Fermi surface, we then observe the opening of a Δ ≃ 0.9-meV temperature-dependent pairing gap. This result suggests for the first time, to our knowledge, that Li-decorated monolayer graphene is indeed superconducting, with Tc ≃ 5.9 K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Pädiatrie & Pädologie is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: The clinical benefit of normovolemic modified ultrafiltration (N-MUF) after cardiac surgery is still debated. Aswe have shown in a previous publication, there is a significant improvement in platelet function, so we were interestedin whether ultrafiltration can reduce plasma levels of endotoxins, terminal complement complexes and cytokines aftercardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in adults with increased risk profiles.Methods: In this single-center, prospective, randomized trial, fifty high-risk patients (mean logistic EuroSCORE II:17.5%) who underwent cardiac surgery were randomized. After CPB, Group 1 (n = 25) served as the control andin, Group 2 (n= 25), an N-MUF of 3000 ml was performed, using a BC140plus filter after weaning from CPB. Bloodsamples were taken after the induction of anesthesia, before CPB, before CPB weaning, 30 minutes after CPB and at6, 24 and 48 hours postoperatively. Primary outcomes were plasma levels of lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP),terminal complement complex (C5b9) and cytokines (IL-6, IL-10, IL-1beta, TNF-α). Secondary outcomes focused ondifferences in the clinical outcome.Results: A significant reduction in LBP concentration (preoperatively: 23.8±8.4 pg/ml, postoperatively: 14.2±12.9 pg/ml) andC5b9 (preoperatively: 4.18±2.6 pg/ml, postoperatively: 3.05±2.39 pg/ml) were detected 6 hours after N-MUF. In the NMUFgroup, significantly lower concentrations of lactate could be detected in the early postoperative period. Furthermore,postoperative chest tube blood loss was significantly lower in the N-MUF group at 24 and 48 hours.Conclusions: N-MUF leads to a significant reduction of lipopolysaccharide-binding protein and terminal complement complexand was associated with reduced blood loss and postoperative lactate concentrations shortly after surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Sport- Und Präventivmedizin is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a synthetic fluoropolymer used in numerous industrial applications. It is often referred to by its trademark name, Teflon. Thermal characterization of a PTFE material was carried out using various thermal analysis and thermophysical properties test techniques. The transformation energetics and specific heat were measured employing differential scanning calorimetry. The thermal expansion and the density changes were determined employing pushrod dilatometry. The viscoelastic properties (storage and loss modulus) were analyzed using dynamic mechanical analysis. The thermal diffusivity was measured using the laser flash technique. Combining thermal diffusivity data with specific heat and density allows calculation of the thermal conductivity of the polymer. Measurements were carried out from − 125 °C up to 150 °C. Additionally, measurements of the mechanical properties were carried out down to − 170 °C. The specific heat tests were conducted into the fully molten regions up to 370 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To offset declines in commercial landings of the softshell clam, Mya arenaria, resource managers are engaged in extensive stocking of seed clams throughout its range in the northwest Atlantic. Because a mixture of native and introduced stocks can disrupt locally adapted genotypes, we investigated genetic structure in M. arenaria populations across its current distribution to test for patterns of regional differentiation. We sequenced mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I for a total of 212 individuals from 12 sites in the northwest Atlantic (NW Atlantic), as well as two introduced sites, the northeast Pacific (NE Pacific), and the North Sea Europe (NS Europe). Populations exhibited extremely low genetic variation, with one haplotype dominating (65-100%) at all sites sampled. Despite being introduced in the last 150-400 years, both NE Pacific and NS Europe populations had higher diversity measures than those in the NW Atlantic and both contained private haplotypes at frequencies of 10-27% consistent with their geographic isolation. While significant genetic structure (FST = 0.159, P<0.001) was observed between NW Atlantic and NS Europe, there was no evidence for genetic structure across the pronounced environmental clines of the NW Atlantic. Reduced genetic diversity in mtDNA combined with previous studies reporting reduced genetic diversity in nuclear markers strongly suggests a recent population expansion in the NW Atlantic, a pattern that may result from the retreat of ice sheets during Pleistocene glacial periods. Lack of genetic diversity and regional genetic differentiation suggests that present management strategies for the commercially important softshell clam are unlikely to have a significant impact on the regional distribution of genetic variation, although the possibility of disrupting locally adapted stocks cannot be excluded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Competitive transport experiments involving metal ions from an aqueous source phase through a chloroform membrane into an aqueous receiving phase have been carried out using a series of N-(thio)phosphorylated (thio)amide and thiourea ligands as ionophores in the organic phase. The source phase contained equimolar concentrations of CoII, NiII, CuII, ZnII, AgI, CdIIand PbIIwith the source and receiving phases being buffered at different pH. Good transport properties were observed for AgIin the case of HL13. The best extraction properties have been shown by H3L1, H3L8, H2L7, H3L9and H3L11which contain an unsubstituted nitrogen atom at the CS groups (H3L1and H3L9), or a third nitrogen atom, capable of participating in additional coordination (H3L8, H2L7and H3L11). Reaction of Cu(NO3)2·6H2O with the potassium salt of the N-thiophosphorylated thiourea NH2C(S)NHP(S)(OiPr)2formed a new supramolecular CuIcomplex, [{Cu6(H2L1)6}{Cu3(H2L1)3}·4Me2CO] that contains both trinuclear and hexanuclear forms in its solid state structure, and in solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: An association between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and spondyloarthropathies (SpA) has repeatedly been reported. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether serologic markers of IBD, e.g. antibodies against Saccharomyces cerevisiae (ASCA), antibodies against exocrine pancreas (PAB) and perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (pANCA) are present in HLA-B27-associated SpA. Methods: 87 patients with HLA-B27-positive SpA and 145 controls were tested for ASCA, PAB and pANCA employing ELISA or indirect immunofluorescence, respectively. Antibody-positive patients were interviewed regarding IBD-related symptoms using a standardized questionnaire. Results/Conclusion: When compared to the controls, ASCA IgA but not ASCA IgG levels were significantly increased in patients with SpA, in particular in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and undifferentiated SpA (uSpA). pANCA were found in increased frequency in patients with SpA whereas PAB were not detected. The existence of autoantibodies was not associated with gastrointestinal symptoms but sustains the presence of a pathophysiological link between bowel inflammation and SpA. Copyright © 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The efficacy of 5-HT(3)-receptor antagonists suggests a role of serotonin in the pathogenesis of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). However, studies investigating the relationship between the turnover of serotonin and PONV were contradictory. Therefore we carried out a pilot study in order to find out whether results can be obtained that would justify further studies on a larger scale.Methods: A total of 22 patients scheduled for elective gynaecological laparoscopy were enrolled. A balanced anaesthesia using sufentanil, etomidate, cisatracurium, isoflurane and nitrous oxide was administered and 5-hydroxyindoleaceticacid (5-HIAA) concentrations in the urine were measured within the 24 h after surgery.Results: Only the patients that vomited postoperatively had a significant change in the concentrations of 5-HIAA over the time course investigated. However, comparison of urinary 5-HIAA concentrations of the group comprising patients that vomited with those that had no PONV did not reveal a significant difference.Conclusions: Results of this study support further investigation of the relationship between serotonin and PONV and suggest that there may in fact be an association between PONV and increased serotonin turnover. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the case of a 58-year-old woman with a long-standing history of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who developed a cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection with colonic perforation and subsequent purulent peritonitis whilst using combined immunosuppressive therapy. The pathogenesis and the clinical presentation of this unique case is discussed in detail. Opportunistic infection should always be kept in mind in SLE patients presenting with fever. Viral serology should be routinely performed in these patients, especially when immunosuppressive therapy is given, to avoid delay in instituting adequate management and therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DEK is a nuclear phosphoprotein implicated in oncogenesis and autoimmunity and a major component of metazoan chromatin. The intracellular cues that control the binding of DEK to DNA and its pleiotropic functions in DNA- and RNA-dependent processes have remained mainly elusive so far. Our recent finding that the phosphorylation status of DEK is altered during death receptor-mediated apoptosis suggested a potential involvement of DEK in stress signaling. In this study, we show that in cells committed to die, a portion of the cellular DEK pool is extensively posttranslationally modified by phosphorylation and poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation. Through interference with DEK expression, we further show that DEK promotes the repair of DNA lesions and protects cells from genotoxic agents that typically trigger poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase activation. The posttranslational modification of DEK during apoptosis is accompanied by the removal of the protein from chromatin and its release into the extracellular space. Released modified DEK is recognized by autoantibodies present in the synovial fluids of patients affected by juvenile rheumatoid arthritis/juvenile idiopathic arthritis. These findings point to a crucial role of poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation in shaping DEK's autoantigenic properties and in its function as a promoter of cell survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of the article "Direct measurement of left ventricular outflow tract by newly developed transthoracic real-time-3D-echocardiography increases accuracy in assessment of aortic valve stenosis" by R. Schnabel, R. S. Von Bardeleben, and colleagues is presented.