In this paper, evidence that the increased response of SiPM sensors to the passage of charged particles is related mainly to Cherenkov light produced in the protection layer is reported. The response ...and timing properties of sensors with different protection layers have been studied.
The phytoplankton community structure exhibits seasonal and spatial variations in response to the environmental conditions, which aids in understanding the ecosystem’s health. Given this, four ...samplings were conducted between October 2013 to April 2015, encompassing the monsoon, post-monsoon, and pre-monsoon seasons, from the Haldia port ecosystem of India. The samples were collected from the flowing estuary and an extended semi-enclosed dock. We hypothesized that the seasonal phytoplankton community (diversity, abundance, and carbon biomass) response will differ based on the environmental and hydrographical characteristics of the study site. Picophytoplankton and nano-microphytoplankton dominated the phytoplankton community in terms of numbers and biomass, respectively. Bacillariophytes dominated the nano-microphytoplankton abundance and total biomass, except during the monsoon when Dinophytes contributed (inner-zone). The dominance of Bacillariophytes and Chlorophytes in the outer-zone with picophytoplankton and Dinophytes in the inner-zone indicated group-specific hydrographic preferences that supported the hypothesis. The positive correlation of the picophytoplankton abundance (pre-monsoon) with Secchi disc depth and the negative correlation of diatoms (post-monsoon) with temperature signify the seasonal role of light and temperature, respectively. The highest nano-microphytoplankton species diversity (Shannon–Wiener’s index) during the pre-monsoon (inner-zone) with more rare species indicated the probable influence of stable waters with increased water transparency. However, the community was unevenly distributed in the estuary due to the high abundance of the diatom,
Aulacoseira granulata
. Although harmful algal blooms were not detected, the higher temperature and nutrient concentrations could have favoured potentially harmful species (
Pseudonitzschia delicatissima
,
Dinophysis acuta
) during the monsoon. The system ranged from oligo- to mesotrophic state with moderate pollution levels (Carlson’s Trophic State Index and Shannon’s Index), indicating a reduction of the nutrient accumulation effects by the existing water renewal frequency. This study recommends incorporating qualitative and quantitative phytoplankton assessment in ecological monitoring of the stable coastal sites to prevent future harmful algal episodes.
The interaction of dextrin and guar gum with pyrite has been investigated through adsorption, flotation, and electrokinetic measurements. The adsorption densities of the polysaccharides onto pyrite ...reveal a region of higher adsorption density in the pH range 7.5–11, with a maximum around pH 10 for both polymers. The isotherms exhibit Langmuirian behavior. The adsorption density of guar gum onto pyrite is higher than that of dextrin. Electrokinetic measurements indicate a decrease in the electrophoretic mobility values in proportion to the concentration of the polymer added. Co-precipitation tests confirm polymer–ferric species interaction in the bulk solution, especially in the pH range 5.5–8.5. The pH range for higher adsorption, significant co-precipitation, and appreciable depression of pyrite encompass each other. XPS and FTIR spectroscopic studies provide evidence in support of chemical interaction between hydroxylated pyrite and the hydroxyl groups of the polymeric depressants.
Aim
A retrospective audit was undertaken to evaluate modes of presentation and treatment outcomes for craniopharyngioma in a single paediatric institution over a 20‐year period.
Methods
A search of ...the neurosurgical and histopathological databases for patients under 21 years of age treated for craniopharyngioma between 1990 and 2010 was performed at our institution. The clinical records of eligible patients were reviewed and information regarding presentation, medical and surgical management and post‐treatment outcome were extracted and collated.
Results
Of 10 evaluable patients, the commonest presenting symptoms were headache and visual impairment. Clinical and biochemical evaluation undertaken prior to surgery revealed visual dysfunction in 70% and pituitary deficit in 30%. Gross total resection was achieved in 40% but was curative in only 20%. The remaining 80% required further surgical and/or radiotherapeutic intervention. Seven patients had radiation therapy with stabilisation in 70%. Multiple Pituitary Hormone Deficiency evolved in all patients over time, while visual impairment worsened in 30% post‐operatively and improved in 20%. Obesity was present in 50% after a mean follow‐up interval of 5.6 years and was apparent within 1 year of initial surgery in 30%. Although neurocognitive, psychological and behavioural problems were noted for some patients during medical review, only 20% of patients were formally assessed.
Conclusions
Craniopharyngioma is associated with significant long‐term morbidity. Attention to an integrated care pathway that includes standardised neurocognitive and psychological and behavioural assessment would facilitate early appropriate intervention and support leading to an improved quality of life for children with craniopharyngioma.
The dynamics of picophytoplankton, a vital component of the aquatic microbial food web, are least explored in the river-dominated estuaries, especially those subjected to human modifications that can ...alter the hydrodynamics and the biota. Here, picophytoplankton community dynamics was assessed seasonally and spatially in the tropical monsoon-influenced Hooghly River estuary and an adjacent semi-enclosed dock. We hypothesized that the seasonal and spatial picophytoplankton community structure and abundance would be controlled by synergistic effects of the environmental and hydrographic factors with different responses in the semi-enclosed water body compared to the flowing estuary. The relatively lower turbidity and higher water transparency suggest that the dock's water residence time was relatively longer than the estuary due to its semi-enclosed nature. A phycocyanin-rich
Synechococcus
group dominated the community seasonally and spatially throughout the study region, with the highest population during the pre-monsoon. The higher water temperature, salinity, transparency, and residence time were the supporting factors. During the warm monsoon season, the relatively lower abundance of the phycocyanin-rich
Synechococcus
group despite the high nutrient concentrations implied impairment of growth due to high turbidity, low light availability, and residence time. However, the relatively higher salinity, water transparency, lower turbidity due to a longer residence time failed to stimulate the picophytoplankton during the cooler post-monsoon, suggesting temperature as the main controlling factor. Seasonal introduction of phycoerythrin-rich
Synechococcus
and two other picocyanobacteria (freshwater
Microcystis
and
Cyanobium
like) groups ensued from the open sea and river, respectively, due to varying hydrodynamics. The presence of the latter picocyanobacteria group during non-monsoon indicates higher salinity tolerance. Among the two zones, the higher abundance of picophytoplankton in the dock implies the stimulatory effect of the relatively higher water transparency, longer residence time, and enhanced resource utilization capabilities. A synergistic role of environmental parameters and hydrodynamics becomes apparent from these observations, thereby supporting the hypothesis.
Population-based data on pediatric patients on long-term respiratory support (LTRS) in Austria are lacking. This study aimed to record the pediatric departments active in this field, as well as ...number and characteristics of patients on LTRS.
A national cross-sectional study was carried out by means of questionnaires sent to all pediatric departments in Austria.
All departments answered to the questionnaires. On June 1st, 2013, the reference day for this study, 12 of the 41 pediatric departments in Austria were active in the field. At this time, these centers were caring for 143 patients, 111 (77.6%) of them under 18 years, which corresponds to a prevalence of 7.4 per 100 000. The patients suffered from neuromuscular disorders (44%), other neurological disorders (18.9%), disorders of respiratory drive (9.1%), obstructive sleep apnea (8.4%), thoracal and spinal diseases (8.4%), pulmonary disorders (4.9%) and other diseases (6.3%). Continuous positive airway pressure was used in 6.3%, non-invasive ventilation in 60.1% and invasive ventilation in 33.6% of the patients, respectively. LTRS was performed at home in 92.3%.
LTRS represents a common management strategy in children and adolescents with a variety of disorders. Census reports such as this one provide the basis for appropriate planning of resource allocation. The age distribution of our patients shows the need for structured transition into adult care.
Purpose
Cartilage repair of full-thickness chondral defects in the knees of Goettinger minipigs was assessed by treatment with cell-free collagen type-I gel plugs of three different sizes.
Methods
In ...6 adult Goettinger minipigs, three full-thickness chondral defects were created in the trochlear groove of one knee of the hind leg. These defects were treated with a cell-free collagen type-I gel plug of 8, 10, or 12 mm diameter. All animals were allowed unlimited weight bearing. After 1 year, the animals were killed. Immediately after recovery, a non-destructive biomechanical testing was performed. The repair tissue quality was evaluated immunohistologically, collagen type-II protein was quantified, and a semiquantitative score (O’Driscoll score) was calculated.
Results
After 1 year, a high number of cells migrated into the initially cell-free collagen gel plugs and a hyaline-like repair tissue had been created. The O’Driscoll scores were: 8 mm, 21.2 (SD, 2.8); 10 mm, 21.5 (SD, 1.6); and 12 mm, 22.3 (SD, 1.0). The determination of the e-modulus, creep and relaxation revealed that mechanical properties of the two smaller defects were closer to unaffected hyaline cartilage.
Conclusions
As cell-free collagen type-I gel plugs of all three different sizes created hyaline-like repair tissue, this system seems suitable for the treatment of even larger defects.
Abstract Background The prevalence of acute cold injury has increased recently. Despite new research findings, these injuries and their resulting tissue damage are still not entirely understood. ...Especially, little is known about alteration of skin biomechanical properties. Methods A total of 36 acute cold contact wounds with different depths were generated on the abdomen of six Göttingen minipigs. Alteration of biomechanical properties of skin was evaluated objectively after 15 and 360 min using a Cutometer device. Biopsies for histological evaluation were taken, and the depth of injury was correlated with biomechanical properties. Results Calculated elasticity (Ue), firmness of skin (R0) and overall elasticity (R8) demonstrated a continuous decrease, whereas other parameters demonstrated an initial increase with increasing depth of injury 15 min after wound generation. All parameters showed an increase compared to healthy skin, 360 min after wound generation. Furthermore, an alteration of values over time was detected. Conclusion Alteration of biomechanical properties of skin is a function of damaged tissue structures. The presented results demonstrate a decrease of main elastic parameters with increasing depth of injury and indicate progressive tissue damage over time. Skin elasticity measurements are a valuable tool in acute cold contact injury depth assessment and may act as an influencing factor in management decisions.
Summary
Objective
We examined parental and early‐life variables in order to identify risk factors for adulthood overweight and obesity in offspring. We report here on the longitudinal prevalence of ...overweight and obesity in Australian children born between 1989 and 1991 and followed from birth to age 22.
Methods
Data were analysed on 1355 participants from the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study, with anthropometry collected during pregnancy, at birth, one year and at three yearly intervals thereafter. Multivariate analyses and cross‐sectional logistic regression quantified the timing and contribution of early‐life risk factors for overweight and obesity in young‐adulthood.
Results
At five years of age 12.6% of children were overweight and 5.2% were obese. By early adulthood, the prevalence of obesity had increased to 12.8%, whilst overweight remained relatively stable at 14.2% (range from early childhood to adulthood 11–16%). Parental pre‐pregnancy body mass index (BMI) was the strongest determinant of adult offspring BMI. Although rapid first year weight gain was associated with increased offspring BMI, the impact of first year weight‐gain diminished over childhood, whilst the impact of parental BMI increased over time.
Conclusions
Parental pre‐pregnancy BMI and rapid early‐life weight gain predispose offspring to obesity in adulthood.
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