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About 10% of Europe's surface area is prone to rapid flooding of rivers confined in valleys. The devastating potential of such floods is exacerbated by the deficits of existing gauging networks, including low station densities and recording frequencies, and lack of information beyond stage height. Here, we use seismic data of the July 2021 Ahrtal flood, Germany, to extract information to complement sparse hydrometric data, and to reconstruct the rapid evolution of this fatal event. We show that a seismic station can deliver essential flood metrics such as magnitude, propagation velocity and debris transport rate. These seismic products provide high resolution insight to the non‐linear flood behavior. We argue that an approach combining distributed low‐cost seismometers with existing seismic stations, can provide important real time data on future catastrophic floods and associated hazards in upland catchments, offering precious response time also in currently ungauged landscapes. Plain Language Summary: Rapidly evolving floods are a major hazard for 10% of European landscapes. They are hard to adequately detect and describe by the classic gauge station scheme, but seismic sensors provide a valuable alternative to this difficulty. A seismometer can sense a flood like the devastating one that hit the Ahr valley, Germany, in July 2021 up to 1.5 km away. The seismic footprint of the flood allows to provide information on flood magnitude, velocity and trajectory at sub‐minute resolution and at near real time. We show how this new approach can be utilized for future flood protection. Key Points: Seismic sensing of valley confined floods improves classic detection approachesNear‐real time information on flood magnitude, trajectory, and velocityGate keeper seismometer networks can improve flood risk management in Europe [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was performed to compare real‐time PCR after nucleic acid extraction directly from stool samples as well as from samples stored and transported on Whatman papers or flocked swabs at ambient temperature in the tropics. In addition, the possible suitability for a clear determination of likely aetiological relevance of PCR‐based pathogen detections based on cycle threshold (Ct) values was assessed. From 632 Tanzanian children <5 years of age with and without gastrointestinal symptoms, 466 samples were subjected to nucleic acid extraction and real‐time PCR for gastrointestinal viral, bacterial and protozoan pathogens. Equal or even higher frequencies of pathogen detections from Whatman papers or flocked swabs were achieved compared with nucleic acid extraction directly from stool samples. Comparison of the Ct values showed no significant difference according to the nucleic acid extraction strategy. Also, the Ct values did not allow a decision whether a detected pathogen was associated with gastrointestinal symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Exosomes in plasma of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients comprise subsets of vesicles derived from various cells. Recently, we separated CD3(+) from CD3(–) exosomes by immune capture. CD3(–) exosomes were largely tumour‐derived (CD44v3+). Both subsets carried immunosuppressive proteins and inhibited functions of human immune cells. The role of these subsets in immune cell reprogramming by the tumour was investigated by focusing on the adenosine pathway components. Spontaneous adenosine production by CD3(+) or CD3(–) exosomes was measured by mass spectrometry, as was the production of adenosine by CD4+CD39+ regulatory T cells (Treg) co‐incubated with these exosomes. The highest level of CD39/CD73 ectoenzymes and of adenosine production was found in CD3(–) exosomes in patients with the stages III/IV HNSCCs). Also, the production of 5′‐AMP and purines was significantly higher in Treg co‐incubated with CD3(–) than CD3(+) exosomes. Consistently, CD26 and adenosine deaminase (ADA) levels were higher in CD3(+) than CD3(–) exosomes. ADA and CD26 levels in CD3(+) exosomes were significantly higher in patients with early (stages I/II) than advanced (stages III/IV) disease. HNSCC patients receiving and responding to photodynamic therapy had increased ADA levels in CD3(+) exosomes with no increase in CD3(–) exosomes. The opposite roles of CD3(+) ADA+CD26+ and CD3(–)CD44v3+ adenosine‐producing exosomes in early versus advanced HNSCC suggest that, like their parent cells, these exosomes serve as surrogates of immune suppression in cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a highly immunosuppressive malignancy. Exosomes in HNSCC patients' plasma are enriched in inhibitory cargo and mediate immunosuppression. As these exosomes are products of various cells, the cellular origin of immunoregulatory proteins they carry is unknown. To test whether tumour‐ or T cell‐derived exosomes in patients' plasma are immunosuppressive and impact upon disease activity, we separated CD3(–) from CD3(+) exosomes by immunocapture using anti‐CD3 antibodies. The exosome protein cargo was evaluated for immunoregulatory proteins using on‐bead flow cytometry. Tumour protein‐enriched CD3(–) exosomes were CD44v3(+). Surprisingly, mean levels of programmed death ligand 1 (PD‐L1), cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA‐4) and cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) were similar in CD3(+) and CD3(–) exosomes, although the latter induced higher (P < 0·0025) ex‐vivo apoptosis of CD8(+) T cells and greater (P < 0·005) conversion of CD4+ T cells to CD4(+)CD39(+) regulatory T cells (Treg). CD3(+) and CD3(–) exosomes carrying high levels of immunosuppressive proteins were highly effective in mediating these functions. Exosomes of patients with Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) stages III/IV disease had higher levels of PD‐L1 and COX‐2 than stages I/II patients (P < 0·005). Patients with nodal involvement had exosomes with the higher inhibitory protein content than N0 patients (P < 0·03). CD3(+) and CD3(–) exosomes of HNSCC patients had higher PD‐L1, COX‐2 and CD15s levels than healthy donors' exosomes (P < 0·009), although levels of immunostimulatory OX40 or OX40L were not different. By isolating CD3(–)/CD44v3‐enriched and CD3(+) exosomes from plasma, the cellular origins of immunoregulatory proteins they carry were identified. Association of exosome molecular profiles with disease progression supports the exosome potential as future cancer biomarkers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatitis C virus ( HCV) is a human hepatotropic virus, but many hepatoma cell lines are not permissive to this virus. In a previous study, we observed that SNU-182, SNU-398 and SNU-449 hepatoma cell lines were nonpermissive to HCV. To understand the nonpermissivity, we evaluated the ability of each cell line to support the different steps of HCV life cycle (entry, replication and production of infectious particles). Using retroviral pseudoparticles pseudotyped with HCV envelope proteins and recombinant HCV produced in cell culture, we observed that low level or absence of claudin-1 (CLDN1) expression limited the viral entry process in SNU-182 and SNU-398 cells, respectively. Our results also showed that supplementation of the three cell lines with miR-122 partly restored the replication of a JFH1 HCV replicon. Finally, we observed that expression of apolipoprotein E (ApoE) was very low or undetectable in the three cell lines and that its ectopic expression permits the production of infectious viral particles in SNU-182 and SNU-398 cells but not in SNU-449 cells. Nevertheless, the supplementation of SNU-182, SNU-398 and SNU-449 cells with CLDN1, miR-122 and ApoE was not sufficient to render these cells as permissive as HuH-7 cells. Thus, these cell lines could serve as cell culture models for functional studies on the role of CLDN1, miR-122 and ApoE in HCV life cycle but also for the identification of new restriction and/or dependency host factors essential for HCV infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intravascular imaging provides new insights into the condition of vessel walls. This is crucial for cerebrovascular diseases including stroke and cerebral aneurysms, where it may present an important factor for indication of therapy. In this work, we provide new information of cerebral artery walls by combining ex vivo optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging with histology data sets. To overcome the obstacles of deflated and collapsed vessels due to the missing blood pressure, the lack of co-alignment as well as the geometrical shape deformations due to catheter probing, we developed the new image processing method virtual inflation. We locally sample the vessel wall thickness based on the (deflated) vessel lumen border instead of the vessel's centerline. Our method is embedded in a multi-view framework where correspondences between OCT and histology can be highlighted via brushing and linking yielding OCT signal characteristics of the cerebral artery wall and its pathologies. Finally, we enrich the data views with a hierarchical clustering representation which is linked via virtual inflation and further supports the deduction of vessel wall pathologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays demands for product quality and energy efficiency are increasing due to ongoing industrial development and rising costs of resources. In case of fluidized bed layering granulation profitability mainly depends on the total energy input required for fluidization, evaporation of the sprayed liquid and drying, in balance with product quality and process efficiency. This paper is focuses on temporal separation of process steps like growth and liquid evaporation as one way of intensification of batch processing. In order to optimize both sub-processes, granulation and particle drying, are operated alternating by switching the spraying rate and other process parameters. In order to obtain the required data, experimental and model based investigations for different parameter configurations are performed. The analysis of results is carried out in comparison to a benchmark case, for batch operation this comparison is based either on equal process time or product quality. The results show significant advantages of temporal separation in batch processes with respect to energy consumption while conserving product quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, experimental results for a continuous fluidized bed spray layering process are used to identify product quality influencing process parameters, such as the shell porosity. The prediction of the shell porosity is based on an empirical relation established for fluidized bed layering in batch mode. It uses gas-side properties, which are represented by the drying potential of the gas. It is shown that the shell porosities forming in the continuous mode can be deduced from this relation by comparing experimental data and simulation results. Process stability and seed formation are also discussed using the obtained experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

We assess in mice, the electrophysiological criteria developed in humans and rats in vivo for unmyelinated (C) fibre differentiation into sub-classes, derived from the activity-induced latency increase (“slowing”) in response to electrical stimulation during 6 min at 0.25 Hz followed by 3 min at 2 Hz. Fibres are considered nociceptors if they show more than 10% slowing at 2 Hz; nociceptors are further divided into mechanosensitive (“polymodal”) and mechanoinsensitive (“silent”) ones according to a latency shift of less and more than 1% during the first minute at 0.25 Hz, respectively. Sympathetic postganglionics are recognised by 2–10% slowing at 2 Hz; units slowing less than 2% at 2 Hz remain uncategorised. For assessment of these criteria, we also developed a novel in vivo technique for recording of peripheral single-fibres in the mouse. We compared the theoretical slowing-rate discriminator criteria with experimental data obtained from mice in vivo/in vitro and rats in vitro . Out of 69 cutaneous mouse C-fibres in vitro and 19 in vivo , only 38 (67%) and 9 (47%) met the above 1% criterion, respectively; sympathetics were not identified. In contrast, out of 20 rats nerve fibres in vitro , 19 (95%) met this criterion. We conclude that (A) our novel electrophysiological technique is a practical method for examining mouse cutaneous single-fibres in vivo and (B) the published criterion for identifying silent nociceptors in rats and humans is not applicable in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lack of knowledge regarding cost-efficient design of whole production chains as well as the availability of powerful harvest machinery are some of the main obstacles for competitive production of bioenergy from short rotation coppices (SRC) at practice. In general, two different harvest lines are available: the cut-and-chip and the cut-and-store lines. Whereas the cut-and chip line provides wood chips which have to be stored until next heating season, the product for intermediate storage of the cut-and-store line are whole trees. Both process lines have major differences not only in harvesting, but also in transport, storage and process losses leading to different costs of the end product wood chips. On basis of data from several SRC harvest campaigns, production costs for wood chips have been calculated to identify best practice solutions taking the following factors into account: chip size determined by the harvest system, storage including related costs and losses, field size and shape as well as transport to storage. According to the results, mower-chippers and forage harvesters can provide wood chips at lowest production costs (43#8230;45 ⊂tdm-1) if field shape is favourable for harvest operations. Under less favourable field conditions costs are approx. 7 to 14% higher. Highest production costs have to be accepted if whole trees are harvested with a shoot harvester (64 to 72 ⊂tdm-1). The reduction in storage losses and storage costs are not sufficient to compensate higher machine costs for harvest and additional comminution with mobile chippers from forestry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Particle coating experiments were performed in a lab-scale fluidized bed with varying process parameters, such as spraying rate and air inlet temperature, leading to different drying conditions. Porous (γ-Al 2 O 3 ) and non-porous (glass) initial particles were sprayed with a sodium benzoate solution. For each experiment, the particle size distribution as well as the layer porosity was measured. The results show a dependency of the layer porosity on the drying conditions, represented by the drying potential of the fluidization gas. The obtained relationship is expressed as a linear correlation, which can be used in process models. Apart from the experimental results, a model based on population balances and heat and mass balances is presented. Simulations performed using the obtained empirical correlation are in good agreement with experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mountain environments represent heterogeneous environments with shallow soils that are sensitive to human impact and climate change. Despite the thin soil cover, high soil organic carbon content of mountain soils may provide a major source of atmospheric CO2, if released. However, the importance of mountain soils remains controversial, largely due to insufficient information on the spatial variability of mountain SOC stocks. Here, we study the spatial variability of soil properties and SOC stocks in a changing mountain environment in the Bernese Alps (Switzerland) and the methodologies to assess them. We use different interpolation techniques (averaging, inverse distance, ordinary-, block- and regression-kriging) and sampling densities and analyze the sources of uncertainty using a nested sampling approach and the Gaussian and Taylor error propagation. We found a low sensitivity of the median SOC stocks of the study area (ranging between 8.1 and 8.6 kg Cm-2 in the upper 30 cm), the general patterns of the predicted stocks and the explanatory power with respect to the utilized interpolation techniques. In contrast the small-scale SOC pattern fluctuates strongly between different interpolation techniques. All interpolation techniques, except regression kriging, show a low variability of the calculated root mean square errors of the predicted SOC stocks in terms of variable sampling densities. To improve spatial prediction using regression kriging, which combines the kriging approach with multiple linear regression based on factors controlling the SOC variability (e.g. soil type, land use and topography), large sampling density (>35 samples per km²) is required in alpine environments. This is especially true for the coarse mineral fraction, which introduces the largest source of uncertainty. Nested sampling designs seem to provide an efficient tool to study SOC inventories and their associated sources of uncertainties in mountain environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micropowder of poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) can be used in base oils to improve the tribological properties significantly, if oil molecules are covalently linked to primary PTFE particles in the dispersion. Enhanced properties are not only determined by the amount of PTFE micropowder added to the oil but as well by the surface charge, radical concentration, and the size and distribution of PTFE particles in the oil phase. The chemical compatibilization (=cc) between PTFE micropowder and ester oil by the use of two types of PTFE micropowder, which differ in radical concentration and the amount of functional groups is shown. The concentration of PTFE micropowder in the dispersions was varied from 5 to 20 wt%. Both the pure PTFE micropowder and the oil-PTFE-cc dispersions were characterized by ESR and FTIR spectroscopy as well as by zeta potential measurements. Rheological and tribological tests were performed on the ester oil and the oil-PTFE-cc dispersions. Qualitative differences are discussed in terms of particle interactions, dispersion stability, chemical compatibilization efficiency and the amount of functional groups. A correlation between flow properties and surface charge of the PTFE particles within the dispersions was obtained. The influence on tribological properties is discussed as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. In type Ia supernova (SN Ia) envelopes a huge number of lines of different elements overlap within their thermal Doppler widths, and this problem is exacerbated by the circumstance that up to 20% of these lines can have a line optical depth higher than 1. The stagnation of the lambda iteration in such optically thick cases is one of the fundamental physical problems inherent in the iterative solution of the non-LTE problem, and the failure of a lambda iteration to converge is a point of crucial importance whose physical significance must be understood completely. Aims. We discuss a general problem related to radiative transfer under the physical conditions of supernova ejecta that involves a failure of the usual non-LTE iteration scheme to converge when multiple strong opacities belonging to different physical transitions come together, similar to the well-known situation where convergence is impaired even when only a single process attains high optical depths. The convergence problem is independent of the chosen frequency and depth grid spacing, independent of whether the radiative transfer is solved in the comoving or observer's frame, and independent of whether a common complete-linearization scheme or a conventional accelerated lambda iteration (ALI) is used. The problem appears when all millions of line transitions required for a realistic description of SN Ia envelopes are treated in the frame of a comprehensive non-LTE model. The only solution to this problem is a complete-linearization approach that considers all ions of all elements simultaneously, or an adequate generalization of the established ALI technique that accounts for the mutual interaction of the strong spectral lines of different elements and which thereby unfreezes the "stuck" state of the iteration. Methods. The physics of the atmospheres of SN Ia are strongly affected by the high-velocity expansion of the ejecta, which dominates the formation of the spectra at all wavelength ranges. Thus, hydrodynamic explosion models and realistic model atmospheres that take into account the strong deviation from local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) are necessary for the synthesis and analysis of the spectra. In this regard one of the biggest challenges we have found in modeling the radiative transfer in SN Ia is the fact that the radiative energy in the UV has to be transferred only via spectral lines into the optical regime to be able to leave the ejecta. However, convergence of the model toward a state where this is possible is impaired when using the standard procedures. We report on improvements in our approach of computing synthetic spectra for SN Ia with respect to (i) an improved and sophisticated treatment of many thousands of strong lines that interact intricately with the "pseudo-continuum" formed entirely by Doppler-shifted spectral lines; (ii) an improved and expanded atomic database; and (iii) the inclusion of energy deposition within the ejecta arising from the radioactive decay of mostly 56Ni and 56Co. Results. We show that an ALI procedure we have developed for the mutual interaction of strong spectral lines appearing in the atmospheres of SNe Ia solves the long-standing problem of transferring the radiative energy from the UV into the optical regime. Our new method thus constitutes a foundation for more refined models, such as those including energy deposition. In this regard we furthermore show synthetic spectra obtained with various methods adopted for the released energy and compare them with observations. We discuss in detail applications of the diagnostic technique by example of a standard type Ia supernova, where the comparison of calculated and observed spectra revealed that in the early phases the consideration of the energy deposition within the spectrum-forming regions of the ejecta does not qualitatively alter the shape of the emergent spectra. Conclusions. The results of our investigation lead to an improved understanding of how the shape of the spectrum changes radically as function of depth in the ejecta, and show how different emergent spectra are formed as a result of the particular physical properties of SNe Ia ejecta and the resulting peculiarities in the radiative transfer. This knowledge provides an important insight into the process of extracting information from observed SN Ia spectra, since these spectra are a complex product of numerous unobservable SN Ia spectral features, which are thus analyzed in parallel to the observable SN Ia spectral features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Type Ia supernovae (SN Ia) have become an invaluable cosmological tool because their exceptional brightness makes them observable even at very large distances (up to redshifts around z ≈ 1). To investigate possible systematic differences between local and distant SN Ia requires detailed models whose synthetic spectra can be compared to observations and in which the solution of the radiative transfer is a key ingredient. One commonly employed method is the Feautrier scheme, which is generally very robust but can lead to wrong results under certain conditions that frequently occur when modeling supernova ejecta or even the radiatively driven expanding atmospheres of hot stars. Aims. We attempt to improve the procedure we have developed for simulating the radiative transfer of metal-rich, intermediate- and low-density, line-dominated atmospheres to allow the method to be applied successfully even under conditions of high expansion velocities. Methods. We use a sophisticated model atmosphere code that considers the non-LTE effects and large velocity gradients that strongly affect the physics of SN Ia atmospheres at all wavelengths to simulate the formation of SN Ia spectra by the thousands of strong spectral lines that intricately interact with the "pseudo-continuum" formed entirely by these Doppler-shifted lines themselves. We focus on investigating the behavior of the Feautrier scheme under these conditions. Results. Synthetic spectra of SN Ia, a complex product of computer models replicating numerous physical processes that determine the conditions of matter and radiation in the ejecta, are affected by large spatial jumps of the line-dominated opacities and source functions for which the application of even well established methods may harbor certain pitfalls. We analyse the conditions that can lead to a breakdown of conventional procedures and we derive a modified description that yields more accurate results in the given circumstances for the Feautrier radiative transfer solver. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At 18 months, children engage in a variety of social behaviors that reflect their nascent ability to understand the intentions of other people (e.g. joint attention, empathy, cooperation and self-recognition). Although numerous contextual factors have been shown to predict social cognition in young children, the genetic underpinnings of social-cognitive traits has been understudied in this age group. Owing to the known effects of oxytocin on adult social cognition and psychopathology, this study hypothesized that variability in the oxytocin receptor gene ( OXTR) would be associated with social cognition in children at 18 months. Participants consisted of 350 children (182 males; 168 females) who were part of an ongoing longitudinal study that aimed to assess environmental and genetic contributions to children's cognitive and socio-emotional functioning. At 18 months, social cognition was measured using previously validated and developmentally sensitive tasks assessing children's joint attention, empathy, cooperation and self-recognition. Five potentially functional OXTR variants were genotyped: rs1042778, rs2254298, rs11131149, rs237897 and rs237899. A family-based association design was used to control for population admixture and stratification, and additional non-genomic covariates were controlled. Results showed that variability in rs11131149 was significantly associated with social cognition ( P = 0.009), with more copies of the major allele related to higher social cognition, and more copies of the minor (risk) allele associated with lower social cognition. A haplotype consisting of rs11131149-rs2254298 was also associated with social cognition ( P = 0.020). Implications for normative and pathological development are discussed, and key areas for future research are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The flow properties of bulk materials are influenced by particle shape and particle size, amongst others. Often the particle shape is assumed to be less important in literature. As yet, almost no results are available on the effect of particle shape on the flowability of crushed grain products. Therefore, two test series were performed with two different particle size fractions in the range of 0.2mm

ABSTRACT This contribution presents results of the chemical coupling reaction between the poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) micropowder and oils. For the preparation of such dispersions, the reaction between the perfluoroalkyl(peroxy) radicals, which are generated by irradiation of PTFE in presence of oxygen, and the olefinic unsaturated groups of the oils was used. The modified and charged PTFE micropowder particles prevent the agglomeration by repulsion and therefore also the sedimentation. Processes of structural formation in the dispersions were studied by rheological characterisation and observed into dependence of the PTFE concentration and the chosen kind of PTFE. The tribological characterisation should explore the influence of the chemical coupling reaction between PTFE and oil in the dispersions. In addition, the tribological effect of the dispersions as an additive in a synthetic lubricant was investigated. The results obtained were discussed from rheological and tribological point of view taking into account the effect of the chemical coupling in dependence of the oils used and the chosen PTFE type. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Animal feed often consists of different components and is normally stored in tower silos as a mixture. The components differ in terms of their flow properties, which determine the flow out process. In this study a series of key components like crushed grain and crushed meals of native and imported oils and legumes were examined. To characterize the flow properties, shear strength measurements with the Jenike shear cell were carried out and the flowability ffc and the outlet diameter were calculated. The tensile strength was measured with a device according to Ashton. The results show the known tendency between the flowability ffc and the amount of fine components. Because of the different bulk materials the coefficient of determination is low. The flowability based on own investigations is lower than the flowability of Jenike. The evaluation of the results did not demonstrate any influence of the ingredients on the flow properties of the components examined. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Often shredded grain is stored up to feeding as bulk material in tower silos over a longer period. Due to time-dependent consolidation the material becomes more or less incapable of flow out. In this research, the flow characteristic of pig-feed is determined in dependence on the granulometric conditions and the storage period. For the investigations three samples of mixed pig-feed were produced with a transformed median x50;3 ⁎ of 0.335mm, 1.0mm and 5.2mm and a constant standard deviation of 0.9. The percentage of cohesive fine material with particle size x<0.2mm was 100%, 30% and 8.9% in order to represent the flow properties “very cohesive”, “cohesive” and “free flowing”. The material samples were pre-sheared by use of a translation-shear-device and afterwards stored for 20, 40 ore 90h under the consolidation stress. After that followed the shearing of under reduced normal-stress. The flow function values ffc were calculated based on the measurements. Results show that the flow characteristic is mainly influenced by the fine material portion H3(0.2mm). Extremely cohesive behavior is present at H3(0.2mm)=100%. At H3(0.2mm)=30% or 8.9%, the bulk material behaves cohesively or cohesionless. Shredded grain for animal feed should have a small standard deviation and a portion of cohesive material H3(0.2mm)<5%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We define discrete flat surfaces in hyperbolic 3-space H3 from the perspective of discrete integrable systems and prove properties that justify the definition. We show how these surfaces correspond to previously defined discrete constant mean curvature 1 surfaces in H3, and we also describe discrete focal surfaces (discrete caustics) that can be used to define singularities on discrete flat surfaces. Along the way, we also examine discrete linear Weingarten surfaces of Bryant type in H3, and consider an example of a discrete flat surface related to the Airy equation that exhibits swallowtail singularities and a Stokes phenomenon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims. The aim of this work is to verify whether turbulent magnetic reconnection can provide the additional energy input required to explain the up to now only poorly understood ionization mechanism of the diffuse ionized gas (DIG) in galaxies and its observed emission line spectra. Methods. We use a detailed non-LTE radiative transfer code that does not make use of the usual restrictive gaseous nebula approximations to compute synthetic spectra for gas at low densities. Excitation of the gas is via an additional heating term in the energy balance as well as by photoionization. Numerical values for this heating term are derived from three-dimensional resistive magnetohydrodynamic two-fluid plasma-neutral-gas simulations to compute energy dissipation rates for the DIG under typical conditions. Results. Our simulations show that magnetic reconnection can liberate enough energy to by itself fully or partially ionize the gas. However, synthetic spectra from purely thermally excited gas are incompatible with the observed spectra; a photoionization source must additionally be present to establish the correct (observed) ionization balance in the gas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The paper compares building and decomposition pathways of two phosphonic acids, amino trimethylene phosphonic acid (ATMP) and 1-hydroxy ethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid (HEDP). The theoretical formation reactions were composed using elementary reactions and compared to reaction routes published in literature. As result, summary reaction pathways for both phosphonic acids are proposed which only vary in the number of reaction steps required. These reaction steps include carbonyl reactions, SN2-reactions, and ionic reactions. The synthesis of ATMP proceeds in three reaction steps, whereas HEDP is formed in one reaction. The thermal decomposition of both phosphonic acids in solid state was examined by combination of thermogravimetry coupled with infrared spectroscopy as well as pyrolysis gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Decomposition mechanisms were deduced and compared to the theoretical findings resulting in the conclusion that the decomposition processes of ATMP and HEDP follows the formation mechanism. Thus, the suitability of theoretical considerations for the understanding of thermal decomposition processes is shown. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A deletion of 〉20 amino acids in the stalk of neuraminidase is frequently observed upon transmission of influenza A viruses from waterfowl to domestic poultry. A pair of recombinant H7N1 viruses bearing either a short- or long-stalk neuraminidase was genetically engineered. Inoculation of the long-stalk-neuraminidase virus resulted in a higher cloacal excretion in ducks and led conversely to lower-level oropharyngeal excretion in chickens, associated with a higher-level local immune response and better survival. Therefore, a short-stalk neuraminidase is a determinant of viral adaptation and virulence in chickens but is detrimental to virus replication and shedding in ducks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Histochemical screening of 30 Rosaceae genera representing all classic subfamilies demonstrated flavan-3-ols (catechins) as general secondary metabolites in roots of Rosaceae. Semi-quantitative LC-MS analyses confirmed the presence of catechin, epicatechin and various dimeric flavan-3-ols (also representing higher polymeric proanthocyanidins) as prominent polyphenols in root tips of Fragaria (strawberry), Malus (apple), Rosa (rose), Pyrus (pear) and Prunus (plum). Distinct patterns of flavan-3-ol distribution at the cellular level were found in strawberry ( Fragaria × ananassa) and apple ( Malus × domestica) root tips. The calyptras (root caps) showed the most prominent flavan-3-ol staining for these two genera. Border cells of Fragaria and Malus, as first demonstrated here for Rosaceae, were also found to contain flavan-3-ols. Transcript analyses with cDNA demonstrated root expression of known flavonoid genes expressed in the respective fruits and leaves. Primarily, this proves in situ biosynthesis of flavan-3-ols in these roots. Knowledge of the distinct cellular distribution patterns and their in situ biosynthesis in roots provides a basis for analysis of the functional roles of Rosaceae root flavan-3-ols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We show that the electric-field-induced reversal of the magnetic order parameter in multiferroic MnWO4 occurs on the time scale of milliseconds. Throughout the switching process the magnetic order and the magnetically induced electric polarization remain rigidly coupled. The temporal progression of the domain structure was imaged with nanosecond resolution by an electrical-pump-optical-probe technique using optical second harmonic generation. The nonequitibrium domain pattern significantly differs from the one during quasistatic domain reversal. A qualitative model gives an estimate of why the magnetoelectric order-parameter reversal in the magnetically induced ferroelectrics is not inherently ultrafast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine (i) risk factors for postdischarge falls and (ii) the effect of inpatient falls prevention education on rates of falls after discharge. METHODS: Participants (n = 343) were a prospective cohort nested within a randomized controlled trial (n = 1,206) of falls prevention patient education in hospital compared with usual care. Participants were followed up for 6 months after discharge and falls recorded via a falls diary and monthly telephone calls. Potential falls risk factors were assessed at point of discharge and at 6 months postdischarge using a telephone survey. RESULTS: There were 276 falls among 138 (40.2%) participants in the 6 months following discharge (4.52/1,000 person days) of which 150 were injurious falls (2.46/1,000 person days). Pairwise comparisons found no significant differences between groups in rates of falls after adjustment for confounding variables. Independent risk factors for all falls outcomes were male gender, history of falls prior to hospital admission, fall during hospital admission, depressed mood at discharge, using a walking aid at discharge, and receiving assistance with activities of daily living at 6 months following discharge. Receiving assistance with activities of daily living significantly reduced the risk of falls and injurious falls for high risk patients. CONCLUSIONS: Older patients are at increased risk of falls and falls injuries following discharge. Education that effectively reduced inpatient falls appears to have no ongoing protective effect after discharge. Independent risk factors for falls in this population differ from both hospital and general community settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Rhine catchment experienced strong changes in upstream allogenic forcing during the last 20,000 years. Climatic changes of the glacial–interglacial transition and steadily growing human impact during the second half of the Holocene forced the Rhine to adapt, resulting in changes in the fluvial morphology. The lower Rhine left two late Weichselian terraces and many Holocene palaeo-meanders in the Lower Rhine Valley (western Germany). This well-preserved terrace sequence is used to investigate the exact course of events of the lower Rhine response to changes in allogenic forcing. Five detailed cross-sections that integrate new and existing borehole data were constructed, and the deposits were analysed with regards to abandonment of terraces, changes in number of active channels, fluvial style, terrace gradients, and overbank sedimentation during the Lateglacial and Holocene. We improved and expanded the chronology of the Lower Rhine Valley deposits by dating new samples (14C, OSL), and integrated these with existing dating evidence (archaeological and historical data, cross-cutting relationships). Twice during the glacial–interglacial transition, the lower Rhine changed from braided to meandering fluvial style. During both transitional episodes (meandering) secondary channels existed alongside the main channel, with a life span up to 2500 years. The findings imply that the lower Rhine was inherently slow to complete the full morphological transition to a single thread meandering system. On specific aspects of response, the morphological response (point bar/terrace formation, contraction to a single thread) extended over relatively long periods of time, whereas discharge-related response (e.g. fluvial style change, abandonment of braidplains, channel bed lowering/incision) seems to have been near instantaneous. Reach-specific conditions determine the degree to which the geomorphic response is delayed and the complexity of the resultant morphology. Increased human-induced sediment delivery (last 2000–3000 years) is expressed as relative thicker and coarser overbank deposits in the entire study area. In the downstream part of the Lower Rhine Valley it accelerated high-stand deltaic backfilling and decreased incision. The response to human activities occurred relatively quickly in contrast to the long-term fluvial response to the glacial–interglacial transition, because the human impact mainly involved change in delivery of the suspended load. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

OBJECTIVES: To compare three different methods of falls reporting and examine the characteristics of the data missing from the hospital incident reporting system. DESIGN: Fourteen-month prospective observational study nested within a randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Rehabilitation, stroke, medical, surgical, and orthopedic wards in Perth and Brisbane, Australia. PARTICIPANTS: Fallers (n=153) who were part of a larger trial (1,206 participants, mean age 75.1±11.0). MEASUREMENTS: Three falls events reporting measures: participants' self-report of fall events, fall events reported in participants' case notes, and falls events reported through the hospital reporting systems. RESULTS: The three reporting systems identified 245 falls events in total. Participants' case notes captured 226 (92.2%) falls events, hospital incident reporting systems captured 185 (75.5%) falls events, and participant self-report captured 147 (60.2%) falls events. Falls events were significantly less likely to be recorded in hospital reporting systems when a participant sustained a subsequent fall, ( P=.01) or when the fall occurred in the morning shift ( P=.01) or afternoon shift ( P=.01). CONCLUSION: Falls data missing from hospital incident report systems are not missing completely at random and therefore will introduce bias in some analyses if the factor investigated is related to whether the data is missing. Multimodal approaches to collecting falls data are preferable to relying on a single source alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: There is a long history of human–riverine interactions throughout the period of agriculture that in some regions of the world started several thousand years ago. These interactions have altered rivers to human dominated systems with often negative impacts on fluvial environments. To achieve a good ecological and chemical status of rivers, as intended in the European Water Framework Directive (WFD), a better understanding of the natural status of rivers and an improved quantification of human–riverine interactions is necessary. Over the last decade the PAGES-LUCIFS (Land Use and Climate Impact on Fluvial Systems) program has been investigating both contemporary and long-term (centuries to millennia) river responses to global change with the principal aims of: 1) quantifying land use and climate change impacts of river-borne fluxes of water, sediment, C, N and P; 2) identification of key controls on these fluxes at the catchment scale; and 3) identification of the feedback on both human society and biogeochemical cycles of long-term changes in the fluxes of these materials. Here, we review recent progress on identifying fluvial system baselines and quantifying the response of long-term sediment budgets, biogeochemical fluxes and flood magnitude and frequency to Holocene global change. Based on this review, we outline the future LUCIFS research agenda within the scope of the PAGES-PHAROS (Past Human-Climate-Ecological Interactions) research program. Key research strategies should be focused on: 1) synthesising the data available from existing case studies; 2) targeting research in data-poor regions; 3) integrating sediment, C, N and P fluxes; 4) quantifying the relative roles of allogenic and autogenic forcing on fluvial regimes, extreme events and sediment fluxes; 5) improving long-term river basin modelling; and 6) integration of LUCIFS with other research communities within PHAROS, namely HITE (land cover) and LIMPACS (water quality and biodiversity). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We review and discuss the latest developments and technology options for 45nm node and below, with scaled planar bulk MOSFETs and MuGFETs as emerging devices. One of the main metal gate (MG) candidates for scaled CMOS technologies are fully silicided (FUSI) gates. In this work, by means of a selective and controlled poly etch-back integration process, dual work-function Ni-based FUSI/HfSiON CMOS circuits with record ring oscillator performance (high-VT) are reported (17ps at VDD=1.1V and 20pA/μm Ioff), meeting the ITRS 45nm node requirement for low-power (LP) CMOS. Compatibility of FUSI and other MG with known stress boosters like stressed CESL (contact-etch-stop-layer with high intrinsic stress) or embedded SiGe in the pMOS S/D regions is validated. To obtain MuGFET devices that are competitive, as compared to conventional planar bulk devices, and that meet the stringent drive and leakage current requirements for the 32nm node and beyond, higher channel mobilities are required. Results obtained by several strain engineering methods are presented here. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The response of fluvial systems to land use and climate change varies depending on catchment size. While forcing-response mechanisms of small catchments are reasonably well understood, the response of larger drainage basins is less clear. In particular, the impact of land use and climate change on the Rhine system is poorly understood because of the catchment size (185 000 km²) and the long history of human cultivation, which started approximately 7500 years ago. A sediment budget is calculated to specify the amount of alluvial sediment that was deposited during the Holocene and to estimate long-term soil erosion rates. The results suggest that 59 ± 14 × 109 t of Holocene alluvial sediment is stored in the non-alpine part of the Rhine catchment (South and Central Germany, Eastern France, The Netherlands). About 50% of Holocene alluvial sediment is deposited along the trunk valley and the delta (Upper Rhine, Lower Rhine, coastal plain), while the rest is stored along the tributary valleys. The floodplain sediment storage corresponds to a mean erosion rate of 0.559 ± 0.16 t/ha per yr (38.5 ± 10.7 mm/kyr) across the Rhine catchment outside the Alps. This Holocene-averaged estimate amounts for sediments that were delivered to the channel network and is at the lower limit of erosion rates from other studies of different methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Recent research pointed out the question of missing OH reactivity in a forest system and the question for unknown highly reactive biogenic emissions. In this study we show that coniferous forests are an important source of highly reactive hydrocarbons, the sesquiterpenes. We investigated the seasonality of terpene emissions from Scots pine to work out influences on atmospheric chemistry in different seasons for both mono- and sesquiterpenes. Especially sesquiterpenes (C15) change dramatically in their contribution to the terpene emissions of Scots pine. Fourteen sesquiterpenes and oxygenated compounds were found in the emissions. In spring, the pattern was most complex with all 14 compounds being emitted, whereas in summer and fall it was reduced to 1,8-cineol and camphor. The emission pattern of the monoterpenes varied only slightly. The main compounds emitted were α-pinene, β-pinene, and 3-carene representing up to 90% of the total terpene emission. The total monoterpene emission rates varied from below detection limit to 460pmolm−2 s−1 with highest emission rates found in June. Standard emission rates of the main compounds calculated from the monthly measured diurnal emission courses varied considerably over the year. Highest values were found in spring and early summer with up to 700pmolm−2 s−1. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: This study (a) evaluated the reading ability of patients following stroke and their carers and the reading level and content and design characteristics of the written information provided to them, (b) explored the influence of sociodemographic and clinical characteristics on patients' reading ability, and (c) described an education package that provides well-designed information tailored to patients' and carers' informational needs. Methods: Fifty-seven patients and 12 carers were interviewed about their informational needs in an acute stroke unit. Their reading ability was assessed using the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine (REALM). The written information provided to them in the acute stroke unit was analysed using the SMOG readability formula and the Suitability Assessment of Materials (SAM). Results: Thirteen (22.8%) patients and 5 (41.7%) carers had received written stroke information. The mean reading level of materials analysed was 11th grade while patients read at a mean of 7-8th grade. Most materials (89%) scored as only adequate in content and design. Patients with combined aphasia read significantly lower (4-6th grade) than other patients (p=0.001). Conclusion: Only a small proportion of patients and carers received written materials about stroke and the readability level and content and design characteristics of most materials required improvement. Practice Implications: When developing and distributing written materials about stroke, health professionals should consider the reading ability and informational needs of the recipients, and the reading level and content and design characteristics of the written materials. A computer system can be used to generate written materials tailored to the informational needs and literacy skills of patients and carers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to identify new factors which may contribute to angiotensin-converting-enzyme-inhibitor (ACEI)-induced angioedema.In a retrospective cohort study we examined 25 patients who used an ACEI and presented at our emergency room with acute angioedema as well as 18 patients with unknown cause of angioedema and a total of 21 patients on ACEI-therapy without previous angioedema. We measured markers of inflammation such as acute-phase proteins (C-reactive protein, fibrinogen), leukocyte count and body temperature.The mean interval between initiation of ACEI treatment and first manifestation of angioedema was 35.8 ± 5.3 months. During symptomatic angioedema, mean plasma levels of C-reactive protein and fibrinogen were significantly increased by 7.3-fold and 1.5-fold, respectively, while leukocyte count and body temperature were normal. These changes disappeared after successful treatment of angioedema and were not found in patients with angioedema of unknown cause and those receiving ACEI without having experienced angioedema.Our findings demonstrate for the first time that ACEI-induced angioedema is associated with strongly increased plasma levels of CRP. We suggest that CRP is involved in the pathophysiology of ACEI-induced angioedema. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE: Written health education materials can only be effective if they can be read, understood, and remembered by patients. The purpose of this article was to review the literature about features that should be incorporated into written health education materials to maximize their effectiveness, identify where there is consensus and debate about which features should be incorporated, and develop recommendations that health professionals can use when reviewing their existing materials and designing new materials. METHOD: Literature review of published research and education articles. RESULTS: There is a large number of features that need to be considered when designing written health education materials so that they are suitable for the target audience and effective. Although there is consensus about the majority of features that should be included, further research is needed to explore the contribution of certain features, such as illustrations, to the effectiveness of written materials and the effect of well-designed written materials on patient outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Health professionals need to provide their patients with written health education materials that are patient-orientated and designed according to the best practice principles in written health education material design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes the discharge destination, basic and instrumental activities of daily living (ADL), community reintegration and generic health status of people after stroke, and explored whether sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were associated with these outcomes. Participants were 51 people, with an initial stroke, admitted to an acute hospital and discharged to the community. Admission and discharge data were obtained by chart review. Follow-up status was determined by telephone interview using the Modified Barthel Index, the Assessment of Living Skills and Resources, the Reintegration to Normal Living Index, and the Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). At follow up, 57% of participants were independent in basic ADL, 84% had a low risk of experiencing instrumental ADL difficulties, most had few concerns with community reintegration, and SF-36 physical functioning and vitality scores were lower than normative values. At follow up, poorer discharge basic ADL status was associated with poorer instrumental ADL and community reintegration status, and older participants had poorer instrumental ADL, community reintegration and physical functioning. Occupational therapists need to consider these outcomes when planning inpatient and post-discharge intervention for people after stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, natural killer (NK) cells, as well as subpopulations of T cells, have been found to express diverse NK receptors (NKRs) for HLA class I molecules. We have characterized NKR phenotypes in lymphoproliferative disorders of NK or T-cell type. Peripheral blood of patients with lymphoproliferative disorders (n = 9) was analysed by multiparametric immunofluorescence flow cytometry with eight different antibodies against NKRs. Abnormal neoplastic cell populations from different types of NK or T-cell lymphoproliferative disorders lacked diversity in their NKR repertoires, i.e. all or none of the abnormal cells expressed individual NKRs and this expression occurred at single levels of intensity. This pattern of expression was specific for lymphoproliferative disorders as these resticted NKR repertoires were not found either in healthy donors (n = 9) or in patients with viral or autoimmune disease (n = 5). We conclude that NKRs are clonally expressed in lymphoproliferative disorders of NK or T-cell origin. NKR repertoires may represent a novel tool in diagnosing clonal disorders of NK and T-cell type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) relapsing in blast crisis after HLA-identical sibling bone marrow transplantation (BMT) are difficult to treat. Infusion of donor lymphocytes or retransplantation are unlikely to result in long-term disease-free survival. Treatment intensification with allogeneic double-BMT, made possible by using repeatedly mobilized peripheral blood stem cells, offers a new treatment option. We report two patients with Philadelphia chromosome positive CML transplanted in chronic phase, relapsing with CML in myeloid blast crisis. Both received intensive induction chemotherapy (ICE) followed by a first, T cell-depleted peripheral stem cell transplant from the initial donor. Both patients engrafted rapidly (day 15). Upon hematologic recovery, a second G-CSF mobilized non-T cell-depleted peripheral stem cell transplant from the same donor was given after pretransplant conditioning with busulphan and cyclophosphamide. Again, engraftment was rapid (days 18 and 16) and both patients are alive and disease-free 18 and 21 months after allogeneic double-BMT. G-CSF mobilized peripheral stem cells allow new ways of treatment intensification with double-BMT in refractory leukemias relapsing post-transplant. This approach warrants further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

C3a. when injected intravenously in guinea-pigs, caused a rapid drop of circulating neutrophils and platelets. The neutropenia was reversible and followed by a neutrophilia, which reached about 200% of baseline values. Upon challenge with octa- and hexapeptide, mimicking the C-terminal sequence of C3a, neutrophils and platelets reacted in the same manner. The hexapeptide-desArg (pentapeptide without the C-terminal arginine of hexapeptide) induced no neutropenia but a significant neutrophilia. Likewise, when injected in animals with a genetic deficiency or dysfunction of the C3a- receptor, the hexapeptide caused no drop of the neutrophils, but a neutrophilia, indicating that both neutrophil reactions are mediated by different mechanisms. With the octapeptide in viro dose- response studies were performed. Despite maximal doses of octapeptide about 40% of the neutrophils remained in circulation, indicating that some but not all PMNs are susceptible to C3a. By pretreating the animals with an inhibitor of the serum carboxypeptidase N (SCPN-Inh) the C3a- induced neutropenia could be significantly augmented. But intravenous application of the inhibitor itself caused a 20-40% reduction of neutrophils during the first hour after injection, followed by a neutrophilia. In histological studies the timecourse of neutrophil sequestration in the lung was established, showing that the initial high neutrophil content of the lung lasted for at least 1 h and declined thereafter. Structural derangements could not be detected. These observations stress the importance of C3a besides C5a as an important mediator of inflammatory processes in species, where the C3a-receptor is present on inflammatory cells such as granulocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 1991 we reported the results from a prospective randomised phase 3 trial comparing 7 days continuous infusion of cytosine arabinoside (ara-C) combined with either daunorubicin (DNR) or aclarubicin (ACR) as direct i.v. injection for 3 days as induction chemotherapy (CT) for patients with de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML) followed by early intensive consolidation CT with two alternating cycles of high-dose ara-C and two cycles of amsacrine plus etoposide, and finally 3 days of daunomycin plus 7 days of ara-C as administered for induction of remission. A total of 174 patients with de novo AML in the age group 17-65 years were included. The patients have now been followed till death or for at least 7 years, and an evaluation of the long-term survival and the risk of developing secondary neoplasms has been made. The overall survival rate 5-years after diagnosis was 23%, and after 10 years 19%. No difference was found between the two treatment regimens in overall survival or disease-free survival (DFS). For the subgroup of 99 patients who achieved complete remission after one or two induction courses, 5- and 10-year survival rates were 35% and 31% respectively, with the highest survival rates in the age group 17-39 years (57% at 5 years) as compared with 27% in patients aged 40-60 years (P= 0.007). Seven secondary neoplasms were diagnosed simultaneously with or after the diagnosis of AML indicating a standardized incidence ratio (SIR) of 3.41, (95% CI: 1.60-7.26). In three cases the secondary neoplasms were diagnosed simultaneously with the AML diagnosis and were for that reason completely unrelated to the chemotherapy administered for AML, as the psammomatous meningeoma diagnosed after only 8 months. The remaining three neoplasms which developed subsequently did not significantly exceed the expected number, with a SIR = 1.46 (0.47-4.57). Thus, no increased risk of solid tumors causally related to the intensive chemotherapy for de novo AML was observed. However, a generally increased risk of solid tumors in patients diagnosed simultaneously with the AML diagnosis seems likely. Over 20% of the patients were alive and in complete remission 5 years after the AML diagnosis, and they have a high probability of surviving the next 5-year period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Parenchymal hemorrhage is one of the most feared risks of stereotactic brain biopsies potentially resulting in neurological deficits or even a fatal outcome. Patients with disorders of the coagulation system are at particular risk, so identifying these is one of the main tasks prior to surgery. Some patients may have a bleeding tendency despite normal laboratory values of the hemostatic system. Case Report: We report the case of a patient with coagulopathy of unclear etiology undergoing a stereotactic brainstem biopsy. Conclusion: A medication scheme with tranexamic acid and desmopressin effectively decreased the patient's bleeding time in vivo and the procedure was carried out without complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]